Chapter 35
Joe's Bar
Joe was stocking the shelves before opening, he was working with his back to the door as it opened "we don't open" he called out. "I didn't come for a beer.just your help" came the reply "Methos?" Joe said turning round to face the ancient Immortal "where the hell have you've been?"
"Checking on a few things" replied Methos as he sat on a barstool.
Without being asked Joe poured Methos a beer and set it down in front of him "Mac's been trying to contact you.have you spoken to him?" Methos shook his head as he drank some of his beer "Well, what can I do for you?" Methos took his notebook out of his pocket "have you ever seen this before?" he said sliding the notebook across the bar to Joe.
Joe picked it up and looked at the rough pencil sketch "nope" he said as he tossed it back to Methos, who caught it "I came across this while I was doing some research in Egypt" Methos replied. "So that is where you've been" Joe said as he took a shot glass and poured himself a whiskey "so?"
"So Joe.it could be the only thing to save Dani.you see I've been researching this and it's supposed to help focus thoughts here" Methos said as he pointed to the middle of the sketch "according to the records I've been able to find.it was used by one of the most powerful Seers on record.I also found out that Luther stole it from a private collector in Cairo" Methos waited for some sign that Joe understood but he didn't find it "remember Luther?" Joe nodded as he took a drink of his whisky "Yeah, I remember him" Methos put the notebook on the bar "well, if Luther had this then."
"The Watchers have it now" Joe finished off Methos's sentence " I did some checking.it's mentioned in the inventory of Luther's effects" Methos replied. Joe drank the whisky, placing the glass down on the bar "And you want me to hand it over to you?" Methos smiled at him "that's the general idea.yes".
"No can do.Methos" Joe replied. Methos put his elbows on the bar, his hands clasped together he rested his head on them "let me explain just how serious this is.if Dani doesn't control this.MacLeod may have no option but to take her head" Methos could see the look of horror that know covered Joe's face "Don't you think your being a little over dramatic.Methos?"
Methos shook his head "No I'm not Joe.from all that I've read.there are three ways this can go.and only one of them is good" Methos then told Joe all that he had found out "this is the only thing that I've found that could be of any help.come on Joe.we both know how Mac feels about her.do you want to have to tell him that the one thing that might have saved her is gathering dust in the Watcher storage vaults.I'm not asking you to give it to me just get me in there.and I'll do the rest.no one will know.it'll be just another piece that has gone missing over time." Joe ran his hand through his hair "ok.ok.I'll make a call" Joe went into the office, Methos stayed drinking his beer. When Joe came back he didn't look too happy "Joe what's wrong?" Methos asked "I just don't like lying to them.anyway your all set. you have clearance to get into the vault.your there to check on an item that is linked to Methos" Methos put his elbows on the bar and put his head in his hands, after a few minutes he suddenly looked up and then hopped off the stool "where are you going now?" Joe asked. "Home to pack.there isn't much time to waste.I need to get to Paris tonight.and then I'll be heading for the Highlands" Methos said before finishing his beer. "You do know that Cassandra will be there," Joe said as picked up Methos's empty glass "I'll just have to try and stay out of her way won't I.but she won't try anything with MacLeod there.well I'll just have to risk it" Methos said as he made his way to the door.
Paris
As Methos left the terminal building at Charles DeGualle airport he slipped into the shadows taking his sword from his luggage he concealed it in his long black coat. He then found the cab rank and jumped into one of the waiting cabs, he handed the driver a piece of paper with the address of the Watcher headquarters. It didn't take long to arrive through the late evening traffic, the cab pulled up outside a pair of large wrought iron gates, Methos paid the driver before collecting his bag from the trunk. He watched as the cab pulled away before he walked up to the two men who were standing in front of the gates, digging in his pocket for his ID "Err.I'm Adam Pierson.you should be expecting me" the taller of the two men took his ID and went to the hut inside the gates "cold tonight" Methos said rubbing his hands together but there was no reply, a few minutes later the taller man return "yes.they are expecting you.someone will meet you at the chateau.he'll show you to the vault". "Thank you.you have a nice night" Methos said as he stepped through the gates.
