[Claudia plays 'Chopin Etude in C Minor' on the piano on stage. Above her, on a catwalk, Walter is sawing through a rope holding up a piece of equipment. DM enters at back of auditorium, stands there listening to Claudia play.]

Claudia - [stops playing] Whoever you are, you're fired.

DM - Well, if I ever work for you, I'll remember that. [walks forward]

Claudia - Duncan?

DM - How quickly they forget. [senses 'buzz'] Claudia, get off the stage.

Claudia - What?

DM - [continues forward] Move it. Now!

Claudia - [stands up] Duncan, nobody talks to me like that. Not even you.

[Walter finishes cutting the rope & a set of lights crashes down toward the piano.]

DM - [runs forward] Claudia, look out!

[Claudia looks up, gasps, spins away as the lights fall onto the piano. DM catches her as she falls off the stage.]

Claudia - How did you know?

DM - Intuition.

Walter - [looking down at stage from catwalk] Damn it!

Claudia - [exits elevator with DM] What's the phrase? "I wouldn't be paranoid if they weren't out to get me."

DM - Claudia, I don't need convincing. Someone tried to hurt you for real this time. That's why you're staying here. [as Claudia looks around] Eh, well, I'll have the couch.

Claudia - You know, people have been jealous of me for years. I don't know why you suddenly take this murder attempt any more seriously than all the others.

DM - You can have the two bottom drawers. All what others?

Claudia - The Van Cliburn competition? Someone tried to poison my dinner.

DM - [laughs] That was Moscow. And you made yourself sick by gorging on too much caviar.

Claudia - All right then. The Horowitz competition. You know I almost died.

<DM - CUT No, you didn't almost die. It was just a very good excuse for playing badly.>

Claudia - I hate you.

DM - Oh? Thank you.

Claudia - Somehow, Duncan, I never imagined you living in one room.

DM - You really are a spoiled brat.

<Claudia - CUT I WAS a spoiled brat when we first met,> but now... I'm a genius.

DM - [pours her a glass of orange juice] Silly me. I forgot. Here. It's not poisoned, although I'm tempted.

Claudia - You know, just because you think you own me, doesn't mean you can tell me how to live my life.

DM - [chuckles] I don't think I own you.

Claudia - Oh, yes, you do. If you hadn't paid for Julliard, the Paris Conservatory, I would probably be stuck in some crummy lounge in Las Vegas doing my one-millionth rendition of "Proud Mary."

DM - Is this a thank you I'm hearing?

Claudia - I thanked you by being brilliant.

DM - [laughs] She said, modestly. [hears piano key being plunked offscreen] What's that?

Claudia - What? [Piano sounds continue.]

DM - That.

Claudia - Well, it's about time.

[Piano tuner continues tapping various keys on a Steinway sitting in the middle of the dojo.]

DM - A piano?

Claudia - [exits elevator with DM] You didn't expect me to go anywhere without my instrument, did you?

<DM - CUT Well, I'm surprised you didn't just crate in Carnegie Hall while you were at it.>

<Claudia - I would have if I could. CUT Excellent acoustics. [to tuner] Excuse me. Thank you. It's perfect. [plinks a key several times, checking dojo's acoustics] Could be better, but it'll do. [sits on bench] Thank you. Come on. [hands tools to tuner] Here you go. [plays chord]>

DM - You know what? I'm going to leave you here with your one true love.

Claudia - Where are you going?

DM - I'm meeting some friends.

Claudia - You're going to take me.

DM - Will I?

Claudia - Yeah. You're not going to leave me here alone -- not with a mad killer on the loose. Of course you'll take me. [with difficulty] Duncan... please?

Joe - [explaining to Methos] Okay, once more. It's quite simple. Nine innings, two halves to each inning, three outs for each half inning, played at a nice, leisurely pace. Baseball, it's like -- I don't know. It's like meditation.

CUT

Alexa - [carries tray of empties up to bar] Two beers.

Joe - Okay. Coming up.

Methos - [to Alexa] Excuse me. If I sat at a table, would you be my waitress?

