Jess had been gone two weeks.
There was no message from her – no radio or sign – but somehow, Dep knew she was alright. Probably pissed off, by herself and using some poor trees as her personal targets, but Dep felt if they'd survived such a close call with the Chosen, they hardly had to worry about a few angels.
Life in Holland Valley had returned to normal since their mission in the mountains. Well, as normal as it could be when they were missing a member. Her and Grace had been keeping to themselves, eating in mostly silence, taking turns sleeping, both wondering as to why there was no angry radio call from John Seed – or better yet – any mention of The Cook. Dep had sat out on the old porch the first few nights, smoking to herself with Boomer on her lap. Grace had huffed at her, saying that she was wasting her time, but that didn't stop her from joining Rook after three nights passed and there was still no sign of the Huntress. Jess stormed out in such a furious hurry that almost all her stuff was left lying around, causing Dep to wake up early one morning to find Grace throwing it all in a plastic bag - clothes, toothbrush, even her spare arrows - and toss it into one corner of the room. She said nothing, keeping out of Grace's way, but made sure that the plastic bag didn't get chucked in the rubbish. It stayed under Dep's bunk, safe from being thrown away. If Jess came back - she'd likely want all her stuff undamaged and clean. If she came back.
Returning to the resistance HQ in Fall's End was a much more difficult task, however. No sooner had they entered the fortified community when they were greeted with celebration. It seemed everyone knew they'd done something big while out of town, although Jerome had been tight-lipped, luckily. The last thing the Lionesses needed was their actions being known to everyone in Hope County - Peggie or not. They stopped off at the Church to relay the information about their mission, finding Jerome's brow to be tightly knit with worry at Jess' absence. That was, until Grace stepped forward, explaining to him privately that Jess was busy in the Henbane.
"I never knew you were good liar", Dep smirked on their way back in the Death Wish. They'd stopped off at US-Auto previously, having Merle check out the damage and test the brakes on the Death Wish. Dep had been apologetic but thankfully the guy had brushed it off, saying it was to be expected with all the missions the Lionesses underwent.
"Just cause I'm good at it, don't mean I like it", Grace huffed, looking out the window as they passed by golden wheat fields and hay bales. "What we doing tonight?"
"I just gotta go check something, you mind dropping me off?", she inquired. The sun was dropping down over the valley, turning the crop fields to liquid gold and the sky a warm rose-pink.
"No problem. I was gonna take Boomer to Sunrise Farm anyway – heard they got some problem with wild animals stealing the crops, and I thought I could test out his gundog skills", she nodded fondly to the backseat, where Boomer was sticking his head out of the window, tongue lolling in the wind.
"Ew, mouth shut, baby boy", Dep laughed at him, reaching out to ruffle his ears. "Not even the Peggies are gonna like your stinky breath". Boomer barked happily at her, blissfully unaware of the drool dripping off his tongue. They passed the rest of the ride in comfortable silence, only noise being the hum of the car engine and the crackle of the radio.
"Where are we?", Grace peered at the place once the Death Wish was parked.
"Roberts Cabin", Dep climbed out, booping Boomer's nose playfully when he tried to jump out with her. "You stay here like a good boy. Go have fun with Auntie Grace, I'll be back later". Boomer whined but jumped into the front seat obediently, howling in time to the rhythm as Grace put on some music – quickly changing the radio station from the Peggie crap that often played.
"See you later", she waved as the Death Wish rumbled out of sight, and turned back to the building in front of her. Roberts Cabin – this was the house Earl had promised her once she settled into her new position in the police department – but she never even had time to move in. Her bags had been brought there but unpacking had been cut short before the night of Joseph's arrest took place. Dep approached the building cautiously, checking for any traps, but it looked clear. The entire cabin was still sound, and she let out a sigh of relief. It was a sweet little home – a shame she might never get to live there. All the food from the kitchen was ransacked which made sense, someone desperate - either Peggie or Resistance it didn't matter – had looted the most valuable stuff. It was to be expected. She opened the door to the bedroom, peering in drawers and under the bed until-
"Yes!", she cheered, finding a suitcase safely stowed under the bedframe. The mattress on top had been stolen but that was replaceable, the stuff she'd brought in here wasn't. Dep rifled through clothes, books, all her precious possessions that were still intact. Her fingers found a red tartan-plaid shirt she hadn't worn since arriving in the county, and slipped it on over the short white t-shirt she was wearing. It was boiling outside but she'd sacrifice being hot if it meant she could wear her own clothes for the first time in months.
