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#Post#: 370--------------------------------------------------
Changes
By: 22639 Date: June 5, 2012, 5:45 pm
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Nikki pulls her truck into the parking garage under the
building where the Bower Security Agency is located. She parks
and heads for the elevators. As the elevator door slides shut
she wishes she had called to make sure Craig would be there.
Other than a few brief encounters at Joe's, Nikki hasn't really
had any conversation of substance with Craig since she turned
down his marriage proposal.
Nikki: You've got a lot of nerve, Flynn.
Nikki says aloud to the empty elevator car.
Nikki: You break the guy's heart and pretty much ignore him
whenever he comes into Joe's and here you are getting ready to
ask him a huge favor. Don't be surprised if he tells you to go
fuck yourself.
Nikki says...shaking her head.
Nikki:Daddy would be so proud.
The elevator comes to a stop and the door slides open. Nikki
steps out of the elevator into the hallway of the
11[sup]th[/sup] floor. She3 walks halfway down the hallway and
stops in front of the double glass doors with “The Bower
Security Agency” in gold Old English on the doors. She takes a
deep breath and walks through the doors into the spacious
office. The receptionist looks up and smiles welcomingly.
Linda: Hello. May I help you?
Linda asks, still smiling.
Nikki walks up to the receptionist's counter, smiling back at
the woman behind the counter.
Nikki: Hi. Is Craig in by any chance?
Nikki asks, mentally crossing her fingers. In the 159 years
that she has been an Immortal, she has, somehow, managed to not
have to change her identity. She had had to disappear a few
times due to publicly dieing or avoiding questions as to why she
didn't seem to age like normal people. But she never has had to
change her identity as so many of her Immortal friends have.
Therefore, the process of acquiring a new identity and all of
the documentation required to back it up is new to her. All she
knew about it was what she has seen on TV shows and the movies.
She could have gone to Duncan for help but she knew that he
would try to talk her into staying in Seacouver and going
through legal channels to fight the State's attempt to
permanently reunite Haley with the man who had molested her all
of her childhood and, even though she had, at one time, been a
law enforcer, she had little to no trust in the modern day legal
system.
Linda: Do you have an appointment?
Linda asks as she quickly opens Craig's appointment book.
Nikki: No.
Nikki says and smiles, sheepishly.
Craig has been in a conference room on the 7[sup]th[/sup] floor
going over blue prints with with a new Security Systems client.
When the meeting wraps up he shakes the hand of the President
and CEO of Fred Meyers Stores.
Craig: As long as we don't have any last minute changes, we
should be able to install the entire system as soon as the
electrical work is done.
Craig says as he rolls up the set of blue prints and slips them
into their cardboard tube.
The President and CEO of Fred Meyers Stores, Mary Sammons,
thanks Craig and promises to stay in close contact with him
about the progress of the new Fred Meyers Super Center being
built in Seacouver, then she leaves.
Craig closes his brief case and leaves the conference room.
Instead of using the elevator to get to his 11[sup]th[/sup]
floor suite office, Craig takes the stairs that open into a back
hallway inside the Bower Security Agency's suite of offices. As
he opens the stairway door and steps across the threshold into
his back hallway, he feels the buzz of another Immortal.
Nikki is about to apologize to Linda for not making an official
appointment when she feels an Immortal buzz and she glances over
her shoulder at the glass double doors, expecting to see the
source of the buzz walk through them any minute.
Linda: Is something wrong?
Linda asks, seeing the look on Nikki's face...a look she has
seen on both Craig and David's faces more than once...(even
though she has no idea what it means).
Craig uses the back hallway to gain access to his office without
having to go through the reception area. The source of the
Immortal buzz may only be David but in this city it is better to
be safe than sorry. Once in his office, he sets his brief case
on the credenza behind his desk, along with the tube containing
the new client's blue prints and goes to his office door. He
peers out of the narrow cut glass window next to the door which
gives him a clear view of the reception area and sees the back
of a familiar red head standing in front of the receptionist's
desk and, intently watching the entrance to the suite of
offices. It is the first time he has seen Nicayla outside of
Joe's Bar since she rejected his marriage proposal over a year
ago. The first few times he had run into her at Joe's after
their breakup had been awkward and a bit painful. But as time
went by, those encounters had become easier. Even after he
noticed that she was always accompanied by Adam Pierson and it
became more obvious that the two were more than just friends.
He remembers the first time he came to realize that and had
surprised himself by thinking, “well...seems as though she has
overcome her fear...or aversion to entering into a serious
relationship.” Pierson must be a special person to have been
able to get her to drop her wall of steel that protected her
heart and kept her from allowing herself to love and be loved.
Special enough to accomplish what he had been unable to do. He
didn't feel any animosity toward either of them. Instead, he
was glad to see that Nicayla had finally found the happiness she
so richly deserved. Now what surprised him was the fact that
seeing her standing in his reception area...outside of the
neutrality of Joe's Bar...none of the old feelings came flooding
back. Only curiosity as to why she was here. He opens the door
of his office and steps into the reception area.
Craig: Nikki?
Craig says as he walks up to the receptionist's desk.
Linda: Oh you are here.
Linda says when she sees her boss approaching.
Linda: I thought you were still in your meeting.
Linda says as she grabs a small stack of phone messages and
holds them out to Craig.
Craig: It just ended.
Craig explains, taking the messages from his
receptionist/secretary.
Nikki is startled when she hears Craig's voice coming from
behind her as she expected him to walk through the glass doors
and she turns around...a bit embarrassed.
Linda:This young lady would like to see you even though she
doesn't have an appointment.
Linda says, shooting a glance at Nikki that says, “next time
call first.”
Nikki: I'm sorry to drop in like this, Craig. If you don't
have time to see me....
Nikki says, looking at Craig, hopefully.
Craig: It's Ok, Linda. Miss Flynn is welcome here anytime.
Craig says to Linda and smiles. He gently places one hand under
Nikki's elbow and gestures toward his office with the other.
Craig: Linda, could you get us a couple cups of coffee, please?
Craig asks over his shoulder.
Craig: Miss Flynn takes hers black with 2 sugars.
Craig adds and looks at Nikki.
Craig: Right?
Craig asks Nikki to confirm.
Nikki: A memory like an elephant.
Nikki says with a smile.
Craig: I'd be a pretty lousy PI without one.
Craig says with a chuckle.
Craig: Let's go into my office. Shall we?
Craig says and steers Nikki in that direction as Linda gets up
from her desk and heads to the coffee room to comply with her
boss's request.
Nikki nods to Craig and heads for his office.
Nikki: Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.
Nikki says, apologetically.
Craig walks to his desk chair and sits down.
Craig: Nonsense.
Craig says, sitting forward and clasping his hands together on
top of his desk.
Craig: You look like a woman on a mission. What can I do for
you, Nikki>
Craig says, looking directly at Nikki.
Nikki takes a seat in one of the two chairs in front of Craig's
desk and smiles at him, gratefully. After all the time that has
passed since she and Craig broke up she still feels a twinge of
guilt for not being able to love him the way he had loved her
and the way this generous and caring man deserved.
Linda comes into Craig's office carrying two steaming cups of
coffee. She sets one on the front edge of Craig's desk for
Nikki and the other one in a mug that says, “World's Best Slave
Driver” she sets in front of Craig.
Craig: Thank you, Linda.
Craig says, smiling at his receptionist/secretary. One of the
best things he had ever done for his growing agency was hiring
her. He wouldn't be able to run this company without her.
Craig: Can you make sure we're not disturbed and clear my
calender for the morning?
Craig asks Linda.
Linda: Of course.
Linda says, dutifully, and leaves the office to return to her
desk in the reception area.
Craig: Now. Back to my question.
Craig says as he picks up his cup of coffee and takes a cautious
sip.
Nikki picks up her own coffee cup...not so much because she
wants the hot, caffeinated liquid as she had already consumed at
least a pot of coffee before coming here...but just to be doing
something with her hands as she tries to look relaxed and
casual.
Nikki: I need a favor.
Nikki starts out.
Nikki: But I need you to promise this will stay between us...
Nikki says, looking at Craig, seriously.
Nikki: No matter what.
Nikki adds, then takes a sip of her coffee.
Craig realizes by Nikki's last comment, how serious
this...whatever “this” was...was to Nikki and he has to make a
conscious effort to hide his growing concern.
Craig: You have my word, Nik. What's up?
Craig asks, setting his coffee cup down on his desk and leaning
forward.
Nikki takes a deep breath, then explains the situation with
Haley.
Nikki: I don't trust today's legal system to do the right
thing and need to buy some time while I come up with a better
solution so Haley and I need to disappear for a while.
Nikki, in anticipation of Craig's argument to the contrary,
holds up her hand.
Nikki: I know I'm stepping over a lot of legal lines, here,
but I see no other choice for the moment. And because of that
Haley and I need new identities. Passports, Ids, birth
certificates, etc. Unfortunately I have never had to do this
before and don't know how to go about it.
Nikki takes a deep breath.
Nikki: Can you help me?
Nikki asks, hopefully.
Craig picks up his coffee as he digests what Nikki has just told
him and asked of him. His first gut reaction is one of concern
for the legalities of Nikki's situation. On one hand...there is
the effect of aiding and abetting Nikki, who would become a
fugitive as the authorities would view her actions as
kidnapping, especially if she was planning on her and the
teenager leaving the country...which she obviously was planning
on doing since she was asking for passports. The ex-cop in him
wanted to slam on the brakes and stop Nikki from committing a
Federal crime. If it ever came out that he had helped her in
any way....or even knew about her plans and didn't report
them...the reputation of the Bower Security Agency would be
shattered...not only in Seacouver, Washington but his other
offices, Nationwide, as well. All he had worked so hard to
build would be thrown away like today's garbage. And that would
effect, not just himself, but the employees of his Nationwide
agency who trusted him with their financial security as well.
On the other hand...during his time as a cop he had seen too
many of the atrocities many babies, toddlers, adolescents and
young adults were forced to endure at the hands of the adults
who were supposed to keep them safe and he hated child molesters
and sexual deviants more than the worst serial killers on and
off record. He had always admired Nikki's endeavor to create a
safe and loving environment for the victims of such animals by
her building the Nua Tosu ranch and opening it to the kids who
needed it. It was one of those few glimpses into the selfless
side of Nikki...one of those sides of her that she kept well
hidden behind her “tough girl” persona It isn't the ex-cop in
Craig that feels that way, but the human being in him. And it
is also the fact that...even though Nikki had been unable to
return his love and had, basically, broken his heart when she
rejected his proposal of marriage...he still cared about her
because her rejection hadn't stemmed from anything malicious
towards him and she was now...as she had been then...a very
special lady with a huge heart capable of loving even those whom
others might not think worthy and her tenacity and passion for
what she believed in...no matter what obstacles were put in her
way. It is this side of Craig that wins out.
Nikki sits on the edge of her chair, anxiously awaiting Craig's
answer. As she watches him mentally weighing all the odds of
her request, the fear that he might turn her down begins to grow
and she realizes that her hand holding her coffee cup has begun
to tremble. She quickly sets her cup down on Craig's
desk...hoping he hasn't noticed...and sits back in her
chair...tucking both hands under her thighs to hide them. It
has been only a few minutes since she had asked for his
help...but it seems more like hours.
Craig gets up from his chair and walks around to the front of
his desk. He pulls the other chair closer to the one Nikki is
in and sits down. He reaches out and places his hand on one of
Nikki's forearms and gently pulls her hand out from under her
leg. Taking her trembling hand in his, he covers it with both
of his hands and leans forward...looking directly into her
emerald green eyes.
Craig: I'm not going to point out all of the reasons you
shouldn't do what you're planning because the Nicayla Flynn I
know is intelligent and logical enough to have thought this
through, thoroughly, and wouldn't make a decision like this
impulsively.
Craig says, softly.
Nikki fights to control her trembling...embarrassed and a bit
ashamed at being weak...one of the traits of being a stubborn,
independent Irish lass.
Craig: I do have a few contacts that can create whatever
documents you and...
Craig's memory fails him for a second as he tries to remember
the name of the teenager Nikki was changing her entire life for.
Craig: Haley?
Craig says, quirking and eyebrow, questioningly.
Nikki nods, afraid if she tries to speak she will lose her
battle for self control.
Craig: ...Haley will need. Unfortunately their services are
not going to be cheap.
Craig says, still holding Nikki's hand in both of his.
Nikki takes a slow breath in. As she does she manages to calm
herself enough to be able to speak without her voice shaking.
Nikki: You are going to help me?
Nikki asks, almost incredulously.
Craig smiles at her, gently squeezes her hand and nods.
Craig: You doubted it?
Craig asks, a bit amused.
Nikki: I wasn't sure after...
Nikki hesitates finishing her sentence.
Craig smiles, reassuringly.
Craig: Yes. I'm going to help you.
Craig replies.
Nikki: I know I'm putting you in a hell of a situation. I
know what you're risking by helping me.
Nikki admits.
Craig: Some things are worth the risk.
Craig says, letting go of Nikki's hand and smiling at her.
Nikki: I don't know how to thank you, Craig.
Nikki says, gratefully.
Craig: Don't give it another thought.
Craig says as he stands up and walks back to his desk
chair...sits down and opens up one of his desk drawers. He
takes out an address book and opens it. Most of the Bower
Security Agency's contacts' phone numbers were on his computer
but the ones in this book were ones that weren't for the eyes of
anyone who might have (or gain) access to his hard drive. He
thumbs through the book's pages and stops at one in particular.
He looks over at Nikki and gets up...walking back around to the
front of his desk. He holds out his hand to Nikki.
Nikki places her now steady hand in Craig's and looks up at him
questioningly.
Craig gently pulls Nikki out of her chair and leads her to the
door of his office where he stops and turns to face her.
Craig: I would imagine that you have some packing to do
besides tying up any loose ends regarding the ranch, etc.
Craig says, matter of factly.
Craig: So go on home and take care of whatever you have to do
and let me get to work on what I can do to help.
Craig says, looking directly into Nikki's eyes and smiling
reassuringly.
Nikki slips her hand out of his and puts her arms around his
neck, hugging him tightly.
Craig's arms wrap around Nikki, instinctively.
Nikki kisses Craig's cheek.
Nikki:Thank you, Craig. Thank you.
Nikki whispers, grateful tears filling her eyes and threatening
to fall down her cheeks.
Craig gives Nikki a quick hug. Sensing the intensity of her
emotions and knowing her well enough to know her Irish pride was
battling against displaying those emotions, he lets go of her
and steps back a step.
Craig: If it will make you feel better, we can say you owe me
one and I promise that at some time in the future I will
collect.
Craig says with a smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Nikki is grateful for his insight and she is able to control
those tears of gratitude. Instead of letting her emotions take
control she smiles at Craig.
Nikki:Just don't make it something too complicated. I hate
having to think.
Nikki says...the smarmy tone returning to her voice.
Craig: Oh I plan on it being so complex you'll need a slide
rule and a team of scientists to complete it.
Craig says, teasingly.
Nikki rolls her eyes as her hand takes hold of the door knob.
Nikki: Oh wonderful.
Nikki says sarcastically. She opens Craig's office door and
gives Craig a half hearted wave then walks through the reception
area.
Nikki: Thank you.
Nikki says to the receptionist as she walks past her desk. A
couple of minutes later she steps into the elevator feeling as
though a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
Craig waits until Nikki disappears through the glass doors then
he closes his office door, returns to his desk and picks up the
telephone receiver...dialing the number from the open address
book before even listening for a dial tone.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 371--------------------------------------------------
Part 2
By: 22639 Date: June 5, 2012, 5:50 pm
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[center]***A few days later***[/center]
Nikki pulls her truck behind the older girls' barracks and takes
out her cell phone. She dials Haley's phone and lets it ring
twice then hangs up....their prearranged signal.
