TITLE: "MIXED FORTUNES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: OC/OC. Zoe/Wash. Kaylee/Simon.

RATING: Mild NC-17.

STATUS: Sequel to "PLANS AND SCHEMES".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: None. All Firefly stories archived at Fireflyfans.net

SUMMARY: "The break in goes without a hitch. Badger finds

himself short of a few assets and Inara has a rude awakening."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"MIXED FORTUNES"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The night was so dark that even with the twinkle of distant stars above their heads they could barely see more than a hand in front of them. A fact Book thanked God for even though he was pretty sure He never intended night time to be used for crime. Lying on his stomach by the hole in the fence he could not help thinking either he or Jayne should have wriggled under the fence with Kaylee. Oddly enough the mercenary seemed to pick up on his unease.

"Would've had to make a bigger hole, 'sides Kaylee knows what she's doin'."

"*Wo zhidao* Jayne it's just I can't help worrying. What if she gets into trouble?"

Although Book couldn't see much detail in Jayne's face he could hear the smirk in the big man's voice. "The on'y trouble she's like to have is choosin' what to bring an' what to leave behind."

When the Shepherd did not reply, Jayne moved closer. Now Book could see the slight shine of his eyes in the starlight.

"Any trouble that comes callin' ain't gonna be comin' from in there, *dong ma*? They call these kind'a places a lock up for a reason. Ain't got no livin' accommodation overhead neither. Folks as work here close up for the night an' go home, some house aways from here with family."

"What makes you so s