The heavy storm clouds were slowly drifted away, leaving a trail of overflowed manholes behind. It didn't deter Raphael, as he knew he was a good swimmer. Furthermore, a dip in cold water would certainly cool his head a little, but before he could reach the closest entrance to the sewers, he suddenly became convinced he was not alone.
Yes, he could hear it now: footsteps catching up with him. He waited a few more seconds and casually looked over his shoulder, as if he had just heard someone approaching. The person was about 5 meters behind him and was tall and slim, wrapped in an old-style cloak with the hood pulled over his head. Raphael grunted and slowed down, hoping the man would pass him by without trouble.
Alarmed, he realized the steps behind him slowed down as well to match his own. A mugger? Through his pockets, the turtle felt the two sai strapped around his waist. "I guess I could use the exercise", Raphael muttered under his breath. One thing was certain: hopping into a manhole right now would draw some unwelcome attention. He'd rather fight one bad guy here, in the open, than a whole gang suddenly developing an interest in the sewers.
Raphael turned in a narrow alley. He would know if the man was really after him: swiftly, the turtle jumped behind a pile of garbage bags piled up against a grey container, the persistent rain covering what little noise he made. From his hideout, he saw the man follow his trail into the alley before stopping. He hesitated only for a split second before starting to walk again, but that was enough to convince Raphael. "The prey is just about to kick the hunter's ass", he thought with a grin. Silently circling the container, the turtle stepped in the open again, this time ready to confront his alleged enemy. He cleared his throat loudly. "I'm here!" he added sarcastically.
The man turned around without precipitation. His hood and the lack of light hided his face, except for his long and pointy chin. The man stopped just out of hand reach, should trouble arise.
"If you have any good reason why I should tolerate being stalked, you better speak up quickly.
-Oh, I wasn't stalking anybody!" answered the man. His voice was not aggressive but it hissed like a serpent's, making Raphael grate his teeth. He groped at his sai through his pockets. "I'm Lester."
Raphael took a step towards him, menacing. "I didn't ask for your name. You're playing a dangerous game, Lessssster.
-You are in such a lovely mood... I'll be blunt then." He bowed towards the turtle. "I wanted to know. Tell me why that woman climaxed violently when she sucked you off."
He didn't want to show his surprise, but Raphael startled. "I knew it! he thought. Lucky it's just a random freak and not one of the others. Splinter would kill me!" Taking over himself, he resolved to get out of there as fast as possible. Whatever that guy had seen, it's not one more drunkard tale that will shake Manhattan's foundations. "I'm just that good." he grunted through his clenched teeth before turning back towards the street.
The man called out after him. "Now it's your time to elude my question!" Raphael ignored him. "I think we should have a little discussion.
-There's nothing to discuss!" he shouted over his shoulder.
It would have been too easy: just as he was about to exit the dark alley, Raphael found his way blocked by a luxurious black car that climbed on the sidewalk. "I insist!" hissed the man, slowly walking towards him. The car's door opened.
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