Black Doctor Attacked By Racist Gang, Unaware He Was A Combat Medic...

the Phoenix Syndicate had spent years ruling the streets through fear extortion and violence believing that no one would ever dare to stand against them when they set their sights on a small underfunded Clinic they expected the same result as always compliance Dr Malcolm Graves seemed like an easy target just another overworked doctor too focused on saving lives to risk his own they saw a man in his 40s quiet tired dedicated to his patience and assumed he would fall in line like the rest they never considered the possibility that he had once been someone else they

didn't know about the years he had spent in war zones tending to wounded soldiers Under Fire learning to fight and survive in places where hesitation meant death they had no idea that the man in the white coat had once been a combat medic that his hands steady from years of surgery were just as capable of breaking as they were of healing so when they stormed into his Clinic demanding supplies and obedience they thought they were dealing with another helpless civilian they were wrong by the time the night was over the Phoenix Syndicate would realize that

some men don't break some places won't fall and that beneath the patience of a Healer there can be a warrior waiting before we go any further comment where in the world you are watching from and make sure to subscribe the clinic buzzed with the steady rhythm of controlled urgency the scent of antiseptic lingered in the air masking the faint metallic Tang of blood the waiting room though modest was full mothers with sick children an elderly man rubbing his knee a woman clutching a tissue as she muffled her cough Dr Malcolm Graves moved through it all

like a force of nature precise and unwavering in the back beneath the harsh glow of fluorescent lights a man lay on the examination table his dress shirt peeled away revealing an ugly gash along his ribs blood seeped through the White Gauze that nurse Nia Reynolds pressed against the wound her jaw tight with concentration you're lucky she murmured shaking her head another inch and you'd be laid out in a morg instead of on this table the man Dion Carter a well-known convenience store owner in the neighborhood winced but managed a weak chuckle lucky he echoed coughing

slightly didn't feel like it when they had me on the ground Dr Graves approached slipping on a fresh pair of gloves as he took in the wound his sharp gaze moved from Dion's face to to the injury assessing everything with the practiced eye of a man who had seen much worse this happened today he asked voice calm measured Deon nodded his breath hitching as Nia adjusted the gauze barely locked up my store before they rushed me five maybe six of them wanted everything in the register then started clearing out shelves like it was a damn

shopping spre told me I should be thanking them for not killing me Graves exhaled through his nose steady but deliberate did they say anything else yeah Dion swallowed hard shaking his head said it's their neighborhood now that anyone running a business has to pay up or they'll start collecting in other ways the room felt heavier Graves pressed two fingers against Dion's wrist checking his pulse but his mind was elsewhere this wasn't just some random robbery it was something more deliberate something worse who was it Nia asked though they all had a good guess Dion side

grimacing as he turned his head slightly Pete's crew a silence settled between them thick and unspoken Graves didn't say anything didn't react beyond the slight tightening of his jaw he simply reached for his tools wordlessly preparing to stitch the wound closed the work came first always whatever this meant for the clinic that was a problem for later the late afternoon sunlight filtered through the Clinic's Windows casting slanted streaks across the scuffed lolium floor outside the neighborhood carried on as usual the muffled sounds of a distant car stereo the occasional laughter of children playing somewhere down

the street the rhythmic chatter of City Life winding toward evening but inside the air had changed the moment the five men stepped through the front doors the room tensed the easy Rhythm of the Clinic's routine grinding to an unnatural natural halt a mother near the waiting area instinctively pulled her child closer her fingers tightening around the boy's arm an older man sitting with his hands folded over his Cane dropped his gaze to the floor suddenly interested in the worn out pattern of the tiles the leader of the group Rico walked in like he owned the

place his gaze sweeping lazily over the Clinic's interior before settling on Dion Carter who was still Seated on the examination table his ribs freshly bandaged the smirk that tugged at the corner of Rico's mouth was all teeth and condescension a silent acknowledgement that Deon had run here to escape them damn Dion Rico murmured shaking his head as if the sight genuinely amused him thought we made it real clear earlier you don't get to say no to us Dion's shoulders stiffened but he kept his mouth shut Rico turned his attention toward Dr Malcolm Graves his smirk

widening and you doc well you're going to have to help us out Graves had been watching taking in every movement every shift in body language the way the men spread out just enough to exert control over the space he pulled off his gloves with a calm practiced motion dropping them into the waist bin before meeting Rico's gaze if you're hurt Graves said evenly you can take a seat and I'll see what I can do for you Rico exhaled sharply shaking his head nah n see that's not how this works we ain't asking for treatment we're

telling you how it's going to go he gestured toward the shelves lining the back wall where bottles of antibiotics painkillers and other Essentials were neatly stacked you're going to start setting some of that aside for us regularly bandages meds antibiotics anything we need and when we come in you treat us first no waiting no charge no questions Nia Reynolds who had been standing near the supply cabinet her fingers tightening around a clipboard spoke up before Graves could that's not how this Clinic operates Rico's gaze snapped to her his Amusement flickering to something sharper I don't

think you heard me right he said his tone losing whatever civility it had been pretending at I wasn't asking from his position near the entrance EZ took a step forward his presence shifting from passive observation to something more pointed you're done here e said his voice steady firm walk out before this turns into something you don't want a low chuckle escaped Rico his expression unreadable oh I don't want it he turned his head slightly as if checking with his crew before letting out another dry laugh you hear that easz thinks he got the muscle to

tell us what to do Slade the man standing closest to the reception desk clicked his tongue shaking his head as he leaned against the counter man that's really funny coming from someone who used to run with us E's jaw tightened but his stance didn't waver that was a long time ago and yet here you are Rico mused feigning deep thought still standing in the way of progress then just like that his expression shifted Amusement disappearing as if someone had flipped a switch let's make this real simple he said his voice lower now heavier you either

hand over what we need or we take it but either way we're walking out of here with something silence pressed into the room thick and suffocating then tone moved fast the pistol came out of his jacket the barrel flashing as he pointed it straight at Dion's head a woman near the waiting area gasped a sharp intake of breath her body curling around her child in silent Panic the teenage boy who had been minding his own business near the back of the room went rigid his eyes darting between the gun and the door calculating whether he

could make it out in time Dion barely breathed Graves however did not react not immediately instead he tilted his head slightly his expression unreadable his hands steady and controlled rested casually at his sides but his eyes were locked onto Tone's GRE grip the angle of his stance the way his fingers twitched ever so slightly on the trigger is this your idea of negotiation Graves murmured his tone betraying nothing but calm indifference because I can tell you right now that's a terrible plan Rico's smirk twitched but his patience was wearing thin see doc he sighed feigning

disappointment I don't think you understand your place here he gestured lazily toward tone maybe you need a little reminder tone pressed the gun harder against Dion's skull the threat now very very real from across the room EZ moved first his motion was subtle a slow step forward his hands at his sides but the shift in energy was immediate the muscles in his arms coiled his posture changing from casual defense to something Graves had seen before something trained Rico saw it too his smirk faded graay watching everything unfold in real time saw the crack in Rico's

composure a split second of hesitation that was all he needed his hand struck Tone's wrist with calculated Precision twisting the gun just enough to throw off his aim a shot rang out the bullet sinking into the ceiling sending patients ducking for cover the deafening crack of The Gunshot reverberated through the clinic ricocheting off the walls like an exp explosion in an enclosed space the sharp Tang of burnt gunpowder filled the air mingling with the sterile scent of antiseptic chaos erupted in its wake the bullet had buried itself into the ceiling sending small chunks of plaster

