Joe was in his office on the computer when he heard the door. "Joe?" He heard Amanda's voice.
"In the office." He called. Moments later Amanda was poking her head in the doorway. "Have a seat. What can I do for you?"
"Where's Elissa?"
"Oh she's signing the final paper work on her apartment. She should be almost through."
"Is she going to call when she needs a lift?"
"No she went out Sunday and bought herself a car."
"Oh."
Joe closed his laptop and leaned back in the chair, eyeing Amanda, "So is this business to do with one of you or is Duncan in trouble?"
"Neither. It's about Elissa."
"I told you that's her story."
"I know that but I have a question: Can you just give me a yes or no answer?" She asked a slight pout evident.
Joe sighed, "Okay one yes or no question."
"Was her ex husband abusive?"
"Excuse me?"
"Was her ex husband abusive?"
Joe studied her, "She told you?"
"I'll take that as a yes. No she didn't tell me I figured it out."
"How?"
She smiled, "I should just make you wonder but I don't want to play that game today. When we were shopping Saturday I was picking out dresses for her to wear. I found this beautiful black one that she would have been absolutely stunning in it was a totally backless dress, which fastened at the neck and bared her shoulders." she saw Joe nodding in a 'get to the point kind of way ' and cleared her throat, "Well anyway, when I went back to give it to her I peeked over the door and caught the reflection of her back in the mirror I saw what looked like an "E" carved into her shoulder blade. I gave her the dress to try on knowing full well she couldn't or wouldn't wear it. But how could I tactfully not give her the dress and come up with an excuse as to why I was even back there? So I gave her the dress and walked away."
Joe sighed, "Now you know her secret."
"That goes beyond abuse, Joe."
"I know."
"Is there more?"
"More carvings?"
"Yeah."
"Not that she's told me but I didn't ask either."
"What else did he do to her?"
"I don't know. She only divulged that one to me because I was the person she ran to the night he did it. I took her to the hospital. That's the night she decided she needed out but she made me promise that she did it on her terms. She got her Associates degree two months later."
"Anything else happen in those two months?"
"I hardly saw her. The one time I did she had two black eyes."
"Why did she stay, Joe?"
"Why do most of them stay, Amanda? She was in fear for her life. Once she got her degree she fled while he was gone on maneuvers for a couple of weeks. When he went down to get her in Oklahoma she had told him what he wanted to hear."
"Which was?"
"That everything was her fault and she was seeing a counselor for it. And the counselor wanted to meet with him." Joe wore a bitter grin, "At the time he wasn't smart enough to realize that another name for Lawyer was Counselor."
"She conned him."
"Oh yeah, come to find out the two months it took her to graduate she was scheming to get the divorce. He didn't know at all. Once the lawyer cornered him he signed the papers and it was to be final pending his payment of the lawyers fee. She didn't ask for anything just to be let out of the marriage with everything she came into it with. It should have taken ten days but his checks kept bouncing and Elissa ended up paying the full bill. But she was rid of him."
"So that part of the book is true."
Joe looked at her, "Yeah, the ex from the book is similar to her ex in real life."
"And yet she likes Methos."
"Yup." Joe muttered.
"Would she forgive him about his past?"
"I'm not going to be the one to tell her about Methos' immortality, Amanda."
"But if she were to find out--"
Joe leaned forward, "Look, that was three thousand years ago, besides I have never known Adam Pierson to harm a hair on anyone's head, well unless of course its one of you."
Amanda smiled, "Okay, you're right. I mean I know that what's past is past but she's had a traumatic experience and well..."
Joe smiled, "You'd be surprised what she's willing to forgive Amanda."
"She forgave that creep?"
"Forgave herself. She won't ever forget what he did but I think she came to terms with it."
"Okay, well just had to talk to you about it is all." She rose from the chair when she felt a presence. A few moments later a British accented voice called, "Anybody home?"
"We're in here." Joe hollered.
Adam poked his head in, "And where's Duncan?"
"I left him at the loft reading. Told him I needed to run to the market for dinner."
"Ah and where's Elissa?"
"Signing papers for her apartment." Joe answered.
"And what time do you need to get her?"
"I don't, she has her own wheels now."
"Another rental?"
"Nope, a Saturn she purchased Sunday."
"I see."
"So Methos what brings you here?" Amanda asked.
He smiled, "Well, I just finished reading Elissa's book and I was going to tell her what I thought of it."
"Be nice to her. Some people don't enjoy your cynicism."
"Amanda, I wouldn't do that to her. Besides I enjoyed it. She has a wicked imagination!"
"You can say that again!" Joe agreed.
Amanda smoothed her skirt; "Well I had better go to the market before Duncan wonders what's happened to me. Thanks Joe." With that she was off.
Methos sat down in the chair Amanda had recently vacated, "So, Amanda was pumping you for information on Elissa."
"And why do you think that?"
"Because I saw the exchange between them yesterday. So what is her story Joe?"
"That is Elissa's story to divulge." Joe leaned forward a bit, "Just don't play with her okay? I trust you. Especially after Alexa. But Elissa is different. She's fragile in her own way."
"All humans are fragile, Joe, you don't need to remind me. Besides you aren't her father just like you weren't Alexa's father."
"I know. But--"
"Joe, no buts. Is she dying?"
"Not like Alexa no."
"Okay, then. Don't worry about it. She's a big girl she can make her own decisions."
"That's what I'm afraid of, " Joe mumbled under his breath as Methos sauntered through the doorway.
Methos took a step and peered back in, his tone was quiet but anger was being held in restraint, "You don't approve of me, Joe?"
"It's not that Methos. Nothing like that at all."
Methos stared at him Joe stared back. Methos shrugged and walked into the bar. Joe sat back and began to unconsciously tap his fingers on the armrests of the chair, "I'm afraid she won't take the risk." He mumbled to the walls.
Elissa walked into the dim lit bar. Her hair was up in its usual French braid and she wore a scarlet red v necked sweater that hit her at mid thigh. She had baggy jeans and hiking boots on and no coat.Joe looked at her shaking his head, "Do you know what the temperature is?"
Elissa shrugged, "I believe it's somewhere around thirty five degrees."
"That's right and we're supposed to be getting some snow tonight."
"Okay and your point?"
"Where's your coat? I know you got your luggage today."
"It's not THAT cold out."
"You're going to get sick."
"Uncle Joe I was only out in the elements as long as it took to get from my car to the realtor's office and back."
"Don't come whining to me if you get sick! Friday you were soaked to the bone and now this!"
"Uncle Joe back in Oklahoma its fifteen degrees, to me this is a heat wave!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. So everything ready?"
"Yes, you don't have to worry about me sleeping on your couch tonight."
"Where are you going to sleep?"
"At my new town house!"
"On what?"
"In my sleeping bag on the floor!"
"Sounds hard on the back." Adam put in.
Elissa smiled, "Oh Hi, Adam. It may be a little hard on the back but no big deal. I have nice thick carpeting."
Adam smirked, "You just want to test out that bath tub."
"Well I haven't taken a nice long soak in a tub for quite awhile. Besides, Uncle Joe, you'll have your living space back."
"I don't mind your company, Elissa."
"I know, but well, I'm better off in my own place. I don't make a very good visitor."
"My place is the cleanest I've ever seen it."
"Well I have to do something to earn my keep!"
"You're a guest, you don't have to earn your keep."
She rolled her eyes in response. Adam cleared his throat, "I finished your book."
"Oh really?" She asked. Bracing herself for either flattery or criticism. Adam just seemed the type to be brutally honest.
"Quite an imagination you've got there." He commented, sipping his beer.
"Thank you, I think." she responded shyly.
"So where do you get your ideas? Personal experience or just pluck them out of the dark recesses of your brain?"
"Both."
"Well when is the next one coming out?"
"When I finish with it."
"Which will be?"
"When I'm done with it."
He smiled, "Well I'd like an autographed copy."
"Sure thing." she answered. Her mind raced for something to talk about. She sipped the coffee that Joe had set in front of her. "May I have the keys to your place, Uncle Joe? So I can get the rest of my luggage?"
"What do you mean the rest? You only had two bags."
"Yes well I only put one bag in the car. I wasn't thinking straight."
"Running late again?"
"Yes."
"But you got to the realtors on time."
"Yes."
"And luckily you didn't run into any police, correct?"
"Well, yes," she said smiling.
"And how fast were you going?"
"Fast enough."
"Which means around seventy five if I remember correctly."
"Around there."
Joe smirked shaking his head. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys, "Here. When you're done, lock everything up and drop them back here."
"Thanks."
She started to leave then turned, "Bye, Adam, Uncle Joe."
Elissa was standing in the kitchen with a clipboard on the counter and pen in hand. She was pointing at the far wall in the living room and smiling as the three movers set down her solid oak entertainment center.
"Ma'am, " the tall man with salt and peppered hair said as he wiped perspiration from his forehead, "That is all of it."
"Finally. I didn't realize I had that much stuff!"
A brown haired bearded man asked, "Is everything you own solid oak?"
"The bed was solid cherry."
"I'm going to be sore tomorrow!" Commented the third man.
"Well," said the first man, "We're off. If there's a problem just right it down and we'll send someone out to look over what needs to be fixed. Once you have the boxes unpacked just call and we'll come and pick them up."
Elissa saluted them with the pen and set it down next to the clipboard. She flopped into her oversized recliner and surveyed the room. She laid her head back and closed her eyes when someone knocked on the door. With a groan she rose and walked around some boxes. She looked through the peephole and smiled. She opened the door to find Joe standing there with a bottle of wine.
"Well what brings you here?" She asked as she led him into the living room.
"I wanted to be the first to welcome you to your house." He handed her the bottle.
She smiled, "You remembered!"
He grinned, "The only woman I know who likes blackberry Merlot."
"At least I don't have expensive tastes!"
"Yes it could be worse you could be like me!" Amanda and Duncan waltzed in through the door. Amanda handed her a fruit basket and another bottle of Blackberry Merlot. "You could like a hundred year old Rothchilde."
"Thank you." she took the fruit basket and set it on the counter and the two wines and placed them in the fridge. "I don't have anything to offer except water, orange juice, Coke, and now wine."
