Chapter 60
The cold night air bit into Duncan's flesh as he closed the door as quietly as he could. As he shivered he wished he'd taken time to put his shirt on but he didn't want to risk the Immortal coming into the barge. With bare feet Duncan made no sound as he made his way towards the gangplank. Duncan's eyes moved quickly around as he searched for the Immortal but the only thing he could see on the bank was the shadows. Duncan adjusted his grip on his sword.
"Why don't you just come out and fight me. Instead of all these games" Duncan shouted as he walked down onto the bank. As he stood barefoot on the stone of the riverbank, his sword held out in front of him, he turned his whole body as he searched the bank again being careful to always have the barge behind him. Duncan's heart was pounding in his ears and his breathing quickened.
"Show your self," Duncan shouted as he walked away from the barge scanning the bank as went. The lights on the street above glinted on Duncan's sword as he moved. The presence of the other Immortal was getting stronger as Duncan moved closer to the tunnel under the bridge.
"Ok I'm here, that's what you want isn't it? So what are you waiting for?" Duncan shouted, the frustration becoming evident in his voice but as he took another step forward a figure moved out of the shadows.
"Let's get this over with" Duncan called out as he pointed his sword towards the Immortal. "I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod"
The other Immortal did not reply
"Who are you?" Duncan shouted as he took a step closer. The other Immortal took a pace backwards for everyone Duncan took forwards keeping the distance between them the same. Duncan felt his jaw tighten as he fought to keep his growing anger in check. Then the other Immortal saluted and took off running into the tunnel. Duncan wanted to end this game and started to run after him but as he got to the other side of the bridge he stopped and looked back at the barge.
"Oh no I'm not falling for that one again" Duncan said out loud. As much as he wanted to chase after this Immortal he knew that it would leave Alex alone on the barge, so he walked slowly back. Duncan knew that he wouldn't be able to sleep now so he finished dressing before going back outside. Should the Immortal come back he would be waiting for him.
Alex turned over as she slowly opened her eyes; she was alone in the bed. Pulling herself up into the sitting position she looked around the room. Stretching across to the side table she picked up her watch, it was a little after 8 O'clock. Alex pushed back the covers and picked up Duncan's dressing gown. Slipping the dressing gown on she made her way out on deck. Alex could see that Duncan's car was still on the bank but there was no sign of him. Alex walked the length of the barge towards the wheelhouse. As she came up to the stern she could see Duncan sat leaning back on the rear of the wheelhouse, from his face she could see that he hadn't had much sleep. Alex quietly walked up beside Duncan and sat down. The movement broke into Duncan's thoughts and he turned towards her, smiled before slipping his arm around her pulling her close to him. They sat just watching as Paris busied itself around them until Duncan took his pocket watch out of his jacket pocket.
"I guess we'd better get some breakfast" Duncan said as he got to his feet holding out his hand to help Alex up. When Alex was on her feet Duncan turned to go inside but she held onto his hand "Duncan, there is something troubling you isn't there?"
He turned to her "It's nothing for you to worry about"
"Does this nothing have a name?" Alex replied looking up into his eyes. Duncan shook his head "This doesn't concern you. I can handle it alone"
Alex released his hand and follow Duncan inside to the kitchen. Standing in the doorway Alex said "Duncan you wouldn't let me deal with my demons alone. I want to help".
Duncan put down the plate that was in his hand bowing his head forward as he rested his hands on the counter. He took a deep breath before walking over to her. He cupped her face in his hands looking deep into her eyes "I want you to promise me that you'll stay out of this. This is my fight I have to do this alone. If you come between me and whoever is out there you'll die"
"I'm not afraid of death Duncan" Alex replied as she placed her hands on his. "That's what worries me you take to many risks. I can't deal with whoever is waiting out there for me and worry that you may get caught between us. Please Alex promise me you will let me handle this on my own"
Alex looked up at the ceiling she had never walked away from anyone in trouble before. Her feelings for Duncan was making this so much harder but as she looked back into his eyes she knew for his sake that she would have to try. "Ok, ok I'll try"
Duncan tilted his head to one side raising his eyebrows "Duncan it's the best I can do."
Alex walked into the main room with Duncan following close behind "Alex!"
She stopped, facing away from him her hand covering her mouth. Alex thought for a few moments before turning to face him "I know why your asking this of me Duncan and I will try to do as you ask. But being with you has given me back my life, made me want to live again, made me feel. You've come to mean a lot to me and it's going to be hard for me to stand aside I'm so used to dealing with things but I will try I promise".
