Author Topic: Changes  (Read 12274 times)

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Offline 22639

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Changes
« on: June 05, 2012, 07:45:21 am »
 Nikki pulls her truck into the parking garage under the building where the Bower Security Agency is located.  She parks and heads for the elevators.  As the elevator door slides shut she wishes she had called to make sure Craig would be there.  Other than a few brief encounters at Joe's, Nikki hasn't really had any conversation of substance with Craig since she turned down his marriage proposal.
Nikki: You've got a lot of nerve, Flynn.

 
Nikki says aloud to the empty elevator car.

 
Nikki: You break the guy's heart and pretty much ignore him whenever he comes into Joe's and here you are getting ready to ask him a huge favor.  Don't be surprised if he tells you to go **** yourself.

 
Nikki says...shaking her head.

 
Nikki:Daddy would be so proud.

 
The elevator comes to a stop and the door slides open.  Nikki steps out of the elevator into the hallway of the 11th floor.  She3 walks halfway down the hallway and stops in front of the double glass doors with “The Bower Security Agency” in gold Old English on the doors.  She takes a deep breath and walks through the doors into the spacious office.  The receptionist looks up and smiles welcomingly.

 
 Linda: Hello.  May I help you?
 
 
Linda asks, still smiling.
 
 
Nikki walks up to the receptionist's counter, smiling back at the woman behind the counter.
 
 
 Nikki: Hi. Is Craig in by any chance?
 
 
Nikki asks, mentally crossing her fingers.  In the 159 years that she has been an Immortal, she has, somehow, managed to not have to change her identity.  She had had to disappear a few times due to publicly dieing or avoiding questions as to why she didn't seem to age like normal people.  But she never has had to change her identity as so many of her Immortal friends have.  Therefore, the process of acquiring a new identity and all of the documentation required to back it up is new to her.  All she knew about it was what she has seen on TV shows and the movies.  She could have gone to Duncan for help but she knew that he would try to talk her into staying in Seacouver and going through legal channels to fight the State's attempt to permanently reunite Haley with the man who had molested her all of her childhood and, even though she had, at one time, been a law enforcer, she had little to no trust in the modern day legal system.
 
 
 Linda: Do you have an appointment?
 
 
Linda asks as she quickly opens Craig's appointment book.
 
 
 Nikki: No.
 
 
Nikki says and smiles, sheepishly.
 
 
Craig has been in a conference room on the 7th floor going over blue prints with with a new Security Systems client. When the meeting wraps up he shakes the hand of the President and CEO of Fred Meyers Stores.
 
 
 Craig: As long as we don't have any last minute changes, we should be able to install the entire system as soon as the electrical work is done.
 
 
 Craig says as he rolls up the set of blue prints and slips them into their cardboard tube. 
 
 
The President and CEO of Fred Meyers Stores, Mary Sammons, thanks Craig and promises to stay in close contact with him about the progress of the new Fred Meyers Super Center being built in Seacouver, then she leaves.
 
 
Craig closes his brief case and leaves the conference room.  Instead of using the elevator to get to his 11th floor suite office, Craig takes the stairs that open into a back hallway inside the Bower Security Agency's suite of offices.  As he opens the stairway door and steps across the threshold into his back hallway, he feels the buzz of another Immortal.
 
 
Nikki is about to apologize to Linda for not making an official appointment when she feels an Immortal buzz and she glances over her shoulder at the glass double doors, expecting to see the source of the buzz walk through them any minute.
 
 
 Linda: Is something wrong?
 
 
Linda asks, seeing the look on Nikki's face...a look she has seen on both Craig and David's faces more than once...(even though she has no idea what it means).
 
 
Craig uses the back hallway to gain access to his office without having to go through the reception area.  The source of the Immortal buzz may only be David but in this city it is better to be safe than sorry. Once in his office, he sets his brief case on the credenza behind his desk, along with the tube containing the new client's blue prints and goes to his office door.  He peers out of the narrow cut glass window next to the door which gives him a clear view of the reception area and sees the back of a familiar red head standing in front of the receptionist's desk and, intently watching the entrance to the suite of offices.  It is the first time he has seen Nicayla outside of Joe's Bar since she rejected his marriage proposal over a year ago. The first few times he had run into her at Joe's after their breakup had been awkward and a bit painful.  But as time went by, those encounters had become easier.  Even after he noticed that she was always accompanied by Adam Pierson and it became more obvious that the two were more than just friends.  He remembers the first time he came to realize that and had surprised himself by thinking, “well...seems as though she has overcome her fear...or aversion to entering into a serious relationship.”  Pierson must be a special person to have been able to get her to drop her wall of steel that protected her heart and kept her from allowing herself to love and be loved.  Special enough to accomplish what he had been unable to do. He didn't feel any animosity toward either of them.  Instead, he was glad to see that Nicayla had finally found the happiness she so richly deserved.  Now what surprised him was the fact that seeing her standing in his reception area...outside of the neutrality of Joe's Bar...none of the old feelings came flooding back.  Only curiosity as to why she was here.  He opens the door of his office and steps into the reception area.
 
 
 Craig: Nikki?
 
 
Craig says as he walks up to the receptionist's desk.
 
 
Linda: Oh you are here.
 
 
Linda says when she sees her boss approaching.
 
 
 Linda: I thought you were still in your meeting.
 
 
Linda says as she grabs a small stack of phone messages and holds them out to Craig.
 
 
 Craig: It just ended.
 
 
Craig explains, taking the messages from his receptionist/secretary.
 
 
Nikki is startled when she hears Craig's voice coming from behind her as she expected him to walk through the glass doors and she turns around...a bit embarrassed.
 
 
 Linda:This young lady would like to see you even though she doesn't have an appointment.
 
 
Linda says, shooting a glance at Nikki that says, “next time call first.”
 
 
 Nikki: I'm sorry to drop in like this, Craig.  If you don't have time to see me....
 
 
Nikki says, looking at Craig, hopefully.
 
 
 Craig: It's Ok, Linda.  Miss Flynn is welcome here anytime.
 
 
Craig says to Linda and smiles.  He gently places one hand under Nikki's elbow and gestures toward his office with the other.
 
 
 Craig: Linda, could you get us a couple cups of coffee, please?
 
 
Craig asks over his shoulder.
 
 
 Craig: Miss Flynn takes hers black with 2 sugars.
 
 
Craig adds and looks at Nikki.
 
 
 Craig: Right?
 
 
Craig asks Nikki to confirm.
 
 
 Nikki: A memory like an elephant.
 
 
Nikki says with a smile.
 
 
 Craig: I'd be a pretty lousy PI without one.
 
 
Craig says with a chuckle.
 
 
 Craig: Let's go into my office.  Shall we?
 
 
Craig says and steers Nikki in that direction as Linda gets up from her desk and heads to the coffee room to comply with her boss's request.
 
 
Nikki nods to Craig and heads for his office.
 
 
 Nikki: Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.
 
 
Nikki says, apologetically.
 
 
Craig walks to his desk chair and sits down.
 
 
 Craig: Nonsense.
 
 
Craig says, sitting forward and clasping his hands together on top of his desk.
 
 
 Craig: You look like a woman on a mission.  What can I do for you, Nikki>
 
 
Craig says, looking directly at Nikki.
 
 
Nikki takes a seat in one of the two chairs in front of Craig's desk and smiles at him, gratefully.  After all the time that has passed since she and Craig broke up she still feels a twinge of guilt for not being able to love him the way he had loved her and the way this generous and caring man deserved.
 
 
Linda comes into Craig's office carrying two steaming cups of coffee.  She sets one on the front edge of Craig's desk for Nikki and the other one in a mug that says, “World's Best Slave Driver” she sets in front of Craig.
 
 
 Craig: Thank you, Linda.
 
 
Craig says, smiling at his receptionist/secretary.  One of the best things he had ever done for his growing agency was hiring her.  He wouldn't be able to run this company without her.
 
 
 Craig:  Can you make sure we're not disturbed and clear my calender for the morning?
 
 
Craig asks Linda.
 
 
 Linda: Of course.
 
 
Linda says, dutifully, and leaves the office to return to her desk in the reception area.
 
 
 Craig: Now.  Back to my question.
 
 
Craig says as he picks up his cup of coffee and takes a cautious sip.
 
 
Nikki picks up her own coffee cup...not so much because she wants the hot, caffeinated liquid as she had already consumed at least a pot of coffee before coming here...but just to be doing something with her hands as she tries to look relaxed and casual.
 
 
 Nikki: I need a favor.
 
 
Nikki starts out.
 
 
 Nikki: But I need you to promise this will stay between us...
 
 
Nikki says, looking at Craig, seriously.
 
 
 Nikki: No matter what.
 
 
Nikki adds, then takes a sip of her coffee.
 
 
Craig realizes by Nikki's last comment, how serious this...whatever “this” was...was to Nikki and he has to make a conscious effort to hide his growing concern.
 
 
 Craig: You have my word, Nik.  What's up?
 
 
Craig asks, setting his coffee cup down on his desk and leaning forward.
 
 
Nikki takes a deep breath, then explains the situation with Haley.
 
 
 Nikki: I don't trust today's legal system to do the right thing and need to buy some time while I come up with a better solution so Haley and I need to disappear for a while.
 
 
Nikki, in anticipation of Craig's argument to the contrary, holds up her hand.
 
 
 Nikki: I know I'm stepping over a lot of legal lines, here, but I see no other choice for the moment.  And because of that Haley and I need new identities.  Passports, Ids, birth certificates, etc.  Unfortunately I have never had to do this before and don't know how to go about it.
 
 
Nikki takes a deep breath.
 
 
 Nikki: Can you help me?
 
 
Nikki asks, hopefully.
 
 
Craig picks up his coffee as he digests what Nikki has just told him and asked of him.  His first gut reaction  is one of concern for the legalities of Nikki's situation.  On one hand...there is the effect of aiding and abetting Nikki, who would become a fugitive as the authorities would view her actions as kidnapping, especially if she was planning on her and the teenager leaving the country...which she obviously was planning on doing since she was asking for passports. The ex-cop in him wanted to slam on the brakes and stop Nikki from committing a Federal crime.  If it ever came out that he had helped her in any way....or even knew about her plans and didn't report them...the reputation of the Bower Security Agency would be shattered...not only in Seacouver, Washington but his other offices, Nationwide, as well.  All he had worked so hard to build would be thrown away like today's garbage.  And that would effect, not just himself, but the employees of his Nationwide agency who trusted him with their financial security as well.  On the other hand...during his time as a cop he had seen too many of the atrocities many babies, toddlers, adolescents and young adults were forced to endure at the hands of the adults who were supposed to keep them safe and he hated child molesters and sexual deviants more than the worst serial killers on and off record.  He had always admired Nikki's endeavor to create a safe and loving environment for the victims of such animals by her building the Nua Tosu ranch and opening it to the kids who needed it.  It was one of those few glimpses into the selfless side of Nikki...one of those sides of her that she kept well hidden behind her “tough girl” persona  It isn't the ex-cop in Craig that feels that way, but the human being in him.  And it is also the fact that...even though Nikki had been unable to return his love and had, basically, broken his heart when she rejected his proposal of marriage...he still cared about her because her rejection hadn't stemmed from anything malicious towards him and she was now...as she had been then...a very special lady with a huge heart capable of loving even those whom others might not think worthy and her tenacity and passion for what she believed in...no matter what obstacles were put in her way.  It is this side of Craig that wins out.
 
 
Nikki sits on the edge of her chair, anxiously awaiting Craig's answer.  As she watches him mentally weighing all the odds of her request, the fear that he might turn her down begins to grow and she realizes that her hand holding her coffee cup has begun to tremble.  She quickly sets her cup down on Craig's desk...hoping he hasn't noticed...and sits back in her chair...tucking both hands under her thighs to hide them.  It has been only a few minutes since she had asked for his help...but it seems more like hours.
 
 
Craig gets up from his chair and walks around to the front of his desk.  He pulls the other chair closer to the one Nikki is in and sits down. He reaches out and places his hand on one of Nikki's forearms and gently pulls her hand out from under her leg.  Taking her trembling hand in his, he covers it with both of his hands and leans forward...looking directly into her emerald green eyes.
 
 
 Craig: I'm not going to point out all of the reasons you shouldn't do what you're planning because the Nicayla Flynn I know is intelligent and logical enough to have thought this through, thoroughly, and wouldn't make a decision like this impulsively.
 
 
Craig says, softly.
 
 
Nikki fights to control her trembling...embarrassed and a bit ashamed at being weak...one of the traits of being a stubborn, independent Irish lass.
 
 
 Craig: I do have a few contacts that can create whatever documents you and...
 
 
Craig's memory fails him for a second as he tries to remember the name of the teenager Nikki was changing her entire life for.
 
 
 Craig: Haley?
 
 
Craig says, quirking and eyebrow, questioningly.
 
 
Nikki nods, afraid if she tries to speak she will lose her battle for self control.
 
 
 Craig: ...Haley will need.  Unfortunately their services are not going to be cheap.
 
 
Craig says, still holding Nikki's hand in both of his.
 
 
Nikki takes a slow breath in.  As she does she manages to calm herself enough to be able to speak without her voice shaking.
 
 
 Nikki:  You are going to help me?
 
 
Nikki asks, almost incredulously.
 
 
Craig smiles at her, gently squeezes her hand and nods.
 
 
 Craig: You doubted it?
 
 
Craig asks, a bit amused.
 
 
 Nikki:  I wasn't sure after...
 
 
Nikki hesitates finishing her sentence.
 
 
Craig smiles, reassuringly.
 
 
 Craig: Yes.  I'm going to help you.
 
 
Craig replies.
 
 
 Nikki: I know I'm putting you in a hell of a situation.  I know what you're risking by helping me.
 
 
Nikki admits.
 
 
 Craig: Some things are worth the risk.
 
 
Craig says, letting go of Nikki's hand and smiling at her.
 
 
 Nikki: I don't know how to thank you, Craig.
 
 
Nikki says, gratefully.
 
 
 Craig: Don't give it another thought.
 
 
Craig says as he stands up and walks back to his desk chair...sits down and opens up one of his desk drawers.  He takes out an address book and opens it.  Most of the Bower Security Agency's contacts' phone numbers were on his computer but the ones in this book were ones that weren't for the eyes of anyone who might have (or gain) access to his hard drive.  He thumbs through the book's pages and stops at one in particular.  He looks over at Nikki and gets up...walking back around to the front of his desk.  He holds out his hand to Nikki.
 
 
Nikki places her now steady hand in Craig's and looks up at him questioningly.
 
 
Craig gently pulls Nikki out of her chair and leads her to the door of his office where he stops and turns to face her.
 
 
 Craig:  I would imagine that you have some packing to do besides tying up any loose ends regarding the ranch, etc.
 
 
Craig says, matter of factly.
 
 
 Craig: So go on home and take care of whatever you have to do and let me get to work on what I can do to help.
 
 
Craig says, looking directly into Nikki's eyes and smiling reassuringly.
 
 
Nikki slips her hand out of his and puts her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
 
 
Craig's arms wrap around Nikki, instinctively.
 
 
Nikki kisses Craig's cheek.
 
 
 Nikki:Thank you, Craig.  Thank you.
 
 
Nikki whispers, grateful tears filling her eyes and threatening to fall down her cheeks.
 
 
Craig gives Nikki a quick hug.  Sensing the intensity of her emotions and knowing her well enough to know her Irish pride was battling against displaying those emotions, he lets go of her and steps back a step.
 
 
 Craig: If it will make you feel better, we can say you owe me one and I promise that at some time in the future I will collect.
 
 
Craig says with a smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
 
 
Nikki is grateful for his insight and she is able to control those tears of gratitude.  Instead of letting her emotions take control she smiles at Craig.
 
 
 Nikki:Just don't make it something too complicated.  I hate having to think.
 
 
Nikki says...the smarmy tone returning to her voice.
 
 
 Craig: Oh I plan on it being so complex you'll need a slide rule and a team of scientists to complete it.
 
 
Craig says, teasingly.
 
 
Nikki rolls her eyes as her hand takes hold of the door knob.
 
 
 Nikki: Oh wonderful.
 
 
Nikki says sarcastically.  She opens Craig's office door and gives Craig a half hearted wave then walks through the reception area.
 
 
 Nikki: Thank you.
 
 
Nikki says to the receptionist as she walks past her desk.  A couple of minutes later she steps into the elevator feeling as though a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
 
 
Craig waits until Nikki disappears through the glass doors then he closes his office door, returns to his desk and picks up the telephone receiver...dialing the number from the open address book before even listening for a dial tone.
 
 
To be continued

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Offline 22639

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Part 2
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2012, 07:50:12 am »
 
***A few days later***


 
Nikki pulls her truck behind the older girls' barracks and takes out her cell phone. She dials Haley's phone and lets it ring twice then hangs up....their prearranged signal.

Haley: Guys, I gotta go to the bathroom. Back in a bit!

Haley says to the other girls a minute or so after the seemingly random call on her phone.

Nikki taps her thumbs on the steering wheel, impatiently.

Haley gets up and goes upstairs, and carefully closes the door to the bathroom. Then goes to her bed and digs out the bag she had hidden under it. Then goes to the window and slides it open and puts her bag out on the roof of the veranda. Haley quietly eases herself out and shuts the window behind her. Then standing up, she runs lightly along the roof with her bag until she gets to the tree. With a quick check she tosses the bag to the ground and then jumps into the tree and climbs down it, as nimble as a squirrel

Nikki sees Haley climbing down the old oak tree and pulls her truck up to the base of the tree, reaches across the front seat and opens the door for Haley.

Haley lands lightly on the ground and grabs her bag and tosses it into the back of Nikki's truck and then climbs into the front seat beside Nikki, pulling the door shut behind her.

Nikki pulls out from behind the barracks and takes a back road off the ranch and heads for the city. She opens the center console and takes out a large manilla envelope and hands it to Haley.

Haley takes it with a little trepidation and opens the envelope and pulls out the contents.

Nikki: This is the new you.

Nikki says, keeping her eyes on the road.

Nikki: And from now on....don't call me Nikki. I'm Linda. Linda Wonders.

Haley bursts out with laughing.

Haley: Linda Wonders? Seriously?

Haley then looks down at the papers.

Nikki shrugs.

Haley: And what kind of name is Cynthia Schofield?

Nikki: That's what they came up with.

Nikki smiles.

Nikki: Supposedly it's a scientific process.

Nikki says and rolls her eyes.

Nikki: Men. They say stuff like that so they can charge more.

Haley: What is?

Nikki: Choosing names.

Haley rolls her eyes.

Haley: Men.

Nikki gets off of the freeway and heads for Methos' neighborhood.

Haley: Mostly A's with some B's... one C... Ooo! Driver's license.

Haley mutters softly looking over the papers, the birth certificate, high school transcript, diver's license and passport.

Nikki: Yeah. I think you are now 17.

Nikki says as she turns onto Methos' street.

Haley: Mmmm.

Haley agrees looking at the birth certificate again.

Haley: Same grade though.

Nikki: Ok.

Nikki says as she pulls up to the curb in front of Methos' house.

Nikki: You want to wait out here for me?

Nikki asks as she unbuckles her seat belt.

Haley shakes her head.

Haley: Not really. Not unless you want me too. Or you think your boyfriend would rather I didn't.

Haley says softly.

Nikki: Come on then.

Nikki says, getting out of the truck. She waits for Haley on the walkway that leads to Methos' front door.

Methos looks away from the computer monitor when he feels an Immortal buzz, he takes a side glance at his raincoat where the sword is concealed as he walks to the door, in case he needs to get it fast.

Haley gets out and follows Nikki.

Nikki feels Methos' buzz as she approaches the front porch. She walks up to the door and rings the doorbell.

Methos takes a deep breath when he sees Nikki and opens the door.

Nikki: I need to talk to you upstairs.

Nikki announces as she walks into Methos' house.

Nikki: Haley....have a seat in the living room. I'll be down shortly.

Nikki says....real business like and serious.

Methos raises an eyebrow in surprise, while he looks at Nikki in silence, then he moves to the computer to log out of the Watcher's database. He soon moves to the stairs wondering what's up.

Nikki heads up the stairs and into Methos' bedroom. She walks over to the window and stares out of it

Nikki: I need to disappear for a while.

Nikki says without turning around.

Haley had watched Nikki disappear upstairs and heads over to the couch and plops down to wait.

Methos looks at Nikki's back while he leans against the door frame.

Methos: Care to tell me what's going on?

Nikki: Haley got a letter from the probation department saying that because she missed her required visit with her dad the day Jeffery abducted her....they are going to violate her probation and she will have to leave the ranch and move back in with the father who molested her from practically birth.

Nikki explains.

Nikki: Right now there's no legal recourse to stop it and I won't let her go back to live with the man she's terrified of.

Nikki adds, then turns around to face Methos.

Methos: Great, just what the kid needed.

Methos sighs, as he wishes Immortals just left mortals alone and concentrate on playing with each other without putting some mortals in the middle of it.

Nikki: I figure if she and I disappear it will give me time to come up with something. Ally's going to work on things from her end but she didn't sound promising.

Nikki says with a shrug.

Methos: Well, she only needs to turn 18, no?

Methos points out, not that he ever bothered to study law like Aldria did.

Methos: She's what? 17?

Nikki: Technically she 16....almost 17. Of course her new identity has her as being 17. but that won't help with the legal stuff.

Nikki answers.

Methos: No, she needs some time to turn 18.

Methos nods in agreement.

Methos: So where are you planning to go?

Nikki walks up to Methos and looks up at him.

Nikki: It might be better if you didn't know. Plausible deniability.

Nikki says and reaches up, placing her hand on his cheek.

Nikki: I'm going to miss you.

Nikki says so softly her voice is almost a whisper.

Methos: Yes, same here, but you can call you know?

Methos answers as he frowns at that "It's better if you don't know." She didn't think he was going to tell anyone, did she?

Nikki 's eyes fill with tears as she cups her hand on the back of his neck and pulls him to her....kissing him passionately.

Nikki: I love you, Methos.

Nikki whispers between kisses.

Nikki: And I always will.

Nikki intensifies the passion of her kiss then breaks it off and rushes out of the room.

Methos looks at the door, while he thinks, "There she goes." Then he smiles the woman could move fast, he walks out of the room hoping to be able to talk to her before she left the house.

Methos: Hey Nikki, I don't see a reason why you can't tell me where you're going, you think I'm going to blow the whistle on you?

Methos says as he climbs down the stairs.

Nikki stops halfway down the stairs.

Nikki: No. I just thought it would be easier for you. I didn't want to drag you into this mess.

Nikki says as she quickly wipes the tears from her face.

Methos: Actually it would be easier if I knew you were alright.

Methos says as he looks for a clean handkerchief inside his pockets.

