_In another world_

"Now? Now I'm going to need your services, Miss Page." He swallows loudly. "As you can see, I'm in a bit of a pickle... but I'm not done yet... You want vital information on William Rawlins? If you help me get out of this mess, I'll serve him to you on a silver platter."

Karen plunges her ocean blue gaze into the darkness of Billy's. She desperately tries to keep composure despite the gun pointed directly at her chest.

"I don't quite see what I could do for you..."

"You have knowledge of the law, you will help me acquit myself of what I am accused of."

"You are not guilty?"

"Since when do you have to be innocent to avoid jail and win a trial?" Karen lets out a slight mocking laugh. Billy tenses up, his left shoulder rolls on itself. "You're not particularly in a position to challenge me, Ms. Page... I'm not asking for your opinion."

"Are you going to hold your gun on me until the trial is over?"

"I'm offering you a deal that I think is fair... my freedom for this coveted Rawlins..."

"I'm supposed to take my word for it that a mere petty thug would have enough to take down a CIA agent?"

Billy smiles bitterly.

"Be careful, you're starting to get vexing... I think I've already proven I've more than one string in my bow, don't make the mistake of underestimating me."

Karen takes a moment to think. He's right, she's not in a strong position right now. Her courage has its limits. A gun is pointed in her direction and she has no doubt that it's loaded this time. Billy's finger is on the trigger, his hand not shaking at all. The tension is felt in the room, the heavy silence imposing a cold and sinister atmosphere. The next few minutes will be crucial.

"I don't know how you escaped from the hospital, but the police must be looking for you. You're only making your case worse by fleeing, if you want me to help you, you'll have to turn yourself in."

"Turning myself in is not an option. You'll have to find something else."

"And what's that?"

"I don't know! You have to tell me. If I had better options, do you think I'd be here right now? I'm not asking you for a solution in a second... I'm asking you to take the time to look for one, a good one."

Billy looks at Karen with determination, pressure is the weapon he wields the most. He's had to impose himself or force certain people to act in his favor several times and the only tool he's ever needed to use is violence. But he's not in front of a group of killers, not in front of mercenaries, rogue agents or men greedy for blood and money. He takes a deep breath before rolling his gun around his finger, raising his hands in appeasement. "I don't want to hurt you Karen... I have nothing against you. I'm offering you a way out, some help. It's not free, but nothing is in this world. You're close to Castle, aren't you? And what Castle wants is Rawlins. You won't say no to a chance to help your friend get revenge, will you?"

Billy is a manipulator, she knows it. He may be more dangerous without a gun than with one. How can she know if he will betray them? How can she know he's telling the truth? He inspires more confidence now that he has lowered his weapon, but that was the intended effect. She has never had to deal with a man like him. Vicious, smart and arrogant. He always seems to be one step ahead. He gives the impression that he is just a pawn in this chess game, when in reality he is the one who sets the rules. But if he's telling the truth, she can't let this chance go.

"If you don't turn yourself in...you're going to have to hide." Billy's face relaxes, showing a slight smile. One of those devilish smiles that makes him more charming than he already is, that would easily seduce lost souls. "You don't have a home anymore, Billy."

"I'll find something. Does that mean we have a deal?"

"You take Rawlins down first and then I try to keep you out of jail."

"We're not going to play that game either, Miss Page, you first or me and who stabs the other first. It's both, at the same time. I'll tell you what I know in bits and pieces, as long as you help me. I promise you'll have Rawlins at your mercy and in return you promise to help me."

Billy cautiously moves closer to the young woman. Stopping close enough for them to shake hands, if they both extend their arms fully. He offers her his hand. Karen looks at it, hesitant.

"You're making this very official."

"I promise I won't burn you. You're an honest person. This handshake will assure me that we have sealed a deal."

She thinks for a moment before grabbing that outstretched hand. They exchange a glance once again. They scrutinize each other for any betrayal. Until Billy's eye is caught by a sudden light from the young woman's purse. He frowns. From where he is, he can see the small screen of her phone lit up. Frank Castle. Time stands still. He begins to think faster than the seconds. The betrayal he was looking for, here it is. It's as if all the clues are suddenly flashing before him. He hears heavy footsteps in the hallway, footsteps he recognizes. Billy's eyes widen.

