Note: As always the Walt Disney Company owns Ducktales, giving them the right to do whatever they want, including reboot the show itself. Which is scheduled for sometime in 2017, BTW.

*crosses fingers* Please don't screw it up, please don't screw it up…

Dedication: Thanks to all those who have submitted reviews; best motivation EVER! But a special thanks to Purplegirl761. Yer just too awesome for words (which is ironic since I'm writing this down… but I digress). I really do appreciate your input about ways I can improve my writing, especially when it comes to switching between character POVs. I'm forcing myself to stay fixed on just one character at a time from now on, mainly because I did that thing that all writers do; I went back and read my earlier work and it bugged the ever living crap outta me. So much so that I've started nitpicking on earlier chapters and reposting them… it's for the best.

Whelp, that'll do it fer now. Enjoy!

(Seriously, though, PG761; kept finding the word "one" instead of "on", as in "come one" and not "come on". Nearly tore my hair out. Not even kidding…)

Beagle Without A Mask

Chapter 17

A Beagle and a Gentleman…

"Whoa wait; you got a call from the Flintheart Glomgold?"

"Uh huh."

"As in, second richest guy in the world Glomgold?!"

"Yes."

"… why?"

"I don't know, Jen! He just called me, okay?"

Bonnie hadn't meant to snap at Jennifer as she snatches up various items about their room, tossing them into her bag as her friend sits cross-legged on one of the two beds. But the aforementioned call was still fresh on her mind, along with a few other things. She was still very much on edge. Jennifer's wide eyes had been following her as she zips back and forth like a yo-yo, asking far too many questions than she could handle. When she's scolded for it, she brings her hands up in defense.

"Hey don't get mad, I was just making sure you were okay." She has to move slightly to avoid being struck by a rolled up phone charger as it's thrown into the bag. "And obviously yer not. Why are you packing? I thought we were staying for the week."

"Change of plans." Bonnie rummages through the hangers in the closet, looking for a jacket to wear; after standing outside for so long the chill in the autumn air had gotten to her. "We need to head back to Duckburg. Tonight." She finds a light blue zip up hoodie and ties it around her waist for the time being. She nods over at Jennifer's bag on the other bed. "Yer pretty much packed, right?"

"Wait, you want me to go with you?"

"Well duh," Bonnie responds. "Obviously you can't stay here without me! That'd just be plain stupid, not to mention irresponsible." Out of the corner of her eye, she notices her annoyed stare. "And don't gimme that look!" She points. "Just because yer all best friends now doesn't mean you can trust them." She starts zipping up her bag. "The last thing I need is you being alone out here when they feel like getting a little too chummy."

Despite the dirty look she'd had, Jennifer gives a thoughtful shrug. "Fair enough, I guess." She stands, going over to her own belongings. "But why should we head back into town just because Flintheart Glomgold knows your number? What exactly did he want?"

"I can't really talk about it right now," Bonnie says quickly. "Just know that it's nothing good."

"Well, can I at least get the short version?"

Bonnie slings her bag over her shoulder, seeing genuine concern on Jennifer's face. She sighs; as much as she hated exposing her to the crime syndicate that is her family, she couldn't keep her in the dark on everything. Plus, with someone accusing her of following in her mother's footsteps— and after so many years of persuading the redhead that she'd had absolutely no part in it—she was better off involving her as much as possible, if only to avoid any drama between them later on.

It takes a few minutes, but after sitting her down she tries to explain the odd conversation with the shifty billionaire, then producing the blank DVD case from her bag and allowing her to look it over. Naturally she leaves out the part where she'd found out that she may have suppressed memories caused by a traumatic event from when she was a kid. That would have to wait…

"Once we figure out what's on this?" Bonnie taps on the case in Jennifer's hands. "We'll know where to go from there."

Jennifer brings her attention away from the case. "We?"

Bonnie nods. "Bigtime is just as thrilled about this as I am. You should've seen his face when I told him, Jen; he was pretty pissed."

