Chapter 12: Paco
The remainder of the day was pleasant as were the weeks that followed. The dry and hot season was coming to an end and the dry and wet season was approaching. In some ironic way the rainy season was a busy season. A new assignment was designated to a Viper each week. A selected few were put on missions together but usually they were one-on-one assignments. The only perk to the rainy season was the dough that it brought in as well as the lack of boredom.
Rain was coming down in heavy sheets one afternoon as Beatrix drove down the muddy road. The wipers on the car were on full power but it was still hard to see. Bea was leaning close to the wind shield as she maneuvered through the rain at a slow speed of twenty-five. Unlike her companions she drove safely. As she was nearing close to the turn into the street Bill lived a medium size pick up truck came flying down the road. Beatrix slammed her foot on the break and she did a nice 360 degree spin into the telephone pole. Her body jolted and her head hit hard against the window causing the glass to crack on impact.
She recovered quickly and slipped out of the car. Any other person that had just been in a car accident would be shaken up but Beatrix was far from being shaken up. She was furious. She stalked out of the car, blue eyes squinting through the rain at the pickup truck and the form that stood beside it. "What the fuck do you think you are doing, Budd?" She yelled through the rain.
Only one person drove a pick up truck and was stupid enough to drive like that. "Get down!" Was the reply back that she wasn't expecting.
Slender brows rose in question. "What?" She turned her wet blonde head to the main road where a van was approaching. She watched as the van passed by them, a shadowed figure came out from the window, threw something, and then drove by. Eyes went wide. "Shit," she muttered as she made a mad dash to the opposite side of the street. A large explosion followed seconds after, the force of the blast sending her form to hit the mud hard. Hands over her head Beatrix peered up to Budd's clouded form. "Explain yourself!"
"Some shitasses thought Bill's last assignment was a fluke. Sons of bitches followed me here." He yelled back as he was crouched behind the pick up. He looked up to watch the flames on the farther side of the street, slowly beginning to way down from the rain.
Bill had been reading peacefully, stretched out on his couch...when a distant hallow blast made him look up. He scowled. It sounded well, like a grenade blast actually. It may be Mexico, but grenade blasts were far from common. Suspicion and a good amount of curiosity roused Bill from his comfortable position. He slipped on his shoes. "Fucking raining..," he mumbled grabbing his car keys. He didn't particularly like the idea of leaving at the moment...he was expecting a guest and the weather was far from pleasant. But that blast had sounded far too close for comfort. He got into his car...he was still favoring the GT Viper, and headed off down the road in the general direction of where he had heard the blast.
Beatrix and Budd had not been waiting long before another car came by. But it was not Bill's car that came there way and slowly halted to a stop. The car was a burgundy colored Cadillac Seville a late 70's model. Definitely not Bill's taste, that and the driver was driving slowly and carefully.The driver sat there for a few moments, apparently assessing the situation through the rain splattered windshield. Then the door swung open and a man stepped out into the downpour. The man was tall and most definitely of full Native American origins. He appeared to be in his mid 60's but looked to have aged well and had pleasant distinguished features. His hair was long, very long, falling down well past his waist. It was almost entirely silver in color. He was dressed well in black suit and slacks. He appeared to one of the few people who could pull off wearing a bolo tie without looking completely silly. In the middle of the tie a large turquoise stone was set it matched the one he wore in a large ring on his right index finger. He came towards Beatrix and Budd with a self assured and calm manner, his head swiveling from side to side to take in the scene. His dark eyes darted from Budd to Beatrix.
"What happened here?" His voice was deep and contained little of the stereotypical Native American 'accent.' "Are you folks alright?" He seemed friendly enough, but there was a definite sense that this man was familiar with control.
Budd and Beatrix had been in an intense argument when a beaming set of headlights cut them off. Both watched in alert suspicion as the vehicle stopped and a man stepped out. Beatrix looked like a wet mop that had just been mud wrestling, and somehow acquired a small lack on her temple that trailed a line of blood. Budd appeared similar to his counterpart except for the fact his chin was rather sore, as to why was a mystery. Their caution level went down when it turned out not to be one of the grenade wielding assholes. Beatrix put on a calmer but vaguely distressed demeanor to mask her present anger and need to strangle Budd; as the man approached. "We're fine, thank you," she spoke in a high tone of voice to be heard over the rain.
Budd held a much different facade. Brows were knit together in suspicion of the stranger. He looked so familiar but he couldn't put his finger on it. That and the rain was making it just a tad hard to distinguish his true features. He stepped forward and up beside the tall blonde. "Actually, ya mind giving us a ride?"
He received a death glare from Beatrix. He casually leaned into her and muttered, "You wanna walk those six miles in the rain, lil missy?"
Beatrix scowled, "Yes." He had a point but she was just playing stubborn. Not to mention she was being more cautious than Budd was. Budd held a frown and replied, "Well, I don't." He turned his head back up to the Native American gentlemen. "We're headin' just down the road. Number 101. That is if it ain't too much trouble." If this man was smart he would have noticed that neither of the stranded told what happened and they didn't plan to.
