

Framer

**By** Ben **Abix**

_Tropix Publishing_

_Fargo_
Copyright © 2015 by Tropix Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Tropix Publishing

Fargo, ND 58103

 www.benabix.com

 benabix@benabix.com

# Table Of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

#  Chapter 1

Ducking under the next surf break, Colt paddled the board out under a cloudless sky. He was just off Zuma Beach in southern California, and the waves were larger than usual on that mid-May afternoon. Alden, Colt's best friend, was nearly forty yards further out, despite no other surfers in his general vicinity. After connecting eyes, Alden yelled through the crashing sounds of water, "Colt! Dude, you got to get out here, they're setting up much nicer and the ride is gonna definitely be longer, bro. C'mon man, let's do this."

Colt could sense a bit of resentment coming from Alden, especially if he didn't paddle out that far. After turning his head away, Colt pulled it right back. "Yeah man, I'll be right out there. Just wait, so we can go together on the next wave."

"I ain't going anywhere; I'll just tan my beautiful mug while your old bones comes out." Colt could only laugh to himself, while staring into the shiny waters below; noticing the ocean's sandy bottom had now disappeared. In knowing they hadn't ever gone beyond that distance from shore before, he suddenly felt the water's depth was now, seemingly intimidating. After reaching Alden, he tapped his chest before pointing his own board's nose back towards the beach.

Colt then stared at Zuma Canyon off in the distance, feeling the gentle waves roll underneath. "So Aldzie, how's things goin' with you and the missus? I know you guys have been on the rocks as of late, but is there any room for reconciliation?"

Alden looked over from the beaming sunshine blasting about his face. "Yeah man, she's like really hormonal, or something. It just seems that when shit's going smooth, she's on the rag again, despite just gettin' off. Yeah....I don't know what to do with that filly."

Colt quickly snapped his eyes back for the next set of waves. "Look, man, the next group looks pretty tight! Get off the vanity train and put your belly on the board, they're coming dude." Alden spun off his back, and placed his chest onto the wet surfboard, now anticipating the oversized wave. Just then Colt looked down, astonished. "Dude....there's at least two sharks right underneath us, don't splash around!"

Alden looked down, witnessing a smaller shark accompanying a much larger one, both seemingly of the same species. In that moment, fear nearly froze both men, just before the wave started to lift them higher. They both paddled quickly, focusing intently on not falling off the board to the potential of death below. Alden could then envision the larger shark chasing him underwater, poising itself to eventually attack within a few seconds.

After managing to stand on the board enveloped in panic, Colt looked back as Alden had lost his balance nearly half way back to the beach. For a moment, Colt couldn't figure on what to do. Go out and help, knowing there were sharks within fifty yards, or stay in the shallows, standing and watching? Through seconds of contemplation, he paddled back to Alden with intense fear, knowing it could get ugly within moments. He then connected with Alden's scared eyes. "Let's go, man, I don't know if they're circulating around or what. Let's cruise!"

Alden snatched his floating surfboard nearly five feet away, and then quickly slid it under his lean frame. "Dude, the big one just bumped me a second ago; get the fuck back to the beach, hurry!" They proceeded to continue the forty yard push, both feeling as if that short journey would never finish.

After they made it to a three foot depth, both stood with boards in hand, looking back into the frothy surf. Alden could only shake his head, walking briskly towards sandy beach ahead. "Hey man, that shit was crazy! I mean, I saw the motherfucker underwater. He just rolled up me like he was gonna take a big chunk out of my ass, and then banged his nose against my leg."

Colt shook the debris out of his towel, and then draped it over the sand. "That's enough to make a guy shit himself. As a matter of fact, I better check to see if I did just that."

Alden looked up, fear still emitting from his dark brown eyes. "Yeah, man, now I know why those fuckers at the life insurance place asked me those questions about surfing, skydiving, racing cars, scuba diving....you know, all that fun shit."

Colt pushed his fingers through his slightly wet, brown hair. "You know that shit doesn't surprise me. It's like a painter climbing that ladder every day, the chances of him falling get better every time he goes up. What kind do ya think they were?"

Alden stared at the waves that crashed against the randomly scattered rocks. "I don't know what the little one was, but I'm pretty sure the big one was a great white. And you get bit by one of those it's a blood bath, to say the least."

Both men sat quietly, contemplating the other possibilities that could have transpired, and how it could have changed, or ended their young lives. Colt then looked down the beach, noticing a beautiful blonde making for them in the distance. He abruptly looked back to Alden, smiling. "You know who that is, man?"

Alden squinted, trying to make out her long frame as she closed on them with each step. "Yeah, that's Liz. And the hos behind her are her sidekicks, Amanda and Jesse."

"Oh shit, that clan? Apparently she and what's his face are off nowadays, and she's looking for some other beefcake," Colt replied.

Alden laughed, just before her presence was fully made.

"Hey guys," Liz said, anxiously.

Alden stared at her maroon bikini, smiling perfectly, "Hey ladies! How's it goin?"

"Oh, we're just a little bored, so we thought we'd take a little walk down the beach, and figured we'd see you guys down here surfing."

Colt anxiously brushed some sand off of his knees. "Yeah, we were surfing, but I wouldn't go swimming right now."

Liz pulled her sunglasses up, revealing her seductive brown eyes. "Why? Oh, don't tell me."

"Yeah, there were two sons of a bitches out there; one bumped Alden here, and damn near took a hunk out of his ass."

Liz's eyes widened, while Amanda snickered and Jesse stared into the surf in shock. Liz then sat next to Colt. "Yeah, I don't think we'll be swimming today, or maybe ever again on this beach."

Colt then glanced at all three girls. "Yeah, so what else is happening with you chicks?"

Jesse looked at Alden, smiling. "We were just wondering if you guys wanted to come over to the party house tonight. We're throwing a little send-off shindig for Kari, she's transferring to USC next week."

Alden looked at Colt with a slight grin. "What do ya think, man, they're usually wild nights over at the ole Omega Sigma." Colt could only think of Liz's possessive boyfriend. "What's the deal with Larry, is that freakazoid gonna be there?"

"Yes....you mean Carey. And yeah, I'm sure he'll show up with his friends. But that shouldn't stop you guys from hanging and having fun. By the way, he's really not my boyfriend, at least not right now," Liz remarked.

Colt then looked towards Alden, suspicious. "I guess I'm down, if you are." Alden just nodded, and then looked back at Jesse.

Liz suddenly put her dainty hand on Colt's lower leg. "So, we'll see you guys there. You shouldn't have to bring any beer they're having a Fat Tire keg. How about nine or ten; is that cool?"

Colt tilted his sunglasses down, stared into her eyes and replied, "Yeah, that'll be fun. We'll see you honeys later on tonight, then."

Liz smiled, and then stood up, turning to the fit guys. "See you guys, and don't be a no show! You just gave us your word."

Alden nonchalantly pointed in Jesse's direction. "Oh don't worry, we'll show up. It'll be a good time." All three young ladies then smiled to varying degrees, before starting back to their respective area down the beach.

Colt looked at Alden, after pushing his sunglasses up to his head. "Hey man, those girls are smokin' hot, that's not the issue here. It's those fucking roid-head boyfriends that get my dander up. That's why I was a little reluctant to commit, you know what I'm saying?"

"They're not the only bitches that are gonna be there. There's plenty of room to hop on the Alden train! I don't discriminate, especially with large quantities of beer in me."

Colt laughed, partially thinking about the sharks that randomly cruised the surf. "Yeah, you've been known to be a chubby chaser at parties. There's been many a time when you've woke up with a yummy bigger than you. Am I right, slim?"

Alden pondered his response through his boyish smile. "You've just got to rub my dick in the dirt, after having a couple in the sack. Hey, they've always said, the more cushion, the more pushin'."

Colt responded, "Yeah, man, whatever gets your rod hard, that's all that matters, right?"

Alden shook his head, still looking at the girls walk away. "Hey....I was meaning to ask you how the sports management thing is going for you; I mean, is it everything you expected it to be, or is that shit harder than you thought it would be?"

Colt grabbed his sunglasses, and then pulled them over his aching eyes again. "Yeah, being a sports agent is kind of what I've always wanted to be. I'm not saying I'm doing as good as I should be, but all in all, it's gonna be a good thing, I think. What about you, sailor, what's the dilly with the computer hacker wannabe?"

Alden sheepishly said, "Yeah, it's going alright, but maybe the partying is getting in the way a tad bit. My GPA went from 2.8 to 2.5 last semester, but I don't know if it's gonna be enough to get me into my advanced computer science classes, though. What I'm saying is that a guy came up to me after class the other day."

Colt slowly pulled his attention away from the mirror-like Pacific. "Yeah, what do ya mean some guy?"

Alden swallowed, being slow and pensive to respond. "Colt, this dude is ripped like us! I don't know how he found me, maybe it was working out one day, I can't recall. Anyway, he asked me if I wanted to go into some training, down in the Caribbean."

Colt looked back at him, perplexed, "Training?"

Alden started to bite his lip before responding. "Yep, I guess it's some training for underground cats looking to take on assignments....that they're given from various entities."

Colt started to nervously smile through his vagueness, "Assignments from various entities? That sounds like some covert James Bond shit, Alden. Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"Well, what do you think I'm saying?"

Colt swallowed thinking of his life and where this conversation was ultimately headed. "Do you have any specifics on what this dude was asking of you, or is he keeping you in the dark?"

Alden looked into Colt's tinted sunglasses, seeing his own reflection. "I told him about you, how fit you are, and that you could perhaps be of assistance, as well."

"You offered me up for something you don't even know that much about?" Colt asked.

Alden pushed his lips together, before smiling again. "Yeah man, it's nothing I committed to....for either of us, obviously. But the guy said he'll call me tomorrow morning, and wants to meet both of us for lunch. Is that something that you're open to doing?"

Colt couldn't help but ponder what it truly was...was it some crime that Alden was being set up for, or was this secretive young man indeed capable of making both of them a legitimate offer? He stood for a moment, anxiously pacing the coarse brown sand. "You and I were just talking about our studies, our aspirations on the careers we are trying to attain. And then you come to me with that shit! I think it's kind of bizarre man, that you would even consider such a thing. I mean....don't you think?"

Alden wiped his dark brow of beading sweat, from the 84 degree air. "I'm gonna be completely honest with you right now, bro. Colt, I'm practically flunking out of UCLA, man. I've been smoking too much weed, drinking too much beer, and eating too much pussy....not all that bad, mind you. Nevertheless, my school work has suffered, to say the least. All this, and my loans have now surpassed $50,000. I just don't know if I'm gonna be able to swing a comeback, or if something else is in the cards for yours truly. That's why I even entertained what the guy was telling me. I mean, if my shit was together and my grades were good, I would have told that trigga to pound some pavement. But they're not, and that's why I'm bringing this shit to you, man."

Somewhere inside, Colt wasn't surprised at Alden's abrupt disclosure. However, it still hurt to hear his words, being as though they were best friends. In addition, wasting time and money wasn't something he was ever fond of. "I'm sorry to hear about your grades, man...but I'm not doing that bad, and as I've told you before, representing NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB guys, isn't that bad of a gig. Especially if you've seen what kind of contracts they're pulling down here in 2014."

Alden considered his statements for a time, gazing at a group of attractive young women stroll by. Although he knew a little more than he was leading on, he didn't want to fully disclose the entire offer; at least not until they had their meeting with the mysterious man the subsequent morning. "I can feel ya with the pro sports shit bro, those dudes are sleeping in fat cribs and banking big cash. But that stuff isn't that easy to break into, either! There's a lot of dogs trying to represent pro ball players, only to get trumped by more experienced, savvier agents. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to discourage you just because I'm a fucking retard with my grades and all. I just want you to come with and keep an open mind. That's cool, right?"

In his thoughts, Colt didn't want to turn down anything that could potentially benefit him from a financial or personal standpoint. It was the mere thought of throwing all of the hard student work away in just one short meeting, and the possible temptations that could be affiliated with that lunch. For a time, he could only remain silent, looking at his skin to see if the sun had already done its burning damage.

Above, Colt spotted a hot air balloon drifting across the bluebird sky, slowly making its way above the active ocean. In that vision, he figured, the beauty of southern California was something he could never see himself leaving. He knew this was the place he was raised, and the only place he could ever see himself growing old. However, the prospects of leaving the life behind for a different purpose; one that was with his best friend in an exotic location, was certainly a tantalizing thought, at the very least.

He then caught a glimpse of a little boy with his mother at the edge of the salty water. Both were immersed in making a simple sand castle, just as the waves gently glided over the fragile structure. He then turned back to Alden, who was immersed in his own thoughts as well. "You know this probably sounds cheesy, but I've always had a soft spot for little kids. I read this shit about people messing with kids in this way or that way. It breaks my heart when that shit seems to always happen, ya know?"

Alden took his viewpoint personally, feeling the same. "Yeah, you tend to wonder if these evil perverts out here have a lot of devil in them. If you're those guys, you can't walk around this life and have a clear conscience unless you have that wicked shit in ya."

Colt looked at Alden seriously, knowing they had usually shared the same viewpoints. "You want to jog down the empty part of the beach? Not the girl's way, though."

Alden inconspicuously pulled up from his one-hitter metal pipe that he was now smoking marijuana from. "Yeah man, I'm always down for looking good, let's do it!"

#  Chapter 2

Along Hilgard Avenue in west Los Angeles, Colt and Alden cruised the night in a flashy blue convertible. With a new tan and tight bodies from working out, they both felt that same confidence they had innumerable times before. The temperature was a smooth 74 degrees and the air had an electricity about it that only L.A. could yield. Both men were dressed casually. Colt wore gray dress shorts, with a button up black short sleeved silk shirt. Alden donned light brown dress shorts, with a red polo shirt. Each man also wore different types of leather sandals and metal watches to finish the look.

Before arriving in the general vicinity of the Omega Sigma sorority house, Colt pulled over to scan his various phone messages. After searching through several, he looked over to Alden, grinning. "Hey man, it looks as though Alex and the boys are gonna be there tonight. They must have caught wind from someone else, cuz I never said. Also, you know that linebacker stud Deangelo Hayden from the Bruins that I was telling you about? Well, that trigga's gonna be there. So we might be in some good company, what do ya think?"

Alden surveyed the various college women shuffling down the sidewalk. "That sounds pretty tight, my friend, it looks as though it could be a wild one yet again."

Colt then glanced into the back seat to see if Alden had remembered his backpack. "Did you bring your goody bag, specifically your shorts, just in case we do a little scuba diving in some hot tubs or pools?"

Alden started to act nervous for a minute. "Oh shnitz, I forgot all that stuff, man." He then looked at Colt, to let him marinate in his comments for a moment and then flashed his youthful grin.

Colt suddenly gulped his anxiety down. "You little shit! I would have had literally turned this beast around, you know?"

Alden chuckled, grabbing his dark green backpack that was hidden on the floor just behind his seat. He then unzipped the bag, put his hand down inside, and turned back to Colt. "I've got all the goodies I normally bring, and my shorts to boot. So, now you can take a deep breath and relax. Mr. Davis."

Colt felt a tingle up the back of his neck when viewing the mass of people that were making for the sorority doors. He turned to Alden, softly tapping his leg. "You got any of that medicinal marijuana that your granny knows you steal from her?"

"You mean that stuff my Grandma gets from Colorado?" Aden replied.

"Well yeah, that bomb diggidy shit granny smuggles back here," Colt said, laughing.

"Of course, I brought the sticky green bud, with the purple hairs."

"Well then, fire up some of that shit, so we can get our groove on, bro!"

Alden felt his energy rise as he dug into his backpack and pulled out a thin joint of that very marijuana Colt was referring to. He then lit the end and pulled in a long, deep inhalation.

Colt then reached out, carefully pinching the joint between his thumb and fingers before quietly doing the same. After several more moments of burning the drug down, Colt finally found a parking spot, nearly four blocks from the house. He quickly retracted the convertible's roof, exited the vehicle with Alden, and then hit the security button on the key chain.

While walking, Alden tried to keep Colt's medium pace, becoming chatty. "Hey, man, I'm severely lit up from that shit, you?"

Colt could sense his head extremely light, almost feeling like a giddy little boy, "Hell yeah! I knew it wouldn't take much to get us started tonight. It just so happens that your granny's got some kickass taste in the buduler department. I'm really happy you're my friend....and she's your grandmother!" Alden couldn't help but start both of them laughing as they pulled up behind a large crowd near the front yard.

Inside Colt, being young, 21 years old, spending time with Alden, and allowing themselves to seemingly have fun, was nothing short of sacred. They had been friends since junior high and every year they seemed to become closer, like real brothers. In those years, there were many occasions where they had to get each other's back; whether in a brawl or verbal conflict. The trust he knew he had in Alden was like nothing he had in anyone else; and for that, he was truly appreciative.

From their vantage point now, the line had shrunk to a reasonable point, where the door was merely feet away. Alden glanced at Colt briefly. "Hey, did I tell you I broke up with my girl about an hour ago?"

Colt looked dumbfounded, laughing. "Man, you call the girls your bitch for a month or so, and then just dump 'em like a piece of trash in the gutter. You are such a womanizer....I love it!"

Just then, Jesse from the beach peeked around the door's frame, signaling for both of them to approach. "C'mon fellas, get in here." A blonde UCLA offensive lineman, who was manning the door, just smiled at the guys as they passed. Inside, the party was already beginning to generate a buzz. The flow of beer was evident from everyone's plastic cups, all freshly full and swaying near the top.

Both men immediately headed for one of various kegs, making eyes with several friends and acquaintances along the way. Without notice, Colt was lifted into the air by a group of football players, and then quickly tipped upside down over the keg. Immediately noticing their brute strength, he felt the pure exhilaration surge throughout him, while blood starting to generously fill his head. All of the sudden that section of the party started chanting, "Keg stand, keg stand, keg stand!"

Alden started smiling wide, pumping his arms into the air and joining the egging-on of Colt.

In the meantime, Colt could suddenly feel the keg tap being stuffed into his mouth, just as one of the players proceeded to pump it from below. Knowing gravity was against him, he felt the cold rush of frothy beer encompass his mouth, while many others quickly started to congregate around him. Despite spilling his fair share, he attempted to consume as much alcohol as possible before being tilted back upright, still flustered by the intense experience. In that moment, he could see Alden, Liz, Jesse, Amanda, and Deangelo amongst many others, laughing and screaming within the frenzied environment. It was just the right amount of fun he needed to start out an already energized night in Los Angeles.

Just then, Deangelo looked at him, before slapping his shoulder. "Damn, man, that's some crazy shit. You get enough beer in ya?"

Colt caught a white towel from the air and started to dry up his wet, silk shirt. "Hell yeah, that's some wild stuff man, you gotta do it!"

Deangelo replied, "I already asked the hogs if they would, and they told me they reserve the right to decline my request....on account of me being too big of a nigga! Well, they probably right, I'm 253 pounds of pure muscle! And that's like a thousand pounds upside down."

Colt then checked the room for the various women who were now, catching his eye. "Hey, man, you gonna have me rep you before you enter the NFL draft in May next year?"

"Bitch, you ain't even graduated yet! How the fuck you gonna do dat?"

"Man, I'm just messing with you. But it would be nice if you were my first client after signing on with a sports firm," Colt said smiling.

"Yeah, Colt, I know you gonna be good. So when you do get your first legit gig, I'll leave my agent for your ass....in a heartbeat, baby." Deangelo then sized up Colt, slightly laughing. "Man, how big are you nowadays, 'bout a buck eighty?"

Colt felt slightly embarrassed, knowing he was 183 pounds. "I'm just a little over, why?"

"Man, I bet I could bench press your scrawny ass," Deangelo replied, laughing.

Colt laughed, just as Alden was placed upright after his recent keg stand, "Yeah right."

Just then, Deangelo set his cup to the side and laid on the floor, facing up.

Colt felt funny, but tilted his body onto Deangelo's hands, and then crossed his legs. Through the awkwardness, he gave him two solid points to hold onto, before feeling his body descend down onto Deangelo's firm chest. Through his giggling, he could hear the party become raucous once again.

Just then, Deangelo propelled him into the air with his strong pectoral muscles, with Colt landing on one leg. He then reached to pull up Deangelo, laughing through his brazen display of brute strength.

"I told you, woman," Deangelo continued, "I bench press your ass, don't underestimate the power of the guns here!"

Colt laughed, putting his arm around Deangelo while watching Liz approach from the side.

"Hey guys, how's it goin?" Liz asked.

Deangelo glanced down at her breasts within the low cut blouse she was wearing. "It's going damn good, honey, we just playin' around."

Liz cast her gaze upon Colt, her eyes somewhat squinting. "Looks like you guys are starting to tear it up a bit."

Suddenly, a skinny young man approached her from Colt's right side. "Hey, Lizzy, looks like you're already getting busy with some new studs."

Alden then stepped into the circle, just as Deangelo made for the keg to top off his cup.

"Yeah, this is Colt, and that's Alden," Liz replied, "and guys....this is Lon. He's my cousin, our resident queen for the night....but he doesn't attend UCLA, he's going to cosmetology school here in town."

Lon then looked at both of them in an evocative, vertical fashion. "Wow, Liz, you certainly have good taste in man candy! I don't think you've introduced me to anything less than an eight tonight, and these two aren't even the eights."

Colt looked at Alden, slightly amused at Lon's outwardly gay approach. "Yeah, that's cool, you guys having a good time? Because I think I can speak for Alden, the night's startin' out pretty good."

Liz looked around herself for a moment. Colt followed her gaze to the stare of her on and off boyfriend, Casey, watching intently from afar. Quickly, he turned back, glancing at Alden before shifting back to Liz. "I see your protective boyfriend looks displeased to say the least, at your convo with us."

"Oh, he's such a douche bag! He knows I fuck....I mean talk to other guys."

Colt swallowed, feeling Casey's intense glare drive through him from behind. At that moment, Jesse and Amanda walked up, yelling slight obscenities with beer cups up in the air.

In that emotion, Amanda clasped Colt's bicep. "Hey boy, you wanna dance?"

Colt felt the out he was looking for. "Yeah, let's be rug cutters."

Alden then snatched Jesse, while both men left Lon and Liz behind for the cluttered living room dance floor.

Through the loud Eminem music blasting through the house stereo system, Amanda delicately touched Colt's wet shirt. "Looks like you got pretty wet from your epic keg stand. You sure you don't want to take it off and show everyone those six pack abs?"

Colt briefly touched her waist before pulling back into a unique dance move. "Ha, yeah, I bet that would look good if I were to walk around here without a shirt on."

Amanda emitted a sultry look, one that began to arouse Colt. Just then, Alden busted out in one of his athletic break dance moves; one he had done on many occasions and completely perfected in front of Colt. The crowd immediately pulled back in awe, encircling Alden in his tightly choreographed maneuvers.

For a moment, the energy from the dance floor filled Alden into a sort of frenetic pace, one that even astonished Colt. After watching Alden finish, Colt resumed dancing with Amanda, now even closer.

Suddenly, she pulled her mouth up to his ear. "You guys want to come back with us to Lon's, after the party?"

Colt looked up, asking, "Lon's?"

Amanda replied, "Yeah, he's got a pretty nice pad in Beverly Hills. You know his dad's a movie producer?"

Colt could only envision Lon telling Liz of his attractiveness towards himself and Alden, just moments before. Despite the uneasiness he felt about Lon, he smiled. "Yeah, we'll follow you out tonight."

"You know Liz thinks you're hot and would love to be your girlfriend?"

Colt was taken aback, not knowing what to say, with her former boyfriend nearly ten feet away. "Yeah, she's sweet and hot, but I don't know if I'm in the market for a girlfriend right now. I'd probably like to stay single, for the meantime."

Amanda began silently smiling in her own provocative way. "Well, whoever you end up with, she's gonna be a lucky girl. You've got the full package my man, even though I've never seen yours."

Colt bent down into her ear, grabbing her waist again. "Just say the word, you can check it out anytime, honey."

In response, she provocatively shook her hips to the new hip hop song, and ran her hands slowly along her body. Her eyes quickly reconnected with his gaze, and then summoned him in closer with her index finger. "Can I tell you something else, Colt?"

He pulled back from the appealing aroma emitting from her neck. "Sure."

Amanda smiled like a little girl, almost embarrassed to reveal something inside. "I've been with you in my head too."

Colt's eyes slightly widened. "Girl, you're so naughty. But don't get me wrong, it's really hot! And I'm flattered, really." It was plain to him that he had multiple female options in the room that night; however, he knew committing to anyone wouldn't be feasible. It was a door inside his heart that very few other girls, or women, were ever let into. He knew a relationship with any woman needed to be special, a kindred spirit he had a definitively unique connection with.

As the song ended, Alden approached, winded. "I gotta take a wiz, Colt. You gotta drain the vein?"

Colt answered, "Yeah man, let's walk and talk." He then turned back to Amanda. "We'll see ya a little later on, alright sweetie."

She pushed back the long blonde hair from her face, "Sounds great! See ya, and thanks for the dance."

Colt stopped and turned around, sensing her genuine appreciation to be in his company. "Amanda, it's my honor, honey. You're so sweet to thank me for the dance; you didn't have to do that." He then turned back to resume his stroll with Alden, who flashed him a look of curiosity.

"What was all that about?" Alden asked.

Colt guided him momentarily through the thick crowd, to a discreet upstairs bathroom. "She's just sort of needy, but really a sweetheart, nonetheless."

Alden checked the handle on the door, noticing it was locked. "Damn, I'm about ready to piss in this cup!"

Just then, the door opened a slight crack with just a brown eye peeking through. "Oh hey," the door abruptly opened, "Colt Davis and Alden Lewis! Get in here, you cocksuckers." Colt's eyes nearly exploded when he looked at the sink area. It was a beautiful naked woman lying in between both sinks. For a moment, he connected eyes with the 20ish looking woman, knowing her face was familiar, but a name couldn't be recalled.

Colt looked over to Bryce, an over-privileged college freshman, whose wealthy parents were affiliated with the diverse Los Angeles art community. "What the fuck, man?"

Bryce started to pour out cocaine from his plastic container onto the woman's breasts, and then created lines with the sharp edge of a one hundred dollar bill. She looked at both Colt and Alden. "He gave me a hundred if I would let him snort some lines off my tits. I figured it was a good deal. Now I can have a couple power lunches over the next couple of days."

Colt and Alden felt compelled to laugh for a bit, knowing the sight was incredibly rare to witness.

Bryce then pulled up from an elongated line, his nose bright red and irritated looking. "You cockroaches want to take a taste of this shit?"

Alden locked his eyes onto Bryce, eager, "Oh yeah! When does a guy get a chance to snort a line off of a beautiful, naked woman?"

Bryce smiled, then set up the line just above her pubic hair. "Is that an appropriate area for ya to work from, Alden?"

Alden seductively kissed the woman on the mouth before shifting his focus below her belly. He inhaled feverishly through his left nostril then straightened up quickly, with a slight twitch from his neck. All three then looked to Colt, anticipating his next move. "Well partner, Alden said while rubbing his nose, are you gonna take the plunge?"

Colt looked at her flawless body, wondering how incredible it would be to have her in bed, alone. "Yeah man, let's do it."

Bryce expeditiously assembled two smaller lines along each of her nipples, and then looked up smiling. "Here you are, you dirty dog. Have at it."

The woman looked at Colt before he submerged his nose into her chest, pointing to her mouth. Instantly, he knew she wanted a kiss, just as Alden had given her beforehand. For a time, he bent down, giving her a soft kiss that sent tingles throughout him. In that moment, he felt badly for her being objectified, but anxious for the experience, all the same. He then pulled away from her supple lips, and bent down to snort up both lines from each of her, now erect, nipples.

Immediately, the rush of energy ran through Colt like an intense river of adrenaline. Looking at his half-filled beer cup, he finished the craziness with opening his throat and then emptying its contents into his belly. He smiled, while connecting eyes with all three people. "Wow, that's mind blowing!"

Bryce perked up, smiling smugly. "Yeah, I'm glad I have a trust fund and can do fun things like this. Otherwise, I'd probably be living off loans, like the rest of you boys."

Envious, both Colt and Alden stacked their cups together, and then slapped hands with Bryce. Before exiting, Colt turned to speak to the dainty young woman, who was now beginning to dress herself. "Thank you honey, that was really neat, to say the least."

Alden then chimed in quickly. "Yeah, that was a moment none of us will probably ever forget. Thank you."

She smiled through her subtle embarrassment. "No problem, guys, I'm glad you were able to enjoy it."

In the sparsely filled hallway, both men glanced at the various photo collages of sororities from the past. Colt started to smile, pointing at one in particular. "Wow man, check out the wig on that chick." The picture was from a 1984 sorority, where some of the young women had outrageous looking hair and clothing.

"Damn," Alden spoke, "look at that ratchet ass ho, behind the one with the crazy hair. You think those chicks liked to get down?"

"Depends on what they're getting down on, man," Colt replied. Both men began to laugh through their intoxicated states. During their short journey back downstairs, they stopped, witnessing the sea of heads that stretched across the expansive living area. It was a time in both of their respective lives they knew only happened within a short, four year window. A time that both cherished, knowing that adulthood came with more responsibilities down the road; more than either had ever had before.

They finally made their way down, near another keg that wasn't dry yet. In the line, Colt noticed a young man in the kitchen, gawking in his direction. For a moment, he felt weird inside. Unaware of whether his look was one of a gay man, trying to make eye contact with him, or of a person who was merely looking about the party. Nevertheless, he had a weird vision of the man holding a rifle, a hunter shooting at a paper target in some lush, green environment.

Without hesitation, Colt dismissed the odd thought, and was able to finally fill up his cup with the amber colored beer. Quickly, he snapped his head back towards Alden. "You know that dude with the black hair in the kitchen, who's looking this way?"

Alden placed his eyes onto the location, "What guy?"

Colt looked back, dumbfounded. "Oh, nobody....I just saw some dude that I thought we knew." From his side, he could then see Alden practically inhale the entire glass of beer he just filled. "Damn, man, slow your roll bro. You gonna pass out on my ass before you know it."

Alden looked up from starting to fill another glass. "Ya gotta kill a little pain, ya know?"

"Pain?"

Alden stopped the tap with his thumb, after filling it again. "I'm just fucking with you Colt! There's no pain."

Colt instantly knew he was lying. With his eyes being somewhat shifty, and the fact that he had just disclosed having poor grades earlier that afternoon, was enough to confirm what he didn't want to believe. Somewhere inside, it was as if he was now on his own. The two, who seemingly never stopped talking about attending UCLA together during their senior year in high school, now felt like just one.

Just then, a naked young man streaked quickly through the living room, holding a full glass of beer that was spilling from his hand. Alden sharply turned, yelling, "Max, what the fuck, bro!" He then ran outside to follow, while Colt looked around, seeing Liz staring at him.

"Hey, what's up, Liz?"

She then immediately closed in on him. "Oh not much, what's up with Alden, does he know that dude?"

"Apparently," Colt responded. Suddenly, the yelling that was coming from outside entered the room again; only this time, with Alden naked as well. Shocked, Colt watched Alden's naked buttocks getting slapped by several young women as they made for the hot tub in the backyard. Both Colt and Liz hastily started for the back door, witnessing each man jump into the small pool with two other women inside.

Unable to control his laughter, Colt approached Alden and Max. "You guys are fricken animals. That's a lot of hand marks on your asses, guys!"

Liz then approached with a wide smile, flashing her attractive teeth. "Wow, I gotta say Alden, Max may have a little on you in the 'well hung' department."

Alden looked up from drinking his mixture of beer and hot tub water. "That's.... because he's semi flaccid! He probably stroked his rod a little before making his first pass."

Max smirked, while talking to one of the woman in the steaming tub. "I can't help it, I got a big pole. It's always been a problem of mine, with pulling on pants and all."

Colt could then feel that same weird sensation he had, when Casey was staring at him from behind. Reluctantly, he turned, seeing Casey and two other men standing in the yard, united as a front.

Liz immediately turned, angry. "Casey, we ain't going out! Remember what you said?"

Casey started to gaze through Colt, attempting to pick him apart with his infuriated, visual presence. "Yeah, I know what I said, but that wasn't what I felt. You're still my girl Liz, and you shouldn't be hanging around this Colt chump."

She glanced at Colt for a moment before resuming her verbal assault on Casey. "You're a fucking head trip....you know that? First you wanna stay together then you get cold feet and bail. It's like, huh? That shit's whack Casey, you know that, right?"

Colt then tapped Alden on the shoulder. "Get your clothes on, we should probably go."

Liz looked back at Colt, smiling. "You guys don't have to go, Casey should, right Casey?"

Casey took a step forward and looked directly into Colt's eyes, unaware of his aggression building inside. "Tell me fucko, what's your dilly? Trying to steal my girl and all."

Colt smiled with a half-cocked grin, unafraid. "I don't know what you're talking about, man. I'm just here with my boy, having a good time, like you guys."

Alden then looked back and whispered to Colt, "I left my clothes in the front yard under a bush."

Colt immediately sensed a weirdness about that statement, envisioning either having to fight by himself, or with a drunk and naked friend.

Just then, Deangelo appeared from inside the house, flexing his thick arms while making a beeline for the hot tub. "What's up guys?"

Casey started to roll up his sleeves on his shirt, becoming more agitated with each passing second. "Oh, I don't know, your boy Colt here seems as though he wants to get into Liz's panties tonight. What the fuck do ya have to say to that?"

Deangelo looked at Colt, then Alden to gauge their responses, before snapping his head back to Casey. "No one except you is saying that he is, so you better step the fuck off, if you know what's good for ya."

Casey then started to crack his knuckles, glaring at Colt.

Colt then stepped up, looking to Deangelo. "It's alright, he's calling me out. So let's see if he has the balls to finish the job."

At that moment, a large majority of the party had started to make for the backyard, catching on that something was about to transpire. Colt could feel his adrenal gland release the same chemical he had felt when seeing the sharks earlier that day.

Liz then tried to get in between them. "You guys don't have to fight over me, just stop before someone gets hurt."

Casey then emitted a patronizing smile. "The only bitch who's gonna get hurt here, is your fuck buddy, Colt." At that moment, one of Casey's friends pulled Liz away from the two men, who were now getting within striking distance of each other. Colt then subtly marked his midsection; planning to dodge or block his first swing, and then strike his solar plexus to take his air from him.

Just as he predicted, Casey's right shoulder started to move, and Colt instinctively pulled up his left arm, blocking his first punch attempt. In that short moment, he drove his right fist precisely where he'd planned in his mind seconds earlier. After seeing Casey double over, he quickly interlocked his hands behind his rising neck, and then proceeded to pull his face down onto his own ascending knee cap.

The seconds moved by significantly slower than normal. From the corner of his eye, Colt could see Deangelo and a naked Alden move in on the other two men. With Casey on the ground gasping for air, Colt immediately punched the young man that Alden was beginning to fight with. Within less than a minute, all three men were dispatched accordingly, while the party looked on in disbelief. Out of drunken disrespect, Alden then leaned over Casey's face and dropped his testicles down, close to the man's mouth.

The party erupted in laughter as Colt and Alden started for the front yard shortly thereafter. With Liz, Amanda, Jesse, and Lon following, Alden started putting his clothes on, sensing a possible attack from others affiliated with the men.

Colt then looked at Liz in a controlled panic, "What do you want to do?"

Liz shifted back to Lon for his response. "Are we still going to your pad, Lonnie?"

Lon sized up Alden, just as he was pulling up his underwear. "Yeah, we can do that. Let's head out now then."

Colt and Alden looked at each other briefly, still stunned. "Alright," Colt said, "we'll follow, and you guys lead the way."

As both parties made for their cars, Amanda peeked back, speaking at Colt. "You guys have an iPhone?"

Colt looked back to the party nervously before responding. "Yeah, I got one, face time us in the car."

Amanda replied, smiling, "O.K."

They then briskly walked the four blocks, still in somewhat of a haze from the drugs and crazy activity. After a couple blocks, Alden could see Liz slowly cruising, and then he quickly assessed Colt. "Did you take any shots from that fuck?"

Colt touched his face, and then looked at his hands for signs of blood. "I don't think so. I saw that piece of shit clench his fist right before he took a swing. I just did what I always tell myself to do when I get into a fight."

"What's that? Oh wait, I remember....punch him in the chin," replied Alden.

"That's the second target area. My first is to take his breathing capacity from him, and if that doesn't work, aim for the chin."

"What the fuck is that logic Colt, some dark Medieval shit?"

"Na man, the solar plexus is the most potent place to punch," Colt continued, "It's a pack of nerves bundled tightly together, directly in the center of his midsection. You take his air you've immediately got the upper hand. He blocks that, you may have to grapple with the son of a bitch before you can go for the chin, or take another shot at his stomach area."

"I can see taking his air, but what's up with the chin? Why not other parts of the face?" Alden asked.

"The chin is the lowest part of the face. Therefore, a hard ding on that point accentuates the trauma to the brainstem and upper spine. I learned all this shit watching UFC for all those years."

Alden suddenly saw his best friend in a different light. He knew he had the capacity to defend himself, but as efficiently as he just had, was quite impressive indeed.

They finally entered the vehicle, both feeling somewhat relieved. Abruptly from their rear, Max Lyons, the young man who was just streaking with Alden, came running up; almost too winded to talk. "Fellas, can I catch a ride with you two. My buddy kind of left me there, and some of those dicks know I'm friends with you guys."

Colt smiled; sort of surprised that he seemingly came out of nowhere. "Yeah man, jump in the back."

Alden immediately grabbed for his backpack. "Dude, we need a hit of my granny's shit to calm this freight train down!"

"Right on. That'll probably hit the spot 'bout now. Especially after snorting that blow off the naked chick," Colt answered.

Alden appeared embarrassed. "Yeah man, that coke probably got us too wired up. I mean, look at me, I went streaking through a UCLA sorority house....go figure." They both had to giggle, despite their hearts continuing to race somewhat. All of the sudden, Colt's phone rang. Ahead, he could see the glow of an electronic device illuminating Amanda's face. Alden then picked it up. "What's happening ladies?"

Amanda stared into the phone, while Lon peeked in from the side, "O.K. that was fairly bizarre back there, Alden. I don't know if I should tell you to be ashamed of yourself, or that what you did with that naked ass was cool."

Alden laughed after exhaling a mind-bending line of marijuana smoke into the night's fresh air. "Well, I figured if Max was gonna pull that shit, I'm gonna be right there with him. Plus I was pretty fucked up at the time."

Colt, Alden, and Max could then hear the inside of their entire car start to laugh. "Well Alden," Jesse now said, "Lon wants to ask you something."

Alden started to chuckle under his breath before responding. "What's up Lon?"

Lon's skinny face seemed to peer through the phone, almost emerging through the screen. "That was some pretty impressive shit back there. I just want to know, did you give Casey a full-on tea bag, or a weak partial?"

Now Colt, Alden, and Max blasted out in their own laughter. Alden continued, "Wow, I totally forgot about that. But yeah, I think I dragged my nut bag right over his face. He's a fucking prick, and deserves all that and more."

Lon responded, "Wow, you've really got some balls....ha."

"Yeah, the streaking fighter strikes again!"

Lon just stared at Alden, smiling. "Well, I hope you guys like big expensive condos, cuz that's where we're headed, Beverly Hills baby!"

All three men then made eye contact with each other, leery of Lon's apparent enthusiasm. Alden abruptly looked back at the screen. "Yeah, we'll follow ya there. See you in a little bit....bye." Alden then hung up and looked at the gold sports car ahead. "Wow, I think Lon's got the hots for one of us....I hope it's not me."

Colt then turned up the radio a little more, before turning back to Alden with a smile. "Yeah, this should be interesting. Three hot chicks and one flaming mignon, it could get a little dicey to say the least. What say you Max?"

Max who remained virtually quiet, eventually replied. "Yeah, I don't know. All's I do know is that I couldn't stay back in that Sorority, especially after those three thugs recovered."

Colt replied, "Yeah, I hear ya man. I know we didn't want to either. But let's look at the bright side, no one was hurt, and we're following three very willing party participants."

Max replied through a giggle, "You mean four?"

"Yeah, four," Colt responded. Their cars finally passed the city sign of Beverly Hills. Instantly, it was obvious the neighborhood vehicles were of a more luxurious, sportier grade; ones that shined bright in the abundant lights. After several more miles, they pulled up to a bright white condominium complex on the east side of the city. Colt then parked near the front door for easy exit access. After closing the roof on the convertible, he looked to Alden and Max, attempting to gauge their feelings. "What do ya think boys, is everything cool?"

Both nodded with grins, seeing the other four approach from a near distance. With Lon leading the way, he then stopped near the front door, looking at Alden. "I hope you guys like drugs and alcohol, cuz there's plenty in my crib. C'mon up, and let's get this party started."

They all casually made their way up the two flights of stairs, which were quite noisy in the meantime. Inside, Colt immediately noticed how big the space was. He then reluctantly spoke to Lon. "What's up with your pad Lon? It's huge."

Lon responded, "Well, that's not the only thing that's huge! But yeah, it's got some size. My dad bought me the whole top floor if I agreed to move out of his mansion and quit having my boy toy parties there."

The three young women laughed, knowing Lon liked to entertain, a lot. For a time, all seven stood near a modern island in his oversized kitchen, awaiting their respective cocktails that Lon just started creating.

Liz eventually approached Colt from behind, "Hey sexy!"

Colt turned, flashing his straight teeth. "Hello hon, are you gonna have one of Lon's special concoctions?"

Liz caressed his forearm before pulling her hand up to squeeze his bicep. "You know, I'm really glad you had the fortitude to stand up to Casey. He deserved that beat down you just introduced him to."

Colt subtly looked around, seeing if there were any reactions to her comment. "Yeah Liz, I usually don't bring the fight, but if it comes a knockin', you can bet your ass I'm gonna take care of business."

Amanda then visually sized up Colt, impressed with his physical capabilities. "I thought you could take that punk the moment he called you out. We're all proud of you, Colt!"

For a moment, the girls were intentionally scattering good vibes throughout the party, and everyone else in attendance could sense those same feelings.

Just then Lon pushed off his granite counter to unveil seven colorfully red drinks, all neatly set up in a horizontal line. "I hope you guys like sex....I mean Sex on the Beach drinks. I find the fruity taste to be quite invigorating. I'm sure once you get a taste of these little whippersnappers, you'll concur, as well."

Each of them promptly reached for their respective glasses, and then proceeded to randomly mill about the plush property. Colt suddenly found himself gravitate to a separate section of the condominium. After passing through the arched doorway, he could see two massive beds, one on each side of the expansive bedroom. For a moment he was by himself, noticing the countless wall hangings with photos of Lon, his father, and various stars in Los Angeles.

He glanced over to the huge, heart shaped bed with mirrors on the ceiling and partially around its perimeter. From behind, Colt then felt someone's warm breath on the back of his lower neck.

"Hey lover, what are you looking at?" Colt turned, noticing Lon staring at the same framed photographs he was.

Colt replied, "Oh, I was just admiring the various shots you got with some of these stars and your dad."

Lon continued, "Yeah, daddy produces movies for some of the A-Lister's, and of course, yours truly gets the privilege to attend all the swanky movie premieres here in town; not a bad gig, huh?"

Colt could feel him exude a sexuality towards him that instantly felt uncomfortable. "Yeah man. If you can be in that kind of company with any consistency, I wouldn't complain."

Lon then Watched Alden and Max walk into the room, both amazed at the sex-themed environment. "Yeah," Lon continued, "most of my friends just say I'm a daydreamer, lost inside his own fairy tale mind. I just say it's all part of my yellow brick road, and the trip hasn't barely started yet....speaking of trips, you three alluring pieces of ass wanna take one?"

Colt looked at Alden, then Max. "Well, what do you have in mind?"

Lon then proceeded to pull out a boot box from under heart shaped bed. "Well, let's see," he said, taking the cover off. "What kind of shit do you guys like?"

Alden peered down into the deep box filled with various plastic baggies and vials. "Wow bro, you got more shit than some of these high rollin' dealers out here!"

Lon sifted his fingers through the various illicit drugs, showing off his feminine, metallic brown paint on his nails.

From a short distance, Colt then noticed the three attractive women closing in, all talking and laughing with drinks in hand. Jesse slightly sped up, approaching first. "Oh I see Lon's showing off his magic box of goodies. Are we gonna dabble in his big boy stash?"

Lon gently ran his fingers through her jet black hair. "Well, this goody box is different from yours, my love. But I wouldn't mind gettin' my groove on....of course, that is, if you guys are game."

Everyone seemed to look at each other, knowing what was in the box was quite diverse and filled with varying degrees of intensity.

Liz then looked deep into Colt's bright blue eyes. "What catches your fancy, stud?"

Colt smiled, while staring into the intimidating box. "What the hell do ya got?"

Lon gave him a boyish smirk. "Well, what don't we have, is the question? First off, I just want to preface that most of this stuff was left here; I barely bought any of it. You know, the life of a party boy can uncover a lot of snazzy treats. Anyway, we have ecstasy, pot, coke, meth, LSD, psychedelic mushrooms, and I think this brown powder is heroin, or something."

Each person then began pulling out something that caught their interest. Colt reached for the bag that read magic mushrooms, Alden pulled out the ecstasy, and Max then snatched the LSD. Immediately, Colt started to chew on a small quantity of the brown mushrooms, while Alden swallowed down a pink ecstasy pill. For a moment, both looked at each other, laughing.

Max then caught their attention by sticking out his tongue with the LSD paper lying on the middle. Meanwhile, Liz pulled out a joint and lit it with a lighter that laid conveniently inside. Jesse started to snort cocaine off a small mirror, and Amanda politely refused, happy with just her alcohol drink.

In the craziness of witnessing such an large assortment of drugs being consumed, Colt then captured the still moment on his Iphone, trying to keep the drugs out of the photo. He looked to Alden, smirking. "Dude, I'm not sure if this girly drink is doin' it for me."

Alden nodded, and then looked to Lon. "Lonnie, you got any beers? We'll leave fifty bucks on the dining room table for the party fund, if you could oblige us."

Lon smiled, and then laughed. "Alden, your cash is no good here, honey. There's plenty of different types of beers in the fridge, have at it."

Colt then placed some more mushrooms into his mouth before he and Alden made for the kitchen. Alden immediately opened the refrigerator and grabbed three brown Newcastle bottles, one for himself, Colt, and Max. The three men stood in the kitchen for approximately ten minutes, drinking beer and wondering what the next activity would exactly involve.

Alden couldn't help but notice a fresh bruise on Colt's knee. "Dude, you got a little boo-boo on your leg."

Colt quickly snapped his head down, noticing the area was slightly discolored from the rest of the surrounding skin. Just then, he remembered driving his knee up and into Casey's face. "It's no biggie, it was just Casey's mug that hit it."

Max started to laugh, nearly finishing his entire beer with one pull back. The girls then arrived, all with varying degrees of intoxication.

To Colt, all of their eyes looked different. Their seductive stares were freely distributed towards all three of them, as if they previously had consulted amongst each other before arriving. His heart began to palpitate, knowing the overall environment suddenly took on a whole new meaning, one that would take the party to an entirely new level altogether.

Colt didn't waste time meeting Liz's approach. For a moment, he sized up her intent, all without any words being spoken. He could instantly feel her sexual energy freely flow, as her lips approached his. Just as he grabbed her buttocks, she softly pushed her tongue into his mouth. Her hand then went under his silk shirt, while the other girls made for Alden and Max.

Now hard, Colt intertwined his fingers into hers, while feeling her breast with his other free hand. She pulled back, looking into his eyes and then softly tugged his hand towards the oversized bedroom. With a quick glance to Alden, Colt motioned with his head for all of them to join. In his sexually charged stroll with Liz, he started to now see the walls randomly bending, like vinyl blinds being manually manipulated.

A deep crack of thunder then vibrated the entire structure, with rain that started to gently pepper the windows. The moment felt surreal, almost dreamy with the diverse mixture of drugs rolling through Colt's blood. Turning back, he caught Alden's eye, watching all four of them follow like black panthers into the mind blowing room.

After all six people fully arrived, Colt watched the women slowly pull off their tops and then undo their bras. In that split second, he thanked God. Knowing those moments came along few and far between. He pulled back the rest of his frothy beer, and watched Liz take it from his hand. She then started to gently pull off his shirt, with her seductive nails grazing along his muscular frame.

The light suddenly began to dim, and music started to emit from surrounding speakers. Colt glanced around at each woman's body, noticing their immense beauty as they stood naked and willing.

Amanda then approached, undoing the button on his shorts before gradually pulling down his zipper. He could feel his body pulsating while both women started to run their hands along his waist, sending tingles towards his scalp. After his shorts were removed, Amanda wasted little time in taking the initiative, wrapping her lips around his penis. Liz placed his hand on her breasts, and then down to her crotch. She pressed her mouth just under his left ear, whispering, "Have you ever had two girls at once?" He could feel himself as hard as ever before. "No, but I'm ready for whatever is in store, honey."

Alden took Jesse to the other bed, leaving Max to wonder what he should do next. Just then, Lon placed a dining room chair in the corner of the room nearly twenty feet away. Colt noticed Lon then remove his shorts and sit in the chair, slowly stroking himself. Through his disbelief, Colt knew that letting that get to him with two beautiful women, would certainly be a mistake. He quickly dismissed the visual, and resumed with both women towards the bed.

Lon then yelled through the music, "You want some old school Lionel Richie? It'd be perfect for you hot motherfuckers!"

Colt was immersed in both women, but managed to stick his thumb into the air.

Lon sat there with his penis in one hand and a stereo remote in the other, before clicking on the mood-appropriate music.

Amanda then pulled her mouth off Colt and silently summoned Max to join. Outside, a thunderstorm started to flash intermittent lightning illuminations through the third floor windows. Colt then lightly manhandled Liz and directed her to arch her backside into the electric air. He slowly entered her from behind, feeling her warmth envelope his aching penis.

Inside Colt's mind, it was like a wild sex movie. The only bizarre aspect was Lon lurking in the corner, staring like a voyeuristic sicko with his unlimited deviancy. As his penetrations became more profound, he felt some cloths hit the bed from behind. Turning back, he noticed Lon walking back to his chair, with penis still in hand. "That's for you strapping bucks, so you don't blow all over my bed. Those are satin sheets, ya know!"

Colt slightly laughed, snatching the fresh white cloth from the bed, and then setting it between Liz's knees. In the meantime, he could hear moaning from all of the woman, each immersed in her own ecstasy. He then motioned Liz to leave her knees for her back.

Now more intimate, he could see her irresistible eyes stare into his mind. She whispered seductively as he descended. "You like our little party?" He nodded and then smiled, through his medium thrusts. "Ya see Colt wouldn't this be nice all the time with me?"

"You're beautiful, Liz." She then felt him start picking up his pace. He didn't want to get into verbal specifics in that moment, feeling as though it wasn't the appropriate time or place. After several more minutes, he pulled out and obliged Lon with ejaculating onto the white cloth. He then gently placed his body over hers and began kissing her neck and face. Looking around, he noticed each woman's moans had somewhat subsided. He could then see Alden pull out, making a loud, grunting like noise.

Alden turned back, making a connection with Colt, having that look in his eyes of pure enjoyment, happiness.

Colt could hear the rain start to slam down against the windows. From the corner of his eye, he witnessed a lightning flash illuminate Lon, who was still in the corner masturbating. Lon's hair was now long, and he had one hand holding up a silky pink dress, with the other, stroking himself.

Immediately, Colt shook his head, trying to verify the disturbing sight through the darkness. After another abrupt flash of lightning, he could then see red lipstick start to move on Lon's mouth. He heard Lon ask, "Can I interest any of you guys in some anal beads?"

Shocked, Colt could only stare at his hallucinogenic image, now wearing matching pink high heels.

At that same moment, Max sat up from Amanda, shifting his head back to Lon, "Anal beads?"

Lon sat up straighter in his chair. "Yeah, they're really fun. But they're clear across the condo, so you'll have to help me find them over there."

Max briefly made eyes with Colt and then Alden, before responding. "Alright, I've always wanted to try those!"

Colt then grabbed his arm, freaked out. "Dude, you might not want to go and do that."

Alden nonchalantly walked over, penis still erect. "Yeah man," he said whispering, "are you sure you want big wooden beads in your ass?"

Max considered both of them for a moment, as the girls all giggled in unison. "Guys, it'll be O.K., Lon's cool. I'll be right back, I promise."

Colt pulled back, and then laid back down between Liz and Amanda. They all silently watched as Max's naked body walked towards Lon in the corner, who was wrapping up a white towel into a ball. Through his odd visuals, Colt watched Lon stand up and escort Max out the room, looking like an old west saloon prostitute from the back.

Colt had to swallow, glancing back and forth at the beautiful naked women on each side of him. "Guys, did Max just do what I thought he did?"

Alden laughed uncontrollably after walking back to Jesse. "He's gonna be in for a big surprise with Lonster the monster."

After another good group laugh, Amanda grabbed Colt and started to stroke him softly. Colt felt his adrenaline start to really flow, his intensity had kicked into an all new level. Focused and determined to enjoy every moment, he did his best to please both women, as they did the same for him. After another hour of sex with both Liz and Amanda, the group finally tempered down, and napped until the morning light awoke all of them, three hours later.

Colt then opened his lids to sunshine slicing through his eyes, unable to see clearly for a moment. He quickly looked around noticing Alden and Jesse still sleeping, Liz not in the room, and Amanda snuggled tightly against him. His brain was pounding near the front, but he pushed his head back on the pillow, concentrating on his breathing. He couldn't stop himself from mustering a smile, knowing those morning hours just before, were nothing short of remarkable.

Moments later, Lon and Liz entered the room, both chewing food and drinking orange juice. "Hey lover boy," Lon said smiling, "looks as though your boy Max just got turned out last night; courtesy of yours truly!"

Colt resisted the temptation to burst out in laughter, but kept it tightly wound inside. "Yeah Lon, he must have liked those beads a lot then, huh?"

Lon pulled back his orange juice, before responding. "Yep, he was truly appreciative of my ass-stuffing procedures. I took care of him real good. He even told me he'd be back for more, one of these days."

Colt looked over to Alden, who was laughing under his blanket, with only his eyes peering over the edge.

Liz sat on the bed, stroking Colt's head, while stealing a sideways glance at Amanda. "I hope you had a good time, honey. Ya know, we could do this a lot more, if you weren't such a prude."

Colt smiled, scratching his messy head. "You girls were wonderful last night; I would love to do it all over again, as soon possible."

Amanda then arose from the bed, sensing Liz wanted to talk to Colt alone. She abruptly left the area for the adjacent bathroom, while Liz scooted closer to Colt on the bed.

"So Colt, I'll talk to Casey and tell him it's really over, and that there's no other discussion needed. Would that be something you'd want me to do?" Liz asked.

Colt sat up feeling uneasy about what her intent was in saying that. "You don't have to say anything to anyone. I've told you before, that I'd like to stay single and not be tied up at this very moment in my life."

Liz watched Amanda walk back into the room, steadfast in being close to Colt. "Well, you had no problem in pounding the shit out of us last night, under the influence. Suppose the pigs catch wind of that."

Colt's eyes fluttered for a second, trying to process her last comment. "Did you just say what I thought you said?"

Amanda then looked to Liz, angry. "What the fuck are you saying, Liz? Are you implying that he raped you or something? Because everyone knows that's not true. Don't even go there!"

Liz looked to Lon for a moment, frustrated with her own loose lips. "No I didn't mean that....I just think Colt's a good catch, and could use a love in his life, that's all."

Amanda looked in Colt's face, sympathizing with the sudden grief covering it. "Just because he isn't willing to commit to a girl like you, you don't have to say nasty shit like that. Especially after we all had a good time."

Colt then stepped from the bed and started to put on his clothes, looking at Liz. "Well Liz, I certainly hope you don't feel that way and I really didn't mean to piss you off, when I said I'd like to stay single. But that's taking it a little over the top, don't ya think?"

Liz stood up and approached him, her hand reaching for his. "I'm sorry, I just lost it for a second there. You're just a special guy, Colt. Someone I could see in my life more permanently, that's all. I hope you can appreciate that honesty."

Alden then approached, dumbfounded by the talk that had just transpired. "Colt, remember that meeting I was talking to you about yesterday?"

Colt couldn't recall through the haze, but then remembered the conversation they had on the beach, "Yeah."

"Well, it's in a couple of hours, he just texted me."

#  Chapter 3

Cruising westbound on the Pacific Coast Highway, Colt shifted his eyes into his mirror and witnessed a speedy motorcycle cop, quickly closing in. With some hesitation, he pulled over in the city of Malibu, his eyes glancing back to Alden. "How late are we gonna be now?"

Alden twisted around his silver watch. "I'm texting him right now, and I'm telling him the po po pulled our asses over. If he can't hang, then he can't. We'll just check out the place and head back, if that's the deal."

Colt calmly watched the officer approach from his door's mirror, his hand firmly on his sidearm, "License and registration please."

Quickly, Colt produced the two pieces, before tilting his head back, "May I ask what the problem is, officer?"

The policeman stared at his driver's license for a minute, and then he watched his mirrored sunglasses reflect back to him. "The problem sir is that the speed limit is 50 miles per hour, and I clocked you doing 64."

Colt then pulled his sunglasses off, caught a glimpse of the ocean, and then turned back, slightly smiling. "Oh, I didn't even notice. We're pretty late for an important lunch meeting, and I must have just got caught up in the moment. However, I did notice how fast your machine was able to close in on my ride. I gotta say that's quite impressive! What's propelling that rocket?"

The officer, who was already holding his ticket pad and pen, suddenly pulled back his aggressive stance, and dropped his arms. "It's a new BMW R1200. It goes zero to sixty in 4.4 seconds, and zero to one hundred in under 11 seconds. I'm currently the only guy at the department who has one."

"Well consider yourself lucky, it certainly is a powerful bike." The officer then retracted his pen by depressing its button, and promptly placed his ticket pad back into his pocket. "I'm going to let you boys slide on this stop today. Now, you can consider yourself lucky. Just keep an eye on the posted speeds we don't need any more fatalities on the PCH this year. Thank you, and have a fine day, gentlemen."

Colt tried to flash his most genuine smile as the officer turned. "Thank you, sir; I'll make sure I keep a better eye on the speeds." Alden then tapped on the glass of his watch, before pointing his finger forward. Colt nodded, started the car, and then eased back into traffic.

Alden shifted his eyes from the water back to Colt. "Whew, that shit was close. I got a joint in my front pocket, right under my schnoz."

Colt laughed after adjusting his black Oakley sunglasses. "Dude, this is L.A.! He would have probably just confiscated it, and smoked that shit on the way home from work."

Alden suddenly pointed to the towering white restaurant sign on the ocean side of the highway. "Head up in there, we're about fifteen minutes late....I wonder if he's still there?"

Colt parked the blue convertible, and then quickly started to walk up with Alden. "I can't help but wonder why he picked such a mint place. I mean look at the jaw- dropping visuals around here."

Alden grabbed for the restaurant door handle, and entered Geoffrey's beautiful interior. "Yeah, maybe he's got deep pockets, I don't know....oh, there he is, out on the patio."

They calmly started walking through the high end eatery, making for the sunny outdoor area that overlooked the endless Pacific. From inside, Colt still couldn't believe the magnificent view, immediately wondering why he hadn't been there before? As they approached closer, they could see the young man smiling while talking on his phone, occasionally glancing back into the restaurant.

Alden then took the lead, closing on his round table with a smile. Immediately, the man left his phone conversation and returned a smooth grin before they sat. Colt quickly noticed his neat appearance; straight teeth, and fit frame, just like he and Alden had always tried to keep themselves. His demeanor yielded a calm and confident energy. However, he knew from past experiences, all of these attributes could be deceiving until further analyzed.

The man promptly stuck out his hand and shook Alden's, and then Colt's, after taking off his sunglasses. By the looks of his dark features, Colt pegged him as possibly Middle Eastern descent. After swallowing some of the coconut shrimp appetizer, he finally spoke. "Well Alden, how are you, my friend?"

Alden revealed a mild smirk, almost embarrassed. "I'm good, Jack. Sorry we're so late. You know that shit when you're a couple minutes late, and then your speed starts to climb."

Jack chuckled lightly, before looking Colt square in the eyes. "You guys mind taking off your sunglasses? I kind of like to see who I'm talking to, ya know?" Alden slowly pulled his, and then Colt reluctantly followed.

"Kind of a romantic spot," Alden said, "I hope you're not gonna pop the question or anything."

Jack laughed while staring at the randomly scattered boats along the powdery horizon. "No, I just love the atmosphere. You notice, I had them remove the romantic flower in the middle of the table? And they replaced it with this tropical plant."

Just then, Colt could see the same face from inside the kitchen at the Omega Sigma sorority party, the night before, and those same brown eyes staring into his. "Hey Jack, it's nice to meet you, I'm Colt. You know, the guy you were staring at last night from inside the kitchen."

Jack smiled wide, teeth meticulously white, "Pretty perceptive memory Colt; all that despite being fairly inebriated, I would suppose."

Colt subtly tried to read the brand name on his watch before shifting his eyes back up. "I generally don't forget a face, especially if I've been able to see their eyes." At that moment, the waiter stepped to their table to take their orders. "Hello, I'm Arthur. I'll be your server this afternoon, are you gentlemen ready to order?"

Jack took the liberty to order, noticing both men subtly pointing to a specific area on their menus. "Yes sir, I'm gonna have the grilled fillet mignon with vegetables. We'd also like an order of seafood paella, and lastly, the pan-seared Chilean sea bass." He then looked up smiling, with all three men promptly handing back their menus.

The moment was quiet for some seconds until Jack looked back from scanning the guests. "I hope it was alright to order for you boys. I guess I didn't know if that was a test, or if you guys are marking your menu spots with your fingers. Nonetheless, I like to get my orders out fast. Wasting time is too much bullshit."

Colt gave Alden a muted look, seeing if he also picked up on Jack's witty psychology. After pulling in a deep breath of salty air, Colt wanted more than ever to uncover the primary purpose of their clandestine meeting. "So what's the occasion that we meet at such a picturesque location? You seek out my friend Alden here, and disclosure seems somewhat veiled up until now."

Jack gently tapped his fingers against the table before replying. "Can I preface my reply with a observational statement?"

"You bet, Jack, what would that be?"

"I really enjoyed your quick disposal of Carey last night. He's truly a miserable fuck who doesn't know when to shut his mouth. You see, Colt, I kind of anticipated your style before you even implemented it. The left arm defensive blocking strategy, knowing he was coming in with his standard right hook. You then took out his midsection with a precise strike to the solar plexus. You followed that up with a Thai clinch behind his neck, coupled with a vicious knee into his face to finish him off. I gotta say my eyes were slightly affected by those quick reflexes. We call that in my business, a Flash Gordon type of disposal....quick, and to the point."

Colt exhaled slowly, noticing an extremely attractive younger blonde woman sitting by herself at the end of the patio. "Well, that's really perceptive on your end. I don't want to come off rude, but you still haven't disclosed what your business is, and what the basis of this meeting is."

As if in a slower motion, his bold looking eyes slowly crawled up to his, until both pupils locked onto each other. "I'm a highly inconspicuous recruiter and trainer of fine young men such as yourself; ones who wish to have a more fruitful life. An existence where your financial dreams can be fully attained, and allow you to eat at places like this consistently, among other things."

Colt snickered, shaking his head slightly. "Go on."

Jack gave a quick look over to Alden before resuming, "As I inferred, the money can be quite lucrative, indeed. However, this is a highly sensitive business, with its employees managing themselves. That self-management capacity can only be obtained after completing our intense 6 month training program. After such time, you will be assigned various projects from around the United States and the world. Does that sound like something you'd be interested in?"

In Jack's vagueness, Colt had a sneaking suspicion that the possibility of illegal activity was certainly there. However, he knew making assumptions that early in the conversation wouldn't prove intelligent, either. They all then received their lunch. Colt watched as the California sunlight pierced the steam emitting right above the food. For a time, they merely ate, enjoying the spectacular views of the water and the beautiful people that walked about.

After approximately five minutes, they all pulled up from their meals, eager to resume the conversation. Jack then pulled the white cloth from his lap, and casually set it on the table. "Colt, I'm sorry for having to stop in the middle of my spiel. I generally don't like to talk and eat at the same time."

With his stomach full, Colt's demeanor transformed from slightly irritated, to now more relaxed. "It's alright Jack, let's just get down to business here, and cut the fat out of the conversation."

Jack then looked around slightly, noticing the table directly next to theirs was now suddenly occupied by a happy, elderly couple. "You guys mind I get this check, and we take a little beach stroll?"

Alden glanced to Colt, nodding. "Yeah man, let's do that. We can talk over a little smoke that I brought along."

Jack then left two one hundred dollars bills on the table, as all three men exited the restaurant for the beach below.

In that brief stroll, Colt's phone rang. He quickly looked at the I.D. before answering, with speaker on. "Hello."

"Hey bitch, it's Casey; a man who's happily going to be a part of a future worst nightmare for ya." Colt looked at Jack and then Alden, smiling. "Man, how did you get my number?"

Casey replied, "Who the fuck did you think? Liz."

Colt shook his head as they finally made it to the sandy beach, "Yeah, so what the fuck?"

"It's gonna be yeah, so what the fuck! After I beat your ass soon."

"You have a lot of balls calling me out again! One day after I fucked your bitch, and then crushed your sorry ass."

"You did what?" Casey asked, incredulous.

"Oh, you heard me."

The line was devoid of sound for a time. The only audible noise was the increasing breathing from Casey. "You piece of shit, it's on now. You can bet your sweet little ass on that."

Colt could then see Jack and Alden yielding confident, unintimidated grins. "You're just making a fool of yourself right now, just as you did last night. I will say this though, if I see your ugly mug within a certain radius of me ever again, I'm gonna hurt you real bad, Casey....and that's no shit."

Casey paused for a second, ingesting Colt's calm confidence. "You'd better have eyes in the back of your head, mother fucker!"

Colt looked at the ocean for a moment and then pressed end on the phone; not wanting to waste any more time on mentally unstable Casey. "Dude," Colt said, looking at the men, "that guy's got some serious unresolved issues upstairs; issues that I'll be more than happy to take care of for him."

In the slight sea breeze, Alden then sparked up his flip lighter and proceeded to light the end of his red colored joint.

Before he was done, Colt wondered who he'd pass it to first? In that small moment, he figured he could gauge their friendship, even despite an interested business party being in their company. After a couple of seconds, he could see Alden reach it out towards him. He instantly took in a moderate inhalation before passing it to Jack then the men proceeded to walk down the near empty beach ahead.

Jack carried his sandals in his right hand, staring at the slippery rocks ahead. "I'm young like you two, but I come from a different place. My world became a little more serious, much quicker than the average boy. There were challenges placed upon me as young as fifteen, all because of my father being in the industry. Nevertheless, that's probably why I seem to come off sometimes as a lot older than I really am. That, and because I'm not from America....I'm from Israel."

To Colt, the pieces still didn't make any sense, but he was willing to still remain in his presence as long as Alden wanted to. "Jack, I gotta tell you that whatever you're about to reveal, I may not be the right man for you. I'm near the end of my schooling and about to graduate next year. It would have to be something truly incredible to pull me away from that."

Jack seriously considered his statements for a time, inhaling another toke of marijuana smoke. He then stopped, and started speaking while exhaling. "I'm not asking you to leave your dreams behind. I merely want the opportunity to state my case in a private setting like this, considering you agreed to meet me here today."

They then found a large brown boulder far from the water, each man then leaned up against it, staring out at the moderately active ocean. Colt, feeling a little spacy now, responded, "Can you be absolutely explicit now? You know now that it's just us guys with no one around."

Jack took in a deep breath, and then fixated on the bright brown sand for a second. "Alright, I'm going to be very candid with both of you. This information must never be leaked beyond our circle here. Otherwise, there could be dire consequences for all of us."

Colt and Alden glanced into Jack's eyes, anxious about his next words. "O.K.," both replied.

Jack then flicked the butt end of the joint into the sand. "The training is down in the Caribbean, just as Alden may have told you; specifically, in the United States Virgin Islands. You will be effectively leaving your lives behind for an entirely new chapter. In this new beginning, you will train for approximately six months, to be an elite representative of various nations and legitimate entities that are in need of your professional services."

Colt felt as though his heart skipped a couple of beats. "When you say professional services, do you mean being contracted to provide some type of intelligence support for others who are attempting to accomplish something highly covert?"

"Some who complete the training are going to be the sole support, from a two person team standpoint. Whether that be site surveillance, securing documents, interviewing specific people, or assisting in the specific acts themselves."

"Acts?" Colt questioned.

Jack tried to further compose himself through the high marijuana had created inside him. "I think you are following me to some extent, but perhaps I need to be much more specific, to allow you an understanding of what it's all about. You see, Colt, we are essentially an underground grouping of highly trained people; ones who are hired to eliminate specific individuals, and successfully place the blame on a natural enemy of the target. This target could be a person who is precluding a government, or entity, from doing their business adequately. When that occurs, we are secretly hired through secure third parties who have an indirect vested interest in seeing the job gets done correctly."

Colt tried to eliminate his nervousness, and then looked to Alden for his reaction. "So Jack, you essentially saying we'd be hired hit men; guys to rub out potential governmental enemies, and other entities looking to hire us for our services? Am I getting this straight?"

Jack ran his fingers through his black bangs. "In a nutshell, that's correct. However, it's all dependent on your natural skills and those skills we uncover in training. This allows you to maximize your earning potential over the course of your respective career. Boys, you would be some of the most highly sought-after assassins in the world. With our incredible list of contacts and hidden databases of highly regarded customers, your income is virtually unlimited."

Colt stared at the waves crash against the sand before they glided up the angled shoreline. "You're asking us to murder for cash. That, in and of itself, is fucking insanely crazy! You know that, right Jack?"

Jack placed a cigarette in his mouth, and waited a moment before lighting it. "Our intent is to help, not hurt. I know it doesn't make sense, but much of our work rids the world of evil. Evil that has no business living on the same planet as we do. Granted, your assignments will vary tremendously. You'll have the first right of refusal, without condemnation or punishment. Therefore, you essentially control the influx of work you wish to take on, and how much you ultimately want to earn."

"Earn, what might that be, assuming we agree?" Colt asked.

"A successful kill without complications, can net you anywhere from $300,000 to as much as $10,000,000, American cash. All funds paid immediately upon verification, whether from the media or from your partner."

"So, there's a minimum $300,000, I take it?"

Jack went on, "there is no one of your stature, especially after your training, who would ever be paid less."

Through his head buzz, Colt tried to absorb the intensity of the conversation and the potential money involved. Alden still stood quiet, as if he had been somewhat briefed, beforehand. To Colt, it was nearly too much to retain. It was as if the pot and the dreamy ocean environment were conspiring to weave this mind-boggling offer; a truly crazy proposal with the conduit being Jack's mouth.

Alden then finally spoke up, looking somewhat nervous. "I gotta tell you Jack, you pose a really compelling offer. I claim to be a man who believes in God, but I've all but fucked myself out of the financial life I had personally envisioned for myself. This is obviously due to my lack of focus when it came to my grades. Nonetheless, this opportunity is something I want to do with Colt. I just don't know if I could do it alone."

Jack nodded, understanding his position. "That's admirable, to say the least. Friends are very important in this line of business, and what better than a best one to work with. That said, I turn to you now, Colt. You are obviously now the hinge that opens or closes the door for both of you. Without your allegiance, this conversation can end right now. Otherwise, let's move forward and began to create a better life for both of you."

Colt couldn't help but wonder what his parents would think of his disappearing act. In addition, his only brother, who lived in San Diego? At the very least, it was an unnerving crossroads, a decision he would have never anticipated having to make. One that would certainly forever change him and Alden, perhaps get both of them killed, or put in prison for life.

However, the money is what kept Colt asking himself whether the reward was much higher than the risk? Within that mindset, he countered that thought, figuring his moral deviancy could possibly weigh heavier on his conscience, regardless of monetary compensation. He looked and felt perplexed in that snippet of time. It was a brutal tug of war inside his mind, one that needed some moments to decisively conclude.

Where the water meets the land, Colt envisioned himself walking with a wife and two beautiful children, everyone barefoot. The sizzling sun was burning up the horizon and sinking behind the darkening ocean. He was retired from a business he hadn't even started, wealthy beyond any wild dream he could conjure up. It was as though he skipped all the evil that associated with such a position, and fast forwarded to the beauty that the money could provide.

Colt then closed his eyes for a second, pushing the thoughts aside, knowing Alden and Jack were awaiting his decision. Swallowing, he glanced at both young men before turning back to the water. "Alden, I love you like a brother, and I probably always will. Although I just met you today, Jack....I feel I can trust you. I know I shouldn't, but that's the vibe I get from you, bro. That being said, let's do this! But only as a team. What I mean by that is, I want both of you to assure me that we all three will be there for each other, no matter the time, place, situation, or whatever. This, I want you guys to promise not only to me, but to each other."

Alden looked at Jack after taking a deep breath. "I promise you Colt, I'll always be there man."

Jack then looked at both of them, considering Colt's heartfelt request. "I know I don't know you guys that well, either. But I think we will be friends for a long time, maybe forever. Colt and Alden, you have my solemn promise that I'll always be there for you guys, no matter what time, place....anything. I understand what kind of massive decision this has to be for you two. So I just want you guys to know you can trust me. I won't fuck you under any circumstances. Let's bring it in for a group hug to seal our intent."

All three men came together for that short moment in time. Wrapping their arms around each other's necks, and feeling a bond they had never experienced before. A tie that all three knew could make or break any one, or all of them.

#  Chapter 4

On a bright Monday in September, Colt and Alden were in a SUV on the U.S. Virgin island of St. John, in the Caribbean. Their vehicle was climbing Reef Bay Trail, with the intent to rendezvous with another team of five men. In the vehicle with them was James Flora, David Royal, Joel McMast, and Jack Barnes, their recruiter and trainer.

Colt was reviewing the mid-afternoon day plan on his smartphone, one that he convinced Jack to email him hours earlier. In knowing the information was classified, he intentionally sat next to the window, sharing it briefly with Alden after finishing the read. For a moment, he monitored the phone's GPS altitude application, reading 1,007 feet and climbing.

As the SUV cleared the mountain's peak, they could all see Brett Johnson, the other head trainer. He was animated in briefing the black team in a clearing outside of their vehicle. As each man casually exited, Colt briefly made eyes with Boden Myers, their teams most elite, tallying 112 overall rank points. At that stage, all had been 42 days on the island. Colt was leading his team with 114 points, and Alden was trailing by five with 109. Each point was calculated in accordance to the criteria of that particular drill. For every task done to perfection, a designated number of points would then be added to the individual team member's overall tally.

It was relayed to both teams before training that all participants who completed the grueling six month course would be rewarded with $150,000 in cash to help start their respective careers. Of that sum, $50,000 was given after the first forty days, and the rest was to be paid upon full completion in March.

With Colt and Alden's team wearing green for their color, they briefly assembled with the black team atop the lush mountain. Every man with the exception of their trainers, quickly unloaded their fold-up chairs from the back of their team vehicle. They then set the chairs up in a uniform manner to replicate a classroom setting. Off in the distance, the backdrop of aqua blue waters randomly edged around dark green mountains, providing breathtaking scenery for both teams to admire. Both Jack and Brett began to systematically set up a large whiteboard to enhance their overall meeting procedure.

After sitting, Colt and Alden stared at Jack, who was then poised to speak to every student in attendance. "Alright guys, as many of you know, this is our second month of training. Our current leaders are Colt and Boden, and coming in a close second for their respective teams, is Alden and Keller. With that being said, there's a lot of time for these positions to change. So if you're in the three, four, or five slot; keep trying hard. You never know....you just might find yourself in a better position at some point. If you don't already know, we are now offering a bonus to the top two finalists from each men's team. This will be an appreciated $20,000 for each man. That cash should provide some healthy competition for the rest of the way, guys. Are there any questions on that?"

Keller Roberts then lifted his hand. "What if there's a tie at the top of the same team at the end, or something like that?"

Jack responded cordially, "In the event of a tie on one team in rank points, there will be a split of those funds, at $10,000 each, for those respective leaders of that team. Nonetheless, let's move on to some of the drills we have planned for the coming months.

In the next twelve weeks, we'll be working on more sniper training, helicopter piloting, knife and star throwing techniques, alarm disabling, stealthy entering concepts, forensic collection techniques, creating poison dart configurations, some hand-to-hand combat, and using GPS tracking on your prospective targets. For the last two months, we'll be working on advanced survival techniques, whether in tropical, moderate, or cold climates. In addition, we'll enhance our skydiving and scuba diving capabilities, to include greater heights and depths. We'll be working on a high-speed driving course, learning to create the most authentic fake ID's, site surveillance, airplane piloting, advanced first aid that includes your own wound suturing, and finally, how to utilize psychics to your advantage, in the field. I know that's a lot of stuff to ingest, but I just emailed all of you this list, so you'll be abreast of our intent for the remainder of the session."

Colt then made eyes with Jack, who looked somewhat winded after speaking. "That's all cool, but what's on the agenda for the last part of the day here?"

"Ah, the leader speaks," Jack replied, "even though you've been keeping a low profile these first 42 days....silently mashing whatever comes your way. Perhaps you're feeling the heat, now that the extra bonus money has been dangled out there."

Colt laughed with the rest of the men, knowing that nearly all were capable of taking his number one spot. "I'm just curious what's with those zip lines over there....that's all."

Jack then looked to hand over the reins to Brett, by stepping away from the whiteboard. Brett approached with his overall stern demeanor, standing tall. "Our last drill of the day has the number ones going head to head; the same goes for the twos, threes, and so on. What you'll be doing to start with, is each man will zip line down the entire mountain, to a beach on each side of Reef Bay. After completing that task, you will then find the scuba gear that is near the water's edge, and proceed to swim across the bay to the other side. At some point, you may intersect each other in passing....don't try any funny stuff down there, to create an advantage for yourself! We'll have two men on the water with kayaks, one following each of you from a short distance away. After you've finished swimming across Reef Bay, you will then take off your scuba gear and proceed to shoot a sniper rifle at all six targets that will be there. If that isn't enough, you will then grab the paintball gun near your second target, and quickly enter the awaiting helicopter for the last leg of your journey. At that point, you'll be flown to a tiny island, just south of here, called Booby Rock. You'll make a skydive descent, with paintball gun in hand, from approximately 600 feet in the air, and then promptly pull your chute, approximately half way down. Two people on Booby Rock will be watching below with binoculars for verification purposes. You'll have the capacity to shoot your opponent while in the air, effectively allowing you to win, even before you land. So, the winner will be determined on who gets to Booby Rock first, or who shoots and connects first, if it's close. For a win, you will be awarded twenty rank points, and for a loss, you'll only receive ten. Are there any questions, men?"

Alden then smirked while glancing at a black helicopter descend for a landing on an adjacent peak. "Yeah, about a week ago, you guys said that tonight at dinner, you'd introduce us to the secret women's team. Is that still gonna be the case?"

Jack immediately stepped forwards to relieve Brett. "Guys, we are men of our word; that you'll come to realize even more as this process moves forward. You certainly will meet the women's team tonight at dinner, all seven of them. But we didn't want you guys to get your dicks too hard over the girls while training....and that's why we've kept a lid on that, so to speak. Additionally, I want all of you to remember to be gentlemen, and treat all of them with the utmost respect. So, without further ado, let's get the drill competition underway here."

Colt and Boden then glanced at each other before standing from their seats. Alden stood next to Colt, looking at Keller with a competitive gaze, eager to test his will. It was officially 2:58 P.M., the temperature was 88 degrees, and the sun was beaming intense light around sparse clouds. For a time, Colt reviewed the exact procedures Brett put forth by slowly walking to the right of the two zip lines.

Both men then climbed up to their designated wooden platforms, anticipating the countdown. With the body harness below, they then outfitted their bodies with the safety device. As Jack approached, Colt sized up Boden; everything from his chiseled upper body down to his lean lower frame. Although he knew he was physically built the same himself, it was Boden's mental fortitude he wanted to leverage to his advantage.

From the time training had started, Colt had a keen notion that Boden would be his main competition, aside from Alden. However, throughout the majority of the competitive drills, Boden had always found a way to fail from some mental lapse. This more intense drill, he figured, would be no different; although, focusing on his own tasks was definitely of more importance; more important than keeping an eye on Boden, and his innate ability to come up short in crucial moments.

Colt then placed his right hand on the zip line handle, and stared down into the green trees below.

Jack approached from underneath, looking up at Colt first. "O.K. guys, this is to make you better and give you more competition in the meantime. Let's all play fair, and have a good run. On my count, when I hit the number 1, you may go."

Both men gripped the wooden handle tighter, staring down at Jack below, "Alright, three, two, one." Colt launched himself with his feet, feeling the immediate exhilaration the speed suddenly created. Inside, the intensity enhanced his conscious state, allowing his focus to narrow like an arrow rapidly approaching the bulls-eye on a target. Within a matter of seconds, he could see Boden just feet behind, before both of the metal lines suddenly separated into the dense forest. Each man eventually reached over 50 miles per hour, darting towards separate beaches below.

After nearly one minute of mind-bending scenery, Colt arrived at the edge of the white sand, exhilarated. As quickly as possible, he unhooked himself from the metal line above, and hopped to the soil floor below. Within five seconds, he pulled the harness from his body and sprinted for the beach, scouring the area for the scuba gear. One hundred yards later, he spotted the black colored gear being splashed by the white surf, at the ocean's edge.

Instantly, Colt could see his safety kayak support person floating about one quarter of a mile off shore. He quickly pulled his gear on, wrapped the dive knife around his calf, and entered the warm sea with fins and mask in hand. In the precarious water, he strategically kept each foot above the sand when putting the fins on, knowing the feeling of beach sediment inside his fins would drive him crazy.

Without pause, Colt then marked his land point on the other side of the bay and hastily placed the snorkel into his mouth. In knowing the trainers' randomly clandestine motivations, he figured a race underwater would empty the tank's air in a short period of time. Therefore, he didn't play into the potential pitfall, knowing it was probably a trap designed to assist failure. However, he could only hope Boden wasn't savvy enough to think along the same lines.

As the water started to become much deeper, Colt suddenly became a lot less comfortable. The sunlight that had been piercing effortlessly to the bottom was now barely able to reach at certain points. Just then, he spotted an elongated silvery fish around 20 yards ahead, and nearly 4 feet below the surface. Without much doubt, he could see that it was an extremely large barracuda, one that was directly in his path, which was a straight route he didn't prefer to deviate from. Immediately, he spit out the snorkel, placed the regulator in his mouth, and dove directly underneath the fish with anxiety.

In looking back through the tiny bubbles, Colt saw the fish start in the same direction, now only able to see its skinny face following. He then felt his heart began to pump even harder, on top of the intense aerobic strain on his body. It was common knowledge, he knew, that this fish had a vicious bite, one that yielded razor sharp teeth, an ultra-sleek body, and speed that could propel it through water like a rocket.

Colt curiously peeked at his clock that read 3:11 P.M., now over ten minutes since the start of the race. With a slow ascend, he pulled the dive knife from its rubber sheath, and surfaced while still swimming. He then caught sight of the designated safety individual, sitting in the boat and adjacently positioned just ten feet away. Lifting his knife out of the water, he pointed behind him, knowing the man was armed.

In the meantime, Colt glanced through a sight of half water and half atmosphere, spotting Boden 20 yards ahead, approaching from the other direction. At that very moment, he heard the faint discharge of a firearm and a bullet penetrating into the water below. In turning back, he could see the large barracuda unfazed, the bullet leaving a trail of bubbles all the way to the bottom. He then passed Boden, slapping his hands as he swam over.

In his thoughts, Colt felt compelled to glance back, knowing he was about to come face to face with a very large predatory fish. From a short distance, he could see Boden cut sideways, slowing down significantly while having to maneuver around its stalking eyes. Colt started to laugh into his regulator, knowing that was just enough of an edge he needed to put him in front.

As Boden eventually passed the fish, Colt saw it turn to follow, stalking from behind in the same manner and seeming almost territorial. Colt then checked his pressure gauge, noticing his air quantity was being used up at an alarming rate. He made another angled ascent, putting the snorkel back in his mouth for the last 200 yards.

For a time, Colt took in the exquisite coral colors below, all teeming with exotic fish swimming randomly about below. Despite the real intensity of the race, it felt like a beautiful dream inside a colorful world of unknown variables. A snippet of what the entire time had truly felt like since arriving on the island 42 days earlier. As the sea floor started to rise, he pushed himself harder, attempting to reach the semi-active shoreline. In three feet of water, he sat, pulling off his mask and fins before jogging up the beach.

For a split second, Colt caught his breath and then shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand. He figured Boden hadn't landed yet, by the look of his safety boat over 40 yards from shore. He then smiled at the unfamiliar representative manning the sniper target location. Without a bit of hesitation, he laid on his belly, releasing the safety on the rifle. Within that smooth transition, he aligned the cross hairs onto the first target's bull's eye, then promptly squeezed the trigger before a slight recoil was applied to his shoulder.

From his right side, Colt could see the man enter the helicopter's pilot door, anticipating his arrival. He then took five more precise shots, all on the edge or inside the red bull's eye. His mind suddenly remembered the paintball gun Brett specifically mentioned, the one that would be next to the second target. As soon as he collected the item, he looked back to the chopper, watching the propeller blades start to twist.

Before hopping into the windy machine, Colt peeked around to see if he could spot Boden. Without any success, he hastily jumped in and watched the pilot pull back on the navigation stick. They quickly ascended without communication as Colt immediately located the sky-diving gear. Thirty seconds had then passed before he reached for the headset and microphone near the passenger's seat. For a moment, he could see the pilot briefly look back and then shift his attention forward again.

Colt tapped his shoulder, headset now on, "How long until we get to Booby Rock?"

The pilot responded, "The GPS is reading a little over 5 minutes. Congratulations, you're winning, so far." Within that small frame of time, Colt felt as though he could take a deep concentrated breath to relax. He then pulled off the headset and made for the rear to put on the parachute and helmet. As they slightly turned, he suddenly witnessed Boden's helicopter start to close in from a fairly short distance behind them.

Colt's eyes immediately shifted to Booby Rock, now visually within sight. The pilot then turned back, tipping his hand down to signal his intent to go faster. Colt nodded, knowing it was now a race between two choppers for the small island below. After affixing all the gear, he stood with gun in hand, poised at the rear opening for an strategic leap. Suddenly, the level of the helicopter flattened and Colt quickly glanced below to mark his spot.

Colt then briefly shifted his eyes to Boden's helicopter before seeing his pilot put up his right thumb. In a flurry of emotions, he jumped into the thin air, diving head first to outgain Boden's speed. His mind raced again, remembering what Brett said about pulling their chutes half way down. Tilting his head up, he saw Boden had already opened his chute, nearly twenty feet above.

His eyes then shifted back down in a slight panic, now seeing the tiny green island, approaching at a lightning quick speed. Without any pause whatsoever, Colt pulled his chute around two hundred feet above land and subsequently heard paintballs zipping past his face. Just after placing his hand on the trigger, he tilted his gun up towards Boden and fired off three shots, in a vertical line. Seconds later, he forced down the nose of the gun between the harness and his belly, and then intently focused on grabbing the parachute's control lines.

In the next twenty seconds, Colt managed to descend himself to the target, exactly where two people were visibly watching with binoculars. The landing was somewhat rough, but above he could see a frustrated Boden still attempting to fire off paintball pellets he did not have. Relieved, he pulled off the gear to the ground and then fired three more shots, just as Boden started to land, two hitting him dead on.

From his side, Boden could hear the two representatives laugh, just as the red paint started draining down his bare chest. Boden immediately released his gear, angry. "He was hit before me....I won. Check it out!"

Colt walked up after searching his body for any signs of paint. "You're crazy man; you could only hope I was hit."

Boden's face looked fighting mad, as if he was almost unable to contain himself. "You were supposed to pull your chute half way down! Don't you remember Brett saying that in his instructions? Didn't you hear that, Colt?"

Colt glanced at the representatives before responding. "That wasn't a rule, it was merely a safety suggestion so you don't haphazardly take it to the limit."

Boden angrily replied, "Well, that's your M O isn't it, Colt? Take it to the limit, regardless of your health? What are you trying to do, kill yourself out here for an extra twenty grand?"

Colt approached him lightly, knowing his ability to manipulate people in even their most infuriated states, was one of his true gifts. "C'mon man, don't go all sour grapes on me it's unbecoming of a true competitor like yourself. Have a little more integrity in loss, it makes the victories that much sweeter."

Boden couldn't say anything, but shoved Colt lightly, grinning. "You little whore! I bet you had that barracuda put in the water....to fuck with me too, huh?"

Colt pasted an anxious smile across his face, still shocked by the scary fish. "Dude, I was just hoping he wasn't gonna get me from behind, I could just see the son of a bitch slicing one of my arteries under there. Then you passed, and I figured your sweet little ass was just too tantalizing for him to pass up....I guess I was right."

Boden suddenly considered Colt as a possible friend, even in defeat; a man he could talk to after an intense battle. They then made for the small outpost adjacent to the targeted landing area, awaiting Alden and Keller's subsequent skydives. Both dug into the community cooler filled with icy bottled waters and then casually sat against the wooden siding. Colt took in the tropical sea breeze gently rolling over the Caribbean waters that cooled his overheated body.

Boden looked over with bright, hazel eyes after swigging down his water. "So, we never got a chance to talk too much, after you seemed to edge me in all this shit....why is that?"

Colt could feel Boden either prying him for information, or attempting to generate a true friendship. "I don't know. I guess I just figured you didn't want any part of me, especially after a loss or something."

Boden then looked over, smiling. "Well, I still want to kick your ass for always knocking down my momentum. But I can appreciate an intense competitor like yourself, perhaps you can as well."

Colt didn't want disagree and deflate Boden's positivity, or the possibility of gaining another friend. "Of course, I can certainly appreciate your spirit, Boden. Your intensity is unlike a lot of dudes we're training with here. I think this business we're poising ourselves for demands that sort of ambition, don't you think?"

For a moment, Boden thought to himself; digging for another water in the cooler. "Yeah Colt, I totally agree. Maybe that's something we should talk about."

Colt didn't know how to respond, not knowing if talking about training or thereafter, should be discussed. "I don't know if you know, but Alden and I were recruited out of L.A. back in May. What's your situation?"

Boden gauged to see if the representatives, who were scanning the skies with binoculars, were within ear shot. "Dave Royal and myself were also recruited together, out of Austin. I was a couple of semesters shy of graduating from the University of Texas when Dave mentioned a guy wanted to meet with us. I then met Jack, a fit guy about our age, but he definitely seemed a lot older than his years. Through that whirlwind decision, I neglected to ask him, 'why us?'" Nevertheless, we're here, and I'm really going to try to make the best of it."

"Hey man I gotta ask you, was Dave flunking out?"

Boden looked at him for a second and then glanced into the blue skies above. "As a matter of fact, he was. I guess Jack was looking for fit dudes from major universities; ones he knew were having struggles in school. How he found out may come out later in the wash, but it seems like he had a certain type he was looking for."

Colt couldn't help but dig inside himself, searching for a deeper meaning. "How's your moral compass doing on this career endeavor?"

Boden then looked Colt in the eyes much longer before pulling up grass blades, like a little boy. "I analyzed the notion of killing others prior to even accepting the offer. Believe me, it's not a decision I took lightly. However, the greed in me took everything in another direction, so I've tried to compartmentalize the evil aspects into a small spot in the back of my head....and you?"

There was a short period of time Colt could see Alden in him. The same conversation they had on the plane flight, when coming to the Caribbean. "I believe in God, and I believe there's a reason we were called upon to train here for these six months. With that being said, I think if it was something I couldn't have seen myself doing, I would have never came with Alden. But I was told that much of the work is for the betterment of society. You know, like ridding evil people from this beautiful world. That's what I hold onto every day, despite the violence associated with this career."

Boden could envision the conscience inside Colt; a smart and physically gifted young man, who could excel in many facets of life, much like himself. "Colt, even though I don't know you that well, would you give me your word on something right now, in the middle of all this intense training?"

Colt scanned his own mind, wondering what he could be asking? "Yeah."

Through the increasing sounds of chopper blades getting closer, Boden turned back to Colt. "Promise me that after all of this is said and done in March, we stay in touch; maybe for moral support or for mission support on jobs. I can promise that to you, man. After all, the cream always rises to the top, and we might be part of that cream here. I figure guys like us need to stick together, instead of being on a lonely island, like this."

Colt could see his need for trusting friends within this covert environment. It was as if the competitive expectations placed upon himself and everyone else were somewhat eroding his mind inside. Nonetheless, he could see Boden's genuine spirit lay within a man he felt he could trust, maybe in tough times down the road. He glanced back, grinning. "Of course you've got my word to stay in touch. You can't have too many good friends that have each other's back. Just don't hold any resentment with me after the training here. I can't go for that shit, ya know?"

Boden replied, "Absolutely not. I see us as nearly the same, Colt. You may be just a little bit better, but I think I can hang with you when it's all said and done. It's not so much our physical capabilities I'm talking about, it's up here man, in our heads."

Colt smiled, nodding in agreement as the black helicopters started to hover over the island.

At that moment, both men stood, anticipating the action that was about to take place. Just then, it looked as though Alden's green shorts were visible right before Keller's black attire jumped out shortly thereafter. Much like Colt, Alden dove to gain a decent lead on Keller, before pulling his chute at around 200 feet above the island. However, Keller followed his lead, meeting his same strategy just above the wooden outpost.

As the men floated in a circular fashion, Colt could see Alden shooting at Keller, with one arm pointed straight out. For a moment, he caught a glimpse of Keller not using his gun, but erratically shifting his parachute's navigation so as to not get hit. In the meantime, Alden lost sight of the target, still too preoccupied with shooting at Keller. Suddenly, Alden drifted over the water, while Keller started maneuvering himself over the landing target. Inside, Colt could feel his stomach sink, knowing Alden's gambling had ultimately cost him.

Both Colt and Boden could only watch as Alden then landed in the shallows off the island, just as Keller finally set his feet on the ground. From a distance, Colt could see Alden still trying to shoot at Keller, while running up the beach. The representatives then stepped in, looking at Keller. "Keller Roberts is the winner," one of the distinguished men said. "Yeah, fuck yeah!" Keller yelled. "That's what I'm fucking talking about!" Colt could see the anger in Alden's overall appearance; becoming worried Alden may take a swing at Keller's cocky face.

Just then, Keller stuck his fist out to Boden, trying to celebrate the victory with a teammate. Colt glanced out of the corner of his eye to Boden, watching him momentarily hesitate, then tap his knuckles with his. Alden connected eyes with Colt, frustrated at his own lapse in judgment. "Man, I figured I could cap his ass in the air, but lost my navigation in the meantime."

Keller started to undo his gear, pushing his hair to the side and glancing tentatively at Alden. "It was a close one, man. I did some skydiving when I was younger, it could have been the experience factor."

Alden could sense Keller's underlying sarcasm, knowing he could have done better. "It's no biggie, there's plenty of time left. Good stuff, though."

Colt could see Keller's smirk from his sideways glance, still yielding an aura of superiority. Later that day, Colt found himself overlooking gorgeous Redezvous Bay, in a pool with Alden. Their expensive villa slept all five of their team plus Jack, who took the master bedroom on the second floor. The time was 5:41 P.M., precisely forty nine minutes before they were to meet the women's group at the beautiful Terrace Restaurant for dinner. Both men still couldn't believe the incredible scenery they were blessed to look at daily.

Just then, Jack entered the pool with a smooth dive that skimmed his body against the gunite bottom. After surfacing, he spoke, "What are you two jokers talking about?"

Colt turned with a smile, briefly taking his eyes off the fantastic ocean colors below. "Oh, we're just marveling again at the little slice of heaven you surrounded us with here."

Jack could sense Colt's subdued way of complimenting, a man who could use words to his advantage. "I'm happy you guys are happy. That's why we picked this place to train in. When you think of heavenly places, there are probably a couple handfuls around the world, at best. This just happens to be one of them, and it's personally my favorite place anywhere!"

Alden pulled up the black sunglasses that wrapped around his face. "Yeah man, it sure is a honey hole that many people don't even know of."

Jack continued, "That it is, my friend....that it is. So I was gonna talk to you guys about working together on some assignments in the future; assignments that could be government-based, but maybe not. Would you guys be O.K. with working together on some stuff?"

Colt looked at Alden and chuckled. "Of course that would be alright, why wouldn't it?"

"Well, sometimes we have trainees claim they like to be a lone wolf without the encumbrance of another," Jack said.

Alden dunked his head back into the water and then pulled it up, hair slicked back. "It's cool man, don't worry. Jack....can I ask you some things?"

"Sure, go ahead."

Alden took in a breath, looked at the villa, and then glanced back at Jack. "Who's paying for this place, one of the guys said it runs for about $1,200 a night. If I do the math correctly, that comes out to a little over $200,000 for the six months we're stationed here. So who's footing that bill?"

Jack answered, "For this six month training session, there is a collaboration of funds being allocated to the cause. Some of the money is coming from Israel, some from the states, some out of London, and some out of South Korea. For countries like Israel and South Korea, they are neighbors to threatening countries, and as a result, they are sometimes in dire need of our services. When it comes to the U.S. and the U.K., let's just say that these countries are so plugged in, even representatives from their own governments and policing agencies get in on the act, now and then. But of course these countries would never admit to being a part of our endeavors. So, hopefully that answers your question Alden, in a long-winded sort of way."

Colt submerged himself underwater and then pushed off the edge, slowly moving along the bottom of the clear pool. After nearly a minute, he ascended, slowly blowing bubbles from his mouth. "Well Jack, what do ya think....are there gonna be any honeys at the restaurant tonight?"

Jack couldn't resist flashing his attractive grin. "Yes, if you guys would do me the favor of having first stabs at the beautiful black-haired vixen with the slinky body, I would really appreciate it. As far as the other seven girls, at least five are very attractive. Physically fit kind of girls with dynamic bodies, if that suits your fancy."

Alden stared through the refracting water at the time on his watch. "It's just shy of 6 P.M., we'd better wash our wigs, and head out." All three men agreed, making for the outdoor shower at the edge of the Italian tiled pool deck. With clothes still on, they all shampooed their heads, rinsed, and then quickly made for the villa inside.

Colt wasted little time in changing out his wet clothes for khaki colored cargo shorts and a bright white polo shirt. Alden followed suit, wearing cream colored dress shorts with a wine red button-up t-shirt. All six men then packed into the SUV and drove the 4 miles to the scenic restaurant, where the black team was, already.

The early evening was still somewhat sunny, but it was obviously dusk, and an exquisite sunset wasn't far off. All the men then walked up the stony staircase outside, and entered the restaurant, confident. It was immediately obvious the entire party was in the rear, overlooking the sailboats collected near the beach.

As their party dispersed, two women indirectly approached both Colt and Alden. "Hey guys," the blonde remarked, "I take it you're part of the green team?"

Colt smiled, his heart starting to accelerate by her stunning beauty. "Yeah, that would be us. It's very nice to meet you ladies, I'm Colt, this is Alden....and you girls are?"

She revealed her perfect set of teeth, exhaling. "I'm Krista and this is my insightful friend, Evelyn."

Alden then attempted to make his verbal presence noticed. "So, you ladies are the secret they've been keeping from us for so long?"

Evelyn, although shorter than Krista and just as strikingly attractive, started replying. "Yeah well, it's certainly been interesting, to say the least. In a good way, that is."

Alden couldn't stop himself from glancing at her pronounced breasts. "Yeah, it's been good fun up 'til now. I'm sure it will get much crazier as we head towards March."

Just then, Colt subtly glanced about the outdoor terrace space, seeing the shapes of two women from the back that looked incredibly familiar. Both women were talking to Keller and Boden, approximately fifteen feet away. Colt then respectfully shifted his eyes back to the women, still keeping a tab on the identity of the other two, in the meantime.

He suddenly caught Krista's baby blue eyes locking onto his, feeling compelled to speak. "So, I take it they got you boys doing drills, just like us? I was just gonna ask what they have you specifically doing."

Colt looked at Jack for a second, noticing Jack was talking to the beautiful black- haired woman he had referred to in the pool earlier. "I don't think I can give any specifics Krista, unless I talk to Jack first."

Krista looked at Evelyn for a moment, smiling. "Gosh, who do I gotta fuck around here to get any information?"

Alden shifted his attention back to the conversation. "Well, I think I can accommodate you in that regard." Their group of four then laughed, each glancing around the area once again.

Colt was then able to sufficiently size up Evelyn. "You guys want to join us at our table tonight?"

Krista quickly jumped in, noticing Colt's eyes on Evelyn. "For sure, we'd love to."

As the men looked around for a vacant table, Colt suddenly swallowed, unable to speak. He subtly bumped Alden, tipping his head in the direction of the women he couldn't identify just minutes earlier.

Alden's mouth opened, shocked. "You gotta be shittin' me, how the hell did they get here?"

Colt had to look away for a moment in disbelief then caught Amanda's eyes shift directly over to his. He could see her smile light up the room, looking as eager as he'd ever seen her before. Alden quickly glanced back over after initially coming back to Evelyn, seeing Jesse smile wide as well. Inside both men, perplexing feelings swirled, not fully comprehending their motivations in the women being there by chance, or intentionally.

Alden looked back to Krista and Evelyn, smiling politely. "Ladies, we'll be over there for a moment, can we meet you at that table in a bit?"

Both women looked back, noticing Amanda and Jesse awaiting their arrival. "Yeah," Krista responded, "we'll see you over there."

Colt then walked free and easy towards Amanda, feeling her positive energy build with every step he took. "Wow, well I gotta say, this is a pleasant surprise!" Immediately, he could see Keller and Boden turn.

Amanda instantly shifted all of her attention to Colt, looking happy. "Yeah, well I guess we're just as surprised as you are! How are you, sweetie?"

Colt looked to Boden, releasing a half grin. "I'm sorry to interrupt guys, we all know each other from back at UCLA."

Keller glanced at Boden, emitting an unsettled tone. "C'mon man, lets grab a table....we'll see you in a minute, ladies."

Amanda looked back from staring into Colt's relaxing eyes. "O.K., we'll be right over." She quickly snapped her head back to Colt and Alden. "I promised Keller we'd join him for dinner this evening. I went to high school with him back in Santa Barbara."

Colt sized up Keller, and then noticed him move his eyes back towards them. "Yeah, he seems cool. He's on the other team, so we don't know him that well, you know?"

At that moment, Jack brought over with him the attractive woman he had been speaking with earlier. "Hello boys, I see you've made your acquaintance with the lovely ladies on our women's team."

Jesse caught the look of her teammate Nina, before moving her eyes back to Jack. "We know these fellas from back in Cali."

Jack looked at Colt for a moment, and then back to Jesse. "Yeah, I know. I wanted to come over and talk to you guys about the top dog excursion rewards we're presently starting to implement."

Alden looked taken aback, wondering what he was referring to? "What's up with that?"

"Well, the top two in each men's team are invited to take nightly and weekend day trips around the islands on our luxurious main yacht. The big boat you didn't know we have, floating down in Rendezvous Bay. The kicker is that since you're the top two for your respective teams, you're allowed to bring a date for all the occasions. It's just our little way of rewarding you guys for all your hard efforts."

Colt could see both girls looking straight at him from his side. He subtly shifted his attention back to Amanda, witnessing her unforgettable smile up close and personal. "Amanda, you game for accompanying me on the next excursion?"

She giggled slightly then inconspicuously touched his hand. "Of course, I'd be honored."

Without pause, Alden smiled towards Jesse, feeling the positivity swirl about the air. "Jesse, you down for the same invite with me?"

She smiled then looked at Amanda, fairly relieved. "Of course, Alden, it'll be great fun. I already can't wait."

Jack then casually placed his arm around the woman standing with him. "Well Nina, I suppose it would be too much to ask you of a date, as well?"

Nina looked at Amanda and Jesse for a second, attempting to gauge their approval before gazing back into Jack's brown eyes. "Yeah, that would be awesome, I'm sure we'll all have a blast."

"Excellent, I guess it's settled then....we'll all hook up tomorrow. It'll be our first Saturday together, I'll email you all what to bring," Jack finished.

Colt then looked over to the table Keller and Boden were now sitting, noticing Keller's anticipatory stare again. "Hey Amanda, we're gonna go eat over there, we'll talk soon, though."

#  Chapter 5

After an awe-inspiring helicopter tour around the spectacular Virgin Islands, the yacht's personal aircraft landed without incident. Half of the boat's guests, including Colt, Amanda, Alden, Evelyn and Jack departed for the glossy white deck below. As the propellers slowly came to a stop, Colt still felt his heart palpitate inside his chest from the incredible scenery they just witnessed.

It was unlike anything most of them in the helicopter had ever experienced; a breathtaking flight filled with rolling green mountains that were randomly inserted between coves, cays, and bays. This was all amidst calm turquoise water, filled with expensive boats that occasionally congregated like little kids on a rich man's playground. For a time, Colt couldn't shake the thought of how that environment seemed to psychologically repair any ailments the mind could possibly possess.

After glancing at the exhilarated faces on those that began exiting the helipad deck for the open-aired dining area on the second floor, Colt grabbed Amanda's hand, "You having a good time?"

Her eyes lit up like a little girl on the midway, innocently staring at the bright fair lights at night, "Ah, yeah! This is so incredible here, Colt. It's truly like taking a phenomenal vacation, while working in the meantime."

It was 11:40 A.M. on a mostly sunny afternoon, and the yacht was sailing just outside the island of St. Thomas. In a semi-uniform fashion, everyone on board started assembling around an expansive spread of food, one seemingly fit for a king. On a marble island sat large prawns, crab cakes, lobster tails, various breads, fresh fruit and vegetables, finger sandwiches, and exotic cheeses; all conveniently next to pricey wine and crackers.

With the divided thought of each team still apart, Jack, Colt, Alden, and their respective dates, sat at one table near the edge of the deck. In the same vicinity, Boden, Keller, and Brett accompanied Krista, Evelyn, and Lisa at another sun-shielded round table. Jack's date, Nina, started peeling away her oversized lobster tail, poised to speak. "So, Mr. Jack, what's your true affiliation with this beautiful float we're so lucky to be on?"

Jack started to stick his fork into a bright strawberry, looking up with a slight grin. "I've been very lucky in my few years on this earth. My father was the man who introduced me to this at a pretty young age, in Israel. Many of the people who've supported these programs over the years, I could say....I owe my life to. As far as this actual boat and my affiliation....well, I can tell you it's not mine. You're cruising on a 270 foot mega yacht, worth around 39 million dollars. I certainly don't have the funds to purchase, or even be affiliated with that kind of disposable money....yet."

Nina laughed, yielding her shiny white teeth. "Yet....that must be the takeaway word, in your explanation."

Jack lightly chuckled, looking directly at Colt. "So Colt, what do you guys want to do after lunch? There's a whole shit load of things we can stick our noses into. Maybe parasailing, perhaps taking the ladies on a short dive, or we even have deep sea fishing capabilities. What's swirling around in people's craniums?"

Colt looked at Amanda, then Alden. "I don't know, just merely being on this beast is enough for us. But if there's extracurricular activities we can do, I'm game for whatever. You guys like the Jet Ski thing?" Everyone at the table grinned, appreciating his quick line of thinking.

Jack then quickly responded. "That sounds like an excellent idea, Colt; I'll tell the captain upstairs to anchor outside the Cabrete Paradise Villa. You'll love this place, they have windsurfing, parasailing, WaveRunners....perhaps you guys wouldn't mind us all snorkeling in, so we can rent the machines, that is."

Jesse couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "Oh Jack, that would be so awesome!"

Jack looked at the group with his confident eyes, happy. "Cool, well I'll have the captain give us the waterproof radios so we can talk to each other if we get lost. I'll go over and tell the other team what our intent is, and give them the option to join us as well."

Colt watched Jack leave their table, and then turned back to Amanda. "Well, maybe your old high school mate and Boden will join us with their ladies."

She stared at the baby blue horizon, before answering. "Yeah, he'll probably try to chew our ears off! Keller that is....maybe we could break off at some point, if we have a full tank of gas."

The rest of lunch was then consumed quickly; there was now a new sense of purpose that the group hadn't felt all morning. Mere moments later, Jack finally returned from the black team's table, making everyone aware that they would be joining on the Jet Ski excursion. Within a five minute time frame, the captain radioed down to Jack and Brett, letting them know of his anchoring a half mile out from Cabrete Paradise Villa.

All twelve people then met at the back of the yacht for a mask and fins fitting. From a first glance, the stockpile on the boat was more than adequate enough to accommodate the party, despite each person having a unique size. Colt left his sunglasses on for the moment, absorbing Amanda's amazing figure in the sunlight. Quietly in his own mind, he estimated that she stood 5 foot 6 inches, and weighed around 115 pounds.

Jesse had nearly the same physical features in a two-piece bikini as Amanda; however, her frame was a little taller and perhaps, five pounds heavier. Both Colt and Alden were pleasantly surprised at how fast their dates picked out and put on the snorkeling gear, faster than the rest. Just then, Colt found his appropriate size and leapt into the water first.

From above, Colt could see Alden jump in after him, with both Amanda and Jesse immediately following suit. The depth was around 25 feet, water clarity was a phenomenal 90 feet, and the water temperature was a mild 82 degrees. With everyone finally in the ocean, Jesse looked up to Alden after visually witnessing the depth below, stating "Wow, protect me if you see Jaws in the area!"

Jack glanced over, calm, "The Virgin Islands do have sharks in the area, but there's only been like, four attacks in the last hundred years. Your chances of getting bit by a mule horse on land are better than being ripped up by a shark out here."

Amanda nevertheless held Colt's arm tight, glancing around the underwater world in awe.

Colt looked up to Jack, eager. "Let's head out to the beach, man." Jack nodded, feeling comfortable in Colt taking the full initiative. They all spread out in a horizontal line with their respective dates, with each couple making for the bright white sands in the distance. Around twenty feet ahead, Amanda excitedly pointed out a small crab, quickly scurrying for cover under a piece of coral. Colt dove down and then turned his body up, watching the entire group randomly swimming above.

With big eyes, Colt could see Amanda smiling from below with her blonde hair floating, as if she were in a blue space world. Quickly, he ascended the eight feet he dove, and like a dolphin, purged the sea water from his snorkel. Abruptly appearing ahead, were a pair of blue jellyfish floating just under the surface. The entire party then shifted around the creatures for a time, avoiding the possibility of being stung. As the waters became somewhat shallower, parrot fish and a loggerhead turtle were picking the dead carcass of a stingray near the bottom.

Alden and Jesse then came in closer, with all four staring at the bizarre sight for a moment. Inside a minute, Colt finally glanced up, noticing the group was now significantly ahead. Just seconds later he ascended above the water, seeing the others start to walk up the beach and make for the busy rental merchant. Colt then pointed towards the land. "We gotta hurry; they're probably picking over the best shit, guys." They quickly used the long black fins to propel themselves to the beach, all anxious to start out.

In walking up, Colt noticed Jack under a palm tree, casually talking to Nina. He approached with Amanda, both smiling. "Looks great, bro, what's the skinny on the Jet Skis?"

Jack shifted his head over, flashing his mirror sunglasses. "Yeah man, it's all been paid for. Just pick out whatever you want and we'll snatch the radios back at the boat."

Colt touched Amanda's tan back. "Alright, let's jump on that big yellow one over there. Can you get Jesse and Alden? We'll see if they can get the same model."

Jack turned back to Colt, poised to make for his Jet Ski. "Can you meet us back at the boat? I've got some stuff besides the radios I'd like to give you guys."

Colt quickly nodded and ran through the white sand like a small child examining his new toy. He then dunked their snorkeling gear in the warm water before pulling up the back seat to store both sets below.

For a moment, each couple visually sized each other up on their respective rides. With some smiles of excitement, the women all held their men tightly before the engines were simultaneously started. Colt immediately throttled the motor, heading for a small jump he spotted in the near distance. Before reaching the orange-colored target, he could see Keller and Krista attempting to duplicate the same maneuver. Without much hesitation, he jammed the gas lever to its maximum, watching their Jet Ski fade in the mirror. In that invigorating moment, he could hear Amanda anxiously scream as the tip of their watercraft was within feet of the bobbing jump.

While passing over the incline, Colt couldn't help but giggle to himself, knowing Amanda was excited and fearful in the same breath. As soon as their Jet Ski landed, he could see Keller and Krista in the exploding water behind, slightly missing the jump, then landing askew. He pulled off the throttle and turned back, seeing both were thrown from the vehicle.

They approached cautiously, taking in both of their physical and mental conditions. "You guys alright?" Colt yelled.

Krista looked up, after flipping her wet hair back. "Hell no, I think my bottoms came off."

Just then, Keller suspiciously came up for air, eyes big. "Everything's alright guys we'll see ya back at the boat."

Colt quickly turned the Jet Ski around, before blasting water in his face as they left the scene. In the distance, they could see the other couples floating around the massive yacht, awaiting their tardy arrival. They eventually managed to coast their vehicle up to the group without incident, staring at their reactions to Keller and Krista's obvious crash. Brett and Lisa started to laugh uncontrollably, prompting the rest of the group to eventually join in, like giddy youth.

Alden looked to Colt, perplexed. "What's up, why are we back here man?"

"Jack wants to give us radios and some other stuff. It'll be just a minute or so, I'm sure."

Jack quickly returned to the edge of the deck, handing each of them large plastic zip lock bags. "Alright guys, the boat's gonna be anchored here until all of us get back. We've got six hours rented, a full tank of gas, fully charged radios, and a couple of other goodies in your bag. Keep everything as dry as possible, there's a smaller storage box in all of the Jet Skis. I'd recommend leaving your shit in there when you're cruising. We can all talk on station nine with the radios; we'll see ya out there....have fun!"

Amanda then pushed her mouth up against Colt's ear. "You ready, tiger?"

Colt responded by starting the engine, looking at Alden and Jack. "You boys ready?"

Jack gave a silent salute before hopping onto the watercraft again with Nina. They quickly made for Keller's fast approaching craft. Jack then pulled up their bag and then handed it off to Krista in passing.

Colt calmly pushed his sunglasses tight to his face, turning back to Jack and Alden. "You know the area, Jack, go ahead and lead the way man."

