Gambling Time: Chapter One
The familiar street Danny's house was on was a welcome sight after everything. Today marked the longest I'd been in such heroic company without someone trying to arrest me. It turned out to be an interesting experience. Interesting, but exhausting. There didn't seem to be any end to Miss Militia's questions or attempts to 'get to know me'. It would have been a nice change from how heroes usually treated me, if I didn't know they were using the opportunity to fish for information.
Not that I blamed her, she was just doing her job. In contrast, dealing with Armsmaster was easier. He just stared; not trying to hide the fact he was suspicious. Probably with every bit of whatever magic tinkertech equipment he had trained on me. It's what I would have done in his place and in the end; heroes were no different than any other parahuman gang I'd dealt with. No matter what side you were on, information was the key to survival.
Reaching into my coat, I pulled a piece of paper free. Looking over the names, times, and coded areas associated. Behind the wheel, Danny continued driving no longer wearing his Minion costume. While the reactions to it were hilarious, I had to admit I was very curious as to the story behind it.
"What did you and Miss Militia talk about while I was in the bathroom?" I asked.
"She was curious about my outfit," Danny answered. His amusement was clear in his voice as he continued. "Apparently, I resembled a henchmen look from some years ago. She wanted to know if I was aware of it."
"And what did you say?"
"That I was and that it was nice to have an excuse to wear it again."
"I imagine that got her attention."
"It seemed to, yes," Danny chuckled.
"Mine as well," I said leadingly.
Seeming a bit embarrassed, Danny sighed. "I mentioned that Annette ran with a gang once."
Looking up from the paper, I gave him my attention.
"During that time Annette called me more than once for help. Bail money, a change of clothes, or to pick her and her associates up. Sometimes to hide them for a while or help establish alibis. Just in case."
"And you did it?" I couldn't help but ask. Danny was the proverbial straight arrow. It was a little strange to hear there was a time he wasn't.
"Annette was very hard to say no to," he muttered fondly. "After the first few times, she started joking that I was her minion and it became a nick name of sorts. When the group started getting more radical some of her associates took exception to me helping or being around when she needed me. That was when she put together that outfit and actually started publicly calling me Minion. It amused your mother greatly that I was the only man in an all female gang."
Something about the way he was talking made me think Annette wasn't the only one amused. Shaking my head I looked back to the paper I'd acquired inside the PRT building. Hopefully Danny wouldn't be remiss in telling more stories from those times later.
"Is that something from Calle?"
"No," I answered, putting it back in my coat. "It's this week's patrol schedule for the Wards."
"You stole the Wards patrol schedule."
"Yeah."
"How?" Danny asked.
"It was actually tougher to find one than I thought it would be," I chuckled. "They seem to have had problems with people climbing through the ducts before. Took a bit get through and sneak into their break area."
"When did you," shaking his head, Danny sighed. "You know what, I don't really want to know. I do want to know why."
"Just curious when and where they were going to be this week."
"To meet with them?"
"To avoid them, actually," I clarified, watching the city pass through the window. "Aside from maybe Vista and Clockblocker, I don't think they like me very much. Probably best to avoid a cape fight with them. Things are going to be hard enough as it is. Danny, are you sure about..."
"I am," he assured.
Sighing, Danny pulled into the driveway. Sitting at the curb was an unexpected surprise, Lillian's little coup. Shutting off the engine, Danny turned to me. A strange mix of pain and pride in his smile.
"You are my daughter," he continued. "Your mother and I may have named you Taylor, but you, Renée, are our daughter. I know that for you, that is more an abstract definition because you don't remember us. It's made things difficult for both of us in the last month as we've tried to understand who the other person is and how we will make this situation work."
Danny didn't seem finished, so I waited while he ordered his thoughts.
"It's been an adjustment, for both of us," he said, eyes staring blankly at the house. "But, it's been harder on you, I think. From what I have gathered and what you've told me, for a long time all you have known was basic survival. Food, water, shelter, protection. Jess, the gang you ran with, and then the gang you ran. But survival isn't living."
