Chapter 21
Du Pont sat in the blue saloon parked opposite a pair of ornate black gates and just as Lazarski had said they opened just after 7:30am and a black Jaguar pulled out of the drive, from where he was sitting he could see the driver in his uniform and as the car passed by Du Pont caught a glimpse of the two passengers in the rear of the Jaguar, one was a middle aged lady and the other a child of about 10 or 11. As the Jaguar drove off down the road Du Pont pulled his car away from the kerb and followed a little way behind, beside him was Parks and in the back was another of Lazarski's muscle.
Du Pont's phone rang as he watched the Jaguar turn into a main road "Hello Du Pont" he recognised the voice on the other end of the phone as Hack's "we're mobile.no problems so far, I've checked and all obstacles will be removed in good time for both pickups."
"Good.you know where your delivery point is, don't you?" Du Pont asked "Yes and the delivery should be made on time" Hack replied before the phone went dead and Du Pont knew that Hack had already reached his pick up. He closed the phone and slipped it back into his jacket pocket just as the Jaguar turned into a side street, from the corner of his eye Du Pont saw Parks start to tense as he readied for action. Up ahead a truck was parked in the road leaving no space for a car to get round it, the Jaguar came to a stop, Du Pont glided his car up behind making sure that the driver of the Jaguar could not back up, he could see that already the driver was becoming impatient, tapping the steering wheel he then blew the horn trying to get the attention of the truck driver.
Du Pont nodded to Parks and the other man in the back, the pulled their guns from their jackets checked that the silencers were fitted correctly before getting out, they concealed them behind their backs as they walked towards the Jaguar. The attention of the driver of the Jaguar was focused on getting the attention of the truck driver so he didn't see Parks approach his window, Parks tapped on the window with his free hand, the window slowly dropped as the man inside pressed the button, when it was half way down Parks brought his gun from behind his back and pointed it through the opening, the driver turned to speak to the person by his window and came face to face with the barrel of a gun, before he could react Parks pulled the trigger there wasn't much noise just the sound of the bullet displacing the air as it rushed from the barrel, the next sound was that of the blood, bone and brain tissue hitting the window opposite, the upholstery and the two passengers in the back of the car.
The woman began screaming as she watched in horror at what had happened in the front, then the child started crying. Because her eyes were transfixed on the body of the driver and the sounds of her own screams filling her ears she didn't hear the door next to her opening, another muted sound of a bullet firing and the woman fell forward now silent forever. Parks took a bottle from his jacket pocket as he walked to the rear passenger door on the driver's side, he then slid the gun back into it's holster under his jacket before taking a piece of cloth from the same pocket he had taken the bottle, he unscrewed the lid and poured a clear liquid onto the cloth before replacing the lid and returning it to his pocket. He then opened the door and pressed it over the mouth and nose of the child, she tried to push his hand away scratching the skin before slumping over to one side unconscious. Parks then picked up the child and carried her back to Du Pont's car placing her on the back seat before getting in beside her. The man who had shot the middle aged woman took a white envelope from his pocket ripping the top off he took out a rosary which he placed over the dead woman's neck he then pinned the note that was also in the envelope just to one side of the cross. He then stood up and waved his arm and the truck roared into life and pulled away, with the truck gone Du Pont could manoeuvre his car around the Jaguar stopping only to let the other man get into rear seats on the other side of the child from Parks.
Duncan was sat on the edge of the bed watching Alex sleeping he was already dressed in his sweats 'what is it that is driving you so hard.this isn't just work for you is it?' he thought as he lightly pushed away a strand of her hair that had fallen over her cheek. He had thought of nothing else since he had woken up with her in his arms, her body had started to tense in his arms as ghosts from her past came to visit and Duncan knew a nightmare had started but he had pulled her closer and spoke softly into her ear and the nightmare seemed to fade away. He had experienced enough of his own nightmares in his 400 years to recognise that Alex's soul was tortured by something or someone, she would have to face her demons if she ever was to be free of them. Still, with no answers Duncan got up from the bed and quietly went outside, the sky was clear and the sun was shining but a chill was still in the air as wisps of his breath were visible in the morning as he breathed deeply as he stretched his muscles to prepare for his run.
