THE ELIZABETH SERIES CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE I TOLD YOU SO By JoLayne RATING: PG CHARACTERS: M, Warren, Robert and Gina de Valicourt, Elizabeth, Claire, Brynn, Antonio, Sofia, Chuck, Dallas, Pierre SUMMARY: Elizabeth meets the de Valicourts as Methos and Amanda go after his sword, while Chuck deals with the early days of his immortality. SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2008 PARIS ORLY AIRPORT  Elizabeth had thrown some things into suitcases while Methos got the airline tickets so they could take off immediately for Paris to rescue Amanda from her 'prison'. They had awakened Karen to pick up Claire, surprising her with a trip to go and visit Aunt Amanda. During the flight, Methos read to Claire from a book that she had in her backpack, Gone With the Wind, in German, to help her settle from the confusion of the sudden flight. During the entire drive to San Francisco, on the flight to New York, and then Paris she kept asking, "Aunt Amanda hurt?". They comforted her, telling her that Amanda was fine, but probably hungry and just a little bit upset. As they neared Paris, Claire was starting to get excited. The last time any of them had seen Amanda was when Daniel 'turned' last November. Being in Paris again gave Claire a bit of an eerie feeling, all she could remember was being cold and having to go to the hospital. Elizabeth took Claire's hand as they went through customs, feeling as much trepidation as her about being in Paris. Nothing had ever gone right for her in Paris. Ever. She just wondered what could possibly go wrong this time. Methos on the other hand, wasn't as tired as his family, since he was plotting out, in his head, just how to replace the real Ivanhoe with the replica... in just a few short hours, if everything went as planned. He stopped at a ticket booth to purchase two tickets to Bern, Switzerland, which was where the watchers were displaying his Ivanhoe starting the next day. He had wanted to intercept the brinks truck it was being transferred in, thinking it would be easier than breaking into a Watcher Headquarters, but he didn't have the time. If only he could fly. While Elizabeth and Claire were standing by the escalators, Elizabeth heard that date escape Methos' mouth, and she became a little huffy. Not only did he not want her involved in the retrieval of his sword, but he was going to be away on her 177th birthday! She looked at Claire, trying to stay alert after the marathon travel, and said, "What should we do tomorrow, Little One?" Claire shrugged and rubbed her eyes as she yawned. Elizabeth squatted down and held her arms out to her daughter. Claire leaned against her and laid her head on Elizabeth's shoulder. "Are you happy we came here? I didn't want to leave you at home and I certainly wasn't letting papa travel along." "Why are we here?" "Amanda is here and papa has something he wants to do. Whatever you want to do is my plan. Do you like shopping? Do you want to buy some new things for your room? Some books? Go to the zoo? Anything you want." "I'm tired. Where's Auntie Amanda?" "We have to pick her up; we'll be at a hotel soon, then you can sleep." Methos came back, pocketing the plane tickets inside his coat and grabbed some of the bags. He was especially careful about the dark green, hard-sided case that held the replica sword. Elizabeth stood up and lifted Claire into her arms. "Oh, you're such a big girl. You just keep growing and growing." Methos said, "We had to take whatever they had on the lot, so..." he looked at the car rental receipt. "We're to find a Metro." They got outside the airport and took a shuttle to the rental lot, and saw a black Metro waiting at the curb. Methos smiled. "It's a wonder what francs can do. I'm surprised they didn't throw in a driver for us, too." While Elizabeth put Claire into the backseat and buckled her in, having a time of it because she was already fast asleep, Methos piled their bags into the small truck. He had to put the sword case in the back seat because it was too long, gently laying it over Claire's lap, but Elizabeth took it to her side of the car. She got into the front seat and put it between her legs and across her shoulder. "I don't want Claire to wake up and open it." Methos quickly got behind the wheel and drove off. As he was zipping through the Paris streets, knowing the city like the back of his hand, she could see that he looked as if he was truly home again. "Do you miss it here?" He shrugged, trying to hide his enthusiasm, knowing that she didn't care for the French capital. He had traveled all over the world, a couple of times, and he always drifted back to the City of Lights. The city was in his blood. The people, on the other hand, could all take a flying leap except for a chosen few, but the city had heart and soul and architecture and history and art and... life. It was consistent. When you went to Paris, you knew that you would see something you'd never witnessed before on any given street corner, savor rich food, fine wine. It was great to be home. But Elizabeth didn't like it here. He didn't know why she hadn't, before they met, but since they had gotten together, he had killed her and debated on taking her head while under the influence of post traumatic stress disorder after the Pyrius situation, and he had been in a car accident, that