Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ Degrees of Deceit ( Chapter 57 )

 

Disclaimer: Hmmm... I own my kids (Because I made them) I own my husband, (Because the Marriage License says so) and I own a REALLY big mortgage. (Because I'm stupid and signed on the dotted line.) However I don't own Trigun. (Because if I did, I wouldn't have said mortgage.)

“blah blah” : talking

`blah blah' : thinking

“blah blah” : telepathic talking

blah blah : other misc. stuff.

 

*~*~*

 

Forever Mine

Chapter 57: Degrees of Deceit

 

 

 

“I have the eight men, currently on guard, under my control so they won't be a hindrance,” Knives mentally advised Vash as the two reached the wall surrounding Cruz's estate. “But, I sense another fifteen waking in the bunkhouse,” he continued, while turning so his back faced the barricade and entwined his fingers together in front of him, while leaning slightly forward. An instant later, Vash leaped up, slipping his right foot into the makeshift step just as his twin threw him upward to reach the ledge, grabbing on with his hands. Using the throw's momentum, Vash easily pushed up and off the top of the wall in order to land in a crouching position before leaning over to offer Knives a helping hand. Once Knives reached the top, both Plants quickly surveyed the area before silently hopping down.

 

“I don't sense anyone awake in the manor,” Vash finally commented as the two took off toward the storehouses. “Which one do you think has the artillery stored in it?” he asked a moment later, rushing past the bunkhouse just as the lights flickered on.

 

“The second one…” Knives simply answered and to confirm his statement, he had one of the guards under his control standing outside a smaller side door that sat kitty-corner to a larger automatic door. Reaching the now open entrance, the mesmerized man stood at attention and called Knives his master, prior to telling the two that the weapons were located in a hidden cellar in the far left corner of the warehouse. After following Vash through the opening, the platinum blonde ordered the lackey to close and lock the door behind them before returning to patrol the grounds.

 

“We aren't going to have enough time to get down there and up before the other men come in here,” the golden blonde stated out loud. His brother immediately agreed, as they quickly scanned the area to find a hiding spot. Unfortunately, there wasn't much. The space was primarily empty in preparation for the up and coming harvest. Either they could seek refuge behind burlap bags of feed in the corner straight across from them, or behind a small stack of barrels in the corner opposite the weapons cellar. Their options were slim, that is until Vash glanced up and saw the loft, storing several boxes. “Up there,” he said, while raising his right hand up, pointing toward the perfect refuge.

 

“And there's the ladder,” Knives telepathically indicated, rushing across the open the floor with Vash close behind him. After climbing the ladder, both men snuck behind the crates and sat with their backs leaning against them. “To not draw suspicion, I have relinquished my hold on the Cruz's subordinates for the time being,” he informed Vash before adding, “We have about a thirty minute wait, so let's go over the plan one more time.”

 

“All right,” Vash quietly replied as he bent his legs and loosely draped his arms over his knees. Since communicating with Meryl over eight hours ago, time seemed to move too slowly for the ex-outlaw as his apprehension for the morning's arrival heightened. He was still deeply afraid for Meryl's safety and knew that there weren't any guarantees. She could still be injured or worse before he got her to safety. And if the plan didn't require her to stay put then Vash would have already had her securely tucked away in the truck. Unfortunately, rescuing his short-girl wasn't their only mission; they also needed to take Arturo Cruz down. And in order to do so, they needed to catch him completely unaware, which meant giving the crime lord the illusion that he had the upper hand.

 

“Vash, this Cruz fellow is too cocky to think that Walker is deceiving him,” Knives pointed out, yet again feeling the trepidation running through his twin. Vash's unease was the last thing they needed right now. “He has no idea we are here, so your anxiety over the improbable isn't necessary. You need to focus!”

 

“That's easy for you to say, red is back in Inepril City,” the ex-outlaw mentally bit out, while glaring at his brother. “If she were in that house, you would have already gotten her out!”

 

He had a point.

 

If McKenna had been taken, Knives would have driven the truck right through the front gates and rushed into the house with no regard for anybody who got in his way. “You are right,” he sighed, while scratching his head. Given the situation, Vash was showing an incredible amount of control. But, his brother still needed to concentrate on the on the task at hand or else something could go wrong. “I would have already gotten her out and I commend you on your restraint, but remember, in order for our plan to work flawlessly we all need to focus.”

