The Ultimate Return of Carlos

28: The Shadows of Desperation

Several hours later, around 5:00 a.m., Carlos was jolted awake by the shrill sound of his phone alarm echoing through the dark alley. He blinked in confusion, disoriented as he wiped the drool that had collected on his chin, a reminder of the uncomfortable position he'd slept in. The damp chill of the under-bridge alley seeped into his bones, and he shivered slightly, rubbing his eyes as he muttered groggily, "Where am I?"

For a moment, he was lost, his brain struggling to adjust to the stark difference between this cold, grimy alley and his cozy bedroom. Then, like a hammer blow, the events of the previous day slammed back into his mind. Edgar. The threats. The strange phone call. He had run here to hide, hoping to stay out of Edgar's reach. He stared at the old cracked walls around him, wondering how long he could keep this up. His mind raced back to the woman’s words from the call: "This is payback for what you've done."

Carlos rubbed his temples. “What did I do?” he muttered. He ke