The Bounty Hunter (Brandi X Staine)

[BimboBrandi]

"Bail will be set at $200,000, Miss Williams once you have paid you are free to go, subject to re-appearance on the 27th of this month"

The judges gavel crashed down like an explosion or a clap of thunder, tears streamed down Bria's eyes, taking her dark eye makeup with it. Right now she didn't care how bad she looked, all she cared about was that she was facing years in prison for murder, a murder that she had not committed, nor had she even been there. Her DNA had been found at the scene, but how and why was unexplainable. She had been humiliated in prison, a place where she really didn't belong, and there was no way she could make it if she had to go back. Luckily she had a good bondsman on the line and she could fight this, her parents would have to put their house up for collateral, but it was a small price to pay for their daughter's innocence right?

Bria had walked free from that court room six weeks ago, she hadn't gone back to court, she hadn't even checked in with her court appointed lawyer. He'd been more interested in making a deal than actually getting her free and proving her innocence. She couldn't go back to prison, she had to find a way. She wasn't at home these days, that would have been the first place the police looked, no she was staying with a friend now, J.J had always been cool to her, the blue haired goth chick seemed to have a soft spot for those less fortunate. She believed Bria that she hadn't done what they said she had done, and she'd agreed to help hide her, even knowing she too could go to jail for harboring a fugitive

"the truth is the most important thing.."

she kept saying, and Bria knew she believed it. She only hoped that she could figure this out before she wound up inside and becoming someone's bitch.

At 5'3" Bria was short even for a girl, and her youthful looks meant she still got carded everywhere she went. Most didn't believe she was over 15 even though she was 20, a situation that wasn't helped by her slight build and her C-cup breasts. Her blue eyes just made her look younger, even with her mousy brown hair. Her last boyfriend had described her as all legs and boobs, a description that Bria hadn't liked very much. Then again Bria hadn't really liked him very much either, or any other boy, which was why she was still a virgin. It wasn't that she was a lesbian or anything, but she just was waiting for the right guy and hadn't found him yet. her sexual experience extended to giving head, which she didn't really like doing, and hand jobs. Something that J.J and the other girls had definitely teased her about from time to time, even if it was just joking around.

There was one guy she might have gone all the way with though, Hunter Carlson. He was her older brother's friend but he was actually a really awesome dude. He hadn't stared at her tits like some of her brothers other friends, and had actually stuck up for her when they were acting like pricks. Not that he ever would have looked at her though, she clearly hadn't been his type, no matter how much she had tried to get his attention when they were younger. Wearing little shorts and tiny tops during the summer months, or wandering around the house in just a T-shirt and a pair of panties when she knew he was sleeping over. Her brother had accused her of being a cocktease, but she would have done way more than tease if Hunter had ever taken her up on it, and even today she still had the occasional fantasy about him. She hadn't actually seen him of course, not in years, but still the thoughts would occasionally drift.

She lay back in her bunk and stretched, she knew she should be out there trying to find a lead, but she couldn't risk being spotted. No it was better to lay low for a few more days, let J.J ask around for her, and hopefully this would all be over soon.

 

[Staine]

Hunter stretched as he got out of the shower, wrapping the towel around his waist and moving over to the mirror to brush his teeth. Tall, a little over 6 foot and with his short, dark brown hair and dazzling green eyes he knew he was handsome, even the short scruff of beard that he maintained didn't do much to detract from that, little more than slightly overgrown stubble really, something he liked a bit too much to shave away. Strong, masculine features, well defined cheekbones and a thankfully unbroken nose...so far. Yeah, Hunter was fond of his own appearance, and he made sure to keep on top of working out, he ate well though he liked to spoil himself he never went too far and considering the often physical nature of his work he was built exactly like he thought a bounty hunter should be; muscular, though far from a body builder, he had the six pack though it wasn't as defined as he would like yet, a few dark curls on his chest but he didn't let that get out of control either and he was larger than most men, at least most of those in shape. Finishing with his teeth he walked into his bedroom, getting dressed in dark blue jeans and a lumberjack style shirt, checked plaid that mostly let him not draw too much attention. He didn't like the bounty hunter shows where they dressed with sunglasses, leather jackets and tattoos...he didn't have any tattoos, he was, apart from being a large man, entirely non-descript and friendly, he didn't have the arrogance that he saw on those shows, that he assumed a lot of men in his trade had. He didn't like it...didn't cost him much at all to show some compassion to those he found, unless they had done something truly heinous of course. He'd caught a few murderers and child molesters in his time, those people he didn't show nearly as much kindness to, not unless the murder was clearly an accident...a few of those had pulled at his heartstrings at times.

