"Six men, all armed." The voice on the phone was low and grim.

"Understood." Jenna Roland's reply was clipped.

She turned to the driver. "Pull over at the park up ahead."

The driver's grip on the wheel tightened. "Pay the fare first. I'm leaving the moment you step out."

"Fine."

Jenna understood his caution. These days, no one wanted trouble.

The taxi screeched to a halt at the park entrance.

The moment Jenna's feet touched the pavement, the cab sped away, its taillights painting red streaks in the darkness.

Within a minute, a black Volkswagen Passat rolled to a stop before her.

Jenna's hand slid into her bag, fingers closing around the pepper spray.

The door opened. A tall man in a baseball cap emerged. Beneath the brim, his eyes glinted with malice.

Two more men climbed out from the backseat—one with a buzz cut, the other with bleached hair and grotesque tattoos snaking down his arms.

Then came a woman.

Jenna's pupils contracted.

Sophia Merouin.

So she was behind the stalking.

"Long time no see, Jenna." Sophia sauntered forward in stilettos, crimson lips curling into a sneer.

Just then, two SUVs roared onto the scene.

Six hulking men swiftly surrounded Sophia's group.

Her face paled. "You set me up?"

Jenna brandished the pepper spray with a cold smile. "Did you really think I'd come alone?"

Realization dawned on Sophia. Her expression turned ashen.

The bleached-haired thug foolishly spat, "Back off if you know what's good for you!"

Without hesitation, Ryan Casstevensa drew his gun and fired at the man's thigh.

BANG!

The gunshot shattered the night.

The thug crumpled, howling as he clutched his leg.

The buzz-cut man barely twitched before another bullet tore through his kneecap.

Sophia stumbled back in terror, her heels twisting as she fell hard onto the pavement.

Ryan's 6'3" frame loomed like an iron tower, wisps of smoke curling from his gun barrel.