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CHRONICLES / HALF MOON RISING Part 30

« Last post by Cyberfox277 on April 30, 2012, 12:06:48 pm »

***Next morning - 9 AM***

Craig is up on the roof/deck of his house boat. He's sitting on the small wall around the deck...sipping his cup of coffee and looking out over the peninsula. He loves the Puget Sound in the morning when all is still quiet.

David yawns as he parks his car in front of Craig's house. He was so jumpy last night he had a hard time going back to sleep even thought he'd decided not to return to his place and stay at a hotel instead. He smiles when he exits his car and sees Craig.

Craig feels an Immortal buzz and looks around. From his roof/deck he can see the parking lot and he sees David get out of his car. He glances at his watch and smiles with an approving nod.

[Craig] On time.

Craig says aloud and gets to his feet. Drinking the last of the coffee in his cup, David goes inside and heads downstairs to answer the door when David knocks.

David walks to Craig's house and winces a little when he feels the buzz even though he's expecting it. "Damn thing." He grumbles under his breath. He's beginning to doubt he'll ever get used to it.

Craig refills his cup and fills another cup with hot coffee for David while he waits for David's knock.

David stops at Craig's front door and looks around before he knocks on the door. He keeps looking over his shoulder while he waits for Craig to open the door.

Craig sets his cup on the kitchen bar and carries David's to the door. He opens the door and holds out the cup of coffee as he steps aside to let David in.

[Craig] Good morning.

Craig says with a grin as he waits for David to come in.

David gets the coffee cup while he walks inside.

[David] Morning. And coffee is most welcome.

[Craig] Thought it might be.

Craig says with a chuckle as he closes the door behind him.

[Craig] Did you get any sleep?

Craig asks as he walks over to the kitchen bar and picks up his own cup of coffee and takes a sip.

[David] Yes. When I was absolutely exhausted.

David takes a deep breath before he drinks some coffee.

[David] When I was almost asleep that lunatic with a sword came after me again so I'd open my eyes, over and over again. I didn't know it had impressed me so much.

David confesses with a sigh while he follows Craig to the kitchen and leans against the door frame.

Craig notices that David is empty handed.

[Craig] Are you working out dressed like that?

Craig asks...quirking an eyebrow. He takes a sip of his coffee and looks at David over the rim of his cup.

David shrugs looking down at his clothes.

[David] I have some clothes in the car. A sweater maybe?

Craig shrugs as he takes another sip of his coffee.

[Craig] Up to you. If it were me I would feel more comfortable in sweats or something.

David drinks the rest of his coffee and put the cup on the counter.

[Craig] Did you eat?

Craig asks walking around the counter and into the kitchen.

[David] I'd say it depends what you have in mind. You said you didn't want to beat me up today.

David nods watching Craig walk around the kitchen.

[David] And yes, ordered something before I came here.

[Craig] I don't need to. You're doing that enough for both of us.

Craig says setting his cup in the sink and opens the refrigerator door....peering inside.

[David] I am?

David asks raising his eyebrows in surprise.

[David] I'm beating myself?

[Craig] So.....ordered something?

Craig says ignoring David's response to his previous statement.

[Craig] Ordered? Like....what. Ordered a couple of donuts or something?

[David] Ordered room service, I decided to stay at a hotel on my way home.

David shrugs like he did it every day.

[David] Figured I wouldn't need to drive all the way down here in the morning.

Craig closes the door of the refrigerator since David has had breakfast.

[Craig] Help yourself to more coffee if you want. I'll go change and be right down.

Craig says as he walks out of the kitchen and heads for the stairs.

[David] Can hardly wait.

David says under his breath unenthusiastically as he decides to take Craig's offer and fills the cup again. He figures he needs to be awake for what Craig had in mind.

Craig goes upstairs and changes out of his jeans and t-shirt and into sweats.

Craig comes downstairs with his sport bag. He carries it into the kitchen and loads it with several bottles of water from the fridge then closes the bag and walks over to the coat rack by the front door. He looks back at David and quirks an eyebrow.

[Craig] Ready?

Craig asks as he grabs his coat and wraps it around his sword then reaches for the front door knob.

[David] As ready as I'll ever be, I guess.

David says before he drinks the rest of his coffee, puts the cup on the counter and walks to the door.

[David] Let's take my car, probably need to change anyway.

Craig follows David out to his car and lays his coat covered sword on the back seat then gets in.

David sits on the driver's seat, closes the door and starts the car before he asks, "So where to?"

[Craig] Don't you want to change clothes?

Craig asks and fastens his seat belt.

David turns his head to look at Craig suspiciously.

[David] That's the second time you asked me that, what exactly do you have in mind?

[Craig] Well...if you're comfortable working out in what you're wearing it's fine with me.

Craig says with a shrug.

[David] I have some clothes in the back, I'll change when we get to wherever we're going.

David shrugs as he turns his head to look back at the road.

[Craig] OK. In that case head for North Shore.

Craig says and sits back to enjoy the ride.

[David] I thought it was a secret or something.

David grumbles under his breath as he starts the car and drives off.

***10 minutes later***

[Craig] Pull in over there.

Craig says pointing to a turn out that over looks the peninsula.

[David] Yes, boss.

David nods as he pulls the car to one side of the road and stops.

[David] Now what?

Craig gets out and grabs his sword off of the back seat.

David asks after he turns off the engine.

[Craig] Follow me.

Craig says and leads David down a path that leads to a small cove. He leads David around a large outcropping of rock to a secluded area and lays his sword against a small boulder.

[Craig] You can change over there.

Craig says pointing to an area behind some bushes.

[David] Yeah, I better. I have a feeling I'm going to get all dirty, or wet, or both.

David nods as he walks to the bushes, then he throws his bag on the sand and starts taking of his clothes.

Craig opens his gym bag and takes out a practice sword which he leans against the boulder next to his own sword. Then, while David is changing clothes he does a few stretches to get ready for a workout.

David quickly changes clothes, glad he always carried some extra clothes in the trunk of his car just in case. Then he gets near Craig and starts his warm up.

[Craig] You can use this sword to practice with.

Craig says handing David the practice sword then picking up his own. He walks over to a wide spot of beach and waits for David to join him.

[David] How come I still don't have a real sword? Gemini already has one.

David grumbles as he follows Craig, he smiles when he remembers she doesn't know how to use it yet.

[Craig] Last time I checked you weren't Gemini and I'm not her teacher.

Craig says with a smirk.

[Craig] Okay. Open your legs out in this stance here.

Craig stands with legs apart and knees bent.

[David] Hmm no, not that I'd mind to have her teacher, she looks a lot better than you.

David says with a chuckle as he follows Craig's instructions.

Craig stands up straight and looks at David, scowling.

[Craig] Well....if you would rather have her for a teacher.....there are other things I could be doing.

Craig quirks an eyebrow at David.

[David] Hmm no. Great looks but...

David struggles to find the right word remembering how the woman had treated him.

[David] Bad attitude?

[Craig] Do you want to get serious about this, David or am I just wasting my time?

Craig asks seriously.

[David] Sorry.

David sobers up concentrating in what he was supposed to be doing.

Craig takes his stance again and waits for David to follow suit.

[Craig] Use you muscles.

Craig says and slaps David's inner thigh.

[Craig] Okay. Take the blade in your right hand . . . into an en garde position.

David sighs as he follows Craig's instructions, wishing and not for the first time, immortality didn't come attached to this.

[Craig] Bend your legs. Now go for a parry, here.

[David] Got it.

Craig raises katana blade toward left shoulder, then over his head and behind him.

[Craig] You're going to cut forward. Cut.

Craig brings blade around and down.

David quickly does what Craig told him, this part of his training he already knew well.

[Craig] Cut.

Craig repeats his move.

David repeats Craig's move again.

[Craig] Parry.

Craig holds blade over his head behind his right shoulder.

[Craig] Cut.

Craig brings blade around and down from the other direction.

[Craig] Lunge.

Craig lunges forward with the left leg, blade extended.

David keeps on following Craig's moves as they move on the sand.

[Craig] Good, now stay there. Stay there, don't move.

Craig moves closer to David.

[Craig] When you have your weight there...

Craig steps on back of David's extended leg, bending the knee.

[Craig] You're on the wrong foot. It puts you off balance.

Craig pulls on David's extended sword blade, moving him forward.

[Craig] See how easily I pull you off balance?

[Craig] Straighten this leg. Straighten it. Straighten it. That's good. The lunge is here.

Craig demonstrates lunge.

David shakes his head taking a deep breath.

[Craig] Good. Back again. Parry.

Craig holds blade over his shoulder again.

[Craig] Cut backwards.

[David] I'll never get the hang of it.

[Craig] You're not concentrating. 90% of sword fighting is concentration.

Craig says and steps backwards as he cuts the blade forward.

[Craig] OK. Again.

Craig begins sequence, moving forward.

[Craig] Parry.

Craig parries from left side.

[David] What's the use of concentrating if I'll never get the other 10%? I'm just not cut out for this.

[Craig] Cut. Parry.

Craig parries from right side.

[Craig] Cut. Lunge. Good. And back.

Craig moves backward

David complains as he keeps moving, he knows Craig well enough now to not **** him off when they're practicing.

[Craig] Parry, cut, parry, cut, lunge.

Craig continues the sequence.

[Craig] Now go back to your parry position. Show me your parry.

Craig waits for David to comply.

David sighs as he does as he's told, wondering if he'd asked for this last night or what, that talk with Craig seemed to be a little fuzzy now.

[Craig] Okay, that's a little low. You're going to have to bring it up a little higher. Otherwise you're going to get cut. Don't bring it down here, 'cause it's not going to save you.

Craig with David's blade too low, Craig rests his katana against David's neck.

[Craig] You'll have this happen.

Craig raises David's blade higher, hits it with his sword.

[Craig] Here. OK?

Craig steps away as David tries the corrected form a few times.

[Craig] Same on the other side. Just covering your neck.

Craig steps away and assumes his starting position.

[Craig] OK. From the beginning. A little faster this time.

Craig says and begins the sequence again.

David sighs and starts all over again, following Craig's moves.

[Craig] That's good. Back. Good. Make sure you parry with the strong part of the blade. Attack.

[Craig] Good. Very good. Same thing. Come on. Remember, it's going to come at you anyway. it won't just happen. Low. High. Low. High. Low. High. Other side. Strokes here, here, here. Come on. On the parry, you parry here.

Craig demonstrates.

[Craig] Here. All right? Parry. Try it again.

[David] OK.

David says as he starts all over again.

Craig continues to spar with David until David begins reacting out of instinct instead of having to think about each move.

[Craig] Good. That's right.

Craig lunges at David.

David blinks in surprise when he realizes he'd blocked Craig without thinking.

Craig lunges again.

[David] And how did I do that?

David asks still surprised, then he remembers Craig's instructions and after he blocks him again, he parries with a cut aimed at Craig's head.

Craig swings his blade upward, blocking David's cut and bringing the two face to face, their blades locked together. Craig slips his right foot behind David's and pulls his own forward, knocking David off balance and to the ground. He quickly places the tip of his sword just millimeters from David's throat and looks down at him.

[Craig] Remember.....use your other skills if you have to. Whatever it takes to get the upper hand.

Craig says and raises his sword. He holds out his hand to help David to his feet.

David rolls his eyes when Craig's puts his sword at his throat.

[David] Still didn't get tired of doing that?

David asks as he gets to his feet.

[David] I know you won when you knock me down.

[Craig] I'll tire of it when you knock me down.

Craig says seriously and assumes a starting position again.

[Craig] Now. Let's try it again.

Craig says and holds his sword in a position of readiness.

[David] Yeah, right.

David chuckles softly as he gets ready to start all over again.

[David] We'll be here till nightfall.

[Craig] Or later if that's what it takes.

Craig says and steps forward, swinging his sword from right to left....aiming for David's right shoulder.

David blocks out of instinct, then lunges at Craig.

Craig blocks David's lunge with an upward slice, knocking David's blade away. Then Craig whirls around, swinging his sword from left to right aimed at the right side of David's waist.

David turns and blocks Craig again, then he parries with a slice from right to left aimed at Craig's neck.

Craig ducks, feeling the breeze of David's blade as it slices above his head. He regains his footing and steps sideways which puts him behind David. Craig lunges forward.

David quickly spins around as soon as he realizes Craig is behind him and he blocks Craig's lunge with an upward stroke of his blade. Then he swirls his blade around Craig's a couple of times before he thrusts his upward, dislodging Craig's sword from his grip and sending it flying off to the side. Once Craig is disarmed he brings his blade around and stop it at the side of Craig's neck.

Craig blinks with surprise and looks into David's eyes. Without moving he says, "by George....I think he's got it," and he smiles proudly.

[David] You already taught me how to do that, remember?

David points out with a smile.

Craig waits until David lowers his sword then he straightens up and walks over to where his sword is lying on the ground.

[Craig] I may have taught you that move but this is the first time that you have used it without thinking about it.

Craig says as he picks up his sword and returns to where David is standing.

[David] Yeah.

David nods slightly confused, wondering how that had happened.

[David] Also blocked you without thinking.

David nods again remembering the fight.

[Craig] This time every move you made you did instinctively. Do you understand the difference?

Craig asks as he takes two bottles of water out of his gym bag and tosses one to David. He opens his and takes a long drink.

David catches the bottle in the air, then opens it to drink some water.

[David] Well for once I reacted a lot faster.

[Craig] You have had the knowledge for 3 years. But you always had to consciously think about what you were doing. Today you acted out of instinct.....unconsciously. Now the knowledge has become skill.

Craig explains and takes another drink of his water as he gets a towel out of his bag and wipes the sweat from his face.

[Craig] There is one other reason that you managed to do what you did. Do you know what that is?

Craig asks as he drapes the towel around the back of his neck and takes another drink of his water.

David frowns puzzled, he couldn't think of anything.

[David] Luck?

David offers with a smile before he takes another sip of water.

Craig shakes his head.

[Craig] Confidence.

Craig answers simply.

[David] Confidence? I thought I was going to lose again.

David shakes his head chuckling softly.

[Craig] No, you didn't.

Craig says as he puts his towel back into his gym bag and zips it shut.

[Craig] If you had thought that....I would have won.

Craig slings the strap of his gym bag over his shoulder and looks at David.

[David] Well it's not like I was going to lose without trying to win.

David shrugs as he moves to get his bag deciding to keep his clothes until he had a chance to take a shower.

[Craig] Let me ask you a question.

Craig says as he starts walking towards the path that leads up to where David's car is parked.

[Craig] When you were in the police academy....when did you know that you were ready to become a cop?

David follows Craig to the path still looking around to make sure he wasn't leaving anything behind.

[David] When I saw a guy trying to rob an old lady and I arrested him without thinking I didn't have a badge?

[Craig] And the first time you had to do some hand to hand combat......what kept you from either leaving it to your partner to handle or just running away?

Craig asks as they get to the top of the hill and approach David's car.

[David] It was part of the job, I chose that job and I'd trained for it.

David shrugs taking one last look back at the top at the hill before moving to his car.

[David] Besides you don't fail your partner, ever.

[Craig] A lot of people train for things but that doesn't mean that they are successful. All the training in the world doesn't mean a thing if you're not good at what you're training for.

Craig says as he puts his gym bag and the two swords in the back seat of David's car.

David throws his bag to the back seat before he seat at the driver's seat.

[David] I suppose you're right.

[Craig] Why did you come to work for me?

Craig asks as he gets in the passenger seat and buckles his seat belt.

[Craig] For that matter....why did I hire you?

[David] You're asking me?

David chuckles softly as he starts the car.

[Craig] No. The idiot sitting in your lap.

Craig says and rolls his eyes.

[David] You said you liked my... background?

David frowns trying to remember if that's what he said.

Craig shakes his head thinking, "he still doesn't get it."

[Craig] And you wonder why you don't have your own sword yet.

Craig says still shaking his head.

David rolls his eyes as he keeps paying attention to the road.

[David] Fine, I'm good at what I do, so what?

[Craig] Think about it, Bradford. When you can answer that yourself....give me a call.

Craig says with a sigh. He closes his eyes and leans his head back against the headrest.

***10 minutes later***

Craig opens the car door when David pulls into a parking slot of the wharf’s parking lot.

[Craig] Go home and get some rest. Don't forget you have an 8 AM appointment to do a security inspection at the Bellflower Corporation.

Craig says as he gets out of the car and retrieves his gym bag and the two swords.

[Craig] It's a multimillion dollar account and I expect you to land it for us.

Craig adds as he closes the back door of David's car.

[David] Nothing to worry about, Linda already reminded me when I called her to warn her we wouldn't show up today.

David tells Craig through the open window.

[Craig] And why shouldn't I worry?

Craig asks leaning down so he can see David.

[David] Because I never failed you before?

David points out with a smile.

[David] And I run the agency when you're away?

Craig, not getting the answer he is looking for, shakes his head.

[Craig] I hate it when people answer a question with a question. If they don't know the answer they should just keep quiet.

Craig says disgustedly and slams the car door shut. He walks way from the car and heads for the boardwalk that leads to his houseboat.

[David] Hey Craig, I know what I'm doing, you can trust me.

David raises his voice so Craig can still listen to him.

[David] It's a done deal.

[Craig] See you tomorrow.

Craig calls over his shoulder and waves. "Obviously I still have some work to do with you," Craig mutters as he heads down the boardwalk toward his house.

David waves back at Craig and starts the car to go home and take a shower hoping that psycho wasn't there waiting for him.

To be continued

CHRONICLES / Overdue Payment Part 6

« Last post by 22639 on April 21, 2012, 01:12:05 pm »

Nikki gets off of the freeway and tells Haley, "we just have one stop to make before we head back to the ranch."

Haley: Okay...

Haley says, wondering what this stop is.

Nikki: Since Ally wants me to hustle up some temp adults so she can fire the present adult supervisors.....I'm going to ask my.....

Nikki thinks a few seconds.

Nikki: ....boyfriend if he will help out. I figure with you along he'll be less apt to turn me down. At least I'm hoping.

