Bass walked out into the yard and saw Charlie walking at a fast pace toward the woods. It was obvious she wanted to be alone and he knew there was no way he could catch up to her.

"Who was that?" Conner asked as he walked up to his father. Bass looked over and instantly didn't like how his son was looking at her.

"That's Charlie kid and I'd steer clear of her a while."

"Why would I want to do that?" he asked. "That little thing can keep me company any time." He said smiling, his intent clear on his face.

Bass whirled around and grabbed him by his shirt. "You don't go near her, you don't think about her, you don't show her disrespect in any way, do you hear me?" he growled.

Conner raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, it's like that then? Didn't mean to step on your toes pops."

"It's not like that." Bass said as he released Conner's shirt, giving him a little shove. "She's been through hell and even though she may not look it, she's deadly. Charlie is not someone you want to mess with me. If you do you'll have to not only have to deal with me, but Miles as well. Got me?"

Conner nodded, but the look on his face said he didn't believe Bass for a minute. He had a feeling Conner was in for a rude awakening.

Charlie walked back toward home only to find a half-naked Sebastian Monroe sitting on a log. Great this was all she needed right now. Charlie planned on walking right on by and not even acknowledging his presence but the angry red marks on his back caught her attention.

"What the hell happened to you?" Charlie asked as she stomped over to him.

"It's a long story Charlotte, he winced as he tried to apply some sort of cream to his wounds.

"Here give me that." She said as she took the cream out of his hands and started to apply it to his wounds. "Who did this to you?"

Bass really didn't want to answer her, so he changed the subject instead. "So you want to tell me what's been going on here? Why you went all Spanish inquisition on that soldier instead of waiting for us to get back?"

Charlie tensed, not really wanting to get into it right now, especially with Monroe. But she guessed if anyone would understand it would be him. God she must be losing it. She was finding common ground with General Monroe. Maybe her grandpa had a point after all. She continued to apply the cream to his wounds. He sat their patiently, waiting her out. Finally she spoke.

"I did what needed to be done. I saw the opportunity and I took it, I couldn't wait for you to get back. If I would have it would have been too late and we'd have no idea what we are dealing with. We'd be flying blind. I'm tired of running and reacting. It's time to go on the offensive."

"I understand Charlie, I do. You don't need get defensive. You did the right thing."

"I'm not defensive." Charlie paused. "Okay maybe I am. It's just that Grandpa's been….difficult."

"Hey I'm not going to defend the old guy, but he hasn't been through what you have. He hasn't had to kill to survive. Give him time."

"He thinks I'm a monster." Charlie whispered.

"You are no monster Charlie, take it from someone who is. You are a strong warrior, but no monster."

Charlie didn't want to admit that Bass's words made her feel better, but they did. She continued to work on his back in silence, enjoying the act of doing something so mundane.

"Okay, all finished," she said as she patted him on the shoulder. Charlie moved to walk away but Bass grabbed her hand stopping her. He laced his fingers in-between hers and pulled her around to stand in front of him. He didn't want to think about how good her hand felt in his.

"Thanks Charlie." He whispered.

"No problem." Charlie said as she tried to pull her hand free, but Bass kept his grip firm. He look up into her stormy eyes and asked, "Are you okay? What else has been going on?"

"What else? Isn't this enough?" she asked. "Between my grandpa looking at me like I'm some sort of psychopath and beating a guy half to death, and it's…." she trailed off.

"It's what Charlie?" Bass asked, his voice low and soothing.

"Nothing. It's just been a rough couple of days." She tried to get out of his grip again, but he wouldn't let her go. He placed his other hand on her hip and held her in place between his legs. He laid he head on her stomach and muttered. "Tell me about it."

Charlie placed her free hand on his shoulder and her hands traveled down to the first red slash. "Are you going to tell me who did this to you?" she asked as she continued the slow rubbing motion across his shoulders and back.

Bass sighed, loving the contact. "It was Conner." He whispered.

"What!" Charlie yelled. Bass tightened his grip on her hip so she couldn't back away.

"Don't judge him Charlie, if he didn't than that bastard he was working for would have killed him. I'd rather it be him than me."

"Wow, that was kind of fatherly." She said as she placed her hand on his head, running her fingers through his curls.

"Yeah who knew being a parent would be so painful."

Bass looked up to see Charlie grinning slightly. "That's what Miles says about me all the time."

"I bet, you do tend to get into painful situations." He said as he stood up, moving his hand from her hip to cup her cheek. "What else is bothering you Charlotte?" She just shook her head, not giving him an answer. He knew something was wrong, he could see the pain her eyes. He wanted to make the pain go away. He wanted another kiss, more than he wanted his next breath. He leaned in, but the sound of someone clearing their throat stopped him dead in his tracks.

They both broke apart and turned to see Conner standing with two shovels in his hands.

"I was told to find you, and to dig a hole." He then focused on Charlie, giving her his biggest, flirtiest smile.

"Hola Chica, you must be Charlie, I'm Conner. Well I don't want you to worry your pretty little head over a dead body, I know they can be distressing. I've had to dispose of my fair share." Conner said, sounding so proud of himself. "We'll take care of everything. Why don't you make yourself useful and get us some water and maybe a snack, I'm starving. Or better yet, why don't you just sit back and look pretty and let me look at you while I work."

Charlie looked over at Bass in astonishment. Who did this guy think he was? Obviously he was under some sort of misconception that dead bodies bothered her. Or worse yet she was some sort of weak woman who couldn't take care of herself and needed a big strong man to fight her battles. She needed to set him straight and fast. Bass looked like he was ready to take Conner's head off. Charlie decided to do it for him. She sauntered up to him, giving him her best seductive smile, then decked him, laying him out flat on his back. Quick as lightening she jumped on his chest and placed her knife under his throat.

She could here Bass chuckle and mutter "I told you so."

"Who do you think killed the guy you are putting in that hole? Let me give you a tip here junior, I've been in more combat situations than you could even dream of. I've fought my way out of places that would make you piss in your pants. So dig your hole, burry the body, and stay out of my way."

Charlie got up, sheathed her knife and walked away. "Holy crap what just happened?" Conner wheezed.

"That was Charlie annoyed, believe me you don't want to see her pissed. She's not one of those Spanish bimbos you're used to. She can take care of herself, and you by the looks of it." Bass bent down and helped his son off the ground, then decked him again. He knelt down and got in his face. "And if you disrespect her again, if you so much as look at her funny, I will show exactly why I was the General of the Monroe Militia. It will make these little scratches on my back look like love taps. You got me son?"