Chapter Twenty Nine
That afternoon when Egan came to visit Joe he ordered Methos outside and closed the door. He started with, "Guess what?"
Still in restraints, Joe refused to acknowledge him looking at the far wall in silence.
Egan sat on Joe's bed and told him, "After your bar burned down they couldn't find the cause. Imagine that." Smiling wickedly he continued, "I've ordered the charred remains gutted and the property sold."
"You bastard Egan!" said Joe struggling to reach out. "What do you want?"
"I'm trying to find out more about this gathering and what it means for watchers." Stated Egan, "And I want you to tell me."
"This may come as a shock, Egan but I'm not immortal and I don't know anything," declared Joe with an anger he could only voice.
While maintaining the appearance of patience Egan asked, "You were close to MacLeod before he left what did he tell you?"
Joe kept silent shaking his head no. Egan tried a different tactic. He asked, "Where are Duncan MacLeod and his companion going?"
Joe answered slowly, "I only knew they were going to London. Past that I couldn't guess."
Grabbing his gown Egan demanded, "What does MacLeod know? What did the Grand Immortal reveal?"
"Nothing!" Joe answered angrily.
Getting up to leave Egan ordered, "Every time you don't corporate with me expect half rations and no visitors."
"Solitary confinement I can handle it." He replied with confidence.
Egan said, "Tomorrow you will tell me what I want to know or Amy will suffer." He went to the door.
Giving in Joe said, "Wait Egan, come here."
Egan came back to the bed looking egger and asked, "What are you going to talk?"
Sounding weak Joe said, "Lean closer." Egan leaned closer and waited.
Smiling with hostility Joe answered, "I'll tell you what you want to know when I can walk out of here and go back to my bar." He then and spat at Egan.
He wiped away the spit and stood up. Smiling back menacingly, he stated, "I'll never let you go."
Leaving additional orders to the guard he said, "Allow half rations and no visitors for three days!" As Egan marched down the hall and no one dared to look his way.
The guard motioned to Methos, "No more visitors today."
Looking at Joe with tolerance Methos said, "You don't have to provoke him like that."
Feeling hopeless Joe said back, "I can't help it. He irritates me and he is one step away from crazy."
With the door firmly shut and locked Methos knew it was back to work with the new immortal recruits.
The upstairs guard reported to Egan, "This isn't working Sir. He will never talk."
"He will trip up soon." Egan assured him. Going back to his private room, he went to work reading the latest reports and account statements.
It was late at night when Amy slipped into her father's room. He was asleep but she had to awaken him.
Softly she touched his cheek and whispered in his ear, "Joe, wake up, I have to talk to you."
He came awake with a start and looked at her. Trying to sound mad but instead his eyes began to tear up. He said, "Amy what are you doing here?"
"I had to see you." She told him as her eyes began to tear up as well. "I wanted you to stay out of this. That's why I told MacLeod I wanted you to quit the watchers."
His lip trembled as he said, "Honey you know I can't do that."
She leaned her head on his chest and cried, "Why do you have to be a hero wasn't Vietnam enough?"
Joe could not hold back any longer he asked her, "Amy untie my hands so I can hold you."
Amy sat up and shook her head, "No I can't stay. I just needed to see you for a moment. If Egan wakes up and finds me gone he'll be angry."
"What! You're sleeping with that guy?" He felt his rage build more then he thought possible.
"Joe please quiet down and yes I love him." She told him seeing his eyes lose hope.
Then she touched his cheek again, "I love you too."
He bit his lip trying not to cry, "I love you Amy." His eyes locked onto hers and he understood her position.
She was the only one keeping Egan from killing him. He told her urgently, "Amy don't you let Egan control you. If he threatens me don't give in." He stared at her in the dim light.
"I can't do that." She said with sorrow. "You're my dad." Taking his hand, she squeezed it then said, "I have to go now." Looking at him on more time, she stood up.
Joe's heart tore apart inside, "Amy don't go yet please?"
She leaned down to kiss him, "I'll try and come see you again."
They both tried not to cry knowing how precious the moment was.
At the door, she turned around and looked at her father tied to a bed unable to get up on his own. It broke her heart to see him that way.
"Good bye father." She said quietly.
Closing the door after her, she wiped her tears as she made her way down the hall. In Joe's room came the sound of his quiet weeping.
.