"Of course he was." She grins. "What caring big brother wouldn't be?"

Bonnie returns the expression before getting to her feet. "Well I'm ready to go whenever you are. I'd like to be back before it gets dark… or before that old creep calls me again."

Jennifer stands as well, but expresses a puzzled look while picking up her own belongings. "So… are we just going back home so you can use the DVD player?"

"Pretty much, yeah." Bonnie rolls her eyes, heading for the bedroom door. "I think I know what I'm getting these guys for Christmas this year."

Jennifer blinks in confusion. "Well...why don't you just use my laptop? I play movies on it all the time." When Bonnie spins around to look at her in bewilderment, she adds "I know I know; I wasn't supposed to bring it! Sorry, but I didn't wanna leave it in the apartment."

Though she frowns at her lack of concern for bringing something so expensive within pilfering range of the Beagle Boys, she gives a nod.

"Sure." She tosses the now pointless bag onto her bed. "I guess that works, too."

"I knew this would happen! Once again, yer all on his side!"

Bankjob paces around the kitchen heatedly at having to listen to the opinions of those seated at the dining table, not exactly thrilled at the sudden hesitance they all share.

"We ain't choosin' sides, Bank," Babyface offers. "We just think he makes a good point, is all."

"Like I ain't heard that a million times b'fore. Seems all this family ever does nowadays is do whatever our fearless leader tells us to." This last bit he'd projected with not only gusto, but a generous amount of sarcasm.

"But, uh, when ya think about it," Baggy Beagle makes an attempt to add to the conversation. "It really ain't too gooduh time to be plannin' a heist, anyways. Ya know; if ya think about, I mean."

"I don't remember askin' yer opinion on the timin' uh my hiest!"

Bigtime leans up against the kitchen wall, pinching at the bridge of his nose; the argument had been bouncing back and forth ever since they'd announced that Bonnie had to go back into town. When some of them wondered why, he felt they needed to know. So did Bankjob, though he had a different agenda in mind. Once they were all up to speed on the Bonnie-Glomgold situation the eldest Beagle brother didn't waste any time going into great detail about how this only benefited their previous plans to invade the money bin, allowing for a more tactful advantage.

Those of them with less experience in this sort of operation had no choice but to agree, though some of the others knew better; there was more riding on this than just being caught and thrown in jail again. Involving Bonnie would change everything… and not for the better. When Bigtime shared this bit of information with them, most everyone agreed that the heist should be postponed until some other time. Naturally, this didn't go over too well with one of them.

"It don't really seem worth it nomore," Babyface adds. "Bigtime's right; we can't afford to get into trouble right now. 'Specially if Ol' Flinty wants Bonnie involved."

"Last thing that kid needs is to get mixed up in our line uh work," Bouncer mumbles, arms crossed as he stares down at an empty coffee mug. "We ain't got no right askin' her to take a risk like that." He glares up at the angry Beagle. "And you know it."

"Yeah." Burger nods. "B'sides, Bon's too nice and pretty to be in jail. Who knows what they'll do to 'er in there!" He shudders. "I hear dames 're worse than we are in the slammuh!"

"Bonnie ain't goin' to jail," Bankjob growls down at the them. "There ain't no way I'd let that happen! And if she don't wanna help us she don't have to. I ain't forcin' 'er to do nuthin'."

"Oh is that right?" Bigtime announces with mock surprise, joining Bouncer in the same glare. "Because if I remember correctly you'd pretty much made up 'er mind for 'er; almost like ya had the plans drawn up and ready to go."

"It ain't like that," he defends at seeing looks of judgement from around the room. "But ya gotta admit; Bon's predicament lines up pretty good with what we'd had planned. Not to mention havin' that friend uh hers around for a Plan B." He points to Bigtime. "Even you can't deny that!"

"I'm not," he replies, uncrossing his arms and moving away from the wall. "But the thought uh puttin' either one uh those two in harm's way never even occurred to me. Why it is yer even still thinkin' about it is beyond me!"

