Author note – I am changing the timeline to allow the film Roadhouse to occur in the year 1995 but I am re-arranging some of the events within it.
I will do a few crossovers or references to other fiction a la Wold Newton and some Greg Cox novels – some will play minor roles and others more substantial. What If the events of series 4 happened in a different order?
At the end of series 3 Duncan meets Coltec and then takes on the Dark Quickening. This is to be Richie Ryan centric with a few secondary characters.
Anything marked in parenthesis number will be explained at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 1
Max Keller pulled up his van outside the Double Deuce a smile etching across his features anticipating the night to come the cue full of beautiful ladies. Glancing over at his companion and mentor John Peter McAllister, "Remind me why were going here again?" he asked. Making sure Henry had enough food to last, having recently bought him a proper cage, silently bidding his other companion good night wandered into the club.
"Come on!" Max replied enthusiastically. "Look at them, it's gonna be a good night".
McAllister stretched; glad the wound from the shuriken had healed. "You seem to keep dragging me to these places Max. I'm not as young as I used to be you know". Max opened the door and slowly got out the van. "It's certainly been fun travelling with you though".
"Thanks" Max remarked to his friend. "Night Henry, see you in a couple of hours". The Hamster twitched his nose excitedly emitting a couple of high pitched squeaks and got into the wheel and began running. "See even Henry is excited".
The ex-Vietnam vet looked at Max and harrumphed and walked towards the club. "Are you really sure about this place?"
"It'll be great"
Kenjiro was sitting in a nightclub enjoying the music, very glad to be away from Kosmo and his agency, whatever it is and sipping the beer looked at his surroundings – lots of beautiful women, just how he liked it. The cold fizzy liquid helped relieve the tension he felt although the view helped considerably and settled down to watch several people playing pool; the larger man loosing quite badly. Women gyrated to the music and one was particularly lovely in his opinion; having blonde wavy hair and curves in all the right places. His eyes caught hers, watching as they sparkled with interest.
"C'mon Max. This looks worse than most other places we've been to"
"It's not that bad" retorted Max, face flushing slightly, knowing full well John was probably right. "Besides what's the worse that could happen?" he asked looking around expectantly for a chair to go whizzing past, face creasing in surprise when nothing happened. "You see. It'll be fine" he cried triumphantly. "I'll get you a drink" and headed towards the bar.
Denise slowly made her way over, hips swaying in time with the music noticing that the strangers' eyes followed her every movement; which she accentuated drawing yet more attention. Damn Jimmy she thought, bully! The man pulled the chair out for her, "Why don't you sit down" he asked expectantly. She smiled seductively. "Not seen you here before" she remarked. "Passin' through?"
Extending his hand, "My name's Ken. What's yours?" he quizzed as they shook hands.
"Denise" she replied and taking her hand back.
He gestured to the barmaid who appeared ready with her tray, "Can I help'ya?" she asked in her accent which contained a slight Southern drawl.
"The lady would like a drink" Ken replied gesturing to Denise, "Whatever she would like"
"Champagne?" said Denise looking in Kens' direction seeking permission to order such an expensive item.
"Of course"
"So tell me what you do for a living"
"I'm an antique dealer and I prize rare and beautiful things". Denise looked at Ken and knew the compliment was partially meant for her and smiled.
Another stranger was sitting in there brooding and angrier than hell. What he wanted more than anything was to tear the place to pieces and damn everyone inside. Why did Mac try to kill him? Richie was on his sixth beer in almost twenty minutes and had so far repulsed every woman that had attempted to seduce him. He just wasn't in the mood and wanted to fight.
"That's not right" Denise replied, both laughing at the shared joke. "Besides you shoulda seen this place a few months ago" she said draping an arm around Ken. All of a sudden the colour drained from his face, shoulders tensing. "Are you okay?" Denise asked concern evident in her voice and when he didn't reply turned to follow where his gaze was. He seemed to be looking at some old guy who didn't seem even the least bit threatening and Jimmy would wipe the floor with both of them, why did she think of Jimmy? He was repulsive to her! She looked back, astounded to find Ken standing, her arm no longer around his shoulders. She had never noticed. The old man was looking back and seemed surprised when Ken moved in the old mans' direction.
