Grimacing, I asked, “Could you maybe skip the attack part? Most of what happened can’t be put in your report. No one would believe it, and I probably don’t want to meet the ones who do.” We walked in silence for the few minutes it took to get back to my house.
He was hesitant to agree, but eventually nodded. “Just the abduction then. For now I’ll just make a note that our consultant on the case had an altercation with a suspect. Fair enough?”
“Yeah, fair enough,” I agreed, settling myself on the couch where I decided to sleep that night. “Have a good night, Scott. And, I probably don’t have to tell you again, but please don’t tell anyone what I showed you tonight.”
He nodded, but I continued with my warning, “It usually doesn’t end well when someone I don’t know finds out. And you definitely don’t want that on your conscience, Scott. Trust me on that one.”
FORTY-SEVEN
Sam
Waking up to the discovery that you’re still a captive is bad enough. Waking and realizing you have another captive’s foot kicking you in the face is worse. Nearly jumping out of the bed as I was startled out of sleep, I cast a glare at the still sleeping Hannah. Not that it was her fault. I was chained to one end of the bed; she was chained to the other. The only real option for somewhat comfortable sleeping was for my head to be at the head of the bed and hers to be at the foot. Movement was inevitable. Still, it wasn’t a pleasant way to wake up.
My stomach rumbled, wanting more than the minimal amounts of food Hunter allowed us. I was aware that my weight was already decreasing. If he was hoping for a good hunt out of me by the end of this, Hunter might be a bit disappointed. It could come as a surprise when instead of a healthy athletic challenger; he instead would face a malnourished fourteen-year-old boy. Why he even thought I would give him a challenge initially, I have no idea. This guy was completely nuts, and there wasn’t much he did that made sense to me.
Hunter’s obsession with Jason started before he even knew about my brother’s powers, and I still wasn’t sure how Jase caught his attention. Something about my brother seemed to attract the crazies, and I hoped someday the trend would stop. So far, every other person we met with special abilities was bad. Even if Kindred was only a cold-blooded killer because of Trevor Mason, he was not a good person when we met. Even I already used my power on Jason to manipulate him, and, as much as it still sickens me to admit it, the feeling was invigorating. Some part of me wants to do it again.
“You’re thinking very loudly,” Hannah muttered, her eyes still closed. “What’s wrong?”
How was I supposed to answer that? The power bothering me right now is the one I haven’t shared with her. It would be hard to explain that I was feeling a strange urge to mess with my brother’s emotions. Even playing around in Hunter’s mind, while fun, wasn’t as addictive. “Just worried about Jason.” It was a safe answer, and one that would satisfy her. “I don’t think he’s had a decent night’s sleep since Hunter took me. Knowing Jason, he probably wants to tear down the entire town looking for us. I’m not sure how much longer he’ll be able follow the rules before he decides to do something desperate.”
Eyes open now, Hannah sat up, folding her legs under her as she stretched. “He isn’t the most patient of people when someone he cares about is in danger,” she agreed. “But he is strong and smart. Even if he does go off on his own, it will be because he has some plan about how to rescue us and stop Hunter.”
I raised an eyebrow at her certainty. “You really believe that? The last couple times he ran off didn’t exactly go well for him. When Mason had me, and Jason took off to find me, he was captured within a couple hours. When Kindred was hunting him and he ran away, he was arrested. Then he almost killed one of Mason’s former goons at the prison when he was attacked. Not looking so good for your theory that he always knows what he’s doing, right?”
I wasn’t trying to be mean or hurt Hannah’s feelings or her view of Jason, but reality had to check in. When in turmoil, Jason did not always make the smartest decisions. Hannah and I both knew it. “I know,” she admitted in a small voice. “But I didn’t realize you held such a low opinion of him.”
