Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Got You ❯ Lady Wore Black ( Chapter 15 )

I do not own the characters of Cowboy Bebop. They are the property of Sunrise, Bones, and Bandai Visual (2001). They make the money, not me. Nor can I take credit for most of my chapter headings- they are the product of their authors. Sigh.

And now….

Mysterious woman (?) in black.

 

Chapter 15: Lady Wore Black (Queensryche)

 

Both cowboys landed in the Blue Suede parking lot. Loud, soulful music slipped from the doors. Jet hunched his shoulders and steered towards the door. Spike, lighting a cigarette, followed. Music surrounded them the moment they passed the threshold. Looking for a source, Jet found a svelte, dark haired woman singing on a dimly lit stage, behind her a small band; the metal of the horns glinting with the players' movements. Finding an empty table in a corner both men sat, the wall to their backs, and carefully began surveying the space. The club was filled, men and women visiting, drinking and eagerly waiting for the evening headliner. Jet directed Spike's attention to a booth tucked next to the stage, the cowboy grinned recognizing Lihas's toady little associate. Jet scowled, recognizing the idiot student from the college. Signaling a waitress to order a bottle of whiskey, he slid back in his chair, head settling against the wall. There was another man speaking animatedly with Lihas he recognized from the school. From the look of things, they were discussing business or lack thereof, while the two lackeys happily watched the stage.

Spike snorted, his drink clinking softly on the table, “Looks like business isn't running smoothly.” He grinned, “And then he'll get stood up,” He took a drag of his smoke. Jet shook his head in mock pity as he watched Spike's intense scrutiny of their goal. It was apparent, he wasn't interested in Boris or the other two, in his opinion the only one that mattered was Kevin. He was owed a world of hurt. Jet cleared his throat, “Let's see what this place is about, nose around then take out our boys.” Spike's eyes swiveled towards him, before returning to study Kevin. Jet shrugged, focusing on the stage. The lights dimmed.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the crowd hushed, “the Blue Suede is pleased to introduce Annie Gamma!” The room erupted as a drum beat began. A spot light illuminated a large, well endowed woman dressed in a clingy, black coat. Spike irritably rolled another cigarette between his thumb and forefinger. The music swelled as the performer shifted. Slowly, she unbuttoned the covering. The hoots and hollers growing to a feverish pitch with every clasp sprung. Annie swayed center stage, her coat slipping from her shoulders, long silver hair reflecting the various stage lights, she reached the microphone. As ruby red lips parted, the music mellowed to a sultry thrum, a low baritone drifted towards the crowd. Jet was confused, She looks like an attractive but husky woman, and stunned, Whoa! Her voice is lower `n' mine.

Spike studied the entertainer momentarily, “She…” he paused, trying to decide if he had chosen the correct pronoun, “looks familiar.”

Jet grunted.

“I'm moving closer to Lihas,” Spike gestured in the bounty's direction.

Jet nodded and began scanning the room. “Give me a heads up so I can run crowd control.” Spike's head dipped slightly. He refocused on the profitable bounty at the booth, the two partners drifting out the exit. Jet sighed, it was obvious Spike wouldn't wait. He grumped, “I feel like stretching my legs anyway.”

Jet tapped Spike's shoulder and pointed at Boris bumbling towards the restroom, “Let's take the toad out first.” It was always best to scare the crap out of someone after he had used the facilities. Both men meandered after the struggling imp. Jet beat the man to the restroom, closing the stall door just as Boris tripped in. Immediately, Spike ducked behind, making his way to the sink.

“Man that Annie can really sing, can't he? Hot too.” Spike hated talking to a guy whose fly was unzipped, especially about what floats his boat. Grunting in response he washed his hands. “Ya hear me? I said…” Boris had finished, jiggling and turned towards the silent man, recognition dawning. “Oh shit. What're you doing here?” Spike rounded on the diminutive figure. “You weren't supposed to get the invite,” he was frantically searching for an alternative exit when a leering Jet popped out the stall behind him, Spike shrugged, “I get around.”

Gaining his voice, Boris continued, “Why isn't the bombshell here?”

“Guess it fell out of her pocket when she found more pleasant company.”

Boris paled. “He… he'll…He'll kill you. All he's talked about besides the business is what he's goin' do with that chick.” The man shuddered, “You pissed `im off royally when she went home with you!”

Spike shrugged, “She already knew me or didn't your spy tell him that?”