Methos: It wouldn't help at all if I kept wondering where you were.

Nikki: I'm taking Haley home.

Nikki says softly....hoping Methos knows what she means by "home".  She doesn't want to break down in front of Methos so she starts down the stairs.

Methos: Yes, probably a good idea, and she'll like it there.

Methos nods approvingly as he follows her downstairs.

Nikki glances into the living room at Haley and nods toward the door, signaling that it is time to leave.

Haley sighs and slowly gains her feet.

Methos: Well, if you want me to drive to the airport, let me know.

Methos offers wondering if he should get the handkerchieves he kept on his desk.

Methos: Or get you a diversion so the cops won't follow your track.

Nikki reaches to the back of her neck and unclasps the gold chain she has always worn around her neck. She shoots a look to Haley to go on out to the truck then turns and looks at Methos. She holds out her closed fist.

Haley steps outside the door, and pulls it shut behind her and leans up against the side of the house, waiting.

Methos extends his hand once he realizes Nikki wants to give him something.

Nikki drops the chain with the amethyst crystal spear into Methos' hand.



 
Nikki: Early in my mortality this was given to me by a Lakota Shaman and I have never taken it off. When you look at it.....hopefully you'll remember me.

Nikki says and her voice cracks at the end. She rushes up to Methos...quickly kisses him again and turns and runs out of the house before her tears begin to flow again.

Methos: I'll take care of it, until you return.

Methos closes his hand around it and puts his hand against his heart.

Nikki runs to her truck and gets in.

Haley follows Nikki to her truck and gets in the passenger side. Sensing the mood Nikki is in, she says nothing.

Nikki hand trembles as she tries to put the key into the ignition. She fumbles the keys and they drop to the floor.

Methos takes a deep breath as he watches the girls go inside the truck, he wonders what is it with Immortals that never seem to live a quiet life even there isn't a challenge or an enemy Immortal around. "Fate?" He murmurs under his breath.

Nikki picks up the keys and tries again. After fumbling them she finally gets them into the ignition and starts the truck. She squeals the tires as she pulls away from the curb. As she heads for the freeway, tears stream down her cheeks.

 
To be continued

Offline 22639

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Part 3
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2012, 12:09:49 pm »
 Nikki drives the 39 miles to Fall City, WA in silent thought. When she gets to the small town of Fall City she follows the directions Craig had given her which leads her to an old abandoned farm. She pulls in behind the dilapidated remnants of a barn and shuts off the engine of her truck.


Nikki: Grab everything.


Nikki says to Haley and gets out of her truck. She grabs her duffel bag, her pool stick case with the false (and ex-ray proof) bottom and laptop case and locks up the truck. She walks into the old barn and and looks around. In the center of the barn is a tarp covered vehicle. Nikki goes over to it and pulls the tarp off, revealing, probably, the ugliest car she had ever seen.





Haley
follows Nikki, having grabbed all her things.



Haley
: ****! I thought we were trying to avoid being noticed.


Haley
says looking at the car.



Nikki
: It definitely has a bad case of the uglies.


Nikki says with a laugh.

Nikki: I guess Craig figured no one would think I would drive anything so ugly.

Nikki adds, still laughing.

Nikki: Let's put our stuff in the back.

Nikki says. As she opens the lift back door it falls so that it is hanging by one of its two hinges. She quickly looks around as she holds on to the door.

Nikki: Haley see if you can find some wire or rope or something.

Nikki asks, holding onto the door with one hand and tossing her duffel bag into the back of the car with the other.

Haley sets her things down by the back of the car and starts looking around the barn. After a bit, she finds a thing of rope, with about an arms with of good rope too it.

Nikki: Hang on to this.

Nikki says to Haley and waits until Haley has a firm grip on the door. She takes the rope and ties the broken hinge together then tosses the rest of their belongings into the back of the car.

Nikki: Ok....now let it down easy.

Nikki instructs and when the lift back door's latch lines up with the catch she wires them together enough until she can crawl into the back of the car and wire the door shut from the inside.

Nikki: Go open the back doors of the barn.

Nikki instructs Haley as she climbs into the drivers seat and feels underneath it for the key Craig said would be there. When she has it she puts it into the ignition and says a silent prayer that Craig thought to make sure the battery was charged and there was enough gas in the car to get them to a gas station. As Haley opens the barn doors, Nikki turns the key and the ugly old car starts right up. She breathes the words, “thank you, Jesus” and motions to Haley to get in. As soon as she is in and snapping her seat belt, Nikki drives out of the barn and heads for the main road.

Haley: Now where are we headed too?

Haley asks as Nikki reaches the main road, having waited patiently until then.

Nikki: Salt Lake City where we'll catch a train to Nashville then drive to Pennsylvania or maybe New York then get on a plane.

Nikki explains as they head for the state highway.

Haley: Is this thing even going to make it that far?

Haley asks skeptically.

Nikki reaches around her neck and removes a chain with a medallion on it and she hangs it from the rear view mirror.

Nikki: St. Christopher. Patron Saint of Travelers.

Nikki says with a smile.

Nikki: Just have faith.

Nikki says, although she is pretty confident that Craig wouldn't set her up with a car that would break down. He knew what was at stake.

Nikki: You know.....I never asked you......do you know how to drive?

Nikki asks, glancing sideways at Haley.

Haley: Yeah. I'd had my learner's permit before I was arrested. They revoked it. Though I guess ah... Cynthia’s got her license.

Haley says pausing a moment to double check her new identity.

Nikki: Ok. Then try and get some sleep. I'll drive for as long as I can.

Nikki suggests.
***12 hours later***
Nikki sees a sign that says "San Jacinto....4 miles. Gas...Food....lodging".

Nikki: Haley.

Nikki says and reaches over to gently shake Haley.

Haley: Huh? What?

Haley asks sitting up.

Nikki: Were coming to a town. Need to go to the bathroom?

Nikki asks, rolling the window down so the fresh air will help Nikki stay awake.

Haley: Yeah. I guess. How are you doing? You doing okay?

Haley asks.

Nikki: I'm tired but Ok

Nikki answers.

Haley sees a sign welcoming them to San Jacinto.

Haley: Is this were we were going to catch a train, or something?

Haley asks.

Nikki: No. We'll do that in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Nikki says as they pass a sign that says "welcome to San Jacinto, Nevada" and she sees a 76 gas station up ahead.

Haley: Oh. We gonna stop for a while, or just keep going?

Haley asks.

Nikki: I'm not sure what is available here. Looks like a pretty small town. If they have a motel....we could stop and get some real sleep and head out in the morning.

Nikki says as she pulls into the gas station and up to one of the 2 antique looking gas pumps.

Nikki: I'll take care of the gas if you need to use the little girl's room.

Nikki says, getting out of the ugly car.

Haley: A real bed would be nice.

Haley mutters and heads into the station, only to emerge a few minutes later with a key to the bathroom, attached to a florescent pink painted toilet seat. The men's bathroom's toilet seat key was painted green.

Nikki sees what Haley carries out of the small gas station store and bursts into laughter.  An old toothless man comes out of the garage and walks up to Nikki and asks if she needs any help.

Nikki: Actually....

Nikki says after sticking the gas pump nozzle into the gas tank hole.

Nikki: The sign a few miles back said lodging. Is there a motel here?

Nikki asks as the old man gets a handful of paper towels and begins to wash the windshield. Nikki leans against the cart.  The old man tells her that there's a small motel at the other end of the main drag which is the highway they are currently on and that it may or may not have a vacancy. He then says that the only other "lodging" would be a small camp ground about 4 miles out of town but he didn't recommend that because there had been some problems "up there a few nights ago," he says.

Nikki: What kind of problems?

Nikki asks. The old man tells her that a camper went missing and they haven't found the guy yet.

Nikki: How does someone in this small a town go missing?

Nikki asks, trying not to show her amusement.  The old man finishes with the windows and tosses the paper towels into the trash can. He walks up and takes hold of the pump nozzle and tops off the tank as he tells her that one theory is Garrison's ghost.

Nikki: Garrison's ghost?

Nikki says, fighting to keep from giggling.  “Garrison was a prospector back in the 1800s who had opened a silver mine in the foothills behind the town. He worked that mine for 5 years and finally struck a huge vein of silver.  When word got out crooks began to try and take the mine from him and one day there was a strange explosion that collapsed the mine...killing Garrison. Or so the story goes,” the old man says. “In 1943 the mine and surrounding land were declared a historical landmark and the small campground was built at the base of the foothills.  Every 4 years or so.....a camper will turn up missing and the story goes that it's Old Garrison's ghost claiming their souls because they are trespassing on his land,” the old man says. “But...like I said....that's just the town legend.  A story told to kids around a campfire.  Nobody really believes it. That'll be $17.12,” the old man adds, holding out his hand.

Nikki: Sounds like someone's been watching too many low budget horror movies.

Nikki thinks to herself as she lays a $20 bill in the old man's hand.
Haley leaves the bathroom and quickly darts back inside, depositing the bathroom key on the counter, then leaves and heads back out to the car, and Nikki

Nikki: Ready, Cynthia?

Nikki says, using Haley's new name.

Nikki: Thank you.

Nikki says to the old man as he hands her her change. She walks over to the drivers door as the old man returns to whatever he was doing in the garage. She gets into the car and closes the door.

Haley: Yeah. Linda.

Haley says after a moment.  She gets inside and sits, pulling on her seat belt

Nikki: There's a motel on the other side of town. If they have a vacancy we can spend the night and get some sleep.

Nikki says as she starts the ugly car and pulls out of the gas station.

Haley: That'd be great.

Haley sighs, shifting a little. The car seat wasn't the most comfortable.

Nikki: According to the old man at the gas station....it's a very small motel and may not have a vacancy...since the town is full of search and rescue people.

Nikki says as she keeps her eyes peeled for a motel sign.

Haley:Search and rescue people?

Haley says, nervously.

Haley: Why?

Nikki: Yeah. The only other "lodging" in this town is a small camp ground at the base of the foothills and some camper went missing yesterday....or last night.

Nikki explains.

Haley: Oh.

Haley says softly.

Nikki: It seems that this dinky little town has a ghostly legend and some of the locals believe the ghost is responsible for the missing camper.

Nikki says with a little chuckle as she spots the motel sign and points to it.

Nikki: There it is.

Nikki announces. She pulls into the parking lot and shuts off the car.

Nikki: I'll go see if they have any vacancies. Be right back.

Nikki says and gets out of the car. She heads into the office and rings the bell on the counter.

Haley: Okay.

Haley says, not moving.

Nikki asks if there is a vacancy when an older lady walks out of the apartment behind the office and is informed that the motel is full. The woman suggests the campground just as her husband joins her behind the desk. Nikki says that they have no camping gear and asks how far the next town with a motel is.  The husband tells Nikki that the next motel is in Elko which is 220 miles from them. When Nikki groans at the thought of two more hours on the road, the husband snaps his fingers and tells her he has an idea.  He tells her that he and his wife have a small nylon tent, a couple of sleeping bags and air mattresses...a camp stove and a couple of lanterns and...since he can tell how tired Nikki is...he would be more than happy to loan the equipment to Nikki so she and her traveling partner can get some sleep and they can return the equipment in the morning.  Nikki is surprised with the man's generosity. She offers to pay rental on the equipment but the wife refuses. The husband tells Nikki to pull her car around to the backside of the motel where their garage is and the equipment is stored and he'll meet her there. Nikki thanks him and hurries out of the office. She gets into the car and starts the engine.

Nikki: Well...looks like we're out of luck for a motel room tonight.

Nikki announces to Haley as she drives the ugly car around to the back of the motel.

Haley: Great. So what now?

Haley asks.

Nikki: Never fear. I ALWAYS have a plan B.

Nikki says with a snicker.

Nikki: The old couple who own the motel are loaning us their camping equipment and we'll be sleeping under the stars tonight. Good thing we've got good weather.

Nikki says as she pulls up to the garage just as the owner raises the garage door and switches on a flood light.

Haley: Oh... well that could be worse.

Haley says softly, thankful that there would be camping equipment and hopped that'd mean blankets or sleeping bags. She'd slept outside, without them before

Nikki: Worse than what?

Nikki asks as she opens the door and starts to get out of the car.

Haley: The weather.

Haley says.

Nikki: Oh. Ok.

Nikki says and walks over to the garage. The motel owner disappears into the cluttered garage that looks as though it has never had a car in it....just the couple's accumulated treasures. The man reappears carrying a small nylon bag and two sleeping bags. Nikki takes them from him and as she heads for the ugly car, the man disappears back into the clutter.  Nikki tosses the items she is carrying into the back of the car, through the front seat so she doesn't have to fight with the wired up lift back. She turns and heads back to the garage as the motel owner emerges carrying a plastic milk crate with a small camp stove, two lanterns and a couple of spare propane bottles. He explains that he doesn't know how much fuel is in the stove and lanterns so he put in the extra bottles just in case. Nikki takes the crate from the man just as his wife joins them. Nikki sets it on the drivers seat...thanking them man....who turns to walk back to the garage. Nikki turns to the woman and hands her 3 20 dollar bills rolled up...making sure that the man doesn't see her and she winks at the woman who smiles and winks back.  Nikki thanks the woman again and vows to see them in the morning, then she moves the crate to the back seat and gets in the ugly car.

Nikki: Amazing.

Nikki says as she backs the car around to the front of the motel.

Haley: What is?

Haley asks.

Nikki: That there are still people in this world that haven't been jaded by the way things are these days. Who are trusting and generous.

Nikki replies.

Haley: Oh.

Haley says softly, knowing full well that SHE isn't one of them.

Nikki: That's the beauty of small towns like this that are off the beaten path.

Nikki explains as she pulls out of the motel parking lot and follows the owner's directions to the campground.

Nikki: They tend to shield their people from the harsh realities of the world outside of their little community.

Nikki adds.

Haley: I'll take your word for it.

Haley says softly, just looking out the window.
Nikki stops at a small grocery store that is still open and buys some groceries then resumes their trek to the campground.  The ugly car rattles loudly as Nikki navigates it over the dirt road...even though it is considered to be a grated road....on the way to the campground.

Haley: Lucky them.

Haley mutters

Nikki: Remind me to thank my friend Craig for having such wonderful taste in cars.

Nikki grumbles as they bounce over rough furrows carved into the dirt road.

Haley: No kidding.

Haley mutters

The dirt road widens and they are suddenly staring at a large Nevada Forest Service sign welcoming them into the Nevada State Forest and Campground. Nikki follows the road through the gate and pulls up to the empty guard shack. She takes one of the registration cards and quickly fills it out then slips it through the slot in the guard shack door. She pulls the car up a little more and stops in front of a large map of the small campground and recreation area. She gets her bearings and drives slowly until they find an empty campsite. She parks the car and shuts it off.

Nikki: This looks like a nice out of the way spot.

Nikki says as she gets out of the car and walks around to the back.

Haley: That's for sure.

Haley says, as she slowly gets out of the car after Nikki.

Nikki: Can you crawl through and undo the rope that's holding the lift back shut?

Nikki asks Haley as she begins to untie the make shift hinge.  Within 20 minutes, Nikki has their tent set up and the sleeping bags laid out inside of it....the camp stove is open and ready to go on the picnic table and she is pumping fuel into the wick of the second lantern....the first one now sits on the floor of the tent.

Nikki: Are you hungry?

Nikki asks Haley once she is satisfied with their campsite.

Haley: I could eat.

Haley replies with a smile

Nikki: Ok.

Nikki says and rummages through their new ice chest and the other grocery bags. She hands a small saucepan to Haley.

Nikki: Would you go put some water in this, please?

Nikki asks and points to the water faucet near where they turned into the campsite from the road.

Haley takes the pot and heads to get some water.

Nikki prepares some fried slices of Spam, buttered hominy and grilled garlic bread and serves it on paper plates. When they have finished eating she tosses the paper plates in the garbage and cleans up their site...securing their food inside the car from wildlife. She hangs the hand towel she used to clean up on a limb of a small tree and looks at Haley.

Nikki: I don't know about you but I'm beat. I'm going to turn in.

Nikki announces and heads for the tent.

Haley: That sounds good to me. Something that's not moving!

Haley sighs with a grin and follows Nikki into the tent.

 

 
To be continued

Offline 22639

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Part 4
« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2012, 12:46:58 am »
The part of Methos is temporarily being understudied.

***A beautifully warm afternoon***


 
Nikki, dressed in a pair of cut offs and a tank top has the garden hose in hand and is in the middle of washing her truck.

 
Methos comes out of Nikki's house and walks toward Nikki.

 
Methos: You missed a spot.

 
Methos teases.

 
Nikki sets the hose down and stands on a log to reach the top of the truck with the soapy sponge. She looks around.

 
Nikki: Where?
 
Methos hurries up behind her and scoops her off the log.


 
Methos: Here.

 
Methos takes the sponge and squeezes the soapy water onto Nikki. He laughs.

 
Nikki squeals.


 
Nikki:   Oh you brat!
 
Methos: Me? Yep.
 
Nikki wriggles free and picks up the hose and turns it on Methos.
 
Nikki: Oh yeah?
 
Methos jumps back trying to avoid the spray from the hose, but is unsuccessful.

 
Nikki: Well take that.
 
Nikki laughs.
 
Methos tries to dodge the spray to get to Nikki.

 
Nikki opens the nozzle all the way and drenches him.

 
Methos starts laughing, already soaked lunges for Nikki and grabs the hose, turning it on her.

 
Nikki: ahhh!!!

 
Nikki squeals and runs for cover on the other side of the truck.

 
Methos: There. You take THAT, you brat!

 
Methos ducks down and slowly works his way around the truck trying to catch her. He quickly stands and sprays over the top of the truck.

 
Nikki grabs the bucket of soapy water as she skirts around the back of the T-bird. She comes around to his side and dumps the bucket's contents on him. She drops the now empty bucket and turns to run away.

 
Methos grabs her and pulls her onto the now muddy ground.


 
Methos:   Not so fast, you!

 
Nikki is giggling. She turns over on her back and looks up at him.


 
Methos brushes her hair from her face, leaving a streak of mud on her cheek. He chuckles.

 
Nikki: Oh. You think that's funny, huh?
 
Methos: Yes, I do.
 
Nikki says mischievously.

 
Methos sticks his hand in the mud and rubs her other cheek with mud.

 
Nikki grabs a handful of mud and rubs it on his face.

 
Methos sputters.

 
Nikki:   Yeah. You're right; it is funny. Now.
 
Nikki laughs.

 
Methos rubs a dollop of mud across her nose.

 
Nikki:   Oooooo...you're asking for it mister.


 
Methos:   Guess I am at that.
 
Nikki pulls his shirt tail up and puts mud on his back under his shirt.

 
Methos:   Ewwww...
 
Nikki tries to playfully wriggle out from under him.


 
Methos takes a big glob of mud and drops it down the front of her tank top.

 
Nikki gasps in surprise and because the mud is cold.


 
Nikki:   OK. You wanna play that way?


 
Methos:   What are you going to do about it, huh?

 
Methos taunts.

 
Nikki shoves a handful of soapy mud down the back of his pants.

 
Methos: oh, no! Not there.

 
Methos laughs. He smears mud down both her legs.


 
Nikki uses his distraction and manages to wiggle free. She reaches for the hose which is just inches out of reach.

 
Methos doesn't get much mud on her legs before she wiggled out. He rolls over just in time to get hosed down.


 
Methos:   oh! That's cold!

 
Nikki takes the nozzle and pushes it past his belt and down the front of his jeans.

 
Methos:   No fair!
 
Methos tries to pull the hose out of his pants.


 
Nikki leaves it there and jumps up and runs as fast as she can toward the house.

 
Methos gets the hose and aims it at Nikki as she runs toward the house.

 
Nikki reaches the porch and turns to face Methos and sticks out her tongue at him.

 
Methos: Didn't your Ma tell you it wasn't polite to stick out your tongue?

 
Methos looks at the mud on himself and his clothes. He peels off his shirt and hoses himself down.

 
Methos:   I need a shower. I've got mud in places I don't want it.

 
Nikki opens her eyes and realizes that she isn't on the porch of her house but inside a sleeping bag in a tent and, as soon as the fog of sleep clears her head, she remembers where she is and why.  She turns over so that her back is to Haley, buries her face in her pillow and silently cries for what she had to leave behind before drifting back to sleep.

 

 
To be continued

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Part 5
« Reply #4 on: July 05, 2012, 01:44:30 pm »
 Nikki finishes washing up their breakfast dishes and she calls to Haley.

Nikki: Cynthia? You ready to go check out this abandoned mine?

Haley: Sure?

Haley says with a shrug.

Nikki secures their dishes in the tent and zips it shut.

Nikki: Ok. Let's go.

Nikki says and leads the way to where a crowd has gathered.

Haley follows after Nikki.

Nikki stands near the back of the crowd and silently observes the activity for several minutes.

The Ranger moves around the command center that is set up under a canopy near the entrance to the mine.

Suddenly the ground beneath Nikki's feet began to tremble and a distant rumbling sound echoed up through the entrance to the mine.

The Ranger: Damn. There's been a cave in.

The Ranger says to the volunteers gathered near the mine entrance. Two rescuers dressed in yellow jumpsuits and wearing helmets with masks come staggering out. A couple of medical volunteers rush to the two men's aid and the Ranger hurries over to them and talks to them for several minutes. The two men are given oxygen masks and one points to a spot on the map of the mine the Ranger has been carrying around. Finally the Ranger comes back over to the group of volunteers.

The Ranger: I need volunteers to go down there and check things out.

The Ranger announces. Because of the town being so small and remote the State Ranger Service has only assigned a few full time rescuers to look for the missing camper. And they have all sustained varying injuries leaving the Ranger with only the local volunteers...none of which seem too eager to venture into the unstable depths of the abandoned mine.

Nikki steps up and raises her hand.

Nikki: I'll go.

Nikki speaks up.

Haley: Uh, is that such a good idea?

Haley whispers to Nikki.

Nikki: I'll be fine.

Nikki whispers to Haley and winks.

Nikki: I've done a bit of spelunking so I'm well aware of what I'll be going into. I also used to be a surgical nurse in the Army so I'm probably the best person for the job.

Nikki says in hopes of dissuading the Ranger's doubts.

The Ranger realizes that this young woman is the only one volunteering and he frowns.

The Ranger: I don't like you going down there alone.

The Ranger says, scowling.

Nikki: I'll move faster by myself. Please, believe me, I'm going to be careful. I'll go as far as I can and film my progress so when I return you'll be able to see what I saw.

Nikki looks at the other volunteers and then looks back at the Ranger and holds up her hands, questioningly.

Nikki: Do you have another option, Capt. Marks?

The Ranger looks around at the volunteers and shakes his head.

The Ranger: I guess not.

