Forum > WATCHERS' ARCHIVE VAULT
RETRIBUTION (Completed)
Cyberfox277:
The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being understudied by Candy
Joe switches off the TV in his office...having just finished watching the movie Full Metal Jacket for the umpteenth time. His mind drifts back to his own memories of Viet Nam....some good....some bad. He focuses on the good ones and his comrades After several minutes he sits up and opens the top drawer of his desk and takes out an address book. He opens it to a specific page then picks up the phone and dials the number.
[Joe] May I speak to Jonathan Williams? This is Joe Dawson.
Joe says to the person who answers the phone then waits.
[Williams] Hello. This is Jon Williams. How can I help you?
Williams says having just been told he had a phone call.
[Joe] Williams? This is Joe Dawson.
Joe pours himself a drink from the bottle he keeps in the bottom drawer of his desk as he waits for Williams to remember him.
[Williams] Dawson? By god! It's been years! How are you man?
Williams cries happily remembering his old comrade at arms.
[Joe] Old.
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Williams] You and me both.
Williams laughs.
Kim is bringing something to Williams when she hears the name she almost drops the tray. She quickly puts it on a table and rushes to hear the talk on the phone. Luckily she was ready, she'd bugged his phone a long time ago.
[Joe] So what have you been doing all these years?
[Williams] Ah, the usual.
Williams shrugs.
[Joe] You know you're a hard man to track down. I thought I was going to have to send out the Texas Rangers to find you.
Joe says only half jokingly.
Williams laughs.
Kim runs to her room and picks up the hearing device, hoping this would be the Dawson she'd been looking for so long ago.
[Williams] Work as a real estate broker. Once divorced. Remarried. Raising a teenage girl who isn't my daughter and reminds me of that whenever she isn't looking for money.
Joe grimaces at the thought of raising a teenager.
[Joe] A teenager. Man...that's got to be rough.
[Williams] Aah.
Williams shrugs it off.
[Williams] She's a good girl though. So it's not to bad.
Joe says thinking that he and Williams were just teenagers themselves when they got to know each other in Viet Nam.
Kim smirks, he wouldn't be complaining about her for much longer.
[Joe] Wish I could offer some advice but I have remained a confirmed bachelor all these years and haven't the slightest idea of how to raise a kid.
Joe says taking a sip of his drink.
[Williams] Thanks
Williams says ruefully.
[Joe] So...hey....the reason I called is....have you been in touch with any of the guys?
Kim listens intently, this could be important, maybe he knew where the others were.
[Williams] No. Your the first I've heard of you guys in years. Got out came home. Married my childhood sweetheart... boy was that a mistake.
Joe chuckles.
Williams shakes his head ruefully.
[Williams] Then well... was just to busy.
[Joe] Well.....I've been thinking a lot about the guys lately and I thought it would be kinda nice to get together with them....if any of them are still around. What do you think?
[Williams] You mean a reunion of sorts?
Williams asks thoughtfully.
[Joe] Yeah.
[Williams] Hmm...
Williams ponders still thoughtful.
[Williams] You know, I kind of like that idea.
Williams says after a long moment of thought.
[Joe] Yeah? Good. Well....since you're the first one I've found....and got in touch with....I'll have to get to work on locating the others.
Joe says his spirits lifting. He begins thumbing through the pages of his address book to see if he has any names already.
Williams is unable to help smiling at the thought of seeing all his old buddies again.
Kim smiles thinking on how many she's killed by now, and wonders if it's even possible to make a reunion now.
[Joe] So you live in Arlington, Texas?
[Williams] Yeah. Makes getting in and out of easy. What about you, Joe? Where've you been keeping yourself?
Williams asks.
Kim listens with all her attention, she doesn't want to miss a thing.
[Joe] I've made Seacouver, Washington my home. Even opened up a blues bar....just for fun. But my other job sends me to Paris sometimes. Got a bar there too.
[Williams] Wow guess you've got the digs to have this reunion at.
Williams chuckles
[Williams] So what are your bars called?
[Joe] The one here in the states is simply Joe's Bar.
Joe answers.
[Williams] And just out of curiosity... the one in Paris?'
Williams asks.
[Joe] That one is Le Blues Bar.
Joe answers taking another sip of his drink.
[Joe] So if I can get this thing put together.....you wouldn't mind coming up to the Pacific Northwest?
[Williams] No. I'd love to get up to Washington.
Williams says the smile clear in his voice.
Kim frowns thinking, is it possible that when she looked for this Dawson guy he was in Paris and that's why she missed him?
[Joe] Ok then. I'll get to work trying to locate everyone.
[Williams] To bad Sarge died back in 'Nam. This type of thing would have been right up his alley.
Williams sighs sadly.
[Joe] Yeah. He would have been the life of the party I'm sure.
Joe says sadly as he thinks again about Andy Cord.
[Joe] I was kind of hoping you would have kept in touch with someone from the gang. It would make my job of locating everyone easier....but....
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Joe] ....it'll keep me out of trouble I guess.
[Williams] If you want to me to look up a couple of guys. I'd be more than willing to.
Williams offers.
[Joe] Well....if you want.....you can look for Temple, Anderson, Johnson and Fleming and I'll take the rest.
Joe says, glad to have some help.
[Williams] Will do. I'll give you a call back in a couple of weeks and let you know where I'm at, alright?
Williams suggests.
[Joe] Great.
Joe says and gives Williams his number.
Kim smiles, he wouldn't have the chance to, now that she knows where Joe Dawson is, it's time to finish her job here.
Williams glances at his watch.
[Williams] Damn. Joe, I'd love to talk. But I'm meeting the wife and stepdaughter for dinner. I'll get back to you in a couple weeks alright?
Williams questions.
[Joe] Perfect. Great to talk to you, buddy.
Joe says and hangs up.
Kim puts down the hearing device with a smile, thinking what she's about to prepare them as their last meal.
[Kim] I hope they like raw meat for dinner.
Kim murmurs as she looks for her weapons.
To be continued
Cyberfox277:
The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being understudied by Candy
Joe is drying and putting away the last of the glasses he has just finished washing in preparation for the evening crowd.
Craig pulls into the parking lot of Joe's Bar and parks. The parking lot is empty except for one other car, which he figures is Joe's. Having spent the day in meetings he is looking forward to a few quiet drinks before heading for home. He walks up to the door of the bar, pulls it open and steps inside. As the door closes behind him he stands there, letting his eyes adjust to the dim lighting of the bar.
Joe looks up when the door opens and a stream of daylight cuts through the dimly lit bar. At first all he can see of the person who has just entered his establishment is their silhouette then, once the door has closed behind them he recognizes Seacouver's resident Immortal PI.
Craig 's finally adjust to the change in lighting and he sees that his assumption was correct and that the only other person in the bar is Joe. Smiling he walks over to the bar and takes a seat on the stool nearest this end of the bar.
[Craig] Whatever's on tap, Joe.
Craig says as he settles in.
[Joe] You got it.
Joe responds with a grin and moves over to the beer tap, takes a frosty mug out of the freezer below the tap and fills it. He sets a bar napkin on the bar in front of Craig and sets the mug on it.
[Joe] You're in here early.
