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?
Not to be a nag, you just give off 'I might not even call for help if I'm bleeding out energy.' [Not that Natasha frequently found herself in cahoots with people that that operated that way. Or like she'd been known to shrug off a broken bone. Not at all.
Her mouth curled in a grin as she listened to his answer.] Can't say I'd think to call your life dull. [People that liked it dull didn't end up trapped in the kind of intrigue he seemed to on a regular basis.]
I love James Bond movies. I can recite most of them from memory. [What? They were flashy and funny. Spy comedies.] I don't get too much downtime, but I like trying new food when I'm on the road. A fair amount of sparring practice. And I do ballet. [It had taken a long time for her to get back into the practice, but she was glad to have it in her life. To reclaim something the Red Room had once used as a training tool.]
I confess I might be that type. [ He admitted with a bit of a shrug. ] But I'm also a coward, an' have a feelin' if I ended up in the ICU you'd show up an' wallop me one good for not callin'.
[ Not that he'd let himself be taken to the hospital if he could help it. His blood would certainly set off some alarms and get eyes on him he doesn't want. ] I'd be more scared o' you pissed, than any o' the loan sharks.
[ He chuckled some at her come back.] Well, maybe not. But life's short, why not have some fun? I'm sure you get that, darlin'.
Bond is amazin', right? I can' do that, but I know some o' the lines pretty well. I've always liked Magnum PI better. [ His clothes, kinda scream that.] A super spy, an' a ballerina? Never would'a guessed that. Also never been t' a ballet though, my ex tried t' get me too go a life time ago, but I had obligations.
[ Harriet had loved those kinds of things, but the young Francis Doyle back then was more focused on his work than having fun. ]
I'd never wallop someone in the ICU. I'd sit in silence in your room with my feet on your bed and stare at you with disappointment. I've been told it's much worse than a walloping. [The twitch at the corner of her mouth contrasted with her dry delivery made it hard to tell whether she was being serious. She didn't plan to give it away. But his comment about being more afraid of her than a loan shark elicited a low laugh.]
Gotta find the fun where you can. I like Magnum PI too. It's a great example of how to play up the way people tend to underestimate others. [She shot him a look as she arched her eyebrow pointedly.
One shoulder lifted in a shrug as she mulled over how much to say about ballet. Best to keep it abbreviated.] The organization that raised me trained us in ballet before anything else. It teaches discipline and grace. But I always liked it. I wanted to take it back for myself.
Jesus Christ. [ It came out in pure brogue and more like he said 'jay sis' than how it was spelled, but there was a laugh in his tone. ] You an' me mother both. The lot o' you. That disappointment crap works too well.
[ Oh if he woke up in the hospital with both Natasha and his mother giving him the look, he'd know he'd messed up. He couldn't tell if she was serious or not, and that made it all the more fun.]
Learned quite a bit from it, an' they say TV doesn' teach y' a thing. [ That grin widened a bit, bringing out his dimples. Though he let it fall as he listened. ] Makes a certain amount o' sense there. Might as well take it back, write new memories over the bad ones an' such. Hey. [ He looked up in the rearview to catch her eyes. ] Maybe you can show me sometime, see if this old fool can find the beauty in it.
[ Granted, he wasn't old. Despite his looks he was only twenty five. ]
His comment about TV made her laugh a little, though it trailed off into a thoughtful hum.] You can learn a lot from just about anything. Even TV. Just depends on whether you know where to look. [A not insignificant portion of her career revolved around knowing not only where but how to look.
She glanced over at him with a quick smile at his suggestion.] First of all, you're definitely younger than me. Get out of here with that 'old fool' thing. And I'll show you, but only if you're ready to put on some work out clothes and try it yourself.
[ That melancholy from earlier chased away from his voice again. Nodding to agree with Natasha.] Not 'nough people be knowin' where t' look. Once your eyes get opened, its hard not t' see, ya know? TV, the streets, an' what not.
[ Four years ago he certainly wouldn't have believed he would know now. He idly wondered how true that was for her too. ] Fair there, I'd ask how old y' are, but I know that one's a quick way t' a slap.
[ Humor was in his tone before he shook his head.] Woah, woah, I meant like seein' a show. Me an' workout clothes are strangers an' plannin' t' keep it that way, darlin'.
[Natasha wasn't sure there had ever been a time before, for her. But there had certainly been a few - or more than a few - horrible revelations over the years. Still. She had the skills she had, for better or worse. She might as well use them.] It is. Hard to begrudge people that haven't had that experience, though. It's the whole point of doing this. [To make sure people could lead a better life than she had.
She grinned when he said he wouldn't ask how old she was. Smart man. The grin turned into a laugh when he protested the idea of trying ballet. One hand lifted from the steering wheel and she transcribed a line with it before veering the hand off to the side.] I know. I just took it in another direction. You might surprise yourself, though.