turned out lucky, becoming the way that Daniel Gordon turned. Methos decided that they would visit the city more often and make new memories, for both of them. "Where are we going again?" "To rescue Amanda from that wine cellar." "She's been in there a long time. I really think we should have called the police or something to get her out." "No," Methos said. "Then they'd just ask questions. We got here as soon as we could." "Who's wine cellar was it again?" "Robert and Gina De Valicourt. They owe me big time, and I haven't come up with anything for them to do yet that will satisfy me ." "They're immortals who have been married for centuries?" "Yeah." Methos proudly said, "I helped save their marriage." "Yeah, you mentioned that many times on the flight over. How far away is their chateau?" "A couple miles out of the city." "We should pick up some food for Amanda." "I'm sure the house is stocked." "Not if the de Valicourts are out of town." "I'm sure they have a pantry. Nothing like yours I would imagine, but there has to be something to eat." "I wonder if we should stop at the hotel first so Claire can get to bed. You can do everything by yourself." Methos looked at her, knowing that she was still hot under the collar about his not wanting her to help him steal his sword back. "We've been through this and through this. Drop it." "I'm not totally inept, you know. I can do whatever needs to be done." "How many secured buildings have you broken into?" "On my own, or while I was working for James?" Elizabeth said with a bit of bitterness. "I learned a lot from that man, I went through hell, I don't know why I shouldn't be able to use those skills in a way that will help you." "Stop it. You're better served making sure Claire is all right. Have fun. Vacation. You're in Paris, for Gods' sake." "Yes, in Paris. Alone. On my birthday. Thank you very much. Did you even remember that it's my birthday on Sunday?" Methos stared straight ahead. Oops. ~~~~~ When they got to the de Valicourt Chateau, it was dark. There were no lights anywhere on the property, and there seemed to be no one around. Methos told Elizabeth that as soon as he got a door open, she could take Claire to bed while he searched for the wine cellar. They would stay the night, since the owners were out of town. It didn't take long to pick the lock on the back door, and he held it open for Elizabeth, carrying Claire. They were in what appeared to be the servant's entrance. Methos hurriedly punched some numbers that Amanda had told him to use, just before her cell phone went dead, into the security box next to the door. As Elizabeth carried Claire through the darkened house, only the moonlight illuminated it. She walked into a large space and felt for a light switch. When she found a button and pushed it, she was in awe. She was in a grand hallway, gold accents lining deep red walls, a white marble floor, chairs and tables against each wall that looked as if they belonged in a museum. WOW! This is a palace! A castle! How can you live in such a place, and still feel comfortable? But... I could give it a shot. There were huge portraits on the wall that caught her attention, the center one in particular. It was of a young, loving couple. The woman had long dark hair and was dressed in a long red velvet ballgown. The man was handsome in what looked to be a pirate's getup. But he looked as if he'd been born in those brocade and velvet clothes, right down to the knee pants and white hose covering his calves. Methos walked in and looked up at it. Elizabeth asked, "Robert and Angelina, I presume?" "Yeah." He squinted at the gold placard underneath a painting. "That must have been their second wedding portrait." "How many times were they married?" "Three, I think. I don't know. The last time I know of was in the 1990s, right after I saved their marriage." Elizabeth giggled at him, bringing it up so many times. "She really had her sword to your neck?" "Well, metaphorically, but when I grabbed for my Ivanhoe, I was quicker; still I had to talk fast. She's very protective of Robert." "As well she should be," Elizabeth said, then remembered, "Amanda?" "Yeah, I should go find that wine cellar." He brushed Claire's sleeping head, she didn't even stir in her mothers arms. Her arms were limp as well as her legs, her head planted against Elizabeth's neck. "I should find a bedroom. She's getting heavy." Methos took Claire from her and said, "You wanted to be in on this, you find Amanda. I assume the bedrooms are upstairs, so we'll see you later." He hot footed it down the hall, not having looked forward to being on the receiving end of the cat thief's irritation at having been left in the cellar. Elizabeth watched them disappear down the hall, and around the corner. She looked again at the opulence of the hallway and wondered what the actual rooms looked like. "Are those eighty foot ceilings?" she asked, and her voice echoed. She laughed, making more echo. "Hello!" She heard 'lo... lo... ooo'. She yelled again, "Hello!" She heard 'lo... lo...' Then the echo was cut off by a booming, "Hello." Elizabeth jumped and turned around. Standing at the end of the hall was an older gentleman, dressed in a full suit, with grey hair and questioning eyes. "Shit! You scared the hell out of me." "May I be of service to you?" he asked with a thick French accent. "Well," Elizabeth said, pondering.  "Since you have broken into the Monsieur's chateau, I wonder if you would like me to point out the silver or Madame's jewelry?" "No, no, that won't be necessary." She watched the old man walk toward her, in a non-threatening manner, and said, "You could point out the wine cellar... if you don't mind." "Oh, let me guess... you are with the scamp that was retrieved from the wine cellar yesterday?" "Retrieved?" "Yes, by the police." "Oh, God," Elizabeth moaned. They weren't supposed to be there either, and she wondered why, if that man was there, Amanda couldn't get out before calling them. The man walked into a room off the hallway; Elizabeth followed. "Monsieur," she said, trying to think of something. He punched a button and then said, "Yes, it is an emergency." He was on the phone with the police! Elizabeth laid her finger on the off button and said, "Monsieur. Please. I can explain our presence here." The man hung up the phone, catching her finger, and said, "I can not wait to hear it. Monsieur and Madame have peculiar friends, but they are away and I am to care for their possessions. And I do have a gun." "Oh, there's no need for that." Elizabeth uneasily chuckled. "Robert and Gina are old friends of my husband's. He's upstairs right now, putting our daughter to bed," she said, to make sure he knew that they weren't at all threatening. "What was your name?" Suddenly, they heard sirens outside. Elizabeth guessed that because this was the abode of a rich couple and it was called in as an emergency by phone, they came. "Please... what is your name?" "Pierre." "Pierre. Nice to meet you." Elizabeth smiled and held out her hand. He simply looked at it, so she took his and shook it. "My name is Elizabeth and we're friends of Robert and Gina. We came for a visit. They are away?" "They obviously were not expecting you," Pierre snootily said.  Methos ran into the hall and called out, "Liz!" He got to the door and looked at her and Pierre. "The cops? You called the cops?" Then Methos looked at Pierre again, having not expected anyone to be in the chateau. Pierre scrutinized Methos and slowly asked, "Adam? Adam Pierson?" Methos moved Elizabeth back; he was the man, and would handle this. "Yes. And you are?" "Monsieur de Valicourt's valet, Pierre. You were a guest at their last marriage ceremony. I remember, because you would not partake of the champagne, but instead asked for beer." Methos shrugged, a little bit more relaxed, considering that the police cars had to be right outside the front door. "I had one glass of champagne... to toast my old friends. Where are they?" "On a cruise. If you are friends with them, I am surprised that you do not know that." He did know that, but decided on continuing the ruse of being unexpected visitors who didn't know. There was pounding at the door, that rumbled throughout the whole house. Methos asked Pierre, "Can you tell them it was a mistake? Please? You wouldn't want Robert and Gina upset that you had us arrested, would you? Especially not Madame de Valicourt. We both know how irritated she can get..." "Oui, Monsieur." Pierre bowed his head and left to talk to the police.  Methos breathed a sigh of relief, but took Elizabeth's hand, motioning for her to keep quiet, and then followed Pierre. They took their places behind a marble statue in the foyer to listen to Pierre explain that he was so sorry for the disturbance, but when he heard noises, he was alarmed. "It was only a shutter slamming against the chateau in the wind." Methos whispered to Elizabeth, "He's good." Elizabeth's focus was on the statue's large penis right by her left cheek. She slipped back into the hallway, making sure that the click of her shoes didn't make too much noise on the marble floor. Their voices carried and she stared at what she knew had to be an original Renoir. Pierre was saying something in French, and what she could pick out was something along the lines of taking the blame for calling them out there. Methos was at her side, startling her for a second. She forgot how sneaky he could be. He whispered, "Didn't expect anyone here. I'm Adam Pierson to these people. You didn't give your name, did you?" "Just Elizabeth." She ironically grinned. "I almost introduced myself as Angel when the old guy scared me." Methos scowled and said, "Just go with the flow." "I know," she said, just a little too loudly. "I'm not totally inept. I stayed alive for a year with Cameron Ja-." Methos put his hand over her mouth, as they heard lots of footsteps approaching them, and also because she was going to mention that bastard's name. Three policemen, along with Pierre arrived at the end of the hall. "Monsieur Pierson," one of the policemen said. Methos collected himself, taking his hand off Elizabeth's mouth after she lightly bit it, and said in French, "Yes. How are you?" He smiled as he walked toward them, his hand ready to shake any that was offered. The police all kept their hands clamped behind their backs as they scrutinized the intruders. Methos continued in French, "We wanted to surprise Robert and Gina, but I guess the surprise is on us." He turned to Elizabeth. "This is my wife." She stood next to him with a tight smile, nodding her head to them, not knowing all what was being said. Her French was fuzzy at best. Methos continued, "When will the de Valicourts return, Pierre?" "In the morning. After the last burglary, I called them and they are rushing home." "Oh good," Methos said as he processed it all. Amanda had been arrested. It was too funny, but it would also blow part of his plan... "A burglary?" "A young woman broke into the cellar." "I was the arresting officer on that case," one policeman stepped forward, proudly. Methos nodded to him. "Good work. But, if that's everything..." Another officer said, "We will check over the premises, just to make sure." "Of course," Methos and Pierre said at the same time. Methos added, "Just don't disturb my daughter sleeping in the first bedroom on the left at the top of the stairs." "Oui," the policemen said as they spread out to investigate.  "So,"Methos said to Pierre, in English, when the three of them were alone. "You called the cops on the burglar?" "I was not in residence as the de Valicourts were to be away for a year. But the gardener heard a pounding on the floor of the shed as he was getting out his tools and called me. I called the police, and informed Monsieur and Madame that I would remain in residence until they return. They were, of course, shocked that their chateau had been broken into... twice now." "But, we're friends," Methos reminded him. "Yes," Pierre said with an upraised eyebrow. When the police had swept the estate and found nothing unusual except for Adam and Elizabeth Pierson and their daughter, they left. Pierre informed them that Robert and Gina would arrive the next day, and that they should make themselves comfortable in any of the spare bedrooms. They should enjoy their stay, but there was not a cook on staff until Sunday morning. "No problem," Elizabeth excitedly said, just picturing a fabulous kitchen that she could investigate on her own. ~~~~~ FIVE AM Claire had woken up with a start at being in a strange room, alone. Elizabeth had rushed to her and tried to get her to sleep, but they were both affected by jet lag, and were also extremely hungry. Elizabeth decided to whip up some french toast from the stash of groceries that Pierre had brought with him after being asked to remain in the chateau until Robert and Gina's arrival. She looked around the thoroughly modern, stainless steel and wood kitchen with envy. "Ich bin nie wieder hungrig," Claire said as she swallowed her last piece of french toast. Pierre looked at the little girl with confusion. Elizabeth laughed. "I'll never be hungry again in German? She's reading Gone With the Wind." Pierre wiped his mouth on a napkin and told Elizabeth, "Wonderful meal, Madame Pierson. Just Wonderful." "Thank you, Pierre. I can't wait to see Gina's pantry." "Madame's?" Pierre laughed. "I do not think that Madame de Valicourt even knows where the pantry is. Brigetta, the cook, is the one to ask about all kitchen matters." Claire asked, "Where is Aunt Amanda? I thought we were coming to see her." "That's where Papa has gone," Elizabeth said. "We thought she'd be here, but ... she's someplace else." Pierre said, "I did not realize that she knew the de Valicourts also. She was hollering something, but it was fast and in English. My English is a little rough. I tried to have the charges dropped this morning, but they need Monsieur's approval for such a thing." Elizabeth said, "That's all right, Pierre. Adam deserves whatever Amanda has in store for him," and she laughed. Never trust a woman who had spent a night in jail for nothing... ~~~~~ REDDING Since Antonio and Sofia had the run of Tabard Pines and Canterbury Stables while Methos and Elizabeth were away, they settled in. Because they hadn't been specific about how long they would be away, Antonio had called Warren and Brynn to come for a visit, there was plenty of room. Sofia had been so happy for the last month after getting back with Antonio, that she had the idea that she would like to renew her wedding vows, like Daniel and Elizabeth had. Because Faye wasn't friendly with Sofia after their break up, and there was no telling how long it would be before Elizabeth returned, she was excited thinking that Brynn would help her with the arrangements. They were pleased and excited at the idea of seeing Warren and Brynn, who were taking the next available flight from Australia. ~~~~~ PARIS POLICE HEADQUARTERS Methos leaned against the wall, his arms folded in front of him, preparing for whatever Amanda would dish out to him. Sure, she stayed longer in the basement than she should have. Sure, she'd been arrested. But really, what kind of cat thief was she if she got stuck in a wine cellar? He heard the clang of cell doors opening and closing and walked toward the middle of the room, waiting. Amanda appeared and glared at him as the officer opened the last door to free her from captivity. "Amanda, how are you?" "I'm fine, Adam," Amanda said, waltzing past him, having been told by the officer earlier that an Adam Pierson had posted bail. "I'm just peachy keen." She didn't look it. Her longer black hair had at one time been in a chignon, but was now loose and had fallen over her shoulders. Her face had smudge marks on it; her black sweater and pants were crusted with dirt, dust, and mud. She asked the officer, "Where can I get my things?" "This way, mademoiselle," he said, motioning to the hall. "Thank you," she said, with her head held high. Methos followed, with a smile on his face, as she went to the