Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Got You ❯ People Are Strange ( Chapter 33 )

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….

Lihas gets some alone time with Faye.

 

Chapter 33: People are Strange (Doors)

 

Faye stared at the door. Untied, she had searched every article within the small closet and released Angie. She glared at the girl, it painfully clear she would be little help. Faye stuck her head to the floor, trying to see into the main room. She frowned when she noted a towel had been placed across the small gap. Afraid to try the knob, her only weapons an aerosol can of something, a lighter and lipstick, she settled back and began contemplating a new career path. The concept of a small apartment, some classes at a local college and a nine-to-five sounding better as time ticked by. She was sick of living off cupped noodles and bell peppers. She wanted her own space, that didn't float around, where she could grow a flower or two and call it her own. The bounty hunter life had begun to wear thin, but she wasn't sure what else she was capable of. She stretched and settled in for a long wait.

 

Jet followed Wolfe towards the edge of the campground, the man skittish and wary. He grinned when a snapped twig sent him rushing to the tree line, where he stood trembling for over a minute. He studied the kid's behavior, as he neared the border he began obsessively searching every clump of brush, weed and tree. Jet watched as the movements became panicked, frantic in his attempts to find whatever he was searching for. The sound of shifting feet rattled behind him. Jet ducked behind a tree as Wolfe spun on the intruder and attempted some image of bravado. “Ya bring the shit?”

“You got the money?”

He dug in his coat, “Su…su..sure do.”
“Show me.”

He paled when his hand brought out nothing, “I… I don't know why…”

The invisible man snarled and wrapped a beefy fist around his throat. “Where's Cous, fuck-up?”

“Back at one of the cabins entertaining.”

“Ah… he got a new toy, huh?” The grip tightened, “Show me.”

Wolfe made an abnormal wheeze before crumpling to the ground. He stood and rushed back the way he came. The large man followed, at a leisurely pace, several boxes tucked under his arm.

 

Bored and stiff Faye began rummaging around the floor of the small, cramped space. Angie's frantic breathing having stilled to a rhythmic slow. She rolled her eyes, Either she doesn't think these guys'll hurt her or she just doesn't know what to do. She clutched the woman's shoulder and shook roughly. Angie woke with a start, Faye clamping a hand over her mouth to keep her from speaking. Wide hazel eyes scanned the dark space. Faye leaned close, “I'm takin' my hand away, stay quiet. Wolfe or Lihas is still outside…” Both women jerked still when two pairs of feet tromped into the building, a third pair joining them.

Angie blinked, “No. I can't believe they brought…” her head bounced off the wall, Faye's hand held tightly to her mouth.

She slid close, “Keep…”

The door banged dangerously, “Quiet!”

Faye froze, her hand still clamped around Angie's face. Both women blinked.

The door shook again, “Angie keep that chick still or I'll take it out on both of you, got it?!”

Angie blinked, silently begging Faye to let her go. Faye complied. “Wolfe! She got loose!!”

Faye stared at the traitor, before she could process the door ripped open and a large hand wrapped into hair and jerked her back. She slid across the floor and into the furniture. “This…” the voice barked, “THIS is why you forgot the money?!”

Lihas glared at Wolfe who whimpered, “She's trouble, man. Hooked up with some syndicate up and comer.” He glanced at the man, “Same guy that took out Cousin's crew.”

Lihas snorted, “She's been porkin' a cowboy, nothin' more.”

The man ignored Lihas and stepped closer, “No shit?!” He tugged Faye up by her shirt front. He chuckled, “Smart cookie this one.” He gestured to her wrists and ankles. “How long it take you to get out of your restraints girly?”

Faye's lip curl, “Quick enough.”

The man nodded and eased closer, “You ain't syndicate are you?”

Faye remained limp in his grip, her expression daring him to try something.

The man snarled and shook, “Are you?!”

She grinned, “I've already told those two who I'm married to.” She attempted a shrug, “If you don't believe me, I can't force you to change your mind.”

