[One of the best reasons to divide and conquer, as far as she was concerned, was that it increased the likelihood of getting good intel. She'd be able to compare notes with Doyle before she made her move to stop their operation.
The man with Doyle took a swig of his drink and made a disgruntled sound before he briefly mentioned that Natasha was one of the Black Widow assassins, and then asked what kind of work he'd be willing to do.]
[ Luckily for them both the bragging men trying to impress her, and the big guy at the bar had basically the same information. If the cards were played right she'd have the proper intel soon enough. Those men at the table were trying their best to impress Natasha.
Doyle on the other hand arched a brow, a shocked look crossing his features. ] Probably best she turned me down, eh? [ Doyle was a man about his humor, it was one of his best defences. Kept people from getting too close, and kept him from being beat up a lot more than he probably should have been for his debts.
He let the man know he was willing to do anything, he was skilled in a few different ways that often helped get him into this sketchy kind of work, hot wiring, breaking and entering, the basic trouble package. Peeling the label from his beer, he asked how much the job would pay, clearly sounding willing. It seemed smart enough to him. He planned to head out the door as soon as a price and if he was in on the job or not was chosen. Then he'd text Natasha to meet him at the alley on 12th and Ponce. He knew it would be far enough for no one to tail him.
As long as none of his debters were in the bar anyway. Which, luckily they were not.]
No worries, the last few days have gotten away from me too!
[It was almost too easy, to get the information that she needed once the bubble of tension popped. She'd probably reached an entirely new level of being a workaholic, but mercifully, she couldn't exactly examine that thought while she was on the job. She acknowledged Doyle's text with a quick thumbs up emoji, but it was close to 15 minutes before she joined him. And not really for any nefarious reason - she'd just wanted to make sure that no one would connect the two of them leaving. And put the finishing touches on the fractures in the club solidarity.
When she arrived at the alley, there was an amused look on her face.] That was like a game of 'who has the biggest ego.' Did you find out anything interesting?
[ It had gone a lot easier than expected, for sure. Doyle didn't even get hit, which was always a bonus in his book. The thumbs up arrived before he reached the appointed alleyway. She'd find him as was often the case when they met somewhere, and he was waiting, he was shuffling the deck of cards he keeps on him.
The Irishman was always full of nervous energy, and he had to keep himself busy more than he cared to admit.
Looking up when she entered the alleyway, a playful grin in place. ] Well, that's more or less accurate, ain't it? I did, I know it's gonna be a 10-man crew, and yours truly is expected t' get a text message a few hours 'fore the meet up. It's gonna be on Friday, after dark. He told me to keep my Friday evenin' open. Which, for me, that's money, love, he's apparently payin' more than a few c-notes for this.
[ He could ramble. ] O' course, I'll forward it to you when it arrives.
[She listened attentively to his response, and her head tipped, apparently unconcerned when he mentioned that the group's boss was paying well.] I can compensate you for your time. [Which was only fair. It was a tricky business to be in.
Her arms folded loosely, there was a thoughtful expression on her face as she mulled over the options. She could go back into the bar and round up a portion of the group based on the information alone, but. She'd prefer to sweep up the whole operation at once. Which meant crashing their party on Friday night was a better option.]
Do you want to be part of the round up on Friday, or would you rather I just let you know how it goes?
[ He shrugged a bit as he shuffled his cards. ] Normally I'd jump at that, but somethin' in me gut says to just call in a favor in the future. 'Sides, if I take the job, it gives you an anonymous witness. Pays us both.
[ He'd take a scumbags money, but he cared more about stopping what was happening than actual payment. He'd make his rent somehow anyway. He was always two steps away from being homeless, he was used too it. He could live better, but he chose his lifestyle due to the secrets he was still hiding. ]
I'll be there Friday, jus' do me a favor. When you take everyone down, make sure y'make it look good so no one questions me. Just, don' break my nose, that's all I ask. Gotta keep my reputation if you're gonna need more info in the future. Can't be made by this, an all.
Is that the favor you were hoping to cash in on in the future? [It was clear that she was joking, a small smile lilting up one corner of her mouth.] I'll make sure my team knows that you're coming in but you're not a real suspect. And you can have your favor. But I'm going to insist on paying you if you keep giving me info.
