Disclaimer: See Acknowledgements page
CHAPTER FOUR
The trio returned to the dojo a little before six. Richie was nowhere to be seen, which didn't surprise Anna, but it didn't please MacLeod either. "What's wrong with you?" she asked Duncan, who was walking to the elevator ahead of them.
"Oh, I thought Richie might still be around," he replied as he stopped and opened the gate.
A wicked grin briefly crossed Anna's face. "Relax, Duncan," she said, patting him on the stomach as she walked by him. "Kid's just out having some fun. Probably had a hot date. And I, for one, would not deny anyone the chance to get lucky." She was trying hard to keep from laughing, but when Duncan gave her a disapproving look, she just had to chuckle. She looked over at Methos and saw he was grinning as well.
They made their way to the loft and, once upstairs, Methos headed straight to the refrigerator for a beer. He was followed by Duncan and Anna. "Would you care for one?" he asked to no one in particular.
"Nice of you to offer me my own beer, Adam," came the sarcastic reply. Duncan took the beer from Methos, who just grinned. "Thanks. Anna, would you care for one?"
"No thanks, but I will have some juice if you've got it," she said.
"Coming right up," Methos said as he grabbed her a bottle of juice and handed it to her.
"So Adam, would you like to stay for dinner?" Duncan asked.
"What are you having? Oh, wait a minute. Let me guess. Hmmmm," Methos said tapping his finger on his chin, teasing the Scot, "could it be pasta?"
"Ha. Ha. Very funny," Duncan said rather sardonically. "So, are you going to stay?"
"Sure, I'd loved to stay."
Such subterfuge! she thought. Like I really would believe he intended to leave this early. He's too curious about me to want to go just yet. She smiled at them both and said how nice it was that 'Adam' could stay for dinner.
Duncan began moving about the kitchen preparing their feast. He asked Anna if she would get the fettuccini out of the cabinet. She searched the cabinet, but was totally at a loss. "I don't see it," she said. Duncan walked over and pulled the package out of the cabinet. "So that's what it looks like uncooked." Duncan gave her a skeptical look. "Don't look at me like that. I've never spent much time in the kitchen. My schedule didn't permit it."
"And what kind of schedule would that be?" asked Methos.
"A very busy one," was her jocose reply. "If you want to go on a fishing expedition, you'd better learn how to cast a line." Duncan just grinned at Methos and continued preparing dinner. Anna could tell he enjoyed playing the role of Chef. And from the aroma which drifted from the pans, he was good at it too.
They chatted about various subjects while Duncan cooked their meal. The object of this little tete-to-tete was to learn as much about each other without actually asking direct questions. Of course, Anna was extremely careful about what information she did impart to them and feigned ignorance on several topics. But then again, Duncan and Methos weren't exactly forthcoming either. Anna realized that it was one of the most peculiar conversations she had ever been involved in.
The meal was delicious and she praised the chef for his expertise. Duncan acted very modest about it, but she could tell that secretly he was delighted. Afterwards, Duncan and Methos did the dishes, leaving Anna to wander about the loft once again. She stopped to admire the beautiful tapestry on the wall above the bed, the authentic Japanese kimono hanging on the wall, and various other antiques. Well, I guess when you're as old as he is, it would be easy to acquire such things.
Her exploration ended with the exquisite chess set in the living room. She sat down on the sofa and picked up the different chess pieces one at a time, smiling as she examined them. They brought back cherished memories of a time long ago when everything was so simple and carefree - her childhood. She had only been five years old when she saw her first chess set which was just like this one. It had belonged to Jim Wentworth - oh, how he loved the game. Her father was Jim's executive assistant and had taken her with him that day to drop off some important papers. She had wandered into the library and noticed the set on a table. Being curious by nature, she couldn't resist investigating this marvel. Her father had come into the room looking for her and caught her playing with the different pieces. He scolded her for touching Mr. Wentworth's property, but Jim only laughed as he sat her in one of the chairs and taught her how to play. She beat him the very first time she played. Jim hadn't been surprised, though, as Anna was a genius.
"Do you play?" asked Duncan her.
"Not anymore. It's not very challenging when you can beat everyone you play," she said matter-of-factly.
"Really. You actually think you're that good?" Duncan said as he exchanged knowing glances with Methos.
