Hunter

The fearsome three

Hunter

I sat in Mason's office across from him while he sat behind his desk. He laid out four photographs before me.

"Why am I looking at pictures of Ryan, Jordan, and two other kids?" I asked.

"These four kids belong to four men who were friends. Ryan is Charles's boy. Jordan belongs to Frank Shaw. Maurice Frazier is raising Dylan. And Alexandra is Greg Hartley's daughter."

I glanced at each photograph.

"Charles made a terrible deal. He promised Greg Hartley that his daughter would end up with Dylan."

"The same kid that stole a comic book?" I raised my brow.

"The very same one." Mason nodded.

I picked up the two photographs and studied them. "Why would Charles make a deal like that?"

"To ensure financial gain. Greg has a problem with gambling. Maurice has something that belongs to us."

I glimpsed at Mason, knowing what he meant. "Carrington and Charles don't know, do they?"

"No, and I prefer discretion with the situation."

I didn't question Mason's motives.

"Hunter, I'm assigning you to help Ryan, Jordan, and Dylan."

"What about the girl?"

"If my plan works out, Alex will have protection. But I need to ensure the boys' survival."

"I will regret asking this. Why?"

"Because they will become the most feared boys in Saintwood. Their combined qualities will make them powerful. Dylan will disarm people with his charm. Jordan will provide brute force. But Ryan will calculate the moves. When you combine all three personalities, you have a powerhouse. You will eliminate any threat until I can train them properly. Call it an insurance policy."

I nodded in response and didn't question Mason. Joseph's words rang true. If I defied Mason, he would use Gail to punish me. I gave him my loyalty in exchange for our freedoms one day.

I gathered the pictures, slid them into my back pocket, and left the office. I took Zane with me to scope out each boy. We arrived at a school and parked a block away. I exited the car while Zane stayed in the car. I pulled the hood of my hoodie over my head and slipped onto school grounds so no one spotted me.

I turned my head slightly and heard grunting. I moved stealthily until I reached the sound. Three guys had Jordan cornered. He was holding his own. But three against one wasn't a fair fight. When the boys weren't looking, I slipped in and took down two boys. Jordan landed a punch in the third guy's nose, knocking him off his feet.

Jordan looked at me with a bloody lip and eyebrow. I gave him a slight smile and nod before slipping out. If you want to make people fear someone, you create an illusion. If Jordan was the brawn, people needed to learn he could drop three guys alone.

I climbed into the car. Zane drove to the next destination and parked in an alleyway. I got out and slipped around buildings until I spotted three guys cornering Dylan. I gave him a few minutes and watched Dylan slip through their grasp. He was quick and slick. It would help him evade capture.

I crept up until I stood behind the three guys and waited. Dylan noticed me and smiled.

"Why are you smiling, Freak?" A guy sneered.

"Because you lack brains since they're in your ass." Dylan grinned.

Before the guys could react, I knocked two guys' heads together. When the third guy turned his head, I cracked him in the face, dropping him.