Chapter Twenty Four

Steven made his way quickly to the flight of steps that led down from the upper stories. He located a wood panel off to the right of a bookcase. Pushing a piece of decorative molding Steven slipped through the small opening and pushed it shut behind him.

Walking carefully by feel, he repeated the directions in his mind. "One step left then twenty steps straight turn left again go six steps then go right until the crack appears."

Steven was feeling along the wall as he repeated the way in his head. "Ten more steps and I should be there." But he was lost.

He must have made a wrong turn because he came upon a wall and had to turn back. This time he risked using his lighter. Looking at the floor, he saw many different footprints in the dust.

Feeling dread, he did not want to wait for them to come after him. He started running along the passages but he could not remember the way. In a panic, Steven kept going in circles until streaks of dust and tears marked his face.

The Guard Elite took their time knowing where the tunnel ended. Egan's orders were to lock him up and make him an example to the other Watchers who might think of turning traitor.

Unaware of the plight of Steven, Joshua turned to an Immortal and said. "Your orders have changed. Joe Dawson is off the list. We need him in place a little longer."

Brock insisted, "He is a threat and he must be silenced."

Joshua told him, "No! You will take Lora Govern and both of you will go after Duncan MacLeod and Elizabeth Windsor. Don't let them leave London or face retribution."

Staring Brock down until he nodded, Joshua left the room. Brock picked up the phone and punched in a number. He said, "Lora get the car we have an assignment."

Lora answered, "I've been waiting for you to call."

Hanging up the phone she smiled, "Another chance to kill that sorry excuse for an Immortal." Looking at her sword, she spoke to it like a pet, "Soon my beauty you will taste her blood."

Lora was waiting at the car when Brock appeared with the latest information of where to catch up with MacLeod. He announced, "They went to the train."

Lora demanded, "Then you better drive fast."

Tossing her the keys Brock told her, "You're driving my dear."

She scowled at him, "Is this your way to blame me if we fail?"

Brock just shrugged and said, "Think whatever you like Lora. But you better hurry if you want her quickening."

She laughed at him saying, "It probably wouldn't be much of one."

Not wanting to waste time by arguing she got behind the wheel and started the car. Brock was still getting in as she put it in gear and sped off. When they arrived at the train station, they missed the couple by ten minutes. They had already boarded the Eurostar.

Brock and Lora had to wait for the next train and they paid a lot for those tickets. Brock made some phone calls to a few watcher double agents in London to alert them that Duncan MacLeod was on his way there.

In their private compartment, Duncan and Beth were grateful for the tranquil rest. The train ride was thankfully uneventful.

They had missed the celebration dinner that was at Le Blues bar so Duncan found the refreshment area and brought them back a sandwich and drink. Beth tried not to eat so fast but she could not help it. Duncan laughed at her voraciousness.

Wiping her face with a tissue, he told her, "In a few hours we'll be in London and then the next stop Scotland."

She confided, "Duncan I know I have to go to this Gathering but..."

He stopped her with his hand, "The only ones who have to fear the Gathering are those who aren't prepared."

"I know that," she started to say but he continued.

"I was told that you were not to accept challenges at the Gathering. I was not told why but the Grand Immortal seemed very certain of this."

She remained quiet as she pondered his words. For the next three hours, they rested next to each other while talking quietly about their dreams for the future.

Duncan was looking forward to traveling around Scotland telling her, "I want to show you where I grew up."

Beth agreed saying, "My wish is to explore the deepest part of Scotland. An area that is very special to me. It was a place of visions."

He asked her, "Tell me your visions?"

She closed her eyes and took herself back to the late 1800's when she was hiding in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.

"One night as I slept a vision came to me. I saw the wars and the massacres the great things that would eventually come about. I lay there in fear caught up in the vision until an Immortal being approached and told me, "Do not fear what you see. Others will fight these wars. You have another path ahead. In one hundred and fifty years when you return here you will know."

Duncan asked her, "Who was the Immortal who told you this?"

Beth shook her head, "I never saw him again. I still don't know if I was asleep or awake when he talked to me."

He asked her, "Do you remember this place of visions?"

She answered, "I remember the general area but the exact spot I'm sure must have changed with time."

She leaned against him saying, "I feel so tired Duncan."

"I know we haven't slept much these past two days but I'm going to make sure you get rest in London." He assured her. He kissed her forehead as she closed her eyes again.

The train was slowing down as they neared their destination. Preparing to disembark Duncan made sure the swords stayed hidden. After the train stopped, they stood up and made their way to the exit. Locating their luggage, they went up the escalator.

He stood with her on the sidewalk to admire the changes sunrise brings with the delicate shades of pink and then deep red. Between the tall buildings, they could see the sun.

The City of London stirred to life long before they arrived. Duncan found a taxi and put their suitcases in the trunk. Telling the driver where to go he sat back to think.

Beth was sitting with her eyes closed and soon fell into a sleep trance. In her dream state, she saw fire and Joe was in trouble.

She sat up and opened her eyes wide with fear. She said, "Joe is in danger! Mac, you must call him!"

He assured her, "I'm sure Joe knows when there is danger."

She insisted, "He's in danger now I saw a fire at the bar. Promise me you will call him!"

She was so distraught that Duncan promised to call when they checked in. Beth accepted this but stayed agitated.

Arriving at the hotel, he checked them in as soon as possible while she paced the floor. Next, he went to the telephones and placed a call to Le Blues Bar.

After five rings Joe answered it, "Hello who is this?" He sounded like he had been asleep.

"It's me, Mac. I just wanted to let you know that we made it to London."

Beth took the phone next and she implored, "Joe I know that you are in great danger and I want you to leave. Go into hiding please do it now."

He assured her, "Beth I understand your concern and I do have plans to leave. I can't discuss them over the phone but I'll get in touch when I can."

Duncan took the phone back asking, "I want to know about the killers masquerading as Watchers, Joe."

"I haven't heard anything." Joe sadly replied. "I'm no longer included in watcher discussions."

He felt himself getting angry, "Don't protect them Joe. You owe them nothing!"

Joe exploded back at him, "I owe them more than my life Duncan MacLeod remember? Just maybe more then I owe you."

Mac silently thought about how much they owed each other and where the line was drawn. Between a friendship that stretched through time and tears.

Joe pleaded quietly, "Don't put me in the middle of this. I told you before. Don't ask me to choose who I'll die for."

He sighed knowing Joe was right. He already gave up so much to help him, by breaking rules, faced a firing squad and did all he could to make sure MacLeod could be the one or so they thought.

He apologized, "You're right Joe I'm sorry."

Joe was silent for a moment. He was so tired of goodbye so he just said, "Don't let Egan win." Then he hung up the phone for good.

Mac put the receiver down. Looking at her he said, "Well that was pointless Beth. Do you have any other insights?"

She answered tiredly, "No let's go to our room. I need to lie down." She began walking away from him.

He picked up their luggage and followed her with a feeling of apprehension. Their room was comfortable enough and Beth went to the bed and lay there. She was asleep in minutes.

He called room service to order a lunch ahead of time. Then he lay down and tried without success to sleep.

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