To My Readers – Thanks again to my beta readers Blue Raven and Lady Lynne (Nightshade) for all their fine collaboration. As always, Blue Raven posts her wonderful writing under Witchblade and Tracker fanfics. Nightshade, however, has her first story being posted under Witchblade. Five chapters are up, I think. Please do me a favor and check it out. I have been lucky enough to beta for her on this one and am really enjoying the fantasy ride with her original character Samsara and an exploration of Ian's newfound freedom.
Thanks again for all your reviews. You make this whole process worthwhile.
Epilogue – Emancipation's Illusion
"Money is not the currency with which the Witchblade can be obtained."
Cyber Faust
On the lake behind the cabin, the cry of a loon calling for its mate gave voice to her heart aching for him. The cloudless sky made for a beautiful backdrop for the full moon overhead, but her senses could not appreciate the radiant display. A cool breeze blew across her, picking up speed as it funneled through the deck with its overhang. Crossing her arms in front of her, she futilely attempted to retain her body warmth. It was a losing battle. She was almost numb, but suspected it was more attributable to the link she had experienced earlier…with him. Her connection to Ian had grown stronger since her reuniting with the Witchblade through his use of Excaliber.
His feelings had come to her like a flood. It had been overwhelming.
The intensity of his love and the depth of his hate for his father were difficult for her to grasp. She could not imagine living with such conflict every day. What price had Ian paid for defending her right to wield the blade? She agonized. After getting a sense of his inner turmoil, she knew that even with his father's death, Ian would never be free of that strong bond.
The guilt would consume him.
The car high beams snaked their way slowly through the thicket toward the cabin. She had wanted nothing more than to see him tonight, but now, she was afraid of what he might tell her. Telepathically, she had tried to reach him throughout the afternoon and evening, but he must have shut his mind to her. Her last image was of him holding the broad sword to his father's heart. Had he killed him for her sake?
She found herself holding her breath as the car approached, forcing the rocking chair on the deck to a pace it had probably not ever gone. Slow down, Pez! She tried to calm herself. Maybe it didn't happen. But what if it did? What then?
An eternity…it was taking him forever to pull the car up to the clearing. Yet, she was also dreading how their lives might change once he arrived. She hated this waiting! Her rocker stopped. He turned off the ignition, but did not get out immediately. He must have known she was there…waiting for him. Talk to me, Ian! She pleaded to the darkness, under her breath. She had hoped her pleas would not go unheard into the night, that perhaps he would hear her…but nothing.
Silence was her only reply.
As he had imagined, Sara was waiting for him. He could see her small shape in the darkness on the porch. Even with his enhanced vision, he could not see her eyes from this distance, but he could feel them. After his close call with his father, he had driven aimlessly thinking about the ramifications of his own inaction. He had not been concerned for his safety if his father sought retribution.
Sara was the one at risk.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, gripping the steering wheel with his gloved hands. He could have masked his recriminations with loud music on the radio but he deserved the self-inflicted pain of his own reprehension. How could he face her? He winced, shaking his head as he reached for the door.
The car door slowly opened. His dark silhouette stood for a moment, facing her; then she could hear the car door slam. The crunch of gravel under his feet was barely discernible. She could not see his face as yet…even with the full moon shining overhead. The clearing and the surrounding trees were awash in a bluish haze, projecting a faint aura around him.
He stopped in front of her chair, standing in silence. She could not find the words to initiate this conversation. It must come from him, she thought. After an interminable wait, he finally collapsed onto the deck at her feet, his back leaning against the wooden railing. The profile of his face highlighted in a blue gray from the moon.
She waited for his first words.
Looking up into her sweet face, he felt like such a failure. No words could defend what he had done…or been unable to do…for her sake. His ruthless father may one day make him regret his weakness today. And Sara would pay the price. He could not look upon her now. Turning his head into the anonymity of the shadows, he began.
