Drawing Dead - (Cross) by Andrew Vachss (Paperback)

About the Book

"The man known only as Cross and his skilled team of urban mercenaries are back (Blackjack,Urban Renewal), but this time they are on the defensive as they receive a series of cryptic messages. The question is, are they being warned or hunted? A VINTAGE CRIME/BLACK LIZARD ORIGINAL. Chicago the reigning number one city in homicides has no shortage of deadly gangs. They all know the Cross Crew occupies a cinderblock bunker called Red 71, and it's the last place you'll ever want to go, unless you're willing to risk it being the last place you do go. The Crew is notorious for its deadly efficiency and its disinterest in anything but money. Why, then, would anyone be foolhardy enough to threaten them and more importantly their loved ones? As Cross catches the scent of a far-reaching conspiracy in the making, he realizes that it all connects to an unexplained event from the past, a massacre in which he emerged inexplicably unscathed, except for the blue mark on his face that pulses when danger is near. And if he's reading the signs right, he might find himself again facing a terrible danger that is not altogether human"

Book Synopsis

Even the deadliest gangs in Chicagoland fear the Cross Crew and carefully avoid their cinderblock bunker headquarters: Red 71 is well known as the last place you'd want to go . . . unless you're willing to risk it being the last place you'll ever go. The Crew is notorious for its ruthless efficiency and cold-blooded cunning. Why, then, would anyone be foolhardy enough to threaten them-and even more dangerous-their loved ones?

As Cross catches the scent of a far-reaching conspiracy, he realizes that it all connects to an unexplained event in his past: a massacre from which he emerged inexplicably unscathed, save for the blue mark on his face that pulses when danger is near. That scar has been throbbing more frequently of late. . . . If he's reading the signs accurately, Cross might find himself again facing a terrible menace that is not altogether human.

*

MEMO

FROM: Captain Nathan Lancaster, Chief, Gang Surveillance Unit

TO: All Precincts, Focus Near-North

ALERT: Incoming Threats to Cross Crew, Situation Highly Unstable

DETAILS: "Cross" and known associates clearly organizing response to perceived pattern of threats. Gang Intelligence indicates high probability of pre-emptive strikes. Report any suspicious and/or unusual activity in Badlands area immediately, gang violence alert level RED.

About the Author

Andrew Vachss's many books include the Burke novels and two previous collections of short stories. His books have been translated into twenty languages, and his work has appeared in Parade, Antaeus, Esquire, Playboy, and The New York Times, among other publications. He died in 2021.