Chapter 44
It had taken Duncan an hour to reach the Chateau. Methos's words kept returning to him but his rage was keeping him from thinking clearly. It wasn't until he was sat in the car opposite the tall, black wrought iron gates of the Chateau that his rage started to subside. He had watched the two men just inside the gates they never left so this wasn't going to be a way in. His mind drifted to Alex, the image of her lying in the hospital her life slowly slipping away brought all his feeling of helplessness back. Duncan got out of the car he walked away from the gates; his fingers lightly traced the stone of the Chateau's tall boundary wall as he searched for another way in.
Joe was sat in the chair just watching Alex nothing had happened since Methos had injected his remedy into her. Joe wasn't sure what he expected some sort of miracle cure maybe but over 2 hours had gone by with no signs of any change. Methos was laid out on the spare bed staring at the ceiling, his face told none of the doubts that were racing around in his mind. The phone ringing brought him back to reality as he leapt from the bed. "Mac?"
"No, It's not. I think you know who this is Doc. I think you should be ready to deal now, the disc for her life. It's not much to ask" Methos could fell his temper rising. He turned away from Joe and found himself staring at the display on one of the machines monitoring Alex's condition, it was then that he noticed Alex's blood pressure was rising and he couldn't help smiling. "Well, I'm waiting?" Lazarski's voice brought Methos's attention back "You'll be waiting a long time Lazarski, you just lost your ace" Methos said before cutting the call off. "Joe, get the Doctor"
"Sure, do you think something's wrong?" Joe asked as he pulled himself to his feet "I'm not sure but I think it's working" Methos said smiling at Joe.
Lazarski slammed the phone down, he stood for a few moments before he picked up the entire phone ripping it from the wall and hurling it across the room just missing one of his men, who were stood waiting to talk to him. "Get Du Pont here now" he snarled as he paced the room. The young man had only just started for the door before Lazarski barked more orders at him "and get that fixed" Lazarski pointed to the shattered body of the phone. He then walked over to the tall white marble fireplace that almost filled one of the walls. Lazarski put his hand on the cool marble of the mantelpiece but the coolness did nothing to put out the fire that was raging within him "DAMN YOU" he shouted as he ran his arm along the ledge sending the two crystal vases, the ornate golden carriage clock and several pictures in gilt frames that had been there crashing to the floor. As the sound of breaking glass carried out of the room it brought a tall young dark haired man rushing in, his hand on the gun that was swing in the holster just under his arm. He didn't get a chance to speak before Lazarski rounded on him "Get some more men here I want this place sewn up so tight a mouse couldn't get in without me knowing"
"That'll cost"
"I DON'T CARE JUST DO IT" Lazarski screamed his eyes flashing with the anger that was bubbling inside.
Duncan managed to find a section of the wall that had crumbled lowering the height so he was able to pull himself up. He paused for a few moments to check that his landing was clear; he then dropped onto the long grass inside the wall his landing as quiet as he could make it. He checked around to make sure he hadn't be discovered before heading for a line of trees that led towards the Chateau. As Duncan moved closer to the house the number of well armed men increased, he only just managed to duck behind a small building as another patrol did their rounds. Duncan rested his head back on the wall of the building closing his eyes as he tried to slow his heart rate. Methos had been right Lazarski had surrounded himself with his own personal army; it would be suicide to try and face him here.
His hand seemed drawn to the disc in his pocket and as his fingers touched it he heard Alex's voice "Duncan I want to promise me that no matter.no matter what happens, promise me that you won't give the disc to him". He remembered the pleading look in her eyes as she waited for his answer. She had made him promise knowing that it could be the only way to save her. Duncan dropped his head forward biting his lip to keep in control of his emotions. Duncan knew he couldn't go through with it; Lazarski wasn't going to give him the antidote and let him walk out and Methos was right he had no right to break his promise taking away Alex's right to choose.
