Chapter 7
Duncan and Fitz were walking back to the barge after a good meal and a few too many drinks they had their arms around each other to steady themselves and were singing songs they had learnt long ago. Fitz had his pipe clamped in the side of his mouth but it had grown cold, Fitz stopped suddenly. He was nearly pulled over by Duncan as he continued to walk forward "Be careful Laddie.you nearly had me over," Fitz said as he fumbled with a box of matches that he had retrieved from his jacket pocket. After several attempts he managed to light one and put it to his pipe, drawing air through until the tobacco caught alight "Say MacLeod.Do you think Alex could be interested in me?" Fitz said as he stumbled over to where Duncan was leaning on the back of a seat "That just it Fitz.old boy she doesn't know what interests her.she's lost her memory.remember".
"Oh yes I forgot" Fitz said as he nearly fell over laughing, Duncan took hold of his arm to steady him "Come on one drink and then you go home" Duncan said as he led Fitz towards the barge. They had just got to the steps down that led down to where the barge was moored when they both felt the presence of an Immortal, they both looked at each other, then the sound of swords filtered up to their ears. The two Immortals seem to sober up instantly as they both followed the sound of the sword fighting towards the tunnel, their hands instinctively went to their swords that were concealed in their coats. As they got nearer Duncan could just recognised Methos in the dim street lighting "Adam?" as Duncan spoke Methos plunged his sword deep into the chest of his opponent, who fell to his knees.
Methos pulled his sword out and turned to check who was behind him before he took the head, that was all the distraction the other Immortal needed, somehow he managed to find the strength to get to his feet and run to the river edge throwing himself in. "Damn it" Methos said as he rushed over to the waters edge but the other Immortal had sunk beneath the cold dark waters of the Seine.
Duncan walked quickly over to Methos "So who was it?" he said looking into the water, Methos turned to look at him "How the hell should I know?"
"Well you were the one fighting him" Duncan replied as he put his hands on his hips.
"There wasn't time for introductions before he attacked me.I was coming to see you and as I walked onto the barge he came out of the shadows and we ended up down here" Methos said gesturing towards the tunnels, it was then that Methos realised that Duncan wasn't alone, Duncan followed his gaze "Oh yes.let me introduce Hugh Fitzcairn a good friend of mine.Fitz this is Adam Pierson another good friend". Hugh and Methos shook hands "It's always a pleasure to meet one of MacLeod's friends" Fitz said.
"Alex!" Duncan suddenly said as he started to walk towards the barge "What?" the others said in unison "you said he came from the barge.from inside?"
"I don't think so" Methos replied hurrying after Duncan. The three Immortals entered the barge the door had still been locked so Duncan relaxed; the only light in the room was from a lamp beside Duncan's bed. They all could see that Alex was asleep on the couch, Duncan put his finger to his lips to make sure that the others didn't wake her, he then pointed to the table. Methos and Fitz went over to the table and sat down Duncan picked up the bottle of brandy and three glasses from the side before joining them. After he had poured them all a drink Duncan was about to speak but Methos beat him to it "Look I know you have a soft spot for her but tonight has got to prove to you that she's trouble" Methos said in a hushed voice, Duncan shook his head "No all it proves is an Immortal was hanging around the barge and wanted to take the head of any Immortal who crossed his path.we have no proof he was her for Alex" Duncan took a sip of his brandy "anyway what are you doing here so late?"
"I came to see if you had any luck at the Embassy today.I've tried every trick I can think of but I haven't been able to get passed the classified status on her files".
"The Embassy's computer system went down so we can't find out anything until they're working again.I don't suppose what you've been up to would have caused it?" Methos thought for a moment "No.no it wouldn't have I was linked to computers in the England not through the Embassy system".
"So what are you going to do with her now Laddie?" Fitz asked after he had drained his glass. Duncan rubbed his forehead "Wait I suppose.the lady at the Embassy said she would check as soon as the computers came back online" Duncan refilled Fitz's glass "this other Immortal" Duncan whispered as he leaned closer to Methos "do you think you'd recognise him again?"
Methos sat back in his chair "What going on in that head of ours?" Methos asked suspiciously "why don't you see if you can find him on the Watcher database.at least we'll know who we're dealing with"
"WE!" exclaimed Methos "this has got nothing to do with me?" Duncan leant forward his elbows on the table "Oh yes it does you're the one who fought him remember.now he knows your face he might come back for another shot" Methos finished his drink "I doubt it.whoever he is.he's not very good with a sword.anyway he was on your barge wasn't he".
