A.J. Bennett - Hired Gun #3 (The Sicarii) Read online

  “But not unheard of,” Benny piped in.

  “That’s why I said rare.”

  “Touché.” Benny reached for a piece of crumb cake sitting on the table.

  “I don’t think Athena did me any favors’ by bring me to The Realm. Trust me, I would have preferred to stay with my mother.”

  “I’m sure you would have. Yet you showed signs early on of having full power. Which we have honestly never figured out how that happened. There must be some kind of genetic mutation in you or something. Perhaps because you are three quarters divine. As you know, half-breeds are dormant. You, however, are not. We couldn’t risk leaving you on Earth.”

  “Oh, but you could toss my ass back down here after the only person who gave a damn about me died.”

  “I know how this must seem to you.”

  “Right …”

  “We already know that Thorne was cast down not as punishment, but to make a difference down here,” Benny said.

  “That’s not entirely true. It was indeed a punishment. He disobeyed direct orders. Athena just stepped in to make the punishment bearable. It pained her to think of leaving her sister’s child in the Hall of Punishment.”

  “I spent enough time there throughout the years and I didn’t see her coming to my rescue.”

  “Let’s not split hairs.”

  “While this information is interesting, it doesn’t really explain why you are here.” Thorne leaned back in his chair, trying to make himself relax.

  Nike let out a sigh. “I’m here because Athena had a vision of you when you were born.”

  Both Benny and Thorne leaned forward, forearms resting on the table. Visions were not something to be taken lightly in their world.

  “She saw there would be a daemon stronger than any that had ever lived. That it would have the power to destroy the humans from within. She also saw you, playing a vital role in the outcome.”

  “And the outcome was?”

  “We lost. Everything was destroyed.”

  “I see. And that was supposed to make me feel better?”

  “As you know, visions are not set in stone, unlike prophesy.”

  “Yeah, well isn’t it prophesied the world is going to end?”

  “Yes, it is. Regardless, that doesn’t mean it’s by this creature. The Oracle saw nothing of the sort. So we believe this is a separate entity.”

  Thorne glanced at Benny before speaking. “I’m still not getting it. What does Athena expect from me?”

  Nike let out another long breath. “Athena did something she wasn’t supposed to do. She altered fate.”

  “How so?”

  “Your wife. She was a mere human, but she was also your soul-mate. How someone so weak could have been your’ other half—”

  “Watch it,” Thorne growled.

  “Sorry. I know that bond is an unbreakable one, and we have no control of our feelings for this person. Anyway, Athena stepped in. Understandably you’re jaded. She felt that if you had your other half with you when the time came, you would have something to fight for.” Nike paused. “Your wife has been reincarnated in this life time. But she in this life she is much more powerful. Athena has followed her through her many evolutions, making sure to keep her far away from you. Each time she worked with her to get her through her life lessons. It has been a chore. She was living at such a low vibration after her suicide. However, Athena moved parts, changed blood lines, and increased her power slowly so not to overwhelm her. Now she is ready and worthy to be by your side.”

  Thorne’s fist was clenched and he had to stop himself from reaching over to throttle the goddess. “She was worthy before. Where is she? Tell me where she is now, before I break your pretty little neck.”

  Nike offered him a soothing smile. “Ah, Thorne, I thought you were quicker than that. You’ve already met her. Time and time again.”

  Thorne froze as the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. “Kataya?”

  “Kataya. Unfortunately for you she is not privy to this information. I’m afraid you are going to have to make her fall in love with you. It shouldn’t be hard, but she is stubborn. She feels the pull, but hates your guts. However, the time is nearing Thorne, and Athena truly believes that all of the parts need to be in play for you to reverse her vision.”

  “Get out of my house. Both of you. I need to think.” Thorne shoved his chair back, knocking it over, and stood up. He didn’t even bother to wait to see if they were listening before he stalked out of the room.

