##Present 1994##
It had been two days and Richie was still in an odd, sensitive, brooding mood. Duncan had just given him indefinite time off; Richie could go back to work when he was ready to concentrate. Charlie had no problem stepping in and taking over Richie's jobs. After all, they had been Charlie's jobs before Duncan had bought the dojo. Richie was really Charlie's assistant more than anything.
And while Charlie was helping with the work load, he was starting to get a little too curious about what was wrong with Richie.
"Are you sure he's not sick?" Charlie asked as he and Duncan moved the equipment off the floor to make room for a class that was about to start.
"Yes," Duncan sighed. "He's just having some...look, it's a long story. Just leave him alone."
"You're the boss."
"I guess you've got enough room for everybody now," he said as they moved the last bench in place. "I'm going to go check on Richie."
"Just take it easy on him," Charlie mumbled as Duncan walked away.
Richie was in the loft sitting at the bar picking at a peanut butter and banana sandwich. He looked up when Duncan opened the lift gate.
"Hey."
"Hey, Rich. I see you're brooding again."
"Mac, hasn't it been long enough for the general public to not be interested in all this?"
Duncan went to the refrigerator and got out two beers. "It was on the news again?"
Richie nodded as he took the bottle. "Actually, they played that great clip of me being smuggled by a bunch of social workers out of the court room."
"You?"
Richie shrugged. "You couldn't tell it was me. I keep trying to remind myself that no one knows and I don't have anything to worry about and he can't hurt me anymore and all that, but I just can't get out of this funk."
"Maybe it's because you're mopping around and being depressed."
Richie rolled his eyes. "You don't say."
Duncan smiled. "Do you remember the night you first met Tessa?"
Richie rolled his eyes "I've been trying to forget."
##Past 1992##
"I'm so glad to be home," Tessa sighed contentedly as she cuddled into Duncan's arms.
"I'm glad to have you back," Duncan smiled seductively at her. "I was getting lonely."
"I missed you, too." She ran her fingers through his hair and gently brought his lips to hers. They had been apart for too long and kissing just reminded them how long they had been apart. Once they had been satisfied for the moment, they broke apart.
"Why don't I take you out for a romantic dinner?" Duncan offered. "Then we can come home for desert."
"Just what did you have in mind?"
"Wine, caviar, candles, low lights, soft music..."
"And for desert?"
He smiled slyly at her. "Me."
"Can't we just skip right to desert?"
"It is tempting..."
The door bell rang. They froze. Duncan started to get up.
"No, Duncan, don't answer it."
There was a tentative knock.
"That's probably Richie," he said apologetically. "He may be in trouble."
Another soft knock.
"He sounds like he's in real danger," Tessa groaned as Duncan went to the back door.
"Richie!" he greeted a little louder than he needed to. "What are you doing here?"
Richie smiled and held up the red leash in his left hand. "I'm taking Max for a walk. And with you always out running, I thought maybe...oh...oops. Sorry. I didn't know."
Duncan followed Richie's gaze and found Tessa standing a few feet behind him. "Richie, this is Tessa. She's been out of town for a while."
"Hi," the teen greeted shyly. "I didn't know you were coming back tonight. I'll just walk Max myself. Uh...welcome home." He smiled hopefully at Duncan. "Do you still need help in the store?"
Duncan crouched down and scratched the mutt by Richie's feet behind the ears. "You come by tomorrow at the usual time."
Richie smiled broadly. "Cool," he said just as his stomach growled.
"You know what," Duncan started glancing at Tessa. "We were about to go get some dinner. Why don't come with us."
"Uh...you know...that sounds great. But, I got Max and everything."
"We can go to that nice French café downtown, we can eat on the patio and Max would be welcome. I see people with their dogs there all the time. Wouldn't that be fun, Tessa?" he asked suggestively.
Tessa put on the most sincere fake smile she could muster. "Of course."
"Hey, that's a funny accent," Richie piped up. "You from France or something?"
Duncan smiled encouragingly at Richie, then pleadingly at Tessa. "Tessa's from Paris. In fact, that's where she's been. She was selling her art."
Richie wrinkled his nose. "I'm not an art person. Museums are not my kinda place."
"Well," Duncan stepped in quickly, making a mental note to help Richie with his people skills. "A lot of people your age don't think they like things like that. But I'm sure with the proper guide you could really enjoy and appreciate art and museums."
The teen shrugged. "Who knows?"
"Maybe Tessa and I could take you to one sometime. I bet you'd change your mind." Richie just smiled and shrugged. "Are we ready?" Duncan asked offering his arm to Tessa as Richie's stomach growled again. "I think we better feed him before he drops dead on us."
Richie smiled. "Are you sure it's okay?"
"Oh, yeah, of course it is. We were going to eat anyway, and you and Tessa need to get to know each other. It's perfect."
