Chapter 1

My mobile buzzed on the bedside table. I groaned and whipped it up so it didn't wake Wendy, my sleeping wife. Shit. It was Victor.

"What's up boss?" I slurred. I checked the time on my alarm clock. 2:16am. Fuck.

"I have a mate I'd like to speak to…" he said. I knew where this was going. I scribbled down the address in the half-light given to me by the street lamp outside.

"Any details?" I mumbled into the receiver.

"Yes. He has a fourteen year old daughter who may or may not be home. If she isn't, forget it. If she is, bring her as well," he said. I rolled my eyes.

"What about the guy's wife?" I asked him.

"Out of the picture for some time now," he replied. In other words: dead.

"Ok. Transport…?" I asked. I carefully slid out of bed and started pulling out some dark clothes.

"Max will drive you, Davis and William there, but you'll have to make sure you've got a ride to and from my place," he said.

"Got it, see you in ten," I agreed, hanging up. I cast a glance at Wendy before getting changed reluctantly. Right at the bottom of my drawer was an extra little something my wife didn't know about. I picked it up and slipped it into my pocket.

I grabbed my car keys from the kitchen bench and slipped outside, checking up on my nine year old daughter, Stephanie, on the way. I jumped into my red BMW and sped out of the driveway, heading toward Victor's house.

When I finally made it I drove up his long driveway and stopped next to Davis' blue Ford. I switched off the engine and trudged up to his front door, walking inside without bothering to knock.

"God, talk about bed head," laughed William. I stuck up my finger at him and slumped into Victor's couch. A few seconds later, Max came out with four coffees, one for each of us. We met up with Davis and slipped back outside silently. It wasn't odd to not see Victor in this sort of situation; he was probably doing something else. Something that involved not getting his hands dirty.

I climbed into the front seat of Max's black Toyota as Davis and William climbed in the back. This was not my idea of a fun night out. Not that I'd ever say anything.

Max drove us toward the house that apparently belonged to a man by the name of Jonathon Hawk. I made a quick game plan in my head and tested it out a few times. It would rely on the others being fast and silent. We pulled into the street. I opened the door as Max slowed to a stop on the curb by the driveway and did a quick scan.

No lights were on. No one awake? I turned towards the others.

"Ok, Max, keep the car ready in case this has to be fast. Davis, you and William grab Jonathon and keep him quiet. No need to wake the neighbours," I instructed. They nodded in agreement and Max set up the car as I led the other two up to the front door. Locked.

I tapped it lightly, just for the sake of it, before signalling the others to stand back. I took a breath and then kicked it in. The bang was just a bit loud…

I gave the boys their directions and started searching. It didn't take long.

Jonathon had reacted to the sound of his door and bolted down the stairs, stopping dead when he saw me. I smiled and Davis jumped him from behind, slamming his hand over his mouth. But not before he cried out.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my gun as William came in to join us. I tossed it to him and gave a quick nod, pulling out a drawer from one of Jonathon's desks and having a quick search. William whispered a warning to the guy, not letting his aim waver. After a few minutes I turned back to them.

"Davis, get Jonathon out to the car. Tell Max to warm up the engine. William, help me find his daughter," I ordered. Jonathon kicked out frantically as Davis began to take him outside.

"Wait," interrupted William. Davis paused. "Unless Jonny here wants to tell us where she is…?" Jonathon glared at him and Davis slowly removed his hand.

"She's not here," he spat. "She's at a friends' house for the night. She was going to call me when she was ready for pick-up tomorrow." I sighed and ran my hand through my hair hastily.

"Ok. William, help Davis get him outside. Quietly. If the neighbours hear us, they'll call the cops," I warned. The boys nodded and took him outside as I had another quick look through the other desk drawer.

Nothing that Victor would find useful. I gave up and walked back to the others. Just because I could, I took the wallet that had been so thoughtfully left on the table by the door on my way.

The others were waiting for me impatiently by the time I got back to the car. I glanced back at Jonathon as Max started the engine and pulled out into the street. Davis had duct taped his mouth shut and strapped his hands together behind his back thoughtfully so he was less trouble for them to handle. William handed me my gun.

I hate my job.