Haley: Guys, I gotta go to the bathroom. Back in a bit!
Haley says to the other girls a minute or so after the seemingly
random call on her phone.
Nikki taps her thumbs on the steering wheel, impatiently.
Haley gets up and goes upstairs, and carefully closes the door
to the bathroom. Then goes to her bed and digs out the bag she
had hidden under it. Then goes to the window and slides it open
and puts her bag out on the roof of the veranda. Haley quietly
eases herself out and shuts the window behind her. Then standing
up, she runs lightly along the roof with her bag until she gets
to the tree. With a quick check she tosses the bag to the ground
and then jumps into the tree and climbs down it, as nimble as a
squirrel
Nikki sees Haley climbing down the old oak tree and pulls her
truck up to the base of the tree, reaches across the front seat
and opens the door for Haley.
Haley lands lightly on the ground and grabs her bag and tosses
it into the back of Nikki's truck and then climbs into the front
seat beside Nikki, pulling the door shut behind her.
Nikki pulls out from behind the barracks and takes a back road
off the ranch and heads for the city. She opens the center
console and takes out a large manilla envelope and hands it to
Haley.
Haley takes it with a little trepidation and opens the envelope
and pulls out the contents.
Nikki: This is the new you.
Nikki says, keeping her eyes on the road.
Nikki: And from now on....don't call me Nikki. I'm Linda. Linda
Wonders.
Haley bursts out with laughing.
Haley: Linda Wonders? Seriously?
Haley then looks down at the papers.
Nikki shrugs.
Haley: And what kind of name is Cynthia Schofield?
Nikki: That's what they came up with.
Nikki smiles.
Nikki: Supposedly it's a scientific process.
Nikki says and rolls her eyes.
Nikki: Men. They say stuff like that so they can charge more.
Haley: What is?
Nikki: Choosing names.
Haley rolls her eyes.
Haley: Men.
Nikki gets off of the freeway and heads for Methos'
neighborhood.
Haley: Mostly A's with some B's... one C... Ooo! Driver's
license.
Haley mutters softly looking over the papers, the birth
certificate, high school transcript, diver's license and
passport.
Nikki: Yeah. I think you are now 17.
Nikki says as she turns onto Methos' street.
Haley: Mmmm.
Haley agrees looking at the birth certificate again.
Haley: Same grade though.
Nikki: Ok.
Nikki says as she pulls up to the curb in front of Methos'
house.
Nikki: You want to wait out here for me?
Nikki asks as she unbuckles her seat belt.
Haley shakes her head.
Haley: Not really. Not unless you want me too. Or you think your
boyfriend would rather I didn't.
Haley says softly.
Nikki: Come on then.
Nikki says, getting out of the truck. She waits for Haley on the
walkway that leads to Methos' front door.
Methos looks away from the computer monitor when he feels an
Immortal buzz, he takes a side glance at his raincoat where the
sword is concealed as he walks to the door, in case he needs to
get it fast.
Haley gets out and follows Nikki.
Nikki feels Methos' buzz as she approaches the front porch. She
walks up to the door and rings the doorbell.
Methos takes a deep breath when he sees Nikki and opens the
door.
Nikki: I need to talk to you upstairs.
Nikki announces as she walks into Methos' house.
Nikki: Haley....have a seat in the living room. I'll be down
shortly.
Nikki says....real business like and serious.
Methos raises an eyebrow in surprise, while he looks at Nikki in
silence, then he moves to the computer to log out of the
Watcher's database. He soon moves to the stairs wondering what's
up.
Nikki heads up the stairs and into Methos' bedroom. She walks
over to the window and stares out of it
Nikki: I need to disappear for a while.
Nikki says without turning around.
Haley had watched Nikki disappear upstairs and heads over to the
couch and plops down to wait.
Methos looks at Nikki's back while he leans against the door
frame.
Methos: Care to tell me what's going on?
Nikki: Haley got a letter from the probation department saying
that because she missed her required visit with her dad the day
Jeffery abducted her....they are going to violate her probation
and she will have to leave the ranch and move back in with the
father who molested her from practically birth.
Nikki explains.
Nikki: Right now there's no legal recourse to stop it and I
won't let her go back to live with the man she's terrified of.
Nikki adds, then turns around to face Methos.
Methos: Great, just what the kid needed.
Methos sighs, as he wishes Immortals just left mortals alone and
concentrate on playing with each other without putting some
mortals in the middle of it.
Nikki: I figure if she and I disappear it will give me time to
come up with something. Ally's going to work on things from her
end but she didn't sound promising.
Nikki says with a shrug.
Methos: Well, she only needs to turn 18, no?
Methos points out, not that he ever bothered to study law like
Aldria did.
Methos: She's what? 17?
Nikki: Technically she 16....almost 17. Of course her new
identity has her as being 17. but that won't help with the legal
stuff.
Nikki answers.
Methos: No, she needs some time to turn 18.
Methos nods in agreement.
Methos: So where are you planning to go?
Nikki walks up to Methos and looks up at him.
Nikki: It might be better if you didn't know. Plausible
deniability.
Nikki says and reaches up, placing her hand on his cheek.
Nikki: I'm going to miss you.
Nikki says so softly her voice is almost a whisper.
Methos: Yes, same here, but you can call you know?
Methos answers as he frowns at that "It's better if you don't
know." She didn't think he was going to tell anyone, did she?
Nikki 's eyes fill with tears as she cups her hand on the back
of his neck and pulls him to her....kissing him passionately.
Nikki: I love you, Methos.
Nikki whispers between kisses.
Nikki: And I always will.
Nikki intensifies the passion of her kiss then breaks it off and
rushes out of the room.
Methos looks at the door, while he thinks, "There she goes."
Then he smiles the woman could move fast, he walks out of the
room hoping to be able to talk to her before she left the house.
Methos: Hey Nikki, I don't see a reason why you can't tell me
where you're going, you think I'm going to blow the whistle on
you?
Methos says as he climbs down the stairs.
Nikki stops halfway down the stairs.
Nikki: No. I just thought it would be easier for you. I didn't
want to drag you into this mess.
Nikki says as she quickly wipes the tears from her face.
Methos: Actually it would be easier if I knew you were alright.
Methos says as he looks for a clean handkerchief inside his
pockets.
Methos: It wouldn't help at all if I kept wondering where you
were.
Nikki: I'm taking Haley home.
Nikki says softly....hoping Methos knows what she means by
"home". She doesn't want to break down in front of Methos so
she starts down the stairs.
Methos: Yes, probably a good idea, and she'll like it there.
Methos nods approvingly as he follows her downstairs.
Nikki glances into the living room at Haley and nods toward the
door, signaling that it is time to leave.
Haley sighs and slowly gains her feet.
Methos: Well, if you want me to drive to the airport, let me
know.
Methos offers wondering if he should get the handkerchieves he
kept on his desk.
Methos: Or get you a diversion so the cops won't follow your
track.
Nikki reaches to the back of her neck and unclasps the gold
chain she has always worn around her neck. She shoots a look to
Haley to go on out to the truck then turns and looks at Methos.
She holds out her closed fist.
Haley steps outside the door, and pulls it shut behind her and
leans up against the side of the house, waiting.
Methos extends his hand once he realizes Nikki wants to give him
something.
Nikki drops the chain with the amethyst crystal spear into
Methos' hand.
[img width=16
height=16]
HTML http://us4.chatzy.com/elements/icon16/inline/close.png[/img]
Nikki: Early in my mortality this was given to me by a Lakota
Shaman and I have never taken it off. When you look at
it.....hopefully you'll remember me.
Nikki says and her voice cracks at the end. She rushes up to
Methos...quickly kisses him again and turns and runs out of the
house before her tears begin to flow again.
Methos: I'll take care of it, until you return.
Methos closes his hand around it and puts his hand against his
heart.
Nikki runs to her truck and gets in.
Haley follows Nikki to her truck and gets in the passenger side.
Sensing the mood Nikki is in, she says nothing.
Nikki hand trembles as she tries to put the key into the
ignition. She fumbles the keys and they drop to the floor.
Methos takes a deep breath as he watches the girls go inside the
truck, he wonders what is it with Immortals that never seem to
live a quiet life even there isn't a challenge or an enemy
Immortal around. "Fate?" He murmurs under his breath.
Nikki picks up the keys and tries again. After fumbling them she
finally gets them into the ignition and starts the truck. She
squeals the tires as she pulls away from the curb. As she heads
for the freeway, tears stream down her cheeks.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 376--------------------------------------------------
Part 3
By: 22639 Date: June 16, 2012, 10:09 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki drives the 39 miles to Fall City, WA in silent thought.
When she gets to the small town of Fall City she follows the
directions Craig had given her which leads her to an old
abandoned farm. She pulls in behind the dilapidated remnants of
a barn and shuts off the engine of her truck.
Nikki: Grab everything.
Nikki says to Haley and gets out of her truck. She grabs her
duffel bag, her pool stick case with the false (and ex-ray
proof) bottom and laptop case and locks up the truck. She walks
into the old barn and and looks around. In the center of the
barn is a tarp covered vehicle. Nikki goes over to it and pulls
the tarp off, revealing, probably, the ugliest car she had ever
seen.
[img width=237
height=145]
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Haley follows Nikki, having grabbed all her things.
Haley: Shit! I thought we were trying to avoid being noticed.
Haley says looking at the car.
Nikki: It definitely has a bad case of the uglies.
Nikki says with a laugh.
Nikki: I guess Craig figured no one would think I would drive
anything so ugly.
Nikki adds, still laughing.
Nikki: Let's put our stuff in the back.
Nikki says. As she opens the lift back door it falls so that it
is hanging by one of its two hinges. She quickly looks around as
she holds on to the door.
Nikki: Haley see if you can find some wire or rope or something.
Nikki asks, holding onto the door with one hand and tossing her
duffel bag into the back of the car with the other.
Haley sets her things down by the back of the car and starts
looking around the barn. After a bit, she finds a thing of rope,
with about an arms with of good rope too it.
Nikki: Hang on to this.
Nikki says to Haley and waits until Haley has a firm grip on the
door. She takes the rope and ties the broken hinge together then
tosses the rest of their belongings into the back of the car.
Nikki: Ok....now let it down easy.
Nikki instructs and when the lift back door's latch lines up
with the catch she wires them together enough until she can
crawl into the back of the car and wire the door shut from the
inside.
Nikki: Go open the back doors of the barn.
Nikki instructs Haley as she climbs into the drivers seat and
feels underneath it for the key Craig said would be there. When
she has it she puts it into the ignition and says a silent
prayer that Craig thought to make sure the battery was charged
and there was enough gas in the car to get them to a gas
station. As Haley opens the barn doors, Nikki turns the key and
the ugly old car starts right up. She breathes the words, “thank
you, Jesus” and motions to Haley to get in. As soon as she is in
and snapping her seat belt, Nikki drives out of the barn and
heads for the main road.
Haley: Now where are we headed too?
Haley asks as Nikki reaches the main road, having waited
patiently until then.
Nikki: Salt Lake City where we'll catch a train to Nashville
then drive to Pennsylvania or maybe New York then get on a
plane.
Nikki explains as they head for the state highway.
Haley: Is this thing even going to make it that far?
Haley asks skeptically.
Nikki reaches around her neck and removes a chain with a
medallion on it and she hangs it from the rear view mirror.
Nikki: St. Christopher. Patron Saint of Travelers.
Nikki says with a smile.
Nikki: Just have faith.
Nikki says, although she is pretty confident that Craig wouldn't
set her up with a car that would break down. He knew what was at
stake.
Nikki: You know.....I never asked you......do you know how to
drive?
Nikki asks, glancing sideways at Haley.
Haley: Yeah. I'd had my learner's permit before I was arrested.
They revoked it. Though I guess ah... Cynthia’s got her license.
Haley says pausing a moment to double check her new identity.
Nikki: Ok. Then try and get some sleep. I'll drive for as long
as I can.
Nikki suggests.[center]***12 hours later***[/center]
Nikki sees a sign that says "San Jacinto....4 miles.
Gas...Food....lodging".
Nikki: Haley.
Nikki says and reaches over to gently shake Haley.
Haley: Huh? What?
Haley asks sitting up.
Nikki: Were coming to a town. Need to go to the bathroom?
Nikki asks, rolling the window down so the fresh air will help
Nikki stay awake.
Haley: Yeah. I guess. How are you doing? You doing okay?
Haley asks.
Nikki: I'm tired but Ok
Nikki answers.
Haley sees a sign welcoming them to San Jacinto.
Haley: Is this were we were going to catch a train, or
something?
Haley asks.
Nikki: No. We'll do that in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Nikki says as they pass a sign that says "welcome to San
Jacinto, Nevada" and she sees a 76 gas station up ahead.
Haley: Oh. We gonna stop for a while, or just keep going?
Haley asks.
Nikki: I'm not sure what is available here. Looks like a pretty
small town. If they have a motel....we could stop and get some
real sleep and head out in the morning.
Nikki says as she pulls into the gas station and up to one of
the 2 antique looking gas pumps.
Nikki: I'll take care of the gas if you need to use the little
girl's room.
Nikki says, getting out of the ugly car.
Haley: A real bed would be nice.
Haley mutters and heads into the station, only to emerge a few
minutes later with a key to the bathroom, attached to a
florescent pink painted toilet seat. The men's bathroom's toilet
seat key was painted green.
Nikki sees what Haley carries out of the small gas station store
and bursts into laughter. An old toothless man comes out of the
garage and walks up to Nikki and asks if she needs any help.
Nikki: Actually....
Nikki says after sticking the gas pump nozzle into the gas tank
hole.
Nikki: The sign a few miles back said lodging. Is there a motel
here?
Nikki asks as the old man gets a handful of paper towels and
begins to wash the windshield. Nikki leans against the cart.
The old man tells her that there's a small motel at the other
end of the main drag which is the highway they are currently on
and that it may or may not have a vacancy. He then says that the
only other "lodging" would be a small camp ground about 4 miles
out of town but he didn't recommend that because there had been
some problems "up there a few nights ago," he says.
Nikki: What kind of problems?
Nikki asks. The old man tells her that a camper went missing and
they haven't found the guy yet.
Nikki: How does someone in this small a town go missing?
Nikki asks, trying not to show her amusement. The old man
finishes with the windows and tosses the paper towels into the
trash can. He walks up and takes hold of the pump nozzle and
tops off the tank as he tells her that one theory is Garrison's
ghost.
Nikki: Garrison's ghost?
Nikki says, fighting to keep from giggling. “Garrison was a
prospector back in the 1800s who had opened a silver mine in the
foothills behind the town. He worked that mine for 5 years and
finally struck a huge vein of silver. When word got out crooks
began to try and take the mine from him and one day there was a
strange explosion that collapsed the mine...killing Garrison. Or
so the story goes,” the old man says. “In 1943 the mine and
surrounding land were declared a historical landmark and the
small campground was built at the base of the foothills. Every
4 years or so.....a camper will turn up missing and the story
goes that it's Old Garrison's ghost claiming their souls because
they are trespassing on his land,” the old man says. “But...like
I said....that's just the town legend. A story told to kids
around a campfire. Nobody really believes it. That'll be
$17.12,” the old man adds, holding out his hand.
Nikki: Sounds like someone's been watching too many low budget
horror movies.
Nikki thinks to herself as she lays a $20 bill in the old man's
hand.
Haley leaves the bathroom and quickly darts back inside,
depositing the bathroom key on the counter, then leaves and
heads back out to the car, and Nikki
Nikki: Ready, Cynthia?
Nikki says, using Haley's new name.
Nikki: Thank you.
