Prologue

Heavy drops of rain plummeted to the ground as streaks of lightning radiated against the blackened sky. The rumbling sounds of thunder in the distance increased in fury as the storm poured out its wrath on anyone unfortunate enough to be in its path. Inside an alley, a flight of stairs leads downward into a small recently renovated basement club of the Black Knights, a notorious street gang staking out their turf in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It was initiation time and six husky members surrounded a new recruit in a tight circle. The potential gang banger would need to survive through a beating at the hands of each of the burly men. Only if he lived would he be accepted into their membership.

"So, you want to be a member of the Knights?" the one who seemed to be the leader of the group sneered.

The one in the center of the gauntlet stood quietly defiant, keeping his glance locked straight ahead as the first guy balled his hand into a fist and jammed it into his abdomen. As he doubled over, someone shoved him from behind. He felt the blow from a leathered boot in the small of his back, causing him to lose his balance and fall face down on the worn carpet.

"Sorry, we haven't had a chance to put in new carpeting," one guy laughed. "Tell me, can you feel the cement?" Slowly the recruit lifted his head, blood streaming from his nose. As one, the six stepped up and began to pummel him, not allowing him so much as a second to raise his arms in either surrender or retaliation, until he collapsed back onto the floor.

"Come on man, get up! My mother could kick your sorry butt."

The Knights took turns kicking him several times on each side before one swift kick hit so hard, it shoved him over onto his back. Disfigured beyond recognition, breaths coming in short raspy gasps, he could only grunt as pain shot through him. Slowly touching his side, he winced as he felt his shattered ribs. Beneath swollen eyes he could only watch the light from a single bulb hanging high overhead sway to the rhythm of the storm raging outside while casting its stark pallor over the motley group. With a great flash of lightning flashing through the sky outside, the bulb sparked and died, allowing the darkness to sweep over the men. As they began to scramble around to find a flashlight, the sound of wood violently splintering pierced the quiet.

"Something's out there!" One of the gang members said, looking toward the door.

"It's your imagination, stupid," said another. "There's nothing out there." He stood as the bulb sparked into a dim copy of its former brilliance. “Look, I’ll show you,” and as the light turned even dimmer, now barely enough to even be called lit, this cocky member of the Knights stumbled his way toward the door. Reaching for the knob, instead of a rounded piece of brass, he was met with a hard steel grasp as his fingers were snapped and he screamed out in pain. Slowly this stranger released his grip, and the Knight fell to his knees sobbing. Looking up, he found himself staring at the form of a man covered head to toe, only his piercing cold blue eyes could be seen through slits of his full black face mask. The bulb light shown slightly brighter, allowing more details to be made out. The black full head mask was airbrushed with the image of a wolf‘s face; teeth barred as if about to attack. The black jumpsuit was trimmed in blood red around the collar and at both wrists and pant cuffs, and over his heart was an image of a wolf’s paw, the claws poised for assault. Around his waist, a belt of the same dark red as the trim, with pockets attached completed the outfit.

“And who do you think you’re supposed to be?” Another of the Knights said, forgetting about the wounded candidate on the floor and staring at the masked intruder, “Trick or treat done passed dude.”

“Nightwolf,” the stranger said in a voice like a low roar as he strode effortlessly into the room, “but you can call me your doom.”

"The only thing I’m going to call you is dead!" Another member said, and then reaching in his side pocket, he flicked open a switchblade with a single motion and ran forward, lunging toward the masked man.

Nightwolf crouched down as a foot shot up, kicking the knife out of the attackers hand, and then sprung from his crouch to throw an uppercut to his jaw, sending the man reeling. One Knight got on each side of him and one behind, pinning his arms as another stood in front and threw a punch into the costumed crusaders’ gut. Nightwolf, preparing himself for the blow, flexed his stomach muscles, allowing it to have minimal effect. Exhaling deeply, he dropped down, flipping the guy behind him over his head, sending him sailing into the gang member standing in the front, causing them both to impact onto the hard concrete floor Then, turning his attention to the ones at his side, the masked avenger spin kicked the one on the right, then a reverse kick to the one on the left, leaving them both to fall unconscious onto the floor. Turning to the former recruit still on the floor, his icy gaze locked. “I better not find out you tried to join another gang Jimmy, or next time, you will be facing my wrath instead of my protection.”