Jack vented a narrow grin as he watched the black team race away in various directions. "There's a truly beautiful place about 3-4 miles southeast of here called Normand Island. They've got amazing water-level caves we can snorkel and hang in. It's a place you really got to experience.... it might just blow your fricken' mind."

Alden immediately put his thumb up. "Let's do it man, you lead." Colt hammered the gas into an open area, awaiting Jack's emergence to the front of their three vehicle group. At that moment, Jack sped up his engine for the open water ahead, glancing back periodically.

Inside, Colt could feel his emotions begin to swirl. It was difficult not to embrace how beautiful the entire experience was shaping up to be; three friends in paradise with three beautiful dates, each skipping across the Caribbean together on speedy machines. Through Jack's light mist of seawater ahead he pushed the vehicle to its limit, reaching 50 miles per hour. He then glanced over at Alden, watching him catch his stare, completely thrilled as well.

For approximately six dreamy minutes, they were alone in the open ocean before decelerating near what looked to be a rocky point jutting off an expansive bay. As they were cruising up, they could see a large blue tour boat start to exit the immediate area. Jack confidently led the way over the rolling wakes, drifting their watercrafts into the cave's opening.

Below, the water took on an inviting, jade green hue. Side by side, there were two dark caves nestled within a rocky cliff ledge.

Amanda looked over to the other ladies, grinning. "This is beautiful, don't ya think guys?"

Jesse looked back to Nina with a smile. "Yeah, I think I've read about this place in some magazine somewhere."

Jack then tried to catch everyone's attention. "Let's put our rigs inside the left cave for a minute and just chill after that wild ride." They all silently agreed, slowly maneuvering their vehicles into the sunlit archway. Inside, the walls looked jagged and moist with varied tones of brown throughout. Underwater, the shimmer of red sponge and orange cup coral were visible within the middle of every random wave sequence.

After everyone took in the wild beauty for a moment, Colt spoke, hearing his voice suddenly echo. "So, now you got us here, what are you gonna do with us."

Jack laughed, sensing Colt's lighthearted humor. He then looked back to Nina. "You smoke my love?"

Nina set her chin on his shoulder, yielding a devilish smirk. "Of course, what do you think I'm a prude or something?"

Jack laughed, pulling out his zip-locked bag from his hidden compartment. "You don't really want to experience this area, whether above the ocean or below, without being a little buzzed. Just don't let Brett know I'm pulling out the weed, he sometimes doesn't like that, but we're all friends here, right?"

Alden revealed a mischievous grin, trying hard to control his laugh. "We don't mind a joint out here in paradise! I mean, who the hell would argue with that, man?"

Jack gave a seductive look to all the women before sparking the lighter he pulled from the bag. "This is some tight Jamaican shit I picked up from one of the Rasta dudes on St. John last month. He told me it's his finest bud that he smuggles over here every so often. Oh I forgot to mention....here's a little history lesson about this Norman Island. It's supposedly the basis for the 1800's book called Treasure Island that was written by Robert Louis Stevenson. Apparently, this place was the inspiration of the story, where the main character was in search of buried treasure from the crusty pirate Blackbeard. I guess he was just cantankerous as hell."

For a time, they all took their tokes on the thick joint, searching the opening every so often for unexpected visitors. Within less than five minutes, all were now feeling their brains beginning to generate a soothing sensation, reacting with the THC in the drug. To Colt, it was the kind of drug that always seemed to reduce his overall blood pressure, allowing him to better take in the inviting waters below.

Jack then looked up with a glossy, relaxed look in his eyes. "Are any of you lonely out here? I mean, it's hard to quantify lonely in such a beautiful place. But are you longing for your family or anything?"

Jesse tilted her brown sunglasses up to adjust to the darker lighting. "Yeah, it sometimes gets lonely when you don't get to see your mom or dad very often. But Amanda and I wouldn't have come out here unless we thought it was worth it."

Colt ran his hand down Amanda's wet leg, squeezing it for a sort of moral support.

Jack suddenly jumped into the water, holding the back of his Jet Ski. "Let's snorkel for a bit, so you guys can check out this wild environment down here." They all followed his lead, entering the four foot water that was lined with a sandy bottom.

Amanda then looked up, noticing the natural ferns growing above their heads. "Thanks Jack, this place is really exquisite."

He shot her a welcoming look. "No problem, I knew you guys would appreciate this sort of thing. Just take note though, this four feet drops down to over forty feet, just outside the cave here. I mean, it's no biggie, I just wanted to give you a heads up."

With the entire group now feeling as though they were suddenly in a different drug- assisted realm, each person methodically put on their gear. Jack took the first action of exiting the cave in search of another bit of scenery. The group quickly followed, amazed at the mass of yellow-hued fish awaiting their arrival at the cave's mouth.

As they curled around the cave's opening, a large wall of illuminating coral lined the underwater cliff. Colt could see Amanda's eyes occasionally look into his in a child-like manner. She then grabbed his hand in a gentle, romantic way; something he hadn't felt since leaving California. It was as if, through his intense focus on training, he'd lost that desire to be intimately close to a woman. Inside though, it felt truly refreshing; a departure from the rigid, male-dominated lifestyle that demanded precision and accuracy.

The group naturally dispersed somewhat, leading Colt to stick his thumb up and encourage Amanda to surface for a moment. "Hey, how ya doing?" he asked.

She grabbed the edge of the rock before slightly lifting her mask, to speak properly. "It's fantastic Colt, don't ya think?"

"Yeah, I'm really diggin' the views. Would you like to split off from the group for a little while....just the two of us?"

Her eyes widened, now emitting a seductive stare. "Absolutely, let's swim back to the Jet Ski." Colt grabbed her hand again, feeling her need to also be alone together. Inside the cave, they could see the rest of the group now slowly follow them in.

Jack looked up after touching the sandy bottom. "What's up guys, you heading out for a bit?"

Colt looked into his eyes, seeing a new friend's trust, look resolute. "Yeah man, that would be good, I think we should all do that for awhile; get to know each other that much more." Colt started the engine, glancing at everyone who was looking up at him and Amanda. "We'll radio you guys a little later. Cool?"

Alden's eyes perked up, looking over to Jesse. "Let's cruise the area, lady....I think I saw other things we can get into."

Colt then drove the Jet Ski out slowly, feeling the intense Caribbean sun kiss their skin once again. They skipped along the light waves for a time, gazing at the small island's natural beauty. From behind, he felt Amanda squeeze his midsection tighter, placing her soft lips onto the back of his neck. From a short distance ahead, Colt could then see a small beach sandwiched between large rock formations, just large enough for a small group of people. He pointed and then looked back to Amanda. "You wanna chill over there for awhile?"

Her light brown eyes fluttered for a second, trying to connect with his. "Sure, that would be nice." In their anticipatory silence, Colt cut the engine, drifting with the rolling waves into shore. After finally beaching the machine, he grabbed her hand In a chivalrous manner, allowing her to step onto the sand with control.

She abruptly looked back to the Jet Ski. "Colt, we're gonna get fried, you want me to grab the sunscreen?"

"Yeah, that's an excellent idea, I'll put some on your back, and you can do mine." She quickly snatched the tube, and then walked to the sandy area with Colt, feeling happy overall. Colt sat at the edge of the water, tapping his hand for her to sit close. "So, we haven't had a chance to talk since our brief encounter at the restaurant the other night....the last time I'd seen you before that was at Lon's condo. If I remember, you were sticking up for me when Liz shot off all that crap about me raping her, and the cop's remark."

She placed her hand on top of his. "Yeah, she's a real head case, to say the least. She's now back with Casey, they've even got their Facebook accounts synched somehow, making it look like they're married or something." Colt watched Alden and Jesse cruise past in the distance. "I never got a chance to thank you for sticking up for me that morning. No doubt that would have been some bizarre shit, had she told the cops I'd raped her, or something."

Amanda ran her fingers through her wet, blonde hair. "She told me that she could have easily fallen in love with you, Colt; that you would have been the perfect boyfriend, and then husband to follow."

Colt briefly looked into her eyes, eyes that were staring back at his. "Oh yeah....what did you say to that?"

She ran her fingers along the top of his hand. "I told her she's right....you would be the perfect husband."

Colt smiled, flattered by her candidness. "You really know how to get into a guy's heart, Amanda. Words like that are really incredible."

She started to rub sunscreen onto his reddened back, keeping a slow and gentle pace. "It's true Colt, you're a catch, and Liz knew it from the first time she saw you."

He grabbed the tube, starting to cover her back from the intense sun. "Can I ask you something, Amanda?"

She looked back, noticing he finished covering her back. "Yeah, you can ask me anything you want Colt....any time you want."

He considered her authentic aura for a moment, feeling his heart suddenly connect with hers. "How come you came here to the islands, you know, with Jesse?"

She then took off the dark sunglasses she had put on moments earlier, revealing her true sincerity. "You want to know the truth?"

Colt smiled, feeling her loving soul suddenly emerge. "Yeah....I want to know the truth."

She looked at the romantic sea, how the sun sparkled off the random wave peaks. "It's because of you."

He looked at her face, touching her neck before slowly placing his lips onto hers. The kiss went on for a moment, with both feeling an energy between each other they hadn't ever felt before. He then gradually pulled away, giving off a childish smile. "You came here for little ole me? You can't be serious."

She scooted in closer, feeling his skin touch hers. "You captured my heart many times over, Colt....I've never been able to tell you this before, because we've never been able to be alone like this."

He could then feel his soul surrender to her honesty, allowing the high walls he'd built up, crumble downward. "I've thought about you as well. I just didn't know if it would lead anywhere, because I figured you were naturally back in L.A. I've felt that vibe we had together, a long time ago as well. It's a vibe I don't get very often around women, a comfort level....like I can talk to you about anything."

She considered him for a time, somewhat relieved in his revealing his true feelings. "I'm assuming you figured who recruited us that night?"

He stared as the greenish water transitioned into the blue, ironically yielding deeper depths in the near distance.

"Yeah, Jack."

She pushed her hair back over her shoulder. "Yeah, he came to us at the party that night, asking if we'd be open to the concept. But we never agreed until he'd had his meeting with you guys, when you confirmed your intent to come here with Alden."

Colt then looked at her in a somewhat different capacity, a woman who was willing to partake in such a dangerous lifestyle; risky endeavors for the sake of being closer to him. He knew that she'd personally took on a gamble, figuring her feelings would possibly be reciprocated, and then ultimately surrendering to the beautiful faith inside her heart. He finally pulled his eyes away from the evocative sea, subtly glancing into hers. "You know this stuff we're into isn't child's play, right? You understand what they're asking of us after this program?"

She set her head lightly onto his shoulder. "Yeah, I know the lifestyle. I've been fully briefed on everything from a to z. I know you're going to be a top secret hired gun, Colt. And I know they specifically would like us women to give you guys support, at times. On your various missions in the field I know that to be surveillance support, computer support, ground support, moral support....the works."

Colt looked to her after seeing Jack and Nina unknowingly pass by. "I would really like that....you and I being together in the future."

In that moment, Amanda attempted to extract his love by entering the slightly ajar door within his heart. "I'm willing to go wherever you want, Colt....I could always see myself needing you from the first time we met."

Colt felt his eyes start to slightly well up, knowing her loving intent was really true. "Wow, you are a beautiful soul, honey! I'm really blessed to have a woman like you now in my life. It's not every day that someone like you re-emerges....it gives me a lot of hope....I guess I should ask you something then."

Amanda moved her eyes back up to his. "What would that be?"

"Would you officially be my girl, from here on out?"

#  Chapter 6

In Colt's cell phone's display, he could see Amanda staring back, randomly smiling, despite feeling under the weather. "So, what are you guys gonna do later on?"

Colt briefly looked around the top deck of the mega yacht, feeling the soft sea breeze brush across his scruffy face. "I think we're gonna just hang, anchored here in the bay."

Amanda dropped the phone on the bed for a second, giggling after she picked it back up. "Well, have a good time, honey. Don't get too drunk, and come back to me when you get a chance....I love you." It had been nearly four months since their talk at the tiny beach on Norman Island, now three weeks away from finishing their six month session.

Colt smiled, looking deep into the little camera. "I love you, too. I'll be good, and not get too jacked up. It's a pretty low key, mellow environment on board the good ship lollipop." He then smiled, "Goodbye love," and touched the end button. Sitting back on the chair, he could only picture Amanda by herself in the green team's villa she moved into with him, months prior.

Just then, Alden came up the stairs, looking loopy and full of vigor. "What up mister mister? I take it you just got off the horn with the old lady? All good is back at the homestead, I take it?"

Colt received the cold bottle of beer Alden was extending outwards. "Yeah, she's cool. She's just feeling like shit is all, she'd be here with us had it not been for the stomach flu or whatever. I think Jesse's gonna go over there later on, so they can snuggle up on the couch and watch movies together or something."

Alden pulled up a chair, hearing the party downstairs get a little more boisterous. Colt then tilted his digital watch up, reading 8:02 P.M, March 2, 2015. "Well, I guess we could pull back a couple more, and see what's what," Colt replied, feeling as though Alden was probing for more. As if Alden was hoping both were now suddenly single again; like the good old days back in L.A. Colt then continued, "You dirty old dog, what do you got up your sleeve?"

Alden looked back after witnessing the sea suddenly become illuminated by the full moon. "I'm not saying anything in particular, let's go downstairs and just have a good time....what do you say?"

Colt could envision the various people in attendance; Brett, Boden, Keller, Krista, Evelyn, and Lisa. The regulars they had socialized with for the past four months; the men never changing in their respective positions within their black team's rankings.

They both said nothing, just standing up with cold beers in hand and making for the party deck below. After their slow descent, Colt could see Evelyn and Krista approach, looking tipsy.

"Hello boys," Evelyn said, "you guys having a little romantic interlude upstairs with the sexy moon above?"

Colt laughed, seeing Krista's eyes suddenly lock onto his. "Of course, we just had greasy man sex! And we're now looking for more down here."

Krista laughed with Evelyn, sipping her girly-colored tropical drink from a red straw. "Well," Krista replied sensually, "you boys need to drink up; we can't have fun on this monster ship unless everyone's had their fair share."

Colt looked back into the living area where Brett, Lisa, Keller, and Boden were standing in front of the big screen television. Al Pacino, who was playing Tony Montana, was snorting up a pile of cocaine in the 1983 film, Scarface.

Colt suddenly glanced over to the table tucked privately near the back of the boat. "Why don't we hang over there, and have some drinks....is that cool?"

They all conceded, seeing the captain walk down from the above deck holding a big cooler. "Here you are, guys, I've taken the liberty to put together a nice cruise cooler for you! It's got damn near everything you'd want in a bottle. We're heading out for a ride around the islands, maybe do a little party hopping....if you're so inclined."

Alden became slightly aroused by the fragrant smelling perfume emitting from each woman; an intoxicating blend of scents that floated randomly about the soft breeze. Colt then sat searching through the expansive cooler that was filled with beer, soda, fruity alcoholic drinks, plastic cups, and mini bottles of airplane alcohol. He could then see the women suddenly anticipate the near-term future. "Right when we talk about getting lubed up," Krista said, "the captain coincidentally appears like magic; with a tub of alcohol....go figure that one!"

Evelyn revealed a girlish smirk towards Alden, glancing over to see if Boden was watching. "You guys want to go old school, and play a little quarters?"

Colt smiled, remembering the innumerable times he and Alden had played the drinking game at various UCLA parties.

"You bet," Alden replied smiling, "but let's shoot into an empty cup, I hate the taste of metal in my beer....I'd probably drink the son of a bitch if we didn't."

Colt looked over laughing, after chugging his beer. "Man, you've told me you've shit out quarters after some of those major ragers, back in the day."

Alden stuck his index finger over his mouth, shushing Colt. "You're not supposed to disclose that top secret info bro, the ladies are now getting a visual."

Both Krista and Evelyn chuckled, setting up the cups for the game. Alden casually glanced at the other half of the party, still socializing in front of the television. Several hours then passed and the living room clock now read 11:00 P.M. The yacht continued its slow cruise through a labyrinth of various islands and coves, before anchoring near another boat of similar size.

Everyone in the party at that point, was fairly inebriated from diverse alcohol games being offered up. Just then, Colt could see Boden approach casually, laughing.

"You old son of a bitch, when the wife's away....the cats will play," Boden remarked, fairly drunk.

Colt placed his hand without inhibitions onto his tense shoulder. "You're almost right, I think it's when the cat's away, the mice will play. But I'll give you credit for your version nonetheless, bro."

Boden smiled, yielding a look only a severely drunk young man could accomplish. "You know what I'm saying, you crazy fuck. Oh, lookie here....we got a couple of live ones."

Colt glanced off the deck and around the other large yacht, seeing naked people cannonball diving into the dark waters below."

Just then, Krista started to take off her bikini top before dropping her yellow bottoms to the wood deck below. Without a bit of hesitation, she dove head first into the salty water. Each man in the party looked at each other and then back at Evelyn and Lisa, following suit.

Colt and Alden then watched Boden, Keller, and Brett take off their shorts and promptly leap into the waters as well. Above, Colt could see the captain turn up the stereo, watching from atop and dancing with himself. The captain then looked down, noticing Colt and Alden not participating. "Well, get out there, boys....these moments don't come by that often. What are you, afraid you're gonna get your dicks chomped off by a shark?"

Colt laughed as Alden brazenly pulled off his shorts. He then turned to Colt while staring at the naked women below. "Fuck it, let's go man!" Colt quickly pulled down his shorts, seeing Amanda in his dizzy head watching movies with Jesse at home. Upon impact, Colt could feel his unprotected testicles slam against the water. In that precarious moment, he looked up underwater and in agony, saw several legs fluttering about from the boat's bright lights beaming down.

Through sheer determination and pain, Colt managed to surface near Krista and Evelyn, who were both talking to several other naked women from the other boat, next to theirs. Just then, a bevy of fireworks exploded into different colors above, with smoke generously filling the salty air. Colt could see Alden swimming towards him quickly, wanting to be close to him and the four naked women.

After some moments, Colt felt he could speak. "Wow Alden! I'd recommend covering your nut sack before slamming your nads into the water. You did, didn't you?"

Alden peered around for a second and then grinned with a giggle. "No, you got the crushed nuts effect too, huh?"

They both laughed, noticing all four women starting to smile. Krista then took the liberty to speak on behalf of the other ladies. "Well, guys, this is Clarissa and Joy....both look to be doing well off, I might add."

Clarissa, a busty blonde with a tan body, spoke. "Yeah, Jimmy likes to party alright. He's gonna start lightin' off more of those damn fireworks now. Would you guys like some cold Jagermeister shots, over in the shallows?"

Alden kept looking at her bouncing breasts in the water, almost as if he were spellbound. "Shit yeah, we would."

Clarissa replied, "Cool, just follow me over to the back of our boat. I'll have our cook, pour us up a shitload." Through her southern accent, Colt suspected they were from Tennessee, but couldn't be absolutely certain. They all finally reached the back of the boat, lights now intensely brighter, yielding all four of the women's naked splendor.

Jimmy, who looked to be Clarissa's overweight husband, then popped over the railing with a long firework in hand. "What's up, gents. I see you found yourself a whole boatload of pussy down there!"

Colt snickered, looking around for the other men and noticing they were standing by the front of the boat, socializing with other unclothed people. "Yeah man, you guys like to let loose; kind of wild shit going on, huh?"

Clarissa reached under the water, grabbing Colt firmly around his semi-aroused penis. "You ain't seen nothing yet, young man!"

Jimmy then came back with a silver tray of shots, Colt and Alden quickly tipped back two each. Inside Colt's mind, the night suddenly became significantly hazier. The beautiful naked women almost started blending into each other, and Alden's mouth kept moving, many times without sound.

Like magic, Jimmy came back with another tray filled with shots, this time with a light brown liquid in some shots, appearing to be whiskey, as well as more Jagermeister. Alden happily pulled back two more, and then Colt repeated with his two. Inside both men, it was as if some empty space was being filled. It felt that becoming severely intoxicated was truly indicated within that particular moment in time.

Colt pushed off from the boat, seeing the stars in the sky twirl around each other while the moon maintained its static position. Alden then also attempted to tread water, but quickly felt his mouth fill up with salty ocean water. Colt spotted a beach on the other side of the boat, where the other party wasn't. "Hey man," he spoke to Alden, "let's head over there, kemo sabe! I'm gonna be going under if we don't."

Alden laughed, glancing at the naked women. "Hey girls, we're going to that beach over there....come over and keep us company. Colt started to swim, but it didn't feel like he was moving, it just seemed like the dark waves were a hypnotic treadmill of sorts. They finally made it to the shallows, both awaiting the women who were now giggling with tropical drinks above their heads.

Joy then surveyed both men, laughing at Alden's fully erect penis. "Boy, guys, I didn't know the site of four naked women was gonna give you a ragin' rod."

Alden then looked down, suddenly noticing the tip of his penis was peeking above the water. "Oh, sorry ladies....he's a naughty boy, sometimes."

Clarissa approached, now grabbing Alden. "That's O.K., we've seen many a guy pull that number out here. After all, it's our seventh year in the same spot. And you good ole boys ain't no different than the ones before you!"

Alden looked up with a sense of shock, but kept a straight face, nonetheless. "Yeah, that's pretty insane shit your spittin' lady, but I gotta tell ya....I like it."

Joy could tell he was extremely inebriated. She then looked back to the boat, yelling. "Jimmy, ask Tim if it's O.K. that I rope me up another calf here."

From a distance, Tim, her husband, then came out standing next to Jimmy. "You got some fresh meat out there, honey?"

Joy looked into Alden's sleepy looking eyes, smiling. "You bet your sweet little ass I do, mister!"

Tim replied, "Well, have at it, honey. You've got my full support, as long as I can hit me one of those honey holes later."

Joy then turned back to Alden before wrapping her legs around him underwater. Alden immediately started to walk both of them down the beach near an overhanging palm tree that was approximately twenty yards away.

In dimmer lighting, Colt witnessed Alden then lift her body onto the beach while he stood next to Krista and Evelyn. Moments later, he could see Clarissa's naked body down near Alden, as well. He looked at Krista, trying to keep her face from completely blurring out. "Well, it looks like Alden's got his hands full over there."

All three of them could hear Joy moaning while Alden's body gyrated uncontrollably on top of her. Colt couldn't stop himself from giggling with Krista and Evelyn, watching both women now seductively approach. From a tingling sensation below, he could feel Evelyn wrap her hand around him as Krista just stared into his face. "You're still at the top of the totem pole, aren't you sailor?"

Hours later, Colt awakened to camera flashes while lying naked on the beach with Krista and Evelyn. Quickly he sat up, less hazy, and looking around. In the near distance, both yachts hadn't moved, and there was a bright yellow kayak heading back to theirs. He yelled into the dark night, "Who's out there?" He then listened for several seconds, but received no response back.

Both Krista and Evelyn then awoke, dazed and confused. "Wow," Evelyn said laughing, "We must have gotten pretty fucked up to have passed out naked on this little beach."

Colt looked down the narrow beach, seeing Alden sandwiched between both Clarissa and Joy, all looking passed out. He then thought of the camera flash before waking up, and then looked to Krista and Evelyn. "Did we?"

Krista looked over, slightly shaking her dizzy head. "I don't know.... I don't remember anything. Do you, Evelyn?"

Evelyn looked at the glasses they both brought to the beach with them, still with alcohol near the bottom. "I have no idea, if we did, I don't remember either."

Colt glanced at his watch seeing it was now 4:56 A.M. "We'd better get Alden and get back to the boat. Somebody's probably posting some shot of us right now on the internet."

Krista then yielded a look of shock. "What?" They hastily made for the moonlit boat, yelling towards Alden to join.

At the back of the yacht, Colt snatched one of several neatly folded towels before handing the women theirs. He cautiously walked up, looked in the living area, and then made for the upper deck. Upstairs, he could see Boden passed out in a chair and Keller sitting back, staring. Colt looked directly at him, curious. "What's up, man?"

Keller turned as Krista, Evelyn, and Alden finally made their way up as well then remarked, "Nothing, I'm just chillin' up here with all my friends....well one, Boden. But he's passed out. So I figured I'd relax, and wait for everyone to come back."

Colt looked around for a moment, seeing his small duffel bag several feet away. "Did you see a yellow kayak around here?"

Keller emitted a confounded look. "No, it's one of the yachts little boats, but I don't know where it's at."

Colt then picked up his bag, unzipped it, and pulled out his smartphone. His eyes widened, seeing there was several recently received texts from Amanda.

Immediately, he walked over to a secluded area and started to hit the buttons next to each text. Alden then walked over, tightly standing next to Colt. He looked to Colt after reading the first text. "You're a dick. I just heard what you did. I'm fucking moving back in with the women. You fucked those two girls on the beach? How could you. You violated my trust. I just got word of your little party. I can't believe I'm hearing this."

Colt looked up from the eight texts that had been sent within the last hour. "What the fuck?"

Alden stared directly in Colt's face, angry. "It's somebody on this boat dude, trying to set you up."

#  Chapter 7

Six days before the completion of the training program, Colt stared into the colorful dusk sky, with legs dangling in the pool. Off in the distance, the faint sound of passing whales could be heard around Rendezvous Bay. Even the awe-inspiring sounds of nature couldn't shake his thoughts of the future and its impending uncertainly. Inside, his heart was heavy; after his drunken night with Krista and Evelyn, just weeks earlier, Amanda still not wasn't talking to him.

Alden appeared from inside the house, post dinner, "How you doin' boy? You look as blue as the sky up there."

Colt immediately put up a wall to hide his true feelings. "Na man, everything's cool. We're almost finished with the program, why would I be blue?"

"Amanda....you really do love her, don't you?"

Colt fixed his eyes to the orange horizon, pensive. "I do, Alden....more than you'll ever know. She makes me feel a certain way when I'm around her....unlike any other chick I've ever been with. When I'm not with her, I'll think about her; more than any other girl I can ever remember being around."

Alden stuck his feet in the warm pool water, sitting next to Colt. "I hope you don't regret coming here with me, man. I want to tell you now....I'm sorry if you do."

Colt looked at Alden, seeing the same genuine friend he'd always remembered, loyal and trusting. "Alden, I don't want you to ever think that, bro. It was my decision that day on the beach with Jack. I don't regret it for a minute. I've had a blast down here with you, Jack, Amanda, Boden, Krista, Evelyn....all you guys."

Looking around himself, Alden wanted to keep Colt's mind from going astray, losing its focus. "You're worried about what's around the corner, right?"

Colt knew Alden and Amanda were the only two people he could truly confide in on the island. Therefore, he felt sharing his innermost feelings wasn't a risk, especially with a true friend. "Yeah, I'm scared....aren't you?"

Alden couldn't permit himself to talk immediately, amazed at the sounds of the whales passing through the bay below. "Damn....that shit's unreal down there....am I scared? Hell yeah, I'm scared; I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. But with that being admitted, we're the top dogs here, man....you're leading in rank points. This means you're probably going to get the best assignments out of any of us. The pick of the litter man! Probably able to accept or reject whatever you want. Hell, maybe I will as well, since I'm in second and from the same team as you to boot. There's a lot to look forward to, as well as being nervous, you know?"

Colt couldn't get Amanda's image out of his mind, her soft brown eyes staring back at him. "Can I ask your opinion on something?"

"Sure man, anything," Alden reassured him.

Colt looked around to see if anyone was in earshot of their private conversation. "What if we finish, and Amanda never wants to speak to me again? I've heard from Jack that she's been hanging out with that Keller dude she graduated with."

Alden watched his own feet move back and forth under the mesmerizing pool water. "That guy isn't a quarter of the man you are, Colt....and you know it! You gotta call that bluff. She's trying to get you to come groveling back on your knees, to win her heart back. Let me ask you something, and please man, don't be dishonest with me."

"Yeah," Colt muttered.

"Did you fuck Krista and Evelyn that night on the beach? Because I know I slammed those horny older hags....and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Hell, I think that Clarissa must have given me a hundred or so motor boats! Her tits almost smothered me. I could also tell they were fake....by the way."

Colt had to chuckle, seeing the craziness still in Alden that hadn't ever left; a friend who knew how to lift his spirits at his lowest periods. He then scooped up some water and tossed it into the middle of the pool, before looking back to Alden, "Getting back to your question. No I don't think, or remember, pounding Krista or Evelyn that night. But I will tell you this much, someone not only texted her and said I did, but also shot her a photo that apparently had Krista holding my rod on the beach, completely passed out. Even I gotta say, that's some pretty damming evidence, indeed. Maybe the son of a bitch stuck her limp hand on my cock before snapping the photo....to set my ass up. Either way, he did a bang-up job trying to throw dirty laundry all over me!"

Alden wanted to alleviate his friend's pain so badly, but couldn't articulate on how to go about it. "Well, it's gonna be in your best interest to keep your head on straight. You know, think as good thoughts as possible; that's gonna be your counter to all that bullshit."

Colt rose up to a stand, stretching from the long day. "I'm gonna ride one of the motorcycles around for a little while; I need to be alone."

Alden grabbed his ankle, looking worried. "You ain't going without me! There's three bikes dude, I'll go with you."

Colt tried to mask the pain he was currently feeling with a straight face. "You're such a good friend, bro. I love you man....don't ever forget that!"

Alden glanced up, eyes emitting the look of a little boy. "I love you too, bro. I can respect your wishes though, man. Just go on with your bad self then....and I'll see you a little later."

Colt could see Alden then stand. At that moment, he felt compelled to reach out, beckoning him in for a hug. They then embraced for a moment, smacking each other on the back. Colt pulled away seconds later, still touching Alden's shoulders. "I'm gonna go inside and grab a couple of beers to hide in the back of the motorcycle compartment. I'll see ya a little later, bro."

Alden took in a deep breath, smiling. "Yeah man, go clear your head."

Colt then slapped down at his hand, clasping it, before turning back to the villa. He quickly made for the fridge and then swiftly entered the garage, where the three enduro motorcycles were parked. After placing the beers in the rear compartment, he grabbed a black helmet and slowly pulled it over his face.

For a second he looked around, pulling up the helmet's tinted plastic to see better in the dusky lighting. He then hopped onto the blue motorcycle, kicked down the starter, and gunned back the gas out the open garage door. In slowing down after leaving the area, he pulled out his smart phone, touching the GPS application he had on the startup screen.

_If they check any trails up in the mountains for me_ , he thought, _it would be Reef Bay Trail, not Sieban Road Jeep Trail._ He knew he could better his chances of privacy going that route, rather than heading atop the clearing on Reef Bay Trail, the one where both teams had always started each day. After touching the trail on the map, his phone application automatically created a point to follow.

He then marked the route in his brain, turned on the headlight, and cruised through main roads until he hit the back country trails. The small path that connected the neighborhood street of Skytop road to Sieban Road Jeep Trail, was narrow and somewhat dark. Nonetheless, his mind needed time to reflect, perhaps see the world from a different perspective.

After slowly making it through the winding trails, he managed to hit Sieban, now climbing the mountain with the motorcycle approaching 45 mph. He then slowed down, passing an unrecognizable SUV slowly hugging the grassy road's shoulder. At the top, he finally found a clearing that was flat with a marvelous view of the darkening ocean below. Stopping at the edge of a cliff, he parked his bike and proceeded to pull both of the cold beers from the rear compartment.

Inside, the moment felt bizarre, despite the beauty surrounding the entire area. He sat, twisting the beer top off, with feet dangling over the 300 foot cliff below. Above his tormented head, he watched as a lone pelican cruised across the colorful horizon. He then spoke aloud to himself and Amanda, after swigging down half the beer. "Wow, man, you must have really fucked up somewhere along the line to be here right now. What a romantic view I could have brought you to you, honey....I bet you think I'm some inconsiderate ass right now. After all, maybe I did fuck those girls and someone saw me do it. But....I don't remember, even if I did....I guess it doesn't matter now, you'll believe what you want, regardless....I can't change that. Maybe I deserve my fate. Maybe all this shit don't matter anymore....without you."

He then pushed away from the cliff, standing now. In peeking over the edge, he haphazardly slammed back the rest of his beer, only to immediately open the second one. The burn of the beers intense carbonation encompassed his entire throat, after drinking nearly ninety percent in one tip. He then tossed the beer bottle near the motorcycle, feeling a light buzz envelop his mind, and now, less anxious. Cautiously, he stepped to the cliff again, tears now welling in his eyes and heart beginning to pound.

_Time ain't moving in a normal speed_ , he thought, _as if this shits a dream, and I'm gonna wake up in a minute or so._ At the very edge, he then closed his eyes, knowing he was just a leap away from ending it all. Just then, he could hear a vehicle's engine become louder and then headlights illuminated the flat clearing where he thought he could remain alone.

The first visual was merely a driver's window coming down, and then Jack peeking his head out, smiling, "Whatcha doin', old boy?"

Colt nonchalantly stepped away from the cliff's edge, startled, "Oh....nothing. I'm just chillin' by myself, taking some time to think....you know?"

Jack stepped from the vehicle slowly, glancing about the area as if he hadn't been there before. "Real pretty view up here....almost breathtaking."

Colt tried to diagnose his tone, seeing that when their eyes did connect, a powerful energy was seemingly transferred. "Yeah, this whole Virgin Islands thing has been beautiful; it's just another incredible scene....on a different day."

Jack suddenly went to the back of the truck, pulling out a cooler and then setting it down, just a couple feet from the cooling motorcycle. "You seem a little tense, my friend. Is there a reason for that?"

Colt looked back to the boats now shimmering in the scattered bays below. "No, everything is O.K. I'm just reflecting a little bit on everything. You know, trying to find a certain peace with myself."

Before leaning up against his SUV, Jack finally caught Colt's wondering eyes again. "You know, Colt, you have something very special inside you....I knew it the first time I saw you that night at the UCLA party. Perhaps, you don't even know how powerful it is, yet....but one day you definitely will. I'm not talking about your will, Colt. I'm talking about something you were selected to have, probably before you were even born."

Colt pulled a beer from the cooler, looking sort of perplexed. "O.K., I guess I don't know what you mean....but I'll take your word for it." Jack placed his hand on Colt's shoulder, and closed his eyes for some seconds. "It's gonna be O.K., bud, you're in good hands with me. I'll make sure everything goes as smooth as possible in your transition these next few weeks. I hope you can trust in me....do you?"

Colt looked at Jack, feeling a slight surge of power after he took his hand off his shoulder. "Of course I trust you, Jack. Don't you remember when I told you that on the beach after our lunch in California, that day with Alden?"

Jack exhaled, twisting the top off a bottle of beer. "Of course I remember. I just wanted to check your temperature right now, on how you feel about our friendship."

Colt then felt as though Jack knew why he had come there, his ultimate motivations. It was almost as if he was scanning his mind, reading his thoughts. "Look Jack, I want this. And I know you're the man I can turn to when all the chips are down. I've just been a little bit bummed out lately, ever since that Amanda thing, you know?"

Jack walked over into Colt's line of sight before turning back, and then looked him directly in the eyes. "She's a really special girl, Colt, I could tell that right away. But if you two are truly in love, she'll come back into your arms soon."

Colt felt Jack's confidence migrate into his soul, suddenly yielding him a new sense of vigor.

At that moment, both men could hear the same humming sound all enduro motorcycles make, on the trail just below. They apprehensively watched the lone headlight bounce up to the peak, and then quickly approach. Anxious, Colt held his beer bottle tighter, ready to smash it across the man's face.

Just then, Keller stepped in closer, emitting a slight grin. "Hey boys, what's the occasion?"

Jack sized him up for a time, while Colt could feel his heart start to accelerate. "No shit," Jack said, "I didn't think anyone else knew about this place up here. Turns out, both you guys know more than I thought. Please, take a beer, Keller, and hang out with us."

Keller snatched a bottle from the icy bath in the cooler and then casually approached the edge of the mountain. "Boy, this place is really cool up here at night. I knew they had some great views around here, but this one's the best I've seen yet." Both men just nodded, not saying a word. "So," Keller continued, "how's our points leader doing? I bet you got this thing pretty much sewed up 'bout now, huh?"

Colt stared away for a moment, grinning. "Yeah, it's all good. I can't really complain. Jack here has been a real good mentor for me; I couldn't have done this without him."

Keller opened his throat and swigged down a large portion of beer. "Yeah, he's young like us, but really knows his shit. I'm sure that similarity in age is gonna be a true asset....when it comes to real life stuff in the field."

Jack chuckled for a moment, watching Colt's demeanor straighten up. "Yeah, you guys have worked real hard up until this point, I'm really proud of both of you."

Keller walked back cautiously. "Oh c'mon man, you're probably just saying that, since you got your ace standing right next to you. I think I'm fourth overall in points, so it's probably safe to say that you're not as impressed with my performance as Colt's."

Jack replied, "Oh yeah, I am. Both of you have special attributes that are going to assist you in completing assignments in the field. Just because Colt may be a little more athletic, or brainstorm faster than you, doesn't mean you can't excel as well as he might. Especially when you evolve....all that matters is that you're near the end, and you didn't quit. I can't say that about all the people who have come through this program over the last four years. So you should give yourself a pat on the back, or maybe I should."

Colt took inventory of Keller's demeanor after Jack tried to inflate his ego, seeing if he was appreciative.

"You know," Keller resumed, "I felt like I wasn't going to be alone up here for some reason. I don't know why, I guess it's just some sixth sense. But it's nice to have some company on such a fabulous night." He then looked Colt dead on. "You know, Amanda and I are just friends, right?"

Colt could feel his blood began to simmer, his veins starting to fill with a higher pressure. "You got a lot of nerve coming up here and having her name in your mouth. I don't suppose you were the one who created this phantom story about me fucking Krista and Evelyn. And then shooting some photo of her hand on my dick?"

Jack quickly stepped in as Colt moved closer to Keller. "Now guys, let's not upset this cool vibe we all have going."

Colt flashed Jack a friendly glance, looking back at Keller. "Well?"

Keller took a nonchalant sip of his beer before replying. "I'm only trying to protect Amanda from getting hurt."

Colt then punched Keller as hard as he could on top of his left cheek bone, immediately dropping him to the grass. He then jumped onto him in a flurry, firing three more shots into his ribs. "You best come clean my man, cuz you're fixing to get a good ass whooping 'bout now."

Keller moaned in pain, taking a feeble swing at Colt's face. "Tell you what? That you're a two timing boyfriend....who doesn't deserve her?"

Colt squeezed his fists again, slamming his closed right hand across his chin. "Tell me the truth, shit hole, did you see me fuck those two chicks or not?"

Keller stared at Colt from below, seeing his fist cocked again. "No....no, I didn't! I guess I've just been jealous of your lead in points ever since we got here."

Jack stepped in again, cautious. "Hey guys, let's just quit with the horseplay, and have a couple beers."

Colt looked back, still furious. "I got this, Jack....it'll all be over soon." He then turned back to Keller, now straddling his hips. "O.K. smart ass, you're gonna come clean with her as well....get her on the phone now, and tell her the truth."

Keller looked to Jack with a gash on his chin now bleeding down his neck. "Grab my phone if you would."

Jack walked over to his motorcycle, pulling out his phone from the back compartment. "You know, Keller," he said handing it over, "it's the least you can do, seeing that you were being dishonest."

Colt watched Keller intently while turning on the phone. "Have you been with her as of late? Did you fuck her, Keller, or do anything with her at all?"

Keller looked up with the phone's light illuminating his bloodied face. "No....she loves you, man. That's what she's been saying the whole time."

Colt could feel his heart sink through the anger still overwhelming him. "Call her now!"

Keller promptly dialed the women's villa, as Colt pulled his body off.

"Put it on speaker," Colt said sternly.

Keller immediately obliged, seeing how serious Colt had become.

"Hello," Jesse answered.

Keller looked up for a second, and then spoke. "Ah yeah, is Amanda around?"

Jesse paused for a moment, "Yeah, hold on, I'll go get her."

Moments later, Amanda answered, "Hello."

"Hey Amanda, it's Keller....how you doin?"

"Oh fine, what's up?" Amanda answered.

Keller continued, "Well, I just wanted to shoot you straight about the whole thing with Colt, Krista, and Evelyn a couple weeks back."

"Yeah," Amanda replied.

"Well, it just so happens that I didn't actually see what I said I saw."

"You have to be fucking kidding me?"

"No, I just saw Alden fucking two older ladies, and Colt was merely passed out on the beach," Keller described.

"That's the God honest truth, Keller?" Amanda asked.

"Yes, that's exactly what happened."

"You fuck! How could you do this. You know I love Colt, I've told you that in confidence....and you do this?"

"I know....It's my bad."

"You're sure as shit, it's your bad. I think this conversation is over, Keller....goodbye," Amanda concluded.

Keller then looked at the phone as the line went dead. "There, I did it. I told the truth. Now give me a beer."

Jack shot a look over to Colt, shaking his head. "You know Keller, how are we to trust you on assignments, if you're pulling that kind of shit here at training?"

Keller gawked at Jack, emitting a stupid look about his face. "Now Jack, don't jump to any conclusions about that little misunderstanding. I 'fessed up and tried to make things right. It shouldn't preclude you guys from trusting me."

Jack shifted just his eyes then focused intently on Keller. "No I suppose not. As long as you keep your nose clean, everything should be fine."

Just then, Colt's phone began to ring. He quickly pulled it from his back pocket, seeing Amanda's cell number on the caller I.D. He briefly looked to Keller, and then answered, "Hello."

"Colt?" Amanda's voice said.

"Yeah, how ya doin' honey?"

Amanda took in a deep, quivering breath. "I just got word from Keller that your party excursion with Krista and Evelyn a couple weeks back was innocent, and nothing happened."

"Yeah, that's the truth, I tried to tell you on your voice mail, but apparently you didn't believe me."

"Oh Colt, I'm so sorry, honey. I just lost it there after reading those texts and seeing that photo. I love you, you know that.....right?"

#  Chapter 8

Colt looked down to the bottom, watching Alden hover over an expansive reef, still trying to capture an elusive lobster. When looking over to Amanda and Jesse, he laughed. "That crazy bitch won't give it up! I'm gonna go down and get this last beast, you girls can just set your gear in the back of the dinghy.

Amanda tilted her watch, trying to see the digital numbers in the blazing sunlight. "O.K., honey, but it's almost 11:30, you know we have to meet Mr. Morgan after lunch, and the ride back is at least fifteen minutes." All she could see is his thumb up above the water as he descended below.

In looking straight down, Colt laughed uncontrollably into his regulator; partly from Alden's intense determination and partly due to being buzzed from marijuana, just twenty minutes beforehand. The ocean was especially clear that March morning, the reef teeming with life. Above, Colt could see the lobster scurrying into a hole every time Alden attempted to capture it and then his subsequent frustration being visually evident. Nearly eight feet to the opposite side of the reef, Colt then examined the same hole the lobster was in, the one Alden didn't know came straight through to the other side. After shining a small dive light inside, he could see at least three lobsters packed within, unbeknownst to Alden. He quickly got Alden's attention, putting up three fingers.

Within a matter of seconds, Colt tickled the lobsters out towards Alden, knowing he had a chance to bag more than one. He then watched them go single file out to Alden, before abruptly swimming back to his side of the reef. He eventually looked up to the dinghy, seeing Amanda flash two fingers into the water, trying to signal their lack of time. Without any hesitation, both he and Colt efficiently lassoed one lobster each, watching the third rush through the water like a missile.

Just then, a small reef shark appeared, shifting his focus from his own hunt to their lobsters. Colt could feel his heart skip a beat, but kept his composure. In the meantime, he could see Alden reach for his dive knife, slashing in the water as the predator randomly circled their gradual ascent. Again, Colt couldn't help but laugh to himself, seeing Alden's panicked reaction to a shark half his size.

Both men were just five feet from surfacing. Colt immediately stuck the lobster and stick above the water, up to Amanda's awaiting hands. He then dove down three more feet to the circling shark, waiting for an opportunity to pounce, while Alden still panicked. Moments later, he saw the shark take a swipe at Alden's lobster, leaving his backside wide open. Colt then snatched his tail with a sturdy grip, feeling the animal now squirm with anxiety. For a short time, he could feel the power of such a small shark pull him through the water, seeing Alden above now start to laugh.

Suddenly, Colt could see Alden's face get abruptly serious, his eyes enlarging. He quickly let go of his tail, only to see four additional larger sharks in a pack, nearly 50 feet away. In a sudden rush of adrenaline, he made his angled ascent to the dinghy, seeing the sharks slowly close in on the immediate area. From the rear, he propelled himself up, watching the women's faces looking distressed as Alden was trying to spew out the dramatic, developing story.

Amanda suddenly looked around the dinghy, scared, "What the fuck guys! You invited a mess of sharks to the party?"

Colt tilted back for a moment, seeing all five sharks start to randomly swim underneath. "Yeah, you got food....they want it. The little one must have been out on point, out in front of the bigger ones, right before they came on scene...let's just get back to the yacht."

Jesse could only shake her head at Alden, seeing his determination now blow up in his face. "You stupid shit, we already had three lobsters up here! The captain just mentioned in passing that if we could get a couple, do it....not five."

Colt pulled the rope on the motor, looking at Alden laugh as they sped away toward Hurricane Hole, off St. John. Through the salty ocean spray, Colt took in the scenery. The immensely beautiful landscape he'd become mentally attached to; an area they were now about to depart for a whole new life. He then looked at Amanda's tan back, thanking God she was now back in his life. For a time he reflected on that blessing, knowing they'd had their fair share of drama during the previous four months.

From high above, they could all now hear the faint sound of helicopter blades chopping rapidly through the Caribbean air. They all promptly looked up, seeing the sheen of a maroon body glistening in the sunshine, descending softly onto the yacht's helipad. Colt casually looked at his watch, seeing it was now 11:59 A.M. He could see Amanda twist her head back, smiling. "Just made it in time, I don't like to be late mister....you know that."

Colt stopped the engine before drifting into the yacht's stern, while noticing the captain relaxing at the rear table by himself. "Well my man, you asked for a couple, if we could get them. We grabbed you a couple more than that, just for good measure."

The older captain chuckled, nibbling on a small carrot with ranch dressing at the end. "Boy, you sure did. I thank you for the fresh stuff. I'll keep 'em in my small tank upstairs, for dinner tonight. Did I tell you I'm gonna miss seeing you guys around here?"

Amanda looked at Colt with her eyes shimmering. "Yeah," Colt said smiling, "you've already said it, but it's nice to hear you say it again. I hope you know we'll miss you too, my boy. You've been more than gracious whenever we've been aboard, which seemed like a lot. There's no one we'd rather have navigate the waters, and of course tell us good stories, than you, Cappy."

They all then boarded the vessel, seeing the captain up from his seat, and then handing him the bag of five lobsters. "Everyone's in the boardroom," the captain said, "getting ready to start the meeting."

Colt tapped his shoulder with a grin before walking his group of four to the lower deck below. Inside, he could see both teams seated, all patiently awaiting the arrival of Mr. Morgan.

Alden quickly snatched a group of seats directly behind Boden and Keller, tapping Boden on his back. "What up homie?"

Boden turned around, seeing Colt, Amanda, and Jesse descending on the seats behind him. "Oh not much, how was your winner's dive trip?"

Colt quickly caught Boden's eye, smirking. "Yeah, it was a blast up until the end."

Boden's eyes shifted over to Colt, his eyebrows moving down in perplexity. "Huh?"

Colt considered his overall cool demeanor, seeing himself somewhat in Boden. "Yeah, we got greedy, started chasing some more lobsters for Cappy, and some little shark started nosing around." Colt started laughing, "and Alden here started swinging his blade around in the water as we were coming up. To make a long story longer, some of his 'big boy' friends started coming around and made things interesting, to say the least."

Boden looked back at Jack and Brett, who were still setting up the final meeting. "Crazy shit man! Well, I hope you guys had a good time, nonetheless."

"Yeah, it was good fun man. This whole place was good fun....I'm glad we could all hang and become friends," Colt replied.

"Absolutely, you and Alden gotta give me your numbers before we part," Boden continued.

"For sure, we'll exchange personal info at the end here."

Just then, Mr. Morgan entered the room, dressed formally in a beige Italian-cut suit. "Hello everyone, could I please have your attention?"

Colt looked at Jack, seeing his eyes shifting about the room at each attendee.

"As most of you know," Mr. Morgan continued, "we are officially done with your six month training session. The required amount of time all of our employed members need in order to go onto to their respective careers. That being said, let's get down to business. The top four, as you all probably know by now, were Colt, Alden, Boden, and Keller, in that order. I'm not going to sugar coat it, these men will receive some of the better jobs to start out. However, you who wish to work hard, the ones who show a diligence and respect for the overall operations, will ascend quite quickly. I would now like to introduce myself. My name is Kemp Morgan, I am your main liaison between the entities who elect to retain your services, aside from Jack and Brett. If you have any issues, you first bring them to Jack or Brett. If they are seemingly bigger than both of them, then and only then, will you contact me. Remember, this is an elite unit I'm now seeing before me. Our secrecy is one of many things that should be of paramount concern every day, from here on out. You, even under the threat of death, mustn't ever disclose the core identity of our operations. When you retire and are put out to pasture, so to speak, you will maintain its secrecy and the integrity that comes with it. After all, that non-disclosure helps us keep our elite status to governmental and non- governmental entities. Do I have everyone's commitment that you will adhere to those terms?"

The entire group of ten yielded a resounding, "Yes sir."

He then looked down at the podium, reading off a sheet of paper Jack recently placed before him. "Colt, Alden, Amanda, and Jesse, you will meet with me in private for your first assignment disclosure. Boden, Krista, Evelyn, and Keller will meet with Brett for theirs, and you who are remaining will meet with Jack. Would you please now disperse to your respective director, so we can get this fully underway?"

All four immediately arose from their seats, catching Mr. Morgan's eye as he walked through a back door to another, unknown room in the yacht. Colt entered first, noticing the room had the look of a sophisticated nerve center, updated with the most modern of touch screens, maps, and communications. As they all calmly made their way in, Mr. Morgan closed the door behind them, just before summoning the group to a large round table in the center of the room.

Under the table, Colt could feel Amanda squeeze his hand anxiously, despite Mr. Morgan's relaxed aura. He promptly unzipped a brown leather briefcase, pulling several documents from an inside compartment. He then dispersed the five sheets, handing each person one, and promptly kept one for himself.

Mr. Morgan then continued, "Before you all is a list of potential assignments that we've been mulling over for some time now. You will notice the target's name, address within the world, occupation, race, sex, age, and most importantly, their known natural enemies. Based upon this basic information, you will then notice a fee you would receive for completing the mission. Now, being as though this is the first for all of you, you will split this fee in accordance with the trigger man. You will further notice that there is a total of six missions, each with different payouts. The word private next to any given mission, indicates the payer for that job, in non-governmental. You can assume that if it doesn't read this, the job is for a government somewhere around the world."

"Now," Mr. Morgan said, looking at Colt, "I always recommend that the lead dog on the cherry popper, or first mission, is to always be the man....who had the most points at the end of training. That, my friend, would be you, Colt. You will be paid exactly half of the overall fee, and the other monies are to be dispersed amongst the rest of the three support members, within your crew here. In addition, since you're the leader here Colt, you have first dibs on any and all assignments that pass across my desk. That is only with regard to this ten-person unit, for the remainder of your career. That's a pretty lofty privilege, but it's the only way we go about our business, always rewarding are hardest working individuals. That's not to say you other three didn't work hard, we know you did, because you never would be here if you hadn't. But there always has to be a victor in any program like this, and I think all of you can appreciate Colt's efforts, as much as I do. With that being said, I want to offer you the ability to make your first selection here, Colt, a selection you may want to take a little bit of time to decide on."

Colt looked over the sheet with speed, ingesting each detail he could before looking up, glancing back into Mr. Morgan's powerful brown eyes. "What's the skinny on the London job?"

Mr. Morgan smirked for a second before pulling out another sheet of paper from the briefcase. "The London job reads 'private' next to it. You know what that means. However, it's a standard frame with the payer remaining completely anonymous. Just a little head's up, folks, you will never have to collect payment under any circumstances; that job is up to us. And if we see a problem with doing that after the job is completed, we'll take care of that situation on a case by case basis. Nonetheless, the UK job on this list has a payout of $600,000 cash. That number represents the actual cut you four will receive, not our fee on top of that. So, as you can imagine, we only do business with people who are willing to pay a premium for our services. People who know they're going to receive the best quality overall. Your payouts, after completing the job to exact specifications, would be as such: Colt, you would receive a cash payment of $300,000, Alden, Amanda, and Jesse, the payment to each of you would then be $100,000. You will have a subsequent rendezvous point after a successful confirmation of the job's completion, and that will more than likely be with Jack. Moreover, beforehand you will receive a certain amount of cash in the currency you're working with. That will assist in covering your expenditures that include travel, lodging, vehicles, and any other expenses related to the assignment. In other words, we take care of everything. You just do your job and you'll get your cash, exactly the way it reads on our sheets. Feel free to shoot any questions, if you wish."

As Jesse started to speak, Colt ran his finger down the list, reading the various countries they could potentially travel to. He nudged Amanda with his foot under the table then started to skim his index finger across Germany, Pakistan, Egypt, India, Britain, and the U.S. Each country had a different payout. Germany read $500,000, Pakistan read $680,000, Egypt read $590,000, India read $600,000, Britain read $600,000, and the U.S. read $540,000.

Mr. Morgan politely responded to Jesse's inquiry and then grabbed Colt's hand. "I see you're looking at the income potential of each assignment. Don't worry, I can do two things at once. I'd like to be absolutely frank with each of you on the money potential of this particular business. That's because I don't want to give you all the impression that there's a cap on what you can earn. It's quite the contrary; these are merely introductory jobs that can simply get your feet wet within the industry. We quite frequently receive assignments that pay upwards of $10,000,000 cash, American. And that would be your cut to split in a group or by yourselves. I also want to sweeten the pot additionally, to let you all know that we do have a bonus program in place. For every five successful missions, you will subsequently receive a bonus of $300,000....of course, in cash. We are currently in the course of reviewing whether we will increase these funds, abolish the bonus program altogether, or reduce those amounts. Nonetheless, it serves as clear and concise motivation for each of our employees to be precise, interested, and proactive in their respective endeavors."

Colt could then feel Amanda start to stroke his forearm with her fingernails.

"What about our aliases?" Amanda questioned.

Mr. Morgan took the liberty to fix onto her eyes for the moment. "You will be given the proper identification prior to any mission, and you know you also have the capacity to print your own documents in the field, on an as-needed basis. I'm sure you're well aware of that aspect, from your training."

He then looked at Colt, Alden, and Jesse. "You will be based out of Los Angeles, California, your home, I'm aware of....beautiful place, incidentally!"

Each of the four then emitted a wide smile, hoping throughout the program's duration that would be the case. "Thank you," Colt said sincerely, "that really means a lot to us."

Mr. Morgan sized up Colt for a second, staring at his bulging bicep. "You're a very fit group of young people. I like that! However, being athletic and in shape doesn't necessarily equate to success in this business. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't hurt. But your main asset is going to be above your shoulders, not below. When you plan, use the available resources correctly, talk the talk, and walk the walk to blend in, you'll find that success will come naturally. If you fail to be tight in all facets of your business, it will certainly show, and we simply can't have that slack damming up the operations. So keep yourself mentally and physically in the game. Take your vacations when needed. But know that Jack, Brett, and myself are always here for you if anything should arise. We want you to be successful. When you are, we are as well."

Mr. Morgan then took a moment to look around the room, searching his mind. "So, I'm assuming, Colt, that you'd like to take on the London job?"

Colt glanced around, seeing each face nod in agreement, yielding a seriousness he had never seen in them prior. "Yes," he replied firmly, "that's the next destination."

Mr. Morgan looked at the specifics of the mission, reading the details from another sheet. "You will find that this man has plenty of natural enemies. In the event you are unable to acquire an enemy's weapon, you may have to get creative. This is where your planning and thinking will come into play. I'll let you guys decide from your own subjective standpoints, as to whom you elect to frame....that's solely up to you. Just remember this, don't let your emotions get involved. It's strictly business and that's it; a business that pays handsomely and one that requires your utmost devotion to precision."

Alden reluctantly looked to Mr. Morgan, feeling somewhat intimidated. "When do we head out?"

Mr. Morgan checked the door with the room completely quiet, as if to listen for any sounds on the other side. "Tomorrow you'll be leaving. I'll make certain all your documents get prepared and everything else you'll need, will be readily at your disposal. I sincerely want to welcome all of you aboard, and wish you all the success in the world. If you need me, my number will be with Jack or Brett. Thank you guys for your time, I'm sure we'll occasionally be in touch. With that, all of you may be excused now."

Colt rose from his seat first, feeling as though he needed to look the role of the leader. "I want to thank you again for the opportunity. You have my word, I won't let you down, and neither will these guys....I can assure you of that."

Mr. Morgan paused, looking at each of them. "You know, guys, I was born in New Dehli, India; our culture keeps close ties to religion and looks after each other in the toughest of times. If you don't mind, let's get a circle going together and have a parting prayer. C'mon, let's bring it in."

All four of them then put arms around each other's shoulders, creating a full circle of humanity. With Colt and Alden on each side of him, Mr. Morgan spoke after bowing his head. "Oh dear God, our heavenly father, cast a protective light upon everyone in this room. Their journeys are just beginning, and they need to draw from your strength to ultimately find peace inside themselves, but with you as well. Keep us in your thoughts, as we will with you. We love you, we praise you, and we honor the sacred ground you walk on....amen."

Each of the four then followed with a synchronized "amen," galvanizing their bond. Mr. Morgan then pulled up from his bow, turning to Colt for an embrace. After some moments, he did the same with Amanda, Alden, and Jesse. Colt looked to Amanda, seeing her nonchalantly wipe a solitary tear from her cheek. He then looked back at Mr. Morgan. "Goodbye, buddy, we'll talk soon."

Mr. Morgan walked up to Colt, whispering in his ear. "You bet, this is your show now....make me proud." With fear, optimism, and a whole host of other mixed emotions, all four walked into the board room and eventually made for the back of the yacht.

Jack was standing near the captain, awaiting their arrival with four plastic bags in hand. "Well, how was your meeting with Mr. Morgan?"

All four seemed awestruck by Mr. Morgan, every person looking at each other for a quick reply. "He's wonderful guy," Amanda said, "he tells it like it is, and that's exactly what we anticipated."

Alden nodded his head, "no doubt, he's a good shit."

Jack looked to Colt. "What do you say about the gentleman you just spoke with?"

Colt stared at the dinghy, seeing it gently sway in the warm aqua waters. "Ditto, he's put together quite nicely. As Amanda just said, he tells it like it is. I can offer up nothing more than true appreciation for that."

Jack then nodded his head with a look of determination. "Here's the rest of your training cash in these four plastic bags, your names are on each. I want to personally thank all of you for your commitment to finishing the program. If you guys want to go back to your villas and pack up your stuff, we'll meet back here at 6 A.M. sharp tomorrow morning. Just make sure you get your sleep, and no alcohol....cool?"

All four of them nodded, looking him straight in the eyes before stepping into the blue raft boat. Colt started the motor, waving back to Jack, the captain, and now Mr. Morgan; all three reciprocating back with their respective waves. In that moment, Colt felt as though he could breathe and inhaled a large breath of pure tropical air that he knew he'd sorely miss after the quickly approaching next day.

The next morning, Colt, Alden, Amanda, and Jesse found themselves boarding a commercial airliner out of San Juan, Puerto Rico bound for Heathrow Airport in London England. It was 10:00 A.M. three hours after a helicopter flew the 88 miles from St. John Island to San Juan, dropping all four off before the start of their journey over the Atlantic.

Inside the packed cabin, Colt could sense the nervous energy in their immediate area. Looking down the row of the jumbo jet's four-seat aisle, he spoke. "Are you guys alright?"

Alden glanced over Amanda, who was next to Colt. "Yeah man, it's all good; this is going to be a blast."

He looked to Amanda, and then Jesse. "You guys feeling the same?"

Amanda turned her naturally cute face over to his, "Yeah, just a little smidgen of butterflies inside, nothing to write home about, though."

Jesse showed a face of stone, looking severely anxious. "No, everything's fine. I'm just worried about getting caught, or how I'll feel afterward."

Colt reached over and touched her hand. "Well, I think if any one of us doesn't feel the same, even somewhat, they'd be lying to themselves. It just may be to different degrees. Jesse looked to take some comfort in those words, feeling Colt's leadership shine through.

Alden looked at his authentic-looking fake passport, then up to the other three, whispering. "O.K., let's review our names quietly so we can maintain a tight cover from here on out.

Colt looked around suspiciously. "Great idea, what's yours again, Alden?"

"Jonathon Silver," Alden replied.

Colt continued, "Alright Jon. What's yours, Amanda?"

She pulled hers from her pocket, "Sarah Rice."

Jesse then looked over, offering her name up to the group. "Mine's Jenni Porter. Do all of yours read that you're from New York City?"

Everyone nodded quietly. Colt then glanced at his, trying to find an error in its flawless duplication. "Mine's Mark Kendall. Alright, Alden you're Jon, Jesse you're Jenni, Amanda you're Sarah, and I'm Mark. Let's call each other these names when we're in public places. If we're not in public, don't worry about it. When we're out of London, we'll go back to normal. Everyone cool with that?"

Each person looked at each other in a seemingly new light, but nodded nevertheless.

Alden then looked over to Colt after seeing the seat belt sign illuminate. "How much money were we allotted for everything?"

Colt felt the wads of Euro cash taped near each of his hips. "They gave us 10,000 Euros, not knowing how long our stay would need to be. Remember, we're gonna have to go on a shopping trip when we hit London. I'm talking some firearms, clothes, our surveillance gear, and lots of other shit."

Alden suddenly took on the look of an anxious child. "Oh you forgot one thing."

Colt looked up, somewhat shaking his head. "What?"

"Some good smoke, Colonel Davis!"

"I was thinking a couple frothy pints at some nice pubs, my good chap. But I'll leave that smoke thing up to you."

#  Chapter 9

"Wow, he's downright yummy," Jesse said quietly to Amanda, but loud enough for Alden and Colt to hear.

Both men looked back, seeing Manchester United's Robin van Persie react dramatically after scoring a goal against Chelsea, in an English Premier League soccer match.

Amanda scooted in closer to Jesse, wanting to communicate with her in the midst of immense crowd noise. "Hey girl, you still got a wandering eye? I thought you and Alden were starting to get hot and heavy."

Jesse looked past Amanda and Colt, seeing Alden's puppy eyes glancing over. "Yeah, I think there's something going on. You just never know with Alden, though....he's a little spacey one minute and then really focused the next. Plus, he couldn't commit to feeding a pet, let alone little ole me."

Colt placed a small pair of binoculars up to his face, slowly rolling the focus onto Bradley Frampton, the target for their first assignment. Some minutes later, the crowd started to grab their jackets, marking the game's conclusion.

Alden looked back to Colt eagerly. "I got him locked in visually, don't worry."

Colt put the binoculars away, touching Amanda's back. "Let's follow at a distance."

They kept their eyes glued to the dark haired man who stood six feet tall, wore wire rimmed glasses, and looked to be younger than his listed 33 years of age. His accompaniment was a blonde man of the same age, occasionally shaking his head. As they made their way through the crowd and out of Stamford Bridge stadium, Colt closed in on the man, in slight disguise. "Excuse me sir, could you be so kind as to help us with directions to the Montcalm Hotel from this site?"

Bradley Frampton snapped his face over to Colt, scowling. "Piss off, fuckboy."

Colt looked deep inside the man's dark eyes, grinning. "Thanks, I appreciate the help." He then turned, walking back to a shocked Amanda, Alden, and Jesse. "Wow, he must not have been a Chelsea fan! I mean shit, United only lost by a goal and he acted like he wanted to strangle poor American in me."

Alden punched Colt's shoulder. "Mr. Morgan said he had a lot of enemies, I guess now you know why."

Amanda watched both as they strolled towards the parking lot. "Speaking of enemies, let's get back to the vehicle and start to game plan."

Colt led the way, still seeing Bradley and his male companion in his sights.

In their oversized Mercedes van, each made their way in while Colt sat behind the wheel. Putting the key into the ignition, he looked over the Amanda, now sitting in the front passenger seat. "Let's get all the details on what his peers are doing around him."

Amanda looked back to Jesse and Alden. "Guys, get all your notes out that we've compiled over the last two days." They huddled up toward the back of her seat, pulling out their personal notepads. "Alright," she continued, "we know this guy's a prick, that's already been established. Jesse, give me your opinion on the frame list."

Jesse ran her eyes down her specified listing, looking more certain and determined. "We have James Sheldon, who was a schoolmate of Bradley back in high school. He's apparently the brother-in-law, who's married to his younger sister. At his little sister's wedding, Bradley actually stood up and proclaimed that James wasn't welcome in the family, and that he was a leeching putz."

Alden looked over, laughing. "Whew, that's enough to string him up by his ball bag and watch him dangle about."

Jesse looked over giggling. "Shut up, I'm trying to focus, you goof....but yeah, that serves as certain motivation to have Bradley snuffed out. Let's see....oh yeah, Perry Fleming. It seems as though he was attempting to win the heart of one of Bradley's former loves, while Brad was with her. After several futile attempts, Perry was heard by some in their circle that he'd kill Brad's ass someday."

Colt then tilted the rear view mirror, keeping his eyes on Jesse. "O.K., that's two fairly good ones, but what about the rest."

Jesse started to glance intently at the bottom of her notes, nodding her head. "Oh yeah, I was looking at this Luke Mona gentleman last night in the hotel. This is a divorced man who lost his entire business due to a bad joint investment between he and Bradley; Bradley had apparently given him assurances that it was solid. After the smoke cleared, old Brad took his ass to the cleaners by swiping his near million Euro investment, and then subsequently watched the poor guy's restaurant business tank. Now, the last one on my hot sheet, and this is info I just received from the yacht back in the Virgin Islands, is on this Remi Short guy. He's Bradley's actual neighbor, and it seems they've had an ongoing disagreement for as long as Brad's been living next to him. According to Jack, Remi has claimed that Brad's been impeding on his property with a poorly placed fence line and a decorative brick-based fish pond that's apparently marginal, at best. According to sources, Remi is so sick and tired of Brad's bullshit, he took a swing at him within the last month, literally out in the front yard."

Alden started to rub Jesse's back, proud of her researching. "Good work Jess, we should start with those three. We should check their comings and goings, just like we have with Bradley and make some moves. Tonight, if possible."

Colt checked the van's clock digital display, reading 5:45 P.M. "Alright, Amanda, can you give me a read of Mr. Frampton's whereabouts at this very moment?"

Amanda pulled open their ultra-light laptop to a map of London. "Yeah, according to the GPS tracking tile we placed on his main vehicle today, he's merging north onto Ledbury Road from Pembridge Road. Wow, it looks like this gent gets around fast! O.K., he's slowing down and his vehicle is pulling into a restaurant called The Ledbury, of all things. I guess the restaurant owns the street or something. Anyway, he's essentially in the heart of the city, probably ready to dine with his homo lover or something."

Colt giggled with the rest of them. "According to your recent list, though, he's not gay. Remember telling us about Perry Fleming being jealous over some hussy Brad was boning?"

Amanda smiled, reviewing her notes. "Yeah, maybe Brad's bi, we don't know. I'm sorry for shooting out that gay slur stuff, but we definitely need to keep our minds open to anything."

Alden abruptly lit a joint before unlocking one of the windows. "Amanda, you don't have to say sorry to us, it's all good. We're cool with you having a little edge to you."

Colt reached out for the burning cigarette. After exhaling, he squinted as if he'd just thought of something. "Guys, we need to disperse. Here's my plan, let's focus on the first three gentlemen. According to my notes of your notes, those people would be James Sheldon the brother-in-law married to his little sister, who apparently Brad hates. We also have Perry Fleming, the jealous freakazoid who wanted to get in the panties of Brad's honey, but couldn't. Well, Brad could be hung like a horse, you never know. Hey, I've seen many a guy keep a lady that way. Anyway, the last of the big three, but not the least important, is Mr. Luke Mona; the gentleman who apparently lost his business after investing around a million Euro to Brad. Who do you guys think has the most motivation to see Brad off to hell?"

Alden looked at both young women, trying to keep his mouth tight before speaking, "Ladies first."

Amanda looked to Jesse, nodding without words. "My pick is Luke. Even though the other two are relationship and people-based, losing that much cash and your business, has got to sting like a whole crap load of angry bees. What do you think, Jess?"

Jess started to put her raven black hair back into a ponytail. "I'm right with you sister, Luke took it in the ass pretty hard. There's absolutely no doubt he's tops on the list."

Colt nodded, looking at Alden. "What do you say, my man?"

Alden exhaled a big cloud of marijuana smoke. "Dude, I'm telling you right now, James Sheldon is our man. He was embarrassed in front of a whole church full of people. Brad saying he ain't good enough for his little sis. Man, that's shit that could bubble over one day, and a lot of ears heard those words."

Colt started to drive to the hotel, taking a moment to formulate his next words, remaining pensive. "Alden, and Jesse, I'm gonna drop you off at the hotel to retrieve your personal cars. I want both of you to drive to Mr. Sheldon's, park around a half block away, and wear casual, dark clothes. Both of you make sure you're wearing those leather driving gloves we bought the other day. Your disposable phones should be fully charged. Remember to only use them twice, at most. What I want you to do is survey the premises for any people being home. First check the doors. If locked, obviously check the windows. If you can't access the lower windows, pull your plates off your black car, Alden, and put the vehicle way up in the driveway. Remember to be extremely efficient, bang bang-type shit! Unstrap your small or big ladder, and start to make the rounds on those upper windows. Visually take note of any alarm connections and let me know if you see any. Take the windows with the least neighbor exposure first, and go from there. Amanda and I will do exactly the same, or similar, over at this Luke guy's house. In the event that Mr. Sheldon, his wife, or the kids are home, slap a tracking tile on one of his vehicles. We'll then keep tabs on Mr. Sheldon, just as we'll try to do on our target."

Colt continued, "Whatever you do don't be anything less than stealthy! Keep your phones on your body with the earpiece in your ear. Jesse, you have to be his eyes and ears, especially when he's checking entry points. Find a hiding spot facing the street and stay immobilized. You two also keep your radios on and talk to each other whenever possible. All of us will have to be armed with the handguns we bought on the street last night. Don't shoot or kill if you don't have to. Jesse, park your vehicle two blocks to the opposite of Alden's, just in case you need to run in a different direction to get to your car. Guys, this is merely a preliminary fact-finding mission; if you get in, be quick and extremely neat. Don't mess-up anything whatsoever....bring in your collection baggies, tweezers, and that's that."

Alden looked at Colt, impressed. "Man, you've got this shit down let's just hope it works out right."

Colt looked to Alden, serious. "If you don't think you can do this with just you and Jess, we can all do it together....it's O.K., it's not a big deal."

"No, it'll be cool. I let you know what's up, when we get on scene," Alden replied.

"Cool, just survey from a distance with your binoculars, and go from there with the protocol." Colt then pulled into the inconspicuous parking areas near the hotel, where he stopped to drop off Alden and Jesse. "Here you are guys call us in a little while."

Alden grabbed Jesse's hand, and then pulled the sliding van door back. "Sounds good bud, we'll talk to you guys in a little bit."

Colt smiled, nodding. "Alright, good luck guys." He then put the van back into drive after the door slid closed, looking at Amanda. "What do ya think, are we setting this thing up right?"

Amanda leaned over, kissing his cheek. "Honey, you couldn't fuck this up if you tried. Now, head to Luke's house, we'll see what's what from afar." He listened to her exact directions, while she read from her phone's GPS application.

They drove slowly into a seemingly affluent neighborhood in the Wembley area of London, just as Alden and Jesse headed to the Twickenham area, nearly 10 miles to the south.

Amanda then pointed under her window with her thumb. "There it is, and the lights are off."

Colt looked at the twilight sky, seeing that the sun was just starting to set. "We gotta be careful, but all inclinations are that no one's home. Probably out to dinner, like our boy Bradley." He parked the van up the street, approximately six houses to the west, still getting a vantage point of the front. He then looked into the back of the van, seeing both of their duffel bags. "I got an idea, Amanda."

She looked over, somewhat bewildered. "What's up?"

"You got that Goth-looking garb you snatched yesterday with the black wig?"

"Yeah, it's in the back."

"I want you to get some sunglasses on, being as though there's still some light in the sky. Put on that stuff and simply walk up to the front door. Then just ring the bell, honey. Be really nonchalant in your approach, especially if anyone answers."

"What should I say if they do?" Amanda asked.

"Give them that kick-ass English accent and let them know your ride left you up the road. Don't accept any favors from them; just pull back one step when you're ready for me to call your phone." Colt continued, "You'll answer it and then act like you've got to abruptly go, explaining the call is your ride."

Amanda immediately made for the back of the van and started putting on the gothic clothing. Colt watched her slinky body undress in the mirror, getting mildly aroused. "You're a hot little piece....but you probably already know that."

Amanda sensually put on a simple black, long-sleeved shirt, black pants, black wig, and a long hanging cross around her neck. She finished the look with high-rising black leather boots and charcoal colored lipstick. She then looked up with sexy eyes. "Keep talking like that and you'll be in the money later, at the hotel." After grabbing her dark gloves, she looked at Colt. "I'll check out the scene and I'll be back in a bit."

Colt nodded, feeling some unease for her safety. "Right on, I'll see you in a little bit." She then softly slid the van's door shut and walked down the target residence's sidewalk.

Colt watched intently with the binoculars, as she cruised up the front walk. With her gloves now on, she touched the illuminated doorbell, looking about the brick-sided residence. Colt then spun the focusing roller, trying to yield as true a visual as possible on her second attempt.

She subtly stepped away, slowly strolling up the walkway to the pedestrian sidewalk, looking back once to see if there were any signs of life in the dark house.

Colt quickly snatched a smaller black duffel bag and then left the vehicle as quietly as possible. As he approached Amanda, he took inventory of the overall action on the quiet street, seeing downtown London lit up in the background. He met her nearly half- way, putting his index finger up to his mouth. "Let's keep this real quiet," he whispered, "I brought everything we'll need. Here, take your pistol, it's fully loaded with the safety on. Let's head to the rear of the home and we'll talk back there."

Amanda could suddenly feel her breathing become more intense, her heart starting to accelerate. Colt led the way, gazing inside each window with just his eyes as they made for the back of the house. To both, the moment felt utterly surreal, almost as if it was a lucid fantasy within their own vivid imaginations.

Colt looked at the silvery blue sky again, noticing the stars were starting to sparkle overhead. "Alright honey," he whispered, "let's get the radios out with the attaching ear buds. Now, I see the windows are stepladder material....not the big ladder. I think we can kill two birds here, by seeing if we can access the garage first. If so, we can see if there are any vehicles to rifle through. Plus, see if Luke has a step ladder we could use, instead of getting ours from the van."

Amanda nodded, knowing it was a solid start. In the meantime, he took in her acknowledgment and softly pulled her towards the smaller side garage door. Without pause, Colt checked the lock, feeling the handle immobilized. He quickly walked around the structure, checking the small rectangular window cut into the brown brick. With ease, he pushed the lower frame, feeling it stiff and locked. Just then, he could only see Amanda's long, black wig she was wearing appear from around the front corner.

"Colt," she whispered, "you won't believe this, but the actual garage door pulled up a bit."

"No shit?" Colt walked around, putting his hand under the door and pulling it up with ease. "Unreal," he said, "That shit don't happen often; especially when the side door is obviously locked. Get in quickly. I'll shut the door behind us. She obliged without hesitation, both seeing one pearl white vehicle in the two stall garage. Colt twisted his small magnification light, searching the space for any ladders.

Amanda pointed to an adjacent area on the wall, noticing a five foot step ladder, vertically standing by itself in the corner. "Good deal," he said smiling, "now let's see if we can search the vehicle. Colt walked to the driver's side door. He did not see any alarm lights blinking and then pulled the handle up with success. He looked to Amanda seriously. "Temporarily unlock the side door and stand against the garage brick outside, to see if the driveway stays clear."

Amanda didn't reply, just silently moving with his direction, wanting to enhance their overall efficiency.

Suddenly, Colt's phone rang, revealing private caller on the caller I.D. He answered, worried, "Yeah."

Alden said, "Hey man, I'm in. I'm in!"

Colt's chest started to thump, realizing what he just said, "O.K., what the fuck?"

"Well, Jesse's outside hiding like we talked about. But when I came through an open window, I started walking through this dark place and a big fucking Rottweiler attacked my ass!"

Colt's eyes widened, seeing the entire scene unfold in his mind's eye. "Are you bleeding?"

Alden moaned in angst for a moment, breathing against the pain. "No, he grabbed my left forearm and started violently shaking. I'm real lucky I'm wearing that light jacket we bought yesterday. Anyway, it's just bruised up real bad with teeth marks and shit."

Colt sighed then could only think of the animal. "What's up with the dog?"

"Well, when he was mangling my left arm, I pistol whipped him on the side of the face" Alden then continued, "He then let go, and Colt....I probably should of stopped, but I drove my foot into his ribs....about four times. He's kind of fucked up dude....and I don't know what to do."

"Fucked up like what?" Colt asked.

"Well, he's struggling to breathe man. I thought the fucker was gonna kill me."

"Alright, do me a favor and walk over to the poor son of a bitch. Jesus, Alden, you know I love animals! Are you there yet?"

Alden answered, "Yeah."

Colt continued, "O.K., check to see if you marked him up enough to see any physical damage."

"No, he has a slight bump on the side of his face, from where I hit him."

"Alright, bail on that deal....get out as quietly as you came in. Oh, one last thing. Double check your arm to see if you're bleeding anywhere." The phone went silent for a moment; Colt could only hear his pain-filled sighs again.

Alden's breaths then came in louder. "I'm not bleeding, but my arm is looking gnarly dude, all purple and shit."

Colt kept searching the vehicle with his gloves on. "Head over here A.S.A.P., be real smooth about it, O.K. man?"

"Ouch, ah....10-4, I'll see ya in a little bit," Alden ended.

Colt hung up the phone, shaking his head and seeing Jack's face in his mind. _Motherfucker_ , he thought to himself. He then finished his inspection, seeing absolutely nothing that could help their cause.

Amanda slowly walked through the dark lighting, suddenly looking eerily similar to a witch. "What's going on, Colt?"

Colt closed the car's door quietly and made for the step ladder in the corner. "Alden got into James's house, but was attacked by a Rottweiler. Don't worry, I think he's O.K., but he said the dog was sort of fucked up." He could then see her chin quiver. "I know, I know....I love dogs too. But this life we chose, Amanda, is what we chose. There ain't no looking back now, we just forge ahead....and deal with it down the road."

Amanda clenched her jaw, coming to grips with the intensity of the situation. "Yeah, I hear ya. Let's get on with this, then."

Colt embraced her for a moment with one arm, the ladder balancing upright in the other. "You saw nothing out there, I'm assuming, right?"

"Nothing," Amanda replied.

"Alright, they're coming here as soon as they can. Let's focus on this property, all four of us. If I should happen to get in before they get here, brief them on the situation! Have them flank out, like three houses down in each direction. Also have them get onto our radio channel, and they can then let me know of the traffic coming and going up the street, while I'm in."

Amanda agreed with another silent nod, and they both walked out the small garage door, locking it before walking out. Colt then looked at her face outside, seeing the half-moon illuminate her childlike face. "This may be a weird time to ask you this, but tell me if I'll always have your heart, Amanda."

She pushed her long black wig to the side of her face, smiling. "You'll always have my heart Colt, there's no doubt in my mind about that."

Colt kissed her lips softly, keeping that moment locked inside forever. "Awesome, let's check the back door mat, and then the front. Also, people like to use big landscape rocks and little crevices. Let's snoop around those as well."

After searching areas around both front and back doors, they met back near the garage. Amanda's phone suddenly vibrated in her pocket. She looked to Colt before answering, with anxiety building. "Hello."

"Hey girl, it's Jess."

"How's everything going?" Amanda asked.

"We're out and on the road. Alden's being kind of a baby about his boo boo, but he said he didn't disrupt anything. So I don't know how that's gonna fly when the owners come home, seeing their dog dead or hurting real bad."

Amanda mouthed Jesse's name to Colt before responding. "Yeah, that's some wild stuff. Park your vehicle down the way, and if you see Alden in the meantime, have him park on the opposite side of where you're at. We can then disperse the vehicles about so as to not look so clustered."

"Roger that, we'll see ya in a couple," Jesse replied.

Amanda hung up the cell phone, exhaling. "They're coming; you want to try to check these windows?"

Colt looked at their eight foot sills, measuring in his mind the potential danger in accessing an opening. "Alright, let's check these back ones first, and move around from there."

Amanda sized up the one-story house and then looked at the neighbor's lights, now on. "O.K., let's do this quickly, Colt, I'm gonna survey the neighbors while you do this. Let me know if you need me to hold the ladder."

Colt efficiently put in both the radio and cell phone earpieces into his ears before grabbing the duffel bag and ladder. With gloves still on, he checked the first two windows, noticing they were both locked with no evidence of alarm contacts attached.

They walked to the side opposite the driveway, taking visual note of the neighbor's white shaded windows that were fully backlit. Colt suddenly paused, seeing a police cruiser slowly drive by. "Fuck, I just saw a cop! Amanda, go up to the corner of the front and monitor the situation."

She instantly felt breathless, her eyes becoming fixed in that moment. "O.K."

Colt stepped from the ladder for thirty seconds, awaiting her information.

Amanda then pushed her body up against the brick siding, turning her head after checking. "It's all good, I think he's just doing his regular rounds. I'll stay here and make certain he doesn't come back."

Colt pushed all the air from his lungs, still determined. "Good deal." In that moment, he fully understood why the payouts were so good. The money potential nearly equated the overall risk associated with such a profession. It wasn't until that moment this concept truly sunk in. He quickly shook off the thought, moving the ladder to the next window.

Just then, Colt flashed the small light onto the lock, seeing the fastener was removed. He looked to Amanda, noticing her head twist randomly about. "I'm going in, this window lock is broke. Put your radio earpiece in and flip to channel 8."

She nodded, placing it into her left ear, quietly whispering into the radio for a test. "You hear this, Colt?"

He nodded, pulling up the window, before running his own test. "Yeah, you're coming in. You got this, Amanda," he spoke into the wireless microphone.

"Roger, you're coming in clear, now go," she replied.

Colt looked back at the neighbors behind him, while scanning every possible visual vantage point they could see them from. Feeling safe from detection, he entered the residence, shimmying his belly along the sill until he fell into the living room.

Colt immediately unlocked the back door facing the garage and then came back to the open window. "Amanda, can you take this step ladder back to exactly where we found it, and then place a tracking tile under the vehicle inside the garage. I'm gonna call Jesse and set up a little cop technique."

She looked utterly mind-blown, still taken aback by the magnitude of the situation, replying, "Alright, I'll set it back and put the tile on the car."

Colt couldn't stop looking at her frightened face, "It's gonna be O.K., honey, let's just keep our heads in the game."

Amanda smiled, grabbing the ladder. "I know, it's rookie jitters."

Colt pulled his phone out, seeing that its illumination was the only light in the darkened house. He quickly dialed Jesse's designated phone number.

"Hello," Jesse answered, quietly.

"Where you at, Jess?"

Jesse said, "I'm driving north on Ealing Road."

"O.K.," Colt replied with a whisper, while looking at another phone's map of London. "Stop your vehicle on the side of the road and tell me if you see Horsenden Hill a couple miles southwest of our location?"

Jesse paused for some moments, searching another phone's GPS map. She then came back, rambling. "Horsender Hill, Horsenden Hill...yeah, I see it."

Colt peeked out the window to the street, finally seeing Amanda briskly make it back. "O.K. Jess, do you have the Australian phone?"

"Let me see....yeah," Jesse replied.

"Call the police from your location right now. Tell them in an English, or use an Australian accent, that you just witnessed muzzle fire from what appeared to be a couple of gangs in the Horsenden Hill entrance area. Also mention that you saw all of them flee deeper into the area on foot. If they ask your name, say you have to go, and then hang up. Then put a mark that the phone was used, and set it to the side....K?"

Jesse exhaled, somewhat confused. "Yeah, but I don't think it's 911 like the states."

Colt thought for a moment on the two countries' emergency number similarities, before the three numerals eventually appeared from his memory. "It's 999, Jess! Call it and then head over....thank you, sweetie." He then looked down to Amanda, seeing she was over at her corner again, spying on the street beyond the front yard, "Hey Amanda."

She turned back, looking less anxious. "Yes," she replied.

In a paranoid manner, Colt looked up and down again at the neighbor's house, trying to see if anyone was peering out a window. "I ran a diversionary technique where Jess called in an emergency, some miles southwest of us. The police presence in the area may dwindle down for a time, but keep an eye out, nonetheless. I'm gonna start searching the house; have Jesse work the edges of the street when she gets here....thank you."

Amanda nodded, peering around the corner again, searching the dark for any signs of Alden. Colt then turned on his magnification flashlight, and adjusted its scope to broad. He immediately went into the kitchen searching for a key hanger or key rings lying about. After several moments of searching, he opened two drawers, seeing knives and silverware in one and a random mishmash of items in another. He then dug his hand down between the drawer and stacks of paper, then hearing the unique sound, of metal keys pinging together.

After fighting through a slight bout of panic, Colt managed to try each key in the back door lock, finding one that fit perfectly. Without taking his gloves off, he wedged a pen tip in between the split in the key ring, quickly taking off the bronze-colored key from the ring he was gripping. He systematically placed the keys back exactly where he found them in the drawer, and then ran back to the open window. "Amanda," he whispered.

Amanda was now crouching, looking like a small black ball in the dark, "Yeah."

"I'm shutting the window now; tell Alden to come in through the back door when he gets here."

She nodded silently, showing a glimpse of white skin on her face. Colt grabbed his duffel bag, pulling out two plastic baggies and a pair of tweezers. As he made his way down the hall, he paused for a moment looking up at Luke Mona. The photos looked to be him and his ex-wife, without any kids in the picture.

Colt continued into the bathroom, efficiently looking for a hair brush in the top vanity cabinet. With the tweezers lying inside his gloves, he pulled as many dark hairs as he could from the brush, zipping the plastic bag afterward. From behind, he could hear the back door open up. Immediately, he pulled out his handgun, pointing it into the dark. "Alden?"

"Yeah, it's just me," Alden whispered.

"Cool, help me collect some shit," Colt continued, "pull up some carpet fibers from each room, look through the trash for any cans or bottles, and I'll go through the bedroom." Alden then flashed his light onto a wall in the living room, revealing a small game bird that was stuffed from an apparent hunt. Colt looked at Alden, knowing exactly what he was thinking of. "I know where you're going with that....I'll check the bedroom."

They both turned to complete their specific tasks, with Colt squeezing the radio lever. "Amanda, can you hear me?"

"Yeah, you're coming in," Amanda replied.

Colt then asked, "Is Jess on site yet?"

"No, I'll call her and see what's taking so long"

"10-4, we'll be out soon honey, hang in there."

Amanda answered, "No problem."

Colt then resumed his furious search, scanning his light along each inch of Luke's bedroom. He glanced at his digital watch, noticing he and Amanda had now been at Luke's residence for nearly 35 minutes. To Colt, the room looked large, a master bedroom that once slept two, but now just one. He slowly shifted the light back to the walk-in closet, noticing a large glass case tucked in the back. After turning to Alden, he approached, seeing it was indeed a gun case, filled with shiny rifles and shotguns. Near the bottom was a lone hand gun, black with a reflective wooden handle.

Alden entered the closet, placing an empty can of beer and two baggies of carpet fibers into his duffel bag. He said, "Whoa, that's the shit my trigga. Grab a gun, bro."

Colt thought for a moment as he checked the locked doors. "It's locked, and we can't break it. We either have to pick the lock without damage, or find the key."

Alden started to search the room frenetically. He then pulled up the mattress, identifying another handgun lying on top of the box spring. "Let's take this motherfucker."

Colt thought for a second, shaking his head. "Don't touch it. We can't. He'll notice too quickly. We need that time buffer, so we'll have to get the handgun in the case, near the bottom. He won't notice that's missing nearly as fast. Try to find the key, but be very neat about it."

Alden continued his feverish search without reply, just as Colt went back to the kitchen to retrieve the two key rings he'd found earlier. Colt quickly returned to the closet, unsuccessfully trying each key on both rings, now frustrated. "I got nuthin man, you find anything?"

Alden suddenly appeared, flashing his light onto a lone key, in his right hand. "Just when you asked that, I found this little bitch under a sleeping mask in his night stand drawer. Colt felt his stomach sink, noticing it was a smaller sized key, one that would probably fit a gun case.

They both turned, shining their lights onto the glossy gun case at the back of the closet. Colt took a deep breath as Alden slipped the key into the slot, his hand looking as though it was being done in half speed. He then turned his fingers in one fluid motion; unlocking the doors without the need for breaking in.

Alden looked back with his dark eyes fixed onto Colt's, "Just the handgun right?"

Colt nodded, smelling metal and oil emit from the case. "Stop, let's mark the way this gun is set before you pull it." They stared at its position for a moment, both taking in its exact location near the bottom. Colt then looked to Alden, "Alright, snatch it."

They both stepped back to examine the firearm. Alden ejected the magazine, showing Colt. "This is a custom 9 millimeter. I can tell, because we used some in training."

Colt looked in the magazine, using his thumb to peel away the only two bullets inside. "Look in the case for any more ammo....but don't move anything, though!"

Alden moved his light around the entire case before checking the lone drawer at the very bottom. In the meantime, Colt depressed the trigger on the radio. "Girls, are you there?"

Jesse's voice suddenly appeared. "I hear ya. I'm set up at the end of the street, sitting on a bus bench."

After some time, Amanda came back with a response. "I'm here as well; I'm now standing behind a large set of bushes against the front of the house. Everything is status quo out here, just hurry up. I don't know how long Luke's gonna be out."

Colt replied, "Gotcha, we're almost done, probably another 5 minutes, max." He then turned back to Alden, seeing he had accessed a small cache of ammunition, but noticed none for a handgun. "Shit man we only have three bullets; one in the chamber and two more in the magazine."

Alden looked perplexed, thinking of a way to obtain more ammunition. "We can maybe buy some more."

Colt considered this for a time, but knew that plan simply wouldn't work. "We can't. We need his bullets that he purchased; the ones that are together in this particular gun. You start commingling these bullets and the cops can trace back their purchase origins, especially if they're different brands of bullets."

Alden then looked down, seeing the wide variety of shoes Luke possessed. "We should grab a pair, just in case there's mud or sand around Brad's."

Colt looked impressed, noticing Alden's ability to think through his nervousness, "Excellent idea. Pull the brown ones in the far back....now let's get the hell out of here."

Alden stood there holding the gun case key in his hand. "You think we should put it back, and hope it's there when we return?"

Colt completely stopped himself in his hasty tracks, pondering the predicament. "Take it with....but we gotta to be real quick in getting this job accomplished! Time is truly of the essence, now."

Both men walked down the hall, keeping their flashlights pointed to the floor. At the back door, Colt twisted the same handle he opened earlier, and then quietly locked and closed the door behind them. At the side of the house, he pushed the radio button to talk. "Ladies, let's head out. Amanda, I'll take a different route to the van, and Jesse, nonchalantly make your way back to your vehicle."

From the slight static of the long-range radio, Colt heard their responses come in at separate times, "10-4." "Roger." Back in the hotel parking lot, Colt placed a sky blue baseball cap on his head, changed his eye color to brown with contact lenses, and used professional makeup to alter the shape of his nose.

Amanda placed a jacket over her gothic attire, still wearing the wig, black pants, and boots.

They casually walked into the luxurious lobby, keeping a somewhat animated conversation going all the while. Seconds later, they awaited Alden and Jesse at the elevator's entrance, noticing the other two appeared somewhat disguised as well. On the Montcalm's fifth floor, they assembled in Colt and Amanda's room, placing a private sign outside the door.

Colt leapt onto the bed, stunned at the accuracy needed to undertake their current assignment. "Alden, let me see your arm, man."

Alden stripped his upper body garment down to the skin, shocked at the color of his arm.

"Wow," Jesse said, touching his arm, "that dog really tried to tear you up....you weren't lying."

Alden looked up from the gruesome-looking forearm. "I told ya, that son of a bitch wanted to kill my ass!" From his elbow down to his wrist were dark purple blotches under deep scratches and teeth marks.

Colt shook his head, totally surprised there was no blood. "Squeeze your hand for me, Tonto."

Alden squeezed with obvious discomfort.

Amanda then looked at each set of eyes, exhaling. "Whoa, I'm just glad we came out in one piece and not busted by London's finest."

Jesse looked to Alden, seemingly sad. "What was the dog doing as you left the house?"

Alden's eyes shifted about the room, feeling as bad as one could. "He made it to his feet towards the end, but just stared at me like he was scared."

Colt took the liberty to brainstorm in that moment, still trying to strategize their next moves. He sat at the hotel room's round table, grabbing a pen and notepad. "O.K., we have what we need from Luke. I'm assuming he'll be coming home at some point this evening, to a home that looks exactly the way it did when he left. Amanda, did you get that ladder back and slap that tracking tile onto the vehicle?"

"Yeah, it's all done," Amanda replied.

Colt glanced over at Jesse sitting next to Alden on the bed. "Jess, you get that 999 call into London's emergency center?"

"Yep, they even thanked me for the tip, and didn't even ask my name,"

Colt continued, "Cool, we'll crush all the phones with the van before we leave the city and then place them towards the bottom of various public dumpsters. Alden, I need one of us....you or I, to place a GPS tracking tile on Luke's primary vehicle tonight. I think his main garage door lock is broken, so you'd have to efficiently slide under in the middle of the night, place it....and then exit immediately. It would be a sweet deal, though, if he merely parked the rig in the driveway. Nonetheless, this is a crucial component as we then have the capacity to keep tabs on his whereabouts at all times. Ladies, we're also in possession of two stolen keys; one that fits the back door of Luke's house, the other for his gun case. It's absolutely essential now that we get this job done quickly, time is now the enemy. As far as James Sheldon is concerned, he's fully off the list. I guess it was just his lucky night, but it could turn out to be one of Luke's worst. We're gonna have to disclose this to Jack and Brett so they can have the details of what transpired with the dog, Alden. You know that, right?"

Alden touched his mangled arm, looking up. "Yeah, man, I'm fine with that. He didn't show until I got in the house, then he came out of nowhere."

Colt could see Jesse start to scratch his naked back. "We're gonna have a long day tomorrow; it's early in the evening right now, but I say we all turn in early. Alden, have you decided who's going back to Luke's tonight? I'll do it if you want."

Alden glanced at everyone in the room, then back to Colt. "I'll take care of it man. I'm thinking in the three o'clock hour tomorrow morning."

Colt nodded, knowing he and Alden thought alike in many instances. "Yeah man, that's a perfect hour to get that done. Most people are snoozing in that hour, but not all. Just go all black, ski mask....the whole bit. Dark on dark, you'll get the job done just like a Japanese ninja, from back in the 12th century."

Amanda looked up, staring at the digital photos they took of Bradley's home, just one day prior. "You think that basement window is gonna be open tomorrow?"

Colt looked at her hand point to the area on Bradley's property. "I don't know. I'm assuming so, but you never know what a homeowner might do. Perhaps he sees it tonight or tomorrow morning, and closes the son of a bitch. In the event it's not open, we have to consider one of three things. One, taking out an inconspicuous window that he wouldn't notice. Two, break into one of the doors by some means. Three, kidnap his ass, and take care of this somewhere out of town. If we have to break in by some means, it merely looks like his assailant was really determined to rub him out. Any way you slice it, the best case is that the window is still open. We just have to remember that tomorrow is bigger than today. Our precision has to be even better than todays!"

Alden tapped Jesse's leg after putting his shirt back on. "Let's go back to the room and I can give you one of those naked hot oil massages, with this bum arm."

Amanda then burst out in laughter, locking eyes onto an embarrassed Jesse. "That sounds nice, right Jess?"

Jesse looked at Alden, smiling. "You boys all love the sight of a naked woman. I bet you wouldn't if I was 300 pounds."

Alden glanced at Colt, yielding a twisted expression. "Yeah I would, honey....I don't discriminate like that. Big girls need hot oil massages too, ya know." Alden then grabbed her hand and their bags, making his way for the door to their room directly across the hall. "I'll set my alarm for 2:45 A.M., take care of that business, and we'll see you two lover's tomorrow morn. Bye, guys."

Jesse felt his tug and looked back with a girlish smile. "I guess he's in a hurry, we'll see you tomorrow, guys."

They closed the door and Colt made for the bed to catch his breath. "High maintenance shit, huh Amanda?"

She looked at herself in the bathroom mirror, walking towards the sink. "Yeah, I knew it was gonna be tough. That's why we did all that training, Colt; although you did an impeccable job this evening. I'm really impressed with your attention to detail."

Colt laid on his back, staring at the ceiling, hungry and tired. "If you don't look after this kind of business with surgical precision, I think you'll get eaten up pretty quickly."

Amanda then appeared from the bathroom completely naked, standing at the edge of the bed with a half-cocked grin. "Why don't you take care of this with surgical precision, doctor Davis." She then seductively entered the bed on all fours, approaching him with a sexually charged look in her eyes. Colt closed his eyelids to clear away the crazy day, surrendering to her dainty hands that were now slowly unbuttoning his pants.

#  Chapter 10

"How's my face scar and my blue bimbo contacts looking in my eyes?" Amanda asked Colt.

Colt then slightly pushed up one side of his face. "You definitely look different, more edgy. How does that Chinese-looking tattoo and the face moles look on me?"

"They look totally fabulous! I'm your new shoulders-up artist," Amanda replied. Near the Hackney Central railway station in northeast London, Colt and Amanda strolled along the winding railroad tracks at dawn. With the sun peeking over the eastern horizon, Colt spotted a young man waving his hand over his head, nearly 100 yards away. He glanced to Amanda, seeing her anxiety start to build again. "This must be our contact Jack was talking about."

Amanda took inventory of the distressed area, the dilapidated brick buildings and the old train station; creepy and discolored from years of wear. Immediately, she felt chills run down her spine that were enhanced by the fog burning off over the dead ferns.

As they approached, Colt checked the handgun hidden under a light jacket and over his left hip. The person looked to be around 18-21 years of age with a thin build, shorter than average height, and paranoid mannerisms.

Colt looked around before making eyes with the young man. "How's it going?" He said, in his best English accent.

The man sized up both he and Amanda, eyes shifty, "Pretty early, huh?"

Colt tipped his head towards an area with better building cover, not out in the open. "Let's head over there, my good chap."

They walked to a narrow alleyway just adjacent to the unused train station. Colt looked at the man, feeling a sense of an impoverished upbringing, oppressed and unhealthy. "I take it my contact reached out to you to get me a silencer for this custom 9 millimeter." He then shifted his jacket back, revealing the wooden handle of the handgun.

"You can call me Tim," the man replied, "and yeah, I think I have just the fitted piece of hardware that will suit your needs. Do you have the Euros?"

Colt said, "Show me the hardware first."

Tim handed the black silencer into Colt's black leather glove. Colt then stuck the threaded end into the barrel, futilely attempting to spin it into place. "It's not working bro."

Tim reached his hand out. "Here, give me the gun. I'll try it."

"I can't let you touch the gun; it's business."

Just then, Amanda looked down the alley way, seeing two young men approaching together from a 40 yard distance. Colt quickly put the gun back in his waist, staring at Tim. "You didn't set this up or anything did you?"

Tim looked at the men, trying to identify each one. "No, I didn't set anything up. I've done business with your superior before. I would never do anything to jeopardize his trust in me."

Colt kept his head slightly down, following their every movement with his peripheral vision. They approached, stopping within three feet. "Well hello folks, it looks as though you're doing business. Business that is strictly for rhino boys, and rhino boys only."

Colt could feel his blood began to boil, eyes not blinking. "Rhino boys."

Tim then whispered to Colt, nervous. "Rhino boys are a gang that run this particular area of town."

Colt looked up, smiling. "Well, if you two chaps would excuse us, we'll be out of your hair in no time." One then grabbed Amanda, pulling her back to the dirty brick.

Colt immediately pulled his other pistol out from his right hip. The man holding Amanda suddenly produced a blade, holding it close to Amanda's neck.

Tim immediately started to run from the scene, leaving Colt to deal with both men alone. The other man then approached Colt, grinning. "You won't shoot anyone your lovey has a knife near her throat. Now give us your cash, and we'll leave you alone."

Colt put the gun back in his waist, holding his hands up. "Look....my hands aren't armed now. So let her go, or you'll never get out of this alley alive."

The other man looked to his partner, who was still gripping Amanda, laughing. "Get out of this alley alive....mole boy thinks he's some pretty tough shit!"

Colt looked at Amanda, then quickly turned back to the man, slamming him directly in the left jaw. At the same moment, Amanda elbowed her assailant in the right ribs, pushing his right wrist upwards as she quickly moved away.

Colt pulled the gun from his waist again, pointing it at Amanda's attacker while walking back to the other man. "Throw the knife straight ahead to the brick over there." He then stomped on the man's face, while he was still on the ground. "Do it!" Colt yelled, as the man was still hesitating in pain. The man finally tossed his weapon toward the brick on the other side of the alley, staring in fear at the gun's barrel.

Amanda slowly walked towards her attacker, staring him in the face before driving her foot deep into his groin. Colt then put his handgun away, upper-cutting the doubled over man directly in the face. As both men lay on the ground, Colt began to punish Amanda's attacker with blow after blow, until Amanda eventually pulled him back in a panic. "Let's go honey, this fuck isn't worth it."

Colt quickly searched the man's pockets, pulling out a roll of cash before stepping to the other. "Your two are lucky fucks. I hope your face is feeling better soon, now give me your cash or I'm gonna keep going on ya." The man laid on the ground, blood discoloring his teeth. "Here....take it."

Amanda grabbed his cash, kicking his shoulder afterward. They quickly looked at each entrance to the alleyway, making for the same way they came in. Amanda then tugged Colt's jacket. "Let's jog out of here for a minute until we get back into the public." Both then ran along the railroad tracks, angry at what had just transpired.

Colt looked back as they finally approached Alden's black rental car. "Just get in the vehicle, we'll get out of the area and talk about this shit." Both rushed in, exiting the immediate area for Kingsland Road.

Amanda then pointed under her window, motioning for Colt to pull over. "Well, that didn't work out too good."

Colt looked at his eyes in the rear view mirror, seeing a man disgusted in having to waste time. "Yeah, I should probably call Jack." Just then his phone rang, reading private caller on the I.D. "Hello."

"Colt?"

"Jack, I was just gonna call you. The contact you set us up with for the hardware attachment couldn't provide us with the goods."

Jack replied, "I had a feeling, that's why I gave you a call. I'm sure he'll contact me at some point as to what the problem was. But I may have to discontinue using him in the future. Is everything else O.K.?"

Colt looked to Amanda, not responding immediately. "No....no, it kind of went bad. Two street thugs came into the picture, but only after I found that the attachment didn't fit. It was a separate thing....I think. Unless Tim had tipped these punks off beforehand. Either way, one almost killed Amanda, so I had to fuck 'em up."

"You didn't kill anyone, did you Colt?" Jack asked.

"No, no one's dead."

Jack exhaled with a slight chuckle. "I'm sorry that happened, let's just focus hard now. I need one of you to access a traveling pillow you'll use this in place of the attachment....you understand?"

Colt thought for a moment. "Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem. We're gonna be communicating with Alden and Jess right after our conversation."

"Excellent! Again, I'm sorry for the situation. I'll make sure your meetings are in more secure environments in the future."

Colt swallowed, seeing random meetings in the future possibly going the same way. "It's cool man, I'll be in touch bud. Take care of yourself."

"You too Colt, you're doing an excellent job. Let's just finish this like the pro I know you are," Jack concluded.

"Alright, talk to ya soon, see ya." Colt then hung up with Jack, looking at Amanda. "Man, I was just gonna call him....I figured he had talked to Tim a bit ago, and he had told Jack about our little gang fight back there....but I guess not."

Amanda started to glance at herself in the passenger side visor mirror. "It's 9:55 A.M., give Alden a call and get a status update."

Colt nodded, pulling out another phone from his duffel bag, calling one of Alden's phones. Seconds later Alden answered, "Hello," he said whispering.

"What's up brotha?" Colt asked.

"Oh, we're just watching Bradley have breakfast, from across the street. I think he's cutting one of his bogus deals right now with some unsuspecting partners he recently cultivated."

Colt continued, "Cool, did you get the tracking tile put on Luke's main ride last night?"

"Yeah, it was a cinch. Not a soul awake in the area. Plus, he left it in the driveway," Alden explained.

Amanda instantly pulled out her tablet, looking at a digital map of the city. "Ask him if it's the number 4 tile."

"Yes," Alden replied, hearing Amanda's question.

Colt then looked at Luke's whereabouts within the massive city, noticing he was approximately 6 miles south of his home. "He must be at work right now. What's your take on Bradley's schedule today?"

Alden looked through the binoculars again, seeing Bradley chuckling with three other men in the restaurant. "If he's a wheeler and dealer, there's no telling where he's going. Let's just hope he doesn't fade away into some other car today, that way we can't track his ass very good."

"Alright, this has to be done in concert with Luke's not being home, we all know that, right?" Amanda nodded, listening for Alden's response, on speaker phone mode.

"Yeah, I know that," Alden responded.

Colt then thought for a second about how the team should disperse, after looking at his bruised knuckles. "Alright, delegate the shot-muffling, travel pillow thing to Jess. Do you have the dark surgical attire, shoe covers, and hair nets in your bag with ya?"

Alden thought for a second. "Yeah, still got the two pairs of everything we got the other day."

"Alright man, have Jess also stake out Luke's work, after the pillow thing. If he leaves, have her follow him at least three cars away and give us updates on where he's going today. After you talk to her, meet me one block west of Brad's and we'll set everything up from there. I'm heading to that spot now, so hurry if you can!"

Colt ended the call then left the area for Bradley's Brentford neighborhood. During the car ride through scenic downtown London, Colt tried to gauge Amanda's overall demeanor through the sounds of the radio playing.

Amanda could feel his occasional glance on her; she smirked back with a hint of stress on her face. "What?"

Colt slowed with the traffic, noticing a modern part of London he never would have anticipated, "Nothing. I just want you to be comfortable."

She laughed through her anxiety. "I'm a big girl, Colt. If I didn't think I could have handled this stuff, I would never have signed up. It's just sort of a shock initially, one that I'll have to get used to."

He considered the short-term future for a moment while weaving in and out of the traffic. "Amanda, I'd like to know if you'd want to move in with me, back in L.A.? Honey, I love you....and I want you to be in my life forever."

She looked at him, tears beginning to accumulate in her light brown eyes. "I love you too, Colt. I knew I would from the first time we spoke at UCLA. As far as moving in with you, I thought you'd never ask. I would love to make a home with you, sweetie."

Colt smiled, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from his heart. In glancing over, he could see his future in her shimmering eyes; a direction that was once a vague notion, now seemingly undeniable in one defining moment. For the rest of the ride, she held onto his right hand, feeling their bond become even closer than before.

After arriving in Brad's neighborhood, Colt pulled their vehicle up 30 yards behind Alden, who was already parked with the van. They walked separately to the vehicle, both casually entering the sliding side door.

"What's up home skillet," Alden said, wearing professional disguising makeup.

Colt and Amanda could only look to each other, amazed. "Damn," Colt replied, "you did a masterful job of recreating your look, my friend!"

Alden checked himself in the mirror, "Yeah, I had a little time on my hands, so I went into the back of the van with a mirror and a dream, and voila! Pretty tight, huh?"

Amanda then summoned him into the back. "We gotta start this up now."

Alden could see Colt's leadership slightly bleeding off onto Amanda, impressed. "O.K., what's the plan then guys? I sent Jess on her pillow and tailing Luke missions."

Colt closed his eyes for a time, seeing the entire scenario unfold inside his head. "Before anything, you need to check the neighbors on each side to see if they're home. Do that while I'm walking over on foot, and give me a quick radio report afterward. I'm gonna access the property real soon here. Alden, both you and Amanda are gonna be on full street stakeout duty. I need both of you to position your vehicles on opposite sides of the block, keeping an eye at the intersections. Take enough backup batteries for your laptops, tablets, and phones from this battery bag. Give me radio communication if you see any cops, or obviously Brad; whether he's in his car or someone else's. This could be a long scenario, so let's be prepared for having some real patience. Just don't fall asleep or lose your focus, even if it becomes super monotonous. After some time, switch vehicles. You go in his, Amanda, and you go in hers, Alden."

Colt fixed his eyes on Alden, watching him start to tear open a new dark blue pair of surgical pants, out of a plastic package. "It would be nice to have you in there with me Alden, but we just don't have the capability. Who would man the other side of the block for a visual? We need Jess concentrating on Luke, and Luke alone. That leaves you two to watch over the street."

Alden pointed adamantly, "Put on Luke's shoes that I nabbed; see if they fit."

Colt then pulled off his running shoes, noticing they had blood on the bottom. "Damn! That punk fuck got blood on the bottom of my shoe when I stomped on his face. Good thinking on Luke's brown shoes though, man, that's heads up shit!"

Alden seemed perplexed, looking at the blood on the bottom of Colt's shoes. "You got in a fight?"

Colt laughed, looking at Amanda. "Yeah, I'll let Amanda tell you what happened I gotta get my shit moving right now." Colt then put on a hair net after pulling on the new pants. "I'm gonna walk around the block with this bogus plumber's jacket on, keeping a low pro. You guys set up like we spoke about, and we'll be talking from channel 7 this time. Make sure you call Jess, and tell her that."

Alden nodded with a smirk, seeing Amanda literally transform Colt's face from a younger person to a much older man; one who looked to be in his mid- 50's. "Shit, I thought I was good with this makeup! I should never second guess you ladies though when it comes to putting on a face."

Colt grabbed the Mularky Bros. Plumbing jacket with matching duffel bag, then kissed Amanda and confidently slid open the van's door. "Go get that neighbor knock done now. Good luck guys, I'll talk to ya soon."

Amanda watched him close the door, worrying that it would be the last time that she'd ever see him up close, and alive.

With his mind clear and sights in focus, Colt walked to the end of the block, keeping an eye through his sunglasses for anything peculiar. His pace was slow, but steady enough to look like any other pedestrian walking about the city. He then spotted Alden drive by in the van, and then looked back, seeing Amanda leaving the other way. Several moments later, he peered around the sloping corner on Bradley's block, noticing Alden already returning from his neighbor knock. He then pushed the radio button, speaking, "Anyone home Alden?"

"Nothing, no cars at home either."

"Roger, leave the area now, and let Amanda do her thing," Colt continued.

"10-4."

Colt watched Alden drive by him again, awaiting Amanda's approach to the neighbor on the opposite side of Brad's home. After some tense moments, she reappeared crossing the street, looking up towards Colt at the end of the block.

"All clear," Amanda said, promptly giving her radio report.

Colt watched her leave to the other end of the block, feeling his anxiety level naturally start to elevate. Six houses in from the end of the street sat Brad's white and blue one-and-a-half story, stucco home. As he walked down the sidewalk's grade, he could feel the stolen brown leather shoes start to hurt the tips of his toes. With his head fixed slightly down and forward, he shifted his eyes behind his sunglasses, marking any cars in driveways. Inside his anxious mind, the walk seemed endless, as if he was walking in thick mud, despite his body moving forward.

Before walking down the gradually sloping driveway, Colt tilted his watch, reading the time at 11:09 A.M. He wondered about Luke in that short span, thinking about how he was looking more and more like a sitting duck, potentially awaiting his own grim fate. Seconds later, he reached the basement window that hadn't been checked for two days. After looking around with just his eyes, he touched the frame with the tip of Luke's shoe, seeing it moved slightly.

Colt then looked up, noticing the once clear-skied sunny morning now had clouds starting to roll in, like a unified front heading for the bright sun. Along the foundation's edge was a narrow row of black dirt, still looking moist from the lack of sunlight and recent rains. While walking over the dirt, he kept a watchful eye through the open backyards that ran throughout the neighborhood, hoping no one was suspecting anything unusual about his actions.

After imprinting Luke's shoe impressions throughout areas and around the foundation, Colt turned back to the glass. In a quiet fashion, he opened the rectangular push out window, entering the dwelling feet first. Once in, he snatched the duffel bag that contained everything needed to complete his task.

He then walked about the basement, noticing it was partially unfinished with an extended finished space designed as a living area. Out of sheer curiosity, he checked the photographs around the room, seeing Bradley with various women, sometimes posing alone with men. In looking at the floor, he could suddenly see that he brought in a slight bit of mud from outside. Just then, he left a vague trail from the window to where he was standing. He then pulled up the radio, checking its filled battery life before squeezing the trigger. "Amanda, are you hearing this?"

"I gotcha, what's up?"

"I'm in, and I need a status report on both subjects."

Amanda, parked at the end of the street, pulled down both visors before putting the laptop on her legs. "You must be in the basement; you're coming in a little fuzzy. Nevertheless, I've got our target Bradley approximately three miles from the house here, looking to be moving in a vehicle in the Sheperd's Bush area. As for Luke, according to Jess, he's static at his office in southwest downtown London. I'll get a status update from her in a moment."

Colt exhaled, thinking about timing in his mind's eye, "Alden, you hearing this?"

"I heard it all. Amanda's totally correct on their whereabouts," Alden replied.

Colt continued, "Alright, let's get very specific for a second. When Brad returns from whatever he's doing in the city, I'm going to have to take him then and there; that is if Luke had my same opportunity. Now, assuming I have Brad here in the house, I may have to hide and wait or immobilize him at gunpoint; just until Luke would have had a time frame to be over here with Brad. This is the tough part of the assignment, the timing issue. The really tough part is returning everything back to Luke's without him knowing, after the act here."

For a moment, all Colt could hear was random static coming through the radio, as if both Amanda and Alden were thinking.

After some seconds, Amanda returned. "That's why you're getting paid the bigger dollars Colt, for these details that have to be managed. All the stuff you said was correct, but we need someone like Alden poised to get back to Luke's after the act. And before he can get home, assuming he's out when you're finishing the job."

