Chapter 48
Duncan steered the Citroen down onto the Paris ring road it might be a little longer in distance this way but it should be quicker than trying to weave their way through the Paris street. They were making good time when ahead Duncan saw the red glow of brake lights "Damn it!" he exclaimed as the traffic around him started to slow down. Although, both Duncan and Ray tried to see what was happening in front of them they were too far back to see clearly. Ray watched Duncan as he searched around him for an alternative route, then he started to push the black Citroen through the lanes of traffic to the exit ramp. Their progress was slow and both men were acutely aware that time was slipping away from them. After much pushing and horn blowing Duncan had managed to get the car off the ring road. Now he would have to weave his way through the streets of Paris using side street to avoid all the other vehicles that had escaped the traffic jam. Ray sat quietly, he was glad now that Duncan had talked him out of bring his own car, he never would have been able to keep up with this man who obviously knew Paris very well.
Both men kept an eye on the time as it slowly slipped away from them. Finally, when Duncan pulled the Citroen into the kerb they only had just over 20 minutes to find the device. Duncan didn't say anything to Ray he just turned the ignition off and leaped out. Ray followed still unsure of where they were going and found himself standing outside of a little church. "Duncan are you sure this is the right place?" Ray questioned but Duncan didn't stop to reply he was already on his way inside the church. As Duncan entered the church he paused to allow his eyes to adjust to the dim surrounding that was only lit with candles and what light could find it's way in through the small windows. A feeling of peace surrounded him just as it had every time he had come here to visit with his old friend Darius but this time it didn't calm him. Duncan was about to leave, as there was no one in the church when Father Beaufort came out of the vestry "Duncan, My dear boy what a pleasant surprise, have you time for some tea?" he said as he walked over to Duncan but as he got closer he could see the worried look on his face. "You look rather worried is there anything I can help you with?" Father Beaufort asked just as the door behind Duncan opened and Ray walked in. Duncan took hold of the Father's arm and lead him towards the altar "Father is there a gathering around here somewhere?"
"Oh yes Duncan the church is holding a children's party in the gardens but why?"
"No time to explain. Thank you Father" Duncan said over his shoulder as he made for the door "Come on" Duncan said as he pasted Ray, who was still confused but followed anyway.
The two men rushed around the side of the church and where greeted with a sight that turned both of their stomachs. The garden was full of children, stalls and entertainers' and a couple of priests, finding a small device wasn't going to be easy. Duncan quickly looked at his watch they only had 15 minutes left. "You go that way, I'll take this side," Duncan said as he started to walk over to the nearest stall. "Shouldn't we get everyone out of here?" Ray questioned Duncan span round "There isn't time. Get going".
Duncan checked under the skirt of the first stall but found nothing, children ran happily around him making him more determined but the children didn't make his progress around the garden very easy. Duncan glanced across at Ray and from his face Duncan could tell that he wasn't having any luck either. Duncan quickly glanced at his watch; the thought that he could let Lazarski win this, as he knew Methos had the antidote crossed his mind but how quickly could a large amount be made and how many would die waiting, made him shake the thought from his mind. Ray checked the last of the stalls but still they found nothing, he walked up to Duncan "Are you sure we're in the right place"
"Trust me we're in the right place, it's got to be here somewhere" it was then that Duncan noticed the sweet dispenser, a brightly coloured tall stand with a glass dome containing sweets. Duncan caught the arm of one of the priests who was walking past "Is that something you've provided?" Duncan said pointing to the sweet dispenser "No, it was here when we arrived this morning. It's a shame the children would like the sweets but have no money to buy any" Duncan rushed across dodging around the small children. He pulled the glass dome off just leaving the multi coloured stand, he handed the dome to Ray who had followed him as he reached inside the stand. His fingers searched and finally found a small square package. Slowly, Duncan pulled it out of the stand both their eyes were drawn to the counter 3 minutes left. Ray placed the dome on the ground, which was quickly surrounded by children squealing with delight at being finally able to get at the sweets that had been tormenting them all morning. Ray followed Duncan to the edge of the garden he looked at the wires and then up to Duncan "How's your bomb disposal knowledge?"