The Native American man watched the exchange between Beatrix and Budd. He seemed undaunted by the sheet of rain that was beginning to drench him. He took note of their appearances, their demeanor, their accents and the fact that they didn't even get close to answering his question. This man was very observant even in the pouring rain. He recognized Budd, Bill's younger brother...who appeared to not quite recognize him back. The sopping glaring blonde, he assumed was one of Bill's female Viper's. At this moment it was impossible to tell if he gave his approval on this one or not. Later.
"Very well," he inclined his head towards Budd, knowing full well where Number 101 was, "It should not be too much trouble at all. Please, get in." He motioned towards the Cadillac. One side of the backseat was occupied by a large blanket and leather bag. With Budd happily at shotgun and Beatrix in cautiously in the back, the man restarted the car and headed down the road.
They had been driving for about a minute, when a pair of headlights came zooming towards them in the opposite direction. The driver of this car was obviously driving less cautiously. The car went flying by, a black and water spraying blur. "I believe that was Bill," the Native American man spoke up in a matter of fact tone and there was a faint trace of humor in his voice as well. He continued down the road, glancing in the rearview mirror. "He will have seen us and recognized." As if on cue, there was a screeching sound from behind them, as Bill pulled the car into a donut to follow them. "Reckless fool...," the Native American man mumbled under this breath.
Shortly, they reached Bill's hacienda, which at the moment looked like it was surrounded by a moat. The Cadillac pulled into the driveway. Bill's GT pulled in behind it. Everyone proceeded to get out and back into the rain. Bill came towards them, hair drenched and falling into his face. He looked a little confused at the whole situation. He shot Budd and Beatrix a look, that clearly communicated, 'What the fuck? No wait...Tell me later.' He continued towards the Native American man who was currently hefting the bag out from the back seat. The man turned and shouldered his bag. He looked at Bill very seriously. Bill stood in front of him equally as serious. It was odd to see Bill take a submissive stance in front of anybody. Then, slowly a broad grin spread across the Native American's face, "Bill!" Bill was grinning likewise. Then quite unashamedly, the two men hugged.
"Paco, you old bastard," Bill slapped the man's back as they broke the embrace. "Figures it would be pouring like hell when you arrive."
Paco laughed, "It appears the Earth is aware of my sins."
Bill seemed to find this very funny and laughed, throwing his arm around the somewhat taller man's shoulders, "Come inside. Let's get out of this shit."
Budd followed inside. He now knew perfectly well who this man was and he wasn't too thrilled. What bothered him more was that Bill had been so considerate as to not tell Budd that Paco was stopping by. He stood in the doorway with Beatrix who was removing her shoes so to not track mud into the house. Though, the mud and water dripping from their forms would be hard not to dampen the floor.
Shoes off, they followed the reunited couple into the living room. Beatrix watched the two men with great curiosity. She had no clue whom this man was. Probably one of Bill's father figures. She had only met one; Pai Mei. This man, Paco, appeared more--normal but that didn't help ease her discomfort. She made a casual saunter behind the bar and grabbed up a towel which she used to wipe away the mixture of mud and blood from her face. She continued to try and make herself more presentable with little success.
Budd came over and up behind Beatrix obviously not keen on joining in on the reunion. He grumbled to himself and grabbed up another towel. Bea leaned over to Budd and whispered to his ear, "That is--?"
"Paco, a father of Bill's." Bea nodded her wet blonde head. She had been correct. Blue eyes than traveled down to dispose of the mud on her blouse. Her mind began to wonder as to if she still had any clothes stored here from her stay a few months ago. She doubted it. So, now cleaning her current outfit with a towel would have to do. Besides, she wanted to find out more on this Native American.
A little information on Paco:
Paco (pronounced Pay-co) was full blooded Navajo. His real name was "Red Eagle," but he tended to go by Paco..which simply means "Eagle." His father was a shaman and high elder in the Navajo nation. As a young man Paco was "excommunicated" so to speak, from the Navajo nation for killing another man within his tribe. He has spent the many years since as a renegade, anarchist and assassin. He likes to think of himself as a shaman and mystic as well as a trained killer. He is a staunch purest, disgusted at his own people's turn from their traditional ways. He has, on a number of occasions, gone to a deadly extreme for his beliefs. Paco possesses a gentlemanly appearance and demeanor...but underneath lies a cold blooded killer. He has little attachments. He does not designate between men and women in any sort of hierarchal order, but he is a firm believer that women are far more effective killers. Obviously, Paco has had a number of influences over Bill.
Paco and Bill spent a few minutes reacquainting themselves...it had been over 10 years since they had seen one another. Drinks were served all around and the two men exchanged short synopsis of their last decades. Bill spent much of the time chuckling and being intensely focused on Paco's stories. It was odd to see Bill in an almost "son" like role. There was no missing the pride on his face when Paco gave his approval about his station in life;
"You have done well Bill," Paco nodded his head.
