Burning Road

The Twenty-First Century- Part II

They turned onto Van Dam Street.  Cali quietly scribbled more notes and Khouri digested what he'd just witnessed.  He was forced to admit that she was quite the rare find.  Her Doohickey was groundbreaking.  It could change monster hunting forever.  He refused to believe she could actually speak monster, but it was quite clear that she was making progress.  She may not have been raised in a hunting family with the hunter's blood coursing through her veins, but she had potential.  She could be great one day.  He knew that he lacked the patience she would require, but there were other hunters, some that might even talk to the girl long enough to realize her worth.  He was thinking of a short list when they pulled into the LIC safe-house.

"Where are we?" Cali asked.  Before he could answer she'd snapped a dozen pictures.

"Stop that.  This is where we Watchers bring captive monsters and their paraphernalia to be cataloged."

"So this is where we get paid?"

"Whenever possible.  During busy weeks they calculate our earnings, and then transfer the funds when they're available.  Most of the money is kept in The City."

"So this is where everything is processed?"

"Yeah."

"Security must be intense here."

"This place is guarded by two dozen of the toughest hunters in the business," Prince replied.  "That's why you're going to be quiet, and only speak if spoken to."

"Wait, you're going to take me inside?"  Her excitement was palpable.  "Should I put my camera away?  Am I going to get to meet your friends?"

"No.  And I don't have friends.  Now shut up and try to look normal."

For a change she did as he asked.  In the sudden silence that filled the van the telltale clicking of high heels echoed through the parking lot.  Isis  turned the corner accompanied by four hunters.  They brought with them a large cage on wheels, an assault rifle, and stun guns.  She wore a one piece white designer mini dress, and three inch matching heels.  Her platinum blond hair was tied into a no nonsense bun at the top of her head.  Her striking eyes framed by black and gold rimmed glasses.  Her face was stern, but beautiful in its harshness.  Under the lights of the subterranean parking lot her pale skin looked ethereal.  In one hand was a clipboard, and on her head a wireless headset.  Three of her escort were dressed like building security.  The fourth like a country woodsman.

Khouri climbed out and went to the back of the van.  He sat on the bumper and a moment later Cali joined him, imitating his posture perfectly.  Isis and her entourage stopped fifteen feet away.  The suits spread out in a perimeter.  The lumberjack lit a cigar, opened the cage, and prepared a long length of chain.

'"Good afternoon, Ice," Khouri greeted.  Isis adjusted the frames resting on her nose, and studied the young woman sitting beside him.

"Mr. Prince, I have to admit that I did not expect to see you so soon," her tone was cold, mechanical.

"I left you a message this morning saying that I'd be paying you a visit.  I included the plate number of my ride so security wouldn't be spooked.  Didn't you get it?"

"Yes, I did but given your past I assumed you meant in a few weeks."

"It's a new day, Ice, and business is good."

"Quite good if this is an indicator.  This is your fifth capture this month, second this week.  Mr. Prince, for you, this is unprecedented."

"Guess I'm setting the new standard."  Khouri could never tell if Ice was being purposefully insulting, and it plucked at his nerves.  He forced himself to stay calm, she was about to put money in his pocket.