***

The bright morning sun peaked over the tree tops that lined the green pastures. The air, cool and crisp, had all the signs of winter in it. Cotton ball clouds dotted the otherwise blue sky.

There wasn't a lot of activity at Dumont Stables this morning. With the close of the show jumping season, most riders were giving their horses a break. That suited Jennifer just fine. The people who were around watching her and Mac practice weren't there to admire their style. They were hoping to catch a glimpse of Jennifer being locked out of her stall and having Mac taken away.

Jennifer had been gone doing the last of the show jumping circuit in Europe when she got the call from the stables. Her management company's last check to them had bounced and she was 6 months behind in feed and rent on her stall. They'd give her 48 hours from the time she got back to come up with the money or they'd lock her out and per a clause in the contract with the management company, take her horse.

It's not that she didn't have the money. She just didn't have it right then. She'd won first place in 8 out of the 10 shows she rode in but the money wouldn't come through for another 6 weeks. The stables said they were sorry. It wasn't anything personal. It was business and they couldn't make any exceptions.

The minute Jennifer got off the plane, the newspapers were already hounding her for a story which they ran on the front page of the local section. And now all the weirdoes in Seacouver had come in hopes of getting a glimpse of this event.

As she steered her black Gelderlander stallion out of the arena, she noticed one man who seemed out of place among the others. He was well dressed and well groomed, wearing a medium length, black jacket and jeans. His dark hair was tied back in a neat ponytail.

Jennifer rode the horse to his stall and dismounted there. She slipped off his bridle and slipped on the halter that was attached to the cross ties. She heard footsteps behind her. "Look, I know you're here hoping to see some kind of show but I'd really appreciate some privacy." She didn't bother looking back.

"I'm not here for a show."

Jennifer looked at the source of the deep, accented voice. It was the man in the black coat. "Then what are you here for?"

"I'd like to help."

Jennifer loosened the girth on the saddle. "How?" she asked in an annoyed tone.

"Would paying off your debt to the stables help?"

She let out a long deep sigh. "Look, mister, I appreciate the offer but I'm already I debt. I don't wanna just change who it's to."

"I'm not asking for you to pay me back."

Jennifer walked in front of her horse and stood with her hands on her hips. "Nobody does something for nothing. And if you're looking for part ownership of my horse in return, you can just go find another sucker."

The man pulled a piece of paper out of his jacket and slapped it in Jennifer's hand. "I'm not looking for anything in return." He turned and walked off shaking his head. He expected a little kinder response to his offer for help.

Jennifer looked down at the paper in her hand. It was a receipt from the stables. And from the amount on it, this mysterious guy had not only paid off her six month debt but also paid enough to keep her in the stables for another year and a half at least.  "Holy cow!"  The debt had been paid in cash and the receipt had been made out to her. She looked up in the direction the man had left.

Behind her, the black horse snorted and pushed her forward as if to urge her to go after him.

Without further hesitation, Jennifer ran off to catch up. The man hadn't gone far. He had stopped at the arena to watch another rider practicing dressage. She stood next to him. Looking from the receipt to him and back to the receipt, Jennifer shook her head. "I don't know what to say."

The man smiled and held out his hand. "Duncan MacLeod. And thank you will do for starters."

She shook his hand. "Jennifer Kelso. And, thank you." She motioned to the stalls. "I'm sorry about that back there. Ever since I got back and that article ran in the paper, people haven't left me alone. You're the first one who's been nice and I acted like a jerk."

"Don't worry about it."

"I still don't understand why." She pushed a lock of her light brown hair behind an ear.

Duncan shrugged. "I've watched your career for awhile now. And when I read about the management company bailing out on you, I wanted to help. You're good and you don't need something like this to stand in your way of getting to the Olympics."

Jennifer sighed. "Look, I really appreciate this. At least let me buy you a drink or dinner or something."

"That sounds like a deal. You like blues?"

"Sure. If they're good."

Duncan jotted down some directions on the back of the receipt. "Meet me there at 7:30?"

"I'll be there. And thanks again." She smiled and waved as she headed back to the stalls.

***

Jennifer checked her watch after parking her truck outside of the bar. 7:45. "Well, better later than never," she muttered. Walking inside, she knew immediately that this was some place that she'd have to come back to. She scanned the room. A band played on a stage against the far wall and nearly every table in the place was taken. Looking around some more, she finally spotted Duncan sitting at the bar. Her heart nearly stopped when she caught sight of the bartender. She couldn't put her finger on exactly what is was about him. Maybe it was his short graying hair and beard or his smile. All she knew was something inside her stirred. She smiled as they looked her way. She started weaving a path to the bar and hoped she could get an introduction to the bartender.

Duncan stood up as she approached. "I thought maybe you stood me up." He offered her the empty seat to his right.

"No. I just get my easts and wests confused when driving around down here." She looked at the bartender who had just been staring at her.

"MacLeod," he said shaking his head, "you never cease to amaze me." He held out his hand. "Joe Dawson. It's a pleasure to meet you." She looked just like he'd seen on TV and in print, light brown hair and brown eyes and slight dimples. The only difference was Joe had thought she was taller but she only stood about 5'6" or 5'7".

Jennifer shook his hand, some what stunned and mesmerized by his rich, velvety voice. "You know who I am?"

"Of course I do! Jennifer Kelso, show jumping champion. I've watched you ride for quite a few years now. I'm really sorry you didn't make it to the Olympics."

Jennifer shrugged. "Yeah, well, I thought taking care of my parents' funeral arrangements was a bit more important. Plus there's always next time."

"That there is."

Jennifer felt like she was going to melt when Joe smiled. Someone this sexy has to be married or at least have a girlfriend, she told her herself.

"Would you like a drink?" Duncan asked.

"Wait a second, I'm the one who's supposed to be buying here. You've done enough already." She turned back to Joe. "Another beer for him and a Pina colada for me."

"Whipped cream and a cherry?"

"Is there any other way?" she replied, with a playful wink.

Joe went about fixing the drink, wondering if she had a boyfriend. He tried to push aside the thought. Jennifer was certainly pretty but she was also half his age, making him old enough to be her father. He could just imagine the looks they'd get walking down the street holding hands. Setting her Pina colada on the bar in front of her, he said, "There you are, ma'am."

Jennifer took the cherry and swirled it around in the whipped cream. Playfully, she licked all the whipped cream off before sucking it into her mouth with a light pop. She grinned at the amused reactions from Duncan and Joe.

"So," Joe finally spoke, "I hear you and Mac did some good together?"

Duncan looked quizzically at Joe. "Excuse me?"

Joe laughed. "Not you, Mac. Her horse Mac."

Duncan chuckled. "Oh! Sorry."

"Yeah, we did pretty good over in Europe. Eight first places and two second places."

"I'd say that's a bit more than pretty good." Joe poured Duncan another beer.

Jennifer was about to reply when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see a woman holding a book and a pen.

"I'm sorry to bother you," the woman said. "But my daughter is a big fan of yours Miss Kelso and she'd hate me if I didn't get her an autograph."

Jennifer blushed. "Umm... sure. No problem." She took the book and pen. "What's her name?"

"Alicia."

Jennifer opened the book to the first page and wrote a short note, signing it "Thanks for your support, Jennifer K. and Mac." She handed the items back.

The woman smiled. "Thank you so much!" She raced back to her table.

Jennifer turned back to the bar to see Joe and Duncan grinning. "What??"

"It looks like we have someone more famous than we thought here, Joe."

Jennifer rolled her eyes. "I am hardly famous."

"And modest," Joe teased. "I like that in a woman."

Jennifer just blushed. She could never figure out way the minute a guy flirted back with her, she'd freeze. No snappy comebacks. No witty remarks. Just a red face.

Duncan decided to help Jennifer out and changed the subject. "So what are your plans now?"

"Well, not much until spring. There are a few local fairs that I'll participate in. Other than that, Mac and I will just keep up our normal workout routine. You're both more than welcome to come out to the stables and watch. I have the main arena from 8 to 9:30 in the morning on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays."

"So you'll be there tomorrow?" Joe asked, wiping up the bar.

"Yep. If it's raining, we'll be in the covered arena on the other side of stalls from the main arena." Jennifer looked at her watch. "It's getting late. I hate leave, but training starts early tomorrow." She reached in her pocket for her money. "What do I owe you for the drinks?"

Joe waved his hand. "They're on the house."

Duncan leaned over to Jennifer. "I think he's just looking for a *good* tip."

Jennifer's jaw dropped. She had a million come backs for that but couldn't vocalize a single one.

"MacLeod!" Joe swiped at him with a bar towel.

"Well, I'll umm. . . see you tomorrow. Maybe." She took one last look at Joe and left. All the way out the door to her truck, she chided herself for acting like a teenager. She'd think at 26 she'd be able to handle it when a man she was interested in showed some interest in her. Maybe now that she'd had the initial contact with Joe, things would get easier for her. But she doubted it.

***

The weather had decided to stay clear the next morning so Jennifer set Mac out on the hot walker to warm him up while she mucked out his stall. She was pitching the straw out the door when she heard a familiar voice.

"Hey! Watch where you throw that stuff! It's loaded."

She peeked out the door. Duncan was standing only inches from where her last pile had landed. "Sorry about that." She giggled. "Didn't know you were there."

"So I gathered. I take it I'm a bit early."

Jennifer glanced around hoping to see Joe. "Just a bit. I'm almost done here and then I'll get to the fun stuff."

"Need a hand?"

Jennifer shrugged. "Sure. Grab that wheelbarrow down there." She point towards the end of the row of stalls.

Duncan returned with it and watched as Jennifer skillfully loaded it. He grimaced at the smell.

Jennifer laughed. "It's just something you get used to."

"Mmm. . . don't see how." He backed up to a more open area.

"Wimp," she joked.

After taking the wheelbarrow to dump it, Jennifer fetched Mac off the hot walker. She handed the lead rope to Duncan. "Mac this is Mac."

Duncan patted the horse's head. "I sure hope we don't look alike." He walked to the horse's side, admiring the confirmation. "He's a Dutch Warmblood, right?"

"Yep," Jennifer answered as she returned with a root brush. "A Gelderlander to be exact. He's got just a hint more Friesian in him than most which is why he's black." She brushed him off and was getting ready to get the saddle when she changed her mind. She decided to show off a bit and do her workout bareback. It wasn't really showing off, she told herself. It's a good way to improve balance. So she just bridled him instead. "You know a lot about horses?"

"A bit. I've ridden once or twice in my time." Duncan followed Jennifer as she led Mac to the main arena.

"I kinda figured you had if you could tell he was a Dutch Warmblood." She opened the gate and walked in. "Hope you enjoy the show." She smiled and took Mac towards the center of the ring and mounted up. Just as she got herself situated, she saw Joe walk up next to Duncan. Jennifer waved and began her workout.

"Fancy meeting you here, MacLeod." Joe gave a quick wave back to Jennifer.

"I was wondering if you were gonna make it."

Joe shrugged. "Well, I figured I could spare a few minutes to swing by here." He watched as the horse and rider expertly and effortlessly flew over the jumps. "Now that's beauty."

Duncan nodded. "Yeah and the girl's not bad either."

Joe shook his head. "I don't know about you MacLeod. Don't you ever quit?"

"Hey! I wasn't think about me. I was thinking about you." He gave Joe a quick nudge. "She's got the hots for you. Or hadn't you noticed?"

"I think you need your eyes checked."

"Oh come on, Dawson! You can't tell me you're not even remotely interested?"

"I would be if she wasn't half my age."

Duncan put a hand on his hip. "Your point?"

"Age may not have any meaning for you, but it does for me. I'm old enough to be her father." He paused. "Besides, what would she see in an old man like me?" He turned his attentions back to watching Jennifer and Mac in the arena. Even if she was interested, he wasn't going to let it get anywhere. She should be after men closer to her own age. Men that weren't lacking in the appendages department. But he still couldn't help being intrigued by her. He remembered the first time he saw her interviewed on TV. There was an inner beauty about her. She had fielded every question the interviewer had asked with ease and a sense of humor. She wasn't beautiful like a super model, but she was beautiful enough for Joe to think about dating her. At least long enough for him to remember how old she was.

Mac must have known Jennifer's mind wasn't completely on their workout. At one of the larger oxfords, he slid to halt in front of it instead of jumping over.

Jennifer struggled to keep from flying over the horse's head and instead slid down and around his neck landing on the soft ground with a thud. She looked up at the horse, who took a step back and whinnied. "I hate you," she muttered getting up off the ground and brushing off the dirt.

She reached out to grab the reins and the horse backed up. She glared at him and tried to grab them again. But he spun around and trotted off. Hanging her head in defeat and knowing he was in a rambunctious mood, she headed over to the edge of the arena with Duncan and Joe.

"What was that all about?" Duncan asked.

Jennifer sighed and kicked at the dirt. "Ya know, I don't mind a horse with personality but they can be a royal pain in the ass when they have a rotten sense of humor too."

"He did that to embarrass you?" Joe watched as the horse trotted by.

"I wasn't really concentrating on what we were doing and he just let me know he didn't appreciate it."

"In other words," Joe laughed, "yes."

Jennifer nodded and blushed as she felt warm breath on the back of her neck. She tried to brush the horse away.

"Well, I have to go. Got some things to do at the bar." He reached out and patted the horse's nose now that his muzzle was resting on Jennifer's head. "Thanks for letting me watch."