Alexa - [turns to Joe] Is he a good tipper?

Joe - [smiles] No.

Alexa - Well, too bad. Makes up for it in cute, though. [walks off with tray to collect more empty glasses]

Methos - "Cute." I can do cute. [as Alexa returns again] I'm, uh, Adam Pierson. [holds out his hand. She reaches to shake it and almost dumps her tray] Whoa. [keeps one of the glasses from falling off]

Alexa - CUT Where are you from?

Methos - Um--

Alexa - Your accent. You're not from here.

Methos - No, I've traveled a lot.

Alexa - Really? Paris.

Methos - [shaking his head] Paris is too full of Parisians. Even the French don't like Paris.

Alexa - Venice.

Methos - Venice. The smell alone would kill you.

Alexa - [deflated] A little young to be so cynical, aren't you?

Methos - Uh, if you say so.

Alexa - I just did. [carries tray of drinks away]

Methos - What did I say?

Joe - Ah, forget it. Alexa's not your type, okay?

[Methos looks behind him at tables as man in red shirt walks past, then turns back, considering. ^A]

CUT

<[DM parks T-bird by curb, gets out, goes around to let Claudia out on passenger side. Driver of nearby car watches, then puts car into gear and squeals toward them.]

DM - Relax. It'll give you a chance to get out of the limelight for awhile.

Claudia - Oh, you think so?

DM - Yes.>

[The car careens toward them. DM senses 'buzz', pushes Claudia out of the way as the car zooms past.]

Claudia - Thank you, Duncan.

DM - Someone doesn't like your Chopin.

(resume previous scene)

[Methos senses 'buzz', looks toward door. Claudia & DM enter.]

Joe - Check this out. [comes out from behind bar to greet them] Hello, MacLeod. Wow. Man, you have really outdone yourself this time. Claudia Jardine in my tavern. Wow. This is a real pleasure.

DM - Joe Dawson, Adam Pierson.

Claudia - [shakes Joe's hand] Hello.

Methos - Uh, hi.

Claudia - [shakes Methos' hand] Hello. Nice to meet you.

Joe - I saw you with the Philharmonic last year. You are -- I mean, you're brilliant. This may be -- I don't know -- pretty presumptuous, but... I mean, I play a little blues, and I would love to play some music with you.

DM - Oh, Claudia plays some blues. Not well, but passable.

Claudia - How would you know? You're tone deaf.

Joe - All I've got's this old Fender Rhodes. I mean, it is a beater, but got a lot of heart. Please?

[DM gives her a look.]

Claudia - If you insist. Duncan? [hands her coat to him]

DM - Pleasure.

Joe - Fantastic. [leads her to the stage]

Methos - How long have you known her?

DM - [to bartender] Beer, please.

Bartender - Sure.

DM - [to Methos] Since she was fourteen. She was living with a foster family. They were pretty poor and intimidated that they had a prodigy in their midst.

Methos - And does she know...?

DM - That she's one of us? Doesn't have a clue.

[Electric guitar & electric keyboard music starts as Claudia & Joe begin playing. DM & Methos listen for a moment.]

DM - Somebody does, though. One of us tried to kill her in the recital hall. And again a few minutes ago.

Methos - Who'd want her dead before her time?

DM - I don't know.

[DM turns to the bar to grab bottle of beer, turns back to watch the musicians. Cut to Claudia at keyboard. Back to Methos & DM at bar. ^B Cut to Joe playing guitar. Claudia & Joe continue to jam together. ¹]

DM - Admit it. You had a great time.

Claudia - It was tolerable.

DM - Tolerable.

Claudia - Yes, and I think Joe's a halfway decent musician.

DM - Halfway?

Claudia - Okay. He's a very good musician. I just don't know why he's wasting his talents in a place like that.

DM - Well, maybe he doesn't think he's wasting it.

Claudia - He's wasting his talents. [walks toward piano]

DM - [senses 'buzz', sees man outside dojo door] Walter!

[Super: England 1663]

Grumio - [offscreen] Ay, sir, they be ready. The oats have eaten the horses.