"Break out the wine of course!"
Elissa started laughing, "Fine, but remember I don't have hardly anything unpacked so wine glasses I do not have." Elissa came into the room with three paper cups half filled with wine.
"It all tastes the same," Duncan commented, "No matter what it's served in!"
"To Elissa's home!" Joe toasted raising his glass.
"Starting without me?" Adam asked as he walked through the door, pizza in one hand and a case of beer in the other.
"I didn't even know you were coming." Joe said.
"And miss an opportunity to sprawl at someone else's house? Please! I thought you knew me better then that!" He handed the pizza to Elissa and sauntered into the kitchen with his beer.
"Thank you, Adam, now let me see what I have as far as plates go." she walked into the kitchen looking at the different boxes and reading the contents. "Looks like all I have for plates are paper towels. My dishpacks must be behind all of my glassware boxes."
"I'm sure no one minds as long as they get a piece," Adam grinned as he got five paper towels. "However, it is: serve yourself," he added as he came into the living room with a piece of pizza in one hand and beer in the other.
Elissa was sitting on the floor next to Amanda, her pizza setting on the coffee table. Adam was across from her on the couch with Joe next to him.
Duncan was in the kitchen refilling cups, "Elissa, you're sure you don't want anymore wine?"
"Positive. I get headaches if I drink too much of it. Just get me a coke please?"
"A beer would be nice too, Mac."
"You can get your own beer!"
"You offered to get Elissa some wine." Adam countered.
Duncan stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room, "Yes and last time I checked you were no lady!"
"Blast it all, Macleod I even asked nicely!"
Duncan grinned, "You may have asked nicely but I didn't say anything about beer now did I?"
"Fine, I'll get my own!"
"I'm already here I'll get your bloody beer lazy bones!"
Amanda and Elissa were grinning. "Has anyone ever told you that you two act like brothers?"
"Many times," Amanda answered.
"And they both disagree with the observation." Joe stated.
"Me? Be a brother to him? The eternal Boy Scout? I don't think so!"
"And there is a problem with being a boy scout?" Duncan asked handing everyone their drinks except Adam he threw the can at him.
"Great now I can't open my beer from you jostling it!"
"Poor baby." Duncan mimicked in a high-pitched tone.
"Now children!" Elissa admonished with a smile, "Play nice or I'll have to send you to your corners!"
"He started it!"
"I did not! I just asked if Elissa wanted wine!"
"Hey don't bring me into this! I was perfectly happy getting up and getting my own Coke but you offered."
"See, she's practical she has two legs and is willing to use them!" Duncan observed
"Yes I know she has two legs I have made note of her legs but you were already in there!"
Elissa was blushing, "Can we leave my anatomy out of this? Adam just say: 'Thank you.' "
"Thank you." He said grudgingly, his eyes twinkling.
"Now Duncan," Amanda chastised, "Say: 'your welcome'."
"You're welcome." He mumbled but his eyes were sparkling.
"I thought I was going to have to ground you two." Remarked Joe.
"You aren't the only one."' Commented Elissa.
"Don't worry, I have my ways for punishing Duncan," Amanda said with a wicked grin.
"Sorry the bathroom isn't unpacked yet Amanda. In fact there are boxes in the way of the tub."
"Oh well," she sighed, "I'll have to resort to other forms of torture!"
Everyone laughed. Elissa took a gulp of soda and once again looked around the room at all the boxes, "Well this was a fun distraction all, but I need to get back to unpacking boxes."
"Why do you think we all came over? It wasn't just to see your house. Well I admit that was part of it, so we all know where you live now, but really we came to help."
"You don't have to do that."
"Look, if you knew how little I do any physical work you'd appreciate the offer," Adam remarked.
"You guys are sure?"
"Yes."
Elissa surveyed the room and mentally thought of everything in the other rooms, "Well the easiest would probably be the second bedroom, that's where I have all of my smaller book shelves and the computer desk. There's no order to the books just put them on the shelves. Everything for the computer desk is in the three computer boxes. So whoever wants that room can take it. Then my room, well that's mostly clothes and stuff so that's no big deal. There's some books to be put away here, in the living room and then there is the kitchen."
"I'll take the computer room." Said Adam.
"I'll take your bedroom." Amanda said eyes dancing.
"I'll put the computer together!"
"Uncle Joe, you want to help me with the kitchen?"
"Sure thing."
"When you all are done we'll meet back in the kitchen."
Joe sat at one of the chairs at the kitchen table. Elissa sat next to him. Between them was a box of glasses from which they were each taking one, unrolling the paper and placing the glass on the table.
"This is a nice place Elissa."
"Thanks. I like it. It's a bit big for me."
He smiled, "Yes but I'm sure you won't have a problem with filling it."
"Yeah I know. Which is not necessarily a good thing!" She chuckled.
"Elissa, you wicked woman!" They heard Amanda exclaim from down the hall.
Elissa rolled her eyes. Joe looked at her quizzically but was already making his way down the hall. Elissa wasn't far behind. Both Duncan and Adam peered from the doorway of the computer room, which was directly across the hall from Elissa's room. Elissa made it down the hall just in time to see Amanda waltzing through the doorway and holding a vinyl cat suit to her. It had lacings up either thigh and laced from just below the navel all the way up to the neck, which was a studded collar that buckled in the back.
Elissa blushed, "I see you found one of my old Halloween costumes." She quickly grabbed it from Amanda and hurried into the room. Only to find her lingerie lay out on the bed.
"Don't tell me these are all Halloween costumes!" She lifted up a scarlet heart shaped teddy with white fur along the top of it.
Elissa had turned crimson, "They're not all Halloween costumes." She started putting the lingerie into an empty box. "But they are all going into the garbage."
"Maybe you are a closet seductress." Adam said grinning.
"I'm hardly a seductress, Adam, I wouldn't know the first thing of how to go about it!"
"You're going to want these, Elissa, I can't throw them away."
"Fine, then you pack them in the box and I'll throw them away." She started to leave the room when Amanda gasped again. Elissa looked skyward and prayed she hadn't found anything else.
"Elissa, you didn't need to buy anything for Friday, my God you could have worn this!" Amanda held up a dark royal purple silk dress. It had a draped v-neck front and a criss-cross spaghetti strapped back. The dress was ankle length and had two slits that went to mid thigh on the legs. It came with a royal purple shoulder wrap. "I bet you look absolutely stunning in this! Especially with your hair down!"
"I couldn't possibly wear that Amanda," Elissa grasped for a reason, "I've gained a little weight and it wouldn't fit right."
Amanda was staring at her suddenly realizing why she wouldn't wear it, "I doubt that, but whatever you say."
The men had all returned to what they were doing and Elissa and Amanda were the only ones in the room. Amanda closed the door, "Elissa, I know what you're hiding. I saw the scar the other day in the mirror."
Elissa sat on the bed and sighed. She wore a half smile, "I'm kind of glad that someone knows, besides Uncle Joe. I hate keeping secrets."
"But you don't have to keep it a secret."
"Oh yeah right. People just love to hear about victims Amanda. That way they give you their pity and pat you on the back and feel sorry for you. Then anytime you get upset it's always because of your past. No thank you!"
"I don't pity you, Elissa."
"I know."
"Then why do you think Duncan and Adam would?"
"If you want to tell Duncan fine. But not Adam. I mean I don't want to scare him off this soon in the game. I mean I like him, Amanda. I don't know why. I don't really know him but he's the first guy I've actually wanted to date in eight years. Not just be friends with or go catch a movie I mean date. Right now that concept is scary enough without having to know that he knows about my past. I have found that guys either run when they find out about abuse or they want to be the first one to show you how wonderful they are in bed and think they can make you forget."
"I don't think Adam would do that but I promise I won't say a word to him."
"Fine, but make Duncan promise too."
Amanda smiled, "You caught that."
"Oh yes, I caught that you won't tell him. But I'm saying the only way I want Adam to know is if I tell him."
"Fine. Have it your way."
"Thanks Amanda."
Amanda was taking the lingerie from the box and folding it carefully, "Where do you keep this?"
"I told you I'm going to throw it away."
"Trust me you may need this sometime in the future."
"I doubt I will ever wear it again."
"Don't be so sure. Now where do you keep it?"
"The top drawer in the armoire."
"Thank you."
"No, thank you Amanda."
"Hey us girls have got to stick together especially with those two around!"
Elissa opened the door and stepped out into the hall, she peeked into the other room. Duncan was playing a game on the computer and Adam was flipping through some book before he placed it on the shelf. "Duncan, there are still boxes of books I'm sure Adam wouldn't mind the help."
"Hold on, I'm almost done with this game of FreeCell."
Elissa shook her head and exited. She once again sat down at her kitchen table and started unpacking dishes.
"So, Amanda embarrassed you enough?"
Elissa smiled, "Yes. We had a little talk, all is well with the world now."
"Oh really?" Joe raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. She told me she saw the scar. She's not stupid so I know she put two and two together. I told her she could tell Duncan but not Adam."
"You realize Adam will still find out."
"Not until I tell him."
"Oh, really?"
"I made her promise not to have Duncan tell him either. I could just see her blabbing to Duncan and leaving out the fact that I didn't want anyone else to know."
"You do know Amanda."
She smiled, "I don't pretend to truly know her, Uncle Joe, let's just say I know enough about her."
He nodded, then smiled, "So what were you doing with a leather cat suit?"
"It's not leather it's vinyl, and it's something I wore for Halloween one year when I went as a dominatrix."
"Oh really?"
"Yes! Back when I was a freshman in college, I even wore some handcuffs as a belt and carried around a three foot long cat o nine tails!"
Joe smiled, "Let me guess had six inch heels to go with it!"
"Six inch heeled boots! Took me a month to learn to walk in them!"
Joe was smiling at her, "Why don't you wear stuff like that now? All I ever see you in is either business attire or jeans and sweaters or t-shirts. You have a nice figure why not show it off?"
"Just not my style."
"I see."
"Looks like it's time for another box." She stated changing the subject. She stood up and walked over to the far end of the kitchen, she started scooting the box over when the phone rang. She picked up the phone. "Hello?" She cradled the phone between her shoulder and cheek and continued pushing the box. "This is she," She replied stiffly. She looked over at Joe he cocked an eyebrow at her. She shrugged one shoulder. Then she stood eyes wide. "Hello Evan, "she replied gravely.