"That was why I formed the Guild," I said. Still not quite seeing where this was going. "I wasn't the only one in that situation.
Danny nodded. His smile seemed more lively. "That is my point. You knew then that it wasn't enough, that there was more to life than just existing. You grew beyond the boundaries imposed on you, and you thrived."
"I was lucky. It wouldn't have worked if the others hadn't agreed to work together. Without the other leaders, things wouldn't have gone nearly as well, or as far."
"True."
"Where are you going with this, Danny?" I asked.
"Just that all of that defined you," he answered. "Since we've reconnected, you've been trying to be something else. Someone else, and it isn't working."
"Danny?"
"Some years ago other parahumans tried this. Back then they were called the Brockton Bay Brigade. The transition to New Wave wasn't seamless, nor without cost. There was some discrimination, a bit of freak out, but the real tragedy was when one of them died. Instead of being a movement for parahuman acceptance, it served as a lesson why being a cape means leading a double life. Even the Protectorate keeps confidentiality of parahumans they capture or know the true identities of. I won't lie to you, Renée. I'm worried."
"There are other ways we could have done this for the same results," I pointed out. "If it bothers you so much, why did you suggest it?"
"Because my daughter is a parahuman and I want her to be happy. Trying to be anyone but who you are, isn't going to make you happy," he sighed. That strange smile came back when he turned to me. "If the last few years have taught me anything, it is that there isn't anything I won't do for you. I… don't think I could handle losing you again, but I am not going to let that fear control me, or keep you from being happy."
"I am not unhappy, Danny," I assured him. "This wasn't necessary."
"The benefits of experience," he said. "Or being an old man, is that we tend to see things you don't. And I am not so old that I don't remember what being a teenager was like. Renée, you've never hidden who and what you are before."
"I never really had the option to."
"True, but this goes back to what I was saying before. This is who you are and hiding it isn't something you are use to, much less like. Living, really living, is about choices, and consequences in pursuit of your goals. It doesn't matter that a lack of options forced you on the path, you chose to own it. So, it's time I accepted that before..."
Chuckling sadly, Danny shook his head. "If I had my way, I'd bundle you up and hide you away from the madness of this city. The cape life. Find a way to keep you from doing the things you've had to do to survive the last few years. But, that would push you away. You wouldn't be happy, and in the end, I'd lose you all over again. So, if that isn't going to work, then we need to focus on something that will. Which is a nice lead in for the surprise I set up for you."
Gambit didn't cry, but right now, I was close to it. This… I didn't know what to do with this. I would be lying if I said I hadn't come to similar conclusions, but I was still willing to push forward. The last month living here in Brockton Bay, with Danny, filled a hole in me that I didn't know I had. But, it didn't fill all of it. Being just Renée wasn't enough. To… static. I never was one to who enjoyed sitting idle. That Danny got it, understood, was almost too much.
Not really comfortable or knowing what to do with this, I cleared my throat, asking, "Surprise?"
In answer, he turned toward the house again. Following his gaze, I looked at the kitchen window seeing a very familiar face smirking at me.
"You didn't," I half asked, quickly turning to Danny.
"Surprise," he chuckled. "Go ahead. I'm sure they're just as excited to see you."
Opening the back door, I was hit with several familiar scents; all coming from the stove. Jambalaya with andouille, red beans, rice, even a crawfish boil merrily bubbling away in a large pot, and if that wasn't bread pudding in the oven, I'd give up thievery.
If that wasn't enough to make me think 'home', seeing Penny next to the stove sold it.
"I was wondering how long you guys were going to sit out there and talk," she said. "Dinner's almost done."
"What are you doing here?" I asked, welcoming the hug from the older blond.
"It's been ages since you had real food so we decided to fix that," Penny answered. Despite her joking tone her eyes moved over me, obviously looking for damage that wasn't visible.
