The Hunter's Chronicles
Once Upon a Time
Monkey Boy AJ
“We’ve been up on these rocks for whole day and all we’ve seen are animal tracks. Sir, there’s not a damn thing up here.”
“Damn it all. Figures Top would send us on a hunting party for falling rocks. Johnson, check out that formation to the north, see if there are any tracks.”
“You got it Rhys.” Private Johnson turns toward his objective. “North ridge, incoming, one o’clock!” The private opens fire on the shadowy figure that is charging him. His squad mates turn toward the threat and ready arms.
“Shit! Shit! Shit!”
Gun fire opens from all men as they try to gain a bead on the assailant. The assailant roars, as it slashes at Private Johnson. The shadowy figure slashes again dropping another soldier.
“Wesley! Fall back! Get your asses down the mou-“
“Ahhhhhhhhh!”
“Honey, are you ok?” Rachel sits up, and starts rubbing Andrew’s back to help comfort him. “What dream was it?”
“The war story; been some time since I’ve been haunted by that.”
“Been some time since you’ve been haunted by anything.” Rachel grabs hold of Andrew and pulls him over top of her. “Lay your head down on me and go back to sleep.”
“How you feeling?”
“Ok, I guess. I got sleep but not the best.”
“I’m sorry baby.”
“Don’t be, it’s alright; I had you there to comfort me. Thanks for last night, you put up with way too much from me.”
“You’re fine; you’re one of the best people I know.”
Andrew gets up out of bed and starts to dress. He reaches into his rear pocket and pulls out an envelope of money. “Here, take this that should help pay a few bills. And I know Rosetta’s birthday is coming up, so buy her something from me; I’m not real sure what four year olds are into these days.”
Rachel takes the envelope and opens it and does a quick count of the money. “Rhys, there’s like five thousand in here! I can’t take all of this, what are you left with?”
“Don’t worry about it honey, I just got notice of a new job and I still have a few hundred from the last one, you need that more than I do. You have two kids, with rent and bills to pay; and I know your waitressing job tends to only let you break even, if that, so take it and run.”
Rachel gets out of bed and walks over to her dresser and opens a small box and takes out two keys. “Since we’re exchanging gifts, take these, they’re from the girls.” She hands the keys to him.
“What are these to?”
“The apartment you doof! The girls told me that you should have keys, because you’ll need them sometime. I’m not one to question that sort of thought pattern from a six year old.”
Andrew takes the keys and puts them in his pocket. “Well, tell the girls I said bye when they get up, I need to get running, have to be on the road by noon if I want to make it to the meeting place for this next client.”
“Will do hon. The girls are going to miss you. They really like having you around. I wish you could stay at least one more day.”
“Me too, but I need the money and thrills to keep me going.” Andrew finishes packing his duffle with his clothes and supplies and walks over to Rachel. He grabs her around her waist, pulls her close, and kisses her. “See you around lovely.” He then grabs his duffle and heads for the door.
“Be careful. I’d tell you not to do anything stupid or crazy, but those are your middle names.”
“I’ll do my best,” as he closes the door behind him.
Andrew arrives at the designated place in the park. He begins to search about for the man that he is to meet. “Wish he gave me a better idea of where to find him, other than ‘central park area.’” As he continues to search about, he hears a man yell in his direction.
“Hunter, over here.” A man in a suit waves his arms to attract the attention of Andrew. Andrew fast walks to the man, who has taken seat at a picnic table away from most of the crowded areas of the park. “Sorry I didn’t give better directions on a where to find me, I haven’t been here in years and had no idea if things had changed.”
“Either way there’s no need for all attention. Now everyone probably thinks we’re secret lovers or something. At any rate, I’m here for business. What do you want me to do?”
“A few months ago, my daughter was kidnapped and murdered; now I know that probably means nothing to you, and that people come to you all the time asking you to kill the killer. What’s different about this is that my daughter was murdered as part of some cult leader’s attempt at gaining almighty power. He figures, kill enough virgins and he can gain all the power of Hell, or something like that. The police have little information on the man responsible, and at best only have the evidence to link him to the scene of the crime as a witness.”
“Figures, damn police; and let me guess they also have no idea where to find said man, to so much as bring him in for questioning.”
“That’s right. All I have is a name, Lord Sy; I found it with some of my daughter’s papers. She was going through a hard time, and looking for new friends. All I want is for you to bring him in so that the police can do what they need. I know that if they have him in custody and against a panel of witnesses, they can nail him with the crimes I know he’s committed.”
“This isn’t the first girl that’s gone missing on his account is it?”
“No. It’s speculated that there are at least two to five more.”
“Very well, if you wish for me to do this I’ll need two things. The first thing is to know how much you’re paying me. And then if the compensation is adequate, I’ll need some sort of lead to start with.”
The man breathes heavy, “I was hoping you’d tell me your fee.”
“Did that once, got fucked over. What I’m willing to take and what you’re willing to pay are two different things. I need to know what you’re willing to pay; hopefully it’s higher than I’m willing to take. If not I’ll send you away until you make me happy. So, I’ll give you one week to bring half of what you’re willing to pay me.”
Copyright 2014 Monkey Boy AJ - All Rights Reserved