He shuddered when he backed into Jet's chest, “Tony an' I tried to warn him off her, but he won't listen!” He tried to step right his eyes following Spike's progress to the door, “I like my cousin and all, but when he sets his mind on something you can't change it. He wants her!” Spike flicked the lock, Jet latched onto Boris's collar. Slowly, he was brought to Jet's eye level, his feet dangling helplessly.

“So, tell me what kinds of things does your cousin do?” A small shake.

“I… I'm not telling you guys shit!” Spike smirked around the trembling man. Jet pulled Boris closer.

Spike came beside Jet and grinned around his crumpled smoke, “Huh. It sounds like someone's tryin' to grow a pair all of a sudden.”

Jet leered, “Too bad he'll lose them if he don't start singin'.” Spike began popping bones, for effect.

Boris's eyes grew, twitching slightly he wheezed. “I..I… I I I…” Jet gave him a slight shake, “He has partners at colleges, pharmaceutical companies that gives `im the drugs! He gets all kinds. His personal favorites alter personalities and lower their ability to say no. He likes to watch the mess.”

“How?” Spike began popping his other hand.

“He slips them to people. Hires bartenders to load drinks… uh… uh..” another shake. “The hottie last night was given the wrong dose, she reacted too quickly.” Spike frowned. Boris made a swipe at the two faces. “He liked that girl. She was the best he's seen for a while.” Boris swung, “He used the expensive stuff to try and scare `er off you.” Spike caught a hand as it tried to poke his eyes again. He squeezed. Boris yelped, “OW! Look… it's nothin' personal! He…he hates competition and that's what you are.”

“What about the girls?”

“He's pretty rough with his toys. Goes through umm…” Boris's eyes swiveled and he paled when a disturbing crack echoed through the space, “ ehhh…” he began sweating and shaking uncontrollably. Slightly green he gasped, “through `em real quick. The hotter the more ex… extreme.” Jet's countenance darkened as his grip grew tighter around his collar. A more substantial snap came from inside Spike's hand. Boris retched and flailed slightly, “You… you busted my hand!”

Spike rolled his shoulder, “No. Just knocked a few bones out of joint,” shrug, “At most they're cracked.” He grinned, “Don't worry, they'll snap back.” Boris groaned. “Hurt like hell too until they heal.”

Jet growled, “What's your other partners' names?”

“What those punk ass college boys Kevin hires to collect new customers?” He held his throbbing hand to his chest, deathly pale, sweaty and wheezing, “You met the one idiot already, other's just a punk kid from the same school.”

“What about your third wheel?”

Boris suddenly gained a second wind though his eyes had lost focus, “He's none of your fuckin' business.” Jet shook him, but he remained tight lipped. “I won't tell you anything about him. I'd rather die. He's special!”

Spike glanced at the mangled hand and rubbed his neck, “This isn't getting anywhere.”

The dangling man's bravado dissolved, “Eh?”

Spike's eyebrows crept towards his hairline. “Hey, Boris?”

He began to shake uncontrollably. The sudden congenial tone, more frightening than being strung up by an enormous hand. “I d..dd…do…don't know anything more!” He began sobbing, “Look I just ask Kev's questions so he can get a new toy or make another sale. I never touch. Never! Not even really into girls.” Both cowboys frowned. “Ok. I look but I don't participate.” He giggled nervously, “Can't help but look at `em. They're the wrong body type though.” Jet shook him, “I'm an outie kind of person!”

Jet scowled, “Not what I want to know, moron. I want to hear about your mystery partner.” Spike glanced at Jet. That was not what he was going to ask.

“I… I can't tell you about our friend, `cause he's none of your fuckin' business. I wouldn't betray him! He has a good eye for girls, finds the best but isn't interested in `em.” Boris's eyes were pleading, “I don't do anything. I'm just the messenger! I ask questions. Watch reactions, that kind of thing. So.. let me go… please?”

“No can do.”

Jet snorted, “I'm sure you're innocent. What's your buddy do?”

He swayed in Jet's grip, “Look! What An…” Boris's eyes widened and his mouth instantly sealed.

“Your loyalty is inspiring, but that's not what I wanted to know.” Spike grinned and stepped closer, “I want to know how you got your nickname, Spider?”

Jet's lips pursed, he had to admit he was curious too, but it was an odd time to ask. Boris was about as threatening as a ladybug. Thrown about the sudden change in questioning poor Boris froze. Another shake kicked his brain out of neutral, “Wha… wh…what?”