 

“I know…” Vash whispered out loud before taking a deep breath. Raising his gloved hands to his face, he rubbed in frustration before telepathically saying, “And I will try…”

 

“Good…” Knives declared as he felt Cruz's men approach the building. “Here they come,” he absently said, though already knowing Vash felt them, too. Glancing around the stack of boxes he watched as the side door on the ground floor opened and shadowy figures entered the open space. Then as the lights flickered on, he turned back around and added, “After they leave, we will head down to set our surprise.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Once that's set up, I'll help you get into position then I'll stay in here until Walker contacts us,” Knives told Vash before adding, “Also, from time to time enter some of the guard's minds to verify that their plans haven't changed and once the household wakes, we should enter theirs as well.”

 

“Gotcha.”

 

“Now… once he's inside, remember, he will contact you when it's time for you to join him. So, do not go in early or else we may not get the evidence,” Knives reiterated for about the twentieth time. He didn't want Vash to jump the gun and ruin their chances of getting a confession of Cruz's transgressions. “And are you absolutely certain he knows how to set your digital audio player to record?”

 

“Yes, Knives,” Vash replied in annoyance with a roll of his eyes. It wasn't rocket science to hit record on the little music player. “And it will record up to twelve hours and it's fully charged,” he then said, knowing Knives was going to ask those questions next.

 

“All right,” he continued, ignoring his brother's exasperation before saying, “Now… once you are in, I'll blow the armory and take care of the minions outside, while you and Walker worry about everyone inside. Does that appeal to you?”

 

“Along as Keele is inside then… yes,” the red clad man exclaimed as a malevolent grin made his eyes spark dangerously.

 

“If he isn't, then I'll save him for you,” Knives promised with a matching smile.

 

“Good!”

 

“One more thing,” the platinum blonde added.

 

“What's that, Knives?”

 

“This will be over in just a few hours with Cruz and Keele being thoroughly punished for their iniquitous activities.”

 

“Yeah, I know,” Vash replied, still smiling until a thought crossed his mind. Turning stern, he told his brother, “Just no killing, remember.”

 

“Maybe I should advise you of the same thing…”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

The twin suns slowly rose in the east signaling that dawn was upon them. With nervous knots tightening in her stomach, Meryl stood on her balcony and watched as the twinkling stars and the crisp midnight blue of the night sky faded away to softer violets, mauves and ginger. The sky was truly a beautiful sight to behold and if it signaled the start of any other day, the raven-haired beauty would have reveled in the splendor of it all. However, it wasn't and at any time the somewhat peaceful morning would be interrupted by the echoing ring of gunfire.

 

As promised, Vash had contacted her about thirty minutes ago to not only update her on what they had planned, but also to give her the added reassurance that he was even closer to her than he was the night before. So close in fact, the gunman told his short-girl that if she were to step out on the balcony, he would be able to see her lovely eyes turn lavender every time he told her how damn sexy she looked. It took Meryl all of about two seconds to throw the covers off and bound out of bed, while grabbing the satin robe that matched her nightgown prior to stepping out onto the terrace. Vash just chuckled over her enthusiasm while telling her that he loved her and that they would be together again shortly. Then he said that he needed to get into position before severing their connection.

 

“It's almost time…” she muttered to herself, while turning her attention down to the grounds below so she could watch as Cruz's men waited for Caden's arrival. She had seen at least twenty men so far and had a feeling that there would be more showing up throughout the day. `That must be why they chose dawn,' she mused, comprehending exactly why they chose to act at such an early hour, the fewer opponents, the better.

 

Then she felt a change in the air, which instantly brought her out of her reverie just as the sunrise burst into vibrant oranges, reds and fuchsias. Caden had arrived, triggering the start of the confrontation and, hopefully, Arturo Cruz's downfall. A few moments later, Meryl heard the distinct sound of shots being fired and intently watched as men below went racing to the front of the manor. Expecting to hear more, the petite woman gripped the wrought iron railing and tightly shut her eyes. However, instead of hearing a melee of gunfire, she heard the distinct voice of Bardeaux Keele calling out to the Bringer of Chaos, inviting him inside.