"I don't think, Duncan, I know," she stated candidly. She could tell that his Scottish pride was just aching for the opportunity to prove her wrong. She grinned. Oh, why the hell not? It might be fun to show him that he doesn't know everything...especially about me. But just as she was about to extend a challenge, the phone rang. Duncan answered it and spoke in hushed tones. Must be Joe with the anticipated data. After several minutes, Duncan hung up the phone.
"That was Joe. He wants me to meet him at the bar."
"What a wonderful idea!" Anna injected a little too profusely. "It's been a long time since I've been out for an evening on the town. How nice of Joe to think of it." She knew this wasn't exactly what Duncan had in mind, but there was no way she was going to miss what information Joe had to pass on to them. She also knew Duncan had a streak of chivalry in him and would not deny a lady's wishes. Methos/Adam, on the other hand, was different, so she decided to take action before he could say anything. She headed to the elevator. "Coming? The night's young and I'm ready." There was nothing they could do but follow.
They entered the bar and found a table with a good view of the bandstand. There was a band on the stage warming up, getting ready for their first set. A perky little waitress came over to the table to take their order -- a single malt for Duncan, a beer for Methos, and white wine for Anna. Duncan then excused himself so he could talk to Joe. Anna knew it would be difficult to hear them over the music and the other customers. She also had a feeling Methos might decide to strike up a conversation with her, which he did. So she positioned herself in such a way that she would be able to read Joe's lips, a skill she learned working with deaf children. She was well adept at being able to speak with someone while "eavesdropping" on another conversation, and neither party aware of what she was doing.
"So Joe, what did you find out?" Duncan asked, as the band began its first set.
"Got confirmation on Anna's identity," he responded as he began filling the trio's order. "I sent one of our people to Great Neck. She faxed this picture to me along with a report." Duncan looked at the picture -- it was Anna. "According to the report, Margaret Grey, 32, is a hairstylist, married five years to Nelson "Sonny" Grey, no children. About a year ago, she was brutally attacked and raped. The experience left her in a catatonic state for several months. She was released from the hospital last month as an outpatient. Then two days ago, she disappeared. I've already contacted the family. Her husband's flying out in the morning. His flight gets in about 12:30pm." Joe studied his friend as he put their order on the tray for the waitress who then delivered the drinks to the table. "What's wrong, Mac? You look a little disappointed. You're not falling for this woman, are you?"
"Of course not," he replied defensively. "Whatever gave you that idea? I better get back to the table." Duncan returned to the table, sitting down next to Anna.
With this information, Anna knew that she had no other choice but to put her plan into action. She stared at the glass of wine before her, lost in thought. She knew the strange effect that alcohol had on her. It acted like a powerful aphrodisiac, releasing all her inhibitions. The object of her desire would be the person to whom she was strongly attracted. For that reason, she was always careful about when she drank it. But tonight she would use it to her advantage.
"Anna. Earth to Anna. Do you hear me?" Methos said with a grin. Anna looked up, a little startled. "So where were you?"
"Sorry. The music reminded me of something. Guess I went there for a little while," was her reply. "Now, what were you saying?"
"Nothing really. I was just wondering if anything was wrong with your drink."
"No, it's fine," she said. It's now or never. She picked the glass up and took a drink. The cool liquid felt strangely warm as it made its way down her throat. Already she could feel her blood begin to sing with the alcohol's effect. It won't be long now, she thought. At first, she would be like a giggly little schoolgirl. Then she would begin putting the moves on Duncan. But she knew his strong sense of honor wouldn't allow him to take advantage of the situation, especially when he believed the woman was married and a little off balance. More than likely, he would become flustered and hopefully she could catch him off guard. This effect didn't last long as she would fall asleep after about an hour then wake up about six hours later. "You know, this band is really good," she said as she took another drink.
"Yeah, they are. Joe discovered them in some dive over by the waterfront and gave them a chance," Duncan informed her. "They got to be quite popular, but they never forgot what Joe did for them. So they come by every so often and do a few sets. Joe will probably sit in with them later."
"That'll be nice," she said, starting to giggle. "I can't wait. Does he take request? Think he'd do 'Achy Breaky Heart' for me?"
"Somehow I don't think so," was the reply from Methos. "It's not in his repertoire."
"Ah, that's too bad," Anna said, pouting. "I was really looking forward to a bluesy rendition of it." But the pout soon gave way to giggling. Both Duncan and Methos were thinking the same thing - this woman can't hold her liquor.
