No way out

Gasping for breath, Jack leaned against a nearby wall, his heart pounding in his chest. "Phew, that was close," he muttered to himself.

"You're becoming quite the slippery eel, Jack." His heart tightened as he recognized the voice. "And a brave one at that, running now, are we?" A figure emerged from the darkness, a man with a black cybernetic arm and a tank top that showcased his impressive physique.

"Marvin," Jack forced a smile as he stared at the figure. "Those were your men, I had no idea.

Marvin stared at him his expression unreadable. "Come on now Marv, you know how these streets are. With the darkness and all, it'd be unwise to answer any random voice calling you."

Marvin's brows arched as he took out a cigar from his pocket. With a swift movement, he lit it, exhaling a plume of smoke. He slowly walked forward.

"So, you forget we had an appointment today, or my men's usual hangout?" He asked as he leaned towards Jack, blowing a plume of smoke in his face, Jack coughed violently, waving his hand in front of his face.

Feigning surprise, as he coughed inbetween words. "What? It's nothing like that come on where's the trust between friends."

Looking at Marvin's impassive face he continued. "Fine, just give me a few more days, and I promise I'll have your money by then."

Marvin snorted as he shot back. "Promise? The world don't run on promises, Jack. It runs on money."

Marvin's expression turned contemplative. Jack had a bad feeling about this, and Marvin's next words confirmed his suspicions.

Marvin leaned in, the scent of tobacco thick between them. His voice dropped to a whisper. "How about this? You do a job with my boys, and we'll call it even."

Jack shook his head. "No way, Marv. I quit that lifestyle."

With a flash, Marvin's hands lunged forward. His cybernetic fingers tightened around Jack's throat, cold metal pressing into his skin. He lifted Jack effortlessly, his glare like a blade. "I'm not asking, Jack. I'm telling you what you're gonna do. Is that clear?"

Jack nodded, gripping Marvin's arm. His voice cracked. "Y-yes."

Marvin's grip relaxed, and he dropped Jack to the ground, "Good. My boys will be waiting for you at Gerage Harbour, Pier 35, 9 pm tomorrow. Don't be late." With that, he turned and disappeared into the night.

Jack coughed, watching Marvin disappear into the night. He sank onto the cold floor with a sigh. Maybe I should've just stayed in.

After a few minutes, he stood up, patting the dust off his shorts.

"No point whining now," Jack muttered, steeling himself as he walked off.

He continued walking, his feet carrying him towards a small convenience store that he had spotted earlier. Approaching the store he pushed open the door, the bell overhead chiming softly.

The store was dimly lit, matching the surrounding environment's ambiance. Shelves loomed high, stacked with all manner of goods. He grabbed a basket at the door and began making his way around the aisles.

His gaze landed on an energy drink with the image of a ferocious bear emblazoned on the can. Grabbing it, he tossed it into his basket, along with a few other selections.

At the counter, a tattooed cashier barely glanced up from his smartwatch. He looked up nonchalantly as Jack approached, his gaze on the items in his basket. Handing him the goods, he scanned them. "That'll be 1.38 ERC," he said, his voice flat. A QR code appeared on the counter, and Jack nodded, scanning it with his own smartwatch.

"Payment complete. Thank you for shopping with us," a robotic voice announced as the cashier handed him a white plastic bag.

Jack stepped out, the night air stale as he disappeared into the darkness. After a brief ten-minute walk, Jack arrived at the rundown apartment complex he called home. The building stood before him, its crumbling facade a testament to the neglect and decay that seemed to seep into every pore of this forsaken place.

The stairs creaked softly beneath his feet, his footsteps echoing in the empty stairwell. At his apartment door, he pressed his thumb against the handle.

A few seconds passed before the lock disengaged with a soft click. Heaving a sigh, he pushed open the door and stepped inside, locking it behind him out of habit.

He dropped down onto the floor, exhausted. He cracked open the can of energy drink and gulped it down, feeling the sweet, syrupy liquid burn its way down his throat.

He crushed the can and tossed it aside, rummaging through the plastic bag. Pulling out a cigarette pack, he flicked his lighter, its flame casting shadows on the walls.

He took a long drag as he coughed, feeling the nicotine coursing through his body, bringing with it a sense of ease, laying back on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

His mind began to wander, lost in a maze of thoughts, nicotine settling into his system, his body slowly getting used to the sensation.

After a few drags, he stubbed the cigarette, tossing it aside. Cigarette after cigarette burned away, until none remained. He exhaled, frustration simmering beneath the haze of nicotine.

As he closed his eyes, a scene from his past flashed before him. Rage flared, sudden and uncontrollable. He sprang to his feet, storming to the wardrobe and slamming his fist into it.

The pain was a welcome distraction from the turmoil brewing inside him.

He knew he had no choice. If he refused, and Marvin came tomorrow thing's won't end well. If he went, it would mean returning to a life he had turned away from. And either way, tomorrow, the darkness would be waiting.

With that thought in mind he stumbled backwards and fell back onto the bed, exhausted, letting the darkness close in around him, as he drifted to sleep.