Chapter 61
Duncan was sat at the bar his head resting on his left hand as the other rolled his glass around, the last drops of whiskey rolling around inside. Joe glanced over he had seen that look before and knew something was troubling his friend. The bar was very busy tonight and Philippe was late so Joe was on his own, every time he tried to make his way over to talk to Duncan more people needed serving. Duncan sat alone nursing the last of the whiskey Joe had poured him nearly an hour ago. When he looked over to Joe he saw the look of relief on his friend's face and Duncan followed his gaze over to the door, Philippe had arrived.
Together it didn't take Joe and Philippe long to clear the customers waiting for drinks.
"I'm going to take a break," Joe said to Philippe as he took hold of a bottle of single malt and a glass before making his way towards Duncan. "Sorry about that Mac"
Duncan looked up and smiled "Not your fault Joe I could see you had your hands full".
Joe poured them both a whiskey, as he pushed the stopper into the bottle Joe looked around before leaning closer "So Mac what's seems to be the trouble?"
Duncan wiped his hand over his eyes pinching the bridge of his nose before taking a deep breath. "I hate doing this Joe but I need your help".
Joe drank the shot of whiskey "I'll do what I can Mac you know that".
Before he spoke Duncan glanced around to make sure they wouldn't be overheard "I've been sensing another Immortal they stay just in range but out of sight".
"Maybe it's just someone passing through," Joe said pouring himself another drink. Duncan drank his whiskey before holding out the empty glass for Joe to refill "I thought that too at first but this has been happening over the last couple of weeks and then last night"
"What happened last night?" Joe was now concerned.
"I sensed whoever it is early this morning at the barge but I couldn't get close enough to see and they weren't talking".
"Didn't you go after him?" Joe was surprised that Duncan hadn't given chase. "I started too but then I realised that would leave Alex alone on the barge and I wasn't going to fall for that one again".
"So what do you want from me?"
"Does the MO seem familiar to you? Do you know of any Immortals in the area that like playing games" Duncan could see from Joe's face that he wasn't comfortable with this. "Joe I wouldn't normally ask but Alex is still staying with me and I don't want them getting anywhere near her, she's been through enough."
Joe ran his hand over his hair as he thought what he should do, Duncan rarely asked for his help unless someone else was in danger. "Ok there are a couple of guys that like to play first but I haven't heard that any of them are in town. Look I'll make some calls and let you know".
Duncan slipped off the bar stool putting his coat over his arm, he then reached out his hand across the bar, as Joe took his hand Duncan said "Thanks Joe. You know I wouldn't ask if I didn't have to".
"I know Mac. You be careful now" Duncan smiled and nodded before making his way out of the bar.
Duncan didn't go straight back to the barge he took a walk through the streets hoping that the Immortal that was playing with him would show but alas nothing.
Duncan realised that he didn't feel Fitz's presences as he got out of the car and he swallowed hard and wondered what he would find once he got inside. As he walked up the gangplank he could smell the distinct aroma of burning. Duncan threw opened the door to the barge his eyes stinging as the fingers of smoke curled around him as they made their way up the steps. Leaving the door open Duncan made his way towards the kitchen were the smoke seemed to be coming from and there in the middle of the smoke was Alex.
"What's going on here?" Duncan exclaimed making Alex turn towards his voice. "Arr Duncan, well I thought it would nice if I made the dinner but I got it slightly wrong".
Duncan walked through the kitchen opening the portholes as he went "Where's Fitzcairn?"
Alex turned the stove off and waved a towel to help move the smoke out of the now open portholes. "He went to get some air freshers and something else to have for dinner. I'm really sorry Duncan I'll clear up I promise".
Duncan could see her eyes were streaming and her face was smoke stained with white lines down her cheeks were the tears had run. His initial anger now gave way to amusement and he started to laugh.
