This was first archive on fanfiction.net way back in 2002. I found this story while cleaning out some old flopppies and discovered I never got around to posting the completed version on line, sorry!
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Okay, I'm sorry. I already have an ending in mind for this story but my
hands are soooo tired ;p, and its late at night, and my back hurts from
sitting upright so long in front of the computer.. and...and .... okay,
enough of the whining. If anyone has any adjustment or tips on how to make
this a better story, please email. (Also if you kind of like it, there's
this great thing called email.... okay no more whining.
V part five
"Excuse me," a fairly tall dark haired fortieths looking man choose that
moment to enter the interrogation room. "I'm looking for a.. Captain
Banks?"
"Yes, that's me. And just who are you?"
"Oh, my apologies, " he said as he held out his right hand to Captain
Banks. "I'm Jared, Jared Prince, with the NSA. I'm here to prevent the
possible abduction of an English national." Then Jared looked directly at
Methos. "A Mister David Murphy, I presume?"
Mulder studied the new arrival carefully. He tried to surmise from his
demeanor and appearance what role he would play in this matter. But
unfortunately, he couldn't seem to get past the man's mysterious aire.
Okay, now my day has gone from devastating to cataclysmic though Methos
who had retried as far into the wall as possible.
Mulder addressed the new agent first. "What does the NSA want with Mr.
Murphy, might I ask, and why weren't we informed of your arrival?" He was
livid. This was just like the government, keeping secrets from its own
people and tharwding the revelation of the truth.
"Uhm, may I see some id, please" Scully, the only clear-headed officer in
the room inquired.
"Oh, sure. Sorry. Uhm, anyway, Our sources..."
"Sources?"
"Uh, our intelligence identified present Centre activity in this area and
also that Mr. Murphy was the target. I've been sent here to investigate
those claims and prevent Mr. Murphy's detention by that group."
" The Centre, of course. I should have know by the snatch and grab tactics
in the park. I never expected to have to go head to toe with those
malcontents. So what do they want with you Murphy?" Mulder's eyes turned
towards Murphy.
Methos felt like he was on center stage and the spotlight was stuck shining
singularly on his position.
"Wait one minute. Hold it, I want to know exactly who this Centre is and
why they took my partner!" Jim's voice was gravely and strained. He had
been quietly clenching his teeth while the new fed made his 'proper'
introductions, but now he wanted some answers. "Tell me Murphy, want do you
have that got some organization out there trying to take you by any means
necessary. You've jeopardized my partner and I could care less if you own
the hope diamond." Jim stalked over to were Murphy was trying to hide.
"YOU... had better tell us what this 'Centre' wants and how I can get Blair
back."
Methos held out his hands in the classic 'I surrender' position. Scully
also came to his aide by moving to intercept Ellison.
"Please," Methos pleaded, looking directly into Jim's eyes, "I honestly
don't know who this 'Centre' is and I had no idea that any one knew I was
here in Cascade. I'm just as concerned about Blair's safety as you are."
"I doubt that," Ellison retorted derisively. He had scanned Murphy's vitals
and determined that in this instance the man wasn't overtly lying. "You
didn't answer my question Murphy. Why is this organization after you?"
Methos swallowed slowly.
"I maybe of some assistance with that question, detective" Jared stepped
into the inquisition. He didn't know exactly what the Centre's purpose for
taking Murphy was, but he was sure of both their agenda and their interest
in Blair Sandburg. "The Centre is on the surface an international health
relief organization protected by multiple countries, including our own.
However, underneath they're no different than the Nazis war scientists
under Hitler's regime. They specialize in human genetic modification. They
are constantly looking for persons with unique physical and intellectual
abilities that they can exploit. I'm not sure what about Murphy caught
their eye, but I think we all know why they would be interest in Mr.
Sandburg. Isn't that right detective?"
Simon jumped into the conversation to try to pull attention away from the
sentinel issue. "He's right Jim. Even though Blair publicly announced that
the novel he wrote about you was just a piece of fiction, there are still a
number of people out there who believe it was true." Banks attempted a
short laugh to emphasis his point. "Some people just want to believe in the
unfathomable and unprovable. Kind of like those UFO watchers, you know. Tsk
Tsk. Well, we need to start working on a game plan if we're going to pull
Sandburg out of this."
Scully looked over at Mulder while Banks was talking. Finally, a sensible
man. Maybe I should try regular police work for a while. At least I
wouldn't encounter so many wacky cases.
Mulder only smiled inwardly. He's really trying to downplay the sentinel
thing. Yep, I was right all along. Now how can we keep the Centre from
getting their hands on these two?
"How can we keep the Centre from succeeding?" Mulder asked out loud.
"I'm not sure. We must take their threat seriously. If Detective Ellison
shows up with the most minimum amount of backup, they won't hesitate to
take it out on Blair."
Jim sat down at the conference table and put his head in his hands. "We
can't let anything happen to Blair, Simon. I can't go in without...."
"Don't be foolish detective. You don't know these people. I do. If they
think they can get what they want from taking just a blood sample from you
they won't hesitate to shoot you down cold and sponge the sample from the
ground. Now I do have an idea on how to send you guys in without them
discovering your backup. Captain Banks, I'll need access to some very
expensive surveillance equipment. Do you think you can make the
arrangements?"
"Sure.... hum... just give me your list and I'll make the necessary calls."
Now that's weird thought Mulder Why would an NSA agent need the local
police to commandeer his equipment for him?
He kept his mouth shut about the anomaly, planning to discuss it with
Scully later on.
Methos began to breathe a little easier. This new agent had managed to draw
attention away from him for a while. Hopefully it would stay that way.
**********************************************
Three hours later, when it was nearly half past seven Jared announced that
he was done making the surveillance bugs. When he explained his plan to
Banks back in his office, everyone except Mulder was shocked and impressed
by his ingenuity. Mulder simply mused quietly about the situation. Now I
KNOW they didn't teach him that during training. This Jared Price guy acts
more like a magician than a g-man. And what's with his name? Prince? As in
the knight in shinning armor variety? Something's not adding up. They all
had remained pretty much sequestered in Banks' office while Jared worked on
his contraption. Agent Prince stated that the Centre's usually M.O. was to
infiltrate a target area with plants and bribes. he suggested that they not
reveal any of his plan to the regular work force, but only to the most
trusted officers. While waiting for Jared to finish, Scully decided to go
and check on Murphy who spent the time in a holding cell.
"Agent Scully, what a pleasant surprise. I'm glad I shall have the
opportunity to thank you personally for your intervention earlier. I was
frighten for my life!"
"No problem Mr. Murphy. That's our job. Detective Ellison was completely
inappropriate and out of line. His captain should consider reassigning
partnerships if Ellison is that attached to Detective Sandburg. Such blind
passion for one's partner can lead to mistakes in how cases are
investigated, not to mention the severe strain it puts on sensitive cases
like this one."
"Perhaps, but Blair told me that Jim's case resolution rate tripled since
they started working together. They make a great team."
"Believe me, the best partnerships need to be shaken up a bit from time to
time. It prevents coworkers from getting too personally attached; loss of
objectivity will wreck even the most honed team. It makes them too
dependent on each other to be effective, and thereby decreasing both
members abilities."
"Well, I don't know about that agent. But from what I've observed...."
"Mr. Murphy, this isn't exactly a social call. I'm here to take your
statement about the Seavcouer murder. Please tell exact what was your
relationship with the deceased and why did you try to evade us in the
first place."
"My, my agent Scully. You are a persistent one. I've got nothing sinister
to hide. How shall I start...humm.. well... Bob, he was an old acquaintance
of mine. In fact, I hadn't heard from him in years until the night before
his death. He...uhm... he told me he had gotten into trouble with some very
dangerous people and needed a loan quickly. he was hiding from them, which
is why I went to meet him at night at the park..."
"Uh hun. And just why did he think he could just pop up out of no where and
'borrow' money from you? Would you care to explain that Sir?"
Uh oh. think fast old man. Let's try throwing her off track "Well, uhm...
you see... and please don't share any of this with Detective Ellison. He
distrusts me enough already. I meet.. Bob... back when I was studying at
Cambridge. I..uhm.. got into a little spat of trouble and Bob pulled me out
of it. If my parents had found out, needless to say I would've spent my
summer at our villa in Ghana. Dreadful place, you see. Any ways, I promised
Bob that anytime he want me to return the favor all the had to do was ask.
That evening, unfortunately, was the first time he asked."
"Uh hun. You do realize that this little 'story' of you gives you a
plausible motive for murder?"
"What! Oh no, you got it all wrong agent. Bob was my friend. When I was
younger, we were almost inseparable..." Oops
"Really? I examine the deceased and he appeared to be at least ten to
fifteen years your senior. How was it that you two were 'inseparable'
during your university years, yet you hadn't kept in touch with him in
about, what, four/five years?"
"Uhhhh... you know how it is agent. You make best friends, you grow up,
move on, that kind of thing."
"Uh hun... You didn't explain the age difference."
"O...see ...Bob, he was kind of a teaching fellow in the English
department...."
"Kind of?"
"Well yes. He offered afternoon tutoring sessions but he wasn't an official
instructor..."
"Go on"
"Well, I need a little help with my studies in Chauer, such a dry old chap
was he. Bob was great about helping me to understand the little twit.
Anyway, that was the start of the most unlikely friendship. Kind of like
Jim and Blair's, you know?"
"Uh hun... go on"
"Hummm, So I meet him a the park, as requested. He was foggily, nervous and
upset. So much so that I also became nervous. I told him I could have the
money for him in about a week. I didn't have access to that much on a quick
access bases and would have to wire my father's trust account in
London...."
"Uh hun.. and just how much was he asking for?"
"About twenty-five hundred pounds."
"Oh really? And you were willing to hand over that much money, without any
strings?"
"Well, sure. Bob had been a great friend, and it's just money..."
"Uh hun... so he didn't have any confidential information about you by
chance..."
"Oh NO agent Scully! You have to understand. Bob and I had been.... okay
old man, you're losing her here. Make this one believable. really close.