"You're welcome to come by anytime. The barn door's always open, so to speak."

Joe smiled. "Thanks. Hope to see you at the bar sometime." He glanced quickly at Duncan, who gave him a disapproving look.

Duncan and Jennifer watched as Joe walked off. Jennifer let out a sigh that was a bit louder than she had wanted.

"I tried talking to him."

Jennifer gave him a questioning look as she shooed Mac off her head. "What do you mean?"

"I know you like him."

"Yeah, well, that seems to be a one way street."

"Look, I'm not one to stick my nose in other people's business. . ."

"Could have fooled me," Jennifer teased.

Duncan smiled. "Just don't give up on him. Okay?"

Jennifer nodded.

"Here." Duncan reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a card. "If you need anything, just ask. The door is always open."

Jennifer took the card. "Thanks. Maybe someday I'll figure out the real reason you're doing all this."

"Maybe." He paused. "I have to go. Take care of yourself. And him too." Duncan nodded towards the horse.

"I will."

***

Joe strummed the last few chords of an old blues tune before setting the guitar aside with a sigh. He wasn't really in the mood to do anything nor could he concentrate on anything. Well, anything except her. He went over to the bar and picked up his inventory sheet to try and finish where he had left off. But he couldn't stop thinking about her.

He was afraid to become involved with her because of her age. Yet, it was that very same thing that partly attracted him to her. She was young and vibrant and full of life. Things he often felt he wasn't. Things that made him keep his distance. What if she wanted something from him he couldn't give? What if she wanted kids? Would he be around long enough to see them graduate from high school?

He shook his head and laughed at himself. Worrying about things that aren't gonna happen will send you to any early grave, he thought.

The sound of an opening door and the white light from outside brought him out of his thoughts. As the front door shut he was able to make out the figure in the door way. "Hey Richie. What's up?"

Richie sighed as he plopped himself on a barstool.

Joe opened a beer and set it in front of Richie. "Wanna talk about it?"

"I just don't get women, Dawson." He took a long drink of the beer.

"If you're looking for advice on women, you've come to the wrong place."

"Having women problems too?"

"Yeah. I mean no. Well, not really."

Richie laughed. "I think maybe you're the one that needs to talk about it."

Joe poured himself a drink. "There's nothing to talk about. It's not gonna happen."

"What's not gonna. . ." Richie stopped in mid-sentence as the door opened. His eyes widened and a smile spread across his face as the girl entered.

"Hi Jenn." Joe motioned to a bar stool. "Come on in. Have a seat."

"Thanks. I hope you don't mind me stopping by. You said you had some work to do here." Jennifer took a seat.

"No. I don't mind at all." He pointed to Richie. "Jenn, Richie Ryan. Richie, Jennifer Kelso."

Richie held out his hand. "Nice to met you."

"Likewise," she replied shaking Richie's hand.

"So how'd things go with you and Mac after I left."

"That's why I'm here. I need a drink." She smiled. "He was just being a total jerk. I even got out the spurs and crop."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Richie interrupted with a wave of his hands. "Do I really wanna be hearing this about Mac?"

Jennifer gave Richie a confused looked. "What?"

Joe finally understood the confusion and burst out laughing. "She's not talking about MacLeod. She's talking about her horse. His name happens to be Mac."

"Ohhhhh!" Richie sighed with relief.

"Well, technically, Mac is his initials. His real name is Mister's Almost Coal. But I never liked it."

"I was beginning to wonder about MacLeod there for a minute." Richie swallowed a mouthful of beer.

"Pina colada?" Joe picked up a bottle of rum.

"Nah, nothing that complicated. Just a rum and coke will do."

Richie noticed that Jennifer never took her eyes off Dawson. Then it finally occurred to him what Dawson had meant earlier. And it was the exact problem he was having, younger women always liked the older guys.

Jennifer took a large swallow of the rum and coke Joe set in front of her. She grimaced a bit.

"A little too much rum?"

"Nope. Just how I like it." Jennifer smiled as Joe finally looked her in the eye.

"Well," Richie stood up, suddenly feeling like a third wheel. "I think I'll be heading off. Nice meeting you, Jennifer."

"See ya, Richie." Joe walked around and started wiping off the tables as Richie left.

Jennifer swallowed the last of her drink in one gulp, hoping it would give her a bit of courage. She took a deep breath and decided to make her intentions known to Joe. She walked over to the table Joe was wiping off. Reaching out, she placed her hand on top of the one he was wiping with. When he turned to look and question her actions, she kissed him.

Joe's initial reaction was to return the kiss. She tasted sweet with the mixture of rum and coke still in her mouth. But no sooner had he begun enjoying the taste, his mind took over, making him break off the kiss and step back.

Jennifer licked her lips. Her heart was pounding. That short kiss had sent her body into meltdown. Part of her couldn't believe she had done it. The other part was wanting more. She took a step towards him.

"Jenn. . ." Joe backed up again. He struggled, trying to find the right words to describe what he was feeling. It was hard, when he couldn't even sort them out for himself.

Jennifer bit her lip and looked down at the floor. She knew what was coming, the old "why don't we just be friends" line. She didn't want to stick around to hear it this time. She turned and ran out the door ignoring Joe's calls to her.

Hopping in her truck, she drove off, not looking back. She was fighting between wanting to cry and wanting to hit something. She was mad, hurt and embarrassed. She mad at herself though, not at Joe. As if she hadn't learned from the past, she kept making the same mistakes. The last time she swore she'd never make the first move in showing an interest in someone. Yet, she just did it again and probably lost him as a friend too.

Out of sheer habit, she had driven to the stables. She sat in the truck for a minute, regaining enough composure to get her stall before crying. She didn't even bother opening the lower door of the stall. She just climbed up and sat on it.

Mac had heard Jennifer from the small paddock area attached to his stall and came in to see her. He knew she was upset. So he walked up to her, swung his head around and rested his chin on her back. It was his version of a hug.

Jennifer wrapped her arms around his neck and burst into tears. "Oh, Mac. . ." She stayed there for a few minutes, letting the tears flow before she let go. As she wiped away the tears, Mac rubbed his velvet nose on her arm.

"Thanks, buddy." She scratched his forehead. "I just can't believe I did it again."

Mac made a soft whinny.

"You remember the guy that was here this morning, the older one with the graying hair? Well, I like him. I actually met him last night in the bar. I forgot to tell you about that. But, anyway, I wasn't sure if he knew I was interested so I went there to see him . I didn't know how else to tell him so I just walked up and kissed."

Mac let out long snort.

"I know. I know. I didn't know what else to do. And now I wish I hadn't done it." She hopped down off the door and into the stall. "I don't know what I was thinking. He's probably got a dozen women to choose from so why would he be interested in me?" She kicked at the straw. "Now he probably doesn't even want to see me again and I don't know what to do."

Mac pressed his head into Jennifer's chest.

She patted him on the neck. "Sometimes I wish you could talk."

***

Joe stood outside the bar for a minute after Jennifer sped off in her truck. "Great." He shook his head and went back into the bar where the phone was ringing. He picked up the receiver. "Yeah."

"Dawson?" the voice on the other end inquired.

"Yeah, MacLeod. It's me."

"Is Jennifer still there? I need to ask her something."

Joe sighed. "No, you just missed her. How'd you know she was here anyway?"

"Richie told me. You know where she went?"

"Nope. She wasn't in a speaking mood when she left."

"Something happen between you two?"

"Look, MacLeod, I'd appreciate it if you stayed out of this one. I don't need any help screwing up. I'm doing a good job on my own." With that, Joe hung up the phone.

***

Duncan stared blankly at the phone. "Gees. . . what'd I say?" He put the receiver  down then thought for a minute. If Jennifer was upset when she left, where would she go? Grinning, he grabbed his jacket and left the dojo.

***

Jennifer was sitting on a pasture fence watching her horse gallop around, playfully bucking and kicking when Duncan strolled up next to her. He decided to play dumb and not bring up the subject of Joe. "Hi. I thought I'd find you here."

Jennifer looked over at him and grinned. "Like I'd be anywhere else but here or home." She patted the railing next to her. "Pull up a rail, just watch out for splinters." She waited for him to get situated on the fence. "So, what brings you back?"

"I know a doctor at a local hospital. She called me today to tell me they're having a charity benefit with some stars of the sporting scene. You know, baseball, football, hockey. I mentioned you and she asked if I thought you might be interested."

"What kind of benefit?"

"You know, the usual other people pay money to get to talk with you kind of thing. It'll be dinner and dancing. The money goes towards the children's wing in the hospital."

"Ah, something I can't get away with wearing jeans and a flannel to." She picked at the fence. "Okay. When is it?"

"Friday night. Richie and I will pick you up about 7:00."

"Richie? You mean the Richie I met at Joe's earlier?"

"Oh?" Duncan did his best to act surprised. "You were at Joe's today too?"

"Yeah. I stopped by after my workout with Mac."

"And?"

Jennifer shook her head. "You don't really wanna know."

"Yes I do." Duncan put a comforting hand on Jennifer's arm. "Look, you're both my friends and whatever happened is obviously bothering you both. . ."

"Wait," she held up her hand. "How do you know it's bothering both of us?"

Duncan shrugged. "Okay, I talked to Joe just before I came here. I was looking for you and Richie said you were down there. Joe was pretty upset."

"Mmm. . . yeah, right." Jennifer shifted around on the fence.

"He was. He hung up on me when I asked him about it."

Jennifer didn't respond.

"I know Dawson. He sounded upset when I called. Whatever happened, it wasn't what he wanted either." He nudged Jennifer. "What did happen?"

Jennifer took a deep breath. "I engaged my mouth before my brain and kissed him."

"And that was a bad thing?"

"At first I didn't think so. Then he backed off. He had that 'this is a big mistake' look."

"What'd he say though?"

"Nothing. Well, I didn't stick around to hear anything. I've heard it all before."

Duncan groaned. "How do you know what he was going to say? Go back and talk to him."

"No. Not this soon. Maybe later, like in a few years." She jumped off the fence. "Thanks for the chat, Duncan. Tell your doctor friend I'll be glad to do the benefit. See you Friday night. I gotta go." She turned and walked into the pasture.

"Women." Duncan knew nothing he said would make her do anything until she was ready. Just like Joe.

***

It was Thursday before Duncan heard anything from Jennifer. She left a message on his machine saying she was still planning on doing the benefit Friday and that she was at a girls camp teaching which was why she hadn't contacted him sooner. She didn't sound too happy.

For that matter, Joe had been moping around ever since the incident in the bar too. Duncan had to do something to get these two to talk. They were both stubborn and probably wouldn't respond to any direct course of action. So it would have to be something subtle.

The presence of another immortal broke his train of thought. He looked out his office window and saw Richie enter the dojo.

Richie waved and walked into the office. "What's up, Mac?"

"Just thinking."

Richie sat on a corner of the desk. "Mind if I interrupt that thinking for a minute. I've got a question."

"What is it?"

"Can all Immortals tell when someone is a pre-immortal?"

"No, I don't think we all can. I'm not even sure why we can sense it some and not in others. What brought this up?"

"I was just thinking about that girl, you know the one who rides horses. Right before she came in the bar the other day, I thought I felt something."

Duncan didn't say anything, just smiled and pulled a pencil out of the desk drawer.

"So, she's one of us?"

"Not yet. But she will be. Some day."

"Does she know?"

"I haven't told her and you shouldn't either."

"But that's why you've taken an interest in her."

"Richie, I've taken an interest in her for the same reason I took an interest in you. She has potential and just needed a little help and a guiding hand. The fact she will be one of us has nothing to do with it at this point."

"So you don't even plan on telling her about Immortals at all?"

"No, not until she needs to know."

"What about Joe?"

"What about him?"

"Doesn't he deserve to know?"

"No."

"Mac, he obviously has feelings for her. I mean I was just down there and he's kicking himself over whatever it was that happened. She hasn't gotten in contact with him since."

"She's not in town. She left me a message saying she's teaching at some girls camp but she'll be back in time for the benefit tomorrow."

"Does she know Joe's going to be there?"

"Nope and he doesn't know anything about her being there either and I think it should stay that way. This is something they should workout on their own."

"That's a first. Duncan MacLeod minding his own business." Richie noticed a gleam in Duncan's eye. "Ahhhh! You've already done something! I should have known."

***

Jennifer was glad the girls camp called and asked her to teach for a couple days. It took her mind off everything else. "Don't lie to yourself," she muttered as she unlocked the door to her apartment Friday afternoon.

It didn't help. In fact, all she did while she was up there was think of Joe and what it'd be like to walk with him under a moonlit mountain sky, to spend the days fishing off a pier, to spend the nights curled up by a fire in a log cabin.

She tossed her duffel bag on the couch and walked across to the kitchen. The apartment was small, but then she didn't have much. All the furniture came with the place. Basically, the only things that were hers were the clothes, the computer and the entertainment system.

She stood in the kitchen, drinking a glass of water and looking out over the breakfast bar at the living room and the open door to the bedroom. She wondered if she was going to spend the rest of her life looking at an empty house.

The chime of the clock on the computer desk told her it was 5 o'clock and she'd better start getting ready. Nearly two hours later, she had finally settled on wearing a simple red and black dress, black small-healed shoes, and a light black jacket. It was about as dressed up as she could get.

The knock on the Jennifer's front door came just as she put the last of her necessary belongings into a small black clutch purse. She opened the door to see both Duncan and Richie dressed in tuxes. "Ooooooh! Don't we look nice!" She stepped aside so they could enter. "I feel underdressed now."