Joe came back in with the Doctor who quickly started to check the machines and Alex, he turned round to Methos and Joe shaking his head "I don't understand it"
"She's improving right?" Methos asked as he stepped closer "I.I want to run some more test but yes her blood pressure is rising and her breathing is easier" the doctor said as he looked between Alex and Methos "I.I'll be right back" the doctor said before leaving. "I don't believe it but I think you did it, Old man" Joe said as he slapped Methos on the back. The doctor returned a few minutes later with a nurse, they took some blood samples before leaving again without talking to either Joe or Methos. Joe returned to the chair his eyes fixed on Alex's face for any sign she was coming round. Methos was leant against the window he had hoped that there would be clear signs by now, maybe this virus was a stronger strain, and he needed to check again.
Methos walked over to Alex "Don't you think you should try to find Mac?" Joe asked as he watched Methos check all the reading, Methos looked up "I don't have to, I think he's already here".
Moments later the door opened and Duncan walked in "tell me you didn't?" Joe asked as he stood up and moved to the end of the bed, wearily Duncan moved into the room "I was going to Joe, I got within 50 feet of the Chateau but I just couldn't go in. I just couldn't do it, what you said kept going round in my mind. As much as I hate this Alex has the right to decide, even if it kills her" it was then that Duncan noticed the grin on Methos's face "What?"
"I don't think Alex is going to die.well I mean she will one day but that hopefully will be many years from now. Her blood pressure is up and look at her breathing" Duncan looked from Methos to Joe looking for confirmation of what he had just heard "He's right Mac the doctor was just here, we're just waiting for him to run some test to confirm it". Joe moved aside and allowed Duncan to be beside Alex "But how?" Duncan asked as he stroked Alex's face "A little something that I picked up on my travels. We'll have to wait and see if I got it right. It's been awhile since I was shown how to make it". Every half an hour a nurse would come in check all the machines and leave. Each time they all looked up expectantly for news and disappointedly returned to the silence of their own world. The room grew dark as they waited, Methos finally turned on the lamp over the spare bed he was lying on. Joe was dozing in the chair next to the spare bed; he opened his eyes briefly, shifting his position before closing them again. Duncan was leaned forward his elbows on Alex's bed; he held her right hand between his as he rested them against his cheek. His eyes transfixed trying to see even the slightest sign of improvement.
As the door opened again none of them moved as they all expected another routine visit from a nurse. Methos was the first to realise that it was the Doctor who had just entered the room. "Well?" Methos said as he swung himself from the bed onto the floor in one easy movement. As the Doctor walked over to Alex's bed Duncan stood up. The Doctor smiled "I have never seen anything like this.I made them run the tests twice, I even tested a sample myself. Something is attacking the virus, we haven't identified what is doing it yet but it seems harmless to everything but the virus." The Doctor looked at the relieved faces in the room "I'll be back later to check her progress" the doctor said as he walked to the door leaving Joe and the two Immortals alone.
Methos picked up his coat and the small black bag that was on the cabinet. "Well, I'm going to go, I'll drop by tomorrow to see how she's doing. You try and get some rest Mac" Methos said as he turned for the door "Methos wait" Duncan said as he came round the bed towards his friend "look I'm sorry for earlier. I was out of order" Methos patted Duncan on the shoulder "No problem, I know you're under a lot of pressure right now. Just glad I was able to help" Methos said as he turned back from the door. "Oh I nearly forgot Lazarski called, tried to make a deal for the antidote. I told him we're not interested" Methos saw the flash of anger in Duncan's eyes "Don't go after him alone Mac, he might not be as good as you with a blade but he knows how to load the deck in his favour". Duncan remembered all the armed men at the Chateau "I know, I saw for myself this time I'll listen, for now anyway."
"You need to focus here for now Mac. There will be plenty of time to deal with Lazarski and we'll do it together"
"You know the rules Methos, only one Immortal can challenge another" Duncan replied looking Methos in the eyes "Yeah I know but there is nothing about dealing with mortals surrounding him to ensure that. Take care of her Mac. See you tomorrow Joe" with that Methos left. Duncan looked at the ceiling and sighed this last few weeks had been a drain on him. He shrugged off his coat as he turned back to see Joe looking at him "The Old man's right you know Mac. If you go up against him on your own, you'll lose your head".
