Disclaimer; I don't own Resident Evil, or any of it's characters. I'm just a humble fan who's waiting impatiently for RE5(get on it, Capcom!).
Synopsis: I was playing REmake, and started wondering just what it had to be like for the characters between games. I mean, beyond the files and short endings. Not to mention, why they killed off some potentially decent characters so quickly. So, I did a little marathon with the main games, and this is what I came up with. This is what happens when I get bored. So, here goes nothing. . .
Author's Note: I've tried to stay true to the RE timeline, but I've found so many contradictions from different sources that I can't be sure I got it right. So, if I've made any mistakes, I apologize.
RESIDENT EVIL
Chapter Six
Ada's awoke slowly, her hands fisting at her sides, pain rushing through her body. She made an inarticulate sound as her eyes opened, only to widen with a combination of fear and disbelief. A tall, broad-shouldered man stood over her, black sunglasses hiding his eyes, his short blond hair glinting under the red emergency lights. His sculpted features were impassive as that concealed gaze bore into hers, and she suppressed a shudder.
Schooling her features to blandness, she forced herself to ignore the fire racing through her very blood and pulled herself into a sitting position. She glanced around her surroundings quickly, surprise filling her as she realized that she was still in the self-destruct room in the hidden laboratory beneath Raccoon City. Memories came rushing back, filling her head so quickly that she had to fight to hold them.
Leon Kennedy, the idealistic rookie she'd met in the R.P.D. parking garage, and his terrified expression as he backed away from the black-clad monstrosity intent on killing him. She herself drawing its attention away from him with gunfire, until an empty magazine had forced her to reload. The pain as that same monster picked her up and slammed her body into the self-destruct console, then fell into the smelting pot below.
Leon again, holding her as the life trickled out her, begging her to stay with him, ordering her not to give up. Her own confession of love, and a kiss that had been all too short, yet had changed her so profoundly in the last moments of her life. Yes, she had died in his arms, her body broken, his angelic face the last sight she would ever see.
Yet, here she was. Alive and whole, with the devil standing over her, his hand extended, daring her to take it. And so she would, Ada thought as she placed her hand in his. She truly had no choice. She allowed him to help her to her feet, wondering at the lingering burning sensation running through her body, and very much afraid that she knew what was causing it.
She retrieved her hand, glanced around, and picked up her handgun. She turned back to the handsome blond man with a somber midnight eyes. "What have you done, Albert?"
Albert Wesker uttered a small, pleased laugh. "I used the same protocols that saved my life to save yours," he informed her in a deep voice, adding, "Although, I did alter the formula a bit. I can't have another me running around, causing trouble, now can I?"
Ada watched him in silence, not surprised by the revelation, though she had hoped differently. "Why?" she asked finally, unable to comprehend his thinking. "I failed to retrieve the G-virus. I died. My mission was a failure. I was a failure. Why bring me back?"
"Because you're still of use to me, my dear." Wesker approached her, sliding the sunglasses off of his face. His red-gold, animalistic eyes met hers, and she fought not to flinch. "You are The Organization's most competent agent. You were an asset to them. Now, you are an asset to me."
"Mmmmm." Ada managed a slight, mocking smile even as she inwardly cringed at his words. "You think so, do you?"
"I know so." Wesker matched her smile, hiding his amusement as the spice of fear reached his enhanced senses. Ada Wong was an expert at hiding her thoughts, but she couldn't control her body's reactions. Not even he could do that. "Come, my dear. It is time to leave this place."
He took a few steps before he realized that she had not followed. "Are you coming?" he asked, slanting a glance over his shoulder.
"No, not yet," she answered in a casual voice. "I have something to take care of first."
Wesker laughed at her words, and genuine amusement lit those animal-like eyes. "Ah, Leon Kennedy, perhaps?" Her entire body tensed, and he laughed again. He tucked a hand under her chin, ignoring her look of outrage, and lifted her face for his perusal. "Were I different kind of man, I believe I would be quite taken with you, Ada. Yes, I can see why John was so entranced."
Ada jerked away as anger surged through her. "You overstep your bounds, Albert," she hissed in warning.
"Perhaps." Wesker smiled again before slipping the sunglasses back into place. He pulled a rocket launcher from his supply pack and dropped it at her feet. "I believe you may need this, my dear. I will meet you at the rendezvous point. Don't take too long. I'd hate to have to retrieve you."
Ada watched him walk away, her heart beating a wild tattoo in her chest. Damn him, she thought heatedly. He'd had no right to bring her back from the dead, to make her like him. She glared at the door as it closed behind him and waited, giving him enough time to leave the area before she followed. She knew how Leon had been planning to escape, by taking the emergency train out of the facility. She planned to be there when he escaped, and to help him any way that she could.
When enough time had passed, she retrieved the rocket launcher and ran from the room. She ran all the way to the train station, praying that she wasn't too late. The monster that once been William Birkin had been harassing them since they had first entered the lab complex, and she was terrified that he would reach Leon before she did.
She followed a trail of dead bioweapons, relieved to see that Leon had at least made it this far. She entered the emergency platform area from a small, nearly indistinguishable door. She ran to the far side of the catwalk and fear threatened to overwhelm her. What was left of the brilliant young scientist had further mutated, his head absorbed into the monster's torso, and birdlike appendage now in its place. She watched with horror as Leon took a vicious blow to his side and began to limp as he ran from the creature, blood from the wound spreading over his uniform.
"No!" she whispered fiercely, dragging the heavy rocket launcher up until it was balanced on the railing, then pushed it over. "Here, use this!"
Leon looked up at the shouted words, his beautiful blue eyes widening with disbelief. "Ada?!" he yelled back. "Is that you?!"
She opened her mouth to respond when a cold voice spoke from behind her. "It's time to go, my dear." She closed her eyes briefly and turned towards that voice.
Wesker was frowning slightly as he looked past her. "William is nearly dead," he murmured, sounding slightly saddened by the prospect. "I suppose, it's for the best."
Ada remained silent as he turned away, this time following him. Goodbye, Leon, she thought with her own sorrow. She reached up to rub the ache in her chest when she realized that she was still wearing the pendant Birkin's daughter had dropped in the sewer system. She fought the urge to laugh as she patted it. She hadn't failed her mission, or The Agency. She had retrieved the G-virus, just as ordered. Wesker had just lost any hold he might have had over her.
The man in question led her to an emergency ladder and waited until she had climbed to follow. He took her to a steel door, which opened to reveal a bright shaft of light. She found herself outside of the complex, on the outskirts of Raccoon City.
"Come," he said impatiently, gesturing towards a green field, and a waiting helicopter. "We don't have much time before the complex explodes."
