James grunted.
Senator Johnston sighed and shook his head. “At that point, I wanted to go to you, but the task force decided on a different plan. Two teams of bounty hunters and a Special Forces team. The idea was to distract the Council by hitting them at some of their backup locations and force them to a known rally point where our soldiers would ambush them. First bounty hunter team got slaughtered. Second team took heavy losses, but they took out one of the Council. Maybe you’ve heard of them—the Wu family.”
James nodded. “Yeah. I’ve never run into them, but I’ve heard they are kickass bounty hunters.”
“Only two of the daughters survived.” The senator looked into the distance for a moment before frowning. “Those attacks were simultaneous. Even though the bounty hunters took heavy losses, the plan basically worked. The bulk of the Council was forced to their primary rally point in Montana. We distracted them with a missile barrage and then snuck in a shitload of Special Forces. Good news is that we took down a lot of their people and finished off another of the Council members, but they did some sort of crazy summoning magic. I don’t know how to describe it. It was like they made demons rain from the sky. Our men were overwhelmed.”
James grunted. “Yeah. I’ve had to deal with that kind of shit. Fucking annoying.”
The senator stared at him for a moment. “You’re one of the few people on the planet who could dismiss dealing with summoned monsters as just being ‘fucking annoying.’”
The bounty hunter shrugged. “It sounds like you got a lot of people killed.”
“Not going to deny that. Every move against these people shows how dangerous they are, and yes, a lot of good men and women are dead, but we’ve wounded the Council and cut down on their resources. They’ve lost a pile of their own people, and there’re only four out of the six left.” Senator Johnston pointed at James. “And this is where you come in. You’re a man who gets things done. We need the biggest damned boots in the country to squash these roaches, and that’s you, son. This is a level-six bounty, with the normal money accompanying it. The federal government is more than willing to pay a huge bonus, too. That’d be enough cash to swim in if you wanted. Good deal, and it doesn’t hurt to earn a few favors in high places.”
James snorted. “I didn’t need fucking high favors when the government tried to block my daughter’s adoption.”
The senator held up a hand. “The government’s a big entity, son. If you care about your daughter, you should help us take down these Council bastards. For all you know, they might decide to go after her next. You already stopped them once. They might harbor a grudge.”
James’ jaw clenched, and his hands curled into fists. “Going after my daughter would be a big mistake.”
“From what I understand, their men already got on your bad side by kidnapping your girlfriend. Isn’t that enough reason to go after them? If the huge amount of money doesn’t sway you, I mean.”
“I killed the men who kidnapped my girlfriend.” James shrugged. “And who gives a shit about the money? Can’t spend money if I’m dead.”
“Well, now, this I didn’t expect.” The senator shook his head. “The Granite Ghost, the Scourge of Harriken, the great James Brownstone is afraid of someone?”
The bounty hunter locked eyes with the senator. “I’m not a fucking moron who’ll toss myself into the furnace just because some politician questions how big my dick is. What you’ve told me is that you guys keep fucking up, and now you’re desperate.”
The other man shrugged. “Yes, we are, but I wanted you from the beginning. I know that if we’d had you, a lot of good men and women would still be alive.”
James frowned and leaned back. He didn’t give a shit about cleaning up after the government, but the Council bastards had planned an attack on LA that had ended with good cops getting killed, and they’d been prepared to kill Shay, Lieutenant Hall, and the security guards just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The government’s attacks had bloodied their noses, and it was good a time as any to kick them while they were down. The senator did have a point. The Council might decide to come after James in the future because of what he’d done. He might as well take the fight to them first.
“Fine,” he rumbled. “But if you want this done, I want complete support when I ask for it. Otherwise, stay the fuck out of my way. I’m not taking orders from anyone, and I don’t want anyone crying if a building or two blows up by the time this is over. I’m not filing reports or asking permission for shit, either.”
Senator Johnston nodded. “You just be you, son. That’s what I want, and that’s why I’m here. I’ll make sure you get access to the relevant intelligence we’ve gathered.”
James shrugged. “Fine, but I’ve got my own people who know how to find things out. I’m more interested in political help in case I do blow up a building. Shit like that. I also might need quick transport or portals or some shit to get to these bastards. I doubt they’re going to be hanging out in LA after the ass-kicking I gave them last time.”
“I’ll get what you need, son. I’m no wizard, but from what I’ve been told, magical portals might not work again. They’ll be ready for that, but if you need insertion, we’ll get you there fast and in style.” The senator pulled a business card out of his wallet and set it on James’ desk. “If you need something, text me, and I’ll get it taken care of.” He pulled out a black tube with a small display and set it on the desk. “This is an authenticator. I’ll be sending you information on how to access the relevant briefing files. You’ll need this to access it.”
James picked up the card and stared at it. “Fine. I’ll take this on for now, but if I so much as smell a hint of the idea that you’re fucking me over, I’ll drop this monkey on your back again.”
The senator shook his head. “Won’t be a problem. I’m a sonofabitch, but I’m a fair one.” He stood and offered James his hand. “Pleasure to work with you, son.”
