THE YOU'RE IN MY HEART SERIES YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT by JoLayne and Susan Part One ~~~~~ 1912 Methos finished his walk down memory lane with, "And he's been my aide ever since. He insists on calling himself my valet, but he's really my friend and confidante." "He really hasn't changed a bit since 1900, even though he's old in mortal years. You did the right thing leaving that trollop." Amanda was pleased when he giggled along with her about the memory of Methos' ex-wife. "Thanks for telling me, Methos," Amanda said, kissing him, thankful that Methos was so different now than the last time she had seen him, in fact, different than she had ever seen him. "How could I not?" He pecked her on the cheek and slapped her butt. "My legs are falling asleep. Up." She got to her feet. "Ok, I guess I can just go shopping. I have a lot to buy before we set sail." "A wedding dress?" Methos smiled as he stood, thrusting his hands in his pockets. Amanda looked at him in surprise after lifting her purse from the floor by the door. "Oh, that too." "That too? What else do you need to buy?" She smiled as she sauntered back to him. He couldn't decide if it was a truthful smile, or a smile that would make him forget to wonder if it was a truthful smile. She tapped his nose with her finger and said, "I must buy you a wedding present, and traveling clothes." "I have plenty of clothes." "Clothes for me, silly." "I am not silly." "I need clothes." "Sure, I enjoy taking them off of you." Methos reached out to grab her collar, sliding it over her shoulder. Amanda pouted. "Methos, you know I'd love nothing better, but..." Methos nuzzled her close, then groaned. "Go shopping. You need money?" "Of course not," she said. "I couldn't be happier, Me-" she whispered, just as Herbert reentered the room. "Roger." "Very good, luv," he whispered back and slapped her on the butt once again. He laughed when he saw Herbert's expression of surprise at such a display. Amanda turned to Herbert and asked, "Herbert? Do you have any nice suits for traveling?" "I have one," Herbert happily pointed out. "Roger purchased it for me last summer." "Well, you need another. Come with me, we'll find you something appropriate." "But, we have plans, Herbie and I," Methos protested.  "Okay." Amanda looked Herbert up and down, put her hands on each side of his shoulders to measure. "You're around Roger's size, aren't you, just a little shorter. I'll pick something up for you." She faced Methos to ask, "What are your plans?" Methos shrugged. "This and that." "No use being specific, luv. I'll see you later at the Earl's. I also have to find someone to look after those mutts until he returns from India." She sighed. "It was such easy money taking care of them until the first of May, but it's not every day a gal gets married." And only God knew just how much money she was marrying. With that, Amanda was gone, having cast a fabulous grin and flirting thrust of her shoulder to make sure that Methos would start to miss her as soon as she was gone. And he did... damn her. "What is it we need to do?" Herbert asked. "You have to talk me out of this, Herb. I must have lost my mind to propose. This all started because I only wanted to get her to loosen up to confide something in me, pretty soon I'm thinking I can't live without her. What she does to me..." Methos solemnly said. "Are you sure that is the only reason?" Herbert's knowing smile teased Methos. "I see you with her and talking about her, and you are different, more relaxed than I have ever seen you with any woman. She makes you happy, as you do her. She is a much more pleasant woman than Monique." "Never mind. Blast it all, I do love her." "Then do not let her slip away, Roger," Herbert said. The look on Herbert's face reminded Methos of the expression he carried for years after Marcia's passing. Methos slowly nodded. He needed Amanda in his life to make it complete, and now was as good a time as any to do just that. "I know that you look the age of a son to me, and you are older than me, but I have lived a life. I know that you should not turn away from happiness." Methos patted the older looking man's back. "You're pretty smart for a kid." "Besides, I think it is time for an ale. I'm finally developing a taste for it after all these years hanging around you." ~~~~~ THE EARL'S MANSION Methos arrived precisely at seven, dressed for dinner, hoping that Amanda had arranged for a feast. He was famished, not only for food, but for her. After talking with Herbert at the pub all afternoon, Methos was solidly behind the idea of his ring on Amanda's finger, her in his life, ‘til death due them part. Amanda opened the door wearing only the apron he had hastily donned to protect his privates from an old ogling woman that morning. It seemed like a lifetime ago, and Methos swept into the room, kicked the door closed behind him, grabbed his fiancé and made tracks to the marble staircase with Amanda giggling all the while. He chose to ignore the fact that the doorbell rang, as he was half way up the stairs and there wasn't a stray pooch anywhere in the vicinity. "I should get that," Amanda said, irritated. "They'll go away if we choose to ignore them." "But, I'm supposed to be taking care of things. It can't take long." Methos stood at the top of the steps with Amanda in his arms. He put her down, knowing that if he didn't, he'd never hear the end of it. "Where's the bedroom? I'll shed clothes and you don't dawdle." Amanda kissed him and snuggled up close. "I need only one thing." "What is that, my love?" "Your coat, unless you'd like me give whoever it is a show." He shed his coat and wrapped it around her, noting her toned back before it was covered, then walked backward into the bedroom she had indicated to watch her waltz down the stairs. When he entered it, he smiled. It was perfect. Amanda knew how to set a mood. The fire was roaring, a bottle of wine was chilling, oysters were set on silver plates on a tray atop the turned-down bed, and soft music was emitting from the Victrola in the corner. Just as Methos lost his shirt, letting it fall to the floor, he heard Amanda shriek downstairs. He hadn't felt an immortal presence, what could be the matter? He rushed to the top of the steps to see her dancing around the foyer with a paper in her hands. "What in the devil is the matter?" "You'll never believe it, Methos!" Amanda bounded up the steps and jumped into his arms, happy as can be. "I was going to try and get on the Titanic, but it isn't going to sail until the twelfth, and I wanted to get you on a ship before you changed your mind, so I booked us on the Oceanic, but there's a coal strike! Is that not wonderful?!" "What?" She thrust the paper in his face, and he took it. "A messenger just delivered this. I'll bet those tickets are hard to come by." The letter was from the White Star Line apologizing for any inconvenience, but due to the coal strike, all passengers booked on White Star ships were to be transferred to the maiden voyage of the ‘premiere ship at sea' Mail Steamer RMS Titanic. They, of course, would receive the utmost in luxury while on board. Two suites were reserved for their use, just as they would have on the Oceanic. "It takes that much coal to get that monstrosity across the ocean?" Amanda was already trying to picture what lap of luxury they would be enjoying in just a couple of weeks. The price of sailing on the Titanic was so high, the travel agent had told Amanda that first class was only sold to 42 percent capacity. Suddenly, Methos grabbed her arm and made her look at him. "I'm not getting on that ship," he stated unequivocally. "What? Why not? It's the maiden voyage. It's the best ticket in town, in the world!" Amanda argued. "No," was all Methos said, before he sauntered away from her.  