by R Weir
“Well there are a few of my friends in town who might be interested,” Malina announced joyfully, the combination of matching one of them with Hunter always lingering in the back of her mind. “I’m certain you could bed them in a heartbeat. But who knows, true love could be found here on the islands.”
Hunter grinned at the thought of possible passion but knew there wouldn’t be time.
“Thank you, but I don’t plan on being here any longer than it will take to gather up Keoki and fly back to the mainland.”
Malina sighed in disappointment. “Such a shame a hunk like you living day to day in one-night stands.”
Malina continued to stare at Hunter, trying to break through his tough exterior. It was a move she did each time he came around. He’d grown accustomed to it and didn’t worry about her efforts to save him. He knew his life wasn’t all that it should be. In time he might find a better way, with one woman who cared for him. For now though, he was who he was.
From behind them, they heard a door opening, as the dogs ran to see who it was. Keoki had returned with several fish hooked on the cord stringer. He flopped them on the kitchen counter, before removing his rain jacket and petting the two dogs, who were thrilled to see him. He then walked into the room and smiled seeing the familiar faces, as Malina stood to go over and kiss him. Hunter rose to shake his hand, which was wet from the rain and fish.
“Good to see you,” said Keoki. “Been a few years. I’m assuming you aren’t hear for a social visit.”
“I’d have called…” replied Hunter, leaving the thought unfinished
“Amazing how one can live without the constant rings and chimes of a phone spewing text messages and emails.”
“True but you miss out on all the deals of two-for-one bargains, but I digress,” joked Hunter. “I have a job I could use your help with. Pay is quite good.”
Keoki’s eyes lit up much like Malina’s did earlier. “How much?”
Hunter gave him an amount. One that would increase depending on the time involved.
“Hard to turn that down,” declared Keoki with a joyful smirk. “What will I be doing?”
“Making certain two teenagers and their parents remain safe?”
“From whom?”
“We aren’t certain. That is what I will be working on once I get a team together.”
“The usual members will be there I assume.”
“That’s my plan.”
Keoki paused, wondering if he should bring up a name. “Would that include…Athena?”
Hunter knew it wouldn’t take long before Keoki brought Athena up. Their history had been long and turbulent, even more so than with Paige. But she was tough and reliant, which mattered more than their past personal problems.
“It’s up to her. I have a call out, but I haven’t received an answer back.”
“Last time we worked together I believe she threatened to cut off your manhood with that knife she carries.” Keoki laughed. He appeared to enjoy the thought of mutilation a little too much.
“I’m sure Hunter saw it as harmless flirting,” quipped Malina. “He is quite talented at reading a woman’s wants and desires.”
Hunter shook his head in denial, as he didn’t perceive it that way at all. Athena’s anger at him was well deserved. His allergy towards commitment and monogamy had pissed her off. Though he believed castration was a bit rash when it came to her response.
“When do you need me to leave?” inquired Keoki.
“There is a private jet sitting at the airport waiting for us now,” replied Hunter. “There have been three attempts, the last one caused the loss of life to one of the security guards who had been previously hired, the other two injured.”
“That’s not a lot of notice,” uttered Malina with disappointment in her voice.
“I know…I was just called in yesterday. The latest attempt made the mother desperate. She contacted me even though we have a past romantic history. She realizes the best is what is needed to protect her kids. And we’re it.”
“A romantic history,” moaned Malina. “Interesting…”
“She’s happily married now,” answered Hunter, shaking a finger at her. “You can rule out thoughts of us getting back together.”
Malina frowned, her nosy concern in Hunter’s love life annoying him, though he knew it wasn’t malicious.
“It appears I need to pack,” remarked Keoki. “I’m assuming I will need clothing warmer than shorts and t-shirts?”
“It’s springtime in the Rockies,” replied Hunter. “Could be cold and snow one day, and seventy the next. If you need warmer stuff you can always buy it there.”
Malina stood and linked her arm with Keoki’s. “I will help you. It will give us a chance to say goodbye properly.”
Hunter laughed, an inkling of what was on her mind. She was a passionate woman, who completely loved Keoki, for better or worse. A feeling he had shared from the day they met eighteen years ago.
Ekualo pulled Hunter aside. “Make sure he comes back in one piece. They’re working on starting a family, and I can’t imagine her happiness without him.”
“Is Malina expecting?” asked Hunter, a thrilling expression on his face.
“They were, but she lost the baby in the first trimester a few weeks ago. They have to wait a couple of months before trying again.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” stated Hunter sadly, a pain he’d never experienced. “How is she and Keoki handling it?”
“There was a lot of sadness at first, but their beliefs and prayer are carrying them through.”
Prayer and faith were powerful in times like these. Hunter had never been a religious man but knew for many it was avenue for dealing with tragedy and sadness.
It was about twenty minutes before Keoki came out with his luggage, a smile of satisfaction on his face.
“Malina is resting, as she’s tired,” he said, but not explaining further. “I’m ready to go. Being we’re flying on a private jet; I’m assuming I can bring my handgun and knives?”
“Yes.” Hunter laughed, “There is no security we need to worry about.”