"A little rusty" Duncan replied
"Then I guess this is down to me then" Ray said as he pulled out a pocketknife from his pocket, he opened the wire cutters "Now blue or yellow? Why couldn't he use a red wire like any normal person, but I guess that would be too easy" Duncan held the device as still as he could while Ray took a good look around it. "I can't pull the vial out without setting it off. We have to take a chance on cutting the main power wire. We really could do with putting this under water while we do this just in case the vial cracks or I set it off" The idea hit both men at the same time "The font" they both said in unison. Duncan took off towards the front of the church barging his way past children and adults. The counter was just starting the last minute of its count down when Duncan slammed into the church door knocking it back into the wall with a loud bang. Ray was right on Duncan's heels and pulled the wooden cover off the font allowing Duncan to submerge the device as Ray put the jaws of the wire cutters around the blue wire. Duncan could see the beads of perspiration on Rays forehead, then suddenly with 30 seconds to go Ray moved the cutters to the yellow wire bring the jaws together and severing the yellow wire in two. They both watched as the counter clicked over to 29 seconds but no further. Both men let out the breath they were holding as the relief washed over them.
The noise of the door banging brought Father Beaufort rushing from the Vestry again "What on earth are you doing Duncan?" he said as he rushed towards them "Trust me Father you don't want to know" Duncan said as he carefully lifted the device from the water "But you might want to change the water in here before you use it" Duncan could see the bemused look on his friends face "I promise I'll come back an tell you everything but right now we're a little pushed for time, Father" Duncan said as he turned motioning to Ray to leave the church. Duncan opened the car door for Ray so he could get in without having to take his hands away from the device. It might be inactive but if they broke the vial the results would be the same. "So what now?" Ray asked as Duncan got into the driver's seat. Duncan turned in his seat so that he could look at Ray "I take you to Police Headquarters"
"Aren't you coming with me?" Ray replied
"No, I drive you there but I want you keep my name out of it. When I get back to the Alex I'll send Thomas for you " Ray was a little confused as to why Duncan wouldn't want to take credit for stopping this attack but he decided not to pursue the issue. Duncan had seen the look on his face "I don't want to be involved, understood?"
"Understood" was the only word Ray said as he gave Duncan the keys to his car and watched as Duncan pulled the Citroen out into the traffic.
Alex turned into another side street it was lined with old stone fronted houses that were faded and some were crumbling. Suddenly, her head started to spin and the street started to fade away before her eyes. Alex reached out her hand to the nearest wall to stop from falling; she had to wait for a few seconds before her vision started to return. As it did Alex slowly moved towards some stone steps that lead up to one of the houses, her breathing was heavy as she tried to control what was happening to her. She sank down onto the steps, she had on choice now she had to rest, and Alex placed her head into her hands trying to stop the world from spinning. Alex was so used to being in control this was frightening her, she knew what she wanted but her body wasn't co-operating, she felt so helpless.
Alex didn't know how long she was sat on the cold stone step before she heard a soft voice "M'excuse vous sont bien?" (Excuse me are you all right?). Alex blinked as the bright light hurt her eyes as she looked up into the face of a grey hair well dressed, elderly lady "I'm sorry, I don't speak French" Alex replied.
"You don't look so good. Would you like me to get you a doctor?" the elderly lady said with a heavy accent. Alex smiled at the thought a complete stranger could be so concerned about her "No I'm fine. I just left hospital, I guess I over did it"
As Alex looked into the lady's pale blue eyes she saw a look she hadn't seen since Sister Maria, warmth and concern. "Then how about a nice cool drink. You look like you need one" Alex couldn't resist the kind offer; she had a tremendous thirst she had been trying to ignore for sometime as she had no money. "Yes, I would really like that. If it's not too much trouble?" The elderly lady lent forward helping Alex to her feet "No trouble at all. I'm Maria Campinion"
"Alex Rogan" Alex said smiling she was a little surprised to find that this woman was also called Maria.