To Bill was a huge compliment, for Paco had been doing what Bill was currently doing over twenty years ago. It was obvious Paco's opinions meant a great deal to him.
"Now Bill," Paco leaned back on the couch, "You have yet to introduce me to this young lady...," he gestured to Beatrix, "I thought I taught you better." Paco had yet to really pay much attention to Budd...things were apparently not as warm between those two.
Beatrix was standing to the side of the couch were the two men were chatting happily. She had long since finished her drink had been hovering for the time being. Budd remained behind the bar filling up his second glass of beer. It was obvious that he wasn't too happy about Paco s visit. The man hadn't even exchanged a glance to the cowboy-wannabe.
"Of course," Bill grinned, "Paco...this is Beatrix name Black Mamba. She's one of my best employees. A real killer," he said this with a good amount of relish and pride, "...truly irreplaceable." There was just the slightest glint in his eyes.
Paco stood, shaking Beatrx's hand in a firm grip. "Pleased to meet you Beatrix," he inclined his silver head, "...a very interesting name you have." He regarded her for a moment with his dark gaze, "You remind me much of a woman who worked for me...well long before your time. She was a true gem."
The tall blonde canted her head in interest at this bit of information. A hint of a smile lingered across her pink lips at the kind word. At the present moment she didn t mind Paco. There was something about him that didn t settle right with her but she didn t dawn on it to a great extent. For now she keen on playing the polite, sweet blonde girl.
"Oh?" Bill inquired, "What happened to her?"
"Hrm...she was killed. I mourned her loss for sometime. Sadly, she was far too emotional and irrational." He paused, turning to look at Bill, "But. I eventually replaced her. Remember, nobody is irreplaceable Bill." Bill's pleasant expression had vanished.
Bea's slender brows wrinkled and blue eyes darted to catch Bill s reaction before coming back to the Native American. This was a conversation she could bring herself into. "Actually sir," she began in a level tone of voice, non-threatening in any manner and perhaps a hint of respect, "Its mercy, compassion, and forgiveness I lack. Not rationality." Hands slipped to settle on her hips. "So, Bill here has nothing to worry about." She flashed a reassuring smile.
"And," she held up a single digit. "If I might add, everyone is irreplaceable. No matter how hard you look you will never find someone quite like the original."
Budd mysteriously had come out from behind the bar suddenly. Hearing Bea he appeared anxious to get his two cents in on the subject. It also gave him reason to contradict Paco and perhaps get back on Beatrix s good side after what had happened. "I gotta agree with Bea on that one. I mean, hell, take my brother for instance. You can look all over the world and you ain't gonna find anyone that remotely resembles him. Everyone is one of a kind." He put on a lopsided grin and departed the room before he could get a scolding for that one. He had to shower anyway.
Paco watched Beatrix with a truly interested look on his wise face. He gave her a soft smile, "But you misunderstand me. I said irreplaceable not unoriginal. I do agree, everyone is one of a kind." He held up a well worn hand, "But, that does not mean that there is not somebody equally as original standing behind that individual." He inclined his head towards Bill who was currently quiet and frowning. "As the recently absent Budd so wisely put it, Bill here is certainly an original. A true one of a kind, but who are we to say that not another "Bill" is waiting to take his place. Why," he spread his hands out, "In many ways Bill took my place and I am just as much of an individual as he."
Bill gave Paco a small, almost nervous smile. Paco turned back to Beatrix, "Do you see what I am saying Beatrix? I can see you are a special woman. I can see that Bill thinks you are a special woman. But..." he looked at her closely, "...who is to say what woman waits in the wings behind you?' Bill's dark gaze darted over to Beatrix. He looked a tad uncomfortable, something else that did not suit him well.
Paco seemed aware of this, "Forgive me. Sometimes I tend to rant...a hazard of becoming old." he sat down on one of the bar stools. He patted Beatrix's long hand, with a smile, "Let me tell you about when I first met Bill." There was an almost audible eye rolling from Bill.
Paco chuckled, "Bill comes to me...a young man...and as cocky as a bull. He thinks he is quite something...with his long hippie hair, Eastern thought and kung fu," he snorted, "So we get into an argument...I cannot even remember what about."
"Politics," Bill chimed in from behind him.
"Ah, yes...politics. Well...we've both had quite a bit to drink...who knows what else. We end up getting into a fistfight. Bill was so ready to show me up any chance he got. Well...two minutes," he held up his fingers, "...and I had beat Bill into bloody submission." He leaned back on his stool, adjusting his bolo tie. "From that moment on...he listened to everything I had to teach him. I still see much of that young fool in him. I don't think my lessons with him are through yet."
