Chapter 18
Duncan's Loft
Duncan opened the door to the loft and Dani walked in looking back at him as she walked past "They'll think twice before trying that one again" she said with a smile on her face. Duncan smiled back but in his mind he knew that this wasn't over and it wouldn't be until Cristo was dead "Err.I need to check something out in the Dojo.can you pour me a drink?" Duncan said making for the elevator "Sure" Dani said as she went to get the bottle of wine and two glasses.
Duncan raised the gate, the only light in the dojo was coming in through the windows from the street lamps but it was enough for what he needed to do. Walking into the office he slumped into the chair putting his arms on the desk and his head in his hands. 'Joe.I know your not going to like this.but you're my only chance of stopping Cristo before he hurts anyone else' he thought as he raised his head and reached for the phone. As the phone rang Duncan looked at his watch it was nearly midnight but Joe should still be at the bar, Duncan was just about to hang up when Joe answered "Joe's Bar.Joe speaking"
"Hi Joe.it's Duncan"
"Mac.what can I do for you?" asked Joe there was a moment of silence as Duncan tried to think of how to ask the question "Mac?" questioned Joe. "Sorry Joe.I really need a favour.we had another run in with Cristo tonight.he said that he will do whatever it took to take Dani.I need to find him" Duncan closed his eyes waiting for Joe to answer, the silence seemed to go on forever before Joe finally spoke "I don't know where he is.and you know I shouldn't tell you even if I did" Duncan didn't say anything just waited for Joe to continue "I can't promise anything but I'll do so checking.see if I can't get a lead on him.just remember I'm not doing this for you.but for Dani.she didn't ask to be drawn into this" Joe heard Duncan sigh with relief "Thanks Joe".
"It'll take sometime.give me a call in the morning.I've gotta be here for a delivery.say around 10:30" Duncan thanked Joe again before putting the phone down. He lent back in the chair wiping his hand over his face 'this has to end.I don't want to lose you.not now' he looked up to see Dani standing in the office door "I was getting lonely" Dani said as Duncan got up and went over to her, she could see the worry in his face, she gently ran her hand down his cheek "are you all right?.you look worried" Duncan smiled at her as he ran his hands over her hair "Nothing you have to worry about.just didn't get the answer I wanted.but hopefully soon".
Dani put her hand onto Duncan's chest, Duncan became aware of the warmth of her hand it seemed to radiate inside him, and all the thoughts about Cristo faded as he gazed into her eyes. Duncan took hold of Dani's hand and brought it up to his lips kissing first the back and then the palm. Dani felt her hand tingle as he kissed her wrist, working his way up her arm to her neck; Dani's body seemed to be so sensitive to his touch finally Duncan's lips found hers and they kissed passionately, no words were said as Duncan swept her off her feet and carried her to the elevator.
Joe's Bar
Joe had been working on trying to find Cristo's whereabouts most of the night, he had lost count of the number of telephone calls he had made, he rubbed his eyes which were now tired and sore from hours at his computer, checking his watch 'too late to go home now' he thought as he looked at the sofa 'I grab a few hours on that.before Mac rings' he thought. He had just settle down pulling the blanket over his shoulder when he heard a noise in the bar "What now!" he said throwing back the blanket as he struggled to his feet, he opened the door to the bar and walked in feeling for the light switch, as he flicked the switch he felt a sharp pain in his head and everything went black.
The next morning.
Duncan woke early, raising himself up on his elbow, he moved the strand of hair that had fallen over Dani's face; she stirred slightly but didn't wake. 'How can I have known you such a short time.when you seem to know everything about me' he thought as he gently brushed her cheek with his hand, Dani smiled but didn't wake 'you have no idea what lies in front of you.do you? .and if I can help it you never will' he thought as he carefully got out of bed and dressed, he was about to go down to the dojo when the elevator rumbled into life, Duncan felt the presence of another Immortal.