Richie looked over at Tessa with what he found to be his most charming smile. "You sure you don't mind? I was just gonna get a hotdog in the park anyway."
Duncan looked at Tessa with an almost pleading expression. "Of course you're welcome," Tessa said. "Though, they don't have hotdogs at the café."
"I'm sure we can find something he'd like." Duncan put his free arm around Richie's shoulder. "Thank you," he whispered in her ear as he led the pair and dog to the car.
"Oh, uh..." Richie hesitated then took off his jacket and laid it on the seat. "Up there, Max." He made sure the dog wasn't touching the upholstery and got in the back seat next to him. "He's not in your way is he?" he asked as Duncan adjusted the rear view mirror.
"Nope, you're both fine."
The ride to the café was uncomfortably silent in the front seat. Tessa was not happy about having 'that little thief" as she referred to Richie, along with them on what was supposed to be a romantic dinner. Duncan couldn't help but put Richie's trust a little higher on his priority list than Tessa for the moment. He was still worried about the teen's home life. If Richie saw Duncan as a friend, Duncan had to encourage it. It was important that Richie felt comfortable coming to him, in case he needed help. Richie, for his part was completely oblivious to the tension in the front seat and was busy keeping his dog on his coat protecting the T-bird at all costs.
"No! Max, sit!" Richie ordered pulling on the dog's collar at a stop light. "Max! No! Bad dog!" Max barked and tried to jump out of the car and chase after a pair of squirrels chasing each other around the park. "Maa-aax!" he wined. "Be quiet and sit!"
"He'll calm down in a minute," Duncan said. "Once he can't see the squirrels, he'll be okay."
Sure enough once they were around the corner, Max was once again merely interested in sniffing the air as they drove to the café.
They got there and were seated on the patio. Duncan had forgotten that the menu was in French. Or maybe he had simply never noticed before. But it was rater amusing to watch Richie as he insisted on figuring out the selections on his own.
"Fruit dee mere...that's like apples and bananas and stuff, right?" he asked.
Duncan smiled. "Not quite, fruites de mer. It's more shrimp and stuff."
Richie wrinkled his nose and shook his head. "Who can eat that stuff?"
"Some of us like it."
Richie went back to exploring the menu and Duncan took hold of Tessa's hand across the table. She looked up at him from her menu and he smiled at her. She smiled back, though it was obvious she didn't find Richie's company as appealing as Duncan did.
"Oh, here we go. Steak. I know that one."
Duncan suppressed a smile. "Steak taretare?" Richie smiled, pleased with himself for having figured out the confusing menu. "You don't want that."
"Oh... I get it. Right," Richie nodded quietly and focused his attention on the dog lying happily at his feet.
"Richie, you want a steak?" Duncan asked.
"No, it's cool. I understand."
"Why don't you let me order for you? I'll make sure it's something you'll like."
"Monsuier MacLeod, Madame Noel, so good to see you!" a squat Frenchman greeted happily coming out with three glasses of water and a baguette. "And who is this young man?" he asked putting Richie's water in front of him.
"This is Richie. He helps us at the store," Duncan answered.
"And this petit chein?"
"That's Richie's dog, Max."
"Bonjour and bienvenue to you both."
Richie smiled politely. "Thanks..."
"Are you ready to order?"
Richie glanced at Duncan, who winked at him. "Richie would like a steak. Give him a nice cut, and he likes it cooked all the way through," Duncan started.
"A true American," the waiter smiled, a bit condescendingly, at Richie.
"Tessa would like the Marmite. And I would like the Steak Tartare and Escargot to start."
"Very good, monsuier."
"And bring Richie some Onion soup to start."
"Isn't escargot snails?" Richie asked when the waiter left.
Duncan smiled at him. "Yes."
"Ew!"
"Keep your voice down," he warned him when the people a few tables away looked at them. "You're not eating them, so it doesn't matter what you think. And you said the same thing about spinach."
Richie made a face and reached into his glass to fish out a couple ice cubes. Tessa watched in disapproval as he held the ice for his dog to lick up. She looked unhappily at Duncan as Richie wiped his hands off on his jeans, then reached for the baguette and tore off a hunk.
"Uh, Richie, why don't you go wash your hands for dinner," Duncan said quickly before Richie could eat his bread.
"Sure." He got up and went to find the restroom.
"Duncan, that is disgusting," Tessa hissed as soon as the teen was out of hearing range.
"He's a teenage boy," Duncan defended him as he tore off the part of the baguette Richie had touched and putting it on the ground for the dog to eat. "They aren't the most sanitary members of the species."
"He's a thief and a liar, and I do not want him working at the store any longer."
"Tessa, I really don't want to get into this here. But I'd really appreciate it if you would just give him a chance. He's a nice boy, good company and a really hard worker."
"I don't like him."
"It's just the circumstance. Give him a chance."
"Duncan, you cannot tell me how I feel. I do not like this boy."