Nikki says to the old man as he hands her her change. She walks
over to the drivers door as the old man returns to whatever he
was doing in the garage. She gets into the car and closes the
door.
Haley: Yeah. Linda.
Haley says after a moment. She gets inside and sits, pulling on
her seat belt
Nikki: There's a motel on the other side of town. If they have a
vacancy we can spend the night and get some sleep.
Nikki says as she starts the ugly car and pulls out of the gas
station.
Haley: That'd be great.
Haley sighs, shifting a little. The car seat wasn't the most
comfortable.
Nikki: According to the old man at the gas station....it's a
very small motel and may not have a vacancy...since the town is
full of search and rescue people.
Nikki says as she keeps her eyes peeled for a motel sign.
Haley:Search and rescue people?
Haley says, nervously.
Haley: Why?
Nikki: Yeah. The only other "lodging" in this town is a small
camp ground at the base of the foothills and some camper went
missing yesterday....or last night.
Nikki explains.
Haley: Oh.
Haley says softly.
Nikki: It seems that this dinky little town has a ghostly legend
and some of the locals believe the ghost is responsible for the
missing camper.
Nikki says with a little chuckle as she spots the motel sign and
points to it.
Nikki: There it is.
Nikki announces. She pulls into the parking lot and shuts off
the car.
Nikki: I'll go see if they have any vacancies. Be right back.
Nikki says and gets out of the car. She heads into the office
and rings the bell on the counter.
Haley: Okay.
Haley says, not moving.
Nikki asks if there is a vacancy when an older lady walks out of
the apartment behind the office and is informed that the motel
is full. The woman suggests the campground just as her husband
joins her behind the desk. Nikki says that they have no camping
gear and asks how far the next town with a motel is. The
husband tells Nikki that the next motel is in Elko which is 220
miles from them. When Nikki groans at the thought of two more
hours on the road, the husband snaps his fingers and tells her
he has an idea. He tells her that he and his wife have a small
nylon tent, a couple of sleeping bags and air mattresses...a
camp stove and a couple of lanterns and...since he can tell how
tired Nikki is...he would be more than happy to loan the
equipment to Nikki so she and her traveling partner can get some
sleep and they can return the equipment in the morning. Nikki
is surprised with the man's generosity. She offers to pay rental
on the equipment but the wife refuses. The husband tells Nikki
to pull her car around to the backside of the motel where their
garage is and the equipment is stored and he'll meet her there.
Nikki thanks him and hurries out of the office. She gets into
the car and starts the engine.
Nikki: Well...looks like we're out of luck for a motel room
tonight.
Nikki announces to Haley as she drives the ugly car around to
the back of the motel.
Haley: Great. So what now?
Haley asks.
Nikki: Never fear. I ALWAYS have a plan B.
Nikki says with a snicker.
Nikki: The old couple who own the motel are loaning us their
camping equipment and we'll be sleeping under the stars tonight.
Good thing we've got good weather.
Nikki says as she pulls up to the garage just as the owner
raises the garage door and switches on a flood light.
Haley: Oh... well that could be worse.
Haley says softly, thankful that there would be camping
equipment and hopped that'd mean blankets or sleeping bags.
She'd slept outside, without them before
Nikki: Worse than what?
Nikki asks as she opens the door and starts to get out of the
car.
Haley: The weather.
Haley says.
Nikki: Oh. Ok.
Nikki says and walks over to the garage. The motel owner
disappears into the cluttered garage that looks as though it has
never had a car in it....just the couple's accumulated
treasures. The man reappears carrying a small nylon bag and two
sleeping bags. Nikki takes them from him and as she heads for
the ugly car, the man disappears back into the clutter. Nikki
tosses the items she is carrying into the back of the car,
through the front seat so she doesn't have to fight with the
wired up lift back. She turns and heads back to the garage as
the motel owner emerges carrying a plastic milk crate with a
small camp stove, two lanterns and a couple of spare propane
bottles. He explains that he doesn't know how much fuel is in
the stove and lanterns so he put in the extra bottles just in
case. Nikki takes the crate from the man just as his wife joins
them. Nikki sets it on the drivers seat...thanking them
man....who turns to walk back to the garage. Nikki turns to the
woman and hands her 3 20 dollar bills rolled up...making sure
that the man doesn't see her and she winks at the woman who
smiles and winks back. Nikki thanks the woman again and vows to
see them in the morning, then she moves the crate to the back
seat and gets in the ugly car.
Nikki: Amazing.
Nikki says as she backs the car around to the front of the
motel.
Haley: What is?
Haley asks.
Nikki: That there are still people in this world that haven't
been jaded by the way things are these days. Who are trusting
and generous.
Nikki replies.
Haley: Oh.
Haley says softly, knowing full well that SHE isn't one of them.
Nikki: That's the beauty of small towns like this that are off
the beaten path.
Nikki explains as she pulls out of the motel parking lot and
follows the owner's directions to the campground.
Nikki: They tend to shield their people from the harsh realities
of the world outside of their little community.
Nikki adds.
Haley: I'll take your word for it.
Haley says softly, just looking out the window.
Nikki stops at a small grocery store that is still open and buys
some groceries then resumes their trek to the campground. The
ugly car rattles loudly as Nikki navigates it over the dirt
road...even though it is considered to be a grated road....on
the way to the campground.
Haley: Lucky them.
Haley mutters
Nikki: Remind me to thank my friend Craig for having such
wonderful taste in cars.
Nikki grumbles as they bounce over rough furrows carved into the
dirt road.
Haley: No kidding.
Haley mutters
The dirt road widens and they are suddenly staring at a large
Nevada Forest Service sign welcoming them into the Nevada State
Forest and Campground. Nikki follows the road through the gate
and pulls up to the empty guard shack. She takes one of the
registration cards and quickly fills it out then slips it
through the slot in the guard shack door. She pulls the car up a
little more and stops in front of a large map of the small
campground and recreation area. She gets her bearings and drives
slowly until they find an empty campsite. She parks the car and
shuts it off.
Nikki: This looks like a nice out of the way spot.
Nikki says as she gets out of the car and walks around to the
back.
Haley: That's for sure.
Haley says, as she slowly gets out of the car after Nikki.
Nikki: Can you crawl through and undo the rope that's holding
the lift back shut?
Nikki asks Haley as she begins to untie the make shift hinge.
Within 20 minutes, Nikki has their tent set up and the sleeping
bags laid out inside of it....the camp stove is open and ready
to go on the picnic table and she is pumping fuel into the wick
of the second lantern....the first one now sits on the floor of
the tent.
Nikki: Are you hungry?
Nikki asks Haley once she is satisfied with their campsite.
Haley: I could eat.
Haley replies with a smile
Nikki: Ok.
Nikki says and rummages through their new ice chest and the
other grocery bags. She hands a small saucepan to Haley.
Nikki: Would you go put some water in this, please?
Nikki asks and points to the water faucet near where they turned
into the campsite from the road.
Haley takes the pot and heads to get some water.
Nikki prepares some fried slices of Spam, buttered hominy and
grilled garlic bread and serves it on paper plates. When they
have finished eating she tosses the paper plates in the garbage
and cleans up their site...securing their food inside the car
from wildlife. She hangs the hand towel she used to clean up on
a limb of a small tree and looks at Haley.
Nikki: I don't know about you but I'm beat. I'm going to turn
in.
Nikki announces and heads for the tent.
Haley: That sounds good to me. Something that's not moving!
Haley sighs with a grin and follows Nikki into the tent.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 377--------------------------------------------------
Part 4
By: 22639 Date: June 17, 2012, 10:46 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]The part of Methos is temporarily being understudied.
[/center]
[center]***A beautifully warm afternoon***[/center]
Nikki, dressed in a pair of cut offs and a tank top has the
garden hose in hand and is in the middle of washing her truck.
Methos comes out of Nikki's house and walks toward Nikki.
Methos: You missed a spot.
Methos teases.
Nikki sets the hose down and stands on a log to reach the top of
the truck with the soapy sponge. She looks around.
Nikki: Where?
Methos hurries up behind her and scoops her off the log.
Methos: Here.
Methos takes the sponge and squeezes the soapy water onto Nikki.
He laughs.
Nikki squeals.
Nikki: Oh you brat!
Methos: Me? Yep.
Nikki wriggles free and picks up the hose and turns it on
Methos.
Nikki: Oh yeah?
Methos jumps back trying to avoid the spray from the hose, but
is unsuccessful.
Nikki: Well take that.
Nikki laughs.
Methos tries to dodge the spray to get to Nikki.
Nikki opens the nozzle all the way and drenches him.
Methos starts laughing, already soaked lunges for Nikki and
grabs the hose, turning it on her.
Nikki: ahhh!!!
Nikki squeals and runs for cover on the other side of the truck.
Methos: There. You take THAT, you brat!
Methos ducks down and slowly works his way around the truck
trying to catch her. He quickly stands and sprays over the top
of the truck.
Nikki grabs the bucket of soapy water as she skirts around the
back of the T-bird. She comes around to his side and dumps the
bucket's contents on him. She drops the now empty bucket and
turns to run away.
Methos grabs her and pulls her onto the now muddy ground.
Methos: Not so fast, you!
Nikki is giggling. She turns over on her back and looks up at
him.
Methos brushes her hair from her face, leaving a streak of mud
on her cheek. He chuckles.
Nikki: Oh. You think that's funny, huh?
Methos: Yes, I do.
Nikki says mischievously.
Methos sticks his hand in the mud and rubs her other cheek with
mud.
Nikki grabs a handful of mud and rubs it on his face.
Methos sputters.
Nikki: Yeah. You're right; it is funny. Now.
Nikki laughs.
Methos rubs a dollop of mud across her nose.
Nikki: Oooooo...you're asking for it mister.
Methos: Guess I am at that.
Nikki pulls his shirt tail up and puts mud on his back under his
shirt.
Methos: Ewwww...
Nikki tries to playfully wriggle out from under him.
Methos takes a big glob of mud and drops it down the front of
her tank top.
Nikki gasps in surprise and because the mud is cold.
Nikki: OK. You wanna play that way?
Methos: What are you going to do about it, huh?
Methos taunts.
Nikki shoves a handful of soapy mud down the back of his pants.
Methos: oh, no! Not there.
Methos laughs. He smears mud down both her legs.
Nikki uses his distraction and manages to wiggle free. She
reaches for the hose which is just inches out of reach.
Methos doesn't get much mud on her legs before she wiggled out.
He rolls over just in time to get hosed down.
Methos: oh! That's cold!
Nikki takes the nozzle and pushes it past his belt and down the
front of his jeans.
Methos: No fair!
Methos tries to pull the hose out of his pants.
Nikki leaves it there and jumps up and runs as fast as she can
toward the house.
Methos gets the hose and aims it at Nikki as she runs toward the
house.
Nikki reaches the porch and turns to face Methos and sticks out
her tongue at him.
Methos: Didn't your Ma tell you it wasn't polite to stick out
your tongue?
Methos looks at the mud on himself and his clothes. He peels off
his shirt and hoses himself down.
Methos: I need a shower. I've got mud in places I don't want
it.
Nikki opens her eyes and realizes that she isn't on the porch of
her house but inside a sleeping bag in a tent and, as soon as
the fog of sleep clears her head, she remembers where she is and
why. She turns over so that her back is to Haley, buries her
face in her pillow and silently cries for what she had to leave
behind before drifting back to sleep.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 383--------------------------------------------------
Part 5
By: 22639 Date: July 5, 2012, 11:44 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki finishes washing up their breakfast dishes and she calls
to Haley.
Nikki: Cynthia? You ready to go check out this abandoned mine?
Haley: Sure?
Haley says with a shrug.
Nikki secures their dishes in the tent and zips it shut.
Nikki: Ok. Let's go.
Nikki says and leads the way to where a crowd has gathered.
Haley follows after Nikki.
Nikki stands near the back of the crowd and silently observes
the activity for several minutes.
The Ranger moves around the command center that is set up under
a canopy near the entrance to the mine.
Suddenly the ground beneath Nikki's feet began to tremble and a
distant rumbling sound echoed up through the entrance to the
mine.
The Ranger: Damn. There's been a cave in.
The Ranger says to the volunteers gathered near the mine
entrance. Two rescuers dressed in yellow jumpsuits and wearing
helmets with masks come staggering out. A couple of medical
volunteers rush to the two men's aid and the Ranger hurries over
to them and talks to them for several minutes. The two men are
given oxygen masks and one points to a spot on the map of the
mine the Ranger has been carrying around. Finally the Ranger
comes back over to the group of volunteers.
The Ranger: I need volunteers to go down there and check things
out.
The Ranger announces. Because of the town being so small and
remote the State Ranger Service has only assigned a few full
time rescuers to look for the missing camper. And they have all
sustained varying injuries leaving the Ranger with only the
local volunteers...none of which seem too eager to venture into
the unstable depths of the abandoned mine.
Nikki steps up and raises her hand.
Nikki: I'll go.
Nikki speaks up.
Haley: Uh, is that such a good idea?
Haley whispers to Nikki.
Nikki: I'll be fine.
Nikki whispers to Haley and winks.
Nikki: I've done a bit of spelunking so I'm well aware of what
I'll be going into. I also used to be a surgical nurse in the
Army so I'm probably the best person for the job.
Nikki says in hopes of dissuading the Ranger's doubts.
The Ranger realizes that this young woman is the only one
volunteering and he frowns.
The Ranger: I don't like you going down there alone.
The Ranger says, scowling.
Nikki: I'll move faster by myself. Please, believe me, I'm going
to be careful. I'll go as far as I can and film my progress so
when I return you'll be able to see what I saw.
Nikki looks at the other volunteers and then looks back at the
Ranger and holds up her hands, questioningly.
Nikki: Do you have another option, Capt. Marks?
The Ranger looks around at the volunteers and shakes his head.
The Ranger: I guess not.
The Ranger motions for one of the other rangers to bring over
the equipment and within a few minutes has Nikki dressed in a
turnout jacket, small portable oxygen tank, helmet with a
headlight and camera mounted on it and a mask. He gives her a
coil of rope and a first aid kit. He escorts her to the entrance
of the mine and gives her some last minute instructions.
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The Ranger: Good luck.
The Ranger says and pats Nikki on the shoulder.
The Ranger: And be careful.
The Ranger adds.
Nikki: Always.
Nikki turns to Haley and smiles reassuringly
Nikki: Don't worry. I'll be back before you can say
supercalifragilisticexpe​allidosious.
Nikki says with a wink.
Haley: Yeah, right.
Haley says with a small smile and a roll of her eyes.
Nikki: Why don't you see if you can help the rescuers up here to
keep you busy so you don't worry?
Nikki suggests.
Haley: Okay.
Haley nods, agreeing. Figuring she'd wait until Nikki went down
the shaft before doing so.
Nikki: And no flirting with the cute firemen.
Nikki says and winks. She turns and heads into the abandoned
mine, switches on both the camera and the light and begins her
trek through the maze of tunnels.
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Nikki gets to the first signs of a recent cave in.
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Nikki, as she carefully climbs through the opening, suddenly
feels the buzz of another Immortal.
Nikki: Oh great. And me without my sword.
Nikki mutters to herself. As she clears the rubble of the cave
in she smells the distinctive odor of decaying flesh. She
reaches into her jeans pocket and takes out a tube of medicated
chapstick and smears some under her nose so the only thing she
can smell is the menthol of the chapstick. She continues along
the tunnel, cautiously. The Immortal buzz doesn't get any
stronger but it doesn't weaken either which unnerves her but she
continues on until she gets to a more open part of the
tunnel>​>​>​
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>>>> and looks around. As her flashlight moves around the tunnel
she notices that the light is being reflected off certain places
on the walls and she trains the light on one and discovers that
what is reflecting the light is a thin vein of silver. Upon
further investigation she discovers several similar veins on
both walls. Suddenly she hears a faint rumbling sound that
sounds like a train getting closer. Then the ground begins to
tremble under her feet. The tremor intensifies and small pieces
of rock begins to rain down from the tunnel's ceiling.