There wasn't anything we didn't share back then..cough (Methos cleared his
throat). There was no way I could possibly turn him down, not with our
history."
"Uh hun.... tell me Mr. Murphy, was this the first time 'Bob' had requested
money?"
Great old man. Not only have you lost your tough, but now you've
solidified a motive for murder. Think man!
Methos frowned and looked straight into Scully's eyes. "I see what you're
implying agent, but you are completely way off base. Bob had NEVER asked me
for money. Not during our entire friendship. In fact, I've had to borrow a
few quin from him a time or two when I've been strapped. Bob was an honest
man and I would have never harmed him"
Methos used his most sincere 'trust me, I just save a puppy from drowning
in a lake' look. He knew he could make himself look like a naive, innocent
grad student when he wanted to.
"Hmmm, okay. I apologize of any unkind suppositions. It's just that...."
"I know agent" Methos said while shaking his head sadly. "I'm the only lead
to his death."
Scully was suddenly struck by a realization. "Mr. Murphy, as plausible as
your 'story' may seem; it doesn't explain why you ran from Cascade and
tried to conceal your escape route."
Uh oh, swift one isn't she, "Well the next afternoon... when I came home
from visiting a friend.... I found my apartment door open. I knew Bob had
been brutally murdered but I had know idea who it was that assaulted him. I
was scared, frankly." Methos then put on his despair & fear face. "I didn't
know where to go and who was safe. So I did what I thought was the smartest
thing; I ran."
"Uh hun,... and why did you run to Cascade?"
"uhmm... because... cause I have a few friends in the graduate programs
here, so I figured that I could visit with them until the murderers could
be found."
"Uh hun,... by the way Mr. Murphy you haven't told us what 'Bob's' last
name was?)
This better be a good one "Oh, oops, sorry. Markus, Bob Markus."
"Uh hun,... hmmm." Scully rose up from her seat. "Thank you for the
deposition. You may still be questioned, of course, regarding Mr. Markus's
death, but I will record your denial of any involvement with his demise,
okay?"
"Sure, I understand,... and thank you agent Scully for your sensitivity in
this issue. " Methos took Scully's right hand into her and looked deeply
into her eyes. She Blushed. Methos thought within himself. Don't get
cocky, old man, But I think you've still got it, as he congratulated
himself on his performance. As Scully stood up to leave his cell, agent
Mulder popped his head through the doorway.
"Agent Price has finished with the tracking devices and now we've got only
an hour and a half to get everyone in place before the meet. Murphy. your
presence, of course, is required."
*************************************
Jared tried to convince Captain Banks and the others that they would
necessarily fail on this first attempt to recover Sandburg. Both the two
FBI agents and the major crimes unit scoffed at his seemingly overly
pessimistic out look.
"Look, I not doubting anybody's ability here. I'm just stating facts. I've
dealt with these people on a number of occasions and the current leader's
quite crafty. Our only sure chance of success is to ensue that plan B is
effectively carried out."
Ellison glared at agent Price. Who does this guy think he is telling us
that we can't do our job right. And his heart beat, there's something not
quite together with this guy. "So what do you want me to do? Just hand
myself over?"
"Oh no, they'd surely know our plans if you do that. No. Everyone must go
into this operation at top performance, giving everything you got to secure
Sandburg on the first try."
"What a minute," Mulder fumed, "If that's what you want, what was the point
of your big - the mission will fail- speech? First you tell us it won't
work, now you say give all effort to see that it does?"
"There's no confusion, Agent Mulder. When plan A fails, we must be ready to
immediately switch to plan B. Our window of opportunity will be pretty
small afterwards. But the success of plan B absolutely depends on
convincing the Centre that there IS NO plan B. If they suspect that we've
got a backup , then they're actions will be less predictable. Got it? Okay,
Detective Ellison, is the tracking devise too much of an irritant?"
Jim looked at Price with both appreciation for his concern and annoyance
for his coddling. The small transmitter tapped between his toes bothered
him worse than a half torn hang nail and he was almost desperate to find a
way to shield his senses from feeling it. "I'm fine, agent. now can we get
on with this. There's no telling what they've done to Blair by now."
************************************
Lyle ran his index finger down the right side jaw of an unconcoius Blair.
What is it about you, pip squeak? How do you manage to worm your way into
so many people's lives? "Hmmm, Dr. Kim, have you begun to analyses any of
the samples you've collected from this subject yet?"
"Uh, no sir. I've been busy setting up the quick extraction procedure you
requested for subject C and ...."
"Fine," Lyle waved his hand in a dismissive manner, "We'll have plenty of
time to analyze the samples once we're back at the Centre. Just make sure
your through with all three subjects doctor. If there's something there, I
want the ability to duplicate it without any variations. Understood?"
"Yes Sir!"
It was time for the pick up. Lyle rode with the attack helicopter to the
meeting site. He radioed to his operatives on the ground. "Willie, are the
lights in place?"
"Yes sir!"
"I want you personally to perform a perimeter check. ETA on targets is
twenty minutes and I assure you, if this little seizure fails, you won't be
returning to Blue Cove on a commercial flight. Do I make myself clear?"
Lyle smiled to himself as he heard the sweeper's sharp intact of breathe in
response to his treat. Lyle loved having the power to make people squirm.
After this mission, no one will doubt my accomplishments again.
*************************************
Jim and Methos pulled into the secluded parking lot at fifteen minutes to
eight as instructed. The sun had just finished setting and Jim's eyes were
still adjusting to the change in light. Jim turned towards Murphy and gave
him his coldest stare, "If you, in any way hinder this mission or if I find
out you were involved in this I promise I will disembowel you in less that
five minutes. Do I make myself clear, Murphy?"
Methos swallowed. Okay, so he's a little uptight. "Ji..Dectective
Ellison, Blair means more to me than you know. I would never let anything
happen to him."
Jim only looked a Murphy with more contempt, " But you already have, no
haven't you? Get out the car Murphy, its time to go."
Methos opted not to challenge Jim's assessment of him. His statement hurt,
but Methos knew arguing about it would only divide his attention. He
prepared himself to feel the tale tell signal of another immortal
approaching. He was more than nervous as the second car pulled up and there
wasn't any indication that there were immortal's in the cab.
At eight o'clock a dark colored sedan pulled into the meeting place. Jim
immediately focused his senses on detecting Blair's presence in the car.
Somehow Blair's heart beat and his unique smell were being muted. Jim
increased the dials of his senses to maximum wanting to find out his
friend's exact health condition. Two men in black suits exited the dark
sedan in front of Ellison and Methos. The first one yelled, "alright, exit
the car slowly with you hands up so I can see them."
Jim barely heard the man speaking because he had just zeroed in on Blair.
He could tell that Sandburg had been recently drugged because his vital
signs were registering in a faint, dulled stated. Methos tapped Jim on the
shoulder when he realized that other's commands hadn't registered to the
sentinel. "Ellison, Ellison! It's time to signal the team man. Wake up!"
Jim shook his head trying to clear away the partial zone out. He radioed
the backup team parked a 15 meters away behind a hill. "Captain, it's a go.
Send in the patrol chopper asap." Ellison and Methos opened their car doors
and very slowly began to empty the car. Jim again opened his senses wide to
listen for their approaching backup. As soon as he heard the helicopter
nearing about 4 meters he yelled, "We're moving no farther. Show us
Detective Sandburg NOW!"
"Of course Ellison," relied the faceless man. Jim threw open his senses as
soon as the second man opened up the sedan back seat to pull out Blair.
Suddenly tens of stadium floodlights popped on over head. Methos closed his
eyes and muttered "Oh limme!" Additionally, the thunder of what sounded
like an amplified recording of the Queen's symphony resounded in the park.
Jim crashed to his knees from the pain of the intense sensory attack. He
was so mollified that he was unable to hear to sound of every tire in the
back up teams cars blowing out after driving over concealed metal spikes 7
meters from the meeting site. The police copter was likewise neutralized
when another helicopter flew directly into their flight path and blinded
the pilots with search lights.
Methos immediately took on an attack stance and was able to knock down the
first approaching assailant. Three more jumped him from behind and one
stuck a needle into his neck. The ROG though to himself, awe man, after
all these years to be taken down like this? I must really be.... He didn't
have time to finish his thought before the drugs rushed through his system.
***********************************************
"YES! YES!" Lyle danced around his makeshift office in the warehouse after
ensuring the prisoners had been secured. There wasn't anyone else in the
room with him but still vocally expressed his euphoria. "I can't believe
this one worked. Alright! Call me a mistake, did they? Say I was unstable?
HA! I showed them. Not only have I gained the favor of the man in black,
but I've got fresh new DNA for a new pretender project. YES!"
Lyle grabbed his cell phone after the first ring. "WHAT!?"
"Uh,.. I apologize for disturbing you sir. I just wanted to report that
I've completed the sample extraction form subject B and am being the one on
subject C."
"Good doctor. I've already contacted our client. He should be here in the
next hour to retrieve his order. We haven't much time. He wants the entire
facility vacated upon his arrival."
"Understood, sir"
Now it's time to probe this Mr. Murphy for information. What could be so
important about him to draw the personal attention of the man in black?
***************************************************
Simon was the first one to jump out of the detained cars. Jared and the
rest of the team followed him. "@#%&." Banks swore. "Price, you knew they
would pull a stunt like that. Why didn't you warn us? And Jim, if he's
traumatized in any way because of your failure to disclose..."
"Pardon me sir, but we haven't got time for this. W must implement plan B
now. I suspect Murphy's buyer is headed for the storage site right now."
"And just how will we get there first?" Mulder asked with a frown. He
didn't like the way this Price guy worked. He was soloing too much and
Mulder never cared to be left in the dark.
"I have already triangulated their location from data received form the
tracking device I attached to both Jim and Murphy. There is an abandon
warehouse two kilometers from the meeting site. It's unregistered which is
why we didn't find it earlier on the area map. I suggest we reassemble the
team and head there now. I've already made maps of the area highlighting
the most obscure approaches."