Richie raised the gate "Hi Mac" Duncan put his finger to his lips "Dani is still asleep.let's go to down to the dojo". Duncan and Richie descended to the dojo in the elevator. After they had been working out for a while, Richie asked "So Mac.I take it something happened last night.and I don't mean the ballet" Duncan stopped and just looked at the ground "Last night Cristo and I had a little chat.he has threaten to do what ever it takes to get Dani.or Louisa as he sees it" Richie picked up his towel and wiped the sweat from his face "So Mac.what are you going to do?" Richie said as he threw Duncan his towel "The only thing I can do Richie.Joe's trying to find out where he is" said Duncan as he caught the towel.
Richie dropped his towel over his knee and lent forward resting his elbows on his knees. He wasn't sure how to ask the question as it seem strange to him, how would Mac see it, his eyes went to the floor and back to Duncan "It's just.no it's. this may seem a little strange" Duncan sat on the bench next to him "Go on".
"OK.the other day.when I took Dani back to the dojo from the shelter.it's just some of the things she said.things she seemed to know.it was like." Duncan turned to face Richie "Like she could see your thoughts" Duncan finished what Richie was saying. "Yeah.you've had it too.it's a really weird feeling.how does she do it?" Richie asked, "I don't know.and I'm not going to ask.she'll tell me when she's ready" Duncan got up "Let's get cleaned up.I take it you'd like some breakfast" Richie smiled "But of course", after they had changed they went up to the loft.
As Duncan lifted the gate on the elevator the aroma of cooking was unmistakable "something smells good" Richie said as he walks into the kitchen. Dani had been busy since she woke "Wow.you've been busy" Duncan exclaimed at the sight of the pile of pancakes "I hope your both hungry.I got a little carried away" the warmth of her smile was not lost on either of them "You must have read my mind.I'm starving" Richie said winking at Duncan "Your always hungry.so it does take much effort" Dani replied. Duncan and Richie exchanged knowing looks, "She's already got you pegged" Duncan laughed.
Dani and Duncan had finished, so they started to clear away as Richie finished the last of the pancakes. As Dani washed up Duncan looked at his watch it had just gone 10:30am, the time Joe had asked him to call. He walked over to the phone and dialled Joe' s Bar. The phone just rang and rang, Duncan could feel an uneasy feeling start in the pit of his stomach 'Come on Joe pick up' Duncan thought, as he listened to the ringing, Cristo's words from the other night came back to him "I will do what ever I have to". Duncan suddenly put the phone down, Dani spun round "What's wrong?" Richie looked up from his plate "Joe's not answering.something doesn't feel right" Duncan said as he walked over to the counter. Richie pushed the last of the pancakes into his mouth and grabbed his jacket "What are we waiting for? Lets go" Duncan went over to where Dani stood, he could see she wanted to come along, he cradled her face in his hands "No.I want you to wait here"
"But."
"No buts.we won't be long" Duncan said planting a kiss on her forehead. Dani realised that Duncan was in no mood to be argued with and resigned herself to staying behind.
Joe's Bar
As Duncan and Richie got out of the TBird they could see a delivery driver banging on the door, he had already unloaded so was trying to get Joe to sign for the goods, "Problem?" Duncan said as he walked over "The lights on inside.but there does seem to be anyone around" Duncan tried the door and peered through the glass in the door, at first he didn't see anything unusual but then he noticed the broken bottle and glasses on the floor, Duncan turned to the delivery driver "I'll sign.then you can get on.Joe's probably caught up on the phone" Duncan said as he reached for the delivery pad.
While Duncan signed Richie when over to the door and started to work on the lock while checking out what Duncan had seen. Neither of them had felt the presence of another Immortal but they both knew that Cristo had mortal help and they could be inside. Duncan saw the driver back to his cab and waited for him to drive away, he then went back to Richie who had just managed to pick the lock "Amanda would be very proud" Duncan said as he entered the bar. Richie walked over to the bar while Duncan walked towards the stage.