Nikki: Shit!
Nikki exclaims and looks around. She sees that the wooden
support beams are closer together a few yards ahead of her so
she heads for that area as larger chunks of the tunnel's ceiling
begin to fall.
Haley eyes widen as the ground shakes again.
The Ranger: Not again.
The Ranger grumbles.
Haley: Oh no!
Haley whispers, worriedly, trying to remind herself that Nikki
would be okay.
The Ranger: Redlands? Have you got a location of that last
tremor?
The Ranger asks, standing behind one of the firemen who is
staring at a screen that looks like a submarine's sonar screen.
The fireman says, "it appears the tremor originated about 2
miles down, Captain. But it's hard to say if it was strong
enough to cause a cave in."
The Ranger takes his hand radio off of his belt and keys the
mike.
The Ranger: This is Capt. Marks.
The Ranger stops and looks over at Haley.
The Ranger: What's your friend's name?
The Ranger asks her.
Haley: Linda.
Haley answers.
The Ranger keys up the mike on his radio again.
The Ranger: This is Captain Marks. Linda? Do you copy?
The Ranger says and waits for a reply.
Nikki ducks under a large overhead beam to avoid being hit in
the head by the large chunks of the ceiling that are falling
around her.
The Ranger: Linda? This is Capt. Marks. Do you copy?
The Ranger tries again
The Ranger: Linda.....do you copy?
The Ranger says, speaking louder. But all he gets back is
static.
Haley: What does that mean?
Haley demands.
The Ranger: It could mean any number of things.
The Ranger says as he holsters his hand radio.
The Ranger: It could be lead in the rock or whatever heavy
metals might be in the rock. Coupled with how ever deep she may
be into the mine.
The Ranger sees the worried look on Haley's face.
The Ranger: I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.
The Ranger says, trying to sound reassuring
Haley: If it was, then you wouldn't be worried.
Haley says flatly.
The Ranger: Who says I'm worried?
The Ranger says, trying to sound flippant. The fireman
monitoring the sonar screen rolls his eyes.
Haley: You are. You're sweating, you weren't before. Your hands
are trembling slightly and you won't meet my eyes.
Haley states flatly.
The Ranger looks at the young girl.
The Ranger: What are you? Some sort of genius detective?
The Ranger asks...a bit surprised at the teenager's powers of
observation.
Haley snorts a little in discuss.
Haley: I have eyes.
Haley rolls hers.
Another tremor shakes the ground beneath their feet. This time
actually knocking a few things off of table tops under the
canopy.
The beam above Nikki's head begins to creak and grown. Nikki
looks up and decides that the old wooden beam isn't going to
take much more stress and she'd better get out from under it so
she hurries deeper into the tunnel. As Nikki moves further into
the tunnel, the area where she had just been collapses, blocking
her only exit.
Nikki: Oh great.
Nikki grumbles. Suddenly she feels the Immortal buzz again. It
can only be coming from behind her. So she cautiously advances
deeper into the mine.
Garrison is in a chamber deep inside his mine when the rumble of
the cave-in shakes the walls, floor and ceiling of the chamber.
He looks up at the support beams to see if they are going to
hold. Seeing that they are he picks up his pick ax and starts to
venture into one of two tunnel entrances that branch off of the
chamber when he feels the buzz of another Immortal...even though
he doesn't know that is what he is feeling. He simply attributes
the buzzing in his head to breathing the bad air of the mine. He
decides that maybe he should head to the surface for some fresh
air before he goes back to work.
Nikki feels the buzz get stronger as she moves further along the
tunnel. She picks up a large piece of wood and holds it like a
club as she moves ahead.
The buzz in Garrison's head grows more intense and he feels
lightheaded. He goes over to the cot he has set up in the
chamber and lays down to wait for the feeling to pass so he can
go "up top" to get some fresh air.
Garrison: You really should invest in a portable oxygen tank and
mask.
Garrison says softly to himself.
Nikki stops when she sees a light coming from several yards
ahead of her. The buzz is stronger now so she moves closer to
the wall of the tunnel and shuts off the "head light" on her
helmet. She also notices that this part of the tunnel seems to
have more support beams than previously. As she eases along the
wall of the tunnel, the light ahead begins to get brighter and
the buzz gets stronger.
Garrison's head feels like it is going to explode. He sits up
and puts his head in his hands.
Nikki creeps ahead and realizes that the light ahead of her is
coming from what looks to be a chamber of the mine. She moves
forward, silently until she is close enough to be able to see
into the chamber yet still out of site from whoever may be in
there. From what she can see the chamber is well lit and it
shows definite signs that someone has taken up residency in it
because she can see a table with a camp stove on one end, a
chair, a barrel that looks like it has water in it, a clothes
line with some clothes pinned to it, a wheel barrow and several
tools used to dig and break rocks.
Another rumble comes from the same direction the last one came
from but this time Garrison doesn't check his
supports...distracted by his headache.
Nikki moves closer to the opening and sees a man sitting on the
edge of a cot and holding his head in his hands. She knows that
he is the source of the buzz. She looks around the chamber for
his sword but doesn't see anything that looks like a weapon
except for the holster with a revolver in it that is hanging
from a nail in one of the support posts and a rifle leaning
against the same post. The fact that the Immortal hasn't come
looking for the source of the buzz he is obviously feeling and
the fact that he isn't looking towards the door are the actions
of a new Immortal. Nikki lays her "club" on the ground and moves
swiftly but silently into the chamber and over to the post where
the rifle is leaning. She grabs the rifle and levels it off at
the man.
Nikki: That feeling you're having is called a buzz and it tells
you that another Immortal is near. That Immortal would be me.
Nikki says, cocking the rifle.
Haley: You think she's dead, don't you?
Haley asks the ranger once the shaking subsides.
Ranger sighs, and decides to tell the girl the truth.
Ranger: It is likely.
Ranger admits.
Haley just snorts.
Haley: We'll see.
Haley says then turns and walks away.
Ranger watches the teenager walk back to where she is assisting,
and shakes his head sadly. After a moment he turns back to
running the rescue operations.
Garrison looks up, suddenly, and sees a woman aiming his rifle
at him.
Garrison: What do you mean...another Immortal?
Garrison asks, confused. The buzzing in his head seems to have
died down....or at least he was getting used to it.
Nikki looks into the man's eyes and can see that he is sincerely
confused.
Nikki: Who are you?
Nikki asks...still aiming the rifle at him.
Garrison: I should be asking you that and what are you doing in
my mine?
Garrison answers Nikki's question with a question.
Nikki: Your mine? You're Garrison?
Nikki asks, surprised.
Garrison: Yup. I am. And you're trespassing.
Garrison says. He wants to stand up but he decides it is not a
great idea with the woman still aiming his rifle at him.
Nikki: Ok, Mr. Garrison. My name is Nikki. Do you know what year
this is?
Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow curiously.
Garrison: Yup. It's 2000 something. I've lost track of the exact
year.
Garrison says, removing his hat and scratching his head.
Nikki: Right. 2012 to be exact. And you were killed in a cave-in
in 1844.
Nikki says, watching his reaction.
Garrison: Well....that's what everyone thinks. But I was just
knocked out. I just let everyone continue to believe I was dead
so I could continue working in my mine in peace. Especially
after they declared it a historical monument.
Garrison explains.
Nikki: No, Mr. Garrison. You definitely died in that cave-in.
That's why you could feel me coming and why I could feel your
presence.
Nikki takes off her helmet and removes the small camera from the
front of it, while keeping the rifle aimed at Garrison. She
trains the camera at him and takes a picture. Then she walks
over to him.
Nikki: I want to show you something, Mr. Garrison. I'm going to
lower the rifle but, please, don't try anything crazy because I
will still shoot you.
Nikki warns Garrison. She lowers the rifle and rewinds the video
then holds the small screen so Garrison can see it and shows him
the image she took of him.
Nikki: I just took this picture of you.
Nikki explains
Garrison looks at the image of himself and is shocked. Since he
doesn't shave (As most old prospectors don't) he hasn't needed
and has never owned a mirror and when he has sneaked out of the
mine and gone to one of the nearby for supplies, he never
noticed his reflection in the store windows.
Garrison: I look the same as I did.
Garrison says, dumbfounded.
Nikki: That's because you were killed in that cave-in and when
an Immortal dies the first time....they will no longer age. I'm
over 170 years old. Do I look it?
Nikki says, stepping back for him to see her better.
Haley mutters under her breath. Cursing know-it-all rangers who
know jack-shit.
The floor, walls, and ceiling of the chamber begin to tremble as
another tremor shakes the hill the mine is under.
Nikki braces herself until the earth stop shaking. When it does
there is a renewed odor of wet dirt and the unmistakable odor of
decaying flesh. She puts her hand over her nose.
Nikki: What is that smell?
Nikki asks, demandingly.
Nikki: Smells like something died down here.
Garrison: Yeah. Does that every time the earth shakes things up.
Garrison says and his voice sounds awkward.
Ranger: Dammit!
Ranger curses.
Ranger: What's causing all these tremors, have we gotten any
word from the USGS?
Ranger asks.
Haley: Come on, Nikki. Come back.
Haley whispers to herself, keeping an eye on the ranger command.
Ranger: Low level earthquakes. Nothing to worry about. Great.
Ranger mutters, skimming over what the United States Geological
Society had sent them.
Ranger: Nothing to worry about unless your underground.
Nikki: So there is something dead down here?
Nikki asks, incredulously.
Garrison: yeah. A couple of somethings. Or somebodies.
Garrison says with a shrug.
Nikki: Let me guess.
Nikki says and looks down at Garrison, disapprovingly.
Nikki: Those campers that have gone missing over the years.
Nikki says with a scowl.
Garrison: It may be 2012 but I'm from a time where trespassers
and poachers were shot on sight. So, yeah. Those who have
trespassed into my mine never left.
Garrison says in explanation.
Nikki: They weren't poachers. They were just curious campers.
There's a whole legend about the ghost of the Garrison Mine.
People camping in the campground at the base of the hill you
built you mine in have reported hearing sounds and smells of
food cooking coming from the mine. Stories like that attract a
lot of curious people who want to see the ghost...or prove or
disprove its existence
Nikki says in defense of the campers who had ventured into his
mine.
Garrison: They were still trespassing. And it's not like I just
shot them without giving them a chance to leave on their own.
Once they figured out I wasn't a ghost they threatened to tell
everyone the truth about me and that would defeat the purpose of
my pretending to be dead. I had no choice.
Garrison explains.
Nikki shakes her head.
Nikki: You could have, at least, taken them out of the mine and
buried them.
Nikki says, uncovering her nose to see if the odor has lessened.
Garrison: I put them in one of the tunnels that always caves in
and I thought they would be buried by the cave ins. But
sometimes the tremors shakes things up in that tunnel and the
smell makes it through to this chamber.
Garrison says as another tremor causes small chunks of rock and
dirt fall from the ceiling of the chamber. Some of the support
beams and posts groan from the change in weight on them.
Garrison: Each year those things get stronger and stronger. I
don't know what the earth is doing and I don't understand a lot
of all of that science crap but I don't think she can take much
more.
Garrison says, waving his arm to indicate the "she" he's taking
about is his mine.
Nikki: Basically the human race has been very destructive to our
planet and it is going through a lot of changes. Some
good....some very bad.
Nikki says, sheepishly.
Haley has finally had it. Setting her stuff down, she marches up
to the ranger.
Haley: Okay, that's my friend in there. And you're not doing
squat. Why, not?
Haley demands.
Ranger sighs and shakes his head.
Ranger: It's too dangerous.
Haley: Then why the hell did you let her go down there, if you
won't even go.
Haley demands.
Ranger: Well, for one she volunteered.
Ranger starts slowly.
Haley: That's bullshit and you know it. Even volunteering you
should have been able to keep her from going down if it was that
dangerous.
Haley says staring the ranger down.
Another tremor....much stronger than the last, causes more
debris to fall and the lanterns hanging around the chamber for
light begin to swing.
Garrison: I think we should probably get out of here. I haven't
seen one this strong before and I'm not sure if the supports
will hold.
Garrison says getting to his feet.
Ranger steadies himself on an outcropping as another quake
occurs.
Ranger: Look, kid. I didn't realize it was going to be this
dangerous, or I wouldn't have ever let her go in.
Ranger replies.
Nikki looks around at the swinging lanterns and the amounts of
debris raining down on them.
Nikki: I think you're right.
Nikki says and grabs the rifle.
Garrison: Follow me.
Garrison says and heads for a small tunnel in the opposite
direction of the tunnel she had used to get here.
Haley just glares at the ranger.
Nikki: Where are you going?
Nikki asks as she follows Garrison into the small tunnel.
Garrison: How do you think I have been able to come and go
without anyone seeing me?
Garrison says as he feels his way in the dark tunnel that he is
so familiar with that he doesn't need a light.
Nikki turns on the "head light" on her helmet.
Garrison leads Nikki through the tunnel. About 200 yards from
his secret entrance another tremor shakes the tunnel and one of
the support beams ahead of them groans then creaks loudly as it
begins to crack under the pressure.
Garrison: Come on. Let's go.
Garrison says and grabs Nikki's hand. Even though they aren't
able to straighten up in the small tunnel, Garrison starts to
run as best he can.
Nikki drops the rifle and begins to run after Garrison.
Garrison hears another beam start to crack and the first one
finally breaks all the way through and drops, showering the
tunnel with rock and dirt. Garrison pulls Nikki through the
debris just as another beam breaks through. Garrison looks up
and sees a sheet of rock slide out from behind what is left of
the support beam. He realizes that it's going to come slamming
down on them so he gives Nikki a huge shove through what opening
there is in the rubble.
Nikki stumbles through the small opening in the rubble ahead of
them, totally shocked at being shoved so hard.
Garrison looks up as the sheet of rock speeds toward him.
Nikki looks back as soon as she has regained her footing, in
time to see a thin sheet of rock with edges sharp as broken
glass, slam down on Garrison and shearing off his head a
smoothly as if she had done it with her sword.
Nikki: GARRISON!
Nikki calls out. Realizing that Garrison has been decapitated,
she steps backward, away from the collapsed part of the tunnel
just as slivers of electrical bolts leave Garrison's body and
find their way to her. She drops to her knees as the Quickening
begins.
Ranger: Jesus!
Ranger yells.
Ranger: Give me that phone. I'm going to get the USGS on the
phone myself and find out what the hell is going on!
Ranger yells and stalks to the satellite phone the rangers have.
Haley just rolls her eyes and moves closer to the cave, hoping
for sign of Nikki.
The Quickening starts as quickly as it had started. Because
Garrison hadn't taken a head during his time as an Immortal his
Quickening wasn't that strong...for which Nikki is grateful. She
gets to her feet and runs the rest of the 200 yards left of the
tunnel, just as it collapses behind her. She moves far enough
away from the small well hidden entrance where she is safer and
stops, turning and looking back.
Nikki: This time you're really dead.
Nikki says aloud. She catches her breath and looks at the sky
for some idea of her location and which way to go to get back to
the rescuers.
Ranger: Great, just what we need, a storm.
Ranger mutters spotting a few flashes of light, likely meaning
lightening.
Haley also spots the the flashes of light. Remembering what had
happened in the warehouse, Haley's breath catches in her throat.
Haley: Oh, please, oh please.
Haley whispers.