"It's not funny." Alex scolded but all it did was make Duncan laugh harder. In frustration Alex threw the towel down on the counter and marched through to the other room. Duncan followed managing to grab hold of Alex's arm pulling her into his embrace. "I thought you were dangerous enough with a gun but your lethal in the kitchen".
Alex playfully hit Duncan on the arm "I was trying to do something nice, to surprise you"
Duncan smiled down at her "Well you managed it I was definitely surprised. I can see now that culinary skills isn't one of your talents".
Alex couldn't help but smile back at Duncan and laugh "I do a mean chicken bing"
A confused look came over Duncan's face "Chicken bing?"
"Yeah you know" Alex mimed taking something out of a box, opening a door, setting a timer "then you wait for the bing and you have a perfect dish of Chicken bing".
Duncan walked away to open the other door shaking his head "What? I live alone and work 24/7. I don't have time to make anything else".
"Looking at the state of my kitchen I think it's a wise choice". Now there was a through draft it wasn't long before all the smoke was gone. As Duncan walked back towards the kitchen he felt the presences of another Immortal. Without thinking his sword was in his hand and he had positioned himself between Alex and the door he expected to see the other Immortal come through. A few moments later Fitz came in carrying two reasonably large brown paper bags.
"I hope that's not for me?" Fitz said peering around one of the bags "It could be have you seen the state of my kitchen?"
Alex took one of the bags from Fitz "It wasn't anything to do with me MacLeod the Lady said she didn't require any assistance."
Duncan waited until Alex had taken the bag into the kitchen before moving closer to Fitz "I thought I made it clear that she wasn't to be left alone".
Fitz sighed as he placed the bag he was still carrying on the table. "I know but she was in such a state MacLeod and I was only gone a short while. It's not like she can't handle herself".
Duncan lent in closer "Yes she can against other mortals but it's not a mortal that I'm worried about"
They both turned towards the kitchen when they heard sounds coming from it, they then looked back at each other.
"There aren't ingredients in the bag she took?" Duncan asked, Fitz looked into the bag on the table before turning back to Duncan and nodding.
Duncan rolled his eyes.
"Not again" he said as he quick walked into the kitchen but instead of finding Alex trying to cook she was busy trying to clear up the mess she had made. The look of relief on Duncan's face wasn't missed by her "You thought I was cooking again didn't you?"
Duncan smiled as he raised his eyebrows "The thought did cross my mind. Here let me give you a hand"
"No Duncan I made the mess I should be the one to clear it up".
Duncan crossed the room putting his arms around her "We'll do it together. Then I'll make us something to eat".
Duncan sorted through the pots on the stove; he gave some to Alex to wash up but one he stared into the bottom trying to work out what the contents was that seemed to have weld itself to the bottom, he then tossed into the trash.
"Why did you do that?" Alex asked as she looked over her shoulder at the sudden bang as the pot hit the bottom of the trashcan.
"I thought it was the kindest thing to do" Duncan said as he dipped a cloth into the hot water ringing out most of the water before taking it back to the stove to wipe the smoke stains from the tiles. It took them just over an hour to get the kitchen back to condition it had been before Alex had started cooking. Duncan had started to prepare the dinner when Alex picked up a pot and went to place the pasta into it. Duncan quickly moved across to her taking the pot from her hand "I think it would be safer if you left this to me"
Alex tried to hide the hurt in her eyes but Duncan saw it "Here, chop these for me".
Duncan handed Alex a pepper and a knife "I guess I'm safe with these".
A little while later the meal was ready and Alex helped Duncan carry it into the other room. As Duncan walked past the couch he kicked it to wake up Fitz who had fallen asleep "What the?"
"Thanks for your help Fitz" Duncan said as Fitz's eyes opened. "Sorry dear boy I seemed to nod of for a minute."
Fitz followed Duncan over to the table "I'm starving MacLeod and that smells so good". Duncan went back to the kitchen for the freshly cut bread while Alex and Fitz settled themselves at the table.
"You're be glad to hear Duncan made this"
"You helped" Duncan said as he placed the basket of bread on the table "Yeah right I chopped the vegetables".