Spike retrieved his lighter, “How'd you get the name Spider?”

“Oh. I…I…collected a lot of bugs as a kid, my friend Anthony thought it was cool.”

“Ugh. Really? So your friend, Anthony, came up with it?” Boris nodded, still twitching again at the bored expressions. “What's Anthony's full name?” Boris shook his head and tried to look brave. Spike smiled. Jet sighed. The interrogation was obviously at an impasse. Frustrated, he popped Boris's head off the tile wall. Dropping the limp figure he turned to Spike, “A fuckin' bug collector. Shit. And I thought it was something interesting.” He shook his head in feigned disappointment.

Grinning Spike lit his dangling smoke, “We learned their partner's first name, didn't we?” and sauntered out.

Jet cuffed Boris to a toilet and closed the stall's door. He rubbed his head, “I'll be damned! We did.”

An angry man rushed past the second Spike opened the door. He glared at the two cowboys on the way to the urinal, “You should know that kind of crap isn't allowed here. You gotta get off you go outside.” Jet paled and hustled past the bursting man.

Spike snorted, “Jealous?” before disappearing back into the club.

Kevin met Spike at the bar. Blindsiding him, “I thought I gave you a friendly tip last time I saw you, fucktard?” Kevin's lip trembled. Spike carefully straightened up, eyeballing the livid bounty. His voice rose, “I told you to leave my property alone.” He leveled a ferocious glare.

Spike absently flicked his cigarette; blowing a puff towards the ceiling his eyes met Kevin's, “Thought Anthony and Boris warned you off her.” He grinned, “Mad Alice found someone with an actual dick?” Lihas's color faded, he snarled and grabbed for Spike's collar. Sidestepping, Spike's knee met stomach. “You really only move one speed, don't you?” With a perceptible, oof, Kevin swung again. Jet watched the skirmish, admiring Spike's self control. A figure sidled up to his right; he turned, recognizing the silver haired anomaly from the stage. He nodded her way, congenial. She sipped her drink, a small smile in return, before focusing her attention on the scuffle.

“Cousin Kevin,” she cooed in her overtly masculine voice, “What are you doing here?”

“Fuck off reject.” He glanced at her, “Like you don't know! I had…” he tried to duck a high kick, only to have it change directions and hit his stomach, “Ooof. An appointment with the boys. Then I…” fist met cheek, “The newest part to my collection.” He tried to dodge a left hook only to meet Spike's right uppercut. Shaking his head, “This piece of shit's been sniffin' around what doesn't belong to him.”

Annie giggled, “Looks like you're the one that's been snufflin' at somethin' that isn't yours, Kevie.”

He shook, “Go find some loser to suck off and let me concentrate, cow.” Annie's lips pressed into a thin line, her heavy lashed lids lowering to a glare.

“That's not a very nice thing to say to a lady, Kevin.” Spike drawled, noting Annie's appreciative nod.

“What the hell? You blind or something?” Kevin's forced façade slipped with every word. It was obvious he did not handle losing, at all. Jet relieved Faye had been left on the Bebop, far away from the creep. “Look at it. IT's nothing but a freak!”

“Hmm…” Shrug, “Each his own.” Spike flicked his smoke in a nearby ash tray. Jet shook his head, How can he fight with a lit cigarette?!

“Look Cous,” Annie's gravelly voice warned. She had lost her patience, “I put up with your nasty ass because you bring in the merchandise. But I will not help you if you've been naughty, especially since I warned you about this nice fellow's,” another appreciative glance towards Spike, “girl. Shit you're lucky I don't deal with you myself after the way you treated me and poor Boris baby last night.” She smirked when Spike bounced Kevin's head off the bar, “I think I'm goin' let him have you!” She glanced around, “Where's Boris anyway?”

“Eh… he's tied up in the restroom,” Jet cleared his throat.

She sighed, “Oh, too bad.” Focusing on Jet, “and you…” he gave a sheepish smile, “Gotta smoke for a lady?” In a flash Jet proffered the requested item and a light.

“You two know each other, Ma'am?”

“Sure do, honey.” Jet grew hopeful, Annie smiled, “I wouldn't mind a nice drink in a quiet corner, with such a charming gentleman.” She placed a large, manicured hand on his arm.

Jet smiled, “Why thank you Miss Annie, I'd love to visit with you while my friend here settles with Kevin.”

