Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on characters and situations from Highlander: The Series, which is owned by Panzer/Davis, Gaumont ad Rysher Entertainment. The character of Johnny Utah is based on the movie Point Break with the exception of changing the time period. Those events documented in the movie as happening 1990-91, I have placed as happening in 1945. For those of you who worry about the discrepancies this causes, let's say the movie was an updated version of the 'real' events. These events and characters are owned by Twentieth Century Fox and James Cameron. No infringement of copyright is intended, and no monetary gain is expected from this work. The character of Gwennolaik/Gwena/Gwendolyn belongs to StarDancing. Please get her permission before borrowing this character. The character of Mistglow belongs to D.J. Wolf and is used with permission. Please get her permission before using this character. Rated PG; small amount of violence. Contains werecreatures based on D.J. Wolf's universe. If you are interested, more information can be found at: D.J. Wolf's Werewolves

Thanks and virtual chocolate to my beta, Raine. Any mistakes are mine. She did her best with my mess.

Seattle, Washington: December, 1949

Johnny Utah, ex-FBI agent, current private detective, was very disgusted this morning. He hadn't had a case for two weeks and the last case he had ... well, the bank just called to tell him the check he was paid with, bounced. Which, of course, meant all the bills he'd planned on paying with the money were not getting paid. It was lucky he didn't have a secretary. He didn't think he could have stood telling her this close to Christmas that there was no money.

Johnny spun the desk chair around to stare out the grimy window. He was careful not to tip it over as it, like most everything in the office, was desperately in need of repair. Actually, repairing wasn't an option with most of the stuff, but he could't afford to replace any of it. He sighed and thought about what things would have been like if he had stayed with the FBI instead of leaving after Bodhi died in Australia. He would have a decent place to live, with no worry about paying bills or eating, but he knew the trade off wasn't worth it.

But maybe he should think about doing something else. Because of the way he quit, he'd been blackballed. The local police departments didn't want him anyway. Too much of the resentment they typically had toward federal agencies carried over into hiring practices. Besides, Johnny actually liked working for himself.

The sound of rapping on the door interrupted his reverie. Johnny turned to face the door and yelled, "It's open!" The door swung in to reveal a man dressed in a conservative dark business suit. He was about 30 years old, a few of inches shorter than Johnny's own 6'1", with a stocky build, and dark brown hair cut typically short. He had startlingly vivid blue, narrow set eyes.

Johnny noticed the expensive clothes and shoes. Immediately his trouble radar went off. If this man was really here to see him, it wasn't for good. A man like this would normally use one of the upscale agencies placed conveniently in the corporate part of town. For him to have come here meant it was something underhanded.

Johnny smiled grimly, stood up, and offered his hand. "Welcome to Utah Investigations. What can I do for you?". The man closed the office door and reached over the desk to shake Johnny's hand. "Hello, my name is William Black. I was wondering if you could help me find someone?"

Johnny took the proffered hand, noting he still wore his gloves. "That would depend. Why don't you tell me who you want me to find and why?"

Mr. Black took the chair Johnny indicated. Being the only other chair in the room, it was the logical place to sit, but his visitor was classy enough to act as if he was being given the best seat in the place.

Johnny settled back in his chair, again being very careful not to tip over. Mr. Black took a moment to gather his thoughts and began, "I am looking for a woman. My sister to be exact. I have a picture here of her." He extracted a photograph from his jacket's inner pocket and handed it over. He waited as Johnny studied the photo of a woman who looked to be in her late 20's or early 30's.

The picture was from a distance of about 20 feet and showed a petite, shapely woman with dark hair braided down over her shoulder, reaching nearly to her waist. She had a heart-shaped face with small regular features. The distance was too far for Johnny to tell much detail. Since the picture was black and white, he couldn't tell the color of her eyes, even if he could have seen them clearly. She wasn't smiling, but Johnny had the impression she smiled often. He looked up at the man opposite him looking for any resemblance.

"I know we don't look much alike, but that's because she is my step-sister. Her father married my mother several years ago. And Gwendolyn, that's her name, Gwendolyn Carter, she and her father had a falling out about his re-marriage. She left San Francisco and hasn't been heard from since. She thought my mother was only marrying him for his...well, I don't need to air the family's dirty laundry. I'm sure you can understand."