Walter (as Petruchio) - Oh, Kate? Fair maiden? Content thee. Prithee, be not angry. ["Kate", her back to the audience, does not respond.] Oh, Kate? Fair maiden, content thee. Prithee, be not angry. ["Kate" still does not respond.] Oh, Kate! Fair maiden! [DM, as "Kate", turns around. The audience laughs.] Content thee. Prithee, be not angry.

DM (as Kate) - I will be angry. What hast thou to do? Father, be quiet; he will stay my leisure.

Gremio - Ay, marry, sir, now it begins to work.

Beaufort - [in audience] Boo!

DM (as Kate) - Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner. I see a woman shall be made a fool, if she had not a spirit to resist.

Beaufort - [in audience] Boo!

Walter (as Petruchio) - CUT I will be master of what is mine own. [starts to exit stage, turns around, grabs "Kate" by the arm & both exit. Grumio follows them, leaving Gremio & another man onstage.]

CUT

DM - [backstage] I hate this dress.

Walter - I think it's very becoming.

DM - And another thing. The play makes no sense.

Walter - [laughs] Ah, this should be good. Go on.

DM - If I were Petruchio, I wouldn't give Kate the time of day. She's a creature, a shrew! It makes no sense for him to want her, let alone woo her.

Walter - Oh, be serious.

DM - [pouting] I want to play her nicer.

Walter - You want to rewrite Shakespeare?

DM - Aye. Why not?

Walter - [loudly] You want-- [lowers his voice] You want to rewrite William Shakespeare?! If Kate were nicer, there'd be no play!

DM - Then Petruchio's a fool.

Walter - Just say the lines. It's what you're getting paid for.

DM - Next time, I will play the men's parts. I want to do the swordfights.

[Audience claps & cheers in background.] CUT

<Walter - Listen to how they love us.

DM - Aye, all six of them.

Walter - Music to my ears!>

(resume previous scene)

Walter - It is cruel, you know, that music should be so beautiful. It has the beauty of loneliness, of disappointment and... never-satisfied love. [kisses Claudia's hand]

Claudia - Heartbreaking.

DM - Yeah. Who said it, Walter? Guy hasn't had an original line in his life.

Walter - To my chagrin, Benjamin Britten said it first.

DM - Hm.

Claudia - The composer?

Walter - Yes, a lovely man. He wrote it while listening to Mahler. Would it embarrass you, Ms. Jardine, if I told you I am one of your greatest fans.

Claudia - Absolutely not. Call me Claudia.

Walter - Claudia. Oh, this is so presumptuous, I know, but I'd never forgive myself if I didn't at least ask.

DM - [interrupts] No, Claudia doesn't like to rehearse in front of an audience.

Walter - I'll-I'll be quiet as a little mouse.

DM - No, I don't think so. She's fine. [to Claudia] Aren't you?

Claudia - He is a friend of yours, Duncan.

DM - Yeah, I know, but--

Claudia - I don't see the harm in it. [sits at piano, begins to play 'Debussy's Claire de Lune']

Walter - [quietly] Astonishing, isn't she? At the peak of her talent. Breathtaking.

DM - You always did have an eye for talent, Walter.

Walter - I've been watching this one for some time now. You've guided her well. Perhaps something you learned from me?

DM - Okay, Walter. What do you want?

Walter - To kill her.

[DM looks at Walter in reaction, then away & back again. ^C]
 

Walter - It makes so much sense, MacLeod.

Walter - (continues) Don't read something diabolical into it. ²

DM - [raises elevator gate, enters loft] Immortality is not a game of tag. You can't say "You're it," or "You're it." It's not for us to decide when her mortal life is over.

Walter - But I must. If she doesn't die now, at the pinnacle of her genius, it could be lost forever.

DM - But you don't know that.

Walter - <[pulls book off shelf, looks at title] Ooh, Shakespeare.> CUT Yes, I've found my purpose, MacLeod. Imagine Claudia Jardine's talent living on through the ages under my loving guidance.

DM - Walter, get a life.

Walter - Don't you see? She'll thank me. She will always be young and beautiful and passionate.