Duncan saw Richie returning to the table. "Please, Tessa. Don't scare him away."
Richie plopped back in his seat with a wide grin. "Mac, you gotta go check it out, there's real towels in there! And all sorts of colognes..."
"You didn't take any, did you?" Duncan asked.
"No... want me to go get you one?"
"No... just making sure. They're not meant to be taken."
"Onion soup," the waiter announced putting the bowl in front of Richie. "And Escargot," he set the plate between Duncan and Tessa.
Richie frowned and stared down at the bowl. "That's soup?"
"Yes," Tessa told him in a less than patent tone.
"What's this part?" He poked at the white layer on the top.
"Cheese," Duncan told him, taking Richie's spoon and pushing through the melted cheese. "See, there's the soup."
"Oh." With a smile Richie took his napkin and tucked it into his collar before taking the spoon. Tessa snorted. Richie looked up a bit confused.
"This goes in your lap," Duncan said pulling the napkin out of Richie's collar and putting it in the teen lap.
Richie smiled. "Oops."
Duncan ruffled his hair. "Don't worry about it."
Richie took a small taste of the soup, then deciding it was good starting shoveling it into his mouth. Catching sight of Tessa taking the meat of the escargot out of the shell, he paused with his spoon halfway to his mouth, which was hanging open.
"What?" she snapped.
"You're not really gonna eat that are you?" he asked in juvenile curiosity.
"Of course."
He made a face and went back to his soup mumbling something about dog food.
"Richie," Duncan whispered. "I don't know exactly what you said, but I'm sure it was inappropriate. Escargot is a real delicacy in France. And I don't think it would hurt for you to try it."
"No way," Richie protested in a shocked whisper. "I'm not gonna eat that."
"I'll make you a deal. I won't force you to try it, if you keep your comments to yourself."
"Shut up, gotcha." He went back to his soup. "This is good," he said after a second. "Kinda a unique flavor, but I like it."
Duncan smiled. "Good. I thought you would."
"What's that?" Richie asked suddenly pointing at the Escargot.
"What?"
"That stuff on the plate."
"It's just garlic butter. See, the escargot itself doesn't have any real flavor to it. All you taste is the garlic."
"Oh."
A few minutes later, the waiter came back with their main entrees.
"Mac," Richie whispered leaning to the immortal. "Aren't you gonna send that back?"
"Why?" Duncan asked, looking down at his plate. He realized Richie's objection too late to stop him from saying it.
"I think they forgot to cook it."
Tessa snorted into her marmite. Duncan passed her an amused smile before answering. "That's why I didn't think you would like it. It's supposed to be served raw."
Richie gave him a confused look, then smiled wryly. "Comments to myself."
Duncan smiled at Tessa. "See he's learning already."
They ate in semi-comfortable silence. Richie's only offence was speaking before swallowing his food. But, Tessa had gone to the restroom so she didn't get to add it to her mental list of offences. He was on his best behavior for the rest of the meal. Duncan was actually impressed with Richie's behavior. He didn't make any more comments, he didn't eat with his fingers, he didn't touch the dog then his food... there were so many small things that could have done wrong that didn't. Unfortunately, something big did go wrong.
It started innocently enough. Richie just wanted to be polite and shake Tessa's hand and thank her for letting him tag along on their dinner. But, he hadn't taken into account that his elbow was very close to his glass, which was very close to the edge of the table.
He knocked his glass off the table and it smashed on the concrete a few inches away from Max, who was startled out of a lazy snooze. He yelped and sprang to his feet, trying to run away. Richie had hooked the loose end of the leash around a leg of the table, so he wouldn't have to worry about keeping a grip on the dog while he ate. The dog ran, taking his leash and then the table, with him. The table fell over, spilling water and leftovers all over Tessa and Duncan, and knocking Richie backwards over his chair.
"Max!" Richie yelled scrambling to his feet and running after the dog who had broken free of his leash.
"Tessa, are you okay?" Duncan asked helping her brush food off her skirt and blouse.
"Duncan..."
"It wasn't his fault," Duncan defended.
"What is that?" she asked pointing at something on the ground. She went over and picked up the napkin filled with bits of bread and steak. "I think this was in his pocket."
"Tess..."
"He was going to steal this!" she snapped at him swatting away employees trying to help her clean up.
"Technically it's not stealing, we paid the bill," Duncan told her.
"I will not have that thief back in my home!"
"I'm sorry," a shaky voice said from behind her. She turned around and found Richie standing behind her having caught his dog. "I didn't do it on purpose," he continued. "Just give me some time and I'll pay for everything."
"Richie," Duncan started. "Are you hurt?" He took a step toward the teen, who flinched and stepped away.
"I'm sorry."
"You didn't do anything wrong; it was an accident."
Richie sucked on his bottom lip. "This isn't working. I don't belong in places like this. I don't belong with people like you."