Nikki climbs over a large boulder out cropping and when she is
on top of the boulder she sees the rescue control center below
her and she looks for Haley. She sees Haley and places the tips
of her two pinky fingers against the tip of her tongue and
blows...letting out a shrill whistle
Haley looks up at the sound a whistle and sees Nikki waving from
up a ways on the mountain.
Haley: There she is!
Haley shouts pointing towards Nikki.
Nikki waves to Haley and quickly climbs down off of the boulder
and jogs over to the teenager.
Ranger looks up at the girl's yell, and sees Linda standing up a
ways. The woman must have found a small crevasse/cave to come up
out of.
Ranger: Oh, thank God.
Ranger mutters.
Nikki: I told you I'd be alright.
Nikki says to Haley and winks.
Haley: You did, but... I was a little worried, when I saw
flashes of light... like lightening.
Haley says softly to Nikki.
Nikki: I'll tell you later.
Nikki whispers to Haley.
Ranger: What did you see? How'd you get out?
Ranger demands, marching up to Linda.
Haley: 'Kay.
Haley murmurs back.
Nikki: Unfortunately with all of the cave-ins I went through the
camera didn't make it.
Nikki lied, as she had dashed the camera against a rock as soon
as she was out of the mine.
Nikki: But here's your helmet and flash light.
Nikki says handing them to the ranger.
Ranger: Damn... What did you see, then?
Ranger demands again, as he accepts the camera.
Nikki: In all of the spelunking I have done I have never seen a
more dangerous place. The entrance should be cemented shut so
that nobody else can get in. And as for the missing camper.....I
didn't see any sign of him.
Nikki says to the ranger. She puts her arm around Haley and
leads her toward their campsite....a mischievous smile on her
face.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 384--------------------------------------------------
Part 6
By: 22639 Date: July 5, 2012, 11:58 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Nua Tosu Administration offices...10:00 AM***
[/center]
Deputy Wallis: When did you first notice Miss Colsen missing?
Deputy Wallis asks the older girls' Adult Supervisor.
Adult Supervisor: I take roll call every morning at 6:00
AM...before I take the girls to breakfast. She wasn't there
then.
The Adult Supervisor answers.
Deputy Wallis:And nobody saw when she left?
Deputy Wallis asks, jotting notes in his notebook.
Adult Supervisor: If they did they aren't saying.
The Adult Supervisor says.
Tammy: You have to remember, Deputy, these kids are street kids
and they would rather die than rat on each other.
Tammy, Nikki's administrative assistant, explains.
Adult Supervisor: We take roll call every night at 9:00 PM.
She could have slipped out anytime after that.
Deputy Wallis: Has she done this before?
Adult Supervisor: There's nothing in her record stating she has.
I've only been their Adult Supervisor a month and this is the
first time any of my girls have not been at roll call.
Tammy: Haley has been a model resident since she's been here.
She is one of our success stories.
Deputy Wallis:Is there anyone she has gotten particularly close
to? Someone who she might have confided in about her plans?
Adult Supervisor: The only person she has seemed to be close
to, since I've been here, is Miss Flynn.
Deputy Wallis:Miss Flynn. That's the owner of the
ranch....right?
The Adult Supervisor nods silently.
Tammy nods silently.
Deputy Wallis:And where can I find Miss Flynn?
Tammy looks at her watch.
Tammy: This time of day....she's usually working down at the
barn.
Deputy Wallis: Ok. Thank you, ladies. If you should hear from
Miss Colsen give me a call.
Deputy Wallis says and hands both women a business card. He
tips his hat and leaves the office. He heads for the barn.
Richard is standing next to the cab of a Peterbilt that has
brought a load of hay and is talking to the truck driver. He
has a clipboard in his hands. He signs the sheet of paper on
the clipboard and hands it back to the driver who climbs into
the truck cab.
Deputy Wallis: Excuse me.
Deputy Wallis says as he approaches the man whom he saw sign
something...leading him to believe that the man must be someone
in authority.
Richard turns toward the police Deputy.
Richard: Yes?
Deputy Wallis: Could you tell me where I could find Miss Flynn?
Richard: I'm afraid she hasn't come in yet this morning. I'm
the ranch foreman so is there something I can do for you,
Deputy?
Deputy Wallis walks up to Richard and holds out his hand.
Deputy Wallis: I'm Deputy Wallis and I'm here about the young
lady who is missing.\
Richard quickly wipes the palm of his right hand on his jeans
then takes the Deputy Wallis's hand and gives it a quick shake
before letting it go.
Richard: Richard Williams.
Richard introduces himself.
Deputy Wallis: Are you expecting Miss Flynn soon, Mr. Williams?
Richard: Well.....since she's the owner of the place....and my
boss....she doesn't really have a schedule. Sometimes she's here
before the rest of us and sometimes...if she has a meeting in
the city she will stay at a friend's place in the city the night
before so we won't see her until later in the day when her
meeting or meetings are over.
Deputy Wallis: Do you have a way of contacting her if you need
her?
Richard: All I have is her cell phone number.
Richard answers and fishes his cell phone out of the pouch on
his belt. He flips it open and hits the speed dial number for
Nikki then waits but his call goes straight to her voice mail.
He moves his phone away from his ear and shrugs at Deputy
Wallis.
Richard: All I'm getting is her voice mail. Which isn't
surprising since she turns her phone off when she's in a
meeting.
Deputy Wallis: Darn. I was hoping to talk to her about the
young lady who's missing. According to the young lady's Adult
Supervisor, Miss Flynn and the girl were fairly close and she
might have some idea where the girl might be.
Deputy Wallis says, disappointedly.
Richard:I'm sure she will check in with me at some point. She
usually does. I can have her call you if you leave me your
number.
Deputy Wallis hands Richard one of his business cards.
Deputy Wallis: Ok. I'd really appreciate it.
Deputy Wallis looks around and sees a few of the older boys
helping to unload the load of hay from the flatbed trailer.
Deputy Wallis: How well do you know Miss Colsen, Mr. Williams?
Richard: Miss Colsen?
Richard asks, puzzled.
Deputy Wallis: Haley Colsen. The missing girl.
Richard shakes his head.
Richard: To be honest....The only residents I know by name are
the ones who spend a lot of time down here. Haley.
Richard tries to put a face to the name.
Richard: I really can't recall Nikki...I mean Miss Flynn
spending time exclusively with one particular girl. At least
not when she was down here. Sorry. I wish I could be more
helpful. But my job as ranch foreman doesn't include having
anything more to do with the kids than to supervise them when
they're working around the horses.
Deputy Wallis is obviously disappointed
Deputy Wallis:Ok, Mr. Williams. If you can think of anything at
all that might be helpful, please, give me a call at that
number.
Deputy Wallis says, indicating his business card.
Deputy Wallis:And please ask Miss Flynn to call me.
Richard: I will.
Deputy Wallis: Thanks.
Deputy Wallis says and turns away.
Richard: Have a good day, Deputy Wallis.
Deputy Wallis: Thanks.
Deputy Wallis calls over his shoulder as he heads back to the
administration building and his patrol car.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 387--------------------------------------------------
Part 7
By: 22639 Date: July 22, 2012, 8:21 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki drives to Salt Lake City, Utah where they board an Amtrak
train which they will ride to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From
there they will catch a flight for the last leg of their
journey. By the time the train pulls into the Oklahoma City
station, Nikki can hardly keep her eyes open as they sit in the
upper level of the Observation Car.
Nikki: I don't know about you but I'm going to turn in.
Nikki announces to Haley who is sitting across from her.
Haley: That ah...
Haley is cut off in mid sentence by a yawn.
Haley: sounds like a plan.
Haley concludes a little sheepishly.
Nikki laughs and gets out of her seat.
Nikki: I'm glad Craig thought to get us a sleeper cabin.
Nikki says as she leads the way to the lower level and proceeds
to maneuver along the aisle to their cabin.
Haley: Yeah... Never traveled like this before.
Haley says following Nikki
Nikki finds their cabin and opens the door. She steps aside.
Nikki: Age before beauty.
Nikki says and bows gallantly.
Haley: Yeah, that would be you then.
Haley says making a gesture with her finger.
Nikki wrinkled her nose up at Haley and walked into the cabin.
Nikki: You want the top or bottom berth?
Nikki asked as she picked up her suitcase from the floor by the
door and set it on the table by the window.
Haley: It doesn't matter.
Haley replies with a shrug.
Haley: A bed is a bed.
Haley says honestly.
Nikki: In that case....dibs on the bottom.
Nikki says with a giggle. She takes a pair of sweat pants and a
tank top out of her suitcase and closes it back up.
Haley: 'Kay.
Haley smiles, and crawls up onto the upper bunk without
bothering to change her clothes.
Nikki takes her clothes into the tiny bathroom and changes into
them then literally falls onto her berth.
Nikki: Oh it feels good to lay down.
Nikki sighs contentedly.
Nikki: You comfortable up there, kiddo?
Nikki asks, sleepily as she presses the button to shut off the
lights.
Haley: Uh huh.
Haley agrees in a yawn, her eyes already drooping to sleep.
Nikki: Nite, partner.
Nikki says...her words slurring slightly as she drifts into a
dreamless sleep.
Haley falls asleep quickly. About 3 hours later, her pleasant
dreams, turn less so.
Nikki wakes up hearing child like whimpers coming from the berth
above her. As the fog of sleep lifts, she becomes aware of Haley
tossing and turning. She gets out of bed and moves one of the
chairs from the table over to the side of the beds and climbs
onto the chair then switches on the small light over the upper
berth.
Nikki: Haley?
Nikki she says, gently placing her hand on Haley's shoulder and
nudging it.
Nikki: Haley.....wake up, sweetie.
Nikki says, giving Haley's shoulder a little firmer nudge.
Haley: NOO!
Haley screams as she comes awake and bolts into a sitting
position. She then looks around herself widely, trying to
remember where she was.
Nikki hoists herself up onto the top berth and quickly wraps
Haley in her arms.
Nikki: Shhhh. It's Ok. You're safe. It was just a dream. Shhhh.
Nikki whispers comfortingly.
Haley: N-N-Nikki?
Haley stutters.
Nikki: I'm here, baby. I'm right here. You're safe, baby girl.
Shhhh
Nikki holds Haley tight as she feels the girl's body start
shaking.
Haley turns into Nikki's hold and starts crying, allowing
herself to accept outside strength, for once
Nikki: It's Ok, baby. I'm here. You're safe. It was just a
dream, honey. Whatever it was....it wasn't real. You're safe. I
won't let anyone hurt you ever again. Shhhh.
Nikki begins to gently rock back and forth while holding Haley
tight as the girl shakes uncontrollably for a while. Nikki knows
about how powerful nightmares can be. She has been haunted with
ones that surround an incident she went through while serving as
a surgical nurse in WWII.
Haley: No. It was real. It was.
Haley sobs.
Haley: It wasn't a dream, it was a memory.
Nikki stops rocking and lowers her head, cocking it to the side
so she can sort of see Haley's face.
Nikki: A memory?
Nikki asks.
Nikki: Memory of what?
Nikki asks softly.
Haley shakes her head, not wanting to answer.
Nikki: You know.....if you don't talk about a nightmare.....it
won't go away and you'll have it again.
Nikki says even though she isn't completely sure she fully
believes that adage
Haley: Memory was of my dad. And...
Haley stops and shakes her head slightly.
Nikki keeps her arms around Haley and gently caresses her
shoulder.
Nikki: And what, baby? It's Ok. You can’t keep this shit locked
up inside you forever. It will have to come out eventually and
it's better that it does under your terms...not its.
Nikki says, encouragingly.
Haley: It was... it was a memory of what my dad... what he did
to me. He said, 'cause my mom died it was my responsibility to
fill her shoes.
Haley says softly.
Nikki closes her eyes and has to fight to keep from shaking her
head in disgust. She tightens her hold on Haley as it seems that
the tighter she holds her the less she shakes.
Nikki: Oh, baby. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. I
promise....you will never have to go through that again. Nobody
is going to hurt you as long as I'm around. I swear that on my
sainted mother's grave.
Nikki whispers into Haley's hair as she holds the girl tight,
gently caresses her shoulder and rocks her back and forth.
Haley: I was 12 when my mom died. Thirteen when dad came and
told me that I was old enough to fill Mom's shoes.
Haley cries into Nikki's arms.
Nikki gets the feeling that this is the first time Haley has let
out all of the emotions that had been building all these years.
Nikki: Ok. It's Ok, baby. Just let it all out. You're safe I've
got you. It's Ok.
Nikki says soothingly.
Haley: I hate him! I never wanna see him again...
Haley sobs.
Nikki: You won't. That's why we're doing this. I'd rather spend
the rest of my life on the run than let that son of a
bitch....or anyone else, for that matter, put their hands on you
ever again.
Nikki says with conviction.
Haley doesn't say anything, just continues to sob into Nikki's
comforting arms.
After several minutes of gently rocking and caressing Haley,
Nikki becomes aware that she has begun to softly hum an old
Irish lullaby that her mother used to sing to her.
Haley slowly begins to calm down, with the soothing rocking and
the lullaby.
Haley: N-N-Nikki...
Haley whispers very hesitantly.
Nikki: Yes, baby?
Nikki says softly.
Haley: I... I don't wanna sleep alone.
Haley says her voice barely even as loud as a whisper.
Nikki stops rocking Haley and gently releases her hold on her.
She places two fingers under Haley's chin and lifts her face up
so they can look into each others eyes. With her thumb she
gently wipes the tears from Haley's cheeks and smiles warmly.
Nikki: You don't have to. You can sleep with me tonight. Ok?
Nikki says, reassuringly
Haley nods slowly almost hesitantly.
Haley: Okay.
Haley says in a whispered reply.
Nikki: You ready to try and get some sleep?
Nikki asks, softly.
Haley nods without saying anything, and simply waits for Nikki
to make the first move.
Nikki lets go of Haley and climbs down off of the top berth. She
moves the chair out of the way and climbs into her own berth,
pulling the covers back and patting the side of the bed nearest
the wall....figuring Haley would feel more secure not being on
the "exposed" side of the bed.
Haley slides down from the top bunk and moves into the space
indicated by Nikki. Laying down on her side and curling up,
facing the wall.
Nikkiturns on her side facing Haley and puts her arm,
protectively, over the girl.
Nikki: I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. You're safe.
Nikki places a soft kiss on Haley's back and closes her eyes.
Haley stares at the wall for bit, before exhaustion finally over
comes her. Her eyes drift close, and Haley falls asleep. And
into what, for the first time it seams that she can remember, is
a dreamless sleep.[center]
To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 392--------------------------------------------------
Part 8
By: 22639 Date: July 27, 2012, 9:32 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
“Ladies and gentlemen. The captain would like to let you know
that we will be landing in Dublin in 20 minutes. So please put
your seat backs and tray tables in their upright position and
fasten your seat belts. Thank you," the flight attendant
announces and Nikki folds her tray table away and sits her seat
up straight. She looks over at Haley and smiles.
Nikki: Wait until you see Ireland. It is so beautiful this time
of year.
Nikki says as she fastens her seat belt.
Haley: I'll take your word for it.
Haley smiles, a little nervously.
Haley: Before this... trip, I'd never been out of Washington.
Liam: Ok, Brandon.....ease up on the reins. He knows the
course....let him have his head.
Liam calls out from where he's sitting on the top of the fence
surrounding the small arena that Brandon is working out a new
jumper in.
Brandon only nods as he does as he's instructed, he sighs
inwardly though, his boss is still treating him like a kid. He
might be young but he knew what he was doing.
When the horse "joggles" the bit around in his mouth and balks
at the next hurdle, Liam jumps down from the fence and heads
over to Brandon and the horse.
Liam: Hold up, Brandon.
