Chapter 2
As Duncan entered Joe's bar his eyes were met immediately by Methos's, who raised a beer bottle as a gesture of welcome. Duncan could see Joe was already on the stage playing with the band, as he walked across to Methos.
"You're late. Joe's already done one set" Methos said as he gestured to the barman for another beer "Want one?"
As Duncan nodded Methos held up 2 fingers to the barman, who nodded back that he understood.
"I got a little held up, a friend of Charlie's turned up at the dojo" Duncan said as he took the beer bottle the barman had just opened "Thanks"
"Charlie, as in Charlie DeSalvo?" Methos asked as he took the other bottle of beer from the barman and nodded his thanks.
"Yeah, they'd lost touch for a while" Duncan replied as he took a sip of his beer.
"Ohh...that couldn't have been a fun conversation" Methos said as the band finished and applause erupted around the bar. Both Immortals clapped as Joe put down his guitar and made his way towards them.
"Put it this way, it's not something I want to have to do again," Duncan said just as Joe reached them.
"What don't you want to do again?" Joe questioned as he reached over the bar picking up a shot glass and the nearest bottle of whisky. "I just had to tell a friend of Charlie's that he died, they didn't take it very well"
Joe poured himself a glass of whisky; he looked at Duncan's face before downing the whole glass, he was playing for time before he had to answer. The incident with Charlie and Cord had very nearly cost him his friendship with MacLeod and it still was a subject they both tried to avoid.
"That can't have been easy for you?" was the only replied Joe could think of. Duncan shook his head; his friends both saw the look of pain in his eyes.
"So has Ritchie been in?"
"Not yet but he should be here soon" Joe replied as he poured another drink, he offered the bottle to them but both Immortals declined. "Sorry I didn't get to see your new guy Joe but I just couldn't leave."
Joe smiled "It's ok Mac, I understand and Robert will be playing later, his other gig got cancelled."
Just as Joe finished speaking he noticed the far away look come over his friends and he knew that Ritchie must be about to make an entrance, or at least he hoped it was Ritchie. Both Duncan and Methos's attention was on the door and Joe saw them both relax as Ritchie walked in. "Hey, what's up guys. What's with the long faces?"
Duncan took a swig of his beer and left Joe to explain about the arrival of Charlie's friend.
"Oh, I see. That must have been tough Mac. Are they staying in town?" Ritchie said as he turned to Duncan; the others had hoped to let the subject drop but Ritchie just didn't seem to pick up on it.
"Yes at The Chester" Duncan replied as he handed Ritchie a bottle of beer that the barman had brought almost automatically.
"That's only a few blocks away. Why didn't you bring them along?" Ritchie asked before taking a swig of his beer "I mean The Chester must be a pretty lonely place".
"Richie, I'm going to have to cry off tomorrow night. I asked Charlie's friend out to dinner. There might be some other questions I could answer" Duncan replied taking another sip of his beer.
Even with Duncan ignoring his suggestion Ritchie's enthusiasm wasn't going to be stopped "Why not bring him a long. A good Arnie film might be what he needs."
"I don't think a blood and gore movie is what she needs right now" Methos was quick to pick up on the word 'she' "Oh I see Charlie's friend is a woman"
"I never said it was a man" Duncan replied smiling as he placing his now empty bottle on the bar.
Methos smirked "You never said it she was either. Is there something wrong with her or is it us your ashamed of?"
"Neither. She only just found out her friend is dead; I didn't think she would be up to a party that's all. She's going to be in town for a few weeks I'm sure you'll all get to meet her." Duncan could see the playful look in Methos's eyes and knew his friend was playing with him.
"So what's she like?" Ritchie said as he pulled out one of the bar stools so he could sit next to Duncan. "If I tell you will you all let this drop?"
All 3 nodded their agreement.
"Her name is Sandi Knight and she's about 5ft 6, slim with blonde hair and the deepest blue eyes I've ever seen." Duncan watched as Methos's face started to become serious. Duncan rolled his eyes "I know what you're thinking"
"What?" Methos said trying to act surprised.
"Go on say it" Duncan replied he was sure he already knew what his friend was about to say.
