Taking the time to zip them carefully this time, he left them unbuttoned. Bending to retrieve his sword from under his bed, he listened as the pounding increased- if that was possible. Reaching the door, he put his sword behind his back.
"Who is it?" he called.
"Hey, Mac!! Open up, it's me, Joe. I need to talk to you!"
As he opened the door, Duncan began talking, "Joe- do you realize the time?? It is…" squinting at the clock, "4:00 in the morning! What is it that can't wait until later?"
By now, Duncan had the door open, only to be greeted by a worried face.
"Mac, we need your help," Joe said as he stepped aside to reveal a small figure standing behind him. Duncan looked at the figure and opened the door wider to allow entrance to the pair.
"Just what exactly is the problem?" Duncan asked as he stared at the girl following Joe. He seemed entranced by her innocent brown eyes. She couldn't be more than 25, 26 at the most.
"This is Andrea, my new waitress at the bar. Her dad and I were in 'Nam together. We were like brothers. She has a proposition for you, Duncan."
"A proposition?" Duncan said with a slight smirk on his face, which he was careful to conceal from Joe. He had the feeling Joe wouldn't be too happy if he could read Duncan's mind right now. This woman was strikingly beautiful and from the look in her eyes, she was interested in him too.
"Well, not so much a proposition as a plea for help." Andrea said as she skirted the two men and made herself comfy on the couch. Joe and Duncan followed suit and sat down.
"Help? What could you need help with at four am?" Duncan asked. By this time he had laid his sword aside, deciding that this girl was not immortal...yet.
"Well, you see, Mac, Andy here is like a daughter to me. When she told me what had happened to her, I thought perhaps it might be one of YOUR buddies that was after her." Joe switched his cane to his other hand so he could put his arm around Andrea.
"Just what exactly happened to you?" Duncan asked, looking at Andrea and noticing the sprinkling of freckles across her nose.
"Well, it happened like this. One night, after closing the bar, I was heading for my car when I noticed a figure in the glow of the street light. I'm sure it was a man, tallish, wearing a long coat, and get this part... he was holding what looked like a sword!! He pointed at me and motioned for me to come to him. Well, I can't tell you how unnerving that was. I quickly got in my car as sped off. I've seen him a couple of times, always at night, always alone. What do you make of it?"
"Do you know anything, Joe?" Duncan asked.
"Why would Joe know anything?"
"Joe, do you?"
"No, Mac, I have my people out on it, but, nada."
"Do you hear me? Why would Joe know anything, and what do you mean, you have your 'people' out on it?" Andrea was looking directly at Joe, now.
"Does she know, Joe?"
Dawson shook his head.
"Do I know what? Look, I'm leaving if you two don't come clean with me!"
Duncan inhaled deeply, looked Andrea in the eye, and said under his breath, "I'm going to record this since I seem to say it SO often!". Out loud, he said, "Well, Joe has a unique job. He watches me and records what I do and who I meet. He's a well paid voyeur," quirking an eyebrow at Joe, "with a title of Watcher. See, I am an Immortal- and I carry a sword just like the guy who's following you does. Would you like to see my sword?"
Unsure of how to take this, she asked hesitantly, "Seriously?"
"Joe, didn't you tell her anything?"
"No, Mac, you know me. Watch, but never interfere."
Duncan began to laugh at this. A nice, deep, fruity laugh. "Ok, yes, I am serious. Deadly serious. You see, Andrea, you are not what you seem, either. I am an immortal. I died once, 400 years ago, but came back. People like us, we die once, and then it begins."
Not sure if she really wanted the answer, she asked, "What begins?"
"The game."
"The game?"
"Yeah, you see, our motto is, 'There can be only one.”
"One? One what?"
"What do you think? One of us. In the end, there can be only one of us. We hunt and fight each other, taking the head of our opponent. We take the quickening, which transfers the other immortals strength and knowledge to us." Duncan paused and looked Andrea in the eye. "Someone is hunting you."
Confused, Andrea asked him, "Why would he be hunting me? I'm not....."
"Mac," Joe interrupted, "Do you mean what I think you mean? That Andrea is..."
"Andrea is right HERE!!!" she inserted. "And she can hear very well, thank you. I also know how to talk. I've been doing it for...oh, probably 23 years! I am capable of asking and answering questions, Joe."
Andrea looked at Joe, then at Duncan, and began softly, "What are you saying, exactly, Duncan? What are you telling me?"
"That you are an immortal, Amanda, and one day you will die, but you will not die, and then you, too, will be in the game."
"Are you sure Duncan? You're not making a mistake are you-- because you can't even get my name right. It's ANDREA-- not Amanda! Do you know someone named Amanda?"
Duncan scowled at Joe, who was making every attempt to stifle his chuckles.
Andrea continued, "Ok, let me get this straight. I'm gonna die but I'm not gonna die and I'm playing a game? What kind of drugs are you on, Duncan?" Andy said sarcastically, looking first at Duncan then Joe. "Joe, maybe you're having flashbacks from those drugs you did in the 60's!" she continued.
Duncan stood up and walked over to Andrea, "Yes, I know someone named Amanda....It's four am, what do you expect? And yes, Joe, Andrea here is going to live forever."