DM - And what happens when her fans see that she's not getting any older?

Walter - Ah, she'll disappear for twenty or thirty years, come back for the next generation.

DM - No, it doesn't -- it doesn't work like that.

Walter - Get some contacts, different hair... It's perfect. [Door closes offscreen.] Shh!

Claudia - [enters from side door] You don't ask someone to play and then walk out on them. It's just not done.

DM - Look--

Walter - <[shoves book at DM] Read it. You never did know your lines.> CUT [to Claudia] Of course not, my beautiful girl.

DM - [pushes between them] Forget it!

Claudia - I'm not your beautiful girl.

Walter - Clearly you're not listening to me.

DM - Oh, I heard you.

Walter - No, no, you're not.

DM - Don't come back. Don't try it.

Walter - No--

DM - Don't even think about it.

Walter - She doesn't want me to--

Claudia - Think about what?

DM - It's okay. Walter's got to be leaving.

Walter - No, I don't. I--

DM - Say good night, Walter. [throws his jacket at him, pushes him into elevator]

<Walter - Good night, Walter.> CUT

[DM closes elevator gate, turns to Claudia.]

Claudia - Your friend's very weird.

DM - You have no idea.

Walter - Listen to this. [reads from book] "To me, fair friend, you never can be old, For as you were when first your eye I eyed, Such seems your beauty still."

DM - Is this a test?

Walter - Your opinion, MacLeod.

DM - Well, the language is passing fair. Is it Shakespeare?

Walter - [snaps book shut] Passing fair? The man was a genius. Better than Chaucer, better than Malory. I've been writing for five hundred years. What do you think I have to show for it? I'll show you. [reaches into box, pulls out papers, throws them around] Drivel! Cases and cases of drivel. Mountains of it. And not a single verse to equal that of some mortal who lived a mere few score years.

DM - I've enjoyed some of what you've written.

Walter - There's no justice, my friend. [begins adjusting DM's Kate-costume corset] Who do you think supported him when he was writing? Who lifted his spirits when his muse had all but abandoned him?

DM - I presume it was you.

Walter - [winds length of cloth into a ball] I am doomed, you know. Doomed to spend a thousand lifetimes recognizing genius and never to have a speck of it to call my own. [shoves balled cloth into top of DM's corset]

DM - You are very good at what you do.

Walter - Damned by faint praise.

DM - Well, there are other things in life.

Walter - Not for me. All I ever wanted was to touch brilliance... to smell it. At the very least, to help it live. Without that, eternal life is nothing more than eternal hell.

DM - [shrugs] Hm.

Beaufort - [calls from outside] Duncan MacLeod! Stop hiding behind those skirts and show yourself!

[Walter & DM exchange a look. DM exits tent.]

Beaufort - Take off that dress.

DM - I beg your pardon?

Beaufort - You're wearing my dress. You're speaking my lines. You're depriving me of my livelihood, my sustenance -- and you are a terrible Kate! ³

DM - Who the hell are you?

Beaufort - [slurring drunkenly] Beaufort. Jeremy Beaufort.

DM - [to Walter] Is there something you haven't told me?

Walter - I think you make a much better woman than Beaufort.

DM - [curtsies] Oh, thank you're kindly.

Beaufort - He gave you my job because you're younger and prettier.

DM - [to Walter] Is that true? [Walter shrugs.]

[Beaufort draws his sword, lunges at DM. Walter pulls him out of the way.]

DM - [grabs his rapier from nearby] We're not on stage here.

Beaufort - "Let Hercules himself do what he may, The cat will mew and the dog will have his day."

Walter - Hamlet. Nicely done. ⁴

[Beaufort bows, then lunges again at DM, catching the skirt of his dress with his sword point.]

DM - Oh! Oh, you -- you tore my dress!

[DM unsheaths rapier, fends off Beauforts attacks. He is hampered by the dress, falling over at one point, but manages to shove Beaufort off his feet, then preens for the audience that has gathered as they laugh and applaud.] Are you just going to stand there and watch?