"Without the vegetables my dear there would be no dish" Fitz said as he patted Alex's hand. Duncan poured them all a glass of wine "So Fitz you were going to explain why you're back in Paris so soon. I thought you would've had your hands full with that ranch of yours. Texas wasn't it"
"Arr.South of Red Rock" Fitz said raising his glass.
A confused look came over Duncan's face as he reached for a piece of bread "Red Rock? But that isn't in Texas".
Duncan broke off a piece of the bread popping it into his mouth; Fitz dropped his eyes towards the table. Duncan rolled his eyes "Red Rock Nevada?"
Fitz looked up at Duncan and nodded. Duncan started to laugh.
"Duncan what's so funny?" Alex asked as she looked between the two Immortals "Will one of you explain?"
Duncan took a sip of wine holding out his hand to allow Fitz to explain. Alex could see from Fitz's face that he was uncomfortable so she turned all her attention to Duncan "I think you should tell me"
Duncan couldn't keep the smile from his face "South of Red Rock Nevada is desert, well mainly not exactly ranching country."
Alex then turned to Fitz "Didn't you see the place before you bought it?"
Fitz rubbed his hand over his forehead "You saw the photo. How was I to know she was lying?"
"It just had to be a woman didn't it Fitz. How much did she take you for?" Duncan said as he poured them all some more wine. "A bit"
"Ok in Fitz talk that means she cleared him out. Your broke aren't you" Duncan said as he started to stake the plates. "I'm not broke.Just a little financially embarrassed. So I was wondering if you could lend me just a little".
"I should've known" Duncan said as he started to walk towards the kitchen. Alex was about to follow with the last of the dishes when she saw Duncan tense; she looked over at Fitz who had the same distant look in his eyes. The sound of dishes crashing to the ground made Alex spin round to Duncan but he was heading towards the door his sword in his hand. Duncan looked back as he got to the top of the step "No, Fitz stay here".
Duncan was sat at the bar his head resting on his left hand as the other rolled his glass around, the last drops of whiskey rolling around inside. Joe glanced over he had seen that look before and knew something was troubling his friend. The bar was very busy tonight and Philippe was late so Joe was on his own, every time he tried to make his way over to talk to Duncan more people needed serving. Duncan sat alone nursing the last of the whiskey Joe had poured him nearly an hour ago. When he looked over to Joe he saw the look of relief on his friend's face and Duncan followed his gaze over to the door, Philippe had arrived.
Together it didn't take Joe and Philippe long to clear the customers waiting for drinks.
"I'm going to take a break," Joe said to Philippe as he took hold of a bottle of single malt and a glass before making his way towards Duncan. "Sorry about that Mac"
Duncan looked up and smiled "Not your fault Joe I could see you had your hands full".
Joe poured them both a whiskey, as he pushed the stopper into the bottle Joe looked around before leaning closer "So Mac what's seems to be the trouble?"
Duncan wiped his hand over his eyes pinching the bridge of his nose before taking a deep breath. "I hate doing this Joe but I need your help".
Joe drank the shot of whiskey "I'll do what I can Mac you know that".
Before he spoke Duncan glanced around to make sure they wouldn't be overheard "I've been sensing another Immortal they stay just in range but out of sight".
"Maybe it's just someone passing through," Joe said pouring himself another drink. Duncan drank his whiskey before holding out the empty glass for Joe to refill "I thought that too at first but this has been happening over the last couple of weeks and then last night"
"What happened last night?" Joe was now concerned.
"I sensed whoever it is early this morning at the barge but I couldn't get close enough to see and they weren't talking".
"Didn't you go after him?" Joe was surprised that Duncan hadn't given chase. "I started too but then I realised that would leave Alex alone on the barge and I wasn't going to fall for that one again".
"So what do you want from me?"
