Chapter 6
As Duncan slowly rolled the T-Bird to a stop his eyes searched the odd array of buildings, the wharf had seen many changes over the years. Most of the old warehouses had now been converted into trendy offices or artist's studios. The buildings were in darkness and eerily silent, the only sign of life was a rat that had been scared by the headlights making it scuttled across the front of the car disappearing into the darkness between the warehouses.
Duncan took a deep breath as he reached for the car door handle, an image of Yolanda dressed in her red dress, her black lace shawl floating on the breeze as she ran laughing though the maze on a warm summers evening, floated into his mind. He hadn't agreed with what she had done but he knew that fear can make people do things they wouldn't normally do. He could only imagine the fear she had felt when Rodolfo had finally found her and her relief on getting to Holy ground only to find that it didn't save her. Now, he would end what had started long ago, for both of them.
His footsteps made a hollow sound on the wooden slats of the wharf. He felt the freshness of the sea breeze on his face as he walked towards the largest warehouse; it had clearly not yet seen the hand of an interior designer, with its broken windows and peeling paint. Duncan was only a few steps away from the door when he felt the presence of another of his kind; his hand instinctively went inside his coat to the hilt of his sword.
A moment later Rodolfo appeared from the other side of the warehouse "I was beginning to think you weren't coming, MacLeod".
"I said I'd be here and I'm here." Duncan said as he pulled his sword from his coat, he took a few steps forward his other hand reaching for the door. It was unlocked and swung open with only a slightest squeak, which in the stillness of the wharf sounded louder than it really was.
"Shall we?" Duncan said his arm outstretched.
"After you" Rodolfo said his sword pointing towards the door. Duncan nodded but as he went to step through the door, he turned stepping backwards into the warehouse his eyes didn't leave Rodolfo.
Duncan knew the lights in the warehouse didn't work but there was enough light coming from the harbour lights for their needs. He watched as Rodolfo stepped through the door "I've waited a long time for this, MacLeod. You know it was all I thought about when the tide went down. I had hoped that I would be able to kill you in front of that Bitch but you were harder to find."
Duncan shrugged off his coat transferring his sword from one hand to the other; he then threw it to one side, it landed on a box sending a cloud of dust into the air.
"If you had left her alone, as I asked you to none of this would have happened" Duncan said as he moved his sword in front of him.
"If you hadn't poisoned her against me, it would have been you in that water and not me" Rodolfo shouted as he waved his sword at Duncan.
Duncan sighed he could see now that Joe was right, it wouldn't matter what he said and he knew that he couldn't let Rodolfo live if he didn't care about the rules. "If this is what you want?"
"IT IS" Rodolfo screamed as he ran forward his eyes blazing with hate. It didn't take much effort for Duncan to knock his blade as he sidestepped. Rodolfo's momentum sends him stumbling past his sword scrapping the ground leaving a line in the dust. He spun round raising his sword above his head and when he saw Duncan shrug and smile he charged again. Duncan brought his sword up to meet Rodolfo's blade.
Rodolfo managed to control his charge this time and sparks flew around the warehouse as they moved around the warehouse in the deadly dance of a duel. Rodolfo showed he was an accomplished swordsman even though his mind was clouded with rage. As Rodolfo lunged forward Duncan ducked behind a pillar and Rodolfo's sword smashed into the metal "You can run Highlander but you can't hide".
Duncan came out of the other side "I'm not hiding".
Rodolfo came round the pillar and Duncan brought his sword down knocking the blade from Rodolfo's hand and it clattered to the ground.
"Pick it up" Duncan said as he pointed his sword to where Rodolfo's sword lay. Rodolfo laughed as he picked up his sword, "You're a fool MacLeod, I won't give you the chance".
Duncan circled "I know. That's where we are different I believe in honour".
Rodolfo laughed "You should have seen her face MacLeod as I dragged her by her hair from that church, her sword arm smashed and useless at her side, begging me for mercy."
