Staring at his beer as if he could find all the answers and secrets to the universe, Adam Pierson missed the bartender's knowing smile. Joe Dawson had seen him do the same thing frequently in the last several days. The only reason he could figure was that Duncan MacLeod was in another of his "honorable" or "brooding" moods; that or just plain brooding. Adam had a tendency to cause MacLeod to have sudden changes in demeanor and joviality. Either MacLeod was pissed at him or they were best of friends. No middle ground existed anymore, and Joe could tell Adam was about fed up with MacLeod. He guessed Adam would soon disappear. He hated that thought.
Joe's eyes instantly shot to the door as Adam tensed almost invisibly and looked there as well. He was torn between hoping MacLeod was the one to enter or that someone else walked in. He was not sure he could handle them ignoring one another until he mediated a truce or MacLeod fell off his high horse. When a slightly taller than average, seemingly slender woman with waist length pitch black hair, dark tan skin, and brilliant dark eyes stepped in; Joe began to worry about Adam receiving a challenge. Both her face and Adam's were blank of any expression. So, Joe looked her over and put his Watcher training and experience to use.
The woman did not appear to be a headhunter. Her outfit consisted of light khaki pants, a slightly baggy tan cow neck sweater, brown boots, and a lightweight knee length dark brown leather jacket. She also wore gold hoop earrings, a gold watch, a few gold rings, and a gold chain with a gold Eye of Horus; in addition to barely noticeable earth tone make-up. Joe caught his breath, hoping he was correct, as she approached the bar.
"Still fond of alcohol I see. When did you switch to the shitty stuff? As I recall, you used to have some semblance of taste." Definitely not what Joe could have imagined. Adam just regarded her a moment before they both got face splitting grins and embraced in a tight, warm hug.
"It is good to see you, Child," Adam greeted fondly.
"And you, Old Man. You certainly are hard to track down. If I had not been keeping tabs on those late 'brothers' of yours as best I could, I would still be benighted to any idea of your whereabouts. Luckily, I ran into a mutual thieving friend of ours last week in Paris. She was quite talkative with the right persuasion."
Adam got a genuinely worried expression. "What did . . . "
"She's fine. I just pulled my hair and teeth trying to convince her that I really knew you, and we were on friendly terms. Though, I considered torture just so I would not have to put up with her smugness."
Adam chuckled. "I understand, believe me."
"I was shocked to find out she knows you." She gave him a questioning gaze.
"Yes, well that would be the Highlander's fault not mine. He has a big mouth that just cannot stay shut sometimes. He is way too damn noble and chivalrous." Adam's expression became dark for a second then went back to blank.
"Ah, Duncan. Yes, he is like that. Seeing as he knows certain things . . . I am surprised you still have your head, Old Man." She glanced at Joe then shot Adam a glare.
He took the non-subtle hint. "Joe Dawson, this is . . ."
"Dr. Samantha Lorann Adams," she filled in while extending her hand. Once his hand found hers, she snuck an inconspicuous glance at his wrist and smiled. "I have heard you are quite the musician, Mr. Dawson. I hope to have the pleasure of hearing you perform."
"The pleasure would be mine to perform for such a lovely lady, Dr. Adams." Joe smiled back.
"Dr. Adams?" Adam asked with an expression of mixed shock and smugness. "Why haven't . . ."
"Actually, I have. Seems I have a tendency to get caught in trying situations where my current persona's abilities are not those which can save that person's life. I just like being Samantha Adams. Though, some things from the last time are better left forgotten." Her face fell and she looked away. "I'm sorry I am glad he is dead," she whispered so softly Joe only heard the breath of her voice. Adam, however, just understood her. "Well, Old Man, now that I know you are here, I must find a hotel. Meet me back here in a couple hours?"
"Sure, Kid," he responded still confused by her whispered statement. They embraced again and she left. Though Joe thought she looked like she was escaping.
"Adam? You heard her, didn't you? What did she say?" Joe cut straight in.
"She said she was sorry she was glad he is dead. She could only have meant Byron, but I do not know why. I thought they got on fine." Adam returned to staring at his beer in thought.
"From the way she talked, I gather she knows . . ."
"She knows exactly who and what I am; sometimes better than I do."
"How . . ." Adam cut him off again.