Duncan always found working out a good way to focus his mind, to clear it so that the answers he was looking for could be found more easily. He started to run first down the path beside the river before going up the steps and onto the streets of Paris. He had tried giving Alex space so she could talk in her own time but instead she had tried to bury her feelings deeper and the nightmares kept coming. The sound of sirens broke into his thoughts as several police cars sped past going in the same direction as Duncan was running, he saw them turn into a side street just ahead of him, he slowed to a walk as he got closer, he could see at least 4 police cars blocking the street and at least half a dozen policeman putting tape around a black Jaguar. As he looked at the car his stomach tighten and he had the feeling that something really bad had taken place there.
He only had a few streets left before he would be back at the river when he felt the familiar feeling of another Immortal, he stopped his eyes searched around the street there were a few people but none seemed to interested in him and then he saw a figure move out from the shadow of the church doorway across the street. Duncan walked slowly across the road, he didn't have his sword with him, as in his sweats there was no where to conceal it but this Immortal didn't make a move to leave Holy ground so he felt safe enough to approach him. Duncan causally walked up the path towards the unknown Immortal "I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.are you here for me?" he asked as he walked over to the opposite pillar and lent against it waiting for an answer "No that's not my prime objective.you have something I want and I think I have something you want.all I want is to trade".
Duncan smiled as he looked down at his feet before he looked up at this Immortal who hadn't yet told him his name "What could you possibly have that I would want" Duncan asked but the smile faded from his face as the other Immortal brought out a walking cane from behind his back, Duncan recognised it immediately as Joe's. He pushed away and stood only a foot from the other Immortal "What do you want then?" Duncan said as he glared his jaw clenched. The other Immortal smiled "It's very simple I want the girl.. you give me the girl and you get your friend.a nice simple trade.you've only known her a short time.compare that to the loss of an old friend" Duncan's reaction to his words was instant, his hand was around the Immortals throat pushing him back into the porch of the church "Now.now MacLeod.this is Holy ground".
"Who are you?" Duncan demanded as his grip tightened "Claude D'Aubigne" came the choked reply, the knot in Duncan's stomach grew as he heard the name, he knew Claude was involved with Lazarski so he must be behind this, he needed time to think, so he let his hand drop away from Claude's throat "So what are you proposing?" Duncan asked as he walked a few steps away pinching the bridge of his nose. Claude rubbed his throat "That's better.tonight 8 O'clock at this address.don't turn up before or without the girl.there are eyes watching the place and your friend will pay the price if you do.understand". Duncan took the small piece of paper from Claude's outstretched hand "I understand.I'll be there" Duncan said through his clenched teeth before walking out of the churchyard.
After his encounter with Claude, Duncan knew that he shouldn't go back to the barge just yet; he needed time to calm down and think so he decided to extend his run. As he ran he didn't take in where he was running he just ran until he found himself facing Darius's church. He stopped leaning against the railings, his breathing heavy from his excursion, he knew Darius wasn't there it had been a few years since Darius was killed but this placed seem to hold his spirit, Duncan had come to this church on numerous occasions when he was troubled and when he needed to centre himself with the world. When his breathing had returned to normal he walked up the short path to the door, he placed his hand on the wooden door holding it there for just a moment before pushing it open. Inside candles burned bathing the church in the dim warm glow but the heat from the candles hadn't managed to warm the air it was cool on his warm skin. Slowly, Duncan walked down the aisle between the chairs, finally sitting on one of the ones in the front row opposite the altar "Oh Darius.I wish you were here my friend.I could use our wise words.I don't want to choose between them." Duncan said as he put his head into his hands.