Joe observes as he picks up the last glass and proceeds to dry it and slip it into its slot in the rack overhead.
[Craig] Yeah. Just wanted to unwind with a couple of cold ones before going home.
Craig says with a nod as he picks up the mug and takes a sip of its contents.
[Joe] Sounds like you had a rough day.
Joe says and reaches under the bar. He produces a wooden cigar box which he opens and holds out to Craig...inviting him to help himself to one of the Cuban cigars nestled snugly inside.
Craig picks one of the cigars out of the box and smiles at Joe gratefully.
[Craig] Depends on if you would call an entire day of meetings, rough.
Joe chooses a cigar for himself and closes the box, returning it to its shelf under the bar. He takes a cigar lighter out of his pants pocket and flips it over so the clipper is exposed and holds it out to Craig.
[Joe] What? No cheating husbands to follow or missing persons to locate?
Joe asks teasingly.
Craig takes the lighter from Joe and clips the end of his cigar then turns the lighter over and proceeds to light his cigar.
[Craig] You know....
Craig says when his cigar is lit and he has taken a few puffs to get it going real well.
[Craig] ....I wouldn't even mind staking out a cheating spouse right now.
Craig hands the lighter back to Joe.
[Craig] At least it would be a case. If it weren't for the PR work I'd be going nuts.
[Joe] Things a little slow...eh?
Joe says as he takes the lighter and lights his own cigar.
[Craig] Slow ain't the word. I'll tell you....the West Coast is definitely different than the East Coast.
Craig takes a drink of his beer.
[Craig] We had business year round back there. Out here it seems to be seasonal. And now that I have David handling our security clients....I either sit in the office and go stir crazy or take PR meetings.
[Joe] I'm sure the economy isn't helping things either.
Joe sighs and blows a smoke ring towards the ceiling.
[Joe] I've definitely seen a drop off in business around here lately.
[Craig] Yeah. It isn't helping matters. But even with a bit of a decline in business due to that....my New York office is doing great. The Chicago office is keeping its head above water, too. Those two offices are carrying this one right now....more or less.
Craig says and takes a puff of his cigar.
[Joe] You aren't considering shutting down your operation here....are you?
Craig shrugs.
[Craig] I don't know. I hate to. It would mean either uprooting the families of the three agents I have working for me or laying them off. Either way it wouldn't be easy on any of them. Besides....I've come to like it here. It's a nice little city. Clean...the people seem decent...property taxes are reasonable....employment regulations are lenient.
Craig takes a sip of his beer and looks at Joe over the rim of his glass. As he lowers it he smiles and says, "besides....there's no Joe's Bar back East."
Joe chuckles and takes another puff of his cigar. Suddenly a thought comes to him and he looks at Craig seriously.
[Joe] You know.....I think I might be able to help you out a little. If you're interested that is.
Craig sets his glass on the bar and looks at Joe. Seeing the seriousness in the bar owner's eyes he leans forward with interest.
[Craig] Talk to me.
[Joe] I am trying to locate some old Nam buddies of mine....trying to put a reunion of sorts together. With everything here and the bar in Paris and all.....I would have to do it in my spare time....which there really isn't much of....and it would take forever. You have much better resources than I do and I would be willing to pay you for those services. That is....if you're interested. I mean...it's not much....definitely not the case of the century....but...as you said...it beats sitting in your office going stir crazy.
Joe takes a puff of his cigar and blows a smoke ring towards the ceiling as he gives Craig time to think his proposal over.
Craig thinks about it for a few minutes as he puffs on his cigar. Then he takes a sip of his beer and looks at Joe.
[Craig] How many guys are we talking about?
[Joe] There were 10 in our unit. I know where one is and he said he would look for 5 of the guys which leaves 3.....one I already know is dead....but he's a realtor so you'd probably have better luck locating them than he would.
[Craig] So basically....7. Right? And when was the last time you saw or heard anything about them?
[Joe] Unfortunately....1968. For all I know they may all be dead.
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] Nah....I doubt that. You're still alive.
Craig says only half joking.
Joe chuckles.
[Craig] It's always a challenge when trying to locate old military records.
Craig says and takes a sip of his beer. As he sets his glass back down he winks at Joe and adds, "and I have always loved a good challenge."
[Joe] Is that a yes?
Joe asks quirking an eyebrow questioningly.
Craig grins broadly and nods.
[Craig] Yeah. That's a yes.
Joe matches Craig's grin with one of his own and extends his hand across the bar.
[Joe] I'll pay whatever the going rate is plus expenses
Holding his cigar between his teeth, Craig takes hold of Joe's hand and gives it a firm single shake.
[Craig] The Bower Agency is at your service, Mr. Dawson.
Craig says, continuing to grin at Joe. As he lets go of Joe's hand he removes the cigar from his mouth and says, "I'll get on it as soon as you get me the names of the guys you want located."
[Joe] You're a gentleman and a scholar, Mr. Bower.
Joe says with a smirk.
[Joe] The list is in my office. I'll go get it right now.
Joe heads for his office. When he gets to the other end of the bar he stops and looks back at Craig and calls out, "and your next round is on the house."
Craig touches the end of his eyebrow with his first two fingers in a mock salute.
Joe disappears into his office and emerges a few minutes later with a sheet of paper in his hand. He carries it over and sets it on the bar in front of Craig.
Craig empties his glass and slides the empty out of the way, picks up the paper and reviews the list of names.
Joe removes Craig's empty glass and retrieves another frosty one, fills it and sets it on the empty napkin.
[Craig] Looks good, Joe.
Craig says and folds the paper up and stuffs it in his shirt pocket. Then he slides the fresh beer over in front of him and picks it up, taking a drink.
Kim sighs in relief as Seacouver comes into view at a distance. She still doesn't understand why she had to rush in here. She had to leave Arlington as soon as possible after what happened of course, it was the safest way, but why only sleep a couple of hours at a side road motel and drive another sixteen hours to get here? Joe hadn't mentioned he was planning to go somewhere.
Kim frowns thinking as she drives another couple of miles. She knows why, she's been looking for this Dawson guy for long enough, she can't wait to see him. She wonders how this one is and not for the first time, all of them seemed to be different here somehow when back at Vietnam they all looked the same. She shakes her head to clear her thoughts as she begins to think about what happened in her village.
Kim takes a few deep breaths to calm herself, luckily she's near the city now and has to pay attention to traffic, she doesn't want to have a car accident and draw attention to herself. She mentally plans what she's going to do when she gets there. Well, sleep is a priority right now, and then... At her last stop she had checked the yellow pages, and she'd found a bar named Joe's down on East Georgia Street, she wonders if it's the same bar he'd mentioned to Williams.
Kim makes a quick resolution as she drives through the traffic, she going to drive by and take a look at the bar. She takes the opportunity when she has to stop at a red light to get the Seacouver map she'd bought at her last stop. She opens it and puts it on the passenger seat in case she gets lost and needs it.
Kim smiles when she find the place at the first try, she's used to follow maps by now, every time she gets to a new town she has to use one at the beginning. She reduces speed as she passes the bar to take a good look at it. She sighs as she notices the 'Help Wanted' sign, so she has to play waitress again, her training as a Kunoichi keeps following her like a curse.
