Chapter 17
Cristo's apartment
Wade and Clark stood silently in front of where Cristo sat in a large high backed red leather chair. "Tell me again how with the element of surprise and a stun gun that you could be outwitted again."
Wade swallowed before speaking "there was three of them this time, the woman, the guy from the alley and a younger guy.they all knew that Kung Fu stuff" Cristo put his head in his hands "How many of them is not the issue.the issue is that you failed me again.all I asked is that you bring me the woman".
Clark looked down at his feet then back at Cristo "I don't get it.ever since you laid eyes on this woman you've forgotten all about the business.Why is this woman so damned important.even if we snatch her no one will give a damn." Cristo's expression darkened as he slowly got out of the chair walking over to Clark "Are you questioning my orders?" Clark was now getting increasingly nervous "Well, you have been acting kinda weird lately.a bit away with the fairies" in one smooth movement Cristo's sword was at Clark's throat "I don't pay you to think.I pay you to get the job done.is that clear?" with the sword held tightly against his throat Clark could only just nod his head. Wade now spoke "We do know where they will be tonight" Cristo removed his blade from Clark's neck and turned his attention to Wade "And where is that?"
"Err.well the guy from the alley bought two tickets to the ballet tonight.Romeo and Juliet.I think" Cristo tapped his sword on Wade's chest "How apt"
The Theatre
The cab drew up outside the theatre and Duncan got out and held his hand out to help Dani from the cab. As she stepped out "Wow.. this is a bit fancy.I feel out of place" Duncan finished paying the cab driver and turned to her, his hand gently caressing her cheek "You look stunning.tonight is about enjoying ourselves.so relax" as she smiled at him he could see the sparkle of excitement in her eyes. Taking her by the hand he led her up the steps into the theatre.
As the curtain rose Duncan found himself watching Dani and not the performance, he delighted in the wonder and emotions the performance brought to Dani's face. It made him feel like this was the first ballet he had ever seen, it was so fresh seeing it though Dani's eyes. As the curtain came down for the last time Dani turned to Duncan and threw her arms around him "I've never seen anything so beautiful.thank you for bringing me" she then kissed him passionately. As Dani sat back in her seat Duncan grinned at her "If I'd know that you would enjoy it that much.I would have got tickets for tomorrow night as well"
They walked down into the foyer hand in hand, Dani telling Duncan all about what she loved about the ballet he smiled to himself, how different this night at the theatre felt to the other night he thought. Dani could see the smile on Duncan's face fade slightly she squeezed his arm "Are you OK?" He looked down at her "Yeah, I'm fine.are you hungry?" Dani nodded "Look you've paid for everything so far.let me buy dinner" Duncan was about to argue "Please Duncan.it won't be fancy but the foods good.and the welcome with be warm"
"OK.OK.lead on" Dani started to pulled Dani towards the park "I'm not going to regret this.am I" Dani just smiled at him. They passed several restaurants each time Duncan hesitated but Dani lead Duncan on towards the park. Then in front of them was trailer lit with multi coloured lights Dani ran up to the counter "Louie your finest table" a rather portly man with a big bushy beard peered over the counter "DANI!! Where have you been?" Louie said as he climbed down from the trailer throwing his arms around Dani lifting her off her feet. It was then that he noticed Duncan "Oh, Louie.this is my good friend Duncan MacLeod.Duncan this is my good friend Louie Corelli" The men shook each others hand
"A friend of Dani's is a friend of Louie Corelli.come I have your favourite table" they followed Louie round the other side of the trailer, there was a small wooden table and two chairs, Louie pulled out a chair for Dani and she gestured for Duncan to take the other one. Louie then disappeared into the trailer coming back with a candle, wine and two plates containing his finest cuisine, two large hamburgers with all the trimmings. "I know this isn't what you're used to.but try it.best hamburgers in town," Dani said laughing at Duncan's expression. Duncan took a bite and was surprised, turning to Louie "Very good.not what I would usually have after going to the ballet.but very good" Louie patted Duncan on the shoulder and went back to the trailer. Duncan poured them some wine "You know.you know quite a lot about me but I don't know anything about you" Dani picked up her wine glass "There's not a lot to know.where do you want me to start?"
