The street was in complete chaos. Sirens wailed, people screamed and shouted, and hurried footsteps echoed all around. The romantic atmosphere of the evening—our concert and dinner—was gone in an instant.
Mars stood at the corner, speaking quietly with his men. I managed to catch the name "Howard." Wasn't he the officer who'd been killed recently?
Mars looked furious. Trying to appear frightened, I moved closer to him, hoping to overhear more about what was going on.
As soon as Mars noticed me, he stopped discussing gang matters and turned toward me. "Don't worry. I'll take you home."
I nodded.
While we sat in the car, Mars made several calls. I couldn't follow most of what he said, but I picked up enough to realize he was tightening security with his men.
"Is it serious?" I asked, p