Keoki slapped Hunter on the back. “Let’s get this party started.”
Chapter 8
Detective Scanlon was spending his Saturday at the Hawkins’ home, providing protection at the request of Hunter until he returned from his trip to Hawaii. Decked out in blue jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers, he enjoyed a causal day away from the hectic police world. He hoped it would stay quiet, as he wandered the large two-story home alert for any security issues.
The Hawkins’ family had been stuck inside since the attack on the limo two days earlier. The kids kept home from school, while Jose and Paige worked from home until full-time security could be put in place. Olivia grumbled constantly, wanting to go out, especially on Friday night with her friends and see a movie. But her parents were adamant she couldn’t venture beyond their home property line. A few temper tantrums later, she calmed down and spent the night and most of Saturday, in her room. Her father checked to make sure she hadn’t snuck out. A stunt the teenager had pulled in the past.
While Deion was plopped in front of the TV, wireless game controller in hand, playing Assassin’s Creed, God of War and Spiderman on his PlayStation, not once worrying about missing school or going outside to enjoy the warming spring weather. A fact his father often scolded him about, but in this case he was pleased that his couch-potato son was not bitching like his sister.
Scanlon wandered the outside perimeter at times, scoping out the several acres of open grass land, making sure all looked secure. He also checked in on the officer at the security gate, confirming he was awake. Scanlon couldn’t blame the officer if he did fall asleep, his job of sitting at the gate in his squad car was hardly stimulating. The waiting was challenging for all but keeping the family safe was more important than their discomfort.
Joining Scanlon on his strolls was the black lab Pepper, who ran loose, sniffing eve
rything in sight, marking his territory, curious at what the detective was doing. The dog crossed the landscape of the walled in multi-acre lot as if he owned it, ever vigilant for birds, rabbits or squirrels to chase after. Scanlon had always liked dogs and was happy the lab was there patrolling his territory. Canines could often sense danger before humans.
Given free reign of the house, Scanlon grabbed a soda, his internal system craving caffeine, a vice he’d not shaken during his time on the force. Strong coffee at the station was always available to spark the adrenaline. He popped the can and found a seat at the solid oak dining room table, when a call came on the radio that was hooked to his belt.
“There’s a woman at the gate, asking to come in,” spoke the officer on watch through the speaker. “Says she was called by Hunter Divine. According to her ID her name is Athena Nasso.”
Scanlon had been given two names of who might stop by while Hunter was away, and Athena had been one of them.
“Let her in,” responded Scanlon, confirming her name from his list. “Tell her to park in one of the spots near the driveway and I’ll meet her there.”
Before moving outside, Scanlon finished his soda, tossing the can away in the recycle container before checking the Beretta in his shoulder holster, the comfort of having it handy reassuring. He didn’t expect trouble, but caution was warranted after the previous attack.
Once outside he saw the full-sized gray Ford sedan park, the passenger stepping out. Scanlon had been given a basic description for the two names given to him. Athena matched one closely; six foot and 150 solid pounds of woman. She was black, but with a mix of Greek on her mother’s side. Her tight curled afro was short on top, while the longer braided hair in the back touched her shoulders. Her faded blue jeans, satin yellow top, covered with a burgundy swede leather coat, fit her form as if tailored for it. Her black leather boots, with moderate heal added another inch to her height. As she glided towards Scanlon, she removed her wrap-around sunglasses, uncertain who was approaching.
“Hello Athena,” he said, extending his hand. “I’m Detective Tim Scanlon with the Colorado Springs police department.”
She nodded, her hand grasping his for a split second, before pulling away. Athena’s history with cops hadn’t always been pleasant. Leading to her curt nature when meeting one.
“Is Hunter here?” she asked, putting her sunglasses inside her jacket pocket.
“He isn’t. He is off in Hawaii, tracking down someone who he hopes will be helping with the security.”
“Ah yes, Keoki,” she said knowingly. “Hates tech and is hard to get a hold of. His bias is pure paranoia.” Her eyes rolled, before changing the subject. “I’m guessing Hunter told you about me?”
“Not in much detail. Only a name and a description. Mentioned your aversion to police officers though. Hopefully that won’t be an issue between us.”
She shrugged. “I will do my best to be civil, if you will.” She knew it wouldn’t take much for her civility to wane. At least in this case she wasn’t the one on the bad side of an investigation.
“Of course. I’ll go against my cop training and be friendly.” Scanlon grinned at his humor. “Hunter wasn’t sure you were coming, since he hadn’t heard from you.”
Athena grimaced. “We’re not on the best of terms.”
Scanlon shrugged his head in surprise. “Since you’re here, I’m assuming it will not be an issue with the job at hand.”
“Hunter and I can work together. If we aren’t around each other every waking minute I have no issue. Besides he said the money would be…generous.”
Scanlon frowned. “I wouldn’t know, as I’m paid by the city. I’m not allowed to take any additional side money in this case. But knowing the family, money is not an issue for them, as you can tell by the house. Shall we head inside?”
