Joe Dawson swore under his breath as the computer he was using crashed for what had to be the tenth time that day. After finally deciding to hit the power button, and just hope the computer started up properly. Although one of the most technologically literate of the Watchers, but still this new system was causing him problems. God he hated to admit it but the may have to ask Methos for help. Switching the computer back on Joe began a silent prayer that it would work.

"Come on, Come on. Yes!" Joe screamed as the Icons began appearing on the screen as the system successfully booted up. Moving the mouse he clicked on the icon that would access his email account, and discovered thanks to annoying flashing icon that he had new mail.

Hey Joe,

I really would have liked to write you a normal letter, but I didn't
want to part with these pictures. Plus it would be more fun to taunt
you this way. You are probably wondering who this is and what I am
talking about so I included a picture of me .

Yes I am still alive, and so was my friend Jake . Unfortunately he took a turn for the worse .

I decided that his untimely death probably should be reported to
someone who will at least pretend to care. I would tell you were to
pick up the body for burial, but you see his hospital had a little
accident.

Tell Macleod and the rest that I'll be seeing you all soon.

Mark Daniels

( -----------------------

Joe watched as Duncan Macleod and Methos entered his club. The two seemed to be getting fine after Duncan's long absence. Joe had overcome most of his problems with Duncan since his return. But one thing still didn't fit right with Joe. I can't believe he cut his hair so damn short.

"Good to see you Joe," Macleod said.

"I know its late Mac, but trust me it's important." Macleod nodded and fought back a yawn.

"I say the same Joe, but you woke me up in the middle of the night. So you'd better have a damn good reason," Methos said as he pulled a chair out from under one the table.

"As a matter of fact I do have a good reason from dragging both of you out in the middle of the night," Joe said as he gave Methos, what the ancient immortal had referred to as "the look", which he only used when Joe thought that Methos was acting more like a two year old child then the more the five thousand year old man that he was.

"A couple of hours ago I received an e-mail from Mark Daniels."

Both immortals responded at the same time, "He's dead."

"Unfortunately, no he's not. In fact he's immortal."

Methos asked, "Well have you heard from Jake?"

Joe avoided making eye contact as he answered, "Actually that was the subject of the email. It seems Jake's body was found barely alive on a beach six miles down the coast. He had no name or identification so they listed him as a John Doe, and placed him the coma wing where he remained until last night."

"I'm betting you're not going to tell us that he woke up are you?"

Reaching back to the bar Joe grabbed a folder then tossed it onto the table next to Methos. When Methos opened the folder Joe spoke, "He sent pictures."

Macleod took only look at the photos, but quickly looked away. Macleod asked, "What about Jake's body? He at least deserves to be buried."

"I looked into it Mac, the hospital was destroyed by a bomb last night. The coma wing is gone. The fires were so bad they don't think they'll find any bodies at all."

"Do the watchers have any leads?" Methos asked.

Dawson just sighed, "The watchers didn't even know Daniels was alive, but if we find anything."

"We'll go after him."

Then Methos gave a strange look to both Joe and Macleod then said, "For an absent friend.