It Had to Be Done
By Joan Powers
A/N: I was surprised by Gus' actions in the "Fargo" finale. This story attempts to determine his state of mind. I'd love to know if I've captured his voice in this piece.
Rating: PG/K
Timeline: post season finale
Summary: Why did Gus go after Malvo on his own?
People been lookin' at me differently these days. Like I'm somebody special. Folks go out of their way to talk to me, callin' me some sort of hero. Pattin' me on the back. Givin' me free food and drinks. There's even talk that the force is gonna give me some citation for bravery.
When they say this stuff, I feel like lookin' over my shoulder for some other guy, 'cause I dunno who they're talkin' 'bout.
I'm not that man.
Never was.
I was never cut out for police work.
What I did had nothin' to do with being brave - doncha know?
Lorne Malvo was bad news. I felt it in my bones the minute I pulled him over at that traffic stop. He was pure evil.
No matter how much Molly and I tried, we couldn't get his Duluth arrest to stick. I remember that look in his eyes when he left police custody. He and I both knew that he'd gotten away with somethin'. He was darin' me to prove it.
Then I found out he was back, here in Bemidji.
I couldn't live with it, knowin' he was so close. In my town, near the ones I loved.
Sure, Molly was getting closer and closer to catchin' him. She's a hard worker and I had no doubts that she'd do it. What I did had nothin' to do with my faith in her. I knew their paths would cross. Soon. And that Malvo never played by the rules.
I couldn't have that. He was a wild animal. I couldn't take that chance.
When I saw him in that flashy red car, I felt sick. I grabbed my phone to call Molly. Then it came to me – quick as a flash. I was scared out of my mind but I felt an odd peace too. I knew what had to be done. Ihad to end it. And I had to do it myself. I had to protect Molly and my family. I wasn't about to lose another person that I loved.
It was the only way.
I dunno if I can accept any kind of award.
It wasn't like I had a choice.
I just did what I had to do.
The End