Hell's Angel: Devil's Backbone (BK 2)

Twenty Pounds in Rain

Dani's POV
(Nightwing27th)

"Frank Castle, the gunman wanted in connection with the Metro-General shooting and linked to dozens of recent gangland-related killings throughout Hell's Kitchen was just apprehended just hours ago outside Saint Michael's Cemetery," the news anchor said. "An NYPD spokesman says, 'Tonight, New York has Sergeant Brett Mahoney of the 15th precinct to thank'."

"Gotta hand it to Brett," Foggy said. We were all at Josie's, meeting up as planned. I called Mary earlier and explained what happened. She's now off the hook, but has to watch Chase. No one's seen Alison since Matt and I left her at the cemetery. She's probably at the hospital.

"I'm glad people like him are looking out for Hell's Kitchen," Matt said. I rolled my eyes and took a drink of my beer. He'd told Mahoney at the cemetery to say it was him who'd captured 'The Punisher'. Something about the city needed to believe in its police. I get it. Plus, it got us out of being arrested. Bonus. I already did that once, this week.

"Yeah," Foggy agreed. "And I'm glad someone was looking out for him." He looked at us. Wow, Foggy. MAKE UP YOUR MIND. Gosh, he's such a girl! One second he hates that Matt does this, and then the next he's supporting him. Come on, Foggy! I just nodded and went back to my beer. Better to drink than say what's on my mind, right now. That should be on a t-shirt. I'd totally wear it.

"Press are calling Castle 'a cold-blooded psychopath'," Karen said. Her back was turned to us, staring at the TV. "The DA's gonna have a hard time using his prosecution to turn herself into a hero." She reached behind her and grabbed her beer. "It's all working out perfectly."

"Wow, way to bring us down," Matt said.

"I'm..." Karen chuckled, turning around to face us.

"Hey, Josie, would you mind turning the TV off? It's upsetting some of the regulars," Matt teased. "I think we've had enough Punisher for one evening."

"Yeah," I said, "and not enough beer." The others laughed. They think I'm joking. That's sweet.

"I'll drink to that," Karen said, as they raised their beers. I followed suit.

"To Brett," Matt said, "and...a safe Hell's Kitchen."

"Here, here," everyone said, clunking glasses. Then we all got down to business and drank.

"I'm gonna get us another round," Foggy said.

"About time," I smiled. He looked at me and smiled back. He's only in a good mood 'cause Frank's butt is in jail. Give it a day and he'll be mad at me again, for something stupid. "I hope you three saved room for shots," he said.

"Oh, no," Karen smiled. I laughed.

"Thanks, Fog," Matt called as he left. I sighed and leaned back into my chair. I took another drink as I felt Matt's hand wrap around mine under the table. I looked at him, setting my drink down. He smiled at me. "What?" I said through a smile. His smile grew and he chuckled. "Nothing," he shook his head.

"Right." I picked up my beer and took a drink, still seeing him looking at me out of the corner of my eye. I set it down and then turn toward him in my chair, rather abruptly. "Just kiss me already, will you?" I said it sternly, in joking annoyance. He smiled, not wasting any time. He leaned over and I met him half way, our lips connecting. I'm sure he's been waiting to do this for a while now. I know I have.

We drew it out, like always. But this time, we were in public. Matt and Dani. Not Daredevil and Angel. We were normal, in a normal setting, wearing normal clothes. No one's trying to kill us, no one's been kidnapped. It's just us. And that's all we need. We've kissed in public before, but never like this. Because we didn't care.