DCH 50
Defenders Chronicles: Highlander
By AmandaDoE
Chapter Fifty: Between Black & White
"Oh, boy," Richie stated sarcastically, "A piece of advice, Mac — never see a movie when you can't pronounce the title. There's two hours of my life I'm never getting back."
He walked past a sign.
"Well, you guys can afford two," Duncan replied.
"What exactly is the attraction, Mac?" Richie asked, "Is it the overacting or the bad subtitles?"
"Not exactly something in my interests either," Tori crossed her arms.
"It's supposed to be enlightening," Duncan answered.
"Boring is what it was," Richie retorted as he eyed the sign.
Duncan grabbed him by the jacket, and pulled him along, "You mean, no great lines, no uh – nothing like, uh….. No lines like, "I'll be back", or "Hasta la vista baby" to hold it together. Not exactly what I want to see for my birthday, let alone my birthday week."
"Exactly," Richie replied.
"You mean," Duncan continued asking, "no fight scenes to hold the story together?"
"I assume that's what exactly he's talking about," Tori answered.
"You know what?" Duncan replied, "You two are a worry."
"What?" Tori quipped.
"Excuse me?" Richie added.
The three reached the T-bird, and they sensed the Buzz.
"Trouble?" Tori asked.
"Possible," Richie answered.
Duncan noticed a gun man aiming his gun at a shop owner. He rushes towards the man and knocked him down before any bullet could hit him.
"Are you okay?" Duncan asked the owner.
"Yeah," the owner answered, "I think so."
"Mac. Mac, come on!" Tori called out.
"He's getting away!" Richie added.
The three took off after the shooter, following him into the parking garage.
"Who is this guy?" Tori asked.
"I'm not sure," Richie answered.
"That way," Duncan told his friends.
Duncan drawn his sword and motioned to Tori and Richie. They split up and moved through the garage, tracking down the shooter, who now had his mask off. Richie and Tori assumed position on opposing position, then Duncan came up behind the shooter.
It seemed that the shooter known Duncan, "Can it be?"
"That is the question," Duncan answered.
"Does the boy or his little girlfriend do the fighting for you now?" the shooter asked.
"What are you doing, Mac?" Richie asked.
"Don't worry," Duncan answered to him, "Old friend."
He took their place in the en garde position, and the two men fought while Richie and Tori looked on, but the fight was interrupted by police sirens.
"Another time, perhaps," the old friend stated before he opened a nearby door, and entered the stairwell.
Duncan, Tori and Richie hid at the distance as the cops proceeded to arrest the gunman, and took his sword in the process.
Duncan met up with Tori and Richie.
"Enough action for you guys?" Duncan asked.
"You can say that, yes," Tori answered.
Richie nodded, "Hasta la vista, baby."
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Tori stirred as she woke up. It was morning, and she expected today to be like any other day. She was startled upon feeling a tap on her shoulder. Tori would only get her fellow agents wish her a happy birthday, a dinner and a gift, not much going on, contrary to when she had lived with Flash and Dale.
She looked up and saw Richie smiling at her, "Good morning, beautiful. Happy birthday."
"Oh my gosh," Tori smiled, "Thanks."
They shared a kiss. Richie glanced at him, and smiled, "I got something for you."
"Really?" Tori asked in surprise, "I hadn't had much of a birthday since moving back with my mom."
"Well that's about to change," Richie replied as he arrived with a white box in his hand. He handed it to her.
Tori's eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. She opened the box, and she saw it was a gold necklace with a small heart, "Oh my gosh. Richie, it's so pretty."
Richie smiled, "Try it on."
Tori put the necklace on her, "I love it. Thank you."
They kissed again.
"The police are looking for us," Richie informed her.
"What for?" Tori asked.
"Regarding last night," Richie answered, "when Mac saved that store owner, one of the bullets killed his wife."
"Oh no," Tori clasped her hands to her mouth, "What'll we do?"
"We talk to Mac about it before we do anything," Richie replied.
"That sounds like a plan," Tori nodded before she heard beeping on her tablet. She answered it, "Hello?"
"Hello, Tor," Janet greeted her daughter, "I just wanted to start off by wishing you a happy birthday."
"Thanks, mom."
"I see Richard's gotten you a little present already," Janet smiled, noticing the necklace.
"Yes, he did," Tori smiled, slightly blushing.
"That was nice," Janet replied before getting back to busniess, "Anyway, there's an immortal in your area."
"We figured that already," Richie stated, "We happened to have encountered that immortal last night."
"The immortal you encountered last night and the immortal we are after are the same person," Janet informed the couple, "and his name is Paul Kinman."
The couple saw the picture of Kinman, seeing his face and information on the screen.
"That's our guy," Tori stated.