Bill chuckled, "Whatever you say old man. Now," he stood, giving Beatrix an apologetic look, "I'm sure you are boring poor Beatrix to death."
"I doubt, no more than you do Bill." Paco retorted.
Bill laughed, slapping Paco on the back. "You have no idea."
Bea found was finding it scary to see that Paco and Bill acted similar in so many ways. It was easy to see where Bill got some of his personality 'perks' and flaws, in her eyes. For some unclear reason she wished Budd would hurry the hell up and keep her company while in the presence of the two older men. She shifted from one foot the other in an uncomfortable manner but she kept it hidden with an amused grin.
"Aye, Bill can bore you to death but he can do a hell of a lotta other things too." She gave Bill one of her looks before settling her gaze to Paco. "I surely would have loved to have seen Bill at his younger years. Hippie hair and all." She settled her body to lean against the counter, arms crossed over the surface. For some reason she felt more at ease standing than sitting. Her facade took on a poker expression. "But, honestly, Paco I d love to hear more stories about when Bill was younger. It'll give me a shit load more to throw at him when he starts pissing me off."
Paco laughed, "I like this one Bill...a real firecracker." He shook a finger in Bill's face, "You watch out for her, she's the type that will break hearts as well as limbs." He gave Beatrix a friendly wink. "I'll tell you all the stories you want Beatrix, hippie hair and all."
"Later," Bill looked somewhat amused, standing with his arms crossed. "And, I did not have hippie hair."
"Suit yourself," Paco slid off the stool. "Now, give me the grand tour," he waved an arm around the living room. Glad that Paco had stopped paying so much damn attention to Beatrix, Bill began showing the older man around.
The next evening Bill decided to have a little get together since Paco was visiting. He rarely did this for any visitor. But Elle and Vernita were both back from assignments and it seemed to be good timing. There were a few other guests there. Raul being one of them. A large BBQ was set out on the back porch. Chairs and tables were scattered about and a large amount of alcohol was sitting in various coolers and on the outside bar. It was a perfect evening for such an event. The rain had stopped to give away to a pleasant damp sunset.
Bill and Paco had spent the day out in the dessert...shooting and doing other such illegal manly things. They both returned just in time looking windburn and sun baked.
Vernita had been a little early and spent most of the time lounging out on one of the chairs...she looked pretty tired. Elle had arrived just in time for the food to be served. She seemed in good spirits surprising coming from her.
Voices became more animated as the sun set and the evening began.
Beatrix arrived to the BBQ late as always, but that didn't mean she didn't show up with style. She Sported a pair of slimming blue jeans, a gold belt taut around her waist, a black t-shirt that was fitting and flattering to her figure, a black leather jacket, and a pair of matching high heeled boots to top it off. She decided to go for the bad girl effect than anything remotely cute. Not that she was in a bad girl mood it was her preferred style for the afternoon. Locks of blonde hair were let down to frame her features and settle inches past her shoulders. Blue hues darted around the already arrived guests. She knew everyone there and held a different relationship with each of them. One thing she did come to notice was that Budd had yet to arrive. She had her guesses and almost; keyword almost, felt sympathetic for the guy.
There weren't a ton of people but an expectable amount. Enough to make it an enjoyable party. One thing Beatrix was keen on was making sure she behaved herself. And, that required some help. Boots clicked against the floor as she weaved her way through the crowd to approach the buffet table. Standing over the hoard of food was that define blonde counter part. Long fingers extended and snatched up a plate from the pile before moving in, in a stealthy manner.
"Hey Elle," she greeted with a pleasant smile. "Listen, you know me, I don't like small talk so I'm gonna get straight down to it. I'm sure you've met Paco and he seems like the man we don't wanna be fucking around with if you get my meanings." She raised a serious brow. "So, to make this party easy." She turned to face her. "I'll play nice if you play nice. Deal?"
Elle stared at Beatrix over the buffet table, taking her time chewing on a celery stick. She had wanted to say something smart about Bea's attire, but decided against it after the woman spoke. "Alright Bea," she chewed, "...that works okie dokie for me...I'm cool."
She motioned towards Paco with a recently snatched up carrot stick, "Yeah...weird guy. Reminds me too much of Bill." She snapped the carrot in half with a vicious bite.
Vernita hadn't moved much. She was sitting, legs crossed in a lounge chair, a drink in her dark graceful hand. A small group of Hispanic men, including Raul were crowded around her. She didn't seem to hate the attention and kept smiling broadly. It was hard to tell if she was laughing with them, or at them.
Bill hadn't missed Beatrix's entrance even though he didn't show it. He was lounged back in a chair looking weather-beaten, his hair in his face. He had thus far resolved to be fairly quiet. Paco was sitting next to him. He didn't seem uncomfortable at all around strangers. He chatted amiably and thus far had drank very little. He had nodded to Beatrix when she had walked by.
Somebody, one of the Hispanic men, decided to turn on some music. Soon, The Buena Vista Social Club was ringing throughout the backyard.