"Well thank you very much for taking over the operation and assigning roles
with out even a hint of consultation with the locals!" Banks was fuming.
"Look captain, I understand your anger. But as I said, I Know these people.
To have informed you of my plan in advanced would have jeopardized it. If
you could retain your irritation momentarily. As I stated earlier, our
window is very small. I would be surprised if Murphy's buyer was already
there now. We need to stop talking and go NOW! There is an addition set of
cars stationed 11 meters away outside the meeting area perimeter waiting
for us. I made arrangements for them earlier. I suggest we start running."
Simon was livid, but he couldn't argue with Jared's assessment. He
immediately turned to his men and order them to race towards the awaiting
cars. Mulder was equally frustrated and bemused by Price. Before he began
to run he glanced over to Scully. She simply raised her shoulders and
signaled 'beats me' with her eyes. Mulder decided to stick closer to agent
Price.
**********************************************
Methos woke up in a cold, brightly lit room. He was strapped to a metal
chair with leather cords and was totally bereft of clothes. "Tsk, I hate
drugs." He spoke out loud to no one in particular.
"And why is that?" Lyle asked as he approached from behind.
Methos jumped slightly at the voice. He had expected to wake up to the
telltale feel of an immortal's presence if he were t wake up at all. The
mortal startled him.
"Who are you and just what do you want?" The ROG asked.
"Now, that's exactly what I would like to know from you Mr. Murphy." Lyle
pulled another chair and sat down in front of Methos. "I would like to know
what makes you so special that my client wants a private meeting with
you,..( he looked up and down Methos' naked form)..ahem... unarmed"
Methos smirked at the ignorant mortal, ah ha, I've got a bit of time
still "Just what are you asking, or should I say propositioning"
"Lyle stood up with a look of disgust. "I am the one holding all the cars
here, fella. I suggest you answer my inquiries," he said sternly.
"Oh, really?" Methos was laying on the pomp and sarcasm thick. I've got to
get rid of this twerp quick "I think... that Your Client... didn't feel
that you were important enough, no.... secure enough to be let in on our
little business. And now (Methos then looked Lyle up and down in a similar
fashion) that I see his courier for myself, I agree wit his assessment.
"I...I..." Lyle grabbed Methos by the neck, "you better tell me everything
n...."
"No, YOU better remove your fifthly paws off of me now. You well know if so
much as a hair leaves my body or a fingernail is chipped, your client will
have your butt in a meat grinder." Lyle reluctantly released Methos' neck.
"Now I suggest that you and your little troop of merrymen go run along home
before your client gets here. It could get real ugly if you don't" Methos
then gave Lyle a toned down version of his Death on a horseback glare.
"And, I strongly suggest that you immediately release detectives Ellison
and Sandburg."
Now Lyle puffed his chest back up, he's helpless and he knows it, he
though. "And just WHY is that?"
"Because when your client finds out that you jeopardized this meeting in
order to go after them; and trust me he will find out; you're going to wish
that your butt was all he wanted cut off." Methos looked straight into
Lyle's eyes with one of his most hateful and 'I mean business' stares. Lyle
swallowed hard.
"en...Enjoy your meeting," Lyle said with a biteless sneer as he made a
quick exit from the detention room. That man gives me the creeps He
immediately got on the telle, "doctor, what's the status on subject C's
samples?"
"Almost done sir. It's been a little hard completing the collection while
keeping him under. This man revives quicker than any one I've ever seen to
the ...."
"Tell me the details later" Lyle barked. "We have got to get both to those
subjects up and out of here in twenty minutes!"
After Lyle casually fled from the room, Methos shook he head with a
sardonic laugh. Good to see you still have it, old man. I was beginning to
wonder Next, Plan to get down to business, Methos began to work out of the
cords binding him. His hopes of a quick houdini escape were dashed as he
felt the metal link cord that ran on the upper side of his bounds.
"Crap" he muttered. His assailants used leather restraints to prevent and
type of bruising or tearing but their cords were fortified with metal for
security.
Now how I'm I going to get out of this? Think old guy, or you soon won't
be able to again
********************************************************
Whew! Time for a little break; stretch your neck, grab a pop... whatever. I
would like to stop now, but since this story has been incomplete for OVER
ONE FULL YEAR, I shan't. Pity. ;-]
Jared, Mulder, and five other Cascade PD officers flew over in advance to
the warehouse. Mulder kept one eye on the flight and the other on Price. He
noticed that Price brought along a long duffle bag that he insisted on
holding during the entire trip.
He is not getting off this plane without my inspection of that bag. It
hadn't escaped Mulder's awareness that be bag's shape conformed perfectly
to either a large semi automatic weapon, or.. a sword. price had refused on
several occasions to identify the item stored inside. He would mysteriously
claim "NSA business, agent Mulder. You know how that is." Mulder's eyes
narrowed. Humf... so smug and pretentious that one. Who's to say he's not
really in on this thing with Murphy? Humf.. NSA my @#$&. This smells like
another cover up ot me.
Fortunately, for Methos, the Cascade team's copter made it to the warehouse
before the man in black. As the team began disembarking from the copter
Mulder made a wild grab for Price's bag. Jared yanked it out of his reach
just before he was able to touch the outer shell. "Agent! I could have your
shield for that! What about NSA business did you not understand."
Jared and Mulder faced each other outside the emptied craft. The rest of
the crew had already left to set up position for the ground team.
"I have some serious questions about your role here Price" Mulder
confronted Jared. "You have been displaying some very questionable actions.
I don't even think you're following NSA protocols. I want some answers now
Price before this goes any further. And don't give me any half answers, no
one is outside scrutiny."
Jared closed his eyes and took a deep breathe. before answering. "I' sorry
that you feel this way agent. I had hope that this would work out smoothly.
I hadn't factored in encountering and overly inquisitive federal agent."
"Well to bad your not going to get your way here Price. Now about my
answers."
"Yes, there's just one way to answer this scenario..." Jared looked Mulder
straight into his eyes before he set down the bag. Mulder's head dropped to
follow his motion. Jared's right fist quickly bent into a fist and he
plastered Mulder near his left temple. the agent fell to the ground like a
dead tree limb. "My apologizes"
Jared picked up the bag and ran towards the back of the building.
***************************************************
Simultaneously, Lyle had just confirmed that Ellison and Sandburg were
secured in one of the exiting Centre vehicles as the man in black's copter
landed. He gave orders for the vans to move out. Their trajectory was going
to place them right inside the blockage Banks had set up outside the
warehouse's camp. Lyle radioed Willie on the separate helicopter waiting
for him to board. "Be ready to sprint out of here as soon as I board!"
"Understood, sir"
The man in black stepped out of the aircraft. He was carrying a long black
case and had a dark hood draped over his head. Lyle extended his hand in
greeting but the man ignored it.
"He's inside." the man confirmed rhetorically.
"Sir, it has been a pleasure...."
"Get out of here now Mr. Lyle. I have already transmitted payment to both
the Centre's and your personal bank accounts. I want you and all of your
men out of here NOW. Do you understand me?"
Lyle nodded his head in wonderment. He was unable to see the man's face but
was certain that the voice uttering from under the cape was not that of an
old man but someone younger, maybe even younger than himself.
Without another moments hesitation Lyle ran and up into the helicopter and
order the pilot to go.
***************************************************
@#$% Methos swore to himself. he felt the other immortal's presence even
before he heard the craft's blades cutting the air. It's an old one. An
old one who's breaking the rules. The ROG shook his head again. His wrists
had already healed from the numerous cuts he had received while trying to
slide thorough the bands. May my wretched soul rest in piece he thought.
However, as if he was watching the dawning of the first day of his
existence, Methos stared open mouthed at the side window as it was forcibly
lifted up from the outside. Methos let out a huge sigh of relief.
Agent Price, what are you...no I don't care.... I am glad to see you. Get
me ot of this quickly, please!" Jared immediately ran across the room and
examined the tethers holding Methos. He easily discovered its weakness and
freed Methos. Mr. Murphy, a police team is positioned just beyond those
trees. I suggest you head off in the other direction."
"Wait, " Methos grabbed Jared's hand holding the duffle bag. "What's that?"
Jared frowned. "A friend of my recommended that I bring this 'just in
case'. he didn't explain it any more but I've learned to comply with
whatever he says.
Methos thought about the immortal approaching him. I could just leave,
scott free. But then that immortal would still be out there, on the loose.
Umf, I've been hanging around the boyscout way to long. "Listen, Jared, if
that's what I think it is, leave it. My business isn't done here. but I
suggest you better take off now. Whatever the outcome, this place is going
to be flattened like Nagasaki within the hour."
Jared nodded and headed back towards the window. "Hey, Jared... whoever you
are, thanks."
***************************************************
Next follows a really cool fight scene between Methos and the man in black.
I love well written fight scenes.. they're heart palpitating, eye straining
causing, on the edge of your seat sitting...etc. Unfortunately I can not
write a good fight scene. ^ ^
So here's where your- the reader if there are any- imagine shall join in
the story. I would welcome any story inserts of well written fight scenes
and even give the authoer (gasp) EQUAL billing on this magnificent work
(snicker,snicker) Any who, scene starts with bad guy opening door,
surprised that Methos' loose, includes some snide comment about Methos
gallantly protecting immortal society from rule breakers, and of course
finished with Methos blowing up half the town after decapitating bad guy.
Excessive amounts of blood spilt, but since blood stains lets keep it down
to a minimum, okay?
***************************************************
Mulder awoke just as the quickening's rumble began. He was less than 10
meters from the warehouse but, once realizing that the energy wave was
emitting from the warehouse he wisely decided to run in the opposite
direction. The first blow from the storm sent out a pulse that added 3
meters to Mulder's retreat.
THE NEXT DAY
Banks, Mulder, and Scully sat around the captain's desk that morning trying
to piece together the missing clues in resolving the case. Lyle's
helicopter had gotten away and the lower ranking sweepers caught by the
police were in unison refusing to provide the police with any information.
