When The Bullet Hits The Bone ...

[Brehnic Kohnar]

Night had fallen in the city, little over a day since that fateful meeting with the young Jamaican. In those twenty-four hours, Methos had found out quite a bit about the man... his teachers...his whereabouts. This night found Methos in usual American attire... army surplus boots, black jeans and tee, and his leather long coat. Methos was on a mission tonight, and the extra hardware in his coat said he meant business. Marrakesh was a large city, but what the new Immortal didn't know, was that his equally new Watcher naively put the name of the hotel Brehnic had been residing at. He may not be there now, but Methos could wait and watch.

It was one more night of fun, then back to the states. This semi goose crystal chase had been amusing, and granted he did learn quite a bit, he still had a business to run. That would be taken care of while on his return flight, hopefully with Niklas in tow. But in the meantime?It was all about working off some tension at one of the several clubs he had scouted out earlier. At least his luck had held up that much, not encountering any Immortals during the dusk/night hours would continue to hold, for one more night. Dressed back in his traditional black, dreadlocks loose and flowing, and that devil may care grin was pasted his face, a taxi would be hailed.

This city had been one of his favorites... centuries old, small winding streets in the old districts, Paris bright and full of entertainment in the new. The Ancient had been reacquainting himself with this city since arriving Jude, and that memory refreshing was serving him well now as he took back streets towards the posh hotel. The problem with so many new Immortals, Methos mused as he glanced up at the ostentatious building, was that they didn't know how to blend back in with humanity. Especially ones with money.

It wasn't about pushing his luck, especially after meeting Dev, Amanda, and another that was an unknown. Just too many Immortals in one place for his taste, and he planned to be out of there before/by sunrise. Leaning back into the back seat of the taxi, he rubbed the slight facial growth along his chin, letting various thoughts during his stay within Morocco replay themselves inside his head. With the exception of Niklas, were all of them there for those Crystals?? It was all about being better prepared next time, as well keeping track of who/what/where Immortals he crossed paths with. He thought about inviting Niklas, but he really needed this eve along to himself. It was a short drive to the club, and after tipping the driver, his only pressing thoughts were if the drinks would be watered down.

He moved across the street, and down a block, still keeping the front lobby entrance in sight. He knew better than to just be standing there, waiting to be 'felt', giving him away. He climbed upwards, onto a fire escape, and hunkered down to wait. His thoughts drifted back to last night, with the discovery of that goddamned collar Keyes had given Methos' wife...

The one Methos had ripped of her own throat a few years back, and lain forgotten in the bottom of his backpack for all that time. Well, it was time to give it back, and Brehnic would help him do it. Methos had a slight pang of... regret? for involving the young Immortal, but he had stepped in it when he first met Nova, and died on her doorstep. The Ancient grinned, the Watcher network was an amazing tool.

The women there were wonderful to look at during the day, but even more so to watch at night. That boyish grin and accent was all he needed, well, that and knowing how to dance. Oh yes, this was going to be a night to remember.

The last entry had been over a month old, and Methos needed new Intel. Brehnic would be the one to supply it, hopefully. His Watcher was much more diligent that Keyes', and they hadn't posted a new Watcher on Nova yet.

He wouldn't get his drink on like in previous nights, he wanted to be sharp for the trip back to the states. But that wouldn't stop him from having a good time though. And he did happen to run into the cafe' shop owner's daughter once again, and for about .... Five seconds, Brehnic considered the warning Dev had given him. Soon he had joined her along with several other locals, as they would travel to another club ...

The thing was, the Watchers were good for generalities. Who, where, when, actions taken. They were terrible about actual information, like, home security on the villa. Actual conversations between Nova and Keyes, or Nova and Brehnic. Funny, he thought to himself... before last night, he probably could have gone another couple of years before hacking the Watchers. But the circumstances had changed. He had a flight to St. Bart's tomorrow afternoon, whether he caught up with Kohnar or not.

She was asked about her family, the father, brothers, uncles, and other extended families. Some still did not regard Americans with smiles and pats on the back. Luckily for him, he didn't sound like one. It didn't take too much urging on her part to return back to his place. Her friends would cover for her. Hey, it wasn't his problem, right? Still, he would possibly need to return here at some given point and time, and would like to do so without having some bounty on his head. So, what started out as a possible between the sheets encounter, ended up with the pair stretched out in front of a fireplace, eating American style popcorn, trading stories during some light making out, with promises made that he'd visit her next time he was in Morocco. Grabbing a handful of popcorn, Brehnic smiled. This could actually work out for him in the long run, if he played his cards right.