"Bitch..."

Everything happens very quickly, Frank violently opens the door, Billy throws himself across the room, taking cover behind the couch. A bullet goes through the room. Frank fired at the sight of Billy's moving body but didn't hit him.

"Frank! He's got a gun."

"She's right, Frank, I've got a gun."

"That makes two of us, kid."

Billy closes his eyes for a second, his heart racing, adrenaline pumping through his veins again. He grits his teeth. Takes a deep breath before standing up, pointing his gun at Frank. But he's closer than he thought. He receives a violent blow to the face. Frank takes advantage of his daze to force him to drop his gun to the ground. Billy comes to his senses and throws his foot on his hands. Frank drops the gun he's holding this time before grabbing Billy's collar and sending his knee into his stomach. Billy anticipates. He positions his hands in front of his stomach blocking the blow. His forehead hits Frank's nose to force him to step back and have more freedom of movement again. Billy looks for the nearest weapon. He rushes for it but Frank's foot is already on the gun. He barely has time to look up when Frank's foot goes from the gun to Billy's face. He falls backwards. Frank throws himself at him. Hitting him once and then twice.

"Frank, stop!"

Karen's voice echoes around the room.

Billy takes advantage of this moment to punch him in the stomach. Pulling him away and getting up. The blows follow quickly but the vast majority are dodged by one and by the other. Billy is fast and agile when Frank is powerful and violent. If they didn't hate each other, they would almost be having fun. But Billy doesn't have a knife and he's getting tired. This bastard is indefatigable. He's not stupid. Frank has more stamina and his punches are harder.

For a moment, he hesitates whether to run away or continue fighting. Never hesitate in a fight with Frank Castle. The punisher sends him crashing into the bookcase with a deep groan. The wound in his shoulder reopens, Billy lets out a groan of pain. And damn. Frank is undeniably physically stronger. After another blow to the face, he feels Frank's large hands slip around his neck. Soon he can't breathe. Billy struggles as best he can, but nothing helps. He feels his strength leave him. He misses the air terribly.

"Frank!"

Billy's dark eyes gradually lose their glow. Frank doesn't weaken, in fact he seems to be pressing more and more on his throat. Despite his efforts and his burning desire to stay alive, Billy slowly begins to lose consciousness.

"Frank! Let go of him!"

This time Karen, grabs Castle's arm.

"Let go of him..." Frank frowns. Then sets his eyes on the blonde. He catches that look that must not be disobeyed. He looks at Billy one last time before finally letting go. He immediately collapses to the ground. He coughs loudly and badly, welcoming air back into his lungs. "I think he can help us. He... I can't believe I'm saying this but... he's not our enemy."

"Are you kidding me?! He pulled a gun on you! Wasn't he supposed to be in jail?"

Frank kicks Billy in the stomach, still on the ground. Billy groans before coughing again. Then he tries to catch his breath.

"He has information on Rawlins...I think...I think he can help us. He's convinced me."

"And you trust him?"

"I don't trust him." Karen looks at the man on the ground, breathing hard, his lip split, his nose bloody, his hair falling on his forehead. His face is still animated by that indecent rage to live, and yet he seems defeated. "But we have a deal." Billy's eyes narrow as if he expects a sequel, another betrayal. He finally gets to his feet painfully, sliding his back along the shelf, holding his stomach in his hands. Karen dips her gaze into Billy's again, "A promise is a promise."

He frowns. No one has ever kept any promises to Billy. Promises are no more words than childish idiocy. But he's not going to complain about it if it means Castle won't wring his neck a second time.

______

______They finally brought Billy to Micro's hideout. Karen was absolutely against it. Frank insisted, there, any wrong move and he dies. They took the precaution of blindfolding him so that he would not know where the hideout is. Still, Billy is attentive, he spotted a few peculiar sounds that gave him some clues but nothing more.

"You're out of your mind! You're bringing a murderer in here?" Micro moves closer to Frank's ear. "You're going to kill him, right?"

"No... at least not for the moment." Castle crosses his arms, raising his voice. "This guy would, apparently, have vital information."