  His Laurie was back. Kataya was Laurie? Now why he knew who she was no matter what form she took made sense. He knew her soul. Their souls were entwined.

  Kataya belongs to him. And he to her.

  But they couldn’t stand the sight of each other. Oh sure, Thorne wanted to fuck the hell out of her no matter what form she was in, but he also wanted to wreck her. He wanted her to grovel on her knees before him. He’d never once had thoughts like that about Laurie …

  6

  It was late in the evening when Thorne and Benny entered David’s luxurious home. The house was eerily quiet. Thorne could feel the currents of the refrigerator and heating system, but the house was so large there were no sounds. The Marks did not have any children, nor did it seem any pets.

  The wife had given them her husband’s schedule. In the evenings he would usually work in his study until past midnight. His wife claimed it was because he didn’t want to touch her. Thorne had seen pictures of Mrs. Marks. She was well preserved. Therefore, he knew she wouldn’t have any trouble finding a new man after her husband’s untimely demise.

  Benny’s head tilted toward the staircase. Thorne nodded and began to climb with the stealth and grace no mortal his size could possible match. He didn’t want to alert his victim any earlier than necessary.

  As Thorne made his way up, Benny would clear the downstairs to make sure they didn’t run into any surprises. Thorne still hadn’t decided what sort of accident would do the poor guy in. Something would come to him.

  The study was at the top of the stairs to the left, and the double doors were closed. Thorne by-passed the room while he continued to search the rest of the house, looking for a way to make the accident plausible. There was always the staircase, but it was so overused it was almost cliché. Thorne liked to be more original than that.

  At the end of the hallway he found just what he was looking for: a well-equipped gym. State of the art. Hell, it might even be better than his own. Yet Marks’ had some fruity electronic crap, too. Stick to the basics. He shook his head. Everyone was looking for a quick fix, when in truth just picking up anything heavy and doing some reps would do the job. Throw in some sprints and you’re good to go. Oh well, not his concern.

  As he scanned the room, he saw just what would do the trick.

  Thorne left the door open and strolled back down to the study. Checking his watch, he saw that they’d only been in the house for less than five minutes. They still had plenty of time.

  When he entered the study, Mark’s looked up, alarmed.

  “Hello, David.”

  “What the— Where did you come from?”

  “Where I came from is a long story, and I wouldn’t want to bore you. So, we’ll just get on with it.”

  “On with what? Who are you?”

  Mouth twitching, Thorne said, “My name is Thanatos and I’m afraid you’re about to have a little accident.”

  “A what? What the hell are you talking about?” He reached for the phone.

  Before he could even pick up the handle, Thorne had yanked it from the wall and tossed it into the wastebasket.

  “I don’t understand what’s going on.”

  “As the saying goes, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

  “Jesus Christ, Mallory sent you? Whatever she’s paying, I’ll triple it. Hell, I’ll pay you to take her out, whatever your fee and still triple what she offered.”

  “Sorry, man, it doesn’t work that way. It’s really n
othing personal. Myself, I don’t even see what all the fuss is about. What’s the harm in getting a piece on the side?”

  “If you understand, surely we can come to some sort of an agreement.”

  “I’m afraid not. It’s not about the money for me. In fact, I’ve got more than I could ever spend and I’m immortal, so that’s saying a lot.”

  “Immortal?” The man’s eyes widened. “You’re crazy. Oh shit. Please. There must be something. I’ll do anything.”

  “I’m sure you would. Unfortunately for you, time’s up. Specifically your time on this Earth is up. At least in this body, but don’t worry there will be others. A word of advice? Don’t get married. Then you don’t have to worry about this. You can fuck as many women as you want and there’s no penalty.”

  Thorne reached over and grabbed him by the arm, flinging him over the desk as if he weighed nothing. The fool was stammering on while tears were running down his face. It was embarrassing. The fool deserved to die.