Nikki says and crosses her fingers...holding them up so Haley can see them.

Haley: You've got a boyfriend?

Haley says sitting up sharply, and hitting on, what is to her, the pertinent information in that statement of Nikki's.

Nikki glances at Haley a bit surprised.

Nikki: Well....yeah....I do. Why does that surprise you?

Nikki asks curiously.

Haley shrugs indifferently.

Haley: Just didn't realize you had much to do, outside of the ranch. What's he like?

Haley asks.

Nikki: You know the gray Arabian we're boarding? Have you ever seen the guy who owns him when he's come out to ride?

Nikki asks as she speeds her truck up so she can beat a red traffic light.

Haley: Couple of times... he's got dark hair.. Haven't seen much other than the back of him.

Haley says.

Haley: He's your boyfriend?

Haley asks after a moment of thought.

Nikki nods her head.

Nikki: Yeah. He's different. He has what I call a smarmy sense of humor.

Nikki says, slowing back down to the speed limit.

Haley: Smarmy? You mean Sarcastic?

Haley asks.

Nikki: Smarmy is a combination of sarcastic and smart aaaaa......aleck.

Nikki says catching herself before she uses a term that isn't exactly PG rated.

Haley: Smart ass. Gotcha.

Haley says with a grin.

Nikki bursts into laughter.

Nikki: Yeah. Exactly.

Nikki says through her laughter.

Haley: He should fit in well, with the boys then.

Haley grins.

Nikki: Oh yeah.

Nikki says, still laughing.

Nikki: Most definitely.

Nikki turns onto Methos' street and feels his buzz as she pulls up in front of his house.

Methos has just finished to clean up the kitchen after taking a light lunch and is about to resume work when he feels an Immortal buzz as he enters the living room. He turns back at stares at the door, wondering if it's Nikki or some Immortal, hopefully, just passing by.

Nikki gets out of the truck and motions for Haley to join her. She heads for the front door.

Haley slides out of the truck, and follows Nikki.

Methos takes a deep sight of relief when he gets to the window on his front door and sees Nikki coming his way, he frowns a little puzzled when he sees there's some kid with her, but opens the door anyway.

Nikki is in the process of selecting her key when the front door opens. She looks up surprised then smiles broadly at Methos.

Nikki: Hi.

Nikki says simply.....a mischievous twinkle in her green eyes.

Methos: Hello.

Methos smiles back.

Nikki: Miss me?

Nikki says teasingly as she walks past him and playfully grabs his ass.

Haley gets a good look at Nikki's boyfriend, and sighs, purely internally. Lucky, Nikki.

Methos rolls his eyes when Nikki passes him, she just did that in front of a stranger.

Methos: Yeah, why don't you come in?

Methos asks playfully once Nikki is already inside.

Haley slides in behind Nikki, keeping quiet.

Nikki: I'd like you to meet someone.

Nikki says and motions to Haley.

Nikki: This is Haley. She's one of the residents at the ranch. Haley? This is Adam. Adam...Haley. Haley...Adam.

Methos: Hello, Haley.

Methos nods to the young girl with a smile.

Nikki: We just had lunch with Ally. She says hi by the way.

Nikki announces to Methos then gestures toward the sofa in the living room.

Nikki: Have a seat Haley? Thirsty?

Nikki says going to the kitchen.

Haley: Hi.

Haley says softly to Adam, and grabs a seat where Nikki gestured.

Haley: Sure?

Haley says to Nikki.

Nikki: Whatcha got to drink there, handsome?

Nikki says to Methos as she heads for the fridge.

Methos: I only have beer and beer and more beer and wine and coffee.

Methos shrugs, he didn't normally entertain teenagers.

Nikki: What happened to all of those cans of soda I bought last week?

Nikki asks, opening the fridge just to make sure.

Methos: How should I know? I didn't touch them.

Methos shrugs again.

Methos: Actually I had no idea you bought that.

Nikki notices that there is still a little half and half left in Methos' fridge.

Nikki: Haley? Do you like Iced coffee?

Nikki calls out to the living room.

Haley: Who doesn't?

Haley asks.

Nikki: So how do you think they got here? If you didn't buy them that is.

Nikki says a bit quieter to Methos.

Methos: What that hell is that doing in my fridge?

Methos chuckles amused, like he'd buy something like that.

Methos: Iced coffee? Yuck.

Nikki takes out the half and half and grabs two glasses out of Methos' cabinet and proceeds to make 2 iced coffees.

Nikki: Did you take your Brat pills this morning or something?

Nikki says teasingly as she puts everything away and cleans up any mess she made.

Methos: No, after lunch. Brat pills are after lunch. Smart ass pills are at breakfast. Thought you knew that.

Methos shakes his head amused as he moves to the coffee machine to get another cup of coffee.

Haley snorts softly, in an effort to cover her laughter, having heard Adam's comment.

Nikki reaches up and grabs the collar of Methos' shirt and pulls him to her. She plants a big kiss on his lips then lets go and picks up the two glasses. She carries them into the living room and hands one to Haley then sits down in Methos' favorite chair...looking at him with a combination of "come hither" and defiance.

Haley: Thanks.

Haley says to Nikki and takes a big swallow of her iced coffee.

Methos: I think I should check your medication, apparently you're not taking your pills correctly.

Methos comments as he passes her and goes sit at his desk chair instead.

Methos: Not that you're not welcome here, but what do I owe the pleasure of your company just after lunch, girls?

Methos asks after he turns the chair to look at Nikki and Haley and takes a coffee sip.

Nikki decides to let his dismissal slide this time. She has bigger fish to fry.

Nikki: Remember when I told you about what I found out about the adult supervisors at the ranch?

Nikki asks, turning in the chair so she can look at him.

Methos: Yeah, apparently you hired a religious fanatic.

Methos nods remembering their previous conversation about the matter.

Nikki: Well.....I talked to Ally and she wants to fire the whole lot of them but she can't until she knows that there will be someone filling their shoes until permanent supervisors can be hired.

Nikki says and takes a sip of her drink.

Methos stares at Nikki a little suspiciously, wondering why she had come to his house in the middle of the day to tell him that.

Methos: Yeah, so?

Nikki gets up and walks over to Methos and sits on his lap, setting her drink on his desk and wrapping her arms around him.

Nikki: So....I need a HUGE favor.

Nikki says and kisses his earlobe.

Methos: Oh oh.

Methos manages to side glance at Nikki, his suspicion growing.

Methos: I think I've seen Amanda do that to MacLeod.

Methos adds figuring out Nikki probably learned that from her teacher.

Nikki: I need 3 men to fill in with the 3 boys' barracks. I love it if you would fill in the slot at the older boys' barracks.

Nikki says and gently sucks on his earlobe.

Methos: In case you haven't noticed I already have a job.

Methos manages to say as he winces at her touch.

Nikki: Joe was able to run a bar and do what you do so it seems logical that you could come stay at the ranch for a week and take care of your business online.

Nikki says seductively.

Methos: A week?

Methos stares at her, his eyes open wide.

Methos: You're not asking much, now are you?

Methos teases, he thought she needed him for a day.

Nikki: Maybe not even that long. Depends on how long it takes to find replacements. I'll make sure that they hire someone to relieve you first before anyone else. And besides....

Nikki seductively sticks the tip of her tongue in his ear.

Nikki: ....you'll get to see me everyday.

Nikki says softly then whispers in his ear, "lunch breaks can be fun."

Nikki: Pleeeeze?

Nikki pleads using her little girl's voice that she knows Methos has trouble ignoring.

Methos rolls his eyes and takes a deep breath, he tries to think of something so he can get out of it and wouldn't upset Nikki at the same time.

Methos: I'm filling in for Joe, I have a lot to do.

Methos tries to use that as an excuse.

Nikki: Purdy pweeze? With sugar on top? And a cherry?

Nikki says in her little girl's voice and she kisses the tip of his nose.

Methos makes a face, he knows when someone has caught him and he has no chance to jump out of it.

Methos: Just how old are the kids you want me to keep an eye on?

Nikki: 15, 16 and 17 years old.

Nikki answers and smiles sweetly.

Methos sighs, teenagers on top of that.

Methos: And how many?

Nikki looks over at Haley.

Nikki: 6? Right?

Nikki asks Haley for confirmation.

Haley: Yeah.

Haley nods.

Nikki: 6.

Nikki says with a nod to Methos.

Methos rolls his eyes again, and takes a deep breath, he could tell he was going to have a "fun" week.

Methos: When do you want me to start?

Methos asks and sighs again, he knows he'll never be able to tell her no so why waste time?

Nikki wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him tightly.

Nikki: Thank you. I love you.

Nikki whispers in his ear.

Methos: I love you too, but you're going to pay me for this.

Methos whispers back to her in what he hopes is a threatening tone.

Nikki: Anything you want.

Nikki says and kisses him on the lips.

Methos: Anything, huh? This should prove interesting.

Methos teases after he kisses her back.

Nikki breaks off the kiss and unwraps her arms from around Methos' neck.

Nikki: I'll let Ally know and see how soon the slot will be open.

Nikki says as she picks up her drink and gets up from Methos' lap.

Methos: OK.

Methos nods, he still couldn't believe what he'd just agreed to do.

Nikki: Ready Haley?

Nikki says to Haley then looks at Methos.

Nikki: We need to get back to the ranch. I'll call you.

Nikki says and drinks the rest of her drink and carries the empty glass into the kitchen.

Methos: OK.

Methos repeats.

Haley: Yup.

Haley says standing up, and moving towards the door.

Nikki comes out of the kitchen and smiles over at Methos.

Nikki: Thank you.

Nikki says to Methos as she reaches for the door knob.

Methos: Don't thank me yet, I might come to my senses and leave on the next plane out of dodge.

Methos says in the direction of the front door with a smile playing on his lips.

Haley: I hear Bora Bora's nice this time of year.

Haley says absently.

Nikki blows Methos a kiss and walks out the front door.

Methos: Yeah, so I hear.

Methos nods with a smirk, he knows that's the last place he'd go if he was hiding though.

Nikki closes the door behind her. She gets into her truck and waits for Haley to get in too.

Haley follows Nikki out the door, and back to her truck.

Nikki buckles her seat belt once Haley is in the truck then looks over at her with a victorious grin.

Nikki: And that, my dear, is how you ask a man for a big favor.

Nikki says with a wink.

To be continued

CHRONICLES / HALF MOON RISING Part 29

« Last post by Cyberfox277 on April 20, 2012, 12:56:21 am »

***Later that night***

David stops his car in front of Craig's place, gets out of the car and angrily shuts the door. "To improve this night the only thing missing is Craig not being home." David grumbles under his breath as he walks to the front door. He feels like smacking his forehead again for his stupidity, but the thought that guy might have been following him never occurred to him.

Craig is sitting in his favorite chair watching a mindless program on TV when he feels the buzz of another Immortal.

David stops and looks around when he feels an Immortal buzz, he'd been sloppy enough today, no need to be even more. After a while he decides it's coming from Craig's house so he knocks on the door.

[David] Craig? Are you there?

Craig lets go of of the hilt of his sword and slides it back under the chair when he hears David's voice.

[Craig] Yeah. Hang on.

Craig says as he gets to his feet and heads for the door of his floating home.

David keeps looking around over his shoulders while he waits for Craig to open the door.

Craig opens the door and looks at David, quirking an eyebrow curiously.

[Craig] What are you doing out so late?

Craig says with a partial smirk.

[Craig] I thought your bedtime was after the 6:00 news.

David jumps when Craig opens the door even though he's expecting it.

Craig says teasingly and steps aside gesturing for David to come on in.

[David] You know about that guy hunting Gemini?

David asks while he walks in the door.

[David] Well he's not after Gemini anymore.

David says while he paces around Craig's living room, too jumpy to sit down quietly.

[Craig] He's not.

Craig says more as a statement than a question. He closes the door and turns to look at David but he remains standing in front of the door.

[Craig] And why is that? Did she take care of him?

Craig asks doubting the answer will be yes since Gemini wasn't as advanced in her training as David was.

[David] Took Sarah out for dinner and then he makes a scene in the parking lot.

David explains while he stops to look at Craig.

Craig holds up his hands in a stop gesture.

[Craig] Hold on. Have a seat, take a breath and start from the beginning.

Craig says calmly as he points to the sofa.

[Craig] Would you like a drink? I have some Scotch and maybe a little whiskey or a cold beer.

David takes a deep breath, trying to calm down and then he walks to the sofa and sits down.

[David] I think I need something stronger than beer tonight. It's not every day a guy attacks you with a sword and you have to shoot him.

David takes another deep breath.

[David] In front of a mortal.

Craig walks into the kitchen to fix David a drink. When his back is to his student he mouths the words, "shoot him?" but he says nothing as he fills a tumbler with ice and some Scotch. He brings it into the living room, hands the glass to David and takes a seat back in his favorite chair.

[Craig] OK. Cliff notes give more details than you have so why don't you start by explaining how you ended up in the same restaurant as Lee.

Craig says as he sits back in his chair and casually crosses one leg over the other.

[David] He wasn't in the restaurant, I think he was following me.

David admits in an embarrassed tone of voice.

[David] I didn't notice him until he showed up in the parking lot.

[Craig] Man. This guy must be good to be able to follow you and you not know it. Buzz not withstanding....you're usually much more observant than that.

Craig says purposefully.

[David] Well, it never crossed my mind he'd be looking for me now that he lost Gemini, but apparently he is.

David sighs before he takes a sip, trying not to drink it all at once.

[Craig] David, David, David.

Craig says shaking his head slowly.

[Craig] Have you listened to anything I have said over the last 2 years?

Craig asks and rubs his hand over his face.

[David] Yeah, I know, I know.

David sighs unhappily.

[David] But I assumed he'd be looking for her and she got herself a teacher so...

David shrugs thinking he wouldn't mess up with that woman if he was Lee.

[Craig] David.....you need to be alert all of the time. There are other Immortals out there besides Lee that may follow you....try to set a trap for you...and you need to be ready.

Craig says leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees.

[David] Well I'm still here, aren't I?

David points out looking up at Craig.

[Craig] So....he waited for you and your girlfriend to leave the restaurant and cornered you in the parking lot?

Craig asks getting away from the teacher lecturing his student mode.

[Craig] Sword drawn and everything?

Craig asks trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together to form a picture in his mind.

[David] Yeah, I had no choice but to shoot him.

David says moving his legs, resisting the temptation to jump to his feet and start pacing again.

[David] What pisses me off is that he screwed up everything between Sarah and me. She's too shocked to keep dating me. Says she can't.

[Craig] He did this in front of her?

Craig asks a bit surprised. Most Immortals held to the unofficial rule that swords weren't drawn in view of a mortal.

[David] Yes, she didn't realize it, but I think he wouldn't mind killing her too.

David takes a deep breath looking down at his glass.

[David] She doesn't know about us, of course.

[Craig] She knows what you do for a living....right?

Craig asks frowning a bit.

[Craig] And she saw Lee threaten you with a sword?

Craig says looking at David.

[David] Yes, she works on Gemini's hotel, I was there on business the first time we met.

David nods in agreement.

[Craig] So she knows you carry a piece and some guy comes up to you out of the blue and threatens you with a big sword. What does she expect you to do? Laugh at the guy?

Craig says shaking his head again.

[Craig] Women. If I live to be a million I will never understand them.

Craig says with a sarcastic chuckle.

[Craig] So....back to Lee. What did he say to you?

[David] She didn't like the fact I shot the guy and then ran away without calling the police. How could I? The guy would come back to live any minute.

David shakes his head with an unhappy sigh.

[David] And he didn't talk much, just something original like get ready to die or something like that.

Craig looks at David and a slight frown crosses his face.

[Craig] Your father...or the man who raised you....didn't happen to be a preacher or something did he?

Craig asks some what seriously, although he is actually teasing.

David rolls his eyes.

[David] Come on, you know he was a cop, just like his father, and grandfather and so on.

David nods looking down at his glass.

[David] And I know what you mean, I would have done it if she wasn't there.

[Craig] Just wondering. Sometimes you act like you're a preacher's son. Never swear....never steal....never told a lie....Mr. Squeaky Clean.

Craig says shaking his head but chuckling softly.

[Craig] OK. So... did you come to me because you just needed to vent? Or did you come for some advice?

Craig asks looking at his student questioningly.

David rubs his forehead tiredly.

[David] I don't even know why I came here. Sounded like a good idea at the time.

[Craig] Well.....since you ARE here....

Craig says getting to his feet. He walks over and takes David's empty glass and goes into the kitchen where he refills it and pours one for himself. He carries them both back into the living room and hands David's to him then walks over and takes a seat on the Ottoman in front of his chair.

David takes the glass again and drinks a sip gesturing Craig to go on.

[Craig] You could have cushioned things with Sarah by simply telling her that you wanted to get her to safety and then faked a call to SPD while en-route to her place.

Craig takes a sip of his drink and shrugs.

[Craig] Or something along those lines.

Craig takes another sip of his drink.

[Craig] As for Lee.....I'm sure you acted purely out of reflex. And with your background as a cop... that is understandable. Sort of.

Craig clears his throat and sets his glass on the coffee table. He looks seriously at David.

[Craig] However...

Craig says... his tone becoming more that of a teacher than a buddy.

[David] However?

David urges Craig to go on, looking up at him.

[Craig] We don't have the luxury of acting out of reflex...acting without thinking. Because our actions always carry one sort of consequence or another.

Craig says seriously.

David frowns still looking at Craig.

[Craig] You had several different options available....all of which would have ended better for everyone concerned.

[David] So what would you have done in my place?

Craig shakes his head.

[Craig] Why don't you tell me what you think you could have done differently.

Craig remembers his own training and how Darius would make him answer some of his own questions instead of simply preaching and lecturing him. He found that those answers to his questions stuck with him more than if Darius had done his thinking for him.

David frowns thinking for a moment, then shakes his head.

[David] I don't see any other option. Not when the guy was coming right at me with a sword in hand.

[Craig] Are you completely sure about that?

