Guns & Roses [Discontinued]

Chapter 57

                                   [Hank]

What a terrible idea this had been. It was stupid to let a hostage live to save Sheriff's 'precious feelings'. It was ever more so that Hank decided to leave the cellar.

Now he was cold and miserable. But going back inside would only embarrass him. He couldn't admit that he couldn't handle staying out here. What kind of message would that give the hostage?

Then again, what kind of message was it to accept Sheriff's proposal? They probably thought he was a pushover.

You're losing your edge. He criticised. He needed to reconsider what he was doing.

He used to be feared. A no-mercy hired assassin and nomad looking to take down the agency. Now he was a joke.

For being such a believer in anarchy, he'd been quick to become the anti-agency's lapdog. Worse, he didn't realise how far he'd fallen until now.

So, what to do about his reputation? The agency had strengthened their army since he was on his own last, which could make things more difficult. And now that he'd abandoned everyone else, the anti-agency would certainly be looking for him.

Then again, if the others were still stuck in this storm they might not have alerted anyone to his absence yet...

Maybe he'd have time to relearn his old skills. Build his reputation back up and make it clear to the anti-agency where he stood now. That would show them not to treat him as a fool.

As for Sheriff... Well, Hank hated to admit he could be useful, but he did know a little more about first-aid than Hank. Plus, with his background at the agency, Hank may be able to squeeze some information out of him yet.

The only real setback would be playing nice to spare Sheriff's 'feelings'. Because god forbid he got some thicker skin.

But if he was right about the perks, it would be worth it. Then, once all was said and done, he could ditch Sheriff, too. He was sure the cowboy would find a way to crawl and beg his way back into Auditor's graces somehow.

Then, he'd finally have peace and quiet again. Just him and Nevada. And occasionally the clown.

But he's quite boring now. Hank thought. It wasn't hard to tell Tricky was running out of creative steam after doing this song and dance for...

Hank blinked. How long had that drive been on now? It felt like years. Sometimes he forgot he even had a life outside of Nevada.

Now that he thought about it, what was he going to do once the drive turned off? He definitely wouldn't be allowed to continue his little 'vigilante' life. So what, if anything?

He wasn't artistic enough for a creative career. Even if he were, he doubted the majority would like or even agree with what he'd make. But a regular office job would probably kill him before he could do it himself.

In short, Hank wasn't sure he, or anyone else, would know what to do with him. Truthfully, it was a little concerning.

But all the same, it was nowhere close to happening.

How long has it been? Sitting outside was getting boring. And cold. It had probably been an hour by now, right?

Hank stood up, shaking off the snow which had  gathered in his shoulders, and walked back to the cellar. This should be mildly amusing. At least, he shouldn't be bored.

Hank fought the snow which had built up on the door, causing it to swing open violently once the snow let up.

As he descended the stairs, it became apparent that this wasn't going to be easy. Specifically because of Sheriff's doing.