06 - When Angels Cry

<< She Is The Widow Maker

The Unbelievable Mr Brownstone

Fight Fire With Fire >>

All James wanted was to get some barbeque in Vegas. The Red-Eyes Killer decided to start his spree at the wrong time in the wrong town with the wrong little girl. Trey comes to Vegas in search of a relative he hasn't seen in seven years. Could the City of Sin be bringing together some good out of tragedy? Las Vegas PD isn't prepared to fight high-level bounties like Los Angeles could. Speaking of Los Angeles, Lieutenant Hall is doing something a bit shady to protect her men. Is she becoming that which she loathes? In James Brownstone's world, there is never a normal day. Wonder how Brownstone and Trey and Shay get in trouble this time.

TUMB 06/1 The Warning Laena sat, listening to the Light Elf consul rant on about the Widow Maker incident, with the AET’s victory over her, killing her. He shook his head. “What do you think would happen if it became public that an Oriceran assassin was rampaging through a city murdering men with impunity and nearly killing police officers? You risked war, even after you were warned.” Leana’s thoughts were, War? We only seek to reclaim what is ours. (The guards at the door shook their heads. “It isn’t like the old days. There are enough open human magic users now that blatant disregard for their laws will end in them figuring it out. What do you think would happen if it became public that an Oriceran assassin was rampaging through a city murdering men with impunity and nearly killing police officers? You risked war, even after you were warned. Earth and Oriceran are now too linked to focus on how we used to do things. If we want a lasting peace, we must be mindful of everyone’s concerns. You can refuse to like that, but it doesn’t change the truth. This is the reality all races must now contend with, even the Drow. Don’t do something like that in my city again.”

Shay and Brownstone arrive at the restaurant (Palazzo Ducale) and are seated. James was upset at the silver display beside his plate, and wondered why people had to make things so complicated. Shay overhears two “ladies” talking about bedding Brownstone, and confronts them on the way out. James asked her what that was all about, and she said, “Just a little friendly girl talk.” “You’re not gonna kill them, are you?” Shay laughed. “I’m the new improved Shay Carson. I don’t have to kill everyone who pisses me off. Just some of them.”

TUMB 06/2 The Brownstone Agency - a review - Trey runs after, catches a Level One Bounty, talks about the Brownstone agency. “Not a franchise, run by James personally. Brownstone’s turning criminals into criminal hunters. He’s a motherfucking badass. He’s the king of badasses. He’s a professional, and he only goes after you if you’ve got a bounty or you’ve threatened someone he cares about. Brownstone’s willing to take on anyone, magical or not. Everyone thinks they can take down the big man, but here’s the truth: if Brownstone’s coming for you, it’s safer just to turn yourself in to the police. Because if you've got the big man’s attention, you’re in for a world of pain.” Trey takes his bounty to Sgt. Mack, and he tells more tales. Went after the Harriken because they killed his dog. Your level-one bounty ain’t enough to get Brownstone out of bed unless you got some serious information for the 5-0. Not just a badass bounty hunter, but the world’s most badass pest-control guy.

TUMB 06/3 All in a Day’s Work Shay goes off on another retrieval, taking her weapons on the plane, both legally(legitimate historical artifact that shouldn’t be tampered with by TSA) and illegally. She warns him ,” Try and not piss off any major criminal organizations while I’m gone, or at least wait until I get back before you take them out.” OK, THAT he can do!

Brownstone stops by Zoe’s place, to pick up healing and energy potions for the staff of the Brownstone Agency. Potions just for ordinary humans. They’re cheaper. I don’t need any special ingredients this time. I’ll just take cash. The two lavender potions are for the girl—your new daughter. She needs beauty. They will help her skin glow. And James went out for BBQ for lunch.

