In a neighborhood not to far from where Officer Jackson was killed, a young cop named Ortiz was trying to settle a dispute.

Grumpy man: Look lady, you hit my car, and you're going to pay for it!

Angry woman: I didn't hit you! You rolled up into me! You're behind me! How could I hit you?

Grumpy man: You hit the brakes out of nowhere! This is all your fault.

Officer Ortiz: Can we all calm down here? Why don't you let your insurance handle the dispute here?

Grumpy man: I-I don't have any!

Angry woman: Me either.

Officer Ortiz: Of course not. *sigh* I need to go radio this in. Give me you licenses please.

The two disputing drivers handed Ortiz what he wanted, and he went back to his car. Before he could radio in, he noticed another cop car in a nearby alley. He recognized it as belonging to veteran officer Roberts, and approached with gun drawn to see if he needed backup. He found a horrible sight, as the balding, mustached officer was in the middle of raping a prostitute.

Officer Ortiz: Roberts? What the fuck are you doing?

Officer Roberts: What? Ortiz? You want a turn after me. Hehe.

Prostitute: Please help me! He's raping me!

Officer Roberts: Shut up you dumb whore. You can't rape a bitch like you. You're always asking for it. This badge and this gun say I don't have to pay for a damn thing, and you'll give me what I want!

Officer Ortiz: Roberts! You have to stop now! Get off of her or-

Officer Roberts: Or what? You'll arrest me? You little spic bastard. You don't have the gu-

Suddenly a figure out of the darkness grabbed Roberts by what little hair he had left, and cut his throat.

Officer Ortiz: Whoa! What the fuck? Freeze! You're under arr-

The figure rushed Ortiz, and stabbed him in the stomach, before slicing his throat. The prostitute ran, as the killer marveled at their work. Two dead cops for the price of one. What a bargain.

The next day, Detective Blade spent some time with Kelly Newton. The two walked in Central Park, and enjoyed their time together talking. Blade was smiling and laughing, putting aside the other feelings in his mind, and the thing he wanted to tell her most, because right now, they both just needed to feel happiness. They went over to a bridge, and Kelly performed some of her dance moves, while Trevor sat and marveled at them. He knew when she was growing up that ballet was on her mind, but she had the skill and the moves to turn it into a career from what he was seeing right now. She twirled and lifted his leg high up into the air, ending with a bow. Blade stood up and rapidly applauded. 

Trevor Blade: Best dancing I've ever seen! That was wonderful! Look! You're getting a standing ovation. The crowds! The crowds are on their feet! Everyone get back. I know this girl!

Kelly Newton: Hehe, you're too much Trevor. You were always a joker, or at least you were. It's nice seeing you smile again.

Trevor Blade: Let's say, you're giving me a reason to.

Kelly Newton: Yeah, that goes both ways. Was I really that good though?

Blade picked her up, twisted her around, and kissed her.

Trevor Blade: It was wonderful.

The two spent the rest of the day having fun, before heading back to Kelly's place. She set up a blanket on the roof off the building and some candles, so the two of them could have dinner there.

Kelly Newton: I don't cook as well as I dance, but this should be great. You know, it's still kind of weird have a romantic dinner like this with my brother's best friend. You spent so much time at our house after the war, it was like you were a part of the family almost. I have to admit, I always had a crush on you though. Trevor? Trevor are you alright?

Blade was leading against a clothes line, looking out at the night sky, and holding back a tear.




Trevor Blade: Uh, now that you mention John, I-

Kelly Newton: I'm sorry Trevor, I didn't mean to-

Trevor Blade: No, it's fine. It's something we need to talk about. Maybe in a better time and place than this though, I mean, you did such a good job with all of this, but I have to get it out.

Kelly Newton: Alright. It's fine. You can talk to me.

Trevor Blade: After I tell you this, you may never forgive, and-and I'll understand that.

Kelly Newton: Trevor, you're-

Trevor Blade: I killed him.

Kelly Newton: What?

Trevor Blade: I killed John Kelly. I killed him. I didn't put him in that hospital bed. I didn't leave him unable to move, but I did kill him. I could take it, seeing him like that. He was my best friend, and my brother. We killed to keep each other alive, but I never thought I'd have to kill him. I couldn't leave him like that. Could we expect to just leave him like that? You and I would watch him rot away in a bed painfully, unable to do anything but blink. Killing is-is easy for me. Too easy. That was easy to do too. I just cut the cord and walked away, but it stuck with me. It's the only one that does. The only one that hurts and never stops hurting, and I did it to save hi-

Kelly Newton: Trevor, do you think I didn't know?

Trevor Blade: What? You knew?