"Rich, what are you saying?"
"Thanks for trying." Richie thrust out his hand, offering it to Duncan. "But, it's pointless." He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at Tessa. "And you don't have to worry, this thief isn't coming back."
##Present 1994##
"You know something, Mac?" Richie said after they had sat in silence for a minute. "That story has its funny spots...but all in all it's really depressing. What was the point of reminding me?"
"Because I happen to like the story," Duncan shrugged.
"There's a lesson in there, isn't there?"
"People change, Richie. Tessa hated you at first, didn't she?"
"Yeah."
"But she changed."
"She felt sorry for me."
"What about you? You not only don't turn your nose up at escargot, you ask for it. You can read a French menu. You know when to keep your mouth shut. You changed."
"So... this is your way of telling me that Jonathan could have changed."
"Yeah. I know it hasn't been as long as it was supposed to be, but you never know."
"Guess not." As if on cue the phone rang. "I got it." He jogged to the phone on the wall in the kitchen. "Talk to me...hey, Charlie...yeah, I'm fine," he looked over at Duncan. "No, nothing's wrong...just stuff, you know?...what?...who?... are you sure?....what does she want?...yeah, I'll be down in a sec." He hung up. "That was Charlie. Someone's here to see me. Says her name is Amy."
"What does she want?" Duncan asked.
"Says she has something for me," he shrugged running his fingers through his hair and looking at his reflection in the toaster. "I'm gonna go see." He got in the lift and disappeared to the main floor.
Charlie gestured him to the office, without missing a beat with his karate class. Amy was looking at the practice katanas on the wall. Richie paused briefly at the door before letting himself in.
"What do you want?" he asked bluntly.
Amy turned around and looked him up and down. "You've grown."
"You look the same."
"I wasn't expecting to actually see you," she told him. "I just found Mr. MacLeod and hoped he would know where you were."
"Well, I'm here. What do you want?"
"To give you this." She handed him an envelope addressed to 'Richard Ryan c/o Duncan MacLeod'.
"A letter?"
"Yes."
"Fine, thanks." He took the letter and moved away from the door. "See ya."
"That's it?" she asked. "You don't want to talk?"
"What's there to talk about?"
"Well, how have you been doing?"
He shrugged. "Fine."
"You look great."
He shrugged again. "Thanks."
"You work out a lot?"
"I work at a dojo, what do you think?"
"Are you mad at me?" she asked.
Richie rolled his eyes. "Can't imagine why."
"Richie, I'm sorry. I thought you were okay."
"Oh, yeah. I was fine," he snorted.
"Richie, I was always on your side."
"Yeah, you were a real help."
"Richie..."
"You know who I had on my side? A stranger and a dog. You were happy as long as I wasn't bleeding on the carpet."
"That's not true!" she insisted.
"Where were you when he locked me in the closet?"
"He never did that."
"The hell he didn't. On your anniversary. He was mad at me because I failed my math test. He wanted to make sure I didn't sneak out while you two were out so he locked me in his bedroom closet."
"I didn't know."
"You were happily oblivious when ever anything got too rough."
"Richie, I just thought he spanked you a few times."
Richie laughed. "He told you he spanked me? No, the correct term would be beat. He beat me."
"I didn't know it was that bad," she insisted.
"Didn't know, or didn't want to know?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
Richie didn't respond at first, but just stared her down. "I don't think," he said at long last, "we have anything further to discuss." He reached back and opened the office door. "Bye."
Amy paused, but left without a word. Richie closed the door behind her and sat at the desk to read what she had given him. It took him a while to digest it all. It wasn't complicated, just unexpected. He must have sat in the office for nearly a half an hour because Charlie came in after his class was over.
"You okay, man?"
Richie looked up. "Huh? Oh, yeah I'm fine."
"You mind if I kick you out? Some of us have to work for a living."
"Sorry, man. I'll be back Monday, I swear." He got up and began to leave.
"You know, if you ever want to talk," Charlie offered.
Richie summoned what he could of a smile. "Thanks, but I'm cool." He left Charlie to his work and went back up stairs.
Duncan could tell something was off by Richie's odd color as the young immortal got off the lift and went straight to the phone. Duncan watched as he picked up the phone and dialed a number off a piece of paper he was holding. Richie turned away from Duncan and angled himself toward the wall.
"Hey, uh, it's me," he said quietly into the phone after a minute. "I just got your letter. But if we're going to do this, it's going to be on my terms," his voice took on a slight edge. "Same time, but by the centennial sculpture in the park. And don't think you'll be able to get away with anything... I've changed."
When Richie turned around Duncan just put out his hand for the paper. Richie handed it over without protest.
"Dear Ritchie," Duncan read. "We need to talk. We can't keep this bad blood between us. Will you meet me at Pier 24 at five o'clock Sunday after noon? Call m with your answer, 555-2148. – Jonathan Cooper."
