Chapter 10
Duncan and Fitz walked towards the valet "MacLeod, the black Citroen" Duncan said the valet looked at his plan "one moment Monsieur" the young man said before leaving to retrieve the car. Fitz turned to Duncan "I don't know why we had to leave so early there were a still a number of lots to go, Laddie" Duncan smiled at him "and if we hadn't left you would have tried to buy them too and you would have no money left at all" Fitz looked at Duncan "I only bought a few things, Laddie".
"A few things! at the rate you were going the whole auction would have been owned by you" Fitz pointed to what Duncan had in his hand "you ended up with some of it", Duncan laughed "I've got 2 lots.both of which I paid a lot less than they are worth.if I hadn't held your hands down you would have bought that painting for twice what it's worth" Fitz tapped Duncan on the arm "but she had the face of an angel". The two Immortals watched as Duncan's car glided to a halt in front of them "I just got caught up in the moment" Fitz said as he got into the passenger seat, Duncan put the two items he had bought on the back passenger seat before taking the keys from the valet with one hand and giving the young man a tip with the other. "I don't know why you wanted another sword.the necklace I understand it is such a beauty.I mean you already have a rather large collection of swords if I remember correctly".
"I don't need another sword but this isn't just another sword.it belonged to a friend" Fitz could see that finding this sword in an auction house upset his friend "Err, I see.I'll say no more about it, Laddie" Duncan nodded "Thanks". The journey back to Fitz's apartment was made with just a little conversation but it was obvious to Fitz that Duncan was in no mood to talk. Duncan's mind was on the bill of sale that he had received from the auction house and the name of the seller D'Aubigne.
Alex had decided not to go back to the barge straight away, instead she took a walk by the Seine trying to make sense of the little bits of information her mind was letting her see, about a hundred yards from the barge Alex found a seat and sat down putting her head in her hands, the puzzle of her lost memory was starting to come together but still the main piece were missing. Lost in her own thoughts she didn't hear Duncan's car pull up on the riverside by the barge.
Duncan had dropped Fitz off at his apartment before heading for the barge he felt the presence of another Immortal as he brought the car down the ramp parking it by the barge. Duncan climbed out of the car, his eyes searching but he relaxed as Methos stepped out of the wheel house, "What are you doing out here.Alex is in" Duncan asked as he retrieved the two items he had placed on the rear passenger seat, Methos walked to the edge of the barge his hands in the pockets of his coat "I think you'll find she's not.your little friend went for a walk.she's sat on a bench down there" Methos said pointing in Alex's direction without taking his hands out of his pockets, Duncan looked down the river bank and was about to go to where Alex was sitting "Wait.I think we need to talk first", Duncan looked up at Methos "What about?"
"I was coming to see you when I saw her leave the barge.so I decided to follow her.she went to a small café" Duncan walked towards the barge "what café Methos.where?"
Methos started to walk down the gangplank "Rue de Javel.but that's." Methos's words were lost as Duncan started to quickly walk towards Alex, Methos shook his head and ran after him, grabbing hold of his arm "Mac, wait that's not the worse of it" Duncan span round "ok what else?"
Methos ran his hand over his face "she followed a man who had been in the café.."
"Was he a little shorter than me with brown hair and a scar on his cheek?" Duncan asked, Methos thought for a moment "No, he had black hair and he was a lot shorter than you.and there was no scar", Duncan ran his hand over his forehead "no scar?" Methos smiled "no scar.but she followed him to this old office building and that's where this gets a lot worse"
While the two Immortals had been talking they hadn't noticed the two men approaching where Alex was sat. Alex didn't look up as one of them sat beside her, while the other stood on her other side. " Well hello Alex.we've been looking for you" Alex looked up at the man sat beside her "Do I know you?" the other man then lent over "Stop playing with us Rogue.we haven't got the time.McCormack is waiting to talk to you and if we don't come back with you it'll be our heads"
Alex went to stand but a hand on her shoulder restrained her; somewhere deep inside Alex felt a well of anger it rose through her, she grabbed hold of the restraining hand twisting it as she got to her feet she had moved so quickly that she had taken both Thomas and Ray by surprise Alex managed to bring Ray down with a kick to the stomach but it didn't take long for their training to kick in. Thomas got to his feet, lunged towards her but she managed to block but Ray had recovered enough to grab her in a bear hug "GET OF ME!" Alex shouted.
