THE ELIZABETH SERIES

CHAPTER NINETY-THREE

MATCH GAME

by JoLayne

RATING: PG

CHARACTERS: M, Amanda, Amy, Joe, OC's Elizabeth, Guy

SUMMARY: The immortals congregate at the hospital where Katie Rose is deathly ill.

DISCLAIMER: All characters and concepts you recognize from Highlander: The Series are owned by Panzer/Davis, and maybe Greg Widen. Just using them for fun, no profit is expected or pursued.

~~~~~

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013
NEW YORK CITY
6 pm
"I can't go anywhere!" Guy yelled into his cell phone, caring not in the least about how powerful the man he was screaming at was. "Aren't you human? Do you have a heart? Or do you confuse it with that lump you sit on and think with?!"

With his hormones raging in anger, Guy thought he shouldn't have ducked out of the hospital to check his messages. Arthur Delmonico had called his cell three times in the past two hours. Had to be a good reason why the Southwest Region Director of the Watchers was calling a lowly field watcher. Never having met the man, Guy had expected to reach his private number and get a secretary telling him what the big guy wanted. Guy never expected the number left was his private number.

"I'm sorry, sir..." Guy took a breath to calm down, play by the rules, and explain. "You may not have been informed that I'm officially off duty. See, my daughter is-"

"I know exactly what is happening there, Barstow." Delmonico's voice held not even a thread of warmth as he said, "You're just lucky I think the world of your father-in-law or I'd arrange a tribunal in retribution for your attitude! You're either with us or against us! This is one of the most important events to happen in almost two hundred years. You have an inside track. We need you to be in New-"

"THIS is the most important event!?" Guy asked wondrously. "What about that little fiasco that happened in Shiloh!" Guy's blood boiled, so he took a great breath to regain his composure, since he was talking to one of his bosses. "Look, sir. Unless there's a miracle cure for my daughter in New Mexico, I'm not leaving her side. If you want to make a federal case out of it, fine." Guy couldn't help it. He felt himself grow hotter and hotter and composure be damned. "If I'm fined, demoted, fired, whatever! How dare you!"

"Barstow! You are ordered-!"

Guy clicked off his cell phone and had an almost overpowering urge to throw the cell as far down the Manhattan street as he could manage. Instead he slipped it into his pocket and stared at an oncoming horde of kids with a few adult female chaperones that took up the entire width of the sidewalk. Guy stepped to the hospital wall and ended up putting his back right up against it as the children passed him. A shuddering thought that his little girl may never reach their ages of six to ten made Guy slip to the concrete and put his head in his hands. For the first time since the news that Katie Rose had to be on a dialysis machine four hours a day and needed a transplant, Guy cried. It was awfully tough being strong for Amy and Joey when all he wanted to do was curl up and succumb to fright, anger, worry, and bitterness at the shitty deal Katie had gotten out of life. Letting the tears flow and allowing his body to release all the pent-up pressure that had simmered for almost a week, he was startled at the feel of a hand on his shoulder.

Guy finally looked up to see Elizabeth Gordon's face. "Guy? What are you doing out here? How's Amy? Where are she and Joey? How's Katie?"

Elizabeth had knelt beside him, and at that moment, she looked like a gift. If he needed anything, it was to ease some of Amy's distress. Elizabeth would fill that bill perfectly. He almost reached out to hug her, so happy to see her, but noticed Daniel and Duncan MacLeod looking down at him. He turned his head to wipe his face free of tears and cleared his throat as he got to his feet. "Good to see you guys," he said, trying to sound strong after acting like such a girly man being overtaken by emotion. "Thanks for coming. Amy's upstairs. Fifth floor. She'll be so happy to see you."

Elizabeth immediately ran inside the hospital; Daniel stretched his neck and looked up at the gray sky. "Long flight?" Guy asked.

Daniel shook his head. "Not bad. Just... gods, Guy. I'm really sorry to hear about Katie. What can we do?"

When Daniel put his hand on Guy's shoulder, Guy didn't trust himself to speak or he might burst into tears again. So he nodded and turned to the hospital. "Just being here is good."

~~~~~

Elizabeth arrived at the waiting room a volunteer said held Katie Rose Barstow's family at a sprint and immediately saw Amanda holding a cup of coffee. For a second, Elizabeth tortured herself with vague notions that she was the worst mother in the world when she realized that the prospect of seeing Claire so soon hadn't even entered her mind. Perhaps because she knew Claire was safe and Amy's condition and circumstance had held center court in her mind during the long flight back home. Claire wasn't in the waiting room, but Amy was in a fetal position in a corner chair, legs pulled up tight to her chest.

"Hey, you. Long time, no see," she told Amy as she slipped onto the chair next to her.

Amy looked up at her with tear-streaked cheeks and leaned her head onto Elizabeth's shoulder. Elizabeth held her for a moment, rocking her, trying to bring strength to her best friend aside from Methos, then joked, "So, what's new?"

Amy sighed and shook her head. On the verge of crying, she croaked, "She's really sick, Liz. I didn't want to believe it, but she is. There's nothing I can do about it. A mother's supposed to protect her baby, and I... I should have brought her to the doctor more often. I should have demanded another opinion when the first two said she just needed more iron. I should have-"

Elizabeth interrupted her to say, "Are you done now? You couldn't have done anything more for Katie than you have. You're a great mother and you know it. What you did do that you shouldn't have is let me blabber on and on every night when I'd call from Paris about catacombs and towers and wall climbers and café artists and Valentine's Day and how much I love my husband, you should have told me to just shut the hell up, you're daughter's sick. That's all that matters."

"I didn't want to ruin your trip. What good would it do?"

"Are we friends or not? I'm supposed to be here for you."

"I didn't want that!" Amy erupted, surprising Elizabeth, even though she was fully aware of the undertow of emotions that lay beneath Amy's seeming still waters. "If you stayed in Paris and I found the right doctor, Katie would be fine! Damn it! If you're not here, it's not serious."

Elizabeth watched Amanda take a seat on the other side of Amy, rubbing her back and offering her the cup of coffee. They smiled at each other in greeting, but focused their attention on Amy. Amy suddenly threw them both off and started pacing the tiny room. "So now what? You're here. Is Katie any better? No. The cavalry hasn't come, and it won't!"

Elizabeth felt the wash of approaching immortality just before Methos walked in, followed by Duncan and Guy. Unawares, Amy continued, "So we're just going hold vigil until my daughter dies! Does that make everyone feel better?"

"She's not going to die, Amy," Duncan said as if he was a gifted prognosticator, before going immediately into Amanda's arms.

Elizabeth tried to comfort Amy, but she didn't want anything to do with it. Methos came in and went straight to Amy, who sunk into his arms and cried. The vision of them together the night Kevin died crept into Elizabeth's mind. As Methos comforted her and whispered that it would be all right, Elizabeth had to turn away. She didn't want such an unwelcome memory to interfere with her wanting and needing to comfort Amy herself. She had to believe that Methos' comfort was strictly platonic. When Guy took Amy's hand and she went with him to sit in a chair, with his arm now protectively around his wife's shoulders, Elizabeth felt better.