Duncan understood how hard this would be on her. If it was her asking the same of him he wasn't sure if he could even promise to try. He held out his arms "Come here"
Alex hesitated for just a moment before walking over allowing him to fold her into his embrace. He kissed her hair as he held her close "I care too that's why I ask". While Alex showered and dressed Duncan prepared breakfast. He had laid the table by the time Alex came back into the room. "I hope your hungry"
Alex nodded she wasn't really hungry but knew that Duncan was trying to change the mood and she decided to go along with it. "So have you thought about what you're going to do with your life now?"
Alex thought for a moment as she drank the last of her coffee, this was a question that she had been wrestling with for days. "To tell you the truth I'm not really sure. My work was my world, finding Lazarski the driving force. I don't know how to do anything else"
Duncan reached across the table taking hold of Alex's hand "You can do anything you want to and I'll give you any help you need"
Alex smiled "A girl might think your trying to get rid of her"
Duncan shook his head "No I'm not. I've kinda got used to having you around. You can stay as long as you want but I don't want you to stay because you think you have to. I want you to stay because it is what you really want."
Alex squeezed Duncan's hand "Thanks, when I've decided you'll be the first to know". Alex had just finished speaking when Duncan suddenly got to his feet reaching for his sword that was leaning against the bookcase. "Duncan what is it?"
"Stay here" Duncan said as he made his way towards the door. Duncan had just reached the bottom of the steps when there was a knock at the door. "MacLeod are you there?"
"Fitzcairn?" Duncan said leaping up the steps opening the door. Fitz took a step backwards when he saw the sword in Duncan's hand "I guess I should've called"
Duncan looked down at his sword
"Oh sorry. What are you doing here? I thought you where living it up on that ranch of yours" Duncan said moving his sword out of the way to allow Fitz to enter the barge. Fitz couldn't help but see the look of relief on Alex's face as he came down the steps "I take it you were expecting trouble. Does it have a name?"
Duncan walked past placing his sword back against the bookcase.
"Not at the moment" Duncan said pouring Fitz a coffee "anyway what brings you back here?"
"Arr well that's quite a long story better left for another time I think" Fitz said sitting himself down at the table and picking up the last croissant.
"So Mac do you want some help with this?" Fitz said breaking off a piece of the croissant. Duncan thought for a few moments "Yeah there is something you can do, stay here with Alex I need to go out for a while." Duncan picked up his sword and walked towards where his coat was hanging "Surely Laddie it would be better if I came to watch your back".
Duncan turned to Fitz placing a hand on his shoulder "No, whoever is out there likes playing games and I don't want to worry about Alex's safety"
"You can count on me Mac" Fitz said patting Duncan on the arm.
"Duncan I don't need a baby sitter, I can take care of myself," Alex said as she walked over to them. Duncan looked up at the ceiling before going over to her. He took a deep breath before speaking "I need someone here that can sense if one of us is around. I know you can handle yourself but this will just give you an edge."
Alex looked over at Fitz then back to Duncan "Ok.Ok but you be careful out there"
"Always am" Duncan said as he leant forward kissing her lightly on the lips "I won't be long".
Fitz was dozing on the couch while Alex was reading when the telephone rang. Alex leaped up hoping she could answer it before it woke Fitz. "Hello"
"Alex is that you?"
The voice was unmistakeable to Alex it was her boss "Yes, Sir it's me. What can I do for you?"
"I think I've been very patient but I need you back here. We just got word that Rafi has managed to slip into the country and we both know if he is here the rest of the Kadar group won't be far behind."
Alex sighed she hadn't wanted to deal with this yet "Why do you need me Ray knows the Kadar group nearly as well."
"Alex the only reason we know Rafi is in the country is because he went to the apartment we used on the last operation. He's looking for you, which means it should be easy to get you in and we can find out quicker what the hell they're planning. Ray is already undercover but it will take him time to work his way in. Alex are you still there?"
Alex turned her back to Fitz as he sat up "I'm still here"
"Well when can I expect you?" Alex wiped her hand over her eyes she hadn't made her decision yet and this was forcing her hand "I need some more time Sir. I'm not ready. This is a big operation I don't think I can handle it right now"
"Alex this isn't the time for this. Your one of the best operatives I have and I need you here. I'll call you tomorrow morning and I expect to hear when you'll be arriving"
Before Alex could reply the phone line went dead.
"Is everything all right?" Fitz called from the couch. Slowly, Alex put the receiver down her hand resting on it for a few seconds before turning round. "Fine, just my boss wanting to know when I'm coming back".
Fitz got up "Fancy a coffee or something stronger?"
"Something stronger" Alex said as she walked back to the couch sitting down. "A very good choice if I say so myself".
Alex picked up one of the cushions and hugged it her mind racing over what she should do.