Narrowing my eyes angrily, I snapped. “He’s my brother. Just because I’m aware he makes mistakes, doesn’t mean I think any less of him. He has been my hero since he took me away from our father, and nothing he does can change that.” My voice was cold, but at her shocked look I eased up. “I love him, Hannah. I just know him well enough to know that with us in danger, he doesn’t care about himself.”
Understanding dawned, and she pulled me to her for a comforting embrace. “I’m sorry, Sammy,” she muttered softly. “I should have known you were just worried. We’re in that boat together, kiddo.”
Accepting her hug, I blinked back the tears that suddenly appeared as I stated my concerns that Jason would sacrifice himself to save us. Without Jason, I had no family. The closest thing being the other kids Jason used to protect, and Alice and Hannah. They are family too, but Jason… well, he’s my brother, and I don’t even want to imagine life without him. “It’s okay,” Hannah murmured in my ear over and over again. My tears continued flowing despite my effort to stay strong.
A sob escaped, and I turned to burrow into the comfort Hannah was offering. This kind of physical comfort was not something I was accustomed to from anyone other than Jason. Oddly, I found myself craving the gentle touch. “You’ve been so brave this whole time.” Her voice was still low, but it had a catch that told me she was now crying with me. “It’s okay to be scared, Sam. You’ve been through so much already and you’re only fourteen. You and Jason have always impressed me with your fortitude.” She was stroking my hair, which was greasy and matted, but she never judged any of us on physical appearance.
She was one of those rare people who made her judgments based on actions instead of looks, and looked beyond the outward personality to find the true character of a person. If she had not been so patient… well, let’s just say Jason wouldn’t have stood a chance with her. He’d always been a loner, but secretly craved affection. Until we moved in with Alice and Hannah, he always looked like the street kid he was. She saw past that, to the person who wanted more out of life. She and Alice both pushed him to accept the paid position of Confidential Informant, and he eventually followed their advice to get his PI license. Although they weren’t aware he followed said advice. They might know now.
Part of what made me accept living away from all of our friends was the thought that Jason simply wanted to show that he could make something of himself. He never wanted me to mention his job, or that he was going to get his license. I thought he wanted to get it, and then go to visit—or move back—and show everyone he could be more than what he had been.
A part of him always wanted to give up and go back, and I was beginning to realize why he never wanted to talk to Alice or Hannah on the phone. “He was afraid you’d talk him into going back,” I said out loud, sitting up away from Hannah. I wiped my face with the back of my hand to clear the tears, which now stopped flowing.
“What?”
“The reason Jason didn’t want to talk to you these last two years. He wanted to accomplish his goal, and prove—to himself or you guys—that he could become more than a street kid. He wanted to get his PI license without help. I think he was afraid that if he talked to you, he would give up on his goal and go back home.”
Strange that it took me two years to figure out my brother’s reason for not talking to the only other people we could call family. Like I told Hannah, his emotions were so confusing to me on the subject. Only now, when my ability was stretched to the limit, was I able to unravel his reasoning. After mulling it over for a few moments Hannah snorted. “Yeah, that sounds like something he’d do. He would never for a moment consider that if he told us what he was doing, we would support him in it and not push for him to move back home until he was done.”
“Hold that thought.” I held up a hand t
o silence her. Closing my eyes, I was hit by a strong wave of emotions. Fear and anger so strong I physically rocked back on the bed, and put my hands to my head in a futile attempt to block it out. “Something is happening,” I heard myself say.
“With Jason or Hunter?” Hannah’s voice sounded far away as I lost myself in the raging sea of emotion.
“Both.”
FORTY-EIGHT
Hunter
There was another woman at the house. Somehow, I never considered more people showing up to support Jason. He seemed to lead such a solitary life. Where were all these people coming from? First the FBI friend, then the girl, and now this new woman, who had the same no-nonsense look as the detective and the FBI agent, appeared. She was tall, and had the body of a dancer; the T-shirt she wore did nothing to hide the well-defined muscles in her arms. Her dark hair was pulled back from her face in a shiny ponytail, which bobbed along with her gestures as she spoke.
