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#Post#: 103--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION (Completed)
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 22, 2011, 4:25 pm
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[center][sub]The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being
understudied by Candy[/sub][/center]
Joe switches off the TV in his office...having just finished
watching the movie Full Metal Jacket for the umpteenth time.
His mind drifts back to his own memories of Viet Nam....some
good....some bad. He focuses on the good ones and his comrades
After several minutes he sits up and opens the top drawer of his
desk and takes out an address book. He opens it to a specific
page then picks up the phone and dials the number.
[Joe] May I speak to Jonathan Williams? This is Joe Dawson.
Joe says to the person who answers the phone then waits.
[Williams] Hello. This is Jon Williams. How can I help you?
Williams says having just been told he had a phone call.
[Joe] Williams? This is Joe Dawson.
Joe pours himself a drink from the bottle he keeps in the bottom
drawer of his desk as he waits for Williams to remember him.
[Williams] Dawson? By god! It's been years! How are you man?
Williams cries happily remembering his old comrade at arms.
[Joe] Old.
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Williams] You and me both.
Williams laughs.
Kim is bringing something to Williams when she hears the name
she almost drops the tray. She quickly puts it on a table and
rushes to hear the talk on the phone. Luckily she was ready,
she'd bugged his phone a long time ago.
[Joe] So what have you been doing all these years?
[Williams] Ah, the usual.
Williams shrugs.
[Joe] You know you're a hard man to track down. I thought I was
going to have to send out the Texas Rangers to find you.
Joe says only half jokingly.
Williams laughs.
Kim runs to her room and picks up the hearing device, hoping
this would be the Dawson she'd been looking for so long ago.
[Williams] Work as a real estate broker. Once divorced.
Remarried. Raising a teenage girl who isn't my daughter and
reminds me of that whenever she isn't looking for money.
Joe grimaces at the thought of raising a teenager.
[Joe] A teenager. Man...that's got to be rough.
[Williams] Aah.
Williams shrugs it off.
[Williams] She's a good girl though. So it's not to bad.
Joe says thinking that he and Williams were just teenagers
themselves when they got to know each other in Viet Nam.
Kim smirks, he wouldn't be complaining about her for much
longer.
[Joe] Wish I could offer some advice but I have remained a
confirmed bachelor all these years and haven't the slightest
idea of how to raise a kid.
Joe says taking a sip of his drink.
[Williams] Thanks
Williams says ruefully.
[Joe] So...hey....the reason I called is....have you been in
touch with any of the guys?
Kim listens intently, this could be important, maybe he knew
where the others were.
[Williams] No. Your the first I've heard of you guys in years.
Got out came home. Married my childhood sweetheart... boy was
that a mistake.
Joe chuckles.
Williams shakes his head ruefully.
[Williams] Then well... was just to busy.
[Joe] Well.....I've been thinking a lot about the guys lately
and I thought it would be kinda nice to get together with
them....if any of them are still around. What do you think?
[Williams] You mean a reunion of sorts?
Williams asks thoughtfully.
[Joe] Yeah.
[Williams] Hmm...
Williams ponders still thoughtful.
[Williams] You know, I kind of like that idea.
Williams says after a long moment of thought.
[Joe] Yeah? Good. Well....since you're the first one I've
found....and got in touch with....I'll have to get to work on
locating the others.
Joe says his spirits lifting. He begins thumbing through the
pages of his address book to see if he has any names already.
Williams is unable to help smiling at the thought of seeing all
his old buddies again.
Kim smiles thinking on how many she's killed by now, and wonders
if it's even possible to make a reunion now.
[Joe] So you live in Arlington, Texas?
[Williams] Yeah. Makes getting in and out of easy. What about
you, Joe? Where've you been keeping yourself?
Williams asks.
Kim listens with all her attention, she doesn't want to miss a
thing.
[Joe] I've made Seacouver, Washington my home. Even opened up a
blues bar....just for fun. But my other job sends me to Paris
sometimes. Got a bar there too.
[Williams] Wow guess you've got the digs to have this reunion
at.
Williams chuckles
[Williams] So what are your bars called?
[Joe] The one here in the states is simply Joe's Bar.
Joe answers.
[Williams] And just out of curiosity... the one in Paris?'
Williams asks.
[Joe] That one is Le Blues Bar.
Joe answers taking another sip of his drink.
[Joe] So if I can get this thing put together.....you wouldn't
mind coming up to the Pacific Northwest?
[Williams] No. I'd love to get up to Washington.
Williams says the smile clear in his voice.
Kim frowns thinking, is it possible that when she looked for
this Dawson guy he was in Paris and that's why she missed him?
[Joe] Ok then. I'll get to work trying to locate everyone.
[Williams] To bad Sarge died back in 'Nam. This type of thing
would have been right up his alley.
Williams sighs sadly.
[Joe] Yeah. He would have been the life of the party I'm sure.
Joe says sadly as he thinks again about Andy Cord.
[Joe] I was kind of hoping you would have kept in touch with
someone from the gang. It would make my job of locating everyone
easier....but....
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Joe] ....it'll keep me out of trouble I guess.
[Williams] If you want to me to look up a couple of guys. I'd be
more than willing to.
Williams offers.
[Joe] Well....if you want.....you can look for Temple, Anderson,
Johnson and Fleming and I'll take the rest.
Joe says, glad to have some help.
[Williams] Will do. I'll give you a call back in a couple of
weeks and let you know where I'm at, alright?
Williams suggests.
[Joe] Great.
Joe says and gives Williams his number.
Kim smiles, he wouldn't have the chance to, now that she knows
where Joe Dawson is, it's time to finish her job here.
Williams glances at his watch.
[Williams] Damn. Joe, I'd love to talk. But I'm meeting the wife
and stepdaughter for dinner. I'll get back to you in a couple
weeks alright?
Williams questions.
[Joe] Perfect. Great to talk to you, buddy.
Joe says and hangs up.
Kim puts down the hearing device with a smile, thinking what
she's about to prepare them as their last meal.
[Kim] I hope they like raw meat for dinner.
Kim murmurs as she looks for her weapons.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 104--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 2
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 22, 2011, 4:42 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being
understudied by Candy[/sub][/center]
Joe is drying and putting away the last of the glasses he has
just finished washing in preparation for the evening crowd.
Craig pulls into the parking lot of Joe's Bar and parks. The
parking lot is empty except for one other car, which he figures
is Joe's. Having spent the day in meetings he is looking forward
to a few quiet drinks before heading for home. He walks up to
the door of the bar, pulls it open and steps inside. As the
door closes behind him he stands there, letting his eyes adjust
to the dim lighting of the bar.
Joe looks up when the door opens and a stream of daylight cuts
through the dimly lit bar. At first all he can see of the person
who has just entered his establishment is their silhouette then,
once the door has closed behind them he recognizes Seacouver's
resident Immortal PI.
Craig 's finally adjust to the change in lighting and he sees
that his assumption was correct and that the only other person
in the bar is Joe. Smiling he walks over to the bar and takes a
seat on the stool nearest this end of the bar.
[Craig] Whatever's on tap, Joe.
Craig says as he settles in.
[Joe] You got it.
Joe responds with a grin and moves over to the beer tap, takes a
frosty mug out of the freezer below the tap and fills it. He
sets a bar napkin on the bar in front of Craig and sets the mug
on it.
[Joe] You're in here early.
Joe observes as he picks up the last glass and proceeds to dry
it and slip it into its slot in the rack overhead.
[Craig] Yeah. Just wanted to unwind with a couple of cold ones
before going home.
Craig says with a nod as he picks up the mug and takes a sip of
its contents.
[Joe] Sounds like you had a rough day.
Joe says and reaches under the bar. He produces a wooden cigar
box which he opens and holds out to Craig...inviting him to help
himself to one of the Cuban cigars nestled snugly inside.
Craig picks one of the cigars out of the box and smiles at Joe
gratefully.
[Craig] Depends on if you would call an entire day of meetings,
rough.
Joe chooses a cigar for himself and closes the box, returning it
to its shelf under the bar. He takes a cigar lighter out of his
pants pocket and flips it over so the clipper is exposed and
holds it out to Craig.
[Joe] What? No cheating husbands to follow or missing persons to
locate?
Joe asks teasingly.
Craig takes the lighter from Joe and clips the end of his cigar
then turns the lighter over and proceeds to light his cigar.
[Craig] You know....
Craig says when his cigar is lit and he has taken a few puffs to
get it going real well.
[Craig] ....I wouldn't even mind staking out a cheating spouse
right now.
Craig hands the lighter back to Joe.
[Craig] At least it would be a case. If it weren't for the PR
work I'd be going nuts.
[Joe] Things a little slow...eh?
Joe says as he takes the lighter and lights his own cigar.
[Craig] Slow ain't the word. I'll tell you....the West Coast is
definitely different than the East Coast.
Craig takes a drink of his beer.
[Craig] We had business year round back there. Out here it seems
to be seasonal. And now that I have David handling our security
clients....I either sit in the office and go stir crazy or take
PR meetings.
[Joe] I'm sure the economy isn't helping things either.
Joe sighs and blows a smoke ring towards the ceiling.
[Joe] I've definitely seen a drop off in business around here
lately.
[Craig] Yeah. It isn't helping matters. But even with a bit of a
decline in business due to that....my New York office is doing
great. The Chicago office is keeping its head above water, too.
Those two offices are carrying this one right now....more or
less.
Craig says and takes a puff of his cigar.
[Joe] You aren't considering shutting down your operation
here....are you?
Craig shrugs.
[Craig] I don't know. I hate to. It would mean either uprooting
the families of the three agents I have working for me or laying
them off. Either way it wouldn't be easy on any of them.
Besides....I've come to like it here. It's a nice little city.
Clean...the people seem decent...property taxes are
reasonable....employment regulations are lenient.
Craig takes a sip of his beer and looks at Joe over the rim of
his glass. As he lowers it he smiles and says,
"besides....there's no Joe's Bar back East."
Joe chuckles and takes another puff of his cigar. Suddenly a
thought comes to him and he looks at Craig seriously.
[Joe] You know.....I think I might be able to help you out a
little. If you're interested that is.
Craig sets his glass on the bar and looks at Joe. Seeing the
seriousness in the bar owner's eyes he leans forward with
interest.
[Craig] Talk to me.
[Joe] I am trying to locate some old Nam buddies of
mine....trying to put a reunion of sorts together. With
everything here and the bar in Paris and all.....I would have to
do it in my spare time....which there really isn't much
of....and it would take forever. You have much better resources
than I do and I would be willing to pay you for those services.
That is....if you're interested. I mean...it's not
much....definitely not the case of the century....but...as you
said...it beats sitting in your office going stir crazy.
Joe takes a puff of his cigar and blows a smoke ring towards the
ceiling as he gives Craig time to think his proposal over.
Craig thinks about it for a few minutes as he puffs on his
cigar. Then he takes a sip of his beer and looks at Joe.
[Craig] How many guys are we talking about?
[Joe] There were 10 in our unit. I know where one is and he said
he would look for 5 of the guys which leaves 3.....one I already
know is dead....but he's a realtor so you'd probably have better
luck locating them than he would.
[Craig] So basically....7. Right? And when was the last time you
saw or heard anything about them?
[Joe] Unfortunately....1968. For all I know they may all be
dead.
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] Nah....I doubt that. You're still alive.
Craig says only half joking.
Joe chuckles.
[Craig] It's always a challenge when trying to locate old
military records.
Craig says and takes a sip of his beer. As he sets his glass
back down he winks at Joe and adds, "and I have always loved a
good challenge."
[Joe] Is that a yes?
Joe asks quirking an eyebrow questioningly.
Craig grins broadly and nods.
[Craig] Yeah. That's a yes.
Joe matches Craig's grin with one of his own and extends his
hand across the bar.
[Joe] I'll pay whatever the going rate is plus expenses
Holding his cigar between his teeth, Craig takes hold of Joe's
hand and gives it a firm single shake.
[Craig] The Bower Agency is at your service, Mr. Dawson.
Craig says, continuing to grin at Joe. As he lets go of Joe's
hand he removes the cigar from his mouth and says, "I'll get on
it as soon as you get me the names of the guys you want
located."
[Joe] You're a gentleman and a scholar, Mr. Bower.
Joe says with a smirk.
[Joe] The list is in my office. I'll go get it right now.
Joe heads for his office. When he gets to the other end of the
bar he stops and looks back at Craig and calls out, "and your
next round is on the house."
Craig touches the end of his eyebrow with his first two fingers
in a mock salute.
Joe disappears into his office and emerges a few minutes later
with a sheet of paper in his hand. He carries it over and sets
it on the bar in front of Craig.
Craig empties his glass and slides the empty out of the way,
picks up the paper and reviews the list of names.
Joe removes Craig's empty glass and retrieves another frosty
one, fills it and sets it on the empty napkin.
[Craig] Looks good, Joe.
Craig says and folds the paper up and stuffs it in his shirt
pocket. Then he slides the fresh beer over in front of him and
picks it up, taking a drink.
Kim sighs in relief as Seacouver comes into view at a distance.
She still doesn't understand why she had to rush in here. She
had to leave Arlington as soon as possible after what happened
of course, it was the safest way, but why only sleep a couple of
hours at a side road motel and drive another sixteen hours to
get here? Joe hadn't mentioned he was planning to go somewhere.
Kim frowns thinking as she drives another couple of miles. She
knows why, she's been looking for this Dawson guy for long
enough, she can't wait to see him. She wonders how this one is
and not for the first time, all of them seemed to be different
here somehow when back at Vietnam they all looked the same. She
shakes her head to clear her thoughts as she begins to think
about what happened in her village.
Kim takes a few deep breaths to calm herself, luckily she's near
the city now and has to pay attention to traffic, she doesn't
want to have a car accident and draw attention to herself. She
mentally plans what she's going to do when she gets there. Well,
sleep is a priority right now, and then... At her last stop she
had checked the yellow pages, and she'd found a bar named Joe's
down on East Georgia Street, she wonders if it's the same bar
he'd mentioned to Williams.
Kim makes a quick resolution as she drives through the traffic,
she going to drive by and take a look at the bar. She takes the
opportunity when she has to stop at a red light to get the
Seacouver map she'd bought at her last stop. She opens it and
puts it on the passenger seat in case she gets lost and needs
it.
Kim smiles when she find the place at the first try, she's used
to follow maps by now, every time she gets to a new town she has
to use one at the beginning. She reduces speed as she passes the
bar to take a good look at it. She sighs as she notices the
'Help Wanted' sign, so she has to play waitress again, her
training as a Kunoichi keeps following her like a curse.