Kelly Newton: I assumed. Who would cut his cord like that and why? I knew he didn't want to be left like that, and you spent the most time with him. Also, all of his debts were paid at the same time. For a Detective, you didn't really cover your tracks on that one very well.

Trevor Blade: I guess I wasn't thinking like a Detective.

Kelly Newton: I spent some time away, to really think about things, and I mulled over the possibility that you had done that. I can't imagine how hard that was. Trevor, you freed my brother, one last time.

They embraced, before pulling away enough for Trevor to kiss Kelly. She felt a rush of helplessness, the sinking yielding, the surging tide of warmth that left her limp. And the saddening thoughts of John were blurred and drowned to nothingness. He bent back her head across his arm and kissed her, softly at first, and then with a swift gradation of intensity that made her cling to him as the only solid thing on a dizzy rooftop. His insistent mouth was parting her shaking lips, sending wild tremors along her nerves. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him tightly. He wanted to make the pain go away, and she was the best medicine. He carried her to the blanket, and cleared it off. They ripped off each other's clothes in a fit of lust, and made love under the starry night sky.
 

The X'ers celebrated their successful night of terror, murder, and destruction. Inside of their hide out, they lit a big fire, and crowded it around it, tossing alcohol into the air, and flailing around like lunatics, while Andres stood over them on a steel girder.

Andres: My people, my subjects, my sheep. Your Shepard has taken care of the wolf hounding us, with his blood soaked fangs. This city, belongs to us. The cops, they should've figured that shit out by now, but this menace needed our extra touch. He took my brother, and I took his love, his only chance at happiness, and now this broken man has learned a teachable lesson, that he can pass on. That pain will permeate, and anyone that sees him will know not to fuck with the X'ers. Live it up boys. You earned this one.

The crazed group carried on in a frenzy, as Andres went to a nearby sink, to wash what was left of Roscoe's head off his face.

As the partying carried on into the late hours, Oscar made his way out onto the street. Downing his bottle, he smashed it on the ground and laugh hysterically. He saw a young woman across the street hide her face and try to walk away faster.

Oscar: Hey bitch, where the fuck do you think you're going! We're celebrating tonight! Me and all my friends! We'd love if you come on over.

Young woman: Please, just leave me alone.

Oscar: You think I'm asking or something? No way!

Oscar pushed the young woman against a brick wall, and brandished his switchblade.

Oscar: You see the X? I'm an X'er bitch. That means, if I want to fuck you in the ass while the rest of my boys fill your other holes, then that's exactly what I'm going to fucking do.

Young Woman: God! Please no!

Oscar: God ain't here bitch!

Trevor Blade: No, but I am!

Blade grabbed Oscar and threw him to the ground. The young woman ran off as Blade cocked his gun and slowly stalked Oscar, who was backing away in a panic.

Oscar: No man. No man. No man. How did you find us?

Trevor Blade: You don't hide well. Especially when you're trying to rape someone out in the open. You sick mother fucker. You're a waste of life. You don't deserve to live. You hurt, and you hurt, and you're just going to keep on hurting aren't you?

Oscar: Leave me alone man! I-

Blade shoved the gun into Oscar's mouth, tearing out several teeth in the process.

Trevor Blade: You're going to tell me where the others are, if you want this to end. You point. Point to which building they're in. They can't be far.

Oscar pointed over by the pier, to the abandoned factory by the waste disposal.

Trevor Blade: There? That's the building? You nod if it is!

Oscar: *nods*

Trevor Blade: I bet you want mercy right? Would that be justice? Laws are meant to protect the innocent but they don't always work do they? If they did, you'd never be allowed back on the streets after I already took you in. No, they let you out, and you did unspeakable things to Kelly. You were there right? Of course you were, don't try to deny it. So mercy huh? I'll tell you what. I'll give you the mercy you gave her, and make this quick!

Trevor pulled the trigger, and blew the back of Oscar's skull off. The brains and blood splattered all over the side walk. Blade stood up and leaned against the wall, he was still delirious with pain and shock, and it felt like his jaw and a few ribs may have been broken. The adrenaline though. It was rushing. It was rushing like a drug through his veins. He lit a cigarette to breathe in the fire, and tried to figure out his next move. That's when the garbage truck drove by.

Back in the hideout, Andres looked over the partying horde below him.

Andres: Don't worry brother, no punk ass cop is going to stop us from doing whatever the hell we plea-

Suddenly, the garbage truck barrelled into the hideout. The truck smashed through the door and crushed anyone in its path. Others were knocked into the fire pit. The others backed away as the truck slowed to a stop in the center of the grimy hideout.

Andres: Kill the motherfucker! Shoot him now!

The surviving X'ers opened fire on the truck, blasting the driver's seat with a hail of gun fire, but when they opened the truck door, all they found was a cinderblock on the gas.

Andres: What the fu- Look out!