"Ok I will. Don't you think it's a little bit of a co-incidence that a beautiful woman turns up so long after Charlie died? Gets all upset and you being you, just have to come to her rescue, doing your white knight thing. No pun intended. I mean the only person who could say if she is genuine or not just happens to be dead. I'd be very, very careful if I was you."
"But you're not me. I won't turn one of Charlie's friends away on a maybe. I owe him that" Duncan said as he reached for a 3 shot glasses.
"It's your head" Methos replied as he finished the last of his beer.
"Yes, it is" Duncan said as he poured them all a whisky.
The next morning
Duncan thought about what Methos had said the night before as he drove to The Chester. It wouldn't be the first time another Immortal had used a beautiful woman against him. Axel sprang into his mind and the many women he had used to take the heads of other Immortals.
The thoughts faded as he saw Sandi sat waiting alone on the steps of The Chester. Her face flushed and she smiled as Duncan pulled the car into the kerb beside her.
"I like a man who arrives on time" Sandi said as she opened the car door. This time she only had a small bag with her, which she placed on the floor.
"Traveling light today I see" Duncan said as he smiled across at her.
"Just a little" Sandi said as she let her eyes examine Duncan's face. She had a lot of time last night as she had trouble sleeping, strange noises had kept her awake so she had a lot of time to think about the last letters she had received from Charlie and the parts she was sure were about the man she now sat beside. How intrigued Charlie had been about this Duncan. How he had wondered what things were hidden in his past and now she was looking at him, there was something about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Lost in her thoughts Sandi hadn't noticed the city streets slip passed and before she knew it they were pulling up outside the dojo.
"Well are you ready to start training?" Duncan asked as he opened the door. Sandi nodded her agreement before she followed Duncan into the dojo
The dojo was empty when they arrived, Duncan turned on the lights as he walked in.
"It will be quiet for a few hours yet" Duncan said as he looked over at Sandi as she walked towards the office. "Leave you gear there for a while. Let's warm up first".
"Ok you show me what to do and I'll follow" Sandi said as she walked back towards where Duncan was standing. Duncan started his normal warm up routine and he was surprised as Sandi matched him. It showed him just how fit she was. About half an hour later Duncan finally stopped. "I think that's enough. Why don't you get your gear on and I'll be back shortly".
"I'm not putting it all on for a friendly, just the top part" Sandi called after Duncan as he walked towards the elevator. "Ok that's fine with me".
As the elevator started to rumble into life Sandi walked into the office, kneeling down beside her 2 blue bags. First she opened the smaller one taking out her breast protector, glove, mask, plastron and jacket. Once she was dressed Sandi turned her attention to the large blue bag. Undoing the zip she peered inside, carefully she pulled one of the foils from the bag and examined it. It had a long handle and the metal was dulled with use and age. She shook her head.
'No if I'm going to test his skills I need something more modern' Sandi thought as she reached inside for another blade. The one she chose had a handle like twisted metal and the blade had marks of use but it was obvious from looking at it, it was a lot younger than the first blade she had chosen. Sandi smiled to herself 'Pistol grip, this is the one'.
Sandi had to push aside something wrapped in pink silk to allow enough space to get the other blade back into the bag. She had just managed to slide it into place when she heard the elevator.
Sandi had only zipped the bag up as Duncan entered the office.
"You ready?" He asked as he stood in the doorway dressed in a white fencing jacket with his helmet under his arm. Sandi nodded as she stood up and followed Duncan into the dojo. Duncan flexed the blade on his foil as he walked to the centre of the room.
"So how many points are we going to?" Duncan asked as he turned to face her "I thought 5 would be a good start".
"Be gentle with me it's been a little while since I fenced dressed like this" Duncan said as he pulled his mask over his face. Sandi smiled but her mind was wondering why she had let herself be talked into this, after all she didn't have time to bring anyone up to her level.
"On Guard" Sandi said as she saluted Duncan with her blade. He responded with his own salute before settling into the on guard position. From behind their masks they both waited to see what move the other would make, it seemed that time stood still for a moment. Finally Sandi moved forward in an attack. Duncan stepped back his blade parrying hers, Sandi wasn't deterred and she attacked again this time enveloping Duncan's blade in a circular sixte but he was too quick for her to lunge as he jumped back.
Sandi smiled behind her mask as she again tried to tempt Duncan into an attack to show his skills. Duncan moved his blade slowly around hers tempting her to try again. Sandi silently mouthed "Ok, the gloves are off'.
