Disclaimer: See Acknowledgements page
CHAPTER FIVE
The elevator stopped and Duncan opened the gate to the loft. Anna clung to him, her right hand trying to unbutton his shirt. Duncan grabbed her by the arms and led her over to the sofa.
"Oh, so you like it rough," she said coquettishly. Duncan just gave her an exasperated look as she sat down on the sofa. The drive home had been a struggle between the two with Duncan trying to fend off the rapacious advances of Anna. It wasn't until Duncan managed to convince her that they would get back to the loft a lot faster if she would leave him alone, because she was distracting him and he couldn't concentrate on driving. Now he needed a new tactic. Just then he felt that familiar buzz and turned. The elevator came to a stop, the gate lifted, and Richie emerged. Duncan turned back to Anna, "Wait here."
"Sure, babe. But don't be too long," she said as she stroke his leg. Duncan shook his head as he walked over to greet an anxious immortal.
"Mac, glad you're home," Richie said as he entered the loft. "Sorry I wasn't here when you got back from the museum, but something came up." He stopped talking as a quizzical look formed on his face. Duncan turned around to see just what it was that had caused his friend's disconcerted look. The sight he beheld was of Anna on the sofa unbuttoning her shirt. Duncan shook his head, gave the younger immortal a 'Don't ask' look, then walked over to Anna.
"Anna, not in front of Richie," Duncan said gently as he buttoned her shirt back up. "Now, could you do me a favor and just wait a little bit longer. Richie needs to talk to me. And the sooner I finish with him, the sooner we can be together. Okay?"
"Oh, pooh. I hate waiting," she said with a pout. "What am I supposed to do while you talk to him?"
"Why don't you watch some TV?" he responded. Duncan walked over and opened the armoire revealing the set. He grabbed the remote and handed it to her.
"Okay, Pookie," she said giggling, turning the TV on. Duncan walked over to Richie, who opened his mouth to say something, but quickly closed it when Duncan gave him a 'Don't you dare say a word' look.
"So what's going on, Richie?" Duncan asked. "And this better be good."
"About an hour after you left, Celia called and said she was having car trouble again and needed to get it to the garage to be fixed. She asked me to follow her over there just in case she broke down on the way," Richie explained. "Well, she had promised to take little Jake to the zoo and he was heart-broken that they wouldn't be able to go. So I volunteered to take them," he added with a grin.
Duncan started to reply when Anna started laughing, really laughing. She had been eavesdropping on their conversation when something on TV caught her eye. A face -- a familiar face -- dressed in a white suit holding a bible. It was the end of some TV evangelist's show. He was saying good night to everyone and thanking them for all their help. He was also reminding them to continue that help so he could carry on the work of the Lord. That "he" was Reg. Well, that's what she called him...only she could get away with it. Everyone else had to call him Elton John. Of course, that's not what his name was here. It was Jeremiah Campbell. And standing next to Jeremiah was his lovely wife, Sister Elizabeth, who looked exactly like Madonna. It was so hysterical she just had to laugh. She laughed so hard that she began to cough. Duncan brought her a glass of water. She took a drink, looked up at him, yawned, and then fell asleep.
After Duncan had settled Anna on the sofa, he signaled for Richie to join him in the kitchen to continue their discussion. Richie filled Duncan in on the details of what had happened earlier and he told Duncan he would follow up on it tomorrow. Duncan agreed the information might be helpful plus he was curious as to what it meant. He then filled Richie in on the details of their day. Well, what he felt was important. And Richie knew better than to say anything about what he had walked in on. But there was one question which the younger immortal wanted to ask. "So Mac, you said you'd met this Corrigan guy before?"
"Yeah, about 60 years ago."
Flashback -- Boston, 1932
Duncan MacLeod rapped lightly on the apartment door. From the other side, he heard footsteps approach and a tentative voice say "Who is it?"
"It's Duncan," was the reply. The door flew open and there before him stood his current love, Katie Maguire. His heart ached when he saw her as her beautiful blue eyes were red from crying and her lovely smile was missing. "I came as soon as I could."