Blade limped out of the back of the truck. He used Oscar's switchblade to stab one of the X'ers in the back, and used him as a human shield, while his friends blasted him with the last of their ammo. Blade threw him down, and pulled out his gun, taking out two of them, while the remaining three took off running. Before he could give chase, he was suddenly taken to the ground by an X'er who was on top on the truck. He was nearly choked out by the crazed meth head, but Blade turned the tables, and flipped him over. Blade started punching his head into the ground. He started breaking fingers from how hard he repeatedly punched the X'er. Over and over until their wasn't much left. As he stared at the blood and guts on his hands, a bullet ripped through his right shoulder. Andres stood atop the girder laughing, as Blade struggled to escape behind the truck.

Andres: Where you going killer? You wanted to fight, and now you're running? They say the streets are afraid of you. I'm not. I don't fear anything. I am fear, stalking you, hunting you. I'm great at it. It's what I live for. You understand that feeling don't you?

Andres jumped off the steel girder and slowly approached the garbage truck.

Andres: We're all animals. We all have our instincts. I love you kill. I'm an artist about it. Did you know, that the human head and see without the body for 30 seconds? When I can, I like to take a head, and hold it up, and turn it around, so it can see its body before it dies. A special service at no extra charge. Do you have any specialties? How do you like to kill? I'm talking to you Blade? Blade? You bleed out on me?

Trevor Blade: No, I'm here.

Andres turned around at the back of the garbage truck. He saw Blade standing there with his gun pointed at him, but he was staggering, and holding the bullet wound with the other hands. Andres chuckled and held up his gun.

Andres: You want to shoot it out? I don't like your chances Blade.

Trevor Blade: Yeah, me either. You said you like to kill creatively? Let's try that!

Blade rushed Andres, taking another bullet in the side, but getting close enough to push him into the garbage truck. Before Andres could climb out he shut the lid.

Andres: You let me out of here Blade! You hear me? Let me the fuck out!

Trevor Blade: When you get to Hell, tell your brother I said hi you mother fucker. This is for Kelly.

Blade pulled the lever that compacted the trash. He listened, as Andres scratched, clawed, and struggled to escape. He screamed and cursed, but Blade stopped listening. All he could hear was the beating of his own heart, while the compacter began to crush Andres. The X'er leader gurgled blood and cursed Blade with his last breath, as the compactor completely crushed him.

Blade limped out of the remnants of the hideout, which he had set on fire behind him. He made it to his car, and stared at the burning building for awhile, before driving away. With two bullet wounds, and the beating from earlier, Blade struggled to remain conscious as he drove. Feeling the blood drain out onto his car seat, he finally had to pull over in a familiar neighborhood. It was the place where Officer Jackson was murdered. He made his way into the Church, and stumbled towards the pews. He lurched forward and fell near the confessionals. He looked up to see Christ on the cross, and once again averted his gaze.

Father Santiago: Oh dear, what's happened to you Detective?

Father Santiago appeared out of a confessional booth, and helped Blade up. Sitting him in the front pew. He ran off, and returned with rags to apply to Blade's wounds.

Father Santiago: We've got to stop that bleeding.

Trevor Blade: It might be too late.

Father Santiago: I don't feel like giving you your last rites Detective.

Trevor Blade: Save them. I don't want them.

Father Santiago: Bitter to the end?

Trevor Blade: Maybe I don't deserve them, or maybe I do. Maybe I should get a thank you for cleaning up the mess. I *cough cough* I see so much death and violence. Unspeakable horror, and I'm the one taking care of it.

Father Santiago: Are you making a confession of some sort?

Trevor Blade :You know the guy that kills all the dirt bags out there? The one the cops have been looking for for two years? That's me.

Father Santiago: I-I already knew that.

Trevor Blade: What gave it away?

Father Santiago: I could tell right away. Someone like me can tell from someone like you. Call it an instinct, or a sign from God.

Trevor Blade: Right.

Father Santiago: You want to punish the wicked, though you are wicked yourself.

Trevor Blade: Maybe it-it takes a monster to kill monsters.

Father Santiago: No. A holy soul is needed to balance the scales. The people are under siege by you. You're a killer, and you take lives that don't belong to you.

Trevor Blade: You think so?

Father Santiago: That's why the other killer is out there. He's killing on the other side, to balance the scales. He killed all those cops, simply because it was needed to keep the balance. One of them, was even raping a prostitute, and he took care of him too.

Trevor Blade: We-we never reported that information to the public.

Father Santiago: Heh. Oops.

Blade tried to draw his gun, but Santiago, dug his thumb into Blade's shoulder wound, and pushed him to the floor.

Trevor Blade: Fuck! You're the "Cop Killer"?