Alex's shouts made Duncan spin round as soon as he saw her being attacked by two men, he dropped what he was carrying and ran towards her, "you just won't listen" Methos said shaking his head before running after him. Alex was not going to go easily or quietly and while Thomas's and Ray's attention was taken with trying to get her up the steps they hadn't notice Duncan and Methos's approach, the first Thomas knew was when Duncan span him round and landed a punch to his face, which knocked him backwards onto the stone steps, Ray released his hold on Alex to go to Thomas's assistance but before he could reach Duncan, Methos appeared and blocked his punch "I don't think you want to do that" he grinned at Ray, as they traded blows Duncan looked over to Alex who seemed to routed to the spot watching what was going on "Alex.Get to the barge" Duncan blocked another blow from Thomas "NOW".
Alex nodded and then ran towards the barge, with Alex now out to their reach Ray and Thomas both decided that to carry on trying to defeat their opponents was futile so they took off towards their car. Methos wiped away the small trickle of blood that was running from an already healing wound "what was that all about?" Duncan was straightening his hair and brushing down his clothes "Well let's see shall we" Duncan replied as walked towards the barge, "this should be good" Methos said as he followed Duncan.
Alex was stood just inside the door with one of Duncan's many statues in her hand. Alex swallowed her mouth was dry 'who were those men.how did they know my name' she thought to herself as she stood in the darkness. The noise of the handle being turned brought Alex back to the present she raised the statue over her head, as the door opened she prepared to hit whoever came through. As Alex brought the statue down Duncan just managed to catch hold of her arm before the statue hit him with it "That's not very friendly" he said as he reached over and switched on the light, he then took the statue from Alex's hand "I think that it will be safer in my hands" he then handed it to Methos who was standing behind him. He turned back to Alex lifting her chin "I think we should get you cleaned up" he then took her by the hand and led her to the couch, Methos followed them into the room putting the things Duncan had dropped when they had seen Alex being attacked and the statue on the table in front of the couch "look I'm to go.I'll talk to you later MacLeod" Duncan followed him to the door "thanks for your help mate.I appreciate it" Methos put his hand on Duncan's shoulder "Think nothing of it.you had better see to those cuts" he said nodding towards Alex "but we really have to talk soon.very soon" Methos then climbed the stairs and left the barge.
As Duncan walked in from the bathroom with the first aid kit he saw Alex heading for the door "you were going to leave without saying goodbye?"
"Look you've done enough for me.I'm not sure what all this means.those two guys, the man in the café but I can't put you and your friends in anymore danger.I have to go" Duncan walked over to her putting his hand around her head, his fingers gently pushing through her hair "I told you before that your not alone in this.whatever this is.now come back to the couch and let me clean up those cuts before they go septic" Duncan let his hand drop and he held it out, Alex smiled weakly before slipping her bleeding hand into his and allowing him to guide her back to the couch. Duncan sat on the low table opposite the couch as he gently cleaned the cut that was on the edge of her mouth, he then cleaned up her hands, he had just put the last plaster on Alex's hand when he looked up into her eyes "do want to tell me what you were doing?.have you any idea who those two guys were?" Alex dropped her eyes away from Duncan's gaze "I was reading but I kept seeing a man's face I just knew it had something to do with the café.I decide to see if I could jog my memory some more by going back there and I did" Alex buried her head in her hands for a few moments "and then?" Duncan asked, Alex took her hands away as she stood up she walked around the table.
Duncan moved from the table to the couch as he watched, waiting for her to continue "I followed him when he left the café.he went into an old office building about a mile away but before he did he looked round the street.it was then that I recognised him.his name is Philippe du Pont but as I tried to remember more I got this blinding pain in my head.so I left.I took a walk to see if that would help clear my mind but it didn't, so I sat down on that bench" Alex ran her hand through her hair but winched as her finger touched the cut on her head "the next thing those two guys came along.but what was strange was they knew my name" Alex then walked over to the other side of the room "what was weird was they acted like I should have known them.but I don't know who they are.I just can't remember" Duncan could see that Alex was getting very agitated so he crossed the room and pulled her into his embrace, he held her close to him his hand gently stroking her hair "It will come back, you just have to give it time"
Alex move back looking in his eyes "how much more time?" Duncan ran his hand down her cheek he could see that she was fighting back her tears "Let's not worry about that now, what we need to do is get you away from here, somewhere safe.somewhere those men don't know"
"But where?" Alex asked, "I'm sure Fitz wouldn't mind some company.you get some things together while I give him a call" Alex nodded before kissing Duncan lightly on the cheek "Thanks".
