Devil May Care: Hunters for Hire, #5

By Jonathan Yanez

This line of work is slowly taking his humanity. And all that he holds dearest may be at a greater risk still.

Because a crueler evil waits in the wings.

 

Jonny and Hunters for Hire are quickly making a name for themselves in the monster-hunting world.

Life is good but all good things must come to an end. Frankie is about to get a call she feared was coming. This call alters the trajectory of her already tenuous relationship with Jonny.

In the meantime, the Court procures Hunters for Hire's services to investigate how the Sphere, the psychiatric hospital/prison for the supernatural, was infiltrated and who helped the lunatic Dr. Frankenstein escape.

Twenty thousand leagues under the sea, time is running out. Shannon Van Helsing's greatest fears are realized and the team must strike a deal with the devil himself, Rasputin, to return to their own realm.

If this wasn't enough, Jonny uncovers more secrets as to what being a hybrid means to him and a foreboding warning from an Archangel about a war not coming, but already here.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jonathan Yanez
• Release date: Aug 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223580997

Book preview

ONE

Wait, before we go in, I have a confession to make, I said, shaking my head and looking down to the floor.

The five of us—Shannon, Teri, Evan, Mrs. Grundy, and I—stood at the opening of the portal Mrs. Grundy had made in her apartment. We had been called to a meeting to atone for our sins. Mostly my sins at ordering the creation of a portal through space. Apparently, it was greatly frowned upon and magic like that was not just for anyone to use whenever they felt like it.

Jonny, this isn’t really the time, Mrs. Grundy said with a lifted brow. Whatever you have to say can wait.

No, not this, I said, looking at my team around me. I want you all to know that whatever happens in there, I’m going to take full responsibility. The truth is I knew the cost and I still made the call. This one’s on me.

We’re a team. Evan placed a hand on my shoulder. Sure you made the call, but we’re not robots. We knew what we were doing and we made our own decision to follow. You couldn’t make us; we did it willingly.

Teri gave me a soft smile and nodded along with Evan’s words.

Thanks, I answered as I looked through the circular portal in front of us, its edges sparking and alive with golden light. The other side of the portal looked like a cave entrance. Well then, shall we?

Wait. Shannon stopped us. We all looked at her expectantly. If we’re going to confess things here, then I have something too. I want you all to know the other day when we were all out of coffee at the office. Well—it was me. I used the last Keurig cup and didn’t replace it.

I knew it, Evan mumbled under his breath.

Well, that’s all right, Shannon, I answered. We can just order some more.

I took a step toward the portal, only to be stopped again.

Actually, I have something I’ve been meaning to get off my chest as well, Teri chimed in. If I may.

I tried to bottle my irritation. I wanted to get our meeting with the Court over with, not stand in Mrs. Grundy’s apartment for a group therapy session.

Go ahead, Teri, Evan coaxed. This is a safe place.

Well—I—last month when we celebrated Ted’s birthday at the office—those cookies you made, Shannon, I said I liked them, but—well, they tasted like sawdust and dog food. I’m so sorry, Shannon, but you deserve to know the truth. I can teach you, Teri offered with a hopeful nod, her curled hair bouncing around her head. I can teach you if you’d like.

We all looked at Shannon to see her response. I expected the harpy to lose it, but to all our surprise, she just shrugged. It’s fine. I lied about making those. I was up all night making my own ammunition and forgot I was supposed to bring something until Jonny reminded me. I swung by the store at the last minute and picked up some generic store brand of cookies. I took them out of the wrapping and put them on the plate so it would look like I brought them from home.

Oh, oh my, Teri said with a huge huff of relief. Oh, good. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but I wanted to tell the truth. It’s been bothering me for weeks.

I’ve been having some terrible IBS, Evan said out of nowhere. Anytime anyone smells it, I’ve been passing it off as someone else or the trash can, but the honest truth is that my bowels smell like sewage. I’m trying to get it under control.

It’s happened to the best of us, Mrs. Grundy said, taking Evan’s arm. If we’re all baring our souls here, then I should let you know that I complained about the music level coming from your apartment the other night.

You what? I asked in shock. I knew exactly what she was talking about. Evan and I lived in Haven apartments along with Mrs. Grundy, although her apartment was across the courtyard from us and on the ground floor.

I was coming home from the Kwiki Mart and I heard some loud jungle music coming from your apartment. Mr. Hyde was just getting in as well and I—I might have made a comment to him.

You might have? I asked with an accusatory stare. Or you did have?

I’m not sure that’s proper English, Jonny, but still you get your point across, Evan said, folding his arms over his chest and joining me in staring at Mrs. Grundy. You know Mr. Hyde gave us a written warning for that? Three more written warnings and we get a citation, four of those and we get an official notice. That happens two more times and—

I get it, I get, Mrs. Grundy said, showing us the palms of her hands in the universal sign to settle down. I’m sorry. It was a passing comment. I didn’t think he was going to write you up. What were you listening to anyway? Boy band music?