Maria linked her arm through Alex's as she guided her towards her house a couple of doors down. "It is will be so good to have some company for a change. I don't get many visitors nowadays. There was a time this house was alive with laughter but those days are alas gone," Maria said with a slight shrug of her shoulders and a tinge of sadness in her voice as she put the key into the lock. Alex sat at a table that was covered with a white lace cloth with a small bowl of silk flowers in the centre as Maria went to the kitchen. This gave Alex time to look around the room. The wallpaper was badly faded and peeling in places but the room was clean. All the wood of the furniture was polished and there were pieces of white linen on the arms of the faded green settee. As Maria entered the room Alex got to her feet to help her with the large wooden tray she was carry "Oh No, please sit down. You're my guest" Maria said as she walked over to the table.
As she placed the tray down Alex could see a large glass jug with pieces of lemon floating in it, two glasses and a plate of sandwiches. "You didn't need to go to all this trouble," Alex said but Maria just smiled warmly as she sat in the chair opposite and poured a tall glass of lemonade, which she handed to Alex.
Duncan had just dropped Ray off at Police headquarters when his cell phone started ringing. He managed to keep on hand on the wheel as he pulled the phone from his pocket "MacLeod"
"Mac, I think you had better get back to the hospital now" Duncan recognised Methos's voice "I'm already on my way Methos. What's wrong?" he asked as he pulled out into the heavy traffic of the ring road "It's hard to explain over the phone. It's best if you see for yourself"
Duncan looked at his watch "I'll be there in about 15 minutes." Duncan then tossed the cell phone onto the passenger seat.
Maria could see that Alex was in some discomfort as she moved to get another sandwich "Maybe you will be more comfortable on the settee" Alex was about to deny there was anything wrong but Maria was already moving the tray over to the highly polished table in front of the settee. "I'm fine really," Alex said getting to her feet but she moved a little too fast and the stitches reminded her with a stab of pain causing a sharp intake of breath. Maria took her arm and guided her to the settee. "I'm sure you are but these old bones could do with something soft to sit on for awhile" Alex lowered herself slowly down, as she looked over to Maria as she poured some more lemonade from them. "Now where was I? Oh yes how I met my Robert" Alex settled back as Maria told how she met her husband in the French Embassy in Cairo. How he had managed to turn her ordered world upside down and how he had made all thoughts of her career faded away. As the sound of Maria's soft voice flowed over her Alex lost the battle she had been fighting with sleep as she slowly closed her eyes.
Duncan walked quickly down the hallways towards Alex's room. Methos who was stood just outside the door greeted him, "Now Mac we have a bit of problem Alex's missing"
"What do you mean missing?" Duncan said as he strood towards the room "Where the hell was Thomas?" Methos followed Duncan into the room where a nurse was tending to the cut on the side of Thomas head. Methos took hold of Duncan's arm before he could move towards Thomas. "Mac, Let's talk outside" Methos said as gestured towards the hall. Duncan really just wanted to know from Thomas where Alex was but he could see that with the nurse in the room it wouldn't be a good idea to discuss anything, so he followed Methos back into the hall.
"Do you know what happened?" Duncan asked as he impatiently paced the hall keeping one eye on the nurse. "All I know is what Thomas has told me. He said two guys dressed as doctors came into the room but something about them didn't look right. When he challenged them they attacked him, he held them off while Alex got out. That was the last time he saw her. Just before I arrived one of the nurses found him unconscious on the floor by the bed."
"Has anyone checked to see if she's in the building?" Duncan asked he couldn't believe that Alex could have got very far in her condition. Methos nodded "Yeap, I had a look around as soon as they told me and the hospital has nurses and porters looking now but nothing" Duncan wiped his hand over his face. Methos moved a little way from the door and beckoned Duncan to follow him. "What's bothering you?" Duncan asked as he walked up the hallway.
"I know I've had more time to look at the room but doesn't something strike you as a little odd?" Methos asked in a whispered voice. Duncan thought for a moment "Doesn't the scene look a little too neat to you?" Methos said prodding Duncan along his line of thinking. Duncan said nothing he just walked over to the open door and looked in his eyes roamed the room before he wandered back. "The only thing broken is the vase next to the bed"
"Exactly, if you had just fought two men wouldn't there be over turned furniture, not to mention a lot of noise but the nurses heard nothing" at Methos's words Duncan's temper started to rise "So it must have been Alex that hit him with the vase?"