Black boots, steel-toed of course, and a thick, black leather belt finished his outfit for the day as he strode into his office and took his seat, signing in with his official ID so he could check out the latest bounties, decide who to go for. He didn't work for an agency, rather enjoying the solo, freelance work he got to do. He didn't need the backup, he wasn't going after groups but rather lone criminals, often those that had skipped bail. Pulling up the latest list, he scrolled through them, trying to find something that looked interesting and maybe a bit of a challenge but not too dangerous. Hunter wasn't stupid, he wasn't going after some mafia member or gang leader, he wasn't going to lose his life to overconfidence, leave that idiocy to others. Most were boring, though there was some decent money to be made to add to his growing savings, he didn't spend so much these days after getting himself set up with a computer, his home was inherited and a decent sized house, nothing too big but as he lived alone he hardly needed anything larger. Eventually he came upon a face he recognised, going to far as to raise his eyebrows as he looked at the charges. Wanted for skipping bail for murder? Bria Williams, a murderer...he remembered the sweet girl, his friend's little sister. Even when she was far too young she liked to try and hang out with her brother Luke and Hunter had thought it was adorable, as an only child he didn't have a younger sister to dote on and knew he would have loved such a thing, so he had always been nice to her when her brother and his other friends had considered her a pest at first. As she had grown older, started to develop, Luke's friends had started letting their eyes wander, even made comments that Hunter thought were pretty out of line when she wasn't around...and when Luke wasn't, and he had defended her then too, not that she would have known. Could that sweet girl really be a murderer? He couldn't picture it but the state seemed to think so and she had skipped bail three weeks ago. $200.000...there was little chance she had managed that on her own, he couldn't afford it himself, maybe half after his inheritance and with his savings combined...so her parents then. They would lose it if she didn't turn herself in...maybe lose their house too if that was what they had put up...she was making a huge mistake if she was innocent. He was already reaching for his phone, dialling Luke's number. It had been a few years since they'd last talked, Luke had his own career to take care of and at the time Hunter had worked in security, so he doubted he would suspect anything.

"Luke! Hey, long time man, long time, how are things going?" Yeah, I'm doing good, I was just going through a few things and I found something I borrowed from your sister a while back...yeah, is she still in the state? I have no idea where she lives these days. Oh, I see, staying with a friend huh? Thanks man, we should catch up some time, talk to you later!" The whole conversation had lasted all of two minutes, proof if any was needed that they weren't that close anymore, but he had her friend's name. It was easy to find her on social media, to find an address through an old unpaid parking ticket warrant too. He had a plan, find Bria, turn her in and he could talk to the judge, say she didn't resist, she was scared, he'd stand as a character witness if he needed to. Getting into his Range Rover, black, tinted windows, perfect for stakeouts and with a custom cage built around the back seat for problem prisoners, he had all his equipment including his taser though he hardly thought he would need it. JJ lived only an hour away, he was there before lunch time, knocking on the door. As JJ answered he smiled warmly, usually so easy to make people think he was friendly. "Hey, not sure if you remember me, I'm Luke William's friend, Hunter. I'm here to check on Bria, he told me she was staying with you for a while, I want to make sure she is okay...seems like she's been through a lot and I promised Luke I'd look out for her while he is out of town. Alright if I come in?"

 

[BimboBrandi]

JJ looked the man over, she was wearing a loose black skirt with a similarly black velvet top, a choker around her throat. She was covered in Tattoos, had them all down her arms and over her hands as well as a piece on her chest. Her Blue hair was up in a bun, except for one part which hung down one cheek, though it was unclear whether this was accidentally or by design. She had a black ring in her nose and dark makeup around her eyes.

"I haven't seen Bria in ages..."