"I'm not stupid Joe but I am going to kill him just not yet. I want Alex out of the way first he's done enough damage to her for one life time" the sound from the bed stopped him talking and he moved across the room to the bed.
Alex's eyes flickered open, Duncan smiled down at her "Hey, you had us worried there for a while". Alex licked her dry lips "Sorry" Duncan saw the panic in her eyes as a cold chill ran down her spine. Alex's hands tried to pull herself up by grabbing hold of Duncan's arms "The disc where is it, you didn't give it to him, Duncan tell me you didn't"
"Calm down I've got the disc right here" Duncan said as he gently pushed her back onto the bed. Alex was weak and Duncan easily laid her down before he reached for the jug of water on the cabinet beside the bed pouring some of the water into the glass. He lifted Alex's head so she could sip the water. Afterwards, Duncan laid Alex back, she looked up her eyes searching his face, "you look so tired. Have you been here all the time?" Duncan nodded "Don't worry about me you rest and get your strength back. We'll talk later". Duncan held her hand Alex tried to fight it but sleep crept over her. Duncan motioned with his eyes towards the door; Joe didn't say anything he just walked over to the door and waited in the hall. Duncan kissed Alex lightly on the forehead before joining Joe. As Duncan pulled the door quietly closed he turned to face Joe "I want to know if he leaves the Chateau, even if he goes to the shops Joe, he isn't going to do this again to anyone" Joe could see from Duncan's face that he wouldn't be persuaded away from this course of action but he thought he had to try. "Mac, listen to Methos on this one. You're exhausted you're in no condition to fight anyone. Take some time we'll keep an eye on Lazarski. We'll watch him, he won't disappear again"
Duncan pinched the bridge of his nose, his body and mind were tired he had only slept a few hours since Alex was shot. With Lazarski still out there he wasn't sure if he could rest, let alone sleep. Joe could see that his friend was unsure. "Look I'll tell you what if you won't go back to the barge then let me call the bar. Max is on tonight; it shouldn't be very busy I'm sure he'll cope. You jump on the spare bed and I'll wake you if anything happens" Joe could see from Duncan's eyes that he was mulling the options he had. As Duncan rolled his eyes just before speaking Joe knew he had won "OK, anything out of the ordinary and you'll wake me?"
"I swear" Joe said raising his right hand, Duncan smiled and nodded as he opened the door. Alex was still asleep when they walked back into the room. Joe made his way to the phone calling Le Blues bar. He chatted to Max for a short while before going over to the chair. Duncan made sure that Alex was indeed asleep before kicking off his shoes and climbing onto the spare bed pulling off the band that was holding his dark hair away from his face. He placed it on the cabinet as he looked over at Joe, who was settling himself down in the chair "Anything at all you'll wake me?"
"I promise" Joe said as he watched Duncan lay down and close his eyes. It didn't take long for Joe to see the Highlander's face relax as he was overtaken by sleep. "Sleep well my friend" Joe whispered as he leant forward picking up the book Methos had left.
Lazarski's Chateau.
As Du Pont entered the black marble floored hallway he could tell that Lazarski was in a foul mood but the amount of shouting he could hear. His mood wasn't much better, he didn't like being summoned like a child to the head masters office, and he had better things to do. Du Pont would dearly love to be rid of this man but their partnership had made both of them very wealthy and although he didn't like Lazarski's tactics, he loved the results. Although there were at least a dozen dark wood doors leading off of the hall, Du Pont didn't need to ask what room Lazarski was in; he just followed the sound of the raised voices. His hand had just reached for the ornate door handle just as it was wrenched open and one of Lazarski's men came out wiping the blood that was coming from his cut lip away with his hand.
As Du Pont stepped inside he wondered what the young man had done to deserve his treatment but one look at Lazarski's face as he spun round, he could tell it might just have been that he was there. "So I take it by the urgent summons your plan didn't work" Du Pont said as he stepped over the remnants of the crystal vases as he made his way to one of the chairs in front of the desk. He sat down without being asked; he was the only person he knew that could get away with that. Du Pont kept an outward cool manner, he knew if he ever showed anything else Lazarski would see it a weakness and he didn't want to find out what Lazarski would do then.