casting down like dust patients screamed scrambling for cover some diving behind chairs others pressing themselves against the walls in a desperate bid to make themselves unseen a woman near the recep desk clutched her child tightly to her chest her eyes squeezed shut Whispering something frantic under her breath Dr Malcolm graves's fingers had already closed around the wrist of the man who had fired yanking it downward in a swift decisive motion tone barely had time to register what had happened before a brutal elbow struck his face crushing his nose with a sickening crunch his body crumpled

backward hands instinctively flying up to his ruined face as blood poured between his fingers his weapon clattering uselessly to the floor before the gun had even settled EZ was already moving he launched himself at Slade with the kind of force that came from years of knowing how to break a man without hesitation his fist collided with Slade's jaw sending him stumbling backward crashing into the row of waiting room chairs the plastic seats groaned under the sudden imp impact skidding noisily against the floor Rico momentarily stunned by how quickly control of the situation had slipped from

his hands took a sharp step back his smirk had vanished his expression darkening as he reached for something inside his jacket Graves saw it he was already moving closing the distance between them in three precise strides he grabbed Rico's wrist just as the gang leader began to draw a knife twisting the limb with enough Force to send the blade clattering to the ground for the first time true surprise flickered across Rico's face the moment was fleeting but Graves didn't give him the luxury of regaining his composure he planted a knee into Rico's ribs forcing the

air from his lungs with a sharp strangled grunt the gang leader stumbled backward his balance momentarily lost behind them Slade recovered faster than expected shaking off the blow from EZ he reached into his waistband pulling out a switchblade with a quick practiced flick of his wrist the sharp glint of metal caught the dim overhead lights but before he could make use of it EZ struck again this time he didn't aim for the face his knee shot up driving deep into Slade's stomach folding him forward with a pained wheeze the blade slipped from his grip clattering

to the floor with a metallic clang Graves still engaged with Rico didn't let up he could feel the muscles beneath his grip shifting Rico struggling to twist free attempting to turn the tide of the fight but Graves had spent years in places where losing wasn't an option where hesitation meant death he wasn't about to hesitate now with brutal efficiency he slammed Rico's head against the reception desk the sharp impact sending the man sprawling to the ground his limbs momentarily slack a choked sound of pain escaped him but Graves wasn't finished he pressed a knee against

Rico's chest keeping him pinned his breathing measured his pulse steady despite the chaos around him from the corner of his eye he saw tone still writhing on the floor blood pouring from his broken nose making no attempt to rejoin the fight Slade was hunched over one hand gripping his stomach the other still twitching toward his discarded weapon EZ kicked the blade away try it again he warned Voice Low dangerous see how that works out for you the gang members who had come in feeling Untouchable were now struggling to stay upright Rico wheezed beneath graves's weight

his lips split his brow furrowed in something between Fury and disbelief you he coughed struggling against the pressure holding him down you really think this is over Graves still unmoving moving still as calm as he had been before this all began stared down at him with an expression unreadable no he murmured Voice Low deliberate I think this is the beginning of your biggest mistake a sudden burst of movement near the door Drew both their attention one of the gang members who had hung back the youngest of the group probably more talk than fight had begun

inching toward the exit clearly deciding this wasn't worth the trouble Nia still standing near the locked supply room door took a slow step forward go the young man hesitated then bolted shoving through the Clinic's doors and disappearing down the street without a Second Glance the others beaten and humiliated weren't far behind Slade still hunched over muttered something under his breath before staggering toward the exit one hand pressed against his ribs tone still holding his ruined face followed him casting one last glare at EZ before slipping out the door the only one left was Rico still

pinned beneath Graves still struggling to comprehend how the hell things had turned out like this Graves finally released him but not before leaning in slightly his voice barely above a whisper don't come back Rico glared at him his expression a twisted mix of anger and something dangerously close to humiliation without another word he pushed himself up wiping keeping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand before making his way toward the door he stopped just short of the threshold turning slightly his expression unreadable this ain't over he murmured his voice carrying a

quiet promise then with one final glance at his Fallen Men He stepped outside and vanished into the streets the door swung shut behind him and for the first time since the fight had started the clinic was still the only sound left was the quiet murmur of those who had been hiding slowly peeling themselves off the floor their bodies still rigid with the Aftershock of what had just happened Nia exhaled her fingers trembling slightly as she brushed stray curls from her face EAS flexed his hands rolling his shoulders before casting a glance at graves Graves simply

straightened his coat exhaled slowly and muttered the only thing that mattered now lock the doors the clinic had never been truly quiet not with the steady hum of the city pressing against its thin walls the occasional cough of a waiting patient the rhythmic beep of a heart monitor in the back room but now the silence was something else entirely it was Heavy unsettled waiting Dr Malcolm Graves stood near the reception desk his pulse no longer racing but his muscles still wired with the Echoes of the fight the adrenaline had begun to fade but the tension

had not the clinic had seen blood before but never like this not as a warning not as a challenge not as a promise of something worse to come Nia Reynolds had finally let go of the clipboard she had been gripping like a Lifeline setting it down on the counter with an exhale that sounded like she was trying to let go of the moment itself her eyes darted across the room taking in the overturned chairs the shattered glass the drops of blood smeared along the floor where Tony had collapsed after Graves shattered his nose EZ was

still by the door his stance loose but not relaxed not yet his knuckles were raw his shirt slightly wrinkled where Slade had grabbed him during the scuffle but his focus wasn't on himself it was on the street outside he stood with his arms crossed eyes scanning the darkening sidewalk through the Clinic's front windows watching for Shadows that hadn't yet returned the first sound after the fight came from Dion Carter who let out a sharp breath wincing as he pressed a hand to his ribs I don't know if I should be relieved or scared he muttered

Graves didn't look at him still surveying the damage still cataloging the injuries that weren't physical the way the waiting patience were slowly cautiously moving again the woman near the corner murmuring reassurances to her son the teenage boy still gripping the back of his chair like it was the only thing keeping him upright you should be both Nia muttered rubbing a hand over her face before gesturing toward the mess around them because they're not just going to let this go before Graves could respond the distant whale of sirens cut through the thick silence the flash of

red and blue lights bouncing off the clinic Windows e exhaled sharply shaking his head as he glanced at grave here comes the cleanup crew he muttered late as usual the door swung open and detective Luis Herrera stepped inside his expression lined with irritation and exhaustion a man who had spent too many years in the trenches of this city Herrera had the look of someone who had long since abandoned the idea of stopping the tide now he just tried to steer it away from Total collapse his suit was wrinkled the sleeve slightly rolled up his tie

loosened just enough to show how tired he was of conversations like this he stopped just past the entrance his sharp gaze sweeping over the room his trained eye absorbing every detail the overturned chairs the blood the expressions of the people inside Herrera sighed pinching the bridge of his nose before finally speaking you want to tell me what the hell happened here Graves exhaled slowly cross Crossing his arms as he leaned slightly against the reception desk a disagreement he said his voice calm almost bored Herrera let out a slow breath looking down as He adjusted his

sleeves Rico and his boys got picked up two blocks down pulled over in an alley looking like they just went 10 rounds in a back alley brawl you wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you Nia scoffed Crossing her arms maybe you should ask them what happened instead of coming in here like we're the problem herrera's gaze flicked to her then back to Graves they're not talking no complaints filed no weapons recovered no statements made so officially I got nothing Graves exhaled already knowing where this was going Herrera lowered his voice slightly speaking only

for him now but unofficially you just humiliated them and men like Rico don't let things like that slide Graves didn't Flinch he knew this already they're going to come back Herrera continued his tone unreadable and when they do it won't be for supplies it'll be to burn this place to the ground you should shut this place down for a while Graves looked at him then something colder settling behind his eyes you know I'm not doing that Herrera exhaled sharply shaking his head then you'd better be ready because next time they won't just be looking to

