Inferno – Chapter Twelve

I own no rights to Firefly. No infringement is intended. Just good, clean fun for all.

------------

“Mal, has there been any word?” George Harwell asked. He had waited by Mal’s vehicle when he saw the Sheriff saying good-bye to Inara.

“Nothing more than rumors,” Mal said evasively, and Harwell nodded.

“I’ve heard them,” he said quietly. “I haven’t been able to reach Linda,” he added. “I try about once every hour.”

“I heard that the smoke from the fires has the cortex blocked off pretty much,” Mal told him. “Figure that’s why we ain’t heard from Companion.” Harwell nodded.

“I’m sure they’re all right,” Mal offered up. “Zoe’s smart, and capable. And she’s got some good help with her.”

“If all I’ve heard is right, she’ll need it,” Harwell said sadly. Mal could only nod in agreement. “How’s everything else?” Harwell asked, closing the subject.

“There’s good, and bad,” Mal shrugged. “Like everything, I guess. Speakin’ of the good, though, I want to thank you for the three men what accompanied Inara. She said tell you she’d like them back for the next run, it wasn’t a problem.”

“Not at all,” Harwell agreed at once. “In fact, I’ll just send them back now. Assign them to your ship until. . .”

“Right,” Mal nodded, when Harwell broke off. “I’d take it as a kindness. I worry about her, being in the black without me.”

“I know,” George smiled. “That’s why I chose those men. Known them for a lotta years. All family men. Dependable, and honest.”

“I’m beholden to you,” Mal said kindly, and Harwell snorted.

“Remember what you said? Friends means family. We take care of our own.”

----------------

“Okay, so do we know where this Linda Mann lives?” Goldie asked as he piloted the shuttle toward Hopewell.

“We know where she was living,” Jayne nodded. “No idea if she’s still there or not.”

“We even know what she looks like?” Goldie asked. Jayne held out a picture of Linda Mann, her husband, and three children.

“How old’s the picture?”

“Three years, according to the date on