Disclaimer: I do not own anything. All recognizable things belong to "Highlander: The Series". No harm is intended, and no profit is being made from this fic.

A/N: Well, here's chapter three – finally! It took a bit longer to get out due to Hurricane Rita. While I was not one of the 2.7 million people who evacuated, I did lose power for quite a while, and was unable to play around on my laptop. Anyways… If you've not gone back and read the re-written chapter 2, I suggest you do that now. I changed it quite a bit from what I originally posted back in march… So, let's get on with it then! Enjoy chapter three!

Posted: September 27th, 2005

Chapter 3

It was a fairly quiet night at Joe's. The house band was just getting started, but it was Joe's night off, so he was simply behind the bar, chatting with his patrons. He glanced up as the door swung open again, and three men in trench coats entered the bar. Joe nodded to Mike and went out to greet his friends.

"Mac! Adam! Welcome back."

Duncan smiled as they made their way to Joe. "Thanks, Joe." Connor stepped up next to his cousin. "Joe Dawson, I'd like you to meet Connor MacLeod."

Joe grinned and held out his hand to the elder MacLeod, "Good to finally meet you."

Connor grasped the other man's hand firmly, "Finally? Whatever Duncan has told you, it's a lie."

Duncan laughed and steered everyone towards a table in the corner, where they could have a bit of privacy. "Don't worry, Connor, I've not said a thing."

"Oh?"

Joe watched as everyone seated themselves (or, in Methos' case, sprawled) at the table before taking his own seat across from Connor, and between his friends. "You mean there's an immortal you haven't blabbed to yet, Mac?" Joe gave Duncan a pointed look.

The younger Highlander held up his hands defensively. "Hey! I only told those who needed to know, Joe!"

Connor had stiffened at the mention of immortals, but now looked from his cousin to the bartender curiously. "What is it that I haven't been told?"

Methos sat up, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "They're talking about the Watchers."

"The Watchers?" Connor quirked an eyebrow.

"Well, the quick explanation is that there's a secret society of mortals that observe and record the lives of immortal, for the sake of history."

"But they're not supposed to interfere." Methos gave Joe a pointed look before turning to Connor. "Joe's not a big fan of that rule."

Connor sat for a moment. "So… we're not supposed to know about the Watchers?"

"No."

"And your people just watch us? All the time?"

Joe chuckled, "Well, not all the time. We have our own lives, too."

Methos faked a surprised expression, "Really? I'd never have guessed!"

"Oh, give it a rest, Adam."

"Moi, Mac? I've no idea what you're talking about."

Duncan snorted and shook his head. Connor seemed to be absorbing the information, and Joe took a moment to signal Mike at the bar to send over some drinks. Connor looked to Joe once more, "And… you watch all of us?"

Joe nodded, "Well, all immortals that we know about."

"So, you admit there are some who you might have no record of?" Again Joe gave an affirmative nod, and Connor grinned mischievously. "Do you have one of your people on Jaina MacLeod?"

"Jaina MacLeod? Jeez, don't tell me there's a new Highlander roaming about."

Duncan laughed as a waitress brought the drinks (beer for Methos, and scotch for everyone else). After she'd left, Duncan smirked at Joe. "No, Joe. I'm the newest Highlander."

"She is the oldest," Connor finished.

"Well, I'll be damned." Joe shook his head, "Never heard of her. How old is she?"

Connor winked, "Older than I am." Methos snorted, amused that they would not reveal the other Highlander's age to the mortal. The conversation continued in much the same way for a while – Joe asking questions about Jaina, or about something in Connor or Duncan's past and the two Highlanders answering his queries as vaguely as possible.

A little while later, Evelyn made her way into the bar. She quickly spotted the corner table where everyone was sitting. After having Mike fix her a scotch on the rocks, she went over to the table, approaching quite stealthily. "Well, it looks like there's a party going on and someone forgot to ring me."

Joe turned to grin at Evelyn, "Hey, Evie. Come on, sit down."

Evelyn smiled as Connor stood and offered her his chair, "Sit here, please, and I'll grab another chair."

"My, what a chivalrous gesture. Thank you…"

Connor took her hand and kissed it, "I'm Connor MacLeod."

She blushed faintly as she sat. "Evelyn Morningside." Connor grabbed a chair from an empty table and sat down next to Eve. Methos snorted, and Evelyn glared at him. "What's your problem tonight, Pierson?"

Methos chuckled, "Oh, I don't have a problem… I'm just not falling for your blushing school-girl act." Eve sniffed and looked away, inciting Methos further. "And acting as if you didn't know who he was… please, how pathetic can you be?"

