Disclaimer: See chapter one

Chap. 20

West Bay Hall, San Francisco

The large hall was filled with many important guests and people, including businessmen and CEOs of several companies. In the midst of the party, Ken and Eliza strolled through the crowds of people. Both were dressed formally, with Ken in a dark Armani suit and Eliza in a beautiful white silk gown. The two occasionally smiled and waved hello to some of the people they passed and even stopped to greet a few of them. After reaching their seats and sitting down, Eliza gave an exasperated sigh.

"Did we really have to come? Sometimes these gathering are a bit…what's the word?"

Ken gave a small grin, "Stressing?"

"Yeah, that's it."

Ken took her hand softly, "Well, as much as I would love to spend a quiet night with you, Mr. Daniels is one of my beneficiaries. Plus, he's done a good job bringing down the crime rate. It would only be fair to be here."

Eliza simply waved the other hand, "Yeah, yeah. Ken Masters, man of honor."

Ken moved in and gave her a swift kiss on the neck. Eliza shrieked lightly and slapped him just as lightly as he moved awaychortling. A few others from theadjourning tables turned to them, but the pair simply ignored them and giggled to each other. A minute later, the noise of the crowd died down and everyone took their seats. Up in front, a podium stood with a microphone in the center. Behind it, a man in a blue suit addressed the audience before him.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen. We are here tonight to honor a good man who has done many deeds not only for this community, but the entire world as well. And now to commemorate for his work, I present Mr. Eugene Daniels."

The audience clapped as an elderly man walked on stage and shook the announcer's hand. Ken clapped as well, remembering the time when Daniels first started in his company as a younger man.

'Feels like only yesterday.'

Suddenly, Ken was hit by an all-too-familiar sensation. His hands slowed down as his eyes roved around the crowd. He couldn't pinpoint the source, but something else caught his eye. A thin red dot had faintly appeared on Mr. Daniels and was moving right up to the middle of his forehead. Reacting instantly, Ken shot up from his seat and dashed to Daniels. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Ken ran to the podium as the light centered in. Ken dove at him as he barely caught a slight piffing sound.

'Silencer.' Ken's body collided with Daniels and the two fell as the bullet reached them, hitting Ken instead. As their bodies hit the ground, Ken winced in pain. Luckily, the bullet had only grazed him. He didn't need to be killed in front of everyone, especially Eliza. Security guards rushed into the room as the crowd panicked. Ken looked down at Daniels.

"You alright?"

The elderly man grumbled a bit before answering, "Yeah. I'm going to be sore for a week, but yeah. Thank you."

Ken smiled briefly at the man's sense of humor before returning his attention upward. The guards were too occupied with the crowd at the moment to notice the direction of the shooter. Ken gazed up toward the back and managed a glimpse of the targeting laser going off. A dark form had come into view for a moment and then disappeared, but a moment was all then Ken needed. The blond immortal stood up and shoved through the groups of people that were coming to check on him. Breaking through, Ken dashed out of the dining hall and into the hallway. He already knew that the assassin was an immortal so finding him wouldn't be too difficult. Looking in both directions, he suddenly saw the same figure retreating to the right. The figure was masked, but judging by the obvious figure, Ken saw that it was a woman.

'It figures.'

The female assassin took one glimpse of him and then bolted out the exit. Ken gave chase and followed her outside. The woman was well ahead of him, but as she made a turn around the corner, she lost her footing and slipped. She regained it quickly, but it was enough for Ken to catch up to her and grab her arm.

"Alright, let's…"

The woman quickly snapped her arm back, breaking Ken's hold and following with a palm attack. Ken deflected it, but the assassin snapped her foot up and kicked him in the side of the face. Ken staggered back a bit, then used his momentum to spin around and sweep out under her legs. Ken quickly arose and grabbed the back of the fallen assassin's mask.

"Now as I was saying, who are…?

The mask came off and Ken stopped in his words. The woman had bright red hair and dark brown eyes. She looked up at him and Ken blinked in surprise.

"Sharon?"

The distraction was more than enough for the woman to snap her leg up and kick him square in the face. Ken fell down and growled at the impact. Sharon quickly jumped up and ran off again, leaving behind a disgruntled and puzzled immortal.