The Ranger motions for one of the other rangers to bring over the equipment and within a few minutes has Nikki dressed in a turnout jacket, small portable oxygen tank, helmet with a headlight and camera mounted on it and a mask. He gives her a coil of rope and a first aid kit. He escorts her to the entrance of the mine and gives her some last minute instructions.



The Ranger: Good luck.

The Ranger says and pats Nikki on the shoulder.

The Ranger: And be careful.

The Ranger adds.

Nikki: Always.

Nikki turns to Haley and smiles reassuringly

Nikki: Don't worry. I'll be back before you can say supercalifragilisticexpe​allidosious.

Nikki says with a wink.

Haley: Yeah, right.

Haley says with a small smile and a roll of her eyes.

Nikki: Why don't you see if you can help the rescuers up here to keep you busy so you don't worry?

Nikki suggests.

Haley: Okay.

Haley nods, agreeing. Figuring she'd wait until Nikki went down the shaft before doing so.

Nikki: And no flirting with the cute firemen.

Nikki says and winks. She turns and heads into the abandoned mine, switches on both the camera and the light and begins her trek through the maze of tunnels.







Nikki gets to the first signs of a recent cave in.




Nikki, as she carefully climbs through the opening, suddenly feels the buzz of another Immortal.

Nikki: Oh great. And me without my sword.

Nikki mutters to herself. As she clears the rubble of the cave in she smells the distinctive odor of decaying flesh. She reaches into her jeans pocket and takes out a tube of medicated chapstick and smears some under her nose so the only thing she can smell is the menthol of the chapstick. She continues along the tunnel, cautiously. The Immortal buzz doesn't get any stronger but it doesn't weaken either which unnerves her but she continues on until she gets to a more open part of the tunnel>​>​>




>>>> and looks around. As her flashlight moves around the tunnel she notices that the light is being reflected off certain places on the walls and she trains the light on one and discovers that what is reflecting the light is a thin vein of silver. Upon further investigation she discovers several similar veins on both walls. Suddenly she hears a faint rumbling sound that sounds like a train getting closer. Then the ground begins to tremble under her feet. The tremor intensifies and small pieces of rock begins to rain down from the tunnel's ceiling.

Nikki: ****!

Nikki exclaims and looks around. She sees that the wooden support beams are closer together a few yards ahead of her so she heads for that area as larger chunks of the tunnel's ceiling begin to fall.

Haley eyes widen as the ground shakes again.

The Ranger: Not again.

The Ranger grumbles.

Haley: Oh no!

Haley whispers, worriedly, trying to remind herself that Nikki would be okay.

The Ranger: Redlands? Have you got a location of that last tremor?

The Ranger asks, standing behind one of the firemen who is staring at a screen that looks like a submarine's sonar screen.

The fireman says, "it appears the tremor originated about 2 miles down, Captain. But it's hard to say if it was strong enough to cause a cave in."

The Ranger takes his hand radio off of his belt and keys the mike.

The Ranger: This is Capt. Marks.

The Ranger stops and looks over at Haley.

The Ranger: What's your friend's name?

The Ranger asks her.

Haley: Linda.

Haley answers.

The Ranger keys up the mike on his radio again.

The Ranger: This is Captain Marks. Linda? Do you copy?

The Ranger says and waits for a reply.

Nikki ducks under a large overhead beam to avoid being hit in the head by the large chunks of the ceiling that are falling around her.

The Ranger: Linda? This is Capt. Marks. Do you copy?

The Ranger tries again

The Ranger: Linda.....do you copy?

The Ranger says, speaking louder. But all he gets back is static.

Haley: What does that mean?

Haley demands.

The Ranger: It could mean any number of things.

The Ranger says as he holsters his hand radio.

The Ranger: It could be lead in the rock or whatever heavy metals might be in the rock. Coupled with how ever deep she may be into the mine.

The Ranger sees the worried look on Haley's face.

The Ranger: I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.

The Ranger says, trying to sound reassuring

Haley: If it was, then you wouldn't be worried.

Haley says flatly.

The Ranger: Who says I'm worried?

The Ranger says, trying to sound flippant. The fireman monitoring the sonar screen rolls his eyes.

Haley: You are. You're sweating, you weren't before. Your hands are trembling slightly and you won't meet my eyes.

Haley states flatly.

The Ranger looks at the young girl.

The Ranger: What are you? Some sort of genius detective?

The Ranger asks...a bit surprised at the teenager's powers of observation.

Haley snorts a little in discuss.

Haley: I have eyes.

Haley rolls hers.

Another tremor shakes the ground beneath their feet. This time actually knocking a few things off of table tops under the canopy.

The beam above Nikki's head begins to creak and grown. Nikki looks up and decides that the old wooden beam isn't going to take much more stress and she'd better get out from under it so she hurries deeper into the tunnel.  As Nikki moves further into the tunnel, the area where she had just been collapses, blocking her only exit.

Nikki: Oh great.

Nikki grumbles. Suddenly she feels the Immortal buzz again. It can only be coming from behind her. So she cautiously advances deeper into the mine.

Garrison is in a chamber deep inside his mine when the rumble of the cave-in shakes the walls, floor and ceiling of the chamber. He looks up at the support beams to see if they are going to hold. Seeing that they are he picks up his pick ax and starts to venture into one of two tunnel entrances that branch off of the chamber when he feels the buzz of another Immortal...even though he doesn't know that is what he is feeling. He simply attributes the buzzing in his head to breathing the bad air of the mine. He decides that maybe he should head to the surface for some fresh air before he goes back to work.

Nikki feels the buzz get stronger as she moves further along the tunnel. She picks up a large piece of wood and holds it like a club as she moves ahead.

The buzz in Garrison's head grows more intense and he feels lightheaded. He goes over to the cot he has set up in the chamber and lays down to wait for the feeling to pass so he can go "up top" to get some fresh air.

Garrison: You really should invest in a portable oxygen tank and mask.

Garrison says softly to himself.

Nikki stops when she sees a light coming from several yards ahead of her. The buzz is stronger now so she moves closer to the wall of the tunnel and shuts off the "head light" on her helmet. She also notices that this part of the tunnel seems to have more support beams than previously. As she eases along the wall of the tunnel, the light ahead begins to get brighter and the buzz gets stronger.

Garrison's head feels like it is going to explode. He sits up and puts his head in his hands.

Nikki creeps ahead and realizes that the light ahead of her is coming from what looks to be a chamber of the mine. She moves forward, silently until she is close enough to be able to see into the chamber yet still out of site from whoever may be in there. From what she can see the chamber is well lit and it shows definite signs that someone has taken up residency in it because she can see a table with a camp stove on one end, a chair, a barrel that looks like it has water in it, a clothes line with some clothes pinned to it, a wheel barrow and several tools used to dig and break rocks.

Another rumble comes from the same direction the last one came from but this time Garrison doesn't check his supports...distracted by his headache.

Nikki moves closer to the opening and sees a man sitting on the edge of a cot and holding his head in his hands. She knows that he is the source of the buzz. She looks around the chamber for his sword but doesn't see anything that looks like a weapon except for the holster with a revolver in it that is hanging from a nail in one of the support posts and a rifle leaning against the same post. The fact that the Immortal hasn't come looking for the source of the buzz he is obviously feeling and the fact that he isn't looking towards the door are the actions of a new Immortal. Nikki lays her "club" on the ground and moves swiftly but silently into the chamber and over to the post where the rifle is leaning. She grabs the rifle and levels it off at the man.

Nikki: That feeling you're having is called a buzz and it tells you that another Immortal is near. That Immortal would be me.

Nikki says, cocking the rifle.

Haley: You think she's dead, don't you?

Haley asks the ranger once the shaking subsides.

Ranger sighs, and decides to tell the girl the truth.

Ranger: It is likely.

Ranger admits.

Haley just snorts.

Haley: We'll see.

Haley says then turns and walks away.

Ranger watches the teenager walk back to where she is assisting, and shakes his head sadly. After a moment he turns back to running the rescue operations.

Garrison looks up, suddenly, and sees a woman aiming his rifle at him.

Garrison: What do you mean...another Immortal?

Garrison asks, confused. The buzzing in his head seems to have died down....or at least he was getting used to it.

Nikki looks into the man's eyes and can see that he is sincerely confused.

Nikki: Who are you?

Nikki asks...still aiming the rifle at him.

Garrison: I should be asking you that and what are you doing in my mine?

Garrison answers Nikki's question with a question.

Nikki: Your mine? You're Garrison?

Nikki asks, surprised.

Garrison: Yup. I am. And you're trespassing.

Garrison says. He wants to stand up but he decides it is not a great idea with the woman still aiming his rifle at him.

Nikki: Ok, Mr. Garrison. My name is Nikki. Do you know what year this is?

Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow curiously.

Garrison: Yup. It's 2000 something. I've lost track of the exact year.

Garrison says, removing his hat and scratching his head.

Nikki: Right. 2012 to be exact. And you were killed in a cave-in in 1844.

Nikki says, watching his reaction.

Garrison: Well....that's what everyone thinks. But I was just knocked out. I just let everyone continue to believe I was dead so I could continue working in my mine in peace. Especially after they declared it a historical monument.

Garrison explains.

Nikki: No, Mr. Garrison. You definitely died in that cave-in. That's why you could feel me coming and why I could feel your presence.

Nikki takes off her helmet and removes the small camera from the front of it, while keeping the rifle aimed at Garrison. She trains the camera at him and takes a picture. Then she walks over to him.

Nikki: I want to show you something, Mr. Garrison. I'm going to lower the rifle but, please, don't try anything crazy because I will still shoot you.

Nikki warns Garrison. She lowers the rifle and rewinds the video then holds the small screen so Garrison can see it and shows him the image she took of him.

Nikki: I just took this picture of you.

Nikki explains

Garrison looks at the image of himself and is shocked. Since he doesn't shave (As most old prospectors don't) he hasn't needed and has never owned a mirror and when he has sneaked out of the mine and gone to one of the nearby for supplies, he never noticed his reflection in the store windows.

Garrison: I look the same as I did.

Garrison says, dumbfounded.

Nikki: That's because you were killed in that cave-in and when an Immortal dies the first time....they will no longer age. I'm over 170 years old. Do I look it?

Nikki says, stepping back for him to see her better.

Haley mutters under her breath. Cursing know-it-all rangers who know jack-****.

The floor, walls, and ceiling of the chamber begin to tremble as another tremor shakes the hill the mine is under.

Nikki braces herself until the earth stop shaking. When it does there is a renewed odor of wet dirt and the unmistakable odor of decaying flesh. She puts her hand over her nose.

Nikki: What is that smell?

Nikki asks, demandingly.

Nikki: Smells like something died down here.

Garrison: Yeah. Does that every time the earth shakes things up.

Garrison says and his voice sounds awkward.

Ranger: Dammit!

Ranger curses.

Ranger: What's causing all these tremors, have we gotten any word from the USGS?

Ranger asks.

Haley: Come on, Nikki. Come back.

Haley whispers to herself, keeping an eye on the ranger command.

Ranger: Low level earthquakes. Nothing to worry about. Great.

Ranger mutters, skimming over what the United States Geological Society had sent them.

Ranger: Nothing to worry about unless your underground.

Nikki: So there is something dead down here?

Nikki asks, incredulously.

Garrison: yeah. A couple of somethings. Or somebodies.

Garrison says with a shrug.

Nikki: Let me guess.

Nikki says and looks down at Garrison, disapprovingly.

Nikki: Those campers that have gone missing over the years.

Nikki says with a scowl.

Garrison: It may be 2012 but I'm from a time where trespassers and poachers were shot on sight. So, yeah. Those who have trespassed into my mine never left.

Garrison says in explanation.

Nikki: They weren't poachers. They were just curious campers. There's a whole legend about the ghost of the Garrison Mine. People camping in the campground at the base of the hill you built you mine in have reported hearing sounds and smells of food cooking coming from the mine. Stories like that attract a lot of curious people who want to see the ghost...or prove or disprove its existence

Nikki says in defense of the campers who had ventured into his mine.

Garrison: They were still trespassing. And it's not like I just shot them without giving them a chance to leave on their own. Once they figured out I wasn't a ghost they threatened to tell everyone the truth about me and that would defeat the purpose of my pretending to be dead. I had no choice.

Garrison explains.

Nikki shakes her head.

Nikki: You could have, at least, taken them out of the mine and buried them.

Nikki says, uncovering her nose to see if the odor has lessened.

Garrison: I put them in one of the tunnels that always caves in and I thought they would be buried by the cave ins. But sometimes the tremors shakes things up in that tunnel and the smell makes it through to this chamber.

Garrison says as another tremor causes small chunks of rock and dirt fall from the ceiling of the chamber. Some of the support beams and posts groan from the change in weight on them.

Garrison: Each year those things get stronger and stronger. I don't know what the earth is doing and I don't understand a lot of all of that science crap but I don't think she can take much more.

Garrison says, waving his arm to indicate the "she" he's taking about is his mine.

Nikki: Basically the human race has been very destructive to our planet and it is going through a lot of changes. Some good....some very bad.

Nikki says, sheepishly.

Haley has finally had it. Setting her stuff down, she marches up to the ranger.

Haley: Okay, that's my friend in there. And you're not doing squat. Why, not?

Haley demands.

Ranger sighs and shakes his head.

Ranger: It's too dangerous.

Haley: Then why the hell did you let her go down there, if you won't even go.

Haley demands.

Ranger: Well, for one she volunteered.

Ranger starts slowly.

Haley: That's bullshit and you know it. Even volunteering you should have been able to keep her from going down if it was that dangerous.

Haley says staring the ranger down.

Another tremor....much stronger than the last, causes more debris to fall and the lanterns hanging around the chamber for light begin to swing.

Garrison: I think we should probably get out of here. I haven't seen one this strong before and I'm not sure if the supports will hold.

Garrison says getting to his feet.

Ranger steadies himself on an outcropping as another quake occurs.

Ranger: Look, kid. I didn't realize it was going to be this dangerous, or I wouldn't have ever let her go in.

Ranger replies.

Nikki looks around at the swinging lanterns and the amounts of debris raining down on them.

Nikki: I think you're right.

Nikki says and grabs the rifle.

Garrison: Follow me.

Garrison says and heads for a small tunnel in the opposite direction of the tunnel she had used to get here.

Haley just glares at the ranger.

Nikki: Where are you going?

Nikki asks as she follows Garrison into the small tunnel.

Garrison: How do you think I have been able to come and go without anyone seeing me?

Garrison says as he feels his way in the dark tunnel that he is so familiar with that he doesn't need a light.

Nikki turns on the "head light" on her helmet.

Garrison leads Nikki through the tunnel. About 200 yards from his secret entrance another tremor shakes the tunnel and one of the support beams ahead of them groans then creaks loudly as it begins to crack under the pressure.

Garrison: Come on. Let's go.

Garrison says and grabs Nikki's hand. Even though they aren't able to straighten up in the small tunnel, Garrison starts to run as best he can.

Nikki drops the rifle and begins to run after Garrison.


Garrison hears another beam start to crack and the first one finally breaks all the way through and drops, showering the tunnel with rock and dirt. Garrison pulls Nikki through the debris just as another beam breaks through. Garrison looks up and sees a sheet of rock slide out from behind what is left of the support beam. He realizes that it's going to come slamming down on them so he gives Nikki a huge shove through what opening there is in the rubble.

Nikki stumbles through the small opening in the rubble ahead of them, totally shocked at being shoved so hard.

Garrison looks up as the sheet of rock speeds toward him.

Nikki looks back as soon as she has regained her footing, in time to see a thin sheet of rock with edges sharp as broken glass, slam down on Garrison and shearing off his head a smoothly as if she had done it with her sword.

Nikki: GARRISON!

Nikki calls out. Realizing that Garrison has been decapitated, she steps backward, away from the collapsed part of the tunnel just as slivers of electrical bolts leave Garrison's body and find their way to her. She drops to her knees as the Quickening begins.

Ranger: Jesus!

Ranger yells.

Ranger: Give me that phone. I'm going to get the USGS on the phone myself and find out what the hell is going on!

Ranger yells and stalks to the satellite phone the rangers have.

Haley just rolls her eyes and moves closer to the cave, hoping for sign of Nikki.

The Quickening starts as quickly as it had started. Because Garrison hadn't taken a head during his time as an Immortal his Quickening wasn't that strong...for which Nikki is grateful. She gets to her feet and runs the rest of the 200 yards left of the tunnel, just as it collapses behind her. She moves far enough away from the small well hidden entrance where she is safer and stops, turning and looking back.

Nikki: This time you're really dead.

Nikki says aloud. She catches her breath and looks at the sky for some idea of her location and which way to go to get back to the rescuers.

Ranger: Great, just what we need, a storm.

Ranger mutters spotting a few flashes of light, likely meaning lightening.

Haley also spots the the flashes of light. Remembering what had happened in the warehouse, Haley's breath catches in her throat.

Haley: Oh, please, oh please.

Haley whispers.

Nikki climbs over a large boulder out cropping and when she is on top of the boulder she sees the rescue control center below her and she looks for Haley.  She sees Haley and places the tips of her two pinky fingers against the tip of her tongue and blows...letting out a shrill whistle

Haley looks up at the sound a whistle and sees Nikki waving from up a ways on the mountain.

Haley: There she is!

Haley shouts pointing towards Nikki.

Nikki waves to Haley and quickly climbs down off of the boulder and jogs over to the teenager.

Ranger looks up at the girl's yell, and sees Linda standing up a ways. The woman must have found a small crevasse/cave to come up out of.

Ranger: Oh, thank God.

Ranger mutters.

Nikki: I told you I'd be alright.

Nikki says to Haley and winks.

Haley: You did, but... I was a little worried, when I saw flashes of light... like lightening.

Haley says softly to Nikki.

Nikki: I'll tell you later.

Nikki whispers to Haley.

Ranger: What did you see? How'd you get out?

Ranger demands, marching up to Linda.

Haley: 'Kay.

Haley murmurs back.

Nikki: Unfortunately with all of the cave-ins I went through the camera didn't make it.

Nikki lied, as she had dashed the camera against a rock as soon as she was out of the mine.

Nikki: But here's your helmet and flash light.

Nikki says handing them to the ranger.

Ranger: Damn... What did you see, then?

Ranger demands again, as he accepts the camera.

Nikki: In all of the spelunking I have done I have never seen a more dangerous place. The entrance should be cemented shut so that nobody else can get in. And as for the missing camper.....I didn't see any sign of him.

Nikki says to the ranger. She puts her arm around Haley and leads her toward their campsite....a mischievous smile on her face.

To be continued

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Part 6
« Reply #5 on: July 05, 2012, 01:58:08 pm »
 
***Nua Tosu Administration offices...10:00 AM***

 
Deputy Wallis: When did you first notice Miss Colsen missing?

 
Deputy Wallis asks the older girls' Adult Supervisor.

 
Adult Supervisor: I take roll call every morning at 6:00 AM...before I take the girls to breakfast.  She wasn't there then.

 
The Adult Supervisor answers.

 
Deputy Wallis:And nobody saw when she left?

 
Deputy Wallis asks, jotting notes in his notebook.

 
Adult Supervisor: If they did they aren't saying.

 
The Adult Supervisor says.

 
Tammy: You have to remember, Deputy, these kids are street kids and they would rather die than rat on each other.

 
Tammy, Nikki's administrative assistant, explains.

 
Adult Supervisor:  We take roll call every night at 9:00 PM.  She could have slipped out anytime after that.

 
Deputy Wallis: Has she done this before?

 
Adult Supervisor: There's nothing in her record stating she has.  I've only been their Adult Supervisor a month and this is the first time any of my girls have not been at roll call.

 
Tammy: Haley has been a model resident since she's been here.  She is one of our success stories.

 
Deputy Wallis:Is there anyone she has gotten particularly close to?  Someone who she might have confided in about her plans?

 
Adult Supervisor: The only person she has seemed to be close to, since I've been here, is Miss Flynn.

 
Deputy Wallis:Miss Flynn.  That's the owner of the ranch....right?

 
The Adult Supervisor nods silently.

 
Tammy nods silently.

 
Deputy Wallis:And where can I find Miss Flynn?

 
Tammy looks at her watch.

 
Tammy: This time of day....she's usually working down at the barn.

 
Deputy Wallis: Ok.  Thank you, ladies.  If you should hear from Miss Colsen give me a call.

 
Deputy Wallis says and hands both women a business card.  He tips his hat and leaves the office.  He heads for the barn.

 
Richard is standing next to the cab of a Peterbilt that has brought a load of hay and is talking to the truck driver.  He has a clipboard in his hands.  He signs the sheet of paper on the clipboard and hands it back to the driver who climbs into the truck cab.

 
Deputy Wallis: Excuse me.

 
Deputy Wallis says as he approaches the man whom he saw sign something...leading him to believe that the man must be someone in authority.

 
Richard turns toward the police Deputy.

 
Richard: Yes?

 
Deputy Wallis: Could you tell me where I could find Miss Flynn?

 
Richard: I'm afraid she hasn't come in yet this morning. I'm the ranch foreman so is there something I can do for you, Deputy?

 
Deputy Wallis walks up to Richard and holds out his hand.

 
Deputy Wallis: I'm Deputy Wallis and I'm here about the young lady who is missing.\

 
Richard quickly wipes the palm of his right hand on his jeans then takes the Deputy Wallis's hand and gives it a quick shake before letting it go.

 
Richard: Richard Williams.

 
Richard introduces himself.

 
Deputy Wallis: Are you expecting Miss Flynn soon, Mr. Williams?

 
Richard: Well.....since she's the owner of the place....and my boss....she doesn't really have a schedule. Sometimes she's here before the rest of us and sometimes...if she has a meeting in the city she will stay at a friend's place in the city the night before so we won't see her until later in the day when her meeting or meetings are over.

 
Deputy Wallis: Do you have a way of contacting her if you need her?

 
Richard: All I have is her cell phone number.

 
Richard answers and fishes his cell phone out of the pouch on his belt.  He flips it open and hits the speed dial number for Nikki then waits but his call goes straight to her voice mail.  He moves his phone away from his ear and shrugs at Deputy Wallis.

 
Richard: All I'm getting is her voice mail.  Which isn't surprising since she turns her phone off when she's in a meeting.

 
Deputy Wallis: Darn.  I was hoping to talk to her about the young lady who's missing.  According to the young lady's Adult Supervisor, Miss Flynn and the girl were fairly close and she might have some idea where the girl might be.

 
Deputy Wallis says, disappointedly.

 
Richard:I'm sure she will check in with me at some point.  She usually does.  I can have her call you if you leave me your number.

 
Deputy Wallis hands Richard one of his business cards.

 
Deputy Wallis: Ok.  I'd really appreciate it.

 
Deputy Wallis looks around and sees a few of the older boys helping to unload the load of hay from the flatbed trailer.