Joe straightened in his chair.
"I'm fine. Why are you calling?" she paused for the reply. "No, Evan I'm not interested. Thank you, bye." She hung up the phone her hand shaking. Once she replaced the receiver she leaned against the kitchen counter for support.
"Lisey, are you okay?" Joe asked, his voice filled with concern.
"I'll be fine, Uncle Joe, let me just get my breathe." She smiled feebly.
"What did he want?"
"He wanted to take me out tomorrow night, when I was done moving in."
"How'd he--"
"Uncle Joe, he knows. That is enough." She finished scooting the box over, "Now shall we get back to unpacking?"
Just then Duncan, Adam, and Amanda walked into the kitchen.
"We're done! Now what else do you want us to do?" Amanda asked brightly. She then glanced at the two somber faces. "Okay, who died?"
"No one. Why don't you guys call it a night? I can get the rest myself. Thanks for your help." Elissa said as she started escorting them to the living room.
Joe stayed seated. Amanda folded her arms over her chest and leaned against the counter. Duncan and Adam lounged against the doorway.
Amanda looked at Elissa, "It's not like you to give us the brush off."
"I'm suddenly very tired and it is ten o'clock and I've been up since seven which is not normal for me."
"I think it's something else." Amanda stated.
Joe watched Elissa. He sighed and rose, "You're forgiven this time." When he passed by he squeezed her arm, "We'll talk later, okay?"
"Okay." He patted her arm then walked into the living room.
"Adam, you forgot your beer."
"Keep it, I'll be back for it later!"
"Trust me on that one!" Duncan said as he put on his coat.
Amanda came up to Elissa, "Sure you are okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Positive?"
"Yes, Amanda."
"Okay, but you don't seem fine."
Joe and the rest of the gang were at the bar. Amanda kept running her finger around the edge of her wine glass, which was still full.
Duncan looked at her, "What did I do now?" He asked a smirk fluttering to his lips.
"It's not you. I just don't think we should have left is all."
"She obviously had enough of us for the evening, Amanda. Joe already said she wasn't too much of a people person."
"Joe, who was on the phone?"
Joe stopped cleaning the glasses, "Him."
"Him who?" Asked Adam.
"Not him?" gasped Amanda.
"Afraid so."
"But how did he track her down?"
"Who knows."
"Who are we talking about?" Adam asked a little irritated.
"I'd like to know too." Duncan asked as he sipped his scotch.
Amanda exchanged a look with Joe. "I can't tell you." She muttered.
"And why the hell not?"
She pierced him with her gaze, "Not right now!" she said through clenched teeth.
"Joe do you know what's going on?"
"Not really."
Amanda kicked Duncan under the table. "I will tell you but not now." She said as she tilted her head casually in Adam's direction. Duncan cocked an eyebrow Amanda pasted on her best false smile. Duncan nodded in affirmation.
Meanwhile Adam took a sip of beer and watched the whole scene before him. He cleared his throat, "Why can't you tell me what's going on?"
Amanda did her best innocently shocked look, "What do you mean?"
"I mean obviously there's something Elissa told you and now you can't tell anyone except maybe Duncan. Why?"
"Fine. Elissa swore me to secrecy. I can't tell you, are you happy now?"
"Why can't you tell me?"
"Personal reasons on her part."
"Fine then she can tell me."
"Adam, I don't think that would be such a good idea." Joe chimed in.
"Joe, I've already told you--"
"He's right, Adam, she's weary of you at the moment. Just let her tell you in her own time."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because you moron she likes you."
"She likes me?" he looked at Amanda a perplexed expression on his face. Suddenly he grinned, "She likes me!"
"Well duh! Anyway, just give her time. Don't go rushing off and interrogating the poor girl."
"Okay I won't go back tonight."
"Thank you!"
Joe watched the inter play then went to the other end of the bar when Mike motioned him over. A few minutes later he was back and Mike was gone. His expression was grim.
"What's wrong, Joe?"
"Looks like there's an immortal that came to town."
"And?" Duncan asked impatiently.
"Well the immortal isn't going to give you problems, just staying overnight due to the fact that the airport is fogged in."
"Okay, but..."
"The immortal's watcher is staying here on a two week vacation."
"So?" Adam asked.
Joe looked at Amanda, "Guess who's the watcher?"
"I really don't keep up on watchers, Joe."
"You wouldn't have to Amanda."
"Then how would I know?"
"Just think of the first name that pops into your head."
"Oh no."
He smiled grimly, "Fraid so."
"He found out about her because of her association with us didn't he?"
"Yup."
"Didn't you know?"
"Hey I'm not head of the Midwest Region, had no idea. I'm going to go check files. I don't like the feel of this anyway. I met him when I was at the bookstore and he was in the Army. I'll see who recruited him into the Watchers and when. You all just let yourselves out when you're done, okay?"
"Joe, call Duncan when you find out something okay?"
"Yeah."
"Think she'll be okay for tonight?"
"Tonight yes. He still has to keep an eye on his immortal until tomorrow morning when his relief shows up and takes over."
"Okay. Well keep us posted."
Joe went down the hall to his office.
Adam looked at Amanda and then Duncan, "Okay, spill it."
Amanda looked around making sure Mike and everyone else was gone, "Look, Methos, as Joe said it isn't our story to tell."
"Maybe so but from the sounds of it something is going on that might get Elissa hurt."
Duncan looked at Amanda, "What exactly did she tell you to do?"
"She told me I could tell you but I had to make sure that I told you not to tell Adam."
Duncan took a deep breath, "What if you told me in front of Adam?" He had obviously been hanging around the old man way too much.
"She said the only way she wanted Adam to find out was through her."
"When does she plan on telling him?"
"I don't know." Amanda said biting her lip.
"She's going to tell me tonight."
"Now Methos--"
"I'm not going to force it out of her, Duncan, if that's what you're worried about."
"What exactly are you going to do?" Amanda asked inspite of herself
"I'm going to charm it out of her." With that he shrugged on his coat and left.
"So now are you going to tell me?" Duncan asked.
"Yes. Her ex husband."
"Okay."
"You don't understand, Duncan, he carved his initial into her shoulder blade."
"You've got to be kidding!"
"No. Joe said that was the only mark he knew of but that Evan was abusive."
"But why?"
"Why did people used to brand slaves?"
"Ownership."
"Exactly."
"So he thought of her as property?"
"I'm assuming so."
"How long?"
"I guess nine months from what she told me."
"And yet she likes Methos."
"Yes."
"She needs to know about him."
"Why Duncan?"
"Because!"
"Now listen to me okay? She knows Adam Pierson. Has Adam Pierson ever hurt anyone? Well I mean outside of the game?"
"Well no."
"And since the thing with Kronos hasn't Methos been trying to make amends?"
"Well yes."
"Okay then."
"But Amanda, he used to be a rapist."
"That was 3000 years ago. I really don't think we need to tell Elissa."
"But she has a right to know!"
"Really? And did you feel Doctor Anne had a right to know about your immortality?"
"Well that was different?"
"How?"
"I never--"
"Doesn't matter. If Methos decides to divulge his past it means he also has to tell her about his immortality. The relationship is just beginning do you honestly think he should be baring his soul to someone whom he hasn't even had a first date with?"
"Okay you've got a point."
"Now can we go?"
"Why?"
"If you have to ask never mind!"
"Oh" he said the light dawning then grinning mischievously. "Whatever the lady desires."
"Oh really? Hmm." Amanda smiled back eyes twinkling.
Elissa had just gotten out of the bath. She hoped a long soak would calm her nerves, however it didn't help. Every noise of the town house startled her. The rasping of the heater the running of the water from the place next to her made her jump. Finally she gave up and got out of the tub. She wrapped a towel around her long wet hair and put on a plaid flannel nightshirt that hit her mid calf. She then slipped on a raggedy pair of fuzzy bunny slippers. She padded down the hall to the kitchen to fix herself a cup of chamomile tea. There was a knock at the door. She glanced at the clock on the microwave, eleven thirty. She took a deep breath and grabbed a cast iron skillet that hadn't found its way into a cupboard yet. She peered through the peephole and smirked to herself. "Now what on earth is He doing here?" she muttered resting the frying pan on her hip as she undid the locks. "Missing your beer?" she asked as she opened the door.
Methos stared at the pajama-clad woman in front of him. Hair up on a bright teal towel, flannel nightshirt. Floppy eared bunny slippers and frying pan resting nonchalantly upon her hip. "Is it okay if I come in or will the rabbits attack me?"
She moved away, closing and locking the door behind him, "They won't attack but the frying pan might." She wandered into the kitchen, setting the pan once again atop the stove, "So what are you doing here?"
"I was on my way home, saw your lights on and decided to stop by."
"Oh really?"
"If I'm bothering you I can leave."
"Oh you aren't bothering me. I just don't buy your story is all."
"Why is that?"
"Just a hunch."
"I do live close by."
"True, from what I know you live on the other side of the university so yes, you could very easily have driven by here on your way home."
"See."
"But I don't buy it."
"Hmm, let me see, "Methos studied her letting a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, "Maybe I intended on steeling a kiss?"
She studied him, blushing why are you blushing like a school girl, Lisey! she chided herself, "I seriously doubt that."
"Why?" he asked seriously.
"Just because."
"Just because why?"
Her face flushed crimson. The teapot whistling interrupted whatever comment she would have made. She secretly murmured a prayer for the save. She reached up and pulled a mug out of the cupboard, "Care for some tea?"
"No thank you, but I will have a beer." He grabbed one and flipped the lid off. She took her teacup into the living room and sat down in the corner of the sectional tucking her feet up underneath her, "So why don't you think I wouldn't want to kiss you?" He asked, sitting at the other end of the sectional his feet mere inches from her bent knees.
She took a sip of tea, "I just don't."
He eyed her smirking, if she only knew! He thought, "Okay fine, I didn't come over here to steal a kiss."
"Uncle Joe sent you, didn't he?"
"Now why would he do that?"