"I think so yes but the question is why and why has he lied about it" Methos said as he watched the nurse leave the room. Methos caught hold of Duncan's arm as he started for the door "No Mac, until we know why Alex hit him I think it's best if he doesn't suspect we know he's lied. Have you any idea where she would go?" Part of Duncan just wanted to force Thomas to tell him the truth but he knew Methos's approach made more sense. "She might go to the barge I suppose but that is quite a distance for someone in her condition. She doesn't really know anywhere else except maybe Joe's"
"Until we know what happened or what we're dealing with, I don't think we should let Thomas or Ray in on where you think Alex will go. Just to be safe." Methos had just finished speaking when Thomas came into the hall. He walked towards them "I'm sorry Duncan but the only thing I could do was tell Alex to get out" Thomas said as he rubbed his forehead. Methos still had his hand around Duncan's arm and felt the Highlander's muscles tighten. "Are you sure they didn't get Alex?" Duncan asked trying to keep his voice calm. "I'm not sure but Alex knows what to do she won't have gone out the front she's to good for that sort of mistake" Thomas said as he looked at the two men in front of him trying to read what they were thinking, but neither man's face betrayed anything of their thoughts.
"I guess all we can do now is try and find her," Duncan said as he looked round at Methos "Adam you come with me. Thomas you had better collect Ray, he's at Police Headquarters" Duncan said throwing the keys Ray had given him to Thomas. As he caught them he said "Yeah, then we'll join you in the search. Four pairs of eyes are better than two. Have you any idea where she might head other than your place?"
"No she doesn't know anywhere else, that's why we're going to check the barge first" Duncan said before walking away with Methos close on his heels "We're not going to the barge are we?" Methos said as he jogged up beside Duncan "No, we'll check there later first we'll check around the hospital. If we're right about Thomas Alex will be cautious about going to the barge, as she knows he has been there. She might go to Joe's but that's even further away than the barge so we'll check the routes she might take".
Duncan steered the Citroen down onto the Paris ring road it might be a little longer in distance this way but it should be quicker than trying to weave their way through the Paris street. They were making good time when ahead Duncan saw the red glow of brake lights "Damn it!" he exclaimed as the traffic around him started to slow down. Although, both Duncan and Ray tried to see what was happening in front of them they were too far back to see clearly. Ray watched Duncan as he searched around him for an alternative route, then he started to push the black Citroen through the lanes of traffic to the exit ramp. Their progress was slow and both men were acutely aware that time was slipping away from them. After much pushing and horn blowing Duncan had managed to get the car off the ring road. Now he would have to weave his way through the streets of Paris using side street to avoid all the other vehicles that had escaped the traffic jam. Ray sat quietly, he was glad now that Duncan had talked him out of bring his own car, he never would have been able to keep up with this man who obviously knew Paris very well.
Both men kept an eye on the time as it slowly slipped away from them. Finally, when Duncan pulled the Citroen into the kerb they only had just over 20 minutes to find the device. Duncan didn't say anything to Ray he just turned the ignition off and leaped out. Ray followed still unsure of where they were going and found himself standing outside of a little church. "Duncan are you sure this is the right place?" Ray questioned but Duncan didn't stop to reply he was already on his way inside the church. As Duncan entered the church he paused to allow his eyes to adjust to the dim surrounding that was only lit with candles and what light could find it's way in through the small windows. A feeling of peace surrounded him just as it had every time he had come here to visit with his old friend Darius but this time it didn't calm him. Duncan was about to leave, as there was no one in the church when Father Beaufort came out of the vestry "Duncan, My dear boy what a pleasant surprise, have you time for some tea?" he said as he walked over to Duncan but as he got closer he could see the worried look on his face. "You look rather worried is there anything I can help you with?" Father Beaufort asked just as the door behind Duncan opened and Ray walked in. Duncan took hold of the Father's arm and lead him towards the altar "Father is there a gathering around here somewhere?"
"Oh yes Duncan the church is holding a children's party in the gardens but why?"
