Chapter 173 The fight

"Who's there?" the figure barked, its voice gruff and suspicious. John remained silent, his fingers tightening around the grip of his pistol. He wasn't sure if this was a threat or a potential ally. "Show yourselves," the figure commanded. "This ain't no public platform." After a tense beat of silence, John slowly stepped out of the alcove, his hands raised in surrender. "We're not here to cause trouble," he said, his voice calm despite the pounding in his chest. The figure stopped, scrutinizing them with narrowed eyes. "Then who are you, and what are you doing down here?" John exchanged a glance with Marie and Olivia. They needed to choose their words carefully. Sharing too much could put them at risk, but revealing nothing would likely invite more trouble. "We're looking for someone," John finally said. "Someone called The Ghost." A flicker of surprise crossed the figure's shadowed face. "The Ghost?" it echoed, its voice filled with disbelief. "Why the hell are you looking for