"Then, why is this guy after me now? I mean, I'm not sure if I understand what you're telling me here, but shouldn't he be out looking for someone like YOU....not someone like me?" Andrea looked from Duncan to Joe and back to Duncan.
Duncan turned his back on the two as fragments of a memory passed through his mind. Thoughts of a time long past, and a man too old to fight flashed behind his eyes. Derrin.....Derrin Daniels was his name. He was old when he died the first time. Almost seventy five. Duncan remembered how shocked he was the first time he met Derrin. How could one so old live so long? When Duncan knew him, Derrin was almost 600. That was 200 years ago. It was only after Derrin had left that Duncan found out how he had survived. Derrin Daniels lived by killing those who were not yet immortals, and then taking their heads before they even knew what they were. If that were the case…if Derrin was still alive, Duncan knew that Andrea's life could be in serious danger. He turned to face the pair on his couch again.
"We may have a serious problem here..."
Duncan was interrupted by a knock on the door. He picked up his sword on the way to answer it, sensing an immortal on the other side. Before he could ask who it was, a voice said, "Come on, Mac! I know you're up- I saw your lights from the street. Open up."
Giving a sigh, he opened the door and in walked Richie Ryan.
"What has you up so early, Mac? Trouble sleeping?" Richie laughed, and then spotted the two on the couch. "Hey, Joe!! How's it going?" Richie walked up to Andrea, extending his hand. "Hi, I'm Richie Ryan. I don't believe we've had the pleasure."
You sense that Richie is a fun loving guy, and you like him immediately. "Hi! My name is Andrea. I'm a friend of Joe's. He's practically like an Uncle to me."
"All right!! Good knowing you." Turning to Duncan, he added, "Mac, I need a favor."
"Tell me something new," Duncan chuckled. "What is it this time?"
"Well, it's like this. I have a hot date tonight and I don't want to take the bike. I was wondering whether I..."
"Could take the T-Bird," Duncan said with him. "Richie, do you remember what happened the last time you 'borrowed' the T-bird? Do the terms 'grand larceny', 'assault' and 'police station' ring any bells?"
"Ah, come on Mac! You know that was all straightened out. It was just a little misunderstanding."
This conversation piqued your interest, taking your mind off your problems. Leaning closer to Joe, you whispered, "Joe, what are they talking about? What happened with the T-bird?"
Glancing at the Mac and Richie, Joe started to laugh. "Well, last time Richie borrowed the 'bird, Richie got into it with this guy. The cops hauled them both in. Duncan had to bail Richie out and later testify that Richie was really a good kid. It was a mess and a whole other story!"
Richie smiled, "Yeah, well, that guy and I settled our differences later with a little fft fft fft!" Richie's hands cut through the air to demonstrate what he meant by ‘fft fft fft’.
Duncan shook his head and started pushing Richie towards the door, "You can borrow the car tomorrow....I mean today....I mean later. This afternoon. Come back for it this afternoon. Okay?"
"Okay, okay.....hey it was nice to meet you lady. Joe, see ya around," Richie called over his shoulder as Duncan pushed him out the door.
As the door closed, Duncan turned to face the pair on his couch. "Well, I only know one thing to do until we find out for sure who's after you," Duncan stated as he walked across the room. He sat down heavily in the chair and glanced at Andrea. "You're just going to have to stay here."
Joe's eyes widened when he heard this. "Stay here? Why should she stay here? She'd be just as safe at my place, or in the room at the bar! If she stays here, people will talk. And Andy is new to town and doesn't need a bad reputation!"
Andrea placed her hand on Joe's and looked at Duncan, "Why should I stay here? What can you do that I can't do for myself?"
Duncan returned Andrea's look and stated calmly, "Because I can SENSE immortals, and if its an immortal who is after you, I will know if he's around. Now if you have a better suggestion, I'd love to hear it!"
Andrea and Joe exchanged glances. "Okay, she stays here. But please Mac, protect her. She's like family to me, and I just don't have that much family left."
"Of course I'll protect her, Joe, I'm one of the good guys remember?" Duncan said quietly.
Joe went to go get some of Andrea's things from the bar while Duncan showed her around. "You tired?" he asks.
"Well, I worked at Joe's til closing so I could definitely use some sleep," she said, rubbing her eyes.
Duncan showed her where the bed was and put fresh sheets on it. "Red satin sheets?" she asked with a question in her voice.
"Well, ummm those are the only sheets that are clean right now. Don't you like satin?" Duncan asked.
"No, no....satin is good. I just have never known any one...any, um, guy, I mean, um.....satin is fine." Andrea said as she gazed into Duncan's big, beautiful brown eyes. She touched his hand by accident and felt glorious lightning bolts run up her arm and down her spine. Duncan chuckled at her sudden shyness and removed an extra quilt and blanket from the cabinet.
"What are those for?" Andrea asked, nodding at the pillow in Duncan's other hand.
"Well, you didn't expect me to sleep in the bed with you, did you ?" Duncan questioned, a small grin twitching at the edge of his lips.
"No, um, no, I guess not." Andrea stuttered.
Duncan was just about to ask Andrea if she would feel safer if he DID sleep in the bed with her, when the door opened and Joe walked back in with a bag under one arm.
"Well, Andy, here's some clothes and your makeup bag. I think I got it all." Joe tossed the bag on the couch.