Richie ran his hand on the bar as he went to go behind it was then that he saw Joe lying on the floor "MAC", Duncan moved quickly behind the bar to where Joe was lying, he checked to make sure that he was still alive and to their relief he was just out cold, Duncan knelt down and lifted Joe's head "Joe.come on Joe" he said as he lightly tapped Joe's face, there was no reaction, Richie looked around the bar and found a jug which he filled with water, he then threw it over Joe. Suddenly Joe's eyes opened "what the hell?"
"It's OK Joe it's me.Mac and Richie" Duncan then noticed the envelope pinned to Joe's chest, he took it off as he helped Richie get Joe to his feet. Richie then helped Joe over to the nearest table. Duncan looked at the envelope it was addressed to him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- The Loft
Dani sat on the sofa reading when the phone rang, she jumped up and ran over to the phone hoping it was Duncan but the voice made her blood run cold "Louisa, my Love.the time has come for you to join me" Dani slammed the phone down and just stared at the phone it wasn't long before it rang again, she reached out a shaking hand and picked it up "Cristo.I'm not Louisa.why won't you believe me?"
"That wasn't very nice Louisa.and I've gone to all this trouble.so you can talk to your friend" Cristo replied. Panic began to rise in her 'please don't let it be Maria' she thought but then she heard Maria's voice "Dani.I'm scared.what does he want.please help me" Dani could hear the fear in Maria's voice "Maria don't worry.I won't let him hurt you again.now put him back on" Maria did what Dani asked and handed the phone back to Cristo "Are you ready to join me now.my darling" Dani could feel the panic being replaced with anger "OK.I'll do what ever you want.but don't hurt her"
"I knew you would come to you senses.come to pier 5.the old docks.and come alone" replied Cristo "I'll be there" Dani said putting the phone down. Looking around the desk she found some paper and left a note for Duncan, Cristo had said to come alone but didn't say anything about telling Duncan where she had gone. She then grabbed her coat and bag and went down to her car. As she slid into the passenger seat, she lent over opening the glove box, taking out the gun that she had put there after the encounter in the alley, she made sure there were bullets left and then put it in her pocket.
Duncan's Loft
Duncan opened the door to the loft and Dani walked in looking back at him as she walked past "They'll think twice before trying that one again" she said with a smile on her face. Duncan smiled back but in his mind he knew that this wasn't over and it wouldn't be until Cristo was dead "Err.I need to check something out in the Dojo.can you pour me a drink?" Duncan said making for the elevator "Sure" Dani said as she went to get the bottle of wine and two glasses.
Duncan raised the gate, the only light in the dojo was coming in through the windows from the street lamps but it was enough for what he needed to do. Walking into the office he slumped into the chair putting his arms on the desk and his head in his hands. 'Joe.I know your not going to like this.but you're my only chance of stopping Cristo before he hurts anyone else' he thought as he raised his head and reached for the phone. As the phone rang Duncan looked at his watch it was nearly midnight but Joe should still be at the bar, Duncan was just about to hang up when Joe answered "Joe's Bar.Joe speaking"
"Hi Joe.it's Duncan"
"Mac.what can I do for you?" asked Joe there was a moment of silence as Duncan tried to think of how to ask the question "Mac?" questioned Joe. "Sorry Joe.I really need a favour.we had another run in with Cristo tonight.he said that he will do whatever it took to take Dani.I need to find him" Duncan closed his eyes waiting for Joe to answer, the silence seemed to go on forever before Joe finally spoke "I don't know where he is.and you know I shouldn't tell you even if I did" Duncan didn't say anything just waited for Joe to continue "I can't promise anything but I'll do so checking.see if I can't get a lead on him.just remember I'm not doing this for you.but for Dani.she didn't ask to be drawn into this" Joe heard Duncan sigh with relief "Thanks Joe".
"It'll take sometime.give me a call in the morning.I've gotta be here for a delivery.say around 10:30" Duncan thanked Joe again before putting the phone down. He lent back in the chair wiping his hand over his face 'this has to end.I don't want to lose you.not now' he looked up to see Dani standing in the office door "I was getting lonely" Dani said as Duncan got up and went over to her, she could see the worry in his face, she gently ran her hand down his cheek "are you all right?.you look worried" Duncan smiled at her as he ran his hands over her hair "Nothing you have to worry about.just didn't get the answer I wanted.but hopefully soon".