"Acting as if she didn't know me?" Connor glanced at Duncan and Joe. "She's another Watcher?"

Evelyn nodded, then took a small sip of her drink. "Yes, Mr. MacLeod, I am. And I wasn't certain if you knew about our organization and all, so of course I had to pretend I didn't know who you were."

"Well, that's completely understandable, Ms. Morningside." Connor leaned over and whispered in her ear, "And don't let Pierson rile you up. He's just an idiot who has no appreciation for beauty."

Eve giggled softly as she felt the heat rising to her cheeks once again. Joe and Duncan watched the proceedings with rather amused looks, while Methos simply folded his arms over his chest and glared. Duncan nudged Connor and turned to Eve, "Better be careful, Eve. He's a smooth-talker when he puts his mind to it."

Connor glared a bit and his kinsman, then smiled charmingly at Evelyn. "Don't listen to a word he says, Ms. Morningside." He stood and extended a hand, "Would you care to join me for a late dinner?"

"Aw, Evie. You just got here." Joe sighed as Evelyn took the extended hand and rose.

"And you hardly know the guy." Methos snorted again, "But somehow I'm not surprised that you'd just go off with a stranger." He glared, "And to think… Dinner is a bit cheap, isn't it? Or are you going to give it to him for free, you trollup!"

He never saw the slap coming. Methos turned to stare at Eve with a look of utter disbelief. Her blue eyes were as cold as ice, and for a moment he was afraid. "If you ever say anything like that to me again, Pierson, I will not be held responsible for my actions." Connor offered her his arm and escorted Eve out of the bar, leaving Methos speechless.

Joe slammed his empty glass on the table. "I swear it, old man, if you don't lay off…"

Methos held his arms up in a gesture of surrender. "Fine! Fine! I give up. I'll try to watch what I say to her." He folded his arms over his chest and proceeded to sulk. Joe and Duncan did their best to ignore him for the rest of the band's set.

He shut the door to the hotel room as she took her coat off and tossed it on the floor. Connor took his own trench coat off and, after retrieving Eve's, hung both coats on the hooks by the door. When he turned back to the room, Eve was just stepping out onto her balcony. Connor smiled, crossing the room quickly. He came up behind Eve, slipping his arms around her waist, and placed a light kiss on the side of her neck.

"Connor," she sighed softly, turning in his embrace to face him. She lightly placed a hand on his cheek, "It's been too long since I've seen you."

"Aye, lass, it's been far too long." He placed a chaste kiss on her lips, hugging her tight. "But I'd say the blame for that is squarely on you. You're a hard one to find."

Eve grinned and stepped out of circle of Connor's arms. "You know you love it, Connor." She pulled him back inside the room. "I'm surprised you recognized me so easily."

"I've had years of practice, and it was the name that really gave you away."

"I thought it might be too easy for you, dear." Eve laughed and wrapped her arms around Connor, pulling him close. "But you were always such a clever child."

"Jaina…" He leaned in, and this time their kiss was not nearly as chaste.

"I wonder what they're doing right now."

Duncan turned to Methos and shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe they would've stayed if you hadn't been so hostile."

The older immortal sighed heavily, "I know, Mac." He glanced over at Joe, who was behind the bar once more, and not on speaking terms with Methos at the moment. "It's just," he waved his hands around, "there's something about her that puts me on the defensive. I can't describe it, but for some reason I just feel the need to lash out at her."

"Well try to keep yourself in check, Methos. At the very least, play nice when Joe is around. He really thinks of her as a daughter, and he won't stand for you insulting her like you did earlier."

"Yeah, yeah," he took a pull from his beer bottle. "I regret what I said, I really do." He paused, lost in thought. "I really do wonder what they're doing."

"I'm sure my kinsman is not endangering her honor, if that's what you're thinking."

"Of course not, Mac!"

Duncan smiled indulgently, "Sure, Methos."

"…are you sure, MacLeod? I mean, I know you're and honorable man, but…"

"Don't insult my cousin, Methos." Duncan glared slightly, then sat back in his chair. "Besides, she's obviously not interested in him like that."

Methos quirked an eyebrow, "Oh? What makes you say that?"

"Well," Duncan grinned wickedly, "it's obvious she only has eyes for you."

The other immortal blanched, "You can't be serious!"

"He is, serious." Joe sat down with his friends once more. "Why do you think I'm trying so hard to get the two of you to get along? She's got it bad for you, man."

