Disclaimer: See Acknowledgements page
CHAPTER TWO
Anna sat on the rooftop, meditating. She had been reflecting on everything that had happened to her since she had awakened that morning, particularly concentrating on the events which had transpired since they had left the warehouse. She remembered the look of concern on Duncan's face and knew he wasn't sure what to make of the situation. As he opened the car door for her, he realized Anna hadn't eaten breakfast and suggested they stop somewhere. She said she really wasn't hungry, but he insisted. He headed for a little outdoor restaurant near the harbor which she guessed he must frequent by the way the owner fussed over him. They were shown to a table with a lovely view of the mountains. As she sat there, she realized that she was glad Duncan had brought her here as she found the combination of the warm sun and the breeze off the Sound very soothing. The waiter came to take their order which wasn't much - coffee for Duncan, a double order of strawberries and a croissant for Anna. They made small talk until the waiter brought their order.
"That's all you're going to eat?" he asked, eyeing her trim figure.
"Yeah," she responded. "You have a problem with that?"
"Well, it's not very much. You really should eat something a little more substantial."
"Okay, Mother. I am a big girl now. I know how to look after myself and what I need."
Duncan smiled. "So that man in the alley, how do you know him?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"Well, as you said earlier, I asked first."
"Touché, Mister MacLeod. It's personal. Very personal. And you?"
"Same. So it looks as if we're at a stalemate. Why don't we move on to another subject?"
"Like what, as if I didn't already know?" Anna said as the waiter brought her order.
"Why don't we go over your story again? Maybe you missed something."
"We went over my story in the car on the way here. I've told you everything that happened to me since I arrived in Seattle, Seacouver, or whatever the hell the name of this place is," she said, clearly exasperated. "I have a photographic memory, my dear sir. I can assure you I have left nothing out. So for the time being, the subject is closed. Next subject. Oh, I know," she said caustically, "why don't we discuss YOU? I'm sure you're quite a fascinating man." She paused and bit her lip. "Sorry, that was uncalled for. I know you're only trying to help. It's just this whole thing coupled with some recent events in my life have made me a little touchy."
"What events?" he asked.
"Oh, just things that have happened," Anna said, a hint of melancholy in her voice. "I'm really not comfortable discussing these matters with someone I just met. No offense."
"None taken. But if you should ever need to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks, Duncan. Are you always this nice to people you've just met?"
"Only the ones I find sleeping in my office," he said with a grin. "Shall we get out of here, then....if you've finished eating, that is?"
"Finished," she responded. They left the restaurant and drove downtown. Anna recognized not only a few of Seattle's famous landmarks - Space Needle, Pike's Market, the pier - but some of Vancouver's landmarks as well - Stanley Park, Dr. Sun Yat Sen's Gardens and the Omni Center. Come to think of it, the area where Duncan lived reminded her of Gastown. Why were these landmarks all in one city and why did they now have different names? She decided not to mention these little questions she had - not until she knew him better. There was something different about Duncan MacLeod and she was determined to find out what it was.
The next place they stopped was a bar called Joe's. Duncan told her he needed to speak to his friend about business. Anna knew he was lying, but decided to play along. Duncan opened the door and they went inside. It was dimly lit, as most bars are, and the sound of the blues was emanating from somewhere. Behind the bar stood a man about fifty years old with gray hair, blue eyes, and a salt and pepper beard. A warm smile greeted his guests.
"Hey Mac, good to see you," Joe said as Duncan and Anna sat down at the bar. "And who is this lovely lady?"
"Joe, I'd like you to meet Anna McGowan. Anna, Joe Dawson."
"Nice to meet you, Joe," Anne said.
"The pleasure is all mine. So what can I get you?"
"Ginger ale, if it's not too much trouble," Anna replied.
"Not at all," he said as he fixed her a drink. "Mac, you want anything?"
"Just to talk - privately," Duncan told him. "Would you excuse us, Anna?"
"Sure, no problem," she said. She picked up her drink, walked over to a table and sat down, keeping her ears open. Unbeknownst to them, she had another unusual talent - incredible hearing. Having her around, you didn't need surveillance equipment. So she listened in on their conversation. She heard Duncan tell Joe about finding her in his office and going to the warehouse. Duncan then said, "I saw Kevin Corrigan there."
"Kevin Corrigan's in town? Oh, man. That's one nasty S.O.B. You gonna...."