Colt nodded, squeezing the trigger. "This is right, Alden, you're the only other person who knows where the gun's going to go, the shoes I'm wearing, and the keys." He instantly paused for a second, knowing that Alden didn't know where the two key rings in the kitchen drawer were to be returned. He then wondered if trying to tell him where they were to be returned would prove to be a technical flaw? A mistake that could possibly mean Alden wouldn't be able to get the stolen house key back on the right ring in a timely enough manner, or perhaps, not at all.

After some moments, Colt returned. "Alright, I think I'm gonna have to be the one who gets back into Luke's with Alden. Don't worry guys, we're gonna get this done right; we just may have to wait it out, that's all. Let's just hope there's not any kinks in the plan....things we never anticipated."

Alden returned, sounding somewhat fuzzy and fragmented. "Alright Colt, are you ready for this?"

Colt's stomach sank, mind racing. "What?"

"It's 11:40 and Luke's car is suddenly moving."

"Yeah, so what?" Colt asked nervously.

"Well, Luke's car is moving, and Brad's car is headed in this direction, dude!"

Colt could instantly see a random scenario unfold in his mind, if Brad were to suddenly arrive. "Alright, I'm dialing Jesse's phone, stand by guys." He then heard the rings in his earpiece, his breaths starting to increase. "Hello," she said casually.

"Jesse?"

"Yeah," he heard her respond.

"Did you just start a tail on Luke?"

"Ah, yeah....he just got in his car; I think he's headed out for an early lunch."

Colt then closed his eyes, hoping. "Is he by himself?"

"Yeah, he's, he's by himself. Why?"

"Our target is headed back this way as well. Listen, I may not talk at times Jess, but I'll still be here. Just keep giving me updates on his whereabouts as you keep the tail on. Also, don't get too close. Please, don't get too close!" Colt warned.

Jesse responded, swallowing, "10-4, I'll stay on the line, and I've been back about 5 to 6 car lengths so far. I'll even get back farther, if I can."

Suddenly, adrenaline that had been absent the majority of their trip, started to flow uncontrollably throughout Colt. He frantically opened up an empty plastic baggy he had pulled from his pocket then proceeded to pick up some drying chunks of mud he left on the basement floor. After sealing them in, he pulled up his duffel bag, wiped the bottom of his feet, and darted for the upstairs. He briskly walked through the modest appearing kitchen, making for the lone bathroom in the hallway. Immediately, he squeezed the radio's trigger. "Amanda or Alden....where's the target right now?" He then let go of the trigger, hearing a clear-sounding channel without static.

Alden finally came in. "He's rolling along the Thames River on Thames Road, and now he's blending into High Street. Dude, if he turns north on Ealing Road, he's probably heading home, so stand by man!"

Colt just remembered he had a digital tablet in his duffel bag. "Hold on, I've got a tablet here, man....I'll check this shit out." Colt rushed to turn on the compact machine, trying to catch his breath in the meantime. After some tense moments, he pulled up the same screen Amanda and Alden were looking at, seeing Bradley's vehicle right before the intersection of Ealing Road. He inhaled, closing his eyes, seeing his young life suddenly start to flash about his head. When he opened his lids, he saw what Alden had just warned about, Bradley heading north on Ealing Road.

"O.K. guys," Colt said in an uneasy tone, "give me visual confirmation if he gets on the street....keep your binoculars ready." Both came back with radio confirmation as Colt scrambled to get inside the tub, pulling the shower curtain closed behind him. He glanced back at the tablet again, knowing Bradley was just one mile south of where he stood. "Jess, are you still there?"

"Yeah, I'm still in traffic with Luke right now."

"Where do you think he's headed?"

"It looks like home. We're a couple miles out from his house, but that's where he's heading....probably for a cheap lunch, or something."

Colt looked at the vehicle slowly move farther north along Ealing Road, feeling as though he couldn't speak for a second, "Jess?"

"Yeah," she responded.

Several more moments went by as Colt finally started to see Bradley's vehicle turn on Buford Road, the street he lived on. "He's on the street, I'm gonna be silent now Jess, don't hang up." In a much slower motion, Colt could see the latex glove on his hand reach into the duffel bag, pulling out Luke's custom 9 millimeter handgun. In those frantic seconds, he could hear Jesse speaking, but the words seemed overall muffled, inaudible.

Just then Amanda came in on the radio. "I just spotted his vehicle, Colt, he's 10 feet from turning into the driveway, and he's not alone!"

Colt exhaled, closing his eyes for a second, shaking his head. "Fuck," he said softly.

"He's in the driveway," Amanda continued, "they're both getting out."

"I hear ya, keep going," Colt whispered.

Amanda then described, "They're standing between the house and the garage. It's the same guy he was with at the soccer game the other night Colt....O.K., his friend just handed him a leather attaché case or something. They hugged and now the guy is going to the driver's seat of Brad's car....he's leaving, but Brad's heading to the back door....get ready."

Colt quickly put the radio and the phone up to his mouth at the same time, whispering. "I'm pulling out my earpieces, stand by guys." He then put both of the tiny cords into each of his front pockets, and finally heard the back door open. His finger then touched the safety on the gun, pushing it to an unlocked position.

Colt could feel his throat drying and tightening, while hearing keys hit a counter or table. The sound of a refrigerator drawer being opened and closed followed. Just then Brad's home phone began to ring. After a moment of pause, Colt could hear his faint voice speak with food muffling his mouth. "Yeah....oh yeah, I must have left it in the car. No, you don't have to bring it back, don't worry about it. I'll get it later from you today. O.K., thanks love."

Colt instantly thought to himself. _Thanks love? He must be bisexual, seeing Jack mentioned he'd been married to a woman before._ Inside, it didn't matter what his lifestyle was. He only knew what his own job entailed, regardless of Brad's personal life. After some more minutes passed, he heard footsteps approaching from the hallway. He held the gun upwards, exhaling a deep breath slowly, and disregarded the travel pillow in the duffel bag.

Bradley entered the bathroom casually and then spoke to himself, as if looking in the mirror, "You fucking stud, you! You got everybody hoodwinked old boy, including yourself. But as long as we keep packing those Euros away, things are gonna be just fine. Keep up the good work, buddy."

Colt swallowed as quietly as possible, hearing Brad's zipper before the unforgettable sound of urine hitting water followed. Colt wondered in that moment if he should aim for the sound, hoping he would hit Bradley. Right at the end of that thought, Bradley's urine suddenly stopped, seemingly in midstream. Colt inhaled, sensing his cover was suddenly blown. He immediately placed his hand on the trigger, hearing Brad's zipper now being pulled up.

Without a bit of hesitation, Colt pulled the shower curtain back, making eyes with Bradley's for a split second, witnessing a true fear he'd never seen in anyone before. He pointed the gun, but could see Brad's lightning quick reflexes propel him towards the door. Colt fired, hitting the upper back portion of Brad's right thigh. He then heard a screaming, "No!"

In the decelerating speed of the moment, Colt walked over the tub and through the smoke; seeing blood, but no sign of Bradley. He scurried through the bathroom doorway, hearing the bedroom door suddenly close and then lock. On the other side, Colt suddenly heard the hammer of a handgun being cocked back. Instinctively, he pulled back, placing his body firmly against the wall.

Seconds later, bullets started driving holes through the door, with Colt watching the exploding wood in the aftermath. At that moment, he felt the same panic Brad had revealed just minutes before; nearly incapacitating Colt's entire mind and body. He then struggled to focus, counting five holes in the door, most angling upwards and towards the hallway ceiling.

Colt then quickly switched the handgun from his right hand to his left. By angling his arm away from his body, he then pointed downward, duplicating the trajectory of Bradley's gunshot holes. Before squeezing the trigger, he could hear heavy exhaling and moans of pain coming from the other side. As his finger slowly pulled back on the cold metal; Colt felt his heart stop, suddenly seeing himself in a different light.

After the bullet discharged, it was clearly evident within seconds thereafter that the lone shot was a true hit, as the moans became more profound and much heavier. Colt then kicked open the bullet- riddled door, startled by the bloody scene. In that second, he could see Bradley pull up his gun, trying to point the dangerous barrel towards him.

Without pause, Colt instinctively stepped on his forearm, slamming his hand against the wooden floor. "Toss it," Colt said in a low tone.

Bradley shook his head, spilling blood from his left rib cage area. "You just killed me! Why?"

Colt stared into the same cold eyes he had seen in the parking lot after the soccer game. "It's just business, Brad, I have no beef with you....I'm sorry partner."

"Business?"

Colt then looked at his watch before placing Jesse's earpiece line back in his ear. "That's right, someone wanted you dead....I'm just servicing the order." He kept his foot on Bradley's hand, watching his breaths become lighter. "Jess, are you still there?" The line was silent for some seconds, Colt taking it as Jesse's apparent shock.

"Yeah," Jesse said quietly.

"Where's Luke?"

"He's gone to his house, looks to be still in there."

Colt looked through the semi-transparent curtains on the bedroom windows, seeing if there was any activity outside.

Bradley opened his mouth with blood flowing out now. "You're gonna go to hell," he whispered, "you know that?"

Colt felt his heart sink, naturally contemplating the bold statement, "Perhaps.... perhaps." He then swallowed, seeing Brad was still suffering to pull in oxygen. "I'm sorry Brad....goodbye." In looking at the bottom of Luke's handgun, Colt bent slightly down, slamming the handle against Brad's left temple. After several more blows he pulled up, seeing he killed Bradley Frampton, an innocent man.

There was a large gash on the side of his head, slowly leaking blood. Colt put the radio earpiece into his left ear before dipping the handle of Luke's gun into Brad's blood. After squeezing the radio trigger, he spoke, now freaked out. "It's done....you guys there?"

A slight quiver in Amanda's voice could then be detected, "Yeah. You did it?"

"Yeah, I think he's dead. Did you hear any gunshots, from your vantage points?" Colt asked.

Alden then came in, voice calm. "I had my window partially rolled down in the van here. I heard faint pops, but nothing too definitive."

Colt took in a large breath, exhaling it as slow as possible. With mind now numb, he could feel Bradley's grip on the handgun finally give way. Colt then bent down, touching the man's wrist, trying to sense a pulse that was there minutes before, but now gone. He swallowed all the pain and anxiety into his stomach, studying the room in a dreamlike state.

After sorting out the minutes of haze, Colt collected himself, walking to the bathroom to retrieve the duffel bag from inside the tub. He promptly returned, pulling the baggies from inside. With the tweezers now in hand, he proceeded to then drop three of Luke's hairs into the crime scene; one lying on Brad's chest, one inside the largest pool of blood, and the last inside Brad's left hand.

Colt turned to the hallway, randomly dropping the carpet fibers that Alden collected at Luke's house. After turning up Luke's shoe he was wearing, he dipped his finger into the blood and gently rubbed a small amount along the leather. The moments were now becoming more lucid, easier to think through his thoughts. He then squeezed the radio trigger, "Alden?"

"Yep," Alden responded.

"Our third car rental that Jess has....it's white, right?"

"Yes sir."

"Alright, leave right now and switch places with her. Simply drive your black car towards Luke's home and pick up where she left off. I'll have her then head back this way."

"Gotcha," Alden said.

Colt let go of the radio's trigger, speaking into the phone. "Jess, you hear me?"

"Yeah, I heard you with Alden. You want me to come get you with the white car?"

"Yeah, it's the same color as the one inside Luke's garage. Now, do you have the red-haired wig in the car with you?"

Jesse paused, searching the various bags in the vehicle. "Yeah, I do. We bought it the first day we were here."

"Good, put it on. Come over here and nonchalantly pull into the driveway. Go all the way up to the garage door, but leave space between your front bumper, and the door....just wide enough for me to walk through. Alden's coming to relieve you of your tail. Don't wait for him, just come now. Thank you Jess, but stay on with me here."

Jesse answered, "Got it, I'll leave now. See ya in a bit."

Colt picked up Luke's bloody handgun off the floor and unlocked the clip. After looking inside, he could see there were no bullets, just one left in the chamber. _I hope his buddy doesn't come back_ , he thought. _If he does,_ _I'd better aim real close, otherwise I'll have to beat his ass to death_.

The next ten minutes that passed couldn't move quickly enough; Colt suddenly envisioned the London police swarming around the house and helicopters hovering above. _The money_ , he thought, _seemed like it wasn't enough, especially for Amanda, Alden, and Jesse_ ; a vital group of support that was truly indicated in such a seemingly meticulous assignment.

With his bag in hand, Colt pressed up against the kitchen wall, peeking occasionally at the driveway below. Inside the duffel bag, he pulled the empty beer can Alden had taken from Luke's home, tossing it into a visible garbage bag in the corner. He then put the phone up to his mouth after seeing the battery life dwindling. "Jess, you hear me?"

"Yep, I'm coming up Ealing Road, getting ready to turn onto Buford Road right now."

"Wait! Stop Jess!"

"O.K., I'm stopped. What's up?"

"Pull over to a desolate area and take off the license plates with one of the screwdrivers I put into your bag. Don't come onto Buford until you do this!" Colt explained.

Jesse paused, finding an inconspicuous area to pull to the left side of the street. He then heard her car door shut. "Colt, I'm trying to hurry here. I'm just looking to see what kind of screw head it is."

"Just hurry, it's either standard or Phillips, make sure you don't lose the screws though!"

Jesse finally pulled the red rental plates and then quickly reentered the vehicle. "I got it....I'll pick you up in a minute, be ready."

Colt kept his eye on the on the garage door, anticipating her arrival any moment.

After nearly two minutes, Jesse slowly crept up to the edge of the garage door, exactly the way Colt had explained.

Colt then pulled the dark blue baseball cap from his duffel bag, grabbed the door handle with the latex gloves, and felt the 51 degree air touch his face. With his head tilted completely downward and sunglasses on, he faced the garage door as he shimmied past the car's front bumper.

Once inside the car, Colt looked at Jesse, who was wearing the long red wig. "Just back out nice and slow, don't act frightened."

Jesse nodded, just as Colt replaced the phone based earpiece with the radio piece. "Amanda?" he then asked after squeezing the radio button.

"Yep," Amanda replied.

"Go the opposite way from us; we'll meet at One Tree Hill Park in the Wembley area."

"Got it."

Colt ended the call, pulling the bill of his baseball cap downward. After leaving the area, he looked to Jesse, exhaling. "We did that part, now we have to focus on finishing, Jess."

Jesse glanced over, trying to read his eyes behind the dark sunglasses. "Are you O.K.? I mean inside....you know I heard everything?"

Colt could see the wood exploding from gunshots that whizzed into the hallway then scanned his mind for an explanation on his demeanor. "It's kind of hard to delve into my emotions right now. I'm trying to block that aspect out of the picture. Otherwise, I'll let those feelings get the best of me and right now, we just can't afford to let that happen. Yeah, I know you heard everything....and I'm sorry for that, Jess."

Jesse considered him for a time, realizing she was sitting with a professional trigger man now, a person designed for meticulous planning and precision-based thinking. Even though he was just starting out his career, he seemed to be almost from another world; a young man, who if you blinked, you'd miss, and he'd be gone in a flash, evaporating into thin air.

Colt then looked into his side mirror, seeing their rented van just two cars back, knowing Amanda was intelligently following from a distance. With a slow and deliberate motion, he peeled the latex gloves from his hands, seeing the light splash across his white fingers. As he pulled out another cell phone, he stuck his head near the cracked open window, inhaling deeply.

After dialing Alden's phone, Colt pulled out the tablet from his duffel bag. "Hello," Alden said, whispering. Colt looked to Jesse, before saying anything, "You onto Luke?"

Alden responded, "Yeah, he left back for work about 3 minutes ago. According to my calculations, that would have given him about a 1 hour window to get that done. Probably enough time in a court of law."

"That's even if he goes straight back to work; let's hope not, for our sake. Nonetheless, stay with me here on the line, Alden. I'm gonna get everything back into his house if I can."

"Sounds good, I'll keep a tab on his ass."

Colt then grabbed another phone, calling Amanda. "Hello," Amanda answered.

"Amanda, can you pull over with us when I find a deserted section of town?"

"Yeah, I can do that." Colt scanned the city streets, looking for a sparsely populated area, and then pointed, having Jesse pull over to an old abandoned-looking parking lot. In a hasty tempo, he exited the vehicle and made for the van that was now stopping.

Amanda opened the driver's side electric window after meeting Colt's eyes. "I take it, we scrap the meet at One Tree Hill Park thing?"

Colt nodded, knowing they were within a mile of Luke's home. After kneeling at the front bumper, he pulled the red license plates from the van. Afterward, he glanced around the area, seeing rain clouds off in the distance. He then yelled, "Jess, I'm going with Amanda. Park at the end of his block in a different location than last time, alright?"

Jesse nodded, hearing every word, and awaiting Amanda's lead.

In the van, Colt placed the red rental plates into his duffel bag, looking at Amanda as she started driving. "Wild shit! That was some freaky stuff back there, honey."

Amanda looked at him with seemingly sad eyes. "I know. We'll deal with the heartache later.... we just have to complete it, babe."

To Colt, the road looked hypnotizing at that very moment, sliding under the van in a constant motion, occasionally blurring into one with the vehicle. He suddenly snapped out of his bizarre fixation, turning to Amanda. "Here, put this black wig on. We're gonna do this in one fell swoop."

She placed the wig on her head, glancing in the mirror while Colt held the wheel. He then pulled his hand back, looking at her face. "Drive it all the way up, just shy of the garage door. Stay in the vehicle, I'll take care of everything."

Amanda then drove to Luke's house, remembering its exact location, and pulling into the driveway with a slow speed. Colt exited after putting the latex gloves back on, lifting up the garage door half way, and then slowly entering. At the rear bumper, he knelt with flashlight in hand, scanning the area where Amanda said she placed the GPS tracking tile.

After sometime, Colt found the cream-colored device about two inches up and inside the back bumper. With the inside of his shirt, he then wiped off Bradley's dried blood from the handle of Luke's stolen handgun. While staring at the gun's handle, he paused before dialing Alden again.

"Yeah," Alden answered quickly.

"Alden, make sure you snatch that GPS tracking tile off the back of Luke's vehicle. Just make sure you do it when he's far away from his car."

"No problem, I know exactly where it's at."

"Thanks bud, we'll have to have a beer and some pizza, back in L.A. after this shit!"

"A beer? Try a case! Hey man, what about our target's tracker?" Alden asked.

Colt responded, "His lover is driving around the vehicle right now. Let's fully break any potential connection we have with Bradley from here on out, so don't go near the vehicle. Besides, Luke will probably get tagged for placing that generic tile under there....if the investigators find it at all."

"No doubt man, I'll talk to ya later."

"Oh Alden....keep your eyes out for anything, and keep that precision thing going. Talk to ya later," Colt then hung up. He was already at Luke's backdoor, pulling his house key from the duffel bag. Before entering, he took one last glance at Amanda, seeing the same best friend he just heard in Alden. He then stuck his index finger up in the air, before turning the key to unlock the door.

Inside, Colt immediately went to the same kitchen drawer where the two key rings were hidden. After some time, he managed to replace the key onto the ring with more accurate, latex gloves on. His head suddenly snapped towards the window, looking at Amanda in the driveway after hearing a slight noise from outside. With some additional restless moments, he made for the bedroom, reaching for the gun case key.

Colt then looked at his watch, realizing it had been just over 5 minutes since Amanda parked in front of Luke's garage. His eyes then shifted to the night stand in a slight panic, while watching his sinister-looking gloves pull the drawer back. Just as Alden described, he placed the gun case key under the sleeping mask, closed the drawer, and then stepped to the walk-in closet.

Through a mind racing with violent images, Colt collected his thoughts, pulling the gun from his waist. _Fuck_ , he thought, _I need the gun case key to unlock it_. Knowing it was his second mistake, in addition to not using the muffling traveler's pillow, he quickly retrieved the key, opened the case, and set the handgun exactly where he and Alden saw it lying originally.

Inside his jumbled cluster of emotions, he knew there were two last tasks, but mentally fought himself with their retrieval. After closing his eyes, he could see the brown shoes he was wearing. Without a second of pause, he pulled the shoes off, set them precisely where he originally found them, and then sprinkled the mud chunks about the carpeting in the same area.

Colt then looked up, seeing the silver key still inside the gun case lock, and exhaling that he hadn't hastily left it there. His hand turned the key to lock the case before replacing it back under the sleeping mask in the nightstand. In his exit from the bedroom, he could see the back door, but shockingly heard sirens in the background.

As he approached the door, Colt could feel his brain suddenly surge with pain, a grinding cluster headache on the right side of his head. He finally turned the handle, twisted the lock in place, and closed the door gently, inhaling through the pain. The walk to the van was brisk and Amanda's eyes looked worried from the sirens still whaling throughout the city.

"Let's go," he said looking at Amanda. She set the reverse gear into place and slowly maneuvered the van onto the street. Colt could feel his mouth slightly open, trying to focus on where the sirens were originating from. Amanda touched his leg. "It's O.K., there out a ways, it's not us."

Colt then looked in the side mirror, seeing a small section of Jesse's white vehicle, two cars back. "Good thing we checked out of the hotel this morning. It was a bold assumption, but one that paid off nicely. He dialed Alden again, quietly panicking through more than two rings.

"Hello," Alden answered.

"Alden, did you get the tile yet?"

"Yeah, about two minutes ago."

"Cool, you have all your shit from the hotel this morning in the car with you?"

"Yep."

"Good deal, let's meet at the car rental agency, and drop these vehicles off," Colt finished, relieved. He then hung up the phone and called Jesse.

"Hello," Jesse replied.

"Jess, pull over with us here so we can get the plates back on. You have the screws, right?"

Jesse paused, "Yeah, I've got everything."

Two and a half hours later, all four found themselves under the English Channel in the Eurotunnel, racing for Paris and leaving beautiful London behind. In that transition period, each person became lost in their own state of mind, reflecting. Colt held Amanda in one seat, while Alden and Jesse sat behind in another. At times, Colt could see Bradley looking up from his own bedroom floor, bleeding profusely from the torso, and talking softly. Just then it became personal, graphic visions he couldn't help but witness.

From his side, he could see Amanda check his demeanor, examining him from the outside, worried. "Is it hitting you hard?" she then asked.

Colt snapped out of the bloody visions, "Yeah, kind of. But I knew it would, especially after this first job. I see three things right now, Amanda. I'm seeing Brad, Luke, and the money. And I don't know if I can fully take the human element out of this shit yet. I have to try and train my head to do it, otherwise I won't be cut out for this biz."

Amanda's eyes shifted around for a time, absorbing his personal quandary. "We'll have plenty of time to discuss everything back in California. Just rest your weary head on my shoulder for awhile, honey. Close your eyes, and try your hardest to think good thoughts."

#  Chapter 11

Mesmerized by the blazing bonfire, Colt stared into the flames irradiating Leadbetter Beach off scenic Santa Barbara. He was accompanied by Amanda, Alden, Jesse, and Jack, nearly six months after the London assignment was completed. Through the hypnotic embers that flowed towards the sky, he could hear fragments of a story Jack was telling. Although with the sounds of the Pacific surf and periodic laughter, he tried to snap himself out of the haze, but simply couldn't.

He picked up the tablet he'd set down moments earlier, touching the screen to re-illuminate it from its sleep mode. His eyes were suddenly stuck, staring at an article from a London-based news website, dated one day earlier. The title read 'Luke Mona Finally Convicted of Murdering Bradley Frampton'. He then reluctantly started to read the article that followed, "It took nearly five months from being charged, but Luke Mona was officially found guilty today in the brutal murder of former business partner, Bradley Frampton. After his defense argued their client was framed to appear as the killer, in the end the evidence was overwhelming. It took a jury of his peers just two hours to come back with a guilty verdict of first degree murder, with an additional charge of lying in wait. According to legal experts, all have noted that it's most likely Luke will spend the rest of his days in prison, never to see the light of day again as a free man. The scorching bevy of evidence included a handgun, confirmed to have been used in the murder, with traces of Bradley's blood in the crevices of the handle. In addition, there was Bradley's blood found on Mr. Mona's shoes, Luke's hair at the crime scene, and carpet fibers transferred from his home to Bradley's. The only impactful argument Mr. Mona's defense team could muster was a neighbor witnessing a white vehicle the day of the murder, idling in the driveway. The neighbor testified on the stand, indicating there was more than one person in the car that day. However, they couldn't provide a detailed description, and said the license plates had been removed. All in all, Luke Mona has been revealed as a ruthless killer, taken off the London streets and highly unlikely to ever live a free existence again. His sentencing is scheduled two weeks from now."

Colt suddenly pulled his eyes up from the glowing tablet, noticing Amanda had recognized exactly what he'd been reading. He held the power button for a moment, trying to push aside the vision of Luke in a rough English prison. In that moment, he caught Jack's eyes, watching him pull back a bottle of imported beer. "Did you get a chance to read the Mona case, on the internet?"

Jack ran one hand through his wavy black hair, tossing another log on the fire. "I did, Colt. I know it's hard to see, but it's a part of our business that does exist. Speaking of our business, I've been somewhat neglectful in my funds distribution for that particular assignment. That's partially why I'm with you guys tonight, other than loving to be in your company."

Colt could see him grab for the dark brown backpack that looked to be swollen and hard to unzip. He looked around at each person's glowing face, all lit up by the intense blaze. "I believe Mr. Morgan directed me to issue $600,000 cash for this particular assignment." He then looked around cautiously, his hand pulling an oversized bundle out first. "It says Colt....this must be for you, my friend."

After exhaling, Colt caught the tightly bound bundle, amazed at its weight.

Jack then respectively dispersed the three smaller bundles to Amanda, Alden, and Jesse. "I want to tell you guys how truly impressed we've all been at such a flawless performance back in London. It really looked like the work of some of our veterans.... guys that have been on board for over ten years."

Alden then looked at Jack, somewhat inebriated. "You can thank Colt for the majority of that job. I know he's my best friend, but even I didn't think he was gonna be that cool under pressure."

Colt stared at the sand, shaking his head. "I have to say something guys, and Jack, I'm cool with you being here when I say this. But I'd be much happier in taking $200,000 instead of the $300,000. That would yield you guys an additional $33,300 each. I think what you did in terms of support, really indicates that kind of payment. All you guys cool with that?"

Jack nodded, grinning. Already knowing what kind of person Colt truly was. "I have no problem with that sort of distribution. You do what you want with your money after the deal's done. I'm sure Mr. Morgan wouldn't care either. You guys are all new aces up his sleeve."

Amanda scooted closer to Colt, kissing his cheek. "You know you don't have to give me anything additionally. I'll probably get it from you on my shopping sprees anyway." Everyone burst out in a chuckle for a moment, Alden and Jesse looking pleased.

Jack then finished his beer and pulled open the cooler, looking at everyone. "Anyone need another refresher?"

Colt and Alden reached out their hands. After tossing them the bottles, Jack pulled out a notebook, reading intently in the yellowish-orange lighting. After exhaling, he looked around, then directly at Colt. "How's your head been doing?"

Colt swallowed the sudsy beer, feeling it burn before its descent to his seafood-filled stomach. "I'm alright; things are getting a lot better after some time away from all that."

Jack pulled his head up from the white paper. "That's why we like to give a decent amount of time off, especially after everyone's first assignment. It's kind of a cooling off period, ya know?"

Jesse tried to see what he was reading from her vantage point, but couldn't. "What's up next, Jack?"

Jack placed his finger on the notebook, tapping it as if he was now resolved in his decision. "Jesse and Amanda, I would like both of you to take on a fact-finding mission together. And thereafter, support a snipe assignment. Would you guys be open to that?"

Amanda looked at Jesse, her face looking utterly intrigued. "O.K.," Amanda said, "what's the deal with that?"

Jack glanced at both Colt and Alden before responding, trying to read their overall opinions. "It's a domestic job in the states here located out of the Seattle, Washington area. The snipe is going to be issued to Boden, who, if you remember, ended up number three in the rankings back in the islands. The payment is $150,000 each for both you and Jess, $300,000 for Boden. Approximate length of time is 3 to 6 days. What do you girls think?"

Jesse smiled at Amanda, feeling the bundle of cash still in her hands. "Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. What about you Amanda?"

Amanda immediately looked to Colt, noticing he had an indifferent look covering his face. "Don't look to me," he said smiling, "this is your career as well."

Amanda then paused, thinking about what Jack said. "Yeah, that sounds alright. When do we head out?"

Jack looked at the women, seeing their new eagerness emerge. "I can put it together in the next 72 hours. It will maybe give you girls enough time to tie up some loose ends, and then make for the great northwest."

Amanda nodded, looking at Jesse, who already looked emotionally invested. "Let's do it, I'll have my stuff ready within the 72 hours. I'm sure Jess can do the same."

Jack looked back down at the paper. "Good, then that's settled. I'll put out the word later tonight. Now, as far as you two boys are concerned, this is where a slight test is implemented."

Colt flashed back to the London job, knowing that it was difficult to accomplish, even with four people heavily involved.

"Alden," Jack continued, "this is your true cherry-popping assignment. I need you to put your big boy pants on and study this little riddle from head to toe. It's located in Toronto, Canada. I hear it's pretty there in September....some of the fall colors, can't be beat. Anyway, you'll be involved in settling a score with two rival street gangs. One leader has issued a bounty on one of the other leaders. You'll be essentially arresting this individual in front of someone else, maybe in front of his own posse. That means you'll be a dressed down police officer, driving an undercover unit that we'll have outfitted in that capacity. After you get the target in your vehicle, you'll be transporting the man to a rural location where you'll promptly dispatch him accordingly. You'll have two girls giving you support, and the duration should be anywhere from 5-14 days. You'll get a full detailed report....that I'll get to you in 24 hours."

Alden's eyes looked fixated on a large log burning out of control. "Can I get a vest for that assignment, and what's the payout?"

Jack nodded, trying to connect eyes with Alden. "Of course, we'll implement any strategy that you feel is important for your success. If that means bullet-proof vests, you got it. The payout is $500,000. This is sort of a reverse frame. What I mean by that, is that you're not framing anyone! You're merely a rogue white officer, hell-bent on killing high level gang members. That way, it takes a degree of suspicion off the other gang leader, who originally called for the hit."

Colt suddenly thought of the bullets that nearly killed him on the first job, thinking how a bullet-proof vest would have potentially helped. "So, I take it you're gonna get me back in the fold too, Jack?"

Jack looked over his notes, taking a bit more time to study. After some moments of deliberation, his head lifted up. "This one I feel, will perhaps be less taxing on your mind, as there is no frame involved, just like Alden's deal. Your target is involved in a love triangle, where his wife recently left him after the slut was two-timing him with another dude. It just so happens he's a mayoral candidate for the city of Phoenix in the upcoming November elections. That said, there is no specified source here that reads who called for the hit. But he's got the depression motivation to off himself, if you know what I mean. Lastly, he's a real gun guy. He's really active with U.S. second amendment for that entire metro area."

Colt exhaled, somewhat relieved that it was close to L.A. and not part of framing an innocent man. "What kind of cash are we talking about?"

Jack leaned back in his seat, fingers interlocking behind his head. "It pays a king-like ransom sum of $800,000."

Colt picked up his beer, slamming down the half that remained. "When do you want it done?"

Jack lit a joint, pulling a large cloud into his lungs. "A.S.A.P.," he said in a raspy, smoke-filled tone. "The 72 hour window," Jack resumed, "that will be sufficient, just like everyone else here. The job shouldn't take that long. But the only caveat is you'll receive no ground support in Arizona, only from the islands, or wherever I'm at."

Colt could see Amanda's head tilt towards his, feeling her somewhat worried energy. "Alright, I'll do it. I'll have my shit put together in the next two days and head out thereafter."

Jack passed him the joint, smiling. "You're a good man. I think all of you are going to have prosperous careers, and see a lot of the world in the meantime."

After tearing open the binder that held his $300,000 together, Colt started to count off three $33,300 cash increments, and one $10,000 one, as well. He folded each, passing one to Amanda, one to Alden, and then one to Jesse. In folding the last sum, he walked to Jack, smiling. "Now, I'm not going to take no for an answer, you take this ten grand....and be a good boy, Jack."

Jack pulled back the wad, laughing with a shake of his head. "You're are a good shit Colt. Don't worry I'm not going to expect this on every job. It's just nice to see your gratitude in spreading the wealth around. It says a lot about your character, my friend!"

Colt suddenly had a flashback of burying $40,000 dollars in cash on St. John Island with Amanda, the night before they flew to London. "Say nothing of it, I love all you guys." He then watched as each person sitting around the fire looked him in the eyes, feeling his positive energy flowing out.

Jack stared at the stars for a time, enthralled by their simple beauty. "Don't forego your faith, guys. This business can try to sap it from you and try to shove the sorrow down your throat. Over time, you'll build a thicker skin, and then be able to shed that skin with ease....especially around the people you love and trust the most. That way, it won't be such an uphill climb. It will automatically be programmed in your minds on how to go about your business."

Colt nodded, feeling a true connection that he and Jack had before, become more profound and trusting. He looked behind them, seeing the three acoustic guitars they all vowed to bring that night. "What do ya say we cap off the night with some jammin'? Didn't you girls say you wanted to sing that one song?" He could see everyone switch a gear inside, realizing the seriousness of the night had now suddenly subsided.

Three days later, Colt was facing Amanda on a private runway with a Learjet winding up in the background. "I love you," she said, "I'll be back as soon as I can." He gently kissed her lips before embracing her slight frame.

"I love you, too. Face time me when you get a chance, and both you girls look out for each other. I hear Seattle's a fabulous town, don't get too crazy!"

Amanda laughed, kissing him again. "I was just gonna say that to you, when you're in Phoenix!"

"It'll be treated as a business trip, and that's it. I'll be back in L.A. as soon as I can." He gently kissed her one more time, pulled back, and then watched her pair up with an awaiting Jesse. They both waved before Colt turned back, staring at his rented black convertible, now realizing his wristwatch read 8:30 A.M.

Approximately six hours later, Colt arrived 2 miles from Phoenix, faced with a 74 degree early September day. He looked inside a black backpack Jack had left him, seeing several generic smart phones, two sheets of data, electronic tablets, an untraceable handgun, several boxes of ammunition, a blunt wooden fish whacker, and several GPS tracking tiles.

On the side of the highway, Colt slowed, following a dirt road that ran parallel. In the distance, he looked around the arid environment, taking in the scenic brown mountains that littered the desert. In the cloudless sky above, buzzards circled high above a larger peak that edged the outskirts of the city.

He eventually pulled the sheets from the backpack, reading the black print that described the target. His name was Porter Trautmen, a larger-than-life man who proclaimed to be able to turn Phoenix's woes around after being elected. Colt stared at the color photo Jack set in a plastic baggy, noticing his weight issue and piercing dark eyes. Looking at the green cactus lining the hills in the distance, he spoke aloud. "Well, Mr. Trautman, it seems you've made some enemies, ones I'm apparently not to frame. Nevertheless, it's not going to be your best week. And as for that November election, the other guy's gonna certainly be a lead-pipe cinch to win; a dead ringer to punch his ticket into that cushy office in downtown Phoenix. Unfortunately, you're standing between me and $800,000....and that just can't be."

Underneath the backpack, Colt pulled out an ultralight computer as the convertible's top closed off the searing Arizona sunlight. After looking at the data sheet, he spotted the website address affiliated with the target. He then promptly typed portertrautmen.com into the address bar, and tapped the enter button.

Some moments later, he witnessed a slick website showing Porter's face at the top; in the background was a Phoenix city limits sign. Colt stared at his body frame for a moment, taking in every aspect from his shoes to his head. Thoughts of the impending crime then rattled around for a time, the possibilities that were solely determined by himself.

In scrolling down the page, Colt saw the office address the Trautmen campaign was working from, his telephone number, and his schedule that read it was updated daily. He quickly looked at the car's digital clock display reading 2:57 P.M. in bright blue numbers. His eyes glanced back to the website, reading that a live interview with a local television station was scheduled for 3:30 P.M., in Glendale. At 4:00 P.M., Mr. Trautmen was scheduled to take a hot air balloon tour of west Phoenix with his video-recording crew, and thereafter, nothing.

Colt then pulled out his personal smart phone, dialing Amanda's for a face to face session.

"Hello," Amanda answered.

"Hi honey, how's it going?"

"Good, we're in Seattle now, this place is really cool. How is everything looking in the desert?"

Colt saw the distant Phoenix skyline, missing her uplifting company while seeing her beautiful face on the screen. "I just got here a little while ago. I'm reviewing the target and his public schedule on the internet. He seems like a real character, at least I'm getting that vibe every time I see a picture of him. What's on your immediate schedule?"

Amanda paused, reviewing her notes. "Jess and I have to go over his enemies, similar to what we did in the London parking lot after the soccer game. We also have to document the common routes he takes to work, a best friend's place, a girlfriend's....whatever. I miss you already; you look a little tired from the drive. How long do you anticipate this assignment to take?"

Colt's eyes shifted back to the picture of Porter on the website. "I'm gonna try and take care of this business tonight....no hotels, no paper, and no digital trail whatsoever."

"That's gonna be a big payday Colt! You ready for that kind of cash?"

"Oh, I'm ready! I'm ready to see that heavy bundle in my hot little hands 'bout right now. But I can't think about that money. This is just a business to me, and I have to conduct myself in the most professional manner possible."

Amanda exhaled, seeing Colt in possible life-threatening predicaments throughout his respective career. "Well, you know what you're doing, good luck with everything tonight....I love you. Always remember that, Colt."

His mind slowed down for a moment, seeing the sincerity emit from her brown eyes. "I love you too, honey....I'll talk to you later tonight. But if it's too late, call me tomorrow"

"Will do, bye sweetie."

"Bye." Colt then pushed end on the phone, turned the key and spun vehicle around back to the highway. After penetrating the city, he turned right onto Litchfield Road and subsequently headed east on Western Avenue in Avondale. The area looked rundown, a ghetto that seemingly sprang up in the middle of the desert.

After spotting a quiet area with a dilapidated baseball field just directly adjacent, Colt pulled over, digging through his personal duffel bag. He promptly grabbed the temporary body markings, including a large snake tattoo, scar creator, and the same moles Amanda placed on his face in London. With a water bottle in a cup holder, he soaked the back of the temporary tattoo, holding it along the left side of his neck for several minutes.

Approximately 10 minutes later, he stared into an octagon-shaped mirror he brought, witnessing the disguise transform his entire look. He then put an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball cap over his head before noticing his bright blonde goatee he created in L.A.; facial hair that accentuated the entire look overall. Satisfied, he punched the contact address into the laptop GPS and drove free and easy to the location, that was now just two blocks away.

As Colt pulled up to the tiny stucco home, he called the contact from one of his many disposable phones.

"Yeah man," the contact replied.

"I'm outside, can you come out?"

"I'll be right out." Colt watched the door as a small black man exited the residence wearing a gray tank top t-shirt.

"What up homie?" the man asked.

Colt stared through the brown aviator sunglasses, following the man's every move to the driver's door, "Not much bro, just another sunny day in A Z, huh?"

The man revealed a slight twitch before a neck bending chuckle. "That's no lie, man. So I take it you're here on a business call, right?"

Colt nonchalantly felt the hand gun in his waist, while looking into his mirrors and around the immediate area. "That's right my contact has set up a vehicle pickup from this location. You got the car?"

"You can call me Tiny, and yeah it's right over there," the man pointed to a navy blue late model vehicle parked inside his shaded carport.

"Well Tiny, that car has recently been reassembled after being chopped up, and that's its new look, I take it?"

Tiny tried to penetrate his eyes thorough the brown lenses Colt wore. "It was originally black, chopped up, reassembled, and resprayed that dark blue. And now you the first to do anything wit it. It's scheduled to be resprayed red after you're done wit it."

Colt could see the ninety degree edge of the handgun handle protruding from his waist, similar to his. "You got paid already, I take it?"

"Yeah, I've been taken care of already. The plates are bogus, so be careful when you driving around the popo."

Colt pulled out a wad of $100 bills from his front pocket, peeling ten off. "Take this, Tiny. Now make real certain that my black convertible stays tight under that carport as long as this takes. Nobody goes in it, nobody goes around it, nobody touches it, got it?"

Tiny started to bob his head around in a peculiar fashion. "Fo' sho nigga, you aint got nuthin to stress about man! That's already included in the service....man, you look pretty hood yourself....you should know some of that shit is standard biz."

Colt glanced at himself in the mirror. "Just make things right, and I'll make sure my contact gets a good review from me on your services. That way, you'll keep gettin' paid with future business, cool?"

Tiny nodded, making for the blue vehicle in the carport. After pulling out of the driveway, they exchanged vehicles, with Tiny pulling the convertible deep into the carport. Tiny promptly returned with the keys, dangling from his hands. "Here ya are.....?"

"Just call me Lars, alright Tiny. Here's another hundred for your smoke and cooperation; thank you man." Colt grinned slightly before pulling away, watching Tiny slide the bill into his front pocket from the rear view mirror.

Several miles away, he dialed Boden's phone number.

"Hello," Boden answered.

"Boden, it's your boy Colt, how ya doin man?"

"Good, everything's cool, you?"

"Hey man, remember when we talked about staying in touch when we were in the islands?"

"Yeah, of course....I've always wanted that bud."

In his mind, Colt could see the pain Bradley was in just prior to his death; right before slamming the butt of the gun against his temple. "I've been trying to rise above the bubbling lava, so I don't drown in the thoughts. You were on the trigger your rookie campaign, right?"

Colt could hear Boden's tense exhale. "Yeah, I'm in those same thoughts. The same dreams I assume you're having as well. It's a fight I try to get through every day, each day since I finished that night in Madrid."

Colt could then see three hot air balloons start their ascent in the western horizon. "I'm in Phoenix on my second assignment....just as you are. Probably only a handful of guys around the world are in the same boat as us at this very moment. That's pretty unique stuff."

"It is, Colt. I'm really glad you called me today, I think we're gonna need each other over time, like this. Yeah, Alden's in the same boat with us, but I hear this is his first real rookie mission."

Colt could see Alden in Toronto, his face looking somewhat scared, yet still physically and mentally capable of completing his task. "Yeah, I've been thinking about him a lot, especially on the drive here from L.A....can you do me a favor Boden?"

Boden sensed Colt's feeling, "I know what you're gonna say Colt....I'll look after the girls and make sure everything's cool. Don't worry man, it's a done deal."

Colt could then see Amanda and Jesse together like it should be; two best friends seemingly connected at the hip. "She's the air that I breathe, Boden. That would mean everything, and then some....thank you man."

"Don't mention it, I'll make certain that everything goes as smooth as possible....I promise you that bro," Boden answered.

Colt could feel the dry air drift across his welling eyes. "Thanks again buddy, I'll talk to ya soon."

"Gotcha man," Boden continued, "I'll talk to ya later. It'll be my call next time."

Colt hung up the phone, staring at the yellow, blue, and red hot air balloons that started hovering over the city. He promptly called Alden, pulling in a deep breath to compose himself beforehand.

"Hello."

"What up dog?"

Alden laughed through his anxiety, with Colt sensing its subtle difference. "How are you my man?"

Colt pulled up his shirt, soaking up the light sweat with the bottom. "I wanted to check in, see how that beautiful city is treating ya."

"Well, you're right, it is really tight. You know, they have this monstrous space needle that towers over the city? It's incredible dude! Toronto's definitely a lot bigger than I thought."

Colt looked in the backseat, accounting for all the bags he transferred from the black convertible. "How's your state of mind?"

The pause that followed created a void in Colt's heart, knowing Alden was seemingly traumatized by the prospect of taking a life. "I'm alright," Alden replied, "I've been working out a lot in the gym at the hotel here, trying to kill the anxiety that way."

Colt tilted his watch, seeing it was now 4:15 P.M. "Remember when we did as much planning as possible, back in London?"

"Yeah," Alden replied.

"Try your best to shore up that aspect of the assignment, Alden. Just like Jack said, study the riddle that it is. This is gonna be as much in your mind, as it is physically accomplished. You do this correctly your next job will probably be as much as mine is right now."

"I hear ya man. Everything's good I assume, in Phoenix?" Alden asked.

"Yeah, I'm fixing to start the son of a bitch right now. Just remember, I'm thinking about ya man."

Alden paused, "Yeah, me too. I'll see ya back in L.A. when it's all said and done. We'll have to catch up and abuse some alcohol and drugs together then. I'll see ya."

"See ya man, take care of yourself, and everything we talked about." Colt then pushed the end button, feeling his heart heavier than it had ever been before. The tug that the profession created was so profound; it was difficult to not become swept away in a riptide, deep inside an ocean of guilt and confusion.

While looking at the balloons, Colt's lungs felt nearly breathless, almost incapable of pulling in the life-sustaining oxygen. After some time, he broke the beautiful tension and turned the ignition key again, making for the designated landing site. The drive was slow, a cautious blend of watching out for police and pulling in the local scenery.

Nearly fifteen minutes later, he was parked approximately 50 yards from three descending balloons with video cameras rolling. From a distance, he could vaguely hear Porter talking to the cameras.

"And that would keep us striving as a community. So let's keep the Colorado River water source a major issue that's in the forefront, so we can ensure fresh, clean water for Phoenix and the surrounding area, for years to come. Remember, I'm here to serve you, and would more than appreciate your vote in November. So long all, from camp Trautmen....we'll see you on the next episode," Porter finished.

Colt pulled his head slightly back into the vehicle, smiling to himself. He watched the large wicker baskets set down around 60 feet apart, seeing Porter exit immediately. He then overheard additional dialogue between Porter and another man, who briskly following him to his apparent vehicle. The man said, "Porter, Porter, wait a minute! Don't you want to get that ground shot, we were talking about?"

Porter turned, looking somewhat angry. "No, no! Let's scrap that shit for now. I gotta go I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Colt watched Porter's large body sink into a tan Mercedes Benz, startled by his hasty exit. After a moment Colt started his car, driving the other way and keeping an eye on his exact direction. For some time, Colt fought with the late afternoon traffic, catching faint glimpses of the brown car weaving in and out of congested vehicles, nearly nine cars ahead. Twenty minutes later, Colt had the luxury of keeping pace; watching Porter pull into a gentlemen's club called T & A Strippin', in sunny south Phoenix.

Without stopping, Colt watched Porter exit the vehicle and make a hasty entry into the club. For a moment, he drove around the block, placing his hand on a GPS tracking tile inside the backpack Jack left him. His eyes shifted to the digital clock, burning a bright green from the radio below that now read 4:54 P.M.

Several minutes later, Colt nonchalantly walked to the rear of Mr. Trautmen's luxury vehicle, slapping the tile under the back bumper before entering the adult establishment. Inside, the environment looked utterly electric; between the dancing lights from the stage, to the innumerable beautiful woman walking about, Colt suddenly found it hard to focus. With sunglasses still on, he found a small table near the stage, approximately 10 feet from the target. He then tugged on his baseball cap, pulling the bill downward just above his eyebrows.

A topless lean-framed waitress approached from his right side. "Hi honey, you just get in?" she asked.

Colt tilted his brown shades downward, staring at her legs and then up to her eyes. "Yeah, It's been a long day. I could use a little splash. How 'bout a cold Killian's Red, in a bottle please."

The slinky waitress wore a suggestive skirt, underneath wearing no underwear, Colt noticed. "Good choice," she replied with a smile, "although we only have that beer in a draft....will that be O.K. sugar?"

Colt nodded, pushing his glasses back up, staring at Porter sitting on a stool. "Yeah, that'd be fine." He then watched the young woman dancing on the stage, seeing her eyes lock onto his while spinning effortlessly around the golden pole. Just then, a random gentleman approached Porter from his front, smiling. Colt could see their mouths moving, heads nodding, but couldn't make out their words due to the overbearing music.

As the man left, Colt watched the waitress pull up with his frothy beer, and then noticed a completely naked woman following her. "Here ya are, sweetie, let me know if you need anything else."

Colt nodded, seeing the sultry-moving woman begin to sit at his table, staring seductively into his glasses. "I saw you from across the room, have we met before?" the woman asked.

Colt looked at her perfect breasts, knowing they were real, and that she was as young as he. "I don't believe we've met before, but it's nice to meet your acquaintance now."

She touched the glass on Colt's dark red beer, running her nails along the bottom. "You're cute. You look like Eric Church with those glasses on....you know who he is?"

"Yeah, he's cool. I like his stuff," Colt replied.

"Are you from around here?"

His face tilted a half grin, still keeping his sights on Porter from the corner of his eye. "Yeah, I'm from Arizona, but it's farther north, the Sonoma area; you familiar with that part of A Z?"

Her eyes lit up, smiling with a conspicuous upper left eye tooth, which was slightly sunk in from the rest of her teeth. "I know the area, there's truly incredible scenery up there. My boyfriend of four years actually asked me to marry him up there....about six months ago."

Colt replied, "Oh....congratulations on the engagement, I presume."

She drove her medium blue eyes deep into the amber looking lenses, the ones he wouldn't take off. "No, I told him no. I'm not wife material, and he knows it."

"Well, what are you?"

"I'm a girl who likes to fuck gorgeous guys like you, and he knows that as well."

Colt nearly choked on his sip of beer, pulling back his head a bit. "Well, that certainly is a wonderful notion, to say the least."

She glanced around the room, then stopped, looking at the disco ball that sparkled multiple hues at once. "You want a dance in one of the private rooms?"

Colt looked at Porter, seeing his beer was nearly full then looked back at her blonde hair, reminding him of Amanda. "Yeah, that would be nice."

She grabbed his left hand, pulling him into a hallway near the rear of the building with girls randomly entering and exiting the various condensed rooms.

Inside Colt sat, slouching back, watching her pull back the crushed red velvet curtain. Her dance was fluid, exotically flowing with the Bruno Mars music emitting through the speaker above. She grabbed his hand, rubbing his fingers above her pubic hairs just below her belly button.

Colt wondered if he was being a selfish pig with regards to Amanda...that thought entered just as she started pushing her breasts together with her arms. She suddenly turned around, bending over to show off her completely naked backside, her fingers running on each side of her clitoris. He took a pull off his beer, completely amazed at her beauty and movements, before feeling himself naturally harden.

"You like?" she said, after turning around.

Colt smiled, showing off his recently whitened teeth. "Yeah, you definitely are a looker, but I'm with someone."

Her face took on the look of a little girl who couldn't get what she wanted, pouty. "Oh, that's too bad, I already saw you and I having marathon sex. I was thinking three, four, five times or more. She must a good woman, because very few of my sexy clients like you, turn all this down."

Colt remembered himself before committing to Amanda, he and Alden like free birds in L.A., womanizing at will. The urge to make love to this younger woman was then almost too much. Her offering and his subsequent turn down was what he figured death would feel like, just before drifting off to wherever.

Suddenly, the music ended, and an MC started speaking over the microphone. "The girls tonight are as hot as ever! We've got some new meat floating up and down the floor. Make sure you get your dances in, and don't be shy to tip these hard working girls. After all, they're here just for you guys. Also, we have a celebrity guest in the crowd! Mr. Porter Trautmen is joining us for our highly acclaimed happy hour....everyone give it up for Porter, without a doubt, our next Phoenix mayor!"

The crowd suddenly burst out in applause right before another round of music started up. Colt then looked to his sexy dancer, with a fifty dollar bill between his middle and index finger. "You're lovely; thank you honey for all that....it was wonderful."

She gently grabbed the bill, kissing his lips just as he closed his eyes behind the shiny lenses.

He arose, penis still erect inside his pants. After several moments of adjusting himself, he pulled his black polo shirt downward, making for the stage area once again. As he entered the room, he could see Porter slamming back the rest of his beer, standing immediately thereafter.

Porter then walked past Colt, making eyes with his exotic dancer just before letting in the blinding Arizona sunlight from the open doorway. Colt could see she hadn't moved from her standing position, almost awaiting his next move. In that awkward moment, he turned back to the door, wondering if he should immediately follow?

From his side, Colt could see her tongue run across her red lips, her eyes moving up and down his fit frame. He let the moment linger for a couple more seconds, feeling her sexual energy blast through him like a bomb. After casually looking about, he started for the door, waving back at her pretty face.

Outside, Colt could see that Porter's vehicle was now long gone, nowhere to be visually located. His mind started to race, realizing the young woman inside nearly interfered, by inundating him with her absolutely charming, sexual influence. _Luckily_ , he thought, _I slapped that tracker on his ass beforehand. Good thinking motherfucker!_

Colt then entered the blue vehicle, opened up the laptop, pulled up the central tracking page, and then turned the key while shaking his head with a smile. Porter's vehicle was now nearly 2 miles northwest, seemingly moving at a high rate of speed. Remembering Tiny talk about the bogus plates, he did the speed limit, keeping a watchful eye for Phoenix's finest.

It had now surpassed six o'clock. In the western skies, the horizon was now turning a blush red with orange hues speckled randomly throughout. Colt switched on his headlights, still monitoring Porter's every move on the map. As he turned onto West Van Buren Street, he abruptly turned thereafter onto North 27th Avenue, settling in the Hyde Park area.

Several minutes passed, before Colt could eventually spot Porter's vehicle. It was inconspicuously parked near a small group of Hispanic and Black women walking freely around his car. He pulled out the binoculars, counting four prostitutes milling about the immediate area. Two minutes later, a Spanish-looking woman entered Porter's Mercedes, his brake lights illuminating before the car sped away.

Colt followed to the south for a distance of six city blocks. Thirty seconds later, he pulled the car over near a desolate railroad area littered with low income homes that yielded bright pastel colors painted on the stucco. He pulled a joint from inside the ashtray, knowing Jack and Tiny were behind it. His hand then reached for a lighter in his primary duffel bag, still staring through the field glasses.

The smooth tasting smoke passed over his tongue, immersing his lungs with the drug. Instantly, Colt's head felt as light as a feather. He pulled back the white stick, impressed by its overall potency. In the powerful lenses, he could see the woman suddenly straddle Porter in the driver's seat, moving up and down in an abrupt fashion.

A black man without a shirt suddenly spotted Colt flick the ashes on the edge of the window, right after exhaling the smoke outside. He approached in a bold manner, pulling up the passenger side door handle, feeling it locked.

Colt instantly set down the joint, placing his hand near his waist. "What's up man?" he asked.

The man's bulging eyes looked much wider than normal, as if he were rolling on a heavy stimulant. He approached the driver's door. "Hey brotha," he said in a raspy tone, "you looking for some shit man?"

Colt pulled another hit from the joint, blowing it in the man's face. "Shit? You mean some narc?"

The man looked to be sweating, constantly pulling himself up at the crotch. "Hell yeah man! I got whatever gets your dick hard. Coke, crank, crack, weed, speed, X, Codeine, oxy's, you name it bro....I can get it in minutes. Whatcha need man?"

Colt replied, "I'm a cop man. Get the fuck up out of here!"

The strung-out looking man laughed. "Well, if you's a cop, why the fuck you smokin' weed up in here?"

"It's a legal prescription of medicinal marijuana. I got fucked up cataracts in my eyes; it relieves the pressure in the eyeball. Now bolt up out here man, before I get all judicious on your ass!"

The man studied Colt for a moment, still not convinced. "Alright man, I'll get out ya hair."

Colt watched as the man seemed to resume down the sidewalk, looking for other perspective drug buyers. He pulled up the binoculars again, seeing Porter's car interior now illuminate with a flame. When focusing clearer, he could see Porter lifting a glass pipe, with the prostitute holding the fire underneath.

Shaking his head, Colt spoke aloud. "Don't pretend you're an upstanding resident of Phoenix, Mr. Trautmen. Man, fuckin' hos and smoking crack? Well, I guess that's America's modern mayor for ya, huh? After all, who am I to pass judgment? I ain't no saint....you'll find that out later."

After some more moments passed, the flickering flame suddenly quit illuminating. Colt pulled one last toke from the joint before putting it out in the ashtray, now seeing Porter's brake lights brighten again. In a flurry of quick thinking, he pulled up the recline lever on the bucket seat to lean completely back, noticing Porter making a quick U-turn and heading directly his way.

On a tablet, Colt punched in Porter's address, seeing it wasn't more than 10 minutes to the south. He still watched Porter on the computer screen, discerning the tablet address was his current site. Inside, he felt a hunch Porter was preparing to head home, feeling even more correct as the car started in a south bound direction.

In that moment, Colt felt his heart rate suddenly increase, despite the calming effects of the marijuana. He now knew it was a race between who could get back to his residence first. His hand instinctively turned the key before slamming down the accelerator in haste.

On the laptop, he could see Porter now slightly ahead of his pace, both driving on parallel streets. Up ahead, he could see a green light go orange, and then red as he entered the intersection at 40 mph. He apprehensively glanced in both directions, praying he wouldn't see a police unit awaiting the sight of his infraction.

After he cleared with an exhale, he stared into the rear view mirror, seeing nothing but cars crossing the intersection behind his speeding vehicle. His face turned briefly back to the laptop, noticing Porter was now lagging behind, unable to make it through the same intersecting street, just three streets over. He inhaled deeply, seeing the sky now almost completely dark, before gliding the latex gloves over his hands.

In the distance, Colt could now see his lights hit the green West Pima Street sign. His eyes shifted back to the laptop, recognizing Porter had resumed driving, only 8 blocks to the north. He then parked nearly 5 houses from the target address, grabbing both the backpack and his main duffel bag before quickly exiting the vehicle.

He walked down the dark sidewalk, hoping he wouldn't see Porter's headlights prior to entering the driveway. After several mind-bending steps, he made it to the back of the driveway, placing his bags on the opposite side of the rear entrance. Without pause, Colt jogged to the back of the garage, now witnessing headlights moving horizontally into the driveway.

His eyes briefly checked the house, noting it was completely dark and devoid of any activity. Porter's car door then shut, with Colt pulling the pistol from his waist and running his back along the stucco siding of the garage. Porter unknowingly walked past, pausing at the sight of Colt's bags near the steps. Under his breath, he spoke. "What the fuck is this?"

Colt approached him from the rear, silently placing the barrel against his lower spinal area, whispering. "Don't move Porter, and don't say a fucking word! If you do, I'm gonna drive this bullet right through your spine." He moved away for a moment, grabbing the two bags while keeping a keen eye on Porter's face.

"What do you want? Porter asked, here....take my money and leave man! I won't say anything."

Colt replied, whispering, "Give me your gun right now."

"I'm not packing....I don't have one," Porter continued.

"Open the door and get the fuck in. We'll talk inside."

"O.K., O.K.!" Porter replied, looking terrified.

Colt intently watched his right hand turn the key to unlock the deadbolt. As they passed the doorway, Porter turned around in the dining room, trying to make Colt's face.

"Who are you?"

Colt closed the door, locking it with the deadbolt after entering. "I'm not going to hurt you, I just came to get your collector guns, and then I'll be on my way."

Porter tossed his keys on the counter. "You gotta be shittin' me? My collector guns?"

Colt kept the gun pointed squarely onto Porters chest. "Yeah, that's right! So show me your gun collection, like yesterday."

Porter's large body drifted backwards, almost as if he was seriously thinking of bolting to the front door.

Colt straightened his elbow, tilting the gun sideways. "I don't blame you Porter; I'd be thinking the same thing. But look at you, and then look at me. Even if I didn't have a gun to cap your ass, I'd still catch you before you could even make it to the door."

Porter then watched Colt approach him, turning his body around as if he were being arrested. "You said you're not packing," Colt resumed, "let's see if you're pulling my leg." The duration of Colt's frisking was brief; he then turned around Porter, staring into his deep brown eyes. "Show me the collection man. Show me every gun you have up in this crib."

Porter made for the hallway, before turning in what appeared to be a spare bedroom. "They're through this bedroom, you can see many in this case right here."

Colt was instantly taken back to Luke's bedroom in London, seeing a similar oak gun case staring back at him. "What do you have in there?"

Porter surveyed his stance, apprehensive. "A confederate rifled musket, probably around 1819....an 1866 Winchester rifle. Both these guns alone would probably fetch me over $11,000 on the market....take 'em sir, they're yours."

Around the room, Colt looked for pictures, anything that would represent the true essence of Porter. "Where are the handguns, collector or otherwise?"

Porter went to his bedroom, pulling open his nightstand drawer, looking back at Colt. "There's one in there."

"Step away from the drawer Porter."

Porter moved to the edge of the bed, watching Colt pick up the weapon and immediately unlock the magazine, confirming it was fully loaded with bullets. Colt then pulled back the slider, seeing one in the chamber. "You're all cocked and loaded for any dirty Phoenix fucks looking to take yours, huh?"

Porter's eyes widened, looking bewildered. "Look, you saw my measly gun collection....take those! Shit, take whatever else you want, just don't kill me."

Colt saw the same fear in Porter's eyes that he had seen when he pulled back the shower curtain and looked into Bradley's eyes. "I'll run the process on how this goes down Porter, but thank you for your suggestion." Colt's eyes then shifted to the opposite night stand on the other side of the king-sized bed. "Who's the woman in the picture with you?"

Porter inhaled deeply, unable to speak for the moment. After several seconds, he spoke, "Who, that lady? She's just a cunt that fucked me over from here to Sunday."

Colt suddenly became short of breath, watching the pain cover his face, "Oh yeah? So if she's such a cunt, why is she still there on your nightstand?"

Porter's eyes filled with tears, looking the other way. "I still can't imagine my life without her yet....she's still got my heart and it's killing me every day."

Colt could barely swallow, swept away by the man's candor, nearly crying himself. He lowered the gun, wondering if what he was doing was the devil's work? He thought, _maybe I'm some random man sent by a demonic organization who recruited me at the end of college; just a young guy poised for graduation and excited to start a fulfilling career thereafter_. The surreal moment lasted for a minute. In a room that was once filled with love, stood a heartbroken man, still holding on to the dreams he and the woman once shared.

The tug was at an all-time high, both ends of Colt's mind battling for the power. He briefly remembered the vision he had with Alden and Jack the day he was recruited. The make-believe family he abruptly daydreamed about, all walking near the edge of the ocean, and the small children skipping about playfully.

After he reluctantly flipped a switch in his mind, the gun raised up again, despite the tears on Porter's face. "Let's get out of this room Porter."

They left the bedroom for the living area, with Colt standing in the darker shadows. "Close the curtains on the big window, and be very cool about it."

Porter followed the orders, as Colt grabbed at both of his bags in the meantime. His sandy brown head turned back, "Sit in the reclining chair, Porter."

The portly man gazed at the blue cloth rocker, looking truly uneasy. "Alright."

Colt then became incredibly precise inside his mind, figuring every square inch of the room. His latex-lined fingers then pulled the bags to the rear of the chair; to a three foot gap near the back wall. He stood behind Porter, grabbing the blunt wooden fish whacker from his bag. His eyes immediately gravitated to the sweat beginning to bead from Porter's forehead.

"You're gonna kill me tonight....aren't you?" Porter said, with voice quivering.

Colt placed the bulbous wooden whacker into his back pocket, walking to face Porter in the chair. "I told you, I'm just gonna take your collection and whatever else I want." He could see Porter's eyes pass through the brown lenses, absorbing his lying glare behind.

"My kids are gone with my ex-wife, thousands of miles away. You'll never be able to bring that love back to me. My new wife just left me for some other fuck who I trusted. You can't bring that love back to me. My life's a fraudulent scam, attempting to win over the hearts of the Phoenix residents....I'm not the man they think I am. You know, sometimes when I'm alone in the house here, I can hear my own heartbeat....it can get that lonely....you don't understand mister, I'm already dead inside. If you don't kill me, I probably would kill myself after the election....after I lost. But the funny thing is I'm winning big in the polls right now. I guess my sham is working pretty good after all, huh?"

Colt couldn't help but be stunned, feeling his body nearly weightless, ingesting the transferred energy Porter was emitting. "I'm sorry for all that shit man....I really am." He then thought of the recent transgressions he caught Porter in earlier that night; wondering if a phone call to Jack could possibly save Porter's life? Perhaps, mere photos of Porter's dirty work with the prostitutes and drugs would have sufficed enough for Mr. Morgan's secret client, to proceed without the hit.

That minute of contemplation felt like an eternity. It became extremely difficult to divide the two concepts. However, offering it up to Porter to re-do the dirty acts again, and then having Jack convince Mr. Morgan to sign off on it, he knew probably wasn't feasible. Colt could see Porter's face still deflated, a man in unimaginable pain, a distress he could only compare to killing Bradley Frampton.

Colt then moved laterally, shaking Porter's image, the thoughts, and his reluctance. He then walked behind the recliner once again, pulling the wooden whacker from his back pocket. Without words, he slammed Porter on the right side of the head, closing his eyes in the meantime.

When Colt opened his eyes, he could see Porter's head bent to the left, knocked out from the blow. From the rear, he placed his fingers on the man's carotid artery, feeling his heart still beating normally. He glanced at his watch, taking the time to read 7:01 P.M. He looked to the ceiling for a moment, closing his eyes once again, and now speaking aloud, "No mercy God, none! No pardons or time in heaven for good behavior. This is the evil that is now me. I don't deserve to be in your beautiful company any more. Do what you will with me whenever you see fit; I'll accept whatever you deem necessary."

Colt calmly walked to Porter's bedroom, pulling the small framed photo of him and his double-crossing partner from the night stand. While returning, he looked into her eyes, seeing the evil he compared to his own. He then methodically set it in Porter's left hand, returning to the rear of the recliner.

Colt's right hand pulled Porter's gun from his waist in a slow, fragmented motion. His left hand then clasped the man's full head of hair to completely straighten his head up. The vision of his right hand reaching for Porter's right hand looked hazy, almost blurred out. He inhaled as he placed his thick hand around the gun's handle with his own latex hand on top. His eyes quickly shifted to his right index finger, the scenario now seemingly moving slower.

Porter's finger was then inserted into the trigger area, with Colt clicking off the gun's safety. The barrel was lifted to the obvious area on the side of his head that was swollen from the blunt blow. With true malicious precision, Colt descended slowly behind the recliner to his knees then peeked around, verifying the exact positions hadn't changed. A moment later, he glanced back to his left hand that was holding up Porter's head. With another forever in mind, he then pulled back on Porter's finger, feeling the blast pierce directly through his soul.

After arising, Colt simultaneously let go of his hair and right hand, watching the gun wedge between his right leg and the arm rest. He then walked to the front, seeing the horrific scene still unfolding, and feeling his own breaths become shallower. His eyes then examined every aspect, from the tilt of his neck to the focal point area around the top of his right hand.

With his right foot, he dragged out both bags from the back of the recliner. Inside, he pulled a pink balloon, small cloth, and a needle from his duffel bag. His fingers promptly pulled open the balloon's rim before partially filling it with blood from Porter's dripping head wound. He then wiped off the excess like a painter pulling up the edge of the can with his wet brush.

The head of the needle slightly pricked the bottom of the blood-filled balloon, with a cloth directly under. Colt immediately stared at the void of blood spray that was on the top of Porter's right hand, before gently squeezing the mist from three inches above. After an exact match, he wrapped the balloon in the partially soaked cloth before setting both in a plastic travel soap container.

Glancing at his watch again, he inhaled, reading 7:14 P.M. After retrieving both bags, he spoke one last time to Porter. "I'm sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am, man. God bless you....and pull you in his arms right now. Haunt me if you have to, you will anyway." In one last shift of his eyes, he gazed at the framed photo Porter held in his left hand, splashed randomly with his own blood.

With his head now shaking, Colt turned without an ability to breathe, making for the back door in a haze. At the handle he stopped, setting his bags down and swapping the bloody latex gloves for new leather driving gloves. To Colt, that moment made him feel like a true sicko; a man so absorbed with blood-soaked money that was being dangled in front of him, like a carrot on a stick. He also knew the sacred notion of preserving life wasn't enough to preclude him from abruptly taking it; and for that fact alone he immediately felt sickened with himself. After that reflective pause, he watched his right hand again unlock the deadbolt he had earlier affixed.

Colt's right thumb depressed the handle's lock button as his body passed through the doorway; he then quietly walked into the blackened backyard. He instantly noticed that the lighting was doubly dark, from the tinted lenses still on his face. His eyes then shifted to an extremely dark gap between two houses on the next street over. In a brisk panic, he turned back, seeing Porter's pitch-black house with mouth open, but devoid of words.

The sounds of a distant bark from a suspicious dog resonated throughout the innocent night, sending chills up the back of Colt's neck. After tilting his baseball cap farther downward, he walked eastbound on Papago Street's sidewalk, trying to seem as relaxed as possible. At the end of the block, he turned the corner, heading back for West Pima street, his eyes now able to see the green street sign.

After cautiously retrieving the GPS tracker from Porter's vehicle, Colt reached the navy colored car, noticing nothing more in terms of activity or people. In serpent-like fashion, he slithered back into the night undetected, and headed immediately for Tiny's residence. His fingers turned up the radio to drown out the thoughts, before gripping the rest of the joint in the ashtray. The lighter flame then started to sear the bottom of his nose, just as he was able to get it lit. He pulled over nearly two miles later, opening the laptop, and punching in Tiny's address coordinates into the GPS. His left hand pulled off the sunglasses, having a mind to see his light eyes in the mirror.

In that moment, Colt stared up close, wondering what was really behind the blue? _A monster_ , he thought, _someone capable of ruining lives and destroying dreams_. Just like all the reflective moments since Bradley's death, he pulled away quickly, cutting off that part of himself; stubbornly disallowing those thoughts to migrate too deep into his psyche.

In a billowing mass of marijuana smoke, loud music, his own tangled emotions, and the profound words Porter recently spoke, he made it to Tiny's; his heart as heavy as ever. He then called him from a disposable phone.

"Yeah man," Tiny answered.

"Tiny, come outside." He watched Tiny's lean body exit the structure, reminding him of a small, talented NFL player; similar to the young men he once hoped to represent.

After looking about the area, Tiny approached, looking to see if anyone was with Colt. "What up dog?"

Colt exhaled, pulling his wad of cash from his pocket, peeling off four one hundred dollar bills. "Here's an extra four hundy for doin' me right. You've never seen me before, Tiny. You know nothing of a white man who borrowed a car one night in September, O.K.?"

Tiny looked him in the eyes, taking in the electric blue that revealed little, "Yeah man, I know the gig, white guys ain't around here....and thank you for the tip it means a lot."

"No problem man. Let's trade vehicles now, and I'll be on my way."

Tiny nodded, watching Colt wipe down the entire interior with alcohol-based cloths before grabbing his bags. Colt then entered the black convertible, placing the key in the ignition and then turning back to Tiny. "Thank you again Tiny, take care bud."

"Yeah man, you too," Tiny replied.

Colt turned the key, leaving the area as quickly as he came in. On the interstate10 highway that headed towards California, Colt retracted the roof, feeling the 68 degree air circulate throughout. After setting Porter's face aside, he called Amanda around four miles outside of Phoenix.

After several rings, Colt could feel his chin begin to quiver after hearing her voice.

"Hello," Amanda answered.

Colt paused for a second, pulling in the desert air. "Hi honey. I'm done with the assignment."

She giggled slightly, similar to a little kid. "You sound so serious....what, you didn't want to face time?"

He stared at his speed reading 64 miles per hour. "No, it's not that....it was just really difficult, much harder than I thought."

The line was silent for a time, her mind suddenly racing. "Are you alright Colt? Are you gonna be O.K. to drive?"

His lips relaxed, pushing out an elongated exhale. "Yeah, I guess I'll be O.K., I just need to get back to the house and crawl into bed....curl up in a ball or something."

"I'm sorry for all that honey. I wish I could be sitting next to you right now."

His eyes closed for a second. "I know, you being here right now would make things a lot better. Honey....he spoke to me. He got into my heart and it hurts right now....more than you could imagine!"

Amanda sat on the edge of the bed in a Seattle hotel room, glancing at a concerned Jesse. "Oh honey, do you want me to come home and call all this off?"

Colt removed his fixated eyes from staring at the white checkered center line. "No, we have to see the assignments through, anything that we agree to do. Your love will keep me pressing forward keep my nose above the water."

Amanda shifted herself from sitting to standing, now near the 9th floor window. She gazed at the awe-inspiring Seattle skyline, illuminated against the dark northwestern skies. "I have some good news, despite all your sorrow, Colt."

He watched his right hand turn down the radio, shifting his focus back to the lonely highway. "Oh yeah, any news that's even semi neutral right now....would be good."

She looked out the window, imagining his face staring out the windshield with eyes fixed on the road. "I missed my period....Jess and I bought a test today, and it was positive."

#  Chapter 12

Twelve years later, Colt and Amanda found themselves following their 11 year old daughter and 10 year old son through Anaheim's wondrous Disneyland. It had been nearly 13 years since the Bradley Frampton job in London, exactly 39 assignments before that day in July. Within Colt's tattered soul, hollow spaces fought with a beautiful serenity that was Amanda, Taylor, and Eric.

Behind their loose group of four was Alden and Jesse, Amanda's parents, Colt's parents, and his younger brother from San Diego. At 34 years old, Colt and Alden had made millions of dollars, with much of the money stashed in different locations around the world. Both Amanda and Jesse were given their releases from the program shortly after starting; Amanda for her pregnancy, Jesse for her overall emotional distress.

With Alden and Jesse recently married on Catalina Island, Colt could feel a restless energy coming from everyone he held dear, a commitment he was seemingly unable to engage. Beyond the wispy clouds above, a California sun attempted to burn through and heat, an already warm 86 degree day.

Of all the assignments, the Porter Trautmen job seemed the most difficult to overcome. Even after twelve years, Colt often wondered if Porter could have put his life back together? Find the love that he'd been stripped of, resist temptations, and ultimately obtain the happiness Colt still felt he deserved. Even though his murder was classified as a suicide, Porter still entered his dreams on a randomized basis, as though visiting him from the dead.

As they walked, Colt could feel Amanda's elegant fingers start to interlock with his. Inside him, she had been nothing short of a savior, a woman who soothed his broken heart, job after job, dollar after dollar. Yet, deep within her perfect secret, it still seemed as though she needed more; more than just Colt's love and being a devoted mother to their two beautiful children.

It was a void Colt was well aware of, a space he desperately wanted to fill inside her flawless heart; a heart that had been through a lot with him over the years. From a professional standpoint, Colt and Alden were two of the most sought-after trigger men in the world; two men known to powerful countries and private entities alike as technicians, men who finished as clean as anyone else.

Their minimum for any given job was now a hefty one million dollars for Alden, and one and a half million for Colt. The lifestyle had yielded both families everything they could have ever wanted; homes in Florida, the Virgin Islands, and California respectively. The selection process Jack had presented was now more hand-picked than ever; only the finest paying, but many times, the most dangerous, as well.

The physical demands on their chiseled frames had been modified, reflecting only the most modern supplements which were all designed to peak their performance at exacting times, during any given job. The machine Jack, Colt, and Alden had created was a marvel in simulated planning, mental and physical endurance, and ultimately completing missions above and beyond required protocols.

Furthermore, their trust within each other was like nothing any one of them could compare. Anything short of 100% would not be tolerated amongst any of the three men, or Mr. Morgan. After feeling Amanda's fingers release their interlock, he could see their kids pause, pointing towards 'The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad'.

Colt could then see Taylor turn around her perfect face, a face that was a near carbon copy of her mother's; a loving girl who only wanted love in return, giving more of herself than anyone ever deserved. She embodied everything that was true and innocent. A child Colt thanked God every night for being inside his crazy life; an angel that an undoubtedly angry God sent down from the heavens, to reside deep inside his battered heart.

Inside, Colt felt that Eric was no different, a near duplicate of himself, with sandy brown hair and bright blue eyes. His heart was as strong as his mind, a boy who hadn't come into himself yet, but was evidently nearing that point. With the gifts that had been those three, Colt had always felt undeserving; a person who'd committed so many dastardly deeds, their love was beyond his comprehension.

They finally reached 'The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad', and after a twenty minute wait, the entire group filling consecutive cars. Colt and Amanda sat behind Taylor and Eric, both turning around with eyes excited as the train started to move forward. "Oh Dad, this is gonna be so cool," Taylor said smiling.

Eric grinned, looking at his mom. "Yeah, I hope you don't puke all over Grandpa behind you."

As the train slowly picked up speed, Colt looked around, knowing his blessings were now far beyond the expectations he had as a young 21 year old man; the same man who hoped for what he had now, but never truly knew if that sort of life he envisioned, would ever come to fruition.

At the train's fastest point, it started to roll over hills, culminating in a peak that approached quickly. Below, was a small hole entering through the side of the mountain, much farther down. Through the exhilaration of feeling they had hit the broad part of the mountain nearly everyone came out on the other side no worse for the ride's emotional wear.

Four hours later, their entire group found themselves at Colt and Amanda's contemporary Spanish home overlooking Los Angeles. Near the smoking silver grill, Colt floated freely about the pool deck, anticipating Jack's arrival. With a cold beer in hand, Amanda's parents approached, both smiling congenially.

Colt then met them halfway, keeping the positive energy flowing. "Hey guys, did you have a good time at Disneyland?"

Will, Amanda's father, tapped his bottle gently against Colt's, "Absolutely! We had a fabulous time out here....every year the park seems to get better!"

Colt could see Alden manning the grill, naturally picking up where he left off, always seeming to have his back. "It's a beautiful place indeed."

Cris, Amanda's mother, shifted her eyes away from the breathtaking view of the city that was now starting to glow below. "Speaking of beautiful place, this house you guys just bought is nothing short of spectacular! You must be doing really good with the fickle import-export business, Colt."

Colt could feel his stomach slightly sink, knowing he needed to keep the integrity of his secret business by telling lies. "Yeah, I recently was able to buy in, as an owning partner of the business. Thankfully, consumer electronics are as popular as ever. You know, the next gadget is usually imported from Japan, China, or South Korea. When that importation occurs, we like to pride ourselves in being in the forefront of those transactions....and many times we are!"

Cris replied with a big smile, "Well, you sure a fine provider for Amanda and the kids, Colt. We can't tell you how proud we are of your efforts to create this beautiful world that we're witnessing here."

Colt flashed his perfect smile, seeing Jack in front of Boden, both approaching through the French doors to the cobblestone pool deck. "Thank you Cris, that's a really sweet compliment. I love Amanda and the kids, with every fiber in my body. I really want them to have everything, and more. We're truly blessed people to be able to have this kind of life. Take a walk around the property, there's a lot more to look at."

Will tapped Colt's back, both smiling, before browsing the rest of the lavish grounds outside. Colt then noticed Alden bringing the steaks and vegetables towards the outside dining area, a space large enough to seat up to twenty people. He then glanced to Amanda, seeing her eyes connect to his, a silent signal to corral the kids and himself in to eat.

At the enlarged rectangular table, Colt sat with Amanda and the kids in the center, amongst the eight other guests. Filet mignon, baked potato, and California sourdough lined the plates, with red wine and beer filling the adults' glasses. Colt could see Jack and Boden grinning, impressed with the newly bought home.

In that moment, Colt tilted his gaze to the western horizon, taking in the sun hovering an hour above the distant Pacific, a view he hadn't been able to truly appreciate until then.

Suddenly his father spoke, looking directly at him. "Beautiful, simply beautiful, Colt....I gotta say, you've outdone yourself here, son!"

Colt could see each horrific murder he'd committed over the years flying through his mind at a blistering speed. "Well, thank you, Dad. I'm really glad you like the place."

"Like it? I was gonna ask when your mother and I can move in?"

Colt laughed, knowing his father had always been a jovial person. "Yeah, we could probably arrange for that at some point, Pops."

Colt's father just smiled with his laughter, sinking his eyes deep into his, almost overcome with emotion. "Say, I'd like to talk to you after dinner here, if that's alright son?"

Colt glanced down swallowing, then looked back up to his mother's face, before replying, "yeah Dad, of course." Colt tried to gauge his father's demeanor, feeling something was up, but unable put his finger on just what. He then looked back at his mother, seeing her mouth open to speak. "So, when are you going to make an honest woman out of Amanda, Colt?"

Colt glanced to Amanda, seeing her laugh before shifting his eyes to the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance. "I don't know it's kind of like the Goldie and Kurt thing. Not being married really never defined them, at least I don't think." He couldn't help but glance at his daughter Taylor and son Eric, seeing both stop their playful laughing and look over with intent eyes.

Colt then quickly switched his gaze back to his mother. "Yeah, I guess that arrangement works for some couples."

Colt's mother glanced to Amanda. "How do you feel about all that, Amanda?"

Colt could see much of the table now pausing their conversations, curiously taking in Amanda's reply. "Well, Colt and I have an understanding that if it happens, then it does. He knows how I feel about that, but on the other hand it's not the end-all-be-all. I think our love transcends a lot, even without a marriage."

Colt's mother continued, "So you're saying you wouldn't want to get married?"

"I didn't say that. Of course I would Mrs. Davis," Amanda replied.

Colt could feel all the eyes at the table on him and Amanda, creating an anxiety he didn't anticipate, "Well....how 'bout those Dodgers? Their pitching looks good again this summer....don't ya think?" Much of the table started to chuckle, sensing Colt's uneasiness on the topic.

Just then, Taylor and Eric glanced up from what seemed to be a scheming plan they had just agreed to, "Hey Dad?" Taylor asked.

Colt looked up, soaking up her luminous, brown eyes. "Yeah, what's going on kids?"

"Eric and I want to know if we can pull out the Ouija Board tonight, and try and talk to spirits?" Taylor asked.

Colt nervously remarked, "Ah....yeah, I guess..."

"No, no!" Cris abruptly interrupted.

Amanda looked at her mother, eyebrows shifting down. "What's the problem Mom?"

"It could be a doorway to another realm. Another existence where not only polite harmless entities can come in, but also evil demonic presences can emerge. If you open this beautiful home up to that sort of craziness, there's no telling what could come in and stick around, if it so desired."

Colt looked somewhat taken aback, glancing at Amanda, then the kids, "Yeah.... probably not. We'll take a hike through the hills before it gets too dark here and then come back and go swimming. Would that be alright?"

Taylor nodded amiably, acknowledging on behalf of her younger brother as well. Colt then looked over, seeing Alden keeping Jack and Boden company while he and Amanda sat with the parents and kids.

Cris looked to Colt once again, the abstract blue in her eyes now driving a hole through his head. "Have you ever heard of past life, regression therapy?"

Colt, knowing Cris was a hypnotist, couldn't fully comprehend where she was going, but emitted a positive smile nonetheless. "No, what's all that about?"

"It's the recovery of incarnations or past lives, via your highly secretive subconscious. If you've had a previous existence before this life, we can uncover what that life entailed, and who you actually were."

Amanda touched Colt's leg under the table, her soft eyes looking at Colt. "You don't have to."

Colt felt completely intrigued; something inside suddenly urged him to reveal any mysteries that possibly resided deep inside. "I'm game....as long as there's no suggestive questioning, if there's just straightforward standard questions you've got yourself a subject to study."

Cris touched Colt's hand from across the table. "It's gonna be alright, I'll make sure all your wishes are adhered to. You'll be my twelfth client since I started to add that into my practice about six months ago. Did you know Colt that the number 12 is an extremely powerful number throughout history, and life in general?"

Colt gave her a sideways glance, feeling the conversation suddenly take on a much deeper tone. "No, I'm not aware of the significance that number represents."

Cris glanced about the table, knowing most ears were now perked up to her next words. "From a religious perspective, it's fairly incredible. Jesus selected 12 apostles as written in the New Testament of the Bible."

"That was a deliberate selection," Jack said abruptly, "each apostle signifying 1 of the 12 tribes in Israel."

Cris looked into Jack's eyes, trying to read him in a more profound way. "That's right, even in ancient Greece the Greeks worshiped 12 gods of Olympus. Most of us have 12 ribs in our bodies, there's 12 inches to a foot, a dozen is 12 as well. Oh....I don't want to bore you with all the representative aspects of that number, let's just say it's probably going to be good luck and meant to be, that you'll be my twelfth client, Colt."

Colt nodded, taking the last bite of his tender steak. "I'm already looking forward to it, Cris." He then looked at Jack, Alden, and Boden. "You guys want to take a walk, slash hike, in the hills here?"

Jack's confident brown eyes sliced through the air like a knife. "That would be totally cool, let's check it out."

Colt then looked to his father and Will. "You two guys game for the stroll?"

Both older men glanced at each other, laughing slightly. "Yeah," Will said.

Colt's father then answered, shortly thereafter. "Yes, that would be excellent Colt. Let me have a word in the house with you beforehand, though."

Colt felt his stomach sink again, just like the Disney train ride hours earlier. He then looked to the kids. "I'll be right back guys, just hang out here for a couple minutes." Before going inside with his father, he made eyes with Alden and Jack, not having to say a word. In that short walk with his father, he knew something had to be incredibly compelling for him to have a private word with him. His father was the man who was always as well-kept as anyone he'd ever met; now being out of character to ask that of him. And even though they were father and son, it gave him real pause in a moment that felt more dream-like with each step.

Colt quickly made for the opulent main-level bedroom he and Amanda shared. "I'll be right back Dad, I gotta take a leak." Colt couldn't turn back to take in his father's acknowledgment, trying to suppress the odd feelings that were attempting to penetrate. After relieving himself in the bathroom, he grabbed his personal handgun that was high in the walk-in closet, stuffing it inconspicuously into the back of his waist.

With some hesitation, Colt returned to the spacious living area, seeing his father sitting alone on the cream colored couch. He slowly approached, taking in a deep breath before sitting next to him. In the vacant space before the conversation, the moment took on an even heavier energy, one Colt wished wouldn't have lingered.

His father looked about the interior, taking in its breathtaking beauty. "You'll probably never know how much I love you Colt, because I've never really told you....that was the bad dad in me."

Colt's eyes began to sink, throat constricting from years of repressed pain.

His father then looked at him. "Do you remember I always told you to seize life's opportunities when they came along, knowing that you're never promised tomorrow?"

Colt looked at his father, almost shocked at the man he'd always looked up to, about to uncharacteristically announce something from the heart. "Yeah, you always told me to take advantage of good opportunities, as long as they don't hurt anyone."

His father replied, "Well, you've done just that, and I'm extremely proud of what you've accomplished, son. I'm sorry that I'm not getting right to my point here, but it's the only way I know how."

Colt glanced out the French doors, seeing the people mill about the back yard, "The only way you know how to what?"

"The only way I know how to tell you....I'm dying."

Colt's chest instantly felt as though it was caving in, as if a semi-truck was slowly rolling over his body. Through eyes welling up, he spoke. "Dying?"

His father quietly continued, "Yeah, the doctor said I've got about a year to eighteen months left, at most."

Colt could feel a solitary tear drift down his right cheek. "What is it, Dad?"

His father's gaze was one he wished he'd never seen, a man devoid of a true future, desperate to live every meaningful second out, "Mesothelioma. I must have contracted the disease from all the years in the military. Some of the shit we used to soldier through was downright disgusting; asbestos dust is what the doctor said caused it. He said I've had it for years, it's stage three right now."

Colt could barely breathe. "I'm so sorry dad. You were robbed, screwed out of a twilight you could have enjoyed with Mom....all of us!"

His father replied, "I know Colt, I know. But let's not dwell on what could have been. Let's just move forward and live as if it's not an issue. It would mean a lot to me if we didn't think about it....talk about it, you know?"

Colt looked over, watching his younger brother enter the room with eyes looking heavy. He then stood, instantly embracing the same frame as his. "You knew?"

"Yeah, Dad told me this morning, he didn't want to upset you before the day started," his brother replied.

Colt looked back at his father, seeing the cracked stare in the same set of blue eyes that had always vented a fiery gaze. "C'mon Dad, let's just go. We'll hike with the kids and try to not think about it, like you said."

All three nodded, walking in unison towards the pool. As Colt entered the backyard, he witnessed Amanda's stately manner, knowing his mother hadn't disclosed his father's news. He approached her, with an already grieving heart. "We're gonna take that hike, we'll be back in a little while honey."

Amanda kissed him before placing her mouth next to his ear, whispering. "Is everything alright?"

Colt looked at Taylor and Eric, both poised to take the walk. "Yeah, we'll talk later, O.K.?" She nodded, watching Colt lead the way to the mountain trail that started at the edge of the backyard.

Instantly, Colt felt Taylor's presence pull up behind him, knowing Eric wasn't too far behind.

"Dad, what took so long?" she asked excitedly.

Colt eyeballed the trail, seeing its randomized route atop peaks and valleys below. "We'll talk later, honey....it's a family thing that we'll all sit down and discuss."

Taylor kept looking at him, unwavering. "So Dad, its O.K. that I get into basketball this fall?"

Colt looked back at his friends, father, brother, and Will, then scanned the colorful horizon before answering. "Yeah, if you like basketball, that's awesome! You know your old man could teach you a trick or two on the court."

Taylor smiled, "You're ripped dad, I'm sure you'd smoke me and Eric together."

Colt looked at her lovely face, her eyes fixed on his. "You're too cute for your own good, you know that, right?"

"Yeah, you've only told me that a million times Dad."

Colt pulled in Eric, noticing he needed some attention. "How do you like the new house bud?"

Eric took his usual time to think, pondered his conservative mind. "It's really cool. I still can't believe we live out here Dad."

"Yeah," Taylor said, "now you just gotta marry Mom....and then everything will be set."

Colt pulled his eyes off his daughter's lovely stare, knowing her heart had a hole that only could only be filled by his marrying her mother. "Oh yeah, well dad will have to think about that."

Taylor then grabbed Eric's hand, pulling him ahead to jog up a winding hillside.

Colt paused, decelerating to the group of adults following several feet behind. Alden and Jack then took each side, both glancing at Colt before looking ahead at the playful kids. "You got it made", Jack said softly, "a beautiful family, home,

woman....and all because you chose to work hard and keep your focus."

Colt looked to Alden, seeing his confirming nod. "Yeah, it's been quite a run. But I've still got a lot left in the tank. A lot that can be accomplished; I'm only in my thirties man."

Jack considered him for a second with eyes bouncing along the hilltops. "Yeah, I wanted to talk to you, Alden, and Boden later this evening, if that's O.K.?"

Colt sensed the seriousness in Jack that always preceded a new challenge, something he'd been considering for some time. "Of course my man, how about later after the dust clears, all of us guys with some beers by the pool?"

Jack responded with a pleasant smile, "Yeah man that sounds cool."

Colt could feel Jack slap the top of his back, feeling their connection through his left hand. He then pulled back to his father, who was keeping Will company around ten feet behind. "Pretty spectacular views, huh guys?"

His father could only shake his head, amazed at the vast city below; the sun now nearly merging into the ocean behind. "You can say that again."

Colt put his arms around his father's neck, noticing his brother trying to catch up to the group from nearly 50 yards behind. "I just want to thank you guys again for coming up to the house and spending the day with us."

As Colt turned his gaze, the last of the angled sunlight illuminated his father's uncertain face. "It was our pleasure. Hopefully we can have more days like this Colt."

Colt smiled through the pain that started tearing another hole through his soul. "Absolutely Dad, I'd love that and I know Amanda and the kids would too."

His father pointed, seeing the same road they came up to reach Colt's hillside home. "There's the steep road we drove up to the house, right?"

Colt could see the kids now nearly 100 yards up the steep hill, and not far from the road. "Yeah, can you believe it? This is where the kids are picked up by the bus for school."

Will turned, amazed at the distance back to the house. "Wow, that's a haul for the kids! How come Amanda isn't gonna drive them?"

Colt replied, "Well that's a long story, but Taylor and Eric already made some neighborhood friends, and apparently they promised the kids they'd take the bus with them to school each day." He then watched the children walk over the trail's peak, losing sight of their small-appearing bodies.

Minutes later, Colt heard Taylor's scream echo throughout the early evening's air, sending chills down his spine. His athletic body darted, pulling ahead of Alden, Jack, and Boden. On the hill's peak, he stopped, pulling the handgun from his lower back. Below, he could see Eric holding a large rock, with Taylor frozen and facing a hissing mountain lion with ears down, along the edge of the trail.

"Don't move," Colt yelled to Taylor, putting the large cat's body directly behind the gun's aim site. While moving slowly down the hill, he managed to make it within twenty feet, seeing the cat compressed and ready to pounce. Moments later he could see the fear in Eric's face, the rock lifting high above his head.

Jack pulled up to Colt, catching his eye, "Don't run, kids, just act big."

Taylor glanced back, seeing her father pointing a handgun just off her body towards the animal behind her. "Dad, what do I do?"

Colt answered, "Don't move like Jack said. I'll try and get him out of here." He then took a better angle, keeping her body away from the gun's site. Just then, Eric panicked, throwing the rock at the cat, but missing. Both kids naturally turned, and then Colt saw the cat leave its defensive stance, giving chase in a slower motion. With his hand following the quick cat, he squeezed off three rounds, two slamming into the vicious animal, knocking it down to the brown dirt below. He quickly embraced the children, seeing the big cat trying to reach its feet, but unable to pull itself up. "It's O.K. it's O.K.! He's gone, kids."

His father pulled up to his side, amazed. "Oh my God Colt, that was incredible! How did you learn to shoot like that?"

Colt held his frantic kids tightly, looking at Jack briefly. "Oh, I've done some target practice over the years."

His dad remarked, "I guess so. That was a shot I don't think I could have pulled off....even in my marksman days."

Colt felt compelled to look into his father's eyes, knowing he was covering up the truth to a dying man. A man he'd always seen as pure, true to his word and his logical ideologies. "Yeah, that was quite the scare. We should probably get the kids back to the house."

His father stared Colt's .44 caliber handgun, still emitting smoke from the barrel. "Yeah, that's a good idea, let's go."

Five hours later, Colt, Jack, Boden, and Alden sat in a large hot tub, overlooking a flickering Los Angeles, far below.

Alden touched the up button on the temperature, lifting the heat to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. With the steam rising into the dark skies above, all the men held imported bottled beer, each anxiously awaiting the start of a new conversation with Jack.

Colt looked up to his brightly lit home, seeing Amanda and Jesse standing in the kitchen together. "Apparently, Amanda said the cops were cruising the area after that mountain lion incident tonight."

Boden looked back after tipping up his beer. "No shit? Somebody must put in a 'shots heard' call."

"Yep, they luckily didn't ring the house and ask what's up," Colt resumed, "If they had, we would have needed to quietly shush the kids. They probably would have yelled something about the cat, my gun, or whatever."

Jack sat up with feet dangling in the hot tub, gazing at the modern fire pit that illuminated the other side of the backyard. "Well, after all that hubbub earlier, I've got a little more to pinch off for you boys....that is, if you're not too wealthy yet, right Colt?"

Colt laughed, knowing Jack took in his new home purchase as a sign of scaling back his business. "Don't worry guys I'm all in, despite what you see around you."

Alden looked at Colt, trying to study his poker face. "How did you afford this palatial homestead, dog?"

Cold replied subtly, "You know that African assignment, about a year ago?"

"Yeah, I took what I could too," Alden said.

Colt looked at Jack before continuing, who was smirking from above. "Well, Mr. Morgan told all of us that if there was any diamonds lying around after we finished to just take what we could. After all, those rotten fucks enslaved kids to further their nasty operation in Sierra Leone. When we took out the leaders, there was a lot of shit, ripe for the taking."

Alden looked baffled, knowing he arrived that night at their diamond stash somewhat later than Colt. "How much did you get?"

Colt pulled back his beer, feeling odd at that point. "It was exactly like I showed you afterward. I think there were diamonds with better clarity in some than the others. That's where I got paid a lot better."

"You mean some of the diamonds were of better quality than the others?" Alden asked.

Colt responded, "Yeah, a black-market dealer here in town cashed me out at around four million. Why? You never told me what you pulled back on that deal; what was it Alden?"

"Well, it certainly wasn't around four mill!" Alden replied.

Jack looked to Alden, perplexed. "I thought you did good as well."

Alden looked back at Colt's home through the steam, toward Jack. "It wasn't that bad, the guy gave me two point six million. Don't worry Colt, I'm not pissed. I just didn't know you made out so well."

Colt looked at Alden, knowing he felt resentment. "I'll take care of you man, you know I will."

Jack finished the rest of his beer before grabbing another out of the cooler. "Alright guys, now that we got some past stuff out of the way, let's talk about the future. I currently have two pending assignments that are in need of some attention."

Each man then looked at each other, knowing the team would probably have to be split up somewhat. "The first big-time deal," Jack resumed, "is in Iran, of all places. It seems their nuclear bomb proliferation in the region is still progressing. Even though the U.S. and other countries have kept them under wraps with sanctions over the years, their longer range nuclear missile capabilities have been gaining steam as of late. Without revealing the hire source, we need to get into Iran under the ruse of missionaries. That means walking the walk, trying to talk the talk....dark tans, dark hair, dark eyes, know the Persian customs, everything!"

Boden straightened up, trying to pry Jack's eyes from Colt's. "What's the payout and the exact specifics?"

Jack looked at each man through the steam, "The payout is huge, as big as I've ever seen in the business. It's gonna be a four-man operation, including myself. Each guy is to receive six million each, making it a whopping, twenty four million dollar job. It's extremely dangerous work; work that I would only talk to you three about. The exact specifications are that we enter the country by parachuting in. A large supplies crate will be dropped near, as well. Afterward, we establish our missionary status, infiltrate locations, and then take out the nuclear scientists who are rolling out their bigger nuclear program; the very men who are threatening the entire Middle East region of the world. According to my calculations, there is a total of six scientists in the Tehran area that need to be removed. But it won't be a cakewalk, by any means. With that being said, there is the other job, and that job has to be done simultaneously, as well."

Alden lurched forward, somewhat fascinated by the notion of the other assignment. "And that job is?"

Jack looked about for a moment, seeming uncertain. "It's somewhat local, and it's a favor I desperately need done. I promised this to Mr. Morgan, but the pay is $950,000, not the four million each for the Iran job. In addition, out of that $950,000, at least $300,000 has to go to one of our support girls. So it's really only $650,000"

Colt looked at Alden, unable to read his mind, "What's your thoughts?"

Alden looked somewhat dumbfounded, almost indifferent. "I'm willing to do whatever you guys want or need me to do."

Colt smiled, knowing his vague response was typical. "I don't know if you're intimidated by the Iranian job, but I'll bow out....if you want to cash out. That way, we'll be more than even after that African diamond thing."

Alden surveyed his surroundings for a time, internally debating within himself to find the appropriate response. "I'm not intimidated by it, I'll do it." Jack pried off another bottle cap. "Good, then it's fixed, the Iran job will consist of myself, Alden, Boden, and David. The Santa Barbara job will be yours Colt, and I'll assign Evelyn to give you support."

#  Chapter 13

In a downtown Los Angeles high-rise, Colt pushed the number 8 on the elevator button. Through an ascent accompanied by various business people, he finally arrived at Cris's hypnotherapy suite, directly adjacent to a powerful L.A. law office. On the metal watch he twisted, the time read 9:58 A.M., two minutes early of their scheduled 10:00 A.M. appointment.

As he entered through the maple colored doors, the thought of her uncovering his lies flashed across his mind. _Even though_ , he thought, _we're going back in time, would she have access to information about my current life?_ In that contemplation, he wondered if he should bail right in front of her pretty secretary? Without any hesitation, he forged forward, smiling while the secretary ran her eyes vertically across his body.

"You must be Colt Davis, or as she says, her future son in law?"

Noticing his sunglasses were still on, Colt watched her lean physique approach, hand extended to shake. "That I am how are you?"

"I'm good, Cris will be ready in a minute; can I get you anything, coffee, water, soda?"

"No, I'm good I've been drinking water for the past two hours, after a lengthy run this morning."

Her head suddenly turned, seeing Cris open a back office door accompanied by another beautiful woman, who obviously looked to be her client.

Disinterestedly, Colt picked up a magazine, pulling off his brown sunglasses in the meantime and patiently awaited the separation of the three women.

Moments later, Cris looked back to Colt, smiling. "Hi Colt, come on back."

He walked past her lovely secretary, feeling her sexual energy again before entering her modern office space. Before sitting just anywhere, Colt caught Cris's eyes. "Where do you want me to sit....lay, I mean?"

Cris pointed to a simple leather chair, looking as though it had the ability to recline. "Right over there will be fine, Colt."

He glanced around after sitting, seeing the overabundance of brick lining the room, curious. "What's up with all the brick Cris?"

"Well, in my hypnotherapy practice, sounds are sort of the enemy. What I mean by that is that the quieter and more serene the environment, the easier it is for me to put my clients into a hypnotic state. After all, if I can't get them into that state, my work is virtually non-existent. Therefore, the brick was put in when I bought the suite as a custom addition, so I could keep the environment as quiet as possible. Just two voices speaking, that's all I wanted to be heard. Now, have you ever been put under hypnosis?"

Colt smiled, "No, I've never done anything like this."

"Well, I want to thank you again for coming in and trying to experience this possibility."

"Absolutely, thank you," he said smiling again.

Cris considered him for a time, seeing her daughter Amanda flash through her head. "O.K. Colt, some people see this as a fun lark of sorts, and some see it as serious business. I don't know what category you would fall into. However, the benefits of this particular therapy, is that if you do indeed have a past life or lives that come out, many times you can try to capture the similarities or differences that your previous life had in relationship to your current life. Additionally, hurdles that you were unable to conquer within that life, may have migrated with you to this one."

"Well Cris, I do see it as a lark, like you said. But as I mentioned at dinner the other night, as long as your line of questioning isn't too suggestive, I'm game for whatever. Maybe something good can come out of it, ya never know."

She watched him pull back the wooden lever on the chair, reclining it to a near horizontal position. "O.K. Colt, I want you to close your eyes now and temporarily delete the notion of tomorrow, today, or yesterday. You will listen to my voice and my voice alone. Alright, clear your mind to a blank, black state. I'm then going to count down from 12 and you will feel twice as relaxed with each numerical descent. By the time I reach 1, you will then see something inside your mind's eye."

"O.K., Cris."

Cris then partially closed her eyes. "Alright Colt, let's start to count it down from 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, now double the feeling of relaxation again, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. You will now see a glowing door in the near distance. I want you to now open that door to one of your past lives."

Colt paused, searching his mind in what felt like a dream-like movie.

"Right at this moment," she resumed, "what do you see Colt?"

He looked around, blinded by the blazing sunshine for a moment. "I see rocky cliffs, mountains, trees....blue sky. It feels like it's high noon or something."

Cris nodded, "Look at your hands, are you a man or a woman?"

Colt pulled them in front of his face, seeing the strong looking fingers with sparse hair over the top of the hands. "I'm a man. There's dried blood over my right pinky."

"Where are you Colt?"

"California, east of Stockton."

"What year is it?"

"1848."

"What's your name?"

"Lewis Martin."

"How old are you?"

"I'm....41."

"What's your occupation?"

"I'm an independent enforcer for new gold mining operations. I.....take out foreigners, native Californians.....so they don't get my.......my owner's gold. I just killed an oriental looking man........who was impeding on the Bidwell territory."

Cris continued, "How did you kill the man?"

"I shot him.....three times."

"Are you married?" she gently asked.

"No....but I do have a family. They're in Stockton, in a cabin I helped build for them," he said with his head slightly swaying about.

"O.K, Colt. What are your children's names?"

Colt replied with eyelids fluttering, "Lewis and Rita. Lewis is nine and Rita is six."

"How do you get paid for your services?"

"Gold or money; each mining operator knows of me. I'm the man they contact if they need their site cleaned of others. I make many of the deaths look like mining accidents. I feel an emptiness inside, a pain I can't stave off........I'm a loner. I used to be a cowboy in Texas before we trailed cattle to Sedalia, Missouri, and then....to California. The ranch I worked on in Texas was just outside of San Antonio," he explained.

"Were your children born in that San Antonio area?" she then asked.

"Yes, both."

"Are you a sad or happy man?"

"I'm sad. I don't want to kill ever again....but I'm paid too well."

"O.K. Colt, take me forward. Let's go to the last day of your life as Lewis Martin. What do you see?"

"I'm in a new saloon near the Murphy Brothers settlement. I'm kind of tipsy....I think I'm drunk....I just lost a bet with a card game. I just killed the man who won the bet across the table from me. He's the son of a powerful mining operator....a new owner from the east coast."

"O.K., what's happening in the saloon right now?"

"Mayhem; a fight broke out near the bar, bullets are being fired, flying by. I have to leave, I'm rushing to the door on my belly. I somehow get out......I'm scared, I know the man I killed was important. They're gonna find me....they know who I am," he continued, moving around in the chair.

"What do you do then?" she asked.

"I'm on my horse.....Teddy. I'm riding into the night, I can hear his hooves galloping, his breaths inhaling.....exhaling. From behind, I can hear gunshots still going off....I'm heading for a mountain trail I know of."

Cris then asked, "O.K. Lewis, take me to the last moments of your life."

Colt paused, his voice cracking, "I kiss Teddy on the face, I told him I loved him....I'm crying....he's my best friend out here, the only one I can trust. I'm slapping him on the backside, trying to get him to leave....but he won't. I walk to the edge of the mountain, everything is black below......I look back......I can see Teddy's big eyes, the white and brown on his face....how beautiful he is. I turned back; I can see my kids, my woman. My body feels weightless....ah....I just killed myself!"

Cris's eyes instantly became wide, "O.K., I'm going to count up to 12. After each numerical ascent, I want you to find the door you walked through and proceed to pass through to the other side. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12; you're now awake Colt," Cris finished.

Three hours later, Colt was staring into Jack's dark sunglasses, smelling Evelyn's perfume drifting about the restaurant booth. "So how was that regression therapy stuff like?" Jack asked politely, pulling off his glasses.

Colt glanced over to Evelyn, seeing her attentiveness peak. "It was cool. I've got the copy of the video on my phone; I'll send it to you guys right now. She said I was a cowboy or something, I haven't had a chance to watch it."

Jack looked at his watch, seeing the video seamlessly transition through. "Cool, that's really interesting Colt. You'll have to give me her card so I can do the same thing."

Colt pulled out her business card from his wallet, remembering she gave him more than one. "Yeah, here you are. She was really good about the whole thing. I think she knows what she's doing."

Evelyn kept herself quiet, merely listening to the two men conversing back and forth. Jack then took a sip of his coffee, pulling out his notebook, looking like a elementary school boy. "Well, I'm scheduled to fly out with the guys to Tel Aviv here in about 5 hours, so we're gonna have to be fairly efficient about this. Alright, your target is a high-powered Santa Barbara defense attorney. His name is Baron Phelps, born 6-23-74, divorced and with three grown children. His net worth is north of 5 million, and he's taken on all sorts of cases over the years with a fairly good track record. The hiring source is unknown, per the usual. In addition, the listing of known enemies is somewhat limited, but you'll find that a couple on the list are probably still angered, as we talk. I'm sorry for this being such a low-paying job, but you're doing me a huge favor in taking this one on. So, thank you again for doing so. Nevertheless, this is a frame; however, I see that the weapons used in the last three assignments for each of you has been affiliated with a gun. With that said, let's change things up a bit and try to omit the firearms from this job, for diversity purposes. I'll let you guys be the judge of that particular wrinkle. You'll be implementing a new garage door interception system that will automatically decode the opener's beam, and duplicate its entry code. This is so incredible that it takes out a lot of the breaking in, alarm disabling, key stealing, and remote stealing out of the equation. After you have your target and frame's code, you just work the timing out, enter, and do your jobs. Evelyn, you're on full radio and disposable phone contact support with Colt, unless he directs you otherwise. You'll probably have to use the standard disguising, chopped cars, fake plates....the whole deal. Nothing leaves the target's home afterward, just take care of business and get out. Pretty standard stuff Colt, you guys have any other questions?"

Evelyn looked at Colt, seeing his face looking normal. "No, I'm good, as long as Colt is cool with it."

Colt looked to Jack after pulling back another sip of ice water. "Sounds good, when do you want it done?"

Jack replied, "Try to limit this one to no more than 5 days. I'll get you paid out when we get back from Iran. Do you guys need any down payments?"

Colt shook his head, looking over to Evelyn.

"Yeah," she said politely, "I think I'm getting 350, is it possible to get a 100 down?"

Jack nodded, looking fully compliant, "Yeah, absolutely. I'll have you follow me after our visit here, and then you can hook up with Colt shortly thereafter."

Evelyn nodded, her cute face suddenly glowing. "That sounds great!"

"Well," Jack resumed, "if that's everything, here's your paperwork, your bag is already in your car Colt, and I want to wish both of you the best of luck. Oh, and again, thank you."

Colt surveyed Jack's face for a moment, seeing a subtle look of fear start to show. "Shouldn't we be the ones wishing you good luck? We're here in California, you're gonna be in Iran soon. A much more dangerous proposition, wouldn't you say?"

Jack laughed out his obvious anxiety. "Oh yeah, it's not gonna be easy; there's no free lunches in the Middle East, but what we're doing is good for the entire region."

Colt smiled, knowing Jack had been out of the game for some time. "Just take care of yourselves, and don't let Alden and Boden get too out of hand. You know how they like to party even when the scenarios are intense."

Colt then pushed Jack's hand away just as Jack was laying down three twenty dollar bills. "I got it, just come back in one piece, Jack."

Jack flashed a smirk as they all left the modest restaurant for the parking lot outside.

Colt looked at Evelyn, sizing up her tiny, but deceptively powerful frame. "Alright Evelyn, call me when you're done with Jack, we'll get together and browse the details."

She smiled, tugging down on her snugly fitting red skirt. "Sounds great, I'll talk to ya soon."

Colt turned back to Jack. He could see Jack's eyes following his movements. "Come here, you fucker." Colt opened his arms before embracing his mentor; a friend he now held dear. "You don't go dying on me now, alright?"

Jack laughed, his warm breath drifting across Colt's right shoulder. "I hear ya, I'll try to give you updates when I can."

Colt pulled away, trying to see past the shiny black lenses on his sunglasses. "Cool, I'll see ya guys." He quickly turned back, feeling the need to find a private place to review what happened earlier that morning. Inside his newer BMW convertible, he immersed himself in the leathery scent before pushing the ignition button. In the side mirror, he spotted Jack again, and then extended out his left arm, waving his hand as he accelerated onto the Pacific Coast Highway.

Colt began to feel something inside didn't feel right. He could see the four men's faces inside his head as he opened the black convertible top above. The highway snaked along the wavy Pacific, with wind flowing generously throughout the luxurious interior. He spotted a rest area near Point Mugu State Park, a place littered with panoramic views above the ocean.

The parking lot was empty; in the near distance, he spotted a bench near a cliff area with only two metal rails running horizontally, preventing a sudden fall to the rocky beach below. For a moment he just sat, staring at the various boats all leisurely moving about the choppy conditions.

In his left breast pocket, Colt unfolded his flexible black tablet, counting 12 times. He had to shake his head before taking the earbuds from his front pocket. After touching the play button on his video, he immediately touched the pause thereafter, whispering aloud to himself. "What the fuck's up with this number 12? This shit's kind of bizarre! Whatever....just play this stuff."

His finger pushed the play button again, watching the entire 25 minute video in depth, at times rewinding various parts. Afterward he folded up the tablet again, placing the tiny square back into his breast pocket. The moment was almost supernatural, thoughts that intermixed with the innocence of the oceanic views.

_Perhaps_ , he thought, _I was Lewis Martin in another life; an enforcer who killed for a living; a man with a family, but not a wife. A loner who never married the woman he loved, and eventually found himself in the precarious position of committing suicide, after a bet gone bad. Now....what can I take from that?_

He suddenly remembered staring down the cliff in the Virgin Islands, realizing that night could have been his last, if it weren't for Jack. _Maybe_ , he thought, _something bigger than myself prevented me from killing myself that night, like Lewis did_. _Maybe I can do right by Amanda and the kids one day. Maybe I won't die and leave Amanda a widow, crying over my casket. Maybe this life is just another pit stop. Maybe God, you'll give me another life after this one and then I can have a fresh start and go straight. Perhaps I won't go to hell after all. Ah shit....who the fuck knows! But there's something about you Lewis. You're me, and I'm you. Maybe I can finish what you started, fill up all the voids before I'm done._

Just then, Colt's tablet vibrated slightly in his pocket. He counted 12 unfolds again before touching the paper-thin screen, seeing Evelyn's name on the identification, "Hey Evelyn."

Her face looked crisp, clear. "Hi Colt, I just got the down payment from Jack, you ready to get together?"

Colt glanced at a lone blackbird over the water, not flapping its wings, merely drifting in the heavy sea breeze. "Yeah, can you meet me at Marina Del Ray in just a little bit here?"

Her girlish face had an awkward expression, "Yeah. Yeah, I can do that. I'll head out right now; see ya in a little while."

Colt smiled, touching the end button and shifting his gaze back to the blackbird that nearly remained static. _Perhaps you're a beautiful symbol_ , he thought, _but what? Ah man, I'm getting too deep. Exit the craziness and move forward dude!_

A half hour later, Colt received Evelyn on his 38 foot cruiser yacht. She was walking with a sort of sophistication in a simple black skirt. She also wore shiny bronze aviator glasses that looked almost wet in the California sunlight. "Hello, Mr. Davis, how's it hanging?" she asked with a smile.

He pushed up the right side of his face, knowing she had the capacity for light hearted banter. "Not much lady; hop in my ride, and let's set sail for a while." She slid her tan left leg downward, catching Colt's eyes watching as she entered the boat.

He immediately turned, making for the steering wheel. "We need to firm up some stuff before we dive into this next project. I figured what better place than on the water, am I right?"

Evelyn considered his demeanor for a moment, knowing he'd been affected by the video she had viewed just minutes before.

"You're taken aback by the Lewis Martin video huh?"

Colt pulled down the accelerator, looking back at her rounded face. "What makes you say that?"

She casually sat next his driver's chair. "I know you well enough Colt, to know where your mind is. Amanda may have your heart, but a woman's intuition is unlike any other, and I can spot a difference in you from the restaurant earlier."

Colt smiled, feeling a salty mist splash against his stubbly face. "You women are really perceptive. And yeah, I did just see the video, and it kind of hit home. It was really just something fun in the beginning, an adventurous notion that seemed innocent enough. I came out of it viewing life in a whole new way. You gotta try that stuff Evelyn; it's really kind of cool."

She watched Colt efficiently navigate into the open waters, knowing his precision was unlike anyone else she'd ever seen, "Yeah, maybe. But maybe I'm scared to find out if I had a previous life, Colt."

"Shit, if a pussy like myself can do it, anyone can."

"A pussy? Colt you're anything but! A highly accomplished gun for hire who's practically world-renowned, at this point in his career."

Colt could see she truly appreciated his violent career; a career he felt was littered with regrets. "You're just trying to be the polite Evelyn, you've always been a classy woman who doesn't take shit from anyone and usually gets what she wants. Is that a guilty as charged, on that description?"