"Only she can decide to tell you her personal history, and until she does I won't tell you mine that involves her. I have some things to do. I'll see you in a couple hours." Adam threw back the rest of his beer and shrugged into his coat. Joe just watched in confusion and curiosity as he left. Suddenly a thought hit him.
'She knows MacLeod. Perhaps she can . . .' Joe smiled to himself and came up with an excuse to call Duncan to the bar. He decided to tell the truth. Adam was meeting an old friend and Joe needed some company. Tuesday nights were not the busiest.
"Sure, Joe. I was planning on stopping by tonight anyhow. I'll see you in a couple hours." Duncan MacLeod hung up the phone. He was curious about this old friend of Adam's. Joe did not mention the person being immortal; and, knowing Methos' ways, he highly doubted the person was. Still, there was something in the way Joe had spoken that led him to believe he needed to see this friend. Grabbing his coat, MacLeod left his loft to run some quick errands before going to Joe's.
Joe swiped at the bar absent mindedly, waiting for one of the immortals to arrive. MacLeod would probably be the first. Joe knew his curiosity would get the better of him. He only hoped he was not making a mistake in bringing the Highlander into this reunion. Of course, he had said that he was going to drop by anyhow. Joe looked at the time again and sighed. Adam would probably be the last to arrive. He would take all the time he could to prepare himself for any occurrence that might take place. Namely, MacLeod showing up and making a nuisance.
Just as Joe was beginning to wonder if any of them would show, Adam walked through the door. Joe shook his head. Perhaps he had not realized how much Adam wanted to speak with Samantha. With a slight nod in Joe's direction, Adam made his way to a table in the corner. He situated himself so he could see the door and the room as well. Joe could tell he was anxious to speak with his friend, but he was also sure that Adam anticipated MacLeod's presence.
As if on cue to that thought, Duncan walked through the door. He walked straight to the bar never even glancing in Adam's direction. Joe thought that was strange. Adam's face displayed a similar look of shock. His brow was lifted and his lips were slightly pursed. He motioned for a beer. Joe was happy to have an excuse to go over.
"What's with him? You called him didn't you, Joe?" Adam asked as soon as the beer hit the table.
"I don't know what's going on in that mind of his, and yes I called him but only to have some company. Tuesdays are dull and my normal company is a bit preoccupied tonight." Joe snapped.
"I wasn't accusing you, Joe. Well, I was, but I wasn't blaming you. I figured you would after Samantha let on that she knows him. She can't fix our friendship, Joe. I'm not sure anyone or thing can."
"I can't accept that!" Joe huffed. He hated seeing his friends throw away such a potential friendship.
"Joe . . ." Adam began. The feel of a new presence took his attention to the door before he could say anything. He smiled as Samantha walked in. Then, he glanced to see MacLeod's reaction. The shock on the Highlander's face was priceless. Adam watched as Duncan stared unaware he was doing so. Samantha smiled at Duncan.
"Hello, Highlander. I believe it has been a while." She held out her hand. He was slow to react. When he did, a huge grin spread across his face.
"Luella Darcie. I never imagined seeing you here." He took her hand, but instead of a hand shake, she received a hug. She grunted as she landed against his chest. Inwardly she cringed. She hated his usually touchy feely attitude with his friends even though she knew it was only his way of showing how he felt.
"Yes, well you owe Amanda for that." Samantha stepped back with a warm smile. She glanced back to Adam's corner. "Perhaps, after I talk with the Old Man, you and I can catch up."
"Old Man?" Duncan looked genuinely confused. Surely she did not know that Adam was Methos. If she did, how and for how long. He also wondered how much she knew of his past.
"Don't play me for a fool, Duncan. I know you know. Amanda told me all about Kalas and how you met him." Samantha regarded Duncan thoughtfully. He would protect Methos. She was grateful the ancient one had found a strong friend and ally he could trust.
"How do you know who he is?"
"I'll tell you later. First I must speak with him. I . . . I want you to know that Byron was not what he appeared to be. He had a side that neither you nor the Old Man ever saw. You may know now that you have his Quickening. He was capable of doing things far worse than drugs. Drugs are nothing really. I heard all about what happened. The kid made his own choice. Still . . . Byron got what he deserved. I will do my best to make the Old Man realize that. By the way, it's Samantha now." She averted her eyes. Then, she turned to Adam… Methos.
Methos stood as she joined him at the table. Joe smiled his greeting. "What can I get for you?"