Dani put her hand onto Duncan's chest, Duncan became aware of the warmth of her hand it seemed to radiate inside him, and all the thoughts about Cristo faded as he gazed into her eyes. Duncan took hold of Dani's hand and brought it up to his lips kissing first the back and then the palm. Dani felt her hand tingle as he kissed her wrist, working his way up her arm to her neck; Dani's body seemed to be so sensitive to his touch finally Duncan's lips found hers and they kissed passionately, no words were said as Duncan swept her off her feet and carried her to the elevator.
Joe's Bar
Joe had been working on trying to find Cristo's whereabouts most of the night, he had lost count of the number of telephone calls he had made, he rubbed his eyes which were now tired and sore from hours at his computer, checking his watch 'too late to go home now' he thought as he looked at the sofa 'I grab a few hours on that.before Mac rings' he thought. He had just settle down pulling the blanket over his shoulder when he heard a noise in the bar "What now!" he said throwing back the blanket as he struggled to his feet, he opened the door to the bar and walked in feeling for the light switch, as he flicked the switch he felt a sharp pain in his head and everything went black.
The next morning.
Duncan woke early, raising himself up on his elbow, he moved the strand of hair that had fallen over Dani's face; she stirred slightly but didn't wake. 'How can I have known you such a short time.when you seem to know everything about me' he thought as he gently brushed her cheek with his hand, Dani smiled but didn't wake 'you have no idea what lies in front of you.do you? .and if I can help it you never will' he thought as he carefully got out of bed and dressed, he was about to go down to the dojo when the elevator rumbled into life, Duncan felt the presence of another Immortal.
Richie raised the gate "Hi Mac" Duncan put his finger to his lips "Dani is still asleep.let's go to down to the dojo". Duncan and Richie descended to the dojo in the elevator. After they had been working out for a while, Richie asked "So Mac.I take it something happened last night.and I don't mean the ballet" Duncan stopped and just looked at the ground "Last night Cristo and I had a little chat.he has threaten to do what ever it takes to get Dani.or Louisa as he sees it" Richie picked up his towel and wiped the sweat from his face "So Mac.what are you going to do?" Richie said as he threw Duncan his towel "The only thing I can do Richie.Joe's trying to find out where he is" said Duncan as he caught the towel.
Richie dropped his towel over his knee and lent forward resting his elbows on his knees. He wasn't sure how to ask the question as it seem strange to him, how would Mac see it, his eyes went to the floor and back to Duncan "It's just.no it's. this may seem a little strange" Duncan sat on the bench next to him "Go on".
"OK.the other day.when I took Dani back to the dojo from the shelter.it's just some of the things she said.things she seemed to know.it was like." Duncan turned to face Richie "Like she could see your thoughts" Duncan finished what Richie was saying. "Yeah.you've had it too.it's a really weird feeling.how does she do it?" Richie asked, "I don't know.and I'm not going to ask.she'll tell me when she's ready" Duncan got up "Let's get cleaned up.I take it you'd like some breakfast" Richie smiled "But of course", after they had changed they went up to the loft.
As Duncan lifted the gate on the elevator the aroma of cooking was unmistakable "something smells good" Richie said as he walks into the kitchen. Dani had been busy since she woke "Wow.you've been busy" Duncan exclaimed at the sight of the pile of pancakes "I hope your both hungry.I got a little carried away" the warmth of her smile was not lost on either of them "You must have read my mind.I'm starving" Richie said winking at Duncan "Your always hungry.so it does take much effort" Dani replied. Duncan and Richie exchanged knowing looks, "She's already got you pegged" Duncan laughed.