Evelyn could see how Colt was able to win over Amanda; a beautiful young woman who she knew had attracted many men while they were in the Caribbean. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But I'm nothing special, I just try to look seamless; I've got many a problem, my friend."

Colt found a calm inlet a half mile south of the marina, then pushed the anchor button after being satisfied with the location. He extended his arm, pointing his hand towards two chairs near the back of the boat. From behind, he watched her evocative walk before grabbing his blue back pack. After sitting, he put his sandals up on the back wall. "Well, it looks as though we're doing a job in Santa Barbara. The main question always is, who's gonna take the fall?"

She unfolded her tablet, he counted 10 times, and then she looked over. "I took the liberty to scan the docs Jack fed us back at the restaurant, into my tablet here. They'll be deleted after our meeting, I just figured with papers and the wind, not the best combination. Nonetheless, I've done some preliminary checking on Baron's natural enemies. It seems there's a dude who he fucked over pretty good, just about three years back."

"Oh yeah, what's the deal with that?" Colt asked.

"Stewart Favors is his name. Apparently Baron figured that an upstart electrical generation company IPO was gonna to be the shit right after it hit the stock exchange. This company was apparently involved in securing contracts with the India government to essentially build dams throughout the country, generating electricity; generating electricity to a country that is lacking electrical resources in many of the places. It seems as though Baron was sleeping with the CEO, you know, figuratively. Regardless, Baron lost his ass to the tune of around a million dollars, and Stewart Favors lost around two mill. The stock never reached anywhere near the amount Baron had apparently claimed it would. There have been reports of them having loud, verbal exchanges at many prominent restaurants throughout Santa Barbara. And their tension is general knowledge, even beyond the common circle of friends they share."

"Alright, what else do we got?" Colt asked.

"Well, years ago he was involved in a nasty custody battle for his 14-year old son. Evidently, his ex-wife's new husband was adamant about the teenager staying put, despite Baron's powerful pair of custodial attorneys. After Baron won the case, he was awarded his beloved son, where his son lived out his remaining four years with his father. That is, until he became an adult and moved out shortly thereafter."

"Yeah, so what's the biggie with that deal?"

"The new husband of his ex-wife was heard on several occasions, saying that he'd love to kill Baron! You know, torture the son of a bitch, since it caused so much despair with the mother, his fairly new wife."

Colt replied, "Interesting, what about the last on this tiny list?"

"The last guy is somehow linked to Baron's current girlfriend. The guy apparently has attempted many a stunt to win this woman's heart back, but Baron must be pretty good with the women, or she just loves his deep pockets,"

Colt stared at the surf slamming against the rocks along Dockweiler State Beach. "Geez Evelyn, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

She pulled her head up from her electronic tablet. "Yeah, these guys are just guys!"

"Yeah it's a real short list with a couple possibilities, but I'm so far into this career now, I'm needing to do more positive than negative. Don't get me wrong, killing a lawyer in cold blood is wrong, I'm not denying that. It's just maybe there has to be more purpose on the frame end. The frame's got to be a fuck, not some Joe Blow son of a bitch who might be a dick. However, even just a dick doesn't always deserve to get fully taken out. Yeah, that regression, past lives thing this morning, fucked with my head somewhat.... maybe it was an epiphany to change things up a little."

Evelyn saw herself with Colt in that moment, feeling his smooth energy flowing about the boat. "I take it we need to dig a little deeper?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying Evelyn. We've got to go the extra mile that perhaps Jack didn't. Let's immediately do a records search on Baron Phelps. Everything from police records, court records, bankruptcies, corporations....maybe he's a landlord and has pissy tenants, I don't know. Let's just dig for the time being."

Evelyn started dragging her fingers along the tablet's dark screen, with Colt eyeballing her dainty bone structure. After some time, her right index finger tapped the screen, her head tilting up to the dark blue ocean. "It appears Jack overlooked someone."

"Oh yeah, what do ya got?" he asked calmly.

"There's a cat named Logan Drake who he recently fought with; evidently, this Baron can hold his own. He fucked up this Logan Drake guy pretty good, sending his ass to the hospital overnight. The police report reads they got into a scuffle in the bar and were then subsequently removed. The many onlookers gave statements indicating Logan was the aggressor, despite being way more drunk than Baron."

He said, "So you've got a really drunk guy trying to pick a fight with a prominent Santa Barbara attorney? And it was just recently?"

"Yeah, but it gets better! It seems this Logan Drake has a lot of junk in the closet, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, I like junk in the closet! What are we talking about here?" he asked.

"Logan has been accused of rape on several occasions, apparently beating the rap over three times. In addition, he's been caught stalking and making death threats with women, which of course he served very little time."

"Getting off on a rape charge one time is probable," he analyzed, "however, doing it twice, and then three times for good measure is more than just a coincidence. Of course, that's simply my humble opinion....this is a sex predator, Evelyn! There's plenty of them in California, and they're as evil as they come. Excellent work! Let's hone in on this dude tomorrow morning, bright and early. Then we'll see if we can do right by society, instead of framing an innocent man. I'll get Jack on the horn right now, and let him know of our intent; hopefully he'll be cool with our decision."

#  Chapter 14

"Thank you Mr. Johnson, hopefully that van will suit your needs." Colt glanced back at the car rental agent with brown eyes, smiling. "Thank you." After grabbing the keys, he made outside for the gray van with black-tinted windows. Inside, he turned the key, reading 6:08 A.M. on the bottom of the windshield.

He then strapped another watch to his right wrist, tapping the enlarged screen that read redial. Seconds later, there was an answer.

"Hello," Evelyn responded.

"Evelyn, did you get your vehicle?"

Her face looked tiny on the watch's display, but clear nonetheless. "Yeah, I'm in it right now. Your number came up as Singapore."

He replied, "yeah, these IPs I'm using are encrypted. The calls can come in from anywhere around the world. It keeps every communication we have completely randomized. Anyway, that's cool you got the car. I have extra plates in one of my bags. Can you meet me near the target's residence? Let's say three blocks to the south."

"For sure, I'll cruise over right now."

Colt could feel her amiable personality refreshing, somewhat different than many of the other support woman he'd dealt with. "Alright, I'll head over right now as well. See ya." He then tapped the side of the watch to hang up the connection.

While driving through downtown Santa Barbara, Colt thought of Amanda growing up in that exact home town. A beautiful city of around a 100,000 people, located on the Pacific and with a Spanish influence abundantly throughout the architecture. Ten minutes later, he pulled up slowly behind Evelyn, three blocks south of the target, just as he directed her. With his hand, he nonchalantly summoned her to the van, glancing about behind his sunglasses.

She entered the passenger door with ease, sitting with a smile. "Hey bud what's up?"

Colt suddenly felt like someone was watching them, eyes looking through a window in the area. "Let's re-park this rig down the road a piece, somewhere where we can get a vantage point of the target's residence."

At a neighborhood park, he stopped the van, surreptitiously tucking it under an oversized tree. "I'm just gonna swap the license plates and then we'll head to our spot."

Evelyn nodded as he exited the van, watching him quickly spinning off the screws on the rental plate before replacing it with a fake. After duplicating the maneuver on the front, he drove the vehicle a half block north of Baron's. They then both crawled into the van's open rear.

Within a minute, Colt had unrolled a padded yoga mat, unfolded two chairs, and then displayed everything on the floor that he had at his disposal. "Alright Evelyn, I convinced Jack to allow us to ring up this Logan character on Baron's demise. However, he was still adamant that we stick with the list he provided us. After some of my manipulative convincing, Jack conceded, and we're running the entire show now. Did you get a chance to view the satellite images on both properties?"

Evelyn pulled out her paper-thin notebook, her fingers frenetically tapping through the keys. "This is Baron's view from the street; it only yields two sides and not the rear." After opening another window, she tilted the laptop towards Colt. "This is our frame's view. Again, not a lot to see from a rear-view standpoint, but it gives us an idea of what we're working with from the street."

Colt looked down for a moment, staring at his gear. "O.K., it's quite obvious our target's house is a hell of a lot nicer than our frame's. With that known, we have to anticipate security, cameras, laser trips, alarms, possibly dogs, and whatever else a wealthy man can obtain in this modern era. Thankfully, we have some animals that can help us out a bit....and all without having to leave the van."

Evelyn looked down at his vast collection of items, somewhat astounded at the array before her. "Is that a projectile port for that little bird?"

Colt looked over, surprised at her attention to detail. "Wow, I just outfitted that to the bird, no less than two weeks ago. It can shoot up to three poison darts at over 90 miles per hour....all with deadly accuracy. I had it tested, and we clocked the darts between 92-99 mph. Just as fast as your favorite major league pitcher, one who can throw serious heat over the plate."

"Oh yeah, what's with the little guy?" she asked.

"You're looking at three drones that are disguised as flying animals. The little guy is my mosquito. He has a super tiny camera at the base of his needle, a needle that can manually prick the back of anyone's unsuspecting neck; tranquilizing or possibly killing, if you have the right poisons. The hummingbird we're gonna use is just as fast! However, it has a much longer battery life, one that we've tested up to four hours in flight. The last drone animal is one of my favorites, the large white seagull. It can travel great distances, even in windy conditions. Moreover, it's capable of taking on a pistol inside its housing; a small pistol, perhaps owned by your favorite enemy. What I'm saying is that its weight load capacity could essentially take on Logan's favorite handgun, and then fire a bullet from the seagull into Baron....from a personal distance, of course."

"How would it be able to do that from the ground?" she curiously asked.

"Fortunately our tech geeks have outfitted the bird with the ability to unleash this overhead propeller system immediately after you've identified its target. The wings essentially fold back towards its breast, and the helicopter-type prop allows it to hover, and all the while keeping the gun's barrel still pointing straight ahead. When that bullet is fired from that gun with those striation signatures running along the metal slugs, you've got yourself quite the business model for low risk, and high profits. That bird makes it back with that gun, then you finish replanting the weapon at the frame's house, or car....and voila, you're all hooked up. Unfortunately, this assignment isn't about firearms, in accordance to Jack's request. Therefore, these birds would be utilized for spying and surveillance purposes only. When this is all said and done, Jack and I will hold a secret meeting to get all you support ladies up to speed on these unique robotic animals. In the meantime, we're gonna launch the hummingbird around Baron's property, the live camera feed will be visible from this encrypted website."

Evelyn looked seemingly speechless, her eyes still wide. "O.K., it certainly makes surveying things a little bit easier."

Colt flicked the power switch on the hummingbird drone, checking its power level from the tiny remote he was now holding. "It's fully charged, and the darts on board are to kill. They have Brazilian wandering spider venom in the heads. The first dart isn't as concentrated, so it probably won't kill. But if you get to the third dart, your target's breathing will become extremely shallow in a matter of time, essentially asphyxiating themselves."

"What will happen if you use just the first dart?" Evelyn asked.

Colt laughed for a second. "It's kind of funny, but we did this by design. It's also known as the banana spider in South America, probably for being found in banana trees and plantations."

"Oh interesting, go on."

"Well, I've never tried it on myself, Amanda would probably kill me. Besides causing intense pain from its bite, it also causes priapism in men."

"Huh?" she asked.

"A component called Tx-2-6 in the venom causes this priapism in guys. What it really does is keep their rods so hard for so long, that they can't piss! And it can also cause impotence, after some time. So the first dart's a free hard on! Pretty insidious shit huh?"

Evelyn couldn't prevent herself from laughing, looking down at Colt's crotch. "Yeah, no wonder you said Amanda would kill you. I probably would too, if I had a stud like you coming home to me every night."

Colt instantly blushed in a rare moment of embarrassment, taken aback by her candor. "You're crazy Evelyn! Let's get this puppy airborne and check out Baron's premises. After all, Jack's got this as a time-sensitive scenario; I think he said a max of five days."

Evelyn collected herself and Colt pushed out a long exhale, both now more serious. At the van's rear, Colt cracked the door slightly ajar, holding the robotic bird's body while testing its wings. "This little bitch has got some fast fluttering wings, the same hovering capability as a helicopter, but with magnificent overall technology....Evelyn, before I let him go, can you patch us in to the website and push the record button?"

"I got it, go ahead with your badass self."

Colt smiled, unleashing the perfectly colored bird into the 71 degree air and then quickly sitting back down. Within an instant he paused, allowing the drone to hover above an adjacent sidewalk for a moment. "Our screen's too small. Can you quickly unfold that mega tablet and hang it from the van's wall back here?"

She quickly assisted, using high adhesive tape to hang the enlarged tablet directly in front of Colt.

"Thank you. This is sweet; it's like our own personal movie screen! Alright, you see him outside?" he asked.

She looked out the tinted window. "Is it that little aqua blue thing up there?"

"Yeah, he even blends with the powder blue sky backdrop. O.K....I've got him penetrating the grounds now. You see that?"

"Yep, it's a security camera....shit!"

"Yes it is. I'm gonna fly him just high enough, to stay out of its frame. Alright, we know there's one shooting at the driveway. Let's roll the bird past the edge of the attached garage looking towards the backyard." After a cursory check, both of their eyes spotted another camera, one pointing towards the backyard, yet none capturing the garage's front left corner.

Colt kept it moving into the backyard, still keeping its precise height. "Alright, I'm seeing two camera's back here, one pointing over the pool area, the other working the back right edge of the home. O.K., let's have him fly to the last side, between the fence and the home."

After a minute, Evelyn's eyes widened. "That's your initial access side! But you'll have to hug the siding in the backyard, wrap around doing the same thing along the other side until you hit that vacant zone on the front left corner of the garage."

Colt briefly took off his sunglasses, amazed. "Damn, you must have just read my mind....you're psychic, right?"

She laughed, and then looked serious again, "Ah, no. But it's obviously the short circuit, the path of least resistance route."

"Fuckin' A it is! So what the bird has told us is that there's only one true entry point into the home. And it's on the extreme left portion of the big garage door. The front camera's periphery is being compromised by that siding cutout right next to it. It's a standard fuck-up most security installations outfits make and the homeowners are usually too busy, or dumb, to figure it out. I'll verify inside when I get in, if I was recorded somehow. I'll have to do this from his security room or computer area. If I was, I'm pretty sure I can cut or delete that portion."

She pushed her brown hair behind her ears. "So our entry point is the garage, how do you want to go about getting in?"

"Jack talked about his new toy, whereby you stick the small device on the garage wall somewhere, and have it face the driveway. When he rolls up in his suave car, he's gonna hit that garage door transmission at some point. Hopefully that's when his vehicle is in, or close to the driveway. The second possibility is sabotage, but that has to be under the cover of night. That's somewhat unfeasible as it's July, some of the longest days of the year. So that's why intercepting that code, recoding it into a generic opener, and then obtaining access to the residence via that mode, is probably the most indicated route to take. I just gotta make sure I'm not visually detected from the street, when I have to jump that fence." Colt then stuck his hand out the back door of the van, guiding the robotic bird softly into his palm. He then turned, resuming, "You see that bush between the driveway and the front door?"

Evelyn pulled back the time line on the recording, noticing the greenery, "Yeah."

"That's our area to affix the small decoding unit. It's got to have clear a site line, but be somewhat camouflaged as well. I know he's working right now, attorneys are usually workaholics. I don't see it any other way but to scale the fence right now, stick the unit to the wall, and then get up out of here."

She briefly emitted a tentative look, somewhat unsure of Colt's efficient process. "O.K., let's do that. You'll scale the fence near that small tree since the fence door is being viewed by cameras. I'll try to cover your ass from a visual standpoint, back here in the van with sweeping binoculars. Other than that, you'd probably be better off doing this at night."

Colt looked around the upper class neighborhood for a time, noticing no activity or cars in adjacent driveways. "I got this shit, let's just do it!"

She nodded, watching Colt pull up the garage beam interception device.

He then put on skin-colored latex gloves and stuck a small radio-transmitting device in his front pocket. "Alright Evelyn, pull out your radio and earpiece, let's use channel Z. It's fully privatized, the FCC doesn't even know of it. I want you to scan every window within sight of that fence corner, just as I'm walking casually towards it. You see anything pull me back from the area. Sweep your binoculars up and down the street as well; it'd be nice to have a zero traffic environment if we can. If you have the perfect conditions, give me the green light over the radio. Once I'm over the fence, I'll be covered up good enough to get around the back yard, and without alarming anyone's snoopy eyes. Cool?"

"Let's do it....sounds like a solid deal," Evelyn said.

Colt glanced at the blonde wig with the flipped-over news guy hairstyle, and then quickly put it over his head.

Evelyn had to giggle, "Wow, that's hot!"

Colt knew that she was trying to get him going again and indirectly get him off his game. "I know, it's a great look isn't it?" He opened the van's sliding door, exiting its area immediately, strolling like a smooth criminal. His thumb pressed the radio trigger. "You got me, Evie?"

"Yeah, I see you. I'm working the street with the field glasses. Now I'm passing over the neighbor windows with nothing to report there. You've got a vehicle rolling around your back side, stay on the sidewalk....O.K.; keep your head static and your pace steady."

Colt could see the small tree, his eyes shifting around uncontrollably. "I'm getting close to hopping this bitch, where you at on visuals?"

"I'm sweeping....I'm sweeping. Nothing....I'm running over the windows again, now into backyards and driveways. There's nothing going on....alright, do it now!" she instructed.

Colt sized up the 7 foot high fence, laughing to himself. He quickly thought, _that's all you got Baron?_ With athletic ease, he jumped the stained fence after one short effort, glancing around thereafter.

"I can just barely see you through the fence slits," she said.

He maneuvered his body near the cedar siding, turning the corner to the camera-covered backyard. "All right, I'm in the backyard, you got any visuals?"

"Yeah....there's a cop peeking through the fence right now, you see him?"

Colt's stomach sank, slamming his body against the wood.

"I'm kidding," she said, laughing.

He smiled, shaking his head while staring at the glistening blue pool. "You son of a bitch, don't fuck with me like that!"

"I won't ever do it again, one time was funny enough. No, but seriously, there's been nothing to speak of. It's like an old folk's home, in the middle of some Santa Barbara neighborhood."

He grinned, "Cool, I like old folk's home kind of neighborhoods! That's just fine by me."

"Right on, where are you now?"

He wrapped around the second side, shimmied under the cameras and headed for the end of the elongated wall. "I'm coming up on the open zone corner, near the front left part of the garage." He then managed to walk the near 80 feet, pulling a small mirror from his front pocket. With his hand slightly extended around, he surveyed the area the hummingbird wasn't able to record from its higher height. "It's clear," he said over the radio. "I'm gonna head for the bush now."

"10-4, I'll keep you posted if I see anything out here," Evelyn replied.

"Roger that." He then hugged the exotic-looking garage door, carved with unique looking designs in the wood. On the back of the interception unit, he peeled the plastic adhesive covering, setting it just inside the foliage. After clearing away some branches, he pulled up after turning it on, satisfied on its covert placement.

He quickly duplicated his previous hugging maneuvers, and then crouched under the canopy of the small tree, still inside the backyard, "Evie, you looking at anything out there?"

She surveyed the neighborhood, horizontally scanning the entire area with a slow methodical tempo. "Don't jump back over, Colt, there's a guy just two houses down, pulling out some golf clubs from his trunk."

Colt tried to see through the vertical separations in the boards, unable to visually see what she could. He then crouched in the corner on the other side of the gate, trying to envision what his kids were doing at that very moment.

After several more minutes, Evelyn's voice resumed. "It's cool, go ahead and scale it."

He stood up, peeking his head over the fence to verify her findings, and then leapt back over, landing on the sidewalk below. Turning the opposite direction of the van, he started to walk towards the next block over. "Evelyn?"

"Yeah, I gotcha. I'll pick you up on the next corner, O.K.?" she reassured him.

He paused; feeling like her mind worked nearly the same as his. "Good deal." His hand touched the top of his head, making certain the fake blonde wig was still in place. From the corner of his right eye, he saw her glance at him before she pulled the van over to the opposite side of the street. With casual steps, he confidently walked around the front, pulling up the handle at the passenger door. "Whew, that was interesting," he said exhaling.

She calmly drove away, smiling after fully braking at a stop sign. "I think you were nice and invisible, despite the sun slamming down on you."

Colt stared at the skin-colored gloves on his hands. "Let's head to the frame's hizzy, we need to survey this crazy bitch and see what's up."

She pushed down the accelerator on the open road, handing him a folded up tablet in the meantime. "I've already got his GPS coordinates mapped out here on the van's touch screen you can confirm it on that tablet."

In his mind, he couldn't help but be impressed by her raw intelligence; a woman who's been in the business for a while, knowing how to save time and be deadly efficient as well. "Looks like you're headed in the right direction. I'm gonna see if I can get Alden up on the screen; see what that trigga's doing."

Colt punched in one of Alden's personal numbers, and then hit video conference. After thirty seconds Alden's face appeared on the screen. "Well, what the fuck? Mr. Colt Davis appears on my screen in Tehran! How low they hanging 'bout now bro?"

Colt glanced at Evelyn who was briefly looking over, smiling. "Lower than yours. Your scared little balls are probably up in your stomach by now. How's the Persian life treatin' you?"

Alden held up his tablet, slowly moving his camera around his entire body. "You see that shit man?"

Colt saw a dark room with one lone light bulb dangling above a man. He was tied to a chair with a gag stuffed tightly in his mouth. "What the fuck, you bitches are kidnapping?"

"Hell yeah we are, this guy's got some intelligence he ain't giving up yet; yet being the main word there."

"Yeah, good luck. These guys blow themselves up for their country. You think that dude's gonna put out what you need just because you pulled out a couple of his molars?" Colt asked.

Alden approached the man with the tablet camera pointing straight at him. "Say hi."

The man's eyes widened, trying hard to speak his foreign language through the cloth in his mouth.

"This guy doesn't want to die, we've stuck battery cables on his nuts, broke some of his ribs, and choked him out several times....he's gonna eventually give it up! We're about a quarter of the way to four million each, man. What about you guys?" Alden asked.

Colt looked at the GPS map on the van's square screen, seeing Logan's residence only two miles out. "It's standard operating procedure here in sunny SoCal. Jack's new contraptions are helping out a little, and we're about twenty percent home with this one. Have you taken out any scientists yet?"

Alden intentionally sat with his back to the kidnapped man, his video camera peeking around to the man in the background. "I scoped out one last night, and Boden got one this morning. He had to chase the son of a bitch on motorcycle though, eventually getting him with several pistol shots that peppered his driver's door. But the last four are sort of hidden; we might try to pull out some of the big boy drones pretty soon."

Colt thought about Jack, wondering where he was. "Where's Jack?"

"He's on site surveillance, stalking two of the scientists hunkered up in some building....about four miles away. He's a super precise dude, worse than you man, if you could imagine."

Colt could see Jack in his mind's eyes, extremely organized and a threat to anyone, when in stealth mode. "What are you gonna do with your kidnap victim?"

"I'm gonna kill him live on our stream right now, you down with that?" Alden asked, slightly laughing.

Colt shook his head, knowing Alden could get real crazy if prompted. "No, don't do us any visual favors at this juncture. We've got enough in our laps on this end. Just take care of yourself buddy! I'm looking forward to seeing all you guys back healthy and with all your limbs intact. Use your technology, work as a team, and finish! Alright?"

Alden exhaled, seeing his life end before they could kill the sixth scientist and exit the country, but kept a straight face nonetheless. "It's all good man. It's gonna be fine, just hold it all down out west, and the crew will be back before you know it."

"Alright, Evelyn and I want you to give our best to everybody, we'll talk soon bud, see ya," Colt finished.

Alden smiled his boyish grin, saluting the camera like a U.S. soldier. "Alright man, take care guys."

Colt pushed end on the tablet, his stomach sinking again with an uneasy feeling.

The inside of the van was quiet for a minute, Evelyn looking as though she felt the same way. "Weird stuff," she eventually said, serious.

Colt couldn't get Alden's face out of his head. "Yeah, that could have been me in that dank room with that kidnapped man. We agreed to have him do the mission the other night in the hot tub. I just don't like the idea of being in that particular country. They wouldn't bat an eye in killing your ass, and then dragging your dead carcass through the streets thereafter....chanting some crazy shit!"

Evelyn swallowed, parking the van around 75 yards from Logan's front door. "I hear ya. Let's figure the dilly out with this dude."

Colt liked her mentally switching gears, her capacity to refocus him in a moment he was suddenly caught up in. He immediately made for the back of the van, putting up the high powered binoculars to his eyes. "Fuck, I forgot! He doesn't have an attached garage. Well, that poses a wee bit of a problem, if I can't access an open portal. This scenario is less benign than Baron; Evie, you realize that, right?"

She fully considered him for a moment. "Of course, we need to get tabs on his whereabouts, A.S.A.P. It reads from his reports that he helps run an entertainment company. What it specifically is, I can't get access to."

Colt kept the binoculars slowly sweeping, noticing a lot of foliage that seemingly looked untidy. "He looks like a pig in a mediocre neighborhood. I'm seeing a man who is much more of a rebel than the neatly put together Baron. Let's see what our little bird has to say about his shabby property."

He pulled up the robotic hummingbird again, checking its battery life and seeing three of four bars available. Just as he did near Baron's property, he unleashed it from the rear door. In the meantime, he turned around, already seeing Evelyn powering up the hanging tablet on the wall. "And....push record, Evelyn. Let's get a bird's eye view of this middle-income abode."

She tapped the red record button, sitting directly adjacent to Colt with both now viewing the enlarged screen together. "Alright," she said, "I'm not seeing any evident cameras....you?"

Colt kept the bird slightly higher than the gutter on the one-story home. "Not yet, but that don't mean he doesn't have any. Sometimes people are really secretive about their placements. They'll hide the fuckers in practically anything.... doorbells, inside plants, on top of door frames. I've even seen them on kids' toys strewn about the yard, used as props to trick and deceive. The good thing about this bird is that it's got the highest definition resolution possible and I can navigate him into really small areas, then zoom in."

Evelyn kept her eyes glued to the screen, watching as Colt ran the bird's camera much slower across the front yard. "I'm not seeing shit, what about you?"

Colt shook his head, moving his face slightly askew while still keeping his eyes on the screen, "Nothing. The driveway's empty; let's peer inside one of the garage windows." He then maneuvered the tiny bird to a rectangular side window, midway up the stucco siding. "It's empty, and it's a one stall. Chances are, this guy's not home. We need to slap some GPS trackers on both of these cats, A.S.A.P. Now the question is, do I go up and do a cursory check in the light for an open door or window? Or wait until we get a chance to track him and maybe prowl around here in the dark?"

Evelyn watched the bird finish its perimeter inspection. "Run the little son of a bitch just shy of the windows; that way, you'll maybe be able to see if any of the them are unlocked."

"Kick ass idea! I wouldn't generally put him up that tight on the windows, but I don't think anyone's home in the middle of the afternoon. And I don't think this guy has a family that lives here, but I could be wrong," he said.

Evelyn grabbed her personal tablet, pulling up Logan's personal information from a temporarily stored file. "He's single, that was one of the most intriguing aspects of this guy on the boat yesterday. Aside from this guy, did you ever notice how often Jack assigns jobs, under those sort of conditions?"

Colt looked back on his illustrious career, musing on the question. "You know, I gave it some thought before, but never really posed the question to him. It's because they hand pick these assignments with the idea of having as little family involved as possible. That means hopefully no kids in the house, no wife....hell, no dogs if they can uncover that." He could then see Mr. Morgan lucidly in his mind, the well-spoken Indian man who was born in New Dehli: now atop a sophisticated crime organization, an underground syndicate that had been given innumerable pardons over the years from police agencies, to a vast number of governments around the world. "There's one thing I've come to know in my tenure with Jack and Mr. Morgan."

Evelyn looked at Colt, pulling away from the large tablet screen. "What?"

"You don't question their motives....ever! They are some of the most powerful people I currently know. They have never done me wrong and I'm nothing but appreciative for everything they've brought into my life. It's the demons associated with the business that I spar with all the time," he said, shaking his head.

She tried to see between his glasses and his face, to the fixed steely eyes that were staring into the windows he was using the bird to check.

"Have you ever taken up their offer to talk to the in house psychiatrist?" she then asked.

Colt navigated the robotic device past the last window, noticing it was locked like all the preceding ones before it. "I never have. I've always felt that I could lean on Amanda, Alden, Jesse, Jack, and Boden. People who I know and understand my plight; people who know that I also understand theirs. But when I think about it, they can only do so much. It really shouldn't be everyone's responsibility to be a sounding board for each other. I guess that's where a psychiatrist could come in and pick up, where friends would leave off. You know Evelyn, I wish you and Krista had always been part of our circle. You're such a cool chick, with such a smart head on your shoulders!"

She watched him walk to the back of the van, pulling in the hummingbird with ease. "Yeah, I wish that would have been the case too over the years. I hoped we could all hang in the future, too. It's just after that, you know, falling asleep naked on the beach thing, both Krista and I figured Amanda didn't want anything to do with us."

"Well, she was sour grapes way back then, but she'd only had good things to say about you girls since."

Evelyn smiled, revealing her contagious positivity.

Colt then remembered back on that night, laughing as he was seeing a naked Alden take on the two woman down the beach from them, and then waking up to an abrupt photo flash. "Yeah, I also remember that Keller fuck trying to throw a wrench in everything! I'm glad I beat his ass down. How long ago was he given his release?"

Evelyn searched her mind for a minute. "About two years ago. I guess he was paid off after his last government job and then sent on his merry way. I don't think Mr. Morgan felt he could trust him any longer."

Colt sat back for a moment, trying to devise a strategy for their next move. "The windows are all locked, the bird told us so. The only other entry point would be an open door. And even if one was open, I don't know if I would go in, especially without some tracking on this dude."

She replied, "The entertainment company he works for isn't listed in any reports. We're either gonna have to stake out this location or somehow create a tail on him to slap a tracker on his vehicle."

Colt nearly closed his eyes, hyper-focusing on a tiny detail inside the van's interior. "I say we go back to the hotel, go swimming, eat an early dinner, and turn in early as well. We then set our alarms for an early bird time. Let's say 4:00 A.M. That way I can get the van set up, and then call up dirty Kenny to get his ass up here. He might be able to do some of his magic tomorrow; assuming both of the doors are locked."

Evelyn stared out the tinted window, gazing through the binoculars at Logan's home. "Oh shit, did you know he's got basement windows?"

Colt's head tilted up, before grabbing the hummingbird drone once again.

#  Chapter 15

Evelyn stole a glance at Colt. "Thank you so much for showing me how to run these drones last night."

"Ah, it's cool. You need to get the hang of these upgraded versions anyway." It was 6:44 A.M. the next morning. Both Colt and Evelyn sat in the back of the gray rented van, watching Logan backing out of his garage. "You got the bird?" Colt asked.

"Yeah, here it is."

He then received the large white seagull drone, just as Logan turned the corner. "O.K., here you go boy, keep a tail from above." He gingerly held the body, watching the wings accelerate before letting it go out the back of the van. With the high-definition camera, both watched its flight from the tablet that was still hanging on the van's interior wall.

Evelyn then looked to Colt. "Alright, should we head out now?"

Colt nodded, running its flight from a mouse on the ultra-light laptop.

She quickly sat in the driver's seat, pushing the ignition button on the all-electric vehicle.

"Alright head straight Evelyn....leave Verano and take a left on La Colina Road. O.K., go past Bishop Garcia High School." Colt turned to look at the very school Amanda attended, smiling. "Wow, cool looking school!" He then looked up from the largest window at the rear of the van, seeing the white bird several blocks ahead; his hand moving the mouse right, seeing the bird correspond with the same actions. "Alright Evie, you're gonna hang a right on North La Cumbre Road and then go southbound."

"You see his car, Colt?"

He played with the impressive zoom feature on the camera mounted on the bird's breast. "Oh yeah, he is crystal clear! I got this little bitch flying up to 35 mph, it's the perfect aerial tail."

Evelyn tried to look ahead of the traffic, attempting to see if she could spot Logan's sky blue vehicle.

Colt maintained the bird's quest, measuring it's head wind, its height in feet, and its overall flight speed. He then descended the seagull to skim the tree tops, running it exactly over Logan's car. "You see the bird up ahead, Evie?"

She briefly scanned the skies, picking up its wide wings fluttering just above the highest trees. "Yeah, it's really incredible what this thing can do. We didn't have to follow it, right Colt?"

"Oh no, we could have stayed put on the street back there. But we didn't have your vehicle readily available to pull this off. If we would have, and Logan wasn't so abrupt in leaving, we could have had you follow with my phone commands. So we're rolling together this way. F.Y.I., he's right below the realistic appearing bird up there....alright Evie, take a left on State Street and head eastbound."

"Yeah Colt, I think this could be one of the main commercial district roads in Santa Barbara, so let's get ready here," she responded.

"Roger, he just put his blinker on. I'm in hover mode right now, just above the light he's stopped at." After some minutes, Logan turned his vehicle into a strip mall with his front facing State Street. Colt cautiously kept the van moving past, parking one business down. "Alright Evie, I've got an idea here. Get your blonde wig, the longer one. Put on this Angels cap, take this pepper bomb spray, and here's a stack of random papers. Here's a GPS tracker, put the radio under your shirt, and put the earpiece in....I'll try to give you voice cover, and walk you through it."

"Gotcha, I'm out."

Colt watched her stuff the radio into the waist of her tight jean shorts, seeing her out the door. "O.K.," he resumed, "you hearing this transmission?"

She nodded, not wanting to put the radio up to her mouth.

Colt then watched her briskly cross Hitchcock Way, staying on the State Street sidewalk. "The papers are random junk, Evie, nothing affiliated with us whatsoever. The breeze is in your face. Walk about ten feet past the light blue car, slowly drop a paper once you get past, and then walk an additional three feet before you drop more."

Evelyn's right thumb nonchalantly tipped up, now passing the target car.

Meanwhile, Colt kept the binoculars pasted on her face, keeping his eyes on her before sweeping back to the door that Logan entered in the strip mall. He watched her methodically drop the first paper, seeing it drift slowly down the sidewalk, and then she proceeded to drop several more.

She abruptly turned, acting surprised.

"Excellent! Carefully chase the papers, until you get to the very front of the light blue car," Colt instructed.

She followed his directions exactly, pulling a tiny GPS tracking tile from her purse.

He continued, "Slap it up high under the front bumper. Now pull away, he's coming out the door! Just follow the rest of the papers down the sidewalk, pick up as many as you can....look flustered, but don't look back and show him your face."

Colt pushed his left bicep against his own body, making sure his handgun was inside, tucked against his left ribs. As Logan started for the car, his face looked perplexed, now pausing and staring at his car. "Just keep collecting them, Evie. He's standing, just looking at his car."

She tilted her face up, seeing Colt staring through binoculars from a distance. Logan finally resumed walking back towards his vehicle, now standing at the driver's door; staring at Evelyn while she still picked up the papers. "Good, don't turn back Evelyn! Just walk down Hitchcock Way, and don't come to the van....ignore the van!" He watched her leave the State Street sidewalk, then swept back to Logan, who continued to glare. "I don't know if he's looking at your cute little ass or if he's suspicious. Either way I got your back, he ain't gonna hurt you....don't worry."

Evelyn walked along the red-striped curb, anxious for Colt to pick her up.

Colt slowly drove onto State Street, keeping an eye on Logan who was now exiting at the same time.

"Is he following, Colt?" she nervously asked.

Colt passed the strip mall, turning down the next street over. "I don't think so, try to get into a business or walk slowly up to a front door."

She suddenly shifted, using just her eyes seeing the light blue car slowly pass. She then turned into a small residence, walking up the walkway to the front door with a hand firmly gripping the pepper spray bottle. At the top of the front steps, she pretended to push the doorbell, trying to subtly follow his vehicle's direction. "I think he's leaving," she said after clicking the radio trigger.

"Good deal; just stay put and walk me in."

"Don't wrap around, Colt! Come back to State Street and get me from that angle, otherwise you're probably gonna pass him."

Colt quickly turned completely around, spotting Logan's vehicle on the parallel street over. "I see him, I'll nonchalantly back track."

"Just come down Hitchcock Way about 120 yards; I'm standing at a small one-story on the right side, facing the door."

"Roger, I'll be there in a second." Colt pushed the accelerator, knowing Logan's propensity for raping woman. After pulling up, he set a smaller pair of binoculars up to his face, staring down Hitchcock Way the same direction he saw Logan traveling moments earlier.

After some tense seconds, she opened the passenger door, her face looking frightened. "Wow, that dude's creepy!"

Colt pushed down the accelerator slowly, feeling his rage build towards the bizarre man. "Yeah, I don't think he suspected your activities with the papers and tracker. I just think you probably shouldn't have been wearing those tight jean shorts with those tan legs of yours....you know what I mean?"

She looked over, now starting to smile and slightly giggle. "Gosh. That's fucked up, Colt! It shouldn't have gotten that weird."

"Yeah, I know....let's just stay focused though. You're a tough bitch. There's a lot of crazy shit in this biz, you and I both know that. Can you take over here for me?"

She nodded, still somewhat fearful. "Yeah, just pull over. It's cool."

He stopped the van near the red curb, turning then to face her. "It's gonna be O.K. Evie. I know something like that can be really unnerving to a woman. But there's no way in hell he was going to be able to access you without having to deal with me. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, it's just the vibe I was getting after you kept saying don't turn around. It felt really ominous after that moment."

Colt nodded, feeling his anger rise again, replaying the man staring at Evelyn as she was walking away. "I know, I know. Are you gonna be O.K.?"

"Yeah, I just have to shake it off and move forward. Like yesterday." "That's right....that's my girl. You shake that shit off, we'll fix that fuck in due time here."

She looked back to him, feeling completely secure around a man of his status. "Now I know why I haven't married all this time."

Colt stared straight ahead, feeling her energy fill the van. "Why is that Evie?"

She leaned her head against the passenger window like a little girl, staring at the passing landscape, "Because I've never met a man like you yet."

Colt felt somewhat uncomfortable and compressed his lips together. "That's very flattering. But you're a beautiful woman Evelyn, in and out. Are you sure it's not more the business you're in, rather than the men you've been with?"

"No, it's definitely the men I've met, they don't have that it thing....that you do. I'm sorry I'll shut my trap now....I don't want to bore you with my personal life."

Colt slowly made for the rear of the van while she took the driver's seat. "It's alright Evelyn; you can say whatever you want." He then gripped the mouse, seeing the seagull's drone camera swaying in the wind.

She looked back, watching him resume the controls of the robotic bird. "Just guide me where to go and I'll go get him."

"No problem, just go straight. You'll see a clearing around this San Roque Canyon."

She slowly drove the van, looking up for the bird and the light blue car.

After several minutes of being parked, Colt exited the back of the van, landing the bird with total precision into his left hand. After looking around, he folded the wings in and reentered the vehicle. "Good thing I've got some solar energy pickups on the wings, otherwise he would have probably crashed down on State Street without any power."

"He hovered that long?"

"Yeah, crazy huh?"

She smiled, "That's a good birdie."

Colt checked the battery level, watching the last bar blink. "Alright, Baron's law office is just down the road, you have the address on you?"

She checked one of the data sheets, punching the address into the vans GPS. "Yeah, I got it."

Colt could still sense her mind was rattled, needing some time to collect herself. "I'll plant the tracker this time just roll me up to about a block away."

She started to clear her mind, following his directions to perfection. "Is here good?"

"It's perfect. I'll be back in a minute, just flip the roles, Evie. You watch, and then direct me on the radio," he instructed.

"Got it."

Colt then placed a fake mustache over his top lip, wrapped sunglasses over his eyes, and placed a Dodgers baseball cap on his head. "I'll be back in a minute."

"It's a pearl white Mercedes, with a designer California plate that reads bpisme," she instructed him.

"Yeah, I can see it from right here." He then closed the door, tucking the blue baseball hat's bill downward, just enough to see. His fingers then set the earpiece to his left ear.

"Are you there Colt?"

His right thumb tipped up, touching the tracker in his pocket. Several moments later, he dropped the first sheet of paper ten feet up wind from the vehicle. Moments later, he spilled several more and then walked to the car's rear, now kneeling down. Within five seconds, he affixed the tile under Logan's back bumper, rising again to retrieve the papers that randomly drifted down the parking lot. Much like a frazzled pedestrian, he collected the papers and walked opposite from the van, making it two blocks down the street. "I'm on Las Positas Road, meet me Mackenzie Park.... there's too many cameras around here!"

Evelyn pushed the ignition button, casually making for the designated rendezvous point. Moments later she laughed while pulling up to Colt, watching him walk with the dark mustache and blue baseball cap over his head.

"Hey fucker! Get in if you want a good time!"

He laughed at her attempt to deepen her voice before entering the passenger door.

She looked at him once again, laughing uncontrollably. "Your 'stash is kind of off center now."

He looked in the vanity mirror, also laughing, "Wow, that looks gnarly. I hope it wasn't like that back around the law offices."

"It wasn't, I saw your mug through the binoculars; you must have just nervously touched it."

He shook his head, feeling her lighthearted personality return, knowing she was back in the game.

She watched him enter the van's back, touching the tablet that was still hanging from the wall. "Alright, let's head back to Baron's A.S.A.P. I'll pull up the GPS map from this screen."

"Got it, I'll be there in a flash."

In the meantime, he studied the screen, spotting Logan's vehicle near the ocean. Coincidentally, this was a place he could always relate to; a true refuge of sorts that always seemed to heal his ailing mind. "Alright, Logan's down by the beach and Baron's stationery....probably working some big case. What we have to do is follow up on our start from yesterday."

Ten minutes later Evelyn parked the van in a different location, still within sight of the small tree near the fence. "I know what we're doing, Colt. I'll get you visual support before and after you accessing the backyard."

Colt thought of Jack for a moment, not only wondering what he was doing at that very moment, but also wondering if there were additional features to this new piece of interception technology? He then tapped his fingers on the button that read Jack on his personal tablet.

Several moments later, Jack appeared, "How ya doin' man?"

Colt stared at his face for a second, trying to determine his well-being. "Good, you look good. How's everything with the Iranian connection?"

Colt could see Jack exhale, noticing the water color sky in the background. "We've got all of the scientists....except one. The kidnapped man we have been working over is becoming a thorn in my ass, and he's got the goods. We're looking for another one of his associates, but the government has been tipped off....obviously. It's getting more tricky as each minute passes, almost kind of weird."

Evelyn sat next to Colt, waving at Jack with a smile. "Hey Jack, things are going fairly smooth out here."

"Hi Evelyn, that's very good to hear. What's up Colt?"

Colt looked about the van for a second, trying to articulate a proper response. "You know that interception device for the garage door openers?"

"Yeah, we just implemented the technology," Jack said.

"The spec sheet you gave me, would that possibly be an abbreviated version?" Colt then pulled up the half sheet of paper toward the camera, yielding data that read the specifics of the interceptor.

Jack squinted, his eyes moving horizontally. "Yeah....yeah, it's got more features than that."

Colt inhaled deeply then exhaled out his anxiety thereafter. "Good, it's day time and I just scaled the fence yesterday in the sunlight. I don't know if I want to push my luck again. What else does it have, man?"

Jack described, "It has the capacity to check its capture status from your computers; in addition, you can operate it from the unit itself, instead of driving the capture data into a generic garage remote."

"No shit? I was under the assumption we had to transfer the data."

"Nope, I just realized you can do it right after you take it off the wall. There's a small black button on the back. Just hit that to conduct the test right at the door. And check its capture status from your computers beforehand."

"So essentially, if it's got a capture status, then it did the interception correctly?"

"Yep."

"Cool, keep us posted if you can, good luck with everything bud. Oh, one last thing....how's Alden and Boden holding up?"

"Boden's funny. He thinks he's gonna crack this kidnapped man's shell. He's almost turning into some sick sadistic fuck...it's kind of scary. Alden has been doing some technical computer hacking as of late, he's fucking good with the keyboard man! We'll see you soon bud, take care guys," Jack said, ending the transmission.

Colt nodded with a smile, pushed the end button on the tablet and then turned to Evelyn. "I know how to check the status of all of our equipment it's on a central internet page." He then scanned for the central page through thousands of others on a randomized server. After some seconds, the page pulled up, showing a password box. Colt quickly stroked the keys to access the page, seeing interceptor unit 17, the same unit number on the spec sheet.

"It pulled his code last night," he continued, looking at Evelyn.

She shook her head, reading the exact specifics of the capture. "It came in at 6:04 P.M. last night, at a distance of 32 feet. It's locked and loaded Colt!"

He quickly verified her words, reading exactly the same from the website. "I'm taking a calculated risk here, but let's forego the physical verification process on that unit....and head over to Logan's now! That way, I won't have to jump that fence again until I intend on getting into the house."

Evelyn looked worried, knowing it was wise to limit the risk, but still wondered if the plan could backfire? "What if you finish with Logan, and we head back here only to find that the unit malfunctioned, or ran out of power or something?"

He replied, "The power is still full, I can see that right now. I think it's got a 7 day life. As far as it malfunctioning, it could do that afterwards....even if I did check it right now. I have to cross that bridge if it comes. We probably should have checked it last night; however, a guy's garage door opening could maybe wake him up."

She could see his contemplation, him taking in another deep breath to concentrate.

"If worst comes to worse," he continued, "I'll sneak into the garage from that dead corner, sliding under the door as its closing and take him into the house from there. I think you know that I'd prefer to lay and wait though, it's much cleaner that way."

Evelyn nodded, making for the driver's seat. "O.K., I'll head over to Logan's neighborhood right now. And we'll work from our assumption that the interception unit is going to perform."

He nodded, pulling up the GPS tracking page, seeing Logan's vehicle back on State Street once again. "Boy, this fuck gets around."

"How far is he from his house?" Evelyn asked.

Colt touched the screen several times, conducting a precise measurement. "He's exactly 4.6 miles from the house. It's alright, I'm gonna call dirty Kenny, and have him meet us up here. He's on standby at the hotel, probably scoping out the poontang by the pool....sicko!"

He looked up at Evelyn, who then glanced into the rear view mirror. "You mean that fake locksmith guy?"

"Yeah, you don't know who dirty Kenny is?"

"Yeah, I know of him. And what I do know isn't pretty!"

Colt couldn't help but laugh. "Oh yeah, what's your knowledge of King Kenny?"

"Oh not much, Krista said she was on a job with him about three years ago and she said he slipped her a mickey. She said she woke up to the weirdo in her own hotel room. He was staring down at her with a smile on his face."

Colt chuckled again, shaking his head. "Yeah, he's done time in California prisons, but he's the best of the best when it comes to getting into places; especially without disrupting anything whatsoever. I think Mr. Morgan is still trying to find a replacement, but this guy's a serious pro."

"Yeah, a pro at getting into girls panties, with date drugs!" she replied.

"Hence the name dirty Kenny, get it?"

"Yeah, just keep that weirdo away from me! I've already had my fair share for the day."

Colt stared at the hanging tablet, keeping an eye on Logan's vehicle. "Yeah, I'll make sure I give him your room's key card later....maybe you guys can hang."

"Oh you rotten fuck! I just...."

"I know, I know," he interrupted, "I'm just kidding. Just like you were yesterday, when the cop was peeking through the fence at me, right?"

She laughed, parking at a different spot than the prior day, now in Logan's neighborhood. "Are you gonna manually check to see if any of the doors are open?"

Colt rubbed his hand over his scruffy face. "I probably should, but I'm so fucking hesitant for some reason today. It feels like one of those days where an eyewitness is gonna visually tag you, ya know?"

"Well, you could always go the utility guy's route. I see you've got the underground locating equipment, the package of bright orange flags....even the spray paint stick. You could put that snazzy brown stash back on, and give it the old college try."

Colt considered her words for a time, reluctant to push the button that said Kenny on his tablet. "Yeah, I like that idea, let's do that first."

She watched him in the mirror stripping down to his boxer brief underwear, staring at his impeccable physique. "Wow Colt, how often do you work out?"

He glanced up, seeing she was staring at him. "Damn near every day, as long as possible."

"Well whatever you're doing is working pretty good for ya!"

He smiled, finishing the clothes change; now wearing a black shirt that read Santa Locating on the back in white letters. He quickly put on the matching black Arizona Diamondbacks baseball cap, finishing with the brown mustache and the skin-colored gloves. Before exiting, he looked up to the mirror again. "You'll need to come back here and work the binoculars, radio, and keep tabs on the GPS track on Logan....all at the same time. Is that O.K.?"

She removed herself from the driver's seat, smiling as she walked back. "Yeah, I'll multi-task the whole deal....now go and start locating some underground wires and stuff!"

He smirked, checking out her frame as she sat down. "Alright, let's start off with a binoculars sweep and I'll head over." He closed the door and started the 5 house walk down the sidewalk, hearing her come in on the radio.

"Nothing but a couple cars down the way Colt....none even coming this direction.....I'm scanning the windows with lots of glare....but no faces," she described.

Colt adjusted the wireless microphone, along his face. "What's going on at tracker central?"

She glanced back at the tablet, noticing Logan's vehicle heading back towards the beach. "He's going back towards the ocean, maybe he works down there."

"What about Baron?"

"He's still at work, hasn't moved since we slapped him this morning."

"Alright, I'm pretending to turn on the locating machine....now I'm pointing to the ground, on the boulevard....can you see me?"

"Yeah, just work it up to his front yard and then head up the walk." She watched him from a distance, viewing his actions from a different perspective than his. "O.K. Colt, don't spray any paint down or put any flags down....just pretend to write on your little clipboard now."

He smirked to himself, loving the improvised direction she was working. "Good shit, Evie."

She quickly picked up the mosquito and remote before looking back into the field glasses. Colt then entered the front yard with the locating unit still pointed at the ground, pretending to touch its display screen. He then pulled up his phone as he walked up the single front step, placing it to his head. "It's all good Colt, I'm still sweeping. There's just a little kid about a block down, but he can't see you."

Colt then pulled up to the door, placed his belly just shy of the wood and softly turned the locked handle. With his left hand clenched, he pretended to knock on the door and then waited some moments before turning back around. As he walked around the home, he stared at the basement window the hummingbird drone checked the day before, verified it was indeed locked on that side of the house, "Anything Evie?"

She looked back at the large tablet, seeing Logan's vehicle still moving towards the water, opposite of their location. Moments later, she swept the area again with the binoculars. "Nothing, you're good. Just check the back and get back here."

He walked to the backyard, noticing the cover was much better, with a wooden fence surrounding two thirds of the area. Before checking the dirty-looking handle, he looked around, trying to identify the neighbor's visual vantage points. After some time, he checked the handle, feeling it fixed. Immediately he pulled out his phone, hitting the Kenny button he had previously prepared.

"Hello," Kenny answered.

"Dirty Kenny, what up man?"

"Oh nothing, I'm just hanging out by the pool, having one beer."

Colt walked briskly with the locating machine and clipboard in his left hand, phone in the right. "You dirty dog, I figured you were scoping the honeys. Anyway, I need you down here immediately. Like yesterday."

"What's the specifications boss?"

"Enter the front yard nonchalantly; bring your tool box and wear your locksmith garb. That means your skin colored latex gloves, too! You need to also place those bogus locksmith signs on your chopped van. Immediately take your gig to the backyard. There's a door just off the driveway and you'll have better cover back here. It shouldn't take you that long to get 'er done."

"Got it; I'll be down there as soon as possible."

"And Kenny, make sure you leave right now! Just get your hand off your kielbasa and go back to the hotel room and change."

Kenny chuckled before Colt heard the sound of liquid descending down his throat. "Yeah man....I got it, I'll be there soon."

"Thanks bud," Colt replied then he hung up the phone, stuffing it in his front pocket.

Evelyn's voice then came in. "Hi Colt, can you see me?"

He looked down the street, but couldn't see Evelyn inside the gray van. "No, I can't see you." His eyes then refocused abruptly, seeing an object floating in front of his nose.

"Do you see me now?"

He stared, impressed at her effortless ability to keep the mosquito drone moving directly in front of his nose, at the very same pace as his stroll. "Damn, you're really good at that! Can you see me good with the HD camera on it?"

"Yeah, you've got a little blemish near the upper left part of your forehead, but other than that, everything looks good."

"You know you can draw blood with the needle?" She then stared at the video of him on a separate tablet; lunging the robotic insect at his right arm.

"Ouch!"

She then pushed the draw button on the remote, watching the needle suck up a sample of blood. "Did that really hurt?"

He watched the drone lift off and then fly back to the van. "No, I was just fucking with you. It's virtually painless, just like the actual insect; pretty cool huh?"

She then watched him enter the van from the rear, the mosquito entering first, "Yeah, really cool. I can see where this little shit would come in handy. It says here that his battery life is a whopping two weeks! He can latch onto your clothes and take a ride with you, you can easily hide him in a house, put him through a window, whatever. It also says he'll even do a quick skin scrape, and pull DNA cells off that way."

Colt sat in the other chair, folding his arms and staring at the large tablet on the wall. "Yeah, it's an amazing little unit. Now, aren't you glad I showed you a little bit of its features last night?"

She stared at the tiny robotic bug in her hand for a time, almost looking hypnotized. "Yeah, it's really useful in our line of work."

Colt took to the driver's seat, pushing the ignition button before slowly driving around the block. Minutes later his fingers dug down deep into his front right pocket, pushing the Kenny button again.

"Hello."

"Where you at fool?"

"I'm right down the street, don't ya see me?" Kenny responded.

Colt looked in his side mirror as they turned the corner, noticing a black van pulling up near Logan's property. "Yeah, I gotcha. We're going to drive around for a little while. Put in an earpiece with the mic on the cord and stand by with me, alright Ken?"

"No problem. I'm walking slowly through the front yard, to the back."

"Alright, just try to do his quickly, because I was just back there. I don't want any bullshit going down."

Kenny replied, "I'll go as fast as I can without fucking anything up."

Colt remained silent for a time, driving slowly throughout the area and searching for a police presence.

Evelyn emitted a girlish grin, "You know I can run that hummingbird, just like the mosquito Colt?"

He looked over at her, smiling. "Yeah, you're getting good at all that stuff. I'll try and teach you the big bird later if we have time."

"Who's that?" Kenny asked.

Colt looked to Evelyn, laughing without sound. "It's Evelyn, why?"

"Oh, hi Evelyn, long time?"

She looked at Colt, eyes widening, "Hi Kenny, how ya doing?"

"Oh, I'm great," Kenny whispered, "and you?"

"Things couldn't be any better, just another support assignment. But I get to work with the best this time."

"Yeah, Colt is unique. But is he ever demanding! I'm kidding Colt, you know I love ya man."

Colt laughed, shifting his eyes through the windshield, envisioning Kenny raping Krista while she was drugged. "How far are you along, Kenny?"

"I've got the handle duplicated already. But your client here is pretty crafty. It seems his deadbolt is also locked and the new handle key I just made for it won't fit. So I gotta make a different key for the deadbolt. Some people can be so paranoid! Hey....speaking of paranoid, this dude isn't anywhere in the area, is he?"

Evelyn glanced to the tablet in the back. "No, he's down by the ocean, miles away from your location."

They both could then hear a faint exhale coming over the line. "Good," Kenny replied, "cuz I don't want to get all dirty on this dude!"

Colt had to shake his head, noticing Evelyn now smiling. "Yeah, we know what happens when the real dirty Kenny comes out. We definitely don't want any of that shit up in here!"

Kenny laughed, with the vague sound of a deadbolt being unlocked coming through. "Got it," Kenny said abruptly, "you're in business, kids. Where do you want to meet up at?"

Evelyn pointed to the street sign they were just pulling up to. "Meet us as Via Andorra. Just punch it into your GPS; we'll see ya in a minute."

"10-4, I'm heading out right now."

Colt looked at Evelyn, watching her feet ascend to the edge of her seat, knees pointed straight up. He then said, "So this guy's trying to pull the old 'I got two locks' bit? See if you can get in, type shit, huh?"

Evelyn pulled up Logan's photo on her tablet after accessing his temporary file. "Yeah, he's a real looker!"

Colt stared at the picture for a time, analyzing every nuance of his face. "Hmmm....in this pic he's bald, and today he had hair. Well, he ain't the best looking dude, but there's definitely something behind those dark eyes, don't ya think?"

She suddenly set the tablet between them, remembering earlier that morning Logan had been seemingly stalking her in broad daylight. "Yeah, it's the eyes that are shooting off the screen."

Just then, Kenny slowly rolled around the corner in his black chop shop van. He pulled his door amazingly close to theirs, smiling with his discolored teeth. "Hey guys, looks like that job is done."

Colt tipped down his brown designer sunglasses, looking at Kenny and then back to Evelyn. "Sweet deal Kenny, and nobody had to get dirty!"

Kenny flashed as wide a smile as he could; looking over to Evelyn. "Yeah, it was a good day and nobody got hurt, everything looks clean as a whistle. He won't know old Kenny rolled up to his house and made some keys without even leaving a scratch behind. That's the clean Kenny; you said you don't want to see the dirty one, right?"

Colt smiled, flashing his perfectly straight teeth. "That's absolutely correct, sir. Thank you for coming down, my man." Colt then pulled out a wad of bills from his shorts, knowing it was what Kenny had always been accustomed to over the years. He subsequently exchanged the two keys for the cash.

Thanking Colt, Kenny then pushed his greasy black hair from his face.

Colt looked about for a moment, thinking of the Baron part of the job, figuring Kenny wouldn't be a part of that phase, "Sounds good Kenny. As always, keep an extremely tight lid on your work with me or any of our projects, alright?"

"Of course! Mr. Morgan wouldn't have it any other way. If I didn't, someone might find one of my legs on a beach somewhere. By the way, what are you guys doing tonight?"

Colt looked back to Evelyn, grinning. "Evelyn's free, but I've got a little bit of business to take care of."

Evelyn's mouth dropped open, her eyes became big. "No, I'm not free, I'll be with you Colt....he was just kidding, Kenny!"

Kenny pushed his long hair back, setting it over his shoulders. "Well if you guys change your mind, I still got one more night in this little paradise."

Colt put the two keys in one pocket, his wad of cash in the other. "That's cool bro, thanks for the offer. But we're gonna be somewhat busy if you know what I mean."

Kenny nodded. "Cool, well I'll see ya later guys."

Colt gave him a salute, much like the one Alden gave him one day before. Evelyn then darted to the back of the van, perusing the enlarged tablet. "Wow....is he backed up."

"Yeah, aren't all of us guys?" Colt replied.

She paused briefly with a smirk, staring at the tablet. "According to the tracker tile, Logan is still down by the beach."

Colt looked at his watch, reading the digital display at 12:29 P.M., his mind running various timing scenarios for the near future. "Logan's block has been really cooperative today; I like that kind of party! I think we should pull the trigger on this aspect of the assignment....right after lunch, what do ya say?"

Evelyn could feel her stomach churn with the mention of food. "I think that's a splendid idea mate. Let's fill up, and hopefully his location status hasn't changed afterward. Where's a good place to eat in this lovely town?"

Colt remembered their van being used too much during the assignment without a switch, a common mistake among newbies, not veterans. "I gotta call dirty Kenny again and have him either meet us for lunch, or swap out the vans at the restaurant."

"Yeah, probably just trade out the vans, at the restaurant," she then replied.

One hour later, both Colt and Evelyn found themselves in the black van Kenny had been using, staring at Logan's vehicle from a distance. Evelyn promptly removed herself from the passenger's seat, making for the mobile nerve center in the rear. "Here's an update, our frame has moved since lunch."

"Oh yeah, where's he at?"

Evelyn traced her index finger along the expansive screen. "I had him directly southeast of us before lunch; it's directly southwest now. He's near San Marco High School. Much closer to us than when he was at the beach."

"What's your distance approximation?"

"Last time near the beach, I had him at between seven and ten miles. Now, I've got him between three and six miles. As we speak, exactly 5.3 miles from his front door.

Colt joined Evelyn in the back, stripping down to his underwear once again. "It seems Logan's been having a little trouble with his electricity as of late. He must have called his trusty local electrician, and here I am to take care of his problem."

Evelyn paused while staring at Colt put on overalls that read Current Electrical in big red letters on the back. "You look legit, Mr. Davis. I suppose that's what that black roll of raw electrical line was for?"

"Very good, Evie. Now, I'm gonna head up to that crib in a minute here. I've got the keys, gloves on, my custom duffel bag that reads Current Electrical with all my shit inside....is there anything else that I need?"

"Yeah, put on your 'stash and your hair net, change your hat to the New York Yankees here....that's nice and dark. Take your firearm and put it against your body," she continued. Colt could feel her hand stuff the gun in the shirt holster against his left ribs, her hand drifting across his frame thereafter.

He then looked at the large tablet marking Logan's vehicle, in comparison to the last seen high school location. "He's moved about a half mile this way; keep tabs Evie! I'm gonna be wearing my technology watch for you to have a live feed with me, and also my regular one. Be ready for anything! I'm gonna try to get in and out as soon as possible."

She swept the immediate area with the binoculars, seeing the neighbor across the street from Logan's exiting the driveway, and then driving away. "Street looks clean, Colt, are you ready?"

"Yeah, let's get this done." He then looked at his watch, marking the time at exactly 1:43 P.M. "Alright, wish me luck Evie....I'm heading in."

"Good luck Colt, I'll be on my toes in here for you."

Colt slowly opened the sliding door on the van, shifting his eyes behind the black wraparound sunglasses. With the radio tucked in and the earpiece in his left ear, he turned back. "Let's go with channel Z again Evie."

"Roger," she replied.

He felt his feet touch the ground, a step that had a degree of uncertainty, unlike many he'd felt in his career. "You got a read, Evie?"

"10-4, I'm sweeping the area again, nothing to make note of," she said.

"Go ahead and hyper focus on the windows that can see me."

She diligently worked the binoculars over each window that was visually available, seeing no activity behind any, "Nothing. You're right, this street has been cooperative. Just keep moving forward."

He crossed the street, making a direct beeline toward the very front yard he walked through earlier that day, "Where we at," he resumed, "on the frame's whereabouts?"

Evelyn glanced back at the screen, seeing his vehicle in virtually the same location that Colt marked minutes earlier. "He hasn't moved, you're clear on this end."

Colt then entered the front yard, holding his duffel bag in his left hand and the roll of raw electrical cord over his right shoulder. He then briskly made for the back, reaching in the overalls pocket for the two keys Kenny had made. "Alright, I'm unlocking the handle.....and now I've got the dead bolt with the other key. I'm technically in, stand by." Before passing the door frame, he instantly had flashes of Alden in London being attacked by a protective Rottweiler in the dark. He drew his sidearm, immediately taking the safety off and now smelling foul air run across his face.

In entering the darkened kitchen, he quickly took note of the conditions inside; the dishes strewn about, the garbage overflowing in the can. His hand instantly reached for a butcher block on the counter, noting that all the knives looked neatly within their respective slots. "I'm taking an inconspicuous blade from his butcher block."

"Roger, nothing on this end still; keep going," she replied.

Colt grabbed a knife from the rear end of the butcher block; one that would be somewhat difficult in detecting its vacancy from a frontal view. He quickly set it in his bag, scanning the immediate area and smelling burned tobacco, but unable to locate its source.

Seconds later, he pulled up a dirty looking t-shirt on the kitchen counter, spotting the cigarette butts in a copper ashtray underneath. "I pulled a couple cigarettes. I'm now heading into the bathroom." He heard no response, but kept his focus as he proceeded into the musty room. His eyes briefly looked out the window, spotting the black van Evelyn was in down the street. With efficiency he checked the disorganized sink area, his eyes squinting in the sparse light. Moments later, he pulled up an old-looking hair brush, filled with what looked to be two different hair colors, "Evelyn, you there?"

"I'm here."

"What was his hair color this morning was it black or brown?"

She briefly exhaled before responding. "I think he had black hair. But remember, you were watching, I had my head turned."

Colt used the tweezers to pull a generous amount of both colored hairs, still somewhat uncertain of how dark the man's head really was that morning. After tilting his sunglasses up, he scanned the main level for bedrooms, only to spot one filled knee-high with random items. Within himself, the environment felt weird and bizarre, as if there was something of significance inside the home; what though, he couldn't readily determine.

Briskly he made for the darkened stairway that lead downward, cold air at the top. With each step on creaky wood, the intermixing of various colored lights became more visually evident. He drew his pistol again, pointing it directly ahead and feeling his stomach start to spin. Just then, he spotted the sheen of reptile skin slithering along the floor. His mouth opened, eyes widened as the massive snake moved about the basement with ease. "Oh fuck, Evie!"

"What?"

He then stepped onto the floor, noticing the snake's head was nearly 15 feet away, tail somewhat close. "There's a huge snake down here! He's just cruising around like he's on patrol or something." Colt heard her gasp over the radio. "Are you there Evie?"

She promptly returned, "Yeah, I hate snakes....that's totally disgusting! Are you gonna kill it?"

"No, as long as he doesn't fuck with me....it's all good. I think he may have slithered out of his holding tank or something. I think it's a constrictor, by the size of him."

"Gross!"

Colt suddenly saw the snake turn back; his eyes looked to be eerily candescent in the medium light. He then spoke aloud. "Don't fucking come back here bitch, or I'll put a couple in you right now." The snake insidiously kept his head up, slowly starting for Colt at the foot of the stairs. In his racing mind, versions of what could transpire suddenly flashed. The brown snake looked to be approaching in slow motion, its body over 10 feet long.

Colt kept the gun pointed directly at his head, unable to see anything he could use to subdue the aggressive animal. He slowly backed up the stairs, now seeing his head and flickering tongue approach the bottom. His left gloved hand clasped the hand rail, assisting his methodical ascent to the top.

As the ominous snake crept up the stairs, he suddenly left the doorway, wrapping around into the kitchen. He instinctively hopped onto the counter, watching the elongated reptile turn the corner, now stalking his every movement. Without moving a muscle, he watched the snake pause, sniffing the air with its fork shaped tongue before slowly moving into the living room.

Through breaths of panic and disgust, he watched the body finish around the corner, its tail still dragging across the kitchen floor. His eyes then stared at the door at the top of the stairs, seeing the handle latch was in place. Seconds later he hopped to the linoleum floor below, wiped the counter where his feet were, and then darted for the door before closing it behind him.

"Are you there Colt?" Evelyn asked.

He paused after latching the door, listening as the snake made absolutely no noise before a slight tapping occurred on the wood behind the door. His heart started to race, with visions of the snake wrapping around his body after a vicious bite, swirling about his head. He spoke aloud softly, "You stay up there you creepy fuck!"

As he started his descent again, he could hear the snake's head continue to tap the flimsy wooden door. In the chilly basement, he proceeded to move about, scanning the rooms that were each illuminated with different colored lighting. "I'm here Evie. I just had to trap the snake upstairs."

"Wow, that's really nuts!"

"Yeah, if you hear me gasping, he got through the door. You'll have to come in and shoot the fucker!" From the corner of his eyes, he could see Logan's main bedroom. His eyes instantly saw pink lights bouncing off of a tiny disco ball above the bed. He swallowed, his upper lip naturally lifting up at the strange sight. In the corner was a horizontal row of mannequin heads, covered with outlandish colored wigs.

He scanned the walls, seeing graphic posters of people dead and animals eating each other. After grabbing the tweezers, he twisted the small magnification light, pulling some hairs off of the pillow, setting them in a separate baggy. "Wow Evie, this guy's really weird! I don't know what he's into, but it doesn't look good."

Her response was fragmented, broken in the middle of the transmission.

"What?" Colt asked.

"He's....off the GPS....screen," Evelyn replied, "I don't know what happened. I'm not tracking him anymore!"

Colt swallowed, staring at a poster of an anaconda snake consuming an alligator. "You've gotta be shittin' me! He's gone?"

"Yeah Colt! Last I saw his car was pointed in this direction. I tried to tell you, but I think our connection is bad down where you're at."

Colt inhaled, gripping the gun's handle tighter, searching the basement for the two windows he knew were there. After some seconds, he ran to the light of one window, a rectangle just large enough to allow his lean frame to pass through. For a moment, he stared at its precarious height, noticing the lock was securely fastened. "Did he come back on the screen Evie?"

"No! You have to hurry, I think he's coming!"

Colt quickly analyzed the space, spotting a chair in a dark corner and now seeing leather restraining straps affixed to the walls on either side. He watched his left hand grab the chair, with right hand holding the duffel bag tightly. Within a matter of seconds, he propped the chair under the window while quickly unlocking the handle.

After several futile attempts at pulling the window open, he noticed the frame was nailed shut. He abruptly spoke into the radio, "Launch the hummingbird Evelyn!" He could then feel his breaths now begin to hyperventilate.

"Roger. Hurry Colt, I see him right now! He's coming around the corner," she said, sounding frantic.

He immediately smashed the glass with the barrel of his gun, cleaning the edges of any shards, now fully panicking. He pushed the radio button, staring outside. "Did you launch the bird?"

"Yeah, he's racing for the driveway. Logan's getting out quickly Colt!"

"Max out his speed and get him up on Logan from behind. I'm gonna wiggle out of this window."

"He's at the front door, the bird is directly behind him....what do you want me to do?"

"Fire the first dart into the middle of his back. Do it now!"

Evelyn glanced down at the remote control in half speed, her breathing shallow with panic. She pushed the fire button and turned her eyes back to the screen affiliated with the drone. "It's a direct hit Colt, he's squirming around by the front door. Hurry up and get the fuck out!"

Colt double checked the window opening, hearing Logan yelling in pain around the front of the house. Seconds later he lifted himself up, trying to pull his left side onto the frame, with his body now half-way through. From behind, he heard the creaky basement door open, sending chills through his spine.

Just then, Logan's voice spoke in an eerie condescending fashion. "Get down there Samil it looks like we have a little intruder to deal with."

Colt fully wiggled his body out of the opening, nervously trying to shift the duffel bag to fit through sideways. After several seconds, he managed to partially pull up the bag, now seeing the snake and Logan looking up. In that moment of fear, Colt saw Logan grabbing the back end of the bag, tugging it back inside the basement. Colt immediately slammed the butt of the gun onto Logan's hand, looking for his own blood on the glass in the meantime.

"You're a daring little fuck!" Logan yelled.

Colt subsequently ripped the duffel bag away, setting his left hand onto the edge of the metal window well, trying to get to his feet.

Suddenly, he felt Logan grab his left wrist, forcefully pulling it into the basement. Colt pointed the handgun directly at his face. The moment instantly froze; with both their eyes briefly connecting before Logan managed to rip off the metal watch from Colt's wrist. As he arose, Colt glanced back in the window's opening.

Logan pulled back with the dangling metal watch in right hand, now showing a sinister smile.

Colt briskly hopped his wooden fence, seeing Evelyn now on the side of the house behind the driver's seat of the van.

"Get in, hurry up!" she shouted.

Colt ran across the street, entering the van as quickly as his body could move. "Go! Go!"

She slammed down on the accelerator. The virtually silent electric van began surging down the street in the middle of the afternoon. Evelyn turned, her eyes looking like saucers. "What the fuck was that Colt? I can't believe all that!"

Colt stared at his left wrist, seeing a small scratch on the surface of his skin the broken watch evidently left behind. "I don't know! The place was a freak show....like nothing I've ever seen. The guy's crazy Evelyn! He flashed this evil smile after he ripped my watch off."

"What? He tore off your metal watch?" she then asked.

"Yeah, he got it. I don't think it's gonna be a big deal. Just drive toward Baron's." Inside, he felt otherwise. In a stellar career of nearly thirteen years, never once had he left something behind, something that could potentially implicate him in some capacity.

Evelyn glanced over, seeing Colt's contemplation that she'd never seen before. His muted gaze through the windshield looked uncertain, at best; his steely eyes were fixed, with mouth slightly open. "Were you afraid for your life?"

Colt finally blinked, feeling his rage accelerate and seeing Logan's face in his mind. "You have no idea how bad I wanted to blast that evil smirk off his face! I was never afraid for my life, I just got caught up in the moment, his weirdness, the snake being upstairs, all that shit."

"Colt, I'm sorry it had to go down that way. At least he's got a little of that Brazilian wandering spider venom in him!"

He shook his head, wanting to laugh, but unable to. "How long before he pulled the dart from his back?"

"He ripped it out immediately. I aimed it directly into the center of his back, but he still managed to get it with his hand. I don't know how much he got in his system, but it probably bought you a couple more seconds."

Colt scanned both of his arms before looking at his knees, then his feet. "No blood. That's something I can take away from this, especially with all that broken glass."

"That's definitely a good thing! That means no DNA left behind, Colt. We've got to come away from that with some degree of positivity, you know?"

He genuinely considered those words for a time, knowing she was only trying to mitigate the severity of the situation with an optimistic outlook. "Yeah," he replied, "I hear ya. Every time something goes wrong in this crazy career, I usually try to elevate my focus, try to rise to the occasion. He was trying to test my patience, even when the gun was pointed directly at his ugly face."

"Well, maybe his freaky snake is licking his uncontrollable hard on, 'bout now!"

Colt then mustered a smile, then a laugh. "I love working with you, Evie! You can keep the show going, even if it's partially burning down."

She looked at him for a moment, appearing flattered, "I've got to keep it somewhat light, Colt. It's already such an intense lifestyle as it is. If I didn't, I would have probably quit years ago and become a housewife like Jesse and Amanda."

Colt looked at her with semi-serious eyes.

"Amanda's not your wife," she said, correcting herself. "I'm sorry, Colt. But you know what I mean about my career and the craziness that comes with it?"

He knew she meant well. Her comment about Amanda being a housewife was purely innocent at least that's what he wanted to believe. "The bird," he resumed, "did you get him back in the van?"

"Yeah, it's a fabulous piece of machinery! It's fast, accurate, and the camera is clear as a bell. I couldn't have asked for anything more, Colt."

He carefully examined his thoughts, trying to determine what the next direction should be in their conversation. "Here's the million dollar question Evie."

Her face suddenly turned pale, almost scared, "Yeah?"

"What happened on the GPS screen?"

She swallowed, trying to search her mind for an appropriate answer. "I have no idea. Honestly, I've never seen anything like that before. Maybe the tracker fell off or maybe...."

"Maybe what?" he interrupted.

She stopped talking for a moment; the electricity in the air was at an all-time high. "Maybe," she resumed, "he found it."

Colt knew the trackers they used were the most technologically advanced anywhere in the world. The only way to shut them off once turned on, is to know the three digit code, or else destroy them somehow. "I see it as one of three things," he continued, "the battery went out, he destroyed the son of a bitch in some way, or he somehow guessed on the code to disable its satellite beacon emission. The battery dying theory doesn't wash, as they're tested to hold up to 14 days, minimum. Destroying it is a possibility, but you can run these things over with a semi-truck and they still work. So I'm leaning on him guessing on the code to disable it, but that's also very improbable."

The van went silent for a minute. Colt then looked back at the tracking screen, only seeing Baron's vehicle parked near his office with no other trackers identified.

Evelyn's face then looked to be in a trance, staring at the road with eyes not blinking. "He abruptly came back to the house Colt he rushed up to the door....Why?"

Colt dried his throat with a slow, deliberate swallow. "I don't know, perhaps it's all explainable somehow; maybe coincidence. Maybe he was coming home and had to take an epic shit or something! I don't know. I can't think about it anymore. We have a job to finish, and finishing is what's going down now!"

Evelyn pulled her eyes from the road, seeing Colt look back with an intense blue gaze. The same fierce competitor she had seen twelve years earlier in the Virgin Islands. A man who had the innate ability to overcome adversity in the midst of any storm he encountered; the same man who took more ranking points than anyone, a landslide win that pummeled Alden's second place finish. "Alright Colt," she said with more confidence, "let's get it all finished up."

He licked his lips, turning his head back to the road, scanning his brain for their next intricate move.

Evelyn then pulled the van to a different location than the previous day, parking it 80 yards from Baron's front door. She turned to Colt, trying to absorb his demeanor. "We got this. Let's just lay out a rough list of highlighted moves we need to accomplish."

He exhaled, trying to put the craziness of the last event behind him. "I think I got what I needed from the Logan's house. I'm just glad we don't have to do any replants. He's so tipped off right now....he'd probably have some exotic traps set up and then videotape Samil constricting me to death."

"Samil?" she asked.

"Yeah, that's his muscular snake who polices the house when he's gone. He's probably got a lot more shit up in there that I could have found, had those two not mucked everything up for me. Be that as it may, I've got one of his knives, his hair, and a cigarette butt. It's somewhat scant, but enough to frame him up like a Picasso painting. And I guarantee you, this motherfucker won't weigh down on my conscience, I can assure you of that!"

Evelyn typed in the name Samil into her tablet, looking up. "It says on the internet that the name Samil is a form of Samael, in Hebrew. The name is associated with the angel of death....the venom of God. It also says that from some amoraic period and onward, it's been the major name for Satan in Judaism. Wow, there's something up with that dude, and that fuckin' snake!"

"Yeah you're right, but let's just focus on Baron here." His eyes then partially closed, trying to envision the precise steps to take in regard to the attorney. He then looked at the van's clock reading 2:58 P.M. "Let's hope that interceptor worked. If so, I think I can get into the house through the garage. I'll bring my alarm-disabling tools with, just in case. This fence jump has to be flawless! What I mean by that, is there cannot be any eyeballs on me, Evelyn, none whatsoever!"

She felt her pulse rise, knowing that he needed her visual cover to be perfect. "Do you want me to get real proactive?"

"What do you mean?"

She glanced back at the animal drones in the rear. "Well, the hummingbird has a zoom, right?"

He nodded, "Yeah, I'm following you. You think snooping around some direct vantage point windows with the bird would help?"

"Yeah," she replied with a smile.

He wondered what the risk of using the robotic drone in that capacity would be; would a neighboring person who was home, spot the animal for what it was; could it jeopardize the entire operation, this far into it? He turned back, seeing her await his thoughtful response. "Alright, launch him right now. But don't run him by every window around the house, just what's pointing towards that small tree by the fence."

She immediately left the driver's seat before grabbing the handy bird and remote from the floor. "I'm letting him go now. I'll run him over to the house, directly across the street from Baron's and then I'll have him hit both neighbors on either side."

Colt joined her in the back of the van, holding his breath as they both watched the bird's camera view from the oversized tablet.

After several efficient minutes of peering, she returned the bird to the back of the van, quietly landing it in her left hand. "Well, one of the neighbors is home. But she looked really old, and she was reading in her living room. What do ya think?"

Colt pondered everything for a moment. "We both know what window it is, what you need to do is put the bird up to that particular window less than thirty seconds before I head out. Then verify she's nowhere in the vicinity, bring him back quickly and then start sweeping with the binoculars."

"Got it, are you ready to head out?"

He collected himself, touching the fake mustache, looking at his latex gloves, and making certain his hair-net was still in place. "Yeah, I'm ready I just need to remember to put on these surgical shoe covers before I get into the house. Let's do it....re-launch the bird."

Evelyn let the bird go at the back of the van then quickly sat back in her chair in front of the large screen. Colt could feel his breathing slightly increase, a nervousness he'd always felt before entering someone's property. With a gentle ease, she ran the bird back up along the stucco siding. She then controlled it to peek over the window ledge, allowing the camera to zoom in on the elderly woman who was sitting in the same chair as before.

They both then looked at each other, with confirming eyes. "I'm out," Colt said, "put your radio channel to Y this time."

She nodded, watching him nonchalantly exit the sliding door. "Good luck Colt."

He turned back, seeing her maternal gaze. "Thanks. It'll be fine Evie, just go ahead and start the sweep." He casually exited, closing the door as quietly as possible behind him. As he strolled away from the vehicle, he crossed the street, walking directly towards the small tree near the fence. He clicked the radio transmission button. "What do ya got?"

Moments later she replied, "Looks great, nothing to speak of."

"Can I jump?"

She did one last scan, sweeping almost completely around the interior of the van. "Go!"

He felt his heart pound, just before he efficiently pulled himself over the top of the fence. With pure stealth, he hugged the cedar siding once again, keeping the duffel bag directly in front of his body and making himself as thin as possible. After several moments of dodging the property cameras, he arrived at the front left corner of the garage. Knowing he was now exposed to the street, he quickly shimmied against the garage door, locating the interception device. "I've got the interceptor," he whispered.

"Good, pull it off and check it."

He removed the unit from the siding and then peeled away the adhesive thereafter. He then depressed the black button on the back, watching the bottom of the garage door start to lift. In a clandestine fashion he crouched down, walking under the rising door. Immediately, he hit the button again after pulling the duffel bag through, now seeing the door promptly close. Inside the dark garage, he pushed the radio button again. "I'm in. Just be my eyes out there....don't snooze on me girl!"

"It's all good, everything is good out here. I'm gonna drive around the block a couple of times in a minute here or so....just get in the house."

He turned, looking at the very door that could determine the outcome of how Baron was dealt with. As he approached, he thought of interior cameras, knowing there always was the possibility of cameras with people of wealth. His eyes shifted down to his hand, watching it grip the door and then turn the handle with ease. With sunglasses still on, he stood inside the house, looking around silently. After several moments of attempting to detect anything audible, he walked into the high-end living room, seeing the same painting that was hanging in his own home.

The moment felt surreal, the tug inside was on again. He couldn't help but wonder who would prevail?

Three lengthy hours later, Evelyn came in on the radio. "He's pulling into the driveway, you all set up?"

Colt looked to each of his sides in the darkened closet, seeing ties and shirts hanging from the wooden pole just above his crouched head. "Yeah, I'm ready." He then dug into the duffel bag, pulling the knife he took from Logan's butcher block only hours earlier.

Suddenly, Porter Trautmen's face was staring back at him inside his mind's eye. It was an image he'd had with every subsequent assignment, just before committing the final heinous act. Moments later, the small garage door opened to the lonely footsteps of a divorced man. He exhaled through his empathy, tears slightly filling his eyes.

Baron's footsteps made it down the hall and softened when he hit his bedroom's plush carpeting. Colt pulled in a long deep breath, holding it for a moment. Baron then stood at the edge of his bed, facing the other direction while undoing his tie. Colt started moving along the edge of the closet door, placing the knife behind his back with his right hand.

As with all of the other murders for hire, to Colt the time started elapsing in a fractured capacity. Baron's silhouette then became bigger in quarter time, his body appearing somewhat blurry from his own mind trying to become so hyper-focused. A split second later Baron turned, shocked at the sight of Colt's knife now raised above his head.

After quickly locating the middle of his chest, Colt sunk Logan's knife deep into Baron's torso, closing his eyes right before penetrating. The shocked man drifted backwards, hitting the bed like a massive tree just cut in an empty forest. Colt could only stare the other way for the moment, catching his reflection in a large dresser mirror.

For a second, Colt watched himself, a disguised man extracting blood-soaked cash from unsuspecting victims, slowly killing himself with every evil act. His eyes could see his own head shake, feeling repulsed with himself. Baron then gasped. "Who......are you?"

Colt turned back with a guilty conscience. "I'm sorry man, I truly am. Don't worry about who I am....I'm the devil as far as you know, maybe as far as I know, as well."

Baron stared into Colt's sunglasses before affixing his dying eyes to the ceiling. Colt immediately lifted up the duffel bag, pulling out the exact hairs he had plucked from Logan's pillow, setting both in Baron's right hand. With a lighter flame, he singed the end of Logan's cigarette butt, blew it out and then carefully set it on the dresser.

#  Chapter 16

At 7:20 A.M., Colt looked into his daughter's brown eyes, both of them bent over in a basketball three-point stance. "Take it left," he said.

Taylor looked at Eric in the driveway, whose eyes were peeking around his mother's waist before getting in front of her to potentially receive a pass. "Taylor! Taylor!" he yelled. She held the basketball up in the crisp air, her eyes searching for the least resistant path to the basketball rim.

Amanda looked at Colt for a second, just as Taylor took her father's advice and dribbled with her left hand, driving to the basket with youthful speed. After Colt watched her easily score, he absorbed her emotionally give Eric a high five, both children now smiling. Taylor looked at her parents, her face yielding an expression of appreciation and gratitude; the same thankful look they'd always admired in their first child; a child they both shared at such a young age themselves.

Colt looked over to Eric before placing his arm around his neck. "She's good huh?"

"Yeah Dad, probably better than you!" Eric replied.

Colt looked at Amanda once again, noticing her pointing to her wristwatch. "Well kids," he said calmly, "let's head down to the bus stop and get you guys off to school for the day."

Both children looked somewhat winded, and then showed a look of despondence afterward. Taylor walked up to her father, grabbing his right hand before looking back at Eric and her mother. "C'mon slow pokes, it's a pretty morning!" Colt said. All four then strolled down the lone road that led to the mountain community bus stop.

Colt watched Eric hold his sister's and mother's hands. With all four now holding hands, that same family bond he'd always envisioned was especially evident on that cool September morning. Despite the evil that had already been committed, the feeling of togetherness was worth more than the price of guilt that clamored to enter his heart on an hourly basis.

Taylor then looked about the canyon, staring towards the valley below. "Can I ask you guys something?"

Colt looked at Amanda briefly, seeing the bus stop off in the distance. "Yeah," he replied with a grin.

"Well, you know when a girl says that I'm her best friend, and then posts stuff on the internet about another girl being her best friend? Would that be a bad person to consider a BFF?" Taylor asked.

Amanda glanced at Taylor, her motherly eyes sparkling in the morning sunlight. "Are you talking about Molly?" Amanda asked.

Taylor started to swing her father's and brother's arms, showing a slight tinge of anxiety, "Yeah."

Colt responded, "Well, it depends on what you would consider a best friend. I know you personally would like exclusivity, without her claiming to have more than one. But that's the nature of certain people they feel that they can have more than one person labeled as their best friend. It's sort of all in the eye of the beholder, you being the beholder, Taylor."

Colt again glanced into her face, seeing his child's expression vent a degree of angst, one that didn't sit well. "If she doesn't fit the bill of what you would want in a best friend Taylor, then I wouldn't consider her as such. However, if you're O.K. with her having more than just you, than by all means keep her as your best friend. But I know, and your mom knows, that you would like her to be exclusive and that's old school....much like the way your mom and I grew up....we just want you to be happy, both of you kids. We know one thing you've got a gift when the basketball's in your hand! Let's just think about perfecting that move, and of course, school. All the other stuff will sort itself out. Just don't fret about your relationship with Molly or any of the other kids you're friends with. It's your life: you dictate the boundaries, the reasonable conditions that you're comfortable with, and the kids that are receptive to that sort of arrangement; those are the kids will ultimately be your true friends."

Taylor looked at her father, knowing that his straightforward nature was what she gravitated to. To her, he was a sensible man who had the power to inject a degree of logic into the conversation, always leaving her with food for thought. "Thanks, Dad. I'll take your outlook and just let whatever happens....happen."

The hood of the yellow bus then peeked over the descending hill below, stopping at its designated spot, four minutes early. Colt kissed Eric's head and then hugged Taylor. "Have a good day kids, I love you guys." Amanda proceeded to hug both children who were smiling as they walked up the three steps that met the driver.

Both parents then waved at the half-filled bus as it proceeded around the inclined slope, making for the other side of the mountain. Inside, Colt knew those mornings were unique, a small snippet of what life could provide; a refreshing respite from the intensity associated with his covert career.

Amanda then interlocked her left fingers with his right, sensing a trace of apprehension; energy that was similar to what he developed prior to another assignment. "So, I briefly overheard you talking to Alden last night, is something swirling in the air?"

Colt knew her intuitions were extremely accurate, almost to a fault at times. He looked at the same valley Taylor did, minutes earlier. "Yeah, the guys are going back-to-back on big boy assignments. After the Iran job, they're wanting to immerse themselves in one even bigger, and I'm needed to service the assignment."

Amanda stared at the asphalt then stopped their stroll, sensing a reluctance to disclose specifics again in Colt. "What are we talking about here?"

From his conversations with Alden the night before, he didn't want to get into a large degree of detail, at least not at that point. "Let's just say it will more than likely be the biggest job of all of our careers." He then paused to exhale before resuming. "Honey....it's in Mexico."

"No....no Colt! I don't want you to go to Mexico....it's so fucking violent!" she responded, appearing frightened.

Colt then paused, looking at the basketball net in the driveway.

She kept looking at him, continuing, "I know why they want you there...we've got such a beautiful thing here though, Colt. Do you want to jeopardize everything with an assignment regarding the cartels? God dammit Colt! We've talked before about passing on anything to do with those! You're not gonna take it, are you?"

He took a deep breath and felt as though his lungs would never fill. "I know we've spoke about passing on these before. But they've got two American journalists! And the cartel we're targeting is the one primarily responsible for feeding southern California all the major drugs. All the guys are on board to put a dent in that infiltration around here. Think about the kids, all the drugs they'll potentially come in contact with in the future. If we do something significant to that California corridor route that this cartel utilizes....there's gonna be a lot less drugs in this particular area. We want to do something to change things, Amanda. Plus, they've kidnapped Americans, amongst several others....there's many lives at stake here!"

"Yeah....yours!" she replied sternly.

Colt considered her for a time, knowing she was right, and that she only had the best interests of their beautiful family at heart. "I know all of the risks. It's the biggest pay day we'll probably ever be affiliated with. It's sponsored by at least three countries, and what they're offering to each in our unit is nothing short of staggering."

Amanda pulled his hand down the cobblestone walkway that led to their backyard. "I can't imagine life without you Colt! I don't know how I could function....that's not even mentioning the kids. You know that the Mexican cartels are like criminal governments, not just illicit operations right?"

Colt sat at the edge of the hot tub, staring at the Los Angeles skyline that showed the start of another busy day in Southern California. "Yeah, I know what these guys do. What they're capable of and how they have immense power....not only in Mexico, but the entire world. However, we wouldn't be summoned as one of the most elite groups on the planet if those countries involved didn't think we could do the job they're asking of us."

Amanda touched his arm, sliding down to his hand. "What's the payout Colt?"

He could hear Alden's excited voice on the phone the night earlier, reminding him of a silly little boy. "According to Jack, everyone is to receive a sum of six million each. Everyone except he and I. that is."

She looked at the skyline, noticing the sun start to illuminate the shiny buildings in the distance. "The entire package is around sixty six million," he resumed, "of that, Jack and I are to split eighteen million of it. We'd be designated as the commanders, basically in charge of every aspect."

"So, you're saying that you would receive nine million dollars, Colt?" Amanda asked, incredulous.

He replied, "Essentially, yes, but the payment would be prorated, especially if we couldn't complete all of it for some reason."

She shook her head slightly, envisioning what an additional nine million dollars could mean to their family. "This is some very high-risk money to try and earn. They're ruthless, Colt! There is so much media coverage out there telling the very same story. It's you guys bathing in blood, and lots of it!"

He could see their ten man unit in his head. All were as experienced as any other in the world, but better, more efficient. "It's major, but I'm in! I told Alden to tell Jack last night. You know that when I give my word, I'm gonna follow through. I'm truly sorry Amanda, if that pisses you off or will to keep you up worrying. The fact is, the guys need me! And the people who've been kidnapped need me also. That may sound careless or crass, but it's the truth, and there's a lot of money at stake for us."

She slowly drifted her eyes across the horizon, feeling the subtle breeze skim across her cheeks, "Alright....alright Colt. But promise me this is going to be as precise as Colt Davis can operate! Even more, if that's possible."

He pulled her shoulders into his, feeling her body tremble with fear. "Baby, I'm going to be as methodical about this as anything I've ever done, I promise you that. Let's just keep a positive attitude and let our team do the job we were hired to do."

Her head tilted down to his shoulder, both staring at natural focal points in the valley below. In those moments of silence, Colt thought of Baron, a man who worked hard at defending his clients, being murdered for the sake of cash. _It wasn't fair_ , he thought. _He had every right as much as I did to live, but wasn't allowed to_.

The thoughts of ruining other peoples' lives to allow his to prosper, took every fiber of strength he had. The hardest part was trying to keep others he loved from drowning under an imaginary pool of water. After some more time of silent contemplation with Amanda he turned, touching her radiant skin. "I have a meeting on the yacht in a little bit with the guys. We have to iron out some critical details associated with this mission, to make certain everyone is fully on the same page, ya know?"

She nodded, swallowing. "I know....just know I'm here for you honey, and I always will be. Please don't take my apprehension as not having confidence in you. I guess I'm just trying to be conservative for you....for us!"

He pushed his lips together, seeing her point entirely. "I know. I just want to thank you for being such a supportive wi....girlfriend all these years. I don't think I could have done all this without you."

Her eyes turned to his, fully fixed. "Did you almost just say wife?"

He found he did not know how to respond to such a short, yet powerful question. "Yeah, I did. I'm sorry."

He could see her eyes well up, before turning the other direction. "No....don't be sorry. It's O.K. Colt....maybe someday."

His eyes then started to flood with tears, knowing it was a thought she held dear, a notion that ran through her mind on a daily basis. "Yeah, maybe one of these days honey....I gotta go, I love you." He rose to his feet, pulling her up with her left hand before embracing her.

Two hours later, he watched Alden from a small transport boat. They were headed for the company yacht, just three miles out from Marina Del Ray.

"And do you want to know how we capped that last scientist?" Alden yelled over the motor.

Colt smiled, shaking his head, "How?"

"Pussy! Even the most hidden of men can't resist a piece of tail....especially when it's right in front of their eyes. We just used his own desires as a regular guy, and exploited them against him."

Colt glanced at Jack and Boden, flashing an impressed grin. "No shit? That's an old trick Alden....testosterone travels from the testes directly to the male brain. It's a massively powerful hormone created for the sole purpose of continuing life. But you fuckers took away his ability to procreate before being killed. What a sick irony! But clever, very clever indeed."

Jack caught Colt's eyes, pulling up his sunglasses. "I haven't had a chance to thank you for that favor up in Santa Barbara....good work man!"

Colt turned away from the salty spray that generously drifted across his face. "Yeah, it was interesting to say the least. But Evelyn is really fun to work with and she was integral part in getting me through that one."

Boden twisted his chair towards Colt, showing interest. "Yeah, I've been keeping tabs on that one. It looks like it's getting to be a real interesting case!"

Colt nodded and then looked around, watching their boat drift up to the back of the yacht. After boarding and hugging the captain, he made for the top deck, needing some time to be alone. Upstairs, he pushed the button on his watch that read Jack.

"Yeah Colt," Jack answered.

"I'm gonna be down in a couple, I just have to catch up on some reading up here."

"No problem, I'll just tell a story or two, before you get down here."

"Thanks buddy." Colt then touched the thick square that fit perfectly in his breast pocket, pondering the Santa Barbara assignment he and Evelyn finished nearly two months earlier. After a deep breath, he unfolded the tablet twelve times, typing Logan Drake into the search engine's toolbar. He then hit the first link near the top of the results, reading 'Drake Charged with Phelps Murder, Awaits Trial'.

Colt sighed, seeing a picture of Logan Drake standing in a courtroom with hands behind his back. He then continued reading the article. "After an intense investigation into the murder of prominent defense attorney Baron Phelps, the Santa Barbara police have charged Logan Drake with his brutal slaying. When asked what cracked the case, Chief Thompson elaborated in an exclusive interview. "It seems as though Baron Phelps and Mr. Logan Drake had a prior incident, one that became physical at a local Santa Barbara drinking establishment, just prior to his untimely death. When you couple the forensic evidence found at the crime scene with his DNA attached, we think we have a very strong case for a conviction here. We're presuming we have the right guy, unless our lead prosecutor tells us otherwise. Ultimately, we're happy with the results of the finished investigation."

Colts eyes then shifted to the middle of the article, squinting in the harsh sunlight. "From anonymous sources in the Santa Barbara police department, the detectives also have made a connection with the murder weapon used, indicating it belonged to Logan Drake. According to Mr. Drake's attorney, he's claiming his client was framed in an elaborate scheme, one to profit from the murder of Baron Phelps. In addition, he is citing an intruder broke into Mr. Drake's residence, a break-in he had apparently reported one day after the murder was committed. While not a solid defense, being as though it was after the fact, they are also working on technical aspects of the case. Technical aspects that can disprove Mr. Drakes involvement and eventually exonerate his client. Until his court date, which has now been pushed back to five months from this article, he won't be able to prove his innocence in a court of law."

Colt then shifted his eyes to the ocean, pushing his amber colored sunglasses in tighter to his face. After exhaling, he whispered aloud. "Well Logan, it appears you and your menacing snake are gonna have some time to think about this. Good luck on your exoneration. Maybe they'll let you and your pet snake have a cell together and be the little love birds that you know you are."

On his wrist, a slight vibration then quivered underneath his tech watch. He immediately stood, knowing who it was before even looking. He then touched the send button. "I'll be right down Jack," he said, while scurrying down the spiral steps to the main deck below. As he approached the meeting room's oak door, he shoved the vision of Logan Drake deep into the back of his mind.

Inside, Colt could see all the men's eyes shift over to him briefly, Jack then directed them to finally sit down. Jack touched his watch, standing silently. "Yeah guys, we're gonna start now....let's organize."

Colt promptly sat in the front row between Alden and Boden, looking up to Jack. "If you need me, let me know. I'm ready for whatever you need."

Jack nodded, grinning through a look of anxiousness. "Yes, I'll let you know." Just then, Mr. Morgan walked through the doors with three unknown men trailing him. As he turned, he looked down at Colt, Alden, and Boden before addressing the other seven men. "As many of you fellas know, we are about to embark on one of the most lucrative assignments our company has ever had the luxury of being associated with. With large sums of money, comes large sums of risk....as I'm sure all of you are well aware. So without further ado, I'm going to turn it over to Jack and Colt and let the guys get into it further." Colt then stood, shaking Mr. Morgan's hand, glancing at Jack shortly thereafter.

"Well guys," Jack resumed, "we aren't the only group going into Mexico....we are part of an allied effort among several countries, to not only rescue several innocent individuals, but attempt to neutralize the transporting of illicit drugs into the southwestern U.S. From a specific standpoint; the Baja and Tijuana-based cartels will be our exclusive territory and focus. Now, aside from this being primarily a rescue mission, we need to take out certain high-ranking figures within these organizations. The two main leaders are Anibal Pacharo and his brother Pedro Pacharo. The secondary leaders we need to dispose of are Alejandro Delgado and Cain Loyola. These men are said to have facilitated the kidnapping and torture of the people on our current rescue list. That list includes Julia Norman and Garrett Mastel, both American print reporters who were kidnapped nearly seven days ago. The others include a high-ranking police official, along with two prominent politicians....all from the Tijuana area. That's five boys, and the blood that going to be spilled to fix this, might be a lot. Let's just hope it's none of ours or anyone on our rescue list."

Mr. Morgan then gently tapped Jack's shoulder, whispering in his ear. Jack nodded, stepped away from the podium, and allowed Mr. Morgan the floor. He then looked down at his notes and to the three men who accompanied him into the room. "I want to introduce our medical staff we have contracted to be a part of this all-important assignment. All the men are world renowned surgeons and diagnostic physicians in their respective fields. So what does this mean for our unit? Well, aside from taking the protection provisions such as bullet proof vests and Kevlar helmets....we will need to protect ourselves under worse-case scenarios. These three surgeons will be able to operate under field conditions, stabilize you, and allow you the proper time needed to get you to a safer place for further treatment."

Mr. Morgan continued, "Each man in our ten-man unit will have access to 20 pints of their own blood type, allowing for efficient transfusions if need be. The surgeons, the blood, and the 3D organ printing machine will be dispersed among two rescue helicopters....both strictly designated for medical support. Additionally, all of you will be fitted with a GPS tracking implant; one that the surgeons here today will place just behind your ear, hidden within your hair. There will be four supply crates that will be dropped in highly specific locations. From those points, we can gear up and start working from a tactical standpoint. Of the ten on the team, three guys will be assigned for sniper support, five will be on the ground, and Jack and Colt will be essentially running the show; completing various duties associated with finishing up. Even though we may be up against another elite enemy unit like ourselves, I highly doubt they're coming to the party with the same weaponry we have set aside for this assignment. With that being said, if we utilize the resources we have at our disposal, and at the right moments, we'll prevail and obtain the entire sixty six million cash. Our reputation is on the line again guys, so let's do this correctly and with maximum efficiency. Make sure you're all up on your Spanish. Good luck men, we're dispatching the unit tomorrow afternoon. Get all of your affairs in order; in the meantime, we'll see you back here on the boat in exactly 28 hours."

Colt then received Mr. Morgan's outstretched hand, tilting his ear to his approaching mouth. "You and Jack will do fine, Colt. Just keep the men highly focused on their tasks. We'll have Jesse and Evelyn back in California here as drone pilots in one of our command centers."

Colt pulled away from Mr. Morgan, nodding. "We'll get it done right, sir. I want to thank you again for the chance....to be on this assignment."

"Are you kidding, when Jack and I started putting this together, your name was the only one that came up; the only one who we wanted to run the operation. Thank you for your loyalty, we really appreciate your willingness to help out," Mr. Morgan replied.

Colt nodded, shaking his hand again before turning back to Alden. "Well, I guess we're pulling Jess out of retirement on this job, huh Alden?"

#  Chapter 17

Between the Coronado Islands and extreme northwest Mexico, Colt rappelled onto a surfacing narco sub. After looking up towards the hovering helicopter, he quickly waved for Alden and Boden to follow. As he shuffled to the front, his eyes instantly connected with the boat's captain, nearly twenty yards ahead. He then quickly depressed the radio's communications button, speaking in Spanish. "The hook is too far up, slow your pace and bring it back for me captain."

"10-4 sir, I'll slow it up," the captain replied.

Just then, Colt turned back, seeing Alden's foot and his automatic rifle pointing towards an opening hatch. At that moment, Colt could hear Amanda telling him of the dangers associated with cartels; that their ruthless acts are only intended to create profits, regardless of who stands in their way. A silver handgun then peeked over the edge. Alden immediately fired, squeezing off three rounds directly at the gun and then at the arm holding it.

Drowned out screams of pain followed thereafter intermixing with the intense rotor blades above, and engines running from the boat and sub. Colt tapped the radio after tuning into the special C channel designated for the new assignment. "Alden, you got a hit?"

Alden glanced down before approaching the hole at the top of the sub. "I capped his hand the gun is down there though."

Colt looked back, knowing he still had a job to finish with the boat ahead. "Boden, take the other side of the hole, shoot whatever you see!"

"Roger Colt," Boden replied.

Colt then placed his knees onto the front edge of the sub, identifying the tow hole at the front. His finger immediately tapped the radio again, resuming his connection with the captain. "You're about two feet up, give me a cunt hair of slack, Cappy!" The Mexican Naval captain slowed the motor down just enough to let the hook meet the tow hole. "Got it, stay the pace Captain!"

"Roger señor."

Colt reached his right hand into the Pacific, fighting with the passing seawater to guide the hook into place. After several moments of ineffectiveness, he dunked his head into the ocean and forced his eyes to see the exact position to set the hook. As he emerged from the burning salt water, he pushed up his right thumb before fully standing and looking back at Alden.

"He's gonna scuttle back down," Colt said on channel C, "throw three tear gas containers into the hole, guys."

Alden immediately pulled up his rifle, while Boden maintained his aggressive stance, looking poised to fire into the hole. Colt could then see Alden pointing to the pack strapped onto his back, unable to pull the containers. Within seconds, Colt was holding two tear gas containers. He instantly twisted the valves before throwing both into the tiny hatch on top of the sub.

"Boden," Colt said, "keep guard here on top of the sub until the gas dissipates; Alden and I are going to ascend. I'm giving you shoot-to-kill flexibility. After the smoke clears, enter the hole with caution, seal the hatch, and ride this son of a bitch in with Cappy, up ahead."

"10-4 Colt, I'll see you guys later today!" Boden said excitedly.

"You got it buddy, thank you man." Colt then looked at the helicopter pilot above, signaling with his hands for him to drop the ladder. As he watched Alden start up the ladder, he pressed the radio button again. "David."

"Yeah," David answered.

"Give Alden and I gun cover up there as we ascend up this ladder." Colt then looked up after his foot touched the third rung, seeing David Royal now pointing his rifle towards the sub's hatch from the helicopter's enlarged door opening.

About half way up, David suddenly fired off two rounds, with Boden coming in over the radio, "You got a hit, Dave! He was snooping around the hole with a gun."

Colt pulled his handgun, trying to finish the tense ascent, while keeping an eye on the sub hole below. As both men entered the helicopter, they looked at each other, their eyes widened behind clear safety goggles. Colt then tapped the pilot's shoulder. "Let's head off to the designated rendezvous point."

"10-4, we're heading out," the pilot shouted.

Colt sat next to Alden, noticing David still pointing his gun back toward the sub. "Sit down Dave, it's cool. Boden can hold his own down there....just relax for a bit."

David retracted the automatic rifle, looking somewhat flustered after shooting a man in the hole. "I killed that motherfucker!"

Colt pulled up his goggles and replaced them with sunglasses. "Yeah I know, there's probably at least three of them in there, maybe a lot more."

David replied, "I could see from up here, that the sub was full of coke. They didn't have that many men that could fit down in there."

Colt remarked, "No shit? It must have been a big score. We'll have to see if we get extra pay for that crazy maneuver." Both Alden and David smirked, knowing the abrupt side mission could potentially increase their payouts. Colt immediately pulled out his radio earpiece, replacing it with another that was attached to his tablet. He quickly called Jesse back in the southern California control center.

"Hey Colt," Jesse said, smiling.

Colt could suddenly see her face pull up in high definition with Alden scooting over to watch on. "Hi Jess. Do you have a report for me on the lower level guys, Alejandro and Cain?"

Jesse noticed Alden peeking in from Colt's side, then waved silently with a grin. "Yeah, we have confirmation via our vulcher drones, that both men have exited compound number 2 and have headed into Rosarito. Both birds are still following their pickup truck. I have them live on the camera feed right here."

Colt touched a button that read synch, and then received her live feed just seconds later. He had to squint to identify a shiny black pickup truck cruising south on Highway 1-D, while hugging the Pacific coastline. "This might be a bang-bang kind of deal here. Stand by, Jess, I'm gonna connect your GPS feed with our pilot's."

Moments later, Colt could see the pilot's helmet tilt over, nodding as his GPS screen was now synchronized with Jesse's. Without a second of hesitation, he placed a second earpiece into his other ear, tapping Alden's tablet for a connection with Jack. After touching the button that read Jack, he witnessed his face immediately appear on the screen.

"I'm on it Colt," Jack said, looking away briefly.

Colt looked over to Alden and David trying to formulate a plan inside. "How about you guys stage just north of Rosarito, and lay out the spike strips. Set some of the guys up for a snipe along the roadside while we descend in from the north. We'll provide support if they avoid the strip or start to open fire on you guys."

Jacks eyes enlarged, "Excellent plan, Colt. How far out are you guys?"

"We're about eight minutes from land, I've got everybody plugged in over here; they'll have no idea what hits them."

"Roger that Colt. Let's just try and dispatch these fools quickly, because they might get on phones or tablets and send out distress signals to the other cartel members."

"10-4, standby Jack," Colt answered as he stared down at the blue ocean for a moment, exhaling slowly while Alden started a conversation with Jesse. Within another compartment in his head, he thought of Boden standing alone on the narco sub, just as the helicopter flew away. He quickly displaced Jesse's connection, with the long-range radio earpiece. "Boden, you copy?"

"Yeah, you're coming in fuzzy, but I got your signal in here," Boden said.

"What's happening down there in the sub?"

"Well, I let the tear gas dissipate and then came down. I got one with a blown-out wrist from Alden's shot, and the other is dead from David's shot. The hatch is sealed and we're about three feet below the surface."

"Good deal, I'll dispatch another chopper to your location....he'll meet you where you guys eventually beach that bad boy!"

"Roger, talk to you later man," Colt said, while looking out the window and watching the helicopter surpass the rocky beach, now heading south over Highway 1-D. He then glanced over to Alden, still talking to Jesse on the tablet. "Get off, dude....we're about 2 miles north of these pendejos."

Alden smiled towards Jesse and abruptly grabbed his automatic rifle, right before tethering himself with a safety restraint belt.

Colt looked at the pilot pointing ahead, spotting the two robotic vulchers that were trailing Alejandro and Cain.

Alden placed a pair of high-powered field glasses on his face, turning back to Colt. "They've got armor all over that truck dude, it looks bomb proof!"

Colt shook his head, knowing the dangerous men wouldn't go down easy. He went on to tug on the binoculars Alden was holding. "Let me see, man." Colt then looked through the lenses, seeing Jack's team positioned exactly where they agreed on, nearly two miles to the south. He quickly picked up the tablet earpiece, directly linking to the drone pilots. "Evelyn."

Evelyn's head was then positioned next to Jesse's, with both women taking up the entire screen. "What caliber rounds do we have in the vulchers?"

"We have .44 caliber in one, and 9 millimeter in the other," Evelyn replied.

"Alright girls, let's see if these crazy bastards want to play with us."

Both women appeared anxious. "After they hit the spike strips," Colt resumed, "descend with the bird's way out in front of the truck and then U-turn their asses back towards their windshield. You're gonna have a snippet of about five to ten seconds to get off as many rounds as possible. Are you guys cool with that?"

"Yeah," Evelyn replied, smiling at Colt.

Suddenly the truck's rear brake lights illuminated, suspiciously stopping their vehicle 150 yards short of the spike strip. "Evelyn, Jess, start your descents now," Colt instructed. Both women peered at their oversized screens, navigating the birds out in front of the truck, and then turning both back in unison.

Meanwhile, Colt pulled up Jack on the tablet. "You got a visual on them Jack?"

"Oh yeah, the passenger's on the phone right now though, we have to get them as soon as possible!" Jack responded.

Colt tapped the pilot's arm and pointed down for a landing.

"We got off some shots Colt," Evelyn said abruptly.

Colt nodded to Alden and David as the helicopter started to make its descent along the edge of the highway.

Jack then came back on the tablet, eyes worried. "Colt, the girls discharged some rounds, but they must have bullet proof glass or something....none of the bullets passed through. We're taking on some fire now! Everyone get down!"

Colt, Alden, and David then immediately exited the landed chopper, each holding a bag of weapon assets while rushing for the cover of the ditch.

Colt pulled out a laser pen, shining the red beam onto the back of their tailgate, an unknown distance to the south. After some moments, he released the trigger, reading the distance at exactly 103 yards away. "Alden," he said, face looking serious, "hand me the grenade launcher, hurry!"

Alden pulled his eye away from the scope on his sniper rifle, grabbing the launcher from his bag.

Inside his mind, Colt could remember his training in the Virgin Islands, knowing the maximum distance each grenade launcher had under ideal conditions. He turned back to Alden and David, "Fire on the truck now, guys!" He then pointed the grenade launcher up at a 45 degree angle, with its site splitting the middle of the truck.

Seconds later, Colt's finger squeezed the trigger, with all three men pausing thereafter to see where the grenade would eventually land. Colt subsequently watched it bounce short, but eventually landing underneath the gas tank. In those brief two seconds, all three men glanced at each other in slow motion before turning back, witnessing the truck violently explode.

Colt quickly put the radio earpiece into his ear, looking behind him in a paranoid state. "Jack, you don't see those fuckers running around from your vantage point, do you?"

Jack paused, looking through the scope on his own rifle. "Nope, both went up in the explosion....you fired that didn't you?"

"10-4, we're heading out. I know their support team is en route, get out now!"

"Good deal, hover and cover, until we can get back to the base," Jack replied.

"Roger Jack, we'll be up there." All three men quickly jumped back into the helicopter while looking back at the traffic starting to pile up behind them. Colt glanced over at Alden, somewhat shocked. "Pull up Jess, and I'll pull up Evelyn. Get a read on where the Pacharo brothers are, and which compound they believe our kidnap victims are at."

Alden nodded before taking the tablet, and immediately sat next to Colt. While looking down at Jack, Colt pulled up Evelyn's face on the tablet, relaying to her, "we got both, keep the birds flying and spy the perimeter for anything fishy if you can."

"Gotcha Colt," Evelyn replied.

"Do you girls have a beat on the Pacharo brothers?"

"Yeah, we both believe they're currently at compound number 2, but not fully certain."

"What about our victims?"

She answered, "We both think they are there as well. That's because it's the biggest of the four and it's been receiving the most activity as of late."

Colt pointed out the window, noticing another black truck weaving in and out of traffic and speeding in Jack's general direction. "Stand by Evelyn," he told her. He then pulled up the radio earpiece, tapping Alden. "We've got cartel support heading your way, Jack! Immobilize your unit, and get your guys ready."

Jack answered, "Roger that Colt."

Colt then asked the pilot if he had heard that particular transmission; the pilot subsequently nodded, descending the aircraft gradually over the black truck that was now speeding much faster. Alden reached for the heavier artillery toward the back of the helicopter, pulling up the shoulder-fired rocket launcher.

Colt nodded, smiling. "That's what's up, my man. Run it the right way, partner."

Alden set his foot on the outside landing skid, leaning out of the aircraft slightly. As the pilot tipped the nose down to follow the speeding truck, he angled the aircraft slightly, trying to keep the rocket's aim away from the front of the helicopter. Moments later, Alden had the truck's bed in his sites, with finger poised on the trigger.

Colt was suddenly worried about Alden's position and radioed, "You have to get out more dude! The back of the rocket tube is going to explode in the cab here, keep everything outside."

"Roger Colt. Loosen up my tether, and then I can get out farther."

Colt quickly allowed for more slack in his safety restraint, noticing the pilot was now directly over the vehicle. "Pilot, please hover twenty feet above. Once he's there, fire Alden."

Alden looked over, flipping the switch cover and was now staring down the metal site line. Seconds later he pulled the trigger, directly hitting the cartel vehicle on the hood. The immediate explosion careened the truck into the guardrail, now fully engulfed in flames.

Colt pressed the radio trigger again. "Jack, you guys can approach the wreckage, finish them off if they're not dead!"

Jack replied, "Roger, great shot. I suppose you're gonna take credit for that one as well."

"Nope, Alden popped that cap, my good man."

"Excellent hit, over and out."

Later that night, the entire 10 man unit was set up around Club Monte Crista in the La Joya section of southwest Tijuana. With bullet-proof vests under their jackets, Colt, Alden, and Boden entered the club. Outside, David and the other six members of the team nonchalantly surrounded the perimeter.

Colt approached the bar, appearing relaxed. "Tres Dos Equis oscuro botellas, por favor señor."

The bartender glanced at Colt, smiling. "We speak English man....it's O.K. Your three beers will be right up!"

Jack placed the cash on the bar, leaning into Colt. "We've got intelligence that this is one of the main hangouts for the northern Baja-based cartel....ah, hold on guys." He then pushed his index finger against the hidden earpiece inside his right ear. "Jess and Evelyn have two new birds above a small convoy that's been heading in from compound number 2 for the last ten minutes," Jack relayed.