 

“Here we go,” Meryl said on the exhale of a deep breath, while mentally preparing for what the next hour should bring. Opening her eyes, she turned and left the balcony, moving to sit on the edge of her bed. Since Keele met Caden outside, then most likely that meant Cruz, himself, would be escorting her down to the designated meeting place. And sure enough, a few minutes later, the clicking sound of the door unlocking got her attention, right before it opened revealing the Mayor of Espoera.

 

“Ahhh… good you're awake,” Arturo said, while smiling widely at the raven-haired woman.

 

“How could I not be,” she muttered snidely as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Especially with all of the racket going on outside!”

 

“Well, my sweet, you will want to thank your newest assignment for that one,” he calmly replied, while stepping up to Meryl to offer her his hand. “Shall we be going? I am most certain you would like to see him one last time before he dies!”

 

“You can't kill him!” she cried out desperately, rising to her feet without his offered assistance and clenching her fists at her sides.

 

“Oh, but I most assuredly can!” he exclaimed with a sinister laugh as his eyes dilated at the mere thought of inflicting horrendous pain on the Bringer of Chaos before ripping his throat out. “I have waited too long to not kill him!” Cruz added, as his laughter died and he focused back in on the stunning beauty before him. Then a thought occurred to the maniacal man. Caden Walker would become completely desolate if he knew that his most hated enemy not only had his brother killed, but also took away his woman. `Maybe I will let Walker live for the time being,' he thought, while tapping his right index finger on his pursed lips.

 

“You have no right!” Meryl seethed, instantly bringing him out of his contemplations.

 

“Actually, I do,” Arturo coldly replied as a lecherous grin crossed his features. Stepping closer to the livid woman before him, he added, “The Bringer of Chaos is a wanted criminal and it is my job as the Mayor of Espoera to make sure he gets taken down!”

 

“You bastard! The only reason Caden is a criminal is because you had his brother's death pinned on him,” she fumed before instantly swinging an open palm with the intent to slap him across the face. However, before it connected he grabbed her wrist, mid-swing and wrenched her arm around to her back, while pulling her flush against him.

 

“I bet you are a regular whirlwind in between the sheets,” he muttered quietly, while licking his lips at the thought of pounding himself relentlessly into her tiny frame. There was something about this enticing woman that made him want her with a maddening desperation, but Arturo wasn't sure what it was. Normally, members of the opposite sex were objects used to sate his lust, nothing more, but Meryl was different. She was like an insatiable hunger gnawing at the very core of a man's desires, making him feel empty, while craving more. Upon that realization, he decided that it would be worth it to let Walker live, if she agreed to be his. “I will make you a deal, Miss Stryfe,” Arturo said, making the woman in his arms go rigid. “I will let Walker live on one condition…”

 

“And what's that?” Meryl asked suspiciously as a cold shiver ran down her spine.

 

“You become my wife,” he declared before adding, “Like I said before, you would make the perfect politician's wife.”

 

“Are you insane!” she screeched, while trying to break free of his hold, which only prompted Cruz to pull her arm upward making her cry out pain.

 

“Hardly,” he enlightened the agitated woman with short bark of laughter before going on, “Though… they do say there is a fine line between ingenuity and insanity!” Then loosening his hold to alleviate the pain he was inflicting on his future bride, he looked into her stormy eyes and said, “You see, I know that you and Walker are more than just acquaintances…”

 

“What do you mean by that?” she ground out, cutting Arturo off as her eyes narrowed.

 

“My men saw the exhibition between the two of you at the whore house in Inepril City,” Cruz simply answered. “So, I know Walker had staked a claim on your delicious looking body and it would tear him apart knowing that I had taken something else away from him. Besides, with having such political aspirations, I need a strong woman by my side.”

 

“I will never agree to be your wife!”

 

“Even if it meant the lives of your partner, Milly Thompson and that other woman?” he inquired as a wicked grin returned to his lips. He knew he had her. “I already have men watching them and all I need to do is send the order.”

 

“You wouldn't!”

 

“Wouldn't I? You should already know whenever I want something I get it, no matter what the means are.”

 

“But…”

 

“No buts, Meryl,” Arturo interrupted before logically saying, “Only you can spare their lives and remember… once they are dead, I will make you mine anyway. Except you will be my whore instead of my spouse.”