"No way," Methos shook his head. "You're having me on!"

"We're serious, old man!" Joe glanced at Duncan, then turned back to Methos. "She was never interested in the Methos chronicles before she heard they were your project… She's only been after them to have some sort of contact with you."

"…I don't believe you."

Duncan sighed again, "Methos. Trust us on this."

"Whatever." The old man reclined in his seat. "So when do you think your other kinsman will show up?"

"Jaina? Who knows."

Joe shook his head, "I still can't believe there's another immortal MacLeod running around the place. I especially can't believe the Watchers didn't know about her."

"Well," Duncan smirked, "she's rather hard to find, so I'm not surprised." He stood, clasping Joe on the shoulder. "As soon as she shows up, I'll introduce you."

"Going home, MacLeod?"

"Yeah, Methos."

"Good night, Joe." Methos stood, tucking his hands in his jeans pockets. "I really am sorry about earlier. I'll apologize to Morningside next time I see her."

Joe shrugged, "It's alright, old man. You heading out with Mac, then?"

Methos grinned, turning to Duncan. "I'm going to camp out on his couch and wait for this mysterious Jaina to show up."

"Good luck, and good night." Joe laughed as the two immortals left his bar. He shook his head, and muttered to himself, "Crazy old man."

"Mm… do I smell omelets?"

Duncan chuckled as he finished serving breakfast up. "Yes, Methos. I made omelets."

"Ah, MacLeod, how would I survive without your cooking?" Methos stood and stretched, smiling when he heard Duncan mumble something about melodramatic old men. The two immortals stood around the kitchen's island, eating their breakfast.

As they finished, and Methos grudgingly helped with the dishes, he brought up the most popular topic of conversation (at least, recently). "So, Mac… any more ideas about what Morningside might be hiding? I have to admit, I'm completely puzzled. I mean… She doesn't feel immortal, and she doesn't even give off the vibe that a young pre-immortal would… but there is something that she's hiding…"

Duncan shrugged as he led the way to the couch. "I'm not sure, Methos. I just wish I could get her alone to talk to her for a bit… Maybe she'd tell me what's going on."

"I'm telling you, Mac," Methos sighed, "she won't tell you anything."

"Maybe she's just nervous about spending so much time with you, Methos." Duncan gave his friend a mischievous grin. "I mean, the girl is obviously mad about you."

Methos groaned theatrically, "I don't know why you and Joe insist she's attracted to me! We hate each other! I mean, come on, MacLeod!"

"That's exactly what I mean, Methos! The animosity she displays towards you is obviously a cover for her real feelings."

"Yeah, well, thanks Dr. Ruth," the older immortal commented snidely.

Duncan's reply was cut off as the presence of another immortal washed over the loft. There was a quiet knock on the door, and Duncan grabbed his katana on his way to answer it. "Who is it?" he called through the door.

"Mary Poppins," came the sarcastic reply.

"Where's your umbrella, then?" Duncan opened the door for his clansman and let Connor pass inside.

"I must have left it in my other coat." He smiled and gave a short wave to Methos. "Good morning, Pierson."

"Well, you seem quite jovial this morning, MacLeod. Have a good night last night?"

Connor leered a bit at Methos, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Connor," Duncan's tone was slightly warning. "You want anything?"

"I'm fine, Duncan, thank you." He turned back to Methos, "Anyways, I had quite a pleasant evening with Ms. Morningside. We talked until quite late, actually."

"What did you talk about?"

"Ah, Duncan, I've been sworn to secrecy. I cannot break my promise to the fair lady."

Methos scowled, "Bloody chivalrous Scots." He glared at Connor, "Did she tell you whatever it is she's hiding from the rest of us?" As the elder MacLeod was about to protest, Methos held up his hands. "I'm not asking you to tell us what she said, I just want to know if that's what you spoke about."

Connor paused for a moment, then shrugged. "Yes, she told me some things that she'd rather the rest of you didn't know. It's probably because she feels that I'm not a part of the current situation."

"What do you mean?"

"Duncan, she knows that if she spoke with you, you would tell Pierson and Dawson. If she spoke to Dawson, he would of course share it with you and Pierson."

Methos sat up slightly, "What about me?"

Connor smirked, "She wouldn't tell you because half of it is about you."

"Fine," Methos stood. "Look, I've got things to do, Mac… I'll see you around." Methos patted Duncan's shoulder as he walked into the elevator. "Thanks for breakfast."

"See you later, Adam." Duncan watched his friend descend then turned to his clansman. "Connor, just tell me one thing."