The cold night air bit into Duncan's flesh as he closed the door as quietly as he could. As he shivered he wished he'd taken time to put his shirt on but he didn't want to risk the Immortal coming into the barge. With bare feet Duncan made no sound as he made his way towards the gangplank. Duncan's eyes moved quickly around as he searched for the Immortal but the only thing he could see on the bank was the shadows. Duncan adjusted his grip on his sword.
"Why don't you just come out and fight me. Instead of all these games" Duncan shouted as he walked down onto the bank. As he stood barefoot on the stone of the riverbank, his sword held out in front of him, he turned his whole body as he searched the bank again being careful to always have the barge behind him. Duncan's heart was pounding in his ears and his breathing quickened.
"Show your self," Duncan shouted as he walked away from the barge scanning the bank as went. The lights on the street above glinted on Duncan's sword as he moved. The presence of the other Immortal was getting stronger as Duncan moved closer to the tunnel under the bridge.
"Ok I'm here, that's what you want isn't it? So what are you waiting for?" Duncan shouted, the frustration becoming evident in his voice but as he took another step forward a figure moved out of the shadows.
"Let's get this over with" Duncan called out as he pointed his sword towards the Immortal. "I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod"
The other Immortal did not reply
"Who are you?" Duncan shouted as he took a step closer. The other Immortal took a pace backwards for everyone Duncan took forwards keeping the distance between them the same. Duncan felt his jaw tighten as he fought to keep his growing anger in check. Then the other Immortal saluted and took off running into the tunnel. Duncan wanted to end this game and started to run after him but as he got to the other side of the bridge he stopped and looked back at the barge.
"Oh no I'm not falling for that one again" Duncan said out loud. As much as he wanted to chase after this Immortal he knew that it would leave Alex alone on the barge, so he walked slowly back. Duncan knew that he wouldn't be able to sleep now so he finished dressing before going back outside. Should the Immortal come back he would be waiting for him.
Alex turned over as she slowly opened her eyes; she was alone in the bed. Pulling herself up into the sitting position she looked around the room. Stretching across to the side table she picked up her watch, it was a little after 8 O'clock. Alex pushed back the covers and picked up Duncan's dressing gown. Slipping the dressing gown on she made her way out on deck. Alex could see that Duncan's car was still on the bank but there was no sign of him. Alex walked the length of the barge towards the wheelhouse. As she came up to the stern she could see Duncan sat leaning back on the rear of the wheelhouse, from his face she could see that he hadn't had much sleep. Alex quietly walked up beside Duncan and sat down. The movement broke into Duncan's thoughts and he turned towards her, smiled before slipping his arm around her pulling her close to him. They sat just watching as Paris busied itself around them until Duncan took his pocket watch out of his jacket pocket.
"I guess we'd better get some breakfast" Duncan said as he got to his feet holding out his hand to help Alex up. When Alex was on her feet Duncan turned to go inside but she held onto his hand "Duncan, there is something troubling you isn't there?"
He turned to her "It's nothing for you to worry about"
"Does this nothing have a name?" Alex replied looking up into his eyes. Duncan shook his head "This doesn't concern you. I can handle it alone"
Alex released his hand and follow Duncan inside to the kitchen. Standing in the doorway Alex said "Duncan you wouldn't let me deal with my demons alone. I want to help".
Duncan put down the plate that was in his hand bowing his head forward as he rested his hands on the counter. He took a deep breath before walking over to her. He cupped her face in his hands looking deep into her eyes "I want you to promise me that you'll stay out of this. This is my fight I have to do this alone. If you come between me and whoever is out there you'll die"
"I'm not afraid of death Duncan" Alex replied as she placed her hands on his. "That's what worries me you take to many risks. I can't deal with whoever is waiting out there for me and worry that you may get caught between us. Please Alex promise me you will let me handle this on my own"
Alex looked up at the ceiling she had never walked away from anyone in trouble before. Her feelings for Duncan was making this so much harder but as she looked back into his eyes she knew for his sake that she would have to try. "Ok, ok I'll try"
Duncan tilted his head to one side raising his eyebrows "Duncan it's the best I can do."
Alex walked into the main room with Duncan following close behind "Alex!"
She stopped, facing away from him her hand covering her mouth. Alex thought for a few moments before turning to face him "I know why your asking this of me Duncan and I will try to do as you ask. But being with you has given me back my life, made me want to live again, made me feel. You've come to mean a lot to me and it's going to be hard for me to stand aside I'm so used to dealing with things but I will try I promise".