The party was obviously over. An hour later and after everyone had been questioned by the police, they were all allowed to leave. Daniels thanked Ken once again before he left, but Ken simply took the compliment and went off. During the drive home, Eliza noticed the change of mood in her husband. It was more than just an assassination attempt. It ran deeper.

"Ken, are you alright?" she asked after they exited the limo.

Ken simply nodded and gave a light grin as they approached their home, "Yeah. I'm okay. You know me. There's nothing I can't handle."

Eliza didn't buy it for a minute and took a firm hold of his arm, "Ken."

The fake grin vanished and Ken stared straight ahead. Eliza lowered her eyes and whispered.

"It's another one, isn't it? One of you."

Ken nodded solemnly, "Her name is Sharon."

Paris, 1920

The nightclub, Starlight Garden, was well filled with customers that night. One of those customers, Ken Master, entered the establishment and removed his hat. Taking in the atmosphere for a bit, he took a seat in one of the front tables. A waitress took his drink order, but not without him flirting with her a bit and she moving away with a light blush. As he waited, a sensation flooding into his mind; a sensation he knew instantly. There was an immortal nearby. Ken's eyes began to sway left and right, but he couldn't pinpoint the source.

"And now, The Starlight Garden would like to present its very own Velvet Rose, Sharon Locke."

Ken's head turned as a beautiful woman came up on stage. The long locks of red hair swayed like a brushfire and her creamy skin gave her an exotic appearance. Ken felt the sensation grow stronger and it was when she looked toward him that he realized that she was the immortal he sensed. 'And a real looker at that.' Her gaze was brief though and she continued on until she reached the microphone in the middle of the stage. The silence was absolute as she took the microphone in her hands and began singing.

O Bonny Portmore...

I am sorry to see

Such a woeful destruction

Of your ornament tree

For it stood on your shore for many's the long day

Till the long boats from Antrim came to float it away.

O Bonny Portmore

You shine where you stand!

And the more I think on you

The more I think long

If I had you now as I had once before

All the Lords in Old England would not purchase Portmore.

If Ken was entranced by her appearance, he was completely spellbound by her singing. Her voice was angelic and true as it carried over the air, making her as mystifying as the song.

All the Birds in the forest they bitterly weep

Saying "where shall we shelter or where shall we sleep?"

For the Oak and the Ash they all cutten down

And the walls of Bonny Portmore are all down to the ground.

O Bonny Portmore, you shine where you stand

And the more I think on you the more I think long

If I had you now as I had once before

All the Lords in Old England would not purchase Portmore.

The moment the song ended, there was a wave of applause from the crowd, some of those in the audience teary-eyed. Sharon gave a grateful bow before exiting, but not without a particular pair of eyes watching her depart.

Later that night, the few remaining customers were now leaving the nightclub as it was time to close up. Sharon exited as well and began to walk away, but was stopped shortly upon seeing Ken waiting just up front. Reactively, her hand drifted to her side, where her blade awaited.

"Your singing is divine, Miss Sharon."

Sharon blinked and slowly moved her hand away, "Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Ken took a step toward her, "I understand that it is late, but do you think you can accompany me for dinner?"

"Perhaps another time." She replied and began to walk on. But Ken wasn't ready to give up just yet.

"How about tomorrow night, then? That's another time, isn't it?"

Sharon's lips creased into a small smile, "You're quite persistent, aren't you, Mr…"

"Masters." he answered, bowing his head slightly. "Kenneth Masters. And yes, I am."

The woman's smile grew, "Very well then. Here tomorrow at 6:00."

Ken grinned, "A date it is then."

"We were together for some time and then we separated and lost contact. I haven't heard from her until now." Ken finished.

Eliza gave an unusual expression, "You just…lost contact?"

"It happens." Ken said simply. Eliza blinked once and looked away for a moment. Ken was confused by this and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"No, no. Nothing's wrong." she answered quickly. 'Maybe a little too quickly.' She then moved toward the stair. "I'm going to check on Mel and then get to bed."

Eliza disappeared upstairs, leaving Ken somewhat confused. 'Even after 500 years, women remain a mystery to me at times.' But he wasn't stupid enough not to realize that there was something more to her behavior. It became obvious that his tale on Sharon had affected her, maybe even upset her. Hopefully, it would pass by morning. But for now, he had to worry about an old flame that was still out there, hoping that it didn't burn.