Finally, that flash of Presence was felt and Methos snapped out of his thoughts. He watched the dread-locked man... and a woman... step out of a taxi and walk into the hotel. Methos slid down the fire escape's ladder and jogged across the street, entering the hotel lobby. It didn't matter one bit that the man was entertaining company. It took a good half hour, however to convince the concierge to give up the room number of one Brehnic Kohnar, the winning ticket to that information being the cash in Methos' wallet...enough to buy a plane ticket actually. More minutes went by as Methos navigated elevators and corridors, but he finally found himself standing outside Kohnar's door.

(m) "NFW, ye hav' to be kiddin' me." With some smooth talking on his part, Brehn was able to convince the girl that she didn't need to give her father any reason to doubt her, and he promise to call her from the states. She'd collect her shoes, giving him a less than subtle good night kiss, Brehn opened the door, while swatting her playfully, his sword well within reach ... Just in case.

The door opened suddenly... he didn't even have to knock...and out pops a girl. There's only one Immortal in the room, so Methos doesn't even bother to glance at the girl, keeping those green/gold eyes glued to Brehnic.

"Dev?? Wha' are ye ...??" Smiling over at Danthia' she waves to him once reaching the elevator. Brehnic on the other hand wasn't too amused with his timing. "Bugger, ye timing bites .. wait, wha' are you doin' here?" Crap. Had he been suckered by pair at the cafe'? And the third person they sensed? Probably part of their ruse as well, and he fell for it, hook line and sinker. Not letting him in just yet, his thoughts running through several possible plans of actions ... Dammit!! And his gun was in the bedroom.

"Brehnic Kohnar... " Methos drawled... "We need to have a talk." The rangy pulled his 9 mm from it's thigh holster and aimed it at Kohnar. It had a silencer screwed onto the end of the barrel.
"Are you going to invite me in, or am I going to have to insist?" He really didn't want to use it, in fact he hadn't even wanted to draw it out, but the fact that Methos didn't know where Kohnar's weaponry was, he wasn't taking any chances.

WTF was it about Immortal and guns? Not like he hadn't picked up on that particular tactic, but still! He seemed to find himself on the wrong end of it of late. "Fine, c'mon in." Throwing his hands up in the air, he didn't bother reaching or his sword at this point. truth be known, he was not liking the whole Immortal thing as much, which played into that mind set of making sure Niklas would have a say in the matter. Plopping down onto the couch, his annoyance was evident, as he stared at Dev. "Mental bloody note. Don't trust any Immortal."

"And you apparently needed better teachers if that wasn't the first thing they told you. Although I'm guessing you just didn't listen. Nova had to learn the hard way, too." Methos stayed a good five or six feet away from Brehnic, standing in the middle of the room with the 9 mil still aimed and steady on Kohnar's chest. "I learned that you're her student. How's that going for ya?" He smirked.

"At least shut th' bloody door, iffin' yer goin' to shoot me, geez." He wasn't saying anything just yet, not letting his body language give him away, save for the fact he
was ... Annoyed. Period.

He wasn't that far away from the door... two steps backwards, and a wide sweep of his hand found the door. Clicking it shut, he retook those two steps. "Where is she, kid? Where's she hiding?"

Nothing. Not one word. If this bugger was up on his current events, he wouldn't need him. "Is dis be tha' part where I don' tell ye wha' ye want to kno' then ye'll kill me, take me head, an' wit' tha' the knowledge up in me noggin' ?" Folding his arms across his chest. "How about dis? I went fer the student/teacher route like in de Van Halen song Hot Fer Teacher, but she turned me down." Looking Dev right in the eyes on that one.

"You're sure you don't want to do this the nice way... two guys talking?" A eyebrow rose just as his mouth twitched... "Oh, and she would turn you down, too."

"Yea' because, I'm not wha' I seem t'be. So she claims." A small smile offered. "Put the gun away, bugger. Been shot before. Not pushin' me luck again."

Yeah, Methos read that Watcher entry. "So where's she staying, kid? You're not going to protect a woman who turned you down are you?"