Elissa looked down into her cup, "Because he's worried?" she muttered.
"He didn't send me over. He knows your a grown woman and can take care of herself."
"Does he now?" she asked.
He watched her. Okay he was going to have to find something to chitchat about, "So, about your book."
"Yes?"
"Did you intend for it to be as romantic as it was?"
"Not in the beginning no."
"So did you work from an outline?"
"No."
"So it wrote itself."
"Kind of."
"Kind of?" he asked quizzically.
"Yeah, I had to keep my characters out of bed and actually keep along with the story line."
"I see. So did you base Carly on yourself?"
"Loosely. But she is her own person."
"What part of yourself did you base her on?"
"What do you mean?" she asked taking a sip of tea.
"Is it the humor, the no nonsense attitude, or the lack of trusting people; that are most like yourself?"
"Well I guess all three are me there."
"So, why don't you trust people?"
"Because all you do is get hurt."
"Okay."
She set her tea down on the coffee table and placed both feet on the floor. She turned her body to face him, "Look, Adam, we both know you aren't here to discuss my book. It's not that I don't like your company but I feel that you aren't here for my company or the beer. So cut the crap and just tell me. Who sent you over?"
"I came on my own."
She rose and walked over to one of the sets of French doors that lead out onto the deck, "Who told you what?" She asked quietly.
He finished the last of the beer and got up. He stood behind her, within arms reach, "No one told me anything, but I gathered something was amiss. First earlier this evening the phone rang we all came into the kitchen to find you and Joe having a non-verbal disagreement, then suddenly you rush us out. Then Amanda and Joe start sentences and don't finish them. All of it pertains to you, so therefore I thought I should come over and find out what is really going on. I have to see if I have a remote chance of ever dating you or if this other nameless man has already beaten me to it."
She turned and faced him, arms crossed in front of her a cold smile painted on her face, "Oh the other man beat you to it 8 years ago, I'm afraid." She muttered absently. "No, Adam, I am single. By court order actually. I'm divorced."
"You didn't want the divorce?"
"It's not that. I was the one who filed. He didn't want the divorce. In fact, in his own twisted mind he believes we are still married."
"So I have a chance?"
"A chance for what?"
"Oh I don't know, go out for dinner, a stroll along the lake, camping--"
"I don't camp. I love the outdoors but not camping."
"Good, I really don't either."
"I don't know, Adam. I like you, but well, I'm not an easy person to be around."
"I get along with you just fine."
"Yes but, well I don't even think I remember how to date."
"It's like riding a bike once you learn you don't forget."
She smiled in spite of herself, "You may not want to even go on a date with me."
"Why?"
"Because you might get hurt."
"What ever do you mean?"
"He has come after the other two men I risked dating. One got scared off with a warning, albeit the warning was given with a gun pointed to his head but needless to say I got dropped like a lead balloon."
"I don't scare that easy."
"That's what the last one said."
"And how long ago was that?"
"Five years."
"And what happened?"
"He ended up with a broken nose, a broken arm and a dislocated collar bone, oh and a broken knee cap."
"I still am not scared."
She met his green-eyed gaze, "Is it worth dating me to become injured? You are a professor for crying out loud! Evan is far from being a bookworm! He's an eigth degree black belt!"
"You'd be surprised what I do in my spare time. You've warned me. I said I'm willing to take the risk. Now what?"
She shook her head. "Don't you get it? He never was brought up on charges for those assaults!"
"How do you know that they even went to the police?"
"He did it in front of me, Adam! I went to the police." "And?"
"He told the police he was defending me."
"And you said?"
She hung her head in defeat. "He told me that he'd skin me if I told the police what I knew. He said that even the police wouldn't be able to protect me from him."
"So you lied."
"Yes I lied."
"Are you always going to let him run your life?"
"You don't understand." She turned and stared out into the night once again.
"Tell me what you think I don't understand."
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because."
"Because you think I'll run?"
"Possibly."
"Let me think..." he scratched his head as if deep in thought. "You have a snoring problem which is soo loud that it rattles the walls and people think it's an earthquake?"
"No."
"Okay, hmm… I know! You can't cook!"
"No." She said unable to keep from smiling.
"I know! You're really 95 years old and are just posing as a good looking twenty five year old woman!"
"Now I know you know better! I'm twenty seven."
"Okay off by two years big whoopy!" He turned serious and stepped closer, "Do you have an incurable disease?" He asked quietly. Making sure to keep his expression blank.
"No." She said quietly flinching at the question.
Methos eyed her, "So tell me."
"Why?"
"Because I care."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I just do."
She hugged herself, "I can't date you, as much as I would like to because if anything he'll kill me."
"Do you have a restraining order?"
"No."
"Why is that?"
"He has one against me."
"He what?"
"He caught up with me a few months ago. I punched him to get away. I broke his nose. The next day I was served the restraining order."
He smiled, "But don't you see if he shows up on your doorstep he is violating his own restraining order?"
She smiled wearily, "I don't think he has one for the state of Washington."
He studied her, "Why do you believe he will kill you?"
"Okay maybe kill is too strong of a word. But he'll hurt me," her voice cracked.
"He's hurt you before?" He asked quietly.
She nodded mutely. Turning once again to face the windows far away from those penetrating all seeing eyes.
He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, rested his chin on her shoulder and whispered into her ear, "How long were you married?"
"Nine months." She answered numbly balling her fists. She felt the tears threatening just behind her eyes. She hadn't cried in eight years and she'd be damned if she cried now.
He felt her body stiffen as she waged an internal war he could not see. "Was he always abusive?"
"No. He actually used to be a nice guy, or so I thought."
"So the abuse started after you married." Again she nodded.
He started to gently rub her arms and shoulders, Elissa tensed, "Please stop." She whispered. Her southern accent coating the words like syrup.
"Does it make you uncomfortable?" He asked letting his hands rest once again around her waist.
"A little."
"Okay. Is this okay?" She nodded. He pulled her tightly against him, resting his chin on her shoulder, "So why wasn't he ever arrested?"
"I never had any evidence. He always had away of twisting my words."
"Did you ever have to go to the hospital because of the abuse?"
"Yes, once."
"So there had to be documentation."
"There was."
"And?" He raised an eyebrow.
She took a deep steadying breath and almost inaudibly replied, "He said I was into painful sex and that it just got a little messy is all."
"And the judge bought this?"
"Yes. It was well known we experimented with stuff in our sex life. Actually he experimented I just well I just didn't fight him and did whatever he wanted. It was over with alot sooner that way."
"I see. So he made you out to be a little on the kinky side."
She nodded.
He felt her body tensing in front of him. He knew she was uncomfortable. He wanted to know more but knew better then to pry. "Why exactly did you go to the hospital?"
"I'm surprised Joe or Amanda didn't tell you."
"No you said they couldn't so they didn't."
"Yeah well, Amanda knew a little before I told her to keep her mouth shut."
"Well I don't know Elissa."
"Okay." She took another deep breath, and closed her eyes. She unbuttoned the first two buttons of the 'v' of the flannel nightshirt. Methos swallowed bracing himself for whatever she might do. She tilted her head to one side and lowered the one shoulder of the shirt to expose her right shoulder blade. "Do you see it?" She asked, her voice cold and unfeeling the accent completely non existant.
Methos gasped there on her shoulder blade was the letter E that looked like it had been carved with a serrated edge. It covered the whole shoulder blade. The scar was a pale white. He reached out and gently pulled the nightshirt back into place. The towel had slipped off of her head and when she straightened her hair hung down to her mid back in gentle damp waves. Elissa braced herself as she turned to meet his eyes expecting to find horror or pity but instead she saw caring. It was the only way she could describe it. He didn't look horrified just had this look.
"What did he use?" was the matter of fact question.
"A piece of glass from a vase he broke. He threatened later to use an actual branding iron to replace it." she spoke methodically.
"Yet he's not behind bars."
"Nope." Her accent was thick once again.
"You know eventually he'll get his."
"If I have anything to say about it. But right now I'm tired, Adam. Very tired." she drawled; 'tired' came out 'tarred'.
He looked at her for the first time he saw the dark circles deeply imbedded underneath her eyes and the blankness of her gaze. "I'll sleep on the couch."
"Why?"
"It will make me feel better."
She gave him a tired smile, hugging herself tightly as a chill coursed down her spine. "It's a nice gesture but please don't feel you have to."
He studied her, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing really."
"Then what's the look for?"
"I'm just trying to figure you out is all."
He grinned, "Why?"
"Because you didn't run screaming or suddenly try to put a move on me to make me forget."
"And this is a bad thing?"
"No. I just well I don't know, it's just not a normal reaction."
"Well I've learned to be a good observer."
"I guess that's from teaching."
"Oh yes." He said smiling even wider.
"The couch does fold out into a bed."
"Well there's a plus side then." he replied a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
She walked down the hall to the linen closet and came back with a heavy blanket a mauve colored sheet and a pillow with a matching mauve colored pillowcase, "Why are you staying?" She asked as she pulled the bed out of its hiding place and unfolded it.
"Because I want to make sure your safe."
"Why do you care?" she asked quietly.
He stopped tucking the sheet in, and looked at her, "You really aren't used to people caring are you?"
"I'm not used to people knowing such intimate details about me."
"How many people know?"
"Evan, Me, Joe, Amanda, Duncan and now you."
"You don't let anyone in at all."
"You never know who to trust."
"Yet you trust me enough to tell me?"
She studied him, hands on her hips, "Look, my gut says your okay. I have learned to trust my gut. Doesn't mean I'm comfortable with telling you but well I go with my gut."
"I see."
"And before you even ask no my gut didn't like Evan."
"Then why?"
"Stubborn pride."
"I see."
"Well good night Adam." She started to walk to her room.
"Elissa."
She turned in the hallway the light making her hair look golden, Yeah?"
"I like your hair down. You should wear it that way more often."
She stared at him her face filled with confusion along with a rose colored flush, "Night Adam."
He watched her go into her room and heard her lock her door. He didn't blame her, just showed she was cautious. He laid down in the bed and shut his eyes, still visualizing her surprised expression with the golden light shining down on her. She looked young and innocent in that moment. And that is the vision he fell asleep with.