"I think you look just fine," Richie offered with a smile.

"Are you ready?"

Jennifer did one final check to make sure everything was secure. "Yep. Let's go."

***

The benefit was held at one of the fancier hotels in the area. The room was set up with a buffet style dinner at one end and a stage at the other with chairs and tables and small dance floor in the middle.

To Jennifer, it looked like most of the people had already arrived and were mingling about or eating. The seating at the tables had been assigned with one or two guests sitting at a table with those who had paid to be here.

Duncan tugged at her arm. "Come over here. I want you to meet someone." Duncan lead Jennifer over to a small group of people. In the center of the group was a woman, with short dark hair, wearing a blue and white dress.

The woman looked up as Duncan approached. She greeted him with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. "Duncan, how are you?"

"Fine thanks. Anne, this is Jennifer Kelso. Jennifer, Dr. Anne Lindsey."

Anne smiled sweetly, sensing the young woman's awkwardness. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad you said you'd be here."

"Thank you. Though I'm not sure anyone knows who I am."

One of the gentlemen in the group laughed. "Are you kidding? Anyone who knows anything about horses has heard of you. You really did a fabulous job over there in Europe."

Jennifer stayed and chatted with the group for a few moments before excusing herself to go get some food.

"Thank god!" Richie said picking up a plate. "I thought you'd never get away from those people."

Jennifer laughed. "Yeah, all this attention takes some getting used to."

The trio filled their plates then found their table which was situated right in front of the stage. Several other people, 2 women and a man, were already seated. After brief introductions, everyone sat down to eat.

Jennifer was happily eating her chicken cordon bleu when she noticed a set of drums from behind the curtain surrounding the stage. "I didn't know there was going to be a live band. Any idea who?"

Everyone shook their head. "Probably a small local band," the gentleman at the table said.

As the last dish of apple pie ala mode was served for dessert, the house lights dimmed and the stage became spotlighted. Strains of a guitar and a voice smooth as silk came over the speakers before the curtains were even opened.

It was the voice that made Jennifer drop her spoon onto the table. She stared wide-eyed and in awe as the curtain opened and Joe appeared sitting on a stool, guitar in hand.

"I'm gonna to spend all my money, gonna go home late,
try one of everything they put on my plate. . ."

Joe's voice sent shivers up and down Jennifer's spine. She should have known with a voice like his he could sing. She glanced over at Duncan who did his best to look innocent. "You knew, didn't you?" Duncan didn't need to answer and Jennifer could tell just by the look that it was a setup. If she wasn't in a room full of people, she'd get up in leave. Since she couldn't, she turned her attentions back to the music.

As the first song ended, Joe looked down and caught Jennifer's eye. "This next one is for Jenn."

The music started and Jennifer swallowed hard. It was soft and slow and passionate.

"I can't get you out of my head. The way that I feel, the
things that you said. Everything that I try to do, I can't
help but to think about you. . ."

Jennifer choked back the tears. She never figured he'd even given her a second thought after she left. And now, he was singing a song to her. She closed her eyes, taking in every note of music and every ounce of Joe's voice.

". . . Maybe I should start anew. Put things right so I can
get next to you. Is the grass greener or just another story. The
whole situation just fills me with worry, cause every waking
moment I dream of you. . ."

The song came to an end and Jennifer opened her eyes. As the crowded applauded, she looked at Joe, smiled, and blew him a kiss. She understood a little better now that there was interest on Joe's part but that something was stopping him from following through. Now, the only thing left to so was for Jennifer to find out what and do something about it.

Joe sang a couple more songs with the band then left them to play on their own. He stood behind the stage for a few minutes not really sure of what to do now. He felt like he was in the middle of a tug of war. Part of him just wanted to be with her and let whatever happens happen. The more sensible part reminded him that it was a good way to get hurt. There were certain things that were just going to get in the way and he couldn't do anything to change them.

Peeking around the stage, he watched as Jennifer sat with Duncan and Richie. She talked and laughed, looking much happier then when he first saw her enter the room. The knot in his stomach, however, just got tighter.

Finally he decided he couldn't hide forever. He took a deep breath and made his way to the table.

Jennifer stood up as she saw Joe approaching. From the look on his face, she assumed things were still bothering him.

Joe nodded to the group. "Mac. Richie. Jenn." He held out his arm to Jennifer. "Care to dance?"

"I'd love to." She took his arm and went with him out to the small dance floor. Goose bumps rose on her skin as she felt Joe's arm wrap around her waist. As he pulled her in close, she could smell the musky scent of his cologne. Her heart started beating faster and everything else around them disappeared. It was just them now. They were all that mattered at this point in time.

"Jenn," he whispered into her ear. "I want you to know I'm not mad about what happened in the bar. It's just that. . ." He let out a long, frustrated sigh, not knowing how to say what he was feeling.

Jennifer pulled back to look into his face. "It's just what? You have to tell me what's going on in your head. I can't read thoughts yet."

Joe smiled at the joke. He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. She was so young, still had so much left in this world to explore. Why would she want to be tied down to him? "Jenn, I'm. . . I'm old enough to be your father."

"But you're not."

"That's not the point."

"Then what is, Joe? I didn't know that there was an age limit on feelings."

Joe looked around at the crowd of people. "This isn't really the place to discuss this."

The music and people slowly reappeared to Jennifer. "I can't leave. At least not right now."

"I know."

"After this is over, let's go to bar, or some place, any place to talk."

"Okay." He kissed her lightly on the forehead.

The song ended so they walked back to the table.

"Would you like something to drink, Jenn?" Joe pulled her chair out so she could sit.

"Yes. Rum and coke, please."

"Mac? Richie?"

They both shook their heads.

Richie let Joe get well out of hearing range before he asked with a curious grin, "So Jenn, how's it going?"

Jennifer furrowed her brow. "Don't call me Jenn, please."

"Sorry." Richie looked taken back. "Joe did, so I just thought. . ."

"He did?"

"Yes," Duncan responded with an amused look.

"Oh." She looked from Duncan to Richie and then down at the table. "I'll have to talk with him about that."

Joe returned with her drink and set it down. "There you go, Jenn. One rum and coke."

Jennifer looked up and smiled. "Thank you, kind sir."

Duncan and Richie both choked back a laugh.

They spent the rest of the night making idle chatter with the other guests, talking about everything from politics to child rearing. Jennifer's mind was never really on the subject though. Even when asked about her career and her horse.

About 11:30, the people started leaving so Jennifer walked up to Dr. Lindsey and thanked her. "I hope you managed to raise some good money for the hospital."

"We did. It'll get put to good use."

Jennifer said goodbye then looked around for Joe. He was with Duncan and Richie near one of the doors. She went to him, touching him lightly on the arm.

Jennifer's touch sent chills through Joe's body but he shook them off. "All set?"

"Yes." She turned to Duncan and Richie. "Thank you, gentlemen, for a wonderful evening." She gave them each a quick kiss on the cheek before following Joe out the door.

***

Joe and Jennifer decided to go to the bar and talk in his office. It was neutral territory so to speak. They went in through the back door so they wouldn't attract any attention.

Sitting down on the couch, neither one was sure how to break the uneasy silence. It was Joe who made the first attempt. He reached out and took her hand. It seemed so small, so fragile. "I want you to know, I do feel something for you."

Jennifer turned sideways on the couch, holding Joe's hand firmly but not looking at him. "I can tell there's a 'but' coming."

"It's not really a 'but', Jenn. It's more of a concern."

She traced the back of his hand with a finger.

Joe could feel his pulse rising with her every touch. He knew she wasn't deliberately being seductive but it was making it hard for him to concentrate on what he was trying to say.

"It's the age thing, isn't it?"

"That's part of it. I mean, I'm 20 years older than you are." He picked up her chin and turned her face to him. "What if you want children? I'll probably be senile by the time they're out of diapers."

Jennifer pursed her lips. "I don't think we have to worry about that. I can't have kids."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"How could you have? It's okay. Really. I've known for a few years now. It was hard at first but I've come to accept that if I ever want them, I'll have to adopt." She shrugged. "Or just stick with the four-legged and furry variety."

Joe was amazed at how she handled some things so well. "I can't say as I'd be able to handle it as calmly as you just did."

"Being upset about it won't help any more. It won't change it. Just like being upset won't get you your legs back." She paused. "It doesn't make either one of us any less of a person or mean that we can't love or let someone love us." She put her hand behind his head, running her fingers through his hair. "And there's nothing you can do about the age difference either. It's not like I'm eighteen or something. I'm old enough to know what I feel. And I know I'm not too young to fall in love with you." Slowly leaning forward to kiss him, she waited for Joe to resist.

Joe didn't resist this time. Instead, he pulled her tightly to him. His kiss was soft and gentle at first, until Jennifer pressed her tongue into his mouth. Her tasted washed over him, making his hormones kick into overdrive. He reached around, pulling her so she straddled his lap.

Jennifer's mind was going wild. She could feel Joe pressing against her and almost couldn't believe it was happening. She wanted it. She wanted him.

The sound of a key unlocking a dead bolt, startled them both. Jennifer quickly rolled off Joe's lap as the door opened. It was Mike, the bartender.

"Sorry, Joe." He said grinning. "Didn't realize you were in here."

"It's okay. We came in through the back. What'd you need?"

"Nothing important. I'll get it tomorrow." He shut the door and locked it again.

Both Joe and Jennifer laughed to ease the tension.

Joe brushed his hair back. "Why do I feel like I just got caught with my hand in the cookie jar?"

Jennifer smiled and shook her head. "Maybe it's a good thing. I don't want to rush into anything." She kissed him on the cheek. "I'd like to do something right for a change."

Joe nodded in agreement. If Mike hadn't interrupted, he knew where it would have led. He stood as Jennifer did. "Meet me here for lunch tomorrow?"

Jennifer glanced at her watch. "You mean today," she grinned. "1:30 sound good?"

"Works for me." Joe stepped up and gave her a hug. "Good night, Jenn."

"Good night, Joe."

***

Jennifer rolled over, slapping at the alarm clock as it went off. She didn't get home until almost two in the morning so the four hours sleep wasn't anywhere near enough. She just wanted to go back to sleep. But her conscious was actively at work thinking about Mac and how she hadn't seen him in three days.

Groaning, she hauled herself out of bed, slipped into some jeans and a sweatshirt, and fixed herself a cup of hot tea. As she poured some milk into the tea and stirred, she glanced at the calendar. "Shit!" She dropped the spoon in the sink and was suddenly wide awake. She had completely waken up upon seeing that a local county fair competition was in four days. Luckily she had noted that she had sent in her entry and fees already but she was due to take Mac to the fairgrounds today.

She sighed. "He's gonna hate me." The check-in time started at noon and if she waited until after her lunch date with Joe, she'd be setting up the stall well into the night. There wasn't much she could do though except call and explain it to him. She had a feeling that he'd understand though.

And since she wouldn't be coming home for awhile, Jennifer decided to take a shower before going down to feed Mac and pack up the truck and trailer.

***

As she pulled up to the stall, she knew her horse was mad. There was no head cheerfully looking out his stall. She walked up to the door and called to him. A swish of a tail and stomp of a hoof was her only reply. She opened the door and walked over to Mac. He didn't move when she patted his rump. "I'm sorry. I got called away. It was for a good cause though. A girls camp." Still no response from Mac, so she reached into her jacket pocket. "I have something for you."

She knew there was one thing that would make Mac forgive quicker than anything and that was apples and honey. Popping open the plastic honey container, she smiled as the horse swung his head around. She reached in her pocket again and pulled out a slice of apple. After dipping it into the honey, she held it out. "Forgive me?"

Mac plucked the apple from her fingers and started searching her for more.

"Easy! Easy!" she laughed. She fed him the rest of the apple and then took him outside, tying him to the trailer with a feed bag. By the time she loaded the bales of straw and alfalfa and packed the trailer it was past 10 o'clock.  She set Mac up on the hot walker and went to use the phone in the stable office.

Jennifer dialed the number Joe's bar. The phone rang 6 times. Just as she was getting ready to hang up, a voice answered.

"Joe's."

"Hi Joe. It's Jennifer."

"Hey, Jenn! What's up?"

She smiled at the cheerfulness in his voice. "I hate to do this, but I can't make our lunch date."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I completely forgot the county fair starts today and I'm entered in the showing jumping Wednesday. I have to get Mac settled in his stall at fairgrounds."

"No problem. How about dinner?"

Jennifer cringed. "It'll have to be a late one. Like 8:30 or so. I have to work Mac out in the arena at the fairgrounds too."

"Late is better than none."

"Good! So, I'll see you about 8:30. And don't worry if I'm a little late."

***

At 2 o'clock, Jennifer finally pulled into the fairgrounds and up along side her assigned stall. She had asked for an end stall which she was glad they gave her.

It had just been one of those days so far. First Mac, didn't want to have his legs or tail wrapped. Then he wouldn't go into the trailer. When he finally did, Jennifer realized the lights on the trailer weren't working so she had to crawl under the truck and check the wiring. Something had gnawed it's way through the wires and they had to be spliced back together. Thank god the wires had been color coded.

Turning the truck off, she rested her head against the steering wheel. She was starving, tired, and in desperate need of some aspirin. She jumped at the sound of someone knocking on her window. Then a big grin spread across her face.