"This guy has a name."

"This guy's gonna keep his mouth shut if he doesn't want me to put a bullet in his pretty little head."

Billy grits his teeth before raising his hands in a gesture of appeasement.

"He told me, verbatim, he could hand us Rawlins on a silver platter..."

"And you believe him? He can't be trusted, that's obvious."

"It's to your credit that you're suspicious, Mr... Lieberman?"

Frank cuts him off.

"You think you're a real estate agent?"

"Insurance salesman."

Frank sighs to disguise a laugh before punching Billy's stomach, who twists in half. But he didn't really hurt him, holding his blow before hitting him. Karen makes a sound of surprise taking an unconscious step toward Billy.

"Shut the fuck up. You're not here to negotiate. He's right. I don't believe you so if you want to stay alive, you're going to have to give some proof."

Billy swallows before straightening up. He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small flash drive.

"On it, there's..." Frank twists his wrist, retrieving the object. "It's no use, the data is encrypted, you need codes, which I know."

Micro takes the key anyway, slipping it into his computer, after some manipulation, he sighs.

"The son of a bitch."

"I know a few computer whizzes too."

"Give me the codes."

"If I give everything away, what do I get in return? I'm sorry, but no." Frank loses patience and positions the tip of his gun on his forehead. Billy doesn't move a millimeter. "You can threaten me all you want or even torture me, we have a fucking deal. And only by keeping it will I give you those codes."

Karen puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Frank..."

"Obey your girlfriend, Frankie."

"You call me Frankie again and I'll shove the gun deep up your ass."

"Wow, I think our relationship is moving a little too fast for me but if you insist..."

"Shut the fuck up..."

Billy keeps his condescending smile on his lips as Frank walks away. After a moment of silence, Billy regains his serious look.

"I understand your reluctance but put yourself in my shoes...I wouldn't have come to you if I doubted what I have. That's a risk I wouldn't have taken if I was lying. Don't you think so?"

Frank turns around doubtfully.

"What I believe is that you're a smartass who just lost everything. You don't have much of an option. You've fooled me a few times, Russo, with your little schemes, I'll admit you're convincing, that's just the problem."

"I'm not in a position of strength and it wasn't what I had planned. But we have common interests in the sense that we can benefit from each other."

"That I can well agree with if what you say is true."

"Who knows? I can't force you to believe me, but if you give me the benefit of the doubt then you still have a chance."

Micro scans Billy from his chair. He finally opens his mouth.

"You reek of cunning and plotting, guys, he's a killer."

"No come on seriously, because Castle isn't a killer?" Silence sets in again. Karen remains on her positions, Frank starts to trust this man but Micro remains stoic and suspicious. Glances are exchanged between them. Billy feels he is losing the game. He's starting to run out of steam and ideas, and then it's fair to admit that Frank has been roughing him up. His whole body is tense, ready to run or fight. But at the same time, he can't remember a time when he doesn't feel like this. "Alright fine, you want proof. I never trust my employers, which is why I always make sure I can protect myself. If I didn't have information how would I know the name agent orange, how would I know that Rawlins personally contacted one of the three gangs to arrange the shooting that took the lives of Maria Castle, Lisa and little Frank Junior in an attempt to kill Frank Castle, himself."

Billy's breath is again short. A sharp pain just crushed his stomach again. This time Frank didn't hold back. He drove his fist twice into his gut.

"I forbid you to say their names, do you hear me?" The punisher's deep, heavy voice echoes in Billy's ears as he's startled by Frank's hand going up to his neck. "Are you involved in the massacre?"

Billy struggles to get the words out of his mouth as the pressure on his throat is so strong. He has never seen such a look in a man's eyes. It's full of something Billy doesn't know. He doesn't fight back because he's in uncharted territory, the blonde is armed and probably the nerd too. This is not the time to come across as a threat.

"No. I wasn't involved. Do you seriously think I would have mentioned it otherwise? I'm not supposed to know anything. Think about it, I'm just a guy doing his dirty work for him, he doesn't trust me any more than you do. I'm supposed to carry out his orders not know why he gives them to me..."

"Don't ever talk about my family again, Russo."