[It was only fair. Favors went a long way, but there was really no substitute for being paid in full at the end of the day. She'd been there once or twice in her life.]
[ That got a chuckle out of him.] If it is, I got the worst luck. [ He quipped easily in that lilted tone.] I guess we got a deal then, love. Can't argue with a Black Widow assassin. An' yeah, big guy knows, and told me plain as day, so the others might know too.
[ He stopped shuffling.] Anythin' I need to know goin' int' this from your side, or your teams?
Don't worry, I don't really do the assassin part anymore. It's just a useful reputation to trade on in situations like this. You can tell pretty quickly what people are looking for if that's what they know about. This isn't the first time I've run into a group that thought they could bank on that knowledge to get the best of me.
[Unfortunately, it won't be the last. She gave him a thoughtful look as she mulled over his question.]
We don't come in with lethal means, so you'll only have to look out for that from behind. I'll make sure we shuffle everyone around for their sentences so they won't be able to tell that you got bagged and released. We can set you up in a safe house for a while if you want to sell it more than that.
I had a feelin', can't say for sure why, just didn' think I had a reason t'be worried 'round you. [ He admitted with a shrug. ] An' that does sound like it would be a pain after awhile, yeah?
[ Nodding as she explained, looking a little uncertain at the idea of a safe house. Generally that meant given legal name and such, and as silly as it was, he hated the idea of anyone knowing his name beyond Doyle. That and its not like people trying to kill him was new. ] Nah, I'll be fine once you and your people set me lose. Not like theres any real ties t' get around. So, I guess I'll be textin' you soon.
I've got people that know me. And I figure if I can be the person that does the work so someone else doesn't have to, or if I can prevent shit like this from going down. [One shoulder lifted in a shrug.] There's worse things I could be doing with the skills I have. I have a feeling you know what that's like too. [On paper, he didn't look like the type of person she'd typically be able to pull in for an operation like this. But he was there, and he hadn't flinched once, which told her more than anything on paper might.
She gave a nod when he turned down the offer of the safe house.] Sounds good. Let me know if anything comes up in the meantime.
That's a damn fine way t' look at it, love. I respect that. [ His brogue a bit heavy, a touch of understanding in his tone. He wasn't an assassin by any means, but he'd made plenty of mistakes since he was twenty-one. Many that likely weren't in that file, but it made him who he was. ] Yeah, I do. I'm a firm believer, tha' we all got somethin' to atone for.
[ Not much made him flinch anymore, four years ago, he absolutely would have screamed and ran for the hills. But Francis hadn't lived on the hard streets then, Doyle has. ]
You know I will. I'll catch you around, darlin'. Anythin' comes up beforehand give me a ring, yeah?
----
[ As promised, early on Friday, Doyle had rolled out of bed to a text that had come while he was still passed out. Luckily, nothing was going down until sunset. He copied the info to text to Natasha. The address and time. He even made sure to let her know that they were all expected to wear black on black.
While Doyle liked his colors, he knew better than to show up colorful or in his brown leather. So when sunset came he arrived, others from both the bar, and people he'd seen around but didn't know well coming into the crowd.
Not only was the second in command there, but the first. If the cards were played right, a lot of lives would be saved, and the gang taken down at the same time. All the outsiders were to be paid half before they left to assure loyalty. Half was fine by Doyle, he knew these guys would never get their terrible deeds done. Standing in the crowd, the envelope was slipped inside his black leather jacket as he listened to the first in command giving the plan, along with a rule of no witnesses. Kill anyone who tries to run. ]
[Natasha responded to Doyle's text to confirm she had the details and that her team would be ready.
Unfortunately for the gang, there wasn't going to be much opportunity to run. Her team was laying in wait, hidden along the road a mile away from their meeting spot. She gave the nod as the bikes approached, and EMP device started up. As the bikes got into range, the engines sputtered and died out.
She didn't wait for them all to arrive, instead moving to the side of the road to fire off the smoke gun that filled the area with a thick, white smoke. It wouldn't last long, out there in the cool night air, but it would be enough for her team to move in with their thermo goggles in place. She handed off the gun and let out a sharp whistle, and advanced into the patch of smoke with her team.