Ken sat transfixed by the sight of the old man wearing the butterfly medallion around his neck and it was definitely Japanese in origin, one of the more wayward Ninja clans to be more precise; those that had returned to the 'old ways' of assassination and bloodshed something his father had adamant in avoiding at all costs; having taught about valuing family and shared bonds and harming only when there was no choice. For a minute he couldn't think straight and ignored Denise by extending his senses to search the room for other telltale ninja presences but there were none and yet there was a surprisingly large amount of tension in the club. Something is not right, but what? Surprise showed on his face and he began to think, could this be the master who had turned on his clan? He'd heard tales on the grapevine that a gaijin had refused to follow tradition any longer and had killed many only to flee to America. He stood and walked towards the old man watching for any signs of ambush. "Hi there" he said jovially ready for the slightest sign of trouble.
McAllister noticed someone gazing at him, eyeing his medallion, this same man began to walk towards him in a non-threatening way waiting for the stranger to act first and hearing a greeting had no choice but to reply.
"Hello" replied McAllister reflexively unsure what this person wanted hoping he wasn't sent by Okasa.
"Nice medallion" said Ken. "What does it mean? Japanese isn't it?"
"What makes you say that?"
"Oh I'm an antique dealer" he replied. John watched for signs of deception but there were none.
"Any particular field?" asked McAllister trying to deflect the question.
"Anything rare, I would say it dates back to the 16th Century" shouted Ken attempting to be heard above the music.
"Perhaps" replied John defensively, "I was given it by family". Ken had had enough and decided to go for broke. Damn it all to hell he thought.
"In fact I'd say it has something to do with the ninja" said Ken watching as the stranger bristled, hoping his instincts were right yet careful to keep an eye on the bouncers; it would not do for them to get hurt by accident – they were not part of this conflict.
"What do you know of the ninja?" John growled.
"You turned on your clan" he stated, "at least that's what I heard", observing the other flush with anger.
"Did Okasa send you?" shouted John (1), "Is he here?"
Ken had the information he required without revealing his origins and quite frankly wasn't about to let a trump card slip; not if he could help it. It was then the others' arm moved faster than a snake, grabbing Ken's wrist. This has got out of hand and was about to extricate himself. "Tell me how you know this?" pleaded John, eye still showing anger.
"Maybe you should tell me who are first"
"My name is John Peter McAllister"
"Kenjiro Sakura" he replied extending a hand in friendship and watched as the other Ninja masters' anger dissolved at the mention of the name.
"Are you the son of Goeman Sakura?"
"I am. He died a few years ago" Ken replied wistfully. It was then that Denise made her way in their direction.
"I think your date is coming"
"Oh….er, she's not my date. I met her here"
It was at this point that one of the bouncers ran in, "Red's place is on fire" and what another went rushing out. Many of those inside the club followed shortly thereafter, eager to see what was happening. Dalton ran towards Red's shop, having to slow down briefly due to the heat; he was then thrown high in the air as the building exploded. The surrounding firemen had also backed off, seeing that the obvious was about to happen, crouching hidden behind their machines.
The fire shouted its anger and rage to all who could hear, billowing out with the smoke that was visible for miles around – yet despite all the heat the atmosphere outside the club became somewhat chilly, sombre morbid. A pickup truck pulled up and faces that were once full of sadness and remorse were once more full of joy at seeing their friend alive; Red emerged from his truck and threw his cap on the floor in anger, face contorting.
The anger of the fireball that was once his shop was unable to match that of its proprietor.
Eventually the firemen asked those present to back away while they attempted to contain the fire, or go home. Some returned to the club, not many, to see a familiar figure sitting at a bar – Brad Wesley. He wore ivory coloured trousers and jacket with a red shirt.