She told him, it was what she would tell anyone who came looking for her. After all, she didn't know them. She vaguely remembered Bria's brother Luke, but she hadn't really been one who hung around with the guys, she'd been the kind who wanted to go off and have girl time and smoke a joint or drink a bottle of vodka. But the name Hunter did ring a bell, she couldn't actually think why though.

"I could give you the number I have for her if its important though.."

she offered, after all, if he was one of Bria's brothers friends, and she had no reason to suspect anything different, then he could be trusted right?

Glancing back inside she turned back to Hunter, his choice of outfit definitely suited him, and she couldn't help but to be a little appreciative.. and then it came to her, Hunter was the guy that Bria had always been talking about, the one that she had said was hot. She could almost see the appeal, even if she preferred to play for the other team. Motioning him inside she closed the door, then led him through to the living room. A smell of weed hung in the air along with joss sticks, and there were clear signs of witchcraft dotted around, pentagrams and herbs and that kind of thing. J.J liked to think of herself as one of the good witches, one that was in touch with Mother Ghia. Taking her bag from behind the door she grabbed her cellphone and started to unlock it..

 

[Staine]

Hunter looked down at JJ. She was pretty, he had to give her that but he wasn't the biggest fan of tattoos. Maybe one or two cute ones, he liked the idea of that but she had what seemed to be sleeves, and he could see a glimpse of one on her chest. To each their own...he wasn't going to judge her for it, but aesthetically it just wasn't his thing. "You haven't? I could have sworn Luke said she was staying here with you, he even gave me this address. Oh well, maybe if you see her you can tell her that Hunter Carlson is looking for her? It's been a long time, and I'm worried about how she is doing with everything that has happened to her recently." He kept his tone friendly, hell he was feeling friendly...this wasn't like most of the people he brought in, he wanted to help Bria, he didn't believe for one moment that she could have done this just based on his contact with her when he and Luke were friends, there was just no way in hell...

He was about to turn and go back to his vehicle, ready to sit around the corner and watch the house a little when he was offered the number. Smiling down at JJ, he nodded. "I'd appreciate that actually, I haven't seen her in a couple of years you know? I don't have her current number at all, was always more her brother's friend than hers." As JJ motioned him inside he slipped past her, walking with her to the living room and chuckling softly. "Somebody has been having some fun. Got any left?" He didn't smoke the stuff often but he had done it on a few jobs, trying to earn trust and he did when he was younger so he felt it might be a good idea. Looking around he could see a lot of things that reminded him of those magic shops that sold the junk he never really believed in, crystals and herbs and all kinds of strange things...and he picked up a small crystal skull, feigning interest while he waited. It seemed like JJ wanted to trust him, all he had to do was let her and sure enough she had her phone in her hand, was unlocking it. Placing down the skull, he looked around and found himself a seat, sitting down in one of the chairs...maybe rude to do so without being invited to but it was much harder to ask somebody to leave when they looked comfortable, he had found that out before too. "So I have to ask...is she really not here? It's okay if she is, I know you're probably just looking out for her. I'm glad she has a friend like you, honestly." He was looking up at her, his eyes on hers, wondering if she would give Bria up or continue to pretend she wasn't here...because Hunter was sure she was now.

 

[BimboBrandi]

JJ raised am eyebrow as Hunter got comfortable, but he seemed to really actually know Bria. That made her feel a bit bad about lying to him, but at the same time she was trying to keep her word to protect Bria.

"I don't have any smoke left, I just use a little bit after certain rituals. As you can probably guess I'm kinda into the whole wiccan type deal."

She smiled, though a trained eye would have seen that it didn't reach her eyes. It was a front, trying to keep him at ease. JJ didn't like lying, she wasn't really very good at it, but when it came to friendship loyalty was everything. She really didn't want to betray Bria, and so she decided to try and feel him out a bit more, she thought she had a good eye for people after all, even if her string of bad relationships said different.

"You know, I can't believe what they are saying about her, her brother told you right? Like, she would never have hurt anyone. I think the most rebellious thing she used to do was to tell her parents she was staying here and then spend the night with her boyfriend when she was younger.."