"Here, gimme a hug Joe, and then you go on home and get some rest." Andrea opened her arms and hugged Joe.
"Don't worry Andy...Duncan will keep you safe." Joe said as he walked towards the door. "I'll call you in the morning." And then he was gone.
"Well," Duncan said, "I guess it's just the two of us.".......
Andy smiled nervously, "Yeah, just the two of us and I hope it stays that way."
Duncan smiled, a teasing twinkle in his eyes, "Are you making a pass at me so soon?"
Suddenly realizing what she has said, Andy became embarrassed and even more nervous as she stammered, trying to explain herself, "No, I wouldn't do that...I..I mean you're attractive and all,...it's just that I...I'm not fast and loose...not that you are..."
Duncan was laughing at her. "Calm down." He took her trembling hand and soothingly said, "Don't let him get to you this way."
Andy gazed into the gentle brown eyes and said, "I won't," as she thought to herself, "Let my knees turn to jelly and make a real fool of myself."
"I guess I'll get to bed now, I can hardly keep my eyes open. Good Night."
"G'nite" Duncan nodded and went off to get comfortable on the couch.
Andy tossed and turned so much in her sleep that she slid right off the red satin sheets and onto the floor. She awoke startled and, realizing what had happened, got up to get back into bed. Every nerve in her body froze as she made out a shadow in the moonlit window to be that of a person. The shadow moved from one window to the
other. She felt a movement behind her and immediately knew it was Duncan. She turned to him and before she could open her mouth, he put his finger to her lips. "Shh, quiet." He had a sword in his hands and bent at the knees, he was ready for whoever it was at the window.
In the silence, they heard a slight scraping sound, then a slight click as the lock on the window was released by the person on the ledge.
Duncan and Andy held their breaths as they watched the intruder slowly raise the window. When it was up, they watched as a leg silently slipped over the sill. Once it was steady on the floor, the rest of the intruder's body followed, seeming to flow without sound into the room.
Hearing a whisper of movement, Andy looked at Duncan, only to see he was gone from her side- and was holding his sword to the neck of the person now standing in front of the window. Hearing a curse from Duncan, Andy got up to turn on the light, only to freeze when she heard the words, "Glad you ask questions first and slice later,
MacLeod!"
Richie stood as still as a statue with the blade touching his neck.
"What the hell are you doing? I could have easily taken your head!" MacLeod said angrily as he put his sword down.
"Remember that hot date I told you about?" Richie asked, relieved to have the cold steel away from his adam's apple. "Well, she forgot to tell me that she was married- and to a truck driver no less! He came home unexpectedly and the rest of the story I'm sure you can figure out for yourself".
"Why are you sneaking in the window?" Andrea asked.
"Well, the truck driver followed me to this neighborhood and I didn't want him to see me come in here." Richie smiled charmingly at Andrea, hoping that she'd divert MacLeod's attention away from the subject.
"What happened to my T-Bird?" Duncan growled menacingly as he suddenly realized that Richie was on foot and had made no mention of the car.
"Ummm...it's a long story and a kind of funny one at that, Mac..." Richie said as he backed away from he advancing Highlander....
"I thought you said that the hot date was for tonight and you were going to come back later this afternoon to borrow the car," Andrea said puzzled.
"I do have another date later, but this girl called me up after she got off work at the club she works at and we decided to get together tonight. I knew Mac wouldn't mind me borrowing his car since he was going to let me borrow it tomorrow night anyway...." Richie's voice faded away when he noticed how angry MacLeod looked.
"Look Mac, the car is safe. I left it at the club. I'll hike back down there in first light and get it. K?" Richie said as he moved past Duncan and sat down on the couch.
"Hey, were you guys sleeping?"
Andrea looked at Richie and nodded.
"Richie, go home!" Duncan said with a firmness in his voice.
"Well, Mac, since I don't have a ride couldn't I just crash here?" Richie asked, looking around the room.
Duncan glared at Richie, "Do you see another place in this room that some one could possibly sleep?"
"Yeah, on the floor. I've slept in worse places...believe me!" Richie said as he pulled Duncan's pillow and blanket onto the floor. Duncan watched as Richie started to make a pallet on the floor.
"Um, Richie, right?" Andrea piped. "You can sleep on the couch, and um, Duncan can sleep in the bed....with me."
Duncan's jaw dropped open at Andrea's solution. "Umm, well, I guess it would be for just a few hours."
Richie nodded, "Sounds good to me. I mean, I'd sleep with her and all Mac, but you seem to know her a little better." And with that Richie curled up on the couch and was fast asleep in seconds.
Duncan looked at Andrea, "Well, I guess we're gonna get to know each other a little better now aren't we......."
Duncan watched as Andrea slipped into bed on the right side and tried not to notice how pretty she looked against the red satin sheets.
Great this is just great he thought to himself as he walked toward the bed. Just met this woman and now I'm getting into bed with her. Hope I don't roll over in the night and forget who she is. Joe would kill me.
He got into bed and reached over to turn the light off. Andrea smiled sleepily at him and shut her eyes. He tried to stay as far to the left as he could, but as he feared, during the night he moved a bit and she moved a bit and...