As Methos approached the Chateau the door opened and a small tubby, grey haired man in a dark suit stepped out into the cold night air "Adam.Adam Pierson?" the man asked as he walked towards Methos with his hand extended, Methos shook the man's hand "I'm Claude DuPont.I'm in charge of the vault" they turned towards the chateau "I really appreciate you staying on so late" Methos said as they stepped into the brightly lit entrance hall "well.Joe is an old friend and if he says it is important then it must be.would you like to have something to eat first Adam" Methos smiled at Claude "Thank you, but I really need to see if you have the document I'm looking for" Claude shrugged his shoulder "Oh well.I thought I would ask.this way please" Claude led Methos down some dimly lit stairs to the basement, passed rows of lockers Claude finally stopped at a locker marked 12SD "I think this is the one you wanted.if you don't mind I won't wait as I still haven't had any dinner" Claude said patting his stomach "Oh no.that's find I'll lock up before I leave.and thanks Claude" Claude smiled and started to walk away "anything for a friend of Joe's".
Methos opened the locker door and went in, he spent sometime moving things around until he was sure that Claude wasn't coming back and that he was alone, he then slipped out and made his way further down the row until he found the one he was looking for 30TV, he looked down at the large padlock, he looked both ways down the corridor to check that no one else was there before starting work on the lock. He had been working for sometime without success he kept checking out the corridor "where's Amanda when I need her" he whispered quietly to himself" he then shook his head "maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea seeing considering how Mac feels about Dani" just as he finished speaking the lock opened "Thank you" he said as he entered the locker, he pulled out box after box "Luther you really were a collector" then he saw a small wooden box hidden behind a larger cardboard one he pulled it out and opened it. Inside was a small velvet bag he emptied the contents into his hand, a gold chain and pendant fell onto his palm "Bingo" he said as he hurriedly put the necklace back into the bag and he then into his pocket, he rearranged the boxes so no one would know he had been there.
He only just managed to get back into the other locker before Claude appeared "I thought you might at least enjoy a little drink.it's dusty work down here" Methos took the glass of wine "Thank you.but I think I've found what I came for" handing an old book to Claude "can you sign it out for me.I have to catch a plane in about an hour" Claude walked over to the little desk at the end of the corridor, he switched on the small desk lamp. Methos locked the locker and joined Claude at the desk "just sign here Adam and it's all yours.Joe certainly works his section hard if you've got no time to enjoy a fine wine and a good meal" Methos smiled "maybe another time.but I really must go.can you get me a cab to the airport?" Claude patted Methos on the back "yes.but next time your in Paris we will have that meal and a few bottles of wine" Methos nodded and smiled "I'd like that".
Glenfinnan Monument
Several ducks broke cover and glided across the Loch breaking it's mirror image of the sky and surrounding mountains as Duncan stared out from the shore, he pulled his right leg up onto the wall, clasped his arms around it and rested his chin on his knee.
'I know what Cassandra is saying.but there has to be another way.there's got to be' Duncan thought to himself as he threw a stone that had been lying on top of the wall into the water. As the ripples died away, Duncan felt the approach of an Immortal; he looked around as he jumped down. Robert Hamilton walked around the walk "what's wrong my friend.you look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders" Duncan relaxed when he saw who the Immortal was "it feels like it today.just heard something I didn't want to" Duncan said. Robert joined Duncan leaning against the wall "is there anything I could do?" he asked. Duncan shook his head as he looked down at his feet that were moving the gravel into small piles "no.if it happens I will deal with it then".
Robert patted Duncan on the shoulder "I think you could do with a drink old boy.come on my car is parked over there.let's see what Fort William has to offer", Duncan didn't want to go back to the Inn yet as he didn't know what he was going to say to Dani. Duncan smiled weakly "yeah.I could do with a drink". As they got to the car Duncan's mobile rang "Hello.Adam.have you found something?" Methos explained that he had found something that might help; Duncan arranged to meet him at the station in Fort William in the early afternoon the next day.
As they got into the car Robert turned to Duncan "what was that all about?" Duncan folded the cover back onto the phone and put it back into his pocket "just Adam.he's a friend who was trying to find something for me.and he thinks he's onto something.he's flying out of Paris tonight.I'm going to pick him up at the station tomorrow afternoon." Robert nodded his mind racing 'what can this Adam have found' he thought as he drove towards the town.