"No time to explain. Thank you Father" Duncan said over his shoulder as he made for the door "Come on" Duncan said as he pasted Ray, who was still confused but followed anyway.
The two men rushed around the side of the church and where greeted with a sight that turned both of their stomachs. The garden was full of children, stalls and entertainers' and a couple of priests, finding a small device wasn't going to be easy. Duncan quickly looked at his watch they only had 15 minutes left. "You go that way, I'll take this side," Duncan said as he started to walk over to the nearest stall. "Shouldn't we get everyone out of here?" Ray questioned Duncan span round "There isn't time. Get going".
Duncan checked under the skirt of the first stall but found nothing, children ran happily around him making him more determined but the children didn't make his progress around the garden very easy. Duncan glanced across at Ray and from his face Duncan could tell that he wasn't having any luck either. Duncan quickly glanced at his watch; the thought that he could let Lazarski win this, as he knew Methos had the antidote crossed his mind but how quickly could a large amount be made and how many would die waiting, made him shake the thought from his mind. Ray checked the last of the stalls but still they found nothing, he walked up to Duncan "Are you sure we're in the right place"
"Trust me we're in the right place, it's got to be here somewhere" it was then that Duncan noticed the sweet dispenser, a brightly coloured tall stand with a glass dome containing sweets. Duncan caught the arm of one of the priests who was walking past "Is that something you've provided?" Duncan said pointing to the sweet dispenser "No, it was here when we arrived this morning. It's a shame the children would like the sweets but have no money to buy any" Duncan rushed across dodging around the small children. He pulled the glass dome off just leaving the multi coloured stand, he handed the dome to Ray who had followed him as he reached inside the stand. His fingers searched and finally found a small square package. Slowly, Duncan pulled it out of the stand both their eyes were drawn to the counter 3 minutes left. Ray placed the dome on the ground, which was quickly surrounded by children squealing with delight at being finally able to get at the sweets that had been tormenting them all morning. Ray followed Duncan to the edge of the garden he looked at the wires and then up to Duncan "How's your bomb disposal knowledge?"
"A little rusty" Duncan replied
"Then I guess this is down to me then" Ray said as he pulled out a pocketknife from his pocket, he opened the wire cutters "Now blue or yellow? Why couldn't he use a red wire like any normal person, but I guess that would be too easy" Duncan held the device as still as he could while Ray took a good look around it. "I can't pull the vial out without setting it off. We have to take a chance on cutting the main power wire. We really could do with putting this under water while we do this just in case the vial cracks or I set it off" The idea hit both men at the same time "The font" they both said in unison. Duncan took off towards the front of the church barging his way past children and adults. The counter was just starting the last minute of its count down when Duncan slammed into the church door knocking it back into the wall with a loud bang. Ray was right on Duncan's heels and pulled the wooden cover off the font allowing Duncan to submerge the device as Ray put the jaws of the wire cutters around the blue wire. Duncan could see the beads of perspiration on Rays forehead, then suddenly with 30 seconds to go Ray moved the cutters to the yellow wire bring the jaws together and severing the yellow wire in two. They both watched as the counter clicked over to 29 seconds but no further. Both men let out the breath they were holding as the relief washed over them.
The noise of the door banging brought Father Beaufort rushing from the Vestry again "What on earth are you doing Duncan?" he said as he rushed towards them "Trust me Father you don't want to know" Duncan said as he carefully lifted the device from the water "But you might want to change the water in here before you use it" Duncan could see the bemused look on his friends face "I promise I'll come back an tell you everything but right now we're a little pushed for time, Father" Duncan said as he turned motioning to Ray to leave the church. Duncan opened the car door for Ray so he could get in without having to take his hands away from the device. It might be inactive but if they broke the vial the results would be the same. "So what now?" Ray asked as Duncan got into the driver's seat. Duncan turned in his seat so that he could look at Ray "I take you to Police Headquarters"
"Aren't you coming with me?" Ray replied
"No, I drive you there but I want you keep my name out of it. When I get back to the Alex I'll send Thomas for you " Ray was a little confused as to why Duncan wouldn't want to take credit for stopping this attack but he decided not to pursue the issue. Duncan had seen the look on his face "I don't want to be involved, understood?"
