The Hunters Chronicles Once Upon a Time Alex Jan Skowronski

Weve been up on these rocks for whole day and all weve seen are animal tracks. Sir theres not a damn thing up here. Damn it all. Figures top would send us on a hunting party for falling rocks. Johnson, check out that formation to the north, see if there are any tracks. You got it Rhys. Private Johnson turns toward his objective. North ridge, one oclock, incoming! The private opens fire on the shadowy figure that is charging him. His squad mates turn toward the threat and ready arms. Shit! Shit! Shit! Gun fire opens from all men as they try to gain a bead on the assailant. The assailant roars like a giant dog as it slashes at Private Johnson. Man do- The shadowy figure slashes again dropping another soldier. Wesley! Fall back! Get your asses down the mou-

Ahhhhhhhhh! Honey, are you ok? Rachel sits up, and starts rubbing Andrews back to help comfort him. What dream was it? The war story, been some time since Ive been haunted by that. Been some time since youve been haunted by anything. Rachel grabs hold of Andrew and pulls him over top of herself. Lay your head down on me and go back to sleep.

How you feeling? Ok, I guess. I got sleep but not the best. Im sorry baby. Dont be, its alright; I had you there to comfort me. Thanks for last night, you put up with way too much from me. Youre fine; youre one of the best people I know. Andrew gets up out of bed and starts to dress. He reaches into his rear pocket and pulls out an envelope of money. Here, take this, that should help pay a few bills. And I know Rosettas birthday is coming up, so buy her something from me; Im not real sure what four year olds are into these days. Rachel takes the envelope and opens it and does a quick count of the money. Rhys, theres like five thousand in here! I cant take all of this, what are you left with? Dont worry about it honey, I just got notice of a new job and I still have a few hundred from the last one, you need that more than I do. You have two kids, and rent and bills to pay; and I know your waitressing tends to only let you break even, if that, so take it and run. Rachel gets out of bed and walks over to her dresser and opens a small box and takes out two keys. Since were exchanging gifts, take these, theyre from the girls. She hands the keys to him. What are these to? The apartment you doof! The girls told me that you should have keys, because youll need them sometime. Im not one to question that sort of thought pattern from a six year old.

Andrew takes the keys and puts them in his pocket. Well tell the girls I said bye when they get up, I need to get running, have to be on the road by noon if I want to make it to the meeting place for this next client in any good time frame. Will do hon. The girls are going to miss you. They really like having you around. I wish you could stay at least one more day. Me too, but I need the money and thrills to keep me going. Andrew finishes packing his duffle with his clothes and supplies and walks over to Rachel. He grabs her around her waist, pulls her close, and kisses her. See you around lovely. He then grabs his duffle and heads for the door. Be careful. Id tell you not to do anything stupid or crazy, but those are your middle names. Ill do my best, as he closes the door behind him.

Andrew arrives at his park destination. He begins to search about for the man that he is to meet. Wish he gave me a better idea of where to find him, other than central park area. As he continues to search about, he hears a man yell in his direction. Hunter, over here. A man in a suit waves his arms to attract the attention of Andrew. Andrew fast walks to the man, who has taken seat at a picnic table away from most of the crowded areas of the park. Sorry I didnt give better directions on a where to find me, I havent been here in years and had no idea if things had changed. Either way there, no need for all attention. Now everyone probably thinks were secret loves or something. At any rate, Im here for business. What do you want me to do?

A few months ago, my daughter was kidnapped and murdered; now I know that probably means nothing to you, and that people come to you all the time asking you to kill the killer. Whats different about this is that my daughter was murdered as part of some cult leaders attempt at gaining almighty power. He figures, kill enough virgins and he can gain all the power of Hell, or something like that. The police have little information on the man responsible, and at best only have the evidence to link him to the scene of the crime as a witness. Figures, damn police, and let me guess they also have no idea where to find said man, to so much as bring him in for questioning. Thats right. All I have is a name, Lord Sy; I found it with some of my daughters papers. She was going through a hard time, and looking for new friends. All I want is for you to bring him in so that the police can do what they need. I know that if they have him in custody and against a panel of witnesses, they can nail him with the crimes I know hes committed. This isnt the first girl thats gone missing on his account? No. Its speculated that there are at least two to five more. Very well, if you wish for me to do this Ill need two things. The first thing is to know how much youre paying me. And then if the compensation is adequate, Ill need some sort of lead to start with. The man breathes heavy, I was hoping youd tell me your fee. Did that once, got fucked over. What Im willing to take and what youre willing to pay are two different things. I need to know what youre willing to pay; hopefully its higher than Im willing to take. If not Ill send you away until you make me happy. So, Ill give you one week to bring half of what youre willing to pay me.