All three men casually grabbed their beers, scoped the packed dance club for any signs of cartel members.

Colt touched all of his weapons around his body, feeling the two handguns under his jacket, the four ninja stars in his inside pocket, and the two throwing knives inside a sheath on his right hip. He then looked over to Jack, seeing a suspicious looking man staring. "They know we're on to them; we took out the two medium level guys and two more later in the day. Let's just hope they didn't already kill the kidnap victims back at the compound, in retaliation."

Jack answered, "Yeah, I hear you. Just keep your eyes peeled; you may not want to blink."

Colt then heard Evelyn come in on the earpiece tucked into his left ear. "Colt, you've got part of the convoy arriving at the club right now, I'm counting about four so far. They're holding something; I don't know if it's a bomb or whatever, be careful!"

Suddenly, the club's front doors opened with all four cartel members entering the densely populated building. Colt tucked his hand inside his jacket after setting his beer on the bar. Two of the men dug into the black garbage bag they were holding, throwing out body parts towards the dance floor, and laughing at the same time.

Jack immediately pulled up his radio. "Dave, converge on the front door, we're gonna come in from the other side. Let them come out to the parking lot, don't shoot at us near the door though!"

"Roger Jack," David agreed. All three men then abruptly exited out the doors, just as the entire club gasped in horror at the sight of severed legs and arms strewn about the dance floor. Colt felt his anger well up inside. Near the door, Colt, Alden, and Jack pulled their pistols, now hearing shots being fired outside. Colt pulled up the radio. "Are we clear at the door Dave?"

"Clear, come out quick though!"

Colt led the exit, taking the safety off the gun; immediately seeing one cartel member staggering in the parking lot from multiple gunshot wounds. Colt suddenly identified one of the smug-looking men who participated in throwing the body parts, hiding behind the trunk of a car. In the midst of the mass exodus and the customer panic, Colt made eyes with Jack. "You see that fuck? I'm going to come around his back side....hide, and keep an eye on him!"

Jack nodded while Colt scurried around the cars, working his way to the rear of the man who was now brandishing a handgun.

David suddenly came over the radio. "We've killed three of the four, there's one still out here."

Colt kept sneaking around until he was positioned around the man's rear, slowly approaching him with a pointed gun. After several moments of walking on the balls of his feet, he came up on the unsuspecting cartel member, with gun pointed to the back of his head. "Drop the gun," he said in Spanish. The Mexican man didn't move, now feeling the barrel's cold metal touching the back of his head. "Drop the gun," Colt yelled again, pushing the barrel in harder.

The man looked up, seeing the entire unit now converging, with guns pointed. Colt then switched the gun to his left hand, ripping the man's gun away. In Spanish, he spoke, "Get the fuck on your feet we're taking a little ride!"

David then pulled up with one of their several vans used in the assignment. Colt gripped the back of the man's neck, shoving him towards the door that was now sliding open. Inside, Colt, Jack, Alden, and Boden surrounded the man, all pointing guns at his head.

Colt then continued to speak in Spanish to the man. "We have some questions for you....and if you're smart, you're gonna answer every one of them truthfully." The man looked up, with fear filling his brown eyes. "Yes," he muttered.

"What cartel are you affiliated with?" Colt asked.

"The northern Baja."

Colt looked to Jack, as he yielded a confirming nod. "Where are the Pachero brothers?"

The cartel member paused, looking outside the van's window. "I don't know."

Colt slammed the butt of the gun into the top of his right shoulder, again demanding, "Where are they?"

The younger looking man drew in a deep breath with fear and pain covering his face. "The Rio Chiquito Compound," he finally said.

Colt stood to open his tablet while Jack stuck the gun in the man's face. Moments later, Colt pointed to the number 2 compound Evelyn was referring to in their previous conversation. "Is this the place?" he asked the man.

The Mexican man's eyes shifted to the electronic tablet, reading the map Colt was pointing to. "Yes, the brothers are in there."

Colt glanced back up to Jack, both knowing what the next question should be. He could then see that David had successfully transported them into a rural desert area, just four miles from the compound. Colt pulled the man's chin up, seeing he was reluctant to answer any more questions. "Where are the American journalists?"

The man's vacant stare created an uneasy tension inside the van. He finally looked up after maintaining his gaze downward. "They're being held on the south side of The Rio Chiquito Compound, but they know what you guys did today....they might not be alive."

Colt looked at Alden, then Jack. "You know," he resumed with the man, "if you're telling me any lies, you'll be tortured beyond belief before we kill you?"

The man nodded, knowing his hours were potentially numbered. Jack looked to Colt, satisfied. "Let's set up around The Rio Chiquito Compound, it's the same confirmation the girls were trying to tell us earlier in the day."

Two hours later, the clock read 11:30 P.M. on Colt's wristwatch. After quickly staging around the perimeter of the compound, he felt a tap from Alden, who was staring through a night vision scope mounted on his sniper rifle. "Yeah man, what's up?" Colt asked.

Alden described, "There's around five guards that I've counted around the grounds, two more around the front door. What are you thinking man?"

Colt laid down on his belly, pulling a pair of night vision binoculars from his bag. "I've got an idea let's get all the guys on a radio conference here." Colt then depressed the radio trigger, speaking in a lowered tone. "Alright guys, everyone's plugged into this transmission, right?"

Each of the remaining eight came through with their respective confirmations. "O.K.," Colt continued, "Let's run a multi-pronged strategy here. Alden, you, Boden, and David are going to be on snipe support. Each guy is going to take out your closest target, just as we have the grenade drones drop their junk on some of the other guards. Jack and I are going to put on the full body armor, and come in with the advanced rifles. Once we take out the perimeter guards, we'll all go to work on any guards inside the yard wall. After we dispatch those punks, it's time to quickly get into the property. Dave, once your snipe duty is finished corral the rest of the unit in with you. Make sure to bring in the ammunition truck, once we've cleared the perimeter and the yard; after you've brought the truck in, set up the rest of the unit around the perimeter near the dead guards. Then do exactly what they were designed to do, except for us. Whatever we do, let's not have any friendly fire involved....let's be smooth as a baby's ass on this one. Now, is everyone on the same page?"

Each person in the unit came back with a verbal confirmation, with Alden looking over, smiling. Jack then came over the radio. "That ammunitions truck is going to be vital! Dave, make sure you get that down on the outside yard, especially when the smoke starts to clear."

"Roger," David replied.

Colt pulled up his cell phone with light set to dim. He then called Jesse and Evelyn, back in California.

"Hello," Jess answered.

"Hey Jess, it's Colt. We need you guys to run the grenade helicopters. Have you guys ran them before with the night vision attachments?"

"Yeah, we did some dummy runs last night," Jesse replied.

Colt explained, "These are our quietest drones. And both are ready and outfitted with two grenades each. You guys are going to take out the guards closest to the gate entry. We'll work on the guys around the perimeter. If you're good, both of you can take out four of the guards. I think there's between six and ten. Just hover above their heads, drop the grenade near their feet, and it should explode seconds after. All the guys are gonna simultaneously start off of your lead."

"10-4 Colt; we'll get started right away, and let you know when we're about to drop our first grenades," Jesse replied.

Colt then pushed on the radio trigger again. "Jack, I'm gonna start with putting on my full body armor over here. I've got the high density Kevlar helmet, my night vision goggles, and the advanced rifle as well. Do you have those same resources over there?"

Jack said, "Yeah, I'm putting on the armor right now, I should be ready momentarily....hey man, good luck!"

Colt could visualize Amanda's face just two mornings prior, with both of them sitting in the back yard. "Thanks man, you too," Colt said, then put on all of the heavy armor, placed the night vision goggles over his face, and shoved two extended ammunition clips into the side pockets. He looked over at Alden, watching him gear up with his sniper rifle, staring at his target through the scope. "Try to get a head shot, Alden. But if he's moving around too much, take a chest shot." Colt then futilely attempted to locate the two black drone helicopters that were outfitted with four propeller blades each.

Moments later, Evelyn came back through in the cell phone earpiece. "I can see my target Colt, Jess is also hovering above hers."

"10-4, standby," Colt said and immediately pushed the trigger on the radio. "The girls have the copters in position. All of you get your targets in sight." Everyone then came back with a verbal confirmation as Colt picked out the guard directly adjacent to Alden's target. After standing up with the heavy armor, he verbally returned back to Evelyn, "Whenever you're ready girls, go ahead."

With a synchronized precision, both women dropped their respective grenades, just behind both of the unsuspecting guards. Seconds later, two explosions echoed throughout the arid night air.

As Colt stepped forward, subsequent blasts from gunfire followed, one from Alden lying three feet away. He briefly looked back towards Alden, seeing his green face in the night vision goggles. "Bingo," he said, through the explosive sounds. Colt pulled in a deep breath, spotted the guard he was to take out was now turning his head towards their general vicinity.

Instinctively, he squeezed the advanced gun's trigger, sweeping the barrel in a horizontal line across the man's body. Seventy five yards away, he could see Jack lumbering, much like himself, making for the enlarged yard entrance. As the muzzle flashes continued, he scanned the property; knowing their vision through the dark was superior to the guards'.

Just then, Boden came in over the radio, screaming, "I'm hit! I'm hit....help!"

Colt squeezed the trigger on the radio. "Medical, come in. Medical." He awaited their response while approaching the gate that towered over the driveway.

"We got you Colt, we're flying in right now," one of the medics replied.

With Jack on one side of the gate, they both watched as David brought the ammunitions truck down from the main staging area. Jack then quickly scampered across the driveway, with bullets hitting his armor. "Colt", he said.

Colt replied, "Yeah man."

"Let's place a sticky bomb on the gate and get in there."

Colt pulled two sticky bombs from the truck bed, and then hid just out of sight. He then spoke into the cell phone microphone. "Girls, are you there?"

"Yeah Colt," Jesse quickly responded.

"You need to find two more guards in the yard with your last two grenades."

"10-4, we'll start to sweep the yard again," Jesse said. Moments later, two additional explosions occurred inside the yard, just inside the wall from the gate they were stationed at.

"Evelyn," Colt said.

"Yeah."

"How did that turn out?"

"Both are dead," she replied.

He continued, "Good, run the drones around the entire yard and then work the rooftops, before you land them by the truck here."

Colt then awaited their report, listening to Boden scream in agony as the medical helicopter hovered above. His finger quickly squeezed the radio's trigger. "Set the chopper down and pick him up." He later watched as the helicopter descended, testing the interior yard to see if any gunfire would be discharged from inside.

Evelyn then came in with her report. "You've got two left, one on each side of the front yard wall. We'll bring in the helicopter drones to have you guys reload them."

"10-4," Colt returned then yelled into the night, speaking Spanish. "You boys need to give it up now; otherwise you're going to end up like your partners. Now throw your weapons into the driveway and come out with your hands directly above your heads." He then looked up, seeing both drones land softly near the right rear tire of the pickup truck.

After several moments of silence, Colt reloaded both drones with two grenades each, and then looked over to Jack. "I'll hit the gate with the stickies, right after we take out the last two here."

Jack nodded, searching the perimeter for additional cartel support enemies.

Jesse's voice then appeared in the earpiece. "We're both hovering over the last two and the rooftop is fully clear. Do you want us to finish these two off?"

"Go ahead and drop them, they didn't listen," Colt instructed. Two more blasts then reverberated around the desert property, with both men briefly screaming in pain shortly thereafter. Colt approached the locked gate, placed the two sticky bombs near the center, and then summoned Jack to take cover on the other side of the ammunitions truck. Fifteen seconds later, the iron gates opened after the massive blast. Colt squeezed the radio button again. "Dave, fill up the drones, and let's all head in."

Jack glanced over at Colt, trying to see past his night-vision goggles. "Let's finish!" he said. Both men waddled into the driveway, with Jack blasting a flashlight onto every dead man lying in the yard. Colt turned around, watching as David backed up the pickup truck filled with sophisticated ammunitions.

At the front door, Colt snatched more sticky bombs from the truck bed, placing them around each handle. "Back up!" He yelled, staring at his digital clock elapse another fifteen seconds. The heavy wood doors splintered after the explosion, while smoke began to settle between the interior and exterior of the compound.

All the men then watched the two drone helicopters fly through the smoke, leading the way into the eerily quiet compound. Jack then immediately tossed in two grenades, awaiting their blasts before entering. His left hand went up after they exploded, beckoning the rest of the unit to follow him and Colt inside.

After getting inside, Colt discharged another aggressive set of rounds, sweeping his barrel again in a horizontal fashion. From some distance, voices could now be heard, seemingly muffled behind walls or doors. Jack stuck his left hand in the air before squeezing the radio's trigger. "Circulate throughout the house, men."

"Evelyn," Colt said. "Are you there?"

"Yeah Colt, we're still flying around the property, our mics are picking up sound behind one of the southern doors," she replied.

"Roger," Colt said, then he tugged on Jack's arm and pointed in the very same vicinity the kidnapped man had relayed their rescue victims would be.

Jack then clicked his radio trigger. "Guys, everyone get over to the south side. Follow Colt and me to the doors where the drones are hovering."

Each man then started assembling near the large mahogany doors. Colt then checked the locked handles. "Who's in here?"

"We all are. You won't be able to get in," someone said.

Colt looked to Jack, perplexed. "That has to be one of the brothers." From behind, David and Alden were both holding a steel door ram. Colt grabbed the handle, looking at Jack. "You ready?" Jack merely nodded, knowing they needed to be the first to discover what was behind the doors.

Both men crouched with knees bent slamming the hardwood only three times before the locks eventually gave way. The entire unit then entered with guns pointed at the kidnap victims. Alden pulled up next to Colt and Jack, staring through the scope of his sniper rifle at the Pacharo brothers, who were both holding one American journalist each.

Colt spoke in Spanish, slowly walking forward towards the group. "Let these people go and everyone gets out here alive. Pedro Pachero had his left hand around Julia Norman's neck, while Anibal had his around Garrett Mastel, both men pointing handguns to their heads. In the corner of the room, the high ranking Mexican police official laid on the floor with bruises covering his nearly dead body. Across the room, both Mexican politicians lay dead in a massive pool of blood, bullet holes littering their bodies.

Pedro Pancharo watched as Colt and Jack's eyes scanned the room, then spoke in broken English. "We know you're from the states; if you want these people, you'll have to wire funds into our cartel's bank account. Otherwise we're all gonna die!"

Colt clicked on the radio button, whispering into the microphone. "You got a shot Alden."

"Yeah," Alden whispered back.

Colt then looked to see if David was in the exact same stance as Alden. His eyes then stole a glance at both American's, witnessing the absolute fear emitting from both of their faces. In slow motion, his finger pushed the radio trigger once again, whispering, "Go."

Suddenly two shots blasted simultaneously. Less than a second thereafter, both Pancharo brothers' heads instantly exploded from the high-powered rifle projectiles. Colt turned to Alden, witnessing Alden's eyes bigger than he'd ever seen them before. "That was a fabulous shot, guys!" Both journalists came forward in shock, with blood and brain matter covering their heads and faces.

"It's all going to be O.K. now," Colt said, pulling off his night vision goggles.

Jack squeezed the trigger on the radio. "All available helicopters land around the compound. I repeat all helicopters land around the compound now."

Colt then turned to the men in their elite unit. "Get the journalist's and cop out to the choppers, and then secure the perimeter, at least until Jack and I clear the compound. Also, set up a spike strip at the compound road entrance; that's one mile down the road, and keep two armed guys hidden in the ditch."

The men then went to help the kidnap victims to the front yard, Colt yelling for Alden as he walked away. "Alden....stay!" Alden turned, looking at Colt and Jack standing in front of the bloodied brothers. "What's up man?"

Jack started to strip off the heavy armor covering his body, watching Colt do the same. "Let's loot the place, Alden," Colt said smiling.

Alden nodded, his eyes shifting about the gruesome-looking room. "Alright, let's go." All three men quickly took different rooms, hunting for anything of value. After nearly ten minutes of searching, Colt heard Jack yell from a large room facing the massive pool in the backyard.

Both he and Alden raced for that section of the house, knowing time was starting to work against them. After entering the room, Colt could see Jack turn, lifting up a secret door in the wooden floor. "Look down there."

Colt gasped after Jack's flashlight lit up the space below. "That's an incredible amount of cash guys! Did Mr. Morgan give you the green light on post-mission finds Jack?"

"Dude, he always said take what you can get! As long as you have the time, and it's a big job....like this one. So we're gonna make some time for this shit, you know what I mean?"

Colt immediately hit the radio trigger again, swallowing his natural apprehension, "Anything out there boys?"

David's voice returned promptly. "Nothing guys, but hurry up! The choppers are coming back soon to get us!"

Colt quickly responded, futilely searching the room for any containers. "Dave, bring in that roll of garbage bags from the bed of the ammunitions truck."

"10-4 Colt, I'll be right in."

Alden immediately descended into the hidden room, staring at the expansive cash stockpile. "There has to be millions of dollars here! These cartel dudes know how to roll."

Colt could only see the two U.S. journalists in his head, knowing why they saved them for last; they previously planned to order money wires, using their American status as high demand leverage. Colt could feel his anger elevate, twisting his paranoid head around in the meantime. "Take everything! These fucks are evil money-grubbing bastards, that need their stashes cleaned....and we're just the guys to do it!" After twelve more minutes of filling plastic garbage bags with cash, all three men took two trips to eventually haul out twelve bags to an awaiting helicopter; just outside the front yard wall.

Jack then announced into his radio, "We're out guys. Wait for the next chopper and make sure we don't leave anything behind. We'll split the cash find when we get back to the yacht....it's gonna be sweet!"

In that moment, Colt looked downward, watching the earth get smaller in the helicopters quick ascent. After some moments of abrupt reflection, he pulled his head back up, seeing Jack and Alden trying to connect with him.

"Great job, guys," Jack said smiling.

Colt had to exhale after putting on the helicopter's communication headphones. "Yeah, that was huge man....but we aren't done yet."

Alden adjusted the microphone towards his mouth, dumbfounded. "What do you mean man?"

Jack suddenly nodded, knowing exactly what Colt was thinking. "We didn't have disguises in the club earlier tonight. After we kidnapped the cartel member, he saw all of us as we are. He can ID all of us, Alden! It's not a good thing."

Colt blinked softly, his mouth slightly open. "Pilot, would you please land us at the base briefly?"

Alden stared into the dark Mexican night, still pensive. "I thought we could just let the fucker go, you know?"

Colt shook his head, knowing it would be the right thing to do, but simply too risky. "Unfortunately, he's gotta go, Alden. None of us want to do that, especially after he was truthful with us. But his life is officially over in the next 5 minutes, unless you have some magical amnesic pill we can give him....one that would prevent him from remembering our faces."

All three men became silent for a time, watching the helicopter land next to their makeshift base just three miles deeper into the desert. Outside, they all saw the Mexican man under the tent, bound to a chair and gagged for silence. Alden looked to both Colt and Jack. "I'll take care of it, even though I don't want to."

Colt and Jack remained silent, watching Alden drag the man and the chair he was sitting in away from the temporary base. Seconds later, Colt could see the man struggling, trying to become as animated as possible; his eyes becoming enormous with the sight of Alden's pistol, just one foot now from his head.

Alden then turned his face away, squeezing the trigger abruptly ending the Mexican man's life. He turned back to Colt with a sober look. It was obvious Alden was immensely affected by the brutality of having to silence a potential eyewitness; for the betterment of their clandestine mission.

Sixty minutes later, Colt, Jack, and Alden were facing Mr. Morgan. "So, it's all done boys?" Mr. Morgan asked softly.

Colt could see Mr. Morgan's eyes on him, "Yes sir, all four of the cartel leaders, the two American journalists, and the Mexican police official. We unfortunately lost the two politicians, though. It looked as though they killed them as we were in a firefight outside."

Mr. Morgan's were affixed on the massive pile of cash sitting in the middle of the room. "Looks like we have a little bonus for you guys, huh?"

"When we're dealing with cartels," Jack replied, "I figured they'd have a stash somewhere....they usually do. We sniffed around for a little while and came up with this."

"Good, let's get a total and run an eleven way split. We may get prorated on the loss of the two politicians, but this will probably make up for it. Overall though, excellent work men! Get your sleep, and we'll get you back to California, tomorrow. Ah....incidentally, all of your payouts will be available very soon. The cash is in an international escrow account ready for disbursement, upon verification of completion. Thank you again guys."

Colt put his arm around Mr. Morgan before helping to fill the cash back into the bags. Both then brought it to a counting machine inside the yacht's nerve center. Twenty minutes later, Colt exited the secret room, handing Mr. Morgan his two million dollar cut. "Here you go, sir. Thank you again for the opportunities you've afforded me and my family over the years....I truly can't be more appreciative."

Mr. Morgan took the stack of cash, smiling. "Absolutely Colt, you're the field ace of the company. You have been since you completed the London job to perfection. You remember those days, right?"

Colt could only recall Bradley Frampton blasting bullets through his wooden bedroom door. "Yeah, that was good fun."

"You did a good thing for your country today Colt, you need to be proud of yourself! Well go upstairs, have a beer and stare at the ocean. I know that clears your head."

Colt took in his embrace, with both men tapping each other on the back. "You bet, Mr. Morgan, I'll grab a cold one and try to cool off up there....thanks again bud."

Mr. Morgan simply smiled, watching Colt walk out of the board room.

Upstairs, Colt stopped in the vessel's control room, seeing a cooler near the captain's chair. After opening it, he could see the same beverages the captain had always put together for them in the Virgin Islands.

Alden then appeared from behind, with Jack following. "Snatch me a beer man." Colt pulled up three imported bottles from the icy bath and then followed the men to the top deck above. They sat on the deck's edge with feet propped up against the metal railing, gazing at the shiny Pacific, completely drained.

Colt unfolded his tablet, taking in the 68 degree temperature and time that read 4:52 A.M. With one hand pulling back a swig of cold beer, he tapped the home button, wondering if Amanda was sleeping? Moments later, the lamp illuminated her face.

"Hi honey! What are you guys already finished?" she asked.

Colt briefly touched the two million dollars in his duffel bag, glancing at Jack and Alden. "Yeah, we're done. It was wild as usual."

Her face took on the look of utter relief, her eyes showed exhaustion. "That's great news; all of you did right by the U.S. tonight. You definitely have a lot to be proud of. Thank you for calling Colt, even though it's such a weird time."

"No problem sweetie, I just wanted to check in and let you know we're O.K."

"Yeah, are you going to be home before three tomorrow, Colt?"

He looked at the time on the tablet, which read 5:00 A.M. "Yeah, probably not. We might be just waking up for all I know. Why?"

"Well, I have a doctor's appointment that may spill past four. I'll see if one of our moms can be here between three to four thirty."

"Four thirty? Oh, that's right, Taylor has basketball practice tomorrow after school," Colt remembered.

"Yeah....well, I love you," she said, "get some sleep."

"I love you too, goodbye honey." Colt then tapped the red end button before hitting the blue medical button. From a live camera feed, all three men huddled in, watching a live video of the surgery Boden was having at a San Diego hospital. Colt inhaled, looking up after reading the update under the feed. "He took one to the left hip, right under his bullet-proof jacket guys....go figure."

Jack and Alden sat back in their chairs, shocked at the reality they just witnessed. "He'll pull through," Alden said confidently. Jack nodded, glancing at a bright star just under the three quarter moon. "Yeah, he will. There's no doubt."

Colt then finished his beer, feeling the comradery all three shared over the years, turn to hope. "Yeah, he's a gamer....he'll pull through." He then grabbed his duffel bag and made for the private sleeping quarters on the lower deck, exhausted. "Well, I'll see you guys in the daylight, I'm gonna crash this shit off."

Nearly twelve hours later, Colt, Alden, and Jack were flying over the reflective Pacific, heading for the Los Angeles skyline in the near distance. Inside the front pocket of his cargo shorts, Colt's tablet vibrated. After several seconds, he touched the screen and saw Amanda's frantic appearing face. Her mouth was moving, but no words were audible. In that moment, Colt felt his throat tighten and his stomach churn with a sickly feeling. Immediately, he plugged headphones into the jack, hearing Amanda's voice rambling. "What, slow down Amanda! What's going on?"

"It's Taylor! She's had an accident Colt....I think she's dead, hurry!"

#  Chapter 18

In staring down the edge of the steep embankment, Colt's surreal reality suddenly became muted and nebulous at the sight of his dead daughter near the bottom. With Amanda's head buried in his shoulder and Eric on the other side, he willed himself to speak to the lead detective standing next to him. "Is it too much to ask for me to go down there, and see her?"

Detective Harrison stared at Colt, his eyes filled with empathy. "It's fine, Colt, our site investigation is nearly over here. Go ahead....although we're gonna need to take her here momentarily."

Colt couldn't help but feel Amanda's intense grip become tighter, "It's O.K. honey, I'll be right back." Colt looked to the detective again, his heart overflowing with an unbearable grief. "Would you accompany me down there detective, I'd like to have a word with you in private."

Detective Harrison glanced at the other detectives working the scene, and then told Colt, "Sure, let's go." Both men started for the edge of the canyon embankment, Colt then watched as his parents were arriving onto the scene.

After descending from a dangerous vertical trail, they arrived at Taylor's body. Colt stared at her bloody head and the blood stain on the large boulder where she had apparently struck her head. He then sat next to her body, barely being able to breathe. "Oh baby, what happened? What happened? You're too young....this isn't right....this is wrong in every way!"

He then bent down and touched her face before softly kissing her forehead, whispering, "We'll figure out what happened, I promise. I love you....I love you honey." He then arose, looked at the detective with an icy blue suspicion. "What's your take?"

Detective Harrison pulled away from Colt's fixed gaze, glancing up the near-vertical drop and seeing the crowd of people staring down from the road above. "We've determined it was an innocent accident, Colt. We've conducted interviews with every homeowner and child that lives in the immediate area and no one saw anything out of the ordinary. Our opinion is that she was probably looking down or goofing around near the edge of this cliff, and she simply lost her footing. So far, this is what our consensus leads us to believe."

Colt could then see Amanda make it down the steep slope, her face looking absolutely distraught. "Oh honey, honey! How could this happen? God....how could this have happened?"

Through his own tears, Colt put his arms around her, briefly catching the detective's eyes in the meantime. "It was an accident honey," Colt said, his voice quivering.

"An accident?" Amanda then touched her daughter's hand, closing her eyes from an overwhelming pain. "This is all too much; she just came home from basketball practice. What happened?"

Detective Harrison stood taller, gazing around the scene for a time. "This may be a weird question to ask, Amanda, but she sometimes doesn't wear underwear, right?"

Colt looked at the detective and then back to Amanda, perplexed. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Amanda tucked her fingers under the top of Taylor's jeans, attempting to find the elastic waist band of underwear, which she couldn't find. Her glossy brown eyes then then pulled up wide, mouth gasping. "She always wears underwear....always!"

The detective looked at Amanda's shocked face. "So, you're saying she was definitely wearing underwear today?"

Amanda replied adamantly, "Yes, I even know what color and print they were; green with white animals."

The detective glanced at both parents, face stoic. "There's probably a logical explanation for her not having them on. Does she shower after basketball practice? Because there wasn't any underwear in her bag, ma'am."

"Sometimes she does after practice, but she's only had three so far this season. I can't tell, her hair is so........bloody!" Amanda then collapsed in Colt's arms, unable to speak through her cries.

Colt turned to the detective, his face littered with tears. "Let's get this investigation right, O.K.?"

Detective Harrison nodded his head, confident. "There's no doubt we'll turn over every stone, nothing will be hanging out there when we're finished. I know this is a horrible time to ask this, but can we get you folks down to the station....and get a statement from both of you?"

Colt glanced at Amanda, seeing her willingness to help out in any way possible. "Sure," Colt replied, "we'll meet you down there within the hour." After twenty minutes of climbing back up, speaking to their parents and consoling Eric, they started for the police station in their car, still both in a state of shock.

Amanda suddenly looked at Colt with a worried expression. "We've got to call Mr. Morgan immediately! Do you have any private phones in here?"

Colt's mind flipped a switch, his heart suddenly started to race. "Yeah....look in the console. Get him on the phone and plug in the earpiece for me, would you?"

Moments later, Mr. Morgan's sympathetic voice spoke in his right ear. "Colt, I'm so sorry....she was such a beautiful child, it's just not fair....how are you holding up?"

"Not very good Mr. Morgan....not very good."

"Well, I spoke to Larry over at our import-export business, and you're covered from head to toe on your whereabouts. He's taken care of this, and everyone down there is on the same page. I see you're on one of our private lines....good thinking with that."

Colt could only stare at the taillights braking in front of him, his dream-like state randomly declining and then intensifying. "I understand Mr. Morgan....what's the specifics?"

His boss continued, "You were with Larry today at Pearson's Importing, both of you were working on marketing strategies; specifically on the next generation of watch phones for the next quarter. He'll have your back in that capacity, and the rest of the guys down there will as well. Make sure you run that by me, so we're clear."

"Yeah, I was at Pearson's Importing today with Larry. We were specifically working on marketing strategies for the next generation of watch phones for the coming quarter," Colt stated with a flat affect.

Mr. Morgan replied, "Right Colt, I again want to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family, on such a dark day. We're a family Colt! Anything you need, let me know, O.K.? I love you man."

Colt's eyes welled up, knowing Mr. Morgan was a sincere man. "O.K., I love you too man....goodbye." He ended the call and then looked to Amanda. "I've got it all taken care of. You heard of my whereabouts, right?"

"Yes, I've got it honey. I'm just so sad, my heart is completely shattered," she said, openly weeping.

Colt tried to pull in a breath through his quivering lungs. "It's not going to be the same without her, nothing ever will be." His eyes connected with hers, both breaking down uncontrollably.

Colt then wiped his tears, staring in the mirror at Eric. "You were in the house, I take it?"

Eric nodded, with head slouching. "Yeah, I was waiting for her to come home," he said quietly.

Colt's eyes shifted back to the road, seeing Taylor's bloody head appear in his mind. It was as if karma had finally reared its ugly head; he felt that with his taking in massive profits over the past twelve years, had finally forced the other shoe to drop. The unimaginable had now become reality; the family that he'd coveted all his life was now forever fractured, missing its most important piece; a child that could never be replaced, an angel, now back where she started.

Driving had suddenly become significantly difficult. His weary eyes finally spotted the police station's sign finally appear one block down. Colt parked the vehicle and took several tissues from a box. He then proceeded to walk into the station, holding hands with Amanda and Eric. Inside, detective Harrison received them with a hug, ushering all three into an interview room down the hallway.

Colt sat with Eric on his lap, Amanda next to them at the small table. The detective closed the door, holding a cream-colored folder. He then sat across the table, his blue eyes sincere. "I'm really sorry guys. This is something that should never happen. We want you to know that everyone in the department has a heavy heart today. Many of the guys have children, and this stuff hits home hard. But unfortunately, accidents do happen in the course of life, some unfortunately fatal....this a sobering fact we have to come to grips with, despite the overwhelming pain you're experiencing. Nonetheless Colt, we need to know of your whereabouts at the time of the accident this afternoon. Can you provide us with those details?"

Awakening with a duffel bag filled with two million dollars suddenly flashed through his head. "I was at Pearson Imports with a co-worker Larry all day. We were working on the marketing for next generation of watch phones in the coming quarter. He'll verify my statement, Detective."

The detective stared into Colt's nondescript eyes, letting the moment linger. "How long have you been immersed in this business Mr. Davis?"

"For the past twelve years. We're involved in the importation of electronics....gadgets that are then resold by major retailers, throughout the country."

The detective glanced at Amanda, trying to identify a sort of silent confirmation in his statement. "What I'm about to ask of you Colt, is standard operating procedure....so please don't take any offense."

Colt swiped a tissue under his eyes, to catch the tears that still flowed freely. "Go ahead."

"Did you have anything to do with your daughter's death this afternoon?"

Colt stared at the small recording device in the center of the table, shaking his head, "No, absolutely not. She was everything to me Mr. Harrison....I just can't believe this is happening right now."

Detective Harrison's eyes shifted to Amanda, seeing the distress covering her face. "Amanda, much like Colt's line of questions....I need to know exactly where you were at the time of Taylor's death today."

Amanda touched Colt's hand, then squeezed. "I was at my doctor's office having a female checkup and consultation with my doctor. I was going to be late, but I had my parents come over to watch Eric and await Taylor's arrival off the bus after basketball practice....but....she never made it home."

"Amanda, did you have anything to do with the death of your daughter today?"

"Of course not! I love her more than you could ever imagine. The universe wasn't worthy of her presence....she was the epitome of beauty, in and out."

The detective then looked over to Eric, his head lying against his father's chest. "Eric, did you leave the house at all after school?"

Eric looked up, his blue eyes filled with tears. "No sir. I was with my grandparents the whole time. I was going to see if she wanted to shoot buckets with me...after school."

The detective pushed an earpiece further into his right ear, and then adjusted the skinny microphone that ran down the side of his right cheek. "O.K., got it. Thank you, detective Barnes." He then looked over to both parents. "Some of our detectives just received statements from persons at her school. It appears coach Paulson stated that none of the kids took a shower after practice today. All apparently changed, or went home with their practice clothing on. They also searched the locker room and the entire school for a pair of green girl's underwear. Now, that doesn't mean that they won't show up, but according to our detectives, the school has nothing as of now." He then looked to Amanda once again, his eyes more determined. "Are you totally certain Amanda, that she was wearing the green underwear today?"

Amanda's mouth opened, her eyes now staring through detective Harrison, "Absolutely! I put them out myself for her to wear the night before. After we were done at the cliff today, I even checked to see if she had maybe left them on her dresser."

"Did she?"

"She put them on detective! She wore them to school today."

Colt could feel his left hand clench into a fist, envisioning his previous jobs, including the cartels and the Barron Phelp assignment. He began to seriously wonder if something could have happened to Taylor as a result of his violent business dealings?

Detective Harrison then looked at his on-site field report. "Well, it appears she died from blunt-force trauma, to the right side of her head, as a result of a fall of exactly 35 feet. Her initial impact was at the 28 foot mark, where she apparently tumbled to the large boulder, striking her head. Sometime thereafter, she was finally found by a one Margaret Peterson, apparently while she was jogging. This is a very sad set of circumstances, there's no doubt about it. I can't imagine the grief you're feeling right now. But I can't, in good conscious, say this was anything but an accident at this time....we combed the entire scene several times over and were able to record everything from a photographic and video perspective. As I mentioned before, we interviewed every possible person, including Margaret Peterson....and tried to discern if they had seen or participated in anything suspicious. Most of the people who live in your area are filled with stay-at-home moms, or kids old enough to stay inside....at least until their parents come home from work. Of that, there was only one kid in your canyon community that was home alone at the time, and he lives on the complete other side. We have a statement from him. He and his sister are adamant that they never left the property after school. I know this underwear thing is somewhat bizarre, but until we get back a full coroner's report, we are ruling her death as an accident. Now, if you guys want to have an autopsy performed, I'll be happy to have that done....is that something you folks would entertain?"

Colt pulled up his stare from the table, his voice rigid. "I would think, that given the suspicious circumstances surrounding her missing underwear, you'd have that automatically ordered."

The detective exhaled, glancing about the room before responding. "You're probably right Colt. I was out of line in asking you of that, but these are fledgling times in our investigation. I need to ask certain things at certain times. I can only hope you appreciate my professional view point."

Colt nodded, knowing the detective was doing his best under the circumstances. "I understand, is that everything?"

The detective looked over his papers for a moment, and then back to Colt. "Yes, but I have one last question for you guys."

"Yeah, anything," Colt replied.

"Do you guys have any natural enemies that you know of? Any bad business dealings, angry family members, kids at school that she felt didn't like her?"

Colt squeezed Amanda's hand, knowing he had to continue his lying. "No....I don't know of anyone who would want to harm any of us. Do you Amanda?"

She shifted her eyes to Colt, and then back to the detective. "No."

Detective Harrison attempted to read their demeanors at that moment; needing to ascertain whether they were being truthful, or simply couldn't recall any one person that could participate in Taylor's death. "O.K. guys, that's it for today. I'll be in touch with any additional findings from the autopsy. In the meantime, take care of yourselves, and again, I'm very sorry for your loss."

Colt stood up, shaking the detectives hand, his face feeling flushed. "Thank you."

The detective nodded, watching the family exit the interview room, feeling somewhat puzzled by the entire scenario.

In the hall, Amanda spoke to both Colt and Eric. "We need to get to the church."

Colt could feel her energy, a sadness he'd never felt before. "Yes, it's exactly what we need right now." Just as they left the police station, Colt saw Alden and Jesse running across the street, both crying.

At that very moment, the weight of what had happened truly hit Colt; he saw both of their best friends being there for them amidst the most difficult moments of their lives. Alden then ran up to Colt, both men embracing through their tears, with Jesse and Amanda doing the same.

To Colt, it was official: the dream he thought he was in, never allowed him to awake; Alden's shoulder was all he could feel, his eyes couldn't pull away for what felt like forever. He then looked down, pulling in Eric, unable to fully imagine the pain his son was feeling. The rest of the night went by in a gloomy cloud, both couples and Eric went to the church to pray, all using the holy structure as a personal sanctuary for the pain that wouldn't leave. After eventually visiting Taylor's favorite ice cream shop, all five of them met Colt and Amanda's respective parents back at their luxurious canyon home.

Six days later, Colt stared into Taylor's beautiful face in an open casket at Menda Cemetery, in north Los Angeles. His eyes then closed in prayer, listening to Pastor Flemming. "Life can be short, we all are well aware of that fact. We ask of you God, to keep Taylor in your cradled arms for all eternity. Her life wasn't lived in vain, for she touched more lives than we could count. Her beautiful spirit resonated with everyone whoever came in contact with her, and will forever live on for eternity. We ask you God, to allow everyone to mourn her loss in your name, allowing your love to pass through us in this difficult time. Let the Lord bless her, let his face shine upon her and be gracious unto him; this as we commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. If there is anything we ask of you God, more than any another, is that you allow Taylor peace. We also especially ask for you to allow peace to occur for her loving parents and her younger brother Eric....amen."

Colt and Amanda looked up as the pastor slowly closed the dark brown casket. Tears streamed uncontrollably from both parents. Alden's eyes then met Colt's, with both men sensing each other's thoughts as the pastor sprinkled ashes above the wood.

#  Chapter 19

"It's been four months Colt," Dr. Anders said, "you've been in a funk for that long. At some point the fog has to clear and you have to begin to move forward."

Colt sat in the company-issued psychiatrist's office, while Mr. Morgan watched from a live feed on the yacht. Colt exhaled, still seeing Taylor aimlessly bounce around his mind. From her first baby teeth, to the many trips they spent as a family, her image wouldn't exit his thoughts, whether he was awake or in his dreams. "I've been thinking," Colt finally responded, "I need to get back into the loop again, as much as that sounds crazy right now. I think it might allow me to fixate on something other than Taylor."

Dr. Anders considered Colt's emotions, still seeing the pain flood his patient's eyes. "I think that might be a good decision. I know Mr. Morgan has been asking if you're ready to resume your career, despite the fortunes you've built up over the years. You know, Colt, losing a child is nothing short of cutting yourself in half. I've had patients over the years with much older kids than Taylor relate to me that they literally feel like they're dead as well. But conversely at some point, a child who has died can have the ability to somehow recharge that same part your life; the part that took you with them in their passing. Does that make sense, Colt?"

Colt rubbed his weary face, trying to mentally shake himself into a different mindset. "I know everything you're saying is correct. And even though her life will live inside my heart forever, it's something that I'm gonna have to work on, to try and allow myself to move forward from this terrible phase. I have to do it for Eric, Amanda and myself. It's not fair to the others around me to be such a zombie constantly, lost in my own thoughts of sorrow and pain."

As Mr. Morgan watched the live streaming feed, he nodded his head, hoping Colt's work with Dr. Anders will give him the tools in finding a sort of peace inside himself; a calm that had been missing since Taylor's untimely death.

Colt then stared into the doctor's dark eyes, feeling a trust he hadn't allowed himself to feel since their sessions started three months prior. "She's in my dreams, doctor....how do I try and control that part of my life?"

The doctor examined his lavish office, searching for a logical reply to a question regarding the subconscious. "We sleep a third of our lives, Colt. That means if you live 99 years, you will probably sleep 33 of them. That's a lot of years....don't you think?"

"Yes. This is kind of stupid, but I've often wondered why we were all created with such a slow recharge. I mean, wouldn't you think that whatever created the concept of humans, they would have allowed for a three, maybe four hour recharge in any given twenty-four hour period?"

Dr. Anders studied Colt for a moment; his fit frame, attractive face, a man seemingly afforded many physical attributes; a man who he knew inside had been through more than his fair share of emotional wreckage. "You may be right about the eight hour recharge thing, Colt. Humans would probably be better served if they had more hours to work with, more time to be productive in their professional and personal lives. However, more time could also mean bad things could occur more readily. You've heard the old adage that an idle mind can be the devil's playground. You know, there would be plenty more idle minds if there was that much more time at our disposal, right?"

Colt could understand the doctor's argument, but wondered where he was going with this? "I think the subconscious is fascinating, doc, there's tiny crevices where memories reside, sometimes not even in this life. Maybe our mind doesn't like to reveal certain aspects of our subconscious unless we're sleeping, like a safety lock of sorts."

The doctor was finally able to keep Colt's eyes onto his. "Are you afraid of your dreams Colt....are you afraid to sleep?"

Colt exhaled, trying to examine his psyche for a true, honest answer. "Yeah, maybe I am. I have the same dream a lot lately. It just sort of repeats itself, but with slightly different twists each time."

"O.K., what's it about?"

"Taylor."

"What exactly happens in the dream?"

"It's just her and I....I meet her halfway from the bus stop after school and then she eventually splits off from her friend. For some reason, her back pack is unzipped, the flap is just moving about in the breeze. She says "Hi Dad", and smiles. I ask her how her day went, and she says that she met a couple new friends. I'm delighted for her....I'm happy that she's seemingly happy. It's a bluebird sky, the sun is shooting down and the view from the canyon road is incredible. She asks me where mom and Eric are, and I tell her they're in the house waiting for her. I ask her why the zipper on her backpack is open.... she just flashes me her beautiful smile, I can really feel her loving energy flow into me then....It's hard Doc, just that part of the dream is hard to get through."

"I know, go on."

"She always tells me the same thing, it's really weird."

"What does she tell you Colt?"

"She says she lost her scissors. I then look in the compartment where she keeps her pencils, erasers, stuff like that. And she's right, the plastic box is open, there's stuff strewn about the small pocket, but no scissors. It's bizarre, to say the least. I can't figure out why she's so worried about this pair of scissors."

"Is that what the entire dream entails?"

"No. We keep talking up to the driveway, and then I proceed to ask her who the new people are that she met. She says a cute new student at school....she goes on to say he's nice. Then, just as we're received by her mother and Eric, she asks me why I never introduced her to my new friend. I always feel perplexed, scanning my mind on who she might be referring to....but I can't come up with anyone. She then abruptly turns, pointing her finger back towards the bus stop and then I see a man a long ways away. He's about three quarters of the way to the stop, and he's waving back with what looks like a smile. He's always driving a brown car, the color never changes; sometimes he doesn't wave in the dreams though. He just stares back before entering his car to drive off the other way. It's really messed up, Doctor, I haven't a clue what the scissor thing means, or the new friend she thinks I have. You know, I don't want to read too much into it because I'll probably just start make rash assumptions, one's that are probably wrong."

Dr. Anders reviewed his notes for a moment before responding. "I can't definitively tell you what your perpetual dream of Taylor means. There could be a whole host of explanations or a mixture of many. Although many people who are not affiliated with my psychotherapy circles, like mediums for example, see dreams associated with people who've passed as a visitation of sorts. I can't lend any credence to those particular theories. But ever since I've known about it, I've remembered the randomized occurrences when my grandfather has entered one of my dreams. We were very close when I was a boy Colt, and when he passed....it dug pretty deep. So when I would have a dream that I knew he was in, I tried my best to examine every aspect of it....especially if it was vivid. What I'm trying to explain, is that despite the bewilderment you feel after having that dream, is that you need to accept it for what it is. Maybe that's why it keeps coming back in slightly varied states; perhaps it's because your mind doesn't want to accept its existence. The whole notion of not being able to understand it creates a sort of dream vacuum that your subconscious mind wants to replay over and over again. This is my take on that particular event within your life, Colt. Don't take it as fact, because I'm not a dream expert. But give your mind a chance to accept it for what it is, a dream you seemingly can't decode. Maybe you'll be able to move forward more readily if you allow that to occur. Quit examining it and putting it under your mind's microscope."

"You're probably right," Colt sadly replied, "she's in a better place. In the short amount of time she was with us, she brought more joy to me than I've ever deserved....more than I ever could have imagined, from a child. She'd want me to quit fretting over her so much. She'd want me to get on with my life, as hard as it's gonna be."

"How's Amanda holding up?"

Colt could then remember Amanda's face the day she picked her way down the cliff to see Taylor's body; her expression still burned within his mind. "She's doing alright. I think she's doing better than I am. She has her days, just like all the rest of us. It's just going to take time. I'm still so puzzled by all of it, that's the hardest part. I mean, she was an athletic kid doc, nimble....you know what I mean? I still can't see her just falling over the edge like that....she would have deliberately had to cross over the guardrail, and then walk or stand along the edge. It's just out of character for Taylor. It's really hard to envision her going about her business like that. But I guess kids will be kids. They're naturally curious and more apt to take risks than we adults do."

"Yes Colt, you talking about it with me, it's helpful", the doctor reassured him. "You can then readily differentiate and accept with logic, the probabilities that occurred that particular day. It's absolutely imperative to your future mental health that you eventually find some degree of closure in her passing. These sessions have been a tool for you to begin this closure inside this difficult chapter of your life. The pain will probably never go away! But the management of that pain will become more fluid, more responsive....as soon as you start to accept certain things."

"I hear you Doctor. And I'm going to start from this point on, to keep my sights looking forward. I've been mentally laid up for so long it seems I can't remember what normal feels like. I need that feeling to be able to come back, if even for abbreviated periods. I'm going to visit Mr. Morgan today on the yacht. I need to talk to him about work and keeping my mind focused on something else."

The doctor replied, "Excellent idea. While Amanda and Eric truly need you, it's also imperative that you put your career back on track." Dr. Anders then glanced at the antique clock that sat askew on his desk. "Well, that's enough for today Colt. This is a process we certainly can't work through in one day. You call and set up an appointment, when you need to talk again, alright?"

Colt could see Dr. Anders approaching, his dark eyes turning to a lighter brown in the sunlight. He then shook the doctor's hand, again hearing the kind words. "It's going to be alright Colt. You're a super guy, and you're going to be stronger again soon. Just keep that faith that we uncovered today, letting yourself start to focus on forging ahead."

Colt felt a sense of serenity overwhelm him, glancing at his doctor once again. "Thank you. It's nice to have an open ear who understands what's spinning around inside. You've really helped a lot. Thanks again, I'll see you later."

Dr. Anders nodded, while slightly compressing his lips, "Go face the world now Colt in a different light, you deserve it."

In the parking lot, Jack was laid back in Colt's convertible, his face up to the sun and eyes closed behind dark sunglasses. "Well, how did it go?" Jack asked.

Colt entered the vehicle with a new sense of purpose, a refreshing perspective that wasn't there when he went in. "It was good, he's a good doctor, Jack. You said you've seen him before, right?"

"Yeah, he's helped me over the years with various things within my life. Guilt being the main issue with this career and all, but sometimes security issues within myself....trust issues, stuff like that."

Colt pushed the ignition button, hearing near silence in the fuel cell powered motor. "I want to thank you for being here for me these last four months, Jack; having friends like you and Alden have helped tremendously. I'm really blessed, you know?"

Jack pulled up the seat from its horizontal position, feeling the 70 degree air sweep across his dark hair. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Colt. When we first met around 13 years ago, I knew we were going to be friends. I could just feel it inside. You know I've told you before, that there's something very special about you."

"Yeah, I remember you telling me that on the night you found me on that lonely mountain in the islands....right before I smashed that Keller dude. You still think I got it, huh?" Colt asked.

Jack turned to Colt after gazing at the shiny buildings in downtown Los Angeles, "Absolutely! You've always had that 'it' thing. It was just severely tested these past four months. I would never discount the significance of losing a child, Colt. Many a guy would have curled up in the fetal position by now, and probably blown their brains out. That's not you, it'll never be. You just need to realize that this life won't pause for anyone it just keeps pushing forward....until we all eventually die. That day, you'll be reunited with Taylor, and then you'll see her pretty face again....walk hand in hand, like you always used to do. God dammit! It hurts to even talk about it, Colt. But it is what it is now....we have each other....you have Eric and Amanda, Alden and Jesse, Mr. Morgan. We all love you man! We all know you have a lot to offer this world still, and Taylor wouldn't want it any other way. You've made a concerted effort in several of your last assignments, to eliminate some of the evil that slithers around this world. You see, you're trying to make a difference, not like earlier in your career when you had to kill for nothingness....just for bloody funds. Don't you see, your value is immense! You're doing more good than bad now....the tides have been changing over the years. You need to value your contributions more than not, and that's where you'll generate your motivation to move forward. It's not just Taylor that created your mindset about yourself these past four months, it's the way you've always seen yourself. It just came to a head, because of her tragic accident....don't you see that?"

Colt felt speechless, unable to articulate a legitimate response to his friend's passionate examination of himself. For a moment they were silent, as Colt turned into the Marina Del Ray parking lot. Both men exited the vehicle, making for their pick up boat that would take them directly to the yacht.

Colt finally broke the silence as they stepped into the small vessel. "I'm sorry for shutting you out Jack; it's just been a journey of craziness. I know you're right on your whole take with me it makes a lot of sense! Sometimes people need an outside opinion from a friend to validate specific aspects about themselves. It's exactly what I needed during our drive back there; someone to get up in my face so to speak, to tell me how it is. That's what I love about you. You're just like me in that regard, you just tell it like it is."

Jack nodded, trying to read Colt's face. "It's going to be O.K. Colt. I know it, and hopefully you will too. Time tends to clean up those open wounds, it always does. But the scars left behind never go away. She'll always be the biggest scar! One that you'll flaunt with pride, an angel you were privileged to father for those eleven years."

Colt could only nod, staring at the yacht quickly approach in the distance and feeling his throat start to constrict. Moments later, Colt, Jack, and Mr. Morgan sat under an umbrella on the expansive top deck of the yacht. Within minutes, an appetizing lunch was being served in calm weather conditions.

"So, Colt," Mr. Morgan said gently, "I suppose you're feeling somewhat better? Do you realize I have been keeping an eye on your progress from the boat here?"

Colt scratched his nose with a hint of anxiety, touching the club sandwich with his other hand. "Yes, I know you've been keeping tabs on my progress. Dr. Anders told me that from the outset....it's not a big deal to me, or any break in confidentiality."

Mr. Morgan continued, "I didn't think it would bother you, Colt, considering the kind of character you have inside you. I also know it's hard to think about work after such an unfortunate incident within your personal life. It's hit all of us hard! We're truly a family, and when one hurts, we all do. I hope you feel my sincerity with regards to the situation here Colt. You do, don't you?"

Colt took a bite of his sandwich and pulled away from his gaze at Mr. Morgan; trying to refresh his mind with the sight of the ocean. "Yes, I've always considered you a really sincere gentleman, Mr. Morgan. That's what keeps me going on with regard to my career here. I came here today with Jack because we're all friends, family....like you said. I've made a lot of money over the years....but that doesn't take away from my loyalty to both of you guys. I don't ever want you to ever think I take that lightly. I want to keep going in whatever capacity I can. I've never let myself go physically, I've kept my fitness up, because it's one of the only ways I can reduce my anxiety....to keep it at bay. I'm just trying to brush away all of the cobwebs that have wrapped around my brain, for what seems like eternity. I'm ready to resume where we left off after the cartel job. You have something in mind, I take it?"

Mr. Morgan took a sip of his red wine before wiping his mouth, his eyes appearing as dominant as ever. "I do, Colt. I see your physique hasn't left you, despite your sorrow. I'm very pleased with your commitment in keeping your conditioning up. And that's a must in this business, as you're well aware of; I have also seen your overall progression with our house psychiatrist, Dr. Anders. He's a good man who's a true professional. The mental aspects of this career are just as important, if not more, than the physical ones. That's why I want you and David Royal to take on the India assignment."

"The India assignment?" Colt asked.

He continued, describing, "It's widely known in central Asia that Pakistan has been a haven for harboring terrorists. The U.S., the U.K., and India have all documented countless groups working within their country. Don't get me wrong, there are a ton of well- meaning people who live in Pakistan, but they have been a natural enemy of India for many a moon. With those words, there is a group of four Pakistani guys who have been a thorn in India's side for some time now. Two years ago, in 2026, these four were involved in several bombings in Mumbai....those blasts took the lives of 97 people. Since then, they've wreaked havoc by partnering with other Islamic terror groups in the area. There was a recent attack that netted them a total of 142 kills at several train and bus stations in the Rajasthan region. Colt, this is my home land! And when this kind of violence is raining down on my people, it hurts, to say the least. I need you! I need your expertise and your professional services....to help quell this tsunami of death. Fortunately for us, one of the four has been captured....but there's still three of them, and I have intelligence that they are planning attacks on the general elections in early April. It's now mid-January, and that means those elections are under 90 days away. I need all three taken out before they recruit any others to participate in their evil ways. Colt, I don't care how you do it....just do it!

"What are the specifics, Mr. Morgan?"

"You will be paid a sum of 5 million dollars, and Dave is to receive 3 million. As usual, I'm not going to disclose who's paying, but I'm sure you can easily figure that out. As far as true specifics, you'll fly to New Dehli in one week....the Indian government will allow you a degree of limited support and resources; however, for the most part, you're on your own out there. From an intelligence standpoint, both you and David will have everything that I have....which is a lot. We can run anything you want here from in California; drone support, satellite photos, contact lists, anything you want. You may have to travel with an interpreter at times, but for the most part, many of the Indians you'll meet speak excellent English....these guys are dangerous, Colt! Much like the cartels, but big time into bombs and things that go boom....are you up for this challenge?"

Colt filled a glass of dark beer from a sweaty bottle. "Maybe a change of scenery will declutter my jumbled mind....allow me to become more lucid."

Mr. Morgan looked at him, hoping that would be the case. "Well, that's the plan. We need our top man back in action, especially if you're willing."

Colt looked over to Jack, wishing he would have been the one assigned to accompany him instead of David. "Well, I'm fully invested; you have my full commitment, Mr. Morgan."

"That's wonderful news; I'll inform David of our intentions and you two can get more familiar with what's needed on the long flight over. And Colt, thank you for doing this for me! I know it's a lot to ask, especially after what's happened."

"It's no problem Mr. Morgan....it's something I need anyway."

#  Chapter 20

Colt smiled, "Oh Eric, Lava Man would take out Ice Man all day!" Eric and his friend Tevin stared back from the screen at Colt, who was sitting with David at the Hyatt Regency in downtown New Dehli.

"The short story has to have a cool ending, Dad. My teacher said it can only be twenty pages, max."

Colt looked at his son, longing to be right next to him. "You have to get creative, Eric! If Ice Man is the bad guy, then Lava Man should do what to neutralize Ice Man's wicked freezing powers?"

Eric looked at Tevin, both boys laughing briefly. "Lava Man will have to be close to death," Eric continued, "with so many sharp icicles cooling him down. I think he should turn a switch on his chest, one he vowed to never turn."

"I like it, what does the switch do?"

"It then goes beep, beep, beep, and he blows up like a bomb....spewing hot lava all over Ice Man and his frozen world behind him," his son replied.

"Yeah Eric, now that's what I'm talking about! Put a little flavor into it buddy....I like it, good job son. Now, when do you have to have the story finished?"

"Two days from now, and I haven't even really started it yet."

"Well then, you'd better get on it, after a bit here."

"I will Dad....I miss you already!"

Colt swallowed and felt his chin slightly tremble. "I love you Eric....I miss you too. Take care of your mother....you're the man of the house when I'm gone. I'll be home as soon as I can. Have fun, see ya guys!"

"Bye Dad, see ya soon."

Colt then touched the end button and watched Eric's face vanish from the screen.

David turned to Colt, nodding. "He's a really cool kid Colt! He reminds me of you a lot, daring and bold."

Colt tried to suppress his emotions, ramming them as deep down as possible. "Yeah, he's great. I love watching him grow up, it's really incredible stuff."

David stood up stretching, and then running his fingers through his wavy brown hair. "Yeah, I never could bring myself to have a family after the Virgin Islands training. No woman would touch this beef cake, after they found out what I did for a living."

Colt was silent for a moment, wondering what kind of life he led to state that.

"Yeah," David resumed, "I know what you're thinking; what a lonely motherfucker this clown must be! Yeah, it can be at times....but you wouldn't believe the amount of poontang you can pull down! Especially when you travel as much as I do. The only bummer is that once I start dating a woman who I want to take things to another level with, I get cold feet and can't bring myself to tell her what I really do. You and Alden got lucky, with women already in the biz."

"Well, you know Evelyn, right?" Colt asked.

"Not really. I mean I've met her a few times, but she's never been a support girl for me on anything."

"Well, she's got a fabulous personality, not to leave out her kick ass body bro. I'm surprised you haven't tried to get in on all that action yet. She's smart, funny, the whole package. Shit, if I wasn't with Amanda, I would have taken a hard run at her a long time ago....but you didn't hear that from me. Hey man, you want me to put in a good word for you? Maybe set you guys up on some romantic, L.A. date or something?"

"You'd do that for me?"

"Hell yeah I would Dave! You're a fucking stud, man. I mean if I was a chick, I'd do you. But I'm not, so I won't."

David flashed a grin resembling a youthful male model.

"Hey," Colt continued, "don't get any ideas pal, or I'll have to tape one of those thick New Dehli phone books to my ass tonight!"

David laughed, knowing Colt was just trying to shake off any jitters he was subconsciously feeling before embarking on their risky mission. Colt then exhaled, looking down at his tablet. "Hey Dave, it says that New Dehli has nearly twenty five million people....that's fourteen million bigger than Los Angeles county."

David sat across from Colt in the opulent hotel room overlooking the azure blue water of the pool, glistening nine floors below. "Damn dude, that's a lot of people! I will say this though they're some of the nicest people I've ever been around. The Indians and the Jamaicans man....it's all about peace and love, you know?"

Colt stared out the window, admiring the massive city from behind the glass. "Yeah man, I'm right there with you. You can't go wrong with these down-to-earth people....but I was getting that same vibe in London as well. They get too bad of a rap from us snobby Americans....they're really cool shits, you know what I mean?"

"Yeah," David agreed, "I mean what city can boast was London has put out from a musical standpoint? None! You can probably put New York and L.A. together, and still not match what London has done for the world....in terms of awesome tunes that is."

"Right on man!"

Both men simply sat, nodding, feeling each other's optimistic energy fill the luxury hotel room. "Hey man," David said eagerly, "you know I scooped up some of India's finest bud. I got it when I had the cab driver pull over for me to take a leak yesterday. You still smoke man?"

Colt surveyed his own mindset for a moment, knowing he'd been put through a whirlwind of emotions in the previous months. _Maybe_ , he thought, _I need the relaxing properties of some pot to chill my ass out_. "Yeah man," he finally replied, "I smoke still....just not as much. You know, after we had the kids and all."

David then opened up one of his travel bags and tossed the plastic baggy onto the center of the granite table. "Check out these buds, my brotha."

Colt pulled up the baggy, holding it up to the natural light that was passing through the transparent plastic. "I've seen this shit before bro! Let me guess, South Indian Indica? Strain name, White Rhino. Am I in the same ballpark you're playing baseball in?"

Dave continued, "That could only come from a true connoisseur of tight-ass weed man! That's damn near exactly what the Indian dude told me it was. Wow, you know your way around some good bud my man....I'm sort of impressed."

"You know it man, just spark that shit up! And let's get down to business on the crazy bitches we intend on eliminating."

"No doubt bro," David replied then lit the joint he quickly rolled up, pulling in a lung-filled hit that inevitably started to drift out of his nostrils. He quickly passed the joint over to Colt, who appeared to be somewhat despondent, his eyes showing a transparent sadness.

Colt then put the opening just shy of lips, pulling in a long, extended inhalation, feeling instantly more relaxed.

David immediately blew the smoke out of the tiny crank window he opened earlier. "You know they've got some great vaporizers on the market man....you don't have to put all this smoke in your lungs anymore."

Colt exhaled, feeling the room expand for a moment, as if it slightly became bigger. "Yeah, we got a vaporizer back in California. But who has the time for that shit, when you're traveling so much, right bro?"

David shrunk the joint down further, and then passed it back to Colt, both men feeling a connection with one another unlike ever before.

David pushed the smoke back towards the New Dehli skyline before sitting back down to face Colt again. "So, what's your preliminary outlook on these bombing fools?"

Colt took on a serious look; the same look that ascended him to the top amongst his peers and the people around the world in dire need of his professional services. "They're dangerous, that's my take. These Asian dudes are as ruthless as the Mexicans, maybe more! That's because some of them have that Jihad shit that motivates them. Now, one of these dudes was part of an Islamic militia, the other cats are straight out of Kashmir area in Pakistan. The Islamic one, Mahaz Bey is the bomb expert....probably more influenced by the Jihad stuff. Then there's Omar Badini. He's apparently a well-known computer hacker who's also suspected of snatching millions from data-interception jobs that are affiliated with American retailers. The last one is Yasir Hesbani, a ruthless fuck who's been known to strap explosives to teenagers and then have them enter crowded markets to blow themselves up."

David stuffed the ember into the ashtray, feeling lightheaded. "Alright, let's run down our assets list."

Colt tapped his tablet several times, getting on the same page as David. "Yeah man, we're doing good from that perspective. Mr. Morgan has put pretty much whatever we want on this list. This shit is personal to him, so we can't fuck this up! You know?"

David stared at Colt's serious eyes for a minute, feeling them momentarily drive straight through him. "We'll pull the pro cards out and get this done right. It seems as though we have a new contraption on the list, you see it?"

"Yes, the zip line driver. I was there when the weapons guys were selling it to Mr. Morgan....I got to test it out. It's titanium darts that can penetrate up to eight inches into solid concrete. The kick behind each dart is equivalent to two12-gauge shotgun discharges. That's a fucking pop man, especially if one is up high."

Colt then abruptly looked at the clock that read 8:57 A.M., feeling the massive time difference between there and California. He could suddenly see Mr. Morgan on the yacht in his mind, looking serious and needing the assignment to commence as soon as possible. "We need to get the fuck up out of here, Dave....get this shit started. Did Krista or Evelyn shoot us intel on their whereabouts?"

David pulled up the live messages feed from the private web page, reading aloud. "Damn, these girls are some sophisticated drone pilots! They've apparently programmed a bunch of big birds that are carrying a hive of drone bees in their breast compartments. In addition, they've keyed in on two locations, both are hot. Evelyn just wrote about a minute ago that one of the bees was able to do a face scan, and it pulled up a 94% match on one of the men. We've been trained that anything over 90% is better than a green light!"

Colt sat next David, staring at the writings Evelyn was efficiently posting. "They're disguised, Dave! Those bee drones are next gen, dude. They are geared for facial detection accuracy; they yield over ten times better than what are old drones could do." Colt then pointed to the photograph she had quickly posted. "That looks like Mahaz, you see him stare at the bee? That bitch probably knows what's up already."

David stared at the young man's face, seeing a person on a quest, determined. "Do we have a tail, Colt?"

Colt pulled open his large tablet, pushing the button that read Evelyn. Moments later, a high definition image of her live face appeared on the screen, smiling. "Hey guys, how's it going?"

"Excellent, we're reading your writings on some of your drone surveillance. How did you get this sweet find?" Colt asked.

"Mr. Morgan's hot sheet laid out seven potential spots around that city," Evelyn continued, "Krista and I worked that town last night. We received some decent activity coming in and out of a potential hideout. They're called the Nahar Apartments in downtown Dehli. We have recording snippets of them talking to other men on a balcony of one of the apartments. It looks like they were viewing physical plans, maybe blueprints. It's possible they're in the planning stages of an attack, just like Mr. Morgan was fearing."

"How did you get up that close?"

"You must not know the extent of resources Mr. Morgan has access to when it comes to new technology. One of the birds we borrowed from the Indians was launched right from one their police departments last night. It's a night vision based hawk that has a better zoom than any military within its optical camera. We had this bird atop of an adjacent building a lot of the night, zooming in and out of the apartment. It's extremely covert, with massive peering capacities."

"Do we have a tail on the gentleman in the photograph?"

"Yes, but the battery on the bird is getting low, as I wrote. You guys are going to need to get out there and pick up where the bird left off. In the meantime, I'll fly him back to the police department to get a new battery."

"Shit Evelyn, all this and we haven't even left the hotel yet. Damn, you are big time! You know that, right?"

"Oh Colt, compliments will get you everywhere with us support girls!"

Colt then looked at David, smiling. "Hey, before we get going here....do you remember when we were talking on the Santa Barbara job about you getting all gun shy around men, you know, on account of your career?"

Her face shifted and her dark eyebrows raised. "Yes, what's up your sleeve, Mr. Davis?"

"Well, do you see this hunk of beefcake sitting right next to me?" Colt then pulled David into the camera's frame more clearly, who was smiling with a tinge of embarrassment.

"Yeah, Hi Dave," Evelyn responded.

David's face then turned slightly red, his eyes getting brighter, "Hi Evelyn."

Colt resumed, "Well, I got to talking to Dave....he's a really cool shit by the way....I didn't know he was that smooth. But anyway, I mentioned your name, I hope you don't mind."

"You mentioned my name....'bout what?" she then asked.

"Well, since I'm now sort of a broker-slash-matchmaker....I figured you guys could hook up and get it on!"

Evelyn laughed, her white teeth gleaming through the screen.

Colt ran his fingers along his scruffy face. "You know I'm just messin' with you Evie! But I think you two should give each other a try....he's kind of in the same boat as you. So with that, I'll hand it over to David......Dave it's on you now, bud."

"Hi Evelyn, when I get back into town, you wanna get some dinner, take a sunset cruise on my boat or something?"

Her hazel eyes looked instantly smitten, posture straightening. "I would love to, Dave. I'll shoot you my number and you can call me when you get back into L.A."

David nudged Colt, smiling. "Excellent! I'm looking forward to it already!"

"Me too Dave! Now, you two guys get all up on this thing here."

"No doubt, let's head out Colt."

Colt then walked across the room, already grabbing the various bags they needed. "I'm ready, let's cruise." Both men then hastily exited the hotel room, awaiting the elevator in the hallway. Colt turned to David, his eyes fixed. "You ready for this big game hunting man?"

David suddenly yielded a new-found energy, drawing from the previous conversation he just had with Evelyn. "Absolutely, I'm locked and loaded, and ready to rock this shit."

"Good, I like that kind of confidence Dave. This is a no fear scenario. We need to make sure there aren't any civilian casualties, Mr. Morgan would totally frown on that shit." The elevator then opened to a group of Chinese tourists. Both men nodded out of respect, before Colt pushed the main floor lobby button. Thirty minutes later, Colt was driving the armor-plated van through the streets of New Dehli, with David subtly taking in the foreign culture from the passenger seat.

Colt could then see Evelyn's face on the tablet screen, delivering updates on the movements of Mahaz Bey. "Alright Colt, take a left on this Atul Grove Lane. You'll pass the apartments we think the men were staying in. "

"Where is Mahaz right now?" Colt asked.

"He's a half mile to your west, heading eastbound on Tolstoy Road."

"I'm assuming he's coming back here toward the apartments. I'll wait on the corner here of Atul Grove Lane and Tolstoy Road....what's he driving?"

"He's driving a blue Audi. He's coming....approaching the corner; can you see him?"

"He just turned onto Atul," Colt replied, "he's on a radio. I just saw him pull it down from his mouth." He then looked in the mirror, seeing the blue vehicle stopping for three other men, all hastily walking down the sidewalk. "Alright Evie, pull the bird in and bring him back to the police station. Load him up with a new battery and let's get him back on support ASAP."

"Roger Colt. I'll be on standby in the meantime," she answered.

Colt then stared intently at the men getting into the vehicle, knowing they were supposed to be eliminating only three of them.

David checked the weapons inventory in the back of the van. "Colt, I can rocket launch that vehicle right now....and it'd be all over with, real quick like!"

Although the idea seemed efficient, Colt couldn't bring himself to allow David that leeway, knowing they hadn't definitively verified their identities; and being as though positive identification was something Mr. Morgan was extremely adamant about. He softly replied to David's request, "Blowing them up is going to make identifying them difficult afterward. That might make getting paid hard, also. We can't blast them right now, we've got to somehow expose them. We have to literally call them out, get an expression, a response....get them fleeing as a result of our identifying them. I know it sucks, but sometimes it's the only way to ID the enemies. Especially in this highly populated urban setting. Put your sunglasses and hat on, I'm gonna roll up beside them, and you're gonna say the name Mahaz Bey to the driver. I want to see his eyes! Go grab your Desert Eagle with the silencer. If I tap your leg, fire as many as you can at the driver, and then take out a tire if you can."

David looked at Colt, revealing a worried gaze. "Alright man, let's get it done."

Colt shifted his view to the automatic M4 carbine rifle with the extended clip that was resting between him and David. He then slowly turned the van around. He immediately checked both of them, confirming their bullet proof vests were on. He subsequently glanced at David and tried to determine his true demeanor before maneuvering a U-turn back toward the men in the blue Audi. As they slowly drove up, Colt spoke to David. "We need to do it exactly as we talked about."

Their dark van then pulled up, all four men looked at them as David electronically rolled the window down. "Mahaz Bey?" In that split second, Colt leaned over David, staring at the driver's eyes, trying to see the fear he needed. He quickly tapped David's leg and David's hand then rose up with the Desert Eagle pointed at the driver.

The driver instantly shifted his body toward the passenger just before David squeezed off the first round. After several more shots, Colt pounded down on the accelerator and parked the van 50 yards down the street, cocking the van sideways for cover.

David quickly retrieved the other M4 carbine rifle and exited out the driver's door, following Colt. Suddenly bullets started peppering the other side of the van, giving Colt the full confirmation he needed. He knew they had definitively identified the dangerous group of bombers. "Let them shoot," Colt said calmly, "it's armored, no bullets are getting through to this side....they're going to be empty soon. Dave, get ready for their reloads pause!"

Both men waited trying to best determine their bullet counts and the quantity they probably had remaining. Seconds later, the bullets ceased. Colt then peeked around the back corner before standing; then he unleashed a focused automatic discharge toward the Audi's windshield and side windows.

David quickly followed suit from the front left corner of the van, while Colt opened the back door, reluctantly pulling the rocket launcher from the back. As David finished off the clip, Colt could see two men exit the blue vehicle and start running in the opposite direction. "Get in the van, Dave!"

Both men quickly entered the van, keeping an eye on the two men running away. Colt then slammed the gear into drive and approached the blue car with David's Desert Eagle pointed out the window. While viewing the interior, they paused momentarily and were in awe, noticing the men in the back seat were both riddled with bullets.

David stuck the binoculars up to his face, seeing the men still running, now into a heavily populated area with pedestrians walking. "They're carrying big bags Colt, let's go!" Colt pushed the accelerator, glancing one more time at the bloody carnage the M4's had left behind.

In the distance, police sirens could be heard as they accelerated through the intersection's red light, Colt now looking more determined. As they drove further down the street, Colt turned to David, knowing they could shoot, but the risk was simply too great. "We need to just follow for a minute here Dave, they're severely flustered....they might try to do something rash."

Suddenly, the men ran up to the doors of the 13-floor Suryakiran building, then they turned, spotting their van before entering. Colt quickly parked the van on the side of the road, and both men exited with handguns drawn; sprinting toward the building's front doors. As they approached, pedestrians started screaming and fleeing the immediate area, fearing for their lives.

Colt peered around the cement corner where the glass started around the front door. "Let's go in!"

David nodded, as Colt methodically led the way, meeting eyes with people in the lobby. "Where did they go?"

Many of the frightened-looking people pointed upward; one speaking English, "They grabbed the guard and went up the elevators!"

David ran to the elevators, quickly pushed the up arrow button and waited for Colt to join. Thirty seconds later, the man who spoke English ran up, joining Colt and David at the main elevator; looking at David. "The doors haven't opened, have they?" David shook his head, sweat starting to bead on his forehead.

Just then, Colt looked up, seeing the numbers 12 and 13 were illuminated, and 1 through 11 were not. He turned to David, still slightly winded. "They've managed to shut off access to the elevator, let's check the stairway....c'mon!"

Both men bolted toward the stairway door with guns pointed forward. "I'm coming with you," the man who spoke English said.

Colt turned, seeing the man appeared eager for action. "Don't come with us, it's too dangerous, sir."

"No man, this is the building where I work....no one's gonna take it away like that!" the man replied in a thick, Indian accent, looking excited.

Colt looked over to David, shaking his head. "Alright, just stay behind us." All three then walked up each flight, glancing in the hallways at every ascending floor. At the 11th floor, Colt turned to the man. "Stay here; don't come up this last flight sir!"

"The name's Pranish; O.K. sir," the man replied.

Colt tugged on David's shirt. "Get ready man." They both gingerly walked up to the top, exhaling before checking the 12th floor door. David then touched the handle, twisting with futility and feeling it locked. Colt quickly verified its status and started back for Pranish. "You know where the keys are for this door?"

Pranish's eyebrows pushed down, "The only person who has access to the keys are the guards, and we only have one on duty this afternoon...."

"And he's with the two guys," Colt said, finishing his sentence, "c'mon guys." Colt then resumed darting down the flights for the lobby again. On the ground floor, they ran for the front doors, avoiding traffic in the busy street to access the van. Inside, he touched the tablet's screen again, noticing Evelyn's connection was timed out. He immediately touched her name button, waiting for her face to appear.

Moments later, Krista, the second support woman assigned with Evelyn, appeared. "Hey guys, what's up?"

Colt swallowed through a dry throat, "Hi Krista. We need the designated helicopter ASAP....do you have my GPS location?"

She pulled up another screen that monitored both of the mens' locations via the implanted GPS trackers behind their ears. "I gotcha guys, you're at the Suryakiran building. I'll have them pick you up in the street, right by your van. Just close off the traffic when you hear the rotor blades."

"Gotcha, hurry up though, they've kidnapped the guard in the building." Just then, a flurry of police cars pulled up with Colt quickly approaching the first car on scene. "Gentlemen, we're with the Morgan group out of the states....you'll have to work it from the bottom, we're taking a helicopter to the top."

The Indian police officer looked suspicious. "You are with the Morgan group? Are you Colt?"

"Yes sir, I am. My partner and I have no problem with your support, but we need the autonomy to work from the top down."

The Indian police officer immediately began relaying the information to the other officers on scene. "That's fine, Colt. Whatever you need sir, we'll try to help."

"Cool, just seal off the traffic so a chopper can land by the van here....thank you." Minutes later, the bright yellow helicopter started its descent toward the busy street below; Colt then noticing sparks from shots ricocheting from the body. He turned to David, "They're shooting at the chopper from the top floor. Do me a favor and fill up both of the big bags that we'll take up with us. Don't forget the parachutes and the zip line driver!"

"No problem Colt, I'll get it all squared away."

Colt immediately set the phone earpiece into his right ear and the radio one in the left. Moments later he watched the propeller blades start to decelerate, just before he called Evelyn.

"Hello," she said smiling.

"Evie?"

"Yeah," she replied.

"Where's the hawk?"

"He's recharged and in flight, heading towards the tower where you are at now."

"Does he have those wily bees in his belly?"

"Yeah, all are fully charged, and ready for support."

"Good job Evelyn! Have the bird land on top of the building and put him on standby up there. And thank you so much in advance. You're the best Evie!"

"No problem Colt, it'll be done."

After David put together their weapon bags, both men ran to the awaiting helicopter, its propeller blades still slowly turning. As they entered, Colt could see the Indian pilot turn back, appearing worried. Colt then spoke matter-of-fact. "We're ready; can you pull it up and go to the opposite side of the bullets you were taking on?"

"Yes sir," the pilot replied.

The chopper blades then restarted, sending a swirl of air around the tightly spaced buildings on the downtown street. Colt touched both of his earpieces, looking at David through the noise. "Put in your radio and your phone patch with Evie."

"Roger," David affirmed.

Colt then tucked his body down, crouching behind the pilot in the back seat. Moments later, the helicopter started to hover atop the building. Colt suddenly spotted one of the men hiding behind an industrial-sized air conditioning unit. "There's one down there, on the roof."

Just then, a bullet pierced the driver's side door from below, hitting the pilot in the leg. "Ah....ah!" he shouted in pain.

Colt grabbed the M4 carbine, yelling at David. "Pull him from the seat, Dave, and have him move over to the passenger side....you can fly it for a minute!"

David nodded; his mouth open, "Got it man."

Colt tried to aim the automatic rifle, but the man immediately stood up and ran for the door. He immediately discharged several rounds, missing with the chopper's instability. "Bring it down Dave!"

"10-4."

Colt scanned the entire roof, nervous that the other of the two men could be lurking behind another AC unit. As David managed to set the helicopter down on the narrow landing space, Colt stood and swept M4 slowly along the horizon. "We're out", he said to the pilot...."can you manage to make it down on your own with the copter?"

"Ah....yes.....I think." Colt then helped the pilot over to the driver's seat with blood draining profusely from his left thigh. "Hurry man, I'll have an ambulance sent over. Just put it down on the street nicely. And thank you."

"Yes sir, I think I can do it," the pilot replied.

Colt looked over to David, both unsure of the pilot's capability to land the helicopter. They both then made for the same air conditioning unit the one man was hiding behind, implementing their own temporary cover. David looked up, abruptly pointing to the sky. "There's the drone hawk Colt, it's landing."

Colt nodded, watching as Evelyn guided the hawk in from the building's opposite side, avoiding the propeller blades on the helicopter. He then tapped Evelyn on his smart watch.

Seconds later, Evelyn answered. "Hi Colt, the bird's landing. Manually pull two bee drones from its belly, and let me know when you want us to pilot them on our end."

"Roger, we need you to dispatch an ambulance to this Tolstoy street building site. Our pilot was hit in the leg by one of these fucks."

"10-4, I'll get emergency staff down there ASAP," she replied.

Colt stared at David, watching him unzip his weapon-filled bag. "Use the lower charged door bombs. I'm pretty sure these guys already locked that door down over there."

Both men approached with gun barrels pointed at the lone cream colored door. Colt twisted the handle, confirming his prediction of it being locked. "Set it on there, David, right next to the handle."

David stuck the clay housing against the hot door, before both men ran back to the robotic hawk. As Colt was unlatching the breast compartment in the drone hawk, the door handle exploded, with smoke lingering in the still air.

David then reached his hand out for one of the bees and explained to Colt, "Let's head in, I'll get my bag."

"Yeah man, let's do it." Colt could suddenly see his late daughter's face in his mind, her trying to understand the secretive career she never knew he had. They both approached the ajar door with extreme caution, as ambulance sirens started reverberating throughout downtown. Colt suddenly stopped, looking at the lone bee in his hand, remembering what Evelyn said.

"Evelyn," he whispered, "are you on standby?"

"Yes, I'm still here," she replied.

Colt touched the switch on his bee, motioning for David to do the same. "We're at the door on top of the building both bees are being powered up now. Can you and Krista start the piloting, and survey the top floor before we head in?"

"Not a problem, what number is on the bottom of your bees?"

Colt turned the tiny drone over, and then looked at David's. "Mine's four, Dave's is six." Seconds later, both bees lifted into the air, flying toward the smoldering door just eight feet ahead.

"Colt!" Evelyn said dramatically.

"Yeah."

"One of them is just on the other side of the door, be careful!"

Colt touched the trigger of the M4, wondering if he should put several rounds through the metal. "Is he at the side of the door, or directly behind it?"

"At the side," she replied.

"O.K., what kind of dart are we running in those bees?"

Calmly, she replied, "The lower concentration of Brazilian walking-spider venom."

"Alright, has he seen the bees yet?"

"No, I don't think so; he's so ultra-focused on the doorway."

"Good, get in the range of his face, and try to accurately drive the dart into one of his eyes."

"Roger, stand by," she said. Moments later, a scream came from the other side of the door. "Colt," she said, laughing.

"Yeah, you obviously hit him?"

"Ah, yeah....I think I took out his right eye! I'm following him down the empty hall, he's scurrying for the stairway....and now he's running down the stairs to the floor below, still screaming in pain, though."

"Good, keep following him around down there. We're going in."

Colt then looked to David. "Let's go, are you patched in on Evelyn's calls?"

"Yeah, I'm all wired in. Let's go!" Dave answered. Both men then entered the thirteenth floor cautiously, each pointing their guns towards opposite sides of the hallway. Colt quickly made for the stairway door, seeing David's bee cruising high in the hallway. "Evelyn?"

"Yeah Colt."

"Where are the three men?"

"All on the twelfth floor, Colt. The guard looks hurt, his face has blood coming from it....oh....oh shit! It looks like Yasir Hesbani is his accomplice, one of the hard core fucks. I think he sees our bee....yep, he's swiping at it right now."

"Alright," Colt replied, "fly him down to the opposite side of the hallway and then bring him back....like a little game, to mess with them."

"Roger."

Colt then turned the stairway handle before both men quietly entered onto the narrow platform. On their backs, they carried the heavy weapon bags with rifles shifting quickly about the air. On the middle platform between the two stairways, Colt and David stopped, staring down at the twelfth floor door below.

Suddenly, a dark eye peered through the crack on the door before quickly pulling it fully open, then firing shots from a handgun. David instantly blew backward; Colt then squeezed off four rounds, nearly hitting the arm that was shooting the bullets. Both men retreated to the flight above them, with Colt quickly assessing David's condition.

"What the fuck!" Colt said nervously. David touched his chest, before looking at his hand for blood. "I'm good, the vest stopped it....these guys have to go down now!" Colt nodded, sensing the risk each man was willing to take, despite being over armed.

"Evelyn," David said.

"Yeah Dave," she replied.

"I took a bullet off the vest, what happened on the bee's visuals?"

"I had him flying to the end of the hall, surveying. The guy must have seen it, and then quickly made for the stairway door, seeing an opportunity to shoot."

Colt ran up to the top of the stairs, holding the door open for the second bee that Krista was piloting, "Evie, have Krista pilot that drone down to couple up with the other. And then have her discharge its dart, at the other man's eye, if possible."

Krista replied, "10-4, the twelfth floor doorway is clear; open it so the bee can go through, Colt."

"Roger, I'll head down there and do it." Colt watched as the bee passed by his head, awaiting his arrival at the dangerous twelfth floor doorway. Moments later, he cracked the door open just enough for the tiny drone to enter the hallway, immediately making for Yasir, near the end. Within seconds, another scream echoed into the stairway they were in, with Colt shaking his head thereafter. "You guys got another hit, I heard."

"Yep," Krista replied, Evelyn now laughing in the background. Just then, Evelyn's voice pierced Colt's left ear. "They're violently pulling up the guard Colt! They're heading into a room down the hallway."

Colt instantly tapped David, who was still sitting on the stairs, recovering from the bullet that blasted against his chest. "We need to go man; they just entered a room on the twelfth floor."

Both men entered the hallway, smelling the residual scent of burned gunpowder in the air. "Evelyn," Colt whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Which suite number is it? And are there any employees in the business?"

"It's in 1203, and no one is on the top three floors."

Colt pointed for David to walk the hall in the opposite direction, while he confidently made for the 1203 suite. With his back on the other side of the door frame, he checked the handle, feeling it immobilized. On the other side, he could feel the floor vibrate from heavy objects being pushed up against the door.

Colt immediately radioed, "Dave, they're barricading themselves in over here."

David started to run towards Colt. "I have worse news, they've littered this end with bombs dude....and some have digital countdowns!"

Colt swallowed, briefly envisioning his life end in a violent blast. "What are the times?"

"There's four just on this end. Three of them read 3:58 when I was over there. So basically, three minutes, Colt....we have to hurry!"

Colt pulled the phone microphone toward his mouth, "Evelyn!"

"Yeah Colt."

"Get the building cleared immediately! They all need to be out in less than three minutes. We also need snipers working the southwest part of the twelfth floor....put the police to work on that. Be advised they may try to rappel or parachute out; put out the order to shoot on sight, if it's these two!"

"Roger," Evelyn confirmed.

Colt slammed the butt of the M4 rifle against the door, yelling. "Let the guard go, bring him out now!" Colt awaited a response as he efficiently placed a door bomb near the handle.

A voice then rang out in Arabic. "He's not coming out! He's going to die with us, and you!"

David sprinted down the hall again, peering at the bombs randomly placed about the end. "Two minutes Colt, hurry!"

Colt instantly stepped back, detonating the small charge and then uselessly kicking on the nearly immovable door. Seconds later, he set his digital watch to countdown from one minute and forty five seconds. He then grabbed two containers of tear gas, affixed a respirator over his face, and then spoke back to support. "Evelyn!"

"Yes Colt."

"Get a chopper to hover immediately above the top of the building! See if they can hang a rescue basket, or at least put a ladder down," he said.

"10-4."

Colt immediately set a larger sticky bomb onto the door and then pulled David back several feet away. Four seconds later, the door erupted in a violent explosion. In that second, both men were unaware if any of the three inside had survived the blast. David then started for the small office, determined to exact revenge.

Colt followed and tossed in both cans of tear gas in front of David. His eyes gravitated back to the wristwatch, now reading one minute and nineteen seconds. David then kicked the massive metal filing cabinet down then watched all three men struggling to breathe. Colt instantly identified the guard. Within a split second, he began penetrating Mahaz and Yasir with several vicious M4 rounds, killing both immediately.

David pulled the guard from the hazy room, frantically making for the stairway door, with Colt's watch now reading forty nine seconds. As they hurried up the stairway, Colt yelled to David, taking in the guard's poor condition. "Let's carry him! It'll be faster." David nodded, taking his right leg as Colt took his left; all three now finally stepping onto the thirteenth floor.

Colt subsequently kicked the door to the outside roof, immediately hearing propeller blades chopping through the air above. On the ground was a lone basket, just large enough for one person to lie in. He looked at his watch, shocked at the sight of it reading thirty three seconds. "Hurry Dave, let's get him inside!"

They subsequently carried the man over and set him onto the metal bed. Colt glanced back to David, watching him look back in slow motion. "Let's parachute off, Dave!" David's head nodded in a divided blur. Colt then stuck his thumb into the air, twisted his watch, and then double checked the existence of the parachute on his back.

Suddenly David tugged on Colt's arm, his eyes huge. "My parachute is inside the building....in my bag!" Colt's eyes naturally shifted down to his watch that now read six seconds; although in his mind, he knew he'd left an additional buffer of five seconds when he set the count down. "We'll jump together, come to the edge, and wrap yourself around me!"

Both men ran to the edge of the building as David immediately secured himself around Colt's chest. Three additional seconds elapsed, Colt leapt off, and the top two floors began to explode thereafter. Colt could see the ground as David pulled the ripcord; the moment was surreal, silence was the only noise either man could hear.

Colt shifted his vision up to red and white colors, verifying the parachute had opened, and then all vision went black.

#  Chapter 21

"I think I just saw his eye opening," Mr. Morgan said. The pen light's bright passes were rhythmical, yielding two second intervals between each. A small hand touched his face. "It's me, Dad, Eric, wake up!"

Colt's eyes finally allowed thin strips of light to enter, before fully witnessing various colors hovering just above his field of vision. Pain then drove through the right side of his head, ending at the left eyeball.

After more silence, a man spoke English with an Indian accent. "Mr. Davis, it's Dr. Kumar....squeeze my finger, if you can hear me."

Colt knew he needed to follow the directions, still altogether unaware of what was happening. He could then feel his left hand pull off an annoying mask from his face. "Where Am I? Am I dead?"

The mask was promptly returned as Amanda's voice whispered in his ear. "Honey, you're at Lohia Hospital in New Dehli. It's O.K., you're going to be O.K. Just relax." Her voice felt instantly soothing, a warm light from shore on a cold ocean of fear.

"Amanda....is that you?"

"Yes Colt, it's me....Eric is here too. We love you so much honey! You can open your eyes now."

He struggled through the natural light piercing through the hospital window. As his hazy vision gradually subsided, Dr. Kumar flashed the pen light once again across his pupils, studying their reaction to light.

Through more intense pain surging through his brain, he could feel the bed's angle tilt to a more vertical position. He could then see Mr. Morgan peek down at him; hazily noticing his silky brown tie resting on his hand.

"You're very courageous Colt, you know that?" Mr. Morgan whispered.

Colt could suddenly see the red and white parachute opening, and then David clinging to his body. "Where's David?"

Mr. Morgan straightened before clasping his hand. "He's gone Colt....it's not your fault."

Colt could suddenly feel warm tears flow down both sides of his face, and began shaking his head in disbelief. "No....no....he's not gone....where is he?"

Mr. Morgan's face became suddenly more clear as he sat in a chair next to the bed. "You two are true hero's Colt. You saved a guard's life up there in that building. You eliminated the scourge that was plaguing this beautiful country....those three men that were hell-bent on mayhem. Colt....David didn't make it. Eyewitnesses reported your chute opening, but both of you were hit by chunks of building debris. The building collapsed twenty seconds after the blasts, Colt....it's because they placed bombs on several of the floors! You guys would never have made it down the stairs to the main floor in time. All four of the men were just identified, it was real a success. Plus there weren't any other civilian casualties. That's huge Colt....that's really important news!"

"What....what happened to David?"

"You were both knocked out Colt; he couldn't hold you any longer. It was all captured on television. Everyone witnessed what you two did for Dehli."

Colt's eyes shifted around the room, recognizing everyone except the doctor in the white coat. "How long have I been here?"

Dr. Kumar approached, setting his hand on Mr. Morgan's shoulder. "This is your fifth day you're a very lucky man, Mr. Davis. Your first couple days were extremely critical, as your brain was fairly swollen. The television footage recorded you hitting the first floor of the Suryakiran building at a pretty high rate of speed. It's truly a miracle that you're here talking to us five days later."

Suddenly a rush of random visions floated about Colt's mind, incidents that appeared lucid, but unrelated to anything he could ever remember. Moments later, he spoke with eyebrows down. "Who's Ravi Dial?"

Everyone in the room looked at each other, each with perplexed expressions.

The doctor stepped to the bedside with a cautiously interested look on his face. "It's somewhat common for persons such as yourself to have post-traumatic hallucinations, Mr. Davis. We see it in at least forty percent of our patients with similar injuries."

Sitting with Eric near the window, Mr. Morgan stuck an earpiece into his tablet before touching the screen. Moments later he rose, walking to the bed and standing next to the doctor. "Colt, you recently asked about a person named Ravi Dial, am I correct?"

Colt pushed his hands on the bed, straightening his posture in the angled bed. "Yeah, what's all that about?"

Mr. Morgan looked at Amanda, beckoning her to lean into his whispers. Seconds later, she pulled away, glancing back at Colt with a surprised look in her eyes. "Honey, we need to get Eric back in school....in front of his teacher. You don't know how much we prayed this day would come, ever since we got here five days ago. The doctor seems confident on your prognosis....so we're going to go back to California tonight. Are you O.K. with that?"

Colt stuck out his arms, needing her embrace before whispering. "It's fine sweetie, I'll come home soon....I love you." He then looked to Eric, seeing him walk to the bed before bending down with his mother. "Eric," Colt said, "get back home with mom. Everything will be alright son, I love you."

Eric placed his head next to his father's, tears now welling up in his eyes. "I love you too Dad, just come home as soon as you can, O.K.?"

"Absolutely, I will. Take care of your mom for me."

"I will; goodbye Dad." Colt then kissed Eric and Amanda, and vaguely watched them exit the hospital room. With heavy eyes and a cluster headache, he managed to drink from a bottle of water to relax himself.

Mr. Morgan sat back in the seat near the bed, surveying the room for a moment. "Colt, Ravi Dial is a twelve year-old boy from Dehli here. How did you randomly come up with his name like that?"

Colt closed his eyes for a time, seeing the name again, but now on a piece of paper with a picture of his face underneath. "I don't know, it's taped somewhere....Palam Village....Palam Village Road....what the fuck is this doctor?"

Dr. Kumar glanced at Mr. Morgan, who was holding up his tablet, showing him something. Colt then shifted his pain-ridden eyes to the men. "Guys, what's up with this shit?"

Mr. Morgan focused his distinguished eyes onto Colt's, with mouth slightly open. "Ravi Dial is a young, twelve year old boy Colt. I pulled up the name on my tablet, just a little bit ago."

Colt shifted his gaze to the doctor to gauge his reaction, and then back to Mr. Morgan, "Go on, Mr. Morgan."

He then skimmed his right index finger along the tablet before pulling his eyes back to Colt. "He's been missing for 11 days Colt! Missing from the Palam Village area in southwest Dehli."

Colt could instantly feel the adrenaline start to slow through his body, his heart beginning to race. "The picture on the paper was of a younger boy, not much older than Eric....this is really bizarre guys, what....what the hell do we make of this?"

Mr. Morgan could only stare at Colt, trying to understand the abrupt details of the missing boy."

The doctor ran the back of his pen along the bottom of Colt's left foot, seeing him naturally pull it back. "How do your legs feel, Colt?"

Colt bent both of his knees and set his feet flat onto the bed. "From my neck down, I don't feel bad, it's just my head. There's still a lot of searing pain. Can I get an aspirin or something, to kill this headache?"

Two days later, Colt found himself shaking the hands of the police commissioner of New Dehli and a detective from the police station of Palam Village. With Mr. Morgan and Dr. Kumar present, Colt sat at a large round table near the window of his hospital room. "Please sit," Colt said, before sipping on a Coke.

The more distinguished man spoke first. "Mr. Davis, my name is Neel Dora, I am the Dehli police commissioner. The gentleman accompanying me is Detective Kade, he is working out of the Palam Village police department. Mr. Morgan and I go back some years. First, I want to thank you for your incredible service to our community; it certainly didn't fall on deaf ears. What you did was save a lot of lives, lives that probably would have been lost in their next big bombing. In addition, thanks to the efforts of your support team with....I believe their names are Evelyn and Krista, back in the states; we've managed to arrest several other associates at the apartment complex they had been staying at."

Colt glanced at all four men, before nodding. "Yeah, this is all so crazy, Mr. Dora."

"Please, just call me Neel."

"As I said, it's really nuts to say the least. I just want to thank you guys, first for being able to speak English, and second, for treating me so well."

"Mr. Morgan speaks very highly of you, Colt. And when he speaks, a lot of ears usually perk up. I believe you may have had a life-changing experience in your quest to fulfill your mission, Colt. An experience that is extremely rare, but now evidently clear.... am I right to assume that sir?"

Colt took another sip of his soda, trying to pull the caffeine out to fuel his tattered brain. "Yes, I don't know what actually occurred inside my head, but there's been some images that I've been unable to shake since I woke up two days ago."

Commissioner Dora edged in to the table, trying to see past the sunglasses. "Colt, would you mind removing the glasses for a time, I'd like to see your eyes."

Colt vividly remembered hearing David say 'Mahaz Bey' to the men in the car, and wanting to see his eyes as well. "Yeah, it's alright," he said, pulling off the sunglasses.

"Now," Commissioner Dora resumed, "I understand some of those images are pertaining to a boy who fell missing nearly thirteen days ago?"

"Yeah, Ravi," Colt replied.

Detective Kade glanced at Mr. Dora, signaling his need to speak. "Colt," he said politely, "now from a timetable standpoint, you arrived in the city around eight days ago, and you've never been here before?"

"That's right sir."

"According to that data alone, there isn't a possible way you could be involved in his disappearance, that's obvious....forgive me, but we're just stating the facts here, Colt."

"No, I've never been here before....but I really like the people and the city."

"Well thank you, we all love you Colt. You've meant a lot to Dehli in the short time you've been here." Detective Kade then set a silver necklace into the middle of the table, and nodded his head at Colt. "However," he continued, "now we're specifically talking about Ravi Dial here. Do you have any additional information, other than what you mentioned to Mr. Morgan and Dr. Kumar the other day?"

Colt could see all four men looking at him and then down at the necklace, almost testing him for something. He reluctantly grabbed the necklace in a slower motion than normal, seeing innumerable images surge through his mind, all fitting around the few that had already been there. His eyes closed for some seconds and then as he reopened his lids, his head jolted back slightly. "Oh my God! That's fucked up, man."

Commissioner Dora tapped his hand, and then watched the necklace drop back to the table. "Are you O.K., Colt?"

Colt's eyes widened, and then he stared out the window for a moment, shaking his head. "This has almost been like a nightmare ever since I woke up, guys. I can't fight the power of these images, they just come in whenever they want to....we've got to exorcise them out somehow; we need to go right now!"

Mr. Morgan tapped the shoulder of Commissioner Dora and then nodded his head. "You want to leave?" Mr. Morgan asked Colt.

"Mr. Morgan," Colt replied, "we have to go, I'm feeling as healthy as I've felt since I woke up. I'm ready, let's figure this stuff out!" Twenty minutes later, Colt was staring out the window of a silver Mercedes Benz that Mr. Morgan was driving. In the back seat was Commissioner Dora and detective Kade, both holding notebooks with pens in hand.

"Right there," Colt said, "that's the circle that connects Palam Village Road with Lodhi Chowk Road. Please, stop up there Mr. Morgan." Just as Mr. Morgan came to a complete stop on the left side of the road, Colt exited the vehicle holding Ravi's necklace in his right hand.

He walked the circle for a moment, before abruptly stopping to close his eyes. The sun was suddenly farther down in the sky, traffic was seemingly less, and the sight of Ravi walking was vivid. Suddenly, a man driving a maroon car stopped his vehicle, right in front of Ravi. He could see his fingers motioning for Ravi to come to the car. Moments later, the door suddenly opened and Ravi was shoved into the front seat. In odd fashion, the man seemed as though he sat on the boy before he sped away. Colt could then see the car drive around the circle, heading back the same direction it came from.

Mr. Morgan pulled up next to Colt, curious. "Come in the car Colt, let's talk." He could then feel the boy's terror, the man's arms forcing him to the floor of the passenger seat. Moments later, Colt entered the silver vehicle and then looked at Mr. Morgan, before turning back to detective Kade. "He was taken from this circle. The man was driving a maroon car. I don't know what kind and I don't know the year. But I know he's violent....he's evil."

Commissioner Dora locked onto Colt's eyes after writing the details down. "I know we Indians look very similar, but did you happen to get a description on the guy?"

Colt closed his eyes, rewinding the entire scene in his head. "He's short....stocky. Probably five feet tall....he probably weighs around 190 pounds. He's wearing mirrored sunglasses and his hair is super short, almost shaved. I....can't....get....in....close enough to see his face, though."

Colt then squeezed the necklace tighter, closing his eyes again and hoping for another image to appear. "O.K., I'm in the car again, I can see the man driving. I can see Ravi curled up on the floor and the man is holding a knife in his right hand....almost touching him with it every so often." Colt then pulled his chin down. "I'm seeing some New Saraswat school sign. He just took a right after the school....now I'm seeing....water, like a lake, on my left side....wait....I just saw another sign....it says....Asola....Wildlife Sanctuary....it's getting rural, really green!"

Commissioner Dora tapped Mr. Morgan before handing him a tablet with GPS coordinates to follow. Mr. Morgan just nodded, recognizing the part of town Colt was referring to. "What do you see now, Colt?" Mr. Morgan asked.

Colt followed the vision, seeing Ravi's brown eyes staring up from the floor of the vehicle. "Hold on, I have to leave the boy's face....O.K., we're at the end of the road, it's a dead end. But you can go left or right, it's like on a dirt road or something."

Mr. Morgan suddenly started to speed to the location after setting the coordinates into the vehicle's internal GPS system. "Can you resume with anything else, Colt?"

For some seconds, Colt fought with other images that tried to supersede the current version he was seeing. "It's sort jumbled, just give me a second." After several more moments of visual clarification, he switched the necklace to his left hand. "Ravi's arm is being pulled; the knife is near his torso....Ravi is crying, pleading! The man's tugging his right arm....he's got a navy blue cooler....it's really weird. They're walking directly into the wooded area now."

Colt stared at Ravi's facial vision in his mind, feeling the beads of sweat at the top of his forehead, "Alright!" Colt continued, "Ravi pulled away! He's running! The man dropped the cooler and he's chasing him....ah....ah....he stabbed the boy in the back of his shoulder. Ravi fell screaming, but no one can hear him. The man's sick. No....no, you fuck!" He suddenly dropped the necklace, pausing while tears filled his eyes.

Detective Kade then tapped Colt's left bicep, "What happened Colt?"

Colt stared at the very same water he had seen minutes earlier. "It's the sickest thing I've ever seen. It's like your worse bad dream times ten....he slammed the blade down into Ravi's chest, the poor kid died. The sick motherfucker is like a surgeon or something. He cut the kid open....he pulled out his insides....he then set them in the cooler....it's really fucked up!"

Mr. Morgan parked the vehicle at the end of the road and then touched the orange off button before turning to Colt. "Let's check it out."

Colt nodded, visibly shaken by the images that cruised through his mind without pause.

All four men walked to the front of the car as Colt reluctantly stared in the woods in a southbound direction. He then started for the dense forest, noticing the city noise still in the distance. The air felt heavier with each step, every individual plant and tree that passed left a greenish blur behind in its wake.

As Colt approached the denser foliage, the profound stench of death began to fill the air; bugs of all varieties swirled above an area less than 10 yards away. In his stomach, the feeling of despair migrated upward, that same sickening feeling he had when Taylor died.

For a moment he paused, watching the other three men approach the area, all were now covering their mouths. Colt slowly followed, seeing the dead boy's body with his ribs torn away and had a laceration from his neck to his waist. In that moment of unmitigated disgust, he opened his hand to see the silver necklace Ravi used to wear. He then focused on the pendant: the red Om symbol with a white background, signifying the manifestation of God in form, the reflection of absolute reality; symbolizing Ravi's beliefs in a higher power, one that now embraced his youthful spirit.

Colt had to turn his face away and pull his eyes away from the death, something he had come accustomed to in his violent career. Although that was true, nothing could equate to the true evil inside the man who took an innocent child's life. His utter disregard for Ravi's innocence, a boy coming home from school and abruptly abducted for the organs that sustained his young life.

Tears suddenly dropped off his face, as Mr. Morgan pulled back to embrace him. "Jack was right Colt....he was right about you....you are special! He told me right away, and you've never shown me otherwise." Mr. Morgan then pulled Colt away from the sight of the dead boy, both walking back towards the vehicle.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Morgan," Colt said wiping the tears, "I never thought this trip to India was going to be so....so emotional....so sad."

Mr. Morgan embraced him again, holding him like the son he never had. He felt Colt's new energy drift into him. "It's incredible Colt....I don't know what to say. Of all the guys we've ever trained, you're the best! There will never be another Colt Davis, inside or out. Now, I want you to understand something, Colt. I won't blame you if you call it a day on the incredible career you've had....hang up your jersey, so to speak. You realize that between Taylor, your accident with David, and now Ravi, I would certainly understand if you want to be finished in your mid-thirties, here."

Colt was still holding Ravi's necklace, just as another image slammed into his mind like a lone meteor. "The man's right ring finger has a black tattoo around it. It looks like a....swastika or something, but it has four dots. I just saw the image before his hand pulled away."

Just then, Commissioner Dora and detective Kade approached, both men visibly shaken. "I overheard the swastika tattoo," Commissioner Dora said, "we'll certainly make note of that. But this whole thing is very sad. It's an unfortunate reality here in Asia, Colt. It happens far too often, and the black market human organ industry is unfortunately proliferating. Ravi didn't deserve his fate he was a beautiful young man....not even an adult yet. However, you've truly been a blessing, Colt! You'll allow his parents some degree of closure now....something they may not have ever received, had it not been for you. Now I want you to get in touch with someone; someone who may be able to help you with this new part of yourself. Her name is Asha Mann. Can you see her before you go back home? Perhaps today?"

Colt was trying to compartmentalize Ravi's images into a file of sorts, somewhere designated away from his consciousness. He then handed detective Kade Ravi's necklace. "Yeah, I'll go now, if you think it will help."

Commissioner Dora looked towards Mr. Morgan's vehicle, now seeing several police cars emerge. "Yes Colt, I'll have Mr. Morgan take you there at once."

Forty five minutes later, Colt followed Mr. Morgan through central New Dehli, past a small group of snake charmers, all wearing bright orange clothing. They turned into a darkened alley, with both men still absorbing the old world Indian culture. At the end of the narrow walkway, another street emerged with a neon sign above, reading 'Asha's Psychic Readings'.

Colt took in a deep breath before they both entered the dilapidated building. In the air, scents of cinnamon and burning sandalwood ran across his face, immediately placing him into an alternate state of consciousness. From a short distance away, a beautiful young Indian woman passed underneath bright transparent silks that hung from the ceiling.

Within seconds, she appeared. Her exotic stroll emitted a natural confidence, one that looked to be from a completely different realm altogether. As her round face appeared through the smoky haze, she touched both of their hands before closing her eyes. Moments later, she opened her eyes and extended her arm toward a sofa with green hand-woven fabric.

Mr. Morgan sat in a chair as Colt joined Asha on the sofa, both hearing the mesmerizing sounds of sitar strings coming from the background. Colt could then feel both of her soft hands covering his left hand. In her eyes, he could see something behind the dark brown eyes, an alternate world she lived in, one in which very view ventured.

Asha then pulled off one of her hands before smiling. "You were chosen, Mr. Davis."

Colt glanced back at Mr. Morgan before returning to her suggestive eyes. "Chosen?"

Her youthful face appeared to be someone in her mid-twenties, a stark contrast to the old soul that resided inside. "Yes Colt," she replied smiling, "you have so much to give."

In that moment, he was overtaken by the dreamy atmosphere and her hypnotic demeanor. "You were the man involved in bombing the other day. You were brought to India for a reason....for special purposes; all within these tender sections in your life. Do you understand that what you think might be a problem, is a gift?"

Colt tried to understand her vague meaning, the spiritual aura she was unleashing through her palm. "I'm scared, Asha! This is all so new and I don't know what to do with it."

She shifted her gaze to Mr. Morgan for a moment, feeling his powerful persona envelop the room.

"You have the ability to help a lot of people Colt," she resumed, "it's not something you should try to suppress." She then touched his forehead, softly running her fingers down and along his left temple. "You'll learn to manage the gifts you received in Dehli. They'll be with you forever. Don't fight their existence; just learn to control them....that's your key, Colt. That's going to allow you to prosper into the future."

She then handed him a round business card. The only image was of her striking brown irises staring back, along with Indian written words right above numbers. "I know you're going back to the United States today. I know what kind of life you've lived, what kind of life you want, and what kind of life you're afraid of. I'm here to tell you that it's O.K....I'll help you through this Colt! You've done so much for Dehli already, it's the least I can do."

Colt looked away, ingesting her words, words filled with comfort and beautiful simplicity. "O.K., I'll contact you again, Asha. Thank you so much for your help!"

She smiled and reached over to embrace him. After he closed his eyes, a warm array of colors reverberated through his psyche, passively injecting her residual energy deep inside him.

Both men then arose, with Colt taking the liberty to glance back into her kind, knowing eyes. "Thanks again Asha, I really appreciate everything."

#  Chapter 22

In an eerie serenity, the sunset's lighting beamed through distant trees inside Menda Cemetery. In the four and a half months since Taylor's death, Colt, Amanda, and Eric still couldn't shake the vacant space she left behind inside all of their hearts; her girlish smile, silky blonde hair, the brown eyes that could send chills down your spine without saying a word. It was all of her lovely attributes that left the small family asking, what could have been?

Like a protective layer of family, they surrounded her customized headstone. All of them stared at the picture set above her name that revealed a happy eleven year old girl, smiling in her most recent school photo. It was almost too much, only the third time Colt could bring himself to visit. He held Amanda to his left and Eric to his right, sensing the anguish from both rip through him like razors through his soul.

Eric pulled his gaze away from his sister's grave, and then shifted his blue eyes onto his father's. "I miss her Dad. It's not the same without her."

Colt tried to hold back the tears, the pain that wouldn't leave. "I know, I think about her all the time too, Eric. She'll always be watching, she'll always be with us. Wherever we go, whatever we do.... she'll be there."

Colt could hear Amanda's whimpers to his left; however, it was too difficult to turn with Eric's icy eyes, still fixed on him. "It's going to be O.K. Eric, we have each other. You can come to me and mommy whenever you want....whenever you feel blue....any time you need to, son. He then kneeled down and placed a bouquet of red roses in front of her headstone, touching the lustrous rock with his right hand. "We love you honey, we always will....rest in peace, sweetie."

Amanda's breaths were shallow, a broken-hearted mother whose first born child laid underground, just feet away. She gently caressed the granite with her left hand, her voice shaking uncontrollably. "We miss you so much, Taylor. We can't believe you're gone, it doesn't seem real, my love....would you please wait for us honey....we'll be with you again....it won't be long, I promise!"

Colt looked up, staring at the powder blue sky share the orange and red hues along the western horizon. Her spiritual presence was evident, drifting in and out of all three of them. Inside, the faith he usually felt inside had been severely tested, a faith that didn't make sense, even though he honestly felt it to be true and still within his grasp.

The family then walked the lonely roads of the cemetery, feeling chilly pockets of air randomly floating about. With the car in the distance, Colt watched Eric speed up, almost looking nervous in his walk.

Amanda's eyes then turned to his, her small mouth poised to speak. "The India trip was transcending, Colt, I know that. When we left that day, I couldn't believe you spoke of a little boy who had been abducted. It was so emotional I just didn't know what to think. The flight home was a head scratcher, to say the least."

He stopped their stroll for a moment, seeing Eric sitting in the car's back seat. "I am a winner with you guys, but the game I've played since our training in the islands has been a losing one. I've heard people try to tell me that I've done more good than bad, like Jack, Alden....Mr. Morgan. But I don't really see it that way. Maybe Taylor was taken from us because of me....my bad deeds, my evil that took baths in blood."

Her face took on a worried look, eyes still revealing a teary sheen. "That's not true, Colt! What happened in your career had nothing to do with her death. That's nonsense, and you can't beat yourself up over her passing away."

Inside his aching heart, he knew she was right. The connection was just a mere feeling, nothing substantial. However, her existence, he knew, was too abbreviated, cut short too abruptly for it to make sense.

"Amanda," he continued, "I want to take a different direction with my life. I want to strictly help, never hurt any more. I've hurt too much and too many to feel right about myself. Maybe if I head in that direction, it could make up for the wrongs....and maybe in the end, it will all be even, or better."

"What are you thinking of? I mean, are you talking about leaving the company altogether?" she asked.

He swallowed, seeing Mr. Morgan's eyes after they found Ravi's dead body. "Yeah, I think so. It's a world I think I need to leave in the past, move forward into something else, something that will really make a difference. After all, I think it would be what Taylor wanted....she was so pure, you know?"

Amanda stared back at their daughter's grave site. "You still haven't said what you're thinking. What would your plans be?"

Colt could see Ravi's dark eyes staring up from the floor of the passenger seat, his face revealing the extreme panic he had felt that fateful day. "I want to help kids. A lot of my thoughts have been with Taylor, Eric, Ravi....honey, some of these kids out here need to be protected; someone needs to look out for their well-being. I believe I can maybe do that for them....with the newfound gift I realized in New Dehli."

"You mean you want to help kids like Ravi, kids that are in danger?"

"Yeah, that's exactly what I mean. It kills me to know there's some sicko out there right now, planning on hurting one of them....planning on taking a new life for their sadistic pleasure. This could be what Asha was talking about, the ability to make a difference."

She considered his profound explanation for a time, trying to adopt his mentality and ultimately see the logic behind the man. "You mentioned earlier that this Asha woman said you have a real gift, and she believed that to be true, right?"

"Yes, she said that," Colt continued, "however, she said I need to learn how to manage it and to be able to sort through the images in order to control them, not let them control me. Look honey, Mr. Morgan gave us the five million dollars yesterday, and you know where it's buried. You know where all of our money is buried! We don't need money to come into our lives any more....we have millions, more than we'll ever need. So now I think it's time to assert myself into another direction, one that will maybe save childrens' lives; it is truly something I'm becoming more passionate about, ever since my trip to India. I've got to follow my heart....do you think it's the right thing to do?"

Amanda touched his arm, seeing Eric's blue eyes gaze through the glass. "Yes, you have to follow your heart, Colt. You've got to try to do something that will help you sleep at night and to rid yourself of your guilty conscience. I think the life you've led the past twelve years has perhaps made you somewhat depressed inside. Even though it may not seem so to you, I can sometimes see it. Doing what you know is right is going to ultimately bode well for your after life....when you'll reunite with Taylor, you know what I mean?"

Colt nodded, feeling more resolve in his decision and remembering Mr. Morgan's words about not blaming him if he wanted to retire. "Yeah, that's what's going down now, honey. I'll let him know of my intent and make sure the Pearson's Import export cover is still in full effect."

In the vehicle, the mood was mixed. To Colt, the meandering drive through the canyon roads took on a melancholy tone, one that seamlessly blended with a new- found freedom. An autonomy that left the encumbrances of being relied upon as an elite hired gun behind, possibly forever, with aspirations of uncovering an alternate meaning to life emerging. He felt strongly this independence would allow for the promise of clarity, and true hope for a better tomorrow.

The next morning, Mr. Morgan's face was staring back on Colt's expandable tablet. The background was the blue Pacific Ocean swaying rhythmically in the dawn sunlight. "How are you Colt?" Mr. Morgan asked with a smile.

Colt surveyed his emotions, still attempting to accept his new life and new decision. "I'm doing a little better, despite still having a really heavy heart for Ravi and David."

"I know, Colt. This business that we're in has that major down side. There can be a lot of tears to have to dry, but much of the work we do is for the good. You feel that, right?"

Colt paused, trying to respond honestly. "Yeah, I suppose."

"Colt, have you been keeping up with the Logan Drake trial in Santa Barbara?"

"No....no I haven't."

"Well, he was just exonerated of all charges and found not guilty by a jury."

Colt swallowed, pulling his eyes in closer to the screen. "You've got to be kidding me?"