"Joe!" She climbed out of the truck. "What are you doing here?"

"Well," he shrugged. "You couldn't come to lunch so I thought I'd bring lunch to you." He motioned to several contains of food sitting on a stack of hay in front of her stall.

"My knight in shining armor!" She gave him a quick kiss and hurried over to inspect the food. "Mmm. . ." She opened the various containers and sniffed.

"It's not much. Burger, fries, salad." Joe walked up next to her and opened the last container.

"I'm hungry enough to eat a horse!"

Joe laughed, pointing towards the trailer. "Don't let him hear you say that."

"He was being such a pain this morning, the thought was tempting." She took a bite out of the hamburger. "Thank you. This is great."

Mac snorted and stomped in the trailer causing it to rock.

Jennifer groaned and called out, "Would you chill?!" She loved her horse to death, but sometimes he could be such a pain. She set the hamburger down. "Guess I'd better let him out before he hurts himself."

"Anything I can do to help?"

Jennifer licked her lips. "You've helped by just being here."

Joe grinned. Reaching out, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. "Are you sure it's a help?" He took her mouth into his, kissing her deeply.

She returned the kiss for a minute then pulled back with a smile. "Not if you keep that up it won't be."

After unloading Mac, Jennifer tied him to the trailer. "Now you just stay there and behave for once." Going back over to Joe, she finished her burger and fries and started on the salad.

Joe just sat on a bale of hay and watched. She must have been starved as it took her less than 5 minutes to finish off the burger and fries. The salad didn't last much longer. "Feel better?" he asked when she was done.

"Tons! Except now I'm ready for a nap." She tried to stifle a yawn.

"Well, I'd better get back to the bar. If you don't feel like coming down when you're done here, I'll understand." Joe brushed off the hay that stuck to his pants.

"I'll be there. Don't you worry. I just can't say for sure when. Depends on how things go here."

"Okay. See you later then." Her gave her hand a quick squeeze, then left.

***

Richie sat at the bar in Joe's watching the owner pace, wipe a spot on the bar that wasn't dirty, then look at the clock. Richie chuckled. Obviously someone was late for a date. "You know," he said as Joe wiped up the same spot for the tenth time, "It's not gonna make her get here any quicker."

Joe sighed and tossed down the bar towel. "I know. It's just that it's almost ten."

"I'm sure she'll. . ." Richie trailed off as a tingling came over him. He glanced towards the door.

Joe followed his gaze, knowing what that look was about and expected to see Mac walk in the door. Instead Jennifer walked in. Glancing back at Richie, he made his way around the bar. He greeted Jennifer with the usual hug and kiss. "How'd it go?"

"Good actually. I got home around seven and decided at take a quick nap. I woke up about nine and jumped in the shower."

"Hungry?"

"Beyond hungry!" She peek around Joe at Richie. "Hi again."

Richie smiled and waved back.

"So, what are you in the mood for?" Joe led her towards the door as she chuckled and grinned.

***

They found a nice quiet restaurant on the wharf and had the waitress seat them next to a window overlooking the ocean. The sky was clear allowing the moon to reflect off the dark waters.

They ordered a bottle of wine along with linguine and clam sauce for Jennifer and lasagna for Joe.

Pouring the wine into the glasses, Joe asked, "So, tell me about your family? Do you look like your mom or your dad?"

Jennifer tilted her head to one side. "That's a strange question. As well as one I can't answer."

"Why?" He took a sip of the wine. He watched as a sadness fell over Jennifer's bright brown eyes.

"Well, I don't know what my birth parents look like. The people who raised me adopted me when I was a few weeks old. No one ever found either one of my birth parents even though we looked."

Suddenly a light went off in Joe's head that raised some not so comforting questions. Was she really an immortal? The way Richie reacted before she got into the bar, her being adopted and not being able to have kids. Joe hoped it was all coincidence. But if it wasn't, he wanted to know why Mac and Richie hadn't told him. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I loved the people who raised me and I think they did a pretty good job. But then I'm probably biased."

Joe sighed quietly in relief when she smiled. He had been so caught up in his own worries, that he didn't realize the subject was an uncomfortable one for her.

Even though they talked about other things, Joe couldn't get the thought that she was immortal out of his head. So after dropping her off at the bar and saying good night, he went online and into the Watcher's Database hoping to find a clue.

Four hours later, he had turned up one small reference to someone over in England who matched Jennifer's description. But it was only that she was see briefly in the company of an immortal and that was it. So either she wasn't an immortal, she wasn't one yet, or she was and did a damn good job of hiding it.

Joe rubbed his eyes and logged off the Watcher Database. He walked over to the small stock of liquor he kept in his office. Pouring himself a drink, he let out a long sigh. If it wasn't one damn thing with his relationships, it was another. Just when he thought there was a possibility of getting over his initial fears with Jennifer, something like this comes along.

"It looks like it's time for me and MacLeod to have a little talk."

***

He called Duncan first thing at nine and told him they had to talk. Duncan suggest they go to watch Jennifer practice and talk there. Joe said no, he wanted to talk to Duncan alone. Duncan then knew it was something serious and told Joe to come to the dojo whenever he was ready.

Joe arrived 15 minutes later and took the elevator up to the loft.

Duncan looked up from the book he was reading. He motioned to the chair across from him. "You look like hell. Have a seat."

Joe ignored him and paced across the room to the window and started back.

Duncan put the book on the coffee table. "Okay Dawson, what's wrong?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Joe stopped in front of Duncan.

"Tell you what?"

"About Jenn."

"What about her?" He got up and went into the kitchen.

"Don't play innocent, MacLeod! If Richie knows then you know too. She immortal!"

Duncan cringed at the harsh tone in Joe's voice. "No. She's not." He leaned against the kitchen counter. "At least not yet. How'd you find out?"

"Put two and two together; her being adopted, not being able to have kids, and Richie's reactions right before she walked into the bar." He paced back over to the window and stared out. "Why didn't you tell me, MacLeod?"

"I just didn't think it was important."

Joe shook his head. "I was about to become emotionally involved with her and you didn't think it was important."

"What difference does her being a pre-immortal have to do with your relationship?"

He looked back at Duncan. "You just don't get it do you? I'm a Watcher. What do I do the day she dies the first time and I have to tell her I've known that is was going to happen all along? How do I explain? How do I explain being a Watcher and that being involved with her is against the rules?" He looked away. "Or did you just hope I'd never find out until it was too late?"

Duncan sighed. Joe was right. He had just hoped that Joe would never find out. "Do you think it was easy for me not to say anything to you? Or to her?" He picked up the washcloth and threw it into the sink in frustration. "Damn it, Dawson. I made a decision and I wouldn't change it even if I could."

Joe finally went over to the chair and sat down. He put his head in his hands, rubbing his temples. Why did everything have to be so complicated?

Duncan wished he knew what to say to comfort his friend. He poured a cup of coffee and walked back to the couch, handing it to Joe.

"Thanks." He took a sip and leaned back. "I don't know what to do."

"Do you care about her?"

Joe stared into his coffee. "Yes."

Duncan leaned forward. "Let me put it another way, do you love her?"

"Gees MacLeod, I've barely known her two weeks." Joe knew that was just en excuse to avoid the question.

And so did Duncan. "That's not an answer. You have to face the question along with your feelings, Joe."

"Don't you think I know that?!" Joe growled.

This time Duncan knew the tone is Joe's voice was from frustration not anger. "Do you?"

Sliding his coffee cup onto the table, he took a deep breath. "Yes, I do. I just don't know what I'm feeling." He chewed on the corner of his mouth. "I don't know if it's love you feel for a lover or love you feel for a daughter."

"I think once you figure that out, you'll have your answer for your other question."

"But how do I figure it out? It's when I'm with her that I'm not sure what the feelings are. I look at her and she's so young. She's got her whole life ahead of her. Why should she waste it with me?"

"Maybe because she doesn't consider it a waste." Duncan shifted around on the couch. "You want me to tell you what I think you're problem is?"

"Go right ahead, Dr. Freud." Joe smirked.

"It has nothing to do with her age or you being a Watcher or her impending immortality. You're just afraid this time it's going to lead to commitment." Duncan watched as Joe fought with a reaction to his statement.

At first Joe was going to argue against what Duncan had said. He wasn't afraid. Why should he be? He was a grown man. It had everything to do with age and Watchers and Immortals. They just didn't mix. Then he realized, Duncan was right. He hadn't had to face the possibility of commitment in a long time, at least not commitments of the heart. The few times he had let himself fall for someone, it never lasted long.  And it hurt like hell.

Why now though, he asked himself. What was so different about Jenn? Maybe it was because she made him feel young again. Maybe it was that twinkle in her eye whenever she looked at him and how his heart would leap when he saw it. And then, maybe it didn't really matter what or why.

Joe looked up at Duncan and smiled. "Thanks, MacLeod."

"Anytime." He waited for a moment. "So what are you going to tell her?"

Joe shrugged, reaching out for his coffee. "I guess I have to figure out where to start."

As Duncan watched, he saw Joe's shirtsleeve pull up to reveal part of his tattoo. "Maybe you should start with that." Duncan pointed.

Joe pulled his hand back and pushed his sleeve up more.

"I take it she hasn't seen it?"

"I don't know. If she has, she hasn't said anything." Absentmindedly, he rubbed his wrist.

Duncan got up and stood next to Joe. He gripped his friend's shoulder. "Why don't you go home and get some rest. I'll go see if Jennifer needs anything."

Joe nodded. Sleep sounded like a good idea.

***

Jennifer had taken Mac out of his stall, fed and brushed him down in preparation for a bath. The wash racks were around the corner from her stall so she didn't have to go far. Half way through, Jennifer wasn't sure just who was giving whom a bath. She was just as wet as Mac was.

She bent down to wash off the last of the soap on his back leg when he slapped her with his soaked tail again. "Mac!" She knew this was his favorite game. She picked up the hose to squirt him but missed and ended up soaking Duncan as he came around the corner. Dropping the hose, she hid behind her horse, grinning sheepishly as she peeked over his withers. "Sorry."

"Mmm. . ." Duncan shook the water off his coat and smoothed back his hair. "I did take a shower this morning, you know."

"So you just got another one, free of charge." She reached over and turned off the water and walked to the other side of the horse.

Duncan laughed. "It looks like I'm not the only one."

Jennifer looked down at her soaked jeans. "Yeah, well, it's an occupational hazard." She leaned on the rail of the wash rack. "So, what brings you here?"

"I just thought I'd. . ." Duncan stopped. Every muscle in his body tense as a familiar feeling rushed over him.

Jennifer stared at Duncan confused by the sudden change is posture and attitude.

Duncan turned around as a man, about his height short brown hair, wearing an expensive suit came around the corner. The unfamiliar pair made eye contact.

"Tony!" Jennifer squealed, climbing over the rails. She gave the man a quick hug. "What are you doing here?"

The man replied in a light European accent. "I'm here to see you, of course."

Jennifer heard Duncan clear his throat. "Oh, sorry. Duncan MacLeod, Anthony Taylor." She noticed an uneasy air between the two men. "Tony is a breeder over in Europe. Has stables in Holland and England. We met while I was over there."

Duncan shook Tony's hand. "What brings you so far away from home then?"

"Business."

"Hey, wait." Jennifer gave a playful pout. "I thought you came here to see me?"

"Now, now. You know I can't stand that look. You are the business I came here for."

Jennifer nodded. "The job offer."

Tony walked around Duncan, trying to nonchalantly get a better feel for what kind of opponent he'd make. "Yes. The job offer. I thought if I came out here, you'd realize I was serious."

"I knew you were serious the first time you asked." She walked back into the wash rack. Untying Mac, she led him out and back to his stall with Tony and Duncan following. "I've just got too many ties here. Ties I don't want to break. And plus if I go work for you, when will I have time to train for the Olympics?"

"Jennifer, darling." Tony shut the stall door as Jennifer exited. "You don't have to break your ties. Just stretch them a bit."

"And the Olympics?" She folder her arms across her chest, staring at Tony.

"With as much money as I'd be paying you, you'd forget all about the Olympics." He lightly brushed her arm.

Duncan stepped in between Tony and Jennifer. He didn't like this character. Tony had to know what she was  and chances were that was his real reason for wanting her. He swept Tony's arm away. "Maybe she doesn't want to forget them."

Tony took a small step forward as if calling Duncan's bluff. "I don't really think this is any of your business, Mr. . .  what was it again?"

"MacLeod. Duncan MacLeod. And yes it is my business."

"Duncan's my new financier." Jennifer wasn't liking the way things were going.

"Ah, well then, Duncan," he walked around to Duncan's other side. "I can make this equally profitable for you too."

"I don't want your money."

Jennifer heard the slight snarl in Duncan's voice. Apparently, Duncan wasn't too fond of Tony but she couldn't tell why. She was about to step in and interrupt the male posturing going on between the two when an announcement came over the PA system saying she had a call. She looked from Duncan to Tony, not sure if it was a wise idea to leave.

"It's probably Joe." Duncan hoped it was anyway. It'd give him a few minutes to find out just what Tony was up to.

Jennifer's face lit up. "I'll be back!" She trotted across the stables to the main office.

Duncan stopped playing nice. He shoved Tony up against the stall door. "What do you want with her, Taylor?"

"The same thing you do, MacLeod."

"Oh, I doubt that!"

"I want to keep her young and happy. Forever." He side stepped out from in between Duncan and the stall. "What 's your motivation?"

