“We’re taking back our business,” Jeffco says. “You just gave that big speech to everyone. You know what we’re doing. Why are you even asking?”
“I don’t know,” I mutter. “I just feel like I’ve involved everyone in this when it’s no one else’s problem. My gang is done. I have no home anymore. Why involve you guys too?”
Jeffco socks me in the arm and looks me in the eyes. “You fool,” he says. “We’re all involved in this, and it ain’t your fault, dammit. They killed Ash. They broke the pact. They’re in violation of the rules we set in stone a decade ago.”
Iago speaks up now, taking Jeffco’s stance. “I know I don’t want to go back to how it was back then, before everything became steady. Shit was scary then. You never knew when a petty retaliation would disrupt your gang. Things aren’t perfect now. But they’re better.”
“What are we? The United Nations?” I scoff. “If we’re serious about this fight, we have to admit we can’t go out to battle, yet. We need more people.”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Iago smiles.
“I think I am,” I say, patting his shoulder. “The Hell Squadron?”
He nods. “The Hell Squadron. They’re a bunch of freaks, but they get shit done.”
“Fucking hillbillies is what they are.” I laugh. “You’re right, though. They’ve got enough men to take on a state police squad. You know where they are right now?”
“They’re constantly moving,” Iago says. “I haven’t heard from them in ages. I can send a man out to find them, maybe. Once you’re in their territory, they make themselves known.”
“No,” I shake my head. “I don’t want to risk anyone else’s life. I’ll go by myself. Just tell me where I need to look, and I’ll do it alone.”
“Like hell, you will,” Jeffco starts in. “I’m going with you. I need some excitement in my life. Plus, I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for Andy. He’d have done the same.”
I nod.
Iago grabs my shoulder. “Me too. You’ll need me, anyway. I know this area like the back of my hand. Without me, you’ll get turned around. We need to err on the side of caution. There’s going to be Hunters everywhere.”
“Fuck,” I sigh. “Alright. This is a crew.”
“What about your girl?” Iago asks.
Jeffco chuckles.
“My girl seems just about done with this type of life. I don’t know what she’ll want to do, but I don’t imagine she’ll be too keen on coming with.”
“What the hell are you saying about me?” I hear her voice come after she slams the door open with enough fury to kill a man. “I’m coming with, you dolt.”
“You’re coming?” I ask her, shocked.
“I don’t have a choice, do I?” she asks, holding her hand against her hip.
She looks hot, but she’s pissed as all hell. I don’t know whether to kiss her or run.
“You should stay here, honey,” Jeffco says to her.
She pushes his head and walks toward me.
“I’m not staying alone with all these creeps,” she says. “Fuck that. No way. I’m coming with, but I’ll need a gun.”
“A gun?” Jeffco scoffs. “Hey, just because you got lucky and shot a few guys, doesn’t mean we’re just going to give you a gun.”
I give her one of my pistols, and Jeffco groans loudly.
She says, “I saved your life. It wasn’t luck. Now, if you want me to continue to be a good shot, you’ll set up some bottles and train me to shoot.”
We sit around the table, wide-eyed and on the verge of laughter. It’s not condescending laughter, it’s just that we’re surprised she’s bossing us around like this. This woman from Pennsylvania wants to learn how to shoot a man.
She’s not fiery. She’s ice cold.