Chapter 7
The dojo
Richie switched on the lights to the dojo, he had already seen that the lights weren't on in the loft so he knew Duncan was out. He had only remembered that he had promised Duncan to sort out the books but hadn't got round to it yet, an hour ago and he was glad his friend was out. His footsteps echoed around the empty dojo as he walked across to the office. He didn't switch on the main lights to the office only the desk lamp.
Wearily he pulled open the drawer and took out a green ledger before flopping into the chair, while reaching across the desk to switch on the computer. After an hour Ritchie wiped his hands over his face he should have done this weeks ago then it wouldn't be in this mess. He pushed the ledger back as he looked around the office, in the dim light he could just make out the bags in the corner.
He got up from the chair and wandered over picking up the largest of the 2 bags and brought it back to the desk. He looked all around there was no name on the bag, so he opened it. When he saw the fencing foils he knew the bag must belong to Sandi. He was just about to close the bag when he noticed the pink silk. Slowly he pulled it free from the bag laying it onto the desk on top of the ledger.
Richie pulled the red cord that was holding the silk around the object, as he slid the silk aside his eyes fell onto a swept hilt rapier. As he inspected the blade he could see that it looked well care for. Gently, Richie brushed his finger across the blade; he grimaced as it cut into his skin. No sooner had the cut appeared it had started to heal.
"Why would you have this here?" Richie said out loud to himself before he wrapped the sword back in the silk, making sure to tie the cord back they way he had found it. Richie then put it back into the bag before putting it back in the corner. He then reached across the desk switching off the computer and the desk lamp. He knew he had to talk to Methos and Joe.
Duncan's loft
It was getting dark as Duncan helped Sandi carry her winnings up the backstairs to the loft.
"Did you have to win so many?" Duncan said as he juggled the 3 large teddy bears as he fumbled for his keys. Sandi laughed, "Well, my father always told me you should play to win".
"I think the man on the rifles was glad when we left, he didn't have much left for you to win" Duncan said as he placed the bears into the chair. "Don't worry I'll get rid of them in the morning. Is there a hospital or children's home near here?"
Duncan caught one of the bears as it started to fall "There's a hospital, the children's ward will love this little lot. Are you hungry?"
Sandi squeezed the 2 smaller bears she was holding into the chair "Yes, I'm famished. Do you want a hand?"
Duncan took a bottle of wine from the fridge "You could open this".
Joe's Bar
It was late when Richie arrived at the bar, the door was still open but the only people there were Joe and Methos "You're a little late aren't you?"
Richie walked straight over to where his friends were sitting the fact he by passed the bar wasn't lost on either Joe or Methos.
"I think we might have a problem" was all Richie said as he pulled out one of the chairs.
"Does this problem have a name?" Methos asked before he took a sip of his beer. "Yeah, Sandi Knight"
"What's happened?" Joe exclaimed as he put his nearly empty beer bottle on the table, he had just finished telling Methos what he had found the night before. "Nothings happened yet"
"So what's with all the melodrama?" Methos said as he narrowed his eyes, Richie turned to Joe. "I was at Mac's tonight trying to sort out his books"
"You haven't done that yet? You promised to sort that out weeks ago" Joe said as he leant forward putting his elbows on the table. "I know but I've been kinda busy. Anyway it's not the books I want to talk to you guys about. It's what I found in Sandi's fencing bag".
"Ok you've got my attention. What did you find?" Methos said as he settled back into his chair.
"A sword" Richie replied. He watched as a smile broke across Methos's face "Well what did you expect to find in there an umbrella?"
Richie shook his head "You don't get it do you. It wasn't a foil it was a real sword"
"How real?" Joe questioned
"You mean could it take someone's head?" Richie replied and watched as both of his friends nodded their heads "It sure could. Why would she have a sword like that?"
Methos got up from the table and walked over to the bar picking up 3 bottles of beer before returning to the table.
"So what should I do?" Richie asked as he took one of the bottles from Methos. Joe too was looking at Methos "What? Oh you want me to answer that?"
Both Joe and Richie nodded "Ok, if you tell Mac what you've told me I'm sure you can guess his reaction, we need more than this"
"But what about the fact that there isn't a fencing tournament in Washington not in the next few weeks, not in the next 6 months?" Joe replied.
"What? So why is she here? Surely Mac will listen if we all talk to him?" Methos tilted his head to one side at Richie's reply "You really need me to answer that?
Richie shook his head "No...you're right we need more if Mac is to take us seriously but how?"