"In the office." He called. Moments later Amanda was poking her head in the doorway. "Have a seat. What can I do for you?"
"Where's Elissa?"
"Oh she's signing the final paper work on her apartment. She should be almost through."
"Is she going to call when she needs a lift?"
"No she went out Sunday and bought herself a car."
"Oh."
Joe closed his laptop and leaned back in the chair, eyeing Amanda, "So is this business to do with one of you or is Duncan in trouble?"
"Neither. It's about Elissa."
"I told you that's her story."
"I know that but I have a question: Can you just give me a yes or no answer?" She asked a slight pout evident.
Joe sighed, "Okay one yes or no question."
"Was her ex husband abusive?"
"Excuse me?"
"Was her ex husband abusive?"
Joe studied her, "She told you?"
"I'll take that as a yes. No she didn't tell me I figured it out."
"How?"
She smiled, "I should just make you wonder but I don't want to play that game today. When we were shopping Saturday I was picking out dresses for her to wear. I found this beautiful black one that she would have been absolutely stunning in it was a totally backless dress, which fastened at the neck and bared her shoulders." she saw Joe nodding in a 'get to the point kind of way ' and cleared her throat, "Well anyway, when I went back to give it to her I peeked over the door and caught the reflection of her back in the mirror I saw what looked like an "E" carved into her shoulder blade. I gave her the dress to try on knowing full well she couldn't or wouldn't wear it. But how could I tactfully not give her the dress and come up with an excuse as to why I was even back there? So I gave her the dress and walked away."
Joe sighed, "Now you know her secret."
"That goes beyond abuse, Joe."
"I know."
"Is there more?"
"More carvings?"
"Yeah."
"Not that she's told me but I didn't ask either."
"What else did he do to her?"
"I don't know. She only divulged that one to me because I was the person she ran to the night he did it. I took her to the hospital. That's the night she decided she needed out but she made me promise that she did it on her terms. She got her Associates degree two months later."
"Anything else happen in those two months?"
"I hardly saw her. The one time I did she had two black eyes."
"Why did she stay, Joe?"
"Why do most of them stay, Amanda? She was in fear for her life. Once she got her degree she fled while he was gone on maneuvers for a couple of weeks. When he went down to get her in Oklahoma she had told him what he wanted to hear."
"Which was?"
"That everything was her fault and she was seeing a counselor for it. And the counselor wanted to meet with him." Joe wore a bitter grin, "At the time he wasn't smart enough to realize that another name for Lawyer was Counselor."
"She conned him."
"Oh yeah, come to find out the two months it took her to graduate she was scheming to get the divorce. He didn't know at all. Once the lawyer cornered him he signed the papers and it was to be final pending his payment of the lawyers fee. She didn't ask for anything just to be let out of the marriage with everything she came into it with. It should have taken ten days but his checks kept bouncing and Elissa ended up paying the full bill. But she was rid of him."
"So that part of the book is true."
Joe looked at her, "Yeah, the ex from the book is similar to her ex in real life."
"And yet she likes Methos."
"Yup." Joe muttered.
"Would she forgive him about his past?"
"I'm not going to be the one to tell her about Methos' immortality, Amanda."
"But if she were to find out--"
Joe leaned forward, "Look, that was three thousand years ago, besides I have never known Adam Pierson to harm a hair on anyone's head, well unless of course its one of you."
Amanda smiled, "Okay, you're right. I mean I know that what's past is past but she's had a traumatic experience and well..."
Joe smiled, "You'd be surprised what she's willing to forgive Amanda."
"She forgave that creep?"
"Forgave herself. She won't ever forget what he did but I think she came to terms with it."
"Okay, well just had to talk to you about it is all." She rose from the chair when she felt a presence. A few moments later a British accented voice called, "Anybody home?"
"We're in here." Joe hollered.
Adam poked his head in, "And where's Duncan?"
"I left him at the loft reading. Told him I needed to run to the market for dinner."
"Ah and where's Elissa?"
"Signing papers for her apartment." Joe answered.
"And what time do you need to get her?"
"I don't, she has her own wheels now."
"Another rental?"
"Nope, a Saturn she purchased Sunday."
"I see."
"So Methos what brings you here?" Amanda asked.
He smiled, "Well, I just finished reading Elissa's book and I was going to tell her what I thought of it."
"Be nice to her. Some people don't enjoy your cynicism."
"Amanda, I wouldn't do that to her. Besides I enjoyed it. She has a wicked imagination!"
"You can say that again!" Joe agreed.
Amanda smoothed her skirt; "Well I had better go to the market before Duncan wonders what's happened to me. Thanks Joe." With that she was off.
Methos sat down in the chair Amanda had recently vacated, "So, Amanda was pumping you for information on Elissa."
"And why do you think that?"
"Because I saw the exchange between them yesterday. So what is her story Joe?"
"That is Elissa's story to divulge." Joe leaned forward a bit, "Just don't play with her okay? I trust you. Especially after Alexa. But Elissa is different. She's fragile in her own way."
"All humans are fragile, Joe, you don't need to remind me. Besides you aren't her father just like you weren't Alexa's father."
"I know. But--"
"Joe, no buts. Is she dying?"
"Not like Alexa no."
"Okay, then. Don't worry about it. She's a big girl she can make her own decisions."
"That's what I'm afraid of, " Joe mumbled under his breath as Methos sauntered through the doorway.
Methos took a step and peered back in, his tone was quiet but anger was being held in restraint, "You don't approve of me, Joe?"
"It's not that Methos. Nothing like that at all."
Methos stared at him Joe stared back. Methos shrugged and walked into the bar. Joe sat back and began to unconsciously tap his fingers on the armrests of the chair, "I'm afraid she won't take the risk." He mumbled to the walls.
Elissa walked into the dim lit bar. Her hair was up in its usual French braid and she wore a scarlet red v necked sweater that hit her at mid thigh. She had baggy jeans and hiking boots on and no coat.Joe looked at her shaking his head, "Do you know what the temperature is?"
Elissa shrugged, "I believe it's somewhere around thirty five degrees."
"That's right and we're supposed to be getting some snow tonight."
"Okay and your point?"
"Where's your coat? I know you got your luggage today."
"It's not THAT cold out."
"You're going to get sick."
"Uncle Joe I was only out in the elements as long as it took to get from my car to the realtor's office and back."
"Don't come whining to me if you get sick! Friday you were soaked to the bone and now this!"
"Uncle Joe back in Oklahoma its fifteen degrees, to me this is a heat wave!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. So everything ready?"
"Yes, you don't have to worry about me sleeping on your couch tonight."
"Where are you going to sleep?"
"At my new town house!"
"On what?"
"In my sleeping bag on the floor!"
"Sounds hard on the back." Adam put in.
Elissa smiled, "Oh Hi, Adam. It may be a little hard on the back but no big deal. I have nice thick carpeting."
Adam smirked, "You just want to test out that bath tub."
"Well I haven't taken a nice long soak in a tub for quite awhile. Besides, Uncle Joe, you'll have your living space back."
"I don't mind your company, Elissa."
"I know, but well, I'm better off in my own place. I don't make a very good visitor."
"My place is the cleanest I've ever seen it."
"Well I have to do something to earn my keep!"
"You're a guest, you don't have to earn your keep."
She rolled her eyes in response. Adam cleared his throat, "I finished your book."
"Oh really?" She asked. Bracing herself for either flattery or criticism. Adam just seemed the type to be brutally honest.
"Quite an imagination you've got there." He commented, sipping his beer.
"Thank you, I think." she responded shyly.
"So where do you get your ideas? Personal experience or just pluck them out of the dark recesses of your brain?"
"Both."
"Well when is the next one coming out?"
"When I finish with it."
"Which will be?"
"When I'm done with it."
He smiled, "Well I'd like an autographed copy."
"Sure thing." she answered. Her mind raced for something to talk about. She sipped the coffee that Joe had set in front of her. "May I have the keys to your place, Uncle Joe? So I can get the rest of my luggage?"
"What do you mean the rest? You only had two bags."
"Yes well I only put one bag in the car. I wasn't thinking straight."
"Running late again?"
"Yes."
"But you got to the realtors on time."
"Yes."
"And luckily you didn't run into any police, correct?"
"Well, yes," she said smiling.
"And how fast were you going?"
"Fast enough."
"Which means around seventy five if I remember correctly."
"Around there."
Joe smirked shaking his head. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys, "Here. When you're done, lock everything up and drop them back here."
"Thanks."
She started to leave then turned, "Bye, Adam, Uncle Joe."
Elissa was standing in the kitchen with a clipboard on the counter and pen in hand. She was pointing at the far wall in the living room and smiling as the three movers set down her solid oak entertainment center.
"Ma'am, " the tall man with salt and peppered hair said as he wiped perspiration from his forehead, "That is all of it."
"Finally. I didn't realize I had that much stuff!"
A brown haired bearded man asked, "Is everything you own solid oak?"
"The bed was solid cherry."
"I'm going to be sore tomorrow!" Commented the third man.
"Well," said the first man, "We're off. If there's a problem just right it down and we'll send someone out to look over what needs to be fixed. Once you have the boxes unpacked just call and we'll come and pick them up."
Elissa saluted them with the pen and set it down next to the clipboard. She flopped into her oversized recliner and surveyed the room. She laid her head back and closed her eyes when someone knocked on the door. With a groan she rose and walked around some boxes. She looked through the peephole and smiled. She opened the door to find Joe standing there with a bottle of wine.
"Well what brings you here?" She asked as she led him into the living room.
"I wanted to be the first to welcome you to your house." He handed her the bottle.
She smiled, "You remembered!"
He grinned, "The only woman I know who likes blackberry Merlot."
"At least I don't have expensive tastes!"
"Yes it could be worse you could be like me!" Amanda and Duncan waltzed in through the door. Amanda handed her a fruit basket and another bottle of Blackberry Merlot. "You could like a hundred year old Rothchilde."
"Thank you." she took the fruit basket and set it on the counter and the two wines and placed them in the fridge. "I don't have anything to offer except water, orange juice, Coke, and now wine."
"Break out the wine of course!"