"Duncan," she whispered as she fell into his arms and began to weep. Holding her tight, he led her to the sofa to comfort her. Her crying subsided and as she looked up at him, he wiped away the tears and brushed back the curls of her long blonde hair. "Oh Duncan, it was awful," she said, as she began to cry uncontrollably.
"Shhh, it's alright. I'm here now," he said softly. He sat there for a long time, holding her close to his heart and stroking her hair until she calmed down. "Would you like to talk about it? It might help."
"Okay, I'll try," she replied, trying to compose herself. She sat up to face him and began her tale. "I was coming home from shopping this afternoon and, since it was such a beautiful day, I decided to walk through the park. I stopped for a while to sit by the fountain. As I sat there, I noticed something red over by the bushes. The wind was blowing it. It looked like some kind of fabric. I wondered what it could be so I went over to see what it was. When I got there...." She paused as she was on the verge of tears again. Duncan gently caressed her cheek, his concern for her showing in his eyes. "It was a jacket, only.... Oh my God, how could someone do something like that to....?" was all she managed to say before the tears began to flow again.
Duncan held her once more, trying to soothe away the pain. Eventually, Katie fell asleep in his arms. Duncan carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed, drawing the covers over her. He returned to the living room to read until she awakened. It was almost two hours later before she emerged.
"Feeling better?" he asked, as he rose and walked towards her. Katie walked towards him as well. When they met, Duncan put his strong arms around her, held her tightly and kissed her forehead.
"In your arms, definitely," she said as she snuggled. "But I'd feel a whole lot better if we could go get something to eat. I'm starving."
"And just where would you like to eat, as if I didn't know?" he asked with a grin.
"Mamma's, of course," she giggled.
"You keep eating there the way you do and you're gonna get fat," he teased her.
"Not with the way that we always work it off later," she said with a sly grin.
"Then I guess I'll have to take you there more often," he replied with a wicked grin on his face.
"I'd like that. A lot. But if we're going, then I need to get ready," she said as she pulled away and walked to the bedroom. "I won't be long." She smiled mischievously at him and closed the door.
Dinner, as always, was superb. They finished their meal and Katie ordered dessert. As they waited for it to arrive, Duncan felt that old familiar buzz. He looked around, his eyes eventually finding the source of the quickening. Near the restaurant entrance stood a tall, blonde hair man waiting to be seated. He looked to be in his early thirties, but Duncan knew that looks could be deceiving, especially where immortals were concerned. The blonde man walked to their table and stopped. "Excuse me," the man said.
"Is there something you want?" Duncan asked him.
"Maybe, if you're Katherine Maguire," the stranger replied, nodding towards Katie.
"Who's asking?" Duncan inquired.
"My name is Kevin Corrigan. I'm a reporter with the Globe. I'd like to ask Miss Maguire a few questions, if I may."
"No, you may not," Duncan said protectively. "She has nothing to say to the press. Now if you don't mind, we'd like to be left alone."
"Surely, Mister...," Corrigan said.
"MacLeod. Duncan MacLeod."
"Yes. Surely, Mr. MacLeod, you understand that the people have a right to know what has happened, especially since this was the fifth body that's been found in the area over the last three months."
"If you want to know what happened, then I suggest you talk to the police. Now if you will excuse us," Duncan said adamantly, signaling for the check "we'll be going. Good evening."
"Alright, but we'll meet again, Mr. MacLeod. We will meet again."
Back to the present.....
"So what happened?" Richie asked. Just then the phone rang. It was Joe. Duncan asked Joe to hold a moment, then he told Richie to come by for breakfast in the morning. With that, Richie left.
"So Mac, how are things going?" Joe said with a laugh in his voice.
"Fine. She fell asleep on the sofa shortly after we arrived back here."
"Really," Joe replied, a sound of disbelief in his voice.
"Sorry to disappoint you and Methos, but that is what happened. You can ask Richie."
