Disclaimer: Highlander belongs to Davis/Panzer. They are being borrowed and returned hopefully in about the same shape they were taken in. Jeff, Emmy, and just about everyone else, belong to me. You can use them if you like, just return them please.

Chapter 25

Rick had felt ill at ease all afternoon. He had the feeling that he was being watched. After a couple hours of this, he let Mike and Manuel that know he was heading out. He went to his office and retrieved his jacket and sword, though it was much too hot for the former item. He was on his bike and heading to Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens in no time at all. The Gardens, or Cemetery, was only five minutes from his shop on McGregor Street. He often went there when he needed a moment of peace. Cemeteries seemed an easier place for him to visit for peace than churches did in Florida. He was, after all, in the heart of the Bible belt. He stopped right on the edge, parked his bike, and went inside the grounds. He walked around, looking at the many statues that lined the streets of this beautiful resting place for those who had served their country, and those who loved them.

He scanned the outer rim, looking for a car, a truck, or any other vehicle that might indicate someone had followed him. He was not disappointed. A man began to walk towards him, and soon he felt the familiar buzz of another Immortal.

The man continued to approach until he was only a few feet away. He carried his coat slung over his arms. He looked hot, and a bit irritated with the heat. He spoke, however, with the manner of one who tries hard to disguise his discomfort.

"Wonderful thing, Holy Ground. It gives us a chance to talk without needing to take each other's heads."

"What do you want?" Rick asked, glaring at him.

"Me? Oh nothing much. I just want to know why you were talking with Marcus this morning."

Rick raised his eyebrows with haughty disdain. "You're not Edward?"

"Edward? Who is that?" the other man asked.

"The homicidal maniac who's been killing mortals around town."

"Ah, so it is an Immortal doing those killings. Terrible waste of life."

"I haven't seen you around here before," Rick said, eyes narrowing.

"No, you wouldn't. I move around a lot, and there's no way I'd stay in this unbearable heat. No, I'm here simply visiting."

"You plan on trying for Marcus' head?" Rick asked, crossing his arms in front of him.

"Perhaps, perhaps not. What business is it of yours?"

"This is, as we say, my turf. I've sort of gained control of it. Sort of like an Immortal kingpin. I like to know what's happening in my area. And I want to know why you were following me, if your business is with Marcus."

For just an instant, the other man's eyes widened, then he slipped coolness on like a cloak and sighed. "I wasn't exactly following you. I lost Marcus' trail at your store and figured, well, you'd lead me to him. Instead you brought me here."

"Sorry. I'm not Marcus' puppy. I don't go looking for him anytime I'm in danger. So if you want to find Marcus, you do it on your own. Or we can step off Holy Ground, and I can end your search."

"Tsk, tsk, Mr. Cloud, I'm not here to take your head. Do not tempt me. If you do happen to run into Marcus, tell him Damien says hello," and he began to walk back toward the parking area.

"Damien," Rick called after him. The other man turned back around to look at him. "If I hear anything about you killing anyone in this area, you won't be finding Marcus. I'll just be finding you."

Damien simply smiled, nodded in acknowledgement, and continued on his way. "When did this city suddenly become the stomping ground of headhunting Immortals?" Rick asked the air in front of him. He had not had this much trouble with them since his first year or so of living here, and now they were crawling out of the woodwork like flies.