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Duncan was working on the porch of the Victorian home. He noticed Tori and Richie walking towards him, with the latter carrying a newspaper, "Hey guys. What's up?"
"Last night," Tori informed her friend, "the guy we saved?"
"Yeah, what about him?" Duncan asked.
"His name's David Markum," Richie answered, "One of the bullets that went through the window killed his wife."
Duncan turned towards them, "What?"
"Check it out," Richie handed the paper to Duncan, "The police are looking for us."
"They want us to identify the killer," Tori added.
"We can't," Duncan replied.
"Excuse me?" Richie quipped.
"We weren't there," Duncan elaborated.
"Then we must have one hell of an imagination," Richie replied.
Tori whispered to him, "I told you he wouldn't want us to do so."
"We can't afford the publicity this sort of thing brings," Duncan told his friends.
"What's the worst thing that could happen?" Richie asked.
"Kinman," Duncan answered.
"What about him?" Tori asked.
"He doesn't know who you two are," Duncan answered, "I want to keep it that way."
"Hey, if he wants us, he'll have to get through me before….." Richie started to say. He trailed off, noticing Duncan shaking his head at him, allowing him to get the hint, "He's that good, huh?"
"That good," Duncan replied before he reflected on his time in 1712, England where he had interaction with Kinman during the time, which lead to the death of Lord Dennis Keating.
"Duncan MacLeod?"
The three glanced over to see a dark haired woman at the building.
"Who are you supposed to be?" Tori asked.
"Kaayla Brooks, FBI," the woman held up her ID, "Glad I found you."
"Sure," Duncan replied, "What's this about?"
"Testifying against Paul Kinman," Brooks answered.
"Sorry, who?" Duncan asked, clearly playing dumb.
"The man who killed Alice Markum last night," Brooks answered. Richie and Tori glanced at each other for a split moment.
"Oh, the woman in the newspaper?" Duncan replied, "What would I have to do with that?"
"Well, you weren't at the Geyser Theater on Sierra Road around eleven PM?" Brooks asked.
"No," Duncan answered, "Sorry."
Brooks looked over at Richie and Tori.
"Don't look at me," Richie told her.
"Me either," Tori shook her head.
Brooks turned back to Duncan, "And you didn't get between David Markum and a bullet?"
"I think you've got me mixed up with somebody else," Duncan stated.
"Well, I've got a witness, says he saw two guys and a girl with a T-bird chase the shooter," Brooks explained, walking towards the trio, "Now, one was tall, long hair, well built. The other guy was about twenty, short hair, blue T-shirt, and the female was about twenty as well, thin brown hair, white shirt. Now, I've been tracking T-birds all day long. Now I'm standing here with you and your friends, well, I see I've found my trio."
"There must be a lot of people who look like us," Tori chimed in.
"Yeah, right," Brooks retorted, "Look, cops caught the guy in a parking garage around the corner. Guy's a pro. Very smart. Bereau's been tracking him for about five years. Never had enough for an arrest."
Duncan glanced at a piece of plywood, "Eighty six and three eights."
He then glanced at Brooks, "Well, I guess congratulations are in order."
"Not yet, they're not," Brooks replied, "The guy ditched the weapon and the mask before the police got to him. Now the only ones who can tie him into the shooting are the ones that chased him."
"Well, good luck finding them," Duncan stated.
"No, I already found them," Brooks insisted, "You were there. You saw the guy. You can put him away. Are you going to testify?"
"Sorry," Duncan answered, "Wish I could help."
"Okay, you don't want to talk to me, that's fine," Brooks replied, "You can talk to the local cops because if I found you, so will they."
She scoffed in disgust, "I don't get it. You put your life on the line for a stranger, then you won't testify."
She spoke with contempt, "What kind of hero does that?"
Brooks then glanced at Tori, "What about your uncle, Miss Gordon? Would the famous Flash Gordon be willing to let someone like that get away with killing an innocent?"
"You'd have to ask a hero," Tori answered, "Ask my uncle."
"We're not finished," Brooks declared before she left the house.
"Are we missing something here, Mac?" Tori asked.
"Yeah, if Kinman is such a bad ass," Richie suggested, "why don't we just testify and put him away so he can't hurt anybody?"
"I don't want to put him away," Duncan replied, "I want to bury him."
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Duncan left the police station with Tori and Richie in tow.
"How long were we in that station?" Tori asked.
"Three hours," Duncan answered.
"Felt like three days," Richie replied, "They must've asked me the same question fifty times."
"And you told them?" Duncan asked.
"Just like we talked about," Richie answered.
"We were training at the dojo," Tori added, "but I don't think they believed me."
"I don't think they believed me either," Richie chimed in.