"Cuz we're Beagles! It's what we do!" He bares his teeth. "If you weren't so worried about what everyone else thinks we woulda' hit up that bin a long time ago!" He gestures to the kitchen doorway. "If you'd stop worryin' about Bonnie's life for more than two seconds we'd be swimmin' in cash right now!"

Bigtime clenches a fist, taking in a calming breath before coming out with "Ya know what Bankjob? Yer absolutely right; I do wanna know what everyone else thinks." He feels the many sets of eyes on him, though doesn't break his stare from Bankjob. "I vote we bail. Who's in?"

Immediately Bouncer throws up a hand, followed closely by Babyface and Burger. Beebop and Baggy exchange an uncertain glance before slowly following suit, keeping their gaze cast down at the floor in an attempt to avoid Bankjob's wrath. To add insult to injury, Bigtime raises his last.

"There. End of discussion."

Despite his anger, Bankjob lets out a snort of laughter. "You ain't makin' that call! This is my gig-"

"I didn't make it. They did!" He points to him. "And so did you when you decided to put a job before the people we care about!" He preemptively moves to the side at realizing he's standing between him and the exit. "You got a problem with that then take it up with Ma. But I'd be more than happy to shed a lot more light on this than I know yer goin' to."

Bankjob looks like he has something else to add but doesn't. Instead he glares at the shorter Beagle a moment longer, throwing a quick glance at Bouncer when he moves to the edge of his chair, as if readying himself for something to happen. He finally grumbles an obscenity before stomping towards the open doorway. But first, he spins around to jab a finger at him.

"This ain't over, twerp… not by a longshot."

Bigtime was glad he'd stood his ground; the moment Bankjob had turned to stare him down, the amount of fury and hatred in his eyes was more frightening than it had ever been in the past. He was dangerously close to ducking behind something… and he hated that the closest solid object was Bouncer.

As if on cue, Jennifer had appeared in the doorway, though has to quickly step to the side to avoid being mowed over by the large goon heading in the opposite direction. She watches him storm out of the house, cringing at the door being slammed before joining them in the kitchen.

"Hey is he okay?" She then notices the sullen expressions surrounding her. "Gosh. Did something happen?"

"More like not happening." Babyface slouches forward in his chair, breathing a little easier. "We decided not to go after McDuck this weekend."

Bouncer scoffs. "Three guesses who don't agree with it."

"Oh." She looks to a still miffed Bigtime. "I'm sorry. I know how much you guys wanted to make that work."

"Yeah well…" When he catches himself staring into her sympathetic eyes a little too long he clears his throat. "It is what it is. So…" He checks the clock on the wall. "You and Bonnie ready to hit the road?"

"Yeah, that's… what I came out here to tell you," Jennifer interjects. "We don't need to leave to find a DVD player." She offers a slight grin. "I…sorta already have one."

Bigtime arches his brow, glad to hear at least one bit of good news. "Great. That saves us another trip. C'mon." He nudges Bouncer. "Let's go find out what's on this thing and see how Glomgold-"

"Actually!" Jennifer boldly plants herself in front of them as they both exit the kitchen, blocking their path. "You might wanna hold off on that." She glances back behind her before saying "Bonnie wants to watch it alone first." She shrugs at their questioning gaze, keeping her voice low. "I think she just wants to make sure there isn't anything too, erm… inappropriate, on it."

"Inappropriate?" Bigtime asks. "What qualifies as-" His eyes widen. "Oh. Right."

"Yeah." Jennifer can't help smirking. "That's what I said."

Bouncer blinks. "Say what now?"

Bigtime shrugs somewhat stiffly. "Well… nevermind then. I guess we'll just… wait out here." He moves into the living room to stand by the window.

"Wait, really?" Bouncer looks between him and Jenny. "But, what could be so bad that she don't want us to see? We're the Beagle Boys; I'm pretty sure whatever it is she's got on there we've done worse!"