Natasha angled toward where she'd last seen the first in command. The shape of the heat signature was about right, and she slid in on silent feet, jabbing him with her electro-shock baton to make a point and then holding it there against him as the smoke cleared.]
Gentleman. [Her voice carried, but her tone was casual as her eyes swept through the ranks.] You know how this goes. [She wasn't one for speeches - she was more at home in a fight, behind the scenes gathering intel. But her easy confidence and the deliberate way she held her baton made up for the absence of a lengthy treaty. They could come along quietly or kick up a fuss. Either way, the night ended with everyone packed off in the back of a van.]
[ Doyle knew he had to play his hand right, the last thing in the world he needed right now was more enemies. He already knew how he'd play it once he was released, but for now. He had to make it look good.
As the surrounding engines died, and smoke filled the area. Some other low lives started to panic, talk of probation and dying filled the air as visibility dropped. Some tried to bolt anyway, which would either knock others down or get them caught earlier by Natasha's people.
As soon as she spoke up he looked up, not that he could see her through the smoke. His leather sleeve covering his mouth as he coughed. His brachen side was always far too sensitive to heavy scents. Even without switching forms, he was still sensitive. ]
I shouldn't'a trusted him, we're fucked, bud. [ He grumbled out between two heavy coughs, as the guy next to him bolted, knocking into him, and sending the Irishman to the ground. Chaos broke out, as to be expected, but it wouldn't take long to subdue and cart them all away. The first in command had even lifted his hands, knowing far too well who had him. Some rather colorful language coming from him.
Doyle was picked up with the rest, he didn't resist as he knew what was up, but he still made sure to look concerned and a bit panicked. Easy to do when he was pale and still randomly coughing. ]
[Once the first in command put his hands up, the team made fairly quick work of the assembled group. There were a few scuffles - the man that tried to run next to Doyle tried to prolong the inevitable and only got knocked out by a blow to the head for his trouble.
As the smoke cleared, the team started to round the men up into the waiting vans. With the goggles pushed back onto her head, she eyed the ranks and pointed at two of the junior officers as she turned her head to whisper something to one of the men on the team. They weren't really talking about anything - just adding a layer of deniability for Doyle, since the group would assume that the men she'd pointed at got pulled for questioning.
The trip to the black site they were using for the operation took about an hour. Everyone was roughly handed off into different rooms, and when Doyle was presented to his, Natasha was waiting inside with a bag of fast food on the table. Her mouth quirked into a half grin and she arched a brow at him as the door slammed shut.] Figured you'd be hungry. How was the van ride?
[ Doyle for his part made sure to look every bit as worried as the other low lives that had been rounded up. Not even fighting when they all got cuffed and shuffled into different rooms.
On the bright side he had finally stopped coughing, the smoke was another good reminder of why he had quit awhile back, besides how expensive his old vice was. He would still smoke when he drank if someone offered, but he no longer bought his own.
When he was shoved into the room, his blue eyes lit up. The smell of the food hitting him before the sight of Natasha did. ] Well, aren't you jus'a sight for sore eyes, darlin'.
[ He teased as he made his way towards the table, grinning in return to the arched brow.] God, yeah, I'm starvin', thanks. Van ride wasn' too bad, they sure won't be askin too much o' where I am after tha', So'd you get all'y need from'em?
[ Already reaching for the bag.]
Edited (forgot the van line, opps!) 2023-01-30 19:47 (UTC)
I know you really mean the hamburger. [There was a hint of teasing humor in her voice as she responded. She seemed remarkably comfortable for someone running an operation out of a black site, sitting at ease in the chair.
Her head tipped in acknowledgment when he said he wouldn't catch any questions after how the round up had gone. Unfortunately it wasn't her first rodeo when it came to diverting attention for someone that helped her get intel.]
Oh yeah. I'd be surprised if it takes more than an hour to get everything we need to shut them down permanently. I'll count it a real win if we can nab who was on the other side of the exchange on top of it. [What? She liked to be thorough.]
[ Doyle laughed at the tease and gave a playful shrug, as if not to deny it. This kind of banter came easily to him. The fact she was so at ease made it so much easier to trust her not to ruin his reputation, or cause him to wind up dead in a ditch somewhere. ]
Least we can be glad o' that, those knuckleheads don' need t' be on the street. Two o'em deal to kids. I already gave their names t' the guy that brought me t' this room. I can overlook a lot, but there's lines, ya know?