Duncan was distracted by the image Rodolfo had painted of Yolanda's last moments, seeing this Rodolfo leaped forward. Duncan just managed to parry as he stepped back before bring his sword round just catching Rodolfo on his sword arm, blood spreading across the fabric of his shirt. Rodolfo looked down at his wound, his hand only just managing to hold onto his sword, he then ran into the shadows. He knew he needed time to heal.
Duncan's eyes scanned the shadows as he cautiously moved forward into the shadows, as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he could see that there were several stacks of old wooden pallets.
Duncan slowly moved around each stack searching them for Rodolfo's hiding place, he knew one of them was shielding him. Duncan moved towards the next stack when one came flying towards him, it struck his sword sending it flying across the warehouse landing in one of the pools of light. Duncan looked over at his sword then back to the stack as Rodolfo came around a grin on his face. For a moment time stood still as they stared at each other weighing up what the other was going to do next. Duncan glanced over at his sword lying in the dust 15 feet from him just as Rodolfo leapt forward.
Without hesitating Duncan dived to the ground rolling and coming up into the kneeling position his sword over his shoulder just managing to block Rodolfo's sword as it swung down. Duncan took advantage of Rodolfo's surprise in having his attack stopped to swivel round on his knees, his sword slicing deep into Rodolfo's stomach. The shock of his body nearly being severed in half and trying to stop his intestines from spilling onto the floor made it easy for Duncan to knock his sword from his hand.
"What not going to give me another sporting chance?" Rodolfo said as he grimaced with pain as he sank to his knees. Duncan stood up raising his sword above his head.
"I gave you the chance you that Yolanda didn't give you. You don't get another," Duncan said as with one smooth movement he severed Rodolfo's head from his body. Slowly Duncan sank to his knees his body exhausted from the fight, he only had a few moments rest before the quickening hit.
Joe's Bar
Joe had done his last set with the band and he placed his guitar into its case. He had been watching her while he was on the stage, every time the door to the bar opened she would look round expectantly. Joe picked up a couple of drinks from the bar before making his way over. She smiled as Joe sat down but he could see the worried look on her face, he didn't know what Duncan had told her so he decided to leave that topic of conversation alone.
"So Mac told us you're here for some kind of tournament?"
"Fencing, I've entered a tournament in Washington. Thanks" Sandi replied as she took the drink Joe handed to her. "Really, I know Washington pretty well, which venue?"
Sandi took a few sips of her drink she hadn't expected for someone to ask exactly where the tournament was, her mind raced as she tried to remember somewhere from her last visit "The MCI Centre, I think but I'd have to check the info pack they sent."
Joe hadn't liked the way Sandi had answered the question he couldn't help but feel she was hiding something. "I've never seen a fencing tournament I'd really like to come and see you fence. What date is it?"
"Errr...it's the second week of July" Sandi replied looking over at the door as it opened. She still didn't know where this tournament was going to be held, it would be another week before she could ring the number on the invitation and she hoped that Duncan's friend was only making conversation and not really serious about going. She watched as Joe took a drink of his beer trying to read from his face if he was satisfied with her answers. "So Mac said you're from England but your accent isn't just English is it?"
Sandi smiled she was relieved that the subject had been changed "Well, I've lived in quite a few countries thanks to my father's work".
"What did your father do?" Joe said as he looked over at the rest of his band as they finished their last number. Joe clapped along with those still left in the bar before turning back to Sandi for her answer. "He was in the diplomatic service. By the time I was 10 I'd lived in 6 different countries and been to 4 different schools."
As one of the musicians past Joe on his way out he tapped Joe on the shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt Joe but do you still want to go over those new numbers tomorrow?"
Joe looked back over his shoulder "Yeah, if you're up for it Jimmy".