Kim is tempted to go back and take another look when she reaches the end of the street but thinks better and doesn't. Someone might notice her, and she really needs to get some rest, she can't walk in there to get that job looking like she hadn't slept in two days, she'd never get a job looking the way she does now. So she moves ahead planning to stop at the nearest cheap hotel and come back to get that job later.
To be continued
Cyberfox277:
The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being understudied by Candy
Methos smiles looking at Joe and the new waitress, he shakes his head amused as he turns to Aldria.
[Joe] Kim? Do you have any questions before the Friday night rush gets here?
[Methos] So do we tell him or not?
Joe asks concerned that tonight will be her first busy night.
[Kim] No, Mr. Dawson, I think I've got it.
Kim manages to give him a small smile.
[Kim] As I've said, I've done this in Japan, sir.
[Joe] Please.....call me Joe.
Joe corrects her with a grin.
[Kim] Alright, Joe.
[Ally] I dunno... It could be kind of awkward What with him being a watcher.
[Joe] Mike will be in to tend bar in about an hour so....if you're Ok....I see some friends I want to go say hi to.
Ally murmurs, a little amused that the watcher had an immortal working for him and didn't know it.
Kim smiles wider this time.
[Kim] Alright, Joe.
Methos chuckles seeing the irony in it, then he shrugs.
Joe glances over at Methos' table and notices his glass is almost empty so he grabs two glasses, one for himself and one for his friend and fills them both. Then he heads for Methos' table.
[Joe] Looks like you need a refill.
Joe says as he approaches the table. He sets one glass down in front of Methos and takes a seat across from his friend.
[Joe] So how is life in the court room, Ally?
[Methos] Yeah, I do, Thanks, Joe.
Methos smiles with a nod.
Joe asks Ally as he sits back and takes a sip of his beer.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] It's same old same old.
[Methos] Don't you get bored by it?
Methos asks Aldria with a frown.
[Methos] Judging people as a profession?
[Ally] I do. Which is probably a sign it's getting close for Ally Everson to pass on.
Ally sighs.
[Joe] Then what?
[Ally] I dunno. I'll give it a while yet. Do some research she if I can't find something to perk my interest.
Ally smiles.
[Methos] Well, you could join the Watchers after I leave, I can't stay there forever.
Methos suggests smiling at Joe.
[Joe] Maybe you could become a TV judge.
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Ally] A... no to the TV judge. I don't allow camera's in my courtroom now! I could never do the TV thing!
Ally protests with a laugh.
Joe laughs.
[Joe] Have you ever thought about changing departments? Like family court? Or civil?
[Ally] But the Watcher thing doesn't sound bad. Not as if I haven't before.
[Methos] It's always good to have someone on the inside.
Methos smirks side glancing at Joe.
[Joe] You planning on leaving me soon?
Joe asks looking at Methos with concern.
[Methos] Come on, Joe. Adam is forty, can't avoid the inevitable.
Methos shrugs trying to look unconcerned.
[Ally] And products only let one age for so long.
Ally agrees.
[Methos] Sooner or later I'll have to. When people start telling me how young I look it's my cue to leave.
Craig gathers up a few files and puts them in his briefcase. He says goodnight to Linda and leaves the office. He heads for Joe's Bar to share his progress on Joe's case with Joe.
Joe sighs. It will be a sad day when Adam Pierson ceases to exist because he knows that it will also mean Methos will move on and he has become quite attached to the smarmy Immortal.
[Ally] Course with the way you keep moving around, that helps you.
Ally grins at Methos
Kim side glances at Joe's tables wondering what they're talking about, she tries to find an excuse to come closer and begins to clean up the table even though they don't need it yet.
[Ally] That's a good chunk of the reason why I moved from New York to Seacouver, instead of creating a new identity.
[Joe] So.....
Joe decides to change the subject.
[Joe] What do you think of my new barmaid?
[Ally] Um... She's an interesting choice...
Ally says cautiously.
Methos side glaces at the new girl slightly amused.
[Methos] She looks nice.
Kim smiles slightly keeping her head down, so he thought she was nice, did he?
[Methos] But looking nice and being nice are two different things.
Methos murmurs as the girl moves to the next table a little far away.
[Ally] Uh huh.
Ally agreed having met enough people who weren't.
[Joe] It was strange. Jess had just told me she was going to have to quit. I hadn't even advertised for someone yet and Kim showed up.
[Methos] Hmm, sooner or later we all end up showing in here after all. I don't think you need to advertise much.
Methos says deeply amused at the fact that Joe's bar seemed to be Immortal Central Station.
Craig pulls into Joe's parking lot, grabs his briefcase and heads for the door. As he approaches it he feels the buzz of multiple Immortals and hesitates before opening the door...not really wanting to run into Nikki yet. He quickly reviews his memory of the cars he observed in the parking lot and since he doesn't remember seeing Nikki's truck he goes ahead and opens the door and steps into the bar.
Joe quirks an eyebrow at Methos wondering what his criptic comment means.
Craig stands inside the door and looks around. He recognizes Nikki's friend, Adam Pierson and the lady judge he had met once a while back sitting with Joe and he relaxes a bit.
[Ally] Aah, the detective.
Ally murmurs softly.
[Methos] Yeah, just to prove my point.
Methos chuckles amused.
Joe follows Ally's gaze and sees Craig standing at the door.
Kim glares warily at the door as she feels the buzz, another one?
Craig motions to Joe to join him and heads for an empty table towards the back of the bar. As he passes the barmaid he feels the hairs on the back of his neck bristle telling him she is also an Immortal and he quickly and inconspicuously glances at her, memorizing her features (occupational hazard).
Joe sees Craig motion to him and looks back at Methos and Ally and smiles apologetically as he gets to his feet.
[Joe] Excuse me, you two.
Joe says simply and heads for the table Craig has sat down at.
Craig places his briefcase on the table and opens it. He removes two file folders.
Joe sits down at the table and looks at Craig expectantly.
[Joe] I take it you've made some progress?
[Ally] Wonder what that's all about.
Craig slides the two folders over to Joe.
Ally murmurs to Methos
[Craig] Yeah. But just with two of the names you gave me.
[Joe] Want a beer or something?
[Methos] He'll talk about it later.
Methos shrugs before he takes a sip of beer.
Joe asks as he opens the first folder.
[Craig] Sure.
Craig answers simply.
Joe motions to Kim.
Kim proceeds to clean the tables moving as inconspicuously as possible until she can hear Joe and the new man talking.
[Joe] Kim?
Joe calls to her when she doesn't acknowledge his motion.
[Kim] Yes? Mr. Daw... Joe.
Kim stops and looks up.
[Craig] Just a Bud.
[Joe] Would you bring a bottle of Budweiser and a glass for my friend?
Joe says to Kim.
Kim nods and walks to the bar to get his order keeping an eye on them through the mirror.
[Craig] So when did you start hiring Immortals, Joe?
Craig asks watching the girl.
[Joe] Imm....what?
Joe asks a bit confused. Then he remembers Methos' comment and it suddenly makes sense.
[Craig] You didn't know?
Craig asks and then realizes that he wouldn't.
Joe looks back at Kim and shakes his head.