She never liked how Methos could close off a conversation just because he wished it, and there was no reason to have such an aversion to sailing on the jewel of the White Star Line. Just hating to sail couldn't be the answer. She walked into the bedroom to see him putting on his shoes. "What in the hell do you think you're doing?" He stood up and took his coat from her body and put it on. "I'm going to the White Star Line office right now to change ships." "Why?" "Because, it will probably sink. Why push fate?" "Excuse me?" Amanda asked, filled with awe. "It's an ‘unsinkable' ship. What in the hell are you talking about?" "I read a book not too long ago," Methos put on his coat. "When I heard about the building of this ship, I... have a bad feeling about it. I've lived long enough to have bad feelings, and I'm not sailing on her." "What book? You're talking nonsense." "It is titled, ‘Futility' by Morgan Robinson. You should read a little more, Amanda." "A novel? You're going to ruin our wedding because of a novel?" "More than likely a prophetic novel. It's happened before, fiction becomes the truth. The truth is stranger than fiction, hadn't you heard?" He was almost out the door with that blasted determined look on his face, when Amanda took his hand to stop him. "Methos. Do you realize how silly you sound?" "I am never silly. Amanda, they're pushing fate. In the contest of man against nature, nature will win each and every time." "It's just a book!" "The book is about a ship by the name of Titan. It is the latest in technology, the upmost of luxury, and the largest vessel at sea. Sound familiar?" "Yeah, so, what happened in this BOOK?" "The Titan, an unsinkable ship, hits an iceberg and sinks in the middle of the Atlantic. Thousands of lives are lost. Nature - 1, Man and Machine - 0." Amanda folded her arms under her breasts and flopped down on the settee in front of the roaring fire. "You're just looking for a reason to not marry me. I knew you would. I told you that if you decided it was a joke, I'd kill you. Well, instead, I'll just let you walk out the door." "I want to marry you, Amanda. If I didn't, I wouldn't have purchased that ring, went through all the trouble of packaging it up, finding you, hoping you weren't actually in love with that Earl, you actress you, and got down on my knee. I want to marry you; I just don't want to drown." "It's not like you wouldn't revive." "If I'm on the bottom of the Atlantic, chances are quite slim that I'd revive." "It's a book. It isn't real," Amanda spat. "Just who is this Morgan person anyway? And why should he ruin my wedding?" Methos shut his eyes and smiled.  "You just have to face the fact that you're scared of the water, my love. Don't worry, I won't make fun of you, but I've made plans. We will marry on the Titanic, or we will not get married at all. I will not back down and you cannot make me. I've been waiting for this for too many years for your fear to come between-" He stopped her to say, "There's nothing I can say to change your mind, is there?" "Not if you really intend on marrying me," Amanda's chin thrust out in determination. "I am serious, Methos." "All right, but I swear to the gods if this turns out badly-" Methos began. "What could possibly go wrong?" Amanda trilled as she danced around the bed. "Now, take off your coat and stay a while. Besides, just think, we'll be on a more elegant ship for the same price as the Oceanic. Don't tell me that doesn't thrill your little cheapskate heart." "I'm not cheap, I'm frugal." "Keep telling yourself that," Amanda danced nearer to him. "Are we staying in for dinner or going out?" "Doesn't make a bit of difference to me," he shrugged. "Although it would be nice to spend some alone time with you before we get on the bloody boat." "It's a ship, darling," Amanda rubbed her hands casually along the lapels of his jacket. "Now, I thought I asked you to take your coat off." Methos let her hands remove his coat and then his shirt. "So, I am to assume dinner is in tonight?" "Bright boy." "I try." Methos growled when her hand tugged at his waistband. "Don't start something you don't plan on finishing." Amanda flashed him a feral grin. "Oh, I fully intend on finishing this." The fireplace blazing merrily wasn't solely responsible for the heat being generated in Amanda's bedroom. Amanda took an aggressive stance in her seduction of her fiancé. She stripped his clothes and pushed him onto the bed. He lay back and enjoyed the skills that Amanda had honed over the years. As infuriating as she could be, he'd be hard pressed to name another woman who had held his attention for as long as she did. His thoughts were interrupted by the insistent tug of Amanda's teeth on his earlobe. He turned his head to the side, so she had better access to his neck. Early on, Amanda had discovered what kissing the sensitive area roused in Methos. He nearly purred when her lips and tongue teased along the now warm skin of his neck. "What's gotten into you?" Methos' reply was husky with passion. "Maybe you making me an honest woman is an aphrodisiac." Amanda straddled his waist. "Or maybe I'm trying to make it up to you for going along with the cruise." She leaned down and kissed him soundly. "Or maybe I just can't get enough of you." Methos let her take the lead in their lovemaking. An aggressive woman threatened some men, but Methos found it very gratifying. He detested a mealy mouthed mouse of a woman. He saw Amanda as an equal. She could hold her own in any situation and that's what he loved about her. That and the delightfully wicked things she was doing to his body. Amanda stopped her seduction when she heard him chuckle. "What's so amusing?" Methos rolled over onto her. "If I'd known making a honest woman out of you would warrant this, I'd have asked you to marry me ages ago." ~~~~~~ SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 1912 Amanda couldn't have been more excited to be on board the most luxurious, and famous, ship on water, the Mail Steamer RMS Titanic, especially after checking out her and Methos' adjoining suites on B Deck. Amanda had a stateroom, complete with private patio filled with plants and small trees, and a smaller attached room that held a bed for a servant, which Lillian thought had the softest bed she'd ever had the privilege to sit on. Amanda had told her, "Just wait til you sleep on it, honey." The rich, teak paneling and furniture of the suite had at first looked awfully masculine, but the pastel, plush fabrics did much to bring a little femininity to the environment. A washbasin and toiletries, a table and chairs for private meals, bureaus and armoires to fill with personal items and clothes so they wouldn't get wrinkled sitting in trunks during the entire voyage furnished the room. Lillian was ready to go right to work on putting her clothes away, but Amanda took the old woman with her to watch as the gigantic ship left its last port of call on the isle of Great Britain. They passed the door of Methos' next door suite, and spotted Methos leisurely laying crosswise on the main bed in the front room. Amanda walked in and said, "So, this is going to be a terrible journey, isn't it, big boy?" "I must admit, this is not how I crossed the pond in years past," Methos said with a smile, taking her hand and pulling her on top of him. "Hey, hey, we have to be careful." Amanda quickly sat up and saw Herbert standing shocked in the doorway to his room. "Careful of what?" Methos saw Herbert, and shrugged. "Herbie, this is the woman I love, and have loved her, if you get my drift, and will be loving her on board. So get used to it." "I have no say in the matter at all?" Amanda did not like it when Methos talked like she wasn't even in the room. "Not really," Methos teased, nuzzling her shoulder with his chin.  She told him, "These are close confines, Roger. Our usual style may not be kosher in front of all the people on board." "Or me," Lillian said, verbally making her presence known. "It's disgraceful." "Hey, lady, you're getting a free ride, be quiet," Methos cut her off. A loud horn blared. Amanda stood up and took Methos' hand. "Come on, or we'll miss it." "Miss what?" Methos asked, being lead to the hall. "Come on, Herbert, Lillian, we're setting sail. I want to see this," Amanda said. "It's cold out there," Methos argued, wanting to stay inside. "Grab a coat, or just stay here, I'm going to the rail." ~~~~~ On the deck of the ship, Methos put his arm around the mink coated Amanda as they waved along with everyone else lined up along the rail to bid farewell to virtual strangers. Methos leaned close to Amanda's ear so she could hear him over the roar of the crowd and blowing of the horn, "So, why are we waving?" "Because we're on board and they aren't?" Amanda said, laughing.  