The blue haired girl laughed a little, recalling her friends antics fondly. She had definitely been the more adventurous one of the two, usually the ring leader who was getting Bria into mischief, but it had all been good clean childish fun for the most part, at worst being present for a misdemeanor..

"..that's probably why her brother said she was here, she probably said that to him so he wouldn't worry about her.."

 

[Staine]

"Yeah, I kind of noticed. Never been into it myself but it looks cool, I like some of these." He gestured to one of the wiccan items laying on the table, not put out by her lack of pot. He didn't mind smoking it but it wasn't something he usually did anyway, Hunter preferred to stay clean but sometimes, much like today, you had to earn somebodies trust. Drugs and alcohol were usually a good way to do that, though he just outright refused the harder stuff. Watching her smile, it didn't take an expert to see that she wasn't as sincere as she could be, not that it really mattered. The way he saw it, she was being protective, he didn't really blame friends or family members who hid his targets from him, in their position who was to say he wouldn't do the same? Still, he was here for Bria, so as much as he felt for her he had to do his job, reminding himself that it wasn't just for the money this time, helping her was one of his goals too. As JJ started talking to him again, at least he didn't have to lie...since he really did believe she wouldn't have done that, not that he actually knew Bria all that well, it was easy to answer honestly and still give the 'correct' answer. "Actually I found out through reading the paper, local court cases? I don't believe it for a second though. I never knew her very well, she was always Luke's cute little sister, but she was sweet, friendly, always had a smile for me. There's no way Bria killed anybody, I'm just not buying it. I could understand maybe an accident, but murder? No way."

Shaking his head, he smiled as JJ laughed at what they had gotten up to when they were younger. "And to think I never knew she was such a naughty one...lying to her parents, tut tut." As she again made out that Bria wasn't here, Hunter was still smiling but he had to get past this bodyguard the girl had seemed to have acquired. JJ was a good friend, no doubt, but she wasn't helping Bria's case here at all, not unless Bria was out trying to prove her innocence, which he doubted. That in itself would be risky, she would be easy to spot, a pretty girl like her, anybody looking for her would be watching places that she frequently visited...maybe somebody was even watching this house now, though a quick look around the block and he hadn't noticed anybody. "Maybe, though can I be honest, JJ?" Hunter met her eyes, leaning forward in his seat. "I think she is here, I think you're protecting her. Nothing wrong with that, you're being careful, a good friend, but I'm really not here to hurt her. Bria is a sweet girl, I just want to check on her, make sure she is alright...it's been a long time since I've seen her and sure she might have changed, but I don't think she's capable of murder and she must be out of her mind with worry about this, scared. She could use all the friends she can get and that's what I am, a friend." He offered her a sympathetic smile. "If you want to insist she isn't here, I'll go, I'm not going to press it anymore if you're that determined to hide her away from everybody, but make sure you're not hiding her from somebody who could help her, offer her comfort, you know?"

 

[BimboBrandi]

JJ hesitated, she wanted to protect Bria but she didn't want to get in her way, if Hunter could help her then maybe she should let him?

"OK"

She simply said, which wasn't really an answer, she wasn't sure quite yet what her answer should be, she needed to buy herself some time. That way she could figure out the right move.

"I never really spent much time around her brother, he seemed like a nice guy though.."

She observed, just trying to make small talk more than anything at the moment, trying to decide what to do. Raising an eyebrow she asked

"Can you really help her, Bria I mean? And you aren't a cop or anything..I mean, what happens to me if she is in the back somewhere?"

She hung her head a little, realising that she has given the game away. She really hoped that nothing was going to happen to her or to Bria from here. With her phone by her side she sent a text to her friend.

In the back room Bria got the message, she'd heard the male voice but had no idea who was out there, only that someone was. When she read that she could come out she quickly checked herself in the mirror, and then made her way down the hallway to the living room. When her eyes closed on Hunter she froze, immediately recognizing him. He was the last person she had expected to see, but he was still just as easy on the eye as always..

"Hunter.. what are you doing here?"