She was trying to get information, and seemed fully in control. Although, there was some urgency in her movements as I watched her from outside the house. The dark haired woman was clearly worried. Was she worried about the boy, or was she somehow connected to the girl? Either way, I was intrigued by this mysterious beauty. I wondered if I could somehow make her a part of my game. Maybe seduce her and use her to follow the investigation? The thought lasted for only a few moments, until the FBI agent approached her and rested his hand on the small of her back. Even in the midst of her ranting, she paused to give him a smile, and my newly formed half-plan died.
For his part, Jason sat stiffly on the kitchen chair. He was apparently not responding to the onslaught of anxiety being thrown his way, except to nod, or say one or two words when given the option. I was once again settled behind the house near the edge of the woods. My perch had a great view into the kitchen window. Watching from this close was a risk. Even with my ability to dull the vibrations left by my passing, there was the chance Jason would be able to tell I was around. He did seem strangely perceptive of his surroundings, even given his powers. It seemed unlikely I’d be able to sneak up on him, so perhaps it wasn’t worth trying.
Watching from a distance was probably safe enough, but when it came time for the true hunt… well, it might be time for a full on attack. Tensing in anticipation, I cringed slightly at the pain in my chest, and knew it was not yet time for such an attack. Although, from the way he was moving… Jason’s injuries might just be bad enough to even the odds for a successful attack.
However, now was still not the right time. There were two additional people in his house. And, when the woman moved to finally sit at the table with Jason, she pulled a gun out from a holster on her right side. Which happened to be facing away from the window. Both of Jason’s house guests were armed, and the only other person I’d seen at his house was also armed. What were the odds of that? So, she was either another FBI agent, or a cop. Either way, attacking now would be ill advised.
My stomach growled suddenly, reminding me how little I’d eaten that day. At this point, nothing more would be gained by sitting out in the woods watching Jason’s house. The sun had now come up enough that I would be visible if any of them looked closely enough. So with a last look at the tall, dark-haired beauty, I left.
After being stuck in the house almost all of the previous day, I had no desire to return, so I decided to go to the diner in town for breakfast. After eating I would attempt to discover the identity of the new woman in Jason’s life. Chances were that Sam and Hannah would know, but they already proved they were unwilling to share information. Threats of physical harm, and proof I would carry out those threats, didn’t sway them either. It’s not like the woman was important. Jason was my prey, so all I needed to do was separate him from the herd—the gun-wielding, law enforcement herd—and capture him.
Finishing my solitary meal of pancakes and sausage, I headed back to the woods behind Jason’s house to plan my next step. Finding out the players involved was obviously important. But how? My captives had proven their ability to hide things from me. The boy made me increasingly uncomfortable. His knowing stare seemed to penetrate to my soul. How was it that he was the captive, yet at this time I felt like the prey? The brothers were an interesting pair, making me feel apprehensive and fearful, things I felt only rarely throughout my life.
Discovering their secrets, and figuring out how they dredged up the anxiety I seldom felt, became my main priorities. Running my hands through my hair nervously, I thought about the other man’s allies: all were armed law enforcement who seemed to know him, and were willing to help him. I considered my options, and for the first time began to seriously doubt my chances of success. A one-on-one attack was my best shot. How likely was it that—knowing I was after him—Jason’s friends would allow him to go anywhere unaccompanied?
Somehow, I needed to get him by himself. It was obvious how much the other man cared for his little brother. Perhaps if I sent a message telling him I would reveal to him where Sam and the girl were hiding, but only if he met me by himself… probably not. My prey was smart enough not to fall for such an obvious ploy. On the other hand, sometimes even smart people can fall for a trick if they’re desperate enough.
There are times when a bold move can pay off. They don’t know me. I never met any of them during daylight, and an idea was beginning to form. The only problem was the anxiety and fear I was plagued with since this whole mess started. A new feeling of indecisiveness took hold, and I was once again unsure of the success of any of my plans.