"You know me Joe I'm up for anything" Jimmy replied but his eyes were on Sandi and not Joe. Sandi smiled a little embarrassed by the intense gaze she was under. "See you tomorrow Jimmy".
"Err...Yeah 11:30 ok?" Jimmy replied still staring at Sandi's eyes.
"That's ok with me, I'll tell the rest when they've finished" Joe said as he tapped Jimmy on the arm bring his eyes to focus on him. "Yeah, see you then".
"Sorry about Jimmy he thinks he's quite the ladies man" Joe replied as he turned back to Sandi. "So is your dad still in the service?"
Joe watched as Sandi swallowed hard before picking up her drink, taking a sip "No, he died a few years ago."
"I'm sorry to hear that. So what do you do for a living? I mean you can't earn a living from fencing, can you?" Joe replied he could see the pain the mention of her father caused her it was clearly written in her eyes.
"No, it's not that popular but there are ways to earn some cash from it. Teaching for one, I've done a little of that but my parents left me quite comfortable so I haven't had to worry." Joe was about to question why she would be staying at the Chester if she had money when the door opened and Duncan walked in. His coat had some dust still on it from where it had landed in the warehouse. He had tried to tidy his hair but in his haste to get back he had missed a few strands.
"Duncan, are you all right?" Sandi said as she stood up.
"I'm fine but I could use a drink" Duncan replied looking over at Joe, who nodded as he pushed himself to his feet "I could use a hand, Mac"
Duncan settled Sandi back at the table before following Joe to the bar. He leant on the bar as Joe went behind getting another drink for Sandi and collecting a bottle of whisky and two shot glasses. He handed the beer he had just poured for Sandi to Duncan "Is everything sorted?"
Duncan took the glass "He won't be breaking any more rules if that's what you mean."
Joe sighed, he'd been Duncan's Watcher all these years and he still hated having to just watch and wait to see if his friend would return. As Joe joined Duncan on the other side of the bar he lent closer "So what are you going to tell her?"
Duncan's eyes flicked from Joe to Sandi sat at the table playing with last drop of beer in her glass "I don't know Joe. I think she saw us with swords in the parking lot. Has she said anything to you?"
"No, not a word. Maybe you've got away with it?" Joe said as they walked back to the table.
After another round of drinks Duncan took Sandi back to her hotel. Joe cleared away the glasses and cleaned down the bar. After seeing the barman and waitresses out he locked the door and went to his office. Sitting down behind his desk he lifted up the screen and switched it on. He wanted to check on the things Sandi had told him.
The next morning
There had been several times during their warm up that Duncan had thought Sandi was on the point of asking about last night but she hadn't. He didn't know what was worse her asking or the waiting for the question. As they put on their fencing gear he looked across at her just as she put her hand into her foils bag, something pink caught his eye. Before he could ask Sandi turned "Ready?"
Duncan nodded as he picked up his blade and mask. "To 10 again?"
"Ok" Sandi said as she slipped her mask over her face. Through the mesh she watched Duncan take up his position. As she settled into the on guard position Sandi started to control her breathing, her face became warm, as the mesh on the mask resisted releasing her breath. This time Duncan made the first move Sandi parried his attack and launched one of her own, hitting Duncan quite hard on the shoulder.
"My point I think" was all she said as she took up position again. Duncan couldn't help but notice as the fenced there was something different about how she was fencing, there seemed to be more intensity and he wondered what was going on behind her mask.
It was Duncan that had to catch up until they were level on 9 points each. Suddenly Sandi found her mind wandering as she remembered her father's face the night she had identified him at the morgue. She had never felt so alone in her life. It was several weeks later that she had found out how he had died.
Duncan didn't need to see her face to know she was distracted as her blade dipped tell him all he needed to now and he took his advantage, hitting her squarely on the chest getting the winning point.
"Is there something on your mind?" Duncan asked as he took off his mask.