The thought of Claire came to mind, and Elizabeth asked where she was. Amanda released herself from Duncan's clench to say, "She's at the hotel with Joey. An X-box and a couple of games make marvelous babysitters."

"I don't want Joey to have to sit around here. I'm so glad you brought Claire back so he has someone to talk to," Amy told Amanda. "Joey hasn't made any friends here. I can't understand why not. He's such a great kid."

Guy shrugged, "Teenagers."

Amy argued, "He's not one yet, but close. He's going through that 'leave me alone' phase. I can't wait until he grows out of it. Anyway, Amanda, thank you for bringing Claire."

"Yes," Elizabeth and Methos said together, then smiled at each other. Elizabeth said, "I can't wait to see her."

"No problem, honey," Amanda said, then smiled sweetly at Amy. "We're glad to be here. Besides, an interesting house and an old woman are only so much entertainment. Claire was ready for the big city again, and family. Because that's what we are."

"Ditto," Duncan said with a wink to Amy.

Amanda asked, "How is Joey really doing? Does he know what's happening, really?"

Guy said, "We've only said what we needed to. We told him that Katie's sick when they took a blood sample from him, but that's about it. We only answer what he asks, and he hasn't asked too much."

"A blood sample?" Amanda asked.

"To see if he's a match." Guy said, "I would have used Watchers to get the best doctor available, but now they might be a bit ticked at me."

"What now?" Amy sighed, as if she was carrying the world on her shoulders.

"Nothing," he quickly said, not convincing anyone. Elizabeth knew that Amy had to be exhausted not to follow up on that lie. It was almost killing her not knowing what Guy was hiding.

By the looks of it, Methos was going to say something, but Joe walked in and said, "I've already made the call, Guy. Have you heard from the doctor?"

"Hey, Joe," Methos said, popping him on the shoulder.

"Hey, old man. Good to see you all." It didn't take Joe long to get to the heart of the matter. "Amy, Guy, and Joey aren't matches for her. Katie has B- blood, very rare." Joe sighed with regret and said, "I'm B-, but I need my kidney."

Duncan grunted. "People have two kidneys, Joe."

"I already gave one away."

Methos gasped. "You never told me that."

Amy gasped. "Me, neither."

Joe glanced at Methos and said, "So sue me." He looked at his daughter to seemingly confess, since this was news to her as well, "In the 70's. A buddy was in a car accident and needed one. I matched and gave it to him... so, I need mine, but hell, on second thought, I'm going to get tested anyway. She can use my last one more than I could."

"Don't be silly, dad," Amy murmured and stretched. She had been tied up in so many knots lately she'd never unwind, at least not until her daughter was on the mend, if she ever was.

"How about us?" Duncan asked. "We could get tested."

"Yeah," Elizabeth agreed. "How do we go about doing it?"

Amy asked, "Really?" as if she was relieved but didn't want to ask. She looked at each immortal in turn. "You'd do that?"

Amanda stated, "Of course!" and was ready to roll up her sleeve for someone to stick a needle in her arm.

Elizabeth nodded vigorously, and she noticed that Methos shrugged slightly before he nodded, as if to say 'what could it hurt?'

Joe tilted his head to the hallway as he stared at Guy, then said to them all, "I'm going to round up a doctor," with a grateful smile on his face, just before he and Guy slipped into the hallway.

Elizabeth whispered to Methos, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For agreeing to the blood test to see if we match. I mean, we probably won't, but we need to do something."

"Immortality's in our blood?" Methos asked, then shook his head as an answer to the question. "I've had my blood taken before, against my will, of course, but there's nothing there to signal it's anything other than blood, but I can't imagine any of us would match that poor girl. B- is a very rare blood type, indeed."

Methos looked like he was hiding something, but Amanda edged into their private corner to ask, "Liz, do you want to go with me to round up that doctor?" She looked like someone on a mission.

As if thoroughly pleased with the intrusion, Methos caught Amy's attention and asked which hotel they were staying at. Amanda looked at him accusingly as if the question put a damper on their quest. "Why?"

"I thought I'd get my family settled in, see Claire."

"I should go with him," Elizabeth said. "Just to check in on her, and then I'll be back."

"No," Methos said. "You know what? Joey's probably been camped in a room since all this started and I saw in the paper that the NASCAR Experience is in town. Would he care to go?"

Elizabeth looked at him cross. "You're a NASCAR fan?"

"I'm a car fan. I figure there has to be some there." Methos looked at his watch. "I think we could still make it before it closes for the day. At least check it out to see if it's worth venturing to tomorrow."

Amy's expression immediately changed; she looked like she was going to kiss him. "That would be great. Guy and I haven't had real time to spend with him for... ages. Would you do that?"

Elizabeth bussed him on the cheek and, as Amanda was pulling her arm to go with her, she said, "Tell Claire I love her to pieces and I'll see her before she goes to bed."

"Go to it, girls," Methos said with a chuckle.

The two women walked past Joe and Guy huddled in the hallway, telling them they'd be right back.

~~~~~

"It happened again, you know," Joe told Guy as soon as he knew they were outside of anyone's hearing range.

Joe wasn't sure if he liked how Guy stared at Amanda and Elizabeth's asses as they sauntered determinedly down the hall, but Guy was soon all business. "I got a call from Delmonico. Three, actually, and he actually used his private line. Can you use your clout to get us a doc that can do this? I want the best. If I spend the rest of my life paying for it, I will. You know I will. This doc we have... I know docs. I worked with docs for a decade before I was brought into... you know. I just don't trust him."

"I can get a doc, but what about the kidney?"

Guy laughed and looked at the ceiling. "Maybe check out all the recent beheadings to see if they're matches..." As his laugh faded, he shook his head and looked ready to cry. Joe had never seen him like this, he put his hand on his shoulder in commiseration. "Or we can have a match killed... Jesus, Joe. I don't look at people as people anymore, just as possible donors for my kid."

"We'll do this, Guy. Hang on, be strong for Amy. We will figure this out."

"She's on dialysis. She needs a kidney. Clinging to life by a thread. What can we do?"

"Keep looking. Get the Watchers off our back."

"They're on you, too?"

"Like a bad rash. Mostly about you, son."

Guy dejectedly faced what could be reality. "I guess I have to go to New Mexico."

"Like hell."

"That's what I said. I can't imagine it went over well."

"You have to use charm."

"What's that?"

Joe smiled. "That's my point. You could learn a few tips, my boy. How about calling that one guy... what's his name again? The one who was with Mac at the place. You know."

"At the place..." Guy looked at Joe incredulously. "You mean the place where we were all tied to chairs with interesting head relievers? Delmonico didn't even think that was an important event."

"What was his name? He was out of Phoenix, right?"

"Nick Hartford. I already tried. He's on his honeymoon."

"He married the red head?"

"Last week."

"Really? How do you know?"

"After it was all over, we all took each other's numbers to program on our cell phones to keep in touch, and I called to see if he'd get a blood test to see if he's match, along with Megan. The red head. You know, it's awfully scary when I recall names better than you can."

Joe shrugged. "I lose my touch when family members are hanging by a thread."

"We should know soon if they're a match. I think I'll call them. As much as the Watchers burn my butt sometimes, I don't want to lose my job, or life. What good would that do Katie, or Amy or even Joey. You think Joey'd notice if I was dead?"

Joe stared at him, having lost track of the conversation. "I've never seen an Immortal act like this before. I'd say it might be that we have a powder keg on our hands, and it's just a matter of time before he finds the right lighter."

"He's definitely snapped. But what? You think he's after someone?"

Joe shrugged. "Could be. That's my fear."

"Who? MacLeod?"

"Wouldn't surprise me a bit after everything."

Guy didn't like this tone of Joe's, as if he was close to giving up, and said, "I'll call Hartford to go to New Mexico in my place. There's always time for honeymoons."

As Guy went to the elevators to leave the hospital to use the phone, Joe's mind was swirling with the complications. As if having a granddaughter who needed a kidney now wasn't enough, his long-time assignment and good friend could be a target, and he couldn't tell him. At least, not yet. He couldn't have it all explode while he was concerned with Katie's condition. He hoped it would settle down for as long as it took to get Katie well. Still, he hated what could be coming. Always time for honeymoons..., he thought. "Let's hope so."