Father Santiago: You wouldn't stop. I had to do it! We're both killers, but I'm doing the work of God! You're in league with the devil! You are the devil!

Trevor Blade: You got me all wrong you sick freak!

Father Santiago: No. I am right. I am righteous. I am justified in killing them, and I'll be justified in killing you. An innocent Priest, putting a stop to the killings once and for all.

Santiago pulled out a knife, and stalked Blade as he backed up into a wall. Santiago bolted on top of Blade, and attempted to stab him in the throat. Blade struggled to fight him off, but the blood loss was making it difficult. Santiago repeatedly bashed the back of Blade's head against the wall. This caused a crucifix to fall from the wall. Blade saw it land, and struggled to reach for it. The knife was getting close to his throat, as Blade grabbed the crucifix and and stabbed it into Santiago's throat. The Priest stumbled back, and tried to pull it out, but it was too deep in, and the blood poured like a fountain. With a look of shock, he fell back, dying at the feet of Christ. 

Blade pulled himself up. He pulled out his gun, and wiped off the prints, before putting it in Santiago's hand. He fell to his knees, succumbing to the blood loss. Before passing out, he looked up at the statue of Christ.

Trevor Blade: Tha-thanks for the hand.

Blade passed out.

2 Week Later, Trevor Blade was standing at the foot of the Mayor's office. People were gathered, and press were taking pictures, as the Mayor put a medal on Blade.

Mayor Ryan Haggar: Detective Trevor Blade, because of your action, the "Cop Killer" has been dealt with, and we can finally rest easy, knowing that our police can continue to work hard to clean up this city, and preserve law, order, and justice.

Trevor Blade: Thank you sir.

Mayor Ryan Haggar: Proud of you son, you're one of the good ones.

Trevor Blade: If you say so sir.

The crowd applauded as Blade feigned a smile. He had not only killed Santiago, but framed his for the deaths of the X'ers as well. He shook hands and took pictures, while hiding his disgust at the scene. It was too much, and before long, he had managed to duck out of the party.




Blade got into his car and began to drive. He grieved for Kelly, John, and his wife, as he thought about all he had done. As the sun set over the horizon, Blade took his cop badge and tossed it out of the window, along with the medal he had received, and drove on a long bridge out of the city.

The End

River's Bend in Upstate New York - 1983

Trevor Blade stepped out of his cabin in the middle of the woods, and stretched, breathing in the cold morning air. He could see it exhale from his body, as he grabbed an axe to cut some fire wood. The sounds of nature surrounded him, interrupted only by the swing of the axe, as it chopped the lumber in half. He chopped and chopped at the wood, more than he needed to, and left half of it sitting outside. He threw pieces into his fireplace and paced around the room. The cabin was nicely designed, with very little inside, Blade set up a punching bag, and he had a radio in the corner. A place to sit, a bed, and table were the only other pieces of furniture in a two story cabin built for a family, his family. He enjoyed the place when his folks used to bring him up. He thought back to the last time he was here, in 1971 before setting off to Vietnam, the decision that was still haunting him to that very second. His paranoia kicked in, when something in the distance tripped a trip wire, setting off rattling cans. He grabbed a scoped hunting rifle from the old pickup truck his family had left there, and set off to determine the source of the sound.

The woods were dense with snow above the cabin, but below there was running water and wildlife all around. Blade took in the scenery, still feeling off put by it. The silence helped him to clear his mind, and yet the woods reminded him of the war, stuck in his own personal Vietnam. He stopped at a clearing, and set up his rifle at the top of a hill. He looked with his scope and saw a female deer drinking water from the creek. He stopped and smiled. He put his gun down, but at that very second a gunshot from the east came ripping through the air, piercing the doe, knocking her to the ground. The stunned Blade ran down to check on the doe, but three hunters came up laughing about it. Drinking beers and celebrating the shot. Blade knew the type, decked out in flannel, and hunting gear, with beer and guns, the type that shouldn't be out in the woods with such firepower. He clenched his gun and gritted his teeth.

Hunter #1: What the fuck do you want? We're a little busy here man!

Hunter #2: Yeah. My pal here just helped us reach our quota for the day.

Trevor Blade: Not quite. She's still alive.

Hunter #3: Huh? Well yeah, that's the point. We want her alive. For a while longer anyways. Our wolves like to eat live am I right boys? Haha!

Blade quickly pulled out his rifle and shot the doe again, killing her mercifully, and ending the suffering. Immediately torn up inside, he pushed down his pain.

Hunter #1: The fuck did you do that for?

Hunter #2: Hey dick head! Don't walk away! We're talking to you!

Hunter #3: That's a gun and half you got there. You want to sell it?

Trevor Blade: That gun you've got is already too big for you.