The sound of clashing metal filled the dojo as Duncan and Sandi struggled to get to the 5 points needed for a win. Duncan scored first but Sandi wasn't about to give up and eventually she managed to level the score. It took nearly half an hour as they traded hits before Duncan got his 5th hit.
"Well done" Sandi said breathing heavily as she removed her helmet; her face was glistening with perspiration as she tucked her helmet under her arm and held out her hand. Duncan took off his helmet and shook her hand.
"You're very good but there are still some things I think I could teach you". Duncan said as he walked over to where he had placed 2 towels. "So do I get the job?"
Sandi looked up at the ceiling as she smiled, she had definitely under estimated him. "Yeah, no doubt about it. How long have you been fencing?"
Duncan rubbed the towel over his face before he answered "Quite a while. Are you hungry?"
Sandi picked up the other towel wiping her face and her blade "You could say that but I could do with a shower first."
Just as Duncan was about to reply the dojo door opened and 2 members walked in. "I'll grab a shower down here and you can use the one in my loft".
"Hi Mac" called out one of the men "Are you finished?"
Duncan looked across at Sandi "Are we?"
"Yeah, I think so." Sandi replied as she walked towards the office to put her blade away, as she slipped the blade back into the bag her eyes fell on the gold lettering on the black envelope that was nestled next to the pink silk. A chill ran down her spine. Duncan was waiting by the elevator as Sandi returned with her small bag.
"The place is all yours Gerry" Duncan called over to the larger of the 2 men as he lifted the gate on the elevator for Sandi to enter. Duncan gave Sandi a towel and showed her where the bathroom was before going back downstairs.
As Sandi emerged from the bathroom towel drying her hair she could see Duncan was busy in the kitchen. Sandi allowed her eyes to roam over Duncan's body as she walked towards the kitchen; he was dressed in black pants, white T-shirt and a red waistcoat. As he looked up Sandi rubbed her neck and looked around the loft.
"Feeling better?" Duncan asked as he looked into her eyes. Suddenly he became aware that he was staring and quickly he looked away.
"Yes, thanks. That smells good" Sandi said as she reached the counter.
"It's nothing special." Duncan said being careful not to look at her eyes.
Sandi leaned on the counter watching as Duncan dished up the eggs onto plates. Charlie hadn't told her much about Duncan but he had told her that there was always an air of mystery and normally trouble around him. She couldn't help wondering what it was.
"It looks good to me but then I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" Sandi said as she sat on one to the stools at the counter. "I didn't get much to eat yesterday"
"So where are you from? Duncan asked as he sat down on the other stool before pouring them both a glass of orange juice. Sandi finished what she was eating before answering "I was born in England but my father was in the diplomatic service so we lived in a lot of different countries. I'm a diplomat brat "
"Is your father still in the diplomatic service?"
As Sandi fell silent and started to play with the food on her plate Duncan realised that this must be a subject that she wasn't comfortable with. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry"
Sandi looked up "No it's fine. It's silly really he died several years ago but it still feels like it just happened."
Duncan could see that her eyes were glistening again as she fought to keep the tears from falling.
"It's always hard when we lose those we love" Duncan said as he put down his cutlery and gently touched her hand trying to give her some comfort. Sandi nodded "and when they are snatched from you it just makes it harder".
Duncan wasn't sure whether Sandi was talking about her father or Charlie but as he watched the expression on her face harden, deep inside he felt that something wasn't right. Duncan started to talk about the training he was planning for her to give her something else to focus on.
After they had cleared away the breakfast things Duncan made some coffee "So have you any plans for the rest of the day?"
Sandi took a sip of the coffee "I have to do a little shopping there are a few things I forgot". Duncan thought about the amount of luggage Sandi had arrived at the dojo with and he wondered what she could have possibly forgot. "I could give you a lift if you like and I haven't got anything planed today so I could show you around the city if you like?"
"I don't want to put you to anymore trouble. You are already doing a lot for me by helping with my training." Duncan smiled, as he took down his coat from the stand "I can't think of a more pleasant way to spend today".
Sandi put her cup on the counter and followed Duncan to the door. As he closed the door his thoughts turned to Charlie and he wished his friend were here.