She had to run to keep up with him, her high heels making it difficult as they sank into the soft ground. He climbed aboard the chopper and turned to offer her a hand, smiling widely as she ignored it and pulled herself inside. She settled back on the far bench, keeping a wary eyes on him as he sat opposite of her. He leaned towards her as the blades slowly whirred to life, his voice low as he began to speak.
Unfortunately, she had no problem hearing his words, despite the noise. "You realize that you belong to me, now?"
Ada cocked one eyebrow at him. "Really?" she questioned in a purr. "And just how do you propose to keep me in line?"
"Oh, I imagine that won't be too difficult," he murmured, adding, "Just how much is Leon Kennedy's life worth to you?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, not bothering to hide her anger. "More than yours, Albert."
Wesker laughed once again, as though he truly found her amusing. "I like your spirit, my dear. We'll finish this discussion later, once you have recovered from your. . .ordeal."
He leaned back and turned around to talk to the pilot. Ada inched towards the open side of the helicopter and waited for her chance. She'd rather risk death in the hell of Raccoon City than be trapped up here with Wesker for another moment! He thought he could use her love for Leon to control her. He was wrong. She would find a way to explain what she was about to do to her superiors back at The Agency later. Having the G-virus in her possession would go a long way in easing her return. For now, she was going to enjoy thwarting him, even if it did cost her her life.
They neared Raccoon University, where the campus was crawling with zombies, and she smiled to herself. If she survived the fall, Albert was going to be very cross with her! They flew over the college itself and Ada made her move. She leapt from out of the helicopter, ignoring Wesker's hoarse call, and landed heavily on the roof. She tucked her body and rolled to a stop, looking up at the circling aircraft. Albert Wesker's blond hair was visible as he looked down at her, and though she couldn't see his expression, she could well imagine how angry he must be at this moment.
She rose to her feet and waved carelessly at him, laughing aloud at his shouted curse. She had been called worse. She drew her Beretta, ran to the side of the building, and jumped over the edge. She landed on side of an overturned minivan, laughing again at the dent her weight had left in the door. She saw a number of zombies turn her way, but even that couldn't dim the exhilaration burning through her. She was free in a way that she had never been before, and she knew that she had Leon to thank for it.
It amazed how her that a few, short hours in hell could have changed her so drastically, yet it was true. She wasn't the same person who had entered the R.P.D. last night, so intent on stealing the G-virus for her superiors. For the first time in her life, she had fallen in love, and she would never again be the same.
Leon was a good man, a morally strong man. He didn't make deals, or sell himself to the highest bidder. He would walk through hell for those he cared about, and he would never betray them. He was different from any man she had ever known. It was no wonder he had captured her heart.
She thought of the bodies they had seen in the sewer entrance and winced. They had all been in body armor, but the U.S.F.U. symbol on their uniforms had spoken volumes. Hunk was the best mercenary on the Umbrella payroll. Only he would have been contracted to steal the G-virus from Birkin. How was she going to tell Billy that his brother was dead?
Ada jumped to the ground and began to shoot her way through the undead throng. She was halfway across the campus lawn when she realized that she was nearly out of ammunition. She uttered an unladylike curse and began to use her firearm as a club, beating the zombies back as best she could. She could feel their nails digging into her skin as she struggled to break free of them, and had the inane thought that at least she couldn't be infected now.
She was in danger of being overwhelmed as she kicked the zombies closest to her to gain a little time. The corpse before her went flying, knocking several of its brethren down, and she ran through the gap it had created. The zombie rose to its feet as she approached, and she hit it with the butt of the Beretta and leapt over the falling body.
She landed a good seven feet away, taking down more of the reanimated corpses as she landed. She glanced behind her briefly, stunned by what she had done, before shaking the daze off. She continued to leap through the crowd, her only thought that if her eyes were like Wesker's, he was a dead man. For now, whatever he'd done to her was helping, and she'd take what she could get!
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Joseph lay on the cold ground, in the same spot the leather-clad B.O.W. had dropped him in. His body had curled in on itself, shaking uncontrollably as sweat rolled off him in waves. He could literally feel his immune system hacking away at the embryo within him, the T-virus fighting its counterpart instead of bonding with it. While he was grateful that it hadn't managed to mutate him any further, it also fucking hurt! It felt as though he were being eaten alive from the inside, and he wondered if maybe that wasn't a little close to the truth.
He moaned in agony as every instinct he possessed screamed at him to move, to get up and leave the spot where he had so thoroughly gotten his ass kicked. So far, he hadn't managed to do more than twitch in pain, and he was scared. The zombies had stayed away so far, milling around him as though he were just another reanimated corpse. He was very much afraid that was because he was dying, and they could sense that he was about to join their ranks.
No! The denial reverberated through his skull, and he finally found the strength to move. He rolled to his hands and knees, his stomach heaving as he fought to rid his body of that bioweapon's poison. His hands clenched into fists, his fingertips digging into the asphalt of the street, tears of pain pouring from his changed eyes. He thought of S.T.A.R.S., and his family, and his beloved Jill, all of whom were gone now, either dead or as good as. He could never go back to the life he'd once led, but he refused to give up the one that had been forced upon him. It was his and he was keeping it!
Joseph hunched over as his body began to force the embryo out. It spilled from his throat in a disgusting slide of vomit and slime, landing on the ground with a wet splat. He watched it wriggle for a few moments before going still, and drew his first untainted breath in hours. He stood as slowly as possible, swaying slightly as he fought to regain his senses. His eyes began to burn as he lifted his head, and he realized that the sun had come up.
He had survived the night, Joseph thought with surprise. He hadn't died as he'd seen so many others do in the hell Raccoon had become. He was alive, if still a little sick, and it was time to leave this damned place behind. He pulled the Remington out of his waist pack, noticing that the zombies had begun to close in again. Apparently, whatever that ugly son of a bitch had put in him made a difference to them.
Well, that was too fucking bad, he thought coldly. He wasn't food, and they were all going to die a second time because they were too stupid to realize it. He paused just long enough to pull a pair of sunglasses out of an abandoned car and slid them into place. Sadly enough, they made him feel safe. He pumped the shotgun and began blasting his way north east, back towards the exit he had so stupidly turned away from last night. It was a mistake he wouldn't make, again.
He headed back towards the R.U. Campus, suddenly not minding that it was probably still filled with zombies. He was alive, and they could only eat him. They couldn't hurt him the way that big badass B.O.W. had, and that's all he really cared about right now. As long as he didn't get overwhelmed, he'd be all right.
He had reached the campus lawn when he heard the distinctive sound of a helicopter. It flew above the college, and Joseph caught of glimpse of something red. A woman, he realized with surprise, her dark head coming into view as she inched towards the open side of the chopper. He watched with astonishment as the woman jumped out of the helicopter, presumably onto the roof, and disappeared from sight.
