“I want to hunt down the Collector before the bitch comes after you.” He sipped his coffee and stared at his tablet. I nodded, wishing we could act normal today and maybe have some fun. However, I agreed with his statement. The woman gave us a week, which meant time was a luxury right now.
“Do you have a plan how we can do that?” I leaned closer to his tablet, as his head lifted and his eyebrow arched.
“I think we need to chat with the computer kid at headquarters and see what he can find. The woman may have covered her tracks well, but no one can disappear without a trace. It’s impossible, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.”
“AJ is amazing, as is his sister Mina. If anyone can figure out who she is, it’ll be them.” I took another bite of my muffin, contemplating how we could catch the Collector.
“I’m surprised the all-knowing Phillip hasn’t outed her yet and thrown her ass in jail.”
“Phillip is a complicated guy. He knows when to get involved and when not to. As hard as it is to control my powers sometimes, I’m glad I don’t have his. He has seen every potential future, even ones where his loved ones die. He lives with the knowledge every second of every day. It’s why he worked as hard as he did. I’m just grateful he found someone who completed him in Mina. Everyone needs a person that complements his or her soul.”
Maddox drove us in his gas guzzler to headquarters, which was full of life.
“Hiya Hazel!” Lilith, my no bra-wearing companion, hugged me and danced away shortly afterward. Her husband, Leon, gave me and then Maddox a nod before following after her. Lilith was the most free person I had ever met, but freedom had come at being groomed as an assassin and whore since she was a teenager. She looked like a supermodel, but she could kill a man before he could take his next breath.
Laughter echoed from the hangout room, but first we had a job to do.
“Sup, have you finally come to tell me you’ll marry me, Hazel?” AJ joked, eyeing Maddox with a shit-eating grin.
The black hair, green-eyed teen harmlessly flirted with the ladies of the Hero Society until one of the possessive males claimed them.
“We need help finding someone who doesn’t want to be found.” I skipped over answering his question and sat in one of the free swivel chairs. Maddox stood next to me like an overprotective guard dog.
“A challenge. I like it. Who am I looking for?” He popped his knuckles and began typing, focusing on the many screens before him.
“We’re looking for the Collector.”
Chapter Twenty- Nine
Hazel
“Seriously?” My ass ached from falling on the padded ground seven times in the past hour. Maddox and I decided to train in the gym while we waited for AJ to work his magic and find us some information.
Easy assumption to say it wasn’t going the best for me. He trained to be a perfect killer, even without the use of his powers. I knew how to defend myself, and kick some ass thanks to the Krav Maga lessons. But I wouldn’t lie and say I relied on my powers slightly more than I should.
“You’ve got to identify your weaknesses, and don’t give me that look. Once you know your weak spots, they become your greatest strengths. If someone sees you are favoring a certain side of the body, then they will attack the opposite. You’re tall, and you are shit at guarding your core. Your opponent will see that and aim for your gut. You can adjust and move, letting momentum take them to the ground.”
He helped me up and we resumed sparring, which meant he wrestled me to the ground, then proceeded to kiss my neck until I gave up. A cough echoed from the direction of the elevator and AJ stood there, trying not to stare.
“It’s OK, AJ. We weren’t doing anything inappropriate.” I pushed Maddox off of me and stood, hoping to hear good news.
“Yeah, I’ve walked in on too many things down here. There are apartments above but something about getting sweaty makes all you heroes horny.” AJ chuckled and my cheeks flushed. Thankfully the gym level was empty besides us so no one heard his admission.
“What do you got?” Maddox rose to his full height and walked over to AJ. A tablet was handed over, and Maddox scanned it over with a tight jaw.
“Yeah, I didn’t like that, either.” AJ’s comment peaked my interest. I strode to them in seconds to see what they read.
“The Collector, formally known as Imani Nelson. Age thirty-four. She grew up in Georgia. Homeless then a foster family. Attended therapy sessions throughout early high school years until she turned sixteen. She became the most popular girl in school, graduated with honors, then disappeared.
“I was able to run a facial scan from the club and found her prom queen picture. I’m gonna guess she has powers since life became epic once she turned sixteen.”
Every word made sense after having met the woman. She had suffered, like Maddox and I did as kids. Once she got her power, she turned her life around to have everything she had ever wanted. Unfortunately, the gift soured, and now she thought she could own people.
“Can you locate her?” The fun Maddox who had been beating my ass and kissing me stood rigid, anger radiating from his massive body.
“Not yet. It’s gonna take me some time. Besides word in the underground about her hunting for people with gifts she treasures, there isn’t much else. I’m running a scan for any properties listed under her name. I’ll keep you guys updated as I get new info. She seems pretty scary, though, if all the details I’m reading are right. She wants what she wants, and that’s all there is to it.” AJ grimaced, his concern resonating within me. I didn’t know how we could stop her, but we’d try.
“I’ll keep you guys updated on what I find.” He took the tablet back and gave us a grim nod before walking back to the elevator.