 

Looking down, Meryl closed her eyes while taking a shaky breath, pretending defeat. She had to make it look like she had no other option or else Cruz would become wary that something else was afoot. She just hoped she made herself convincing enough to keep up the charade. “All right,” she finally whispered after taking another breath. Then with tears in her eyes, she looked up and quietly added, “I will agree to marry you if you let them all live.”

 

“That is excellent news, my sweet,” he victoriously announced as he started to pull her out of the room.

 

“Wait! Can't I at least change first?” Meryl squeaked out, while glancing down at her delicate nightgown and robe. She didn't even have any slippers on.

 

“Oh no… we can't let Walker wait, especially since we have to share our wonderful news with him,” he exclaimed, leading her through the door and toward the stairs.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

The speeding jeep slowed as the driver spotted the sandstone wall less than an ile ahead. The Bringer of Chaos was close, only a moment away from his destination and brought a finish to the altercation that had begun almost three years ago. He just wished his brother could have been by his side, instead of missing and presumed dead. Regan would have thoroughly enjoyed kicking Arturo Cruz's ass.

 

At least he had two very capable men, no, Plants on his side that had just as much reason to taking the bastard down he did. Caden was positive that Cruz wouldn't even know what hit him, especially after receiving confirmation from Knives just a few minutes before. The entire compound was oblivious to the presence of the twins, and just as predicted, they weren't truly expecting him to arrive until later in the day. So, the amount of men currently watching the premises was minimal, under twenty-five out side of the main house and only five more inside.

 

“This should be fun,” said Caden, a faint smile playing across his face as he slammed on the brakes. When the vehicle came to a grinding halt, Caden sharply turned the steering wheel, instantly spinning it ninety degrees before stopping the vehicle just a few feel directly in front of the main gates. Loose sand and gravel flew violently into the air, creating an impromptu smoke screen, and by the time the particles settled, he had already scaled the wrought iron entrance and was standing on the inside of the compound.

 

Adjusting his Stetson, the outlaw let his ponytail fall down his back and took a step toward the home's front door. Instantly, he heard the sound of safeties unlocking right before one of the guards shouted at him, advising that he had better not move a muscle our they would fill his long and lanky form full of lead. Stealing a quick glance, Caden noted that two men were flanking him on either side before deciding to completely ignore the warning. In a blur of motion, he went for his shoulder holsters, swiftly pulled out his nine millimeter glocks and squeezed off four shots in the matter of seconds, easily disarming the first volley from the men.

 

Then without out another glance toward them, he started to walk again, while keeping his guns out in preparation for the next round. The very next moment, another twenty or so men surrounded him with a wide variety of semiautomatic weapons pointing at him. “I hope your observations were correct, Knives,” he telepathically muttered to the Plant in hiding, knowing that things could get ugly if he wasn't. Knives reply was a short bark of laughter before he stated that his observations were never wrong. Then as if to prove his point the front doors opened, revealing Bardeaux Keele and his flunkey, Snider.

 

“Why it's the Bringer of Chaos!” Bardeaux yelled out as he stepped down the sandstone steps with Snider following close behind. “Now, Walker there really is no need to start such a ruckus, you are an invited guest after all! So, please, do come in.”

 

“Bull shit!” Caden roared, pointing one of his guns towards Keele's chest. “Where's Meryl?!”

 

“Ahhh… the lovely Miss Stryfe, Arturo is waking her as we speak,” he replied, smiling broadly. “If we would have known you were coming so early then we would have already awakened her.”

 

“Just get her out here so we can get this over with, damn it!”

 

“Miss your woman that much, Walker?” the ex-Bernardelli employee asked before deciding to prod the outlaw. “Though, I can see why you would. She has a soft supple body that any man would love to bury himself in, especially with the way her eyes flash during a heated encounter.”

 

“You bastard! I swear if you harmed her in any way I'll kill you!” Chaos seethed, while training his other gun at Keele's head.

 

“Now, now, there's no need for that. I was referring to the way her eyes sparkle when she's arguing with someone,” Bardeaux chuckled as he raised his left hand, signaling for his armed men to ready their weapons. Then as the clicking sounds of safeties being released echoed through the air, he added, “Now, why don't you make this easy on all of us and come inside where we can negotiate peacefully.”

