CHAPTER 75
It was a little after 10 when there was a frantic knock on the door. Methos and Duncan both
awoke with a start, each reaching for their swords.
"Duncan! It's me, Ellen … let me in."
Letting out a sigh and putting his sword away, Duncan threw on his shirt and opened the door.
"What is it?" he asked, wiping the sleep from his eyes.
"This just arrived." Ellen picked up the heavy vase of white roses she'd set down in the hall and
walked inside. "Close the door, Rayna is up and you don't want her to hear."
Methos yawned and didn't bother to get dressed further as he crossed the room to see what was
up. He was wearing jeans, that was enough.
Duncan took the card from the holder and opened it. His eyes scanned the message and his
face clouded over.
"Secret Admirer?" Methos asked as he took the card from Duncan's hand.
"Meet me at 2pm sharp, where petals once fell." He read aloud. "Come alone … pssh, right …"
Methos added sarcastically.
"Where the petals once fell?" Ellen repeated. "What does that mean?"
"Pretty cryptic if you ask me." Methos replied.
"He wants me to come to the Old Palace of Justice." Duncan answered as he started to get his
things together. He wanted to get a quick shower and change.
"Are you sure?" Ellen asked.
"No question." Duncan replied. "The petals he's referring to are our friends who were executed
by The Third Reich."
"The White Roses." Methos remembered Duncan's story.
"Well you aren't going alone." She stated emphatically.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Duncan replied. "And he doesn't expect me to. He knows you will both
be with me, and he will be prepared for all of us."
Methos picked up the phone and started to dial.
"Who are you calling?" Duncan asked.
"The airport and Peter Harris." He replied.
Duncan gave him a quizzical look.
"Rayna can't stay here. We don't know how this will turn out, and for all we know the instant we
leave the hotel Shafer will grab her." Methos explained. "I'm booking her on the next flight to the
states. Can you go make sure she is ready?" he asked Ellen, who understood.
Methos was on hold with the reservationist when Ellen did as he asked.
"Why are you calling Peter Harris?" Duncan asked when they were alone. He was completely
surprised Methos would call his father in law.
"I want to make sure he has her brothers meet her at the airport. Until this is all over, one way or
another, they need to be very careful." He explained.
Once the reservation had been made, Methos pulled a number from his wallet and began to dial.
Duncan went into the bathroom to shower and change, leaving him alone.
When a voice answered on the other end, it was Chris.
"Adam? Is that you?" Chris's excited voice asked. "Oh my God we've been so worried."
"I appreciate that Chris, could you put your father on the phone?" he asked abruptly, not wanting
to get into a long conversation with her. The more he knew of Beth's family the harder this was.
They were truly nice people.
"Wait! You call out of the blue like this after months of us wondering where you were and expect
me to pass the phone?" she wanted answers.
"Chris, I don't have much time and it's about your sister Rayna. She's safe now, but I need to
speak to your father … now." He replied.
Chris reluctantly agreed and called to her father from the back porch. A few minutes later Peter
Harris was on the phone.
"Adam? What's up? And what is this about Rayna?" he asked. He had many questions for his
daughter's husband, but his concern for his other daughter outweighed them for the moment.
"Rick Shafer tricked her, kidnapped her and almost had her killed. He's been in this with Garrett
from the beginning and has more than helping him take Beth as an agenda." Methos replied,
giving as few details as he thought he could. "Rayna is going to be on a flight from Munich that
connects in Newark at 4pm tomorrow and then on to Nashville by 7. I think it is important that
someone be there to meet her and that you keep the family close and on watch until you hear
from either me or Duncan."
"I never did like that dog Shafer. He was too slick." Mr. Harris replied angrily. "Are you sure
she'll be safe on the way? I could send one of her brothers to meet her in Munich and make sure
nothing happens to her."
"I'm afraid that would take too long. She needs to be out of here in the next two hours. I don't
think Shafer expects this, so it should be all right until she arrives in the states."