Bill and his daughter, Dina, four years old, were lost, and went down an alley toward their hotel. Evening, and the lights of the town were bright, but it was dark in the alley. Bill heard some footsteps close by, looked and saw a creature in front of them, in a dark cloud. He lifted Dina up tp a building vent, and the creature killed him. A barbed tentacle had impaled him. The creature then cut off his head. The creature needed his life, saying, “ I am Death, and I can kill whatever pathetic person comes for me. Las Vegas is now my territory, and all who oppose me will witness my skill in killing.” The creature talked to Dina, inviting her to play. She didn’t want to, and promised to find someone to make Death go away. Death (Red Eyed, in Dina’s mind) didn’t need her and went away. Dina cried herself to sleep. When the sun had risen, Dina heard a noise, and saw a homeless woman going through the trash. Dina showed her Daddy’s body, and the woman took her to a side street, calling the police, finding her by the body. She vowed, “I’m gonna get someone, Red Eyes. Just you wait. I’m gonna get someone to get you for my dad.

TUMB 06/4 Brownstone, being the OCD person he is, was cleaning house, surveying his side of the bathroom (all in order), and Shay’s side (a chaotic mess). Just then Alison called, just to check in, and he suddenly was aware that Shay and Alison filled a void in his soul he hadn’t even realized was there. His days before had been simpler but shallower, and all the barbeque in Las Vegas wasn’t enough to fill him with the satisfaction he felt now—not that he wouldn’t have minded a bounty or two. Alison called to ask him to be less intimidating when he visited the school next. No boys would. date her because they were so afraid of him. He agreed, and they signed off.

Brownstone goes to see Father McCartney. For once his heart felt lighter. He’d gone a good week without killing anyone. See, I’m already becoming a better man. A better human, even. After confession, Father tells him there is a new benefactor for the orphanage, anonymous, as he is. Brownstone denies knowledge of it, and when he gets to the truck, he texts Shay and thanks her for transferring the donation.

Trey was unhappy in the Black Sun Bar. Neutral ground was unnatural. In the end, a man had to pick a side. That was just the way the world worked. But it didn’t matter what he felt. The Black Sun was one of the most useful places to pick up info in LA. Trey wonders if Tyler will choose the right side in the end.

TUMB 06/5 Dina, sitting in Child Protective Services office, looks at TV, sees a program about Brownstone, and vowed she’d bring him to Las Vegas somehow to kill Red Eyes no matter what it took.

Maria Hall is being racked over the carpet for the $24 million she spent in taking down the Widow Maker, the witch who had done all of the horrible thing to people, all Brownstone’s fault. And she needs to stop her vendetta against Brownstone! As she and the Chief of police are talking, a call came in from the Mayor, informing him that “The Oriceran consulate, on behalf of several local Oriceran leaders, has just contacted the mayor. They are concerned that the use of heavy magic toward the police in the most recent incident will reflect negatively on Oricerans, and they’re willing to cover the costs involved in controlling the incident and throw in a little extra for the AET budget. They stressed to the mayor that they are concerned with out-of-control magic. According to them, they understand how bad these situations can get and want to do what they can to help smooth things out locally and help promote the authorities keeping irresponsible magic users in check.” Hall was happy about that. At least Brownstone wouldn’t get the credit for it!.

Hannah and her Father are walking down an alley, when a creature comes forth, and kills him, just like it did to Bill, before. The figure told her to “Go ahead and run, little angel. Run now. It’s better that they know. Better that they hear it from you. You can go ahead and tell everyone that I am the one who makes angels cry.” The mocking laughter of the killer followed her.

TUMB 06/6 Simplicity James missed Shay and Alison. Loneliness ! ! He’d always been on the outside of society, but he’d never felt the painful void accompanying true loneliness. Thought he’d go th Las Vegas, to jess Rae’s, for some BBQ! He had lots of thoughts on the way- his mind drifted to the growing labyrinth of complicated relationships now defining his life. He had a girlfriend. Well, a lover. Hell, he wasn’t even sure what he should call her. He had a daughter. For that matter, he had friends like Mack and Trey and a pile of employees .Simple was gone. No, not just gone. Simple was dead! Keep It Simple, Stupid. James had lived his life by that philosophy, but without sacrificing every connection he now had it was no longer possible. Even if he’d left behind the woman and girl who had a claim on his heart, his reputation (Scourge of the Harriken) followed him everywhere. . I might not be able to keep it simple, but I can at least keep it from getting more complicated.