"To keep her away from Immortals like you." He followed Tony around. "To let her live a normal as life as possible until it happens naturally."

Tony laughed. "You think I'd kill her? You just don't know me at all. I just plan on introducing her to us and our lifestyle. That way, when it does happen, she'll be prepared."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jennifer returning. "I'm only going to say this once. If you want to stay alive, leave her alone."

The minute Jennifer walked up, she could feel that the tenseness between the two had increased greatly.

Tony smiled as she approached. "Well, I hate to do this but I have a few things I need to attend to." He pulled out a card, handing it to Jennifer. "This is where I am at."

"Why don't you come down to Joe's later this evening? He has some great bands playing there and the atmosphere is excellent."

"I'll consider it." Tony scribbled down the directions before he left.

Duncan and Jennifer watched him leave.

"Jennifer, do me a favor?" He stared in the direction Tony had gone.

"What?"

"Stay away from him."

***

The phone call Jennifer received had been from Joe. He said he wanted to apologize for not coming to see her by taking her out to lunch. So, she locked up Mac in his stall and went home to shower, still mulling over what had transpired between Duncan and Tony. She had tried questioning Duncan about it but he didn't provide any helpful answers. He just said it was a gut feeling.

After dressing, Jennifer did a quick cleaning job on the apartment before Joe came over. Okay so it was more like moving the mess from one room to another but it's all she had time for. She was still 'cleaning' when the doorbell rang. "Just a minute!" she called from the bedroom as she threw a pile of dirty clothes in the closet.

Doing a quick glance around, she went out to open the door. Joe was standing outside, looking as handsome as ever in his pants, shirt and light jacket. "Come in."

Joe walked in and looked around. Small and simple. He liked it. He eyed Jennifer as she shut the door. She always looked good in jeans and today, in red ones with a white button blouse, it was no different. He handed her the small bouquet of flowers he had been holding. "Forgive me?"

Jennifer looked thoughtfully at the flowers. "I don't know. . ."

Joe knew what she was doing. He lifted her chin, brushing his lips across hers before delving into a deep kiss. After a moment, he pulled back and waited for her response.

Jennifer rubbed her chin. "I'm not sure I got all that. Could you tell me again?"

Joe laughed. "I could say that all night."

Jennifer blushed. "I think I should put these in water before we go." She took the flowers in the kitchen and searched for something to put them in.

"Jenn," Joe followed her. "There's something I need to tell you. . . something I need to show you."

Jennifer found something for the flowers, filled it with water, and arranged them neatly in it. "What do you think?" Turing around, the smile on her face faded when she saw the dead serious look on Joe's face. "I think we need to sit down. That look on your face isn't good."

She led Joe over to the couch, having no clue what could be on Joe's mind that was so serious. She thought they had talked everything out already.

He sat down and pulled off his jacket and unbuttoned the cuff of one sleeve. He looked over to her to explain but couldn't figure out what to say, where to start. So he rolled up the sleeve, revealing the tattoo.

Jennifer looked from the Joe to the tattoo and back to Joe, somewhat confused. "It's a tattoo. What's the big deal? I've got one too. Wanna see?" She hoped the joke would lighten the mood.

Joe shook his head. "Not one like this."

Taking Joe's arm, she stroked the tattoo. "I don't understand. What does it mean? What does it have to do with us?"

"It's me. It's what I do. It's what I've done for the past nearly 30 years." He struggled with every word. What if she didn't understand? What if she thought he was totally nuts?

"You're a tattoo artist?"

Joe sighed in frustration. "Jenn, you're not making this any easier."

"I'm sorry, Joey." She took him into an embrace. "I'm just not following what you're trying to say."

Joe leaned back with a slight smile on his face. "Joey?"

"I'm sorry. It just slipped out. I won't. . ."

Joe put a finger up to her lips. "It's okay. Coming from you, I like it."

Wrapping both her hands around his, she kissed the tip of his finger. "Thank you. Now, just say what whatever it is you want to say about this tattoo and what it means."

Joe too a deep breath. "I belong to a group of people. We call ourselves Watchers. I've been with them since the accident in Vietnam, when I lost my legs."

"Well, I take it from the name, you guys watch things. But what is it that you watch?"

"This is where it gets difficult." Joe scratched the side of his jaw.

"Just spit it out."

"It's not as difficult for me to say as it will be for you to believe." He waited for a second. "We watch this other group of people. People who look like you and me. But they differ in one big way."

"How?"

Joe looked away from her. "They can't die."

"Excuse me?" If Jennifer hadn't known how serious Joe was about this, she would have laughed.

Joe glanced over at Jennifer's shocked expression. "I know. I didn't believe it at first either. They're called Immortals. They can only die if their head get gets cut off." Even now, after all these years, it still sound unbelievable to Joe so why would Jennifer think he was telling the truth.

Jennifer's hand instinctively went around her neck. "Ewww! So, what do these people do?"

"They do all kinds of things. Live all kinds of lives. You can't tell the difference between one of them and one of us so most go about unknown by mortals."

"Why do you watch them?"

"We're sort of like historians. So that when they're gone, there will be accurate records of who they are, what they were like, how long they lived. Those kinds of things."

Jennifer got up and paced over to the kitchen. Joe was right, this was all rather hard to fathom. "What do you mean when they're all gone and how long they lived?"

Joe wasn't really sure just how much he should tell her. He knew he wasn't going to tell her who these Immortals were. If Duncan or Richie wanted her to know, they could tell her. "Well, they live by this set of rules. They can live hundreds or thousands of years.  And one of the rules is that there can be only one. So part of how they live is fighting one another until there is only one left."

"That doesn't sound like much of a life." Leaning against the refrigerator, she thought of a moment. "Okay, now let me see if I've got this straight so far. There are these people who live forever and spend this time whacking off other Immortal's heads while trying not to lose theirs cause that's the only way they die. And the Watcher types, keep records on all this. Right?"

"Right."

"Great." For the first time since she met Joe, she wondered if she'd made the wrong decision. Oddly enough, part of her believed him about the Immortals, but she couldn't understand why someone would spend most of their life watching these people kill one another.

Getting up off the couch, Joe went over to Jennifer. "I don't want to keep secrets from you, Jenn. You would have started asking questions when I suddenly had to leave and go off somewhere. I just figured I'd save myself the trouble and explain now." He stroked the light brown hair laying on her shoulder. "I hope I didn't make the wrong choice."

Reaching up, Jennifer squeezed Joe's hand. "No, Joey. You didn't."

Joe hugged her tightly. "Good. Now let's go get some food. I'm starved!"

***

Duncan sat in the dojo office mindlessly throwing darts at the dart board. The confrontation with Anthony Taylor at the fairgrounds worried him. Even if Tony insisted he wouldn't do anything to physically hurt Jennifer, Duncan still didn't trust him. He needed to find out more about him. But asking Joe was out of the question. It'd be too hard to explain. There was someone else who could help.

Duncan picked up the phone and dialed. It was late where he was calling but it was urgent. He listened as the call finally connected and the phone rang once. Twice. Then was picked up.

"Hello?" the groggy voice answered.

"Adam, it's Duncan MacLeod."

"MacLeod," the voice groaned. "Do you know what time it is?"

Duncan glanced at his watch. "About five."

More groaning. "That's where you are! It's almost one in the morning here."

"I need your help."

Adam sighed. "Give her two aspirin and try again in a couple hours."

"Methos. It's important."

"When you address me like that it usually is. What's wrong?"

"I need information about an Immortal named Anthony Taylor. Supposed to be a big horse breed in Holland and England." He tossed a dart, missing the board.

"I've heard of him. Looking to open a new stable in France, I think. Offered the management position to an American rider on a live news broadcast just a few weeks ago."

"Her name's Jennifer Kelso. And she's one of us. Or will be, rather. And I think that's why he wants her."

"You know her? Why doesn't that surprise me."

"Yeah, well she's involved with a mutual friend and I don't want to see either one get hurt." Getting up, he pulled the darts out of the board and the wall.

"Who's she involved with? Richie?"

"No. Joe." Duncan pulled the phone away from his ear as Methos laughed. "What's so funny?"

"I just can't picture it. Sorry. But I'll see what I can find out and get back to you as soon as I can."

"Thanks Methos."

"Just remember, MacLeod. Pay backs are a bitch."

***

Joe dropped Jennifer off at her apartment so she could return to the fairgrounds to exercise and feed Mac. She hadn't really asked much more about Watchers and Immortals during their lunch. She was more interested in his Vietnam experiences and the kind of instruments he played. Joe took it to be a good thing. She promised she'd be back down to the bar by 9:00pm and that she had someone meeting her their to discuss business. So Joe set about keeping himself busy until she arrived.

Around 8:00pm, Duncan and Richie came into the bar, ordered a couple beers and sat in a booth and talked. At 8:30pm, another Immortal walked in the bar. Joe knew this because he saw Duncan and Richie's faces before the man entered. It looked like the man knew Duncan, as he nodded when their eyes met but he did not go sit with Duncan.

Tired of tending bar, Joe went and sat with Duncan and Richie. He didn't want to admit that his curiosity of who the new Immortal was happened to be part of the reason. "How's it going, guys?"

"Not bad." Richie stretched his arms across the back of the booth, keeping one eye on the stranger.

"You know him?" Joe inclined his head towards where the other Immortal was sitting.

Richie shook his head. "Mac?"

"I met him this morning at the fairgrounds. He's a horse breeder and wants Jennifer to come manage his new stables in France."

"France?!?" Joe choked on the word. "Is she considering?"

Duncan looked a bit shocked. "She didn't tell you?"

"No, she said there was someone she was meeting here. They had business to discuss. She probably planned on telling me then."

Richie nodded towards the door. "Now's your chance to find out. She just walked in."

Joe turned and smiled as Jennifer approached. "Hi, Jenn."

"Hi Joey," she said giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll be right back. I need to use the little girl's room."

Duncan and Richie waited for Jennifer to head down the bathroom hall before they both burst out laughing and said in unison, "Joey??"

"Does this mean you have to get a new sign for out front?" Richie chuckled.

"I don't know," Duncan jested. "I don't think it'd do much for my rep to go to a place called Joey's."

"What rep?" Joe shot back. "You guys just keep laughing."

"Oh, we will." Richie snickered. Then added, "Joey." Which sent both him and Duncan into another fit of laughter.

Joe just shook his head. "I'll remember this."

Richie managed to catch his breath for a minute. Reaching across the table, he pinched one of Joe's cheeks. "It's Little Joey Dawson!"

Joe slapped Richie's hand away as he laughed again. "You guys are so funny."

Jennifer came back from the bathroom and slid into the booth next to Joe. "Did I miss a good joke?"

"No.  I think they've had too much to drink."

"Oh, Jennifer. You're friend Tony's here." Duncan pointed to a table.

Jennifer turned around and saw the back of Tony's head. "Man, I was hoping I'd beat him here." She turned back to Joe. "Tony owns a couple stables over in Europe. He's building a new one and wants me to manage it. I don't know if I'll do it. It'd mean missing the Olympics again."

Joe could tell from the look in her eyes she was torn between what to do. And part of the reason was him. This was exactly what he was worried about with this relationship. A chance of a lifetime would come along for her and because of him, she'd pass it up.

Jennifer looked over at Duncan. "I know you're not too fond of him, but I'd like to invite him over her to sit with us. Is that okay?"

"Sure."

Under the table, Jennifer squeezed Joe's hand. "I'll be right back."

As she left, Duncan leaned across the table. "Does she know about us and you?"

"Yeah, I told her. She doesn't know either one of you are Immortals. She just knows about them and that we watch. She didn't ask a lot of questions after I told her."

Richie shrugged. "She probably didn't know what to ask."

Joe looked back at Tony and Jennifer. Turning to Duncan, he asked, "You don't think he'd hurt her do you? He has to know."

Duncan didn't have time to reply, as Jennifer and Tony walked up.

"Tony, I believe you know Duncan. And this is Richie Ryan and Joe Dawson."

Tony nodded to each in turn. "Anthony Taylor. It's a pleasure. May I buy you all a drink?"

"That's okay," Joe waved for a waitress. "I own the place so drinks are on the house."

They gave their order to the waitress as, Tony situated a chair at the end of the booth.

"Jennifer tells me you breed horses." Joe felt Jennifer's hand on his thigh.

"Yes, some of the best stock in Europe. Everything from children's horses to work horses. We have a great demand for horses in and around France which is why I had hoped to open another stable there."

The waitress returned, setting beers in front of Joe, Richie, and Duncan, a rum and coke in front of Jennifer and wine for Tony.

Richie sipped on the beer. "Is it really that lucrative of a business? Surely there are better ways to make money."

"It depends on how good of a breeder you are. Take Jennifer's horse for instance. He's easily worth a quarter of a million American dollars as a stud."

"A quarter of a million dollars?" Richie repeated wide-eyed. "For a horse?"

"Not just any horse, my young man. Only one with the breeding and talent that he possesses."

"The talents of the rider and trainer help too," Duncan interjected.

"So true, Mr. MacLeod. Which is why I am willing to increase my original salary offer for Jennifer to 75 thousand a year."

"How can you even think twice about that kind of money? I'd be over there faster than you could say giddyup!"

Jennifer laughed. "There's more to it than that, Richie. I've work my whole life towards one goal, the Olympics. I missed my chance last time when my parents died. This is the last chance I'll get with Mac. He'll be too old for the following games."