"Oh. Well, just checking in. Guess I'll see you tomorrow. Night Mac."
"Night Joe," Duncan hung up the phone and headed for bed.
Anna awoke, still a little groggy from the effects of the alcohol. She rolled over and, pushing back her curls, looked at her watch. It was a little after 4AM. She slowly sat up and glanced over at the bed. It looked as if her plan had worked, which didn't surprise her. Duncan was sound asleep, so she would be able to make her escape with ease.
Apparently, they had left her sleeping on the sofa, probably fearing she might awaken if they moved her. But they were kind enough to provide her with a pillow and a blanket. She got up, collected her clothes, and silently made her way to the front door. See you around, Duncan MacLeod, she thought as she closed the door.
She made her way down the stairs towards the alley, then the street. She was heading back to the warehouse as she was sure he had left her a clue. She knew he was the one who brought her here, but how he did it or what evil little game he was playing she didn't know. Whatever it was, she was ready for it. He tried to destroy her once, but never again. NEVER AGAIN!
Duncan awoke as the sunlight that streamed through the windows disturbed his slumber. He threw the covers back and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He ran his hand through his hair and rubbed his head. Standing up, he headed for the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, he emerged ready for the day's events; however, a cup of coffee couldn't hurt. As he passed the sofa on the way to the kitchen, he noticed it was empty.
"Anna," he called as he picked up the blanket. It was cold, so he knew she had been gone for sometime. "Wonderful," he added sarcastically as he headed towards the phone.
A half hour later, Joe and Methos were at the loft with Richie expected at any moment. They were plotting their strategy over the quick breakfast Duncan had whipped up. "I'm sure the first place she would have headed would have been the warehouse. Methos and I should check it out, while you wait for her husband to show up," Duncan told them.
"I'll also put the word out and see if I can locate Corrigan," Joe added. At that moment, the three heard the elevator slowly advancing. Duncan and Methos felt the presence of another immortal. The elevator stopped and the gate opened. Richie emerged with a bag of donuts in his hand.
"Hey, Mac. Joe. Old Man," Richie said with a grin, offering the sweet cakes to his comrades.
"Watch it, kid," Methos replied, taking a glazed donut.
"So what's the plan, guys?" Richie asked.
"MacLeod has decided were going to charge up San Juan Hill and rescue the damsel in distress," Methos said mockingly. "Or is that climb up the ivory tower?"
"Very funny, old man," Duncan retorted. "Methos and I are going to the warehouse to see if we can't pick up on Anna's trail...sorry, Margaret's trail. I'm pretty sure she's headed there. Joe is going to see if he can get a location on Corrigan as well as pick her husband up at the airport. As for you, I think you should check on that matter we discussed last night."
"And just what would that matter be?" Joe and Methos asked simultaneously. Duncan nodded to Richie to tell them what he had discovered yesterday.
"Yesterday, my friend, Celia, showed up with her little boy, Jake. She was having car trouble and wanted me to follow her to the garage. Afterwards, we went to the zoo and dinner. On the way back, Jake was playing with something in the backseat. It was a CD he said he had found on the floor under the sofa in Mac's office. It kinda shocked me when I saw it." Richie pulled the CD out and handed it to Joe, who looked at it, then at Duncan and Richie with a puzzled expression on his face. He passed it on to Methos who was also amazed at the picture on the cover. There was a man sitting in a chair who looked strangely like Jeremiah Campbell. It said 'Elton John. Love Songs.' "Mac wants me to check on this, see if I can find out were it came from. The weird thing is I listened to it and those are Elton John's song, but Campbell's voice. Actually, I thought he sounded better than Elton John."
"This is rather odd. I'm somewhat curious myself as to exactly where this came from," Methos said as he opened the case. He pulled the inside cover out to examine it. The inscription caught his eye immediately. "Listen to this. It's inscribed. It says 'To The Little Dictator. Love, the old Queen, Reg.'" They all looked at one another wondering just exactly what it meant.