"I could not do it, Sara." His voice was only a whisper, choked with emotion. She closed her eyes in gratitude. He continued. "I thought I had the strength, but I was …mistaken."
This was his moment. She wanted only to listen.
"You came to me…your voice. I could hear you in my head…feel you here." Clutching his gloved hand to his chest, he tried to explain. He suspected she knew what he was struggling to tell her. "You only voiced the doubts already in my own mind, Sara."
His voice trembled with feeling as he persevered.
"He will be coming for you, Sara. Nothing can stop him. Death is the only resolution to his obsession…your only salvation. But I had not the courage to execute him. I could not end his life."
Sara could see a single tear run its course down his cheek as he rested his head against the wooden post, looking up at the stars.
"Ian…Listen to me." Sara slid from the rocker to sit beside him on the porch. "I don't look upon your inability to kill your own father as a sign of weakness."
He would not look her in the eye. She gently reached for his chin. Instinctively, he was startled by the touch of her hand. With added tenderness, she pulled his face toward her as she spoke again.
"Ian…Do you understand me?"
There was only silence.
"If Irons comes for me, it will be because of his weakness…his obsession with power. It has nothing to do with you. You have given up everything to protect me…to defend my right to wield this thing." As her fingers tenderly stroked his temple, her eyes found his in the dark.
Her voice was so gentle as it wafted to his ears. "I love you, Ian."
His head snapped to attention. Love? Did he hear right? His Beloved Sara loves him? Pulling off his gloves, he stuffed them into his coat pocket. He slipped Excaliber to his finger, and then reached for her face through the night. The moonlight robbed her face of color, but replaced it with shimmer, a glow from within. The luminescent globe above cast its reflection in his Beloved's eyes. Her skin felt like cool ivory. She must be cold, he surmised. Standing, he removed his coat, throwing it over her shoulders. That earned him a warm smile from his green-eyed beauty.
"I…I feel…" He was struggling with the words.
Could he say them to her? Was he ready to set aside all his Father's lies about the wielder…and trust his own feelings? He was not entirely sure he could do it. All his life, he had been brainwashed to believe that he was a mere servant to the wielder, fit for nothing more. If he professed his feelings now and she rejected him, he could lose any chance of being with her, even if it were just in her service. Courage, Ian! He thought. It does not matter what you believe…Believe in Sara. Fortify yourself with her courage!
"What, Ian? What do you feel? I want to know." Sara prompted, waiting on his every word.
Watching his effort to express himself and accept her affectionate touching, she was beginning to appreciate what it had taken just to get him to this point. His strength was exceptional. Any relationship with him, however, would be a long uphill battle everyday. He would have to fight for normalcy…and perhaps never truly attain it. Sara knew Ian would have to find his own version of it.
"I…love you, too." There…it was out. Why had it been so difficult? He wondered.
He watched her face intently…when he desperately wanted to run. This was the point he had always awakened from the dream in a cold sweat, afraid to hear her response. But he was not asleep. This was reality…Was it not? There was no going back. What would happen if she rejected his love? Wait. She was smiling at his words. They loved each other? Amazing! His heart leaped into his throat. He had never been so happy. Breathe! He commanded himself to breathe. As he took a deep breath of the cool night air, a slow shy grin spread across his face.
His face lit up with his smile. It was a portal into his protected heart. Sara knew she would never tire of seeing it. Her heart raced with anticipation. She wanted him to kiss her, but didn't want to leave it up to him to initiate the move. She couldn't wait that long.
Leaning into him, she rested her right hand on the warmth of his chest. Just when she thought his eyes were the most magnificent she had ever seen on this planet…she gazed upon them by moonlight. Breathtaking!
He pressed his back against the wooden railing, unprepared for such intimacy with his Beloved Sara, the wielder. His whole life had been dedicated to serving her, but none of his training had prepared him for this. Involuntarily, his body reacted contrary to his heart. He resisted her at first.