"Wow, Bouncer." Jennifer shakes her head in amazement. "Seriously?"

Bouncer frowns. "I just don't see what the big deal is. How come she's so worried about some video? I mean, what could she be doin' that she don't want her own brothers to see?"

Bigtime can't help but slap a hand to his forehead when he says this, while Jennifer taps the oblivious thug on the shoulder, prompting him to bend down a little so that she can whisper something. His expression morphs from a furrowed brow of concern, into confusion, then wide eyed terror.

"But… um. Oh… oh! No! Okay, no!" He shakes his head frantically. "I didn't need to know any uh that stuff!" He shudders in disgust at the image. "Ugh!"

"Sorry," Jennifer giggles. "But you did ask!"

"So what's up?" Babyface's head pops out of the kitchen, ears perked curiously. "Is there somethin' on that thing we need to know about or not?" He lets out a cackle. "Whatever it is I hope it's embarrasing. That way we can hassle 'er for it."

"Yeah!" Burger repeats the action as he looks out at them as well. "I bet it's real juicy; somethin' we can sink our teeth into, and really let 'er have it!"

Bouncer pales, glancing back down at Jennifer to see her trying to keep from laughing. He offers a curt nod, nudging past her. "S'cuse me."

"You alright?" she asks.

"Yep," he blurts. "Just gonna go throw up."

"Why?" Babyface calls after him. "Was it somethin' we said?"

"I sure hope so. It bettuh not uh been from that lasagna in the fridge," Burger whines. "Cuz I been eyein' the rest uh that all afternoon!"

Bigtime groans inwardly, wishing his family was a little more observant to the conversations happening around them. Feeling a little queasy himself he decides to step out onto the porch for some air, hoping Bankjob wasn't near by. Thankfully, the moment he does he sees he's alone. He shoves his hands in his pockets, breathing in the crisp fall air, enjoying the mixture of colors radiating from the approaching sunset in the distance. He closes his eyes, allowing the silence of the forest to surround him…

It isn't long before the familiar feeling of being watched gets to him. He looks to either side, then glancing over his left shoulder at the window behind him, and on the other side of it was proof that he truly had a sixth sense for this sort of thing and it wasn't just paranoia; he's surprised to see Jennifer Anne standing at the window, and although he catches her eye she quickly adjusts her vision, making it clear that she'd been staring at him just a little too long.

He chuckles in his throat at her awkward attempts to appear nonchalant; she'd quickly snatched up a book that had been gathering dust on the windowsill and opened it in front of her, failing to notice that it's upside down.

He watches her long enough until she finally steals a glance up at him to see if he'd been fooled. At seeing his smirk, her cheeks flush. She fails to hold back a smile of her own when he gestures to the book she's holding. She looks down at it, rolls her eyes and tosses it back onto the sill as if to say "of course it is". She shrugs shamefully, mouthing "sorry". He laughs to himself again, and before he realizes what he's done he's already nodded an invitation for her to join him.

"Hey, nice stealth work." He offers praise once she's outside and closes the door behind her. "Someone's watched a spy movie or two!"

"Ha ha, very funny," she grumbles, obviously still embarrassed but expresses the same smile as before. "Laugh it up, Butch Cassidy."

"I beg your pard'n." Bigtime places a hand to his chest in mock offense. "I'll have you know that my standards for crime are much higher than him and the Sundance Kid's ever were; thank you very much."

She giggles, rubbing at the arms of her fleece sweater. "Seriously though; is everything okay… with Bankjob, I mean?"

"Psh! He's fine." He turns around to lean back on the porch banister. "Bank's always pullin' this 'poor me' act. Just watch; he'll go pout for an hour like a big baby, then go tattle on me to Ma." He rolls his eyes. "Then she'll give this whole spiel about how we're a family and that all we've got is each other so we shouldn't be fighting…

"Oh, and my personal favorite," he continues. "'Bigtime stop callin' yer brother names! You know his vocabulary ain't near big as yers. It just ain't a fair fight.'"