It had been two days and Richie was still in an odd, sensitive, brooding mood. Duncan had just given him indefinite time off; Richie could go back to work when he was ready to concentrate. Charlie had no problem stepping in and taking over Richie's jobs. After all, they had been Charlie's jobs before Duncan had bought the dojo. Richie was really Charlie's assistant more than anything.
And while Charlie was helping with the work load, he was starting to get a little too curious about what was wrong with Richie.
"Are you sure he's not sick?" Charlie asked as he and Duncan moved the equipment off the floor to make room for a class that was about to start.
"Yes," Duncan sighed. "He's just having some...look, it's a long story. Just leave him alone."
"You're the boss."
"I guess you've got enough room for everybody now," he said as they moved the last bench in place. "I'm going to go check on Richie."
"Just take it easy on him," Charlie mumbled as Duncan walked away.
Richie was in the loft sitting at the bar picking at a peanut butter and banana sandwich. He looked up when Duncan opened the lift gate.
"Hey."
"Hey, Rich. I see you're brooding again."
"Mac, hasn't it been long enough for the general public to not be interested in all this?"
Duncan went to the refrigerator and got out two beers. "It was on the news again?"
Richie nodded as he took the bottle. "Actually, they played that great clip of me being smuggled by a bunch of social workers out of the court room."
"You?"
Richie shrugged. "You couldn't tell it was me. I keep trying to remind myself that no one knows and I don't have anything to worry about and he can't hurt me anymore and all that, but I just can't get out of this funk."
"Maybe it's because you're mopping around and being depressed."
Richie rolled his eyes. "You don't say."
Duncan smiled. "Do you remember the night you first met Tessa?"
Richie rolled his eyes "I've been trying to forget."
##Past 1992##
"I'm so glad to be home," Tessa sighed contentedly as she cuddled into Duncan's arms.
"I'm glad to have you back," Duncan smiled seductively at her. "I was getting lonely."
"I missed you, too." She ran her fingers through his hair and gently brought his lips to hers. They had been apart for too long and kissing just reminded them how long they had been apart. Once they had been satisfied for the moment, they broke apart.
"Why don't I take you out for a romantic dinner?" Duncan offered. "Then we can come home for desert."
"Just what did you have in mind?"
"Wine, caviar, candles, low lights, soft music..."
"And for desert?"
He smiled slyly at her. "Me."
"Can't we just skip right to desert?"
"It is tempting..."
The door bell rang. They froze. Duncan started to get up.
"No, Duncan, don't answer it."
There was a tentative knock.
"That's probably Richie," he said apologetically. "He may be in trouble."
Another soft knock.
"He sounds like he's in real danger," Tessa groaned as Duncan went to the back door.
"Richie!" he greeted a little louder than he needed to. "What are you doing here?"
Richie smiled and held up the red leash in his left hand. "I'm taking Max for a walk. And with you always out running, I thought maybe...oh...oops. Sorry. I didn't know."
Duncan followed Richie's gaze and found Tessa standing a few feet behind him. "Richie, this is Tessa. She's been out of town for a while."
"Hi," the teen greeted shyly. "I didn't know you were coming back tonight. I'll just walk Max myself. Uh...welcome home." He smiled hopefully at Duncan. "Do you still need help in the store?"
Duncan crouched down and scratched the mutt by Richie's feet behind the ears. "You come by tomorrow at the usual time."
Richie smiled broadly. "Cool," he said just as his stomach growled.
"You know what," Duncan started glancing at Tessa. "We were about to go get some dinner. Why don't come with us."
"Uh...you know...that sounds great. But, I got Max and everything."
"We can go to that nice French café downtown, we can eat on the patio and Max would be welcome. I see people with their dogs there all the time. Wouldn't that be fun, Tessa?" he asked suggestively.
Tessa put on the most sincere fake smile she could muster. "Of course."
"Hey, that's a funny accent," Richie piped up. "You from France or something?"
Duncan smiled encouragingly at Richie, then pleadingly at Tessa. "Tessa's from Paris. In fact, that's where she's been. She was selling her art."
Richie wrinkled his nose. "I'm not an art person. Museums are not my kinda place."
"Well," Duncan stepped in quickly, making a mental note to help Richie with his people skills. "A lot of people your age don't think they like things like that. But I'm sure with the proper guide you could really enjoy and appreciate art and museums."
The teen shrugged. "Who knows?"
"Maybe Tessa and I could take you to one sometime. I bet you'd change your mind." Richie just smiled and shrugged. "Are we ready?" Duncan asked offering his arm to Tessa as Richie's stomach growled again. "I think we better feed him before he drops dead on us."
Richie smiled. "Are you sure it's okay?"
"Oh, yeah, of course it is. We were going to eat anyway, and you and Tessa need to get to know each other. It's perfect."