He returned her feet to the floor, caught her jaw and slammed her into the wall. “Listen Sugar. It's strange, I'm connected to several of the top movers and shakers and I ain't never seen you.”

Faye grinned, “Daddy doesn't like to show me around.” She snickered, “I'm his precious princess. He can't have some low level bums like you hittin' on me.”

The man pressed her head tighter into the wall, “So tell me, Princess, who did Daddy think was appropriate?”

“My husband of course.” Faye frowned, “You sure speak well for muscle.” She winced when her head was popped off the wall. “Why didn't Daddy introduce me to you?”

“Quit stallin'.” He snarled. Faye turned from his face, eyes slit, mouth pressed tight. “Bitch.” He caught her arm, “Answer my question!” and shook, tossing her across the room. Faye grimaced when she stumbled over her feet.

 

Spike crept to the cabin, hidden in the shadow of the small cabin, just in time to catch the redhead scream. Unsure what was going on, he inched along the side of the building and peered through the illuminated window. He frowned when he caught a familiar pair of legs tripping towards a nearby wall followed by a large muscular frame. He grinned at her vague retorts and calm façade. He prepared to hop through the window when a large hand clapped onto his shoulder. Jet tugged Spike back, “Hold it. They don't know we know she's missing.” Spike jerked from his grip, “Look I know…” he scowled through the small slat into the room, catching Faye stumble over furniture and onto the floor. The ogre of a human following close behind. “I know you want to help, but she needs to keep on her own for a bit.” Spike scowled and studied what was happening. Jet gave a curt nod, “Trust me. She'll be fine.”

Faye was standing slowly, her nonchalant mask well in place. She grinned, “So what are you, some shitty body guard turned mule?” Jet flinched when a crack sounded through the space. Faye pulled herself upright, a large handprint glowing across her cheek, temple and forehead.

Spike snorted, “How big is that guy?”

“Big.” Jet shook his head, “He made me look tiny.”

Spike grinned, “Huh. Know who he is?”

Both men winced, Faye was still lipping off and easing towards a window. Wolfe guessing her game, stepped behind her. Spike caught the grin, Wolfe caught her foot to his chin momentum sending him out the window. She stood and dusted her hands. “That's one!” She held up a finger, just in case the remaining thugs needed a visual aid.

Jet rolled his eyes, “She's goin' to get herself…” the large man grabbed for her chin, tugging her close. She kicked, cussed and dug at the restraining arm, only to earn a hand clamped around her throat. Both cowboys stilled when she went limp. The monster tossing her to the side like a rag doll. Jet sighed, “Shit.”

George wandered towards the cabin, slipping up the side next to the two cowboys. He grinned and bobbed his head in greeting. “Annette's with the kid and dog, Jet.” He scowled at the crumpled body outside the window, “Who did that?”

Spike grinned, “Faye.”

George whistled, “Impressive.” He smiled at Spike, “Picked a scrapper didn't ya?”

“Hn…”

 

Faye forced her breathing to calm. She'd caught a glimpse of something outside the window. Eyes still shut she listened to the two men discuss plans. Peeking through her lashes she glanced at the window, just catching Jet's head and a tuft of familiar fuzz through the glass. Repressing a smirk she glanced back at the gruesome twosome. Both men nervously discussing what to do; neither concerned over Wolfe outside in a crumpled heap. She frowned when Jet's head disappeared. Spike glanced through the glass, just catching Faye's careful movements. Sensing she was being watched her eyes shifted back towards the window. Spike grinned, the hand print had lost some of its angry red, her lip swollen and cracked, soft bruises forming along her throat. She stilled, glanced at the two bounties and returned to playing possum. Lihas eased close, checking for a pulse. “Good. She ain't dead, Genza.”

“Why you care? She isn't goin' to be your toy.” He turned to study the limp figure, “Drag her over here so I can keep an eye on her.”

Lihas snarled, “I worked damn hard to collect this one.”

