Supplying Supers - Ch. 3 - Full of Surprises - Beta (Patreon)

Wednesday June 7th, 2025 Mazuma City, Mazuma Amerika

Gunner Web

OSDB Rank: N/A - Civilian

OSDB Threat Rating: N/A - Civilian

The symphony of metal scrapping along ceramic echoed throughout the dining hall of the once gymnasium. Dozens of men, women, and children sat in plastic chairs around circular tables, enjoying the first hearty meal that many had that day. A large glass archway allowed the night’s moonlight and nearby city lights to dance along the hanging blue banners of the Second Helping Soup Kitchen.

Along the far back wall of the basketball court, dozens of volunteers were busy cooking food and preparing take home meals for those that needed them. Wearing a plastic apron and hairnet, Gunner stood in front of the last station serving white chicken chili out of a large stainless-steel pot. Each face that passed by smiled as the smell of the boiled chicken, hearty beans, and cooked vegetables filled their nose. It was those smiles that filled him with a warmth that few things could.

Gunner reminisced from when he saw that the inner-city public school was being closed down. He was quick to give Mayor Carlisle a call. It was the perfect spot for his new nonprofit. After six months of renovation, he converted the former gym into a soup kitchen. His company rebuilt the classrooms into bedrooms for a homeless shelter. The nurse’s office made a perfect medical room for onsite shots and checkups, while the administrative rooms were perfect offices for the organization.

Gunner didn’t get to spend as much time there as he’d liked. The rest of his activities kept him busy. But anytime he had free time, he always stopped in and put in a few hours working the soup kitchen. It helped ease his mind, letting go of the responsibilities of a conglomerate owner, and just serve food, scrub dishes, or whatever else the staff needed.

While his heart was in the right place, there was no denying its true purpose. The soup kitchen, Sister Helena’s orphanage, and his other nonprofits were all strategically part of his personal image. The public’s perception was critical should his past or private activities come to light.

As the dinner rush neared its conclusion, two young, thin men wrapped in worn, thick jackets and beanies called to Gunner as they approached.

“Hey yo, Mr. Webb,” Jefferson said with a short wave as he pushed his plastic tray down the metal railing.

“Long time no see,” Martin added.

“Good evening gentlemen, it’s been a minute, hasn’t it?” Gunner said with a smile as he helped the person in front of him.

“Forty-six days, two hours, s-sixteen minutes, and three seconds.”

“Has it really been that long? I need to try to get down here more often.”

“Ah, we know you’re busy, Mr. Webb,” Jefferson said before grabbing a small saucer of jello. “You can’t be everywhere at once.”

Gunner sighed. “If only I had the power to clone myself, a lot more things could get done.”

“Wouldn’t that be something? What I would give for some of that super juice. But not everyone’s blessed, I guess.”

“Unfortunately, not.”

“Hell, it’s probably a good thing, right? If I had some kind of powers, I don’t know what I would do with them. Probably nothing good. Especially with my history.”

“You have a kind soul, Jefferson,” Martin said. “I think you would have done good things.”

The long-necked man wrapped an arm around his friend. “Thanks buddy. Maybe if I had you around to keep me in check.”

“We all could use a friend like Martin,” Gunner said, handing them both a bowl.

“That’s the truth. I don’t know where I would be without this guy. You know I’ve been six months clean because of him?”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks Mr. Webb. Are you watching the game tonight?”

“Who’s playing?”

“Lakers and the Grizzlies.”

“Not really a fan of either team, so I’ll probably sit this one out.”

“What about James? He’s the GOAT.”

Gunner snorted and just shook his head.

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re a Jordan fan. James has the most points scored of all-time, including the points in the playoffs. And don’t forget he’s got the most playoff games won. Then you have nineteen All-Star selections.”

“At the end of the day, does all that matter when it all comes down to championships? James only has four. That’s still less than others like Kobe. May he rest in peace. So, while you’re correct, and I do rank Jordan higher, I was thinking of someone else.”

“Who?”

“Bill Russell.”

“Who?” Jefferson repeated, sounding like a human-sized owl.

“You need to learn your history, Jefferson,” Martin said.