Liam says as he approaches Brandon and his mount.
Brandon: What is it, duine? (Sir in Gaelic)
Brandon asks as he tries to stop the horse so Liam can get near
them.
Liam steps up to the horse and takes a look in its mouth.
Liam: Aye. Just what I thought. We're going to have to use a
snaffle bit with him. He's figured out a way of working his
tongue over the top of the bit so he has all of the control.
Liam says shaking his head. He reaches up and scratches the
horse's forehead.
Liam: Think you're pretty smart, eh, big boy?
Liam says with a chuckle to the horse.
Liam: It's obvious that he has had some training in jumping but
he's still pretty green.
Liam says stepping back to look the horse over.
Liam: But if you work with him, religiously, Brandon....I think
you can turn him into a winner. I know that you had to sell your
horse when your parents died and you haven't had one of your own
since you've been here. So if you'd like....this big boy is
yours.
Liam says, lifting his hat and wiping the sweat from his brow
with the sleeve of his shirt.
Brandon stares at Liam, his eyes open wide with amazement.
Brandon: I... I... Really, Mr Flynn?
Brandon manages to say after being speechless for a while.
Liam chuckles.
Liam: Yes. Really. And for God's sake, Brandon....it's about
time you stopped with the Mr. Flynn. It makes me feel
so....ancient. Call me Liam. Or anything but Mr. Flynn.
Liam says, shaking his head and chuckling.
Liam: Or late for a pint.
Liam adds, jokingly.
Brandon: Yes, duine.
Brandon nods without daring to take his offer to call him by his
first name.
Liam looks up at Brandon. Although he shakes his head in
frustration he smiles appreciatively.
Liam: You're a good lad, Brandon Cavanagh. Your Da and Ma would
be proud.
Liam says and pats the horse on the hindquarters.
Liam: Go ahead and cool him off and let him out in the North
pasture.
Liam says and turns and heads for the arena gate.
Brandon pats the neck of the horse before he does what he's boss
has ordered him, he still can't believe he'd just given him this
horse.
Brandon: Come on, boy. I'll take care of you.
Brandon murmurs before he urges him to move.
When the plane comes to a stop and the flight attendants open
the door, Nikki gets up and takes her's and Haley's carry ons
out of the overhead cabinet and hands Haley's to her. She leads
the way out of the plane, through the passenger loading tunnel
and gets in line at the Customs counter.
Nikki: Got you passport ready?
Nikki asks Haley.
Haley quickly follows after Nikki.
Haley: Yup, right here.
Haley says holding it up.
Ten minutes later, Nikki has her stamped passport and her carry
on bag and she exits through the Customs turnstile then turns
and waits for Haley.
A couple minutes after Nikki, Haley also passes through the
turnstile with a stamped passport.
Haley: Okay, what next?
Haley asks.
Nikki: Look for a sign that says, "Executive Auto Rental. They
should be around the terminal some where.
Nikki says, looking around.
Haley: You mean like that one?
Haley asks pointing to the sign that was directly next to them.
Nikki looks up and smacks her forehead with the heel of her
hand.
Nikki: Duh! If it were a snake it would have bit me.
Nikki says, laughing. She heads for the car rental counter.
Craig had already set it up and all she has to do is check in
and the car rental agent hands her the keys to a near new Range
Rover.
Nikki: Thank you.
Nikki says to the agent and turns and leads Haley out of the
terminal and to the agency's lot. The valet goes and gets the
SUV and a few minutes later Nikki drives out of the Dublin
Airport and heads South East.
Liam finishes stacking bails of hay behind the main barn and
walks inside, removing his work gloves and pounding them on the
leg of his jeans to get rid of the loose hay and dust. He walks
through the barn to where Brandon is giving his new horse a
bath.
Liam: Say, Brandon....got any plans for tonight?
Liam asks as he grabs the hose and gets a drink of water from
it.
Brandon: Not really, maybe just watch some football game on TV,
or something.
Brandon shrugs before he bends down to rinse the cloth he was
using in the water bucket by his feet.
Liam: Why don't you come up to the main house and have dinner
with me? Beth is in London....again...and Mrs. O'Brian is at her
son's house in Kilkinney and I hate to eat alone.
Liam says, setting the hose back in the bucket.
Brandon: Oh I'd love that Mr... Liam.
Brandon says tentatively, remembering in time he'd asked him to
call him that way.
Liam: Great. Come on up when you've finished here. It's not
going to be anything special. I'm just grilling a couple of
steaks on the barbeque.
Liam says and claps Brandon on the shoulder.
Liam: See you then.
Brandon: OK, I'm about finished here.
Brandon answers after Liam, he sighs at the fact that he has to
leave the horse soon, he'd almost spend the night near him if he
had a choice.
Liam adds and turns to leave. He heads for his office in the
main barn to finish some paperwork before going "home" for the
night.
Once Nikki drives out of the city limits she takes some of the
back roads to show off some of her favorite sites to Haley. The
first is the cliffs that the small highway follows for a while.
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Next they drive past a hillside castle and Nikki pulls over to
the side of the road so that Haley can check it out.
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A little farther along the coast they come to a stairway that
descends down to the beach.
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Haley: Oh, wow.
Haley says looking down the pathway.
Nikki: Now that's the first time I've ever seen sheep on it.
Nikki says a bit surprised.
Haley: It's a bit steep.
Haley says softly.
From there, Nikki heads inland and the landscape begins to
change. They drive through small town after small town....each
with its own unique "personality".
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[center]***3 hours later***[/center]
Nikki drives into Raheen. As she drives past the Inn/tavern
where she and Methos had stayed the last time she was here, her
stomach knots up and she begins replaying their time here.
Although she is trying not to show any expression, a look of
melancholy comes over her face.
Haley: So um... Nikki?
Haley asks hesitantly.
Nikki: Hmmm?
Nikki says, coming back to the here and now.
Haley: Where are we going?
Haley asks, hoping to distract Nikki from whatever thought put
that sad look on her face.
Nikki: The Smaragaid Parthas Ranch just out of town here.
Nikki says.
Nikki: And that is Gaelic for Emerald Paradise
Nikki adds.
Haley: Emerald Paradise Ranch... why there?
Haley asks curiously, sensing that this is their final
destination.
Nikki: My father runs it. Actually he owns it but nobody knows
he's the owner. They think he's just the foreman. Oh. And
FYI....he's like me.
Nikki says and glances sideways to see Haley's reaction.
Haley: Like you...
Haley says slowly and looks over to Nikki.
Nikki nods.
Haley: Like the whole heads, and lightening and immortal thing?
Haley clarifies, more for herself.
Nikki: Yep. The whole heads, lightening and Immortal thing.
Nikki says with a chuckle. She is amazed at how easily Haley has
accepted everything.
Haley: Is he like you? Or like... that other guy?
Haley asks, referencing the immortal she had reason not to like.
Nikki: He was the best father a girl could have. A good man...a
wonderful husband and a great father.
Nikki says, proudly. She decides Haley doesn't need to know that
Liam Flynn's only transgression was not telling Nikki what she
would be someday and preparing her for it.
Nikki: You'll like him.
Nikki says reassuringly.
Haley: Right, so a 180 from MY dad.
Haley says relaxing a little.
Soon Nikki turns onto a small road covered by a canopy of trees.
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On either side of the road are pastures with Andalusians,
Friesians, Arabians and a few random rare breeds of all colors
and markings. The pastures are covered in green grasses and the
white fences that separate each pasture class it all up.
Nikki: When I was a kid.....the horse ranch we lived on was
called the Emerald Paradise It was where my Da was most happy so
when he took over this ranch he gave it the same name. Kind of
fitting, though.....right?
Nikki says as she admires the emerald green grass covered
pastures.
Haley: Yeah. It's an apt name.
Haley replies, looking at all the lush emerald pastures.
Liam sets a match to the coals in the brick barbeque in the back
yard of the main house. When the coals are not flaming as much
he places two thick steaks on the grill and smothers one side of
each steak with his own barbeque sauce concoction.
Brandon goes around the main house to the backyard, following
his nose, after he stopped by his place to take a quick shower.
He finds Liam busy making their dinner.
Brandon: You want some help?
Liam opens an ice chest that is sitting on one end of the picnic
table and takes out a bottle of Guinness and tosses it to
Brandon.
Liam: Nope. Got it all under control. Just sit back and relax.
Did you say that there was a game on the telly tonight?
Liam says as he gently turns the steaks over and smothers the
other side of them in sauce.
Brandon is startled when Liam throws him a bottle but manages to
catch it in the air. He nods in thanks before he opens it.
Brandon: Yeah, the Olympics, Spain is playing against Japan. I
wish it was Ireland.
Brandon shrugs before he takes a sip.
Liam:What time?
Liam asks as he walks over to the table and picks up the pile of
silverware laying next to the cooler and places settings on
either side of the table.
Brandon moves the bottle to his other hand to check his watch.
Brandon: Should be starting I think.
Liam: Really? In that case.....
Liam says as he carries two plates over to the barbeque and
places a steak on each plate. He carries them back to the table
and sets them down then hurries into the house, returning
pushing a portable TV stand with a 52" flat screen TV on it. He
pushes it over by the table and plugs it into an outdoor socket
and turns it on then he sits down at the table across from
Brandon.
Liam: There's salad in that bowl...
Liam says pointing to a large bowl filled with fresh greens.
Liam: And baked potatoes, sour cream and butter.
Liam says pointing to the foil wrapped potatoes and butter dish.
Liam: I put you in charge of finding the station the game is on.
Liam says handing the TV remote to Brandon as he cuts a chunk
off of his steak and puts it in his mouth.
Brandon frowns trying to remember which TV channel he read it
was on, he tries the one most likely and when he doesn't see it
he moves to the next until he finds a football game.
Brandon: Hey look, Great Britain against Senegal.
Brandon says in surprise.
Brandon: I think I missed reading about that.
Liam happily focuses on enjoying his steak, Guinness and the
game.
Halfway down the tree covered lane Nikki sees something out of
the corner of her eye that catches her attention and she stops
the Range Rover to get a better look. She gets out and walks
over to the fence. The pasture is on the side of a small hill
and standing on the top of that hill is a pure white Friesian
stallion.
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Haley gets out, and follows Nikki to the fence.
Nikki: Oh my God. He's gorgeous.
Nikki exclaims.
Haley: Uh huh.
Haley agrees.
The stallion tosses his head and his long main seems to float
around him like feathers. His coat glistens in the sunlight
making him look as though he were made of glass. Nikki watches
the stallion for a few minutes then turns and heads back to the
car and gets back in.
Liam lets out a whoop and pounds the top of the table when the
Great Britain team scores a goal.
Haley follows Nikki's lead, and returns to the range rover, when
Nikki does, after admiring the beautiful animal.
Brandon: Yeah! Way to score!
Brandon hollers, almost choking on his bite of steak.
Nikki continues their drive along the lane. Just as the main
house comes into view, Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal
and she smiles, knowing that it's her father.
Liam suddenly feels the buzz of an Immortal. He freezes in mid
motion of taking a bite of his steak, then slowly lowers his
fork and looks around.
Liam: Ummmmm.....Brandon? You'll have to excuse me for a minute.
Let me know what happens.
Liam says and gets to his feet.
Brandon: Is anything wrong, boss?
Brandon asks, seeing the look of concern on Liam's face.
Liam: Hope not.
Liam mutters and heads into the house. He goes to the front door
and takes his sword down from the display rack above the door,
holds it, blade pointing upward, behind his shoulder and opens
the front door.
Nikki clears the tree lined lane and pulls the Range Rover up to
the white picket fence that surrounds the front yard of the main
house.
Nikki: We're here.
Nikki announces to Haley, then she sees her father step out onto
the front porch and she opens the car door and gets out.
Haley: He's got a sword..
Haley murmurs softly, getting out of the car, after Nikki.
Nikki: Of course he does.
Nikki says with a giggle.
Nikki: He felt me coming but didn't know it was me.
Nikki explains and waves to Liam.
Haley: Oh.
Haley says softly, slowly following Nikki.
Liam sees Nikki get out of the car and his mouth drops open in
surprise. He steps back through the front door and replaces his
sword in the rack then steps back out onto the front porch.
Nikki walks up to the little gate in the fence, opens it and
runs toward Liam.
Liam meets his daughter halfway down the walk and scoops her up
into his arms.
Liam: Nicayla? What the hell?
Liam says and laughs.
Nikki throws her arms around Liam and giggles...feeling like she
did when she was a child
and would run to greet her father after he had been gone on a
business trip.
Nikki: Hi, Da.
Nikki says as he whirls her around.
Haley enters the little gated fence, and carefully shuts the
gate behind her, watching Nikki and her dad, wishing she could
even contemplate greeting her father in such a way.
Nikki says as he whirls her around.
Liam stops and lets go of Nikki and steps back to get a look at
his daughter.
Liam: What are you doing here?
Liam asks, incredulously.
Liam: And why didn't you let me know you were coming?
Liam adds.
Nikki: It was kind of a spur of the moment trip.
Nikki says with a shrug.
Nikki: It's a long story.
Nikki says a bit sheepishly.
Liam looks into his daughter's emerald green eyes and recognizes
the look in them.
Liam: Ok. What kind of trouble are you in?
Liam asks softly, keeping part of his attention on the strange
young girl standing by the gate.
Nikki: Who says I'm in trouble?
Nikki asks, smiling innocently up at Liam.
Liam rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
Liam: You forget who you're talking to, young lady. You were
never a very good liar and you, especially, could never lie to
me.
Liam says and puts his arm around Nikki's shoulder, giving her a
quick, one armed hug.
Nikki: Da? I'd like you to meet some one.
Nikki says pulling away and turning back to look at Haley. She
motions Haley to join her.
Haley hesitantly moves over to Nikki, and her father.
Nikki: Da? This is Haley. Haley this is my father, Liam Flynn.
Nikki says.
Liam: Nice to meet you, Haley.
Liam says and holds out his hand for her to shake.
Liam: Welcome to the Emerald Paradise Ranch.
Haley: Hi.
Haley says quite softly, reaching her hand out, to take Liam's.
Liam: Let's go inside. Are you girls hungry? I just made dinner
for a friend of mine and myself.
Liam says putting his arm back around Nikki's shoulder and
steering her towards the house.
Nikki: A friend? Where's Beth?
Nikki asks, quirking an eyebrow.
Haley trails silently after Nikki and Liam.
Liam: She's in London. And yes. My friend is actually my right
hand man here at the ranch. If I weren't the foreman he would
be. I think you met him briefly when you were here last.
Liam explains as he guides the girls up the steps and into the
house.
Liam: We're out in the back yard. Why don't you ladies join us
and get something to eat then we can talk later in private and
you can tell me what kind of trouble you're in.
Liam suggests....but his tone leaves no room for declining his
suggestion.
Nikki shrugs, recognizing her father's tone of voice and knowing
that it would be useless to argue with him, so she follows him
through the kitchen and into the back yard.
Liam walks up to the picnic table and gestures for Nikki and
Haley to have a seat.
Liam: Brandon? We have a surprise visitor. This is my daughter,
Nicayla and her friend, Haley. They've come all the way from the
States.
Liam announces as he cuts his large steak in two and puts a
piece on plates and sets them in front of Haley and Nikki.
Haley eyes the boy, for a moment, then smiles hesitantly, as
Liam introduces him, and slides into a free seat at the table.
Brandon: Nice to meet you.
Brandon says, looking up a little embarrassed, looking down at
his plate when it was polite to do so.
Nikki: Hi, Brandon.
Nikki says simply as she sits down at the table. When her father
places a plate with the steak on it in front of her she smiles
up at him and says, Thank you, Da."
Liam: There's salad and potatoes if you want them.
