The Night of the Death Masks - Epilogue
This is another of those pesky challenges between Andy (Andamogirl) and me. This time she challenged me to write an alternate ending to TNOT Death Masks. I chose to write an epilogue that comes after the tag in the show. As usual I found it impossible to take it seriously. This is why I never write hurt/comfort stories. (Though I am more than happy to read them).
It was two days since the incident that took place in the town called 'Paradox' and the triumph that the two agents felt at capturing the man who had tried to rob the San Francisco Mint and subsequently shot his way out of prison had worn off. Currently they were both feeling pretty morose at the thought of being cooped up on the Wanderer until their bullet wounds had properly healed.
Now was a time for reflection on their run in with Emmett Stark, particularly on Artie's part as he had the task of preparing a report for Colonel Richmond.
Jim put down the book he had been reading.
"Are you going to mention that it was me who shot you in the leg?" he asked.
"I haven't always told the whole truth in my reports to Washington," Artie said, making Jim hopeful. "Some of the things that have happened to us in the past have been so unbelievable that I was worried we would end up in a padded cell if I even as much as tried to persuade Colonel Richmond that such things could actually happen. However…."
"You don't see any reason to lie about me shooting you," Jim supplied.
"Jim, you didn't know it was me."
"Ah well, as long as you don't forget to include the fact that you never managed to hit me once, not even when I made myself a sitting target once I realised it was you."
"In my defence, you know you're as acrobatic as a monkey when it comes to dodging gunfire," Artie said."
Jim couldn't help but smile. "Knowing I had your gun in my possession was the main reason I felt safe turning myself into a sitting duck," he admitted. "You're a notoriously bad shot with anything but your own weapon."
"How was I to know the rifle pulled to the left?"
"My favourite bit though was your speech to Emmett Stark over my 'dead' body, Jim continued, "especially about killing a man who was like a brother to you."
"I hope you're not making fun of my heartfelt expressions," Artie said putting a hand over his heart and rolling his eyes.
"Heartfelt my ass," Jim replied. "I saw that play, 'Midnight Madness', when I was in Denver last year. You lifted the entire speech from the third act."
Artie had the grace to look a little shame-faced at that accusation but it soon turned into a smirk.
"Good job Emmett Stark didn't know that," he said.
"What would you say if you really accidentally killed me?" Jim asked with a fatuous grin on his face.
Artie pretended to think for a moment. "First, I would say 'good riddance' and second, it wouldn't be accidental."
Seeing the glint in Jim's eye, Artie grabbed his half-written report and tried to make a run from the parlour car but his injured leg prevented him from reaching the door before the book Jim had been reading hit him on the back of his head.
"Ow!" he shouted and turned to look angrily at Jim.
His fellow agent grinned and said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to hit you. The book must have pulled to the left."
Artie continued on his way with Jim's laughter ringing in his ears.
The End