 
Deputy Wallis: How well do you know Miss Colsen, Mr. Williams?

 
Richard: Miss Colsen?

 
Richard asks, puzzled.

 
Deputy Wallis: Haley Colsen.  The missing girl.

 
Richard shakes his head.

 
Richard: To be honest....The only residents I know by name are the ones who spend a lot of time down here.  Haley.

 
Richard tries to put a face to the name.

 
Richard: I really can't recall Nikki...I mean Miss Flynn spending time exclusively with one particular girl.  At least not when she was down here.  Sorry.  I wish I could be more helpful.  But my job as ranch foreman doesn't include having anything more to do with the kids than to supervise them when they're working around the horses.

 
Deputy Wallis is obviously disappointed

 
Deputy Wallis:Ok, Mr. Williams.  If you can think of anything at all that might be helpful, please, give me a call at that number.

 
Deputy Wallis says, indicating his business card.

 
Deputy Wallis:And please ask Miss Flynn to call me.

 
Richard: I will.

 
Deputy Wallis: Thanks.

 
Deputy Wallis says and turns away.

 
Richard: Have a good day, Deputy Wallis.

 
Deputy Wallis: Thanks.

 
Deputy Wallis calls over his shoulder as he heads back to the administration building and his patrol car.

 
To be continued

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Part 7
« Reply #6 on: July 22, 2012, 10:21:23 am »
 Nikki drives to Salt Lake City, Utah where they board an Amtrak train which they will ride to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From there they will catch a flight for the last leg of their journey. By the time the train pulls into the Oklahoma City station, Nikki can hardly keep her eyes open as they sit in the upper level of the Observation Car.

 
Nikki: I don't know about you but I'm going to turn in.

 
Nikki announces to Haley who is sitting across from her.

 
Haley: That ah...

 
Haley is cut off in mid sentence by a yawn.

 
Haley: sounds like a plan.

 
Haley concludes a little sheepishly.

 
Nikki laughs and gets out of her seat.

 
Nikki: I'm glad Craig thought to get us a sleeper cabin.

 
Nikki says as she leads the way to the lower level and proceeds to maneuver along the aisle to their cabin.

 
Haley: Yeah... Never traveled like this before.

 
Haley says following Nikki

 
Nikki finds their cabin and opens the door. She steps aside.

 
Nikki: Age before beauty.

 
Nikki says and bows gallantly.

 
Haley: Yeah, that would be you then.

 
Haley says making a gesture with her finger.

 
Nikki wrinkled her nose up at Haley and walked into the cabin.

 
Nikki: You want the top or bottom berth?

 
Nikki asked as she picked up her suitcase from the floor by the door and set it on the table by the window.

 
Haley: It doesn't matter.


Haley replies with a shrug.

 
Haley: A bed is a bed.

 
Haley says honestly.

 
Nikki: In that case....dibs on the bottom.

 
Nikki says with a giggle. She takes a pair of sweat pants and a tank top out of her suitcase and closes it back up.


 Haley: 'Kay.

 
Haley smiles, and crawls up onto the upper bunk without bothering to change her clothes.

 
Nikki takes her clothes into the tiny bathroom and changes into them then literally falls onto her berth.

 
Nikki: Oh it feels good to lay down.

 
Nikki sighs contentedly.

 
Nikki: You comfortable up there, kiddo?

 
Nikki asks, sleepily as she presses the button to shut off the lights.

 
Haley: Uh huh.

 
Haley agrees in a yawn, her eyes already drooping to sleep.

 
Nikki: Nite, partner.

 
Nikki says...her words slurring slightly as she drifts into a dreamless sleep.

 
Haley falls asleep quickly. About 3 hours later, her pleasant dreams, turn less so.

 
Nikki wakes up hearing child like whimpers coming from the berth above her. As the fog of sleep lifts, she becomes aware of Haley tossing and turning. She gets out of bed and moves one of the chairs from the table over to the side of the beds and climbs onto the chair then switches on the small light over the upper berth.

 
Nikki: Haley?

 
Nikki she says, gently placing her hand on Haley's shoulder and nudging it.


 Nikki: Haley.....wake up, sweetie.

 
Nikki says, giving Haley's shoulder a little firmer nudge.

 
Haley: NOO!

 
Haley screams as she comes awake and bolts into a sitting position. She then looks around herself widely, trying to remember where she was.

 
Nikki hoists herself up onto the top berth and quickly wraps Haley in her arms.

 
Nikki: Shhhh. It's Ok. You're safe. It was just a dream. Shhhh.

 
Nikki whispers comfortingly.

 
Haley: N-N-Nikki?

 
Haley stutters.

 
Nikki: I'm here, baby. I'm right here. You're safe, baby girl. Shhhh

 
Nikki holds Haley tight as she feels the girl's body start shaking.

 
Haley turns into Nikki's hold and starts crying, allowing herself to accept outside strength, for once

 
Nikki: It's Ok, baby. I'm here. You're safe. It was just a dream, honey. Whatever it was....it wasn't real. You're safe. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again. Shhhh.

 
Nikki begins to gently rock back and forth while holding Haley tight as the girl shakes uncontrollably for a while. Nikki knows about how powerful nightmares can be. She has been haunted with ones that surround an incident she went through while serving as a surgical nurse in WWII.

 
Haley: No. It was real. It was.

 
Haley sobs.

 
Haley: It wasn't a dream, it was a memory.

 
Nikki stops rocking and lowers her head, cocking it to the side so she can sort of see Haley's face.

 
Nikki: A memory?

 
Nikki asks.

 
Nikki: Memory of what?

 
Nikki asks softly.

 
Haley shakes her head, not wanting to answer.

 
Nikki: You know.....if you don't talk about a nightmare.....it won't go away and you'll have it again.

 
Nikki says even though she isn't completely sure she fully believes that adage

 
Haley: Memory was of my dad. And...

 
Haley stops and shakes her head slightly.

 
Nikki keeps her arms around Haley and gently caresses her shoulder.

 
Nikki: And what, baby? It's Ok. You can’t keep this **** locked up inside you forever. It will have to come out eventually and it's better that it does under your terms...not its.

 
Nikki says, encouragingly.

 
Haley: It was... it was a memory of what my dad... what he did to me. He said, 'cause my mom died it was my responsibility to fill her shoes.

 
Haley says softly.

 
Nikki closes her eyes and has to fight to keep from shaking her head in disgust. She tightens her hold on Haley as it seems that the tighter she holds her the less she shakes.

 
Nikki: Oh, baby. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. I promise....you will never have to go through that again. Nobody is going to hurt you as long as I'm around. I swear that on my sainted mother's grave.

 
Nikki whispers into Haley's hair as she holds the girl tight, gently caresses her shoulder and rocks her back and forth.

 
Haley: I was 12 when my mom died. Thirteen when dad came and told me that I was old enough to fill Mom's shoes.

 
Haley cries into Nikki's arms.

 
Nikki gets the feeling that this is the first time Haley has let out all of the emotions that had been building all these years.

 
Nikki: Ok. It's Ok, baby. Just let it all out. You're safe I've got you. It's Ok.

 
Nikki says soothingly.

 
Haley: I hate him! I never wanna see him again...

 
Haley sobs.

 
Nikki: You won't. That's why we're doing this. I'd rather spend the rest of my life on the run than let that son of a ****....or anyone else, for that matter, put their hands on you ever again.

 
Nikki says with conviction.

 
Haley doesn't say anything, just continues to sob into Nikki's comforting arms.

 
After several minutes of gently rocking and caressing Haley, Nikki becomes aware that she has begun to softly hum an old Irish lullaby that her mother used to sing to her.

 
Haley slowly begins to calm down, with the soothing rocking and the lullaby.

 
Haley: N-N-Nikki...

 
Haley whispers very hesitantly.

 
Nikki: Yes, baby?

 
Nikki says softly.

 
Haley: I... I don't wanna sleep alone.

 
Haley says her voice barely even as loud as a whisper.

 
Nikki stops rocking Haley and gently releases her hold on her. She places two fingers under Haley's chin and lifts her face up so they can look into each others eyes. With her thumb she gently wipes the tears from Haley's cheeks and smiles warmly.

 
Nikki: You don't have to. You can sleep with me tonight. Ok?

 
Nikki says, reassuringly

 
Haley nods slowly almost hesitantly.

 
Haley: Okay.

 
Haley says in a whispered reply.

 
Nikki: You ready to try and get some sleep?

 
Nikki asks, softly.

 
Haley nods without saying anything, and simply waits for Nikki to make the first move.

 
Nikki lets go of Haley and climbs down off of the top berth. She moves the chair out of the way and climbs into her own berth, pulling the covers back and patting the side of the bed nearest the wall....figuring Haley would feel more secure not being on the "exposed" side of the bed.


 
Haley slides down from the top bunk and moves into the space indicated by Nikki. Laying down on her side and curling up, facing the wall.

 
Nikkiturns on her side facing Haley and puts her arm, protectively, over the girl.

 
Nikki: I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. You're safe.

 
Nikki places a soft kiss on Haley's back and closes her eyes.

 
Haley stares at the wall for bit, before exhaustion finally over comes her. Her eyes drift close, and Haley falls asleep. And into what, for the first time it seams that she can remember, is a dreamless sleep.

To be continued

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Part 8
« Reply #7 on: July 27, 2012, 11:32:00 am »
 Ladies and gentlemen. The captain would like to let you know that we will be landing in Dublin in 20 minutes. So please put your seat backs and tray tables in their upright position and fasten your seat belts. Thank you," the flight attendant announces and Nikki folds her tray table away and sits her seat up straight. She looks over at Haley and smiles.

Nikki: Wait until you see Ireland. It is so beautiful this time of year.

Nikki says as she fastens her seat belt.

Haley: I'll take your word for it.

Haley smiles, a little nervously.

Haley: Before this... trip, I'd never been out of Washington.

Liam: Ok, Brandon.....ease up on the reins. He knows the course....let him have his head.

Liam calls out from where he's sitting on the top of the fence surrounding the small arena that Brandon is working out a new jumper in.

Brandon only nods as he does as he's instructed, he sighs inwardly though, his boss is still treating him like a kid. He might be young but he knew what he was doing.

When the horse "joggles" the bit around in his mouth and balks at the next hurdle, Liam jumps down from the fence and heads over to Brandon and the horse.

Liam: Hold up, Brandon.

Liam says as he approaches Brandon and his mount.

Brandon: What is it, duine? (Sir in Gaelic)

Brandon asks as he tries to stop the horse so Liam can get near them.

Liam steps up to the horse and takes a look in its mouth.

Liam: Aye. Just what I thought. We're going to have to use a snaffle bit with him. He's figured out a way of working his tongue over the top of the bit so he has all of the control.

Liam says shaking his head. He reaches up and scratches the horse's forehead.

Liam: Think you're pretty smart, eh, big boy?

Liam says with a chuckle to the horse.

Liam: It's obvious that he has had some training in jumping but he's still pretty green.

Liam says stepping back to look the horse over.

Liam: But if you work with him, religiously, Brandon....I think you can turn him into a winner. I know that you had to sell your horse when your parents died and you haven't had one of your own since you've been here. So if you'd like....this big boy is yours.

Liam says, lifting his hat and wiping the sweat from his brow with the sleeve of his shirt.

Brandon stares at Liam, his eyes open wide with amazement.

Brandon: I... I... Really, Mr Flynn?

Brandon manages to say after being speechless for a while.

Liam chuckles.

Liam: Yes. Really. And for God's sake, Brandon....it's about time you stopped with the Mr. Flynn. It makes me feel so....ancient. Call me Liam. Or anything but Mr. Flynn.

Liam says, shaking his head and chuckling.

Liam: Or late for a pint.

Liam adds, jokingly.

Brandon: Yes, duine.

Brandon nods without daring to take his offer to call him by his first name.

Liam looks up at Brandon. Although he shakes his head in frustration he smiles appreciatively.

Liam: You're a good lad, Brandon Cavanagh. Your Da and Ma would be proud.

Liam says and pats the horse on the hindquarters.

Liam: Go ahead and cool him off and let him out in the North pasture.

Liam says and turns and heads for the arena gate.

Brandon pats the neck of the horse before he does what he's boss has ordered him, he still can't believe he'd just given him this horse.

Brandon: Come on, boy. I'll take care of you.

Brandon murmurs before he urges him to move.

When the plane comes to a stop and the flight attendants open the door, Nikki gets up and takes her's and Haley's carry ons out of the overhead cabinet and hands Haley's to her. She leads the way out of the plane, through the passenger loading tunnel and gets in line at the Customs counter.

Nikki: Got you passport ready?

Nikki asks Haley.

Haley quickly follows after Nikki.

Haley: Yup, right here.

Haley says holding it up.

Ten minutes later, Nikki has her stamped passport and her carry on bag and she exits through the Customs turnstile then turns and waits for Haley.

A couple minutes after Nikki, Haley also passes through the turnstile with a stamped passport.

Haley: Okay, what next?

Haley asks.

Nikki: Look for a sign that says, "Executive Auto Rental. They should be around the terminal some where.

Nikki says, looking around.

Haley: You mean like that one?

Haley asks pointing to the sign that was directly next to them.

Nikki looks up and smacks her forehead with the heel of her hand.

Nikki: Duh! If it were a snake it would have bit me.

Nikki says, laughing. She heads for the car rental counter. Craig had already set it up and all she has to do is check in and the car rental agent hands her the keys to a near new Range Rover.

Nikki: Thank you.

Nikki says to the agent and turns and leads Haley out of the terminal and to the agency's lot. The valet goes and gets the SUV and a few minutes later Nikki drives out of the Dublin Airport and heads South East.

Liam finishes stacking bails of hay behind the main barn and walks inside, removing his work gloves and pounding them on the leg of his jeans to get rid of the loose hay and dust. He walks through the barn to where Brandon is giving his new horse a bath.

Liam: Say, Brandon....got any plans for tonight?

Liam asks as he grabs the hose and gets a drink of water from it.

Brandon: Not really, maybe just watch some football game on TV, or something.

Brandon shrugs before he bends down to rinse the cloth he was using in the water bucket by his feet.

Liam: Why don't you come up to the main house and have dinner with me? Beth is in London....again...and Mrs. O'Brian is at her son's house in Kilkinney and I hate to eat alone.

Liam says, setting the hose back in the bucket.

Brandon: Oh I'd love that Mr... Liam.

Brandon says tentatively, remembering in time he'd asked him to call him that way.

Liam: Great. Come on up when you've finished here. It's not going to be anything special. I'm just grilling a couple of steaks on the barbeque.

Liam says and claps Brandon on the shoulder.

Liam: See you then.

Brandon: OK, I'm about finished here.

Brandon answers after Liam, he sighs at the fact that he has to leave the horse soon, he'd almost spend the night near him if he had a choice.

Liam adds and turns to leave. He heads for his office in the main barn to finish some paperwork before going "home" for the night.

Once Nikki drives out of the city limits she takes some of the back roads to show off some of her favorite sites to Haley. The first is the cliffs that the small highway follows for a while.


 




 
Next they drive past a hillside castle and Nikki pulls over to the side of the road so that Haley can check it out.


 




 
A little farther along the coast they come to a stairway that descends down to the beach.


 




 
Haley: Oh, wow.

Haley says looking down the pathway.

Nikki: Now that's the first time I've ever seen sheep on it.

Nikki says a bit surprised.

Haley: It's a bit steep.

Haley says softly.

From there, Nikki heads inland and the landscape begins to change. They drive through small town after small town....each with its own unique "personality".


 




 
***3 hours later***

Nikki drives into Raheen. As she drives past the Inn/tavern where she and Methos had stayed the last time she was here, her stomach knots up and she begins replaying their time here. Although she is trying not to show any expression, a look of melancholy comes over her face.

Haley: So um... Nikki?

Haley asks hesitantly.

Nikki: Hmmm?

Nikki says, coming back to the here and now.

Haley: Where are we going?

Haley asks, hoping to distract Nikki from whatever thought put that sad look on her face.

Nikki: The Smaragaid Parthas Ranch just out of town here.

Nikki says.

Nikki: And that is Gaelic for Emerald Paradise

Nikki adds.

Haley: Emerald Paradise Ranch... why there?

Haley asks curiously, sensing that this is their final destination.

Nikki: My father runs it. Actually he owns it but nobody knows he's the owner. They think he's just the foreman. Oh. And FYI....he's like me.

Nikki says and glances sideways to see Haley's reaction.

Haley: Like you...

Haley says slowly and looks over to Nikki.

Nikki nods.

Haley: Like the whole heads, and lightening and immortal thing?

Haley clarifies, more for herself.

Nikki: Yep. The whole heads, lightening and Immortal thing.

Nikki says with a chuckle. She is amazed at how easily Haley has accepted everything.

Haley: Is he like you? Or like... that other guy?

Haley asks, referencing the immortal she had reason not to like.

Nikki: He was the best father a girl could have. A good man...a wonderful husband and a great father.

Nikki says, proudly. She decides Haley doesn't need to know that Liam Flynn's only transgression was not telling Nikki what she would be someday and preparing her for it.

Nikki: You'll like him.

Nikki says reassuringly.

Haley: Right, so a 180 from MY dad.

Haley says relaxing a little.

Soon Nikki turns onto a small road covered by a canopy of trees.


 




 
On either side of the road are pastures with Andalusians, Friesians, Arabians and a few random rare breeds of all colors and markings. The pastures are covered in green grasses and the white fences that separate each pasture class it all up.

Nikki: When I was a kid.....the horse ranch we lived on was called the Emerald Paradise It was where my Da was most happy so when he took over this ranch he gave it the same name. Kind of fitting, though.....right?

Nikki says as she admires the emerald green grass covered pastures.

Haley: Yeah. It's an apt name.

Haley replies, looking at all the lush emerald pastures.

Liam sets a match to the coals in the brick barbeque in the back yard of the main house. When the coals are not flaming as much he places two thick steaks on the grill and smothers one side of each steak with his own barbeque sauce concoction.

Brandon goes around the main house to the backyard, following his nose, after he stopped by his place to take a quick shower. He finds Liam busy making their dinner.

Brandon: You want some help?

Liam opens an ice chest that is sitting on one end of the picnic table and takes out a bottle of Guinness and tosses it to Brandon.

Liam: Nope. Got it all under control. Just sit back and relax. Did you say that there was a game on the telly tonight?

Liam says as he gently turns the steaks over and smothers the other side of them in sauce.

Brandon is startled when Liam throws him a bottle but manages to catch it in the air. He nods in thanks before he opens it.

Brandon: Yeah, the Olympics, Spain is playing against Japan.  I wish it was Ireland.

Brandon shrugs before he takes a sip.

Liam:What time?

Liam asks as he walks over to the table and picks up the pile of silverware laying next to the cooler and places settings on either side of the table.

Brandon moves the bottle to his other hand to check his watch.

Brandon: Should be starting I think.

Liam: Really? In that case.....

Liam says as he carries two plates over to the barbeque and places a steak on each plate. He carries them back to the table and sets them down then hurries into the house, returning pushing a portable TV stand with a 52" flat screen TV on it. He pushes it over by the table and plugs it into an outdoor socket and turns it on then he sits down at the table across from Brandon.

Liam: There's salad in that bowl...

Liam says pointing to a large bowl filled with fresh greens.

Liam: And baked potatoes, sour cream and butter.

Liam says pointing to the foil wrapped potatoes and butter dish.

Liam: I put you in charge of finding the station the game is on.

Liam says handing the TV remote to Brandon as he cuts a chunk off of his steak and puts it in his mouth.

Brandon frowns trying to remember which TV channel he read it was on, he tries the one most likely and when he doesn't see it he moves to the next until he finds a football game.

Brandon: Hey look, Great Britain against Senegal.

Brandon says in surprise.

Brandon: I think I missed reading about that.

Liam happily focuses on enjoying his steak, Guinness and the game.

Halfway down the tree covered lane Nikki sees something out of the corner of her eye that catches her attention and she stops the Range Rover to get a better look. She gets out and walks over to the fence. The pasture is on the side of a small hill and standing on the top of that hill is a pure white Friesian stallion.


 



Haley gets out, and follows Nikki to the fence.

Nikki: Oh my God. He's gorgeous.

Nikki exclaims.

Haley: Uh huh.

Haley agrees.

The stallion tosses his head and his long main seems to float around him like feathers. His coat glistens in the sunlight making him look as though he were made of glass. Nikki watches the stallion for a few minutes then turns and heads back to the car and gets back in.

Liam lets out a whoop and pounds the top of the table when the Great Britain team scores a goal.

Haley follows Nikki's lead, and returns to the range rover, when Nikki does, after admiring the beautiful animal.

Brandon: Yeah! Way to score!

Brandon hollers, almost choking on his bite of steak.

Nikki continues their drive along the lane. Just as the main house comes into view, Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal and she smiles, knowing that it's her father.

Liam suddenly feels the buzz of an Immortal. He freezes in mid motion of taking a bite of his steak, then slowly lowers his fork and looks around.

Liam: Ummmmm.....Brandon? You'll have to excuse me for a minute. Let me know what happens.

Liam says and gets to his feet.

Brandon: Is anything wrong, boss?

Brandon asks, seeing the look of concern on Liam's face.

Liam: Hope not.

Liam mutters and heads into the house. He goes to the front door and takes his sword down from the display rack above the door, holds it, blade pointing upward, behind his shoulder and opens the front door.

Nikki clears the tree lined lane and pulls the Range Rover up to the white picket fence that surrounds the front yard of the main house.

Nikki: We're here.

Nikki announces to Haley, then she sees her father step out onto the front porch and she opens the car door and gets out.

Haley: He's got a sword..

Haley murmurs softly, getting out of the car, after Nikki.

Nikki: Of course he does.

Nikki says with a giggle.

Nikki: He felt me coming but didn't know it was me.

Nikki explains and waves to Liam.

Haley: Oh.

Haley says softly, slowly following Nikki.

Liam sees Nikki get out of the car and his mouth drops open in surprise. He steps back through the front door and replaces his sword in the rack then steps back out onto the front porch.

Nikki walks up to the little gate in the fence, opens it and runs toward Liam.

Liam meets his daughter halfway down the walk and scoops her up into his arms.

Liam: Nicayla? What the hell?

Liam says and laughs.

Nikki throws her arms around Liam and giggles...feeling like she did when she was a child

and would run to greet her father after he had been gone on a business trip.

Nikki: Hi, Da.

Nikki says as he whirls her around.

Haley enters the little gated fence, and carefully shuts the gate behind her, watching Nikki and her dad, wishing she could even contemplate greeting her father in such a way.

Nikki says as he whirls her around.

Liam stops and lets go of Nikki and steps back to get a look at his daughter.

Liam: What are you doing here?

Liam asks, incredulously.