Fitz raised his hands "Gentlemen.Gentlemen let us not forget there is a lady that needs our help" both Duncan and Methos turned to look at him but before anyone could say anymore their attention was drawn to the couch, Alex was becoming agitated, she was also speaking but what she was saying was unclear Duncan got up "NO.NO.your not going to die.Phil do you hear me.hang in there" Alex started shouting, Duncan went to the couch "Shhh.Alex it's all right" he said as he gently stroked her face Alex stopped speaking but from her body movements it was clear that she was still in the grip of the nightmare. Duncan was just about to get to his feet when Alex cried out "OH MY GOD NO" and her eyes shot open, as her eyes locked on to Duncan's he could see them fill with tears "Oh Duncan!" Alex said as flung her arms around his neck; Methos and Fitz could see the surprise in Duncan's eyes. Fitz tapped Methos on the arm "I think we should make a discreet exit dear boy" Methos looked from Duncan to Fitz "Do you always talk like that?" Methos asked as he got to his feet "I have no idea what your talking about my good fellow" Fitz said as he followed Methos to the door near the bed, they both looked back at Duncan as they got to the door, he mouthed that he would call them in the morning, Fitz took his pipe from his pocket as he followed Methos onto the deck.
With the others gone Duncan slowly pulled away his hands cupping her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away her tears "what happened.what did you see?" Alex went to pull away "no.not this time.I want you to tell me what you saw?" Duncan could see from her eyes that she didn't want to remember what she had seen; he stroked her hair with his right hand "I know it's painful but it might just help us find out who you are" Alex nodded and smiled weakly "Ok.it started as I went through a door into a large dark room.there was a man with me.the door closed behind us.then.then."
"It's ok take your time" Duncan said softly as he knelt in front of her "then I went one way and Phil went the other.then there was several gun shots.the next thing.Phil was laying in my arms.there's.there's blood everywhere" Alex wiped tears from her face "I could see him talking but I couldn't hear what he was saying.then h.his eyes grew cold and empty.then I woke up". Duncan leant forward and put his arms around her as her body shook as she collapsed into waves of tears. Alex couldn't see the worried look on Duncan's face as he realised from her description of the dying man's eyes that she could only have known that if she had actually seen him die but he wasn't going to share this fact with her, well not yet.
Alex pulled back from Duncan's embrace wiping the tears from her face, her eyes looking deep into his, Alex moved forward she ran her hands through his hair and went to pull him to her but Duncan hesitated his hands going to her face "are you sure you want this?" he asked. Alex smiled and nodded "It's the only thing I do know for sure" Duncan then allowed himself to be pulled to her, their lips met lightly at first until he was sure that she didn't want to stop then he gently pushed her back onto the couch.
Early next morning in London.
As the weak rays of the morning sun came through the window in a small room overlooking the Thames, Ray Muir was sat in a wooden chair at a small table his head and arms laid on the table, across the room was Thomas Bishop stretched out on the well worn black sofa a towel draped over his face. The door opened slowly and a slim young woman dressed in a black trouser suit came in, she looked at the two sleeping men before crossing to where Ray Muir was sleeping, she gently shook his shoulder until he slowly lifted his head blinking in the sunlight "what?" he asked before turning to the young woman "Kathy.what's up?"
Kathy handed Ray a piece of paper with typed words on it, Ray blinked as he tried to focus, Kathy watched as the meaning of the words on the paper dawned on Ray. Suddenly, he was on his feet the wooden chair he had been sat on, it cluttered as it hit the ground both Ray and Kathy looked at the sleeping form on the sofa expecting him to wake up but he didn't move, so Ray went across and kicked the side of the sofa just by Thomas's head "Wakey.Wakey sleeping beauty"
"What the.what did you do that for?" Thomas said as he sat up shaking the towel from his face "Come on I've got something McCormack is going to want to see and I didn't think you'd want to be left out" Thomas leaped to his feet, wiping the sleep from his pale blue eyes "lead on" he said as he gestured to the door.
It was only a short walk from the restroom to the door of McCormack's office, Ray tapped on the door, and it was greeted by a gruff voice from the other side of the door. "Come in" Ray opened the door and went in followed closely by Thomas.
"What do you want?. I thought you two were out digging up leads," McCormack said as he dropped his glasses onto a group of files that were spread out on his desk.
"I think you will want to see this" Ray said handing the paper Kathy had given him to McCormack "They've found her"
"Where?" Thomas asked surprised.
"Paris.that's in France" Ray said jokingly, Bishop hit him on the arm "I know where Paris is"
McCormack reached for the phone and began to dial he then looked up at the two men stood in front of his desk "Well.what are you two waiting for.get to Paris and bring her back before she does anymore damage" Ray and Thomas looked at each other but didn't move. McCormack put his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone "take whatever you need.I'll clear everything this end" without saying another word Ray and Thomas went to leave the office "Muir.Bishop" the two men stopped and turned back "don't come back without her" McCormack said before dismissing them with a wave of his hand.
As they walked down the white wall corridor "So what do we do now?" Thomas asked, Ray put his arm around Thomas's shoulder "You heard the man.we go to Paris".