Methos put the beer bottle to his lips and took a long drink before he answered, "Ok, Joe said her father was in the British diplomatic service I still have a contact or two in England. It'll take me a few days but I'll see what I can dig up".
Methos got to his feet picking up his jacket "I'll call when I have something"
"Let's hope she doesn't do anything for a few days," Joe said as he raised himself to his feet and collected most of the empty beer bottles from the table. He watched as Methos left, he then walked over to the bar; Richie picked up the remaining bottles and followed him. "What should I do?"
Joe looked across the bar as he took the bottles Richie had put down "I guess we both have to play the waiting game this time. If there is anything to find the old man will find it".
The loft
After they had eaten and cleared up Duncan was sat on the sofa a glass of wine in his hand, Sandi was sat on the floor next to the table her finger hovering over one of the black chess pieces. "Are you ever going to make a move?"
Sandi smiled up at Duncan "you can't rush genius".
Duncan reached over for the bottle that was next to the chessboard, pouring them both another glass. Suddenly, Sandi picked up the black bishop and moved it into position. "Check Mate".
"What...it can't be," Duncan said as he moved to sit on the edge of the sofa. After checking he raised his glass towards her "Check mate in 10 moves. I guess this isn't the first time you've played?"
Sandi reached across and picked up her glass "No, my father and I played all the time. Didn't I say?"
"I won't under estimate you again," Duncan said as he reached forward touching his glass to hers just as the music that had been softly playing in the background stopped. He got up and walked over to the shelf where his cd player was, changing the cd. As he turned around he saw Sandi still sat on the floor but in her fingers she was holding the white king, his eyes were drawn to hers, the deep blue had a watery look, he knew she must have been thinking about her father. He flicked the cd onto a different track before walking over to her. "Can I have this dance?"
Sandi looked up at him a slight confused look on her face "Err...sorry?"
"A dance" Duncan said his arm outstretched, without thinking Sandi slipped her hand into his as she got to her feet and he slipped his arm around her waist. Duncan took advantage of the fast tempo of the song to move faster and faster around the loft so that Sandi couldn't think about anything but just keeping up. Just as the song ended Duncan dipped her making her laugh and he was drawn to how alive her eyes now were.
Sandi thought her heart would pound its way out of her chest as she felt the warmth of Duncan's body next to hers. As Duncan lifted her back to her feet his hand moved to her face. His hand touched her skin and Sandi found herself moving her face towards his touch. Sandi moved her hand to run her fingers through Duncan's hair before pulling him towards her until their lips met. As she released him Duncan coughed slightly.
"Sorry, am I being too forward" Sandi said as she let her hands run down Duncan's arms. Duncan shook his head "No, but are you sure?"
Sandi smiled as she took hold of his hands pulling him slowly towards the bed. When they were stood by the bed Sandi reached up slowly freeing Duncan's hair "I'm sure".
Duncan lifted her face searching it for any trace of doubt, finding none he gently kissed her as he laid her down onto the bed.
Methos's apartment
Methos threw some clothes into a bag; he had just picked out a passport from the drawer when a car horn blasted sounding the arrival of his cab. He quickly looked around making sure that he had what he needed.
"I hope you'll appreciate this Mac" Methos said as he switched off the lights and closed the door.
It was late and the traffic was light so it didn't take Methos long to reach the airport. There were some people sleeping on the seats at the terminal and a few milling around at the few check in desks that were open. Methos made his way to the United Airlines desk, a young woman with brunette hair, with impeccable make up and dressed in a blue uniform looked up as Methos placed passport onto the counter. "Can I help you sir?"
Methos smiled warmly "You sure can"
The girl laughed nervously, her skin flushing and Methos wished her had more time, as her attraction for him was obvious. "Err I called earlier one ticket to London".
"Oh yes...err Mr. Clavell. One ticket First class" the woman said fumbling as she picked up his ticket and boarding pass "Do you have any luggage?"
Methos put his bag onto the scale "Just this".
"There you go Mr. Clavell. Gate 5, I hope you have a pleasant flight"
"Thank you, Julia" Methos said as he read the name badge she was wearing and again her face flushed and Methos smiled to himself as he walked towards the security checkpoint "Oh you're going to owe me big time MacLeod".
Duncan's Loft
Sandi had the best sleep she'd had since she came to this city wrapped in Duncan's arms that night. She woke up before Duncan; she lay in the dim light of dawn, with her head resting on her arm just watching him sleep. The fingers of her free hand playing with Duncan's hair that was spread out over the pillow. For the first time in 2 years she didn't feel so alone.
