[ 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.
Preachin' t' the choir there, love. [ Doyle replied with a laugh as he walked with her. Dark humor he could work with. Laughter was the best way to break any tension. It was how Doyle kept himself safe half the time. Crack the right joke, be quick with a drink or a smoke, and no one paid him any mind. Debts and issues aside. ]
Sound's like a plan t' me. [ He assumed, she had more than one number, so that worked out. Better than him calling from the payphone around the block from the run down apartment building he lived in. ] I'll keep it in mind, I'm hopin' nothin' comes o' this. They don' call me Lucky, 'cause I'm not actually Lucky.
[ Most of these guys had nicknames, and Doyle was generally called Lucky or D. Those that knew him better called him Doyle. The name Lucky came as a joke for how shit his luck could be. And he used it to his advantage, even if he hated that name.
Another fry or four was eaten as they reached the car, and he laughed again.]
Damn, if you're not right there. That screams cop.
I'm not even going to be surprised if there's flashing lights rigged up inside of it. [She sounded amused, maybe a little resigned. There was nothing for it. The only other option was to double back around the building and take one of the transport vans. Which was even less subtle.] I'll drop you off a few blocks out from your place.
[Better safe than sorry. It wasn't the most inspiring mantra, but it had kept her alive all these years. She unlocked the car doors and got in behind the driver's seat. Her eyes skimmed the dash panel as she turned the key in the ignition and she grinned, pointing to a button in the middle.] And that's for the flashing lights.
[She rolled her eyes and waited until he was settled, then pulled out of the space. She was going to take them right up along the side of the building they'd exited on and out the side entrance.] I have to ask. You seem like a decent guy. How'd you get caught up in things like this?
[ Doyle chuckled at her comment, as much as the tone. Kind of a sign she was an old hand at what she does. ] Even I wouldn' bet 'gainst that. I'd be more shocked if it doesn' have'em.
[ He nodded when she said she'd drop him off a few blocks. He'd pop into one of the corner stores after to get a few drinks and be seen on camera. Always a smart idea, or just a man who drinks too much looking for an excuse.
When she pointed out the lights he laughed again, this time it brought up his dimples when he grinned and shook his head. Doyle buckled up, for once, and looked too Natasha when she asked the question. A guilty look crossing his features as he looked out the window as she started to take them away from the building. ] We all've made mistakes, love. Some o'em just follow you. [ He forced up a weak smile, looking her way.]
Let's work together a few more times before we break into that kinda heavy stuff, yeah? [ He wasn't quite ready to see if she could handle the darker sides of the LA underground. The literal demons and the evils that plague his mind. The mistakes that made him relate to Trent Reznor's lyrics, and seek to ruin everything he had ever been. ]
I get it. You're not the only person in this car that's made some choices in life. [Natasha doubts they're exactly the same choices - 'raised by a shady foreign government organization that produces assassins' is pretty specific in terms of a life story. But the details don't always matter. There's a lot of ways for people to end up in the same place. There's a familiar note of atonement in his voice.]
I've got red in my ledger. I'm trying to wipe it out. [Her other less-than-sunny mantra, but it gets the job done. And it gets the message across without delving too far into her particular sins either.
She turns the car out onto the main road. It's late enough that it's empty, so she gets the car up to a quick, easy cruising speed.] I'm not in LA all the time. But the job keeps me pretty mobile. [In short: she might not always be around, but it won't be hard for her to get there if she's needed.]
[ Doyle had started to finish off the few remaining fries after he spoke. Those blue eyes of his shifting to her. He should have known, what little he'd heard of the Black Widow it made sense. The supernatural was where his wealth of knowledge came in handy and an assassin raised in such a way wasn't supernatural. Even if she seemed like it at times. ]
Somethin' we both'ave in common, love. [ He quietly lilted, his accent heavier when he said it. The bag finished now as he dropped his hand to his knee to wipe off the salt. That mantra fit so well, and even as he agreed he could see that tiny pink shoe in his mind again. The people who asked for his help, the people he turned down and caused to die due to his cowardice.
Shaking it from his mind, he looked back to her, that carefree smile forced back up, but quite meeting his eyes though.] I get that, its the jet-set life for someone like you. I'm always 'round these parts. I'll keep that burner on an' charged in case I can be o' any help. 'Sides at that game anyway.
[Thankfully not supernatural. Natasha didn't like to think about what Dreykov might have done if, say, he'd ever figured out the secret to the super soldier serum. Or how to utilize gamma radiation the way Bruce had. The Black Widow assassins were already terrifyingly efficient. None of them needed a boost.