Liam: And why didn't you let me know you were coming?

Liam adds.

Nikki: It was kind of a spur of the moment trip.

Nikki says with a shrug.

Nikki: It's a long story.

Nikki says a bit sheepishly.

Liam looks into his daughter's emerald green eyes and recognizes the look in them.

Liam: Ok. What kind of trouble are you in?

Liam asks softly, keeping part of his attention on the strange young girl standing by the gate.

Nikki: Who says I'm in trouble?

Nikki asks, smiling innocently up at Liam.

Liam rolls his eyes and shakes his head.

Liam: You forget who you're talking to, young lady. You were never a very good liar and you, especially, could never lie to me.

Liam says and puts his arm around Nikki's shoulder, giving her a quick, one armed hug.

Nikki: Da? I'd like you to meet some one.

Nikki says pulling away and turning back to look at Haley. She motions Haley to join her.

Haley hesitantly moves over to Nikki, and her father.

Nikki: Da? This is Haley. Haley this is my father, Liam Flynn.

Nikki says.

Liam: Nice to meet you, Haley.

Liam says and holds out his hand for her to shake.

Liam: Welcome to the Emerald Paradise Ranch.

Haley: Hi.

Haley says quite softly, reaching her hand out, to take Liam's.

Liam: Let's go inside. Are you girls hungry? I just made dinner for a friend of mine and myself.

Liam says putting his arm back around Nikki's shoulder and steering her towards the house.

Nikki: A friend? Where's Beth?

Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow.

Haley trails silently after Nikki and Liam.

Liam: She's in London. And yes. My friend is actually my right hand man here at the ranch. If I weren't the foreman he would be. I think you met him briefly when you were here last.

Liam explains as he guides the girls up the steps and into the house.

Liam: We're out in the back yard. Why don't you ladies join us and get something to eat then we can talk later in private and you can tell me what kind of trouble you're in.

Liam suggests....but his tone leaves no room for declining his suggestion.

Nikki shrugs, recognizing her father's tone of voice and knowing that it would be useless to argue with him, so she follows him through the kitchen and into the back yard.

Liam walks up to the picnic table and gestures for Nikki and Haley to have a seat.

Liam: Brandon? We have a surprise visitor. This is my daughter, Nicayla and her friend, Haley. They've come all the way from the States.

Liam announces as he cuts his large steak in two and puts a piece on plates and sets them in front of Haley and Nikki.

Haley eyes the boy, for a moment, then smiles hesitantly, as Liam introduces him, and slides into a free seat at the table.

Brandon: Nice to meet you.

Brandon says, looking up a little embarrassed, looking down at his plate when it was polite to do so.

Nikki: Hi, Brandon.

Nikki says simply as she sits down at the table. When her father places a plate with the steak on it in front of her she smiles up at him and says, Thank you, Da."

Liam: There's salad and potatoes if you want them.

Liam says and indicates the salad bowl.

Haley: Thanks, Mr. Flynn.

Haley murmurs

Liam: Please, Haley....call me Liam. We don't stand on ceremony around here.

Liam says with a grin.

Liam: What's the score?

Liam asks Brandon as he sits down across from Brandon and next to Nikki and picks up his Guinness and takes a swig.

Brandon: Still the same.

Brandon answers, thankful he has a reason to look up so he had an excuse to look around. He'd like to take a closer look to Liam's daughter friend.

Nikki: What are you watching?

Nikki asks as she takes a bite of the steak....even though it is cooked more than she likes.

Haley cuts the steak, to make it easy for more mindless eating.

Liam: Great Britain vs. Senegal.

Liam answers Nikki.

Liam: Want an ale?

Liam asks his daughter.

Nikki: Sure.

Nikki says with a nod.

Liam: Brandon? There are some sodas in the fridge in the kitchen. Would you get one for Haley, please?

Liam asks Brandon as he gets a bottle of Guinness out of the cooler, opens it and hands it to Nikki.

Brandon: Sure.

Brandon nods as he gets to his feet.

Nikki: So who's winning?

Nikki asks and takes a sip of her Guinness

Liam: I believe it's a tie.

Liam answers, taking another sip of his ale.

Liam: How's your steak?

Liam asks both Haley and Nikki.

Brandon walks to the fridge still looking back, he gets a soda and takes it to the backyard.

Haley: Very good, thank you.

Haley replies quickly, since she was in between bites.

Nikki: Good. Thank you. All I've had to eat since we got on the plane in Philly was airplane food and that’s not enough to feed a canary.

Nikki says, taking another bite of her steak.

Haley: If it doesn't kill you first.

Haley adds after Nikki, regarding the airplane food, with a smile.

Nikki: Exactly.

Nikki agrees with a giggle.

Brandon: I hope it's not too cool.

Brandon says as he puts the soda in front of Haley glad he had something to say to her.

Liam: Haley? Can I get you anything else?

Liam asks, seeing how ravished the girl seems to be.

Haley: No, I'm good.

Haley replies to Liam, and then looks to Brandon, "Thank you."

Just then Great Britain scores another goal and Liam whoops, joyfully.

Liam: They're on fire tonight.

Liam exclaims.

Nikki takes another bite of her steak and shakes her head, looking at both Liam and Brandon.

Nikki: Men and their sports.

Nikki says, still shaking her head.

Brandon hurries back to his seat, he missed the goal but luckily he still can catch on the replay.

Haley rolls her eyes as both the guys cheer. Soccer wasn't a sport she carried for.

Nikki finishes her steak and grabs the salad bowl and serves herself some of the fresh greens then pours some dressing on it and digs in.

Liam finishes his own salad and folds his paper plate in half and stuffs it in a small trash bag taped to the end of the table. He takes another sip of his ale and checks to make sure Haley and Nikki seem to be taken care of then turns his attention back to the game.

Haley finishes her steak, and refills her plate with potato salad and little lettuce salad.

Brandon keeps eating still watching the game, between watching the game and side glancing at Haley, he barely knew what he was eating.

Nikki finishes her salad and takes washes it down with some ale then sits back and holds her stomach...a look of satisfaction on her face.

Liam looks over at Nikki and smiles.

Haley sees that Nikki has finished eating, and begins to think twice about more potato salad, as she works on finishing what is currently on her plate.

Liam: Finished, Banphrionsa?

Liam asks (Gaelic for princess).

Nikki: Yes. Go raibh maith agat.

Nikki answers (Gaelic for than you).

Liam folds up Nikki's paper plate and stuffs it in the trash bag with his. Just then the Great Britain team scores another goal and Liam cheers, delightedly.

Nikki laughs at her father's excitement. When she was living at home....there was no TV and no sports for him to watch so seeing this more modernized side of him warms her heart.

Brandon: Yeah.

Brandon cheers when Great Britain scores yet another goal, only the fact that he isn't alone can keep him on his seat.

Brandon: You don't like football?

Brandon asks the girls slightly surprised, they were acting like nothing had happened.

Haley can't help but to smirk slightly.

Haley: I like football. It's soccer I find boring.

Nikki: And I only pay attention to 3 sports. Baseball, Pool and equestrian events.

Nikki answers.

Liam: My Americanized daughter.

Liam says with a laugh.

Brandon: Oh equestrian events, I'm with you on that one.

Brandon nods with a smile.

Nikki sees the way Brandon looks at Haley and she smiles inwardly.

Haley: Do you compete?

Haley asks.

Nikki: Haley's becoming quite the horsewoman herself.

Nikki says proudly, hoping to spur some conversation between the two.

Brandon: Hmm I used to but not anymore... I mean...

Brandon smiles when he remembers he just got a horse.

Brandon: I mean not yet.

Liam sees that Haley and Brandon have begun to converse so he looks over at Nikki and nods toward the house then gets to his feet.

Haley: I love to watch Three day eventing, but I have competed in barrel racing. You have to travel too far to do the three day eventing.

Haley says softly.

 
Liam: Keep track of the score, backlóg.

Liam says to Brandon (Gaelic for Buddy).  He heads for the house.

Brandon: Aye, duine.

Brandon nods remembering to keep an eye on the TV for a moment he'd forgotten all about the game.

Nikki gets up and follows her father into the house.

Liam leads Nikki into the study and closes the door behind them He takes a seat on the sofa and pats the seat next to him.

Liam: Now....tell your Da what you're running from.

Liam says with a knowing smile.

Haley: So umm... what's Liam like?

Haley asks, as Nikki and her father walk off.

Brandon: Oh, he's OK. He just got me a horse so I can start competing again.

Brandon smiles as he moves his gaze between Haley and the TV, trying not to miss anything.

Brandon: I couldn't ask for a better boss.

Haley: He got you a horse?

Haley asks a little surprised.

Brandon: Yes, a jumper... that's what I used to do... before.

Brandon sighs looking at the TV, he didn't want to mention the part he had to sell the horses.

Haley: Wow. That's pretty cool.

Haley says.

Brandon stands up and moves to the cooler to get another ale, trying to keep an eye on both Haley and the TV. Then he stares at Haley with a smile.

Brandon: You want a beer instead? I won't tell?

Haley: I'd love one.

Haley says with a smile.

Brandon gets two beers out of the cooler, and puts them on the table before he resumes his seat.

Haley opens the bottle and takes a swig of beer.

Brandon: I don't think Liam will mind, but if you rather he doesn't know just push the bottle in front of me if you sense they're coming.

Haley: Okay. I'm pretty sure, Nikki knows I've drank before but...

Haley shrugs, half smiling.

Brandon: So how long are you staying?

Brandon asks, hoping she says she's be there tomorrow at least.

Haley: I dunno for sure. A few days at least, I think... As long as Liam doesn't kick us out.

Haley replies, a little unsure.

Brandon: I don't think he'd do that.

Haley: I hope not.

Haley smiles at Brandon.

Liam listens quietly and patiently as Nikki explains the situation. When she has finished he gets up and walks over to the large desk and opens the thermadore sitting on it and fills one of the Meerschaum pipes leaning against it. He lights the pipe and walks over to the window and stares out of it as he puffs, thoughtfully on the pipe.

Brandon looks at his bottle trying to get a way to suggest they went to ride together. Then he tries to look nonchalantly, like he just got the idea.

Nikki watches her father and the longer that he is silent the more she feels like a teenager again waiting for him to figure out what punishment befit whatever "crime" she had committed. She shifts her weight in her seat, uncomfortably.

Brandon: Say, why don't I show you around tomorrow? I could get you a horse, since you ride?

Haley: That'd be awesome.

Haley beams at Brandon.

Liam sees Nikki shift her weight out of the corner of his eye but he doesn't let on. Inwardly he smiles a bit, pleased to see that she hasn't lost that sense of respect for his position as the father. Finally he takes a puff of his pipe and blows a smoke ring toward the ceiling. Then he clears his throat and turns to look at his daughter.

Brandon: Good.

Brandon smiles at Haley.

Liam: I know that your decision was not easily come by. You sacrificed a lot. Which tells me how much Haley means to you. It's a shame that we can't have kids of our own because you would have made a wonderful mother. You remind me of your Ma. May she rest in peace.

Liam says and crosses himself. He walks over and sits back down, setting his pipe in the ashtray on the end table. He turns and places the palm of his hand on Nikki's cheek and looks into her eyes, lovingly.

Liam: I am so very proud of you, Nicayla. You have grown into a fine, upstanding and intelligent woman. No father could be prouder.

Liam says, softly.

Liam: Of course you and Haley are more than welcome to stay as long as you want and I will do whatever I can to help you find a way to fix this so you and Haley can get your lives back. Consider this your home for as long as you want, bazillions

Liam says with a smile. He leans forward and kisses Nikki on her forehead.

Nikki: Go raibh maith agat, Da. Is breá liom tú.

Nikki whispers as she puts her arms around her father's neck and hugs him. (Gaelic for Thank you. I love you).

Liam: Now. What say we go check on the score of that game and when it's over I'll show you ladies to your rooms.

Liam says more as a strong suggestion than a question, and he gets to his feet.


 


 
To be continued

 

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Part 9
« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2012, 04:43:05 am »
 
***Around midnight***


 
Haley sighs in discuss, and tosses the covers back, getting out of bed. According to the clock by the bed, it was 12:08am, and Haley couldn't sleep.

Haley: Jet lag.

Haley growls to herself. Not wanting to stay in bed any longer, or in the room, which seems stuffy, Haley walked to the door and carefully eased it open. The house is utterly silent. Walking down the hallway, Haley comes to the living room, and sees flashes of lightening, indicating a storm in the distance.

Haley: Sweet.

A creaking board manages to filter its way through the fog of sleep and Liam wakes up, although he isn't quite sure why at first.

Haley whispers, walking over to the window to watch the approaching storm, only to trip over a footstool, and stumble. Haley, freezes listening for sounds from any of the bedrooms. Hearing nothing, she continues to the window, cursing under her breath and stopping to stare out the window.

Liam hears a crash coming from down the hall and he sits up in bed and listens. Used to being the only person in the house besides Beth and Mrs. O'Brian (the housekeeper)...and knowing that neither of the women are there has set off an inner alarm. But then he remembers that Nikki and Haley are there so he listens to see if it might be one of them.

After a few minutes of watching the storm, Haley realizes she's hungry, hoping there was something that wouldn't be missed in the fridge, me makes her way, tiptoeing, to the fridge.

Liam doesn't hear anything else and he lays back down and closes his eyes but realizes that he's too awake now to go right back to sleep. A picture of a platter of sliced roast beef that he knows is sitting on the second shelf of the fridge enters his mind and he can't get it out of his head. Plus it has made him hungry so he gets up and heads down to the kitchen. As he crosses the threshold from the dining room to the kitchen, he reaches over and flips on the overhead light.

Haley had just put her hand on the fridge, when suddenly the overhead light flipped on.

Haley: EEEK!!

Haley half screeches, spinning around and backing up as quickly as she can, putting space between her, and whoever had flipped the light on.

Liam is startled, himself, by Haley's startled reaction, since he wasn't expecting anyone to be in the kitchen. When he sees who he has startled his shocked expression softens and turns to one of reassurance.

Liam: I'm sorry, Haley. I didn't know anyone was down here.

Liam says in a soft, soothing voice.

Haley: I-I didn't touch anything.

Haley says defensively, continuing her backing up, until she was stopped by the kitchen counter.

Liam realizes how scared the girl is and remembers what Nikki had told him about the girl's history. He holds his hands up and smiles warmly.

Liam: It's Ok, Haley. I told you to make yourself at home and that includes the kitchen. I take it you're a midnight refrigerator raider?

Liam says with a mischievous smile and a jovial wink.

Haley: No.

Haley says flatly, sliding along the counter, putting a bit more space between her and Liam, her heart beating ferociously in her throat, her eyes not leaving Liam, unable to bring herself to believe that he was any different from her father. At least, not at at 12:15am.

Liam waits until Haley has moved away from the fridge and walks over to it and opens the door.

Liam: How about a roast beef sandwich? Or maybe a piece of Mrs. O'Brian's devils food cake and a glass of milk?

Liam suggests, looking into the fridge and taking a quick inventory.

Haley doesn't say anything, just eying Liam, wondering when the facade would fall and reveal his true character. All men did eventually.

Liam looks back at Haley and grins.

Liam: You look like a chocolate cake kind of girl.

Liam says and pulls out the cake dish and removes the lid, exposing a three layer chocolate cake with fudge frosting.

Haley looks from Liam to the cake and back again.

Haley: Why'r you being nice?

Haley asks, trying to remember that Nikki had said he was the opposite of her father.

Liam: Well....wow. I don't think I've ever been asked that.

Liam says and rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Liam: To be honest....I don't know how to be anything else.

Liam answers as he takes the platter of sliced roast beef out of the fridge and sets it on the island counter.

Haley shakes her head slightly, more to herself than to Liam.

Haley: Why'r you being nice, to me?

Haley clarifies.

Haley: What do you want?

Haley asks, just assuming get it in the open.

Liam pulls out a head of lettuce a tomato and a jar of mayonnaise and sets them all on the center island counter.

Liam: Let's see. What do I want from you. How about your trust? Your friendship? Or....if it's too soon for either of those....how about just for you to keep an open mind that not EVERY man is like what you've been used to?

Liam suggests as he proceeds to build a roast beef sandwich.

Haley watches Liam in silence for several minutes.

Haley: That's not easy.

Haley whispers softly.

Liam: Then I guess I'll have to settle for whatever you want to give me. And hopefully....as time goes by and you get to know me....you'll learn to trust me. I'll wish for it on the next rainbow.

Liam says and winks at Haley. He hands her the cake knife, a fork and a plate and gets out a frosty glass bottle of milk and sets it on the counter along with a tall glass.

Haley: Wish for it on a rainbow?

Haley repeated a little confused, and cutting herself a piece of the cake and sliding it onto the offered plate.

Liam: Every rainbow leads to a Leprechaun's pot of gold....which is lucky. So if you wish on a rainbow....the wish trickles down the rainbow into the pot of gold and it will come true.

Liam explains.

Liam: As long as nobody steals the Leprechaun's pot of gold, that is.

Liam says with a wink as he puts the second piece of bread on top of his sandwich and takes a bite.

Haley: Never heard of that before.

Haley says softly, pouring herself a glass of the milk, then glances around for a fork.

Haley: Umm... fork?

Haley asks, not seeing one.

Liam: Oh it's an old Irish legacy. We have a bunch of them. Oh. I'm sorry. I guess that would be helpful....wouldn't it?

Liam says with a chuckle and gets a fork out of the drawer and lays it on the counter next to Haley's plate.

Haley: Thank you.

Haley whispers, trying not to flinch away from Liam when he places the fork at her plate, and steadfastly refusing to allow herself to actually Move away from him as she took a bite of the cake.

Liam smiles as he takes another bite of his sandwich. But inside he is feeling sad at what Haley must have gone through to get her to this point. It was going to take some time to get her to see that not all men were animals...slow and sure. Like breaking a young colt.

Haley chews the piece of cake, and takes another bite, then a swallow of milk.

Haley: That's really good. Did you make it?

Haley asks.

Liam: Me? Bake a cake?

Liam laughs out loud and shakes his head.

Liam: No. Our housekeeper, Mrs. O'Brian does all of the baking around here and most of the cooking.

Liam says, taking another bite of his sandwich.

Haley: You don't know how to cook?

Haley asks, a little surprised.

Liam: Well.....you had my barbequed steaks. I'm great at grilling stuff and I can make a mean omelet and Nicayla always loved my chocolate chip pancakes.

Liam says with a shrug. He opens the fridge and takes out a bottle of Guinness and opens it.

Haley: That's it? I guess I... never mind.

Haley finishes her last two words in a whisper looking back down at her plate, and not Liam, whom she had been looking at.

Liam: No. Go ahead. You just what?

Liam says, encouraging Haley to finish her thought.

Haley: I just figured it'd be something you'd have to learn, as, as a...

Haley stops before saying the word 'Immortal,' and doesn't take her eyes off her plate as she speaks, though she does watch Liam out of the corner of her eye.

Liam leans closer and looks first to the right, then to the left as if looking to make sure no one was around.

Liam: Immortal?

Liam whispers....as though it is a secret.

Haley: Yeah. As an immortal.

Haley says, still softly, but actually looking up from her plate, and at Liam.

Liam chuckles and takes a sip of his ale.

Liam: I may be an Immortal but I'm afraid I pretty much a typical bachelor. I know how to cook just what I need to survive. For more than that I go to a restaurant. Or at least I did before hiring Mrs. O'Brian and before my fiance moved in with me. Now they do most of the cooking. And when Nicayla's mother was alive...God rest her soul...

Liam crosses himself.

Liam: ...well....Mary was a fantastic cook.

Liam says with a smile.

Haley: See, its the being a bachelor, I figured would um... get you cooking.

Haley says softly.

Liam: Would you like to know the honest truth, Haley?

Liam says...leaning closer and looking from right to left like he did before. He cups his hands around his mouth and whispers, "bachelors only learn to cook to impress the girls." Then he winks and straightens back up.

Haley twitches her lips, smiling slightly.

Haley: Isn't that reason enough?

Liam shrugs and takes a bite of his sandwich. He washes it down with some Guinness.

Liam: I suppose it is for most bachelors. I...on the other hand....have never been much when it comes to the dating scene and all those games that are played. I was married to the perfect woman when I was married to Nicayla mother. And I never figured I'd ever find anyone who could live up to the standards my Mary set. At least not until I met Beth.

Liam explains.

Haley: And what about sex?

Haley asks flatly, in a way that few could, and nobody should be capable of.

Liam is a bit surprised by Haley's blunt question and he blinks a couple of times out of surprise.

Liam: Ummm.....what about it?

Liam asks, secretly wishing Nicayla would get up and come downstairs and save him from a discussion he isn't quite sure how to conduct.

Haley: You're a guy. And men don't go without sex. So if you weren't dating anyone...

Haley clarifies, wondering if she'd found Liam's Dark Mark.

Liam: Contrary to popular belief, lass....there is more to life and love than sex. Sex is....or at least it should be....the explanation point at the end of the sentence. Not the whole sentence. Does that make any sense?

Liam says and takes another quick swig of his ale.

Haley: Love is just a fairy tail, like Santa Claus, just for adults.

Haley replies with a shrug, quoting what her father had once told her.

Liam: Oh you are so wrong, dear lass. Love is a wonderful thing when it is between the right people. But there are more than one type of love, you know. For example.....there's the love that Nicayla has for you. That is a special kind of love.

Liam says realizing just how jaded Haley's life has made her.

Haley blinks a little in surprise and looks over at Liam.

Haley: That... that's love?

Haley asks, not even realizing that what she felt for Nikki and knew Nikki felt for her, even had a name.

Liam smiles broadly and nods.

Liam: Yes, stew lass. That is love. At least one kind of love.

Liam hopes he never runs into the man who dared to call himself Haley's father. He doesn't think he would be able to control his urge to slowly castrate the man.

Haley just stares at Liam in amazement.

Liam: Want another example?

Liam asks after swallowing the last bite of his sandwich.

Haley just nods her head silently, eyes wide.

Liam: You know how Nikki is with her horse back home? And how they are together?

Liam asks, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.

Liam: That is love, too. She loves Blaze and he loves her.

Liam says and finishes his ale while he gives Haley a chance to think it over.

Haley shakes her head slightly, as she eats another piece of cake.

Haley: I... I had no idea.

Liam: Then there's the love I have for her. I don't know if Nicayla has told you that Immortals have no real parents. At least none that we know of. We are all foundlings. From the time we brought Nicaea into our home.....she was just a few days old when we took her.....she was the sunshine that brightened my every day. My little princess. Mary and I loved her with every fiber of our being. Of course I used to tell Mary that I loved Nicayla more than she did because she was Daddy's little girl...but we both loved her the same. She was...is...and always will be my daughter in every sense of the word. I would die if it meant she could live.