"Bugger, she's a female. Life goes on. Long as I keep me head." Smiles, because he was being 100% truthful. "She turned you down too?"

Green/gold eyes turn steely and cold as the barrel of the 9mil's angled lower, a second to aim, and a bullet rips through Kohnar's thigh. Truth be told, Methos had been hoping Kohnar would be stubborn and not play right away. Methos had a penchant for torture tonight, and he was glad the kid was giving him an excuse. "Maybe I should ask an easier question..." Waiting for the sounds of pain to die down. "You're a thief... what's the villa's security system like?"

Okay, that smile faded real quick, replaced with an expression of serious pain, as he grabbed his leg/thigh. "Ye ... You shot me!! What the fuck is your main malfunction asshole?? Le Fem Le Nova changed her mailing address. For my own good." Staring at the man with the gun, sort of interesting that his accent all but vanished after getting shot ... "You know I'm a thief, so you know why I'm here. Just like everyone else it seems." Ripping his shirt to deal with that leg wound.

"I don't care why you're after the crystals..." Methos' voice was as cold and sharp as Brehnic's blade. "Answer the question, or I can guarantee you won't enjoy where the next shot goes." And the barrel shifts slightly to aim between the young Immortal's thighs. "I don't know who you pissed off in a former life, Kohnar, to have met Jackson, Nova and myself."

(m) "Been asking myself that since Wulfsohng found me." Wait did he say Keyes? He couldn't even hide that arch of the eyebrow just then.

"Security system on the villa, kid. How sophisticated is it? Is Nova still on St. Bart's? Come on, Brehnic... a simple yes or no will do."

"It was probably upgraded after my last visit. And what happened with me and Pistol Pete? I don't think so. There you go." Dark gaze meeting his own.

He had to give a chuckle at the nickname.
"That wasn't so hard now, was it?"

Finally getting the bleeding to stop, Brehnic glanced back at Dev. "So says the man with the gun pointed at my groin."

The laughter died abruptly. "Be glad I don't cut out your tongue, pup."

"My brothers and I used to do this for fun..." And that smirk was back. "Thank you for the Intel, it was most helpful." He'd still go to the island to pick up the trail.

Sighing, Brehn would just tend to his wound, hoping this was some sort of really bad dream brought on by something he ate. No such luck. "Soooooo ....Now what?" Simply stated. He wasn't scared or nervous, just tired of the drama.

"When I find her, I'll tell Nova that you did try to hold out." Methos smirked. "Don't get up, I'll find my way out." The pistol made that distinctive 'Thfft' again, the bullet tearing into Brehnic's pelvic cavity. And the Fourth Horseman calmly holstered the pistol, turned around and let himself out of the room, closing the door quickly to keep the sound inside.

There was no being tough on that shot, he screamed like all get out. He'd live, but it didn't feel like it right just then ....

(m) "Dammit, Giannini ...."

<font color="#0033FF" size="1">[ February 19, 2008 01:39 PM: Message edited by: New Age Immortal ]</font>

[Brehnic Kohnar]

Healing was a *pardon the pun,* real?pain, and a bitch, especially when it was?the pelvic cavity bone that was doing the mending. Brehnic pretty much figured that was Dev's intention, whether it was to slow him down, or a subtle warning for him to keep out of the picture altogether. Still, there were things Dev said that shouldn't have been known. Him being a Master Thief for one. Dev had? knowledge of not only Brehn, but it sounded like he had info also on?Nova and Pistol Pete Keyes as well, not to mention the island and the security system. That's too much Intel for one person to have at his disposal, which means he wasn't working alone.

Was Amanda part of it? What about the girl with the purple hair? The others that were at the square as well? Dev didn't look too amused about Brehnic's running in back theory, but he didn't dismiss either. What was it, some secret organization of Immortals? Hardly, not too secret considering Dev let him live. Evidently there was some serious history between those three, and after that less than pleasant visit paid to his hotel room some things were falling into place. Nova's cryptic warnings were finally making more sense now, especially when it came to why she acted the way she did.

This had to be played smart. Was he left alive to perhaps warn Nova? If she did anything out of the ordinary, that would tip Dev and his crew off, considering if he had already knew that Brehnic had been to the island. First things first. After gaining access his personal blackberry, he contacted the Outlaws back in the States.