Cathedral

Ken sat within the rows of seat that lined the inside of the church. He had gone there shortly after Eliza went to bed. He didn't like leaving her like that, but he knew there was something he had to do. And judging by the sudden sensation he felt, he wouldn't be there for long.

"It's been awhile, Sharon."

The crimson-haired beauty came down from the aisle and sat next to him. She was wearing a tight black outfit, and a jacket, also black. Her hands folded across her chest,

"A decade or two. Or three. How have you been?"

"Well enough." He looked over at her, "You cut your hair."

Her hand waved across it, "Yeah, well, I was thinking about a new style. Beside, longer hair gets in the way of the job."

"Sharon, why? Why are you doing this?"

The woman sighed, knowing that the conversation would go this way, "It's what I am now. It's what I do."

Ken frowned, "This isn't like you."

"Wasn't, Ken." she replied coldly. "Past tense. Time changes all of us, even immortals."

Ken paused for a moment and then said, "I can't let you kill Daniels."

A look of compassion crossed her face for a moment, reminding Ken of the woman he knew long ago. "I wasn't aware that he was a friend of yours. I'm truly sorry, but…"

The compassion disappeared, "…I have a contract. And I never miss a mark."

"Sharon…" he pleaded quietly.

The assassin stood up from her seat and turned her back to him. "The past is past, Kenneth. But because of that, I'll give you this. A warning." Her last words came out icily.

"Don't get in my way."

Three days later; Ken sheathed his sword and walked out of his den in the mansion. He had just heard that Daniels would be at a gathering to discuss a new plan for criminal reduction overseas. If he was successful, then his influence would spread to other countries that would support him in his efforts. But this would also give Sharon a window of opportunity. Ken knew that security would be tight, but he suspected that wouldn't stop her. If she was truly a skilled assassin, then she would have already anticipated the security measures and bypassed them; he would be the only one to sense her before she made her move. Ken was about to walk out the main door when Eliza stopped him.

"So you're going to face her." she stated, slightly indicating the hidden sword in his jacket.

"I was more hoping to just stop her from going through this," he answered. "I don't want to kill her."

"Ken. I have to ask you…" Her aquamarine eyes lowered. "Do…do you still…?"

Eliza froze for a moment and then sucked her teeth in frustration. Ken simply waited her out. This whole affair had been bothering her since that night three days ago. She had become quieter around him and always seemed near to saying something. Eliza soon collected herself and just came out with it.

"I know it was a long time ago and I don't doubt you. But I need to know if you are still in love with her."

Ken blinked, "How can you…?"

Her eyes arose sharply in an intense gaze, "Ken. I just need to hear it."

Ken stopped speaking and turned silent. Eliza was beginning to worry, but stopped when he moved forward and took her hands into his own. Locking gazes, he spoke softly.

"No. She's an old friend. That's all."

Eliza nodded, seeing the truth in his eyes and squeezed his hands firmly, "Then do what you have to do."

Ken nodded in kind and gave her a quick kiss. Eliza smiled lightly and moved aside, letting him leave out the door.

Nightfall; Sharon emerged on one of the side roofs that were on the building. Her target was inside in the meeting hall getting ready for discussion. 'His last one' she mused as she set her rifle together. It would be simple. But she decided that this time, she wouldn't use a laser scope. The door nearby would lead up to a bunch of rafters in the roof over the hall. It would be the perfect shot. Now all she had to do was wait. But Ken's face continued to appear in her mind. She didn't remember when it was that she changed her lifestyle.

'Perhaps it was after we split up.'

They had changed over the years, but Sharon truly hoped that Ken wouldn't interfere. Coming to blows with her former love was something she didn't exactly look forward to.

But if it came down to it…

Sharon shook her head slightly and cocked the rifle assuredly. Emotions had no place here. She had a job to do. Ken had already been warned. If he got in her way, then the fault would be his.

Speak of the devil…

Sharon stopped in her steps after feeling the familiar sensation of an immortal. 'Ken…' she sighed inwardly. Ken emerged onto the roof from the same door she had entered and stood across from her.

"Sharon. You don't have to do this."

Sharon slowly lowered her rifle and began to turn toward him slowly. Ken's initial thoughts were hopeful, although experience told him otherwise. And that would prove true once again as Sharon turned fully, revealing a straight sword in her right hand.