"It's a shame to see the firemen wasting their time with a no good swindler like Red, putting that fire out. I ought to buy them a drink. Whisky please", the barman looked at Dalton who nodded his assent. "Thank you" he acknowledged. "Elvis, play something with balls!"
It was then that Denise began to dance, stripping in the process.
"What's your problem!" shouted Richie in Tinys' direction unaware who he was working for. "I told you to leave me alone"
"Maybe I don't wanna leave you alone" Tiny goaded and pushed the young immortal knocking him from the bar stool. Richie stood face getting redder, unable to contain the violence that erupted as he instantly lashed out with two vicious punches to the guys' jaw sending the fat man reeling to one knee which he followed up with a swift kick. As it connected teeth exploded in all directions followed by blood, leaving an ever growing pool where the victim lay.
Unimpressed Wesley shouted for his lieutenant. "Jimmy!"
A man swaggered down the steps, arrogance in his manner and attitude and threw a bottle of beer on the ground, the contents splashing against chairs and peoples' trousers while continuing to brandish a pool cue.
The bouncers looked at one man in the corner, well dressed with long hair who nodded. Five bouncers surrounded the man. They looked again at the same man, who again nodded as they closed the circle and began to attack. An old man with long grey hair had grabbed Richie, "I think you need to take it outside".
Pulling his arm away, "Don't tell me what I need". It was then another external influence took a hand in the situation.
"Richie. Is that you?" The young ninja remarked. It was then that several others all working for Brad began to surround the bouncers, trapping them with Jimmy in the middle. Both Master Ninjas watched the events unfold and could see it was going to get ugly really quickly. The young immortal looked at the voice. "Max. What the hell are you doing here?"
Max looked at his old friend, "I think that guy needs an ambulance" he said. Then jerking a thumb in the direction of Wade Garret "Who's this guy?"
"Some bouncer" spat Richie. "Being a pain in the ass too"
Wade was about to escort the young drunk out at least until he saw that most of the bouncers were either unconscious or bleeding profusely lying near the feet of the thug with the pool cue. From the middle of the dance floor Jimmy shouted, pointing in his direction – "You!"
"Later kid" said Wade and walked towards Jimmy's challenge.
Ken went left and John went right, splitting their attack patterns. As his opponent threw a vicious right hook Ken spun underneath and executed a kidney atemi leaving the victim semiconscious, but certainly out of the fight. McAllister went for the nearest of Wesley's employees; a lean man in his early thirties wearing a dagger at his belt. "C'mon pops" growled the man drawing the weapon from the sheath.
John face was a mask of disappointment "You don't have to do this. Follow your heart"
"I am old man, the strong rule" replied the man, unaware Wesley could hear everything - a Cheshire cat grin splitting his features.
"I was afraid you'd say that"
"Time to die" he said and attempted to kill the Ninja master, unknowing that his action was sheer folly, never seeing the strike that robbed consciousness from him.
On the dance floor Wade was taking a beating – Jimmy had him a stranglehold. Using one elbow and then the other to strike Jimmy in the ribs, weakening the grip sufficiently threw the opponent over his shoulder. Jimmy instantly countered on hitting the floor and kicked Wade, seeing a weakness as the older man stumbled, holding a damaged leg protectively. Taking the opportunity he lashed out two roundhouse kicks one to Wades' good leg and then his bad – seeing the man stumble again. Forcing the advantage he threw a few more kicks followed and some punches knocking Wade to the ground.
Elsewhere within the club two youths were clearing a fairly convincing circle around them - Richie was having a good time, glad that it had not been necessary to beat up the old man with long hair.
Although judging by the way he'd held up against the guy with the earring, the man was capable enough. He couldn't believe his friend Max, he moved like the old man with the medallion, style, grace and destructive power. What is going on here?
"Hey Richie, it's been a long time since we fought side by side"
Ducking a couple of very poor swings and hitting the unknown assailant in guts who doubled over in agony; dancing out of the way at the last moment as several pints of beer erupted from the mans stomach. "That's disgusting!" shouted Richie.