"I think you've had enough to drink," Duncan told her, reaching for her glass.
"NO." Anna grabbed the glass first and drank down the last of the wine, laughing as she finished it. She set the glass down, eyeing Duncan while licking her lips seductively. Her fingers began to lightly stroke the back of his hand.
"Don't do that," he said as he pulled his hand away.
"Oh, come on, Duncan. Let's have a little fun," she said as her hand made its way under the table to his leg. She began to massage the inside of his thigh, inching up towards his crotch.
He grabbed her hand and placed it back on the table. "Stop that," he said rather firmly. He looked over at Methos for help only to find a big grin on his friend's face. "I think it's time we go."
"Not into exhibitions are you," she said coyly. "Well, that's okay. A private little one on one is alright by me."
"That's not what I had in mind," Duncan told her as he stood up. "Me...uh, Adam and I think that you need to get to bed...," but he didn't finish as Anna stood up and began caressing his chest.
"Oh kinky. A threesome. I'm game," she purred.
Methos started snickering at the look on Duncan's face. He loved it when the Boy Scout was flustered.
"This isn't funny," Duncan told his friend, then to Anna, "That isn't what I meant. You've had a little bit too much to drink and you need to get some sleep."
"Oh pooh. It's not sleep I need, ducky," she said seductively. "I need a warm body to hump and I think you'll do nicely." Duncan heard a stifled laugh behind him. He turned his head only to find that Joe had come over to investigate the little scene that was taking place before him. This is all I need, he thought. A drunken mental case coming on to me which my so-called friends are finding totally amusing.
Giving his friends a scowl, he said, "I glad you both find it so funny. Now, if you don't mind, Adam, let's get her out of here."
"Oh, but I do mind. I thought I'd just hang out here with Joe as we need to talk," Methos replied with a wicked grin. Duncan glared at him as he knew Methos was lying. I'll get you for this, old man.
Methos got up and went to the bar, smiling at Duncan. "See you later, MacLeod."
"See you both later," he said icily. Duncan grabbed Anna by the arm and stormed out of the bar. Joe and Methos looked at each other and laughed.
CHAPTER FOUR
The trio returned to the dojo a little before six. Richie was nowhere to be seen, which didn't surprise Anna, but it didn't please MacLeod either. "What's wrong with you?" she asked Duncan, who was walking to the elevator ahead of them.
"Oh, I thought Richie might still be around," he replied as he stopped and opened the gate.
A wicked grin briefly crossed Anna's face. "Relax, Duncan," she said, patting him on the stomach as she walked by him. "Kid's just out having some fun. Probably had a hot date. And I, for one, would not deny anyone the chance to get lucky." She was trying hard to keep from laughing, but when Duncan gave her a disapproving look, she just had to chuckle. She looked over at Methos and saw he was grinning as well.
They made their way to the loft and, once upstairs, Methos headed straight to the refrigerator for a beer. He was followed by Duncan and Anna. "Would you care for one?" he asked to no one in particular.
"Nice of you to offer me my own beer, Adam," came the sarcastic reply. Duncan took the beer from Methos, who just grinned. "Thanks. Anna, would you care for one?"
"No thanks, but I will have some juice if you've got it," she said.
"Coming right up," Methos said as he grabbed her a bottle of juice and handed it to her.
"So Adam, would you like to stay for dinner?" Duncan asked.
"What are you having? Oh, wait a minute. Let me guess. Hmmmm," Methos said tapping his finger on his chin, teasing the Scot, "could it be pasta?"
"Ha. Ha. Very funny," Duncan said rather sardonically. "So, are you going to stay?"
"Sure, I'd loved to stay."
Such subterfuge! she thought. Like I really would believe he intended to leave this early. He's too curious about me to want to go just yet. She smiled at them both and said how nice it was that 'Adam' could stay for dinner.
Duncan began moving about the kitchen preparing their feast. He asked Anna if she would get the fettuccini out of the cabinet. She searched the cabinet, but was totally at a loss. "I don't see it," she said. Duncan walked over and pulled the package out of the cabinet. "So that's what it looks like uncooked." Duncan gave her a skeptical look. "Don't look at me like that. I've never spent much time in the kitchen. My schedule didn't permit it."
