Date: Wed, 28 Feb 1996 09:04:31 -0500 Reply-To: KaiSteph@AOL.COM Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Steph Lutz Subject: A Little Night Music (6/7) All praises, flames and virtual haggis to KaiSteph@aol.com A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (6/7) By Stephanie Lutz Joe hummed contentedly to himself as he flipped the handle of his cane over his wrist in a practiced motion and went about his business pouring drinks and wiping glasses. Kate sat at the end of the bar, sipping a club soda, reading a magazine, and looking up to smile at him each time he came near her. Which, of course, he took every excuse to do. The room was abuzz with cheerful laughter and conversation, and the dim lighting gave off an air of warmth. He walked to Kate again, leaning over to kiss her lightly as he refilled her drink. She'd been there faithfully every night these past three weeks, waiting patiently for the bar to close. Only a few hours to go. Maybe they'd stay there and play some music together after the people were gone. She was really getting the hang of jazz, and he'd learned a few tunes from her that he knew were at least a thousand years old. A few times this week they'd filled in when the band went on break, combining their music styles in a fashion that no one seemed to disprove of, judging by the applause. Then maybe they'd go upstairs and make a different kind of music.... On the other side of the bar now, he looked back at her, caught her eye and winked. She winked back, then suddenly looked sharply to the door, her face alert, then relaxed as the door opened to admit Duncan and Richie. Joe nodded at them in greeting, and Kate went to join them at the table they chose in the corner. After a few words, she returned to the bar to order their drinks. Joe took his time fixing them, as Kate leaned over the bar. They both ignored Richie's grin as he watched them. Joe heard the door slam open, and glanced up as it slammed shut again. He froze. A tall man stood there, dressed all in black, wearing a ski mask, and brandishing a rather large gun. "Everyone freeze!" The gunman shouted, waving his weapon wildly. The conversation died instantly. Kate straightened, her knuckles white against the bar. "Open the register!" The gun was waved at Joe. now. "Come on, come on!" A shot rang out striking a pile of ashtrays, and glass rained down on Joe's head. "Okay, okay," Joe said, trying to sound calmer than he felt. Heart pounding he raised his hands and moved carefully toward the cash register. "Don't get excited." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Duncan sitting straight up, hand gripping something under his jacket. *How *does* he hide that thing*, Joe wondered, not for the first time as he opened the cash drawer. He didn't have a chance to wonder more than a second. The gunman shoved him roughly aside and began stuffing cash into his coat with one hand, keeping the gun on Joe with the other. Joe lost his balance and slammed into a shelf, bringing a pile of glasses crashing down. At the sound, the gunman fired, the bullet embedding itself in the wood not even an inch above Joe's head. "Joe!" Kate screamed. She flung herself over the bar as the gunman fired again. Three bullets ripped into her and she landed in Joe's arms with a soft cry. Then Duncan leaped into action like a coiled spring. Two steps to the bar and the hilt of his sword came down on the gunman's head and the man dropped instantly. Pandemonium broke out as a stampede of screaming people fought their way out of the bar. Richie knelt beside Joe and Kate. "Are you all right, Joe?" he asked. Joe could only shake his head, as he gathered Kate up into his arms. Her sightless eyes stared up at them. To be continued... =========================================================================