Duncan and Fitz were walking back to the barge after a good meal and a few too many drinks they had their arms around each other to steady themselves and were singing songs they had learnt long ago. Fitz had his pipe clamped in the side of his mouth but it had grown cold, Fitz stopped suddenly. He was nearly pulled over by Duncan as he continued to walk forward "Be careful Laddie.you nearly had me over," Fitz said as he fumbled with a box of matches that he had retrieved from his jacket pocket. After several attempts he managed to light one and put it to his pipe, drawing air through until the tobacco caught alight "Say MacLeod.Do you think Alex could be interested in me?" Fitz said as he stumbled over to where Duncan was leaning on the back of a seat "That just it Fitz.old boy she doesn't know what interests her.she's lost her memory.remember".
"Oh yes I forgot" Fitz said as he nearly fell over laughing, Duncan took hold of his arm to steady him "Come on one drink and then you go home" Duncan said as he led Fitz towards the barge. They had just got to the steps down that led down to where the barge was moored when they both felt the presence of an Immortal, they both looked at each other, then the sound of swords filtered up to their ears. The two Immortals seem to sober up instantly as they both followed the sound of the sword fighting towards the tunnel, their hands instinctively went to their swords that were concealed in their coats. As they got nearer Duncan could just recognised Methos in the dim street lighting "Adam?" as Duncan spoke Methos plunged his sword deep into the chest of his opponent, who fell to his knees.
Methos pulled his sword out and turned to check who was behind him before he took the head, that was all the distraction the other Immortal needed, somehow he managed to find the strength to get to his feet and run to the river edge throwing himself in. "Damn it" Methos said as he rushed over to the waters edge but the other Immortal had sunk beneath the cold dark waters of the Seine.
Duncan walked quickly over to Methos "So who was it?" he said looking into the water, Methos turned to look at him "How the hell should I know?"
"Well you were the one fighting him" Duncan replied as he put his hands on his hips.
"There wasn't time for introductions before he attacked me.I was coming to see you and as I walked onto the barge he came out of the shadows and we ended up down here" Methos said gesturing towards the tunnels, it was then that Methos realised that Duncan wasn't alone, Duncan followed his gaze "Oh yes.let me introduce Hugh Fitzcairn a good friend of mine.Fitz this is Adam Pierson another good friend". Hugh and Methos shook hands "It's always a pleasure to meet one of MacLeod's friends" Fitz said.
"Alex!" Duncan suddenly said as he started to walk towards the barge "What?" the others said in unison "you said he came from the barge.from inside?"
"I don't think so" Methos replied hurrying after Duncan. The three Immortals entered the barge the door had still been locked so Duncan relaxed; the only light in the room was from a lamp beside Duncan's bed. They all could see that Alex was asleep on the couch, Duncan put his finger to his lips to make sure that the others didn't wake her, he then pointed to the table. Methos and Fitz went over to the table and sat down Duncan picked up the bottle of brandy and three glasses from the side before joining them. After he had poured them all a drink Duncan was about to speak but Methos beat him to it "Look I know you have a soft spot for her but tonight has got to prove to you that she's trouble" Methos said in a hushed voice, Duncan shook his head "No all it proves is an Immortal was hanging around the barge and wanted to take the head of any Immortal who crossed his path.we have no proof he was her for Alex" Duncan took a sip of his brandy "anyway what are you doing here so late?"
"I came to see if you had any luck at the Embassy today.I've tried every trick I can think of but I haven't been able to get passed the classified status on her files".
"The Embassy's computer system went down so we can't find out anything until they're working again.I don't suppose what you've been up to would have caused it?" Methos thought for a moment "No.no it wouldn't have I was linked to computers in the England not through the Embassy system".
"So what are you going to do with her now Laddie?" Fitz asked after he had drained his glass. Duncan rubbed his forehead "Wait I suppose.the lady at the Embassy said she would check as soon as the computers came back online" Duncan refilled Fitz's glass "this other Immortal" Duncan whispered as he leaned closer to Methos "do you think you'd recognise him again?"
Methos sat back in his chair "What going on in that head of ours?" Methos asked suspiciously "why don't you see if you can find him on the Watcher database.at least we'll know who we're dealing with"
"WE!" exclaimed Methos "this has got nothing to do with me?" Duncan leant forward his elbows on the table "Oh yes it does you're the one who fought him remember.now he knows your face he might come back for another shot" Methos finished his drink "I doubt it.whoever he is.he's not very good with a sword.anyway he was on your barge wasn't he".