From the door to the Rectory Father Beaufort had watched and listened to Duncan, he decided he would see if he could help "Duncan" Father Beaufort said as he walked towards the seated figure, for a brief moment as the words reached his ears Duncan thought it was Darius but as he looked up into the face of a white haired man he knew it was Father Beaufort, he had taken over the church after Darius had died, he was a kind man who had been a friend of Darius's too. "Sorry, Father have I disturbed you? .I was just."
"I know you were talking to Father Darius.Don't worry I do it too and I can see from your face that it's not my soul that is disturbed.you look like you could do with some refreshment I have some tea in the Rectory if you would care to join me?" Father Beaufort could see the look in Duncan's eyes "No.your quite safe I only drink normal tea" he said smiling "I loved Father Darius but his idea of tea left a lot to be desired.come". Duncan got to his feet and followed Father Beaufort into the Rectory. As Duncan entered he could see that little had changed, Darius's war game table was gone, some of the furniture had been moved but mostly it was the same as the last time he came in here just after Darius's death when he found the Watchers Chronicle, he walked past the bookshelves that still held Darius's books before sitting at the small unpainted wooden table, he watched as Father Beaufort busied himself making the tea. Father Beaufort had seen the way Duncan's eyes had scanned the room "I know I haven't changed it much.I've taken out the war games table Darius had there" Father Beaufort pointed with the spoon he had in his hand to the empty space where the table had once been "It was one thing I could never understand about him.he was such a man of peace how could he make a game out of war" Father Beaufort said as he brought the teapot to the table, Duncan looked over to the empty space, how many hours had he and Darius sat there and played through the many battles of history, one day he had also asked Darius the same question why made a game of war, Darius's words floated into his mind like he was hearing them for the first time "To deny what I was, is to deny who I am".
" So Duncan you look like the world is on your shoulders.tell me what is troubling you I maybe able to help" Father Beaufort said as he poured the tea into the two small china cups "It's nothing I'm fine.I just needed to clear my head" Duncan replied as his fingers drummed on the table. Father Beaufort put down the teapot and handed one of the china cups to Duncan "I might not have the same experience as Father Darius and I haven't been your friend as long but please let me try to help". Duncan wiped his hand across his face he knew that Darius hadn't told him about Immortality so he couldn't tell Father Beaufort everything, as he would have with Darius but maybe talking generally could help. "I have these two friends, one I have known a long time and the other only a short while. The friend I have known the longest is in danger and the only way to ensure his safety is to betray my other friend.I don't want to see either of them hurt". Father Beaufort took a sip of his tea "I take it the consequences of this decision are serious?" Father Beaufort asked putting his cup back onto the table; Duncan nodded "They could be". Father Beaufort could tell from the pain held in Duncan's eyes that they weren't talking about hurting people's feelings.
"The answer is simple" Father Beaufort replied sitting back in his chair "It is?" Duncan exclaimed sitting forward placing his elbows onto the table, "Yes.the decision is not yours to make my friend", Duncan got to his feet and walked over to the other side of the room "I have to.I can talk to either of them about this" Duncan said with his back to Father Beaufort. As Duncan stared down at one of Darius's metal globes Father Beaufort walked across the room and stood beside him laying a hand onto Duncan's arm, this made Duncan turn to face him "The friend you have known a long time is he the type of person who would want to be saved by the betrayal of another? . to have that another person sacrificed to save him, would he thank you?" Duncan's eyes searched Farther Beaufort lined face, what he had just said was right Joe would never agree to him trading Alex for his safety. So the decision was made he had to save Joe and Alex couldn't be involved, Duncan smiled at Father Beaufort "Thank you.you've given me what I need.but I must go now".
Father Beaufort smiled back and nodded he watched as Duncan crossed the room to the door, as Duncan's hand reached out for the door handle Father Beaufort called out "Duncan" he said as he walked towards him, Duncan turned round "Darius is always with us you know.he lives within these walls and in here" Father Beaufort said as he touched Duncan on the chest "his wisdom and spirit will be with us all for as long as we live", Duncan smiled at Father Beaufort's words "Thank you again" Duncan said shaking Father Beaufort's hand before leaving the Rectory and the church to return to the barge.
