InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Double or Nothing: Take the Money & Run ❯ Plum Broke ( Chapter 1 )

Double or Nothing: Take the Money & Run

This is a play on Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series but not a crossover. Alt universe. Kagome/Inu ,Kagome/Koga.

 

Kagome's life is in shambles. She just lost another temp job, she's about to be evicted from her crappy studio apartment and the only food left in her kitchen is hedgehog kibble and it's starting to appeal to her. Out of desperation for adventure and money (but mostly money) she signs on as a bounty hunter in training. Her first assignment, the one she has to get right in order to get paid and keep this job, locate and capture her old high school flame Inuyasha. He's an ex-cop on the bad side of the law and on the run. So who knows what will happen but everyone who has read an Evanovich book already knows that Kagome's car is probably going to get blown up. Allot.

 

Disclaimer: I own no part of the Plum series or Inuyasha `cause if I did I would have better things to do than write this. Well actually I do have better things to do but here I am anyway. *shrugs*

 

Chapter One: Plum Broke

 

_-_-_-_-_-_

Reading, Pennsylvania USA 2005:

 

 

Kagome stood on Fifth Street outside the tiny dilapidated, brick building. The awning was falling down and weeds grew where there used to be flowers. This was it. Shikon Bail & Bonds was run by her half uncle Myoga. He was gruff, rude and all around foul but he needed a secretary and to be blunt she needed a paycheck.

 

She could barely see through the grime that had accumulated on the glass door over the twenty years Myoga had run the bonds business. This is a new low. There has got to be something else, a job I haven't tried or a want ad I've just plain overlooked.

 

Kagome opened her purse and pulled out the eviction notice she found on her door earlier that morning.

 

Ms. Higurashi, we regret to inform you that your rent is eight weeks past due. You have one week to remit the amount of $1000, which is only part of what you owe, or we will be forced to drill your locks and evict you. Have a nice day.

Management.

 

She sighed and shoved the paper back into her purse. Myoga's my uncle, maybe he'll hire me and give me an advance. I can always try to blackmail him. I did see him leaning out of his car talking to that woman he told his wife he doesn't see anymore…

 

Blackmail. It was an ugly word and even lower than being so desperate that she was here to beg Myoga for a job. But then at this point what did she have to lose? Her apartment was bare. She could see the spots on the carpet where her furniture had sat before she was forced to sell it. She'd asked Bartleby her pet hedgehog to get a job but so far he was holding out on her.

One more week and Kagome and Bartles would be living out of her '85 Mazda 323. That thought was all the motivation she needed to push open the door.

 

The tiny office was only slightly less filthy then the outside of the building. There were two desks and Myoga sat at one with his feet propped up on the desktop. A cigarette dangled between his fat lips and he frowned upon recognizing her.

 

“What are ya doing here girlie? Does your mom want me to come round for Sunday dinner?” He spat as he spoke.

 

Kagome coughed and squinted at him through the cloud of unfiltered cigarette smoke. “No, I heard you needed someone to do the filing.” She looked down at her last pair of good shoes. “And I really need a job.”

 

He smirked. “The telemarketer business didn't work out for ya then?”

 

She shook her head. “No we were laid off after they were sued for unethical credit card practices.”

 

He clicked his tongue. “That is so sad. But I've already found a file gal.” The office was empty.

 

Kagome looked around, “Then where is she?”

 

He grinned, “Out getting my lunch. Her name's Kagura and I hired her this morning.”

 

Kagome sighed, “She was wearing a short skirt wasn't she?” As if she really had to ask.

He cackled, “The shortest. And she's feisty. She's only worked here four hours and she's already told me to go to hell six times. But I think I'm wearing her down.” He pulled up his cigarette and smacked his lips for emphasis.

 

I should have known. Kagome replied sarcastically, “Yeah well good luck with that.” She turned to leave but paused. “Are you sure there isn't any other jobs around here I could do? I hate to ask but…” Unemployment was no longer an option and neither was her dignity.

 

He gestured with his thumb to a bulletin board that over flowed with outstanding warrants and bond notices. “My regular guy is out, he's laid out in the hospital on his back with three broken ribs, a busted arm and ripped spleen. How the hell do you rip your spleen for Christ sakes! Anyway Koga's my main man but he's not helping me this week and I need someone to pick up the slack.” Myoga gave a wicked grin and looked pointedly at her tight sweater.