Fitz raised his hands "Gentlemen.Gentlemen let us not forget there is a lady that needs our help" both Duncan and Methos turned to look at him but before anyone could say anymore their attention was drawn to the couch, Alex was becoming agitated, she was also speaking but what she was saying was unclear Duncan got up "NO.NO.your not going to die.Phil do you hear me.hang in there" Alex started shouting, Duncan went to the couch "Shhh.Alex it's all right" he said as he gently stroked her face Alex stopped speaking but from her body movements it was clear that she was still in the grip of the nightmare. Duncan was just about to get to his feet when Alex cried out "OH MY GOD NO" and her eyes shot open, as her eyes locked on to Duncan's he could see them fill with tears "Oh Duncan!" Alex said as flung her arms around his neck; Methos and Fitz could see the surprise in Duncan's eyes. Fitz tapped Methos on the arm "I think we should make a discreet exit dear boy" Methos looked from Duncan to Fitz "Do you always talk like that?" Methos asked as he got to his feet "I have no idea what your talking about my good fellow" Fitz said as he followed Methos to the door near the bed, they both looked back at Duncan as they got to the door, he mouthed that he would call them in the morning, Fitz took his pipe from his pocket as he followed Methos onto the deck.
With the others gone Duncan slowly pulled away his hands cupping her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away her tears "what happened.what did you see?" Alex went to pull away "no.not this time.I want you to tell me what you saw?" Duncan could see from her eyes that she didn't want to remember what she had seen; he stroked her hair with his right hand "I know it's painful but it might just help us find out who you are" Alex nodded and smiled weakly "Ok.it started as I went through a door into a large dark room.there was a man with me.the door closed behind us.then.then."
"It's ok take your time" Duncan said softly as he knelt in front of her "then I went one way and Phil went the other.then there was several gun shots.the next thing.Phil was laying in my arms.there's.there's blood everywhere" Alex wiped tears from her face "I could see him talking but I couldn't hear what he was saying.then h.his eyes grew cold and empty.then I woke up". Duncan leant forward and put his arms around her as her body shook as she collapsed into waves of tears. Alex couldn't see the worried look on Duncan's face as he realised from her description of the dying man's eyes that she could only have known that if she had actually seen him die but he wasn't going to share this fact with her, well not yet.
Alex pulled back from Duncan's embrace wiping the tears from her face, her eyes looking deep into his, Alex moved forward she ran her hands through his hair and went to pull him to her but Duncan hesitated his hands going to her face "are you sure you want this?" he asked. Alex smiled and nodded "It's the only thing I do know for sure" Duncan then allowed himself to be pulled to her, their lips met lightly at first until he was sure that she didn't want to stop then he gently pushed her back onto the couch.
Early next morning in London.
As the weak rays of the morning sun came through the window in a small room overlooking the Thames, Ray Muir was sat in a wooden chair at a small table his head and arms laid on the table, across the room was Thomas Bishop stretched out on the well worn black sofa a towel draped over his face. The door opened slowly and a slim young woman dressed in a black trouser suit came in, she looked at the two sleeping men before crossing to where Ray Muir was sleeping, she gently shook his shoulder until he slowly lifted his head blinking in the sunlight "what?" he asked before turning to the young woman "Kathy.what's up?"
Kathy handed Ray a piece of paper with typed words on it, Ray blinked as he tried to focus, Kathy watched as the meaning of the words on the paper dawned on Ray. Suddenly, he was on his feet the wooden chair he had been sat on, it cluttered as it hit the ground both Ray and Kathy looked at the sleeping form on the sofa expecting him to wake up but he didn't move, so Ray went across and kicked the side of the sofa just by Thomas's head "Wakey.Wakey sleeping beauty"
"What the.what did you do that for?" Thomas said as he sat up shaking the towel from his face "Come on I've got something McCormack is going to want to see and I didn't think you'd want to be left out" Thomas leaped to his feet, wiping the sleep from his pale blue eyes "lead on" he said as he gestured to the door.
It was only a short walk from the restroom to the door of McCormack's office, Ray tapped on the door, and it was greeted by a gruff voice from the other side of the door. "Come in" Ray opened the door and went in followed closely by Thomas.
"What do you want?. I thought you two were out digging up leads," McCormack said as he dropped his glasses onto a group of files that were spread out on his desk.
"I think you will want to see this" Ray said handing the paper Kathy had given him to McCormack "They've found her"
"Where?" Thomas asked surprised.
"Paris.that's in France" Ray said jokingly, Bishop hit him on the arm "I know where Paris is"
McCormack reached for the phone and began to dial he then looked up at the two men stood in front of his desk "Well.what are you two waiting for.get to Paris and bring her back before she does anymore damage" Ray and Thomas looked at each other but didn't move. McCormack put his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone "take whatever you need.I'll clear everything this end" without saying another word Ray and Thomas went to leave the office "Muir.Bishop" the two men stopped and turned back "don't come back without her" McCormack said before dismissing them with a wave of his hand.
As they walked down the white wall corridor "So what do we do now?" Thomas asked, Ray put his arm around Thomas's shoulder "You heard the man.we go to Paris".