Johnny nodded, thinking the story seemed well-rehearsed. ~~Which could simply mean he's had to repeat this to several agencies. Not necessarily that it's a lie.~~

Mr. Black continued, "Anyway, none of us have heard from her since then, though friends of friends told us that she was here in Seattle as recently as a couple of months ago. As my step-father is in ill health, he wants to see his daughter before it's too late. I'm sure you can understand."

The story sounded good on the surface, but somthing about the whole situation had Johnny's instincts on alert. He just couldn't put his finger on all the reasons yet. On the other hand, considering his financial situation, Johnny really couldn't afford to turn away work or question motives too closely.

After considering for a moment, while his visitor sat calmly, Johnny sat forward, folding his hands on the scarred desktop. "I'll tell you what I'll do. I need a little more information on your sister, and a retainer. I charge by the day and any expenses I incur are extra. *If* I find her, I will tell her you are looking for her and give her your number here in town. I'm assuming you are staying in Seattle for the next few days at least?"

Mr. Black nodded in answer to the question, then added, "I figured, if I hired you, I would get her address from you so I could speak to her myself. This is, after all, family business. She wouldn't feel comfortable talking to a stranger about this."

Johnny was adamant that only he would speak to the woman, and after a few more tries, Mr. Black seemed to finally understand Johnny would not budge on this. After giving Johnny some particulars about Gwendolyn, his new client counted out the retainer specified from a roll of crisp $100 bills. They signed a contract, Johnny gave him a copy, and they shook hands, all without Mr. Black having removed his gloves.

After the man left, Johnny sat and studied the photo, wondering what was really the situation. He didn't quite believe his new client. He didn't want an innocent person hurt due to his need for cash. He would just have to make certain, when he spoke to Miss Carter, that being found was something she wanted. If not, Mr. Black and family would just have to suffer. Johnny picked up the phone and made a couple calls. On the surface the story checked out, so he went to work on the case.

Several days later, after a number of frustrating dead ends, Johnny was almost out of ideas. He had a couple more leads, then he was going to have to talk to his client to see if he had any more information. One of the things William Black had said about his sister, was that she loved blues music. Johnny was going to check out the clubs next.

That evening, as he was walking down the sidewalk toward one of the last clubs on his list, Johnny passed a Salvation Army Santa by the ubiqitous black kettle. The ill-fitting, cheap Santa suit was stained and rumpled. Johnny shook his head, disgusted with the whole season. As he turned the corner toward the club, he saw the woman he'd been searching for. She was just walking up to the club's door. He paused while she went in. He wanted to give her a few minutes to get settled. He would then be able to better evaluate how to approach her.

Johnny entered the club to find her sitting at the bar. She had ordered a white wine. The bartender was placing the glass on a cocktail napkin in front of her. The joint hadn't filled up yet, after all, it was still early. There were open seats for a couple of places on each side of her. Johnny took a seat one down to her left.

She didn't even glance his way. She turned around to the stage and studied it. The bartender stopped in front of Johnny and growled, "Whadda ya want?" Johnny ordered a draft and the bartender left. Johnny looked over to see her smiling at the exchange.

"Not very friendly, is he?" Her voice was soft and husky.

Johnny paused a fraction of a second, distracted by the beauty of the smile and voice combined. He found his voice, "No, I guess that's not required in a bartender here."

They were both silent as the man slapped down a coaster and beer. Johnny paid him and he stomped off without another word. Johnny muttered under his breath, "Merry Christmas to you, too."

A tinkle of laughter came from his right and he looked up to see her laughing at his comment. She got off the bar stool with her drink and handbag in hand, coat slung over her arm. She stopped, cocked her head to one side, and peered at Johnny intently for a moment as if sizing him up. "If you aren't waiting for someone, would you like to join me at a table. It would be nice to have someone to talk to until the music starts. And besides, no one should have to be alone this close to Christmas."

