CERVEZA

by Eliza
elizawpg@shaw.ca

CATEGORY/RATING: Officially a X-over, G rated
LEGAL STUFF: They don't belong to me. No harm meant. No money made.
FEEDBACK: Yes, please.
SUMMARY: A stranger comes to Santa Helena 6th in the series.

At first glance they could be twins, but on closer inspection the conclusion would be brothers at best. This man was about half a dozen years younger than the doctor. He had the same long legs and slim build, but with more muscle -- particularly in his chest and shoulders. It was as if he was familiar with a sword or other heavy labour. Dark hair barely reached his shoulders and wasn't tied back in the fashion of the time. The facial features were similar, the nose in particular, but it was the mouth that gave it way. It was set in a cynical sneer; an expression that Marta was sure Helm would never wear.

Then there was the posture. He was sprawled across the ground like it was the most comfortable couch. Legs spread with one knee up, the corresponding wrist resting on top. His hand hung loosely, relaxed, which brought attention to the long fingers. The other hand was braced on the ground for balance, for only the back of one shoulder was touching the trunk of the tree. His head was tilted slightly, as if he was assessing everything that went on around him. He looked as though he was finding it wanting.

Marta approached him, curious as to the identity of someone who obviously had familial ties to Robert Helm. He looked up at her with hazel eyes that were almost gold in the sunlight. "No, I am not Doctor Helm."

"I know," she said, very matter of fact.

"Nor am I related. I had never heard of the man until arriving in this...place."

He spoke Spanish well but with an unusual accent; nothing at all like Helm's English one. The voice was very similar though, and for a short time Marta had only one thought, Oh my. She continued to admire the form in front of her, so familiar, yet not.

The stranger studied the woman before him in return. His eyes traveled slowly, taking in every detail. It wasn't like some of the appraising leers Marta had received, ones that had left her feeling naked and dirty; this was a lingering caress with the eyes. His small smile showed that he liked what he saw, but he seemed to be wrestling with a decision. His smile widened as he finally made it.

"Would you like to join me? The beer is flat, but at least it is potable." He lifted a corked brown bottle that had been hidden behind his raised leg.

She considered the matter, tempted by the offer. "No, thank you," she eventually replied.

"Someone is waiting on you? The good Doctor Helm, perhaps?" The sneer was back, but this time it was smug.

Marta was startled at his insight, and in that instant had some of her own. This man was not just dangerous, but deadly. Helm had a dark past he was trying to live down--the stranger was living with his darkness, kept close like a familiar companion. It wasn't evil she was sensing, but a strange power that was held in check while always accessible. It was strongly compelling and frightening at the same time.

His expression became eerily blank as he noticed something behind her. He rose to his feet in a graceful movement and walked toward her. If he hadn't kept his eye on the sight in the distance she may have felt threatened for he moved like a predator -- smooth and silent.

He stopped beside her and asked, "Who is that, the man on the black horse?"

Marta looked across the square and identified the rider immediately. "That is Colonel Luis Montoya."

"Does he have a scar?" His expression was beginning to show unease.

"None that I have ever seen. But I do not know him very well," said Marta, dryly.

That flip remark brought a change to the wary visage and the grin that filled his face lit him from within. "I really wish I had the time to get to know you better, but I believe that's the man I came to meet." He cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her. A simple kiss but it was soft, warm, and a little longer than it should have been. "I hope the doctor appreciates what he has waiting for him."

Marta was stunned into silence. What kind of man would casually kiss a complete stranger? One who knew how to kiss, that's what kind. It has been far too long since the last one. There is no way that a single kiss should affect me so strongly. She cursed the long duster that he was wearing as he walked toward his horse. If he was as much like Helm as she thought, and considering the way he moved, watching him walk away would be a real pleasure. A cat in heat is what Tessa had said. Madre de dios, I am far too old for this kind of behavior. She watched him swing up on to his horse with familiar ease, he rode like he was part of the animal.

After taking a few deep breaths, Marta decided to corner Helm when he got back into town. This circling around each other was getting ridiculous. I could think of it as medicinal. An appropriate course of treatment by a physician. She chuckled, certain the doctor would appreciate that thought.

THE END