Kim is tempted to go back and take another look when she reaches
the end of the street but thinks better and doesn't. Someone
might notice her, and she really needs to get some rest, she
can't walk in there to get that job looking like she hadn't
slept in two days, she'd never get a job looking the way she
does now. So she moves ahead planning to stop at the nearest
cheap hotel and come back to get that job later.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 105--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 3
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 22, 2011, 5:08 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being
understudied by Candy[/sub][/center]
Methos smiles looking at Joe and the new waitress, he shakes his
head amused as he turns to Aldria.
[Joe] Kim? Do you have any questions before the Friday night
rush gets here?
[Methos] So do we tell him or not?
Joe asks concerned that tonight will be her first busy night.
[Kim] No, Mr. Dawson, I think I've got it.
Kim manages to give him a small smile.
[Kim] As I've said, I've done this in Japan, sir.
[Joe] Please.....call me Joe.
Joe corrects her with a grin.
[Kim] Alright, Joe.
[Ally] I dunno... It could be kind of awkward What with him
being a watcher.
[Joe] Mike will be in to tend bar in about an hour so....if
you're Ok....I see some friends I want to go say hi to.
Ally murmurs, a little amused that the watcher had an immortal
working for him and didn't know it.
Kim smiles wider this time.
[Kim] Alright, Joe.
Methos chuckles seeing the irony in it, then he shrugs.
Joe glances over at Methos' table and notices his glass is
almost empty so he grabs two glasses, one for himself and one
for his friend and fills them both. Then he heads for Methos'
table.
[Joe] Looks like you need a refill.
Joe says as he approaches the table. He sets one glass down in
front of Methos and takes a seat across from his friend.
[Joe] So how is life in the court room, Ally?
[Methos] Yeah, I do, Thanks, Joe.
Methos smiles with a nod.
Joe asks Ally as he sits back and takes a sip of his beer.
Ally shrugs.
[Ally] It's same old same old.
[Methos] Don't you get bored by it?
Methos asks Aldria with a frown.
[Methos] Judging people as a profession?
[Ally] I do. Which is probably a sign it's getting close for
Ally Everson to pass on.
Ally sighs.
[Joe] Then what?
[Ally] I dunno. I'll give it a while yet. Do some research she
if I can't find something to perk my interest.
Ally smiles.
[Methos] Well, you could join the Watchers after I leave, I
can't stay there forever.
Methos suggests smiling at Joe.
[Joe] Maybe you could become a TV judge.
Joe says with a chuckle.
[Ally] A... no to the TV judge. I don't allow camera's in my
courtroom now! I could never do the TV thing!
Ally protests with a laugh.
Joe laughs.
[Joe] Have you ever thought about changing departments? Like
family court? Or civil?
[Ally] But the Watcher thing doesn't sound bad. Not as if I
haven't before.
[Methos] It's always good to have someone on the inside.
Methos smirks side glancing at Joe.
[Joe] You planning on leaving me soon?
Joe asks looking at Methos with concern.
[Methos] Come on, Joe. Adam is forty, can't avoid the
inevitable.
Methos shrugs trying to look unconcerned.
[Ally] And products only let one age for so long.
Ally agrees.
[Methos] Sooner or later I'll have to. When people start telling
me how young I look it's my cue to leave.
Craig gathers up a few files and puts them in his briefcase. He
says goodnight to Linda and leaves the office. He heads for
Joe's Bar to share his progress on Joe's case with Joe.
Joe sighs. It will be a sad day when Adam Pierson ceases to
exist because he knows that it will also mean Methos will move
on and he has become quite attached to the smarmy Immortal.
[Ally] Course with the way you keep moving around, that helps
you.
Ally grins at Methos
Kim side glances at Joe's tables wondering what they're talking
about, she tries to find an excuse to come closer and begins to
clean up the table even though they don't need it yet.
[Ally] That's a good chunk of the reason why I moved from New
York to Seacouver, instead of creating a new identity.
[Joe] So.....
Joe decides to change the subject.
[Joe] What do you think of my new barmaid?
[Ally] Um... She's an interesting choice...
Ally says cautiously.
Methos side glaces at the new girl slightly amused.
[Methos] She looks nice.
Kim smiles slightly keeping her head down, so he thought she was
nice, did he?
[Methos] But looking nice and being nice are two different
things.
Methos murmurs as the girl moves to the next table a little far
away.
[Ally] Uh huh.
Ally agreed having met enough people who weren't.
[Joe] It was strange. Jess had just told me she was going to
have to quit. I hadn't even advertised for someone yet and Kim
showed up.
[Methos] Hmm, sooner or later we all end up showing in here
after all. I don't think you need to advertise much.
Methos says deeply amused at the fact that Joe's bar seemed to
be Immortal Central Station.
Craig pulls into Joe's parking lot, grabs his briefcase and
heads for the door. As he approaches it he feels the buzz of
multiple Immortals and hesitates before opening the door...not
really wanting to run into Nikki yet. He quickly reviews his
memory of the cars he observed in the parking lot and since he
doesn't remember seeing Nikki's truck he goes ahead and opens
the door and steps into the bar.
Joe quirks an eyebrow at Methos wondering what his criptic
comment means.
Craig stands inside the door and looks around. He recognizes
Nikki's friend, Adam Pierson and the lady judge he had met once
a while back sitting with Joe and he relaxes a bit.
[Ally] Aah, the detective.
Ally murmurs softly.
[Methos] Yeah, just to prove my point.
Methos chuckles amused.
Joe follows Ally's gaze and sees Craig standing at the door.
Kim glares warily at the door as she feels the buzz, another
one?
Craig motions to Joe to join him and heads for an empty table
towards the back of the bar. As he passes the barmaid he feels
the hairs on the back of his neck bristle telling him she is
also an Immortal and he quickly and inconspicuously glances at
her, memorizing her features (occupational hazard).
Joe sees Craig motion to him and looks back at Methos and Ally
and smiles apologetically as he gets to his feet.
[Joe] Excuse me, you two.
Joe says simply and heads for the table Craig has sat down at.
Craig places his briefcase on the table and opens it. He removes
two file folders.
Joe sits down at the table and looks at Craig expectantly.
[Joe] I take it you've made some progress?
[Ally] Wonder what that's all about.
Craig slides the two folders over to Joe.
Ally murmurs to Methos
[Craig] Yeah. But just with two of the names you gave me.
[Joe] Want a beer or something?
[Methos] He'll talk about it later.
Methos shrugs before he takes a sip of beer.
Joe asks as he opens the first folder.
[Craig] Sure.
Craig answers simply.
Joe motions to Kim.
Kim proceeds to clean the tables moving as inconspicuously as
possible until she can hear Joe and the new man talking.
[Joe] Kim?
Joe calls to her when she doesn't acknowledge his motion.
[Kim] Yes? Mr. Daw... Joe.
Kim stops and looks up.
[Craig] Just a Bud.
[Joe] Would you bring a bottle of Budweiser and a glass for my
friend?
Joe says to Kim.
Kim nods and walks to the bar to get his order keeping an eye on
them through the mirror.
[Craig] So when did you start hiring Immortals, Joe?
Craig asks watching the girl.
[Joe] Imm....what?
Joe asks a bit confused. Then he remembers Methos' comment and
it suddenly makes sense.
[Craig] You didn't know?
Craig asks and then realizes that he wouldn't.
Joe looks back at Kim and shakes his head.
[Joe] No. I didn't.
Kim quickly brings back the beer, puts it in front of the man
and resumes her work on the tables.
[Joe] Thank you, Kim.
Joe says politely.
[Craig] Well....I guess even Immortal girls need jobs, too.
Craig says with a shrug.
[Craig] Anyway.....back to your case.
Joe gives another glance at Kim making a mental note to check
her out on the Watcher Database later then looks back at the
file in front of him.
[Craig] As you can see, Anderson and his family were killed in
an auto accident 5 years ago. The brakes on their car failed.
Craig says regarding the file Joe is currently looking at.
[Joe] It says they found the brake lines were cut.
Joe says reading from the report in front of him.
Kim hides a smile thinking about the way she had 'fixed' that
guy's car. One useful thing she'd learned from an American GI
was mechanics. Kim sighs thinking, that one wasn't so bad, he
even treated her like a human being and not just a piece of
meat, too bad she had to kill him when he suspected she was a
spy.
[Craig] Yeah. But they never had a suspect and the case is
currently considered a dead cold case.
[Joe] Wonderful.
Joe says dejectedly. He closes the folder and puts the next one
on top of it and opens the folder.
Kim comes back from her reverie, it's not the time to think
about the past. She better listen to what they're saying.
[Craig] I have David working on Temple. I found a phone number
for him and a current address in Philadelphia but he hasn't
answered his phone the last 20 times I've called.
Joe reads through the brief uninformative report and shakes his
head.
[Joe] And nothing on the other names?
[Craig] No. Not yet. David left for Philly this morning and will
get back to me as soon as he knows something. I haven't given up
on the other names. It's just going to take some time. I hope
you weren't in any kind of hurry to do this reunion.
[Joe] No. I knew it was going to take some time.
[Craig] Has your friend in Texas had any luck?
Joe shakes his head.
Kim smiles as she hears the word reunion, if he could gather
three guys he was lucky.
[Joe] No. In fact he was glad when I told him I had hired
someone who said they would take care of the entire list because
his assistant just up and quit so he is a bit short handed right
now.
Joe hands the files back to Craig.
Craig nods as he takes the files from Joe and puts them back in
his brief case. He takes a long drink of his beer as he closes
his case.
[Craig] Well....don't give up hope. I'll keep you posted.
[Joe] Ok. I really appreciate it. I realize that after all these
years....not everyone is going to be alive. That's expected.
Craig nods as he takes another long drink of his beer.
[Craig] Yeah. That's very true.
Craig finishes his beer and sets the empty bottle on the table.
[Craig] Well....I'll let you get back to your friends. I just
wanted to bring you up to speed before going home.
[Joe] Ok. Thanks, Craig. Keep me posted.
Craig grabs his brief case as he gets to his feet.
[Craig] I will. Catch ya later.
Craig says with a smile and heads for the door.
Kim frowns thinking what she did to Temple, she didn't remember
anymore, she has to check her papers.
Joe gets up and heads back over to Methos and Ally's table.
Craig leaves the bar and heads for home.
[Joe] Sorry about that.
Joe says as he reclaims his seat at his friends' table.
Methos shakes his head amused at Craig.
[Methos] Another boy scout.
[Joe] I hired Craig's firm to look for some old war buddies of
mine.
Joe says in explanation.
[Joe] So why didn't either of you tell me that Kim is one of you
guys?
Joe asks as he sits back and finishes his glass of beer.
[Methos] Why should we? Even Immortals need money to live, you
know? So come on, Joe, look on the bright side, she'll never be
able to say she's sick to skip work.
Methos smiles amused before he finishes his beer.
Joe can't help but chuckle. Methos definitely has a point. And
if he didn't find it as all suspicious then Joe won't look for
trouble where there is none.
[Ally] Besides if we didn't tell you... you had an excuse for
claiming ignorance later.
Ally grins.
[Joe] Plausible deniability?
Joe says with a snicker.
[Ally] Exactly.
[Methos] Besides she doesn't know about the Watchers, I've
showed my tattoo to her and she didn't even look at it.
Methos smirks as he gestures Kim to come to their table.
Kim walks from the bar and stops in front of them.
[Kim] What can I get you?
Kim asks with a small shy smile.
[Ally] I'll have another Fat Tire.
Ally says raising her amber ale container to indicate she would
like another.
Roy enters the bar setting off a buzz for the other Immortals.
Joe notices Mike come in from the back and looks up at Kim,
shaking his head.
[Joe] Mike's here. So I need to get his drawer ready for his
shift.
Joe gets to his feet and smiles down at Ally and Methos
Ally glances up instinctively at a buzz, and sees a new
immortal.
Methos looks up as he feels the buzz, at first he thinks it's
Craig again until he sees an unknown man.
[Joe] You two will excuse me. Enjoy your evening.
Joe heads for the bar.
[Methos] What? Another one?
Methos murmurs under his breath.
[Ally] Everyone comes to Joe's don't they?
Joe proceeds to go through the procedure of closing out his cash
drawer and turning the reigns over to Mike then he disappears
into his office.
Ally murmurs back.
Kim side glances at the door and is surprised to see yet another
Immortal.
[Methos] Guess so. I'll have a draft, please.
Methos asks Kim as he looks at the new Immortal without being
too obvious.
Kim nods and moves to the bar to get their orders.
Roy rubs his head while walking to the bar at the due to the
numerous other Immortal buzzes.
[Ally] Something tells me he might be on the young side of
things.
Ally murmurs to Methos as she studies the newcomer.
Roy sits at the nearest table while continuing to rub his head.
[Methos] Yeah, they rub the head in the beginning.
Methos whispers to Aldria.
[Methos] Don't remember if I did it or not.
Aldria agrees.
Kim brings them their orders and silently puts them in front of
them. She moves to the table where the new Immortal has sat
down.
[Kim] What can I get you?
Roy looks up suddenly as one of the buzzes approaches him.
[Roy] I'd like a Wild Turkey straight.
Kim nods as she moves to the bar to get his order.
[Methos] I wonder what was that thing between Joe and Craig. Joe
didn't exactly look happy for a guy who's planning on a reunion.
Methos comments as he plans to take it out of Joe later.
[Ally] No he didn't.
Ally sighs.
[Ally] You should get it out of him... sooner or later.
Ally suggests with a smirk at her old friend.
Kim studies the newcomer through the mirror of the bar as she
waits for Mike to give her what she asked for, he looks like a
young Immortal, he keeps rubbing his head.
[Methos] Oh, I will. Sooner or later Joe ends up telling me
everything.
Methos says smirking amused.
Roy sits at table while observing everyone else in the room.
[Ally] Which of course you don't encourage do you?
Ally snickers.
[Methos] Oh no, of course not, you know me.
Methos chuckles keeping an eye on the other two Immortals in the
room.
Kim comes back with the drink and puts it in front of the
newcomer.
[Kim] Do you need anything else?
Kim asks ready to move away.
[Roy] Thanks. Can I get a second of your time.
[Kim] A second?
Kim asks amused.
[Kim] Didn't that pass already?
[Roy] Yeah. I just got into town. I figure you know who's who
being in a bar.
Roy puts the emphasis on who.
[Kim] Sorry, I'm new in town too. This is my first week here.
Kim side glances at the other two Immortals.
[Kim] But so far they didn't do anything, they're friends of the
owner.
[Methos] And now they are talking about us.
Methos whispers to Aldria amused.
[Roy] I really don't want to get the wrong side of the major
players right now. Not a good way to get ahead in life if you
know what I mean.
[Ally] Of course they are. What else do we expect? Not like they
have a clue who we are.
Ally grins feeling amused herself.
