The cop car in the back noticed, too. "Attention. Attention. Snipers on the high ground," came the alert.


    The siren wailed, blending with the screams of pedestrians.


    Mark, the detective squad captain, barked, "Get the detained police car back to the prison now. Tell Hubert to head over. "Lock down all major traffic routes in the city.


    "Send a team to evacuate the public."


    "The rest of you, follow me."


    With that, officers in ck SWAT gear, armed with assault rifles, moved in to protect pedestrians and calm them down.


    Another team started pinpointing the sniper''s location, and Mark led the chase himself.


    Alvin nced at the wide-eyed, dead Antolin. After a moment, he stashed his sniper rifle and headed down the mountain path where his crew waited.


    That evening, near the detention center, the Thunderbolt Prix of Avalia preliminaries were kicking off.


    The Thunderbolt Prix of Avalia was a big deal internationally, but it was always held in Avalia. Teams that did well in the finals got topete on the world stage.


    This year''s finals were in Greafury City, but first, they needed to pass a preliminary round. Only those who advanced couldpete in the finals.


    The venue was packed with hundreds of souped-up luxury cars. Rich guys and their dates mingled and chatted.


    Joseph Martinez, with his date on his arm, walked up to the prelims organizers.


    "Joseph, it''s just the prelims. What brings you here?" James Smith, one of the organizers, greeted him warmly, "It''s an honor to have you, Joseph."


    Joseph had already beaten a new racer in a previous race, making him Avalia''s top racer and giving him a direct pass to the finals.


    Holding his sexy date close, Joseph said, "Just to have some fun with friends."


    People flocked to tter him. Joseph was now the new racing champion. Quiet murmurs filled the air.


    "If Joseph had clinched first ce in that championship before, he might have had a shot at the international Thunderbolt Prix. Who knows, maybe he could have raced alongside Aaron. Wonder who''s really the better driver." "But I heard Aaron''s been out of sight since that global Thunderbolt Prix. I still can''t forget that event. His drifting and speed were truly something."


    "I don''t think Joseph stands a chance."


    Mid-discussion, a chill ran down their spines. Joseph''s eyes gleamed with disdain. Hispanion chimed in, her voice sharp, "Joseph, some say you don''t measure up to Aaron."


    Joseph''s face darkened. "You think Aaron''s better?"


    Everyone quickly buttered up Joseph, "Aaron''s been out of the game for a while. No way he can match you now."


    Charley was driving a Lykan Hypersport, with L in the passenger seat, heading to the track.


    Gilbert followed in another car with Eleanor.


    Charley looked annoyed. "L, why''d youe with me?"


    L looked frail. If Sylvester found out, Charley would be in trouble. But L insisted, and he couldn''t say no.


    L was ying a game on her phone, her fingers flying. She was using a sniper rifle to headshot an enemy when she finally looked up. "Just don''t tell him." "But I have to raceter; I might not be able to watch out for you."


    The ce was packed and chaotic. L was so beautiful. He worried someone might harass her.