"No sir. He was only the third in our company's history to ever walk from a murder charge. Every one of our frames usually stick, but this one wasn't your fault, Colt."

"Wow, what happened?"

"The cigarette butt you left on Baron Phelp's dresser had the DNA of one of his friends, not Logan's; and the friend had been in sunny Australia for three weeks prior to Baron's murder. Hence, that cigarette butt couldn't have technically ever gotten onto his dresser, considering that fact alone."

"Mr. Morgan, I'm very sorry for that....you have my apologies."

"Don't worry Colt. You're not to assume that the cigarettes in Logan's ashtray aren't from him, am I right?"

Colt's eyes meandered around for a moment, angry at himself. "Yeah, you're right. I had no idea he had other lips around those cigarettes, in his ashtray."

"Regardless, it's not that big of a deal; as long as you didn't leave a cookie crumb trail back to yourself or to the company, when it comes to this Logan character. You didn't Colt, did you?"

Colt instantly thought of the metal watch Logan ripped from his arm just prior to escaping from his basement window. Confidently, he then replied, "No cookie crumbs, Mr. Morgan; although I do need to come clean with you on that assignment."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, Logan tore off my wristwatch. But don't worry, it wasn't an expensive watch that he could potentially trace back to the store where I bought it. It was a fairly inexpensive department store watch that I received as a gift from Amanda, years ago."

"I've always trusted you, Colt. If you say it's an untraceable watch, I have no problem with you leaving something like that behind. It's a lot better than your blood or hair, you know?"

Colt then replied, "Yes sir. Incidentally, who were the other two that walked from murder charges?"

"One was from a veteran we had about eight years before your career started, and the other was from Keller. You know, your little friend that you had a scuffle with down in the islands."

"Yeah, I know Keller. He's a liar, someone you couldn't trust anyway, Mr. Morgan."

"That's precisely right Colt! And I should have taken everyone's suggestions in not keeping him on, back during training. But he'd already came so far, I wanted to see what he was made of. Well, you may or may not know this Colt, but I had to relieve him of his duties."

"I know, Evelyn told me during the Baron Phelps job."

"Colt, you've done so much more good than bad when it comes to your career, it's not even reviewable. I want you to feel that way, even after your trip to India."

Suddenly, Colt could see the many assignments he'd done in the past; the innocent victims that framed their innocent enemies, now feeling the weight of those acts. "Yes, I know, Mr. Morgan. There were many jobs that did good. But just as many, if not more, played with my mind and made me lose a lot of sleep at night....still make me lose sleep, even after the fact."

With a matter-of-fact expression, Mr. Morgan replied. "So....I take it you want to move in another direction Colt? You're feeling an internal pressure to take up my offer, the one we talked about after finding Ravi?"

Colt pulled in a deep breath, and then gazed into the large valley below his palatial home. "Yes I'm sorry, Mr. Morgan."

"Don't be sorry Colt! Please, don't be sorry! You have helped more than you'll ever know, but I understand your choice. I could see it in your eyes when we found Ravi, that's why I mentioned it then. Look Colt, I knew this day would come. I knew I'd lose you at some point, and as much as it hurts to see you leave activity, I want you to ultimately be happy. So, there's no hard feelings Colt, none! Your peace of mind is paramount to your future, to Amanda and Eric's existence. I love you like a son, Colt! You've been a blessing in my life and I don't want you to ever be sorry about working for me."

Colt had to pull away from the tablets camera as tears began forming. After collecting himself for a moment, he reappeared. "I'm not sorry for working for you, Mr. Morgan. I just need to switch gears, to make certain my efforts are solely focused on good."

Mr. Morgan considered him for a time, knowing that many of the assignments he took in the beginning were private, not government-based. Therefore, the guilt he knew Colt carried was immense. "I understand, don't discount that, Colt. I do really understand and I harbor no ill will, son."

Colt finally took a breath, a refreshing breath he hadn't taken since attending college with Alden at UCLA, when life was simple, innocent. "Thank you, Mr. Morgan; that means a lot to me. That you're not sour grapes or anything."

"Absolutely not! Nothing sour....the only sour I get is an occasional whiskey sour." Both men broke from the seriousness of the conversation, and then chuckled together; Mr. Morgan staring into Colt's light eyes. "Alright Colt," Mr. Morgan continued, "I want you to know that anything you need for your next endeavor, you'll have. That means support, resources, anything."

Colt started glancing at his personal tablet directly next to Mr. Morgan, and then dragged his index finger down the screen. "Alright Mr. Morgan, I'm gonna be frank with you. My vision is to help kids, ever since Ravi, you know?"

"Yes, I know Colt."

"Well anyway, I need two people."

"And who are we talking about?"

"Alden and dirty Kenny."

Mr. Morgan took a moment to look at the ocean, feeling the cool breeze pull back his black hair. "Alden isn't committed on an assignment as of now, and Kenny has stuff that comes in and out, but we can probably swing that. Is there anything else, my good man?"

"Yes, can you send a big bag with one of them, one of everything if possible? I'll pay for your cutting edge resources, if need be, Mr. Morgan. I also need the Pearson Import cover as well....just tell me if I'm asking for too much."

"Nonsense, you'll have a big bag, and then some. There's no need for money Colt. I have plenty, and I don't need yours. The Pearson cover is solid....I got your back Colt, don't worry. Like I said, I just want you to be happy. You've been through it and back recently. That's a hard gig to muddle through."

"Yeah it is. But I vow that what I'm about to take on next....whatever I receive from you won't be used in vain, it will help kids. And I truly feel like that's the most important thing."

"It's absolutely vital. Our kids mean everything! Without them, there is no future, there is no true innocence."

Colt could see the depth Mr. Morgan possessed, a genuinely kind man at the head of a ruthless, violent business. "Thank you, Mr. Morgan. I'll keep you posted on what's up."

"Please do. And join me for some dinners now and then....please Colt, don't be a stranger."

"I won't Mr. Morgan, I'll never forget you. We'll stay in touch, I promise."

"Good then, I'll give my blessings for the men and resources....goodbye for now Colt."

"Goodbye Mr. Morgan." Colt then ended the call, feeling a sense of closure and dignity, an act that needed to be done. His eyes flipped back to the house, seeing Amanda moving about in the kitchen.

Moments later, after scanning the blue horizon behind Los Angeles, he shifted his eyes back down to his personal tablet. He touched three letters and then placed a dot. org behind it before hitting enter. A column of faces ran along the left margin, with statistical information directly adjacent. For a time he studied the list, staring into the eyes of the youth that lived on that page.

Suddenly, he came across a girl that resembled Taylor. Her eyes were brown, hair blonde, but three years older, at 14. He touched her face and the hyperlink immediately took him to another page. His eyes scanned every aspect of the missing girl, trying to generate images while closing his eyes. Below her vital statistics, he read the synopsis that followed. "Sarah Jean McDonald has been missing since November 12th, 2027. She was last seen in her San Diego neighborhood by her mother that morning, but never made it to school. She is 5 foot 4 inches tall, weighs approximately 115 pounds, and has naturally blonde hair and brown eyes. Although, with Sarah being a runaway is a possibility; however, a criminal abduction is also being considered. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Sarah, or any of the other people listed on this website, please call the number below."

Colt's eyes shifted up to the L.A. buildings, feeling the crisp, morning air start to leave. He quickly snatched the tablets, making for the French doors with Amanda on his mind. Inside, he found her still working in the kitchen, pulling items from the dishwasher before putting them away. "Hi Honey."

Her eyes then lifted up, her smile lighting up the room. "Hi, what's up."

"I spoke with Mr. Morgan, and it's done....I'm done. He's so pissed he's gonna have me taken out of the picture!" Colt then stared at her for a second, unable to keep a straight face. "I'm kidding....I got you a little bit, though."

Her face quickly relaxed, after showing immediate dismay at first. "Well, that's a relief, right?"

He nodded, feeling the same way. "Yeah it is; now, on to the next chapter."

"And who's part of that next chapter, Colt? Have you decided?"

"Yeah," he said, sliding the tablet with Sarah's face towards her.

"Her? Sarah Jean McDonald? Oh my God Colt, she looks like Taylor!"

Colt swallowed, having a hard time holding back the emotions. "Yeah, I know. She's also from the area, right down in San Diego."

Amanda grabbed the tablet and walked over to embrace Colt, her eyes filling with tears. "This is hard to look at Colt, are you sure you can go through with this?"

He pulled back, feeling her raw energy; the pain that couldn't leave, that never would. "Over and over, I keep feeling that this is the right thing to do. The right course to take, even if it's a black storm I may have to forge through. Something bigger than me is telling me so, Amanda....It's almost something I can't stop now."

She absorbed his faith, the hope he'd been speaking of since visiting Taylor in the cemetery one day prior. "Well, you have my blessing Colt. I just hope your heart doesn't shatter into a million pieces if you find her deceased. Please Colt, tell me you're going to be able to mentally handle this aspect....of what you're about to take on."

He searched his heart, still seeing Ravi's dark eyes looking up from the floor of that car's passenger seat. "Yeah, I can do it. I want to do it for them."

She swallowed her fears and apprehension that was affiliated with children who were lost, taken away. "O.K. Colt, I trust you. I know you'll do right by the kids....do what you have to do."

Colt sucked in a fragmented breath, feeling it quiver with the sight of Sarah staring back at him. Just then, Alden and dirty Kenny appeared near the pool in the backyard.

Amanda softly touched her lips against Colt's then looked into his determined eyes. "Alright go get her Colt, be careful though! It'll be O.K., I'll be O.K." Inside, she knew he felt confident in his new mission; however, it was the same fear she had, prior to any mission he took on in the past; an empty feeling that he may not return. She then watched him walk through the doors, to the cobblestone deck outside, his arms immediately embracing Alden, and then Kenny. In her heart, the moment seemingly felt different, a departure that was starting to transition naturally and with more clarity.

After pulling away from Kenny, Colt exhaled, looking both men in the eyes. "I'm sure you cats know about my India trip....what happened, right?"

Alden knew he hadn't spoken with Colt since the morning of his mission in New Dehli, even though he had wanting to talk to him. "Yeah, I know what's up. I don't know about Kenny though."

Kenny glanced around Colt's incredible back yard, noticing a water slide built inside natural rock above the pool. "Huh?" he replied.

Colt and Alden laughed for a moment; both shaking their heads, "Don't worry about it," Colt said, "let's just get down to business on this next project."

Kenny set down the massive hockey bag he was holding, and then looked up to Colt. "Mr. Morgan didn't say anything about getting paid on this deal. I assume you've got that already thought out, Colt?"

Alden looked at Colt before he could respond. "Yeah," Colt said, "it'll all be good fun; you'll be taken care of Kenny. Don't get your panties all in a wad!"

Kenny laughed, revealing his dark teeth and flashing a suspicious looking smile. "I know you're a good shit Colt, no matter what Mr. Morgan says about you." Colt stared through Kenny for a moment, grinning. "I'm kidding, Colt," Kenny said laughing, "Mr. Morgan loves you dude. He wouldn't have signed off on this shit if he didn't....believe me, I know."

Colt then glanced at his tranquil blue pool, as he watched the large rubber duck that held chlorine tablets slowly drift with the slight California breeze. "Let's go, we got some shit to do, boys." Inside his home, he could see Amanda glance out the window, gently blowing him a kiss. He then waved, mouthing 'I love you' before turning back to Kenny. "Kenny, bring the bag....you got a chop van?"

"Yeah, I'm coming....we got one," Kenny replied.

Colt could suddenly feel the same electric energy that was generated prior to any past assignment, adrenaline that he'd become addicted to over the years. Two hours later, Colt watched the green San Diego city limits sign quickly pass by, before glancing at Alden sitting in the backseat. "You got a beat on Sarah's home address bud?"

Alden tore off a piece of paper from a tablet, and gave it to Colt. For a moment, Colt closed his eyes, seeing Sarah running around her front yard with sunshine illuminating her light-colored head.

He then abruptly turned, punching the address into the van's internal GPS system. "There's our destination Kenny, you got all your locksmith goodies in here, don't you?"

Dirty Kenny shifted his gaze over to Colt, venting a creepy aura of a paroled convict, smiling. "Ah....yeah....that's my biz bro. That's all I got, and that's the shit I'm known for. If Kenny ain't got no lock junk on him....Kenny ain't Kenny!"

Colt glanced back at Alden, all three of them now laughing. He then briefly looked at Kenny. "Man, you're fucked up! But it's all true, dude. According to some sources that are really in the know, there isn't another dog like you, Kenny. I hear, even the elite lock guys on the east coast can't even pull the same shit you can."

Kenny's brown eyes turned, his face staring at the highway. "Yeah, it pays the bills." Alden then chimed in from the backseat. "Fucking A it does. Hey, any of you guys up for a quick wake and bake session?"

Colt watched Kenny instantly pull a joint from behind his ear before glancing into the rear view mirror at Alden. "I'm already a couple steps ahead of you, my good man," Kenny said.

Alden quickly took the joint from Kenny's hands, feeling as though it was becoming a habit before embarking on any assignment. Kenny glanced at the GPS map, seeing they were now within blocks of Sarah's home. Colt then shifted his deliberate eyes back to Kenny. "Let's pull over about a half block back, Kenny. I need to calculate the scenario around here."

Kenny received the joint from Colt and spoke before inhaling. "No problem."

For a time Colt glanced through the military-style binoculars, staring at the same chain link fence he saw in his mind just minutes earlier. Overall, the middle-income neighborhood seemed quaint, uninterrupted. He pulled the glasses from his face, and then stared at Kenny, who was already wearing his bogus locksmith outfit. "Alright Kenny, the house looks clean. I don't think anyone's home." He then dug into his right front pocket, pulling out a thick wad of cash, while still staring at Kenny. "How does eight grand sound?"

Kenny stared at the cash as he pulled another hit off of the joint, "How about ten? That's usually my going rate, less my tips."

Colt scratched his stubbly beard, his eyes shifty. "No problem, Kenny, here's five now, and I'll give you five later, deal?"

Kenny nodded, exhaling the long line of smoke out the window.

"Good," Colt resumed, "put that hair in a ponytail, you criminal appearing fuck! And then stuff it into the back of your locksmith uniform. That way, you won't scare any of the hard working homeowners in the area. Remember your skin-colored latex gloves! And after you're done, get your ass back here right away so I can get in."

"No problem boss." Kenny then exited the vehicle with his tools, while Colt made for the back to start working on a disguise. Alden placed the radio earpiece in his ear, speaking. "Do you hear me Kenny?"

Kenny clicked the radio's trigger button in his pocket. "I got ya, you're coming in clear."

In the meantime, Colt sifted through the various baseball hats that were stacked upon each other in the hockey bag. Some moments later, he pulled out the Boston Red Sox hat before setting the blonde mustache onto his upper lip. Alden clicked the radio trigger again. "What's happening you dirty dog?"

"I just knocked on the front door, nobody's answering; must be the typical working family. I'll check the backyard and see if there's a door back there," Kenny explained.

"Roger, I'll standby." Alden then looked at Colt, seeing a variation of the same disguise he'd used for years. "I want you to know that I'm really proud of you man!"

Colt suddenly felt a lump in his throat, "Yeah?"

"Yeah man; that whole thing back in India....with David and that little boy. I know we haven't talked for some time, but I've always thought about you and our friendship."

Colt could feel his eyes water up. "Yeah man, I've been lackadaisical with our friendship as of late. I'm really sorry about that....is Jess doing good?"

"Oh yeah, she's great. She's the best thing that ever happened to me!"

Colt nodded, wondering why they never had and kids; however, keeping the thought to himself. "You've been my strength at many points in my life Alden, even though you may not have physically been with me. I want to thank you for always being there when I needed you, like now for instance."

Alden exhaled an emotional breath. "I'll always be there for you, Colt. You're my best friend and always will be. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Colt wanted to hug him but didn't, knowing Kenny was poised in the backyard. He then tilted his head back towards Alden. "Yeah, me too man."

Moments later, Kenny came through on the radio. "It's done guys....I'm coming back for my other five grand now." Alden laughed before looking back at Colt. "Man, dirty Kenny is really dirty! That fuck said he's coming back for his other five grand now, go figure."

"Yeah, that doesn't surprise me with a guy like that. He's tried to get into all the support girls' panties....I've heard some weird stories dude."

Alden laughed, watching dirty Kenny arrive at the driver's door. After sitting in the seat and closing the door, he faced Colt. "Super easy deal, dude. Just one lock on the handle no deadbolt to deal with. You got the other five G's?"

Colt smirked, immediately picturing himself beating Kenny on the street. "Yeah man," he said, peeling off another 50 one hundred dollar bills. "Here it is, now give me the key....you weasel."

Kenny exchanged the key for the cash and then shoved it into his front pocket. "Thanks for the work Colt, I really appreciate it. What's the deal with this job anyway?"

"Don't worry about it, Kenny. It's something personal, that's it."

Kenny's suspicious eyes shifted about the van for a moment, "O.K., no big deal."

"As always Kenny, you'll keep your shit box shut, right?" Colt asked.

"Of course, I've never been accused of otherwise."

"Good, and if this key don't work, I'm gonna come back here and personally kick your ass....is that alright too?"

Kenny's eyes took on an abrupt look of fear, knowing Colt's ability to fight. "Yeah Colt, you have nothing to worry about."

Colt grinned, hearing Evelyn's voice in his head, explaining what Kenny did to Krista, her best friend. "I'm just fucking with you Ken, don't get all worried. You're an integral part of this mission. I can't threaten one of the cogs, right?"

"Yeah Colt, you're right."

Colt could feel the slight electricity in the van subside, his anger level waning. "Good deal. Now let's pull the van onto the block behind this girl's home, and I'll take it from there. Cool?"

Kenny glanced out the windshield before staring at the sun-splashed neighborhood.

Three minutes later, Colt placed the radio earpiece into his ear and exited the vehicle, sunglasses covering his face. As he walked, he stared at the latex gloves around his fingers, amazed at their resemblance to natural skin tones. At the neighbor's house directly behind Sarah's house, he approached the front door, casually ringing the doorbell.

After a minute of silence, he strolled around the backyard to the chain-linked fence surrounding Sarah's property. With ease he leapt over, feeling a sharp pain in his head upon landing. As he approached the back door, he pulled the new key dirty Kenny had made, confident it would work seamlessly.

As he stuck the key in, he squeezed the radio trigger, "Anything happening in sunny San Diego?"

Alden's calm voice came back, moments later, "No, nothing in this area. Go for broke man!"

Colt then touched the handle, instantly feeling a jolt of energy flow through his body. Seconds later, he turned the circular knob, hoping there wasn't a guard dog inside. After stepping in, an overwhelming feeling of sorrow filled the air. Each step felt as though weights were strapped to his feet, as if there was some other type of demonic resistance that didn't want him to proceed. He started for the hallway off the living room, seeing the wood from framed photos littering the walls.

A trance-like state ensued, with his eyes starting to focus in on Sarah's pretty face. He then stopped at a collage that showed a chronological sequence, one that highlighted her tender life. Suddenly, the eyes of a baby, the same eyes he saw in Taylor, stared back. He viewed snippets of her life as a toddler, her evident happiness while flashing just two teeth in her mouth.

Time seemingly ceased as he perused her younger childhood, and then her latest photos. Her smile blasted through the glass as if she was begging him for an answer to her puzzling disappearance. He then walked the hall until he could see the color pink, knowing it was her bedroom, just as it appeared in the pictures.

As he passed the door frame, his heart sunk, realizing that he and Amanda had kept Taylor's room in the same condition she'd left it in that fateful morning before her death. Inside, her spirit didn't come forth within the very room she had obviously spent so much time in. In that moment of perplexity, he ran across the room with his eyes trying to pull in her demeanor, her personality.

He then glimpsed a sparkle of gold, the sun kissing the maple-colored nightstand where a bracelet laid. For a moment, he was afraid. Afraid to take that next step in his life, the same step that forced him to see Ravi, the innocent boy who forever remained inside his heart.

Through bouts of hyperventilation, Colt finally mustered the strength to pull the metal jewelry from the wood of the nightstand. Within seconds, images started to flood, inundating his mind as if he had known Sarah all along. The kisses she gave her mother at dawn, the door opening to a beautiful sunrise in November, the wave she turned to give her parents just before heading off for school.

His eyes then became hers. The visions she saw, the scents she smelled became an elaborate video of sorts, which were even more profound than in India. It was if he'd already started the process of evolving, refining the incredible gift he received. Like a magical valve, he let the movie in his mind resume, allowing in whatever the golden bracelet would allow him to see.

Moments later, he could sense fear in Sarah, her stomach beginning to sink at the sight of a green truck. The man's face was suddenly more lucid than the man who abducted Ravi in India. His mouth started to move, but no words were audible, just his dark eyes fixed on Sarah. He sensed her heart speed up, the adrenaline starting to release throughout her body.

She started to cross the intersection he had previously stopped at, watching him put the truck in reverse, impeding her ability to resume her stroll. Just then, the driver's door opened and the man rushed for Sarah with a small gun pointing from his right hand. "Get in," he said, now audible.

Sarah naturally resisted, staring back at her home just three blocks away. Inside Colt the fear was overwhelming; it was the same incredible panic Ravi had suffered through. As the man shut the passenger door, he ran around the truck, still pointing the gun at Sarah through the glass. Moments later, visions of the same highway they came down on, passed by at phenomenal speeds.

As day quickly turned to night, he followed her vision. The environment suddenly shifted from long stretches of road to a downtown setting. His eyes felt hers shift to a large skyscraper in the distance, seeing the word 'bank' illuminated at the top. Instantly he identified it, knowing it was Los Angeles. The very same building he saw every day from the backyard of his house.

#  Chapter 23

"Alright Kenny, thank you for helping out. I'll let you know if I need you for any other work," Colt said smiling.

Kenny lifted his dark eyebrows, "O.K., but what about the van? I mean, it doesn't even have bogus plates."

"Yeah Kenny, I checked the hockey bag. It's got all the shit we need and then some. It's all good man, thanks again."

Kenny then conceded, giving his customary salute while flashing his rotten teeth. "Alright guys, have a good time with whatever you're up to."

"We will Kenny, have a good one, man."

Colt then watched Kenny walk up to his dingy apartment, at the same time, poking Alden in the leg. "Man, Kenny a weird motherfucker! He's like a mixture of the night stalker, and Charles Manson....all wrapped into one."

Alden started laughing, fixing his disguise and staring at the bag of marijuana that Kenny had left behind. "Yeah man, sometimes I worry about that fucker's capability to keep his mouth shut. You know man, there were times when I thought Mr. Morgan was going to have me make him disappear....but he never asked. I know he doesn't trust the son of a bitch."

"Yeah," Colt replied, "well what we're doing, Kenny doesn't have a clue of, and that's why we don't bring dudes like that into anything....except making keys, you know what I mean?"

"Fuck yeah, I know what you mean! This business is already hard as it is. Nobody can rock the boat, or they'll be thrown over and eaten by the sharks." Colt jammed the accelerator down, glancing at the digital clock that read 4:44 P.M. "We got some biz to do here, dude. I need to see what motels in L.A. start with the letter H. Can you run that search while I drive and smoke this log?"

Alden laughed, knowing he had longed for the time when he could hang out with Colt again. "Hey man," he said receiving the joint, "you don't have to pay me like you did Kenny, you know?"

Colt glanced at Alden, knowing he was one, of only a handful of true friends; a guy he would lay his life down for, and vice versa.

After minutes of burning more of the joint down together, Alden pulled up from a bluish haze of smoke, pointing at the tablet. "There's The Horton Motel, Horver, Hilltop, Heavenly....stop me when I get hot. There's Hotel Overjoy, Havehart, a Holy one...."

"Wait," Colt interrupted, "did you say one with the word heart in it?"

Alden glanced back at the list, seeing one he could be referring to. "Havehart? But it's not spelled like the regular heart, it's...."

"It's Hart, right?" Colt interrupted again.

Alden then looked at him unlike ever before, widening his eyelids. "Damn son, you really are some paranormal psychic! That some interesting stuff." He then saw a portion of a gold bracelet hanging out of Colt's hand, feeling something, but unable to understand it. With head severely buzzed, he emitted an inquisitive look. "Can you feel her, Colt?"

Colt stared into the windshield before glancing back to the jewelry in his palm. "I can, man. I can feel her, she's not dead....she's alive."

Through the drug infiltrating his abstract mind and Colt's genuine candidness, Alden suddenly took on an entirely different approach toward the vague mission. In that moment, it became personal to him as well; the girls life they knew nothing of, deserved their efforts and warranted their protection. He decided to then test Colt in that moment, attempting to verify the authenticity of his gift. "You said Havehart, right?"

"Yeah man."

"Did you ever get a chance to see the motel within your mind's eye, the sign?"

Colt remembered the large bank building in downtown Los Angeles; although prior to that, the abrupt snippet of a sign ran across the screen in his head. He looked back to Alden. "The sign man, I got the sign I think!"

Alden prepared himself to be blown away; the buddy he'd always looked up to, a guy who he knew was as strong inside and out, as anyone he'd ever met, was now poised to present him with another natural asset. He then looked back to Colt. "Alright man, what are the colors on the sign?"

Colt kept the faith that her gold bracelet would present to him an instant memory recollection, the same flawless performance he saw in San Diego. He quickly closed his eyes and ran the cerebral film back again, right before the image of the skyscraper. After seeing the rectangular sign, he opened his eyes and then looked at his hand. "It's got a maroon body and light blue lettering, am I right?"

Alden stared at the sign on the tablet, surrendering away any of the disbelief he thought he had, "Holy fuck dude! And you've never been there before?"

"No, I didn't even know that place existed."

Alden felt stunned, envisioning a fourteen year old girl somewhere around that motel. He turned his head to capture the sun's angle in the sky, sensing a colorful dusk quickly approaching. "Let's go there now, Colt!"

Colt could then feel the same intensity in Alden was experiencing now, the same emotion that he felt in New Dehli. It was the overflowing feeling of an undivided need to follow through with the last moments of the Ravi's life, regardless of the pain involved. Inside, he felt a degree of comfort. He was suddenly feeling as though the island in his mind he recently had begun living on; had another inhabitant in Alden. He looked over at Alden, serious. "What's the address man?"

"It's in the Vermont Vista part of L.A."

Colt suddenly remembered recently reading about the extremely high per capita crime rate associated with that part of Los Angeles. "No, fuck it....don't even tell me the address....let me work the visuals like an old dawg."

Alden pulled his left hand away, after nearly punching it into the dashboard's GPS system. "Alright, soldier on bro."

Colt continued to keep her bracelet in his hand, trying to pull her raw energy in and summoning the beacon she was inadvertently casting throughout the city. For fifteen minutes, they indirectly approached the Vermont Vista neighborhood, with Colt being guided only by her youthful spirit.

Moments later, Colt turned off West Manchester Avenue, and then took a right on South Hoover Street. His face then took on a different expression. It was the same look he had at the beginning of any one of the various assignments he had been associated with in the past. Off in the distance now, the baby blue letters of The Havehart Motel became partially recognizable just around the leaves of a mature tree.

Alden kept his mouth shut, wondering if Colt would maintain the van's direction, or eventually veer off on another street? The moment felt dream-like while his eyes watched the small chain dangle from Colt's left hand; realizing he was becoming truly mesmerized by its random movements.

Twenty seconds later, Colt pulled up to the edge of the structure, his face completely stoic and trance-like. He started to slowly scan the building, the parking lot, the loud colors that surrounded the low-income neighborhood. He then pulled the van farther forward, on the other side of the sign and then looked back towards downtown.

That confirming sight sent chills up his spine! A vantage point that yielded a definitive visual identification of the enlarged bank building, now illuminated at the top. "This is it," he said to Alden, "I swept my eyes across the sign and ended at that building in the background....that's how we got here."

Alden absorbed Colt's emotion, the puzzling feelings he was still trying to embrace. "Good stuff, man. What's your gut feeling on where she is around here?"

Colt turned back to the motel, seeing just one person walking along the second floor railing. "I don't know exactly, but her energy is starting to settle in me....it's somewhere right around here. Maybe in one of these houses or she could be in one of these cars around here. I don't know, but she's around here."

Both men kept scanning with their eyes, trying to pick up any additional pedestrian traffic along the sidewalks and streets that intersected the area. Colt immediately shifted the van into park then quickly made for the cover of the rear interior. He then rifled through the hockey bag like a mad man intent on following through; finishing what he felt he was compelled to do.

It was hard to breathe, he suddenly felt completely caught up in the moment; it felt like a fiery blaze Ravi had inadvertently set a match to, now burning out of control. In the disguise area, he sorted through the various outfits, but needed more after pulling on his driver's gloves. He then glanced up at Alden, "What do you have in your bag for disguises?"

Alden quickly reached for his smaller duffel bag, feeling the folded clothing at the bottom. "I got cop shit. That, and some general mustaches, hair dye, colored contacts, stuff like that."

Colt contemplated the police officer look for a time. "Let's get 'em on, you got any cuffs? Cuz I do, if you don't."

"Yeah, I got three pairs, I even have the plastic ones the pigs use."

Colt nodded as he silently received an authentic looking Los Angeles police officer uniform. Both men subsequently changed into the clothing before stuffing the handcuffs and plastic restraints into a backpack. Colt pulled the intimidating Desert Eagle handgun from his bag, along with three throwing knives and an expandable metal baton.

Alden slowly placed on a pair of brown driving gloves. He then pulled out two holsters, giving one to Colt, and setting his .45 caliber handgun into the other. Both men nonchalantly twisted silencers into their respective guns, their eyes briefly connecting. Alden continued digging out a small plastic bottle, before asking, "You know what this shit is?"

Colt gazed at the clear liquid sloshing about inside the bottle. "No man, what is it?"

"Ether! The mixture I have will render someone unconscious within 7 seconds flat. You give someone enough they'll be out for awhile....you go even further, they'll be dead! Now let's go find Sarah, dude."

Colt suddenly saw a side of Alden that was as hell-bent on making things right, just as he was.

After both strapped on their holsters and grabbed the backpack, they exited the vehicle, cautiously taking in the early evening vibrations. In a stealthy, efficient manner, Alden then switched the van's license plates, just as Colt watched the parking lot. Suddenly, his mind started simmering at the site of the same green pickup truck he had envisioned; a truck that hadn't been there minutes earlier, "This way Alden."

The lethal friends slowly approached the driveway to the parking lot, with Colt scanning the second floor railing. "She's in the motel, dude, she's upstairs! I can really feel it now."

Alden glanced at the motel office, noticing how far away it was from the upstairs wing that Colt was referring to. "You lead the way, let's go."

Colt then made for the exterior stairway that led to the second floor. At the top, a door suddenly opened in the hallway, right before a man nonchalantly exited a room. With every inch Colt went forward, the man's face appeared more clearly. He then quickly cross referenced the face from the green pickup truck in the vision.

As the man kept approaching, Colt abruptly pretended to be interested in another door. Moments later Colt turned to the man, now just feet away. He then knew he was staring at the man who took Sarah. Like a flash of lightning, he wrapped his right arm around the man's neck, while Alden slammed his fist deep into the man's solar plexus.

Now struggling to breathe, Colt bent down, whispering in his ear. "You got quite a predicament on your hands, mister! Where's Sarah?"

The man fought to pull in oxygen as Alden poised himself to deliver another vicious blow. Colt then clamped down on his neck, choking his throat for a time. "Where's the girl?"

Seconds later Colt let go, allowing the man to speak while Alden checked his body for weapons. "She's....she's in the room....back there." Colt wanted to snap his neck, destroy his life in that instant. "Take us there right now....act like you forgot something or I'm gonna chuck you over the railing!"

"O.K.," the man managed to utter. The three men walked closely together to the door the man just exited, Colt pulling out the Desert Eagle in the meantime. As the man inserted the metal key, Colt could feel that lump in his throat return, scared of what he'd see on the other side. The man's jittery hand then turned the doors handle, with both Colt and Alden poised for additional action.

Inside, Colt entered with the gun to the man's head, as Alden ran his barrel in a horizontal manner. On the bed lay innocent Sarah, handcuffed to the headboard and being raped by two adult men. With a boiled-over rage, Colt slammed the butt of the gun against the back of the man's neck, watching him fall to the ground in half speed.

Alden violently approached the naked men, pulling both off of Sarah, seeing the fear in her soft brown eyes. "Get the fuck on the ground," Colt yelled. Both friends watched the three men hit the floor, all looking back with wide eyes. "Who are you guys?" one of the men asked.

Colt's upper lip scrunched, staring with an evil scowl on his face. "Shut the fuck up! And you two get your clothes on." Colt then turned to Sarah, his heart feeling an empathy like never before. "It's gonna be O.K. honey, they're not going to hurt you anymore." He then spotted two small keys on the nightstand before looking back towards the men. "Are these the handcuff keys?"

The man who originally kidnapped her nodded, "Yeah."

Colt picked up the keys, feeling his right hand jitter with nervousness. Immediately, he unlocked Sarah's bound hands, feeling her innocent energy surround him. "It's alright; it's going be O.K. Sarah....you're going home tonight." Without warning, he turned like a rabid animal, slamming his foot into each man's ribs. "You fuckers are in a whole mess of trouble tonight! Consider that a warning, because it's gonna get a whole lot more interesting."

Alden then pulled up both the naked men's pants, snatching their wallets from the back pockets. "We got Rory Collins right there, and Jed Nelson right there. And who the fuck are you?" He said, pointing the gun to third man's head.

The man they had subdued in the open air hallway glanced up, still reeling from being kicked in the ribs. "Cain," he said.

Colt stared into his eyes once again, ready to deliver another striking blow, "Cain what, fuckhead?"

"Cain Parker; please guys....can we make some kind of agreement, a money transaction or something?"

Colt laughed as he turned to make sure Sarah was O.K. "That's really funny Cain, a joke right?"

Cain glanced up, now pleading with his hands placed together. "This is all a mistake we should have never been involved with this! I'm sorry Sarah, truly sorry."

Sarah pulled the white top over her torso, sickened at the sight of the three men, and yelled, "You're evil! The devil in the flesh, you ruined my life....I hope you're happy."

Colt turned back again, rummaging through Cain's pockets and pulled out a wad of cash. "What's this? Where did you get these funds from, Cain? You sold Sarah outright, am I correct to infer that?"

Cain fearfully slithered towards the wall, away from Colt. "No, it's not like that."

Colt replied, "Well, what the fuck is it like Cain? Enlighten us!"

Cain could then see Colt's finger set against the trigger of the Desert Eagle. "I don't know what to say, just....that I'm sorry."

Colt then turned to Rory and Jed, both still naked and frightened. "Oh yeah, what do you sorry fucks have to say for yourselves?"

Rory, a blonde man who looked to be in his early thirties, spoke. "We were just looking for a good time; Cain said she was a prostitute who liked it a little rough."

Colt snapped his head back, staring at Sarah's red wrists; both looking extremely bruised from their sick deviance. "Look at her face, gentlemen, does she look like a prostitute?"

Jed received his pants and shirt from Alden, then replied. "No, she doesn't look like a prostitute. But we never thought...."

"Thought what?" Colt asked.

Jed swallowed, looking at Rory and Cain before answering, "Thought she was a minor."

Colt smiled, knowing the man was lying. "You just said the word minor....I didn't. What does that tell you Mr. Nelson?"

Jed's mouth stayed open for a moment, no words coming out. "I....I don't know....I don't know."

Alden could only shake his head, wanting to blast all three of them right there. "It means you knew she was young, you dumb fuck! Before you even raped the poor girl. Do you know how old she is?"

Colt's eyes then squinted, just as Jed attempted to articulate an answer. "I don't know....15."

Colt glanced at Alden, shaking his head. "Go get the van and set the back door up against the bottom of the stairs."

Alden nodded, seeing the instant fear overwhelm each man on the floor. He then turned to Sarah, lips compassionately compressing. "It's O.K. honey, just bear with us....nothing bad is going to happen to you."

She approached Colt, tears streaming from her face. "I'm in a lot of pain sir, they hurt me real bad."

Colt's bottom lip quivered, seeing a similar face to Taylor's. "I know. I know....they're gonna pay! They're gonna pay for it all, but they won't die....is that what you want?"

Sarah stared at all three men, shifting her childish eyes onto each of their faces. "Do what you want with them I just want to go home."

Colt kept the gun pointed, as he subtly peeked out the window. He then looked back, seeing Alden completing the task impeccably. "Here," he said, tossing the men two sets of handcuffs, "connect yourselves, we're going for a little ride. Oh, and also, throw your phones on the bed....do it now!"

All three men immediately obliged, watching Alden re-enter the doorway.

"Alright, let's go, people." Colt scowled again at the three men approaching the door, all now bound together. "You fuckers even think about pulling any kind of shit out there, I promise it's gonna get real bumpy even before your ride, got it?"

Each man nodded, knowing their lives were hanging in the balance. Colt then held out his hand for Sarah, allowing her to pass through the door first.

Alden quickly positioned himself behind the three men, keeping his gun pointed at them from under his shirt. "Just follow the man and don't do anything, or I'll give you some real pain to hurt about."

Colt's head remained immobilized in the stairway descent, while letting his eyes roam about the darkened exterior. At the bottom, he glanced up at the four men before bending down to whisper in Sarah's ear. "Go in the passenger seat, honey, and then lock the door."

Her frightened but relieved face turned back, pain emitting from her eyes, "O.K."

In that decisive moment, Colt permitted himself to grieve for the girl he never knew, a child he was destined to help by a gift he briefly possessed. He then watched Alden close the doors from within before sitting in the driver's seat. In the mirror, he could see Alden pull out the clear bottle of ether, squeezing it into a cloth he had pulled from his duffel bag.

Alden then approached Cain with anger in his eyes. "Don't fucking squirm, you piece of shit....we're not gonna kill you!" The cloth instantly covered Cain's frightened face for nearly a minute before Alden watched the man's eyes drift upwards. After repeating the same act on Rory and Jed, he turned, glancing at Colt in the rear view mirror. "Alright, these guys will be out of it for a while, what do you want to do next?"

Colt turned to Sarah, gently placing her gold bracelet on her wrist. "We're going to take you home right now, Sarah....It's gonna be alright." Two hours and fifteen minutes later, Colt stopped the van five houses to the north of Sarah's front door. "Sarah," he said softly, "I'm really sorry for all you had to go through with Cain....but just remember, it's not your fault....it never was."

Her head tilted down, tears falling onto the same black shorts he had seen her in his visions. "I know....thank you, thank you so much." Her shiny eyes then lifted back to Colt's, chin quivering. "You never told me your name....neither of you have."

Colt looked over to Alden before returning to Sarah. "It doesn't matter, Sarah. Just know that we care about you and your life, alright?"

She looked back to Alden and then Colt. "Alright....thank you again, bye."

Colt watched her then slowly pull open the door and then turn to stare at her illuminated home in the modest San Diego neighborhood. Outside, she turned back extremely slow, waving to Colt behind the glass.

As she turned again, Colt could only think of Taylor and Ravi: the promise they should have been given to live out their full lives, never was yielded to them. _It just ended abruptly for both children,_ _but not for Sarah_ , he thought. _She didn't have to suffer the same fate....the same abbreviated life that was cut short by circumstances, real evil._

Alden then joined him in the front seat, his eyes welling up. "We did good man....we did good."

Inside, Colt knew that Alden had a burdened psyche as well from all the murderous acts he'd been affiliated with. However, rescuing Sarah, he knew, went a long way in attempting to quell that feeling of guilt, and to help a kid in dire need of his assistance. Colt suddenly watched Sarah turn back at her gate before entering the front yard. He then slowly touched the gear shifter as she approached her front door, quickly placing it in drive. As they drove away, he watched her being received by her relieved parents in the enlarged side mirror.

The drive back felt bizarre, with both friends reflective, pondering what life really meant; the simple aspects like holding your child and how valuable love truly was. Colt then fondly recalled the walks along the ocean he and Taylor would take, talking about nothing, just conversation. That pain of losing her couldn't be eradicated, it never would be, and that he knew. However, joy and happiness by helping others could perhaps mask it; hide it in its own unique way.

Just as quickly as the two friends became lost in their own thoughts, anger returned as fast as it left; as both watched the Los Angeles city limits sign pass by. Colt glanced in the rear view mirror, seeing all three men reveal subtle movements, poised to awake at any moment.

Alden immediately turned to Colt, knowing it was just a matter of time before they'd wake up. "You know that old abandoned building, we talked about before?"

Colt could see the dilapidated structure in his mind's eye, nearly falling apart in south central Los Angeles. "Yeah, I know exactly where that's at....I'll head there now." He then stared ahead, feeling his eyes squint and nostrils flare, envisioning payback for Sarah; knowing she deserved it. Minutes later, Colt pulled the van near the darkened three-story building, with both men scanning the premises for activity. "Alright," Colt said, "this is part two, the intermission is finished, Alden....now how do you reverse that ether shit?"

Alden reached into his duffel bag, pulling out a tiny white package. "This outta wake these fools up." He then walked to the back of the van before tearing open the harsh smelling salts inside. The first to wake up was Cain, followed by Rory, and lastly Jed. All three men immediately sat up, somewhat attentive and bright-eyed.

Colt then reached for his hockey bag, and signaled Alden to get his. Both men exited the vehicle, moving to the back bumper. Alden swiftly opened the back door of the van as his hand snatched the handgun, in his holster. Colt opened the door to the worried men, pulling all three to the ground outside. "Just walk, guys."

Alden then followed Colt to the dark entrance of the abandoned building. Inside, the smell of excrement, urine, and random chemicals burned through their airways as they approached the rickety stairway. In the distance, the sounds of raspy laughter echoed throughout the night, seemingly drug users or vagabonds.

At the top of the stairs, the noises became louder from the other side of the building. "Don't say a word," Colt said, "we're just going to teach you guys a lesson, and then we'll let you go."

Alden then opened up his narrow magnification light, pointing it at a room he knew from surveying the building with Colt, years prior.

"Right in there," Alden said, glancing at Colt. The three men entered the small room that looked to once be a storage area, a filing space for some business. Alden then pulled out three rounded candles from his bag and promptly lit the wicks.

Colt took a minute to stare at the men, seeing their faces flicker in the bouncing flames. "Give me all of your money!"

All three men quickly reached into their respective pockets, pulling out whatever cash they had before handing it to Colt. He looked down, counting, "Six, seven, one thousand....one thousand and ninety dollars, huh?" Six eyes then stared back, all terrified by Colt's aggressive demeanor.

Alden eventually stepped to Cain, angry. "What's the price for Sarah?"

Cain's mouth opened; his throat swallowing, "Five hundred."

Colt clasped Cain's neck, slamming his body against the dirty wall. "You are a kidnapper, a demonic fuck who preys on children! For that you need to be severely punished! But you already know that, right?"

Cain began pleading, "No! I've been really mentally unstable lately. I'm on meds....I just wasn't thinking straight....I'm truly sorry for everything! It'll never happen again....you have my word, just let me go."

Colt laughed, glancing back at Alden. "Check the building and come back with a report, would ya?"

"10-4 boss, I'll be right back."

Colt then stared into Cain's evil brown eyes. "Sit on your legs, each of you." All three men immediately knelt down on their knees, and then looked back up to Colt. "No you stupid fucks, now sit on your calves!" They obliged, putting their weight down onto the back of their lower legs.

Moments later, Alden returned with wide eyes. "There are some druggies shootin' up down the way, one of the girls is passed out. Other than that, it's all good....no one in the immediate area."

Colt reached into his hockey bag and pulled out a silvery roll of duct tape. "Let's tape them up bud."

Alden took a piece of tape from Colt, before pushing it tightly over Cain's mouth. Colt did the same with Rory and Jed, and then stared at the men. "How your legs feeling, they numb yet?"

Both Cain and Rory wiggled thereafter, and then nodded.

Colt then pulled out some rubber-based medical tourniquets and a hammer from his bag. He promptly handed Alden two, and then whispered in his ear. "Tie them just under the armpit, on the bicep. Make sure they're super fucking tight, too."

Alden nodded, working Cain's left arm first, and then his right.

Both friends then arose from their positions on the floor, briefly glancing at each other. "Flames," Alden suddenly said, "fire!" Colt remembered the mind-blowing pain of being burned throughout his life, the intense discomfort that seemingly never went away. "Yep, that's the ticket man."

Alden stared at the candles with an evil look in his eyes, enjoying the idea of commencing their torture. After bending down, he promptly pulled up the largest candle, with wax dripping generously along the base. As he started to randomly burn Cain, Colt grabbed the hammer and held down Rory's left hand.

Seconds later, he pulled the hammer up, and then slammed it down on Rory's fingers; hearing both men trying to scream through the tape. "Wrap more tape on these fucks," Colt said before pounding Rory's hand another time. As Alden circled the restrictive tape around each man's head and mouth, Colt snatched Jed's right hand and duplicated the same act he committed on Rory.

Moments later, Colt pulled up, hearing each man's muffled screams of agony. "That's for Sarah you fucks....she's going through worse than this, I guarantee it! Now let's have some fun." He then struck the hammer down on Cain's left shoulder, instantly breaking the collarbone.

Alden put out his hand for the hammer and swapped the candle with Colt. Immediately, Alden started to mash Cain's fingers into a bloody mess, his anger was crystal clear. After Colt burned both arms of Rory and Jed, the friends stepped back, gazing at their handiwork.

For the tortured men, each second felt like eternity, the pain excruciating; all were now wishing for relief, or death. Ten minutes later, Alden remembered Sarah: bound to the headboard, terrified by the abusers continually raping her. Without delay, he then slammed the hammer across each man's face, instantly shattering their jaw bones.

Colt let the moment linger, knowing the intense pain was fully deserving and realizing jail would have been too easy for them, an unfitting punishment for the crimes they committed. Both then stood back, watching the mens' arms start to turn black from lack of blood flow; their legs, more than likely doing the same.

Inside his mind, he could see Sarah in San Diego, right where she belonged, surrounded by loving parents. The dichotomy was more than stark. The feelings flowed rapidly in and out, like a roller coaster that was nearly overwhelming. Although their thinking was evil, both friends knew they had to let time pass to allow for the mens' pain to intensify even more.

Colt left the room, realizing the men were beyond their ability to escape. For a moment, he watched the candles dance inside the room of horror. He then silently vowed to resume, promising himself to continue helping kids and to punish the ones who hurt them.

Alden then appeared in the darkened area with Colt. "That shit's tight man, those fucks are in the hurt bag....and I'm lovin' it; how 'bout you?"

Colt nodded, lighting the end of a roach Alden just passed him. "Hell yeah, man. I know it's bad right now, but I think I'm gonna make things worse in a little bit....after we smoke this shit bro."

Colt pulled in a cloud of smoke that drifted deep into his lungs, still thinking of Sarah, "That poor girl, Alden! The website said she'd been missing since early November. That's been over two months now....can you imagine the torture that kid had to go through?"

Alden could see her face, scared and alone in that motel room, awaiting her next bout of torture. "It's human trafficking in its worst form. These demented bitches all knew what's up. You remember when one of the two naked dudes said he never thought she was a minor? Lying like the bitch that he is! They're all culpable in my mind, but one more than the other."

Colt looked into the room, noticing all three intermittently glancing through the doorway, all barely able to function. "I know who you're talkin' about, Cain. He deserves days of this shit, maybe weeks. But we ain't got the hours to watch this prick suffer.... whoever does, has too much time on their hands anyway."

Alden responded, "So, what's their ultimate fate? I say we off all of 'em, it was a kidnapping just like Cain did to Sarah. No one saw us and I switched the plates on the van. That means there's no connection to us, none!"

Colt checked the room once again, feeling his blood pressure elevate. "I like things clean, I always have. That theory bodes well for us, but not for them, Alden. I like your line of thinking on these dudes. I say we go in there and deliver some additional punishment, then work from that angle....you in?"

"Fuck yeah I am! Let's start round two on their asses."

Both men then entered the room, determined to continue their reign of terror. Alden kicked all three from their sitting positions, watching each tip over like a freshly cut tree. He immediately pulled out the hammer and unfolded each man's, presumably numb legs. On all six legs, he then started to slam the hammer onto their shins, and then switched to their ankles.

Colt couldn't imagine the pain each person was suffering through at that point. However, he kept telling himself _it was_ _right, just; exactly what they needed before moving on to hell_.

After kneeling, Colt pulled up on Cain's broken jaw, unmercifully staring in his cold eyes. "You see us? I bet you didn't think this would happen on the morning you took Sarah's innocence and her childhood....you robbed her! You took what every kid deserves, a loving upbringing, help in getting older. It's quite a shame we have to do this to you, but truly indicated, wouldn't you agree?"

Cain stared into Colt's eyes, trying to block out the enormous pain. Alden stood back and stared, mesmerized by the yellow light flickering about their faces. Both friends knew the pain was endless, but wondered inside what should be next; take their lives or spare them, leaving them crippled and handicapped?

As they debated quietly in their minds, Colt felt his rage build again, seeing the men on the bed violently raping Sarah countless times. "It's over Alden, we need to finish this." Alden nodded, clasping the hammer again. "I want Cain though," Colt resumed, "he's mine!" Alden abruptly slammed the hammer down on Rory's head, with blood exploding upwards. Colt pulled back and watched Alden repeat the act with Jed, his arm looking vicious and powerful.

Colt then punched Cain as hard as he could in the face, and then drove his knee into his nose. With his right hand, he grabbed his throat and pushed his head to the floor, Cain's eyes looking up through cracks in his lids. Colt quickly grabbed a burning candle, pouring the wax around Cain's cheeks and forehead.

With their eyes now locked, Colt started to squeeze the cartilage incrementally, and watched Cain slowly die, exacting the revenge for Sarah, despite her indifferent wishes.

#  Chapter 24

At an upscale Beverly Hills jeweler, Colt vigorously studied a large diamond that sparkled under thick glass. As his eyes shifted over the other pieces, the gravity of one pulled him down like a magnet with the force of destiny firmly behind it. With the sun gradually rising in the eastern horizon, every breath he took was hers; he then realized her beautiful face wouldn't leave his mind, the genuine smile, and the true love they shared.

In the corner, stood a salesman who was finishing with a couple, his eyes revealing that he was poised to walk over. From behind, a tap hit his right shoulder. After he turned, all he could see was Alden's white teeth, smiling. "What's up man?" Colt said. "I thought you were going to read the sports section in the van."

"Na, I already saw what I needed. My Vikings lost in the playoffs, it's a damn shame my man. I thought they were gonna take it to the super bowl....maybe next year. Anyway, how's it going in here stud?"

Colt cleared his throat, seeing the salesman start to shake the couple's hands. "It's good, although they don't have a price on this one. I'm sort of enamored by it....it's talking to me."

"Yeah, I remembered when I bought Jess's ring in Vegas. We were just there on vacation, and I slipped into a jewelry store when she was still at the hotel. It sure wasn't as swanky as this place, but her rock is tight....it looks great on her paw!"

Colt laughed before turning to the man in the suit, behind the counter. "Hi."

"Hello sir....I see you were fixing your gaze on one of our pieces. Can I help you with one of them?"

Colt pulled in a breath, glancing at Alden, who was now to his side. "Yeah," he replied, pointing downward, "that one."

The well-dressed man touched a specific code before the lock released. To Colt, his hand moved inside a white cloud, as every moment he'd spent with Amanda fully occupied his mind.

Through the awkward silence, the man pulled up the enlarged gem, both friends astonished at its simple beauty. "She sure must be a beautiful woman," the salesman said, handing it to Colt. He nodded, as the reflective properties shimmered at every angle in the natural lighting.

"Well," the salesman resumed, "it's an ELG certified diamond ring, with a 6.04 total weight cushion cut, bordered by pave white diamonds. The diamonds are all set in 18K white gold, with custom designed mounting....also it has pave diamonds set halfway down both sides of the shank."

Colt's tongue touched his lips, his eyes filled with a luster. "How much are you asking for it?"

The salesman's hazel eyes moved to a three-ring binder, just two feet away. Moments later he looked up, slightly smiling. "It's $90,000 sir."

Colt could see the millions in his mind that he made over the years; all buried in randomized areas around the world, knowing it wouldn't make a dent. "I'll take it do you have one in a size 4?"

The salesman returned to the three-ring binder, before responding. "We do sir, would you like for me to wrap it up now?"

"Please, that'd be great, thank you sir." Colt then pulled in another deep breath, glancing around to see if he made the wrong choice.

"She's a great girl," Alden said, "but you're a little long in the tooth in asking her, don't ya think?"

Colt smirked, knowing Alden was one of the few people in his life that could get away with making that remark. "Yes, absolutely; however, I have my own reasons. She's the only woman I've ever truly loved, probably ever will. She deserves to be married....she deserves to wear this expensive ring."

Alden nodded before speaking. "Sure, but you have to dig pretty deep for that oval ring, dude....you sure you want to go there?"

"Hell yeah, It's time man! It can't wait anymore. Plus, it would make Taylor happy, Eric happy. That's all that matters, you know?"

Alden could feel his friend's determination, seeing a changed man he thought he'd never see. "I'm really proud of you. This is the right thing to do by Amanda, the kids. I know Taylor wanted this....now she'll see her mom and dad walk down the aisle, even if she's not physically there."

Colt couldn't hold back the emotion in his eyes, seeing Taylor's face and how happy she would have been, had she still been living. "Yeah man, she was an angel....she loved her mom so much....as much as I do."

The salesman then returned with a plush blue box that he set inside another wooden box, showing the store's name on top.

"I'm assuming," he said to Colt, "you want to use your phone for this transaction?"

Colt glanced down at the brown briefcase he was holding and didn't say a word.

"Oh," the salesman smiled, "yes sir, we can do that. Please come to our office in the back sir. We can settle up back there."

Colt nodded, tugging on Alden's shirt as all three men entered a designated office space with high-end furniture. After the salesman closed the door behind them, they sat and the salesman scanned his code into the computer system before looking up. "It's going to be $96,750 sir....I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name....I'm Brian."

"It doesn't matter, does it Brian?"

Brian shook his head, watching Colt's eyes glare through him. "No, it makes no difference. As long as you have legitimate dollars, it's all good by me."

Colt then opened up the leather case, remembering he'd set $150,000 inside earlier that morning. A minute later, Colt spoke, "Here's a thousand one hundred dollar bills Brian, that's $100,000; you O.K. with that?"

Brian looked stunned, the stack of cash was tall, yet Colt was calm and smooth. "Yes sir, but it's not $100,000; it's $96,750."

Alden's foot touched Colt's, but it didn't yield him cause for concern. "It's O.K. Brian, the extra three and change is for you. For being such a great salesman, you know what I mean?"

Brian nodded, seeing Colt meant business, "Yes, absolutely. This is a fully privatized transaction, nothing out of the ordinary."

"Good. That kind of business creates loyalty Brian....as you already know. With that kind of business relationship, you just may see me in here in six months, getting her some diamond earrings or something else, you know?"

"Yes sir, we love customer loyalty. That's what keeps our business going, distinguished customers such as yourself."

Colt sensed that Brian was getting somewhat uncomfortable. He then spoke as a result. "Yeah, is that it?"

"Yes sir, here's your receipt. If for any reason you don't like it, come back within 90 days and we'll fully refund your money."

"Cool, thanks man." Colt and Alden then arose from their leather chairs, making for their van down the street. On the immaculate sidewalk, Alden stuck his elbow into Colt's arm. "You did it! I gotta tell you, I never thought I'd see the day. That's some wacky shit man....good deal."

Colt exhaled an elongated breath, knowing there was no turning back and that he needed to ask Amanda to marry him, and soon. "It's going to be good....it was meant to be."

"Yeah," Alden said, stepping into the driver's seat, "what's happening today man?"

Colt placed the wooden box under his passenger seat before pulling out a company tablet from the hockey bag. Seconds later, he answered. "Her," he replied, pointing.

Alden stared at the little girl, her face looking less than ten years old. "That little angel, she looks young."

Colt could see Sarah's terrified face in his mind, knowing this child was much younger, but had the same innocence, the same right to live a normal life. "Yeah, she's seven, dude. I found her on the website last night....there were a lot of little kids in California alone, but she's got a compelling story."

"Oh yeah, what's up with her?" Alden asked curiously.

"She is little Belinda Baxter. She went missing after attending a circus show....it was just about an hour after she and the family got back home. The crazy thing is, it was afternoon, and she wasn't all that far from her home....maybe a block."

"Wow, and nobody saw anything?"

Colt shook his head and pursed his lips, "Apparently not. This happened up in Bakersfield about four days ago. So, that's where we're going right now....you cool with that?"

Alden took inventory of his emotions, glancing back at the tiny brunette with the light eyes. "Yeah....O.K., let's go dude....I'll get us up there now."

Colt pulled a thin joint from the ashtray, lighting the end before passing it to Alden. "Well," he said, exhaling smoke and perusing his tablet, "our little excursion the other day regarding Sarah has now ran into the media....you want to hear what's up?"

Alden could then see himself delivering Rory and Jed their deathblows, remembering the blood and bone flying through the air. "Yeah," he replied, "what's going on with that?"

Colt touched the video button before turning up the audio.

Alden quickly pulled the van over and parked, as both men watched the reporter talk. "Rose, we have a developing story down here in San Diego. It appears Sarah Jean McDonald had been missing for over two months. She was abducted from her own neighborhood on the way to school one morning in November. Well, just five short nights ago, she was miraculously returned to her home to the absolute delight of her parents. Now, according Sarah, her parents, and police sources affiliated with this bizarre investigation, two men abruptly saved Sarah from the terrifying ordeal she was suffering through. She was quoted as saying that both of the men were her guardian angels, two of the nicest guys she'd ever met. Her parents lauded both men in an earlier interview, praising both for their daughter's safe return. However, there is an ongoing investigation associated with this strange human trafficking case....and it's involving the three men who apparently abducted poor Sarah. According to the L.A. police, the three men were identified as Rory Collins, Jed Nelson, and Cain Parker, who is a previously convicted felon. They were all found violently murdered in an abandoned building located in a seedy south central Los Angeles neighborhood. The investigation is revealing that Rory was a construction manager and Jed was a respected health club owner. Both men were viciously beaten to death. It appears Cain was strangled to death, but was also heavily tortured, much like the other two. And here's the kicker; apparently Sarah has fingered Cain as her abductor, and the other two men were merely customers within his sick business. This was the business in which she was, unfortunately, in the epicenter. The detectives working the case said they have had little to work on in terms of evidence, and no one has come forward as eyewitnesses, regarding the mysterious identities of the two men who rescued Sarah. She has revealed only that one rescuer had a blonde mustache and was wearing a police uniform. She couldn't provide details on the other, but is thankful to be home with mom and dad. We'll update you on the case if we get anything further. This is Carson, reporting from San Diego; back to you Rose."

Alden put the vehicle in drive again, turning to Colt with a smile. "They've got nothing! And that case is going nowhere....you and I both know it."

Colt nodded, staring at the road ahead. "We both hair-netted the deal, had gloves, and disguises....I'm not worried about a fucking thing. Plus, the girl is home safe. Even if they thought they had something, they're going to eventually turn the other cheek....she's a kid, and that shit cuts deep with guys on the force."

Alden replied, "Yeah it does....and now it's on to the next case detective, what's the plan?"

"Dirty Kenny is the plan right now."

Alden stared at Colt, knowing how meticulous his planning was. "Alright, have you contacted him yet?"

"Yeah," Colt said, looking in the side view mirror. "Look in the rear view."

Alden glanced into the rear view mirror, shocked at seeing Kenny driving behind them. "Fuck man, that dude's nuts! But I gotta hand it to ya, you're on top of things....I like that kind of shit Colt!"

"Hell yeah, that's the only way I roll. I like to cut through the bullshit and get straight to it....you know how I do, bitch!"

Alden then remembered all the assignments he and Colt had done together, knowing the way his mind worked, which was truly methodical, almost to a fault.

One hour and forty five minutes later, Alden pulled over in the very neighborhood the little girl was last seen. He turned to Colt, surrendering to his direction. "What do you want to do?"

Colt double checked the address on the tablet and then looked into the oversized field glasses. "That's the house, that little blue one. Here, check it out."

Just then, Kenny entered the sliding door of the van, widening his crooked smile. "Hey boys, how's it hanging? I hope nice and low."

"Hmmm....you know it Kenny," Colt said, looking back, "thank you for following dude, it means a lot."

Kenny watched Alden look through the military-style binoculars before responding. "Yeah man, no problem. I bought that little used car with your generosity from our last job Colt....it gets incredible mileage per hydro fill, so it wasn't a lot to get up here."

"Good, let's get right to it Ken. You're going to replicate the same approach you did back in San Diego, but I'm going to unleash a survey drone beforehand. This is a touchier scenario, I think. I just want to be nice and conservative, you know?"

Kenny licked his lips, thinking of the payoff Colt was about to offer him, shortly thereafter, "Yeah, absolutely Colt! Let's fly one in there to check out the perimeter and the neighbors."

"Yes," Colt replied, "go ahead Kenny; you know how to operate them, right?"

Kenny nodded, pulling his greasy hair back into a ponytail. "Are you kidding, I was one of the first guys to run those little fuckers....way back in the day. Hey, you know I don't just do keys? I do alarm system disabling, surveillance, a lot of other shit if you need it."

Colt glanced at Alden, knowing he could only trust Kenny up to a point. "Yeah, I'll definitely keep that in mind. Do me a favor and put the hummingbird in flight; he's fast and efficient."

Kenny quickly set up the drone that he had helped put together for Colt, and then let it go from the rear door.

All three men then sat inside the cover of the van, with Colt taping up a large tablet to the wall. Colt instantly remembered the job he did with Evelyn and a large snake; the job that included killing Baron Phelps with the help of a large tablet much like the one he just hung. The robotic bird then approached the small home, peering in the windows and flying around the perimeter.

Colt nudged Kenny. "Alright, the house looks clean. Go ahead and check the neighbors....take both sides and then run it across the street."

"Roger boss." Five minutes later, Kenny pulled in the bird from the back of the van, setting it back into the hockey bag. "It's dead Colt, no one around."

"Yeah," Colt replied, "but the old guy in the house across the street....he's in the backyard working the garden. I'll run the bird back there while you make the key; try to be Kenny quick, alright?"

Kenny stuffed his ponytail into the back of his bogus uniform, knowing Colt liked him to look as clean cut as possible. "Alright, I'll be back; then we can talk about funds, alright Colt?"

Colt pulled the tiny bird back out of his bag, allowing it fly out the back again. "Yeah, just hurry up and be smooth Ken." Moments later, Colt came in over the radio and Kenny instantly paused on the sidewalk. "Don't move right now, Kenny," Colt abruptly said, "the old man went to the side of the house....just bend down and tie your shoes." Colt hovered above the elderly man, watching him unravel his garden hose before dragging it towards the garden in the backyard. "O.K. Kenny, resume man. It's cool." Five additional minutes passed and Kenny came in over the radio. "I'm done Colt."

"Already?" Colt asked.

"Yep, the back door was already open. You're still gonna pay me, right?"

Colt clenched his jaw, knowing it was a possibility that Kenny would come up in vain. "Yeah dude, just get your ass back here then." Colt quickly ran the bird over the elderly man's head again, seeing he was now kneeling and focusing on the roots of his tall corn.

Moments later Kenny appeared at the side door, sweat dripping into his eyebrows. "Well, that was easy! I really like it when my job doesn't demand that much from me."

Colt was then finishing a new disguise, placing a black goatee on his face and then donning a Florida Marlins baseball cap. "Alden, take over the bird here, he's idling above this older gentleman. Kenny, do me the favor of sweeping the binoculars around the area."

As Colt started for the sliding door, Kenny's throat finally worked. "Hey....Colt."

He turned back, knowing exactly what Kenny wanted, "Yeah."

"Didn't you forget something?"

"Yeah, you're not done yet, kemosabe. Just finish this leg of the deal and we'll talk turkey when I get back....capish?"

Kenny pulled up the remote control for the robotic hummingbird, and nodded without words. Colt exited the vehicle with ease, stuffing the earpiece into his right ear before sliding on his latex gloves. "Transmission test," Colt said, "you guys got this?"

"Yeah," Alden replied, "it's coming in clear."

Colt nonchalantly tipped up his left thumb, knowing Kenny was staring with the binoculars. Moments later, he arrived in the front yard, cautiously glancing around, before heading towards the side of the house. Within seconds, he opened the back door, praying that no one was in the home. The subsequent steps seemingly decelerated again, much like when in Sarah's home in San Diego. Suddenly, a small dog appeared from the kitchen, rushing forward with a muffled bark. Immediately, he knew it was a miniature poodle, much like one he grew up with as a boy. The dog slightly nipped at him, but then quickly kept backing away as Colt proceeded forward. "Guys, I got a dog in here."

"You do?" Alden replied.

"Yeah, but I think his bark box was removed....he can barely muster a sound. It's not a big deal." He then swallowed, instantly realizing that the family was short on funds, probably somewhat poor. Inside, the pain intensified as he saw their faces from distant photographs.

After entering the living room, his heart started to palpitate, knowing both parents were probably looking for her as he was perusing throughout their home. Without wasting any time, he found Belinda's bedroom, decorated in a princess theme. At the doorway, he had to pause, even though he knew time was obviously compressed. His mind was instantly taken back four years, when Taylor was only seven; her vitality, her strong desire for exploration, wanting to understand the world in her own innocent way. The thoughts were utterly suffocating; sweeping his mind away in a daydream and transporting him too high, where the air was sparse, thin.

After some time, he shook himself, looking down at the black poodle. In a slight shock, he watched as its mouth was squarely around the back of his right heel. He quickly shook the canine off and resumed moving toward the child's empty bed, neatly made with orange and pink linens. His eyes drifted freely about the room, trying to absorb her innocence, her life that had dramatically changed just four days prior.

Suddenly, through her bedroom window, he saw a police cruiser drive by, slow and methodically. "Colt," Kenny said.

"Yeah, I saw it. Is he continuing down the street, or stopping?" The radio was dead for a moment as Colt's heart started to race uncontrollably.

"No," Kenny replied.

"No what, Kenny?"

"No, he just kept going, it's alright."

Colt had to shake his head, knowing Kenny was the wrong guy to provide him visual cover. He exhaled away his heightened anxiety and then resumed around the condensed bedroom, still searching for something inconspicuous to take. After shaking off the dog once again, he walked to the other side of the bed, seeing a yellow hair clip.

The moment was sad. He envisioned her mother placing it into her brown hair, telling her how pretty she looked. He could then see her holding on to her father's arms, playing in the front yard with him; twirling her around in a circle, happy and laughing. It was ironically the very reason, the very motivation that was evidently becoming his fate, his destiny; an encapsulation of what kids had meant to him, their loving spirit; their simple desire to be loved.

With eyes closed, Colt gripped the hair clip, feeling the impact of her presence sear through him like a lightning bolt. As he efficiently tried to sort through the images, a pair of eyes took over the frame in his vision, staring back into his own eyes. The moment was like a dream as the eyes were evil, sinister.

He had to rub his hand across his face and eyes, attempting to reset the entire vision in his mind. After changing the hair clip into his other hand, he closed his eyes again, now seeing the eyes from afar. They were now seemingly off to the side, yet still visible, still watching.

Colt could then see Belinda's hand being held now, her mother swaying both of their arms as they apparently walked about the circus. Her small hand eventually petted the face of a horse; his light brown face was gentle, enjoying her cautious touch. She then resumed walking with her mother, amazed at the size of the elephants, and watching the tigers behind the bars of a cage.

The smells of food then wafted through the air, including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, roasted almonds, even cotton candy. Moments later, she was second in line to have a photograph taken, but with whom, he couldn't figure out. On the other side he looked down, seeing the hair of a man's hand and wrist, before he started to hold her left hand. It was her father; Colt could sense his presence, his love for Belinda.

After some additional time passed the person in front of the small family left, uncovering bright vivid colors of yellow and red. Belinda's eyes shifted downward and suddenly widened by the size of the blue and yellow shoes. As she then looked upward, she cautiously made eye contact with a clown, who was grinning without saying a word.

Belinda turned with her parents, trying to keep her eyes open, despite the white flash from a professional camera. Seconds later, her mother motioned her to thank the clown. Belinda then turned; and as she did, Colt saw the same eyes and the evil emitting from them, as the ones that confidently stared back, askew in his minds visual frame. As she started to walk away, the clown grabbed her shoulder, handing her a coloring book with a smile.

Colt's mouth stayed open, still seeing the moment in slow motion. He watched as Belinda absorbed the clown's energy and his ill intent, after shaking his hand and then waving goodbye with a reciprocating grin. The vision instantly flowed to her car ride home, her rubbing the two attached crayons over a coloring book picture.

In the images, the measurement of time was indefinite; he couldn't figure how many minutes, or even hours, had passed. Eventually, her eyes stared at the home she lived in, as it slowly approached with the family car now entering the driveway. The feeling was happy and Belinda seemed emotionally satiated, completely charmed by the experience. As more time seemingly elapsed, she was with her father in the backyard, her inquisitive nature steering her overall direction.

Colt loyally followed as Belinda then saw smoke; her father was striking a match in a slow speed and throwing it between the gaps in the metal grill rack. Fire abruptly ascended, nearly singing her pretty face as she jumped backwards. She could then see her father giggling in her direction.

Suddenly his face became serious, his mouth started moving, but no words could be heard. Colt struggled, trying to lift any fragments of audio from the video surging throughout his mind; her father then nodded; a parent agreeing, but seemingly apprehensive at the same time.

Her father eventually bent down to kiss her cheek; Colt then feeling his intense love, his arm touching her shoulder for a hug. With continuing anxiety, Colt resumed, following Belinda as she turned to her mother on the other side of the house. He then looked up with her as she stared at the blue sky above, seeming to be mid- afternoon.

With a kiss blown at her mother, she left the yard; staring down at her sneakers while they left the grass, and transitioning to the cement on the sidewalk. In the distance, a little girl was coloring chalk, her attention shifting toward Belinda, now flashing a childlike smile. Without sound, he watched the little blonde girl's mouth move, then laugh from their innocent conversation.

Belinda's feelings migrated into Colt, her demeanor suddenly deflated as the little girl shook her head. Her youthful hand then waved back and forth as her feet started jumping over her friend's chalk drawing. While she passed, her eyes shifted back to the sidewalk, suddenly feeling a temporary depression she'd felt before.

After some time, her head looked up into an angled sun that was poised to sink past the horizon within hours. She continued to walk to where the sidewalk eventually ended and where an arid field began. Colt followed her gaze back, seeing her friend still on the sidewalk and her home much farther away.

He instantly felt her face twist back with the light California breeze passing across her ears. She could then see something shiny, a vehicle approaching from the only road that entered the lonely field. The glare of the sunlight was intense: she then stuck her hand to her forehead, shading her eyes to see.

The vehicle entered the subdivision and immediately turned back around, with Belinda following the unusual deep purple color. As the tinted black window rolled down, the car came to a complete stop. Belinda's eyes widened, her vision enhanced at the sight of the clown; the same clown she'd seen just one hour earlier.

Colt could feel chills, however, he didn't sense any fear in Belinda. She merely smiled, eager at the sight of a multicolored lollipop. He could then see the clown's red painted lips move, the lollipop eerily beckoning Belinda to approach. Colt's hand naturally shot out, trying to grab a girl he couldn't while watching her become lured in.

The pain suddenly followed after his door abruptly opened. Colt suddenly felt her body being shoved into the backseat before speeding off into the deserted field ahead. In that moment, the fear in Belinda was significantly pronounced, but the eyes staring from the rear view mirror was all Colt could see. Her eyes then shifted to the door handle right before the locks automatically descended.

Tears were streaming down her face through inaudible screams, which filled the vehicle as Belinda now saw the clown turn and smile. She twisted her head back, seeing her subdivision fading away; the dust now kicking up from leaving a paved road for dirt. Her pleading and begging fell on deaf ears, with the clown's hands expressively leaving the steering wheel.

She could only gaze at the floor of the back seat, pretending it was a nightmare and that her mother would awaken her in a moment. Within those seconds, Colt could feel her terror maximized, rendering her virtually breathless. She then felt herself floating, while Colt diligently tried to follow her abstract emotions.

Minutes had now passed, her eyes started to shift about the interior again with her voice now yelling at the clown, without words. She turned, hoping she would see dad coming to her rescue, saving her from the bad dream and bringing her home to mom. Tears started to well in Colt's eyes as he started to worry about time, and how much he truly had. After refocusing back to Belinda's vision, he could see her eyelids widen again, now at the sight of water. Suddenly the clown's hand swung back to touch hers, his evil fully apparent. A car then passed. She abruptly turned, placing her little fingers on the back window, only to see it speed away, unbeknownst of her horrific trip.

She placed her right hand in front of her face, still incredulous. Colt swallowed as the car cruised along a shoreline road, the water now appearing on the right side. The vehicle then came to a complete stop and the clown exited, immediately locking the driver's door, with a remote.

Belinda turned to watch the clown nonchalantly open the trunk, hoping it was all a trick, a prank that he was playing. He eventually emerged from the opening he was bent into, violently slamming the trunk, and then staring at her with his threatening eyes. Colt could instantly feel the fear resume with a vengeance, her mouth now wide open.

Her eyes then watched him touch a button on the remote, opening the door that had been locked the entire trip. His right hand gripped her left arm, pulling her from the vehicle, to the bright surface below. Moments later, Colt felt the man's brute strength shove Belinda to the sandy earth, just before neatly unfolding a blanket on the ground.

Colt could see the clown quickly approach thereafter, watching Belinda jump to her feet, attempting to escape in the other direction. As he pulled the child back to the blanket, a demonic presence drove through her, ending inside Colt. It was a sickening circuit that resided at the pit of his stomach, branching out with every additional act.

The clown then forced her to kneel, and he then followed with shock. Colt wanted so much to cradle Belinda, shield her from one of the devil's disciples; take her in his arms, walk her to safety, back to the sidewalk she frequented. He then spoke aloud, angry. "I'll get him Belinda....I'll find him."

White gloves then grabbed the bottom of her pink shirt, and then lifted. Colt's vision instantly went to black and he was suddenly unable to resume, for reasons unknown. His eyes instantly opened, attempting to discern the visions and to understand their overall meaning. He glanced down again, noticing the dog's tiny white teeth, snarling now just two feet away.

"Alden? Are you there?"

"Yeah man, I'm here," Alden replied.

"How does it look out there?"

"The old man's in the house now, but I've got the bird intermittently watching him. He's over the sink doing some dishes, you should be fine."

Colt put Belinda's hair clip in his pocket, knowing he could review the images at a later time. As he passed through the back door frame, he looked back, seeing the black poodle still attempting to bark, and still trying to guard the empty home.

With a brisk stroll around the side of the home, he left the front yard and crossed the street for the sidewalk, just 50 yards from the van.

Several paces farther, Kenny came in over the radio. "Don't look back Colt! There's a cop coming this way!" Colt kept his face straight ahead, hoping the officer didn't see him leave the front yard.

As the cruiser passed, the officer slowed down, staring at Colt as he gradually proceeded forward. Behind his sunglasses, Colt's eyes stared back, trying to lock onto the officer's intent. It was a moment that didn't pass quickly enough; time was seemingly stuck, unable to move.

Inside his mind, heart, thoughts of irony flashed about. How ironic it seemingly was that a bona fide killer like himself was replicating the same maneuvers he used to kill people; only to now help the innocent, not take their lives or have them incarcerated. _In the same breath_ , he thought, _an officer of the law was extremely close to questioning or arresting me for trying to help, not hurt._

Colt let a minute go by before walking back to the van he intentionally passed up; feeling his emotional state, still heightened. As he stepped in, Alden could immediately see his friend was shaken, after pulling up his sunglasses. "Wow man," he said to Colt, "there's a heavy police presence around here!"

Colt looked over to Kenny, knowing he was the key to not getting caught in that last dilemma. "Thanks for getting me that heads up, Ken. Was that the same cop that drove by when I was in the house earlier?"

"Nope. He was different....that's why I know Alden was right with what he just said. They're all over this neighborhood Colt; we need to leave pretty soon!"

Colt could only stare ahead, receiving a flashback of the abduction Belinda was forced to suffer through. "Yeah....so I suppose you want to get paid, huh?"

Kenny tried to look casual, but Colt and Alden knew it was at the forefront of his mind. "Yeah, that's cool." Colt then opened his briefcase, and looked up to Kenny, who still looked somewhat tense. "What are we talking about here Ken?"

For a moment, Kenny was silent. Almost as if he wished Colt would have just given him his standard fee, despite the back door already being open. "Well, what's fair Colt?"

"I don't fucking know man. Here, take ten grand, even though you probably don't deserve it. You had good intent and pulled your weight on the cover....I can live with it."

Alden appeared stunned at Colt's generosity, given the circumstances. Kenny returned to the back of the van, his forbidding smile was obvious. "Thanks man, let me know if you need anything else Colt....see ya guys."

Colt and Alden just nodded, watching Kenny exit the van before looking back at each other. "Whew," Colt said, still somewhat frazzled. Alden quickly jumped into the driver's seat and immediately left the neighborhood. Colt suddenly instructed, "Go that way, down the end of the block towards that field man."

Alden glanced in the rear view mirror for a second, noticing how the experience at Belinda's had obviously affected Colt. Colt then mentally collected himself before entering the front passenger seat. The van was quiet for a time as Alden passed the end of the subdivision and headed into the barren field ahead.

"Just stay on this road bud," Colt said, occasionally closing his eyes. Alden glanced over, watching Colt fight with himself as he tried to access the folder in his mind where the images were stored. Mere seconds later, Colt exhaled in frustration, digging in his pocket for her metal hair clip.

Like magic, the video of sorts emerged from deep within, picking up where the van was at that very moment. Alden turned again, needing answers. "What's the skinny on Belinda man, what happened in that house?"

Colt, feeling preoccupied, responded. "She was abducted Alden, taken by some deranged freak! It's our job to find her....I don't know if she's alive or dead. I'm sure hoping she is alive though. Either way, she's west of Bakersfield....I definitely know that much."

Alden tried his best to understand his visions and his keen abilities to recreate incidents that previously occurred. "How do you know it's this way Colt?"

"I saw it! I saw the end of the subdivision, that creepy field at the end. I know it's west because the sun's angle was in her face, the car was driving toward the sun that late afternoon."

"Did you see the person who got her?"

Colt could suddenly see Alden staring back at him just above the images in a small, separate framed box. "Yeah, it was a clown."

"Some clown? Like some dude or do you actually mean a real fucking clown?"

"A real clown man, from whatever circus they attended that afternoon. Remember the information I told you about her before we came up here?"

Alden searched his mind for a time. "Yeah, I remember you saying circus now."

"Yeah, well this fucking clown must have stalked the family somehow. He must have literally followed their vehicle home and cruised about the area for a while afterward."

Alden's stomach immediately felt sickened, his mouth slightly opening in shock. "Whoa, that's some hair-raising shit dude. Clowns freak me out man, they always have. It's probably because they look like they have this other side of them, something really disturbing. You feel the same way?"

Colt didn't as a child, he always saw clowns as humorous and benign for the pure entertainment of children. "No, I never really felt that way, but I kind of do now." He then looked at Alden just before the van crossed over the threshold of dirt, leaving pavement behind. "Alden."

"Yeah."

"His eyes are staring at me dude, they even blink sometimes....it's really fucking weird."

Alden's mouth slightly moved, but nothing came out for a time, pensive. "You mean the guy who took Belinda....is watching you?"

Colt shifted back to the image reel inside his mind, still seeing the brown eyes staring back. "Yeah man, I don't know what to make of it. But it's really freaky....I don't like it at all."

Alden stared at the GPS map in the van and then looked out at the deserted landscape west of Bakersfield. He then abruptly pulled over.

Colt glanced at him and then pulled open his company tablet, knowing Alden needed reassuring. "We're going in the right direction dude. It may not seem so, but we are." After powering up the tablet, he pulled up a satellite image of the area, expanding the map to cover a larger radius. He then looked over to Alden after conducting a deduction of sorts. "She's around water! That's where my images left off. I don't think she traveled beyond that last particular area where my vision stopped."

Alden stared at the screen, pulling his eyes farther west of the city. "Out here. Look Colt, water!"

Colt stared at the body of water just west of a small mountain range in the desert. "Yeah, Soda Lake....that's it man, I know it." Colt quickly did a search that read, "distance from Bakersfield to Soda Lake." One second later, the results popped up at the top of the screen, reading 1 h 47 min. Colt instantly tried to recollect the duration of the trip that Belinda was forced to take. In another bout of frustration, he couldn't pin down how accurately time had elapsed; he could only see what she saw in the vision.

"Wow," Colt resumed, "that clown drove her nearly two hours out! It felt like maybe forty five minutes, max."

Alden sensed his anger at himself, how inaccurate that aspect of his gift was currently. "I wonder if your abilities can evolve, get better over time, or are they fixed? Like what you have is what you have."

Colt scratched the light brown whiskers on his face. "I don't know, I hope it can get better, more precise over time."

One hour later, Alden was speeding southwest on 7 Mile Road, passing over the intersecting Black Bear Road. He turned, seeing Colt's eyes were fully closed. "Where are we Colt?"

"We just crossed over Black Bear Road, didn't we?"

Alden shook his head. "Wow.... yeah man we did."

Colt then compressed his eyes inside his mind, trying to slow down the clown's vehicle enough to see the signs on the side of the road. Suddenly, the car Belinda was in slowed down and she could see the clown hit the right blinker. In that snippet of images, he prayed that she had turned her head over slightly to the right.

Moments later, while her eyes looked up to the right for a brief second, Colt had just enough time to see a word on the green and white sign. He immediately opened his eyes, turning left to Alden. "I got the word Boreda, or something like that."

"Burrito?"

"No you fuck, Boreda!"

Alden laughed through his anxiety, seeing the young brunette in his mind's eye again. He then slowed the vehicle down from 62 mph to 50 mph, seeing a street sign off in the distance. "I got something coming up Colt, check it with me."

Colt didn't want to open the eyes he had closed again, knowing that road was absolutely significant. "No, just tell me what it is."

Alden slowed the vehicle down to 38 mph, his mouth wide open in shock. "It says Borega, Colt, not Boreda! You were off one letter, just one letter."

Colt shook his head slightly, knowing more inaccuracies were suddenly cropping up.

Alden then turned southbound onto Borega Road. As another minute passed, a river seemed to appear to the right before the road suddenly stopped. There was only a left option to make onto Arrowhead Trail. Colt could then feel the van braking before opening his eyes. "Go straight Alden, past the broken barbed wire fence."

The van resumed its straightforward direction, driving over bumps and weeds until Borega Road resumed again. Alden suddenly felt chills shoot through his body. "He knows this area, I bet. I couldn't see Borega continue from back by the barbed wire fence. This fucker's been here before....what's your sense on that Colt?"

Colt nodded, feeling the same way, as if the disguised man had somehow explored the area before; perhaps he had brought other abducted children to the same spots. "Yeah, he's a sick fuck! It's really rural out here, nothing as far as the eye can see."

Suddenly Alden pointed toward the top of the windshield. "That's a helicopter Colt....you know what that means?"

"Yeah, they're looking for her too. But they're way out there, probably miles away. We've got to hurry man! They may have searchers on foot, maybe driving out this way as we speak." Colt quickly closed his eyes, feeling the sense of urgency for Belinda; he was hoping she would be walking about the area, merely lost and scared. He could now see the big bend in the road, how it veered off to the right directly toward the sun again. "It's in a big bend dude! The road pulls back right really hard, heading west for awhile. But you've got to stop right away, when it starts to curve back left again, got it?"

Alden stared ahead, and then looked back at Colt, watching his eyelids flutter, his eyeballs shifting underneath. After exhaling to relax himself, he could see the twist in the road ahead and the sharp, ninety degree angle it took in a westbound direction.

Colt could feel Belinda's pulse rate accelerate in the midst of her terror; he also could feel the faint glimmer of hope she pretended to have.

As the road continued, Alden suddenly slowed the van, noticing the left curve Colt just mentioned. He turned his eyes in a slower speed towards Colt's; his blue eyes were staring back. "This is it. It's exactly where you said."

Colt couldn't see the helicopter anymore; the apparent rescuers who were oblivious to her location. "Let's get out," Colt said softly.

Alden swallowed, envisioning some brightly colored clown in the sunlight, pulling on the little girl he had just abducted, "Alright." Both men met at the front of the van, just as Colt tried to pause a frame to obtain the same image Belinda saw after the clown slammed the trunk in anger.

After several seconds, he tugged on Alden's shirt. "It's over here, he drove off the road. Look down man you see tracks in the sand?"

Alden just stared ahead and downwards, seeing exactly the tire tracks he was referring to. "Ahhh....this is nuts man."

"Don't worry Alden, I'm gonna pay you for this! I just need you with me....I don't know if I can do this shit alone."

Alden's eyes then briefly closed. "I told you man, it's O.K.! You don't have to pay me anything, Colt. I want to help, I really do. It's just kind of overwhelming, you know?"

Colt stared at the tire tracks in the bright sand, nodding. "I know....I'm sorry I brought you into this. You're my best friend man, one of the only people I can trust. I'm still gonna pay you though....I don't give a fuck what you say!"

Alden shook his head again, knowing Colt was much wealthier than himself, and that money was never really a concern of his.

"Whatever man....you're a hard headed bitch, you can buy me a twelver of my favorite brew back in L.A. I'll be fine with that."

Colt couldn't say a word; his eyes were slits on his face as he began shifting from a live feed to his brain, back to the images that were nearing an end. He then intently watched the last frames; viewing the white gloves clasp the bottom of Belinda's pink shirt before ending at the exact point where he started to lift.

Colt opened his eyes, looking down at the exact place where the tire tracks ended; the precise location where the clown had unfolded the blanket. "It's right here! This is where my vision ended. Either my brain won't let it go further, or the eyes looking back won't....but this is it!"

Alden glanced back with his dark wraparound sunglasses. "That's fucking crazy!" he said, looking over his shoulder to where the tire tracks started back on Borega Road.

Colt then ran his fingers through his hair, feeling the sun's heat raising its temperature. "Flank out left, I'll head right."

The black lenses on Alden's face moved up and down, nodding.

Colt knew inside he had tricked him; Belinda's energy wasn't in that direction, it was to the right. Within his mind, he knew it was an abrupt misdirection completely motivated to potentially protect Alden's more fragile psyche. He suddenly felt alone, detached from Alden as he walked away, almost one with little Belinda. He looked at the lake in the distance, noticing it was a fragment of a larger body of water to the south, where Alden was heading. As he approached the contrasting blue hue, her energy started streaming through him like a narrowing river.

For a moment he thought to himself. _Are you in the lake Belinda? Is that where your watery grave resides?_ He quickly shook the thought off, knowing she could still be alive, injured; perhaps just malnourished. Each step then felt more cumbersome, as if the same external force around Sarah's home in San Diego, was trying to prevent him from moving forward.

He drew in the dry air before exhaling it over the edge of the water. His eyes stared into the glistening mirror-like scene, measuring the depth as it continued west. Just then, Belinda appeared; manifested in a vision to his right, beckoning him to follow her along the shoreline. Instantly he turned, trying to catch up; however, unable to close in on her youthful pace.

Moments later she paused, not turning around, but holding out her hand for Colt to hold. Inside, it was nearly too much; the gift was shearing off the top of his heart, allowing him to merely breathe. They stood together after he held her tiny hand, her beautiful face now looking up to his. She then pointed forward and then looked back up. "I'm over there," she said, her voice now audible.

Colt stared at her features for a moment, the little teeth inside her mouth. Before taking a step, both of them turned back, trying to see Alden in the distance. He then looked into her blue eyes, seeing the sparkle inside, devoid of any pain. "You're over there darling?"

Her face just nodded, her eyes blinked just once. Through shallow breaths, he felt her pull his hand. Inside, he was utterly stunned at how real it felt, the physics of feeling his hand being tugged on. As they slowly proceeded forward, Colt's eyes suddenly picked up a bright color under a Desert Willow tree.

Afraid, he naturally became apprehensive to move forward. Belinda stopped with him like a patient friend; sensing his reluctance and driving a soothing energy through his fingers that ended in his heart. He could feel himself look down at her face with a speed that seemingly took forever. After connecting again with her eyes, he watched her simply nod, her skin, looking flawless. She then pulled him forward again, allowing him the ability to conquer his fear.

Moments later, she pulled him to her resting spot, pointing at her own dead body lying under the large tree. Colt knelt down with her and wept at the sight of her open gaze. He swallowed, knowing her torment was immense. At the same time he felt her loving energy beside him, almost comforting his ailing mind.

He turned to her spirit, seeing her look back. "You're not in any pain, are you honey?" She shook her head no, her eyes still filled with life. He watched his gloved hand reach for her dead body, touching her right arm, somehow trying to bring her back to life. After pulling back, he looked back at her manifestation, her stare looking sincere. "You don't have to cry sir, it's O.K." He looked at her deceased body, the same pink shirt that had splashed across the screen in his mind. "No sweetie, it's not O.K....you should be alive, back with your mom and dad."

"I do go back, I can go back whenever I want to now. But mom and dad don't see me....it makes me sad." Colt nodded, feeling her sorrow penetrate him, knowing she didn't know how to cross over. "It's O.K. honey....do you see a bright light, a warm light?"

Her face paused, searching her mind's eye for a reference point. "Yeah, is it that one really far away?" Colt didn't know what to say, hoping he was right and praying to God to take her home as soon as possible. With a faith he thought he never had, he replied back. "Yes Belinda. It's O.K. now. You can go to that light sweetie....go now, before it leaves!"

She clasped his other hand, now holding both before closing her eyes to surrender her fear of moving on. Moments later he looked down, but she was gone. However, her body still remained on its side. He suddenly felt a sadness unlike anything he could ever anticipate, almost killing him from the inside out.

Alden's body then appeared in the distance, still unaware of where Colt was. "Colt," he yelled.

Colt's hand touched the bottom of her front right pocket, noticing a rectangular indentation. He quickly wiped away the moisture around his eyes and then turned to Alden, whose face looked shocked, sad.

"Oh my God," he said with a stunned look, "you found her Colt!"

Colt was severely traumatized, between her dead body and the child's realistic manifestation. Although, her spirit was still healthy and alive, giving him a comfort he carried with him. "Yeah, it's really sad man. It's on now....it's on!"

Alden could feel Colt's intense energy exude a blend of sorrow and anger, all at once.

Colt then looked at the child's neck, seeing its circumference showed a bruised line around the front half. "She was strangled, Alden."

Alden remained silent, only able to shake his head in disgust.

Colt then pointed at her blue jeans. "You see that square in her pocket man?"

Alden cautiously approached Belinda, his eyes focusing. "Yeah, I see it. Get it out Colt. See what it is!"

Colt pulled his right latex glove from his pocket, making certain there weren't any tears or rips. After another bout of reluctance, he lifted the opening of her jeans pocket with his right hand, and then dug to the bottom with his left.

Both men watched the slow deliberate movement with a fearful curiosity until Colt eventually pulled up the paper. Colt immediately pulled off the gloves, trying to touch the tangible item with his bare skin. Within seconds, his head was spinning; twirling around the lights of the circus, every detail running a panoramic scene throughout his reeling mind.

Alden watched as Colt closed his eyes tightly once more. Colt's vision instantly turned to a spotlight that flooded an empty floor at center stage. Moments later, three clowns entered the scene, all shoving each other about. A fourth then appeared driving an old car with smoke emitting from the rusty hood.

Colt squinted as the other three clowns entered the topless car. After several attempts to start the vehicle again, the two in the front seat exited and opened the smoky hood. With a squeaky horn, the one standing squeezed the red ball, which made the other clown slam his head into the hood, just after he bent over to inspect the engine.

The scene continued as Colt was now able to zoom in. His eyes were suddenly able to see from every angle, a full three hundred and sixty degrees. He then entered a fake fight; the two men near the hood started to put up their fists, both were circling each other under the hot spotlight.

Colt zoomed in closer, noticing one of the clowns had icy blue eyes similar to his own. He then allowed the other set of eyes to circle past before zooming in further, realizing it was Belinda's killer! A split second later, the killer's eyes widened towards Colt's, as if he could see his gaze and the anger boiling behind.

Alden suddenly tapped Colt's shoulder, hearing another chopper flying overhead. "Yeah," he said, after opening his eyes.

"A helicopter just flew over us dude, we have to go."

Colt watched Alden close his eyes and run his hand from his forehead down to his chest, crossing himself. In a show of respect, Colt bowed his head in a short prayer for Belinda. "Please God, receive her....hold her in your arms, allow her to enter your kingdom. I'll try to fix things later, do right by this sweet angel....just please....I beg of you, take her in....amen." He opened his eyes, and turned to Alden's distraught face. "Let's go."

Alden led the way, seeing the alternate set of footprints that he presumed were the clown's. Both men strolled with hearts dragging behind, still wanting to stay back with Belinda. In the sky, Colt tilted his gaze around the endless blue, listening for the sounds of propeller blades cutting through the air.

Inside, both friends knew what they were about to do was wrong, leaving a dead child behind for a search and rescue team to find. However, Colt knew from her spirit visiting him earlier, that she wasn't in pain; she had been allowed to cross over and enter the loving realm that she earlier couldn't bring herself to.

At the van, both men turned back, noticing the distance the clown had obviously carried her lifeless body, all in an attempt to hide her from others. Colt swallowed as he entered the hot van, absorbing the entire atmosphere at the barren desert lake. Alden immediately pushed the ignition button, driving away from the scene as quickly as possible.

Colt stared through the windshield, seething. "Yeah Alden, we got a real sick motherfucker on our hands."

Alden turned the van around, heading back for 7 Mile Road. "It's pathetic dude. She looked like someone's little sweetheart. I'm gonna have fucking nightmares about that!"

With his eyes fixed ahead, Colt tried to collect himself in the midst of his personal horror, "Yeah, me too. But we have to start to think straight, my man....you know, for Belinda."

Alden nodded, scanning the skies again. "Yeah, we have to come up with a clever plan....start our own investigation for her."

Inside Colt, he thought those were the exactly the words Belinda needed. Two friends that had an insatiable desire to issue a degree of justice that the courts possibly couldn't. They both had now become her strength, two pillars who were willing to risk everything for that sort of equity.

The visions of footprints and tire tracks then ran through Colt's head. "We need to ditch these tires Alden. We also need to burn our shoes! There can be nothing left to tie us to that horrible scene back there."

Alden replied, "I know, I'll get this chop van back to the company's personal garage. I'll have them get the tires recycled, shredded. You and I will then have to burn the shoes like you said. That should suffice, because that sand leaves tons of impressions."

Colt then unfolded the paper Belinda had in her pocket. His eyes nearly exploded from the same exact scene he could see; the four clowns and an old car suddenly appearing again. To Colt, it was apparent that it was the lone page she had been coloring in the family car, on the way home that fateful day.

As he laid his hand across the top of the waxy blues and reds, the eyes appeared again. It was as if it was taunting him, defending itself from Colt's new-found power, even though it was extremely vague, seemingly without a definitive purpose or reasoning that he could fully relate to.

After turning onto 7 Mile Road, Alden turned to Colt, simmering. "We've killed a lot of people, you and I Colt! But something tells me this one could go down as the sweetest; a big game hunt with a massive trophy for us to dance around at the end."

Colt seemingly had his reservations, now seeing the clown's eyes slightly squint, almost privy to their conversation. "Something tells me this is a completely different animal, Alden; maybe the devil's messenger. This could be a force that may prove to be really elusive, more difficult than a lot of our previous assignments."

Alden watched Colt's seriousness. "Wow, coming from you Colt that says a lot. I've never heard you talk like that before....you're not intimidated are you?"

"No, I'm not intimidated, I'll never concede to that! It's just a feeling, that's all....we probably need to just take it with a grain of salt. Perhaps some old fashioned investigatory work, with the help of a little paranormal activity, will eventually crack this riddle. It might be as easy as that, you know?"

Alden somehow didn't believe Colt at that moment. His disingenuous tone was unusually transparent, easy to spot, "Yeah, maybe. But there has to be a significant degree of punishment doled out on this one. I'm sure you would agree with that statement."

"Oh, without a doubt! And there will be, Alden, I can assure you of that." Just then, Colt's smartwatch vibrated on his wrist. He quickly looked at the clock that read 3:06 P.M., before answering the video call. "Hello."

"Dad! Dad!" he heard his son yell.

"Yeah Eric, what's wrong?"

"Hurry! Mom's not awake, she's not waking up!"

#  Chapter 25

With tears settling near the bottom of his eyes, Colt backed into a corner at the police station. His eyes then scanned the area before his throat worked. "Thank you Larry for meeting me halfway to Bakersfield....your alibi is a Godsend....really!"

Larry nodded, touching Colt's shoulder, his eyes sympathetic. "Yeah, Mr. Morgan called me after he got word on Amanda. I'm really sorry Colt."

"Yeah man, I'm really numb still. You know if it wasn't for Eric, you probably wouldn't be talking to me right now."

"Oh c'mon Colt, you don't mean that! You would never kill yourself....that's not in you, bud."

Colt considered his logical assessment for a time, wondering if he even had a clue of the pain that was flowing through his every cell? "Yeah, you're probably right Larry. Thank you again man, this really means a lot."

Suddenly, detective Harrison summoned Colt from the doorway of the same interview room he and Amanda were in, just months prior. The long walk was filled with a vortex of emotions that were mired in guilt and love lost. As he approached, the detective extended his hand. "I'm sorry Colt, right in there please."

After shaking his hand, Colt passed through the door frame and sat alone in the tiny room filled with cameras. An elongated series of moments later, detective Harrison entered, his eyes leveled with Colt's before sitting. "I want to preface our conversation with my deepest heartfelt sympathies, again. It's unfortunately the second time I've had to say that to you. But I really mean it, Mr. Davis, I do."

Colt's frozen stare was fixed on the table for a time, still reeling from the recent news. Eventually, he looked up with reflective eyes. "Yeah, my heart's broken. I don't know if it will ever be the same."

The detective touched the recording device in the center of the table and then lifted up his rigid appearing gaze. "I know.... I can't imagine losing your daughter in September and then your girlfriend, of nearly 13 years, in early February."

"Yeah, it's a nightmare I wish I could pinch myself out of. Those two girls meant everything to me, you have no idea. But, I really don't expect you to....Mr. Harrison. You need to explain everything, tell me what happened in there."

"We have a call placed to you at 3:06 P.M. from your son Eric to your watch phone. Preceding that, we're still gathering facts. However, what we know as of now, Amanda was taking a shower, approximately between two and three in the afternoon, from what we can deduce. According to her body temperature taken at around 3:27 P.M., the coroner's office determined she passed away around 2:30 P.M. It was deemed a slip on the bathroom's marble tiled floor. Moreover, her head has a consistent injury caused by a severe blow, where she hit the edge of the toilet."

Colt took into account that he wasn't allowed into his home after he arrived, "The edge of the toilet?"

"That's right Colt."

"A closed toilet or an open one?"

Detective Harrison gazed at Colt for a moment. "Open, the hard porcelain edge."

Colt immediately shook his head, staring at the detective. "That would never be, Mr. Harrison!"

"Why do you say that Colt?" the detective firmly asked.

"Because I know Amanda; I should, I lived with her for over twelve years."

"Where are you going with this Colt?"

"I'm sure you have a wife or a significant other, Mr. Harrison....an open toilet? You and I both know that the vast majority of women have that high on their pet peeves list. You guys didn't take that into account? Knowing she was alone with no males in the home since this morning?"

"Colt, just because a toilet was left open doesn't mean she didn't forget to close it, or didn't use that particular bathroom the entire day. Look, I understand what you're saying, but that's a very difficult determination to make assumptions upon. Certainly not enough to change her death from accidental to something else....something you may naturally suspect."

"Mr. Harrison, she used to bitch at Eric or me on a daily basis if the toilet was left open....not cleaned and closed like she liked it."

"O.K., that's your understanding of Amanda, I get it. But you have to see that the possibility of it being open can't be overlooked; just because of one person's take on her habits."

Colt replied, frustrated, "O.K., so you're not going to take my word on this? You're going to overlook that aspect of the scene as being some slight oversight on her behalf, just prior to her accidental death? You know how shitty that looks to me right now, don't you?"

"Mr. Davis, I know there are two aspects of your daughter's and girlfriend's deaths that look very fishy on the surface."

"Oh yeah, what might those be?"

The detective pulled in a cautious breath, "Your daughter's lack of underwear on her person when she was found, and now, the toilet being open. But we couldn't substantiate whether your daughter even wore underwear to school that day, as painful as that sounds. In addition, you already know my reluctance to rush to assumptions on the toilet being open or not theory. I'm sorry Colt, I really am! But everything falls into accidental categories, in regards to both girls. I don't know what else to say."

"There were no signs of forced entry into the house? I'm talking anywhere, doors, windows, anything?"

"Nothing Colt, there was even water on the marble flooring, where she slipped and fell. Look, these bathroom accidents aren't that uncommon. I'm sure you've had a couple, or even came damn close in your life, as a result of taking a regular shower or bath....am I right?"

Just then, Colt wanted to rip the detective into shreds and destroy him for discounting his logical assertions. "So that's that? You've got my alibi verified and I just go back to my life as usual, like nothing ever happened? You know that's gonna stick in my craw until they bury my ass, Detective?"

Detective Harrison absorbed his anger, trying to be empathetic, "As with Taylor, this is an ongoing investigation, Colt. All this is preliminary conjecture at this point, she just died today. You need to give us some time to collect all the facts and have an autopsy performed."

"Yeah, well I won't hold my breath! No disrespect," Colt uttered.

"I do take that as disrespectful Colt! But another part of me understands why you would say that."

The room went silent for a moment, with Colt being confused in his own thoughts and Detective Harrison still trying to figure him out. Colt then stuck his face in his hands, closing his eyes to envision Amanda and Taylor, despite being in a room with a detective.

Nearly a minute later, he looked up, emotionally drained. "Is that it detective? Are we done here?"

Detective Harrison stood up and approached Colt, touching his left shoulder. "Yes, that will be it. I'll be in contact when we get word on the autopsy results. Until then, take care of yourself buddy, and don't do anything impulsive."

_Don't do anything impulsive_ , Colt thought. _Huh, that's funny!_ _You haven't a clue how impulsive things can get, especially when I'm pushed to the brink._ He then stood up and extended his hand to the detective. "Thanks Mr. Harrison....I appreciate all your hard work."

As he promptly parted from Detective Harrison, Colt entered the hallway of the police station with the sight of Alden and Eric approaching. The vision was real, he knew, but deep within his fractured state of mind, he had his doubts. Moments later, Eric's face looked littered with heartache before burying it in his father's shoulder.

"I love you son," Colt said. "How are you doing honey?"

Eric's cries were mixed with words and quivering breaths. "I....don't know....Dad, what happened? What happened to Mom?"

Colt was now standing and holding him. "It was an accident Eric....it was an accident."

Suddenly, Alden wrapped his arms around both them, each encircled by his long embrace. The moment lingered, as general pedestrian traffic passed. Colt could then feel himself trembling, like a little boy in a raging blizzard. The helpless emotions that wanted so badly to bring Eric's mother back, simply couldn't; he then realized that his own pain was nothing compared to Eric's.

Alden finally pulled himself away, slow and respectful. "Colt, Jess and I are gonna stay with you and Eric for a while. Is that alright?"

Colt's eyes closed, the tears still migrating out through a tight squint. "Yeah, that would be great buddy." Inside, Colt couldn't help but continue to think about Eric; how his son was going to be significantly impacted by having his mother and sister robbed from him.

_None of it's fair_ , he thought. _You'll steal these two angels from us God, and expect us to stand tall, be men about it. Damn you God, damn you for allowing this to happen!_

The next seven nights were filled with nightmares of murder and retribution for his sins and numerous transgressions. Those dreams were always followed by frenetic knocks at the front door and chiming bells reverberating throughout the lonely home. It always took on the same scene, Colt walking to the door with Eric, both unable to turn the handle.

In the side light, a brightly colored blouse and a petite arm were all they could see. In the distance and down the lone road to their home stood a small figure; a child, simply too hazy to make out. On the eighth night, the nightmares resumed, and then seamlessly transferred into the same scene thereafter. However, the doorbell chimes never echoed that time, its ominous two tones pierced their ears just once.

In the dream, the air felt easier to breathe and Eric's demeanor was seemingly more optimistic. At the silver door handle, Eric turned it smoothly and glanced at him before pulling it open. "Who do you think it is, Dad?"

Colt could feel his heart accelerate much faster than the any of the previous dreams. "I don't know son, open it."

Eric and Colt watched as Eric opened the door with an anxious curiosity. In the sunny doorway was Amanda, her hair covering a swollen knot on the right side of her head. Her smile was as beautiful as both had ever remembered; her aura emitted that same love they'd always been accustomed to.

"Hi guys," she said calmly, "I brought you some flowers for your pain."

In his sleep, Colt could feel his face become emotional and tearing up. "Oh Amanda, you're O.K.! You're alive, come in honey."

She then quickly turned her head back to a figure down the singular road, sticking up her left index finger for a second. "O.K. boys, but I can't stay long, someone's waiting for me."

Eric's eyes welled up as Colt shifted his gaze to his son. "It's alright Eric."

Eric quickly embraced his mother, his arms wrapping around her lower back. "Why do you have to go Mom, I love you. Please don't leave me! Don't leave Dad and me alone here without you." Her light brown eyes emitted sparkly tears, eventually falling onto Eric's head, soothing him from his obvious distress.

"It will be O.K. Eric. I love you more than anything, and I always will. I'll forever be here for you son. You just won't see me, but I'll be somewhere around you....until the day you die."

Colt's jaw dropped and he could feel the air passing above his tongue and then into his dry throat. "Amanda sweetie, who are you with?"

She turned back, now seeing a brown car beyond the hazy human figure. "I'm with Taylor honey, our angel."

Colt scratched his head and then slightly shook it. "Have her come and see us my love....tell her to come in."

Amanda briefly walked outside and then immediately came back in, carrying two bouquets of black roses. She wiped away her shimmering tears before handing one to Eric, and then Colt. "Here's your flowers, I'm really sorry for your loss, my loves. Taylor and I have been really lonely without you two. It hurts not to be with you boys....but we're O.K., we have each other."

Colt's eyes widened, shifting from her pretty face to the two floral arrangements. "You didn't have to."

Her face yielded a unassuming smile, her enchanting eyes blinking just once. "They're not from me."

Colt then swallowed during the dream that had left him utterly bewildered. "Not from you, well then who?"

Her eyes merely shifted to the folded paper card stuffed in the middle of the roses. "Open it."

Colt watched his trembling hand pull out the white card, and then unfolded it slowly. In an even slower motion, his eyes lifted up to hers, perplexed. "Who is this Kay, one of your old friends?"

Her voice didn't work she simply nodded as Eric pulled open his card. Colt watched the voltage behind his blue eyes look up, now brightly illuminating. "It says the same name, Mom."

Amanda turned back again and then approached both of them for an embrace that was followed by a cold kiss. "Remember I love you two. And so does Taylor....we love you two so much."

Colt could barely breathe as he felt her hug start to pull away. Both of them watched her then turn and walk toward Taylor in the distance.

Inside, he could feel both his and Eric's hearts being ripped from their bodies and leaving with Amanda and Taylor. "Wait," Colt then yelled. "Wait Amanda!"

She stopped and turned in the driveway, her face reflecting a knowing expression. "I do Colt....I will marry you."

Colt could then see a frame pull abruptly away from him and Eric and then enter into her eyes; now being able to see what she was seeing. He was then holding the wooden jewelry box with one hand and beckoning her back with the other. "Please! Please Amanda....you never let me formally ask. That's the way I always wanted it....it's the right thing to do."

Her gaze shifted back to Taylor, who was now glancing back at the brown car. "You don't have to ask me, you've already asked me a million times with your eyes, Colt....your beautiful blue eyes." Colt and Eric were stunned as she could see their faces show a true longing, an intense need to be with her.

The view immediately shifted back to his own eyes. He watched her abruptly turn back to Taylor before casually walking away into a white glow that suddenly surrounded her. His echoing voice was then all that could be heard. "Amanda! Amanda....don't leave!"

Colt suddenly forced himself to open his eyes, barely able to pull in oxygen. His vision then shifted to the digital alarm clock that read 7:11 A.M. _Kay_ , he thought. _Who the fuck is Kay?_ He eventually glanced over to her side of the bed, the area where her face was usually illuminated by the rising sun; a face that kept him sane, loved.

In a fog of blue tints, he arose, thinking of Eric and what the last seven mornings had been like for him. The walk to his son's room was hollow and the house's energy felt like a shell of its former self. At his bedside, he reached out for Eric's sandy brown head that had now became his motivation, his life.

Eric's eyes opened, reflecting yellow in the sunrise lighting, "Hi Dad."

Colt stared at his son for a moment, running his fingers through his hair. "You know I love you, right Eric?"

He looked at his father, pulling the loving energy deep inside his broken heart. "Yeah....I love you too, Dad. I'm sorry I don't tell you enough."

Colt's eyes filled again, but this time he didn't want to cry; he didn't want to go there that early in a new day. "It's alright Eric. I know you love me, son. You don't always have to tell me." Eric glanced at the early hour, and then into his father eyes. "Is Mom's funeral today?"

Inside, he didn't want to say yes, believe that to be a truth. He just wanted to be with him forever; by his side and always there to protect and shelter the only child he had left. Before responding he nodded, gripping Eric's left hand, a hand much smaller than his own. "I'll be your rock, Eric....I'll really try to be your strength when you need it, son. You can count on me....I'll make every attempt to always be there for you, I promise!"

His father's words were simply too much for Eric. The magnitude of his mother's death had dealt him a blow so deep, that it was truly hard to fathom. "I was gonna tell you the same thing, Dad. That you can come to me whenever you're in pain, whenever your faith is gone." In that tender moment, Colt's mindset shifted from one that was fractured and tired to a man who needed answers, the truth.

"That's really sweet, Eric. You're a beautiful child, just like your sister."

Three hours later, Amanda's tasteful funeral ceremony ended. The cemetery crowd began to thin, leaving few behind. However, the people that didn't want to let go and didn't want to believe she was gone, still remained.

After looking at the family pastor, Colt nodded before staring back at Amanda, lying peacefully in the jet black casket. To his right, his parents pulled Eric away, sensing Colt needed time with her alone, time he never had after she died.

With just him and her now, he spoke through tears. "No other woman ever really cared about me like you, honey. You're so close, but so far away now. I don't know how I'm going to stay sane for Eric....you've got to help me stop my heart from hemorrhaging....I can't do it on my own!"

As his lips pulled up from her cold cheek, he turned, seeing Alden behind him holding the wooden jewelry box.

With his voice quivering, Alden spoke. "Here you go bud. I figured this is what you wanted."

Colt closed his eyes to see if he could visualize her spirit, either by witnessing it hovering, or standing beside him. In that futile attempt, he extended his hand to receive the ring he bought with Alden, the diamond that had meant everything. "Thank you Alden," he said, hugging his teary-eyed friend. "That really means a lot buddy. I love you man!"

Alden closed his eyes for a moment, seeing Colt in that brief vision, always being there when he needed him. A history that stood flawless in the face of many ups and downs; loyal to the end and never wavering. "I'll let you be alone," Alden then said, walking away in his dark suit.

Colt turned before opening the wooden cover and then stared at the elegant blue case her ring laid in. "I've never known this much loneliness, Amanda. It doesn't feel right without you and Taylor, it won't ever feel right. Eric and I are almost torn in two....like a pair of fallen men, unable to go on."

He then pulled up from her face for a time, suddenly watching Jesse sob uncontrollably from a distance. His hands gripped the jewelry box and then opened it to the twinkling rock. With nerves unlike anything he'd ever felt, he pulled the ring out before squeezing it between his thumb and index finger. Despite having a fractured vision, he watched his right hand slip the beautiful stone onto her left ring finger.

In that same blue blur, he brought his head down to her right ear, whispering. "I've always been a rolling stone, my love....always running away....but when we were together....when your hand fit perfectly into mine....you made me feel so special. It was as if I was actually a good man.....the man I always wanted to be....oh God, honey, I've done you so wrong....and I'm forever sorry for that. I guess I'm nothing but a fool! A fool who fell in love with a woman I didn't deserve....but in saying that to you, darling, I need to ask you something....something I wasn't man enough to ask earlier." After a deep breath, he then resumed, "Amanda sweetie, will you marry me?"

#  Chapter 26

With blue eyes staring at each other, Colt spoke. "I love you too, son, have a good day at school." He then watched Eric step up the short stairway to the narrow hallway on the school bus; something he cherished every time he was able to see that. A split second later, he shook his head slightly, knowing Eric didn't want to be dropped off at school, and realizing he was only trying to be strong inside.

Colt then found himself walk to the back of the bus, following Eric to his side. The moment stayed fixed in time, frozen with father and son staring at each other; giving each other as much support as they could. After that short moment, Colt instantly noticed the sparse number of heads accompanying him. With that knowledge, he gently blew Eric a kiss, one that was filled with a father's spirit, his loving energy.

As the bus slowly accelerated, its silence was deafening. His right arm then raised up seeing Eric turn back looking apprehensive in resuming his education. After pulling up his chin, he shifted his sights back and noticed Alden and Jesse driving past, waving at him.

In the lonely walk back, the warmth of the morning sun finally touched his hair and then his face. Inside, he momentarily melded into Eric; trying to see the bumpy bus ride from his eyes and feel the emotions he was feeling at that moment in time. As the front door became closer, he envisioned the confidence in Eric build up; the young man who had it within his heart to move forward and allow himself to compartmentalize his pain.

With the front door unlocked, Colt turned the handle and walked directly through the French doors that took him to the peaceful backyard. As he took his customary, leaning position at the edge of the hot tub, he opened up his personal tablet, staring at the low clouds that skimmed the top of L.A.'s skyscrapers.

At the search bar he typed in a kid's name; a child who was still at the forefront of his mind, despite the horrible incident affiliated with Amanda. Near the top of the results, he clicked on the prominent Bakersfield news source publication. The title instantly caught his eyes, 'Little Belinda Baxter has finally been found!' He immediately closed his eyes for a moment, remembering hers when she held his hand that fateful day in his vision. He then wondered if she had successfully come to grips with her own passing? Something she was obviously confused about.