"No" Sandi said as she pulled her mask up leaving it perched on the top of her head, she then picked up her bags and walked over to the office. Duncan started to take his fencing gear off but as he did so he found himself looking over at Sandi. He piled his fencing clothes on the bench before walking over to the office.
Through the open office door he could see Sandi sat on the floor her foil bag open and in her hands was something wrapped in pink silk. As soon as she became aware of the footsteps coming closer Sandi pushed the object back into the bag before standing up. Turning round she found Duncan leaning against the doorframe "Why haven't you asked me about what happened last night? I know you must have questions"
Sandi moved her bags into the corner before turning back to him "We all have things either we can't or find difficult to explain. It's your business not mine".
Duncan smiled and nodded "Ok but if you change your mind let me know."
Sandi wiped her forehead with her towel "Thanks, but I won't"
"Feel like a shower then?"
Sandi looked down at her sweat stained clothes "Good idea".
After they had both showered and eaten breakfast Duncan took Sandi with him to several auctions while he bought and sold some items. During one auction he looked across at her and he could see from her expression that her body might be there but her mind wasn't. They had lunch with an old friend of Duncan's from the antiques trade, George Bellingham. Sandi only joined in the conversation when it was about general things; she left the shoptalk alone. Sandi absent mindly flicked through an auction catalogue George had brought with him.
Duncan was listening to George tell him all about a lucky find he had just made when he realised that Sandi had been looking at the same page for over 5 minutes. Casually, he glanced across the pages it contained 6 antique swords but he could see from the way her fingers ran down the page, only 1 interested her.
When the meal was finished neither Duncan or George noticed Sandi slip the catalogue into her bag.
As he walked Sandi to the car Duncan turned to her "Sorry it's been so dull for you this morning. I tell you what why don't you decide what we do this afternoon?"
Sandi thought as she got into the car, she had been training for what seemed like forever; maybe it was time to have a little fun. "Do you have an amusement park around here?"
Duncan looked across at her, after the way she had been behaving today this was the last thing he had expected "I think we can manage that".
As Duncan slowly rolled the T-Bird to a stop his eyes searched the odd array of buildings, the wharf had seen many changes over the years. Most of the old warehouses had now been converted into trendy offices or artist's studios. The buildings were in darkness and eerily silent, the only sign of life was a rat that had been scared by the headlights making it scuttled across the front of the car disappearing into the darkness between the warehouses.
Duncan took a deep breath as he reached for the car door handle, an image of Yolanda dressed in her red dress, her black lace shawl floating on the breeze as she ran laughing though the maze on a warm summers evening, floated into his mind. He hadn't agreed with what she had done but he knew that fear can make people do things they wouldn't normally do. He could only imagine the fear she had felt when Rodolfo had finally found her and her relief on getting to Holy ground only to find that it didn't save her. Now, he would end what had started long ago, for both of them.
His footsteps made a hollow sound on the wooden slats of the wharf. He felt the freshness of the sea breeze on his face as he walked towards the largest warehouse; it had clearly not yet seen the hand of an interior designer, with its broken windows and peeling paint. Duncan was only a few steps away from the door when he felt the presence of another of his kind; his hand instinctively went inside his coat to the hilt of his sword.
A moment later Rodolfo appeared from the other side of the warehouse "I was beginning to think you weren't coming, MacLeod".
"I said I'd be here and I'm here." Duncan said as he pulled his sword from his coat, he took a few steps forward his other hand reaching for the door. It was unlocked and swung open with only a slightest squeak, which in the stillness of the wharf sounded louder than it really was.
"Shall we?" Duncan said his arm outstretched.
"After you" Rodolfo said his sword pointing towards the door. Duncan nodded but as he went to step through the door, he turned stepping backwards into the warehouse his eyes didn't leave Rodolfo.
Duncan knew the lights in the warehouse didn't work but there was enough light coming from the harbour lights for their needs. He watched as Rodolfo stepped through the door "I've waited a long time for this, MacLeod. You know it was all I thought about when the tide went down. I had hoped that I would be able to kill you in front of that Bitch but you were harder to find."