CHAPTER FIVE
The elevator stopped and Duncan opened the gate to the loft. Anna clung to him, her right hand trying to unbutton his shirt. Duncan grabbed her by the arms and led her over to the sofa.
"Oh, so you like it rough," she said coquettishly. Duncan just gave her an exasperated look as she sat down on the sofa. The drive home had been a struggle between the two with Duncan trying to fend off the rapacious advances of Anna. It wasn't until Duncan managed to convince her that they would get back to the loft a lot faster if she would leave him alone, because she was distracting him and he couldn't concentrate on driving. Now he needed a new tactic. Just then he felt that familiar buzz and turned. The elevator came to a stop, the gate lifted, and Richie emerged. Duncan turned back to Anna, "Wait here."
"Sure, babe. But don't be too long," she said as she stroke his leg. Duncan shook his head as he walked over to greet an anxious immortal.
"Mac, glad you're home," Richie said as he entered the loft. "Sorry I wasn't here when you got back from the museum, but something came up." He stopped talking as a quizzical look formed on his face. Duncan turned around to see just what it was that had caused his friend's disconcerted look. The sight he beheld was of Anna on the sofa unbuttoning her shirt. Duncan shook his head, gave the younger immortal a 'Don't ask' look, then walked over to Anna.
"Anna, not in front of Richie," Duncan said gently as he buttoned her shirt back up. "Now, could you do me a favor and just wait a little bit longer. Richie needs to talk to me. And the sooner I finish with him, the sooner we can be together. Okay?"
"Oh, pooh. I hate waiting," she said with a pout. "What am I supposed to do while you talk to him?"
"Why don't you watch some TV?" he responded. Duncan walked over and opened the armoire revealing the set. He grabbed the remote and handed it to her.
"Okay, Pookie," she said giggling, turning the TV on. Duncan walked over to Richie, who opened his mouth to say something, but quickly closed it when Duncan gave him a 'Don't you dare say a word' look.
"So what's going on, Richie?" Duncan asked. "And this better be good."
"About an hour after you left, Celia called and said she was having car trouble again and needed to get it to the garage to be fixed. She asked me to follow her over there just in case she broke down on the way," Richie explained. "Well, she had promised to take little Jake to the zoo and he was heart-broken that they wouldn't be able to go. So I volunteered to take them," he added with a grin.
Duncan started to reply when Anna started laughing, really laughing. She had been eavesdropping on their conversation when something on TV caught her eye. A face -- a familiar face -- dressed in a white suit holding a bible. It was the end of some TV evangelist's show. He was saying good night to everyone and thanking them for all their help. He was also reminding them to continue that help so he could carry on the work of the Lord. That "he" was Reg. Well, that's what she called him...only she could get away with it. Everyone else had to call him Elton John. Of course, that's not what his name was here. It was Jeremiah Campbell. And standing next to Jeremiah was his lovely wife, Sister Elizabeth, who looked exactly like Madonna. It was so hysterical she just had to laugh. She laughed so hard that she began to cough. Duncan brought her a glass of water. She took a drink, looked up at him, yawned, and then fell asleep.
After Duncan had settled Anna on the sofa, he signaled for Richie to join him in the kitchen to continue their discussion. Richie filled Duncan in on the details of what had happened earlier and he told Duncan he would follow up on it tomorrow. Duncan agreed the information might be helpful plus he was curious as to what it meant. He then filled Richie in on the details of their day. Well, what he felt was important. And Richie knew better than to say anything about what he had walked in on. But there was one question which the younger immortal wanted to ask. "So Mac, you said you'd met this Corrigan guy before?"
"Yeah, about 60 years ago."
Flashback -- Boston, 1932
Duncan MacLeod rapped lightly on the apartment door. From the other side, he heard footsteps approach and a tentative voice say "Who is it?"
"It's Duncan," was the reply. The door flew open and there before him stood his current love, Katie Maguire. His heart ached when he saw her as her beautiful blue eyes were red from crying and her lovely smile was missing. "I came as soon as I could."
