Part 5
Heero holstered his gun and let out the breath he'd been holding.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, a little more calmly.
"I heard about the bandit. I'll be bringing him in," Wufei said, fixing a hard stare on Heero.
"Why don't you sit down and we'll talk," suggested Heero, motioning to the table.
"Hn," Wufei said. He plunked himself down in Trowa's chair and thumped his boots on the table, narrowly missing Heero's turnover.
"Why don't you have a bite to eat and we'll discuss things." Sally bustled over.
"What can I get you sir?" she asked nervously. Wufei picked up Heero's glass and sniffed it.
"I'll have what he's having," Wufei said, making a 'I'm soooo going to regret this' face.
Sally bobbed in acknowledgement and brought back cider and a turnover for Wufei.
Wufei sniffed the drink suspiciously and took a sip. He almost smiled when he realised it was just cider.
"So, where are you from?" Heero asked, taking a bite of his turnover.
"East. Far east."
"Like how far?"
"Washington D.C." Wufei replied, also biting into his turnover. "Umm."
"What brings you out this far?" Heero asked.
"Like I said, the bandit," Wufei said, shrugging.
"How did you hear about him all the way from Washington?"
"This isn't the first town he's pulled this in," Wufei said. He took a long drink from his glass.
Heero leaned forward, avoiding Wufei's feet. "Listen, I want you to be straight with me. I'll tell you what I know, if you'll return the favour."
Wufei nodded. "Fine. Your bandit has a serious track record, spanning from the Mississippi River Delta to here. He's struck dozens of towns, using the same method. He breaks into rich men's houses, talks up the ladies of the house and takes an undisclosed item or items, rarely cash. He normally moves on to the next town after a few strikes. Always in black, always on a black horse. I have a few descriptions from a number of ladies. Most describe him around five feet, with an unlikely eye colour of violet. No one has seen his hair, ever. He's very careful and the civilians won't talk."
"Interesting," commented Heero. Wufei gave him an irritated look from under the hat.
"Elaborate on 'interesting'. Please."
"Well, he seems to view himself as a Robin Hood figure, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor-"
"Him," inserted Wufei swiftly.
"And he won't give anyone a look at his most distinct feature. That's what's interesting."
"Now it's your turn to say what you know," said Wufei, consuming his turnover quickly.
"You said it, basically. He's robbed several rich people in this area, his most recent strike was in town, just before sunset."
Wufei looked up. "He struck in town?"
"Yes. He robbed a carriage. Anyway, from the appearance he looks like he's been staying in the outskirts."
Wufei nodded. "I'll scout out the area in the morning. What else?"
"He was amazingly fast and agile. He also pulled a gun that looked like it was green."
"That's important. Can't be too many of those around."
Heero shook his head in amazement. "I just can't believe this guy. His plan is so simple and yet so effective."
Wufei's eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me you actually admire this pond scum?"
Heero glared at him. "Hell no. Bandits are dangerous, worthless criminals. I want them all to rot in Hell!"
Wufei smirked. "Excellent. I look forward to working with you..."
"Sheriff Heero Yuy. It's a pleasure." Wufei lifted his glass.
"To victory." Heero clinked his glass with Wufei's.
"To victory." They drank the cider down solemnly.
"Now, what do they have in the way of hotels here?" Wufei asked.
"Why don't you stay with us? My partner and I have rooms above the office."
"Partner?" Wufei asked. He moved his feet off the table, and stood up. Heero stood as well.
"Yes, my deputy Trowa Barton. You can use his room." Wufei laughed as he exited the tavern. The night air was cold and the stars glittered like jewels resting in dark blue velvet.
"How generous of you," he said dryly. Heero shrugged.
"I have a feeling that he won't be returning tonight anyway."
TBC...