"Give me the flight number. I'll have Kyle drive to Newark to pick her up." Peter Harris wanted to
leave nothing to chance.
Methos gave him the information and was about to hang up when Beth's father stopped him. "I
talked to Leandra yesterday."
Methos took in a deep breath. "Was she able to tell you where she was?
"No, she didn't give me any idea of where she was … I think someone was listening."
Methos let out the breath he'd been holding. "I'm sure if Garrett let her call, he was listening."
"How is she? Are she and the baby all right?" he continued, realizing he was hanging on the
man's every word.
"She said she was ok, and that Cassie was growing like a weed …but she sounded sad." Harris
replied. "Gave me some cock and bull story about loving Garrett and being happy, but I know my
girl and that was a lie. He was listening."
"I'm glad to hear that at least she and the baby haven't been harmed. Maybe soon we will be
able to find them and get them home to you."
Peter Harris was amazed at the calm detachment he heard in Adam's voice. He was glad to hear
that the man was at least looking for his daughter, but something wasn't right. "Adam, where
have you been?"
"Away." Methos replied hastily.
"Away?" Harris's voice "My God man, your wife and baby were stolen out from under your nose
and all you can say is you were away?"
Methos controlled his voice as he replied. "Forgive me sir, but until a few days ago I thought she
went willingly with Garrett. I thought it was best to distance myself and give her what I thought
she wanted."
Peter Harris shook his head. "If you could doubt Leandra so quickly, you never knew her at all."
Her family had seen the same evidence he had, but they wouldn't let themselves believe it was
true. They'd seen the way she loved Adam. It made no sense, and finding the message on the
dress was just a confirmation of what they knew.
"Maybe you are right." Methos wasn't going to argue, and it would be easier for him to walk away
from Beth if her family supported the decision. "I will make sure Rayna gets on the plane, and
leave it to you to make sure she gets home safely."
Harris couldn't believe this was all Adam was going to say. He started to call him on it, but then
remembered the call he'd gotten a few hours earlier.
"I was going to try and reach MacLeod. Some woman named Esperanza called today. Said she
had information on Leandra's whereabouts. She wouldn't give me any details but insisted I make
sure Duncan called her." He said.
"Esperanza Ricci?" Methos asked. "She worked for Beth, uhm Leandra, at the bakery. What
could she possibly know?"
"She didn't say. But I got the feeling that she was telling the truth. She seemed very anxious to
give the information to someone she trusted." Peter Harris replied. "Here is her number." He
rattled off the numbers and Methos took them down on the hotel pad.
Methos wanted to call her now, but he had to get Rayna to the airport and back before MacLeod
left for the Palace of Justice. After they'd rescued the others he hoped he would be able to call.
Just in case, he knew he should cover things if he could.
"Mr. Harris, if you don't hear from MacLeod or me by the time Rayna is home, call Esperanza.
Tell her that she needs to give you and your sons the information."
"Something is going on isn't it? Something you aren't sure you will walk away from."
Methos didn't deny it. "If you don't hear from us by tomorrow afternoon, then Beth's only chance
of escape may be her family. Tell Esperanza that if the need arises."
"This has something to do with Rick Shafer doesn't it?" Peter Harris guessed.
"Yes, he's taken Amanda, Richie, Claudia and Joe hostage. MacLeod and I are going to deal
with him."
There wasn't any need in keeping it a secret now.
"My God!" Harris replied. "Hit the bastard once for me." After a few seconds he added. "Good
luck son. I hope to hear from you tomorrow."
"I hope so too." Methos replied before closing the connection. The man's use of a term so
familiar was a little unnerving considering what he knew he must do. It was time to take Rayna to
the airport. He hoped Ellen had her ready. He'd have to forget a shower and settle for a clean
sweater.
MacLeod emerged from the bathroom and Methos went in to splash water on his face and torso
before toweling off and shrugging on the sweater. He told Duncan about Esperanza's call.