Johnny was surprised, both by the invitation and by his response. He found himself very attracted to this woman. He had an ironclad rule to never get attached or involved with anyone connected to a case. After the fiasco with Bodhi and Tyler, he'd vowed to never again be in a position where decisions on a case affected someone he loved. In fact, he hadn't been truly involved with anyone since Tyler left. But, he needed to talk to Miss Carter about her brother and this might be the 'in' he needed. "If you're sure you wouldn't mind."

At her smile, he picked up his beer. He followed her to a table close to the front and near the wall. As he watched her walk ahead of him, he was very aware of the sway of her hips. The movement was accentuated by her unbound, dark auburn hair curling down her back. She wore a deep green long-sleeved knit dress which flared out to swing around her calves as she moved. The dress clung lovingly to every curve. She was actually quite short, barely reaching to Johnny's chin. He was assailed by a vision of her in his arms on the dance floor.

What was it about this woman? From the moment he first saw the picture of her, he'd felt pulled toward her. Now being with her in person, that feeling had escalated nearly out of control. Maybe he should just get this over with and get the hell away from here before he broke his own rule.

As they reached the table, she turned to smile at him again. Johnny told the little voice yelling trouble to shut up and held out a chair for her to sit. After Johnny sat down, she held out her hand to him.

"We should probably introduce ourselves first. I'm Gwendolyn Carter. My friends call me Gwena."

As Johnny took her hand, he felt a frission of a thrill run through him. Her hand was dwarfed by his, but her handshake was firm and confident.

"Johnny Utah. It's a pleasure to meet you, Gwena." Johnny knew he should tell her right then about her brother and why Johnny himself was there. He took a breath to tell her, looked up into eyes sparkling with humor, and lost his resolve. Her eyes were dark grey with lighter flecks clustered around the pupil. As he gazed into them, Johnny felt like he was falling into eternity.

Gwena found herself staring into his intense dark brown eyes with a feeling of recognition. The last time a man had affected her in this way had been Glow. ~~Uh, oh! This *can't* happen! Not this man and not now.~~ Through her link with Glow and Cassandra, Gwena could feel the questioning probe as they reacted to her heightened emotional state. ::I'm *fine*! Go away!:: Glow's mind gave a gentle amused brush as they retreated. Gwena realized Johnny was speaking and focused her attention on his words.

"So have you heard this group perform before?" Johnny cursed himself for being a coward and a fool, but he still didn't tell her the truth of his presence. As the converstion continued on its trivial, small-talk way, Johnny watched her, wondering what it was about her that made him throw caution to the wind, when his instincts told him she was trouble. Her face was open and expressive. She spoke quickly, her voice soft and sligtly husky, and accompanied by graceful gestures of her small, slender hands. Johnny noticed she wore several silver rings and bracelets twisted into intricate knots. It took a few moments before he was able to place the style as celtic.

Gwena, in turn, was studying Johnny. She saw a handsome, well-built man just over six foot tall, with black hair slightly longer than the current style. He wore a tweed jacket and white shirt over blue jeans. His skin had a dusky healthy glow of a man who loved the outdoors. His long-fingered hands were strong, nails clean and neatly trimmed. He was clean shaven, though Gwena could see a hint of five o'clock shadow. The club was heavy with cigarette smoke, but she still caught a whiff of clean, windswept freshness when he moved. His light baritone voice was slightly rough, giving it a sexy timbre. His deep brown eyes crinkled slightly at the corners when he smiled. The shape of his eyes and face gave him an exotic look.

Gwena had the feeling smiles had been in short supply for Johnny recently. As she opened her senses to him she caught feelings of long-held sadness and guilt overlayed by current worry and guilt. Gwena realized the current feelings were associated with her. Probing a little more, she caught a sense of searching and a distrust of someone else. With a flash of intuition, she realized he'd been hired to find her. And, it was someone he was afraid wanted to hurt her.

At that moment the band began to assemble on stage. The audience, which had grown considerably over the last half hour, quieted in anticipation.

Gwena picked up her glass and took a sip to cover her momentary shock. ::Glow, Cass. I think the man who's been following me has hired a detective.::

::Are you okay?:: Through the bond Gwena could feel the panic in Cassandra's mental presence. ::Do you need us? We can be there in twenty minutes.::

::In fact, I can be there in less than five, if you need me now.:: Glow was rock steady as always.