high desk to get her watch, necklace and rings. He brushed off the back of her shoulder, and she turned in a way that made him duck, thinking she would belt him. "Leave me alone, you wretched little man," Amanda said to Methos, then pleasantly smiled at the officers and walked outside. Methos caught up with her in the early morning hours of the Paris day and pointed out his rental car. She walked past it. "Where are you going?" "What is it to you?" "A lot," he said, trotting to keep stride with Amanda. She turned. "What? Why? What do you want?" "I need you to help me." "Hm," Amanda humphed, then looked off into the dark gray sky. "I needed your help yesterday. Funny how you let me down. Good bye." Just then a cab turned the corner ahead of them and she jumped, holding her hand out for it. It stopped at the curb and she opened the door. Methos grabbed her arm. "I'm sorry. Okay?" "Oh, that works." Amanda slipped into the seat.  Methos held the door open and said, "You don't have any francs on you." The cab driver turned around, irate, "Get out! Out of my taxi!" Methos laughed as he pulled Amanda out of the car and slammed the door shut. He hit the top of the taxi three times and it pulled away fast. Amanda scowled, then said, "You are my worst nightmare, do you know that?" "No, I'm not. I'm cute," he said with a smile. Amanda walked away. "I don't know how Lizzie puts up with you." "She only married me for my money," Methos said, not letting Amanda's anger ruin his plans. She had to lighten up eventually. "Well, that's a reason." Amanda walked on, then stopped. "What do you want? I'm busy." Methos laughed again. "You are? Doing what?" "I have things to do and people to see. You are not one of them." He put his arm around her shoulder and walked her to his rental. "Amanda, how does a nice long hot bubble bath, a nice warm breakfast, one of Gina's silk robes, and a cup of tea sound to you?" Amanda stopped, ecstacy written all over her face. "That sounds like heaven." "Right this way," he said, opening the door of the passenger side of his rental for her. "I am sorry. I'll explain why we left you in there on the way." "We? Lizzie was in on this, too? You didn't convince her not to call anyone?" "She doesn't know anyone in Paris but you, and you couldn't save yourself." "You weren't the ones who called the cops, were you?" Methos feigned a stabbing wound in his chest. "Please. What do you think of me?" "You don't want to know what I really think of you." Amanda got into the car and settled herself in the seat, fastening her seat belt. Methos shut the door and mused, "That's probably true." ~~~~~  SEACOUVER EIGHT PM Chuck liked Duncan, he really did, but he didn't feel at home in Seacouver. Granted, even Chuck knew he hadn't given his teacher or the city a chance, but Chuck wanted to get back to where he belonged. All he could think about since saving Elizabeth from Cole Roberts was that he was the one that she should love. Not feel grateful to for his saving her life, but love. He thought she did, she had saved Chuck from her jumpy husband. What a prick, Chuck thought. Elizabeth deserves so much better. I'm better looking, I don't leave her behind, I saved her life! One of the first things that Chuck had asked Duncan was, "How long do I have to train?" Duncan had told him, "Till you're comfortable enough with your sword and the Game, and have taken your first head." Well... Chuck didn't know about the Game, that concept was too far out there for his head to wrap around. His sword, that had been a gift from Elizabeth, felt very comfortable indeed. Now about that head... He had told Duncan that since it was Friday night, he wanted to cruise for chicks. Duncan had suggested that they go out together, so he could keep an eye on him. Chuck demanded, "Why?" "So you'll be safe." Then Duncan smiled. "I could use a drink or two myself. I can show you some spots." Chuck grabbed his new long duster with his sword inside and said, "I don't need a chaperone, dad," and left. Elizabeth had told him, just before Chuck left for Seacouver with Duncan, that he should be really careful. Seacouver was a big city, and there were a lot of immortals. Once again, Elizabeth hadn't steered Chuck wrong. There were. Since leaving Duncan's dojo, Chuck had sensed three different immortals. The first one was a large man. He could hear the immortal's laugh as he ran for the hills. The second one was with a gang of friends, and that time, Chuck just calmly walked away. The third one? Well, the third one was the charm. She was a lithe thing, copper haired, stupid. She was walking alone down a dark street, alone, without a sword. Or maybe she did have one under her long coat; Chuck hadn't given her time to draw it if she did have one. He felt an immortal sensation, and stopped in his tracks, in the shadows. He saw the female immortal up ahead, stopping also, and looking around nervously. Because she was alone, he ran to her, his sword drawn, the sword that Elizabeth had armed him with. The woman tried to run away, but because she was wearing high heels, it didn't take Chuck long to over take her. He felt resistance to the swing of his sword, as his blade met her neck. The sword that Elizabeth had given him was so sharp, the blade easily sliced through the woman's copper hair also. Chuck stood over the headless corpse on the ground, and