Now that Du Pont was here Lazarski started to calm down he stood up running his hand along the leather of the chair, Du Pont turned in his chair to keep eye contact, "So are you going to tell me what went wrong?"
"The yacht was intercepted it's at the bottom of the channel. I admit it's a set back. So I decided to see if I couldn't do two things at once, demonstrate the virus and get the disc we need. Now the virus was working but either they found a way to stop it or she is.I.we need to know if she's still alive" Lazarski hit the back of the chair with frustration before he walked around to the front of the desk, sitting on the edge opposite Du Pont. "If they've found away to stop the virus we have to change our plans. I know you have let's say friends in places that could help us" Lazarski smiled as he spoke.
"You know me I like to have friends but they can't help with money. If anything they'll be looking for money, big money depending on the risk. I talked this morning with our contact in Damascus. He's expecting a down payment to close the deal for the arms. If we don't we'll lose the deal"
"Not a problem, I don't like doing it but I have a little in reserve it should cover both things we need. It has to be someone close to her, someone who can get the disc and give us access to the woman" Lazarski had never used his reserve and this would mean he had nothing left and he didn't like being poor.
"Surely, we just need the disc. Why don't we leave the woman alone there's no reason to take unnecessary risks. We don't need her"
"I NEED HER" Lazarski shouted his eyes flashed with what Du Pont could only call insane anger. He had only seen this look once before in his partner and he had watched as he beat a man to death over a car. It had been Lazarski's pride and joy the young man had taken, he was only a petty thief not more that a child but Lazarski didn't like his possessions taken from him and the punishment for doing so was severe. Du Pont watched as Lazarski shook his head to gain his composure again "No this needs to be finished cleanly. I won't have any loose ends this time. I did that before and she came after me. I know her she won't let go. Do you have someone or not?" Lazarski said leaning forward staring Du Pont right in the eyes. It made him feel uncomfortable and he shifted his position in the chair and he wondered if he saw this woman as his possession or a thief and what her ultimate fate would be. Du Pont smiled he always made sure he had 'friends' in many places, for many different reasons, he liked insurance. "Oh yes, I have someone who is just perfect, in the right place at the right time, well for us anyway but it will cost"
A sickening grin came across Lazarski's face, as he reached for the phone, it made Du Pont wonder if he had seen all this man was capable of. Du Pont took out an electronic notepad it didn't take him long to find the number he needed, he then took the phone Lazarski was holding out. "Time to call him I think" Lazarski said as he smiled as he stood up walking over to the drinks trolley in the corner "I think we both deserve a drink" he said as he poured 2 large brandy's. He turned round just as Du Pont put the receiver down with the call unanswered "This might take a while to set up" Du Pont said as he took the glass Lazarski offered him "No problem, we go ahead as normal while you work your magic. This day isn't turning out as bad as I had thought. We get our money, I get the woman and I get to rub the Doc's and his friend's nose in the dirt".
Lazarski took a sip of the brandy "What is it between you and those two anyway?" He had never seen anyone get under his partner's skin like this woman and her two friends. "Just unfinished business" Lazarski said as he stared at the amber liquid in his glass. "Try him again" he said pointing to the phone.
Ray was driving the Embassy car back towards Paris with Thomas dozing in the passenger seat. It had been a success the yacht was gone. It had taken some time for the French Authorities to be satisfied and send drivers down to check on the yacht and retrieve the vial of virus. McCormack had returned to London with a sample and he had told Ray to return the Embassy's car before joining forces with the French agencies to track where Lazarski had gone now. He wished that Alex could be working with them instead of lying in a hospital bed; she seemed to have an insight into how Lazarski's mind worked. He decided that as soon as they got back he would call the hospital and find out how she was doing. The sound of ring woke Thomas who sleepily fumbled in his jacket for his phone; he blinked as he looked at the number that was displayed on the small illuminated screen. He glanced at Ray before cutting off the call unanswered.
"I take it you didn't want to talk to them. Not another of your lady friends who wants to be more than friends?" Ray joked, a few seconds later the phone beeped as a message came in, Thomas read the message to himself 'Call me. Your horse has won'.