Let this happen! I want this to happen! He willed himself to relax.
Sara could feel him pull away. He had done this before. Inches from his lips, she could feel the warmth of his body. She knew the passion of his kiss once he gave into it. Pulling back a bit, she asked.
"Are you okay with this?" Sara touched her finger tips to his cheek and along his lips as she whispered. "I know this is difficult for you…but I promise to be patient…if you want to try."
He considered her words and nodded slowly, bowing his head.
"My training…I have no experience, Sara. I feel like such a…" He shook his head, angry with himself for his inability to react like a normal man.
"Shhhhhh." She raised her fingers to his lips so he would not say the words. "I won't have you speaking critically about the man I love, okay? Only I can do that." She teased affectionately; the glow from the moon sparkled in her laughing eyes.
His eyes registered surprise, but then he quickly started to chuckle, hugging her to his chest. His masculine and enticing laugh reverberated in her bosom, sending tingles through her body.
"If you promise to be patient with me…I can assure you I will try, Sara." This time, he was the one lowering his lips to hers.
Cradling her in his muscular arms, he uncertainly touched his lips to hers. The sensation sent chills along his body, down to his toes. He shivered with his passion for this woman. Pulling her weight atop him, he plunged his tongue into her mouth, remembering what she had taught him. His mouth devoured hers as his heart pounded against his chest. The feel of her silken hair through his fingers made his hands tremble as he clutched her tighter to his heart. Sensations…new and different emotions were overwhelming him! He commanded himself to inhale, for he could have died in her arms and been perfectly happy.
Wrapped in his arms, she felt safe. His body was so warm. She could feel him react to her. As their tongues entwined, she ran her fingers along his cheek, entangling them in his long, wavy hair. Her body shuddered in anticipation as she could feel his erection nudging her. Her cheeks were flush with her desire, quivering at the thought of him inside her.
She wanted him…needed him!
With Gabriel in the cabin, probably hearing everything as he feigned sleep, Sara's mind raced with their choices. She needed to give him guidance, but she now wanted advice herself. If her dear friend had chosen to go on a very long midnight stroll, they could have simply gone into the bedroom…and shut the door this time. Of course, her life was never that easy.
"Ian?" She spoke his name, out of breath, as she nuzzled his sweet face. "Do you trust me?"
"Without question, my love."
He heard his own voice as if it were coming from a stranger, responding of his own accord without thinking. Taking such liberties made his heart soar. He clutched her to him, as if they could get any closer. The smell of her skin was like a drug.
"Then…wait here for a minute." Sara reluctantly pulled away from him, touching his lips once more with her fingertips. His coat fell off her onto the deck. "I'll be right back."
Sara arose and quietly sneaked into the cabin. Ian had no idea what she was doing. Calming himself, he counted his heartbeats, and his many blessings, until she returned. Closing his eyes, he solemnized every facet of her face under the moonlight. He wanted to remember this night for the remainder of his years.
Rejoining him with her arms full of blankets from inside, she spoke in a whisper again.
"Follow me."
*****
Gabriel knew Sara wanted to be alone. No amount of comfort from a friend was going to satisfy the need she had to be with Ian. Her visions…or whatever she had, seemed to scare her. She had withdrawn into herself, growing more fretful as the evening dragged. Any attempt at conversation fell flat, so he had stopped trying. She had seemed to be more agitated with every endeavor at idle chatter. Frustrated in providing solace to his friend, in the end, Gabe could do nothing for her.
Being a nocturnal creature, he would have taken a long walk down by the lake. If things had been different, more normal, he would have enjoyed staying up much of the night talking to Sara or Ian in front of a blazing fire. This was not to be. Their lives were anything but normal.
Sara had been with Ian in his suffering…both her mind and heart.
