Hybrid Saga 01 - Hybrid Read Online Free PDF Page A

somewhat interesting, but none were what he had snuck in here to see.
    His eyes then widened as he spotted the cloaked man on the far side of the tavern, sitting at a seat along the bar. He was looking over his shoulder at something. Ethan followed the man’s gaze, tracking across the tavern until he came to a table with a number of men sitting at it playing a card game. This table seemed to be what the stranger was looking at.
    Ethan noted the large size, and overall unpleasant demeanor of three of the men at the table. The fourth man, who had a woman that looked to be about his sister’s age sitting on his knee, was much smaller than the rest. Ethan’s face flushed when he noticed the clothing the young woman was wearing, or lack there of.
    In an attempt to hide his embarrassment, though he knew nobody was looking at him anyway, he looked back in the direction of the stranger. He was surprised to see that the cloaked man was now moving away from the bar, walking across the floor towards the table of card players. He worked himself into a better position to see the table and watched with growing interest as the stranger neared it.
    His instincts told him that something exciting was about to happen.

Chapter 2
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Mac Keplar adjusted the cigar protruding from one side of his mouth while looking over the cards in his other hand, the young woman on his knee apparently trying to do the same.
    Jarred knew that the man had noticed his approach, though he hadn’t bothered to take his attention away from his hand, unlike the other men at the table who were now turned in their seats and watching him warily.
    Mac spoke without moving his focus from his card hand. “Buy in is fifty credits, friend, if you’re looking to play.”
    “I’m not,” Jarred responded, keeping his tone neutral. His eyes were locked on Mac, while keeping the rest of the players in his peripheral vision.
    “Then what are you looking for?” Mac inquired, still not looking up. He chewed on his cigar, seeming only half interested in him.
    “I’m here to collect a bounty,” Jarred answered, evenly.
    He noticed the large men at the table grow instantly tense, as he had expected they might. The tavern itself had also become suddenly quiet as the patrons turned to look at the man who had made such a statement in a place such as this.
    Though standing calmly and relaxed, Jarred was mentally and physically preparing himself for impending action, his senses all at full alert. He had been through this same scenario many times before, in many places just like this. He knew the outcome. It was just a matter of maintaining a level of control over the situation, and staying a step ahead of the trouble when it started . . . which it always did.
    Mac looked up from his cards, removing the cigar from his mouth, and regarded Jarred for a moment. He then looked around the table.
    “Considering present company,” Mac began, “you’re going to have to be a little more specific.” Replacing the cigar in his mouth, he continued. “Who’s might that be?”
    “Yours,” Jarred answered, plainly. He noticed the other players at the table as they spared quick glances towards Mac. Mac himself seemed to think for a moment.
    “Taliss, I’m guessing?” he said, not appearing completely sure.
    Jarred simply nodded, Arden Taliss being the name of the man who was offering the bounty on Mac’s head. He also happened to be the ring leader for one of the system’s more prominent criminal organizations.
    Mac half grinned to himself, the young woman on his lap cringing slightly at the mention of the name. Removing the cigar from his mouth again, he took a drink from a small glass on the table, gritting his teeth in a manner that denoted a less that desirable flavor.
    “Guess he’s a little more upset than I thought,” he half joked. “Maybe stealing his money and lovely daughter weren’t the smartest things to do.” Mac gave the