Fittz's phone had been busy when Duncan had called so he decided on the personal touch. Fitz opened the door wearing a blood red smoking jacket, his pipe hanging from his mouth and a glass of brandy in his hand "My dear boy this is a surprise"
"I know it short notice but could you put us up for the night" Duncan asked "but of course dear boy.come in, come in" Fitz said as he moved to one side to allow them to enter "I only have the two bedrooms.but I'd be more than happy to share mine with such a lovely lady" Duncan walked over to Fitz "no now Fitz, Alex has just been attacked.she needs to get some rest.unmolested rest"
"Oh are you all right dear lady" Fitz said as he took hold of Alex's right hand "I'm fine just a little tired.if you could show me where."
"Follow me" Fitz said as he led Alex down the hallway, he opened the door on his right "here we are" Duncan had followed them, he moved Alex aside and joined Fitz in the room "this is your room.isn't it Fitz" Duncan said raising his eyebrows.
Fitz through his hands up in the air "Oh I do believe your right Laddie, silly me" Duncan glared at him "your room is just down here" Fitz said as he managed to squeeze past Duncan who was stood in the doorway.
Fitz and Duncan left Alex and went through to the living room "So Laddie what happened?" Fitz asked as he poured them both a drink, Duncan explained all that had happened after he had dropped him off. After finishing the drink Fitz had given him "Look I have to go and see Adam I think he's found out something important.do you think you could keep an eye on Alex while I'm gone.and I only mean an eye"
"I will be the perfect gentleman, as always" Fitz said with a flourish of his hand.
"That's what I'm worried about" Duncan said as he closed the door behind him.
Duncan and Fitz walked towards the valet "MacLeod, the black Citroen" Duncan said the valet looked at his plan "one moment Monsieur" the young man said before leaving to retrieve the car. Fitz turned to Duncan "I don't know why we had to leave so early there were a still a number of lots to go, Laddie" Duncan smiled at him "and if we hadn't left you would have tried to buy them too and you would have no money left at all" Fitz looked at Duncan "I only bought a few things, Laddie".
"A few things! at the rate you were going the whole auction would have been owned by you" Fitz pointed to what Duncan had in his hand "you ended up with some of it", Duncan laughed "I've got 2 lots.both of which I paid a lot less than they are worth.if I hadn't held your hands down you would have bought that painting for twice what it's worth" Fitz tapped Duncan on the arm "but she had the face of an angel". The two Immortals watched as Duncan's car glided to a halt in front of them "I just got caught up in the moment" Fitz said as he got into the passenger seat, Duncan put the two items he had bought on the back passenger seat before taking the keys from the valet with one hand and giving the young man a tip with the other. "I don't know why you wanted another sword.the necklace I understand it is such a beauty.I mean you already have a rather large collection of swords if I remember correctly".
"I don't need another sword but this isn't just another sword.it belonged to a friend" Fitz could see that finding this sword in an auction house upset his friend "Err, I see.I'll say no more about it, Laddie" Duncan nodded "Thanks". The journey back to Fitz's apartment was made with just a little conversation but it was obvious to Fitz that Duncan was in no mood to talk. Duncan's mind was on the bill of sale that he had received from the auction house and the name of the seller D'Aubigne.
Alex had decided not to go back to the barge straight away, instead she took a walk by the Seine trying to make sense of the little bits of information her mind was letting her see, about a hundred yards from the barge Alex found a seat and sat down putting her head in her hands, the puzzle of her lost memory was starting to come together but still the main piece were missing. Lost in her own thoughts she didn't hear Duncan's car pull up on the riverside by the barge.