The Centre made sure it had control of all of its operatives via familial
threats or the such like in order to ensure absolute animosity in case
failure occurred. Mulder's contacts, i.e. the lone gunmen, confirmed that
Jared was not an NSA officer and all three of the law enforcement officers
were surprised by the reports of Jared's previous heroic deeds provided by
the gunmen.
"What I don't understand" said Scully, "is why someone with a M.O. like
Jared's would risk himself to help a cold blooded murder like Murphy."
"That is if he kills in cold blood." Mulder countered.
"Mulder, you saw the dead body found in the warehouse reckage. That kid
looked no more than twenty-five years old. How can you suggest it wasn't
cold blooded?"
"Pardon me, Agent Scully but your statement assumes two things- one that
Murphy really wasn't kidnapped but that this meeting was all a set up. In
which case, it definitely wouldn't make scenes that this Jared person would
help him. Second- that Murphy is the one who beheaded this man. For all we
know the story he gave you was right and the Centre was just trying to tie
up loose ends. Either way," and Banks threw his hands up in the air, "I
really have no idea about what happened here."
"your right, sir. I can't just make conclusions about Murphy's guilt. For
all we know, Jared was trying to protect and innocent from one of the
Centre's plots. What's also weird, and please don't share your explanation
Mulder, is how there was an explosion of that magnitude without any
residual plastics or radiation."
"Scully, my explanation is the only one that makes sense give the evidence
surrounding us."
"So, agent Mulder, you would have us believe that both Murphy and the
beheaded guy are part of some alien infiltration group that never ages but
would self- explode it ever beheaded?" Banks asked the fed incredulously.
"Doubt me all you want, but I tell you, its the only answer that makes
sense."
Scully shook her head sadly.
"But you know what?" Mulder said as soon as the realization struck,
"speaking of loose ends, Murphy seemed to be unusally interested in
Dectective Sandburg. After all, the Centre successfully used him as bait to
capture Murphy. Do either of you have any idea on that issue?"
"Actually agent," replied Banks, "I've wondered about that myself. How did
they know that Sandburg was connected to him in the first place?"
"Ahem, are you two forgetting that the kidnappers used Sandburg's
relationship with Ellison as the lure to get to Murphy. But I'm pretty sure
that they knew taking him would make Murphy all the more compliant."
"@#$&%, they must have plants all through the station!" Banks swore. "I'm
going to have to do a background check on every officer who would have had
contact with this case. Great. And just when two of my best officers are
out of commision..."
"Wait a minute!" Mulder stood up aburptly, "Why didn't I think about this
earlier. The Centre must have people working as office clerks throughout
police departments. That's how they intercepted our faxes on Murphy in the
first palce. You guys usually don't do background checks on clerks, you
even order them up on a temporary basis."
"That's right. All we need to do is track the source of our most recent
clerk temps that that shall lead us to the moles."
"Great," Mulder sighed as he sat back down, "at least one mystery was
solved. Scully, I still think we should pursue ..."
"Mulder! Don't even suggest we should follow up on that drunkerd's
testimony of seeing a blue halo surronding the explosion site. The man was
so inebriated he could barely hold his head up through our interview. Face
it, this one x-file is going to have to be shelved in the incomplete
folder."
Mulder shook his head at Scully. He knew there was more to the witness'
testimony, if only he had more concrete information. The truth is still
out there he thought to himself.
********************************************************
Jim had just left Blair's side five minutes ago to await Naomi's arrival in
the hospital lobby. After receiving Blair's earlier call, Naomi made
arrangements to return to Cascade to visit her son. She was panic-stricken
to learn of his attack and Jim was not looking forward to the scathing
greeting he expected to receive from her. Methos, disguised as an intern
had been watching Blair's door from across the hall. When he heard Jim ask
the nurse to keep an eye out while he went to receive Naomi he was
overjoyed by the opportunity. He knew he should have immediately left
Cascade after the near miss, but he couldn't go. He couldn't give up on the
opportunity to explain t his son, to see him and make amends one last time.
The sweepers had really beaten down Blair during his captivity. The bruises
and beatings he had received left him partially unconscious. That's why
when he first awoke, he though he was still dreaming....
# It was that wonderful dream he use to have as a child. Oh, Blair thought
to himself, it had been so long since he fantasized about that voice that
he believed he had completely forgotten it. It was the voice of his father,
or the one he hoped was his father. He was flying through the air; up and
down, up and down. he was laughing; his voice sounded light and merry.
Suddenly the motion stopped and he found himself completely wrapped in a
man's arms. The man's right hand was caressing his face. 'I love you
Blairybear, your dadda loves you so much.' Blair giggled. He felt so safe,
so protected. 'I'm so sorry all this happened Blairbear, I never wanted you
to get hurt.' Blair was confused. He had never heard and apology in his
dream before. 'Your dadda loves you sooo much!" Blair smiled again. Ahhh,
that's what he remembered. Huh? Blair felt a cold, wet drop of liquid fall
on his cheek. This also was new. Was it raining in the park? What's wrong?
What's wrong, Dadda? #
Just as Jim and Naomi neared Blair's door Jim heard his guide's heart beat
quicken. Something is disturbing Blair! Jim panicked. He also heard
another voice in the room with Blair. It was a male voice, speaking in
soothing, quiet tones, but some how it sounded familiar. Blair's heartbeat
increased. "Naomi, something's wrong with Blair!" Jim abruptly said as he
left her and went racing towards Blair's room.
" Wha...what are you doing here? Get your hands off of him!" Jim's eyes
were burning red. He pulled his gun on Methos. "MOVE, move over to the wall
and put you hands out were I can see them."
"Jim..." began Methos, "let me explain.."
"You can explain all you want, behind a cell wall." Jim barked.
Methos slowly backed towards the wall. Naomi finally caught up and ran up
to Jim when she saw that his gun was extended.
"Jim what's going on? What's happening to Bl..... oh my gods..." Naomi
looked up at the man Jim was holding at gun point. He looks just like.....
it couldn't be....
Before his brain kicked into gear Methos blurted out, "Naomi"
"Shut up" Jim commanded Methos, "Just shut up. Naomi, Naomi do you know
this perv"
"It can't be, it can't be you.... Your... your dead. I felt your pulse....
your face...." Naomi reached up an grabbed Methos' face. She held it in her
hands, twisting his face back and forth like a mannequin. Then she looked
into his eyes. "Oh gods, it is you! But how?," she gestured up and down his
torso, "how could it be?"
"Naomi, Naomi do you know this man?" Jim was deeply confused by Naomi's
response to Murphy.
Blair began to regain consciousness. He shook his head back and forth on
the pillow. Jim momentary forgot Murphy, who was still dumbstruck and
stationary before Naomi, and went to his friend's side. "Blair, Blair, its
me, its me Jim. What is it, chief?"
When Blair's eyes opened Jim swore he was looking into the innocent orbs of
an infant. Blair answered in a quiet voice, "Dadda, Dadda's crying. Why is
dadda crying?"
"What? What are you saying chief?"
"Da... Jim, jim" Blair clutched Jim's hand that was resting on his left
cheek. "Jim I remember my father's voice!" Blair tried to stand up but Jim
kept his guide from injuring himself.
"Naomi, I..I didn't mean for us to meet again this way. I wanted to tell
you.. but you ran away... I couldn't find you, I looked everywhere, but you
were gone..."
"Oh David!" Naomi clung to the one true love of her life. Unwiped tears
were streaming down her face.
"Mom? Mom what are you doing here? And why are you hugging... David?"
"Blair!" Naomi beamed. She grabbed Methos' hand and dragged him over to
Blair's bedside. Jim stood up and tried to push Murphy away. "Naomi, do you
know what you're doing? Do you know who that is?" Jim bellowed.
"Calm down Jim!" Naomi was still smiling. Go was any confusion about
Methos' ageless appearance or of his bizarre arrival in her son's room.
Naomi felt nothing but joy and happiness. She lifted Blair's right hand and
placed it into Methos. Blair looked from the hand placement to David then
back again to his mother. Jim's jaw began to twitch furiously.
"Blair, may I introduce... oh this is silly. Honey.... this is David, David
Blair- your father."
Jim's mouth literally hit the floor.
***************************************************
Lyle frowned after he hung up the telephone. The Centre and its sister
agencies were in an uproar. The man in black, the cornerstone glue holding
together so many shadow agencies was dead. The official report was that he
was found dead in a warehouse outside Cascade, WA, beheaded. Lyle wasn't
adding any more information. The triumpherant knew he had a meeting with
the man, and from the 2 billion dollar deposit added to the Centre's
treasury they assumed the meeting had gone well. Lyle himself was nervous.
The man in black hadn't told many people about his deal with Lyle and he
was afraid he might be assigned the blame. All day people were stealthily
glancing at him and discreetly whispering behind his back.
This is the worst day of my soon to be over life Lyle though sadly to
himself. Just one day ago he had be rejoicing over his achievements; and
now, now he was afraid for his life. How did my life get so topsie turvy
Just as Lyle began flipping through his hidden journal of potential hide
out listings, his private cell phone line ran. He answered, jaded and
melancholy "Mr. Lyle here."
"Mr. Lyle", said a gravely voice, "I'm jut calling to let you know you
still have a friend. Just lay low for a few weeks and I'll take care of
everything from my end."
"Who..who is this?...what"
"Lyle, don't ask questions. Just follow my instructions. Alright?"
Lyle pondered the nameless voice on the other side. What did he have to
lose? He didn't feel comfortable about the caller but on the other hand the
man knew his private number. One a few very choice callers got his private
number.
"So were would you like me to lay low at?"
"Open your top left draw. you'll find tickets, hotel reservations and
travel cash. Don't even pack a suit case. Just go and after every thin has
calmed down again, I'll call you back."
Lyle opened his drawer and found the promised tickets. "Got it, I
understand. Tha...." Click
The cigarette man man looked up at his contact. "The last loose end had
been sealed. His contact merely nodded his head.
