chapter 35

The night was still, the air heavy with the weight of anticipation. Amari stood at the edge of the dimly lit alley, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for the signal. Beside her, Antonio stood tall and resolute, his eyes fixed on the street ahead, ready for whatever might come their way.

They had been planning this moment for weeks, meticulously laying out every detail of their escape from the clutches of the mafia. It hadn't been easy, navigating the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld while keeping one step ahead of her family's reach. But now, finally, their plan was about to come to fruition.

As the minutes ticked by, Amari felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through her veins. She glanced over at Antonio, her eyes meeting his in silent reassurance. He gave her a small nod, a silent acknowledgment of their shared determination to see this through to the end.

And then, suddenly, the signal came. A flash of light from across the street, followed by the dista