Chapter Text
“How much is your shut the fuck up fee.”
“However much they can't pay.” The barkeep said, jerking her head to where they could see the bandits beginning to round the corner. They were fortunate the bar was empty except for them and the barkeep, but Wolfwood could hear the footsteps getting closer.
“Shit.” He hissed, fumbling around in his suit jacket, withdrawing a thick stack of double dollars and slamming in on the counter.
The woman looked down at the money, before stepping to the side and pulling open the swinging bar door and letting Wolfwood heave Midvalley's limp body behind the bar. The floor was sticky with spilled liquor and other unknown substances- Wolfwood guessed Midvalley’s blood wouldn’t be the first to grace the wooden flooring. Nonetheless, as he propped Midvalley against the bar, he pressed a handkerchief into Midvalley’s hand, hissing at him to keep pressure on the wound.
Wolfwood crouched down next to the barkeep and pulled his handgun out- clicking the safety off and making sure the woman heard it- a precaution.
He had just finished checking the bullets when he heard the door burst rudely open. The barkeeper swept the money inside her apron before addressing the bandit with a practiced tiredness.
“What do you want.”
“Need to know where some friends of mine went.” The man said with a sneer, and Wolfwood could taste the hunger in his voice.
“Nothin’ comes for free sweetheart.” The barkeep said, beginning to dry a glass.
Shit. Was she selling them out? Wolfwood adjusted his grip on the gun, ghosting the barrel along the back of the woman's calves.
The woman didn’t falter, and he heard the rustle of money exchanging hands. Wolfwood glanced over at Midvalley, trying to gauge what the situation would be if they had to fight.
He was pale, his hair dripping into his face and sticking to his sweaty forehead. His jaw was clenched like every ounce of effort was going into not crying out in pain. His eyes were glazed, but he managed to meet Wolfwood’s eyes.
“Now,” Drawled the barkeep, “What do these friends of yours look like.” Wolfwood pressed the barrel of the gun harder into her leg.
“There’s two of them, about ye high, one of them is wearing a white suit and a pink shirt-“ the bandit said pink shirt as if Midvalley’s greatest crime was of the fashion variety, not killing his buddy- “and the other is in a black suit, carrying a big cross.”
“A big cross?” The barkeep snorted. “You friends with Jesus?”
The bandit slammed his fist down on the bar, making the glasses rattle.
“You think this is funny, bitch?”
“I think I’d remember if I saw a man with a large cross around these parts. Not a lot of money in the crucifixion reenactment business these days.” She said, turning to place a glass on the shelf behind her.
“Listen lady. You might think you’re funny, but if I found out you’re lyin’ to me there will be hell to pay.”
She let out a long sigh. “I haven’t seen your friends. Now buy a drink or get out. We have a wonderful malt if you are interested.”
The bandit growled, but after a few moments Wolfwood heard the heavy clunk of his boots retreating. He stayed still a moment longer, before clicking the safety on and slowly sliding his gun back into its halter. He let his head thunk back against the bar and closed his eyes for a moment. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. When he reopened his eyes, the woman was standing in front of him, looking down at him with her arms crossed.
“This ain't a bed and breakfast.”
“Wh-what? Yes it is.”
“Not for you it isn’t.” The woman said, drying her hands with a rag before dropping it in Midvalley’s direction.
Wolfwood opened his mouth to argue, but Midvalley beat him to it.
“It’s no worries ma’am. We will be out of your hair soon enough.” He winced as he sat up, and Wolfwood saw the woman’s face twist in sympathy before hardening.
“And this isn’t enough money to cover cleaning your blood off my floor.”
Wolfwood scowled. They all knew that that money they had already forked over could cover buying all new flooring twice over, but Midvalley just smiled politely and reached into his bloodstained coat to pull out a handful of bills.
“I hope this will cover the trouble we’ve caused you.”
She appraised the slightly bloody paper before pocketing it and nodding towards a door they hadn’t noticed before.
“That there exists into the alley. If you follow it you should make it to the outskirts of town pretty easy.”
Midvalley smiled at her.
“Now scram.”
Wolfwood stood, pulling Midvalley up after him, letting the injured man begin to limp his way towards the exit, before turning to collect their luggage.
He had just reattached The Punisher to his back when he heard a polite clearing of the throat.
“Here Mister. This is for you and your friend.” She held out a bottle of whiskey.
He hesitated for a moment, before grabbing the bottle and nodding.
“Thank you.”
Then, without another look back he headed towards the alley. As he went he unscrewed the bottle and took a swig.
The bottle was almost empty- but she was right- it a nice malt.