~~~~~

"Where have you been?" Elizabeth boomed as she opened the door to the suite Methos had rented earlier that evening. She must have felt Methos' immortality and Claire's hum as they left the elevator, because Methos, Claire, and Joey were still half way down the hall.

"Mom!" Claire shrieked and ran into her arms for a big bear hug.

"Careful so you don't get cotton candy all over her," Methos said, "Or I'll have to give her a bath to wash her up."

"Where did you get cotton candy in New York City?"

Claire beamed up at her mother and handed what was left of the fluffy pink cotton candy on a stick to Methos. "A guy down the block was selling it. Cotton candy, mom, and it's not even summer, or a park! Gotta love New York."

Methos patted Joey's shoulder as he said hi to Elizabeth and they walked past mother and daughter into the suite. Methos noticed that Elizabeth still hadn't taken her arms away from around Claire, but she was careful of her arm.

Claire finally said, "You don't have to be careful, mom." She pulled away and took off her coat. Showing her the smooth arm, she said, "Look! No pins! I hated those things."

"Your pins are out!"

"Celeste took them out."

"Who's Celeste? She did what?"

"The old lady we were staying with, Mom, get with the program," Claire said as she tossed her jacket on the sofa, and Methos immediately gave her the eye, making her hang it up.

Elizabeth turned on Methos and asked, "Just who is this Celeste person? She's taking pins out of my daughter's arm without asking?"

"She said it was time."

"Is she a nurse?"

Claire shrugged and chuckled as she looked at Elizabeth, then put her arms around her again. "Have a good trip? Dad said it was awesome."

"He did?" Elizabeth looked brightly toward Methos, who shrugged, then winked at her.

"I missed you so much, Mom. Can we find a place to live now?" Just then, Claire noticed the band aid on the inside of Elizabeth's elbow. "What's that?"

"Oh," Elizabeth flitted a look toward Joey, who was zoned into MTV on the television. Methos chuckled. Didn't take him long to find the remote. All the kid ever talked about was TV and video games. He could certainly use some of Methos' brand of schooling.

"I just had some blood drawn, that's all. It's nothing."

"What for? Katie? Should I get tested, too?"

It was only then that Joey's eyes left the TV to glance at them and then turn away as if he was scared of being caught.

"It's getting late," Methos said. "Hey, Joe. How about I walk you down to your room? Claire has school tomorrow."

Claire glared at Methos. "You're back five hours and I have to go to school again?"

"Yes," Methos replied simply.

"It's Saturday tomorrow!" Claire argued.

"You're home schooled. You have school when I say you have school."

Claire shoved her arms around her front and grumbled, "Oh, man!"

Joey gave Claire a chuckle about her having to study on a Saturday, got off the couch, and slung his backpack over his shoulder. Methos scrutinized him. "Hey, Joe. How much do you like the school you attend?"

"I don't."

"Maybe you can join Claire in her schooling."

"Not if it's on a Saturday."

Elizabeth said, "Well, we usually don't start school until around 9 or 10. Think of how you can sleep in. And, we're usually finished by noon."

Methos said, "Bring your books over tomorrow, say around 9, and I'll see what they're shoving down your throat, and my lovely wife and I will find a way to make it all more palatable and fun."

It took a minute for this to sink in, but soon Joey's confused face turned into a grin. "I don't have to go to that stupid school anymore?"

"Not if you don't want to, and your parents agree. Be here tomorrow at 9 sharp. We'll order breakfast and go over your textbooks."

"Awesome!" Joey radiated the first bit of cheer Methos had seen in the kid in years.

Claire told him, "Don't get too excited. Dad's teaching. It's not like it's a vacation or anything." She looked at her parents and said, "You know, I haven't had a vacation yet. How about me?"

Elizabeth said, "You just spent two weeks with Duncan and Amanda."

"Maconi insisted on my schoolwork."

"MacLeod's been teaching you?" Methos asked horrified.

"Yes. So I want a vacation."

"What's he been teaching you?"

"Same as you."

Methos chuckled. "I. Don't. Think. So. Give me your school bag. I want to see."

Claire pointed it out to him, and Methos immediately tore through it. "I'll have to have a talk with the Highlander to keep his nose out of my business."

Elizabeth laughed. "Well, we did give him Claire for two weeks. What was he supposed to do?"

"Leave Claire's teaching to me."

"And me," Elizabeth said forcefully.

Methos weakened, just a bit. "And you."

Joey tapped Claire on the arm and giggled. "This is going to be great. No school!"

Claire told him, "You don't get it. My dad, and mom, will be your teachers."

"Yeah?" Joey looked like he'd won a lottery or something. Methos waited to see what Claire would say to change the lad's tune at the prospect of home schooling with the Gordons.

"It's not a cakewalk."

"What's that?"

"Easy. Normal. Fun."

"Hey," Methos balked. "I resent that."

"Yeah, whatever," Joey said. "See you tomorrow, Daniel, Elizabeth, Claire. Or should it be Mr. and Ms. Gordon?"

"Liz and Dan is fine," Elizabeth told him.

Methos corrected her, "Daniel."

"This is so awesome!" Joey laughed, but then sobered. "But, mom won't go for it."