::No, I'm fine. Just be ready if I do need you. We still don't know why this man has been following me. This detective he hired might be able to give me some idea of what he wants.::

::I don't like it.:: Cassandra's frustration at the uncertainty of the situation had grown over the last couple of months. The unnknown man had started shadowing her about three months ago, but never got close enough for them to tell if he was immortal. Cass was nearly smothering Gwena with overprotectiveness.

They had nearly fought tonite over Gwena coming to the club alone. She had gotten tired of being constantly chaperoned. Having lived to be over 2.400 years old, more than half without a sword, she chafed over being treated as child. Glow had finally stepped in and calmed Cassandra down. He reminded her that Gwena was more than capable of handling any situation that arose. If this man was immortal and challenged Gwena, Cassandra couldn't interfere anyway. Though Cassandra had relented, as Gwena left she heard Cassandra's thought. ::He hurts her and I'll track him to the ends of the earth to make him pay.::

Now Gwena almost wished she'd listened to Cassandra. Looking over at Johnny, as he sat watching the band, Gwena was aware again of the attraction she had for this man.

::Cass, I am fine. This is the first chance we've had to find out what my stalker wants.::

Cassandra apparently picked up on the attraction Gwena was feeling toward Johnny, because her next words were tinged with curiosity and amused exasperation. ::Now is *not* the time to be distracted by a . . . pair of gorgeous eyes, Old Woman!::

Gwena knew, by the pause and emphasis, Cassandra had substituted eyes instead of a more intimate part of the male anatomy. She covered her snort of laughter with a discreet cough, smiling innocently at Johnny when he turned to look at her inquiringly.

::I am not being *distracted* by anything. And watch who you call Old Woman, oh Ancient One!::

The long-running joke soothed over the residual friction left from the earlier quarrel. Cassandra's laughter and Glow's relieved amusement faded from her mind as the two of them withdrew. Gwena knew Glow was distressed whenever she and Cassandra were at odds. He usually let them work it out, but on very rare occasions he would play alpha wolf and settle the disagreement in no uncertain terms.

During the band's break, Gwena decided to take the bull by the horns. Even under ordinary circumstances, she was plagued with curiousity. She was tenacious when faced with a mystery or puzzle. This one had been an itch she couldn't scratch and she finally had a clue. She turned to him and asked, "So what is it you do for a living, Mr. Utah?"

"Please, call me Johnny. Mr. Utah sounds like my father should be here to answer your question." Johnny realized he was trying to postpone the inevitable in an effort to prolong his contact with her. He sighed silently, knowing it was time to be honest and answer her question. "Actually, I have a confession to make. I am a private investigator and I was hired by your stepbrother, William Black, to find you for your father. He wants to see you and make amends."

The words came out in a rush. Johnny watched Gwena for her reaction. She didn't seem surprised, shocked or upset by his revelation. She was quietly thoughtful for a moment. In a flat, unemotional tone she then said, "My step-brother." Her reaction, instead of making him feel better, made him more uncomfortable. He couldn't pick up anything from tone or posture, but he sensed something behind her facade.

Gwena, for her part, had relayed the name to Cassandra and Glow to see if either of them recognized it.

Glow answered ::Darling, William Black's a name used by a renegade shapeshifter. Ask the detective if he's around 5'8", stocky and about 30. He has black hair and blue eyes. He would have been expensively dressed.::

Gwena did as Glow asked and watched as relief flooded Johnny's face.

"Yes, that's him exactly. I have the number where he's staying while here in town." Johnny reached into his inner suit pocket for the card with the number.

::Gwena, listen closely.:: Glow's voice took on an urgent tone and Gwena took heed of the obvious concern. For Glow to be broadcasting this intense worry, the situation must be grave. ::This renegade likes to torture and kill the loved ones of shapeshifters he's targeted as enemies. I don't know why he's coming after me, and right now, I don't care. Cassandra and I are grabbing some essentials and will be there shortly. Whatever you do stay in a crowd and don't go off by yourself. Even Black wouldn't be crazy enought to try to harm you with an audience.::

Gwena took the card from Johnny as she mentally acknowledged Glow. To Johnny she said, "I am not interested in seeing Mr. Black. He's a dangerous man and he lied to you. My father died many years ago." ~~Many, many years ago actually.~~ Gwena added to herself. "My suggestion to you is to stay away from William Black. I will be happy to pay for your ti . . ."

