Aaron Calloway

A career in hunting men isn't one most would choose. Yet it is perfect for me, I recently left the special forces; after spending eight years in the army.

I enlisted on my eighteenth birthday, served in the army for four years, did the minimum eighteen months of training to get into the special forces, and serve the remaining four years in special forces.

My commanders always paid extra attention to me, first in combat, weaponry, medical, navigation, and demolition. I was lethal by the time I finished training, at 6"3 and 180Ib, I could kill anything.

When I left my team, I had been too use to killing and hunting men down to their last breath that I couldn't work a nine to five anymore. An old friend of mine that I used to serve with gave me the idea to become a contract killer, earning way more than what I was paid being a solider for the US government.

I was unsure at first about doing contracts, the major problem being that it is obviously against the law but after the first agreement was made I was hooked. I couldn't stop thinking about what my next offer would be, if the hunt took a couple days, or if it was a quick job.

It's thrilling knowing I'm the last thing these disgusting men see, knowing - feeling that it's because of what they have done to deserve meeting me.

I, now sit in my dim office, working on tracking a guy named Sergio digitally from a job I was given last week.

An echoy beep follows me wherever I turn and has for the last minute. In annoyance I pick up a stack of papers that is neatly placed on my left and shove them to the side. Under the papers I find one of my burner phones.

The number familiar to me, flashed, then it stopped. Its a long-term friend of mine, Liam. You have one new voice message.

"Hey Aaron, hope I haven't bothered you this late at night. A friend of mine is in need of someone to fill out a contract for him, a guy stole from his business last year and he hired a P.I to find him and well long story short, they found him and now they're looking around for a contractor. Got time to check it out?"

I gaze at my computer screen. No change for the last week in tracking this guy. I guess it couldn't hurt to have another job - I softly whisper to myself.

I called Liam back and asked more about his friend and after a quick search into them - they seem legit. My next call was to the guy Liam mentioned.

"Hello? Is this the man Liam told me about?" He sounded old.

"What's the job?" I never ask for irrelevant details, I only want to know about the job. It's better this way; for the both of us.

The guy my client wanted taken care of is David Turner, he took a quarter million dollars and went into hiding, they couldn't find any residents or vehicles registered in his name, smart fucker got a job as a truck driver delivering food to a 'Palmer's Grocery' so he's on the move at all times.

"I want to know who you are before I hire you."

"No." If this goes south I want no loose ends.

"How do I know I can trust you then?" I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"You don't know if you can trust me but you're the one hiring hitman. Two million before I start and the other two after the contract is complete." I hung up on him after he just grunted in agreement.

The job is to stake out Palmer's Grocery and kill the guy. I went to bed already planning the job in my head. Starting with working at Palmer's to learn when Turner delivers.

When I woke up, I had my first coffee of the day and headed to the grocery store. I handed in the bogus CV I made last night, under the name Sam Brown.

The woman interviewing me was a pain in my ass, twirling her hair and giggling every time I nodded to her questions. She said her name was Victoria or something? I couldn't care less; I'm here for a job and only a job. The woman's office was stark white. Flowers and pictures of cats all over the place.

"So Sam, when can you start work?" Victoria was twirling her hair around her finger again while she flirtatiously blinked at me trying to show off her eye lashes. It took so much effort to keep my eyes from rolling out of my head.

"As soon as possible." I couldn't sound more bored even if I tried yet she couldn't stop giggling, my head was about to burst open. She told me to follow her for a tour of the place. She was too busy explaining the job description to notice me checking out the loading dock for trucks. I need to figure out when Turner delivers to the store. Fast.

The rest of the tour was unhelpful to my goal so I just blocked out Victoria's voice. I spotted a couple good hiding spots to duck into while working so I can check on the loading dock. "Sam... Sam?" God she never shuts up. I turn and give her the biggest fake smile I could muster up. "Yes?" She giggled again. Victoria sticks her hand up and gestures for me to follow her back into her office.

"That's about it. Don't forget this is my office and you can see me anytime for work or..." She tries to hid her blush under her hand. "Or other things." Victoria winks at me but it comes across more as a mild stroke. I couldn't get out of the store fast enough.

When I got home, I finished tracking the guy from yesterday, the client only asked for surveillance so now that that job is finished, I can focus on Turner. The plan is to stay at Palmer's for a week minimum.

Yeah, as if luck would be on my side.

It's coming up a week now and Turner still hasn't showed up. I need to think of plan to see the delivery log.

I move towards Victoria in her office. Her head spins when she hears the knock on the soft wood, her smile couldn't be contained.

"Uh Sam... how can I help you." She moves from her office chair to sit seductively on her desk.

"You said I could just come and see you whenever?" Jesus christ she's about to break her jaw if she keeps smiling.

"Oh yea sure, absolutely come seat down." Victoria gets up from the desk to drag over a chair next to hers when the papers on the desk get up with her, one stuck to the back of her legs. I reach to pick the papers that fell onto the floor up and see the log of suppliers and their delivery days. I search for Turners' name - Turner, David; every second Thursday.

