Chapter 264

John glanced around the alley, noting the brick wall behind them. The sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance, signaling the arrival of the Brown Family's team.

"John, I gotta say, your shooting is something else. Seems like you're the only one who can keep me safe," Mike chuckled, pulling a magazine from his pocket and handing it over.

John took the magazine with a steady hand, quickly swapping it into his gun. His eyes stayed locked on the alley's entrance, sharp and unyielding.

John's marksmanship was top-notch. Every time a Brown Family hitman showed his face, John's shots hit dead-on, dropping them instantly.

Each bullet found its mark, hitting the Brown Family's men right between the eyes.

John's skill was so intimidating that his enemies hesitated, frozen by fear, too scared to step into his line of fire.

"That guy inside is a real sharpshooter. I'll give $100,000 to whoever takes him out."

"I'll make it $200,000! Someone take him down!"

"If I could take him out, I wouldn't be standing here talking!"

Those hitmen at the alley's entrance started bickering. They were all too scared of John's aim to make a move.

Mike, leaning against the wall and looking pale, managed a weak smile. "Looks like you've scared 'em off, John."

A smug grin spread across John's face. "With me around, they wouldn't dare show up."

Just then, a voice echoed from the alley entrance. "Seriously? A single gunman sends you all scurrying for cover? Ever heard of using a grenade?"

John and Mike's faces went pale as a round object came flying in.

"Hit the deck!" Mike yelled, yanking John down as they dove behind a nearby trash can.

The lid clanged shut just as the grenade exploded, sending smoke and shrapnel pinging off the metal with a thunderous boom.

"Alright, everyone, get ready to storm the alley and take out those two idiots," the grenade-thrower barked.

As John and Mike braced themselves, a sudden barrage of gunfire erupted from outside.

"Shit, John's backup is here! Fall back!" someone outside shouted in a panic before bolting.

Cautiously, John and Mike lifted the trash can lid, peeking out to make sure the coast was clear.

Mike scanned the area, then pushed the lid open and climbed out. "Mr. Williams, it's safe. You can come out now," he said, tapping the trash can.

John emerged, reeking of garbage, with a wilted cabbage leaf stuck to his head. He tossed the leaf back into the trash can, his eyes burning with a thirst for revenge.

"Damn bastards, I won't let them get away with this!" John yelled, slamming his fist into the metal trash can, the clang echoing through the alley.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the entrance of the alley. John quickly raised his gun, ready for anything.

"Hold up, don't shoot! It's our guys," Mike said, pushing John's hand down as he recognized the faces approaching.

Two men stepped into the alley. They were the subordinates Mike had sent to track Jasper earlier.

Mike frowned, looking at them. "Where's Jasper?"

The two men shook their heads. "We couldn't find him. We think he might not have used the back door at all. There were no signs of him leaving that way."

Mike's frown deepened. "What are you saying? Is there another way out?"

John suddenly laughed, clapping Mike on the shoulder. "Looks like I win this round! Give my uncle and grandpa the heads-up-ten percent of their assets are coming my way. Hey, Mike, you ever think about joining us?"

John's offer was genuine, a gesture of thanks for Mike saving his life.

Mike, though grateful, shook his head. "Your uncle's been good to me. I'm not looking to switch sides right now."

"Alright, I'll remember what you did for me. Think it over, and if you ever need anything, you know where to find me." John smiled, then turned and walked away.

One of Mike's guys was patching him up when the other one asked, "So, we're just letting him walk away?"

Mike rolled his eyes. "You think we can stop him? Even if he shot me dead, I couldn't do a thing. His uncle's my boss, got it?"

The guy sighed. "We didn't nab Jasper. This mission's a bust, and explaining it to Mr. Williams is gonna be tough."

A sly grin spread across Mike's face. "Who said we failed? Catching Jasper was never the real mission."

The other guy blinked in confusion. "Wait, what? I thought we were supposed to catch Jasper. Mr. Williams said to mess up their deal. Are you saying...?"

Both subordinates looked at Mike, waiting for an explanation. Mike smirked and pulled out two rolled-up contracts from his waistband.

Laughing, Mike said, "We might not have Jasper, but John's not getting anything either! Haha, damn, my arm! Be careful!"

He playfully smacked one of the guys on the head with the contract when the guy accidentally hurt him while tending to his wounds.

Meanwhile, Isabella and Michael were hiding on the roof of a bungalow, listening to the gunfire from across the street, feeling tense.

"Sweetie, you were right. It's nuts to send people in there. It's just a fight over Jasper, but they're all using guns. Looks like a lot of folks are gonna get hurt," Isabella whispered, looking scared.

Michael squinted, feeling his phone buzz in his pocket. He glanced at the message and quickly turned it off.

"Come on, babe, the cops are almost here. We gotta go," Michael urged, tugging Isabella away from the roof. Just as they were about to leave the bungalow, a noise behind them made them freeze.

Isabella jumped, startled, and Michael instinctively shielded her, drawing his gun from his waistband.

A dirty tile on the floor lifted, and a familiar head emerged.