"And what kind of schedule would that be?" asked Methos.
"A very busy one," was her jocose reply. "If you want to go on a fishing expedition, you'd better learn how to cast a line." Duncan just grinned at Methos and continued preparing dinner. Anna could tell he enjoyed playing the role of Chef. And from the aroma which drifted from the pans, he was good at it too.
They chatted about various subjects while Duncan cooked their meal. The object of this little tete-to-tete was to learn as much about each other without actually asking direct questions. Of course, Anna was extremely careful about what information she did impart to them and feigned ignorance on several topics. But then again, Duncan and Methos weren't exactly forthcoming either. Anna realized that it was one of the most peculiar conversations she had ever been involved in.
The meal was delicious and she praised the chef for his expertise. Duncan acted very modest about it, but she could tell that secretly he was delighted. Afterwards, Duncan and Methos did the dishes, leaving Anna to wander about the loft once again. She stopped to admire the beautiful tapestry on the wall above the bed, the authentic Japanese kimono hanging on the wall, and various other antiques. Well, I guess when you're as old as he is, it would be easy to acquire such things.
Her exploration ended with the exquisite chess set in the living room. She sat down on the sofa and picked up the different chess pieces one at a time, smiling as she examined them. They brought back cherished memories of a time long ago when everything was so simple and carefree - her childhood. She had only been five years old when she saw her first chess set which was just like this one. It had belonged to Jim Wentworth - oh, how he loved the game. Her father was Jim's executive assistant and had taken her with him that day to drop off some important papers. She had wandered into the library and noticed the set on a table. Being curious by nature, she couldn't resist investigating this marvel. Her father had come into the room looking for her and caught her playing with the different pieces. He scolded her for touching Mr. Wentworth's property, but Jim only laughed as he sat her in one of the chairs and taught her how to play. She beat him the very first time she played. Jim hadn't been surprised, though, as Anna was a genius.
"Do you play?" asked Duncan her.
"Not anymore. It's not very challenging when you can beat everyone you play," she said matter-of-factly.
"Really. You actually think you're that good?" Duncan said as he exchanged knowing glances with Methos.
"I don't think, Duncan, I know," she stated candidly. She could tell that his Scottish pride was just aching for the opportunity to prove her wrong. She grinned. Oh, why the hell not? It might be fun to show him that he doesn't know everything...especially about me. But just as she was about to extend a challenge, the phone rang. Duncan answered it and spoke in hushed tones. Must be Joe with the anticipated data. After several minutes, Duncan hung up the phone.
"That was Joe. He wants me to meet him at the bar."
"What a wonderful idea!" Anna injected a little too profusely. "It's been a long time since I've been out for an evening on the town. How nice of Joe to think of it." She knew this wasn't exactly what Duncan had in mind, but there was no way she was going to miss what information Joe had to pass on to them. She also knew Duncan had a streak of chivalry in him and would not deny a lady's wishes. Methos/Adam, on the other hand, was different, so she decided to take action before he could say anything. She headed to the elevator. "Coming? The night's young and I'm ready." There was nothing they could do but follow.
They entered the bar and found a table with a good view of the bandstand. There was a band on the stage warming up, getting ready for their first set. A perky little waitress came over to the table to take their order -- a single malt for Duncan, a beer for Methos, and white wine for Anna. Duncan then excused himself so he could talk to Joe. Anna knew it would be difficult to hear them over the music and the other customers. She also had a feeling Methos might decide to strike up a conversation with her, which he did. So she positioned herself in such a way that she would be able to read Joe's lips, a skill she learned working with deaf children. She was well adept at being able to speak with someone while "eavesdropping" on another conversation, and neither party aware of what she was doing.
"So Joe, what did you find out?" Duncan asked, as the band began its first set.
"Got confirmation on Anna's identity," he responded as he began filling the trio's order. "I sent one of our people to Great Neck. She faxed this picture to me along with a report." Duncan looked at the picture -- it was Anna. "According to the report, Margaret Grey, 32, is a hairstylist, married five years to Nelson "Sonny" Grey, no children. About a year ago, she was brutally attacked and raped. The experience left her in a catatonic state for several months. She was released from the hospital last month as an outpatient. Then two days ago, she disappeared. I've already contacted the family. Her husband's flying out in the morning. His flight gets in about 12:30pm." Joe studied his friend as he put their order on the tray for the waitress who then delivered the drinks to the table. "What's wrong, Mac? You look a little disappointed. You're not falling for this woman, are you?"