Richie shrugged. "Get a new horse."

"Richie," Duncan sighed. "It's not that simple."

"It's not just that either." Jennifer glanced at Joe and smiled. "I like the scenery around here too."

Joe was flattered by the compliment. Yet, it made him uncomfortable at the same time. It wasn't something he wanted to talk to Jennifer about in front of strangers. And there was still the matter of Tony being Immortal.

Tony, finished his wine and looked at his watch. "Well, I must be going. I hope you'll think about the offer, Jennifer. It really is too good to refuse. It was a pleasure meeting every and thank you for the drink, Mr. Dawson." He pushed his chair back. "I look forward to seeing your performance Wednesday." He picked up Jennifer's hand, kissing the back of it. Then, he turned and left.

"Oh, he's smooth." Richie leaned back in the booth.

Too smooth, Duncan thought to himself. He looked at Joe. They really needed to talk and not in front of Jennifer.

Joe read Duncan's thoughts. He kissed Jennifer's ear. "I need to get out, Jenn."

Jennifer had been lost in thought. "Huh?"

Joe nudged her. "I need out."

"Oh, sorry." She slid out then back into the booth after Joe got up.

"Hey, Mac, want to give me a hand with something in the back?"

"Sure. Richie can stay and keep Jennifer company."

"It," Richie put his hand over his heart in a mock gesture, "would be an honor."

Jennifer giggled. "If you say so."

Duncan followed Joe into the back room of the bar. Joe shut the door securely behind them. "What do you know about that guy?"

"I was gonna ask you the same thing. I just met him earlier today." He folded his arms across his chest.

"What do your instincts say?"

"My instincts say he's trouble. But they could be wrong."

"Since when are the instinct of Duncan MacLeod wrong?" Joe grinned.

Duncan shrugged. "They have been. On occasion." He paced around the small store room. "He says he's not out to hurt her." He leaned his head down, rubbing his chin.

Joe turned to follow Duncan's movements. "Maybe I'd better place a call to Paris."

Duncan stopped, just looking up with his eyes and a slight smile. "I already did."

"You mean to tell me, you knew this guy was immortal and posed enough of a threat to Jenn that you called Adam but you didn't tell me?"

"Sorry." Duncan dropped his arms to his sides. "I didn't want to make you worry for nothing. He could be harmless." He laid a comforting hand on Joe's shoulder. "I'll let you know as soon as he calls back. And I won't let anything happen to her."

***

Three days passed with no word from Adam. Duncan kept a close eye on Jennifer without making things look suspicious. And every morning, Tony would show up at the Fairgrounds while Jennifer and Mac did their routine. The morning of the competition was no exception. Only this time, Duncan made his presence known to Tony.

Tony was walking behind the last row of stalls heading towards Jennifer's, when he felt another's presence.

Duncan slipped out from behind a stack of hay bales. His sword was not drawn but his stance was aggressive. "I thought I told you to leave her alone?"

Tony thoughtfully tapped his temple. "Hmm. . . ah, yes! So you did." He went to walk past but Duncan blocked his path. "Really, Mr. MacLeod. This is hardly the place or the time."

Duncan looked around. The stables were starting to bustle with activity. "Fine. Then I'll name when and where."

Tony hung his head and sighed. "Don't you ever get tired of this MacLeod?"

"Tonight. 9 o'clock. The old train yard across from the fairgrounds."

"If you insist." Tony bowed slightly and pushed past Duncan.

Duncan followed him to Jennifer's stall where she was braiding her horse's tail.

"Hey you guys!" She was happy to see them walking up together. Maybe they got their differences solved. "What's up?"

"We just came to wish you luck." Walking down the side of the horse and up to Jennifer, he gave her a light kiss on the cheek. "Although with your skill, I don't think you will be needing much luck."

Jennifer grinned. "Flattery will get you everywhere." A movement past Duncan and Tony caught her eye. Peering around she saw Joe coming down the row of stalls. She quickly tied off the braid and run up to him. Throwing he arms around him, she gave him a sensual kiss. "I missed you, Joey."

Joe smiled after catching his breath. "So I see. I missed you too." He glanced down at Duncan and Tony. "I came to wish you good luck. I see I'm not the only one who had the idea."

"You're going to stay and watch right?"

"You bet! Wouldn't miss it for anything." He reached in his jacket pocket. "I brought something for you. For luck." He handed her a small box, wrapped in brightly colored paper.

"Oh, Joey!" She hugged him again. "You didn't have to."

"Open it."

Jennifer giggled and ripped off the paper. Slowly she opened the box. "Oh! Its beautiful!" She pulled out a necklace with a horseshoe shaped charm about 1 1/2 inches long.

"Read the back."

Flipping the charm over, Jennifer read the inscription outloud, "Jenn, Luck & Love. Joey" She looked up at Joe. She wanted to tell him how much that meant to her. What it made her feel like inside. It made her want to cry. Not a sad cry, but a happy, love filled one. Instead, she brushed her hand across his beard, kissed him once on the lips, and held him.

Joe held her tightly as her warm breath coated his neck. Then he felt something else on his neck. He gently pulled back.

Jennifer tried to blink back the tears, but they were already running down her cheeks.

Joe carefully wiped them away with his thumb. "Are you okay?"

Jennifer stepped out of Joe's embrace, wiping away the remaining tears and feeling really foolish. "Yeah. I'm fine. I just. . . it's just. . ." She turned the necklace around in her hand. "I love it."

Jim smiled in relief. He still wasn't quite sure what the tears were for though. "Good." He took the necklace from her. "Now let me put this on you."

Jennifer turned around as Joe put the necklace on her. Duncan and Tony had moved past the end of the stalls and looked like they were having a heated discussion of some kind. They were too far away for Jennifer to hear what they were arguing about.

Joe walked in front of her and straightened out the necklace. "There. Looks perfect."

Not taking her eyes of Duncan and Tony, Jennifer reached up and took Joe's hand as he straightened the charm. "What do you suppose their problem is?"

Joe looked down to the arguing pair, then to the ground before looking at Jennifer. He shook his head and shrugged. "You'll have to ask them."

When Jennifer and Joe approached the pair, they stopped arguing. Jennifer was curious but didn't have the time to play twenty questions with them. Tony decided it was time for him to leave until the show actually started and Joe and Duncan went to turn the fairgrounds so Jennifer could do what she need to do.

So Jennifer, pushed aside everything else and concentrated on the competition ahead of her.

The first round of jumping was simple for the most part. No hard turns, only one large jump, and one triple combination. Mac had no difficulty going clear for the round and came in well under the time limit.

Ten riders and horses ended up in the jump off. The judges made sure the jump off would be a challenge for all the riders. There 9 jumps in all and they had been raised. The distance between several of the verticals had been shortened. Two sharp turns, one right before and one right after the triple combination, had been added as well.

Jennifer had some doubts about being able to complete this course not only fault free but with speed as well. And to make matters worse, she was jumping first. She took a deep breath and patted Mac before entering the arena. "We can do this, buddy."

She nodded to the judges as they gave her the cue to start. Jump one was no trouble. Mac went a little to fast towards jump two but went over cleanly. Over wide jump 3 with only a small rub. She gathered Mac up and went cleanly over jump 4, the tallest wall on the course. The sharp turn before the triple combination threw Mac out of line and off balance. He hit the top rail of the first and last jumps of the combination. Jennifer didn't look to see if they went down. Mac sailed cleanly over the next three jumps but stumbled on the landing coming over jump 9.

Jennifer reined him slowly to a stop and jumped off. He was limping now. Running her hand down his leg, she checked for any signs of serious damage. It didn't appear to be anything serious. On the way out of the arena, she finally got the nerve to look at her score and time. She gasped. "No faults. . . on my god!" The time was a couple of second slower that what she felt would have been good but they'd managed to set a pretty tough pace to follow.

Duncan and Joe has caught up to Jennifer about half way back to the stall. By this time Mac had stopped limping.

"Is he okay?" Joe asked.

Jennifer stopped Mac and checked his leg again. "I think so. He must have just landed on it wrong." Jennifer shrugged. "Hold him for a minute, Duncan. I'll go get a bandage and wrap it." Jennifer handed Duncan the reins and ran back to her stall.

She returned to wrap the bandage around the leg then walked him around to make sure it was on correctly. She stopped, looking over to the arena.

"You did a good job in there." Joe laid his hand on her shoulder.

"Thanks. But I don't know if it'll be good enough."

"Well," Joe held out his arm. "Let's go find out."

They returned to the arena to find that after the first 5 riders, Jennifer was still in first place, the only one to make a clean round. Her toughest competition rode last so it was still anyone's show.

Rider six had a clean round all the way up until the last jump when for some reason, the horse refused. If they had gone a clean round, they would have beaten Jennifer's time by 2 seconds.

The seventh rider had problems right from the start, knocking down top rail of the first jump and then having the horse refuse the triple combination.

Rider eight had a clean round but was slower then Jennifer.

After each ride, Jennifer felt like she'd been holding her breath the whole time. This was the worst part of any competition. As the ninth rider came into the ring, she realized Joe was massaging the back of her neck. Closing her eyes, her minded drifted away from the competition and just enjoyed the touch of Joe's hands on her.

A gasp from the crowd brought her back. Her eyes flung open in time to see the rider getting up off the ground. She leaned back into Joe. "What happened?"

"Weren't you watching?" He whispered in her ear. "The horse stumbled coming over jump six and threw the rider over it's head."

"I had my eyes closed. Too busy enjoying the massage."

Joe kissed her ear and decided to stop distracting her from what was going on. The last rider was coming up and he knew she'd want to watch.

Jennifer's stomach did flip-flops as Michael Dumar rode in on his large bay Trakehner mare. The two shows in Europe that she took second place in were won by this man and they were the only two shows he was in. He was good. Very good.

Next to her, Mac pawed at the ground. He could sense the tension. Jennifer gave him a pat on the neck.

Michael rode his mare to a clean round. It would be up to the time to decide. She closed her eyes and held her breath as the announcer came over the PA system.

"It was close, ladies and gentlemen, very close. But the winner, by a mere one half second, is. . ."

Jennifer groaned as the announcer put in a tension building and annoying pause. She turned around, putting her head on Joe's chest.

". . . Michael Dumar. Second place goes to Jennifer Kelso."

Mac rubbed his nose against Jennifer's hat as if to offer some sort of comfort and apology. She stepped out of Joe's embrace. "It's okay big fella. We still did good."

***

It was shortly after nine that night when Jennifer left the fairgrounds. She wanted to be sure Mac hadn't seriously hurt himself. So, she stayed with him, checking his leg every half hour and making sure the limp hadn't returned. But everything seemed fine so, she climbed in the truck and headed home to shower and then to Joe's.

The normal exit to the fairgrounds was crowded so she decided to use the back one that took her past the old train yard. Turning out of the fairground's gate, her headlight's flashed upon something familiar. A car. A black car. One that belonged to Duncan.

"What on earth is he doing at the train yard?" She turned off her headlights and steered into where Duncan's car was parked.

From almost any angle, his car would not be visible to some one driving down the street. Was he hiding here? And why?

Jennifer quietly climbed out of the truck and peered through the darkness. Large metal frames that once hoisted cargo now looked like arms reaching out to grab an unsuspecting victim. Warehouses were scattered around on either side of the what used to be the main set of tracks. It was apparent not many people visited this place.

While  her eyes were adjusting to the darkness, her ears were already picking up voices. Angry voices. She started towards the voices but stopped. She looked back at the truck wondering if she should get the flashlight out. The voices got louder and clearer. She recognized them both now. It was Duncan and Tony. They were arguing.

Deciding to leave the flashlight behind, she carefully picked her way through the rocks and debris down a row of tracks towards one of the abandoned warehouses. She could hear most of the argument now, including what sounded like metal hitting metal.

"She has a life here. Things she wants to do." Duncan said.

"Things do change, MacLeod," was Tony's reply, followed by another clanging of metal.

Jennifer got to the corner of the warehouse and peeked around the corner. She couldn't make out everything in the darkness but she could have sworn Tony and Duncan were fighting each other with swords. She leaned around and squinted to get a better a view. That's when Duncan stopped and looked in her direction. She jumped back. "He couldn't have seen me!" Not waiting to wait around to find out, she ran back to the truck, and sped off from home.

On the way home, as she played the events back in her mind, something Joe said came back to her. Something about Immortals taking each others heads. It can't be, she told herself. Duncan? One of these Immortals? And Tony as well?

She showered and changed in record time and rushed down the bar.

Joe was talking with a bar patron when he saw Jennifer come in. But his smile faded to concern as she rushed up with worry written all over her face.
"Jenn, honey, what's wrong?"

"Joey, we need to talk. Now if possible." She glanced around the bar, nervously checking to see who was here.

"Sure. Come on, we'll go back to my office." Joe led her into the office. He shut the door and watched Jennifer pace back and forth. "Jenn, what is wrong?"

"Do these Immortals you were telling me about use swords a lot?" She stood behind the couch, fidgeting.

"Why? What did you see?"

"Duncan. And Tony. They're both Immortals, aren't they?"

"Jenn, look, sit down and tell me what happened from the beginning, okay?" Joe settled himself on the couch hoping hearing what she had to say would give him time to formulate some kind of answer.

