Lost

Chapter 27

Methos tossed the book aside and sat back on the couch, blindly staring at the barge fireplace now grown cold. From his reading and the test results that lay spread out around him it seemed that Lacasse would be dead within a few months. Still far too long for Duncan to be in his clutches, but infinitely less than the mortal lifetime Lacasse had planned. Methos gave a wry chuckle. Methos had planned to kill him slowly for what he’d done, but perhaps the best punishment would be to let him die on his own timeline knowing he’d lost everything he’d planned on for so long. And what would Duncan want? The decision should be his for he was the one who had suffered at Lacasse’s hands. Yes, Duncan would decide if he was able. If not, then Methos would decide and then carry it out. Yes.

He sat back and took another long drink of the now warm beer. They would be ready to move soon. The latest hit had been on Lacasse’s personal accounts. Sorry, Duncan...but you won’t be nearly as wealthy a widow as one would have supposed. Lacasse had just pulled the men off of the de Valincourts and Sean Burns, but Connor had opted to keep some men guarding them which Methos had whole-heartedly agreed with. Connor was due to arrive in three days. They would go over the plans for the siege on the estate. Timing was everything...and he had to get word to Louisa to make sure both she and her brother were gone that night. He laughed ruefully at how much easier this would have been if he could just go in without concern for who got hurt...but it goes to show how much that Highland child had affected him. All of his efforts had been geared towards minimizing the cost to the mortals around Duncan, most especially those for whom he specifically cared. He sat back and tiredly rubbed his eyes. Looking around at the mess he decided he needed to pick up a bit.

He was in the middle of some final straightening when he was surprised by both doors to the barge suddenly opening. He’d had no warning...they weren’t immortals. His hand went to the gun he kept near but froze as he saw men with not only guns already pointed at him, but with sharp blades that gleamed in the light.

“Haven’t we done this already, guys?” He watched as they cautiously approached. He recognized two of the men. He hoped they wouldn’t examine the documents piled on the coffee table too closely. It might strike them as somewhat odd that he should be reading Lacasse’s medical files. He kept his hands in the air as one of the men relieved him of his weapon and expertly padded him down. They didn’t seem too inclined towards conversation, so he merely shrugged as they pulled his sword from his coat as well as any other weapons they found before handing it to him. Time for another ride.

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“Dr. Pierson. Thank you for joining us.” An unknown little man smiled sardonically from behind Lacasse’s desk. Methos looked at him a moment until it came to him. This was the same little man that had walked Duncan down the aisle and given him away. So what was he doing here? It continued to remain a mystery even as several papers were placed in front of him.

“Sign here...and here...” the annoying little man said as he pointed out several spots on the paper.

“I’m not signing anything.” Methos kept his expression bland even as he felt the gun pushed deeper into his back. “What are those papers?”

“They are merely the required documents for your marriage. Please just sign them and we can continue with the preparations...”

“What?!” Methos was amazed. What kind of fucking game was Lacasse playing now?

“I’m afraid I cannot answer any questions, Dr. Pierson. I’m merely to ensure that you sign these documents. I suggest that you do so immediately. The gentlemen behind you seem rather impatient.” He smirked again as Methos was nudged from behind.

“Fine, but I want to see just what you have first.” Methos’ mind was whirling. What could Lacasse be thinking? He quickly scanned the paperwork. It was what he assumed was all the documentation needed to license and register a marriage between himself and Sarah MacLeod Lacasse. But, why? If Lacasse was making preparations for his death, why not just release Duncan? Or was this just another form of mind fuck? The pressure from the gun barrel digging into his back increased slightly. It didn’t look as though he was being given much of a choice. He picked up the pen and signed. Once it was done he was escorted from the library, never once feeling Duncan’s Presence.

Methos wondered just was happening now when he found himself being tied to overhead supports in what was obviously a stable. The musky scent of horses would normally have been a very soothing accompaniment to the snuffles and low whinnies, but the pain in his arms and back as he was stretched took away a great deal of the enjoyment. So, his upcoming marriage apparently didn’t warrant being tied to a bed this time. He looked at the men tying him. They maintained their typical stoic expressions, which in itself was contrary to most of the jailers he’d known. Basically, they didn’t seem to have the natural tendency for cruelty that he’d experienced first-hand. What did they think about their employer’s actions?