"How about at the beginning?" Duncan replied
Dani took a sip of her wine "well.I'm not really sure where I was born but I live with my adopted parents in a little town south of here.they died when I was about 13.the usually rounds of children's homes and finally I was put with a foster family" Dani stopped at took another sip of her wine "Go on" said Duncan "My foster father though of me as more than a daughter.so I got the hell out of there"
"So you ended up on the streets?" Duncan said "yeah, for a little while till a guy Li Tse took me in.he gave me a place to sleep.food and taught me how to defend myself" Dani's voice broke up a little and she reached for her wine, as her hand took hold of the glass Duncan placed his hand on hers "If you don't want to tell me.it's all right" Dani smiled at Duncan "No I'm OK.it's just other than my time with my parents.my time with him was so special.he always told me I was special and that one day I would understand.anyway to make a long story short.he died and I was on the street again.that's how I met Louie.he would give me food if I helped him clear up at the end of the night and when it was really cold he would let me sleep in the trailer.Louie found me a place at St Mark's with Father Peter and I've worked there ever since..there now you know the potted history of Dani Angel" Dani said raising her glass.
Duncan had questions he wanted to ask but knew that Dani wasn't ready to answer them so they finished their meal just chatting about the ballet. After clearing away their table Duncan wrapped his arms around Dani "Do you want to walk home or shall I find us a cab?" Dani looked up at the sky, it was full of stars and sighed, "It's so nice.can we walk?" Duncan took hold of her hand and they walked off through the park Duncan smiling as Dani told him again how wonderful tonight had been "So Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod what else do you do for fun?" Duncan grinned at her "Other than that!" Dani exclaimed hitting him on the arm "Ouch.I like Opera and." Duncan saw the face that Dani pulled at the mention of Opera; he stopped and turned to Dani "Have you ever been?" he said raising his eyebrows "No.but it's just bunch of large people singing.and you can't understand them.not my idea of fun" she said shaking her head.
"Well I see that I'm going to have to convert you" Duncan said kissing Dani lightly on the nose. Dani giggled, "You can try". They walked on they had just left the park and were walking past St Luke's church when Wade and Clark appeared in front of them stopping Duncan and Dani "Haven't you guys had enough of getting knocked on your asses?" Duncan said putting his hands on his hips, "Things are going to be a little different this time.tough guy" Wade said putting his hand into his jacket pulling out a gun, Duncan looked over at Dani and she just seemed to know what he was about to do. "You don't want to do this" Duncan said, Clark grinned at him and motioned with the gun for them to turn around and walk towards the church, Duncan started to turn but then suddenly spun back knocking the gun from Wade's hand, Dani punched Clark in the chest winding him, a few more moves from both Dani and Duncan and both Wade and Clark were laying on the ground groaning. Dani walked over to Duncan and patted him on the shoulder "Well.I think they'll think twice before taking us on again" but as she looked into Duncan's face a distance look came over him and she could see his eyes searching for something or someone.
Duncan saw a cloak figure move out from the doorway of the church "Dani, stay here and keep an eye on them" Duncan said picking up the gun and handing it to her. He then walked over the cloaked figure. "Cristo.this ends here" he said as he walked closer "I don't think so MacLeod.remember this is Holy Ground" Duncan gestured for Cristo to leave "We can step off Holy Ground and settle this once and for all". Cristo walked round Duncan leaning in so he could talk quietly "You have no idea what how special she really is.have you? She will be with me one way or another Highlander.make it easy on yourself MacLeod and walk away now"
Duncan glared at Cristo "You know that's not going to happen.if you want Dani your going to have to go through me" as Cristo walked away he turned "I will do what ever I have to MacLeod" Duncan watched as Cristo walked down the side of the church and disappeared from view, he then went to Dani taking the gun from her shaking hand he put his arm around her "Let's go home" all Dani could do was nod, they stepped over the prone bodies of Wade and Clark.