Jennifer sat down next to Joe, wringing her hands. "Well, I left from the fairground a little after nine through the back exit. The one that takes you by the train yard. As I came out, I saw Duncan's car tucked behind some of the old buildings. I thought he might be hurt or something so I went to check it out." She looked everywhere but at Joe. She felt betrayed by him for not telling her that Duncan was one of these immortals. "I got out of my truck and I could hear voices arguing. I followed the voices and Duncan and Tony were behind one of the warehouse taking swings at each other with swords. And somehow, Duncan saw me. I don't know how. It was so dark, I could just barely make out them." Then a horrifying thought crossed her mind. She looked at Joe with panic in her eyes. "Oh my god! What if Duncan comes after me because of what I saw?"

Joe sighed. There was no getting out of telling the whole story on this one. "Trust me, Jenn. Duncan is not going to come after you. He may want to talk about what you saw but he won't hurt you."

"So it's true? He is one?"

Joe nodded. "I didn't tell you before because I didn't think it was my place. If Duncan wanted you to know, he'd tell you."

"That's exactly what I mean. What if he didn't want me to know? Now I do and what if he thinks I'll tell someone? I don't. . ."

Joe put his hand over her mouth. "Would you just calm down a minute." He opened his mouth to say something when he realized Jennifer was shaking. So he gathered he in his arms and held her. "He's not going to hurt you Jenn."

Joe's voice was soft and soothing in Jennifer's ear. She was scared. Never did she think she'd actually run into one of these Immortals much less having had such close contact with them.

There was a knock on the door causing Jennifer to jump out of Joe's embrace. She stood next to the couch, staring at the door.

"Who is it?" Joe called in frustration.

"It's MacLeod."

Jennifer started to back up towards the other exit. "Don't let him in here! Wait until I'm gone."

"Jenn! He's not going to hurt you!" Joe unlocked the door.

Duncan rushed in and shut the door. "Joe, we need to. . ." Turning away from the door, he saw Jennifer. "Oh.  I guess she told you already."

"Look, I didn't mean to see what I did. I promise I won't tell a soul about who, or what, you are. Just don't hurt me."

Duncan took a step towards her but Jennifer took several quick steps back. "I'm not going to hurt you. I would have preferred that you didn't find out but you have. I trust you not to say anything."

Jennifer still maintained a good distance from Duncan. "What were you and Tony arguing about? I heard stuff like 'it's not her time' and 'things for her are going to change'. What's that all about?"

"Look, Jennifer," Duncan scowled, trying to figure out a way to tell her but without revealing anything. "Tony's intentions for getting you to go back with him weren't exactly. . . honorable."

You didn't, umm. . . kill him. Did you?"

Duncan shook his head. "I told him if he let you be, I'd let him alone. But if he comes back, I will, if needed."

"You'd kill him because he didn't just want me for a stable manager? I don't get it. It's not like he'd kill me." Jennifer's jaw dropped as the look on Duncan's face told the truth. "He wanted to kill me?!?!"

"No. He just wanted to make you an ally rather then an enemy." So, it was a lie but Duncan hoped it was better than telling the truth.

Jennifer scratched her chin. "He must have someone he wants in the Olympics and Mac and I are his biggest threat." Jennifer looked at Joe and Duncan in horror. "Oh my god!! Mac!!! If Tony was willing to hurt me, he wouldn't think twice about hurting my horse!" She ran as fast as she could out of the bar with Duncan hot on her heels.

"Wait!!" Duncan yelled as he got out of the bar. "I'm coming with you!"

Jennifer looked back over her shoulder as Joe came out of the bar. "Joey, you coming too?!"

"Go on!" He waved them ahead. "I'll stay here."

Jennifer was in tears by the time Duncan had gotten to her truck. He snatched the keys from her hands.

"Hey!!"

"Just get in!"

***

Duncan screeched to a halt in front of the locked fairgrounds gate. The guard came out of his shack with his hand on the butt of his pistol. "Is there a problem?"

Jennifer rolled down her window and showed him her pass. "Has anyone else came in through this gate?"

"No. But there are 5 other ones. What's the problem?"

"Nothing. I just need to get in to see my horse."

The guard shrugged and opened the gate for them.

The ride from the gate to the stalls seemed to take a life time to Jennifer. As the approached and saw lights and people gathered around her stall, she knew something awful had happened. She jumped out of the truck before it even stopped. "Mac!! Mac!!!" She pushed her way through the crowd of people until she got to the stall door. She gasped. Mac was laying in the straw, tubes coming out of everywhere.

One of the three men gathered around the horse looked up. "Ms. Kelso. You must have gotten our message."

"What happened?! What's wrong with him?!" She dropped to her knees by her horse's head.

"I'm afraid we don't know. One of the guards was walking by when he heard your horse kicking at the stall walls. By the time he open up the doors, the horse was on the ground. Dr. Marcus is taking blood and tissue samples. He seems to think it's poison."

"Oh Mac. . ." Jennifer sobbed. "Can you save him, Doctor?"

The doctor took the stethoscope out of his ears. "I don't know. His breathing is really labored, pulse and blood pressure are extremely low. I sent the blood to an emergency lab to get analyzed but I don't know if we'll get the results in time."

Jennifer looked down as Mac let out a sigh. His big brown eyes stared up at her as tears trickled down his jaw. "How long?"

"At the rate his vital signs have been dropping, twenty minutes maybe thirty."

"And there's nothing you can do to save him?"

The doctor shook his head. "Anything I give could make it worse. I don't know what kind of poison we're dealing with here. I've never seen anything like it."

Jennifer stroked Mac's soft muzzle. There was pain in his eyes. Whatever was wrong with him, it hurt. She kissed him on the side of his face. "I love you, Mac." Carefully, laying his head back on the straw, she got up. "Put him down. Please." The words barely came out. She waited for a nod from the vet then turned and ran out the door.

Duncan caught her as she barreled through the crowd. As he watched the doctors remove the IVs from the horse, Jennifer buried her head in his chest and cried.

The doctor came out of the stall. "Ms. Kelso."

Jennifer turned from Duncan, straining to see the doctor through her tear blurred vision. "Yes?"

"I'll need you to come down to my office tomorrow and sign all the proper forms for the complete autopsy and for your insurance." He handed Jennifer a card. "When ever you feel up to it."

***

Duncan took Jennifer back to the bar, and through the back door of Joe's office. Jennifer laid down on the couch without a word. Duncan quietly slipped out the door into the bar and got Joe.

"What happened, MacLeod?" Joe pulled Duncan aside.

Duncan shook his head. "Mac is dead. Some kind of poison. I have a feeling it was Taylor."

"He killed her horse?! That son-of-a-bitch!" He looked around. "Where's Jenn?"

Duncan motioned to Joe's office. "She's lying down on the couch."

"I want you to find that bastard. And when you do, I want you to kill him!"

Duncan stepped back. It had been a long time since he'd heard Joe this mad. "Don't worry about him, Dawson. Just worry about Jennifer. She's going to need you."

Joe nodded and made his way back to his office. He opened the door and walked in but Jennifer didn't move. He walked up to the couch and stroked her hair. "Jenn. . ."

Jennifer sat up without a word, letting Joe sit next to her. She curled up on his lap and in his arms and cried.

Joe's heart ached with every tear Jennifer shed. And he found himself crying with her. He wondered how someone could be so cold hearted to kill a horse. But Mac wasn't just a horse. For 15 years he had been Jennifer's best friend. If it was the last thing Joe did as a Watcher, he'd make sure someone took Anthony Taylor's head.

Joe kissed the top of Jennifer's head, resting his chin on it. "Oh Jenn, I'm so sorry this happened." He didn't know what else to say. Finally Jennifer stirred and looked up at him. He wiped away the tears. "Come on. Let's get you home."

Jennifer was too tired and too hurt to protest. So she allowed Joe to take her back to her apartment and escort her inside. She shut the door behind them.

Joe walked into the kitchen. He picked up the tea kettle from the stove. "I'll make you some tea." He remembered from their dinner conversation awhile back that Jennifer loved tea. He search through the cabinets until he found a selection of herbal teas and a mug.

By now the water had begun to boil. Joe had set it on high just for that purpose. So he chose a soothing mint flavored tea and poured the hot water in the mug. Carefully, he brought it over and handed it to Jennifer who was sitting on her couch staring at a picture of Mac.

Jennifer looked up. Wrapping both hands around the mug, she took several sips. It tasted good and took some of the chill out of her. She continued staring at the picture. She was in shock. She couldn't believe he was gone, that someone had killed him. Someone she trusted. It was a hurt she had never felt before and never wanted to feel again. The rustling of Joe's movements caught her attention. She looked up at him.

"I guess I'll be going now." He started for the door.

Jennifer jumped off the couch and into Joe's path. "Please don't." She looked down at the floor as the tears welled up in her eyes once again. "I want you. . . I need you to stay."

Joe took Jennifer in his arms, nuzzling her ear. He wished there was something he could do to ease her hurt. Even if it was for a brief moment. He gently stroked and caressed her hair.

Jennifer inhaled Joe's soft, musky scent. He always smelled so good. She could feel  his beard in her hair, rubbing against her scalp and sending tingles down her spine. Reaching up, she parted his jacket and unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt. She gingerly kissed his salt and pepper hair covered chest.

Joe shivered as Jennifer's warm lips touched his skin. He pushed aside her hair and nibbled at the nape of her neck. He shivered even more as Jennifer ran her hands across his chest.

Jennifer looked up into Joe's eyes. She smiled at the look in his eyes. A look of contentment, happiness. A look of love. "Thank you, Joey."

Joe smiled back. He gave her a sensual kiss on the lips, tracing their outline with his tongue. "You're welcome. Though I'm not quite sure what for."

"For being here. For being you." She paused then added, "And for letting me fall in love with you."

"I just wish there was something I could do."

"Oh Joey," Jennifer held him, kissing his chest. "Just being here is doing something."

As Joe hugged he back, he felt her shivering. "You're cold. I'll run a hot bath. That should help."

Jennifer watched him go into the bathroom. Her shivers weren't from the cold but he seemed to like the idea of running her bath water so she let him. She went into the bedroom and sat on the corner of the bed. She watched him test the water, adjust the temperature then test it again before flipping the lever for the drain plug.

Joe looked around the bathtub and spotted just what was needed for the finishing touch. Bubble bath. He didn't quite understand why it was women loved bubble baths but he hadn't yet met one who didn't. As he poured the think, pinkish cream, a hand ran up his back. He grinned and straightened up. "Your bath awaits you, m'lady."

"Thank you, oh handsome prince." She looked down at the bubbles in the water. "You're welcome to join me."

Joe took Jennifer's hand. "I think I'll just sit in the living room and read a book. Take your time, Jenn." He squeezed her hand and left the bathroom, shutting the bedroom door on the way out.

Jennifer shed her clothes and stepped into the hot bath. It felt good. Plucking a hair tie off of the shelf above the toilet, she put her hair in a pony tail and settled down in to the tub.

She tried to relax but her thoughts just kept going from Mac and Tony to Joe. She felt like the time at the fairgrounds kneeling in front of Mac was just a nightmare. That she'd get up tomorrow morning and he'd still be there. She could still feel his soft nose against her cheek, see him running through the pasture. It wasn't fair. Why did Tony have to go to such harsh measures and kill Mac?

What Duncan told her at the bar didn't make sense. As far as she knew, Tony didn't train Olympic riders so why would she be a threat to him? What could make him so afraid of her that he'd be willing to kill? Was it really the Olympics he had a stake in so much that he tried to buy her off and offer her a job? And when that didn't work he killed the one thing that kept her in competition, the one thing she loved most in this world, her best friend.

In frustration, Jennifer threw the washcloth floating in the water at the rack hanging from the shower head. It knocked the bottles out into the water and onto the floor. She climbed out of the tub, wrapped her flannel robe around her, and sat on the toilet sobbing.

Joe had been sitting on the couch looking at some horse magazines when he heard the crash in the bathroom. He jumped up as quick as he could and went to the bedroom door. He knocked. "Jenn?? Jenn, you okay?" He didn't hear a reply so he slowly open the door and peered around the bedroom. Then peaked into the bathroom. He saw Jennifer sitting there with her head in her hands, crying again. Walking up in front of her, he stroked her hair. "Jenn. . ."

Jennifer wrapped her arms around Joe's waist and leaned her head against his stomach. "It's not fair! It's just not fair, dammit!" She let out another long sob and clutched at the back of Joe's shirt. "I want him dead, Joey! I want that son-of-a-bitch that hurt my Mac to suffer. Just like Mac did!"

Joe didn't want to say that she wasn't the only one. Nor that Duncan was already working on that. But maybe it would make her feel better. "It's being worked on."

Jennifer let go. She brushed away the tear and looked up at Joe. "What do you mean?"

Joe shook his head. "Don't ask questions. Just know he'll be dealt with. Okay?"

Jennifer stood up. "You'd do that for me? I mean won't you get in trouble?"

"Yes. I would do that for you." Tilting her head slightly, he leaned down, enveloping her lips with his.

Jennifer pulled away. "I don't want you getting trouble over this. I can't handle losing you too."

"I won't get in trouble. I promise. Now, come on." He motioned for the door. "It's late and you need some rest."

Jennifer walked out of the bathroom to the side of the bed. "I'll go to bed on one condition."

"What's that?" Joe asked turning down the bed covers.

"You come with me."

Joe looked at Jennifer and started to protest.

She placed her hand over his mouth. "I'm not saying doing anything other than sleep. I want to be next to you. I want to be in your arms." She pulled her hand any from his mouth and started to unbutton his shirt.