An angry shout followed her rapid descent, and Joseph spied a blond-haired man yelling from the chopper. Captain Wesker?! Joseph shoved zombies away almost absently as he watched his former commander fly away from Raccoon City. Now, he knew how Brad had felt seeing him last night in the street!
Somehow, Captain Wesker had survived his supposed death in the Spenser Mansion. Just like him, the captain was supposed to be dead, killed by one of those Tyrants after betraying them all. The treacherous bastard was alive and presumably well, and first step towards finding him would be the woman in red that had probably just killed herself jumping out of a moving helicopter.
Joseph swore violently and headed for the building. The sound of gunshots coming from the far side of the yard, accompanied by a flash of red, had him changing directions. He blasted his way through the crowd of the dead, reloading with a speed that wouldn't have been possible a few short months ago. As much as he had hated what he'd become, he was grateful for the change right now. He would track this woman, find out what she knew, and he would take his revenge on Albert Wesker.
He watched as she began to use her weapon as a club, and realized that she was probably out of ammo. If she died, he lost his only link to Wesker, and he couldn't allow that to happen. One shapely leg lashed out in a kick that sent zombies flying, and he couldn't suppress a laugh. Whoever she was, she had guts. Then, she took off running and jumped over the downed the zombies.
She landed at least six feet away, her form perfect as she landed in a crouch, and Joseph realized that she wasn't quite human either. Maybe, he'd found someone like him! Excited by the thought, Joseph began blasting zombies out of his way, not bothering to kill them. He began to jump after her, following her example, and was amazed by how far he got with each leap. The woman in red had the right idea!
He followed her to Raccoon Street, where it bordered the tram line. She was racing east almost too quickly, and he actually had to exert himself to keep up. "Hey!" he shouted. "Wait up!"
The woman glanced over her shoulder and came to a sudden stop. She whirled around to face him, the presumably empty .9 millimeter trained on him. Joseph stopped a few feet away, setting the Remington on his shoulder in a casual gesture. The woman's stunning Asian features were cold, as were her brilliant sapphire eyes. The gun in her hand never wavered, and he knew that she would shoot him without a qualm. As for killing him. . .Well, that was another thing altogether.
"Who are you?" she asked, and his temperature soared at her deep, husky voice.
"My name is Joseph," he answered, unable to keep the roughness from his own voice. "Joseph Frost."
Her blue eyes moved over him, and he fought an abrupt urge to squirm under her regard. Jesus, she was beautiful! he thought with a rush of heat. Her eyes came up to meet his, her head tilting to one side as she considered him. "Lose the glasses," came the not unexpected response.
Joseph flinched visibly even as his hand moved towards his face. "Don't shoot me," he entreated quietly. "I'm. . .different, but I'm no threat to you."
Ada observed his reaction and had a feeling that she knew what was coming. Sure enough, her demand revealed red-gold eyes that burned with an inhuman fire she thought only Wesker possessed. The man before her looked away, and she realized that he was ashamed of those eyes. "My name is Ada," she offered suddenly, not sure why she felt moved to do so. "Ada Wong."
Joseph risked a glance at her, and saw that she wasn't afraid, or even uncomfortable in his presence. "I don't scare you," he stated with wonder.
She shook her head negatively, lowering the gun an inch. "I've seen worse, Joseph." She took in the well-worn uniform and the scuffed combat boots and smiled. Now, she knew why his name sounded so familiar. "You're a member of S.T.A.R.S.."
He nodded at the question that wasn't a question. "I was, before. . .this." He made an all-encompassing gesture, and she understood, or believed that she did. "You're supposed to be dead, Officer Frost."
"Yes, I am." Joseph smiled slightly, sadly at her words. "Apparently, the T-virus works in mysterious ways."
Her lips twisted in a shockingly bitter smile. "Yes, it does," she replied simply.
It was then that Joseph understood just what it was that was drawing his body to hers. She was like him, though with small differences. Her eyes were still human. "You were infected, too?" he asked in a low voice.
Ada nodded once. "Deliberately, yes."
"The man I saw you with in the chopper," he began hesitantly. "Is he the one who. . .infected you?"
Her perfect features hardened dramatically, and he had his answer. "Do you know where I can find Captain Wesker?" he asked, unable to hide his anger--or his eagerness.
"Perhaps." Ada took a few steps closer, the Beretta held close to her side. "Do you want revenge, Joseph Frost?"
"I want justice," Joseph replied flatly.
"Aren't they one and the same?" she countered in a purr.
"Maybe," he answered on a sigh. "I don't know anymore."
"Come with me, Joseph." Ada sent him a confident smile, watching with interest as those animalistic eyes of his flashed with heat. "Come with me, and I'll help you find a way to kill Albert Wesker."
Joseph inhaled sharply. "You don't fuck around, do you?"
"No, I don't." She ignored her own body's response to this man. Her heart was spoken for, and he was likely very dangerous. She would have to be careful in her dealings with him. "I work for an organization that can help you, Joseph. It would take time, but eventually, you would have your vengeance."
The shotgun came off his off his shoulder in an instant and was pointed directly at her head. "Do you work for Umbrella?" he asked in a harsh, guttural voice.
"Of course not," Ada snapped with a scowl. "The Agency is nothing like Umbrella Inc.!"
"And what do you get out of it?" Joseph asked in a rumble.
Her smile was coldly malicious. "I'll get to watch Wesker die."
She hated him for changing her, Joseph thought with comprehension. She wanted Wesker dead for the same reason that he did--because the man was ultimately responsible for her loss of humanity. "I'm a cop, Miss Wong, not an assassin," he felt compelled to point out.
She raised on silky sable brow, and he had to laugh. "Yes, I want the Captain dead," he said in response to her unspoken question.
"Then, I don't see a problem." Ada walked towards him with hip-swinging gait only possible in back-breaking shoes. She stopped inches away, fully aware of that the effect she had on most men would be magnified in this one. "Come with me," she murmured seductively. "You will be safe with The Organization, with me."
Joseph nearly groaned as her scent came to him, seeming to envelope him. "You're a very dangerous woman, Ada Wong."
She laughed suddenly, the sexy sound cutting through the neverending moans of the dead. "You have no idea, Joseph Frost."
He joined her in her mirth, his own laughter filling the night around them. "Alright, Ada Wong," he said with flashing eyes. "Take me to your leader."
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Jill awoke to the sound of rain falling. She groaned and glanced around her, more tired than she could ever remember being. Her blue-gray eyes widened as she took in her surroundings. She was in the St. Michael's clock tower, in the chapel on the third floor. She suddenly remembered the battle with Nemesis, during which Carlos had been hurt, and she herself infected. I can't believe I'm still alive! she thought incredulously, though she was desperately afraid that she wouldn't be for long.
Carlos! she thought with a gasp. What happened to Carlos?! She moaned unknowingly as she tried to move, and a gentle hand restrained her. "Carlos?" she questioned weakly.