Richie looked over at Tessa with what he found to be his most charming smile. "You sure you don't mind? I was just gonna get a hotdog in the park anyway."
Duncan looked at Tessa with an almost pleading expression. "Of course you're welcome," Tessa said. "Though, they don't have hotdogs at the café."
"I'm sure we can find something he'd like." Duncan put his free arm around Richie's shoulder. "Thank you," he whispered in her ear as he led the pair and dog to the car.
"Oh, uh..." Richie hesitated then took off his jacket and laid it on the seat. "Up there, Max." He made sure the dog wasn't touching the upholstery and got in the back seat next to him. "He's not in your way is he?" he asked as Duncan adjusted the rear view mirror.
"Nope, you're both fine."
The ride to the café was uncomfortably silent in the front seat. Tessa was not happy about having 'that little thief" as she referred to Richie, along with them on what was supposed to be a romantic dinner. Duncan couldn't help but put Richie's trust a little higher on his priority list than Tessa for the moment. He was still worried about the teen's home life. If Richie saw Duncan as a friend, Duncan had to encourage it. It was important that Richie felt comfortable coming to him, in case he needed help. Richie, for his part was completely oblivious to the tension in the front seat and was busy keeping his dog on his coat protecting the T-bird at all costs.
"No! Max, sit!" Richie ordered pulling on the dog's collar at a stop light. "Max! No! Bad dog!" Max barked and tried to jump out of the car and chase after a pair of squirrels chasing each other around the park. "Maa-aax!" he wined. "Be quiet and sit!"
"He'll calm down in a minute," Duncan said. "Once he can't see the squirrels, he'll be okay."
Sure enough once they were around the corner, Max was once again merely interested in sniffing the air as they drove to the café.
They got there and were seated on the patio. Duncan had forgotten that the menu was in French. Or maybe he had simply never noticed before. But it was rater amusing to watch Richie as he insisted on figuring out the selections on his own.
"Fruit dee mere...that's like apples and bananas and stuff, right?" he asked.
Duncan smiled. "Not quite, fruites de mer. It's more shrimp and stuff."
Richie wrinkled his nose and shook his head. "Who can eat that stuff?"
"Some of us like it."
Richie went back to exploring the menu and Duncan took hold of Tessa's hand across the table. She looked up at him from her menu and he smiled at her. She smiled back, though it was obvious she didn't find Richie's company as appealing as Duncan did.
"Oh, here we go. Steak. I know that one."
Duncan suppressed a smile. "Steak taretare?" Richie smiled, pleased with himself for having figured out the confusing menu. "You don't want that."
"Oh... I get it. Right," Richie nodded quietly and focused his attention on the dog lying happily at his feet.
"Richie, you want a steak?" Duncan asked.
"No, it's cool. I understand."
"Why don't you let me order for you? I'll make sure it's something you'll like."
"Monsuier MacLeod, Madame Noel, so good to see you!" a squat Frenchman greeted happily coming out with three glasses of water and a baguette. "And who is this young man?" he asked putting Richie's water in front of him.
"This is Richie. He helps us at the store," Duncan answered.
"And this petit chein?"
"That's Richie's dog, Max."
"Bonjour and bienvenue to you both."
Richie smiled politely. "Thanks..."
"Are you ready to order?"
Richie glanced at Duncan, who winked at him. "Richie would like a steak. Give him a nice cut, and he likes it cooked all the way through," Duncan started.
"A true American," the waiter smiled, a bit condescendingly, at Richie.
"Tessa would like the Marmite. And I would like the Steak Tartare and Escargot to start."
"Very good, monsuier."
"And bring Richie some Onion soup to start."
"Isn't escargot snails?" Richie asked when the waiter left.
Duncan smiled at him. "Yes."
"Ew!"
"Keep your voice down," he warned him when the people a few tables away looked at them. "You're not eating them, so it doesn't matter what you think. And you said the same thing about spinach."
Richie made a face and reached into his glass to fish out a couple ice cubes. Tessa watched in disapproval as he held the ice for his dog to lick up. She looked unhappily at Duncan as Richie wiped his hands off on his jeans, then reached for the baguette and tore off a hunk.
"Uh, Richie, why don't you go wash your hands for dinner," Duncan said quickly before Richie could eat his bread.
"Sure." He got up and went to find the restroom.
"Duncan, that is disgusting," Tessa hissed as soon as the teen was out of hearing range.
"He's a teenage boy," Duncan defended him as he tore off the part of the baguette Richie had touched and putting it on the ground for the dog to eat. "They aren't the most sanitary members of the species."
"He's a thief and a liar, and I do not want him working at the store any longer."
"Tessa, I really don't want to get into this here. But I'd really appreciate it if you would just give him a chance. He's a nice boy, good company and a really hard worker."
"I don't like him."
"It's just the circumstance. Give him a chance."
"Duncan, you cannot tell me how I feel. I do not like this boy."