She glanced over at him with a smile as she listened to him talk.] And if you need a hand. I'm going to remind you at least one more time about that before I drop you off. [She couldn't be everywhere, but she could certainly do the best she could for the people that drifted into her orbit.]
So, if we're keeping it light, what do you do for fun when you're not palling around with red headed spies?
[ Luckily most supernatural beings knew to keep their heads low in an unkind world. Many of them living by less than legal means, or hiding out in packs to survive. It was almost amazing they hadn't been rounded up into armies by now.
Nodding a bit at her reply. ] I know, call if I need help. I got it, love.
[ He lilted in reply, before shrugging a little. ] Gamble, watch the tube, read more than most expect. [ He chuckled when he said that, most of his friends didn't realize he was half as smart as he is. It helped him survive. ] Pretty dull life, but I get by. So, turn 'bout is fair play, what do you do when your not pallin' around with hustlers or doin' the whole James Bond gig?
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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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Sound's like a plan t' me. [ He assumed, she had more than one number, so that worked out. Better than him calling from the payphone around the block from the run down apartment building he lived in. ] I'll keep it in mind, I'm hopin' nothin' comes o' this. They don' call me Lucky, 'cause I'm not actually Lucky.
[ Most of these guys had nicknames, and Doyle was generally called Lucky or D. Those that knew him better called him Doyle. The name Lucky came as a joke for how shit his luck could be. And he used it to his advantage, even if he hated that name.
Another fry or four was eaten as they reached the car, and he laughed again.]
Damn, if you're not right there. That screams cop.
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[Better safe than sorry. It wasn't the most inspiring mantra, but it had kept her alive all these years. She unlocked the car doors and got in behind the driver's seat. Her eyes skimmed the dash panel as she turned the key in the ignition and she grinned, pointing to a button in the middle.] And that's for the flashing lights.
[She rolled her eyes and waited until he was settled, then pulled out of the space. She was going to take them right up along the side of the building they'd exited on and out the side entrance.] I have to ask. You seem like a decent guy. How'd you get caught up in things like this?
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[ He nodded when she said she'd drop him off a few blocks. He'd pop into one of the corner stores after to get a few drinks and be seen on camera. Always a smart idea, or just a man who drinks too much looking for an excuse.
When she pointed out the lights he laughed again, this time it brought up his dimples when he grinned and shook his head. Doyle buckled up, for once, and looked too Natasha when she asked the question. A guilty look crossing his features as he looked out the window as she started to take them away from the building. ] We all've made mistakes, love. Some o'em just follow you. [ He forced up a weak smile, looking her way.]
Let's work together a few more times before we break into that kinda heavy stuff, yeah? [ He wasn't quite ready to see if she could handle the darker sides of the LA underground. The literal demons and the evils that plague his mind. The mistakes that made him relate to Trent Reznor's lyrics, and seek to ruin everything he had ever been. ]
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I've got red in my ledger. I'm trying to wipe it out. [Her other less-than-sunny mantra, but it gets the job done. And it gets the message across without delving too far into her particular sins either.
She turns the car out onto the main road. It's late enough that it's empty, so she gets the car up to a quick, easy cruising speed.] I'm not in LA all the time. But the job keeps me pretty mobile. [In short: she might not always be around, but it won't be hard for her to get there if she's needed.]
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Somethin' we both'ave in common, love. [ He quietly lilted, his accent heavier when he said it. The bag finished now as he dropped his hand to his knee to wipe off the salt. That mantra fit so well, and even as he agreed he could see that tiny pink shoe in his mind again. The people who asked for his help, the people he turned down and caused to die due to his cowardice.
Shaking it from his mind, he looked back to her, that carefree smile forced back up, but quite meeting his eyes though.] I get that, its the jet-set life for someone like you. I'm always 'round these parts. I'll keep that burner on an' charged in case I can be o' any help. 'Sides at that game anyway.
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She glanced over at him with a smile as she listened to him talk.] And if you need a hand. I'm going to remind you at least one more time about that before I drop you off. [She couldn't be everywhere, but she could certainly do the best she could for the people that drifted into her orbit.]
So, if we're keeping it light, what do you do for fun when you're not palling around with red headed spies?
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Nodding a bit at her reply. ] I know, call if I need help. I got it, love.
[ He lilted in reply, before shrugging a little. ] Gamble, watch the tube, read more than most expect. [ He chuckled when he said that, most of his friends didn't realize he was half as smart as he is. It helped him survive. ] Pretty dull life, but I get by. So, turn 'bout is fair play, what do you do when your not pallin' around with hustlers or doin' the whole James Bond gig?
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