They had a clear view of the entire harbor from their perch at the rail toward the stern of the ship. When the Titanic slowly pulled out of its berth, a loud cry of well wishers rose above the din of the ship itself. Methos didn't look at the crowd, but at a smaller ship, the New York, anchored not too far away. The pull of the waves of the Titanic's departure made the ropes holding the New York strain, then a loud snap sounded. The people on board the New York waving to people on the Titanic cowered from the sound. The wake of the Titanic pulled the New York out into the channel, directly into the larger ship's path. Officers at various points on deck started to scramble and yell orders into devices Methos assumed were connected to the bridge. Methos held tightly onto the rail, with Amanda between his arms, yelled above the cacophony of the ship, "They'd better reverse or we're going to collide with that ship!" They all tensely watched, Herbert protecting Lillian, as the Titanic slowly reversed. The wake created by the massive ship stopped the New York's approach. Tugboats were able to hook onto the other ship to stabilize it as the Titanic slowly passed by, narrowly escaping a collision. It wasn't until the Titanic was sailing in the open sea that Methos finally exhaled. Amanda looked up at him and said, "Well, that was exciting."  "Is it too late to get off?" Methos asked matter of fact. "Oh, come on," Amanda tisked. "That was a close call, I'll admit, but I'm sure that's the one bad thing that's going to happen the entire voyage." "Are you sure about that?" Methos was unable to get the thought of Futility out of his head. "It's been christened. No more bad luck." Amanda spun around in his arms and kissed him, then unclenched his hands from the rail. She couldn't help but notice that his knuckles were white. "My goodness, your hands are like ice. Let's go get a drink and warm up, then explore the ship." Amanda's words didn't bring him any sense of comfort. His gut told him something just wasn't right about this ship. Too many of his gut reactions had saved his neck during his life, so he'd grown accustomed to following them. Many had called him paranoid, but he was still alive and well while some of them had lost their heads. He had an urge to jump over the rail and swim back to shore; he had told Amanda countless times since this cruise had been proposed that he hated deep bodies of water. His dark thoughts were brought to an end by the happy laughter of his traveling companion. "Come on, Roger. There's so much to see." One look at her smiling face and he knew that if he kept insisting that this was a mistake, she'd make good on her promise to kill him. Well, he was pretty sure she wouldn't actually kill him, but by the gods, he was certain she'd make his life a living hell. With her life expectancy, it was a future he had no desire to live. "Amanda, a drink is not the only thing I had in mind," Methos whispered into her ear, "We need to unpack; I want to see all the lovely things you spent my money on." "Pardon me, but I used my money, thank you very much." Amanda flounced out of his grasp. "A gentleman wouldn't be so crass and say that." "How many times must I remind you, my dear, that I am no gentleman?" His smile crinkled his eyes. "Now fess up, Amanda, my accountant forwarded your shopping bills to me. He was afraid a thief was besmirching my good name. I told him that you were my future wife, in spite of your previous occupation." Amanda smiled sweetly. "All right, I'm having a little cash flow problem." Her hands ran up the lapels of his cashmere overcoat. "I'm about to become your wife, after all." "I thought the Earl was paying you to play nanny to his furry children." His amusement continued to grow as Amanda tried to explain herself out of her current predicament. "Surely, you've not come into this marriage as poor as a church mouse?" "Let's just say a few of my recent investments have gone south, all right?" Amanda didn't meet his curious stare. "I swear I'll pay you every pound I owe you." "No need to swear, Amanda, I don't begrudge you the finer things in life." Amanda breathed a sigh of relief when he kissed the top of her head. "Just don't lie to me about it." The bustling and noise of the other passengers moving along the passageway prodded Methos and Amanda along with Herbert and Lillian to seek out the refuge of their suites. Assuming the lead, Amanda directed Herbert and Lillian in the unpacking and putting away of her and Methos' clothes in the armoires in each of their rooms. While Amanda supervised their work, Methos made himself comfortable in the oversized leather chair that dominated one corner of his suite. His fingers worked to loosen the tie around his neck. Amanda insisted he wear the damn thing. In fact, she and Herbert had done all of his packing for him. She had informed him that formal attire was necessary while they were aboard the Titanic. He had grumbled and protested. She had stood firm, reminding him that he wouldn't blend in dressed like a shopkeeper. "I thought we were going to have a drink," Methos called to her.  "No one is stopping you," Amanda's muffled voice answered from deep within the suite. "I'm busy in here." Methos shrugged his shoulders. If she wanted to do the manual labor, he wasn't about to object. Rising from his chair, he sauntered over to the fully stocked liquor cabinet and poured himself a healthy draught of whiskey. The fiery liquid warmed him from the inside out, banishing any of the chill from their visit to the rail. After he finished his drink, he poured another and took it back to his chair. He rested his booted feet on the footstool while he patiently waited for Amanda to finish her labors. Life around Amanda always managed to tire him out. He let his head fall back against the padded chair and closed his eyes. The high back of the chair proved to be the perfect resting place for his head. He sighed as he listened to faint sounds of the ship. As large as the ship was, he had to concentrate to feel its movement. Amanda was right, it was a grand ship, if only he could silence the nagging sense of dread he'd felt since he had heard the name Titanic. He shifted to a more comfortable position and dozed off. "Wake up, darling," Amanda pounced onto his lap startling him out of his slumber. "I'm ready to go exploring." Methos jerked awake when her weight settled onto his lap. "Gods, Amanda, could you give a guy a little warning?" Amanda snaked her arms around his neck. "What's the matter, Rog? Did I scare you?" "No, you just startled me," Methos grumbled. "You finished?" "All done, just like I said." Amanda stood up and tugged on his hand. "Let's go see the ship." "If you insist," Methos allowed himself to be pulled from his comfortable chair. ~~~~~ Their tour of the ship consisted of B Deck, walking down the Grand Staircase where Methos checked the time of his pocket watch against the showpiece, Honor and Glory Crowning Time. The large timepiece was surrounded by two maidens sculpted in wood. To Methos' estimation, craftsmanship such as that belonged in a museum, not a boat. He looked up at the glassed dome, and mused to Amanda about the cost of building the ship. "It's a million dollar baby, Roger, the pride of the White Star Line."  