[Kim] Yes, I know. I try to stay away from trouble myself.
Kim says with a small smile playing on her lips.
Roy continues drinking while while the buzzing subsides.
[Methos] Young Immortals are so funny, do you think we where
like them once?
Methos asks with a smile, he's not sorry he can't remember that.
[Roy] I got a really bad headache when I walked in here. I
figure those two are elders.
[Ally] I dunno. I was a priest when I was that age. Different
rules.
Ally chuckles softly.
Kim smiles amused, so she was right, this one is new.
[Kim] You'll get used to it after a while.
Roy looks in the direction Methos and Ally while thinking.
[Roy] I don't recall my teacher saying it was that overwhelming
based only that "it" would be felt. I guess that's what getting
older does. Maybe that's why its affecting my speech.
[Methos] Hey, Kim!
Methos calls her out loud.
[Methos] So no music tonight? Will you please tell your boss
we're ready in here?
Methos asks her with a smile.
Joe finishes searching the Watcher Database for info on Kim.
Coming up empty he shuts down his computer and leans back in his
chair, thinking.
Roy picks the the remainder of his drinks before walking to the
bar.
[Ally] What you just want to harass Joe more?
Ally asks with a smirk.
Kim nods as she moves to the door of Joe's office and knocks.
[Joe] Yeah.
Joe calls out in response to the knock on his door.
[Methos] Keep him busy, so he doesn't worry too much, until he
tells me all about it.
Methos smirks looking at Joe's office door.
Ally snorts amused.
Kim opens just a crack of the door and tells Joe.
[Kim] Joe, people are starting to ask about the music.
Joe looks up at her.
[Joe] Hasn't the band showed up?
Joe asks as he gets to his feet.
[Kim] No, they didn't. They're late I guess.
[Joe] Oh hell.
Joe grumbles.
Kim answers looking back at the empty stage.
[Joe] I'm on my way.
Kim nods and goes to attend the tables, people are starting to
show up.
Joe informs Kim and grabs his guitar out of the corner. As he
passes the bar he calls out to Mike, "Call Kevin and tell him
this is the second weekend in a row and he's fired." Then he
walks up onto the stage, sits on the stool and begins to play
and sing the River.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 106--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 4
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 22, 2011, 5:49 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
Joe comes out of his office and walks behind the bar and pours
himself a cup of coffee.
Ally sighs and pulls into Joe's parking lot.
[Ally] A beer is going to feel so good.
Methos parks his Land Rover, comes out and takes a look around
as he feels an Immortal buzz, he takes a deep breath when he
sees Aldria so he locks the door and walks in her direction.
Ally feels the buzz and looks up and around. Seeing Methos she
smiles.
[Ally] Hey. How are you doing today?
[Methos] Are you asking me about my health?
Methos asks slightly amused.
[Ally] No. I know better than that!
Ally laughs.
[Ally] I'm asking... how your day went.
[Methos] Alright, I guess. You know Watchers.
Methos answers evasively with a shrug, refusing to go through it
all over again.
[Ally] Oh?
Ally asks with a small smile.
[Methos] Come on, let's get a beer. Don't want to discuss
business right now.
Methos suggests as he shrugs again, and begins to walk to the
door without waiting for her reply.
[Ally] A beer sounds good to me.
Ally says as she pulls the door open and steps into the bar.
[Methos] Or two.
Methos adds with a smile as he follows her inside Joe's bar.
[Ally] Or more, knowing you.
Ally laughs.
Joe looks up when the door to his bar opens and sees the 2
Immortals. He grins and waves to them.
Ally smiles and waves back at Joe, and makes her way over to the
bar. Knowing Methos would head there as well.
[Methos] Hey Joe.
Methos says as he walks closer.
Joe automatically fills a frosted glass with beer from the tap.
[Joe] Where are you two sitting tonight, Pierson?
Joe asks with a sly smirk.
[Methos] Let the lady choose?
Methos looks at Aldria with a smirk.
[Ally] Wherever. I'm good. Joe, I forget. What do you have on
tap?
Ally asks turning towards Joe.
[Joe] Do you prefer domestic or import, young lady?
Joe says with a flirtatious smile.
[Ally] Uh huh. Young... and a mix of both.
Ally grins brightly at Joe.
[Joe] Your wish is my command.
Joe says with a wink and proceeds to fill a frosted glass with
half of on and half of the other.
Methos shakes his head.
[Methos] Now there's something I've never tried before, at least
not in a glass.
[Ally] Not quite what I meant, but I'll drink it.
Ally laughs taking the mug and taking a swallow.
Joe bursts into a hearty laugh.
[Joe] I really didn't expect you to drink it, Ally. I was just
joking.
Joe says through his laughter.
[Ally] But it's mine now.
Ally laughs and takes another swallow.
Joe glances at Methos expecting him to make some sort of smarmy
remark.
[Ally] Joe, can I have spoon or something? I want to mix these
two.
Ally says as she sit on a stool at the bar.
[Methos] A spoon?
Craig pulls into the parking lot of Joe's Bar, parks and gets
out of his SUV. He grabs his brief case and heads for the front
of the building.
Methos asks disbelievingly, he makes a face like he's going to
be sick.
[Joe] Well....I'm fresh out of or somethings but here....try
this.
Joe says and hands her a swizzle stick with a wink.
[Ally] I suppose that'll have to do.
Methos shakes his head again as he sits on a bar stool. He
stiffens almost immediately as he feels an Immortal buzz and
looks at the door.
Joe waits for the two to decide where they're going to sit so he
can bring them their drinks.
Ally grins taking the stick and mixes the beers as she glances
to the door casually to see who was the source of her buzz.
Craig approaches the front of the building and immediately feels
an Immortal buzz. He had been so deep in thought as he pulled in
that he had failed to notice what cars were in the parking lot.
He hesitates slightly then thinks to himself "what the hell,"
and opens the door and steps inside the bar.
Joe is carrying Methos and Ally's drinks over to their table
when the door of the bar opens and he glances in that direction.
Seeing Craig he grins and nods toward the end of the bar then he
delivers the drinks and says, "I'll be right back," then he
heads for the end of the bar.
Craig sees Joe signal for him to meet him at the end of the bar
and heads for it. He reaches it just before Joe and sets his
brief case on an empty bar stool and opens it.
[Joe] Hey, Craig Can I get you something to drink?
Joe says as he joins Craig at the end of the bar.
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] No thanks, Joe. I can't stay. I just wanted to give you
an update and let you take a look at this.
Craig says holding a file folder out to Joe.
Methos side glances at Joe and Craig wondering again what was
going on, he intended to find out today.
Joe takes the folder and opens it. As he glances at the notes
written on the yellow legal pad paper inside the folder he
glances over at Craig questioningly.
Ally takes a drink of her beer, but carefully keeps an ear
cocked at Joe and Craig, intending to eavesdrop as much as she
can.
[Craig] So far all I have been able to find out is that 8 out of
the 10 guys in your unit are dead.
Craig explains.
[Craig] And they all appear to have died under normally
unsuspicious circumstances.
[Joe] What do you mean by normally unsuspicious?
Joe asks leaning across the bar for a more intimate
conversation.
Craig closes his brief case and says, "each one died from
different circumstances.....ones that after the cops initial
investigation were determined to not necessarily have been
caused by another person".
Methos smirks at Aldria while he tries to listen to
conversation at the end of the bar.
Joe understand what Craig is saying and nods silently.
Ally returns Methos' smirk. Just pleased that she could over
hear the conversation.
[Craig] Edwards was the only one who died from foul play. His
family were shot by someone who broke into their home 20 years
ago.
Joe looks at Craig in surprise.
[Joe] My God. That's awful.
[Craig] The ensuing investigation determined that Edward's
brother did it and he was convicted and got the death penalty.
He's still sitting in Sing-sing's death row. I guess he's been
trying for an appeal but isn't having any luck.
[Ally] Edwards... That sounds awful familiar.
Ally mutters
Craig says remembering what he had learned about Edwards.
Methos side glances at Aldria as she murmurs still keeping
attention to the conversation.
[Ally] That's it!
Ally hisses at Methos.
[Ally] I remember that Edwards case. I was the judge.
Joe looks back at the page in the file folder.
[Joe] I see that Anderson died in a car accident caused from
brake failure.
Craig nods as he remembers the details.
[Craig] Yes. They found that the line was cut but they
determined that it could have been cut accidentally so they
never pursued it.
[Methos] Oh, so you convicted people to death, huh? I'm shocked!
[Joe] And Temple drowned?
Methos teases in a whisper as he keeps listening to the
conversation.
[Craig] Yeah. He was in his hot tub. They determined that he had
been drinking and probably passed out and drowned.
[Ally] Jury did.
Ally murmurs back.
[Joe] And it says that Johnson died in a sky diving accident?
Craig nods.
[Craig] He apparently belonged to a sky diving club and they
were doing a routine jump but his chute didn't open and his
backup failed.
Joe grimaces as he imagines the feeling someone would have
knowing that you were going to fall to your death and there is
absolutely nothing to do to stop it.
[Joe] King died when he fell off of a 10th floor hotel room
balcony?
Joe says looking up from the folder.
[Craig] Yeah. He was alone in the room and none of the hotel
staff remembered him having any guests so it was determined that
he lost his balance....probably drunk....and fell over the
railing to the street below.
[Ally] Craig's right. More than a little suspicious when you put
these deaths together, isn't it?
Ally mutters softly.
[Ally] I wonder if...
[Joe] It says that Patterson died from a heart attack?
Joe says and looks at Craig questioningly.
[Joe] How is that suspicious?
[Craig] Patterson was a health nut. Lifted weights....exercised
regularly....ate only organic foods....never drank You know the
type. He had just had a complete physical a month before he died
and the doctor said he had been in perfect
condition....completely healthy. Not even high cholesterol.
[Joe] Yeah.
Joe says remembering Patterson.
[Joe] He was like that even in Nam. It was irritating as hell.
Joe says with a slight chuckle.
[Craig] Yeah well....how does a guy with a perfect bill of
health suddenly die of a massive heart attack?
Craig asks not really expecting an answer.
[Joe] Was an autopsy done?
Joe asks looking through the file.
[Craig] Yeah. But nothing was found. Clean tox
screen....nothing.
[Joe] So they called it natural causes then.
Joe says with a nod and closes the file folder and lays it on
the bar.
Craig nods.
Methos frowns thinking this over, he didn't believe in such
coincidences. And too many 'accidents'.
[Craig] Unfortunately....in the larger cities....forensics is
more advanced than in smaller rural areas like where Patterson
died and someone would know that there are a lot of things that
can cause a heart attack without showing up on any tox screen.
[Joe] True.
Joe says in agreement.
[Craig] So now do you see why I say normally unsuspicious
circumstances?
Joe nods.
[Joe] Yeah. But what makes you think these are suspicious?
[Ally] Once is chance, twice is coincidence, three times is
conspiracy
Ally mutters her favorite quote under her breath.
[Methos] What about four times?
Methos asks slightly amused.
[Craig] If I had heard about any of these deaths in the news at
the times they happened I probably wouldn't think anything about
it. But learning about them now....well let's just say that the
cop in me has a little alarm that goes off when something seems
fishy and it is screaming at me right now.
Craig says with a bit of a smirk.
[Ally] Anything pass three times is conspiracy
Ally says back softly.
[Craig] Alone they are completely benign cases.
But...well....they aren't really alone, are they? Each one of
these men are connected to each other. And to you. And they all
died at a relatively young age.
[Methos] Oh, ran out of ideas after three, huh?
Methos teases with a smirk.
[Ally] It's just a quote. I didn't come up with it... not
actually sure who did.
Joe listens to Craig and begins to understand what he is saying.
He looks at Craig and nods then he leans closer to Craig.
Ally retorts grinning.
[Joe] So you think their deaths are connected somehow?
[Craig] As connected as their lives were. I just haven't figured
out what that connection is.....yet. But don't worry, Joe. I'm
good at what I do and I will.
Craig says confidently.
[Methos] Not me, I would have thought of something better.
Methos chuckles softly.
[Ally] Oh, I'm sure.
Ally says rolling her eyes amused.
[Ally] So would I, for that matter. But it's still an apt quote.
[Joe] Just to clarify.....are you thinking that someone is
responsible for each of the guys' deaths?
Craig picks up his brief case and stands up. With a nod he says,
"I'd stake my reputation on it. And since there are only 2 of
you left.....and I know that YOU'RE not a cold blooded
killer....." He leaves his thought open ended for Joe's
imagination to finish.
[Joe] Williams isn't either.
Joe says confidently.
[Joe] He wouldn't even kill the giant cockroaches they had over
there.
[Craig] Then someone....someone outside of your unit has one
hell of a grudge against you guys and has been methodically
eliminating your unit one by one.
[Joe] Wonderful.
Joe grumbles.
[Craig] So if I were you, Joe.....I'd watch my back. Like I
said....there are only 2 of you left.
Craig warns.
[Craig] I have to go but I'll call you as soon as I know
something else.
Joe nods and holds out his hand.
[Ally] The ninja...
Ally whispers under her breath.
[Joe] Thanks, Craig. You're going above and beyond. I appreciate
it.
Craig takes Joe's hand and gives it a slight shake.
[Craig] You're more than welcome, my friend. Take care of
yourself....alright?
[Joe] Yeah. Definitely.
Joe says and lets go of Craig's hand.
[Methos] Ninja? There are no real ninjas left, only imitators.
Methos frowns slightly looking at Aldria, wondering what was she
thinking.
[Joe] Be careful yourself. If whoever is responsible gets wind
that you're on their tail they might get a little pissed.
[Craig] Welcome to my world.
Ally just shook her head at Methos.
[Ally] I'll explain later.
Ally mutters.
Craig says grinning like a Cheshire cat. Then he turns and
hurries out of the bar.
Joe watches Craig leave and then gets an idea. He picks up the
file folder off the bar, turns and heads into his office and
closes the door. He sits down at his desk and opens his Rolodex
Finding the right card he dials the phone.
[Joe] Come on Williams.....and answer your damn phone.
Joe mumbles as he listens to the phone ringing. After letting
the phone ring several times, Joe finally gives up and hangs up.
[Joe] Damn! I'll just have to try again later.
Joe says aloud to himself. He gets up and goes back into the
bar. Pouring himself a glass of scotch he walks over to where
Methos and Ally are sitting and stands in front of them. He
hopes Methos is in a good mood because, right now, he could use
a couple of Methos' famous smarmy jokes.
[Methos] So... how is your reunion going?
Methos asks pretending he wasn't listening to the conversation
before.
[Joe] Humf.
Joe snorts.
[Ally] Care to elaborate on that 'humf'?
Ally asks.
[Joe] It looks like it will have to take place on the other side
of the pearly gate.