"Duncan," she whispered as she fell into his arms and began to weep. Holding her tight, he led her to the sofa to comfort her. Her crying subsided and as she looked up at him, he wiped away the tears and brushed back the curls of her long blonde hair. "Oh Duncan, it was awful," she said, as she began to cry uncontrollably.
"Shhh, it's alright. I'm here now," he said softly. He sat there for a long time, holding her close to his heart and stroking her hair until she calmed down. "Would you like to talk about it? It might help."
"Okay, I'll try," she replied, trying to compose herself. She sat up to face him and began her tale. "I was coming home from shopping this afternoon and, since it was such a beautiful day, I decided to walk through the park. I stopped for a while to sit by the fountain. As I sat there, I noticed something red over by the bushes. The wind was blowing it. It looked like some kind of fabric. I wondered what it could be so I went over to see what it was. When I got there...." She paused as she was on the verge of tears again. Duncan gently caressed her cheek, his concern for her showing in his eyes. "It was a jacket, only.... Oh my God, how could someone do something like that to....?" was all she managed to say before the tears began to flow again.
Duncan held her once more, trying to soothe away the pain. Eventually, Katie fell asleep in his arms. Duncan carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed, drawing the covers over her. He returned to the living room to read until she awakened. It was almost two hours later before she emerged.
"Feeling better?" he asked, as he rose and walked towards her. Katie walked towards him as well. When they met, Duncan put his strong arms around her, held her tightly and kissed her forehead.
"In your arms, definitely," she said as she snuggled. "But I'd feel a whole lot better if we could go get something to eat. I'm starving."
"And just where would you like to eat, as if I didn't know?" he asked with a grin.
"Mamma's, of course," she giggled.
"You keep eating there the way you do and you're gonna get fat," he teased her.
"Not with the way that we always work it off later," she said with a sly grin.
"Then I guess I'll have to take you there more often," he replied with a wicked grin on his face.
"I'd like that. A lot. But if we're going, then I need to get ready," she said as she pulled away and walked to the bedroom. "I won't be long." She smiled mischievously at him and closed the door.
Dinner, as always, was superb. They finished their meal and Katie ordered dessert. As they waited for it to arrive, Duncan felt that old familiar buzz. He looked around, his eyes eventually finding the source of the quickening. Near the restaurant entrance stood a tall, blonde hair man waiting to be seated. He looked to be in his early thirties, but Duncan knew that looks could be deceiving, especially where immortals were concerned. The blonde man walked to their table and stopped. "Excuse me," the man said.
"Is there something you want?" Duncan asked him.
"Maybe, if you're Katherine Maguire," the stranger replied, nodding towards Katie.
"Who's asking?" Duncan inquired.
"My name is Kevin Corrigan. I'm a reporter with the Globe. I'd like to ask Miss Maguire a few questions, if I may."
"No, you may not," Duncan said protectively. "She has nothing to say to the press. Now if you don't mind, we'd like to be left alone."
"Surely, Mister...," Corrigan said.
"MacLeod. Duncan MacLeod."
"Yes. Surely, Mr. MacLeod, you understand that the people have a right to know what has happened, especially since this was the fifth body that's been found in the area over the last three months."
"If you want to know what happened, then I suggest you talk to the police. Now if you will excuse us," Duncan said adamantly, signaling for the check "we'll be going. Good evening."
"Alright, but we'll meet again, Mr. MacLeod. We will meet again."
Back to the present.....
"So what happened?" Richie asked. Just then the phone rang. It was Joe. Duncan asked Joe to hold a moment, then he told Richie to come by for breakfast in the morning. With that, Richie left.
"So Mac, how are things going?" Joe said with a laugh in his voice.
"Fine. She fell asleep on the sofa shortly after we arrived back here."
"Really," Joe replied, a sound of disbelief in his voice.
"Sorry to disappoint you and Methos, but that is what happened. You can ask Richie."