Billy nods before Castle releases him.

"He has information. It's obvious." Micro sighs. Karen begins to doubt the decision, but Frank is sure of it. "We're going to help each other but I'm warning you, I have no regard for your life so one wrong move and you're dead."

"That's the only way I work."

Billy and Frank exchange a look. They understand each other.

______

Billy Russo has nowhere to go. He hasn't complained once, but the fact remains. Ever since he convinced them he has been silent in the corner of the room. Dealing with both his open shoulder wound, the violence of Castle's blows and the constant insecurity of his presence. Just because he's no longer the enemy does not mean he is part of the team. Frank's gruff, singular voice snaps him out of his thoughts.

"Russo, where are you going to go? If I understand correctly, you're wanted."

"I don't know yet. I'll find out."

"Are you always this confident?" Frank looks mechanically beside him. "Just stay here."

"Maybe you haven't noticed yet, in which case you're really not observant, but I value my life. I'm not going to stay in the middle of nowhere with a computer guy who doesn't believe me and the crazy wild animal that's tried to kill me a few too many times for my taste."

"You're calling me a crazy wild animal?"

"Don't take it personally. It's friendly."

Frank lets out a smile, much in spite of himself, even if he can't stop it.

"Whatever you say. But you better not get caught, because we're not coming to save your ass."

"yeah, I understood that the first time."

"He can just... stay at my place."

Karen regretted the words as she spoke them. But Frank quickly interjected.

"No way."

"If I'm going to help him with his problems with the law, we'll have to spend some time together."

Billy saw it as a chance to sleep peacefully and deal with his problems at the same time.

"She's not wrong."

The look Frank gave him cut him off from saying more.

"It's no."

"Frank...I don't see any other options, he won't hurt me, he's had the opportunity several times but he hasn't done anything. I'm the only option he has left, right? He won't hurt me."

Frank ruminates silently. He's worried. Karen wonders if it's as much concern as jealousy. He moves more violently toward Billy, who instinctively backs away.

"If you touch a single hair on her head..."

"I can say goodbye to my anal virginity, I get it."

"I'm serious."

"She's right, I've no reason to attack her." Billy looks at Karen. "I'll be discreet."

Karen raises her eyebrows.

"Like cockroaches."

______

______Karen walks back into her apartment followed by Russo. Did she notice that he was standing relatively far away from her? He doesn't like the proximity, but mostly he seems to not want to scare her.

"I'm guessing those clothes you're wearing aren't yours."

"You guess right."

"I can lend you some, they should fit you, they're Frank's."

"You don't have to." Karen doesn't respond, she took it as a mechanical remark only filled with politeness. She'll lend him some, they both know that. "Can I use your bathroom?"

"It's down the hall to the left." Billy nods. "Russo? I'll give you access to the bathroom and the couch but nothing more, am I clear?"

"Very clear." Billy heads to the bathroom before turning around again. "Thank you f..."

"None of that. We both know you don't mean it. I'm not offering you hospitality, I'm only doing this for Frank so there's no point in trying to be nice because I don't like you and never will."

"I really like your candor, Miss Page. You're right, let's leave the hypocrisy aside. Nevertheless since we have to be frank, I apologize for threatening you with a gun on several occasions. We agree that I would do it again without hesitation, but I'm no less sorry."

Karen frowns. He quickly disappears from her field of vision. What kind of trouble has she gotten herself into again. She hopes he wasn't lying when he said he'd keep a low profile. He seems to be very good at knowing when to be there and when not to be. That's probably the most disturbing thing about this man. His ability to modulate himself to different people and situations. He's already eluded the punisher and now he's eluding the police.

In the bathroom, Billy examines himself. He cleans his shoulder wound as best he can, he finds a way to stitch it up with the first aid kit he found in the drawer. What a mess he's gotten himself into again. Here he is collaborating with the Punisher himself. The same one who caused all the wounds he's trying to clean up. How will he get out of this? He's escaped death far too many times. But he'll do it again. Until it's stronger than he is. It had been a few years since he had found some stability in his business. And now he has nothing. It's like going back to the beginning. But as long as he's breathing, there's hope.

