Chapter 2
Asher found Anita and Jean-Claude in his office arguing about something. Both were dressed for a night out. By the time he'd finished telling them everything he'd heard and seen all thoughts of a nice night had fled.
"I don't know anyone named Sam but the description sounds familiar."
"It is probably an alias. Was she an associate of his or just a fellow professional?"
"From the sound of it, neither. They definitely knew each other but seemed surprised to see each other. It sounded like she'd been told to meet someone just not who it was. It sounded like their last meeting had gone badly. If she hadn't been talking to him I would have taken her for a college student out for a night of fun, although she seemed quite uncomfortable being here. Edward was expecting her teacher, a doctor."
"There's something else isn't there?" Asher nodded at Anita.
"Something about her. As soon as she walked in I felt my attention drawn to her and I wasn't the only one. She looked and felt human, but it was like she's too human." He said with a slight shrug.
"Too human?"
"I cannot explain it."
"Without knowing were she is staying there is not much we can do."
"Kaylin!"
"Ma petite?"
"The description Asher gave. I know why she sounds familiar. I was friends with a girl named Kaylin Richards. We went to school together but I was a few years ahead of her. She wasn't very comfortable with talk about the supernatural but we were still pretty close. The two odd girls hanging out together sort of thing was what everyone thought. She had this knack for knowing how I was feeling and being able to cheer me up no matter what."
"Could it be that she has simply changed her name?" Asher asked.
"No, Kaylin died about five years ago, bullet to the heart. She pushed me out of the way and died for trying to help me. Kaylie was dead before she hit the floor, her killer died a few seconds later. I was too slow to save her."
"Did she have any family the same age? Maybe Sam is related to her." Jean- Claude asked gently.
"No she was adopted, no family. She said I was the big sister she'd never had." "People don't come back from the dead on their own and Asher is sure she isn't one of us. She must be a look alike. Nevertheless, we still need to know what the two of them are doing. There are too many hotels to check individually especially if she used an alias to register. Did you get the registration number of her bike?" At Asher's nod he continued. "We will check with the hire companies and see if she can be traced that way. If not we can have some of the wolves track her scent from here." Asher left to begin investigating, leaving the other two alone.
"Are you alright ma petite?"
"I'm fine, it's just that I never expected to hear her name again. You should have seen her funeral, just one or two students from her grade. Her 'parents' didn't even show up. It was almost like she'd never existed. But she did. She saved my life and paid the ultimate price for her selflessness. It isn't fair! What if it is her? What is someone raised her like Zachary? I couldn't even tell that he was dead. What if something similar was done to her?" Anita didn't care that she was using Jean-Claude like an overgrown teddy bear. Even after five years the wound was still raw.
"Then would you be able to trust her?" He asked gently, tipping her head back slightly to look in her eyes.
"No. I wouldn't, would I? Because I'd never be sure if she had free will or not."
"Precisely. Come, you need to eat and change, as I assume you wish to go to her hotel." Anita nodded and followed him from his office after drying her face. Half an hour later she was back, armed to the teeth and in complete control of her emotions, she hoped. The Browning was safe in its shoulder holster and the Firestar was in the inside-the-pant one. Her jacket helped cover any sign of either gun and the knife in its wrist sheath. Her jeans hid another knife at he ankle. She kept her cross inside her shirt for the sake of her companions. She was ready for anything.
"Found anything?"
"A little, the bike was rented by Samantha Scott, a 23 year old college student from Seacouver, Washington. She didn't leave an address for St. Louis and Jason and Stephen lost her scent two blocks from here at a crowded foodcourt."
"So basically we're stuck."
"It would appear so."
"Great! I'll try contacting Edward. He usually comes to see me when he's in town but he hasn't yet."