Jennifer roars with laughter when he actually tries to sound like Ma Beagle. She slams a hand over her mouth and searches their surroundings, embarrassed. "Wow. That was loud… sorry."

"Nah it's okay," he says. "This place could use a good laugh every so often."

Jennifer grins. "Glad I can help, then. So, um…" She moves to take a seat on the porch swing in the corner. "If you had to take a guess… what do you think Glomgold wants with Bonnie?"

He watches the change in her expression as she says this, showing genuine concern for another person's well-being. She had a good heart; a quality that wasn't common in these parts, making it refreshing yet controversial. Personally he liked having someone with such a sunny disposition hanging around, especially with the way things were at the moment. Without her presence there would be nothing but gloom and doom hanging in the air… and that was the last thing any of them needed right now.

Bigtime breathes out through his nose. "I ain't got a clue." He waves a hand at the house. "And I doubt that disc he sent is gonna shed any light on this. If anything it'll just raise more questions."

"What do you think is on it?" She pats the spot on the bench next to her, inviting him to sit. He actually thinks about it for a moment before doing so. "It can't be too incriminating, right? As far as I know she hasn't done anything wrong!"

"Shouldn't be." He props his elbows up on the back of the bench, watching as the sun sets even further below the horizon. "Then again this whole day's been full uh surprises, so who knows."

Jennifer hugs herself, more for comfort than warmth as she joins him in watching the sunset in silence. She finally says quietly "I hope she comes out of this okay."

"She will," he responds in a similar tone. "Hey." He gently nudges her. "Don't even sweat it; that crazy old duck's gotta go through me first, and there ain't no way I'm lettin' him anywhere near her."

"I believe it." Jennifer smiles over at him. "Bonnie's lucky to have a brother like you looking out for her."

He can't help letting out a chuckle. "I don't think lucky is how she'd put it; she'd prob'ly go with harassed." He shrugs in agreement. "I guess that ain't too far off. I can be a little overprotective."

"Well if you are it's only because you care too much." She tugs at the hem of her light blue sweater. "Definitely one of yer best qualities."

"Oh yeah?" He tries not to sound too surprised at the comment, though he's extremely flattered. "You uh… got anything else on that list?"

She continues to smile, still fixated on her sleeve. "As a matter-of-fact, yes." She clears her throat somewhat timidly. "You're very devoted to your family, and care a lot about what happens to your brothers, despite how much you yell at them: You're a bit rough around the edges, but only because you try to hide the fact that you're actually a pretty nice guy, usually just when the others aren't paying attention. And um..." She scrunches up her face in thought before adding "Your sense of humor is a lot funnier than I thought it'd be, which is good." She finally looks into his eyes. "And I know you won't admit it, but you're really very sweet. Not to mention a bit of a romantic, and a perfect gentleman."

"Me, a gentleman?" he scoffs, hoping he's playing it off well enough that receiving such praise from a woman isn't anything new. "Ya might wanna rethink that last one. Maybe the romantic part too, while yer at it!"

"Absolutely not because you are a gentleman." She'd prodded him in the chest. "And you're a closet romantic at the very least."

"How do ya figure?"

"Because the entire time I've been staying with you guys, you haven't tried to make one pass at me."

"That don't make me chivalrous. I might just be lazy. B'sides, there ain't no way I'm the only one that hasn't been hittn' on you." Surprisingly she doesn't respond, only turning on the bench so she's facing him, propping her head up to look at him in expected silence. His eyes widen. "What? No way!" He glances over at the house before looking to her in amazement. "Even Burger!?"

She shrugs. "Sort of. But I guess he doesn't really count. I'm pretty sure when he tries to flirt it's just because he wants me to cook for him."

"So they've all been hasslin' you then?" He shakes his head, disappointed in his family's lack of self-control. "Buncha' slime balls."

"Don't be mad at them," she defends. "Bonnie said you guys aren't around women a lot, so it's not entirely their fault."