Duncan shrugged off his coat transferring his sword from one hand to the other; he then threw it to one side, it landed on a box sending a cloud of dust into the air.
"If you had left her alone, as I asked you to none of this would have happened" Duncan said as he moved his sword in front of him.
"If you hadn't poisoned her against me, it would have been you in that water and not me" Rodolfo shouted as he waved his sword at Duncan.
Duncan sighed he could see now that Joe was right, it wouldn't matter what he said and he knew that he couldn't let Rodolfo live if he didn't care about the rules. "If this is what you want?"
"IT IS" Rodolfo screamed as he ran forward his eyes blazing with hate. It didn't take much effort for Duncan to knock his blade as he sidestepped. Rodolfo's momentum sends him stumbling past his sword scrapping the ground leaving a line in the dust. He spun round raising his sword above his head and when he saw Duncan shrug and smile he charged again. Duncan brought his sword up to meet Rodolfo's blade.
Rodolfo managed to control his charge this time and sparks flew around the warehouse as they moved around the warehouse in the deadly dance of a duel. Rodolfo showed he was an accomplished swordsman even though his mind was clouded with rage. As Rodolfo lunged forward Duncan ducked behind a pillar and Rodolfo's sword smashed into the metal "You can run Highlander but you can't hide".
Duncan came out of the other side "I'm not hiding".
Rodolfo came round the pillar and Duncan brought his sword down knocking the blade from Rodolfo's hand and it clattered to the ground.
"Pick it up" Duncan said as he pointed his sword to where Rodolfo's sword lay. Rodolfo laughed as he picked up his sword, "You're a fool MacLeod, I won't give you the chance".
Duncan circled "I know. That's where we are different I believe in honour".
Rodolfo laughed "You should have seen her face MacLeod as I dragged her by her hair from that church, her sword arm smashed and useless at her side, begging me for mercy."
Duncan was distracted by the image Rodolfo had painted of Yolanda's last moments, seeing this Rodolfo leaped forward. Duncan just managed to parry as he stepped back before bring his sword round just catching Rodolfo on his sword arm, blood spreading across the fabric of his shirt. Rodolfo looked down at his wound, his hand only just managing to hold onto his sword, he then ran into the shadows. He knew he needed time to heal.
Duncan's eyes scanned the shadows as he cautiously moved forward into the shadows, as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he could see that there were several stacks of old wooden pallets.
Duncan slowly moved around each stack searching them for Rodolfo's hiding place, he knew one of them was shielding him. Duncan moved towards the next stack when one came flying towards him, it struck his sword sending it flying across the warehouse landing in one of the pools of light. Duncan looked over at his sword then back to the stack as Rodolfo came around a grin on his face. For a moment time stood still as they stared at each other weighing up what the other was going to do next. Duncan glanced over at his sword lying in the dust 15 feet from him just as Rodolfo leapt forward.
Without hesitating Duncan dived to the ground rolling and coming up into the kneeling position his sword over his shoulder just managing to block Rodolfo's sword as it swung down. Duncan took advantage of Rodolfo's surprise in having his attack stopped to swivel round on his knees, his sword slicing deep into Rodolfo's stomach. The shock of his body nearly being severed in half and trying to stop his intestines from spilling onto the floor made it easy for Duncan to knock his sword from his hand.
"What not going to give me another sporting chance?" Rodolfo said as he grimaced with pain as he sank to his knees. Duncan stood up raising his sword above his head.
"I gave you the chance you that Yolanda didn't give you. You don't get another," Duncan said as with one smooth movement he severed Rodolfo's head from his body. Slowly Duncan sank to his knees his body exhausted from the fight, he only had a few moments rest before the quickening hit.