He chuckled as he looked at her, dressed in a fashionable gown, the mink having been left behind in the suite. "Are you getting an advertising fee from White Star or something?" "Do you always have to be so pessimistic?" "Moi? Surely you jest." Methos took her hand and set it at his elbow as he escorted her down the stairs. "Just look at it all, Roger," Amanda said in awe. "You can just smell the money." His absent reply of "Uh hum..." didn't make Amanda anymore patient with him. "Look, I'm going to get a drink. Are you coming?" "Drink?" Methos' ears perked up. "I'm sure there are places we can get a refreshment. There's the Parisian Café," she pointed to her left when they reached the bottom of the steps. "There's a Lounge around here somewhere, a Smoking Room. I'm sure we won't be thirsty." "Do you think they'll have beer?" "I'd think they'd have yak milk if you asked for it. I've been told there are three full time chefs and there are more supplies on board than any five hotels in London, all put together." As they scanned the people in their elegant frocks and suits, in the middle of the day, dripping with jewelry and hair perfectly coiffed, they realized they weren't standing on familiar ground. Methos huffed, "I abhor wearing wealth on your sleeve." "Some have more wealth than others." Amanda took the time to smile at all who passed them, and bowed her head as if she knew them personally, which made them all wonder about where they had met her before. Amanda was in her element. Her favorite pastime had always been fitting into her surroundings, as if she belonged there, because sooner or later, she did. The rock on her finger didn't hurt her situation, and she noticed that all had noticed it, and received the appropriate response of a raised eyebrow or prolonged stare wondering if it was real. Then they would come to the correct conclusion that it was indeed real, and getting another nod of acceptance, Amanda beamed even brighter. Methos, on the other hand, wore a dour look on his face that made people look past him, or scowl at their walking companion. She nudged him. "Can you at least pretend that you're happy to be on board?" "Okay, fine." Methos put on a plastic smile, and nodded to people who walked by. He asked out the side of his mouth, "Like so?" "Stop it. You look like an idiot." "I feel like it." His eyes scanned the perimeter for one of those places to get a beer, and didn't think the Parisian Café would be the best choice. As the doors opened when people entered it though, he saw lots of palm trees and wicker furniture. Not his favorite surroundings. He took Amanda's hand again to lead her to the purser's office to get a map of the place like the one that had been in his suite earlier. He hadn't imagined the ship would be so huge that he would forget where everything was. Just then, Amanda yanked her hand away. Oh, oh. Now what? "Yes, my love," he sweetly asked. "Can you at least pretend that you're happy to be marrying me in a few days?" "Now where in the world did you get that idea? Why do you insist on beating a dead horse, Amanda? I've told you already, I want to marry you." She stood stone faced and serious. Not a good sign once again. "Amanda, I adore you. I'd like to get married right now, but we can't. Captain Smith has duties to perform and has given us the time of Saturday at 3 pm. I am counting down the minutes." "You can get off at Queenstown if you really want to," she said, pouting. "I'm giving you an out." "But I don't want an out." He decided that he should be completely honest with her, a trick he wasn't used to doing. After a deep sigh, Methos said, "Okay. An out would be lovely, but just about sailing. You know how I hate the water. I read a book and can't get that out of my mind, but as I can see now, this is no ordinary ship. I grant you that. I did think about making a quick getaway when we dock in Ireland for more passengers and cargo-" Amanda let out a huff, and turned away from him. He continued, "But not alone. I wouldn't leave you behind. I was just going to try and talk you out of this. I'd never leave without you. You're going to be my wife." That softened Amanda's resolve a bit, and he turned her back to him and kissed her, just hard enough to show her he was serious, but light enough to make sure they didn't cause a scene. When he got her to smile, he said, "Nothing good ever comes from tempting nature. Man against nature. Machine against nature... I get chills thinking about it." "Work the chills out, or better yet," Amanda said, leaning in to whisper to him, "I can warm you up." For the first time since leaving his suite, Methos freely smiled. "So, should we stay or should we go?" Just then there was a tap on Methos' shoulder; the steward from B Deck needed his attention. "Yes?" Methos asked, not a little let down that he was interrupted when he thought he could warm Amanda to the idea of marrying in Ireland. "Sir, I've been looking all over for you." The steward, who had introduced himself as Andrew just after they boarded, and would be at Methos' service for the cruise, nodded to Amanda and waited for permission to continue. "What is it, Andrew?" "Mr. Sothem, I came to inform you that your reservation for the Turkish Bath has been authorized." Seeing Methos' resolve soften a bit, Amanda prodded the steward, "Will there be a masseuse available?" "Of course, ma'am," Andrew replied. "Services are available for you as well, ma'am." "A Turkish Bath?" was all Methos could say, suddenly thinking all might be well after all. "Yes." "Masseuse?" "Yes." "Let me ask you this, Andrew," Methos asked, putting his hand on the steward's shoulder and leading him a bit away from Amanda. "Will there be beer served while I ... soak?" "If you wish. All you have to do is ask. It is my job to make sure all you desire during the voyage is yours, sir." "Well," Methos said as he smiled wider. "I think you have a deal, Andrew. I will be right down." Andrew bowed and said, "Yes, sir," but didn't move.  "I can find my own way," Methos waited until the steward left before taking Amanda's hand and kissing it. She asked, "So, you're not getting off?" "No, I don't think so." "It was the masseuse, wasn't it? That's what made you stay." "Actually, it was the beer. But the masseuse helped." Amanda laughed. "You know, I could be jealous. A young sinewy thing putting her hands all over you as you sip a beer." Methos liked that vision. "Yes, you could." "But I'm not. While you are doing that, I will be getting my own rubdown by a big burly man with lots of muscles and expert hands." Methos led her to a private corner near the elevator. His smile didn't leave, knowing that he didn't have anything to worry about, just as Amanda didn't. "Tell you what. The sinewy woman and the muscle-headed man can warm us up, then we'll meet later in your suite and ignite the fire." "What about Lillian?" "I'll have Herbert escort her to dinner." "What if they come back before we're... done fanning the fire?" "I'll work out a signal with Herbert so we won't be rudely interrupted." Methos' voice was so soft and low. "You think of everything." "Yes, I do, but am looking forward to not thinking about anything. Just being." He could already taste the beer and Amanda. He could already feel the massage and Amanda. It was a joy to be alive!, was all he could think as he kissed her, but not too deeply as there were onlookers. He could feel them looking in their direction as they exited the elevator that had just arrived. Amanda, on the other hand, must not have cared in the least as she gathered him in. Just as he was getting into the swing of things and letting his code of being covert go out the window, she pulled back and said, "Till later." He watched her turn with a seductive turn of her hip, and saunter away, all the while looking back over her shoulder at him. Methos folded his arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall as he watched her walk away. He became aware of a man standing next to him. He was Methos' height, wore slicked back dark hair and a sharp Italian suit. The man nudged him as his eyes also trailed Amanda. "You're a lucky man," he said. "Don't I know it," Methos replied, having to agree. The man extended his hand. "Hello. I'm Cal Hockley. It is a pleasure to meet you." Methos simmered inside at the pompous, overreaching scoundrel. After 5000 years, he could spot a man reaching for higher position a kilometer away. The guy probably inherited every shilling he had. American no less... Although, Hockley did zero in on him. Methos knew that he was keeping his wealth under wraps, and had seen the man bypass many well heeled power brokers to introduce himself. Yet, Methos looked at Hockley's hand and said, "Yes. I would imagine it would be," and walked away. Cal was taken aback the man's total disregard. No one had ever dared to be so insolent; the man hadn't even returned his introduction. Another steward happened by and Cal stopped him and pointed. "Did you see the man that just walked by?" The steward turned to look in the direction Cal was pointing to. "That is Mr. Roger Sothem, sir." "Thank you," Cal pressed some coins into the steward's hand.  "Will you be needing anything else, sir?" Cal shook his head and stalked down the hallway to his suite. Roger Sothem. He'd do a little checking on this man. Impertinence was something he would not tolerate from anyone. ~~~~~ Amanda paced Methos' suite in her silk dressing robe. She had been back from her massage, sauna and beauty salon appointment for well over an hour, yet Methos had not returned. Her afternoon of pampering had been a big disappointment; instead of a big, hunky guy to massage her it had been a dour, bulky Swedish woman. The dinner hour was fast approaching and still no Methos. It had been her intention to spend the time between the massage and dinner making wild abandoned love to her fiancé; however, the plan hadn't come to fruition. The glass doorknob twisted and the door swept open revealing a smiling Methos. "It's about time!" Exasperation was heavy in her words. "I've been waiting for you, if you know what I mean." She unbelted her robe and allowed it to fall in a heap around her feet. "I thought we were going to meet back here and -" Methos crossed the room in three quick strides. "And here I am." He scooped her up into his arms and headed to his attached bedroom. A loud blaring of a horn halted his progress across the room. "What in the bloody hell is that racket?" "I'm guessing that would be the dinner horn," Amanda replied. "It is almost dinner time." Methos continued on to the bed. "I guess we'll just eat dinner in our rooms tonight." "Oh, no we won't," Amanda protested. "We'll be eating in the main dining room along with everyone else." "But, I thought we were going to -"  Amanda shook her head as he sat her on her feet. "We were, but you lollygagged and now it's time to get ready." Methos opened his mouth to protest, but Amanda put her finger to his lips. "I spent a ton of your money on beautiful dresses to wear on this voyage and damn it, I want to be seen wearing them." "You won't find a more appreciative audience than me," Methos grinned. "Although, I prefer you out of the dresses even more." Amanda enjoyed knowing how much he was attracted to her. Heaven knew it was a two way street, but she also wanted to experience all the splendor that the Titanic had to offer. "Don't get me wrong, I simply adore you, but we are going to the dining room to eat tonight. We'll make up for this when we get back, all right?" "You want to show off, don't you?" Methos quirked an eyebrow knowing full well that she did. "Amanda?" "Of course, I want to show off and I'm sure the ladies won't mind seeing you all gussied up, either." Amanda walked over to the armoire and pulled out his tuxedo. "Now, get dressed." She patted him on the bum as she strolled into her room. "Lillian! It's time to get me dressed." ~~~~~ Methos rested his arm on the mantle of the fireplace and watched the flames dance and pop. He glanced at himself in the mirror that was situated across the room. Although he'd never admit it to anyone, he didn't mind wearing the monkey suit. It felt good to get dressed up every once in a while and catching another peek at himself, he decided he didn't look too shabby. The dinner horn sounded again signaling to the ship's passengers that it was now time to descend to the opulent dining room. The door that connected their suites opened. Methos was about to make a smart-ass remark about her taking so long, when Amanda made her grand entrance. He swallowed back his comment and let his eyes linger over her for several minutes before he spoke. Amanda was very pleased to see his reaction. This was her favorite dress that she'd brought along. The dark green velvet dress had the fashionable square neckline and a small train puddled at her feet. A gauzy lighter green silk shawl edged in gold rested easily off her shoulders. Each dress she'd bought had been painstakingly chosen to elicit this kind of response from him. The shop girls had grown very impatient with her; she had tried on many dresses before she settled on the ones she finally did purchase. Now she knew the time and money had been well spent. She did a slow turn for him, so he could get the full view of her assets. "I take it you like?" "Very much," he echoed. "You look marvelous, darling." Amanda felt herself turn pink. Methos was probably the only man alive capable of making her blush. "And so do you." The black tails and white vest and shirt fit him well. His bangs had fallen over his forehead giving him a rakish quality. Maybe she should've let him persuade her into having dinner in, but decided they could have a lot of privacy later. She asked, "Are we ready?" "Almost," Methos smiled. He walked over to the safe tucked discreetly in the wall. He withdrew a slender velvet case and handed it to her. "I was going to give this to you later." She looked at him questioningly, but he just nodded. Her fingers excitedly opened the case and she gasped when she saw what lay nestled in the box. A rather long rope of pearls gleamed up at her. Each pearl perfectly matched in size and luster, but the clasp was the most beautiful thing Amanda had ever seen. It was worked in emeralds and diamonds, accented discreetly by gold. "You sure know how to surprise a girl." Amanda lifted the necklace out of the box and handed to him. She took off the gold choker she was wearing and tossed it on the mantle and turned so he could fasten the pearls around her neck. After he wound the strand so it looped around her neck four times, he turned her around so he could admire her. He adjusted the necklace so the diamond clasp nestled above her décolletage. Satisfied with its placement, he bent down and kissed the area below it, sending shivers of pleasure up Amanda's spine. He then pushed aside the ringlets of hair that tickled her neck as he nibbled. Her hand instinctively pulled him closer. "I suppose you like this," Methos whispered into her ear.  "Oh, yes," she moaned. "The necklace, too." Methos laughed huskily. It was nice to know that his kisses ranked higher than jewels. "Shall we?" he questioned as he offered her his arm. "Amanda? Dinner, remember?" Amanda shook her head almost as if to clear her mind. "Ah, yes, dinner. That's right. Of course..." She poked her head in her room. "We're ready to go to dinner now, Lillian. Are you coming?" Lillian bustled out of Amanda's suite. "It is about time, I'm starving." Methos cast a eye in the old woman's direction, and noted that her off kilter, black hat was so high with fake red roses it looked like it would make her topple over. Lord knows what her table manners were like if she couldn't even keep herself steady on those high heels. "Isn't there a Servant's Dining Room?" Methos inquired hopefully. Amanda stood at the mirror, straightening her small green velvet hat amongst her perfectly coiffed up-do that she had done at the salon after her massage from Helga. She scrunched up her nose at Methos' comment. "I hadn't thought of that. I'm sure there is. Do you know where it is, Lillian?" Before she could speak, Methos handed the woman one of the complimentary maps to the ship and took Amanda's elbow, steering her to the door. Over his shoulder, he said to Lillian, "Just wait for Herbert, Lil. I'm sure he knows exactly where he's going to get getting his grub." They were well down the hall before Amanda could get a word out. "Methos, that wasn't a very nice thing to do." "My name is Roger. Have we met?" "You're treating Lillian like she's a servant. She doesn't work for us." "She does if I'm paying for her voyage." They stood at the elevator, smiling at each other. Not because there was anything particularly funny said or done, but because they weren't used to seeing each other in such fine raiment. Amanda straightened Methos' black bow tie and gave him a quick kiss before the elevator arrived. The blond elevator operator looked like a baby to both of them, but could have been in his early twenties. It was hard after living a thousand years to gauge people's true ages, let alone five thousand. The operator scanned Amanda's dress, the low neckline, longer than Methos felt necessary. The operator cleared his throat and averted his eyes. "Where to?" "D Deck," Methos said.  