His eyes went on to read the subsequent article that followed. "Just yesterday, rescue crews from all over southern California banded together to find young Belinda's Baxter's body. It was a sad day for all involved, as preliminary indications are pointing to homicide by strangulation. The entire Bakersfield community has been literally up in arms after she went missing nearly two weeks ago. While not revealing much, the Bakersfield police and the FBI's Missing Persons Division have told news sources that there is a possibility there was more than one assailant involved in her murder. It appears there were multiple clues left behind in the form of footprints and tire tracks. During those two weeks, they had one brief shot of rain that may have washed away additional clues. However, authorities are confident that they can bring whoever is involved to justice, in a timely fashion. Her funeral is open to the Bakersfield community to attend, and will undoubtedly be filled to capacity in the coming days."

Colt set the tablet down, quickly closing his eyes again to see her tiny face. After locating her blue eyes, he whispered aloud to himself. "Oh honey....don't think I've forgotten about you, because I haven't. I've just had a rough time as of late, but you've been in my thoughts....I promise. And don't worry I'm going to stay with you the whole time on this....all the way to the end."

After opening his eyes, he turned, noticing Alden and Jesse returning from the church. Their hands were full with all the floral arrangements gifted for Amanda's untimely funeral. Alden immediately spotted him before entering the back yard. "Hey man."

Colt merely stared at the tablet, and then back to Alden. "They found Belinda man."

Alden's face took on a whole different expression, almost parent-like, "Really?"

"Yeah, a lot of people are pissed....in all of southern Cali over this."

"Yeah, I assumed they would be," Alden responded, "people don't go for kids getting murdered, especially mom and dads."

"That's right! That's the whole reason I stepped away from the company. It's because so many of these people get away with killing kids every year; never getting any punishment whatsoever for their evil ways."

Alden considered his harsh statement, the tone with which he spoke, and his eyes when he did. "I know man, I feel the same way."

Colt shook his head as he briefly watched Jesse organizing the flowers in the dining room. "I know you shredded the tires....but did you burn your shoes like we discussed?"

Alden opened up his memory that had been somewhat hampered by all the years of marijuana consumption. "No! I forgot to get rid of those. I'm assuming you didn't either?"

"No, I didn't get a chance to burn them after Amanda's tragedy that happened lately." He then looked up to Alden with a seriousness in his eyes, "We need to get that done right away! Our van was at the scene that day with the chopper cruising over. You do remember that?"

"Yeah," Alden replied.

"Good, let's stay on top of this and immediately get rid of those pieces of evidence. After all, they have the feds on Belinda's case. Like you said, they don't mess around when it comes to kids being killed. So we have to be extremely proactive in disguising our efforts to help them."

"Got it! Get me that pair of shoes and I'll burn them, or we'll do it together."

Colt nodded, knowing that was more than likely the only link any investigators would have on either one of them being near Belinda's dead body. Colt suddenly stared at the extremely active city below the skyline. "Let's go inside dude, and talk to Jess."

Alden nodded, watching Colt fold up his tablet as they both went inside again. While in the door's frame, Colt noticed Jesse's eyes were full of sorrow. He gently approached her, touching the top of her back before taking in her natural embrace. "Oh Jess....I'm sorry for you losing her. I know I never got a chance to tell you that.....to tell you at her funeral. But I realize her death is so much more than just about Eric and me; it's affected a lot of people. I saw that with my own eyes yesterday."

Jesse held Colt tight, tighter than he ever imagined she would. He felt she was a woman who lost a part of herself, a friend who had meant everything. Thank you, Colt. That means so much, you'll never know....the flowers....they're pretty....aren't they?"

Colt could still feel the aftershock of her pain now surging through his heart. "They're beautiful, thank you so much for picking them up for me."

She slowly pulled away from him, now looking into his eyes. "Yeah....that's the least we could do Colt....when did you buy the ring?"

Colt shifted back to that morning in the jewelry salesman's office, remembering it was the day she died, "A little over a week ago."

Jesse stared at the various colors and smelled the sweet aromas that were filling the room. "You know, she would secretly call herself Mrs. Davis sometimes. She thought you two were already married, at least that's what she said."

Colt didn't know how to take that snippet of news as he tried to picture Amanda saying that. "Yeah," he replied, "I'm a fucking idiot, when it came to her! That's all there is to it, and don't try to sugar coat it for me Jess. I know what's what with Amanda."

Jesse wanted so badly to ease his mental anguish, but knew he was too intelligent to go for that. "O.K., I understand where you're coming from, and I don't want to know why you never asked for her hand in marriage, Colt. I just know that you two were a very special couple; one of the only couples that I can say, were truly in love....and seemingly always had been."

Colt could only shake his head, missing Amanda at that moment more than ever. "Yeah....I don't know what to say. It's just so fucking hard, Jess!"

She embraced him once again, staring at Alden who was starting to get emotional. "Just remember, Alden and I can stay here as long as you want. Our house isn't going anywhere. We don't have any kids or pets to worry about, Colt."

He swallowed, feeling the safety net that was Alden and Jesse. "I want you guys to stay as long as you want, but I'll understand when you want to go. After all, Eric loves you Jess! You're like a second mother to him, you always have been."

"Is that why you had us stay with you rather than with Amanda's parents?"

"Yeah, kind of, but they're beautiful people, don't get me wrong on that choice. It's just I needed you guys more than anyone else, and I'm forever grateful that you've been able to be here with us....at such a difficult time, you know?"

Jesse pulled away replying, "Yeah, life throws you a lot of curves Colt. You've certainly seen your fair share of them."

Colt could then see every single death that ever crossed his weary eyes, including Amanda's and Taylor's. "It has been crazy, hasn't it?"

She nodded; the room suddenly went quiet with all three of them staring at the flowers again. Moments later Alden stepped up to Colt. "This might sound kind of weird Colt, but I'd like to re-enact Amanda's last moments in that bathroom with you, if you don't mind."

Colt could suddenly envision Amanda unknowingly slip to her own death, hitting her head on the edge of the toilet. "Yeah....," he replied, "we can do that." All three then walked to the master bathroom in their oversized bedroom, with each set of eyes examining the space. Alden immediately stepped into the enlarged shower area and then slid the glass door shut. Seconds later, he reopened the door and slowly stepped from the shower's floor tiles.

As he did so, Colt followed his every movement, intent on attempting to re-enact Amanda's last moments of life.

"She," Alden said, "I'm assuming stepped like this."

Colt watched his feet, remembering that Amanda had always put a towel down, on the floor next to the shower. "Hold on," he said, snatching the towel she apparently used. A moment later, he set the blue towel down and allowed Alden to continue after stepping back in the shower.

"O.K.," Alden continued, "she stepped onto the towel, probably after drip-drying for a time in the shower. She probably would have the towel here."

Colt watched him pointing at the toilet, knowing people would frequently keep a folded towel on top of a closed toilet. "Yeah man," Colt said, "that's what I'm thinking too! She wouldn't have gotten the floor all wet and then reached for her towel that was hanging over five feet away. She would have been more prepared than that! That's just the way she was, meticulous....probably worse than me."

Alden gently resumed his footwork, trying to envision what the scene would look like. "Her clothing....where do you think that would be, Colt?"

Colt shook his head, knowing her fresh clothes could have been anywhere. "I don't know. Sometimes she would come out of the bathroom totally naked. She'd stroll by me all the time that way, before she went into the closet. But then, they could have been in here as well"

"I guess it doesn't matter that much," Alden continued, "she, more than likely had to step from this towel; she probably wouldn't start to dress standing on it anyway....right?"

"Yeah, for sure."

"Well, with all that being said, I'm assuming she had soaked the towel with her long hair or something. She then could have unknowingly splashed water all over this expensive marble flooring, right Colt?"

"Yeah, that's logical. That's an innocent blunder any one of us could have made."

"Right on; however, that next step was probably the one that took her; the one step onto the slippery surface. Hmm....but what about the toilet Colt? The toilet lid that all women usually keep closed; you even said so yourself." Alden glanced up to Jesse saying, "Am I right Jess?"

She nodded, knowing that was something most women could appreciate. "That's right."

Colt exhaled after she answered, remembering his words to detective Harrison on that exact aspect of the scene. "I know what you guys are saying. I think that part of the deal is the most fucked up part! She never, in all of the years we were together, ever left that toilet lid up....especially when she passed it beforehand to take a shower. It makes no fucking sense! Absolutely no sense whatsoever! However, the detective told me he can't do shit about it. He can't assume anything....part of me understands, but another part of me wanted to fuck him up right then and there."

Alden then beckoned for Colt to switch places with him, knowing he could re-enact Amanda's tendencies better than himself.

Colt assumed the exact positioning Alden was previously in and then took that first step, with a shorter stride distance than his own. "Catch my back, Alden; I'm gonna simulate the slip, so try and cradle my back as I go down."

Both Jesse and Alden then approached, holding the middle of Colt's back as he recreated the slip accident that presumably took Amanda's life. In a slow methodical descent, Colt found himself being held up just four inches above the toilet's porcelain edge.

His glassy blue eyes then shifted to Alden's. "Am I in the proximity of hitting my noggin?"

Neither Alden nor Jesse needed to respond, he could see it in their eyes. "Yeah," Alden eventually said, "now let's gently clip your head against the edge and then set you on the marble."

Colt quietly obliged, feeling Alden's strength bear the majority of his weight. Moments later his head was set on the floor, just below the edge of the open toilet. From that peculiar vantage point, he stared upward, envisioning the accident within his mind. He could feel the utter fear Amanda had to have been going through, just prior to smacking her head against the toilet.

For a time, the room remained quiet; all three of them allowed the moment to linger. After a minute of contemplation, Colt glanced at Jesse. "I know this might sound bizarre Jess, but I've had some really messed up dreams lately....you don't know of any Kay person that Amanda knew back in the day, do you?"

Jesse reviewed her memory for a time, remembering Amanda's friends, acquaintances, and potential foes she had in the past. Seconds later, her face lit up. "Kay Gibson....there was a Kay Gibson back at high school in Santa Barbara, but they weren't friends."

"When you say they weren't friends, does that mean they hated each other, didn't like each other, knew of each other, tolerated each other, barely knew each other, what?"

Jesse stared at Colt, who was still on the floor. "It was more of an indifference. They just weren't friends, but they were amiable toward each other; never an incident of any sort."

Colt remained on his back, still glancing at Jesse. "Can you verify her whereabouts during Amanda's death?"

Jesse paused, trying to think of a contact that could provide Colt those details. "I think I can. There was a girl that Amanda and I were close to, who was like a mutual friend of Kay and ours."

"Good, what's her name?" Colt asked.

"Miranda Tate, she's in my tablet here. She works in L.A. here, in one of the hospitals."

Colt and Alden watched Jesse efficiently peruse her contacts list before tapping her lightweight tablet. Moments later, Jesse's expression changed to a smile, "Hey Miranda, how you doing girl?"

Colt could then hear Miranda's voice fill the room. "Well....if it isn't Jess. I'm doing great, and you?"

Before answering, she looked at Alden, seeing him slightly shake his head. "Oh, everything's great. We'll have to get that lunch we keep talking about and never do."

"Yes or that Saturday shopping spree!" Miranda replied.

Jesse flashed her attractive smile. "For sure Miranda, shopping sounds great about now. How does next weekend sound?"

A pause filled the air for some seconds before Miranda replied. "I'm game, how about next Saturday morning, at about eleven?"

"Alright, sounds great, dear. By the way, you don't have Kay Gibson's phone number, do you?"

Another pause remained for a moment. "Kay Gibson? Were you guys even friends?"

Jesse kept her eyes on the tablet's camera, making certain she didn't suspiciously pull it toward Alden or Colt, "Yeah, kind of. It seemed as though it was more towards the end of high school, though."

"Well," Miranda resumed, "if you think you're going to access her, it's probably going to be tough."

"Oh yeah, why's that?"

"Well, she's been living in Tokyo for the last nine years. Her husband is a San Diego navy guy who's based in the area. He has been for some time."

"Oh. Well, that kind of throws a wrench in getting together with her, I suppose. I was thinking maybe she could join us for our little shopping adventure, being as though you were such good friends with her and all."

"No, I'm sorry dear. I actually haven't talked to her in a long time. No one I know of has. Oh....listen Jess, I've got to get back to the unit! I'll call you next Friday to firm things up, O.K.?"

"Alright Miranda, I'll talk to you then, bye." Jesse then looked over at Alden, before looking at Colt. "Well, you want to tell me what all that's about, Colt?"

He swallowed hard, stretching his arms along the floor. "My crazy dream entails two bouquets of black roses, and both of the cards attached are signed with the name Kay. It probably doesn't mean anything, especially after you went through all that trouble to obtain this Kay Gibson's status."

Jesse pulled in a breath, trying to discern Colt's demeanor. "Sometimes I have the same dream that keeps on for a while. I remember one when I was a little kid....I was walking along a floor with holes everywhere. I had to step around the holes while a witch from behind me would try to catch up. I remembered the terror I felt when I heard her sinister laugh. I also remember that if I were to fall through a hole that I'd be trapped in her evil castle far, far away from anyone. Anyway, to this day, I still have that dream. But now I know its beginning and its end....so it doesn't scare me as much."

"Yeah, my mind is trying to play tricks on me; trying to get Amanda back any way I can," Colt said.

Jesse folded up her tablet, envisioning her deceased best friend's last moments. "It's gonna be alright, Colt. You just have to stay as positive as possible, despite these gnarly storms. You got to do it for Eric, you know?"

Colt nodded, sticking his right hand into a small decorative opening underneath the vanity. As he skimmed across the top of the floor, the bottom of his fingers felt a tiny object roll away. He scratched his head, still hearing Jesse's words. "Yeah, I hear you Jess....I'm sorry to change the subject, but would one of you grab the flashlight in my nightstand?"

Alden didn't say a word as he darted for the adjacent bedroom, returning seconds later with a purple magnification light in hand. He then promptly handed it to Colt, who began sweeping it inside the wooden opening. "Alden," Colt said with a higher volume.

"Yeah man."

"Go to my hockey bag up in my closet, and see if I've got one of those telescoping magnetic sticks."

"No problem man, I'll be right back."

In the meantime, Jesse's face took on a look of concern. "What's going on Colt?"

He closed his eyes for a second, shaking his head before reopening them. "I don't know Jess. There's some shit under here. It's probably just some debris or a figment of my goofy imagination."

Within a minute Alden reappeared, handing Colt the telescoping stick that had a high-powered magnet affixed at the tip. Colt's eyes then spotted the shiny object after running the light across it. He then set the light onto the floor, immobilizing it while fishing the stick into the vicinity. Suddenly, his eyes widened as the tiny ball rolled in slow motion toward the end of the stick. After it attached, he looked up to Alden and Jesse, seeing how emotionally invested they were. "Alright, let's see what the fuck this is."

Jesse's mouth opened slowly, watching Colt's left hand drift backwards with the metal stick.

Two seconds later Colt arose from the floor, now standing with a metal ball attached to the end of the stretched out stick. Without words, each one of them gazed at each other, shocked at the dream-like sight. Colt's right hand slowly pulled the brown ball from the tip and then twisted it to visually examine every aspect of it.

Alden's eyes squinted before speaking. "That looks like those BB ball bearings we used a long time ago, Colt." He then ran his left index finger along the top of the ball, feeling a slippery, oily substance. "It could be part of the vanity, but it looks like I've seen this fucker before."

Just then, Colt could feel the edge of what felt like a stamp in the metal, from the bottom part of the object. After dropping the ball into his flat left hand, he moved it around until he could see the stamped engraving. "12....guys, it reads 12!"

Alden wet his lips before responding, "You thinking what I'm thinking, Colt?"

Colt had already identified the item in his memory bank, now confirmed by sight of Alden's eyes. "Yeah, I know what this shit is."

Jesse merely shook her head, still confused. "What? What are you guys referring to?"

Colt inhaled oxygen into his now boiling blood. "Years ago, after you and Amanda had received your blessing from Mr. Morgan to quit the company....we had an introductory product that seemed simple, yet extremely effective at trapping a known target on his path. In other words, you set these balls down at the top of a stairway, and you have a major accident on your hands! You place these balls in a grouping on a simple sidewalk and you have the same effect. I think you get the idea."

Alden clasped Jesse's tablet, glancing back at Colt. "Check the inventory page! It might have archival information."

Colt shook his head, knowing the ball he was holding was the first of its kind. It had been introduced nearly ten years ago, and since replaced, by more sophisticated types.

He quickly unfolded his personal tablet and touched the button that read Jack. Within ten seconds, he heard, "Hello."

Colt took a moment to absorb his friend's face, a friend he hadn't seen in a while. "Jack, it's Colt. How are you man?"

"Ah man, did you get my video messages?"

Colt remembered seeing two of them and how sincere he had looked in each of them. "Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Thank you so much, for all the flowers and stuff."

"Yeah man, I'm sorry for your loss Colt. Amanda was a fabulous person, still is in my heart. Are you holding up O.K.?"

"Honestly, not really; but I'm muddling through the whole ordeal, trying to keep Eric from having a breakdown, or myself for that matter. I have Alden and Jess staying with me so we aren't alone right now. I don't know how to deal with this big house yet, with just Eric and I."

"Yeah man, I hear you. I'm stuck here in Johannesburg. This place is incredibly beautiful and the people are just as wonderful."

"Oh yeah, what's happening down there?"

"More diamond stuff. Mr. Morgan wanted me to train a small group to work the African continent, and take on some of the high demand assignments in this part of the world. I'm really sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral, man. I'll make it up to you when I get back to L.A."

Colt could see his sympathetic, brown eyed gaze; strong willed eyes he had come to feel confident with over the years, trust he yielded to very few. "It's O.K. Jack. I can't wait to see you again. I know Alden feels the same way."

Jack took in a deep breath, the background revealing spectacular green mountains. "Something tells me your antennas are up, Colt....like this is more than just a courtesy call."

Alden gently set his foot on Colt's, before catching his eye. "Yeah," Colt replied, "you're right about that; I'm right where the police say Amanda died. You're not going to believe this, but we did a re-enactment of sorts, just to try to see what the investigators saw, or didn't. Nonetheless, I'm lying on the floor and I place my hand under the bathroom vanity....and guess what I ran my hand over?"

"What?"

"One of those BB ball bearings that I think we started using just after Alden and I started." Colt could see Jack's face turn skeptical before widening his determined eyes.

"Yeah, I remember when Mr. Morgan initialized that product back in the day. I distinctly remember loving the idea when it was initially rolled out."

Colt simply nodded, letting Jack absorb the information. "You got any details about it Colt?" Jack asked quietly.

Colt stared at the number 12 stamped on the metal. "Yep, it's got the number 12. I figured it was a waste of time to check out the products page as I know it only goes back about 5 years or so."

"That's right Colt. We have that as a security precaution, but all of the information is accessible. Mr. Morgan only allows Brett and I to have access to those archived pages on the site. I suppose you want to run a search on that item?"

"Would you please?"

"Absolutely I will. Just give me a moment here bud."

Colt's eyes moved about the room for a moment, feeling his heart accelerate in anticipation. Nearly two excruciating minutes later, Jack returned. "I ran the product under the number 12, and it appears that each of you guys were assigned a number, or letter, that was stamped by someone Mr. Morgan hired after he bought the metal balls. We've had a total of 139 representatives in the field since the inception of the business. Only the first letter of the representative is attached to the numbers assigned with the ball bearings. Those numbers have stayed with reps like yourself....even through product advancements and subsequent variations of the old 'slip and fall' concept. So, not to get too long-winded here Colt, the letter just reads K....that's all it says."

Colt stared into Alden's eyes, fixed for a moment. "K," he replied back to Jack.

Jack watched Colt gaze back in the camera. "Yeah, that's all it says. But that's a simple deduction Colt. I just need to run a search on all of the guys with the first name of K that have ever worked for Mr. Morgan in the field. Don't worry, I'll run it on my other tablet here. Incidentally, I need to ask you two things....to try and verify its association with Mr. Morgan and that company."

Colt replied, "Yeah, go ahead."

Jack turned around and then back after multitasking with the other tablet. "What color is your flooring?"

"Brown."

"O.K., what color is the ball?"

Colt paused, staring into the camera, "Brown."

Jack had to turn his head for a moment, staring off in the distance. "Alright, one last question. Does it feel self-lubricating?"

Colt touched the slick ball before turning his index finger up, noticing the ball did slightly glisten in the artificial lighting. "It's slippery Jack. Do you see how shiny the tip of my finger is?"

Jack peered into the screen, identifying the luster at the tip of Colt's finger. "Yeah, I see it." Seconds later, Jack returned to the other tablet before shifting his attention back to Colt, his face showing concern. "I've got four K first names, and three of them were before you and Alden even got on the scene."

"That means those three guys, did the work for you," Colt replied.

"That's exactly what that means. You know, those balls were specifically designed to take on the background that was directly underneath them. In addition, they had a bladder of sorts that was able to freely release transparent oil to its exterior....making them ultra-slippery, Colt. You remember all that, right?"

"Yeah man, I just wanted to hear it from a pro like yourself."

"Well, in accordance to your verifying the qualities that attracted Mr. Morgan to those balls in the first place, I'm feeling very confident in giving you this name."

Colt braced himself before responding. "Alright, go ahead."

"Keller."

The bathroom went silent for a time. Colt could only stare at a fixed point on the wall, while Alden and Jesse steadily looked at each other.

"Colt," Jack said, "I know that's a lot to pull in right now. But you have to do what you think is right. Remember, whatever it is, whether it's going to the cops or something else....you have my backing."

Colt couldn't believe the name Jack had revealed; the very man who had lied to both himself and Amanda in the Virgin Islands, manufacturing a story that wasn't true. "Am I going to need clearance from Mr. Morgan on this, Jack?"

"Well, you've technically submitted to Jack your wish to retire; however, I think you'll still need to get his approval. At the very least, you're going to need to talk to him about any intent you have in regards to this letter K....damn, that jealous fuck! I knew he was obsessed with Amanda, Colt."

"You know, she was the sweetest person I've ever met, Jack. How the fuck does anyone even think about taking Amanda away like that?"

"I don't know Colt. She was beautiful inside and out. Now is the time, though, to focus, despite all the craziness. I know the ace that everyone saw in you from the beginning, still has that in him."

Colt stared intently at the camera, trying his best to connect with Jack's eyes. "Yeah man, I'll make it perfect."

"That sounds excellent. Just make certain there aren't any more of those BB ball bearings inside your bathroom or home. Those are a direct link to the letter K, and that link leads back to you and the company....you do realize that?"

"Yes absolutely. That was the only one I saw, but I'll look for more."

"Alright Colt, that's good. How do you think it went down?"

Colt then thought of the most logical sequence of events that happened the day he and Alden found Belinda's body. "There was no forced entry, Jack. She probably left the French doors near the pool open....right before she took that shower. Hell, Keller could have already been in the house before she even took the shower. Nonetheless, I don't think she would have let him in and then taken a shower."

"Wait, don't you have a glass shower enclosure?" Jack then asked.

"Sure, but two things disallow you vision after the shower starts. The opaque glass and the steam both create visual blocks in or out of the shower."

Jack seemed to understand. "He then gambled on that being the case, or figured there was a shower curtain. Regardless of when she was established in there, he must have methodically set the ball bearings down, wherever he figured her first step would be."

"Precisely Jack! And he had the chameleon style bearings that automatically took the background color they were lying on, so she wouldn't see them."

Jack just stared back at Colt, thinking of Keller and how he was the one who recruited the man. "He was a cancer, Colt; a guy who coincidentally had a high school affiliation with Amanda. That, I promise you Colt, I didn't know of....until they arrived at the training on the islands."

"It's O.K. Jack. Don't beat yourself up over him, he's not worth that fuss," he replied, now thinking, "I need to call Mr. Morgan, Jack. I'll try to keep you posted on the events that'll be happening soon. Take care of yourself bud."

Jack stared at him with an emotional heaviness. "I'm sorry Colt. When I get back, we're gonna spend a lot of time hanging out; you, Alden, and me. You cool with that?"

"Of course....of course."

Jack could see Colt's mindset turn from detective to one of a hyper-focused planner, already scheming on his next move. "Alright, I'll talk to you later Colt, take care."

Colt then ended the conversation and looked at Alden who was already searching the bathroom for any additional ball bearings.

Jesse gently approached Colt, touching his arm. "You need me to do anything Colt?"

Colt considered her for a time, knowing she would do anything they needed to make things right by Amanda. Fully shocked, he couldn't reply. He merely hit the Mr. Morgan button on his tablet, exhaling through the anxiety that followed.

Moments later, Mr. Morgan's tanned face appeared. "Hello Colt, how are you?"

"I'm a little shaken, I'm not going to lie," Colt replied.

"Shaken? You? Well, it must be a serious issue Colt. What's the problem?"

"Keller." Mr. Morgan's eyes instantly shifted from concerned to angry. "Keller? Don't tell me Colt!"

"Yeah," he reluctantly replied.

"How did his name come into the fold?"

"The small version ball bearings we started using about nine years ago. I've always known how meticulous you've been on tracking your items with stamps and coded number-slash letter configurations."

"Yes Colt. Good records and tracking have always been part of our systems. So what did you come up with?"

"I found a coded ball bearing with the number 12 hidden under my vanity....within inches of where Amanda died."

Mr. Morgan couldn't keep eye contact with the tablet's camera; he merely stared at the sea for a moment. As his gaze eventually shifted back, Colt saw electricity filling up his eyes.

"Well," he resumed, "it's your call Colt....your decision. Do you want to feed him to the detectives, or do you want him?"

To Colt, the first part of the question wasn't even a thought that entered his mind. Before answering though, he simply breathed, knowing Mr. Morgan's company was once tied to this man. "I want him, Mr. Morgan. Can I get you to sign off on that?"

Mr. Morgan returned his stare to the dark blue ocean, having ultimate respect for Colt's wishes. He then nodded slightly, replying, "O.K. Colt....but this has to be very clean, virtually spotless! How do you want to give me your assurances in that regard?"

"Fire....perhaps an oxygen explosion of the property. No bombs though, nothing traceable. Spotless would amount to total destruction of his dwelling afterwards."

Mr. Morgan nonchalantly ran a honey-colored balm over his windswept lips, pondering. "When you say afterwards, I'm assuming after you have your way with him Colt?"

"Yeah."

"I like it," Mr. Morgan confidently responded, "I also know he's somewhat rural and without neighbors right next door. So destroying the home wouldn't be a problem. What about support? What do you need? After all we trained him Colt; he's not the average civilian."

Colt then figured that support didn't need to tax his company's resources, especially when it was this personal. "I don't need much....Alden, dirty Kenny....maybe Jess as a drone pilot, or to run diversions."

"Well, you already have access to Alden and Kenny. Jess has been officially retired for years, but I know she is an excellent pilot. Just splash the accelerant on his sensitive records first, like his tablets, computers, file area, office....you get the idea Colt."

"Yeah, I'm right there with you. I'll assign Alden to the tech stuff, like Keller's main cloud storage spaces. I'll try to get everything deleted....his entire data trail, his whole personal existence."

"Good. Our company is in good shape with the feds and police agencies here in America. So I wouldn't be that worried about any investigation after his demise, even if you weren't proactive in deleting his data. Nonetheless Colt, if you run it out like that, you have my green light."

Colt could see the intensity still showing in Mr. Morgan's eyes. "You got my word I'll take care of it."

Mr. Morgan then tried to touch Colt's face on the screen. "Colt, I know I've already told you this, but I'm especially sorry. Keller was brought in by us. And he took someone from you that will never be replaced. Amanda was a personal friend of mine as well."

"It's alright....I just told Jack the same thing. Don't beat yourself up for it. I just have to make things right without the police getting involved....you know?"

Mr. Morgan merely nodded for a moment, his eyes now fixed. "I know. I would feel the same way Colt; I don't blame you for that. Now, I'm going to New Dehli tonight for a wedding in a few days; is there anything else you need before my trip?"

Colt searched his mind, picturing Asha's face; one of the last people he dealt with on his life-changing trip there. Before answering, he ran to the hockey bag in his closet and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "Yes Mr. Morgan. I do have something I need from you."

"Anything Colt....whatever you need."

Without closing his eyes to feel Belinda's energy, Colt spoke. "I need you to bring a small section of paper to Asha for me. I'll also throw in a silver chain I used to wear when I was a kid. I was going to mail them, but since you're heading to India tonight....I'd rather you personally deliver them. I'll have them both put in a plastic bag, is that O.K.?"

"Yes absolutely Colt. I was going to visit her when I was there anyway....I'll send someone right away to pick up the items."

"Thank you, Mr. Morgan."

#  Chapter 27

"Oh, now I know why Mr. Morgan has just always wanted to be called Mr. Morgan," Alden said smiling.

Colt scratched his forehead before glancing at his smartwatch. "Why is that?"

"His first name is two words, Jaghan-mohan. It means king of the world. He was born a powerful dude, Colt!"

Colt started to envision Mr. Morgan handing Asha the two items he spoke of in their prior conversation. "Yeah man, he's big time."

Alden then glanced into the van's mirror; a completely new van that had been stolen by auto thieves, ripped apart, and then put back together specifically for their cause.

"There's Kenny," Alden said eagerly. Both men quickly headed to the back of the van, anticipating the door to slide open at any moment. Within seconds, Kenny's face appeared in the three foot gap he suddenly created. "Hello gentlemen."

Colt briefly emitted an inviting gaze. "Hey bud, come in."

Kenny reeked of marijuana and cigarettes, although his perception seemed focused, poised. "Well Ken, we have a house that's got a degree of sophistication associated with it. A far cry from the open door you checked out in Bakersfield!"

"O.K., I'm listening," Kenny replied.

"You need to obtain access without tripping any alarms....and create a key, or keys, if need be. I'm paying you twenty grand for success....a prorated sum of six thousand for an unsuccessful attempt. Is that something you're willing to take on?"

Kenny stared at the street view satellite image of a large home on the tablet that was taped to the wall. "Have you conducted drone surveillance on it?"

Colt shook his head. "No, would you like it to be droned?"

Kenny started to bite his lower lip in angst. "Sure, I guess that wouldn't hurt. It could give me more of a heads up."

Alden flashed his white teeth before punching Kenny's arm. "Colt's fucking with ya dude! The drone video is in a file on the other tab....the one that says DF. You see it?"

Kenny touched the other tab, instantly watching what the bumblebee drone recorded just hours prior. Five minutes later, Kenny glanced up to Colt. "Yep, I can do it. There's no external cameras....I don't see any alarm system on the windows. From all the vantage points the drone had, I don't see an alarm panel inside either. I'll test the door when I get up to it and make certain there are no hidden connections. Hey, you guys want to smoke a J? I'm not high enough yet!"

Colt shook his head with a smile, knowing Kenny needed the pot to function. "Go ahead man; fire it up....as long as it gets your game face on."

Kenny then pulled a joint from behind his right ear, hidden under his greasy black hair. Moments later, he pulled in the first hit and then promptly handed it to Colt, hearing a peculiar squeaking noise. "Hey man, what's that sound? You guys got some new shit you're working with?"

Alden laughed, trying to play off of his marijuana-induced, paranoia. "What are you talking about dude? Squeak? You probably farted!"

Kenny then looked at both Alden and Colt with suspicion. "Na, there was definitely a squeak up in here....what's that shit all about?"

Colt then pulled up a plastic tarp revealing the source. "It's these guys, aren't they cute?"

Kenny shook his head and just stared for a moment, wondering if he was actually seeing the creatures. "Rats? You brought two rats?"

Alden smiled with a nod, his chest filled with smoke.

"What the fuck?" Kenny resumed, "I hate rodents, they're fucking creepy man!"

For a moment Colt ignored him, concentrating on the master plan that was now starting to take shape within his head. "It's nothing," he eventually replied, "they're just little pets....that's all Ken."

"What, they keep you guy's company?" Kenny then asked.

"Yeah, sort of; they're on a need-to-know basis and you don't need to know, got it?"

"O.K. For sure Colt, I got it." Kenny then ran his eyes about the van, noticing there were other objects he'd never seen before, additionally raising his suspicions.

"Hey Kenny," Colt said, exhaling, "you've been a good boy and kept your mouth shut with those nice payments I've been feeding you, right?"

"Of course Colt I never talk about business to anyone. The keys and I are a secret that no one knows of....no one ever will."

"Good, because I don't ever want to be talking to some detective who tells me that Kenny's in the other room and told him something you shouldn't have."

"Look Colt, you pay me good. As good as Mr. Morgan; and nothing, and I mean nothing has, or ever will be leaked....when it comes to your hiring me."

"Even under physical duress, like torture?"

"Even if tortured, I'll die with my secrets Colt."

Colt stared through Kenny, making certain his word was true. "Good Ken, that's my man. That's what I hire you for. Superior workmanship and the zipper on your mouth to stay closed, locked."

"Yes, yes. I understand the consequences Colt! Mr. Morgan spelled that out to me from the outset."

Colt nodded, knowing Kenny was threatened with death by Mr. Morgan; death from a tentacle-like system of men strategically placed around the world. "Good. Now let's get down to business. I take it you're approving of the twenty grand payout, and the prorated amount if you can't get in?"

"Yeah," Kenny agreed.

"Let's go then. I have knowledge that no one's home right now. It's about a mile from here."

Kenny then glanced out the windows, knowing they were at the edge of the Rattlesnake Canyon, approximately 98 miles northwest of Los Angeles. "You want me to take my car, or ride with you guys?"

"Just come with us, your car will be fine right here." Minutes later, Alden drove the van up a long winding driveway within the wooded community of homes.

After the van was parked 100 feet from the front door, Kenny stuck in his earpiece and then grabbed his work bag before exiting the van. "Test," Kenny said, "am I coming in guys?"

"Yeah," Colt replied, sweeping the immediate area with binoculars. "Continue on Ken, I've got your back."

Kenny resumed in haste to the front door, shifting his head around like a cautious cat. "O.K. guys, I'm at the front door. How does everything look around me?"

Alden immediately replied, "Good Ken, just keep going."

Colt then stuffed the Desert Eagle pistol into the holster of his customized compression shirt, before placing another button-up shirt over top. With the throwing knives and Chinese stars on the other side of his torso, he stared at the items they brought with.

Suddenly, a garbled Kenny started coming through the radio. "I....I'm just....help!"

Colt immediately opened the van door's handle with his gloved hand, making for the wooded environment outside. In the race between him and Alden to the front door, both men could see Kenny convulsing just under a partially open door frame. Colt then yelled to Alden, "Grab the stick in the van!" Colt approached with caution, watching the blue voltage slam into Kenny with his hand still stuck on the door's handle.

With his athletic speed, Alden retrieved the elongated stick they brought with, and then pulled Kenny away from the electricity just feet away.

With a partner's life in the balance, both men abruptly picked up Kenny and rushed him to the van. After setting him in, Colt noticed the saliva uncontrollably rolling from his mouth and down his neck. "Alden, take him to the Mission Canyon Hospital right away! Tell them he was electrocuted with the vehicle's battery system. If he recovers in the meantime, get him back here so he can relax in the van."

"Alright, I'll see you in a little bit," Alden replied.

Colt checked Kenny's fast pulse before quickly getting his hockey bag, being mindful that the front door was still ajar, and continuing to intermittently flash blue voltage. He then watched as Alden accelerated out of the driveway and down the winding slope that led to Las Canoas Road, with an injured Kenny inside.

Without a bit of hesitation, Colt made for the woods adjacent to the driveway, talking aloud to himself. "You little fuck! You think that shit's gonna stop me? You'd better come to the game with more than that, Keller." After crouching within a dense grove of trees, he quickly unleashed the humming bird drone.

As it passed the front doorway, its electrical circuitry was momentarily interrupted, nearly enough to disable its ability to proceed. Colt quickly slipped on the augmented reality glasses to his face then watched the live feed from his right lens. Immediately, he could see the power switch for the anti-burglary system around the front door.

From a distance, he then pointed the hummingbird towards the switch; setting its flight to the exact area with its sensitive eye sight capabilities. Moments later, he slammed the bird's metal beak into the discreet looking button, effectively disabling the electricity. He then flew the drone back to his place in the woods, landing it gently into the hockey bag. Before entering the premises, he contacted Alden on his disposable phone. Within seconds, he saw Alden's face appear on the screen. "What's the skinny on Kenny?"

"We got to the clinic here off Foothill Road, and Kenny refused to go in! He's still kind of still fucked up; what should I do with him?"

"Just bring him back and let him smoke a joint, it'll probably manage his pain. Oh one last thing, did you get a number on his beats per minute?"

"Yeah, his heart is running high. Just before you called, I checked him and he was hitting around 115."

"Alright, come on back then."

"Roger."

Colt then stepped through the doorway, feeling the intense heat that the electricity created around the opening, filling the immediate area. As he entered the dramatic foyer space, his foot felt an odd energy pass through it. One second later, a metal-tipped arrow slammed into his bulletproof vest from across the expansive room.

Taken aback, he crouched on the floor, examining the laser eyes that tripped the booby trap. _Oh_ , he thought, _you want to play little games, huh Keller?_ He pulled out the humming bird again, allowing it to skim the flooring; then hearing more arrows cruise quickly across the room, above the bird's head.

_You're either paranoid_ , he thought, _or waiting for me. Either way, your bullshit ain't working fuckboy!_ Slowly, he kept the bird in flight throughout the main floor, still utilizing the glasses right lens to see exactly what it did. After sometime, he rose to his feet, feeling somewhat safe in resuming his interior examination; just then, a phone call from Alden rang into his earpiece. "Hello."

"Colt, I'm only ten to fifteen minutes out. Should I bring all of the shit in?"

"Yeah", Colt replied, "this place is booby trapped man, be careful when you come in....wear your bullet-proof vest and bring in the dart-firing stun gun."

"10-4, we'll be there in a bit."

Colt quickly picked up the eight arrows that had been ejected from various port holes, inside three of the four walls. He then discreetly hid them under the living room couch. As he returned to his feet, he turned, seeing Keller standing 10 feet away, pointing a handgun at his head.

"Well, this is interesting Colt! Don't you think?"

Colt kept his hands in the air near his chest. "You're stupid Keller! You know that, right?"

Keller's face turned immediately red with anger, approaching Colt with his finger on the trigger. "You're still that cocky overachiever I remember back in training! Always thinking his shit didn't stink. Well what the fuck do you have to say for yourself now, Dickhead?"

"Whatevs man! What did I ever do to you, except listen to your lies and your bullshit? Nothing....I've done nothing to you! And you do this shit to me, Amanda?"

"Amanda, huh....she was a beautiful girl, wasn't she? It's too bad she passed away from that tragic accident the other day, isn't it?"

Colt fixed his eyes on Keller's, imagining the man's face when he was beating it; begging for mercy. "C'mon Keller, don't fucking play with me. You know why I'm here."

"No Colt, why don't you tell me why you're here? Humor me!"

"I came here to talk to you, to figure out what happened, and why it did."

Keller laughed, running his left hand through his brown hair. "You're so full of shit Colt! You came here to talk to me; that's hilarious. You've probably killed five times the men I have! Did you say that to each one before you slaughtered them, huh Colt?"

Colt swallowed, knowing he needed to either leap into a lateral roll and pull out the Desert Eagle from that maneuver or anticipate a shot with a side step and try to shoot him thereafter. "Why? Why would you kill Amanda?"

Keller studied Colt's blue eyes, trying to read him better. "How did you figure this to be?"

"C'mon Keller, you're not the cleanest killer there is! You left a ball bearing behind, and you didn't even bother to shave off the I.D. stamps in the metal before you used them to kill Amanda."

Keller's top lip started to snarl like a dog, now twisting the gun sideways. "What do you think you're some FBI detective, Colt? Maybe you would have been better on that side of the law. Because this side....this illegal side you're on, has gotten you nowhere but here....with me now pointing a gun at your head!"

"Yeah maybe; it does look a little different on this side Keller I'm not going to lie. But you still haven't told me why you would kill Amanda."

"I knew her before you Colt! She was my friend before ever coming into your life. I always thought the world of her, loved her more than you ever could of! She should have been mine all along, but you had to come in and take over....fuck everything up for me! She deserved better than you Colt; a guy who was consumed with being the best and never fully attentive to her needs, her wants, her true desires. Hell, you weren't even man enough to marry her Colt! You were just wasting a sweet woman! A sweetheart who needed a loving husband, one she could call her own....what every good woman needs. Ha! You couldn't even provide that."

Colt could feel the anger from Keller fill the room. "So you killed her for that?"

"You just don't see it, do you Colt? You must know that I'm just like you in a way. I have the same special abilities you have....that I know you have. Don't you fucking see that man?"

Colt tried to understand his meaning, pull in his energy. "You mean...."

"Yeah, I can see shit too, Colt! I followed you that morning in my mind, when you went to the jewelry store to buy Amanda that engagement ring. My tuning capabilities are much more refined than yours, my man. I can tell you're just a novice, just a stupid pup! But if you must know the real truth behind her demise, I'll tell you. It's simple. If I couldn't have her, no one was gonna have her! Even if you were going to do the right thing and ask her to marry you."

Suddenly, Alden's face appeared from around the corner, briefly connecting with Colt's eyes. "You know that's fucked up Keller, right?"

"Perhaps, but I don't give a shit what you think! You're a prick who smashed my face in, and then acted like some dominant dick afterwards. And now, it's time for you to pay Colt! Something a lot of people would feel is far overdue, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yeah, I'm sure a lot of people would love to see me suffer. But the same could be said about yourself, right?"

"I'm asking the questions now, fuck head! We're gonna run this the way I want to. Now I have the control of your life, and you have none!"

Alden took extremely quiet steps toward the scene, now pointing the dart-firing stun gun directly at Keller's back.

Colt continued, "O.K. Keller, whatever you say. What do you want me to do for you? Suck you off or something? I mean what the fuck."

"I wanted you to take an arrow through the heart, and face me in here with a couple more impaling your cocky skin. But you're obviously too clever for that. Now you need to suffer the same pain I've been feeling ever since you took Amanda away from me. Get the fuck on your belly and put your hands behind your head!"

Colt took one last glance at Alden before falling to his knees, knowing he was poised to pull the trigger.

Immediately afterwards, Keller's eyes shifted in slow motion as Alden said his name. With the electric darts flying through the air, Colt immediately twisted sideways from his knees, hearing a bullet ricochet just inches away off the tile floor below.

Keller's back was then pierced by four electrical darts, all delivering a combined 1 million volts of energy; each surging throughout his body at various rates. Colt quickly hopped to his feet, stomping on Keller's hand to release the gun. He reached down, picked up the gun, and then nodded at Alden to release the trigger. "Pull the darts, Alden, I'll check the slimy fuck for other weapons."

Alden nodded, slamming his foot onto the darts in Keller's back before promptly ripping them back out.

"He's clean," Colt said, after checking Keller's body. Colt then violently pulled Keller up by his hair, tearing out a chunk near the back of his head.

"This is going to be a day that will go down in history, Keller! It's too bad you never had any friends....really good friends, like Alden here....guys who've got your back. You always were the awkward fuck in training....the maladjusted shit who didn't fit in."

Keller was struggling to recover, much like Kenny had with Alden earlier.

"Fuck you," Keller replied, "you're still fucked in my house of horrors....good luck getting through it!"

"Shut up you little prick! You're just making this harder on yourself." Colt then looked to Alden. "Watch him for a minute, make sure he doesn't fuck around, or slam his ass if he does. I don't want any bullets in him though....got it?"

"Alright man," Alden responded.

Colt quickly walked to the only hallway, carrying the elongated stick that pulled Kenny from near death. With his back around the corner of the hall, he slapped the stick onto the floor in the narrow walkway; at the same time hearing another set of booby traps discharge. Cautiously he entered the hallway, now seeing two long blades appearing from each side. They were both set in motion by the wood-tripping separate laser eyes, all placed near the floor. As he proceeded forward, he passed a bathroom and then entered a master bedroom. After slapping the floor once again to clear the space, he moved forward, examining the room further.

Suddenly, his eyes shifted to the headboard on the queen-sized bed. It was a sight, unlike anything he'd ever witnessed. Something that was worse than all of the death he'd seen combined. In a dark, dream-like cloud, he approached the item that hung like a trophy. He then yelled, "Alden."

"Yeah man what's up?"

"Bring him in here." The time it took to have Keller appear felt as though he'd lived ten lives. The pain occupying that space was as if he was being cremated alive; feeling like a red-hot heat refusing to subside. Moments later, Keller appeared, now seemingly recovered.

Colt stared at him for a moment, still feeling his heart splintered. "What the fuck is that?"

Keller looked where Colt was pointing, then saw the green underwear dangling from his own headboard. "I don't know....I had a bitch over here and we got a little kinky."

Colt then touched the underwear that had been cut at each side. The intense visions that followed were disturbing; sights that confirmed Keller's evil on the day Taylor died. He immediately grabbed Keller by the back of the neck, and then shoved his face to the front of the severed panties. "I'm going to ask you again, what the fuck are these?"

"They're....They're just underwear....Colt."

"And whose underwear are they?"

Keller refused to answer for a time, unable to readily speak her name. Colt could then feel the blood vessels inside him begin to pulsate with hate; his right hand now squeezing Keller's neck as hard as it could. "Whose underwear are these? You piece of shit!"

"Taylor's," Keller then finally uttered.

Alden glanced over to Colt, knowing the moment had suddenly turned surreal. "You killed Taylor?"

"It wasn't my idea! I....didn't....mean to....she just slipped out of my hands; it was an accident! I was just trying to send you a message."

"You do realize this is going to be a very bad day Keller? Maybe the last hours of your life, right?"

Keller's eyes suddenly took on a different life, like a man willing to do anything to escape. He abruptly attempted to slam his elbow into Alden's face, missing it by inches.

Colt then viciously drove his fist into Keller's ribs, incapacitating him immediately, leaving him struggling to breathe. Colt immediately turned and snatched the green panties that revealed safari animals in white frames. After stuffing them into his shorts pocket, he angrily pulled Keller up by his hair again, tearing out another large clump. "You got all your junk?" he said looking at Alden.

Alden punched Keller in the back of his head before responding. "Yeah man, I got it all."

"Good, you're gonna have a real good time with this one, Kay....that's your nickname, right Keller?" They stopped while both he and Alden simply stared into Keller's cold eyes.

"How did you know that?" Keller asked, appearing surprised.

Colt then briefly saw Amanda hand him a bouquet of black roses; the flowers in his perpetual dreams. "Remember, I'm just like you....I can see shit! But I guess I'm not as good as you....not as refined, remember?"

Keller just stared back before touching Colt's shoulder. "Even if you kill me today, you're not going to live long, Colt. I see some real bad shit coming down the pipeline for you my friend....mark my words on that!"

Colt immediately interlocked his fingers around the back of Keller's neck before pulling his face down onto his ascending right knee cap.

"How does that feel?" He asked, watching Keller drop to the floor. "You see Keller, Mr. Morgan was right. You were a cancer, a misfit. Do you know that he authorized me and Alden to pay you this little visit here today? That's how much he hated your sorry ass! Oh, he's gonna be so proud of our handiwork, when he gets word on your abrupt checkout."

Keller managed to lift himself up without assistance, pulling his blood-covered hand away from his bleeding nose. "Who cares about Mr. Morgan! He didn't know good talent when he saw it. I was a rising star in the world of hired guns! There was plenty of room at the top, Colt."

Colt stuffed Taylor's underwear into his shorts, knowing that was as close as he would get to her. "You cut the underwear off her, didn't you?"

"Ah....yeah."

"Did you use her scissors in her backpack?" Colt asked, determined.

"Yeah."

Colt closed his eyes briefly, remembering the bizarre dreams he had about Taylor; how she would keep telling him that she lost her scissors. He then turned, making for the front door, without saying a word. At the doorway he paused, staring at Keller's brown colored vehicle in the driveway with the driver's door still open. With a frenetic immediacy, Colt slammed shut the driver's door and then turned back for the house. The return to both men was seemingly an extension of that dream, a fading perplexity. Although after some more seconds, the images of the same brown car off in the distance that was always in the dreams, now fully made sense. It was as if Taylor was trying to communicate clearly, but never fully could.

As he passed the doorway to the expansive living room, Colt could see Alden clamping off Keller's carotid arteries by squeezing them between his palm and fingertips. From his perspective, Keller would briefly pass out and then abruptly regain consciousness; as if Alden was playing a game with the enemy.

Colt immediately scanned the interior for a condensed space, one that would enable him to complete his retribution for Amanda and Taylor. A thoughtful minute later, he returned to the hallway, where a second smaller bedroom was diagonally located across from the master. He then grabbed their bags and placed them in the smaller room. He then quietly yelled, "Alden."

"Yep?" Alden asked.

"Bring that fuck back here."

"Alright man."

Colt stood just inside the doorway, watching as Alden was dragging an unconscious Keller into the small room. Within seconds Colt had placed a small office chair in the center of the room, after pushing the bed into a corner. As Keller's head tilted downward, Colt pulled his arms behind the chair before handcuffing both wrists together. He then looked at Alden, his face showing an uncontrollable anger. "Alden man, do me a favor."

"Yeah?"

"Go out to Kenny in the van and give him the cash under the passenger seat. After that, take him back to his car and thank him for everything."

"No problem man, I'll take care of it," Alden nodded as Colt turned his attention back to Keller, who was now fully awake. "Alright Keller," Colt said staring, "you have a possibility to survive this ordeal, but you need to come clean on our little interrogation session here. I'm assuming you understand the seriousness of the situation here, right?"

"Yeah, whatever man," Keller mumbled.

"Boy, for a guy who's handcuffed and sitting in a chair, you've got a lot of balls to come off with a 'tude right now! You do know that money talks Keller, right? Buying your way out of this is going to go a long way in preserving your life here. Now, where is your on-site cash stash? And don't fucking lie to me man!"

Keller stubbornly shifted his eyes around the room. "I haven't a clue what you're talking about."

Colt immediately pulled him into another corner, squeezing the chair in tightly. He then pulled out a pliers and hammer from his hockey bag, quickly gaining Keller's full attention.

"Again," he said louder, "where is the cash?"

Keller stalled an additional minute, seeing how far he could test Colt's patience. "It's in the attic, upstairs....there's a drop down stairway....it's five steps diagonally from the opening, right under some old blankets up there."

Colt then asked, "Two questions for ya. Is it bobby trapped with your laser system? And how much is up there? Remember Keller, you fuck with this part of the gig and it could be lights out real quick for ya!"

"There's $900,000 up there....and yeah, it's trapped."

Colt brought Alden up on his phone, seeing his face seconds later. "Alden, we're going upstairs to the attic; so that's where we'll be if we're not in this room when you get back."

"Sounds good, thanks for the heads up," Alden replied.

Colt nodded, grabbing Keller by the hair again before shoving him into the hallway. "Now Keller," he continued, "take me to your master control center to show me your little laser and automated ambush operation."

Keller calmly walked to a laundry room off the kitchen, and then stopped in the middle of the narrow room. With his head tilting toward a secret compartment in the wall, he spoke. "It's in there."

Colt considered the situation for a moment. "Get on your back and lay on the ground; then get your eyes on this panel here."

Keller considered Colt's orders, now staring from below the square door.

Colt cautiously opened the door, keeping his body completely away from the front. Inside, several labeled buttons were lit green and red.

"Just hit the red disable buttons," Keller said.

Colt looked at him, imagining his foot smashing down on his face. He then reluctantly touched all four controls, dimming all the green active buttons. With his hand gripping Keller's hair once again, he pulled his body upright, ripping out a third clump in the meantime. "Take me to the cash fucker!"

Keller obliged by gingerly stepping upstairs directly under the enlarged attic opening in the ceiling.

Without asking, Colt opened up a small closet. Inside, he could see the stick with a hook attached that was used to open the hatch. He then said, "Now, I'm going to pull these stairs down and you're going to go up there....and then you will kick the cash over to the opening, got it?"

Keller merely nodded, watching Colt pull down the fresh looking wooden stairs. After he positioned Keller's body, he punched the back of his neck to force him to start his reluctant ascent. "Go fuckhead!"

Keller struggled to climb to the top as Colt pulled out the Desert Eagle from his interior compression shirt. At the top, half of Colt's body was in the oversized attic, while his feet were standing two steps from the top. He then tilted his head to Keller, who was standing and staring. "Go get it, stupid!"

Colt waited the moment out, noticing Keller not wanting to obey. He calmly clicked the ominous sounding safety switch in the silence, pointing the barrel of the intimidating pistol at Keller's chest. "Get it Keller!"

Keller finally turned, showing sweat starting to gather around his upper forehead. As he took the five steps to the dusty blankets, he tried to lift his right leg over something two feet shy of the targeted area.

Colt then realized Keller's body was losing its balance at that moment. He immediately heard a line snap before an arrow shot out from the wooden wall, impaling Keller's left bicep. "Ahhh....ahhh," Keller screamed in agony, staring at the small arrow now driven partially through his arm.

Minutes later, Alden's face appeared at the bottom of the stairs. Colt then fully entered, beckoning Alden up where they were. Both friends then stood in the dimly lit attic, laughing as Keller dripped blood from his own booby trap. "You retarded fucker," Colt said smiling, "you were thinking that I was gonna take that arrow, weren't you?"

"No!" Keller shouted back.

"Bullshit....I call your bluff, stupid! Now, kick that cash over here or it's gonna get a hell of a lot worse."

Alden's eyes lit up. "There's money up here?"

"You bet, and it's all yours bud. It's for everything you've done partner, you deserve it more than me."

Seconds past and Keller shoved a large suitcase with his feet toward Alden; his face still yielding the excruciating pain from the arrow impalement. Colt then watched Alden pick up the case before pulling Keller to the top of the stairs.

After locking onto his eyes, he shifted his stance. "Go down," Colt instructed.

Keller shook his head, knowing he didn't have any hands for support or a grip. "You guys have to help me get down."

Both friends looked at each other, laughing. "O.K., go, we'll help you," Alden finally replied.

Colt held Keller's right arm as he started backwards with his first foot, and then stabilized himself for his second step. Nearly halfway down the seven steps, Colt had to let go, lacking the arm length. Keller then abruptly fell the rest of the way down, breaking off the arrow in his left arm against the hallway wall.

From above, Alden dropped the heavy suitcase down onto Keller's torso, adding to his overall pain level. Colt merely watched, loving every second. "Alright Alden, let's get him and the cash into that room immediately!"

"Let's do it." Alden quickly went down the stairs then pulled Keller up by his hair again, snatching out yet another piece of scalp that left his head half bald and bloody.

Colt followed, grabbing the old suitcase that was littered with dust and dirt. Downstairs, he spotted another room down the lengthy hall, seeing a piece of a desk along the left side of the door frame. "Put him way down the hall Alden, in that office back there."

Alden didn't reply, he just kicked Keller down the hall until they all finally settled in that room. Much like before, Colt sat Keller down and then wedged him tightly into a corner of the room. In the meantime, Alden popped open the latches on the suitcase and saw the stacks of cash fill the entire opening.

"O.K.," Colt said, staring at Keller, "you've passed the first test. Now I need to know some more shit."

Keller glanced at his left bicep, wincing in pain before responding. "What!"

"What's up with all the arrows, you paranoid fuck?"

"I set those up a long time ago, it's just some fun I thought up one day."

Colt and Alden glanced at each other, before Colt responded, "Fun? Look how much fun it is now....with that little arrow causing you to drip out your own blood."

"Yeah, well it wasn't originally designed for me. It was set up for people like you, Colt!"

"Well good, isn't that just sweet; now you can do yourself a tremendous service by revealing any additional cash stashes; I know you've got some shit buried around southern California! So, where are they?" Colt demanded.

"You promise you'll let me go without any fucking bullshit?"

"If we can verify, and you answer some more questions truthfully, yes."

Keller then continued, "It's in the woods behind the house. You go out about 75 yards from the pool and there should be a maroon-colored ribbon hanging midway up one of the trees. From that point, you need to walk exactly 12 paces to the right....that's directly south."

"How much is there?" Colt asked.

Keller stalled for a moment, trying to buy more time. Colt then punched his right fist through his chin. "How much is there, dumb ass?"

Keller shook off the blow, shifting his jaw back and forth before responding, "One point two five million. Promise me if you get that....you have to let me go!"

"Yeah, we'll decide your fate, not you, Keller," Colt responded.

Alden quickly turned after connecting with Colt's eyes, then made for the attached garage. A second later, he came in on the radio. "Colt, I've got a shovel. And this dipshit has a ton of fuel containers out here....like a lot."

"Good, just get to the maroon ribbon out there." Colt then glanced back at Keller and continued, angry. "You've got a lot of explaining to do mister. This is just the tip of the iceberg for your measly ass."

"Huh?" Keller stammered.

"Yeah, fucking huh is right! You better be right about that cash revelation, Keller, or I've got a little something for ya....in a couple minutes here."

Keller's eyes took on a heightened fear, sensing the simmering anger in Colt turn into a full blown boil. "Now," Colt resumed, "back to Taylor. You fucking lied earlier when you said it was an accident, didn't you?"

Keller didn't respond; his eyes fixed on the floor. Colt approached slowly, each step in half speed. "Well?"

Keller swallowed, knowing he had to tell the truth. "No, it wasn't an accident....but I never came up with the idea to kill a kid, I was...."

"You were what?"

Keller then slowly looked at Colt and said, "I was....hired."

That brief interval of time stood still; the silence in the room transitioned into a humming noise inside Colt's head. Just then, Alden came in over the radio. "I've got the other case. It's a fucking jumbo sized one, man!"

Colt stared at Keller with a demonic glare in his eyes, envisioning a murder transaction he agreed to with another. He squeezed the radio's trigger, replying, "Alright Alden, bring it in." He then resumed interrogating Keller. "You were solicited by someone to kill her?"

"That's right."

Colt scratched his scruffy face in puzzlement. "You better be honest right now Keller, the ice is extremely thin....who the fuck would want to have an angel killed?"

Keller couldn't take his eyes off of Colt's, absorbing the anger from a brokenhearted father. "I can't," Keller continued, "I can't tell you that....I won't tell you that."

Suddenly Alden appeared in the room with a soiled suitcase, one that looked significantly bigger than the previous one. Alden then asked, "This is Mr. Morgan's money, am I right?" Keller then watched Alden rifle through the neat stacks of bills that laid within the massive suitcase.

"Yeah," Keller answered, "the money was from the assignments....assignments I should still be doing today."

Colt replied, "That was between you and Mr. Morgan. But if I was him, I would have fired your punk ass too."

Keller's eyes shifted to the shaded window several feet to his left. "Yeah, everyone has their opinions Colt, and I personally don't give a fuck about yours!"

"Good! Who hired you to kill Taylor?"

Keller just shook his head, staring back at Colt. "I made a promise to that person that the name would never be divulged, under any circumstances....including this."

Colt's jaws clenched as he stared back at Alden. "Is it about one point two five?"

Alden started to nod. "Yeah, there's a lot of cash here."

Colt's eyes shifted back to Keller, wanting to disembowel him with a blade. "When you came home today Keller, you just found me by chance, right?"

"No. I told you Colt, I'm the same as you with your talents....I'm just much farther along than you are. I could sense you and Alden in the area."

"How do you know you are further along than me?"

Keller responded, "You were handpicked for a reason, whether you want to believe that or not. You don't think Jack had something to do with that?"

"Jack?" Colt asked.

"Yeah Jack! I guess you don't know about him, do you?"

Colt narrowed his eyes and held his own breath for his next words, shaking his head.

"Well," Keller resumed, "Jack is much more talented than you think. He can see a lot of shit that even you and I could never see....yeah, he's that good! I personally know that you, Alden, Amanda, and Jesse were specifically selected at a party one night on the UCLA campus. He knew that I knew of my own abilities when he picked me. He also knew you had special qualities you did not even know about yet....c'mon, Colt, don't act like you don't know about Jack!"

Colt suddenly was taken back to the cliff's edge in the Virgin Islands. He could see the bottle of beer in his hand, and his own sad eyes staring towards the bottom; just before Jack's headlights appeared at the peak. With his mouth open, he then instantly knew Jack had the same paranormal senses as he had; only he was much more intuitive than himself.

His gaze connected with Keller's once again. "Is that how you made it up there that night?"

Keller nodded, focused on Colt's eyes. "Yeah, you've always been easy to tune into, Colt. Anyone who has these abilities usually are. Don't you see, we give off a unique energy....it's almost like a distress signal, one that only others with the same capabilities can receive. You just don't know how to interpret that information yet. Perhaps one day you will. Now....you've got your cash! You need to let me go, and I'll forget any of this ever happened, Colt....that's the least I can do, considering what happened to the girls already."

Colt paused, absorbing his preposterous demands for a time. "Unless you tell me who hired you Keller, to kill Taylor, nothing like that's going to happen! You and I know that's the real deal here. The money's just money, my daughter meant more than a million piles of that cash over there."

Keller winced again, glancing down at his clotting arm wound. "I'm sorry for her death I'll say that much Colt. But you'll never get that name out of me, never!"

Colt watched Alden then approach with the pliers in his right hand, "Oh yeah? We'll just see about that." He then tipped his head to Alden, watching him make for Keller's mouth.

Moments later, Colt had his hand wrapped around Keller's throat, while Alden was slamming the metal against his front teeth, shattering all six. Inside, the two friends knew it was going to take a lot of pain to extract that name. Moments later Alden resumed by clamping onto one of Keller's front left eye teeth.

With blood filling his mouth, Alden finally ripped out the tooth after fighting with it for a time. He immediately made for the other teeth, efficiently extracting another two before pulling back to watch Keller spit a glob of blood onto the floor.

Colt then quickly made for his hockey bag in the guest bedroom and brought it back to the office. He efficiently pulled out the oxygen hand-torch cylinder and a hammer. As he approached Keller, he lit the torch, intimidating him with the blue flame. "I'm gonna give you another chance to reveal that name Keller, or the pain meter is gonna start blowing through the roof up in here! Now, who the fuck hired you to kill Taylor?"

Keller glanced up, from spitting large quantities of blood on the floor. "No....I'm not gonna say."

Colt looked over to Alden with head shaking, knowing he had offered to spare Keller's life for the vital information. He placed the torch along the arrow wound, and then pulled away. "You mean to tell me you'd rather suffer and die here, than uncover that precious name?"

"You're....not....getting that name," Keller slurred, spitting out more blood.

"O.K. Keller, you chose this fate....we didn't, just so you know." Colt then cranked up the oxygen torch to its maximum capacity, moving it around to the arm wound again, but much closer this time. Moments later he pulled the torch off, seeing the blood around the wound start to bubble from the intense heat.

Nearly breathless now, Keller's eyes started to protrude from his face, "Stop! I can't take it any more....just stop!"

Alden took the hammer from Colt's left hand, sticking his face into Keller's. "Who hired you? It's that simple, Keller....we'll consider your release if you give us that!"

Keller merely shook his head, blood draining from his mouth.

Alden took in his silent gesture as an insult, feeling a different person now suddenly emerge. With one brutal swing, he slammed the hammer's claw into Keller's right shoulder, ripping out as much flesh and muscle as possible.

The massive pain was nearly too intense, as Keller's mind was now becoming overwhelmed by the devastating nerve messages flooding into his consciousness. Colt then grabbed the bloody hammer from Alden and rehung the claw back in the wound, trying to catch Keller's wandering eyes. "Are you ready to tell me?"

Keller maintained his silence, shaking his head through his screams. Colt then lifted the hammer above his head and drove it down onto the top of his right foot. Seconds later, he repeated with the left, completely shattering all the bone structures in both feet. "Well, you won't be going anywhere now!"

Alden just shook his head, laughing at the sight of the torture, glancing back at the cash in the suitcases. "Do you want me to give him the splinter stick, Colt?"

Colt considered the anal torture for a moment, knowing it was never done on anyone before, but specifically what they'd brought for this occasion. "No," he replied, "that sodomizing shit's nuts! I think his pain threshold is damn near at its max. He probably wouldn't even feel the splinters up in his ass pipe."

"If I rubbed my ghost peppers all over the tip, he'd really feel the burn, Colt!"

"No man....go get the rodents though."

"Alright," Alden replied.

Colt then watched Alden hastily leave the office before turning his attention back to Keller. "You're alive right now, but this is really getting ridiculous, wouldn't you agree?" Keller's voice faintly worked. "Yeah, this is bullshit....stop, before I send a message!"

"Send a message? What the fuck are you talking about, weirdo?"

"I have the capacity to send them telepathically," Keller described.

"Go for it, nothing's going to change here....unless you give me the name."

"Joseph....Carol," Keller softly whispered.

Colt pulled back, glaring at Keller. "Who's Joseph Carol and what does he have to do with me?"

Keller tried to pull up his bloodied head. "I don't know, maybe you should try and find out."

Just then Alden appeared with the two rats in the metal cage, dangling them under Keller's nose for full effect.

"What's....that?" Keller murmured.

"Your new house pets," Alden said laughing. "What's the matter, don't you like these loving animals?"

Keller could see the insidious albino rats staring at him from inside the cage, their red eyes beaming. "You guys are sick! What the fuck are you going to do with them?"

Colt ripped up his face from the little hair he had left on his head. "How much did you get paid to kill Taylor?"

"Forty grand," Keller eventually whispered.

Colt shook his head, spitting in Keller's face. "You killed a sweet,

innocent little kid, for forty grand? And here you have over two million in cash on the property. What the fuck gives, Keller?"

"You! I jumped at the opportunity when it involved you. The money....was just a bonus, a pot sweetener."

Colt closed his eyes, shaking his head and seeing Taylor's brief life flash by in snapshots.

Alden then started to search through the desk in the office, looking for anything that would pique his interest. Some seconds later, he pulled up a sheet of paper showing a passwords list which was hidden under a pile inside the drawer. He subsequently attached Keller's office tablet to a keyboard on the desk, before powering it up.

"Let me go," Keller kept saying, "you did enough!"

Colt watched as Alden started to quickly type in information on the keyboard, and then turned back to Keller. "We both know you made up this Joseph Carol dude, Keller! I'm literally, and I mean literally, going to give you one more chance here....one singular chance to save your own pathetic life. Now, who gave you the forty grand to kill Taylor?"

Keller could see that Colt was now holding the rats near his face, fearing their sinister gazes. "I can only say that he hates you, and that's all you're going to get."

Colt pulled in a deep breath, resolved in his new decision. "O.K., that doesn't tell me shit; there's probably a lot of people who hate the thought of some fuck like me that swoops in and kills one of their family members, or whatever. I believe over half of the stuff I've done recently is for the betterment of society. You haven't done shit as of late to make things better, Keller. All you do is fuck people's lives up, like mine. And now is the very time to reap what you've sown!" He then looked up to the ceiling and spoke. "Taylor honey, Amanda....this one's for you, girls."

With a violence he rarely showed, he tore the rest of Keller's hair out and threw his body to the floor. He then looked over at Alden, who was finishing up with Keller's online data erasure. "I need you to hold him down so he doesn't squirm around too much."

Alden efficiently tapped the last key and then closed the unit before standing up. "O.K., it looks as though Keller's taken the hard way out, huh?"

"Yep, he ain't the brightest guy in the world, is he?"

"Fuck no. Shit Keller, you've got to be the dumbest fuck we've come across in years! I mean getting offered to walk....well, I mean you can't do that....but you had the chance, before Colt destroyed your feet. It's a real shame it had to come down to this, my man. But it's probably for the best though, enjoy your new pets here!"

Keller was then turned over on his back by Colt, now terrified and staring at the ceiling. "You had your last chance to 'fess up on that name, Keller. Now, the final act is to commence."

Alden knelt down on one knee and unlocked the top of the wire cage.

In the meantime, Colt reached for the oxygen torch and relit the tip with a lighter. With a mere nod of his head, Alden then flipped over the cage onto Keller's belly, leaving the open end against his bloody shirt. Colt immediately started to flame their enclosed environment, watching the animals scurry around atop Keller's torso; fearing the intense heat that was now starting to rise.

As he walked around the cage with the torch, Alden did his best to hold down Keller, occasionally clamping off one of his carotid arteries. Colt started getting closer with the fire, making the animals begin to scratch at Keller's stomach for safety. "What's the name Keller?"

Right at a time when it seemed as though Keller was going to crack and give up the name, he simply shook his head, screaming in pain. Inside, Colt knew it was probably futile. The man who was the integral part of Taylor's death wouldn't be revealed, despite the incredible torture. At that moment, he turned the valve to its limit, maximizing the flame's capacity. With an evil hatred, Colt then pressed the fire down towards the rats. They frenetically started running about the cage, before both scratched a hole into Keller's stomach; burrowing themselves into the bloody pit.

Alden then stood up, placing his foot over Keller's mouth as the rats kept moving further into Keller's abdominal cavity. Colt's upper lip curled while keeping the heat on the open wound, and watching as the rodents ravaged the internal organs.

He eventually glanced at Alden, "Pull off your foot." Alden obliged, before Colt resumed speaking. "Last chance, fucker. I'll pull out the rats myself....what's the fucking name?" Keller's face was in complete shock, his mouth open as the rats continued their internal damage. Suddenly, his mouth moved with Colt intently watching. "What?"

Colt then abruptly pulled the torch away from the gaping hole in his stomach. "What's the name Keller, c'mon, what is it?"

Keller's mouth remained open, but barely moving with inaudible words. Alden then stared at his eyes, which were become fixed and dilated before he bent down to check his neck's pulse.

Within a matter of seconds, Alden arose, taking his two fingers off the same neck arteries he had been torturing Keller with. Colt watched him shake his head before shutting off the oxygen torch. "He's done?" Colt then asked.

"Yeah, but the rats are still eating his insides dude....it's totally gnarly shit man!"

Colt then felt a wave of nausea sweep over him at the sight of the rats still moving inside Keller. Just then, one emerged from the cavity soaked with blood and crazily running about the cage. "When the other one is done with his fun, set them free in the woods back there. They've been real good partners here and they deserve to live."

"Hell yeah I will," Alden assured him.

Colt then resumed, "Did you glean anything from erasing his cloud data and shit like that?"

"No, but I practically deleted his fucking digital life with those passwords. He had over 50 gigabytes of information on one server alone. And none were photos or videos, so I'm sure Mr. Morgan will like that a lot!" Just then, the other bloody rat emerged from inside Keller, wiping its eyes with its front legs, and then pausing to stare around for a moment.

Alden abruptly glanced at Colt, after shutting and locking the door on the cage. "You can have that one point two five million Colt I'm fine with that nine hundred grand."

Colt perused the bloody room with his eyes, nearly sickened by what the rats just did. "Fuck no! How does an additional four hundred grand sound? I'll take the other eight hundred and change....and I'll be fine with that."

"You don't have to do that Colt....I mean, I'll be fine."

"No, you saved my life today Alden. And if wasn't for you wanting to re-enact Amanda's death the other morning, we probably wouldn't be here right now! Just that alone means you deserve more than nine hundred grand!"

Alden glanced down at Keller, shaking his head. "Yeah man, but we're not done yet buddy....we've got a shit load of work still yet to do!"

Colt nodded his head slightly. "Yeah, it would have made for a lot less work if the fucker would have sang. Anyway, we're better financed and I did pull some info from his weak ass....regardless. Now, let our little friends go frolic in the woods and let's start the process here."

"Got it man, I'll be right back."

Colt quickly locked the cash down in the suitcases and set them near the closed front door. After Alden returned, Colt sized up the property, glancing at the flammable fabrics. "We're gonna splash this place down but good. I just need Jess to run a diversionary call into an eastern Santa Barbara location. That way, it will use up the fire truck resources from the northern fire house....the one that would send the first responders out here."

"Yep, that way, this house will be practically burned to the ground....especially by the time they get up here," Alden added.

"Exactly, and that means anything that happened here will be fried as well. Let's take a look at his gas containers, the ones you said he had a whole mess of."

Alden nodded, making an efficient beeline to the attached garage. With eyes shifting about, Colt could see all the various 'man toys' that Keller had bought with his money; all somewhat older and still using gasoline. "Alright," Colt said methodically, "I'll get these tanks; you grab the rest and just set them inside for a second."

Alden agreed, following Colt to the center of the living room, both setting down the metal tanks of fuel.

After glancing around for a minute, Colt resumed talking. "Is there anything in this crib that you want? You know, stuff that can't be traced back to fuckhead Keller?"

Alden stared at the artwork on the walls, figuring he might be able to unload them on Los Angeles's lucrative, art black market. "What about those frames over there, you think they're worth anything?"

"No, that's too personal. It could come back and bite us in the ass! Let's just say fuck it....we've got enough cash from this dick, so we'll just douse this hole down."

Alden nodded again, before starting to take out everything that they brought in from the outset. Meantime, Colt started to walk around with the smallest tank of gas, splashing the fuel on the curtains, couches and carpeting.

His eyes then took him into the office, staring at Keller's dead body and feeling no remorse whatsoever. "Wow," he said aloud, "I bet that was fun, huh?" He awaited Keller's response, while seeing Amanda and Taylor in his head. He then spoke again. "I miss you girls so much! This was for you ladies, for all pain he put you through. Now he's in hell, right where he belongs. And for that, I'm happier....and so is the universe!"

From behind, Alden watched Colt pour the rest of the gas over Keller's bloody body, soaking it with the noxious fuel. Twenty minutes later, both men emerged from the house dizzy and nearly overcome with toxic fumes that were now fully encompassing the upscale home.

At the doorway, Colt took the liberty to use the last gas tank and then pour a long line into the driveway and beyond. Eventually he ran out, nearly fifty yards from the front door. He then walked a few more paces down the slope that led to Las Canoas Road. After Alden's respiration recovered around the van, he managed to coast the vehicle down to Colt, still lightheaded. "You want me to call Jess?"

"Yeah man, give her a shout." Colt then entered the sliding door in the back, setting the empty gas can next to his hockey bag. Alden quickly utilized a disposable company phone to call another one that Jesse was to keep on her person. Moments later, Alden stared at her face. "Honey, are you in Santa Barbara?"

"Yeah, on the east side," she said.

"Good, we're ready. Can you run the call to that east Santa Barbara location, the one we wrote down on the paper?"

"Yeah, I'll do it now."

Alden glanced at Colt and nodded. Colt then quickly exited the vehicle and walked around to the wet trail of gas that ended near the van. After crouching, he glanced up at Keller's beautiful home, seeing the unrelenting twilight sun illuminate the woods in the back yard. With one last deep breath of much needed fresh air, he spun the flint wheel on the lighter. His eyes then briefly watched the flame's simple beauty, its merging colors of yellow and blue. He finally set the wet line ablaze before rushing back into the van and closing the door.

As they turned onto Las Canoas Road, both men looked up the hill, witnessing a tempered explosion and the home becoming engulfed in a bright inferno.

#  Chapter 28

As the dreamy blanket of fog burned away in the morning sunlight, Colt, Alden, and Jesse cruised off Playa Del Ray in calm ocean waters. The marine visions around them invited a sort of nostalgia that left them longing for the times they had shared with Amanda. Colt knew, he was never assured any guarantees in life, but he did feel that he was walking away from the table with half the family he had started with.

The feeling of loneliness that wouldn't go away was tempered by Eric, Alden, and Jesse. Had it not been for their love and understanding, he shivered at the notion of a solitary existence, or none at all. In their nautical surroundings, he let the gentle sea breeze pass over his sun-illuminated face before glancing at Jesse.

"So Jess, you literally doused the phone you used to call the Fire Department with lighter fluid, then lit it up and threw it into a dumpster?"

Jesse's pleasant face began transforming from an interpersonal reflection to an animated person, eager to engage in conversation.

"Yeah," she replied, "it's a fact Colt, that if you run over the two minute mark on your phone conversations out in the city, police can trace your whereabouts more readily. Hence, if the authorities get hooked onto that phone and I don't destroy it then and there....I've got problems driving back down here to L.A. That's because they can ping my entire trip, and then find me....I figured I'd start the little dumpster fire that I called them about after I had hung up. It worked out pretty good, because the disposable phone was just that, disposable; and this one wasn't run over by one of our vans, it melted almost immediately."

Colt shifted his gaze to Alden for a moment, and then back to Jesse. "Well, I really appreciate your support on that Keller job, Jess. It means a lot when we have a professional like yourself working those diversionary scenarios....especially on the city's fire truck resources."

"It's the least I could do for you guys Colt, and for Amanda also."

Colt then quivered from a penetrating flashback of rats emerging from Keller's stomach, bloody and frenetic. "Yeah, but he wouldn't sing, Jess. You remember when we told you about him 'fessing up on being hired to kill Taylor, right?"

Jesse felt as though she suddenly had acquired an illness at the bottom of her stomach, eating her from inside out. "Yeah, you guys got him pretty good and he still wouldn't talk, huh?"

"Nope, and that tells us something, for certain," Colt replied.

"That he's tethered emotionally to that certain individual," Jesse said, "because promises to a stranger or an acquaintance alone, aren't going to keep a man from giving up information when his life's on the line."

"That's right," Alden agreed, "Keller was severely tortured before he died; however he never shot us anything but a bogus name....one that he couldn't even substantiate."

Colt watched another small yacht, much like his own, heading east toward shore. "We need to run a down-low investigation on Keller and any associates he's been affiliated with. But most importantly, someone he's had years to build trust with....a friend who's willing to punch our ticket on the fuck who hired him."

Alden then remembered ripping back flesh and muscle from Keller's right shoulder with the claw of the hammer. "Yeah, that cat's close to Keller! It has to be more than an acquaintance, a guy he considered a friend....he had to have been!"

With that being agreed upon, Colt resumed. "Jess, can you remember Keller's friends in high school? Since you, Amanda, and he went to the same school in Santa Barbara?"

"Well," Jesse replied thoughtfully, "I don't know if he went to college at all, like we did, before leaving for the islands. As far as high school was concerned, he was involved in a clique of about 6 friends. Of those people, we need to possibly pull out a direct connection to you, Colt. Most of those guys are probably long gone across the country....all living family lives with no idea on what's going on back here in Cali."

"Right on Jess, can you do me a favor?" Colt then asked.

"Yeah."

"Do a names investigation, starting from that clique in high school. And try to run it out as close to now as possible. Now, with regards to other business associates or new personal friends he acquired after high school....we'll cross that bridge when, and if we come to it."

"Yeah, our old high school yearbook is now online; I'll also check in with Jack later on to see where he was recruited from; whether it was college or some regular Joe at a job somewhere."

"Excellent, we can start casting the net off the back of the boat, so to speak. Well, if you guys will excuse me for a bit, I've got to go and make a video call to someone." Both Alden and Jesse then nodded amiably before Colt made for the lower deck of his boat. In the corner of the expansive living area, he sat at a small desk with a large tablet directly above, hung on the wall like a picture frame.

After touching a button, he awaited the long distance connection time before her faced appeared on the screen. "Colt!" she said.

His eyes instantly connected with hers, feeling an energy he hadn't felt with anyone since visiting her in India, over one month prior. "Asha, how are you doing girl?"

Her exotic, Indian accent then replied. "Good Colt, I'm trying to pull you in over here. Your messages feel mixed."

"Oh yeah, how so?"

"You're happy you were able to complete a task within your line of work, yet you are still unfulfilled in some way. Does that make sense Colt?"

"Absolutely, it really does. Did Mr. Morgan swing by and hang out with you?"

"Yes Colt, he was here the other day, very polite as usual. I received your personal items as well. I suppose you're wishing to discuss my thoughts on those tangible pieces, is that correct Colt?"

"Yeah, that would yield me some clarity to their potential."

"Well, I could see you with a little girl's energy around you when I was holding your necklace the other day. She was really young, old enough to talk, but confused. And the paper, it's part of a circus coloring sheet, right?"

"Yeah, your part has the elephants on it, right?"

"Yes Colt, I'm holding it right now. Do you have the other section with you?"

Colt pulled the folded paper from inside the lone drawer of his office desk, his mind instantly seeing a pair of eyes staring back. After some seconds of shock, he replied. "Yeah, I got that piece of paper. What do you make of it?"

"The eyes Colt, they almost look pretty....like they've been made up. Are you seeing that as well?"

"Yeah, every time I hold this paper, I can see them staring back at me, blinking sometimes....like they're alive!"

"They are alive, Colt. They have the same emotions as you and I, but there's one big difference."

"Oh yeah, what would you say that is?"

"They're pure evil."

"Why do you say they're evil?" he asked.

"Look at the door behind them. Can you see that door, Colt?"

Colt struggled to set the large pair of eyes aside in order to see what was behind them. After several moments of fighting with himself, he managed to wrap around the eyes, seeing the door she was referencing. "Ah....yes, I see it now."

"Well Colt, what else do you see?"

He stared at the door for a time, finally noticing something under the door's handle, "Oh my God! It's the same eyes, but it's just one looking back through the key hole, Asha."

"Exactly; in this realm, this different dimension we can visit Colt that has a significance; a meaning unlike anything else."

Colt's heart started to pound. "What's that?"

"It means the eyes can see what we can; they're watching you and I Colt. They have the same abilities we do, but maybe at a different level....perhaps more enhanced, maybe less."

Colt suddenly took her words in, feeling his pulse race faster. "You mean this guy has paranormal gifts as well?"

"Yes Colt. He's vile and dangerous because he isn't like everyone else....he's like us, my friend."

Colt closed his eyes for a moment, not to see the eye, but to settle himself from the stunned state he suddenly took on. Her voice then quickly came back. "Colt," she said softly, "you have to understand that in all my years of work, this is one of the more powerful entities I've seen. It's human, but it's almost part demon as well."

He answered, "I've came a little unglued, ever since I saw those eyes staring back. I mean totally freaked, to even consider their meaning. That's why I had to send Mr. Morgan the items for you to analyze, seeing as that you're much better than I am."

Asha considered him for a second. "It's not that I'm better than you Colt. That's not what this gift is all about. It's just that you haven't allowed many of the other aspects of the gift to migrate through, because of your apprehension. You have to let go of that reluctance Colt, your shyness to accept what you've been given."

Colt then watched her pause, closing her deep brown eyes and drifting her head softly around. "He's afraid, Colt....he has fears....c'mon, lock in with me here! Do you see what I'm seeing?"

He closed his eyelids before studying the visions that were coming from inside the sinister brown eyes. Suddenly, water glistened in the dusk sunlight, saw grass swayed in the wind, and a sluggish current meandered through a marsh-like setting. Near the darkened edges of his vision, he could see eyes glowing in a group just above the murky water.

Asha's voice then came in soft, almost trance-like. "I see you with me now, Colt, you're here now. Can you feel me next to you?"

Just then, he could smell the cinnamon and burning sandalwood in the air, now feeling her guiding energy next to him.

"Yes Asha, I can feel you right next to me. It's like we're hovering together, right over the muddy looking water."

"That's right, now you see how you can manipulate these environments, the obstacles you think are there, but really aren't Colt."

He could feel his head nod while Jesse's voice appeared in a hazy murmur within the background. "Yeah," he replied to Asha, "it's really that easy, huh?"

"Yes Colt. It really is that easy. I'll help you develop as much as I can."

He could feel his left arm reach out, almost touching Asha's upper back, like two friends staring at the shiny water.

"Wow Colt, I can feel you touch me on my shoulder."

His eyes then suddenly opened stunned at Asha's abilities to tune into various environments and realms. "I see more eyes, Asha," he said confidently.

She then examined the eyes; each set that emitted an ominous crimson color, all lurking in the background of some natural cover. "Reptilian, Colt; that's the fear he has. Do you see what it is?"

He zoomed in without much effort, now believing more in his abilities with her mentoring. Moments later, he stared at an elongated snout with armor-like skin that looked like tiny mountains submerged under coffee-stained water. "I see the animal," he softly continued; "it's an alligator or a crocodile, Asha!"

"Right Colt, those fears live behind the eyes scattered sparsely about. If you look hard enough, they appear eventually. It just so happens there's not many fears behind these eyes, Colt. Perhaps the alligator is some longstanding enemy of this entity, this evil that we're channeling."

Asha then opened her eyes to look at Colt, knowing he would open his momentarily. When he did, she spoke. "Let's leave his fears Colt. Follow me, stay with me." Her voice suddenly took on the echo of a dreamy-sounding female, an Indian voice that soothed every part of him.

As she pulled him away from the lowland water, they traveled through a misty fog, one that didn't clear for some time; only being guided by a succinct belief in the paper's energy. As the haze subsided, they found themselves in the purple car with the clown, the same car Belinda traveled in before she died.

With both of them in the same back seat, Asha boldly emitted her energy towards the driver, letting him know of their presence. In the rear view mirror, his eyes connected to their stares, intermittently flashing the same reptilian red that the alligators had shown. It was as if he knew of Colt's new partner; a new friend that was as powerful as himself, perhaps one that could help in halting his sick activities.

Just then, Colt felt as though he merged into the man for a moment, almost taking on his evil emotions. He cautiously sat with him inside his body, focusing on the signs that randomly passed. An overriding anger then filled him, worse than any anger he'd felt before. The incredible intensity was filled with broken promises and vows of protection that were as empty as his heart. A child being neglected inside abused from heavy hands and harsh words.

As quickly as Colt was allowed to enter the evil man's body, he was promptly evicted with a fury that eventually boiled over. Now Colt sat next to Asha again. He subtly turned to look at her face, seeing the hope in her dark eyes and the confidence in her cute grin. She immediately touched his hand before nodding, both of them then exiting the moving vehicle for another controlled, re-entry to their live conversation.

Inside, Colt could feel a surge of faith being delivered to him, directly from Asha, faith that nearly brought tears to his eyes. He then knew her trust in him was undeniable, considering their brief trips were as lucid and interactive as they were.

With a new-found conviction, he opened his eyes to hers. "Wow, that's amazing Asha! The torn paper brought us together, just like I thought it would."

"That's right Colt. That paper is powerful, a way to stay with that energy, that cruel entity." She then briefly closed her eyes after touching Colt's necklace. "The little girl you were with, Colt. This is her paper, isn't it?"

Chills flooded him for a time, his eyes now locking onto hers. "It is her paper, Asha. She colored on that paper before she passed. I found it in her pocket by a desert lake."

"You're now her hope Colt, the faith she leans on. She said she's held your hand before....she's with me right now."

Colt's eyes widened, now sensing Belinda as well. "Asha, she never crossed over, I take it?"

"No, she's still afraid. She says she's watching the clown as well; the bad man who took her from her mother and father. I think she feels she can't cross over because he's still there, a wicked she can still see!" Her eyes closed again, eyeballs rolling about under her lids. "It's not the only disguise Colt. Come with me one more time. But now you need to find that frame behind the eyes, that part of the man."

Colt pushed himself after retouching the paper once again; trying to search the various rectangles that made up his foul life, all drifting aimlessly in the background. In a defiant stand, it seemed as though the energy within the eyes was then trying to test Colt's resolve, his ability to proceed.

With an embattled mindset, he forged ahead, disallowing the force to impede his overall direction. Seconds later, he scanned the rectangular visions of his past with his eyes flowing back to one; a video-like image of a female with long flowing, silky blonde hair. Before placing sunglasses over her eyes, Colt could see the blue eyeliner surround the chestnut brown irises; the same demented eyes that he had always seen.

To his right, Asha's energy encouraged him to move forward, to examine the alternate world further. The teeth then stood out with a smile that glowed in the bright sunshine; mouthing something that was inaudible at that point. His focus then pulled back, widening as the female appearing figure started to nonchalantly beckon someone in.

Seconds thereafter, the back of a boy's head appeared in the frame, his dark hair glistening in the sun. Colt focused on the face of the woman, noticing the flawless makeup covering the smooth skin. The boy seemingly followed her directions as her hand motioned for him to come around the front of the car, to enter the passenger door.

While the boy entered, Colt could feel both his and Asha's eyes zoom in on the front seat, each of them detecting a clear bag of pink colored candy that was set between her and the boy. All at once, the purported woman pulled back the gear shifter and landed on D. Colt abruptly then pulled away, fearing another emotional roller coaster commencing; the same cyclone of feelings Belinda felt before her demise.

He then opened his eyes at the same moment Asha did, reading a calmness still surrounding her. "That's creepy Asha," he said, shaken.

She glanced off to a corner of the room, staring at a point for a time. "Yes Colt, it isn't good. This man is much like the men in New Dehli, similar to the sadistic man who harvested Ravi's organs for money. But he's much more sick inside! There isn't the element of monetary gain here Colt. The only gain is the pain and suffering he can offer the children he abducts....it's his past that's haunting him Colt. I don't know if you saw, but there is a rectangle back there that shows his upbringing....how he was mistreated as a child himself. That's his motivation Colt! That's what makes him put on the clown disguise or appear as a blonde haired woman; although, he got a problem."

"What's that?" Colt asked.

"You, us!"

At that moment, Colt could feel her true power! A woman half a world away that could see what he could. However, able to also envision nuances he obviously didn't have up until that moment, all due to her kind tutelage, of sorts. "I'm feeling that Asha." he resumed, "I hear what you're saying about us being a problem for him. Incidentally, were you ever able to pull a name from this clown guy?"

"No, I'm sorry. But you have so much to give back with this, Colt. I know the acts, like what you did for Ravi's family; can outshine the bad associated with this paper I'm touching. I want you to know that I'm here for you Colt....I'll try to make time for your endeavor!"

Her eyes were evidently serious, and the intent she exuded seemed as true and real as anything he'd recently seen. He instantly felt in that moment that the vow he swore to himself, to Belinda, in catching the man who killed her, was now more profound and realistic as ever. "Well Asha, I'm so happy you took my video call today. I've been wanting to connect with you since I left New Dehli."

"Me too Colt! When we met I knew you were new, raw, and scared of what you were given. It seems now that you've grown a bit, you are naturally accepting your abilities. Listen, I know what's been happening with your family, your necklace told me a lot. I don't want to go into that with you Colt....just know I know....and that I really care."

He swallowed, studying Asha's free flowing spirit. "Thank you for everything Asha. You've been a true friend."

"You as well Colt, I hope we can maintain our friendship like this....it would mean a lot to me."

"Absolutely....I'd love that."

She then glanced at the time on her screen, noticing it was getting late in New Dehli. "I'm going to go now Colt. Don't hesitate to contact me, anyway you see fit."

"O.K., Asha. Thank you again, I'll talk to you later, bye."

"Bye Colt."

He then touched the end button on the screen, still seeing her image resonate. The moment of silence was then interrupted by conversation, casual words from atop the deck above. He stepped away from the desk, feeling the Pacific waves softly gyrate the small yacht.

In his stroll to the main deck, his eyes stared at the distant shoreline ahead, remembering what had just taken place with Asha. It was seemingly a walk on a wilder side, taking his gift to its limits and testing its true capabilities. With Alden and Jesse dangling their legs over the hull, Colt joined them under the sun-drenched, front of the boat.

"Hey man," Alden said smiling, "everything cool?"

Colt nodded, scanning the distant horizon. "Yeah, I just spoke with a young woman I met in New Dehli....someone Mr. Morgan, introduced me to."

"Oh yeah," Jesse replied, "is she helping you?"

"Yeah, you could say that." He then contemplated her silence for a moment, wondering if she thought he was having some long distance relationship; already with another woman. "I really don't know how to classify her yet. She's like a medium who can speak to the dead, but also has psychic abilities as well."

"Kind of like a combo platter," Alden then said.

Colt grinned, knowing Alden was just trying to lighten the mood a bit. "Yeah man. She's a very intriguing woman who's much more in tune than me."

Jesse then shifted her now scantily clad body, absorbing more of the late morning sun rays. "I did some preliminary research on Keller's friends, some of the people I actually knew. Anyway, the five other people in his clique were named Jerry Kenseth, Elijah Powers, Bryan Carter, Ben Fillmen, and Randy Hickson. Do any of those names ring a bell with you Colt?"

Colt placed the names inside a compartment for a time, comparing each to all the assignments he was ever affiliated with, foreign or domestic. After some time, he glanced back at her, shaking his head. "No, those names mean nothing to me. None of the last names are affiliated with anyone I offed. You have anything from a college he may have attended, or some new friends he had met after high school?"

Jesse draped the tablet that was next to her with her hand, reading the pages she previously perused. "No. But there is some guy I remember who was a grade above him. I don't know what his real name was but they always called him Lager. I know, it's a real weird nickname, don't you guys think?"

Alden stared at his wife for a moment, perplexed, "Lager? That sounds like a beer.... maybe he liked to pound 'em back. Can you extract that name somehow?"

Jesse inhaled the salty air and then stared into the deep blue ocean below. "I think I can, but the only problem is that this investigation is fully on the down low. If people start catching wind that I'm looking into a murdered man's background, it could raise some red flags a bit, wouldn't you think?"

Colt felt compelled to chime in at that point. "Of course it would Jess, you're doing this correctly. There is a lot to be said for being conservative at this juncture. We don't want to tip anyone off on Keller! He was just brutally tortured by two crazy men....who the guys are, I don't know."

Alden chuckled under his breath, remembering the fear in Keller's eyes after he awoke from his carotid arteries being constricted. "Yeah, he had a good time! But seriously Jess, we have to run over all the guys in that grade above Keller....just to produce a real name for that nickname."

"For sure," she replied, "I'll run an extensive search and try to uncover the name." She then smacked her bronzed thigh. "Dammit! If Amanda was here, I'm positive she would know who this Lager dude was."

Colt replied, "In the event, that you can't pull out a name....is it possible to run a ruse on one of his unsuspecting friends with a disposable phone....you know, asking who that guy was?"

"What do you mean? Like me pretending to be an investigator with one of Keller's out of state friends?" she asked.

"Yeah, that's exactly what I'm thinking Jess. That would be slightly more definitive than merely guessing that it's this guy or that guy in a class above him. Am I right?"

"Yes, that would be. But it's a riskier proposition Colt, you'll concede that?"

Colt nodded, knowing she wanted to limit personal liability as much as he did. "Oh yeah, that's putting yourself out there! But I won't stop until I find out who hired Keller to kill my daughter. There's one assurance I know of Jess....and that is someone's gonna pay hardcore for that sin! There is absolutely no doubt about that....and as far as I'm concerned, the sooner the better."

Colt then took some inventory on his own emotions for a moment, trying to see it exactly from Jesse's perspective. "Alright, let's run the conservative option first Jess, by examining that class above him. And if that fails, we'll have to roll the dice. I'll even pretend to be the investigator if you don't want to do it."

"No Colt," Jesse replied emphatically, "Amanda and Taylor were as much a part of me as they were of you....no disrespect."

"None taken, Jess."

"But I know you know what I mean," she continued, "I would do anything for those girls; they meant that much to me Colt."

Colt felt close to tears, mixed in with an intense rage. "Look, I've probably told you guys this a million times, but I love you two, Jess. You guys are just as much my family as my mom, dad, and brother. But we have to do this the right way; I've always run my shit like that. Erring on the side of caution, before making any rash judgments, and then finish....and finish hard!"

Jesse nodded, "That's what has made you the best for over a decade Colt! Alden and I are ready to roll with you, as far as you want to go with this. You run the show here Colt; there's never been anyone who disputes that."

"As far as I'm concerned," Colt replied, "Alden and I have two pieces of unfinished business. Yours is strictly attributed to Amanda and Taylor, and that I fully respect. But we have to divide our attention accordingly, because both Taylor and Belinda need our best efforts. This is where I'm somewhat torn, but I feel compelled to deal with this Keller thing first, to do right by Taylor."

"Absolutely," Jesse replied nicely, "this man who hired Keller needs to be brought to justice Colt, our kind of justice. Because we all know that if he got into a courtroom, he could easily walk or do little time on some reduced charge or something. That's not what Taylor needs, she deserves much better than that."

"That's right Jess; you hit that shit right on the button!" Colt replied nodding.

Some feet away, Alden had already started to work from a keyboard that he attached to his tablet. As both Colt and Jesse's eyes eventually shifted to him, he suddenly looked up, smiling. "I pulled the phone numbers from your list of guys here, Jess."

"All the guys?" she asked, touching his leg.

"Yeah, now you just need to scan the guys in the class above Keller....can you do that for us now?"

"Of course, just give me a second," she said.

Colt stared at Alden for a moment, knowing they thought exactly alike; almost as though he was looking into a mirror of himself at times. His thoughts then reverted back to the life-changing conversation they both had with Jack before leaving for the islands to train.

While looking at the hypnotic sea, he wondered if he had made the wrong choice....if choosing the higher paying life was simply too reckless, given Taylor's death was directly associated with his career? The euphoric four person family he envisioned that day with Alden and Jack was now partially ruined, despite still having Eric. He couldn't help but think of what might have been: how letting Alden go-it-alone so he could finish college and become a sports agent; and then subsequently lead a lawful and legitimate existence would have perhaps been the better choice.

Additionally, he wondered if letting Alden work with Mr. Morgan alone and never pursuing that career with him, would have impeded their ability to remain as friends? This: and considering Alden's secret company life and the confidentiality requirements that go along with that. _However it unfolded_ , he then thought, _I've got to force myself to accept it now, regardless of any regret that may be lingering._

After seeing Jesse look to Alden from afar, Colt then watched her bring back a disposable phone from below the deck. She quickly started to dial numbers on the digital keypad and then asked Alden, "Is it Detective Spelling?"

Alden simply nodded without words, after double checking the name on their tablet. With speaker on, she subsequently pushed send and then quietly awaited an answer. Within a matter of seconds, a man's voice was audible. "Hello."

Jesse's face suddenly took on the look of an actress, smiling. "Hello, Benjamen Fillmen, please."

"Speaking."

"Hello Mr. Fillmen, my name is Detective Spelling of the Santa Barbara Police Department....how are you doing today, sir?"

"I'm doing good....what can I do for you?"

"Well sir, I understand that you've since moved away from southern California and now live in the Denver area?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Currently, we are investigating a house fire that took the life of Mr. Keller Roberts."

"Oh....oh my word! He died in a fire?"

"Yes sir. And I'd like to see if I could ask you some general questions. Would you be willing to lend us a hand with a short interview?"

"Of course; what would you like to know?" he asked.

"Well Mr. Fillmen, I understand you were part of his circle in high school along with Jerry Kenseth, Elijah Powers, Bryan Carter, and Randy Hickson. Would that be accurate sir?"

"Yes, it was us six guys, a lot in those high school days....especially our junior and senior years"

"That's understandable, we're all looking for a group to be a part of at that tender age. However, were any of you considered a best friend of Keller's?"

Mr. Fillmen then chuckled, thinking of Keller for a moment. "Well, not really. We were all very good friends, but Keller had a best friend in another class, the one above us."

"Would his nickname by any chance be Lager?"

"Ha....ha. Ah....yes, you could say that. But we all affectionately referred to him as Logs," he explained.

"Oh."

"Yep, he was always a weird sort of guy that Logs. Nobody from our clique really knew him that well....he was sort of mysterious to all of us."

Jesse then asked, "Oh yeah, what kind of guy was he?"

"Weird. He was into all kinds of bizarre stuff like ouija board seances, dabbling in voodoo, animal sacrificing....hell, I think during his last year, he was into that dark goth look. That's when Keller sort of pulled back on hanging out with him as much. But they always remained friends....why, I have no idea."

"Do you know what this gentleman's, full name is?"

"Hmmm....ahhh....I don't....I don't really remember ma'am. But I think his nickname was an abbreviated version of his real name, if that helps."

Jesse could instantly see Alden's eyes glued to the tablet, rolling past each first name in that class, that was male. "So," she resumed, "you haven't any idea what his name might be?"

"It's been so long ago, that I just remember the things we did with that guy. How he would try to bring in spirits that were dead. Did I tell you that he dabbled in drinking blood and things like that?"

"No."

"Yeah, he was a boyhood friend of Keller's who just became more and more maladjusted as the years went by."

Suddenly, Alden eased the tablet up to Jesse's face, having her read a name he was pointing to. Mr. Fillmen continued, "Incidentally, are you guys investigating this as some possible foul play?"

"Well," Jesse said with big eyes, "there's always a possibility in any fire, for that to be the case, but right now, no. This is merely a preliminary fact finding investigation, being as though it just happened not too long ago."

"Oh....well, I'm sorry I can't help you, Detective. I just don't remember the name of the guy."

Jesse took a second to exhale, now glancing at Colt. "Mr. Fillmen, the guy's name wouldn't possibly be Logan, would it?"

"Yes! Now I remember; for sure, that was his name; Logs was short for Logan. Some people called him Lager, maybe because he was so out there or something. I think his last name was Drake, like a male duck."

Jesse then saw that the conversation was now elapsing past its fourth minute, one minute longer than she ever wanted to be on a disposable phone. "O.K.," she resumed, now sounding hasty, "thank you for that piece of information. Anything helps in these kinds of investigations. More than likely, it just a simple fire that Keller was unfortunately exposed to....that ultimately took his life. But we wanted to call some of his old friends to verify a couple of things."

"Yeah, I didn't even know about it. That makes me really sad....Keller was a good friend."

"Yes sir, I'm sorry about that. Thank you again Mr. Fillmen, have a good day sir."

"You bet, goodbye."

Jesse ended the call and stared at Colt. His demeanor had instantly gone from somewhat relaxed to fixed and angry. He stuck his face into the fresh breeze before squeezing the back of his neck with his right hand. "Hmmm....Logan Drake....I remember him. I know Evelyn remembers him as well. So Keller's best friend was apparently Logan Drake....the freak that was a grade above him. He was the guy that everyone thought was weird....it makes sense now. All of it is making sense!"

In that moment of clarity, Colt could see himself pointing a handgun directly into Logan's face, poised to take his life before he ripped off his watch. He then remembered the face looking sinister, smiling even when the gun was squarely pointed at him. Additionally, he remembers Mr. Morgan telling him that Logan had been exonerated from murder charges, the frame that Colt himself had set into motion.

Alden finally connected with Colt's shifting blue eyes. "Is this the guy in Santa Barbara Colt, the one that got off on some technicality?"

Colt tied in with Alden's dark eyes, "Yeah, this fuck has a way of getting off a lot! He was also charged in many rape attempts, prior to me framing his ass. That's precisely why I wanted this dickhead to go down for the Baron Phelps murder. I knew that he had been rung-up several times with rape, that shit isn't a coincidence....it's just hard to prove when victims don't want to testify. Plus, the list Jack gave Evelyn and I was somewhat short, and those guys were innocent. I was disgusted about some of the innocent guys I'd put in jail in the past. I never wanted to go in that direction again, so we dug. We probed from this very boat one morning, before heading up to Santa Barbara."

At that very moment, Colt remembered Jack's reluctance to accept the framing of Logan Drake. He knew Jack had somehow crossed him off his list before giving it to Evelyn and himself. He looked up from fixating on the water for a time, "Holy fuck!"

"What?" Alden asked.

"Jack didn't want any part of Logan Drake! I remember that specifically. Jack was a real hard nut to crack on that name. He finally caved in after I had to sell him on the idea for some time. I told him I was sick of framing innocent men, he knew that. And out of respect, he let me take that assignment into the Logan Drake direction. But two things don't make sense."

"What?" Jesse now asked.

"How did Logan Drake get my name? And why was Jack so reluctant to frame Logan from the outset? Did he know something about that guy that turned him off from framing his rotten ass?"

"Maybe," Jesse replied, "Logan was in contact with Keller at some point, knowing what Keller used to do....and that's how your name came up."

Colt replied, "I don't know about that. That's a shot in the dark on who could have framed him. It could have been anyone. Why would Logan assume that it was me? He didn't know me! Keller had no knowledge of our assignments or who we were contracted to take out. Like I said, he would have been supposing a lot in telling Logan that I was the one who framed him. After all, we ain't the only frame game in the world. And even if we were, there are plenty of guys on Mr. Morgan's roster that could have framed him. Shit, Alden's still on the roster....Keller had been out of the company loop for some time, way before the Baron Phelps murder. It just doesn't make any sense."

Alden touched Colt's knee, catching his glance. "Well, the only way we're gonna find out is to pay Mr. Drake another one of our visits, Colt."

Colt swallowed, knowing Logan was game for a fight that day in Santa Barbara, realizing he wasn't normal. "Yeah, he's gonna see our faces soon. I have absolutely no doubt about that. If Keller's death was painful, I don't know what you could say Logan's is gonna be. When I see Taylor's pretty face now, his is right next to hers, awaiting his own fate."

"It does make sense," Jesse said, "that's the reason Keller wouldn't say his name. You were right Colt it was a close friend, someone he had close ties with. But after you guys told me what you did to him, I'm still surprised his name didn't slip out at some point."

Colt nodded, knowing Keller was steadfast in not revealing Logan's name that day, even during the excruciating pain he was being subjected to. He suddenly had a flashback of the massive snake that appeared to be patrolling Logan's eerie basement; the one that stalked him up the stairs and into the kitchen. For a moment, Colt envisioned a struggle in getting to Logan, despite knowing where he lived and presumably what he did. He then shot a glance at Alden, "We may have to pull the stalk and snipe maneuver with Logan; even though I want the pain gauge to shoot past the stars for him."

Alden remembered Taylor and what she had meant to Colt, the close relationship they had. He then looked back. "No, no way Colt. We can't puss out on this freak show, it's gotta go down hard for him....no mercy whatsoever!"

Colt stared into Alden's unwavering eyes, feeling him radiating energy. "Yeah man. You're right about this, sniping his ass would be too good for him. Sure, it would be nice to see his head explode through my scope! But not as nice as Keller's treatment; yeah man, that's the direction we need to go with him."

#  Chapter 29

In their long walk, Keller glanced at Colt before opening the main door. "Yeah Colt, I just have to go in here and talk to someone....it shouldn't take very long." Colt took in his aura, his anticipatory demeanor. "Alright man, I'll just hang with you until we're done."

Ahead, Colt could see the Santa Barbara County Main Jail sign. Keller immediately walked up to the reception desk while Colt stayed back a short distance. With a hazy vagueness, he could then hear Keller speak to the woman. "I'm here to see....is she here?" The receptionist's face looked stoic, almost robotic as she merely nodded up and down.

Moments later, Keller glanced back, smiling with broken front teeth in his mouth and blood covering all the others. "Come on, it's not going to be too long man. Let's go!"

Colt shifted his suspicious eyes back to the receptionist, who simply stared at him with her mouth slightly open. "Alright, you lead the way."

Keller quickly took a plastic pass and then proceeded past a large guard, who stood tall beside a door that read visitation. Inside, the small booths that were separated by bulletproof glass seemingly went on forever. It appeared as though hundreds of people were visiting hundreds of inmates.

With some steps forward, Keller then turned with blood glistening around his lips. "She's up there, about fifteen spots."

Colt looked up and noticed sparse remnants of hair on top of his head and more blood starting to drain down his temples. "O.K., just go Keller."

Keller replied by flashing his jagged smile and nodding his head.

As they walked, each inmate stared at Colt and Keller, their eyes emitting an evil that was rooted deep inside their hearts. Eventually, Keller stopped at number 112. He instantly sat in the lone seat, facing a vacant seat on the other side of the glass. Suddenly, the large guard at the doorway, started making for Colt. After stopping right in front of him, the guard said, "What are you doing here?"

Colt shook his head, facing the opposite direction of Keller now. "What do you mean? I'm with Keller....we're here to visit someone, is that a problem?"

"Haven't you done enough, Colt Davis? I mean, look at your path of destruction. Don't you think I should give you some of your own medicine?"

Colt studied the three hundred pound man for a moment, unable to understand where he gained knowledge of him. "Yeah," Colt responded, "I've been a bad boy....but I don't want a beating, sir. I promise, I'll be better....I won't hurt anyone else."

The huge man just stared down at him, now holding a shiny black night stick while slapping it against his other hand. "Good! Because I don't want to have to put you in that jail back there, Colt. A lot of the dudes here would love a sweet piece of ass like yours, and I've got half a mind to let them have you. Do you understand?"

Colt's eyes widened; the blue locking onto the guards face. "Yes sir....I don't ever want to go back there! I'll never be bad again, I promise."

"That's my boy Colt. You've always been able to talk your way out of it with me: that's why I like you so much, now, carry on."

Colt nodded with the same stoic stare, never blinking once. He then watched the large man walk down the endless corridor, still smacking his night stick against his hand. As he turned around, his chair seemed immobilized; his eyes were directly behind Keller's bloody head. With a fixed and erect position, the person he was conversing with across the glass wasn't visible. However, Keller's voice suddenly became audible. "Yeah, it's really hard to see you in here. But don't worry, it's just a matter of time when you'll get out; a minor inconvenience that will soon pass."

Mere moments later, a woman's voice could be heard over the tiny speaker atop the window frame. "Yeah Keller, I know you're right about that. But in the meantime, I was wondering if you could take care of something for me."

"Oh sure," Keller responded, "what would you want honey?"

"There's a little girl." Suddenly her voice was garbled, "You can do that for me, right?" she finally asked Keller.

In response, Keller placed his right hand onto the glass, his wrist being severely constricted with a lone handcuff. "Yeah," he replied with conviction in his voice, "I'd love to do that for you!"

From the right, the oversized guard started running toward them, Keller now turning to the man in shock. Colt could only stare as he quickly approached, stopping again just short of both of them. "Keller," he said loudly, "you're not supposed to be alive!"

Colt could see Keller's profile, his broken mouth start to open. "No, I'm really alive....I'm not dead!"

The guard's eyes showed the same evil each inmate had when walking in, right before lifting the baton above his head. "Oh yeah?" the guard replied, swinging the shiny night stick across Keller's face, taking off his entire lower jaw.

As he continued to strike Keller even more, Colt arose from the immobilized seat and then glanced at the woman behind the glass. With a zooming capability, he stared at the long flowing, silky blonde hair. He then spotted the subtle smile that flashed a yellow grin, the wicked brown eyes he and Asha had seen in their video call.

In a rushing sprint, Colt bolted for the main doors, doubling over outside from exhaustion while pulling in the fresh air through his lungs. When he fully turned around, he could see Keller at the front door, beckoning him back in with his bloody hand.

As Colt's eyes finally snapped opened, the black fan blades below the ceiling twisted on low speed, nearly awakening him into a trance-like state. He simply stared at the clock that read 7:06 A.M. Forty minutes later he took the long walk to the bus stop with Eric. "So," he said to his son, "did you understand those geometry problems last night?"

Eric looked up at him as he was noticing one other kid at the bus stop, off in the distance. "Yeah, thanks for helping me with that stuff. But I like algebra a lot better than those angles!"

Colt pulled in his innocent smile, a subtle snippet of time that instantly elevated his mood. "You know Eric," he resumed, "I've been thinking lately that you and I should take a trip during your summer vacation....you know, just you and I. What do you think bud?"

Eric's face started to glow, his blue eyes now gleaming with exuberance, "Oh yeah! That would be so awesome Dad! I would totally love that."

Colt touched his shoulder before pulling him closer. "Excellent! So where would you want to go?"

Eric examined his mind for a time, seemingly dumbfounded. As they approached the lone girl at the bus stop, Eric finally stopped their stroll, turning with a smile. "China! We've been studying that country in school, and it looks so interesting.... either there or India."

Just then, the visions of India suddenly raced through Colt's mind. He could see David wrapping his arms around his torso before dying, and Ravi's impactful eyes staring back from the floor of a vehicle. "India? You were just there with Mom some time ago....visiting me in the hospital."

"Yeah, I know. But when I was there, it felt so nice....so loving. It's kind of hard to explain....that's why I said there."

Colt shifted his eyes toward the oncoming bus before responding. "Well Eric, wherever you want to go, that's where we'll go! You're the captain of the trip, and we'll try to stay as long as we can. Is that a deal?"

"For sure Dad, I gotta go....I love you." He immediately invited Eric in for an embrace, holding him tight for that moment. "I love you too Eric, have a great day at school buddy....and I'll see ya a little later, O.K?"

"Alright Dad, I'll see ya."

Colt watched his son follow the girl up the stairs and then make for the middle rows on his side of the bus. Eric then pulled down the window as the bus started to move. "Oh Dad, I thought of one more place!"

"Where?"

"Australia, I think their English accent is cool."

Colt merely grinned and then pasted a full smile on his face as the bus sped away. As he approached his half sunlit driveway, Colt could see that Alden and Jesse were having a conversation, both looking calm and relaxed. He couldn't help but think of a trip to Australia with Eric; the adventure that resided in his young heart, coming to some fruition on that largely wild, untamed continent.

However, another thought then passed through. Colt suddenly envisioned an accident, a struggle that ultimately took him from Eric; one that put him in the ground, never to see him alive again. As he walked closer to Alden and Jesse, he vowed to himself, that under any circumstances, he wouldn't allow that to happen. That solemn promise was partially motivated by trying to right the wrongs of his past and attempt to make children safer. Although, more importantly, it meant that he wouldn't leave Eric alone without the only parent he had left.

It was a pledge he knew he couldn't guarantee, knowing how random life could suddenly become and how evil could sometimes overtake right, good. As he walked alone, he could then feel Taylor and Amanda's presence on either side of him; sensing that their forever love would guide him towards his life's fate, its true goal. After finally reaching the driveway, he made eyes with Alden, connecting with the same gaze that had always filled him with confidence and hope.

After blowing the steam from his coffee, Alden spoke with a customary smile that usually preceded his words. "It starts today my man, you ready?"

Colt glanced at Jesse's pretty face before answering. "I was born ready, dude. Fear can't and won't be in my vocabulary. It's got to be balls to the wall....pedal to the metal kind of shit going down!"

Alden absorbed Colt's driven energy, knowing that was the only way he could operate. "Yeah man, let's roll out this investigation and start getting down on this shit."

In the intermittent sunshine, Colt could feel his focus return, his mind envisioning various scenarios that could potentially unfold. "Alright, Mr. Drake is on the menu; we need to run a full employment check on this rapist....and then start from that point. Maybe we should hang in the backyard to pull this stuff off, that place always helps me start out the day!"

All three then walked through the home and made for the pool area before sitting down at a glass table. Each person immediately unfolded a company tablet and then accessed the internet from a proxy server, all located in random places around the world. With that cloak of secrecy, their confidence built in researching a man who had remained hidden for seemingly too long.

Alden glanced at Jesse for a moment, "Take a different records search site. I'm going to log into that one, let's focus on different aspects of him."

Jesse nodded, switching to a municipal type search affiliated with his moving vehicle, and parking infractions.

Minutes later, Colt looked up from his tablet. "It reads Logan is part owner of Pirt Entertainment Company. They're based out of Santa Clarita, just north of L.A. a couple miles."

"Yeah," Alden replied, "I've got the same info. Does it say what Pirt is, specifically?"

