No, I'm not dead, just drowning in work, work, work (and sickness because life isn't fair).
For the record, let it be said that I don't really like this chapter. You've been warned.
The Chase
Chapter 9 - The Lesser Evil
The three of them were traveling through the forest in search of the nearest town which, according to Adam, was situated south-east to their previous location.
After some angry friction back at the cabin, Charlie and Monroe had finally decided to stick with Adam. Charlie had argued that him being a bounty hunter could be a real asset in order for them to get into the US government's camp, but Monroe had countered that he didn't trust him and thus refused to cooperate. At last, she had convinced him by saying that it was either this or she went on her own.
But first, they had agreed that finding a place to stay – preferably with actual beds – food and money was top priority.
To say that Monroe and Adam didn't really hit it off was an understatement. They had argued 90 percent of the time, about everything and anything. From which direction they should take to how many towns had these Patriots invaded, they seemed to have opposite opinions just for the sake of contradicting each other.
At one time, their antagonism even came to blows, because the former general had insisted on setting up false tracks and booby traps – in case they were followed – and Adam had called him a 'fucking paranoiac lunatic'. Naturally, it wasn't well received by Monroe, who had thrown a punch at Adam's face in retaliation. Only Charlie almost getting hit while trying to separate them had broken them off.
And now, to say the least, she was very, very irritated. So much in fact that she had put some distance, walking ahead and not looking back, before she strangled one of them – or both. Fortunately, their pseudo fight had had one good outcome, they had stopped talking altogether and she blessed her lucky star for that.
Of course, she should have known that her lucky star was currently taking a day off, probably the entire year actually, considering she had had nothing but bad luck these past few months.
Hence her moment of peace was interrupted by Monroe's threatening voice.
"Keep your eyes at sea level," he was saying to Adam, "Or I'll poke them out."
"What's it to you? I'm just enjoying a good view."
"You'll definitely enjoy my fist then."
"Are you her father? Is that it?"
Charlie resisted the temptation to turn her head around. She had a pretty good guess what they were talking about – her butt let's be clear – and the unpleasant thought of both Monroe and Adam arguing over her backside was causing her a headache. Plus, it made her feel like a piece of meat.
Before they did anything reckless, she yelled, "If the both of you don't shut up, I'll be the one poking eyes out. And trust me, I won't discriminate."
That did the job. They both went back to their broody silence. Men really were stupid creatures. To think she almost had sex with Monroe! What had she been thinking? Well, of course she hadn't really been thinking, just acting on the moment. But all her great speeches about him being a monster had gone to the garbage can right there. When you slept with monsters, what did that make you?
Obviously, it had been a momentary lapse of judgment on her part and it would never happen again, never mind how good it had felt at the time. She had just agreed to work with the guy, nothing else. It didn't erase all the horrible things he had done. And he was about her Uncle Miles' age for God's sake!
It was better to put this brief, intense moment of sexual attraction out of her mind for good.
The city was called Garden City, but there were no gardens, only half-abandoned buildings and wild vegetation. People walked the streets, looking grim and underfed, carrying weapons like they expected to use them at any given moment. There was a small market where women purchased food and clothes, with small children running around. But the tension was palpable.
They headed to one specific edifice. A small manor that was in relatively good shape. Two men were guarding its doors but they let Adam in without a word. He was evidently a regular. Monroe and Charlie followed.
The interior was pretty classy for a town such as this one, all dark leather and solid wood. Torches lit up the room in various places, giving it a dim illumination. Some men were smoking cigars and drinking whisky, talking quietly among themselves. Some were playing cards or dice. But it was the complete opposite of the inn where she had tricked Monroe. For one, it actually smelled nice.
Adam went to the counter, greeting some people on the way. Once again, Monroe and Charlie went along. There was another man behind the bar, washing glasses. He was over fifty years old, but clean-shaved and wearing a white shirt tucked in dark pants.
When he saw Adam, he smiled warmly and said, "Been a long time, friend, how're you doing?"
The man put down his rag and they shook hands above the counter.
"Could be better," Adam said – he didn't look at Monroe but Charlie could feel the antipathy directed at the former general –, "Sergei passed away a few days ago."
Charlie assumed he was talking about his late partner. To think his murderer was standing right beside him. Talk about awkwardness…
"I'm saddened to hear that, he was a good fellow – even if I didn't understand half of what he was saying," the bar owner joked.
"You and me both," Adam said with a small smirk.
"Let's drink to his memory then," he suggested, putting two shots of whisky between them, "To Sergei, may he rest in peace."
Adam added, "And may he have lots of scarcely-clad angels watching over him. I know he'd like that."
They toasted to his words.
"Now, how can I help you? Do you need a room?"
Adam pointed out at Monroe and Charlie, "I'll need three rooms. For me and my two companions."
"Nice to meet you," the man said, finally looking at them, "The name is Jimmy Davis, the honorable owner of the Lions' Den."
He was especially eyeing Charlie, grinning broadly. She only nodded in response, not giving back her name. Monroe wasn't even looking at him, he was fixated on Adam with a death glare. Davis' smile lessened, probably feeling the tension.
"Okay," he continued with a more professional tone, "Back to business then. I'm afraid I only have two rooms available at the moment so you'll have to share. I assume the lady will take the single-room? "
"No," Charlie intervened, "I'll share with him." She indicated Monroe. The latter looked at her strangely, probably wondering what was on her mind. But it was pretty evident. If she let Adam and Monroe share a room, they'd kill each other before the end of the night. Even though she didn't trust either of them, she still trusted Monroe more. And she had a feeling Monroe would never let her sleep in the same bed as Adam. So the best way to avoid any complication was this solution.
"No way –," Adam started to say.
"This is not up for discussion," Charlie cut him off. Her eyes told him to shut up or face the consequences, which he did.
"Fine," he gave up. The bounty hunter knew she could be pretty stubborn when she wanted to.
"I'll show you to your rooms, then?" Jimmy Davis half-said, half-asked, his eyes darting between the three of them, probably wanting to be anywhere but here.
So I added my own twist to Adam oggling Charlie's butt. I'm funny that way.
This chapter was mostly filler stuff, please forgive me... I was out of inspiration (what kind of name is the Lions' Den, I ask you? No really, I'm asking you, because if you have something better, I'll change it in a heartbeat!). I blame it on my cold.
See you soon.