"A glass and a bottle of your oldest and best scotch." She sat and stared at the table. She did not look up as Methos sat down.
"So, what brings you to this lovely little boring town?" Methos took a pull of his beer. He watched her stare at the surface of the table. She did not seem to register that he had spoken to her. "Child, what is wrong? Even you are not usually this quiet." He looked up at Joe as the Watcher sat down the glass and bottle.
"You want a glass too, Adam?"
"Not yet. I'm not sure either of us will have a stiff drink quite yet. We have to talk first. Thanks, Joe." Methos smiled at him. Joe smiled back, glanced at Samantha, and turned back to the bar and Duncan.
"I . . . I heard about Byron, Methos," she whispered. She continued to stare at the table. Methos was curious about her demeanor. She had never been scared to talk to him about anything. She was frightened to tell him something. Her nervousness was more visible the longer she sat and said nothing more.
"Look at me, Child. You said, or whispered, earlier that you were glad that someone was dead. I assumed then you meant Byron. Why?" Methos took one of her hands lightly in his. He felt small trimmers running through her muscles.
"He . . . He had a side you never saw. He did things to women. You know he was a ladies man. His favorite type was the ones that said no to his advances. He liked the challenge. When . . . When he had enough fun trying to seduce them, he . . . he . . . I can't do this!" She stood abruptly and fled. Methos had a look of pure shock, unusual considering he usually took everything in stride. He looked at Joe, ignoring Duncan's glare, and indicated he would be back. In his hast, he left behind his sword and most of his weapons, all of which were hidden in his coat.
Duncan started after them. "Don't, Mac. She is upset about something to do with Byron. I noticed it when she was here earlier. I think the only one that she has even considered telling is him. She won't do it if you try to be protective. He's not going to hurt her. He left his coat and sword in here."
Duncan looked at Joe as if the man was speaking an alien language. He shot a look at Methos' empty seat and saw his coat. "He never goes out without his sword, not even just to step out the door. He's too paranoid. What's going on? I wish I knew how well they know each other. She never looses her composure and he never plays the considerate listener."
"Well, she said something earlier about having been keeping tabs of his 'brothers'. So, she knows about the horsemen. How much, I don't know. He said she knew what and who he is sometimes better than he does. I think she may be older than you may think."
Duncan regarded Joe then the bar. "Yes, I believe she may be. Amanda met her when she was with Rebecca. I met her through Connor. He said something about her having known Ramirez." He threw back his scotch and gazed at the door.
"Sagira!" Methos yelled after her. She froze.
"I haven't been little in a long time, Old Man." She spoke just loud enough for him to hear.
"Okay, how about Nath . . ."
"Don't!" She screamed. "Don't . . ." She sunk to her knees in a bout of sobs he had never seen the like from her. He ran to and embraced her. She struggled to get free but eventually stopped. She was much to weak in her current state. All she could do was let the words spill from her. "I have never had a lover, you know? Yet, I no longer have that pure gift to give to someone."
He ran his hand through her hair. "What do you mean?" He shot an approaching couple, who seemed to want to make sure everything was alright, a blood freezing glare. They quickly detoured around them without comment.
"My virginity was stolen from me, Methos. I had protected it for millennia and then someone raped me. He took it away and now I can't give it to someone who I know will appreciate it." She buried her face into his neck.
"When? Who?" He kept his voice soothing and continued to stroke her hair.
"Byron," she whispered. If he had not already had a pretty good guess, he would not have clearly understood her soft response. "I know he was your friend, but I am glad he is dead. He is lucky MacLeod did it. I would not have been merciful if I had ever found the courage to find and face him. I would have bathed . . ."
"Stop, Child. Don't return to that. Times have changed and I know you may have felt better, but does that make it right after you realize what you did to a living being. Could you have lived with his blood all over your soul?"
"Yes. I could have. I live with all the blood of my other enemies on my soul. What is one more splash of crimson?" She pulled back. He let her go. "I do not regret anything I have ever done in war or otherwise. I did what I had to do to survive. Isn't that what I was taught to do?"
"Yes, Child. That is what you were taught. Neither do I regret what I did, but that does not make it right in some people's eyes. Let's return to that scotch, hmmm?" He stood and held out his hand. She hesitantly took hold. He squeezed gently. "MacLeod is probably planning my funeral as we speak. He probably thinks I did something unspeakable to you to cause you to run like that."