It’s called K Pop, I answered defensively. And yes, yes it is boy band music. The band is called BTS and the song was ‘Butter.’ You shouldn’t knock it until you try it. I dare you not to nod your chin or tap a foot along with the beat.

Hmmm, that good, huh? Mrs. Grundy mused, taking her phone out of her pocket and jotting down the name of the band and song. I’ll give it a listen.

Hey, can we, uh, can we go through the magic portal now to this other realm or place and get this over with? Shannon asked, stepping forward to join me. I mean, this whole confession session has been great, but I’d rather get this over with all the same.

Oh, I do feel better, Teri said, fanning herself. I had guilt for the longest time with those cookies. I hate guilt.

It wasn’t that long ago, Evan reminded her.

It felt like an eternity, Teri answered.

We walked through the portal Mrs. Grundy had created between her apartment and wherever we were headed to speak with the Court. Mrs. Grundy was a Watcher, and as such, she was one of the higher-ranking officials within the Court. The Court itself was a supernatural entity as old as time, dedicated to holding the forces of darkness at bay.

As soon as I stepped through, a cool wind touched my exposed skin and a draft ruffled my jeans and shirt. Evan was all about branding these days, so the shirt I wore now was all black with the white wolf logo of our company on the chest.

Mrs. Grundy soon took the lead into what turned out to be a wide cave tunnel that sloped down. Along the walls, torches were placed in holders, cutting through the darkness like arrows through paper targets.

I wasn’t exactly scared; more like nervous. I felt as though I had gotten in trouble with the teacher for talking in class about the latest episode of Xena the Warrior Princess with one of my friends. Well, my only friend back then. Now I was headed straight for the principal’s office.

The sloping tunnel finally ended in a large, circular room. To my surprise, no one waited there, only three circular mirrors floating above the ground. The lights in the room were strange as well, in the way that there was no actual light source I could see, but it was bright as day.

What on Candy Corn Lane is this? Shannon asked what we were all thinking.

Shannon, language, I mean, my gosh, at least say ‘earmuffs’ or something, Teri said with a blush. Would it kill you to say ‘heck’ instead of something as foul as that?

I don’t know; it might. Shannon shrugged.

Mrs. Grundy didn’t miss a beat, walking straight for the three floating mirrors as though she had done this a hundred times before.

In front of my eyes, the mirrors came to life. Not with a flash or a boisterous sound but with a ripple as if they were made of water and a stone had just been thrown in. Once the ripples faded, the silhouettes of three figures appeared in the mirrors. In the middle, it looked like a woman seated with a long neck and hair piled on top of her head. On my right was a bulky man with a bald head if I had to guess. On the left was a figure wearing a cloak maybe? The hood and baggy clothes hiding its features made it impossible to tell if it was either male, female, or even human.

Holy shi—

As requested, John Hunter, the founders of the Hunters for Hire Corporation, and the godmother in question who performed the portal spell, Mrs. Grundy said with a slight bow. She waved her arm toward us and then stepped to the side.

A moment of pause filled the room as the four of us looked at the floating mirrors and they stared back.

John Hunter, the woman in the middle started in a stern but not unfriendly tone. We’ve been watching you for some time.

That’s either a compliment or super creepy, I answered, trying to break the ice. Apparently, they didn’t find it amusing. Thank you?

A hybrid capable of wielding a heavenly weapon has never been seen before, the man on my right said in a deep, rumbling voice. Your corporation, as new as it might be, has made a name for itself already. Taking down the Chosen and Typhon was no easy task.

It wasn’t just me, I said quickly, looking to Evan, Shannon, and Teri. It was mostly them.

Still, are you aware of the rules we have of creating portals to various places on Earth as well as other dimensions, and why we have such rules? the woman in the center mirror asked.

I was and I did it, Teri said, stepping forward with clenched fists. If anyone should be punished, it should be me. I knew the rules and I broke them anyway. I will endure the crucible.

TWO

I really wasn’t sure what a crucible was, but by the way Teri said it, I was pretty sure it wasn’t a good thing. Even Mrs. Grundy seemed a bit nervous as the word fell out of Teri’s mouth.

Nobody said anything about a crucible, I said, looking to the three mirrors for more information they didn’t seem keen on giving. Is this really necessary? I made the call. If anyone has to do any crucible-ing, it should be me.

There was a long moment of silence that fell over the room. I looked from mirror to mirror trying to gauge, well, anything I might be able to, but their silhouettes were impossible to read. The most I got was the slight head tilt of the woman in the middle.