“He played from nineteen fifty-six to nineteen sixty-nine for the Celtics,” Gunner said. “Out of thirteen seasons he played, he won eleven championships.”

Jefferson’s jaw dropped. “Eleven?”

“Eleven. He’s won more championships than any other player. He would have also likely had the most Finals MVPs, but they didn’t start giving out those awards until nineteen sixty-eight. Let’s not even talk about how he redefined the defensive game. He’s got the most rebounds in playoffs and the highest career defensive win shares. The game played back then was something different compared to today. You barely see any defense at all with the changes in the rules in the last twenty years. The old games were more physical than what they are today.”

“Damn Mr. Webb. It sounds like you were sitting courtside.”

Gunner let out a hearty laugh before Flux walked up to his side holding her black leather portfolio.

“I’m sorry to intrude, Sir,” she said. “But there’s a situation that needs your attention and Director Hearting wants to speak with you.”

“Where is she?” Gunner asked, taking off his apron.

“She’s in the back pantry.”

Gunner turned to both men and smiled. “Sorry, gentlemen. This has been a fun conversation, but duty calls.”

“We’ll catch you next time, Mr. Webb,” Jefferson said.

“Bye Mr. Webb,” Martin added, waving.

Gunner turned to one of the other staff working in the open kitchen and waved at a woman wearing a white baseball cap who was packaging leftovers. “Kristy, would you mind covering this station for me?”

“Of course, Mr. Webb.”

Gunner waited for the woman to finish what she was doing and assume his spot serving the chili. He followed Flux through the kitchen and back cleaning room. He hung his plastic apron and threw away his hair net before entering the pantry. A small elderly woman with short white hair stood with a tablet, scanning canned goods on metal shelves.

When she heard Flux’s and Gunner’s approach, she turned around, extended her arms, and smiled. “Mr. Webb, it’s good to see you.”

“Hey Dorothy,” Gunner said before leaning forward and hugging her. “It’s good to see you, too. How are you doing?”

“I’ve been well. Thank you for asking.”

“How are things with the organization? Everything is going well, I hope.”

Dorothy nodded her head side-to-side. “Well… yes and no.”

“Oh?” Gunner asked, crossing his arms. “What’s the issue?”

“Everything with the shelter is going well. We have plenty of beds, clothes, and toiletry donations.”

“Plenty of medical supplies?”

“Yes, maybe even oversupplied in that area.”

“What seems to be the problem, then?”

Dorothy turned and pointed up at the shelves. “We’re exceeding our food donations. Over the last six months, we’ve grown in the number of people served by nearly ten percent month-over-month. With three meals a day for hundreds, bordering thousands, we’re getting close to running out of food. I’ve already made calls to the local food banks and they, unfortunately, cannot meet our needs.”

“It seems straightforward. Just buy more food.”

“But I think there’s a problem. We’re getting reports of people who aren’t in need, taking advantage of the kitchen. Reggie told me he saw a group of construction workers take their lunch break, walk in, eat, and then head right back to work after.”

Gunner smiled and placed his hand on Dorothy’s shoulder. “Whether those people recognize it, if they are coming by for a free meal, they need it. We’re here to help people, not to judge. Do you still have the card I gave you?”

“Yes, but this is the first time this has happened. I just wanted to double check with you before I did anything.”

“I wouldn’t have given you that card if I wasn’t serious. Use it as needed. Just make sure you keep a record of all the expenses for my own tax purposes.”

“Of course, Mr. Webb. I’ll provide you with the statements, like always.”

“Is there anything else?”

“No… I guess there isn’t,” Dorothy said, smiling. “Thank you for coming by. The staff always loves it when you visit.”

Gunner leaned forward, and the two shared a brief hug. “I’ll try to make it by more often.”

“Then I look forward to the day.”

Gunner and Flux waved goodbye before they exited the backdoor and walked into a loading alley. The small path was only wide enough for a single vehicle before budding up against a red brick exterior wall of a former clothing manufacturer that was vacant. All the doors were boarded and the exposed windows were all shattered.

Gunner looked both ways down the alley and when he didn’t see his car, he pulled out his phone and called his chauffeur.