"Understood" was the only word Ray said as he gave Duncan the keys to his car and watched as Duncan pulled the Citroen out into the traffic.
Alex turned into another side street it was lined with old stone fronted houses that were faded and some were crumbling. Suddenly, her head started to spin and the street started to fade away before her eyes. Alex reached out her hand to the nearest wall to stop from falling; she had to wait for a few seconds before her vision started to return. As it did Alex slowly moved towards some stone steps that lead up to one of the houses, her breathing was heavy as she tried to control what was happening to her. She sank down onto the steps, she had on choice now she had to rest, and Alex placed her head into her hands trying to stop the world from spinning. Alex was so used to being in control this was frightening her, she knew what she wanted but her body wasn't co-operating, she felt so helpless.
Alex didn't know how long she was sat on the cold stone step before she heard a soft voice "M'excuse vous sont bien?" (Excuse me are you all right?). Alex blinked as the bright light hurt her eyes as she looked up into the face of a grey hair well dressed, elderly lady "I'm sorry, I don't speak French" Alex replied.
"You don't look so good. Would you like me to get you a doctor?" the elderly lady said with a heavy accent. Alex smiled at the thought a complete stranger could be so concerned about her "No I'm fine. I just left hospital, I guess I over did it"
As Alex looked into the lady's pale blue eyes she saw a look she hadn't seen since Sister Maria, warmth and concern. "Then how about a nice cool drink. You look like you need one" Alex couldn't resist the kind offer; she had a tremendous thirst she had been trying to ignore for sometime as she had no money. "Yes, I would really like that. If it's not too much trouble?" The elderly lady lent forward helping Alex to her feet "No trouble at all. I'm Maria Campinion"
"Alex Rogan" Alex said smiling she was a little surprised to find that this woman was also called Maria.
Maria linked her arm through Alex's as she guided her towards her house a couple of doors down. "It is will be so good to have some company for a change. I don't get many visitors nowadays. There was a time this house was alive with laughter but those days are alas gone," Maria said with a slight shrug of her shoulders and a tinge of sadness in her voice as she put the key into the lock. Alex sat at a table that was covered with a white lace cloth with a small bowl of silk flowers in the centre as Maria went to the kitchen. This gave Alex time to look around the room. The wallpaper was badly faded and peeling in places but the room was clean. All the wood of the furniture was polished and there were pieces of white linen on the arms of the faded green settee. As Maria entered the room Alex got to her feet to help her with the large wooden tray she was carry "Oh No, please sit down. You're my guest" Maria said as she walked over to the table.
As she placed the tray down Alex could see a large glass jug with pieces of lemon floating in it, two glasses and a plate of sandwiches. "You didn't need to go to all this trouble," Alex said but Maria just smiled warmly as she sat in the chair opposite and poured a tall glass of lemonade, which she handed to Alex.
Duncan had just dropped Ray off at Police headquarters when his cell phone started ringing. He managed to keep on hand on the wheel as he pulled the phone from his pocket "MacLeod"
"Mac, I think you had better get back to the hospital now" Duncan recognised Methos's voice "I'm already on my way Methos. What's wrong?" he asked as he pulled out into the heavy traffic of the ring road "It's hard to explain over the phone. It's best if you see for yourself"
Duncan looked at his watch "I'll be there in about 15 minutes." Duncan then tossed the cell phone onto the passenger seat.
Maria could see that Alex was in some discomfort as she moved to get another sandwich "Maybe you will be more comfortable on the settee" Alex was about to deny there was anything wrong but Maria was already moving the tray over to the highly polished table in front of the settee. "I'm fine really," Alex said getting to her feet but she moved a little too fast and the stitches reminded her with a stab of pain causing a sharp intake of breath. Maria took her arm and guided her to the settee. "I'm sure you are but these old bones could do with something soft to sit on for awhile" Alex lowered herself slowly down, as she looked over to Maria as she poured some more lemonade from them. "Now where was I? Oh yes how I met my Robert" Alex settled back as Maria told how she met her husband in the French Embassy in Cairo. How he had managed to turn her ordered world upside down and how he had made all thoughts of her career faded away. As the sound of Maria's soft voice flowed over her Alex lost the battle she had been fighting with sleep as she slowly closed her eyes.