A new sense of determination fought its way to the forefront of my mind. Being confident and determined were more familiar to me than the concern and panic, so I embraced it willingly. Before the random negative feelings could come over me and stop me, I decided to go ahead with my risky idea.
One quick trip to a gas station gave me a piece of paper and a pen. After thinking about how to word my message, I began to write. A few minutes later I read what was written and hoped it would work as planned, and not completely backfire. I took a deep breath, brushed the dirt from kneeling in the woods off my pants, and smoothed my hair.
Jason and I met face to face before, but it was dark. Still, there was a chance he would recognize me and call his cop friends to the door. My heart pounded in anticipation as I approached the front door. I took one more deep breath, and knocked.
A stiffly moving Jason answered the door. “Can I help you?” He seemed confused. “Sorry,” Jason added, his gaze boring into my eyes with intensity that almost made me falter. “Do I know you?”
Shaking off my uneasy feeling, I forced myself to sound natural. “I have a letter to deliver to a…” I made a show of checking the name printed on the folded up paper. “Jason? Is there someone by that name here?”
He still seemed a bit suspicious, but he nodded. “That’s me. What’s the message?”
“Here.” I handed him the letter, and tensed slightly when footsteps approached the door.
A woman’s voice called out softly, “Jason? Who is it?”
By then Jason had opened the note and read it. He looked at me, his eyes wide with fear and anger in almost equal measure, as he wondered whether he could afford to call my bluff. A few seconds passed where I was unsure what he would do. “Just a messenger, Alice. Nothing to worry about.” Narrowing my eyes at him was all it took to get him to continue. “I’ll be back in a second, okay? I just need to get some air.”
“Sure, Jason. Take your time.” The woman, Alice, replied. Her footsteps receded back to the kitchen, and Jason took a reluctant step out the door. He closed it behind him with exaggerated care.
Without a word I turned and walked away.
Jason had no choice but to follow.
FORTY-NINE
Jason
Following the man who kidnapped my brother was definitely a stupid thing to do. This risky move paled in comparison to some other things I’d done for less compelling reasons. The note was crumpled and dropped as soon
as the man turned away, a smirk on his face as he overconfidently believed he won. It was true I wouldn’t risk Sam and Hannah’s life to protect my own, but, the minute I saw my brother, I would fight the man while Sam and Hannah escaped.
When I didn’t return from ‘getting air’, Alice and Mark would come looking for me. I also thought calling the man a messenger would make her curious. Hopefully they would find the crumpled note and understand my reason for going with the killer. Leaving without the others noticing was easy when they expected me to go out to the woods anyway. Also, the murderer in front of me seemed able to blend with the shadows, so he wasn’t noticed. A quick sense of the area told me he’d been in this section of the woods, right by my house, many times recently. I shivered slightly. Knowing this deranged lunatic had been watching everything going on at my house was creepy.
The killer’s heart was pumping quickly, so he wasn’t as calm as he appeared. I suspected the quick beat had to do with his excitement at successfully separating me from my friends. “The woman,” he said, breaking the silence. “Who is she?”
Glaring, I responded coldly, “Why? You looking for another person to use as leverage against me? Forget it. She’s just a cop working the kidnapping case.”
His eyebrow raised and smirked. “Do all cops just ‘working a case’ give hugs to their witnesses?”
Still unwilling to explain who Alice was, I shrugged. “Maybe she’s just really sympathetic to the victims of crimes. How am I supposed to know?”
Still smirking, the other man turned away and kept walking. He didn’t believe me, but he also didn’t ask any more questions about her, choosing instead to ask about Mark. “How is it you work with the FBI? You don’t seem like the law enforcement type.”
Narrowing my eyes angrily, I stomped hard, raising the ground in front of him, making him trip. “You know nothing about me, and that’s how it’s going to stay. Stop asking.”
Hunter Page 18