Joe says sarcastically.
[Methos] Oh, I hope you invite Saint Peter then, he might get
upset if you don't.
Methos says before he takes a sip of beer.
[Joe] He's the doorman up there....isn't he?
Joe says with another snort and empties his glass.
[Joe] There were 10 of us in the unit over there in Nam. There
is only 2 of us left.
Joe says glumly.
[Ally] Jeez! What happened?
Ally asks, pretending she hadn't heard the whole thing.
Methos drinks some more beer to cover a smile, amused at
Aldria's acting.
[Joe] According to what Craig has found out....each one has met
with an untimely death over the course of 20 years.
Joe says in answer to Ally's question.
[Joe] He seems to think that someone from outside of the unit is
methodically eliminating each one of us.
Joe adds and refills his glass.
[Joe] You guys ready for another round?
[Methos] That must be one hell of a revenge... to last 20 years.
Methos says as he gives his empty glass to Joe.
[Ally] Sure. How about a Crown and Coke this time though?
Ally says as she swallows the last of her mix.
Joe takes Methos and Ally's empty glasses and places them in the
sink below the bar and grabs a fresh frosty glass from the
fridge. He fills it with draft and sets it in front of Methos
then makes Ally's drink and sets it in front of her.
[Ally] Joe...
Ally says cautiously.
[Ally] You don't happen to have a ready picture of these guys do
you?
Joe looks at Ally and quirks an eyebrow.
[Joe] Well.....as a matter of fact.....
Joe says and without any further words, turns and heads for his
office where he grabs the file folder Craig had given him and
carries it back into the bar. He takes it over to Ally and sets
it on the bar in front of her.
[Joe] Craig left this for me to look over. It's his notes on the
case. And he has photos....some are morgue shots....of each one
of the guys.
Ally flips through the pictures, not bothering to read any then
sighs as she stops on one.
[Ally] Damn. I was right. Edwards, isn't it?
Ally asks glancing at Joe.
Joe leans closer and looks at the photo then nods.
[Joe] Yeah. His brother evidently killed him....shot him and his
family in their home 20 years ago.
[Ally] I know.
Ally says with a sigh and looks Joe in the eye
[Ally] I was the Judge as his trial.
[Methos] What about the others? He couldn't have done it.
Methos asks as he grabs the beer glass.
[Joe] Really? And you can remember the case after 20 years?
Joe says to Ally.
[Joe] What made it so memorable?
Joe asks knowing that she must have presided over many trials so
for her to remember one that happened so long ago there must
have been something about it.
[Ally] It was a rather specific case. Paul Edwards, his wife and
children all murdered. The only suspect his younger brother
George. The only motive was that if Paul and his family died,
George would get the full shares in the business they owned
jointly. Thing is... George swore up and down the whole trail
that HE didn't do it. In fact, he swore that he barely escaped
with HIS life.
Ally explains slowly, as she recalls the details for the trial
and crime.
Joe listens silently.
[Methos] Well, I hope he wasn't convicted without some evidence.
Methos says before he takes a sip of beer.
[Ally] Paul and his family were shot and George was found, a few
blocks from the crime scene with a gun in hand. Swearing up and
down, that he had barely escaped with his life, but he'd managed
to shoot the Ninja that actually killed his brother and family.
Needless to say no other bodies besides Paul and his family were
found. Let alone any evidence of a Ninja. But... in light of
what I over heard Craig tell you, Joe... I have to wonder if
maybe he was telling the truth. And that the never found Ninja
was maybe actually....
Ally trails off not putting her idea actually into words.
[Joe] Maybe actually what?
Joe asks quirking an eyebrow.
[Methos] An Immortal? An Immortal ninja?
[Ally] Why not?
Ally asks with a shrug at Methos.
[Joe] An Immortal? Why would one of you be killing members of my
unit?
[Methos] I suppose it's possible but...
Joe asks incredulously.
[Ally] That Joe... I don't know.
Methos shrugs slightly.
Ally says shaking her head.
[Joe] That's kind of a long stretch....isn't it?
Joe asks Methos.
[Methos] Yeah.
Methos nods with a smile.
[Joe] I mean....what would they have to gain by it? It's not
like they get extra points for killing a bunch of jar heads.
And the only Immortal in the unit died in the 90s.
Joe says thinking of Cord.
[Ally] Joe, again. I don't know. And I'm still not 100 percent
certain that George Edwards wasn't making the whole thing up,
but... I now see it as being possible he was telling the truth.
Ally sighs.
[Methos] Yeah, he would have felt something, unless it was a
pre-Immortal.
Methos suggests before he takes a sip.
[Methos] He'd have to be closer to feel a pre-Immortal.
[Joe] Yeah....well his death had nothing to do with this. Mac
took his head after he killed a good friend of Mac's.
Joe says quietly.
[Ally] Well... if Craig is looking into this for you. You'll
mention what I said about the Edward's case to him, won't you
Joe?
Ally asks concerned.
[Methos] Why don't I find that hard to believe?
Joe smiles and nods at Ally.
Methos chuckles amused as he hears evidence MacLeod acted like a
boy scout again.
[Joe] Yeah. I sure will.
Joe smiles at both of them and says, "If you 2 will excuse
me....I need to go make a call." Then he turns and heads for his
office to try Williams again.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 107--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 5
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 23, 2011, 6:42 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]Early morning in New York City, New York[/center]
Craig wakes up in his New York hotel room. He takes a quick
shower, gets dressed and heads out the door. On his way to
David's room he steals a cup of coffee off of a room service
cart sitting in the hallway outside a room. He takes a couple of
sips as he knocks on David's door.
[David] Coming.
David answers as he rushes to the door still a little dizzy from
the unexpected buzz.
[David] Damn, I'll never get used to this.
David murmurs as he opens the door.
[Craig] This is your wake up call.
Craig says teasingly when the door is opened.
[David] I've been up for over an hour, made my morning
exercises, took a shower, had breakfast... Looks like you're the
one who just woke up.
David tells Craig with a smile nodding at his coffee cup.
Craig thinks to himself, "youth," and shakes his head.
[Craig] Anyone ever tell you you're a smart ass?
Craig asks jokingly.
[David] All the time, but I take that as a compliment.
David chuckles as he moves to the chair to get his jacket.
Craig shakes his head again and chuckles.
[Craig] So are you ready to head out? We have a 30 mile drive
ahead of us and it will probably take us 2 hours just to get out
of Manhattan.
Craig says while standing in the doorway and holding the door
open.
[David] Yeah, I know, one thing I never miss about New York when
I'm in Seacouver, it's the traffic.
David says as he quickly checks if he has everything and then
exits his room closing the door behind him.
[David] Let's go then.
[Craig] Yeah. I hear ya.
Craig says in agreement.
[David] I still believe it's a waste of time.
David shrugs as he walks to the elevator.
[David] I was a kid when it happened by I still remember my
father and grandfather joking about it.
Craig empties the coffee cup and as he passes another room
service cart he sets the empty cup on it. He gets into the
elevator when it comes.
[Craig] Well....I asked you in Seacouver if you had a better
idea and you didn't so....
Craig says with a smirk as the elevator doors slide shut.
[David] Yeah, but a Ninja? You know what the cops in New York
said when there was a suspect they couldn't find? Don't tell me
a Ninja did it.
David sighs while shaking his head.
[Craig] What's the matter, David? You have something against
Ninja's?
Craig asks jokingly.
[David] No, actually I like Ninja movies, well some of them.
David answers chuckling.
[David] But this is real life, not Hollywood.
Craig gets out of the elevator when it stops on the parking
garage level and heads for his rental car.
[Craig] Yeah? And what determines what is believable and what
isn't?
Craig asks as he approaches the car and disarms the alarm.
[Craig] How many people do you think would believe someone who
told them there were people who lived forever ?
[David] Fine, we'll do this your way, no problem. Want me to
drive, boss?
David smiles as he walks to the car.
Craig tosses him the car keys, glad to not have to deal with the
traffic in the Big Apple.
[Craig] I assume you know where you're going?
Craig asks as he gets into the passenger seat.
David opens the door, seats at the driver's seat and closes the
door before he starts the car and grabs the wheel.
[David] Yeah, Sing Sing, here we go.
David says as he drives off the hotel garage.
Craig takes a small notebook out of his jacket breast pocket and
opens it. He reviews the notes he has jotted in the little book
as David makes his way through the heavy traffic.
David sighs as he stops at a red traffic light.
[David] If you just knew how much I missed this!
David grumbles unhappily before he side glances at Craig.
[Craig] Well.....I could reassign you if you miss it that much.
Craig says almost absentmindedly and without looking up from his
notes.
[David] So how did you find out about this Edwards guy? How do
you know he's in Sing Sing?
[Craig] Hmmm? Oh.....
Craig looks up from his notes.
[Craig] Evidently Joe was talking to a friend of his who just
happened to be the judge on the case and the one who sentenced
Edwards.
Craig kind of snickers and shakes his head.
[Craig] It's amazing just how small this world can be sometimes.
Craig says almost to himself.
[David] Really? Joe knows everybody.
David says with a smile.
Craig chuckles and nods.
[Craig] Sometimes it seems so.
Craig looks back down at his notes.
[Craig] I've actually met her a couple of times. She's good
friends with one of Nikki's closest friends.
[David] But how could a Seacouver judge have Edwards' case? She
was in New York before?
David asks with a puzzled frown.
[Craig] She evidently was a Superior Court Judge here before
coming to Seacouver.
Craig answers with a shrug.
[Craig] Oh....and she's one of us.
Craig adds as an after thought.
[David] Oh really? Anyone I know? I've met a few judges in here
but never knew any of them was an Immortal.
David asks curiously.
[Craig] Her name's Ally.....ummmm Iverson....Everson? Something
like that. To be honest I was with Nikki the night I met her and
wasn't paying attention.
David gasps in surprise.
Craig says in answer to David's question.
[David] Ally Everson? She's an Immortal?
[Craig] Yeah.
Craig says and looks over at David questioningly.
[Craig] Why? Do you know her or something?
A truck darts out of an alley and Craig grabs the dashboard as
he yells, "look out, David!"
David quickly hits the brakes, and manages to avoid the
collision by only a few inches.
[David] What do you think you're doing?
David yells after the disappearing truck.
[David] Damn, if I was still a cop I'd arrest that guy!
David grumbles angrily as he starts driving again.
[Craig] For what? Driving without a brain?
Craig says as he composes himself.
[David] No, flying below a safe altitude. What else?
David answers his anger almost gone and his lips twitching.
[Craig] Is that a crime here? I thought it was just a way of
life.
Craig says only partly joking.
David takes a deep breath shaking his head.
[David] Yeah, I know judge Everson, I owe her my freedom, I
guess.
David changes subject, going back to what they were discussing
before.
Craig turns slightly in his seat so he can look at David and
leans against the door.
[Craig] Do tell my young padawan.
Craig teases.
[David] After those guys framed me, I was this close to go to
jail. How could I prove my innocence if I was arrested?
David explains with a sigh.
Craig shakes his head.
[Craig] And the world keeps getting smaller and smaller.
Craig turns back around in his seat so he is facing forward.
[Craig] I guess the whole 6 degrees of separation BS is true.
Craig muses.
[David] Yeah. But I had no idea she was in Seacouver now.
David smiles looking at Craig.
[David] Maybe I should spend more time at Joe's, no?
Craig shoots a smirk in David's direction.
[Craig] You mean actually putting down the book you are
currently reading and come out from behind the 4 walls of your
apartment?
Craig says feigning shock.
[Craig] Actually socializing with other members of the human
race?
Craig lets out a gasp.
[Craig] Wait.....what's that?
Craig looks out the front windshield and up at the sky.
[Craig] Is it? Are pigs actually flying?
[center]****3 Hours later****[/center]
David stops at the prison park lot and slowly exits the car with
a tired sigh. He's glad he can rest for a while now.
Craig gets out of the car and looks over at David. Seeing the
look on his student's face he smirks and asks, "What's wrong?"
[David] Can you believe I'm actually missing Seacouver?
David tells him with smiling amused.
[Craig] You're the one who wanted to drive.
Craig says with a snicker as he heads for the prison's
administration building.
[David] It's not just that. I don't know what it is. I've lived
here my entire life and now...
David shrugs not bothering to explain.
[Craig] You've gotten spoiled. I know. It happened to me.
There's something about Seacouver....about the Pacific Northwest
in general that does that to big city people.
Craig explains as he opens the doors to the administration
building.
[David] Maybe that's why so many of us end up there. Maybe
that's the reason.
David whispers to Craig as they enter the building.
Craig walks up to the main desk and smiles charmingly at the
receptionist.
[Craig] Good morning.
Craig says to the young lady in his most charming voice.
[Craig] I have an appointment with Mr. Frank Denver. My name is
Craig Bower.
Craig says as he removes a leather wallet from the vest pocket
of his jacket and flips it open, revealing a badge that
resembles that of a policeman. The receptionist blushes and
smiles shyly at Craig as she picks up the phone and dials the
appropriate office. She informs the person on the other end of
the phone that Mr. Bower is here to see him then instructs Craig
and David to have a seat...that Mr. Denver will be with them
shortly.
[David] So we're cops now? I hope they don't find out or we'll
get to stay here for free.
David whispers to Craig laughing amused.
Craig holds out the wallet with the badge so David can look at
it closer.
[Craig] Doesn't say anywhere anything about being a cop. And
neither did I.
Craig winks as he puts the wallet away and takes a seat.
[Craig] Can't help it if she didn't look closely at it or ask me
about it.
Craig says with an innocent shrug.
[David] She's a blonde, why should she?
David chuckles side glancing at the receptionist.
[Craig] In case you hadn't noticed, Mr. Smart Ass....so am I.
Craig says scowling playfully at David.
[David] So am I. It's different with males.
David smiles amused.
[David] Never heard jokes about blonde males, have you?
Craig chuckles shaking his head. He sits back and leans his head
against the wall behind his chair and hopes Denver doesn't make
them wait very long.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 108--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 6
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 23, 2011, 7:09 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Duncan MacLeod is temporarily being
understudied.[/sub][/center]
Joe sits at his desk in his office and dials Williams' cell
phone number again for umpteenth time. When he doesn't get an
answer he swears under his breath at not having gotten his
friend's land line number as well. After a few more rings he
hangs up. But something is nagging at him. He's got the strange
feeling that something in Texas isn't exactly right. He gets up
from his chair, grabs his cane and slowly walks into his bar. He
smiles when he sees a familiar face sitting at the bar and
sipping at a draft.
[Joe] Mac.....it's good to see you.
Joe says greeting his Immortal friend with a broad grin. He
walks behind the bar and stops in front of MacLeod.