It had taken Duncan an hour to reach the Chateau. Methos's words kept returning to him but his rage was keeping him from thinking clearly. It wasn't until he was sat in the car opposite the tall, black wrought iron gates of the Chateau that his rage started to subside. He had watched the two men just inside the gates they never left so this wasn't going to be a way in. His mind drifted to Alex, the image of her lying in the hospital her life slowly slipping away brought all his feeling of helplessness back. Duncan got out of the car he walked away from the gates; his fingers lightly traced the stone of the Chateau's tall boundary wall as he searched for another way in.
Joe was sat in the chair just watching Alex nothing had happened since Methos had injected his remedy into her. Joe wasn't sure what he expected some sort of miracle cure maybe but over 2 hours had gone by with no signs of any change. Methos was laid out on the spare bed staring at the ceiling, his face told none of the doubts that were racing around in his mind. The phone ringing brought him back to reality as he leapt from the bed. "Mac?"
"No, It's not. I think you know who this is Doc. I think you should be ready to deal now, the disc for her life. It's not much to ask" Methos could fell his temper rising. He turned away from Joe and found himself staring at the display on one of the machines monitoring Alex's condition, it was then that he noticed Alex's blood pressure was rising and he couldn't help smiling. "Well, I'm waiting?" Lazarski's voice brought Methos's attention back "You'll be waiting a long time Lazarski, you just lost your ace" Methos said before cutting the call off. "Joe, get the Doctor"
"Sure, do you think something's wrong?" Joe asked as he pulled himself to his feet "I'm not sure but I think it's working" Methos said smiling at Joe.
Lazarski slammed the phone down, he stood for a few moments before he picked up the entire phone ripping it from the wall and hurling it across the room just missing one of his men, who were stood waiting to talk to him. "Get Du Pont here now" he snarled as he paced the room. The young man had only just started for the door before Lazarski barked more orders at him "and get that fixed" Lazarski pointed to the shattered body of the phone. He then walked over to the tall white marble fireplace that almost filled one of the walls. Lazarski put his hand on the cool marble of the mantelpiece but the coolness did nothing to put out the fire that was raging within him "DAMN YOU" he shouted as he ran his arm along the ledge sending the two crystal vases, the ornate golden carriage clock and several pictures in gilt frames that had been there crashing to the floor. As the sound of breaking glass carried out of the room it brought a tall young dark haired man rushing in, his hand on the gun that was swing in the holster just under his arm. He didn't get a chance to speak before Lazarski rounded on him "Get some more men here I want this place sewn up so tight a mouse couldn't get in without me knowing"
"That'll cost"
"I DON'T CARE JUST DO IT" Lazarski screamed his eyes flashing with the anger that was bubbling inside.
Duncan managed to find a section of the wall that had crumbled lowering the height so he was able to pull himself up. He paused for a few moments to check that his landing was clear; he then dropped onto the long grass inside the wall his landing as quiet as he could make it. He checked around to make sure he hadn't be discovered before heading for a line of trees that led towards the Chateau. As Duncan moved closer to the house the number of well armed men increased, he only just managed to duck behind a small building as another patrol did their rounds. Duncan rested his head back on the wall of the building closing his eyes as he tried to slow his heart rate. Methos had been right Lazarski had surrounded himself with his own personal army; it would be suicide to try and face him here.
His hand seemed drawn to the disc in his pocket and as his fingers touched it he heard Alex's voice "Duncan I want to promise me that no matter.no matter what happens, promise me that you won't give the disc to him". He remembered the pleading look in her eyes as she waited for his answer. She had made him promise knowing that it could be the only way to save her. Duncan dropped his head forward biting his lip to keep in control of his emotions. Duncan knew he couldn't go through with it; Lazarski wasn't going to give him the antidote and let him walk out and Methos was right he had no right to break his promise taking away Alex's right to choose.