Sighing, Thats a fair deal. Ill be seeing you in one week; Ill meet you in this very spot.

Andrew walks up to the man, who stands to greet him. Next to where the man is sitting is a standard black briefcase. So, it would appear that you have an offer to bring to the table, Mr. Smith. Yes I do, and Im very confident that youll be pleased. The man opens the case and turns it toward Andrew. I do hope that this is sufficient compensation, as seeing that the last known location of Lord Sy, was in southern Texas. Andrew takes the case and opens to visually count the money within it. This is half? Yes, dont worry where I got it. I know how this sort of thing works, its crystal clean money. This is $50,000; you have your man. Andrew stands and shakes the mans hand. Whats the name of the town, this dark lord was last known to be in, and do you have any photo of him? The man reaches into his pocket and takes a photo of his daughter and a man. This is him. Not the best looking fellow in the world. He was seen at the Joes Crab Shack in Corpus Christi. Hes never alone, and Im sure he and his men are always armed. Please bring them to justice for what theyve done to the daughters of this world. Ill do my best. Should you hear any other leads on him or his associates you let me know before the police have a chance to ruin them. Andrew and the man shake hands and part ways. Andrew gets into his truck and sets for Corpus Christi.

After a leisurely drive through the heart of the American Midwest, Andrew arrives in Corpus Christi. He secures a hotel and after settling into his room, he locates the local Joes Crab Shack, where he should be able to pick up the trail. Walking into the restaurant, Hello, I need to speak with your manager; Im conducting an investigation. Sure, just one minute, let me find her.

Offering an outstretched hand, Hello, my name is, Allie Madock, night manager, how may I assist you. Shaking her hand, Pleased to meet you, Miss Madock. My name is Andrew Irons, Im investigating a murder suspect. Smiling and laughing slightly, Sorry, just call me Allie, Im not really the formal type. Pulling out the photo given him, Allie, have you seen either of the people in this photo? Taking the photo and studying it, Nope cant say I have. The man looks like the night type, Bill, should be of more help. She points, Andrew in the direction of the bar. Taking a seat at the bar and flagging down the man holding it down, Andrew Irons, Im looking for, Bill. The man coming over to him, Thats me, what can I do ya for? First I need a Jack on the rocks, and second, handing him the photo, have you seen either of those two. Handing the photo back, Let me get your drink. He walks over to the center of the bar and makes the drink, he then walks back and hands it to Andrew and takes a lean over the bar,

Saw the guy in here about two months ago. He had quite the entourage. He carried himself like he was the biggest man in the world. I didnt like the way he looked, and since he was looked under 40, I carded him when he order a drink. Clinton Sypher, California; wrote that one down, damn glad I did. Everyone around him, called him, My Lord, or Sy; guessing it depended on how close they were to him. I knew that at least two of his buddies were packing, but they seemed to scare everyone away, so I wasnt worried about them causing trouble. How many did he have with him, and what was the makeup of the crowd? Thinking back, Id say about eight. Two of them seemed to be his body guards, sat on either side; not really big guys, but they looked like they were rather familiar with their weapons. The rest of the crowd seemed to be his fans; four girls in their early twenties, and a guy who looked youngest of all. Was this girl, pointing at the photo, one of those girls. No, she wasnt there. Sighing greatly, Any idea where they hang their hat? No, but, one of the girls, grabbing out a memo pad and flipping through it, Candice Ashford, hails from Fritch, up north near Oklahoma. Finishing his drink, Awesome, that gives me something to go off of; best start to a job ever. Glad to be of service, hope you catch your man. Andrew drops a $50 on the bar and leaves back to his hotel room to plan for his next destination.

