Previously on the Chronicles of Knox Booth:
Chapter 1 - First Article
Chapter 2 - The SMJHL Draft Approaches
Chapter 3 - The Losses Mount
Chapter 4 - Draft Day (SMJHL)
Chapter 5 - Collect $200 when you Pass Go
Chapter 6 - Best Served Cold
Chapter 7 - Lucky Guy
Chapter 8 - The Mid-Day Move
Chapter 9 - The Day the Earth Stood Still
Chapter 10 - Rumors
Chapter 11 - Against All Odds
Chapter 12 - Straight Shooter



Knox Booth looked down the sight of his pistol, took aim, slowly exhaled, and pulled the trigger. Knox was then overcome by an explosion of sensations, first a bright muzzle flash, and then a body-jolting recoil- followed by an ear-splitting bang and the acrid smell of burnt gunpowder. Knox lifted his eyes to watch as the target is pierced by his bullet, and he smiled when the landing spot was slightly to the right of the bullseye.

"Nice shot," the voice called from over his shoulder and Knox turned to face his instructor. Sam Reilly was the resident shooter at the Los Angeles Gun Club and was more than a capable teacher, he was an ex-marine and had remained in pristine shape, telling as many as he could that he was ready to return to the line of duty if called upon. Sam had been tutoring Knox ever since he signed up for classes, and Knox had attained his gun license in record time. Knox was a model student for Sam at the Gun Club, and was starting to become one of his preferred sources of motivation for other students when he spoke of what dedication and practice could do for them. "Stick with it and stay focused, and you can excel like Knox," was a common sentence out of Sam's mouth these days and Sam was proud of it. Sam Reilly had grown up in Los Angeles and met all sorts of people in his line of business, but he admired that an athlete such as Knox had the interest and acumen to learn the craft of shooting so quickly as it wasn't for everyone.

"Thanks!" Knox shouted back at him, as he still wasn't used to talking with his headphones on and felt as though he needed to hear his own voice when he spoke to ensure that the other person had heard him.

Sam placed his hand firmly on Knox's shoulder, "Soon enough, you'll be teaching me," he told him with a wide grin, "You've really improved. I'm impressed."

Knox unloaded his pistol and secured his weapon before he pulled his headphones off, "Thanks again, Sam," Knox said, "It's been a blast training with you," a sly smile drew across his face, "No pun intended."

"We don't mind those around here," Sam laughed, "You wanna grab a beer? It's on me."

"Normally I'd take you up on that," Knox told him, "But I have to be somewhere, and I don't want to be late."

"Hot date?" Sam asked.

Knox nodded, "You could say that."

"Man," Sam said as he sighed, his mind drifting for a moment, "To be young again."

Knox laughed, "You're young."

"Not like you," Sam motioned to his balding hair, hidden mostly by his military crew cut, "When this starts to go on you, it means your time is running short."

Knox smiled, "Time is a fickle thing, can't ever get it back."

"Speaking of coming back, will I see you tomorrow?" Sam asked.

"Depending on how things go, it might be a while," Knox was being honest, only he wasn't talking about a date with a woman, and in fact the last thing that Knox intended for his future was romance. "But I appreciate everything you've done for me," Knox told him sincerely, "It's been an adventure getting to this point."

"You've been a great student, Knox," Sam told him, "Just be smart all right? Those things pack a punch."

Knox nodded back at him but did not answer, because he knew that what he was about to do wasn't smart at all. In fact, it was downright stupid.


"We're starting McMahon for the next foreseeable future," the news came hard and the tone was firm, but Knox knew that there was a reason he had been summoned into the Coach's office. "He's hot, Knox, and you know it. We have to ride the wave so long as it's working for us. You're still our guy, don't you worry, but his stats are undeniable."

"I understand," Knox was solemn and in truth, he saw this as another opportunity to step away from the team. "I want us to win just as much as everyone else in the room, and I'm happy for Nolan."

"That's what I like to hear," Coach told him, "You'll be back in the net soon enough."

"I need a few days," Knox was abrupt with how he said it and perhaps a little too abrupt, considering who he was talking to, "It's the last of the loose ends I have up in Vancouver, might take only a day, but I know I won't be back for at least two."

"This isn't a good time," Coach told him, "We're in a playoff race right now, and we might need you."

"I have to go," Knox told him, he wasn't going to accept otherwise, and he couldn't fathom sitting on the bench when his mind was elsewhere, "Please." The last word came with a tone of desperation, and Coach could see it in his eyes.

"Two days?" Coach asked to confirm and also to set the limit at that amount of time. Knox had missed a considerable amount of time the past two seasons and although the team was well aware of why Knox had been away, it was starting to raise eyebrows.

"Maybe just one," Knox repeated, "As soon as I can, I'll be back."

"Okay," Coach said before he gave confirmation in the form of a nod, "Take care of yourself, Knox."

"Thank you," Knox said as he stood, "I will."