"Leave her to me," Methos said. "Let's get you back home."

As Methos left with Joey, Elizabeth once again had that queasy feeling thinking of Methos and Amy together. 'Leave her to me.' Before Elizabeth could fester on that, Claire told her that she wanted to show her some paintings she had done in New Orleans of Celeste's gardens.

"Yeah, you have to tell me all about her. Is she nice?"

"Sure."

"What else?"

"Old. Walks with a limp. Funny."

"Did she hurt you?" Elizabeth asked not wanting to know if she had, since she hadn't been there, but if she got an affirmative answer, she'd fly to New Orleans and snap every old bone in that woman's body.

"Hurt me?" Claire chuckled. "Mom, I don't think Celeste would know how. She doesn't even kill bugs. She slips paper under them and puts them outside."

"Oh," Elizabeth said, relieved. "Good then."

~~~~~

APRIL 4, 2013
NEW YORK CITY
For almost a week, Methos had taken over teaching duties and basically caring for Claire and Joey while Guy was busy with Watcher business that Elizabeth and Methos would like to get to the bottom of, but then again wouldn't, and Amy was ensconced at the hospital with Katie Rose. Duncan was doing his best helping Methos with the kids and running errands, saying he was biding his time before his next calling came along. Amanda wondered what that would be, but Duncan told them all that he didn't know. During recent years he had been a dojo instructor and antique dealer, while Methos reminded him that a lot of his time in Paris had been vagrant with a floating abode. Duncan was ready for his next career, he just didn't know what it would be. One morning Methos and Elizabeth reviewed their careers, they'd been teachers, a wife and mother, husband and father, a museum historian, a writer, a tutor, and a horseman. It was time they became intrenched in a new career as well. The only thing Elizabeth was adamant about was that whatever they did, it had to be near Amy. She'd happily heard that Methos thought along the same lines. It was nice to be near their Watcher. He had also told her that he couldn't wait until Katie Rose was better so Amy could go back to her job. He didn't know who was watching him and Guy and Joe weren't talking. Methos thought it was Joe taking up the slack for his daughter, but he couldn't be sure. In order to stop an impending argument about his only wanting Katie better for his own sake, he immediately got out of bed and said he was taking the kids to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Van Gogh exhibit. Because Elizabeth's day usually consisted of going to the hospital with Amanda to be with Amy, she didn't push it.

Amanda, on the other hand, was seemingly as happy as she'd ever been. Elizabeth wondered if she was planning a scam of some sort, maybe getting the Scarlet Star back. Their trip to the hospital to see Amy would be the perfect time to ask her what she was up to.

True to form of late, Amanda bounded out of her hotel room as soon as Elizabeth got out of the elevator. Dressed to the nines, Elizabeth felt like a shlump in a sweater and jeans. She had to look up more than usual at Amanda in high heels. Because she was wearing hose, Elizabeth thought she must be wearing a micromini under her fur coat.

"Good morning," Amanda almost sang as she flounced past Elizabeth to the elevator and caught the door before it closed.

Elizabeth re-entered the elevator. "Top of the morning to you, too. A bit overdressed to be sitting in a hospital waiting room?"

"I have an appointment. I'm just going to stop up to say good morning to Amy and then I have to be on my way."

"What kind of appointment?"

Amanda just smiled. Elizabeth knew it wasn't her business, really, but she couldn't help herself. "You're not casing someplace, are you?"

"What?"

"Going to pull something? Lift something? The Scarlet Star?"

Amanda's mouth fell open and her hand went to her heart. "I can't believe it."

"Sorry, but you're in too good a mood to not have something up your sleeve."

"You've been around Methos too long."

Amanda sauntered out of the elevator and Elizabeth almost had to run to catch up. She did outside and said, "I'm sorry, Amanda, but you're very happy."

"I didn't realize that was a crime and unfounded allegations would be hurled in my direction."

"Sorry. What are you happy about? Where's your appointment?"

"Nosy, aren't you?"

"Oh," Elizabeth stopped and felt dejected. She did, after all, think they were friends. "I guess I am being nosy. Sorry again."

Amanda tisked and nudged Elizabeth's arm. "Are you happy, honey? No fights with the old guy or anything?"

"My friend's child is dying. That's kind of got me in a bad mood."

Amanda suddenly stopped her hasty pace and cried out, "Damn it!"

"What?"

"I'm really a horrible person."

Because Amanda had said that as if she really meant it, Elizabeth told her, "No, you're not... What's going on?"

"I'm happy, but I shouldn't be."

"Why not?"

"Amy's child is dying. I try to put that out of my mind. Especially since I can't do anything about it. I wish I was a match for her. You know I do. But I'm not and I can't do anything about it. But Mac... he's been so..." The smile on her face said it all, but Elizabeth wanted to hear it anyway. "I've never seen him so loving. Really, after all these years. He astounds me."

"That's great!" Elizabeth put out her arms and Amanda squealed and edged closer to finally hug. "I'm really happy for you, you know I think you're meant for each other, and I think he loves you more than he knows how to breathe."

Amanda almost jumped for joy when she said, "Me too. Isn's it magnificent! And he's actually warming to the idea of being a father. I just know he is."

"I'm so relieved!" Elizabeth cried and laughed at the same time. Amanda's giddiness was rubbing off on her. "I thought you must have had a scam figured out."

"Scam, shcam, I want a baby so bad."

"Well then go get one."

Amanda eyed her, so Elizabeth said, "In this day and age, go to an adoption agency and put your name in. You don't need Duncan to do that. I know that when you get a kid, you'll have to see if he's willing, but the paper work will be out of the way by then, and if he's getting warmer to it, and sees and holds that baby, he'll come around and be a great father."

"My thoughts exactly! That's where I'm going." Amanda dug a piece of paper out of her purse and read, "Windom Landow. He's an adoption attorney. I told him, or rather his secretary when I made the appointment, that with all the little babies without parents in this big, bad world, I wouldn't even need a baby. I'll take any child that needs a good home. I'll provide one. You know I will. In fact, I think I'd like to get one that's already potty trained and can talk. Any nationality. Any language. I know four. I can learn others. But, I'd prefer a girl."

"Amanda," Elizabeth beamed. "That's fantastic. You go, girl!"

"What about Mac?"

"What about him? Why isn't he going with you?"

"I haven't mentioned it to him."

"And your reason is?"

Amanda grunted. "Well, didn't you just say I didn't need him, I could do this and paperwork is cleared and-"

"That was before I knew you had the appointment already. All avenues have been taken. You haven't asked him out right and he hasn't said no?"

"No."

"Don't you think you should do that first?"

"How can I when he's gone before sun up?"

"Where does he go so early?"

"I have no idea and he won't tell."

Elizabeth wondered if he was investigating the Scarlet Star that he had seemingly come to Paris to ask Methos to help him steal back for his wife, but didn't want to let Amanda in on it if that was the case and ruin the surprise. Instead, she asked, "Can't you talk at night?"

"Honey, we're doing other things at night. There's not a lot of talk. Or coherent talk anyway, or maybe he's talking but I'm just not listening."

"I get the picture."

"Do you think I should postpone this appointment until Mac can come with me, or will, come with me?"

"It's your life, Amanda. He's your man. You gauge it."

"But, I've screwed up so often. I don't want to screw this up again. What do you think?"

Elizabeth laughed. "You're asking me for advice? The woman who threw away her family last Christmas because I was out of my mind?"

"Well, yeah. You're not crazy anymore. What do you think?"

"In that case, and thank you for thinking I'm not crazy, um, I think you should talk to Duncan."

"Damn. I knew you'd say that."

"That's just common sense, honey," Elizabeth said, putting her arm around Amanda's shoulder as they continued to walk to the hospital. "I think that you know that's what you should do."

"But what if he says no to the meeting with Mr. Landow?"

"Then that avenue has been taken and you meet with him anyway."

Amanda smiled. "That's my girl."

"And be prepared for raising the kid by yourself. I can't imagine it, but if you haven't talked this out with him, there could be the possibility that he'll not want to have anything to do with it, but you know best. You said he was warming. But then again, he probably shouldn't be forced into it."

"I don't like asking you for advice," Amanda snapped and sighed. "You just make things more complicated."

"It's just advice, Amanda. You do what you think is best."

"I should talk to MacLeod," Amanda sighed.