"Oh it's their fault alright." He crosses his arms. "And it's crap like this that's the reason why someone like you never comes out here." He stews in anger for a moment before offering "Sorry if they said anything offensive."

"So far Bankjob is the only one that's come off as a bit of a sleaze. But he's pretty easy to ignore." Her smile morphs into a smirk. "I thought you weren't the chivalrous type?"

"Fine." He throws his hands up. "Ya got me; I'm a gentleman. S'cuse me if I got a problem with my brothers makin' assess uh themselves in front of a pretty face. So sue me." He bites his tongue but a little too late.

"Aw, Bigtime," Jennifer coos. "That's so sweet!" She giggles when he cringes, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. "Good fer you; finally makin' a move on me-"

"That was not a move," he argues. "I was just… tryin' to make a point, is all."

"Was your point that you think I'm pretty?"

He gives her a stern look, but can't hold it for long; it was impossible for him to put on his tough-guy facade when she kept flashing that warm smile of hers.

"Ya know, I ain't even gonna lie," he finally says. "Yeah. I do think yer pretty; very much so." He jams a thumb to his chest. "But I got a list too, and that ain't your best quality."

"Ya don't say?" She looks to him with intrigue, then scooting a little closer to him. "Okay, let's hear it."

He gives his head a brisk shake. "Oh absolutely not."

"No seriously, come on," she demands. "Lay it on me."

"Nope."

"Wuh, well why not?"

Another head shake.

"That is so not fair," she protests, giving him a playful shove. "I told you mine!"

"And that was very generous of you. But that's where you and I disagree." He brings up a hand. "You might be an open book, but there's some stuff I gotta keep to myself… even if it's just what I think yer like as a person, or how I might feel about ya." He shrugs. "I don't like to share all my thoughts and feelins' right off the bat, ya know. I gotta know what I'm gettin' into first."

"Whoa, wait." Jennifer had been expressing a pout before something he'd said grabs her attention. "How you… might feel?"

Bigtime froze, focusing on the diminishing sunset in front of him as hard as he can. He could already feel the blood rushing to his face, as well as her soft green eyes staring at him as she waits for him to explain.

Waydu go, Bigmouth! His thoughts practically scream at him. Ya just had to keep showin' off, didn't ya? What is it with you bein' alone with this dame that makes yer brain stop workin'!?

Bigtime clears his throat excessively to stall for time. It's his turn to study the fabric of his sleeve to avoid eye contact. "Well ya know, what I mean is…that is to say I, erm…" He takes in a breath in an attempt to collect his thoughts. Being quick with words was one of his primary skills as a criminal; getting him and the others out of tight spots by improvising was a way of life. But now? He couldn't find the right words if his life actually was depending on it!

"Okay look," he blurts, still unable to look over at her. "I ain't too good with, ya know… this kinda stuff, cuz I don't do it very often. So I uh… got no clue what to say, er do, er…um." He growls in frustration, banging a fist to his forehead. "Why am I so terrible at this?! "

Something warm covers his right hand, pulling him away from his frantic thoughts. It feels like his heart jumps up into his throat when he sees her hand resting gently atop his.

"Bigtime?"

He forces his head up in an attempt to meet her gaze. The sight of her kind eyes almost puts him at ease, but the rosy color in her cheeks prevents it; was she just as nervous as him?

"It's okay," she says softly. "I… might really like you, too."

A silence comes between them as he looks on at the young woman who continues to offer him a warm smile. It takes a bit of doing but he manages to adjust his hand so his thumb can lightly grasp her fingers, returning the expression. He isn't sure where to go from here, actually considering leaning in closer to her for-

"Hey boss, you out here?"

"GAH!" Bigtime bolts up from the swinging bench with a start, just as Jennifer lets out a scream of fright. He spins around to see Babyface Beagle peering out the front door.

He grumbles an obscenity before shouting "What is wrong with you?! Ya nearly gave me a heart attack!" He clutches his chest, taking in a deep breath. "Geez Louise; ya scared the ever livin' crap outta me!"

