CHAPTER 56 Tangled Allegiances

The neon glow of the city cast long shadows as Lisa, Ethan, and Mark stood locked in a tense standoff. The weight of their shared history hung in the air, palpable as the city itself. Detective Simmons, still unknowingly on their trail, approached the scene, drawn by the intensity of the confrontation. Mark, his gaze unwavering, broke the silence. "Lisa, Ethan, it seems our paths have converged once again. What game are we playing now?" Ethan, ever the strategist, smirked. "No game, Mark. Just navigating the twists and turns of this city, much like old times." Detective Simmons, arriving at the scene, eyed the trio with suspicion. "What's going on here? You all seem to know each other." Lisa, her mind racing to maintain control of the situation, responded cautiously. "Just a reunion of old acquaintances, officer. Nothing to worry about." Detective Simmons wasn't convinced. "Acquaintances involved in a high-profile case? That sounds like more than just a casual meetup."