Duncan hears his name and turns to see Joe approaching. He
smiles warmly at the man as he comes to a stop in front of him.
[Duncan] It's been a while.
Duncan says and holds out his hand.
Joe takes the Immortal's hand and gives it a welcoming shake.
[Joe] Yes it has. Where've you been?
Duncan snickers and gives Joe a sly look over the top of his
glass.
[Duncan] As if you didn't know.
Duncan winks and takes a drink of his beer.
Joe holds his hands up innocently.
[Joe] Hey....honestly....I really don't. I've had other things
on my mind besides chasing you around the globe, my friend.
Joe pours himself a cup of coffee and takes a sip.
Duncan looks at Joe with a bit of skepticism then realizes that
the Watcher is telling him the truth and he quirks an eyebrow
questioningly.
[Duncan] Problems?
Duncan asks simply.
Joe waves his hand and shakes his head.
[Joe] Nothing serious.
Joe says and then under his breath he adds, "I hope."
Duncan looks more closely at his friend. He has known Joe long
enough to know when the man is trying to make light of something
that is really more serious and he sees a glimmer of that in his
eyes right now.
[Duncan] Anything you want to talk about?
Duncan asks looking at the glass of beer in his hand before
nonchalantly taking a sip.
[Joe] I'd rather hear about where you've been keeping yourself.
Joe says and takes a sip of his coffee. He knew that whatever
had kept MacLeod away for as long as he had been gone this time
had to be interesting enough to take his mind off of why he
couldn't get a hold of Williams.
Duncan figures his friend doesn't feel like talking about
whatever is bothering him....or that it is something he can't
talk about so he accepts the change of subject.
[Duncan] Well...it's really nothing earth shattering.
[color=dodgerblue]Duncan says with a shrug.
[Duncan] I was down in San Diego, California for a week at a
Martial Arts exhibition. An old friend of mine was judging one
of the events and invited me down.
Duncan takes a drink of his beer.
[Joe] San Diego? It's the right time of year down there.
Joe says with enthusiasm. A memory of a weekend he had spent
there in his younger days crosses his mind and he can't help but
smile a little.
[Joe] Great city. Some really nice tattoo parlors.
Joe takes a sip of his coffee.
Duncan sees the look in Joe's eyes and chuckles.
[Duncan] I'm sure. Among other things.
Duncan teases and takes a sip of his beer.
[Joe] I was a whole hell of a lot younger then.
Joe says shaking his head.
[Joe] And definitely not as wise.
[Duncan] With age comes wisdom.
Duncan says with a hint of joking in his voice.
[Duncan] Or so they say.
[Joe] You know....
Joe says and drinks the last of the coffee in his cup.
[Joe] ....I've always wondered who exactly "they" are. "They"
sure seem to always have something profound to say....don't
"they"?
Joe 's blue eyes twinkle with humor.
[Duncan] I just always assumed it was a bar tender.
Duncan says with a mischievous wink.
[Joe] Ha! Bartenders aren't that profound. It was probably more
like an Immortal.
Joe says with a smirk as he refills his glass.
[Joe] So....that explains one week.....what about the others?
Joe changes the subject back to their original topic.
[Duncan] Well....then I came home for a couple of days.....had
dinner with a beautiful lady friend and then went to Phoenix,
Arizona with Richie to watch him race.
Duncan says. He empties his glass and sets the empty on the bar.
[Joe] Refill?
Joe says reaching for MacLeod's empty glass.
Duncan thinks about it for a couple of seconds then nods.
[Joe] So? How did he do? Did he bring home another trophy?
Joe asks as he takes the empty glass and sets it in the sink and
retrieves a fresh one and begins to fill it with draft beer.
[Duncan] Unfortunately not this time. He only came in 5th. He
was having some major mechanical problems with his bike.
Joe shakes his head as he brings the glass of beer back and sets
it on the bar in front of MacLeod.
[Joe] That's too bad. He had quite a streak going there for a
while.
Joe picks up his cup of coffee and takes a sip.
[Joe] What was it....5 1st place trophies in a row?
Duncan takes a sip of his beer and shakes his head.
[Duncan] 6.
Duncan corrects Joe.
[Joe] 6. Wow! He must be running out of room on his shelf by
now.
Joe says light heartedly.
[Duncan] And his ego.
Duncan says with a snicker.
[Duncan] If he keeps this up I'll have to enlarge the doors to
the Dojo just so he can get his head through them.
Joe laughs at that.
[Joe] And I don't suppose he's letting anyone forget it, either.
Joe chuckles.
[Duncan] Oh....that's not the half of it.
Duncan says and takes another sip of his beer.
[Duncan] He's been back from his last race 4 days and has
already had 6 dates with 6 different women who seem to hang on
his every word.
Duncan says with a chuckle.
[Joe] 6 women? 6 dates in 4 days?
Joe says incredulously.
Duncan nods.
Joe shakes his head in amazement as well as amusement.
[Joe] Only the young.
Joe says and takes another drink of his coffee.
[Duncan] Even when I was that young....
Duncan says with a bit of a frown.
[Duncan] ....I still never had his libido
Duncan chuckles softly.
[Duncan] Or energy.
Joe laughs.
[Joe] I had the energy but I was a stick in the mud compared to
Richie.
Joe looks at Duncan as he suddenly remembers something the
Immortal had said earlier.
[Joe] So I assume the beautiful lady friend you mentioned
earlier is the lovely Amanda.
Joe says more as a statement than a question.
Duncan gives Joe a bit of a smirk.
[Duncan] You haven't heard?
Joe heard what?
[Duncan] Amanda is in a committed relationship.
[Joe] Committed? How committed?
Joe asks sceptically.
Duncan shrugs.
[Duncan] Well....she's taken herself off the market.
[Joe] You're kidding!
Joe says in total shock.
[Joe] And it's not with you?
Duncan shakes his head.
[Duncan] Nope.
[Joe] I don't believe it. Is the world coming to an end or
something?
Duncan shrugs nonchalantly.
[Duncan] Well....I did see a pig flying yesterday.
Duncan says sarcastically joking.
[Joe] Everyone in hell must be wearing sweaters.
Joe adds to MacLeod's comment.
Duncan nods and laughs heartily.
Joe laughs along with his friend. Then he becomes a little more
serious and looks at MacLeod.
[Joe] So....if it wasn't Amanda.....who was it?
Duncan had hoped that Joe had forgotten his original question.
He simply shakes his head a couple of times and shrugs.
[Duncan] You'll have to look it up in the Chronicles.
Duncan says with a sly wink.
[Joe] I knew you were going to say something like that.
Joe says disappointedly. As he takes a sip of his coffee he
decides to give Mac a break on the interrogation and try his
phone call again so he excuses himself and walks back to his
office where he sits down at his desk and picks up the phone.
Duncan is grateful for the respite and reaches for a nearby bowl
of pretzels. He pops one in his mouth then chases it down with a
drink of his beer.
Joe still doesn't get an answer and with each ring of Williams'
cell phone Joe's nagging feeling that something isn't right
grows stronger. When he hangs up he decides to give Craig a call
only to learn that Craig is in New York following another lead.
By the time Joe has finished talking to Craig he has made his
mind up that he is going to have to go down to Texas and check
things out himself. He picks the phone back up and calls his
travel agent and books the next flight to Texas then he goes
back out to the bar.
[Joe] Well....it seems you're not the only one with the
wanderlust.
Joe says to MacLeod as he steps up in front of his friend.
[Duncan] What do you mean?
Duncan asks quirking an eyebrow.
[Joe] Looks like I'm on my way down to Texas.
[Duncan] That was kind of sudden....wasn't it?
[Joe] Yeah.....well you how things are sometimes.
Joe says with a noncommittal shrug.
[Duncan] Yeah. That I do.
Duncan says in agreement. He finishes his beer and lays some
money on the bar next to the empty glass.
[Duncan] Well....you have a safe trip.
Duncan says smiling at his friend. Then with a mischievous wink
he adds, "and stay away from those cowgirls down there. I hear
they can be a whole lot of trouble.."
[Joe] Hey....I might just bring one back with me.
Joe says jokingly.
Duncan laughs and waves goodbye to his friend and Watcher and
strolls casually out of the bar.
Joe walks over to the phone at the end of the bar and calls his
assistant, Mike to come in A.S.A.P. to cover for him and when
Mike arrives, Joe leaves and hurries home to pack.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 109--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 7
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 23, 2011, 7:28 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***10 minutes later***[/center]
Craig takes a seat in one of the chairs on one side of the long
table in the middle of the interview room and removes a file
from his briefcase. He sets it on the table and opens it then
takes out a legal notepad from his briefcase and sets it down
next to the open folder. He takes the pen out of his shirt
pocket and clicks it open then lays it on the notepad. He looks
in the direction of the door.
[Craig] You take the lead on this, Dave.
Craig says to David.
[David] Oh good cop, bad cop? I love to play that one.
David says smiling at Craig.
[David] So I get to be the good cop... again... right?
Craig smiles, shaking his head in amusement. He gets up from his
chair and walks over to the corner of the room and leans against
the wall with his arms folded over his chest.
David asks just to make sure.
[Craig] It's all yours.
Craig says nodding towards the now empty chair.
[David] I knew it, you never let me be the bad cop.
David smiles despite himself as he walks to the chair and sits
down.
Edwards is lead down the hallway from his cell to the interview
room. He glowered at his feet, unhappy by the prospect of being
interviewed by whoever had gotten the permission to do so, so
they could laugh at his 'ninja.'
[Edwards] Come on Bob. Why have I got to do this? I don't wanna
talk to anybody.
Edwards complains to his jailer. The guard in question just
grunted and opened the door, waving him in. He sighs and enters
the interview room, where he sat in the chair, and Bob secured
him to the chair, table and floor. "Detectives," Bob nodded.
"I'll be right outside if you need me." That said, Bob left the
interview room, closing the door behind him.
David nods to the guard absent-absentmindedly pretending to be
reading the file, then he looks up to look at Edwards.
[David] Good afternoon, Mr. Edwards. We'd like to hear your
story concerning something that just came up.
Edwards just glared at the detective that spoke. They all
claimed that, and he isn't in the mood to be laughed at any
more.
Craig continues to lean against the wall in the corner of the
room with his arms folded across his chest. He looks almost
bored as he watches his partner go to work.
[David] It seems most of your brother's friends from Vietnam are
dead one way or the other, and it really sounds suspicious, you
claim to have seen who attacked him...
David explains leaving out who he claimed to have attacked him.
[Edwards] No. I saw who killed him, and my sister-in-law and
their children
Edwards says shortly, not elaborating. After all, they all think
he was just too stupid to make up something better.
Craig , although still looking as though he is bored, is
watching Edward's intently...paying close attention to the man's
facial expressions and his body language.
[David] Yes, and you claim that you stabbed the attacker but
there was no body.
David says as he nods to the man.
Edwards shrugs, not particularly caring to try and explain, for
the umpteenth time. Only to be laughed at.
[David] Mr. Edwards, if we find out who did it, you can ask for
a revision on your case. Do you want to die in prison?
David asks as he slightly frowns at Edwards.
The door of the interview room opens up and a guard steps in and
looks at Craig. He motions for Craig to come over to him and he
holds out a sheet of paper. Craig pushes off of the wall and
walks over to the guard and takes the paper from him. He glances
at it and sees that it is Edwards' commissary expenses for the
month.
[Edwards] I'm not going to die in prison. I'm going to be killed
in prison.
Edwards says flatly.
[Craig] Thanks.
Craig says to the guard. He returns to the corner as the guard
leaves the room.
[Craig] What's the difference?
Craig says in response to Edwards' comment without looking up
from the sheet of paper.
Edwards shrugs.
[David] Yeah, you'll die one way or another.
David adds with a shrug, trying not to show his amusement.
[Edwards] Doesn't matter. My life ended when my brother died.
[Craig] So does that mean you don't care who killed your
brother?
Craig asks Edwards without looking up from the sheet of paper.
[David] Yes, that guy has walked away free while you've been in
jail for twenty years. Don't you care?
David asks trying to get something out of that guy.
[Edwards] It means I'm tired of being laughed and told I'm an
idiot. And asked why I couldn't come up with a better story.
Edwards said flatly.
[David] The other cops didn't know what we do. That most of your
brother's comrades had very suspicious deaths.
David sighs at the man's stupidity, it was his best chance and
he was blowing it away.
Craig waits for David to get to the main reason they are here.
Edwards frowns wondering what they had, Paul's comrades were all
dead?
[David] Look George, I can call you George, right?
David asks trying to sound friendlier.
[Edwards] Yeah, sure.
Edwards says with a shrug.
[David] It's been twenty years, you had a lot of time in your
hands. Time to think things over, to remember it over and over
again. Even regret not mentioning some things that you thought
weren't important at the time.
David explains looking at the man in front of him.
[Edwards] If I regret anything at the moment, it's that I didn't
plead the fifth.
Edwards says, but he did study the detective in front of him
curiously. The man was obviously trying to reach some kind of a
point.
[David] You kept thinking about the man who killed your brother,
I understand he wore some kind of hood but still there might be
something you could told us about him.
David goes on hoping the answer will be affirmative.
[Craig] And don't give us any of that Ninja crap.
Craig says from his corner of the room.
[Edwards] Then you might as well send me back to my cell, 'cause
I don't have much else to give you.
Edwards says glaring at the detective in the corner of the room.
[David] Come on, Craig. Maybe the guy was dressed like a Ninja.
The world is full of lunatics.
David says looking at Craig, wondering if he ever used that line
playing good cop before.
[Craig] Or maybe you don't want to get out of here.
Craig says looking directly at Edwards.
[Craig] Is that it, Georgie? You like it here? Maybe you have a
wife here you don't want to leave...hmmm?
Craig goads Edwards.
[Edwards] The only person I killed, or thought I killed, is the
one body they didn't find that night, or the next day.
Edwards says hotly glaring at the detective in the corner.
[Edwards] Wish to God I knew how the hell she survived when I
left her with a knife in her damn chest.
[David] She? It was a woman?
[Craig] Oh come on now.
David manages not to gasp in surprise.
Craig says with frustrated sigh.
Edwards nods.
[Craig] First it's mysterious Ninjas now it's a woman.
Craig rolls his eyes.
[Craig] Come on partner. He's not going to help us.
Craig says to David disgustedly.
[Edwards] It was some bitch dressed in a ninja costume. Breasts
are kind of hard to mistaken, especially when one is stabbing a
knife into her chest!
[David] Come on, Craig. His neck is on the line why would he
invent such story?
David almost smiles this time, that one he's sure to have used
before.
[Craig] Oh.....and now the story gets even better.
Craig says rolling his eyes.
[Craig] Now he stabbed the so called woman Ninja in the chest.