raised his fists in victory. "There can be only one!" he declared to the heavens. "ME!" Then, the quickening hit him. He knew about quickenings, as Elizabeth and Duncan had both explained them. Explanations aside, the copper haired woman's quickening was the most powerful and arousing experience he had ever felt! He suddenly felt alive! His entire body came to life, having been dead all his mortal life, and Chuck hadn't realized it. Every molecule of his entire being snapped to attention and popped, releasing adrenaline. He collapsed to the concrete, his face down by the copper haired woman's hand. He drew in fresh air as his body crackled with excitement and energy. He thought he saw visions of people he didn't know, acting as if they knew him and loved him. Chuck tried to figure the flashes out, but in the end, he didn't care. He got to his feet, staggered a bit, and then laughed hard. All he could think about was how proud she would be when he told her that he had conquered his training and was prepared to live his life, protecting Elizabeth, loving Elizabeth, having Elizabeth. Now that he was truly one of them, she would welcome him with open arms, once her husband and child were promptly disposed of. ~~~~~ PARIS SIX AM After Methos brought Amanda back to the scene of her captivity, she glared at Pierre, who had been the one to call the police. Pierre had quickly informed the tall woman who seemed to be able to snap him limb from limb if she put her mind to it, "When Monsieur returns, he will drop the charges that the police have against you, madame... mademoiselle..." "It's Amanda, you ingrate," she had sneered at him. "Get out of my way." When Claire saw her, she had come running and wrapped her arms around Amanda's neck. "That's more like it,"Amanda said, hugging back the child who she herself had found when Claire was just a few hours old. "You've grown some more, Little One." Amanda wondered what would have happened to Claire if she hadn't been jogging early that morning. "Schlieblich ist morgen ein anderer tag," Claire happily said. "Hm?" Claire said, "After all, tomorrow is another day. Dad is reading Gone With the Wind to me." She spied Methos hovering in the background, and wondered what it was that she was supposed to do for him. Methos told Pierre, "We're here now, Pierre. Why don't you return to your sabbatical and we'll wait for Robert and Gina. We're old friends and would appreciate the privacy." Pierre saw that Amanda was still glaring at him, so took them up on it, telling them that he was only a phone call away if Monsieur or Madame de Valicourt needed him. After Pierre was ensconced in a taxi and sent down the road, Methos picked up Claire and started upstairs with her. "Where are we going, dad?" she asked, not used to being carried lately. "You have to get some beauty rest so you and mom can do some damage with my credit card when Gina gets here." "But, dad! I'm not tired." Elizabeth called after them, "I promise to wake you up when they get here. Sleep well." Amanda fingered the crystal glasses on the liquor table and Elizabeth waited for her to say something directly to her. "I'm sorry, Amanda. I didn't know anyone to call myself except the police... and I guess they beat me to it anyway." "Oh that's all right," Amanda said, waving her off. "I know it was Methos' fault." "Adam's," Elizabeth corrected her. "He's Adam Pierson for a little while, Robert and Gina know his as Adam." "I know that." Amanda jerked her arms. "Boy! What makes you both think I'm an idiot all of a sudden?" "We don't. We just want to make sure everything goes smoothly. Claire thinks it's a game, that Adam is a nickname for him. One day we're going to have to have a long talk with her to explain things. I just hope it's not too soon." Amanda walked to the stairs. Elizabeth asked, "Where are you going?", thinking she was offended. "I just can't think with all this ... mess on me. I'm going to take a long, hot, bubble bath." "Oh, okay. Are you hungry? I can make you some breakfast." "I'm starving. Thanks," Amanda said. "Just bring it up to the first bathroom on the right. There's a wonderful Picasso on the wall." "Sure thing." Elizabeth watched her amble up the stairs, and wondered why a Picasso was hanging in a bathroom. Wouldn't the heat and humidity of a bathroom ruin it? She looked again at the opulence of the house, and wondered if the de Valicourts had money to burn. Hell, I have money to burn, but don't. Elizabeth wondered about the residents of the chateau, and couldn't wait to meet them. ~~~~~ Elizabeth saw that the Picasso was hung safely under heavy glass on the wall of the bathroom that Amanda was in. The water was full to the brim of the antique claw footed tub with luscious bubbles floating on the surface, up to Amanda's shoulders; some bubbles had floated to the floor. Elizabeth saw that there was a swinging silver tray attached to the tub, and she set the breakfast plate upon it and swung it to within reach of Amanda. "You don't mind my staying to visit, do you?" "Not at all," Amanda said with a moan. "Things look so much different from a bathtub filled with milk, oils and bubbles." She playfully blew a hand full at Elizabeth. "When will Robert and Gina be here?" "Soon is all I know. Pierre had called them on their cruise around the world. They were in the Mediterranean I guess," Elizabeth