Beatrix was holding a spoon topped with a scoop of dipping sauce in her hand and she gave it a hard lash to the edge of the plate to dispose of it. "Aye, I'll agree on that one," the blonde established in a serious note. Her hand set down the spoon and moved to grab up a handful of chips.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a party to bemingling in." Plate in hand she turned on her heels and weaved her way back through the crowd.
Elle watched Beatrix turn and saunter away. "Bitch..." she mumbled under breath, cramming the rest of her carrot stick in her red lipped mouth. Deciding she had better things to do then hang around the buffet table she went and found herself a vacant lawn chair.
During her intricate set of weaving to nowhere in particular Beatrix stumbled to the conclusion that her half breed friend was yet to be seen. O-Ren must have been the only one still on assignment. Too bad. Her steps brought her up and behind the lounge chair that numerous men were flocked upon. She held an amused expression as she halted; her shadow casting over any sunbathing that Vernita was trying to accomplish. "Wow, Vernita, I never expected you to be a sex symbol," her references referring to the gathered gentlemen. She flashed them all a sly smile, long white digits taking up a chip to dip.
Vernita gazed up at Beatrix, "Heya Bea," she grinned, 'Hah! Well, you know how bad my Spanish is. For all I know they are telling me I look like a cow. But," she glanced at a man sitting next to her, "I highly doubt that." The men turned at Beatrix's arrival.
Raul stood, "Please," he offered Beatrix his chair, "...very good to see you again Beatrix," he smiled. "You enjoyed my party, yes?"
Meanwhile Bill and Paco were happy enough to sit and watch. They were the type of men who often preferred others to come to them then to have to get up and mingle.
"So...Bill," Paco turned to his former pupil, "I am watching this Beatrix and then I see you. If I didn't know you better, I would think that something has happened between you two."
Bill vaguely smiled, "Of course not. She's very attractive but I don't have to tell you that you're not that old yet."
"Hrm, yes...attractive one thing...all of your ladies are attractive...," Paco seemed pleased by this fact, "But...something more in this one."
"Too young for me," Bill replied curtly.
Paco snorted, "Hardly Bill...I know you better than that. You cannot lie to me. You never could."
"I don't involve myself with employees. You were the one who taught me that."
"Yes...that is true," Paco leaned back, reminiscing, "But, even I was prone to breaking my own rules."
Bill raised an eyebrow, turning to look at the other man, suddenly intrigued, "Oh? So, the truth finally comes out, after all these years."
Paco smiled, a distant smile from decades ago. "She was beautiful...much like this Beatrix...but hair dark as the night. A body...well..." he kissed his fingertips. Bill gave a knowing chuckle. "But, she more than that there was a fire inside of her...," he trailed off, lost in his own private thoughts.
"What happened?" Bill knew better there was always some ending.
"She broke my heart." Paco frowned, taking a long drink.
"Ah, I see." Bill turned his gaze away from Paco, squinting into the crowd of people, "What did you do?"
"I killed her," Paco's dark eyes shone like volcanic stones. Bill had very little reaction to this, he simply nodded.
Beatrix settled herself into the now vacant chair. She held a calm facade mixed with a gracious undertone. Blue eyes picked up to Raul. "Yeah, I did for a change." She canted her head down. "How's your carpet doing?"
The whole carpet thing was now a friendly joke that was shared. The man chuckled and slapped a hand to his chest. "It is good, thank you, Beatrix." Raul faltered his laugher and put on a sterner expression. "And might I add you look lovely tonight."
A smirk crossed her pink glossed lips as a dramatic sigh passed. She turned her head in Vernita's direction. "Men never learn do they?" Her smirk remained as she popped a chip in her mouth and chewed contently.
Raul's face broke into a grin, "Very well Beatrix..very well...best since you have not been there," he said with a wink and sat down beside them quickly getting into a conversation with one of his buddies.
Vernita laughed at Beatrix's men comment, "No Bea...they don't...kinda feel sorry for the bastards..but it's kinda cute too." She took a large sip from her drink.
The night progressed without much incident. Everybody seemed pretty chilled out and nobody had thus far gotten too drunk. The music continued. A few more people showed up including a group of women.
At some point Paco got up and began to mingle. Bill had become preoccupied with talking to one of the newly arrived women he seemed to have known her previously. The tall Native American slowly made his way over to where Beatrix was sitting. Vernita had long abandoned her chair to talk with a couple of guests she knew.
Paco inclined his head, sitting down in Vernita's vacant spot. "I hope you do not mind that I sit here Beatrix." He seemed to like to say her name. "I have not had a chance to talk with you since yesterday. We had a good conversation started." Paco seemed to always talk in his very straightforward and honest form of speaking.
The tall blonde was sitting in the chair, one leg crossed over the other, hands settled on the arms of the chair, in a comfortable manner. She had been sitting and watching the numerous people mingle with one another. At times she enjoyed the simpleness of people watching. Her attention was immediately refocused as the Native American took a seat beside her and she cast away her current actions.