make a statement they'll be looking for Payback a heavy silence settled between them then without another word Herrera turned and walked out the police lights flickering one last time before the squad car pulled away disappearing into the city like it had never been there the clinic remained still the tension lingering long after the detective was gone Nia shook her head pacing slightly before finally stopping looking at graves like he was the one who had started this mess we have patience Malcolm she said her voice quieter now but no less firm they come here because they

don't have anywhere else to go but if this place turns into a Battleground if you turn it into one we won't be helping them anymore we'll be putting them in the crossfire she wasn't wrong she also wasn't saying anything Graves didn't already know EZ still standing near the door exhaled through his nose shaking his head they're not going to stop doc you know that right Graves finally moved rolling his shoulders slightly his body finally acknowledging the strain of what had just happened he ran a hand down the front of his coat smoothing the fabric then

looked at both of them his expression unreadable no he admitted they're not for a long moment no one said anything then finally Nia turned back toward the supply cabinet murmuring under her breath as she gathered supplies easy side and and glanced back outside watching the streets as the first traces of Twilight settled over the city Graves stood in the center of it all already thinking about what was coming next the last of the squad cars had rolled away nearly an hour ago the echo of police radio chatter Fading Into the deepening night the clinic was

far from settled though the waiting room had been cleared and the remaining patients had either gone home or been discharged the tension had not left with them Dr Dr Malcolm Graves stood near the shattered front window surveying the damage under the dim glow of the emergency lights shards of broken glass littered the floor catching faint Reflections from the street lamps outside while a few overturned chairs still lay where they had been knocked during the scuffle the weight of the evening pressed into his bones but he didn't let himself acknowledge it not yet Nia had finally

slowed no longer moving with the frenetic urgency she had carried during the aftermath instead she leaned against the supply cabinet arms folded fingers digging into her sleeves as she stared at the wreckage with an expression that teetered somewhere between frustration and exhaustion e stood near the door posture rigid scanning the street through narrowed eyes he hadn't spoken in the last 10 minutes but Graves could feel the energy coming off him in waves coiled ready expectant they all knew it this wasn't over the shrill ring of the Clinic's landline shattered the quiet Nia's head snapped toward

it her brows furrowing as if she already knew exactly who would be on the other end easy didn't move his stare locked on the phone like it had just issued a challenge Graves was the one to step forward he picked up the receiver pressing it to his ear without a word there was silence on the other end not the hollow kind of an empty line but the kind where someone was there waiting measuring the moment before speaking then finally a voice slid through the static smooth deliberate carrying the weight of a man who had never

needed to shout to be feared doc Graves didn't respond Pete let out a slow exhale the sound more amused than irritated I heard you had yourself a little party tonight he mused his voice carrying the same Eerie calm at always had heard my boys walked in your doors and didn't exactly walk back out the same way graves's grip on the phone remained firm his expression unreadable that's the problem with people like you Pete continued his tone almost conversational you get comfortable you start thinking you don't have to play by the rules because you got a

few extra hands in your corner that's cute doc really he paused just long enough for the weight of his words to settle but let me tell you what's going to happen now Graves didn't need to hear it he already knew you took something from me today Pete said the amusement in his voice giving way to something colder sharper you embarrassed my people you made me look weak and I can't let that stand Graves exhaled his voice measured when he finally spoke you want your men stitched up send them in like everyone else otherwise don't waste

my time there was a beat of Silence Then Pete chuckled softly though there was no humor behind it you got balls he admitted but you don't got enough the line went dead Graves lowered the receiver but the weight of the conversation settled into his spine like iron when he turned Nia was already staring at him her arms still folded but there was something else in her gaze now tell me I didn't just hear what I think I did easy exhaled through his nose rubbing the back of his neck he's coming back he muttered we all

knew that but now it's official Graves didn't need to confirm it Pete wasn't the kind of man who made idle threats the night had been long but morning arrived indifferent to the chaos that had unfolded the evening before the first hints of daylight seeped into the city creeping between the gaps in worn out curtains casting a dull glow against the pavement outside the clinic the streets carried the remnants of the previous night scattered cigarette butts discarded beer bottles the occasional hushed conversation between the lingering Souls who never truly slept but for the clinic something new

had been left behind Dr Malcolm Graves arrived early as he always did his steps steady despite the exhaustion weighing in his limbs the moment he turned the corner however he stopped in his tracks spray painted in thick dripping Strokes across the Clinic's outer wall was a message the letters crude but unmistakably deliberate operate under our rules or we burn this place down the bright red paint stood out like fresh blood Against The Faded beige bricks its placement calculated visible to anyone passing by nearby shattered glass glittered on the sidewalk where one of the Clinic's front

windows had been smashed in completely Jagged edges still clinging to the frame like broken teeth the remains of a liquor bottle lay in the gutter the dark stain of whatever had been inside still fresh against the pavement Nia Reynolds who had arrived just minutes before him stood a few feet away arms crossed tightly over her chest eyes locked on the vandalism as if willing it to disappear when she heard his footsteps she exhaled sharply turning to him with an expression that was equal parts exhaustion and anger this is what we're dealing with now she muttered

her voice tight edged with frustration Terror tactics Petty threats Graves scanned the damage his expression unreadable they not threats he murmured they're promises she let out a bitter laugh shaking her head and what we're supposed to just pretend this isn't happening go about our day like everything's fine Graves turned to her then his gaze steady grounding no one's pretending he said voice measured but we're not stopping either e pulled up a few minutes later stepping out of his car and taking in the scene with a slow deliberate scan his jaw tensed his fingers flexing once

before settling into loose fists at his sides without a word he walked toward the clinic entrance and inspected the damage crouching near the broken window they did this late he muttered running a hand over the remaining glass smart no Witnesses No cameras catching them in the ACT Nia exhaled rubbing a hand over her face so what now we just clean up and wait for round two graves looked back at the graffiti the warning etched into the walls of the place he had built the place people depended on the gang wanted him to react they wanted

fear they wanted him to make the wrong move instead he turned away already moving toward the door clean it up keep the doors open Nia's expression tightened but she followed without another word e let out a quiet breath before pushing himself to his feet shaking his head dock he said you know this isn't over right Graves didn't stop walking but his answer came firm unwavering I know the unease had been lingering all day subtle but present hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break even as the last patience filtered out and the clinic

began winding down Graves could feel it by the time the clock neared midnight e had remained posted near the front his stance more rigid than usual neia had stayed later than she should have though she hadn't admitted why as if somehow by being there she could keep things from escalating further the neighborhood had settled into its usual rhythm of nighttime noise distant laughter the occasional Rumble of a passing car the hum of late night conversations drifting from open window windows and then in the distance an engine roared not just one several the low steady growl

of multiple Vehicles approaching too fast too deliberate E's head snapped up his entire body tensing as he turned toward the window that's them he muttered the weight of certainty in his voice Nia barely had time to move before the first gunshot rang out the crack of it sliced through the air like a whip shattering the fragile piece of the night then another and another the sound was deafening a rapid fire spray of bullets tearing through the quiet aimed not to kill but to send a message the glass of the already broken window exploded inward shards

scattering across the floor the walls riddled with small sharp holes where the bullets had torn through the sound of tires screeching followed fast urgent gone and then as suddenly as it had started it was over the clinic had been spared but just barely no one had been hit this time for several seconds no one moved then Nia exhaled sharply her hands gripping the edge of the reception desk so tightly her Knuckles had turned white jesus christ easy turned scanning the damage his breathing measured but his eyes were dark sharp he ran a hand over his

face before turning to Graves they're testing us he muttered seeing how far they can push before you fold Graves Stood Still his eyes on the wreckage his pulse steady his expression unreadable Nia finally turned to him her voice quieter now but no less urgent Malcolm this isn't just intimation anymore This Is War Graves inhaled slowly exhaled just as deliberately his hands resting against the counter as he processed everything the escalation the warning the next inevitable step he already knew what was coming and Pete knew that he knew because this wasn't just a message anymore this