He showered early and made a fire. Lying on the sofa under a quilt, his eyes were drawn hypnotically into its flames, the fiery glow with its opposing shadow cast about the room indiscriminately. That's when he heard the car. Ian had returned. Gabe heard the rocker on the porch stop and then move more intensely. He could only imagine what was going through her mind. He prayed Ian had not killed his own father. Closing his eyes, he entreated the powers that be. Irons was an evil man and would have been deserving of Ian's wrath. Yet Gabe also thought that a part of a person's soul died whenever they took a life. And he would not have wished this upon Ian…even if the life taken had been that of Kenneth Irons. He assumed Ian had precious little soul remaining after being commanded by his father to kill in his service. Gabe prayed that in time, his friend Ian could earn back his soul…somehow.
He could hear their whispers just outside the door, not able to make out the words. He was also not sure he had wanted to eavesdrop. After a while, he could not hear a thing coming from outside…except their breathing. God, did he feel like a fifth wheel! He blushed. The front door quietly opened. He shut his eyes, pretending to be asleep. If they were sneaking into the bedroom, he made up his mind to take that long walk near the lake. They needed their privacy. Instead, he caught a glimpse of Sara stealing into the bedroom and come out with some blankets. Good girl! Don't let this opportunity slip through your hands, Chief! He encouraged her with his thoughts, keeping his eyes closed as she tiptoed through the room.
"Don't wait up, Mom." She whispered in his direction. Evidently, even in the wilderness, he did not make a good possum. He smiled and added.
"Just remember your curfew, young lady." Apparently, all was well with Nottingham. Very well! And about to get better! This made him happy. He pulled the comforter over his shoulder as he rolled toward the fire.
He would be able to sleep now…if he could get the grin off his face.
*****
Leaving his coat on the deck railing, Ian grabbed the blankets from Sara, slipping his right hand into hers. This would be a normal gesture for friends, lovers, and families, but Nottingham had never experienced such intimacy, having been forced to wear gloves much of his life. The feel of her smaller hand in his filled him with serenity. He could not keep his eyes from her as they made their way to the lake in the dark. On this cloudless night, the moon did astonishing things to her hair and beautiful face.
Having hiked this area earlier in the day, Sara had remembered a picturesque and secluded spot near a large boulder overlooking the lake. As Gabriel had skimmed stones at the water's edge, she discovered a small clearing shaded under a bower of pine trees, secluded and private. Walking underneath the canopy, she was drawn to the intimacy of this place as she stepped onto the cushion of soft pine needles. It had been a photo op during the day, but by this hour, the moon's light shimmered on the surface like precious stones. The gentle lapping of the waves caressing the shoreline was soothing.
There was a stillness here. Ian needed that, she thought. They both did.
She located the boulder as her marker by night, and then turned toward the clearing she had found earlier in the day. They laid out the blankets on top of natures' own padding of pine needles, leaving one quilt to pull over them. Through the stand of trees, the lake glimmered, reflecting the brilliant stars overhead as the waves kissed the shoreline. The light of the moon danced onto their makeshift bed as the breeze gently nudged the tree limbs overhead.
They collapsed onto the blankets. Sara had been watching Ian, whose eyes darted to hers whenever he thought she wasn't looking. Even amidst all this beauty, he could not relax, she noticed. She assumed he must be anxious. She could not imagine what he was feeling, but she wanted to know.
"Talk to me, Ian." She began as she rolled her body closer to his, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. Her fingers stroked his face as he searched for words. Maybe she could help. "What are you feeling?"
His expression was hard to read in the dark, but it was very apparent he did not want to rush this moment. His body appeared rigid with anxiety.
"My father…had a certain vision…for my life."
His eyes drifted toward the lake, but only after he reached for her hand, holding it firmly. The feel of her skin against his was enough to send his body into a realm he had never known. His father had taught him to be well spoken but not when it came to matters of the heart. He strained for every word.
"All my training was designed for servitude…to him…to the next wielder." She waited patiently for his words.