[ He spoke before unwrapping and taking a bite from the burger. Hey, he was going to eat if it was there. Once he swallowed, did he add. ] Didn' hear that one, but I'll keep an ear out on the streets. There's a high stakes game down at Rayne tomorr'a night, the high rollers come down. So, that might be a good startin' point. I can't get int'a that one, though. I owe too much.
[ He'd never deny how bad his gambling debts are, if he ended up dead. That would likely be what caused it, that or chasing the visions on his own. ] Wouldn't turn down a ride, I'm sure we're out in the middle'a nowhere.
[ He'd take the fries, but he was aiming to finish the burger quickly. ]
[Her jaw tightened when he mentioned that two of the idiots they'd rounded up had been dealing to kids. It wasn't a surprise. But she took it personally when people got kids tangled up in their shit. Needless to say, finding the people on the other side of the exchange would be a top priority.] That's definitely not a line they'll be crossing for much longer.
[Her feet dropped down to the floor and she shifted her position in the chair so that she could face him as she listened. Her head tipped thoughtfully. Sounded like he had a gambling problem. Which typically was a concern when it came to informants, but he clearly had a decent enough head on his shoulders. And she had enough access to money that she was confident in her ability to outbid anyone else that might try to make a play.] I'd offer to pay off your debts so you could get in, but I'm afraid the timing would make that a little suspicious.
[Her mouth quirked into a little smile.] Somewhere south of nowhere. This is a black ops site. Hasn't been used in a while. Take your time, we can head out after you finish eating.
[ That reaction alone earned her more respect from him. He saw it. As much as he played down everything about himself, he was very observant. And the former teacher in him hated the idea of kids being messed with. He missed his old life sometimes, but he was a demon and didn't deserve to be the man he once was. At least that's what he tells himself each night. ] Glad t' hear it, hate fella's like that.
[ It was a bit more than slight, it was how he survived, but he also borrowed too much from the wrong people. An action that had nearly gotten him killed a few times. As far as he had spiraled towards rock bottom, he had a good heart, and he rarely let his problems get in the way of what was right.] Couldn' let you do that, even if it was temptin'. You've done too much for me already.
[ Once he finished the burger, he sat back with the bag, taking a few fries at a time.] If you had a way in though that I could see without bein' there, like in the spy movies. I could tell you who was who.
[ Who didn't like James Bond movies? After a few more fries, he nodded. ] I 'ppreciate it, Nat.
[Natasha was...many, many years deep in the spy game. Longer than she cared to think about. And she was well used to wearing different masks. But there were some things that just got right under her skin. The Red Room traded in children. She couldn't stand to see that cycle continue anywhere.
One shoulder lifted in a shrug when he turned down the offer. Which didn't surprise her. Even though he seemed to keep questionable company, it was clear that he had good intentions.] You stuck your neck out to help me with this. Just don't forget that you have a favor to call in. Or that I'm not particularly good at keeping track of when favors have already been called in. [Sometimes it was a pride thing. She could understand that.
Her head tipped thoughtfully at his suggestion. It would take her less than 5 minutes to get the right bugs set up.] Not a bad idea. Well, if you want to make a habit out of hanging out with me, I can get some tech set up. Might make for some good late night TV.
[With a grin, she leaned forward and snagged one of the fries to pop into her mouth.] Don't mention it.
[ Their lives shaped both of them into the people they were. Both working on opposite sides of the law, but sometimes a gray line was needed to do real good and the helpless.
That, and he knew if he let her help, it would give him a way to rack up more debt. He had pushed himself to rock bottom, and since his curse he was trying to do better. It was harder some days than others. Still, he tried. ] This was nothin' love, there's a lot that goes bump out there in the night. A lot of nasty things that prey on people, gettin' these guys off the street. Just a step in the right direction.
[ He spoke far too knowing. He's seen too much in his years. Despite looking closer to thirty or a little older, he was just over twenty five. A hard life the last few years on the streets of LA had aged his boyish face. ] Trust that I'll never forget a favor, it's how all o' this works anyway. We all trade in favors when money's tight, an' I'm willin' to do what I can to make thin's a little better, y'know?