Walter - All the world's a stage, MacLeod. Carry on, carry on.

[DM goes on the offensive, attacking Beaufort and disarming him. He punches Beaufort in the face, knocking him to the ground.]

DM - Next time, take care how you address a lady.

[Claudia is taping sections of sheet music together on the sofa while DM & Methos talk in the kitchen area.]

Methos - Alexa... You see? Even her name is beautiful. CUT There -- there was something, you know? There was a -- there was a spark. I wonder if she felt it. I mean, I-I don't want to make a fool of myself. Did you ever feel like that?

CUT

DM - A couple of times. I don't see what the problem is.

Methos - CUT What if she doesn't like me?

DM - What if she does? CUT [re Claudia] What am I going to tell her?

Methos - What about the truth? At least then she'd know what she's facing.

<DM - Yeah. Be nice if she had a semblance of a normal life. When she finds out what she is, that becomes impossible.> CUT

Methos - You can't keep her here forever.

CUT

Claudia - Duncan, I'm tired and I'm bored of being locked up in this dump. No offense.

DM - [hands her glass of wine] None taken.

Claudia - [sniffs wine, sets it aside] Why don't we go out for a drink or something?

DM - Yeah, a drink we can do.

Claudia - Really?

DM - Yeah.

Claudia - Oh, let's go to Botticelli's. Would you call them and have them hold my table, and, uh, your friend can come along if he'd like.

Methos - Uh, no, thank you. I have other plans.

Claudia - Seriously?

Methos - Totally.

<Claudia - Really?

Methos - Absolutely.> CUT

Claudia - Well, you lose. [to DM] I know the paparazzi will be there, so you will tell them that we're just friends.

DM - We are just friends.

<Claudia - CUT I know. They don't know that, though. ⁵>

[Playing in background: Jim Byrnes - "All Over You"

Alexa - [enters, goes to bar] Sorry, Joe.

Joe - No problem. It's all right. How'd it go?

Alexa - It's not getting any easier, if that's what you mean.

Joe - I wish there were something I could do for you. [shares a look with her]

Joe - Oh, yeah. You, uh -- You have a customer waiting. [hands empty tray to her]

[Alexa looks over to where Methos is sitting at a table. He smiles nervously at her.]

[Joe shrugs at Alexa. She walks cautiously over to Methos' table.]

Alexa - Well... [laughs nervously] Either you like to drink or you're crazy about the blues.

Methos - No, I was waiting for you.

Methos - I see I leave you speechless. This is an excellent start.

Alexa - Start to what?

Methos - To... dinner, a film, a concert, a smile, a sunset, a walk, all of the above, whatever you would like.

Alexa - Do women really fall for that line?

Methos - I have no idea. I've never used it before.

Alexa - Never is really a long time.

Methos - Well, to the best of my recollection.

Alexa - [motions to her order pad] I'm waiting.

Methos - Um, I'll have a draft beer, please.

Alexa - One draft beer.

Joe - [from bar] Beer. I got it.

Alexa - Why do you want to go out with me?

Methos - Because the alternative is unthinkable.

Alexa - Okay. Tomorrow, if -- if Joe lets me have it off.

Methos - Oh, no, he will. Uh, I have pull here.

[Alexa moves off to wait on other tables. Methos gets up, walks over to Joe at the bar.]

Methos - Looks like you were wrong. Turns out she IS my type.

Joe - I don't know. Looked like a lot of arm-twisting to me.

Methos - A girl like that -- you're lucky if you find one every ten lifetimes. [off Joe's reaction] Joe? Joe, what? You-You got some kind of house rule about dating the help? What?

Joe - Alexa is dying.

[DM pulls up beside building.]

Claudia - The truth. When was the last time you were treated like that? Like royalty.

DM - Yesterday, at Joe's. He gave us his best table.

Claudia - Ah, you're impossible.

DM - I'll tell you what. Why don't you get out so I can park your car, your highness.

Claudia - I think I will. [gets out of T-bird, walks around corner of building. DM starts to get out of T-bird, senses 'buzz'.] Oh! Walter. Duncan, it's your friend. [walks toward Walter]

Walter - [holds out bouquet of white roses to Claudia] For you, my dear.