"Oh. Well, just checking in. Guess I'll see you tomorrow. Night Mac."
"Night Joe," Duncan hung up the phone and headed for bed.
Anna awoke, still a little groggy from the effects of the alcohol. She rolled over and, pushing back her curls, looked at her watch. It was a little after 4AM. She slowly sat up and glanced over at the bed. It looked as if her plan had worked, which didn't surprise her. Duncan was sound asleep, so she would be able to make her escape with ease.
Apparently, they had left her sleeping on the sofa, probably fearing she might awaken if they moved her. But they were kind enough to provide her with a pillow and a blanket. She got up, collected her clothes, and silently made her way to the front door. See you around, Duncan MacLeod, she thought as she closed the door.
She made her way down the stairs towards the alley, then the street. She was heading back to the warehouse as she was sure he had left her a clue. She knew he was the one who brought her here, but how he did it or what evil little game he was playing she didn't know. Whatever it was, she was ready for it. He tried to destroy her once, but never again. NEVER AGAIN!
Duncan awoke as the sunlight that streamed through the windows disturbed his slumber. He threw the covers back and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He ran his hand through his hair and rubbed his head. Standing up, he headed for the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, he emerged ready for the day's events; however, a cup of coffee couldn't hurt. As he passed the sofa on the way to the kitchen, he noticed it was empty.
"Anna," he called as he picked up the blanket. It was cold, so he knew she had been gone for sometime. "Wonderful," he added sarcastically as he headed towards the phone.
A half hour later, Joe and Methos were at the loft with Richie expected at any moment. They were plotting their strategy over the quick breakfast Duncan had whipped up. "I'm sure the first place she would have headed would have been the warehouse. Methos and I should check it out, while you wait for her husband to show up," Duncan told them.
"I'll also put the word out and see if I can locate Corrigan," Joe added. At that moment, the three heard the elevator slowly advancing. Duncan and Methos felt the presence of another immortal. The elevator stopped and the gate opened. Richie emerged with a bag of donuts in his hand.
"Hey, Mac. Joe. Old Man," Richie said with a grin, offering the sweet cakes to his comrades.
"Watch it, kid," Methos replied, taking a glazed donut.
"So what's the plan, guys?" Richie asked.
"MacLeod has decided were going to charge up San Juan Hill and rescue the damsel in distress," Methos said mockingly. "Or is that climb up the ivory tower?"
"Very funny, old man," Duncan retorted. "Methos and I are going to the warehouse to see if we can't pick up on Anna's trail...sorry, Margaret's trail. I'm pretty sure she's headed there. Joe is going to see if he can get a location on Corrigan as well as pick her husband up at the airport. As for you, I think you should check on that matter we discussed last night."
"And just what would that matter be?" Joe and Methos asked simultaneously. Duncan nodded to Richie to tell them what he had discovered yesterday.
"Yesterday, my friend, Celia, showed up with her little boy, Jake. She was having car trouble and wanted me to follow her to the garage. Afterwards, we went to the zoo and dinner. On the way back, Jake was playing with something in the backseat. It was a CD he said he had found on the floor under the sofa in Mac's office. It kinda shocked me when I saw it." Richie pulled the CD out and handed it to Joe, who looked at it, then at Duncan and Richie with a puzzled expression on his face. He passed it on to Methos who was also amazed at the picture on the cover. There was a man sitting in a chair who looked strangely like Jeremiah Campbell. It said 'Elton John. Love Songs.' "Mac wants me to check on this, see if I can find out were it came from. The weird thing is I listened to it and those are Elton John's song, but Campbell's voice. Actually, I thought he sounded better than Elton John."
"This is rather odd. I'm somewhat curious myself as to exactly where this came from," Methos said as he opened the case. He pulled the inside cover out to examine it. The inscription caught his eye immediately. "Listen to this. It's inscribed. It says 'To The Little Dictator. Love, the old Queen, Reg.'" They all looked at one another wondering just exactly what it meant.