Du Pont sat in the blue saloon parked opposite a pair of ornate black gates and just as Lazarski had said they opened just after 7:30am and a black Jaguar pulled out of the drive, from where he was sitting he could see the driver in his uniform and as the car passed by Du Pont caught a glimpse of the two passengers in the rear of the Jaguar, one was a middle aged lady and the other a child of about 10 or 11. As the Jaguar drove off down the road Du Pont pulled his car away from the kerb and followed a little way behind, beside him was Parks and in the back was another of Lazarski's muscle.
Du Pont's phone rang as he watched the Jaguar turn into a main road "Hello Du Pont" he recognised the voice on the other end of the phone as Hack's "we're mobile.no problems so far, I've checked and all obstacles will be removed in good time for both pickups."
"Good.you know where your delivery point is, don't you?" Du Pont asked "Yes and the delivery should be made on time" Hack replied before the phone went dead and Du Pont knew that Hack had already reached his pick up. He closed the phone and slipped it back into his jacket pocket just as the Jaguar turned into a side street, from the corner of his eye Du Pont saw Parks start to tense as he readied for action. Up ahead a truck was parked in the road leaving no space for a car to get round it, the Jaguar came to a stop, Du Pont glided his car up behind making sure that the driver of the Jaguar could not back up, he could see that already the driver was becoming impatient, tapping the steering wheel he then blew the horn trying to get the attention of the truck driver.
Du Pont nodded to Parks and the other man in the back, the pulled their guns from their jackets checked that the silencers were fitted correctly before getting out, they concealed them behind their backs as they walked towards the Jaguar. The attention of the driver of the Jaguar was focused on getting the attention of the truck driver so he didn't see Parks approach his window, Parks tapped on the window with his free hand, the window slowly dropped as the man inside pressed the button, when it was half way down Parks brought his gun from behind his back and pointed it through the opening, the driver turned to speak to the person by his window and came face to face with the barrel of a gun, before he could react Parks pulled the trigger there wasn't much noise just the sound of the bullet displacing the air as it rushed from the barrel, the next sound was that of the blood, bone and brain tissue hitting the window opposite, the upholstery and the two passengers in the back of the car.
The woman began screaming as she watched in horror at what had happened in the front, then the child started crying. Because her eyes were transfixed on the body of the driver and the sounds of her own screams filling her ears she didn't hear the door next to her opening, another muted sound of a bullet firing and the woman fell forward now silent forever. Parks took a bottle from his jacket pocket as he walked to the rear passenger door on the driver's side, he then slid the gun back into it's holster under his jacket before taking a piece of cloth from the same pocket he had taken the bottle, he unscrewed the lid and poured a clear liquid onto the cloth before replacing the lid and returning it to his pocket. He then opened the door and pressed it over the mouth and nose of the child, she tried to push his hand away scratching the skin before slumping over to one side unconscious. Parks then picked up the child and carried her back to Du Pont's car placing her on the back seat before getting in beside her. The man who had shot the middle aged woman took a white envelope from his pocket ripping the top off he took out a rosary which he placed over the dead woman's neck he then pinned the note that was also in the envelope just to one side of the cross. He then stood up and waved his arm and the truck roared into life and pulled away, with the truck gone Du Pont could manoeuvre his car around the Jaguar stopping only to let the other man get into rear seats on the other side of the child from Parks.
Duncan was sat on the edge of the bed watching Alex sleeping he was already dressed in his sweats 'what is it that is driving you so hard.this isn't just work for you is it?' he thought as he lightly pushed away a strand of her hair that had fallen over her cheek. He had thought of nothing else since he had woken up with her in his arms, her body had started to tense in his arms as ghosts from her past came to visit and Duncan knew a nightmare had started but he had pulled her closer and spoke softly into her ear and the nightmare seemed to fade away. He had experienced enough of his own nightmares in his 400 years to recognise that Alex's soul was tortured by something or someone, she would have to face her demons if she ever was to be free of them. Still, with no answers Duncan got up from the bed and quietly went outside, the sky was clear and the sun was shining but a chill was still in the air as wisps of his breath were visible in the morning as he breathed deeply as he stretched his muscles to prepare for his run.