Dani and Duncan had finished, so they started to clear away as Richie finished the last of the pancakes. As Dani washed up Duncan looked at his watch it had just gone 10:30am, the time Joe had asked him to call. He walked over to the phone and dialled Joe' s Bar. The phone just rang and rang, Duncan could feel an uneasy feeling start in the pit of his stomach 'Come on Joe pick up' Duncan thought, as he listened to the ringing, Cristo's words from the other night came back to him "I will do what ever I have to". Duncan suddenly put the phone down, Dani spun round "What's wrong?" Richie looked up from his plate "Joe's not answering.something doesn't feel right" Duncan said as he walked over to the counter. Richie pushed the last of the pancakes into his mouth and grabbed his jacket "What are we waiting for? Lets go" Duncan went over to where Dani stood, he could see she wanted to come along, he cradled her face in his hands "No.I want you to wait here"
"But."
"No buts.we won't be long" Duncan said planting a kiss on her forehead. Dani realised that Duncan was in no mood to be argued with and resigned herself to staying behind.
Joe's Bar
As Duncan and Richie got out of the TBird they could see a delivery driver banging on the door, he had already unloaded so was trying to get Joe to sign for the goods, "Problem?" Duncan said as he walked over "The lights on inside.but there does seem to be anyone around" Duncan tried the door and peered through the glass in the door, at first he didn't see anything unusual but then he noticed the broken bottle and glasses on the floor, Duncan turned to the delivery driver "I'll sign.then you can get on.Joe's probably caught up on the phone" Duncan said as he reached for the delivery pad.
While Duncan signed Richie when over to the door and started to work on the lock while checking out what Duncan had seen. Neither of them had felt the presence of another Immortal but they both knew that Cristo had mortal help and they could be inside. Duncan saw the driver back to his cab and waited for him to drive away, he then went back to Richie who had just managed to pick the lock "Amanda would be very proud" Duncan said as he entered the bar. Richie walked over to the bar while Duncan walked towards the stage.
Richie ran his hand on the bar as he went to go behind it was then that he saw Joe lying on the floor "MAC", Duncan moved quickly behind the bar to where Joe was lying, he checked to make sure that he was still alive and to their relief he was just out cold, Duncan knelt down and lifted Joe's head "Joe.come on Joe" he said as he lightly tapped Joe's face, there was no reaction, Richie looked around the bar and found a jug which he filled with water, he then threw it over Joe. Suddenly Joe's eyes opened "what the hell?"
"It's OK Joe it's me.Mac and Richie" Duncan then noticed the envelope pinned to Joe's chest, he took it off as he helped Richie get Joe to his feet. Richie then helped Joe over to the nearest table. Duncan looked at the envelope it was addressed to him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- The Loft
Dani sat on the sofa reading when the phone rang, she jumped up and ran over to the phone hoping it was Duncan but the voice made her blood run cold "Louisa, my Love.the time has come for you to join me" Dani slammed the phone down and just stared at the phone it wasn't long before it rang again, she reached out a shaking hand and picked it up "Cristo.I'm not Louisa.why won't you believe me?"
"That wasn't very nice Louisa.and I've gone to all this trouble.so you can talk to your friend" Cristo replied. Panic began to rise in her 'please don't let it be Maria' she thought but then she heard Maria's voice "Dani.I'm scared.what does he want.please help me" Dani could hear the fear in Maria's voice "Maria don't worry.I won't let him hurt you again.now put him back on" Maria did what Dani asked and handed the phone back to Cristo "Are you ready to join me now.my darling" Dani could feel the panic being replaced with anger "OK.I'll do what ever you want.but don't hurt her"
"I knew you would come to you senses.come to pier 5.the old docks.and come alone" replied Cristo "I'll be there" Dani said putting the phone down. Looking around the desk she found some paper and left a note for Duncan, Cristo had said to come alone but didn't say anything about telling Duncan where she had gone. She then grabbed her coat and bag and went down to her car. As she slid into the passenger seat, she lent over opening the glove box, taking out the gun that she had put there after the encounter in the alley, she made sure there were bullets left and then put it in her pocket.