Slowly, Duncan opened his eyes and smiled up at her "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"Very well. How about you?" Sandi said as she looked down at him. Duncan stretched his arms up as he brought them down he let his fingers run casually through her hair. He smiled as his eyes traced every feature on her face, how young she looked to him this morning. He moved one hand to touch her face; it was so smooth under his fingers, he then let it slowly move to her shoulder, he felt her heart quicken under his touch.
"Really well" he said as he slowly pulled her towards him.
A few hours later the sun woke Duncan, he gently moved Sandi onto the pillow before getting out of the bed. As he sat on the edge of the bed he looked over at the clock, he blinked a few times to make sure he was reading it correctly, it read 8:35. Duncan reached for sweat pants and put them on quickly, he looked over at Sandi sleeping before make his way to the door.
As he got downstairs he sensed an Immortal he turned towards the door just as Richie and 4 other men came in. "Sorry about that guys"
The dojo was supposed to be open from 8 and when Richie arrived there was already a queue. It wasn't like Duncan not to open up on time so Richie was curious about what had happened. "So Mac, what happened to you?"
"Late night and too much wine" Duncan replied as he followed Richie over to the bench "I'm surprised not to see your fencing buddy here"
A grin came across Duncan's face as he thought about her asleep upstairs "You spent the night with her?"
"What do you mean by that?" Duncan said, he had noticed the slight alarm in Richie's voice.
"Err...nothing...just thinking how Charlie would have reacted to that" Richie said the first thing that came into his mind hoping Duncan wouldn't make anymore of it. Duncan looked around the dojo before turning back to Richie "It's not like she's his sister and besides were both adults".
Duncan thought it was a little ironic that Richie had mention what he had been thinking as he had made his way down to the dojo, after all didn't Sandi say he was like a brother to her. He had tried to keep his distance but the more time he spent with her the harder it got, it felt like something was pulling them together even though both had been trying to resist it. Maybe it was the 2 bottles of wine that had finally washed away the barrier between them but whatever it was he had no regrets now.
"How about a work out Mac?" Richie said as he playfully hit Duncan on the arm to get his attention. "Yeah, why not".
The dojo
Richie switched on the lights to the dojo, he had already seen that the lights weren't on in the loft so he knew Duncan was out. He had only remembered that he had promised Duncan to sort out the books but hadn't got round to it yet, an hour ago and he was glad his friend was out. His footsteps echoed around the empty dojo as he walked across to the office. He didn't switch on the main lights to the office only the desk lamp.
Wearily he pulled open the drawer and took out a green ledger before flopping into the chair, while reaching across the desk to switch on the computer. After an hour Ritchie wiped his hands over his face he should have done this weeks ago then it wouldn't be in this mess. He pushed the ledger back as he looked around the office, in the dim light he could just make out the bags in the corner.
He got up from the chair and wandered over picking up the largest of the 2 bags and brought it back to the desk. He looked all around there was no name on the bag, so he opened it. When he saw the fencing foils he knew the bag must belong to Sandi. He was just about to close the bag when he noticed the pink silk. Slowly he pulled it free from the bag laying it onto the desk on top of the ledger.
Richie pulled the red cord that was holding the silk around the object, as he slid the silk aside his eyes fell onto a swept hilt rapier. As he inspected the blade he could see that it looked well care for. Gently, Richie brushed his finger across the blade; he grimaced as it cut into his skin. No sooner had the cut appeared it had started to heal.
"Why would you have this here?" Richie said out loud to himself before he wrapped the sword back in the silk, making sure to tie the cord back they way he had found it. Richie then put it back into the bag before putting it back in the corner. He then reached across the desk switching off the computer and the desk lamp. He knew he had to talk to Methos and Joe.
Duncan's loft
It was getting dark as Duncan helped Sandi carry her winnings up the backstairs to the loft.
"Did you have to win so many?" Duncan said as he juggled the 3 large teddy bears as he fumbled for his keys. Sandi laughed, "Well, my father always told me you should play to win".
"I think the man on the rifles was glad when we left, he didn't have much left for you to win" Duncan said as he placed the bears into the chair. "Don't worry I'll get rid of them in the morning. Is there a hospital or children's home near here?"
Duncan caught one of the bears as it started to fall "There's a hospital, the children's ward will love this little lot. Are you hungry?"