  He dragged the man down the hallway. He was still blubbering like an idiot, begging, but it fell on deaf ears. Thorne’s mind was on what Nike had told him earlier. It was a lot to take in, and he wasn’t quite sure what to do about the information. Athena had no right to do what she’d done. He also knew the only thing that could break that kind of bond is death. Yet the thought of killing her …

  By now the man was screaming at the top of his lungs. The quiet house was not so quiet now. Unfortunately for Marks, there was no one here to hear him. And luckily for Thorne there was too much distance between the homes to worry about a nosy neighbor calling the cops.

  Thorne tossed the man down on the bench. As the man struggled to get up, Thorne pressed down with the palm of his hand, careful not to use too much force. He didn’t want any unexplained bruising. “I know it sucks,” Thorne said conversationally, “but everyone has a time. It doesn’t matter how rich you are, how powerful you are, or even if you’re a good person. When the Sicarii do their work, even the gods cannot change what will be.”

  Benny came through the door. “Good timing, brother. Would you mind loading the plates up?” Thorne asked. “Nothing too crazy. We don’t want to raise eyebrows. This guy’s scrawny ass couldn’t lift very much.”

  “Happy to be of service.” Benny crossed the room with long strides and loaded a few plates on to the bar. “I’m impressed. I wouldn’t have thought of this myself.”

  “It’s a shame, really. Every year people die under the bar. Too macho to think they need a spotter.”

  The man was now full out sobbing. He knew there was no escaping.

  Keeping his hand pressed against David’s chest, Thorne used his other hand and picked up the bar.

  “Wait—”

  Before David could get another word out, Thorne dropped the bar, sliding it along David’s chest until it rested across his neck. David’s eyes grew wide as he struggled to breath and push the bar up. At this point, a teenage boy could have kept enough pressure on the bar to keep it from being lifted. Simple physics.

  The poor fool kicked his feet and tried to beg for mercy, but it was useless.

  David’s face was turning blue and his movements grew weaker. “Yes, Clotho spun your thread and Lachesis allotted your time. And truth be told, she gave you a goodly amount, for which it seems you spent fairly productively. Regardless, all must abide by Atropos’ cutting.”

  David ceased to struggle. When Thorne released pressure from the bar, David failed to move. “What a shame. Didn’t you know it’s dangerous to bench press without a spotter?”

  Thorne stood up and stared down at the dead man. “Another one bites the dust. You’d think they’d learn. If you’re gonna play, you gotta pay.”

  Benny threw Thorne a towel and he wiped down the middle of the bar where his fingertips were. Not that Thorne’s digits were on record, but it might raise eyebrows if a second set of prints were found. Benny didn’t have fingerprints, so that wasn’t a worry as far as the plates went.

  Before leaving the house, they tidied up the office and left through the back door. They hopped the fence, strolled through the neighbor’s yard, and walked a couple of blocks to where the sedan was waiting.

  Once in the car, Benny turned to Thorne and asked, “You want to talk about what Nike told you today?”

  “Nope.” Thorne put the car in drive and eased out of the neighborhood. He still had to sort through the information himself. He knew Benny meant well, but Thorne wasn’t one to talk about his feelings.

  7

  Thorne relaxed under the steady hands of his masseuse. Greta was an older woman with skillful hands. She’d been with him for quite some time. When he’d first met her, she’d only been eighteen years old and stunning. Now she was in her sixties, and you could still see the beauty beneath the surface. Normally Thorne wouldn’t keep a human around that would realize he didn’t age, but Greta never asked questions. Her family origins were indeed human, but they were a powerful bunch. Greta herself was a gifted healer.

  “You’re very tense today, Mr. Hollow.”

  “By the gods, Greta, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Thorne?”

  She chuckled under her breath. He knew full well she would never call him Thorne. “Relax.”

  Thorne willed his body to obey the command. Next thing he knew he was drifting off into dream land. He was laughing. Light. Free. Happy. A foreign feeling for him.