Andrew sits at his laptop and begins to plan his route to Fritch. As he browses the route and road layout within Fritch, his cell phone rings. Whats up my brother from another mother? Dude, I saw our mother holding you the day you were born. I know. So how the hell are you? I dont hear from you unless youre after something. Word on the street is that youve been charged with finding one, Clinton Sypher; hes one of the more elusive men ever hunted by authorities. Ive been asked to speak with you about making sure you bring him in alive. Well now I know his name. Im fixing to head Fritch, Texas, from here in Corpus Christi in the morning. He may or may not be where Im heading, been a few months, so unless you can somehow meet me there, theres little I can do. Shit, youre in Texas, pause on the phone. Is there any way you can hold off on leaving for at least one more day? Nope. Sorry bro I have to take these leads as they come. Its five now and I hate getting up early, but I have the alarm set at six, to be on the road by eight. The drive is slated at eleven hours. Heavy sigh, I might be able to pull this off. Can I ask you to do a personal favor? Ill try not to kill him. Im not in the business of killing people, but he pulls off one round and I get him in my sights, it over. Good, youre not ordered to kill him. Nope, my employer wants me to bring him to justice. This Lord Sy, seems the perfect type to rot in a prison rather than be a martyr.

True that. Well then, be safe Rhys. I hope I can get to you in time, governments got a nice bonus for you to bring him in kicking and screaming. Ok, Eddie, will do. Andrew hangs up and packs his bags for his early morning trip.

Andrew arrives in front of the address he was given. The house is a large, white, four bedroom, ranch style lake house. There is nothing to set it aside from the rest of the houses on the street. Andrew pulls his truck up in front of the next house, and grabs his pistol. He walks casually to the door, finding the screen door open he knocks on the door. A young girl answers the door. As she opens the door Andrew steps through the door and swings his pistol from his hip to within an inch from the girls face. This is why you dont leave you screen unlocked. Now close up the house, and please remain calm. Is there anyone else here? She closes the door and locks it. In a wavering voice, No Im the only one here. Looking about the living room of the house, he motions toward the couch, Good have a seat. Dont worry; Im not in the business of killing. He keeps his gun in hand but places it in his lap as he takes up residence in a recliner overlooking the couch. Im searching for a man and was given this address. Are you Candice Ashford? Still scared out of her wits, Yes I am. Awesome. Andrews cell rings, he looks at the caller ID, and answers it. Dammit Eddie, you know right when to call, Im working, make this quick! Im in Fritch, did you find him yet? No, hes not here Im in the middle of an interrogation. Fine, just meet me at the subway in town when youre done then.

Andrew hangs up the phone and puts it back in his pocket, Damn family always knows when to call. Now, Im looking for this man. He pulls out the photo and hands it to her. You were seen with him a few months ago. Where can I find him now? Breathing heavily, He moves around a lot. My house is one of many he uses around the country. Are you going to kill him? Not unless he tries to kill to kill me. I know you know where he went after leaving here, so where is that? He said he was heading west. The next westward house I know of is in Flagstaff, I was there once for a weekend. Do you have an address, or place of frequency I can find him? I think I have the address somewhere. He gets up and motions to her, Lets go find it.

Finding the local subway in town, Andrew parks his truck next to a brand new, classic black, Chevy Tahoe with deep tinted windows. He walks around to the drivers window and taps the dark glass. He can see the shadow of a man move about and open the door. Slightly sleepy, Glad you found me bro. How was the interrogation? Rather well. I have an address in Flagstaff. Opening the rear drivers door and pulling out a black briefcase, 10K, first half to bring Sypher in alive. You kill him and you get no more from me. Taking the case, Nice, got to love the government. Ill do my best. How the hell did you get here so fast and know I was still in town? Luck that you were still here, and I chartered a private jet.

Nice, well bro, Id love to stay and chat but I need to head for Flagstaff. Thats fine, this guy needs to be apprehended right fast and your hot on his trail more than anyone could have hoped. Ill never know how you have so much luck on these things.