“Tough.” Faye remained dead weight, hoping he would grow tired and still. Her arms stung from the rough jerks to force her along the floor. She peeked at the door, Just a few more…

Spike caught her eye and shook his head. He mouthed, “Wait.”

Resisting a face, Faye remained slack and allowed Kevin to continue tugging her across the floor. He dropped her below the large man, who snickered and tapped her with his foot. “Get up, Princess.” She remained still. He stepped dangerously close, “Quit playin' possum or I'll let Cousin here make you and that chubby chick scream.” He barked a rough laugh, “He's been dying to touch you since he found you.” Lihas inhaled sharply. Faye's lip curled, her eyes blinking open. He tugged her to sitting. “Good girl.” Checking her pockets he removed the lighter and drug her to the bathroom. With a satisfied grin, he knocked her feet back and tied her hands around the bottom of the toilet. He snickered at her sprawled across the floor. “You better hope neither of us has to take a piss.” He grinned, “My aim ain't too good after a few hits.” He caught her hair, forcing the bands around her wrist to bite in, “Be a good girl and just lay here.” He slapped more tape across her mouth and returned to the main room, door open so he could watch her. Settling on the couch he groaned, “Where's this husband of hers?”

Lihas shrugged, “She isn't married it's a game.”

“I wouldn't be so sure.” Genza snarled, “I don't trust her. She's too quick to be a pampered syndicate princess.” He rubbed his chin, “Then again she may just have a smarter dad than most.”

Kevin peeked into the darkened bathroom, “Those cowboys she's with treat her well.”

“What makes you think they're cowboys?”

Lihas grinned, “The big guy that showed up today is the one that hauled Jeff in on a narc bust and beat the shit out of Boris and Anthony.”

“So, he could be ISSP.” Chuckle, “Half those guy's pockets are lined with Syndicate cash.”

Lihas's hand reflexively ghosted across his chin, “The skinny guy's the one that knocked three of my teeth out and busted up half my face.” He glared into the darkened restroom, “I should take it out on her. Show her the error of her ways.” He grinned and snickered.

“Not sure you're goin' to get to.” Genza shifted, the couch protesting, “I want to see this fellow up close. From what you say, he fights like he's dealt with difficult folks before and he looks like a fellow I heard some previous contacts talkin' about.” He snorted, “Fellow supposedly blew up the Red Dragons.”

Shrug, “Doesn't mean he's the next in line to another Syndicate.” Lihas gave the bathroom door a wistful look, “And I need to leave princess with a reminder of what happens when you blow me off.” His eyes slit, “Married, syndicate, cowboy or not.”

“You're one sick fuck, you know that?”

“Yup.”

 

Spike watched him drag Faye through the house and grinned, he had a plan. Jet was busy helping George restrain Wolfe. With a sigh, Spike tucked the gun away and marched up the steps. Both men inside froze at the creaks and pops the extra weight added to the structure. “You think it's…” Genza held a finger to his lips, signaled Lihas to the bathroom and eased towards the door. Not needing further instructions the smaller man scurried by Faye, closed the door and perched on the tub. He hissed, “Stay still.” She rolled her eyes at the sound of a hammer cocking. “Or I'll shoot you before we can play.” She pretended to comply, resting her head on the cool tile. Assuming she would behave, he relaxed and awaited further instruction or a prime opportunity.

 

Jet's breath caught. Spike was currently on the porch, casually swiping his card to enter the cabin. He glanced over his shoulder and nodded. With a sigh, Jet eased forwards. Certain he'd play back-up, again. Genza stilled beside the doorjamb and grinned when the knob began to turn. Spike rolled his shoulders, preparing for the punch he was certain would greet him once the door swung open.

He pressed against the weighted wood, “Faye.” She repressed the urge to snicker. “Faye, honey, I'm back.”

Lihas misread her shaking, “Hold still bitch. He'll get his in a min…”

 

WHAM!