“Sir?” Daniel asked.

“Bring the SUV around back, Flux and I near the loading dock,” Gunner said.

“I’ll be there in a moment, Sir.”

Gunner hung up and slid his phone back into his suit pocket before turning to Flux. “You said there was something needing my attention?”

“It’s probably best to wait until we get in the vehicle. It will be easier to explain in there.”

Gunner frowned, but relented. The xenon headlights of their black SUV illuminated the dark alley in a soft blue light. Once the vehicle pulled up in front of them, Daniel exited the driver’s seat and opened the rear door for Gunner. Flux didn’t wait for Daniel, even though he’d sprinted halfway around the back already. Once she shut her door, Daniel double timed to the front and climbed in.

“Where to Mr. Webb?” Daniel asked, looking in the rear-view mirror.

“Give us a second, Daniel,” Gunner said, holding up his finger. He then looked over at Flux, who was fiddling with her phone. She pressed a button, casting the video to the flat screen TV that folded down from the ceiling. A male news anchor with a thin mustache and gray suit appeared.

“I’m Bert Hammock for WLWI-13 news. A new vigilante in Mazuma City or clashing crime families? Find out more tonight, at your eleven o’clock news.”

“Hold on,” Flux said, swiping her finger on her phone. Gunner watched as the video fast forwarded toward a midpoint before it resumed playing.

“Our top story of the evening,” Bert began. “In less than forty-eight hours, three registered supers and an entire gang have been murdered in a similar fashion. According to our sources, while the bodies have yet to be publicly identified, we can confirm that the three supers murdered were all registered supers with criminal records, ranging from a threat level of forty-two all the way up to sixty-three on the Open Supers Database. We’ve asked the MCPD for comment, but Chief Matterhorn stated they are refusing to provide a statement at this time, given the deaths are part of an ongoing investigation.”

Flux paused the video and looked up at Gunner. “This is what I wanted to show you,” she said.

Gunner rubbed the bottom of his chin as he stared at the still image. “So three supers and a handful of goons… Do we know anything more?”

“No. I just heard this while I was checking in with the other staff. It was playing on a television in the background. Once I heard the story, I raced back over to you. I figured you’d want to know.”

“The fact that I haven’t received any calls about this is… concerning. You haven’t received anything on the emergency line, have you?”

“No.”

“Then I need to head to the warehouse office and make some calls. Do you want Daniel to drop you off at the house?”

“If you’re going to the office, then so am I,” Flux said sternly. “There are high-profile murders. I’m not about to leave you alone.”

“Fair enough,” Gunner said with a short laugh before calling to his driver. “Daniel, take us to the docks.”

“You got it, Mr. Webb.”

The late hour helped improve the traffic, but the City of Fortune was anything but quiet. During their drive, Gunner and Flux checked online and news sources for any additional information. However, it was all a repeat of the same. The fixer assumed he’d have to leverage his informants if he wanted anything of value.

After pulling up to Warehouse One, Daniel parked the car and let the two passengers out of the vehicle. Gunner climbed the exterior metal stairs that ascended the side of the building. The walkway wrapped around the backside of the sheet metal walls providing passage to the rear white wooden door. Gunner unlocked it with his keys and held the door open for Flux to enter.

To the unfamiliar eye, his office was abandoned. The floor, which extended one hundred feet, end-to-end, was completely barren except for a lone mahogany desk, three leather chairs, and one filing cabinet that sat in the dead center. A single overhead light hung from the exposed beams that crossed into the ceiling. It was the only interior light the floor had, relying on exterior light from the hundreds of windows that overlooked the surrounding docks.

While Flux took a seat in a chair in front of the desk, Gunner walked over to the filing cabinet and pulled the top drawer open. He pulled out a pad of paper and a pen for any notes he wanted to scribble down. After taking his seat behind his desk, he opened his Webber app and called his contact.

A gruff man answered the phone. His voice sounded like he’d been smoking a pack a day since he’d hit puberty. “Hello?”

“Detective Lyons, it’s Mr. Webb.”

“I was wondering when you’d call,” the man said with a short laugh that became a coughing fit.

“I would have expected you to call.”