Craig walks over to the table and places the palms of his hands
on the table top. Leaning on the table he leans close to
Edwards...his face only inches from the man...and looks into his
eyes.
[Craig] So tell me.....what happened to the body? Was it beamed
aboard some alien mother ship or something? Hmmm?
Craig says...goading Edwards.
[Edwards] Look, I don't know what the hell happened. I stabbed
her, then pulled the face mask off and checked for a pulse.
There wasn't anything there. Left to call the police, and by the
time I came to lead the cops back to the Asian bitch's body, it
was gone.
Edwards says hotly, glaring deeply into this detective's eyes.
[Craig] What about the knife? Where did it go? Up to the mother
ship along with the body?
Craig asks sarcastically and he straightens up.
[Edwards] I left it in the damn Body!! How the hell am I
supposed to know where the knife OR the bitch's body disappeared
too?
Edwards replies hotly.
David sighs listening to Craig, it looked more and more they
were dealing with an Immortal.
[Craig] This is crap, partner. I've heard better stories on TV.
Let's go. We can still make the last race at Saratoga.
Craig says and takes a couple of steps toward the door knowing
that either Edwards or David will stop him.
Edwards shakes his head, not too sorry to see the detective go.
He knew they hadn't truly wanted to hear what he had to say.
None of them every did.
[David] Wait, I still think we should give him a chance to
describe the attacker. Maybe he can give us a description?
David says knowing that Craig trying to leave is part of the
act.
[Craig] What difference does it make? Whoever or whatever this
so called attacker is...they are in another galaxy now and I
don't think our jurisdiction covers beyond Mars.
Craig says sarcastically as he stops and turns to look at David.
But he is watching Edwards out of the corner of his eye.
[David] Really? I'll remember it next time I go to Jupiter.
David answers shaking his head and trying not to burst out
laughing.
[Craig] Like I said....he likes it here.
Craig says to David
[Craig] He and Bubba are a happy couple.
Edwards just shakes his head. He knew better than to have
expected anything from these detectives. Even when he had a
death sentence already on his head, and nothing to serve by
lying, everyone still thought he had lied and still was lying.
[Craig] He probably wouldn't even be interested in the fact that
the prosecutor is willing to make him a deal.
Craig adds.
[Craig] A deal that means he and Bubba can spend the rest of
their lives together in wedded bliss.
Craig says without looking at Edwards.
[David] Yes, I'm beginning to think you're right.
David nods at Craig.
[David] I believed his story but now... He doesn't even want to
describe us the attacker. Or do you expect me to believe you
didn't take a good look at her?
[Craig] I suppose she had green skin and huge black
eyes.....right?
Craig says looking over at Edwards with a sarcastic smirk.
[Edwards] No.
Edwards snorts
[Edwards] It was some Asian broad. Came about chin high on me.
Black hair, black or dark brown eyes.
Edwards shrugs.
[David] Did you see her face? Would you recognize her in a
picture?
Edwards shrugs.
Craig waits for David to ask Edwards if he had ever seen her
before....if his brother had been seen with her before.
[Edwards] Maybe. I did get a look at her face when I pulled the
mask off, but I don't see what good a picture of her then would
do you. It was 20 years ago.
[David] And you'd never seen her before?
Edwards shakes his head. "No."
David wonders how long was that waiter working for Joe, it was a
long shot but it was slightly suspicious.
[Craig] Alright. let's just say for our amusement that what
you're saying is true.
Craig says walking back up to the end of the table.
[Craig] What reason would this woman have for breaking into your
brother's home and killing his entire family and him?
Craig asks looking down at Edwards.
[Edwards] Revenge. Said something about payback for...
Edwards trails off trying to remember what the Ninja had been
saying.
Craig slams his fist down 9on the table.
[Craig] Payback for what?
Craig shouts.
[Edwards] Fuck it! I'm trying to remember!
Edwards yells back hotly.
[Edwards] Payback for death... For death delivered.
Edwards says after another moment of thinking.
[Craig] Death delivered?
Craig repeats Edwards' statement to make sure he heard it right.
[Craig] What the hell is that suppose to mean?
David frowns listening to it, an Immortal with a grudge, great.
[David] They did the same to her.
Edwards shrugs.
[Edwards] Your guess is as good as mine.
Craig straightens up and steps away from the table. With his
back to Edwards he asks, "were you and your brother close?"
[Edwards] About as close as brothers can be. Shared everything,
'till he went to 'Nam. Had finally just started to open up about
that, when he was killed.
Edwards shrugs.
[Craig] Shared everything?
Craig reiterates as he turns back around. He places one hand on
the back of Edwards' chair and the other on the table next to
the man.
[Edwards] Shared all our thoughts, feelings. 'Nam beat him up,
in ways I'll never understand. Was helping him deal with that,
when he was killed.
[Craig] So how is it that you were that close and know nothing
about this woman who was seeking revenge against him?
Craig asks in a menacingly soft voice right next to Edwards'
ear.
[Edwards] Had to have been something that happened in 'Nam.
Pauly was just starting to tell me ANYTHING about 'Nam. Let
alone details of what all happened to him over there.
[David] And if they killed all her family, it wouldn't be
something to brag about, right?
David looking at his boss and the man near him.
[Edwards] Last thing Pauly ever wanted to do, was hurt someone
else.
Edwards says softly.
[Craig] Have you ever met any of your brother's war buddies?
[David] Craig, may I have a word with you?
Craig asks standing up and stepping away from the table.
David says as he stands up and walks to the corner of the room.
[Edwards] No
Edwards says answering the older detective's question as the
younger stood up.
[Craig] He never had them over to his house? Never met them for
a beer and to talk about old times?
Craig asks as he follows David over to the corner. Leaning in
close so that they can speak in whispers he asks David, "what's
up?"
[David] I was wondering just how long is that waitress working
for Joe. Doesn't it sound suspicious? Two Asian you know what
around?
David whispers to Craig.
[Craig] What are you suggesting?
Craig asks in a whisper.
[David] Why don't we get a picture just in case and show it to
him?
David indicates Edwards.
[David] Maybe she just had bad timing, but I don't believe in
coincidences. She showed up after Williams, right? And Joe
called him.
David frowns trying to remember the first time he'd seen her at
the bar.
[Craig] So what do you want to do?
Craig whispers.
[David] Get a picture and show it to Edwards, he said he took a
look at her, he might recognize her. We could say it's an old
picture.
David smiles thinking the woman doesn't look a day older.
[Craig] That means we're staying another night.
Craig whispers with a nod. He can see where David is going with
this and agrees that the coincidence is a bit suspicious
[David] Let's just call Watson, and tell him to take a picture
and send it to us. If it's not her, no harm done.
David suggests side glancing at Edwards.
Craig nods in agreement. He takes a step backwards then turns to
look at Edwards.
[Craig] You said you could identify her if you saw her....right?
Craig asks Edwards.
"I think so," Edwards says slowly. "At least if I saw how she
looked then. I sure as heck wouldn't recognize her after 20
years. Hardly recognize myself in the mirror."
[Craig] Well....you'll get your chance to make believers out of
us tomorrow. when we come back with a picture.
Edwards shrugs.
Craig announces to Edwards as he starts gathering up the papers
on the table and putting them into his brief case.
[Edwards] Fine by me.
Craig closes his brief case and picks it up. He strides over to
the door and raps on the window.
[Craig] Guard? We're done in here.
Craig calls out through the door. When the door is unlocked and
opened, he looks at David and gestures for him to go ahead.
[Craig] Age before beauty.
Craig says jokingly to David.
David follows Craig to the door and steps out.
[David] Come on, let's go, my mother invited us for dinner. I
was saving the good news to last.
David tells Craig with a smile.
Craig follows David with a bit of a proud smirk.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 110--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 8
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 23, 2011, 8:18 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]***Same day, late at night***[/center]
Kim sighs impatiently leaning against the car seat to get a more
comfortable position. This is taking too long. She had figured
the best time to take a look at Joe's office was while he was
away, but Mike is taking a long time to leave the bar. For a
moment she wishes she had followed her instinct and killed him
when they were alone, but she quickly dismisses the idea, it
would draw too much attention if someone showed up dead at the
bar and she wants everything to look normal until she's ready.
Kim frowns thinking for a moment, wondering why Mike is taking
so long, it had been a quiet night, not too many costumers, like
the nights at the beginning of the week usually were. Not even
Joe's Immortal friend who almost lived at the bar had showed up.
In fact no Immortals had showed up tonight... for a change. Now
that's something strange, Kim thinks as she frowns slightly
again, it has puzzled her since the beginning, the quantity of
Immortals that hanged around at the bar. And most of them were
Joe's friends.
Kim takes a deep breath thinking about Joe Dawson. This one
isn't going to be an easy target, she'll have to wait until none
of his Immortal friends are around when it's time to get him, or
she'll get in trouble. Unless she gets some of them first. She
contemplates the idea for a while but finally dismisses it. She
could get one, maybe even two, but the rest would suspect
something and Dawson might even get away. That's the last thing
she wants, Joe is the target and given the nature of his
friends, she'll have to leave them alone for now, too risky to
play her usual game and kill them all.
Kim checks her watch again and sighs looking at the door of the
bar, for a moment she wishes she'd moved to Young like it was
planned and had left Joe Dawson for last so she could do a
thorough job.
"At last." She murmurs to herself when she sees Mike open the
door of the bar and lock it for the night. She resists the
temptation to hide herself, he won't see her, she's sure of it.
She smiles as she sees him walk to his car and drive off. He
didn't even look her way.
"Show time." She murmurs before she gets out of her car and
starts moving to the door. Kim smiles scornfully as she gets the
keys from her pocket, she could have used a window but why
should her when Mike left his keys so conveniently at her
disposal to take a copy? She shakes her head still smiling, the
fool had even asked for her help to find them back.
Kim opens the door, enters the bar and locks it again behind
her. She walks directly to Joe's office knowing that only there
she'll find something interesting if she's going to find
anything. She frowns when she finds the door locked, maybe one
of the keys she'd copied is from that door. She sighs in relief
when the third key fits and she unlocks the door, shaking her
head at the extra precautions why lock that door with the bar
locked? She switches the light on and looks around trying to
decide where to begin.
Kim decides to try the computer first and moves that way. She
curses under her breath as the machine starts and asks her for a
password. Maybe Joe is stupid enough to have it written
somewhere, she thinks as she opens one of the drawers. She picks
the first thing she sees, a file folder and opens it. She frowns
instantly to what she sees. Her frown deepens as she keeps going
through the file, Anderson, Edwards, Temple, Johnson, Patterson,
King. How long will it take until he finds out about the others?
Worse, this is enough for him to suspect something. She knew he
knew about Anderson but this is different. Kim curses her own
stupidity for not killing him the moment she knew he had hired a
private investigator. But hopefully it's not too late.
Kim gives up the search, so she turns off the computer, puts the
file where she found it and leaves the room, locking the door
behind her. Whatever he has in his office isn't important
anymore, this calls for a change of plans.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 111--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 9
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 23, 2011, 8:45 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center][sub]The part of Joe Dawson is temporarily being
understudied[/sub][/center]
Craig paces in the waiting area of the prison hoping they will
be able to see Edwards soon.
David sighs as he gets to his feet and begins pacing around,
then he remembers something and smiles.
Craig looks over at David.
[Craig] What are you grinning about?
Craig asks, quirking an eyebrow.
[David] I didn't know the room we were yesterday was the room
where the attorneys talked to their clients.
David answers looking at Craig.
[Craig] And you're smiling because....
Craig drags the word because out proddingly.
[David] I thought the room might be bugged and didn't want to
point something out to Edwards.
David shakes his head still smiling.
[David] He told the cops he'd shot the ninja.
[Craig] Yeah. So?
[David] So now he told us he'd stabbed her, you don't suppose
she came back to life and began to hunt him down, do you?
[Craig] I doubt it. She's been successful at hunting down and
killing her targets. If she wanted him dead....he'd be dead.
[David] Yeah, but that's when he shot her.
The grating sound of the door that leads to the interview rooms
echoes through the waiting room and Craig turns to look in that
direction. A man in a suit walks out and the guard at the desk
motions for Craig and David to come up to the desk.
[David] I think we're about to find out.
David murmurs as he follows Craig to the desk.
The guard slides the register through the slot in the grate that
surrounds the desk and Craig signs in then hands the pen to
David.
David takes the pen and quickly signs up his name, all of a
sudden he can't wait to talk to Edwards and find out what
happened.
While David signs in Craig removes his gun from his shoulder
holster and puts it in one of the weapons' lockers and locks it
up...handing the key to the guard.
[David] Hmm, I left my gun in the car.
David tells the guard as he looks at him.
Craig rolls his eyes as the buzzer sounds and the lock on the
door snaps open.
[Craig] Tell me something.
Craig says over his shoulder to David.
[David] What?
[Craig] Do ever do anything wrong?
Craig says teasingly as he steps through the door into the
hallway.
David asks following Craig inside.
[David] I try not to. Why? Don't tell me it upsets you, boss.
David asks teasingly with a smile.
[Craig] I'm just wondering how a poor sap like me.....who has a
tendency to fall in a pile of shit on a daily basis is supposed
to teach someone who is already perfect?
Craig says sarcastically....although he is still teasing.
[David] Maybe you're hoping it will rub off?
[Craig] Yeah.
David shakes his head amused.
Craig says with a chuckle.
[Craig] Like a bad case of athletes foot.
The guard unlocks a door to an interview room and holds it open
as he steps aside so the 2 men can walk past into the room.
David walks in the room looking around for a moment, then his
attention focus on Edwards.
[David] Busy morning, huh?
G_Edwards just grunts not responding verbally.
Craig walks into the room and looks over at Edwards as the guard
says, "call me when you're done," and shuts the door behind
them. Craig walks over to the table and pulls out a chair across
from Edwards and sits down.
[Craig] So how are you doing today George?
Craig asks as he opens the file folder he has carried into the
room.
[G_Edwards] Fine.
G_Edwards grunts uninterested.
David sits next to Craig looking at the folder and wondering if
his guess was correct.
Craig slides the photograph he and David had been faxed earlier
across the table and turns it so Edwards can see it.
[Craig] Do you recognize this woman, George?
Craig asks in an even voice.
David looks up at Edwards, eagerly waiting for his answer.
G_Edwards looks down at the picture the two men placed so he
could see. It looks like a modern photo but... Edwards feels his
face go white.
Craig sees Edward's reaction and glances at David.
David side glances at Craig when he sees the man go white.
Craig waits for George to answer even though his reaction speaks
volumes. Craig wants to hear the words.
David looks back at Edwards taking a deep breath so he wouldn't
say anything.
[G_Edwards] When was this photo taken?
G_Edwards whispers softly.