Duncan had dropped Fitz off at his apartment before heading for the barge he felt the presence of another Immortal as he brought the car down the ramp parking it by the barge. Duncan climbed out of the car, his eyes searching but he relaxed as Methos stepped out of the wheel house, "What are you doing out here.Alex is in" Duncan asked as he retrieved the two items he had placed on the rear passenger seat, Methos walked to the edge of the barge his hands in the pockets of his coat "I think you'll find she's not.your little friend went for a walk.she's sat on a bench down there" Methos said pointing in Alex's direction without taking his hands out of his pockets, Duncan looked down the river bank and was about to go to where Alex was sitting "Wait.I think we need to talk first", Duncan looked up at Methos "What about?"
"I was coming to see you when I saw her leave the barge.so I decided to follow her.she went to a small café" Duncan walked towards the barge "what café Methos.where?"
Methos started to walk down the gangplank "Rue de Javel.but that's." Methos's words were lost as Duncan started to quickly walk towards Alex, Methos shook his head and ran after him, grabbing hold of his arm "Mac, wait that's not the worse of it" Duncan span round "ok what else?"
Methos ran his hand over his face "she followed a man who had been in the café.."
"Was he a little shorter than me with brown hair and a scar on his cheek?" Duncan asked, Methos thought for a moment "No, he had black hair and he was a lot shorter than you.and there was no scar", Duncan ran his hand over his forehead "no scar?" Methos smiled "no scar.but she followed him to this old office building and that's where this gets a lot worse"
While the two Immortals had been talking they hadn't noticed the two men approaching where Alex was sat. Alex didn't look up as one of them sat beside her, while the other stood on her other side. " Well hello Alex.we've been looking for you" Alex looked up at the man sat beside her "Do I know you?" the other man then lent over "Stop playing with us Rogue.we haven't got the time.McCormack is waiting to talk to you and if we don't come back with you it'll be our heads"
Alex went to stand but a hand on her shoulder restrained her; somewhere deep inside Alex felt a well of anger it rose through her, she grabbed hold of the restraining hand twisting it as she got to her feet she had moved so quickly that she had taken both Thomas and Ray by surprise Alex managed to bring Ray down with a kick to the stomach but it didn't take long for their training to kick in. Thomas got to his feet, lunged towards her but she managed to block but Ray had recovered enough to grab her in a bear hug "GET OF ME!" Alex shouted.
Alex's shouts made Duncan spin round as soon as he saw her being attacked by two men, he dropped what he was carrying and ran towards her, "you just won't listen" Methos said shaking his head before running after him. Alex was not going to go easily or quietly and while Thomas's and Ray's attention was taken with trying to get her up the steps they hadn't notice Duncan and Methos's approach, the first Thomas knew was when Duncan span him round and landed a punch to his face, which knocked him backwards onto the stone steps, Ray released his hold on Alex to go to Thomas's assistance but before he could reach Duncan, Methos appeared and blocked his punch "I don't think you want to do that" he grinned at Ray, as they traded blows Duncan looked over to Alex who seemed to routed to the spot watching what was going on "Alex.Get to the barge" Duncan blocked another blow from Thomas "NOW".
Alex nodded and then ran towards the barge, with Alex now out to their reach Ray and Thomas both decided that to carry on trying to defeat their opponents was futile so they took off towards their car. Methos wiped away the small trickle of blood that was running from an already healing wound "what was that all about?" Duncan was straightening his hair and brushing down his clothes "Well let's see shall we" Duncan replied as walked towards the barge, "this should be good" Methos said as he followed Duncan.
Alex was stood just inside the door with one of Duncan's many statues in her hand. Alex swallowed her mouth was dry 'who were those men.how did they know my name' she thought to herself as she stood in the darkness. The noise of the handle being turned brought Alex back to the present she raised the statue over her head, as the door opened she prepared to hit whoever came through. As Alex brought the statue down Duncan just managed to catch hold of her arm before the statue hit him with it "That's not very friendly" he said as he reached over and switched on the light, he then took the statue from Alex's hand "I think that it will be safer in my hands" he then handed it to Methos who was standing behind him. He turned back to Alex lifting her chin "I think we should get you cleaned up" he then took her by the hand and led her to the couch, Methos followed them into the room putting the things Duncan had dropped when they had seen Alex being attacked and the statue on the table in front of the couch "look I'm to go.I'll talk to you later MacLeod" Duncan followed him to the door "thanks for your help mate.I appreciate it" Methos put his hand on Duncan's shoulder "Think nothing of it.you had better see to those cuts" he said nodding towards Alex "but we really have to talk soon.very soon" Methos then climbed the stairs and left the barge.
