Food was laid out on the countertop. The smells causing Liam’s mouth to water in anticipation. From the fridge to the far wall, dishes were crammed together. Quite a feat in a normal kitchen. In a studio apartment, it lost much of the effect. For kitchens in these homes are notoriously small, and even with the space packed full of food it didn’t amount to much. And wouldn’t be able to quell Liam’s appetite.

In front of Liam was a bowl of pasta, a can of pasta sauce still cold from the refrigerator, and a plate of asparagus. They flavored the asparagus with olive oil and pepper, still steaming from the oven. Just that much food was enough to cover the small space.

The scene left Liam a little disheartened. By no means was this a bad meal. In fact, it was gourmet compared to what he was eating only a few days ago. But he couldn’t help thinking back to meals with The Hunt. Matt was a master chef. Throw him into any cooking competition and he would fit right in. His meals were half art, half delectable masterpieces. Transitioning away from that was bound to be a letdown.

Liam wondered what Matt was thinking about, with everything going on. Was the man part of it all? Another person plotting Liam’s fall. Or was he surprised, waking up one morning with one less Hero he had to feed.

Liam wanted to believe Matt had nothing to do with this. That somehow he’d stayed clean through everything. Refusing to dirty his hands like the rest of the team. But Liam knew better. The man had been living in the base much longer than himself. How could he not have seen anything? He must be part of this. Another person who justice needed to seek out.

A part of Liam’s brain cried foul to that thought. Hadn’t he lived next door to Matt? Liam himself was blind to the killers walking the halls? How could he hold Matt to a different standard? It wouldn’t be a great surprise if Matt also missed the signs. Liam pressed the thoughts of another enemy away. Feeling better with the knowledge Matt was fooled like he’d been.

Grabbing a plate full of food Liam went to the kitchen table. In this apartment they also knew it by its other name, a bed. Seeing how the studio apartment was so small, this was the best they could do. Liam’s new workbench was pulled up in front of them as a makeshift dining room table.

A moment of indecision floated through Liam’s mind as he sat next to Mr. Hat. Should he be eating next to this man? He was hiding something. That was clear. However, the thought was fleeting. Of course Liam should eat next to him. Liam was involved in whatever Mr. Hat was planning. His little buildathon earlier today proved that. He couldn’t make those devices, then claim ignorance in whatever task they were given.

Liam sat down next to the man. Giving him a quick smile before inhaling the food in front of him. Each bite was amazing, as Liam worked through the dish his speed picked up. When he reached the last bite he barely had time to breathe between mouthfuls. Even the cold, canned pasta sauce tasted great. It was a million times better than peanut butter sandwiches. If Liam never had another one of those for the rest of his life, it’d be too soon.

A few quick minutes later, Liam started to empty a second plate before he slowed down. He had to remind himself to relax and enjoy what was in front of him.

Taking advantage of the slow down, Mr. Hat spoke up, “I see you liked the meal.”

“It was well worth the wait,” Liam said, meaning every word he said. It might not be at the level of what Matt made, but that didn’t stop it from being great food.

“I’m glad to hear you like my cooking,” Mr. Hat said. Setting his fork down the man leaned back into a more comfortable position. Then continued, “Now let’s take a minute to go over the plan.”

Liam nodded, he knew this was coming. The meal had been a good distraction, but that’s all it was. There was no escaping this next part.

“Our first target will be the easiest and I’m already almost done with the plan. The last bit would have been a little tricky for me to pull off alone. With your help, that changed.”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Shouldn’t this be something you can do on your own? I mean you started this plan before I joined.”

“It was. But with you here things have changed. Not only do we have more capabilities with both of our skills, but The Hunt’s changed as well. They aren’t idly sitting by anymore, there’s a manhunt underway.”

Liam twirled his fork on the plate, scraping up the last of the pasta sauce. Mr. Hat was getting dangerously close to blaming their situation on him. Not something Liam was overly fond of. Sure it wasn’t like nothing changed after his confrontation with the Hunt. However, it still felt like a low blow.

“Who’s the first target,” Liam asked. Staying away from his feelings and focusing on the mission.

With a smile Mr. Hat reached into his coat pocket. Pulling out a picture of a warrior walking down the street. Obviously taken without the person’s knowledge as they weren’t even looking at the camera. The warrior, from ages past, was dressed in sturdy armor. A large shield grasped in one hand and a sword in the other.

“Gladius will be the first target. She has the easiest weak point to go after,” Mr. Hat said.

“What’s that? I thought she’d be one of the harder ones”

In Liam’s opinion none of the team would be easy to go after with Gladius being especially tricky. The woman loved to fight. Attacking her head on, even with hidden traps, would be what she was looking for. Liam didn’t know what Mr. Hat’s powers were. But his hesitation to confront The Hunt in the past showed they were weaker than Gladius’ powers. Why would he have waited till now if that wasn’t the case?

“I know where to hit her, you’ll see. But we have to discuss the plan first.”

“You’re the boss,” Liam said as he shrugged his shoulders. His plate was regrettably cleaned of food. After they were done going through the plan he was getting another serving.

Mr. Hat froze at the comment. Body stiff as he stared at Liam.

“I’d prefer if you don’t call me that,” Mr. Hat said. Voice hard as iron.

Well, that hit a nerve, Liam thought. If that was the case he was sure to avoid the word going forward.

“Yeah, I won’t do it again.”

“Thank you,” Mr. Hat said as he shifted, “Now for the plan. It starts with a raid on the police station.”

That seemed reasonable, Liam scoffed to himself. What a great start, to this whole not a Hero thing. Doing what he fought to prevent in the past.

“That sounds reasonable.” Liam said, soaking his comment in sarcasm.

“I’m glad you agree,” Mr. Hat replied. With no hint he’d picked up on the sarcasm.

“And this is the easiest person to go after?” Liam asked.

“By Far.”

Yeah, this would not be a cake walk. With his back to the plank, Liam didn’t have anywhere else to turn. It was this or take the plunge.

“Perfect,” Liam muttered.

The two sat there for a moment, ideas of what the raid would mean floating in their heads. Mr. Hat got up first and went to the kitchen, grabbing another plate of food. Liam close on his heels, still simmering on the plans for the coming assault.

When Liam found out Mr. Hat was going after The Hunt he’d assumed it was directly. Aiming to take the team out in head on attacks. Infiltrating the police station was anything but that. Liam was eager for Mr. Hat to continue explaining what was happening next. His future would depend on what was said.

With their plates full of food the two sat back down on the bed.

Liam was the first to speak, “Why do we want to do this?”

Mr. Hat took a large bite before responding, “We’ll make them think we’re after whatever evidence they have on you. Trying to find something that will exonerate you.”

The man was serious. He would dive right into the police station. There went Liam’s last hope this was some elaborate joke.

“With them distracted we’ll be able to do what's needed.”

Liam listened as Mr. Hat went through the coming assault. If what he said was true, they could do a number to Gladius. They wouldn’t kill her, in fact they wouldn’t even try. Instead aiming at something she’d find much harder to defend.

“In order for this to work we must overcome a few obstacles. Can you make what we’ll need for that?”

“I’ve never been so excited to get to work,” Liam said. A mixture of the desire for revenge and realization at what was about to happen clouding his words.

If things went well, life would get very interesting in the coming days.