"My guess is he's got a lawyer by now," Duncan stated, "They can hold him for forty eight hours without charging him."
"And then you're going to be waiting for him when he gets out," Tori inquired.
"That's right," Duncan replied.
"What if he wins?" Richie asked.
"Then you two better take the first bus out of town," Duncan answered.
"Doubtful," Tori replied, "if you don't win, the IUA will have to deal with him."
"MacLeod!" Markum exclaimed as he ran out of the police station after the trio. He reached them, "It is you!"
"I'm sorry about your wife, Mr. Markum," Duncan offered his condolences.
"How sorry are you?" Markum replied, "They told me inside you weren't going to testify. They said you weren't even there."
"There's nothing I can do," Duncan insisted.
"You can tell them the truth, damn it," Markum stressed before he eyed Richie and Tori holding hands, "What if it had been your boyfriend, or your girlfriend that had been killed, wouldn't you want the killer be brought to justice?!"
"We would," Tori nodded, "but that doesn't have anything to do with…."
"Leave them out of this!" Duncan exclaimed before calmly assuring him, "You'll have your justice. Trust me, it's better this way."
"Better for who?" Markum retorted, "What, are you afraid, or did he buy you? Whatever he paid, I'll match it."
"Go home, Mr. Markum," Duncan told him.
Markum pulled out a gun, and pointed it at him, "You son of a bitch! You can't let him walk."
"Mac!" Tori and Richie exclaimed in unison.
Duncan grabbed the gun from Markum, "I said, go home."
"You're going to let him get away with killing my wife?" Markum asked. Duncan removed the clip from the gun before handing the gun back to him.
"You're nothing but a damn coward," Markum told him.
"Relax, okay?" Tori told him firmly.
"Yeah," Richie added, "Remember this guy saved your life."
"It's okay," Duncan told his friends, "Forget it."
"Coward," Markum called out to the Highlander, "Coward!"
Duncan reflected on when he vowed not to fight Kinman for as long as Queen Anne reigned. When he reflected on the patrons calling him a coward, Markum calling him a coward reflected as well.
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"Where's my sword?" Kinman asked as he was being interrogated by Brooks, and getting a make out session in the process.
"In the evidence locker," Brooks answered, "What is it with you and that thing?"
"Can you get it?" Kinman asked.
"Hey, I'm FBI," Brooks told him, "I can get anything."
She kissed him again.
"I don't know what I see in you," Brooks admitted.
"I do," Kinman replied, "Danger."
He kissed her, "Money."
He kissed her again, "Style."
He then gave her a long kiss, "Power."
"You don't really have a witness, do you, sweetheart?" Kinman asked as he caressed her face.
"Not one who's going to talk," Brooks answered, "If he was, you know, I'd take care of it for you."
They kissed again.
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Duncan glanced up as he noticed Tori and Richie entering the dojo with Markum in tow.
"We told him, Mac," Richie said, "but he insisted on seeing you."
"It's all right," Duncan assured them, "I'll talk to him."
He entered the office with Markum and two little girls in tow.
"Mr. Markum, I already told you," Duncan insisted, "I can't testify."
"You did. That's what you told me," Markum replied before he glanced at the two little girls with him, "Now I want you to tell them. Come on, girls. It's all right."
He brought the girls to stand in front of him, "This is Lisa, and this is Maureen. Our... My children. Girls, this is Duncan MacLeod."
"Markum, don't do this," Duncan insisted.
"Lisa's starting softball this year. Maureen has to get braces," Markum continued, "Alice promised her a kitten."
Duncan noticed Tori and Richie entered the office as the man continued his pleading.
"Now tell them why you won't testify," Markum told Duncan, "You tell them why you won't help find the man who murdered their mother. Go ahead, MacLeod. They're waiting."
"I'm sorry," Duncan replied before he left the office.
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Tori and Richie looked at each other. She noticed that her boyfriend was having a hard time breathing after one of the girls accidently dropped their stuffed bunny. She tried going after it, but Tori stopped her, "Hang on. I'll get it."
She handed the girl her bunny back before she got back up and looked up seeing Richie calming down.
"Are you okay?" Tori asked in concern.
"Yeah," Richie nodded.
"Look, I know you two were there," Markum told the couple, "I know it. Is it money? Is that it?"
"No. It's not like that," Richie answered.
"Look. Here's two hundred thousand dollars," Markum filled out a check, "Two hundred thousand dollars, just for telling the truth."
"It's not about the money," Richie insisted as Tori saw signs he was feeling a bit clausterphobia.
"Nobody paid us," Tori stepped forward.
Markum tore up the check book, "Then what will it take, damn it?"
"It's not about the money, we're telling you," Tori insisted, "Nobody paid us. Come on, Richie."