[ He nodded as she explained, then shrugged his shoulders. ] What else d' I got t' do, sit 'round and drink? Not half as excitin' as this. Count me in. I know every low life in the underground in one way or another. [ He grinned when she took the fry and popped it in her mouth. He didn't know she had a file on him, he should have. But still, he added what he assumed to be a secret. ] I've played courier to some o' the low lives 'round here when my debts get real bad. It's how I get through so many doors.
[ A beat later and he was standing. ] I can finish these on the way, Nat.
One step at a time. [It was the only way to get through work like this. The odds could feel insurmountable. But if you just took each challenge as it came, you could get through it with your sanity in tact. Mostly.
Some days were more questionable than others.
She nodded when he said that he'd played courier. It made sense, with what he'd shared so far. Besides, people didn't tend to count courier types as being in the room. With enough time and patience he could probably pick out a fair number of people that needed to be off the streets. Granted, that could also open a spot for him. But he didn't strike her as someone that was particularly looking to climb the ladder.]
Guess it comes in a bag for a reason. [With a grin, she stood up and inclined her head for him to follow her. She gave a quick rap on the door and it was unlocked from the outside.] We've got a little bit of a walk. I'm going to take you out around the back of the building. There's some windows along the route we walked in.
Thats what they say. [ He could mean any number of they, but the point held.
Doyle was working on a few more fries as he pushed up from the chair when she grinned and stood. Following along after her. The couriers rarely got attention paid to them, most of them in these businesses were either hoping to move up, or like Doyle, someone who was in enough debt that he was just trying to stay alive.
He was trying to atone for the blood on his hands, not become a crime lord. The visions were a curse, and he had to atone to make them go away. At least that was his thinking. Not that he'd shared any of that.
No, instead he just followed her along. Nodding as he offered the bag her way to share the fries again.] Sounds like a plan t' keep me head intact, I 'ppreciate that, love.
Well I'd prefer to keep it attached to the rest of you. [Sure, it was a bit dark as far as humor went. But she figured it was important to be able to laugh a little when things got serious. Ease some of the inherent tension in her line of work. She gave him a quick smile and plucked one of the fries out of the bag to eat as she led the way down the hall.]
I'll drop you off a burner with my number on it. [Well, one of her numbers, at least.] Use it for whatever you need, but especially if you get any blow back from this. [She wasn't one to leave the people that had helped her out twisting in the wind.
True to her word, it did take a few minutes to reach the far end of the building. There was another uniformed person waiting by the door, and he handed Natasha a set of keys. She thanked him as she pushed out of the door to the loading dock, where a non-descript black sedan was waiting for them.] You know the only thing I hate about ops like this is that they always pick up cars that look like undercover cars. Seriously, look at this thing.
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The man with Doyle took a swig of his drink and made a disgruntled sound before he briefly mentioned that Natasha was one of the Black Widow assassins, and then asked what kind of work he'd be willing to do.]
Sorry for the wait!
Doyle on the other hand arched a brow, a shocked look crossing his features. ] Probably best she turned me down, eh? [ Doyle was a man about his humor, it was one of his best defences. Kept people from getting too close, and kept him from being beat up a lot more than he probably should have been for his debts.
He let the man know he was willing to do anything, he was skilled in a few different ways that often helped get him into this sketchy kind of work, hot wiring, breaking and entering, the basic trouble package. Peeling the label from his beer, he asked how much the job would pay, clearly sounding willing. It seemed smart enough to him. He planned to head out the door as soon as a price and if he was in on the job or not was chosen. Then he'd text Natasha to meet him at the alley on 12th and Ponce. He knew it would be far enough for no one to tail him.
As long as none of his debters were in the bar anyway. Which, luckily they were not.]
No worries, the last few days have gotten away from me too!
When she arrived at the alley, there was an amused look on her face.] That was like a game of 'who has the biggest ego.' Did you find out anything interesting?
<3
The Irishman was always full of nervous energy, and he had to keep himself busy more than he cared to admit.
