Harry Cleese: Part 4 "A Favor From Missy Arte"

Gene spit out his wine when Cleese walked into Dino's bar, The Back Up, carrying Larry Neenan. "You weren't supposed to survive-" Gene started to sputter but caught himself. "I mean, how did you manage to get to Neenan? After you left I found out he was using the the Hired Serpents." Cleese ignored him as he accepted the beer he didn't need to order from Dino. After draining the mug in a few swallows, he wiped his mouth and muttered "Elias took out the tech."

Gene shuddered with anger and got ready to yell when something occurred to him. He gave Cleese that creepy smile. "Well, Elias has done a service to the ol' Empian family," Gene said in his oily voice, "and we thank him, but you still have nine more favors to pay towards your debt." Cleese stood to his full height and towered over Gene.

"I've only got eight left," Cleese growled, "I already did two."

Gene gulped but held his ground. "Actually, you did one and Elias did one for you, but I understand a brute like you can have trouble counting." Cleese raised his hand, and Gene flinched, but it was just to signal for another drink. Cleese smirked at the reaction and sat back down. "So what's my second job then," he asked as he threw back his second beer.

"Oh! you think I just sit around thinking about you and your problems," Gene asked angrily. "You'll get your job when I'm good and ready to give it to you. But next time don't hide behind your little butt-buddy. Now get out of here." Cleese glared at his cousin, set down his empty mug, paid Dino, and left.

June came from the ladies room wearing her usual peacock print dress. Dino excused himself from his step-mother's presence. Her hair was put up ornately, befitting the matronly look of a mob boss' wife. "He shouldn't have survived Larry Neenan's Hired Serpents," she observed coolly. "That was a nice touch giving credit to the kid so we have another chance. I thought he would be too proud to ask for help, but now he won't for fear of losing credit."

"But what are we going to do now," Gene whined. "obviously, he can handle himself against our competition. I mean, shit, you hired the best security team out of the states, and he still survived. I don't know anyone outside of the family that can take him out."

"Then maybe we stay inside of the family," June suggested. "We won't get an Empian to willingly take him out; most of them are fellow bastard children of Big Zed, and Harry is too popular with them anyway. But what if we took that popularity away? Missy Arte is up north at her cabin deer hunting. She's not going to take out her half brother... unless he pisses her off. For example, if he were to take one of her "maidens" that she says she's training to hunt, but we all know what's really going on... The bitch is the best shot we have. He'll be taken care of." Gene smiled cruelly and raised his glass to his partner.

Cleese was called to Gene's office at the tire shop. "I've got you're next job," Gene explained, "Your uncle Paul just brought in a boat with too many packages for Herm to handle so we need some extra runners. This is some hot shit so they need to be the best. Serena Hinds is the only one we can't seem to get on board with us. She's the fastest runner around next to Herm, so you need to get her... by any means necessary."

Cleese sensed a set up but didn't say anything about it as he went on his way. He knew that when you see a trap, you don't draw attention to it. You alter it and use it against the trapper. Serena Hinds was a good girl who was taken in by his sister Missy. Missy had a habit of rescuing girls from abusive men, but the fact that she didn't help males started some rumors about what she might be doing with those girls. Cleese sympathized with her. His close relationship with Elias got him some looks. Nothing wrong with the way others swing, but these were kids. Gay or straight, that's not a line you cross.

After a long drive north, Cleese pulled into the driveway of Missy's palatial cabin around midnight. Missy was on the porch in her shorts and hunting vest enjoying the moonlight. She nodded her half-brother in, and after hearing his story told him, "I want to help you, but I can't let you take Serena. Just let me talk to Eugene. I'm a lieutenant to dad, he can't ignore me."

"Thank you," Cleese said sincerely, "but I'm pretty sure Eugene gave me this job so I can't get help. I'm not as good as you, but I'm still good hunter. I know a trap when I see one. You and I both know Herm doesn't need any help running product. I'm pretty sure he was hoping you'd kill me if I tried to take Serena, but if you just let me take her, the favor wouldn't count and I'd still be left with nine suicidal missions."

"I didn't think Eugene is smart enough to come up with a plan like that."

"He's not. I'm pretty sure June is helping him out. Which doesn't bode well for me."

They sat in silence for a while until Missy perked up. "What if I did just let you take her?"

"I told you, the favor won't count if you help. He won't accept it if she shows up without of sign of a struggle."

"Then let's show him a struggle. He won't believe I helped you if she's bruised."

"I'm not going to hurt the girl."

"You don't have to. I'm calling the Mewes sisters to come give her a make-over and a few acting lessons."

A week later, Cleese dragged Serena into Gene's office. She looked a little beat up but not so much that she couldn't do a job. Gene scowled at Cleese. "You didn't have to mess with Missy," Gene asked incredulously.

"She was out on a hunt and I found this girl in the cabin. Just take her."

Gene stepped forward to take the girl. When Gene was just inches from her Cleese let her go. Serena kicked at Gene's shin and bolted out the door. Seconds later the men heard a car screeching away. "Well, you wanted a fast runner," Cleese explained as he walked out. "I'll be back later for my third job."