Page 65 of Hollow

“I think we should put an end to the Hearst threat before he decides he wants to make a move.”

“I would assume staying in town was his first move,” Dimitri replied. “He would not risk staying in town unless he wanted a base of operations.”

Dimitri recognized such maneuvers for some of Gordon’s longer hunts. He would send Dimitri and the scouting party out to track down the quarry, force the monster out of hiding, and offer initial intel. Then Gordon would take his time joining in the hunts, pushing his limits, and proving he could kill any beast. Of course, with the assistance of his hunters, along with the best technology and weaponry money could buy.

“Then let’s tear that base down,” Jack replied, a furious edge in his tone. “That bastard doesn’t get to come into my town and threaten my boyfriend without losing his goddamn head.”

Dimitri gave Jack a small smile, appreciative and even a bit hopeful.

“Let us bring an end to this.”

Dimitri nodded with agreement. They didn’t rush to leave. Instead, Jack reviewed the documents Astaroth had gotten and smirked at the inventory list. Dimitri used the hours to settle his nerves. It didn’t work, but they consumed him less as they left the chateau.

Jack drove them through the woods, into town, and to the far-off estates on the north side. The quiet of the drive helped Dimitri process his nerves. Though it did nothing to alleviate his anxiety.

Dimitri nervously trailed behind Jack, uncertain they could truly get the drop on Gordon and his hunters even with all their intel, but this was the best advantage they had. If they moved in before Gordon could coordinate his forces, they might be able to win this.

“They will surely have traps ahead.”

“I’m not worried, trust me.”

They approached the front of the manor.

“Should we be here?” Dimitri asked nervously. “What about the element of surprise?”

“I doubt there’s any surprise on this property.” Jack nodded to a camera positioned above the entrance. “I say we knock the front door down and say hello. That’ll really surprise them.”

Dimitri concurred. Maybe the bold gambit would pay off. Dimitri trusted Jack and followed his lead.

Jack hadn’t been joking either. He dug his shadows into the hinges of the double doors and threw them into the home, creating an explosive entrance.

The pair stepped inside. Dimitri’s ears twitched, assessing how many heartbeats were nearby, and easily recognizing the strained patter of Gordon’s heart.

“I wondered what would take you so long,” Gordon said, announcing himself with such smug arrogance.

Dimitri wanted to carve that smile off the old man’s face, but he carefully surveyed their surroundings. Upon entering the manor, the foyer led into a spacious open area. The floor was white marble with a murky black swirl. The banister was made from a deep reddish-brown wood and carved into elegant designs leading up to the railing of the second floor.

Hunters surrounded them from above; their guns trained on Dimitri and Jack. Several more slipped in from the sides of the first floor, creeping out cautiously as they took aim.

Between the men up top were large spotlights. No, not exactly. Dimitri wasn’t sure what they were precisely, only that they were large blocks with rows of bulbs and protective glass over them. It almost seemed to shield the bulbs.

“They say the Nuckelavee is unstoppable,” Gordon scoffed, clearing his throat with this gruff coughing laugh. “But everything I’ve researched suggests that power comes from the darkness the spirit lurks within.”

Lights blasted from every direction. Dimitri squeezed his eyes shut, unable to see anything through this burning brightness.

“No shadows means no power.” Gordon laughed. “Secure the Leshy and bring me the Nuckelavee’s head.”

Dimitri swung his arms wildly, growling at the air and any threatening hunters who approached.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Gordon Hearst might’ve been the most arrogant person Jack had ever encountered in his life. Jack squinted, struggling to see anything thanks to the absurdity of these light towers blasting brightness from every direction.

“You assume the Nuckelavee requires shadows to cast its powers,” Jack said with a laugh. “What, did you do a quick Wiki search for that answer?”

Jack sliced through the light blasting around them, creating a bubble of darkness to cloak their presence. A rhythmic clip-clop of horse steps moved through the shadows Jack cast. It carried the summoning of the Nuckelavee’s rage, an indication of Jack’s true power. He wouldn’t unleash it all here—he wouldn’t need to—but he would show them a taste of what his dark spirit could do.

“Relax,” Jack whispered, cupping a hand underneath Dimitri’s chin.