"That's the plan," Duncan said, and then he looked in the direction of Anna. "Need you to do something for me. I want you to do some checking on her. She knows Corrigan. I want to know what that's about."
"Why don't you ask her?" Joe asked.
"I did. She won't say. But she did tell me she's from LA and she runs a foundation for kids called CRADLE. She said that someone named Jim Wentworth left her a warehouse here. Apparently, he was a shoe tycoon. That's about all I know."
"Well, I'll see what I can't find out for you and call you later."
"Thanks, Joe." Duncan got up and walked over to Anna, "Come on. Let's go." With that, they left the bar, got into Duncan's car, and drove away.
Duncan parked the car in front of a woman's clothing store. He got out of the car, walked around to the other side, and opened the door for her.
"What are we doing here?" she asked.
"I thought maybe you would like to buy a change of clothes," he explained.
"If you remember correctly, dear boy, I don't have any money. I left my billfold, keys, etc. on my desk back at my office which, of course, doesn't exist anymore according to this nightmare I have awakened into. It's kind of hard to buy clothes without money. Stores are funny about things like that," she said dryly.
"It's my treat. Come on, out of the car. And don't look at me like that. If you're worried about me paying for it, don't. After all, I can't very well be seen with you dressed that way," he said with a mischievous grin on his face. "It's embarrassing. Your clothes look as if you've slept in them."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny." They entered the store and Anna looked around. She selected three pairs of jeans, a couple of light weight sweaters, and a shirt. Duncan suggested a couple of dressier outfits, to which Anna just gave him an incredulous look and said, "Oh, paleeese."
They left the store and returned to the dojo. When they entered, Anna noticed the same look on Duncan's face that she had seen at the warehouse earlier. She also noticed that the place was somewhat busier. Richie came out of the office and walked towards them. "So Mac, what happened?"
"What do you think happened?" Anna responded, obviously displeased. She hated being wrong.
"I think we ought to discuss this upstairs," Duncan added. They headed to the elevator and up to the loft. When they reached the top, Duncan opened the gate and stepped out followed by Anna and Richie. Anna quickly surveyed her surroundings, basically out of habit. She always found it was best to know the "lay of the land" just in case.
It was definitely an expanse with a masculine decor. Directly in front of her was the living room which consisted of a dark green leather sofa, a large square coffee table with an antique chess set on it, and two high back chairs. Off to the right, she saw a metal shelving unit with a CD shelf system. To the left sat an antique table, which Duncan apparently used as a desk, and behind that was an oak armoire. Situated at the far end of the room was a king size bed with a large wall tapestry hanging above it. To the right of that, a spiral staircase which led to the roof. Finally, on Anna's immediate right, was the kitchen which consisted of an island with a sink, stove top, and two stools in front of it. Up against the back wall were the cabinets and the refrigerator.
"Nice place, MacLeod. Never would have guessed you'd have such excellent taste."
"Thank you, I think," he said.
"So, what happened?" Richie asked again.
"You know perfectly well what happened. And quit looking like the Cheshire cat," Anna replied. "Yes, you -- looking so pleased with yourself." Anna began to wander around the loft in order to get better acquainted with it and its occupant. "My warehouse wasn't there. Your brewery was. Happy now."
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say that," Richie told her. She responded with a look of total disbelief. Richie just continued to grin.
Anna continued to wander. She came upon some photographs. Duncan with a beautiful blonde woman. Duncan and Richie. Duncan and a black man. Duncan and... "I didn't know you knew Roger?" she asked, looking over towards him.
"Roger who?" Duncan asked, walking over to see which picture she was looking at. "That's not Roger," he told her, a look of sadness on his face. "That was my friend, Fitz. Hugh Fitzcairn."
"Oh I'm sorry," Anna said sympathetically. "But I swear he could pass for Roger Daltrey's twin. The resemblance is amazing."
"Roger Daltrey? You mean as in Roger Daltrey of The Who?" Richie asked. "I don't think he looks anything like Daltrey."
"How can you say that?" queried Anna. "He's identical to him."
"Listen, I've been a fan of the Who for years and I also knew Fitz. I'm telling you they don't look anything alike," Richie told her. "Here I'll prove it to you." Richie walked over to Duncan's CD collection.
"What are you doing?" asked Duncan.
"Well Mac, while you were gone last week, I sort of used your CD player. Mine was broken. I hope you don't mind."