“Yeah, well, things have obviously been busy with what’s going on. I’m assuming the supes thing is why you’re calling?”

“Yes. I need everything you have.”

“Well, you’re in luck because it got dumped on my lap. No one else wanted to take it.”

“Lucky me. But I’m surprised I didn’t hear about it from you first.”

“The news leaked faster than we expected.”

“You’re not getting greedy on me, are you, detective? The information I pay for is no good when everyone has access to it.”

“Don’t you worry your fancy little britches, Mr. Webb. You always pay the best.”

Gunner smiled. He and Lyons held a more casual relationship than most of his other informants. A boon he granted the detective, given his reliability. “I hope so. So, it seems you’ve got another leak?”

“Seems that way.”

“What can you tell me?”

“Give me a second.” A moment of silence and a shutting car do clashed over the phone before the detective returned. “Just needed to get somewhere private.”

Gunner placed the phone on the table and hit the speaker button. “I’m listening. Whenever you are ready.”

Detective Lyons took a drink of something before continuing. “In the last two days, we’ve had fourteen murders, including three supes. The supes in question were Three-eye, Cleaver, and Diamond Dust.”

Gunner stopped mid breath. He’d done business with all three of them. Cleaver was munitions. Three-eye always wanted expensive alcohol. And Diamond Dust loved to entertain her clients with exclusive restaurants and clubs. But for now, he’d keep that to himself.

“All criminal women,” Gunner said.

“Yeah, and the bodies were… I’ve never seen something like this, Mr. Webb.”

“I need you to be explicit, Detective Lyons. Every detail is important.”

“The autopsies are just coming back, but from what I saw will haunt me. It’s like everything was sapped from them. All of their organs, muscles, eyes… all that was left were husks of blackened skin and bone. The skin had these markings on them—”

Gunner jerked his head and leaned over the table. “Markings? What markings?”

“They were carved into their skin. Like some kind of hieroglyphs or runes.”

Gunner looked up at Flux and the two gazed into each other’s eyes as Gunner continued to speak. “Did everyone have these runes?”

“Yes. Even Cleaver’s crew, however, their bodies weren’t like the rest. They weren’t dried husks. They were… displayed.”

“How so?”

“Cleaver had a small gang running out of an old meat processing plant on the city’s south side. We found her in the chiller in the middle of the floor like the rest. However, her men were all hung up on hooks circled around her. Their back skin had been peeled back and stretched like wings. As if they were macabre angels watching over her.”

Detective Lyons shuddered before he continued. “That’s one nightmare I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

“Were there any signs of struggles?”

“Cleavers’ domain, yes. The other two, no. Three-eye and Diamond Dust were found in their beds in their homes. We only got the two calls because their neighbors thought there was a gas leak.”

Flux’s eyes widened, and Gunner clenched his jaw before hanging his head over the phone. “You’re sure it was a gas leak?”

“That’s what they reported. They thought there was a gas leak or dead skunk. Crews were brought in and they found the bodies like this.”

“What about at Cleaver’s hideout?”

“That was different. There was blood everywhere, but no bullet cases. I assume someone cleaned them up. Whoever did this used blades and bludgeoning weapons only. It’s going to take us a year to test all the blood, hair, and fabric samples we’ve got back in the lab.”

“How did you find out about the hideout? Did someone call in gunshots?”

“No, it was actually a member of the crew that wasn’t with them. Lucky bastard had food poisoning, is what he said. The kid was a new recruit. I don’t think it was him based on how he’s reacting.”

“And did Cleaver’s body smell like a gas leak?”

“Like a skunk’s inner asshole. Very poignant… That smell that makes your face contort as soon as it hits your nose. Not that rotten egg smell.”

Gunner watched Flux open up her leather binder and scribble down a note. When she flipped it over, it read THE GALE. Gunner slowly nodded his head in agreement.

“Detective Lyons, I need you to send me a copy of the report and the photographs taken. I’m interested in seeing those symbols you were talking about.”

“I’ll bring a copy in the morning before I head into the office.

“Thank you. I’ll have payment wired to your account.”