Jimmy could only stammer out a few words through his broken jaw, “How do you know my name man?”

Under his mask, Nightwolf smiled and stepped over to the side, dissolving into the shadows.

Chapter One

Two weeks later... "Good morning, Mr. Wesson." The young lady greeted her boss as he walked into the building and approached her desk.

Rob Wesson, CEO of Internet Plus, a local software company, smiled as he returned the greeting. "Good morning, Stephanie. Is that a new haircut?"

Her jade eyes sparkled. "Yes, I got it cut last night. You don't think it's too short?"

"Not at all. I think it really suits you.”

“Thank you.” She smiled and looked up at him, admiring his 6’1 muscular physique. His short dark hair reminded her of milk chocolate while his dreamy blue eyes were captivating.

“Anything new and exciting on today's agenda?" He asked glancing over her shoulder at the calendar on the desk.

She shifted a few folders on her desk and pulled out a larger version of his daily planner. "You have one new appointment this afternoon with a Miss Lisa Conners, the head of the networking division at Connections, Inc. I believe she is searching for sponsors to help in her upcoming career opportunity workshop."

Rob smiled. "Thank you, Stephanie. I'll be happy to hear what Miss Conners has to say. Anything else?"

"You have a lunch appointment with David Littleton from International Business Associates to go over a contract for a new software program he ordered."

He nodded. "Thanks again, Stephanie. Don't forget, it's your turn to select a restaurant on Friday."

She smiled. He was the first employer to suggest taking her out to lunch each week. This gave them an opportunity away from the work place to discuss any pressing matters and plan for the upcoming week's schedule. Their relationship while friendly, was strictly professional.

"I won't forget. I heard about a new All-You-Can-Eat Chinese Buffet that just opened up downtown. Maybe we can go there."

"Sounds great," he said, pivoting at the end of her desk and walking toward his office.

                                               *****

In Washington DC, less than an hour from Baltimore, a man in his early forties and dressed in a black business suit sat alone at a corner table inside a posh hotel lounge reading the headlines on the cover of US Today. "Would you like another Martini?" The man lowered the paper, looked up and smiled at the waitresses by his table. "Why, thank you, my dear, I would." As she walked toward the bar, another man hurried into the lounge. He glanced quickly around the room, removed a handkerchief from his pant's pocket, and then wiped the sweat from his brow. His face was beet red; his breathing rapid. The gentleman at the table looked up, saw the man, and with a slight wave of his hand, he invited him to sit at his table.

"Mr. Bossie?"

"Yes, have a seat,"

"Thank you," the man said, stuffing his handkerchief back into his pants' pocket.

Bossie smiled as he glanced at the photo on the front page of the newspaper, turned it around to face his companion. "Gary Conners," Bossie said smiling, "You have a nice profile." Gary nodded and smiled. He stole a quick look before averting his gaze.

"I was told you wanted to meet and discuss my upcoming political campaign," Gary said, fidgeting a bit in his seat. He heard stories he hoped were false about Charles Bossie’s character and connections.

"Conners, since we’re both busy men I'll get right to the point. I understand you are running for U. S. Senator."

Gary nodded.

"Excellent. I've been doing a background check on you. It seems you are quite the businessman. You have a way with people; they trust you. I like that."

Gary felt his body tensing wishing he were any other place in the world but here.

"I'm going to personally back you up. No more financial concerns. Whenever you need extra money, you come see me." He reached inside his jacket and pulled out his checkbook. He scribbled something on the check, and then ripped it out and handed it to Gary.

"Twenty-thousand dollars?"

"Well, I planned on making similar deposits each month into your campaign. If you want more I can have another check sent in the morning."

"Oh, no, I just, I...What do you want from me in return?" Gary whispered.

"Total devotion." Bossie smiled and then took another sip of his drink.

Chapter Two

Rob sat behind his large mahogany desk looking over the signed contract from Littleton Technology. He heard his secretary's voice over the intercom.

"Mr. Wesson, Ms. Conners is here."