Spike's head jerked, signaling he had caught on to what Jet was up to.

Slipping into a booth, Annie turned to the foaming psychopath and sang, “Cousin Kev,” she elicited an annoyed tick and grinned, “You know how cranky Anthony is when you mess up his favorite hang outs.”

“Fuck you.”

Annie gave a tiny titter, “It's not as fun alone, Sugar.”

Kevin snorted, taking a swing at Spike's head, “This guy owes me an apology. He ruined a perfectly good night and made me mess up a perfectly good bartender. Put his filthy hands all over what wasn't his.”

Spike dodged easily and flashed Lihas a mocking smirk. “Finders keepers.”

“He even kissed her, right in front of me!” Infuriated, the man targeted Spike's face hitting the bar instead. Jet sat opposite of Annie as she ordered a round of drinks.

Shaking his bruised hand, Kevin armed himself with a chair. Again, aiming for the head, he stumbled when bits of splintered wood and shattered seat fell around his person, Spike's foot settling to the floor.

“You need to do better `n that to get me Lihas,” a kid in a candy store expression plastered to the taunting cowboy's face. Lihas reached for his coat pocket, his head connecting with the floor. Momentarily stunned, he barely caught sight of Spike's fist heading directly for his stomach. Rolling to the side, he was met by the heel of a clunky shoe. Grunting in pain, he withdrew a switchblade.

“How's that goin' to help you?” The bounty peeled off the floor, grinning like a fanatic in the presence of his idol.

“This isn't for me. Since I can't cut into that whore you took home last night, I'll use you instead.” Jet noticed Spike's features harden.

“You go both ways, huh?” Spike shrugged, eyeballing the blade, “Sorry Cous. You're not my type. Too needy.”

Kevin scowled and pressed on, “That bitch put out or just lay there?” Kevin's eyes slit, noticing the relatively calm man barely stiffen. Bull's-eye. Licking his lips he sneered, “I bet a bitch like that's a real screamer.” He glanced at Spike's bruised wrist and sneered, "I would have had her every which way if I'd taken her home last night.” His eyes gleamed, “They don't fight when they can't move. Just make little noises.” He flashed teeth, “Nice and docile. Perfect pets.” Spike took a step to the side. “How's she taste? She acted all innocent, but I bet she knew how to play. She like it rough? Looks like she's a biter,” he swiped at the cowboy- catching clothing, “Are the tits real? God I hope so.” Neither man noticed the crowd watching, “After I'm through with you I'll hunt that bitch down and show her some real fun.” Spike took another step. “A girl like that would never get tired of me. I wouldn't let her. Use her up and toss her out like the trash she is, regardless her family.”

 

Faye stirred and crawled from her cocoon. She grimaced at the sweat soaked clothing and sighed. Easing her way into the hall she could hear Ed happily playing on Tomato. Her stomach rumbled, immediately determining her priorities: food then bath. She puttered towards the kitchen.

She groaned at the selection, Hmm… chicken or original flavor. Not caring, she grabbed the closest container. Settling on the couch to eat her meal, she idly watched Ed's intense expression. “What ya watchin'?”

Ed peeped around the screen, “Spike is beating up the bad man that gave Faye pink, secret-spilling powder.” Faye nodded, slid behind the teen and slurped a few noodles. She scowled, Huh. Spike looks pissed.

 

Jet and Annie watched the unfolding fight. Taking a sip, Annie smiled, “So, you already take out sweet, lil' Boris?” Jet nodded, keeping a close eye on Spike, he missed Annie's brief frown. “Oh.” She tittered, “That's good.” She sighed, grimacing when Kevin started commenting about the skinny man's lady friend. Turning, “Oh Cousin, I didn't think you were so vulgar.” She turned to Jet, “You're buddy's goin' fuck up Kevie isn't he?”

Jet watched his partner and nodded, “Yup.”

“No loss. I hope his neck gets snapped. Accidentally, of course.” Jet nodded. She fussed with her cocktail napkin, “You didn't hurt Boris did you?”

Jet shrugged, “Don't think so. Scared him, but he'll live.”

Annie studied the fighting pair. Spike had just kicked Lihas twice in the head. She gasped when he slipped in a heel to the chin as Kevin fell to the floor.

“He's pretty quick when he wants to be.”

Jet glanced at her, “You known Kevin long?”