Trey is interviewed by Nina Edgars, a reporter who was trying to give the impression that Brownstone was a killer. Trey wouldn’t go for that, and whitewashed all of his actions. Nina stalked off, angry.

Brownstone in Las Vegas, for lunch. Is recognized from picture on the wall, and wanted to know if he did bounty hunting between BBQ competitions. James hadn’t realized he had more than one reputation!

Charlyce watches interview with Trey, recognizes him as her nephew, whom she hasn’t contacted for years, and that he might be able to get her to Brownstone, to help her little angel.

TUMB 06/7 Trey picks up his phone, again! Since the interview had played it felt like every random woman he’d ever dated or man he’d talked to for five minutes in his entire life had called him. Everyone wanted a piece of Trey Garfield now, or at least a loan from him. It was Aunt Charlyce, from Las Vegas. She talked about her past, then said she needed to talk to Brownstone, as “Something evil’s walking in Las Vegas,” she whispered. “Not natural. Not even Oriceran. I read on the internet about how Mr. Brownstone has stopped not just evil men, but evil monsters. That’s what I need—a man blessed by God to help fight the evil. You can read about it in the news, about the little girl who lost her father. How his head was cut off and his body cut up. It’s evil. A demon, I tell you. We got that hole in the worlds now. The Oricerans can come through it, but who’s to say that Satan’s minions can’t, too? It’s a dark time, which is why we need men like Mr. Brownstone and men like you.” Trey phones Brownstone to tell him he’ll be un Vegas for a couple of days. James tells him to go to Jesse Rae’s for BBQ!

Detective Lafayette and Detective West, Las Vegas, are starting to see a pattern in the killings – three murders, all parents, all with young children present, all by a Shadow monster with a transforming bone arm, tentacles, and red glowing eyes, all with similar MOs, and all calling the children little angels when telling them to walk away. They’re beginning to think it’s a magical being, and that an AET team might be needed. Or maybe get some bounty on its head, so some hunter will go after it. Casinos help? Protection money? They write up a bounty report, and with the magical details, it is classified as a Level Four Bounty. They’re happy with that. Bounty notice hits Las Vegas Website, and Red eyes finds and reads it (See Characters, Red Eyes, Sample XJ422). Feels that “They need to recognize my true power. Soon they will know terror that will be spoken of for generations.”

TUMB 06/8 Brownstone checks into hotel, for a week?, maybe if that’s how long Trey might need him. Hotel Owner asks him if he want a free week for Security duties. Brownstone refuses. Hungry. BBQ again? No, In-N-Out burger first, then Trey. Doctors Anders and Simmons, at a meeting, discuss rampage of their latest sample (XJ422). We were supposed to find the sample before the police. If the authorities get their hands on it they might be able to trace it back to our lab, especially if they get a wizard involved. We don’t want Oricerans realizing that we’ve been performing genetic engineering experiments involving mixing different types of Oriceran and pure human DNA. They’d destroy this lab if they realized what we could accomplish without using any magic as long as we have access to biological samples from magical beings. At this point, it doesn’t matter if we recover the sample alive. Just make sure its corpse is back in this lab before anyone else finds it. I’ll contact our investors and make it clear that we’re handling this matter.”

TUMB 06/9 James, on his way walking to the Burger place, sees two petty gangsters about to rob a liquor store. He almost goes on, ignoring it, then thinks of what Alison would say if someone got hurt because he hadn’t done something about it. He went in, went to the bathroom, when the alarm went off. He stopped the two armed men from robbing the store and shooting the customers, threw them through the window so the cops cold cuff them, then walked off the In-N—Out Burger, where they went later to take his statement.