“Why are you doing this? What’s happening?” Methos put on his best Adam Pierson look, pretending intense confusion and dismay over his treatment.

“That’s not for us to say, Dr. Pierson. Please remain quiet. You’ll be released in the morning.” No emotion crossed the guards face but his eyes slid away as though shamed. Very interesting.

“Come on...you must know something! Why is Monsieur Lacasse doing this to my friend? He’s a good man...he doesn’t deserve to have this happen to him.” Pleading with wide innocent eyes he pushed at the obvious conscience the big man had. “What is going to happen to Duncan?” He deliberately used Duncan’s name and expressed his concern for his friend rather than himself which, despite being quite true, served to make Duncan a person in their eyes.

Sorrow and shame seemed to war in both faces giving Methos a brief sense of accomplishment but it quickly faded. “I can’t answer your questions, sir. Please be quiet now or I’ll be forced to gag you.” His jailers still had strong loyalties despite their personal feelings. Given time he might be able to work with it, but time was something he didn’t have. He gave up as the men moved away from him although they remained within eyesight. Overall, he thought, it didn’t bode well for this visit.

It was early the next afternoon when two of the guards came to release him. He’d been hearing quite a bit of movement outside of the building all day, but couldn’t fathom what could be taking place. His curiosity had been enough to take his mind off the excruciating pains shooting down his back and into his legs. It came as no surprise that he collapsed immediately upon the release of his bonds.

“Are you able to stand, sir?” Methos was constantly surprised at how polite these guys were but they never came close enough to let Methos pretend that he could jump one of them, even if he might have been physically capable of it at that moment.

“Yes, just give me a moment.” He stretched his legs and back until the worst of the muscle spasms passed. Once he was on his feet they led him to a back room of the stable that surprisingly held a shower, toilet and various toiletries. They still refused to answer any of his questions. Within full view of his companions, he was told to shower and shave. Once that was accomplished he was led to another room that had a bed with a tuxedo lying upon it. The last time he’d been there he’d been given a suit to attend Duncan’s wedding. Now it appeared that it was time for his more formal (he smirked at his own pun) role in what was to take place. Once he was dressed he was handcuffed and led to the house.

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Duncan awoke to find that it was much later than normal. Lately it seemed that larger and larger blocks of time were disappearing. The thought garnered only mild interest. Looking about himself it seemed he was to have a leisurely day since both he and Louisa were brought a very nice brunch. He’d learned long ago not to question what was going on around him, so he let Louisa’s chatter flow around him as he waited to see what would happen next.

After a shower he felt a quick stab of dismay at what he thought was to be another one of Louisa’s spa days, but relaxed when he realized that whatever was in store for him, it only involved a more complicated dressing ritual. He put on the white lace lingerie he was given and wondered at the white silk stockings, but he received no answer from Louisa. In any case, it didn’t appear as though she really knew what was going on either. He reached for the pearl and diamond earrings that Louisa laid out. He hadn’t worn them since he married Andre. Maybe Andre felt like re-enacting that horrible day...it seemed like the type of torture his twisted mind would come up with. Oh, God... He couldn’t hide his dismay when Louisa actually brought out the wedding gown. What in the hell is he planning now?

It was with an intense feeling of déjà vu that Duncan was again met at the bottom of the stairs by the lawyer and Madame Broussard. Blossoms were placed in his hand and, as he had once before, he placed his hand in the crook of the lawyer’s arm as they made their way to the chapel. A difference this time was that Andre met them at the door to the chapel just as Duncan felt the surge of ancient Presence blossom at the back of his skull.

Andre and Duncan stared at one another. Mortified and confused chocolate eyes pleaded for answers but the words were locked in a tightened throat. Cold blue eyes burned a path from Duncan’s hair to his hem and looked back up focusing finally on his face. Fierce anger burned in those eyes and Duncan involuntarily took a step back. His arm was grabbed and he knew there would be no answers, nothing to do but go where the huge man led him.

