DISCLAIMER: Yadda yadda. Spike's not mine. More's the pity.
Tilly turned from Jet, nodding at the truth of his statement, back to Spike. His eyes were a sea of conflicting emotions and she couldn't help thinking that he was probably usually more controlled than this. She couldn't face what she saw, however, and dropped her eyes under his gaze to stare down at her hands.
"Yes," She said softly. "The bounty." Tilly laid her head onto the back of the couch, looking up to Jet again. "It's him, you know. Vicious. He put out the bounty."
Jet and Faye looked surprised.
"That must have cost him quite a bundle to pull off," Jet said, deep in thought.
Tilly gave a weak smile. "I'm sure it did. Once Annie calls you'll be taking me to Vicious."
"No."
Spike hadn't taken his eyes off Tilly, almost as though he was trying to look right through her. Slowly she lowered her head to face him, not bothering to hide her sadness or fear.
"Yes, Spike."
Overhead the ceiling-fan turned slowly, barely stirring a breeze. The low hum of the motor was the only sound, soon covered by Spike's footsteps as he made his way around the table toward Tilly. She stood quickly and held up a hand to halt his progress. He had moved so quickly, though, that she wound up pressing her palm to his chest, physically stopping him. He wrapped his fingers around her wrist, a reflex, and began to speak.
"Yes, Spike," she repeated quickly. "I'm going. By now, even without her call,
Vicious knows Annie has the twins. She's never taken them before. He'll know something's up."
Spike released her reluctantly and stepped back flopping down onto the couch and lighting a cigarette.
"I have to think of Annie... and my children. Vicious knows I would do anything to protect those kids."
Spike's eyes narrowed, but he refused to look at Tilly. "Whatever you want. I don't care."
Everyone knew otherwise, but Tilly was confused by his reasons. She started to say something to try and reassure Spike, not sure what she would say, when the screen bleeped with an incoming call. Ed reached out slowly, watching Spike for any sign of a temper. Quickly she pressed a button and the monitor came to life with Annie's concerned face.
"Okay, it's on. I still think it's a bad idea."
"Join the club," Spike muttered.
Annie's brow furrowed even further. "Don't get killed, please- any of you." This last was said with a pointed look at Spike but he simply crossed his arms in front of his chest, sulking.
"Good job, mom," Tilly said, watching Spike. Rolling her eyes she turned to face the others. "Okay, Faye- Jet. Who's taking me in?"
"Me." Spike bit out sounding angry and determined. Tilly could tell he was planning something.
"No, Spike. If Vicious even has a passing notion that I've been anywhere near you, I can kiss breathing goodbye."
"And if he sees me, he'll know that Spike's somewhere around," Faye chimed.
"I guess that just leaves me," Jet sighed, his voice weary.
"Good," Tilly nodded. "Get some sleep. It's hours till dawn."
Jet and Faye left for their own rooms, and Spike stalked off toward the kitchen.
Dawn
The sun was just breaking over the horizon as Jet lowered his Hammerhead onto the ground. He climbed out first, turning back to help Tilly down. Looking up they both saw the Red Dragon headquarters, a tall, imposing building. The sight of it set Tilly's heart fluttering with fear. At the bottom of the stairs were two men standing, waiting. Two very familiar faces.
"Hello, Tilly." The silver-haired man smiled a cruel smile. "It's been a long time."
Tilly crossed over to stand directly in front of Vicious, Jet following behind her, silent.
"Hello, Vicious. Yes, it has been a while." She looked over to his companion and nodded. "Hello, Shin. Always a pleasure to see you."
Shin only nodded in response, and Tilly noticed he was holding a briefcase.
"Open it," She said gravely.
"Right here?" Vicious asked as his malicious grin deepened.
"Yes," she replied.
"Why should you care whether or not this bounty hunter gets his money?"
"He let me contact Annie so she could look after the children. I merely want to repay him for that kindness."
Shin looked over to Vicious who nodded his assent. Turning to face Tilly and Jet, Shin opened the case using his arm as a table. Tilly stepped forward and moved some of the cash aside, checking the lining of the case as well as the cash for any traps or tricks. Finding nothing she stepped back and Shin closed the case. Jet reached around Tilly and took the case, turned toward his ship with a silent look back to Tilly, and left. The look spoke volumes. We'll wait to hear from you.
Tilly felt her fear catch in her throat as she watched Jet take off. She stared at the sky long after the ship disappeared from sight, not moving, delaying what was coming.
"Come, Tilly," Vicious said softly. "I'll take you to your rooms."
Tilly turned, her posture erect, and followed Vicious inside, hoping Annie got her instructions right.