"Does the MO seem familiar to you? Do you know of any Immortals in the area that like playing games" Duncan could see from Joe's face that he wasn't comfortable with this. "Joe I wouldn't normally ask but Alex is still staying with me and I don't want them getting anywhere near her, she's been through enough."
Joe ran his hand over his hair as he thought what he should do, Duncan rarely asked for his help unless someone else was in danger. "Ok there are a couple of guys that like to play first but I haven't heard that any of them are in town. Look I'll make some calls and let you know".
Duncan slipped off the bar stool putting his coat over his arm, he then reached out his hand across the bar, as Joe took his hand Duncan said "Thanks Joe. You know I wouldn't ask if I didn't have to".
"I know Mac. You be careful now" Duncan smiled and nodded before making his way out of the bar.
Duncan didn't go straight back to the barge he took a walk through the streets hoping that the Immortal that was playing with him would show but alas nothing.
Duncan realised that he didn't feel Fitz's presences as he got out of the car and he swallowed hard and wondered what he would find once he got inside. As he walked up the gangplank he could smell the distinct aroma of burning. Duncan threw opened the door to the barge his eyes stinging as the fingers of smoke curled around him as they made their way up the steps. Leaving the door open Duncan made his way towards the kitchen were the smoke seemed to be coming from and there in the middle of the smoke was Alex.
"What's going on here?" Duncan exclaimed making Alex turn towards his voice. "Arr Duncan, well I thought it would nice if I made the dinner but I got it slightly wrong".
Duncan walked through the kitchen opening the portholes as he went "Where's Fitzcairn?"
Alex turned the stove off and waved a towel to help move the smoke out of the now open portholes. "He went to get some air freshers and something else to have for dinner. I'm really sorry Duncan I'll clear up I promise".
Duncan could see her eyes were streaming and her face was smoke stained with white lines down her cheeks were the tears had run. His initial anger now gave way to amusement and he started to laugh.
"It's not funny." Alex scolded but all it did was make Duncan laugh harder. In frustration Alex threw the towel down on the counter and marched through to the other room. Duncan followed managing to grab hold of Alex's arm pulling her into his embrace. "I thought you were dangerous enough with a gun but your lethal in the kitchen".
Alex playfully hit Duncan on the arm "I was trying to do something nice, to surprise you"
Duncan smiled down at her "Well you managed it I was definitely surprised. I can see now that culinary skills isn't one of your talents".
Alex couldn't help but smile back at Duncan and laugh "I do a mean chicken bing"
A confused look came over Duncan's face "Chicken bing?"
"Yeah you know" Alex mimed taking something out of a box, opening a door, setting a timer "then you wait for the bing and you have a perfect dish of Chicken bing".
Duncan walked away to open the other door shaking his head "What? I live alone and work 24/7. I don't have time to make anything else".
"Looking at the state of my kitchen I think it's a wise choice". Now there was a through draft it wasn't long before all the smoke was gone. As Duncan walked back towards the kitchen he felt the presences of another Immortal. Without thinking his sword was in his hand and he had positioned himself between Alex and the door he expected to see the other Immortal come through. A few moments later Fitz came in carrying two reasonably large brown paper bags.
"I hope that's not for me?" Fitz said peering around one of the bags "It could be have you seen the state of my kitchen?"
Alex took one of the bags from Fitz "It wasn't anything to do with me MacLeod the Lady said she didn't require any assistance."
Duncan waited until Alex had taken the bag into the kitchen before moving closer to Fitz "I thought I made it clear that she wasn't to be left alone".
Fitz sighed as he placed the bag he was still carrying on the table. "I know but she was in such a state MacLeod and I was only gone a short while. It's not like she can't handle herself".
Duncan lent in closer "Yes she can against other mortals but it's not a mortal that I'm worried about"
They both turned towards the kitchen when they heard sounds coming from it, they then looked back at each other.
"There aren't ingredients in the bag she took?" Duncan asked, Fitz looked into the bag on the table before turning back to Duncan and nodding.