Looking up when she entered the alleyway, a playful grin in place. ] Well, that's more or less accurate, ain't it? I did, I know it's gonna be a 10-man crew, and yours truly is expected t' get a text message a few hours 'fore the meet up. It's gonna be on Friday, after dark. He told me to keep my Friday evenin' open. Which, for me, that's money, love, he's apparently payin' more than a few c-notes for this.
[ He could ramble. ] O' course, I'll forward it to you when it arrives.
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Her arms folded loosely, there was a thoughtful expression on her face as she mulled over the options. She could go back into the bar and round up a portion of the group based on the information alone, but. She'd prefer to sweep up the whole operation at once. Which meant crashing their party on Friday night was a better option.]
Do you want to be part of the round up on Friday, or would you rather I just let you know how it goes?
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[ He'd take a scumbags money, but he cared more about stopping what was happening than actual payment. He'd make his rent somehow anyway. He was always two steps away from being homeless, he was used too it. He could live better, but he chose his lifestyle due to the secrets he was still hiding. ]
I'll be there Friday, jus' do me a favor. When you take everyone down, make sure y'make it look good so no one questions me. Just, don' break my nose, that's all I ask. Gotta keep my reputation if you're gonna need more info in the future. Can't be made by this, an all.
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[It was only fair. Favors went a long way, but there was really no substitute for being paid in full at the end of the day. She'd been there once or twice in her life.]
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[ He stopped shuffling.] Anythin' I need to know goin' int' this from your side, or your teams?
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[Unfortunately, it won't be the last. She gave him a thoughtful look as she mulled over his question.]
We don't come in with lethal means, so you'll only have to look out for that from behind. I'll make sure we shuffle everyone around for their sentences so they won't be able to tell that you got bagged and released. We can set you up in a safe house for a while if you want to sell it more than that.
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[ Nodding as she explained, looking a little uncertain at the idea of a safe house. Generally that meant given legal name and such, and as silly as it was, he hated the idea of anyone knowing his name beyond Doyle. That and its not like people trying to kill him was new. ] Nah, I'll be fine once you and your people set me lose. Not like theres any real ties t' get around. So, I guess I'll be textin' you soon.
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She gave a nod when he turned down the offer of the safe house.] Sounds good. Let me know if anything comes up in the meantime.
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[ Not much made him flinch anymore, four years ago, he absolutely would have screamed and ran for the hills. But Francis hadn't lived on the hard streets then, Doyle has. ]
You know I will. I'll catch you around, darlin'. Anythin' comes up beforehand give me a ring, yeah?
----
[ As promised, early on Friday, Doyle had rolled out of bed to a text that had come while he was still passed out. Luckily, nothing was going down until sunset. He copied the info to text to Natasha. The address and time. He even made sure to let her know that they were all expected to wear black on black.
While Doyle liked his colors, he knew better than to show up colorful or in his brown leather. So when sunset came he arrived, others from both the bar, and people he'd seen around but didn't know well coming into the crowd.
Not only was the second in command there, but the first. If the cards were played right, a lot of lives would be saved, and the gang taken down at the same time. All the outsiders were to be paid half before they left to assure loyalty. Half was fine by Doyle, he knew these guys would never get their terrible deeds done. Standing in the crowd, the envelope was slipped inside his black leather jacket as he listened to the first in command giving the plan, along with a rule of no witnesses. Kill anyone who tries to run. ]
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Unfortunately for the gang, there wasn't going to be much opportunity to run. Her team was laying in wait, hidden along the road a mile away from their meeting spot. She gave the nod as the bikes approached, and EMP device started up. As the bikes got into range, the engines sputtered and died out.
She didn't wait for them all to arrive, instead moving to the side of the road to fire off the smoke gun that filled the area with a thick, white smoke. It wouldn't last long, out there in the cool night air, but it would be enough for her team to move in with their thermo goggles in place. She handed off the gun and let out a sharp whistle, and advanced into the patch of smoke with her team.
Natasha angled toward where she'd last seen the first in command. The shape of the heat signature was about right, and she slid in on silent feet, jabbing him with her electro-shock baton to make a point and then holding it there against him as the smoke cleared.]
Gentleman. [Her voice carried, but her tone was casual as her eyes swept through the ranks.] You know how this goes. [She wasn't one for speeches - she was more at home in a fight, behind the scenes gathering intel. But her easy confidence and the deliberate way she held her baton made up for the absence of a lengthy treaty. They could come along quietly or kick up a fuss. Either way, the night ended with everyone packed off in the back of a van.]