"Thank you, Stephanie. I'll be right there," Rob said, slipping the contract back inside the manila folder and placing it at the top of his neat stack of folders on his virtually barren desk. Standing, he walked out of his office to greet the young lady. "Ms. Conners?" Rob couldn't believe the vision standing only a few feet away. A halo of ebony hair framed her milky-white face; her dark eyes glistened like pools of dark chocolate.

"You are Rob Wesson?"

He blinked and then extended his hand. "Yes, forgive me. Please come this way."

She followed him into his spacious office.

"Please, have a seat."

As she walked toward his desk, she glanced at all the lovely oil paintings of wolves hanging on the wall. "Did you paint these?"

"No, a friend of mine does this in her spare time."

"They’re lovely."

"Thank you."

"You like wolves?" she asked, stepping closer and gently tracing the painting of the wolf's fur with her fingertips.

"Why, yes I do. Do you?"

"They are beautiful creatures," she said smiling, turning her head in his direction, "but I'm afraid I don't know much about them."

"Those are called gray wolves," he said, joining her at the painting.

"Why is their fur white?"

"It helps them hide in the winter."

Lisa nodded and walked toward the next painting. This one had a black background with a full- moon in the night sky and a lone gray wolf on a mountain top over-looking a city far below. "I wonder why the wolf howls at the moon?"

"Actually, that is just a myth. The wolf only howls at sunrise and sunset."

"Oh," she said still studying the painting. "I still like it. It's as if the wolf is the town's protector."

Rob smiled. He turned his attention to her.

"Why does it howl at all?"

"Well, a wolf usually travels in packs and howling is how it communicates with the others," he said, drawing closer to her.

She turned to face him.

"It also howls during mating season, when it is in search for its soul mate," he whispered. His eyes searched hers as he lowered his head.

She could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin as their lips drew close.

"Mr. Wesson, I'm so sorry to disturb you, but there is someone who insists on seeing you this afternoon," Stephanie said over the intercom.

Lisa pulled away, and then turned her attention back to the paintings.

"Excuse me," Rob said with a polite smile. He then walked toward the door, opened it, and stood inside the doorway. A tall, handsome gentleman whose appearance resembled that of Rob's stood when he heard the door open. "David," Rob said. "What are you doing here?"

Lisa looked from one gentleman to the other.

"Since when is the CEO too busy to meet with his only brother?" He said with a smile.

"Especially when his brother is a cop." Rob chuckled.

"This is your brother?" Lisa said, her gaze shifting constantly between the two.

David laughed. "Yes. I've been stationed over in Towson, but moved back here this morning."

Rob smiled. "Why don't you stop over at my place around six tonight and we can grab a bite to eat."

"Sounds good," David said as he lightly slapped his brother on the arm and then waved goodbye. As he walked passed the secretary’s desk he smiled and winked at her.

“I still can’t believe how much you look like Rob,” Stephanie said.

“I know. We used to have fun at school posing as twins.” He laughed and gave a final wave.

"Why did he come in here demanding to see you?" Stephanie asked, seeing Rob appear outside his door.

Rob smiled. "That's his weird sense of humor. I'm surprised he didn't come in uniform and try to arrest me." Both women giggled. Rob turned and looked at Lisa. "I'm sorry, Ms. Conners. Please Stephanie, no more interruptions." He followed Lisa back into the room and closed the door behind them.

Chapter Three

Later that evening... Lisa arrived outside her two-bedroom apartment in Mt. Washington, about eight miles from the Baltimore Inner Harbor and parked her car in the garage. She lived in this area about a year and loved it. The neighborhood was friendly; with the apartments situated in a tranquil park-like setting, and for the most part, very peaceful. She was anxious to change clothes and visit the complex's fitness center and pool before dinner. Slipping her key in the lock, she opened the door and flipped the light switch on the wall. "Oh!" she gasped, dropping her purse. The living room looked like a twister had blown through. Chairs lay on the floor upside- down; the couch was shoved in the middle of the room with its cushions ripped apart, her stereo system was lying face down on the carpet; while broken glass splattered the floor. Stepping over the debris, Lisa slowly made her way to the telephone across the room on an end table and picked up the receiver. She didn't hear a dial tone. A dark shadow carrying a white handkerchief approached her from behind and yanked the phone from her hand. Before she had a chance to scream, she could feel her assailants’ strong fingers dig into her arm and then a wet cloth slapped across her nose and mouth. "Mrrffpphh!" She tried struggling, but became weak from the effects of the chloroform. Within seconds, darkness swallowed her.

