"You're late," a disembodied voice rasped from the depths of the alley.

The figure paused, tilting his head as if scenting the air. "Apologies," he murmured, his tone laced with a serpentine smoothness. "I had... other matters to attend to."

A hulking shape detached itself from the shadows, the faint light glinting off the cruel curve of steel clutched in one meaty fist. "You best not be playing games, Reed. I don't take kindly to being jerked around."

A low, feminine chuckle slithered from beneath the tattered coat as Olivia Reed pushed back her hood, her crimson lips curving into a predatory smile. "Now, now, Bruno... is that any way...