"You're in my way. I warned you."

Suddenly, Sharon lunged at him with a sharp thrust of her sword. Ken jumped back and pulled out his own sword. Sharon wasted no time, striking repeatedly at Ken and forcing him into defense, a position Ken was having trouble with.

'Just great.'

Seeing that he had to get out of it, Ken rolled on the ground during her next strike, hoping to get some space and manage a better counter. But Sharon had traced his roll and made a short dash after him. When he got to his feet, Sharon slid on the ground and latched her legs with his. With a sudden twist of her body, she caused Ken to fall flat on his face. Sharon then rolled back up to her feet and slashed down, but the blond immortal rolled once again, just barely missing the chop to his neck. Sharon went after him, but Ken stopped in mid-roll and kicked upward, causing her to falter back and giving him time to get to his feet.

'Alright. Have it your way.'

Ken twirled his blade as Sharon waited, seemingly unsure as to what to do. Ken lunged this time and struck. Sharon blocked the blow, but Ken pulled back quickly and struck again. Again she blocked and again he pulled back and struck. This went on for quite awhile until Sharon lashed out in frustration. Ken anticipated the maneuver and ducked the swing.

"Ha!"

He snapped his blade up, causing Sharon's blade to forcefully fly out of her hand. Sharon stumbled back as Ken rolled around and brought his blade to her neck. Sharon froze, but Ken didn't follow thought and merely kept the blade just touching her slim throat.

"Finish it."

Ken made no move at first and the shot the blade down, cutting off her utility belt, which held a knife in the back. Sharon half expected something else, but Ken merely backed away and sheathed his blade.

"I won't stop." the defeated assassin whispered.

"Yes, you will."

As he said that, loud sirens echoed down from below. Sharon turned her head to the side in question, to which Ken answered, "Police, possibly even FBI. You're a wanted assassin Sharon."

Sharon's head stayed fixed in the same position for awhile. As it stood, she would be arrested and likely executed. But something else occurred to her. That was exactly what Ken wanted. An executionwouldn't be permanent. She would simply revive and not exist to the world for a generation or two. She wouldn't have to kill anymore. She could…start over. Her head turned back to him, seeing the man that she had fell in love with all those years ago. It was no longer possible now; she saw that. There was someone else in is life. Looking down at his hand, she saw the gold ring that confirmed it. But even so, he still came here to help her.

"Perhaps you should take up singing again."

Sharon flashed a brief smile, "Perhaps." 'What's done is done. The past can't be changed. But still…' "I don't know who the contact was." she said suddenly. "But I know that whoever it was, it was connected to an organization called Shadowloo."

Ken frowned openly. 'Shadowloo.' The name had come up more than once in his life, and that in itself was troubling. But he also realized that she was giving him another warning. Something for him to be ready for in the future. Just then, officers barreled up on the roof and leveled their guns at Sharon. Sharon simply turned to them and raised her arms in quiet surrender. As she was restrained and taken away, she turned back to Ken.

"Watch your back. And…thank you."

Eliza sat on a chair by the door, awaiting Ken's return. She had heard of what happened to Sharon on the news, but that was some time ago and she was getting worried. She wasn't sure what to think right now, or what to say when he returned. Or if he returned. There was nothing to say that she didn't kill and hide his body. She knew she wasn't thinking rationally, but she couldn't help it. She soon head footsteps approaching and stood up from the chair as the door opened. Ken walked in a gazed at her in silence. Eliza remained motionless for a bit and then she rushed forward and clasped him in a hug. Ken's arms opened and lightly returned the embrace.

"It's all right." he assured her. "It's over now."

"Oh Ken." she pulled away and looked up at Ken. Silence ensued, but only shortly.

"Hey, it's been a long night." Ken said. "I could use some sleep."

Eliza slowly moved out of his embrace and dejectedly replied, "Sure."

She began to move away further, but Ken held onto her arm. She turned around to see his smile-lit face as he spoke to her softly.

"Would you accompany me, Mrs. Masters? You know I toss and turn all night unless you're there."

Eliza eyes widened and then a sweet smile graced her lips. Moving closer, she clasped her arms around him and together they moved up the stairs.

AN: The song Sharon used was O Bonny Portmore, by Lorenna McKennitt. It was used in a few of the Highlander episodes and movies.