Mercenary Wolf

Ch 9

It was one of the hardest damn weeks of my life. I focused on our hacker. It was going to be the perfect time for him to expand his skills.

The guys helped me prep Derrick. He wasn't sure about doing what I had in mind. I convinced him with my friendly, beefy arm around his shoulder. This was the perfect opportunity to teach him how to pump someone for info. That someone would be Rick's dad.

Derrick called early the morning Rick's dad came in. He went on about his bloody kitchen and a pile of bones from an elk the dad had brought with him. Mighty hunters Rick kept saying. I wondered what else they hunted.

That afternoon was another call from Derrick. He put Rick on the phone. Rick asked for permission to bring his dad by. At least the Little Wolf showed more respect than our hacker by asking first. He practically said his dad would have the answers I've been thirsty for.

I was pacing in the living room when they came in. I actually had to take a step back when I saw the dad.

Now, I've worked with killers. There are some that like to play around and think killing is great sport, some who are just indifferent to killing, others like me just doing the job, but only the job. This guy was a killer, no doubt. The kind that didn't let anything get in his way. His muted growl didn't stop as he paced around the living room, looked down the hall, stopped close to the basement door.

I could see the murder in his eyes, and was surprised when he focused on his own son.

The kid just smiled gently at his dad.

"Mac, you wanna clear the basement please and make sure my dad and I aren't disturbed while we, uh, work out?"

Work out? I wondered what word the kid almost used. I was actually worried for Rick for a sec before common sense won out. The guy wasn't gonna kill his own son. I went down and cleared the basement out. The kid still had a soft smile on his face as he followed his dad down. It occurred to me that what I was seeing was Rick's love for his dad.

They just stood there until I left.

I stood at the top of the stairs, listening. I could make out some of the grunts and snarls.

I told the guys to keep busy in the workout stations I'd set up in the bedrooms. Rick and his dad fought for about an hour. I sure the hell wasn't gonna call the sounds I heard some little work out.

They finally pushed the door open, bumping me out of the way. I didn't hear them coming up the stairs.

I looked them over, evaluating the damage on their flesh. Hard to tell from the assorted cuts and bruises who won, but Rick had this contented look on his face whereas the dad just looked tired. At least he didn't look murderous anymore!

Rick's dad headed over to one of the couches, plopping down heavily.

"My son says you have what's needed for stitches?"

I just looked, but pulled out my keys.

The kid got what they needed then headed in for a quick shower.

I watched them each put a few stitches in each other. Damned if I know where they hid the blades. I gave them a questioning look.

"Mom was a vet, don't know how often we helped her out. I've been doing stitches since I was, what, eleven?" The kid asked his dad.

Wasn't what my look had meant, but it was another little tidbit to add to the pile. I hadn't thought to research the dead mom.

His dad nodded to the kid, then patted the couch next to him inviting me to sit. I didn't sit down until after the kid put the stuff away and brought me back my keys.

"Tell me about your friend," the dad said.

"Tell me why you think you can help him."

"I'm not sure you can handle why."

I got to my feet, wanting to fight, thoroughly ticked off. Here was someone else who knew what I didn't and sounded like he was willing to leave me in the dark. I don't know who this smart-ass thought he was!

The kid came over putting his hand on my shoulder. I shrugged him off.

The dad gave me a long measuring look.

"Son, stand at the door while Mac and I go to the basement."

Good, I thought to myself, he might think he's a tough little shit, but I was ready for some frigging answers. I wouldn't have no witnesses cause I planned to pound the truth outta him if I had too!