Sandi squeezed the 2 smaller bears she was holding into the chair "Yes, I'm famished. Do you want a hand?"
Duncan took a bottle of wine from the fridge "You could open this".
Joe's Bar
It was late when Richie arrived at the bar, the door was still open but the only people there were Joe and Methos "You're a little late aren't you?"
Richie walked straight over to where his friends were sitting the fact he by passed the bar wasn't lost on either Joe or Methos.
"I think we might have a problem" was all Richie said as he pulled out one of the chairs.
"Does this problem have a name?" Methos asked before he took a sip of his beer. "Yeah, Sandi Knight"
"What's happened?" Joe exclaimed as he put his nearly empty beer bottle on the table, he had just finished telling Methos what he had found the night before. "Nothings happened yet"
"So what's with all the melodrama?" Methos said as he narrowed his eyes, Richie turned to Joe. "I was at Mac's tonight trying to sort out his books"
"You haven't done that yet? You promised to sort that out weeks ago" Joe said as he leant forward putting his elbows on the table. "I know but I've been kinda busy. Anyway it's not the books I want to talk to you guys about. It's what I found in Sandi's fencing bag".
"Ok you've got my attention. What did you find?" Methos said as he settled back into his chair.
"A sword" Richie replied. He watched as a smile broke across Methos's face "Well what did you expect to find in there an umbrella?"
Richie shook his head "You don't get it do you. It wasn't a foil it was a real sword"
"How real?" Joe questioned
"You mean could it take someone's head?" Richie replied and watched as both of his friends nodded their heads "It sure could. Why would she have a sword like that?"
Methos got up from the table and walked over to the bar picking up 3 bottles of beer before returning to the table.
"So what should I do?" Richie asked as he took one of the bottles from Methos. Joe too was looking at Methos "What? Oh you want me to answer that?"
Both Joe and Richie nodded "Ok, if you tell Mac what you've told me I'm sure you can guess his reaction, we need more than this"
"But what about the fact that there isn't a fencing tournament in Washington not in the next few weeks, not in the next 6 months?" Joe replied.
"What? So why is she here? Surely Mac will listen if we all talk to him?" Methos tilted his head to one side at Richie's reply "You really need me to answer that?
Richie shook his head "No...you're right we need more if Mac is to take us seriously but how?"
Methos put the beer bottle to his lips and took a long drink before he answered, "Ok, Joe said her father was in the British diplomatic service I still have a contact or two in England. It'll take me a few days but I'll see what I can dig up".
Methos got to his feet picking up his jacket "I'll call when I have something"
"Let's hope she doesn't do anything for a few days," Joe said as he raised himself to his feet and collected most of the empty beer bottles from the table. He watched as Methos left, he then walked over to the bar; Richie picked up the remaining bottles and followed him. "What should I do?"
Joe looked across the bar as he took the bottles Richie had put down "I guess we both have to play the waiting game this time. If there is anything to find the old man will find it".
The loft
After they had eaten and cleared up Duncan was sat on the sofa a glass of wine in his hand, Sandi was sat on the floor next to the table her finger hovering over one of the black chess pieces. "Are you ever going to make a move?"
Sandi smiled up at Duncan "you can't rush genius".
Duncan reached over for the bottle that was next to the chessboard, pouring them both another glass. Suddenly, Sandi picked up the black bishop and moved it into position. "Check Mate".
"What...it can't be," Duncan said as he moved to sit on the edge of the sofa. After checking he raised his glass towards her "Check mate in 10 moves. I guess this isn't the first time you've played?"
Sandi reached across and picked up her glass "No, my father and I played all the time. Didn't I say?"
"I won't under estimate you again," Duncan said as he reached forward touching his glass to hers just as the music that had been softly playing in the background stopped. He got up and walked over to the shelf where his cd player was, changing the cd. As he turned around he saw Sandi still sat on the floor but in her fingers she was holding the white king, his eyes were drawn to hers, the deep blue had a watery look, he knew she must have been thinking about her father. He flicked the cd onto a different track before walking over to her. "Can I have this dance?"
Sandi looked up at him a slight confused look on her face "Err...sorry?"
"A dance" Duncan said his arm outstretched, without thinking Sandi slipped her hand into his as she got to her feet and he slipped his arm around her waist. Duncan took advantage of the fast tempo of the song to move faster and faster around the loft so that Sandi couldn't think about anything but just keeping up. Just as the song ended Duncan dipped her making her laugh and he was drawn to how alive her eyes now were.