Joe's mind raced and his heart pounded. He wanted it too. But he wasn't sure she was ready. He wasn't sure he was ready either. This was always the hardest part of his relationships, dealing with the prosthesis. He always worried that whoever he was with would take one look at what was there and wasn't there and would be turned off by it. He shifted his weight and hung his cane on his arm. "Jenn, I don't know if. . ." he stopped.

"If what? Joey, don't be afraid to tell me what you're feeling." She tugged at his shirt. "I won't know otherwise."

"Jenn," He brushed at a strand of her loose hair. "I'm just not sure I'm ready for this yet." He looked down.

"If you're not ready, then I won't push. But if you're afraid because of these. . ." She took his hand in hers and ran them from the top of one of his prosthesis to his upper thigh. "They don't scare me."

Joe took a deep breath. "But they still scare me." He brought their hands to his lips, kissing hers. "I'll be out on the couch if you need me." Joe shut the door behind him once again. He sat down on the couch, resting his forehead against his hands as they gripped the cane. He wasn't sure if he'd ever stop being afraid.

***

Duncan rolled over and wished someone would answer the phone ringing in his head. After a few seconds, he realized it wasn't in his head. Rolling back over, he picked up the phone and squinted at the clock. "Hello?"

"Good morning!" greeted an overly cheery voice.

Duncan groaned. "Methos, it's the middle of the night."

"Yes, I know," he replied with a grin. "Like I said, pay backs are a bitch, MacLeod."

Duncan finally sat up and switched on a light. He winced at the blinding light. "What'd you find out?"

"Nothing too pretty, I'm afraid. It seems that this Anthony Taylor character makes a habit out of finding pre-immortals. When they won't abide by their wishes, he kills off everything they care about until nothing is left or they go with him."

Duncan walked to the bathroom and slipped on his robe. "Tell me something I don't know."

"What do you mean?"

Tying his robe, he went into the kitchen. "He killed Jennifer's horse last night. Some kind of poison."

Methos sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. But, MacLeod, he won't stop there."

"You think he'll go after Joe?" He stared into the refrigerator.

"If he keeps up his normal pattern. I would have gotten this to you sooner but I had to be careful. Things are still a bit weird around here."

"It's okay. I'd better find him before he goes after Dawson."

"If I were you, MacLeod, I'd tell Joe and Jennifer to watch their backs and stay in public places. Taylor isn't going to do anything in the open."

"Yeah. Thanks, Methos." Duncan clicked the phone off as a plan formed in his mind.

***

Jennifer sat in her empty stall at the stables. She toyed with the hay on the floor. Suddenly a shadow appeared in the doorway. She jumped up in horror when she realized who it was. "What do you want?!"

"You." Tony replied, walking into the stall, one hand behind his back. Closing the doors behind him, he now had Jennifer trapped. "And if I can't have you, no one else, man or beast, can. Does this look familiar?" He held out the object that had been behind his back.

Jennifer gasped. It was Joe's cane. "NO!!!"

Tony laughed. "He put up quite fight. For an old mortal." He twirled the cane around. "I almost hated to do it."

"Joey. . ." Jennifer sobbed. Shaking her head, she back away slowly.

"Joey," Tony repeated mockingly, "is no more. And now, it's your turn." He pulled out a gun, cocked the trigger, and took aim.

"NOOOOO!!!!!"

***

"NOOOOO!!!" Jennifer screamed from her sleep.

Joe had been off the couch and to her bedroom door before the second scream. He threw open the door and rushed to Jennifer's side. "Jenn! Jenn wake up!" He shook her from her deep sleep.

Jennifer jolted up in bed, throwing off the bedcovers. Sweating and panting, she looked around the room. Around her room and saw Joe standing over her.

Joe sat on the edge of the bed. "It's okay. It was just a bad dream."

Jennifer leaned forward into Joe's embrace. "It was worse then a bad dream. It was Tony. He had killed you and then came for me." Jennifer shuddered.

Joe rocked Jennifer back and forth. "It wasn't real. I'm still here. You're still here."

She nodded against his chest, finally relaxing as her heartbeat returned to normal. She was obviously still on edge though as she jumped when her phone rang.

"I got it." Joe reached over to the night stand and picked up the receiver. "Hello?" He smiled. "Yeah, MacLeod. It's me."

Jennifer pulled her knees to her chest hoping to hear the conversation on the other end.

"Yeah, we're fine. Why?" His eyes narrowed with concern. "You think so?" He nodded. "Okay. Give us a couple hours. Jenn just woke up. . . right, see you then." Joe returned the phone to the cradle.

The look on his face told Jennifer, the news wasn't good. "That was Duncan?"

Joe nodded, patting her leg. "Shower and dress, sweetheart. We need to go see him."

"I have to stop by the vet's office first. To sign papers." Jennifer stood up. "What about you? Don't you want to shower?"

Joe looked down at his clothes and realized he had been in them for over a day. Jennifer's shower wasn't set up for him though. He'd need her help. Which means she'd have to see them. This isn't the time to make things more confusing, he told himself. "Look, I'll got back to my place and change then come back here for you. Lock the door and don't open it for anyone but me or MacLeod. Okay?"

Jennifer nodded, following Joe to the door.

"I'll be back in a hour." He gave her a quick kiss.

Jennifer locked the door with a sigh. She wondered if he'd ever let her through all the walls he had built. She knew she loved him. But how would she prove it to him? "By being patient," she muttered heading into the bathroom. Pushing him would only drive him away. She just hoped the feelings were mutual.

***

Almost exactly an hour later, there was a knock on Jennifer's door. She turned off her computer and got up to see who it was. Joe stood outside. Jennifer smiled. He looked good in that grey and blue sweater. She unlocked and opened the door.

"Are you ready?"

Jennifer picked up her purse from the floor. "Yeah. We don't have to stop at the vets. I had them fax me everything." She sighed. "I didn't think I could handle going down there."

"Okay." It didn't seem like enough to say. But his mind was cluttered with other things and that was the first thing he could think of. He waited for her to lock the door and then led her down the hallway, checking around each corner before letting her pass. He stopped her at the front door the apartment complex and went outside. He looked around before having her come out and get in to car.

"Joey, what's going on?" She snapped her seat belt in place.

"MacLeod believes Tony's going to come after one or both of us." He pulled the car onto the street.

Jennifer swallowed hard. Just like my dream, she thought. "Does Duncan think he can stop him?"

"He has to find him first."

"And that's where we come in. . . bait?"

"Something like that."

"Duncan had just better hope he gets his hands on Tony first. Cause if I do, there won't be anything left."

Joe glanced over at Jennifer. The normal sweet twinkle in her eye was gone, replaced by nothing but pure hatred. Not for minute did Joe doubt what she said. Or at least she'd try to do it. "Jenn, please do me a favor." He pulled the car up to Duncan's dojo. Switching it off, he turned to face her. "Leave Tony to Duncan." He reached out and cupped her face with his hand. "He's dangerous and wouldn't think twice about hurting you. And I don't want to lose you."

Jennifer pressed her hand against his. Those words were very special to her. His feelings for her just might be as strong as hers were for him. Her hatred for Tony, however, was almost equally as strong.

Joe saw the changes flicker in her eyes as she thought. "Promise me? Please."

Jennifer nodded. "I promise."

Joe breathed a sigh of relief for a moment as he embraced her. "We'd better get up there. MacLeod's waiting."

They took the elevator up to the loft where Duncan was sitting on the couch hunched over a map on the coffee table. He didn't bother to look up. "Have a seat."

Jennifer and Joe looked at each other with a small shrug and took a seat in the two chairs across from Duncan.

Jennifer leaned forward to examine the map. "Looks like a map of an island."

"That's because it is." He pointed to a spot on the map. "This is where the cabin is."

Jennifer knelt down to get a better look. "What cabin?"

"The one I built."

"Great. So who's going on vacation?" She folder her arms across the table.

"You. And Joe."

"Excuse me? You think Tony wants me or Joey or both and you want us to head off into Timbucktu?"

Duncan couldn't suppress the chuckle as Jennifer said 'Joey'. He looked up at Joe who just shook his head. "You're a quick learner." Duncan got up. He walked over to the shelves to his right, picked up a highlighter, then returned to the couch. "I want you to go to the stables and tell them you are going away for a week so and tell them where you are going. Tony will no doubt start looking for you there."

"Yeah but we'll be out in the middle of nowhere when he does come. I don't think 911 covers that area."

"If you do what I tell you, you won't need 911. I'll be there and I can't handle this in a public place." He highlighted a couple of areas around where the cabin was situated.

Jennifer nodded, watching what Duncan was doing. "I guess it'd be hard to explain to the police why you lopped some poor sap's head of with a sword."

"Once he gets there, we'll need to get him into the woods. But it also needs to be away from this area." Duncan pointed to area on the map he had highlighted.

"Why? What's so special about that part?"

"The cabin is built on holyground which extends up until these marks." He again pointed out marks on the map.

"Holyground?"

Duncan looked to Joe. "Do you want to explain or should I?"

Joe leaned forward on his elbows. "Holyground is the only place immortals are safe. They can't fight on it."

"Says who?"

"Says the rules." Duncan replied.

"I mean who made up these rules? And who's to decide what's holyground?"

"Holyground is any place considered sacred by any religion." Joe added.

"Okay, but who made up all these rules? What's the reason?"

Duncan shrugged. "That's just the way it's been, for as long as immortals have existed."

"You mean to tell me, you don't know who made up these rules and you follow them blindly? What is this, some kind of game?"

"As a matter of fact, yes it is."

Jennifer stared at Duncan, obviously confused.

Duncan sighed. "Look, Jennifer, we don't have time to sit here and discuss Immortal philosophy. Just do what I say, don't ask why, and I'll explain later."

"Okay." She gave him a mock salute. "So what's the plan, General?"

"I have a friend who'll be in town later today. . ."

"What kind of friend?"

"The long lived kind."

"Adam?" Joe asked.

Duncan nodded.

"Oh good. Two against one. I like those odds." Jennifer grinned.

"No, it's not two against one."

"Why not? It seems like the best way." She looked from Joe to Duncan.

"Because it's against the rules," Joe and Duncan said in unison.

"How did I know you guys were going to say that?" Jennifer rubbed her eyes. This was giving her a headache.

"I just need an extra pair eyes and ears. I can't be in two places at once."

***

The trio set the first part of Duncan's plan into place. Joe drove Jennifer down to the stables where she informed everyone she could find of her plans. They all offered her condolences on the loss of Mac.

Then they went to their places to pack the necessary items they needed for the trip. Jennifer's apartment was the last place they stopped. Joe paced in the living room while she dug out a duffel bag and began stuff clothes and other things into it. Digging through one of her dresser drawers, she pulled out a slinky purple nightgown. She chuckled as she thought about packing it but then remembered this wasn't a lover's getaway. She put it aside for the next time they went up to Duncan's cabin. "And there will be a next time," she told herself.

She threw the duffel bag over her shoulder and went out into the other room.

Joe's eyes widened when he saw the size of the bag. "What'd you pack? Everything but the kitchen sink?"

Jennifer looked at the bag as she set it beside the door. "No. I packed that too."

Joe chuckled. "You are a brat."

Jennifer sauntered up to him, rubbing against him lightly. "I know." She suddenly stopped teasing. "Joey, are you scared?"

Out of my mind, he said to himself. But he didn't want her to know that. Not because he was embarrassed about being scared, because he hoped if she felt  he wasn't scared, she wouldn't be either. "No, I'm not. I trust Duncan."

***

Later that night, Jennifer, Joe and Duncan sat in Duncan's loft waiting for Adam to arrive. They had ordered out for Chinese food and Jennifer was chasing the last few bites on her plate around with the chopsticks. After several frustrating minutes, she  dropped the chopsticks on her plate and picked up the noodles with her fingers. She heard Duncan snicker and shot him a disapproving look. "Don't you have to go pick up your friend from the airport?" She set her plate in the soapy water filled sink Duncan was standing in front of.

"He knows the way here." Duncan handed her a dish towel. "Here. Dry."

Jennifer took the towel and started drying the dishes next to the sink. "What makes you so sure Tony won't think this is all a trap?"

"I'm sure he will. But I'm also sure he won't want to risk being wrong." Finishing the last of the dishes, he drained the water from the sink and put away the ones Jennifer had dried.

"What makes you so sure?" She was comforted by the fact that Joe trusted Duncan, but she didn't want to just jump into this blindly and hope this guy knew what he was doing.

"I've been around awhile. I've met guys like this before."

"Uh huh." Jennifer folded the towel and hung it from the stove. "Just how long is awhile?"

"Did anyone tell you that you ask too many questions?"

Jennifer looked thoughtful for a minute. "Nope. You're the first. So, just how old are you?"

Joe tried not to laugh while watching this exchange from the couch. It was apparent Duncan wasn't quite used to having his actions questioned so much. Even Richie wasn't this bad. But then, Richie knew and understood a lot of thing Jennifer didn't.

"Let's just say I've been around the block a few times." Duncan seemed satisfied with that answer.

Jennifer wasn't though. "Damn it, Duncan! I am putting my life and Joey's life your hands. I deserve some specific answers." She folded her arms across her chest and stared at Duncan.

Duncan looked to Joe for help but he merely shrugged. "All right. Where do you want me to start?"

"How about with when and where you were born."

Duncan paced across the room. This is not what he had