Happy Holiday Motel
Kaylin looked around her room, satisfied. The old man's credit cards definitely came in handy. She would have been in a really cheap dive if not for them. Fifteen minutes till Edward was due. She double-checked that her sword was well concealed but easily accessible, just in case. She had a small gun in one of her coat pockets and a knife in a wrist sheath as well. She probably looked silly wearing her coat indoors but she knew Edwards's reputation and wasn't taking any chances. She found it amusing and slightly ironic that he was called Death. It would be interesting to see how he'd react to finding out that the 'good doctor' was the original Death, a member of the four horsemen. Although it would probably end in the two fighting and she had no doubt that Methos would kick his butt. This modern Death wouldn't stand a chance against a 5000-year-old immortal. Methos was the best fighter she'd ever seen; though anyone else would say he was competent. Few saw him fight to his full ability, Kaylin had. She'd caught him practicing one day in the converted warehouse he used for her training. It had been like watching a well choreographed, but deadly, dance. He was a blur of motion; every move had the right amount of energy behind it, fluid, yet precise. She was extremely glad he held back when they sparred, though lately he'd been picking up the pace a little, must mean she was improving. If he didn't she'd end up dead a lot more than she did. She'd actually managed to kill him twice last week, although as payback he'd cut loose and she'd die multiple times, but it was worth the pain to wipe that smug look off his face. She'd like to do the same to Edward but unfortunately he wouldn't heal or maybe it was fortunate. She shuddered to think of what would happen if he were a pre-immortal. Lucky he wasn't then. After five years of immortality she had yet to take a head and in a way that was dangerous. It meant that unlike other newbies her quickening wasn't getting stronger, sure it would increase as she got older but to survive on her own she needed the extra power taking a quickening would provide. Adam was taking no chances that she'd die in her first challenge but there was such a thing as being over protective. This trip was the fist time she'd been without him since he'd agreed to take her as his student four and a half years ago. Kay knew that if she hadn't managed those kills last week she wouldn't be in St. Louis. He would have talked Mac into sending Richie and as much as she liked him she didn't think him meeting Edward was a good idea.
A soft knock on the door alerted her to Edwards's presence. After checking that it was definitely him she opened the door and let him in, carefully locking it afterwards. Kaylin sat on the edge of the bed while he scanned the room before sitting in the only chair, opposite her.
"What do you know about cults that use decapitation?" He asked with no preamble.
"Why do you want to know?" If he didn't answer she'd show him the door. She was here for information as well after all.
"There have been several unexplained murders, all involving decapitation."
"Are you sure they're connected and not just coincidence?"
"Positive. The MOs always the same. Body found in a back alley or abandoned warehouse with a sword nearby. The corpses are also missing their right hand and the swords found aren't the murder weapons. There are usually defensive wounds, so the victims fought back. All nearby windows have been smashed and the bodies are found because someone reports a blackout in the area. There is also evidence of electrical discharges, like lightning. So is it cult related or just some sick monsters idea of fun?"
"In a way both. Look, Edward, I know you're not in the business of taking advice but take this. Forget about this. You don't know what you're up against."
"But you do." He suddenly had a gun pointed at her head. "Tell me."
"I can't and even if I could I wouldn't."
"Why?" The gun didn't waver. At this rate she may have to take him out.
"Because I won't be responsible for your death. Ring Adam if you want, he'll say the same thing, don't get involved. You'll be in way over your head." She stared at him. She didn't even flinch as he began to pull the trigger. Perhaps he'd underestimated her. The gun disappeared as suddenly as it'd appeared and he stood. Kaylin relaxed slightly, although it wasn't visible. She really hated dying, especially if it was by being shot. Ever since her first death she really hated guns although at Adams insistence she had a license and usually carried one. Edward moved towards the door.
"You have 24 hours to either give me more or run. After that you are considered suspect. You know too much about what's going on to not be involved somehow. I will find out Sam." He stated coldly giving a very good stare, although not as good as Adam's. Hey, when you've been intimidated by Methos no one else comes close.
"I understand, but I'm not involved. At least not in the way you're thinking. All this means is I have 24 hours to stop this and keep anyone else, myself included, from dying. You don't want to make me a target Edward. I don't like being a target and Adam doesn't like me being one either."
"Is that a threat Ms. Scott?"
"No, it's a statement. Don't make it become a threat." She threw him the smirk she'd learnt of Adam, the one he'd perfected as a horseman. Was it her imagination or did he look a little concerned? Nah, must be the light. "Goodnight Edward. No offence but I hope it's a long time till we see each other again."
With a slight nod he left. As soon as he was gone Kaylin bolted the door and lent heavily on it, emotionally exhausted.
She went over to the phone and quickly dialed Adams number. The answering machine picked up on the sixth ring.