When Duncan woke up in the morning, they were facing each other. Andy's head was on his shoulder and her arm was wrapped around his waist. He found one of his hands around her waist, the other one cupping her breast and his leg between hers.
Moving slowly so as to not awaken her, Duncan slowly extricated himself from her body. Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, after all he *had* promised Joe, he sat up on the edge of the bed and placed his head in his hands, only to utter a startled squeak when
he noticed Joe and Richie looking at him with different expressions on their faces. Richie was smiling while he was holding back a furious Joe.
"How could you do it, MacLeod! I trusted you. I thought you were one of the good guys. Why you..." Joe started to hit Duncan with his cane but Richie plucked it out of his hand and set it down.
"It's not like it looks Joe." Duncan knew he sounded guilty even as he spoke. Hell, he wouldn't believe himself if the situation was reversed.
Just then Andrea woke up and it didn't help matters when she said without lifting her head from the pillow, "Good morning, Duncan. Once we got to sleep, I never stirred. That was the best night's sleep I've had in a long time. Thanks."
Hearing a groan from the side of the bed and a snarl from somewhere else, Andrea pushed herself up on her hands- only to see Joe being restrained by Richie.
Feeling a draft, she looked down and realized that the strap of her nightgown had slid down her arm, exposing most of her chest. Blushing, she quickly sat up and pulled the blanket to her chest. Thankfully it appeared that none of the men had noticed, although, she thought to herself, I wouldn't have minded if Duncan had. Putting that thought out of her mind, she asked what was going on.
Richie, still grinning like a fool and restraining Joe, replied. "Well, you see, when Joe arrived this morning, you and Mac were wrapped around each other. Joe is trying to kill Mac because he thinks that Mac took advantage of you.
"Mac, on the other hand, is still trying to deal with the shock of waking up and being threatened by his friend. Well, I assume that's what the look on his face means. He hasn't said anything yet.
"That about cover it, guys? Oh, and Andrea, I love your nightgown!"
Andrea blushed. Wrapping the blanket around herself, she clambered over Duncan and stood up next to Joe.
"Joe, it's okay. I suggested Duncan share the bed. Besides, all we did was sleep......I've never felt so safe. You DID ask him to protect me."
Joe glared at Duncan, "Yeah, protect you.....but not like THIS!"
Andrea placed her hand on Joe's arm. "Joe, I'm okay. Besides, I'm a big girl. I can handle it."
Joe looked at Andrea and shook his head, " You're right, Andy. I keep forgetting you're not the freckled face little kid you once were.....you're a beautiful woman now. Sorry."
Andrea kissed Joe on the cheek before saying, "It's Okay...I'm gonna go get dressed."
"Well, hey, now that the excitement is over, I guess I'll go get the car. Joe, you wanna give me a ride?" Richie said.
Joe watched the bathroom door close behind Andrea. "Sure, Rich. I probably need some fresh air."
Duncan waved to the two as they left. He could hear the shower running in the bathroom and got up to start some coffee. As he walked past the window, the "buzz" of another immortal ran through his body. Duncan stopped and looked out the window. Outside, he saw a man staring back. A man Duncan recognized. Derrin Daniels. As he watched, the man turned and walked away in the morning mist.
Andrea opened the door and came out of the bathroom humming to herself. She took one look at Duncan's face and froze.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"He was here.....outside the window."
"Is he gone?" Andrea moved closer to the window and chanced at look outside.
"He's gone......but he'll be back." Duncan said.
Andrea turned suddenly and looked at Duncan. "I've been toying with this thought all morning. What if I, um, "died", um, for the first time I mean. What if I became immortal, like you. Then I could fight him....then I could "sense" him....couldn't I?"........
Judging by the horrified look on Duncan's face, Andrea knew what his response would be.
"Ach, no! You don't know what it's like. The first 'rebirth' is very painful- it's something you will never forget. Also, once you are an immortal, you are part of the game and will have to fight and kill to survive.
"I couldn't voluntarily do that to anyone Andrea. I would rather have you stay here with me and I will protect you until you die a natural death. You need to enjoy mortal life for as long as you are able. You wouldn't know now that you are destined to be immortal except for Derrin Daniels hunting you.
"I'm truly sorry, Andrea, but I refuse to even consider doing that."
"Duncan, I can't stay here forever! There must be a way!"
"No." Duncan stated as he poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Andrea.
"But, Duncan, don't you see?" Andrea asked. "I can't depend on you from now until I die. Even if you whack this guy, whose to say another won't come? And another? You can't stay by my side twenty-four, seven! I'm sorry, but I've made up my mind. You can either help me or not. It's your choice. But I would much rather you were there holding my hand. Besides, someone like you must know the easiest way to die......least painful I mean."
Andrea sipped her coffee and tried to read the expression on Duncan's face. Duncan stared at the floor, saying nothing.
"There's one other thing." Andrea stated as she turned to look out the window. When Duncan didn't answer, she continued. "I, uh, well, how can I put this delicately? Damn." She glanced over her shoulder to find Duncan still staring at the floor. "Well, I'm just gonna say it. I don't want to die a virgin."
At this Duncan's head snapped up and he looked Andrea straight in the eye.
"And just what is it that you want ME to do about it?!?".......
"Well you know....take care of it," she stammered.
