It was a dark and rainy day. The sun was blocked by dark storm clouds. Jenni walked down the gray streets of Mississippi. Better days have been seen here. To Jenni, it was a better day. All the sun and blue skies was giving her an awful headache. She didn't mind the soft rain dripping on her coat, the low growl of thunder ahead, the occasional flash of bright blue lightning. She didn't even wear a hat to shield her head from the rain. No umbrella. No fear. No worry. Just peace. Jenni walked for nearly an hour before returning to the hotel. When she entered the lobby, she noticed something was wrong...the lobby was empty!

Well, not completely empty. The Marigold gang were all piled around the front desk. "Ah, Ms. Graves! There you are." Sweet smiled warmly at the young black-footed cat. "The legendary Jenni Graves, returns at last!" Wes laughed. "Legends die, I'm alive." Jenni said, darkly. "Says a lot about your family." Wes muttered. Jenni ignored him. He wasn't worth it. "My god, you're soaked! Forgot your umbrella?" Fish asked, concerned. "No, I like the rain. It's peaceful." Jenni said with a twitch of her ear. "You think thunder and lightning are peaceful?" Wes asked.

Jenni looked up to the right and nodded, "Thunder and Lightning are nothing to fear. It's merely a form of nature." "Yeah, a form of nature that can kill you." Nico added. "If you're unprepared, then yes. Lightning can kill you. However, you're more likely of dying in a car accident than being hit by lightning." Jenni explained. "Nonetheless, I'm just glad neither happened to you Ms. Graves, especially on a day like this." Sweet cooed. "Now I know why they call you Mr. Sweet." Jenni smiled mischievously at her companions, who all looked annoyed by her comment. "You're too kind madam." Sweet chuckled.

"So, what is so special about today? Drought ended?" Jenni asked.

"No." Asa smiled meekly.

"National Holiday?"

"No. I wish."

"You're giving us a free lunch?"

"Yes and No."

"I'm not in trouble, am I?"

"No. No. No."

"Then what?"

"Let me get to that in a moment. Right now, I've got some bad news."

"Good news, Bad news?"

"You catch on fast. Two of our boys alerted me of a rather large shipment of whiskey coming up from the cargo hold at the shipping docks. Apparently, the captain has made a deal with a rival group."

"Lackadaisy?"

"No. They're not a speakeasy. There just some gangster Wanna-Be's. You know how it is. They're bringing the shipment in tomorrow night. According to their map, they'll be passing by that old pig farmers ranch."

"Pig farmers?" Jenni said. "Don't ask." Heller sighed. "We used to use them pigs for getting rid of bodies." Nico said sadly. "Why not use rivers? Wouldn't that be professional. There's numerous rivers in these parts." "Cause we didn't want to." Serafine said. "Not to be a pain, but currents and detritivores that decompose bodies and move them to a more discrete location in water seems more both environmentally and professionally responsible than feeding the bodies to pigs. The taste of flesh could give those animals an idea or two. Pretty soon, they'll want the flesh of the living instead of the dead."

"She actually makes a lot of good points." Fish said, looking uneasy at the thought of man-eating pigs. "Moving forward, what exactly is the bad news?" Jenni asked, "We know about the shipment, we know who is obtaining the cargo, and we already know the area of which they will be passing by. What could possibly be bad news regarding this?" "Well, there's at least 30 guys in this group and there's only 5 of you..." Asa said nervously, "Well...six now." He smiled down at Jenni, who looked confused around at her allies who were all staring at her. "What's going on?" she asked, "Why is everyone looking at me?"

"Mr. Heller told me about your stunning performance on your final exam last night." Asa started but was interrupted by the Savoies snickering. "Ok guys stay with me." Sweet groaned, "You remember when you said you were more Pro than Protege?" "Yes." Jenni said slowly. "Well, it seems that you were telling the truth." Sweet was rubbing his arm anxiously, "I've been talking it over with everyone and we've decided...you deserve a promotion!" Jenni looked at each of her companions who were still staring at her,

"I've only been here for a couple of weeks."

"I know. And you've proven again and again you're worthy of our trust and a fair position with us."

"Protégé is a fine position."

"Not as fine as being an actual member of Marigold."

"You mean...you want me as..."

"Of course, you're one of the best newcomers we've had!"

"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that."

"You're too modest. So, what do you say?"

"Sorry sir but I'm a bounty hunter...I didn't come here for anything long term."

The Savoies and Wes busted out laughing. "Enough!" Sweet growled, "Please Ms. Graves, you're one of the best in the business."

"I don't want to step on anybody's toes."

"Trust me, you won't."

"And everybody's ok with this?"

"We all agreed to it."

Jenni sighed, "I'll help with this job...then I'll think about it."

"Wonderful! Now, get prepared everyone! We have a big night tomorrow!"

"Ms. Graves, can I speak to you alone for a minute?" Heller asked, reaching an arm out to Jenni as she was beginning to walk out of the room. "Of course." she replied. The others were looking back and smiling. Mordecai led Jenni to the staircase,

"Everything ok?" Jenni asked.

"Mr. Sweet was speaking out of context when he was asking you to join Marigold."

"He was? How come?"

"He and I were talking about you last night. About your final exam. He was fairly impressed with your actions, and he did want you to join Marigold. However, it wasn't just some ordinary position such as a triggerman."

"Did he have another position in mind?"

"Yes but...don't take it the wrong way. I'm sure everyone else would have if he announced it."

"What do you mean?"

"He wanted you to be...my partner."

"Partner? Why wouldn't he...oh I get it."

"I understand if you don't feel comfortable..."

"It's not that I don't comfortable. It's that I'm a nomad. A bounty hunter. An assassin for hire. I like to travel."

"You'll be doing a lot of traveling."

"True. However, I don't like working for one person for a long time."

"Why's that?"

"Just my nature. I do a few jobs for an employer. They pay me and I move on. It's just a routine. Orderly, you know."

"You...like order?"

"Who wouldn't? Sorry, I know it's rude answering a question with a question."

"It's not an issue for me. Having given it some further thought, it wouldn't be that much of a burden to be working...more closely together."

Jenni cringed as he said that. Jenni wanted a promotion, but it was for getting away from Mordecai's watchful eyes not to get closer to them.

"Sorry, I know that sounds..."

"No." Jenni interrupted, "I know what you meant. Trust me, you're one of the very few males I trust in this world, next to my brother and nephews and a few others. However...I don't know. I'll have to think about it. It wouldn't be that bad working side by side with Mississippi's finest."

"I thought you didn't like flattering."

"Little column A. Little column B. It all depends on the circumstances."

"Well, whatever you decide, just let me know."

"I will, thanks."

The two cats parted ways. As Jenni made her way up the stairs, she looked back at her new friend. A warm smile split her face as she let out a soft and affectionate sigh.