Wade looked up at Jimmy who was about to use the coup de grace, the axe kick beginning its journey only to be interrupted by Dalton; catching the limb. "You're such an asshole" he spat and threw the leg away, both opponents squaring off. McAllister saw the well dressed man with a ruddy face, the same one who had shouted to Jimmy earlier, draw a revolver. He whisked a shuriken from an inside pocket which was thrown across the room, embedding in the hand holding the firearm. The gun clattering to the floor uselessly – "Aaaaah!" cried Wesley, left hand holding his right protectively.
Dalton 'let fly' some combinations of punches and kicks, connecting in a few instances. Unfortunately he never noticed as someone hit the back of his head with a bottle of beer. "You're all mine boy" Jimmy taunted kicking Dalton in the body repeatedly, hearing the satisfied crack as a couple of ribs fractured; laughing as his opponent screamed in pain.
McAllister stepped forward "Why don't you try fighting me?"
Jimmy stepped towards the old man with the strange medallion. "You think you can take me, old man!" he replied scornfully. McAllister saw the younger Ninja Master approach, where he'd been standing moments earlier was surrounded by prone forms, finally appearing next to John. All the fighting had stopped to watch Wades' and finally Daltons' confrontation with Jimmy.
The 'Cooler' of the Double Deuce rose, wincing very briefly from the pain, acknowledging it but not letting it control him; using a nearby table to help him rise at least until Wade grabbed one of his arms. "He's mine!" shouted Dalton his face a mask of anger.
McAllister placed a steadying hand on his arm, "You're in no condition to fight" he cautioned. "Let me handle this". Jimmy laughed in the middle of the dance floor, "Oooooh, afraid to face me?" he taunted, laughing at Daltons' weakness.
"Let me go" said Dalton attempting to shrug off Wade, his closest friend. McAllister shook his head and kept his hand in place restraining Dalton.
"Don't be a fool. He's manipulating you into fighting" hissed McAllister in warning.
"Listen to him Mi'ho" urged Wade trying to pull Dalton out of the way. He placed a hand on John's shoulder, "Give him hell"
The Ninja Master smiled, "I will" he promised and took a step towards Jimmy.
Jimmy raised his fists and began to throw combinations at John, none of which connected with his chosen target - most were blocked, the others the older man avoided with ease. It was then Jimmy was on the back foot as McAllister attacked as punch after punch connected, followed by kick after kick. Weariness took over as he limped back a step blood dripping from his nose, wiping it with a free hand. "I'm gonna kill you!"
"Not being too successful so far" answered McAllister wryly and with his finger tapped a pressure point on his opponents head connecting with the force of a punch; knocking Jimmy unconscious. People looked on in awe while Brad Wesley's face showed insane anger. "Who is that guy?" asked Richie wiping blood of his knuckles on a nearby napkin. Max grinned happily, "He's a friend"
"You know him?" inquired the young immortal incredulously.
"Sure we're travelling together. He's looking for his daughter"
"I thought Mac was good but that was incredible" said Richie in awe. Their conversation was interrupted.
"Wesley. Time for you to leave" shouted Dalton tendons and veins standing out on his neck.
Minutes later, "This place is a mess" remarked McAllister straightening a table. "Time to go Max" and began walking to the door.
"You're not going so soon?" asked Wade helping Dalton to sit who winced. "Cos' anybody that makes junior here" he said pointing at his friend "look like an amateur I want to be on the good side of" he smirked. McAllister smiled despite himself. "Are you staying in town for a while?"
"We're not going anywhere" remarked the Ninja Master and exited the club with Max and Kenjiro in tow, "Wait for me will'ya" shouted Richie following them from the club.
Within an hour they had found a Motel to stay in, it's certainly not the Ritz Max thought, but then they rarely were. Another half hour later they all had rooms and were asleep.