"Look Andrea, first of all you aren't going to die EVER! Don't you understand what I'm trying to tell you?" Duncan sat down hard on the couch as he continued to stare at her.
"I understand but ummm... if someone takes my head then I will die forever, right?" she continued.
"Yes, but that won't happen if you're with me," he explained. "Besides people shouldn't have sex unless they care deeply for each other. We just met. You need to wait until you find the right guy."
Duncan couldn't believe he was saying these things. Him of all people preaching against having sex. He looked up quickly as if to check the heavens for a sign of God's lightning coming to strike him. Quickenings he could handle, but Duncan had enough Highlander in him to still be slightly superstitious. Andrea was almost like a daughter to Joe and Duncan knew that he should be straight with her.
Andrea took one look at the stubborn set expression on his face and knew that his mind was made up. She decided to let the matter drop for now....
Duncan stood up and headed for the bathroom to shower.
Andrea watched him go. When she finished her coffee, she went to put her cup in the sink. As she walked across the room, something caught her eye. Beside the bed was Duncan's sword. Andrea put down her cup and listened to see if the shower was still running. It was. She walked quietly over to the sword and picked it up. Slowly she removed it from its sheath to see the gleam of the blade.
Andrea stood up, sword in hand, and began to move the sword from side to side. She giggled at herself and moved to put the sword back where she found it. She was almost to the bed when Duncan opened the door and stepped into the room. Andrea jumped.
Duncan looked at Andrea holding his sword and raised an eyebrow. "Well, now that you have it....what are you gonna do with it?"
Andrea smiled and walked slowly toward Duncan. "Now let me get this straight," she said as she ran the back of the sword up Duncan's arm and let the blade come to a rest on his shoulder. "If you lose your head, you die. Right?"
Duncan stood completely still as Andrea turned the blade and touched his neck with it. "Right," he said, barely moving his lips.
"And if I took your head right now, what would happen to me?" Andrea asked, mischief in her eyes.
"You'd probably get sent to jail for murder and break Joe's heart," Duncan replied softly. He reached up and pushed the blade away from his throat before taking the sword from Andrea. In one swift movement he swung the sword, stopping only centimeters from Andrea's pale throat. Andrea never even flinched.
"But I, on the other hand, would get a quickening before Joe sent me to prison for seven or eight decades."
Duncan moved the sword and placed it back in its sheath. He looked at Andrea to find her eyes still locked on the sword. "We're gonna get him you know," Duncan said. "You just have to trust me."
Andrea walked up to Duncan, placed a hand on each side of his face, kissed him softly on the lips, and said, "Besides Joe, you're the only one I trust."......
Duncan wrestled briefly with temptation and then gave in. He pulled Andrea closer to him, slanting his mouth over hers. As the kiss deepened, she sighed and put her arms tightly around his neck. He groaned and together they moved towards the yellow couch. He tried to remind himself that this was a bad idea but she felt so good in his arms that he didn't want to stop. But just as they got to the couch, the ringing of the phone interrupted.
"Damn." Duncan muttered, letting go of Andrea.
"Hello?"
"MacLeod. I thought it was you. Playing hero I see." The shaky voice of Derrin Daniels gained Duncan's full attention.
"Look, Daniels, just leave her alone and this won't have to get ugly." Duncan said.
"Sorry, MacLeod. She would already be dead if it wasn't for you. Why don't you just send her home:? She means nothing to you." Derrin replied.
"Spare me." Duncan said, rolling his eyes. "You have to go through me to get her. That's the deal."
"Forget it Highlander. We both know I can't beat you. Sorry I bothered." Derrin stated and hung up.
Duncan turned and looked at Andrea. "Listen, you stay here. I'm going down to Joe's to see if he's heard anything. That was Daniels on the phone. He's giving up for now...but I know him. He'll bide his time. We just have to find him before...well, we just have to find him soon."
Andrea stood up and handed Duncan his sword.
"Here, you might need this. Please hurry."
Duncan nodded and walked out the door.
Andrea watched him leave through the window, and went to the kitchen to find something to eat. Nothing Duncan had even sounded good to her. "Well, I can surely run to the store and get some decent food without getting into trouble," Andrea said to herself. She put on her coat grabbed her keys and walked out the door....
As she walked out the door, Andrea heard a deep voice talking. Straining to hear, she made out these words.
"Like all young and foolish girls in a horror movie, Andrea felt that nothing would happen to her. Little did she know that what awaited around a corner was her worst nightmare. Would she live to tell about it- or would her days be over in the blink of an eye?
"Tune in next time to discover why people in horror shows/movies/situations never listen to the advice given them...."
"Wow! That sounds like Rod Serling's voice!" Andrea exclaimed. "I didn't know he was immortal and lived around here." With a shrug, she continued blithely on her way.
Turning the corner, Andrea almost ran smack into the one person she had hoped she wouldn't see. Backing up a few steps, she locked eyes with an old man. Very old. Derrin Daniels' face lit up when he saw Andrea in front of him.
"Well, well, well." He said with an evil grin. "Looky what we have here."
Andrea turned and began running. She kept looking over her shoulder, only to find Daniels still pursuing her. After a few blocks, she remembered what Duncan had told her. Holy Ground. She would be safe on Holy Ground. Andrea continued running until she saw the steeple of the Catholic church ahead. Taking one last glance over her shoulder, she ducked inside. People were spread out through the sanctuary, going about their religious business.