Joe came back in with the Doctor who quickly started to check the machines and Alex, he turned round to Methos and Joe shaking his head "I don't understand it"
"She's improving right?" Methos asked as he stepped closer "I.I want to run some more test but yes her blood pressure is rising and her breathing is easier" the doctor said as he looked between Alex and Methos "I.I'll be right back" the doctor said before leaving. "I don't believe it but I think you did it, Old man" Joe said as he slapped Methos on the back. The doctor returned a few minutes later with a nurse, they took some blood samples before leaving again without talking to either Joe or Methos. Joe returned to the chair his eyes fixed on Alex's face for any sign she was coming round. Methos was leant against the window he had hoped that there would be clear signs by now, maybe this virus was a stronger strain, and he needed to check again.
Methos walked over to Alex "Don't you think you should try to find Mac?" Joe asked as he watched Methos check all the reading, Methos looked up "I don't have to, I think he's already here".
Moments later the door opened and Duncan walked in "tell me you didn't?" Joe asked as he stood up and moved to the end of the bed, wearily Duncan moved into the room "I was going to Joe, I got within 50 feet of the Chateau but I just couldn't go in. I just couldn't do it, what you said kept going round in my mind. As much as I hate this Alex has the right to decide, even if it kills her" it was then that Duncan noticed the grin on Methos's face "What?"
"I don't think Alex is going to die.well I mean she will one day but that hopefully will be many years from now. Her blood pressure is up and look at her breathing" Duncan looked from Methos to Joe looking for confirmation of what he had just heard "He's right Mac the doctor was just here, we're just waiting for him to run some test to confirm it". Joe moved aside and allowed Duncan to be beside Alex "But how?" Duncan asked as he stroked Alex's face "A little something that I picked up on my travels. We'll have to wait and see if I got it right. It's been awhile since I was shown how to make it". Every half an hour a nurse would come in check all the machines and leave. Each time they all looked up expectantly for news and disappointedly returned to the silence of their own world. The room grew dark as they waited, Methos finally turned on the lamp over the spare bed he was lying on. Joe was dozing in the chair next to the spare bed; he opened his eyes briefly, shifting his position before closing them again. Duncan was leaned forward his elbows on Alex's bed; he held her right hand between his as he rested them against his cheek. His eyes transfixed trying to see even the slightest sign of improvement.
As the door opened again none of them moved as they all expected another routine visit from a nurse. Methos was the first to realise that it was the Doctor who had just entered the room. "Well?" Methos said as he swung himself from the bed onto the floor in one easy movement. As the Doctor walked over to Alex's bed Duncan stood up. The Doctor smiled "I have never seen anything like this.I made them run the tests twice, I even tested a sample myself. Something is attacking the virus, we haven't identified what is doing it yet but it seems harmless to everything but the virus." The Doctor looked at the relieved faces in the room "I'll be back later to check her progress" the doctor said as he walked to the door leaving Joe and the two Immortals alone.
Methos picked up his coat and the small black bag that was on the cabinet. "Well, I'm going to go, I'll drop by tomorrow to see how she's doing. You try and get some rest Mac" Methos said as he turned for the door "Methos wait" Duncan said as he came round the bed towards his friend "look I'm sorry for earlier. I was out of order" Methos patted Duncan on the shoulder "No problem, I know you're under a lot of pressure right now. Just glad I was able to help" Methos said as he turned back from the door. "Oh I nearly forgot Lazarski called, tried to make a deal for the antidote. I told him we're not interested" Methos saw the flash of anger in Duncan's eyes "Don't go after him alone Mac, he might not be as good as you with a blade but he knows how to load the deck in his favour". Duncan remembered all the armed men at the Chateau "I know, I saw for myself this time I'll listen, for now anyway."
"You need to focus here for now Mac. There will be plenty of time to deal with Lazarski and we'll do it together"
"You know the rules Methos, only one Immortal can challenge another" Duncan replied looking Methos in the eyes "Yeah I know but there is nothing about dealing with mortals surrounding him to ensure that. Take care of her Mac. See you tomorrow Joe" with that Methos left. Duncan looked at the ceiling and sighed this last few weeks had been a drain on him. He shrugged off his coat as he turned back to see Joe looking at him "The Old man's right you know Mac. If you go up against him on your own, you'll lose your head".