Richie looked at the clock almost lunch time and got out of bed, rubbing the 'sleep' from his eyes, and after ten minutes finally decided to get out of bed. Max woke to the sound of pots banging downstairs. Richie must be up and slowly rose from bed smelling the stale smoke on his clothes made for his shower. After Richie had done a sword workout taught to him by Mac, he rolled the name around on his tongue, speaking it out loud several times, it left a bitter taste in his mouth, betrayal at having lost a friend, mentor; but he could always go to Joe's Bar. Sweat dripped from his face, so slipping off the dirty clothes headed for the shower.
Max knocked on Richie's door, "I'm heading downstairs if you're coming?"
Richie who only had a towel wrapped around his waist – "No problem" he replied, "I'll be down in a minute". When Max Keller got downstairs McAllister was talking to another man, the one who had been at the club last night, both seemed to waiting for the others to join them although the aroma of coffee and toast wafted from the table. "Morning Max, didn't think you were ever going to get up"
"Need my beauty sleep. I'm Max Keller by the way?"
"This is Kenjiro. A Ninja Master" said McAllister
"Like you? Not sent by Okasa?" inquired Max worriedly.
John took a sip of coffee and then placed the cup down before he spoke again. "No, his family were never like the clan I was involved with. They turned their back on the 'old ways' almost three centuries ago choosing a peaceful existence. Using their skills only when the family was in danger"
"Really?!" remarked Henry's owner incredulously. "Didn't the others try to stop them?" Max looked at either for answer but they were interrupted by Riche walking down the stairs.
Richie smelled coffee and after last night his head was still thumping and rubbing tired eyes walked down the stairs with his bike helmet under one arm and gripping the rail for extra support, glad for immortal healing; all wounds from the night before were gone. "Great breakfast, I'm starving!"
Max passed a menu to his old friend, unaware of the changes in Richies' life to date, and sat waiting for the waitress t arrive again. "So how'd you do that last night anyway? Mac" began Richie, "Well an ex-friend of mine I thought was good, but that was phenomenal"
The waitress came over, "Can I take your orders" she requested standing there chewing gum holding a pad and pen ready.
"Can I have a full fried breakfast with a refill of coffee. Max?"
He waved off the offer of the menu from his friend, "I'll have the same with some orange juice"
"Actually can you make that two?" asked Richie confirming the number by holding up two fingers. While she wrote that down she turned and looked at the McAllister and Ken, "Anymore toast?"
"Sure why not" replied Ken, John nodded too.
After brief introductions were made over coffee Richie was looking a little annoyed. "You've still not told me how" he paused, "you know last night". Ken took a mouthful of toast and washed it down with some coffee, screwing his face up at the taste, "Let's just say we've studied the martial arts a long time"
"So had my ex-friend, Mac" remarked Richie that sour taste returning to his mouth putting him off breakfast slightly, "but you guys were something else". The young immortal noticed that McAllister nodded at the Ken almost imperceptibly, "Okay I get it I'm not supposed to know". The breakfast hall was empty except for them and Ken turned to Richie, "Both me and John are Ninja" he whispered conspiratorially, smirking slightly.
"Seriously? I thought they were myth and fantasy"
"Most people who say they know one are usually lying. We prefer people think of us that way" answered Ken wiping some toast from around his mouth. "It's not like learning Karate or Kung fu" (2) said Ken authoritatively. "They are not complete arts in themselves. Although there are a lot of myths suggesting that Ninjitsu and the Shaolin are closer to the source of all the martial arts; but they are mostly myths"
The young immortal had not even touched his breakfast he was that enthralled. "Do you want a pupil?" he joked. McAllister looked at Richie, "Possibly" he answered taking a mouthful of toast.
"Serious?"
"I've almost finished training Max, so he might be willing to help you". Max groaned inwardly thinking about training another so soon. Over the years Okasa had never left them alone, McAllister bested him time after time and yet the ninja was relentless in his pursuit. As Max's training increased he begun to fight Okasa instead, trying to protect the older man, his mentor, in the earlier years he'd lost most confrontations – yet as time went on Max was triumphant more and more and holding to McAllisters' tradition always let Okasa live. Max thought the Okasa secretly wanted death yet was unwilling to commit suicide, seeking it through another he deemed worthy.