The bounty hunter shook the man’s hand. Senator Johnston opened the door to the office and stepped out, closing the door behind him.
James took a deep breath.
Shit. Time for all hands on deck. Better have Charlyce call the Vegas team back.
He pulled out his phone and dialed Shay.
“What’s up?” she answered.
“You and Peyton busy?”
“Nope. Why?”
James grunted. “Just got done talking with a senator. Negotiating, just like you told the Professor. I’m going to call Heather after talking to you. It’s time to go after the Council.”
“Good. I was bored anyway. I’ll get Peyton going, but I think I’m going to have Lily sit this one out. She isn’t ready yet for these kinds of bastards.”
“Fine by me. This isn’t going to be a tomb raid. This is fucking war.”
Tyler sighed as he watched a blonde in a tight red dress saunter into the Black Sun. She just wasn’t doing anything for him. He now preferred his women tougher, darker-haired, and in uniform.
Kathy smirked as she finished polishing a glass. “I’ve seen that look.”
“What look?”
“Nothing.” She winked. “Just the look of a man with someone in particular on his mind.”
Tyler frowned and opened his mouth to offer a retort when his phone buzzed. He pulled it out and narrowed his eyes. It was a text from Brownstone.
I need the best to poke around in the dark web. Got a huge pile of cash for this one. Possible death if we fuck up though. You in? JB.
The information broker tilted his head as he stared down at the text. “What’s his angle?”
Kathy stopped smirking. “Whose angle?”
“Brownstone wants my help, but he isn’t exactly making it sound safe.”
The brunette shrugged. “Is there money involved? Aren’t you the one who’s always bitching about needing to find new ways to make money off him?”
“A huge pile of cash, he says.”
“Well, there you go.” Kathy crossed her arms and leaned against the bar. “Then what’s the problem? You like money.”
Tyler frowned. “He also mentioned possible death. I kind of like living more than I like money.”
She snorted. “So what? We’ve all got to go sometime. Don’t worry, if you die, I’ll make sure your bar prospers. We’ll have an annual Tyler Day where we raise a glass in your honor.”
Tyler rolled his eyes. “I’m sure you would.”
Why should I bother? he texted back. That shit was dangerous enough last time.
Same guys, and it’s time to finish this shit. We just got the lackeys before. Time to fuck up the people calling the shots. Don’t be a pussy. Strap on a cup and saddle up.
Tyler sighed and pursed his lips. “When did I grow a fucking backbone? This shit is bad for business.”
Kathy grinned. “Says the man who admits to himself he used to have a shit bar before he hooked up with Brownstone.”
He glared at her. “I didn’t ‘hook up’ with Brownstone. I just made some smart bets.”
“Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
Tyler snorted. “I’m probably going to be busy the next few days, if not weeks, which means you’re going to be twice as busy covering for me.”
Kathy shrugged. “Works for me. Means more tips. Men always tip me more than they tip you.”
“That’s just because you’re hot.”
She smirked. “Guilty as charged.”
Tyler snorted and texted Brownstone again.
That pile of money better be so big I can swim in it.
Brownstone texted back immediately.
Don’t worry. You’ll get what you have coming. Your place, closing time.
Maria yawned. She’d read the Homeland Security Daily Enhanced Threat Bulletin several times. She wasn’t even sure why. It wasn’t a dynamic report. It wasn’t as if some new local threat would spontaneously appear.
Need something to do. I’m too bored to even yell at Weber.
Her phone buzzed with a text. She looked down and furrowed her brow.
“Why is Shay texting me?”
You ready for Night at the Museum, part deux? Might have to go a little unofficial on this. Having a little meeting tonight to discuss it.
Where?
Black Sun, closing.
I’m at least willing to listen.
See you then, Shay texted back.
The lieutenant frowned and glanced at her watch. Her shift was over soon.
If I’m going to do this shit, I better be ready. Time to pay Dannec a little visit.
Smite-Williams was exploring the fine flavor profile of an Irish Stout when his phone buzzed with a text from James.
Okay, I’m in on the bounty. Can you offer some support?
The Professor chuckled to himself.
Much like you, lad, I don’t work for free.
Last time I checked, you still owed me a few favors. And who knows what we’ll find? If you want a voice at this party, you need to have fucking skin in the game.
Smite-Williams sighed. “When did this boy get so smart? I need to stop training him so well.”
All right, lad. I’m in for support, and I’ll put down some cash, too, but I’ll need a few things in exchange.
A few seconds passed before Brownstone texted back, We’ll talk.
James knocked on the door and waited. It didn’t take that long until Zoe opened it.
The potions witch blinked several times. “Why, James, I haven’t heard of you being involved in any savagery lately. What brings you to my door?” She looked him up and down, a smirk building on her face. “Is your woman working you too hard? Do you need a little pick-me-up?”
He snorted. “Nah, but that’d be funny if you could really make that happen. It’d be a good practical joke.”
Zoe tilted her head, her gaze still roaming over his body and muscles. “Again I have to ask, why are you here?”