Sometime later, she awoke to find herself among the torn cushions on the couch. Grabbing the top for support, she pulled herself into a sitting position and scanned the room for her unknown attacker. Still feeling the effects from the chloroform, Lisa hugged her knees with her head hung low. Who would do this? Remembering the cell phone in her purse that she dropped when she arrived, she stood, walked toward the door as best her shaky legs could carry her, and stooped down to retrieve it. Then staggering back to the sofa, she called the police. After giving her name and address along with a brief explanation to the dispatcher, she stood, and with cell phone still in hand, walked with a much more firmer step into the bedroom. A sickening rumble began in the pit of her stomach as she saw the debris and destruction before her.

Taking each step with care, she made her way toward her walk-in closet. The sliding door now hanging halfway off the track, stood in a bent and awkward position. Lisa entered the expanded space and saw clothes and hangers sprawled out on the floor; her shelves pulled apart from the wall as if by some horrendous force. Opening the small strongbox she kept hidden against one wall, she found all her important documents, jewelry, and the few hundred dollars she kept in case of an emergency untouched. She sighed in relief, closed it, and slipped it back against the wall inside the closet. Then glancing to a box where she kept pictures of her family, she saw the lid was no longer firmly attached.

Why would anyone leave money and jewelry and take family pictures? Frustrated and confused, Lisa left the walk-in closet, headed toward the bed, and plopped down on the foot of her comfy mattress. Glancing at the cell phone she clutched in her hand, she decided to call her father while waiting for the police, but only got his voice mail.

“Hi Dad. It's Lisa. Listen, we have to talk. If you don't have any plans for this evening, maybe we can go to dinner. I know a nice Italian restaurant downtown, Dimitricci's. Okay, call me on my cell phone when you get this message. Thanks. I love you. Bye.”

                                                       ********

Rob arrived at his high-rise condominium with bags in hand. Living on the second floor of the seven story building gave him a good view of the street. Glancing at his watch and seeing that it was only 5:15, knew there was plenty of time for a quick shower and a change of clothes before his brother met him for dinner. He unlocked the front door, locked it behind him, set the bags on the kitchen counter, and then proceeded to leave a trail of clothes as he headed for the bathroom. Here it was hours later and he still couldn't get the lovely lady he met at work today out of his head. She had easily persuaded him to sponsor a large business networking two-day conference, as well as inviting him to be a guest speaker. To say she caught his attention would be a grievous understatement. After showering and shaving, he stepped into his bedroom, wearing a large bath towel around his waist and was about to slip into the casual gray suit he laid out when a loud piercing alarm sounded. He glanced out the window and saw two male Caucasian youths running down the street and turning the corner into a side alley. He guessed the one was seventeen or eighteen years of age while the other looked to be age sixteen.

Moments later... "You outta be more careful, Chris. What if the cops caught us messing around with those cars?" the older youth with short dark hair chided the younger one.

"It's cool, Mike. Nobody saw us." Chris said panting, trying to catch his breath. Mike studied the face of his younger brother. He knew Chris didn't have many friends at school and often did crazy stunts like this to earn the respect of his older brother who hung out with the cool guys at school. A large shadow appeared at the end of the narrow walkway. Just then, a light from a passing vehicle illuminated the wraith and the two youths got a good look at their visitor. The dark, muscular figure stood about 6'2 and was dressed in black spandex, wearing a black mask that covered most of his face. The two young hoodlums froze as they saw the black clad stranger poised to attack before them. His gaze pierced them, watching for even the slightest twitch of movement from either boys. Slowly, Mike takes a step back and starts to chuckle. “Hey look, it’s Batman. Hey Bats, where’s your cape?”

"He’s a friend of mine. I’m called Nightwolf, and you had better say it now while you still have your teeth," he said in a gruff voice.

Mike pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the masked avenger who stooped and went into a forward roll, and knocked the guy over, causing the gun to fly out of his hands. As the younger of the two brothers joined in the fight, Nightwolf went into a handstand and swiveling his legs in a circular motion, kicked Chris in the jaw and knocked him to the ground. Springing back to his feet, the first attacker began rushing toward him. The masked man blocked several punches to his chest and then, crouching down to miss a full blow to the jaw, rammed his head into the guy's stomach and flipped him over his head.