"Oh no. Why should I mind?" Duncan said sarcastically. "Any time Richie, any time."
Richie looked through the CDs and found what he was looking for. He walked back to Anna and handed her the CD. It was a Who CD but she didn't recognize any of the men on the cover. "See," said Richie, pointing to the man in the middle, "that's Roger Daltrey."
"This isn't the Who and that isn't Roger Daltrey. I should know. He is one of my best friends. He's been to my house and I've been to his." She looked at both of them totally perplexed. This was as confusing as the warehouse. "I don't understand all this. What is going on?"
Duncan walked over and put his arms around her, giving her a small hug. "I don't know, Anna," replied Duncan in a reassuring tone. "But we'll find out. Now why don't you go take a nice hot shower and put on your new clothes. It will make you feel a whole lot better. Then, we'll sit down and try to figure this whole thing out."
Anna agreed as she knew he was right about the shower and the clothes. But he didn't fool her for a moment. He was going to discuss seeing HIM near the brewery with Richie and probably even make a few phone calls about her. Anna was a lot smarter than either of them could possibly imagine. She liked that advantage. She smiled as she closed the bathroom door.
When Anna had closed the door, Richie asked Duncan, "So what exactly happened? I have the feeling it's something more than Anna finding the brewery and not the warehouse."
"There was one of us there. A man by the name of Kevin Corrigan," Duncan said with an obvious note of disgust in his voice.
"I take it you know the guy."
"We've met. I think Anna has met him too," Duncan told him, "which is why I don't think his being there was an accident. I think he was there waiting for her."
"Oh man. What are you...?" Richie started to ask just as the phone rang. Duncan walked over and picked up the phone. "Hello," he said. "Duncan MacLeod." Richie signaled that he was going back downstairs and would talk to him later. "Joe, that was quick. What did you find out?"
"About Anna? Still checking. But I thought you ought to know -- just got word that Kevin Corrigan's watcher was found dead. Throat was slit. That's the third one in the last eighteen months."
"Third one? You mean, Corrigan knows about the Watchers?"
"Apparently so. It's going to be hard to find a new Watcher for him. Seems no one is crazy to take the assignment."
"Well maybe you won't need to."
"Be careful, Mac."
CHAPTER TWO
Anna sat on the rooftop, meditating. She had been reflecting on everything that had happened to her since she had awakened that morning, particularly concentrating on the events which had transpired since they had left the warehouse. She remembered the look of concern on Duncan's face and knew he wasn't sure what to make of the situation. As he opened the car door for her, he realized Anna hadn't eaten breakfast and suggested they stop somewhere. She said she really wasn't hungry, but he insisted. He headed for a little outdoor restaurant near the harbor which she guessed he must frequent by the way the owner fussed over him. They were shown to a table with a lovely view of the mountains. As she sat there, she realized that she was glad Duncan had brought her here as she found the combination of the warm sun and the breeze off the Sound very soothing. The waiter came to take their order which wasn't much - coffee for Duncan, a double order of strawberries and a croissant for Anna. They made small talk until the waiter brought their order.
"That's all you're going to eat?" he asked, eyeing her trim figure.
"Yeah," she responded. "You have a problem with that?"
"Well, it's not very much. You really should eat something a little more substantial."
"Okay, Mother. I am a big girl now. I know how to look after myself and what I need."
Duncan smiled. "So that man in the alley, how do you know him?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"Well, as you said earlier, I asked first."
"Touché, Mister MacLeod. It's personal. Very personal. And you?"
"Same. So it looks as if we're at a stalemate. Why don't we move on to another subject?"
"Like what, as if I didn't already know?" Anna said as the waiter brought her order.
"Why don't we go over your story again? Maybe you missed something."
"We went over my story in the car on the way here. I've told you everything that happened to me since I arrived in Seattle, Seacouver, or whatever the hell the name of this place is," she said, clearly exasperated. "I have a photographic memory, my dear sir. I can assure you I have left nothing out. So for the time being, the subject is closed. Next subject. Oh, I know," she said caustically, "why don't we discuss YOU? I'm sure you're quite a fascinating man." She paused and bit her lip. "Sorry, that was uncalled for. I know you're only trying to help. It's just this whole thing coupled with some recent events in my life have made me a little touchy."
"What events?" he asked.
"Oh, just things that have happened," Anna said, a hint of melancholy in her voice. "I'm really not comfortable discussing these matters with someone I just met. No offense."