Duncan always found working out a good way to focus his mind, to clear it so that the answers he was looking for could be found more easily. He started to run first down the path beside the river before going up the steps and onto the streets of Paris. He had tried giving Alex space so she could talk in her own time but instead she had tried to bury her feelings deeper and the nightmares kept coming. The sound of sirens broke into his thoughts as several police cars sped past going in the same direction as Duncan was running, he saw them turn into a side street just ahead of him, he slowed to a walk as he got closer, he could see at least 4 police cars blocking the street and at least half a dozen policeman putting tape around a black Jaguar. As he looked at the car his stomach tighten and he had the feeling that something really bad had taken place there.
He only had a few streets left before he would be back at the river when he felt the familiar feeling of another Immortal, he stopped his eyes searched around the street there were a few people but none seemed to interested in him and then he saw a figure move out from the shadow of the church doorway across the street. Duncan walked slowly across the road, he didn't have his sword with him, as in his sweats there was no where to conceal it but this Immortal didn't make a move to leave Holy ground so he felt safe enough to approach him. Duncan causally walked up the path towards the unknown Immortal "I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod.are you here for me?" he asked as he walked over to the opposite pillar and lent against it waiting for an answer "No that's not my prime objective.you have something I want and I think I have something you want.all I want is to trade".
Duncan smiled as he looked down at his feet before he looked up at this Immortal who hadn't yet told him his name "What could you possibly have that I would want" Duncan asked but the smile faded from his face as the other Immortal brought out a walking cane from behind his back, Duncan recognised it immediately as Joe's. He pushed away and stood only a foot from the other Immortal "What do you want then?" Duncan said as he glared his jaw clenched. The other Immortal smiled "It's very simple I want the girl.. you give me the girl and you get your friend.a nice simple trade.you've only known her a short time.compare that to the loss of an old friend" Duncan's reaction to his words was instant, his hand was around the Immortals throat pushing him back into the porch of the church "Now.now MacLeod.this is Holy ground".
"Who are you?" Duncan demanded as his grip tightened "Claude D'Aubigne" came the choked reply, the knot in Duncan's stomach grew as he heard the name, he knew Claude was involved with Lazarski so he must be behind this, he needed time to think, so he let his hand drop away from Claude's throat "So what are you proposing?" Duncan asked as he walked a few steps away pinching the bridge of his nose. Claude rubbed his throat "That's better.tonight 8 O'clock at this address.don't turn up before or without the girl.there are eyes watching the place and your friend will pay the price if you do.understand". Duncan took the small piece of paper from Claude's outstretched hand "I understand.I'll be there" Duncan said through his clenched teeth before walking out of the churchyard.
After his encounter with Claude, Duncan knew that he shouldn't go back to the barge just yet; he needed time to calm down and think so he decided to extend his run. As he ran he didn't take in where he was running he just ran until he found himself facing Darius's church. He stopped leaning against the railings, his breathing heavy from his excursion, he knew Darius wasn't there it had been a few years since Darius was killed but this placed seem to hold his spirit, Duncan had come to this church on numerous occasions when he was troubled and when he needed to centre himself with the world. When his breathing had returned to normal he walked up the short path to the door, he placed his hand on the wooden door holding it there for just a moment before pushing it open. Inside candles burned bathing the church in the dim warm glow but the heat from the candles hadn't managed to warm the air it was cool on his warm skin. Slowly, Duncan walked down the aisle between the chairs, finally sitting on one of the ones in the front row opposite the altar "Oh Darius.I wish you were here my friend.I could use our wise words.I don't want to choose between them." Duncan said as he put his head into his hands.
