Page 45 of Killer Moonshine

“What’s wrong?” asked Nine.

“I’m not sure,” he said. “We need to be extra careful here.”

“We always are, brother.”

“Nine? I think we need to take care of Hugo first. If he arrives before the others, let’s just get rid of him and be done with it. Leave his car in the parking area, and that will force the Samaans to search for him and us,” said Ghost.

“I can agree with that,” said Nine. “Gaspar? Are you good with that? I don’t think we need to waste our time on this asshole. Let’s just be done with him.”

“He’s mine,” said Trak.

“Trak,” started Gaspar.

“For what he did to Lydia, he is mine.” Nine and Gaspar nodded at him, watching as he walked off, Alvin by his side.

“Jake? Any sign of the others yet?” asked Gaspar.

“Nothing yet, but we’re watching. You’ll know when we know.”

“Then let’s get ready to welcome our Middle Eastern friends.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Hugo parked his vehicle and walked toward the small ticket booth. Inside was an elderly man who appeared to be Noah himself.

“Can I help you?” said Teddy.

“I’m Cassius Hugo. I believe you’re expecting me,” he said with an aristocratic tone. He looked around, not seeing anyone else. “Aren’t there other visitors today?”

“Oh, yeah, there will be lots of visitors today,” smiled Teddy. “It’s early yet. For now, you’ve got the park pretty much to yourself.”

“Good. That’s good,” he smiled.

“I need your hand.”

“My hand. Why?” frowned Hugo.

“We stamp everyone’s hand so they can go in and out, and we know that they’re supposed to be here. No stamp, no entrance,” said Teddy.

Hugo frowned at the old man and then stuck his hand through the small window. Teddy pressed the stamp against the back of his hand, probably harder than he needed to, but it was giving him great satisfaction.

“Did you need to press into my flesh?” frowned Hugo.

“Just doin’ my job, mister. Go on in and enjoy. It’ll be the time of your life.”

“I doubt that,” mumbled Hugo as he walked through the gates. He was immediately met by a group of flamingos who promptly shit at his feet. Cursing, he pushed them aside and then noticed several species of monkeys walking around.

“Do they not have fucking cages?” he growled.

“Oh, we have cages. But they’re for humans,” said the deep voice.

Hugo swung around, staring at a face that he recognized immediately. He shouldn’t be able to recognize that face. It wasn’t possible. He looked the same as he did decades ago during his interview.

“You! How? How is it possible you look like that? You’re the asshole that interviewed me and refused to move me forward. You and the crazy ass Indian!”

“That would be me,” said Trak.

Hugo whipped around, staring at the man. He shook his head, unsure of what he was seeing. Quickly, he gripped his weapon at his waist. Trak was faster, holding the man’s wrist and slicing his knife across the back of his fingers. Screaming, he dropped his weapon, staring at them.

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