Claudia - Oh, thank you.

DM - [runs toward them] No!

[As Claudia smells the roses, Walter pulls out a gun and shoots her.]

DM - No! [catches her as she falls]

[Walter looks on, smiling. DM glares at him as he lowers Claudia to the ground. The bouquet of flowers falls from her hand. ^D]
 

Claudia - You've known about this all this time and you didn't tell me?

DM - It would have ruined your life.

Claudia - Is that why you took an interest in me? Why you sponsored me at the conservatory?

DM - I sponsored you because you had talent. I didn't want it to go to waste.

Claudia - Did you like me, Duncan? Even a little?

Walter - He loved you. Everybody loves you. And now... it's my turn. It's time for Claudia to be nurtured by one that... truly understands the depth of that ability. [DM rolls his eyes.] The world, my dear, is your oyster.

DM - Oh, boy.

Claudia - This is really for real. ⁶ It's unbelievable. It's incredible. [smiles] It's wonderful.

Walter - Do you have any life insurance? Cash it in. [Claudia & Walter laugh.]

DM - This isn't funny. He murdered you.

Walter - Hardly.

Claudia - I can play forever.

DM - As long as you keep your head. [to Walter] And I'd take yours if I thought it was worth a damn.

Claudia - And I'm never getting old.

Walter - Not an hour. [twirls her around] Your genius will never fade. My timing was impeccable. I waited for the perfect moment in your development.

Claudia - My competition will grow old and feeble.

Walter - They will simply fade away.

Claudia - I'll have no arthritis in these fingers.

Walter - You, my beautiful, will have no such worries.

Claudia - Oh, this is perfect.

DM - This is crazy.

Claudia - Granted, dying wasn't very pleasant, Duncan. But my God, what's there to be angry about? And why would you keep this from me anyway?

Walter - [to DM] I told you she was ready.

DM - It wasn't your right.

Walter - For centuries, I've stood beside the most brilliant artists. Chopin, dead at thirty-nine. Mozart even younger. Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin self-destructing before they even tasted their potential. But Claudia Jardine will be eternal.

Claudia - I have all the time in the world.

DM - If you keep your head. Are you listening to me, Claudia?

Claudia - I need to play.

DM - No, you need to learn to use a sword.

Claudia - A sword? Moi?

DM - Yeah, as soon as possible.

Claudia - I don't think so.

DM - Then fine. You're going to lose your head.

Walter - I'll protect her.

DM - You?!

Walter - [follows Claudia into elevator] I'll see that her genius shines through the centuries. "The instant made eternity, and heaven just prove that I and she ride, ride together, forever ride." Exeunt! [pulls gate down]

DM - [to himself] Robert Browning?

[Methos is sitting in the rain, wearing headphones. Alexa walks up with an umbrella.]

Methos - [takes off headphones, reaches into jacket to turn off walkman] Hi.

Alexa - Joe said I'd find you up here.

Methos - Lucky guess. Or else I've become horribly predictable. Pull up a slab. [She sits next to him, holds umbrella over them both, tucks hair behind her ear. Methos looks up. ^F] This is nice, isn't it?

Alexa - [laughs, then sobers] I'm a little concerned about something.

Methos - Yeah, I sense that.

Alexa - This date we're supposed to go on? I -- I don't think it's a very good idea.

Methos - Thought you liked me... a little.

Alexa - It's not that.

Methos - It's my nose, isn't it? Yep, it's my nose. I kne--

Alexa - No, it's not your nose. You have a very nice nose.

Methos - It's because you think I'm English. It's my accent. Now, I don't have to be English. I can be Russian. Uh... poeezd nah khahr'kahf ahtkhoddeet s ehtigh plahtformi? It means, uh, "Is this the right platform for the train to Kharkov?"

Alexa - [laughs] You're outrageous.

Methos - Russian doesn't turn you on. Okay. I can do it in... Swahili. Except if I was speaking Swahili, why would I be wanting a train to Kharkov? Uh... Lithuanian? No? Farsi?

