Set Me Free

CHAPTER 1

"I don't want a partner!" Clinton Hudson growled into the phone.

"Think of it not, as getting a partner but more of an associate that will be able to help you track down a vampire." Jack Nichols said from the other side.

Clint sighed. "I've been managing just fine on my own."

"I know you have. But everyone can use a little bit of help now and then. At least just meet the person?"

Clint dropped his head backwards and glared up at the afternoon sky. "Fine." He relented. He straightened his spine and dug his keys out of his jeans pocket. "Where do you want me to meet you?" He strode towards his truck. It was one of those huge affairs that would total any car it smashed into. He had custom built the back into a camper. A small kitchen, bed and table that could be turned into another bed if needed.

Jack rattled off an address that was thankfully located in the same city Clint was now presently in. "See you in a bit." He disconnected the call.

He climbed up into the drivers seat and brought the engine to life. He drove through the small campground area he had stopped at late last night. While he was waiting at a stoplight, he programmed the address into his GPS.

Twenty minutes later he pulled into a parking spot in front of a large building that claimed it was the Hill's Asylum. He shook his head. "What the hell?" He spoke to the empty cab. A light tapping had him turning his head. Jack's bushy face peered back at him.

Clint turned the ignition off and stepped out of the truck. "What are we doing here?"

Jack held up both hands. "Just hear me out. The person I want you to meet lives here. She's been here a long time. I think you can use her special abilities."

"It's a she? And what special abilities? Talking to imaginary friends? Seeing people that aren't there? This seems like it's going to be a colossal waste of my time."

"Just meet her. She can tell you about herself. And stop being a jerk."

"I need to get down to Louisiana. Word has it, there is a large nest that has been terrorizing the citizens there. I need to locate it and exterminate the vampires living there."

"I think she will be able to help you locate them easily. Just meet her. You don't think she will be useful, then you can go on your way." Jack placed his hands on his round hips. He was 36 with a full beard that hung to the middle of his neck. He was a bit pudgier than most hunters. He had streaks of silver in his chestnut hair and he was now required to view the world through a pair of glasses, but he was still whip smart and could still take down a group of the fanged creatures.

Clint shook his head. "A total waste of time, but fine. Lead the way." He held out a long tanned, muscular arm.

Clint followed Jack into the building and up to a desk. The petite blonde sitting at the computer looked up at them. "May I....oh it's you. Are you here to visit her again?"

Jack nodded. "Yes, I am. I have a friend with me that I want her to meet."

The blonde's gaze turned to Clint and she licked her lips. Clint watched with frustration as her eyes traveled up and down his body. This was not new behavior from a female. Clint was just one of those guys that females had a habit of drooling over. He was 28 years old. He stood at 6'3", 185 pounds that was mostly muscle. He had black hair that was trimmed short, just enough to run your hands through it and have it be messy looking. His eyes, which was his most distinct feature, was an ice-blue with flecks of a darker blue scattered about. He was clean shaven with a sharp jaw-line. His cheeks were defined without being too harsh. His skin was a golden color from time spent outside and it was smooth looking. Almost like he was made from plaster. His black t-shirt hugged his pecs and six-pack perfectly. His blue jeans were equally as tight on his muscled thighs. They hung a bit low on his perfectly chiseled hips. Black boots completed his attire.