"to burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves."
- Federico García Lorca
Staying out of trouble is not Frank Castle's strong suit. But is Jenavieve Howlett more trouble than The Punisher can handle...
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"other people wouldn't stay, other people don't obey, you and me are both the same you should really run away." - Oxytocin, Billie Eilish
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"When I saw Bill.. he looked at me like nothing changed, you know? Like we were still friends." Frank reflects, his voice so low it's almost a whisper. "When I drew on him, he was shocked. It's like he was hurt. He was all confused, like I had betrayed him.."
Curtis and I both give Frank our undivided attention.
Leaning forward from the backseat, I study the forlorn expression on Frank's face, longing to comfort him in a tight embrace. Because Billy's not the only one that looks hurt and confused..
Frank looks down as he continues. "..When I looked at his face I saw Maria, I saw the kids. I saw how we always used to be together. We were family.." He looks at Curtis. "I'll tell you right now, he does not know what he did. He doesn't. I saw that."
So Dinah is wrong. Billy isn't faking any amnesia. He really doesn't remember the cruelty he participated in.
"I had the shot.." Frank adds quietly. "..and I froze. It was just for a second, but then it was too late."
Chatter on the radio breaks the silence in the car with mention of a found getaway vehicle, and a location. Curtis starts the engine and we head off.
As soon as the car is parked, Frank's seatbelt is off.
"I'll go, you stay." I offer, earning myself a standard annoyed look from Frank. "You can't walk right up to a building full of cops looking for you." I explain.
"Yes, I can. And you can stay in the car and do what your damn told." his quiet voice rasps. He gets out and slams the door shut.
I follow him with a glare until he's out of sight.
"God!" I exclaim breathily. "I'm practically begging this man to use me to his advantage."
Curtis chuckles under his breath while I let out an exasperated sigh.
"Stubborn ass." I grumble, removing my jacket. I lay it across my lap and survey the damage.
Five bullet holes in the back.
I curse under my breath and Curtis turns around to look at me as I check the back of my leg.
There's three bullet holes, from my calf to my upper thigh.
"Whatever." I sigh. "Clothing with holes and tears is a look, right?"
"Sure." Curtis says with a soft smile. "..You know, seeing you get up and run after being shot up.. that's something I won't forget anytime soon."
I snicker. "You're welcome." I grab hold of the rifle beside me. "You're the reason the sniper stopped snipin', huh?" I ask with a smile.