"I'm not stupid Joe but I am going to kill him just not yet. I want Alex out of the way first he's done enough damage to her for one life time" the sound from the bed stopped him talking and he moved across the room to the bed.
Alex's eyes flickered open, Duncan smiled down at her "Hey, you had us worried there for a while". Alex licked her dry lips "Sorry" Duncan saw the panic in her eyes as a cold chill ran down her spine. Alex's hands tried to pull herself up by grabbing hold of Duncan's arms "The disc where is it, you didn't give it to him, Duncan tell me you didn't"
"Calm down I've got the disc right here" Duncan said as he gently pushed her back onto the bed. Alex was weak and Duncan easily laid her down before he reached for the jug of water on the cabinet beside the bed pouring some of the water into the glass. He lifted Alex's head so she could sip the water. Afterwards, Duncan laid Alex back, she looked up her eyes searching his face, "you look so tired. Have you been here all the time?" Duncan nodded "Don't worry about me you rest and get your strength back. We'll talk later". Duncan held her hand Alex tried to fight it but sleep crept over her. Duncan motioned with his eyes towards the door; Joe didn't say anything he just walked over to the door and waited in the hall. Duncan kissed Alex lightly on the forehead before joining Joe. As Duncan pulled the door quietly closed he turned to face Joe "I want to know if he leaves the Chateau, even if he goes to the shops Joe, he isn't going to do this again to anyone" Joe could see from Duncan's face that he wouldn't be persuaded away from this course of action but he thought he had to try. "Mac, listen to Methos on this one. You're exhausted you're in no condition to fight anyone. Take some time we'll keep an eye on Lazarski. We'll watch him, he won't disappear again"
Duncan pinched the bridge of his nose, his body and mind were tired he had only slept a few hours since Alex was shot. With Lazarski still out there he wasn't sure if he could rest, let alone sleep. Joe could see that his friend was unsure. "Look I'll tell you what if you won't go back to the barge then let me call the bar. Max is on tonight; it shouldn't be very busy I'm sure he'll cope. You jump on the spare bed and I'll wake you if anything happens" Joe could see from Duncan's eyes that he was mulling the options he had. As Duncan rolled his eyes just before speaking Joe knew he had won "OK, anything out of the ordinary and you'll wake me?"
"I swear" Joe said raising his right hand, Duncan smiled and nodded as he opened the door. Alex was still asleep when they walked back into the room. Joe made his way to the phone calling Le Blues bar. He chatted to Max for a short while before going over to the chair. Duncan made sure that Alex was indeed asleep before kicking off his shoes and climbing onto the spare bed pulling off the band that was holding his dark hair away from his face. He placed it on the cabinet as he looked over at Joe, who was settling himself down in the chair "Anything at all you'll wake me?"
"I promise" Joe said as he watched Duncan lay down and close his eyes. It didn't take long for Joe to see the Highlander's face relax as he was overtaken by sleep. "Sleep well my friend" Joe whispered as he leant forward picking up the book Methos had left.
Lazarski's Chateau.
As Du Pont entered the black marble floored hallway he could tell that Lazarski was in a foul mood but the amount of shouting he could hear. His mood wasn't much better, he didn't like being summoned like a child to the head masters office, and he had better things to do. Du Pont would dearly love to be rid of this man but their partnership had made both of them very wealthy and although he didn't like Lazarski's tactics, he loved the results. Although there were at least a dozen dark wood doors leading off of the hall, Du Pont didn't need to ask what room Lazarski was in; he just followed the sound of the raised voices. His hand had just reached for the ornate door handle just as it was wrenched open and one of Lazarski's men came out wiping the blood that was coming from his cut lip away with his hand.
As Du Pont stepped inside he wondered what the young man had done to deserve his treatment but one look at Lazarski's face as he spun round, he could tell it might just have been that he was there. "So I take it by the urgent summons your plan didn't work" Du Pont said as he stepped over the remnants of the crystal vases as he made his way to one of the chairs in front of the desk. He sat down without being asked; he was the only person he knew that could get away with that. Du Pont kept an outward cool manner, he knew if he ever showed anything else Lazarski would see it a weakness and he didn't want to find out what Lazarski would do then.