Andrea's eyes scanned the room and came to rest on the confessionals. Moving quickly up the aisle, Andrea stepped inside the little box just as Derrin entered the church.
"Have you come to confess your sins, my child?" A voice said through the screen in the side of the closet sized room. Andrea jumped at the sound of it.
"Oh, um, sir, um....I'm sorry. I'm Baptist." Andrea whispered.
"It's okay, child. All are welcome to ask forgiveness here." The priest replied.
"No, I mean, I don't think you understand. Um,......excuse me for a moment please." Andrea reached into her coat pocket and breathed a sigh of relief when she felt her cell phone still there. "Oh, what is that number?" Andrea said aloud.
"Number, my child? What number?" The priest asked confused.
"I remember!" Andrea quickly dialed the number to Joe's bar.
"Joe? Oh, thank God!" Andrea sat back in the seat and nearly cried from relief. The priest coughed at Andrea's remark and raised his eyes to look through the screen to see just what kind of heathen he was dealing with. "Joe, is Duncan still there? He is? Put him on the phone, please. No, I'm fine. I just need to talk to Duncan." Andrea tapped her foot and smiled at the priest who was staring at her while she waited.
"Duncan? Oh, I'm so glad I caught you! Where am I ? Well, now, isn't that an interesting question......."
"Yeah, really interesting if it isn't in the house where I left you," Duncan's voice came over the phone vibrating with irritation.
Andrea cringed a little. "Well there was nothing to eat...I just....well it doesn't matter - I'm in a spot of bother....well actually more than a spot...."
"ANDREA!" Duncan interrupted, "Just tell me where you are and we can save the explanations for later."
Andrea suddenly realized she had no idea what the church was called. The priest was still staring at her through the screen. Andrea gave him one of her best smiles. "Excuse me - which church is this?"
The Priest blinked a couple of times. "St. Mary's".
"Ok Duncan, I'm in St Mary's Church at........" She raised one eyebrow at the priest.
"The corner of Wiltshire and Lincoln........most people come in here for more than directions young lady," he replied sternly.
"Sorry," Andrea responded then turned back into the phone "It's on the corner of Wiltshire and Lincoln and HE's out there and I'm stuck in a confessional box with an irritated priest."
Duncan choked off his surprise. "OK, just stay where you are- no matter what! I'll be there in....5 minutes tops - don't talk to anyone ?!"
"Yeah, yeah I hear you - I'm not going anywhere - just hurry up will ya - this whole thing is starting to give me the creeps."
Andrea put her phone back in her purse and smiled apologetically to the Priest. Shrugging, she said weakly, "My friend will be right here. Five minutes tops. I, um, ahhh, I..."
The Priest stopped her and asked, "Young lady, this is the House of God. Nothing will harm you here. You are welcome to stay, but you are in a confessional. There may be others waiting to come in. Is there anything you want to say to me?"
"Funny thing, that, Sir, er, Your Holiness, I mean, or, ummm.."
"Father Ryan will do nicely."
"Father Ryan. Nice name. Well, you see, I'm in a kind of a bind, and Duncan, the guy I just called, he's coming here to help me out. You see, these past few weeks..." and before she knew it, she was pouring her heart out the the Priest.
The priest listened while Andrea babbled about the man that was after her and the danger she was in, carefully excluding all talk of swords, quickenings, and immortality. When she finished the priest looked at her and said, "My dear, it sounds to me as if you should call the police."
Andrea shook her head. "I can't, um, father, right?" The priest nodded. "There are some things that are just beyond the reach of the police. This is one of them. The only people who can get me out of this right now is Duncan and God. And I really think God would rather let Duncan handle this one." Andrea smiled.
The priest simply nodded as if he understood all she had said and reminded her, "God can handle anything as long as we trust him to."
"I know father. Thank you."
A familiar voice sounded from outside the confessional. A Scottish accent, faded by time. Andrea said her goodbye to the priest and opened the door to find Duncan on the other side. By the look in his eyes, he was both relieved and angry. "If he followed you here, he's gone now." Duncan said sternly. "Let's go home before he comes back and there's a scene."
Andrea nodded and fell into step behind Duncan. The cool evening air felt refreshing on their faces. Duncan sighed as he walked toward the T-Bird that Richie had just returned unharmed. Opening the door to get in, a glint of light from the alley across the street caught his attention just before the "buzz" of immortality hit him.
"Go back in the church and stay there till I come back for you." Duncan said, pushing Andrea towards Holy Ground.
"What? I just came from there. I'm ready to go....." Andrea stopped mid-sentence when she saw the shadow in the alley. "Ok, I'll go in, but what if.....what if you don't come back for me?"
"Then call the cops. They'll take you to safety." Duncan said as he pulled his sword out and started towards the alley. "GO!"
Andrea turned and ran as far as the doors to the church and turned to watch the two men come face to face.....
As he faced Daniels, Duncan spoke. "Daniels, I told you to leave her alone or fight me. Andrea is under my protection, so you've left me no choice now."
"Andrea, so that's the girl's name. I rarely know their names. I don't want their names, just their strength and knowledge.