Trevor Blade ignored whatever the men were saying next. It turned into a blur. All he could hear was the beating of his own heart, and the surging rage. Images of war, and the war he fought on the streets of New York poured through his mind. Suddenly, he felt something on his hand. He pulled his gun towards whatever it was. He looks down to see a baby deer, licking his hand, seemingly lost. Then it hit him.

Trevor Blade: That was your mother wasn't it?

He knelt down and pet the baby deer, surprised at how friendly it was.

Trevor Blade: You should be afraid of me. Well, maybe not me. How do you know I'm not like them huh? What am I going to do with you? *sigh*

Later that day, Blade drove the old family pickup truck into the town of River's Bend. A small town of mostly friendly people. It hadn't changed much since his days visting with his family. He knew exactly where the General Store was, remembering all the times he'd travel through the woods on foot with a couple local friends to grab a soda. He smiled at the memory, and pet his new friend, the baby deer, who calmly sat in the passenger seat. He pulled up to the General Store, and noticed across the street, the three hunters were laughing and drinking, with a truck full of dead deer.

Trevor Blade: Don't look at it. I don't want to look at it either. I've seen a lot of shit, and even I don't want to look at that.

Blade stepped out of the car, and lit up a cigarette, breathing in the fire, and trying to calm his nerves, before walking into the store. There were two people behind the counter. One, was a young brunette, with long hair and suspenders, with enough soot and grease on her face and clothes to give away that she also worked at the mechanic shop next door. The other woman looked to be Blade's age, with pulled back blonde hair and glasses, and a familiar look about her.

General Store Clerk: Well, as I live and breathe. I never thought you'd come down from that mountain. They said you were back though. Guess it was only a matter of time.

Trevor Blade: Do I know you?

General Store Clerk: Well shoot yeah you do. It's me Julie Redden. You remember me don't you?

Trevor Blade: Julie Redden? Wow. Well, I mean yeah I remember you. How could I forget you? I just, I didn't expect to see you in town still.

Julie Redden: Or ever?

Trevor Blade: Well, I-

Julie Redden: Nope. Don't say it. I know how it goes. Young boy seeking adventure, joins the army at the first chance he can, so he can go off and fight some stupid war. I know all about how that can change a man. Just come give me a hug would you? It's been ages.

Trevor complied, giving his old friend a big hug. The warmth felt nice and comfortable, and it put Blade at ease.

Trevor Blade: If I knew you were still in town, I would have come down sooner.

Julie Redden: They said you bought up a bunch of supplies one day when I wasn't here, and you just lived up there in that old cabin all winter. That had to be lonely.

Trevor Blade: It was quiet, and a change of pace. Something I needed.

Julie Redden: Well, what are you doing back here? Planning to stay?

Trevor Blade: I don't know. I'm guess I'm still figuring that out. I was living in New York City, as a Lieutenant Detective.

Julie Redden: A cop huh? Wow, you did change. You used to be the biggest trouble maker in town.

Trevor Blade: Heh, well after the war it seemed like the right thing to do. You're working here I see? Ever get settle down and get married?

Julie Redden: Me? Not a chance. Not with all these beer bellies roaming around town. I think I deserve better. Hehe.

Trevor Blade: You would be right.

Julie Redden: I do own this place though. Yep. It's mine. My own little piece of the American Dream.

Trevor Blade: Well, that's great. I'm glad to see you doing so well.

Julie Redden: Oh business is in the shitter, so I wouldn't go that far. I'll get by though. I always do.

Trevor Blade: I'm sure you will.

Julie Redden: So what can I get you?

Trevor Blade: Hmm?

Julie Redden: You did come in here for something right?

Trevor Blade: Oh! Oh yeah. You're right. I need a baby bottle.

Julie Redden: Huh?

A few minutes later, Blade went out to his truck with a bag full of supplies, and a baby bottle to feed the small deer with. That's when he noticed some rattling under his truck. He looked down to see a pair of legs under the truck, laying on a wheel board like mechanics use. He grabbed the small foot of the person, and pulled them out from under his truck. It was the young girl from the store.

Trevor Blade: What are you doing?

Young Girl: I was checking out your truck. It was rattling on the way in, and I wanted to see if I can fix it.

Trevor Blade: What are you, the town mechanic or something?

Young Girl: No, obviously not. My name is Jane, Jane Barlow. My Dad runs the mechanic's shop next to the General Store.

Trevor Blade: That wouldn't be Paul Barlow would it?

Jane Barlow: How did you know?

Trevor Blade: I know Paul a little, from back in the day. He's a good guy. Good mechanic too. You must take after him.

Jane Barlow: Well, I'm trying, but I don't know if I'm cut out for it. I work at the General Store more often these days, for some extra money.

Trevor Blade: Well, thanks for taking a look at it anyways.