said with wistfulness. "A cruise around the world... that's something I haven't done in a long time." "Is it fun?" "Of course it's fun." Amanda laughed. "You never have? In fact, Elizabeth, have you ever even left the United States?" "I've been here in Paris before, and lived in Portugal." "Anywhere else?" "All over, during wars. But mending bleeding soldiers didn't give me a lot of free time to sightsee." "Bah. Wartime isn't the time to travel. You and Claire should really take some of your money and explore. There's a whole world out there, see it. Experience it." "Leave Methos at home?" Amanda smiled. "You could tie him to the bow, I suppose." They were startled when Methos' booming voice came from the other room. "I heard that!" Elizabeth giggled, and then saw Methos walk in with a cup of tea in a china cup, atop a china saucer. He said, "We need to talk." Amanda didn't seem disturbed that he was there, she was neatly covered with foam, and her temperament had gotten lighter since she had cast aside those dirty clothes. Elizabeth couldn't get over how comfortable the two of them were, in her presence, with Amanda naked in the tub. Methos said, "There's one thing I've been wondering, Amanda. Try as I might, I just can't figure out how one of the most sneaky cat thieves in history got herself locked in a wine cellar." "It was the damn cat." Methos laughed. "A cat again?" They explained to Elizabeth the trouble they encountered while trying to steal the Methuselah Stone. Elizabeth didn't like it. "So, the Watchers would kill you if you're caught? Are you insane? Is it really worth your life?" Amanda replied, "It was then." "I mean now." Elizabeth stood up, mad. "I mean when you do this ridiculous thing. I could actually turn out to be a real widow if a damn cat or something else screws up your plans?" Methos calmed her. "I've thought of every angle. Nothing's going--." "You didn't think it through the last time?" "What are you two talking about," Amanda asked. Elizabeth and Methos both clammed up, with Elizabeth wondering when he was going to spring his plans on Amanda. Instead, he took a small stool and asked her, with great interest, "Just why did you happen to get stuck in the cellar? There was a cat?" Elizabeth was a little surprised that Methos and Amanda were so... close, while Amanda was in the tub, but saw that there wasn't anything showing on her. She was just seeing green again. She decided to put it away and think of something else. "Yes. Little bastard," Amanda said. "You know, I've really come to hate cats. He must have snuck in while I was looking for the Chateau Masburel with the red lipstick mark on it and I heard something behind me. I caught his eyes in the flashlight beam and he skittered away, meowing. Then, of course, when he was leaving the cellar, he knocked over the block of wood I had left to keep the door open. Little bastard! I could hear it meowing in the hallway. I'm sure he was just taunting me." Amanda took a bacon strip and munched on it, mad after recollecting it. "You poor thing," Elizabeth said. She could imagine being stuck in a wine cellar, with cobwebs and mice and dark... "It must have been horrible." "Well," Amanda shrugged. "Not really. I just finished off a Chardonnay. But there weren't any crackers, cheese, biscotti. I'm famished. The jail's food leaves a lot to be desired. They actually served me eggs made from powder. Can you imagine?" Elizabeth patted her hand, truly sorry for her ordeal. Methos asked, "Why did you need to steal a bottle of wine from Robert and Gina? I'm sure that if you needed that particular vintage, they would have been happy to give it to you, or sell it to you at the very least." "I couldn't get a hold of them. I tried. I tried forever to figure out where they were." "Then go to a liquor store," Methos suggested. "I needed that bottle of wine. It's important. It was Fitz's." "Who's Fitz?" Elizabeth asked, just as Methos asked, "Hugh Fitzcairn?" "Yes," Amanda said to Methos, then told Elizabeth, "He was a dear, dear man. A close friend of Duncan's. I only knew him briefly, long ago. He tried to bed me." Methos chuckled. "Of course, you wore a dress." "His birthday is coming up and Duncan is going to have another hard time of it on the 27th, so I wanted to be able to give Mac some of Fitz's things, to make the day go easier." "The 27th?" Elizabeth asked. "I take it that Hugh Fitzcairn is dead?" Amanda sadly said, "Fitz's motto was 'There is nothing more important in the world than love. It is the only thing worth dying for.' That was how he died. He loved Duncan and sacrificed himself. They were closer than brothers." Methos sighed. Because he had kept his eye on Duncan MacLeod while a watcher, he knew that he had just lost his mentor, Darius, to Horton's hunters; the Highlander's loss of Hugh Fitzcairn would have been an awful load to carry. It was only then that Methos had allowed himself to be known to Duncan MacLeod, as Methos. Kalas, the immortal who had taken Fitz's head, was also after the legendary Methos. Kalas had kidnapped a man who he discovered was following him, and had tortured the watcher for information. Methos' good friend in the watchers, Don Salzer, had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and had been murdered. All in the name of an immortal wanting Methos' head. "Kalas," Amanda murmured. "That