"I've gathered a lot of power over the years, MacLeod. I won't be an easy mark now, no matter what it might appear. Are you sure you want to fight me?"
Seeing the crazed look in Daniel's eyes, Duncan took a fighting stance.
Seeing MacLeod assume the stance, Daniels chuckled. "I guess that means that we fight." Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a gun and shot Duncan. "I might have gathered power, MacLeod, but I'm not stupid enough to battle you! I'll get *her* later. But first, I'll take your head!"
The church was quite crowed for a week day, but when the shot rang out, everyone ran outside to see what was happening. Daniels saw the crowd gathering across the street, and retreated into the darkness of the alley.
"Next time, MacLeod," he growled.
Andrea raced across the street to Duncan, who was just coming to. The Priest was close on her heals.
"Don't move, my son," Father Ryan said. "The ambulance is on the way."
"No, no ambulance. Not necessary," Duncan said, as he tried to get up. "See, the bullet just grazed me. I'm all right."
"But my son..." Father Ryan was cut short by the arrival of the police.
Finally gaining his feet, Duncan slipped his sword back into his coat, but was unable to melt away due to the police. Separated from Andrea by police intent on interviewing them, he hoped that Andrea would have enough sense to skirt the real issue.
When the policeman interviewing him noticed the blood on Duncan's shirt, he insisted on having the paramedics check Duncan out, ignoring his insistence that the bullet hardly grazed him. Waiting impatiently for the paramedics to arrive, Duncan informed the police that he had no idea who the man was, that he was shot at when he walked towards the where the guy was standing. He was there to pick up Andrea. She had called him from the church, saying she thought she was being followed and was scared. No, he didn't know whether the man was the one she thought was following her.
Finally cleared when the paramedics arrived, Duncan walked over to where Andrea was still talking to the police. Seeing Duncan approach, the officer told Andrea she was free to go, but that they would be back in contact with her.
Walking to the car, Duncan asked Andrea what she had said to the police.
"I told them the same story you were giving." Andrea slipped into the car and watched Duncan as he slid in behind the wheel. "Do I need to drive? I mean, with your wound and all....Why didn't you let the paramedics bandage it?"
Duncan raised his shirt high enough to show the quickly fading bullet hole. "Because, if I stayed around much longer, the paramedics would have seen the miracle of their lives when I healed."
Andrea ran her fingers across the now smooth skin. Nothing but blood remained to even hint there had been an injury.
Duncan started the car and began to pull away from the curb. The remaining people moved out of the way of the car. Duncan pulled onto the street and headed for Joe's. Somehow, on the way, Andrea's hand became trapped by Duncan's. She simply smiled and said nothing, enjoying the comfort it brought her.
Joe's parking lot was almost empty. A few cars here and there gave it an eerie deserted look. Duncan and Andrea got out of the car and headed inside. Duncan pushed the door open and immediately felt another immortal. Pushing Andrea behind him, Duncan's eyes scanned the room.
Sitting at a table near the back of the bar was Joe. He was not alone. Sitting beside him, grinning, was Daniels. Joe glanced nervously from Duncan to Andrea to Daniels and the gun he was holding.
"I thought you might come here," Daniels stated calmly. "Why don't you have a seat, right there at that table, so I... we can talk."
"We have nothing to talk about." Duncan said.
"Oh, I think we do. We could talk about you getting shot, tsk, tsk. Or we could talk about that pretty little girl there losing her head. Or, we could talk about your buddy here getting a bullet in the brain. I think we have plenty to talk about." Daniels said, raising the gun to Joe's head. Duncan heard the threat, pulled out a chair and sat down.
"Ok, Daniels, what are you gonna do now?"
Andrea sat down next to Duncan and took his hand under the table. Duncan squeezed it as if to say don't worry.
"This is what I'm gonna do MacLeod. You give your sword to the girl. You let her take your head. I get your quickening and these two live to see tomorrow. If you don't, then all three of you get a bullet right now, and I get two quickenings. What do ya say?"
"No," replied Duncan. "But I will allow you to fight her, but you can't use the gun- only your sword, like the rules say. If you get her quickening, I'll let you leave, unchallenged, for now. What do you say Daniels?"
"I say........no, MacLeod." Daniels eased himself away from the bar to ensure that he could cover them all with the gun " I don't trust you or him, or her - I get by 'cause I don't trust anyone."
Duncan moved round closer to Joe, catching Andrea's arm and taking her with him. "Come on Daniels - I'll make it easy. I won't struggle....let them go - they've got nothing to offer you." He closed the gap and stood by Joe with Andrea tucked behind them both. Daniels swung round with Duncan ending up with his back to the door.
"Come on Daniels! " Duncan shouted "Take me....COME ON....I won't struggle.....Here you can even use my sword."
"NO!" Andrea gasped "Duncan you can't ...it doesn't matter...." She tried to push out in front of him - he pushed her back.
"OK, " said Daniels, "With your own sword - appeals to my sense of irony!" He laughed slowly and edged forwards keeping the gun pointed a Joe's head. Just as his hand touched the hilt of the sword. his head jerked up as both he and Duncan sensed another immortal. The door burst open and a figure stood silhouetted in the bright sunlight.
There was a thunderous roar and Daniels was propelled across the room with his arms windmilling, only to slump into the corner. Duncan tensed and moved into the middle of the floor with his sword and dropped into a fighting stance.