Vancouver, British Columbia

Knox touched down in a torrent of rain, typical for the city of Vancouver and a climate in which Knox was all too familiar with. Black clouds loomed over the sky, seeming to foreshadow the decision Knox had made, but he was in too deep and at this point, there was no turning back. Knox struggled with his decision to proceed forward, on a path of revenge, and a journey he knew would only have a few potential outcomes. Knox was out of his league when it came to this choice, just like the last time he had arrived in this city, but this time around he had the skill of handling a gun in his repertoire and maybe- just maybe, that would be enough.

Not wanting to waste time, Knox headed first to his parent's former house, of which was still up for sale in a ridged market. Knox didn't have keys but he didn't need them, he had pulled a favor with a friend, a special kind of friend, and one who had been willing to stash a Glock 22 for him with two loaded magazines of fifteen bullets in each. The fee he had to pay out for this favor was high for most but minimal for a man of Knox's financial situation and when he found the gun in the backyard where he had asked it to be left, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Almost immediately Knox was also struck with a feeling of hesitation and regret, it was as though his body was reaching out a final time, trying to stop him. But his mind was set on what he had to do, and he knew he wouldn't be able to rest if he didn't try to fix what he thought was right.

Don't do this.

"Shut up," Knox mumbled under his breath, speaking to the part of his consciousness that he was fighting against.

It's hate against hate.

Knox loaded the first magazine, his comfort in using a handgun now showing in full form.

Turn back.

Knox tested the safety on the weapon, analyzing the Glock to ensure that it was in proper working condition.

Please.

Knox slid the additional magazine into his jacket pocket and stood up, looking around momentarily to see if anyone had been watching him.

You won't come back from this.

Knox sat in the driver's seat of his rental and turned the ignition.

This is your last chance.

Knox put the vehicle into drive and headed for the only source he knew of, the horse track.


Fortunate for Knox, the security at the horse track was almost null. There was no security gate with metal detectors, and the only guards that were visible were paid minimum wage and were few and far between. And so it was that Knox was able to walk back into the horse track with his Glock 22 going fully undetected. Knox wasted no time, looking for the man who had swindled him the first go around, and finding Jay in the same spot where he met him last time around- looking for an easy victim to pick up at the ticketing booth. Knox took in a deep breath as he walked straight toward Jay, and as he came in behind him he whispered, "Don't move." Knox pressed the muzzle of his Glock against the back of Jay and knew almost immediately that Jay recognized who he was.

"Are you crazy?" Jay asked him, his body remaining straight and still.

"We're going for a drive," Knox told him from behind, "Take me to your car."

Jay began to walk and Knox stayed close to him, "You're going to regret this," Jay told him, "It's not too late to-"

"Shut up and give me your phone," Knox said, doing his best to not allow his voice to waver, and easing the gun off Jay's back so that Jay could not feel that his hand was shaking. Jay handed Knox his cell phone before walked out of the horse track with Knox in tow, and once they reached what appeared to be Jay's vehicle- Jay stopped and waited. "Unlock the vehicle and get in the driver's seat," Knox told him.

"You really are crazy," Jay said as he did as instructed, and once Knox sat in the seat behind him, Jay looked back at him in the rearview mirror, "You're not going to make it out of this, you realize how big of a mistake you're making-"

"Take me to Murphy," Knox told him, "You do one thing out of ordinary or something that I don't want you to and I'll blow your fucking brains out, you got me?"

Jay stifled a laugh, "Yeah, I got you," he said sarcastically before he went to reach over and turn the radio on.

"Keep it off," Knox said as he watched every movement that Jay made, "Don't do anything but drive."

Jay turned on the car and followed instructions, his eyes constantly darting back and forth between the road and Knox staring at him in the mirror. Ten minutes passed before Jay spoke again, "What do you think you're going to do? You think this ends well for you?"

"It doesn't matter," Knox told him, "I want you to tell me when we're close."

"We're close," Jay said back almost immediately.

"Where?" Knox asked.

Jay pulled over to the side of the road, "The brick building on the corner," Jay said as he motioned the building he had just described.

"What floor?" Knox asked him and Jay finally let off a boisterous laugh.

"The whole building dummy," Jay said, "You'll be lucky if you make it inside."

"Drive around the corner and park three blocks away, somewhere we can't be seen," Knox told him and Jay did as instructed.

Jay put the vehicle in park, "What now?"

"Pop the trunk," Knox said.

"No way," Jay was quick in his response, "There's no way I'm getting in the trunk."

"Pop the trunk or I'll do it after I'm done with you," Knox said as he pressed the Glock against the back of Jay's head.

"You're one dumb son of a bitch, you know that?" Jay said as he pressed the button for the trunk and it opened.

"Now when I say so, open your door," Knox grabbed the handle for the back door and opened it while keeping his eyes on Jay the entire time, "Now," Knox told him. Jay opened his door and Knox kept his handgun fixed on Jay the entire time. "Get in," Knox said as he motioned to the trunk.

