Brooklyn

Punisher's safe house

Sunrise

Reese and Castle were watching television. There was a special news report.

"...the ATF, the FBI and Homeland Security joined forces for what seems to be a significant operation. For those who have joined us, disgraced chemist Thomas Holloway and fifty heavily armed men were arrested today on several charges. The various agencies present refuse to comment. Was this some sort of homegrown terrorist threat? We will keep you informed as we get more details..."

"I gotta hand it to you, Finch," Castle said, "Setting up Holloway as some kind of terrorist mastermind, that was good work."

"That was very well played, Harold," Reese said. "You never cease to impress me."

"Thank you very much, gentlemen," Finch said. His voice came from the cell phone which was on speakerphone. "I had to rush it. The schematics to several explosive devices, the formulas to poisonous substances, plans to poison the city's water supplies. The money transfers from Mr Holloway to Mr. Vines to the Black Daggers. Some money transfers from different bank accounts linked to terror groups. All planted in Mr. Holloway's computer. And his cell phone. All that and tips sent to the various law enforcement agencies..."

"The manufacturing and sale of Cortex should be over," Reese said.

"Holloway and Vines should be out of circulation away for a while," Finch said.

"Which should put an end to this threat on your life, anyway," Reese said.

"Yeah," Castle said.

There was a silence.

"Thanks," Castle said. "You guys made nailing those bastards easier."

"You made this an interesting night, Frank," Reese said.

Castle said nothing.

"What're you gonna do?" Reese asked.

"Rest. Sloppy soldiers make mistakes. The wrong people might get hurt. That's unacceptable to me. Then, see who's next on my list. You?"

"Honestly," Reese said, "It's gonna be something like that for me too."

Castle extended his hand.

"You're pretty good," Castle said, "For an Army wimp."

Reese shook Castle's hand. And smiled.

"You're okay for a jarhead," Reese said.

"Take care of yourself, Reese," Castle said, "The city needs the Man In A Suit."

"Take care, Frank," Reese said.

He handed Castle a card with a phone number.

"That is if you need us," Reese said.

Castle nodded. Reese nodded back and left.

Outside

In the car

"That was a...busy night," Reese heard in his earpiece.

"Yeah," Reese said, "I feel like I could sleep for a week."

"I doubt the numbers will allow for such extensive rest, Mr. Reese."

"I thought you'd say that."

Reese started the car and started driving away. He then said:

"Think we'll him meet again?"

"New York is a big city," Finch said, "But, who knows? It's very possible. I mean you two are...colleagues of sorts. It could happen."

There was a silence.

"You know, you're alike in many ways, you and Mr. Castle," Finch said, "But different in one."

"How's that?"

"You cherish life."

"I don't know, Finch. Frank's war is bloody, but he saves lives in his own way."

"I meant your life, John," Finch said.

"Well," Reese said, "You went through so much trouble to save it from the gutter. Must be worth something, right?"

"It is indeed, John. It is indeed," Finch said.

All life was worth something. Reese was learning that, thanks in part to Finch. That lesson couldn't redeem Reese, couldn't absolve him for everything he did in the past, but it was something.

"A new number, Mr. Reese," Finch said.

"On my way," Reese said.

THE END