Elissa started laughing, "Fine, but remember I don't have hardly anything unpacked so wine glasses I do not have." Elissa came into the room with three paper cups half filled with wine.
"It all tastes the same," Duncan commented, "No matter what it's served in!"
"To Elissa's home!" Joe toasted raising his glass.
"Starting without me?" Adam asked as he walked through the door, pizza in one hand and a case of beer in the other.
"I didn't even know you were coming." Joe said.
"And miss an opportunity to sprawl at someone else's house? Please! I thought you knew me better then that!" He handed the pizza to Elissa and sauntered into the kitchen with his beer.
"Thank you, Adam, now let me see what I have as far as plates go." she walked into the kitchen looking at the different boxes and reading the contents. "Looks like all I have for plates are paper towels. My dishpacks must be behind all of my glassware boxes."
"I'm sure no one minds as long as they get a piece," Adam grinned as he got five paper towels. "However, it is: serve yourself," he added as he came into the living room with a piece of pizza in one hand and beer in the other.
Elissa was sitting on the floor next to Amanda, her pizza setting on the coffee table. Adam was across from her on the couch with Joe next to him.
Duncan was in the kitchen refilling cups, "Elissa, you're sure you don't want anymore wine?"
"Positive. I get headaches if I drink too much of it. Just get me a coke please?"
"A beer would be nice too, Mac."
"You can get your own beer!"
"You offered to get Elissa some wine." Adam countered.
Duncan stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room, "Yes and last time I checked you were no lady!"
"Blast it all, Macleod I even asked nicely!"
Duncan grinned, "You may have asked nicely but I didn't say anything about beer now did I?"
"Fine, I'll get my own!"
"I'm already here I'll get your bloody beer lazy bones!"
Amanda and Elissa were grinning. "Has anyone ever told you that you two act like brothers?"
"Many times," Amanda answered.
"And they both disagree with the observation." Joe stated.
"Me? Be a brother to him? The eternal Boy Scout? I don't think so!"
"And there is a problem with being a boy scout?" Duncan asked handing everyone their drinks except Adam he threw the can at him.
"Great now I can't open my beer from you jostling it!"
"Poor baby." Duncan mimicked in a high-pitched tone.
"Now children!" Elissa admonished with a smile, "Play nice or I'll have to send you to your corners!"
"He started it!"
"I did not! I just asked if Elissa wanted wine!"
"Hey don't bring me into this! I was perfectly happy getting up and getting my own Coke but you offered."
"See, she's practical she has two legs and is willing to use them!" Duncan observed
"Yes I know she has two legs I have made note of her legs but you were already in there!"
Elissa was blushing, "Can we leave my anatomy out of this? Adam just say: 'Thank you.' "
"Thank you." He said grudgingly, his eyes twinkling.
"Now Duncan," Amanda chastised, "Say: 'your welcome'."
"You're welcome." He mumbled but his eyes were sparkling.
"I thought I was going to have to ground you two." Remarked Joe.
"You aren't the only one."' Commented Elissa.
"Don't worry, I have my ways for punishing Duncan," Amanda said with a wicked grin.
"Sorry the bathroom isn't unpacked yet Amanda. In fact there are boxes in the way of the tub."
"Oh well," she sighed, "I'll have to resort to other forms of torture!"
Everyone laughed. Elissa took a gulp of soda and once again looked around the room at all the boxes, "Well this was a fun distraction all, but I need to get back to unpacking boxes."
"Why do you think we all came over? It wasn't just to see your house. Well I admit that was part of it, so we all know where you live now, but really we came to help."
"You don't have to do that."
"Look, if you knew how little I do any physical work you'd appreciate the offer," Adam remarked.
"You guys are sure?"
"Yes."
Elissa surveyed the room and mentally thought of everything in the other rooms, "Well the easiest would probably be the second bedroom, that's where I have all of my smaller book shelves and the computer desk. There's no order to the books just put them on the shelves. Everything for the computer desk is in the three computer boxes. So whoever wants that room can take it. Then my room, well that's mostly clothes and stuff so that's no big deal. There's some books to be put away here, in the living room and then there is the kitchen."
"I'll take the computer room." Said Adam.
"I'll take your bedroom." Amanda said eyes dancing.
"I'll put the computer together!"
"Uncle Joe, you want to help me with the kitchen?"
"Sure thing."
"When you all are done we'll meet back in the kitchen."
Joe sat at one of the chairs at the kitchen table. Elissa sat next to him. Between them was a box of glasses from which they were each taking one, unrolling the paper and placing the glass on the table.
"This is a nice place Elissa."
"Thanks. I like it. It's a bit big for me."
He smiled, "Yes but I'm sure you won't have a problem with filling it."
"Yeah I know. Which is not necessarily a good thing!" She chuckled.
"Elissa, you wicked woman!" They heard Amanda exclaim from down the hall.
Elissa rolled her eyes. Joe looked at her quizzically but was already making his way down the hall. Elissa wasn't far behind. Both Duncan and Adam peered from the doorway of the computer room, which was directly across the hall from Elissa's room. Elissa made it down the hall just in time to see Amanda waltzing through the doorway and holding a vinyl cat suit to her. It had lacings up either thigh and laced from just below the navel all the way up to the neck, which was a studded collar that buckled in the back.
Elissa blushed, "I see you found one of my old Halloween costumes." She quickly grabbed it from Amanda and hurried into the room. Only to find her lingerie lay out on the bed.
"Don't tell me these are all Halloween costumes!" She lifted up a scarlet heart shaped teddy with white fur along the top of it.
Elissa had turned crimson, "They're not all Halloween costumes." She started putting the lingerie into an empty box. "But they are all going into the garbage."
"Maybe you are a closet seductress." Adam said grinning.
"I'm hardly a seductress, Adam, I wouldn't know the first thing of how to go about it!"
"You're going to want these, Elissa, I can't throw them away."
"Fine, then you pack them in the box and I'll throw them away." She started to leave the room when Amanda gasped again. Elissa looked skyward and prayed she hadn't found anything else.
"Elissa, you didn't need to buy anything for Friday, my God you could have worn this!" Amanda held up a dark royal purple silk dress. It had a draped v-neck front and a criss-cross spaghetti strapped back. The dress was ankle length and had two slits that went to mid thigh on the legs. It came with a royal purple shoulder wrap. "I bet you look absolutely stunning in this! Especially with your hair down!"
"I couldn't possibly wear that Amanda," Elissa grasped for a reason, "I've gained a little weight and it wouldn't fit right."
Amanda was staring at her suddenly realizing why she wouldn't wear it, "I doubt that, but whatever you say."
The men had all returned to what they were doing and Elissa and Amanda were the only ones in the room. Amanda closed the door, "Elissa, I know what you're hiding. I saw the scar the other day in the mirror."
Elissa sat on the bed and sighed. She wore a half smile, "I'm kind of glad that someone knows, besides Uncle Joe. I hate keeping secrets."
"But you don't have to keep it a secret."
"Oh yeah right. People just love to hear about victims Amanda. That way they give you their pity and pat you on the back and feel sorry for you. Then anytime you get upset it's always because of your past. No thank you!"
"I don't pity you, Elissa."
"I know."
"Then why do you think Duncan and Adam would?"
"If you want to tell Duncan fine. But not Adam. I mean I don't want to scare him off this soon in the game. I mean I like him, Amanda. I don't know why. I don't really know him but he's the first guy I've actually wanted to date in eight years. Not just be friends with or go catch a movie I mean date. Right now that concept is scary enough without having to know that he knows about my past. I have found that guys either run when they find out about abuse or they want to be the first one to show you how wonderful they are in bed and think they can make you forget."
"I don't think Adam would do that but I promise I won't say a word to him."
"Fine, but make Duncan promise too."
Amanda smiled, "You caught that."
"Oh yes, I caught that you won't tell him. But I'm saying the only way I want Adam to know is if I tell him."
"Fine. Have it your way."
"Thanks Amanda."
Amanda was taking the lingerie from the box and folding it carefully, "Where do you keep this?"
"I told you I'm going to throw it away."
"Trust me you may need this sometime in the future."
"I doubt I will ever wear it again."
"Don't be so sure. Now where do you keep it?"
"The top drawer in the armoire."
"Thank you."
"No, thank you Amanda."
"Hey us girls have got to stick together especially with those two around!"
Elissa opened the door and stepped out into the hall, she peeked into the other room. Duncan was playing a game on the computer and Adam was flipping through some book before he placed it on the shelf. "Duncan, there are still boxes of books I'm sure Adam wouldn't mind the help."
"Hold on, I'm almost done with this game of FreeCell."
Elissa shook her head and exited. She once again sat down at her kitchen table and started unpacking dishes.
"So, Amanda embarrassed you enough?"
Elissa smiled, "Yes. We had a little talk, all is well with the world now."
"Oh really?" Joe raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. She told me she saw the scar. She's not stupid so I know she put two and two together. I told her she could tell Duncan but not Adam."
"You realize Adam will still find out."
"Not until I tell him."
"Oh, really?"
"I made her promise not to have Duncan tell him either. I could just see her blabbing to Duncan and leaving out the fact that I didn't want anyone else to know."
"You do know Amanda."
She smiled, "I don't pretend to truly know her, Uncle Joe, let's just say I know enough about her."
He nodded, then smiled, "So what were you doing with a leather cat suit?"
"It's not leather it's vinyl, and it's something I wore for Halloween one year when I went as a dominatrix."
"Oh really?"
"Yes! Back when I was a freshman in college, I even wore some handcuffs as a belt and carried around a three foot long cat o nine tails!"
Joe smiled, "Let me guess had six inch heels to go with it!"
"Six inch heeled boots! Took me a month to learn to walk in them!"
Joe was smiling at her, "Why don't you wear stuff like that now? All I ever see you in is either business attire or jeans and sweaters or t-shirts. You have a nice figure why not show it off?"
"Just not my style."
"I see."
"Looks like it's time for another box." She stated changing the subject. She stood up and walked over to the far end of the kitchen, she started scooting the box over when the phone rang. She picked up the phone. "Hello?" She cradled the phone between her shoulder and cheek and continued pushing the box. "This is she," She replied stiffly. She looked over at Joe he cocked an eyebrow at her. She shrugged one shoulder. Then she stood eyes wide. "Hello Evan, "she replied gravely.