Joe's Bar
Joe was stocking the shelves before opening, he was working with his back to the door as it opened "we don't open" he called out. "I didn't come for a beer.just your help" came the reply "Methos?" Joe said turning round to face the ancient Immortal "where the hell have you've been?"
"Checking on a few things" replied Methos as he sat on a barstool.
Without being asked Joe poured Methos a beer and set it down in front of him "Mac's been trying to contact you.have you spoken to him?" Methos shook his head as he drank some of his beer "Well, what can I do for you?" Methos took his notebook out of his pocket "have you ever seen this before?" he said sliding the notebook across the bar to Joe.
Joe picked it up and looked at the rough pencil sketch "nope" he said as he tossed it back to Methos, who caught it "I came across this while I was doing some research in Egypt" Methos replied. "So that is where you've been" Joe said as he took a shot glass and poured himself a whiskey "so?"
"So Joe.it could be the only thing to save Dani.you see I've been researching this and it's supposed to help focus thoughts here" Methos said as he pointed to the middle of the sketch "according to the records I've been able to find.it was used by one of the most powerful Seers on record.I also found out that Luther stole it from a private collector in Cairo" Methos waited for some sign that Joe understood but he didn't find it "remember Luther?" Joe nodded as he took a drink of his whisky "Yeah, I remember him" Methos put the notebook on the bar "well, if Luther had this then."
"The Watchers have it now" Joe finished off Methos's sentence " I did some checking.it's mentioned in the inventory of Luther's effects" Methos replied. Joe drank the whisky, placing the glass down on the bar "And you want me to hand it over to you?" Methos smiled at him "that's the general idea.yes".
"No can do.Methos" Joe replied. Methos put his elbows on the bar, his hands clasped together he rested his head on them "let me explain just how serious this is.if Dani doesn't control this.MacLeod may have no option but to take her head" Methos could see the look of horror that know covered Joe's face "Don't you think your being a little over dramatic.Methos?"
Methos shook his head "No I'm not Joe.from all that I've read.there are three ways this can go.and only one of them is good" Methos then told Joe all that he had found out "this is the only thing that I've found that could be of any help.come on Joe.we both know how Mac feels about her.do you want to have to tell him that the one thing that might have saved her is gathering dust in the Watcher storage vaults.I'm not asking you to give it to me just get me in there.and I'll do the rest.no one will know.it'll be just another piece that has gone missing over time." Joe ran his hand through his hair "ok.ok.I'll make a call" Joe went into the office, Methos stayed drinking his beer. When Joe came back he didn't look too happy "Joe what's wrong?" Methos asked "I just don't like lying to them.anyway your all set. you have clearance to get into the vault.your there to check on an item that is linked to Methos" Methos put his elbows on the bar and put his head in his hands, after a few minutes he suddenly looked up and then hopped off the stool "where are you going now?" Joe asked. "Home to pack.there isn't much time to waste.I need to get to Paris tonight.and then I'll be heading for the Highlands" Methos said before finishing his beer. "You do know that Cassandra will be there," Joe said as picked up Methos's empty glass "I'll just have to try and stay out of her way won't I.but she won't try anything with MacLeod there.well I'll just have to risk it" Methos said as he made his way to the door.
Paris
As Methos left the terminal building at Charles DeGualle airport he slipped into the shadows taking his sword from his luggage he concealed it in his long black coat. He then found the cab rank and jumped into one of the waiting cabs, he handed the driver a piece of paper with the address of the Watcher headquarters. It didn't take long to arrive through the late evening traffic, the cab pulled up outside a pair of large wrought iron gates, Methos paid the driver before collecting his bag from the trunk. He watched as the cab pulled away before he walked up to the two men who were standing in front of the gates, digging in his pocket for his ID "Err.I'm Adam Pierson.you should be expecting me" the taller of the two men took his ID and went to the hut inside the gates "cold tonight" Methos said rubbing his hands together but there was no reply, a few minutes later the taller man return "yes.they are expecting you.someone will meet you at the chateau.he'll show you to the vault". "Thank you.you have a nice night" Methos said as he stepped through the gates.