"Thank you, God", she kissed the hard surface of the suitcase, re-doing the snaps and hiding it back under the bed. She would take it with her, but it was far too heavy to carry back home and would take up space in their confined bunker. Besides, they were all non-essentials anyway. Her fingers grabbed anything else that might be of use, deciding to stash it in the backpack she'd brought with and re-locked the cabin, drinking in the sight of her supposed home for the last time in who knows how long. She'd always wanted to live in a cabin when she was older – once the allure of the city had worn off on her, wanting to settle down somewhere peaceful. Montana had initially been the perfect location for her – rural North America away from everyone in her past life and the chance to make a fresh start. Where she wasn't known as "The cop in the newspaper", and then "The new girl". Dep felt a cold shiver creep down her spine, despite the scorching hot sun beating down. A nice walk back to the Lioness' den would make her forget.
The way back to the old Armstrong residence would take her a while, but the exercise would be beneficial. Her limbs either went from dull sleep to energetic fighting, she rarely had time for an in-between. Twilight had settled over Hope County, casting dark shadows from the trees against the glowing sky. Dep trudged along the dirt road towards the East, making sure to check perimeter. There'd been some strange activity from Faith's region recently, a few too many Angels stumbling about, and scouting out the eastern borders of the Holland Valley was on the rest of her to do list.
Dep clutched the strap of her backpack tighter, pulling out the pistol from her sidearm holster on her thigh. It gleamed a dangerous silver in the setting sunlight, before she shoved it back inside the pocket. She had to be ready – just in case some Chosen decided to play "Cops and robbers" without her knowing. It was unlikely, but their numbers had been steadily growing in the recent weeks. Something or someone was bringing them down South.
"Jacob"
Dep's lips pulled taut into a sour scowl – the thought of the eldest Seed sending his men after her was… repulsive to say the least.
"Why the fuck is he so interested in us?", she kicked a tree stump in irritation. "Did the Cook really matter that much to his operation?", her mind drifted to the Lionesses, and their missing member, who had killed the cult VIP herself. "God, I hope Jess hasn't run into any trouble". The thought made her tongue feel dry as sandpaper. She knew the archer was a skilled fighter – she could dish out whatever dinner the Peggies were serving – but the radio silence still made Dep uneasy.
If only things had gone to plan that night... if only she had been more of a leader…
"I heard my niece has been causing ya a bit of trouble", a familiar, gravelling voice crackled through her radio. Dep felt warmth flow through her, gratefully disrupting her from her unwelcome thoughts as she unclipped the small box from her belt and pressed the button.
"Evening, old man"
"You're still calling me that?", Dutch laughed. The nickname had unfortunately stuck and he didn't try to argue with her over it anymore. "Anyway, how's Jess? Heard y'all got into a catfight", he chuckled at his own joke.
"Just cause we're called Lionesses-", she began but cut herself off, able to hear his chuckle on the other end of the radio. "Honestly? I'm not the one you wanna talk to. It was mainly between her and Grace. You heard about our little adventure up North, yet?". Jess had called Dutch days before they planned to set off into the mountains; the conversation was pretty heated to say the least, all sorts of cussing and sharp tones, but Jess had come out smiling, so Dutch must've given her his permission. He wasn't told the whole story, just that it was about "justice".
"I think the whole county's aware of that little stunt you pulled, even with Jerome tryna keep it all hush-hush", Dep was seriously surprised that nosy old Dutch hadn't deduced - or probed someone for gossip – about what happened that night. It was a sore memory for her. "Don't get me wrong kid, I'm proud of ya. Not just anyone could waltz into Jacob Seed's playpen and come out alive. But I still don't know the details, only that you kicked up quite the fuss", he paused, but Dep wanted to hear his side first. "I dunno what went down, Jess only let on a few details. She came by my bunker a week ago, covered in blood with that damn cat of yours". Dep's eyes widened, so that's where Peaches went off to.
"She told me what happened, says you got hurt and it's all her fault".