"We?"
"Ma chère." Turning revealed Sam walking in from the living room. A smile on his face with his arms wide.
Laughing, I hugged him. Over his shoulder I saw his girlfriend Katie watching. Like Penny and Sam, she was smiling. Looking around I couldn't help but asking again, "What are you guys doing here?"
Sam rolled his eyes, making room for Katie. "Seriously, you get into a big fight that has Danny calling Penny because you're hurt, and you think we're just going to stay south and do nothing?
"Honestly," Penny added, "we would have been here sooner, but Danny called back saying he found you and that you had the situation in hand. Something about flooding this place in thieves might have messed up whatever it was you had going."
"Still think I should have brought a crew. I know several who'd make the trip, just to even the score," Sam said. "Find this guy and teach him some humility. Bet he's got some good loot. No sense in him keeping it all to himself. People are hungry."
"And if you think I'm letting this idiot run off without me," Katie added with an eye roll of her own. "Then you're mistaken. Not after him and Pedro closed the Rum House."
"Ma belle?" Sam asked playing at being wounded.
"You know I'm right. I put too much work into you to risk losing you to whatever misadventure you'd get yourself into without adult supervision."
I couldn't help but laugh at Sam's pout.
Smiling with a bemused expression on her face, Lillian walked toward Danny. I didn't even notice she was standing there, or that Danny had followed me in. "Can you under anything they're saying?"
"Only every other word," he chuckled. "The english ones, anyway. It might be best if we don't know. From what Penny has told me, anything involving 'Pedro' is not a topic that we want details on."
"You'll get used to it," Penny said, eyes dancing and she tried to keep in her laughter. "It isn't that hard to understand once you accept that it's one of the thickest accent's for outsiders of New Orleans in all of america. It's kind of like Scottish, and hillbilly, and french, all glued together with hot peppers. But sometimes sounds like it's coming from underwater, and smooth enough to make you completely forget where you left your pants, which is certainly in a different place than your keys or wallet."
"How long are you here for," I asked. We were so hitting Palanquin and as many of the nightlife hot spots as we could before they left.
"You didn't tell her?" Penny asked Danny.
"Didn't have a chance to," he answered.
"Tell me what?"
"We're here to stay," Sam said, nodding.
"What?" I asked before my eyes landed back on the stove. It was then I noticed that the pots weren't Danny's. More than the fact Danny didn't own half the pots necessary to cook the kinds of things Penny was, I recognized them all as being part of her collection. Several of which I stole for her myself last year when she was moaning about not having the right things to cook the dishes she wanted to try. Also in the living room were several boxes, and more than a few bags replacing Danny's usual clutter.
"But, the Guild?" I half asked before turning to Penny. "Langlois Culinary? You guys love New Orleans."
"It hasn't been the same since you left," Sam said. "Marcus had insurance against getting pinched. Got broke out not long after."
Katie nodded while Sam shrugged at my concerned look. "You know how things were before, Renée. People set aside old grudges to unite, but old wounds fester. Marcus knew that. Used it to get some to follow him."
"The old timers know why you did what you did," Katie added. "There was talk about how much they respected that you practiced what you preached. That you took the hit for the whole, but not everyone was happy with how things were."
"That isn't what I wanted," I said. "That isn't what was supposed to happen."
"No, but Marcus, you know?" Sam said. "He showed up to the last meeting of the leadership. Talking pretty about opportunities and that now that you were gone, we shouldn't limit ourselves to just stealing. Big talk about real money and taking things to the next level. Some liked it, some didn't."
"What happened?" I asked, fearing the worst.
"Some groups joined with Marcus. Those who were having a hard time earning the right way. Thugs mostly, but a few good ones left. So he's got his own thing going now. Was bad for a couple of weeks. Territory dispute kind of stuff as the balance shifted with neither side willing to give ground."
"How bad was it?"