The pair left the dojo.
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"What happened back there?" Tori asked as they made their way to the dojo, at the doorway to the stairs.
"I don't…..I can't talk about it," Richie answered, shaking his head.
"Richie Ryan, don't start that now," Tori retorted, "You nearly had a panic attack when we were talking to Mr. Markum."
"It had nothing to do with him," Richie replied.
"What is it then?" Tori asked.
Richie sighed before he finally relented, "I'm having flashes….I'm remembering the nightmares."
"When Sierra Shivers made our worst nightmares come to life?" Tori asked. Richie asked.
He recalled bending down when trying to help up Anne when they were at Sierra's hideout, only for his pants to rip, him tripping to the floor upon being caught off guard and the henchmen to laugh at him.
"I can't say I'm retaining water, right?" Richie asked as Tori came to his side and helped him up.
"Obviously not," Anne shook her head, showing worry and pity for her friend.
"I got a little nervous," Richie admitted, "I worried after that girl dropped her bunny, if I had to pick it up, my pants would rip again."
"Oh, Richie," Tori hugged her boyfriend, "You do know that was temporary, right?"
"Yes," Richie nodded, "Yes. I just didn't want them to see that, or make any of this about me."
"Good job, Rich," Tori stated before she took a deep breath and said, "Your therapist will be getting good business during the next session."
"I know he will," Richie nodded, "It's going to be a hell of a story."
They shared a kiss.
"Tori?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for not shaming me when I was fat."
"You know it."
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"Two hundred grand, Mac," Richie told his teacher as he, Tori and Duncan were gathered at the loft, "just for telling the truth. You know what we could do with that kind of money?"
"You didn't take it," Duncan replied sharply.
"Of course not," Richie replied.
"None of us did," Tori added, "but it was tempting I'll admit. It would've been life changing."
"Yeah," Duncan retorted, "or gotten you killed."
"It's not about the money, Mac," Tori stressed, "It's about Markum. It's about his kids. The guy's tearing himself apart."
"Exactly," Richie nodded in agreement.
"Don't you think I don't know that?" Duncan asked.
"Then why the hell we can't help him?" Richie interjected.
"Cause Kinman is mine," Duncan answered.
"Well, the IUA did tell us to let you take care of it, Mac," Tori stated, "but I don't really agree with it."
"Yeah, I don't get you, Mac," Richie chimed in, "Sometimes you're unbelievable. You're the first to talk about justice."
"The first to talk about what's right," Tori added.
"That's what's it's about – justice," Duncan replied.
"Damn it, for what?" Richie asked, "A guy who died over two centuries ago?"
"Time doesn't make any difference, Richie," Duncan insisted.
"What about Markum?" Richie asked.
"What about his little girls?" Tori added.
"Kinman will get what's coming to him," Duncan assured them.
"Mac, you kill Kinman," Tori stressed, "you get satisfaction."
"Hey, it's not about my satisfaction," Duncan insisted.
"Yeah, right," Richie retorted.
"He's done this for centuries."
"Bull, Mac," Richie interjected, "You kill him, they'll never know about it! They'll spend the rest of their lives thinking he got away."
"And that we let him," Duncan replied, "I know."
"And we just go ahead and live with that?" Tori asked, "I don't know if I could live with it on my conscience, IUA duty or not."
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Duncan entered the grocery store, spotting Markum checking inventory on an aisle.
"What do you want?" Markum asked, noticing him walk towards him.
"Why did Kinman come after you?" Duncan asked the store owner.
"You don't want to come forward, fine," Markum retorted, "Just leave."
"Come on," Duncan insisted, "Answer the question."
"I don't know."
"Really?"
"Look at me, Mr. MacLeod," Markum stressed, "What do you see? Nothing because that's what I am….nothing."
"That's not what I see," Duncan stated, "I see a man so hurt he doesn't know what he's doing. A man so angry he uses his children's grief as a weapon. You want to tell me why?"
"My wife is dead. The killer goes free," Markum answered, "That's not reason enough?"
"There's more to it than that," Duncan replied, "Why did she die?"
He noticed Markum's reaction, "What did you do?"
"It should have been me," Markum answered, "I deserved it. It was my fault."
"Why?" Duncan asked quietly.
"I'm not a rich man, Mr. MacLeod," Markum explained, "Just a little bit successful, but I had to buy that success. I took a loan from a man I had no business knowing: Vince Petrovic."
"And when you tried to pay him back?" Duncan asked.
"He wanted half the store," Markum answered, "Said he was my partner. I told him to go to hell."
"You didn't think he'd come after you?"
"I thought I could handle it," Markum said, "I thought I was tough enough. I never thought…..Alice never even knew about the loan."
"And you didn't tell the police," Duncan inquired.