"Just a scratch, Peaches has done worse to me than those Chosen have", she mused, fingers idly tracing the skin over her healing injury. At least the big cat was safe with Jess.
"Like I said earlier, kiddo. Jess' tough as nails, but that's cause she's been through a lot. She's lost more than you and I put together, and sometimes… I'm afraid it might've really messed with her"/
"She can handle herself – that's what I respect the most about her. She's done so much on her own already, I just wish she realised that she doesn't have to do it all. She was definitely glad we were with her then, though. That night which we won't discuss, or I might have to shoot you", Dep finished her sentence with a tease.
"You wouldn't be the first one", she could almost hear Dutch smirking. "She'll take a long time to understand, but I got faith in her. If you see her, bring her home for me, wouldya? You watch yourself, kid. It's getting nasty out there", he warned.
"Your niece isn't the only gal out here who can look after herself", Dep chuckled, taking out a cigarette from her pocket and reaching for her lighter.
"Roger that. Dutch out".
Dutch's voice went silent, leaving Dep to re-clip the radio back onto her belt. The sky was beginning to darken, and she didn't want to linger on the edge of the valley, especially after nightfall. She'd already passed by Rae-Rae's pumpkin farm, where Boomer had been rescued before being sent to the Whitetails, and the orchards were quiet and peaceful in the sunset. She was near Dutch's bunker, able to spot the island's radio tower. Surely a short trip to her resistance roots wouldn't be too outrageous?
XXX
Moonlight streamed between the trees, silvery shadows dancing across the ground. Dutch's island had been quiet ever since the ranger station and conservation areas had been liberated. The Peggies had no use for the small patch of land, not when every Herald demanded assistance at every hour with their personal roles inside The Project.
Rook kept her footsteps soft, which was proving even more difficult in the darkness when tree branches were harder to spot. She could walk the path back to Dutch's bunker blindfolded however, knowing every turn and bend where her feet carried her. The soft sound of lapping water met her ears, mixed with the rustling trees overheard.
*Plonk*
A splash disturbed the silence. Dep ducked down, instinctively groping at her holster. The noise had come from up ahead, towards the lake.
"It's probably nothing", she told herself.
"Go check it out, what if it's the Chosen?"
"No, there aren't any Chosen in these parts"
"Can you be sure?"
The nagging inkling in the pit of her stomach urged her forward, closer to the noise. She was so near to the bunker that she could probably make a mad dash, but that would alert whoever was up ahead to her presence. She dipped low, making sure to stifle any noise her boots made by stepping on moss and the softer parts of the forest floor. Dep's hands pulled back at bushes, coming out into a clearing.
"The Forest Research Station", she recognised the signpost, and out on the dock, sat a tiny dark figure.
Dep inched closer, ignoring the pounding of her heart as the figure slowly came into focus. She could make out something huge and furry curled up next to them. Her foot creaked onto the white planks of the pier, causing the figure to tilt their head. They didn't look around. Relief flooded through Dep, making her tiptoe closer and put away her gun. Her legs dropped down over the water next to them, as the figure kept tossing rocks into the dark water. The large furry thing purred happily and leant its head on her knee as Dep trailed a finger down the animal's back; at least Peaches was glad to see her.
"What are you doing out here?", the figure's soft question was filled with hurt, and curiosity.
"I could ask you the same thing", Dep leant back on her arms, lifting her chin to look at the beautiful silvery moon, reflected in the lake a thousand times like glass. "Can't go around fighting the cult without my best Lioness, can I?"
The mention of their squad caused Jess to freeze, drawing in her legs from over the water. Even in the low light, Dep could tell her clothes had been a lot more neglected than when she last saw them. The Huntress turned to her, dark eyes watching from under a forest-green hood. She knew she was staring.
"Grace would be pissed if she heard you". Dep felt the tension lift from her shoulders, it was still the same-old Jess Black.
"Grace ain't here", she shrugged, aware that the since it was so dark. Jess' shoulders unclenched tightly. They sat for a few minutes, Peaches' purring and fidgeting being the only sound through the quiet night air. "Was living outdoors not all it's cracked up to be?", Rook tried to break the ice. Silence.