TUMB 06/10 The Next Kill Trey Hoped his Aunt Charlyce wanted something besides money. He even had hopes that she might want to come back, to be part of a family again. He walked into the park to a woman on a bench, and recognized Aunt Charlyce. Now a family member stood right in front of him, one he’d thought was long dead. It was like being given a gift he hadn’t even known he wanted. A tearful, hugging re-union, each forgiving the other. They meet Brownstone at a local McDonald's.

Three suited men stepped into the dark abandoned warehouse, assault rifles at the ready. A dead building. The perfect place for a freak mutant to hide. Doctor Simmons said the sample would be within a few hundred feet of this location, based on what the satellite data said. Something about an energy signature. Red Eyes greets them refuses to go back to lab with statement . “I am no longer Sample XJ422. I am Red Eyes. I am Death. I am Terror.” Burst-fired bullets peppered the walls as the men tried to bring down their enemy. The shadows stopped spreading, and XJ422 leapt to the other side of the room, revealing his leathery and mottled naked body. The shadows cloaking the corners of the room vanished. XJ422 leapt toward one of the team members, one of his arms now tipped with a bone blade and the other contorting into a barbed tentacle. It killed two of the three. The team leader shot at it again. It collapsed to its knees and then onto its chest. The leader advanced toward the sample. The sample jumped up, and pain blasted through the man’s arm. He tried to pull his trigger, only to realize an agonizing few seconds later that his right forearm was missing and his gun was on the ground with his arm. The humanoid creature in front of him licked his blood off the bone blade, then sliced his other arm off. The team leader fell to the ground screaming in pain. The sample’s arms had already started to heal. The sample thanked the leader for bringing him food and toys, and screamed as XJ422’s fangs ripped into his throat.

TUMB 06/11 Maria Hall stops by the Black Sun, talks to Tyler, ask him where she might be able, unofficially, to get some of the Oriceran equipment (anti-magic deflectors) that was destroyed in the fight. Tyler tells her to see Dannec, an elf., and gives her his address. Maria Hall comes to Dannec’s area, finds him. Even though most people called the area Elf Town, plenty of different Oricerans lived in the neighborhood, both new arrivals and Earth families with Oriceran blood. Some had known and hidden their true nature throughout the generations, and others had only recently learned of their heritage. The neighborhood wasn’t the only Oriceran-heavy enclave in the city, but this was where Dannec lived. Hall not in uniform, and uncomfortable. Maria found the address, the apartment, knocked, and a frail ancient-looking elf answered. Maria told him Tyler had sent her, and a moment later the door swung open. Maria stepped inside and held in the gasp that wanted to erupt. Piles of magical items and artifacts sat atop several tables in the living room. Rods, wands, crystals, necklaces, bones, coins, and an assortment of other miscellaneous objects covered the tables. Maria gave him a ruined deflector. It’s AET issue. I work with AET. Lieutenant Maria Hall, LAPD. And why is AET interested in old Dannec, huh? “We’re not, not officially. I’m interested in you getting me more deflectors, or something that works the same. I don’t care. My men need protection, and the word is you can get them that.” These are better, probably thirty percent more absorption, than your fancy government-issued ones. She and Dannec make a deal, but she owes him a favor. Nothing illegal, just a favor. Brownstone meets with Trey and Charlyce. She tells him about Red Eyes, he agrees to help. Will leave Trey to take care of Aunt, look after Dina.

TUMB 06/12 Tessa walked down Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles. She was strong. She could kill hundreds, if she wanted. But not now. She’d be good, because of Brownstone.

Detective West meets Brownstone at the Las Vegas PD, takes him to CPS, to meet Dina. (West likes BBQ, too! ) and Hannah. Brownstone vows to take him out.

Trey fields another call from the about-to-be bounty hunters with Royce, in training, bitching about Staff Sergeant Royce going all drill instructor on their asses. They needed to stop whining and start doing what their trainer told them. They weren’t gang-bangers anymore, and the minute they accepted that, the easier it’d be for them to transition to being bounty hunters. I’m the one who led these boys, so it’s my responsibility to make sure they get with the program.” He chuckled. “We’ve got a Marine Corps drill instructor working with them. Some of my boys thought they knew tough, but between Mr. Brownstone and Staff Sergeant Royce they’re learning what real toughness is.” Trey wanted to do something nice for his aunt, so decided to treat her to a night at the Aria, a four-million-square-foot luxury resort.