"That would be sweet" remarked Richie enthusiastically.
After breakfast they walked through the town enjoying the sunshine. They saw a crowd outside a car dealership and by the side was a huge 4 x 4 vehicle towering over the others, a monster truck. Approaching slowy the Ninja Masters surveyed the scene taking in information faster than most Special Forces were capable of. McAllister could see the man called Wesley from last nigh, a bandage on his right hand, there with Jimmy the knife wielding thug and a couple of others.
"I think we need stop this" remarked Ken picking up his pace. They saw another open top truck go by with Dalton and his friend from last night. "You want to tell me what is going here" said McAllister angrily and their approach caused the thugs from last night to back off warily.
"What have they ever done to you?" murmured Richie eager to draw his sword.
"Are you going to turn against me too Jeremiah!" shouted Wesley directing the comment at some slightly overweight car dealer in light blue suit and an awful tie.
Walking forward Wesley stopped and placed his hands on his hips. "What re you going to do about it eh?" It was at this point Dalton charged through the crowd, "Wesley don't do this" he pleaded.
"Jimmy drive" shouted Wesley enjoying the thrill of power, something he possessed and the inhabitants did not. He laughed ruthlessly.
Kenjiro reached into a pocket and threw a spherical silver grenade, it sailed through the open window and smashed on the underside of the roof as a grey smoke filling the vehicle and before the occupant could escape it was too late. Within moments Jimmy had passed out.
Wesley was enraged, "Aaaaaaaaa!" he screamed in rage. "Don't just stand there!" he bellowed. The one with the knife looked about to reach for a gun but McAllister was quicker, "I wouldn't" he cautioned holding a shuriken threateningly. "I suggest you leave" he said advancing.
Dalton stood aside McAllister "It's over Wesley, leave!"
"Not on your life!" he raged impotently.
Within minutes Wesley had left with his entourage while Wade was standing next to Elizabeth Clay who had accompanied both him and Dalton on a trip out. He pushed his long hair away from his eyes and looking at McAllister "I still don't know who you are but I like your style"
Dalton looked extremely thankful that nothing serious had transpired "Who are you?"
"I think we need to talk" said Wade. An agreement quickly reached to meet at Dalton's place in two hours. The trio of ninjas were outside Dalton's place, still waiting for him to return, the young immortal had been stuck to them like glue. "Wonder how long he's going to be?" said Richie thinking out loud. Max leaned on a fence and stroked the nose of a horse which neighed and snorted happily. "Dunno, but may as well enjoy the sunshine"
"It is rather pleasant here" remarked McAllister, "I can see why he chose it"
It was then they saw a reflection off glass from one of Wesley's open windows, all the ninjas made a break for it – diving for cover. Realisation suddenly dawned on Richie, what they had seen and he hadn't at least not until last minute - a laser sight tracking McAllister, shining on the older master. Running as fast as possible seeking to cover the distance to obstruct the path of the bullet if it hit them it would be fatal, but not for him and he dived at just the right moment as a crack of a rifle shook the calm afternoon air - causing birds to take to the air in fear and the horses to rear in their pen.
From the window Wesley laughed uproariously, ruddy cheeks and eyes alive with mirth and malice. He was a little annoyed they'd missed the selected target, but as long as one of them died it would serve as a lesson. He took another drunk of his Bloody Mary and sat down happily. "Get rid of the rifle" he told the shooter.
"I will" replied Jimmy and set off to lose the evidence.
They heard Richie gurgle and gasp obviously in pain, and Max learnt over a hay bale to see the pale pasty face of his friend lying face down on the floor, a large blood stain on the back of white t-shirt near the heart. "Richie" shouted McAllister rising very briefly to check the danger was passed.
The younger Ninja Master rose too – "Max get to the van and start the engine we need to get him to a hospital fast. John can you open the doors and I'll carry him"
"Sounds like a plan" he replied and they each sought to aid the immortal unknown all their actions were unnecessary. Once in the van John leant on the wound attempting to staunch the flow, which oddly seemed almost non-existent. "It'll be okay" Richie coughed as he died.