Carlos Olivera knelt at the side of the altar, which had been the only place big enough to lay her. "It looks like our rolls have been reversed from when we originally met, huh?" he questioned in an attempt at humor.
She turned her huge blue eyes on him and he was lost. "Don't worry, Jill," he rushed to assure her. "This chapel is safe."
Jill met his dark eyes grimly. "I've been infected, haven't I?"
"Hey!" Carlos jumped to his feet, hating that he hadn't been able to protect her. "Take it easy, chica."
"I'm okay," Jill reassured him in a quiet voice. She'd forgotten how young Carlos was amidst all of the fighting. She turned onto her side, wrapping her arms around her waist. "I don't feel any pain, but that's what bothers me. If I can't feel anything, then what does that mean?"
"Don't give up, Jill. I'll take care you," he declared passionately. "Whatever you do, don't let that virus beat you!"
"If I turn into a zombie, don't hesitate," she told him, her voice wavering. "I want your word that you'll kill me."
Carlos gazed down at her, unable to give her what she wanted. He knew that he wouldn't be able to kill Jill, not even to save his own life. He reached out and laid an awkward hand on her shoulder before racing away. He'd find a cure at the hospital. He was sure of it!
Jill listened to the door close behind and gave into the urge to cry. Poor Carlos, she thought sadly. He was only twenty-one. Yes, he was a soldier, but he was still a child. He had naively believed that his U.B.C.S. Unit had been sent into Raccoon City to rescue survivors. All of his teammates had died within hours of arriving in Raccoon City, the only exception was his commander, Nicholai Ginovaef, who had been killed by a pack of zombies a short time ago. They had been running ever since, fighting their way through every imaginable horror, as well as the super-Tyrant designated Nemesis, who seemed determined to kill her for being a member of S.T.A.R.S..
They had lost the last battle, and Nemesis had infected her with an embryo designed to spread the T-virus only to selected targets. Soon, she would become a zombie, just like every other citizen of Raccoon City, and Carlos would be forced to kill her, as they had both killed so many others.
Chris would hate him, she thought with a strangled laugh. Carlos was young and brash. He had absolutely no shame. The first thing he'd done upon meeting her was feed her a truly horrible line in a pick-up attempt. She had shut him down quickly and not too kindly, but that hadn't dented his ego any. If anything, it had only made him that much more determined to win her. Chris would punch him if heard some of the things that came out of Carlos' mouth when he was trying to be charming.
Her breath caught on a sob as she cried even harder. Chris, she cried silently, where are you? She had missed him so much this last month. She missed his fiery temper, the quiet self-confidence that only he seemed to possess. She missed the sound of his voice, so comforting and familiar. The feel of his arms around her as he chased away yet another nightmare. Her best friend, her family. The man that she could finally admit that she loved, now that it was too late for them.
God, how he must hate me! she thought sadly. All the years he'd spent at her side, watching her date other men, comforting her when those same men broke her heart, all the while loving her himself.
And then, she had turned away from him in a stupid attempt to protect him from Joseph. If only she had been honest with him from the beginning. Then, they could have come up with a way to help Joe together. Instead, she had created a distance between them that might never be breached.
Not that it mattered, now, Jill reminded herself brutally. She was infected with the T-virus. She was going to die here, in this beautiful testament to God, and Chris would never know how she felt, or how hard she had fought to get back to him. Barry had told her that Chris believed she hated him for hiding his feelings for so long, and Chris hadn't been willing to discuss their situation on the radio when she'd contacted him. She had lost him, and it was her own fault.
She knew that her death would be hard on him, but she also knew how strong Chris Redfield truly was. He might lose himself for a short time, as he had after being discharged from the Air Force, but he would find his way back. He was more of a survivor than she would ever be.
She flinched as she thought of their last conversation, of the pain in his voice, as he told her that he loved her. Then, he had said goodbye, and her world had been shattered. He had left Raccoon City--their home--because of his feelings for her. She had hurt him that badly, breaking his heart with her coldness, turning her back on him when he needed her the most. It would be a miracle if he didn't hate her!
Barry had assured that he didn't, but the older man had also admitted that Chris didn't talk about her at all. He simply couldn't imagine Chris' feelings changing so dramatically in so short a time. He had obviously never had his heart stomped into the dirt by a woman he loved. Jill, on the other hand, knew exactly what to expect.
Jill laughed at herself for her thoughts, even as sobs wracked her body. Here she was, thinking about the future, when the future no longer existed for her. She didn't want to die, but she was infected. Nothing short of divine intervention could save her now, and God seemed to have overlooked Raccoon City.
Jill drifted in and out of consciousness as the virus ravaged her system. She had no idea how long she lay there, thinking of her life, and all the mistakes she had made, when the chapel door opened. She opened bleary eyes and watched as Carlos came towards her, a syringe in his hands. He knelt beside her without speaking and administered the shot.
She groaned as pain flashed through her exhausted body like wildfire. She arched up off the altar, only to have Carlos push her back down. He still didn't speak, but his worried expression said it all. He was afraid that he had only hurt her more by trying to cure her, and she couldn't catch her breath long enough to reassure him. Whatever was happening inside of her body was good, because now she could feel again. She might be in pain, but it was better than the numbness the embryo had triggered inside of her!
Jill relaxed as the pain finally receded, leaving her panting but triumphant. She just might live through this after all! Her strength returned in a rush, and she surprised Carlos by sitting up and swinging her legs to the floor.
"Hey," he said tentatively, "are you okay?"
"Yes, very," she assured him with a smile.
"S.T.A.R.S."
"No way!" Carlos exclaimed with disbelief. "That monster just doesn't give up!"
"What?" Jill rose to her feet with wide eyes. "I thought we killed that thing!"
"No," he said with a shake of his head. "It's been waiting for you." He glanced at the door, knowing now what he had to do. Jill was too weak to fight the monster, again. It was up to him to save her.
"S.T.A.R.S."
"He's playing with us," she stated tiredly. "Carlos, do you think that its unstoppable?"
"No," he answered in a quiet voice, "I don't think so. I'm sorry, Jill, but I've got to go take care of a few things."
He turned away and paused. "Oh, and. . .bad news. Nicholai is still alive."
"Nicholai?" she questioned sharply. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," he answered heavily. "I don't know how, but I know that he is our enemy. Remember, don't trust him!"
Jill opened her mouth to respond but Carlos ran from the room, slamming the door behind him. She sat back down on the altar that had served as her sickbed, stunned by what she had heard. How had Nicholai survived the zombie attack, or the ensuing explosion?
She shook her head, wishing that she knew more of what was going on around her. She knew who had caused the outbreak here in Raccoon, but she had no idea why. Nicholai had survived something that should have killed him, yet Carlos said that he was alive. Of course, she had just survived being infected with the T-virus, so anything was possible.
