*Author's note: I would like to thanks to the encouraging words of
SouthernChickie, lauree2220, and blackblade who reviewed my work. I hope
you enjoy the following chapters as well as you liked the first two. In
this chapter I am making a small assumption about the amount of time
between Fitzcairn's kidnapping, and the next scene where we see Duncan and
Tess on the barge. I am assuming by Duncan's frustration that he has been
searching for the symbol of the watchers through the night, and that that
scene occurs the next day. This means when Tess goes shopping after cutting
her hand it is the day after Darius's death, and Fitz's kidnapping by
Horton. If any one has a reason that this would not seem reasonable please
feel free to contact me.*
Part 3:
Paris at night is an incredible sight even for those who have spent their lives in major cities. Jake's attention was focused elsewhere toward the heavens, and like many men before him looked for comfort in the stars. God forgive me, he thought because after what I do today I don't know if anyone else will. Jake had found his way through the maze of Paris streets to the barge of Duncan Macleod. Jake fought the urge to run up to the barge, and tell them what he knew about what would happen.
As the night passed Jake understood more then he ever really wanted to the old saying about power, and corruption. The temptation to alter the course of events in such a way as we deem better will never be something the humans can deal with easily. That had been a lesson Darius had tried to teach others, but they could not understand. As his mind unlocked memories, and struggled against the flashes Jake wondered how Darius had discovered that truth then thought better of it. Some things like the future are better left unknown the consequences are simply to grave.
The lights on the barge burned through the night as Duncan search for information on the people who killed his friend. So close, Jake thought, I wonder how many people dream about this. I have the power to alter reality as I choose, but I am throwing it away. I fear the power that a few words from my lips would have. Despite his desire to stay awake, Jake's body refused to co-operate and soon his sleeping form relaxed against the stone ramp where he had been sitting to watch Duncan's barge.
Jake swore as the sound of Richie's motorcycle woke him from his sleep as he roared past. Richie's rude awakening left Jake little time to gather himself as he watched Duncan and Richie talking. Tess will be leaving soon to go shopping, he thought. I hope to god I can follow her or I am screwed.
-----------------------------
Tess took in a deep breath as she left the barge, and headed out. Shopping in Paris was always such a rush, and a way to clear her mind when she needed to find calm which was definitely what she needed right now. However since Duncan had taken the car to go to visit Darius rectory in search of answer she decided to limit herself to shops within walking distance of the barge. The smell of morning air always took her back to when she was a child, and how that she had thought of that dewy smell as a sign that today was something new. That meant there was hope because you could change whatever happened the day before to strive to make the new day your perfect day.
However, as soon as the memory came she was confronted by the cynical voice of experience telling her that such thoughts were naïve. So after a second she walked down the plank, and climbed the ramp on her way to shop. She didn't notice the young man leaning against the stone with his head down, or that once she past him that his eyes locked on her as he got up off the ground. Despite what he mind told her Tess decided that she would embrace her childhood dreams, and work to make today her perfect day.
-----------------------------
Jake knew it couldn't have been as long as it felt, but then again shopping had never been something that really interested him. He watched Tess as she finally exited the latest of the many shops she had visited this day when his mind erupted in pain. The flood of images no longer caused him to black out, but the pain still forced him to his knees. After several seconds he was able to get to his feet once more, and saw James Horton nod to two men one of which was on a bicycle. I really need to get in better shape, he thought as he moved off toward the one who wasn't on the bike. The man moved threw the crowd skillfully, and seemed to blend into the mass of people in the street.
Must be part of the watcher training, Jake thought, after all blending in is part of the job description. Suddenly his target separated from the crowd and moved off into an alley. Jake stopped himself for a second as he realized he must have been spotted for the watcher to make himself stand out in such a way.
Deciding that he had no choice Jake headed for the alley anyway muttering, "Oh please God don't let me screw this up."
The alley was deserted the perfect place for an ambush. Jake simply walked forward a couple steps then dove forward barely avoiding the clothesline from the watcher.
"Nice, cliché but nice," Jake spoke as he got to his feet. The watcher didn't speak or make any response, but instead just struck out at Jake his right fist connecting with Jake's jaw with laughable ease.
"Okay," Jake spoke as he spit out blood, "I clearly did not think this through as clearly as I at first believed."
The Watcher continued his silent attack landing one more shot to Jake's face, and then several to his ribs. However the watcher got cocky, and Jake managed to grab the man's arm and using his own momentum against him slammed the man's face first into the alley wall. Altering his grip he twisted the arm back, and threw his weight into the watcher pinning him against the wall.
"You know usually people actually talk to me before they try and kill me. What you didn't think that was funny? Maybe you need a lesson in humor." He said as his left hand grabbed the watcher's hair, and pulled the man's head back a short distance before slamming the man's head into the wall.
"So do we need anymore lessons? I want to know your name now."
"You will never rule us," the man spat back with a tone the reeked of hatred.