"I wonder what she knows?" Duncan asked. But his curiosity would have to wait. While Methos
and Ellen took Rayna to the airport, he had some scouting to do. He was going to get a copy of
the latest blue print of the Palace of Justice so they would have an idea of the layout before they
got there.
Rayna wasn't pleased to be shuffled off, but Methos and Ellen ignored her protests on the drive to
the airport.
"If we know you are safe we can concentrate on saving the others and then finding your sister."
Methos told her. "The less leverage Shafer has on us, the better, and you are in no position to
defend yourself."
Rayna knew he was right, but she still didn't like it.
"Be safe." She said as she gave him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before turning to board
the plane.
Methos remained detached, and only nodded as he watched her walk away.
"She reminds you that much of her sister?" Ellen guessed out loud.
"What does it matter?" Methos replied.
"Seems like it matters a great deal, but you won't admit it. What is with you anyway? I thought
you loved the woman?"
Methos turned and his eyes were cold as he replied. "What I feel or don't feel is none of your
concern. I suggest you worry less about me and more about that weakness you have with your
back swing."
"What weakness?" Ellen set her jaw defiantly.
"The way you shift all your weight to the edge of your left foot. It's easy to send you off balance.
You should remember how that went for you when we first met." He replied arrogantly.
"Hmpff." Ellen shrugged as she walked back to the car in silence.
Methos didn't say anything further, but concentrated on getting them back quickly through traffic.
When they were about half way back to the hotel, Ellen swallowed her pride. She knew that
before the day was out she would be using her sword, and after rethinking every detail of their
confrontation, realized he was right.
"What else did you notice about my fighting style?" she asked.
Methos looked sideways at her with surprise. She was smarter than he'd given her credit for.
Realizing one's weakness was empowering.
For the next few minutes she listened to his comments, and when MacLeod wasn't back from his
errands, they took advantage of the time in the suite by walking through some scenarios and
sparring lightly
It was a little after 10 when there was a frantic knock on the door. Methos and Duncan both
awoke with a start, each reaching for their swords.
"Duncan! It's me, Ellen … let me in."
Letting out a sigh and putting his sword away, Duncan threw on his shirt and opened the door.
"What is it?" he asked, wiping the sleep from his eyes.
"This just arrived." Ellen picked up the heavy vase of white roses she'd set down in the hall and
walked inside. "Close the door, Rayna is up and you don't want her to hear."
Methos yawned and didn't bother to get dressed further as he crossed the room to see what was
up. He was wearing jeans, that was enough.
Duncan took the card from the holder and opened it. His eyes scanned the message and his
face clouded over.
"Secret Admirer?" Methos asked as he took the card from Duncan's hand.
"Meet me at 2pm sharp, where petals once fell." He read aloud. "Come alone … pssh, right …"
Methos added sarcastically.
"Where the petals once fell?" Ellen repeated. "What does that mean?"
"Pretty cryptic if you ask me." Methos replied.
"He wants me to come to the Old Palace of Justice." Duncan answered as he started to get his
things together. He wanted to get a quick shower and change.
"Are you sure?" Ellen asked.
"No question." Duncan replied. "The petals he's referring to are our friends who were executed
by The Third Reich."
"The White Roses." Methos remembered Duncan's story.
"Well you aren't going alone." She stated emphatically.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Duncan replied. "And he doesn't expect me to. He knows you will both
be with me, and he will be prepared for all of us."
Methos picked up the phone and started to dial.
"Who are you calling?" Duncan asked.
"The airport and Peter Harris." He replied.
Duncan gave him a quizzical look.
"Rayna can't stay here. We don't know how this will turn out, and for all we know the instant we
leave the hotel Shafer will grab her." Methos explained. "I'm booking her on the next flight to the
states. Can you go make sure she is ready?" he asked Ellen, who understood.
Methos was on hold with the reservationist when Ellen did as he asked.