As Duncan entered Joe's bar his eyes were met immediately by Methos's, who raised a beer bottle as a gesture of welcome. Duncan could see Joe was already on the stage playing with the band, as he walked across to Methos.
"You're late. Joe's already done one set" Methos said as he gestured to the barman for another beer "Want one?"
As Duncan nodded Methos held up 2 fingers to the barman, who nodded back that he understood.
"I got a little held up, a friend of Charlie's turned up at the dojo" Duncan said as he took the beer bottle the barman had just opened "Thanks"
"Charlie, as in Charlie DeSalvo?" Methos asked as he took the other bottle of beer from the barman and nodded his thanks.
"Yeah, they'd lost touch for a while" Duncan replied as he took a sip of his beer.
"Ohh...that couldn't have been a fun conversation" Methos said as the band finished and applause erupted around the bar. Both Immortals clapped as Joe put down his guitar and made his way towards them.
"Put it this way, it's not something I want to have to do again," Duncan said just as Joe reached them.
"What don't you want to do again?" Joe questioned as he reached over the bar picking up a shot glass and the nearest bottle of whisky. "I just had to tell a friend of Charlie's that he died, they didn't take it very well"
Joe poured himself a glass of whisky; he looked at Duncan's face before downing the whole glass, he was playing for time before he had to answer. The incident with Charlie and Cord had very nearly cost him his friendship with MacLeod and it still was a subject they both tried to avoid.
"That can't have been easy for you?" was the only replied Joe could think of. Duncan shook his head; his friends both saw the look of pain in his eyes.
"So has Ritchie been in?"
"Not yet but he should be here soon" Joe replied as he poured another drink, he offered the bottle to them but both Immortals declined. "Sorry I didn't get to see your new guy Joe but I just couldn't leave."
Joe smiled "It's ok Mac, I understand and Robert will be playing later, his other gig got cancelled."
Just as Joe finished speaking he noticed the far away look come over his friends and he knew that Ritchie must be about to make an entrance, or at least he hoped it was Ritchie. Both Duncan and Methos's attention was on the door and Joe saw them both relax as Ritchie walked in. "Hey, what's up guys. What's with the long faces?"
Duncan took a swig of his beer and left Joe to explain about the arrival of Charlie's friend.
"Oh, I see. That must have been tough Mac. Are they staying in town?" Ritchie said as he turned to Duncan; the others had hoped to let the subject drop but Ritchie just didn't seem to pick up on it.
"Yes at The Chester" Duncan replied as he handed Ritchie a bottle of beer that the barman had brought almost automatically.
"That's only a few blocks away. Why didn't you bring them along?" Ritchie asked before taking a swig of his beer "I mean The Chester must be a pretty lonely place".
"Richie, I'm going to have to cry off tomorrow night. I asked Charlie's friend out to dinner. There might be some other questions I could answer" Duncan replied taking another sip of his beer.
Even with Duncan ignoring his suggestion Ritchie's enthusiasm wasn't going to be stopped "Why not bring him a long. A good Arnie film might be what he needs."
"I don't think a blood and gore movie is what she needs right now" Methos was quick to pick up on the word 'she' "Oh I see Charlie's friend is a woman"
"I never said it was a man" Duncan replied smiling as he placing his now empty bottle on the bar.
Methos smirked "You never said it she was either. Is there something wrong with her or is it us your ashamed of?"
"Neither. She only just found out her friend is dead; I didn't think she would be up to a party that's all. She's going to be in town for a few weeks I'm sure you'll all get to meet her." Duncan could see the playful look in Methos's eyes and knew his friend was playing with him.
"So what's she like?" Ritchie said as he pulled out one of the bar stools so he could sit next to Duncan. "If I tell you will you all let this drop?"
All 3 nodded their agreement.
"Her name is Sandi Knight and she's about 5ft 6, slim with blonde hair and the deepest blue eyes I've ever seen." Duncan watched as Methos's face started to become serious. Duncan rolled his eyes "I know what you're thinking"
"What?" Methos said trying to act surprised.
"Go on say it" Duncan replied he was sure he already knew what his friend was about to say.