TUMB 06/13 Trey tells Charlyce about how tough Brownstone is, and how he and the other boys work for him. Trey checks his phone for LV bounty calls, and Charlyce helps him by picking one, “Bruno Smith, level two. Assaults and murders all over the Southwest. The man liked to keep busy. He looked back at his aunt. “Why him? These guys are all garbage.” “I recognize him. That mean SOB likes to go after homeless people. He doesn’t kill us, thank God, but he likes to beat us down. I think it’s like a game to him.” Trey takes Charlyce with him to capture the criminal. “You know where the guy lives and you’ve got local street knowledge, and I might need that when I’m going after him. Also, I just realized what the Brownstone Agency really needs. A new administrative assistant.

Tessa Vansant came into the Black sun looking for Brownstone. Tyler talked with her, she left. Maria Hall came in, and Tyler saw the picture on her phone. Tessa Vansant, a Level five Bounty. Now Tyler knows what she looks like, a plain brunette with glasses. A psycho.

Brownstone, in Vegas, needs some contacts, so calls Peyton, in Los Angeles, Shay’s second.

TUMB 06/14 West and Lafayette find bodies of three men in warehouse, add it to list. Found card, with “Security Specialist, Anders Lab” on one body. Will check it out.

Lance, a class-four bounty hunter, just got back into Vegas, HIS town. Met with Red Eyes, and didn’t know he was wanted. Saw the notice, went back, he was gone.

Trey and Charlyce go to bridge under which homeless people live, hunting Bruno Smith. Trey finds him, takes him, but aunt Charlyce shot the man who had been hiding, and was about to clobber Trey. She shot him, and Trey took him in, too.

TUMB 06/15 West and Lafayette check out Anders Lab, talk with Simmons and Anders, get nowhere. Will be back. Brownstone meets with an underworld information broker, who tell him the Red Eyes has been seen in Rancho Charleston.” And if he needs more information, see Little Blue. Tell him Simon sent you.

TUMB 06/16 The Rabisu Little Blue and James cruise the area, looking for Red Eyes. James stops to talk to some gang members. They tell him that one of our guys mentioned seeing him just a couple hours ago. Go four blocks north and one block west. That’s where he saw him, coming out of an alley near a bar there.” James finds the alley, gets out of the truck, smells blood immediately, finding the headless corpse of a large man lay on its back. The poor asshole’s arms and legs had been cut off and strewn across the alley. Lance Johansen, bounty hunter, class four. Brownstone calls West and Lafayette, to tell them of this latest killing.

Tessa learns that Brownstone is in Las Vegas, so won’t be in LA to stop her. A few people nearby eyed her, but there was no fear in their eyes. She didn’t care. The fear of ghosts pretending to be people was irrelevant. The only thing important was that she proved her strength and her existence. The witch made several precise movements with her wand and started chanting in Sumerian. Two pulsating glyphs appeared in the air. The rays of light forming the glyphs swirled and twisted around each other. as the light lingered and began to form the outline of huge bodies. The light faded and revealed two giants covered with green scales. Their long arms were covered with sharp black protrusions, and they stared at the crowd with green and yellow vertical pupils. The Rabisu. The first Rabisu raised its palm and shot a flickering ball of emerald light into a nearby man. He screamed as green fire surrounded him and dropped to the ground, already dead, terror still etched on his scorched face. The smell of his burnt flesh filled the air. Both Rabisu continued to pitch orbs into the crowd, striking victims indiscriminately. A man tried to kill Tessa, but her redirection spells kept sending the bullets into the Rabisu, until they killed him. Then the police came. Two police cars screeched to a halt. The Rabisu blasted the first car right after the cops jumped out and the explosions knocked them to the ground. The other cops leapt to the side before the summoned creatures could annihilate their vehicle. More sirens closed. Tessa sighed and jogged away from the Rabisu. The tether binding them to this world would dissolve once she was far enough away, but they’d still linger long enough to keep the police’s attention on them.