As Duncan walked in from the bathroom with the first aid kit he saw Alex heading for the door "you were going to leave without saying goodbye?"
"Look you've done enough for me.I'm not sure what all this means.those two guys, the man in the café but I can't put you and your friends in anymore danger.I have to go" Duncan walked over to her putting his hand around her head, his fingers gently pushing through her hair "I told you before that your not alone in this.whatever this is.now come back to the couch and let me clean up those cuts before they go septic" Duncan let his hand drop and he held it out, Alex smiled weakly before slipping her bleeding hand into his and allowing him to guide her back to the couch. Duncan sat on the low table opposite the couch as he gently cleaned the cut that was on the edge of her mouth, he then cleaned up her hands, he had just put the last plaster on Alex's hand when he looked up into her eyes "do want to tell me what you were doing?.have you any idea who those two guys were?" Alex dropped her eyes away from Duncan's gaze "I was reading but I kept seeing a man's face I just knew it had something to do with the café.I decide to see if I could jog my memory some more by going back there and I did" Alex buried her head in her hands for a few moments "and then?" Duncan asked, Alex took her hands away as she stood up she walked around the table.
Duncan moved from the table to the couch as he watched, waiting for her to continue "I followed him when he left the café.he went into an old office building about a mile away but before he did he looked round the street.it was then that I recognised him.his name is Philippe du Pont but as I tried to remember more I got this blinding pain in my head.so I left.I took a walk to see if that would help clear my mind but it didn't, so I sat down on that bench" Alex ran her hand through her hair but winched as her finger touched the cut on her head "the next thing those two guys came along.but what was strange was they knew my name" Alex then walked over to the other side of the room "what was weird was they acted like I should have known them.but I don't know who they are.I just can't remember" Duncan could see that Alex was getting very agitated so he crossed the room and pulled her into his embrace, he held her close to him his hand gently stroking her hair "It will come back, you just have to give it time"
Alex move back looking in his eyes "how much more time?" Duncan ran his hand down her cheek he could see that she was fighting back her tears "Let's not worry about that now, what we need to do is get you away from here, somewhere safe.somewhere those men don't know"
"But where?" Alex asked, "I'm sure Fitz wouldn't mind some company.you get some things together while I give him a call" Alex nodded before kissing Duncan lightly on the cheek "Thanks".
Fittz's phone had been busy when Duncan had called so he decided on the personal touch. Fitz opened the door wearing a blood red smoking jacket, his pipe hanging from his mouth and a glass of brandy in his hand "My dear boy this is a surprise"
"I know it short notice but could you put us up for the night" Duncan asked "but of course dear boy.come in, come in" Fitz said as he moved to one side to allow them to enter "I only have the two bedrooms.but I'd be more than happy to share mine with such a lovely lady" Duncan walked over to Fitz "no now Fitz, Alex has just been attacked.she needs to get some rest.unmolested rest"
"Oh are you all right dear lady" Fitz said as he took hold of Alex's right hand "I'm fine just a little tired.if you could show me where."
"Follow me" Fitz said as he led Alex down the hallway, he opened the door on his right "here we are" Duncan had followed them, he moved Alex aside and joined Fitz in the room "this is your room.isn't it Fitz" Duncan said raising his eyebrows.
Fitz through his hands up in the air "Oh I do believe your right Laddie, silly me" Duncan glared at him "your room is just down here" Fitz said as he managed to squeeze past Duncan who was stood in the doorway.
Fitz and Duncan left Alex and went through to the living room "So Laddie what happened?" Fitz asked as he poured them both a drink, Duncan explained all that had happened after he had dropped him off. After finishing the drink Fitz had given him "Look I have to go and see Adam I think he's found out something important.do you think you could keep an eye on Alex while I'm gone.and I only mean an eye"
"I will be the perfect gentleman, as always" Fitz said with a flourish of his hand.
"That's what I'm worried about" Duncan said as he closed the door behind him.