Gabriel's Sacrifice (The Scrapman Trilogy Book 2)

BOOK: Gabriel's Sacrifice (The Scrapman Trilogy Book 2)
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Reader’s Comments

Gabriel’s Watch
,

Book 1of the Scrapman Trilogy

"Gabriel's Watch is not like your average day dystopian, this one has an untouched and utterly unique story line."

– Alexandra Harris (goodreads)

"Gabriel's Watch is unlike any book I have ever read. The premise is entirely original - a refreshing turn of events in today's literary world of zombies, vampires, and werewolves."

– Tracy (goodreads)

"Poetically written, this novel winds together science fiction, drama, action, and romance. Its unique and fascinating story line is truly unforgettable."
 

– Danielle Tara Evans (goodreads)

"This is a FANTASTIC read! Noah Fregger is a really talented author who has created a dark world that will pull you in and then spin you around and around leaving you wanting more and more! I was glued to every page and left stunned in the end. Gabriel's Watch is a morbid roller coaster ride that will tug at your heartstrings
!" 

– Lucy Hayes (goodreads)

"If you are looking for a Science Fiction story that doesn't hold true to the boring stereotypes that drive most of us away from the genre, this is the story. Not only do you get to see incredible feats in depth of character but you also are thrust forward into a world of amazing creation
." 

– Angelica (goodreads)

"Whenever you think you know what's going on, you find out you never did."


S.E. Dee (bluebicblog)

“This book was captivating. The author has a wonderful mind and shows the creative ability to keep me so intensely occupied by the story and it's tale that it's kept me up two nights in a row reading.”


Michael McCombs
(amazon)

“Rarely does a book capture my mind entirely; and never does a book employ my mind and heart. Gabriel’s Watch did both. Wow. I cried –big ol’ crocodile tears, I cheered, and I rejoiced at multiple points throughout the book. It was just sooooooo good.”


Jslim
(amazon)

“READ THIS BOOK! It's fantastic, and I can't wait for the 2nd book of the trilogy. There's nothing not to like. The writing is very well done, the plot is engaging, the characters are solidly built, and the story has twists in it that may give you whip lash.”

– Neulen D. Raisley
(amazon)

Gabriel’s Sacrifice

Book 2: The Scrapman Trilogy

Part one: Rise of the Bogeyman

Noah Fregger

T-16 Publishing

Palo Alto, California

Gabriel’s Sacrifice

Book Two: The scrapman trilogy

Part One: Rise of the Bogeyman.

By Noah Fregger

© 2014 Noah Fregger

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. This is a fictional work, which takes place among imaginary people. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental

Dedication

For my wife, whom, despite every stitch of my imperfection, never ceases to stand beside me.

Table Of Contents

Acknowledgements

Author’s Notes

Prelude:  Five-Finger Discount

Chapter One: The Rifleman

Chapter Two: The Pale-One

Chapter Three: Friggin’ Ninj a

Chapter Four: Friend

Chapter Five: You’re Adeamyn

Chapter Six: General Zaroff

Chapter Seven: Loose Cannon

Chapter Eight: Trojan Horse

Chapter Nine: Breakfast

Chapter Ten: Regards

Chapter Eleven: Self-Inflicted, Apocalyptic

Chapter Twelve: Humble Consolation

Chapter Thirteen: New purpose

Chapter Fourteen: Trick of the Sun

Chapter Fifteen: The Bogeyman

Chapter Sixteen: Houdini

Chapter Seventeen: Hunt Her

Chapter Eighteen: Won’t Feel a Thing

Chapter Nineteen: Far Better Than Fine

Chapter Twenty: Check Mate

Chapter Twenty-One: The Bait

Chapter Twenty-Two: Breath Enough to Scream

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Hammer

Chapter Twenty-Four: Back-Stabbing Constituents

Chapter Twenty-Five: Scooby Doo

Chapter Twenty-Six: The Six

Chapter Twenty-Seventeen: Enemies Closer

Chapter Twenty-Eighteen: Change the Future

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Echo

Chapter Thirty: Just Reward

Chapter Thirty-One: So This is Perfection

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Ghoul

Chapter Thirty-Thirty: Death … Redefined

Chapter Thirty-Four: Always Been Your Purpose

Author’s Bio

Book 2: The Scrapman Trilogy

Chapter One: The Silhouette

Chapter Two: Garuda

Chapter Three: Fortress of Destitute

Chapter Four: Nice Ring to It

Chapter Five: The Door

Acknowledgements

F
oremost, I'd like to thank the lovely muses in my life, my wife, Kristina, and daughter, Lila. You both live with an honorary "space cadet." Thanks for your patience (which I thoroughly test) every time you need to repeat yourselves, due to my wandering thoughts.

Thanks to my mom, Mary-Ann, who continues to lend me her intellect (on which I ricochet my numerous ideas). You're as much an asset as ever.

Thanks to my editor and grandfather, Brad Fregger, the man that trudges through this thing every step of the way. Again, it's your passion, excitement, and keen perspective that helps drive my creative side.

