Prologue

Hank stared at his hands. He had failed. The man that shouldn’t have it had it. The special CD ROM drive that meant so much. He was not going to have much protection. He was going to the dumps. The world was going to go down to the dumps. That disk had things that made destroying the world only too easy. Hank knew that it was impossible to get it back from him. His name was Vance. Vance was an insane mad man according to Hank. Hank had never liked him ever since their school days. He stared at his hands knowing that Vance was probably celebrating his victory of capturing Hank’s most prized possession. His wife Mari entered the room.

“Are you alright Hank?” she asked nervously. “Is something wrong?”

“No Mari,” said Hank. “Nothing’s wrong.” He knew his wife knew that he was lying but Hank didn’t want to explain the computer disk. It sounded to strange. He didn’t believe it himself but then again he had too or the the world would be in the dumps with him. He looked up at Mari.

“You need something?” she asked.

“No,” said Hank.

“Well,” said Mari. “Jo needs help with her science project.”

“I’ll be up in a minute,” said Hank quietly not really sure if he’d be able to help Joanne with her homework. The doorbell rang. Hank went to answer it.

“Thank the Lord Jesus that you answered.” It was his close friend Adrian Sholts.

“It was stolen,” Hank whispered.

“What was stolen?” Mari asked coming to the door.

“Nothing was stolen Mari,” said Adrian. “He’s just dreaming. I think you have some things that you need to do no doubt?”

“Well yes,” said Mari. “I guess I may as well go help Joanne with her science project.” Mari left and Hank was alone with Adrian.

“Well,” said Hank. “Did you seriously find it?”

“Yup,” said Adrian. “I’m a spy for both sides remember Hank? Vance thinks I’m on his side and he trusts me. You know how he is.”

“Well yeah,” said Hank still nervous. “Where is it?” Adrian handed the disk to Hank and he pocketed it. “I’ll take care of it.”

“You said that last time and then Vance stole it from you,” said Adrian. “Wow Hank. Keep your promises and stop making them.” Hank just stared at Adrian but knew he was kind of right and he just nodded. “Well,” said Adrian. “Got to run.” Hank said good-bye to his friend and then walked back to the computer room and hid it in a new place.

Jo sat with her mother as they worked on her science project. Her father came into the room.

“I’m going out to dinner,” he announced.

“With who?” her mother asked. “I don’t want you around Adrian.”

“Oh no,” said her father. “I’m not going with him Mari course not.”

“Then who you going with?” her mother asked.

“Jesse Hilton,” said her father. Jo stared at him. He hadn’t been around with Jesse Hilton for years. Her mother realized that too.

“Why Jesse Hilton?” she asked. “You haven’t seen him in years? You’re friends again all of the sudden?”

“Yup,” said her father. Jo didn’t believe her father one bit. She wanted to smack him for lying to her mother. He was either going out to dinner with another girl or going with Adrian and she knew it. She could just smell it. She didn’t like the smell either and she literally plugged her nose.

“What are you plugging your nose for?” her mother asked staring at her. “Do I smell or something?”

“Oh,” said Jo moving her hand from her nose. “It’s nothing. I was trying to get you guys to shush umm up.”

“Be back by nine Hank,” said her mother.

“You’re not my mother Mari you’re my wife. I’ll come home when I please.” Her mother looked hurt but her father didn’t seem to notice it really and Jo just wanted to kill her father for it all. She watched as he left.

Hank walked down the alleyway and arrived at the Ninety Nine. He waited for Adrian and then they walked in together. Waiting for them at a table was a woman of about thirty. Hank could’ve sworn that he’d seen her before but he couldn’t remember when. She smiled at them as they approached and then he sat down across from her and Adrian sat next to the woman and whispered something in her ear and she smiled at Adrian.

“Hello Mr. Guthrie,” she said smiling at Hank. “I’m Haley.” Hank shook hands with Haley but for some reason he didn’t believe that her name was Haley. She looked like someone else but he couldn’t remember who. He thought of the disk. It was so powerful. Vance could control the world with it. Hank shivered. Popcorn was brought to their table while they waited. Hank was nervous around Haley and Adrian was just sitting there reading a book. Hank wondered why Adrian looked so nervous? He was sure on good terms with Haley after all. But then again he might not be. He looked at his bowl of popcorn and wanted to throw up into it. After they ate their steak they sat quietly sipping wine.

“So,” she said. “I suppose you want to know who I am?” Hank nodded. “Figured you would.” She took a sip before continuing. “My name is Haley Carter.” Hank stared. That was probably how he knew who she was. Vance’s last name was Carter. “My father’s name is Vance Carter. He adopted me a few years ago. Actually six.” Hank stared. He was nervous now. Anyone related to Vance in any way was dangerous for him. He got up.

“Err,” he said looking at his watch. “It’s eight o’clock and I don’t want Mari worrying.”

“Oh please sit down with us for a while,” said Haley.

“N-N-No I’d rather not,” said Hank wishing that he hadn’t stuttered.

“Oh don’t act so frightful,” she said soothingly. “I just want to ask you one simple question.” Hank knew what was coming and he ran for it. Haley tore after him. She grabbed him. “Where’s the disk.” Hank brushed her away and ran down the alleyway. But soon he ran smack into Adrian.

“Where’s the disk?” he snapped at Hank. Hank turned around to see Haley panting and staring at him.

“Adrian please,” said Hank pleadingly. “Spare me this question. You know I don’t have it.”

“Do not lie Hank,” said Adrian. “Don’t lie to me or my girlfriend. I advice you to learn that I am now your enemy. Now where’s the disk?” Hank shook his head in disbelief and horror. He was shocked and he was scared. He looked around. There was no way to escape.

“I don’t know,” said Hank.

“Undoubtedly it’s at his home,” said Haley. “Do we have to kill your daughter and wife to get it Hank?” Hank shook madly. He couldn’t believe this. It was life threatening.

“I really don’t know Haley honest.”

“Whatever,” said Haley and she pulled out a gun. Hank stared at it as she pointed it at his chest. “Where is it Hank?” she asked through gritted teeth.

“I won’t tell you.”

“So you do know.”

“Yes. But I won’t tell you.” Haley pulled the trigger. Hank looked at Adrian but he was gone. Hank ran for it. But it was too late. As he was running he was shot to the alleyway ground. He hit the sign the read Lakeshore Ave.