was the countdown to something worse the smell of gunpowder still clung to the walls lingering like an unspoken warning a reminder that last night had not been a nightmare but a promise the driveby had left its Mark bullet holes in the exterior brick shattered glass crunching underfoot the clinic transformed from a place of healing to a Battleground marked by violence Dr Malcolm Graves had spent the early hours of the morning patching up the front windows boarding over the worst of the damage while the waiting room remained eerily empty patients who had once trusted this place

to be a safe haven were now hesitant their absence a message in it self it was working Pete's pressure campaign the graffiti the broken glass the bullets that had come dangerously close but not quite close enough was designed to force Graves into a choice the gang wasn't trying to destroy the clinic outright not yet they wanted him to fold first to bend under the weight of fear and then just before noon Pete called the phone rang sharp and sudden cutting through the oppressive Silence of the waiting room Nia Reynolds still tense from the night before

didn't even bother looking at the caller ID she knew they all knew she just didn't want to hear it Graves was already moving already reaching for the receiver with the kind of calm that shouldn't have existed under these circumstances lifting it to his ear he said nothing there was a brief pause before Pete's voice came through smooth unhurried Still Standing doc Graves remained silent his grip tightening around around the receiver Pete chuckled low and almost amused I figured you might be too damn stubborn to walk away after last night but let's not pretend you don't

see where this is going another pause you're outnumbered outgunned and out of time you don't want to fight this war doc you ain't built for it Graves exhaled slowly his voice measured when he finally spoke then what do you want Pete hummed as if considering you already know you stock what we need you treat our people first you stay in your lane and we don't have a problem Graves leaned against the counter his fingers tapping lightly against the wood as he processed the demand and if I don't Pete's voice lost the last trace of amusement

then expect a war a click the line went dead Graves lowered the phone his face unreadable but the energy in the room had shifted Nia wasn't unreadable she was standing near the supply shelves arms crossed her breath just slightly unsteady and then she snapped this isn't just you Malcolm her voice was sharp the frustration that had been simmering finally boiling over they're not just coming after you they're coming after all of us Graves turned to her his expression unreadable you think I don't know that then why the hell are you acting like this is your

fight alone nea's hands tightened into fists at her sides I didn't sign up to work in a war zone I can't came here to help people not get caught in the crossfire of whatever the hell this is turned into Graves watched her carefully you saying you want out Nia opened her mouth then closed it her throat working as she struggled with the weight of her own words finally she exhaled shaking her head she turned away slightly her arms wrapping around herself I don't know if I can do this Malcolm I don't know if I should

her words hung heavy in the air a silence stretching between them that neither was quite ready to break across the room easy shifted his silence had been more telling than anything else he had been listening watching but the weight pressing down on his shoulders was different Graves turned to him you've been quiet EAS let out a breath rubbing a hand over his face before shaking his head because I don't know what the hell to say his voice was lower thick with something more than just frustration this this ain't something that just stopped do Pete ain't

Rico he doesn't lose he's not going to just take the L and walk away he's going to keep coming until he gets what he wants or he buries you Graves watched him closely and what you think I should just give in E let out a dry humorless chuckle ain't what I said he exhaled shaking his head but I don't see a win here either Graves tilted his head slightly and what are you thinking about going back easy stiffened his posture tightening like a wire being pulled too tight I didn't say that but you're thinking about

it a beat of Silence easy exhaled sharply looking away jaw clenched I left that life for a reason doc his voice was quieter now heavier but I know how this game is played and if you think you can beat Pete on your own you're lying to yourself Graves studied him for a moment before speaking you're not that person anymore easy goofed yeah tell that to the people who still see me as nothing but a street Soldier another silence settled heavy and suffocating Nia turned back her voice quieter now but just as sharp we need to

do something Malcolm because I don't think we can take another hit Graves inhaled slowly exhaled just as deliberately he had spent his entire life saving people in the field on the streets in this very clinic but now now he he was the one being forced into a choice that wasn't really a choice at all Pete had drawn his Line in the Sand the question was whether Graves was willing to cross it the weight of the decision pressed into the walls of the clinic stretching into every corner suffocating in its quiet inevitability surrender or fight there

was no middle ground and Dr Malcolm Graves had never been the kind of man to surrender the air inside the clinic was thick with tension unspoken but tangible lingering like the aftermath of a storm Nia Reynolds had stopped arguing but the silence between them carried More Than Words ever could she had made her stance clear she didn't want to be caught in a war zone and easy he hadn't outright said it but Graves could see the conflict in his eyes none of that changed what needed to be done Graves stood behind the reception desk arms

faed against the counter as he scanned the clinic with the eyes of a man no longer looking at a place of healing but a battlefield every entry point every blind spot every potential vulnerability he mapped it all in his head with the Precision of someone who had learned these calculations Under Fire they were coming he had to be ready step one securing the clinic the first order of business was fortifying the doors and windows the ply would hastily put up after the driveby wasn't enough he needed something stronger EZ helped him reinforce the front entrance

with metal brackets securing the doors so they wouldn't be easily kicked in the windows were boarded up with thicker panels leaving only narrow slits to see through the back entrance the one used for emergency exits was sealed except for a single reinforced access point this will slow them down EAS muttered stepping back to assess their work but if they really want in they'll find a way Graves knew that his goal wasn't to keep them out forever just long enough to give him the advantage step two weapons and supplies Graves didn't keep guns in the clinic

he had seen enough War enough bullet wounds to know what they could do but War didn't wait for ideology it demanded strategy so he made a call an old contact Ryan Porter former Army buddy now running a private security firm the phone rang twice before a voice answered Gruff No Nonsense the voice of a man who had never quite left the battlefield even if his boots weren't in the sand anymore Porter Graves leaned against the counter rubbing the bridge of his nose before speaking I need supplies there was a pause a wait in the silence

Ryan Porter wasn't a man who needed explanations he had served with Graves overseas had seen what war could do to to men had watched as Graves had patched up soldiers while the fight raged around them he knew the tone Graves was using now it was the same one he had used before a fight you don't call for small things doc Porter said finally so tell me who's knocking on your door a local gang Graves admitted they want my clinic and they're not taking no for an answer Porter exhaled slowly and you think you can hold

them off I know I have to Graves replied his voice level measured I'm not rolling over for them another pause then Porter's voice dropped slightly more serious you know how this ends right Graves exhaled I know exactly how it ends if I do nothing that was all Porter needed to hear all right he said his tone shifting into something more decisive more tactical the kind of voice he used when making Supply runs in hostile territory what do you need no firearms Graves said immediately nothing that turns this into a full-on war zone just something to

even the odds there was a slight Huff of amusement from Porter so you want to fight a gang without guns that's new Graves didn't Flinch I want to fight them without losing my soul in the process another beat of Silence then I'll see what I can put together Porter said meet me at the clinic in 4 hours the line went dead Graves set the phone down and just like that the line had been drawn Porter arrived that afternoon his truck pulling up discreetly around the side alley when he stepped out he looked exactly the same

broad solid carrying himself like a man who still expected enemy fire even in the middle of a city street you sound serious on the phone Porter said glancing at the boarded up Clinic looks like I was right Graves didn't waste time I need deterrence nothing lethal Porter studed him for a moment before nodding he reached into the back of his truck pulling out a military grade duffel bag and dropping it onto the clinic floor inside smoke grenades flashbangs reinforced zip ties tactical batons enough to hold a line without Crossing one this isn't fua Porter warned

watching Graves carefully are you sure you want to do this Graves met his gaze I don't have a choice Porter nodded once then let's hope they blink first step three calling in favors Graves had built this Clinic from the ground up but he hadn't done it alone the community owed him and it was time to see who was willing to step up by evening word had spread a handful of local business owners showed up Dion Carter among them he was still sore still recovering but he stood tall when he approached Graves you saved my life