Liam says, proudly and with total conviction.

Liam: And that is another kind of love.

Liam adds, picking up his plate and putting it in the sink.

Haley suddenly looks up, and narrows her eyes slightly at Liam.

Haley: He never really did love me. Did he?

Haley asks softly.

Liam looks down at Haley. Unable to help himself, he gently places one of his hands over one of hers....not enough to make her feel trapped but just enough to be comforting...and he shakes his head.

Liam: No, milis cailin.

Liam says (Gaelic for sweet girl).

Liam: He most certainly did not. But you are not to blame, Haley. His shortcomings and indiscretions are his and his alone. You deserved.....and still deserve to be loved. And you are. Nicayla loves you....of that I'm sure. And as you go through life.....you will find others that will also love you. You are a beautiful, intelligent and strong young lady and I can see you doing...becoming whatever you want to be. The past is the past. You have nothing but a bright future ahead of you. And you'll see.....that future will bring many good things to you.

Liam says, softly and soothingly. Then he removes his hand from hers and smiles at her.  Off in the distance a rooster crows....signifying the beginning of sunrise.

Haley jumps a little startled at the sound of the crow.

Haley: Guess that means I should go try and get a little sleep, or I'll never get over Jet lag.

Haley says, while trying to return Liam's smile, though somehow, she doubted she was real successful at it.

Liam: Go ahead on up. I'll clean up our mess. Nobody will ever know that two Leprechauns raided the fridge during the night.

Liam says and winks...a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Haley manages a real smile this time.

Haley: Thanks.

Haley says, turning to head back to bed.

To be continued
 

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Part 10
« Reply #9 on: August 11, 2012, 09:03:09 pm »
 Nikki follows a path that takes her into a wooded area that reminds her of home.  After several minutes the path clears the wooded area at the base of a knoll carpeted with velvety green grass.  At the top of the knoll are the ruins of what used to be a castle turret.  Nikki explores the ruins for a few minutes then sits on a pile of rock and broken brick and stares down at the valley below.  As beautiful as the Ireland countryside is, and as nice as it is to see her father again, Nikki is filled with melancholy.

Liam follows his daughter's boot prints up the sheep path.  He stops at the edge of the wooded area and watches Nikki as she halfheartedly explores the ruins at the top of the knoll.  After she has sat on the pile of rubble for several minutes, Liam walks up to the ruins.

Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal but doesn't look around, figuring it's her father.

 
Nikki: One thing about being an Immortal is that no one can sneak up on you.

 
Nikki says without looking back at Liam.

 
Liam:   Wasn't trying to.

 
Liam says, walking over and taking a seat on what's left of a rock wall. He looks down at the valley and the Smaragaid Parthas Ranch.

 
Liam: I see you found one of my favorite thinking spots.

 
Liam says as he takes his pipe out of his pocket and taps it against the heel of his hand to knock the ashes out of the bowl.  He takes a pouch of pipe tobacco out of his other pocket and proceeds to fill the pipe.

 
Nikki: It's beautiful.

 
Nikki says with a nod.

 
Nikki:   I didn't realize how big the ranch was until seeing it from up here.  It's quite a spread.

 
Liam puts the pouch back in his pocket and takes out his lighter.

 
Liam:   It's just a little bigger than the original Emerald Paradise

 
Liam says, then lights his pipe and blows 2 large smoke rings into the air.  He looks at his daughter.

 
Liam: Want to talk about it?

 
Liam asks and puffs on his pipe.

 
Nikki: Talk about what?

 
Nikki asks trying to sound nonchalant.

 
Liam shakes his head.

 
Liam:   The weather?  The price of rice in China?

 
Liam says with a little sarcasm.

 
Nikki catches the hint of sarcasm in her father's voice and remembers that, even as a child, she had never been able to hide her thoughts and feelings from her father.  He always seemed to know when she was lying.

 
Nikki:   Nothing to talk about, Da.

 
Nikki says, quietly with a shrug.  She continues to stare at the valley below.

 
Liam:   If you say so.

 
Liam says and puffs on his pipe.

 
Nikki sighs.

 
Nikki: Ok.  Answer a question for me, Da.

 
Nikki says and turns her gaze upward as she watches a flock of birds winging their way across the sky in a perfect V formation.

 
Nikki: How come doing the right thing for all of the right reasons has to involve painful sacrifices?

 
Nikki asks, still watching the birds.

 
Liam puffs on his pipe as he contemplates his daughter's question.

 
Liam:   Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you, Súile geal.  (Bright eyes in Gaelic)  I assume you're talking about what you had to leave behind.

 
Liam says as he chews on the end of his pipe, thoughtfully.

 
Nikki simply nods in silence.

 
Liam:   Did you even ask him to come with you?

 
Liam asks, looking at Nikki.

 
Nikki shakes her head.

 
Nikki: I couldn't.

 
Nikki says with a shrug and looks down at the ground by her feet.

 
Liam: Why not?  Don't you think he would have?

 
Liam puffs on his pipe and realizes that it has gone out so he takes out his lighter and lights the pipe again.

 
Nikki: I know he would have.

 
Nikki says, quietly.  She watches a trail of ants as they scurry to and from their colony under a brick a few feet from her foot.

 
Nikki:   But he had responsibilities and I didn't want him to have to choose between them and me.  Just because U chose to put my life in an uproar doesn't mean I needed to put his in one, too.

 
Nikki says, sadly.

 
Liam:   Did you tell him where you were going?

 
Liam asks, figuring if Pierson knew where she was he might show up here unexpectedly and surprise Nikki.  He'd like to see the smile he saw on her face when she and Pierson had last been here.

 
Nikki simply shakes her head.

 
Liam:   Why not?

 
Liam asks, a little surprised at her answer.

 
Nikki: Plausible deniability.

 
Nikki answers simply.

 
Liam:   Sounds like you thought it through, thoroughly.

 
Liam says and blows another smoke ring into the air.

 
Liam: This isn't the first time you've had to pull up stakes and start over.

 
Liam says, matter of factly.

 
Nikki: No....but this is the first time I've had to leave someone I love behind.  And the first time I have had to change identities.  It makes it all seem so permanent and final.

 
Nikki says with a sad sigh.

 
Nikki:   It's one of the reasons I have avoided romantic entanglements all these years.  Our life just isn't conducive to successful romantic relationships.

 
Nikki says and draws a circle in the dirt with the toe of her boot.

 
Liam:   True.  But true love finds a way.

 
Liam says, thinking about how long he, himself had avoided romantic situations...although for different reasons than his daughter.  He wonders if Beth hadn't come along...if he would have spent the rest of his immortal life alone.

 
Nikki:   And how do you know if it's true love or just an infatuation?

 
Nikki asks quietly.

 
Liam:   If it finds a way into your heart...no matter how strong your armor is...no matter how hard you fight it...  If you feel it even when you're not with that person...even when you're busy with other things...  If a scent or a song brings it all back as strong as if you're with that person...then it's true love.

 
Liam says, remembering his marriage to Mary and thinking about his relationship with Beth.

 
Nikki: Sometimes I think I made a huge mistake, letting myself fall for someone who was a best friend.  I should have left well enough alone.

 
Nikki says, erasing the circle in the dirt with her boot.

 
Liam:   What makes you say that?

 
Liam asks, straddling the wall so he is facing Nikki.

 
Nikki:   I think I may have had unrealistic expectations that I based on the way he was as my friend because it...or he...isn't what I thought he'd be like.

 
Nikki says, hoping she's making sense.

 
Liam:   How so?

 
Liam asks, puffing on his pipe.

 
Nikki:   When we were just friends I knew he saw me as a little sister who was always getting into trouble of some sort or another and he never really saw me as an independent woman with a head on her shoulders and the knowledge of how to use it and that was Ok.  But once we became romantically involved...well...it's not Ok anymore. It actually hurts when he is judgmental

 
Nikki says and draws a triangle in the dirt with her toe.

 
Liam: Just as a point of reference....how much older than you is Adam?

 
Liam asks and looks at the bowl of his pipe.  Seeing that it holds only ashes, he taps the bowl on his pant leg to empty it then puts the pipe in his pocket.

 
Nikki:   Let's just say....a lot.

 
Nikki says simply.

 
Nikki: And I respect that.  But it doesn't always make him right.

 
Nikki says, erasing her dirt drawing with her foot.

 
Liam: No.  You're right.  It doesn't.  Have you told him how you feel?

 
Nikki: A few times.  But I think it goes in one ear and out the other.

 
Nikki says with a sigh.

 
Liam looks at his daughter for several seconds before speaking.

 
Liam: Sounds like you got out in the nick of time.

 
Liam says, quirking an eyebrow inquisitively.

 
Liam:  No sense staying in a relationship when you're unhappy.

 
Liam adds...watching Nikki carefully.

 
Nikki: But I wasn't that unhappy.

 
Nikki says, looking at Liam for the first time since he sat down.

 
Nikki: I mean it wasn't that bad.  There were a lot of happy times and he could be sweet, romantic and affectionate when he was in the right mood.  I was probably expecting too much and being unfair.

 
Nikki protests.

 
Liam smiles and looks up at the sky.

 
Liam: If he were to walk up this hill right now....would you be happy to see him?

 
Liam asks, already knowing the answer.

 
Nikki looks at the path leading up the hill from the wooded area and envisions Methos walking up the path toward her.  Her heart rate quickens and she feels something overwhelmingly drawing her toward the envisioned Methos.

 
Nikki: Yes.

 
Nikki whispers and closes her eyes.

 
Liam: Then Súile geal you have your answer.

 
Liam says simply and gets to his feet.

 
Liam: Now.....I have a ranch to run so I'm going to go back to work.

 
Liam says and heads toward the path.

 
Liam: When you come back down....we'll go have a look at that white Friesian stallion you've been interested in.

 
Liam says.  He watches his daughter for a few seconds then heads down the path.

 
Nikki watches her father until he disappears into the wooded area then she looks up at the wisps of white clouds in the blue sky.

 
That one looks like a giraffe,” Methos said, laying on his back next to Nikki and pointing to a cloud in the sky.  They were laying on the bank of a stream in a forest clearing, their horses grazing freely nearby.  “That one looks like a Volkswagen Beetle,” Nikki said pointing to another cloud.  “Nah.  Looks more like a turtle,” Methos said.  “But if we're looking for automobiles....that one looks like a Maserati,”  he said with a snicker and pointed to another cloud.  “A what?”  Nikki asked.  “Where?”  She tried to follow where he was pointing.  “There.  See?”  Methos put his arm around her and pulled her closer so she could see from his angle. “Where?”  Nikki asked, still unable to see what he was seeing. “Right....,” Methos pulled her even closer.  “...there,” he said and when she leaned even closer and looked where he was pointing, he kissed the nape of her neck.  She turned to face him when she realized he had been pulling her leg and he planted a kiss on her lips.

 
Nikki shakes her head to clear the memory before it goes any farther and a single tear trickles down her cheek.  She quickly brushes it away and stands up.  Taking a deep, cleansing breath of the clean, fresh, clover scented air, she heads back down the path to the Smaragaid Parthas Ranch.

 
To be continued

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Part 11
« Reply #10 on: August 14, 2012, 02:33:26 am »
The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being understudied.


 
Det. Huff leans back in his chair and rubs his tired eyes.  He has been reviewing his notes on the interviews he has conducted for the past four hours without a break and everything is making less sense now than it did when he started.  A young uniformed officer walks into the squad room and up to Huff's desk and says, “Detective?  Have you got a minute?”

 
Det. Huff: Hmmm?

 
Det. Huff looks up at the officer without sitting up in his chair.  He clasps his hands behind his head.

 
Det. Huff:  Yeah.  What's up?

 
Det. Huff asks, looking lazily at the young officer.  “I was going over what history we have on Miss Flynn and I checked out the Seacouver Times Society archives and I came across these,” the uniform officer says and slips a CD into the computer on Huff's desk.  A few seconds later Huff is looking at a couple of news photos taken at a couple of charity events and the illusive Nicayla Flynn is in both of them.  Huff sits up, his interest renewed.  Then the young officer tapped the mouse button and two more news photos appear on Huff's monitor.  As with the previous photos, Ms. Flynn was visible in the crowd of event goers.  “In two of the photos,” the young officer says and flips to the previous page, pointing out the man standing next to Flynn in one of the photos on that page.  Then he flips back to the second page and points to the man whose arm Ms. Flynn is holding on to as they descend a stairway.  “The guy looks like the foreman of her ranch,” the uniform officer says and looks at Huff. The detective takes control of the mouse and flips back to the first page and the first two photos and nods his head.

 
Det. Huff: Yeah...that's him.

 
Det. Huff says and he leans closer to the monitor to get a closer look at the man in the other photo who was obviously Flynn's escort for that event.

 
Det. Huff:  I know that guy.

 
Det. Huff announces and quickly flips back to the second page and looks closer at the escort in the third photo.

 
Det. Huff:  Run a facial recognition on this guy.

 
Det. Huff says and quickly makes copies of the photos on the disk then gives it back to him.  Then he transfers the photos to his cell phone.

 
Det. Huff: If you see Ernie...

 
Det. Huff says as he gets to his feet and puts his sport jacket, that has been hanging off the back of his chair, on.

 
Det. Huff: Tell him I'm running down a lead and I'll see him at the usual for lunch.

 
Det. Huff says as he grabs his holstered gun out of his desk drawer and clips it to his belt.  Then he hurries out of the squad room.

 
***10 minutes later***


Det. Huff pulls his car up to the curb in front of the DiSalvo Martial Arts Dojo and gets out.  He walks up the stairs, enters the building, then walks into the Dojo and looks around.
 
 
Duncan is sitting at the desk in his office with the phone to his ear and his elbow resting on the desk.
 
 
 Duncan: I understand that.
 
 
Duncan says, rolling his eyes to himself.
 
 
Det. Huff sees MacLeod sitting in his office on the phone and he saunters across the Dojo floor to the open office door and knocks on the door jam.
 
 
Duncan looks up at the sound of the knock and recognizes the detective standing in the doorway.  He motions for the detective to come in.
 
 
Det. Huff walks into the office and wanders over to the photos on the back wall of the Dojo office.
 
 
 Duncan: Unfortunately that doesn't solve my problem of being 150 towels short.  If I send you 450 towels to be laundered I expect 450 clean towels in return.....not 300.  I assume that you realize that you are not the only linen laundry service in the city so I would advise you to remedy this problem promptly or I will take my business elsewhere and take another of your substantial clients with me and in today's economy I rather doubt you can afford to lose any customers.
 
 
Duncan hangs up the phone without waiting for a reply and turns to look at the detective.
 
 
 Duncan: Now....what can I do for you, Det. Huff?  I assume you're not here to join the Dojo.
 
 
Duncan says, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.
 
 
Det. Huff turns away from the photos of a Little League Baseball team, a Youth Hockey team, two bowling teams that MacLeod's Dojo sponsored and the winners of the last two National Martial Arts Conference...who were students of the DiSalvo Dojo Youth Martial Arts.  He takes his cell phone out of his pocket and flips it open. As he walks over to MacLeod, he loads up the photos he had transferred to his phone.  He holds his phone out so that MacLeod can see the photo of with him and Nicayla Flynn.
 
 
 Det. Huff: I take it you know this young lady
 
 
Det. Huff says as he holds out his phone.
 
 
 Duncan:   I do.
 
 
Duncan says and sits back in his chair.
 
 
 Det. Huff: How well do you know her?
 
 
Det. Huff asks, looking at MacLeod for any sign as to how honestly he was answering Huff's questions.
 
 
Duncan quirks an eyebrow, questioningly.
 
 
 Duncan:  If you have something specific you want to know Detective, I suggest you just ask because the vagueness of that question will only get you an equally vague answer.
 
 
Duncan says, picking up the bottle of water sitting on his desk and takes a drink.
 
 
 Det. Huff: All right then.  I have been trying to get in touch with Ms. Flynn and all I get is her voice mail.  Her foreman says that she sometimes stays in the city with friends.  You wouldn't happen to know who those friends might be...would you?
 
 
Det. Huff asks, not really expecting MacLeod to tell him.  If he had learned one thing about the mysterious Duncan MacLeod in his dealings with the man over the years it was that he wasn't forthcoming with information about his friends.
 
 
 Duncan: Sorry, Detective Huff, but I have only been back in town a couple of days and haven't seen or spoken to any of my friends.
 
 
Duncan says with a casual shrug.
 
 
 Det. Huff:When was the last time you spoke to Ms. Flynn?
 
 
Duncan thinks for a few seconds.
 
 
 Duncan:  Not long after that photo was taken.
 
 
Duncan says and leans back in his chair.  He looks up at the detective with a nonchalant smile.
 
 
Det. Huff loads the photo of Flynn and the man he couldn't identify and shows it to MacLeod
 
 
 Det. Huff: Do you know who this man is?
 
 
Duncan leans forward and looks at the photo on Huff's cell phone  He shakes his head.
 
 
 Duncan:  Can't say that I do.
 
 
Duncan says, leaning back in his chair and clasping his hands behind his head.
 
 
 Det. Huff: Yeah.  Didn't think so.
 
 
Det. Huff says, sarcastically.
 
 
 Duncan:  Sorry I couldn't be more help, Detective.  I promise to tell Miss Flynn you're looking for her if I hear from her, though.
 
 
Duncan says and sits up in his chair.
 
 
 Det. Huff: I'm sure you will.
 
 
Det. Huff says with even more sarcasm.
 
 
 Duncan: Well, Det. Huff...if there's nothing else...I have to get ready for a meeting.
 
 
Duncan says as he stands up.
 
 
Det. Huff knows he'd be wasting his time trying to get any more information out of MacLeod, so he turns and walks out of the Dojo.
 
 
Duncan waits until the detective is out of the Dojo then he takes the elevator up to hi8s loft where he takes out his cell phone and dials Methos' number.  When he gets the ancient Immortal's voice mail he says, “It's MacLeod  Meet me at Joe's around 3:00.  I need to talk to you.”  He hangs up and puts his cell phone back in his jeans pocket and changes into a clean shirt.  He checks his pocket watch and then heads out the door of his loft and takes the back stairs down to the alley where his T-Bird is parked.

 
 
 
To be continued

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Part 12
« Reply #11 on: October 11, 2012, 06:46:36 pm »
Haley sighs as she finishes dressing. Not being able to sleep until the rooster crows apparently means one is going to end up sleeping late. Leaving her bedroom, Haley can tell that the silent house, must also be empty. Leaving the house, she starts to wander around the yard, looking for well... anybody.

Brandon leaves the barn and is on his way to the stables when he sees Haley wandering around and changes direction to go to talk to her.

Brandon: Hello?

 
Brandon says as he approaches her.

 
Haley: Brandon. Hi!

 
Haley says brightly as turns towards him.

 
Brandon: Where have you been all morning? You're not avoiding me or anything, right?

 
Brandon asks with a little puzzled frown, as far as he knew he didn't do anything that would upset her.

 
Haley: Oh, god no!! Jet lag. I didn't fall asleep until just as the sun was starting to rise.

 
Haley explains quickly, and honestly.

 
Brandon: Yes, must be hard to cross so many time zones.

 
Brandon nods looking back at the stables, and wondering if she'd be interested to see the horses.

 
Haley: Apparently.

 
Haley grins at Brandon.

 
Haley: I just found out.

 
Brandon: Yeah... well I never left Ireland so I don't really know.

 
Brandon admits as he grins back at Haley.

 
Haley: I've never been away from Washington before.

 
Haley admits with a shrug, still grinning at Brandon.

 
Brandon: Listen, I was on my way to the stables, do you want to see the horses? If you rather take a look later I understand.

 
Brandon decides to ask, he just had to finish work before lunch time, if he was going to lunch on time.

 
Haley: I'd love to.

 
Haley grins at Brandon.

 
Brandon grins back at Haley, then turns and starts walking to the stables.

 
Brandon: Come on then.

 
Haley: Alright.

 
Haley chuckles walking along side Brandon down to the stables.

 
Brandon: Don't worry I've cleaned the bays first thing in the morning, now what I need to do is to give some extra ration to the mares that are feeding.


Brandon explains chuckling softly as he walks to the stables.

 
Brandon: Oh and there's someone else I'd like you to meet.

 
Haley: Oh? And who would that be?

 
Haley asks, her face falling a little. She hadn't realized Brandon had a girl friend.

 
Brandon: My horse. Liam only gave him to me yesterday. A little before you arrived actually.

 
Brandon goes on as he enters the stables, he couldn't wait to see him again.

 
Haley brightens back up a little, but cautiously adds.

 
Haley: A new horse? That's cool. I half expected a girl friend.


 Brandon: A girlfriend?

 
Brandon bursts out laughing at the thought.

 
Brandon: Nah, too busy working and riding to find time to have one. Girls tend to take it really hard when you have more time for a horse than them.

 
Brandon sobers up a little when he thinks she probably is one of them, so she'd never find it amusing.

 
Haley: I can see that.

 
Haley grins a little and rolls her eyes slightly.

 
Brandon: Besides this is a small town, all the good looking girls are already taken. Hmm... or not...

 
Brandon looks down a little embarrassed for a moment, then decides to just go ahead and ask.

 
Haley: Or not?

 
Haley asks confused.

 
Brandon: Did you leave a boyfriend back in Washington?

 
Brandon asks while he gets a scoop and tries to look busy.

 
Haley rolls her eyes.

 
Haley: That would be a negatory.

 
Brandon: No?

 
Brandon asks surprised as he comes back with a bucket to put some horse ration in it.

 
Brandon: Coming, boy.

 
Brandon looks up and smiles when a horse starts neighing at him.

 
Haley: No. No boyfriend.

 
Haley shakes her head, but smiles as the horses react to the sight of Brandon

 
Brandon: Good.

 
Brandon smiles as he begins to scoop some horse ration inside the bucket.

 
Brandon: Yeah, I know lunch time.

 
Brandon nods when another horse neighs at him.

 
Haley: Somebody is excited.

 
Haley chuckled at the horse's enthusiasm and reached out to rub the nose of the nearest.

 
Brandon side glances at Haley still concentrated on filling the bucket to feed the horses.

 
Brandon: You like him?

 
Haley: He's lovely.

 
Haley grins at Brandon over her shoulder before turning back to the horse.

 
Haley: A handsome prince.

 
Brandon: You mean knight, no?

 
Brandon steps away from what he's doing to pat his horse's neck.

 
Haley: Last time I checked princes could be knights too. Why?

 
Haley asks with a chuckle.

 



 
Brandon: That's Ridire Dubh, Black Knight. My horse.

 
Brandon says proudly, still patting his neck.

 
Brandon: Ridire, I'd like you to meet Haley.

 
Brandon says to the horse.

 
Haley: A pleasure to meet you sir.

 
Haley says in a serious voice to the horse.

