Page 14 of The Hunter

The front door of her house opened and I ducked down into a shrub, peering through as I tried to make out figures in the dark. Xanderson and Cadman stepped out, easily recognizable. I let out a sigh of relief as they climbed into their car.

Blair was no where to be seen, so I had to assume that by the absence of the third member of their trio, she must be safe with them. It killed me not knowing, but contacting her would raise suspicion on my behalf.

I quickly moved around the corner into her neighbor's front yard, hiding out of view as the Spades car took off out of the driveway. Sadly, the only way I'd be able to find out information would be to go to HQ.

My brain tossed up the pros and cons, trying to decide if I should. But, before I could mentally make the decision, my feet already started carrying me down the street.

I just hoped that I could keep my cool when I got there.

It was quiet at HQ, many people at home or out dealing with Hunter operations. I was thankful when I found Benny sitting in the darkened bar, our little area for boozing when at HQ.

"What happened?" I asked quietly without saying hello, sitting down next to him.

Benny gave me a surprised look, reaching over to grab a cold beer out of the cooler. He handed it to me, before picking up his half-drunk one.

"Gid's been bragging. Apparently had the girl alone today. He sent Rina, Jenks and Hef to spook her."

Some fellow Hunters walked by us, pausing our conversation as I gave them a quick wave. It was dangerous talking here, but I didn't know what else to do.

"Did they say anything else?" I asked in hushed tone.

Benny sipped his drink. "Got away apparently. Sliced up Rina real good. She's pissed and out for blood. So, don't be surprised if things start escalating. There's also talk of some other things going down, but I'm not sure what."

I opened my mouth to speak when a familiar voice called out.

"Levi! My office."

Me and Benny turned to find my father standing at the doorway, his cold eyes on me. I let out a small breath, giving Benny a look as I followed my father.

As we walked into his office, I expected to find it empty, but a man sat in my usual seat.

"Who's this?" I asked, stepping inside the door as Lucas sat down in his chair.

"Levi, this is John. You should recognize him."

I glanced at the man. He did seem familiar but it took me a few seconds to put the pieces together.

"You're Blair's father."

John and Lucas laughed, giving each other amused looks.

"Kind of," John muttered.

My brows furrowed in confusion, my body tense as I tried desperately to figure out what was going on.

"You have a bit in common," Lucas grinned. "Both of you have been undercover, dealing with the little bitch."

"You're not her real father?" I asked in shock.

John shook his head. "No, kid. And as far as you're concerned, I'm missing. So, don't blow the operation up by opening that mouth of yours."

Lucas pulled out his gun, placing it threateningly on the desk. "We need you to do something, son. Tonight."

"What?"

John dug into his pocket, extracting a tattered photo. "This guy owes me money. I just got his criminal charges dropped. Go pay him a visit for me."

"Do it yourself," I said, not taking the photo.