"Ok I will. Don't you think it's a little bit of a co-incidence that a beautiful woman turns up so long after Charlie died? Gets all upset and you being you, just have to come to her rescue, doing your white knight thing. No pun intended. I mean the only person who could say if she is genuine or not just happens to be dead. I'd be very, very careful if I was you."
"But you're not me. I won't turn one of Charlie's friends away on a maybe. I owe him that" Duncan said as he reached for a 3 shot glasses.
"It's your head" Methos replied as he finished the last of his beer.
"Yes, it is" Duncan said as he poured them all a whisky.
The next morning
Duncan thought about what Methos had said the night before as he drove to The Chester. It wouldn't be the first time another Immortal had used a beautiful woman against him. Axel sprang into his mind and the many women he had used to take the heads of other Immortals.
The thoughts faded as he saw Sandi sat waiting alone on the steps of The Chester. Her face flushed and she smiled as Duncan pulled the car into the kerb beside her.
"I like a man who arrives on time" Sandi said as she opened the car door. This time she only had a small bag with her, which she placed on the floor.
"Traveling light today I see" Duncan said as he smiled across at her.
"Just a little" Sandi said as she let her eyes examine Duncan's face. She had a lot of time last night as she had trouble sleeping, strange noises had kept her awake so she had a lot of time to think about the last letters she had received from Charlie and the parts she was sure were about the man she now sat beside. How intrigued Charlie had been about this Duncan. How he had wondered what things were hidden in his past and now she was looking at him, there was something about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Lost in her thoughts Sandi hadn't noticed the city streets slip passed and before she knew it they were pulling up outside the dojo.
"Well are you ready to start training?" Duncan asked as he opened the door. Sandi nodded her agreement before she followed Duncan into the dojo
The dojo was empty when they arrived, Duncan turned on the lights as he walked in.
"It will be quiet for a few hours yet" Duncan said as he looked over at Sandi as she walked towards the office. "Leave you gear there for a while. Let's warm up first".
"Ok you show me what to do and I'll follow" Sandi said as she walked back towards where Duncan was standing. Duncan started his normal warm up routine and he was surprised as Sandi matched him. It showed him just how fit she was. About half an hour later Duncan finally stopped. "I think that's enough. Why don't you get your gear on and I'll be back shortly".
"I'm not putting it all on for a friendly, just the top part" Sandi called after Duncan as he walked towards the elevator. "Ok that's fine with me".
As the elevator started to rumble into life Sandi walked into the office, kneeling down beside her 2 blue bags. First she opened the smaller one taking out her breast protector, glove, mask, plastron and jacket. Once she was dressed Sandi turned her attention to the large blue bag. Undoing the zip she peered inside, carefully she pulled one of the foils from the bag and examined it. It had a long handle and the metal was dulled with use and age. She shook her head.
'No if I'm going to test his skills I need something more modern' Sandi thought as she reached inside for another blade. The one she chose had a handle like twisted metal and the blade had marks of use but it was obvious from looking at it, it was a lot younger than the first blade she had chosen. Sandi smiled to herself 'Pistol grip, this is the one'.
Sandi had to push aside something wrapped in pink silk to allow enough space to get the other blade back into the bag. She had just managed to slide it into place when she heard the elevator.
Sandi had only zipped the bag up as Duncan entered the office.
"You ready?" He asked as he stood in the doorway dressed in a white fencing jacket with his helmet under his arm. Sandi nodded as she stood up and followed Duncan into the dojo. Duncan flexed the blade on his foil as he walked to the centre of the room.
"So how many points are we going to?" Duncan asked as he turned to face her "I thought 5 would be a good start".
"Be gentle with me it's been a little while since I fenced dressed like this" Duncan said as he pulled his mask over his face. Sandi smiled but her mind was wondering why she had let herself be talked into this, after all she didn't have time to bring anyone up to her level.
"On Guard" Sandi said as she saluted Duncan with her blade. He responded with his own salute before settling into the on guard position. From behind their masks they both waited to see what move the other would make, it seemed that time stood still for a moment. Finally Sandi moved forward in an attack. Duncan stepped back his blade parrying hers, Sandi wasn't deterred and she attacked again this time enveloping Duncan's blade in a circular sixte but he was too quick for her to lunge as he jumped back.
Sandi smiled behind her mask as she again tried to tempt Duncan into an attack to show his skills. Duncan moved his blade slowly around hers tempting her to try again. Sandi silently mouthed "Ok, the gloves are off'.