THE END
That's right folks! That's all I'm gonna write into this story. Whew! I'm
wiping the sweat from my forehead.
**************************************************************************
Okay, I'm sorry. I already have an ending in mind for this story but my
hands are soooo tired ;p, and its late at night, and my back hurts from
sitting upright so long in front of the computer.. and...and .... okay,
enough of the whining. If anyone has any adjustment or tips on how to make
this a better story, please email. (Also if you kind of like it, there's
this great thing called email.... okay no more whining.
V part five
"Excuse me," a fairly tall dark haired fortieths looking man choose that
moment to enter the interrogation room. "I'm looking for a.. Captain
Banks?"
"Yes, that's me. And just who are you?"
"Oh, my apologies, " he said as he held out his right hand to Captain
Banks. "I'm Jared, Jared Prince, with the NSA. I'm here to prevent the
possible abduction of an English national." Then Jared looked directly at
Methos. "A Mister David Murphy, I presume?"
Mulder studied the new arrival carefully. He tried to surmise from his
demeanor and appearance what role he would play in this matter. But
unfortunately, he couldn't seem to get past the man's mysterious aire.
Okay, now my day has gone from devastating to cataclysmic though Methos
who had retried as far into the wall as possible.
Mulder addressed the new agent first. "What does the NSA want with Mr.
Murphy, might I ask, and why weren't we informed of your arrival?" He was
livid. This was just like the government, keeping secrets from its own
people and tharwding the revelation of the truth.
"Uhm, may I see some id, please" Scully, the only clear-headed officer in
the room inquired.
"Oh, sure. Sorry. Uhm, anyway, Our sources..."
"Sources?"
"Uh, our intelligence identified present Centre activity in this area and
also that Mr. Murphy was the target. I've been sent here to investigate
those claims and prevent Mr. Murphy's detention by that group."
" The Centre, of course. I should have know by the snatch and grab tactics
in the park. I never expected to have to go head to toe with those
malcontents. So what do they want with you Murphy?" Mulder's eyes turned
towards Murphy.
Methos felt like he was on center stage and the spotlight was stuck shining
singularly on his position.
"Wait one minute. Hold it, I want to know exactly who this Centre is and
why they took my partner!" Jim's voice was gravely and strained. He had
been quietly clenching his teeth while the new fed made his 'proper'
introductions, but now he wanted some answers. "Tell me Murphy, want do you
have that got some organization out there trying to take you by any means
necessary. You've jeopardized my partner and I could care less if you own
the hope diamond." Jim stalked over to were Murphy was trying to hide.
"YOU... had better tell us what this 'Centre' wants and how I can get Blair
back."
Methos held out his hands in the classic 'I surrender' position. Scully
also came to his aide by moving to intercept Ellison.
"Please," Methos pleaded, looking directly into Jim's eyes, "I honestly
don't know who this 'Centre' is and I had no idea that any one knew I was
here in Cascade. I'm just as concerned about Blair's safety as you are."
"I doubt that," Ellison retorted derisively. He had scanned Murphy's vitals
and determined that in this instance the man wasn't overtly lying. "You
didn't answer my question Murphy. Why is this organization after you?"
Methos swallowed slowly.
"I maybe of some assistance with that question, detective" Jared stepped
into the inquisition. He didn't know exactly what the Centre's purpose for
taking Murphy was, but he was sure of both their agenda and their interest
in Blair Sandburg. "The Centre is on the surface an international health
relief organization protected by multiple countries, including our own.
However, underneath they're no different than the Nazis war scientists
under Hitler's regime. They specialize in human genetic modification. They
are constantly looking for persons with unique physical and intellectual
abilities that they can exploit. I'm not sure what about Murphy caught
their eye, but I think we all know why they would be interest in Mr.
Sandburg. Isn't that right detective?"
Simon jumped into the conversation to try to pull attention away from the
sentinel issue. "He's right Jim. Even though Blair publicly announced that
the novel he wrote about you was just a piece of fiction, there are still a
number of people out there who believe it was true." Banks attempted a
short laugh to emphasis his point. "Some people just want to believe in the
unfathomable and unprovable. Kind of like those UFO watchers, you know. Tsk
Tsk. Well, we need to start working on a game plan if we're going to pull
Sandburg out of this."
Scully looked over at Mulder while Banks was talking. Finally, a sensible
man. Maybe I should try regular police work for a while. At least I
wouldn't encounter so many wacky cases.
Mulder only smiled inwardly. He's really trying to downplay the sentinel
thing. Yep, I was right all along. Now how can we keep the Centre from
getting their hands on these two?
"How can we keep the Centre from succeeding?" Mulder asked out loud.
"I'm not sure. We must take their threat seriously. If Detective Ellison
shows up with the most minimum amount of backup, they won't hesitate to
take it out on Blair."
Jim sat down at the conference table and put his head in his hands. "We
can't let anything happen to Blair, Simon. I can't go in without...."
"Don't be foolish detective. You don't know these people. I do. If they
think they can get what they want from taking just a blood sample from you
they won't hesitate to shoot you down cold and sponge the sample from the
ground. Now I do have an idea on how to send you guys in without them
discovering your backup. Captain Banks, I'll need access to some very
expensive surveillance equipment. Do you think you can make the
arrangements?"
"Sure.... hum... just give me your list and I'll make the necessary calls."
Now that's weird thought Mulder Why would an NSA agent need the local
police to commandeer his equipment for him?
He kept his mouth shut about the anomaly, planning to discuss it with
Scully later on.
Methos began to breathe a little easier. This new agent had managed to draw
attention away from him for a while. Hopefully it would stay that way.
**********************************************
Three hours later, when it was nearly half past seven Jared announced that
he was done making the surveillance bugs. When he explained his plan to
Banks back in his office, everyone except Mulder was shocked and impressed
by his ingenuity. Mulder simply mused quietly about the situation. Now I
KNOW they didn't teach him that during training. This Jared Price guy acts
more like a magician than a g-man. And what's with his name? Prince? As in
the knight in shinning armor variety? Something's not adding up. They all
had remained pretty much sequestered in Banks' office while Jared worked on
his contraption. Agent Prince stated that the Centre's usually M.O. was to
infiltrate a target area with plants and bribes. he suggested that they not
reveal any of his plan to the regular work force, but only to the most
trusted officers. While waiting for Jared to finish, Scully decided to go
and check on Murphy who spent the time in a holding cell.
"Agent Scully, what a pleasant surprise. I'm glad I shall have the
opportunity to thank you personally for your intervention earlier. I was
frighten for my life!"
"No problem Mr. Murphy. That's our job. Detective Ellison was completely
inappropriate and out of line. His captain should consider reassigning
partnerships if Ellison is that attached to Detective Sandburg. Such blind
passion for one's partner can lead to mistakes in how cases are
investigated, not to mention the severe strain it puts on sensitive cases
like this one."
"Perhaps, but Blair told me that Jim's case resolution rate tripled since
they started working together. They make a great team."
"Believe me, the best partnerships need to be shaken up a bit from time to
time. It prevents coworkers from getting too personally attached; loss of
objectivity will wreck even the most honed team. It makes them too
dependent on each other to be effective, and thereby decreasing both
members abilities."
"Well, I don't know about that agent. But from what I've observed...."
"Mr. Murphy, this isn't exactly a social call. I'm here to take your
statement about the Seavcouer murder. Please tell exact what was your
relationship with the deceased and why did you try to evade us in the
first place."
"My, my agent Scully. You are a persistent one. I've got nothing sinister
to hide. How shall I start...humm.. well... Bob, he was an old acquaintance
of mine. In fact, I hadn't heard from him in years until the night before
his death. He...uhm... he told me he had gotten into trouble with some very
dangerous people and needed a loan quickly. he was hiding from them, which
is why I went to meet him at night at the park..."
"Uh hun. And just why did he think he could just pop up out of no where and
'borrow' money from you? Would you care to explain that Sir?"
Uh oh. think fast old man. Let's try throwing her off track "Well, uhm...
you see... and please don't share any of this with Detective Ellison. He
distrusts me enough already. I meet.. Bob... back when I was studying at
Cambridge. I..uhm.. got into a little spat of trouble and Bob pulled me out
of it. If my parents had found out, needless to say I would've spent my
summer at our villa in Ghana. Dreadful place, you see. Any ways, I promised
Bob that anytime he want me to return the favor all the had to do was ask.
That evening, unfortunately, was the first time he asked."
"Uh hun. You do realize that this little 'story' of you gives you a
plausible motive for murder?"
"What! Oh no, you got it all wrong agent. Bob was my friend. When I was
younger, we were almost inseparable..." Oops
"Really? I examine the deceased and he appeared to be at least ten to
fifteen years your senior. How was it that you two were 'inseparable'
during your university years, yet you hadn't kept in touch with him in
about, what, four/five years?"
"Uhhhh... you know how it is agent. You make best friends, you grow up,
move on, that kind of thing."
"Uh hun... You didn't explain the age difference."
"O...see ...Bob, he was kind of a teaching fellow in the English
department...."
"Kind of?"
"Well yes. He offered afternoon tutoring sessions but he wasn't an official
instructor..."
"Go on"
"Well, I need a little help with my studies in Chauer, such a dry old chap
was he. Bob was great about helping me to understand the little twit.
Anyway, that was the start of the most unlikely friendship. Kind of like
Jim and Blair's, you know?"
"Uh hun... go on"
"Hummm, So I meet him a the park, as requested. He was foggily, nervous and
upset. So much so that I also became nervous. I told him I could have the
money for him in about a week. I didn't have access to that much on a quick
access bases and would have to wire my father's trust account in
London...."
"Uh hun.. and just how much was he asking for?"
"About twenty-five hundred pounds."
"Oh really? And you were willing to hand over that much money, without any
strings?"
"Well, sure. Bob had been a great friend, and it's just money..."
"Uh hun... so he didn't have any confidential information about you by
chance..."
"Oh NO agent Scully! You have to understand. Bob and I had been.... okay
old man, you're losing her here. Make this one believable. really close.