Craig asks, knowing from his own experience that in 2 years time one could pick up a lot of knowledge and file it away without realizing it so it lies buried somewhere in the mind until called upon. It was also a way of determining how successful his teaching efforts had been over the last 2 years. If David honestly couldn't answer the question himself....maybe Craig wasn't doing his job and needed to step up his efforts. David couldn't train with him forever. At some point the kid would have to go out on his own.

David drinks some Scotch, then he takes a deep breath and nods.

[David] Fine, I almost told Sarah to wait in the car before I shot him but I was afraid he'd try to eliminate the witness before he came after me. I wouldn't risk her life when I was the only one who could protect her.

[Craig] OK.

Craig says and rubs his chin thoughtfully. After a few seconds he looks at David.

[Craig] If it had been me.....I would have told Sarah to go get the car so we could make a quick getaway. By giving her a task to do...making her think she has a part in the solution of the problem it gives her something to focus on besides her fear....or her judgment of you and it also removes her from the center of the situation. Then I would have kept Lee busy with some half hearted hand to hand....all the while "leading" him out of the public eye to a more secluded area where I would make an attempt to disarm him and maybe knock him out...but if I had to shoot him...at least I could do it without anyone hearing the shot....and my mortal girlfriend seeing me shoot someone then leave.

Craig takes a sip of his drink and shrugs.

[Craig] But that's just me.

Craig adds hoping that it would at least give David something to think about.

[David] Hmm, I think I forgot to mention something.

David says rubbing his forehead tiredly.

[David] The parking lot was full when we got there so I had to park far away from the theater. When that Lee guy attacked us running away was out of the question, maybe I can run faster than him but I doubt Sarah can, we'd never reach the theater until he caught us up.

[Craig] What I think right now, though....is that you're both emotionally and physically exhausted and no one thinks clearly that way and nothing can be learned when in that state.

Craig says and empties his glass in one gulp. He sets the empty glass on the coffee table and gets to his feet.

[Craig] Are you OK to drive home or would you rather use my couch tonight?

Craig asks as he stretches the kinks out of his leg muscles.

[David] Yes, I should get going.

David nods as he gets to his feet.

[David] Don't know why I came here when I could have told you in the morning.

David shakes his head, as he thinks it looked like a good idea at the time.

[Craig] Tomorrow....when you are rested....we have some serious training to do.

[David] Great. That guy didn't beat me up but you're planning to do it, right?

David grumbles thinking why did he come here in the first place.

Craig shakes his head.

[Craig] No. It's not going to be that kind of training.

Craig says with a smile.

[David] That should be a first.

David replies smiling despite himself.

[Craig] So....your house or my couch. Which is it?

Craig asks looking down at his student.

[David] I think I prefer my own bed.

David decides as he begins to walk to the door.

[David] And nothing to worry about if that guy attacks me again, I'll just shoot him and no mortal to save his head this time.

[Craig] OK......do me a favor.

Craig says placing his hand on David's shoulder as he reaches for the door knob.

[David] Sure, what is it?

David asks turning his head to look at Craig.

[Craig] Just go straight home....lock your doors and windows and don't answer them....no matter who comes knocking. I don't care if it's Jesus Christ Himself. Then....when you wake up come straight back here.

[David] I was planning to go to sleep when I got there, and don't answer the door anyway. So sure?

David says raising an eyebrow.

[David] Anything else, boss?

[Craig] Yeah. That belt doesn't go with those shoes.

Craig says with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and a smarmy smirk.

David chuckles softy at the unexpected comment.

[David] Since when are you a fashion expert?

David asks expecting Craig to open the door so he can go home.

[Craig] What? You don't think my flannel shirt is styling?

Craig says teasingly as he opens his front door and holds it open for David. Outside the sound of the Puget sounds water lapped against the bottom of Craig's floating home.

[David] So what time do you want me to come here?

David says before he exits the door and looks back.

[Craig] Like I said.....when you wake up. I want you rested.

Craig answers.

[David] Alright, 9 am should do it then. Better call Linda to tell her I'll be here though.

David says as a way of goodbye and begins to walk to his car.

Craig watches David until he disappears down the boardwalk then he closes his door, locks it and returns to his favorite chair to watch some more TV.

To be continued

CHRONICLES / Overdue Payment Part 5

« Last post by 22639 on April 18, 2012, 12:36:41 pm »

Nikki pulls her truck into a parking space on the main street of the Heights.

Nikki: Welcome to the Seacouver Heights.

Nikki says to Haley, knowing that the girl probably has never been in this part of town before.

Haley: Nice... Ritzy.

Haley says looking out the window.

Nikki: Yup. You won't find a Walmart, Kmart, Dollar Store or even a Sears in this part of town. It's all small privately owned boutiques and antique shops.

Nikki explains as she gets out of the truck and waits for Haley to join her.

Haley: Huh.

Haley says getting out and moving over to stand beside Nikki. Still a little unsure why the older woman had wanted her company, but game, for now.

Nikki: It's the place to come when you want something unique. When you don't want to look like a Sears catalog...wearing something that 300 other people are wearing.

Haley: Nothin wrong with that.

Haley shrugs.

Haley: 'Specially when it ain't got holes in it.

Haley mutters half under her breath.

Nikki comes to a sudden stop and looks at Haley.

Haley freezes and watches Nikki warily.

Nikki: I will I will bet you.....

Nikki digs into her jeans pocket and pulls out a $20 bill.

Nikki: ....this $20 bill that by the time we leave here and head back to Nua Tosu....you'll be singing a different tune.

Nikki says and raises one eyebrow, daringly.

Haley shrugs.

Haley: I ain’t got twenty bucks to take that bet.

Nikki leans into Haley with her shoulder and says, "we'll work something out," then giggles.

Nikki: Come on. I want to show you one of my favorite shops up here.

Nikki says and leads Haley around the corner to a small boutique.

Haley: Okay.

Haley says following Nikki, just happy to be off the ranch for a while

As they approach the door to the boutique a customer opens the door and steps out of the shop. Suddenly the scent of fresh.....top quality leather fills the air of the area in front of the shop.

Haley takes a deep breath, enjoying the scent of leather.

Nikki holds the door open and steps aside so that Haley can get by her. She watches the girl's face as she enters the shop and surveys its inventory.

Haley: Oh wow...

Haley says softly, her eyes widening slightly. This place had everything you could ever want in leather, and then some.

Nikki sees a suede jacket on one of the racks and walks over to get a better look. It has been crafted out of an extremely soft deer skin that has been treated so as not to spot if you get caught in the rain. It is a fawn color with tiny Sugalite embellishments along the collar, lapel and pockets.

Nikki: Now this is special.

Nikki mumbles softly and takes the hanger off of the rack. She turns and looks for Haley and when she finds her she takes the jacket over to her.

Nikki: Haley. Turn around.

Nikki says, wanting the girl to face her.

Haley: Hmm?

Haley asks turning around from what she was looking at.

Nikki holds the jacket....still on the hanger up to Haley and steps back to look at it. Seeing that the size is about right she slips the jacket off of the hanger and holds it out to Haley.

Nikki: Try this on for me....would ya?

Nikki says with a grin.

Haley: Alright.

Haley says with a shrug, not sure why Nikki wants her too, but willing to none-the-less. After all this is likely the only time shes ever going to try on something like this. She takes the jacket from Nikki and pulls it on.

Nikki steps back and looks at Haley. The embellishments are the exact same color as Haley's eyes. She takes hold of the girl's hand and pulls her over to one of the full length mirrors so she can see herself in it.

Nikki: Wow!

Nikki says simply.

Nikki: What do you think?

Haley: Umm... It's nice. Its soft.

Haley says non-commitedly.

Nikki squiggles up her face.

Nikki: OK. Not very enthusiastic so it must not be your style.

Nikki says and holds out her hand for Haley to give her the jacket.

Nikki: Sooo.....what DO you like?

Haley: Oh, I like lots of different things.

Nikki asks....hoping to get a sense of the girl's style.

Haley says, reluctantly taking the beautiful and extremely comfortable jacket off.

Nikki: Did you notice the stones decorating it are the exact same color as your eyes?

Nikki says in an attempt to get Haley to take another look at the jacket. It may not be the girl's preferred style but it looks so good on her and Nikki can already imagine an outfit designed around that jacket.

Haley: Uh huh.

Haley nods, glancing back in the mirror again.

Haley: It's a beautiful jacket.

Haley whispers.

Nikki: Answer this question. If you had a jacket like that.....would you wear it? Or shove it in the back of your closet and forget about it?

Nikki asks and remembers doing that with some of the dresses her mother would buy for her.

Haley: I ain't got anything to wear it with.

Haley replies honestly.

Nikki: You not only ain't got anything to wear with it.....but you also don't have anything to wear with it.

Nikki says, subtly correcting Haley's grammar

Nikki: At least not now.

Nikki adds. She looks around the shop, spots a sales person and motions her over. When the woman comes up to them, Nikki says, "We'll take the jacket," and points to the one Haley is still wearing.

Haley: Uh... Nikki.

Haley protests, a little worriedly.

Nikki ignores Haley and winks at the sales lady who understands and goes over to the counter to write up the sale without the jacket. Nikki looks around the shop as she waits for the sales lady to want her signature on the credit card receipt.

Haley watches Nikki worriedly.

Nikki finds a chauffeur’s cap crafted out of purple suede and she tries it on.

Nikki: Well? What do you think?

Nikki asks Haley as she tips the cap different ways and pretends to pose like a model.

Haley cracks a smile.

Haley: I dunno.

Nikki tilts the cap sideways and dips it low in the front so it almost covers one eye then she strikes a sexy pose and looks in the mirror.

Haley giggles.

Nikki: I have a jacket and boots this same color.

Nikki tells Haley. The sales lady walks up to them and hands a small clipboard to Nikki and Nikki reviews the receipt quickly then stops just as she is about to sign it. She removes the cap and hands it to the lady.

Nikki: Add this.

Nikki says simply. The sales lady chuckles and says, "I knew you wouldn't settle for just one item, Miss Flynn. You never walk out of here with only one item." Nikki blushes and goggles and the lady heads back to the counter.

Haley can't help but grin at the look on Nikki's face.

Nikki looks over at Haley and shrugs.

Nikki: She is right.

Nikki admits.

Nikki: This place is like eating potato chips. Can't eat just one.

Nikki says and giggles.

Haley says quoting the Pringles' commercial.

Nikki 's giggle turns to laughter.

Nikki: Ahhh....Pringles. My favorite.

The sales lady returns and Nikki signs the credit card receipt. "Would you like those items delivered as usual?" the sales lady asks. Nikki turns to look at Haley.

Nikki: Do you want to wear it or have it delivered?

Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow questioningly.

Haley: Umm...

Haley says, not really answering, but stepping back slightly,

Nikki: Just the cap, Mrs. Reynolds.

Nikki answers the sales lady.

Nikki: Thank you.

Nikki answers the sales lady. She steers Haley out of the shop. She leads her to the next boutique which is across the street and kitty cornered from the leather shop.

Nikki: I think you'll really like this one.

Nikki says as she holds the door open.

Haley: Ooh...

Haley says softly, her mouth forming an "O" as she gazes around the inside of the new shop.

Nikki smiles and tells Haley to have a look around. A half hour later she holds the door of the shop open for Haley who is carrying several shopping bags.

Nikki: How about some lunch?

Nikki asks as Haley walks out of the shop.

Haley: Sure

Haley says with a smile.

Nikki: Lets put these in my truck first.

Ally takes a seat at the little cafe Nikki had asked her meet her at. She ordered a tea from the waiter while she waited for the younger immortal to arrive.

Nikki suggests and takes a couple of the bags from Haley to help her out. She leads the way to her truck and stashes the packages then heads for her favorite cafe. As they approach the cafe, Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal and slows her pace.

Ally feels the buzz of another immortal, and is glad that she IS expecting someone, so for once, it's perfectly natural to look around.

The side of the cafe's patio that Nikki and Haley are coming from is lined with tall potted juniper trees which obscure Nikki's view of the patio so she continues to walk cautiously until she can see around the row of trees. She sees Ally sitting at a large table in the back corner of the patio in the shade of the trees and she breathes easier and relaxes. She waves to Ally and leads Haley through the maze of tables to the one Ally is sitting at.

Nikki: Hey, stranger. Long time no see.

Nikki says to Ally as she approaches the table.

Ally: Hey. Good to see you too.

Ally says standing up to shake Nikki's hand.

Nikki takes Ally's hand and gives it a friendly shake then pulls out a chair for Haley and another for herself and takes a seat.

Nikki: Ally? I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. Haley....Ally...Ally...HHaley

Nikki says just as a waitress walks up and sets two more menus on the table for Haley and Nikki.

Ally: Hello, Haley. Nice to meet you.

Ally says offering the girl her hand.

Haley shakes the other woman's hand, and smiles a little nervously, then sits down without saying anything.

Nikki looks over the menu then closes it once she's made up her mind. She looks over at Haley and smiles.

Nikki: Order whatever you want.

Nikki tells Haley.

Nikki: But for the record? The pastrami is to die for.

Nikki says with a giggle.

Haley: Okay.

Haley says softly, then opens the menu, looking it over, trying to be invisible for the other two women, who are obviously friends.

When the waitress returns to take everyone's order, Nikki says, "I'll have the pastrami on rye, a side of potato salad and a large coke." The waitress looks first at Haley then at Ally to see who is ready to order.

Haley: Can I get the chicken finger's? Tossed in the spicy buffalo sauce, and fries please?

Haley asks. At the waitress' nod, Haley adds, "And a coke to drink please."

Ally: Poco Loco Pollo sandwich, and no sides.

Ally says, naming her favorite chicken sandwich, which between the sauce the chicken was marinated in and the other sauce put on the sandwich, it was hard to describe how it tasted, other than wonderful.

Nikki The waitress takes the menus and disappears and Nikki looks over at Ally.

Nikki: So what have you been up to lately?

Nikki asks Ally. The waitress returns with their drinks and sets them on the table then disappears again.

Ally shrugs.

Ally: Same old, same old. Lucky for me, or not so lucky, all the cases I've seen of late have been very simple and straight forward. Means, I see a lot of them, but they're boring.

Ally grins.

Ally: How about you?

Nikki: Not much. We've just been doing some shopping this morning.

Nikki says and takes a sip of her coke.

Ally: She been with you all morning?

Ally asks nodding at Haley.

Haley nods at Ally.

Haley: Yeah.

Haley says softly.

Ally: And you're still standing?! Well, I'm impressed!

Ally laughs.

Nikki: It's called youth, Ally. Something we haven't been in a long time.

Nikki says with a wink at Ally.

Ally: And some longer than others.

Ally laughs.

Haley frowns a little confused. Nikki and this Ally weren't THAT much older than she was...

Nikki laughs along with Ally.

Nikki: So other than having lunch together.....what did you need to see me about?

Nikki asks Ally and she takes a sip of her coke.

Ally smiles and shakes her head.

Ally: Nu uh. None of that. YOU'RE the one who wanted to see me.

Ally says, not about to fall for that old ploy.

Nikki giggles.

Nikki: Oh yeah.

Nikki says with a snicker.

Nikki: I'm going to call for a special board meeting because of something I found out about recently and I think it needs to be taken care of like yesterday.

Nikki says more seriously.

Ally: Oh?

Ally asks, curious.

Nikki: And there may be a bit of an issue over something I did as a result of the information I learned.

Nikki adds a bit sheepishly. She takes another sip of her coke. The waitress appears with their orders and sets their food on the table then leaves. Nikki gets a whiff of her sandwich and picks itup, taking a bite.

Ally: Thank you.

Ally murmurs to the waitress. Picking up her sandwich she took a bite, waiting for Nikki to continue.

Nikki swallows her bite of food.

Nikki: It seems that with all of the screening we did when we hired our adult supervisors....we still ended up hiring some that shouldn't have passed our screening.

Nikki says and takes a bite of her pickle.

Ally: Indeed?

Ally asks, curious, since that was before SHE had arrived in Seacouver.

Nikki: We have wound up with some that have no business supervising teenagers....especially the teenagers that come to the ranch.

Nikki says and takes another bite of her sandwich.

Ally: How so?

Ally asks.

Nikki: Haley, who is one of the ranch's residents, has informed me that there are several of the supervisors that have been verbally abusive to the residents....especially the girls. Haley? Tell Ally what you told me.

Nikki says and sets her sandwich down on the plate. She takes a drink of her coke and sits back in her chair to listen.

Haley: A-are you sure?

Haley asks nervously

Nikki nods.

Nikki: Go ahead. Ally's a Superior Court Judge and on the ranch's board of directors. She's also a good friend of mine. So tell her exactly what you told me. It's OK

Nikki says a smiles reassuringly.

Haley sighs and shrugs.

Haley: Not much to tell... I guess. None of us like any of the supers... They all tell us that we're all little ****. I was gonna tell one of the boy's supers, but found out, that their supers just joke about "having" us girls.

Haley explains as shortly as she can.

Nikki looks over at Ally to see her reaction.

Ally nods slowly in understanding, at least partially to what Nikki was getting at. Something like this would just continually undermine any confidence the girls and boys were building in themselves. It was detrimental to everything that Nikki wanted the Ranch to stand for. However, unless she was off her mark, Ally was betting that Nikki still had something more to tell her.

Nikki: One in particular, Ms. Cramer, was even forcing religion down the girls' throats and telling them they all needed to repent of their sins or spend eternity in something called the 7th Circle of Hell.

Nikki added to Haley's report.

Haley: Yeah, and that if we were lucky, and repented enough, we'd MAYBE end up in limbo.

Haley adds.

Nikki: She also was laying out her own set of rules....rules that were totally uncalled for. Prisons don't have rules as ridiculous as the ones the girls were expected to live by.

Nikki adds and leans forward, taking a bite of her sandwich.

Ally: Such as?

Ally asks, keeping expression, that of one only mild interest.

Nikki: Tell her, Haley.

Nikki says as she chews the bite she just took.

Haley: Bed everyday at 9pm. Regardless of what day of the week it is, even Friday and Saturday's. Up every morning at 5am. Barracks to be cleaned spotless before we get breakfast. Stuff like that. Listening to lecture us about how horrible we are, how we're all going to hell. Yada, yada, yada.