She thought of the creature that was stalking her, and Carlos abrupt departure, and was filled with dread? What if, in his zeal to protect her, Carlos had gone after Nemesis himself?! She couldn't let him die for her!
She jumped back to feet and ran for the door, pausing only to check her equipment. She chose the grenade launcher, uttered a quick prayer, and opened the door. I'll see you soon, Chris, she thought as she stepped into the cool night air. Wait for me.
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Billy sat on under the motel's canopy, a pair of binocular's held before his eyes. He watched as yet another zombie made its way to the barricade separating Stoneville from Raccoon City. The local police department was out there in full force, along with half of the small town's overzealous population. The retorts of multiple guns could be heard as the zombie was cut down. It was quickly picked up and pitched back over the barricade, where an ever-growing pile had formed over the last forty-eight hours.
He had snuck past the barricade just before dawn yesterday morning. He had stuck to yards and alleys, keeping off the main streets whenever possible. Luckily, the local cops were too busy guarding their precious border to pay much attention to the rest of the town. He had gone to the opposite end of the small town, using an I.D. he had taken off a dead business man in Raccoon, and checked into this dump. He'd been here ever since, sitting on an old lawn chair, watching the town from his relatively safe vantage point.
Another zombie approached the barricade, and was just as quickly taken down. Billy lowered the binoculars with a deep sigh. "Poor bastard," he murmured to himself, ignoring the glare he received from the red-headed woman next door. She was watching the border, as were her boyfriend and his kid sister. Well, he assumed that the scrawny kid was the guy's sister. They were both blond, and she called him by name.
The younger man had introduced himself as Leon Kennedy, and the uniform he had arrived in told his story for him. He had been a member of the Raccoon Police Department, the only cop to survive the Raccoon City outbreak, so far as anyone knew. The red-head's name was Claire Redfield, and her brother was a member of S.T.A.R.S., just like Joe and his girl had been, just as Rebecca still was. The little girl traveling with them was Sherry. She was a cute little thing, but really shy. She had hidden behind Leon's legs when he'd introduced her, peeking at him when she thought he wasn't looking, but with curiosity, not fear.
Claire, however, didn't like him at all. She was a tough, outspoken girl, and she had told him plainly that she didn't trust him. Leon had protested, and they had started bickering, which had upset the little girl. Claire had shut up, but she'd been glaring at him ever since.
Women, Billy thought with snort. God, but he was glad that Rebecca wasn't like that! She might be outspoken, but she didn't have a mean bone in her body. Unlike this one, who had spent the last two days ordering Leon around like the drill sergeant from hell. Billy had to give it to the kid, he had a lot of patience. Survivor or not, he would have told her to go screw herself a long time ago.
Especially, since Leon had told him that he'd been treated for a gunshot wound at the local hospital. He hadn't elaborated, but he'd obviously been shot while fleeing Raccoon. Billy hadn't asked any questions, though. He had his own secrets to keep.
He saw that Sherry was looking at him again and sent her a smile. She returned it shyly and even waved. Billy returned the gesture, and she ducked behind her brother's legs again. Leon looked his way with a half-shrug, and he returned it. He pulled a beer out of the cooler beside him and held it up in silent invitation. The younger man glanced at the red-head, his lips thinning, before nodding vigorously.
Leon Kennedy dropped to the ground beside his neighbor, accepting the frosty can gratefully. "I'm sorry, about Claire," he said for the umpteenth time. "I don't know what's wrong with her. She's not usually like this."
"Don't sweat it, kid," Billy told him, not mentioning that he thought she was just a bitch. "How are you feeling?"
The other man shrugged, then groaned and then grasped his shoulder. "I hope I never get shot, again," he said with a small shudder. "Man, this thing still hurts!"
"I bet," Billy said with real sympathy. He remembered how it had felt when Joseph had shot him with that damned Remington. "So, how's your sister holding up?"
Leon shot him a quick look before ducking his head, wishing that he didn't have to lie to the other man, even if it was only by omission. "This has been hard on her," he said at length. "Every time she tries to sleep she has a nightmare."
Billy only nodded. The younger man's reaction told him that the little girl wasn't related to him, and probably not Claire either. Odds were that she was a survivor like them, probably the only member of her family that hadn't died in Raccoon. Not that he was going to say anything. The girl worshipped the red-headed bitch, and she was completely nuts about Leon. Leon, at least, would stick around to take care of her. Claire would be gone just as soon as she found that brother she was always talking about, and the Leon would be left to pick up the pieces.
"How about you?" he asked finally. "Has is gotten any better?"
"Not yet." Leon sighed and leaned back against the building, the look in his clear blue eyes becoming distant as he focused on something that only he could see. "I keep seeing. . .I ran into three other survivors in the precinct, but they. . ."
His voice trailed off, and Billy knew that he had watched them die. "You can't save everyone, Leon."
"I know that, but--" He broke off with a sigh. "One was another cop. I watched him turn into one of those zombies, and I then I had to kill him. The second was a reporter who'd locked himself in a jail cell. He thought he'd be safe there, but he wasn't. Something burst out of his chest, Billy. It tore him in half."
Billy winced. "And the last?"
"I met a woman in the parking lot." Leon smiled faintly, sadly, as he pictured Ada in his mind. "She took a shot at me, thinking that I was a zombie. We worked together to find a way out and. . .I cared about her." He ran a hand over his face in a weary gesture. "I got cornered by this huge monster, and she purposely drew its attention to her. She saved my life, and it killed her," he finished flatly.
"I'm sorry." Billy glanced at the red-head, who was currently talking to the girl. "Does Claire know about her?"
"Of course," Leon said with a frown. "Claire and I are just friends, Billy."
"Uh-huh." Billy took a sip of his beer, clearly unconvinced. "I've seen the way you look at her, kid. That's not friendship."
Leon blushed hard, rich color filing his cheeks, hating that he was so easy to read. "I like Claire but. . .she's focused on finding her brother right now."
And then some, Billy thought to himself. Well, the kid wasn't as stupid as he thought. Leon knew that Claire wouldn't be around forever, and he was prepared for it. Billy wondered if Sherry was, as well.
Leon watched as the older man pulled a battered cell phone from his pocket and began to fiddle with it. Billy made a rough sound and snapped the cover closed before shoving it back in his pocket. "You haven't heard from your friend, yet?"
"No, not yet." Billy shrugged and shifted positions, wincing at the numbness in his posterior. He knew damn well that Ada had his number, because she was the one who had given him the phone in the first place. God, he hoped that she was all right!
"She damn well better have survived, or my brother's going to be pissed," he said on a groan.
The younger man laughed a little at that. "So, she's your brother's girlfriend, then?"
"More of an ex, if you know what I mean." Billy grinned as he imagined Ada's reaction to being called Hunk's girlfriend. "She's the independent type. Doesn't like labels."