Yes? the man in the rumbling voice finally asked, breaking the silence. You with the hand up.

I looked behind me to see Evan with a hand in the air like a patient child waiting for his turn to ask the teacher a question. Oh, yes, thank you for calling on me. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I don’t think I’m the only one that’s lost. What is a crucible?

A test a hunter is given if said hunter strays from the path of the light, the woman in the middle mirror answered. In this case, it should be given to the leader.

Well then, that solves it, Shannon said, taking a big step forward. That’s clearly me.

Evan and I exchanged looks with raised eyebrows.

No way, Evan retorted, moving to join her side. We might share in equal parts of owning Hunters for Hire, but I’ve been around a lot longer than either of you and I filed the paperwork with the state. It should be me.

They want me, I asserted, staring at the three mirrors in turn. The image in the cloak to the right of the woman didn’t stir in the least. Somehow, I felt like I knew him or her. I couldn’t tell what it was, but a sixth sense was letting me know that the figure was somehow familiar.

John Hunter will face the crucible, the woman in the middle stated. If he is pure of heart, then he has nothing to fear.

A portal sparked into existence to my right. It was impossible to see what was on the other side except for complete and utter darkness.

This isn’t right. Teri shook her head.

Jonny, you don’t have to do this, Shannon growled out. I have half a mind to walk out the way we came and come back with a sledgehammer. Then we’ll see how these talking mirrors feel.

I wouldn’t advise that, young lady. The woman in the middle mirror didn’t sound worried in the least. On the contrary, it sounded as if she almost admired Shannon. It speaks volumes to your company and to you as a leader, Jonny, to inspire such loyalty in those that follow you.

I didn’t know what to say. I was being given what I thought was a compliment by a magical powerhouse that was insisting I walk through an unknown portal and face whatever this crucible might be.

Your weapons will be on the other side, Mrs. Grundy said, clearly concerned for me. Trust your gut, Jonny. Listen to your heart, and you’ll be fine.

The way she said those words was anything but reassuring, but this was all I had. No matter how I felt about things at the moment, I needed to calm the others down. There was an old saying I remembered then that went something like, when the ship is going down, the captain has to be the last to panic. Right now, I was the captain. I had to stay calm, if not for myself, then for the others.

I got this, I told Shannon, Evan, and Teri. I even pushed my hands out to them, palms forward. Don’t worry. It’s me we’re talking about.

That’s exactly why I’m worried, Evan answered.

Yeah, that’s not very helpful, Teri added. "I might be more worried now."

I’ll be right back, I said, stepping through the portal.

The portal was cold, like traveling through a sheet of ice water falling from a waterfall. I shivered, goosebumps prickling my skin. I didn’t have to look behind me to tell the portal was closed. As soon as I stepped through, it was gone with a snap of magical energy.

I was more interested in the room I stood in now, and who was in the room with me. The room was a strange mix of Middle Ages and current technology. The floor, walls, and ceiling were all made from thick stone, but bright recessed lights lit the room entirely.

Wooden double doors in front of me were closed. Beside them, a woman with a hood sat next to a table. An assortment of weapons lay on the table, including Blood Rage and my flintlock pistol from the Godmother Academy.

The woman stood when I took a step toward her. She uncovered her hood, revealing strong features, from her chiseled jaw to those kind yet fierce eyes that practically screamed of her internal strength.

You may choose whatever weapons you please, the woman said, motioning to the table beside her and then the closed doors beyond. Then you can enter the crucible. What lies within is only what you bring with you.

Thanks, I think, I said, carefully approaching the table. I reached for Blood Rage, expecting it to be a replica and not my actual weapon. As soon as I picked it up, I knew it was mine. How the Court had managed to take my weapon from my apartment I wasn’t sure, but there was no denying this was my war hammer. The weight of Blood Rage, the way the red runes glowed when I touched the handle was something that gave me a deep sense of peace. Ironic, because the weapon would spell the exact opposite for whatever I came up against on the other side of that door.

I passed over swords, knives, and firearms, and settled on my AA-12 fully automatic shotgun. Thirty-two rounds in the drum magazine had been enough to take down everything from charging cultists to orcs in the Amazon. Next, I reached for the flintlock pistol gifted to me by Dave McVey, the groundskeeper to the Godmother Academy. The weapon was much more than it seemed capable of, sending red bolts of massive magic energy and eviscerating whatever it came in contact with. The only downside here was that it kicked like a son of a gun every time I used it.

Wise choices, the woman next to me said as I quietly equipped myself for whatever was on the other side of that door.

No hints on what I’m about to face? I asked her with my best friendly smile. You seem like a person who wants to help.

I am, more than you know, she answered, looking to the door again. That’s why I already told you. In the crucible, you’ll face only what you bring with you.