Dion said simply I ain't got much but whatever you need I'll back you up Graves nodded accepting the offer without pretense a few more men trickled in workers from the neighborhood store owners who had been forced to pay protection money even a couple of oldtimers who had seen the Phoenix Syndicate tear through this place for years none of them were Fighters but they didn't need to be they just needed to stand Nia watched all of it unfold arms still crossed her expression unreadable you really think this is going to work she asked finally Graves didn't

turn to her immediately he looked over the clinic at the people who had come not because they wanted to fight but because they had run out of choices too I think if we don't do this now he said his voice steady there won't be anything left to fight for later Nia didn't respond but she didn't leave either step four the hardest Choice as the night settled the last preparations were made EAS remained near the entrance his face shadowed beneath the dim Clinic lights he had been quiet the whole night but Graves had felt the shift

in him finally Graves approached you know if you walk in there they'll take you back Graves said watching him and maybe that buys us time maybe it gets us information we don't have e exhaled shaking his head or maybe it gets me killed Graves nodded slowly that was the risk a long silence stretched between them before E finally spoke again but if I don't go I don't know if we will make it through this Graves didn't like it but War didn't wait for comfort then do what you have to do Graves said just don't forget

which side you're on when it's over EZ looked at him then something solid settling behind his eyes he nodded once I won't Graves didn't know if that was a promise or a warning either way the next move belonged to Pete and Graves would be waiting the clinic had become something different overnight not just a place of healing but a fortress a place waiting for the inevitable storm the doors had been reinforced the windows boarded up tighter than before and the few loyal hands Graves had left moved like people who knew what was coming but even

with all the preparations there was no mistaking the shift in the air people had stopped showing up the waiting room once constantly filled with patients in need was now nearly empty word had spread that the clinic was a Target that just being near it put lives at risk the neighborhood had seen what happened to people who crossed the Phoenix Syndicate and fear had taken hold and then came the final warning the smell of smoke came first Graves had been in the supply room when he heard the shouting from outside the unmistakable panic in the voices

that told him something was wrong he moved fast pushing through the hallway already catching the faint scent of burning plastic melting rubber by the time he stepped out onto the sidewalk the fire was fully raging the clinic van the only vehicle they had to transport critical patients to nearby hospitals when necessary was engulfed in flames black smoke billowing into the morning sky like a signal fire a small group of onlookers had gathered at a distance their faces etched with the same uneasy resignation that had taken hold of the entire block this wasn't just a message

it was a public display a final warning meant for everyone to see EAS stood near the curb fists clenched his jaw tight as he watched the Flames consume the vehicle Nia was a few steps behind him her arms folded tightly across her chest her expression unreadable but her body tense with barely contained frustration Graves did stop moving he stepped toward the burning van taking in the damage measuring the intention behind it they could have hit the clinic itself they could have torched the building forced his hand completely instead they had burned something that could be

replaced but not easily they weren't trying to destroy him yet they wanted to make sure he understood exactly what was coming next they're watching easy muttered not looking away from the Flames Graves followed his gaze scan scanning the surrounding buildings there were eyes in the windows watching from the Shadows waiting to see if this was the moment he would break Nia exhaled sharply her voice tight so what we just pretend like this didn't happen Graves didn't answer immediately instead he took a slow step forward reaching into his pocket he pulled out his phone and called

the fire department then without a word he turned and walked back inside no reaction no fear no acknowledgement of defeat because that was the one thing Pete needed to see the one thing he couldn't stand and that was exactly why Graves did it the fire had barely finished smoldering before the second move came the message had been delivered now came the terms Rico showed up mid-afternoon alone this time dressed cleaner than usual like a man sent to handle negotiations he didn't try to force his way in he didn't bark orders he simply walked through the

front door like he belonged there and leaned against the counter his smirk just barely in place Graves met him at the reception desk arms crossed you think this is still a conversation Graves asked his tone even Rico chuckled shaking his head oh it ain't a conversation Doc it's a courtesy he glanced around the empty waiting room his smirk widening looks like people are already making their choice huh Graves didn't blink get to the point Rico sigh as if disappointed Pete wants to be fair about this you had your fun made your little stand but now

it's time to be smart now Doc if you want to keep this place open it's going to be under our protection you need to follow our terms that means supplies get set aside for us when we need treatment we don't wait in line you don't call cops when things get messy Graves leaned forward slightly whatever you do you still cannot change my mind I ain't following your terms Rico's smirk disappeared then the next Fire won't be in the parking lot the silence between them was thick heavy full of understanding they both knew exactly where this

was headed Graves exhaled through his nose slow and deliberate tell Pete he should have burned it all down last night he said finally because he's not getting what he wants Rico studied him for a moment as if trying to decide whether he respected the answer or found it incredibly stupid then without another word he turned and walked out the sun was setting when Nia finally let go of the words she had been holding back all day you're out of your damn mind she snapped slamming the supply room door behind her as she stepped inside you

could have ended this today you could have stopped this before it gets worse Graves was at the counter going through what little medical supplies they had left he didn't look up you think Pete would have let us walk away I think you didn't even try he turned then meeting her glare with something unreadable are you leaving the silence that followed was sharp painful real she exhaled looking away I don't know that was an answer in itself she left the room a moment later not slamming the door this time and that was worse e found Graves

near the back entrance watching the street I made my move e muttered words already out they know I'm coming back Graves didn't react and easy exhaled rubbing his jaw and they think it's a good idea which means it's probably a bad one they both knew it was a risk are you sure you can do this Graves asked easy let out a low chuckle shaking his head nah doc but we're out of choices aren't we Graves didn't answer because they both knew the truth tomorrow the war starts for real the night was suffocating thick with anticipation

and the kind of tension that refused to settle the city moved on as it always did unaware of the war brewing in the shadows but within the clinic everything felt different the waiting room once a space filled with quiet resilience now carried the weight of something heavier something more dangerous the people who had come here for help had started keeping their distance not because they had lost trust in Graves but because they feared what being near him would cost them Dr Malcolm Graves had known from the start that this wasn't a fight he could win

through sheer will alone Pete wasn't an impulsive man not like Rico or the others who followed him blindly he was calculating always three steps ahead and every move he made was designed to strip away choices until surrender became the only rational outcome it had been almost 24 hours since EZ had walked back into the world he had tried to leave behind and the silence that followed was becoming unbearable there had been no messages no signals nothing to suggest that things had gone according to plan or if they had gone sideways the moment he stepped back

into Pete's territory Graves knew better than to assume anything but every passing hour made it clear that whatever was happening it wasn't good easy knew better than anyone how to blend in how to slip seamlessly back into a life he had sworn he would never return to he moved through Pete's ranks with ease not eager not reluctant just steady enough to be believable he listened observed picked up on the whispers about what was coming about how Graves had made himself a problem that needed to be solved he kept his head down played the role of

someone who had finally come to his senses someone who had been waiting for the right moment to stop pretending he could be anything other than what he was but the problem with stepping back into a world like this was that no one ever really trusted a man who had already walked away once before it didn't take long before the first signs of Doubt started creeping in a few questioning glances subtle shifts in tone when people spoke to him the way Rico watched him just a little too closely like he was waiting for something to clip

and then just like that the ACT wasn't enough anymore Rico had cornered him in the back of the warehouse the dim lighting casting Long Shadows against the walls he wasn't alone a few others stood nearby their presence not immediately threatening but the message was clear enough you really expect us to believe you just came back no questions asked Rico's voice was almost amused but there was an edge to it that suggested he was past playing games e met his gaze steady but unreadable I came back because I got tired of pretending I could be something

else Rico studied him for a moment then let out a short laugh shaking his head see I want to believe that but there's a part of me that just doesn't buy it he took a step closer voice lowering and you know what we do to people we don't trust EZ didn't have to answer he already knew and that was when the first punch landed the first sign that things things had taken a turn for the worse came in the form of Nia storming into the clinic her phone clutched so tightly in her hand that her