A huge thanks to my friend and fellow author, Nicholas Sansbury Smith. It was your constant encouragement that ultimately got me back on the writing wagon, showing me that every week I spent without a word on the page was "a waste of time and talent." Couldn't have said it better myself.

Thanks to Sarah at Sprinkles On Top Studios for creating me this killer cover! It's the wrapping in which this roller coaster gets around.

And, lastly, thanks to the readers for all your support and kind words. It's a true gift, seeing my story have an impact on you, rejoicing when the emotion I've grafted into it gets reciprocated. That, by far, is my favorite part. Thanks so much for stumbling upon this little world I've created.

Subscribe to my newsletter at (
News from Noah Fregger
) to stay in the scrapman loop!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you’d like notice when the next installment of the Trilogy is complete:
[email protected]

Author’s Notes

T
his sequel has been a long time coming; and I appreciate your patience thus far. Considering the depth and length of story I needed to squeeze between these pages, I've decided to split this second installment into two separate parts (two novels, in essence).

If you're new to this trilogy, I highly recommend picking up the first book,
Gabriel's Watch
, before continuing on. Although this is a prequel and stands fine on its own, I fear it will ruin many of the surprises I've left for you in the first installment. To rob you of that experience would be most tragic.

For the rest who are up to speed, telling this side of the story is essential before I bring you book three; and it will also answer many questions in the process.

So enjoy this darker side of the story, one that Miles was unable to tell to its fullest. And, at the end of Part One, you’ll find that I’ve delivered the first five chapters of Part Two.

Without further ado, I bring you
Gabriel's Sacrifice
, Book Two of the Scrapman Trilogy, Part one: Rise of the Bogeyman.

Vengeance is just:

Justly we rid the earth of human fiends

Who carry hell for pattern in their souls.

But in high vengeance there is noble scorn:

It tortures not the torturer, nor gives

Iniquitous payment for iniquity.

The great avenging angel does not crawl

To kill the serpent with a mimic fang;

He stands erect, with sword of keenest edge

That slays like lightning.

GEORGE ELIOT
The Spanish Gypsy

Prelude:
Five-Finger Discount

T
he queen of diamonds–that same vacant expression. The cardstock on which she was printed had grown oily over time, the greasy remnants of every person to ever handle her. She was not a welcomed addition to the hand the hunter was currently working on. He lifted his eyes to view his three companions. If in a similar predicament, they were doing well to conceal it.

Jackson matched the hunter’s gaze, offering a toothy grin. “Your move there, Boss.”

“Indeed … ” The hunter hesitated. “Gonna have to sit this one out, Fellas.” He placed his lousy hand face down on the wooden table; but that humble action was met only by the sound of a withdrawn firearm.

“State your business!”

The hunter looked up to discover Jackson pointing the weapon off into the distance.

“Stay where you are and state your business!”

The hunter followed its angle and found a man approaching them. The man stopped and raised his hands slowly.

“I was told I could have a few minutes inside your establish-ment … for the right price.”

Jackson looked to the hunter. “Wudya think, Boss?”

“Let him come,” he said. “Let’s see what he brought us.”

“Well, come on then!” Jackson shouted.

The man obliged, lowering his hands and coming to join them. Tucked beneath his arm, the hunter noticed something wrapped in cloth, its end moistened with something resembling blood.

“That’s far enough.” The hunter rose from his chair. “Lay it down on the pavement and open it.”

The man dropped to a knee and did as was instructed of him, then stood as the hunter approached to examine it.

“Interesting.” The hunter smiled. “I see you’ve come for the five-finger discount.” The thing was covered in reddish skin, its fingernails undercoated with dirt and grime. The man brought him the hand of a hybrid, the very thing the hunter had been requesting … but something was off. “And you killed her yourself?”

The stranger nodded, a bead of perspiration venturing down his brow. He was younger than any patron to arrive before, just a teenager–features average and forgettable. His auburn hair and eyes, in correlation with his slightly overweight frame, made this young man the equivalent of any barista or fast food employee to ever skip the hunter’s mind. It was his youth, however, that set him apart in this scenario.

“Well, I’m afraid you were misinformed,” the hunter stated. “I require a right hand, but you’ve brought me a left. I’m afraid you’ll have to go back and cut off the other hand.”

The young man shifted his weight nervously. “Any way you can cut me a break?”

“Cut you a break?” The hunter chuckled. “Was she hard to kill?”

The young man nodded. “She was fast.”

“I see.” The hunter looked over his shoulder, back at his men. They were waiting on him. This stranger was earning their undivided attention. They looked on, steadfast–three at the table and another six along the eastern wall. “I’ll give you two minutes, then–for two items.”

The young stranger, seemingly wise enough to know he had no room to negotiate, agreed.

The hunter scooped up the appendage and beckoned the new patron to follow. Jackson and the others met him with untrusting eyes. They were about as exclusive as a pack of wolves.

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