Haley says.

Haley: Oh, and prayer's before bed. First thing in the morning. Before every meal.

Haley adds quickly.

Ally: And how long has that been going on?

Ally asks arching her left eyebrow slightly.

Haley shrugs.

Haley: Dunno... long as I've been there anyway.

Nikki: Evidently since the beginning.

Nikki says and wipes the corners of her mouth with her napkin.

Nikki: I learned about it last weekend when Ms. Cramer had a family emergency and there was no one to cover so I did. Needless to say when Haley and the girls told me this I was furious.

Nikki says.

Ally nods.

Ally: And you're reasoning for telling me now... is, what exactly?

Ally asks, figuring she probably already knows, but needing for, legality purposes, to have it spelled out.

Nikki: I may have overstepped my boundaries but I was so furious that I fired Cramer when she showed up the following morning.

Nikki says with a shrug.

Ally: Good. If you hadn't I would be a little concerned as to YOUR ability to run the Ranch, Nikki.

Ally says with a smile.

Ally: But that still begs the question of what to do with the others.

Nikki: They all need to be fired and we need to replace them with supervisors that aren't idiots.

Nikki says firmly.

Nikki: I know I'm going to take some hits from the other members of the board over firing Cramer. And I'm OK with that. But I would like to know if I'll have your support in that board room.

Nikki says and takes the last bite of her sandwich.

Ally snorts, disgusted.

Ally: If you hadn't already fired her, I'd authorize it, NOW. As for the others... If you can come up with a couple of reliable people for the mean time... I'll authorize the rest of the supervisor's be suspended, pending board review. Which at least means they won't be supervising anyone.

Jeffery walks out of the art gallery he has just purchased a painting from and strolls aimlessly down the street, looking in the windows of the shops.

Haley feels her jaw drop and stares at Ally in astonishment. She COULDN'T believe another adult was taking their side! And already talking of moving quickly enough it made her head spin!

Nikki smiles as she tosses her napkin on her empty plate.

Nikki: Thanks Ally. I knew I could count on you.

Nikki says happily.

Ally: So? Who have you got? We can't suspend anyone unless you have somebodies to cover.

Ally asks.

Jeffery sees a cafe across the street and decides some lunch is in order so he heads for the crosswalk but as he nears it he feels a strong Immortal buzz and he stops, looking around.

Ally suddenly feels the buzz of another immortal as she awaits Nikki's response and leans back in her chair, waiting, both on Nikki and the unknown immortal.

Nikki feels an Immortal buzz and tenses. Since she is sitting with her back to the street she uses the reflection in the cafe's window to see behind her.

Nikki: I have compiled a list of a few of the applicants that I had good feelings about but the board eliminated for one reason or another. I can always recall them.

Nikki says...her attention on the reflection in the cafe's window.

Ally: Yes well... those will have to be board approved... They can be submitted for review at the next board meeting. But no, I'm talking right now. So we can suspend the rest of the supervisors from now until I get the board arranged to meet.

Ally asks, her eyes, casually scanning the people walking in front of the cafe, looking for the unknown immortal.

Jeffery decides to stay on the side of the street he is on and walks casually down the sidewalk...looking over at the cafe's patio to see if he can tell who is the source of the buzz.

Nikki: To be honest.....I don't have anyone ready to step in right now. But that doesn't mean I can't find someone. If you have any suggestions....I welcome them.

Nikki says. She sees the familiar face through the reflection of the window and hopes that the reflection isn't as clear from across the street. She chews on her lower lip as she watches the window.

Ally: Well... for me to okay it for short term, which I can do... it would have to be someone known to me.

Ally advises

Jeffery looks over at the customers lunching on the patio and sees the reflection of a familiar Immortal. "So.....we meet again," he thinks to himself and he shapes his hand into a pistol and points it toward the red headed Immortal with her back to him. He laughs aloud and continues walking and disappears into the crowd.

Ally frowns watching the immortal she'd spotted take aim with his fingers at Nikki. Now that was interesting.... Ally ponders to herself as she watches him walk off.

Nikki winces when she sees the Immortal across the street point in her direction, knowing that he saw her and recognized her. She forces her mind to go back to the topic of conversation and frantically tries to think of a response that Ally would approve.

Nikki: Well....I guess I could replace Cramer until a suitable replacement can be found. And I think I can talk my administrative assistant to fill in in the younger girls' barracks. And I know I can count on my foreman to pitch in with one of the boys' barracks and then there's always Adam.

Nikki says, pulling ideas out of the air.

Ally chokes on the tea she had just taken a sip of.

Ally: Adam? OUR Adam?

Ally asks coughing.

Nikki: You don't think he'd help out?

Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow questioningly.

Ally: Oh, he might. If you can get him to agree to it.... Just remember he is... very much like electricity. He ALWAYS takes the path of least resistance.

Ally replies amused at the thought of Methos babysitting a bunch of boys one step from being Juvenile delinquents.

Nikki chuckles.

Nikki: Right. Well if I can't talk him into it I know one other person that would actually be perfect for the job.

Nikki says and motions to the waitress for the bill.

Ally: Oh?

Ally asks, curious.

Nikki: If Adam turns me down I'll talk to Duncan.

Nikki says confidently.
Ally: No reason you can't have both of them doing it. Each might be a little more willing knowing they can trade off some.
Ally chuckles.

Nikki: Or....

Nikki says as the waitress brings the check. Nikki takes out her credit card and places it on top of the check and the waitress takes it way.

Nikki: There's always Duncan's....friend, Richie. He's been where they are and would be able to relate.

Nikki suggests. The waitress brings back Nikki's card and thanks her then leaves.

Ally: He would.... You know actually...

Ally says slowly thinking....

Ally: Were I you, I'd ask all of them. Then you've got four for the boys to trade off with. Two on, two off. No telling how long it'll take for the board to approve new supervisor's in the mean time. I'd also see what I can do, were I you, about getting another couple of women, so its not just you and your admin assistant. I'd volunteer, but with my court schedule you'd only get maybe one night a week out of me. If you can find others to fill in, let me know, and if I have to, we'll arrange to meet so I can approve them.

Ally suggests.

Nikki: Sounds good to me.

Nikki says as she puts her credit card into her purse.

Nikki: Now I hate to cut this short but we really do need to get back to the ranch.

Nikki says looking over her shoulder at the other side of the street.

Ally: No, I understand completely I should probably head back myself. Reams of paperwork, or so it feels like.

Ally replies noting Nikki's look, and quickly decides to accompany Nikki back to her truck. Not that she wasn't fully capable of handling herself, but Aldria had no idea what type of immortal that finger pointing guy was, but no way he'd start anything with TWO immortals there.

Nikki looks over at Haley as she gets to her feet.

Nikki: Ready?

Nikki asks as she slips the strap of her purse over her shoulder.

Haley: Yeah.

Haley says, putting one last fry into her mouth as she stands up.

Ally: I'll walk with you.

Ally says casually as they left the cafe, and digs out a business card, which she hands to Haley.

Nikki leans over and whispers to Haley, "see? I told you not all adults are bad," and she grins.

Ally: Haley, it was wonderful to meet you. Here's my card. If Nikki isn't available and you need something, please don't hesitate to call me, alright?

Ally asks.

Haley: Thanks.

Haley says to Ally accepting the card, then looks over at Nikki. "Guess not," she says, unable to help the smile slowly spreading across her face.

To be continued

CHRONICLES / FALLING STAR Part 39

« Last post by 22639 on April 13, 2012, 11:23:01 am »

_{The part of Mike Barrett is temporarily being understudied.}

Joe walks out of his office carrying a ledger book and a card file box. He carries it over to the bar and sets the things on the bar in front of Mike.

Joe: Here's the vendor ledger....and all of the contacts you'll need are in this.

Joe says pointing to the card file box.

Mike: Come on, Joe. It's not like I haven't done this before. Who do you think keeps it going whenever you have to go to Paris?

Mike says and chuckles.

Joe: You're right. I'm sorry.

Joe says with an apologetic smile.

Joe: I know it's in good hands.

Mike: One question, though.

Mike says as he picks up the ledger and card file box and sets them on a shelf under the back bar.

Joe: What's that?

Joe asks, curiously.

Mike: What do you want me to do about you know who and his tab?

Mike asks....slightly amused.

Methos stops his SUV in front of Joe's, and checks his watch again. It's a little bit early and he knows the bar is still closed but it never stopped him from getting a drink there before. He exits his car, locks it and walks inside.

Joe holds up his hands in surrender.

Joe: I'll leave that totally up to you. You're running things now....it's your call.

Joe says just as the door of the bar opens and Methos walks in.

Joe: Speak of the devil.

Joe says and chuckles.

Methos raises an eyebrow at that, apparently they were talking about him. He smirks when he remembers he's been called worse before.

Methos: So how are you guys doing?

Methos asks as he walks to the bar.

Mike holds up a glass...silently asking Methos if he wants a beer.

Joe: Hey, Pierson. Just the man I wanted to see. If you've got a minute I'd like to talk to you in my office.

Joe says to Methos.

Methos nods at Mike indicating he'd like a beer, then looks at Joe slightly surprised he wants to talk to him in private.

Methos: Sure?

Mike fills the glass from the beer tap and slides the glass to Methos.

Methos: Thanks, Mike.

Methos says as he picks it up and takes a sip of beer.

Joe turns and heads for his office...hoping Methos will follow.

Methos slowly follows Joe to his office, careful not to spill his beer while he walks.

Joe: Close the door....will ya?

Joe asks as he takes a seat in his desk chair.

Joe: And have a seat.

Joe adds with a bit of a smile and gestures toward the couch.

Methos raises an eyebrow at the request, but he closes the door without a comment and takes a seat.

Joe picks up his coffee cup which is sitting on his desk and takes a sip.

Joe: This is for you.

Joe says as he hands a sealed envelope to Methos.

Methos puts his glass on the end table and extends his arm to get the envelope with a puzzled frowns on his face.

Methos: What's it about?

Joe: Why don't you open it and find out?

Joe suggests and takes another sip of his coffee.

Methos opens the envelope still frowning puzzled, there a letter in there and gasps when he begins reading it, apparently he'd been promoted to... Assistant Director of the West Coast Watchers? He checks the other things in the envelope and there's also a check with a small bonus and a raise. He looks at Joe surprised, his eyes open side.

Methos: What's this supposed to mean?

Joe: What does it say?

Joe asks, trying not to roll his eyes and get impatient.

Methos: I mean besides the fancy title? What are you up to, Joe?

Methos says as he rolls his eyes in return.

Joe: Well....I'd tell you that you've earned it and that the counsel has finally recognized all of the hard work you have put in....and it would, for the most part, be true. But I won't blow smoke up your ass. I needed them to promote you so you could....

Joe says and takes a small leather bound notebook out of his desk drawer and hands it and a ring of keys to Methos.

Joe: ....run things while I'm gone.

Methos: While you're...

Methos stops himself while he gets the things Joe is giving him without realizing it, concentrated on his face.

Methos: You're leaving?

Joe: That's usually what "while I'm gone" means.

Joe says getting to his feet. He picks up his brief case from where it sits on the floor under the desk and puts it on top of the desk. He opens it and begins putting some of his personal belongings into it.

Methos: Yes. usually.

Methos nods in agreement with a smirk, then he looks down and sees something in his hands.

Methos: And what is this?

Joe looks over at Methos to see what he's talking about.

Joe: That's got the security code for the alarm system at HQ, emergency contact numbers and passwords you'll need to get into some of the software.

Joe explains and opens the bottom drawer of his desk. He starts taking some of his personal things out of the drawer and putting them into his brief case.

Methos nods smiling amused, like he'd need the passwords when he'd already hacked into it but decides not to mention that.

Methos: And the keys?

Methos asks, then remembers his beer and takes a sip.

Joe: There's keys to the doors at HQ...one for my file cabinet that has some of the "top secret" stuff, one goes to the storage locker....and one to my safe.

Joe says pointing to his safe under the book case behind his desk.

Methos: Alright.

Methos nods, wondering what was the "top secret" stuff, maybe he should take a look at it.

Joe takes a sheet of paper out of the printer behind his desk and hands it to Methos.

Joe: This is a photocopy of my appointment calender.

Joe explains.

Joe: There's a new class starting in a week and you'll need to handle the cadets' orientation.

Joe says and looks over the things in his brief case, then he shuts it.

Methos puts the things Joe has given him before on the couch to get the paper Joe is giving him.

Methos: OK, I think I can handle that.

Methos nods while he thinks this should prove interesting.

Joe: Oh....and a word of warning....you might want to either avoid Ashley Sawyer....or just keep an eye on her....and your back when she's around.

Joe says in warning.

Methos: Miss By-the-Book?

Methos asks amused.

Joe: More like Miss Pain in the Ass.

Joe says and shakes his head.

Methos: No problem, I'm keeping an eye on her since she got to town, she'd never keep her month shut if she found out about...

Methos points to himself.

Joe picks up his coffee cup and drinks the last of the coffee in it.

Methos: So are you going to tell me where you're going?

Methos asks for the sake of asking, he knows Joe probably won't tell him.

Joe shrugs.

Joe: I haven't decided yet.

Joe lies.

Methos shakes his head amused, when he sees Joe making that "Just swallowed a bitter lemon" face. Maybe someone should tell him he's a terrible liar.

Methos: I see.

Joe: And before you ask....I don't know how long I'll be gone.

Joe says, anticipating Methos' question.

Joe: Hell.....who knows? I may not come back.

Joe says, seriously as he walks over to the coat rack by the door and takes his rain coat off of the rack and puts it on.

Methos: I'd tell you to stay but I know everybody needs to lick their wounds in peace, I remember I did that when I lost Alexa.

Methos nods, recognizing the fact Joe needed to be alone to get his act together.

Joe: There's just not a whole lot of reason for me to come back.

Joe says more to himself than to Methos. He walks back to his desk and grabs his brief case then looks over at Methos.

Methos: By the way who's watching MacLeod?

Methos asks remembering Joe is also MacLeod's watcher and not just the head of the West Coast Watchers.

Joe: Since you're filling in for me....I guess that would be you.

Joe says with an almost evil smirk.

Methos: Me?

Joe: Oh like you didn't figure that out for yourself.

Joe says shaking his head as he walks to the door of his office.

Methos opens his eyes wide in surprise, then a smile begins to form on his lips as he thinks that didn't sound so bad.

Methos: Really?

Methos' smile widens when he thinks about MacLeod's reaction to that.

Joe takes his umbrella down form the coat rack and opens his office door.

Joe: You know....I don't think you realize how lucky you are.

Joe says turning back to look at Methos, seriously.

Methos raises an eyebrow at that, as he picks his beer glass again.

Methos: I am?

Joe: You have a reason to wake up in the morning. And you'll probably have her for more years than most of us get with our loved ones.

Joe says and looks around his office. He looks back at Methos.

Joe: You stay out of trouble, my friend.

Joe says simply then turns and walks out of his office.

Methos: I will, have a safe trip to wherever you haven't decided yet.

Methos says after Joe, then he begins to put all the documents inside the envelope to leave.

Joe walks through the bar and waves to Mike.

Mike waves back at Joe.

Without any further words, Joe walks out of the bar and into the Pacific Northwest rain.

THE END

CHRONICLES / HALF MOON RISING Part 28

« Last post by Cyberfox277 on April 12, 2012, 02:03:00 am »

***Next day - 7 PM***

David closes the door of his car in the parking lot, and looks around while he locks the door like he's used to do. He checks his watch while he walks to the restaurant, now that Craig is back, he's time to go out with Sarah, and doesn't want to show up late.

[Sarah] Thank you.

Sarah murmurs to the maitre'd as she is seat at a table for two. Hopefully David would be here soon.

David smiles when he comes in and sees Sarah already sitting at a table.

[David] Been here long?

David asks when he gets to the table and pulls the chair in front of her.

[Sarah] No.

Sarah says smiling at David as he sits.

[Sarah] Just got here.

[David] Good, I'd hate to make you wait.

David comments smiling back at Sarah.

[Sarah] You didn't.

Sarah smiles back.

[David] Have you ordered something?

David asks looking around for a waiter.

[David] We should order if we want to be on time.

[Sarah] Yes, we should order. And no I haven't yet. I'm looking forward to this. I've heard nothing but good things about Blue Man Group.

Sarah smiles.

[David] Well, I wouldn't know, never went to see it.

David shrugs looking back at Sarah after he managed to get a waiter's attention.

[David] I know who they are of course, they're hard to go unnoticed.

David adds with a smile.

[Sarah] They are hard to miss. But let's hope they're half as good as I've heard.

Sarah chuckles, then places her order as the waitress comes to take it.

David makes his order, then he tells Sarah trying to justify the quantity of food he'd ordered.

[David] Almost didn't have time to lunch, wanted to finish early so I could leave early.

[Sarah] Well, as long as you didn't skip breakfast. It IS the most important meal of the day.

Sarah says half teasing.

[David] Hmm, no, or I'd be too weak to work out in the morning.

David chuckles softly. He looks at her with a smile glad he's there with her, those Immortal women may be very attractive but they tended to treat him like a child which he found pretty irritating. Sarah treats him like the adult he is.

[Sarah] Good.

Sarah laughs.

[David] Actually I expect us to have breakfast together one day, who knows? When you're interested?

David offers teasingly, hoping Sarah would get the hint.

[Sarah] How's tomorrow sound?

Sarah asks raising an eyebrow with a smile.

[David] Tomorrow?

David asks surprised,wondering if she was offering that they'd finally spend the night together.

[Sarah] Took you long enough to hint around at it. Yes. Tonight, breakfast tomorrow?

Sarah says.

David frowns puzzled looking at Sarah.

[David] Why didn't you tell me before? This is the 21st century, you know? If you were interested why didn't you tell me about it?

[Sarah] Because, I don't want sex for the sake of sex. And I wasn't sure if you were interested. Unlike most guys... you weren't obvious. Or I would have let you know when I was interested.

Sarah explains.