[ Doyle nodded, watching as the city lights appeared in the distance, not that one was too far from the city without a hell of a drive. Still, it was always lovely to see the city lights. ] No, I get that one completely, love, use what y' can t' save those that can't save themselves, an' such.
[ One of his dark brows arched watching her lift her hand and making the motions. Curious. He gave her a look, as if trying to figure out if she was kidding or not. ] I know me pretty well. Workin' out's never been my schitck, ya know?
[ He shrugged some. ] We'll see if y'can change me mind, though. You game?
[It was a beautiful sight, the way the city was all lit up from a distance. Quiet and remote. She could think of worse things to be driving toward.
Even so, she spared him a quick look when she could feel him studying her. She maintained her poker face, though there was a gleam of mischief in her eyes.]
Oh, I'm always game. If nothing else, maybe you'll learn a new and exciting way to kick someone in the face.
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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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Her mouth curled in a grin as she listened to his answer.] Can't say I'd think to call your life dull. [People that liked it dull didn't end up trapped in the kind of intrigue he seemed to on a regular basis.]
I love James Bond movies. I can recite most of them from memory. [What? They were flashy and funny. Spy comedies.] I don't get too much downtime, but I like trying new food when I'm on the road. A fair amount of sparring practice. And I do ballet. [It had taken a long time for her to get back into the practice, but she was glad to have it in her life. To reclaim something the Red Room had once used as a training tool.]
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[ Not that he'd let himself be taken to the hospital if he could help it. His blood would certainly set off some alarms and get eyes on him he doesn't want. ] I'd be more scared o' you pissed, than any o' the loan sharks.
[ He chuckled some at her come back.] Well, maybe not. But life's short, why not have some fun? I'm sure you get that, darlin'.
Bond is amazin', right? I can' do that, but I know some o' the lines pretty well. I've always liked Magnum PI better. [ His clothes, kinda scream that.] A super spy, an' a ballerina? Never would'a guessed that. Also never been t' a ballet though, my ex tried t' get me too go a life time ago, but I had obligations.
[ Harriet had loved those kinds of things, but the young Francis Doyle back then was more focused on his work than having fun. ]
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Gotta find the fun where you can. I like Magnum PI too. It's a great example of how to play up the way people tend to underestimate others. [She shot him a look as she arched her eyebrow pointedly.
One shoulder lifted in a shrug as she mulled over how much to say about ballet. Best to keep it abbreviated.] The organization that raised me trained us in ballet before anything else. It teaches discipline and grace. But I always liked it. I wanted to take it back for myself.
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[ Oh if he woke up in the hospital with both Natasha and his mother giving him the look, he'd know he'd messed up. He couldn't tell if she was serious or not, and that made it all the more fun.]
Learned quite a bit from it, an' they say TV doesn' teach y' a thing. [ That grin widened a bit, bringing out his dimples. Though he let it fall as he listened. ] Makes a certain amount o' sense there. Might as well take it back, write new memories over the bad ones an' such. Hey. [ He looked up in the rearview to catch her eyes. ] Maybe you can show me sometime, see if this old fool can find the beauty in it.
[ Granted, he wasn't old. Despite his looks he was only twenty five. ]
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His comment about TV made her laugh a little, though it trailed off into a thoughtful hum.] You can learn a lot from just about anything. Even TV. Just depends on whether you know where to look. [A not insignificant portion of her career revolved around knowing not only where but how to look.
She glanced over at him with a quick smile at his suggestion.] First of all, you're definitely younger than me. Get out of here with that 'old fool' thing. And I'll show you, but only if you're ready to put on some work out clothes and try it yourself.
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[ That melancholy from earlier chased away from his voice again. Nodding to agree with Natasha.] Not 'nough people be knowin' where t' look. Once your eyes get opened, its hard not t' see, ya know? TV, the streets, an' what not.
[ Four years ago he certainly wouldn't have believed he would know now. He idly wondered how true that was for her too. ] Fair there, I'd ask how old y' are, but I know that one's a quick way t' a slap.
[ Humor was in his tone before he shook his head.] Woah, woah, I meant like seein' a show. Me an' workout clothes are strangers an' plannin' t' keep it that way, darlin'.
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She grinned when he said he wouldn't ask how old she was. Smart man. The grin turned into a laugh when he protested the idea of trying ballet. One hand lifted from the steering wheel and she transcribed a line with it before veering the hand off to the side.] I know. I just took it in another direction. You might surprise yourself, though.
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[ One of his dark brows arched watching her lift her hand and making the motions. Curious. He gave her a look, as if trying to figure out if she was kidding or not. ] I know me pretty well. Workin' out's never been my schitck, ya know?
[ He shrugged some. ] We'll see if y'can change me mind, though. You game?
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Even so, she spared him a quick look when she could feel him studying her. She maintained her poker face, though there was a gleam of mischief in her eyes.]
Oh, I'm always game. If nothing else, maybe you'll learn a new and exciting way to kick someone in the face.
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