"My life was ordered…and set to its course. I did not even think to stray from such a passage." Turning his face to hers, he raised his fingers to gently outline her features with his fingertips.
"That is, until I saw you. Then, everything changed…Everything!"
Sara did not know where he was headed, but she fought to keep still, allowing him to find his way. His fingers on her face sent shudders through her body.
"As much as I want to feel like a normal man with the woman I love…this…is not reality for me." Sara started to speak, but he laid two fingers to her lips and kissed her forehead so that he may continue.
"My reality? I have a father that I love against my better judgment…who is committed to do battle with a woman in possession of my heart. All because he is obsessed with power." He ran his fingers through her hair, brushing strands off her shoulders onto her back.
"I have nothing to offer you, Sara…for I am not whole. Death is all I bring to your door." His voice was choked with emotion at his version of reality. He could not look her in the eye.
"Ian…listen to me…and please hear me." She laid her hand to his chest, her voice as quiet as a prayer. She touched his lips with her fingers until he looked into her eyes.
"Your father…became my problem when I chose to take up the blade…and make justice my life's purpose. I will not only have to defend it against him, but I am sure there will be others like him." She smiled reassuringly before she persisted.
"You spared Annie from a life of institutionalized care, helped us find her mother's killer." She grinned with her next thought. "I was beginning to get a little envious of your feelings for that little girl." Remembering Annie's little face, Nottingham's facial expression warmed, as Sara pleaded her case.
"You saved my life…make no mistake about that. I figure, I'm ahead of the game with you on my side…and a part of my life." Even in the dim light, she caught the glimmer of a smile across his face. As her fingers began to trace his smile, he nuzzled his lips into the palm of her hand, kissing it tenderly.
"I think we were meant to find each other…somehow. So much has conspired to bring us together." Now, she began to smile. His hair wafted across his face with the mild breeze off the lake. She gingerly placed a strand of it behind his right ear. His eyes never wavered from hers.
"Besides…I think you and I…being together like this…let's just call it our little revolt against your father. I kinda like that idea." Sara's chuckle was contagious. Ian joined her.
"You may have a point, Sara. I have been feeling…a little rebellious of late." The smile was back in his voice.
"So…where do we begin?" He asked shyly, his voice low and intimate. In the dim lighting, she probably could not see his blush, but he could definitely feel the warmth on his cheeks.
"Do you trust me, Ian?" She was having a déjà vu moment.
"Without question, my love."
She rolled atop him, his hair falling loosely onto the blanket. As she lowered her lips to his, her hair cascaded forward, enfolding him in silken strands.
She knew this was going to be extraordinary!
*****
"Shhhh. I think he's still asleep." Sara spoke in hushed tones, but the floor creaked under Nottingham's weight. He must have been the other footfall Gabe had heard in the early hours of the morning. Checking the watch he had forgotten to take off his wrist, Gabe was dazed to learn it was twenty minutes after six. So this is what dawn looked like, he thought.
"No…learned my lesson, Pez." Gabriel sat up, with his hair in disarray, yawning as he spoke. "Not gonna fake being asleep. I'm up."
Ian and Sara stood near the sofa. Each wrapped in a quilt or two. They had been caught mid-stride as they attempted to slink passed him. The clothes they had underneath the blankets were not fully buttoned, and their hands never strayed from one another. Their smiles were another dead giveaway of just how they had spent the night.
"Good. Pack your things. We're leaving as soon as we can load the car." Sara responded as she pulled Ian into the hallway behind her.
"You are missing a beautiful sunrise, Gabriel, my friend." Ian spoke, and then stole a kiss from Sara. "Magnificent, isn't it?" Ian was not purely talking about nature's offering as he reflected upon the woman by his side.
"Oh no, Captain. You a morning person? Say it ain't so. I'm out numbered." Gabriel grabbed a sofa pillow and covered his head. "And just when I was getting used to sleeping in this peace and quiet." His voice was muffled.
