Date: Thu, 22 Feb 1996 21:11:00 PST Reply-To: Mike Goldman Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Mike Goldman Subject: Counterfeit Friends (20/22)--HL Story At 11:25 that night, Joe's vision was much improved; however, his predicament could have benefitted from a little change. He was in the park at 4th and B Streets, standing slightly in front of Samuel Reilly -- who was holding a sword to his throat. The playground was halfway finished. There were some swingsets set up on the asphalt square as well as a partially-constructed jungle gym, pipes still laying in neat piles near the bottom of the gym. A completed, but empty sandbox next to a rough outline of hopscotch courts finished the picture. Joe continued to swallow cautiously as Samuel scanned the park, waiting to feel Rory's presence. He'd discovered that each time he swallowed, it pushed his Adam's apple up painfully against the sword blade and he *really* didn't care to keep repeating the experience. "She's gonna show, Reilly." he said. "You really believe a traitor like that is going to keep her word, do ye?" Samuel asked, his eyes still scanning the park. "Seems to me she made the better choice." Joe shot back, then instantly regretted it as the sword bit deeper into his neck, the blade glinting underneath the halogen lighting. , he thought, Suddenly, Samuel drew Joe closer to him and stepped back a few paces. Craning his head around slightly, Joe could see Samuel checking all the entrances to the construction site. Joe knew that look -- an Immortal was nearby. "Where are ye?" Samuel yelled. Richie stepped out of the shadows, his sword visible at his side under the park lights. "I'm right here." he said. "You were expecting...?" "You're not Malone!" he howled at Richie. "Where is she?" He spun around as another presence made itself felt. "She's coming." said another voice, and Duncan Macleod stepped out the shadows at the other side of the playground construction site, his sword also clearly visible. "We're just here to make sure you play fair." Joe could feel Samuel's hands shaking slightly and decided he might as well take a hit, too. "What's the matter, Reilly? Things not working out the way you planned?" "Shut up!" Samuel hissed, using his free hand to jerk Joe's chin back. He pressed the sword against Joe's throat. Joe squeezed his eyes shut. He wasn't afraid to die, but then, he really didn't have to watch it happen, either. "Sam!". Dimly he heard Rory's voice over Reilly's breath rasping in his ear. For a long moment, there was no change, but then Reilly slowly relaxed his grip fractionally and Joe began breathing normally again. "So ye did decide to show up." he called to her. "Aye." she nodded. "Ye don't need to sound so surprised." She began crossing the grass towards where he was standing with Joe. "And what makes ye think I won't kill your lover right here?" Samuel taunted. Rory stopped. "Because if ye do," she said, "one of us will take *your* head as soon as you step away from him. Ye know the Rules, Samuel. You Challenged me and I'm here." "Now..." she said slowly, "let...him...go." Samuel seemed to consider a moment, then roughly pushed Joe away from him, causing him to sprawl awkwardly on the grass. Rory reflexively started to bend down to help him, but Joe shook his head, signaling he was fine. Rory straightened up and pulled her sword from its scabbard, flinging the scabbard away from her. The blade shone in the light as she held it up between her and Samuel, who copied her move. They circled each other warily. "You've been out of the Game a long time, darlin'" Samuel said sweetly. Peripherally, Rory saw Richie run in and help Joe to safety. She grinned nastily back at Samuel. "Maybe so, but I've learned a few tricks since I last saw ye." Samuel lunged out with his blade. Rory deflected it and the ringing sound echoed through the park. "Weak opening move, Samuel." she taunted. They continued circling each other, testing various opening strategies, seeking out any possible weaknesses. Then, with a shout, Samuel swiped madly at Rory and the Challenge was on. =========================================================================