"Damn!" shouted John. "We need to pay Wesley a visit. Tonight"
"I agree" echoed Ken.
Max thumped the wheel in anger. "Son of a ……" he shouted and heard some squeals from a nearby hamster. "Sorry Henry" he apologised. "Didn't mean to scare you boy"
They drove in silence for a while all lost in thought.
Dalton saw a van speed past it looked like Max's "They're certainly in a rush" said Elizabeth pushing back her hair with a free hand, the other on the wheel, as the breeze whipped in the open topped jeep.
Wade copied her movement his long hair kept getting in his eyes. "Sure is a nice car you got doc". She turned to look back at older 'cooler' and smiled showing perfect white teeth, "Thanks" she said and continued to drive to Dalton's apartment. When they arrived they found tracks on the floor and blood.
"What the hell happened here?"
"Emmett" shouted Dalton in concern. "Emmett!"
Emmett's truck pulled up and Dalton ran up to it overjoyed. "You're alive!" he shouted. The farmer climbed out and raised an eyebrow quizzically, "What did you expect?" he said sarcastically, "a dead body?"
Wade seemed about to say something but Elizabeth interrupted him, "We found blood and assumed the worst". He ran quickly to where Wade was squatting.
"Where?" he inquired urgently and saw a red patch on the ground. "It's certainly not mine. The horses!" Emmett cried in alarm charging into the barn. They followed him into the barn.
"I can't see any blood" said Wade. "What 'bout you doc?"
"Nothing here"
"Nothing" said Dalton in alarm. "Are they all here?"
"I think so" said Emmett removing his hat and scratching his beard thoughtfully.
"Yes. Do you think Wesley could have taken any?"
Emmett walked around the horses and began a head count, the others stood and watched, all of them anxious. "Nope, they're all there" he said in delight.
All of a sudden coughing shook the van as Richie sat up. "I hate that part" he said and began another fit of coughing. McAllister reached up to Max placing a hand on his shoulder. "What the hell?"
"Stop the van" the budding Ninja Master asked rhetorically.
John nodded "Stop the van" he remarked. Max applied the breaks and came to an emergency stop. Slowly Richie sat up and using his right hand began to sit upright. "Are you okay" inquired Kenjiro feeling it to be a stupid question, yet not at the same time.
"The bastard shot me!" he uttered in frustration. "The bastard actually shot me" and opened the side door of the van. He pushed his legs out and stood upright taking in a lungful f air. "He's ruined a perfectly a good t-shirt too" the young immortal moaned in exasperation.
"You want to tell me what the hell happened?" asked Ken equally frustrated yet relieved Richie seemed to be alive. McAllister got out with the van with Richie seeing that he seemed to completely unharmed, "And why you carry a sword around with you all the time". Richie turned around, feeling a little bit persecuted. Ninja's were asking why he carried a sword. Pot and kettle he thought. "Its better you don't know" he remarked.
"Don't you think we are capable of deciding that" said Henry's owner. "After all you do want us to part with our secrets" reminded Max gently.
"Quite. It is only fair you share yours" said Ken who thought about manipulating Richie to get the information, but he was actually beginning to like him and would feel bad about betraying a friend in such a way. "People do not rise from the dead like that"
"The last time was about two thousand years ago" recited Max jovially. "At least the last time I went to Sunday school". Richie turned to Max and saw that Ken was sitting half in and half out the van, legs dangling. "It happens more often than you believe" he said authoritatively and pulled his sword out allowing the light play across it. "If you must know I'm immortal"
Richie was explaining about immortality, although no mention was made of decapitation. Didn't want that little secret getting out, at least not yet he thought and let it all sink in. "I once knew a Ninja Master" said McAllister trying to recall the details, "he had some kind of X shaped flap in his stomach. He claimed to be over two hundred years old". Richie's face creased in thought, having no idea what McAllister was referring to and pulling up his t-shit showed no markings at all. "I think that is different" he said bewildered.
