The humid air of the alley hung thick and still, smelling of stale beer and exhaust fumes. Rain slicked the stained pavement underfoot, reflecting the sickly yellow glow of a distant streetlamp. A rusty dumpster overflowed beside a brick wall plastered with peeling posters.

Standing there, framed by the narrow passage, was Mary. Her stance was light, balanced, ready. One hand hovered near a sheathed knife at her hip, the other loose at her side. A few strands of dark hair clung to her forehead, damp from the humidity. She wasn't smiling.

"Didn't expect ta see ya here! Thought ya were keepin' a lower profile, y'know?"