 

Kagome pulled her jacket shut over her sweater. You're my freaking uncle, Jeezus!

 

He continued unfettered “But you don't seem the type for bounty work so I guess I'll just have to disappoint ya today.”

 

Kagome was thoughtful. “How much do you bring in on a capture?”

 

“Ten percent of the bond, I've got this one guy, he's an ex-cop and red hot. His bond is $100K big ones. So whoever nabs him will earn a sweet $10,000.”

 

Kagome's desperation surfaced and the thought of ten thousand dollars was just too much to pass up. She could pay her rent; then get her TV, VCR and vacuum cleaner out of pawn. Hell she could have the radio in the Mazda fixed and a savings account. All her problems would be solved.

 

“I'll get him for you. Who is it?”

 

Myoga's jaw dropped and his eyes filled with absolute fear. “Kagome honey, your mama would kill me. I was only kidding. I'm sure I can find ya something else. I heard Vinnie down the street needs a girl to pose on his car for the calendar shoot next week…”

 

Kagome bit her lip and strengthened her resolve. “I need money now, next week is too late. Besides Vinnie is a perv.”

 

“Ya can't do this. I won't let ya. I've got a reputation in this family to protect.”

 

“Why can't I? Because I'm a woman?”

 

Myoga chocked on his own smoke. “Partly but mostly cause you'll be killed.”

 

She cocked her head and swung her long hair over her shoulder. “So what you're saying is…no.”

 

“Make that a hell no!”

 

“Okay, fair enough. Does Shika know you've been seeing that blonde bimbo again?” Kagome studied her purse casually as she spoke. “I was under the impression you promised Shika you wouldn't cheat anymore, something about this is your last chance before she ruins you in divorce court.” It was a well known fact that Shika would take him for every thin dime if they ever hit divorce court. That and Myoga actually like his wife, though sometimes it was hard to tell.

 

Myoga nearly swallowed his own tongue. “Kagome you're a good girl. You'd never do that to me!'

 

She leaned over the short man's desk and pressed her index finger into the top of his prematurely balding head. “Uncle I need money and if I don't get it then I have to move back in with my parents and Grandma Kaede. I'm 27 and you know my mom. It wouldn't be pretty. Give me the job.”

 

He stood up and shook his arms. “Fine, whatever be that way. But don't blame me when you end up dead.” One way or the other this girl was gonna be the death of him.

 

Kagome smiled. Sweet mother victory was hers. “Great! So who is this $100K guy anyway?”

 

Myoga's manner turned all business and he pulled a flyer from the board. His shoes were thinner than cardboard and squeaked as he walked.

 

“He was a good cop till last month. He shot another cop and the guy died, there were witnesses and everything. Looks like he might have been involved in a drug ring or something but the funny thing is he was clean. They took a hair sample and he had no traces of any illegal substances. Fact is had he just sat tight at home like I told him, then he would've gone to trial and probably been let off on a technicality. But no, our boy behaves himself for one week then makes a break for it. The system really hates a cop killer, even if the guy was a cop himself. I've got to get him back or my name is m-u-d.” He pressed out his cigarette on his desk and paused to light the next one.

 

Kagome was taken aback. This might be harder than she first thought. But who cares cause I need the money. “Okay so who is it?”

 

Myoga pushed the flier across the desk and she instantly recognized the picture. The man in the black and white photo wore an indifferent, kiss my ass expression on his lips. His hair was long despite the police dress code and two perky dog ears protruded from the top of his head.

 

“He's a hanyou which only makes him more dangerous. Are you sure you're up to the challenge?”

 

Kagome held the picture up. “I'll do whatever it takes.”

 

Inuyasha. Kagome shrugged as she read his stats.

 

She folded the paper and stuffed it into her purse. “So do I get a gun now or what?”

 

Myoga reached under his desk and produced a bottle of Pepto Bismol. He unscrewed the cap, lifted the pink bottle up and drank deeply. The chalky pink taste was oddly soothing. “I guess so, but gimme a moment first.”

 

He sat the bottle on his desk and grabbed the phone. He hit speed dial.