Now that Du Pont was here Lazarski started to calm down he stood up running his hand along the leather of the chair, Du Pont turned in his chair to keep eye contact, "So are you going to tell me what went wrong?"
"The yacht was intercepted it's at the bottom of the channel. I admit it's a set back. So I decided to see if I couldn't do two things at once, demonstrate the virus and get the disc we need. Now the virus was working but either they found a way to stop it or she is.I.we need to know if she's still alive" Lazarski hit the back of the chair with frustration before he walked around to the front of the desk, sitting on the edge opposite Du Pont. "If they've found away to stop the virus we have to change our plans. I know you have let's say friends in places that could help us" Lazarski smiled as he spoke.
"You know me I like to have friends but they can't help with money. If anything they'll be looking for money, big money depending on the risk. I talked this morning with our contact in Damascus. He's expecting a down payment to close the deal for the arms. If we don't we'll lose the deal"
"Not a problem, I don't like doing it but I have a little in reserve it should cover both things we need. It has to be someone close to her, someone who can get the disc and give us access to the woman" Lazarski had never used his reserve and this would mean he had nothing left and he didn't like being poor.
"Surely, we just need the disc. Why don't we leave the woman alone there's no reason to take unnecessary risks. We don't need her"
"I NEED HER" Lazarski shouted his eyes flashed with what Du Pont could only call insane anger. He had only seen this look once before in his partner and he had watched as he beat a man to death over a car. It had been Lazarski's pride and joy the young man had taken, he was only a petty thief not more that a child but Lazarski didn't like his possessions taken from him and the punishment for doing so was severe. Du Pont watched as Lazarski shook his head to gain his composure again "No this needs to be finished cleanly. I won't have any loose ends this time. I did that before and she came after me. I know her she won't let go. Do you have someone or not?" Lazarski said leaning forward staring Du Pont right in the eyes. It made him feel uncomfortable and he shifted his position in the chair and he wondered if he saw this woman as his possession or a thief and what her ultimate fate would be. Du Pont smiled he always made sure he had 'friends' in many places, for many different reasons, he liked insurance. "Oh yes, I have someone who is just perfect, in the right place at the right time, well for us anyway but it will cost"
A sickening grin came across Lazarski's face, as he reached for the phone, it made Du Pont wonder if he had seen all this man was capable of. Du Pont took out an electronic notepad it didn't take him long to find the number he needed, he then took the phone Lazarski was holding out. "Time to call him I think" Lazarski said as he smiled as he stood up walking over to the drinks trolley in the corner "I think we both deserve a drink" he said as he poured 2 large brandy's. He turned round just as Du Pont put the receiver down with the call unanswered "This might take a while to set up" Du Pont said as he took the glass Lazarski offered him "No problem, we go ahead as normal while you work your magic. This day isn't turning out as bad as I had thought. We get our money, I get the woman and I get to rub the Doc's and his friend's nose in the dirt".
Lazarski took a sip of the brandy "What is it between you and those two anyway?" He had never seen anyone get under his partner's skin like this woman and her two friends. "Just unfinished business" Lazarski said as he stared at the amber liquid in his glass. "Try him again" he said pointing to the phone.
Ray was driving the Embassy car back towards Paris with Thomas dozing in the passenger seat. It had been a success the yacht was gone. It had taken some time for the French Authorities to be satisfied and send drivers down to check on the yacht and retrieve the vial of virus. McCormack had returned to London with a sample and he had told Ray to return the Embassy's car before joining forces with the French agencies to track where Lazarski had gone now. He wished that Alex could be working with them instead of lying in a hospital bed; she seemed to have an insight into how Lazarski's mind worked. He decided that as soon as they got back he would call the hospital and find out how she was doing. The sound of ring woke Thomas who sleepily fumbled in his jacket for his phone; he blinked as he looked at the number that was displayed on the small illuminated screen. He glanced at Ray before cutting off the call unanswered.
"I take it you didn't want to talk to them. Not another of your lady friends who wants to be more than friends?" Ray joked, a few seconds later the phone beeped as a message came in, Thomas read the message to himself 'Call me. Your horse has won'.