Disclaimer: I don't own Firefly or the characters. They just amuse me.

Past, Present, & Future

By KaySky

Part Six

Danielle, followed by Sam, walked down the hall to the guest room. Danielle took a deep breath before entering the room.

“Now you’re bringing in a woman to get it out of me?” Mr. Black laughed.

“So what do we have here, Jayne?” Danielle’s voice and her stride were filled with confidence. “A few little boys who think they are tough, but deep down they are just crying for their mommies?”

“Hey don’t be bringing my mum into this!” Roberts yelled. “She is the sweetest…”

“Yeah, I’m sure she’s a peach.” Danielle stood in front of Roberts. One foot was on top of his and she applied as much pressure as she could. It wasn’t really a technique to get information, she just felt like doing it. “So why don’t we finish this matter up so you can get home and see your mom before the breakfast hour?”

“Little Miss, stepping on my foot ain’t going to get you anywhere.” Roberts was surprised by how much pressure she could apply for being such a small girl. He couldn’t let it show that he was in pain. Mr. Black would never let him forget it.

“So who do you boys work for?” Danielle’s eyes shifted from Roberts and moved to Mr. Black.

“It doesn’t concern you.” Mr. Black responded.

Danielle smiled. “That’s where you’re wrong. It does concern me.” A long pause of silence filled the room before she took a few steps back from the men and turned to Jayne. “The big one thinks you ain’t much of a threat.”

“That’s what I’ve been thinkin’ ‘bout him. I ain’t the one that’s tied up, though.” Jayne stroked Vera. “I am the one with the gun.”

Danielle paused in the doorway before leaving the room. “Mr. Black, thank you.”

As she left the room, she heard Mr. Black mutter, “Stupid girl”. Danielle knew she wasn’t stupid. In fact she was quite smart. Smart enough to learn who was behind all this.

* * * *

“So what’s the plan, sir?” Zoe was still holding Wash’s hand, but h