"If I did, he'd come after my kids," Markum answered, "To lose someone like that…..to have it happen because of you. You can't understand what that feels like."
He walked away.
"Maybe I can," Duncan told himself.
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"I don't know why you decided to come forward, Mr. MacLeod," Brooks told Duncan as they both were eyeing Kinman through the one way mirror, "Just take your time. He can't see you. He won't even know you're standing here."
Duncan eyed Kinman as he looked up, aimed his finger like a gun at Duncan, lowered his thumb, as if he was shooting.
"Sure he won't," Duncan retorted before he stated, "That's the man that killed Alice Markum."
"You're positive?" Brooks asked before he stated, "After all, it was very dark…..and you will be under oath."
"That's him," Duncan answered, not caring about the faces and gestures Kinman was making.
"Then we're done," Brooks replied, "Except for one thing."
"What's that?" Duncan asked.
"Well, Markum's taken a second mortgage out on his house and he's borrowing everything he can on his store," Brooks explained.
"So?"
"Well, some people are saying he paid you to testify."
"He didn't."
"If that came out in court, your testimony would be inadmisable and…...Kinman walks," Brooks told him.
"He didn't pay me," Duncan insisted.
"That's all you have to say?" Brooks asked.
"That's all there is," Duncan answered.
"We'll be in touch," Brooks informed him.
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"That's a lot of money to be carrying around," Duncan told Petrovic as the Highlander saw him count a handful of bills while walking towards a parked car, "I've heard this neighborhood isn't safe after dark."
Petrovic pocketed the cash, "That depends on who you are. Do I know you?"
"No," Duncan answered before he introduced himself, "I'm Duncan MacLeod."
"What can I do for you, Duncan MacLeod?" Petrovic asked.
"Just stay away from David Markum," Duncan answered.
"Who?"
"The man you hired Paul Kinman to kill."
"It's okay, Joey," Petrovic assured his bodyguard before telling Duncan, "Listen to the mouth on this guy. Now, is it slander or is it libel, I forget which, but either one, accusations like that can get a person in a lot of trouble."
"Paul Kinman's going away for life," Duncan told him, "Don't send anyone else."
"If this fantasy you've concocted were true," Petrovic stated, "and I could order a person's death over the telephone, why wouldn't I order yours?"
"Because you're a businessman," Duncan answered, "and you deal with what you know, and you don't know me, and that worries you a little."
"Hey, Joey, do I look worried?" Petrovic asked his bodyguard before moving around his car around Duncan, "You've got nerve, I'll give you that."
"I think I've heard enough of this clown," he told his bodyguard.
Joey grabbed at Duncan before the Highlander quickly took him down.
Duncan then told Petrovich, "Stay away from David Markum. It's good business."
"Hey, Joey, you know what?" Duncan started imitating a movie quote, "I could've been a contender."
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"Oh, damn," Brooks muttered as she exited the station.
"What is it?" Frank asked as he followed her with a handcuffed Kinman in tow.
"I left the transfer sheets up in the office," Brooks answered, "You want to go get em?"
"No, forget it," Frank told her, "They'll fax them over later."
"You know what a pain in the ass they can be at the County," Brooks stated, "Why don't you just go get the papers, Frank."
"And leave you alone down here with this?" Frank retorted, referring to their prisoner.
"I can handle him," Brooks assured her partner, "They're going to be pissed you know."
"So let em be pissed," Frank replied before pushing Kinman forward, "Let's go."
"Was that supposed to be police brutality?" Kinman asked.
"Just keep moving, scuzzball," Frank answered.
"You know, I don't mind the chains so much," Kinman stated, "but I hate walking like this. No dignity."
"So write a book in prison," Frank suggested.
"Not part of my plans, I'm afraid," Kinman replied.
"Can't write?" Frank asked.
"Actually, I write rather well," Kinman answered, "I'm just not going to prison."
"That's what they all say," Frank replied before he opened the car door as Brooks got the gun, preparing herself.
"I know, but they're not all screwing your partner," Kinman stated, "or are they, Kaayla, darling?"
Frank turned to see Brooks pointing the gun at him, "Jesus, Kaayla."
"Why didn't you go for the damn papers, Frank?" Brooks asked.
Frank backed away, "Don't."
"Shoot him. Shoot him, Kaayla," Kinman urged her as Frank searched for his gun, "Do it!"
Brooks fired on instinct, shooting Frank, who fell to the ground. Kinman cleared his throat and raised his cuffed hands, "I'm waiting."
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Richie and Tori hurried to Duncan's Victorian home, and came around the corner of the house.
"Mac, there's bad news," Tori inquired him.
"When isn't there bad news?" Duncan quipped.
"Kinman escaped from jail," Richie added.