 

“Hey man its Myoga.”

 

Kagome didn't hear a response from the other end but his crestfallen expression indicated the person on the other end of the line was not happy.

 

“Yeah, yeah I know. No more jobs until that is settled. But Koga I need ya for something else.”

 

“Look man, I know I left your ass in that Myrtle Beach jail cell last month and I'm still very sorry. I thought your concealed weapon permit was still valid.”

 

Myoga pales and began to drum his fingers on the desktop.

 

“It's cool I promise I'll make it to ya somehow. I just got me a new gal and I need you to take her out and show her the ropes.”

 

“No she's not doing the files she here for the bounty…Whatcha talking about, of course she is. She's my niece after all.”

 

“Really? Then five pm at Rogers it is. She'll be there. And thanks man, I owe ya one.”

 

“Okay I owe ya another one.” Myoga disconnected then slammed the phone down on its receiver. He sighed, “He's gonna give me an ulcer.”

 

“So? What's up?” Kagome shifted her weight from one foot to the other knowing she'd already won.

 

“Koga that what's going on.” He stuck a thick finger in her face. “I can't give you a weapon when I know you can't shoot. He's gonna meet you at The Gallery's Shooting Range out on Perkiomen Ave to teach you some basic techniques. Don't be late.”

 

Kagome nodded. “I won't”

 

Myoga walked to the closet and pulled out beaten up old box. “You're gonna need a few other things too.” He tossed her a pair of handcuffs complete with key and a huge can of pepper spray.”

 

Kagome held up the cuffs. Nifty!

 

“Kagome…I'm begging ya here. Don't go after Inuyasha till after you've met with Koga. He's the best in the business and his advice just might save your ass.” His black bead eyes were sincere but then he was still probably more worried about his own ass than hers.

 

“Okay…but don't I get a badge or something?”

 

He rolled his eyes and pulled out a form and scribbled on it.

“Here this proves you are legally a bounty hunter. Now track him down but don't forget, don't confront him until after you've met with Koga or ya'll get yourself killed.”

 

 

_-_-_-_-_-_-_

 

Kagome left the office and strode to her car filled with a new found sense of purpose. She already loved her new job. Not only would she be able to make her own hours, she could get some fast cash too. The parking meter was expired, well to be perfectly honest it had been expired when she parked the car and now a crisp white ticket lay across her windshield. Just perfect.

 

Kagome added the ticket to the growing collection in her glove box and let her mind wander to more interesting topics.

 

Inuyasha…This was going to be a cake walk and boy did she love cake. Kagome knew Inuyasha… intimately. He grew up only a few streets down from her in the slightly run down historic district of Reading. She remembered watching him and his dangerous half brother Sesshomaru race their cars down her street late at night after the cops stopped answering calls.

 

One day during the later part of her senior year in high school Inuyasha showed up at her house asking to use the phone. Kagome knew better than to let him in but those golden eyes and sexy confident swagger of his won her over and she opened the door.

 

It started with a phone call and ended with stealing some of her father's precious Yuengling lager. They sat behind her garage and drank the dark forbidden beer. Kagome didn't like it but was impressed that Inuyasha seemed experienced with such things.

 

Talking soon led to kissing. Kissing led to a wonderful groping session. Eventually, he got his hand up her skirt and forever changed her view of the world. Afterwards he acted as though she never existed and Kagome was reminded of every paranoid warning her mother had given about `those horrible, good for nothing' Inu boys

 

 

Six months later while she was still grieving the loss of her virginity and her dignity, Inuyasha had the unfortunate luck to step in front of her moving car. Kagome hit the gas petal and bounced him off the front hood of her mother's old sedan. He flew over the hood and landed bruised but alive on the pavement.

 

Lucky for her, the last thing he needed was to be found by the police as he was already on their watch list. Saved by his hanyou reflexes he stood up to curse her and then when he recognized who she was he turned and fled across Penn Ave. Somehow she wasn't surprised that none of the bystanders had bothered reporting the incident. Vinnie repaired the dent and her mother never found out.

 

So it stood to reason if he was so easily hit once that catching him now shouldn't be a big deal. Of course he did do a complete U turn in his life and graduated from the police academy. But can a Hanyou really change his stripes? Not likely.