[Joe] No. I didn't.
Kim quickly brings back the beer, puts it in front of the man and resumes her work on the tables.
[Joe] Thank you, Kim.
Joe says politely.
[Craig] Well....I guess even Immortal girls need jobs, too.
Craig says with a shrug.
[Craig] Anyway.....back to your case.
Joe gives another glance at Kim making a mental note to check her out on the Watcher Database later then looks back at the file in front of him.
[Craig] As you can see, Anderson and his family were killed in an auto accident 5 years ago. The brakes on their car failed.
Craig says regarding the file Joe is currently looking at.
[Joe] It says they found the brake lines were cut.
Joe says reading from the report in front of him.
Kim hides a smile thinking about the way she had 'fixed' that guy's car. One useful thing she'd learned from an American GI was mechanics. Kim sighs thinking, that one wasn't so bad, he even treated her like a human being and not just a piece of meat, too bad she had to kill him when he suspected she was a spy.
[Craig] Yeah. But they never had a suspect and the case is currently considered a dead cold case.
[Joe] Wonderful.
Joe says dejectedly. He closes the folder and puts the next one on top of it and opens the folder.
Kim comes back from her reverie, it's not the time to think about the past. She better listen to what they're saying.
[Craig] I have David working on Temple. I found a phone number for him and a current address in Philadelphia but he hasn't answered his phone the last 20 times I've called.
Joe reads through the brief uninformative report and shakes his head.
[Joe] And nothing on the other names?
[Craig] No. Not yet. David left for Philly this morning and will get back to me as soon as he knows something. I haven't given up on the other names. It's just going to take some time. I hope you weren't in any kind of hurry to do this reunion.
[Joe] No. I knew it was going to take some time.
[Craig] Has your friend in Texas had any luck?
Joe shakes his head.
Kim smiles as she hears the word reunion, if he could gather three guys he was lucky.
[Joe] No. In fact he was glad when I told him I had hired someone who said they would take care of the entire list because his assistant just up and quit so he is a bit short handed right now.
Joe hands the files back to Craig.
Craig nods as he takes the files from Joe and puts them back in his brief case. He takes a long drink of his beer as he closes his case.
[Craig] Well....don't give up hope. I'll keep you posted.
[Joe] Ok. I really appreciate it. I realize that after all these years....not everyone is going to be alive. That's expected.
Craig nods as he takes another long drink of his beer.
[Craig] Yeah. That's very true.
Craig finishes his beer and sets the empty bottle on the table.
[Craig] Well....I'll let you get back to your friends. I just wanted to bring you up to speed before going home.
[Joe] Ok. Thanks, Craig. Keep me posted.
Craig grabs his brief case as he gets to his feet.
[Craig] I will. Catch ya later.
Craig says with a smile and heads for the door.
Kim frowns thinking what she did to Temple, she didn't remember anymore, she has to check her papers.
Joe gets up and heads back over to Methos and Ally's table.
Craig leaves the bar and heads for home.
[Joe] Sorry about that.
Joe says as he reclaims his seat at his friends' table.
Methos shakes his head amused at Craig.
[Methos] Another boy scout.
[Joe] I hired Craig's firm to look for some old war buddies of mine.
Joe says in explanation.
[Joe] So why didn't either of you tell me that Kim is one of you guys?
Joe asks as he sits back and finishes his glass of beer.
[Methos] Why should we? Even Immortals need money to live, you know? So come on, Joe, look on the bright side, she'll never be able to say she's sick to skip work.
Methos smiles amused before he finishes his beer.
Joe can't help but chuckle. Methos definitely has a point. And if he didn't find it as all suspicious then Joe won't look for trouble where there is none.
[Ally] Besides if we didn't tell you... you had an excuse for claiming ignorance later.
Ally grins.
[Joe] Plausible deniability?
Joe says with a snicker.
[Ally] Exactly.
[Methos] Besides she doesn't know about the Watchers, I've showed my tattoo to her and she didn't even look at it.
Methos smirks as he gestures Kim to come to their table.
Kim walks from the bar and stops in front of them.
[Kim] What can I get you?
Kim asks with a small shy smile.
[Ally] I'll have another Fat Tire.
Ally says raising her amber ale container to indicate she would like another.
Roy enters the bar setting off a buzz for the other Immortals.
Joe notices Mike come in from the back and looks up at Kim, shaking his head.
[Joe] Mike's here. So I need to get his drawer ready for his shift.
Joe gets to his feet and smiles down at Ally and Methos
Ally glances up instinctively at a buzz, and sees a new immortal.
Methos looks up as he feels the buzz, at first he thinks it's Craig again until he sees an unknown man.
[Joe] You two will excuse me. Enjoy your evening.
Joe heads for the bar.
[Methos] What? Another one?
Methos murmurs under his breath.
[Ally] Everyone comes to Joe's don't they?
Joe proceeds to go through the procedure of closing out his cash drawer and turning the reigns over to Mike then he disappears into his office.
Ally murmurs back.
Kim side glances at the door and is surprised to see yet another Immortal.
[Methos] Guess so. I'll have a draft, please.
Methos asks Kim as he looks at the new Immortal without being too obvious.
Kim nods and moves to the bar to get their orders.
Roy rubs his head while walking to the bar at the due to the numerous other Immortal buzzes.
[Ally] Something tells me he might be on the young side of things.
Ally murmurs to Methos as she studies the newcomer.
Roy sits at the nearest table while continuing to rub his head.
[Methos] Yeah, they rub the head in the beginning.
Methos whispers to Aldria.
[Methos] Don't remember if I did it or not.
Aldria agrees.
Kim brings them their orders and silently puts them in front of them. She moves to the table where the new Immortal has sat down.
[Kim] What can I get you?
Roy looks up suddenly as one of the buzzes approaches him.
[Roy] I'd like a Wild Turkey straight.
Kim nods as she moves to the bar to get his order.
[Methos] I wonder what was that thing between Joe and Craig. Joe didn't exactly look happy for a guy who's planning on a reunion.
Methos comments as he plans to take it out of Joe later.
[Ally] No he didn't.
Ally sighs.
[Ally] You should get it out of him... sooner or later.
Ally suggests with a smirk at her old friend.
Kim studies the newcomer through the mirror of the bar as she waits for Mike to give her what she asked for, he looks like a young Immortal, he keeps rubbing his head.
[Methos] Oh, I will. Sooner or later Joe ends up telling me everything.
Methos says smirking amused.
Roy sits at table while observing everyone else in the room.
[Ally] Which of course you don't encourage do you?
Ally snickers.
[Methos] Oh no, of course not, you know me.
Methos chuckles keeping an eye on the other two Immortals in the room.
Kim comes back with the drink and puts it in front of the newcomer.
[Kim] Do you need anything else?
Kim asks ready to move away.
[Roy] Thanks. Can I get a second of your time.
[Kim] A second?
Kim asks amused.
[Kim] Didn't that pass already?
[Roy] Yeah. I just got into town. I figure you know who's who being in a bar.
Roy puts the emphasis on who.
[Kim] Sorry, I'm new in town too. This is my first week here.
Kim side glances at the other two Immortals.
[Kim] But so far they didn't do anything, they're friends of the owner.