Knuckles had turned white the anger radiating off of her was only barely masking the undercurrent of fear beneath it you need to see this she said voice sharp clipped struggling to hold back the frustration threatening to spill over she shoved the phone toward Graves who took it without a word the video started playing the footage was shaking the lighting dim but the image was unmistakable Eed tied to a chair his face bruised blood at the corner of his mouth his left ey swollen shut he wasn't speaking wasn't struggling just sitting there with an expression that

carried something far worse than fear acceptance off camera a voice spoke smooth and measured Pete this is what happens when you send a rat into my house the camera shifted slightly revealing Rico standing beside EZ a knife in one hand the tip pressed lightly against his throat Pete's voice came again deliberate and slow you wanted a war doc this is what war looks like a pause just long enough for the weight of his words to settle let's see if you're willing to pay the price and then just like that the screen went black Nia's breathing

was uneven her arms folded so tightly across her chest it looked painful so what's the plan Graves didn't answer immediately his mind was already moving already sorting through every possible option he could feel the weight of the decision pressing against his ribs the knowledge that this was exactly what Pete wanted he wasn't just forcing Graves into a corner he was giving him one last chance to fold he looked at Nia then at the boarded up windows at the empty waiting room at the place he had built with his own hands and then finally he spoke

we get him back the plan was simple get in get easy and get out before Pete could tighten the Noose it was Reckless dangerous almost suicidal but there was no time for anything else Graves wasn't about to let easy become a warning carved into the walls of an abandoned warehouse the warehouse loomed ahead a monolithic structure of rusted steel and concrete its walls thick with the grime of a hundred crimes that had never seen Justice it stood on the outskirts of the city tucked behind abandoned lots and cracked pavement a place where things disappeared people

promises hope Dr Malcolm Graves moved through the Shadows his presence a Pete in the night the air smelled of gasoline and metal the distant flicker of neon signs barely reaching past the barbed wire fences he had been here here before in a different time in different places War zones where the Rules of Engagement were nothing but a distant memory the difference was that this time he wasn't here to save soldiers he was here to save a friend Eed was inside he didn't have time to wait Graves had studied their movements spent the last few nights

watching memorizing every shift change every blind spot every detail that would determine whether this mission succeeded or ended in blood Pete thought he was Untouchable Behind These Walls surrounded by his men but Graves knew better no Fortress was impenetrable the guards at the perimeter weren't professionals they were gang soldiers dangerous unpredictable but sloppy they smoked at their posts leaned against the walls checking their phones laughing too loudly into the night they thought no one would come for EZ they were wrong Graves moved quickly efficiently without hesitation he approached the first Guard from behind his steps

controlled deliberate a sharp strike to the base of the skull sent the man crumbling before he could make a sound the second saw movement too late Graves slammed him into the wall muffling his grunt with the crook of his arm his other hand driving a precise strike to the ribs then another to the throat the man dropped unconscious before his body hit the ground one by one he cleared the outer defenses not a sound not an alarm Pete and his men had no idea death had just walked through their front door the main entrance was

too risky too open Graves moved toward the side loading Bay slipping through the half Jam door that groaned slightly against its hinges the interior was dim the light from a single hanging bulb flickering weakly casting long warped Shadows against the walls the sound of voices reached him first saw through his act the second he walked in here Rico was saying his tone laced with Amusement but underneath it there was something else frustration he thought he was slick another voice added thought we wouldn't check his phone huh moving swiftly through the hall Graves reached the edge

of the main room pressing himself against the cold steel of a rusted storage container from here he could see the setup ezed tied to a chair in the center bruises forming along his jaw his breathing slow but steady Pete stood a few feet away arms folded watching him with the patience of a man who had already decided the outcome I don't like traitors Pete said finally his voice calm conversational and I sure as hell don't like people thinking they can play me easy exhaled through his nose barely moving his gaze remained steady Unbroken you really

think the dock is coming for you Pete chuckled shaking his head n man he's smarter than that he knows there ain't no saving you Graves moved he stayed low silent his steps Pete likee as he closed the distance between himself and the first man standing guard a swift choke hold a sharp twist and the body slumped forward unconscious before he could register what happened another guard too precise strikes one to the throat one to the solar plexus he barely felt them fall Graves was already moving toward EZ Pete heard the shift in movement his head

snapping up his instincts were sharp honed by years of knowing when the ground beneath him was shifting but Graves was faster the first gunshot rang out the bullet barely missing as Graves lunged forward using the confusion to close the final few feet a fist connected with Rico's jaw sending him staggering back but Graves didn't waste time watching him fall he was already at E's side cutting through the restraints in one swift motion EAS sucked in a breath rolling his shoulders the second his hands were free took you long enough Graves didn't waste time with the

response Pete had regained his footing his gun already raised you think this changes anything doc Pete's voice was cold measured but Graves could hear the crack beneath it the first taste of uncertainty Graves didn't blink yeah I do Pete smirked his finger tightening on the trigger and then easy moved still sore still aching but fast enough he drove his elbow into Rico's gut grabbing the pistol from his hand before shoving him backward the shot rang out but it went wide shattering a hanging bulb overhead the room plunged Into Darkness shouts erupted Pete's men scrambled confused

blind in the sudden void of light Graves and EZ didn't hesitate using the cover of Darkness they moved through the chaos slipping between the crates dodging swinging fists the sound of bodies colliding filling the space like a storm raging through steel a gun went off then another by the time the emergency lights flickered on Graves and EZ were already outside sprinting toward the fence the cold night air hit them like a shock as they emerged from the warehouse's side entrance behind them Pete's men were still scrambling to regroup easy groaned pressing a hand against his

ribs as they reached the alley I'm getting too old for this Graves exhaled sharply scanning their surroundings making sure they weren't being followed then try not to get caught next time easy chuckled shaking his head next time let's not have a next time Graves didn't respond because he knew the war wasn't over it had just changed shape and Pete he wasn't done yet the gang came just after midnight outside the neighborhood lay still abandoned to the creeping Shadows of the Night the usual City sounds had faded into an eerie unnatural silence no passing cars no

distant voices even the hum of the street lights felt dimmer like the world itself was bracing for the violence about to unfold Dr Malcolm Graves stood inside the clinic his breath slow controlled the air thick with expectation he had spent years learning to read the quiet before a fight the shift in energy the charged static that meant things were about to go from bad to worse easy crouched near the door watching through a narrow slit in the barricade he had counted at least three cars heavy with men Rico was at the front pacing like a

man who thought he had already won barking orders Graves couldn't hear but didn't need to this wasn't about negotiation this was about erasing resistance then came the first strike a thunderous bang against the front doors rattled the barricades splinters flying as the wood strained against the force a second blow then a third the gang wasn't playing games anymore Graves exchanged a glance with EZ both of them understanding the unspoken message between them it was time the doors exploded inward en Roo led the charge his men pouring in behind him with the raw aggression of men

who believed they couldn't lose they had numbers weapons and the momentum of a victory they had already declared in their minds what they didn't have was control the first smoke grenade went off as soon as they stepped inside a burst of thick gray fog swallowed the entrance coiling around them like a living thing turning their Vision to nothing but shifting shadows and Silhouettes confusion set in instantly shouts filled the room what the spread out but Graves was already moving the first man through the smoke came in Wild a flash of silver catching the dim light

