Chapter 9

Joe was still sitting there like he was stunned when Mike came out of the office. Joe looked up at Mike and asked, "What did you find out?"

"Nothing, Joe. Hopefully before anyone else gets shot, we'll find out something." Mike looked around, then asked, "Where's Adam? He didn't leave did he?"

Just then an old man hunched over came out of the restroom. He had grey, stringy hair, one shoulder was a lot lower than the other and walked like it was very painful for him. Mike saw him and said, "Sorry sir, we are closed. You'll have to leave. Do you want me to call a cab for you?"

Methos stood up straight and laughed, "See, Joe, I told you I could do as good as Amanda." 

Joe laughed at the look on Mike's face even though he was shocked at the change also. I guess most Immortals can disguise themselves so no one recognizes them. I wonder why Mac doesn't do it, thought Joe.

Mike stared at Methos with his mouth open. Finally he asked, "Adam, is that you?"

"Yeah, when you are immortal, you have to learn how to disguise yourself. At least that's what my teacher told me."

"Ah, MacLeod had Amanda show you how since he was your teacher," replied Mike. 

"How did you know who my teacher was? Oh that's right, Joe's MacLeod's Watcher. I can't hide anything from you, can I Joe." Methos said smiling at Joe to take the sting out of his words. Turning back to Mike he says, "I'm taking Joe home. He's been through a lot the last couple of days and I think he needs some TLC."


"I agree with you Adam. He did get a couple of big shocks in the last couple of days. One finding out that his love for you is returned, Amanda getting shot and now you. That's a bit much for anyone."

Joe said grumpily, "I didn't tell anyone anything. And don't treat me like an invalid. If anyone needs TLC, it's you Adam, since you were the one that got shot."

"Joe, let me baby you. I need it even if you don't. Knowing someone is trying to hurt you is making me a nervous wreck. I don't want to lose you just as I found you." Methos looked at Mike, "You realized we were in love each other before we did, didn't you. I knew I loved him, but didn't know if he loved me and he knew he loved me, but didn't know if I loved him."

Mike grinned at him, "Yep, anyone who knew either one of you could tell.. We all were making a bet on when you guys would just kiss and tell each other about how you felt. And guess what! I won the pool, that is if you started your relationship last night like I think you did. Amanda had bet tonight and MacLeod thought it would be a month ago. And also a bunch of Watchers were in on it."

Methos laughed, "Isn't there anything you guys won't bet on?" 

Mike turned sober, "This was really important to me because I want Joe to finally be happy. I've never really seen him happy since we've known each other except for when he was in love with Lauren, but you know how that ended."

Methos nodded sadly. "Come on Joe, we both need some rest." Methos then stooped back down to look like a little old man and shook himself. As soon as he was in character again, He took Joe's arm and led him out the back to his apartment in back. He looked around trying to see if anyone was watching. He couldn't tell, so he turned to Joe and said, "I'm sorry about your friend, kid. The EMT's did every thing they could." 

Joe couldn't believe how unlike Methos he sounded. He was as good as Amanda at disguising his voice. He walked along like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. When he spoke, his voice cracked a little like he was trying not to cry, "I know they did. Why did he have to die?"

As soon as they got inside the door, Joe started to say something and Methos put his finger to his mouth. Then he said, "I'll get you something to drink. Do you want something to eat?" 

Joe answered, "No, we ate before we went back to the tavern. He took me out on a date." 

Joe watched Methos take something out of his pocket. He turned some knobs on it and flipped a switch and then started sweeping it around the room. He then went into the bedroom and bathroom. When he came back, he said, "All clear."

Joe asked, "What is that thing and what were you doing?"

Methos laughed and answered, "This is a gadget to detect if your house is bug and I was checking for bugs. I didn't want to come out of character until I knew. It is safer for you to know, that way you don't have to be careful of what you say in here, but do be careful on the phone. You never know who might be listening."

Joe went to the cabinet and got both himself a scotch and Methos a beer... "What are we going to do now? I have no idea on how to find out what's going on, do you?" 

Methos said, "Tonight we aren't going to worry about it tonight.. Tonight is our night to enjoy and then tomorrow we will get back to work. I still have to go visit my friends and then will meet you in Paris. If this person is after you and everyone you love, they will be after MacLeod next. In the morning you can call him and let him know what's going on." 

With that Methos started unbuttoning Joe's shirt. He would kiss Joe after each button. All Joe was able to do was kiss back. When Joe's shirt was totally unbutton, Methos started tugging lightly and said, "Let's head into bed. What I want to do to you will be more comfortable for you on the bed." 

When Joe was standing by the bed, Methos unsnapped and unzipped his pants. He pushed both pants and boxers down and had Joe sit on the edge of the bed. 

Joe was embarrassed at Methos doing this, but Methos told him, "I think you are you beautiful and your scars show me what a brave man you are." Methos then unbuckled Joe's prosthesis and looked at Joe so he could tell him where to put them. 

"Now lay back and relax while I secure the apartment for the night."

Methos left the bedroom and Joe could hear him moving around. While waiting for Methos to return, he lay there thinking about the days events.. Then his mind turned to what was going to happen as soon as Methos returned.