by C W Hawes
“Not really. We have not been able to access his records. They are very well protected. My guess is that they were intended for very specialized military, paramilitary, or security use. But that is just a guess. A good guess, I think, since one of his creatures seems to have been in operation in Africa. At least that’s what the latest intelligence we’ve gathered indicates.”
Mostyn nodded and had a faraway look on his face.
“What about the Congresswoman?” Dotty asked.
Bardon shrugged. “She’s a politician, and consequently thinks she actually has power.” He looked over at the statues of Cthulhu and Shub-Niggurath. “Of course we know differently.”
“Why don’t you just zap them?” Dotty said.
Bardon chuckled. “Zap them? You don’t just go around zapping what you don’t like, Dr Kemper. These entities we occasionally utilize are powerful beings. They seek to use us as much as we try to use them. Maybe even more so. It’s best if we handle things with the resources available to us on this little speck of rock we call home. There is always a quid pro quo, Dr Kemper. Always. Do keep that in mind.”
Dotty nodded.
“For now, anyway,” Mostyn said, “there shouldn’t be anymore sightings of chupacabras, Jersey Devils, or Lessing Vampires.”
“No, there shouldn’t,” Bardon said, and after a pause, added, “At least of Van Dyne’s manufacture.”
“You mean…,” Kemper began.
“Yes,” Bardon said.
Kemper shook her head.
Bardon continued, “Of course, he may have other facilities creating these things.”
“And probably worse things,” Dotty said.
Bardon nodded. “Yes. Even worse monstrosities. So we may indeed run into his little playthings in the future.” He turned to Helene. “You are awfully quiet, my dear.”
Helene smiled. “I am very happy we are all here.”
“Yes, indeed,” Bardon said. He turned to Mostyn. “We almost lost you, Pierce.”
“My sister and Jones saved him,” Helene said. She smiled at Dotty and Dotty actually smiled back.
“Always glad to see teamwork in the heat of the battle,” Bardon said. “Very glad.” He picked up his pipe. “Well, tomorrow is another day.” He stood. “Off with you now. Enjoy the afternoon.”
The three left, but not before Helene bowed to the statue of Cthulhu. Bardon returned to his seat. He looked at the roiling indefiniteness that was the corner of the room near Cthulhu, its unnatural angles and lines. It was as though something was trying to break through.
He thought to himself, Yes, indeed, Dr Kemper, there is always a quid pro quo.
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Nightmare in Agate Bay
If you missed the first book in the Pierce Mostyn series, Nightmare in Agate Bay, it’s available on Amazon!
About the Author
CW Hawes is an award winning poet turned novelist. He’s a multi-genre author, because he’s a multi-genre reader. You can find him online at his website, on Twitter, and on Facebook. Should you wish to email him, you can do so at [email protected].
Also by CW Hawes
Besides horror and the paranormal, CW Hawes writes mysteries and post-apocalyptic cozy catastrophes. You can check out all his books on his website’s My Books Page.
Dedication
This one is for my daughter
Acknowledgements
Many people have contributed directly and indirectly to my writing career, and there is no way I can remember them all. However, they all have my deepest gratitude.
This particular book would not have been possible without the help of Andy Decker, Susannah Hawes, and Jodi Dorson, all three provided valuable insight and editorial comments.
I also wish to thank my fellow authors Ben Willoughby, for his fabulous cover art; Richard Schwindt, for his encouragement to continue the series; and Crispian Thurlborn, for his ongoing support.
A special acknowledgement must also go to HP Lovecraft, who’s imagination and writing got the ball rolling in the first place.
Copyright © 2018 CW Hawes. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission of the author. All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.