"Relax, Mac!" said Richie, moving further into the bar "It looked like you needed a hand. Does this mean that I'm forgiven for the T-Bird?" As he moved out of the sunlight Andrea could see the shotgun he had used on Daniels.
"So what do we want to do with him?" he asked as he looked at Daniels.
"We can't just let him go. He'll keep on killing innocent people if we don't stop him. We can't call the police, we have no evidence. I only know of one thing to do...." Duncan said as he stared at Daniels unconscious body.
Richie looked at Duncan and asked, "You gonna do it here? It will totally trash the joint."
Duncan shook his head and looked at Andrea and Joe, standing side by side in the corner. "Help me move him to the alley." Richie nodded and grabbed Daniels feet. Duncan grabbed the arms and the two carried Daniels outside to the alley behind the bar. Joe and Andrea followed.
"Lay him down here," Duncan instructed. Richie let go of the legs and stepped back. Daniels began to stir.
"Richie, take Joe and Andrea inside. Now." Duncan said, never taking his eyes off of his opponent. Richie grabbed Joe and Andrea and began ushering them inside. Andrea looked over her shoulder at Duncan and said, "Be careful...Please. "
Duncan merely nodded and the trio vanished inside.
Daniels came fully to a few moments later. "Why didn't you just do it?" He groaned as he stood up.
"You know me, Daniels. I'm not that kind of man. Everyone should at least have a fighting chance. This is yours. It ends here." Duncan said, tossing Daniels' sword to him and drawing his own. He removed his coat so it would not hinder him and prepared to fight.
Daniels moved his sword from side to side, feeling the balance of it. " I guess you're right, Highlander. I'm tired of playing games. It ends here. But should I win, I want you to know that girl won't live to see immortality." Daniels smiled evilly.
Duncan nodded and the fight began.....
Andrea watched through the window as the two immortals battled. Even with the door closed, she could hear the force with which the swords clashed, the metallic sound ringing through the alley. Despite the bright sunlight, the sparks as the swords connected could be seen. Watching each man thrust and retreat, Andrea's eyes remained on the fight. Suddenly she gasped as Daniels sank to the ground and she watched as Duncan raised his sword above his head and slashed downward, severing Daniels head. With a cry, she turned her back on the scene, holding one hand to her stomach and the other to her mouth. With a look of shock, she stared at Joe and Richie.
Each of the men had a different look on his face and she was fascinated despite her horror. Richie had a fierce look about him as though he was preparing to go into battle. Joe looked resigned as though he had seen this sight a million times. Joe gathered her into his arms and gave her a comforting hug.
Andrea jumped as a bolt of lightning cracked to the ground. Looking out the window from the safety of Joe's arms, she watched as a sudden storm raged outside. As the electric jolts slowly weakened and finally disappeared, Joe whispered in her ear, "That is immortality."
"Immortality," Andrea whispered, still staring out the window. She watched as Duncan stumbled to the door and entered. He passed all three of his companions and fell heavily into a chair. Andrea let go of Joe. "But what was that? I mean, what WAS that?" she asked.
"The quickening. The price of immortality." Joe stated softly.
Andrea walked over to Duncan and pushed a lock of hair out of his face. "Are you all right?" Duncan nodded and placed his hand over hers where it now rested on his cheek.
"Did it, I mean, does it hurt? The quickening?" Andrea asked.
Duncan gave a weak grin. "It only hurts for a while. It's the kind of pain that is so close to pleasure, it's hard to tell where one stops and the other starts."
Andrea stared at Duncan in awe.
Richie walked over and patted Duncan on the shoulder. "Well, Mac, I'm gonna run. There's a little red head on the other side of town just waiting for a ride in the 'bird."
Duncan looked at Richie and shook his head. "Why do I bother? Be careful."
"Thanks Mac! I'll bring her back to you perfect!" Richie beamed and headed out the door.
"Great." Duncan mumbled.
"I'm outta here too Mac." Joe said. "I have some chronicles to update. You'll lock the door on your way out won't you, Andy?"
"Sure Joe. I'll come by your place later." Andrea said, kissing Joe on the cheek.
Joe waved and walked out the door.
"Well, now what?" Andrea asked.
"Now you live the rest of your life as you should, safe and happy," Duncan replied, standing up.
"Safe and happy. That sounds great." Andrea smiled. She walked over to Duncan and took his large hand in hers. "I want to thank you for what you did. No one has ever done anything like that for me. You took a man's life to save mine."
Duncan shook his head. "It's not something I enjoy doing, but sometimes it must be done. You'll understand it all someday, far far down the road."
Andrea slipped her arms around Duncan's neck. "And until then, Peace and Happiness, right?"
Duncan nodded and lowered his head to place a kiss on Andrea's lips. He wrapped his strong arms around her and deepened the kiss. Andrea pulled away long enough to look into Duncan's big brown eyes. "Does that Happiness include you?" Andrea whispered.
"Maybe," Duncan said as he kissed Andrea again.
Parting again, Andrea gazed at Duncan with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Safety, peace, and happiness. Now, about that virginity thing...."
Duncan smiled. "Hush." He covered her mouth with his, sighed, and wondered just what tomorrow would bring.
THE END??