Shock made him stumble yet again as he saw who was standing at the altar with the priest. Methos! What...? Words failed him as he was led down the aisle. Methos stood near the priest, Andre’s shadows on either side of him. He looked at Methos’ face and saw the complete lack of expression. A pit opened in his stomach as he tried to understand what was happening. Why was Andre doing this? As before, he stood in numb horror as he was again given in marriage to another man. But why Methos...? Duncan’s face was a frozen mask of disbelief and confusion as he felt his tenuous hold on reality slipping away.

The priest went through his ritual as though it were a normal marriage. This can’t be happening...I can’t get married again! When did I get divorced? He thought back to the papers he’d signed. Maybe he was divorced... But I can’t be married in the Church if I’m divorced...not to mention the fact that I’m also a man... A giggle seemed to force its way out of his mouth. It warranted the only expression he’d seen on Methos’ face so far...worry. Alright, he’d have to get through this before he could get any answers. Love, honor and obey... He found himself curiously accepting of the vow...but he’d have to talk to his new husband about the obey part... A second giggle partially escaped him. He looked over to the hazel eyes as Methos responded with his “I do”. Truly, Methos? Will you love, honor and cherish me?

Despite the dream-like state he found himself slipping into, he knew the truth of his own vows as he slipped the ring onto Methos’ finger, believed Methos when he gave his vows, believed him when he, in turn, placed the platinum ring on his finger. His veil was lifted and he saw Methos clearly for the first time in what seemed like forever. He realized that most of all, he believed in the promise of the lips that pressed into his own. He found himself clinging desperately to the strong shoulders, not wanting to let go as they turned to walk back down the aisle together.

He felt his fingers tightly intertwined with Methos’ own as his hand was held, heard the voices from far away telling him how to stand while flashes exploded around him. He tried desperately to ignore the frightening visage of Andre standing like a statue at the side of the room, his anger so palpable it beat at Duncan with dark icy wings despite the bright warmth at his side. He trembled and dropped his face into Methos’ neck to breathe in a bit of his warm, spicy scent as he sought the haven he knew was there.

Methos was worried at seeing the dazed and lost look in Duncan’s eyes during the ceremony, but the giggles had terrified him. He feared desperately for Duncan’s sanity. Hold on, love, hold on! He watched as Andre stood at the side of the room while the formalities were handled. What was his game? Did he actually think Duncan would appreciate these pictures years from now? Was Lacasse going to release Duncan now that he’d released him from their marriage? His eyes narrowed as he considered all the possibilities, trying desperately not to think about what this meant for their relationship. Would Duncan even be able to look at him or would the memory of this day make it impossible for them to be together? Methos had never felt such hatred for another human as he did for Lacasse at that moment.

Duncan turned and buried his face into his neck. He stroked the dark curls as he tried to still the trembling. “Shhh, everything will be alright, Duncan,” he murmured. “We’ll figure out this latest game and get you out of here. Be strong, love, stay with me...” His whispered words were stopped by the large hand that tugged at Duncan. He tightened his arms momentarily, but knew this wasn’t the time to defy the large man. He reluctantly released his hold.

Duncan felt near to tears. Didn’t Methos want this? True, he didn’t understand Andre’s motivations, either, but this wasn’t a game! He was Methos’ wife!

“That’s quite enough, Dr. Pierson.” Cold blue eyes burned with hatred for the slender man holding his pet.

“Then why do this? Duncan is my wife now, not yours.” MY wife, you bastard! Methos was too incensed to wonder at that thought.

“True, but I still possess her and will continue to do so until I choose otherwise. You do not need to know why. I believe your visit is now over.” The icy visage softened somewhat. “It’s now time for me to enjoy the honeymoon.” Deep booming laughter accompanied that statement as the guards pulled Methos away.

Duncan reached out with one hand as though to keep Methos with him, but Andre grabbed his wrist and pulled him away.