Duncan rolled his eyes.
"Not again" he said as he quick walked into the kitchen but instead of finding Alex trying to cook she was busy trying to clear up the mess she had made. The look of relief on Duncan's face wasn't missed by her "You thought I was cooking again didn't you?"
Duncan smiled as he raised his eyebrows "The thought did cross my mind. Here let me give you a hand"
"No Duncan I made the mess I should be the one to clear it up".
Duncan crossed the room putting his arms around her "We'll do it together. Then I'll make us something to eat".
Duncan sorted through the pots on the stove; he gave some to Alex to wash up but one he stared into the bottom trying to work out what the contents was that seemed to have weld itself to the bottom, he then tossed into the trash.
"Why did you do that?" Alex asked as she looked over her shoulder at the sudden bang as the pot hit the bottom of the trashcan.
"I thought it was the kindest thing to do" Duncan said as he dipped a cloth into the hot water ringing out most of the water before taking it back to the stove to wipe the smoke stains from the tiles. It took them just over an hour to get the kitchen back to condition it had been before Alex had started cooking. Duncan had started to prepare the dinner when Alex picked up a pot and went to place the pasta into it. Duncan quickly moved across to her taking the pot from her hand "I think it would be safer if you left this to me"
Alex tried to hide the hurt in her eyes but Duncan saw it "Here, chop these for me".
Duncan handed Alex a pepper and a knife "I guess I'm safe with these".
A little while later the meal was ready and Alex helped Duncan carry it into the other room. As Duncan walked past the couch he kicked it to wake up Fitz who had fallen asleep "What the?"
"Thanks for your help Fitz" Duncan said as Fitz's eyes opened. "Sorry dear boy I seemed to nod of for a minute."
Fitz followed Duncan over to the table "I'm starving MacLeod and that smells so good". Duncan went back to the kitchen for the freshly cut bread while Alex and Fitz settled themselves at the table.
"You're be glad to hear Duncan made this"
"You helped" Duncan said as he placed the basket of bread on the table "Yeah right I chopped the vegetables".
"Without the vegetables my dear there would be no dish" Fitz said as he patted Alex's hand. Duncan poured them all a glass of wine "So Fitz you were going to explain why you're back in Paris so soon. I thought you would've had your hands full with that ranch of yours. Texas wasn't it"
"Arr.South of Red Rock" Fitz said raising his glass.
A confused look came over Duncan's face as he reached for a piece of bread "Red Rock? But that isn't in Texas".
Duncan broke off a piece of the bread popping it into his mouth; Fitz dropped his eyes towards the table. Duncan rolled his eyes "Red Rock Nevada?"
Fitz looked up at Duncan and nodded. Duncan started to laugh.
"Duncan what's so funny?" Alex asked as she looked between the two Immortals "Will one of you explain?"
Duncan took a sip of wine holding out his hand to allow Fitz to explain. Alex could see from Fitz's face that he was uncomfortable so she turned all her attention to Duncan "I think you should tell me"
Duncan couldn't keep the smile from his face "South of Red Rock Nevada is desert, well mainly not exactly ranching country."
Alex then turned to Fitz "Didn't you see the place before you bought it?"
Fitz rubbed his hand over his forehead "You saw the photo. How was I to know she was lying?"
"It just had to be a woman didn't it Fitz. How much did she take you for?" Duncan said as he poured them all some more wine. "A bit"
"Ok in Fitz talk that means she cleared him out. Your broke aren't you" Duncan said as he started to stake the plates. "I'm not broke.Just a little financially embarrassed. So I was wondering if you could lend me just a little".
"I should've known" Duncan said as he started to walk towards the kitchen. Alex was about to follow with the last of the dishes when she saw Duncan tense; she looked over at Fitz who had the same distant look in his eyes. The sound of dishes crashing to the ground made Alex spin round to Duncan but he was heading towards the door his sword in his hand. Duncan looked back as he got to the top of the step "No, Fitz stay here".