Andrew finds himself in a rural housing development, on the far outskirts of Flagstaff. He drives past the address. The house is a large, red brick house, with no porch, but a twelve foot entry way, the door is surrounded by windows. There is an attached three car garage. As he parks his truck up the road a few houses, he sees a three men walk out of the house, they all have one hand in a pocket or hidden behind a jacket. He exits his truck and reaching into the back of his cab, pulls out his M4, two magazines, and two flash bang grenades. He moves around the front of his truck and makes for the house. The men see him as he gets near the house next door; they pull their guns and begin firing on him. Two of the men are carrying 9mm pistols, and the other a Mini Uzi. As bullets rush past him, Andrew takes cover behind the stone wall surrounding the front yard of the house next door to his objective. The men seize fire. Yelling over the wall, Put down the toys kids, I dont want to have to kill you! Fuck off merc! Were not letting you get our glorious Lord, screams the Uzi soldier. The men open fire again. Popping his M4 over the wall, Andrew blind fires; he lands two bullets in one of the pistoliers, hitting him in the left thy and arm. The man drops his gun as he falls to the ground screaming in pain. The other two men take cover about the house; one hiding in the entry way, the other on the far corner. Taking advantage of the opening, Andrew runs to the corner of the house where the garage is located. Hugging the house and staying as low as possible he sets for the door way. The Uzi soldier pops out from the far corner, and before he can pull the trigger hes put down by two bullets to his chest.

The last pistolier, throws his weapon out in the yard and pops from cover, Dont kill me man! Andrew rushes the man and delivers a rifle butt to his face knocking him out. He then breaks the glass to the left of the door to see into the entry way inside. Seeing no threat, but two men running past through the kitchen and hearing the rear sliding door open as they yell and run from the scene, Andrew opens the door. As soon as he enters a man swings a metal baseball bat at his head. He ducks out of the swing, sweeps the sluggers legs from underneath him and as he hits the floor, delivers a powerful elbow to his head knocking him out. Andrew then does a sweep of the bottom floor; nothing in the office, utility room, or kitchen and living room. Finding a door down stairs, he tosses a flash bang down the stairs, Frag out! Nothing is heard, he moves through the hall from the kitchen back to the entryway and up the stairs, he clears the rooms finding no one else. He grabs any weapons near the unconscious men and makes his way over to the pistolier that lay wounded in the front yard. Motioning him to calm down and move into a better position, Here let me see that. He rips the mans shirts off and uses it to tie off the wounds so that they will stop bleeding. He then grabs the man under his arms and drags him back to the house and in the door. Setting the man down, Ok, so where do I find Sypher? What if I dont tell you? Pulling out a knife from his pocket and grabbing the mans junk firmly in hand, Ill start cutting off things you dont need to live. The man quickly answers, Old church outside of Bakers, thats all Ill give you.

Thanks bro. He lets go of the man and walks casually out of the house and to his truck to depart for his next destination.

After some searching about Baker, Andrew locates the church that he was pointed to. The church is small, and can hold about 100 people. It has classic white siding, small bell tower over the front entrance. Over the entry way is a cross, there are two red doors to accommodate the flow of people that would come and go at the same time. A wide gravel path leads to the church from the road. Surrounding the church property is a four foot stone wall with a six foot high, classic, black iron fence. Thick woods surround the church and the land across the street. Parked along the path and about the front lawn of the church are four cars and an SUV. Posted about the church are look-outs; at the front are two men armed with rifles; one with a 12 gauge shotgun, the other with a 5.56mm M16 style rifle. Expecting trouble, Andrew parks his trunk up the road from the church. He exits his truck pre loaded with his M4, pistol, two magazines for each weapon, two each of smoke and flash bang grenades, explosives for use if needed to enter the church itself and wearing his body armor. He makes his way unseen up the road under cover of the woods. He finds cover across from the church and surveys his options. Yelling to the men guarding the front, Put the toys down boys and walk away, Im here for one man; I will not harm you if you walk away. The rifleman looking around, Not before we kill you. Lord Sypher has promised us glory if we take your head. Your funeral then. He tosses a smoke grenade to give him enough cover to make it to the wall. As soon as the grenade detonates, the men guarding the front open fire on the woods.