 
Brandon chuckles softly when the horse nods.

 
Brandon: I think he also liked to meet you.

 
Brandon gives one final pat to his horse and moves back to resume his work.

 
Haley: You certainly are a handsome one, aren't you.

 
Haley grins.

 
Brandon decides he has enough food for now and walks to the first box to feed one of the mares.

 
Haley: So.. Liam just gave him to you?

 
Haley asks a little enviously, looking over to Brandon.


 Brandon: Yes, we have a long way to go though. A lot of hard work if we want a chance to be in the next Olympics.

 
Brandon explains as he keeps feeding the mares.

 
Brandon: Small contests first, but we need to get used to each other.

 
Haley: I'd think so.

 
Haley grins a little.


 Haley: But the Olympics? That's pretty intense.

 
Brandon grins looking back at Haley.

 
Brandon: Well, I'm not sure I'll ever make it but...


Brandon shrugs.

 
Haley: But there is that stupid corny saying that must have some truth to it.

 
Haley says grinning back.

 
Haley: What was it? Shoot for the moon, even you miss you'll be among the stars? Or something like that.

 
Brandon: Besides that's all I ever wanted to do since I was a kid. It’s wonderful when you do what you love, doesn't feel like a job at all.

 
Brandon tells Haley as he feeds the mares until the bucket is empty. Then he comes back for more.

 
Haley: So I've heard.

 
Haley smiles at Brandon.

 
Brandon: Yes, I'm glad it's true.

 
Brandon nods smiling at Haley, then he looks down and starts filling the bucket again.

 
Haley: Lucky you.

 
Haley says wishfully.

 
Brandon smiles and looks up when his horse neighs at him.

 
Brandon: I know, I know, I didn't forget you.

 
Brandon tells his horse chuckling amused.

 
Brandon: Getting impatient, aren't we?

 
Haley: Well he's hungry.

 
Haley replies, patting Black Knight's neck.

 
Brandon: Yes, but ladies first?

 
Brandon says as he laughs at Haley and his horse.

 
Haley: Never stopped a guy from complaining about waiting before. Least not in my experience.

 
Haley smiles slightly.

 
Brandon straightens up and winks at Haley before he picks the bucket to feed the rest of the mares.

 
Brandon: Maybe you've been going out with the wrong kind of guy.

 
Brandon teases before he moves away.


 Haley: Probably.

 
Haley whispers to herself.


Brandon finishes feeding the mares and moves to his horse to give him some horse ration.

 
Brandon: There you are, Ridire. Didn't take long, did it?

 
Haley: Hungry fellow.

 
Haley chuckles, watching the horse.

 
Brandon: Yes, I could eat something myself.

 
Brandon sighs unhappily, he wanted to ask Haley to go with him for a ride but it was almost lunch time.

 
Haley: Most guys can.

 
Haley laughs.

 
Brandon brightens up when he gets an idea. So he asks Haley with a smile.

 
Brandon: Hey, why don't we get a picnic and go for a ride? Then we can stop when he find a nice spot.

 
Haley blinks at Brandon a little surprised.

 
Haley: Yeah. That'd be cool.

 
Haley nods.

 
Brandon: I'm glad you like it.

 
Brandon smiles at Haley before he moves hurriedly to put the things he'd used at the usual places.

 
Haley: If... if you tell me which horse and where the tack is, I can start saddling. If you wanted to get lunch together?

 
Haley suggests a little hesitantly.

 
Brandon: Yeah, good idea.

 
Brandon nods approvingly as he goes to the stable door and points to one of the paddocks.

 
Brandon: That white mare. You shouldn't have a problem with her, she's docile enough.

 
Haley rolls her eyes at the docile comment.

 
Haley: Tack?

 
Haley asks.

 
Brandon points to the wall on the other side of the door.

 
Brandon: There. Meanwhile I'll convince Mrs. O'Brian to get us something to eat.

 
Brandon frowns as he remembers she might still be in town.

 
Brandon: If she's not there I'm sure she left us something to eat in the fridge.

 
Haley: Okay.

 
Haley replies going to the wall, and getting a lead rein, before heading out towards the paddock after the mare.

 
Brandon: Be right back.

 
Brandon says after her, when he's sure she's not looking back, he starts running towards the house.


To be continued

« Last Edit: November 17, 2012, 12:55:13 pm by Cyberfox277 »

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Part 13
« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2012, 01:56:27 am »
***Mid afternoon at the Seacouver County Sheriff's Precinct***

Lt. Larry Evans' feet are propped up on his desk and he is leaning back as far as his chair will allow.  While he holds his cell phone to his ear with one hand, his other hand taps a pencil against the arm of his chair.

 
[Evans] Yeah?....right....

 
Evans quickly takes his feet off of his desk and sits up.  He picks up a small notebook from the top of his desk and starts scribbling in it.

 
Two detectives walk into the Lieutenant's office and approach his desk.

 
[Evans] Right....OK....got it.  Thanks.  I owe you one.

 
Evans says and shuts off his cell phone, shoving it into his pants pocket.

 
Det. Brian Porter pulls out his notepad and flips it open.

 
Det. Wayne Stone picks up a remote control laying on the top of Evans' In Box and points it at a large screen monitor on the wall.

 
[Porter] We basically have come up with nothing on Nicayla Flynn.

 
Porter says as a picture of Nikki's Washington Drivers License appears on the monitor.

 
Evans stands up and takes a few steps closer to the monitor and looks at the picture on the drivers license.

 
Stone points the remote towards the monitor.

 
[Stone] She has no criminal record.  The only police contact she has had since she moved here....

 
[Porter] ...besides attending both the Policeman's and Fireman's Balls four years in a row...

 
Porter interjects and the monitor's image changes to Nikki's DMV record.

 
[Stone] ...are three moving violations for speeding and one parking ticket that she failed to pay on time...

 
[Porter] But she took care of it.  Better late than never.

 
Porter interrupts with a chuckle.

 
Evans glances back at Porter and quirks an eyebrow.

 
[Porter] Shutting up, Boss.

 
Porter says, sheepishly, and lowers his eyes.

 
[Stone] Other than that there are no records...medical or dental.

 
[Porter] We ran her financials.

 
Porter says as the image on the monitor displays Nikki's bank statement on one side of the screen and a copy of her tax statements for the last two years on the other side of the screen.

 
[Stone] For the most part, she had been living off of the modest income the horse breeding, boarding and training business she runs at her ranch.

 
[Evans] I thought the ranch was a home for kids?

 
Evans says looking at the images on the monitor.

 
[Porter] Flynn bought the old ranch when she first moved to Seacouver.

 
[Stone] Not only old but failing ranch.

 
Stone interjects as he aims the remote at the screen and the image changes to a copy of the deed to the Nua Tosu Ranch.

 
[Porter] It took her a year to get it operating in the black.  Then she began working on getting permits to open up a portion of the ranch as a home for unadoptable kids.

 
Porter says, almost admiringly.

 
[Stone] But she only uses State, local and Federal grant money.....

 
[Porter] ...and funds from private contributors...

 
Porter interjects.

 
[Stone] ...to support the part of the ranch that houses, feeds and councils the kids.  There is no sign of any improprieties on her part. 

 
[Porter] She, herself, contributes to some of Seacouver's larger charities.

 
Stone changes the image on the monitor to a copy of Nikki's charitable donations.

 
[Stone] Like the museum, the University Historical Restoration Society and the Council for the Performing Arts.

 
[Porter] She has several influential friends including a Superior Court Judge.

 
[Evans] What about before moving into Seacouver?  How did she purchase a 640 acre ranch?

 
Evans asks looking first at Porter than at Stone.

 
[Porter] There is record of her having owned a working horse ranch in Arizona in 1995 but there is no record of it having been bought, sold or traded and there is no current deed for the property on record.

 
Porter says with a shrug.

 
[Stone] It's like it simply vanished.

 
[Evans] Where did she live prior to moving here?

 
Evans asks, looking at the faces of his two best detectives.

 
Stone points the remote at the monitor and a copy of Nikki's tax statements for 1998 and 1999 appear on the screen.

 
[Porter] For the two years prior to her moving to Seacouver, Flynn filed 10-99 forms each quarter and listed her source of income as tending bar at a friend of hers club in San Francisco called the Sanctuary. Then she came here.

 
Porter says, reading off of his notes in his notebook.

 
[Stone] And the only ties we could find between her and the Colson kid is the ranch.

 
[Porter] We've talked to the foreman at the ranch, Richard Williams....

 
Porter says as the image on the monitor switches to one of Richard.

 
[Porter] ...and, according to him, her disappearance is extremely out of character for her and he is more than a little worried that something has happened to her.

 
Porter says in conclusion.

 
[Stone] Same thing everyone we have interviewed that has known Flynn for any length of time.  There are three friends of hers that we have not been able to get a hold of.  One is the person her Administrative Assistant says she refers to as her best friend and...coincidentally...

 
Stone changes the image on the monitor to a photo of Amanda.

 
[Stone] ...is the owner of the club she tended bar for in San Francisco..Amanda Darieux.

 
Evans looks at the image on the screen and thinks to himself, “wow!”

 
[Evans] Look into her.

 
Evans says simply.

 
[Porter] As we speak, Boss.

 
Porter says with a nod.

 
[Stone] ...her Superior Court Judge friend, Judge A. Everson....

 
Stone changes the image on the screen to a photo of Ally.

 
[Stone] ...and the man in the press photo....

 
[Porter] ...who we have not identified yet.

 
Porter interjects quickly as the image on the screen changes to a copy of the press photo with Methos and Nikki together at a charity event.

 
[Evans] Well your unidentified person is one Adam Pierson.

 
Evans says, glancing down at the notes he had taken during his telephone conversation.

 
Stone hurries around the Lieutenant's desk to his computer and keys in a couple of commands and a Washington Drivers License appears with a picture of Methos on it.

 
[Evans] According to my source he is a Historian of some sort for the University...or so he thinks.  Get on that Porter.

 
[Porter] On it, Boss.

 
Porter says and makes a mock salute.

 
Stone taps in a few commands on Evans' computer.

 
[Stone] I've got his credit card statements for the last 6 months and he seems to spend a lot at a place called Joe's Bar on East Oregon Street.

 
Stone announces as the image on the screen switches back to Nikki's drivers license.

 
[Evans] Check it out, Stone.

 
Evans commands.

 
[Stone] Yes, Boss.

 
Stone says and both he and Porter turn and hurry out of the Lieutenant's office.

 
[Evans] Somebody has to know something about something.

 
Evans says to himself and he stares thoughtfully at the image on the monitor and rubs his chin.  He hates dead ends!

 
[Stone] Trade ya.

 
Stone says to Porter when they are out of earshot of the Lieutenant.

 
[Porter] Not a chance.  Did you see her?  She is waaay out of your league, Rookie.

 
[Stone] Figures.

 
Stone says shaking his head as he heads for his desk where he takes his holstered gun out of his desk drawer, grabs his jacket that is neatly hung on the back of his chair and heads for the elevator.

 
Porter smiles and heads for his desk and his computer.

 
To be continued


 

 

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Part 14
« Reply #13 on: November 19, 2012, 09:22:03 am »

Lt. Evans
gathers his keys, etc. from the ex-ray machine at the entrance to the Seacouver Superior Courthouse and walks over to the directory on the marble wall next to the bank of elevators. He looks up Judge Everson and finds her location, then gets into one of the elevators and rides it in silence, to the floor where Ally's court room and chambers are. He gets out of the elevator and walks confidently and purposefully to the glass door with the name Judge Ally Everson painted on the glass in gold letters. He pushes open the door and walks up to the secretary's desk.


 
Lt. Evans: Ahem.


 
Lt. Evans clears his throat to get the Administrative Assistant's attention.


 
The Administrative Assistant looks up and sees a detective standing before him.


 
The Administrative Assistant: Can I help you, Detective?


 
The Administrative Assistant asks.


 
Lt. Evans takes out his ID and shows it to the Administrative Assistant.


 
Lt. Evans: I'm Detective Larry Evans with Seacouver County Sheriff's Investigation Division and I have an appointment to see Judge Everson.


 
Lt. Evans says and smiles politely.


 
The Administrative Assistantreplies and stands up going to the office and tapping on it, he then enters, shutting the door behind him.


 
Lt. Evans: Thank you.


 
Lt. Evans says and takes a step back from the desk. He, nonchalantly, looks around at the decor of the Judge's outer office.


 
The Administrative Assistant: Judge Everson? Lieutenant Evans is here to see.


 
The Administrative Assistant says once the door is shut on Ally's office.


 
Aldria: Ah, yes. I've been expecting him. Please send him in.


 
Aldria says with a smile.


 
The Administrative Assistant: Yes, your honor.


 
The Administrative Assistant replies and opens the office door stepping outside.


 
The Administrative Assistant: Lt. Evans? She'll see you now?


 
The Administrative Assistant says holding the door, so the detective could enter the office.


 
Lt. Evans: Thank you.


 
Lt. Evans says and smiles at the Assistant. Then he walks into the Judge's chambers.


 
Lt. Evans: I'm glad you consented to setting aside some time to see me, Your Honor.


 
The Administrative Assistant pulls the shut behind him.


 
Lt. Evans says to Ally as he approaches her desk.


 
Aldria: Lt. Evans, please take a seat.


 
Aldria says gesturing towards the chairs in front of her desk.


 
Lt. Evans: Thank you.


 
Lt. Evans says, politely and walks in front of the chair. Before sitting down, he removes a small note pad from the inside pocket of his sport coat. He opens the notepad and takes out copies of two photographs....one, an enhanced copy of the news paper photo of the man on the stairs behind Nicayla Flynn....and one is a closeup of Nicayla. He hands them to the Judge before sitting down


 
Aldria accepts the photographs and looks them over, then looks back at the Detective and raises her left eyebrow, curious as to where this is going.


 
Lt. Evans: I believe that you know the young lady in that photo....correct?


 
Lt. Evans says nodding toward the photo Ally was holding in her left hand.


 
Aldria: Of course. Nikki Flynn. She runs the ranch for troubled teens I support.


 
Aldria nods.


 
Lt. Evans: When was the last time you spoke to or saw Miss Flynn?


 
Lt. Evans asks...his voice remaining in a respectful tone.


 
Aldria frowns trying to remember.


 
Aldria: I believe it was about a month and half to two months ago. Why?


 
Aldria asks.


 
Lt. Evans: Did she say anything to you about plans to leave town for any reason?


 
Lt. Evans asks while making notes in his notepad.


 
Aldria shakes her head.


 
Aldria: No. She didn't.


 
Lt. Evans leans forward in his chair with interest.


 
Lt. Evans: How well do you know Miss Flynn?


 
Lt. Evans asks...his intense gaze locked with the judge's.


 
Aldria: We're friends, but casual friends. By no means intimate.


 
Lt. Evans: Do you know of any one who might have wanted to do Miss Flynn harm?


 
Lt. Evans asks...his gaze still locked with the judges....as if he is trying to see into her soul.


 
Aldria thinks it over for a moment, and unable to give the COMPLETE truth to the mortal shakes her head slowly.


 
Aldria: Not that I know of. I can't think of anyone with a grudge or the like, against Nikki. Granted, as I said, its not as though we're close friends, I'm not entirely sure I would know if someone had it out for her.


 
Not getting the vibe from the Judge that she is intentionally holding back information, the Lieutenant leans back in his chair and relaxes a little.


 
Lt. Evans: Have you ever seen the man in the other photo before?


 
Lt. Evans asks without looking up from his notepad.  He already knows who Pierson is but this is one of his tactics to test how honest the person he is interrogating is going to be.


 
Aldria: Yes, I have. But I think its time YOU told me what this is all about, Detective.


 
Aldria says watching the Lt. for what signs his body language could give her.


 
Under normal circumstance....if this were a "normal" interview....Larry would respond to her last statement by...first, ignoring it and continuing to ask his questions....then by pointing out that he is in charge and he asks the questions...not her. But this was NOT the "norm" because he wasn't dealing with some Joe Blow Citizen. This was a Superior Court Judge who could....at anytime and for any reason....have him slapped in jail with a contempt of court charge and the Seacouver County Sheriff would not find that at all amusing.


 
Lt. Evans: It seems that Miss Flynn has gone missing.


 
Lt. Evans says simply.


 
Aldria: Any sign of fowl play?


 
Aldria asks concerned.


 
Lt. Evans shakes his head.


 
Lt. Evans: No signs of anything. She was just there one day and gone the next and no one has heard from her. Not her foreman, or the friend he told us that she usually stays with when she stays in town.


 
Lt. Evans says, watching the Judge out of the corner of his eye.


 
Aldria: Huh. That's very odd...


 
Aldria frowns thinking it over, wondering what could have happened.


 
Aldria: Well, that,


 
Aldria puts the second picture down.


 
Aldria: Is Dr. Adam Pierson. A PhD linguist out of Sobornne in France.


 
Lt. Evans's eyes shot up to the judge's face. Someone had finally given a name to Flynn's mysterious escort.


 
Lt. Evans: So you know him? This Dr. Pierson?


 
Lt. Evans asks with renewed interest.


 
Aldria: Yes. I do. But, detective I think you need to give me more information.


 
Aldria replies.


 
Aldria: This is obviously more than just a simple missing adult, persons.


 
Lt. Evans hated being forced into a position of sharing information with a witness. But this was no regular witness She was a Superior Court Judge and could....should she be so inclined...make his life miserable. So he swallows his stubborn "pride" and settles back in his chair.


 
Lt. Evans: Ok, Judge Everson..... I'll make you a deal that I rarely...more like never....make. A little quid pro quo....if you have no objection.


 
Lt. Evans says, quirking an eyebrow, expectantly.


 
Aldria: I do believe that would be fair.


 
Aldria replies, leaning back a little in her chair.


 
Lt. Evans: My team was originally assigned to investigate a report of a missing teenager who lives out on Miss Flynn's ranch. The girl, Haley Colson, was reported missing by Washington Child Protective Services after she failed to show up to a scheduled visit with her father and never returned to the ranch. She just vanished into thin air.


 
Lt. Evans says....pausing to take a breath and let this information set in with the judge.


 
Aldria nods her understanding, and waits to see if Lt. Evans has anything more to say.


 
Lt. Evans: During the course of our initial investigation we discovered that the girl wasn't the only one missing. Miss Flynn's foreman, Richard Williams, told me when I interviewed him about the missing girl, that he had last seen Miss Flynn the previous evening when she helped him "put the stock to bed"...


 
Lt. Evans makes quotation signs in the air with his fingers.


 
Aldria: Meaning the horses.


 
Aldria replies with a small smile.


 
Lt. Evans: ...and he hadn't heard from her since.


 
Lt. Evans finishes.


 
Lt. Evans: So....how well do you know this Dr. Pierson?


 
Lt. Evans quickly asks....wanting his quid pro quo.


 
Aldria shrugs.


 
Aldria: Relatively well. I've known him for years. Casual relationship. Met up with him again when I moved here. We drink at the same bar.


 
Lt. Evans: Did he or Miss Flynn ever mention that they were dating?


 
Lt. Evans asks quickly. This might be his only chance to get any information on this Pierson guy and his gut is telling him that this guy may have the information that could break this case....or cases...wide open.


 
Aldria: I'm not sure if they were dating or not. I do know that Nikki was thinking it was going that way, as she had asked me if I was going to mind if they dated. Whether they were or are dating, That I can't tell you, because I don't know.


 
Aldria replies.


 
Lt. Evans: So....they didn't know each other well.... Is that what you are telling me?


 
Lt. Evans asks, trying to clarify his understanding of what the judge is telling him.


 
Aldria: No, that's not what I'm saying. What I'm saying is I don't how well they know each other Nikki asked me if I minded if they dated over a year ago. I do know they aren't living together, but that's all I can say. I see much more of Adam than I do of Nikki.


 
Aldria replies.


 
Lt. Evans: When was the last time you saw or heard from Dr. Pierson?


 
Lt. Evans asks before the judge has a chanced to ask him a question.


 
Aldria: Couple days ago.


 
Aldria says flatly, and arches and eyebrow at the Detective, indicating it was his turn.


 
Lt. Evans: Just one more question, your honor. While it's still fresh in my mind.


 
Lt. Evans says, apologetically.


 
Lt. Evans: When you saw him a couple of days ago.....did he mention having seen Miss Flynn recently?


 
Lt. Evans asks....jotting a few notes down in his notepad.


 
Aldria allows her lips to purse slightly, indicating that he was trying her patience, before shaking her head.


 
Aldria: No, he didn't. We honestly didn't do a lot of talking. It was at the bar we usually meet up in. Each just there to have a drink or two to unwind after a day. I'm sure you can understand that.


 
Aldria says.


 
Lt. Evans nods his head.


 
Lt. Evans: Yes. I can.


 
Lt. Evans replies....looking over his notes and trying to figure out what else he can tell the judge that would satisfy the quid pro quo without giving up too much information.


 
Aldria: You're trying to figure out if there's a connection aren't you? Between Nikki and Haley?


 
Aldria asks flatly.


 
Lt. Evans furrows his brow. Up until that moment....he has not really entertained the thought that the 2 cases might actually be 1. But now that the judge has put that idea out there..... He clears his throat, a bit embarrassed for not having thought this before.


 
Lt. Evans: Do you think there's a connection, Judge?


 
Lt. Evans asks...raising one eyebrow, questioningly.


 
Aldria: That I don't know. However, I do know one thing about young miss Colson, you might want to check into.


 
Aldria offers.


 
Lt. Evans leans forward....his interest fueled.


 
Lt. Evans: And that is....?


 
Lt. Evans prompts.


 
Aldria: I met Miss Colson, from what you're saying, about a month before she disappeared. She had missed an appointment with her father and the family court was threatening to remove her from Nikki's ranch and return her to her father's custody. Given what she told me, that young lady would be willing to do ANYTHING to avoid being returned to her father.


 
Aldria explains, then pauses, waiting for the Lt. to ask the obvious.


 
Aldria: I can't think of many that wouldn't be. I was. Though apparently the idiots who investigated before weren't.


 
Aldria replies honestly.


 
Lt. Evans rubs his chin, thoughtfully.


 
Lt. Evans: Why did the girl not want to be returned to her father's custody?


 
Lt. Evans asks...slowly beginning to put some of the pieces of the puzzle together in his mind.


 
Aldria: Her father has been raping her, since she was 10.


 
Aldria says flatly.


 
Lt. Evans winces as if he had been stabbed with a hot poker and he doesn't bother trying to hide his reaction. Crimes against kids. He just couldn't stomach them. He was glad he didn't work in that department because he couldn't guarantee what he would do to a pervert that ended up in his interrogation room.


 
Lt. Evans: How sympathetic to the girl's situation was Miss Flynn?


 
Lt. Evans asks as he shifts his weight in his chair.