[David] Because I didn't want to pressure you too much, of course I was interested.

David takes a deep breath looking down at the table, thinking about the time they'd wasted.

[Sarah] David... you're sweet. But you're also a guy. You're supposed to pressure just a tiny bit. The only other time I dated someone and wasn't pressured was when the guy turned out to be gay. I was starting to worry!

Sarah says with a laugh that invites David to share in her folly.

David chuckles amused.

[David] I can assure you I'm not.

[Sarah] That's all for the good from where I'm sitting!

Sarah laughs.

[David] Women should come with a manual, you can never figure out what they're thinking.

David shakes his head still smiling.

[David] If you dare to suggest sex, they say you can't think about anything else, if you don't they think you're gay. Go figure.

[Sarah] Of course!

Sarah laughs.

[David] So how bad do want to see that show?

David asks half joking, half serious.

[David] We could skip that and go to my place after dinner.

[Sarah] No. I really want to see the show.

Sarah grins.

David rolls his eyes, then shrugs.

[David] Fine, your call.

[Sarah] Besides, you've got to earn tonight.

Sarah chuckles.

[David] Oh really? I thought it was already decided.

David says smiling at Sarah.

[Sarah] Not for me.

Sarah chuckles.

[David] You're mean.

David chuckles back.

[Sarah] No. I'm a woman.

Sarah grins.

David frowns, looking at her intently.

[David] You are? I've never noticed that before.

David says in what he hopes is a surprised tone.

[Sarah] Okay... Now I'm worried.

Sarah says.

David tries to keep a straight face after Sarah's reply but fails and bursts out laughing.

[David] I wouldn't be if I were you.

David manages to say between chuckles.

[Sarah] Good!

Sarah says laughing along with David as the waiter arrives with their food.

***45 minutes later***

Steven has just come back to his hotel room after a light dinner when he hears the phone ringing. He rushes to the phone knowing only one person would call him there.

[Steven] Hello?

Steven asks impatiently, hoping to hear the voice he's expecting.

[P.I.] It's me.

P.I. says into the phone.

Steven grins evilly, there's only one reason the private investigator he'd hired to follow that guy from the Bower Agency would call him.

[Steven] You found her?

Steven asks right away.

[P.I.] Yeah, both of them are together.

P.I. says.

[Steven] I knew it. I knew he'd lead me to her.

Steven murmurs under his breath.

[P.I.] Girl, or young woman, medium height, brown hair, slender. And the guy.

P.I. adds.

[Steven] So where are they?

Steven asks when the PI doesn't say anything else.

[P.I.] They just went into the Blue Man Group show. Over at the Orpheus Theater, on the corner of Seymour and Smithe.

P.I. says by way of explanation.

[Steven] The blue what?

Steven asks with a frown, thinking he didn't understand it correctly.

[P.I.] Blue Man Group. They're a show that, that acts everything out through movement. They wear blue body suits... or something like that.

P.I. says shrugging, even though he knows his client can't see him shrug.

[Steven] Oh it's that modern nonsense.

Steven shakes his head wondering why people bothered to hear that rubbish instead of real music.

[P.I.] Yeah, something like that.

P.I. says shrugging again.

[P.I.] Anyway, the show should be out in about 2 hours.

[Steven] Good, I'll be there waiting for my... daughter.

Steven grins when he says the last word.

[P.I.] Give me a call again, if you need anything. If you're going to be here, I'm going to head home as soon as you get here.

P.I. says.

[Steven] Alright I'm on my way.

Steven nods and disconnects the call. He moves fast to his luggage to get the dagger he has in there while he thinks tonight will certainly pay off for all the time he's been waiting.

[P.I.] Alright.

P.I. says and hangs up the phone, not waiting to here his client's reply.

Steven grins evilly looking at the dagger, tonight he's going to take two Quickenings, or maybe save one for later who knows? He studies the map briefly to make sure he knows where to go and rushes outside of the hotel.

***2 and a half hours later***

Steven checks his watch again hiding in the dark near the wall of the theater, it seems to him he's been waiting all night. He wonders what they are doing, all the other cars had left the parking lot except a lonely car at the end of the parking lot. The trees near it give him an idea as he moves quickly to hide in there before anyone shows up.

David gasps in surprise when he gets to the theater door and sees no cars but his.

[David] I've told you it was taking too long, look at this. We're the last ones.

[Sarah] So?

Sarah asks arching an eyebrow.

[Sarah] I just couldn't make up my mind. Besides, what's the big deal?

[David] Well, it's just that it's getting late, that's all.

David shrugs keeping his hands in his pockets to look for the car keys.

[Sarah] What? And afraid I've changed my mind or something?

Sarah chuckles.

[David] Hmm, the idea has crossed my mind when it seemed you were looking for an excuse to stay in there.

David tells her truthfully, he didn't believe in starting a relationship on lies.

[Sarah] No. I really just wanted a souvenir from the show. The t-shirt will be my new nightshirt, but... not tonight.

Sarah chuckles.

[David] I certainly hope not.

David chuckles back, playing with the car keys in his hand.

[David] I liked the show but it would be a little bit too much.

[Sarah] It would get in the way, tonight.

Sarah grins.

[David] That it would.

David nods with a smile, then he extends his hand to her so she could take it.

[David] Come on, then.

[Sarah] Yeah. I think it's time to go.

Sarah smiles slipping her hand into David's extended hand.

Steven smiles when he sees a couple leave the theater and begin to walk in his direction. At last there they were, he thinks to himself.

[David] So my place or yours? I know I've suggested my place before but it can be yours, no problem with that.

David tells Sarah says while he walks to his car with her.

[Sarah] Yours is fine. You've been to my place before. I'd like to see yours.

Sarah says, wondering if his place was going to be a typical bachelor pad. If it was, she knew that she would insist on her place every night AFTER tonight.

[David] Alright then.

David nods in agreement. He's glad he'd been so busy than all he did at his place lately was sleep, so everything is in order.

Steven grins while he pulls out his sword, he knows they'll feel him soon. He prepares the dagger to stab the male while he takes care of the girl.

David walks a few more step and stops abruptly looking around, wondering who was the Immortal he'd just felt.

[Sarah] David?

Sarah asks confused and concerned when David suddenly stops.

David keeps looking around uneasily without paying attention to Sarah, he doesn't see anyone but knows someone is there.

Steven stays at the place he's hiding, waiting they get closer to the car and him. If he keeps quiet they'll think it was someone passing by.

[Sarah] David?

Sarah asks again, a little worried now.

[David] Oh, it's nothing, just thought I heard something.

David says trying to explain his behavior, he side glances at her with what he hopes is a reassuring smile.

Sarah frowns at David for a moment studying the expression on his face, before shrugging to herself.

[Sarah] Alright, let's go then.

Sarah says.

Steven frowns for a moment, the buzz he had felt looked different somehow but he shrugs it off, deciding it was too long to remember for sure. Just a few more steps and he'd be on top of them.

David keeps looking around but sees nothing, he decides to move to the car, they couldn't stand there all night. Sarah is already suspecting something. He moves the poncho they had to wear to see the show to his left hand in case he needs to pull out his gun.

[David] Alright, let's go.

[Sarah] Okay, then.

Sarah says, her voice implying it was weird.

Steven jumps out of his hiding place once they get close enough, his sword raised in his hand and almost gasps in surprise when he takes a good look at the female accompanying the guy from the Bower Agency. That idiot had found the wrong woman, no wonder the buzz felt different, this one was mortal.

[Steven] Am I surrounded by incompetents or what?

Steven murmurs under his breath as he slowly moves closer to the couple.

David stares at the headhunter in surprise for a second, the fool was making a scene in front of a mortal? He knows how fast a man with a sword would get to them at this distance, so he pulls out his gun and points it at the headhunter.

[David] That's close enough, damn you.

Sarah gasps as a man with a sword. A SWORD of all things! Jumps out in front of them.

[Sarah] Is this a new style of mugging or something?

Sarah mutters softly.

[Steven] Oh, you know that doesn't work without this to finish the job.

Steven grins moving his sword in the air.

David opens his eyes wide in surprise, thinking that fool was giving away too much, as if a sword wasn't enough.

[Steven] Why the surprise? She's already seen too much, you know what to do in that case, don't you?

Steven asks David grinning evilly.

[Steven] Only one way to solve this that I can think of.

Sarah is not quite sure what exactly the strange sword bearing guy means, by her seeing too much, but threatening them with a sword she understands. Sarah reaches into her purse feeling for her cell phone.

[David] You could walk away so I wouldn't have to shoot you. One more step and I will, I'm warning you.

David answers still pointing the gun at the headhunter.

[Steven] Then what? You'll never do what needs to be done afterwards with your friend staring at you.

Steven smiles smugly, shaking his head.

[Steven] Newbies are really amusing.

Steven keeps smiling while he studies the ground between them, preparing to cover the distance in a few steps.

Sarah's hand closes around the cell phone in her purse. She slowly starts pulling it out.

[David] I'll do whatever it takes to get her rid of you.

David answers wishing Sarah wasn't there, she was being an obstacle in the current situation.

Steven takes a deep breath, that brat was beginning to irritate him. like a Lee would ever be afraid of a gun. Too bad he couldn't kill the irritating brat right away like he was planning, he'd have to make him tell where that little friend of his was hiding. He's betting that he knew.

[Steven] I hope your aiming is good.

Steven tells David grinning evilly before he raises his sword and charges on them.

David shoots the headhunter four times in the heart before he falls to the ground.

[David] Top five of my class in the Police Academy.

David grumbles looking down at the body.

[Sarah] OH MY GOD!!!!

Sarah screams!

[Sarah] OH MY GOD!!!

Sarah screams again, and flips the cell phone open and starts dialing 9-1-1.

[David] Sarah, don't.

David says urgently, wrapping his arm around her waist to make her walk to the car.

[David] Get in the car.

[Sarah] We've gotta call the police!! You just shot him. I know he was going to attack us, but we still need to call the police.

Sarah says babbling.

[David] No, get in the car.

[Sarah] No, we've got to do something!

Sarah protests.

David keeps pulling in the direction of his car without further comment, all he wanted was to get her out of there before the headhunter came back to life, or then there would be something really hard to explain. He looks longingly at the headhunter's sword for a moment, cursing his luck for not being alone, the bastard was right, he wouldn't cut his head in front of Sarah.

[David] I am doing something, I'm taking you out of here. Or do you want to spend the rest of the night answering questions?

David says calmly, while he keeps pulling her gently but firmly to his car.

[Sarah] If answering questions is the right thing to do, then Yes! That's what I want to do!

Sarah cries.

[David] I'll call them once we're out of here, an anonymous call or something.

David promises trying to reach a compromise.

[David] Now get in the car.

David asks her again, fighting with his keys without letting her go.

[Sarah] David I thought you used to be a cop? How can you do this?!

Sarah cries.

David makes a face while he opens the car door, she had to bring that up, if he didn't know the guy would be up and running in a while, he'd never act like this.

[David] Makes no difference where I call the police as long as I call them.

David shrugs trying to make sense of it, while he gently pushes Sarah inside the car.

[Sarah] The hell it does!

Sarah says as David pushes her into the car.

David waits until she's properly sitting, then closes the passenger door and quickly runs around before she has the idea of open the door and come out. He side glances at the headhunter to see if he's already moving and is relieved to see, the man is still like he fell.

[David] I'll stop at a pay-phone or something.

David promises as he gets inside the car and closes the door. He thinks to himself while he starts the car, he's going to have to pretend, since he knows there won't be any body once the police gets there anyway.

[Sarah] Yeah right.

Sarah mutters not believing him.

[Sarah] Take me home.

Sarah adds flatly.

[David] That's all I want to do. No need to be upset.

David grumbles as he drives off the parking lot.

[Sarah] Take me home.

[David] We're on the way.

David nods while he tries to decide if he should go to Craig or not, apparently the headhunter was after him now.

To be continued

CHRONICLES / FALLING STAR Part 38

« Last post by 22639 on April 11, 2012, 11:27:03 am »

Joe parks his car in the Weston parking lot and heads inside the hotel. He walks up to the desk clerk and says, "I'm here to see Jonathon Hayes." The desk clerk looks up the room number on her computer then picks up the phone and dials Jonathon's room. "Mr. Hayes...there's a Mr. Dawson here to see you," she says when Jonathon answers the phone.

Jonathon Hayes: Tell him, I'll be right down. You have that private meeting room, I asked for, set aside, for the two of us?

Jonathon Hayes asks the receptionist. Once she assures him, she did, he hangs up and hurries out of his room, grabbing his brief case on the way.

The desk clerk says that it's all ready for him then hangs up and informs Joe that Mr. Hayes will be right down. Joe walks over to one of the couches in the middle of the lobby and sits down to wait.

Jonathon Hayes gets off the elevator and comes into the lobby and immediately spots Joseph Dawson, and heads towards the man.

Jonathon Hayes: Mr. Dawson, thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me.

Jonathon Hayes says as he reaches the widower.

Joe stands up and extends his hand in a greeting.

Joe: Now that I'm here....what's this about, Mr. Hayes?

Joe asks as he shakes the attorney's hand.

Jonathon Hayes: It... would best be discussed in private. I've arranged for a small conference room, for our use. If you'd come with me?

Jonathon Hayes asks, after shaking Joe's hand and gestures in the direction of the room.

Joe follows Jonathon in silence...just wanting this to be over.

Jonathon Hayes opens the door to the small conference room and flicks the lights on, then steps aside and allows Joe to enter the room.

Joe walks over to one of the long banquet tables and takes a seat.

Jonathon Hayes follows Joe to the table and takes on of the seats near him. Jonathon places his briefcase on the table and opens it. Then hesitates slightly.

Jonathon Hayes: I'm sorry, I'm doing this according to instructions, but I've never had instructions like this before.

Joe: Well....I'd help you with it if I knew what the heck you were talking about.

Joe says slightly irritated.

Joe: Why don't you just get to the point?

Joe suggests and sits back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest.

Jonathon Hayes: Well.. I suppose I might as well start with who I am. You already know I'm Jonathon Hayes, Attorney at law. But what you're not aware of, is that I am Zoe's attorney.

Jonathon Hayes says.

Jonathon Hayes: I am also executor of her Will.

Jonathon Hayes adds.

Joe is still amazed at Zoe's organizational skills and how exceptional she was as a business woman. And having taken the time between the wedding, their honeymoon and doctors' visits to actually make out a will just instills that admiration even more.

Joe: OK

Joe says simply and watches the expression on the attorney's face.

Jonathon Hayes: I was instructed to give you this, to read, before going into the details of the will.

Jonathon Hayes says, and picks up an envelope. Written across the front was simply the word "Joe" and the back, the envelope was sealed with a blue-gray colored blob of wax.

Joe takes the envelope from Jonathon and opens it. He removes the single page and unfolds it. He leans forward and places his elbows on the table as he reads the letter....which says...

“Dearest Joe,
I have something to tell you. And I hope you’ll forgive me, for not telling you, while I was alive. I had extensive reasons, why I didn’t tell you. The primary one being that, I didn’t want anything to change between us. I love you so much. I love everything about you, and I didn’t want it to change. Here’s the news… and you had better sit down for this.
I am the last remaining heir to the Kellogg empire. As in Kellogg Cereals. My great-grandfather was William Keith Kellogg. The inventor of the corn flake. I am, in fact an heiress of wealth rivaling Athinai’s. Which is in part how the two of us knew each other. I truly was stockbroker, though. I had no desire to be a ‘pretty ornament.’
So, with the exception of the horses I own and some monies that had been said aside for charities, you are to inherit everything I have.
Know that I love you, with everything I have in me.
Your loving wife,
Zoe Dawson”

Joe stares at the letter....not quite comprehending what he has just read. So he reads it again When he has finished reading it a second time he looks across the table at the attorney and quirks an eyebrow, questioningly.

Joe: This is real?

Joe asks...his voice thick with emotion.

Jonathon Hayes: Well, as I have not read the letter, and don't know exactly what it says, I can't say for sure. But, I do have a guess. And yes. Zoe was an extremely, wealthy heiress.

Jonathon Hayes replies slowly.

Joe: I can only imagine.

Joe says as the reality of the situation begins to sink in.

Joe: She says in this letter that I'm her only beneficiary.

Joe says to Jonathon.

Jonathon Hayes: She left her horses to... a Nicayla Flynn. And One hundred Million to Nua Tosu Youth Ranch. But, everything else, yes, goes to you.

Jonathon Hayes says nodding.

Jonathon Hayes: Between, the... ready cash, the various properties, the stocks, and bonds, it all comes to right about one billion dollars.

Jonathon Hayes tells Joe, not taking his eyes off the other man.

Joe: I see.

Joe says simply...unable to grasp the totality of it all.

Jonathon Hayes offers Joe a couple pieces of papers stapled together.

Jonathon Hayes: This is a detailed list of everything.

Jonathon Hayes explains.

Joe takes the papers from Jonathon and carefully reads over the list.

Joe: Do you handle Zoe's financial interests? Or is there an accountant that does that?

Joe asks, laying the papers down on the table.

Jonathon Hayes: It's a bit of both, actually. The accountant has been with her family since before Zoe was born. I'm obviously, a more recent addition.

Jonathon Hayes says, with a slight smile.

Joe: And how long have you worked for Zoe?

Joe asks...sincerely interested.

Jonathon Hayes: I've worked for Zoe since shortly after I graduated from Law school. So, over 10 years now. I knew Zoe before that, however.

Jonathon Hayes explains.

Joe sits back in his chair and folds his arms across his chest. He stares down at the floor for several seconds then looks back at Jonathon.

Joe: Well....Zoe obviously trusted you and it appears that you have kept on top of things and have everything under control so I see no reason that any of that needs to change. She trusted you...so I will trust you.

Joe says and slides the papers back across the table to Jonathon.

Joe: I know that Uncle Sam is going to want his share of things and there will be medical bills that will need to be paid....so since you know where the bodies are buried....so to speak....

Joe says in his businessman's voice.

Jonathon Hayes: I am at your disposal.

Jonathon Hayes says with a nod.