Leon returned the grin. "Yeah, my ex was like that. She hated it when people called her my girlfriend. Said it demeaned her."
Billy snorted at that. "Not Hunk's girl," he said with humor, careful not to use Ada's name, just in case. "She just isn't the type of woman who belongs to anyone. I don't think it'd matter who the guy was, she would be in charge."
The other man chuckled even as he shot a meaningful glance at Claire. "I think I know what you mean," he murmured, his voice wavering as he fought not to laugh.
Billy had no such problems. He burst out laughing, wrapping his arms around his middle. The red-head frowned at him, and he laughed harder. He here was in a shit-box motel, hanging out with a cop, a college student, and an orphan, waiting for his mercenary brother's spy ex-girlfriend to show up and help him stay out of jail. God, life was weird sometimes!
"What's up with him?" Claire Redfield directed the question to Leon, who merely smiled and shook his head. "It's a guy thing, Claire. You wouldn't understand."
Sherry came up behind her, smiling as she watched their usually dour neighbor laugh so hard he doubled over. "Can I sit with you, Leon?"
"Of course, you can, Sherry." Leon watched with a fond smile as she sat next to him and curled her feet under her. He put an arm around her and she leaned against him gratefully. "Feeling better?"
She nodded, her smile still in place. "I like hearing him laugh like that. I have the feeling he doesn't do so very often."
Billy wiped the moisture off his cheeks and grinned at her, no longer surprised to hear the undersized twelve-year-old speak like an adult. "No, not too much, sweetheart. Life's been a little crazy the past couple of years," he added in a gross understatement.
"How did you escape Raccoon City all by yourself?" Sherry asked bravely. "I wouldn't have made it out without Leon and Claire."
The grin faltered before fading completely. "I got lucky, kid," he said, thinking of his encounter with Joseph, and what could have happened. "Damned lucky."
"I'm sorry," she said a apologetically. "I didn't mean to make you sad."
"You didn't, honey." Billy's shoulders lifted and fell in a shrug. "I'm still trying to figure out how I survived, myself."
"We all are," Leon inserted quietly.
"Leon, we're alive," Claire told him, putting a hand on his upraised knee. "That's all that matters."
"I know. It's just that. . ." His hand came up to grasp hers as he silently shook his head.
"We're together, now," she returned softly, including Sherry in her smile. "We'll be all right, Leon. I know we will."
Yeah, until she heard from her brother, Billy thought cynically. Then, she'd be gone like a shot. A muted buzzing reached his ears, and jumped to his feet, grinning like a madman as he dug the cell phone out of his pocket. He flipped it open and brought up to his ear, giving Leon a thumbs-up sign.
"Is that you, darlin'?"
"Who else would it be, handsome?" came the throaty response.
"Thank God." Billy took a few steps away, hiding his relief from the others. "I was afraid you didn't make it, sweetheart."
"I nearly didn't," Ada told him dryly.
He snorted at that. "Horseshoes and hand-grenades, doll face."
"Mmmm, well I'm certainly glad you escaped Raccoon City, Billy. I was afraid for you."
Billy blinked at that. "Are you alright?" he asked in a low voice. "This isn't like you, Ada."
"I know. A few things have changed since you last saw me." She paused. "Don't use that name, again. Not when you're around people."
He glanced over his shoulder at Leon and Claire, who were still holding hands as they teased Sherry. "You can see me?"
"Yes, I can," came the decidedly cooler response.
"Where are you?" he asked abruptly, swing around to look at his surroundings. "I don't see you."
"Do you see the big house to the north? The one with dreadfully expensive lawn?"
"Figures," he muttered. Ada was nothing if not high-maintenance. "Hold on."
He grabbed his binoculars from the ground, giving Leon a tight smile at his questioning look, and raised them to his eyes. "Where?"
"Second floor, on the balcony."
Billy adjusted the lenses and there she was, a slim figure in tight black jeans. "You're not wearing red," he blurted out in surprise.
"Not today, no," Ada said laughingly. "Come on over, Billy. Bring Leon and his friends, if you like, but I'm afraid they'll have to stay in the east wing, away from us."
"You know them?" he questioned tersely.
"I know Leon," she said simply, and the emotion in her voice had him sucking in his breath. "I take it he's recovering from the bullet wound."
"Yeah, he is," Billy said slowly. "What's going on here, sweetheart?"
"I'll explain everything once you're here, Billy. Unless, you want to stay in that rat-trap motel?"
"Hell no!" he said with a scowl. "I'll be there in a few. By the way, what should I call--"
"Call me Lily," she broke in, "just as your brother always has."
"You've got it, Lily. I'll be there just as soon as I can."
Billy closed the phone and shoved it back into his pocket. He turned to find Leon smiling at him. "She made it, kid. She's just up that hill."
"I'm glad, Billy." Leon rose to his feet and extended his hand. "It was nice to meet you."
"What are you talking about, kid? You guys are coming with me."
"What?" Claire stood, her blue eyes narrowed on him. "I don't remember saying we'd go anywhere with you."
"Jesus, Claire!" Leon was embarrassed, as well as confused, by her behavior. She wouldn't tell him what was wrong, or why she disliked Billy so much. All she's say was that she didn't trust him, and that she didn't want him around Sherry. "The man just offered us a place to stay, Claire."
"Yeah, and what's the catch?" She put her hands on her hips as her chin lifted in challenge. Her cerulean eyes never left Billy's as she said, "Why are you being so damned nice to us? You don't even know us."
"Leon, you're a good kid, and I like you," Billy said in lieu of answer, "but your taste in women sucks."
"Hey!" she protested, only to be cut off.
"Leave him alone, Claire." Leon looked at her with angry bewilderment, wondering what had happened to the nice woman he'd met two days ago. "He's been nothing but nice to us. Why are you acting like this?"
"Damn it, Leon!" Claire was uneasy as she looked at the big man with the angry eyes, and the death sentence hanging over his head. "He's a fugitive, Leon. His name is Billy Coen, and he's a convicted murderer."
"What?!" The younger man just stared at her, shocked by her words. "What the hell are you talking about, Claire?"
"I saw a file on him when I was in the S.T.A.R.S. Office," Claire told him urgently. "He's supposed to be dead, but it was him, Leon. I swear it."
Leon turned stunned blue eyes on the man that had befriended him. "Billy, is this true?"
"Christ." Billy pinched the bridge of his nose, wishing he were anywhere but here. "Look, kid--"
"See? He didn't deny it," Claire pointed out. "He killed twenty-three people somewhere in Africa, and you've been sitting here hanging with him for two damned days."
"I should have known," Billy muttered, laughing bitterly as he looked away. Now, her hostility made sense. What didn't was the fact that she had waited so long to say anything. Unless. . .he swore violently. "How long do I have?"