 
Aldria: Extremely But then again, so I was. I looked into after meeting with the girl. Even spoke with the detectives that were the original investigators.


 
Aldria shakes her head in disgust at the thought of those detectives.


 
The Administrative Assistant knocks on Ally's chamber door and opens it a crack, sticking his head in just far enough to be able to deliver a message.


 
The Administrative Assistant: Judge Everson? You wanted me to remind you that you have a preliminary hearing scheduled in about 5 minutes.


 
The Administrative Assistant says quickly.


 
Aldria: Thank you for the reminder. Remind me again in 3 minutes if need be.


 
Aldria replies to her assistant.


 
The Administrative Assistant ducks back out and shuts the door.


 
Lt. Evans: Well....Judge Everson....I have taken up too much of your time. But I do thank you for seeing me and being so helpful. May I call you if I have anymore questions?


 
Lt. Evans says, getting to his feet.


 
Aldria: Please do. And... if Its not to much trouble, have someone look into Haley Colson's father. The other investigator's didn't look into it much, given Mr. Colson's standing the in the community. Who knows, following that route you might even track something more down.


 
Aldria replies getting to her feet and offering the Lt. her hand.


 
Lt. Evans takes the judge's hand and shakes it.


 
Lt. Evans: One last question, Judge. Where would I find Dr. Pierson?


 
Lt. Evans asks with a genuine smile.


 
Aldria: I can only tell you were I usually see him at. You'll find him there most evenings.


 
Aldria replies with a grin.


 
Lt. Evans lets go of her hand and quirks an eyebrow, questioningly.


 
Lt. Evans: And that would be....


 
Lt. Evans prompts.


 
Aldria: Same place you'll find me. Joe's, of course.


 
Aldria grins.


 
Lt. Evans: Joe's. Just Joe's?


 
Lt. Evans asks, curiously.


 
Aldria: Don't tell me you haven't heard of Joe's?


 
Aldria asks a little surprised.


 
Lt. Evans: Can't say that I have. Should I have?


 
Lt. Evans looks at the judge in wonderment.


 
Aldria: I'm just a little surprised. Seems like everyone goes to Joe's. It's a blues bar in town here.


 
Aldria smiles.


 
Lt. Evans: So it should be listed in the phone book then....right?


 
Lt. Evans asks as he writes in his notepad. Then he puts the notepad in the vest pocket of his jacket and moves toward the door as he waits for the judge to confirm his last queries.


 
Aldria: Should be. But if you ask my assistant he can get you address.


 
Aldria replies.


 
Lt. Evans: Thank you, Judge. You have been a huge help. And I WILL be in touch.


 
Lt. Evans says as he reaches for the door knob, turns it and opens the door to the judge's chambers.


 
Aldria: Detective.


 
Lt. Evans: Yes?


 
Lt. Evans says, turning in the open doorway to look at the judge. He gets the address to the bar the judge mentioned from her assistant then hurries out of the office and the court house. He takes out his cell phone as he heads for his car which is parked by the curb in front of the courthouse.


 
Lt. Evans: Stone.....I want you to check out the WCPS file on Haley Colson and find out who and where her father is. I'm on my way to some place called Joe's Bar to see if I can catch up to our mystery man...whose name, by the way, is Dr. Adam Pierson.


 
Lt. Evans hangs up and gets into his car and heads for Joe's Bar.


 
****10 minutes later****


Lt. Evans surveys the place located at the address the assistant gave him as he slowly drives past it. It is still early...not even noon, yet...and he knows that most bars aren't open to the public this early. That assumption is backed up by the fact that there is only one car in the bar's parking lot. He quickly pulls into the parking lot and stops behind the only car parked in it and quickly jots down the license plate number. Then he backs out of the parking lot and drives a block away and parks along the curb. He takes out his cell phone and dials a number.


 
Lt. Evans: This is Lt. Larry Evans. I need a plate run.


 
Lt. Evans says and reads off the license plate number he had just written down. The officer Evans is talking to comes back on the phone and tells him that the vehicle is registered to a Mike ? (Joe's Mike). Evans thanks him and hangs up He rubs his chin thoughtfully then starts his car back up. He makes a U turn and parks along the curb...still a block away from the bar...yet where he can clearly see the bar's entrance. Then he reclines his seat enough that it is comfortable and settles in for what could be a long stake out.


 
***3 hours later***


Methos stops his car in Joe's parking lot and slowly exits his vehicle. He looks around out of habit but doesn't see anything out of the ordinary, as he locks his car. Then walks slowly to the bar wondering if Mike has any news about Joe. "I hope he's feeling better now." He murmurs under his breath as he keeps walking.


 
Lt. Evans is adjusting the station tuner on his car stereo when he sees the man in the news photo walk around the front of the bar from the parking lot and go inside.


 
Lt. Evans: Finally.


 
Lt. Evans says aloud to his empty car. He gets out, locks his car up and walks the block to the bar. He opens the door and steps into the dimly lit bar, standing just inside the door until his vision adjusts to the change in light.


 
Methos nods when Mike moves to the tap as soon as he sees him.


 
Methos: Yeah, a draft beer would be appreciated, it's kind of early but I'm leaving work soon.


 
Lt. Evans looks around and sees that there are only a few people sitting at tables and only one at the bar. He casually strolls over to the bar and takes a seat on a bar stool a few away from Pierson.


 
Methos side glances at the man who sits close to him, but decides to ignore him and takes a sip at the beer Mike has put in front of him.


 
Methos: So any news from Joe?


 
Methos decides to ask right away before he forgets, Mike tells him no and moves away to get something done.


 
Lt. Evans reaches into his pocket and takes out his ID and badge, gets up from his stool and walks over to Pierson.


 
Lt. Evans: Excuse me, Dr. Pierson. I was wondering if I might ask you a few questions.


 
Lt. Evans says, laying his ID on the bar next to the man so he could see it.


 
Methos raises his eyebrows as he looks down at the badge and then up to the man's face.


 
Methos: Sure?


 
Methos says before he picks up his glass to take another sip of beer.


 
Lt. Evans: I understand that you know a Miss Nicayla Flynn.


 
Lt. Evans says, holding out the photo he has of Nikki.


 
Methos nods as he looks down at the photo the police detective is showing him.


 
Methos: Nikki? Yeah I do.


 
Lt. Evans: When was the last time you saw or spoke to Miss Flynn?


 
Lt. Evans asks, putting the photo and his ID back in his jacket pocket.


 
Methos frowns a little as if he was puzzled.


 
Methos: Two months ago? Why? Something happened to her?


 
Methos' frown deepens as he stares at the man.


 
Methos: Why else would the police be looking for her?


 
Lt. Evans furrows his brow as he thinks to himself, "what kind of man dates a woman but doesn't try to contact her for 2 months....and doesn't even know that she is missing?" But he keeps his thought to himself.


 
Lt. Evans: I take it not hearing from Miss Flynn for 2 months isn't unusual.


 
Lt. Evans says, clarifying his observation.


 
Methos: Hmm, not really. But she told me she's going to leave, a family emergency of some sort and that she'd call me when she returned back to Seacouver.


 
Methos shrugs before he takes another sip of beer.


 
Methos: Just figured it was taking longer than she was expecting.


 
Lt. Evans wonders why this Pierson knows about this so called family emergency but nobody else....not her foreman, assistant, the counselors at the ranch or her friends, MacLeod, Amanda and Judge Everson knew anything about it when he asked them. Something wasn't right about all of this. He didn't know why he had the suspicion but his gut was telling him that there just wasn't something right going on. And one of his 22 rules...Number 4, as a matter of fact, was "Always trust your gut."


 
Lt. Evans: So where is this family emergency that Miss Flynn had to leave for?


 
Lt. Evans asks....closely watching the doctor's face in the mirror on the wall behind the bar.


 
Methos frowns as if trying to remember.


 
Methos: Actually, she didn't tell me where. She just said she was going home. And she told me she'd come from Arizona when we met so you might want to look that way.


 
Lt. Evans: Arizona?


 
Lt. Evans asks, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.


 
Lt. Evans: Can you be more specific, doctor?


 
Methos: Hmm, I don't think a town was mentioned, only that she had or has a ranch there. Sorry.


 
Methos says using his best Adam Pierson innocent look.


 
Lt. Evans: And she didn't give you a way to contact her where ever she went?


 
Lt. Evans asks a little more dubiously than before.


 
Methos: No, she told me she'd call me when she returned. Why would I want to just talk to her on the phone? We can't go out if she's in Arizona or whatever she is and I'm here, now can we?


 
Methos points out as he shakes his head amused, then he looks down to get his glass back.


 
Lt. Evans: Interesting way of looking at the concept of dating.


 
Lt. Evans says a bit sarcastically.


 
Lt. Evans: I guess you two aren't as close as I was led to believe.


 
Lt. Evans lies.


 
Methos: Oh really?


 
Methos asks slightly amused, he can't imagine anyone who knew about them to tell a cop how close they were, the man is trying to catch something.


 
Methos: No, probably we're not as close as you were led to believe.


 
Lt. Evans: Well....Ok, then. I guess I'll check Arizona.


 
Lt. Evans says and takes a business card out of his shirt pocket and hands it to Pierson.


 
Methos takes the business card and looks down at it.


 
Lt. Evans: Do me a favor, please...if you will. If you hear from Miss Flynn....have her call me at that number. It is very important that I speak to her. Hmm?


 
Lt. Evans says with a nod then turns and heads out of the bar.


 
Methos: Will do.


 
Lt. Evans takes out his cell phone as he walks back to his car and says to the person he called, "I want a tail put on Dr. Adam Pierson," then he hangs up, gets into his car and drives off...heading back to the precinct.


 
Methos says after the man, then gestures Mike to get him another beer. He takes a deep sigh of relief that his talk to the police detective is over, only to frown again at the thought that a cop is investigating an Immortal, usually something would come up no matter how much someone covered his track.


 
Methos: Besides I miss the brat.


 
Methos murmurs under his breath as he smiles.


 
 
To be continued
« Last Edit: November 24, 2012, 02:43:03 pm by 22639 »

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Part 15
« Reply #14 on: November 28, 2012, 02:26:28 pm »
The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being understudied.
 
Duncan pulls his car into the parking lot of Joe's Bar and sees Methos' car so he parks next to it, gets out and heads around to the front of the building. He feels an Immortal buzz as he approaches the door to the bar. He opens the door, steps inside and waits for his eyes to adjust to the dim light.




Methos waves at MacLeod when he sees him, then looks down at the table to get his beer glass again.



Methos:Look who's here.



Methos whispers at Aldria.



Duncan heads over to Methos' table, motioning to Mike, the bartender, that he wants a draft beer.



Aldria: So I see.



Aldria chuckles



Duncan: Just the man I was looking for.



Duncan says as he sits in the chair to Methos' right.



Aldria: This is going to be good.



Aldria mutters to her beer.



Methos looks up at MacLeod suspiciously.



Methos: Oh ho, why do I have the feeling it doesn't sound good?



Duncan looks over at Ally.



Duncan: I'm glad you're here, too.



Duncan says as the bar maid sets a frosty mug of draft beer in front of him.



Methos side glances at Aldria, then looks back at MacLeod, waiting for what he's up to.



Methos: And the reason is...?



Methos urges him to go on, promising himself that if it has anything to do with the Game, he's going to pretend to go to the bathroom and leave through the back door.



Duncan takes a sip of his beer and looks back at Methos. He leans closer so he can speak quietly.



Duncan: I had an interesting visit from a detective yesterday. He was asking a lot of questions about Nicayla and you. When he showed me a newspaper photo of you and asked if I recognized you I said no. I tried to call you but it just went to voice mail and I thought I should give you a heads up.



Duncan says and takes another sip of his beer.



Methos rolls his eyes as he gets his beer glass again.



Aldria: Talked to a Detective myself today. Wanted to know about Nikki and Haley - though did ask if I knew who you were...



Aldria says with a smile to Methos



Methos: Oh it was you? I was wondering how he found me at Joe's.



Methos says before he takes a sip of beer.



Duncan: He already talked to you?



Duncan asks, a bit surprised at the speediness of the police.



Aldria: Told him I knew you that we drank, at Joe's.



Aldria shakes her head sadly.



Aldria: Poor detective had never even HEARD of Joe's before.



Methos: Let's hope he doesn't become a regular costumer.



Methos could have added that it would be pretty boring to have a detective around but he knew the other already figured that out.



Methos: Yes, he already talked to me, MacLeod.



Duncan: Just what the Hell is going on?



Duncan asks and takes another sip of his beer.



Methos: Hmm, I told him Nikki called me and said she had some kind of family emergency. Is that enough for you?



Methos smirks, almost 100% sure the answer would be no.



Duncan: Is Nicayla in some sort of trouble?



Duncan asks, concerned.



Methos sighs looking down at his now empty glass.



Methos: You could say that.



Aldria: I do believe the problem is she's missing.



Aldria replies.



Duncan: Missing? What do you mean by missing?



Duncan asks...his concern growing.



Methos: No, the problem is that she ran away with that kid from the ranch. Haley?



Methos points out before he gestures Mike to bring him another beer.



Duncan: She what??!!!



Duncan says, almost choking on his beer.



Methos: Don't think she had much of a choice, but she could have planned it better, so it wasn't so obvious, I think.



Methos sighs playing with the empty glass on the table, he knew Nikki would never have the patience for it.



Aldria: I didn't realize that. Well, I figured it was a good possibility



Aldria shrugs.



Aldria: Given what Haley went through and the state was going to do I can't say I blame them.



Duncan shakes his head.



Duncan: I wish somebody would tell me what the hell is going on.



Duncan says...obviously confused.



Methos: Why don't you start, Your Honor? After all you're the one who got involved in it in the first place.



Methos teases, before he looks up at Mike and thanks him for the beer.



Methos: It's always better to start from the beginning, no?



Methos points out as he picks the new beer glass.



Aldria: Haley's father **** her, from the time she was... 10, I think. She stole things and went to jail to get away from him.



Aldria explained.



Aldria: Problem was, because of her father's position nobody believed Haley. Just recently, thanks to one of us,



Aldria gestures to the three of them.



Aldria: Who wanted Nikki, Haley missed one of her scheduled visitations with her father, so the state decided that she needs to go back to her father's custody.



Aldria explains.



Aldria: That's all I know, other than that the detective came by my office this morning asking questions about both Haley and Nikki.



Duncan slowly nodded his head.



Duncan: You know....as scary as it may be.....that sounds exactly like something she would do.



Duncan takes a sip of his beer.



Methos: Yeah, you know Nikki would do anything for those kids. She was taking Haley to her father in Ireland, last time I talked to her, until Haley turned 18.



Methos takes a deep breath looking down at his glass.



Methos: I only wish there was some other way, what if they decide to close the ranch?



Methos takes a sip of beer and sighs.



Methos: We have to do something.



Aldria: Yes well, luckily I do have some say in that.



Aldria chuckles



Duncan: Do the cops know that Nicayla actually took Haley out of the country?



Duncan asks and picks a peanut out of the bowl in the center of the table.



Methos: No, but they're investigating, they might come up with something.



Methos frowns remembering the detective who had talked to him, he looked good at his job.



Duncan: What kind of trouble will she be in then?



Duncan asks Ally.



Aldria: Depends. On if they they left the state, or the country. And what they can prove Nikki had to do with it.



Aldria replies.



Aldria: Minimum I think Nikki's looking at some kind of Jail time. Unless she can prove she went after Haley to bring Haley back, rather than being the one who took Haley.



Duncan looks over at Methos and quirks an eyebrow.



Duncan: And you knew about this?



Duncan asks Methos.



Methos: Yeah, she paid me a short visit before she left.



Methos takes a deep breath looking down at his glass on the table.



Duncan: And you didn't try and talk some sense into her?



Duncan asks, incredulously.



Methos: What was I supposed to do? Ever tried to stop her from doing anything?



Methos points out, apparently MacLeod didn't know Nikki as well as he did.



Duncan shakes his head.



Duncan: No. But it can't be any worse than trying to talk Amanda out of doing something stupid.



Duncan says and swigs down the last of his beer.



Methos: Yeah? How many times did you succeed in that?



Methos asks slightly amused, he knew there couldn't have been that many times.



Duncan: There's a bit of a difference between the two situations, though.



Duncan says looking around for the bar maid.



Methos: Care to enlighten me?



Methos asks raising an eyebrow at MacLeod.



Duncan catches the eye of the bar maid and motions her over. When she gets to the table he places his empty glass on her tray and looks up at her.



Duncan: Make mine a single malt this time and another round for my friends.



Duncan says, indicating Methos and Ally. The bar maid heads back to get his order and he looks back at Methos.



Duncan: Enlighten you about what?



Duncan asks as he picks another peanut out of the bowl and pops it in his mouth.



Duncan: The difference?



Duncan says, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.



Methos gestures him to go on as he takes a sip of beer.



Methos: Yes, what's the difference between the two situations?



Methos says as he puts the glass back on the table.



Duncan: I have never been in love with Amanda. Not in the way you are supposed to be with Nicayla.



Duncan says...completely serious.



Methos raises an eyebrow at MacLeod's answer.



Methos: Really? Could have fooled me.



Aldria: Guys... is this really important?



Aldria asks, arching an eyebrow.



Duncan simply shrugs and turns to look at Ally.



Duncan: Ally? Who is actually pressing for Haley's return? CPS?



Duncan asks just as the bar maid brings everyone's second round.



Methos: Yes, what's done is done, we should be discussing what to do now.



Methos points out as he takes the beer glass absentmindedly.



Aldria: Her father, I believe, is the one pressing for Custody of her again. And as CPS really doesn't have any reason to suspect him... And as far as they can see, Haley is the one who has made mistakes, not him.



Aldria shrugs.



Aldria: Damn....



Aldria mutters as her phone rings. Picking it up she answers it with a, "Hello?"



Duncan thinks about Ally's answer to his question while she takes her call.



Duncan: What exactly did she tell you when she left?



Duncan asks Methos, softly.



Methos looks away from Aldria on the phone to look at MacLeod.



Methos: What do you mean?



Aldria: Alright. I'll be there as soon as I can.



Aldria says ending the call and standing up.



Duncan looks up at Ally, a bit surprised that she is standing up.



Duncan: Are you leaving, Ally?



Methos: What's up?



Methos asks looking up at Aldria.



Aldria: Sorry guys gotta run. Have a warrant request.



Aldria says.



Methos: Have fun.



Methos murmurs picking up his beer glass.



Duncan: Ahhh. A judge's work is never done.



Duncan says understandingly.



Aldria: Yes well. I'll see you two around.



Aldria replies and heads to towards the door.



Duncan returns his attention to Methos.



Duncan: Now. Back to my question.



Duncan says as a prompt...hoping he doesn't have to repeat it.



Methos: She asked to take care of a chain with the amethyst crystal spear, which is at a safe deposit box by the way. If I lost it how was I ever to face her again?



Methos sighs sadly remembering those moments as he grabs the beer glass again.



Methos: She actually didn't talk much.



Duncan thinks about what Methos has said....trying to picture the Nicayla he knows...or knew...and he is about to interrupt when Methos asks a question, even though Duncan knows he said it more to himself, and Duncan refrains from interrupting and listens to his friend.



Duncan: Do you WANT to face her again?



Duncan asks Methos in a soft, non-confrontational tone of voice.



Methos frowns puzzled, wondering what the hell MacLeod wants to mean by that.



Methos: Of course I want to face her, just what the hell are you thinking?



Methos shakes his head trying to clear his thought, maybe he's missing something here.



Duncan holds up his hands in surrender.



Duncan: Not thinking a thing. Just a question. Don't even need answer it.



Duncan says, sitting back in his chair.



Methos: MacLeod, we've been friends for years, long before we moved to the next level, as far as I'm concerned we'll still be friends even if we stop dating.



Methos points out hoping MacLeod can understand that.



Methos: I'd still want to face her.



Duncan: Tell me.....



Duncan says and leans forward placing his arms on the table and looking seriously at Methos.



Duncan: ....did she tell you where she was going?



Methos: She told me she was going home, so I assume her father's ranch in Ireland. Why?



Methos asks before he takes a sip of beer.



Duncan: Because when Nicayla runs....she never says where she is going or for how long.



Duncan explains and picks another peanut out of the bowl then pops it into his mouth.



Duncan: Ok. So let's analyze this.



Duncan says, moving his glass out of the way and brushing off the peanut shells on the table



Methos looks at his glass on the table while he frowns thinking.



Methos: Actually I don't think she did. How long she'd be away that is.



Methos says after a while.



Duncan realizes that Methos has become preoccupied with something that had been said before. And although he believes that that is a good thing.....now was not the time so he raises up in his chair and waves his hands in front of his friend's face and snaps his fingers.



Duncan: Hey! Come on! Focus!



Duncan says as he snaps his fingers....as if snapping Methos out of a trance.



Methos blinks in surprise when MacLeod jumps to his feet and snaps his fingers in front of him.



Methos: OK, I'm back, now what?



Duncan shakes his head.



Duncan: Man. You got it bad.



Duncan says as if it saddens him.



Methos: What do you want to analyze?



Methos urges him to go on.



Duncan: Ok. So Nicayla left to get Haley away from her father.....right?



Duncan says to clarify.



Methos: Right.



Methos nods in agreement as he picks up the almost empty glass again.



Duncan: And Haley's not running from CPS or any government agency.....she's running from her father...At least that's the way I understood what Ally said.....am I right?



Duncan again, clarifies.



Methos: Right.



Methos nods again, before he drinks the rest of the beer and puts the empty glass on the table.



Duncan: Now what was Ally said about Nicayla maybe having to do jail time?



Duncan asks Methos....unable to remember everything Ally had said.



Methos: Only if they prove she had anything to do with Haley's disappearance.



Methos goes on while he thinks if he should order another beer or not.



Methos: We just can't let that happen.



Duncan sits back in his chair, picks up his half full glass of single malt and swirls the liquid around the glass like it were brandy. He stares at the designs the golden liquid is making on the inside of the glass for several minutes then puts the glass to his lips and downs it contents in one swig. He sits up, sets the empty glass on the table and looks directly into Methos' eyes.



Duncan: Then there's just one solution.



Duncan says, seriously.



Methos: Which is?



Methos asks raising an eyebrow at MacLeod.



Duncan wrinkles his forehead and squishes up his mouth until he, slightly, resembles Marlon Brando then says in a very convincing Marlon Brando impression he says.....



Duncan: Make him an offer he can't refuse....capisci, Fredo?



Methos is slightly surprised MacLeod had proposed to do it, but can't help to burst out laughing at MacLeod's answer.



Methos: Lead the way, Don Corleone.





 
To be continued
« Last Edit: November 29, 2012, 04:01:52 am by Cyberfox277 »

 

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