TUMB 06/17 Trey has collected his bounty money, and he and aunt Charlyce called Brownstone to ask him to go eat with them. Go to a fish place to eat. James talks to Trey re Charlyce’s intent to stay clean, work, etc., and they hire her as Administrative Assistant, to help keep the Agency straight.

Maria Hall comes to scene of Tessa’s activities, is angry. Gets call from Dannec that devices are ready. Will get them in two hours. Maria goes to his apartment, sees the deflectors, cannot pay for them yet – no way to divert money to him. Talk to Brownstone about it. H might help Maria enraged with that idea. She wanted to get Brownstone for illegal acts, not take part in them herself! She took the artifacts, and left.

TUMB 06/18 Trey explains new job to Charlyce, shows her Bounty Notices, explains the Levels of Bounty and of the Hunters. Above a Three level means magic might be involved. They go thing for more criminals to take in.

James needs to get Red Eyes, fast!. Red Eyes was speeding up and expanding his targets overall. The fact that he’d killed Lance proved that. Call Shay for some suggestions. She recommends some sort of energy tracking device, to pinpoint his location. James agrees, and calls Zoe. She directs him to Margarete, in the shark tank at the Golden nugget.

TUMB 06/19 Maria Hall negotiates with Tyler to take care of getting the money to Dannec, for a fee, of course. James goes to Golden Nugget, is met at pool by Margarete, who reminds him of Zoe in her younger days. All she wanted was his memory of breakfast that morning, so that she could experience some of the joy of being James Brownstone. If he could get her something that belongd to the killer (a hair? A DNA sample?) she would be able to track him for James.

Trey and Charlyce pulled up outside a financial institution, looking for a level One fraud bounty. Trey usually used pizza delivery or something like that, but Aunt Charlyce would show him something new, so he waited in the hallway. Charlyce showed up with a cleaning cart. She knocked, made an excuse to get inside, blocked the door and kept the suspect in until Trey had cuffed her. No muss, no fuss, and she was taken in.

TUMB 06/20 Brownstone goes to West and Lafayette to get a sample, and they have one, but insist on going with him to see where it goes. They go, she comes to them, and analyzes: The creature was once a human, and isn’t any more, and had been modified by magic, dark magic, and by someone who was evil themself. When they looked at the vial, it had an arrow on the top of it, which would point the way, and become brighter the closer they came.

Maria Hall gets a tip on Tessa, and maybe being at a Nadina BBQ contest in two days. Maria goes to Dannec for help in tracking Tessa. Yes, he can help. But she has second thoughts, and cancels with Dannec. She’ll do it the old-fashioned way

TUMB 0621 Trey pays Charlyce for her part in the bounty activity, and the both go shopping for things for dina and Hannah. Brownstone and the police follow the arrow, to an area of Las Vegas never even considered, the Anders Lab. Going back home? James only thought was, ““You better hope they kill you before I do, Red Eyes.” Red Eyes was in the hills above the lab, watching and thinking. After killing the bounty hunter, he’d had an epiphany. Making angels cry satisfied his hungry soul, but to become death he needed more fear. Purer fear. Las Vegas needed to choke on its terror. Only in a sea of true chaos and panic could his victims experience such fear. Once Death walked every street corner, he’d have his pick of victims and feast on both their fear and DNA. But he needed a few more tools. He needed living weapons. So many twisted projects sat inside the dark little slice of hell calling itself Anders Laboratory. What good was a science project if it were never shared with the world?

TUMB 06/22 James and Police going to lab to take down Killer. ? Brownstone checks in with Peyton, who tells him of the magical stuff going into the lab, as well as sending him the blueprints of the facility. Mafia also involved. Facility plans reviewed, including several “experimental subject floors,” which didn’t exactly relieve anyone’s tension.

