Date: Tue, 13 Feb 1996 20:19:40 -0500 Reply-To: NSumsion@AOL.COM Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: "Nathan R. Sumsion" Subject: The Value of Friends (10/10) The Value of Friends part ten of ten by Nathan R Sumsion SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA. 1996 Jacob smiled at the three people as they prepared to board their plane. Gerald looked a new man. His hair was combed! The first time Jacob had even seen that. His clothes were new, without holes or rips. And he was smiling, a genuine, unforced natural smile. "God, Europe," Monica whispered. "I can't believe it." She was looking completely healed from her ordeal. The Magyar had given her several bruises and had nearly broken her arm, but for whatever whim he had, he had spared her life. And she was looking forward to enjoying the gift. She and her husband were preparing to board the planed with Gerald. It had taken some doing, but they were finally assigned to be Gerald's Watchers. "I hope you enjoy it," Jacob said, sincerely. He had never met Monica's husband before now, but he thought they made a nice couple. And he was certainly happy about the change in Gerald. The final boarding call was announced, and Jacob shook Gerald's hand. "You'll keep in touch, right?" "Of course," Gerald grinned. "I'll tell you all about Budaphest and the Danube. Then we'll just kind of go wherever the winds take us." The good-byes were brief. Jacob didn't like finality in anything. "See you soon," was all he'd say. The three boarded the plane and Jacob stood, motionless, happy on the surface but grieving inside. He turned to his other companion. "You decided where you're heading yet?" Russell Carthage asked. He had stayed back, letting Jacob say his good-byes in private. He was actually fairly surprised Jacob had invited him along. Jacob shrugged at the question. "Don't know yet. But I promise I won't ditch you." He still wasn't sure if he should consider Russell a friend, and acquaintance or a pain-in-the-ass yet, but he'd figure it out sometime. "Good enough." ******************** The Magyar got off his bike at the truck stop and stretched out his legs. He glanced at the sky. It was beginning to cloud over. He had hoped he could outrun the storm, but it didn't look like it would happen. "Ah well," he grimaced, grabbing his bag and heading indoors. He'd find a room for the night and continue tomorrow. He wasn't in a huge hurry. And even in Seacouver, Joe's tavern couldn't be too hard to find. ******************** That's it. Hope you enjoyed it. Again, I would appreciate any and all comments at: NSumsion@aol.com =========================================================================