 

[Staine]

Hunter could sense the hesitation in JJ...she was starting to fold. It wasn't a big surprise, really...those that weren't used to hiding people from the law often thought it would be easy to support a friend like that, to never tell a soul where they were but they never considered the difficult choices. Would they get in trouble? What would it cost them? What if the person they were hiding them from was a person that could help them, really get them out of trouble? The latter was what had gotten him past JJ as she continued to talk, acting like she wasn't about to give Bria up. "Luke? He is a nice guy, was a good friend to me back in the day. We don't talk as much as we used to these days but here I am, always ready to help a friend." He gave her another smile, nodding as she asked if he could really help Bria. "I can, and I'm definitely not a cop." He gave a chuckle, shaking his head. "Nothing will happen to you, even if I was a cop, which I'm not, I'm not an asshole. You're helping a friend and I said it before, I'm really glad she has somebody like you to lean on, somebody who has her back." He meant it too, he wouldn't tell where he found her even if he did bring her in, no point in getting JJ into trouble too.

Hearing a door open he turned towards it, seeing Bria walk in, smiling as he met her eyes. "There you are, Bria. How are you doing?" She was still cute, always had been but as Luke's little sister, and too young at the time anyway he had never made any advances towards her even if she was his type...plus his other friends had made the kind of comments that just pissed him off about her when Luke wasn't around, sometimes to her face. They stared at her tits, he swore he saw one grab her ass once. He'd confronted him about that...pinned him against a wall and threatened him...he didn't know why but she brought a protective side of him out, even now it seemed. "I came to check on you. I saw your name on a list of warrants..." He was dropping the lie, no more need for it and to rip the bandaid off sooner rather than later was better. "I don't think you did it but you have to come in Bria, you are making it worse for yourself if you continue trying to hide. Come on...you're coming with me." He was already walking towards her, already had handcuffs out in case she tried to fight. If she turned to run, he was close enough to grab her, to pin her against the wall and cuff her, and that was exactly what he would do. "I'll talk to the police, I'll tell them you came without a fight, that you're not a murderer. I'll help, alright?"

 

[BimboBrandi]

"fuck"

JJ cursed, she had trusted him and he'd deceived her. She didn't really have time to do anything about it though, even as tears started to form in her friends eyes.

"No.. you can't.. please..."

Bria tried to turn, to run, but she couldn't, it was like she was frozen on the spot. Desperation and anger and confusion washed over her, the cocktail feeling like it was going to tear her apart from the inside. She knew Hunter, he knew she was innocent.. but he was doing to turn her in..

"I can't go back to prison, please.. I didn't do this Hunter.. I don't know who set me up but it wasn't me..please.. please don't do this.. please help me.."

The tears streamed down her cheeks now even as JJ moved towards her, trying to put herself between Hunter and Bria. She wanted to protect her friend, even if it was just to slow him down a little

"Please. I'll.. I'll do anything..."

Bria begged. She knew if she went back to prison she wasn't getting out again. Her lawyer was shit, he was more interested in making a deal than getting her off, there was no way she would be able to convince a jury on her own, not without proof. Proof that she wouldn't be able to get if she was locked up..

 

[Staine]

Hunter heard JJ curse and it didn't really make him feel good, he hated deceiving people like that to get to his targets but it was a part of his job...at least made somewhat easier by a lot of them being assholes and criminals. JJ was neither of those that he knew of, she had been genuinely nice, protecting her friend and he had betrayed her...but it was for a good cause. Bria's pleading and the tears starting to form were worse, but he was strong enough to deal with those as he approached her, gently pushing JJ aside as she tried to stand between them. "Don't try to stop me...I told you that you wouldn't be in any trouble JJ, don't do anything you'll regret now."

As he got closer to Bria he felt more and more like he wanted to just let her go, he shouldn't have taken this one...but at the same time it was for the best that he did. "Bria...I'm sorry, but somebody will come for you eventually...it wasn't hard for me to find you, it won't be long until others do too, JJ is your friend and people far less kind than I will come...people that will have her arrested too for hiding you." He took hold of her by her arm and turned her to face the wall, pushing her against it more gently than he normally would as he pulled her wrists behind her back one at a time, cuffing them with the custom handcuffs he carried, more difficult to get out of than regular ones as they didn't have a simple lock.