  Suddenly, he felt arms wrap around his waist. He stilled, and then his body relaxed. Laurie. His one and only love. He spun around and lifted her in the air. “You’re alive.”

  “Of course, I am.” She giggled and cupped his face with her small hands.

  Before his eyes she shifted from Laurie to Kataya.

  Thorne woke with a start.

  “Mr. Hollow, are you okay?”

  “Wh— Yes, I’m fine. I must have dozed off.”

  “You were smiling.”

  “Must have been a good dream. That’s enough for today, Greta.” Thorne swung his long legs to the ground, stood up, and reached for a towel. After he’d wrapped it around his waist, he slowly walked over to the window and gazed outside.

  Greta was busy cleaning up her supplies. “Next week, same time?” she asked with a sparkle in her eyes.

  “You know it.” Thorne turned and shot her a wink, causing a flush to creep up her wrinkled face. It pained him to know that her life would be over soon and there was nothing he could do to prevent it. “How’s your health these days?”

  The woman looked up, startled. Thorne never asked personal questions. “Oh don’t you worry. I’m not going anywhere for a very long time. I won’t be around as long as you, Mr. Hollow, but I believe I’ll live to see a hundred, God willing.”

  “That’s good to hear.” Thorne wandered over to the shower and turned on the water. His mind returning to the dream, he dropped his towel and stepped in. Laurie and Kataya were one in the same. At least at the essence of their soul. Like Nike had stated, Kataya had gone through many lives to get to where she is now. She’d probably been married over the lifetimes and had children, which was something he’d never be able to give her.

  Soul mate’s. Humans’ had several, even in one lifetime. Immortals, they only had one. Both a curse and a blessing.

  He stepped out of the shower. Greta was long gone and the apartment was empty. Nike and Benny had yet to return after he kicked them out.

  Lost in thought, Thorne moved into his room and grabbed some clothes. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Thorne knew what he had to do. He had to confront Kataya … if he could find her.

  Sitting back on his bed, Thorne placed his hands on his knees, closed his eyes, and thought of Kataya. If their souls were truly entwined, he should be able to locate her no matter what kind of spell she was using to mask herself. It was very similar to Benny’s gift, only this particular skill only worked with one’s other half. Two parts of a whole. He’d never tried it himself, but he’d seen his f
ather do it to locate his wife.

  As he imagined her face, Thorne pictured the petite, dark-haired woman he’d initially met at the club. He took a deep breath and was surprised to feel a second heart beating in his chest, along with a strange swirling energy throughout him. “Where are you?” he asked internally.

  There was no reply.

  He tried to vector in on her location but he got nothing. All he could do was feel her, not see or hear her. Perhaps she had to acknowledge the bond before it would work correctly.

  Frustrated, Thorne opened his eyes.

  “Athena, if you can hear me. I could use a little help here. Maybe a sign or something?”

  Other than the tick of the fan, the room remained quiet.

  Thorne stood up, grabbing his jacket and keys before heading out the door.

  After he’d jumped on his motorcycle, he tugged on his helmet and took off. He didn’t really know where he was going. Letting his instincts lead the way, he drove away from the city. It was getting colder, and before long snow would cover the grounds.

  His phone buzzed in his jeans, but he ignored it. The open road was soothing to his soul. Everything that Nike had told him ran through his mind. What was he going to do once he found Kataya? Throw her over his shoulder and tell her that she belonged to him? Somehow he didn’t think that would go over well with the feisty little woman.

  He pulled up to a gas station and slung his long legs off the bike. As he was filling up his gas, he checked his phone. There were a few messages from Ragner. Thorne had completely forgotten they were supposed to meet up today.

  Shrugging, he slid the phone back into his pocket. He’d deal with that when he got home. He was at least three hours away from the city. He wasn’t even sure where he was.

  A black Porsche pulled up next to him just as he was about to secure his helmet. A tall, strawberry-blonde woman stepped out of the car.

  Thorne laughed. Fate? Coincidence? Or Athena?