Joe: So what do I need to sign?

Joe asks, unfolding his arms and sitting forward so he can sign whatever Jonathon requires of him.

Jonathon Hayes: There's a few paper's here. Namely, to turn everything over to your ownership, and once you decide what you want to do with it, I can easily take care of it from there.

Jonathon Hayes says pulling out papers.

Joe: Alright.

Joe says as he takes the pen Jonathon offers him and begins signing where Jonathon points out.

Joe: Hang on.

Joe says as an item catches his attention.

Jonathon Hayes: Yes?

Jonathon Hayes asks.

Joe: I see that there is a dwelling in Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada.

Joe says pointing out the item for Jonathon.

Jonathon Hayes: One of several of the Kellogg family residence's yes.

Jonathon Hayes nods.

Joe: Do you know the condition of this particular piece of real estate?

Joe asks, quirking an eyebrow questioningly.

Jonathon Hayes: I haven't been there myself, but all the properties are well kept up.

Jonathon Hayes replies.

Joe: So if I asked you to provide me with directions to the place and the key....there'd be no problem?

Joe asks...with more interest

Jonathon Hayes: None what so ever.

Jonathon Hayes replies.

Joe nods his head and returns to signing the papers.

Joe: How much advance notice would you need if I were to ask you to do that?

Joe asks as he reviews the last page Jonathon had indicated needs signing.

Jonathon Hayes: A day or two. Just enough to get the deed processed, and get the key sent out here.

Jonathon Hayes replies.

Jonathon Hayes: I would as a courtesy, suggest notifying the house staff as well, so they can give it a cleaning or a spruce before you arrive.

Joe: This is Wednesday....right?

Joe says aloud...more to himself than to Jonathon. He signs the last paper and slides the papers and Jonathon's pen back to him.

Joe: Could you have it all handled....including notifying the house staff...by Monday?

Joe asks looking at Jonathon with anticipation

Jonathon Hayes: Yes. I should be able to have the papers processed, especially if you wanted this as the priority, by Friday and the Keys here by Friday evening or Saturday morning. Are you intending on driving or flying?

Jonathon Hayes asks.

Joe: I was thinking about flying up there and renting a car to drive the rest of the way. I've never been to Alberta so I am not at all familiar with the terrain, driving conditions or even the weather this time of year.

Joe says with a shrug.

Jonathon Hayes nods.

Jonathon Hayes: I can have all the paper work done, and the key here no later than Saturday, and the house staff, would be ready for you, no later than first thing Monday morning, if that would suit?

Jonathon Hayes asks diffidently

Joe: Sounds perfect.

Joe says.

Joe: So....are we done here, Jonathon?

Joe asks, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.

Jonathon Hayes: Just need to finish signing these papers, and then we're done.

Jonathon Hayes says.

Joe: And you'll take care of Uncle Sam....right?

Joe says taking the papers from Jonathon.

Jonathon Hayes: Absolutely

Jonathon Hayes nods.

Joe takes the pen from Jonathon again and proceeds to sign more papers.

To be continued

CHRONICLES / FALLING STAR Part 37

« Last post by 22639 on April 09, 2012, 03:40:48 pm »

Nikki pulls her truck up under the canopy at the entrance to the Weston. She gets out and hands the keys to the valet, gets her ticket and heads into the hotel. She looks around and sees the entrance to the restaurant and she heads for it. She walks up to the entrance and looks around until she sees Mr. Hayes then she walks over to his table

Nikki: Mr. Hayes?

Nikki says as she approaches the table.

Jonathon Hayes: Ms. Flynn.

Jonathon Hayes says with a smile, standing up to greet the red headed, woman and to offer her a seat.

Nikki: Please....call my Nikki. Ms. Flynn makes me sound like a school teacher.

Nikki says with a smile as she takes a seat across from the attorney. When the waiter comes up to the table she orders a cup of coffee.

Jonathon Hayes: Then you must call me Jonathon, or Jon. I hear 'Mr. Hayes' and I look around for my Father.

Jonathon Hayes agrees with a chuckle of his own.

Nikki: You got a deal.

Nikki says and giggles.

Nikki: Now, Jon.....what is this all about?

Nikki asks, getting to the point.

Jonathon Hayes: A couple of things... But before I get into it, I just have to ask a couple of questions... just to make sure there's not two Nikki Flynn's running around Seacouver.

Jonathon Hayes says with a charming smile.

Nikki: Heaven help the world if there is.

Nikki says and laughs.

Nikki: It can barely handle me....let alone two of me.

Jonathon Hayes: Are you, Nicayla Flynn, Owner of Nua Tosu Ranch? And director of Nua Tosu Youth Ranch?

Jonathon Hayes asks, while chuckling at Nikki's sally.

Nikki: That would be me....yes.

Nikki says as the waiter sets a coffee cup in front of Nikki and fills it from a carafe that he leaves on the table.

Jonathon Hayes: Wonderful. In that case...

Nikki proceeds to put sugar into her coffee and stirs it then takes a sip.

Jonathon Hayes says, and reaches down and pulls up his briefcase, putting it onto the table next to him, and opening it. Reaching in, he pulls out a file folder, then closes the case and puts it back on the floor.

Jonathon Hayes: Now... what would you like to deal with first? Yourself, or the Youth Ranch?

Jonathon Hayes asks Nikki once he has all of his things in order

Nikki: Well.....I'm not quite sure just how to answer that because I don't know what you mean by deal with.

Nikki says a bit confused.

Jonathon Hayes: These are matters, regarding Zoe's Will.

Jonathon Hayes states carefully.

Nikki says looking at Jon questioningly.

Nikki: And that has to do with me....how?

Nikki asks and takes a sip of her coffee.

Jonathon Hayes: Your first then.

Jonathon Hayes says with a smile and opens up the folder and extracts several pieces of paper.

Jonathon Hayes: Zoe has decided to leave you, Nikki, her horses. Each page covers the details of the horses.

Jonathon Hayes says handing the papers to her.

Nikki: Horses?

Nikki says as she takes the papers and begins reading them over.

Jonathon Hayes: Fourteen horses in all. Ten Thoroughbreds and four Quarter horses. The quarter horses have been trained in barrel racing, or herding. The thoroughbreds in a combination of show jumping and three day eventing.

Nikki's mouth drops open as she reads the details Jon just summarized

Jonathon Hayes says giving a vague summery of what the papers told. The paper's included a picture of each horse, the horses name, as well as what training they've had, and how experienced each horse was.

Nikki looks up from the papers.

Nikki: She never mentioned she had horses.

Nikki says looking at Jon with a dumbfounded look on her face.

Nikki: Where was she keeping them?

Nikki asks figuring it would have had to be a boarding farm somewhere.

Jonathon Hayes: They're kept at her family estate in Michigan

Jonathon Hayes explains, and then offers Nikki another piece of paper.

Jonathon Hayes: These are the funds Zoe had set a side, for you to arrange for their transport here. Once they're here, they're yours to do with as you please. Keep, sell, whatever. Zoe said she knew you'd either make them a good home, or see that they go to good homes.

Jonathon Hayes offers.

Nikki looks at the figure Jon is pointing to and her mouth drops open wider.

Nikki: Are you serious?

Nikki asks completely shocked.

Jonathon Hayes nods.

Jonathon Hayes: Entirely.

Nikki: All right, then. I guess I am the proud owner of 14 new horses.

Nikki says shaking her head in disbelief. She knows she should have questions but her mind is still trying to process it all and she can't think of anything to ask.

Jonathon Hayes: She wanted to make sure, you'd face no hardship in getting the horses out here.

Jonathon Hayes says softly.

Nikki: That shouldn't be a problem.

Nikki says, staring at the generous amount of money listed on the paperwork.

Jonathon Hayes: Do you have any questions? Or shall we move onto the other item of business?

Jonathon Hayes asks softly.

Finally a valid question pops into Nikki's head....and for a moment the business woman side of her personality comes out.

Nikki: Oh.....one question....and I'll probably have many more once I wake up.

Nikki says partly joking.

Nikki: Are any of the horses breedable?

Nikki asks as she takes one last look at the amount on the paperwork then takes a sip of her coffee and wishes it were a shot of tequila.

Jonathon Hayes: Well as for the many more, you've got my card, so feel free to call me anytime with your questions. And, the paper's on each horse should say for sure, but I believe most of them are breedable. Though, I do know at least a couple of them are geldings.

Jonathon Hayes explains.

Nikki: Are these my copies?

Nikki asks, indicating the papers he has been showing her.

Jonathon Hayes nods.

Jonathon Hayes: Of course.

Nikki takes another sip of her coffee.

Jonathon Hayes: Oh, and the official ownership papers, et cetra, will all come with the horses, along with their official medical records. Though if you wish to request copies, the number for that is on those papers.

Jonathon Hayes adds, nodding at the papers in Nikki's hands.

Nikki nods as she gathers the papers up into a neat stack.

Nikki: Damn!

Nikki says and shakes her head sadly.

Nikki: I wish she would have done this while she was still around for me to thank her.

Nikki says quietly and takes another sip of her coffee.

Jonathon Hayes: She wasn't the kind to like or want the gratitude

Jonathon Hayes says with a smile.

The waiter comes by and checks the carafe and asks if they would like it refilled. Nikki looks over at Jon and quirks an eyebrow questioningly.

Nikki: I don't know. Are we done, Jon?

Nikki asks.

Jonathon Hayes shakes his head.

Jonathon Hayes: Not yet.

Jonathon Hayes sighs and removes the last piece of paper from the folder.

Jonathon Hayes: We do have one last item of business to discuss.

Jonathon Hayes indicates to the waiter that he would like a refill.

Nikki quirks an eyebrow.

Nikki: Yes?

Nikki says wondering what could possibly be next.

Jonathon Hayes: There is the matter of the Nua Tosu Youth Ranch...

Jonathon Hayes says slowly.

Nikki: Go on.

Nikki says tentatively.

Jonathon Hayes sighs and hands Nikki the final piece of paper.

Nikki picks up her coffee cup and starts to take a sip.

Jonathon Hayes: Zoe saw it fit to leave the Youth Ranch One Hundred Million.

Nikki's cup drops out of her hand and clatters into the saucer and she stares at Jon in complete shock.

Jonathon Hayes smiles slightly at the dropped cup.

The waiter rushes over with a towel and begins cleaning up the spilled coffee. Nikki stops him and waves him away....without taking her eyes off of Jon's face.

Nikki: Ummmmm......could you repeat that, please?

Nikki asks...not sure she heard him right.

Jonathon Hayes: Zoe has left, your charity organization, Nua Tosu Youth Ranch, One hundred Million dollars.

Jonathon Hayes says slowly, but clearly.

Nikki sits back in her chair and looks at Jon, skeptically.

Nikki: Right.

Nikki says with a smirk. This had to be some sort of joke.

Jonathon Hayes: It's all there.

Jonathon Hayes says gesturing to the paper he had handed Nikki.

Nikki: OK Let's just say for a minute that I am falling for this. Where would Zoe have gotten her hands on that amount of cash? She was just a stock broker.

Nikki looks at Jon with a look that says....get out of that one.

Jonathon Hayes frowns in confusion.

Jonathon Hayes: I had been under the impression from Zoe that you were aware that she was the sole remaining heir to the Kellogg empire.

Nikki: What Kellogg empire?

Nikki asks simply.

Jonathon Hayes: Have you ever eaten Corn Flakes or Fruit Loops for breakfast?

Jonathon Hayes asks.

A vague memory surfaces in Nikki's mind of the night she fixed dinner for Joe, Zoe and Methos and Zoe had mentioned something about having money and something about her last name of Kellogg. But she had also sworn Nikki to secrecy so Nikki had buried the memory of the conversation so far down in her mind that she had completely forgotten about it until now.

Nikki: Right. She was the Corn Flake queen. But.....what was that figure again?

Nikki says looking at Jon with a look that's a combination of amazement, confusion and awe on her face.

Jonathon Hayes: That would be 9 figures.

Jonathon Hayes smiles.

Jonathon Hayes: 100 million

Nikki says "100 million" along with Jon....as if that will help it sink in any better.

Nikki: And I'm not being punked by Ashton Kutcher?

Jonathon Hayes: No.... You're not. This is as serious as it gets.

Jonathon Hayes says with a nod.

Nikki asks looking around the restaurant just in case. But when she looks back at Zoe's attorney she knows that this is real and she lets out a soft whistle.

Nikki: Wow!

Nikki says shaking her head.

Nikki: I honestly don't know what to say.

Nikki says and shrugs.

Jonathon Hayes smiles in understanding.

Jonathon Hayes: I would ask, for one small favor.

Jonathon Hayes says hesitantly.

Nikki: Of course. Anything. How could I say no to the man who just laid 100 million dollars on me?

Nikki says with a smile.

Jonathon Hayes: My only request is actually on Zoe's behalf. And its simply that you refrain from saying anything... or much anyways, until I have had an opportunity to meet with Joseph, regarding the rest of Zoe's will.

Jonathon Hayes says.

Nikki: Absolutely.

Nikki says emphatically

Jonathon Hayes: I'm hoping to meet with Mr. Dawson tomorrow.

Jonathon Hayes says, just so Nikki knows he's not asking her to keep it quiet forever, or anything like that.

Nikki: You have my word and an Irishman's word is sacred.

Nikki says and holds out her hand across the table to shake on it.

Jonathon Hayes smiles and shakes the proffered hand.

To Be Continued

CHRONICLES / FALLING STAR Part 36

« Last post by 22639 on April 08, 2012, 11:49:38 am »

_{The parts of Duncan MacLeod and Richie Ryan are temporarily being understudied.}

The funeral director sets up the flowers that have just been delivered. Duncan MacLeod sent these....

Richie Ryan sent these....

And Nicayla Flynn sent these....

The Family limo pulls up behind the hearse and the chauffeur gets out and opens the back doors. Joe gets out and takes a deep breath.

Duncan climbs out of the limo and steps up next to Joe.

The Chaplain is already waiting beside the casket as family and friends arrive for the graveside service.

Athinai: I'm gonna miss her.

Athinai murmurs to Richie, seated next to her in the car, that was pulling up behind the limo.

Joe walks slowly towards the grave site.

Duncan follows Joe...his hands shoved into the pockets of his coat.

Richie nods while he puts an arm around her shoulders.

Richie: So will I.

Joe walks up to the The Chaplain and holds out his hand.

Jonathon Hayes gets out of his vehicle and puts his hands into his coat pockets, sighing deeply as he makes his way towards the graveside seating.

Joe: Hello, Reverend.

Joe says quietly.

The Chaplain: Hello, Joseph.

The Chaplain says taking Joe's hand, and covering it with both of his.

The Chaplain: My prayers are with you.

Joe: Thank you.

Joe says simply. He shakes the reverend's hand then takes his place in the center of the row of chairs that make up the front row and he takes a seat.

Methos stops his car near the other cars, he makes sure the funeral director takes care of the funeral wreath the Watchers had sent and his own flowers, then walks to meet the others by the graveside.

Duncan walks behind the row of chairs and stands behind Joe.

Nikki parks her truck behind the rest of the cars attending Zoe's funeral. She gets out and makes her way up the short hill to the grave site. She smiles and nods to MacLeod and Richie then walks up to Joe and leans over and gives him a kiss on his cheek.

Joe: Thanks for coming.

Joe says to Nikki and manages a bit of a smile.

Methos nods, greeting some Watchers on the background, who are trying to go unnoticed, and approaches Joe to shake his hand.

Nikki walks around behind the row of chairs and stands next to MacLeod.

Athinai and Richie, choose a spot to sit, in the middle.

Duncan: Amanda called me last night to say she wasn't going to make it.

Duncan says leaning over to Nikki and speaking softly

Nikki: Yeah. She called me, too. She said she sent flowers.

Nikki says, nodding. She looks at the flower arrangements and wonders which one Amanda sent.

Jonathon Hayes intends on offering his condolences to the husband, once he reads the will. So he takes a seat a row behind, next a woman in red hair.

The Chaplain watches as everyone congregates around the grave site After several minutes with no sign of more cares arriving, he clears his throat.

The Chaplain: If everyone would please be seated we'll get started.

The Chaplain says clearly.

Methos gets near Joe and offers his condolences, then he takes a seat and waits for the service to begin.

Nikki is grateful to be able to sit down as the heels of her high heels keep sinking into the soft ground.

Duncan takes a seat.

The Chaplain clears his throat again, and then begins.

Joe stares blankly at the white casket. He is finding it hard to believe that Zoe is in that thing.

The Chaplain: We have come here with our love, our care and our respect for Zoe Dawson...daughter, friend and wife. We will say a kind of goodbye, today but there is a sense also in which we say hello. Because while we say goodbye to the kind of connection we have had with Zoe, we will also try to strengthen our memories today and say hello again to the Zoe who lives on within us in our hearts and minds. This is a time for expressing our sorrow at her death and for trying to comfort those who were closest to her, but mostly this is a time to celebrate her life. Zoe's spirit and her life were a part of the spirit and the life of the people who were close to her and with her death there is a part of us too, that dies. We mourn for her but we mourn also for that part of ourselves which, with Zoe's death, is now behind us. But there is something also that remains because Zoe's influence has not ended with her physical death. Her warmth, her love and her values were given out and shared around and they have become a living part of the people who were close to her. Each of you carries something important of her with you into the future. We think, today, of those who were closest to Zoe. Lives which have been closely tied together cannot be separated without pain. So our thoughts today are particularly with Joseph, Zoe's husband.

The Chaplain shifts slightly on his feet, and continues.

The Chaplain: We think also of all the other people who have, over the years, been important in Zoe's life or for whom Zoe has been important. The people she grew up with. The people she worked with and the people whose company she enjoyed. One thing we can be certain of today is that Zoe would not want you to remember her in sadness...but rather in love...perhaps with a smile and with a thought to all the good and happy moments of her life. But although we know Zoe would not want you to remember her in sadness, you who knew her are inevitably sad right now. This sadness is a hurt. But it is a hurt which could only have been avoided if Zoe had never been a part of your life. It is worth remembering that sadness comes out of caring–out of love and that all human love ends in sadness. Sadness, then, is a measure of love and, therefore, in its way, a kind of privilege. It also marks a new stage.