[Methos] And now they are talking about us.
Methos whispers to Aldria amused.
[Roy] I really don't want to get the wrong side of the major players right now. Not a good way to get ahead in life if you know what I mean.
[Ally] Of course they are. What else do we expect? Not like they have a clue who we are.
Ally grins feeling amused herself.
[Kim] Yes, I know. I try to stay away from trouble myself.
Kim says with a small smile playing on her lips.
Roy continues drinking while while the buzzing subsides.
[Methos] Young Immortals are so funny, do you think we where like them once?
Methos asks with a smile, he's not sorry he can't remember that.
[Roy] I got a really bad headache when I walked in here. I figure those two are elders.
[Ally] I dunno. I was a priest when I was that age. Different rules.
Ally chuckles softly.
Kim smiles amused, so she was right, this one is new.
[Kim] You'll get used to it after a while.
Roy looks in the direction Methos and Ally while thinking.
[Roy] I don't recall my teacher saying it was that overwhelming based only that "it" would be felt. I guess that's what getting older does. Maybe that's why its affecting my speech.
[Methos] Hey, Kim!
Methos calls her out loud.
[Methos] So no music tonight? Will you please tell your boss we're ready in here?
Methos asks her with a smile.
Joe finishes searching the Watcher Database for info on Kim. Coming up empty he shuts down his computer and leans back in his chair, thinking.
Roy picks the the remainder of his drinks before walking to the bar.
[Ally] What you just want to harass Joe more?
Ally asks with a smirk.
Kim nods as she moves to the door of Joe's office and knocks.
[Joe] Yeah.
Joe calls out in response to the knock on his door.
[Methos] Keep him busy, so he doesn't worry too much, until he tells me all about it.
Methos smirks looking at Joe's office door.
Ally snorts amused.
Kim opens just a crack of the door and tells Joe.
[Kim] Joe, people are starting to ask about the music.
Joe looks up at her.
[Joe] Hasn't the band showed up?
Joe asks as he gets to his feet.
[Kim] No, they didn't. They're late I guess.
[Joe] Oh hell.
Joe grumbles.
Kim answers looking back at the empty stage.
[Joe] I'm on my way.
Kim nods and goes to attend the tables, people are starting to show up.
Joe informs Kim and grabs his guitar out of the corner. As he passes the bar he calls out to Mike, "Call Kevin and tell him this is the second weekend in a row and he's fired." Then he walks up onto the stage, sits on the stool and begins to play and sing the River.
To be continued
Cyberfox277:
The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being understudied.
Joe comes out of his office and walks behind the bar and pours himself a cup of coffee.
Ally sighs and pulls into Joe's parking lot.
[Ally] A beer is going to feel so good.
Methos parks his Land Rover, comes out and takes a look around as he feels an Immortal buzz, he takes a deep breath when he sees Aldria so he locks the door and walks in her direction.
Ally feels the buzz and looks up and around. Seeing Methos she smiles.
[Ally] Hey. How are you doing today?
[Methos] Are you asking me about my health?
Methos asks slightly amused.
[Ally] No. I know better than that!
Ally laughs.
[Ally] I'm asking... how your day went.
[Methos] Alright, I guess. You know Watchers.
Methos answers evasively with a shrug, refusing to go through it all over again.
[Ally] Oh?
Ally asks with a small smile.
[Methos] Come on, let's get a beer. Don't want to discuss business right now.
Methos suggests as he shrugs again, and begins to walk to the door without waiting for her reply.
[Ally] A beer sounds good to me.
Ally says as she pulls the door open and steps into the bar.
[Methos] Or two.
Methos adds with a smile as he follows her inside Joe's bar.
[Ally] Or more, knowing you.
Ally laughs.
Joe looks up when the door to his bar opens and sees the 2 Immortals. He grins and waves to them.
Ally smiles and waves back at Joe, and makes her way over to the bar. Knowing Methos would head there as well.
[Methos] Hey Joe.
Methos says as he walks closer.
Joe automatically fills a frosted glass with beer from the tap.
[Joe] Where are you two sitting tonight, Pierson?
Joe asks with a sly smirk.
[Methos] Let the lady choose?
Methos looks at Aldria with a smirk.
[Ally] Wherever. I'm good. Joe, I forget. What do you have on tap?
Ally asks turning towards Joe.
[Joe] Do you prefer domestic or import, young lady?
Joe says with a flirtatious smile.
[Ally] Uh huh. Young... and a mix of both.
Ally grins brightly at Joe.
[Joe] Your wish is my command.
Joe says with a wink and proceeds to fill a frosted glass with half of on and half of the other.
Methos shakes his head.
[Methos] Now there's something I've never tried before, at least not in a glass.
[Ally] Not quite what I meant, but I'll drink it.
Ally laughs taking the mug and taking a swallow.
Joe bursts into a hearty laugh.
[Joe] I really didn't expect you to drink it, Ally. I was just joking.
Joe says through his laughter.
[Ally] But it's mine now.
Ally laughs and takes another swallow.
Joe glances at Methos expecting him to make some sort of smarmy remark.
[Ally] Joe, can I have spoon or something? I want to mix these two.
Ally says as she sit on a stool at the bar.
[Methos] A spoon?
Craig pulls into the parking lot of Joe's Bar, parks and gets out of his SUV. He grabs his brief case and heads for the front of the building.
Methos asks disbelievingly, he makes a face like he's going to be sick.
[Joe] Well....I'm fresh out of or somethings but here....try this.
Joe says and hands her a swizzle stick with a wink.
[Ally] I suppose that'll have to do.
Methos shakes his head again as he sits on a bar stool. He stiffens almost immediately as he feels an Immortal buzz and looks at the door.
Joe waits for the two to decide where they're going to sit so he can bring them their drinks.
Ally grins taking the stick and mixes the beers as she glances to the door casually to see who was the source of her buzz.
Craig approaches the front of the building and immediately feels an Immortal buzz. He had been so deep in thought as he pulled in that he had failed to notice what cars were in the parking lot. He hesitates slightly then thinks to himself "what the hell," and opens the door and steps inside the bar.
Joe is carrying Methos and Ally's drinks over to their table when the door of the bar opens and he glances in that direction. Seeing Craig he grins and nods toward the end of the bar then he delivers the drinks and says, "I'll be right back," then he heads for the end of the bar.
Craig sees Joe signal for him to meet him at the end of the bar and heads for it. He reaches it just before Joe and sets his brief case on an empty bar stool and opens it.
[Joe] Hey, Craig Can I get you something to drink?
Joe says as he joins Craig at the end of the bar.
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] No thanks, Joe. I can't stay. I just wanted to give you an update and let you take a look at this.
Craig says holding a file folder out to Joe.
Methos side glances at Joe and Craig wondering again what was going on, he intended to find out today.
Joe takes the folder and opens it. As he glances at the notes written on the yellow legal pad paper inside the folder he glances over at Craig questioningly.
Ally takes a drink of her beer, but carefully keeps an ear cocked at Joe and Craig, intending to eavesdrop as much as she can.
[Craig] So far all I have been able to find out is that 8 out of the 10 guys in your unit are dead.
Craig explains.
[Craig] And they all appear to have died under normally unsuspicious circumstances.