From the door to the Rectory Father Beaufort had watched and listened to Duncan, he decided he would see if he could help "Duncan" Father Beaufort said as he walked towards the seated figure, for a brief moment as the words reached his ears Duncan thought it was Darius but as he looked up into the face of a white haired man he knew it was Father Beaufort, he had taken over the church after Darius had died, he was a kind man who had been a friend of Darius's too. "Sorry, Father have I disturbed you? .I was just."
"I know you were talking to Father Darius.Don't worry I do it too and I can see from your face that it's not my soul that is disturbed.you look like you could do with some refreshment I have some tea in the Rectory if you would care to join me?" Father Beaufort could see the look in Duncan's eyes "No.your quite safe I only drink normal tea" he said smiling "I loved Father Darius but his idea of tea left a lot to be desired.come". Duncan got to his feet and followed Father Beaufort into the Rectory. As Duncan entered he could see that little had changed, Darius's war game table was gone, some of the furniture had been moved but mostly it was the same as the last time he came in here just after Darius's death when he found the Watchers Chronicle, he walked past the bookshelves that still held Darius's books before sitting at the small unpainted wooden table, he watched as Father Beaufort busied himself making the tea. Father Beaufort had seen the way Duncan's eyes had scanned the room "I know I haven't changed it much.I've taken out the war games table Darius had there" Father Beaufort pointed with the spoon he had in his hand to the empty space where the table had once been "It was one thing I could never understand about him.he was such a man of peace how could he make a game out of war" Father Beaufort said as he brought the teapot to the table, Duncan looked over to the empty space, how many hours had he and Darius sat there and played through the many battles of history, one day he had also asked Darius the same question why made a game of war, Darius's words floated into his mind like he was hearing them for the first time "To deny what I was, is to deny who I am".
" So Duncan you look like the world is on your shoulders.tell me what is troubling you I maybe able to help" Father Beaufort said as he poured the tea into the two small china cups "It's nothing I'm fine.I just needed to clear my head" Duncan replied as his fingers drummed on the table. Father Beaufort put down the teapot and handed one of the china cups to Duncan "I might not have the same experience as Father Darius and I haven't been your friend as long but please let me try to help". Duncan wiped his hand across his face he knew that Darius hadn't told him about Immortality so he couldn't tell Father Beaufort everything, as he would have with Darius but maybe talking generally could help. "I have these two friends, one I have known a long time and the other only a short while. The friend I have known the longest is in danger and the only way to ensure his safety is to betray my other friend.I don't want to see either of them hurt". Father Beaufort took a sip of his tea "I take it the consequences of this decision are serious?" Father Beaufort asked putting his cup back onto the table; Duncan nodded "They could be". Father Beaufort could tell from the pain held in Duncan's eyes that they weren't talking about hurting people's feelings.
"The answer is simple" Father Beaufort replied sitting back in his chair "It is?" Duncan exclaimed sitting forward placing his elbows onto the table, "Yes.the decision is not yours to make my friend", Duncan got to his feet and walked over to the other side of the room "I have to.I can talk to either of them about this" Duncan said with his back to Father Beaufort. As Duncan stared down at one of Darius's metal globes Father Beaufort walked across the room and stood beside him laying a hand onto Duncan's arm, this made Duncan turn to face him "The friend you have known a long time is he the type of person who would want to be saved by the betrayal of another? . to have that another person sacrificed to save him, would he thank you?" Duncan's eyes searched Farther Beaufort lined face, what he had just said was right Joe would never agree to him trading Alex for his safety. So the decision was made he had to save Joe and Alex couldn't be involved, Duncan smiled at Father Beaufort "Thank you.you've given me what I need.but I must go now".
Father Beaufort smiled back and nodded he watched as Duncan crossed the room to the door, as Duncan's hand reached out for the door handle Father Beaufort called out "Duncan" he said as he walked towards him, Duncan turned round "Darius is always with us you know.he lives within these walls and in here" Father Beaufort said as he touched Duncan on the chest "his wisdom and spirit will be with us all for as long as we live", Duncan smiled at Father Beaufort's words "Thank you again" Duncan said shaking Father Beaufort's hand before leaving the Rectory and the church to return to the barge.