Athinai sniffs softly as tears slowly begin to roll down her face, at the loss of her friend.

Duncan remembers the last funeral he attended.....which was Tessa's. And so many before, he thinks to himself.

The Chaplain: Zoe will not be here in the same way for her family and friends any more. But her love lives on in the things she has given in her life and which remain in the hearts and memories of those who knew her through her life. Along with our sadness at Zoe's death we also find something to be glad about at this time. We are glad she is not suffering and that she is at peace. We are glad for the joys that Zoe had and for the fullness of her life. We are glad for having known her and for the things she gave. And the things she taught us.

Joe no longer hears what the The Chaplain is saying and he no longer sees the flower covered casket. Instead he sees Zoe in her wedding gown as she makes her way down the aisle towards him

The Chaplain: We also know, that some day, we who love Zoe best, will be reunited with her. Just as she has now been reunited with her parents. We thank you Zoe. Thank you for the good times. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your laughter. Thank you most of all, Zoe, for being you. You have filled your niche and accomplished your tasks. You leave this world a richer place than you found it. Let us now take a moment of silence, to allow us all to remember Zoe at her best.

The Chaplain bows his head in memory and prayer, allowing everyone else to have a few moments alone with their thoughts.

Jonathon Hayes blinks back tears, remember Zoe, and how she had been there for him, from the moment they had met in college. True friends like her were hard to come by.

Athinai leans her head against Richie's shoulder, remembering the good times she'd had with the woman who had been her best friend.

Richie lightly pats Athinai's shoulder, keeping an eye on what was going on around him.

Joe can feel her in his arms as they danced during their reception. She looks so beautiful. And so happy. Her cheeks are rosy from smiling and she laughs as he dips her at the end of a song.

Nikki glances over at Methos then quickly looks back at the The Chaplain.

Methos almost regrets the fact that he really didn’t know Zoe that well, but then he remembers he did it deliberately once he found out she was dying. It certainly hurts a lot less now. He shakes his head, taking a deep breath, side glancing at Joe, he knew exactly how he was feeling, he'd been too many times there himself.

The Chaplain raises his head, and clears his throat to once more gain everyone's attention.

The Chaplain: At this time Zoe's husband, Joseph, would like to share something with us. Joseph?

The Chaplain says gesturing towards Joe.

When Joe doesn't move right away, Duncan lays his hand on Joe's shoulder and leans forward.

Duncan: Joe!

Duncan whispers.

MacLeod's whisper brings Joe back to reality and he looks at the The Chaplain then realizes everyone is waiting for him. He slowly gets to his feet....feeling very old and tired....and takes a piece of paper out of his pocket and unfolds it.

Joe: God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest..

Joe's voice cracks and he has to stop reading and clear his throat....swallowing hard against the lump that has been in his throat since saying his final goodbye to Zoe.

Joe: God’s garden must be beautiful because He always takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered "Peace be thine". It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home.

Joe folds the piece of paper back up and shoves it back into his pocket then sits back down.

Nikki reaches out and lays her hand on Joe's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Duncan puts his hand on Joe's shoulder and gives it a couple of reassuring pats then sits back in his chair.

The Chaplain blinks back tears at Joseph's reading.

The Chaplain: Please Stand.

Nikki quickly wipes the tears that have escaped and are trickling down her cheeks and she sniffles.

The Chaplain requests into the silence that follows.

Joe sighs to himself and struggles to his feet.

Methos stands up desperately trying not to think about Alexa, it looked like it was made for her.

Jonathon Hayes takes a deep breath, and gets slowly to his feet.

Duncan stands up and holds his hand out to Nikki to help her up.

Athinai reaches for Richie's hand as she stands.

Nikki takes Mac's hand and gets to her feet.

Richie takes Athinai's hand in his and helps her up.

The Chaplain: Today is a closing and an opening—a saying goodbye and a saying hello again. So while we say farewell to the Zoe that we knew we greet the Zoe who has become a part of us...the Zoe who lives on with us...in the thoughts and memories that we cherish. Zoe Kellogg Dawson...Your life we honor. Your departure we accept. Your memory we cherish. In grief at your death, but in gratitude for your life and for the privilege of sharing it with you...we commit your body to be buried.

The Chaplain bends down and picks up a handful of dirt from the pile next to him. Straightening he tosses it, little by little, into the casket before him, and says,

Joe clenches his jaw and grits his teeth tightly together in an attempt to keep himself in control.

The Chaplain: Earth to earth...ashes to ashes...dust to dust. Rest now at the end of your days...your work is done. Rest in the hearts and the minds of all you love. If you who knew her can learn from her experience...if you can profit from her example...if you can live a little better for having known her...Then this will give continuing purpose to her life and be a living memorial to her. May you find comfort and richness and example in your memories. May you find support in your love for one another. And may you find strength in your hearts.

Nikki covers her mouth with her hand to muffle a sob that is threatening to escape.

The Chaplain: Now, while I read one of my favorite poems, perhaps you might like to come forward to put a flower on the casket, as a way of saying goodbye. I have a tray of flowers here, so just come up in your own time.

The Chaplain says gesturing to the tray of long stemmed Roses next to him.

The Chaplain: There is light at the end of the tunnel. There is calm at the end of the storm... There is rest at the end of the journey, And a hearth that is welcome and warm.

The Chaplain begins reading, as people slowly filter pass, taking a white rose from the tray, and placing it on the casket.

Joe stands in front of his chair and robotically responds to well wishers as they lay their rose on the casket then file past him...shaking his hand...kissing his cheek and expressing their sympathies.

The Chaplain: There's a star on top of the mountain You can touch when the last crag is scaled. There's a certain reward for the faithful At the point where they think they have failed. There is a spring at the end of each winter... And behind the black cloud it is blue. There's a song at the heart of your sorrow And happiness is waiting for you.

Methos stands up and moves to get a rose, he approaches the casket and murmurs under his breath, " Bye Zoe, rest in peace." Then he walks to the side so other people can do the same.

Nikki takes a rose from the basket next to the The Chaplain and walks over to the casket. She places the rose on top then lays the palm of her hand on the casket and whispers, “Síochána a bheith in éineacht leat”. (Peace be with you in Gaelic)

Once everyone has cycled by the casket, The Chaplain clears his throat one last time.

The Chaplain: If you would all rise, and join me in Prayer... "Our Father, who art in Heaven. Hallowed by thy name. They Kingdom come. Thy will be done. On Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thin is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever, and ever." Amen. The peace of the Lord be with you, always.

The Chaplain says in conclusion

Jonathon Hayes: Excuse me.

Jonathon Hayes says softly to the red headed woman standing next to him.

Jonathon Hayes: You wouldn't happen to be, Ms. Nikki Flynn would you?

Nikki looks over at the stranger next to her and quirks an eyebrow suspiciously.

Nikki: Depends.

Nikki says with a shrug.

Jonathon Hayes: On?

Jonathon Hayes asks curiously.

Nikki: If you're a bill collector or not.

Nikki answers.

Jonathon Hayes smiles slightly and shakes his head.

Nikki: Who's asking?

Nikki looks up at him questioningly.

Jonathon Hayes: I'm Jonathon Hayes. Zoe's attorney-at-law.

Duncan walks around the chairs and over to Joe.

Duncan: Joe? You coming?

Duncan asks his friend.

The Chaplain stands graveside, keeping an eye on Joe. Prepared to stand there with the man all day, if he needed too. The Chaplain suspects that he will need too, until Zoe's casket has been lowered and covered over.

Joe shakes his head.

Joe: You go on, Mac. I'm going to stay awhile.

Athinai sniffs, with her hand still in Richie's allows, him to guide her towards their car.

Duncan: You sure?

Duncan asks, a bit concerned.

Joe nods.

Joe: Yeah. Go ahead. I'm fine.

Joe says and smiles gratefully.

Duncan shrugs and reluctantly turns and heads for the limo.

Nikki: OK Pleasure.....I guess.

Nikki says and shakes the attorney's hand.

Methos takes a deep breath while he looks at the casket in silence, he really hated all mortals ended like this but he knows he can't do anything about it but accept it and move on. He takes another deep breath and walks to talk to Joe.

Joe sits back down in his chair....wishing that everyone would just go away and leave him and Zoe alone.

Jonathon Hayes: So... you are Ms. Flynn?

Jonathon Hayes asks just to make sure.

Methos: Joe? Are you coming?

Methos asks as he stops in front of him, side glancing at the The Chaplain.

Joe simply shakes his head in answer to Methos' question.

The Chaplain walks up to the latest man checking on Joe.

Nikki: Yes.

Nikki answers simply.

The Chaplain: I'll stay with him, as long as he needs me to, and see him safely home tonight.

The Chaplain murmurs

Jonathon Hayes: I have a small matter, regarding Zoe to discuss with you. Would you, by chance, be available in the next day or so?

Jonathon Hayes asks.

Methos nods in agreement looking at the The Chaplain, then he tells Joe.

Methos: If you need to talk, I'm here, you know I'll understand.

Nikki can't imagine what Zoe's attorney would want with her. A part of her tells her to steer clear but her curiosity is stronger than her suspicions so she nods her head.

Nikki: Yes. Where and when?

Nikki says to the attorney.

Duncan tells the driver that Joe isn't coming with them and climbs into the limo.

Jonathon Hayes: Whatever would be most convenient for you. I will admit to not being the most familiar with Seacouver, but I will be in town for several days yet.

Jonathon Hayes replies honestly.

Nikki: Does your hotel have a restaurant?

Jonathon Hayes: Indeed it does. I'm...

Jonathon Hayes glances behind him at Athinai who is now sliding into the car, as Richie holds the door for her.

Jonathon Hayes: I'm staying at the down town Weston.

Nikki: How about I meet you for coffee tomorrow morning.....say around 9-ish?

Nikki says and holds out her hand to cement the appointment with a hand shake.

Methos doesn't wait for Joe to answer, he knows Joe knows his phone number and where he lives if he needs him, so he just walks back to his car, and leaves.

Jonathon Hayes: That would be perfect. Thank you.

Jonathon Hayes says accepting the hand.

Nikki: Alright. I'll see you then.

Nikki says and lets go of the attorney's hand. She excuses herself and walks over to Joe and leans down, giving him another kiss on the cheek and she whispers, "I'm just a phone call away," then she straightens up and turns...heading for her truck.

Jonathon Hayes: Good day to you, then.

Jonathon Hayes says with a nod, before turning and making his way back to his rental car.

The Chaplain moves to a chair beside Joe, and sits down, not saying a word, allowing Joe his thoughts, and memories.

Once everyone has left, Joe sits back in his chair and stares at the casket without seeing it, as his mind drifts back to their wedding night.

To be continued

CHRONICLES / FALLING STAR Part 35

« Last post by 22639 on April 03, 2012, 12:25:23 pm »

_{The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being understudied.}

***Mercy Hospital ICU - - Day 2***

Zoe blinks looking around the room. Something was different... Something was... brighter.

Zoe: Joe?

Zoe says softly, so that if he was sleeping, she wouldn't wake him.

Joe is slouched down in the chair in Zoe's ICU room...his head laid back against the back of the chair and he has finally fallen asleep....even though it wasn't willingly but out of pure exhaustion. His mouth is open slightly and he is snoring softly.

Zoe blinks again hearing the snore, and starts to be able to make out vague shapes. She keeps blinking, in awe of whats happening, as slowly, her vision starts to come into focus.

Zoe: I can't believe it.

Zoe whispers, careful not to wake Joe up, not until she was sure.

Nikki sits next to Methos in the ICU waiting room. Since arriving at the hospital, she, not only hasn't left his side...but she has made sure that she kept at least 1 hand on his shoulder, back or arm because he seemed to relax when she was touching him....and letting him know that she was there for him and that she loved him. The same goes for now. She has looped her arm through his and has her head laying on his shoulder, even though she isn't remotely tired.

Methos sighs as he checks his watch, he's getting tired of being in the ICU, seems he'd been here for a month.

Methos: You know what I'd drink right now? A nice cool beer, coffee just isn't the same thing.

Methos murmurs, he doubts he can get a decent beer at the hospital cafeteria anyway.

Duncan stands up and stretches.

Duncan: You guys stay put. I'll play gopher this time.

Duncan says with a tired smile.

Methos rubs his forehead tiredly.

Methos: Just how long have we been here anyway?

Methos asks, he wasn't sure anymore, the days were starting to blend together.

Nikki: Just coffee for me, Duncan. And thanks.

Nikki says to MacLeod then turns to Methos to answer his question.'

Nikki: 2 1/4 days.

Nikki says in answer to Methos' question.

Methos makes a face at that, they'd have to leave eventually if there wasn't a new development soon.

Duncan takes his coat off of the coat rack and slips it on then heads out of the waiting room.

Zoe watches the movement outside her door, and even recognizes Duncan as he walks by. Things weren't perfectly clear. Her vision isn't sharp, a little fuzzy around the edges, but... she could see. She could see.

Zoe: I can see.

Zoe whispers.

A nurse tiptoes into Zoe's room..sees Joe asleep so she moves quietly around the room so she doesn't wake him. After checking all of the monitors and making a small adjustment on one of the IVs she steps up to Zoe's bed and takes hold of her wrist and proceeds to take Zoe's pulse.

Zoe looks over at the nurse, watching her movements. She sees that closer is a bit clearer, but still a little blurry around the edges.

Methos: You know if this goes on for much longer we'll have to start taking turns to be with Joe, or things are going to get smelly around here.

Methos suggests with a soft chuckle, after two days everybody needed a shower and some clean clothes, not to mention a real bed to have some sleep.

Zoe reaches out and puts her hand on the nurse's arm.

Nikki sits up and reaches into the small backpack she had carried into the hospital and pulls out a can of Methos' deodorant and a fresh razor and hands it to him. Then simply smiles.

Methos rolls his eye as he gets the things Nikki is giving him.

Methos: Do I need to start calling you a girl scout or something?

Methos teases her with a smile.

Methos: Always ready and all that stuff?

Nikki: Well....does a couple of years as a Girl Scout troop leader count?

Nikki asks and leans forward so she can speak softly enough to not be heard outside of the writing room.

Nikki: By the time the Girl Scouts were formed I had been and adult for...well...

Nikki quickly glances toward the waiting room door then turns back to Methos.

Nikki: ...let's just say a long time and the only way I could become a Girl Scout was to volunteer to be a troop leader. I would have been a GREAT Girl Scout.

Nikki boasts confidently.

Nikki: And I would have really looked good in their uniform....I DID look pretty incredible in my troop leader “uniform”. I was told by one of the older Boy Scouts that I was the sexiest Girls Scout they had ever seen and, as you know....Boy Scouts don't lie.

Nikki says with a smile and she winks mischievously at Methos.

The nurse bends down so she can speak without waking up Joe and she asks Zoe, "how's your pain, Zoe?" Then she switches from taking Zoe's pulse to taking her blood pressure.

Zoe: It's fine. But....

Zoe whispers back but hesitates.

Nikki: Besides....I was raised to believe that when a woman loves a man she does everything she can to help him through their life together. If it is to lend emotional support.....crawl around on a garage floor and help him work on their car....or just bring essentials to the hospital where he is holding vigil for a friend

Nikki smiles lovingly at Methos.

The nurse leans closer....not knowing what to expect from her patient who, so far, has been the bravest and most centered cancer patient she has ever cared for.

Zoe: I can SEE.

Zoe murmurs, so Joe won't hear.

Methos: I'll remember that next time I move and need help with the books.
Methos teases, remembering it was what he was doing before Joe called, he sighs at the thought, it seemed it was ages ago.

The nurse looks at Zoe and mouths the word, "what?"

Nikki: You know......you just told me a fib.

Nikki says and slips her arm out of his and folds her arms across her chest indignantly.

Nikki: And it's times like this that I wish you had a middle and last name.

Methos: I did?

Methos asks wondering what it was.

Methos: And what about Methos the Immortal?

Methos whispers to her, making sure no one listens.

Zoe: I can see. My vision is back! It's... not as good as it was before. Definitely.. blurry around the edges, but I can SEE.

Zoe whispers urgently.

Nikki: Nah! It doesn't have the same punch as when being scolded as being called by your first middle and last name.

Nikki can still hear her father's voice bellowing from the barn...."Nicayla Lynn Shivon Flynn?"

The nurse takes a penlight out of her pocket and checks Zoe's eyes ....finishing by watching how quickly the pupils react to light.

Zoe watches the light, as the nurse does her check.

"So you just woke up and could suddenly see everything?" The nurse asks quietly.

Zoe: No.

Zoe shakes her head.

Zoe: First it was just... a lightness But it slowly...or I guess rather quickly, came... back into focus. It's not perfect. By no means, but... it's there again.

Zoe explains, making sure to keep her voice low.

"How clear are things now?" The nurse asks watching Zoe's eyes intently

Zoe: Blurry. I can... I can make out broad details. Like, I can tell you've got on white scrubs, with brightly colored splotches. But I can't tell what the splotches are. I'm guessing large flowers?

Zoe says.

Duncan steps out of the elevator at the floor where the Intensive Care Unit is. He walks casually down the hall to the double doors of the ICU and picks up the phone on the wall by the doors. When one of the nurses answers it, he identifies himself and a few seconds later a nurse opens the ICU doors and lets him in. He walks across the ICU to the waiting room and feels the Immortal buzz he was expecting to feel.

Nikki feels the presence of another Immortal and decides it's probably Mac and lays her head back down on Methos' shoulder.

Methos sits straight on his chair when he feels an Immortal buzz and looks around. He sighs in relief when he sees MacLeod is back.

"Are you having any pain around your eyes?" The nurse asks softly.

Zoe shakes her head.

Zoe: No.

Duncan walks through the door of the waiting room and sets a large shopping bag down on the coffee table closest to Methos and Nicayla.

Methos looks down at the bag, then up at MacLeod again.

Methos: So what do we have in here?

Methos asks as he extends his arm to look inside the bag.