Babyface blinks at an agitated Bigtime before stealing a glance over at a wide-eyed Jenny. "Am I uh… interruptin' somethin'?" He tries not to smirk. "Again— "

"Don't, start with me." Bigtime points to him sternly. "And this bettuh be important."

His amused expression becomes somber. "It um… it's Bonnie," he says quietly. "She's askin' for ya."

It takes a second for him to absorb what he's said, finally giving a nod. He goes to follow him inside, but stops to look back at Jennifer, seeing what could've been abandonment on her face. "Hold on a sec," he tells him, going back out to stand before her. When she looks up at him curiously, he offers her a hand.

"It ain't safe fer ya to be out here alone," he says, sounding a little more apprehensive than he would've liked. "Bankjob can be pretty unpredictable when he's upset."

She smirks, gladly accepting the gesture. "There's that chivalry again."

Bankjob continues to lean up against the tall pine tree, glaring daggers at the spectacle currently taking place on the front porch of their hideout. After storming out of the house, he'd wandered off into the woods to walk off some steam. Once he'd calmed down a little he decided to head back, gathering his thoughts as he went, wanting to be ready for another argument the second he walked through that door. But the moment he was in earshot of the porch, he decided to hang back for a bit, staying out of sight in his current location while still able to have eyes on who the voices belonged to.

He reaches into his back pocket, retrieving a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He's about to ignite one of them when Jennifer laughs loudly during Bigtime's rant about his older brother's behavior. He shakes his head with a sneer.

"You little putz."

Once it's lit, he takes a long drag off of the cigarette. He'd never been very fond of smoking, but over the past few months he'd found it to be a satisfying release from dealing with his mother's illness, to undersized annoyances that didn't know when to keep their mouths shut.

He continues to watch as the two carry on a conversation, Jennifer offering Bigtime a seat next to her on the old wooden swing. Their expressions are serious for a moment until the redhead smiles about something, beginning to describe what sounded like a description of someone's personality, most likely present company.

The way she shyly tugs at her sleeve and smiles at him told Bankjob exactly what he'd suspected; she actually had a thing for the little twerp! He didn't know whether to be jealous or sick to his stomach! Mostly just sick, seeing as how Jenny wasn't exactly his type. She was pretty hot, sure. But she was too sweet and innocent; he was more of a "bad girl with daddy issues" type of guy. Not to mention she was a little on the short side. The taller the better in his opinion.

Since her arrival, there'd been a generous amount of tension between him and his brothers. Whether she was aware of that or not he wasn't sure. He doubted it; she didn't come off as the type of girl who enjoyed teasing a bunch of convicted felons just so they'd fight for her affection. Surprisingly they've all been pretty well behaved, though that had a lot to do with Bonnie. And knowing his sister, she'd probably given her fair warning about what some of them were like; himself included.

Before he'd learned more about her personality, he actually had tried to make a move on her. But only once; he was lucky enough to catch her coming out of the bathroom after taking a shower, but not lucky enough to see her in a towel. Her long red hair was still wet; one of his favorite looks on a woman. She was making her way back into the room she and Bonnie shared, only to be stopped by his propped up arm.

"Well, hello there, gorgeous." It hadn't been his best opening line, but she'd caught him by surprise. "Where ya headed in such a hurry?"

"Hi Bankjob," She'd said cheerily, flashing him a pleasant little smile. "I just needed to grab Bonnie's hair dryer. I left it in-"

"What's the rush?" he'd offered, sliding his hand gradually down the wall. "It looks good this way; like ya been caught out in the rain, or somethin'."

"Trust me," she'd interjected, rolling those big green eyes of hers. "If I don't dry it right away, you can't imagine how frizzy it'll get." She'd held her hands up to the sides of her head. "Like, orphan Annie frizzy!" She giggled. "It is not pretty."

"Oh I doubt there's anything about you that ain't pretty." He'd brought up his other hand, actually caressing one of her damp tresses. "Ya know, I really do like this look on you."