Joe's Bar
Joe had done his last set with the band and he placed his guitar into its case. He had been watching her while he was on the stage, every time the door to the bar opened she would look round expectantly. Joe picked up a couple of drinks from the bar before making his way over. She smiled as Joe sat down but he could see the worried look on her face, he didn't know what Duncan had told her so he decided to leave that topic of conversation alone.
"So Mac told us you're here for some kind of tournament?"
"Fencing, I've entered a tournament in Washington. Thanks" Sandi replied as she took the drink Joe handed to her. "Really, I know Washington pretty well, which venue?"
Sandi took a few sips of her drink she hadn't expected for someone to ask exactly where the tournament was, her mind raced as she tried to remember somewhere from her last visit "The MCI Centre, I think but I'd have to check the info pack they sent."
Joe hadn't liked the way Sandi had answered the question he couldn't help but feel she was hiding something. "I've never seen a fencing tournament I'd really like to come and see you fence. What date is it?"
"Errr...it's the second week of July" Sandi replied looking over at the door as it opened. She still didn't know where this tournament was going to be held, it would be another week before she could ring the number on the invitation and she hoped that Duncan's friend was only making conversation and not really serious about going. She watched as Joe took a drink of his beer trying to read from his face if he was satisfied with her answers. "So Mac said you're from England but your accent isn't just English is it?"
Sandi smiled she was relieved that the subject had been changed "Well, I've lived in quite a few countries thanks to my father's work".
"What did your father do?" Joe said as he looked over at the rest of his band as they finished their last number. Joe clapped along with those still left in the bar before turning back to Sandi for her answer. "He was in the diplomatic service. By the time I was 10 I'd lived in 6 different countries and been to 4 different schools."
As one of the musicians past Joe on his way out he tapped Joe on the shoulder. "Sorry to interrupt Joe but do you still want to go over those new numbers tomorrow?"
Joe looked back over his shoulder "Yeah, if you're up for it Jimmy".
"You know me Joe I'm up for anything" Jimmy replied but his eyes were on Sandi and not Joe. Sandi smiled a little embarrassed by the intense gaze she was under. "See you tomorrow Jimmy".
"Err...Yeah 11:30 ok?" Jimmy replied still staring at Sandi's eyes.
"That's ok with me, I'll tell the rest when they've finished" Joe said as he tapped Jimmy on the arm bring his eyes to focus on him. "Yeah, see you then".
"Sorry about Jimmy he thinks he's quite the ladies man" Joe replied as he turned back to Sandi. "So is your dad still in the service?"
Joe watched as Sandi swallowed hard before picking up her drink, taking a sip "No, he died a few years ago."
"I'm sorry to hear that. So what do you do for a living? I mean you can't earn a living from fencing, can you?" Joe replied he could see the pain the mention of her father caused her it was clearly written in her eyes.
"No, it's not that popular but there are ways to earn some cash from it. Teaching for one, I've done a little of that but my parents left me quite comfortable so I haven't had to worry." Joe was about to question why she would be staying at the Chester if she had money when the door opened and Duncan walked in. His coat had some dust still on it from where it had landed in the warehouse. He had tried to tidy his hair but in his haste to get back he had missed a few strands.
"Duncan, are you all right?" Sandi said as she stood up.
"I'm fine but I could use a drink" Duncan replied looking over at Joe, who nodded as he pushed himself to his feet "I could use a hand, Mac"
Duncan settled Sandi back at the table before following Joe to the bar. He leant on the bar as Joe went behind getting another drink for Sandi and collecting a bottle of whisky and two shot glasses. He handed the beer he had just poured for Sandi to Duncan "Is everything sorted?"
Duncan took the glass "He won't be breaking any more rules if that's what you mean."
Joe sighed, he'd been Duncan's Watcher all these years and he still hated having to just watch and wait to see if his friend would return. As Joe joined Duncan on the other side of the bar he lent closer "So what are you going to tell her?"