~~~~~

Amy was found in her usual place with a blanket over her on the couch in the family waiting room that had a door. Elizabeth could tell that nurses were taking care of her, there was fresh coffee in the machine and the curtains were still drawn. Elizabeth took care not to make too much noise when she entered and set down the box of Krispy Kremes and magazines she had bought on her way. Elizabeth was going to look through the magazine by the light of the lamp still lit by Amy's head when Amy stirred.

Amy looked up at her and seemed to take a minute to figure out where she was and who Elizabeth was. "Oh, hi," she finally said as she yawned. "What time is it?"

"Almost 9:30."

"Joey?"

"He went with Methos and Claire to the museum and will probably study Geometry this afternoon," Elizabeth whispered.

"I'm so glad he has you guys. Having to be here for Katie, and Guy so busy with work and being here... Thank you. When I talked to him yesterday, he actually sounded happy. Thanks for taking him on as a student and talking to the school and setting it all up," Amy said again as she sat up and yawned.

"No problem. Long night? What happened? Is Katie...?"

Amy smiled sweetly with what had to be a pleasant memory. "Guy kidnapped me around midnight and we went back to the hotel and... well, finally had some time together. I just got back here a couple of hours ago. I should tell Marianne I'm awake if they need me and I want see Katie."

"I'll wait here."

Amy looked at the donut bag. "Not bagels again?"

"I thought we needed a change."

"Bless you, I could use some sugar. Where's Amanda? Not that I expect any of you to be here, but you've come every day."

"Talking to Duncan on her cell outside. She said she'd be up here soon."

"I'll be right back."

Amy hadn't been gone long, so Elizabeth was only half way through a chocolate cream and had only a sip of coffee. As she walked in and took a Boston creme, she said, "Thanks so much for taking Joey on as a student. I'm really surprised you did."

"Why? He's not stupid, is he?"

Amy chuckled. "No."

"He doesn't seem to be, although he's behind Claire in some subjects. That will change soon. He's taking to the classes quite well."

"Sometimes I wonder if he's a genius," Amy said with pride. "Really technical stuff. You know that he started taking stuff apart and putting it back together again when he was three."

Elizabeth didn't want to admit that this was news to her, or that she had forgotten it, and just smiled and nodded.

Amy continued, "This might take him out of his shell. He loves Claire and he told me he thinks Methos is 'neat.' We've found him hard to crack lately, doesn't have any friends. I just hoped that while Katie's sick he didn't start torturing animals or something that would turn him into a serial killer."

"Oh, he's a good kid. How could he not be with you as a mother?"

Amanda walked in and paused dramatically. "Well, he said he'd go with me."

"Yes!" Elizabeth gasped. "When's the appointment?"

"What appointment?" Amy asked.

"Oh, Amy. How's Katie?"

"The same. What appointment?"

"At 11 o'clock," Amanda said looking ready to burst with excitement, "Mac and I are meeting with an attorney about adopting a child."

Amy looked stunned. You could hear a pin drop for a minute. Elizabeth said, "Isn't that great?"

"Yes!" Amy boomed and rocketed to her feet to hug Amanda. "That's terrific news! Why keep it a secret? You didn't say anything."

"She just asked Duncan to join her," Elizabeth said, joining the hugfest in the middle of the small room.

Amanda never looked happier when she said, "I didn't want to jinx anything. I want this so bad and didn't want anyone, not even Mac to tell me I can't."

"That's so great," Amy said, looking ready to cry. "My greatest joy is motherhood and for you to have it, too. Oh, God. When did I become a Hallmark card? That's so sappy, but it's true. My baby's sick, and it's driving me crazy, but motherhood is the best thing that can happen to a woman, and I'm glad you're finally getting the chance, Amanda. I really am."

"Took me long enough, but I'm really, really ready."

"Just don't go by my example, Amanda," Amy said, now crying. "I feel so guilty because I didn't figure out why Katie's been so sick for so long. Moving around all the time... different doctors... different countries. I have to get these kids settled in one place."

"Hear, hear," Elizabeth said, comforting her. "We'll raise our kids together. And Amy, it's not your fault."

"Heavens no," Amanda agreed. "Who would have thought a two year old could need a new kidney, and it's not like you haven't been strapped to a chair with a blade at the neck and-"

Amanda thankfully shut up when the nurse, who must be Marianne, opened the door and said, "Ms. Barstow? You can see Katie now."

"Good luck, honey," Amy said, squeezing Amanda's hand. "Thank you for coming, but I don't want to see you later. You spend time with your man."