"When?" Duncan asked.
"Last night," Tori answered, "Jack informed us an hour ago."
"They were moving him," Richie added, "He killed an FBI guy and disappeared. How do we stop a guy like that?"
"We don't," Duncan answered.
"What do you mean?" Tori asked.
"I take it you're planning to kill him?" Richie added.
"It's been a long time coming," Duncan answered.
Richie and Tori followed Duncan off the porch.
"I thought you said he was good, Mac," Richie stated, "Really good. Maybe even better than you."
"I don't care," Duncan replied.
"You want him that bad, huh?" Richie asked.
"I let him get away once, I'm not going to do it again," Duncan declared, "Close the house up for me."
"Sure," Richie replied before the Highlander left the house.
Richie and Tori glanced at each other.
"Note," Richie told his girlfriend, "don't piss off MacLeod."
"Noted clear and loud," Tori replied.
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Kinman looked on as he and the FBI agent Kaayla Brooks were at an empty country lane.
"Maybe it wasn't smart," Kinman stated, "killing Frank like that."
"We just – we just have to think this thing through," Brooks replied.
"I'm sure you're right."
"I've got it. Okay, you rough me up – make it look good, okay?" Brooks instructed, "Then you put the cuffs on me, I stagger back to the last gas station."
"I kidnapped you, is that the story?" Kinman asked.
"Sure. You got my gun away," Brooks answered, "You killed Frank. You made me drive out here, and then you dumped me out of the car."
She bit her lip and sidled closer, "Then a few months later, post traumatic stress. I resign from the Bereau….and meet you at the villa."
"Hmm."
Brooks smiled, "Hmmm."
Kinman kissed her, "Maybe you're right."
He kissed her again, while reaching into the open window of the car and retrieving her gun, "Maybe I did get your gun away, hmmm?"
Kinman caressed her cheek with the gun.
"Paul, what are you doing?" Brooks asked.
"Making you more convincing," Kinman answered before he kissed her. Then, he shot her twice. She fell to the ground, "The villa won't be the same without you, my love."
Then he made his way back to the car.
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"Kinman's escaped," Duncan told Markum, "I think you should take your little girls and get out of town for a couple of days."
"Paper or plastic?" Markum asked a customer, ignoring Duncan.
"I've got a cabin in the country," Duncan offered the store owner, "You can spend some time with your little girls. It's safe."
"Don't worry about me, MacLeod," Markum replied, "I went to see Petrovic."
"You caved? You gave him a piece of your business?" Duncan asked.
"You bet your ass I did!" Markum exclaimed, "I go to sleep scared and I wake up scared. What if he sends someone else after me? What if my little girls get in the way? It's over. He wins."
"You think it's over. It's never over," Duncan told him, "You gave him half your business now, in six months, he'll have all of it. If you refuse, you'll be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life wondering where the next bullet's coming from."
"What else can I do?" Markum asked.
"I don't know," Duncan answered, "I don't know."
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"Greetings," Kinman walked towards Petrovich as he walked past him.
"Kinman," Petrovich replied, "I heard you were out."
"I've come for my money," Kinman declared.
"What money? You missed," Petrovich replied, "You got caught, and I was told you were a pro."
"Maybe you don't understand," Kinman glanced at him, "You see, I've got the police and the FBI looking for me, so I need my money, and I need to get out of the country."
"That's your problem."
"True, but for now, I'm making it your problem," Kinman held up his gun and waved it around, "So let's have a little cooperation, shall we?"
"You'll die for this," Petrovich replied.
"Does that mean you're not going to help me?" Kinman asked.
"Nobody threatens me," Petrovich answered, "You don't know it, Kinman, but you're already a dead man."
"Ugh. Why is it that men with power always feel that they're invulnerable?" Kinman stated before he shot Petrovich in the leg.
Petrovich screamed, "My leg. My leg!"
"You know, there was a time when a man like me had the ear of royalty," Kinman stated.
"I don't believe it," Petrovich stated, "You shot me."
"When a single man's death could change the course of a war…."
"I'm bleeding like a stuck pig."
"Or the fate of a nation."
"You're a freaking whacko!" Petrovich shouted, "Crazy bastard."
"Now the barons are paltry merchants and money lenders…." Kinman stated.
"Okay, okay. Look, look," Petrovich relented, "You need some money. I'll help you."
Kinman looked at the gun he was holding, "And the elegant weapons of yesterday have been reduced to this…...machine."
"I'll get you out of the country, no problem," Petrovich stated.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan entered the meat packing warehouse, declaring, "You want a challenge, Kinman? Here I am."
"Grown a backbone, have we?" Kinman replied, "Sabres at dawn?"
Duncan drawn out his katana, "This will do. Right now."
