Chapter 3: "Pale"

TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO REPORT BY MARC SHOWLER

WATCHER REPORT –ANDRZEJ STANIEK. REPORT #357a

I'm sat at a café on the Rua de Magdelena, Lisbon. I'm dictating this interim report mainly through reasons of practicality. It would after all make me look very conspicuous if I was seen carrying a video camera around in this sector of Lisbon, well away from the main tourist areas. However, given the large number of office workers taking lunch in this street at the multitude of café's, bars and restaurants, I can use a Dictaphone and laptop without so much as a second glance. Staniek is sat across the street from me at an exterior table of the Café Santiago, meeting a person I do not recognise.

I think it has something to do with last night. About 11:30 local time last night Staniek received a phone call at his hotel. As he wasn't in, the reception took a message. The caller asked him to meet here today. I don't think that this has anything to do with the execution of Ward. I do believe however that Staniek's companion is another Immortal, simply by his body language when he approached the café. Both he and his companion are similarly attired, smart clothes that make them appear inconspicuous.

When Staniek arrived I heard them address each other as Moller, and Krannix. I've searched on the name Krannix and the computer turned up two results, but neither is, nor can they be correct. Krannix is either an unlisted alias or one who slipped through the net. As for the two records we have, one has been dead for over ten years. He was confirmed as being killed by Duncan MacLeod, way back in 1983. The other is a big Samoan or Tongan guy. The Immortal, if indeed that is what he is, at the table is white. As yet I've been unable to see more than a profile view of Staniek's companion. When I do, I'll search the database on appearances.

(Pause in dictation)

They've been sat there now for nearly a half-hour. I can't quite make out what they're talking about, but it's probably a job knowing Staniek. With the exception of one, another Pole, I've never known Staniek to socialise with other Immortals. The records show some contacts previously but other than Lukasz Sagnowski, this is the first non-combat meeting since I was assigned to him.

(Here there is a pause of about thirty-seconds filled only with the sound of a small van going past)

Hmm, just caught something about DuBois. I couldn't hear the rest because of the van. I think that Staniek has been told that DuBois is looking for Yvette's killer. Give up DuBois. If you let it go, you'll have a nice long life. If you don't, well, you won't stand a chance. Naturally Staniek looks unconcerned but why should he be otherwise? Kill number 114: Jean-Marc DuBois.

My advice to Dubois' watcher is to apply for a new assignment pretty soon.

(Pause in dictation)

Great, the other guy has just turned round briefly, long enough for me to catch a glimpse of his face. He looks rugged and carries himself in the style of an experienced warrior. He's seen a lot this one. His hair is fairly short and he has a scar running down one side of his face. I'm searching the database now.

(Another pause followed by a series of beeps as the computer registers results of the search.)

Oh my God! In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, protect us! This can't be right! It's impossible!

(Another pause. Again the computer beeps as results are found.)

Oh shit! Same result again. Talk about an unholy alliance! Staniek's companion is none other than Melvin Koren!