Joe straightened in his chair.
"I'm fine. Why are you calling?" she paused for the reply. "No, Evan I'm not interested. Thank you, bye." She hung up the phone her hand shaking. Once she replaced the receiver she leaned against the kitchen counter for support.
"Lisey, are you okay?" Joe asked, his voice filled with concern.
"I'll be fine, Uncle Joe, let me just get my breathe." She smiled feebly.
"What did he want?"
"He wanted to take me out tomorrow night, when I was done moving in."
"How'd he--"
"Uncle Joe, he knows. That is enough." She finished scooting the box over, "Now shall we get back to unpacking?"
Just then Duncan, Adam, and Amanda walked into the kitchen.
"We're done! Now what else do you want us to do?" Amanda asked brightly. She then glanced at the two somber faces. "Okay, who died?"
"No one. Why don't you guys call it a night? I can get the rest myself. Thanks for your help." Elissa said as she started escorting them to the living room.
Joe stayed seated. Amanda folded her arms over her chest and leaned against the counter. Duncan and Adam lounged against the doorway.
Amanda looked at Elissa, "It's not like you to give us the brush off."
"I'm suddenly very tired and it is ten o'clock and I've been up since seven which is not normal for me."
"I think it's something else." Amanda stated.
Joe watched Elissa. He sighed and rose, "You're forgiven this time." When he passed by he squeezed her arm, "We'll talk later, okay?"
"Okay." He patted her arm then walked into the living room.
"Adam, you forgot your beer."
"Keep it, I'll be back for it later!"
"Trust me on that one!" Duncan said as he put on his coat.
Amanda came up to Elissa, "Sure you are okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Positive?"
"Yes, Amanda."
"Okay, but you don't seem fine."
Joe and the rest of the gang were at the bar. Amanda kept running her finger around the edge of her wine glass, which was still full.
Duncan looked at her, "What did I do now?" He asked a smirk fluttering to his lips.
"It's not you. I just don't think we should have left is all."
"She obviously had enough of us for the evening, Amanda. Joe already said she wasn't too much of a people person."
"Joe, who was on the phone?"
Joe stopped cleaning the glasses, "Him."
"Him who?" Asked Adam.
"Not him?" gasped Amanda.
"Afraid so."
"But how did he track her down?"
"Who knows."
"Who are we talking about?" Adam asked a little irritated.
"I'd like to know too." Duncan asked as he sipped his scotch.
Amanda exchanged a look with Joe. "I can't tell you." She muttered.
"And why the hell not?"
She pierced him with her gaze, "Not right now!" she said through clenched teeth.
"Joe do you know what's going on?"
"Not really."
Amanda kicked Duncan under the table. "I will tell you but not now." She said as she tilted her head casually in Adam's direction. Duncan cocked an eyebrow Amanda pasted on her best false smile. Duncan nodded in affirmation.
Meanwhile Adam took a sip of beer and watched the whole scene before him. He cleared his throat, "Why can't you tell me what's going on?"
Amanda did her best innocently shocked look, "What do you mean?"
"I mean obviously there's something Elissa told you and now you can't tell anyone except maybe Duncan. Why?"
"Fine. Elissa swore me to secrecy. I can't tell you, are you happy now?"
"Why can't you tell me?"
"Personal reasons on her part."
"Fine then she can tell me."
"Adam, I don't think that would be such a good idea." Joe chimed in.
"Joe, I've already told you--"
"He's right, Adam, she's weary of you at the moment. Just let her tell you in her own time."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because you moron she likes you."
"She likes me?" he looked at Amanda a perplexed expression on his face. Suddenly he grinned, "She likes me!"
"Well duh! Anyway, just give her time. Don't go rushing off and interrogating the poor girl."
"Okay I won't go back tonight."
"Thank you!"
Joe watched the inter play then went to the other end of the bar when Mike motioned him over. A few minutes later he was back and Mike was gone. His expression was grim.
"What's wrong, Joe?"
"Looks like there's an immortal that came to town."
"And?" Duncan asked impatiently.
"Well the immortal isn't going to give you problems, just staying overnight due to the fact that the airport is fogged in."
"Okay, but..."
"The immortal's watcher is staying here on a two week vacation."
"So?" Adam asked.
Joe looked at Amanda, "Guess who's the watcher?"
"I really don't keep up on watchers, Joe."
"You wouldn't have to Amanda."
"Then how would I know?"
"Just think of the first name that pops into your head."
"Oh no."
He smiled grimly, "Fraid so."
"He found out about her because of her association with us didn't he?"
"Yup."
"Didn't you know?"
"Hey I'm not head of the Midwest Region, had no idea. I'm going to go check files. I don't like the feel of this anyway. I met him when I was at the bookstore and he was in the Army. I'll see who recruited him into the Watchers and when. You all just let yourselves out when you're done, okay?"
"Joe, call Duncan when you find out something okay?"
"Yeah."
"Think she'll be okay for tonight?"
"Tonight yes. He still has to keep an eye on his immortal until tomorrow morning when his relief shows up and takes over."
"Okay. Well keep us posted."
Joe went down the hall to his office.
Adam looked at Amanda and then Duncan, "Okay, spill it."
Amanda looked around making sure Mike and everyone else was gone, "Look, Methos, as Joe said it isn't our story to tell."
"Maybe so but from the sounds of it something is going on that might get Elissa hurt."
Duncan looked at Amanda, "What exactly did she tell you to do?"
"She told me I could tell you but I had to make sure that I told you not to tell Adam."
Duncan took a deep breath, "What if you told me in front of Adam?" He had obviously been hanging around the old man way too much.
"She said the only way she wanted Adam to find out was through her."
"When does she plan on telling him?"
"I don't know." Amanda said biting her lip.
"She's going to tell me tonight."
"Now Methos--"
"I'm not going to force it out of her, Duncan, if that's what you're worried about."
"What exactly are you going to do?" Amanda asked inspite of herself
"I'm going to charm it out of her." With that he shrugged on his coat and left.
"So now are you going to tell me?" Duncan asked.
"Yes. Her ex husband."
"Okay."
"You don't understand, Duncan, he carved his initial into her shoulder blade."
"You've got to be kidding!"
"No. Joe said that was the only mark he knew of but that Evan was abusive."
"But why?"
"Why did people used to brand slaves?"
"Ownership."
"Exactly."
"So he thought of her as property?"
"I'm assuming so."
"How long?"
"I guess nine months from what she told me."
"And yet she likes Methos."
"Yes."
"She needs to know about him."
"Why Duncan?"
"Because!"
"Now listen to me okay? She knows Adam Pierson. Has Adam Pierson ever hurt anyone? Well I mean outside of the game?"
"Well no."
"And since the thing with Kronos hasn't Methos been trying to make amends?"
"Well yes."
"Okay then."
"But Amanda, he used to be a rapist."
"That was 3000 years ago. I really don't think we need to tell Elissa."
"But she has a right to know!"
"Really? And did you feel Doctor Anne had a right to know about your immortality?"
"Well that was different?"
"How?"
"I never--"
"Doesn't matter. If Methos decides to divulge his past it means he also has to tell her about his immortality. The relationship is just beginning do you honestly think he should be baring his soul to someone whom he hasn't even had a first date with?"
"Okay you've got a point."
"Now can we go?"
"Why?"
"If you have to ask never mind!"
"Oh" he said the light dawning then grinning mischievously. "Whatever the lady desires."
"Oh really? Hmm." Amanda smiled back eyes twinkling.
Elissa had just gotten out of the bath. She hoped a long soak would calm her nerves, however it didn't help. Every noise of the town house startled her. The rasping of the heater the running of the water from the place next to her made her jump. Finally she gave up and got out of the tub. She wrapped a towel around her long wet hair and put on a plaid flannel nightshirt that hit her mid calf. She then slipped on a raggedy pair of fuzzy bunny slippers. She padded down the hall to the kitchen to fix herself a cup of chamomile tea. There was a knock at the door. She glanced at the clock on the microwave, eleven thirty. She took a deep breath and grabbed a cast iron skillet that hadn't found its way into a cupboard yet. She peered through the peephole and smirked to herself. "Now what on earth is He doing here?" she muttered resting the frying pan on her hip as she undid the locks. "Missing your beer?" she asked as she opened the door.
Methos stared at the pajama-clad woman in front of him. Hair up on a bright teal towel, flannel nightshirt. Floppy eared bunny slippers and frying pan resting nonchalantly upon her hip. "Is it okay if I come in or will the rabbits attack me?"
She moved away, closing and locking the door behind him, "They won't attack but the frying pan might." She wandered into the kitchen, setting the pan once again atop the stove, "So what are you doing here?"
"I was on my way home, saw your lights on and decided to stop by."
"Oh really?"
"If I'm bothering you I can leave."
"Oh you aren't bothering me. I just don't buy your story is all."
"Why is that?"
"Just a hunch."
"I do live close by."
"True, from what I know you live on the other side of the university so yes, you could very easily have driven by here on your way home."
"See."
"But I don't buy it."
"Hmm, let me see, "Methos studied her letting a mischievous glimmer in his eyes, "Maybe I intended on steeling a kiss?"
She studied him, blushing why are you blushing like a school girl, Lisey! she chided herself, "I seriously doubt that."
"Why?" he asked seriously.
"Just because."
"Just because why?"
Her face flushed crimson. The teapot whistling interrupted whatever comment she would have made. She secretly murmured a prayer for the save. She reached up and pulled a mug out of the cupboard, "Care for some tea?"
"No thank you, but I will have a beer." He grabbed one and flipped the lid off. She took her teacup into the living room and sat down in the corner of the sectional tucking her feet up underneath her, "So why don't you think I wouldn't want to kiss you?" He asked, sitting at the other end of the sectional his feet mere inches from her bent knees.
She took a sip of tea, "I just don't."
He eyed her smirking, if she only knew! He thought, "Okay fine, I didn't come over here to steal a kiss."
"Uncle Joe sent you, didn't he?"
"Now why would he do that?"