Kinman held up his gun, and shot at Duncan, who then dodged behind the rack of hanging frozen carcasses.
"What's the matter?" Duncan asked, "Don't trust your sword arm?"
"Of course, my dear fellow," Kinman answered, "but these things are such fun."
Duncan pushed a side of pork along the overhead track toward him and Kinman shot at the movement.
"Hm, stuck pig," Kinman noted, "Friend of yours?"
"Friend of yours," Duncan replied before he shoved more hanging carcasses at his opponent, "Can't you beat me without your little toy?"
Kinman tossed the gun away, "Of course."
He drawn out his sword, "I'm still Paul Kinman."
They began their sword fight. Kinman cut Duncan's cheek.
"First blood," Duncan stated.
"I told you," Kinman replied, "I never fight for sport."
"I don't fight for sport either," Duncan replied before their fight resumed.
Kinman parried, then he ducked the next swing. Kinman moved to one side, then to the other side, looking for an opening.
Duncan held him at bay, then attacked again. The fight resumed. Duncan stabbed Kinman fatally.
"Close your eyes," Duncan told his defeated opponent, "think of England."
He beheaded Kinman, and the quickening began.
Explosion of sparks from the overhead tracks, then streams of sparks were unleashed as more lighting hit Duncan.
The lighting hit the meat during the explosion of the quickening until it ended.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
"Mac got it taken care of," Tori told Richie as she cuddled her boyfriend.
"I knew he could do it," Richie stated, "Reported it to the IUA?"
"Yes," Tori nodded. They snuggled with each other for a moment, remaining silent.
"I couldn't imagine what Mr. Markum was going through," Richie spoke up, "if it had been you."
"I feel the same way," Tori replied, "I'd be devastated if I had lost you."
"Let's not focus on that right now," Richie stated, "We got a lunch date to attend to."
"Of course," Tori nodded as they sat up from their bed and prepared themselves for the day.
-Defenders-Chronicles-Highlander-
Duncan walked over to Markum as he was stocking stuff into a shelf from a box.
"Hello, Mr. Markum," Duncan greeted the store owner.
"Life goes on, huh?" Markum replied, "I've got a business to run."
"At least you don't have to share it with a partner," Duncan informed him, "Petrovic's out of the meat business."
"Yeah, I heard," Markum replied, "It's all over the street. I don't know why you did it, but thank you."
"Oh, it wasn't me."
"Then who?"
"Kinman."
"I don't believe it. The man's not human," Markum stated, "He keeps on killing and keeps getting away with it. Now he's going to get away with this one too."
"How are your kids making out?" Duncan asked.
"My sister flew in from San Francisco," Markum answered, "She's going to be staying with us for awhile."
"That's good," Duncan replied, "Look, I've got to be going. I just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing."
"One day at a time," Markum replied, "Thanks for all you tried to do. I just wish there'd been some justice for Alice. I'm sorry. I'd better get back to work."
Duncan started to leave, then he turned his back, "Mr. Markum, Kinman didn't get away with it."
They exchanged a look before Duncan left the store.
---------
Chapters
Tori Gordon, a teenage operative for the Intergalactic Union Agency, transfers to a branch in Washington State, where she becomes involved in a battle between supernatural forces.
While reflecting on personal matters, Tori witnesses a stunning occurrence.
Richie introduces Tori to his friends, Duncan and Tessa, who detail the secret affairs of immortals.
As Tori begins learning more about her true nature, a teacher offers assistance.
Tori informs the Defenders that she plans to help Duncan and his companions.
Tori and Richie continue bonding as the IUA works with Duncan.
Tori is given a new task by her mother Janet.
Duncan and the group encounter Tori's teacher, Amanda. Tori learns that Duncan and Amanda have history.
9: Two Families, One Adventure
The Defenders arrive in Paris, where they unite with Tori's team.
Tori tends to an ailing Richie.
The group gains allies while investigating a new matter.
The search for Horton begins.
An old friend of Tori's reveals a darker side. Janet becomes involved in the current operation.
Duncan is told to be wary of a dark prophesy.
The team is menaced by Annie Devlin, an old associate of Duncan's.
Duncan begins refining Tori's skills.
Richie and Tori continue bonding.
A new woman comes into Richie's life.
Janet takes steps to make Richie an IUA operative.
Tori and her allies confront a number of enemies in the city.
The teams head out for a day of fun.
Rick's capture leads to a compromising situation as LJ and the others attempt a rescue.
Lucy, a dangerous immortal, targets Richie. Tori intervenes.
The IUA investigates when one of the Phantom's acquaintances is victimized by an immortal.
Richie and Tori return to Paris to assist with the mission, which is complicated by police involvement.
