Reggie sat patiently as Malik questioned Mercy. His questions ended up being more procedural than she expected, but she was still nervous about how much hot water Mercy had potentially landed herself in. As the rest of the patrol got patched up, they headed over one-by-one to check in on Mercy. Reggie ended up asking Luke to grab Mercy’s shoes, jacket and rifle case that she had left on the ground while she helped evacuate people. When everyone besides Henry had gathered, they began chatting, but Reggie didn’t join in. She was focused on the shotgun shell she was fiddling with in her pocket. 

It had been part of a pair she had made that had a tiny wooden stake instead of buckshot or a slug. Reggie had tested prototype versions many times, making tiny adjustments each iteration until she found the setup that worked. Once she had that sorted, she had some stakes soaked in garlic juice and holy water, in addition to being blessed by an ordained priest she had found in Old Town. Every time she turned the shell over, a new memory from the time her and Henry lived with that wretched woman came rushing back. All the condescension and belittlement. All the abuse for any perceived slights or dissension. All the times she made them provide “entertainment” or “favors” to “earn their keep,” as she loved to call it. And with a final turn of the shell, when the woman threatened to kill her if Henry didn’t snitch on Rico. 

Squeezing the vampire slaying shell tightly, Reggie kept replaying the moment in the hallway in her mind.

Why didn’t I do it? I should’ve just iced that bitch. Of all the people we had to run into, it just had to be Blake fucking Norman. But if I did…

“Reg?” Reggie snapped to attention and turned to Aimee. She had stitches that criss-crossed her face at various points. The entire patrol was staring at her.

“Sorry, whadyu ask?” 

“We were thinking about holding a wake for snakey. You wanna come?” Reggie looked at the poor thing nestled in Sasha’s arms. His bird already seemed to be mourning its fallen comrade as it tenderly rubbed its head against its carcase.

“Maybe. Henry and I probably have to discuss everything that happened with Gerry.” She looked to Mercy, who had managed to sit up again.

“Alright, miss, almost done.” Malik retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and dry coughed into it. “If those guys do show up to press charges, I’ll need a way to reach ya.” He readied his pen. “Can I get a place of address or residence?” Mercy continued to stare at her newly bandaged feet.

“She’s, uh, we’re in the process of getting her into a new place.” Mercy’s eyes slid to Reggie. “You can use the bounty outfit as a point of contact.” Malik studied her. Behind his old, tired eyes was a tenacious hunter. He spun his pin a few times between his fingers, letting what she said linger.

“What about a SIG for direct contact?”

“We’ll get it to you later.” Everyone jumped hearing Henry talk behind them. Reggie saw that Patricia was accompanying him, with a packed suitcase in hand. Henry held out Mercy’s rifle to Malik. “You need this for evidence?” The old dog grinned.

“Naw, sport. Like I told your friends, no charges been pressed.” Henry nodded.

“In the case.” Henry handed the gun to Luke, who almost fumbled it. Malik made his way out of the vehicle and took his hat from Boris, having taken it from Luke while he fidgeted with Mercy’s rifle case. Reggie was surprised as Malik straightened up and stood as tall as Henry. “So, she free to go?” Malik tapped his notepad on Henry’s chest.

“Yeah, but not scot-free.” He pocketed the notepad and pen. “Gonna need to make a file for ‘er and note the misdemeanor.” Malik’s yellow eyes turned to Mercy. “Long as the fellas she shot don’t come around and she doesn’t have a repeat performance, it’ll be water under the bridge.” He warmly placed a hand on Henry’s shoulder and gave him a little shake. “Jus’ keep an eye on ‘er for me?” Henry reached up and patted Malik’s hand a few times.

“Sure thing, Pops.” 

AIMS: THAT’S HIS DAD!!!?

Reggie shook her head as she buried her face in her hand.

ME: no. that’s not his dad

AIMS: Have u met his dad b4?

ME: yeah, sorta

AIMS: what’s he like?

ME: cold

Malik pointed a wrinkled finger at Patricia.

“You’re the miss the legion was chasing?”

“Yeah…” Reggie felt awful for her. Henry had filled her in on what happened before the blockbuster showed up.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to get a statement from ya.”

“I’d like to speak with the bounty hunters first, if that’s okay?” Malik nodded and stepped to the side so Patricia could move closer. She took a few timid steps toward the group. Reggie watched her eyes fall on each of them, lingering on the ones who were more obviously injured. “I…I don’t know why you were all so willing to help me from the start.” She fidgeted with her suitcase handle. “I didn’t offer you any money or favors, and I don’t really know if I can. And I feel terrible that you all got hurt trying to help me.” Aimee tapped Luke on the shoulder as he was putting the rifle back in its case.

“Well, Luke didn’t get hurt, but we can fix that real quick.” Luke’s face scrunched up like he ate a sour lemon.

“Could we not and say we did?” Patricia gave a small smile.

“That’s okay. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt today.” Patricia’s eyes glided to Mercy. “I’m sorry… I put you in danger trying to fight that zebra guy.” She shook her head. “I just… all I could see was red. I got him riled up enough that he was going to kill us if your captain hadn’t stepped in. I’m sorry.” Mercy awkwardly tensed as she sat on the stretcher. 

“Yeah, uh, it’s okay.” She still was having trouble raising her voice. “I…probably would have done the same thing too.” Mercy swiftly picked up the bottle of electrolyte water the medics had given her and began drinking.

“All of you… thank you for your kindness.” Patricia gave a small nod to the group. “Sometimes you forget that people can act this way around here.” Aimee gave a big grin. 

“Well, we’re not the types to leave someone in the lurch.” She motioned to the group. “Right guys?” The rest of the group agreed. Patricia nodded again before turning to Henry.

“Thank you, Henry. You and your team are good folks. I wish you all well.” She held out her hand and Henry firmly shook it.

“Same to you.” Letting go, Patricia followed Malik over to his patrol car. Henry watched her walk away before turning back to the group. His eyes fell on each of them, evaluating their status. “How’s everyone feeling?” They all looked at each other for a bit.

“Nothing a few drinks can’t solve.” Aimee pointed to the dead zodiac. “We’re gonna hold a wake at the bar. Wanna come?”

“Not tonight, sorry. Can’t stay out too late tonight.” Henry’s eyes fell on Mercy. Reggie could tell he was thinking about what to say, but was caught a bit off guard by his next question. “Hungry?”