Duncan saw Richie returning to the table. "Please, Tessa. Don't scare him away."
Richie plopped back in his seat with a wide grin. "Mac, you gotta go check it out, there's real towels in there! And all sorts of colognes..."
"You didn't take any, did you?" Duncan asked.
"No... want me to go get you one?"
"No... just making sure. They're not meant to be taken."
"Onion soup," the waiter announced putting the bowl in front of Richie. "And Escargot," he set the plate between Duncan and Tessa.
Richie frowned and stared down at the bowl. "That's soup?"
"Yes," Tessa told him in a less than patent tone.
"What's this part?" He poked at the white layer on the top.
"Cheese," Duncan told him, taking Richie's spoon and pushing through the melted cheese. "See, there's the soup."
"Oh." With a smile Richie took his napkin and tucked it into his collar before taking the spoon. Tessa snorted. Richie looked up a bit confused.
"This goes in your lap," Duncan said pulling the napkin out of Richie's collar and putting it in the teen lap.
Richie smiled. "Oops."
Duncan ruffled his hair. "Don't worry about it."
Richie took a small taste of the soup, then deciding it was good starting shoveling it into his mouth. Catching sight of Tessa taking the meat of the escargot out of the shell, he paused with his spoon halfway to his mouth, which was hanging open.
"What?" she snapped.
"You're not really gonna eat that are you?" he asked in juvenile curiosity.
"Of course."
He made a face and went back to his soup mumbling something about dog food.
"Richie," Duncan whispered. "I don't know exactly what you said, but I'm sure it was inappropriate. Escargot is a real delicacy in France. And I don't think it would hurt for you to try it."
"No way," Richie protested in a shocked whisper. "I'm not gonna eat that."
"I'll make you a deal. I won't force you to try it, if you keep your comments to yourself."
"Shut up, gotcha." He went back to his soup. "This is good," he said after a second. "Kinda a unique flavor, but I like it."
Duncan smiled. "Good. I thought you would."
"What's that?" Richie asked suddenly pointing at the Escargot.
"What?"
"That stuff on the plate."
"It's just garlic butter. See, the escargot itself doesn't have any real flavor to it. All you taste is the garlic."
"Oh."
A few minutes later, the waiter came back with their main entrees.
"Mac," Richie whispered leaning to the immortal. "Aren't you gonna send that back?"
"Why?" Duncan asked, looking down at his plate. He realized Richie's objection too late to stop him from saying it.
"I think they forgot to cook it."
Tessa snorted into her marmite. Duncan passed her an amused smile before answering. "That's why I didn't think you would like it. It's supposed to be served raw."
Richie gave him a confused look, then smiled wryly. "Comments to myself."
Duncan smiled at Tessa. "See he's learning already."
They ate in semi-comfortable silence. Richie's only offence was speaking before swallowing his food. But, Tessa had gone to the restroom so she didn't get to add it to her mental list of offences. He was on his best behavior for the rest of the meal. Duncan was actually impressed with Richie's behavior. He didn't make any more comments, he didn't eat with his fingers, he didn't touch the dog then his food... there were so many small things that could have done wrong that didn't. Unfortunately, something big did go wrong.
It started innocently enough. Richie just wanted to be polite and shake Tessa's hand and thank her for letting him tag along on their dinner. But, he hadn't taken into account that his elbow was very close to his glass, which was very close to the edge of the table.
He knocked his glass off the table and it smashed on the concrete a few inches away from Max, who was startled out of a lazy snooze. He yelped and sprang to his feet, trying to run away. Richie had hooked the loose end of the leash around a leg of the table, so he wouldn't have to worry about keeping a grip on the dog while he ate. The dog ran, taking his leash and then the table, with him. The table fell over, spilling water and leftovers all over Tessa and Duncan, and knocking Richie backwards over his chair.
"Max!" Richie yelled scrambling to his feet and running after the dog who had broken free of his leash.
"Tessa, are you okay?" Duncan asked helping her brush food off her skirt and blouse.
"Duncan..."
"It wasn't his fault," Duncan defended.
"What is that?" she asked pointing at something on the ground. She went over and picked up the napkin filled with bits of bread and steak. "I think this was in his pocket."
"Tess..."
"He was going to steal this!" she snapped at him swatting away employees trying to help her clean up.
"Technically it's not stealing, we paid the bill," Duncan told her.
"I will not have that thief back in my home!"
"I'm sorry," a shaky voice said from behind her. She turned around and found Richie standing behind her having caught his dog. "I didn't do it on purpose," he continued. "Just give me some time and I'll pay for everything."
"Richie," Duncan started. "Are you hurt?" He took a step toward the teen, who flinched and stepped away.
"I'm sorry."
"You didn't do anything wrong; it was an accident."
Richie sucked on his bottom lip. "This isn't working. I don't belong in places like this. I don't belong with people like you."