                                                **********

Standing outside Rob's apartment was his brother, David, who, after checking his watch one last time, once again, knocked on the front door, but still no one answered. Finally, as he turned to head back to his car, he heard the door open.

"Hey, Dave. Sorry. I was straightening up inside and didn't hear you," Rob said, taking a couple of deep breaths. His brother raised one eyebrow, something he did whenever he was suspicious. "So are you going to come in? I bet you are starved." Rob smiled as he opened the door further.

"Thanks. Mmm, something smells good. You make lasagna?"

"Yep. Nothing but the best for my big brother," Rob said, hoping he had stuffed the bags marked Dimitricci’s far enough into the trashcan.

Chapter Four

Lisa sat in a corner booth inside Dimitricci's staring out of the large plate glass window into the bleak darkness and watched as a black Mercedes pulled up to the curb and Maryland state senator, Gary Conners slid out of the driver's seat. She watched as he tossed his keys to the valet attendant and then walk into the front door, brushing past the maitre d', and strode quickly to where she sat.

"Hi Dad," she whispered as he approached.

"Hi Honey. Is everything okay?"

She took a quick look around to make certain no one was in hearing distance. "Someone broke into my home." He frowned.

"Did you call the police?"

"Yes. The only thing I could see was missing was some family photographs."

Her father became sullen and looked away.

"Dad?"

"I'm just thinking, Honey. Why don't you move in with me for a while." "Thanks, but I'll be okay." They grew silent as a waitress carrying two menus approached. "Welcome to Dimitricci’s. Could I bring you something to drink while you look over the menu?"

"Thanks, coffee for me and ..." he looked across at his daughter.

"A diet soda, thanks." Senator Connors thanked the woman and then watched his daughter's face as she opened and read the menu, smiling as he saw a remarkable resemblance of his late wife in her lovely features. "Hmmm. Chicken Parmesan sounds good to me," she said smiling and looking up at her dad. "Dad? Is something bothering you?"

"I'm just admiring what a lovely lady you've grown into. You look just like your mother," he said, reaching across the table and taking her hand. "I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I'm fine.”

"Here you go," their waitress said, placing their drinks on the table along with a straw, napkins, and single servings of creamer.

"Are you ready to order?"

The Senator gently released his daughter's hand and then reached for a couple of packets of sugar while waiting for Lisa to place her order. Once the waitress took both orders, she turned and headed toward the kitchen.

"Dad. I think I ought to tell you. I've decided to support the Christian Voters of America." (1)

He sighed. He knew his daughter was a Christian just as his wife was before she passed away, but he was always too busy to be involved in a church, needing to work hard to support his family. Now that he was running for U.S. Senator, he needed the votes of all the people, so he tried staying neutral on controversial subjects he knew his daughter would have strong opinions.

"That's nice, Honey," he said with a weak smile.

"Dad. Look at me. I know how much your career means to you, but I cannot support someone who does not take a moral stand."

"I understand, Lisa. You do what you have to do," he said, averting his eyes from her gaze. Lisa and her dad ate their meal in quiet. Once finished, she thanked him for dinner and then kissing him on the cheek, excused herself. Observing her body language and facial expressions he knew his daughter was disappointed in him and felt powerless.

The waitress left their side and slipping around the corner to find some slight solitude, reached under her skirt and pulled out the cell phone attached to her garter. Flipping it open, she punched in a number and placed it to her ear. “It’s done as you asked,” she whispered into the receiver, “they never saw me stick the bug under the table. You should hear everything they say. Yes, I will.” She closed the cell and slipped it back into its holster. Lisa waited for the valet to bring her car, but she didn’t see the person inside the red SUV watching her.