"I'm sorry I fucked up your plan", Jess finally spoke, pulling her arms around her elbows. The pile of pebbles she'd collected shifted, sliding over one another and some fell into the lake.
"Thanks but… it's not about the plan. It's about sticking together and staying safe". Jess "mmmed" in acknowledgement, burying her face in the crook of her elbow. She still grasped at the mini mountain of rocks, tossing them in with her free hand.
"Sorry I fucked up your arm as well"
"That's healed over already", Dep chuckled, pulling back her sleeve to expose her arm, the only remnants of their mountain mission being a scab. "But Jess, can I ask you something?"
"Shoot", Jess didn't even look at her.
"Why are you really out here?". The pebble slipped out of Jess's fingers, landing in the water with a splash and disappear into the murky depths of Silver Lake. Dep sensed a long story incoming, so made herself comfortable and pulled out her lighter, eyes never leaving the Huntress' face.
"I never appreciated the time I had with my folks", she picked up another and tossed it into the dark water. It let out a plop, and sunk down into inky blackness. "I was always being a little shit: gettin' into fights at school, doin' drugs, graffiti, yadda-yadda. My parents eventually sent me to live with my grandma. I thought it'd be super boring but, she taught me all this cool survival shit. One day I was walking home from school when a wolverine came out of nowhere, trying to bite off my hand. I had the knife grandma gave me, telling me she trusted me enough to take care of myself. I gut that little rodent and brought it back home for Grandma to skin – she had the biggest smile on her face. I realised, I didn't have to be such a shit all the time, there was a lot of good I could do too".
"Go on", Dep prompted. Jess' eyes travelled to the cigarette in-between Dep's fingers. She looked down in unison, realisation hitting and offered it towards her. Jess looked at it, and for once, shook her head.
"I lived off the land with her, learnt how to make shelter, craft my own arrows from sticks and rocks, shoot a bow, etc", she gestured to the compound bow that was resting on the dock in the middle of the two women. "It was her gift to me when I was 15, the year before she died. I've killed a lotta Peggies with it, I hope she's proud of me". Dep spied tiny dents and notches in the bow, clear signs of use.
"How could she not be?", Dep hummed, looking out across the water. "You've become everything she taught you, but stayed your own person".
"Thanks", she punched Dep's shoulder affectionately. "Anyway, once she passed away, I lived back home with my family. My older brothers had grown up a lot, they weren't such assholes and I wasn't such a little shit anymore. My parents also were a lot easier to live with, once we managed to talk to each other about stuff. They didn't like me keeping a knife, but they didn't take it away either. Everything was going alright, until…"
"The Cook?"
"The Peggies", her voice hitched. Jess picked up a large rock and violently flung it across the lake, sending ripples startling across the disturbed water. "Those leeches. They came to our house one night, took us out of our beds and kept us in a cage. We went days without water, or food, until he took my parents and…", she cut off, and Dep suddenly saw a trail of something dark and wet running down her face. Her hand slowly touched Jess' shoulder, and she felt her palm rest on top of hers. Dep gave a comforting squeeze, and Jess leaned over, nesting her head under Rook's arm.
"I think I knew", she sniffled. "I think I always knew why they wanted us. For years I was asking myself why Joab would send those asshats out to our house. My parents were church folk – they never did nothing wrong – so what did he want with them?", the question was directed more to herself. Dep swallowed, unsure of what to say.
"They were after me", she let out a choked sob. Rook to wrapped her arm around tighter, rubbing Jess' back softly. "They'd heard I knew how to shoot, they wanted to recruit me, and my brothers if they were any good. But my parents wouldn't let them. That's why they killed 'em. It was my fault"
"No", Dep pulled back. Jess' stormy green eyes blinked from under the green hood. "Jess, it's not your fault. You were only a kid then; you didn't have anything to do with this. There was nothing you could've done to stop them". It took a while for Jess to calm down, but their conversation continued, in soft, hushed whispers.