"Rich, what are you saying?"
"Thanks for trying." Richie thrust out his hand, offering it to Duncan. "But, it's pointless." He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked at Tessa. "And you don't have to worry, this thief isn't coming back."
##Present 1994##
"You know something, Mac?" Richie said after they had sat in silence for a minute. "That story has its funny spots...but all in all it's really depressing. What was the point of reminding me?"
"Because I happen to like the story," Duncan shrugged.
"There's a lesson in there, isn't there?"
"People change, Richie. Tessa hated you at first, didn't she?"
"Yeah."
"But she changed."
"She felt sorry for me."
"What about you? You not only don't turn your nose up at escargot, you ask for it. You can read a French menu. You know when to keep your mouth shut. You changed."
"So... this is your way of telling me that Jonathan could have changed."
"Yeah. I know it hasn't been as long as it was supposed to be, but you never know."
"Guess not." As if on cue the phone rang. "I got it." He jogged to the phone on the wall in the kitchen. "Talk to me...hey, Charlie...yeah, I'm fine," he looked over at Duncan. "No, nothing's wrong...just stuff, you know?...what?...who?... are you sure?....what does she want?...yeah, I'll be down in a sec." He hung up. "That was Charlie. Someone's here to see me. Says her name is Amy."
"What does she want?" Duncan asked.
"Says she has something for me," he shrugged running his fingers through his hair and looking at his reflection in the toaster. "I'm gonna go see." He got in the lift and disappeared to the main floor.
Charlie gestured him to the office, without missing a beat with his karate class. Amy was looking at the practice katanas on the wall. Richie paused briefly at the door before letting himself in.
"What do you want?" he asked bluntly.
Amy turned around and looked him up and down. "You've grown."
"You look the same."
"I wasn't expecting to actually see you," she told him. "I just found Mr. MacLeod and hoped he would know where you were."
"Well, I'm here. What do you want?"
"To give you this." She handed him an envelope addressed to 'Richard Ryan c/o Duncan MacLeod'.
"A letter?"
"Yes."
"Fine, thanks." He took the letter and moved away from the door. "See ya."
"That's it?" she asked. "You don't want to talk?"
"What's there to talk about?"
"Well, how have you been doing?"
He shrugged. "Fine."
"You look great."
He shrugged again. "Thanks."
"You work out a lot?"
"I work at a dojo, what do you think?"
"Are you mad at me?" she asked.
Richie rolled his eyes. "Can't imagine why."
"Richie, I'm sorry. I thought you were okay."
"Oh, yeah. I was fine," he snorted.
"Richie, I was always on your side."
"Yeah, you were a real help."
"Richie..."
"You know who I had on my side? A stranger and a dog. You were happy as long as I wasn't bleeding on the carpet."
"That's not true!" she insisted.
"Where were you when he locked me in the closet?"
"He never did that."
"The hell he didn't. On your anniversary. He was mad at me because I failed my math test. He wanted to make sure I didn't sneak out while you two were out so he locked me in his bedroom closet."
"I didn't know."
"You were happily oblivious when ever anything got too rough."
"Richie, I just thought he spanked you a few times."
Richie laughed. "He told you he spanked me? No, the correct term would be beat. He beat me."
"I didn't know it was that bad," she insisted.
"Didn't know, or didn't want to know?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
Richie didn't respond at first, but just stared her down. "I don't think," he said at long last, "we have anything further to discuss." He reached back and opened the office door. "Bye."
Amy paused, but left without a word. Richie closed the door behind her and sat at the desk to read what she had given him. It took him a while to digest it all. It wasn't complicated, just unexpected. He must have sat in the office for nearly a half an hour because Charlie came in after his class was over.
"You okay, man?"
Richie looked up. "Huh? Oh, yeah I'm fine."
"You mind if I kick you out? Some of us have to work for a living."
"Sorry, man. I'll be back Monday, I swear." He got up and began to leave.
"You know, if you ever want to talk," Charlie offered.
Richie summoned what he could of a smile. "Thanks, but I'm cool." He left Charlie to his work and went back up stairs.
Duncan could tell something was off by Richie's odd color as the young immortal got off the lift and went straight to the phone. Duncan watched as he picked up the phone and dialed a number off a piece of paper he was holding. Richie turned away from Duncan and angled himself toward the wall.
"Hey, uh, it's me," he said quietly into the phone after a minute. "I just got your letter. But if we're going to do this, it's going to be on my terms," his voice took on a slight edge. "Same time, but by the centennial sculpture in the park. And don't think you'll be able to get away with anything... I've changed."
When Richie turned around Duncan just put out his hand for the paper. Richie handed it over without protest.
"Dear Ritchie," Duncan read. "We need to talk. We can't keep this bad blood between us. Will you meet me at Pier 24 at five o'clock Sunday after noon? Call m with your answer, 555-2148. – Jonathan Cooper."