As Methos approached the Chateau the door opened and a small tubby, grey haired man in a dark suit stepped out into the cold night air "Adam.Adam Pierson?" the man asked as he walked towards Methos with his hand extended, Methos shook the man's hand "I'm Claude DuPont.I'm in charge of the vault" they turned towards the chateau "I really appreciate you staying on so late" Methos said as they stepped into the brightly lit entrance hall "well.Joe is an old friend and if he says it is important then it must be.would you like to have something to eat first Adam" Methos smiled at Claude "Thank you, but I really need to see if you have the document I'm looking for" Claude shrugged his shoulder "Oh well.I thought I would ask.this way please" Claude led Methos down some dimly lit stairs to the basement, passed rows of lockers Claude finally stopped at a locker marked 12SD "I think this is the one you wanted.if you don't mind I won't wait as I still haven't had any dinner" Claude said patting his stomach "Oh no.that's find I'll lock up before I leave.and thanks Claude" Claude smiled and started to walk away "anything for a friend of Joe's".
Methos opened the locker door and went in, he spent sometime moving things around until he was sure that Claude wasn't coming back and that he was alone, he then slipped out and made his way further down the row until he found the one he was looking for 30TV, he looked down at the large padlock, he looked both ways down the corridor to check that no one else was there before starting work on the lock. He had been working for sometime without success he kept checking out the corridor "where's Amanda when I need her" he whispered quietly to himself" he then shook his head "maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea seeing considering how Mac feels about Dani" just as he finished speaking the lock opened "Thank you" he said as he entered the locker, he pulled out box after box "Luther you really were a collector" then he saw a small wooden box hidden behind a larger cardboard one he pulled it out and opened it. Inside was a small velvet bag he emptied the contents into his hand, a gold chain and pendant fell onto his palm "Bingo" he said as he hurriedly put the necklace back into the bag and he then into his pocket, he rearranged the boxes so no one would know he had been there.
He only just managed to get back into the other locker before Claude appeared "I thought you might at least enjoy a little drink.it's dusty work down here" Methos took the glass of wine "Thank you.but I think I've found what I came for" handing an old book to Claude "can you sign it out for me.I have to catch a plane in about an hour" Claude walked over to the little desk at the end of the corridor, he switched on the small desk lamp. Methos locked the locker and joined Claude at the desk "just sign here Adam and it's all yours.Joe certainly works his section hard if you've got no time to enjoy a fine wine and a good meal" Methos smiled "maybe another time.but I really must go.can you get me a cab to the airport?" Claude patted Methos on the back "yes.but next time your in Paris we will have that meal and a few bottles of wine" Methos nodded and smiled "I'd like that".
Glenfinnan Monument
Several ducks broke cover and glided across the Loch breaking it's mirror image of the sky and surrounding mountains as Duncan stared out from the shore, he pulled his right leg up onto the wall, clasped his arms around it and rested his chin on his knee.
'I know what Cassandra is saying.but there has to be another way.there's got to be' Duncan thought to himself as he threw a stone that had been lying on top of the wall into the water. As the ripples died away, Duncan felt the approach of an Immortal; he looked around as he jumped down. Robert Hamilton walked around the walk "what's wrong my friend.you look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders" Duncan relaxed when he saw who the Immortal was "it feels like it today.just heard something I didn't want to" Duncan said. Robert joined Duncan leaning against the wall "is there anything I could do?" he asked. Duncan shook his head as he looked down at his feet that were moving the gravel into small piles "no.if it happens I will deal with it then".
Robert patted Duncan on the shoulder "I think you could do with a drink old boy.come on my car is parked over there.let's see what Fort William has to offer", Duncan didn't want to go back to the Inn yet as he didn't know what he was going to say to Dani. Duncan smiled weakly "yeah.I could do with a drink". As they got to the car Duncan's mobile rang "Hello.Adam.have you found something?" Methos explained that he had found something that might help; Duncan arranged to meet him at the station in Fort William in the early afternoon the next day.
As they got into the car Robert turned to Duncan "what was that all about?" Duncan folded the cover back onto the phone and put it back into his pocket "just Adam.he's a friend who was trying to find something for me.and he thinks he's onto something.he's flying out of Paris tonight.I'm going to pick him up at the station tomorrow afternoon." Robert nodded his mind racing 'what can this Adam have found' he thought as he drove towards the town.