There wasn't anything we didn't share back then..cough (Methos cleared his
throat). There was no way I could possibly turn him down, not with our
history."
"Uh hun.... tell me Mr. Murphy, was this the first time 'Bob' had requested
money?"
Great old man. Not only have you lost your tough, but now you've
solidified a motive for murder. Think man!
Methos frowned and looked straight into Scully's eyes. "I see what you're
implying agent, but you are completely way off base. Bob had NEVER asked me
for money. Not during our entire friendship. In fact, I've had to borrow a
few quin from him a time or two when I've been strapped. Bob was an honest
man and I would have never harmed him"
Methos used his most sincere 'trust me, I just save a puppy from drowning
in a lake' look. He knew he could make himself look like a naive, innocent
grad student when he wanted to.
"Hmmm, okay. I apologize of any unkind suppositions. It's just that...."
"I know agent" Methos said while shaking his head sadly. "I'm the only lead
to his death."
Scully was suddenly struck by a realization. "Mr. Murphy, as plausible as
your 'story' may seem; it doesn't explain why you ran from Cascade and
tried to conceal your escape route."
Uh oh, swift one isn't she, "Well the next afternoon... when I came home
from visiting a friend.... I found my apartment door open. I knew Bob had
been brutally murdered but I had know idea who it was that assaulted him. I
was scared, frankly." Methos then put on his despair & fear face. "I didn't
know where to go and who was safe. So I did what I thought was the smartest
thing; I ran."
"Uh hun,... and why did you run to Cascade?"
"uhmm... because... cause I have a few friends in the graduate programs
here, so I figured that I could visit with them until the murderers could
be found."
"Uh hun,... by the way Mr. Murphy you haven't told us what 'Bob's' last
name was?)
This better be a good one "Oh, oops, sorry. Markus, Bob Markus."
"Uh hun,... hmmm." Scully rose up from her seat. "Thank you for the
deposition. You may still be questioned, of course, regarding Mr. Markus's
death, but I will record your denial of any involvement with his demise,
okay?"
"Sure, I understand,... and thank you agent Scully for your sensitivity in
this issue. " Methos took Scully's right hand into her and looked deeply
into her eyes. She Blushed. Methos thought within himself. Don't get
cocky, old man, But I think you've still got it, as he congratulated
himself on his performance. As Scully stood up to leave his cell, agent
Mulder popped his head through the doorway.
"Agent Price has finished with the tracking devices and now we've got only
an hour and a half to get everyone in place before the meet. Murphy. your
presence, of course, is required."
*************************************
Jared tried to convince Captain Banks and the others that they would
necessarily fail on this first attempt to recover Sandburg. Both the two
FBI agents and the major crimes unit scoffed at his seemingly overly
pessimistic out look.
"Look, I not doubting anybody's ability here. I'm just stating facts. I've
dealt with these people on a number of occasions and the current leader's
quite crafty. Our only sure chance of success is to ensue that plan B is
effectively carried out."
Ellison glared at agent Price. Who does this guy think he is telling us
that we can't do our job right. And his heart beat, there's something not
quite together with this guy. "So what do you want me to do? Just hand
myself over?"
"Oh no, they'd surely know our plans if you do that. No. Everyone must go
into this operation at top performance, giving everything you got to secure
Sandburg on the first try."
"What a minute," Mulder fumed, "If that's what you want, what was the point
of your big - the mission will fail- speech? First you tell us it won't
work, now you say give all effort to see that it does?"
"There's no confusion, Agent Mulder. When plan A fails, we must be ready to
immediately switch to plan B. Our window of opportunity will be pretty
small afterwards. But the success of plan B absolutely depends on
convincing the Centre that there IS NO plan B. If they suspect that we've
got a backup , then they're actions will be less predictable. Got it? Okay,
Detective Ellison, is the tracking devise too much of an irritant?"
Jim looked at Price with both appreciation for his concern and annoyance
for his coddling. The small transmitter tapped between his toes bothered
him worse than a half torn hang nail and he was almost desperate to find a
way to shield his senses from feeling it. "I'm fine, agent. now can we get
on with this. There's no telling what they've done to Blair by now."
************************************
Lyle ran his index finger down the right side jaw of an unconcoius Blair.
What is it about you, pip squeak? How do you manage to worm your way into
so many people's lives? "Hmmm, Dr. Kim, have you begun to analyses any of
the samples you've collected from this subject yet?"
"Uh, no sir. I've been busy setting up the quick extraction procedure you
requested for subject C and ...."
"Fine," Lyle waved his hand in a dismissive manner, "We'll have plenty of
time to analyze the samples once we're back at the Centre. Just make sure
your through with all three subjects doctor. If there's something there, I
want the ability to duplicate it without any variations. Understood?"
"Yes Sir!"
It was time for the pick up. Lyle rode with the attack helicopter to the
meeting site. He radioed to his operatives on the ground. "Willie, are the
lights in place?"
"Yes sir!"
"I want you personally to perform a perimeter check. ETA on targets is
twenty minutes and I assure you, if this little seizure fails, you won't be
returning to Blue Cove on a commercial flight. Do I make myself clear?"
Lyle smiled to himself as he heard the sweeper's sharp intact of breathe in
response to his treat. Lyle loved having the power to make people squirm.
After this mission, no one will doubt my accomplishments again.
*************************************
Jim and Methos pulled into the secluded parking lot at fifteen minutes to
eight as instructed. The sun had just finished setting and Jim's eyes were
still adjusting to the change in light. Jim turned towards Murphy and gave
him his coldest stare, "If you, in any way hinder this mission or if I find
out you were involved in this I promise I will disembowel you in less that
five minutes. Do I make myself clear, Murphy?"
Methos swallowed. Okay, so he's a little uptight. "Ji..Dectective
Ellison, Blair means more to me than you know. I would never let anything
happen to him."
Jim only looked a Murphy with more contempt, " But you already have, no
haven't you? Get out the car Murphy, its time to go."
Methos opted not to challenge Jim's assessment of him. His statement hurt,
but Methos knew arguing about it would only divide his attention. He
prepared himself to feel the tale tell signal of another immortal
approaching. He was more than nervous as the second car pulled up and there
wasn't any indication that there were immortal's in the cab.
At eight o'clock a dark colored sedan pulled into the meeting place. Jim
immediately focused his senses on detecting Blair's presence in the car.
Somehow Blair's heart beat and his unique smell were being muted. Jim
increased the dials of his senses to maximum wanting to find out his
friend's exact health condition. Two men in black suits exited the dark
sedan in front of Ellison and Methos. The first one yelled, "alright, exit
the car slowly with you hands up so I can see them."
Jim barely heard the man speaking because he had just zeroed in on Blair.
He could tell that Sandburg had been recently drugged because his vital
signs were registering in a faint, dulled stated. Methos tapped Jim on the
shoulder when he realized that other's commands hadn't registered to the
sentinel. "Ellison, Ellison! It's time to signal the team man. Wake up!"
Jim shook his head trying to clear away the partial zone out. He radioed
the backup team parked a 15 meters away behind a hill. "Captain, it's a go.
Send in the patrol chopper asap." Ellison and Methos opened their car doors
and very slowly began to empty the car. Jim again opened his senses wide to
listen for their approaching backup. As soon as he heard the helicopter
nearing about 4 meters he yelled, "We're moving no farther. Show us
Detective Sandburg NOW!"
"Of course Ellison," relied the faceless man. Jim threw open his senses as
soon as the second man opened up the sedan back seat to pull out Blair.
Suddenly tens of stadium floodlights popped on over head. Methos closed his
eyes and muttered "Oh limme!" Additionally, the thunder of what sounded
like an amplified recording of the Queen's symphony resounded in the park.
Jim crashed to his knees from the pain of the intense sensory attack. He
was so mollified that he was unable to hear to sound of every tire in the
back up teams cars blowing out after driving over concealed metal spikes 7
meters from the meeting site. The police copter was likewise neutralized
when another helicopter flew directly into their flight path and blinded
the pilots with search lights.
Methos immediately took on an attack stance and was able to knock down the
first approaching assailant. Three more jumped him from behind and one
stuck a needle into his neck. The ROG though to himself, awe man, after
all these years to be taken down like this? I must really be.... He didn't
have time to finish his thought before the drugs rushed through his system.
***********************************************
"YES! YES!" Lyle danced around his makeshift office in the warehouse after
ensuring the prisoners had been secured. There wasn't anyone else in the
room with him but still vocally expressed his euphoria. "I can't believe
this one worked. Alright! Call me a mistake, did they? Say I was unstable?
HA! I showed them. Not only have I gained the favor of the man in black,
but I've got fresh new DNA for a new pretender project. YES!"
Lyle grabbed his cell phone after the first ring. "WHAT!?"
"Uh,.. I apologize for disturbing you sir. I just wanted to report that
I've completed the sample extraction form subject B and am being the one on
subject C."
"Good doctor. I've already contacted our client. He should be here in the
next hour to retrieve his order. We haven't much time. He wants the entire
facility vacated upon his arrival."
"Understood, sir"
Now it's time to probe this Mr. Murphy for information. What could be so
important about him to draw the personal attention of the man in black?
***************************************************
Simon was the first one to jump out of the detained cars. Jared and the
rest of the team followed him. "@#%&." Banks swore. "Price, you knew they
would pull a stunt like that. Why didn't you warn us? And Jim, if he's
traumatized in any way because of your failure to disclose..."
"Pardon me sir, but we haven't got time for this. W must implement plan B
now. I suspect Murphy's buyer is headed for the storage site right now."
"And just how will we get there first?" Mulder asked with a frown. He
didn't like the way this Price guy worked. He was soloing too much and
Mulder never cared to be left in the dark.
"I have already triangulated their location from data received form the
tracking device I attached to both Jim and Murphy. There is an abandon
warehouse two kilometers from the meeting site. It's unregistered which is
why we didn't find it earlier on the area map. I suggest we reassemble the
team and head there now. I've already made maps of the area highlighting
the most obscure approaches."
