The holographic news report flickered across the sixty-story screen, bathing the alley in intermittent blue light.
Grainy security footage played - Serena and Megumi being shoved into a black hovercar, Megumi's glasses tumbling to the pavement as Law's clown-masked face filled the frame.
"Authorities confirm the kidnapping was orchestrated by crime lord Lawrence 'Law' Vickers," the reporter announced.
A digital split-screen showed Law's masked and unmasked faces alongside a list of charges: human trafficking, arson, illegal cybernetic smuggling.
Levi leaned against the alley wall, his right eye hidden behind perfectly straightened black hair.
His tongue darted out to catch rainwater dripping from a fire escape as the broadcast cut to the warehouse ruins.
"Neon PD confirms Vickers was found deceased at the scene, with evidence suggesting bounty hunter involvement." The camera panned over plasma-scorched walls and still-smoking debris.
Levi's polished oxfords tapped an erratic rhythm against the pavement.
His fingers twitched at his sides, still feeling the phantom pressure of her throat collapsing beneath his gloves.
"Levi!" Vanessa's voice cut through the alley's chemical mist.
She emerged from the chrome-plated doors of Necropolis, the goth club where she worked.
Her fishnet sleeves were ripped at the elbows, dark blue lipstick smudged from wiping down tables.
"You didn't have to wait out here," she said, adjusting the choker around her neck.
Levi advanced slowly, his smile not reaching his eyes. Vanessa instinctively stepped back until her shoulders met the damp brick wall.
"Something's different," she whispered as he cradled her jaw. His black leather gloves smelled of industrial cleaner.
When he kissed her, it wasn't the hesitant peck of their usual goodbye. This was possessive, demanding. Vanessa's nails dug into his biceps as she gasped for air when they parted.
"What's gotten into you?" Her pulse fluttered beneath his thumb.
"I crossed a line today," Levi murmured, lips brushing her earlobe. "The kind that changes a man."
Vanessa's breath hitched. Not in fear - in recognition.
She'd always sensed the darkness coiled beneath his charming exterior. Now it stared back at her, unblinking.
"Should I be scared?" she asked, running a finger along his collar.
Levi chuckled, stepping back to straighten his cashmere sweater, "Not really ." He nodded toward the street, "Arcade still open?"
Vanessa giggled, the sound too bright for their surroundings, "Let me grab my keys." She ducked back inside, the club's bassline throbbing through the closing door.
Alone again, Levi's smile vanished. He strode to the dumpster where pale fingers protruded between garbage bags, their nails still flecked with pink polish.
"The Back Alley Recycler," he mused, adjusting his gloves, "Marshall Tony's signature was elegant in its simplicity."
With practiced ease, he tucked the stiffening hand back into the darkness, "But imitation is just the first step."
The news feed reflected in his synthetic right eye as it zoomed in on Megumi's face.
"Glad to see you doing okay." he whispered before heading towards the car.