"Adam, it's Sam. Thanks a lot! You could have warned me. Anyway it sounds like you were right. It fits Craig's style. Don't worry I'm not suicidal enough to go after him. Ring my mobile when you get this. I'm keeping my shields up in case. Hope your ok. Talk to you later." She hung up. She hadn't said goodbye. At the moment that sounded too permanent. She hoped he was all right. She quickly picked up again and dialed.
"Good evening. Joe's. How can I help you?"
"Is Joe there please, its Sam Scott." "Hang on I'll get him." A few seconds later Joe's familiar voice came over the line.
"Hey kid, you alright?" What is with people and assuming I'm in trouble?
"I'm fine Joe. I just tried Adam's place but no ones there. Do you know where he is?" There was an uncomfortable silence on the other end. "Joe?" Kay was getting nervous. "What's happening there?"
"Adam and Mac left a couple of hours ago to confront the other three. I haven't heard anything since. Don't worry there have been no reports of freak storms yet. If either of those two packed it in there'd be quite the light show."
"Thanks Joe. Could you call as soon as you hear anything?"
"Sure kid. How are you handling it?"
"Ok, I guess. I saw Anita but she didn't see me. I want so much to see her to let her know I'm ok so she doesn't feel guilty but I can't. From what Adam's contact said it sounds like Craig's our culprit and before you say anything I'm not planning on challenging him. I know my limits."
"Alright, I'll let him know when he gets back. Watch your head Sammy."
"I will. Talk to you later." She hung up. Despite what she'd said she was scared stiff for Adam. She loved him. She just wasn't sure in what way. Sure they'd slept together but he was still mourning Alexa and well, their sessions were pretty emotional so she could claim that they used their relationship as a release. One thing was for sure though, if he didn't contact her soon she may have to fight Craig. He couldn't be allowed to keep killing. She'd known one of his victims before she'd left. Of course she hadn't known he was immortal at the time but he'd been a friend, and a decent person. She'd do what she had to take him out, even go to Anita and blow everything. Craig had to be stopped!
She had a quick shower and slipped into bed to dream of swords and blood.
Asher found Anita and Jean-Claude in his office arguing about something. Both were dressed for a night out. By the time he'd finished telling them everything he'd heard and seen all thoughts of a nice night had fled.
"I don't know anyone named Sam but the description sounds familiar."
"It is probably an alias. Was she an associate of his or just a fellow professional?"
"From the sound of it, neither. They definitely knew each other but seemed surprised to see each other. It sounded like she'd been told to meet someone just not who it was. It sounded like their last meeting had gone badly. If she hadn't been talking to him I would have taken her for a college student out for a night of fun, although she seemed quite uncomfortable being here. Edward was expecting her teacher, a doctor."
"There's something else isn't there?" Asher nodded at Anita.
"Something about her. As soon as she walked in I felt my attention drawn to her and I wasn't the only one. She looked and felt human, but it was like she's too human." He said with a slight shrug.
"Too human?"
"I cannot explain it."
"Without knowing were she is staying there is not much we can do."
"Kaylin!"
"Ma petite?"
"The description Asher gave. I know why she sounds familiar. I was friends with a girl named Kaylin Richards. We went to school together but I was a few years ahead of her. She wasn't very comfortable with talk about the supernatural but we were still pretty close. The two odd girls hanging out together sort of thing was what everyone thought. She had this knack for knowing how I was feeling and being able to cheer me up no matter what."
"Could it be that she has simply changed her name?" Asher asked.
"No, Kaylin died about five years ago, bullet to the heart. She pushed me out of the way and died for trying to help me. Kaylie was dead before she hit the floor, her killer died a few seconds later. I was too slow to save her."
"Did she have any family the same age? Maybe Sam is related to her." Jean- Claude asked gently.
"No she was adopted, no family. She said I was the big sister she'd never had." "People don't come back from the dead on their own and Asher is sure she isn't one of us. She must be a look alike. Nevertheless, we still need to know what the two of them are doing. There are too many hotels to check individually especially if she used an alias to register. Did you get the registration number of her bike?" At Asher's nod he continued. "We will check with the hire companies and see if she can be traced that way. If not we can have some of the wolves track her scent from here." Asher left to begin investigating, leaving the other two alone.
