Times of Peace: Volume 1 of the side adventures to The Mercenary's Salvation

May 24, 2001

  12:49 P.m.

  Los Angeles, The lonely Road, California

  “And here we are. The city of angels, or rather demons given the nature of why we’re here.”

  “Then call it Hell, Fred. There’s too many monsters for us to even try and hunt. The sooner we’re out of here, the better. The city has darker secrets than any of you could imagine.”

  The passengers in the back said nothing as the lights adorning the various small time shops and skyscrapers in the distance shined brighter than any star in the night sky, though nowhere near as beautiful. It had a twistedness to it, the mark of man that seemed to reek of its inherent inferiority to the divine creator who made the world for them. Nothing about the city made it worth the name of angels, and Jack sincerely doubted that anything he saw over the next few days would change that perspective. Rename the city Mos Eisley for all he cared; Trevor was right to suggest that they should get in and get out.

  “So where are we staying? The Hilton, I presume?” The pampered FBI agent asked, garnering a laugh from everyone but the dog.

  “You completely forgot about our conversation at the gas station haven’t you? We don’t leave trails; we don’t need snoopers following us. We’re staying at a cheap drive in motel as close to the ghetto as we can find.” Trevor announced, his friend making the intent clear as they turned off a highway and away from the wealthier districts. Fred had no reason to argue, though the other Hispanic man did.

  “You got to be kidding me.”

  “Why would we even head for a Hilton? Morales hunts the weak and the poor, not the rich and the educated; they have no use for the likes of men like him. Are you suggesting we waste even more time by making a commute to Ocelote territory every day?” The driver asked?

  Fabio was livid at that. Throwing his hands into the roof, he barked back “We would have all the time in the world if we had taken a dam plane!”

  “Agent Lopez… take a nap. You’re tired. Just be happy for a bed… and pray there isn’t any bed bugs.”

  “Oh, which is real easy for you guys. Two vampires and a god. I’m just an average Joe; I have needs!”

  Jack starred him down with his good eye, his patience for complaining having evaporated somewhere back between Oklahoma and Texas. “You are Esponola… you carry the blood of princes and a warrior people, one that once ruled all of these lands… and you disappoint them with your words. Think of the Tehuelche and the Kolla before you say one more word tonight.”

  The mercenary may not have been able to beat the times just yet, but at least he learned how to shoot through the heart of a conversation. Fabio found himself silent, speechless as he realized the disrespect he had shown his ancestors as he closed his eyes and pouted, embarrassed by his own behavior. Peace was restored through the single comment, a peace that they would carry with them as Fred made the final turn into a nearly empty parking lot, a motel with half its lights blown out inviting them in as they pulled to a park. The trek was over, the first part of the mission done.

  Now let the hunt begin.