TUMB 06/23' His time of hiding in the shadows was over. He wanted his enemies to see who was coming for them now. “Yes, yes. Fear the chaos. Fear me, and know that death stalks you.” And he jumped down, shooting. Brownstone sees the shredded guard shack, hears the shooting, and decides to go in himself. “You guys should stay here until the shooting and explosions die down unless you want to die early.” (He could hear both his girls telling him not to be a dumbass in his head.) Rifle reports were now echoing from inside the building ahead. Red Eyes laughed and tossed the first man at a few security guards. Blood sprayed from him like a sprinkler until the body collided with the other guards. Red Eyes was on them in a blur. He hacked away, enjoying their dying screams as he cut them apart piece by piece. “Glorious! I will no longer hide, for I am Death. Death does not hide in the shadows at night. Death stalks you boldly no matter where you go.” He bitinto th neck of one of the guards, recently dead, to improve his bodily reactions. Lafayette want to wait for AET, West takes the truck in, wants to be on the scene as it happens. Brownstone knocks out two guards who thought he was a friend of Red Eyes, and takes their rifles and spare magazines, goes to front area, elevators, and is just preparing to go up, when Red Eyes comes down and out of one. A glowing-red-eyed bloody mess walked out of the elevator with a smile on his face. Red Eyes raised both his arms, both currently tipped in crimson-stained bone blades. “It was easier to kill down there. Fewer guns.” Red Eyes let out a throaty chuckle. “I have to give you credit. Your security is better than when I escaped.” His smile vanished. “It’s frustrating, not being able to get to the others. Give me your codes, little security man, or die.” James explains who he is., and asks why kill parents? “Killing parents was just for fun.” Red Eyes inhaled deeply. “Killing bounty hunters, though, will improve my strength and skills. Once I kill you, my name will be a word of terror that echoes across the country. They call this place a lab, but they took the flesh of the weak and sculpted it with science and the help of dark magic. It’s a temple for birthing new gods. “Once I kill you, James Brownstone, you’ll be a sacrifice to the new god of Death and Chaos!” Brownstone emptied magazines into him, and threw a grenade that etched his outline on the elevator door, but it didn’t kill him, so Brownstone charged right at him, beating him unmercifully. Red Eyes slashed at him, catching his shoulder and his thigh, buy Brownstone just kept punching. Red Eyes staggered forward, his leathery and mottled face even more misshapen after James’ beating. “You…are…nothing, James Brownstone. You…will…not…defeat…me.” James flung several knives in rapid succession at the mutant’s shoulders and ducked a bone blade as he rushed toward the wounded mutant again. The mutant’s other arm contorted and twisted as James slammed an elbow into Red Eyes’ throat, then grabbed the mutant’s changing arm to snap it over his knee. The crunch echoed in the vast reception area. Red Eyes howled, and his arm twitched and thrashed. Barbs sprouted from it, some ripping into James’ clothing and flesh. After more fighting, slashing, knives, etc., Brownstone snapped his neck and slashed with his knife. The bounty hunter grunted and jerked the head away from the body. The corpse slumped to the ground. James tossed the head next to it and stood. Heavy breaths followed as the numbness of adrenaline gave way to sharp pain. Deep wounds in his shoulder and thigh continued to seep blood, and in addition, a dozen minor lacerations covered his body. James opened the healing potion and downed it in one gulp. Thirty seconds later, he was a new man in need of a new outfit.

West and Lafayette said, “We got here in time to overhear some of that asshole’s rant. Between that and the bodies, it’s more than enough to crack this place open with a search warrant,” and reassured Brownstone they had handled his truck with loving care.

TUMB 06/24 Trey, James and Charlyce go to see Dina, who is now worried about where she would go. James reassured her that he had some good ideas about that. James glad to get back “home” again, to LA. “This place isn’t any safer than Vegas. I’ve dealt with more strange criminals with powers here than anywhere, but it still feels good to be home. I feel safer here. More relaxed. Everything seems simpler, somehow. Guess that’s what ‘home’ means.” They stopped in front of the Orphanage in which Brownstone had grown up. Dina meets Father McCartney, and Dina goes inside. Father McCartney shook his head and turned to James. “The hand of God has guided this, James.” anonymous benefactor had upped the contribution, making it possible to take Dina. And Charlyce would volunteer as well. “God gave me another chance, so I want to make the best of it. Plus, I owe that girl. I’m back in the world and with my family because of what she lost. The least I can do is be there for her.”