Athena nodded following Scanlon through the front door. He gave her a quick tour of the lower level, before running into Paige, whom he introduced.
“That is quite a grip,” stated Paige, after shaking her hand. “It would appear you’re quite strong.”
“And dangerous, which I’m assuming is necessary for the work at hand.” Athena spoke the words with conviction.
“Yes, it is. Did Hunter fill you in on what is going on?”
“He did not. He only mentioned work and pay. He isn’t one to prattle on when requesting assistance.”
Paige grinned, recognizing Hunter’s personal trait. “Yes, that is Hunter in a nutshell. Sounds like you know him well.”
“Well enough to know I don’t care for him on certain levels. But it won’t be an issue while working.”
Paige looked at her, wondering what he had done. It may have been like what had happened to her and Hunter all those years ago. It would seem the tiger’s spots hadn’t changed, but she didn’t care to dwell on it.
“I have a daughter and son, who need protecting. People have tried to kidnap one or both on three separate occasions.”
“What are their ages?”
“Olivia will be turning eighteen next week. Deion recently turned fifteen.”
Athena looked at Scanlon. “Do you know who is trying to take them?”
“Not yet,” replied Scanlon. “We’re working on that aspect of the case but have no real leads at this time. There’s the father of Olivia, but he has not been around for many years. Hunter plans on getting security in place and then going to see what he can find out. And we’ll try tracking down the culprits as well.”
“Sounds like I’ll need to wait until Hunter returns. When do you expect him?”
“He didn’t say,” mentioned Paige. “Probably sometime tomorrow. We have plenty of rooms we can set you up in. I’m assuming you brought luggage.”
“Yes, including tools of the trade,” answered Athena, her eyes scanning the space. “Any other kids in the house?”
“No, only the two.”
“Good. There are items I have in my possession I don’t need younger kids to mess with.”
Paige’s expression grew concerned. “What are you talking about?”
“Weapons—for defense. Your children need to understand to leave them alone.”
Paige frowned. “I’m not sure I like this.”
“If you want your kids protected, they’ll be necessary,” explained Scanlon, while tapping his own gun. “The bad guys used heavy artillery in the last attempt. They will likely continue the onslaught until they are successful.”
“Best to expound to them that these items aren’t toys,” added Athena. “Only a person skilled in their use should handle them.” She was stressing this to prevent any types of accidents.
“Can we lock them away?” wondered Paige.
“Not practical,” replied Athena, with a stern glare. “If they’re locked away, then it makes it challenging for me to access them on short notice. We’ll take precautions, but they need to be handy in case we have to act quickly.”
Paige didn’t like it but knew there wasn’t a lot of choice considering their circumstances. She hoped they could put an end to this nightmare in short order.
Athena excused herself and went outside. It wasn’t long before she returned wheeling her luggage and carrying a bag over her shoulder which appeared heavy. Marlis the housekeeper showed her to a room on the second floor, where she unpacked. Besides several changes of clothes, she unpacked two 9mm handguns, a long-range rifle and scope, extra ammunition, knives and a pair of fighting batons. She laid everything out on the bed, making sure all was accounted for, having picked up the items shortly after arriving in town from a contact she knew.
Once she was satisfied that everything was there, she placed the rifle under the bed, disassembled and back in its case, while moving the other weapons to the top drawer of the dresser. Finding the shoulder holster, she slipped it on over her blouse, then placed one of the stainless steel P226 9MM Sig Sauer’s away in the holster. She then put away all her clothes neatly in the remaining dresser drawers.
Feeling tired from the flight, she sat down in a nice leather chair in the corner, with her feet up, closing her eyes relaxing away the afternoon waiting for Hunter to return.
***
The SoDo area of Seattle, aptly named for the industrial district south of downtown, is home of professional sports, entertainment and the world headquarters of Starbucks. It included many bars and restaurants, one of which, SoDo Suds, was where Athena worked for her day job, several years ago. She mixed drinks behind the bar, and when patrons got out of hand, she managed to bounce them out on their ear if warranted. The tips were excellent, her smile and genuine concern for the customers made their wallets generously open. The alcohol in their blood didn’t hurt their generosity either.
One evening her best friend—Penny—who also worked as a waitress, walked in with her head down as she came behind the counter to store her purse for safe keeping. Athena nodded her way, but she didn’t respond, keeping her eyes lowered, she went into the back for an apron. Athena excused herself from her customers and followed her. Walking into the back Athena got a good look at the bruises and welts on her friend’s face. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen this and knew who the cause of it was.
“The asshole did it to you again,” Athena remarked bitterly. “What was his excuse this time for striking you?”
Penny’s sullen look and attempt at using makeup to cover up the injuries, weren’t successful in hiding how she felt. Athena came over to hug her, Penny now crying, her face in her hands. Penny flinched, her torso painful to the touch, showcasing more damage inflicted by a man Athena loathed.
“He was drunk,” she explained through the sobs.
“Surprise, surprise. You need to leave this idiot. He is going to kill you if you don’t get out from under him.” Her friend pulled away from Athena, wiping the tears from her face. “If he won’t leave, then move in with me. Enough is enough.”