"People got hurt both sides, some died," Sam answered. "From our group, we lost Carlos. A few others got hurt when we retaliated and got payback. Lost Victor then. Went out like a boss from what I heard. John ended up in the hospital."
Closing my eyes, I sighed. Carlos and Victor were hot heads, always prone to leaping before thinking, but decent people once you got to know them. John wasn't exactly level headed either, but he was one of the best pick pockets I'd ever seen. Hopefully whatever happened wasn't permanent. "What was PD's response? Did the Protectorate get involved?"
Katie shook her head. "Without any capes, the Protectorate called it a local police matter and neither side went loud. A lot of what happened, happened in the shadows."
"Pretty much. Both sides cleaned up after where we could, don't think five-o figured out much about what was really going on," Sam agreed. "Things didn't simmer down until we started hitting Marcus where it hurt, his pocket. His people might be more willing to kill than we are, but there's a reason why you don't mess with people who can stripe a bank vault in ten minutes without leaving a trail. Last week Marcus called for a truce. Probably finally figured out that he wouldn't be able to float his own operation for much longer if things kept going. What we took, we moved fast."
"There was a meet," Sam continued. "Marcus and the leadership. They divided up the city with an understanding that if either side crossed the line, they were fair game."
"Where is Marcus now?" I asked. This wouldn't have happened if I'd just left things be. If I found and took him out…
"Easy, chérie," Sam cautioned, knowing exactly where my mind was. "That isn't a good idea."
"Why not? This is my mess. If I hadn't been with Marcus in the first place, none of this would have happened."
"Because that was part of the price for peace," Katie said.
Sam nodded sadly. "Yeah. Marcus must have figured that you'd gun for him when you found out. He made a point that if you came back, for any reason, he'd consider it a deal breaker, and that the Guild wanted a war. You go back, and both sides will be out for you. Sorry chérie, but it was the only way to settle things."
Sighing in frustration, I nodded; already considering other options. As much as I wanted to handle this myself, it would cause more problems than I'd already created. But, there was one answer that didn't involve me going personally, assuming Jess was right. Just needed an in and a payday to front the idea.
"Sam," I said, putting that line of thinking aside for now until I figured out the details. "If things settled down, why would you guys move up here?"
"Like I said, it's not the same without you," he answered. "After shit went down, Katie and I talked about things, decided we needed a change. When Danny called, we thought we'd check it out. The least we could do is consider his offer."
Standing next to Sam, Katie nodded along. "It's not everyday you get a legit offer with good pay with real benefits. Especially since our verifiable work history isn't what you would call steady."
Turning to Danny in surprise, I raised an eyebrow.
"They're not the first ones to work for me with a questionable past. Most of us at the 201st have come from similar backgrounds," Danny answered the silent question. "The downsides of living in a city with a history like ours and if there is anything the 201st understands, it's second chances. It will be hard, but honest, work. So long as they keep their hobbies off my job sites and away from the 201st, they're welcome to it.
"Besides, Renée, I told you there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, and with everything going on, you need people familiar with the kinds of things you do. More importantly, you need people you can trust to back you up when you need it. Just in case something happens again. If it does, I don't want you alone out there."
Sam nodded sharply, completely in line with Danny's statement. Next to him, Katie likewise nodded. Penny was smiling when I turned to her asking, "What about Langlois Culinary? Penny, you've wanted something like that for years."
"I still want to be a chef," Penny agreed. "And I will be one. I don't need someone else's approval. I'll find a way to do it here just the same as doing it back home and who knows? There might be a market up here for authentic cajun cuisine, and it isn't like I can't earn in Brockton Bay the same way I did in New Orleans.
"Besides, Amos is practically in open warfare with the Kree. It's gotten so bad he's started sending Whiplash around to collect the rents. Doesn't matter what day it is or how much longer you have until it's due, she's made it a point that you better have it when she shows up or bad things happen to you. She beat up the couple across from us pretty badly and trashed their place last week. I'm not risking my pots to her temper."
