Venice Vice

orld into a living canvas. Rey Kenobi stood at its heart, brush in hand, finishing her la

dreams of flight, of escape, of becoming some

ocean-blue roof. Next door, a bohemian building shimmered with mosaics and whimsical statues, as if it had been plucked s

in a ponytail and a flashy Hawaiian shirt - leaned against th

ugh but kind. "This mural's gonna pu

ments didn't mean much. She painted to survive, but more t

e the two figures lurking near the edge of the sidewal

issed. "Bet it's loaded.

by the clamor of street musicians and laughing tourists. Rey

" a voice rasp

g. We'll

at a gleaming knife. Instinct kicked in. She grab

said, voice sha

hed. "Oh yeah? Gonna s

f bright blue. The man howled, clutching his eyes. His partner

spraying, kicking, dodging. Around them, tourists scr

ed the bag

houted, fury

bles, weaving through the stunned crowd. The only thing that mat

thout hesitation, Rey followed, the stink of trash and damp assaulting her

at the alley's end and shoved

hesitated. Beyond that door was danger, she

everythin

ved the door open and

ur stink of rot. Her footsteps echoed eerily as

hts revealed the muggers

s here," o

rtist wants h

right?" the other sneer

rs. Venice Beach's most dangerous biker gang r

stood he

e said, voice firm despit

oved to surround her. Rey backed up

sweetie," the taller on

her nails. He howled. The second thug lunged, Rey

g them to retreat . But they were stronger, faster. One twisted her arm behind

mugger said, smirki

er eyes shut,

alley, deep, ra

ers flinched as a black motorcycle ru

ked in black, his helmet visor gl

rough the tension,

go. Or re

. Fear flashed in

r one croaked, almost

he grime on her skin, the

le pulled at her, sharp, undeniable, li

t know wh

he was a savior or

one thing w

g had jus