Maria Hall is waiting at the Country Club for Tessa to show up. She does, Hall fires, blows her car apart with rockets. They go to confirm kill, and find her rolling out of the car, a glowing shield of emerald light surrounded her body, and three glyphs of light winked into existence above her. Three Rabisu were forming above her. The Rabisu launched energy blasts toward the police. One man took a direct hit and flew through the air, screaming. His new deflector darkened but didn’t turn black. He rolled on the ground, moaning. Maria unloaded her pistol at Tessa, ignoring the Rabisu, but they didn’t ignore her. An energy blast smashed into the car next to her. Hall grabbed an incendiary grenade and arced it toward one of the Rabisu with a call of “incendiary out.” The beast roared as the flames scorched its scales. Another wave of rocket drones closed on the parking lot and released their payloads into the Rabisu. One collapsed to the ground, dissolving into a puddle of green ichor, and the bullets and stun blasts striking the second had it on its knees. It started dissolving a few seconds later. The lieutenant grabbed a rifle. Since the fight had begun Tessa hadn’t done much but crouch behind a car, her annoying energy shield protecting her. Maria had worried about the witch raining down spells or summoning more beasts, but she must have already been at her limit. We can fucking win this. Maria whipped up her rifle and put a three-round burst into the witch’s center of mass. “You should have just surrendered, you psycho bitch.” “It’s fine,” Tessa whispered. “It turns out you’re alive, and I’m just a ghost.” She let out a strangled laugh before her head slumped to the side and her chest stopped moving. Maria pulled off her helmet and looked from burning wreck to burning wreck. Dozens of cars were now smoldering ruins. “Fuck. We won, but we let half this fucking parking lot go up. We’re as bad as Brownstone.” She slapped her helmet against her forehead. “We fucking suck.”

TUMB 06/25 Trey and Charlyce visit with Nana face to face, back in LA. She wanted to meet her estranged daughter, but she was making no promises past that. Nana came into the house, as Trey carried the shopping bags in. A tense silence smothered the room as Trey’s aunt and Nana stared at each other, and his heart galloped. A single tear slid down the older woman’s face and all the suspicion and anger disappeared, replaced by bittersweet joy. Trey’s heart soared. His grandmother wiped the tear away. “Seven years, sweetie. I always hoped and prayed that you’d come back to me someday. I don’t blame you for anything. We’ve all made our mistakes. I could have been a better mother, but it doesn’t matter.” She held out her arms. “It doesn’t matter now because my prayers have been answered. “We’re a family again,” his grandmother managed to get out between sobs. “And I’m the luckiest woman alive. I didn’t think I’d live to see this day.” “We’re all lucky, Nana,” Trey offered. “Luckiest damned family on the planet.”

A couple of hours of reminiscing later, Trey hugged his aunt and grandmother before heading outside to his F-350. Now that the Las Vegas adventure was over, he needed to concentrate on local bounty hunting and helping improve things within the growing Brownstone Agency. Even though Royce was still whipping the men into shape, Trey would soon need to guide the first few who were ready to graduate to something other than talking to people for information. Maybe there’s something we can do as a company to help with that. You know, build morale and shit. I’ve been reading a lot about it. Leadership, organization, management, and all that shit.” James furrowed his brow. “Huh. Really? What’d you have in mind? I don’t do sports. People get hurt when I try.” “I bet.” Trey snapped his fingers. “How about a Barbeque team? You’ve done competitions, and you can lead us to victory. Builds teamwork and shit, but we can also start out winners. Everyone likes being a winner.” “Why the hell not?” James comes home to find the house littered with clothing, socks, underwear, - and Shay, in bed waiting. . It’d be a fun, if exhausting, few days.