2. Buggin’ Out

Mal slaps the wheel irritably. It ain’t like Jayne to drop out of contact. Granted they’d had to leave in kind of a hurry, but he’d been real clear about keeping the link open.

“Now how come you didn’t pick up that trouble?”

River is indignant.

“Wasn’t aimed at us. Got so much chatter going on, didn’t hear them until the order to shoot.” Looks shame-faced. “Was counting cards.” Still has a wedge of bills clasped in her hands. “Blood money.” She adds, sadly. Dark eyes fix on Mal. “Going to have to tell the catlady we mislaid him.”

“I just hope he hasn’t lost himself in some bar.” Mal snaps.

“It’s a town full of show-girls and whisky.” Simon retorts. “Can you drive a little more smoothly, Captain? I’m trying to get this bullet out.”

Zoe, unwilling possessor of the bullet, grits her teeth. Shot is lodged in her armour, and hasn’t broken skin, but it hurts like a liu mang to breathe. River forbears to thump her brother while he’s working, but glares.

“Going to look. Got eyes. Won’t touch.”

“Well, we can’t stop for him. He’ll have to catch up.” Mal is truly not looking forward to telling Gia they lost Jayne someplace. Particularly not some place with bullets flying.

0000

Pancho has the earpiece, found the channel.

Irritable voice.

“Jayne, where’n hell are you?”

And then in the background, a clear, high voice.

“Other ears listening.” And the channel goes dead. Pancho pulls the thing out in exasperation.

“They’re onto us.”

“So we had better get moving out there before they leave.”

“Road trip.” Dodge and Pancho slap hands. Honey rolls her eyes, already checking her gun.

Miss Kit stops him by the door.

“You bring my money back, G.” Mouth smiles. Eyes don’t. “Not so fussed if you don’t bring the shooters back.”

“We’re the good guys, Kit.” Reaches out and pushes Mac back down into his chair. “You’re going to have to sit this one out, Mac.”

Mac gives a gusty sigh, not too disple