Claire eyed him warily. "What do you mean?"
"How long do I have before the military shows up?" he demanded impatiently. "When did you call them?"
"I-I didn't call anybody." Claire moved closer to Leon as she spoke, suddenly questioning her decision to confront this man. "I don't know what you mean."
"Shit," Billy said tiredly. He swept past them, into his room, and began to pack his meager possessions. God, but I'm tired of running, he thought as he zipped the duffle bag closed. He donned the leather jacket, shouldered the bag, and strode for the door. Leon appeared in the doorway, and Billy prayed that he wouldn't try to stop him.
"Is it true?" he asked in hard voice.
"Leon. . ." Billy sighed heavily. "I didn't kill anyone I wasn't ordered to, kid."
"And those twenty-three people in Africa?" Leon asked bluntly.
"No," he replied flatly. "I'm not a killer."
The younger man gazed at him steadily for a moment before stepping aside. Billy strode out of the room and didn't look back. He paused just long enough to throw over his shoulder, "If you need a place to stay, Lily said you'd be welcome. If not, have a nice life."
He kept his head down as he walked through the town, hoping like hell he wouldn't be recognized, and that he made it to Ada's place before the military caught up with him. He should have known, he thought dejectedly, that Claire had recognized him. He'd just thought that she was a bitch, and he'd kept his distance from her. He hadn't realized that she was acting that way because she though he might kill them at any moment.
He knew better than to try to make friends. After what had happened with Joseph, he had sworn to keep strangers at a distance. Of course, it hadn't helped that Leon was such a good guy, or that Sherry was so damned cute. He still should have kept them at arms length, instead of being so goddamned friendly. So what if he was lonely? He knew better than to trust anyone. They always turned on him once they knew who he really was. It was better to be alone and safe, than alone and dead.
He stood on the sidewalk before the big house--a mansion, really--and blinked back tears. At least, he still had Ada and Hunk. He wasn't completely alone, no matter what happened from here on in.
Billy stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets and started up the walkway. He hated mansions, he thought suddenly. Ever since winding up in the Arkham Training Facility with Rebecca, he'd hated them. Still, it was a place to stay, and he doubted that the military would be stupid enough to take on Ada's employers. From what little she'd said, he knew that they were powerful. Hopefully, they were powerful enough to keep the Marines from taking him.
He climbed the veranda steps and hesitantly pushed the big double doors open. He found himself in a huge entryway, with salvation sitting at the bottom of the grand staircase. Ada stood as he entered, a smile lighting her striking features. She opened her arms and he flew into them, nearly crushing her as he wrapped his own arms around her.
"God, it's good to see you," he told her with a shudder. "I'm damned glad you're still alive, darlin'."
"It's good to see you, too," Ada told him sincerely. She looked over his shoulder at the empty doorway, trying to control her disappointment. She pulled back with another smile which faded as she saw the tears pooling in Billy's cobalt eyes. "What's wrong, Billy?"
"Claire recognized me," he said with obvious misery, "called me a murderer. I think she called the military, Ada."
Ada's expression hardened dramatically. "I'll call in a few favors. The military will never set foot inside this house," she assured him. "After I'm done with them, they'll never bother you again."
Billy laughed, despite the tightness in his chest. "Not even you can pull that one off, sweetheart."
"Never underestimate the power of my charm, handsome." Ada patted his cheek fondly and moved to close the doors. "Come upstairs, Billy. I have so much to tell you."
"Lead the way, honey."
She laughed and twined her arm through his, further surprising him with the extended physical contact. He wondered what had happened to those barriers she'd always kept between herself and everyone else. She kept up a casual chatter as she led him through the ornately-decorated house, finally stopping before a set of intricately-carved wooden doors.
"This is business," she told him as she grasped the golden handles. "It has nothing to do with you, but I don't want to keep it from you, since you're going to be staying here."
Billy felt the first stirrings of uneasiness. "Ada--"
"You'll simply have to trust me, Billy. I'll explain once we're alone."
He drew a deep breath and nodded slowly. "I trust you, Ada."
Ada sent him a small smile and pushed the doors open. Billy followed her into the library, stopping dead in his tracks when he saw who was waiting for them. Joseph Frost looked up from the book he was reading, his unusual eyes narrowing only fractionally. He nodded in Billy's direction, closing the book and rising to his feet.
"Billy," he greeted civilly.
"Joe." Billy glanced at Ada to find her watching him with veiled sapphire eyes. "What's he doing here, Ada?"
"He is the business I mentioned a few moments ago," she answered cryptically. She looked at Joseph and smiled warningly. "Billy has nothing to do with our business, Joseph. I would prefer to keep itthat way."
Joseph held her gaze for a long moment before inclining his head. "I'm glad to see you made it, Billy."
"Uh, thanks." Billy thought of his brother and winced. "Hunk's not going to like this, Ada. He's still pissed at Joe for the buckshot."
Ada looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "I'd like the two of you to at least try to get along while you are here," she said, ignoring the comment.
The other man nodded, his reddish eyes gleaming as they fastened on her. Billy murmured his own agreement, disturbed by Joseph's obvious fascination. He wasn't exactly mentally sound. Hell, he wasn't even completely human! Still, Ada was a tough cookie. If she thought that she could handle Joe, then she probably could. He'd keep an eye on the other man, but there wasn't much he could do. Unless Ada threw him out, Joseph Frost was here to stay. He was business, and for Ada Wong, business always came first.
Ada caught Billy's concerned look and smiled to herself. Billy really was sweet. "If you'll excuse us, Joseph," she set a hand on Billy's arm as she spoke, "I have something I need to discuss with Billy."
Joseph's lips tightened with obvious displeasure even as he shrugged. "I'll be here," he said flatly.
"Excellent." She gestured towards the open doorway, and Billy took the hint. He followed her out of the room, holding his tongue even as she closed the double doors. He knew just how sensitive Joseph's hearing was, and Ada clearly didn't want him overhearing them.
She led him to a room at the other end of the hall and closed the door behind them. She turned back to him, her smile fading, her beautiful features sober. "How are you, really?"
"I'm good," he told her, smiling faintly at her skeptical expression. "Really, Ada. I survived."
But at what price? Ada asked herself as she watched him sit on the end of the bed. Joseph had told her of his chance meeting with Billy in the gas station, and how bad Billy had looked. She could now see the signs for herself, and she was worried. He looked utterly exhausted, even though he'd had two days to rest after his ordeal in Raccoon City. The haunted, scared look in his dark blue eyes had only deepened. Yet, there he sat, smiling at her as though nothing were wrong.
She shook her head and took a seat beside him, shifting so that she could face him. "You'll be safe here," she promised in a quiet voice. "I want you to know that. I won't let anyone threaten you. From this point on, consider yourself a free man."