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As the surrounding engines died, and smoke filled the area. Some other low lives started to panic, talk of probation and dying filled the air as visibility dropped. Some tried to bolt anyway, which would either knock others down or get them caught earlier by Natasha's people.
As soon as she spoke up he looked up, not that he could see her through the smoke. His leather sleeve covering his mouth as he coughed. His brachen side was always far too sensitive to heavy scents. Even without switching forms, he was still sensitive. ]
I shouldn't'a trusted him, we're fucked, bud. [ He grumbled out between two heavy coughs, as the guy next to him bolted, knocking into him, and sending the Irishman to the ground. Chaos broke out, as to be expected, but it wouldn't take long to subdue and cart them all away. The first in command had even lifted his hands, knowing far too well who had him. Some rather colorful language coming from him.
Doyle was picked up with the rest, he didn't resist as he knew what was up, but he still made sure to look concerned and a bit panicked. Easy to do when he was pale and still randomly coughing. ]
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As the smoke cleared, the team started to round the men up into the waiting vans. With the goggles pushed back onto her head, she eyed the ranks and pointed at two of the junior officers as she turned her head to whisper something to one of the men on the team. They weren't really talking about anything - just adding a layer of deniability for Doyle, since the group would assume that the men she'd pointed at got pulled for questioning.
The trip to the black site they were using for the operation took about an hour. Everyone was roughly handed off into different rooms, and when Doyle was presented to his, Natasha was waiting inside with a bag of fast food on the table. Her mouth quirked into a half grin and she arched a brow at him as the door slammed shut.] Figured you'd be hungry. How was the van ride?
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On the bright side he had finally stopped coughing, the smoke was another good reminder of why he had quit awhile back, besides how expensive his old vice was. He would still smoke when he drank if someone offered, but he no longer bought his own.
When he was shoved into the room, his blue eyes lit up. The smell of the food hitting him before the sight of Natasha did. ] Well, aren't you jus'a sight for sore eyes, darlin'.
[ He teased as he made his way towards the table, grinning in return to the arched brow.] God, yeah, I'm starvin', thanks. Van ride wasn' too bad, they sure won't be askin too much o' where I am after tha', So'd you get all'y need from'em?
[ Already reaching for the bag.]
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Her head tipped in acknowledgment when he said he wouldn't catch any questions after how the round up had gone. Unfortunately it wasn't her first rodeo when it came to diverting attention for someone that helped her get intel.]
Oh yeah. I'd be surprised if it takes more than an hour to get everything we need to shut them down permanently. I'll count it a real win if we can nab who was on the other side of the exchange on top of it. [What? She liked to be thorough.]
Need a ride out of here?
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Least we can be glad o' that, those knuckleheads don' need t' be on the street. Two o'em deal to kids. I already gave their names t' the guy that brought me t' this room. I can overlook a lot, but there's lines, ya know?
[ He spoke before unwrapping and taking a bite from the burger. Hey, he was going to eat if it was there. Once he swallowed, did he add. ] Didn' hear that one, but I'll keep an ear out on the streets. There's a high stakes game down at Rayne tomorr'a night, the high rollers come down. So, that might be a good startin' point. I can't get int'a that one, though. I owe too much.
[ He'd never deny how bad his gambling debts are, if he ended up dead. That would likely be what caused it, that or chasing the visions on his own. ] Wouldn't turn down a ride, I'm sure we're out in the middle'a nowhere.
[ He'd take the fries, but he was aiming to finish the burger quickly. ]
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[Her feet dropped down to the floor and she shifted her position in the chair so that she could face him as she listened. Her head tipped thoughtfully. Sounded like he had a gambling problem. Which typically was a concern when it came to informants, but he clearly had a decent enough head on his shoulders. And she had enough access to money that she was confident in her ability to outbid anyone else that might try to make a play.] I'd offer to pay off your debts so you could get in, but I'm afraid the timing would make that a little suspicious.
[Her mouth quirked into a little smile.] Somewhere south of nowhere. This is a black ops site. Hasn't been used in a while. Take your time, we can head out after you finish eating.