[Joe] What do you mean by normally unsuspicious?
Joe asks leaning across the bar for a more intimate conversation.
Craig closes his brief case and says, "each one died from different circumstances.....ones that after the cops initial investigation were determined to not necessarily have been caused by another person".
Methos smirks at Aldria while he tries to listen to conversation at the end of the bar.
Joe understand what Craig is saying and nods silently.
Ally returns Methos' smirk. Just pleased that she could over hear the conversation.
[Craig] Edwards was the only one who died from foul play. His family were shot by someone who broke into their home 20 years ago.
Joe looks at Craig in surprise.
[Joe] My God. That's awful.
[Craig] The ensuing investigation determined that Edward's brother did it and he was convicted and got the death penalty. He's still sitting in Sing-sing's death row. I guess he's been trying for an appeal but isn't having any luck.
[Ally] Edwards... That sounds awful familiar.
Ally mutters
Craig says remembering what he had learned about Edwards.
Methos side glances at Aldria as she murmurs still keeping attention to the conversation.
[Ally] That's it!
Ally hisses at Methos.
[Ally] I remember that Edwards case. I was the judge.
Joe looks back at the page in the file folder.
[Joe] I see that Anderson died in a car accident caused from brake failure.
Craig nods as he remembers the details.
[Craig] Yes. They found that the line was cut but they determined that it could have been cut accidentally so they never pursued it.
[Methos] Oh, so you convicted people to death, huh? I'm shocked!
[Joe] And Temple drowned?
Methos teases in a whisper as he keeps listening to the conversation.
[Craig] Yeah. He was in his hot tub. They determined that he had been drinking and probably passed out and drowned.
[Ally] Jury did.
Ally murmurs back.
[Joe] And it says that Johnson died in a sky diving accident?
Craig nods.
[Craig] He apparently belonged to a sky diving club and they were doing a routine jump but his chute didn't open and his backup failed.
Joe grimaces as he imagines the feeling someone would have knowing that you were going to fall to your death and there is absolutely nothing to do to stop it.
[Joe] King died when he fell off of a 10th floor hotel room balcony?
Joe says looking up from the folder.
[Craig] Yeah. He was alone in the room and none of the hotel staff remembered him having any guests so it was determined that he lost his balance....probably drunk....and fell over the railing to the street below.
[Ally] Craig's right. More than a little suspicious when you put these deaths together, isn't it?
Ally mutters softly.
[Ally] I wonder if...
[Joe] It says that Patterson died from a heart attack?
Joe says and looks at Craig questioningly.
[Joe] How is that suspicious?
[Craig] Patterson was a health nut. Lifted weights....exercised regularly....ate only organic foods....never drank You know the type. He had just had a complete physical a month before he died and the doctor said he had been in perfect condition....completely healthy. Not even high cholesterol.
[Joe] Yeah.
Joe says remembering Patterson.
[Joe] He was like that even in Nam. It was irritating as hell.
Joe says with a slight chuckle.
[Craig] Yeah well....how does a guy with a perfect bill of health suddenly die of a massive heart attack?
Craig asks not really expecting an answer.
[Joe] Was an autopsy done?
Joe asks looking through the file.
[Craig] Yeah. But nothing was found. Clean tox screen....nothing.
[Joe] So they called it natural causes then.
Joe says with a nod and closes the file folder and lays it on the bar.
Craig nods.
Methos frowns thinking this over, he didn't believe in such coincidences. And too many 'accidents'.
[Craig] Unfortunately....in the larger cities....forensics is more advanced than in smaller rural areas like where Patterson died and someone would know that there are a lot of things that can cause a heart attack without showing up on any tox screen.
[Joe] True.
Joe says in agreement.
[Craig] So now do you see why I say normally unsuspicious circumstances?
Joe nods.
[Joe] Yeah. But what makes you think these are suspicious?
[Ally] Once is chance, twice is coincidence, three times is conspiracy
Ally mutters her favorite quote under her breath.
[Methos] What about four times?
Methos asks slightly amused.
[Craig] If I had heard about any of these deaths in the news at the times they happened I probably wouldn't think anything about it. But learning about them now....well let's just say that the cop in me has a little alarm that goes off when something seems fishy and it is screaming at me right now.
Craig says with a bit of a smirk.
[Ally] Anything pass three times is conspiracy
Ally says back softly.
[Craig] Alone they are completely benign cases. But...well....they aren't really alone, are they? Each one of these men are connected to each other. And to you. And they all died at a relatively young age.
[Methos] Oh, ran out of ideas after three, huh?
Methos teases with a smirk.
[Ally] It's just a quote. I didn't come up with it... not actually sure who did.
Joe listens to Craig and begins to understand what he is saying. He looks at Craig and nods then he leans closer to Craig.
Ally retorts grinning.
[Joe] So you think their deaths are connected somehow?
[Craig] As connected as their lives were. I just haven't figured out what that connection is.....yet. But don't worry, Joe. I'm good at what I do and I will.
Craig says confidently.
[Methos] Not me, I would have thought of something better.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Ally] Oh, I'm sure.
Ally says rolling her eyes amused.
[Ally] So would I, for that matter. But it's still an apt quote.
[Joe] Just to clarify.....are you thinking that someone is responsible for each of the guys' deaths?
Craig picks up his brief case and stands up. With a nod he says, "I'd stake my reputation on it. And since there are only 2 of you left.....and I know that YOU'RE not a cold blooded killer....." He leaves his thought open ended for Joe's imagination to finish.
[Joe] Williams isn't either.
Joe says confidently.
[Joe] He wouldn't even kill the giant cockroaches they had over there.
[Craig] Then someone....someone outside of your unit has one hell of a grudge against you guys and has been methodically eliminating your unit one by one.
[Joe] Wonderful.
Joe grumbles.
[Craig] So if I were you, Joe.....I'd watch my back. Like I said....there are only 2 of you left.
Craig warns.
[Craig] I have to go but I'll call you as soon as I know something else.
Joe nods and holds out his hand.
[Ally] The ninja...
Ally whispers under her breath.
[Joe] Thanks, Craig. You're going above and beyond. I appreciate it.
Craig takes Joe's hand and gives it a slight shake.
[Craig] You're more than welcome, my friend. Take care of yourself....alright?
[Joe] Yeah. Definitely.
Joe says and lets go of Craig's hand.
[Methos] Ninja? There are no real ninjas left, only imitators.
Methos frowns slightly looking at Aldria, wondering what was she thinking.
[Joe] Be careful yourself. If whoever is responsible gets wind that you're on their tail they might get a little pissed.
[Craig] Welcome to my world.
Ally just shook her head at Methos.
[Ally] I'll explain later.
Ally mutters.
Craig says grinning like a Cheshire cat. Then he turns and hurries out of the bar.
Joe watches Craig leave and then gets an idea. He picks up the file folder off the bar, turns and heads into his office and closes the door. He sits down at his desk and opens his Rolodex Finding the right card he dials the phone.
[Joe] Come on Williams.....and answer your damn phone.
Joe mumbles as he listens to the phone ringing. After letting the phone ring several times, Joe finally gives up and hangs up.
[Joe] Damn! I'll just have to try again later.