Amanda was amused when Methos stood between them in a very protective manner. To have a young man gawk at her was one of her pleasures in life. Methos took Amanda's hand, and showed the platinum and diamond ring to the operator. "See this?" The operator's eyes widened when he saw it.  Methos said, "I put that on her finger." Amanda nearly burst out laughing to see a jealous Methos, but contained herself, flushed with love and excitement. Methos continued, "You know what? I forgot to put this in the safe. Could you do that favor for me?" He reached past the operator to stop the elevator when they reached C Deck. He took the ring off of Amanda's finger and handed it to the young man, much to Amanda's chagrin. After giving her a look to trust him, she remained silent. "Take this to the Purser's Office. Book it under the name of Roger Sothem, Suite 32, B Deck." As Methos opened the elevator, the young man protested, "But sir, I can't leave my post." Methos stuffed a bill in the man's uniform breast pocket, to which the man's eyes grew even wider. "Is that a 100 pound note?" Methos caught the kid's name, James Barker, from the name badge. "Yes. If that ring doesn't make it to the Purser's Office, I'll have your head, Jimmy. Now go." He shoved Barker out of the elevator, nodding politely to the two couples ready to board. "So sorry, next car please," he said as he closed the door, the grate, and started it up. Methos kept his hand on the elevator mechanism as he took a look at his fiancé again. She was scowling. "Just what in the hell are you doing? That was my ring." When he looked up to see that they were half way between C and D deck, he stopped the elevator. "What the hell are you doing?" Amanda asked with surprise. "I see you don't know how to work an elevator." "Don't be so sure." "We are between floors, luv." "I know," Methos pulled Amanda into his arms. "That puny little kiss was merely an appetizer." "I revved your engine, huh, big boy?" Amanda rubbed her hips against him and wrapped her arms around him. "We're going to go hungry, aren't we?" "You got it." She sighed deeply as Methos covered her neck with kisses. "I got all dressed up for nothing." "Not for nothing." Methos' hands ran up from the small of her back to her shoulders, then started to pull pins out of her hair. One by one the hairpins fell to the floor allowing her tresses to fall onto her shoulders, down her chest and down her back, well past her waist. "Half the fun of dressing is the anticipation of undressing." With her hair freed, Methos unbuttoned the back of her gown with lightening speed and precision of a surgeon, which he was in another life, then pulled back from her to comment, "You have entirely too many clothes on, my dear." "You should talk."  She took her hands from under the back of his jacket and unbuttoned his vest. When she had it open, she yanked at the tie. As she kissed him deeply, she could taste the beer he had been drinking all afternoon. But there was something else, the promise of uncomplicated, unexpected, intoxicating sex still to come. She broke the kiss to catch her breath, but Methos quickly covered her mouth with his. He teased her lips with his tongue. His hands still moved quickly, massaging her sides, over the corset that Lillian had struggled to get on her as tight as possible. Amanda couldn't wait to get that dress off so Methos could loosen it as she was finding it awfully hard to breath. Suddenly, Methos was caressing her bare thighs. She got an abrupt chill as she only wore the corset, a garter belt, fish net stockings and black high heels. Her gown puddled on the floor around her feet. Methos indicated his enjoyment with a low moan and simmering smile. She turned around and he thankfully pulled on her corset strings and soon she was able to take in a deep breath. He knew exactly what she needed when she needed it. Methos was a gift, a treasure. Amanda turned and yanked his tuxedo jacket off while he unbuttoned his white starched shirt. Soon, she was working on getting his pants undone. She kissed the hollow at the base of his neck as she heard and felt him take in a sharp breath. That only made her hotter. She kicked off her shoes and felt the thick, plush, forest green carpeting swish between her toes. She leaned back against the wall, hands on the gold rail on each side of her, watching Methos' pants fall to the floor. His magnificent bare chest was so dark against the white shirt due to the lighting, and because Methos had to have spent some time in the sun recently. She was going to ask where he had been to get that tan as he pulled off the shirt and let it fall to the floor, but soon lost all thoughts whatsoever when he rubbed his body against hers and let his fingers do the walking along her sides, then down her hips. One of his hands kneaded the perfect spot in the small of her back while the fingers of his other hand expertly honed in and slid inside of her. Amanda slid against the corner of the elevator, ready to faint. He kept her standing straight, against the wall, the rail at the height of her hips. She wrapped a leg around him as she pulled him into her arms, kissing his shoulder. Soon her leg was leaning against the rail as Methos slid up and into her. Amanda was certain that her moans and Methos' grunts could be heard by anyone on three decks anywhere near the elevator, but she didn't give a damn. Her body was on fire and she couldn't help herself. Her body jolted with pure pleasure with each and every movement that Methos made. Every muscle in her body tingled with excitement when she heard Methos sarcastically say above her cries of rapture, "Tell me when it feels good, Mandy," then laugh that throaty laugh that only meant he was in the midst of tremendous pleasure himself. "Okay, I will," she breathlessly responded. "Keep going... and it will... eventually." Methos pulled at her hair, then her shoulders, as he slipped out, leaving her chilled and missing him already. "I was kidding!" she lambasted him. "I know," Methos groaned as he put her on the plush carpeting and situated himself on top of her. Before Amanda could fully gather her breath, Methos was inside her again, sliding delicately in and out, his face intently watching hers. A smile was on his lips, a twinkle was in his eyes, his chest heaved in rhythm with his thrusts. She put her arm behind his head to kiss him, and somehow, in the flurry of their lovemaking, she ended up on top. As she straddled him and continued the momentum, Methos laid his arms out to the side, his head tilted back, eyes closed, biting his lower lip. She let her hands roam across his chest, fondling his nipples, and keeping him inside her. A great groan of ecstasy escaped him as he pulled his upper body up and pulled her to his chest. She wiggled her hips and wondered where that shrieking was coming from, then realized it was from her. Methos' hand went around her as they rocked together, his mouth sucking on her breast that he had released from her corset. Tension was building inside her and  she could feel his arms again tighten around her. Blood surged to her loins as she saw Methos' hand snap back, his face grew flushed, their audible breaths were in perfect unison. Methos flipped them over; the tangle of black tuxedo and green gown served as their blanket. Methos continued to rock inside of her as she wrapped her legs around him. His skin was hot, droplets of sweat covered them both. All over her body, nerve endings were jumping for joy and tension continued to twist in her gut, ready to make her explode, lose her breath all together, or her mind. Her fingers pulled furiously at his back; her manicured nails sliced into him. Her other hand pulled at his hair. Methos growled, but not from pain. His thrusts became deeper, longer, and soon the built up tension released. Her legs shuddered as her body convulsed with his. In the sudden quiet, Methos