a knife Graves Sid stepped the initial lunge catching the attacker's wrist and twist in sharply forcing the blade loose before he drove his knee into the man's gut he followed up with a swift calculated elbow to the back of the head sending him crumpling to the floor another came through the haze swinging blindly Graves ducked the sloppy punch pivoted and sent a devastating strike to the ribs then another to the jaw the man hit the floor before he even realized what had happened e was holding his ground near the entrance fighting with brutal efficiency a

man lunged at him but easy was quicker catching him in a choke hold and using his own momentum to slam him head first into the side of the reception desk the sickening crack of impact sent another body to the floor Rico's men had stormed in expecting surrender instead they found War the smoke had begun to thin but the damage had already been done the gang had lost their advantage their initial charge had been broken their momentum shattered against a wall of calculated resistance but they weren't done yet gunfire erupted bullets shredded through the barricades ripping

into chairs embedding into walls sending splinters and debris into the air Graves and E had already moved ducking behind overturned tables using the Clinic's narrow hallways to force their attackers into bottlenecks one of the gang members rushed toward the back door trying to flank them Graves saw the movement in his peripheral vision adjusted instantly He Slipped through the smoke emerging just as the man reached for the handle before he could react Graves drove his fist into his throat cutting off the startled gasp Then followed with a sharp kick to the knee dropping him instantly another

came at him from the side Graves Twisted using the attacker's momentum against him slamming him into a supply cabinet before delivering a precise devastating strike to the solar plexus the man wheezed collapsing hands clutching his stomach but then through the thinning smoke Rico stepped forward Blood Stained the corner of his lip from an earlier blow but his expression was steady his stance solid in his right hand a knife glinted under the Clinic's flickering lights Graves met his gaze already shifting his weight already measuring every angle every movement you should have stayed down Rico muttered wiping

blood from his mouth with the back of his hand Graves exhaled slowly steady as ever so should you then without warning Rico lunged Rico moved fast the blade flashing toward graves's ribs but Graves had seen men like him before fighters who relied on Raw aggression who mistook speed for precision he Sid stepped at the last second grabbed Rico's wrist and twisted Sharp ly the knife clattered to the floor skidding beneath an overturned chair Rico barely hesitated before throwing a wild punch but Graves was already inside his guard blocking with practiced ease before countering with a

brutal strike to the sternum Rico staggered back gasping his face twisting in pain but he refused to go down he recovered quickly lunging again swinging wildly Graves absorbed the first hit a glancing blow to the ribs before retaliating a palm strike to the jaw sent Rico stumbling but he caught himself rage flashing in his eyes as he came back harder the two men moved like opposing forces colliding at full speed every strike was answered with a counter every opening was met with a Counterattack it was raw fast brutal no hesitation no wasted movement Rico threw

a hook but Graves blocked pivoting into a sharp elbow strike to the temple Rico recoiled shaking his head but refused to fall he retaliated with a knee barely missing graves's ribs before swinging again Graves absorbed the impact used Rico's momentum against him and drove him backward into the counter Rico grunted in pain but still refused to drop his breathing was ragged his body screaming for him to stop but his pride wouldn't let him you think this is enough he panted you think you win Graves didn't respond instead he ended it a brutal final strike a

precise elbow to the temple the impact sending Rico sprawling to the ground unmoving as Rico lay there unconscious Graves exhaled slowly turning toward the front door because he knew who was waiting next and Pete wasn't going to fight fair the air in the Clinic was thick with smoke and sweat the scent of blood sharp and lingering the wreckage of the battle was everywhere overturned chairs bullet-ridden walls bodies sprawled across the floor groaning or unconscious Dr Malcolm Graves stood near the reception desk breathing steady despite the exhaustion settling deep in his bones he had fought through

everything wave after wave of men the stench of gunpowder clinging to the air the raw violence Pete's men had brought with them but now the real fight was about to begin behind him Rico lay sprawled across the ground knocked out cold his body limp against the broken counter the clinic was almost silent now save for the distant Sirens wailing in the night too distant too slow they wouldn't get here in time to stop what was coming next and then the front doors swung open Pete walked inside he didn't rush didn't move with the aggression of

a man who had just watched his entire crew be dismantled before his eyes instead he walked forward with the unshakable confidence of a man who had never once considered losing his steps were slow calculated the long coat he wore barely shifted as he moved his shoulders loose his head tilting slightly as he took in the Carnage Graves didn't move move he didn't have to Pete exhaled sharply shaking his head all this he murmured voice smooth Untouched by the chaos for what Graves said nothing his fingers flexing slightly at his sides Pete clicked his tongue taking

another slow step forward I gave you chances doc I gave you options you could have taken the deal you could have walked away his eyes flicked down toward Rico unconscious at graves's feet but but instead you threw everything away for what Pride some idea of righteousness Graves exhaled through his nose steady calm I did what needed to be done Pete let out a low humorless chuckle and what exactly do you think you did he gestured around at the destruction you think this is Victory you think because you took down some foot soldiers you win his

smirk Twisted darker now I own this city you think one fight changes that Graves tilted his head slightly you talk a lot for a man standing alone the smirk vanished Pete's eyes darkened his shoulders squaring for the first time the air in the room shifted the moment of words had passed now it was time for war Pete moved first he lunged forward fast faster than Graves expected for a man who usually let others do his dirty work but Graves had spent years years learning how to read a fighter how to see the movements before they

fully formed he sidestepped narrowly avoiding the first strike but Pete adjusted instantly following up with a sharp elbow aimed for graves's ribs the impact landed jarring him slightly but he absorbed it countering with a swift Palm strike to Pete's jaw Pete barely flinched he came back hard throwing a brutal hook that Graves barely blocked into time the sheer force of it sent him staggering back and Pete didn't let up another strike then another each punch was sharp precise meant to do real damage Pete wasn't just some Street Thug he was trained controlled dangerous but so

was Graves Pete lunged again throwing a wild right hook and this time Graves caught it he twisted sharply using p own momentum against him sending him crashing into the reception desk the counter rattled under the impact but Pete was already recovering already surging back toward him they collided fists flew 1 2 three hits exchanged in Rapid succession a sharp knee to the ribs sent Graves stumbling but he recovered just as quickly driving a brutal elbow into Pete's throat Pete coughed but he didn't stop the fight raged across the clinic the walls shaking under the force

of bodies colliding of fists breaking through drywall of furniture smashing under their weight Graves was fast but Pete was relentless he caught Graves with a brutal uppercut sending him staggering back into the overturned chairs the world spun for a split second Pete saw the opening and took it he lunged forward grabbing Graves by the collar using his weight to slam him onto to the ground the back of graves's head hit the floor hard enough to send a sharp burst of pain through his skull Pete loomed over him breathing heavy but steady his lip was split

his knuckles bruised but he still had that damn smirk on his face you fought hard Pete murmured rolling his shoulders I'll give you that his hand drifted toward his waistband a gun no more games no more fists this was the Killer shot Graves didn't think he reacted a surge of movement a sharp twist his leg shot out kicking Pete's knee hard enough to send him stumbling Pete cursed the gun slipping from his grip for a fraction of a second and that was all the time Graves needed he pushed up from the floor driving into Pete

with every ounce of strength he had left tackling him hard enough to send them both crashing through the supply shelves the gun clattered away way Pete tried to recover but Graves didn't give him the chance one strike two three each punch landed clean sharp designed to end the fight Pete struggled tried to block but Graves was faster stronger more precise one final blow a devastating elbow to the jaw sent Pete collapsing to the floor unmoving he didn't get back up Graves stood over him breathing hard battered but Victorious outside the distant whale of sirens grew