She froze. She had let her emotions overthrow her control. "I ran in front of everyone. I showed weakness to the child. He . . ."
"Will be your knight in shining armor. I thought you knew him better than that."
She sighed and sagged into his side. "I'm tired, Methos. I have nothing left to offer this world. Why does it insist on keeping me? Why do I fight to survive?"
He held her tight as they entered the bar. Joe and Duncan both looked at them intently. Adam just guided Samantha to their table. He helped her to sit then whispered that he would be right back. He had to retrieve another tumbler.
"I need that glass now, Joe." He told the Watcher. Then, he turned to MacLeod. "Well, I'll say one thing, Mac. Byron is very damn lucky you took his head. If the little one had gotten a hand on him, he would have suffered greatly. And, after hearing some insightful news, I would have done worse. Just because I'm not Death openly doesn't mean I can't be. He would have suffered beyond anything you could ever imagine. No one, and I mean absofuckinglutely no one, hurts that little one."
Duncan looked at Methos dumbfounded. He did not know what to say. Of course, he wanted to ask what Byron had done, but the time did not seem right for that. So, he nodded and remained silent. Which he knew could be just as bad. Methos took things funny sometimes. Everything always had an adverse affect then what you were going for.
"No questions, Highlander?" Methos looked at him with a inquiring expression then smiled. "Thanks. I don't feel up to answering to anything but that bottle of scotch back at the table." Methos clapped him on the shoulder, took the tumbler, and returned to Samantha. They sat there in silence and polished off two whole bottles before Joe put his foot down. Neither of them said a word then entire time.
"You two have had enough. I know you recover faster but you have had enough. Mac can take you to wherever it is your sleeping it off."
Methos saluted him, letting just a bit of his intoxication to take over. "Yes, sir, Mr. Dawson, sir," he said sarcastically. "We're fine, Joe. Stop fussing." Samantha giggled. "Well, I'm fine. She's had twice as much as I have, if not thrice as much. She was putting back faster than I could pour for her and drink mine. Girl always had a way with whiskey. Give her an hour. She'll be as sober as you are."
"Well, you have fifteen minutes before I kick the two of you out. Still, let Mac drive you, okay?" Joe's eyes pleaded with Methos. They did not work.
"I'll drive her to her hotel. We still need to talk. I had best start while she is still slightly inebriated. Otherwise, I might as well pull her teeth and toe nails." Methos stood as if he had never touched any alcohol. "Come on, Sagira. Let's get you to a bed. I think you may be drunk enough to talk and not remember what you tell me. I can only hope, huh?" She just giggled and threw and arm around his waist. He tensed as he noticed her hand was precariously close to . . . No, on his ass. He ignored it as drunken miscalculation until she pinched him. He jumped about a foot in the air and away from her. Joe and Duncan looked on confused and amused. Samantha just smiled. The reaction was not typical Methos.
"Is there a problem, Adam?" Duncan asked with laughter in his voice.
"Luckily I don't bruise easily. That pinch would have left a hell of one." Methos cautiously approached her again. "No more of that, Child."
"What?" She seemed to honestly not know what he was referring to.
"You know what, Child. Leave my derrière alone!" Samantha giggled while Joe and Duncan chuckled.
"But it's such a nice ass. My hand couldn't help itself. Besides, I've wanted to do that for thousands of years now." She pouted up at him. "You aren't mad are you? I don't like when you are mad at me. You can be so unreasonable."
He kept up his indifferent façade for as long as he could. Finally, he caved. "No, I am not mad at you. Just don't do it again." Her pout grew and he could see in her eyes that she had not planned to stop with pinching his ass. "Sagira . . ." he began in a fatherly tone. Before he could finish, if he even had something to say, she turned on her toe and headed for the door. Methos growled quietly to himself.
"Adam?" Joe looked at him questioningly.
"She wants something I'm not sure I can give her. We have always kept our relationship platonic. But . . . Because of Byron, she needs more right now. He forcefully took away her virginity. I'm kind of surprised her body didn't heal itself. Still, I guess it's the thought that her first time was rape by a man she thought was her friend and a respectful man. The things I could do to that man if he were alive. I'm sorry I got upset with you, Mac. I had no idea he could stoop so low." He took a deep breath, gathering his strength and control. "Well, I had better go catch her." Methos bid them goodnight and took off after Samantha.