Gabriel thought he had done some of his greatest thinking under pillows. His mind was already working…even this early. He made a mental note to ask the Captain if he would ever consider the loan of his safe house to his closest friends for some R & R. This place had its romantic elements. He had a feeling Ian would agree. Pulling the pillow off his face, he shouted down the hall.
"I'll be ready in fifteen…on one condition."
Ian and Sara both popped their heads around the hallway corner. "What condition?" They sang in unison, exchanging glances at the coincidence.
"I want breakfast…I am starving." Sara knitted her brow. She even had Nottingham doing it. "I found a place for us to eat in Kingston…when I was grocery shopping the other morning. You're gonna love it." He grinned.
Sara looked at Nottingham, who shrugged and nodded his head.
"My friend wants to eat breakfast. We should eat breakfast, Sara." Ian concurred, then turned and disappeared into the bedroom with a smile on his face.
"Does this mean you're both gonna start watching old Three Stooges movies together?" Sara shrugged, trying to get either man's attention, performing her signature eyebrow maneuver. "A male bonding ritual…secret handshakes? Am I right?"
No reply. Sara shrugged and packed her bag, in between sneaking peeks at Nottingham whenever possible. The scenery around this place was remarkable, she decided.
They were packed and on their way within fifteen minutes, as Gabriel had promised, heading into the nearby town.
*****
Kingston's small Town Square was lined with quaint antique shops, a jeweler, a bank, a flower shop, and an ice cream store that had yet to open. The Chat and Chew Restaurant had a neon sign that flickered its greeting. The front window had been painted with chickens in a myriad of colors and had posters taped across the lower half for various local events and fundraisers. The daily specials were marked on a white board on an easel just outside the front door. As they stepped inside, they were met with the clatter of plates and utensils. Packed to the rafters, the sound of conversations across the room converged on their ears in unison. Pure chaos! The town looked so small, Sara thought. Where had all these people come from…at this hour?
"The Chat and Chew, Gabriel?" Sara was skeptical. It looked like a greasy spoon to her, but she was partial to them on a road trip.
Gabe's whole face lit up with his smile. "Ain't it great!" He beamed.
"Chickens, Gabe. They must like their chickens." Sara joked, gazing about the room.
The walls were hung with photos, and miscellaneous arts and crafts of chickens…lots and lots of chickens. They hung from the rafters, were poised near the cashier's counter, and on every square inch of the walls. Even a four-foot tall wooden totem of a chicken stood near the entrance, like some sort of Poultry Deity.
"Yeah. It's got character, huh?" Gabe had to speak above the din, an animated smile spread across his face. His eyes twinkling with his enthusiasm as he tried to filter out Sara's sarcasm.
Sara looked over at Ian, wondering what could possibly be going through his mind. She assumed he had not been in such a place, having lived in Irons' luxury his whole life. He quietly returned her stare. Preferring his anonymity, the raucous crowd and noise made Ian uncomfortable, but he would survive this…he hoped.
"I wonder if they serve eggs here." He speculated playfully. Sara could not hide her smirk at Ian's remark.
The place was packed with locals, a pretty good sign the food was edible…either that, or every one here had no taste, Sara thought. Gabe made his way to the only open booth, beckoning them to follow with a quick wave of his hand. Sara followed him with Ian not far behind.
Scanning the room, Ian fought against his training to make note of the nearest exits and keeping his back to a wall for added protection. His father would never have permitted him to come here…or have a friend…or fall in love with Sara. Freedom was wonderful…and frightening, he thought.
"Come on. Check out this menu." Gabe grabbed the laminated menus from the wooden holder nailed to the wall within each booth, distributing them to Ian and Sara as they joined him. Ian slid next to Sara.
"Breakfast is on the back." Gabe directed.
"Their eggs have numbers, Gabriel." Ian quietly observed, perusing the bill of fare. His comment got another raised eyebrow from Sara, but no remark.