"Why are you calling Peter Harris?" Duncan asked when they were alone. He was completely
surprised Methos would call his father in law.
"I want to make sure he has her brothers meet her at the airport. Until this is all over, one way or
another, they need to be very careful." He explained.
Once the reservation had been made, Methos pulled a number from his wallet and began to dial.
Duncan went into the bathroom to shower and change, leaving him alone.
When a voice answered on the other end, it was Chris.
"Adam? Is that you?" Chris's excited voice asked. "Oh my God we've been so worried."
"I appreciate that Chris, could you put your father on the phone?" he asked abruptly, not wanting
to get into a long conversation with her. The more he knew of Beth's family the harder this was.
They were truly nice people.
"Wait! You call out of the blue like this after months of us wondering where you were and expect
me to pass the phone?" she wanted answers.
"Chris, I don't have much time and it's about your sister Rayna. She's safe now, but I need to
speak to your father … now." He replied.
Chris reluctantly agreed and called to her father from the back porch. A few minutes later Peter
Harris was on the phone.
"Adam? What's up? And what is this about Rayna?" he asked. He had many questions for his
daughter's husband, but his concern for his other daughter outweighed them for the moment.
"Rick Shafer tricked her, kidnapped her and almost had her killed. He's been in this with Garrett
from the beginning and has more than helping him take Beth as an agenda." Methos replied,
giving as few details as he thought he could. "Rayna is going to be on a flight from Munich that
connects in Newark at 4pm tomorrow and then on to Nashville by 7. I think it is important that
someone be there to meet her and that you keep the family close and on watch until you hear
from either me or Duncan."
"I never did like that dog Shafer. He was too slick." Mr. Harris replied angrily. "Are you sure
she'll be safe on the way? I could send one of her brothers to meet her in Munich and make sure
nothing happens to her."
"I'm afraid that would take too long. She needs to be out of here in the next two hours. I don't
think Shafer expects this, so it should be all right until she arrives in the states."
"Give me the flight number. I'll have Kyle drive to Newark to pick her up." Peter Harris wanted to
leave nothing to chance.
Methos gave him the information and was about to hang up when Beth's father stopped him. "I
talked to Leandra yesterday."
Methos took in a deep breath. "Was she able to tell you where she was?
"No, she didn't give me any idea of where she was … I think someone was listening."
Methos let out the breath he'd been holding. "I'm sure if Garrett let her call, he was listening."
"How is she? Are she and the baby all right?" he continued, realizing he was hanging on the
man's every word.
"She said she was ok, and that Cassie was growing like a weed …but she sounded sad." Harris
replied. "Gave me some cock and bull story about loving Garrett and being happy, but I know my
girl and that was a lie. He was listening."
"I'm glad to hear that at least she and the baby haven't been harmed. Maybe soon we will be
able to find them and get them home to you."
Peter Harris was amazed at the calm detachment he heard in Adam's voice. He was glad to hear
that the man was at least looking for his daughter, but something wasn't right. "Adam, where
have you been?"
"Away." Methos replied hastily.
"Away?" Harris's voice "My God man, your wife and baby were stolen out from under your nose
and all you can say is you were away?"
Methos controlled his voice as he replied. "Forgive me sir, but until a few days ago I thought she
went willingly with Garrett. I thought it was best to distance myself and give her what I thought
she wanted."
Peter Harris shook his head. "If you could doubt Leandra so quickly, you never knew her at all."
Her family had seen the same evidence he had, but they wouldn't let themselves believe it was
true. They'd seen the way she loved Adam. It made no sense, and finding the message on the
dress was just a confirmation of what they knew.
"Maybe you are right." Methos wasn't going to argue, and it would be easier for him to walk away
from Beth if her family supported the decision. "I will make sure Rayna gets on the plane, and
leave it to you to make sure she gets home safely."