[Craig] Last night.
Craig answers.
[Craig] Do you recognize her?
Craig repeats his question.
[G_Edwards] Then it's not her.
G_Edwards says flatly.
[Craig] I didn't ask if it was her or anyone specific, George.
Craig says raising his voice just a tad.
[Craig] I asked you if you recognize her.
[G_Edwards] The bitch's daughter, or granddaughter A dead ringer
for her... but nobody could look like that now, who killed my
brother.
Craig looks at David exasperatedly.
[Craig] You try and get through to him.
Craig says to David and gets up from his chair. He walks away
from the table and leans against the wall.
David smiles as he looks at Edwards.
[David] Yes, it might be a relative, but it looks like her,
right?
This is one of those times when Craig wishes he had never given
up smoking
David says trying to explain why the woman didn't age, the last
thing he wants is for this guy to know the truth.
G_Edwards shrugs.
[G_Edwards] As I said, whoever that is, is a dead ringer for the
bitch that killed my brother.
[Craig] So if she were dressed in Ninja clothing.....and you
didn't know when this picture was taken....would it be the same
woman? The woman you shot?
Craig asks as he moves over to the table and places his hands on
the top of it and leans closer to George.
[G_Edwards] Yeah. It looks just like the bitch, that I shot.
G_Edwards grunted.
[David] And you shot her, right? So how come yesterday you told
us you stabbed her?
David asks raising an eyebrow at Edwards.
Craig straightens up and looks at David. A smile of approval
crosses his face.
[G_Edwards] Did both.
G_Edwards says flatly.
[David] Both? Really?
David frowns pretending to be puzzled when in fact he knows what
happened.
[Craig] First you say you shot her. Then you say you stabbed
her.
Craig leans menacingly close to George.
[Craig] Quit screwing with us, Edwards.
[G_Edwards] I'm not screwing with you. Look, I stabbed the
bitch. She died. I called the cops then turn around and there
she was! Standing there starring at me! I ran out the door, she
chased after me. I pulled my gun and shot her. Several times!
Cops showed up then. And, I went to them. Went to lead them back
to the bitch's body and she was gone!
David smiles smugly listening to Edwards story. Just like he
imagined, he loves when he's right.
[Craig] How sure are you George?
Craig asks looking the man directly in the eyes.
[Craig] Sure enough to testify to it under oath?
[G_Edwards] Positive. But who the hell would believe that? Even
if it was under oath?
G_Edwards shoots back.
[Craig] That's all I wanted to know, George. If you had said
that in the first place we could have been done with this a long
time ago.
Craig says as he stands up straight and returns the picture to
the folder.
[Craig] Come on, partner. Let's get out of here.
Craig says to David as he heads for the door.
[David] Hmm, Craig, I think you should warn your friend, he's
been sleeping with the enemy so to speak.
David tells Craig as he gets to his feet and moves to the door.
Craig raps on the door and when the guard comes and opens the
door he hurries out of the room.
[G_Edwards] Figures.
G_Edwards mutters.
Craig signs out and retrieves his gun from the locker and
hurries out of the building.
[G_Edwards] You don't believe anymore than they did back then.
Craig tosses the car keys to David.
David follows Craig as he hurries out of the prison, figuring
Craig wants to call Dawson. He catches the car keys in mid air
and sits at the driver's seat.
[David] Coming?
David asks Craig with a smirk.
[Craig] No.
Craig says giving David a side long glance.
[Craig] I'm just breathing hard.
Craig adds with a chuckle and gets into the car. As soon as
Craig is in the passenger seat of their rental car he grabs his
cell phone from the center console and dials Joe's Bar.
Joe pulls into the parking lot of his bar and parks his car. He
gets out and goes to the front door and unlocks it. He flips on
the lights as he steps through the door and waits a few seconds
for his eyes to adjust. It 's good to be home, he thinks to
himself. It had been a long and exhausting trip. Not to mention
emotionally taxing to have found out that Williams had been
stabbed to death right after their last telephone conversation.
He makes his way across the room and walks behind the bar. He
starts a pot of coffee and waits by the pot while it brews.
Kim yawns as she parks outside the bar, until Joe Dawson gets
back she'll have to keep the masquerade. She gets out of her car
and locks it before she walks to the bar yawning again. She
wishes she could have slept better last night.
[Kim] Mike? I'm here.
Kim says as she walks inside the bar.
Joe is in the middle of pouring fresh hot coffee into his mug.
Kim's announcement startles him since he isn't expecting anyone
and the bar is a quiet as a library. Some of the hot liquid
splashes onto his hand.
[Joe] Oww! Damn!
Joe exclaims as he pulls his hand back away from the mug. He
turns to see who has just almost made him soil his pants and
sees Kim in the doorway. He looks at the clock behind the bar.
Kim freezes the moment she hears Joe's voice. She tries to
adjust her eyes to the darker interior.
[Joe] Kim? Aren't you a little early?
Joe asks as he dries his hand off.
[Kim] Joe? Is that you?
[Joe] Yeah it's me. Who were you expecting?
Joe says with a tinge of irritation
[Kim] Never had an employer blaming me for showing up early.
[Joe] Sorry.
Joe says apologetically. Just because he was having a bad couple
of days didn't mean he had to take it out on the help.
Kim shakes her head, while her hand goes to her pocket to find
her gun, only to find out she'd left it back at her motel room.
[Kim] Damn.
Kim murmurs under her breath.
[Joe] I just wasn't expecting anyone in for a couple of hours.
Joe finishes pouring coffee into his mug.
[Joe] I'll just go into my office and get out of your way so you
can do whatever it was you were going to do.
[Kim] Cook got sick last night, I promised to come early to
start things.
Kim explains as she moves to the kitchen, she'd have to get a
carving knife there, better to get him than a sword.
[Joe] Really? Well Ok. I'll just get out of your way. I'll be in
my office if you need me.
Joe says as he picks up his mug and heads for his office.
[Kim] Oh I will soon enough.
Kim murmurs as she gets inside the kitchen to look for the
knife.
Joe opens his office door and walks inside, closing it behind
him. He walks over to his desk and sits down. He stares at the
blank screen on his computer monitor with an equally blank
expression and sips at his coffee. He is startled back into
reality by the ringing of his cell phone. He takes it out of his
pocket and flips it open.
[Joe] Dawson.
Joe says into the phone.
[Craig] Joe. It's Craig. Are you still in Texas?
[Joe] No. I just got back in Seacouver about an hour ago.
Williams is dead.
Joe says...his voice almost a monotone.
[Craig] What? When?
Craig asks incredulously.
[Joe] Evidently right after our last telephone conversation.
[Craig] How?
[Joe] Stabbed to death.
[Craig] By who?
[Joe] No suspects. No clues. Just like the others.
Kim sighs when she's unable to find the carving knife inside the
usual drawer. It must be somewhere else. She looks around at the
kitchen counters. There, it's dirty but he's not going to
complain about a dirty knife. It will be the least of his
concerns, she thinks with a smile as she picks it up.
Craig takes in a deep breath and closes his eyes. He holds up 5
fingers then 3 to David indicating number 8.
[Craig] Well....if Williams is tied in with the others.....and I
suspect he is....I think we may have a suspect.
Craig says and shifts his phone to his other ear.
[Joe] Yeah? Who?
Joe perks up a little bit. Just having someone to blame will
make this all a little easier to accept.
[Craig] You're not going to like it.
[Joe] I don't like it now so how can it be any worse?
Kim rolls the knife in her hand trying to get used to it, she
can't believe that when she finally is about to get Dawson her
weapons are back at the motel.
[Craig] Edwards' brother, George, identified the woman who
killed Paul and his family.
[Joe] Did you say woman?
Joe asks surprised.
[Joe] I thought he was claiming it was some Ninjas or something.
[Craig] Yeah....well....it was a woman dresses up as a Ninja
evidently. And you know her.
Craig 's cell phone starts to cut out as they go past a power
plant.
[Craig] Hang on, Joe. Let us get past this damn power plant.
[Joe] I know her?
Joe hears nothing but static.
[Joe] Craig?
[Joe] Are you still there? Craig?
Craig waits until the power plant is behind them and puts the
phone to his ear.
[Craig] Joe? You there?
Kim leaves the kitchen and walks slowly to Joe's office hiding
the knife behind her back and thinking about a reason to
interrupt him there.
[Joe] Yeah. I'm here. Did I hear you right? I know this woman?
Joe leans back in his chair speechless from shock.
[Craig] Joe? You still there?
[Joe] Craig....are you sure?
Joe asks lowering his voice to almost a whisper.
[Craig] David had a hunch so we had one of our guys stop by your
place and take a picture of her and fax it to us. We just
finished showing it to Edwards and positively identified her.
Joe props his cell phone between his shoulder and his ear and
fishes his keys out of his pocket. Choosing one of the keys on
his ring he unlocks the top drawer of his desk and slides it
open. Setting his keys on top of his desk he reaches into the
drawer and pulls out a snub nose 38 pistol. He checks the
cylinder to make sure it is fully loaded.
[Joe] My God.
Joe he says...his voice almost a whisper.
[Craig] Joe....where are you now?
Craig asks with concern.
[Joe] In my office.
[Craig] Is she working tonight?
[Joe] Yeah. She....
Craig interrupts Joe.
[Craig] Joe....you need to get out of there. You are the only
one of your group still alive which means you are her next
target.
Craig says urgently.
Joe closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.
[Joe] It's too late. She's already here.
Craig closes his eyes and holds his breath. He feels completely
helpless to do anything since he is 2400 miles away.
[Craig] Is Mike there? Anybody beside just you 2?
[Joe] Mike's not due to come in for another 3 hours.
[Craig] Call somebody Joe. Anybody. Lock your office door. I'll
call one of our guys and have them come right over.
Craig says and with that he disconnects the call. He looks over
at David and worriedly as he quickly dials Watson's number.
Kim opens Joe's office door, she frowns at the pistol in his
hand and what she just heard.
Joe sees the doorknob of his office door turn and he quickly
presses the single digit assigned to Methos' speed dial number.
He lets his cell phone drop to the floor and aims his pistol at
the door as it opens.
[Kim] Guess I don't need a reason to come here after all. You
already know what I want.
Kim tells him ready to duck if he raises the gun.
Methos parks his car and moves fast to Joe's bar, when he had an
important report to send to Paris his damn computer had to
crash. He's hoping Mike will let him use Joe's computer. And if
he didn't, he'd use it anyway, wouldn't be the first time. He
stops as he feels an Immortal buzz, but since Joe had hired an
Immortal there was always a buzz. He frowns when his cell phone
rings as he enters the door, he taps his pockets trying to find
it as he keeps walking.
[Joe] Would you mind telling what this is all about?
Joe asks as he holds the gun pointed directly at the woman's
head.
Kim tenses when she feels an Immortal buzz. Not now, she tells
herself.
[Kim] This is about payback Joe Dawson. Too bad you didn't know
I was Immortal when you destroyed my village.
[Joe] What village? What are you talking about?
Joe asks hoping he is as good a marksman as he used to be.
Kim explains as she walks inside keeping an eye on the door and
wondering who the other Immortal was.
Methos finally finds his cell phone and sees Joe's number, he
frowns when no one talks to him when he answers it. He turns it
off and walks in the door, carefully looking inside.
[Methos] Joe? Why were you calling me?
Methos frowns again when he looks around the bar and no one is
in sight, something isn't right in here.
Kim looks around at the door looking at the Immortal that just
came. She throws the knife in Joe's direction the moment she
hears the voice of the Immortal that came figuring she'd have to
fight him now.
As soon as Kim's arm raises back to throw the knife, Joe pulls
the trigger. The bullet enters Kim's chest at the same time the
knife finds its mark in Joe's shoulder.
[Joe] Arghhhh!
Kim takes a gasp for breath before she falls on the floor dead.
Joe lets out a cry of pain and he drops the gun and grabs his
shoulder.
[Methos] Joe?
Methos looks around while his hand moves to his pocket to get
his gun, this was worse than he expected. He slowly, carefully
walks to Joe's office and takes a look inside.
[Methos] Joe, are you alright?
Methos asks without moving in, taking in the picture before him.
Joe grabs the hilt of the knife and pulls it out of his
shoulder, letting fall to the floor. He covers his wound with
his hand as blood seeps between his fingers. He forgot how much
it hurt to get stabbed.
[Joe] I'll live.
Joe moans partly in pain and partly with disgust.
[Methos] Yes, I think so.
Methos nods as he moves closer to Joe grabbing a bar towel to
pass him.
[Methos] Here, press it with this. I have to take care of her
first. Rope?
[Joe] Don't worry about me. Get something to tie that bitch up
with before she revives.
Joe says shaking his head at Methos.
Methos shakes his head slightly amused despite the situation
they are in.
Joe presses the towel hard against his wound and winces from the
pain.
[Methos] Why do you think I want some rope? To sew you up?
[Joe] Now why would I have rope? This is a bar not an S&M club.
Joe grunts.
[Joe] Here....use this.
Joe says as he reaches for the phone cord and yanks it out of
the wall. He pulls it out of the phone and tosses it to Methos.
Methos grabs the phone cord and starts to tie up Kim. He keeps
frowning while he does that.
[Methos] Do you want to tell me why your own help is attacking
you?
Methos asks Joe without looking at him, busy with Kim for now.
By now the towel is fairly saturated with Joe's blood and he is
starting to feel a bit light headed.
[Joe] I'm not completely sure. All she said was something about
revenge and a village that I supposedly destroyed. I have no
idea what she is talking about.
Joe answers.
[Joe] All I know is that she has killed 8 of my buddies and I'm
the last one on her list.
[Methos] Really? And I thought you just had denied her a raise.
Methos says as he straightens up and looks at Joe. He frowns at
the blood.
[Methos] First aid kit?
[Joe] Last time I saw it it was under the bar.
Unable to contact Watson or any of his other agents, Craig
frantically calls Joe back.
Joe hears his cell phone ringing. It is still laying on the
floor where he dropped it when Kim entered his office and he
reaches to pick it up...wincing as sharp pains shoot through his
shoulder.
[Craig] Come on Joe....answer.
Craig says, closing his eyes and praying that Joe is alright.
Joe manages to grab his cell phone off of the floor and turns it
on.
Methos rushes to get the first aid kit, Joe is bleeding too
much, he needs to do something about it.
[Joe] Yeah.
Joe says simply into the phone.
[Craig] Joe. Craig. I wasn't able to get in touch with any of my
people. I'm sorry.
Craig says breathing a sigh of relief when he hears Joe's voice.
Methos puts the first aid kit on Joe's desk and opens it while
he listens to the conversation.
[Joe] Don't worry about it. I've got all the help I need at the
moment.
Joe says to Craig, glancing at Methos.