"None taken. But if you should ever need to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks, Duncan. Are you always this nice to people you've just met?"
"Only the ones I find sleeping in my office," he said with a grin. "Shall we get out of here, then....if you've finished eating, that is?"
"Finished," she responded. They left the restaurant and drove downtown. Anna recognized not only a few of Seattle's famous landmarks - Space Needle, Pike's Market, the pier - but some of Vancouver's landmarks as well - Stanley Park, Dr. Sun Yat Sen's Gardens and the Omni Center. Come to think of it, the area where Duncan lived reminded her of Gastown. Why were these landmarks all in one city and why did they now have different names? She decided not to mention these little questions she had - not until she knew him better. There was something different about Duncan MacLeod and she was determined to find out what it was.
The next place they stopped was a bar called Joe's. Duncan told her he needed to speak to his friend about business. Anna knew he was lying, but decided to play along. Duncan opened the door and they went inside. It was dimly lit, as most bars are, and the sound of the blues was emanating from somewhere. Behind the bar stood a man about fifty years old with gray hair, blue eyes, and a salt and pepper beard. A warm smile greeted his guests.
"Hey Mac, good to see you," Joe said as Duncan and Anna sat down at the bar. "And who is this lovely lady?"
"Joe, I'd like you to meet Anna McGowan. Anna, Joe Dawson."
"Nice to meet you, Joe," Anne said.
"The pleasure is all mine. So what can I get you?"
"Ginger ale, if it's not too much trouble," Anna replied.
"Not at all," he said as he fixed her a drink. "Mac, you want anything?"
"Just to talk - privately," Duncan told him. "Would you excuse us, Anna?"
"Sure, no problem," she said. She picked up her drink, walked over to a table and sat down, keeping her ears open. Unbeknownst to them, she had another unusual talent - incredible hearing. Having her around, you didn't need surveillance equipment. So she listened in on their conversation. She heard Duncan tell Joe about finding her in his office and going to the warehouse. Duncan then said, "I saw Kevin Corrigan there."
"Kevin Corrigan's in town? Oh, man. That's one nasty S.O.B. You gonna...."
"That's the plan," Duncan said, and then he looked in the direction of Anna. "Need you to do something for me. I want you to do some checking on her. She knows Corrigan. I want to know what that's about."
"Why don't you ask her?" Joe asked.
"I did. She won't say. But she did tell me she's from LA and she runs a foundation for kids called CRADLE. She said that someone named Jim Wentworth left her a warehouse here. Apparently, he was a shoe tycoon. That's about all I know."
"Well, I'll see what I can't find out for you and call you later."
"Thanks, Joe." Duncan got up and walked over to Anna, "Come on. Let's go." With that, they left the bar, got into Duncan's car, and drove away.
Duncan parked the car in front of a woman's clothing store. He got out of the car, walked around to the other side, and opened the door for her.
"What are we doing here?" she asked.
"I thought maybe you would like to buy a change of clothes," he explained.
"If you remember correctly, dear boy, I don't have any money. I left my billfold, keys, etc. on my desk back at my office which, of course, doesn't exist anymore according to this nightmare I have awakened into. It's kind of hard to buy clothes without money. Stores are funny about things like that," she said dryly.
"It's my treat. Come on, out of the car. And don't look at me like that. If you're worried about me paying for it, don't. After all, I can't very well be seen with you dressed that way," he said with a mischievous grin on his face. "It's embarrassing. Your clothes look as if you've slept in them."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny." They entered the store and Anna looked around. She selected three pairs of jeans, a couple of light weight sweaters, and a shirt. Duncan suggested a couple of dressier outfits, to which Anna just gave him an incredulous look and said, "Oh, paleeese."
They left the store and returned to the dojo. When they entered, Anna noticed the same look on Duncan's face that she had seen at the warehouse earlier. She also noticed that the place was somewhat busier. Richie came out of the office and walked towards them. "So Mac, what happened?"
"What do you think happened?" Anna responded, obviously displeased. She hated being wrong.
"I think we ought to discuss this upstairs," Duncan added. They headed to the elevator and up to the loft. When they reached the top, Duncan opened the gate and stepped out followed by Anna and Richie. Anna quickly surveyed her surroundings, basically out of habit. She always found it was best to know the "lay of the land" just in case.
