Date: Tue, 9 Aug 1994 13:29:00 CDT Reply-To: Highlander TV show stories Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Jeff Sirianni Subject: Highlander's Daughter Part 7 ************************ Highlander's Daughter Part 7 ******************** For the first two weeks that Dunacn and Devon stayed in Amanda's sumptuous apartment, they never saw their gracious hostess. Amanda breezed in and out, barely taking time to acknowledge her guests. Duncan was both disappointed and relieved; he had been looking forward to Amanda's particular brand of distraction, but he had the feeling that his mind would stay firmly planted with Devon. And he could not blame it on anxiety over the Houston police tracking Devon to New York, hell, they were not even looking for suspects. Stephen Youngblood's grusome demise had made the front page for two days, but after the police had been unable to find any witnesses, the news item had been relegated to a tiny blurb in the neighborhood section. Duncan was amused that after such an illustrious career as an sadistic bastard, Youngblood's death had barely made the headlines But now, Duncan had no excuse to stay here in New York with Devon. Except that he liked spending time with her. Since Amanda was never around, he and Devon had explored almost every facet of the city alone. Devon had never been to New York and she found delight in everyplace Duncan showed her, especially the theatres. After _Miss Saigon_, Devon spent the rest of the evening dazed, wandering aimlessly, barely aware of Duncan's presence beside her. Later, back in the apartment, as Duncan sipped a glass of whiskey in front of a dark fireplace, Devon emerged from her bedroom and curled up at Duncan's feet. She rested her head on Duncan's knee and began idly stroking his calf. "Do you think Chris would have loved Kim if he had known, you know, what would come later? If he had known that he'd eventually lose her or fall in love with someone else?" Duncan stared into his glass, pondering Devon's question, trying to keep his thoughts from wandering down painful paths. "I don't know, Devon. If I had known, about Tessa, I honestly don't know if I would have given her so much of myself. I knew I would lose her eventually, but...not so soon." Devon could not bear to look up at Duncan, to see the anguish she knew would be there. She had not thought about Tessa when she asked her question, she felt horrible that she'd been so insensitive. "I'm sorry, Duncan. I..didn't think." "It's alright. My memories of Tessa are good ones, but I will never forget the pain of losing her." After a few moments, he spoke again. "Is it just the play that brought on this introspective mood or is there something else?" "I don't know." She laughed sharply. "I seem to be saying that a lot lately. I can't remember ever loving anyone, except my father. And I can't remember anyone loving me." Devon twisted around to look up at Duncan. "I envy your memories with Tessa. I wish I had known her." Duncan felt faintly uncomfortable discussing Tessa with Devon, disloyal somehow. Then Devon gave him a tiny half-smile and rose gracefully to her feet. It was as if she understood. "Goodnight, Duncan. Sweet dreams." He watched her walk down the hall to her room, staring after her long after she pulled her door shut behind her. That was how Amanda found him when she came home. "Well, well. Waiting up for me?" Duncan had felt Amanda's return and he crossed to the front door to meet her. "Why of course, love. I've missed you tremendously." Amanda wound her arms around Duncan's neck. "Ah, you flatterer. Keep going, maybe I'll come home early more often." Duncan kissed her, falling easily into the old patterns, until he heard a throat cleared behind him. Devon stood in the living room, watching them. Duncan had grown so used to her buzz, he had not been aware of her approach, but Amanda had known. A strangely satisfied expression curved her lips, but Duncan had the oddly disturbing notion that it had very little to do with him. "I...just wanted a glass of...water." Devon made a beeline straight for the kitchen, barely sparing a glance for the couple in the doorway. Amanda disengaged herself from Duncan and strolled over to her wet bar. Fixing herself a martini, Amanda then ventured to the stuffed chair by the window. Duncan refreshed his drink as well, and joined Amanda by the window. They stood in silence, enjoying each other's company. Then Duncan finally asked, "What game are you playing with Devon? How did you know her before?" Amanda downed her martini and insinuated herself back into Duncan's embrace. "Hmmmm. I really don't think I want to talk about Devon...or anyone else right now." Duncan started to give in, but shook his head at the last moment. "No. I don't want to talk either. I'm actually rather tired, so," Duncan pressed a peck against Amanda's nose, "I think I will go to sleep...alone. Goodnight, Amanda." As Duncan walked down the opposite hall as Devon, his ego was slightly bruised at the realization that Amanda was not too depressed at his rejection. In fact, she did not seem to care at all. As the minutes ticked by, Amanda grew tired of waiting for Devon to emerge from the kitchen. She knocked on the door. "Devon," she called,"all's clear!" Soon after, Devon came out cautiously. She tried to head back to her bedroom, but Amanda stopped her. "Devon, I'd like to talk to you. Maybe not tonight, but soon." "About my past?" Devon met Amanda's gaze eagerly, her hurt at seeing Duncan and Amanda together disapating. "I would like that very much." Amanda stared for a moment, then looked away. "Good, then, tomorrow. I have a dinner date, then we'll talk." "Thank you, Amanda," Devon said and left the room. Amanda braced herself against the doorframe. "Goodnight, my Joanna." Amanda whispered. End of Part 7 =========================================================================