"Yeah, I need you to reroute a call for me, and scramble it." Luckily Brehnic had disbanded the Rogues Gallery several months ago, but had recently been placing calls to create another group after being shot by Pistol Pete Keyes. That would continue to remain behind the scenes. He'd warn Nova, then play it per the norm. The house keeper would get a nice tip for having to clean up the extra mess. Next, his flight would be double checked, and he'd be out of Morocco and back in the states by mid day, tomorrow.

Room service would have a most unusual request as well in obtaining a cane for him, but the offered money for such a task silenced any questions, and was passed off as another American being ... Well, American. The beeping on his blackberry told him the call had went through ...

Pausing long enough to down about a half a bottle of Advil ... The call sounded like there was some serious feedback coming through the line, which meant that his call was couldn't be tapped into nor would it be traced back to him. One of the perks of being a Master Thief. "Nova. Ye be havin' trouble headed yer way. Some Immortal named Dev. Made o' comment about me havin' th' bad luck o' knowing th' three o' ye."

It was brief and to the point. Once he was done, he pulled the chip out from the phone, placing it into the microwave, setting it to cook for sixty seconds. There was a knock at the door, and management was as good as their world. Even with the shops/stores still closed, they were able to locate a cane. He actually liked the style of it too. There wasn't much to pack, so it was all about letting his body heal up enough to travel ...

"Fuck ... Niklas."

In all the excitement, he had forgotten about the girl. Hopefully she had thought about accepting the job offer, or he was going to have to think of another way to keep an eye out, without coming off as some dreadlock wearing, heavily accented stalker. Okay, so there?would be?a slight detour before leaving in the morning ...

And he was actually feeling better after all that ... (m) "I be damned." He healed quicker than he expected to.

Still, he liked the cane. "Hmmmmm...."

[Brehnic Kohnar]

In the middle of her packing, there's a knocking at her door.

Niks blinked, rather sure she didn't order any room service.? A quick yank on of a robe - she wasn't exactly naked, but she wasn't decent - and she walked slowly to the door, wondering why anyone would be knocking on her door.? She opened the door a little, leaving the chain on the door.

"Yes?"

"Room service." It was Brehnic and that winning grin of his ... "Mornin' Niklas. I catch ye at a bad time?" From what she could see through the space of the door, he was dressed like he was preparing leave, trenchcoat and all.

"Not exactly.? Just wasn't expecting to see anyone this early."? Early was accented by a small yawn.? She nudged the door closed only to open it again, this time without the chain. "Come in."

It probably wasn't a great idea, but Niks really wasn't in the mood to get dressed just to talk to someone.? The robe was a little bit so it looked more? like a dress on her petite form, and it was developing a habit of dipping off one shoulder to show the nude colored bra strap beneath.

"Time to leave, mm?"

"Fraid so. Was on me way to the airport, an' stopped here on th' way t'be seein' if ye' thought about wha' we talked about. Not to be rushin' ye, but tha' position won' be available fo'ever."

Stepping inside her room, Brehnic had a noticeable limp, and was walking with a cane.

"Sprained something on the dance floor?"? Niks looked back over her shoulder at him, brow raised.? "Wouldn't be surprised.? Then again, who knows what import/export types do on their free time."

She had noticed the cane; her attention currently though was on stuffing clothes into various pockets.? She paused for a moment as if to consider his words.

"Nothing lasts forever."

"So is tha' a no? Ye fine wit' arguin' wit' those in yer conference, an' tryin' to pay off those student loans?"

It was time to play the logic card at this point. He knew she wasn't too happy with the whole conference thing, and maybe he could nudge her just enough ...

Her eyes lifted slowly, narrowing slightly as she looked at him.? Niks hadn't given him a yea or a nay, just stated a fact.

"That was a 'nothing lasts forever'.? Didn't think you'd be forcing my hand this quickly.? Thought maybe I'd get back, see what's goin' on at home, then give you a call."? She kept working on her things.

That grin would remain, however those wheels were turning ... "Ye right, an' I apologize, Niklas. Yer nae some business contract I be tryin' to collect over a power lunch. Old habits be hard t'break sometime, yanno?"

Making his way over to a near by chair, almost cringing as he sat down.

"I pride meself on employin' th' best, an' I didn't wan' to hav' ye slip through me fingers. Cannae blame me fer tryin'."