Elissa looked down into her cup, "Because he's worried?" she muttered.
"He didn't send me over. He knows your a grown woman and can take care of herself."
"Does he now?" she asked.
He watched her. Okay he was going to have to find something to chitchat about, "So, about your book."
"Yes?"
"Did you intend for it to be as romantic as it was?"
"Not in the beginning no."
"So did you work from an outline?"
"No."
"So it wrote itself."
"Kind of."
"Kind of?" he asked quizzically.
"Yeah, I had to keep my characters out of bed and actually keep along with the story line."
"I see. So did you base Carly on yourself?"
"Loosely. But she is her own person."
"What part of yourself did you base her on?"
"What do you mean?" she asked taking a sip of tea.
"Is it the humor, the no nonsense attitude, or the lack of trusting people; that are most like yourself?"
"Well I guess all three are me there."
"So, why don't you trust people?"
"Because all you do is get hurt."
"Okay."
She set her tea down on the coffee table and placed both feet on the floor. She turned her body to face him, "Look, Adam, we both know you aren't here to discuss my book. It's not that I don't like your company but I feel that you aren't here for my company or the beer. So cut the crap and just tell me. Who sent you over?"
"I came on my own."
She rose and walked over to one of the sets of French doors that lead out onto the deck, "Who told you what?" She asked quietly.
He finished the last of the beer and got up. He stood behind her, within arms reach, "No one told me anything, but I gathered something was amiss. First earlier this evening the phone rang we all came into the kitchen to find you and Joe having a non-verbal disagreement, then suddenly you rush us out. Then Amanda and Joe start sentences and don't finish them. All of it pertains to you, so therefore I thought I should come over and find out what is really going on. I have to see if I have a remote chance of ever dating you or if this other nameless man has already beaten me to it."
She turned and faced him, arms crossed in front of her a cold smile painted on her face, "Oh the other man beat you to it 8 years ago, I'm afraid." She muttered absently. "No, Adam, I am single. By court order actually. I'm divorced."
"You didn't want the divorce?"
"It's not that. I was the one who filed. He didn't want the divorce. In fact, in his own twisted mind he believes we are still married."
"So I have a chance?"
"A chance for what?"
"Oh I don't know, go out for dinner, a stroll along the lake, camping--"
"I don't camp. I love the outdoors but not camping."
"Good, I really don't either."
"I don't know, Adam. I like you, but well, I'm not an easy person to be around."
"I get along with you just fine."
"Yes but, well I don't even think I remember how to date."
"It's like riding a bike once you learn you don't forget."
She smiled in spite of herself, "You may not want to even go on a date with me."
"Why?"
"Because you might get hurt."
"What ever do you mean?"
"He has come after the other two men I risked dating. One got scared off with a warning, albeit the warning was given with a gun pointed to his head but needless to say I got dropped like a lead balloon."
"I don't scare that easy."
"That's what the last one said."
"And how long ago was that?"
"Five years."
"And what happened?"
"He ended up with a broken nose, a broken arm and a dislocated collar bone, oh and a broken knee cap."
"I still am not scared."
She met his green-eyed gaze, "Is it worth dating me to become injured? You are a professor for crying out loud! Evan is far from being a bookworm! He's an eigth degree black belt!"
"You'd be surprised what I do in my spare time. You've warned me. I said I'm willing to take the risk. Now what?"
She shook her head. "Don't you get it? He never was brought up on charges for those assaults!"
"How do you know that they even went to the police?"
"He did it in front of me, Adam! I went to the police." "And?"
"He told the police he was defending me."
"And you said?"
She hung her head in defeat. "He told me that he'd skin me if I told the police what I knew. He said that even the police wouldn't be able to protect me from him."
"So you lied."
"Yes I lied."
"Are you always going to let him run your life?"
"You don't understand." She turned and stared out into the night once again.
"Tell me what you think I don't understand."
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because."
"Because you think I'll run?"
"Possibly."
"Let me think..." he scratched his head as if deep in thought. "You have a snoring problem which is soo loud that it rattles the walls and people think it's an earthquake?"
"No."
"Okay, hmm… I know! You can't cook!"
"No." She said unable to keep from smiling.
"I know! You're really 95 years old and are just posing as a good looking twenty five year old woman!"
"Now I know you know better! I'm twenty seven."
"Okay off by two years big whoopy!" He turned serious and stepped closer, "Do you have an incurable disease?" He asked quietly. Making sure to keep his expression blank.
"No." She said quietly flinching at the question.
Methos eyed her, "So tell me."
"Why?"
"Because I care."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I just do."
She hugged herself, "I can't date you, as much as I would like to because if anything he'll kill me."
"Do you have a restraining order?"
"No."
"Why is that?"
"He has one against me."
"He what?"
"He caught up with me a few months ago. I punched him to get away. I broke his nose. The next day I was served the restraining order."
He smiled, "But don't you see if he shows up on your doorstep he is violating his own restraining order?"
She smiled wearily, "I don't think he has one for the state of Washington."
He studied her, "Why do you believe he will kill you?"
"Okay maybe kill is too strong of a word. But he'll hurt me," her voice cracked.
"He's hurt you before?" He asked quietly.
She nodded mutely. Turning once again to face the windows far away from those penetrating all seeing eyes.
He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, rested his chin on her shoulder and whispered into her ear, "How long were you married?"
"Nine months." She answered numbly balling her fists. She felt the tears threatening just behind her eyes. She hadn't cried in eight years and she'd be damned if she cried now.
He felt her body stiffen as she waged an internal war he could not see. "Was he always abusive?"
"No. He actually used to be a nice guy, or so I thought."
"So the abuse started after you married." Again she nodded.
He started to gently rub her arms and shoulders, Elissa tensed, "Please stop." She whispered. Her southern accent coating the words like syrup.
"Does it make you uncomfortable?" He asked letting his hands rest once again around her waist.
"A little."
"Okay. Is this okay?" She nodded. He pulled her tightly against him, resting his chin on her shoulder, "So why wasn't he ever arrested?"
"I never had any evidence. He always had away of twisting my words."
"Did you ever have to go to the hospital because of the abuse?"
"Yes, once."
"So there had to be documentation."
"There was."
"And?" He raised an eyebrow.
She took a deep steadying breath and almost inaudibly replied, "He said I was into painful sex and that it just got a little messy is all."
"And the judge bought this?"
"Yes. It was well known we experimented with stuff in our sex life. Actually he experimented I just well I just didn't fight him and did whatever he wanted. It was over with alot sooner that way."
"I see. So he made you out to be a little on the kinky side."
She nodded.
He felt her body tensing in front of him. He knew she was uncomfortable. He wanted to know more but knew better then to pry. "Why exactly did you go to the hospital?"
"I'm surprised Joe or Amanda didn't tell you."
"No you said they couldn't so they didn't."
"Yeah well, Amanda knew a little before I told her to keep her mouth shut."
"Well I don't know Elissa."
"Okay." She took another deep breath, and closed her eyes. She unbuttoned the first two buttons of the 'v' of the flannel nightshirt. Methos swallowed bracing himself for whatever she might do. She tilted her head to one side and lowered the one shoulder of the shirt to expose her right shoulder blade. "Do you see it?" She asked, her voice cold and unfeeling the accent completely non existant.
Methos gasped there on her shoulder blade was the letter E that looked like it had been carved with a serrated edge. It covered the whole shoulder blade. The scar was a pale white. He reached out and gently pulled the nightshirt back into place. The towel had slipped off of her head and when she straightened her hair hung down to her mid back in gentle damp waves. Elissa braced herself as she turned to meet his eyes expecting to find horror or pity but instead she saw caring. It was the only way she could describe it. He didn't look horrified just had this look.
"What did he use?" was the matter of fact question.
"A piece of glass from a vase he broke. He threatened later to use an actual branding iron to replace it." she spoke methodically.
"Yet he's not behind bars."
"Nope." Her accent was thick once again.
"You know eventually he'll get his."
"If I have anything to say about it. But right now I'm tired, Adam. Very tired." she drawled; 'tired' came out 'tarred'.
He looked at her for the first time he saw the dark circles deeply imbedded underneath her eyes and the blankness of her gaze. "I'll sleep on the couch."
"Why?"
"It will make me feel better."
She gave him a tired smile, hugging herself tightly as a chill coursed down her spine. "It's a nice gesture but please don't feel you have to."
He studied her, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing really."
"Then what's the look for?"
"I'm just trying to figure you out is all."
He grinned, "Why?"
"Because you didn't run screaming or suddenly try to put a move on me to make me forget."
"And this is a bad thing?"
"No. I just well I don't know, it's just not a normal reaction."
"Well I've learned to be a good observer."
"I guess that's from teaching."
"Oh yes." He said smiling even wider.
"The couch does fold out into a bed."
"Well there's a plus side then." he replied a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
She walked down the hall to the linen closet and came back with a heavy blanket a mauve colored sheet and a pillow with a matching mauve colored pillowcase, "Why are you staying?" She asked as she pulled the bed out of its hiding place and unfolded it.
"Because I want to make sure your safe."
"Why do you care?" she asked quietly.
He stopped tucking the sheet in, and looked at her, "You really aren't used to people caring are you?"
"I'm not used to people knowing such intimate details about me."
"How many people know?"
"Evan, Me, Joe, Amanda, Duncan and now you."
"You don't let anyone in at all."
"You never know who to trust."
"Yet you trust me enough to tell me?"
She studied him, hands on her hips, "Look, my gut says your okay. I have learned to trust my gut. Doesn't mean I'm comfortable with telling you but well I go with my gut."
"I see."
"And before you even ask no my gut didn't like Evan."
"Then why?"
"Stubborn pride."
"I see."
"Well good night Adam." She started to walk to her room.
"Elissa."
She turned in the hallway the light making her hair look golden, Yeah?"
"I like your hair down. You should wear it that way more often."
She stared at him her face filled with confusion along with a rose colored flush, "Night Adam."
He watched her go into her room and heard her lock her door. He didn't blame her, just showed she was cautious. He laid down in the bed and shut his eyes, still visualizing her surprised expression with the golden light shining down on her. She looked young and innocent in that moment. And that is the vision he fell asleep with.