Joe says aloud to himself. He gets up and goes back into the bar. Pouring himself a glass of scotch he walks over to where Methos and Ally are sitting and stands in front of them. He hopes Methos is in a good mood because, right now, he could use a couple of Methos' famous smarmy jokes.
[Methos] So... how is your reunion going?
Methos asks pretending he wasn't listening to the conversation before.
[Joe] Humf.
Joe snorts.
[Ally] Care to elaborate on that 'humf'?
Ally asks.
[Joe] It looks like it will have to take place on the other side of the pearly gate.
Joe says sarcastically.
[Methos] Oh, I hope you invite Saint Peter then, he might get upset if you don't.
Methos says before he takes a sip of beer.
[Joe] He's the doorman up there....isn't he?
Joe says with another snort and empties his glass.
[Joe] There were 10 of us in the unit over there in Nam. There is only 2 of us left.
Joe says glumly.
[Ally] Jeez! What happened?
Ally asks, pretending she hadn't heard the whole thing.
Methos drinks some more beer to cover a smile, amused at Aldria's acting.
[Joe] According to what Craig has found out....each one has met with an untimely death over the course of 20 years.
Joe says in answer to Ally's question.
[Joe] He seems to think that someone from outside of the unit is methodically eliminating each one of us.
Joe adds and refills his glass.
[Joe] You guys ready for another round?
[Methos] That must be one hell of a revenge... to last 20 years.
Methos says as he gives his empty glass to Joe.
[Ally] Sure. How about a Crown and Coke this time though?
Ally says as she swallows the last of her mix.
Joe takes Methos and Ally's empty glasses and places them in the sink below the bar and grabs a fresh frosty glass from the fridge. He fills it with draft and sets it in front of Methos then makes Ally's drink and sets it in front of her.
[Ally] Joe...
Ally says cautiously.
[Ally] You don't happen to have a ready picture of these guys do you?
Joe looks at Ally and quirks an eyebrow.
[Joe] Well.....as a matter of fact.....
Joe says and without any further words, turns and heads for his office where he grabs the file folder Craig had given him and carries it back into the bar. He takes it over to Ally and sets it on the bar in front of her.
[Joe] Craig left this for me to look over. It's his notes on the case. And he has photos....some are morgue shots....of each one of the guys.
Ally flips through the pictures, not bothering to read any then sighs as she stops on one.
[Ally] Damn. I was right. Edwards, isn't it?
Ally asks glancing at Joe.
Joe leans closer and looks at the photo then nods.
[Joe] Yeah. His brother evidently killed him....shot him and his family in their home 20 years ago.
[Ally] I know.
Ally says with a sigh and looks Joe in the eye
[Ally] I was the Judge as his trial.
[Methos] What about the others? He couldn't have done it.
Methos asks as he grabs the beer glass.
[Joe] Really? And you can remember the case after 20 years?
Joe says to Ally.
[Joe] What made it so memorable?
Joe asks knowing that she must have presided over many trials so for her to remember one that happened so long ago there must have been something about it.
[Ally] It was a rather specific case. Paul Edwards, his wife and children all murdered. The only suspect his younger brother George. The only motive was that if Paul and his family died, George would get the full shares in the business they owned jointly. Thing is... George swore up and down the whole trail that HE didn't do it. In fact, he swore that he barely escaped with HIS life.
Ally explains slowly, as she recalls the details for the trial and crime.
Joe listens silently.
[Methos] Well, I hope he wasn't convicted without some evidence.
Methos says before he takes a sip of beer.
[Ally] Paul and his family were shot and George was found, a few blocks from the crime scene with a gun in hand. Swearing up and down, that he had barely escaped with his life, but he'd managed to shoot the Ninja that actually killed his brother and family. Needless to say no other bodies besides Paul and his family were found. Let alone any evidence of a Ninja. But... in light of what I over heard Craig tell you, Joe... I have to wonder if maybe he was telling the truth. And that the never found Ninja was maybe actually....
Ally trails off not putting her idea actually into words.
[Joe] Maybe actually what?
Joe asks quirking an eyebrow.
[Methos] An Immortal? An Immortal ninja?
[Ally] Why not?
Ally asks with a shrug at Methos.
[Joe] An Immortal? Why would one of you be killing members of my unit?
[Methos] I suppose it's possible but...
Joe asks incredulously.
[Ally] That Joe... I don't know.
Methos shrugs slightly.
Ally says shaking her head.
[Joe] That's kind of a long stretch....isn't it?
Joe asks Methos.
[Methos] Yeah.
Methos nods with a smile.
[Joe] I mean....what would they have to gain by it? It's not like they get extra points for killing a bunch of jar heads. And the only Immortal in the unit died in the 90s.
Joe says thinking of Cord.
[Ally] Joe, again. I don't know. And I'm still not 100 percent certain that George Edwards wasn't making the whole thing up, but... I now see it as being possible he was telling the truth.
Ally sighs.
[Methos] Yeah, he would have felt something, unless it was a pre-Immortal.
Methos suggests before he takes a sip.
[Methos] He'd have to be closer to feel a pre-Immortal.
[Joe] Yeah....well his death had nothing to do with this. Mac took his head after he killed a good friend of Mac's.
Joe says quietly.
[Ally] Well... if Craig is looking into this for you. You'll mention what I said about the Edward's case to him, won't you Joe?
Ally asks concerned.
[Methos] Why don't I find that hard to believe?
Joe smiles and nods at Ally.
Methos chuckles amused as he hears evidence MacLeod acted like a boy scout again.
[Joe] Yeah. I sure will.
Joe smiles at both of them and says, "If you 2 will excuse me....I need to go make a call." Then he turns and heads for his office to try Williams again.
To be continued
Cyberfox277:
Early morning in New York City, New York
Craig wakes up in his New York hotel room. He takes a quick shower, gets dressed and heads out the door. On his way to David's room he steals a cup of coffee off of a room service cart sitting in the hallway outside a room. He takes a couple of sips as he knocks on David's door.
[David] Coming.
David answers as he rushes to the door still a little dizzy from the unexpected buzz.
[David] Damn, I'll never get used to this.
David murmurs as he opens the door.
[Craig] This is your wake up call.
Craig says teasingly when the door is opened.
[David] I've been up for over an hour, made my morning exercises, took a shower, had breakfast... Looks like you're the one who just woke up.
David tells Craig with a smile nodding at his coffee cup.
Craig thinks to himself, "youth," and shakes his head.
[Craig] Anyone ever tell you you're a smart ass?
Craig asks jokingly.
[David] All the time, but I take that as a compliment.
David chuckles as he moves to the chair to get his jacket.
Craig shakes his head again and chuckles.
[Craig] So are you ready to head out? We have a 30 mile drive ahead of us and it will probably take us 2 hours just to get out of Manhattan.
Craig says while standing in the doorway and holding the door open.
[David] Yeah, I know, one thing I never miss about New York when I'm in Seacouver, it's the traffic.
David says as he quickly checks if he has everything and then exits his room closing the door behind him.
[David] Let's go then.
[Craig] Yeah. I hear ya.
Craig says in agreement.
[David] I still believe it's a waste of time.
David shrugs as he walks to the elevator.
