They didn''t just think about it-they actually did it.


    Like a pack of hungry wolves, they closed in. "Hey, gorgeous, all alone tonight?”


    Effie rubbed her bleary eyes, mumbling to herself, "Why did the stoplight turn into a dog?"


    "Help, there are stray dogs everywhere!"


    The three "stray dogs" could only watch in shock as Effie, nimble as a monkey, scrambled up the tall brick wall in a blink and perched on top.


    "Get lost, you filthy mutts!"


    Effie slipped off one of her shoes and hurled it at them.


    The three punks, still marveling at how she''d managed to climb up there with just her hands and feet, were startled by the flying shoe and ducked out of the way.


    Then, catching a glimpse of Effie''s pale, slender foot, their eyes went wide.


    "Smells sweet-beautiful girls'' shoes always do," the green-haired one said, picking up her shoe and giving it a sniff.


    "Ugh-"


    It wasn''t that Effie was trying to be rude they were just so revolting she couldn''t help herself. Already queasy from the drinks, she leaned over and threw up right in front of them.


    "Dude, looks like you offended her."


    "Scram."


    "What are you waiting for? Get up there and drag her down!"


    They hatched a n and started building a humandder.


    Suddenly, Effie burst out in giggles. "Look at that little dogs trying to climb the wall."


    Herughter rang out, making the three thugs flush with embarrassment and anger.


    "I swear, I''m not letting her get away tonight!"


    Just then, the alley grew darker as someone stepped in front of them—a man, taller than any of them, blocking out the light.


    The blond punk scowled at Lyman. "Hey, pal, firste, first served. Let us have our fun, then you can take your turn."


    Lyman''s face darkened, his expression cold enough to chill the air.


    His voice was icy. "I''m afraid you''re not going to enjoy anything tonight."


    "Oh? nning to steal our prize?"


    The three thugs, emboldened by their numbers and seeing Lyman''s business suit and polished appearance, figured he was more show than substance.


    The blond spat on the ground, barking, "Get him!"


    He lunged at Lyman first.


    Lyman sidestepped the attack with ease andnded a punch straight to the blond''s nose.


    Blood gushed out, and before the punk could even recover, Lyman kicked him hard in the stomach, sending him rolling on the ground in agony.


    Up on the wall, Effie pped her hands in delight. "Go, Team Power Pole versus Team Traffic Light!"


    Lyman: "..."


    The blond: "..."


    Suddenly, Effie wobbled, nearly losing her bnce.


    Lyman''s heart leapt into his throat. "Careful!"


    Effie stretched out her arms to steady herself, swaying for a moment before standing upright again.


    "Wow, I''m amazing-I didn''t fall."


    Lyman let out a breath of relief, though he was still tense.


    He couldn''t help wondering-how on earth did Effie get up there? And how was


    he supposed to get her down?


    At that moment, the green-haired and red-haired punks rushed at Lyman.


    With a sweeping move, Lyman knocked them both to the ground at once.


    Just then, the driver came running over, shouting, "Get lost! Now!"


    The punks scrambled to their feet and fled.


    Lyman looked up at Effie, holding out his hand as if coaxing a child. "Come on, sweetheart. Time toe down."