Duncan's eyes flicked from Joe to Sandi sat at the table playing with last drop of beer in her glass "I don't know Joe. I think she saw us with swords in the parking lot. Has she said anything to you?"
"No, not a word. Maybe you've got away with it?" Joe said as they walked back to the table.
After another round of drinks Duncan took Sandi back to her hotel. Joe cleared away the glasses and cleaned down the bar. After seeing the barman and waitresses out he locked the door and went to his office. Sitting down behind his desk he lifted up the screen and switched it on. He wanted to check on the things Sandi had told him.
The next morning
There had been several times during their warm up that Duncan had thought Sandi was on the point of asking about last night but she hadn't. He didn't know what was worse her asking or the waiting for the question. As they put on their fencing gear he looked across at her just as she put her hand into her foils bag, something pink caught his eye. Before he could ask Sandi turned "Ready?"
Duncan nodded as he picked up his blade and mask. "To 10 again?"
"Ok" Sandi said as she slipped her mask over her face. Through the mesh she watched Duncan take up his position. As she settled into the on guard position Sandi started to control her breathing, her face became warm, as the mesh on the mask resisted releasing her breath. This time Duncan made the first move Sandi parried his attack and launched one of her own, hitting Duncan quite hard on the shoulder.
"My point I think" was all she said as she took up position again. Duncan couldn't help but notice as the fenced there was something different about how she was fencing, there seemed to be more intensity and he wondered what was going on behind her mask.
It was Duncan that had to catch up until they were level on 9 points each. Suddenly Sandi found her mind wandering as she remembered her father's face the night she had identified him at the morgue. She had never felt so alone in her life. It was several weeks later that she had found out how he had died.
Duncan didn't need to see her face to know she was distracted as her blade dipped tell him all he needed to now and he took his advantage, hitting her squarely on the chest getting the winning point.
"Is there something on your mind?" Duncan asked as he took off his mask.
"No" Sandi said as she pulled her mask up leaving it perched on the top of her head, she then picked up her bags and walked over to the office. Duncan started to take his fencing gear off but as he did so he found himself looking over at Sandi. He piled his fencing clothes on the bench before walking over to the office.
Through the open office door he could see Sandi sat on the floor her foil bag open and in her hands was something wrapped in pink silk. As soon as she became aware of the footsteps coming closer Sandi pushed the object back into the bag before standing up. Turning round she found Duncan leaning against the doorframe "Why haven't you asked me about what happened last night? I know you must have questions"
Sandi moved her bags into the corner before turning back to him "We all have things either we can't or find difficult to explain. It's your business not mine".
Duncan smiled and nodded "Ok but if you change your mind let me know."
Sandi wiped her forehead with her towel "Thanks, but I won't"
"Feel like a shower then?"
Sandi looked down at her sweat stained clothes "Good idea".
After they had both showered and eaten breakfast Duncan took Sandi with him to several auctions while he bought and sold some items. During one auction he looked across at her and he could see from her expression that her body might be there but her mind wasn't. They had lunch with an old friend of Duncan's from the antiques trade, George Bellingham. Sandi only joined in the conversation when it was about general things; she left the shoptalk alone. Sandi absent mindly flicked through an auction catalogue George had brought with him.
Duncan was listening to George tell him all about a lucky find he had just made when he realised that Sandi had been looking at the same page for over 5 minutes. Casually, he glanced across the pages it contained 6 antique swords but he could see from the way her fingers ran down the page, only 1 interested her.
When the meal was finished neither Duncan or George noticed Sandi slip the catalogue into her bag.
As he walked Sandi to the car Duncan turned to her "Sorry it's been so dull for you this morning. I tell you what why don't you decide what we do this afternoon?"
Sandi thought as she got into the car, she had been training for what seemed like forever; maybe it was time to have a little fun. "Do you have an amusement park around here?"
Duncan looked across at her, after the way she had been behaving today this was the last thing he had expected "I think we can manage that".