"Will do!" Amanda told Elizabeth, "See? She gives better advice."

~~~~~

"But none of us are matches, Methos, and you haven't been tested yet," Elizabeth said, drying her hair after a shower and then climbed into bed next to her husband.

"I told you, B- is a very rare blood type, and I.... don't think I am."

"What are you?"

Methos seemed to pause before he said, "I don't know," so Elizabeth asked again why he won't get tested, if only to find out his blood type and remember it.

"Liz, the chances I could be a match to give a kidney to a mortal child is astronomical."

"Amy asked today when you were going to get tested. I didn't know what to tell her, so just do it. At least then, it's done. I can't believe you haven't already."

"Just do it," he echoed. "Is she clinging to that as a hope? That I'd match? It's a slim hope."

"Better than no hope at all."

"False hope is not better than no hope at all. When there's false hope you don't make plans for the fact that there's really no hope."

"What plans would those be that they're not making? A wood or metal casket? Cremation or burial? Is that what they should be doing? I got to see Katie today. You wouldn't believe... she's so small to begin with. She's shrunk. She's tiny. She's so weak."

Methos just sighed and redirected his attention to the book he was reading. Elizabeth turned on the TV and flipped through the channels. Three times through 113 channels, she turned it off and said, "I can't believe you said that."

"What?"

"No hope is... whatever you said. It pisses me off!"

That got Methos' attention, and he scowled at her.

"I can't believe you won't even get a little blood drawn. Duncan, Amanda, and I did, and they didn't bolt into the room saying 'Ah ha! You're immortal!' Why won't you do it?"

"Even if I was a match," Methos said slowly, which Elizabeth didn't like, because as usual it came off as an adult talking to a petulant child. "I'm not having someone cut me open, just to have me seal up again right in front of their eyes. I can't have surgery done by someone who doesn't know about us. I'm surprised you went through the motions yourself. What if you were a match? What would you do then? You have to be smarter than that."

"First things first, Methos. It's Amy's child. Our godchild. Methos! You could save her life."

"Maybe."

"If I had been a match, I'm sure Joe and Amy could arrange an Immortal or Watcher surgeon to do the operation."

Ignoring that he said, "going under the knife with doctors who won't expect me to heal myself! Are you insane?"

"NO! Quit saying that! Duncan, Amanda, and I all got tested. We'd figure it out if it got that far. Just because you have the test doesn't mean you're going to have surgery at that moment."

Methos looked as if he'd had a realization. "This is my dream. You want them to cut me up."

"What? This is for Katie. This is not life-threatening to you." Remembering dimly the dream he told her about in Kent, but hadn't mentioned since, she remembered it had something to do with being tied down and it ended with him losing his head with Elizabeth's and Duncan's permission. Nonsense. But... "Okay, it might be a bit of your dream. Your dreams are never exactly as they happen in real life. Yes. You may have surgery and I'll let them, but they're not going to find out who or what you are and you're not going to lose your head. I wouldn't allow that! Besides, that's beside the point! Just get tested!"

"No!"

"Why not?!"

"I'll match!"

It was as if all the air was sucked from the room. "What?"

"I'm B-, all right?" Methos said quietly. "I have B- blood."

Elizabeth took it in, then slapped Methos on the arm so hard her hand tingled. "You were just going to let Katie die and not tell anyone?"

"NO!"

"Well? What's taking so long?!"

"I don't want...! They can't cut me open."

Elizabeth could tell that his demeanor, as if he had the weight of the world was on his shoulders, was due to his fear of that dream. She wished she could remember it all from when he told her, but it was a blur. Instead of trying to soothe whatever worry he had, she decided to just pick at his paternal nature. "Methos, she's just a little girl. Katie Rose. This is Amy, for God's sake! Look what she's done for us. Me. You saved her once when you might have been beheaded. The first head you took in how long? It was for her and Joe. This is for them, too."

"I knew I could take Walker. For Charlotte, if nothing else."

"Who's Charlotte?"

"Never mind."

"No!"

"It's all becoming very clear to me," Methos said with great spite. "This is my dream! You will let them take my head. You and MacLeod."

Elizabeth slapped his arm again.

"Stop it!" He snapped.

"You stop it! Earth to Methos!"

"Claire could hear you!"

"You actually think that I'd allow anyone to take your head?" Elizabeth was so angry she was shaking.

"No."

"Thank you!"

"It could be beyond your control."

"That Duncan would? Joe?"

Methos was fed up with this, she saw him ruffled the covers at his feet.

"Oh, yeah. That's some grand plan of Duncan's. Make friends with you so that twenty or so years down the line, you'll be under the knife to save your niece and he'll be able to take your head. Give us some credit. If either of us wanted you headless, it would have happened by now. You gave us plenty of opportunity over the years. Your fucking paranoia is going to be the end of you, my dear. What was that about false hope and no hope again? Well, false beliefs could make you trust and blame the wrong people and could make you headless as well. Get that shit out of your head that any of us want to behead you, or we cannot move forward. Ever."

Elizabeth left the room shaking she needed to walk off some energy. That Methos was so paranoid, still, made her wonder what they were playing at. "If he'd only stop dreaming!" she yelled at the window to the city below.

There was a noise from Claire's room, so she cleared her head and went in to see if her daughter had heard anything. What she had heard was a book falling to the floor, because Claire was asleep in bed with a lamp on and headphones on. She could hear a phone ring in the other room, but ignored it. After two rings, it stopped, and Elizabeth assumed Methos had gotten it. As Elizabeth watched Claire sleep, she wondered if Katie would ever grow to be Claire's age. If Amy would have the joy Elizabeth had known being a mother to a ten year old daughter. Then, her thoughts drifted to wondering how old Claire would get to be.... If Claire would outlive her parents.... When she would turn.... How long she would last as an immortal.... If she would even get to immortality....

Elizabeth was somewhat surprised when the doorbell rang, she hadn't felt an immortal presence. Duncan or Amanda or both coming to their room wasn't usual but could be expected, especially after their meeting with the lawyer today. Elizabeth wondered what mortal would be ringing the bell after ten at night.

Claire was still asleep, and Elizabeth didn't want to disturb her by taking the headphones off. She just straightened her covers and tiptoed out. She was surprised, and pleased, to see Joe walking in with a bottle of whiskey. Methos told him, "Speak of the devil. Were you eavesdropping on us, by chance?"

"No," Joe said confused. "As I said on the phone, I was in the neighborhood and wanted to chew the fat. You want me to leave?"

Methos gave a warning glance to Elizabeth, and mused, "Don't you love karma?"

As Elizabeth closed Claire's bedroom door, she greeted Joe with a hug. "Still drink this stuff, right?" Joe asked.

"Absolutely." She took the whiskey from him. "You want some?"

"Just on ice. No need for fillers."

Joe looked heavy with worry as he sat down at the table. Methos wasn't talkative and didn't usually like whiskey, so Elizabeth went to make her and Joe a drink and leave them to talk for a bit. She wondered if Methos would tell him he wouldn't give his kidney to Katie, and if he did, she was interested in what Joe's reaction would be. If someone threw a punch at Methos it wouldn't be a bad thing right now.

When she got to the table with the whiskey rocks and whiskey coke, and a beer for Methos, they were talking about the weather of all things.

"Obviously," Elizabeth cut into their wondering when spring was finally going to arrive, "you've been up to see Katie. How's Amy doing?"

"She's a trooper, that girl of mine."

"She definitely is." Elizabeth looked to Methos, who was stone faced as he sipped his beer. He smiled at her and said thanks as he held up the bottle. "Methos has something to tell you."

"No, he doesn't," Methos said with warning.

"If he doesn't, she will."

"No, she won't."

"Why are we talking about ourselves in pronouns?" Joe asked, breathing to let air mingle with the liquid's coating of his throat.

Elizabeth defiantly said, "Why won't you tell him? Don't you think he deserves to know?"

"It's not a certainty, Elizabeth. I just... don't want to get into it."

"I think you should."