The detective’s follow up cough turned violent. His breathing sounded strained and full of fluid. When the phone went silent, Gunner frowned and asked, “Detective Lyons, are you still there?”

“Yeah, I’m here,” the man grunted, trying to catch his breath. “Sorry about that.”

“No problem. If I may, you sound like you should see a doctor.”

Lyons scoffed. “Been there, done that. All they do is tell me something I already know and charge me an arm and a leg.”

“Well, I hope your health improves.”

“Actually, Mr. Webb, before you go… I’m wondering if my years of service could garner me a favor?”

Gunner picked up the phone, took the phone off speaker, and walked to the nearby windows. “I have paid you adequately for your service for years, yet you now require more?”

“Yeah… but not how you’re thinking,” Lyons said, his voice trailing into sadness. “If you couldn’t tell, I don’t sound too good. It’s cancer. It’s all over my body. The docs… they say there’s nothing I can do.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah… I actually just had an appointment earlier this week. The doctor said my lungs looked like I’d been smoking for years, but I have never once lit up. Can you believe that? You know… I think it was from some jobs they had us doing overseas… burning things we shouldn’t have… with no protection.”

“There have been lawsuits for former soldiers like yourself, to get the medical coverage you need.”

“I’ve got good enough coverage through work. Better than what the fucking VA can offer.”

“Are you looking for a referral for another doctor? I could recommend—”

Lyons attempted to suppress another fit before speaking. “No, I’m done with doctors. There isn’t a damn thing they can do for me. This is about taking care of things before I’m gone. That account you set up for me years ago. I honestly haven’t looked at it. I was hoping to just keep my head down, keep grinding, and retire early. But that doesn’t look like what’s set for me. If you can, I want you to transfer it to my daughter. Set up one of those trust funds for her or something. But it has to be rock solid, so my ex-wife doesn’t get her grubby little hands on it. The bitch, pardon my French.”

“It’s all right, detective,” Gunner said with a smile. “I can do that. However, if your daughter decides to give your ex some of the money, then that’s her prerogative.”

“That’s fine. If that’s what she wants to do with it, then so be it. Like any father, I just want to give her the life I never had. She always talked about traveling. We’d even picked out some destinations to see together. But duty… the job… it always came first…”

“Detective Lyons, while I may be overstepping the terms of our relationship, I do feel an obligation to impart some wisdom. Would you like to hear it?”

“Shoot.”

“When we are gone, for many, the only ones left to remember us are the ones we leave behind. It seems your goal is to make your daughter happy. The money will be temporary. It’s the moments that she spent with you that she will ultimately cherish. So, while you are still here, go make some more.”

“You’re right,” Lyons said with renewed vigor. “You’re goddamn right. Why am I wasting what little time I have left sucking down this shitty coffee? To hell with it. I’m going to march back inside and turn in my gun and my badge.”

“Just make sure to get me my copies beforehand.”

“Right. Of course, Mr. Webb.”

“I’ll get your latest payment made to you in cash and leave it at the drop off point off of Seventh and Milwaukee Street.”

“Yeah, I remember that one.”

“Also, I’ll prepare the rest for an account to be accessible by your daughter.”

“Thank you, Mr. Webb. It’s been a pleasure working with you.”

“The pleasure has been mine, Detective Lyons. I wish you and your daughter the best.”

Gunner hung up the phone, turned, and walked back to the desk. He sat the phone down before sitting in his chair. Blowing out a heavy breath, he leaned over and pulled out one of the side drawers, retrieving two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He poured himself and Flux a glass. After raising his drink to his companion, he downed the contents before pouring himself another.

“What was all of that?” Flux asked.

“Detective Lyons is dying,” Gunner said, twirling the glass as he leaned back in his chair. “He’s probably only got a few months left.”

“That’s unfortunate for him. But what about the murders?”

Gunner perked up and sipped on his glass before setting it on the table. “Right… Lyons is going to get us a copy of the report.”

“I know, but this screams like the Gale, doesn’t it?”

“The skunk smell, ancient runes, and husks? I don’t enjoy jumping to conclusions, but yeah… it does.”

“Not to mention they’re all clients of yours.”

“That… concerns me even more.”