"You think I'm an immortal? Oh that is rich," Jake's laugh caused the watcher to strike out again using his left leg in an attempt to gain separation from Jake and get free. Jake just stepped back, and released the watcher whose motion had forced him to go crashing into the ground.
"You claim your not?" the watcher shot back.
"Yeah, or didn't you notice how my blood lip didn't heal up right away?" this statement caused the watcher to go quiet for several seconds.
"Then why were you following me?" the hatred, and anger no longer present in the man's voice as Jake stuck out his hand to help the watcher up.
Jake smiled, and fought his desire to through all his strength into a right hook to the man's temple to try and knock the watcher unconscious. Jake realized the man would probably block his move, and the last thing he wanted was to let himself be captured and tortured for information.
"I need your help," Jake answer which caused the watcher's expression changed to one of first disbelief then laughter.
"Seems like an awful lot of trouble to go through to ask such a simple question," the watcher replied sarcastically.
Jake laughed as he moved up till his battered face was just inches from the watcher's before he answered, "Well you where the one tried to kill me before I could explain."
"So what do you want my help with?"
Jake smiled again as he answered, "The truth? I want your gun, and access to watcher headquarters."
The watcher stopped laughing as Jake reached inside the Watcher's jacket to grab a hold of the man's 9mm berretta, as the rest of his body knocked the man backward. Jake's sudden movement caught the watcher off guard and before he could react Jake had the berretta drawn, "Now I don't think you have to guess which one I have, and which one I still want?"
Later as the watcher, who'd finally told Jake his name was Joshua King, drove the two men out to the French estate that was the Watchers European headquarters Jake finally was able to stop his mind from telling him how everything he had just done could have gone seriously, seriously wrong. Cause, he thought sarcastically, I so had the training to do what I just did. I can't believe I didn't die. Jake smiled as he realized that Joshua's watcher tattoo was more then enough to gain entrance to the grounds.
"Even if we do get inside you won't get out," Joshua said as they neared the estate, "Its not like you can just go in do whatever you want, and leave without setting off alarms."
"Please do you think I don't already know that," Jake shot back at the watcher as Jake thought, I so should have planned this better, "Pull up to the door, and get out with me. You are going to get me inside by saying that you saw something that you need to look up in the archives right away. You tell them that I was the only other witness, and you needed me to confirm what you saw. We go in make one little stop, and then we go."
"Really you honestly think it will be that simple?" Joshua asked mockingly.
"It had better be, or before the nice guards can shoot me I will shoot you, understand?" Jake replied. Joshua nodded his head in understanding, and then exited the vehicle. The last thoughts that ran through Jake's head before he followed Joshua out of the car and the two headed into watcher headquarters where the words, " May fortune favor those to stupid to know when to back off."
Part 3:
Paris at night is an incredible sight even for those who have spent their lives in major cities. Jake's attention was focused elsewhere toward the heavens, and like many men before him looked for comfort in the stars. God forgive me, he thought because after what I do today I don't know if anyone else will. Jake had found his way through the maze of Paris streets to the barge of Duncan Macleod. Jake fought the urge to run up to the barge, and tell them what he knew about what would happen.
As the night passed Jake understood more then he ever really wanted to the old saying about power, and corruption. The temptation to alter the course of events in such a way as we deem better will never be something the humans can deal with easily. That had been a lesson Darius had tried to teach others, but they could not understand. As his mind unlocked memories, and struggled against the flashes Jake wondered how Darius had discovered that truth then thought better of it. Some things like the future are better left unknown the consequences are simply to grave.
The lights on the barge burned through the night as Duncan search for information on the people who killed his friend. So close, Jake thought, I wonder how many people dream about this. I have the power to alter reality as I choose, but I am throwing it away. I fear the power that a few words from my lips would have. Despite his desire to stay awake, Jake's body refused to co-operate and soon his sleeping form relaxed against the stone ramp where he had been sitting to watch Duncan's barge.
Jake swore as the sound of Richie's motorcycle woke him from his sleep as he roared past. Richie's rude awakening left Jake little time to gather himself as he watched Duncan and Richie talking. Tess will be leaving soon to go shopping, he thought. I hope to god I can follow her or I am screwed.
-----------------------------
Tess took in a deep breath as she left the barge, and headed out. Shopping in Paris was always such a rush, and a way to clear her mind when she needed to find calm which was definitely what she needed right now. However since Duncan had taken the car to go to visit Darius rectory in search of answer she decided to limit herself to shops within walking distance of the barge. The smell of morning air always took her back to when she was a child, and how that she had thought of that dewy smell as a sign that today was something new. That meant there was hope because you could change whatever happened the day before to strive to make the new day your perfect day.
