She turned to Lucinda, suggesting, Why dont I invite a friend along? Hes quite influential around here and might be useful.


    Alyan, who had ties to the underworld, could be a valuable asset, ensuring theyd be taken seriously.


    Lucinda consented and instructed the driver to stop so Dulcie could make the call.


    Without hesitation, Dulcie phoned Alyan, cutting straight to the chase.


    Alyan, I need your help.


    Can you get to Ravenhill quickly? My friend is about to enter negotiations with Hollis Cruz.


    Alyans expression grew serious.


    You friend is involved with Hollis? That mans a well-known thug around here, and trust me, money is all he cares about. Dulcie responded, Its aplicated situation.


    Will you be able to make it? Alyan typically wouldnt refuse a request from Dulcie.


    Im near Ravenhill.


    Ill get there quickly.


    How many people should I bring? Dulcie looked over at Lucinda and ryed, Lucinda, my friend is asking how many we need.


    Hes ready to bring help.


    Lucinda chuckled yfully.


    Why, expecting a showdown? Just having your friend turn up should be enough. Even if others joined, their presence wouldnt be as crucial as having the right individuals there.


    Once they had arranged a meeting ce with Alyan, they proceeded toward Ravenhill.


    Ravenhill served as a hub, featuring a depot, a store, and a venue where leaders gathered to conduct their business.


    Here, negotiations were the norm, conducted without the interference of outsiders.


    As they approached Ravenhill, Dulcies attention was drawn to several enclosed areas, piquing her interest.


    Larry exined with a note of caution, This is a notorious region where various factions wield control over their own territories, subjugating people as ves, including trafficked women, children, and men.


    His words barely scratched the surface; the truth of the situation was far more turbulent and chaotic than his calm demeanor suggested.


    Women were confined in dimly lit rooms, held captive, while the elderly were exploited as pawns in borate scams, often the first to be scapegoated whenplications ensued. Disturbingly, the depravity extended beyond the exploitation of women, affecting children and men as well.


    Lucinda and Dulcie were anything but naive.


    They grasped the full weight of Larrys revtions.


    Silently, Dulcie shifted her focus to the car window, behind which the clear ss acted as a cold, indifferent barrier.


    What transpired within those confines was disturbingly visible to any onlooker.


    A figure brandished a long whip, striking at individuals who were shackled by their necks.


    These people, stripped of their dignity and clothes, werepelled to run beneath the relentless re of the sun.