"Guys…" I tried to say before Sam interrupted me.
"Hey, enough of this feelings stuff," he grunted. "I've been smelling Penny's cooking for half the day. Let's eat finally, eh?"
Katie rolled her eyes, smacking Sam in the back of his head before walking over to help a laughing Penny. Shaking his head, Danny headed to the cabinets taking the playful ribbing from Penny when she noticed his dinner ware. Danny's kitchen wasn't exactly spacious, which left Lillian and I near the table.
Her expression as she took in the chaos around us seemed amused, but in her eyes I could tell she understood more of the conversation than her earlier comment might have hinted at. I assumed Danny had mentioned a few things about me, but until now I wasn't sure how much he'd shared. When Lillian turned meeting my eyes, I raised my eyebrow.
She met my black eyes unflinchingly, smiling warmly, which told me all I needed to know. Lillian understood that all of us had a bit of a checkered past and it didn't seem to bother her. No judgments, no condemnation, just acceptance.
"Why?" I asked, unable to blindly accept the implication.
"Everyone has a history," Lillian answered softly. "And being a student of history, I can tell you it's often very different, and darker, than what most commonly believe. While knowing doesn't change that history, it does change how it is understood."
"But that doesn't explain why you're so accepting of me, of my friends. You have to realize what kind of people we are."
"I believe I understand quite well," she said. "And maybe, one day, when we get to know each other better, I'll share my own reasons for that acceptance. For now, all I can tell you is that I care a great deal about your father and until either of you give me a reason not to, I'll keep your secrets."
"Just like that?" I asked not willing to believe it was just that easy.
"Just like that," Lillian said. Her warm smile telling me she understood my concern. "I know we haven't had a lot of time to get to know each other, but whether you believe it or not, that also means I care a great deal about you as well, Renée. While Danny is a person of many faults, something the two of you share, the day you found each other was a turning point for him. For you too, I think?"
"Yeah," I agreed, turning to the man in question.
"Alright everyone," Danny said. "I know things are going to be a bit tight in here, but let's all sit down and enjoy Penny's efforts. At least until our stomachs revolt from the spice infusion."
"Lightweight," Sam said, holding out Katie's chair.
"After a month of my cooking you'll barely even taste it, Danny," Penny commented, taking the seat Danny offered.
"Assuming I survive that long," he grumbled, moving to hold out Lillian's chair while Sam did the same for me. "I'm still sweating from the last time I ate your cooking."
Rolling my eyes at their antics, I sat with everyone else. Questions and feelings pushed to the side for the moment as I enjoyed the fact I was with my friends again.
"A little spice in your diet isn't going to hurt you," Lillian noted, eyes dancing Danny sat next to her.
"Remember you said that after dinner. Very few things Penny's cooked can be called easy to digest. Weaponized maybe," he playfully returned.
"Hey!" Penny laughed while helping Lillian get some of the boil.
"So, since we got all that out of the way, Danny mentioned something about a guy that caught your eye," Sam said while helping himself to the jambalaya. "Something about him hitting on you when you was out with a friend. This, I need to know about."
"You don't need to know anything," I said, pointing my spoon at him. "Not that there is anything to talk about. He's good people and we only hung out once. We are not having a repeat of when I tried seeing Shane."
"Wait, I have a question that's been on my mind longer than Renée's mystery guy," Penny interrupted, thankfully forcing Sam to close his mouth. The last thing I wanted to talk about was either Shane or Clockblocker.
"This should be good," Katie chuckled, passing the red beans to Sam.
"It's an important question. Actually been on my mind since I met Danny and there's finally someone I can ask to get answers," Penny said, turning to Lillian.
"Alright," Lillian slowly said. "I'm not sure I actually can answer, but go ahead."
"I have to know," Penny continued, a predatory look in her eyes. "Just how limber is Danny?"
Danny choked on his water. Trying to hide my own blush behind my hands, I shouted, "Penny!"
"What? It's a perfectly appropriate question."