"Nope. Evelyn and I tried to pull that information on him prior to setting his ass up, but it was privatized on our reports then. I will say this though, we never did an extensive search on that company....we actually didn't even know of the name Pirt; it just said entertainment company."

Alden started scanning down the screen vertically. "My background engine here indicates that Pirt Entertainment is the parent company of The Cruz Brothers Circus Company."

Colt ingested the information for a time, trying to discern every aspect, "The Cruz Brothers Circus Company?"

"Yeah, it says he's part owner of Pirt Entertainment. Colt, what did his crib look like? Was this fuck rich?"

Colt remembered the modest home in a middle income neighborhood within Santa Barbara. "No....if he's got money, it ain't tied up in that house! That place wasn't anything to write home about....it was fucking weird! Kind of messy."

Colt then glanced at Jesse for a moment. "You got anything over there?"

"Yeah," she replied, "it reads he's had some traffic citations within the last five years. Two of the vehicles were high-end rides....Mercedes Benz, and Porsche. In addition, I pulled up a partial financial health composite....it seems as though he's got other properties, all over the place. One in Park City, Utah, one in San Diego, two in the New Orleans area, and one in Miami."

Colt scratched his head, staring at the pool water, "Two in New Orleans? Hmmm, interesting....Ah Jesse?"

"Yes?"

"Can we get your sultry female voice up on a phone call out to Pirt Entertainment Company? And can you roll with a real estate agent ruse? We can run an internet- based call from these proxy servers." He then turned to Alden, knowing his savvy technical capabilities were far superior to his. "Can we run a call out of New Orleans, or Baton Rouge my good boy?"

Alden flowed through the various pages with ease, finding a source phone number they could adopt temporarily, to mask their real location. "Yeah, there's plenty out of Louisiana I can use, and several out of New Orleans."

"Good," Colt resumed, "Jess, are you game on asking the receptionist for him, or pull out of her his current location?"

"Yeah, if Alden can route the call through Louisiana, let's do it!"

Alden then pulled open the phone suite and keypad, and then proceeded to dial The Pirt Entertainment Company in Santa Clarita.

Within seconds, a woman answered. "Hello, Pirt Entertainment, how may I help you?"

"Hello, may I speak with Mr. Logan Drake, please?"

"Mr. Drake is rarely in this office. Do you have his mobile number?"

"Well, I do. But it may be out of date. Do you know where he might be currently?"

The woman lightly laughed for a moment, before speaking. "Well, if you know Logan like I do, he's more than likely clowning around with The Cruz Brothers Circus. And right now, they're just finishing up with their California leg before heading to Houston. Can I leave him a message for you, ma'am?"

"No, this is just a private inquiry regarding one of his pieces of real estate in New Orleans."

"O.K., well good enough, is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No ma'am, thank you very much!" Jesse then ended the call and remained quiet, absorbing Colt's energy. In the meantime, Colt merely closed his eyes, trying to understand the various pieces of information.

One minute later, he turned to both of them with blown out eyes. "This morning before I woke up, I had a crazy ass dream. I think it was telling me something!"

"Like what?" Alden asked.

"It was with Keller in a jail setting. We were apparently visiting someone, but I don't know who she was. At the end, I saw the woman....she had blonde straight hair....and it was silky looking. The receptionist lady we just heard at Pirt said he's probably clowning around with The Cruz Brothers circus....Alden!"

"Yeah....where you goin' with this man?" Alden asked, confused.

"Alright guys; let's set the dream aside for a second....where was The Cruz Brothers Circus the day Belinda went missing?"

Alden then pulled up their schedule and found the late January date Colt was referring to, "Holy dog shit!" He then looked over at Colt, "You won't believe this, but it was in Bakersfield."

"Bakersfield....oh isn't that just really fucking interesting," Colt replied. "So let me get this straight. Logan Drake is part owner of The Pirt Entertainment Company, and according to the receptionist, he's rarely in there. In addition, she mentioned he liked to clown around with their subsidiary outfit, The Cruz Brothers Circus Company. Now, I don't know about you two, but that little tidbit sort of speaks volumes!"

"Yeah," Alden replied emphatically, "he's got cash Colt! We've already established that! And guys with funds don't have to be at specific places all the time....they can fuck around at their leisure! What better place to do that than with your own circus company....one that you partly own!"

"That's it, he's clowning around alright. That motherfucker has an insatiable appetite for being around kids, I bet! The old class clown who can follow around this circus operation to fulfill his sick needs, the guy...."

"The guy who killed Belinda!" Alden interrupted, finishing Colt's thought.

Colt could only stare at the skyline for a time. "Oh my God," he finally said, "Logan Drake is the clown....and the blonde lady in my dream this morning who hired Keller to kill my daughter. The same blonde lady that Asha and I saw in our visions on the boat yesterday....that guy not only hired Keller to kill Taylor, but he's the sick pedophile who killed Belinda, as well....he's both guys in one! That explains the bright wigs in his basement that I saw on that day he came home and caught me in there. But that also means he's the eyes I keep seeing! He's the guy with the purple car....he's the guy who Asha said can see what I can, and what she can."

"Wait," Alden said, "you must have been dreaming about the actual murdering Taylor for hire transaction between Keller and Logan; when Logan was behind bars for your frame, awaiting trial. That's must have been where Keller was actually hired to kill your daughter....when he was in the Santa Barbara County Jail, awaiting trial. Didn't you also say you left a watch behind at his house, Colt?"

After catching his breath, Colt finally exhaled. "Yeah....the pieces are all fitting now. He intentionally tried to rip off that personal item from my wrist....knowing he could tune into whatever he wanted to....especially when it came to me and my family! And here I thought we were dealing with two different monsters....one who had Taylor killed, and some other guy who killed little Belinda. Yeah man, I'm beyond certain that it's this way....he did both! He ordered Taylor's hit out of revenge toward me....and he killed Belinda out of his sickness toward kids."

Jesse's mouth was agape, trying to understand everything.

Alden then nudged Colt. "Do you remember what Keller said about Jack before we killed his ass?"

Colt reviewed the dialogue all three men had amongst each other on that decisive day. "Yeah, he said that Jack had the same abilities as he and I had. That's why he handpicked some of us to come and train in the islands!"

Alden answered, "I'm thinking that Jack wanted to utilize those sort of paranormal abilities within a roster of men, to further Mr. Morgan's business model. To make any assembled teams stronger and more efficient!"

"Exactly," Colt replied, "that's why he didn't want to me to frame Logan Drake. He must have done his homework on Keller's friends before soliciting Keller into the company....knowing that Logan had paranormal powers much like himself."

"Yeah, he was probably trying to protect you, Colt. Trying to keep you out of harm's way when it came to Drake....during the Baron Phelps job....however, he didn't want to disclose to you his paranormal side, or Logan's,....at that moment in time."

"That's right Alden, because I hadn't gone to India or had the head injury yet. I remember Jack always saying that I had something special inside me, but he never told me what. He just said that I'd understand it one day, that it would come to me at some point." Colt slightly laughed, resuming. "Hell, I just thought he was trying to pump me up....blow up my ego or something."

Alden then responded, "Colt, I don't understand all of your abilities....I don't even know if you do yet. But this seems like it's mano a mano baby! This creepy fucker's ability, potentially versus yours. And in order to get in close, we have to enter his arena of psychic powers....I'm ready man, if you are!"

"Yeah man, where's the circus today?" Colt asked.

Alden pulled up the schedule again, swallowing, "Glendale, just up the way from here. It says they're having just one show today....it's called their after-school extravaganza, listed from 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M."

Colt dug deeper, quickly pulling up a list of recently missing children, specifically within the southern California vicinity. As he browsed the names and faces, he stopped abruptly at a little boy with dark hair, abducted just two days prior. In studying the energy from the young child's face, he eventually pulled up his eyes. "Alejandro Luna! It says he's four years old. While on the boat yesterday, Asha and I saw Logan in female disguise, pick up a boy....but I don't know exactly when that happened. I'm thinking perhaps two days ago, exactly when Alejandro was abducted out of Sherman Oakes."

Alden then stared at a map of the north Los Angeles area. "Sherman Oakes and Glendale are just east and west of each other. The computer is reading 12.6 miles separates both cities."

Colt nodded, determined, "From a vicinity standpoint that sounds about right. Logan's keeping his handiwork close to his next circus act!" He then glanced at his watch, reading 8:40 A.M. "Asha said she could possibly provide some help and some support, although, I also know that New Dehli time is just over a twelve hour difference from L.A. time. That means if it's 5:30 P.M. here....it's probably right around 6 A.M. over there. Pretty early to be getting a call from yours truly! But we'll have to see if she'll be in the fold. In the meantime, let's get ready to go to the circus today, Alden."

Seven hours later, Colt was staring at his disguised face in a Glendale Arena bathroom stall. Just adjacent, Alden was looking at his own fake persona. Each man was using small mirrors they had temporarily hung on the backside of the door.

With a brown goatee, brown contact lenses, and a New York Mets baseball cap, Colt finally exited. On the other side of the door, he then spoke to Alden. "You ready man?"

Alden slowly opened the door, taking on a biker appearance with a handlebar mustache and blue colored contacts. After spiking his dark hair up near the sink, both men then made for the floor during the fully lit intermission.

From a distance, both friends stood, surveying the massive crowd of children and parents that were milling about. "We need to verify that one of these clowns is Logan," Colt said to Alden. "Once we do that, we can move on to the next step." As their eyes continued to peruse the crowd, both friends noticed how spread out the four clowns were on the circus floor.

Colt suddenly felt an odd energy from a clown working from a 'free bicycle giveaway' booth in the middle of the center stage. He then looked over at Alden for a moment. "Take some inconspicuous pictures of the clowns Alden, but try not to get their attention when you're doing it. I'm going to go over here and talk to one of the circus set-up guys....I'll meet you back here in a couple shakes."

"Got it," Alden replied, with focused eyes.

Colt then walked gingerly toward a frenetic-paced man who was affixing support cables to an anchor on the floor. With a congenial smile, he caught the man's shifty eyes. "Hello sir. Could I have a moment of your time?"

The 20ish appearing man sized up Colt before responding. "Sure, O.K., what's up?"

"Well, I'm putting together a big time birthday party for my son in a couple months, and I noticed how awesome the clowns are with the kids around here! Anyway, I don't want to bother the guys, since they're so busy and all. But could I perhaps get their names from you, so I can hire some of them?"

The man glanced at Colt suspiciously. "I don't usually give out employee names, I'm sorry sir."

Colt could instantly see himself slamming the man to the ground, and having his way with him. He then nonchalantly stuck his fingers into his pocket, pulling out a folded one hundred dollar bill. "Will this work? I really want guys that are professional at this event. I have the means for a fairly extravagant party, if you know what I'm saying."

Within seconds, the man pulled the one hundred dollars back from Colt's fingers, after casually glancing around the expansive arena. "Well, you didn't hear anything from me then, O.K.?"

"Of course, you're a completely anonymous man, don't worry."

"Alright, the clown with the miniature horses is Keaton Berry. The one painting faces is Chris Nixon....he's really good! The guy manning the elephants is Jude Seabrook. And the guy doing the free bikes, candy bar thing...you don't even want to talk to him!"

"Oh yeah, why is that?"

The man merely stared at Colt's hand, not saying a word. Colt quickly took the non- verbal hint, digging in his pocket for another one hundred dollars. Just then the lights started to dim slowly, indicating the resumption of the show. Colt then acted as if he was shaking the man's hand, with the bill inside. "I'd like as many clowns there as I can; that means the more names the better, right?"

With a smile and a slight chuckle, the man replied. "Man, you must have deep pockets; what are you, a millionaire or something?"

"You could infer that I guess."

He sized up Colt once again, eyeing him up and down. "The free bike clown is part owner of this operation....that's why I didn't think you'd want anything to do with him. But if you're willing to pay me the cash, I'll give you his name; even though he'd probably laugh at your offer to hire him."

"Yeah, I guess you're right about that. But I paid for the name, so I may as well get it from you, nonetheless. Shit, maybe he could come with and do some quality control on the other clowns!"

"Ha....that's funny, maybe you should have been your son's own clown for the party."

Colt then saw a flash emit from Alden's phone, just ten feet from the free bike giveaway. "O.K., are you done with your commentary? Because you haven't given me a name yet."

The man's eyes sheepishly locked back on Colt, "Yeah, I just don't want to get canned, you know what I mean?"

Colt dug into his pants pocket once again, and then slipped him another one hundred dollar bill. "Look man, I really want a professional crew at my son's birthday party. You know guys who are good at getting the party started. So, either give me back two of those three hundred bucks, or give me the name of the last clown that I paid for."

"O.K., his name is Logan Drake. But good luck hiring him, he's probably got more money than you."

Colt smiled slightly, envisioning the man in an incredible amount of pain. "Thank you my good man. Your assistance is much appreciated, and mum's the word on your name disclosure." Without hesitation, Colt briefly watched the young man nod and grin before resuming his duties on the floor. Moments later, he rendezvoused with Alden at the agreed upon area where they had started. They quickly met eyes and then followed the crowd back up to the walkway before the stands. "Let's go, Alden," Colt said softly.

In their exit from the arena, Colt noted numerous video cameras throughout the concourse that eventually led to the parking lot doors. As they proceeded outside, Colt glanced at the time on his wristwatch that read 4:55 P.M. Both friends immediately entered a convertible they had obtained from a secret location Mr. Morgan had arranged, just hours earlier.

Colt pushed the ignition button and then slowly drove around the massive building, turning down the stereo. "Hey man, we need to find the employee parking area. I can almost assure you that he's not on some bus that brings him to and fro."

Alden nodded, browsing the various lots. "Go behind the arena Colt....all this shit out here is customer vehicles."

Colt accommodated his request, making for the rear of the building. Within seconds, they rolled up on a smaller lot that was filled with vehicles near orange signs that read 'employee entrance'. Colt then parked the vehicle at a distance, nearly off the arena property, and then opened his company tablet. In that next minute, he started to write a text message to Asha in New Dehli. It read, "Does the name Alenjandro Luna mean anything to you? From California."

Without pushing send, he handed the tablet to Alden so that the electronic transmission went through various proxy servers, in order to remain stealthy with their communications. In the console that separated the car's front seat, Colt then pulled out a pair of small binoculars and scanned the abbreviated parking lot. Seconds later, he pointed. "There, take a look through these Alden."

Alden snatched the lenses and squinted as he stared through, "Fucking A! There's a purple car in there! It looks like some gaudy Lexus, with a custom paint job or something."

Colt shifted his eyes to the clock again, noticing it was now 5:22 P.M. "Yeah," he looked at Alden, "he'll be out momentarily, I just know it." Colt reached into the back seat and grabbed the larger military style binoculars from his hockey bag. Both men merely sat staring through the glasses for several minutes, taking in the various circus employees that were starting to exit.

As more time elapsed, Colt's company tablet started to vibrate in his pocket. He immediately pulled Alden's smaller binoculars off his face and noticed the letters Re prefacing an electronic correspondence from Asha. It read, "In our meeting yesterday, I recall a vision of a little boy, but not his face. There were numerous visions of the letter A, surrounding the boy. But names are not my forte, Colt. I'll work on that coloring paper for a little while here, and try to get back to you. Kind regards, Asha."

Colt then passed the tablet to Alden, watching him send Jesse a text message on their whereabouts and describing a vague plan. To Colt, the air felt really thick, as if something was making it hard to breathe.

After he pushed send, Alden glanced through the binoculars one more time before talking. "Hey man, you ever give any thought to destiny, you know, fate type shit?"

Colt allowed himself a pause to contemplate Alden's abrupt depth. "You mean, if things were meant to be, like even this conversation is part of some greater plan?"

"Yeah," Alden replied, pulling off the binoculars. "Do you believe in that 'everything happens for a reason' shit?"

Colt set his eyes against the soft rubber circles of his enlarged binoculars. "Man, we've probably had this conversation when we were shit faced, Alden! But no, I don't believe that everything happens for a reason. I think people make their decisions, and are given a new slate at birth to work from. I mean, what about Belinda? What about Taylor? Were those young girls meant to be murdered? I don't think so man!"

To Alden, he was torn on his own question; he didn't know if it was deeper than that. Despite the two young girls being murdered, maybe there was a reason for their untimely deaths; perhaps to enrich many other people's lives. However, he didn't want to offer up that explanation up to Colt, a father and friend, whose pain was truly unfathomable.

"Yeah Colt," Alden resumed, "I know how you feel....at least I think I do."

Colt stared at Alden's left hand for a moment, watching the sparkle his gold band emitted. It was jewelry he was envious of; wanting so much to be able to wear one himself; a ring that Amanda would have handpicked to stay on his finger forever, even after death. He then asked, "Give me your wedding ring, Alden."

Alden pulled away from the binoculars, his eyes steadily gazing at Colt's. "What?"

"Your ring man! Temporarily give it to me. I won't lose it, I promise."

Alden looked at Colt. "What the fuck dude! You want to wear this shit bro?"

"No man! It'd probably fall off my finger, you fat bitch! I'm just kidding....no, it's just a safety net for us, so to speak. A just in case type thing....don't stress dude, each time you're with Jesse, you will have the ring back on....you know what I mean, right?"

Alden thought for a moment then replied, "O.K.," he said, reluctantly pulling the wedding ring from his left hand. "Just whatever you do, don't lose it! Jess wouldn't let me hear the end of that one."

"I know man. No worries....don't fret It'll all be good." Both men quickly lifted their respective binoculars up again, seeing the glow of white face paint now darting across the street. "Alright," Colt said seriously, "let's see if this is Lager!" They traced his every step until the man reached the small parking lot, where he entered a silver vehicle.

Suddenly, a voice from an employee door caused the man to temporarily exit the vehicle and answer back to someone, "Yeah! Alright, I'll see ya later." Just then, the other man abruptly ran across the street, his face painted white as well, but in street clothes.

Colt touched Belinda's scrap of paper and closed his eyes for a second, seeing the same image of a man crossing the same street. "That's him! I already know it dude." Alden kept his eyes on the man, watching him approach the first man in the silver car. Moments later, they parted and the second man made for the lone purple vehicle in the lot.

Alden then depressed the ignition button, hearing nothing from the quiet hydrogen fueled vehicle. "Let's go Colt."

Colt began driving with a serious new look on his face as he glanced over to Alden. "You're armed, right?"

Alden answered, "Yeah, I've got my 9 millimeter in one of the compression shirts....and I've got two throwing knives, you?"

"Of course! But if you have to shoot, Alden, take out his lower body. I want him alive, O.K.?"

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing."

Colt then pulled the two silencers from his hockey bag, knowing one was specifically fitted for each gun. With Alden intermittently using the smaller binoculars, he provided Colt navigating details as they headed west on Colorado Street.

"Alright Colt, maintain a distance, I got him in my sights here."

Colt kept a seven car separation, knowing Alden was gazing through the thick lenses. He gently pulled the Desert Eagle from his compression shirt, and then set it on the console, glancing at Alden. "Do me a favor Alden, screw in both of those silencers, and then cover up the guns with a cloth or something."

"10-4."

Colt could see the purple sheen on Logan's vehicle suddenly turn onto South Chevy Chase Drive. As he touched the paper he found in Belinda's pocket, he lucidly saw the eye Asha was referring to; the one eye peeking through the keyhole, blinking occasionally.

The meaning was now seemingly undeniable. Colt interpreted it as a defense Logan had; a sense that someone or something was watching him. "The coast isn't as clear as we may think, Alden. Let's make sure we use some serious common sense here, alright?"

"Yeah man," Alden replied, still watching through the binoculars.

Colt gazed into the partly cloudy sky, predicting another good hour of sunlight still left.

Alden quickly pulled down the binoculars, "Follow Chevy Chase Drive here, it'll eventually blend into East Chevy Chase Drive."

Colt didn't say a word, feeling his competitive fire inside reach new heights, and sensing that Logan already had knowledge of his presence. With an attempt to confirm that theory, he touched Belinda's paper again, trying to enter Logan's vehicle and sit in his back seat once more. In a dangerous maneuver, he closed his left eye and kept the right one open.

The dual task started to seamlessly come to fruition. He continued to drive as he put himself into Logan's back seat again. With intent to crouch and hide, he glanced into the rear view mirror, noticing Logan's eyes consistently shifting to see behind his vehicle.

Within that paranormal realm, Colt turned and reentered the space with Alden, opening his left eye once again. Just then, Alden spoke emphatically, "Take a left here!" Colt agreed without hesitating, noticing they turned onto a more residential street. Both men suddenly realized there was only one lone car that separated them from Logan; Colt tapped on the brakes as a result.

"Take a left," Alden continued, "and then a quick right onto....onto Boynton Street." Colt smoothly turned right onto Boynton Street, feeling as though there would be a stop by Logan at some point. With the other car still being utilized as a buffer, they both watched the separating car's brakes illuminate and the purple car turn left into a driveway, nearly one block ahead.

Colt could then feel his lungs inhale, gathering a much needed second wind. He abruptly pulled over to the side of the road and put on the binoculars again. "You see anything Alden?"

"Not really, all I see is an apartment complex....dude look at the height on that building where his car turned."

Colt replied, "It could be a trap, he don't own no property here....at least I don't think."

"It could be that clown friend's place he was talking to in the parking lot."

"Yeah....that's possible Alden. Just stay on your toes with this guy!"

"What do you want to do?" Alden asked.

Colt put the top down on the convertible. "Let's work each side of the building. We'll approach on foot from here."

Alden nodded, snatching his gun from the console before exiting the vehicle. Colt followed, driving the Desert Eagle into the back of his waist. Moments later, Colt pulled the two radios from his hockey bag, handing one over to Alden. "Take this shit, run off of channel W."

"Roger."

Both men set up their respective radios and then Colt took the opposite sidewalk as Alden. In the pensive walk, Colt thought of Eric, knowing Jesse was at his home with him. He then prayed to himself, asking God for forgiveness, begging for a favorable outcome to his and Alden's uncertain endeavor.

As they approached within two houses of the apartment complex, Alden took to the radio. "I don't see the car on this side. It must be a wrap around, because there are two little alley-like roads, one on each side."

Cold radioed back, "Got it. You take the right one, I'll take the left."

Both men agreed to then separate, eyeing the exact narrow streets they had agreed upon. As Boynton Street started to incline, the front of the structure was visually apparent. It revealed a brown and white stucco three-story building with carport slips tucked into the first level, under shade.

At the front sidewalk, Colt took a last look at Alden, noticing he was about ten feet above him, due to the hill's incline. With a mere nod, both made for their respective roads; Colt now sliding the elongated Desert Eagle near his right hip. The stroll was slow and deliberate while both men searched the windows and cars parked within the area.

Seconds afterwards, Colt could see the purple vehicle parked in the rear, backed into a spot with its hood facing out. "I got a visual on the car, Alden."

"Where?"

"It's in the back....I can't see if he's in it though."

Alden glanced down the narrow road, still making for the rear of the expansive complex. "Roger Colt. I'll be there within a minute."

Colt then felt his tablet start to vibrate while keeping his head on a swivel and his hand on the Desert Eagle, anticipating anything.

Suddenly, Alden came in again over the radio. "Oh cool, some kid must be fucking with me."

"Huh?" Colt asked.

"You know those kickass, remote control nitro RC cars?"

Colt suddenly swallowed, touching the paper in his left pocket. After seeing a remote control in Logan's hands, he clicked the radio's trigger, panicking. "Get out of there, it's Logan's!"

"What? Ouch....fuck!" Alden yelled.

Colt started to sprint back to Boynton Street, clicking the radio's trigger. "What, Alden?"

"It shot a dart at me man! It hit me in the calf....hurry up and get over here!"

Colt ripped the handgun from his waist and clicked the safety; now bolting around the front towards the narrow street Alden was located. As he pulled around the corner, he could see Alden from a distance, collapsing against the wall of the apartment complex.

In the middle of the narrow road, the remote controlled car started to approach. Colt immediately pointed the handgun, discharging two near silent rounds at its front. Within seconds, the untouched machine darted ahead, shooting out another projectile that instantly started to widen as it became closer.

Colt immediately felt his body constricted within a clear net, one that felt like a web of fishing line. As he struggled to move his arms, his eyes followed a figure running from behind a large tree and making for the rear parking lot. While still In the middle of the road, he squeezed the radio's communication button. "Alden, are you O.K.?"

In a fragmented murmur, Alden tried his best to respond. "No....I'm so tired man....help!"

As Colt finally ripped his right arm up, the purple vehicle appeared from around the corner, accelerating quickly past Alden. Time ceased to move as Colt's eyes met Logan's. He then pointed the barrel at the purple blur, firing two additional bullets into the windshield.

Within a split second, he could see Logan shift his body sideways, lying along the front seat as the car continued forward. Colt instantly tried to move laterally, but couldn't. He then bent his knees and leaped up, grazing the hood with his feet before slamming through the windshield, and finally landing onto the front seat.

The impact was brutal; while still in the air, massive shards of glass started to rain down on him as his body laid awkwardly on top of Logan. In a hazy state of mind, he squeezed his right hand, feeling the handgun was now gone. A strong hand suddenly pushed him against the passenger door, with his body still trapped in the netting.

As Logan finally pulled up his clownish painted face, Colt took a second to realize his hand was now over his head; right before a vicious swing that automatically faded everything to black.

#  Chapter 30

Colt listened to a distant reverberating voice that said, "Do you see me when you dream....when you fantasize, Colt?" The horizontal slits of light revealed a shadow pass in front, just before he felt a punch slam across his face. He then heard his own voice emit an agonizing moan, sounding as if it was underwater and drowned out. Moments later, the sharp pain of a blade ran across his scalp, directly behind his right ear.

"Oooh....A little GPS tracker," the voice spoke again, "you won't be needing this anymore." The sounds of vicious slamming, as if a hammer was smashing something, then echoed about his head.

Nostrils burning from a chemical then followed, with his eyes suddenly opening up to a woman's face thereafter, just inches from his. "There you go," she said in a male voice, "now you can talk your shit Colt. Isn't that what you like to do?"

For a time, Colt studied the face; suddenly remembering it from his jailhouse dream with Keller, from his visions with Asha. "I know you," Colt slurred, feeling sickly.

The made-up face pulled back slightly, smiling with yellow teeth. "Oh, you know me, huh? I know you've seen me in person before....but you've also seen me in your mind, am I right Colt?"

Colt nodded, feeling his eyes shift back and forth in a much slower speed than normal. "You're....Logan." Just then, a child appeared next to the woman with eyes looking as though they had cried recently.

"You're right Colt, I am Logan. Have you met Alex? He's a real charming little boy!"

Colt stared into the boy's face, finally attaching the dark hair to the boy affiliated with Logan.

"Let him....go....Lager." A hand suddenly slapped across his face, leaving an intense burning sensation on his left cheek.

"Lager....only my friends call me that, Colty. You're a long way from being one of those!" A hollow silence followed for some seconds, then Logan resumed. "Keller called me Lager....he was my friend! You remember him, don't you?"

Colt nodded slightly, before feeling his hair rip his head up. "What's that? I didn't get your response!"

"Yeah....I'm sorry for that." Colt responded, watching Logan shift his feminine body to an erect position.

"Not as sorry as you think you'll be! You took away my best friend in the whole world. You tortured the poor man before you killed him....and then you had enough audacity to burn him in his own home....wow, that's pretty cruel! Wouldn't you say so yourself, Colt?"

"Yes, but he killed Taylor....you killed Taylor!"

"Oh, your precious daughter; well Colt, sometimes life has that eye for an eye mentality. You remember, you came at me first....I just returned the favor tenfold."

"Where's Alden?"

Logan rolled his fingers through the little boy's hair, sliding them down his face. "Alden is in a lot of pain mister. You'll probably never know how much.... because neither of you fucks will make it through this! It's just going to be a dark nightmare that you never laid down on your bed to materialize!"

Colt took in his environment, the dilapidated interior with mold growing on the walls. He tried to pull up his restrained arms, glancing down at the ropes that constricted his movement.

Logan then stuck his left hand behind Colt's right ear, tearing into what felt like an open wound.

"Ahhh....what the fuck!" Colt yelled.

Logan pulled his left hand back slowly, rubbing Colt's own blood onto his face. "Oh, that's just your tracker wound. I'm sorry to say, but your location is officially a big question mark!"

Colt's right index and middle fingers suddenly touched his front right pocket, feeling Alden's metal wedding band still inside. "You....emit whispers Logan. If you....kill me....you'll be dead....I virtually guarantee it. If you let Alex and me go....I'll....make sure you live."

Logan pasted a diabolical smile across his face, the red lipstick contrasting against his uneven teeth. "Let me live. That's the funniest thing I've heard all day! You're in a pretty precarious position to be making bold statements like that, Colt."

"Just do what I said....and everything will be fine," Colt whispered.

Logan viciously grasped under Colt's jaw, squeezing as hard as he could. "You don't tell me what to do Colt! You don't know what you're fucking with when it comes to me! You're maybe some hot shot fuck, in your illegal career of murdering people....but you'll never stick an order in my head again! You understand?"

Colt nodded, feeling his face severely compressed.

"Now," Logan continued, letting go of Colt's face, "I'm going to have Alex here get to know you a little better." Through a indistinct focus, he watched Logan clasp the boy's right hand, and then felt the child's nails scrape across his face.

"Do it again," Logan commanded the boy, who looked bewildered.

Colt then felt another slashing across his other cheek, fully assisted by Logan. "I'm sorry to say this Colt, but you're soon going to be a primary suspect of a child, who unfortunately had a fatal ending to his young life....don't you just love DNA technology? You know, skin cells under the nails....a little boy fighting for his life before his demise. It's all in good fun! And it will be a fabulous legacy to leave behind for your son Eric."

"You're sick Logan! You said you were going to kill me. How can I be charged with a boy's murder, if I'm dead?"

"Oh you won't be charged. Your body will never be found, but your DNA will still be under his nails. The investigators will eventually uncover your identity from that part alone. Now you're the sick fuck Colt! You're the one who killed the kids in southern California! And then ditched the country for a sanctuary elsewhere. All the while, leaving poor Eric behind to fend for himself."

"You'll never be able to....pull that off," Colt warned.

Logan moved his face into Colt's; his wicked brown eyes staring again into Colt's. "Tonight is going to be you and Alejandro's special night. It's gonna be double the fun for ole Log's. You know....if you didn't frame me up to take the fall for Baron Phelps, we could have been good friends. Two guys who have similar powers....eventually hooking up from a network of paranormal highways....ones that are paved inside our crazy minds!"

"Yeah, that would have been really great," Colt remarked, "the problem is I don't deal with pedophiles; I planned to kill them. So you would have had the same ending you say I'm going to have....especially if I would have found out about you."

Logan's thin lips compressed. "It seems as though your little friend Asha was trying to warn you of me before my remote controlled car went and surprised you and your friend Alden. Oh Colt....sometimes I would just daydream about you. Think about when this particular day would come. You know, I knew you saw me with little Belinda up there in Bakersfield. She was such an innocent little thing, don't you think? What a sweet girl! You'll probably take the rap for her murder and kidnapping as well. They tend to just lump these child killings together, and blame one guy for them, especially in a specific region. That's just too bad, Colt. I'm sure you would like to leave this earth on better terms than that, right?"

Colt replied, "Whatever Logan....you do what you want; but you'll face your maker on your judgment day. Then you'll have one of your wigs ripped off and have to figure out why you're being dragged to hell by your hair."

Logan then started to dump a large quantity of powder into his right palm. "Hey Colt, have you ever heard of scopolamine?"

Colt tried to review his brain then remembered the name was attributed to a powerful drug out of South America. "No," he answered.

"Well Colt, I hope you don't mind shitting and pissing yourself when you're rendered unconscious for the next 24 hours. A Colombian friend of mine gave me some of it....just a little while back. Who knows, maybe you'll have some wild hallucinations of riding on unicorns through misty rain forests, or something. I bet you'd like that shit, huh?"

Colt tried to keep his focus as Logan tilted down toward him again, with his hand now cupped under his mouth. Before he blew the powder, he spoke with an evil grin. "Now don't go croaking on me! We still have a little bit of fun to have when I get back."

Colt then tried to hold his breath as Logan blew the large mound of the drug into his face until the light suddenly evaporated again.

Fourteen hours later, another burning sensation drifted through Colt's nostrils that was accompanied by a slicing around his wrists. In what felt like a dream, a voice suddenly became audible. "And I'm gonna cut these ropes off you Colt, so we can get the hell out of here!"

With an imaginary weight on top of his brain, Colt managed to partially open his eyes. A fuzzy looking face, that couldn't be fully discerned, suddenly became apparent. "Who are you?" he slurred.

"It's me, man....Jack!"

Colt's vision incrementally started to improve, his eyes trying to identify his location. "Where am I?"

Jack bent down; cutting the ropes that bound his ankles together. "We're in northeast L.A. Colt! Just off of Division Street. We have to hurry, can you walk?"

Colt glanced down at his urine-soaked shorts, and then his feet. "I don't know man....just help me get out of this....chair."

Jack sunk his forearms under Colt's armpits and pulled him to his feet. For a moment, the room spun out of control, the haze turned into a dizzying blur. "I'm hurtin' dude just help me walk outa here."

Jack took a second to hug Colt, holding him up while he whispered. "It's gonna be O.K. man....we just have to leave now. You have to dig down deep Colt, and help me."

A dark object then caught Colt's eye, which allowed him to focus while the blurry vortex subsided. "Alright, let's walk."

Jack nodded, setting Colt's left arm over his upper back, gradually making for the dank building's exit. After inhaling a better quality of air, Colt could suddenly see a late afternoon sun shining through a dirty window.

As both men stepped over the old wood and garbage debris, they finally made it to a tattered door, with spray painted warnings covering the interior. Jack immediately opened it to a bright environment, one that virtually incapacitated Colt's initial vision. After three blinding steps to the grass below, Jack picked up their pace to his vehicle, now a short 10 feet away.

Just as the passenger door touched Colt's right hand, Jack set his body gently into the seat. Seconds thereafter, the painful atrophy in his legs barely allowed Colt to lift them onto the car's floor. In that snippet of bewilderment and shock, he eventually heard the door slam and the car's temperature rise.

Jack then entered in a hasty fashion, quickly handing Colt a pair of sunglasses. "Here man, wear these."

Colt managed to take the glasses with his eyes still closed, knowing it was going to be his only chance at seeing anything. "Thanks buddy, I owe you big time!"

Jack tapped the ignition button and reversed the vehicle to Isabel Drive.

Within a minute, Colt could feel relief as he slowly opened his eyes to a passing world ahead. He finally glanced at Jack with a three day old beard then realized he was extremely hungry. "What just happened?"

Jack's face pulled back to the road, after taking in Colt's overall health. "You got in some trouble Colt. You were kidnapped and it looks like, tortured."

With eyes widening, Colt stared at his arms and legs, the fresh cuts that looked like a knife blade had generously ran across his skin. "How did you find me?"

Jack merely used his eyes to look at Colt, keeping his face forward. "I tuned into you, Colt. But your GPS had been partially tracked by Jesse and relayed back to Mr. Morgan and me, just before it abruptly went out. I was able to work from this general location, and then I picked up your strong energy."

"Where's Alden?" Colt asked.

Jack shook his head. "I don't know Colt....are you picking up any sense of where he's at?"

Colt touched his pocket, still feeling Alden's wedding band deep inside. "I've got his ring in my pocket, see if you can tune into it." Colt then dug his sore fingers into the pocket and handed Jack the golden band.

Jack pulled over for a moment to close his eyes and study the jewelry. The sights of an open space in the middle of a heavily wooded area, spun inside his head. "He's in the woods somewhere."

"No shit?" Colt murmured.

Jack then pressed his eyelids down harder, attempting to pull the details out. "I'm getting the word Topanga....and Tuna....whatever the fuck that means. Here, take it and see if you can glean anything."

Colt held the ring and then set it on his right thigh before speaking. "Boynton....can you take me to Boynton Street, so I can get my hockey bag, Alden's bag?"

Jack touched his vehicle's internal GPS and typed in the word Boynton Street. Within a short moment, he turned to Colt, "The Glendale Boynton Street?"

"Yeah man....off of Chevy Chase Drive."

Jack pulled over once more and ran a specific search with a company tablet. A minute later, he glanced over to Colt. "I got it. Mr. Morgan had a tracker put on that vehicle before he let you guys have it. It's still there Colt....it's between East Palmer Avenue and East Cypress Street. I'll head over there right now, but I don't think you're in any condition to drive, man."

"No man....I don't know if I can drive. I just want to get those bags out of there. I think I even stashed my wallet in the big one."

Jack nodded, spinning the wheel for a U-turn then heading for Boynton Street in Glendale.

Colt eventually grabbed Alden's ring after struggling to put on his seat belt. Instant visions of a lone cabin in the woods started to rush quickly through his mind. Without a seamless ability to zoom in, he watched from afar, and saw an unlatched screen door drift aimlessly in the soft breeze. He then moved his sight to the right and witnessed a sun-kissed opening in the forest with a dark hole, directly in the center.

Colt then spoke aloud. "You're right I'm feeling a woods thing. But I don't see him and I don't know if he's alive." Just then, a massive whiplash jolted both of their heads backwards! With his sunglasses hitting the passenger floor, Colt quickly put them back on his face and turned, hearing bullets whizzing by his face.

After naturally crouching down, he could see Jack in a half speed, reaching for a handgun in his waist. In a panicked acceleration, Jack attempted to navigate the residential streets at high speeds. As he looked up to the rear view mirror, he witnessed an angry clown's face with eyes squinting through a blown out, back window.

Colt immediately came alive, snatching the handgun from Jack. "Just drive, Jack! I'll see if I can take him out from here."

"Yeah, take it," Jack answered, while still trying to lose the other vehicle that was aggressively closing in.

Colt then quickly pulled down the passenger window, trying to keep his body out of harm's way. With his left hand, he managed to point the barrel with some degree of accuracy, at the blue car behind them. As he squeezed off two rounds, the white face behind them weaved, following the erratic path of the car in an avoidance tactic. Colt instantly fired off two more rounds at the windshield, watching it explode into the man's face, however, the racing vehicle never slowed; it still maintained its frenetic tempo while still giving chase.

Colt then aimed at the front right tire and squeezed off two more rounds, hitting the rubber to disable the rushing car.

Jack witnessed the blue car suddenly decelerate from the rear view mirror. "He's fucked. I'm gonna pull up and set the car sideways in the street here. See if you can get my sniper rifle from the back seat, Colt!"

As Colt's eyes stared back at the blue car, he suddenly saw the clown exit the vehicle and start to fire several rounds towards the back window. One half second later, the spray of warm blood peppered his face, as Jack's head absorbed a bullet. It took a trillion years for his eyes to then blink, questioning if Jack was dead? He then questioned whether the entire rescue sequence with Jack was possibly a nightmare or a hallucination Logan had warned him about?

While crouching in total fear, Colt instinctively unlocked the magazine in the pistol and took a visual inventory of the ammunition still remaining. As the dreamy scenario unfolded more, he peeked over the front seat and watched as the clown started to walk toward Jack's vehicle; laughing intermittently, through inaudible words.

Colt hastily exited the passenger door, firing off three more rounds in the clown's vicinity, all inaccurate due to his poor health state. He then hobbled to the front of the car and crouched again, peeking around the front left bumper. Another two bullets streamed by the top of his head that were immediately followed by a clicking sound.

Colt knew that, regardless of his marginalized condition, that particular sound was similar to an alarm in a gunfight. A fairly safe sign to rise up from a covered position, that is, if you still have ammunition inside your weapon. He did just that, knowing he had one bullet left in the chamber.

As he stood up, he could see Logan's sick stare from the middle of the street, nearly thirty yards behind Jack's vehicle. Colt yelled, "I got you bitch! Don't fuckin' move, or I'll drive as many as I can into you."

Logan tilted his head slightly, backing up in the meantime. "You don't have that kind of accuracy, Colt. You're still fucked up!"

Suddenly, the sounds of sirens started to wail throughout the neighborhood. Logan then spread out his arms, condescendingly. "I'll see you a little later, Colt."

Colt tried hard to keep his barrel from shaking, nerves strained. "It ain't over Logan....oh you'll see me again." He could then see Logan nodding with a smile, before quickly entering his blue car and speeding off.

He then took a second to glance at Jack, taking in his friend's untimely death, and hearing the sirens become louder in the distance. The handgun immediately entered his waist before he mustered enough energy to walk along an adjacent alley, behind a block of homes. With several driveways lining the side of the narrow roadway, he stared at a yellow garage prior to walking up to see if any cars were inside.

His eyes peered into one of the six glass squares that ran horizontally along the two-stall door. After twisting his head back toward Jack's car, he briefly watched emergency vehicles enter the scene; a violent scene that was now nearly 50 yards away. He quickly turned back to see his reflection, noticing the blood spatter that covered the right side of his face.

In as stealthy a manner as possible, he approached the home that was affiliated with the yellow garage, trying to spot a water tap on the siding somewhere. His eyes felt sore; the pain in the muscles shot into his head with every shift. He quickly approached the wood-sided home, finally finding a hose attached to a faucet.

In that moment, he turned the valve left and listened as water flowed through the hose. Pronounced voices then started to become more audible from the direction of Jack's vehicle. He promptly washed his face, arms, and hands thoroughly before shutting off the valve and making for the alleyway again.

In the slow taxing stroll that took him away from the scene, he attempted to clear his mind, and tried to make sense of the recent past. The hilly terrain suddenly became more profound as the neighborhood opened up. It seemed as though each passing step suddenly felt like a chore. Emotionally and physically, he knew he was beyond drained.

The drug Logan blew into his face still swirled about his brain, leaving a hangover effect and a pounding headache; pain the blazing sun seemed to enhance. At the top of a rolling group of hills, he spotted a small palm tree. The top seemed bushy with abundant shade underneath. After feeling the sting of sweat enter his leg wounds, he finally made it to the top and under the tree.

After briefly glancing around, Colt sat, taking in the semi-rural area that revealed homes scattered throughout the hills below. He then quickly piled the dead palm foliage under his legs, and then his upper body, where his head would lay. After lying back in a partially horizontal position, he closed his eyes, trying to imagine Eric and what he was doing at that very moment.

Eleven hours later, he awoke to the abrupt sound of a pickup truck horn and headlights in his face. The palm tree he was under was set just off a sandy, dead end road; one he never realized earlier in his afternoon haze. Before the driver exited, he glanced to his left, seeing the dawn sky starting to change colors.

The voice then yelled, "What the hell are you doing?"

Colt shook off the grogginess and lifted his left hand. "I'm sorry....am I on your property?"

"No. But you need to get the fuck out of here!"

Colt watched the man approach and set his hand on the pistol in his waist.

"Did you hear me son?" the man asked?

Colt glanced up; unable to fully read the man's facial features, but knew he was older. "I need a ride sir....a ride to Boynton Street in Glendale. Is that possible?"

The elderly man knelt down, taking in Colt's rough appearing body. "Boy you sure do need a ride. You look like hell, son! Go ahead and get in the truck."

Colt hopped to his feet, feeling much more energetic, despite being chilled to the bone, "Thank you sir."

They both entered the vehicle at the same time, the man now glancing over to Colt. "Boynton Street let me set that in my GPS here and see if we can get you there."

Colt took in the man's demeanor, hoping he didn't have any ulterior motives in assisting him. "I want to thank you for helping me! It's a long story, and I know it looks weird."

The man grinned, glancing over at Colt just before he did a U-turn at the dead end. "I got some time to listen, try me."

Colt touched the gun that was protruding under his shirt, knowing he had to make up a lie. "I was at a party and things got a little out of control...."

"You can call me Gerald, what's your name?"

"Terry....anyway, I got really drunk, and I think I got really scratched up from all the fences and bushes....you know, weird shit like that."

Gerald twisted his face, chuckling. "Wow, it must have been some party! But that kind of stuff happens all the time here in L.A., so it doesn't surprise me."

"Yeah, I must have passed out under that palm tree back there. But I don't remember much before that."

Suddenly, Gerald started speeding north on South Glendale Avenue, creating a leery feeling in Colt. "Don't worry," Gerald said smiling, "I'm just heading to work this morning, so I'm kind of in a hurry."

Colt nodded, still touching the gun under his shirt. "It's O.K. Gerald. I'm kind of in a hurry too." His eyes then shifted to the dashboard's digital clock that read 4:57 A.M. As another minute passed, the silence in the cab prompted him to think of Eric again, and then Alden.

The truck abruptly slowed to a stop, at the corner of East Cypress Street and Boynton Street. "Well," Gerald said, "here you are. Boynton looks to be a fairly short street, so I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for....I'm certain it's on that little stretch down there."

Colt then felt his kindness, his unassuming demeanor shine through. "What's your last name Gerald? May I ask?"

Gerald nonchalantly wet his lips before responding. "I don't like to divulge information like that, but you seem like a normal guy. It's Peterson."

"Alright then Gerald Peterson, are you out of northeast L.A., back there?"

Gerald replied, "Yes sir, I have been, for the last forty some years."

"Are you in the book?"

"Yes sir."

"Good deal, I'm going to repay you for this ride, Mr. Peterson. You'll probably see me again one of these days. Don't worry I'll take care of you real nicely."

"You don't have to pay me anything, Terry."

"Oh, yeah I do. And I'm going to, Gerald. You've been a real gentleman with me. I don't forget that sort of kindness....thank you again."

"No problem Terry, take care."

Colt nodded, glancing in the man's warm blue eyes, before exiting the truck. In the distance, the convertible Mr. Morgan arranged for Alden and he to use was still parked in the same spot he'd left it at, just two days earlier. He quickly assessed the neighborhood, noticing only one light on, two homes to the north.

At the driver's door, he pulled the handle, feeling it locked. His eyes then peered through the window and noticed that Alden had locked the passenger door, as well. He promptly pulled off his shirt and rolled it around his right hand, making a fist. Seconds later, he punched in the window, shattering it with a minimal amount of noise.

With a new-found sense of urgency, Colt entered the front seat that was covered in fragmented glass. He then reached for his hockey bag in the back. Inside, he pulled his wallet and scanned the various weapons he and Alden had brought that particular day. Just then, he remembered Mr. Morgan always had a spare remote key under the front seat; his hand then reached down to confirm its existence.

After he pushed the key button, he suddenly noticed some additional lights illuminating from various homes in the vicinity, which created a nervousness to immediately flee the area. He finally pushed the ignition button and promptly headed home to Eric and Jesse.

One hour later, he twisted the valve off on a steamy shower and quickly dressed to speak with a frantic Jesse, who was awaiting his arrival in the backyard. As he approached her sitting at the glass table with a steaming cup of tea, he watched her staring toward the valley.

"Jesse," he said softly.

She had tears rolling down her cheeks; her eyes were an open window of perplexity. "What's going on Colt?"

He swallowed, bending down to embrace her for a moment. "A lot of things happened the last couple of days, Jess, a lot of bad stuff."

Her sad eyes then turned serious. "Where's Alden?"

The pain of that question pierced through his heart like a glowing orange spear. "I don't know, but I'm going to find out today. Listen Jess, this Logan dude is crazy! If it wasn't for Jack, I'd probably be dead right now."

She touched her face with a tissue, "Yeah Jack....he is dead Colt, right?"

He nodded, and then shook his head. "Yeah Jess, I'm so fucked up over that....I can't even put it into words. He was one of my best friends, and no one knows how bad that hurts."

"Have you talked to Mr. Morgan?" she asked.

"No. But I'm sure I will soon."

Jesse then looked at Colt, knowing how hard Mr. Morgan was going to take the news that Jack was dead. "He laid it on the line for me," Colt resumed, "he literally rescued me Jesse....it's that clown, that rotten fucking Logan who's trying to steamroll all of us....and so far, he's winning."

Colt pulled back for a time, gazing at the city before another fresh day. "Dammit that pisses me off....that this fuck is rolling on us like this! I can't let that shit happen any longer! That motherfucker is gonna is be in the hurt bag, as soon as I can get him in there....no police, just us!"

Jesse then appeared frightened. "He's dangerous Colt, and you've got to find Alden....find out if he's dead or alive."

Colt considered Jesse for a moment, wishing Amanda was sitting right next to her. "You're a great wife Jess! Alden's a lucky man and I'm gonna bring him back to you....don't worry dear."

"Is there anything I can do for you Colt?"

His eyes studied the backyard for a second. "Yes....yeah there is."

"Alright, what do you need?"

"I have some money in the house. I'm going to give you $10,000 dollars; out of that, I need you to drop off $5,000 at Gerald Peterson's house in northeast L.A. You'll just tell him it's from Terry, and make sure he takes it. Don't accept no for an answer! The other $5,000 is for you, for helping with Eric the last couple of days. Just reset and go shopping or something while he's at school today, and then get yourself something nice. You need to trust that I'll make everything right Jess, because I will. Please, whatever you do, try not to stress out about this. I'm sorry, I know that's a lot to ask."

Her worn out face looked at him. "Did he torture you?"

Colt stared at the cuts all over his body, and felt the pain in his face from being punched countless times, "Yeah, kind of. But I'm a big boy....if I can dish out the pain, I sure as shit better be able to take it! You know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I hear ya Colt. Just bring Alden back to me....please Colt!"

He stared into her weary eyes for a moment, imagining Amanda saying the identical thing to Alden, if he were in that very same position. "I'll get it taken care of, no more fuck ups. I promise!"

Eric suddenly appeared at the French doors, rubbing his eyes in the early six o'clock hour, "Hi Dad! Where have you been?"

Colt rushed up to hold him, remembering the many thoughts he had of Eric, worried about his well-being. "I've been doing some business, son. I've missed you so much Eric! But I need you to be patient with dad, listen to Jesse....you hear what I'm saying?"

"Yeah Dad; I've been thinking about our trip a little bit. Can we go to Australia for about three weeks and then stay in New Dehli for a week, on the way back?"

"Absolutely Eric, that sounds terrific! I'm going to be thinking about that trip, from now until we go. I'll tell you what, as soon as I get some business taken care of, you and I can buy that trip together....and customize it any way you want. Would you like that?"

"Yeah....I can't wait to do it! I've even told some kids at school....that we're going on a big trip this summer." Eric then glanced at his father's overall condition. "Why do you have all those scratches, and your face Dad, what happened?"

"It was a little accident I got in....I'll explain it to you later. But I'm O.K. Eric."

"Kind of like your New Dehli accident?" Eric asked.

"Yeah, kind of like that." Colt glanced into Eric's blue eyes that suddenly looked the same as his. "Just remember I love you son....I always will."

"I love you too, Dad. I have to go take a shower now....will I see you tonight?"

"I hope so. But if you don't, again, make sure you listen to Jesse here. And I won't be too long, whatever I do."

"O.K. Dad, I'll see ya later."

"Alright Eric, have a good day at school bud." As Eric turned, Colt could feel his stomach tie itself into knots, worried that it could truly be their last time together. He watched Eric enter the house and make for the bathroom, holding his clothes for a new day.

In hasty fashion, he turned back to Jesse, thinking of Alden. "I've got to go Jess. I want to thank you again for all the things you do around here. You're a great friend!"

"It's O.K. Colt, I'll take care of that Gerald Peterson thing, and get Eric off to school. Keep me posted if you would, alright?"

"For sure....goodbye Jess."

"Bye Colt, be careful."

He then walked around the house to the driveway, and quickly entered the convertible. As he exited, he glanced at the very edge Taylor had apparently fell from when she died. The only face he could then see was Logan's, a nemesis that was as dangerous as himself, perhaps more.

With Alden's company tablet pulled from his duffel bag, he quickly unfolded it twelve times and then called Mr. Morgan without hesitation. As the seconds passed he tried to articulate within his mind, how he would reveal the news of Jack's death, if he didn't already know.

With a stoic face, Mr. Morgan finally appeared on the screen. "Colt, you're alive?"

Immediately, Colt knew Mr. Morgan was aware of Jack's passing. "Yeah, I'm really sorry about Jack....he saved my life, Mr. Morgan! I owe that man everything....and now he's gone!"

Mr. Morgan's eyes began to well up, something Colt had only seen once before, when they found Ravi's body together. "I know, Colt. I know....it's been really difficult since we got word yesterday."

"Who told you?" Colt sadly asked.

"His family; he kept his existence so encrypted, the police would never be able to open up his digital life. He was an absolute expert at cloaking himself....but you already knew that Colt. The true friend he was and what he did for us, the entire company....will never be forgotten."

Colt exhaled, knowing he didn't know about Alden yet. "Mr. Morgan, I'm dealing with a formidable foe! A guy that's a very difficult takedown....this is the reason we lost Jack, not because he wasn't being professional....he was."

"We're family Colt, we always will be. We'll get through it like a family does. I know you have some business to take care of....do you need any reinforcements?"

"No....and I know that may sound selfish, maybe crazy considering the adversary I'm up against. But I need to dispatch this evil myself, perhaps with Alden."

"Alden's off the GPS tracking system! Is there a problem with his implant?"

"Yeah, I'll explain everything to you later, Mr. Morgan....I promise."

"O.K. Colt. I trust you'll do what you need to. We'll see you at the funeral, right?"

"Of course, I would never miss that."

"Good, Colt. I'll see you later then, take care of yourself."

"Bye Mr. Morgan....and again, I'm really sorry about Jack."

"I know, bye."

Colt tapped the end button, staring at his own eyes in the rear view mirror. "It's officially on," he spoke aloud, "you know that, and so do I Logan! You ain't taking my friends like that....and then think you can just ride into the sunset." He then looked back at the road, silently thanking God for Jack allowing him to live another day.

His refreshed eyes watched his right index finger tap the GPS map in the dashboard, zooming in on the word Topanga, before the word Tuna caught his eye. He immediately pulled over, staring at the digital map for a time. "Jack said Topanga and then Tuna," he said aloud, "it reads that Tuna Canyon Park is between Santa Monica and Malibu, just off the PCH highway."

His mouth stayed open for a moment, staring at the distance between Tuna Canyon Park and Topanga State Park. "That's it," he resumed aloud, "that's where you're at, Alden....I'm coming for you buddy, just hang on man!" Colt immediately jammed down on the accelerator, hoping and praying that Alden was alive.

After turning right from Mulholland Drive, he turned southbound onto North Topanga Canyon Boulevard. In the elongated drive through twists and turns of varying heights, he pulled Alden's ring from his fresh khaki shorts pocket. As he slid it over his index finger, the same images of a cabin played like a video in his head. He then followed the vision to the same depression in the earth, a large hole of sorts.

As he passed by, a fog-shrouded dirt road could be seen in the distance. He then forced himself to follow the vision, while his car still motored down the mountainous street. For some seconds, it felt as though he was driving down two different roads; one dirt and one paved. He then rubbed the gold with his thumb, attempting to pull additional energy from Alden's presence.

At the top of the slope, an intersecting road occurred. His eyes shifted up in his mind, reading Everdin Mt Way on the road he chose, and Skyhawk Lane as the intersecting road. He immediately pulled over again, rapidly punching the intersection into the GPS system.

The moment was suddenly filled with excitement and fear, seemingly intertwined into one ball of anxiety. In the near distance, a front of ominous clouds was quickly approaching from the Pacific coastline. It was confirming an eerie vision of fog emerging from the ocean.

After passing over another hill, the valleys in the distance looked to be overtaken by a watery mist, all accompanying low lying clouds; although a blue sky still peeked through. In what was now a silent plea, he asked Amanda and Taylor to accompany him on the unknown journey, also knowing a feeling of comfort would soon follow.

Several minutes later, visions of Alden started to swirl within his mind. He eventually slipped the gold wedding band over his right ring finger; affixing it to his body, to maximize the stream of visuals that could assist him. Just then, a long line of headlights started to approach from a rolling landscape below.

Within a matter of seconds, Colt touched the windshield wipers button and suddenly felt a sense of evil pass by. His eyes immediately shifted to the side mirror, seeing a dark red pickup truck heading in the other direction. _Was that Logan_? He thought. _Was_ _that Alden with him?_

His mind then instantly tried to pull up the cabin again, and then the open clearing with the massive hole in the ground, still feeling Alden's presence in the area. With that faith-filled knowledge, he resumed forward, retracting the convertible top from the spray of water now entering the interior. The navigation system then required a right turn, advancing him into a more rural scene of gravel roads and hairpin turns.

Thirty five minutes later, Colt stared through fog at the same intersection he had pictured earlier. Alden's energy was now as strong as it had been since leaving his home earlier in the morning. He then followed Everdin Road down a steep slope that twisted left at the bottom, a valley of thick fog now hovering.

From the hockey bag, he pulled his second standard issued firearm, one that Mr. Morgan had always required all his representatives to carry. With conviction, he slammed a full magazine into the handle and then snatched another as a reserve. From the sight of dry roads, he knew the mist hadn't reached that portion of the area. Nonetheless, the scene took on an eeriness that to the naked eye was somewhat disturbing.

As he continued on, he peered through the windshield for an opening, a driveway into a clearing. Moments later, a lone sign started to read Everdin Mt Way, instead of just Everdin Road. Immediately, his heart started to pump uncontrollably, knowing there was a true distinction between the two roads.

Another one hundred yards ahead, he saw the same driveway in his vision, one that entered an opening within a wooded area. For some seconds of pause, he merely idled his vehicle in the opening; pointing his headlights at the area to verify his vision. On a ridge in the distance, he suddenly spotted the dark brown cabin just inside the woods, but still visible from the opening.

His right foot then depressed the accelerator, while cautiously holding the handgun in his right hand. As he approached the foggy pit, the tail end of a thick serpent vanished into the opening. Instantly, his eyes widened before quickly exiting the vehicle to investigate further.

In the bizarre stroll forward, he could faintly hear moans of pain from inside. After reaching the edge, he could then see Alden half way up the hole, with thousands of small snakes just two feet below, "Colt!" Alden said, terrified.

"I got you man, don't worry." Within a matter of seconds, the large snake he had just witnessed entering the hole, had bit Alden's lower leg and started wrapping its body around him. In the next split second, he realized it was Samil, Logan's massive snake that guarded his home from intruders.

"Ahhh....hurry, Colt! This fucker's gonna kill me!"

Colt immediately ran back to the car and grabbed a large buck knife and a coil of mountain climbing rope from his hockey bag. He immediately tied one end of the rope to the chassis under the vehicle, and then strung it out to the edge of the expansive hole.

Seconds later, he rappelled into the hole, just above the massive den of slithering snakes below. While standing on his left foot, he pointed the gun at the huge snake that was still wrapping around Alden.

"No! Colt....don't....shoot! You'll....kill me!"

Just then, Colt saw two smaller snakes lurch upward, biting into his lower leg and hanging from their teeth deep inside his skin. Through the instantaneous pain that followed, he continued around the lower rim of the twenty foot hole; now within feet of Alden and the intimidating snake. He then quickly ripped off the two smaller snakes from his leg, feeling his flesh tear as they flew into the pit of others below.

Without a second thought, he pulled the large knife from the leather sheath, glancing in Alden's fearful eyes beforehand. The thick snake had now reached its body above Alden's waist, attempting to constrict his every breath. Colt quickly identified the head that was still latched onto Alden's lower right leg.

He then watched the ultra-sharp blade drift through the fog and toward the snake's large head, almost as if he were dreaming. As he clasped his left hand around the snake's neck for leverage, it released and immediately clamped onto his left wrist. Colt naturally tried to pull back, staring into its sinister dark eyes in the meantime.

"Cut the head off," Alden said frantically.

Colt couldn't feel the pain of its enlarged fangs inside the bone of his lower arm. He instantly struck it just behind the head, and then drove the blade in deeper thereafter, hoping it would release. In that short moment, he could see Logan's face laughing at the vision he probably could see.

As the blood started to drain from his arm and the snakes neck, Colt began sawing back and forth, realizing Samil wasn't going to release. The blade's razor sharpness sliced through the serpent's flesh with ease. Seconds later, both friends watched in shock as its oversized body collapsed downward, spewing large quantities blood onto the other snakes below.

Colt immediately stuck the knife into the wall of dirt and painfully pried Samil's long fangs from deep within his arm. He then stared as the rest of Samil's long body naturally lessen its constriction around Alden before throwing his bloody head out of the hole, to the grassy ground above.

With stunned eyes, he spoke to Alden in pain. "Are you O.K. man?"

Alden's eyes looked completely horrified, still unwrapping Samil from his body. "No. I'm feeling like hell Colt! Just get us out of here man, please....I'm so messed up from this shit!"

Colt finally watched a headless Samil sink down to the den of snakes below. He then visually realized the bite marks Alden had sustained to his legs, while perilously hanging onto a large root halfway up the hole.

Colt quickly walked the lower rim again, feeling a snake thrust towards his left leg, missing its strike by inches. In an arduous ascent, he pulled himself to the top, cautiously gazing around with just his head above the upper rim. He finished pulling himself up after feeling satisfied in not seeing Logan anywhere.

His eyes immediately turned back to Alden, witnessing his exhaustion, the same fatigue he felt after Jack had rescued him. "I'm gonna get you out of here buddy, just hang on for a second."

Alden nodded, staring in disgust at the mass of green and black snakes slithering just three feet below.

After walking around to position himself directly above Alden, he dangled the rope in front of his face. "Wrap it around your right arm Alden, I'm gonna try and pull you up."

Alden couldn't speak; he merely followed Colt's instructions. Colt then quickly attempted to pull Alden up, struggling mightily to fully get him to the top. His eyes then turned back to the vehicle, realizing he needed its power. "Hang on Alden, I'm gonna pull you out with the car." Without any answer, he ran to the vehicle and immediately pushed the ignition button before setting the gear into reverse. As he continued backward, Alden felt his body randomly drag over towards the other side of the hole, watching in fear as several snakes lunged in his direction.

In that painful moment, he could see Colt's face in his mind; a friend who found him at death's door in the middle of nowhere. He then hung onto the top edge, knowing that if he fell into the snake pit, the innumerable bites that followed would be excruciatingly painful, and perhaps deadly. Alden finally let go on the damp grass, watching Colt exit the vehicle in haste.

"C'mon man," Colt said nervously, "let's get you into the car."

Alden unraveled the rope from his arm and attempted to stand upright, but fell from lack of energy.

Colt instantly lifted him to his feet and pulled him to the vehicle before setting him in the passenger seat. He then untied the rope from the car, snatched the large snake's head, and tossed both into the backseat after entering the vehicle. Alden appeared terrified. "Oh man, that was officially the worse experience of my life, Colt!"

With a highly cautious exit to the driveway, Colt drove onto the unpaved Everdin Mt Way road, watching as the fog drifted over the windshield. With his own blood coagulating around his left wrist, he gazed at the snake bite wounds on his legs, and then Alden's. "What happened back there man?"

Alden placed his head back onto the leather rest. "He tied me up in that cabin in the woods, and burned my chest with cigarettes....for like days, dude!"

Colt watched in shock as Alden pulled up his bloody shirt, which showed a mass of circular burns, surrounding his midsection. "Holy shit dude! That crazy bitch did that to you?"

"Yeah, that guy is seriously psychotic! He threw me in that snake den this morning, and said he had to leave for awhile. But when he got back, he said he knew I'd be dead....after he left Samil near the hole above me. You saved my shit man! That rotten pet snake of his was squeezing the life out of me!"

Colt suddenly remembered that evil feeling he had after seeing the long line of headlights, now certain it had been Logan who was passing by. He then looked at Alden, serious. "Damn Alden, your wife is freaking that you're gone. But first, we need to go to the hospital man, even though I don't want to. These disgusting snake bites are gonna get seriously infected if we don't....and that shit could mean death for both of us."

Alden swallowed, barely hearing what Colt had to say. "Yeah man, whatever. I just want to thank you for saving my sorry ass....Colt it was the most horrific shit I've ever been through! Like a nightmare that was live and up in my face, all the time."

Colt continued down the winding dirt roads, anticipating Logan to pass at any moment. "Just tilt the seat back Alden, and rest. If Logan drives some bullets through the window, they'll probably hit just me....I've got a handgun right here if you need it."

Alden finally felt the fear reach Colt, the guy who never considered the notion was now suddenly as plagued with it as he was; all from the unrelenting force that was Logan.

#  Chapter 31

Mr. Morgan's eyes took on a soft brown that accompanied whispers. "Did you know that Jack rushed back from Johannesburg on a vision, Colt? He saw you in a horrible state, and had to get back here to L.A. I fully authorized the trip, to get you out of there."

Colt then remembered Logan dressed as a female and blowing a powdered drug in his face, just before feeling Jack cut the ropes that had him tied to a chair. "I know, Mr. Morgan, Jack was a true friend....it was extremely difficult to bury him today. I know I can speak on behalf of Alden and Jesse in that regard, as well."

"Well, after what happened to Alden, I'm just glad both of you are alive and well."

It had been six days since the traumatic ordeal in the snake pit. Colt looked at the bandaged snake bite wound on his left wrist, and then up. "We're not finished Mr. Morgan....and you know I like to finish what I start."

Mr. Morgan touched the back of Colt's neck, swallowing down his apprehension. "This Logan, he has the same gift you have....that Jack had. Am I right?"

"Yeah, he can see things as well....that's what makes him so dangerous. It's his anticipation, his ability to counter my efforts, the noble efforts Jack sacrificed for me."

"I know you realize how much Jack meant to me, Colt. And with that being said, it means just as much to me, that you make this right; by extinguishing this problem before anyone else gets hurt."

"Yes sir, Mr. Morgan. That's my full intent," Colt replied.

"Good, I take it he can disappear completely? Without a trace of him whatsoever?"

Colt looked him squarely in the eyes. "I can make that happen."

"Well, I want to thank you in advance for that assurance, Colt....I know you'll get this taken care of."

Colt then nodded, taking in Mr. Morgan's embrace, a hug that was filled with sorrow and anger combined.

As they parted, Alden's eyes shifted to Colt like clockwork, patiently awaiting his conversation to end with Mr. Morgan.

Colt approached through the exclusive Getty Center Restaurant, feeling a fresh sense of focus, an uncompromised dedication to dispatching Mr. Drake. "Hey man, Mr. Morgan's not happy about Jack's passing. I mean, he looks as serious as I've ever seen him."

"He knows who we're going up against here, right?" Alden asked.

"Oh yeah, he knows about Logan, and what's up with that dude. But it doesn't matter he essentially called for the hit to be completed from his end. Forget how bad we want him he's really adamant as well." He then glanced at Alden's physical condition for a second, knowing he was still on the mend. "With all those snake bites and cigarette burns, are you gonna have a full tank for this?"

Alden rubbed the dark whiskers on his face, completely determined despite the massive trauma Logan forced him to suffer through. "Yeah man, it's fully on! There's no going back now....regardless of whether he has a couple more surprises up his sleeve."

Colt could suddenly see little Alejandro Luna staring at him in his mind. He instantly worried the boy may be dead, aware that Logan may have attempted to frame him for that murder in the meantime. "The young boy Alejandro, we need to get a feel for what's happening. Or, God forbid, what's happened to him. I've really been struggling these past days with whether to call the authorities on his behalf, and essentially point the finger at Logan." He paused for some time, wrestling within himself. "But I didn't," he resumed, "it's not in the cards Alden....this is in the cards! What we're about to do right now."

"So," Alden replied, "how do you want to handle the start of our next shot here? Do you want to head to Houston? That's where his circus company is right now."

Colt pondered the question for a time, thinking of Asha in New Dehli, and the severed snake head he dried out in the sun in the previous days. "I want to know where Logan is, as we speak! That's the first order of business. The boy will either be dead, and Asha and I can try to confirm that, or he's not....and he's somewhere with Logan, or wherever that crazy fuck is keeping him. Nonetheless, it all commences right now! We have to anticipate practically anything from him, and we'll definitely take that proactive approach. Now, I spoke with everyone here at the restaurant. Did you say your goodbyes, so we can head out?"

"Yeah, we can leave now," Alden replied.

Colt glanced at Mr. Morgan and his wife, waving goodbye before both of them left for the exit, to Colt's personal vehicle outside. At the trunk of the convertible, Colt turned to Alden. "Can you drive, man? I need to start pinning this shit down and do some fact finding."

"For sure."

Colt saw his wristwatch read 12:44 P.M. He quickly sat in the passenger seat and unfolded his company tablet, tapping a name that was becoming more familiar. A mere moment later, Alden put the vehicle in drive and Colt stared into a pair of deep brown eyes.

"Hello Colt," Asha said smiling, "I've been waiting for your contact. I knew you were going to call."

Colt stared ahead smiling before turning back to the tablet screen. "You've been waiting? I suppose that means what I think it does."

"It does, Colt. I know what's been going on in your life as of late. I know we need to consult....you lost Belinda's paper, is that right?"

A vicious flashback of being beaten by Logan suddenly emerged into his conscious, a memory he wasn't aware of earlier. "Yeah, I came out of that torture with nothing. He took everything I had on me, except my buddy's wedding ring."

"Logan....Logan Drake, is that right as well?" she then asked.

"Yes....I'm sorry for calling you so late Asha. I know it's around one in the morning in New Dehli."

"It's O.K. Colt....I knew we needed to talk."

Colt took in her soft Indian accent, one that was always sounded relaxed, almost hypnotic like. "I don't have the paper Asha....I've tried to connect with his presence as of late, but the only thing I have...."

"Is a snake head," she softly interrupted, "right Colt?"

His eyes widened, knowing that was a fact, but one only he and Alden knew of. "That's right Asha, you know about Logan's snake?"

"Of course, I'm touching the paper you had Mr. Morgan deliver to me right now....that snake was a symbolic partner of evil with Mr. Drake. He literally had the animal trained, in a way. He also felt as though he could command the animal without a word, through a telepathic like communication. And when the animal was killed, because of their bizarre relationship, he was hurt as well....it took something from him within that realm of evil he resides in....the symbol that he could exude to other evil entities and other paranormal people, like you and I."

Colt turned to the back seat and stared at the dried out snake's head. The dark eyes stared back with its mouth slightly open, revealing its backward growing teeth. He then briefly wondered if there was a chance that Asha somehow allowed for his paranormal gift to be realized? Flashbacks then followed with the accident in New Dehli, locating Ravi Dial, the police Commissioner Dora directing him to meet her, and their subsequent communications; all now culminating as if their two souls were naturally becoming entwined.

He then glanced down at her young, attractive face. "I know snakes are revered in the Hindu religion Asha, sometimes looked at as Gods."

"That's right Colt; in my religion, serpents aren't wicked. They frequently lift us up, stabilize our base. The snake head in the backseat, Colt, you've been reluctant to touch it, despite preserving it. Am I also correct about that?"

Colt knew she had knowledge of his fear of snakes, how they ultimately repulsed him. "Yeah, they kind of freak me out....their eyes, their tongues....the way their skin feels like slippery plastic. I've used a stick to move it to and fro, and I haven't even put my fingers on it since I killed it."

"I understand your fear, but you have a natural adversary that wants you to accept the challenge....wants to test your resolve and your ability to abolish his sinister presence. It's a very unique scenario, Colt. One I've never been affiliated with. But you need to feel comfortable with touching what was his....to come in contact with a part of his demonic soul."

Alden caught Colt's eyes as he drove, his face appearing perplexed, which even took Colt by surprise. In reaching back, Alden watched as Colt's left hand grasp the large snake's head, the serpent Logan used to call Samil. In a mere instant, visions of masquerade masks on scantily clad temptresses combined with fire flickering from wooden poles above. As he perused the vision more, he saw colorful umbrellas, brightly lit parade floats, policeman on horses, and balconies lined with intoxicated people. The visions then continued to flash intermittently in a video-like format.

Colt looked back up at the starlit sky then re-connected with Asha. "I pulled something Asha, even though I hated touching this nasty snake head!"

Her smile seemed to come right through the screen; filling the vehicles interior with an unexplainable warmth. "Where did you go, Colt?"

Colt stared at the snakes ominous face. "It's a celebration Asha....may I ask you, what you see?"

Her eyelids closed for some time while Colt noticed the smoky colored shadow around her mysterious eyes.

She eventually reopened her eyelids with a determined gaze. "I hate to sound as if I'm eavesdropping, but I somehow overheard Alden talk about Houston, in your dialogue line with him earlier."

"Houston?" Colt asked.

"Yes Colt, I believe that's in Texas....am I right about that?"

"You are."

"Do you think he's in Houston, Colt?"

He then glanced over at Alden and then back at Asha. "No....no I don't"

"Well then, where do you think he is?" she asked.

Colt knew his mentor was testing him, knowing she had all the knowledge that was necessary to reveal his location. He closed his eyes after touching Samil's head once again, seeing a group of people slamming down whiskey filled shot glasses on top of a dimly lit bar.

After reopening his eyes, he examined Asha's beautiful face for a second, before responding to her previous question. "New Orleans....I see Mardis Gras....a party....is that what you see as well?"

"Yes Colt. He's not in Houston, that's just where his business is now."

Colt then thought of the child who had been forced to scratch his face under Logan's orders. "Is he alone? Because I never saw him yet."

The dark in her eyes emitted a flash of light, "No, he's not alone, but the child is in grave danger, Colt....I don't know how long he has left. There's a truly negative energy that's building around Logan....it looks like a bomb with a timer. I just can't figure his intent, he's blocking me out."

Colt felt the vehicle suddenly come to a stop, just as Alden tapped his leg with a tablet in his hand.

"It's February 13th," Alden said, "today is Mardis Gras....Fat Tuesday man!"

Colt glanced up at the skyscrapers in downtown Los Angeles, noticing the powder blue in the sky's background. "That's where we have to go, Alden....right now!"

"I know....I'm already packed."

Colt looked again at Asha, realizing her true patience, friendship. "Asha honey, we have to go there....to New Orleans, today."

"I know....I'll take a nap here and you can contact me later, if you wish."

"Thank you Asha. I'll be in touch with you soon, goodbye."

"Goodbye Colt."

After touching the end button her face disappeared, but her powerful residual energy was still evident, similar to their previous video call.

Alden then said, "I'll call Mr. Morgan back at the restaurant, and see if he can get us some bags put together to pick up in New Orleans. We're really limited on what we can carry onto the airplanes."

"Good call...as far as the suitcases in the trunk, you got everything you need now, right?"

"Yep," Alden replied, "I'm ready to roll and you are too! Let's just head to LAX now and book a flight to New Orleans."

Colt nodded with a high degree of certainty, imagining a moment where they reunited with Logan and what that could potentially entail?

Six hours later, Colt found himself driving eastbound on Airline Highway, just after passing under the Pontchartrain Expressway, in New Orleans. "It's off Canal Street," Alden said, skimming his fingers across a tablet. Colt immediately took a left onto South Carrolton Avenue, running his eyes along a city that seemed foreign, but historically influential.

"In your mind," Alden resumed, "can you see his eyes again, after touching Samil's head?"

Colt reluctantly grasped the enlarged head once again, feeling the overall energy being emitted, fully intensify. "Initially," Colt responded, "I always see the eyes right away, but I sort of know how to circumvent his sight now. Asha helped me get around his gaze, but I don't know if he can turn back....you know, follow my travels through him."

Alden then pointed ahead, "It's on the corner of Cleveland Ave and South Pierce Street."

Colt nodded after pulling his hand off the snake's head, quickly navigating to the exact location within seconds. Alden immediately spotted a pair of shirtless black men, who had the luster of sweat glistening under the medium light of a dusk sky. "Those two, they're the meeting."

Colt slowly rolled up with the rented car they obtained at the airport, smiling as the electric window descended. "Hey boys," he said calmly, "we're your meet and greet tonight."

One of the fit men then noticed him, the man's face looking clean cut, despite his dirty jeans and sandals look. "Pull into that driveway, guys."

Without hesitating, he followed the man's instructions, before both of them hastily exited the vehicle. Colt made eyes with both men. "I want to thank you for your assistance gentleman, considering it's on such short notice and all."

The same man answered with a smile. "I'm Ellis, and this is another rep for Mr. Morgan, Charlie."

Alden titled his head, feeling somewhat bewildered. "You guys are new reps for Mr. Morgan? I thought you were mere street contacts."

"No," Charlie replied, "we're newly implemented representatives for Mr. Morgan's Louisiana and east Texas network."

Colt then looked at himself and laughed. "Oh," he continued, "I see your street disguises are working pretty good." Moments later, he suddenly saw the look in both of their eyes, a look that very few people he knew had. It was a gaze that only trained experts who had been to the islands had; men who had been outfitted with some of the same tools that he and Alden possessed.

"Well," Colt resumed, "yeah, the digs are definitely thuggish looking....you guys did good in that regard. Do you have the bags and the vehicle?"

Ellis touched Colt's shoulder, sending a jolt of energy directly through him. "Ahh....you can see things too? It seems Mr. Morgan has an affinity for guys like us, Colt; were you friends with Jack?"

"I was; he was one of my best friends, and Alden's as well."

Ellis replied, "I hear he was one of the best; that he could see a lot of stuff and he apparently helped Mr. Morgan's business out tremendously. Mr. Morgan also says you're the best....like in the world."

Colt studied Ellis for a moment, despite knowing they were pressed for time. "Yeah, I miss Jack a lot, we just buried him today. Also, the reason we laid him to rest is here in New Orleans, as we speak....that's one of the reasons we're here. And as far as being the best in the world....I've questioned that lately. After a mega fuck up, back in L.A."

Ellis opened up the double sized garage door behind him, and then glanced back at Colt and Alden. "Do you need any support tonight?"

Alden silently looked over to Colt for a second, before responding for both of them. "No, this shit's personal....I'm pretty sure we can handle it, but thank you for the generous offer guys."

Colt then also added, "I'd like to say yes to your offer Ellis. But Alden's right, we've got to handle this ourselves." He then pulled out a wad of cash from his pocket, catching Charlie's gaze. "Is five grand each enough for you guys?"

Ellis shook his hand back and forth. "You don't have to pay us Colt, we get paid quite well by Mr. Morgan....but I'm sure you already knew that."

Colt flashed his agreeable smile. "Don't worry guys, just take the cash. It'll make me feel better if you do."

Charlie smiled back, snatching his apportioned stack of bills from Colt. "That's very generous of you man! Are you sure you don't need any help tonight?"

"No man, it's all good," Colt said, looking somewhat hurried. "That's really sweet of you guys to offer that up. But we know you gentlemen are probably busy." Both men nodded amiably, sensing both Colt and Alden's determination. Colt then shook Ellis's hand, slipping him the five thousand dollars before pulling back without the money.

In that moment of silence, both he and Alden entered the black car that smelled of a recent spray painting. After quickly placing their suitcases into the clandestine vehicle, Colt looked up. "Thanks again guys, we really appreciate everything." Both Ellis and Charlie nodded, putting up their hands and waving goodbye. Alden immediately touched the dashboards GPS system, setting the trip destination for the French Quarter section of the city.

With Colt in the passenger seat, he spotted the blood red western horizon fading in the side mirror, while eventually starting eastbound. As Alden continued through the rough appearing neighborhood, Colt mustered enough courage to hold the snake's head again. For a moment, he skirted the set of eyes that somehow floated freely in his mind.

Like a bird hovering over the busy parade routes, Colt followed Logan's energy emission, descending at intersections to view street signs. "Alden, park us near the corner of St. Peter and Dauphine streets. I'm getting some word that reads Barkus on the side of a parade float that's getting ready to start out."

"10-4 man; I'll get it in the GPS," Alden replied, "but you know how crazy this Mardis Gras shit is man. I mean, getting a parking spot might be a little difficult, to say the least."

"I know, I hear ya man. Let's just get out asses down there!" Alden started efficiently navigating the busy streets, and then arrived at the destination twelve minutes later. Both men spotted a blinker turning on from a parking spot just short of the designated intersection. Alden quickly grabbed the briefly vacant spot, while Colt started to pull various bottles of makeup from his duffel bag.

With the vehicle off, Alden watched Colt create brown layer designs over parts of his face, before spiking up his hair. His eyes then widened towards Colt. "Wow dude, you gonna put on that crazy hat and strap-on mask over the eyes?"

Colt glanced at the bag with numerous wigs and fake hair, replying, "Yeah man, they packed us this shit for a reason! We've got to fit in with the rest of the crazy sons of bitches that are milling around tonight." After both men were satisfied with their festive disguises, they exited, each wearing a backpack over one shoulder. The incredible mass of people suddenly made discerning any one particular individual, somewhat daunting.

Just as Colt started to point, two women approached them from behind, one poking Colt's shoulder. He turned, keeping his hand in an opening in the backpack, where a large handgun with a silencer was positioned. "Hey girls, what's up?" The two women were donning sexy corset tops with garter belts and interwoven fishnet stockings.

The taller, more seductive one suddenly touched Colt's lips with her index finger. "You guys look like you're having fun, how would you like a little fun with us gals?"

Alden nudged Colt before glancing back at the dark haired woman. "We're always looking for a good time, what did you have in mind?"

"We'll fuck both of you studs for a hundred each! Half....no, one hour maximum. What do you boys think about that offer?"

Colt looked at the taller woman's cleavage, noticing it was pushed upwards and together. "Maybe another time ladies, but we're busy right now."

"O.K.," the women replied, frowning a bit. "But here's some necklaces for you guys to get the party started anyway....maybe we'll see y'all later."

"Yeah, maybe," Colt replied, smiling. Both men watched the slinky prostitutes vanish inside the crowded sidewalk, each envisioning various scenarios within their minds. Colt immediately dug into his backpack, pulling out the tiny radios that were inside. "Here man, take this radio and set it at twelve point four....I know that's a seldom used channel."

Alden received the equipment and immediately stuck the earpiece in his right ear. Colt silently touched his chest and motioned for him to stay put, walking fifteen feet northeast. "You hear this shit trigga man?"

"Yeah, I got you nice and clear," Alden answered.

Colt then beckoned Alden to head his way, making for a sign that read 'Gold Mine' on a yellow and green structure in the distance. To both men, the scents varied from sweet intoxicating perfumes, to bar patrons who reeked of alcohol and smoke residue.

Alden suddenly glanced up to an overflowing balcony of party-goers, noticing several women reaching out for beads being thrown upwards. "Colt, throw her your beads dude. She'll show you her tits!"

Colt had to chuckle, despite feeling the urge to find Logan. He then pulled off two of several beaded necklaces the prostitutes had left him, and then threw them at the most attractive women in the group.

They stood there for that moment, watching nearly all of the women pull up their tops, flashing their breasts for everyone in the area. The crowd suddenly erupted from the sidewalks below, as the women shook their hips and quickly pulled their tops back up. At the corner of Dauphine and St. Peter streets, they stopped, witnessing a massive river boat float illuminated with purple, yellow, and green lights; with smoke emitting from the two stacks near the front.

Colt immediately clasped the snake's head inside the backpack, seeing the word Barkus again bounce around his mind, and its energy coming from behind the river boat. After some time, they watched as colorful dragon and black spider floats drifted by, creating a high degree of intensity inside Colt.

He immediately closed his eyes in the crowd, feeling Alden near his right shoulder. Inside his mind, he now saw a large green and red parrot, towering over several brightly dressed men. "It's the next float Alden, I can feel this shit." They stared as the spider float finally passed, witnessing four clown-clad men in the front, with hanging beads under the large bird. Colt then gripped Samil's dead head tighter, trying to discern the identities of the clowns who wore colorful feathers over their heads.

Alden watched as Colt merely shook his head, sensing the energy wane in that second, ultimately confusing him altogether. From the corner of his eye, he could then see beer being poured onto people from an above balcony, immediately causing a stir near the street.

In that frustrating moment, Colt questioned himself; questioning whether his abilities were met with too profound of a force in Logan? A man seemingly able to cloak himself within paranormal realms.

Suddenly, as the float started to fully pass, Alden turned to Colt, his eyes widening at the sensation of something penetrating his skin. He immediately touched just under his right ear, pulling a small dart from his upper neck.

Colt quickly glanced to the rear of the parrot float, seeing a clown-like figure pulling down what appeared to be an elongated tube from his mouth. "That's him, Alden," Colt said, turning his head in that direction. Both absorbed the sight, as the silver and blue dressed clown continued to wave as if nothing ever happened. Alden immediately set the dart into his backpack and followed Colt's hastily determined lead through the densely packed sidewalk crowds.

Within seconds, Alden began seeing intermittent blurs of Colt accelerating past people. After fully closing in on the float, they both stopped, winded. In that short timeframe, Colt merely stared at the clown, allowing the man to recognize him, revealing his knowledge. Suddenly, the silvery blue clown hopped from the float and raced for Bourbon Street through a maze of tourists and locals.

Inside his mind, Colt knew it was Logan and Logan knew it was him; the energy, the eyes were both a giveaway. As he glanced back at Alden, he could see him slamming a man in the stomach; a man who had just before pulled Alden violently off of the sidewalk. Colt connected with his eyes in that split second, knowing Alden was still determined to follow.

He immediately turned back, catching a glimpse of Logan still weaving in and out of people, in a southeasterly direction. With his right hand still gripping Samil's head, he pulled it out of his backpack and switched it in his left hand. Turning back again, he could now barely see Alden. He immediately pushed the radio's trigger and spoke. "Dude, are you alright?"

Alden glanced back, seeing a small group of young men chasing him through the crowd. "Yeah....but that dude I lit up has a posse of dickheads wanting my ass!"

"Well, get the fuck up here man! I'm on the corner of St. Peter and Bourbon."

"Roger."

Colt quickly turned his head back to see Logan climb a balcony support pole from the sidewalk to the next level above. He immediately followed, reaching the same pole within ten seconds. With his index finger, he clicked the radio trigger again. "Can you get a visual on the wrap-around balcony with the white and brown stucco underneath?"

Alden successfully eluded the group of angry men and blended into the crowd, pulling his tiny binoculars out of his backpack. "Yeah man, he's right above your waving hand....and he's shimmying up the next pole to the roof of the place. I'll take the other side of the building; you follow him up from there."

"10-4." The snake head immediately entered the backpack again. Colt then glanced around before using his fit frame to make it to the balcony above. His eyes immediately shifted downwards after successfully reaching the top, noticing Alden running towards the rear of the building. He then politely asked a young woman to step away for the moment. With moderate apprehension, he stuck his tennis shoe into the decorative double support beam, and then proceeded to climb up to the darker rooftop.

At the top, he could see a flash of Logan running to the rear side of the roof, leaning over the edge and looking down. Seconds thereafter, he could hear Alden's voice screaming in pain, "Colt!"

He then pulled the pistol from his backpack with the silencer attached, pointing it as he ran toward Logan. Moments later, he yelled, "Logan!" The blue diamond around his left eye was all Colt could see. His eyes then instantly picked up a large blade with blood dripping from it, pointing in his general direction.

"Colt Davis....well, well, well....we meet again! I knew you'd try and hunt me down. It's too bad I didn't finish you two fucks when I had the chance!"

Colt could hear Alden still moaning in agony, seemingly near the roof, but just below the rim. "Yeah, I guess being so busy with killing kids doesn't bode so well, when you're trying to off two assholes like us."

Logan stared at Colt with his chin tilting towards his chest, his eyes nearly glowing brown in the distance. "I want to test your will Colt Davis, no weapons....just you and me, right now!"

Colt then watched him toss the bloody blade aside, knowing he could kill him right then and there. In that split second, he instantly thought of Belinda. He could feel her little hand touching his in their walk to her dead body, and how beautiful her soul felt as it surged through him that day.

Moments later, he looked past Logan, hearing the same voice from Ellis he had heard hours earlier, who was now conversing with Alden near the edge of the roof. "I got you man," Ellis said. He then heard Alden speak, "Thanks....just help me with my foot, it's wedged up in the ladder here."

Colt shifted to Taylor's face, tossing his handgun while approaching Logan for a physical showdown. As they came nearly face to face, Colt threw his backpack and radio to the side, speaking in a low tone. "I'm going to enjoy this, Logan....I've been waiting for this moment for awhile."

"Ditto, Mr. Davis, it won't be long now."

Colt immediately blocked a stinging haymaker with his left arm before driving his signature blow, deep into Logan's midsection. He then pulled back, watching Logan struggle for his next breath as he started to lift something shiny from a pocket on his clown costume.

With widening eyes, Colt immediately started to dodge multiple ninja stars that shimmered as they whizzed past his head and torso. His right hand then was abruptly planted onto the roof's surface, allowing him to tumble forwards towards Logan with an explosion upwards, when he finally reached his feet.

The burning sensation of being slashed across the chest followed as he wrapped his forearm around Logan's neck, slamming him to the roof's surface. He immediately sat on his stomach, with knees shifting to each side of his ribs. As he leaned down toward Logan, he took a vicious shot from below, which staggered him for a moment; making him glance at Alden who was looking on from over the edge of the roof.

Like a bucking bull, Colt staved off Logan's attempt to wriggle free and recover to his feet. He efficiently shook off the punch and delivered a slashing blow with his right elbow across his face, immediately opening up a large gash above Logan's left eyebrow.

Logan then returned the favor, by identifying where the ninja star was inside Colt's chest and twisting it in as far as he could manage. Colt pulled back momentarily, screaming in pain, unaware of the star inside his left pectoral muscle. He then gripped the metal star and ripped the bloody weapon from his chest; placing it against Logan's neck to drive it in, just before hearing Alden yelling, "Wait Colt...no!"

Colt pulled back, slicing his elbow across Logan's eyebrow once again, effectively knocking him out for the moment. He then turned back to Alden with a fierce, warrior-like look on his face. "What, you don't want me to take him right here?"

"No man! We talked about that, remember?" Alden replied.

Colt could feel the warm blood running down his chest while staring at Logan's metallic looking face. "I remember....I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be sorry dude, let's just roll! Here catch this rope."

Colt then took the red mountain climbing rope and started to wrap it around Logan's upper torso, knotting it shortly thereafter. With a degree of pain in his chest, he dragged Logan to the edge of the roof and spoke to Alden, "Can you get up here man?"

"Yeah, I think so....but my foot is a little fucked up....I was hanging upside down from this ladder I'm on, after Logan tried to initially cut me off."

"Alright, hurry!" Colt then turned back to pick up all of the items both he and Logan had tossed prior to fighting. After some additional moments, he realized the top of Alden's hands were bleeding. "What the fuck happened to your hands?"

"I was trying to hold onto the edge of the roof, and then he came out of nowhere. The fucker cut the top of my hands, hoping I would release and fall to my death!"

Colt could then see Logan's eyes starting to open. Without pause, he knelt down and slammed a vicious punch across his left temple, knocking him out once again. He then watched Alden step over the edge of the roof's rim. "I knew this piece of shit couldn't hang! He talked a big fucking game though....especially when he had me all tied up in California"

"Yeah," Alden said smirking, "this is gonna be interesting now. How do we get this bitch out of here without the cops stopping us?"

"I don't know, but let's just get him down to the ground and we'll figure it out there." Alden nodded, helping Colt lift Logan to the edge, while both of them slowly descended his lifeless body to the ground below. After some painful moments of climbing down the emergency ladder that was affixed to the building, both Colt and Alden watched as a police officer slowly approached from the shadows, on horseback.

"Ellis," Colt said smiling, "what the fuck man?"

Ellis merely laughed, staring at Logan in the back alley roadway; wrapped up in red rope. "My friend's a cop here in New Orleans. I paid his ass off to borrow his uniform and horse for a little while....you like?"

Alden watched him dismount and then thought twice about slapping his bloody hand against Ellis's, "Dude that's fucking incredible! First, you save my life from being upside down on that ladder. And then you go and one-up yourself, with the horse and police uniform thing. Wow....I gotta say I'm like....inspired man!"

Ellis reminded them, "I asked you guys if you needed some support this evening, and here I am."

Colt smiled, shaking his head at Ellis, feeling his paranormal energy enveloping him. "I suppose you paid off your cop friend with the cash I gave you earlier?"

Ellis glanced at Logan. "Hell yeah I did....I know what this dude's all about....you didn't even have to tell me beforehand. I knew some shit was going down and I used my head to find out where you guys were."

Alden then helped Colt lift Logan onto the black horse after pulling off the red rope. "Where's Charlie, Ellis?"

"Oh....he's a player man....he's probably pounding on some of the hookers down here....he don't have nothing on me....but he's a cool cat to partner up with."

Colt watched how seamlessly Ellis mounted the beautiful horse, reminding him of how smooth Jack always was. "We're parked near the corner of St. Peter and Dauphine streets, I'm sure you know exactly where that is from here."

"Fuck yeah! I'm born and raised in the Big Easy baby....I'll see you dogs down there ASAP. Don't worry, this guy just got in a bar brawl and he's drunk, if anyone asks."

"Yeah," Alden said gratefully, "just drill him in the noggin a couple times if he starts squirming around on ya."

"Got ya, I'll see ya dogs down there in a couple shakes."

Colt and Alden nodded, slowly following the sounds of hooves on cement. They watched as Ellis easily maneuvered toward a crowded St. Peter Street. Colt suddenly nudged Alden as they started picking up speed, to a jog. "Two shakes? That's my shit man....I think we just made a new friend Alden, in Ellis....that motherfucker's down with it!"

"Fuckin A he is! And he's gonna help us get to the promise land with this evil fuck Logan."

"Yep," Colt replied, cruising through the thick crowd, now passing Ellis and Logan on horseback. Within a matter of minutes, both Colt and Alden made it to their vehicle. They merely sat back and watched the glistening black coat of Ellis's horse finally approach.

Alden eagerly assisted Colt in removing Logan from atop the animal, before efficiently setting him into the back seat. "Yes sir," Colt said aloud, "we'll take him to the hospital right away."

Ellis acted as if he were the serious police officer. "You gentlemen get that done now....he's pretty drunk and also injured. Have a good night men."

In that short exchange, Colt glanced into Ellis's dark eyes, knowing that he'd soon see him again. Alden immediately made for the driver's door, while Colt sat in the back seat with Logan.

As Alden made a U-turn in the busy street, Colt caught his eye in the rear view mirror. "Let's take him to the place we talked about on the plane."

"Oh yeah," Alden said, picturing it in his head.

#  Chapter 32

In the eastern sky, the slow rising suns light started to penetrate the moss-draped cypress trees. The haunting call of a loon echoed throughout the early morning air, prompting Colt and Alden to remain quiet for a time. For several minutes, they continued to swivel their heads in amazement as the pontoon started to cruise the shallows of Bayou Fon Gera, 30 miles southeast of New Orleans.

With Colt behind the wheel, Alden stood against the front corner, staring into the brown water, fully mesmerized and inside his own thoughts. Near the banks, a large white heron gently stepped in the marshy waters, poised to immerse its massive beak downward. Colt then pulled off his black sunglasses when he noticed movement in the adjacent seat.

The motor was instantly cut and the extreme quiet took on a natural mysteriousness in that next minute. Alden then shook his head, as if to pull out of his daydream. "You ready?"

Colt nodded with a look of retribution in his eyes, before glancing at the sunlight start to shimmer atop the meandering water.

Alden snatched the large snake head from Colt's bag and then dipped it in the water for a second. He then slowly opened its mouth, exposing the large teeth it had used to grip onto their skin inside the pit. Colt quickly pulled a smelling salt from his duffel bag and then stuffed it in Logan's right nostril, instantly opening his eyes to the serene bayou world around him.

Both Colt and Alden remained behind him, staying completely quiet as Logan took in the environment for a time. Suddenly, Alden thrust the large snake head around to Logan's face, and then stuck it near his nose. "Wake up sleepy head....it's your butt buddy Samil, wanting to play in the water with ya!"

Logan's head turned sideways, his face still partially painted and taking on a red tinge around his right nostril. "Take this shit out of my nose!" he ordered.

Colt gazed at the red streak, looking as though it was burning a hole into the nose's mucous membrane. "Alden, pull it out with the tweezers."

Alden pulled the small instrument from his bag and viciously drove the metal tip into Logan's nose, eventually pulling out the bloody smelling salt.

While still in pain, Logan stared at Colt. "Where the fuck am I?"

Colt walked around his chair and got up in his face. "We're in ragin' cajun country me boy....we come out here to get you a new pet snake, seeing Samil couldn't fully make the trip with ya."

Alden immediately opened the jaws on the snake head, scraping the teeth along Logan's light stubble.

"Fuck you," Logan said abruptly, "fuck both of you!"

Colt continued to stare past the blue diamond painted around his right eye, shaking his head. "Wow, I know I was a little cocky when you had me stuffed away in that shithole....but this takes it to a whole new level."

"You ain't gonna get away with this....I've got plenty of eyes watching me," Logan snarled.

"Yeah there's eyes out here Logan....plenty of them. Now you're gonna shut the fuck up and listen, if you want to make it out of this alive."

Logan smirked, just before an angry Alden clamped down onto his face with the snake fangs, and then tore out chunks of skin.

Colt pulled back laughing, before nodding his head with a new seriousness. "Oh, you look like dog shit Logan! Your face is all tore up, because your own pet turned on ya. Not to mention you tangled with yours truly....something that was long overdue, wouldn't you say?"

Logan tried to shift his body, despite being fully immobilized with the red climbing rope wrapped around his arms and legs. After some quiet moments, he glanced up at Colt. "Sometimes when you think things are gonna go south on you, they do. Just make sure you don't sleep too hard in your little canyon house, Mr. Davis....it would be a shame if someone came in and stole your precious son."

Colt turned to Alden with an aggressive, angry look on his face, "Glass-stick his ass Alden!"

Alden immediately pulled out a rubber mallet and a narrow glass stick from his duffel bag. He then proceeded to unzip Logan's costume down to his belly, before tearing the rest of the way down, ending at the bottom of his crotch. His hand calmly reached for the scissors Colt was holding out and then proceeded to cut through the underwear, eventually exposing his genitalia to the crisp morning air.

"What the fuck," Logan said, "what are you guys, queer or something?"

Alden looked into Logan's eyes, remembering the evil that tortured him for days. "Yeah, we're queer and we want to grease up your pole! Get ready for a good time sailor."

Colt then stood next to Alden, watching the sunlight reflect off the silvery paint and blood on his face, "Two things to start off here, Logan....where's the boy and where's the money?"

Logan took a moment to realize how rural he truly was when they managed to tuck the pontoon into a narrow waterway. "Oh, little Alejandro, he's dead! You don't have to worry about him anymore."

Colt tapped Asha's button on his open tablet and then watched as Alden set the glass stick near Logan's testicles. Seconds later, Asha's face appeared on the screen, smiling and showing her white teeth.

"Hello Colt," she said, "how are you?"

Colt turned to Logan, knowing he could sense her presence. "I'm doing great. We're in beautiful Louisiana and the scenery is truly breathtaking. Here, take a look." He then pulled up the tablet and ran a panoramic view of the immediate area, allowing her to take it in from the attached video camera.

"Wow," she said, excited, "that place is really pretty Colt....you must be on some workation."

"Yeah, you could say that....I told you back in L.A. I would get back to you, but I didn't want to bug you during your nap. So now I need your opinion on something."

"What's that Colt?"

"Aldejandro Luna....is he alive?"

"Ah....the little boy, Colt. Let me grab the paper and see if I can receive any connection." She left the area for a time and returned, now closing her eyes. Before reopening her eyes, she momentarily jolted her shoulders askew. "Carrollton....somewhere near the corner of St. Charles Avenue and Newcomb Boulevard....a big house with a pool about three houses northeast on Newcomb, Colt. That's where he is....and he's alive....but he's all by himself. He's scared and in a small room with food and one empty bottle of water....you have to hurry Colt! I don't know how much longer he has up there."

"Up there Asha, does that mean on the second floor?" Colt questioned.

"Yes, grab the serpent's head Colt....go in there with me."

Colt touched held the reptilian head and then closed his eyes. In that next second, he could see the massive white home from above and the turquoise water from the pool below. He then managed to drift through the rooftop with Asha, immediately noticing the black hair of a little boy walking about a small room. The boy was trying to reach a high window just three feet above.

Colt then opened his eyes and stared at Logan's smug profile, before turning back to Asha. "Thank you so much sweetie....as you know, I have a lot of work to do when it comes to Alejandro....I'll be in touch soon."

"No problem, good luck," she replied.

"Thanks again, bye, bye."

"Bye Colt."

Alden watched as Colt resumed his stance next to him, now facing Logan again. "Well, you heard all that Logan. It seems your snake's dead head here, has crossed you in a big way. That's not even mentioning one of my secret weapons....Asha, back in New Dehli....you remember her, don't you Logan?"

Logan replied back with contempt, "Oh yeah, the little cunt that you use like a hound dog!"

Colt considered him for a moment, envisioning a torture beyond his own imagination. "She's not that word you said....she's smarter than you Logan, and much more talented."

"O.K. whatever....Colt! It doesn't matter....because I've already sent out several telepathic messages to various contacts around the world, with both of your names attached."

"I know you're fucking lying about Alejandro....he's alive and I know where he is. Now if you cooperate here, you can buy your way out of this little awkward situation. So where's your money, your cash up in NOLA here?"

Logan's eyebrows shifted downward, the blood drying on his face. "Fuck off! All my money's in banks....like normal people. Not like murderers that have to stash their funds in coon holes."

Colt clenched his jaws, nodding at Alden to insert the glass stick into Logan's penis. "Ahhh....ahhhhh....," Logan screamed, "what....the fuck....is this?"

Alden angrily stuck the skinny glass rod deep into his urethra, before clasping the rubber mallet.

"Now," Colt resumed, "you're gonna verify the boy's life and tell me where the cash is....or I'm gonna have Alden here smash that mallet down on your rod, and shatter all the tiny bits of glass inside your piss pump. So, I would highly suggest you go about singing....if you don't want to be pissing out blood and glass for the next ten years!"

Logan stared down in shock, watching Alden's fingers holding the end of the elongated, glass stick. "He's alive."

"Alright, the house number where the boy is?" Colt asked.

"1004 Newcomb Boulevard."

"Hurdle one passed....now, where's your fucking cash stash?" Colt resumed, "You give me some accurate information on that and I'll take you to the place right now. I'll allow you to live if it's over a hundred grand."

Logan shifted his eyes around for a time, staring at the towering trees that emerged from the muddy water. "7246 Birch Street....I have some cash buried in the backyard, between the second and third palm trees....under the grass."

"How much? And is this your property?"

"Not much, around $200,000 dollars. And yeah, it's my other place in New Orleans."

Colt quickly went to the company tablet and pulled up Ellis's name, touched the button and then took a moment to await an answer. Within five seconds, Ellis's face appeared. "What's up Colt? How you feeling today man?"

"I'm doing good....thanks again for all the help last night at Mardis Gras. I've got your riding partner in a boat here with us. Anyway, you want to make some extra money?"

"Oh, you're welcome....and money? Yeah, I'm always up for that," Ellis replied.

"Good, take this info down....7246 Birch Street....go to the back yard with a shovel and dig between the second and third palm trees. There should be a cash stash on that property. Go somewhat disguised....even though no one should be there....since I have the owner of the property right here."

"How much?"

"He says two hundred thousand....oh and Ellis?"

"Yeah."

Colt continued, "If you pull it, do me a big favor man!"

"What's that bro."

Colt instantly had a vision of Taylor, Ravi, Belinda, and Alejandro with their youthful faces filled with innocence and love. "Take fifty grand for yourself, for the risk involved. Two hundred grand is too much to take back on a plane to L.A. for me and Alden to manage. With all that said....would you make an anonymous donation for me?"

"An anonymous donation?" Ellis asked, surprised.

"Yeah man. I checked one out up there in New Orleans....when Alden and I were flying over on the plane....just in case something like this happened."

"What is it?"

"It's called the Child Sanctuary. They've got a five star reputation for funds disbursement....and getting money to help find missing youth here in the south land. Can you do that for me?....I'm really serious about this man!" Colt explained.

"Of course I will Colt. I'll make sure they get it....I'll make it all anonymous and shit."

"Good, man....you also need to get out to L.A. with some of that fifty grand and hang with Alden and me afterward....you down with that?"

"Hell yeah! I would love to hang with you cats and check all that west coast shit out."

"Excellent! Go do that, and I'll talk to you later bud."

"Roger that, see ya man."

Colt touched the end button and walked back to Logan. "Well, that settles that."

Logan glanced at Colt and then down at his penis, where Alden was still holding the glass stick inside. "Good," Logan said, "you got what you wanted. Now take this shit out of my dick so we can go back to New Orleans!"

Colt suddenly remembered the warm blood spraying on his face from Jack's head nearly exploding. "Ha....you, the most demonic....evil fuck I've ever seen! The guy who hired Keller to kill my daughter....the guy who killed little Belinda and then just threw her body like a piece of trash under some desert willow. God only knows what you did to that poor girl before you pulled that shit. And now, Alejandro Luna....Alex I think you once said....I'm assuming you literally brought this child to New Orleans for your sick, demented pleasure. And then you were gonna what? Kill him, like you said, and try and frame the murder on me? I suppose you even methodically scraped out my skin cells from under his nails....saving them somewhere, so you could reinsert them after you'd killed him, huh?"

"Maybe," Logan said, smirking again.

Colt merely nodded at Alden in anger. He then watched as Alden lifted the mallet above his head and slammed down the hard rubber onto the top of his penis, shattering the glass inside. The immediate shock was evident. Logan's face looked completely numb right before he let out a shrieking scream that reverberated throughout the hardwoods.

"Ha, ha....yeah," Alden said, "how does that nasty shit feel?"

Colt merely stared, knowing that the pain Alden had just administered may have been as ruthless as the rats Keller had felt, tearing through his torso. "Alright Alden, I'm gonna drive, you feed him the bottle of water."

"Yeah," Alden replied with wide eyes, "I'll pour out the good water....and make him drink this shit water we're floatin' on."

Colt nodded, smiling, "Yeah, get him good....make him drink all the parasites." After Colt then started the quiet boat motor, the only sounds that could be heard were Alden nearly suffocating Logan with dirty water. The next forty minutes seemingly crawled by. The banks started to close in even more, looking as though they were floating down a dirty river. Inside his mind, he knew that the misery Logan was currently in was totally indicated, given his extremely wicked transgressions.

However, he knew that life moving forward, would never be the same. The loss of Amanda and Taylor robbed nearly everything inside of him; everything that family was all about, the family he wanted to grow old with. He also knew that Eric needed him more than ever, and that he needed Eric just as much. It was a weird cluster of emotions in that reflective moment, despite the visions of he and Eric together. Those jumbled feelings also entailed the sweet notion of revenge that ultimately commingled with the bitter pain inside.

Suddenly, Logan turned back to Colt; his shallow eyes looked brutalized in a man who had nearly reached his breaking point. "How....am I....supposed to piss? I've got to take a piss!"

Colt glanced at Alden, knowing that their plan was working out perfectly. "Oh....the poor fucker's got to take a leak and all that glass up in him just won't let him go." He set the gear in neutral and walked over to Logan. "Is your bladder hurting Logan? All that piss is backing up in your kidneys, isn't it? Kind of like being on a long road trip when daddy won't pull over for the kids....how does it feel big boy? Now I know how Alden felt when you burned his entire body with cigarettes. I know how I felt when you continued to punch my face, slash up my body, and feed me drugs. You know, all this shit's probably too good for you anyway! The rest of your life in a small prison cell would probably be worse than this....wouldn't you say Alden?"

"Oh yeah it would, getting slammed in the ass every night," Alden replied.

Colt glanced at the edges of the waterway, now noticing something extremely ominous lurking about. He quietly beckoned Alden to the rear of the boat for a quick consultation of sorts. In his eyes, Colt could see his best friend, a guy who would always have his back from that point forward. He then whispered softly, "look around Alden; check it out man."

Alden glanced around the boat for a moment and then spotted what Colt was whispering about, countless figures lining the banks in that particular area. "Yeah....holy fuck! They're everywhere dude!"

"Yeah, this is their little honey hole back in here....exactly what we were talking about....let's untie his ass right now and set him free."

Alden nodded in agreement and then started to untie the red rope that bound Logan to the vinyl pontoon seat. The man immediately stood up in pain, turning back to Colt, who was pointing a pistol at his head. "You're gonna let me go right here?"

"Yep, it's shallow....about four feet deep....just go off the front of the boat there, and you're free to go."

Alden quickly set the cone-like hat he had been wearing the night before onto his head, knowing he was in too much pain to realize the danger he was in. After Logan placed one leg over the edge of the pontoon, Alden took the very knife he slashed his hands with one night earlier, and ran the blade down his right arm, releasing a large quantity of blood.

"Get in there, fucker," Alden said smiling.

Logan turned back with the silver and blue face paint illuminated from the bright sunlight. "I'm sure we'll see each other again."

"Yeah," Alden said pushing him in, "in hell motherfucker!"

Logan merely watched as Colt reversed the boat slightly. Moments later both men walked to the front, to view him standing in the water. Within a matter of seconds, each camouflaged alligator that had been lining the banks, submerged into the water; all of them converging onto Logan, who eventually figured out what was happening.

Colt could see Taylor and Belinda's face again in that second, just prior to seeing a massive set of jaws snapping around Logan's neck, instantly spraying blood above the muddy water. A second later, his screams echoed again throughout the dense foliage in the bayou. Additional sets of jaws then started to rip his body from side to side, tearing off his left arm and then clamping around his skull.

After several more minutes of thrashing and gators fighting amongst each other for his flesh, the group followed one large alligator as it dragged Logan's dead body in the other direction. Both men stood in shock as the blue and silver cone hat simply floated in the middle of the waterway, definitively leaving behind Logan's sinister presence.

After a deep breath, Colt looked at Alden with big blue eyes. "Asha said he had a fear."

"Yeah! Gators and crocs, right?" Alden asked.

"Yep, and that sick son of a bitch is gonna be in all of their bellies within minutes. You know what that means?"

Alden nodded, "Oh yeah, no sign of him....he's nowhere to be found....he'll never be found!"

"That's right! That creole dude told us last night that this place back in this bayou is so remote it ain't even used by gator hunters. Hunters that would probably find some of his body in one of those gator's bellies....so it's all good! Just like Mr. Morgan requested it to be." Colt then glanced about, before turning the pontoon around. "But we're not done....we need to get that little boy....like now man!"

"How we gonna do that? There's no way dude!"

Colt envisioned a rescue which included himself and Alden entering a home to save Alejandro, only to be pulled over by the police in the drive back to California with him. "Yeah, we can't do that. Call Jess and have her run a call out of New Orleans, just like we did back in L.A....when we called Logan's office."

"Yeah, I'll tell her to call in a definitive tip to the cops....on little Alejandro being in that 1004 Newcomb house."

"That's right, have her do the old lady thing....mask her voice....but have her do it now! We'll monitor it by streaming the New Orleans news feeds as we drive the boat back to that ragin' cajun guy!"

Alden nodded, grabbing his company tablet and calling Jesse back in Los Angeles.

Colt then tried to drown out Alden's voice, knowing he would flawlessly follow their plan. His mind drifted back to the alligators ripping Logan to shreds, tearing off his limbs as he struggled in the marshy bayou waters. He realized the moment was a major culmination of sorts, all within a life of murder and big paydays.

In the next nine hours, he remained virtually quiet, speaking to Alden sparingly and reflecting on every aspect of his still young life. The ride home from the Los Angeles airport was filled with news about New Orleans police finding Alejandro Luna inside a wealthy home, just hours earlier.

He knew it was a team of friends who helped save his life, Jesse, Alden, and himself; just one important individual short of the four they originally started with; a person he then felt compelled to visit at that very moment. With the convertible's top down, he turned to Alden, who was then driving. "Can you go to Menda Cemetery man? It's been awhile."

Alden considered Colt in that heartfelt moment, realizing he was in a different place inside, "Of course man."

To Colt, that drive was seemingly hard to be strong; despite knowing Alejandro was about to be reunited with his sorrow filled parents. He then remembered touching Amanda's face innumerable times before, feeling like forever was behind her light brown eyes.

He stared ahead while Alden drove through the cemetery, just as the sun started descending into the Pacific. His eyes then drifted over to the two headstones that read Davis, set side by side. After a moment, he tapped Alden's leg and exited the car before slowly approaching their resting spots.

With a heaviness that pulled down his soul, he knelt and whispered aloud. "Well girls, we took care of something today....Alden and I. I hope both of you aren't too mad at me....I hope you still love me....I'm missing both of you so much....it's driving me crazy inside, not seeing you all the time. I just wish one day I would wake up and see you two again....when I could hold you two, just feel your heads on my shoulder. But I'll be strong for you....I'll try to go on without you....with Eric, and try to be a good dad....as good as I can be."

Just then, Colt felt a hand squeeze his right shoulder. "It's alright man," Alden said, "I'm feeling it too."

Colt closed his eyes and bowed his head. Seeing himself holding Taylor's hand in the family's sunset beach scene; the one he had always envisioned. He then pulled his head back up, staring at their glossy headstones. "I love you two so much....I'll be back as much as I can....goodbye for now girls."

As he arose to his feet, he felt a sense of hope for the first time in a while. The same feeling he'd always had when he was with Amanda and Taylor. Tears that fell randomly down his cheeks were then wiped away, before he entered the passenger's seat once again. He gazed back at their tombstones as they drove off, feeling their loving energy pass directly through him, just as it had thousands of times before.

His icy eyes shifted back to Alden. "Let's get back to Eric and Jesse....we need to get in some quality time with them."

Alden clasped his right hand around Colt's neck, feeling his pain still present within the vehicle. "It's gonna be O.K. man....just take it day by day....that's all you can do."

Colt collected himself, trying to keep his composure. "Yeah, there's a few things that can probably spook away this loneliness inside....it's just everything....is real heavy right now."

Alden nodded, staring straight ahead as they exited Menda Cemetery. Moments later, his eyes glanced over to Colt's lap, noticing him staring at list of missing children, "Oh no Colt....again?"
Thank You for Reading!

Dear Reader,

I hope you thoroughly enjoyed **Framer**. I've got to say, I really loved writing the book! The day I couldn't write on it anymore felt sort of weird; like I was having some separation anxiety.

Many of you have written in asking what's the main character Colt is going to do? Is the relationship he has with Asha something more than friends? Does he and Alden have to pay for their violent crimes despite attempting to 'do good' towards the end?

If you would, tell me what you liked, loved, or disliked; I'd love to hear from you. You can write me at  benabix@benabix.com and visit me on the internet at http://benabix.com.

Lastly, if you would be so kind, I would really appreciate a review of **Framer**. What matters is that you yield your voice and contribute to the life of this title. As you may imagine, you the reader have a lot of power to make or break a book with favorable or poor reviews.

That said if you have the time, head over to where you purchased Framer, and you can then submit your respective review there.

I want to thank you again for taking the time to read this novel and spend some time with me!

All the best to you my friend,

Ben Abix
