The alley reeked of gunpowder and rotten water, the stench thick enough to coat the back of the throat like oil. Bullets screamed past brick and rusted metal as the Rodrigo brothers flattened themselves behind an overturned dumpster, chests heaving, clothes torn and soaked with sweat, blood, and the fear they refused to name out loud.
"Move!" Raphael barked, voice cracking with raw command.
A shot sparked against the wall inches from his head, sending a spray of concrete dust into his eyes and mouth. He spat it out, blinking hard through the sting.