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[ It was a bit more than slight, it was how he survived, but he also borrowed too much from the wrong people. An action that had nearly gotten him killed a few times. As far as he had spiraled towards rock bottom, he had a good heart, and he rarely let his problems get in the way of what was right.] Couldn' let you do that, even if it was temptin'. You've done too much for me already.
[ Once he finished the burger, he sat back with the bag, taking a few fries at a time.] If you had a way in though that I could see without bein' there, like in the spy movies. I could tell you who was who.
[ Who didn't like James Bond movies? After a few more fries, he nodded. ] I 'ppreciate it, Nat.
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One shoulder lifted in a shrug when he turned down the offer. Which didn't surprise her. Even though he seemed to keep questionable company, it was clear that he had good intentions.] You stuck your neck out to help me with this. Just don't forget that you have a favor to call in. Or that I'm not particularly good at keeping track of when favors have already been called in. [Sometimes it was a pride thing. She could understand that.
Her head tipped thoughtfully at his suggestion. It would take her less than 5 minutes to get the right bugs set up.] Not a bad idea. Well, if you want to make a habit out of hanging out with me, I can get some tech set up. Might make for some good late night TV.
[With a grin, she leaned forward and snagged one of the fries to pop into her mouth.] Don't mention it.
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That, and he knew if he let her help, it would give him a way to rack up more debt. He had pushed himself to rock bottom, and since his curse he was trying to do better. It was harder some days than others. Still, he tried. ] This was nothin' love, there's a lot that goes bump out there in the night. A lot of nasty things that prey on people, gettin' these guys off the street. Just a step in the right direction.
[ He spoke far too knowing. He's seen too much in his years. Despite looking closer to thirty or a little older, he was just over twenty five. A hard life the last few years on the streets of LA had aged his boyish face. ] Trust that I'll never forget a favor, it's how all o' this works anyway. We all trade in favors when money's tight, an' I'm willin' to do what I can to make thin's a little better, y'know?
[ He nodded as she explained, then shrugged his shoulders. ] What else d' I got t' do, sit 'round and drink? Not half as excitin' as this. Count me in. I know every low life in the underground in one way or another. [ He grinned when she took the fry and popped it in her mouth. He didn't know she had a file on him, he should have. But still, he added what he assumed to be a secret. ] I've played courier to some o' the low lives 'round here when my debts get real bad. It's how I get through so many doors.
[ A beat later and he was standing. ] I can finish these on the way, Nat.
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Some days were more questionable than others.
She nodded when he said that he'd played courier. It made sense, with what he'd shared so far. Besides, people didn't tend to count courier types as being in the room. With enough time and patience he could probably pick out a fair number of people that needed to be off the streets. Granted, that could also open a spot for him. But he didn't strike her as someone that was particularly looking to climb the ladder.]
Guess it comes in a bag for a reason. [With a grin, she stood up and inclined her head for him to follow her. She gave a quick rap on the door and it was unlocked from the outside.] We've got a little bit of a walk. I'm going to take you out around the back of the building. There's some windows along the route we walked in.
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Doyle was working on a few more fries as he pushed up from the chair when she grinned and stood. Following along after her. The couriers rarely got attention paid to them, most of them in these businesses were either hoping to move up, or like Doyle, someone who was in enough debt that he was just trying to stay alive.
He was trying to atone for the blood on his hands, not become a crime lord. The visions were a curse, and he had to atone to make them go away. At least that was his thinking. Not that he'd shared any of that.
No, instead he just followed her along. Nodding as he offered the bag her way to share the fries again.] Sounds like a plan t' keep me head intact, I 'ppreciate that, love.
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I'll drop you off a burner with my number on it. [Well, one of her numbers, at least.] Use it for whatever you need, but especially if you get any blow back from this. [She wasn't one to leave the people that had helped her out twisting in the wind.
True to her word, it did take a few minutes to reach the far end of the building. There was another uniformed person waiting by the door, and he handed Natasha a set of keys. She thanked him as she pushed out of the door to the loading dock, where a non-descript black sedan was waiting for them.] You know the only thing I hate about ops like this is that they always pick up cars that look like undercover cars. Seriously, look at this thing.
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