7.03

Taylor, feeling uneasy about the potential for trouble, returns to Bitch’s territory with lunch. The atmosphere is surprisingly calm, with numerous dogs playing around. Taylor shares her lunch with Bitch, and they engage in a brief, awkward conversation about dog ownership. Bitch criticizes people who choose dogs based on looks without understanding their needs, while Taylor defends her own cautious nature, stating she would never pick a dog without research.

They enjoy a peaceful moment playing fetch with the dogs using a special throwing stick Bitch provides. Bitch shares the tragic backstories of some of her dogs, explaining how they ended up in her care after being abandoned or mistreated. Taylor feels sympathy for the animals, and the two share a comfortable silence, appreciating the simple activity.

Their peace is shattered by the sound of breaking bottles and shouts. Bitch identifies the source as a group of Empire Eighty-Eight members, who have been harassing her to leave the area. A confrontation ensues, with the skinheads throwing bottles and threatening to poison the dogs with antifreeze-soaked hot dogs. Bitch remains surprisingly calm, suggesting they’re either bluffing or under orders from Kaiser not to escalate.

The situation turns violent when one of the skinheads, Tom, pulls out a gun, intending to kill Bitch to earn his place in the Empire. Taylor, unable to use her powers without revealing her identity, creates a makeshift disguise by covering herself in a thick layer of bugs from the surrounding area. She sends a text to Grue, Tattletale, and Regent for backup. Grue replies that he’s on his way.

As Tom aims at Bitch, Taylor acts, stabbing him in the thigh and disarming him. She then stabs his hand and cuts his forehead to make him appear more injured and deter others from joining the fight. Bitch orders the remaining skinheads to leave, threatening them with her now-enlarged dogs. The skinheads retreat, with the leader warning that Kaiser will hear about this.

Taylor apologizes for intervening, but Bitch reassures her it was fine, as Tom was about to shoot. Taylor expresses concern about the skinheads returning, but Bitch is adamant about staying. Taylor decides to stay and help, both out of a sense of obligation and to brief Grue on the situation when he arrives. Despite the tension, Bitch seems slightly less hostile towards Taylor.