Duncan walked quickly down the hallways towards Alex's room. Methos who was stood just outside the door greeted him, "Now Mac we have a bit of problem Alex's missing"
"What do you mean missing?" Duncan said as he strood towards the room "Where the hell was Thomas?" Methos followed Duncan into the room where a nurse was tending to the cut on the side of Thomas head. Methos took hold of Duncan's arm before he could move towards Thomas. "Mac, Let's talk outside" Methos said as gestured towards the hall. Duncan really just wanted to know from Thomas where Alex was but he could see that with the nurse in the room it wouldn't be a good idea to discuss anything, so he followed Methos back into the hall.
"Do you know what happened?" Duncan asked as he impatiently paced the hall keeping one eye on the nurse. "All I know is what Thomas has told me. He said two guys dressed as doctors came into the room but something about them didn't look right. When he challenged them they attacked him, he held them off while Alex got out. That was the last time he saw her. Just before I arrived one of the nurses found him unconscious on the floor by the bed."
"Has anyone checked to see if she's in the building?" Duncan asked he couldn't believe that Alex could have got very far in her condition. Methos nodded "Yeap, I had a look around as soon as they told me and the hospital has nurses and porters looking now but nothing" Duncan wiped his hand over his face. Methos moved a little way from the door and beckoned Duncan to follow him. "What's bothering you?" Duncan asked as he walked up the hallway.
"I know I've had more time to look at the room but doesn't something strike you as a little odd?" Methos asked in a whispered voice. Duncan thought for a moment "Doesn't the scene look a little too neat to you?" Methos said prodding Duncan along his line of thinking. Duncan said nothing he just walked over to the open door and looked in his eyes roamed the room before he wandered back. "The only thing broken is the vase next to the bed"
"Exactly, if you had just fought two men wouldn't there be over turned furniture, not to mention a lot of noise but the nurses heard nothing" at Methos's words Duncan's temper started to rise "So it must have been Alex that hit him with the vase?"
"I think so yes but the question is why and why has he lied about it" Methos said as he watched the nurse leave the room. Methos caught hold of Duncan's arm as he started for the door "No Mac, until we know why Alex hit him I think it's best if he doesn't suspect we know he's lied. Have you any idea where she would go?" Part of Duncan just wanted to force Thomas to tell him the truth but he knew Methos's approach made more sense. "She might go to the barge I suppose but that is quite a distance for someone in her condition. She doesn't really know anywhere else except maybe Joe's"
"Until we know what happened or what we're dealing with, I don't think we should let Thomas or Ray in on where you think Alex will go. Just to be safe." Methos had just finished speaking when Thomas came into the hall. He walked towards them "I'm sorry Duncan but the only thing I could do was tell Alex to get out" Thomas said as he rubbed his forehead. Methos still had his hand around Duncan's arm and felt the Highlander's muscles tighten. "Are you sure they didn't get Alex?" Duncan asked trying to keep his voice calm. "I'm not sure but Alex knows what to do she won't have gone out the front she's to good for that sort of mistake" Thomas said as he looked at the two men in front of him trying to read what they were thinking, but neither man's face betrayed anything of their thoughts.
"I guess all we can do now is try and find her," Duncan said as he looked round at Methos "Adam you come with me. Thomas you had better collect Ray, he's at Police Headquarters" Duncan said throwing the keys Ray had given him to Thomas. As he caught them he said "Yeah, then we'll join you in the search. Four pairs of eyes are better than two. Have you any idea where she might head other than your place?"
"No she doesn't know anywhere else, that's why we're going to check the barge first" Duncan said before walking away with Methos close on his heels "We're not going to the barge are we?" Methos said as he jogged up beside Duncan "No, we'll check there later first we'll check around the hospital. If we're right about Thomas Alex will be cautious about going to the barge, as she knows he has been there. She might go to Joe's but that's even further away than the barge so we'll check the routes she might take".