She held a welcoming smile on her finely tanned facial appearance. "Not at all. Please sit," she insisted. "Aye, we had a very good conversation going. "Now it appears as though we can continue it." It was a pleasure to have the unexpected company but Beatrix wasn't entirely sure she liked the man. Something about him intrigued her and she couldn't place a finger on it.
Paco smiled in that gentle sagely manner of his. He folded his weathered, ringed hands across his lap looking with Beatrix into the crowd of people. "There is much that can be discussed. I can tell you more about Bill. I can tell you about myself. You can tell me about yourself. There are endless possibilities. Though first, I must say I find people fascinating and disgusting." He pondered this for a moment. "We are both gods and vermin and we can be both at the same time." He turned his dark eyes on her, "Do you understand what I am saying Beatrix?"
Beatrix nodded her blonde head sternly. She knew exactly what he meant and it didn't take any personal offense to it but understanding. Her body leaned back in the chair, arms folding across her chest casually. "Going back to those choices on topics to discuss--I say the night is young and we can get in a snip it of each. That is, if you are up to it." She raised mischievous brows but the action washed out quickly.
"Good choice...choosing all of them that is," Paco leaned back. "Well, I will start with the easiest then...Bill." He narrowed his eyes at Bill who was currently engaged in an animated discussion with a blonde woman. "Hrm...no...," he turned his gaze on Beatrix, "...let me start with you. I realize I telling you about yourself was not one of our options...but I just made it one." The friendly warm tone of voice was ever-so-slowly being replaced by something far colder and calculated. "I do not miss much Beatrix and I have not missed the way you look at Bill now and then. I would hope you realize that any naive hopes of catching and taming a man like Bill are far beyond even your abilities. You see," his voice continued its slow dissention into that of a killer, "I care for Bill very much. He is like a son to me. I would be very angry if you were to hurt him in any way..." now the voice became threatening. "Bill's a hard man but he is not invulnerable...no man in invulnerable. Especially to a woman." He looked her full in the face, "I would snap your neck like a twig if you ever hurt him." he then looked away leaning back, "I do mean that in the most respectful way."
Her jaw fell and blue eyes widened. Collecting herself, Beatrix stifled an uneasy laugh. "Oh my God." She trailed off, collecting herself further. The polite act she was putting on vanished instantly. "You're threatening me," she stated rather flabbergasted by the whole thing. She knew there was something off about this man. He was similar to Bill but one thing Bill knew that Paco didn't. No one can control Black Mamba.
Her body leaned across the side the arm of her chair, her face coming inches from his, blue eyes sparking with a deadly fire. "You may appear old and wise but you sure as hell aren't," she snapped back. "Do you think you can scare me off with those controlling bitch ass threats? I think not."
Her voice level dropped dangerously low. "One thing you didn't realize about me is that I'm the deadliest woman in the world and before you even laid a finger on me, I'd snap it just like a twig." She cocked her head, blonde locks falling into her vision, glaring him down. "And, I mean that in the 'most' respectful manner."
Paco appeared completely unaffected by Beatrix's angry turn. In fact, he didn't even look at her...he seemed to be examining a group of trees behind the yard. "You're a silly young girl...that doesn't mean I don't like you or respect you...but you're still silly. You will grow out of it or you will die. It's that simple." He finally turned to look at her, a blazing look in his eyes, "I have every right to talk how I wish to you. I have earned it, you have not."
He snorted, "Deadliest woman in the world...I do not know what bullshit Bill has been fooling you with to charm you into doing...whatever...but I assure you I have known far deadlier in my day."
He sniffed, "You do not scare me Beatrix. I find you highly intriguing but far from scary. It is alright to hate me it does not bother me. I only tell you these things because you are too young and naive to know better and because I wish to protect Bill from your intentions."
The fire in those intense blue eyes continued to ignite. Even Bill didn't manage to crawl under skin this bad. Long fingers were clenched to the arm of the chair, her knuckles beginning to turn white. "How the fuck do you know what my intentions are?" She questioned between clenched teeth.
"If you truly believe my intentions are to take your little boy away from his daddy than you've got it all wrong. I would never mean to hurt Bill." She trailed off and let her body recoil. "We have a love, hate relationship. But I don't know why that is any of your fucking business. You haven't seen Bill in, how many years? And one of the first things you do is go integrating one of his employees. That's hitting it low, isn't it? Or is that you have protective issues. Well, Paco, I wouldn't worry about me hurting your little Bill but that I may hurt you."
For the first time since this little turn in conversation, Paco was beginning to show signs of true anger. He turned on Beatrix, "How dare you," he sputtered for words, almost as out of place as Bill doing the same, "You know NOTHING!" He hissed, "Bill's business is my business you cannot speak of things you do not understand. How dare you..." He looked her up and down, as if scrutinizing something truly vile, "If you worked for me I'd have put you in your place along ago."