Billy waited until Karen was in her room before returning to the living room. With a step so quiet that no one would suspect his presence. He decided to go out to let his host move freely in her apartment. He will come back when he considers that she has gone to bed. In any case, he seriously needs air. He simply goes out in the small courtyard of the building, there is nobody, it's calm and quiet. Exactly what he needs.

He lets the fresh breeze caress his face. What happens next is absolutely uncertain and he would be lying if he pretended not to worry about it. He closes his eyes, concentrating on the music of the wind hitting the leaves of an old oak tree. He is alive and he is free. Maybe it's time to finally enjoy it. He flinches at the feeling of moisture on his ankle. The wet muzzle of a large but slender dog examines him carefully. Billy looks at it before lifting his head in search of an owner but nothing.

"Hey... Are you alone?"

He bends down gently stroking the top of its head. It's a beautiful animal, wagging its tail as soon as it's cuddled. Quickly Billy's hand reaches for his collar, a small medallion hangs from it. William. Billy smiles, frowning at such a coincidence.

"We have something in common, buddy."

He scratches its neck before straightening up.

"Will! Will, where are you? Come here dog."

Only an unfamiliar female voice echoes but he sees no one. He makes the decision to leave. It's better to avoid being spotted. But he hardly takes a step when the dog follows him. He hesitates a moment, does he have something on him that intrigues it? He starts to doubt, and if it was a trap? And if he sniffed his smell? But he doesn't really smell like himself, he took a shower at Karen's house and is wearing Castle's clothes.

"Ah Will, there you are!" Billy stops breathing unconsciously. It's a young woman, pretty. "Excuse me sir, I hope my dog didn't bother you."

He relaxes slightly. It's just a neighbor who lost her dog.

"No, it's nothing... Did you name your dog William?"

"Yes... when I adopted him I was told that no one wanted him because he acts like a real bandit... so I named him William after Billy the kid. Do you know him?"

"The most wanted bandit in the wild west..."

Billy smiles as he looks at the animal who was happily examining him.

"Yes. It's silly I got used to calling him Will instead of Billy..." She smiles warmly. "I have a theory, I'm sure all the Williams are secretly called that after Billy the Kid."

He frowns, letting a half smile appear.

"Maybe..."

The dog stays close to Billy giving the impression that he wants more petting from him without daring to beg for it.

"He seems to like you..."

"I think all dogs appreciate being petted."

"Will doesn't usually like to be touched by strangers." She smiles, a smile that lights up her whole face. "You must be someone special."

Billy simply replies with a shy smile. He could do a better job of making himself pleasant but he's tired and frankly what's the point? The young woman gently grabs her dog by the collar. "Sorry again for the inconvenience...good night."

He watches them walk away. He realizes that he is still smiling. A small smile but a genuine smile that hadn't marked his face in ages.

______

Billy lay down on the couch in the middle of the living room. He didn't run into Karen and for good reason, he made sure to avoid her, to be where she wasn't. He knows how to do this so well, he does it without even thinking about it. Maybe that's a skill you learn when you're in foster care, when you've never really had a home. Being somewhere where you're not really wanted. He has learned in spite of himself to be discreet, not to disturb. She's right, he was never anything more than a cockroach. An ambitious cockroach who is going to get back what he has lost. He looks at the ceiling. He's going to find a way to become the feared, rich, envied Billy he was yesterday. At any cost. He's not sure he'll ever get to sleep. He's too tense, always ready to run away or fight if he has to.

Karen rolls over in bed. She has locked her door and keeps her gun under her pillow. She clutches it tightly between her fingers. The man in her living room is wanted and guilty of his crimes. What possessed her to trust him? How is she going to keep him out of jail? It's mission impossible. She closes her eyes, strangely she doesn't feel in danger. Billy won't come after her, that's for sure. But she doesn't know him.

What she wouldn't do for Frank. Maybe she has lost her mind. Maybe she should get rid of Frank Castle for good before she loses her life.

Who is Billy Russo? How dangerous is he? How trustworthy is he? Will he and Frank end up in a permanent alliance or will they kill each other?

Maybe they were wrong to rely on his help. Maybe he's the worst enemy the Punisher will ever face.