closer for the first time Pete had no words only silence and for the first time he had lost the sirens grew louder closing in on the clinic with the weight of inevitability blue and red lights slashed through the broken windows flashing against the wreckage of the fight the stench of sweat smoke and blood still lingered in the air settling deep into the bones of the clinic like a scar that would never fully fade Dr Malcolm Graves stood over Pete's unconscious body his breathing slow controlled but waited by exhaustion his knuckles were raw bruised from the

fight his ribs aching from where Pete had landed his hardest hits the adrenaline that had carried him through the battle was fading now leaving behind only the cold reality of what had just happened behind him easy groaned pushing himself up from where he had collapsed against the counter his face bloodied but Victorious the last remnants of the gang lay scattered across the clinic floor some moaning others unconscious their rain over this neighborhood crumbling into nothing but a failed memory and then the police stormed in the first officer through the door had his weapon drawn eyes

wide as he took in the destruction the others followed quickly their voices sharp demand in control of a situation that had already been decided hands where we can see them Graves didn't move he simply exhaled rolling his shoulders already feeling the bruises forming beneath his skin the fight was over now came the cleanup two officers moved toward Pete first rolling him onto his stomach snapping cuffs onto his wrists he barely stirred his breath still ragged his body limp from the beating he had taken you got him good easy muttered under his breath wiping a line

of blood from his brow Graves didn't respond his gaze locked on Pete as the officers hauled him upright the once Untouchable gang leader the man who had spent years ruling the streets with fear was now barely able to stand the smirk that had been permanently etched on his face was gone replaced by something else emptiness Pete lifted his head slightly locking eyes with Graves as they dragged him toward the door you think this changes anything his voice was hoarse cracked from the damage he had taken but the Venom in it remained Graves held his gaze

unmoved unshaken you already lost he said simply Pete let out a slow humorless chuckle shaking his head slightly as the officers forced him forward we'll see the officers shoved him outside and just like that Pete was gone as the last of the gang members were dragged out the officers turned their attention to Graves and Eed the lead detective Luis Herrera stepped forward his expression tight as he surveyed the damage Jesus Christ he muttered rubbing a hand over his face you want to tell me what the hell happened here Graves let out a slow breath leaning

against the counter they came for a fight we gave them one Herrera let out a sharp humorless laugh yeah I can see that he gestured to the wreckage to the bodies being loaded into squad cars to the bullet holes still embedded in the walls you realize I should be arresting you right Graves met his gaze evenly there was no fear in his expression you won't Herrera scoffed and why is that Graves tilted his head slightly because if we hadn't fought back you'd be here for something else entirely a massacre bodies in the morg instead of

handcuffed in the back of your cars Herrera stared at him for a long moment then sighed heavily shaking his head you're a pain in my ass you know that Graves smirked faintly you're not the first to say it Herrera exhaled sharply then turned to one of the officers get statements make it clean he shot Graves one last look you got lucky tonight doc try not to push that luck any further with that he stepped away barking orders to his team the weight that had been pressing against graves's chest finally eased just slightly they had survived

for now as the officers finished clearing the scene Nia finally stepped forward her arms folded tightly across her chest she had been standing near the back the entire time watching waiting you should be dead she muttered her voice sharp but there was something else beneath it relief Graves rolled his shoulders slightly should be ain't she let out a short exasperated breath before shaking her head you're imp possible easy chuckled beside him still holding his ribs that's what makes him fun Nia shot him a glare before looking back at graves so what now Graves exhaled slowly

scanning the wreckage of the clinic the damage was extensive walls riddled with bullet holes Furniture broken Beyond repair medical supplies scattered and destroyed the place he had built the place meant to heal people had become a battlefield but it was still standing we rebuild he said simply Nia studied him her gaze unreadable then nodded slowly you really think people are going to come back after this Graves met her eyes they will they don't have anywhere else to go she let out a slow sigh rubbing her temples guess that means I'm staying then a flicker of

something lighter passed through graves's chest a win a small one but a win nonetheless EZ smirked yeah you'd miss us too much Nia rolled her eyes but didn't deny it the three of them stood there for a long moment taking in the aftermath the wreckage the weight of what they had survived the war was over but the fight was never really done and Graves was ready for whatever came next the first patient arrived the next morning it wasn't anything serious just a young mother with a toddler who had a persistent cough she hesitated at the

door glancing at the boarded up Windows the lingering scars from the fight that had nearly destroyed everything but when she saw Dr Malcolm Graves standing behind the reception desk his sleeves rolled up clipboard in hand like it was any other day she stepped inside without a word by midday more followed an elderly man who had run out of blood pressure medication a teenager with a deep gash in his arm from a bike accident a father bringing in his daughter with a fever that wouldn't break they trickled in one by one no longer avoiding the clinic

no longer treating it like a place where danger lurked they had seen the destruction they had heard the gunfire the sirens the chaos that had threatened to swallow this place whole but they had also seen Graves fight not just for himself for them by the afternoon the waiting room was full again not as packed as it once had been but enough to tell Graves that the community had made its decision they weren't abandoning him the clinic wasn't just a medical office anymore it was something stronger it had survived the war and so had they Graves

moved through the rooms treating patients as if the last week hadn't turned his life upside down as if he hadn't spent the past few nights fighting like a soldier instead of healing like a doctor his ribs achd his knuckles throbbed and every step reminded him of the injuries he had taken in that final fight with Pete but he never once stopped moving he barely even registered how people looked at him differently now before he had been just a doctor a good one a trusted one but still just a doctor now now he was something else

a protector a man who had refused to let fear dictate what happened to his people they didn't just come to him for medicine anymore they came because they knew he wouldn't let anything happen to them as the sun began to set Graves finally took a breath stepping outside for the first time all day the sky was streaked with orange and violet the city settling into the golden Haze of dusk he leaned against the Clinic's doorway watching the street that had almost been his grave it was quieter now safer Nia stepped out beside him arms crossed

a tired smirk playing at the edges of her lips busy day she muttered Graves exhaled rolling his shoulders slightly yeah she was quiet for a moment then glanced sideways at him you ever think about what happens next Graves arched a brow you mean after this she nodded looking out at the street we just took down one of the biggest threats in the city that kind of thing doesn't just disappear overnight there's always going to be something else another gang another fight Graves exhaled rubbing a hand over his face I know Nia hesitated before speaking again

you ever think about leaving Graves didn't answer immediately he had thought about it before late at night in those rare Quiet Moments When exhaustion pressed in too hard when the weight of responsibility felt like too much he could leave start over somewhere else a new Clinic a fresh beginning far away from the blood and the violence but then he thought about the people inside the people who had come back back who had chosen to trust him the mother with her sick child the old man who needed his medication the teenager with the busted arm if

he left who would take care of them Graves shook his head this is home later that night when the clinic had finally emptied out Graves sat at his desk the dim glow of his lamp casting Long Shadows across the room a folder lay open in front of him filled with old medical reports Financial records the history of the clinic of every battle fought to keep it standing at the bottom of the stack beneath all the paperwork was a photo a younger version of himself dressed in military fatigues standing beside a group of men who were

long gone Brothers in Arms a past he had buried but never forgotten he traced a finger along the edge of the photo his mind drifting back to the battlefield the screams the gunfire the endless cycle of trying to keep people alive in places where death was the only certainty he had left that World Behind or at least he had tried the war had followed him home but here here he wasn't fighting for governments for policies for Missions written by men in offices thousands of miles away here he was fighting for something real something worth protecting

he closed the folder leaning back in his chair outside the city moved on inside the clinic remained standing stronger than before I hope you enjoyed that story please share it with your friends and subscribe so that you do not miss out on the next one in the meantime I have handpicked two stories for you that I think you will enjoy have a great day