 

“Do you honestly think I'm stupid enough to just stroll in there?” Caden asked incredulously. “I know perfectly well, you aren't just going to let Meryl and me leave once I give you the map.”

 

“Then if that's your choice, so be it. But, Miss Stryfe will not be joining us out in the courtyard. If you want her back so badly, then you will have to enter the house,” Keele informed Caden before a dangerous gleam entered his eyes. “Besides, all I have to do is give the order and my men will open fire. Then I could just take the map off of your dead body. So think about it, I would say you have a much better chance inside.”

 

Caden just stood there `contemplating' what he should do next, though entering the house was exactly what he wanted. “Fine,” he finally ground out, while lowering his guns to his sides.

 

With the uncovered half of his face showing a broad smile, Keele ordered Snider to take Walker's guns and to frisk him. The blonde man nodded before walking up to the taller man. After patting him down, he found only six loaded magazines of ammo in the outlaw's coat pockets along with a buck knife. Quickly pocketing the items, Snider gestured with Caden's own guns in an ushering motion toward Bardeaux before the three entered the house. Veering left, they briskly walked through the massive foyer, toward the long hallway that led to Arturo's study. Once there, two other armed men, both, big, bald and ugly, moved to stand on either side of the outlaw, dwarfing him with their sheer size.

 

“Orn, Olaf,” Caden muttered with a slight nod of his head. He remembered the brothers from his stint as being deputy sheriff. They were dumber than a box of rocks, thanks to their chemical alterations, but they could fight with such cunning and prowess that brainpower wasn't needed. “So have you two gotten, shorter?” he asked, while actually looking up to the men, something he rarely had to do.

 

“Glad to see you still have that peculiar wit of yours,” Keele muttered before nodding to the two mountains called men.

 

In response to the visual order, Orn quickly turned and seized Caden's arms by the elbows, right before Olaf sent his right fist flying into the outlaw's midsection. With an `oof,' his shoulders instinctively hunched over, his body protectively doubling over from the cringing pain shooting through his solar plexus, leaving him gasping for air. Then before he could even attempt to take a breath, another punch was delivered to his midsection, immediately followed by a third connecting strike to his jaw causing his head to snap back from the force of the blow. Then the next thing he knew, Caden heard Meryl's voice cry out.

 

“No… Stop!” She shouted upon walking into Cruz's study and seeing one of two hulking men holding Caden up while the other prepared to deliver yet another blow. Wrenching away from Arturo's hold, she ran over to the three just as the brothers stepped back, letting Walker fall to his knees. “Are you okay, Caden?” Meryl asked worriedly after reaching Caden and kneeling before him to place her delicate hands on his slumped shoulders.

 

“I'll be okay, in a minute,” he croaked hoarsely, trying to catch his breath. “Damn he hits hard.”

 

“Yeah, I bet he does,” she whispered, moving her left hand from his shoulder and lightly touching the discoloration on his already swelling cheek. Giving the abused flesh a light stroke, she gave him a reassuring smile before asking if he was ready to stand. Caden responded with a short nod before standing without assistance. “You're going to have quite a bruise, too,” she said, while standing as well.

 

“So Walker… just how have you been?” Cruz asked, finally walking into the room to stand a few feel in front of Caden and Meryl.

 

“Quit the formalities you bastard,” Walker sneered as he pierced the shorter man with a withering glare. “I know damn well you don't give a fuck.”

 

“Oh Caden or should I say `Chaos'?” he chuckled, while shaking his head before replying, “You really should watch your language when such a lovely lady is present. But you are absolutely right; I really don't give a fuck.” Then with a matching glare, Arturo added, “Where's the map?”

 

“Don't worry, I have it.”

 

“And again I ask… where is the map?” Cruz bit out, losing his patience.

 

“If I give you the map, you will let us walk out of here, correct?”

 

“If that is what you want to do…” he sighed dramatically, while crossing his arms over his chest.

 

Caden just stood there staring at Cruz again `contemplating' on whether or not he should simply hand it over to the crime boss. Then he felt Meryl's delicate hands on his arm. Looking down to the petite woman, he saw the silent plea in her eyes before she quietly spoke, beseeching him to simply hand the map over so he could walk away. `Man she's good,' he thought, captivated by her brilliant performance. Taking a deep breath, he brought his attention back to his nemesis and finally muttered, “The map is in my inside coat pocket.”