"Yeah…the number 15 looks good…or the number 5 with maybe some swiss cheese. I like swiss cheese." Gabe commented eagerly, not looking up from his menu.
"Get out much, Gabriel?" Sara teased…earning her a bogus leer from her friend.
Their waitress Sue had a good sense of priorities. Before taking their order, she had brought coffee mugs, utensils, paper napkins, but most importantly, a fresh pot of coffee. Sara was happy already. It had been days since she had a good cup of java. All the waitresses wore t-shirts proclaiming 'Poultry Power'. When Gabe asked for her recommendation, Sue endorsed eggs wholeheartedly. So, they ordered eggs…all around…evidently, the local fare.
With the place so crowded, their food order would probably take a while. Gabriel reached into his jean pocket looking for some change for a newspaper. He wanted to know what was going on in the world…since it seemed time had stood still over the last few days.
"Gonna get a paper. You guys need anything?" Gabe asked. Both Ian and Sara shook their heads in response.
After Gabe left in search of news, Ian glanced at Sara and met her eyes. Being this close to her, their thighs touching along with the occasional touch of their skin, Ian was reminded of their night together. He forced himself to stay in the moment; otherwise he would probably get them arrested for what he wanted to do at this moment. Sara smiled as he looked unabashedly upon her. Knowing that look, she did not need telepathic powers to understand what was on his mind.
"I can't wait to get you home." She whispered in his ear.
He closed his eyes wanting to focus on every sensation this spawned. Chills ran over his body as her breath lightly touched his skin. Slowly opening his eyes once more, he gently kissed her lips. He did not want to leave her…not ever. But he needed to speak to Gabriel…alone.
"I have to speak to Gabriel for a moment. Do you mind, Sara?" He quietly asked.
Sara wondered about the topic of conversation. She speculated it would be about her…and she was fine with that.
"No. No problem. He may get lost finding his way back." She teased with a wave of her hand. She watched him leave. Yep…the scenery was definitely awe-inspiring! She observed.
Sara had not been far from wrong about Gabe needing help to find his way back. He had made his way down a couple of blocks, looking for a newspaper. Apparently, all the townspeople were avid readers. The stands were empty.
"Gabriel." He called. Hearing his name, Gabe stopped in front of the last newsstand on the Town Square and turned to see Ian walking towards him. He was still fumbling for change.
"You need something, Captain?" He smiled.
"I need a favor, Gabriel. Perhaps a little research."
"Talk to me. Research is my middle name. I got ribbed for that in high school." The smaller man teased.
"Damn! Not enough change. You got a dime, Ian?" Gabe was having a hard time focusing. Ian shook his head. He never carried change in his pocket…a stealth thing. Knowing Gabriel would not be appeased until he got his paper, Ian looked furtively toward his companion.
Standing next to the only newsstand containing any papers, Ian blocked the view of any unwanted stares. He skimmed his hand along one side of the metal fixture until he found just the right spot. With one fluid motion, he struck a well-placed blow to the side of the stand. A very practiced maneuver, Gabe thought. The front door popped open, without the benefit of coin. Grabbing the change from Gabe's outstretched hand, he tossed it into the opening, hoping to make partial amends for his thievery. He then grabbed a paper, folded it in half, and stuck it under Gabriel's arm before closing the door to the newsstand. Placing his left hand on Gabe's far shoulder, he directed a dumbstruck Gabriel back to the restaurant. Ian did not want to leave his Beloved Sara for long.
"How did you do that?" Gabe walked alongside Nottingham but kept glancing back to the newsstand, trying to remember what Captain Crypto had done.
"If I told you…" Ian began but Gabe finished.
"Yeah...I know. You'd have to kill me." Gabe nodded with a smirk. "Have you ever thought this is not funny coming from a man of your skills?"
Ignoring Gabe's remark, Ian looked him in the eye, and asked conspiratorially.
"What do you know about the Longinus Lance?"
The End