"I'm not going to just take you in...I'll vouch for you, I'll help any way I can but you are making it harder on yourself by staying out here like this. Do you think you can live on the run for your whole life? What do you think will happen when you're caught? What would happen to JJ and anybody else that hid you?" He didn't want to drag her out, he knew she would probably fight so instead he lifted her up, easily throwing her over his shoulder with one arm, holding her legs in front of him with her rear to the side of his face as he carried her out of the house and to his vehicle. Not the back seat with the cage...he put her in the front, buckling the seatbelt between her breasts and closing the door on her before he climbed in the other side. "I hope you don't hate me for this Bria...I'm not trying to be an asshole but better that I come for you than somebody else."

 

[BimboBrandi]

"Fuck you.."

she spat as she looked over at him, he might think he was helping, but he wasn't, not like this. The truth was that if he did this she was fucked.

"I don't want to live on the run for the rest of my life, I just need time. I need to figure out who did this to me, and why, and get the evidence. Then I will hand myself in, otherwise it doesn't matter who comes for me, it doesn't matter who vouches for me, I am going to go to Jail for the rest of my life."

she told him, not hysterically this time, though there was still some desperation, a plea behind her voice. Anger too, Anger that he wasn't listening to her, that he thought he knew best, that he had dragged her out here and bought her into his truck. She just wanted to scream and to hit him. Most of all she was Angry that he was at least partially right, the trouble that JJ could have gotten into for hiding her, it was a lot, and what would happen to her parents, losing their house. No it was better that she just sucked it up she guessed, but she couldn't resist one last attempt to plea with him.

"Dont take me in, help me. Like you said, you know me. You know how things like this work, you know who would be looking for me, and being with you would be the last place that anyone would expect.. I mean what I said, if you take me back I will go to jail for good. My lawyer.. he wants to cut a deal and be done with the case, he doesn't give a shit. The only person who can help me is me, and I cant do that if I am locked up."

she was being honest, laying it all on the line. She was willing to go with him, to stay with him, but she didn't think it was getting through to him, there had certainly been no change of expression on his face. But he had to help right? he had to listen.. didn't he?

 

[Staine]

Hunter had ignored JJ and carried Bria to his truck, but even he was feeling a little bad about it, hating that it had to happen at all as he sat in the driver's seat and started up the vehicle. What didn't make it any easier was that Bria seemed to hate him too by the way she was talking....which had been an obvious outcome but still, it hurt. "You know I'm doing this for your own good right?" He turned to look at her as they pulled up to a set of traffic lights, her wrists still cuffed behind her and strapped in with the seatbelt it was highly unlikely that she was going anywhere so he hadn't even bothered to lock the door on her side. If she could open that...he'd probably be impressed more than anything. "I know you think you don't have another choice but really, running away? I've been doing this a long time, I can't say I've ever seen a situation bad enough that the best option was to try and hide. Scary, sure...it's scary, but you have to face that."

He still couldn't believe she would kill anybody anyway, this was Bria, she had always been so sweet, so innocent. How could she possibly become a murderer? Hearing her lawyer just wanted to cut a deal surprised him though...in a case like this, why would he want to try that, couldn't they afford somebody willing to fight for them? "I can pay for you a better lawyer...least I can do..." His tone had gotten softer, he had practically mumbled the last sentence as he drove them closer to the police station but doubt was starting to creep in. He shouldn't have gone after her....yeah, better him than some creep of a bounty hunter that just wanted the money and would have probably been groping her as he cuffed her, or hurt her but...this was why you didn't go after friends, remaining impartial was hard. He'd thought he could do it. With a sigh, he turned into a nearby carpark and into a space.

"Alright...tell me. Tell me what happened. This is your only chance to explain this so make it good Bria...I didn't look too much into the details but the warrant said you're suspected of killing a man and I remember you well enough to know that doesn't seem like you." He offered her a smile to go with it. "You were always Luke's cute little sister to me, trying to hang out with us, wearing things you really shouldn't around his friends...god some of them were assholes, why did I even hang around with that crowd?" He laughed, then sighed, a mix of emotions trying to fight to the fore as he sat back in his seat and closed his eyes, waiting for her story and not willing to uncuff her yet. "I shouldn't have come after you, should have left it to somebody else. Go on, tell me everything Bria...I'll at least listen to your story before I take you in."