"Um, thanks." She'd smiled again, though this one was more awkward than pleasant. Her cheeks turned a bit red as she backed up against the wall, giving a nervous laugh. "I'm… glad someone does!"

"It'd be a shame to let such a good look go to waste." He'd known the offer was a little forward, but he was never one for playing games with a woman. If there was a chance she was even remotely interested, he wanted to find out then and there. He'd closed the gap between them, having gotten close enough to catch a whiff of the vanilla scent in the hair products she'd used. "How 'bout you n' me go find somewhere a little more, private… so we can, get to know each other a little bettuh?"

"Uh, well…that sounds, really nice and all but, I don't think I should, because-"

"Ah ah. Say no more, beautiful." He'd taken a step back, releasing her hair to lightly graze her cheek. "I'll tell ya what; I won't pressure ya into anything. But I want ya to know, that when ya do make up yer mind?" He'd finally removed his arm from the wall. "Yer not gonna regret it." Before taking his leave he'd given her a wink, saying "See ya later, gorgeous."

And that's how he'd left her; wet-haired and blushing. An offer like that usually sealed the deal with other women, but it was pretty obvious to him now that Jennifer was very different, and clearly not interested. Oh well; at least he gave it the ol' Beagle try. He wasn't about to harass her too much. Bonnie was never too far away, and that was a wrath he did not want to provoke!

He takes another long drag, letting it out slowly. So he'd put the offer out there and struck out; no big deal. He'd had worse rejections in the past. But the thought of being bested by none other than Bigtime Beagle— a short, cocky, loud-mouthed little ingrate who had a problem with authority— made him want to hit something. A part of him missed being back at the prison yard; at least there they had a punching bag he could beat to a pulp.

Seriously, though. What could she possibly see in a guy like that?! Not just him, but any Beagle Boy in general! It just didn't make any sense! It had to be some kind of fetish, or something. No respectable girl would be caught dead hanging out with their family and acting like a groupie. He was pretty sure even Bonnie thought it was weird.

Bankjob continues to draw smoke from his cigarette, eyes back on the couple still seated on the swing. For a few minutes they acted about the same; flirtatious, laughing, having an all around nice conversation about who knows what.

Fer cryin' out loud, lady. He grimaces at the sickeningly cute way she gives him a playful shove. Now yer just bein' obvious about it-

He stops short at seeing something he hadn't expected. Something that, if dealt with tactfully, could come in very handy in the near future: Bigtime was now red in the face, avoiding eye contact with the woman next to him, trying desperately to find the right words to say. Jennifer must've noticed how discouraged he'd gotten, placing her hand atop his, giving him a smile of understanding.

That's not what'd grabbed his attention, though. It was the little twerp's reaction; Bigtime had taken her hand in his… and given her a timid glance, filled with more admiration than he'd ever seen on the face of any Beagle.

"Well now." Bankjob grins maliciously. "What've we got here?"

He chuckles in his throat when the touching moment is interrupted by Babyface. He takes one last puff off of the nearly diminished cigarette, watching as Bigtime offers Jennifer a hand, leading her inside and out of the cold.

"Thanks, Bigtime," he says aloud to himself, putting the cigarette butt out in the palm of his hand, then tossing it onto the ground. "You've just given me one helluvan idea."

Bankjob continues to laugh as he turns back around, deciding to take another walk through the woods. He needed to gather his thoughts again; there was a lot of planning that had to be done, with not much time to do it in…

Okay sooo… don't get me wrong; I love all the Beagle Boys. I wish they my own family! I mean, what girl wouldn't want seven older brothers who kick ass?

But I'm sorry; I can't help but make Bankjob one of the antagonists of this story, if only because of the sibling rivalry going on. Trust me; it's only gonna get worse before it gets better. Seriously though, my apologies to all the Bankjob lovers out there.

But don't worry; I'm trying to think of a way he can be redeemed later on. Maybe...and only if he deserves it.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see…