Cristo's apartment
Wade and Clark stood silently in front of where Cristo sat in a large high backed red leather chair. "Tell me again how with the element of surprise and a stun gun that you could be outwitted again."
Wade swallowed before speaking "there was three of them this time, the woman, the guy from the alley and a younger guy.they all knew that Kung Fu stuff" Cristo put his head in his hands "How many of them is not the issue.the issue is that you failed me again.all I asked is that you bring me the woman".
Clark looked down at his feet then back at Cristo "I don't get it.ever since you laid eyes on this woman you've forgotten all about the business.Why is this woman so damned important.even if we snatch her no one will give a damn." Cristo's expression darkened as he slowly got out of the chair walking over to Clark "Are you questioning my orders?" Clark was now getting increasingly nervous "Well, you have been acting kinda weird lately.a bit away with the fairies" in one smooth movement Cristo's sword was at Clark's throat "I don't pay you to think.I pay you to get the job done.is that clear?" with the sword held tightly against his throat Clark could only just nod his head. Wade now spoke "We do know where they will be tonight" Cristo removed his blade from Clark's neck and turned his attention to Wade "And where is that?"
"Err.well the guy from the alley bought two tickets to the ballet tonight.Romeo and Juliet.I think" Cristo tapped his sword on Wade's chest "How apt"
The Theatre
The cab drew up outside the theatre and Duncan got out and held his hand out to help Dani from the cab. As she stepped out "Wow.. this is a bit fancy.I feel out of place" Duncan finished paying the cab driver and turned to her, his hand gently caressing her cheek "You look stunning.tonight is about enjoying ourselves.so relax" as she smiled at him he could see the sparkle of excitement in her eyes. Taking her by the hand he led her up the steps into the theatre.
As the curtain rose Duncan found himself watching Dani and not the performance, he delighted in the wonder and emotions the performance brought to Dani's face. It made him feel like this was the first ballet he had ever seen, it was so fresh seeing it though Dani's eyes. As the curtain came down for the last time Dani turned to Duncan and threw her arms around him "I've never seen anything so beautiful.thank you for bringing me" she then kissed him passionately. As Dani sat back in her seat Duncan grinned at her "If I'd know that you would enjoy it that much.I would have got tickets for tomorrow night as well"
They walked down into the foyer hand in hand, Dani telling Duncan all about what she loved about the ballet he smiled to himself, how different this night at the theatre felt to the other night he thought. Dani could see the smile on Duncan's face fade slightly she squeezed his arm "Are you OK?" He looked down at her "Yeah, I'm fine.are you hungry?" Dani nodded "Look you've paid for everything so far.let me buy dinner" Duncan was about to argue "Please Duncan.it won't be fancy but the foods good.and the welcome with be warm"
"OK.OK.lead on" Dani started to pulled Dani towards the park "I'm not going to regret this.am I" Dani just smiled at him. They passed several restaurants each time Duncan hesitated but Dani lead Duncan on towards the park. Then in front of them was trailer lit with multi coloured lights Dani ran up to the counter "Louie your finest table" a rather portly man with a big bushy beard peered over the counter "DANI!! Where have you been?" Louie said as he climbed down from the trailer throwing his arms around Dani lifting her off her feet. It was then that he noticed Duncan "Oh, Louie.this is my good friend Duncan MacLeod.Duncan this is my good friend Louie Corelli" The men shook each others hand
"A friend of Dani's is a friend of Louie Corelli.come I have your favourite table" they followed Louie round the other side of the trailer, there was a small wooden table and two chairs, Louie pulled out a chair for Dani and she gestured for Duncan to take the other one. Louie then disappeared into the trailer coming back with a candle, wine and two plates containing his finest cuisine, two large hamburgers with all the trimmings. "I know this isn't what you're used to.but try it.best hamburgers in town," Dani said laughing at Duncan's expression. Duncan took a bite and was surprised, turning to Louie "Very good.not what I would usually have after going to the ballet.but very good" Louie patted Duncan on the shoulder and went back to the trailer. Duncan poured them some wine "You know.you know quite a lot about me but I don't know anything about you" Dani picked up her wine glass "There's not a lot to know.where do you want me to start?"