"What is it, Duncan?"

"Does Eve's secret have to do with immortality?"

Connor thought for a moment, then shrugged and nodded. "I suppose it does."

Another wave of presence swept over the two MacLeods and Duncan sighed. "Adam probably forgot something." The elevator stopped and the grate came up to reveal a young looking woman with short, fiery red hair and pale green eyes. "Jaina!" Duncan quickly pulled the woman into an embrace.

Jaina smiled, "Hello, Duncan." She placed a light kiss on his cheek, "How have you been, dear boy?"

After spending several hours catching up, Duncan suggested they all head to Joe's for lunch. Duncan led his friends into the bar through a side door, since the establishment was officially closed at the moment. "Joe! I've brought a surprise for you!"

Joe came out of the backroom and smiled at Duncan. "What kind of surprise, Mac?"

"The best kind," said a female voice from behind Duncan and Connor. The two stepped aside to reveal the woman, who sauntered over to Joe. "Jaina MacLeod, Mr. Dawson. A pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure's all mine, Ms. MacLeod," Joe grinned and shook the immortal's hand.

"Please, call me Jaina."

"Just call me Joe." The Watcher went back behind the bar and poured three glasses of scotch before giving the woman a questioning look. She nodded, and he poured a fourth glass. "So what brings you all to my humble business at this time of day?"

Duncan grinned, "Lunch!"

Joe laughed, "Of course. You guys feel like ordering Chinese? My treat."

The orders were soon placed, and quickly delivered. They all sat at a table, eating dinner and getting acquainted. Jaina filled Joe in on some of her history, and Joe had the fun experience of filling in yet another immortal on the secret of the Watchers. After the remnants of lunch had been cleared away, Connor turned to Jaina. "So, I heard Caedmon's looking for you."

Jaina groaned as Joe looked up. "Caedmon? As in Caedmon Shannahan? The headhunter?"

Connor nodded. "He's been after Jaina for the last hundred years or so."

"And I keep telling you, Connor, he won't find me."

Joe folded his arms over his chest, a look of concentration on his face. "I've never heard of Caedmon pursuing a target for such a long time. What'd you do to piss this guy off?"

"Nothing! I swear!"

"He thinks she's got some sort of magic." Connor laughed. "He thinks that if he takes Jaina's head, he'll be able to use the magic."

"Magic?" Joe sat up straighter. "Something like Cassandra's Voice?"

Jaina raised an eyebrow at that, "Well, I don't know this Cassandra, and I've never heard her Voice… but there's no such thing as magic."

Duncan leaned forward onto the table, "Cassandra, somehow, is able to hypnotize people with the power of her voice… She can make them do pretty much anything she wants."

"Ah," Jaina nodded sagely. "She's learned how to manipulate the Quickening, then."

"Manipulate the Quickening?"

"Yes, Joe." Jaina sat back, thinking for a moment. "I was taught that when an immortal reaches a certain age, or a certain level of power, they can learn to use the power of the Quickening for such things… Hypnosis, illusions, and the like."

"You're telling me that an immortal can learn how to use their Quickening to do… magic?"

"Well, if that's what you'd like to call it, then sure." She shrugged, "I wouldn't classify it as magic. It's more like… parlour tricks."

"Yes, and Caedmon is after your head for those parlour tricks!"

Jaina glared at Connor. "I don't know how many times I have to tell you, you stubborn mule! I will not fight Caedmon if he comes for me! And I will not allow you to fight him for me!" She stood and stormed out of the bar.

Connor growled, nodding curtly to Duncan and Joe before following the woman out. Duncan looked to Joe and shrugged. "They always fight like that."

Joe shook his head. "Why won't she fight Caedmon?"

"Well," Duncan sighed, "as long as I've known her, she's refused to fight. Period. She just won't take anyone's head."

"Huh. I'll be damned. It's amazing she's made it this long."

The tension was still thick in the air when a tingle in the base of Duncan's skull alerted him to the arrival of another immortal. Methos strolled in, noted the charged atmosphere, and sprawled in a chair across from Duncan. "So… what'd I miss?"

A/N: There's chapter three, in all it's glory. Hopefully you're all slightly confused… But I did drop a pretty big hint towards the end of the chapter that will explain everything later on. For those of you wondering – no, there is not going to be a romance between Connor and Jaina. There might be a romance later on… but not between those two. I'm currently working on the revision of chapter four… Look for it in the next week or two. Until then, feedback is greatly appreciated! See y'all next chapter.