After the smoke has filled his path, Andrew bolts for the wall, getting clipped on his left shirt sleeve by stray pellets from the shot gunner. He makes it to the wall and ducks for cover. He hears yelling and two more rifles open fire through the smoke. The other two men are from the rear guard; one more shot gunner and an Uzi soldier. As the smoke starts to clear, Andrew can see where the men are, the shot gunners are hidden behind cars, the rifleman behind the SUV, and Uzi soldier is in the open. The Uzi soldier is firing in a spray and pray pattern, Andrew pops over the wall and puts two rounds, center mass, dropping the man hard. He quickly drops back to cover. Last chance assholes! Rushing from the cover of one of the vehicles and firing along the wall, Die in the fires of Hell you heathen bastard! Know that the man is in the open, Andrew pops up from his cover and puts two rounds, center mass, second gunner down. The other shot gunner throws his gun down and starts to run for the woods; as he does the rifleman takes aim and shoots him in the back. Goddamn converts! You think you can get past me asshole, Im ex military? Thought so, you still got the trigger finger. Look, Im only getting paid to bring in Sypher, you can still just walk away. Not happening, but tell you what, Ill toss my rifle, and we can settle this like real men. Peaking from the wall, Sounds fun but Ill pass, I dont have my gloves, and I dont care for bloody knuckles. The rifleman, using the down time in the fight has managed to navigate to a closer position behind the SUV and directly in front of Andrews position; only 15 yards separate them. You think youre a sure shot with that rifle?

Look at the bodies. Weighing the options, Andrew rolls his last smoke grenade under the SUV, as soon as the smoke has half filled the area the rifleman opens fire, Andrew vaults over the wall and rushes around the back of the vehicle, as soon as he turns around the vehicle, he is met by the rifleman in mid turn of taking aim at him. Andrew jumps and delivers a massive hard, boot to the mans face, knocking him on the ground and forcing him to drop his rifle. The man pulls a combat knife from his belt and swings at Andrew. Using the M4 to block the blade, Andrew delivers another boot to the riflemans face, this time knocking him unconscious. Taking cover behind a car thats no more than seven yards from the entrance to the church, Andrew evaluates his option for entry. He carefully makes his way to door. He pulls out one of his breaching charges and places it over the handles; he then takes cover behind the car again. Before detonating the charge, he tosses his two flash bangs through the front windows. As soon as all three charges detonate, Andrew slings his rifle over his shoulder and pulls his pistol. He busts down the door and is very nearly shot in his right arm as a shot gunner, fires in a still dazed state before the church altar. Seeing the gunner is in body armor, Andrew fires one round, center mass. The man falls backwards off his feet and slams his head on the altar, and is unconscious when he hits the floor. Sypher blind fires an Uzi, from behind the front, right pew of the church. Andrew drops to his back, but not before catching one round in the left side of his armor. Seeing where Sypher is taking cover, Andrew squats behind the back pews, holstering his pistol and grabbing his rifle he waits for Sypher to pop again. As soon as he sees the Uzi pop over the pew he quickly takes aim and snipes the weapon out of Syphers hand. Andrew, slings his rifle, pulls his pistol and rushes to the front of the church. He lays eyes on Sypher as he is grabbing the Uzi from the floor; Andrew fires one round into Syphers right shoulder. Rushing him, Andrew kicks Sypher

over on his back, and plants his foot firmly on his wounded shoulder. With his pistol aimed at Syphers head, Its over!

Long time no see Mr. Smith. Thank you for what youve done. Not just for me, but for all the families that this Sypher has affected. They will never know what youve done, but I will never forget. Youre very welcome Mr. Smith. Handing a black briefcase from the picnic table, This is the rest of your fee Hunter. Sweet, new sound system for my truck. Where will you go now? Stumped and taking a few seconds to think, Home.

Quickly opens the door to Rachels apartment. Walking in he finds the girls on the couch, and Rachel working at the stove. As soon as they realize who is standing before them they jump from their places and rush to him. The girls hug tightly to his legs while Rachel hugs him tightly around his shoulders and kisses him passionately. Hey girls, Im home.