"I don't know what to do now", she confessed, playing with Dep's jacket zipper. The junior deputy's coat was draped over both their shoulders. "I thought after I'd put that evil fuck in the ground… at least something would…"
"…Change?", Dep finished the sentence, shaking her head. "We got the Cook, and that's great. He won't be hurting anyone anymore, but killing people, isn't ever gonna undo the evil shit they've already done. I know this is dumb coming from me, but… before I came to Hope County, I'd never shot someone. Now I've been here for couple of months and I've already killed more people than I can count. We shouldn't have to become like them, but we don't have any choice. We're keeping people like the Rye family, and the kids in Fall's End, and Virgil, and all those old folks in the retirement home safe", she lists off the community members on her fingers. "I don't blame you if you wanna walk away from all this, Jess"
"No", she straightened up quickly. "I'm not leaving you two to fight by yourselves. As long as there's Peggies to gut, I'm your butcher", Jess pointed at her bow confidently. "Besides, I'll miss Peaches"
"Wow thanks", Dep pretended to get up in offence. "Nice to know that living and fighting together meant a lot to you", she started walking off, until Jess appeared in front of her, jabbing a finger into her chest.
"You're such a dork", Jess shook her head, her sorrow slowly dissipating from her face. "But living with you and Grace, it don't feel like my parents' house and it don't feel like my Grandma's".
"Where does it feel like then?", Dep dropped her cigarette under her boot, crushing it into the ground and then flicking it into a nearby bin. At least there was some way to stay eco-friendly in the midst of a war. Jess grinned at her brightly, wrapping her arm around Dep's torso.
"Home", she smirked as Dep linked her arms around Jess' shoulders, only slightly taller than the archer.
They stayed like that, walking back to down the pier. It seemed Dutch's visit would have to wait. The salty taste of tears and the smell of cigarette smoke drifted away into the night air, leaving no indication they were ever there. Like ghosts in the night, fading into the wind.
"Come on, let's go give them hell"
XXX
Jess clung onto Dep's sleeve as they approached the bunker. The walk home had been in a comfortable silence – which now turned tense. Grace wasn't sitting outside, waiting for Dep's return.
"You want a minute?", she asked Jess, who shook her head furiously.
"Nah, let's get this over with".
They descended down the hatch, the smell of food suddenly making Dep's mouth and eyes water. Grace was making stir-fry, the air warm and aromatic with the smell of spices. It'd been so long since any of them had a proper cooked meal, and not just tinned food or the occasional pluck of fruit they'd been offered by local farm owners. When this war was over and Dep could go back to her life in a cabin – she was never eating baked beans again. How Sharky ate them daily was beyond her.
Jess hesitantly perched just outside the kitchen, Boomer came running out eagerly to greet them. The dog let out a happy bark, sniffing and rubbing himself against the Huntress' leg.
"Dep, that you?", Grace's voice called from the kitchen. Dep stuck her head round the corner, seeing Grace with her back turned, wearing a casual t-shirt and jeans some kind of apron. Her eyes dragged behind her to Jess, who was awkwardly trying to read a rushed apology note she'd written before they arrived.
"Grace?", the Huntress cleared her throat. The sniper spun around, a mix of hurt and shock on her features. Grace peered over her shoulder to Dep, and then crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing towards Jess. "I just wanted to say…", she began, trying to summon the confidence. "Fuck it", Jess murmured, throwing away the tiny scrap of paper she'd used to write down her apology. "Grace, I was being an asshole to you, and I'm sorry. I got in too deep and I let my emotions get the better of me, and you both got hurt because of it". Grace's eyes wavered for a moment, but she didn't drop her guard.
"I just came back because… I don't want us to fight anymore", Jess held out her hand. Grace dragged her eyes towards it, as if the very action was suspicious.
Grace suddenly surged forwards. Rook flinched, eyes shut tight as she expected the sound of a palm making contact with Jess' cheek. She blinked open her eyes hesitantly, mouth gaping wide at the sight of Grace hugging an equally shocked Jess. They stood in silence, as Jess's eyes fluttered shut and she squeezed back. Grace's brown eyes opened, curling her finger with never-before-seen playfulness. Rook gave a smirk in response.
"Group hug", she teased, joining the embrace. Boomer let out a happy bark in the background as the three women cuddled together.
"Alright, alright. Get off", Jess insistently pulled away after 30 seconds. "That stays between us though, right?".
"Got it", Grace laughed, melting away any lingering tension in the room. Dep looked between her two friends, her face beaming like sunshine.
"Well, now that the band's back together… who wants a drink?", she headed to the bunker ladder.