The sound of clashing metal filled the dojo as Duncan and Sandi struggled to get to the 5 points needed for a win. Duncan scored first but Sandi wasn't about to give up and eventually she managed to level the score. It took nearly half an hour as they traded hits before Duncan got his 5th hit.
"Well done" Sandi said breathing heavily as she removed her helmet; her face was glistening with perspiration as she tucked her helmet under her arm and held out her hand. Duncan took off his helmet and shook her hand.
"You're very good but there are still some things I think I could teach you". Duncan said as he walked over to where he had placed 2 towels. "So do I get the job?"
Sandi looked up at the ceiling as she smiled, she had definitely under estimated him. "Yeah, no doubt about it. How long have you been fencing?"
Duncan rubbed the towel over his face before he answered "Quite a while. Are you hungry?"
Sandi picked up the other towel wiping her face and her blade "You could say that but I could do with a shower first."
Just as Duncan was about to reply the dojo door opened and 2 members walked in. "I'll grab a shower down here and you can use the one in my loft".
"Hi Mac" called out one of the men "Are you finished?"
Duncan looked across at Sandi "Are we?"
"Yeah, I think so." Sandi replied as she walked towards the office to put her blade away, as she slipped the blade back into the bag her eyes fell on the gold lettering on the black envelope that was nestled next to the pink silk. A chill ran down her spine. Duncan was waiting by the elevator as Sandi returned with her small bag.
"The place is all yours Gerry" Duncan called over to the larger of the 2 men as he lifted the gate on the elevator for Sandi to enter. Duncan gave Sandi a towel and showed her where the bathroom was before going back downstairs.
As Sandi emerged from the bathroom towel drying her hair she could see Duncan was busy in the kitchen. Sandi allowed her eyes to roam over Duncan's body as she walked towards the kitchen; he was dressed in black pants, white T-shirt and a red waistcoat. As he looked up Sandi rubbed her neck and looked around the loft.
"Feeling better?" Duncan asked as he looked into her eyes. Suddenly he became aware that he was staring and quickly he looked away.
"Yes, thanks. That smells good" Sandi said as she reached the counter.
"It's nothing special." Duncan said being careful not to look at her eyes.
Sandi leaned on the counter watching as Duncan dished up the eggs onto plates. Charlie hadn't told her much about Duncan but he had told her that there was always an air of mystery and normally trouble around him. She couldn't help wondering what it was.
"It looks good to me but then I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" Sandi said as she sat on one to the stools at the counter. "I didn't get much to eat yesterday"
"So where are you from? Duncan asked as he sat down on the other stool before pouring them both a glass of orange juice. Sandi finished what she was eating before answering "I was born in England but my father was in the diplomatic service so we lived in a lot of different countries. I'm a diplomat brat "
"Is your father still in the diplomatic service?"
As Sandi fell silent and started to play with the food on her plate Duncan realised that this must be a subject that she wasn't comfortable with. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry"
Sandi looked up "No it's fine. It's silly really he died several years ago but it still feels like it just happened."
Duncan could see that her eyes were glistening again as she fought to keep the tears from falling.
"It's always hard when we lose those we love" Duncan said as he put down his cutlery and gently touched her hand trying to give her some comfort. Sandi nodded "and when they are snatched from you it just makes it harder".
Duncan wasn't sure whether Sandi was talking about her father or Charlie but as he watched the expression on her face harden, deep inside he felt that something wasn't right. Duncan started to talk about the training he was planning for her to give her something else to focus on.
After they had cleared away the breakfast things Duncan made some coffee "So have you any plans for the rest of the day?"
Sandi took a sip of the coffee "I have to do a little shopping there are a few things I forgot". Duncan thought about the amount of luggage Sandi had arrived at the dojo with and he wondered what she could have possibly forgot. "I could give you a lift if you like and I haven't got anything planed today so I could show you around the city if you like?"
"I don't want to put you to anymore trouble. You are already doing a lot for me by helping with my training." Duncan smiled, as he took down his coat from the stand "I can't think of a more pleasant way to spend today".
Sandi put her cup on the counter and followed Duncan to the door. As he closed the door his thoughts turned to Charlie and he wished his friend were here.