"Me, too," Joe said, "if only to bring the subject to light."

"All right!" Methos set down his beer and glared at Joe. "Let me remind you that I've got a sleeping daughter in the other room..." He glanced at Elizabeth. "She is sleeping, right?"

"Yes."

"And she could overhear us, so watch the decibel level."

"Why am I going to yell?" Joe asked.

"It's going to happen sooner or later. Everyone's upset. This is sad. It really is, and I hope they're still looking for a kidney for Katie, but..."

"But what?" Joe was suddenly more interested now and set his glass down to pay total attention.

"B-," Methos whispered.

"Yeah. Katie's blood type, and mine."

Methos sighed, and gave the impression that he wasn't ready for this upcoming confrontation, but had no choice. Elizabeth had made him do it. "And mine," Methos said heavily.

Joe smiled, a light at the end of the tunnel filled his eyes. "You've been tested?"

"No."

"Why the hell not?"

"I can't do it."

"You what?" Joe raged, and the impact of those simple words was the same as if he socked Methos across the mouth. As Joe stood up from the table, Methos stepped back.

Methos whispered, "It's complicated."

"No, it's not. You're a blood type match. That's the first step. Get your ass into the hospital and take the tests!"

Methos simply said, "Claire. Next room."

"I don't care." Joe glared at Methos as he demanded, "Get your ass to that hospital, now."

"I can't do it. I can't have them cut me open. I've seen what will happen."

"What's going to happen?"

"They'll take my head."

"Get over yourself! Get tested, now."

"Joe, I had a dream. Not a Martin Luther King dream or a day dream. I dream of what will come. I get them all the time."

"But you misinterpret them, honey," Elizabeth added.

"And I've seen myself in a room, which I now realize is an operating room, with my loving wife and best friends beside me, telling me I must do this, and I lose my head."

Joe spat. "That's hogwash."

"No, it is not. You called from the lobby saying you needed to hash over old times, and my wife has a bug up her ass to get us to argue. I say for tonight, for now, we hash over old times or you leave, Joe. I'm not allowing anyone to cut me open."

Elizabeth knew what kind of man Methos was. She knew him as caring, ready to give the shirt off his back for no reason other than it made him happy to help someone in need, but this was so new to her. She knew he had been a horseman, he had to protect himself, he had to be careful, but for him to flatly refuse to help an innocent little girl... this dream must have impacted him been more than he had told her in Kent. Could he really have seen himself lose his head? She was sorry that she didn't remember the dream, and would make a point to have him retell it. A thought came to mind, and she asked, "When did you dream it last?"

"Last night. My love, I dream it every night. At least part of it. Snippets. They all add up to the big picture that ends with black silence, because I'm headless."

In the past his dreams, at least since she had been with him, followed a pattern... he dreamed them three times in a row and they happened. If he'd been dreaming it for... how long?... weeks, every night... he couldn't lose his head over this. There was no way she or Duncan or Joe would allow that to happen!

"You're wrong, Methos," Elizabeth stated emphatically. "We would not let it happen."

"How can I really be sure? I've dreamt it every night."

"Dreamt what?" Joe was pissed and it showed in his face and voice. "Methos. This is just between you and me. Amigo to amigo. This is my granddaughter. I have to tell ya, I love ya, ya old fart, but I confess, I love my family more. You feelings be damned. Get your ass tested."

"I have to be careful, Joe."

"If you were more careful, you'd never leave your cave! Listen to me. You can save her. I will kill anyone who fouls that up. I want that kidney in my granddaughter, and then I want you healed. I will kill anyone, no matter who it is, to make sure that happens."

"What if you can't?"

"I can."

"Or what if you can't? Will you just throw up your hands, say 'Oops? Sorry, Methos. I didn't mean for you, a 5,000 year old man, to be headless, just happened. But at least my two year old granddaughter's still alive.'"

"Do it or else..."

"Or else what? You'll shoot me and do it before I revive?"

"Not a bad idea."

"That will never happen. You'll do it willingly or you will not do it," Elizabeth promised, for which Methos seemed a bit grateful.

Joe said, "I'm not that kind of guy, Daniel. Obviously, you are."

Methos smiled touchè. "So high and mighty we've become."

"She's wasting away, Methos."

"Joe, even if I do completely match, I'm over 5,000 years old. I know how I've evolved with mankind over the millennia. I'm a lot taller than I was when I turned, either that or horses have gotten a lot shorter. What if I'm completely different inside? What if I don't have kidneys or they're not in the right place or the right size or what have you?"

Joe stated evenly, "We'll cross that bridge after they slice you open."

Methos sneered at him. "I'm really pleased you've never been a doctor with that bedside manner of yours."

"You want me to hold your hand? I'll do whatever you want. Name it. It's yours. This is my kid's kid. She's named after a woman I loved more than anything in life but didn't do anything about it because I was scared of a jealous husband and upsetting the life of my daughter and the woman I love. I've regretted not having time with her. You can give me more time with my Katie Rose. You can make sure she'll grow up and find the love of her life. You can make sure she-"

"Stop waxing poetic. I get it. You want me to do this. Joe, I know that! I love you more than you'll ever know, but since we're being truthful here, my head and my identity is worth more to me than you."

Joe paused, then sighed. "I know that. You chose Claire over Caroline."

Methos and Elizabeth both stared numbly at Joe for bringing up the tough decision Methos had to make on the spur of the moment when both Claire and Joe's wife were caught in an undertow. "Joe...," Methos stammered. "It was my child."

"I know. I harbor no ill will about your decision. I didn't bring it up for that. But, you did make that decision and I'm left alone. Don't do it to me twice. I'll take every precaution to make sure your head stays on your shoulders, but Katie's my girl and she has no hope unless you jump in and save her from the undertow."

"I have her blood type, but I might not be a match. This could be for naught."

"At least get tested. It's the least you could do." Joe looked at Methos for a long moment, then shrugged and slugged down the rest of his whiskey. As he walked to the door, he hugged Elizabeth and then told Methos, "You have a decision to make. You know how I feel. Do what you think is best. But I know you. There's no other person struggling for life right now. No one else, including yourself, will. I know there's humanity wrapped inside that paranoia. Don't prove me wrong."

After Joe left, Elizabeth took Methos' trembling hand when he slumped into a chair and stared at his beer. Not knowing that he had been dreaming that damn vision every night for too long, she walked behind Methos and rubbed his shoulders. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"How could you? I didn't tell you."

Elizabeth leaned down and wrapped her arms around Methos and whispered, "I swear on Claire's life. No one will take your head. I swear it."

"Don't promise something you can't control."

"I'll make sure I can. I swear it, Methos. Noone will take your head."

Bloody hell... damn Joe... he knows how to push me..."

"So you can't say no?" Elizabeth asked hopefully.

Methos took in a deep breath, leaned back to kiss Elizabeth, then sighed. After spending a moment staring at the table, he finally broke the silence. "I want to see her."

"Katie?"

"I have to."

He got up and grabbed his coat. Elizabeth took hers as well. "I'll go with you."

"Claire," he said, pointing to her bedroom.

"I'll call Amanda to come up. I'm going with you. In fact, you're not leaving my sight until that dream stops."

Methos smiled and sat on the couch's arm. "Have I told you lately that you can really piss me off?"

"Not lately, but I'm sure I do."

"You do. But I love you with all my being."

All the questions of why he hadn't told her about the dream, why he didn't tell her earlier about knowing his blood type, how he could hesitate in helping save Amy's child's life, and so on all went out the window. Elizabeth walked to Methos to took him into her arms. After just holding each other for several moments, Methos said, "If you're going to call Amanda, better do it before the Highlander has her too busy for the night."

As Elizabeth went to the phone to call down to them, she wondered how it went at the lawyer, she hadn't seen Amanda after leaving the hospital, or skipping out of the hospital, if truth be told.

