========================================================================= Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1996 21:46:00 PDT Reply-To: Mike Goldman Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Mike Goldman Subject: "A Dangerous Game" (17/22) HL Story "I need to know..." Richie cleared his throat and read: > December 12, 1894 >> I have been working with Stefan for months now and he thinks I am nearly ready. He has had me practicing morning, noon and night until I am unable to sing in anything more than a croak. Being so wrapped up in my lessons, I have barely had time for anything else--including Amanda. In fact, I have moved out of our rooms and into rooms Stefan has provided for me..." >> January 27, 1895 >> Christmas has come and gone. I saw Amanda briefly during the holiday season, but Stefan thinks she distracts me from my goal and has asked me not to spend any more time with her. I was unsure but finally agreed as Stefan has already done so much for me... >> February 12, 1895 >> What a night--I made my debut and received an ovation! Afterwards, I wanted to wander through the Opera House and Grand Staircase to capture as much of the atmosphere as I could, but Stefan said he had a present for me. This turned out to be a beautiful brooch. I told him that I couldn't accept such a gift, but he says he got it for me because he loves me! >> February 13, 1895 >> Stefan and I have become lovers. >> Richie looked up. "You want me to keep going?" he asked. "I already don't like the way this guy sounds." Joe nodded. Richie flipped through the next few pages which detailed various performances and other daily activities until he arrived at an entry a few months later: >> >>June 27, 1895 >> Stefan was very upset tonight. I don't understand why--he says I angered him and he reacted impulsively and is very sorry. I was talking with a young orchestra musician and Stefan came in as we were reminiscing about trips to the countryside. Stefan grabbed my arm and told me I was late for my lesson. When we were alone, he slapped me across the face and told me to *never* do that again. When I tried to ask him what it was that I had done, he very nearly slapped me again. I have never seen such a look on his face! I agreed not to talk to the musician again just to wipe that look from his features. Did I do something wrong? I must have to make him so angry... >> Richie stopped reading again and looked up to see Joe's face set in anger. "Does this continue?" he asked. Richie quickly read through more entries."It's in here throughout." "I want to hear it." Richie tried to stall. "You sure, Joe?" The look he received was his answer. He looked down at the pages again and read of other incidents which detailed Stefan's growing control and abuse of Rory. The Rory they knew seemed to disappear from the pages and a frightened, unsure woman took over the entries: >> August 22, 1894 I know that what is happening is wrong, but yet I cannot bring myself to leave. Every time he hurts me, he is always so apologetic afterwards. He cries and tells me that he's sorry, that he loves me, and promises it will never happen again. And, for a while, it seems that he is truly trying to change...but then, something happens that ignites that part of him. I do something wrong or say something wrong and he strikes out again. Can the love I have for him do nothing or mean nothing? December 29, 1894 >> It no longer seems to matter *what* I do or do not do--anything will push Stefan over the edge. The worst part is that I cannot die. If I could, at least that would be an end to this. I find myself unable to put an end to this on my own. Last night, I awoke to find him standing over me with his sword at my throat. When he realized I was awake, he told me that one day he would have to kill me as I do not seem to "comprehend" his other lessons. I don't know what to do! I know no one in Paris any longer. Stefan no longer allows me to even speak to others unless he is there as well and can interject the appropriate phrase if his pet singer does not speak what he considers the proper phrases and responses. He tells me he corrects me in public and in private because he loves me. Can what is between he and I be called love anymore? I have heard that Amanda is still in Paris. I am going to ask the young musician if he will carry a note for her to meet me... Lori mgoldman@cts.com Bass Player/Musical Director for the SJD Kick-Ass House Band CFW/WAR Chief for Smokin' Joe Dawson in the first HL WAR