Chapter-135

The sight of this boy, who appeared to be barely breathing, was both alarming and puzzling. Sin couldn't fathom how someone in such a weakened state could stand upright, let alone make their way to Adrian's house. It was as if the boy had been pushed to the brink of his physical endurance, yet he had persevered to answer Adrian's call.

As the newcomer entered the room, he cast a weary glance at Sin, Fatty Jack, and Adrian. His eyes held a weariness that spoke of countless trials and tribulations. It was clear that this boy had seen more than his fair share of hardship.

Sin couldn't help but wonder about the story behind this boy's condition. What had led him to this state of physical and emotional exhaustion? What kind of experiences had he endured as a member of the Rats of the Backyard, a gang known for its relentless pursuit of information, legal or otherwise?

Adrian, with a sense of solemnity, introduced the newcomer to Sin and Fatty Jack. "This is Romeo," Adrian said, his voice carrying a note of respect for the boy's resilience. "He's one of the Rats, and he's here to help us."

Sin nodded in acknowledgment, recognizing that Leo's presence represented a potential breakthrough in their quest for information. However, as Romeo settled into a chair, his labored breathing and weary demeanor served as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices involved in their pursuit of the truth.

The revelation of Romeo's identity sent a subtle shiver down Sin's spine. He couldn't help but react internally, his thoughts tinged with curiosity and a touch of amusement. The name "Romeo" seemed incongruous in the context of the shadowy underworld and the enigmatic gang known as the Rats of the Backyard. It was a name that conjured images of star-crossed lovers and poetic tales of passion, a stark contrast to the gritty reality of their situation.

As Adrian mentioned Romeo's name, Sin couldn't resist a silent, tongue-in-cheek question that played out in his mind, "Which crazy bastard named him 'Romeo' in this line of work?" It was a moment of levity amidst the seriousness of their mission, a reminder that even in the darkest corners of the world, quirks and peculiarities could surface.

Nevertheless, Sin understood the significance of Romeo's position within the Rats of the Backyard. As one of the higher-ups in the gang, he was likely privy to a wealth of information and had the means to access resources that could prove invaluable to their quest.

With a nod of agreement, Adrian dispatched Leo, the newcomer who had appeared physically drained, to accompany Romeo. Leo carried with him the detailed information that Fatty Jack had provided, information that was crucial to their investigation.

As Leo and Romeo left Adrian's house to embark on their mission to collect information, Sin couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and hope. They were relying on the Rats of the Backyard, an enigmatic and resourceful gang, to uncover leads that might shed light on Lita's disappearance.

The wait that followed was marked by a palpable sense of tension. Sin, Fatty Jack, and Adrian gathered in Adrian's living room, contemplating the uncertain path that lay ahead. They knew that the world they were delving into was fraught with danger and deception, and the information they sought might come at a price.

Hours passed, and the room grew quiet as they waited for Leo and Romeo to return. The city's bustling activities continued outside, oblivious to the high-stakes mission unfolding within these walls. Sin's thoughts turned to Lita, the woman whose soul note had set this journey in motion, and he couldn't help but wonder what challenges and revelations awaited them.

Adrian leaned forward and confided, "Romeo is my cousin, Sin. We share a bond that goes beyond our affiliations with the Rats of the Backyard."

Sin absorbed this information with a thoughtful nod. It made sense that Adrian's personal connections would extend into the criminal underworld, particularly given his role as a valuable informant. The fact that Adrian had previously helped Romeo on numerous occasions only deepened the understanding of their relationship.

Romeo, the enigmatic high-ranking member of the Rats of the Backyard, had a reputation that preceded him. His willingness to assist Adrian and, by extension, Sin and Fatty Jack, spoke to the intricate web of relationships that underpinned the world they operated in.

As Sin contemplated this revelation, he couldn't help but appreciate the significance of having a network of information collectors at their disposal. In a city filled with secrets and hidden agendas, access to such a network could prove to be a valuable asset, provided they navigated it wisely.

Sin's thoughts took a philosophical turn as he considered the nature of information gathering, both in the underworld and in the world at large. He mused to himself, "Having a network of information collectors isn't that bad, as long as they don't charge you exorbitantly for their services. After all, even in the earthly realm, there are individuals and groups akin to these Rats."

The comparison to the world they inhabited and the world they knew as reality was a sobering one. It highlighted the enduring human inclination to seek knowledge, gather information, and leverage it for various purposes. Whether it was the Rats of the Backyard in their clandestine world or the countless organizations and individuals engaged in data collection and analysis on Earth, the pursuit of information was a ubiquitous and enduring aspect of human existence.

Romeo's return to Adrian's dimly lit living room was accompanied by a palpable weariness in his demeanor. He had been on a mission, traversing the shadowy alleys and clandestine networks of the city to gather information. As he settled into a chair, his voice emerged in a sluggish tone, betraying the exhaustion that came from his endeavors.

"The last time the girl in question was spotted," Romeo began, his words slow and deliberate as he processed the information he had gathered, "was at the Mother's Blessing restaurant."