"On this one occasion, I guess I'll take you up on that", Jess nodded, crossing her arms and dragging a chair out from under the table. "Where you going?", her eyebrow quirked at Dep who was pulling her jacket back on.
"We're not drinking here", she winked, causing Grace and Jess to exchange looks. "Trust me".
"Where the hell we going then?", Grace curiously pulled on her boots, taking one look at the near-finished sir-fry she'd been preparing. Jess helped her pack it away in tupperware to preserve in the fridge.
"It's Tuesday", Dep's eager grin was annoyingly bright.
"And that means…?"
XXX
"GIRLS NIGHT!", Dep cheered, pushing open the doors to the Spread Eagle. The bar was already rowdy, making sense since it was the evening. Many women from around the county, including Miss Mable and Lindsey Perkins, were gathered around the small bar tables and sipping on brightly coloured drinks.
"How'd you know this existed?", Jess marvelled at Adelaide Drubman across the room, who was taking shots. Dep pointed to the wall with a cheeky grin. The poster behind Mary-May's head read "Ladies Night – Girls drink free every Tuesday! 5:30-10pm". The trio found a table, Dep sidling up to the bar with a fistful of notes in her hand.
"What'll it be, hon?", the blonde Fairgrave leant towards the rookie deputy with a smile. Her blonde hair remained in its usual messy bun, and even though there were dark shadows under her eyes, her posture relaxed as she spoke.
"Three beers, thanks", Dep slapped some cash on the counter, causing Mary to pull out three bottles.
"Last we manage to scrounge from Whistling Beaver before the Peggies took over", she hummed, setting down the bottles with a clink. "I noticed you've copied my hair, Deputy", she giggled, gesturing to Dep's own bun.
"You're a trendsetter", she winked back, causing Mary-Mary to feign a blush. She scooped up the bottles, turning back to her squad who were settling at a table. Dep spied Miss Mable in a corner, drinking scotch and scowling at her. She shrugged it off, the woman always had a face like a sour lemon. Mable went back to glaring at Adelaide, a disgusted and somewhat jealous look glinting in her eyes at the rosy-cheeked pilot.
"Haven't drank since the start of the collapse", Grace wrinkled her nose as the bottle was set down in front of her, but didn't push it away.
"Now wonder you scowl so often", Jess smirked, swiping one and snapping off the cap with her teeth. Grace shot her a look, but didn't repress the amused smile on her lips. Dep swatted at them both playfully, relieved that they were having a moment to relax together. She opened the cap on her own drink, the cool condensation on the glass making her fingers wet.
"Evening gals", Kim Rye sat next to them with a gin and tonic.
"Taking a night off from being a mom?", Dep noticed Kim had baby food smeared onto her jeans.
"I left Nick in charge, what's the wager I'll return to find him teaching Carmina how to shoot?", she sighed, draining her glass.
"Next drinks on you if you're wrong?"
"Deal", she nodded, wandering over to the bar.
"Right", Dep faced her Lionesses, as they raised the bottles into the air. "To the Resistance!", she laughed, suddenly realising they were being watched. The other patrons joined in, the sound of glasses knocking against each other as Adelaide hollered.
"The Resistance", voices echoed as they clinked bottles and drank. Dep let herself get lost in the evening: chatting and laughing and accidentally spilling cider on her shoes. The sounds from the Spread Eagle that night reflected the promise of a community, that Eden's Gate hadn't made them roll over.
Not yet...
XXX
Author's Notes:
The reason for this chapter - while it may seem like it doesn't tie in with the whole Jacob/Deputy in the bigger picture - was here because I wanted to flesh out the characters first :) It shows what Dep's life is like with the Resistance, how they overcome struggles, etc. I felt like it gives us some backstory and context to their lives, before they become fully entangled with Eden's Gate.
The Spread Eagle's "Ladies Night" is also a very real thing, you can find the advertisement outside the spread Eagle next to Sharky's wanted poster and when I first saw it I knew immediately I wanted to write either a scene (or oneshot, failing that) where all the women in Hope County just collectively get together and drink and laugh about the Seeds.
No surprise that this chapter was named after some Katy Perry lyrics from "Firework". Gud song. Recommend it.
After a hurricane, comes a rainbow...