He stood up to his full height, "If you feel the need to hurt me," his lip twisted, "...as you so delicately put it..." he spread out his arms, "...feel free Beatrix."
Heads had begun to turn as they conversation became more heated. As Paco stood, even more turned to look. Bill had stopped his conversation with the blonde and was watching the proceedings with one of the darkest, angry and ferocious frowns he had ever executed.
Beatrix darted up to her full height which came a few inches below his own, not even. One thing Bill taught her, in the art of combat, the opponent that does the unexpected, can usually expect to be the victor. No one would expect this or maybe only those that truly knew her. Her blonde head tilted and she observed her undeserving opponent with a disgusted eye. Feet planted firmly to the ground as she stood her stance a foot away from the Native American. Her mouth tightened to a thin line.
"You're gonna hurt. You're gonna hurt a lot," she muttered between a firm set jaw. Her face took on a familiar expression of void emotion. Long fingers curled up into a fist, knuckles white, she rose it up, and demonstrating her quick and fluent movements she made contact to his nose with enough force to cause a bone fracture, at best.
Paco had been in the process of ducking, when Beatrix nailed him right in the nose. He stumbled a few steps back, grabbing at the small amount of blood beginning to ooze from his nostrils.
At this point, the party had completely died.
Paco shook his long haired head, clearing the cobwebs. Unlike most of the people around Beatrix, Paco was not a kung fu fighter...his fighting style was much different.
Crouching down low, he came at her with a speed that was surprising for a man his age. At the last minute he made a small movement to the side and caught Beatrix across the throat with a meaty fist. She went down. Wiping at his bloody face, Paco made a second lunge towards her.
Bill watched all of this in silent horror, his knuckles whitening around the arms of his lounge chair.
The blonde warrior was now on her back on the patio floor. She felt secretion fill up in her throat and she coughed up a drop of blood to trail down the side of her face. Blue eyes watched, not faltered as Paco ran at her again. She quickly sprang up and into her own crouched position. A long leg extended, wiped around, and struck the back of his leg as he came zooming by.
Not pausing to watch the older man fall felt on his face, Kiddo did a mock-crawl to come up and behind him. Mounting onto his back, she wrapped her arm around his neck; her hand balled into a fist which she held tight with her other arm. Pulling back she applied enough pressure to start cutting off his air supply. Her eyes sparkled with determination, not to kill the man but to prove he was wrong (and gain some needed respect). The only way she could accomplish this was by beating the crap out of him.
Paco clutched at Beatrix's death grip choke hold. He squeezed his eyes to attempt to stop himself from blacking out. This struggle continued on for a few more seconds...finally Paco was able to counterbalance himself enough to throw his shoulders forward and thus flipping Beatrix over his back.
Beatrix let out a cry of pain as Paco's foot made contact to her chest. The air left her lungs at that moment and left her gasping back on the floor. Even though Black Mamba appeared to be down for the count she wasn't about to meet her end at the hands of a bushwhacking Native American, controlling son-of-a-bitch.
He sent a vicious ax-like kick down onto her chest. There was nothing but cold contempt on his face as he did this...he looked like he was about to commit murder without a blink of an eye. He bent forward and reared back a large fist on it's way into Beatrix's skull.
Blue eyes watched his large fist ball up and in a slow motion effect come down towards her skull. She blinked hard, coming out of the daze just in time. She rolled over and evaded the attack completely, Paco's fist hitting the cobblestone instead of bone. Without hesitation Beatrix came up behind him, knelt forward and snatched up his wrist. Pulling it back and up into the air she twisted it.
Her breathing was labored and beads of sweat rolled down her forehead but she spoke quietly with venom, "This has gotta hurt like a bitch. You know where I learned this? Pai Mei. He was one of Bill's other adoptive fathers. You both share the common trait of being cruel bastards. But, one thing you don't share is Pai Mei knew exactly what I was capable of, being he taught me a good portion of it--and he knew not to fuck with me."
Paco gritted his teeth, refusing to yell out in pain. His hand was already crushed and bleeding from smashing into the cobblestones. Now, in the grip of the Black Mamba he could hear the bones beginning to crack. Beatrix's words blurred in his haze of pain...but he caught the general gist. He attempted to get escape the grip...but it was no good...it was impossible to escape.
"That's right Kiddo," it was Bill directly behind Beatrix, his sharp voice in her ear, "...but your quite incapable of controlling yourself." He reached out like a whip and grabbed her by the collar of her shirt. Bill, rarely if never raised a hand against any of his Vipers. His expression was stony filled with disappointment. As if Beatrix were a disobedient child, he led her into the house slamming shut the patio doors.
Then he turned on her...without any request for explanation or reason.
"What the FUCK was that!" He came at her, anger filling his entire being...he backed her up against the wall, literally. "I am so...so...SO...disappointed...I can't even begin to explain how FUCKING disappointed I am!" He raised a hand, only to slowly lower it.