 

“Snider,” Cruz called, prompting his little subordinate to scurry up to him. “Get the map,” he ordered. The blonde man instantly obeyed by walking up to Chaos and reaching into the outlaw's inside coat pocket. Coming up short, he tried the other side and a moment later pulled out a small flat leather satchel. Moving over to his boss's side, Snider handed it over before returning to stand in the background by the study's entrance. With the package now in hand, Arturo immediately untied the strings and pulled out a slightly worn piece of beige paper.

 

“Ahhh… very good,” he muttered, while skimming over the markings. A moment later, he placed the map back in its case and stepped over to his desk to set it down. Turning around, he brought his attention to Caden and smiled broadly. “Since I am a man of my word, you may go, Walker.”

 

“Let's go Meryl,” Caden said, not wasting any time in reaching for the short-girl's hand.

 

“I can't…” she whispered, pulling away from his extended hand.

 

“What do you mean you can't?” he asked in confusion, giving the petite beauty a funny look. This wasn't part of the plan.

 

“She means that she has decided to stay here with me,” Cruz said with smirk before grabbing Meryl and wrapping his right arm securely around her tiny waist.

 

“Come again?” Caden this time asked, seeking clarification. He didn't like this kink in the plan one bit. Meryl was supposed to completely out of harm's way before he started his interrogation. “Meryl, what is he talking about?”

 

“I mean that I have the most wonderful news, Walker,” Cruz exclaimed instead of letting Meryl talk, while turning his smirk into a Cheshire like grin. He was going too\ thoroughly enjoy watching as the crushing rejection sets in. “Meryl has agreed to stay with me to become my wife. Didn't you, my sweet?” he added, while lowering his head to nuzzle into her raven hair.

 

“What?” Caden roared in disbelief before staring intently at Meryl. Something definitely wasn't right and he had a feeling that Cruz had somehow threatened the petite woman, especially given how distressed she looked right then. Closing his eyes, the outlaw muttered a curse under his breath. There was no preventing it, Meryl was now added into the equation of the ensuing fight and he needed to alter his plan of attack to get the confession from Cruz. `Well, if he thinks I'm the jilted boyfriend, I might as well act like one,' he thought before opening his emerald eyes to show the `pain of rejection' within their depths. “Meryl, baby, please tell me it's not true!” he breathed dejectedly.

 

“I'm sorry, Caden…” she murmured softly, with true sadness in her tone.

 

“But why?” he whispered. “I don't understand…”

 

“Isn't it obvious?” Arturo asserted as bluntly before smugly announcing. “You have nothing to offer her, while I have everything! You are a despicable and dirty outlaw that deserves nothing more than to be punished for the crimes you've committed!”

 

“You son of a bitch!” Caden seethed through gritted as he clenched his fists at his sides and pinned his flaming gaze on Arturo. “The only reason I'm an outlaw is because of you! You're the one who started this and all because of a damn piece of paper!”

 

“A piece of paper that will guarantee the advancement of my political career,” he stated obviously. “You and Regan should have handed the map over three years ago and joined me. Then you wouldn't have lost your brother back then and now today, your woman!”

 

“How could you have done that to us… to Regan?” Caden asked, not understanding how the man before him could truly slice the bonds of friendship and order his brother's death. “He was your friend!”

 

“Quite simple… he crossed me just like you did,” Cruz spat out as he handed Meryl off to Bardeaux and stepped up to stand directly in front of Caden. “Only you are going to get off easy compared to him. That is, if you leave right now! If not… then I will have to get violent.”

 

“He isn't dead, you know,” the outlaw remarked, not backing down. “Your second in command, Bardeaux Keele, didn't kill my brother like he told you he did, Arturo Cruz.”

 

“Not that again. Snider told me that you were sputtering such nonsense,” the Mayor laughed before callously adding, “But I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Regan is dead! Bardeaux cornered him at the New Moher Cliffs and shot him in the chest. Then he and his men watched as your brother fell over the edge.”

 

“And by your command…”

 

“Of course,” he said high-handedly. “They don't do anything unless I say so!”

 

Gotcha…