"Well thank you very much for taking over the operation and assigning roles
with out even a hint of consultation with the locals!" Banks was fuming.
"Look captain, I understand your anger. But as I said, I Know these people.
To have informed you of my plan in advanced would have jeopardized it. If
you could retain your irritation momentarily. As I stated earlier, our
window is very small. I would be surprised if Murphy's buyer was already
there now. We need to stop talking and go NOW! There is an addition set of
cars stationed 11 meters away outside the meeting area perimeter waiting
for us. I made arrangements for them earlier. I suggest we start running."
Simon was livid, but he couldn't argue with Jared's assessment. He
immediately turned to his men and order them to race towards the awaiting
cars. Mulder was equally frustrated and bemused by Price. Before he began
to run he glanced over to Scully. She simply raised her shoulders and
signaled 'beats me' with her eyes. Mulder decided to stick closer to agent
Price.
**********************************************
Methos woke up in a cold, brightly lit room. He was strapped to a metal
chair with leather cords and was totally bereft of clothes. "Tsk, I hate
drugs." He spoke out loud to no one in particular.
"And why is that?" Lyle asked as he approached from behind.
Methos jumped slightly at the voice. He had expected to wake up to the
telltale feel of an immortal's presence if he were t wake up at all. The
mortal startled him.
"Who are you and just what do you want?" The ROG asked.
"Now, that's exactly what I would like to know from you Mr. Murphy." Lyle
pulled another chair and sat down in front of Methos. "I would like to know
what makes you so special that my client wants a private meeting with
you,..( he looked up and down Methos' naked form)..ahem... unarmed"
Methos smirked at the ignorant mortal, ah ha, I've got a bit of time
still "Just what are you asking, or should I say propositioning"
"Lyle stood up with a look of disgust. "I am the one holding all the cars
here, fella. I suggest you answer my inquiries," he said sternly.
"Oh, really?" Methos was laying on the pomp and sarcasm thick. I've got to
get rid of this twerp quick "I think... that Your Client... didn't feel
that you were important enough, no.... secure enough to be let in on our
little business. And now (Methos then looked Lyle up and down in a similar
fashion) that I see his courier for myself, I agree wit his assessment.
"I...I..." Lyle grabbed Methos by the neck, "you better tell me everything
n...."
"No, YOU better remove your fifthly paws off of me now. You well know if so
much as a hair leaves my body or a fingernail is chipped, your client will
have your butt in a meat grinder." Lyle reluctantly released Methos' neck.
"Now I suggest that you and your little troop of merrymen go run along home
before your client gets here. It could get real ugly if you don't" Methos
then gave Lyle a toned down version of his Death on a horseback glare.
"And, I strongly suggest that you immediately release detectives Ellison
and Sandburg."
Now Lyle puffed his chest back up, he's helpless and he knows it, he
though. "And just WHY is that?"
"Because when your client finds out that you jeopardized this meeting in
order to go after them; and trust me he will find out; you're going to wish
that your butt was all he wanted cut off." Methos looked straight into
Lyle's eyes with one of his most hateful and 'I mean business' stares. Lyle
swallowed hard.
"en...Enjoy your meeting," Lyle said with a biteless sneer as he made a
quick exit from the detention room. That man gives me the creeps He
immediately got on the telle, "doctor, what's the status on subject C's
samples?"
"Almost done sir. It's been a little hard completing the collection while
keeping him under. This man revives quicker than any one I've ever seen to
the ...."
"Tell me the details later" Lyle barked. "We have got to get both to those
subjects up and out of here in twenty minutes!"
After Lyle casually fled from the room, Methos shook he head with a
sardonic laugh. Good to see you still have it, old man. I was beginning to
wonder Next, Plan to get down to business, Methos began to work out of the
cords binding him. His hopes of a quick houdini escape were dashed as he
felt the metal link cord that ran on the upper side of his bounds.
"Crap" he muttered. His assailants used leather restraints to prevent and
type of bruising or tearing but their cords were fortified with metal for
security.
Now how I'm I going to get out of this? Think old guy, or you soon won't
be able to again
********************************************************
Whew! Time for a little break; stretch your neck, grab a pop... whatever. I
would like to stop now, but since this story has been incomplete for OVER
ONE FULL YEAR, I shan't. Pity. ;-]
Jared, Mulder, and five other Cascade PD officers flew over in advance to
the warehouse. Mulder kept one eye on the flight and the other on Price. He
noticed that Price brought along a long duffle bag that he insisted on
holding during the entire trip.
He is not getting off this plane without my inspection of that bag. It
hadn't escaped Mulder's awareness that be bag's shape conformed perfectly
to either a large semi automatic weapon, or.. a sword. price had refused on
several occasions to identify the item stored inside. He would mysteriously
claim "NSA business, agent Mulder. You know how that is." Mulder's eyes
narrowed. Humf... so smug and pretentious that one. Who's to say he's not
really in on this thing with Murphy? Humf.. NSA my @#$&. This smells like
another cover up ot me.
Fortunately, for Methos, the Cascade team's copter made it to the warehouse
before the man in black. As the team began disembarking from the copter
Mulder made a wild grab for Price's bag. Jared yanked it out of his reach
just before he was able to touch the outer shell. "Agent! I could have your
shield for that! What about NSA business did you not understand."
Jared and Mulder faced each other outside the emptied craft. The rest of
the crew had already left to set up position for the ground team.
"I have some serious questions about your role here Price" Mulder
confronted Jared. "You have been displaying some very questionable actions.
I don't even think you're following NSA protocols. I want some answers now
Price before this goes any further. And don't give me any half answers, no
one is outside scrutiny."
Jared closed his eyes and took a deep breathe. before answering. "I' sorry
that you feel this way agent. I had hope that this would work out smoothly.
I hadn't factored in encountering and overly inquisitive federal agent."
"Well to bad your not going to get your way here Price. Now about my
answers."
"Yes, there's just one way to answer this scenario..." Jared looked Mulder
straight into his eyes before he set down the bag. Mulder's head dropped to
follow his motion. Jared's right fist quickly bent into a fist and he
plastered Mulder near his left temple. the agent fell to the ground like a
dead tree limb. "My apologizes"
Jared picked up the bag and ran towards the back of the building.
***************************************************
Simultaneously, Lyle had just confirmed that Ellison and Sandburg were
secured in one of the exiting Centre vehicles as the man in black's copter
landed. He gave orders for the vans to move out. Their trajectory was going
to place them right inside the blockage Banks had set up outside the
warehouse's camp. Lyle radioed Willie on the separate helicopter waiting
for him to board. "Be ready to sprint out of here as soon as I board!"
"Understood, sir"
The man in black stepped out of the aircraft. He was carrying a long black
case and had a dark hood draped over his head. Lyle extended his hand in
greeting but the man ignored it.
"He's inside." the man confirmed rhetorically.
"Sir, it has been a pleasure...."
"Get out of here now Mr. Lyle. I have already transmitted payment to both
the Centre's and your personal bank accounts. I want you and all of your
men out of here NOW. Do you understand me?"
Lyle nodded his head in wonderment. He was unable to see the man's face but
was certain that the voice uttering from under the cape was not that of an
old man but someone younger, maybe even younger than himself.
Without another moments hesitation Lyle ran and up into the helicopter and
order the pilot to go.
***************************************************
@#$% Methos swore to himself. he felt the other immortal's presence even
before he heard the craft's blades cutting the air. It's an old one. An
old one who's breaking the rules. The ROG shook his head again. His wrists
had already healed from the numerous cuts he had received while trying to
slide thorough the bands. May my wretched soul rest in piece he thought.
However, as if he was watching the dawning of the first day of his
existence, Methos stared open mouthed at the side window as it was forcibly
lifted up from the outside. Methos let out a huge sigh of relief.
Agent Price, what are you...no I don't care.... I am glad to see you. Get
me ot of this quickly, please!" Jared immediately ran across the room and
examined the tethers holding Methos. He easily discovered its weakness and
freed Methos. Mr. Murphy, a police team is positioned just beyond those
trees. I suggest you head off in the other direction."
"Wait, " Methos grabbed Jared's hand holding the duffle bag. "What's that?"
Jared frowned. "A friend of my recommended that I bring this 'just in
case'. he didn't explain it any more but I've learned to comply with
whatever he says.
Methos thought about the immortal approaching him. I could just leave,
scott free. But then that immortal would still be out there, on the loose.
Umf, I've been hanging around the boyscout way to long. "Listen, Jared, if
that's what I think it is, leave it. My business isn't done here. but I
suggest you better take off now. Whatever the outcome, this place is going
to be flattened like Nagasaki within the hour."
Jared nodded and headed back towards the window. "Hey, Jared... whoever you
are, thanks."
***************************************************
Next follows a really cool fight scene between Methos and the man in black.
I love well written fight scenes.. they're heart palpitating, eye straining
causing, on the edge of your seat sitting...etc. Unfortunately I can not
write a good fight scene. ^ ^
So here's where your- the reader if there are any- imagine shall join in
the story. I would welcome any story inserts of well written fight scenes
and even give the authoer (gasp) EQUAL billing on this magnificent work
(snicker,snicker) Any who, scene starts with bad guy opening door,
surprised that Methos' loose, includes some snide comment about Methos
gallantly protecting immortal society from rule breakers, and of course
finished with Methos blowing up half the town after decapitating bad guy.
Excessive amounts of blood spilt, but since blood stains lets keep it down
to a minimum, okay?
***************************************************
Mulder awoke just as the quickening's rumble began. He was less than 10
meters from the warehouse but, once realizing that the energy wave was
emitting from the warehouse he wisely decided to run in the opposite
direction. The first blow from the storm sent out a pulse that added 3
meters to Mulder's retreat.
THE NEXT DAY
Banks, Mulder, and Scully sat around the captain's desk that morning trying
to piece together the missing clues in resolving the case. Lyle's
helicopter had gotten away and the lower ranking sweepers caught by the
police were in unison refusing to provide the police with any information.