"She's getting into her vehicle. Yes, we are on it." As she pulled her car onto the road, the SUV and a silver Mercury Cougar began to follow her. After several miles, she came upon a long stretch of a road that didn't have much traffic. The only light she could see was from the high beams of the car behind her. I wish this guy would dim his headlights -- they’re nearly blinding me. The SUV rammed into the back of her car, jerking her forward in her seat. Tightening her grasp with both hands on the steering wheel, she attempted to keep the car on the road. As she pressed down on the accelerator, attempting to get away from this reckless driver, she felt the hard strike of the second vehicle in pursuit trying to sideswipe her. Lisa screamed as the car did a 360-degree spin and stopped in the middle of the road. After trying the door, she found it to be stuck. She kicked it opened, using both feet and started to run. "Get her!" The driver of the first car said as the others piled out of both cars. Rob drove his gray van through Little Italy, a neighborhood in the city while keeping his eyes opened for any unusual activities. Seeing movement out of the corner of his eye, he turned a corner and went down another street. Parking his van on the side of the road, away from any street lights, he removed his outer garments revealing his costume underneath, slipped on his mask and then closed the door behind him.

Up ahead a young lady was being pursued on foot by several men. As he ran down the back alleys, keeping hidden while picking up his pace, he recognized her- it was Lisa. Lisa ran down a side street, not realizing some of the men took a short cut through backyards and were heading toward her. She wondered how close behind they were and chanced a quick look behind. When she turned back, she heard the sound of a firearm being cocked several feet in front of her.

"Well, well. What do we have here?" One of the larger men said as he approached. One burly man reached out from behind her and yanked her arm. With a quick jerk, using her elbow, she sent a sharp blow into his gut.

"That wasn't too smart," a guy with a beard said, as he grabbed her by the throat and shoved her to the ground. "I think she likes it rough," a husky male spoke in a loud voice. The others laughed and closed in around her, some pulling her hair, and others ripping her blouse.

"Don't you guys know that's no way to treat a lady?" The men froze as they turned to look at the costumed stranger standing with his hands on his hips.

"Hey guys, it's a real live super-hero." One jeered and the others laughed. The masked avenger chuckled.

"Laugh while you can, little boys." As the two men with semi-automatics took aim , he did a series of flips and rolls, dodging their bullets. Landing on his feet, he then jumped up, did a splits in mid-air, kicked both guys and dropped them on their backs. Seeing another guy coming at him from the side, he dropped down and did a sweeping kick with one leg, knocking the man to the ground. One of the two men on the ground stood and headed straight toward him, kicking Nightwolf in the gut. Two more guys came up from behind and dragged him to his feet.

One of them carrying a rope from his car, wrapped it around Nightwolf’s neck as they forced him against a chain link fence. The two men in front of him held each of his arms back against the fence as they took turns kicking him while another jumped over the fence and pulling on the rope, choked him. “You ain’t so tough now, are you freak,” one said, mocking him while the others laughed. As one guy leaped toward him doing a forward side kick, Nightwolf moved his head to one side. Trying to ignore the burning sensation the rope made on his neck, he jerked his arms together, causing the men to bump heads with a loud crack. The rope tore into his skin, but as he moved his neck, the grip loosened a bit. The guy heading toward him kicked the fence while the other two men piled on top of him. As Nightwolf pressed back against the link fence it flexed backward, giving him a little space. At the same time he reached up on the fence, grabbed the chain link, and brought his legs straight up so he was hanging upside down. His neck slipped out of the noose and he dropped to the ground landing on his hands. In one swift motion he did a front hand spring to his feet. He took the rope still hanging on the fence, and tied each of the men’s hands together while the guy on the opposite side of the fence took off running in the opposite direction.

Nightwolf saw him, but decided to check on Lisa rather than give pursuit. The guy ran across a backyard and down into an alley. Breathing heavily, he took out his cell phone from his pocket and punched some numbers. "We had some trouble tonight, Boss. Some crazy guy in a super-hero costume nearly knocked us senseless. He knows all that martial arts stuff and does all those flips and kicks."

"A self-named vigilante, huh?" He smirked. "I'll look forward to meeting him."

As Nightwolf approached Lisa, he offered his gloved hand. A slight blush spread across her face as she smiled.

“Thank you. You were incredible.” He smiled in return and gave a slight nod. “My pleasure.” Hearing the shrill of a siren, he glanced behind him and saw a man running and heading toward them and two police officers pursuing him on foot. “C’mon. Let’s get out of here.” He took her hand once more, turned the corner and ran down an alley toward his vehicle.