“What do you think it could be?”

Gunner stood from his chair and paced behind his chair. “I’m… not sure… it could be any number of things. Mutilated bodies could be a rift opening and something nasty got out. But this seems more ritualistic in nature, like a new sect. But the husks… of supers… what would they be doing? And they all just happen to be clients of mine? I don’t know. Something about this feels personal.”

“If a rift did open, wouldn’t the Supers Oversight Committee have detected it?” Flux asked.

“I would think so. They would have sent containment teams in and brought in a specialist to close it. But I don’t know who that would be anymore.”

“Maybe you should give the director a call.”

“It’s not the same one.”

“Director Evans is no longer the head of the SOC?”

“No, the new administration appointed someone new, Director Norman Reeves. From what I’ve heard, he’s very by the book.”

“Like you?”

Gunner smiled and cocked a brow? “Are you trying to hurt my feelings, Flux?”

“No!” Flux said wide-eyed. “I just meant that you just like things in a very particular fashion.”

“I’m just giving you a hard time,” Gunner said, chuckling as he reached for his phone. “It’s not a bad idea to give the new director a call.”

Gunner opened his app and dialed the direct line that he had memorized. When the phone continued to ring beyond the initial three rings, he wondered if the former director’s phone had left with him. However, a man with a deep voice soon answered and spoke with precision and directness with that of a career soldier.

“This is Reeves.”

“Director Reeves, this is Gunner Webb.”

“Yes, I’m aware, Mr. Webb. My predecessor left me with this phone and note that you may call.”

“Did he? Well, I’ll have to thank Adam next time I see him.”

“Mr. Webb, please let me be clear. Do not take my acceptance of this call as my accord to further conversations. I do not know what previous relationship you held with former Director Evans. However, by the questionable unregistered cell phone sitting in my desk drawer, I do not take it as one that was on record.”

“I can assure you, Director Evans, my intent is only for what’s best for Mazuma City and, as a reflection of that, Amerika.”

“I’d be more inclined to believe you if the file held on you wasn’t the black hole that it is. Even someone with my level of clearance cannot access what’s hidden behind the retractions, and there are pages. But fret not, that won’t last long.”

Gunner smiled. “It’s honestly a boring read.”

“Mr. Webb, as you can imagine, I have a tight schedule, given my recent appointment. If you’d be so kind, please get to the point of this call.”

“Okay… I’m inquiring to know if there have been any breaches or rifts that have opened to or from the Gale recently.”

The phone grew eerily silent.

The director responded in an almost rehearsed manner. “I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of the information requested but, hypothetically, if such data were to exist, the subject matter would be classified, and could not be disclosed.”

Gunner whistled through his teeth and slowly nodded. “Director Reeves, please. You should be able to see in my file that I have previously been granted top secret clearance on matters of national security. While I might not hold a current top secret clearance, I can assure you I hold matters of security with the utmost care and discretion.”

“If you do not maintain top secret clearance, then I cannot speak to you of matters that would be designated as such, Mr. Webb. No matter your former clearance level.”

“That’s… unfortunate. I was hoping we could maintain a similar level of respect and rapport as your previous successor.”

“Mr. Webb. I do not know you, nor do I know why you would inquire about such a matter which may or may not exist. Unless you have anything else you’d like to further discuss, then I believe our time is done here.”

Gunner twisted his lips before making one last ploy. “Your point is made clear, Director Reeves. In hopes of fostering a good working relationship, I have some information I’d like to share which is pertinent to the SOC and potentially national security.”

“You have my attention.”

“There have been a string of murders that have occurred in Mazuma City. The brief information that I’ve been able to obtain hints at Gale involvement. Supers are being targeted and murdered. So far, there have been three fatalities, all female criminals.”

“Do you have names?”

“Three-eye, Cleaver, and Diamond Dust. They were all killed in a similar ritualistic fashion.”

“Those are some pretty high-profile names.”

“So, you’ve heard of them?”

“I have the entire SOC registration list memorized: all the supers, their rankings, threat levels, and their primary powers.”

“That’s a good sign. It means you take your position seriously.”