[David] I was a kid when it happened by I still remember my father and grandfather joking about it.
Craig empties the coffee cup and as he passes another room service cart he sets the empty cup on it. He gets into the elevator when it comes.
[Craig] Well....I asked you in Seacouver if you had a better idea and you didn't so....
Craig says with a smirk as the elevator doors slide shut.
[David] Yeah, but a Ninja? You know what the cops in New York said when there was a suspect they couldn't find? Don't tell me a Ninja did it.
David sighs while shaking his head.
[Craig] What's the matter, David? You have something against Ninja's?
Craig asks jokingly.
[David] No, actually I like Ninja movies, well some of them.
David answers chuckling.
[David] But this is real life, not Hollywood.
Craig gets out of the elevator when it stops on the parking garage level and heads for his rental car.
[Craig] Yeah? And what determines what is believable and what isn't?
Craig asks as he approaches the car and disarms the alarm.
[Craig] How many people do you think would believe someone who told them there were people who lived forever ?
[David] Fine, we'll do this your way, no problem. Want me to drive, boss?
David smiles as he walks to the car.
Craig tosses him the car keys, glad to not have to deal with the traffic in the Big Apple.
[Craig] I assume you know where you're going?
Craig asks as he gets into the passenger seat.
David opens the door, seats at the driver's seat and closes the door before he starts the car and grabs the wheel.
[David] Yeah, Sing Sing, here we go.
David says as he drives off the hotel garage.
Craig takes a small notebook out of his jacket breast pocket and opens it. He reviews the notes he has jotted in the little book as David makes his way through the heavy traffic.
David sighs as he stops at a red traffic light.
[David] If you just knew how much I missed this!
David grumbles unhappily before he side glances at Craig.
[Craig] Well.....I could reassign you if you miss it that much.
Craig says almost absentmindedly and without looking up from his notes.
[David] So how did you find out about this Edwards guy? How do you know he's in Sing Sing?
[Craig] Hmmm? Oh.....
Craig looks up from his notes.
[Craig] Evidently Joe was talking to a friend of his who just happened to be the judge on the case and the one who sentenced Edwards.
Craig kind of snickers and shakes his head.
[Craig] It's amazing just how small this world can be sometimes.
Craig says almost to himself.
[David] Really? Joe knows everybody.
David says with a smile.
Craig chuckles and nods.
[Craig] Sometimes it seems so.
Craig looks back down at his notes.
[Craig] I've actually met her a couple of times. She's good friends with one of Nikki's closest friends.
[David] But how could a Seacouver judge have Edwards' case? She was in New York before?
David asks with a puzzled frown.
[Craig] She evidently was a Superior Court Judge here before coming to Seacouver.
Craig answers with a shrug.
[Craig] Oh....and she's one of us.
Craig adds as an after thought.
[David] Oh really? Anyone I know? I've met a few judges in here but never knew any of them was an Immortal.
David asks curiously.
[Craig] Her name's Ally.....ummmm Iverson....Everson? Something like that. To be honest I was with Nikki the night I met her and wasn't paying attention.
David gasps in surprise.
Craig says in answer to David's question.
[David] Ally Everson? She's an Immortal?
[Craig] Yeah.
Craig says and looks over at David questioningly.
[Craig] Why? Do you know her or something?
A truck darts out of an alley and Craig grabs the dashboard as he yells, "look out, David!"
David quickly hits the brakes, and manages to avoid the collision by only a few inches.
[David] What do you think you're doing?
David yells after the disappearing truck.
[David] Damn, if I was still a cop I'd arrest that guy!
David grumbles angrily as he starts driving again.
[Craig] For what? Driving without a brain?
Craig says as he composes himself.
[David] No, flying below a safe altitude. What else?
David answers his anger almost gone and his lips twitching.
[Craig] Is that a crime here? I thought it was just a way of life.
Craig says only partly joking.
David takes a deep breath shaking his head.
[David] Yeah, I know judge Everson, I owe her my freedom, I guess.
David changes subject, going back to what they were discussing before.
Craig turns slightly in his seat so he can look at David and leans against the door.
[Craig] Do tell my young padawan.
Craig teases.
[David] After those guys framed me, I was this close to go to jail. How could I prove my innocence if I was arrested?
David explains with a sigh.
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] And the world keeps getting smaller and smaller.
Craig turns back around in his seat so he is facing forward.
[Craig] I guess the whole 6 degrees of separation BS is true.
Craig muses.
[David] Yeah. But I had no idea she was in Seacouver now.
David smiles looking at Craig.
[David] Maybe I should spend more time at Joe's, no?
Craig shoots a smirk in David's direction.
[Craig] You mean actually putting down the book you are currently reading and come out from behind the 4 walls of your apartment?
Craig says feigning shock.
[Craig] Actually socializing with other members of the human race?
Craig lets out a gasp.
[Craig] Wait.....what's that?
Craig looks out the front windshield and up at the sky.
[Craig] Is it? Are pigs actually flying?
****3 Hours later****
David stops at the prison park lot and slowly exits the car with a tired sigh. He's glad he can rest for a while now.
Craig gets out of the car and looks over at David. Seeing the look on his student's face he smirks and asks, "What's wrong?"
[David] Can you believe I'm actually missing Seacouver?
David tells him with smiling amused.
[Craig] You're the one who wanted to drive.
Craig says with a snicker as he heads for the prison's administration building.
[David] It's not just that. I don't know what it is. I've lived here my entire life and now...
David shrugs not bothering to explain.
[Craig] You've gotten spoiled. I know. It happened to me. There's something about Seacouver....about the Pacific Northwest in general that does that to big city people.
Craig explains as he opens the doors to the administration building.
[David] Maybe that's why so many of us end up there. Maybe that's the reason.
David whispers to Craig as they enter the building.
Craig walks up to the main desk and smiles charmingly at the receptionist.
[Craig] Good morning.
Craig says to the young lady in his most charming voice.
[Craig] I have an appointment with Mr. Frank Denver. My name is Craig Bower.
Craig says as he removes a leather wallet from the vest pocket of his jacket and flips it open, revealing a badge that resembles that of a policeman. The receptionist blushes and smiles shyly at Craig as she picks up the phone and dials the appropriate office. She informs the person on the other end of the phone that Mr. Bower is here to see him then instructs Craig and David to have a seat...that Mr. Denver will be with them shortly.
[David] So we're cops now? I hope they don't find out or we'll get to stay here for free.
David whispers to Craig laughing amused.
Craig holds out the wallet with the badge so David can look at it closer.
[Craig] Doesn't say anywhere anything about being a cop. And neither did I.
Craig winks as he puts the wallet away and takes a seat.
[Craig] Can't help it if she didn't look closely at it or ask me about it.
Craig says with an innocent shrug.
[David] She's a blonde, why should she?
David chuckles side glancing at the receptionist.
[Craig] In case you hadn't noticed, Mr. Smart Ass....so am I.
Craig says scowling playfully at David.
[David] So am I. It's different with males.
David smiles amused.
[David] Never heard jokes about blonde males, have you?
Craig chuckles shaking his head. He sits back and leans his head against the wall behind his chair and hopes Denver doesn't make them wait very long.
To be continued
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