Jane Barlow: I'm just not use to something like this. This truck is older than I am.

Trevor Blade: I've got socks older than you are. What are you 12? 13?

Jane Barlow: Hey! I'm 15!

Trevor Blade: Sorry! Sorry! I won't make that mistake again you little spitfire. Really though, thanks for the help.

Jane Barlow: Is that a deer in your truck?

Trevor Blade: Yes it is. As a matter of fact, it's feeding time I'd think.

Jane Barlow: Can I help?

Trevor Blade: Sure. Why not?

Blade smiled as the excited young girl helped him feed his new friend. For a few bried minutes, he felt distracted enough from his own troubles to crack a smile. Across the street the three hunters were joined by a third man, taller than the others, he was sporting a full brown beard, and shaggy hair, but looked to be more well off and coherent than the three drunken hunters.

Hunter #1: That's the guy Tom. He's the one who shot the deer and gave us grief.

Tom: Him? You're lucky he didn't kick your ass. That's a war veteran.

Hunter #1: Huh? How do you know that?

Tom: He and I go way back. A long way back.

Blade awoke, and bolted to his feet. Yelling and looking around. He stopped to see himself in a new room, concrete behind him, and bars in front of him. As he became aware of his surroundings, he felt a sharp pain in his forehead. He put his hand to it and dabbed blood, feeling a very poor bandaging job.

?: You kept fighting us, even in your sleep. Couldn't really get the blood to stop. You never liked to make things easy.

A man stepped into sight. From the uniform and badge, Blade could tell he was the Sheriff, but he looked at the name badge that read "Scott".

Sheriff Scott: You remember me Blade?

Trevor Blade: Jake Scott?

Sheriff Scott: Impressive. Figured you'd be too concussed to get a word out.

Trevor Blade: What am I doing in here?

Sheriff Scott: Oh, so you don't remember that part huh? You trashed a cabin, my brother's cabin.

Trevor Blade: You mean you-

Sheriff Scott: I'm Richard's brother yes.

Trevor Blade: Richard. So he really is a dick.

Sheriff Scott: Heh. You got me there, but so were you. We never did get along back then did we?

Trevor Blade: No, we certainly did not.

Sheriff Scott: But when you went to 'Nam, you inspired me and ol' Paul Barlow. We went too. When we came back, my brother Richard had found himself a profitable job working with Tom. The little bastard had been nothing but trouble growing up. He liked to kill animals for fun. Real sick shit. Now, he's doing it for money. Seems a little less sick at that point.

Trevor Blade: Not to me.

Sheriff Scott: Yeah, you were squeamish about that weren't you? The nostalgia trip is nice and all, but we need to talk Blade. Now, I looked you up some more, and found out you're Detective in New York. You're way outside of your jurisdiction. What are you doing getting involved in my brother's business.

Trevor Blade: I didn't intend to be involved. I told Tom to keep them off my family's property. They didn't listen.

Sheriff Scott: So, you decided to take matters into your own hands like that? You set fire to his cabin. You cost them a lot of money. My brother could've killed you.

Trevor Blade: Maybe he should have.

Sheriff Scott: Why is that? Are you going to tell people about what they're doing? It's harmless Blade.

Trevor Blade: With a man like your brother, it doesn't take a lot to go from what he's doing, killing animals, to doing other things, like killing people.

Sheriff Scott: Are you any better? You think what you did was right?

Trevor Blade: It was right, even if it wasn't legal .

Sheriff Scott: You're damn right it wasn't legal. You're going to have to pay for the damages, or you're not leaving this ce-

Tom Huddle: I'll pay for the damages. My employees started this.

Sheriff Scott: You're talking about my brother Tom. Better watch what you're saying.

Tom Huddle: It is what it is Jake. You want your brother to keep a job right?

Sheriff Scott: I do.

Tom Huddle: So do I? We don't want this getting anymore out of hand. Let me cover the damages.

Sheriff Scott: It's your business!

Tom Huddle: It was his cabin. If it was mine, I wouldn't press charges, but this is the situation we're in. What is it going to cost?

Sheriff Scott: Oh hell, I'm not taking your money Tom. We're square.

Tom Huddle: Square enough to let my friend go?

Sheriff Scott: I reckon so. Get out of here Blade.

Trevor Blade: I intend to. Thanks Tom.

Tom Huddle: Yeah. What are friends for?

Blade walked by him, right out the door. Tom was quick to follow. As they left, the Sheriff grabbed the phone and dialed it up.

Sheriff Scott: Yeah. Yeah, we might have a problem. That was a cop you nearly killed. He's out now. I can't charge a man that stopped an illegal operation. You want to go to jail? We'd all go to jail! No, we have to do this differently.