However, as soon as the memory came she was confronted by the cynical voice of experience telling her that such thoughts were naïve. So after a second she walked down the plank, and climbed the ramp on her way to shop. She didn't notice the young man leaning against the stone with his head down, or that once she past him that his eyes locked on her as he got up off the ground. Despite what he mind told her Tess decided that she would embrace her childhood dreams, and work to make today her perfect day.
-----------------------------
Jake knew it couldn't have been as long as it felt, but then again shopping had never been something that really interested him. He watched Tess as she finally exited the latest of the many shops she had visited this day when his mind erupted in pain. The flood of images no longer caused him to black out, but the pain still forced him to his knees. After several seconds he was able to get to his feet once more, and saw James Horton nod to two men one of which was on a bicycle. I really need to get in better shape, he thought as he moved off toward the one who wasn't on the bike. The man moved threw the crowd skillfully, and seemed to blend into the mass of people in the street.
Must be part of the watcher training, Jake thought, after all blending in is part of the job description. Suddenly his target separated from the crowd and moved off into an alley. Jake stopped himself for a second as he realized he must have been spotted for the watcher to make himself stand out in such a way.
Deciding that he had no choice Jake headed for the alley anyway muttering, "Oh please God don't let me screw this up."
The alley was deserted the perfect place for an ambush. Jake simply walked forward a couple steps then dove forward barely avoiding the clothesline from the watcher.
"Nice, cliché but nice," Jake spoke as he got to his feet. The watcher didn't speak or make any response, but instead just struck out at Jake his right fist connecting with Jake's jaw with laughable ease.
"Okay," Jake spoke as he spit out blood, "I clearly did not think this through as clearly as I at first believed."
The Watcher continued his silent attack landing one more shot to Jake's face, and then several to his ribs. However the watcher got cocky, and Jake managed to grab the man's arm and using his own momentum against him slammed the man's face first into the alley wall. Altering his grip he twisted the arm back, and threw his weight into the watcher pinning him against the wall.
"You know usually people actually talk to me before they try and kill me. What you didn't think that was funny? Maybe you need a lesson in humor." He said as his left hand grabbed the watcher's hair, and pulled the man's head back a short distance before slamming the man's head into the wall.
"So do we need anymore lessons? I want to know your name now."
"You will never rule us," the man spat back with a tone the reeked of hatred.
"You think I'm an immortal? Oh that is rich," Jake's laugh caused the watcher to strike out again using his left leg in an attempt to gain separation from Jake and get free. Jake just stepped back, and released the watcher whose motion had forced him to go crashing into the ground.
"You claim your not?" the watcher shot back.
"Yeah, or didn't you notice how my blood lip didn't heal up right away?" this statement caused the watcher to go quiet for several seconds.
"Then why were you following me?" the hatred, and anger no longer present in the man's voice as Jake stuck out his hand to help the watcher up.
Jake smiled, and fought his desire to through all his strength into a right hook to the man's temple to try and knock the watcher unconscious. Jake realized the man would probably block his move, and the last thing he wanted was to let himself be captured and tortured for information.
"I need your help," Jake answer which caused the watcher's expression changed to one of first disbelief then laughter.
"Seems like an awful lot of trouble to go through to ask such a simple question," the watcher replied sarcastically.
Jake laughed as he moved up till his battered face was just inches from the watcher's before he answered, "Well you where the one tried to kill me before I could explain."
"So what do you want my help with?"
Jake smiled again as he answered, "The truth? I want your gun, and access to watcher headquarters."
The watcher stopped laughing as Jake reached inside the Watcher's jacket to grab a hold of the man's 9mm berretta, as the rest of his body knocked the man backward. Jake's sudden movement caught the watcher off guard and before he could react Jake had the berretta drawn, "Now I don't think you have to guess which one I have, and which one I still want?"
Later as the watcher, who'd finally told Jake his name was Joshua King, drove the two men out to the French estate that was the Watchers European headquarters Jake finally was able to stop his mind from telling him how everything he had just done could have gone seriously, seriously wrong. Cause, he thought sarcastically, I so had the training to do what I just did. I can't believe I didn't die. Jake smiled as he realized that Joshua's watcher tattoo was more then enough to gain entrance to the grounds.
"Even if we do get inside you won't get out," Joshua said as they neared the estate, "Its not like you can just go in do whatever you want, and leave without setting off alarms."
"Please do you think I don't already know that," Jake shot back at the watcher as Jake thought, I so should have planned this better, "Pull up to the door, and get out with me. You are going to get me inside by saying that you saw something that you need to look up in the archives right away. You tell them that I was the only other witness, and you needed me to confirm what you saw. We go in make one little stop, and then we go."
"Really you honestly think it will be that simple?" Joshua asked mockingly.
"It had better be, or before the nice guards can shoot me I will shoot you, understand?" Jake replied. Joshua nodded his head in understanding, and then exited the vehicle. The last thoughts that ran through Jake's head before he followed Joshua out of the car and the two headed into watcher headquarters where the words, " May fortune favor those to stupid to know when to back off."