"I can't wait till you're dead," Jay said to him as he began to step into the trunk, "I'm going to spit on-"

Knox struck Jay hard over the back of his head with the butt of his gun and as Jay fell forward into the trunk, he slammed the door. Knox turned and looked back at the brick building, now a few blocks away. He knew his time was limited and that he had to act fast, Knox took in another deep breath before he started to make his way toward the building.


Knox had no intention of going in through the front door and was able to slip into the back lot of the brick building by climbing the metal fence that lined the property. Knox quickly made his way to cover, hiding behind two large garbage bins and surveying for an entryway inside. Knox spotted a large double door on the back wall of the building and what appeared to be his way in, but the only problem was that there was no handle. Knox waited and watched for a moment, just in time to see what looked like a guard for the building casually walk across the back lot on what appeared to be a standard patrol. Knox relaxed as he pressed his back against the cold garbage bin and tried to form a plan. No matter what, he knew he had to hurry up, as the moment that Jay woke up and notified Murphy of what he had done he would be sought out and likely killed for this. It was now or never.

Knox peered around the garbage bin again and waited, and several minutes passed before he saw the same guard come around to the back lot continuing his security patrol. Knox eyed him up and down, the man was much larger than Knox and almost certainly was packing a weapon. Knox would have to surprise him if he had a chance of gaining the upper hand, and once the guard passed by the bins where Knox was hiding- Knox made his move.

Knox edged forward and crept up behind the guard. However, he did not make it far enough before he was noticed, and as the large man turned to face him- Knox ran full tilt toward him, tackling the large man before the guard could pull his weapon. Knox rained his fists down on him, striking the guard with the butt of his gun. Knox didn't want to draw attention by firing his gun and he knew that the moment he did that he would be found out. Knox took one hard hook to the right side of his jaw, which forced his eyes to close for a moment and cast a wave of vertigo over him. When Knox regained his vision he saw that he had knocked the guard out. A lucky break. Knox quickly checked the guard's pockets, and found a set of keys and removed the guard's handgun. Knox unloaded the gun and tossed it in the garbage bin as he dragged the guard behind the bin in which he had been hiding behind moments before. Knox looked back at the brick building, waiting to see if anyone else was coming and after feeling satisfied that he hadn't been seen, he once again made his way toward the back of the building and to the large double doors.

Once he reached the doors he was relieved to see a keyhole, and he tried three keys before finding the right one- he unlocked the double doors and pulled one of them open. Suddenly, a feeling of fire exploded in his right hand-

BAM!

Knox heard the shot go off after he realized that a bullet had pierced his right hand. Knox looked down briefly to see his blood draining from his hand before he looked up and saw a guard pointing a gun at him. Knox fell back and out of the doorway as the second shot went off.

BAM!

The bullet exited through the door that Knox had opened as he fell to the cement, and it was too fast for Knox to follow with his own vision. Knox's heart raced as he forced his legs to lift him up and he cradled his hand as he ran as fast as he could, back toward the garbage bins he had just left the unconscious guard behind. Knox didn't want to look back, too afraid that if he did it might slow him too much and cause him to lose a step as he tried to evade whoever it was that was now on his heels. "Fuck," the word came out in a whisper as Knox realized that he had failed miserably in his attempt to gain access, and likely had lost out on his only chance for revenge.

They must have cameras.
They must have seen me.

BAM!

Knox heard the shot go off but didn't feel anything hit him, nor did he see where the bullet had gone, and the only hope he had was that he had escaped injury. Knox found himself again behind the bins, realizing he would still need to scale the fence he had used to gain access if he was going to escape this situation. Knox figured that as soon as he tried he would be shot, he was an easy target for anyone who had follow him outside. Knox looked around, desperately trying to figure out a plan to make it out alive. He needed a distraction.

Knox looked back down at the still unconscious guard that he had dragged behind the bin and used his left hand to pull the guard to the edge of the garbage bin. Knox tried to grab a hold of his Glock with his right hand but winced from the pain, he looked down at his hand and couldn't tell what was left of it- there was too much blood to make out even where the bullet had entered and exited. Adrenaline took hold of Knox as he grabbed a hold of his Glock with his left hand and then got into position to push the guard out from the bin and into the eyesight of the other shooter. Knox took another deep breath and used his feet to push the body forward, it was just enough for the foot of the unconscious guard to pop out and as soon as the guard's foot was visible the other shooter fired at it.

BAM!

Once the gunshot went off, Knox stepped out from the bin and fired three shots in the other shooter's direction, causing the shooter to duck back into the brick building. Knox saw his moment of escape and flung himself at the metal fence, screaming out in pain as he pulled himself up with his only good hand and throwing his bloodied right arm over the top of the fence to help pull the rest of him over. Knox flung his body over the fence and as he fell to the cement on the other side he heard another gunshot go off.

BAM!

When Knox hit the ground he saw the bullet hole at the top of the fence, just where his body was a moment before, but he wasted little time in standing up and running as fast as he could. His mind was a wreck and he was starting to fade due to blood loss, he knew he would need medical assistance, and he had only one place he could go.

All he had to do now was make it there.

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