Liam says and indicates the salad bowl.
Haley: Thanks, Mr. Flynn.
Haley murmurs
Liam: Please, Haley....call me Liam. We don't stand on ceremony
around here.
Liam says with a grin.
Liam: What's the score?
Liam asks Brandon as he sits down across from Brandon and next
to Nikki and picks up his Guinness and takes a swig.
Brandon: Still the same.
Brandon answers, thankful he has a reason to look up so he had
an excuse to look around. He'd like to take a closer look to
Liam's daughter friend.
Nikki: What are you watching?
Nikki asks as she takes a bite of the steak....even though it is
cooked more than she likes.
Haley cuts the steak, to make it easy for more mindless eating.
Liam: Great Britain vs. Senegal.
Liam answers Nikki.
Liam: Want an ale?
Liam asks his daughter.
Nikki: Sure.
Nikki says with a nod.
Liam: Brandon? There are some sodas in the fridge in the
kitchen. Would you get one for Haley, please?
Liam asks Brandon as he gets a bottle of Guinness out of the
cooler, opens it and hands it to Nikki.
Brandon: Sure.
Brandon nods as he gets to his feet.
Nikki: So who's winning?
Nikki asks and takes a sip of her Guinness
Liam: I believe it's a tie.
Liam answers, taking another sip of his ale.
Liam: How's your steak?
Liam asks both Haley and Nikki.
Brandon walks to the fridge still looking back, he gets a soda
and takes it to the backyard.
Haley: Very good, thank you.
Haley replies quickly, since she was in between bites.
Nikki: Good. Thank you. All I've had to eat since we got on the
plane in Philly was airplane food and that’s not enough to feed
a canary.
Nikki says, taking another bite of her steak.
Haley: If it doesn't kill you first.
Haley adds after Nikki, regarding the airplane food, with a
smile.
Nikki: Exactly.
Nikki agrees with a giggle.
Brandon: I hope it's not too cool.
Brandon says as he puts the soda in front of Haley glad he had
something to say to her.
Liam: Haley? Can I get you anything else?
Liam asks, seeing how ravished the girl seems to be.
Haley: No, I'm good.
Haley replies to Liam, and then looks to Brandon, "Thank you."
Just then Great Britain scores another goal and Liam whoops,
joyfully.
Liam: They're on fire tonight.
Liam exclaims.
Nikki takes another bite of her steak and shakes her head,
looking at both Liam and Brandon.
Nikki: Men and their sports.
Nikki says, still shaking her head.
Brandon hurries back to his seat, he missed the goal but luckily
he still can catch on the replay.
Haley rolls her eyes as both the guys cheer. Soccer wasn't a
sport she carried for.
Nikki finishes her steak and grabs the salad bowl and serves
herself some of the fresh greens then pours some dressing on it
and digs in.
Liam finishes his own salad and folds his paper plate in half
and stuffs it in a small trash bag taped to the end of the
table. He takes another sip of his ale and checks to make sure
Haley and Nikki seem to be taken care of then turns his
attention back to the game.
Haley finishes her steak, and refills her plate with potato
salad and little lettuce salad.
Brandon keeps eating still watching the game, between watching
the game and side glancing at Haley, he barely knew what he was
eating.
Nikki finishes her salad and takes washes it down with some ale
then sits back and holds her stomach...a look of satisfaction on
her face.
Liam looks over at Nikki and smiles.
Haley sees that Nikki has finished eating, and begins to think
twice about more potato salad, as she works on finishing what is
currently on her plate.
Liam: Finished, Banphrionsa?
Liam asks (Gaelic for princess).
Nikki: Yes. Go raibh maith agat.
Nikki answers (Gaelic for than you).
Liam folds up Nikki's paper plate and stuffs it in the trash bag
with his. Just then the Great Britain team scores another goal
and Liam cheers, delightedly.
Nikki laughs at her father's excitement. When she was living at
home....there was no TV and no sports for him to watch so seeing
this more modernized side of him warms her heart.
Brandon: Yeah.
Brandon cheers when Great Britain scores yet another goal, only
the fact that he isn't alone can keep him on his seat.
Brandon: You don't like football?
Brandon asks the girls slightly surprised, they were acting like
nothing had happened.
Haley can't help but to smirk slightly.
Haley: I like football. It's soccer I find boring.
Nikki: And I only pay attention to 3 sports. Baseball, Pool and
equestrian events.
Nikki answers.
Liam: My Americanized daughter.
Liam says with a laugh.
Brandon: Oh equestrian events, I'm with you on that one.
Brandon nods with a smile.
Nikki sees the way Brandon looks at Haley and she smiles
inwardly.
Haley: Do you compete?
Haley asks.
Nikki: Haley's becoming quite the horsewoman herself.
Nikki says proudly, hoping to spur some conversation between the
two.
Brandon: Hmm I used to but not anymore... I mean...
Brandon smiles when he remembers he just got a horse.
Brandon: I mean not yet.
Liam sees that Haley and Brandon have begun to converse so he
looks over at Nikki and nods toward the house then gets to his
feet.
Haley: I love to watch Three day eventing, but I have competed
in barrel racing. You have to travel too far to do the three day
eventing.
Haley says softly.
Liam: Keep track of the score, backlóg.
Liam says to Brandon (Gaelic for Buddy). He heads for the
house.
Brandon: Aye, duine.
Brandon nods remembering to keep an eye on the TV for a moment
he'd forgotten all about the game.
Nikki gets up and follows her father into the house.
Liam leads Nikki into the study and closes the door behind them
He takes a seat on the sofa and pats the seat next to him.
Liam: Now....tell your Da what you're running from.
Liam says with a knowing smile.
Haley: So umm... what's Liam like?
Haley asks, as Nikki and her father walk off.
Brandon: Oh, he's OK. He just got me a horse so I can start
competing again.
Brandon smiles as he moves his gaze between Haley and the TV,
trying not to miss anything.
Brandon: I couldn't ask for a better boss.
Haley: He got you a horse?
Haley asks a little surprised.
Brandon: Yes, a jumper... that's what I used to do... before.
Brandon sighs looking at the TV, he didn't want to mention the
part he had to sell the horses.
Haley: Wow. That's pretty cool.
Haley says.
Brandon stands up and moves to the cooler to get another ale,
trying to keep an eye on both Haley and the TV. Then he stares
at Haley with a smile.
Brandon: You want a beer instead? I won't tell?
Haley: I'd love one.
Haley says with a smile.
Brandon gets two beers out of the cooler, and puts them on the
table before he resumes his seat.
Haley opens the bottle and takes a swig of beer.
Brandon: I don't think Liam will mind, but if you rather he
doesn't know just push the bottle in front of me if you sense
they're coming.
Haley: Okay. I'm pretty sure, Nikki knows I've drank before
but...
Haley shrugs, half smiling.
Brandon: So how long are you staying?
Brandon asks, hoping she says she's be there tomorrow at least.
Haley: I dunno for sure. A few days at least, I think... As long
as Liam doesn't kick us out.
Haley replies, a little unsure.
Brandon: I don't think he'd do that.
Haley: I hope not.
Haley smiles at Brandon.
Liam listens quietly and patiently as Nikki explains the
situation. When she has finished he gets up and walks over to
the large desk and opens the thermadore sitting on it and fills
one of the Meerschaum pipes leaning against it. He lights the
pipe and walks over to the window and stares out of it as he
puffs, thoughtfully on the pipe.
Brandon looks at his bottle trying to get a way to suggest they
went to ride together. Then he tries to look nonchalantly, like
he just got the idea.
Nikki watches her father and the longer that he is silent the
more she feels like a teenager again waiting for him to figure
out what punishment befit whatever "crime" she had committed.
She shifts her weight in her seat, uncomfortably.
Brandon: Say, why don't I show you around tomorrow? I could get
you a horse, since you ride?
Haley: That'd be awesome.
Haley beams at Brandon.
Liam sees Nikki shift her weight out of the corner of his eye
but he doesn't let on. Inwardly he smiles a bit, pleased to see
that she hasn't lost that sense of respect for his position as
the father. Finally he takes a puff of his pipe and blows a
smoke ring toward the ceiling. Then he clears his throat and
turns to look at his daughter.
Brandon: Good.
Brandon smiles at Haley.
Liam: I know that your decision was not easily come by. You
sacrificed a lot. Which tells me how much Haley means to you.
It's a shame that we can't have kids of our own because you
would have made a wonderful mother. You remind me of your Ma.
May she rest in peace.
Liam says and crosses himself. He walks over and sits back down,
setting his pipe in the ashtray on the end table. He turns and
places the palm of his hand on Nikki's cheek and looks into her
eyes, lovingly.
Liam: I am so very proud of you, Nicayla. You have grown into a
fine, upstanding and intelligent woman. No father could be
prouder.
Liam says, softly.
Liam: Of course you and Haley are more than welcome to stay as
long as you want and I will do whatever I can to help you find a
way to fix this so you and Haley can get your lives back.
Consider this your home for as long as you want, bazillions
Liam says with a smile. He leans forward and kisses Nikki on her
forehead.
Nikki: Go raibh maith agat, Da. Is breá liom tú.
Nikki whispers as she puts her arms around her father's neck and
hugs him. (Gaelic for Thank you. I love you).
Liam: Now. What say we go check on the score of that game and
when it's over I'll show you ladies to your rooms.
Liam says more as a strong suggestion than a question, and he
gets to his feet.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 395--------------------------------------------------
Part 9
By: 22639 Date: August 7, 2012, 2:43 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Around midnight***[/center]
Haley sighs in discuss, and tosses the covers back, getting out
of bed. According to the clock by the bed, it was 12:08am, and
Haley couldn't sleep.
Haley: Jet lag.
Haley growls to herself. Not wanting to stay in bed any longer,
or in the room, which seems stuffy, Haley walked to the door and
carefully eased it open. The house is utterly silent. Walking
down the hallway, Haley comes to the living room, and sees
flashes of lightening, indicating a storm in the distance.
Haley: Sweet.
A creaking board manages to filter its way through the fog of
sleep and Liam wakes up, although he isn't quite sure why at
first.
Haley whispers, walking over to the window to watch the
approaching storm, only to trip over a footstool, and stumble.
Haley, freezes listening for sounds from any of the bedrooms.
Hearing nothing, she continues to the window, cursing under her
breath and stopping to stare out the window.
Liam hears a crash coming from down the hall and he sits up in
bed and listens. Used to being the only person in the house
besides Beth and Mrs. O'Brian (the housekeeper)...and knowing
that neither of the women are there has set off an inner alarm.
But then he remembers that Nikki and Haley are there so he
listens to see if it might be one of them.
After a few minutes of watching the storm, Haley realizes she's
hungry, hoping there was something that wouldn't be missed in
the fridge, me makes her way, tiptoeing, to the fridge.
Liam doesn't hear anything else and he lays back down and closes
his eyes but realizes that he's too awake now to go right back
to sleep. A picture of a platter of sliced roast beef that he
knows is sitting on the second shelf of the fridge enters his
mind and he can't get it out of his head. Plus it has made him
hungry so he gets up and heads down to the kitchen. As he
crosses the threshold from the dining room to the kitchen, he
reaches over and flips on the overhead light.
Haley had just put her hand on the fridge, when suddenly the
overhead light flipped on.
Haley: EEEK!!
Haley half screeches, spinning around and backing up as quickly
as she can, putting space between her, and whoever had flipped
the light on.
Liam is startled, himself, by Haley's startled reaction, since
he wasn't expecting anyone to be in the kitchen. When he sees
who he has startled his shocked expression softens and turns to
one of reassurance.
Liam: I'm sorry, Haley. I didn't know anyone was down here.
Liam says in a soft, soothing voice.
Haley: I-I didn't touch anything.
Haley says defensively, continuing her backing up, until she was
stopped by the kitchen counter.
Liam realizes how scared the girl is and remembers what Nikki
had told him about the girl's history. He holds his hands up and
smiles warmly.
Liam: It's Ok, Haley. I told you to make yourself at home and
that includes the kitchen. I take it you're a midnight
refrigerator raider?
Liam says with a mischievous smile and a jovial wink.
Haley: No.
Haley says flatly, sliding along the counter, putting a bit more
space between her and Liam, her heart beating ferociously in her
throat, her eyes not leaving Liam, unable to bring herself to
believe that he was any different from her father. At least, not
at at 12:15am.
Liam waits until Haley has moved away from the fridge and walks
over to it and opens the door.
Liam: How about a roast beef sandwich? Or maybe a piece of Mrs.
O'Brian's devils food cake and a glass of milk?
Liam suggests, looking into the fridge and taking a quick
inventory.
Haley doesn't say anything, just eying Liam, wondering when the
facade would fall and reveal his true character. All men did
eventually.
Liam looks back at Haley and grins.
Liam: You look like a chocolate cake kind of girl.
Liam says and pulls out the cake dish and removes the lid,
exposing a three layer chocolate cake with fudge frosting.
Haley looks from Liam to the cake and back again.
Haley: Why'r you being nice?
Haley asks, trying to remember that Nikki had said he was the
opposite of her father.
Liam: Well....wow. I don't think I've ever been asked that.
Liam says and rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Liam: To be honest....I don't know how to be anything else.
Liam answers as he takes the platter of sliced roast beef out of
the fridge and sets it on the island counter.
Haley shakes her head slightly, more to herself than to Liam.
Haley: Why'r you being nice, to me?
Haley clarifies.
Haley: What do you want?
Haley asks, just assuming get it in the open.
Liam pulls out a head of lettuce a tomato and a jar of
mayonnaise and sets them all on the center island counter.
Liam: Let's see. What do I want from you. How about your trust?
Your friendship? Or....if it's too soon for either of
those....how about just for you to keep an open mind that not
EVERY man is like what you've been used to?
Liam suggests as he proceeds to build a roast beef sandwich.
Haley watches Liam in silence for several minutes.
Haley: That's not easy.
Haley whispers softly.
Liam: Then I guess I'll have to settle for whatever you want to
give me. And hopefully....as time goes by and you get to know
me....you'll learn to trust me. I'll wish for it on the next
rainbow.
Liam says and winks at Haley. He hands her the cake knife, a
fork and a plate and gets out a frosty glass bottle of milk and
sets it on the counter along with a tall glass.
Haley: Wish for it on a rainbow?
Haley repeated a little confused, and cutting herself a piece of
the cake and sliding it onto the offered plate.
Liam: Every rainbow leads to a Leprechaun's pot of gold....which
is lucky. So if you wish on a rainbow....the wish trickles down
the rainbow into the pot of gold and it will come true.
Liam explains.
Liam: As long as nobody steals the Leprechaun's pot of gold,
that is.
Liam says with a wink as he puts the second piece of bread on
top of his sandwich and takes a bite.
Haley: Never heard of that before.
Haley says softly, pouring herself a glass of the milk, then
glances around for a fork.
Haley: Umm... fork?
Haley asks, not seeing one.
Liam: Oh it's an old Irish legacy. We have a bunch of them. Oh.
I'm sorry. I guess that would be helpful....wouldn't it?
Liam says with a chuckle and gets a fork out of the drawer and
lays it on the counter next to Haley's plate.
Haley: Thank you.
Haley whispers, trying not to flinch away from Liam when he
places the fork at her plate, and steadfastly refusing to allow
herself to actually Move away from him as she took a bite of the
cake.
Liam smiles as he takes another bite of his sandwich. But inside
he is feeling sad at what Haley must have gone through to get
her to this point. It was going to take some time to get her to
see that not all men were animals...slow and sure. Like breaking
a young colt.
Haley chews the piece of cake, and takes another bite, then a
swallow of milk.
Haley: That's really good. Did you make it?
Haley asks.