~~~~~

Methos and Elizabeth walked into the hospital hand in hand, but when they got to Katie's floor, they were accosted by Guy, whose fist was clenched, ready to punch. "You have to think about it?! Joe just told us. I can't believe you're thinking this over. If it was Claire, I'd give anything she needed."

"Back off, Barstow!" Methos warned with a look that even sent shivers down Liz's neck.

Guy sucked in a breath and calmed down, a bit, and said, "Look, I know it's harder for the donor than the recipient, but..."

"I've had more pain in my life than you'll ever know."

"Then what is it?" Since Methos didn't give him any answer, Guy thrust a finger at Methos' nose. "If you don't give Katie that kidney, I'll take your head."

"Crusader tendencies, I see." Standing nose to nose, Methos said, "Don't pop a cork, Barstow. I'm going to see Katie now, and I'll tell you what I decide."

Joe came out of the waiting room, and Methos told him, "Joe, call off the bulldog. I want to see Kate."

"Both of us are," Elizabeth said. Joe nodded and said he'd make it happen.

~~~~~

When Methos was sole parent to Claire, he had done a lot of reading and surfing the internet to determine what was "normal" and what was expected to happen in a child's life and when. Amy's child had always been small for her age and slept a lot, so Methos hadn't gotten to know her much. What he hadn't been prepared to see was Katie in a crib at the hospital with tubes running from three parts of her little body, he almost fainted. Even though he knew she hadn't been feeling well, there was always the comfort that it wasn't serious. Just a cold, just an ear ache, just tired, not enough iron. All easily healed in time and with medical science. The fact that the baby needed a kidney in order to survive hit home hard and was he was glad that Elizabeth had taken his hand and leaned her head against his shoulder as they looked down at her. Even through the sterile gloves, gowns, and masks, he could feel Elizabeth's warmth and love radiate from her. He could tell she was smiling up at him when he looked at her from the crook of his eyes, then he heard her whisper, "It will be all right, for both of you. I just know it."

Looking back down at the pale, blond, sleeping blob, whose veins were clearly visible on her temples, Methos mused aloud, "What if Claire needed the kidney and Guy was the only match and he refused to do it?"

Elizabeth said, "We'd have to draw straws to determine who'd get the pleasure of killing him."

Methos nodded, then said, "I have to do this." Elizabeth squeezed his hand, probably in relief and gratitude. He added, "As Gore Vidal once said, 'A good deed never goes unpunished.'"

"Should I put that on your headstone?"

He heard her chuckle, but glared at her all the same.

"It was a joke. Admittedly a bad one, but a joke all the same. By the time you'll need a headstone, they'll be neon vapor or something. And I won't even know what's on your headstone because I'll go before you will."

"Be quiet," he said, not enjoying her babbling about such a gruesome subject.

Methos took another deep breath and said, "All right. Just tests. Nothing more. One step at a time. I have to get used to this."

~~~~~

Two days later, Dr. Glazer walked into the waiting room where Amy, Guy, Joe, Elizabeth and Methos were gathered. "Mr. Gordon," he started unceremoniously, "You're a good match. You're not a perfect match, but you could donate your kidney and Katie could live a long, healthy life with it. Anti-rejection drugs have advanced for kidney transplants over the years, so there should be no adverse side effects for her."

Amy cried out and hugged Guy, who smiled at Methos with wide eyes. Elizabeth hand immediately grasped Methos'.

Methos felt as if a hammer just hit him in the head, since this was a reality he'd hoped to avoid, he said with some hope, "A fully grown male can give a baby a kidney? It will fit?"

Dr. Glazer looked over his narrow glasses at him as he held the results in his hands, "Of course."

Somewhat embarrassed by the question and needing air, Methos stood up and said, "Fine. Joe. Talk. Now." Methos headed for the door, ignoring the doctor's stunned face and Elizabeth's confused glance. Joe patted Amy's shoulder, who was still clinging onto Guy, then he stalked out after Methos.

Joe trailed after Methos to the end of the hallway. "I'm sure there's instructions the doc has, Dan."

"This doctor isn't doing anymore with me, for me, or about me," Methos said. "Find one that knows about us quick because I'm going to have to do a thorough background check of him or her."

"Sure," Joe said with a wide smile on his face.

"Don't look so happy, Joe. If I'm not happy with who you find and where it's going to happen, I'm not doing it."

"Of course."

"Cost isn't a barrier. I'll take care of it."

When Elizabeth came out of the office, Methos told Joe, "Take care of it. I trust you."

"Sure. I will. I'll get the best, Daniel," Joe said. "You will not worry about a thing."

When Elizabeth joined them, Methos said, "I need to take a walk."

She looked dejected, but said, "Okay. I'll stay here for a while and then get Claire. Should we meet somewhere later?"

Methos shrugged and said, "I was hoping you'd come with me."

Elizabeth brightened. "Oh! Of course." She told Joe, "Tell Amy I'll see her later?"

Joe said, "Have fun, and I'll take care of everything. I've already got feelers out for candidates, just in case you did the right thing and got tested."

"Did the right thing..." Methos mimicked. "Thanks, teach."

Joe suddenly fell against Methos and wrapped his arm around Methos' neck. "I love ya, you old geezer. Thanks. I really owe you about hundred for this."

Methos laughed and made sure Joe was standing upright on his own when he said, "And I'll make sure I collect."

"You would," Joe chuckled.

Methos took Elizabeth's hand and walked to the elevator. He didn't need Joe's approval, but he had to admit, it felt good to get it. He just hoped Joe, Elizabeth, Duncan (when he heard about Methos' blood type), Amanda, and Guy were all right and no knife slipped in the vicinity of his head.

CONTINUED