Johnny interrupted her. "That's not necessary. He gave me a retainer. I also told him I wouldn't give him your whereabouts, or any information, without your permission. So you don't have to worry about him finding you."

::Glow, Johnny told Black he wouldn't give him any information without my permission, so he's probably been following Johnny. Watch carefully. There could be a trap.:: Gwena felt Glow's acknowledgement.

Johnny watched her face. She seemed lost in thought staring at the card. She jumped slightly as the band resumed playing. Johnny took her hand and was surprised that it was cold as ice. He said reassuringly, "I promise I won't let him hurt you."

Gwena met his eyes briefly and gave him a wan smile. She didn't bother to tell Johnny that she was more worried about Black hurting him if he didn't get what he wanted. She'd talk to Glow about how to protect Johnny from possible retribution. She began to scan the club's patrons looking for anyone fitting Black's description. Not for the first time in three and a half centuries, since she first discovered the existence of shapeshifters, Gwena found herself wishing she could sense them, the way she could an approaching immortal. Getting close enough to touch a shapeshifter to feel the increased body temperature was the only reliable method of identifying one. Unfortunately, it also left her vulnerable to their faster than human reflexes. At least their bloodbond with Glow had given her and Cassandra quickened reflexes also. They still weren't as fast as a shapeshifter, though. Her hand itched to feel her sword, but Gwena knew she didn't dare pull it out in the crowded club.

Johnny watched Gwena as she looked over the crowd. He noted her increased pulse and breathing and found himself becoming alarmed at her obvious fear. "Hey, he's not here. He had no idea I was coming here tonite."

As the band concluded their song, Gwena turned to Johnny and opened her mouth to reply. At that moment the club went pitch dark. A woman screamed, though from the sound Johnny could tell it wasn't Gwena. She pulled her hand from his as the crowd began to panic. The bartender yelled for calm.

Johnny called out urgently, "Gwena, we are safer together. Don't panic." Over the cries of people, the sounds of chairs and tables being knocked over, he heard a man yell, "Fire!" Johnny turned toward the front to see flames leaping up the stage curtains. With the light from the fire, he searched the panicked, fleeing crowd for Gwena's small form.

She was backed against the wall out of the way. She had yelled for Glow the second the lights went out, positioning herself so Black couldn't sneak up on her. Johnny noticed she had a death grip on her coat. He fought his way through the dwindling crowd, the broken and overturned furniture and grabbed her arm. He had to yell to be heard over the noise of the flames. "We've got to get out of here!"

With a look at the fire, now blazing out of control, Gwena nodded and they headed for the door. The smoke swirling around stung their eyes and caused them both to cough. Johnny stopped to help an older man who'd been knocked off his feet. Gwena continued out the door. She couldn't concentrate with the confusion and smoke. She decided to wait until she was outside in the relative peace and clear air to let Glow and Cassandra know what had happened. She knew he was on his way and would be there within a couple of minutes. As long as she stayed in the crowd she should be safe until then.

As she exited the door to the outside and took in a deep breath of smoke free air, she glanced back and saw Johnny and the other gentleman about 10 steps behind her. Gwena felt a hand grab her and another slap over her mouth. All the club patrons were headed away from the burning building to safety, so no one noticed the woman struggling as the man half-carried, half-dragged her toward the nearby alley.

Johnny came through the door just in time to see William Black, with Gwena, disappearing into the mouth of the alley. He let go of the man he'd been supporting, causing the man to stagger and fall. Johnny ignored his cry and took off running. Reaching the wall next to the alley opening, he paused and grabbed the gun from the back of the waistband of his jeans. Sticking his head carefully around the corner, he spied Gwena and Black halfway down the alley. Johnny crept around the corner and crouched behind some boxes and crates. He could tell by the sounds and his prior quick glance that Gwena was putting up a good struggle. Black certainly had his hands full.