“Simple shit. I need to know how to get my hands on five hundred healing potions.”
The potions witch stared at him, her mouth agape. Several seconds passed before she could muster a response. “You want five hundred potions? Are you planning to invade Oriceran and defeat all the Light Elves single-handedly? Who are you going to wipe out?”
James shook his head. “A certain group has gotten my attention. They’re a little tougher than my normal bounties, but most of the potions aren’t for me. They’re for my guys, regular humans. Probably just five for me. Ten tops.”
Zoe ran a hand through her hair and took a deep breath. “When would you need all these potions? You are aware of how expensive they’ll be?”
“In about two weeks.” He shrugged. “Bonus if you can get them faster, but at least get it going. The money isn’t a problem. I’ve got plenty.”
“Okay, then. You do realize I’ll have to recruit aid for this job.”
James nodded. “Knock yourself out. I’ll pay what I need to. Just make sure I have those potions. Pretty soon a lot of people are gonna get hurt, and I want to make sure my guys survive.”
“I… Very well then.” Zoe sighed and shrugged.
He waved to the witch and walked back toward his F-350. She stared after him, shaking her head.
10
James looked at the crew assembled around the table: Shay, Trey, Tyler, and Lieutenant Hall. He wasn’t sure about the rules concerning cops helping with bounties off-duty, but he didn’t care to ask. At this point, he wanted all the help he could get.
He had just finished explaining the basic job and the fates of the previous teams. The last thing he wanted was to bullshit anyone about the danger involved.
Trey whistled. “Damn, big man, you sure know how to build up expectations. You sure even you haven’t bitten off more than you can chew?”
James snorted. “The last time I went up against these people I didn’t die. A lot of them did, and this time I’m not chasing after them worried about Shay.”
Shay sighed.
Tyler shook his head. “I’ll help you with collecting information, but I think this time I want to avoid following you around. I’m an information broker, not a bounty hunter.”
Shay frowned. “If we’re going to do this right, we need good information. We’ll have to surprise them. At least from what you’ve said, James, these Council bastards have lost a lot of their frontline pawns, so that’ll help, but this can’t just be us kicking a door and hoping for the best. We need to know a hundred percent what the fuck we’re walking into and be properly prepared for it.”
James grunted and nodded. “Agreed. The only thing is, I don’t trust this government shit, not after what happened to General Francis. According to the information the senator gave me, there was at least one person on the task force working for the Council. Who the fuck knows about spies in the Army or Paranormal Defense Agency? If there is one roach, there’s always more.”
Tyler nodded. “Not saying I disagree, but what’s your plan then?”
The bounty hunter pointed at him. “You already mentioned it. We collect our own information. You, Heather, and Peyton. You’re all used to poking the dark corners of the criminal world anyway, probably more so even than a lot of the government’s spies. I’ll ask the senator for help as we need it, and we’ve also got the Professor to check around, and he’s got a lot of magical contacts.”
Maria furrowed her brow. “I’ll see what I can pass along. As long as it’s not being held up as part of an official investigation, I should be able to at least give you some information from the national law enforcement sources.” She chuckled and smiled at Shay. “This time I guess I’m the consultant.”
The other woman grinned.
“Sounds good,” James rumbled. “Yeah, to be totally clear, I don’t want to do shit until we know who they are, where they are, and what we might be facing. If we can’t take them out, then fuck it. We’ll pass the information along to the government and the
y can send a dragon after their ass or something, but if we can take them out, we need to. That’s the only way we’re making money off this.” He looked around at everyone. “I want this crystal-fucking-clear. These people are dangerous. If they know we’re sniffing around, they might come at us. If anyone wants out, fine by me, but if you stay in, we’ll take these fuckers out, and we’ll make a shitload of money.”
Trey cleared his throat. “I’ve got your back, big man. You know I do, but as much of a badass as I am, I also know that me and my boys ain’t Special Forces. How are we supposed to take on magic folks?”
“You aren’t. Not right away. Whatever happens, won’t happen for a few weeks as we gather information. You’re gonna train and help collect information in the meantime. By the time we’re ready to go, you’ll be better equipped to deal with magical shit. I’ve got a lot of healing potions coming our way, and I’ll be getting you all some anti-magic deflectors. Maybe I’ll talk to Zoe to see if she knows someone who can get me a bunch of them.”
Trey nodded, a thoughtful look on his face.
Maria coughed. “I know a guy. He isn’t exactly on the right side of the law. That said, he might provide bulk discounts, but he isn’t cheap.”
James grunted. “Good enough. I’ve got plenty of money sitting around doing nothing. Just get me the supplies I need. If he’s got anti-magic bullets or other useful shit, I’m interested in buying them, too.”
She laughed. “You’re about to make someone really rich and yourself much poorer.”
“Don’t care as long as it ends with the Council dead.” James stood. “Step one, we find out everything we can. Step two, we arm up. Step three, we kick their asses. Are you all still in?”
Fatal Mistake: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstone Book 11) Page 8