Methos takes out some bandages to make a pressure bandage to
slow the bleeding until he can take Joe to the hospital and
starts putting it over his wound.
[Methos] You'll have to go to the hospital, unless you want me
to do it the old fashioned way, plenty of booze around anyway.
Methos suggests with a smirk as he keeps working.
[Craig] Joe are you Ok?
[Joe] Yeah. I'll live. And Kim is out of commission for the time
being.
Joe says with a wince of pain as Methos applies the pressure
bandage.
[Craig] We're pulling up to the airport now so we'll be back in
a few hours.
[Joe] Ok.
Joe says and disconnects the call...not wanting to talk on the
phone anymore.
[Joe] Owww! Damn it Pierson....be careful.
Joe growls at Methos.
[Joe] I'm not going anywhere until I know just what this bitches
problem is. She killed 8 of my friends. I deserve an answer.
Joe says gruffly.
[center]To be continued[/center]
#Post#: 112--------------------------------------------------
RETRIBUTION Part 10
By: Cyberfox277 Date: October 23, 2011, 9:39 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Joe sits holding the pressure dressing against his wound. He can
feel his blood, warm and sticky, seeping through the bandage and
between his fingers. He knows that he is rapidly losing blood.
He just hopes he can keep from passing out before Kim revives
and explains herself.
Kim comes back to life taking a deep gasp for breath and opening
her eyes. She tries to sit up but soon realizes she's tied up.
[Kim] Let me go!!!
Kim yells fighting the ropes, trying to free herself.
Ally pulls into Joe's parking lot and sighs in relief,
recognizing Methos' vehicle and a couple of the other vehicles.
With luck she could talk them into fixing her something for an
early lunch. Anything is better than McDonald's after all, it
always left her feeling bloated.
Joe sits forward in his chair and looks at the female
Immortal...his brow furrowed.
Methos looks away from Joe's computer for a moment, he'd just
sent the file so he turns it off.
Ally hurries out of her car, and into the bar, instinctively
going cautious as she feels the buzz of other immortals. "Hello?
Anybody home?" she calls.
[Methos] The alternative being?
Methos asks before he straightens up looking at the door when he
feels an Immortal buzz.
[color=tomato]Joe hears someone calling from the bar and
grimaces. That's all they needed right now...company.
[Joe] Great.
Joe grumbles quietly.
Kim fights harder when she feels the buzz.
[Kim] Let me go now!!!
[Ally] Hello, Boys!
Ally calls making her way back towards Joe's office, knowing
that Methos was there.
Joe drops the saturated dressing on the floor and grabs a bar
towel off the shelf behind his desk and covers his wound with
the towel. He winces from pain as he presses the towel tightly
against his wound.
[Methos] Al... Ally?
Methos asks in relief when he recognizes the voice.
[Ally] Adam. You're up early!
[Methos] We're in here.
Ally teases as she comes around the corner to where she can see
Methos standing in the door way.
[Methos] I had to send a file to Paris and my computer isn't
working.
Methos answers with a shrug.
[Ally] Oh, dear. That sucks.
Ally laughs stepping into the office.
[Ally] Hello, Joe
Ally starts then freezes seeing the tied up Kim, and the wounded
Joe.
[Ally] What happened here?!
Ally cries shocked.
Kim desperately tries to free herself but soon realizes she's
not going to make it, so she freezes looking up at the two
Immortals.
[Methos] We've got the 'ninja', turns out it's a female. I got
here at the right time.
Methos explains looking down at the tied up Immortal
[Ally] Huh?
Ally asks a little confused.
[Methos] She was trying to finish the list when I got here.
Methos says hoping Aldria would get the idea.
Joe has picked up his handgun and is holding it on Kim just in
case she manages to get free of her restraints.
[Ally] I see.
Ally says frowning. Then turned her attention to Joe.
[Ally] Joe, are you doing alright?
[Methos] He should go to a hospital.
Ally asks frowning at the towel Joe was holding to his shoulder.
Methos frowns looking at Joe.
[Methos] I mean it Joe, I don't like your color.
[Joe] Oh I'm doing just great considering this bitch impaled me
with a kitchen knife and then I was treated by a doctor who
hasn't practiced since the dark ages.
Joe answers sarcastically and without taking his eyes off of
Kim.
Kim keeps staring at the two Immortals, she knows it's them she
has to fear the most.
[Ally] We need to stop that bleeding.
Ally says firmly.
[Joe] So Miss Nguyen....are you ready to explain why you have
killed my friends and tried to kill me?
Joe asks, scooting his desk chair closer to Kim.
Ally moves around digging for something she could use as a
pressure bandage to help stop Joe's bleeding.
[Methos] We could cauterize the wound. Hmm I fail to remember if
there was gun powder at the dark ages.
Methos frowns pretending to try to remember.
Ally tosses a frown at Methos.
[Ally] Let's try a good pressure bandage first.
[Methos] I just did and it's not working.
Ally says picking up a clean towel to use as padding, and some
wrap out of the first aid kit.
Methos says looking at Aldria.
Joe looks up at Ally.
[Joe] Judge....before you get too involved....in the top drawer
of my desk is a small tape recorder.
Joe says to Ally.
[Joe] I want her explanation recorded.
Kim just looks up at Methos and Aldria without saying a word.
Ally pulls out the tape recorder and checks to to make sure
there is plenty of tape available, hits record and then push the
towel in her hands tight against Joe's shoulder then begins to
wrap it as tight as tight as possible, figuring it couldn't be
too tight.
Joe moans in pain as Ally applies the dressing.
[Joe] I want an answer to my question.
Joe says through gritted teeth. He takes the recorder and
switches it on...setting it on the edge of his desk.
[Ally] Don't make me make you answer him.
[Methos] Joe, she's not going anywhere. You can't wait. Talk
about the stubbornness of Scots.
Ally says with a brief glance at Kim, before turning back to
Joe's bandage.
Methos says looking at Joe.
[Kim] Why should I bother? We both know what happens next.
Kim grumbled with a shrug.
[Methos] Not necessarily. I don't think Joe is planning to
redecorate.
Methos answers Kim, turning his head to look down at her.
[Ally] Besides, I don't have time to change my clothes.
Ally mutters, as she ties off the pressure bandage as tight as
she can.
[Methos] Besides you forget we don't know what happened. Or why
you tried to kill Joe.
Methos tells Kim pulling a chair to sit down.
[Methos] Maybe we should start by that.
Joe winces again with not only pain but frustration. He wishes
he could get up and move around. If he could he would make Kim
talk.
[Kim] I only did to them what they did to me.
Kim says shrugging again.
[Kim] They deserved it.
[Ally] What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Ally demands.
Methos nods, sensing she might tell him what happened.
[Methos] Yes, but what did they do exactly?
[Kim] They attacked my village, killed everybody...
Kim says angrily fighting the ropes again.
Joe rolls his eyes.
[Kim] Including me.
[Ally] And when did this happen?
Ally asks knowing it wasn't done recently.
[Joe] Kim....it was war. We destroyed a lot of villages. And
your people destroyed a lot of our people, too.
Joe says logically.
[Joe] Nothing was sacred to your people. They booby trapped
little kids.
[Kim] I wasn't fighting a war, not before you attacked my
village.
Kim says glaring at Joe.
[Methos] What about the other people in your village? Were they
all a bunch of pacifists?
Methos asks trying not to sound too angry, he knows you can't
catch flies with vinegar.
Kim just looks at Methos without answering.
Ally just smiled and bends a little closer to Kim. "Answer the
question," she orders in a too-nice voice
[Methos] Well? Did everybody from your village stay out of the
war?
Methos asks raising an eyebrow.
[Kim] Hmm, no.
Kim answers with a shake of her head.
[Methos] So I'd say they also deserved it, no?
Methos asks watching Kim and wondering what to do to her,
calling the police was out of the question.
[Kim] I couldn't talk them out of it.
Kim murmurs with an unhappy sigh, remembering her husband.
Joe is starting to feel a little light headed and he fights to
maintain consciousness.
[Ally] Who?
Ally demands.
[Ally] Who all have you killed. I want the names. All of them.
Now.
[Joe] I can give you 8 of them.
Joe says sadly.
Kim shrugs.
[Kim] I've caught them all, Young and Dawson are the only ones
still alive.
[Joe] Answer a question for me, Kim.
Joe says in a low voice.
[Joe] Did killing those men....killing my friends...did it bring
back your people? Will killing me bring them back?
[Kim] No, but I swore I would while I carried their bodies.
Kim says glaring at Joe.
[Kim] And while I watched them burn.
[Methos] And who the hell is Young?
Methos asks looking at Joe.
[Methos] You never mentioned a Young.
Joe shrugs which causes his shoulder to hurt so he winces.
[Joe] He wasn't in my unit.
[Methos] I see, there are more.
Methos nods.
[Ally] How did you choose?
Ally hisses her demand.
Joe is beginning to see Kim a bit differently than he did an
hour ago. Past the anger, hatred and hostility he can see a
misguided young girl who had witnessed the atrocities of that
war and endured its horrors and he starts to feel a little sorry
for her.
[Methos] So out of curiosity, do you have any idea how many
people you killed?
Methos asks with a slight frown.
Kim shrugs.
[Ally] How did you choose?
[Kim] Young and Dawson are the ones who still live.
Ally repeats her demand in a firm voice.
[Ally] How did you choose who you were going after?
[Kim] I just got a list of the unit who attacked my village and
followed it in alphabetical order. Moved ahead on those I
couldn't find right away.
Kim answers shrugging again.
[Joe] Listen Kim.
Joe says leaning forward more and looking directly into her
eyes. When he continues it is in a father-like tone of voice.
[Joe] I am sorry that your village was destroyed. And I'm sorry
that we were the ones who destroyed it. But in our defense....we
were given information that led us to believe that your village
had already been taken over by the Vietcong. That is why we
attacked it. Had we known the inhabitants were South Vietnamese
we wouldn't have been anywhere near it.
Joe takes a breath as the room begins to spin slowly.
[Joe] It was a tragic mistake. One of many that was the result
of that war. I know that you hated our troops being there. But
if we hadn't...your village would have ended up destroyed...or
worse by the Vietcong. Call it destiny...or whatever. But doing
what you have done is just as wrong, Kim. And I believe that
somewhere....deep down inside you....you know that.
Joe leans back in his chair...his face turning an ashen gray.
Methos jumps to his feet when he looks at Joe.
[Methos] That's it, I'm taking you to the hospital.
[Kim] Information? What do you mean by information?
Kim frowns looking at Joe.
[Joe] I was just a private back then, Kim. I don't know where
the information came from.
Joe answers as he leans his head back against the back of his
chair. "Keep your eyes open," he thinks to himself as he fights
against the room's spinning.
[Joe] All they told us was that the Vietcong had taken the
village and if they had....it would have put them in a strategic
location. So we had to eliminate the threat.
[Kim] Can't believe I missed that.
Kim murmurs to herself.
[Ally] missed what?
Ally demands of Kim
[Methos] Damn, don't you get this? If Joe doesn't stop bleeding
he's going to die, the questions can wait, he can't.
Methos interrupts them angrily.
[Ally] You need to take him to the hospital and I...
[Joe] I'll be alright. Just give me a minute.
Joe says weakly. No matter how hard he fights, thought, his
eyelids begin to droop and his face pales even more.
Ally glances at the clock and swears.
[Ally] I need to get back to court. Damnation.
[Methos] You don't have a minute to waste, Joe. You must leave
now. Doctor's orders.
Methos says as he moves to him to help him up.
[Ally] Where are you going to take him? I'll meet you where
ever, once I'm done with court
Ally offers drawing out a hidden dagger to turn Kim unconscious
to make it easier for Methos to handle on his own. Aldria wanted
to stay, but she has to get to court.
[Methos] Keep it, I have mine.
Methos shakes his head with a smirk.
[Methos] I'm taking Joe to Nikki's ranch, she has medical
supplies and we can't let Kim out of our sight yet.
Ally nods.
[Ally] Alright. I'll head out there once I'm done with court.
Should check the place out anyways.
Ally carefully taps Kim on the temples knocking the other woman
out.
[Ally] Damn, I've got to run. Sorry, Methos.
Ally says softly.
[Methos] Couldn't help to do that, now could you?
Methos smiles amused.
[Methos] I think I owe you one.
[Ally] We can discuss that later.
Ally grins. Then nods at Joe.
[Ally] Take care of him. Call if you need anything.
[Methos] I will, and I'll manage.
Ally sighs and picks up her purse and hurries out of Joe's back
to her car. As she starts her car and pulls form the lot she
swears. She never did get anything to eat.
Methos says tapping his pockets to find his cell phone.
[Methos] Hang on, Joe.
Methos says as he dials Nikki's number.
Nikki walks out of the small boutique with her packages. She
hears her cell phone ring and scrambles to switch the shopping
bags around so she can grab her phone.
[Nikki] Hello?
Nikki answers her phone without looking at the caller ID to see
who is calling.
[Methos] Nikki? It's Adam.
Methos says keeping an eye on Joe.
Nikki blinks a little surprised to hear the caller's ID then she
realizes that he must not be alone. She smiles as she says, "hey
stranger. What's up?"
[Methos] Where are you? Are you in town?
Methos asks moving closer to Joe, he doesn't like the way he's
looking.
[Nikki] As a matter of fact I am.
Nikki says then his tone of voice registers and she realizes
that something's wrong.
[Nikki] Methos? What's wrong?
Nikki says suddenly serious.
[Methos] Good, I need a hand in Joe's bar. Could you come here?
It's a long story.
Methos takes a deep breath.
[Methos] And Nikki make it fast.
Nikki tosses her shopping bags in the back seat of her truck and
climbs into the drivers seat.
[Nikki] I'm on my way. I'll be there in about 5 minutes. Just
tell me one thing before I hang up.
Nikki says as she starts the engine.
[Nikki] Are you alright?
[Methos] I'm fine, but Joe isn't. Please, make it fast.
Methos says before he hangs up the phone, so he could try to
help Joe.
Nikki doesn't say anything. She simply shuts off her phone and
pulls away from the curb. 3 1/2 minutes later she screeches to a
stop in front of Joe's Bar. She gets out and runs into the bar.
[Nikki] Where are you?
Nikki calls out as she crosses the empty bar and heads for Joe's
office.
[Methos] In here.
Methos answers feeling the buzz but hearing Nikki's' voice after
wards
Nikki runs through the door of Joe's office and comes to an
abrupt stop as she sees a tied up woman on Joe's beat up couch
and Joe passed out in his chair. She looks at Methos quirking an
eyebrow.
[Nikki] Just another uneventful day in Seacouver, Washington?
Nikki asks smarmily.
[center]To be continued[/center]
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