She nodded, “Mmmhmmm, we hang in similar circles.” She shook her head sadly. “He had the potential to be great.”

Jet patted her arm, “He'll grow out of it, maybe.”

She snorted, “I doubt it. Kevie's a freak always has been. Type of kid who pulled the wings off butterflies and injected kitties with various household substances.” She smirked when Spike made his final move.

Jet cleared his throat, “So, uh… Miss Annie do you know Anthony well?”

She smiled, delicately flicking a piece of ash from her smoke and quirked a brow. “You're a smart fella what do you think?” She leaned closer, “Anthony won't get caught though. Never has.” Jet's shoulders bounced and she grinned, “No one who knows him will talk about him,” she waggled a manicured finger before Jet's nose, “And you're a very, very naughty boy for asking me.” She took a sip, “You must've really rattled poor Boris to get him to slip up and give you that much.” She inhaled, “You're lucky to have found out his first name.” She twirled her drink, “No more questions about Kevie's friends.” She frowned, “Technically, Anthony isn't Kevin's friend. He's an associate, more interested in Boris's well being. Thinks of the little fella like a pet and so do I.” She winked, “Don't worry, though. He'll meet you when he's ready.” Jet frowned, he hated when people were cryptic. She tugged his beard, “You're cute when you pout, Cowboy.” He blushed, glad Faye and Spike couldn't see.

 

Spike had been toying with Lihas, but Kevin's last disturbed comment had drawn the line. “Shut up, Lihas.” He plowed the bounty in the teeth relishing in the slight crunch as fist contacted face. Kevin stumbled back, spitting a tooth out in the process. He dug in his mouth retrieving a second. Dazed he tripped on the broken chair stumbling until gravity took control. No sooner did his head bounce off the floor then he was roughly kicked over with a foot, he grunted as a loud crack followed by an immediate stab tearing up his side, and groaned when the cuffs pulled on the injury. Kevin clasped Spike's wrist. Pleased he was able to slip the blade between himself and the cowboy. Spike jerked his hand from the sudden pain, “I'm not going to hold your hand, douche bag.” Roughly yanking Kevin up to sitting he examined the jagged, red rip across his palm. “What the hell?”

The bounty just grinned, “Say, `hi' to Alice for me.” He cackled and fell over. Jet, losing patience fisted his hair, introducing a face to the hard, concrete floor. Both men eyed him, noting the labored rise and fall of his back. Deciding he wasn't dead they returned their attention to Annie, who hovered over Jet's shoulder, a bar rag clutched in her hand. She handed the cloth to Spike. With a nod of thanks he wrapped it around his wound. Jet left the unconscious bounty to retrieve the other attached to the toilet.

Annie kicked Kevin over, “Damn. What'd he do to your girl? You look like you beat him within an inch of his life.”

Spike quirked a brow, tugging his make shift bandage with teeth. “Refused to take a hint.” He glanced at her, “And I don't have a girl.”

She clucked her tongue, “Fibber. He went after someone you care about. Sister?” Spike shook his head. She scowled, “You're too young for a daughter Kevie'd be interested in. Has to be a love interest.”

“Associate.”

“Bull. I wouldn't do this kind of shit for an associate. She means somethin'.” She bent over to study the grisly scene up close, “I've seen this guy in a lot of fights and he's never ended up like this. He usually turns chicken shit and runs.” She stifled a gasp, when Jet dropped Boris with a satisfying `fwump'. Covering she caught Jet's eye and directed the worried glance towards Spike, “What'd he cut you with?” His head tipped towards the knife beside Kevin's shoulder. Annie carefully picked the blade up. She turned to Jet, lowering her voice. “Hey honey. You're goin' want to keep an eye on your friend there.” She passed off the knife, “Look.” She studied Spike, “You're buddy was all worked up about one of Kevin's interests.” Smile, “He seems like a nice kid, full of it and in complete denial, but decent.” She sighed, “for the most part,” toying with her jewelry as she analyzed Boris's crumpled form, “Kevin uses that to cut up the various substances he's given to provide samples. It's filthy too. Most likely it's covered in one of the mood altering substances he sells.” She scowled in thought, “The last one he sold was… oh… Id.” Jet turned the knife over, taking note of the various substances near the hilt.

Jet stilled glancing at Spike, “Like Peach?”

Kevin chortled, “You wish. It'll be that and then some. Peach just softens the edges and makes toys manageable.” He pulled a face and spit. Blood and another tooth clinking on the floor. “It'll have anything and everything I've chopped up since…” he swayed, “Ever.”