"Oh God I made a mess. Thank you Sam." She holds onto my bicep, batting the fibers glued to her eyes. I just hand her the papers she dropped.

"No problem, I should go now it's the end of my shift." She turns her head like a confused dog, I just smiled and said a quick, 'my bad.' I clocked out on my way towards my locker and soon after, headed straight for the door. I can still hear her confused 'huh' and the clicking her eyes make when she rapidly blinks.

Just as I step up to my house, my phone rings. Liam's number flashes again.

"Hey Calloway, care for a drink at this club downtown?" As tempted as I was to say no, I was in desperate need for a drink.

"Sounds good, I'll meet you there." Just a few hours then I'm sleeping forever. He texted me the name of the place followed with a reminder to dress nice for the ladies - winky face at the end.

God I'm starting to regret saying yes already.

The club was packed shoulder to shoulder, it was honestly uncomfortable.

I spot Liam standing at the bar and worm my way to him, he orders two glasses of whiskey just as I get there.

Liam is about the same height as me, scuffy chestnut hair with deep blue eyes. He gets mistaken for my younger brother at times, we both have lots of tattoos though Liam prefers a clean look so his are hidden by his clothes whereas mine are poking out for the world to see. We are both physically fit; I am often told I'm the grumpy version of Liam.

Liam screams something to me when he turns and sees me but I can't hear him over the bass, the confused look on my face lead Liam to point to an empty booth at the back.

We mulled over almost half a bottle of whiskey, talking about everything from current events to the stain on the table. I was beginning to feel tired when the air from my lungs is stolen, I couldn't believe my eyes.

She danced in between people perfectly, not a hair on her was out of place. The flashing lights reflected in her eyes, alighting a fire within me that I've never felt before. Strapped stiletto heels distance her from the dirty floor and a tight black dress hugs her more than the guy behind her that sandwiched her closer to her friend.

I wanted to kill him right in front of everyone just for being that close to her.

Liam nudged me but I just can't bring myself to take my eyes off of her. Like a predator to his next meal.

"Aaron, do you want another drink?" I was thinking of saying yes, to have a reason to stay and watch her, but she talked into her friend's ear and they both walked to the door.

"No, I think we should call it a night." I answered Liam's question still gazing at her, Liam's eyes followed mine; he only smirked and picked up his jacket.

I thought we might catch up to her outside but it was too late. I close my eyes, memorizing her every movement, the way her blue eyes sparkled; pulling me in so close. Her dark brown hair so long it reached her hips, swaying as she did. Even though she wore heels, she was still short like a lone flower in a forest.

I wanted to know her name so badly my chest ached; I've never felt like this before - so infatuated.

A nudge on my shoulder literally shook me away from my thoughts.

"Jesus man. You already look whipped." I want to grin but the heavy reminder that I don't even know her swiftly turned it into a frown.

"Fuck up, Liam." Growling towards him, he's not wrong and it pisses me off; one glance at her and I'm pathetic.

Liam raises his hands in surrender but that shit eating grin is stuck to his big head.

"Ok, ok, touchy. I'll call you tomorrow, lover boy."

God he can be an asshat sometimes.

I drove home and enjoyed the silence.

Being in the army, you seldom get quietness, so you appreciate it so much more.

I put the code into the black box outside my house to open the gate, my drive way is long and curved; the front my house is white with black trimmings.

I have a couple houses so this one isn't as well stocked and furnished but it will do until I finish the Turner job.

Originally I was in New York for Sergio and it worked out that Liam's client is doing business in New York so we can meet up a lot.

Liam works for a high end security company called Elite Defense, they are bodyguards for the rich and famous. Most of the employees are ex-military like Liam - Liam and I met at enlistment and he was thinking of going into the navy but when we went through initial training, we were both put down for strong candidates to be special forces in the army.

We've been in the same team and saved each other more times than we would both like to admit; Liam is like a brother to me.

I secured my house, setting the alarm and checking the cameras one last time before jumping into the shower.

Removing my shirt in the mirror, I arch to my left to examine the stab wound I got on my last job, bastard got me right between my fifth and sixth rib barely an inch deep but enough to need stitches. It's just another scar soon to be added to my collection, they litter my body, over muscle and bone.

All stories to be told another day.

The warm water is nice against my face; the clear liquid spinning down the small holes of the drain turns into a soft pink from the dried blood washing off my stitches - time speeds by faster than I noticed.

Toweling off the excess water that followed me out of the bathroom, I reach for a pair of sweat pants and call it a night.

My head hits the pillow and I can't help but think of those soft blue eyes and what it would be like to turn on my side and examine the different shades that blend into one sea of beauty. Fuck, Liam is right.

I swat at my side lamp, abruptly the light goes out. Squeezing my eyes shut and folding the pillow over my head as if it will keep the thoughts of her out of my head.

Goodnight mystery girl.

Don't forget to vote if you are liking the story so far :)

AUTHOR'S NOTE.

What do you guys think for a title?  I don't know if 'what goes bump in the night' is really fitting anymore, I love to hear your thoughts :)