Marcus flicked his tail and growled as he watched his friend speak to his enemy. He clenched his hand around his glass of bourbon tightly. His claws attracted and drug across the glass, leaving behind four long white marks. "Evening Mr. Jags." Marcus turned to see Mordecai moving swiftly towards him. "Mr. Heller, pleasure to see you." The tuxedo cat looked at the jaguar's glass, "I see you've noticed Mr. Howler has arrived."

Marcus nodded, "That stuck up bastard. Why is he here?"

"I don't know. I'll ask Jenni when she's done speaking with him."

"I appreciate it if you would come to me after."

"What do you have against Myles?"

"The Jags family and the Howler family are not on good terms."

"I can see that."

"My paternal great-great grandfather, Marcellus Jags was a confederate soldier in the civil war. He fought alongside his partner, Robert Howler. Howler defected to the Unionists and betrayed my great-great grandfather. Stabbed him 6 times in the guts before leaving, retiring him. Obviously, he survived but the Jags family and Howler family have been at their own war ever since."

"That is quite a story."

"It's not just a story Heller, it's the truth."

"Well, there is a possibility that Mr. Howler was trying to make his friend retire, so he wouldn't have to kill him. He probably defected so he could spy on the unionists."

"Sounds like you've experienced the same thing."

"I was never in the war but I did have a similar falling out with Viktor."

"You stabbed him in the gut 6 times?"

"No! I kneecapped him. I was trying to make him retire from...working in the field, so I wouldn't have to kill him if I got into conflict with Lackadaisy."

"Hardly a betrayal if you ask me. Now, you're in charge of Marigold and are working to mend things with Lackadaisy."

"Jenni is, I'm merely following her lead."

"You love her don't you?"

"Well...not romantically. I love her as a close friend. The same way you love her."

"I love Jenni as a sister."

"What is your history with Ms. Graves?"

"When I was 12, I ran away to New York. My mother had murdered my father by slipping poison in his evening whiskey."

Mordecai glanced at his friend with a look of mild shock, "How did you know it was her?"

"I saw her. I tried warning my father but he just swatted me away like a pesky fly."

"What does this have to do with Jenni?"

"I studied for school at the local library. Jenni and Marley...poor things...they helped me study. Jenni was 8, Marley was 5. I assume you know Jenni's story. Frankly, Marley's story is more tragic."

"Jenni told me Marley's parents died in a fire."

"Only her father died in the fire. Her mother died of TB when she was only 2. Her father fell asleep in his chair and dropped his cigarette on the carpet."

The tuxedo cat's ears folded back as he glanced at Marley who was laughing with Rocky, giving a sympathetic look.

Marcus sighed, "Why do the worst happen to the best of people?"

"Pardon?"

"I know you've only seen Jenni as an assassin but she's more than that. She really is a remarkable young woman. When she was helping me study, I was astonished by her. She had just gone through hell itself yet she still was willing to help others. Also, she doesn't let her past stand in the way of her goals. I don't know how she does it."

"Jenni has a strong soul. Strong heart. When I first saw her, I was suspicious because I had done research on her beforehand. I was probably a bit harsher than I needed to be but Jenni just stood by me, regardless. I tried everything to break her spirit but... I guess that's what brings me to her."

Heller and Jags stared at Jenni and Myles. Marcus touched the hilt of his gun on his side when Myles looked over at them but relaxed after he looked away. "You think he's trying to seduce her?" Marcus growled to his companion.

"I don't think that's possible with her.

"Did you try to seduce her?"

"No. Well... I think she thought I was trying to a few times."

"Not that type of guy?"

"No sir, I am not."

"Well, nonetheless, I'm glad she's marrying you and not Howler."

"I thought Myles was already married."

"He is. That doesn't mean he's faithful. You'll be faithful to Jen, won't you?"

"You have my word Marcus. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to discuss with Mrs. May."

"Can I ask..."

"She's been speaking with Myles about Jenni."

"What?" Mordecai recoiled at the dark growl in Marcus's voice and the murderous look he was now giving him, "What about?"

"I don't know, all I know is she's been talking with him about her. I don't believe it's ill intent towards Jenni but it's still a matter of concern."

"Let me come with you. Perhaps, I can assist in interrogating Mrs. May."

"I appreciate the offer but I think it's best if I talk to her alone. People are more likely of telling the truth if they think they're safe."

"Think? Never mind. I'll keep an eye on Jen for you."

"Thanks Marcus."