"Just when I thought there was some hope for you...you...you do something like this! Goddamn you Beatrix!" He pressed her shoulders against the wall, as if it was the only thing he could think to do.
Bill was angry...yes. But there was no missing the conflict and inner turmoil in his actions. He had reacted in the easiest possible way...not always the wisest.
Beatrix Kiddo rarely became scared but right now on this rare occasion she was terrified. Sure Bill had yelled and scolded her for numerous things but never had he made the fact that he was disappointed so blatant. That fact alone sent shivers along her spinal cord. She was pinned up against the wall, stiff as a board, bangs stuck her sweaty features, drops of blood covering certain areas on her face, and her mouth firm set. Her eyes may have been screaming fear but she let psychical expression stay empty. She watched his hand rise only to be brought back down. Her heart skipped a few beats and proceeded to continue pounding harshly against her chest. She wanted to cry, she wanted to beg for forgiveness but she swallowed it down. That was a sign of weakness and one this she wasn't was weak.
She allowed her breathing to settle and the shakes to leave her system before she attempted to speak. Her words came out soft, no hint of hostility left, but bitter honesty. "He threatened me first, Bill. I may have brought on the first psychical attack but he started the verbal. He got under my skin, I'll admit that. I'm a killer and you taught me not to take shit like that from anyone. Did you really expect me to get up and walk away?"
The anger was slowly seeping out of Bill only leaving him looking tired and disgusted. He slowly removed his hands from Beatrix's shoulders looking at them as if they were suddenly alien. His dark eyes rose back up to look at her as she calmly explained herself. "No...no...I didn't. But...," he grabbed at his skull in frustration, "You simply can't...," he suddenly pointed a finger out towards the patio, "...that man...that man, despite what you think of him...took care of me...taught me...molded me. Can you at the very least respect that...for my sake? Can you understand that at all?" He seemed a little frantic...as if dreading Paco's reaction...whatever it was going to be. "I thought...surely you had more control than to fly off the fucking handle over an old man's words. Once again," he flailed his arms, "...you've surprised me Kiddo." He slumped against the bar.
"I think you should leave."
Beatrix remained glued to the wall listening intently to Bill's words. There was still evident fear in her eyes but now they sparkled with regret. She cautiously pushed away from the wall and took timid steps towards the bar. It made her heart tear down the seam to know that she managed, un-initially to cause Bill so much angst. She knew deep down that she was a good person but sometimes the bad won out over the good.
A hand came up to rake through dampened locks of blonde hair, her gaze averted to the floor. She wanted to apologize for her wrong doings but that would be a lie to herself. She didn't fully regret what she did. The man deserved it but Bill didn't. And that's where she made her mistake. She licked her dry lips and said in a hushed uneven tone, her eyes side glancing to him, "Okay you know where to find me." At least she could give him respect when it was the least required. Her steps that followed were soft but quick as she left the party and Bill.
Bill nodded silently as Beatrix hesitated and then left. He couldn't face her.
He sat like that for sometime...listening to the party outside. Paco had to bother himself to come in.
At some point he rounded up a bottle of Scotch and sat back down. Beatrix attacking somebody was no new thing...her attacking somebody like Paco was another thing. But the worst thing was Bill agreed with what Beatrix had done. He couldn't tell her that currently but deep down he knew it. She had been in the right. He knew he had to tell her eventually.
He had heard enough of her and Paco's conversation to know that Beatrix did have some every right to be angry. That did not entirely justify what she had done but he had seen and heard both sides. It hurt Bill to admit it, but Paco had grown more untrustworthy and unpredictable since last they had met. Bill had picked up on it right away. It was hard to tell if it was age, drugs...his lifelong vagabond lifestyle. Who knew...but Paco had changed. The man had always been a killer...but he had been far more controlled...and less interested in controlling those who were more than capable of doing that job themselves. The Paco that Bill had known never would have attempted to control his life in such a adamant manner nor would he have challenged a female assassin to a brawl. It was so unlike him. Perhaps Paco, seeing his life coming to twilight, felt a desperate need to treat somebody as a true son. He had seen Bill in such a light and those feelings had magnified. Then again, who knew...maybe the guy was just fucking nuts.
Paco left a few days later. The party had wrapped up shortly after Beatrix's dismissal. Paco had been silent and dismissive to Bill, refusing to receive any medical aid. They spent the remaining days in tense silences and casual conversation. They wasted many hours idly shooting cans in the dessert avoiding any real talk. Before parting Paco had grabbed Bill by his lapels, leaning in close. "Take my advice Bill. Get rid of that woman before she destroys you."
Bill had said nothing. He knew he had to make a choice between Paco and Beatrix...and while, it didn't seem like it at the moment, he had chosen Beatrix.
Bill and Paco would never see one another again. It was a fitting adios.