"Are you alright ma petite?"
"I'm fine, it's just that I never expected to hear her name again. You should have seen her funeral, just one or two students from her grade. Her 'parents' didn't even show up. It was almost like she'd never existed. But she did. She saved my life and paid the ultimate price for her selflessness. It isn't fair! What if it is her? What is someone raised her like Zachary? I couldn't even tell that he was dead. What if something similar was done to her?" Anita didn't care that she was using Jean-Claude like an overgrown teddy bear. Even after five years the wound was still raw.
"Then would you be able to trust her?" He asked gently, tipping her head back slightly to look in her eyes.
"No. I wouldn't, would I? Because I'd never be sure if she had free will or not."
"Precisely. Come, you need to eat and change, as I assume you wish to go to her hotel." Anita nodded and followed him from his office after drying her face. Half an hour later she was back, armed to the teeth and in complete control of her emotions, she hoped. The Browning was safe in its shoulder holster and the Firestar was in the inside-the-pant one. Her jacket helped cover any sign of either gun and the knife in its wrist sheath. Her jeans hid another knife at he ankle. She kept her cross inside her shirt for the sake of her companions. She was ready for anything.
"Found anything?"
"A little, the bike was rented by Samantha Scott, a 23 year old college student from Seacouver, Washington. She didn't leave an address for St. Louis and Jason and Stephen lost her scent two blocks from here at a crowded foodcourt."
"So basically we're stuck."
"It would appear so."
"Great! I'll try contacting Edward. He usually comes to see me when he's in town but he hasn't yet."
Happy Holiday Motel
Kaylin looked around her room, satisfied. The old man's credit cards definitely came in handy. She would have been in a really cheap dive if not for them. Fifteen minutes till Edward was due. She double-checked that her sword was well concealed but easily accessible, just in case. She had a small gun in one of her coat pockets and a knife in a wrist sheath as well. She probably looked silly wearing her coat indoors but she knew Edwards's reputation and wasn't taking any chances. She found it amusing and slightly ironic that he was called Death. It would be interesting to see how he'd react to finding out that the 'good doctor' was the original Death, a member of the four horsemen. Although it would probably end in the two fighting and she had no doubt that Methos would kick his butt. This modern Death wouldn't stand a chance against a 5000-year-old immortal. Methos was the best fighter she'd ever seen; though anyone else would say he was competent. Few saw him fight to his full ability, Kaylin had. She'd caught him practicing one day in the converted warehouse he used for her training. It had been like watching a well choreographed, but deadly, dance. He was a blur of motion; every move had the right amount of energy behind it, fluid, yet precise. She was extremely glad he held back when they sparred, though lately he'd been picking up the pace a little, must mean she was improving. If he didn't she'd end up dead a lot more than she did. She'd actually managed to kill him twice last week, although as payback he'd cut loose and she'd die multiple times, but it was worth the pain to wipe that smug look off his face. She'd like to do the same to Edward but unfortunately he wouldn't heal or maybe it was fortunate. She shuddered to think of what would happen if he were a pre-immortal. Lucky he wasn't then. After five years of immortality she had yet to take a head and in a way that was dangerous. It meant that unlike other newbies her quickening wasn't getting stronger, sure it would increase as she got older but to survive on her own she needed the extra power taking a quickening would provide. Adam was taking no chances that she'd die in her first challenge but there was such a thing as being over protective. This trip was the fist time she'd been without him since he'd agreed to take her as his student four and a half years ago. Kay knew that if she hadn't managed those kills last week she wouldn't be in St. Louis. He would have talked Mac into sending Richie and as much as she liked him she didn't think him meeting Edward was a good idea.
A soft knock on the door alerted her to Edwards's presence. After checking that it was definitely him she opened the door and let him in, carefully locking it afterwards. Kaylin sat on the edge of the bed while he scanned the room before sitting in the only chair, opposite her.
"What do you know about cults that use decapitation?" He asked with no preamble.
"Why do you want to know?" If he didn't answer she'd show him the door. She was here for information as well after all.
"There have been several unexplained murders, all involving decapitation."
"Are you sure they're connected and not just coincidence?"