laid his head on her shoulder and let his body relax on top of her. She couldn't let him go. His hands slid up underneath her, sandwiching her perfectly between his body and the expensive fabric of their clothes. She kept her legs securely around him as he remained inside of her. The scratches on his back started to heal as she whispered, "Sorry about that." "I am immortal," he moaned. "I can handle it." "You made me do it, after all. It's all your fault," Amanda playfully slapped his shoulder. "Guilty as charged." Methos lifted his head to reveal to her a satisfied smile. They heard the muffled chattering of people near the elevator shaft still discussing what had probably happened inside. A couple of women had shrieked in shock, making Amanda blush and laugh out loud. Methos leapt to his feet, and lifted her by the hand. As Methos buttoned up her dress, he told her, "You have to face those people, you know." "This isn't the first time I've shocked society." Methos kissed her neck and wrapped his arms around her one more time. "I'm sure this won't be the last either." He pulled on his clothes and then started the elevator once again. Amanda could feel them going up. The dining room was on D Deck. She looked up at the gauge to see that they were now between B and C Deck. She stood behind Methos and laid her cheek against his shoulder. "I love you." Methos patted her hand that was on his chest. "I know." "Thank you for marrying me." "I still have yet to do that." Amanda turned him around. "I know. Why is that? Why can't Captain Smith marry us until Saturday afternoon? What is so damn important, anyway?" "Oh, I don't know...," Methos said. "He's the captain of the maiden voyage of the most famous ship on the seas with a lot of expectations; a lot of millionaires on board, not to mention the designer of the Titanic and a high ranking official of the White Star Line. I'm sure his days are full." Amanda cocked her head as she buttoned his vest. "Doesn't he know that I've wanted to marry you for a thousand years?" "Go explain it to him," Methos teased. He turned to hug her and kiss her properly once again and said, "I've always been fond of the engagement period." "Don't even think of being ‘engaged' for just a few more days," Amanda warned. The elevator automatically stopped on the Poop Deck, and Methos opened the door. He checked for anyone in the hall. Seeing that the coast was clear, he took Amanda's hand and walked her to the stairs. "May I ask why you brought us to the top floor of the ship, please? Our suites are on B Deck, the Dining Room is on D Deck..." "Everyone could only hear, and not see, who was making all that racket," Methos said. "You think ahead, darling," Amanda said surprised, but then realized that Methos had been avoiding scenes all his life. She hung onto his hand as he walked fast and tossed out, "I do like that in my man." He steered them to the stairs and started down. "Where are we going now?" Amanda had to stop and pull the strap of one of her shoes up. Methos simply said, "Dining Room. We do, after all, need to eat something after expending all that energy." ~~~~~ PRESENT DAY "Whoa!" Joe's eyes were wide in astonishment. "You're telling me you two were on the Titanic?" "Would I lie to you, Joe?" Amanda's face was all wide-eyed innocence.  Methos shoved her out of his lap and onto the chaise lounge they'd been sprawled on during Amanda's recounting of their turn of the century adventure. "You're not under oath, luv." "I had a great uncle that went down on that ship," Joe said. "Wonder if you ran into him. His name was Jack Dawson." Methos and Amanda looked at each other and shrugged. Amanda said, "There were a lot of people on that ship, Joe. Sorry." Methos rose unsteadily to his feet. "Anyone for a refill?" He had been the only one doing any drinking. Amanda had been too busy telling her story, while Joe sat in opened mouth wonder digesting all he'd been told. "Yeah, I could use one," Joe followed Methos into the kitchen. "She's not pulling my leg, is she?" "Nope, every word so far is the unadulterated truth," Methos laughed. "Of course, I'm sure she's embellished a thing or two, but all in all, it's pretty close to what happened." Joe shook his head. "This is pretty incredible, Methos. I mean, Mac told me that you said you'd never married another immortal." "About that, I did not lie," Methos rummaged through the liquor cabinet trying to find the bottle of rum he had stashed there. "Amanda and I have never married." "But -" Joe started, but he broke off when Methos held up his hand. "There's more story left to tell." The immortal found the bottle of liquor he was searching for and he sat it with a thud on the counter. "You do want to hear the rest of the story, don't you, Dawson?" "What do you think?" Sarcasm dripped off the Watcher's words. "You know I do." "Then I suggest you stretch and go to the loo or whatever," Methos grinned as he gathered up the bottle of rum and a bag of chocolate chip cookies. "We'll adjourn back on the patio when you're finished." Joe stumped off to the bathroom. "God help us all, Methos in an honest mood," he muttered under his breath. "I heard that," Methos responded loudly.  "I meant for you to," Joe called back. "Just wondered if hearing was really the first thing to go." "Ha, ha. Like I haven't heard that before." "And apparently memory isn't the first to go, either," Joe observed as he shut the bathroom door behind him. "I need to make a few phone calls and then I'll be right out," Methos heard him say before he turned his attention back to the task at hand. Methos sauntered lazily back onto the patio. Amanda looked thoughtfully up at the full moon shining brightly in the cloudless night sky. She was so lost in thought she was totally unaware she was being watched. The light breeze off the ocean lifted her hair gently off her face. The time they'd spent soaking up the sun had darkened her skin to a golden tan. He smirked when he remembered there were no tan lines to mar her skin. Days spent frolicking in the buff along a deserted cove had seen to that fact. "Amanda," his softly spoken words caught her attention. "What are you thinking about?" "Nothing, everything," she patted the cushion beside her. "We've seen a lot together, haven't we?" "I guess we have," Methos replied as he settled in beside her on the oversized lounge. "Want a drink?" He indicated the bottle he'd carried back to the patio. "No, I'm good." Amanda sighed as felt his arm slip around her.  "Want a cookie?" He held out a cookie to her. "Chocolate chip." "How can you be hungry after that big dinner you just consumed?" Amanda wrinkled her nose. "If I ate like you do I'd weigh three hundred pounds." "Well, then I'm sure we'd find a way to work it off." His foot caressed her leg. "You sure you don't want a cookie?" "Positive," Amanda assured him. She watched him chew the macadamia nut-chocolate chunk cookie like they were going out of style. "You never cease to amaze me." "How's that?" He asked between bites. "Or do I want to know?" "I don't think I can even put it into words," she answered truthfully.  Methos leaned in and kissed her. She could still taste the hint of chocolate in his kiss. Her tongue darted and tantalized along his lips. He pulled her closer never noticing his snack landed with a small thud on the stone patio floor. Amanda's hand ran up and under the thin t-shirt he wore enjoying the smoothness of his warm skin under the palm of her hand, while her other hand teased along the waistband of his button fly Levi's. "Joe will be back any minute," Methos moaned as her hand popped the first button of his jeans. A feral grin teased the corners of her mouth. Another button was sprung open revealing the top of his boxers. "I'm serious, Amanda." "So am I," she let her fingers trace along his navel. "Do you remember how plush the carpet of that elevator was?" Methos turned on his side to face her. "Yes, and how soft you were that night." "I've never been able to ride in another elevator without thinking about that."  "Imagine my surprise when I was listening to the radio one day and I heard some rock band singing about just that very thing." Methos closed his eyes when he felt the other buttons being liberated and Amanda's hand slip into his boxers and begin to massage his bum. He let her fingers work their magic and he nearly cried out when her hands slipped from his bum and tighten around his manhood. "Amanda, I swear if you don't stop that I'll tear your clothes off and ravage you right here." "You say that as if it were a bad thing." Amanda felt her heart race when she looked into his eyes and saw his passion raging there. "God, do you realize how badly I want you right now?" "I may have some idea," he moaned into her ear. "Our friend will be out here momentarily, and while I think the world of Joe, I have no desire for him to witness my making love to you, or a threesome." He emphasized his point by caressing her leg underneath the cover of her sarong. "However, if you keep these wicked little thoughts in mind, I'd be more than willing to oblige you later tonight, alright?" "All right," she said a little regretfully. She loved the danger of making love with the possibility of being caught, but she knew how awkward it would be for them all if Joe were the one to catch them. She gave him one last gentle squeeze and began to do up the buttons on his jeans. Methos sucked in his breath. "Gods, woman. Let me do that. You're only fanning the fire not putting it out." "Nice to know I still have it," Amanda giggled as he adjusted himself and buttoned his pants. "Don't worry, you do," Methos reached over the side of the chair and picked up the bag of cookies that had been forgotten during their escapade. "Now, I think I hear Joe coming, so behave yourself." "Sure thing," Amanda let her hand trail over his still tight jeans. "I promise." She didn't bother to hide her laughter when he squirmed beside her. "What did I miss?" Joe strolled back onto the patio. Joe nearly fainted when he saw what appeared to be a blush rising on Methos' cheeks. "Whatever it was it must've been good to get you to blush, old man." "Shut up, Joe." Methos glowered at Joe and then at Amanda when she tittered. Joe ignored the withering glances Methos was handing out and took the chair he'd abandoned just a few minutes ago. "So you guys were on the Titanic and engaged to be married, right?" he summed up and waited for them to agree. After they nodded, he continued, "Ok, I guess what I want to know is, why didn't you?" Methos cleared his throat and took up the story where Amanda left off -  ~~~~~ BEFORE DAWN THURSDAY APRIL 11, 1912 Methos tiptoed into Amanda's room under the cover of darkness. Even though her buzz had been constant to him, being right next door, he didn't know if as he got closer to her she would awaken by his. He stood at the end of Amanda's four poster bed and took in the sight of his lovely fiancé sleeping. She truly was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. He was lucky to have her, and he knew it. Methos was also happy that she had grown into life and immortality enough that their marriage was now possible. He didn't feel he had to take care of her, and another immortal who loved him wouldn't be a bad thing to have around. There was someone else to watch his head. That never lost its appeal. Since she was fast asleep, Methos went to work. He slid open her chest-high trunk and pulled each side out and sifted through the drawers. When they squeaked, he was glad Lillian's loud snores from her bedroom were enough to cover any noise Methos made. When he didn't find it, he went to the armoire where Lillian had already hung Amanda's gowns. He found her sword, but not the object of his search. "Damn it," he muttered to himself. "I know she did it. Where is it? Where did she put it? She had to have brought it with her to sell in America. Where is it?" He remembered giving the elevator operator Amanda's diamond ring to put in the safe in the Purser's Office. Maybe she had hid the treasure there. He thought back at their arrival on ship to see if she had time. He smiled. Amanda was a first class thief and con artist, of course she had time. She could have done it right before his eyes. Taking one last look at Amanda, he fought back the urge to curl up next to her. Methos knew he had to find out what happened to it while she wouldn't be suspicious of his snooping. ~~~~~ PURSER'S OFFICE C DECK Thankfully, an Assistant Purser answered at the bell, not the sour faced Purser himself. Methos knew his luck might hold up long enough to catch his fiancé at her own scheme. Even as he spoke the words, "I need to check the safe register, please," he hoped he wouldn't find anything. The Assistant Purser, by the name of Percy, believe it or not, if his name badge was true, turned the register book around so Methos could clearly see anything that was in that safe. If he was doing that to everyone, Methos knew he had to get his things out of that safe right quick, the idiot! He saw "B32 - Roger Sothem - 1 Diamond Ring - Env #1113049658". He pointed to the entry and said, "I would like that back, please." "It is perfectly safe, sir," Percy said.  "I know, but I want it back." "I am awfully sorry sir, but can you produce identification that you are Roger Sothem?" Methos smiled. "That's the spirit. I'm glad you asked." As Methos fished out his ID, he was glad the kid had some sense of security. His eyes scanned the register. Everything was categorized by suite number, so he looked at B30, Amanda's. He only saw, "B30 - Mrs. Stanley Northrop - 1 Ivory Back Scratcher - Bin #3940294829". Methos didn't even want to know why Lillian Northrop, widow of Stanley, would put such a thing in a safe, but to each his own. There was nothing else logged in from Amanda's suite. As he handed over his card, he asked, "By the way, do you think I could get a look at the Cargo Manifest? Just for a second?" "I'm sorry, sir. That register is off limits to everyone but the Purser." "But, I have a parcel down there and had a terrible dream that it was stolen. I would like to see it with my own eyes to make sure it is safe." The young man obviously believed his story, and took a moment to shrug and say, "Ok. But don't tell anyone, please, sir?" "My lips are sealed." Methos opened his hands to receive the Cargo Manifest, but Percy shook his head and protectively held the manifest to his chest. "I'm sorry, sir. As I said, no one but the Purser can see the list. There are valuables down there." "Fine. Is cargo listed by suite, name, or item?" "Name, sir." "It's under my fiancé's name. Tell me where-" Methos tried to think of what name Amanda was going by at the moment. "Amanda-" Try as he might, he couldn't remember her current last name. It would be quite odd if he told the young man he couldn't remember his fiancé's last name, but it was the truth. Percy set the heavy book that consisted of the manifest on the counter. Methos scanned it upside down, but couldn't make out a lot of the handwriting that filled the page. "It was under Amanda...?" "Amanda Doneghue." Percy flipped through the pages to the Ds, and then shook his head. "There is nothing listed, sir." Or was it Tate? Blast it all, she could have used Gloria Swanson for all Methos knew. There was nothing saying that Amanda had to use her real name. How to get that manifest from that boy was foremost on Methos' mind... when he remembered! When the Earl and Amanda were introduced at King George III's party, she was Amanda Sinclair! That was the name on the tickets! He hadn't paid much attention beforehand. "Sorry," he told Percy with an embarrassed shake of his head. "It's the late hour. Amanda Sinclair." Percy looked again and Methos followed the young man's finger down the page. "Amanda Sinclair - wooden crate - 18F." Percy said, "Yes, sir. There is a parcel in cargo for Miss Sinclair. I am sure it is perfectly fine. No one but the Cargo Manager has access to the hold until we land in New York." Blast it all! She did take it! He had known it all along... Methos had to get it before it fell into the wrong hands. Since he knew exactly what was inside of the crate, and exactly where it was, in compartment 18F, Methos said his thanks to the young man, retrieved the diamond ring, and left. No use making the lad suspicious. Continued in Part Three