Liam: Me? Bake a cake?
Liam laughs out loud and shakes his head.
Liam: No. Our housekeeper, Mrs. O'Brian does all of the baking
around here and most of the cooking.
Liam says, taking another bite of his sandwich.
Haley: You don't know how to cook?
Haley asks, a little surprised.
Liam: Well.....you had my barbequed steaks. I'm great at
grilling stuff and I can make a mean omelet and Nicayla always
loved my chocolate chip pancakes.
Liam says with a shrug. He opens the fridge and takes out a
bottle of Guinness and opens it.
Haley: That's it? I guess I... never mind.
Haley finishes her last two words in a whisper looking back down
at her plate, and not Liam, whom she had been looking at.
Liam: No. Go ahead. You just what?
Liam says, encouraging Haley to finish her thought.
Haley: I just figured it'd be something you'd have to learn, as,
as a...
Haley stops before saying the word 'Immortal,' and doesn't take
her eyes off her plate as she speaks, though she does watch Liam
out of the corner of her eye.
Liam leans closer and looks first to the right, then to the left
as if looking to make sure no one was around.
Liam: Immortal?
Liam whispers....as though it is a secret.
Haley: Yeah. As an immortal.
Haley says, still softly, but actually looking up from her
plate, and at Liam.
Liam chuckles and takes a sip of his ale.
Liam: I may be an Immortal but I'm afraid I pretty much a
typical bachelor. I know how to cook just what I need to
survive. For more than that I go to a restaurant. Or at least I
did before hiring Mrs. O'Brian and before my fiance moved in
with me. Now they do most of the cooking. And when Nicayla's
mother was alive...God rest her soul...
Liam crosses himself.
Liam: ...well....Mary was a fantastic cook.
Liam says with a smile.
Haley: See, its the being a bachelor, I figured would um... get
you cooking.
Haley says softly.
Liam: Would you like to know the honest truth, Haley?
Liam says...leaning closer and looking from right to left like
he did before. He cups his hands around his mouth and whispers,
"bachelors only learn to cook to impress the girls." Then he
winks and straightens back up.
Haley twitches her lips, smiling slightly.
Haley: Isn't that reason enough?
Liam shrugs and takes a bite of his sandwich. He washes it down
with some Guinness.
Liam: I suppose it is for most bachelors. I...on the other
hand....have never been much when it comes to the dating scene
and all those games that are played. I was married to the
perfect woman when I was married to Nicayla mother. And I never
figured I'd ever find anyone who could live up to the standards
my Mary set. At least not until I met Beth.
Liam explains.
Haley: And what about sex?
Haley asks flatly, in a way that few could, and nobody should be
capable of.
Liam is a bit surprised by Haley's blunt question and he blinks
a couple of times out of surprise.
Liam: Ummm.....what about it?
Liam asks, secretly wishing Nicayla would get up and come
downstairs and save him from a discussion he isn't quite sure
how to conduct.
Haley: You're a guy. And men don't go without sex. So if you
weren't dating anyone...
Haley clarifies, wondering if she'd found Liam's Dark Mark.
Liam: Contrary to popular belief, lass....there is more to life
and love than sex. Sex is....or at least it should be....the
explanation point at the end of the sentence. Not the whole
sentence. Does that make any sense?
Liam says and takes another quick swig of his ale.
Haley: Love is just a fairy tail, like Santa Claus, just for
adults.
Haley replies with a shrug, quoting what her father had once
told her.
Liam: Oh you are so wrong, dear lass. Love is a wonderful thing
when it is between the right people. But there are more than one
type of love, you know. For example.....there's the love that
Nicayla has for you. That is a special kind of love.
Liam says realizing just how jaded Haley's life has made her.
Haley blinks a little in surprise and looks over at Liam.
Haley: That... that's love?
Haley asks, not even realizing that what she felt for Nikki and
knew Nikki felt for her, even had a name.
Liam smiles broadly and nods.
Liam: Yes, stew lass. That is love. At least one kind of love.
Liam hopes he never runs into the man who dared to call himself
Haley's father. He doesn't think he would be able to control his
urge to slowly castrate the man.
Haley just stares at Liam in amazement.
Liam: Want another example?
Liam asks after swallowing the last bite of his sandwich.
Haley just nods her head silently, eyes wide.
Liam: You know how Nikki is with her horse back home? And how
they are together?
Liam asks, quirking an eyebrow, questioningly.
Liam: That is love, too. She loves Blaze and he loves her.
Liam says and finishes his ale while he gives Haley a chance to
think it over.
Haley shakes her head slightly, as she eats another piece of
cake.
Haley: I... I had no idea.
Liam: Then there's the love I have for her. I don't know if
Nicayla has told you that Immortals have no real parents. At
least none that we know of. We are all foundlings. From the time
we brought Nicaea into our home.....she was just a few days old
when we took her.....she was the sunshine that brightened my
every day. My little princess. Mary and I loved her with every
fiber of our being. Of course I used to tell Mary that I loved
Nicayla more than she did because she was Daddy's little
girl...but we both loved her the same. She was...is...and always
will be my daughter in every sense of the word. I would die if
it meant she could live.
Liam says, proudly and with total conviction.
Liam: And that is another kind of love.
Liam adds, picking up his plate and putting it in the sink.
Haley suddenly looks up, and narrows her eyes slightly at Liam.
Haley: He never really did love me. Did he?
Haley asks softly.
Liam looks down at Haley. Unable to help himself, he gently
places one of his hands over one of hers....not enough to make
her feel trapped but just enough to be comforting...and he
shakes his head.
Liam: No, milis cailin.
Liam says (Gaelic for sweet girl).
Liam: He most certainly did not. But you are not to blame,
Haley. His shortcomings and indiscretions are his and his alone.
You deserved.....and still deserve to be loved. And you are.
Nicayla loves you....of that I'm sure. And as you go through
life.....you will find others that will also love you. You are a
beautiful, intelligent and strong young lady and I can see you
doing...becoming whatever you want to be. The past is the past.
You have nothing but a bright future ahead of you. And you'll
see.....that future will bring many good things to you.
Liam says, softly and soothingly. Then he removes his hand from
hers and smiles at her. Off in the distance a rooster
crows....signifying the beginning of sunrise.
Haley jumps a little startled at the sound of the crow.
Haley: Guess that means I should go try and get a little sleep,
or I'll never get over Jet lag.
Haley says, while trying to return Liam's smile, though somehow,
she doubted she was real successful at it.
Liam: Go ahead on up. I'll clean up our mess. Nobody will ever
know that two Leprechauns raided the fridge during the night.
Liam says and winks...a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Haley manages a real smile this time.
Haley: Thanks.
Haley says, turning to head back to bed.
To be continued
#Post#: 396--------------------------------------------------
Part 10
By: 22639 Date: August 12, 2012, 7:03 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Nikki follows a path that takes her into a wooded area that
reminds her of home. After several minutes the path clears the
wooded area at the base of a knoll carpeted with velvety green
grass. At the top of the knoll are the ruins of what used to be
a castle turret. Nikki explores the ruins for a few minutes
then sits on a pile of rock and broken brick and stares down at
the valley below. As beautiful as the Ireland countryside is,
and as nice as it is to see her father again, Nikki is filled
with melancholy.
Liam follows his daughter's boot prints up the sheep path. He
stops at the edge of the wooded area and watches Nikki as she
halfheartedly explores the ruins at the top of the knoll. After
she has sat on the pile of rubble for several minutes, Liam
walks up to the ruins.
Nikki feels the buzz of another Immortal but doesn't look
around, figuring it's her father.
Nikki: One thing about being an Immortal is that no one can
sneak up on you.
Nikki says without looking back at Liam.
Liam: Wasn't trying to.
Liam says, walking over and taking a seat on what's left of a
rock wall. He looks down at the valley and the Smaragaid Parthas
Ranch.
Liam: I see you found one of my favorite thinking spots.
Liam says as he takes his pipe out of his pocket and taps it
against the heel of his hand to knock the ashes out of the bowl.
He takes a pouch of pipe tobacco out of his other pocket and
proceeds to fill the pipe.
Nikki: It's beautiful.
Nikki says with a nod.
Nikki: I didn't realize how big the ranch was until seeing it
from up here. It's quite a spread.
Liam puts the pouch back in his pocket and takes out his
lighter.
Liam: It's just a little bigger than the original Emerald
Paradise
Liam says, then lights his pipe and blows 2 large smoke rings
into the air. He looks at his daughter.
Liam: Want to talk about it?
Liam asks and puffs on his pipe.
Nikki: Talk about what?
Nikki asks trying to sound nonchalant.
Liam shakes his head.
Liam: The weather? The price of rice in China?
Liam says with a little sarcasm.
Nikki catches the hint of sarcasm in her father's voice and
remembers that, even as a child, she had never been able to hide
her thoughts and feelings from her father. He always seemed to
know when she was lying.
Nikki: Nothing to talk about, Da.
Nikki says, quietly with a shrug. She continues to stare at the
valley below.
Liam: If you say so.
Liam says and puffs on his pipe.
Nikki sighs.
Nikki: Ok. Answer a question for me, Da.
Nikki says and turns her gaze upward as she watches a flock of
birds winging their way across the sky in a perfect V formation.
Nikki: How come doing the right thing for all of the right
reasons has to involve painful sacrifices?
Nikki asks, still watching the birds.
Liam puffs on his pipe as he contemplates his daughter's
question.
Liam: Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you, Súile
geal. (Bright eyes in Gaelic) I assume you're talking about
what you had to leave behind.
Liam says as he chews on the end of his pipe, thoughtfully.
Nikki simply nods in silence.
Liam: Did you even ask him to come with you?
Liam asks, looking at Nikki.
Nikki shakes her head.
Nikki: I couldn't.
Nikki says with a shrug and looks down at the ground by her
feet.
Liam: Why not? Don't you think he would have?
Liam puffs on his pipe and realizes that it has gone out so he
takes out his lighter and lights the pipe again.
Nikki: I know he would have.
Nikki says, quietly. She watches a trail of ants as they scurry
to and from their colony under a brick a few feet from her foot.
Nikki: But he had responsibilities and I didn't want him to
have to choose between them and me. Just because U chose to put
my life in an uproar doesn't mean I needed to put his in one,
too.
Nikki says, sadly.
Liam: Did you tell him where you were going?
Liam asks, figuring if Pierson knew where she was he might show
up here unexpectedly and surprise Nikki. He'd like to see the
smile he saw on her face when she and Pierson had last been
here.
Nikki simply shakes her head.
Liam: Why not?
Liam asks, a little surprised at her answer.
Nikki: Plausible deniability.
Nikki answers simply.
Liam: Sounds like you thought it through, thoroughly.
Liam says and blows another smoke ring into the air.
Liam: This isn't the first time you've had to pull up stakes
and start over.
Liam says, matter of factly.
Nikki: No....but this is the first time I've had to leave
someone I love behind. And the first time I have had to change
identities. It makes it all seem so permanent and final.
Nikki says with a sad sigh.
Nikki: It's one of the reasons I have avoided romantic
entanglements all these years. Our life just isn't conducive to
successful romantic relationships.
Nikki says and draws a circle in the dirt with the toe of her
boot.
Liam: True. But true love finds a way.
Liam says, thinking about how long he, himself had avoided
romantic situations...although for different reasons than his
daughter. He wonders if Beth hadn't come along...if he would
have spent the rest of his immortal life alone.
Nikki: And how do you know if it's true love or just an
infatuation?
Nikki asks quietly.
Liam: If it finds a way into your heart...no matter how strong
your armor is...no matter how hard you fight it... If you feel
it even when you're not with that person...even when you're busy
with other things... If a scent or a song brings it all back as
strong as if you're with that person...then it's true love.
Liam says, remembering his marriage to Mary and thinking about
his relationship with Beth.
Nikki: Sometimes I think I made a huge mistake, letting myself
fall for someone who was a best friend. I should have left well
enough alone.
Nikki says, erasing the circle in the dirt with her boot.
Liam: What makes you say that?
Liam asks, straddling the wall so he is facing Nikki.
Nikki: I think I may have had unrealistic expectations that I
based on the way he was as my friend because it...or he...isn't
what I thought he'd be like.
Nikki says, hoping she's making sense.
Liam: How so?
Liam asks, puffing on his pipe.
Nikki: When we were just friends I knew he saw me as a little
sister who was always getting into trouble of some sort or
another and he never really saw me as an independent woman with
a head on her shoulders and the knowledge of how to use it and
that was Ok. But once we became romantically
involved...well...it's not Ok anymore. It actually hurts when he
is judgmental
Nikki says and draws a triangle in the dirt with her toe.
Liam: Just as a point of reference....how much older than you
is Adam?
Liam asks and looks at the bowl of his pipe. Seeing that it
holds only ashes, he taps the bowl on his pant leg to empty it
then puts the pipe in his pocket.
Nikki: Let's just say....a lot.
Nikki says simply.
Nikki: And I respect that. But it doesn't always make him
right.
Nikki says, erasing her dirt drawing with her foot.
Liam: No. You're right. It doesn't. Have you told him how
you feel?
Nikki: A few times. But I think it goes in one ear and out the
other.
Nikki says with a sigh.
Liam looks at his daughter for several seconds before speaking.
Liam: Sounds like you got out in the nick of time.
Liam says, quirking an eyebrow inquisitively.
Liam: No sense staying in a relationship when you're unhappy.
Liam adds...watching Nikki carefully.
Nikki: But I wasn't that unhappy.
Nikki says, looking at Liam for the first time since he sat
down.
Nikki: I mean it wasn't that bad. There were a lot of happy
times and he could be sweet, romantic and affectionate when he
was in the right mood. I was probably expecting too much and
being unfair.
Nikki protests.
Liam smiles and looks up at the sky.
Liam: If he were to walk up this hill right now....would you be
happy to see him?
Liam asks, already knowing the answer.
Nikki looks at the path leading up the hill from the wooded area
and envisions Methos walking up the path toward her. Her heart
rate quickens and she feels something overwhelmingly drawing her
toward the envisioned Methos.
Nikki: Yes.
Nikki whispers and closes her eyes.
Liam: Then Súile geal you have your answer.
Liam says simply and gets to his feet.
Liam: Now.....I have a ranch to run so I'm going to go back to
work.
Liam says and heads toward the path.
Liam: When you come back down....we'll go have a look at that
white Friesian stallion you've been interested in.
Liam says. He watches his daughter for a few seconds then heads
down the path.
Nikki watches her father until he disappears into the wooded
area then she looks up at the wisps of white clouds in the blue
sky.
“That one looks like a giraffe,” Methos said, laying on his back
next to Nikki and pointing to a cloud in the sky. They were
laying on the bank of a stream in a forest clearing, their
horses grazing freely nearby. “That one looks like a Volkswagen
Beetle,” Nikki said pointing to another cloud. “Nah. Looks
more like a turtle,” Methos said. “But if we're looking for
automobiles....that one looks like a Maserati,” he said with a
snicker and pointed to another cloud. “A what?” Nikki asked.
“Where?” She tried to follow where he was pointing. “There.
See?” Methos put his arm around her and pulled her closer so
she could see from his angle. “Where?” Nikki asked, still
unable to see what he was seeing. “Right....,” Methos pulled her
even closer. “...there,” he said and when she leaned even
closer and looked where he was pointing, he kissed the nape of
her neck. She turned to face him when she realized he had been
pulling her leg and he planted a kiss on her lips.
Nikki shakes her head to clear the memory before it goes any
farther and a single tear trickles down her cheek. She quickly
brushes it away and stands up. Taking a deep, cleansing breath
of the clean, fresh, clover scented air, she heads back down the
path to the Smaragaid Parthas Ranch.
[center]To be continued[/center]
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