Hunted

Chapter 2

*****

This chapter is dedicated to Da_Lonli_One . Thank you for everything, especially your support. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to have you as a friend. Remember,

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remember to turn on the light"

Happy birthday🥳

*****

The clicking of my black leather boots on the polished grey tiles broke the ear piercing silence. As I quickly made my way to the elevator doors at the end of the white walled halls, my footsteps were joined another pair. I turned to find a tall, thin figure, with short jet black hair salted with grey and ageing features that were obvious yet subtle.

"How was your flight," he asked with his usual, unexpectedly soft voice. Despite his slick black suit and strict appearance, Chester was a kind and gentle soul. Ironic really, given what he does for living.

"It was alright, I was almost stopped by security," I quietly responded, stopping at the silver elevator doors, "but it's nothing a fake I.D can't fix," I added, sliding him a slight smirk as I pressed the down button.

He chuckled slightly as we stepped inside, the doors sliding silently closed behind us. "Sounds about right," he muttered with a smile as we slowly descended.

"What have I missed while I was away?" I was always coming back to some change or big news, so it was almost a given that something had happened.

"Just the usual, lost a few, gained a few," he answered. The bell announced our arrival at his destination, the doors sliding open. However, just as he was about to step out of the elevator, he stopped and added, "There's a new job for you, but this one is very different to any that you've done before—and more dangerous." He turned to face me. His lips parted slightly as if he was about to go on, but he simply nodded and said, "We will discuss the details later." He stepped out of the elevator and hurried down the corridor.

As the doors slid closed, I became anxious with anticipation. What was this new job? Why was it so dangerous? What's so different about it? A million questions flooded my head, only building my excitement. As my descent slowed, I steadied myself and stored those emotion for later. I needed to focus on the incoming storm.

There was a quiet bell and the doors slid open. As I stepped out into the expansive office floor, heads popped up behind the dividers and erupted into grins. As I strode into the room, people waved, smiled and offered greetings, asking how it was. When I announced my success I was greeted with cheers and applause.

Most would find this kind of reception odd or unexpected, but for someone like me, with one year in the business and more kills than most who have worked here for over 30 years, I have just a few admirers. Not to mention that I ensure I have as many contacts as possible, for one reason or another.

As I advanced to my office at the back of the floor, the chatter slowly receded to the usual quiet buzz of productive work. I quietly pulled open the glass doors and slid inside. Although the room was small, it was closed off from the other desks so I could work undisturbed. In the centre of the room was a large white desk, slim and modern, with an immaculate arrangement of stationery. The black bulky computer in the centre of it all was out of place, but nevertheless was important, like everything else in the room. To the side of the desk was a small refrigerator, which was of course stocked with refreshments and the necessities, like chocolate. A slick metallic filing cabinet stood proud on the other side. The greatest feature however, was behind the desk and all over the back wall. It was a huge collection of photographs, letters, notes and evidence, held in place and connected with brightly coloured string and golden pins. It grew every mission, with everything I have ever collected living on that wall. I plan my attacks using that wall. I see the connections between the Hunted on that wall. That wall was my most powerful weapon.

I sunk into the soft office chair and sighed. I looked into the small round mirror on my desk, gazing at a girl I once knew. Her long brown and blonde hair fell effortlessly down her back and over her shoulders, shaping her gorgeous face. Soft and fair skin was invaded only by beautifully shaped features and her stunning eyes. Those eyes were her best feature. A soft but brilliant blue with slivers of gold,  the kind of eyes that you could get lost in. I once knew her. She was innocent and free, a girl that would never hurt anyone. That was before it all went wrong.

*****

"So, that's you mission."

I was sitting in Chester Cortells office, digesting the information I was just served. His office was slightly larger than mine, but considering his position, it should be bigger. It contrasted mine vastly, with a bulky wooden desk and filing cabinet. To my envy, he also owned a brand new metallic laptop that was hidden underneath a huge mess of stationery, folders and mountains of paper work. The back wall was bare, but a large whiteboard stood beside his desk, full of drawings and words that didn't make sense. Still, the mess wasn't enough to distract me from the conversation.

The job wasn't that difficult really, I just have to kill a man that is a threat to the IUDA. It was too simple, especially given that Chester was quieter than usual. "What's the catch?"

"Well he's, um, well," he was wringing is hands as he stumbled over his words, avoiding my eyes. He took a deep breath and looked up, "He's very dangerous. He once worked here, and was very successful. However, a few months before you started, there was an incident resulting in him walking out and disappearing. For over a year we have sent over 15 of our best Hunters out to kill him, but none of them ever came back. Only 12 of the bodies were found, the other 3 still missing," he paused for a moment, sharply taking in a breath, then continued, "He's persuasive, he's smart and he's ruthless."

His words hung in the air like a stench that wouldn't go away. 15 of the best Hunters dead? It was baffling that one man could do so much damage. I did hear whispers of great Hunters suddenly disappearing, but that was a normal occurrence. But one man? There was more to it, but I couldn't find what. If he really was as dangerous as Chester says he is, then I need to know as much as I can about him before I do anything.

After a few minutes of silence, I lifted my head. "Do you have a file?"

Chester jumped slightly at the sudden noise, taking a moment to regain himself. "Yes, of course," he said as he turned around, ruffling through piles of paperwork until he finally uncovered a yellow folder, thick with paper and other things yet to be discovered. "Make sure you go through it all by tomorrow, as we need to discuss one more thing," he quietly said as he handed me the folder. It was quite heavy, but my eyes lit up as I thumbed through its contents, finding a variety of sources, from records to photographs. Perfect.

I rose from my chair, clutching the folder close to my chest as if protecting it. As I went to open the glass door to leave, I turned to Chester. "Thank you for everything," I said softly with a smile.

He gave me a slightly pained smile as he said, slightly louder than usual, "Remember that he is dangerous. Arthur Cunningham has no mercy. Stay safe Maya."

"Always"