"Mm.? Ever see someone punch a car salesman for not backing away?"? Niks turned a little to watch him, wincing a little as he cringed.? Something was definitely not good there.? "Do you need something for the pain?"

Yeah, she switched gears there, but she wasn't going to just let him sit there in pain if she could help it.? The robe had slipped a little another way after she tried to fix it, now it rested off her shoulders.?

"Jus' time. I should be off me feet, but ye be worth th' effort. If you buy tha'. An' unless ye be tryin' to grab me attention, better be adjustin' yerself, before ye be havin' a Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction moment, nae tha' I'm? enjoyin' de show."

Nodding in her general direction, at the exposed shoulders, with a flash of pearly whites.

Niks blinked, her mind rushing to what he might have meant.? Pop culture references weren't exactly lost on her just sometimes she got lost else where.? Then it hit her, and her eyes dropped to see where her robe was going.

"Dammit.? And not exactly meanin' to give you a show, thank you very much."? She hmphed softly, grabbing a pair of jeans and a tee.? With her set outfit in hand, she slipped into the bathroom, nudging the door so that she could talk but didn't' have to worry too much about being seen.

"So, what did happen to you?"

"I was shot." Hell, he could actually be honest this time ... To a point. "Be guessin' tha'? those buggers tha' tried to rob ye had friends. And de show was well appreciated. Be puttin' an' keepin' a smile on me face!!"?

Niks stepped out of the bathroom, decent for the most part.? Her shirt was a little short and tight - it was her traveling shirt.? It was all too thin and comfy to be worn regularly anymore.? See, she even yanked on a light sweater over it.

"Okay, what's slightly more disturbing?? The fact that I'm not surprised you were shot, or the fact that I'm more concerned about the use of 'ye' instead of 'me' in your ..."? Pause while she processed. "Oh!? Yeah.? I don't think they'd be connected, do you?"

"Dunno, but it sort o' be makin' a little sense. Maybe de be thinkin' easy Amercian? Who kno's?"

Glancing down at his watch, Brehnic took a deep breath before cringing once again as he slowly rose to his feet. "Nnnngh!! Pft. Ye be havin' de card, so be callin' me either way, k?" It wasn't an act that he did *not* like being hurt, and it was showing on his face.

"As much was I be enjoyin' de show, me plane be waitin'. Jus' make sure ye be takin' care o' yerself when ye be leavin' de hotel, uh?"

"I'm sure I'll be fine.? And yes, I've got the card.? Question is, will you be okay to travel on your own?? Or have you got someone lookin' after ya?"? Niks had taken a few steps to help him, but she wasn't sure he'd want it.

"See, dis be why ye be havin' my respect. I could bait ye into helpin' me back to th' states, an' rope ye in dere." Steadying himself with the cane, he offered her a slight bow. "Dey be waitin' on me back in de states. I don' be thinkin' dat dey be tryin' twice, uh? Nae unless
ye be wantin' to assist me, an' be flyin' first class back?" Tryin' his best to look somewhat pitiful right then.

"As much as I'd like first class flyin', I don't think I should take advantage.? I'll call you once I'm back.? I have some personal matters to handle, and then I'll be available for work.? Of course, I will need moving expenses and such."? Niks glanced over at him.? That was a 'yes' if he was paying attention.

"I did promise to do a quick article about the con, and there's this last day.? And, don't get shot for a bit, okay?? This must not have been too bad, seeing as the doctors are letting you fly.? You did see a doctor right?"

"No, I jus' went out an' bought meself a cane." Shooting her a look. "Wha' ever ye be needin' Niklas. ye be part o' de family, an' we be takin' care o' our own. Lookin' forward t'be seein' ye soon." Now making his way towards the door ....
"I won' be keepin' ye from ye packin' den."


Niks followed quickly, opening the door for him.? She leaned against it a little as he passed by.

"You will be okay, right?"? She definitely looked concerned as she looked up at him.? Her head tilted toward the door's side.? Yeah, she was going to make a very threatening Immortal indeed.

"Ye jus' be lookin' after yeself, Niklas, an' I be seeing ye back in da states soon, uh?" Letting himself out, he'd offer one more grin before making it to the elevator. Once inside it, that grin became more of a smirk. (m) "Be seeing you soon, Niklas." Once in the lobby, a subtle nod given to no one on particular, as he took his leave.

She was in safe hands.