Disclaimer: Highlander belongs to Davis/Panzer. They are being borrowed and returned hopefully in about the same shape they were taken in. Jeff, Emmy, and just about everyone else, belong to me. You can use them if you like, just return them please.

Chapter 34

Almost a day later, with all the time changes included, the four of them finally landed in Paris. They were surprised but excited when they left the airport and found Methos, waiting for them near a black Suburban. "Well, here we have a motley crew don't we? Three Immortals and a Watcher, and a most esteemed Watcher at that," he said. As he spoke, his regular whimsical grin appeared.

"I thought Joe was going to meet us today," Rick replied, grabbing Methos' arm in affectionate greeting.

Methos ducked his chin and raised it again. He said solemnly, "Joe doesn't do much walking anymore, Rich. I got into town last night, so he asked if I'd be willing to come and get you."

Rick nodded, "I guess that makes sense. Should I start the introductions, or would you like to introduce yourself?"

"Well, the only one I haven't met, I still know about, and that's Mr. Jeff Read," Methos held out his hand, "Methos, at your service. Isn't that something, using my real name."

Jeff's shocked sway was visible before he got himself under control and took the proffered hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, after hearing so much about you."

"The pleasure's mine. You've done the world a great favor by reorganizing the Watchers. We owe you a debt of gratitude."

Amanda was laughing softly, for Emmy's mouth hung open in shock. Methos grinned at her. "Emmy."

She whipped her head around to stare at Richie. He gave her a helpless shrug and said, "He told me he knew you."

Methos began to walk cheerfully around to the driver's side of the car. He called back over his shoulder, "Okay everyone, follow me, the Sub needs filling."

"You know, I should be getting paid for this party," Joe said. He was actually walking today, which surprised and delighted everyone. Even Emmy, who was meeting him for the first time. "I am after all, supplying the refreshments, and closing my doors for the night, just so all of you guys can play catch-up."

Rick pulled out a folio and handed it to Joe with great respect. "That, my friend, is for a whole lot more than tonight. Just think of it as pay on my tab with interest over the past fourteen years. I owe you a lot more."

Methos smiled contentedly at the two. "I think someone came into money down in South America. I didn't think I'd ever get paid back. Didn't care, really. And then you paid me after three years down there, with interest. Now, you're paying Joe too. How did such a young Immortal get so much money?" he teased.

Rick smiled, "That is one of the secrets that I will never tell you. Amanda, can you call a caterer for tonight? The best one you can find. Haggle with them, but don't really worry about price."

Amanda smiled and purred, "I know just the one. I'll see you all here at five. I have a Scotsman to get in the mood for a party."

"Good luck," the others chorused as she headed out the door.

"Why, on the first night you're back, do we have to go to a party at Joe's? Why couldn't you have just invited Emmy over here?" Duncan asked as he adjusted his tie into place and frowned grouchily into the mirror.

"Because, it's not just Emmy who is here to visit; it's her boyfriend Rick, and their Watcher Jeff, oh, and Methos has flown in for the occasion, too."

Duncan looked surprised. "Methos? He's in town and he didn't call?"

"Oops. It was supposed to be part of the surprise," she smiled at him, with an all-too familiar pure transparency that told him she was hiding something. He frowned at her, but she patted his shoulders soothingly. "Now why don't you just be a good boy and enjoy dinner. I've got a great surprise for you, and I promise I'll make it up to you tonight when we come home." She kissed him fiercely on the lips.

He sighed and put his trust in her. "Well, I guess when you put it like that, I can go."

"Good," she said, and they headed out the door.

Duncan was nervous at the feel of so many Immortals as he walked towards Joe's bar with Amanda holding his arm. He took it slowly, wanting to count the separate impacts rather than have them blur together. One for Methos, one for Emmy, one for the mysterious Rick Cloud... Someone had remembered to called Donovin, and he was just entering when Duncan called out to him to hold the door. Donovin braced the door for Duncan and Amanda, watching their faces with an all-seeing eye.

And so the first person Duncan saw wiped his awareness of everyone else out. The shock seemed to fracture him. "Richie?" he asked in stunned shock.

Amanda's left arm came about his waist tightly. She put her right around his chest and pressed her body against his side, a sheet of warmth in the caroling shock. "It's him, Mac. It's him. He's real."

"Hey Mac," Richie said thickly, and stood up and came to greet him.