“No need to pander to my ego, Mr. Webb,” Reeves said, with a grin evident in his voice. “Can you get me the details of this investigation?”

“So you’ll look into it?”

“A murder of a single super is a state issue. However, if we’re seeing a serial killer for supers, then yes, that does fall into SOC territory. If you can send me the details you have on file, I will get a case agent assigned immediately.”

“Thank you, Director Reeves.”

“Take this for exactly what it is, Mr. Webb. You’re bringing a crime to my table. This is not some sort of back-alley agreement where you should expect to receive confidential information for your assistance. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal. Director Reeves.”

“Then I thank you for your service to your country. Have a good evening Mr. Webb.”

“You too, Director Reeves.”

When Gunner sat back down, Flux pushed up her black eye glasses and smiled. “That sounded like it went well enough?”

“It went as good as it could have. He’s going to look into if I send him what Detective Lyons has.”

“Do you trust him to get the job done?”

“For now, we have to. It’s under his jurisdiction, and now that we know it’s happening, we can be more vigilant if this continues.”

“Do you want me to get a word out?”

“Yeah, blanket statement to all our informants. A thousand dollars for any good information. Focus on anything occult, strange symbols, and the smell of skunks.”

“Got it,” Flux said, scribbling a note down. “Anything else?”

Gunner stood from the chair and pocketed his phone. He yawned and stretched side-to-side. “Are you hungry?”

“Always.”

Flux’s unnaturally wide smile in the dim light made Gunner’s skin crawl. He was thankful she was his bodyguard. When she relaxed her control over her form, she could look monstrous.

“There’s Paddy’s around the corner from the house,” Gunner said, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. “We could stop by there for a drink and some food.”

“That sounds good. We haven’t done Irish in a while.”

Flux stood from the side chair and brushed her skirt off before joining Gunner on his side. The pair walked across the office floor before stopping at the back door. When the fixer reached for the handle of the door, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

“A call this late?” Flux asked.

“It could be the Director, calling to make amends,” Gunner said with a slight shrug. When he looked down at the phone, he did not recognize the number. He cocked his brow and answered the call. “Hello?”

The voice on the other end was not who he was expecting. The man spoke slowly with slurred speech as if he was speaking with a mouth full of water. “Is this Mr. Webb?”

“This is Mr. Webb. May I ask who is calling and how you got this number?”

“My name is… Titus. I got your number from a mutual acquaintance of ours.”

Gunner could hear the lie in his voice. “I’m sorry, Titus, was it?”

“Yes.”

“Unfortunately, I only do business with select clients and referrals, but those referrals vouch for the individuals they bring to me, and since I’ve never heard of you, I suggest you lose this number.”

“No wait—”

Gunner smiled as he hung up the phone. Flux rolled her eyes, knowing it was all part of his game. The two waited for the follow up call they knew was coming. When the phone rang, Gunner cleared his throat and answered it.

“Let’s try this again,” Gunner said in a direct tone. “Now you can provide me with your real name and your referral. However, if I detect that you’re lying, then I’ll hang up this phone and block your number.”

“This is Tetro. I got your number from Justice.”

Gunner raised his eyebrows and spun on his heel, speaking as he walked. “Tetro, it’s good to have such an esteemed member of the Paragon Alliance grace my ears. How can I help you?”

Tetro hesitated before he spoke. “I was speaking to Justice, and she said that you managed to get her the impossible.”

“Those are kind words coming from someone as revered as Justice. But nothing is impossible. You just have to know the right people.”

“W-what if… hypothetically… the item you’ve been asked to acquire is… illegal?”

Gunner stopped in his tracks. He contemplated how best to respond. While he didn’t think this was a trap, he didn’t know the man well enough to make an assessment. He needed to be able to read his body. “Tetro, are you free tonight?”

“Yes, why?”

“Because the route that this call is going requires a certain level of finesse that mandates for it to be handled in person. My office is at Third Lucky Avenue Warehouse One. If you’d like to meet, I’ll be here.”

A moment of silence passed over the phone before Tetro responded confidently. “I’ll be there in a half hour.”

When the call ended, Gunner turned to Flux and smiled. “Looks like this night is just full of surprises.”