"How about at the beginning?" Duncan replied
Dani took a sip of her wine "well.I'm not really sure where I was born but I live with my adopted parents in a little town south of here.they died when I was about 13.the usually rounds of children's homes and finally I was put with a foster family" Dani stopped at took another sip of her wine "Go on" said Duncan "My foster father though of me as more than a daughter.so I got the hell out of there"
"So you ended up on the streets?" Duncan said "yeah, for a little while till a guy Li Tse took me in.he gave me a place to sleep.food and taught me how to defend myself" Dani's voice broke up a little and she reached for her wine, as her hand took hold of the glass Duncan placed his hand on hers "If you don't want to tell me.it's all right" Dani smiled at Duncan "No I'm OK.it's just other than my time with my parents.my time with him was so special.he always told me I was special and that one day I would understand.anyway to make a long story short.he died and I was on the street again.that's how I met Louie.he would give me food if I helped him clear up at the end of the night and when it was really cold he would let me sleep in the trailer.Louie found me a place at St Mark's with Father Peter and I've worked there ever since..there now you know the potted history of Dani Angel" Dani said raising her glass.
Duncan had questions he wanted to ask but knew that Dani wasn't ready to answer them so they finished their meal just chatting about the ballet. After clearing away their table Duncan wrapped his arms around Dani "Do you want to walk home or shall I find us a cab?" Dani looked up at the sky, it was full of stars and sighed, "It's so nice.can we walk?" Duncan took hold of her hand and they walked off through the park Duncan smiling as Dani told him again how wonderful tonight had been "So Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod what else do you do for fun?" Duncan grinned at her "Other than that!" Dani exclaimed hitting him on the arm "Ouch.I like Opera and." Duncan saw the face that Dani pulled at the mention of Opera; he stopped and turned to Dani "Have you ever been?" he said raising his eyebrows "No.but it's just bunch of large people singing.and you can't understand them.not my idea of fun" she said shaking her head.
"Well I see that I'm going to have to convert you" Duncan said kissing Dani lightly on the nose. Dani giggled, "You can try". They walked on they had just left the park and were walking past St Luke's church when Wade and Clark appeared in front of them stopping Duncan and Dani "Haven't you guys had enough of getting knocked on your asses?" Duncan said putting his hands on his hips, "Things are going to be a little different this time.tough guy" Wade said putting his hand into his jacket pulling out a gun, Duncan looked over at Dani and she just seemed to know what he was about to do. "You don't want to do this" Duncan said, Clark grinned at him and motioned with the gun for them to turn around and walk towards the church, Duncan started to turn but then suddenly spun back knocking the gun from Wade's hand, Dani punched Clark in the chest winding him, a few more moves from both Dani and Duncan and both Wade and Clark were laying on the ground groaning. Dani walked over to Duncan and patted him on the shoulder "Well.I think they'll think twice before taking us on again" but as she looked into Duncan's face a distance look came over him and she could see his eyes searching for something or someone.
Duncan saw a cloak figure move out from the doorway of the church "Dani, stay here and keep an eye on them" Duncan said picking up the gun and handing it to her. He then walked over the cloaked figure. "Cristo.this ends here" he said as he walked closer "I don't think so MacLeod.remember this is Holy Ground" Duncan gestured for Cristo to leave "We can step off Holy Ground and settle this once and for all". Cristo walked round Duncan leaning in so he could talk quietly "You have no idea what how special she really is.have you? She will be with me one way or another Highlander.make it easy on yourself MacLeod and walk away now"
Duncan glared at Cristo "You know that's not going to happen.if you want Dani your going to have to go through me" as Cristo walked away he turned "I will do what ever I have to MacLeod" Duncan watched as Cristo walked down the side of the church and disappeared from view, he then went to Dani taking the gun from her shaking hand he put his arm around her "Let's go home" all Dani could do was nod, they stepped over the prone bodies of Wade and Clark.