son of a bitch. Fitz and Mac went way back, they had even tried to blow up Westminster Abbey once." Then she giggled. "The Stone of Scone," Methos added. "It's a bum rest on a golf course now." "What more do you have to collect of Fitz's, Amanda?" Elizabeth asked. "Just the Chateau Masburel, which I hope is still in the cellar. Fitz said he was saving it for his one thousandth birthday, and wanted Duncan and Gina and Robert to be there with him. It was at a party in this chateau back at the turn of the century that Fitz had taken a bottle from the stash behind the bar. He asked his date to kiss the label while wearing red lipstick, then he told Robert to save it for him. I don't remember his date's name..." Amanda shrugged. "Well, there were so many women in his life." "The mind would boggle keeping them all straight," Methos commented with a smile. "The only other thing on the list is Fitz's pipe," Amanda said. "The watchers have that. I just have to figure out where." Just remembering all of that confirmed to Methos that Methos' 'death' was a good move on his part... but he still wanted his sword. Hm... they both wanted something from the watchers. He figured that now was as good a time as any, and said, "Amanda, I need your help." Amanda laughed so hard, she almost slipped completely under water. "Me? Help you? That's rich." "I need something badly," he seriously said. Amanda could see that he was serious. She turned to Elizabeth, who said, "And you're the only one he trusts to help him." Amanda looked back at Methos, and slowly, a smile built, lighting up her face. "If I were to do this favor... Boy, you are going to pay." Women, Methos mused. "Just help me first..." ~~~~~ PARIS ORLY AIRPORT TWO PM Elizabeth had a gnawing feeling that she couldn't get rid of that something was going to go very wrong, but she didn't know what or why or to whom. As soon as they arrived at the airport, Amanda went in search of another phone to call Duncan to tell him that she was alright. She had tried all morning at the de Valicourt's, but hadn't gotten an answer. Methos checked them both in, while Claire had her arms around his waist. "I want to go too, Dad." After Methos received their tickets, he knelt down and took Claire into his arms. "You have to keep your mother company. I'll be back before you even miss me." He looked up to see Elizabeth pacing at the windows overlooking the parking ramp. "You be a good girl for mom, right?" Claire nodded, and asked, "Why you have to go away?" Methos smiled. "So I can come back." His gut tightened when he felt an immortal buzz and searched for Amanda. He saw that Elizabeth had tightened also, looking nervously down the hallway at the people going about their business. Her focus landed on a mousy young man, who was carrying a large brown wrapped package that could only be a framed painting. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Elizabeth as if to say, 'Not now.' She smiled at him and nodded, as he walked past. Then she saw Amanda coming down the hallway. Amanda grimaced and said, "I just don't understand it. Where is he?" "Maybe he's dodging you, like you have him the last month or so." "Mac isn't that petty, is he?" "Petty?" "You know," Amanda said, shrugging.  Methos walked with Claire to them and said, "We have a plane to catch, Amanda. Are you ready?" "I'll call him from Bern, I guess." Amanda handed her tote bag to Methos, who took it, and about fell over, not expecting it to be so heavy. "What the hell is in there?" "Things we'll need, things I'll need, like cosmetics... things." Methos handed it back her. "I have my own bag." She handed it back. "You want me to help you with this, you carry the bags." She kissed Elizabeth's and Claire's cheeks and said, "We will return successful, I promise you." "That's good news," Elizabeth said. "I'm worried." "Don't be, honey. The expert is on the case." Amanda took her ticket from Methos' hand and started down the aisle. Elizabeth grabbed Methos and hugged him close. "You'd better come back in one piece." "That's what I'm planning on." As he pulled Claire into the huddle, Elizabeth kissed him, as if for the last time. One never could tell when it would be the last time you saw someone you love, need and live for. If she had learned one lesson in her life, that was it. Because she didn't want to be maudlin just as he was leaving, she said, "We're going to be spending a lot of money each day you're gone so, I'd hurry back if I were you." Methos smiled sweetly and pulled her head to his. He whispered, "Nothing is going to happen, Liz. My sword is in a Watcher Bureau in Bern, not in Fort Knox. We'll be home in a few days. You have fun, get to know Robert and Gina. They're good people." Elizabeth had a needling thought to ask if he and Amanda were going to be getting one or two rooms at their hotel, but swallowed it when Methos hugged Claire goodbye and said, "I really have to catch our flight. I'll call you when we get there. Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times." Claire had started crying and held onto Elizabeth's waist as Methos walked down the hall to the gates with his and Amanda's bags. Even though there were people walking to and fro, she kept her eye on the back of his head. Just before he turned the corner, he looked back at them and waved, then disappeared. Continued in Part Two