Outside, Tom tried to stop Blade.
 
Tom Huddle: Trevor, let me talk to you for a minute! I want to know what you think you're doing?

Trevor Blade: You know what I was doing. We talked about this.

Tom Huddle: I get it, but burning down the cabin? That's a lot of money thrown away.

Trevor Blade: I tried to compromise Tom. I said stay off my property.

Tom Huddle: Shit Blade, you don't just give one warning and resort to arson.

Trevor Blade: They didn't care, and they weren't going to care. They're killers Tom. I can see it in their eyes. I know that look, because I see it when I look in the fucking mirror!

Tom Huddle: Hey! Calm down. That look in your eyes huh? That one right now? 'Nam really fucked you over huh?

Trevor Blade: Not only 'Nam. Everything since.

Tom Huddle: You and I are friends, or at least we were. These guys, we're close too. Been through a lot together. Helped keep this town afloat with our business.

Trevor Blade: Your slaughter.

Tom Huddle: Our business. Look Trevor, what are you doing out here? Are you looking for a war or something?

Trevor Blade: No. Just stop what you're doing. If you don't, you won't have a single animal left in these woods before long.

Tom Huddle: Hey, if something else happens between you and the Sheriff's brother, or if you try and do anything else to stop my business, you know what side I'm going to be on.

Trevor Blade: Those are the odds Tom. One day you've got a friend, and the next day he might be your enemy.

Tom watched as Trevor limped home. Along the way, he walked by the three hunters, with Richard Scott tipping his hat to him, before spitting his chewing tobacco and laughing.

Later that night, Blade stared in the mirror, as he carefully stitched up the cut on his forehead. As he pierced his flesh, he thought back to his time in Vietnam. All the times he had to stitch up his own wounds, had left him with plenty of scars. What was one more? He looked down, to his baby fawn, sleeping beside him, enjoying the warmth of the fire place. For a moment Blade was able to relax and smile, but he suddenly heard a thud outside of his house. He grabbed his gun and quietly made his way to the door. He surveyed the situation before opening the door and looking outside. He saw the tail lights of a truck speeding off down the path, but below him, was a fresh deer carcass. Blade grit his teeth, trying to suppress the rage, but the numbness, and the pounding of his heart returned. He went inside and tried to drown it out with pills and alcohol. As they took hold, he felt woozy and fell to his bed. He looked up at the ceiling, hearing whispers of his dead loved ones, asking why he let them die, as he drifted to sleep.
 

Richard Scott took another swig from his bottle. The sight in front of him made him sick to his stomach. A laughing, smiling man, who he tried to run out of town. They called him Blade, but he called him trouble from the moment he stepped foot into town. Scott spit his tobacco on the ground, but some of it landed on his shoes, incensing him further. He stood up to shake it off, as Blade loaded groceries into his truck with Julie, the woman he wanted. She was supposed to want him. He was the Sheriff's brother after all. He worked for Tom Huddle. He had power and influence in the small town, and yet this asshole showed up out of nowhere to upset the balance. He set fire to their business, and was able to walk free. The sight and the thought of it sickened him. As the alcohol seeped into his system, it gave him the idea and the courage to carry it out.

Blade made it back to his house by sun down, as Blade and Julie brought the food into the house. Blade found himself at ease for the first time in a long time. Not even the quiet of nature could quell the screaming inside, but reconnecting with Julie had helped tremendously, that and the little deer, that he began feeding out of his hand.

Julie Redden: What are you feeding that thing?

Trevor Blade: Cereal.

Julie Redden: Cereal?

Trevor Blade: Bambi seems to like it.

Julie Redden: That name. It's a little on the nose don't you think?

Trevor Blade: Doesn't mean it doesn't fit.

Julie Redden: You have actual food for it though.

Trevor Blade: Consider this a treat. Heh.

Julie Redden: Well, don't you fill up now you hear? I'm going to cook us up something good tonight.

Trevor Blade: I'd be happy to help.

Julie Redden: You know how long it's been since I've gotten to cook for someone new? Last time I tried, it was for Richard.

Trevor Blade: Richard Scott? The Sheriff's brother?

Julie Redden: Yeah. I thought I'd give him a chance. He came over drunk, and immediately tried to put his hands on me. I kicked him out, and he acted like he couldn't remember the next day. Hell, maybe he didn't. He drinks too much.

Trevor Blade: Another on a list of bad decisions. Sorry you have to put up with that.

Julie Redden: It is what it is. The Sheriff wasn't gonna do nothing about it, now was he?

Trevor Mach: Being his brother? Yeah, you're not kidding.

Julie Redden: Tom keeps him on a shorter leash these days, so at least it's not a prob-

Suddenly, the two heard a noise outside. A vehicle pulled up. Trevor tensed, but his tension eased when he noticed it was a tow truck.