Duncan understood how hard this would be on her. If it was her asking the same of him he wasn't sure if he could even promise to try. He held out his arms "Come here"
Alex hesitated for just a moment before walking over allowing him to fold her into his embrace. He kissed her hair as he held her close "I care too that's why I ask". While Alex showered and dressed Duncan prepared breakfast. He had laid the table by the time Alex came back into the room. "I hope your hungry"
Alex nodded she wasn't really hungry but knew that Duncan was trying to change the mood and she decided to go along with it. "So have you thought about what you're going to do with your life now?"
Alex thought for a moment as she drank the last of her coffee, this was a question that she had been wrestling with for days. "To tell you the truth I'm not really sure. My work was my world, finding Lazarski the driving force. I don't know how to do anything else"
Duncan reached across the table taking hold of Alex's hand "You can do anything you want to and I'll give you any help you need"
Alex smiled "A girl might think your trying to get rid of her"
Duncan shook his head "No I'm not. I've kinda got used to having you around. You can stay as long as you want but I don't want you to stay because you think you have to. I want you to stay because it is what you really want."
Alex squeezed Duncan's hand "Thanks, when I've decided you'll be the first to know". Alex had just finished speaking when Duncan suddenly got to his feet reaching for his sword that was leaning against the bookcase. "Duncan what is it?"
"Stay here" Duncan said as he made his way towards the door. Duncan had just reached the bottom of the steps when there was a knock at the door. "MacLeod are you there?"
"Fitzcairn?" Duncan said leaping up the steps opening the door. Fitz took a step backwards when he saw the sword in Duncan's hand "I guess I should've called"
Duncan looked down at his sword
"Oh sorry. What are you doing here? I thought you where living it up on that ranch of yours" Duncan said moving his sword out of the way to allow Fitz to enter the barge. Fitz couldn't help but see the look of relief on Alex's face as he came down the steps "I take it you were expecting trouble. Does it have a name?"
Duncan walked past placing his sword back against the bookcase.
"Not at the moment" Duncan said pouring Fitz a coffee "anyway what brings you back here?"
"Arr well that's quite a long story better left for another time I think" Fitz said sitting himself down at the table and picking up the last croissant.
"So Mac do you want some help with this?" Fitz said breaking off a piece of the croissant. Duncan thought for a few moments "Yeah there is something you can do, stay here with Alex I need to go out for a while." Duncan picked up his sword and walked towards where his coat was hanging "Surely Laddie it would be better if I came to watch your back".
Duncan turned to Fitz placing a hand on his shoulder "No, whoever is out there likes playing games and I don't want to worry about Alex's safety"
"You can count on me Mac" Fitz said patting Duncan on the arm.
"Duncan I don't need a baby sitter, I can take care of myself," Alex said as she walked over to them. Duncan looked up at the ceiling before going over to her. He took a deep breath before speaking "I need someone here that can sense if one of us is around. I know you can handle yourself but this will just give you an edge."
Alex looked over at Fitz then back to Duncan "Ok.Ok but you be careful out there"
"Always am" Duncan said as he leant forward kissing her lightly on the lips "I won't be long".
Fitz was dozing on the couch while Alex was reading when the telephone rang. Alex leaped up hoping she could answer it before it woke Fitz. "Hello"
"Alex is that you?"
The voice was unmistakeable to Alex it was her boss "Yes, Sir it's me. What can I do for you?"
"I think I've been very patient but I need you back here. We just got word that Rafi has managed to slip into the country and we both know if he is here the rest of the Kadar group won't be far behind."
Alex sighed she hadn't wanted to deal with this yet "Why do you need me Ray knows the Kadar group nearly as well."
"Alex the only reason we know Rafi is in the country is because he went to the apartment we used on the last operation. He's looking for you, which means it should be easy to get you in and we can find out quicker what the hell they're planning. Ray is already undercover but it will take him time to work his way in. Alex are you still there?"
Alex turned her back to Fitz as he sat up "I'm still here"
"Well when can I expect you?" Alex wiped her hand over her eyes she hadn't made her decision yet and this was forcing her hand "I need some more time Sir. I'm not ready. This is a big operation I don't think I can handle it right now"
"Alex this isn't the time for this. Your one of the best operatives I have and I need you here. I'll call you tomorrow morning and I expect to hear when you'll be arriving"
Before Alex could reply the phone line went dead.
"Is everything all right?" Fitz called from the couch. Slowly, Alex put the receiver down her hand resting on it for a few seconds before turning round. "Fine, just my boss wanting to know when I'm coming back".
Fitz got up "Fancy a coffee or something stronger?"
"Something stronger" Alex said as she walked back to the couch sitting down. "A very good choice if I say so myself".
Alex picked up one of the cushions and hugged it her mind racing over what she should do.