The Centre made sure it had control of all of its operatives via familial
threats or the such like in order to ensure absolute animosity in case
failure occurred. Mulder's contacts, i.e. the lone gunmen, confirmed that
Jared was not an NSA officer and all three of the law enforcement officers
were surprised by the reports of Jared's previous heroic deeds provided by
the gunmen.
"What I don't understand" said Scully, "is why someone with a M.O. like
Jared's would risk himself to help a cold blooded murder like Murphy."
"That is if he kills in cold blood." Mulder countered.
"Mulder, you saw the dead body found in the warehouse reckage. That kid
looked no more than twenty-five years old. How can you suggest it wasn't
cold blooded?"
"Pardon me, Agent Scully but your statement assumes two things- one that
Murphy really wasn't kidnapped but that this meeting was all a set up. In
which case, it definitely wouldn't make scenes that this Jared person would
help him. Second- that Murphy is the one who beheaded this man. For all we
know the story he gave you was right and the Centre was just trying to tie
up loose ends. Either way," and Banks threw his hands up in the air, "I
really have no idea about what happened here."
"your right, sir. I can't just make conclusions about Murphy's guilt. For
all we know, Jared was trying to protect and innocent from one of the
Centre's plots. What's also weird, and please don't share your explanation
Mulder, is how there was an explosion of that magnitude without any
residual plastics or radiation."
"Scully, my explanation is the only one that makes sense give the evidence
surrounding us."
"So, agent Mulder, you would have us believe that both Murphy and the
beheaded guy are part of some alien infiltration group that never ages but
would self- explode it ever beheaded?" Banks asked the fed incredulously.
"Doubt me all you want, but I tell you, its the only answer that makes
sense."
Scully shook her head sadly.
"But you know what?" Mulder said as soon as the realization struck,
"speaking of loose ends, Murphy seemed to be unusally interested in
Dectective Sandburg. After all, the Centre successfully used him as bait to
capture Murphy. Do either of you have any idea on that issue?"
"Actually agent," replied Banks, "I've wondered about that myself. How did
they know that Sandburg was connected to him in the first place?"
"Ahem, are you two forgetting that the kidnappers used Sandburg's
relationship with Ellison as the lure to get to Murphy. But I'm pretty sure
that they knew taking him would make Murphy all the more compliant."
"@#$&%, they must have plants all through the station!" Banks swore. "I'm
going to have to do a background check on every officer who would have had
contact with this case. Great. And just when two of my best officers are
out of commision..."
"Wait a minute!" Mulder stood up aburptly, "Why didn't I think about this
earlier. The Centre must have people working as office clerks throughout
police departments. That's how they intercepted our faxes on Murphy in the
first palce. You guys usually don't do background checks on clerks, you
even order them up on a temporary basis."
"That's right. All we need to do is track the source of our most recent
clerk temps that that shall lead us to the moles."
"Great," Mulder sighed as he sat back down, "at least one mystery was
solved. Scully, I still think we should pursue ..."
"Mulder! Don't even suggest we should follow up on that drunkerd's
testimony of seeing a blue halo surronding the explosion site. The man was
so inebriated he could barely hold his head up through our interview. Face
it, this one x-file is going to have to be shelved in the incomplete
folder."
Mulder shook his head at Scully. He knew there was more to the witness'
testimony, if only he had more concrete information. The truth is still
out there he thought to himself.
********************************************************
Jim had just left Blair's side five minutes ago to await Naomi's arrival in
the hospital lobby. After receiving Blair's earlier call, Naomi made
arrangements to return to Cascade to visit her son. She was panic-stricken
to learn of his attack and Jim was not looking forward to the scathing
greeting he expected to receive from her. Methos, disguised as an intern
had been watching Blair's door from across the hall. When he heard Jim ask
the nurse to keep an eye out while he went to receive Naomi he was
overjoyed by the opportunity. He knew he should have immediately left
Cascade after the near miss, but he couldn't go. He couldn't give up on the
opportunity to explain t his son, to see him and make amends one last time.
The sweepers had really beaten down Blair during his captivity. The bruises
and beatings he had received left him partially unconscious. That's why
when he first awoke, he though he was still dreaming....
# It was that wonderful dream he use to have as a child. Oh, Blair thought
to himself, it had been so long since he fantasized about that voice that
he believed he had completely forgotten it. It was the voice of his father,
or the one he hoped was his father. He was flying through the air; up and
down, up and down. he was laughing; his voice sounded light and merry.
Suddenly the motion stopped and he found himself completely wrapped in a
man's arms. The man's right hand was caressing his face. 'I love you
Blairybear, your dadda loves you so much.' Blair giggled. He felt so safe,
so protected. 'I'm so sorry all this happened Blairbear, I never wanted you
to get hurt.' Blair was confused. He had never heard and apology in his
dream before. 'Your dadda loves you sooo much!" Blair smiled again. Ahhh,
that's what he remembered. Huh? Blair felt a cold, wet drop of liquid fall
on his cheek. This also was new. Was it raining in the park? What's wrong?
What's wrong, Dadda? #
Just as Jim and Naomi neared Blair's door Jim heard his guide's heart beat
quicken. Something is disturbing Blair! Jim panicked. He also heard
another voice in the room with Blair. It was a male voice, speaking in
soothing, quiet tones, but some how it sounded familiar. Blair's heartbeat
increased. "Naomi, something's wrong with Blair!" Jim abruptly said as he
left her and went racing towards Blair's room.
" Wha...what are you doing here? Get your hands off of him!" Jim's eyes
were burning red. He pulled his gun on Methos. "MOVE, move over to the wall
and put you hands out were I can see them."
"Jim..." began Methos, "let me explain.."
"You can explain all you want, behind a cell wall." Jim barked.
Methos slowly backed towards the wall. Naomi finally caught up and ran up
to Jim when she saw that his gun was extended.
"Jim what's going on? What's happening to Bl..... oh my gods..." Naomi
looked up at the man Jim was holding at gun point. He looks just like.....
it couldn't be....
Before his brain kicked into gear Methos blurted out, "Naomi"
"Shut up" Jim commanded Methos, "Just shut up. Naomi, Naomi do you know
this perv"
"It can't be, it can't be you.... Your... your dead. I felt your pulse....
your face...." Naomi reached up an grabbed Methos' face. She held it in her
hands, twisting his face back and forth like a mannequin. Then she looked
into his eyes. "Oh gods, it is you! But how?," she gestured up and down his
torso, "how could it be?"
"Naomi, Naomi do you know this man?" Jim was deeply confused by Naomi's
response to Murphy.
Blair began to regain consciousness. He shook his head back and forth on
the pillow. Jim momentary forgot Murphy, who was still dumbstruck and
stationary before Naomi, and went to his friend's side. "Blair, Blair, its
me, its me Jim. What is it, chief?"
When Blair's eyes opened Jim swore he was looking into the innocent orbs of
an infant. Blair answered in a quiet voice, "Dadda, Dadda's crying. Why is
dadda crying?"
"What? What are you saying chief?"
"Da... Jim, jim" Blair clutched Jim's hand that was resting on his left
cheek. "Jim I remember my father's voice!" Blair tried to stand up but Jim
kept his guide from injuring himself.
"Naomi, I..I didn't mean for us to meet again this way. I wanted to tell
you.. but you ran away... I couldn't find you, I looked everywhere, but you
were gone..."
"Oh David!" Naomi clung to the one true love of her life. Unwiped tears
were streaming down her face.
"Mom? Mom what are you doing here? And why are you hugging... David?"
"Blair!" Naomi beamed. She grabbed Methos' hand and dragged him over to
Blair's bedside. Jim stood up and tried to push Murphy away. "Naomi, do you
know what you're doing? Do you know who that is?" Jim bellowed.
"Calm down Jim!" Naomi was still smiling. Go was any confusion about
Methos' ageless appearance or of his bizarre arrival in her son's room.
Naomi felt nothing but joy and happiness. She lifted Blair's right hand and
placed it into Methos. Blair looked from the hand placement to David then
back again to his mother. Jim's jaw began to twitch furiously.
"Blair, may I introduce... oh this is silly. Honey.... this is David, David
Blair- your father."
Jim's mouth literally hit the floor.
***************************************************
Lyle frowned after he hung up the telephone. The Centre and its sister
agencies were in an uproar. The man in black, the cornerstone glue holding
together so many shadow agencies was dead. The official report was that he
was found dead in a warehouse outside Cascade, WA, beheaded. Lyle wasn't
adding any more information. The triumpherant knew he had a meeting with
the man, and from the 2 billion dollar deposit added to the Centre's
treasury they assumed the meeting had gone well. Lyle himself was nervous.
The man in black hadn't told many people about his deal with Lyle and he
was afraid he might be assigned the blame. All day people were stealthily
glancing at him and discreetly whispering behind his back.
This is the worst day of my soon to be over life Lyle though sadly to
himself. Just one day ago he had be rejoicing over his achievements; and
now, now he was afraid for his life. How did my life get so topsie turvy
Just as Lyle began flipping through his hidden journal of potential hide
out listings, his private cell phone line ran. He answered, jaded and
melancholy "Mr. Lyle here."
"Mr. Lyle", said a gravely voice, "I'm jut calling to let you know you
still have a friend. Just lay low for a few weeks and I'll take care of
everything from my end."
"Who..who is this?...what"
"Lyle, don't ask questions. Just follow my instructions. Alright?"
Lyle pondered the nameless voice on the other side. What did he have to
lose? He didn't feel comfortable about the caller but on the other hand the
man knew his private number. One a few very choice callers got his private
number.
"So were would you like me to lay low at?"
"Open your top left draw. you'll find tickets, hotel reservations and
travel cash. Don't even pack a suit case. Just go and after every thin has
calmed down again, I'll call you back."
Lyle opened his drawer and found the promised tickets. "Got it, I
understand. Tha...." Click
The cigarette man man looked up at his contact. "The last loose end had
been sealed. His contact merely nodded his head.
THE END
That's right folks! That's all I'm gonna write into this story. Whew! I'm
wiping the sweat from my forehead.