Kenjiro was thinking, not about Richie rising from the dead but about Wesley. "I need to make a call"
"What do you have a mind?"
"I have a friend who works for the government and I think we should gather some evidence on Wesley"
"Okay. But how's that going to help?" asked Richie.
"Going to order some equipment which I think we should place at Wesley's and when the evidence is gathered and then watch him get arrested"
"What about the police?" inquired the immortal.
"He probably owns most of those" stated Max and waving a hand between him and John. "We've got experience of that"
"How soon before your equipment gets here"
"Knowing Kosmo about two hours and then go in at night as planned. We need to get Richie out of town and somewhere safe, temporarily"
Ken sat there, checking his watch constantly. He's late he thought, by seven minutes, he's never that tardy. He could see an apporaching van in the dtance, a spec that gradually crept closer. The driver handed over the kit without really speaking and left. Ken opened each box to check it was all there.
"Richie you stay behind" said McAllister. "Max I need to stay with him and make sure Wesley never finds out he's alive".
"We won't be long" reassured Ken, both all masked and made their way towards Wesley's house. Unseen and unheard bugs were planted and draws searched, not that it would have mattered for all the occupants were sleeping soundly.
Emerging back at Max's van both Ninja Masters seemed happy, McAllister even more so, having taken copies of some of Wesleys banking information and other such information. "What now?" asked Richie, "You going to pass that information onto the authorities?"
"Absolutely"
In the morning they went to Daltons', finding him in the middle of a kung fu kata. Wade leant against a tree, "You done yet?" he inquired sarcastically. Dalton smiled, taking his concentration off his routine and nearly stumbled which caused the older 'cooler' to laugh out loud. Both heard and saw Max's van pull up although Richie remained inside.
Pushing off the tree Wade made his second sarcastic remark in two minutes.
"Wondered when you'd get here. What happened to yesterday?"
"We had a little set back on that"
"Mmmmmm" communicated Wade doubtfully. "Somebody die or summit?"
"Richie leant forward slightly. "Yeah, they think I'm dead. One of them took a pot shot at me yesterday"
"You're kiddin' me?"
"Nope" answered Richie. "Clipped me"
"What you doing bout it?" Wade moved forward and Dalton was at his side. "Junior here is set for marching across and kicking seven bells out of him"
"No need" replied the elderly Ninja Master.
"Place is bugged to high heaven" said Max gleefully. "We're waiting for the government to move in and arrest him"
"Have you got proof?" asked Dalton.
"You could say that" said Richie gleefully. "Can you believe it? He kept records of who paid what and when. Thought he was untouchable"
"That's pretty dumb" said Wade tactfully. "You sure they're genuine?"
"Doesn't matter" said the eldest Ninja. "The bugs will pick up any evidence required"
Wade shook his head. "You see, using your brains" he teased. "Better ways to go about things than all guns blazing". Dalton smiled while his friend carried on jibing him. "Perhaps you might learn something. Possibly live a bit longer"
"Are you staying on a while?"
Max looked at McAllister who nodded. "Sure Dalton. Besides I want to see his face. Watch 'im squirm when he's arrested"
"Where did you learn all that stuff?" asked Wade.
Discussion continued way into the afternoon as the sun shone, horses neighed appreciatively at being fed and stroked. Ken explained a little of what they were, fragments, discussing the training sparingly.
About 7pm, Elizabeth Clay arrived just in time as half a dozen unmarked cars screeched to a halt outside Wesley's home, accompanied by a dozen cars belonging to the Sheriff who were above and beyond the local police. Wesley looked pig sick, being led out by obviously government officers.
"You weren't kidding"
"Not one bit Wade" replied Ken. "I like to keep my promises"
Kosmo pulled up half an hour later and told Ken and the others that no bail would be given to any of Wesley's employees and the trials would be short and sweet.
(1). In the series The Master McAllister never made a secret of the fact that he was a ninja.
(2). I am using Ninja in sense of being Masters of the Martial Arts, like in many examples of pulp fiction.