"Positive. The MOs always the same. Body found in a back alley or abandoned warehouse with a sword nearby. The corpses are also missing their right hand and the swords found aren't the murder weapons. There are usually defensive wounds, so the victims fought back. All nearby windows have been smashed and the bodies are found because someone reports a blackout in the area. There is also evidence of electrical discharges, like lightning. So is it cult related or just some sick monsters idea of fun?"
"In a way both. Look, Edward, I know you're not in the business of taking advice but take this. Forget about this. You don't know what you're up against."
"But you do." He suddenly had a gun pointed at her head. "Tell me."
"I can't and even if I could I wouldn't."
"Why?" The gun didn't waver. At this rate she may have to take him out.
"Because I won't be responsible for your death. Ring Adam if you want, he'll say the same thing, don't get involved. You'll be in way over your head." She stared at him. She didn't even flinch as he began to pull the trigger. Perhaps he'd underestimated her. The gun disappeared as suddenly as it'd appeared and he stood. Kaylin relaxed slightly, although it wasn't visible. She really hated dying, especially if it was by being shot. Ever since her first death she really hated guns although at Adams insistence she had a license and usually carried one. Edward moved towards the door.
"You have 24 hours to either give me more or run. After that you are considered suspect. You know too much about what's going on to not be involved somehow. I will find out Sam." He stated coldly giving a very good stare, although not as good as Adam's. Hey, when you've been intimidated by Methos no one else comes close.
"I understand, but I'm not involved. At least not in the way you're thinking. All this means is I have 24 hours to stop this and keep anyone else, myself included, from dying. You don't want to make me a target Edward. I don't like being a target and Adam doesn't like me being one either."
"Is that a threat Ms. Scott?"
"No, it's a statement. Don't make it become a threat." She threw him the smirk she'd learnt of Adam, the one he'd perfected as a horseman. Was it her imagination or did he look a little concerned? Nah, must be the light. "Goodnight Edward. No offence but I hope it's a long time till we see each other again."
With a slight nod he left. As soon as he was gone Kaylin bolted the door and lent heavily on it, emotionally exhausted.
She went over to the phone and quickly dialed Adams number. The answering machine picked up on the sixth ring.
"Adam, it's Sam. Thanks a lot! You could have warned me. Anyway it sounds like you were right. It fits Craig's style. Don't worry I'm not suicidal enough to go after him. Ring my mobile when you get this. I'm keeping my shields up in case. Hope your ok. Talk to you later." She hung up. She hadn't said goodbye. At the moment that sounded too permanent. She hoped he was all right. She quickly picked up again and dialed.
"Good evening. Joe's. How can I help you?"
"Is Joe there please, its Sam Scott." "Hang on I'll get him." A few seconds later Joe's familiar voice came over the line.
"Hey kid, you alright?" What is with people and assuming I'm in trouble?
"I'm fine Joe. I just tried Adam's place but no ones there. Do you know where he is?" There was an uncomfortable silence on the other end. "Joe?" Kay was getting nervous. "What's happening there?"
"Adam and Mac left a couple of hours ago to confront the other three. I haven't heard anything since. Don't worry there have been no reports of freak storms yet. If either of those two packed it in there'd be quite the light show."
"Thanks Joe. Could you call as soon as you hear anything?"
"Sure kid. How are you handling it?"
"Ok, I guess. I saw Anita but she didn't see me. I want so much to see her to let her know I'm ok so she doesn't feel guilty but I can't. From what Adam's contact said it sounds like Craig's our culprit and before you say anything I'm not planning on challenging him. I know my limits."
"Alright, I'll let him know when he gets back. Watch your head Sammy."
"I will. Talk to you later." She hung up. Despite what she'd said she was scared stiff for Adam. She loved him. She just wasn't sure in what way. Sure they'd slept together but he was still mourning Alexa and well, their sessions were pretty emotional so she could claim that they used their relationship as a release. One thing was for sure though, if he didn't contact her soon she may have to fight Craig. He couldn't be allowed to keep killing. She'd known one of his victims before she'd left. Of course she hadn't known he was immortal at the time but he'd been a friend, and a decent person. She'd do what she had to take him out, even go to Anita and blow everything. Craig had to be stopped!
She had a quick shower and slipped into bed to dream of swords and blood.