Kaylee wasn’t in the cargo hold when Jayne got there. He’d been half hopin’ she would be.

More th’n half.

The doc was glarin’ at Mal, who was pretendin’ not ta notice. Jayne caught a glimmer in the doc’s ear when he turned his head ta keep glarin’ at Mal as he crossed the room.

“So. Here’s the plan. The three of you’ll ride out together. Jayne an’ Zoe’ll head for that same little copse’ve trees you waited in before.” Mal turned ta look at the doc. “Simon’ll split off at the same point and head into the complex.” He turned back to Jayne. “Ten minutes later, you come ridin’ in lookin’ for some fun.” He handed Jayne a bag of coins.

Jayne grinned.

“Don’t pick no one too expensive. I’ve got a ship to run. An’ keep an eye on the Doc, like you’re supposed to. No drinking, no goin’ off alone.”

Jayne scowled.

“Aw, fine.”

Mal turned ta the doc. “Simon, all we need is for you to find out where he keeps his money. Soon as you know, you can make an exit. Ride back the way you came and take care no one follows. Zoe,” Mal turned toward Zoe, “don’t wait too long before fetchin’ Jayne.”

“Fetchin’?” Jayne looked over at Zoe, then at Mal.

“Don’t want you lookin’ too suspicious, leavin’ shortly after the doc. Gotta give you a reason for leavin’ abrupt-like. So your wife’s gonna come fetch you.” Mal smiled his little smile.

“FETCH me? What kinda marriage is this?” Jayne looked over at Zoe again. “Am I gonna get slapped?”

“I’ll try not to hurt you too badly. Dear.”

“Hell.”

“Out you go! Wouldn’t want the doc ta be late for his big date.” Mal grinned at the doc.

The doc glared back.

“I’m getting new supplies for the infirmary out of this.”

“Try to play hard to get.”

Zoe grabbed the doc by the wrist and hauled ‘im out the door before he could do anythin’ stupid.

Jayne followed.

***

“Remind me again why I have one of Zoe’s earrings stuck through my ear?”

Jayne couldn’t help but smile at the orneriness in the doc’s voice. Messed up as things was,