Harris couldn't believe this was all Adam was going to say. He started to call him on it, but then
remembered the call he'd gotten a few hours earlier.
"I was going to try and reach MacLeod. Some woman named Esperanza called today. Said she
had information on Leandra's whereabouts. She wouldn't give me any details but insisted I make
sure Duncan called her." He said.
"Esperanza Ricci?" Methos asked. "She worked for Beth, uhm Leandra, at the bakery. What
could she possibly know?"
"She didn't say. But I got the feeling that she was telling the truth. She seemed very anxious to
give the information to someone she trusted." Peter Harris replied. "Here is her number." He
rattled off the numbers and Methos took them down on the hotel pad.
Methos wanted to call her now, but he had to get Rayna to the airport and back before MacLeod
left for the Palace of Justice. After they'd rescued the others he hoped he would be able to call.
Just in case, he knew he should cover things if he could.
"Mr. Harris, if you don't hear from MacLeod or me by the time Rayna is home, call Esperanza.
Tell her that she needs to give you and your sons the information."
"Something is going on isn't it? Something you aren't sure you will walk away from."
Methos didn't deny it. "If you don't hear from us by tomorrow afternoon, then Beth's only chance
of escape may be her family. Tell Esperanza that if the need arises."
"This has something to do with Rick Shafer doesn't it?" Peter Harris guessed.
"Yes, he's taken Amanda, Richie, Claudia and Joe hostage. MacLeod and I are going to deal
with him."
There wasn't any need in keeping it a secret now.
"My God!" Harris replied. "Hit the bastard once for me." After a few seconds he added. "Good
luck son. I hope to hear from you tomorrow."
"I hope so too." Methos replied before closing the connection. The man's use of a term so
familiar was a little unnerving considering what he knew he must do. It was time to take Rayna to
the airport. He hoped Ellen had her ready. He'd have to forget a shower and settle for a clean
sweater.
MacLeod emerged from the bathroom and Methos went in to splash water on his face and torso
before toweling off and shrugging on the sweater. He told Duncan about Esperanza's call.
"I wonder what she knows?" Duncan asked. But his curiosity would have to wait. While Methos
and Ellen took Rayna to the airport, he had some scouting to do. He was going to get a copy of
the latest blue print of the Palace of Justice so they would have an idea of the layout before they
got there.
Rayna wasn't pleased to be shuffled off, but Methos and Ellen ignored her protests on the drive to
the airport.
"If we know you are safe we can concentrate on saving the others and then finding your sister."
Methos told her. "The less leverage Shafer has on us, the better, and you are in no position to
defend yourself."
Rayna knew he was right, but she still didn't like it.
"Be safe." She said as she gave him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before turning to board
the plane.
Methos remained detached, and only nodded as he watched her walk away.
"She reminds you that much of her sister?" Ellen guessed out loud.
"What does it matter?" Methos replied.
"Seems like it matters a great deal, but you won't admit it. What is with you anyway? I thought
you loved the woman?"
Methos turned and his eyes were cold as he replied. "What I feel or don't feel is none of your
concern. I suggest you worry less about me and more about that weakness you have with your
back swing."
"What weakness?" Ellen set her jaw defiantly.
"The way you shift all your weight to the edge of your left foot. It's easy to send you off balance.
You should remember how that went for you when we first met." He replied arrogantly.
"Hmpff." Ellen shrugged as she walked back to the car in silence.
Methos didn't say anything further, but concentrated on getting them back quickly through traffic.
When they were about half way back to the hotel, Ellen swallowed her pride. She knew that
before the day was out she would be using her sword, and after rethinking every detail of their
confrontation, realized he was right.
"What else did you notice about my fighting style?" she asked.
Methos looked sideways at her with surprise. She was smarter than he'd given her credit for.
Realizing one's weakness was empowering.
For the next few minutes she listened to his comments, and when MacLeod wasn't back from his
errands, they took advantage of the time in the suite by walking through some scenarios and
sparring lightly