So it’s like whatever I’m thinking about? I asked, trying to make sense of her cryptic hint. "Like in Ghostbusters? As long as I think of good thoughts and fill my mind with that kind of stuff, the evil in there won’t be able to take form, or only take the form of what I imagine?"

This isn’t a movie. The woman rolled her eyes, but I caught the hint of a smirk as well.

John Hunter, I said, extending a hand. Hunters for Hire, a struggling hybrid, wielder of a heavenly weapon, and friends with a hellhound.

Collette Schmidt. She took my hand in a surprisingly strong handshake. Armorer to the Council, Watcher, and the person who’s going to get in trouble if you don’t start your crucible.

Oh right, right, I said, breaking the woman’s hold on my hand and not bothering to hide my wince. Strong grip you’ve got there.

Like I said, armorer, Collette repeated. She took the opportunity to look over to her left toward the back of the stone room.

I followed her gaze to a furnace set in the corner of the chamber. Tools hung along the wall, ranging from hammers to tongs and others I couldn’t name.

So you’re a Watcher like Michael and Mrs. Grundy? I asked, trying to buy time before I started my crucible. And an armorer. I bet there’s a good story behind that.

There is, but my story is reserved for a later time, Collette said with a sparkle in her eyes. Now go. Believe it or not, I’m rooting for you. You have more untapped potential inside of you than you know. Your burden is heavy, but you are able. In the crucible, rest if you must, but never give in. There is greatness inside of you. Find another gear; rip it out.

I wanted to say more to the woman, but I knew our time was over. This was all I was going to get from her. I had to wonder for a moment if she might be an angel herself the way her eyes practically shone with the strength of the light that lived inside of her.

Instead of words, I nodded and headed for the doors. I knew the doors weren’t alive; they were inanimate wooden walls on hinges. Still, as I approached, a feeling of dread emanated from the doors that I didn’t understand. Cold iron bands acted to reinforce the doors. Large, circular handles nearly challenged me to enter.

But there was no going back now or stalling for more time. This was my fight. This was on me. There was no one here to recite the Hunter’s Code with me, but I did it anyway under my breath.

When the world of men stand defenseless against the dark. Send me. When the ancient ones come to reclaim their throne. Send me. When all hope is lost and no one can see the way. Send me. And when the light trembles to regain its feet, who will go. Send me.

I gritted my teeth and opened the door to the Court’s crucible.

THREE

Strangely enough, the crucible was rather nice. Definitely better than the cold dark cave Mrs. Grundy had taken us into, and no offense to my new friend Collette, but even nicer than her forge or wherever I had been.

I was outside with the warm sun beating down on my face. Lush grass underfoot. A wide walkway with high hedges on either side kept me on my path. Farther ahead, I could see where the hedges made a sharp right turn and then all was lost. I was in a maze and I was okay with that. It could have been worse. I could have been dropped off on the home realm of the Ancient ones or set to have a reunion with Typhon. All in all, things were looking up.

I double-checked my equipment one more time before setting off. Blood Rage on a strap on my back, AA-12 in hand, with the flintlock pistol on my hip.

I traveled through the maze taking turns I was offered and always following the right wall. I had read somewhere that if you were ever lost in a maze, the one sure way to get out was to always follow one side of the wall.

I did that now, my senses on overdrive to pick up any sound or even smell I might be able to. There was nothing. Not so much as a bird in the air or an insect chirp. The smells of foliage were the only thing I came in contact with. I was beginning to think the Court had made a mistake and sent me on a vacation instead of a crucible. Throw in a fruity drink and an attendant and I could be walking down a path at a five-star hotel in Hawaii.

Right when I was beginning to think this was some kind of joke, I reached an open area in the path. Up until now, it had been a curving lane and hard turns as the maze sought to wreak havoc on my sense of direction. Now a circular open area showed off a stone water fountain with an angel pouring water from a vase and twin benches on either side. One of these benches was occupied by a couple.

The woman was immediately recognizable, her dark hair covering half her scarred face. The hard beauty under her firm gaze was one I had come to like and even love in the short time since I’d known her. Victoria Frankenstein—or as she was more commonly known, Frankie—was a member of another hunting corporation called SNPR.

Beside her was an old man I didn’t know. He was a hundred if he was a day. What little hair he had fell like torn drapes over his skull. His hand was in Frankie’s as she gently placed her other hand on the side of his cheek and brought his head to rest on her shoulder.

Tears fell down Frankie’s face as the man leaned against her like he would never move again.

No, I said out loud. No, it can’t—it can’t be.

Neither Frankie nor the old man seemed to notice I was there. Frankie didn’t look as though she had aged a day; the old man, who I knew to be myself, was tired, scarred across his knuckles as though he had been in