Duncan meets a woman who bears a strong resemblance to Tessa.
27: Can't Help Falling In Love
Kern, a vindictive old associate, returns to challenge Duncan.
Duncan attempts to work with the unstable David Keogh.
Charlie prepares to depart.
The group meet a girl named Michelle, who has just discovered her immortal nature.
Tori and Richie attempt to care for a younger boy named Kenny.
Everyone prepares for a holiday.
A mysterious statue creates chaos.
Joe and the team find others in need of their help.
Jedda and Tori have an intimate conversation.
Kalas haunts Richie and the others.
Duncan prepares for battle with Kalas and finds a surprise.
Kalas searches for Methos.
Tori worries as Richie begins taking chances.
Anne arrives.
41: The Exorcism of Richie Ryan
Richie requires assistance in getting back to normal.
The Defenders step in to assist with Kalas, and to help prevent the truth about Duncan's kind from leaking.
Duncan prepares to confront Kalas.
Duncan embarks on a private journey to Scotland. Jedda and Tori spar before an audience.
45: Walking On Shattered Glass
Duncan tries to intervene as Charlie clashes with Cord.
The current situation reminds Tori of a well-known scenario.
Amanda and Richie follow Duncan on a journey in secret, and end up defending themselves from a horde of ice robots.
The friends see Kenny again. Duncan suspects that a certain immortal is pursuing the child.
Seacouver is targeted by an ambitious supernatural woman named Sierra.
Duncan, Tori, and Richie investigate a matter from Duncan's past alongside the police.
The group is challenged by a charismatic new antagonist, Kamir.
The spellcaster Kristin Gilles arrives and pursues Richie. Mandrake offers assistance in thwarting her.
Duncan and his friends attempt to aid a pianist.
Anne and Jack participate in the latest endeavor.
Duncan falls under a dark influence temporarily.
Methos and the others reflect.
The exploits of Flash and his famed allies from Mongo are chronicled. Meanwhile, Zorelda reemerges.
The team members engage in sparring and storytelling during downtime.
The groups attempt to rescue Joe, who has been lured into a trap.
As tensions rise and truths are revealed, the team bands together in their effort to help Joe.
Richie makes a monumental decision.
As Tori and Richie prepare for the big day, opposing forces on Mongo makes plans of their own.
Katarina and Castra attempt to unite with the Defenders before Zorelda makes her move.
Zorelda arrives on Earth.
65: Setting Up The Rescue Mission
The groups outline their rescue effort.
Zorelda begins enacting her plan for Richie.
67: Mongo Showdown — Part One
Methos and Duncan engage in action on Mongo.
68: Mongo Showdown — Part Two
As the battle continues, Tori confronts Zorelda.
The group deals with the repercussions of their adventure and return to Earth.
Duncan's ally, Cassandra, relays a vision.
Tori and Richie encounter a cult. Duncan pursues Clay.
The Ryans foster a mysterious child who bears a resemblance to Tori.
Amanda and Maurice return as a new enigma arises.
Amanda engages in more questionable activity.
The group tries helping a woman who might be stalked by an old acquaintance of Duncan's.
76: All That Glitters Is Not Golden
Richie seeks to assist a childhood friend who's dealing with legal issues.
The Ryans encounter an apparent impostor, who also approaches Hadea.
An adversary known as Kronos targets Tori, seeking to exploit her intellect.
Richie and Duncan move to counter Kronos.
80: The Ransom of Richard Redstone
The Ryans depart for an undercover mission overseas.
The group make new acquaintances while pursuing a lead tied to a mysterious dancing event.
The enigmatic Keane arrives, wreaking havoc on several people's lives.
Duncan deals with a mischievous adversary named Byron. Jedda and Rick prepare for parenthood. Both Katarina and Jedda sense danger ahead.
Ming and Octon turn to a new ally.
Duncan is haunted.
The shape-shifter initiates a confrontation.
Ming shifts his focus to an isolated girl.
The Defenders unite with Tori's friends in an effort to stop Ahriman.
A climactic battle occurs as the Defenders clash with Ming, while Tori and Richie attempt to aid their friends.
90: Aftermath: The World Changes Forever
Everyone is affected by the recent events, which will have lasting repercussions.
Richie copes. Duncan travels overseas.
Joe, Amanda, and Duncan continue to hunt the enemy.
April locates Richie and provides an update on the current situation.
Richie is confronted by the opponent again.
Joe leads the investigation as everyone bands together.
The final clash begins.
Duncan makes a crucial discovery.
The key element to the plan is obtained.
The team proceeds with their endeavor.
100: The Last Stand — Part One
The group discovers that only one person can assist Duncan.
101: The Last Stand — Part Two
The battle reaches a conclusion.
Series finale.
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