It was definitely an expanse with a masculine decor. Directly in front of her was the living room which consisted of a dark green leather sofa, a large square coffee table with an antique chess set on it, and two high back chairs. Off to the right, she saw a metal shelving unit with a CD shelf system. To the left sat an antique table, which Duncan apparently used as a desk, and behind that was an oak armoire. Situated at the far end of the room was a king size bed with a large wall tapestry hanging above it. To the right of that, a spiral staircase which led to the roof. Finally, on Anna's immediate right, was the kitchen which consisted of an island with a sink, stove top, and two stools in front of it. Up against the back wall were the cabinets and the refrigerator.
"Nice place, MacLeod. Never would have guessed you'd have such excellent taste."
"Thank you, I think," he said.
"So, what happened?" Richie asked again.
"You know perfectly well what happened. And quit looking like the Cheshire cat," Anna replied. "Yes, you -- looking so pleased with yourself." Anna began to wander around the loft in order to get better acquainted with it and its occupant. "My warehouse wasn't there. Your brewery was. Happy now."
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say that," Richie told her. She responded with a look of total disbelief. Richie just continued to grin.
Anna continued to wander. She came upon some photographs. Duncan with a beautiful blonde woman. Duncan and Richie. Duncan and a black man. Duncan and... "I didn't know you knew Roger?" she asked, looking over towards him.
"Roger who?" Duncan asked, walking over to see which picture she was looking at. "That's not Roger," he told her, a look of sadness on his face. "That was my friend, Fitz. Hugh Fitzcairn."
"Oh I'm sorry," Anna said sympathetically. "But I swear he could pass for Roger Daltrey's twin. The resemblance is amazing."
"Roger Daltrey? You mean as in Roger Daltrey of The Who?" Richie asked. "I don't think he looks anything like Daltrey."
"How can you say that?" queried Anna. "He's identical to him."
"Listen, I've been a fan of the Who for years and I also knew Fitz. I'm telling you they don't look anything alike," Richie told her. "Here I'll prove it to you." Richie walked over to Duncan's CD collection.
"What are you doing?" asked Duncan.
"Well Mac, while you were gone last week, I sort of used your CD player. Mine was broken. I hope you don't mind."
"Oh no. Why should I mind?" Duncan said sarcastically. "Any time Richie, any time."
Richie looked through the CDs and found what he was looking for. He walked back to Anna and handed her the CD. It was a Who CD but she didn't recognize any of the men on the cover. "See," said Richie, pointing to the man in the middle, "that's Roger Daltrey."
"This isn't the Who and that isn't Roger Daltrey. I should know. He is one of my best friends. He's been to my house and I've been to his." She looked at both of them totally perplexed. This was as confusing as the warehouse. "I don't understand all this. What is going on?"
Duncan walked over and put his arms around her, giving her a small hug. "I don't know, Anna," replied Duncan in a reassuring tone. "But we'll find out. Now why don't you go take a nice hot shower and put on your new clothes. It will make you feel a whole lot better. Then, we'll sit down and try to figure this whole thing out."
Anna agreed as she knew he was right about the shower and the clothes. But he didn't fool her for a moment. He was going to discuss seeing HIM near the brewery with Richie and probably even make a few phone calls about her. Anna was a lot smarter than either of them could possibly imagine. She liked that advantage. She smiled as she closed the bathroom door.
When Anna had closed the door, Richie asked Duncan, "So what exactly happened? I have the feeling it's something more than Anna finding the brewery and not the warehouse."
"There was one of us there. A man by the name of Kevin Corrigan," Duncan said with an obvious note of disgust in his voice.
"I take it you know the guy."
"We've met. I think Anna has met him too," Duncan told him, "which is why I don't think his being there was an accident. I think he was there waiting for her."
"Oh man. What are you...?" Richie started to ask just as the phone rang. Duncan walked over and picked up the phone. "Hello," he said. "Duncan MacLeod." Richie signaled that he was going back downstairs and would talk to him later. "Joe, that was quick. What did you find out?"
"About Anna? Still checking. But I thought you ought to know -- just got word that Kevin Corrigan's watcher was found dead. Throat was slit. That's the third one in the last eighteen months."
"Third one? You mean, Corrigan knows about the Watchers?"
"Apparently so. It's going to be hard to find a new Watcher for him. Seems no one is crazy to take the assignment."
"Well maybe you won't need to."
"Be careful, Mac."