Simon's eyes scanned the shop one last time, trying to remember if there was anything else he needed. His arms were already laden with bandages, weaves, bottles of hydrogen peroxide, and other supplies he tended to use with alarming regularity. Mal wandered around the front of the shop idly as he waited, occasionally glancing out the large front windows.

Simon decided that he'd gathered enough to last them until their next stop at the very least and went up to the counter to pay. The prices were a little high, but their medical supplies were sufficiently depleted that Simon didn't really mind. He was waiting patiently for the cashier to count out the money when he felt Mal's hands land on his shoulders. Mal leaned in close, his breath warm on Simon's ear. "Hurry up. We gotta get back to the ship", he murmured gravely.

Puzzled, Simon turned his head slightly and asked in a low voice. "What's wrong?"

"We're bein' followed."

Simon immediately tried to turn toward the window, but Mal's hands tightened on his shoulders and he hissed, "Don't look. Just finish payin' and let's get goin'." The cashier glanced up curiously at the pair, but wisely kept silent.

Simon nodded absently, his mind already racing. Was it another bounty hunter? Did they know who Simon was, and if they did, did they know about..."River! I have to comm River; I have to find out where she and Kaylee are..."

"Just wait. I don't want him to know we're onto him just yet." He paused. "Doesn't look much like a bounty hunter. Can't say for sure what he's after, though. Best not to take any chances."

Wide-eyed and tight-lipped, Simon nodded. His heart was racing with worry for his little sister, but he trusted Mal knew what he was doing. After all, he'd managed to keep them alive for nearly five years now.

The cashier handed Simon his change and the bag of supplies, and the two of them left the store. Mal kept one hand on the small of Simon's back. The other hung loosely at his right side. To anyone else it was a casual pose, but Simon knew his spouse was keeping his gun hand free and ready for trouble. It was both comforting and nerve-wracking. Simon tipped his head up and asked, "Where is he?"

"Back a ways. He's keeping his distance."

"Are you sure it's no one you've punched, stolen from, or otherwise...done business with?"

Mal's jaw tightened in annoyance. "No, it ain't. Never seen him before. Looks more like someone you'd be likelier to know than me, anyhow."

Simon's eyebrows bunched together in confusion. "What do you mean, someone I'd be more likely to know?"

"Looks to be sort of a rich, snooty type."

Now it was Simon's turn to be annoyed. "Thanks a lot!" he said indignantly.

Mal shrugged distractedly as he risked a glance backward. "Welcome." Turning back, he grabbed Simon's arm and steered him left onto a narrow, deserted side street.

"I thought we were going back to the ship..." said Simon in confusion.

Mal shook his head. "I think I'd rather get things straightened out with this guy before we do that. Doesn't seem to be a dangerous sort, but all the same, best not to take chances." He spared an impish half-grin for Simon, putting him slightly more at east.

Mal peered around the corner. He motioned for Simon to back up a little further and pressed his own body close against the stone wall. He waited tensely until the moment a dark haired man appeared at the entrance of the alley. Mal immediately grabbed him by his lapels and slammed him against the cold stone of the wall. The man let out a small cry of surprise before the impact forced the air from his lungs.

"Who the hell are you, and why the hell've you been following us?" Mal demanded angrily. The stranger regained enough of his composure to fix his hazel eyes on Mal with a cold, superior stare. Mal was momentarily taken aback. Those eyes, they were the same color as...and that icy glare, that was definitely something Mal had seen plenty of...the pale skin, the dark hair...tianna, this stranger could almost be...

"Dad?"

Chapter 3 coming soon! Really soon!