Paul Barlow: Hello? Blade? It's Paul.

Trevor Blade: Paul! Hang on, I'll be right out.

Julie Redden: You alright? You weren't looking so good?

Trevor Blade: Having to get used to company is all.

The two went out to greet him.

Paul Barlow: Sorry, I know it's getting late, but I was nearby, towing this here car on the side of the road, and I thought I'd let you know that you came pick up your vehicle tomorrow. All I have to do is put the tires back on, and you're good to go.

Trevor Blade: When we were working on it, you made it sound like it was a disaster.

Paul Barlow: Oh it still is, but it'll run well enough.

Trevor Blade: Thanks. I owe you.

Paul Barlow: Don't worry about it. What are friends fo-

A loud boom shook through the forest, as the glass shattered on the tow truck. A spray of bullets zoomed out of the trees and bushes. Paul took three in the back and fell forward into a muddy puddle. Julie was hit in the arm and shoulder and screamed as she hit the ground. Blade took one in the right leg and shoulder, as he fell back against the staircase leading up to his house. He staggered up the stairs as quickly as he could, while more bullets whizzed by, turning his wooden walls and steps into pulp. Blade recognized from the sound and velocity, that it was coming from a hunting rifle with a fast reload, so time was short. He crawled to the center of his house, where he lifted up several floor boards, to try and get to his weapons, but the shooter was quickly approaching, so Blade covered them up, and rolled away. Richard Scott barged in, taking another shot from his bottle, as he laughed and reloaded his gun.

Richard Scott: You're not so tough now Blade! You come back into town, and cause nothing, but trouble. I'm going to take care of that. I'm going to kill you. You never should have come back here you asshole!

Trevor was planning to jump out and attack, when suddenly, he saw Bambi run in the room. Richard aimed to fire on the helpless little deer, and got his shot off just as Blade tackled him to the ground. Blade looked to see if the shot hit, but before he could see, Richard pulled out a hunting knife and slashed his arm, before going for the throat. Blade's instincts kicked in, as he disarmed Scott and punched him repeatedly. Richard had a side arm though, and fired at Blade, chasing him into his cellar. Blade shut the door behind him to think for a moment.

Richard Scott: You're trapped in there ain't ya. You done fucked up now son, cause I'm fixin' to light this place up with you in it.

Richard knocked over every oil lamp he could find, and the kerosene Blade kept in the house, before lighting a match to set it ablaze.

Richard Scott: You and your little deer are cooked Blade. Remember when you burned down my cabin? Payback's a bitch ain't it! Hahaha!

Blade panicked as the flames quickly spread in the old cabin. Was Julie all right? What about Paul? Bambi? Would he be all alright? He shut out the noise and concentrated on his situation. He looked around the dark, dank room, looking for anything to help him. He saw an old tarp, that would have to do.

Outside, Richard laughed as he leaned against the tow truck. He took a swig of his drink, and that's when he noticed Julie and Paul.

Richard Scott: Oh shit. I didn't even- what have I done? I-

Richard's moment of clarity was interrupted, by the sound of the cellar door being kicked open. He heard yelling, as Blade smashed through a window covered in the flaming tarp. He quickly tossed it off of himself and limped into the woods.

Richard Scott: You fucker! No!

Richard fired from him side arm, as Trevor disappeared into the brush. Suddenly, Tom Huddle, Sheriff Scott, and the other hunters all pulled up, as the sounds of the gun fire and the smoke from the flames drew their attention.

Tom Huddle: Richard? What the hell is happening here?

Sheriff Scott: Are you all right brother?

Richard Scott: I-I-I tried to s-stop him.

Tom Huddle: Stop who? Blade? Richard talk! There are bodies here! What is happening? Tell us!

Sheriff Scott went to check the pulse of Julie Redden.

Sheriff Scott: We've got a live one here! I'm calling for back up!

Tom Huddle: Scott, concentrate now! What happened?

Richard Scott: He killed Paul. He tried to kill Julie. Fucker is out of his mind Tom. Paul was coming up here to try and tell him to leave town, because he threatened his daughter. He-he went crazy, like he was back in 'Nam or something. This fucker tried to kill me too. He set fire to his house! I tried to save them Tom. I really did!

Tom Huddle: Calm down buddy. It's-it's all right now. We're going to put a stop to this together.

Sheriff Scott: Damn right we are. If I have a killer in my woods, I want him found, and I don't mean alive gentlemen. Do we understand each other?

Richard Scott: *nods*

Tom Huddle: Yeah. Yeah, I hear you Jake.

As the group discussed a plan, Jane Barlow crept out of the car that was being towed by her father. The crying little girl dried her eyes, and ran into the woods as quickly as she could.