"Can you rate your overall pain for me?" The nurse asks. "10 being the worst pain you have felt and 1 being no pain at all," she explains.

Zoe: Four or Five.

Zoe says.

Nikki sits forward and opens the bag. She pulls out a six pack of bottled beer, an insulated coffee mug that has a little steam escaping through the sip hole in the mug's lid and a small pink bakery box from the local Dunkin Donuts

"How long has it been a 4 or 5?" The nurse asks....making notations in a little notebook she carries in her pocket.

Zoe: A while.

Zoe replies.

Methos: Thanks, MacLeod. I really need one.

Methos nods in his direction as he gets a bottle of beer. Then he sprawls on his chair and takes a sip with a contented sigh.

"OK," the nurse says and snickers softly. "Since I don't know how "a while" translates into real time.....why don't you be a little more specific?" The nurse says and smiles almost playfully.

Zoe: A few hours.

Zoe replies.

Zoe: And... more like a 6 and a half or a 7, pain wise.

Zoe admits with a sigh and a wince of pain.

Duncan takes one of the bottles out of the pack and opens it.

Duncan: No problem

Duncan says humbly.

Duncan: It was good to breath something other than recycled hospital air.

Duncan says and sits down on one of the other couches.

Methos: We should take a look at them in a while, they were both sleeping last time I checked.

Methos says checking his watch to find out how long it was, he decides it can wait for a while and takes another sip of beer.

"OK This is what I want you to do for me," the nurse whispers to Zoe. "I want you to close your eyes.....let them rest while I go call you doctor. A 6 or 7....huh?" The nurse says as she makes some quick calculations in her head. "I'll have a solution for that when I come back. I won't be long," she adds and hurries out of the room.

Zoe: Alright...

Zoe murmurs to the nurses disappearing back and with a sigh, closes her eyes, and imagines her happy place.

Nikki glances out of the waiting room door as she absentmindedly opens the bakery box. She see a nurse leave Zoe's room and walk determinedly to the nurse's station. She recognizes the look on the nurse's face. It was a look of purpose. and determination. She was a nurse on a mission for her patient and, for the moment....nothing else mattered. Instead of selecting one of the decadent looking donuts in the box, Nikki stands up and casually strolls out of the waiting room....with an attitude of someone who was tired, hungry and bored and just wanted to look at some different walls for a few minutes. She continues to display that attitude as she walks over to a potted plant and pretends to examine it. Then she walks over to the nurse's station and stands close enough to Zoe's nurse to be able to hear her telephone conversation but not close enough that anyone would suspect that she was eavesdropping

Duncan: I know that look

Duncan says before taking another sip of his beer.

Methos: What look?

Methos asks distracted with his beer, he had no idea what MacLeod was looking at.

One thing Nikki hears the nurse say to whoever was on the other end of the telephone sticks in Nikki's mind. Zoe has her sight back. Nikki's first instinct is to go congratulate Zoe but she opts for her second instinct which is to say where she is and see if she can hear anything else useful

Duncan: I've seen it before when Nicayla gets a plan in her head and is determined to carry it out.

Duncan says and takes another drink of his beer.

Duncan: Reminds me of a dog with a bone he doesn't want to share but is determined to eat the whole thing....even if it makes him sick.

Duncan adds and looks out the door...looking for Nicayla. Unfortunately she is out of sight. so he turns back to Methos.

Duncan: The problem with that is that it seems to always end messily.

Duncan says warningly.

Methos: Oh oh, I hope it's not something to make her get in trouble.

Methos looks in the direction MacLeod is looking, he finds out he can't see anything, so he stands up and goes to the door, remembering how some of Nikki's plans ended up, he's relieved to see that so far she's only near the nurses' station.

Duncan:I thought you knew her.

Duncan says a bit teasingly.
Methos looks at MacLeod and raises one eyebrow, questioningly.

Methos:What don't I know?
Methos asks and takes a sip of his beer.

Duncan:That trouble is Nicayla's middle name.

Duncan says with a smirk.

Nikki waits until she hears the nurse shift in her chair. She can tell by the nurse's tone of voice that the phone conversation is coming to an end.....then she turns her back to the nurse's station and pretends to be interested in a health issue pamphlet.

Methos: Tell me about it.

Methos nods as he comes back to sit on his chair.

Nikki waits until the nurse left the nurse's station to answer a call bell then she hurries back to the waiting room.

Nikki: Guess what.

Nikki announces as she steps across the threshold.

Methos: What?

Methos asks not bothering to even imagine what she was asking him to guess.

Duncan looks up at Nikki.

Duncan: What he said.

Duncan says, pointing to Methos.

Nikki: Zoe got her sight back.

Nikki says as she sits back down next to Methos.

Nikki: What do you think that means?

Nikki asks, looking at Methos.

Duncan looks at Methos, questioningly.

Methos: Nothing. Alexa never lost her sight.

Methos shrugs, trying not to think about it.

Methos: Besides I was a doctor 200 years ago in case you don't remember, I didn't use the same drugs they use now.

Outside of Zoe's ICU room someone drops a tray of instruments that clatter to the floor and Joe is startled awake. His eyes fly open and he sits up straight even before realizing he's awake. After a few seconds the fog of sleep disappears and he realizes where he is. Rubbing his face with one hand, he reaches over to Zoe's bed and takes her hand with his other.

Nikki: Could it mean that she's getting better?

Nikki asks hopefully.

Zoe opens her eyes when Joe takes her hand, and looks over at him.

Zoe: Joe?

Zoe says softly, unsure how to tell him.

Duncan sighs and gets to his feet. He walks over to the door of the waiting room and leans against the door jam, looking at Zoe's room.

Methos: No, Nikki she won't get any better.

Methos points out, wishing for once he was wrong.

Joe: Sorry.

Joe says sheepishly.

Joe:I didn't mean to wake you.

Zoe shakes her head.

Nikki: Oh.

Nikki says sadly. She slips her arm through his again and lays her head on his shoulder and sighs.

Zoe: I was already awake.

Joe: I guess I dozed off on you.

Joe says quietly.

Joe: Sorry.

Zoe: No, not a problem. You were tired.

Zoe says quickly.

Zoe: You still look tired.

Joe:That's what happens with old age.

Joe says and smiles. He lifts her hand and kisses it. He is about to kiss Zoe's hand again when what she said registers in his brain and he looks up at her.

Joe: Wait. You said I look tired.

Joe says still looking at her and quirks an eyebrow.

Zoe: Yes, I did.

Zoe smiles a little.

Zoe: Because you do.

Joe: How....

Joe gets out of his chair and sits on the edge of the bed.....something that the nurses have frowned upon. But at this point he doesn't much care because what are they going to do? Kick him out? Doubtful.

Zoe: It came back. Its not... not as good as it was before but... it's back. I can see again.

Zoe whispers.

Joe places his hands on both sides of her face.

Joe: Oh, honey.....that's....that's great. Right? It's great?

Joe asks looking into her eyes. The cloudiness that had been there ever since she had lost her sight is gone and her eyes are once again a deep sapphire blue.

Zoe: It means I can see you again.

Zoe says, happy as tears come to her eyes.

Joe: Oh baby...sweetheart. That's wonderful.

Joe says and leans down. He gives her a loving....and slightly passionate kiss.

Zoe returns the kiss with as much passion and strength as she could. But both passion and strength, Zoe knows to be much diminished

"All right, you two," the nurse says as she enters the room. "That'll be enough of that. This ICU is rated G you know."

Methos looks down at his now empty beer bottle, while he thinks that after 17 years of avoiding hospitals and doctors and diseases, he was in another ICU waiting room. And waiting for someone to die again, he didn’t need this, he didn't need this at all, he thinks to himself as he gets another beer bottle with an unhappy sigh. He opens it and takes a sip.

Joe breaks off the kiss, startled by the nurse's entrance, and he looks at the nurse a bit embarrassed...feeling like a school boy who just got caught kissing his sweetheart under the bleachers.

Zoe just laughs and shakes her head.

Nikki: Baby? You OK?

Nikki asks Methos when she hears his sigh. She reaches out and places her hand on his back and gently rubs it in little slow circles.

Zoe: I can't say I care.

Zoe says still laughing, when the laughs turned into a cough. A deep whole body wracking cough.

Methos: I'll live.

Methos shrugs, looking down at his beer, after all this was nothing after some of the things he had to endure in his lifetime.

"Alright. See what happens when you get too excited?" The nurse says going over to the bed and putting her hand behind Zoe's back and sitting her up so she can cough. She waves at Joe and say, "shew. You've done enough damage for one day."

Joe: Let me guess. You use to be a nun in a Catholic grade school.

Joe says as he slips off of the bed and reclaims his seat in the chair.

Nikki: Yes you will. And not alone. Unless you want to, that is.

Nikki says softly. She knew this was going to be hard for him even though he denied it over and over. She's glad she ignored him and was here with him.

Zoe finally manages to stop coughing. Taking a long deep breath, me leans back against the bed, feeling almost exhausted from the coughing.

"I spoke to your doctor," the nurse says as she gently pats Zoe on the back. "And he's on his way in."

Methos:I'm not the one who's losing the one he loves this time.

Methos points out, before he takes a sip of beer. He realizes he could have loved that woman at a different time and place though, and takes a mental note to light a candle to all the gods he remembered in thanks for not letting that happen.

Zoe: Thank you.

Zoe says a little breathlessly.

Nikki: Right.

Nikki says simply...feeling a bit dejected. She gets up and walks out of the waiting room and into the ladies restroom next door.

Duncan turns and looks at Methos in silence, folding his arms as he continues to lean against the door jam.

"How do you feel?" The nurse asks Zoe as she fluffs up the pillows and checks the IV.

Zoe: Tired.

Zoe admits.

"How's the pain? Your doctor gave me the OK to up your dosage if you need it," the nurse says, taking Zoe's pulse.

Zoe: That... that would be nice.

Zoe says softly, hoping that Joe wouldn't hear, but figuring that hope is in vain.

Another nurse comes to the door and says, "Betty? Dr. Bjourn is on line 2 for you." "Tell him I'll be right there," the nurse says and puts down Zoe's wrist. "Now the two of you behave yourselves," she says looking first at Zoe then at Joe, then she leaves the room.

Joe: Yes, Mam.

Joe says and salutes.

Zoe rolls her eyes at Joe.

Zoe: Little does she know.

Joe waits until the nurse is out of site then he gets up and, not only sits on the edge of Zoe's bed but lays down next to her, laying on his back and slipping his arm around her.

Joe: I'll bet she was a drill sergeant in a previous life.

Joe says softly and kiss the top of Zoe's head, taking in the scent of her shampoo.

Zoe: She a a kindergarten teacher.

Zoe confides.

Joe: She reminds me of some of the nuns in the Parochial School I attended for a while. All she needs is a ruler to smack our palms with.

Joe says with a chuckle.

Zoe: Don't give her idea's.

Zoe whispers with a fake urgency.

A different nurse comes into the room, pulling an IV pole attached to a box along next to her. "Betty asked me to bring this in and set it up," she says as she rolls it over to where the other IV poles are.

Joe: What is it?

Joe asks without moving.

"It's a morphine pump," the nurse says. "It allows you to regulate your own pain medication," she explains as she proceeds to set it up. She hands a device that looks like a call button to Zoe and says, "All you have to do is press this button and this machine...," she pats the box on the pole, "...will deliver a dose of your pain medication. You can press it every hour of you want."

Zoe: Thank you.

Zoe replies.

Joe: Am I in your way?

Joe asks the nurse as she moves the IV poles around.

The nurse shakes her head and says, "no. Stay put." She finishes her work and asks Zoe if she can do anything else for her.

Zoe: Not now. Thank you.

Zoe replies and hits the button twice on the morphine pump before the time limit is set.

The nurse leaves and Joe gives Zoe a gentle hug.

Joe: See? Not all nurses are drill sergeants

Joe says with a chuckle.

Nikki comes out of the ladies restroom but instead of going back into the waiting room she walks through ICU and out into the hall outside of the unit.

Joe: Now.....you told the nurse you were tired. So why don't you close those beautiful blue eyes of yours and get some rest?

Joe says softly to Zoe.

Duncan sees Nikki walk through the ICU and out the doors. He glances back at Methos then follows Nikki out into the hall.

Duncan: Are you OK?

Duncan asks as he walks up to her.

Nikki: Yeah. Fine. Just need to stretch my legs. Those couches in there get hard after a while. You'd think they'd provide softer seats for their patient's people who are waiting.

Nikki says as she stares out of the window at the tops of Seacouver's buildings.

Zoe: Joe?

Zoe says, looking over at the man she loves.

Joe: Yes, my love?

Joe says and leans his head back a little so he can look down into her face.

Zoe: I love you.

Zoe states firmly.

Zoe: You know that, right?

Joe: I may not know a lot of things....but that is one thing I am absolutely sure of.

Joe says with a smile and kisses the top of her head.

Zoe: Good.

Zoe says, and smiles.

Zoe: I love you.

Zoe whispers again, closing her eyes to rest.

Joe: And you know that I love you, too.....right?

Joe asks even though he knows the answer.

Zoe: Mmmmm

Zoe murmurs

Zoe: I do.

Duncan: He didn't mean anything, you know....right? It's just his way. Or...at least it is since.....

Duncan says and stops not sure if he should say anything more.

Nikki: I know. Since Alexa. I get it.

Nikki says still looking out of the window.

Zoe sighs and drifts to sleep.

Duncan: But it still hurts....I know. Sometimes we men can be insensitive boobs.

Duncan says and looks out the window, too.

Nikki: Preaching to the choir, Mac. Preaching to the choir.

Nikki says with a half hearted snicker.

Methos empties the second bottle of beer, gets up to put both in the trash can, then he yawns and stretches. Looking around he sees the razor and the deodorant Nikki has brought for him and decides he'll feel better after a fresh shave and some wash up, so he picks it up and walks to the men's restroom.

Nikki: Thanks, Mac.

Nikki says quietly.

Duncan: For what?

Nikki: For being you.

Nikki says and stands up on her tip toes and gives Duncan a quick kiss on his cheek. Then, without a word, she turns and goes back into the ICU and heads for the waiting room.

Joe: I will always love you.

Joe whispers against the top of her head and closes his eyes as they cloud with tears.

The beeping on Zoe's heart rate monitor begins to slow.

Nikki walks into the waiting room and sees that Methos is no longer there so she starts picking up their empty beer bottles, coffee cups and sandwich wrappers and throwing them away. Then she straightens up the rest of the waiting room, in need of something to do.

Duncan sighs and finally walks back into the ICU.

An alarm at the nurses' station begins to beep and all of the nurses look at the bank of monitors. Seeing whose alarm is going off, Zoe's nurse hurries to her patient's room.

Duncan hears the alarm behind the desk of the nurses' station and sees one of the nurses hurry into Zoe's room. He follows her and stands in the doorway.

The nurse walks into the room and over to the monitor. She presses a button, shutting off the alarm so it will stop beeping at the nurses' station and looks over at Zoe and Joe and figures they are both asleep. She quietly places two fingers on the inside of Zoe's wrist...being careful not to wake either of them...and when she feels Zoe's pulse for a few seconds she turns and starts out of the room. As she passes by Joe's friend she whispers, "it won't be long now," then heads for the nurses' station to make her report.

Duncan looks at Joe and Zoe then turns away and goes to tell Methos and Nikki.

Joe was aware of the nurse coming into the room and checking Zoe's pulse. He just chose not to open his eyes. And he is grateful that she left in silence. He doesn't trust himself to talk to anyone without losing control.....at least not at the moment.

Methos sighs in contentment as he comes out of the men's restroom, still touching his now shaven face. He walks to the waiting room again with the razor and the deodorant still in his hands.

Duncan walks up to the door of the waiting room and shoves his hands in his pockets.

Duncan: The nurse just informed me that it won't be long now.

Duncan says softly.

Nikki turns and looks at MacLeod then sighs, not knowing what to say. She goes back to her cleaning...using one of their napkins to wipe off the coffee table.

Duncan turns around and goes back to Zoe's room and walks in quietly and takes a seat in a chair that is out of the way.

Zoe's heart rate slows a little further.

Joe hears the beep of Zoe's heart monitor slow and he tightens his arm around her shoulders. He presses his face against the top of her head and whispers, "I love you, Zoe Dawson."

Nikki finishes wiping off the table and throws the napkin in the trash can then walks past Methos and heads for Zoe's room.

Methos rolls his eyes when Nikki passes him without speaking, then he shakes his head, the woman was sulking again. "Fine." He murmurs and sits on the couch again, he'd pass watching Zoe die any day, and Joe had already enough people with him anyway.

The heart rate slows further. Its now possible to count the seconds between each beat.

Joe hears the beep of the heart monitor slow again and opens his eyes. He looks at the monitor and sees that Zoe's heart rate has dropped to 16 and he quickly closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. A part of him wants to scream, "No. Don't go. Don't leave me. We need more time." But he shoves that desire into the far recesses of his mind because he knows that it would be selfish. Even though he hadn't said anything he had noticed that since the morphine pump had been hooked up, Zoe had pressed the button twice before the time limit had been set....as if she had known what the machine was before it was explained to her. That told him she was in pain and he couldn't stand the thought of her suffering anymore. He presses his lips to the side of her head, near her ear.

Joe: It's OK, sweetheart. You can go now. I love you and I'll be fine.

Joe whispers. His tears can no longer be held back and they freely flow down his cheeks as he tightens his hold on her.

Joe: G....g....goodbye, my love.

Joe whispers.

Nikki bites her lower lip, covers her mouth with her hand and turns away.

The heart rate monitor flatlines, and Zoe is gone.

An alarm begins sounding at the nurses' station and Zoe's nurse walks quietly into the room. She walks over to the monitor and shuts the alarm off. Taking her stereoscope from around her neck she places it on Zoe's chest and listens, moving it to a couple of different spots then puts the stethoscope back around her neck. Another nurse comes into the room and Zoe's nurse looks over at her and says very softly, "time of death twenty o eight," and she begins to shut down all of the monitors.

To be continued

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