She stepped on Kevin's hand and shook her head, “In others words, it's worse, much worse.”

“Oh, fuck.”

Annie smiled, “Exactly. But I don't think your buddy got much. Not sure how those drugs mix though. Not like there's enough to provide a decent dose of anything."

Consciousness fading, Kevin slurred, “Guess you'll have to wait `n' see.”

Jet ignored the unwanted commentary, bouncing a head off the floor for a second time, "Pff. I don't think this'll work the way he wants.” He shot her a stern glare.

She sighed, "That kid, Spike was it?" Jet nodded, "He'll probably act out of character. Like I said, his last supply was Id. It's a weird trip. Seems to lock whatever emotions you're feeling when you get dosed.” She studied Spike as he smoked. “He seems like the quiet, keep your hand hidden type. You'll want to keep an eye on him, Sugar. His type always seems the most,” her faced scrunched, “repressed. His normal reactions to things might be different. He may become more aggressive or affectionate. You can never tell with the shit Kevie sells.” She tapped her temple, “It messes with what's been processed and ain't no one a mind reader, get me?” Her well shaped eyebrows rose Jet nodded nervously, “Has your boy been doin' anything out of the norm already?” Jet scowled in thought. Annie giggled, “I'll take that as a yes.” She kicked Kevin's leg, “You'll just have to wait and see. Hope for the best. It all depends on what's going on with the user.”

"Shit.” Jet stared at Spike's back, “You never know what's going on with him."

“I wouldn't worry, Sweetie. There isn't enough there for anything major. He should still be able to control the more extreme emotions.” She smiled, “If I were a betting woman I'd say it'll loosen him up and he'll act on whatever feelings he's got bottled up for that pretty college girl.” She gave Spike an invasive once over, “Whatever Kevie pulled on her caused that boy to beat him to a bloody pulp.” She smiled, “`Sides, he's a sweet kid. Doesn't seem like the blow `em up type.” Jet gave a nervous laugh. She grinned, “I've seen this girl Kevie's all worked up over. She's quite the catch. Poor kid should just act on whatever's drove him to thump Kev.”

Jet snorted, “He makes her life hell.”

She sighed, “They sure looked happy dancing together the other night, you know?”

Jet scowled, “You were at the club?”

“Yeah.” She brushed off his shocked expression with a giggle, “I get around.” Deciding to change the subject she batted her lashes and fingered Jet's shirt, “You know we never got to finish our drinks. How 'bout you come back tomorrow and have a night cap with me?” Jet rubbed his neck nervously. Annie caught the hint and sighed, “It's ok Cowboy,” Jet's rubbing slowed and he gave the singer a nervous glance, she guffawed, “Nice to have a drink with a handsome man, even if it is only to keep me out of the way and ask questions I won't answer.” She shrugged, “Since backup didn't arrive I assume you're bounty hunters or Syndicate.” She released a tired sigh and tugged Jet's beard, “Management is goin' t' be pissed I let you beat one of our best customers, but you're cute so… I'll take the risk.” Jet caught Spike's small snort, Now he starts listening. A manicured nail touched her lips, she winked, “In case you're interested cow-boy… there's a party at the Initiate end of next week. I'd love it if you'd come say hi.” Jet felt a tiny part of him die. She glanced at Spike, “Have your friend bring his girl. I'd love to see what they do where you're supposed to be naughty.” She gave a devilish smirk, “I'm sure we can get them together with a little encouragement. He was awful cute with her in the coffee shop.” She placed a whisper of a kiss to Jet's cheek. Swaying away she paused, leaning over and whispering something into Boris's then Lihas's ear. Jet scowled, When was she at the coffee shop? How'd we miss her at the club?! Jet forgot the worry when he noted Annie was taking her time with Lihas. Distrust faded when she stood and stepped roughly on the broken form. She gave Jet a friendly wave before disappearing behind the stage.

Spike stooped to pick up Boris, “Looks like you made a cute, big friend, Jet.” He snickered, “Was that a five o'clock shadow on Ms. Annie?” Jet began grumbling, normally encouraging Spike to continue, instead he shook his head, “You know it feels wrong to see Faye's tricks pulled by… uh… her.” Jet caught Spike smirking, Faye plays better. Jet saw nothing to smile at, grunting slightly he hefted Kevin up.