Billy's cobalt eyes widened slightly at her words, and the conviction behind them. "I'm still a wanted man, Ada," he pointed out roughly. "I'm under a death sentence. I probably always will be."
"Not anymore." Ada reached out and took his hand in hers, further shocking him. "I have the power to do what Hunk could not. I'll have the manhunt called off, and I'll have you declared legally dead. I'll give you a whole new identity, and the Marines will never find you. I'm going to have your military records altered, and your fingerprints replaced with those of a dead man. You will be free," she finished forcefully.
He was shaking his head, his eyes downcast as he spoke. "No one has that kind of power, sweetheart. But thank you for--"
"Shush." She squeezed his hand, her heart heavy despite what she had already set in motion. "I have a. . .friend in the military, one who owes me a large favor. I was saving it for a rainy day, but. . ."
She smiled at his wide-eyed look, his expression a combination of hope and disbelief. "I called in that marker this morning, Billy. You're free," she told him, adding, "It will take some time for the process to be completed, but your life will be your own, again."
"Ada--" Billy broke off as emotion thickened his voice. He cleared his throat, blinking furiously. "I don't know what to say," he whispered gruffly. "After all you've already done for me. . ."
"There's more, Billy."
He tensed as her lips curved into a sad smile, and suddenly, he just knew. "No," he cried, his voice hoarse as he grasped her shoulders tightly. "Don't say it, Ada. Please?"
His guttural cry broke her heart as shook her head. "I don't know for sure," she told him in a low voice. "I saw a U.S.F.U. team in the sewers beneath the police department. They were in full combat gear, and we didn't have time to stop and look. He might not have been with them--"
"Oh, God." Billy's hands fell away, shock and grief speeding through him, numbing him. "Hunk was Umbrella's best merc. If they sent a team in to stop the outbreak, he would have led it."
"I know." She watched as he dropped his head into his hands and shifted closer. His shoulders began to shake as he suddenly turned towards her and wrapped his arms around her. She held him tightly, her eyes filling with tears, even as his own wet her neck.
"I'm so sorry," Ada whispered, tightening her hold as he shuddered against her. "You're not alone, Billy. You'll never be alone. I'll take care of you, just as Hunk would have. I promise you."
He barely heard her as anguish overwhelmed him. His older brother, the only person who had ever gave a damn about him, but gone. And the last words they'd exchanged had been angry ones. He had his freedom now, but it wasn't worth the price Hunk had paid. He'd gladly turn himself in and face that firing squad rather than trade his freedom for his brother's life.
"What am I going to do?" he wept brokenly. "Hunk didn't deserve to die like that! Umbrella had no right to kill him!"
Ada flinched at the raw anguish in his deep voice. "You're going to live your live just the way he wanted, Billy."
Billy raised his head fractionally, gazing at her from tear-reddened eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked, suddenly wary.
She nearly smiled at that rapid shift in mood. It was so like the Billy Coen she'd come know. "As soon as the paperwork comes through, I'm sending you to Europe," she informed him softly, the smile breaking through as his eyes narrowed in characteristic suspicion. "You still want to see Rebecca Chambers, don't you?"
Dark brows drew together in a frown, giving him a dangerous look. "Don't tease me," he warned her flatly. "Not about that."
"No tease, Billy." She reached out and pushed a strand of damp hair out of his face. "Your Rebecca is in France, investigating Umbrella with one of her S.T.A.R.S. teammates. If you can hold on for just a little longer, I'll send you right to her."
Billy gazed at her steadily, hope creeping in the battle with his sorrow. "Rebecca's in France?" he asked, just to be sure.
"Yes," Ada replied simply.
"Okay." He wiped the moisture from his face as he released her completely. He rose to his feet, crossing his arms over his chest, and looked down at her. "I'll play ball. I'll stay here for a while, until you get my credentials in order. But as soon as my papers come through, I want Rebecca's exact location."
"You'll have it," she promised him, rising gracefully to her feet. She tilted her head and studied him, smiling again at the exasperated look he cast her. "You are very sweet, Billy Coen. I almost wish I'd seduced you when I had the chance."
Billy uttered a short laugh at that. "I'm grateful you didn't, sweetheart. I like my balls right where they are," he told her dryly.
"Too bad," Ada returned in a purr. "You would have enjoyed losing them."
He rolled his eyes before leveling a somber glance at her. "Tell me how you know Leon Kennedy," he said in an abrupt change of subject. "He doesn't seem like you're type."
Her smile disappeared completely. "I met him in the R.P.D. building," she murmured, half to herself. "He kept insisting that I let him protect me, even though it was obvious that I could take care of myself. He even took a bullet meant for me."
"Shit." Billy straightened from his slouch, his hands dropping to his sides. "Leon said that a woman he was cooperating with died saving his life."
Ada looked away, her sapphire eyes becoming veiled. "He was right, Billy."
"Ada. . ." His voice trailed off as he realized just what she was saying. "Are you like Joe, now?"
"I-I don't know," she whispered with uncertainty. "I remember dying in Leon's arms, and then--" she shuddered and turned away. "I met Joseph as I was escaping Raccoon. I saw his eyes and knew that he was somehow like me."
Billy let out a harsh breath. Well, that explained the sudden change in her behavior, he thought with a wince. "Look, don't take this the wrong way, but. . .are you going to become unstable, too?"
"No," Ada said in flat tone. Her head came up, the look on her near-perfect features one of resolve. "I have excellent self-control, Billy. I would never allow myself to become a danger to those I care for. I would take my own life first."
He nodded, then smiled crookedly. "Well, it didn't affect your looks any, honey. You're still gorgeous," he added in a drawl.
"Of course," she replied with arrogance. He chuckled, and she flashed him a grateful smile. She took the few steps that separated them and pressed her lips to his. "Mmmm, an honest man. I didn't think there were any of you left, handsome."
Billy scowled as an involuntary blush crept into his cheeks. He took a step back, not out of fear, but out of sheer self-preservation. "No more of that," he told her with mock sternness. "I am not getting my ass kicked by your new pet B.O.W."
Ada laughed huskily at his description of Joseph Frost. "I can handle Joseph," she assured him wryly.
"I believe you," he told her with dry sincerity. "Just make sure that he doesn't walk around with that Remington, okay? I'm not fond of buckshot."
"He'll never hurt you again, Billy." Ada patted his cheek and moved away. "Are you hungry? Supper will be ready soon."
"Starved," he admitted. "I was down to my last twenty bucks when you called."
"Well, come downstairs, then. That's one appetite I can fill without compromising you."
Billy laughed as she walked out of the room with what could only be described as a swagger. She was one hellova woman. He could see why Hunk had put up with her for as long as he had.
The laughter died as he thought of his brother. Another wasted opportunity, and yet another regret. His life was full of them.