Sandi thought her heart would pound its way out of her chest as she felt the warmth of Duncan's body next to hers. As Duncan lifted her back to her feet his hand moved to her face. His hand touched her skin and Sandi found herself moving her face towards his touch. Sandi moved her hand to run her fingers through Duncan's hair before pulling him towards her until their lips met. As she released him Duncan coughed slightly.
"Sorry, am I being too forward" Sandi said as she let her hands run down Duncan's arms. Duncan shook his head "No, but are you sure?"
Sandi smiled as she took hold of his hands pulling him slowly towards the bed. When they were stood by the bed Sandi reached up slowly freeing Duncan's hair "I'm sure".
Duncan lifted her face searching it for any trace of doubt, finding none he gently kissed her as he laid her down onto the bed.
Methos's apartment
Methos threw some clothes into a bag; he had just picked out a passport from the drawer when a car horn blasted sounding the arrival of his cab. He quickly looked around making sure that he had what he needed.
"I hope you'll appreciate this Mac" Methos said as he switched off the lights and closed the door.
It was late and the traffic was light so it didn't take Methos long to reach the airport. There were some people sleeping on the seats at the terminal and a few milling around at the few check in desks that were open. Methos made his way to the United Airlines desk, a young woman with brunette hair, with impeccable make up and dressed in a blue uniform looked up as Methos placed passport onto the counter. "Can I help you sir?"
Methos smiled warmly "You sure can"
The girl laughed nervously, her skin flushing and Methos wished her had more time, as her attraction for him was obvious. "Err I called earlier one ticket to London".
"Oh yes...err Mr. Clavell. One ticket First class" the woman said fumbling as she picked up his ticket and boarding pass "Do you have any luggage?"
Methos put his bag onto the scale "Just this".
"There you go Mr. Clavell. Gate 5, I hope you have a pleasant flight"
"Thank you, Julia" Methos said as he read the name badge she was wearing and again her face flushed and Methos smiled to himself as he walked towards the security checkpoint "Oh you're going to owe me big time MacLeod".
Duncan's Loft
Sandi had the best sleep she'd had since she came to this city wrapped in Duncan's arms that night. She woke up before Duncan; she lay in the dim light of dawn, with her head resting on her arm just watching him sleep. The fingers of her free hand playing with Duncan's hair that was spread out over the pillow. For the first time in 2 years she didn't feel so alone.
Slowly, Duncan opened his eyes and smiled up at her "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"Very well. How about you?" Sandi said as she looked down at him. Duncan stretched his arms up as he brought them down he let his fingers run casually through her hair. He smiled as his eyes traced every feature on her face, how young she looked to him this morning. He moved one hand to touch her face; it was so smooth under his fingers, he then let it slowly move to her shoulder, he felt her heart quicken under his touch.
"Really well" he said as he slowly pulled her towards him.
A few hours later the sun woke Duncan, he gently moved Sandi onto the pillow before getting out of the bed. As he sat on the edge of the bed he looked over at the clock, he blinked a few times to make sure he was reading it correctly, it read 8:35. Duncan reached for sweat pants and put them on quickly, he looked over at Sandi sleeping before make his way to the door.
As he got downstairs he sensed an Immortal he turned towards the door just as Richie and 4 other men came in. "Sorry about that guys"
The dojo was supposed to be open from 8 and when Richie arrived there was already a queue. It wasn't like Duncan not to open up on time so Richie was curious about what had happened. "So Mac, what happened to you?"
"Late night and too much wine" Duncan replied as he followed Richie over to the bench "I'm surprised not to see your fencing buddy here"
A grin came across Duncan's face as he thought about her asleep upstairs "You spent the night with her?"
"What do you mean by that?" Duncan said, he had noticed the slight alarm in Richie's voice.
"Err...nothing...just thinking how Charlie would have reacted to that" Richie said the first thing that came into his mind hoping Duncan wouldn't make anymore of it. Duncan looked around the dojo before turning back to Richie "It's not like she's his sister and besides were both adults".
Duncan thought it was a little ironic that Richie had mention what he had been thinking as he had made his way down to the dojo, after all didn't Sandi say he was like a brother to her. He had tried to keep his distance but the more time he spent with her the harder it got, it felt like something was pulling them together even though both had been trying to resist it. Maybe it was the 2 bottles of wine that had finally washed away the barrier between them but whatever it was he had no regrets now.
"How about a work out Mac?" Richie said as he playfully hit Duncan on the arm to get his attention. "Yeah, why not".