Another check told Johnny the man's attention was completely on the woman. Unfortunately, the angle was wrong for Johnny to bring his gun into play. Too much chance of injuring Gwena. He tucked the gun away. After all, Black didn't have a weapon. Johnny was certain he could take him. Johnny crept closer to find a better position. He was confused by Black's words. "If I have you, then Mistglow will have to fight on my terms. First demoralize, then attack."

Gwena had already screamed for Glow. She knew he'd be there momentarily, all she had to do was buy a little time. Black slammed her against the wall as he tried to stun her into submission. As Gwena's world spun for a second, Black drew back his arm to deliver a knock out blow. Before Gwena could react, she saw Johnny grab Black's arm.

::No!:: Gwena shrieked mentally. She knew what Johnny couldn't - he was no match for a shapeshifter.

The next happened so fast Johnny was never sure afterward what had occurred. Black threw Johnny off easily with his superior strength. As he did, Black Shifted and he clawed Johnny's chest open. Gwena grabbed her sword from her coat. She heard Glow's mental voice, ::Just a few more seconds!::

Standing over the still stunned Johnny was a sleek, powerful panther. Gwena drew on her bond with Glow and, moving swifter than she ever had, put her sword to the panther's throat.

"Move and you will die," she growled at Black. She felt his intention just milliseconds before he lunged. Her sword bit into the panther's throat, not a mortal blow, but enough to stop him. It was severe enough to cause blood to spurt all over Johnny and Gwena. Black howled and spun away, just as a huge white hawk flew down into the alley. Where the bird landed a massive white wolf appeared, snarling and growling. The injured panther backed away. The wolf had positioned itself between the panther and Gwena, who stod over the stunned Johnny.

Johnny gazed up at Gwena confusedly. "Where did you get that sword?" He looked past her to the wolf stalking the retreating panther. As Gwena knelt down next to Johnny, he said, "And who let the animals out of the zoo?" His eyes rolled up and his head hit the pavement as he passed out.

Gwena grimaced and called over her shoulder, "Glow, he's hurt!

Black took advantage of the distraction to take off down the alley. Glow bounded after him for a few steps before returning to Gwena's side. Wounded as he was, Black would have been at a severe disadvantage in a fight. It would have been a good time to finsih him off. Glow was fairly certain Black would try again, but for now he would concentrate on getting away to heal. They would be safe for a few days at least. Gwena's sword was coated with silver nitrate, which would take Black longer to heal. If they were lucky, the combination of injury and silver would kill him.

Gwena was checking Johnny's wounds as Glow trotted up. Changing swiftly into human form, he knelt next to Gwena. When she raised her head, he met her tear-filled eyes with sympathy.

"Glow, the panther clawed him in the chest. The cuts won't be fatal, but when I stopped Black with my sword, his blood . . ." Gwena trailed off, stricken. "He was only trying to protect me," she whispered in misery.

Glow tenderly cupped Gwena's cheek, but before he could answer, a car swept into the alley way and stopped with a squeal of brakes. Cassandra jumped out of the car, leaving the engine on and her door ajar. She ran to the three figures illuminated in the headlights. Gwena became aware of the roar of flames and distant wail of sirens. It felt like hours had passed since the fire started, but the whole incident had only taken a couple of minutes.

Glow spoke to Cassandra as he stood up. "We need to get him away from here. We don't dare let them take him to a hospital. If he was infected with the werepanther's blood..."

Gwena interrupted with a snort. "Hmpf! If?"

Glow shrugged, knowing better than the women did what was in store for the young detective. He knew, from their bond and long history, that Gwena's sarcastic response reflected her guilt. Telling her it wasn't her fault wouldn't help. "He'll need our help." Glow continued simply. Gwena nodded sadly.

Glow easily picked up the larger man and carried him to the car. Cassandra went ahead to open the door and help get the unconscious man into the back seat. Gwena gathered up her coat, sword and purse. As she headed to the car, she stumbled over Johnny's gun. It had fallen when Black knocked him into the wall. Gwena picked it up and stuffed it into her bag. They drove out the far end of the alley just as the first emergency vehicle pulled up to the front of the club.

****************End Chapter One

Back to: The Tower

On to: Chapter Two