"Of course not," he replied defensively. "Whatever gave you that idea? I better get back to the table." Duncan returned to the table, sitting down next to Anna.
With this information, Anna knew that she had no other choice but to put her plan into action. She stared at the glass of wine before her, lost in thought. She knew the strange effect that alcohol had on her. It acted like a powerful aphrodisiac, releasing all her inhibitions. The object of her desire would be the person to whom she was strongly attracted. For that reason, she was always careful about when she drank it. But tonight she would use it to her advantage.
"Anna. Earth to Anna. Do you hear me?" Methos said with a grin. Anna looked up, a little startled. "So where were you?"
"Sorry. The music reminded me of something. Guess I went there for a little while," was her reply. "Now, what were you saying?"
"Nothing really. I was just wondering if anything was wrong with your drink."
"No, it's fine," she said. It's now or never. She picked the glass up and took a drink. The cool liquid felt strangely warm as it made its way down her throat. Already she could feel her blood begin to sing with the alcohol's effect. It won't be long now, she thought. At first, she would be like a giggly little schoolgirl. Then she would begin putting the moves on Duncan. But she knew his strong sense of honor wouldn't allow him to take advantage of the situation, especially when he believed the woman was married and a little off balance. More than likely, he would become flustered and hopefully she could catch him off guard. This effect didn't last long as she would fall asleep after about an hour then wake up about six hours later. "You know, this band is really good," she said as she took another drink.
"Yeah, they are. Joe discovered them in some dive over by the waterfront and gave them a chance," Duncan informed her. "They got to be quite popular, but they never forgot what Joe did for them. So they come by every so often and do a few sets. Joe will probably sit in with them later."
"That'll be nice," she said, starting to giggle. "I can't wait. Does he take request? Think he'd do 'Achy Breaky Heart' for me?"
"Somehow I don't think so," was the reply from Methos. "It's not in his repertoire."
"Ah, that's too bad," Anna said, pouting. "I was really looking forward to a bluesy rendition of it." But the pout soon gave way to giggling. Both Duncan and Methos were thinking the same thing - this woman can't hold her liquor.
"I think you've had enough to drink," Duncan told her, reaching for her glass.
"NO." Anna grabbed the glass first and drank down the last of the wine, laughing as she finished it. She set the glass down, eyeing Duncan while licking her lips seductively. Her fingers began to lightly stroke the back of his hand.
"Don't do that," he said as he pulled his hand away.
"Oh, come on, Duncan. Let's have a little fun," she said as her hand made its way under the table to his leg. She began to massage the inside of his thigh, inching up towards his crotch.
He grabbed her hand and placed it back on the table. "Stop that," he said rather firmly. He looked over at Methos for help only to find a big grin on his friend's face. "I think it's time we go."
"Not into exhibitions are you," she said coyly. "Well, that's okay. A private little one on one is alright by me."
"That's not what I had in mind," Duncan told her as he stood up. "Me...uh, Adam and I think that you need to get to bed...," but he didn't finish as Anna stood up and began caressing his chest.
"Oh kinky. A threesome. I'm game," she purred.
Methos started snickering at the look on Duncan's face. He loved it when the Boy Scout was flustered.
"This isn't funny," Duncan told his friend, then to Anna, "That isn't what I meant. You've had a little bit too much to drink and you need to get some sleep."
"Oh pooh. It's not sleep I need, ducky," she said seductively. "I need a warm body to hump and I think you'll do nicely." Duncan heard a stifled laugh behind him. He turned his head only to find that Joe had come over to investigate the little scene that was taking place before him. This is all I need, he thought. A drunken mental case coming on to me which my so-called friends are finding totally amusing.
Giving his friends a scowl, he said, "I glad you both find it so funny. Now, if you don't mind, Adam, let's get her out of here."
"Oh, but I do mind. I thought I'd just hang out here with Joe as we need to talk," Methos replied with a wicked grin. Duncan glared at him as he knew Methos was lying. I'll get you for this, old man.
Methos got up and went to the bar, smiling at Duncan. "See you later, MacLeod."
"See you both later," he said icily. Duncan grabbed Anna by the arm and stormed out of the bar. Joe and Methos looked at each other and laughed.