As Vinnie began to talk, Alex couldn't help but glance at Sophia, who was standing beside him, her eyes fixed intently on Vinnie. Sophia was a woman of mystery, with a complex and intriguing personality. She was tall and imposing, with long, curly brown hair and piercing green eyes that seemed to bore into those she looked at. Her features were chiseled and refined, with high cheekbones and a small, pointed chin. She had a small tattoo of a snake coiled around her right wrist, and a scar above her left eyebrow, which she had gotten in a bar fight a few years ago.
Despite her tough exterior, Sophia had a soft spot for those in need, and was always willing to help those who were less fortunate than herself. She was fiercely independent and non-conformist, with a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
As Vinnie spoke, Sophia's eyes never left his face, her expression intent and focused. She was a woman who missed nothing, and Alex knew that she would be able to read Vinnie's body language and pick up on any subtle cues that might indicate he was lying.
"So, Vinnie," Sophia said, her voice low and husky. "Tell us what you know. What's Francesca's plan?"
Vinnie hesitated, glancing nervously at Alex and Sophia. But then, he seemed to steel himself, and began to speak.
"Francesca's plan is to take down Marco and take control of the city," he said. "She's been secretly building an army of loyal soldiers, and she's planning to launch a surprise attack on Marco's headquarters."
Alex's eyes widened in surprise. He had suspected that Francesca was planning something, but he had no idea it was this big.
"And what about you, Vinnie?" Sophia asked, her eyes narrowing. "What's your role in all of this?"
Vinnie hesitated again, but then seemed to shrug. "I'm just a pawn in Francesca's game," he said. "She promised me a share of the power and the profits if I helped her take down Marco."
Alex's eyes locked onto Vinnie's, his expression cold and hard. "And you believed her?" he asked.
Vinnie nodded, a look of shame on his face. "I was desperate," he said. "I owed money to some bad people, and Francesca offered me a way out."
Sophia's expression softened slightly, and she reached out to touch Vinnie's arm. "We'll help you, Vinnie," she said. "We'll protect you from Francesca and Marco. But you have to promise us one thing."
Vinnie looked up at her, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "What's that?" he asked.
Sophia's eyes locked onto his, her expression serious. "You have to promise us that you'll tell us the truth," she said. "No more lies, no more secrets. Can you do that for us, Vinnie?"
Vinnie nodded, a look of determination on his face. "I promise," he said. "I'll tell you everything I know."
Alex and Sophia exchanged a glance, and then nodded in unison. They knew they had a long and difficult road ahead of them, but with Vinnie's help, they might just have a chance to take down Francesca and Marco and bring peace to the city.