Alexa - [laughing] Please, don't make me laugh.

Methos - [serious] Why not?

Alexa - Because it's not fair.

Methos - It rarely is. [leans in to kiss her]

Alexa - [gasps, recoils] I'm sorry.

Methos - For what? You can tell me.

Alexa - I'm dying. You see, don't you? We can't go out tomorrow.

Methos - Absolutely. We'd better make it tonight.

Claudia - [trying to play Joe's keyboard] Ah, there's no feeling. It's dead. I can't play Bach. [hits keyboard discordantly] I can't play the blues. Nothing's working.

DM - Claudia, you've had a hell of a shock. Give yourself a break.

Walter - No, she's right. I can hear the difference.

DM - [sarcastic] Thank you, Walter. You're a big help.

Walter - You just have to try harder, that's all.

Claudia - No, that's not all. [storms away from keyboard]

DM - [to Walter] Did you ever stop to think that maybe there was a reason why Shakespeare, or Mozart, or Bach were mortal. Maybe that's because they--

Walter - No! I won't accept that. [follows Claudia]

Joe - Maybe when the candle burns for a shorter time, it burns brighter.

Walter - [to Claudia] You get back to that piano and you play. It'll all come back to you.

Claudia - Just leave me alone.

DM - [approaches them] Listen to her, Walter.

Walter - She just needs to get her confidence back.

Claudia - [knocks glass off bar onto floor] What I need is room to breathe!

Walter - Of course. Where would you like me to take you?

DM - I think she'd like you to leave.

Walter - Oh, yeah, you'd love that, wouldn't you. Then you could snatch her up for yourself.

[Claudia starts toward exit, reacts to sensing 'buzz'. Methos enters. Claudia runs past him to the door.]

Walter - Claudia, wait! [goes after her]

DM - [to Methos as he follows Walter out] Don't say a word.

Methos - Oops. [to Joe] Where's Alexa? We, uh... We have a date.

Joe - She called in sick.

Methos - [alarmed] Where does she live?

Joe - Adam, she doesn't want to see you, okay? Just leave her alone.

Methos - Hey-- Joe, I didn't ask for your opinion. I know she's dying, okay? You are all dying. Twenty years, six months -- what's the difference?

Joe - She's protecting herself. She's protecting you. Don't you get it?

Methos - Yes, I get it. Now tell me where she lives.

[Claudia is on stage, playing 'Bach's Two-Part Intervention' at the piano. Walter is sitting in a seat at the front of the auditorium, listening. DM is onstage by the piano. ⁷ Claudia gets frustrated, hits dicordant notes, then slams the lid down over the keys.]

Claudia - It's hopeless.

Walter - No! Concentrate. Focus. Play harder!

Claudia - I am. I'm trying, and I can't.

Walter - [joins them onstage, lifts piano lid] Play. ^G You can do it. Just play!

Claudia - Leave me alone!

DM - Back off, Walter.

Claudia - [to Walter] It's your fault.

Walter - It'll come back. You'll see.

Claudia - You did this to me.

Walter - Only to preserve your genius.

Claudia - Preserve my genius? You've destroyed it. I'd be better off dead. [to DM] Make him go away. [walks off stage]

Walter - [yells after her] Me!? I made you Immortal! Him? He would have let you become a shriveled-up old woman.

DM - Leave her alone, Walter.

Walter - You can't have her, MacLeod. She's mine.

DM - She doesn't want you.

Walter - We'll see about that. [starts to follow Claudia]

DM - [stops him] Back off.

Walter - We go back a long way, MacLeod, but it can be deadly to stand between a man and his dreams. I can kill you.

DM - You can always try.

[Walter glares at him, leaves.] ^H
 

[Claudia is zipping closed her suitcase, reacts to 'buzz'. DM enters through side door.]

Claudia - You can keep the piano.

DM - [carrying long case] Where are you going?

Claudia - I don't know. And I don't care.

DM - [sets case on bed, catches her arm as she tries to walk past him] Claudia. Open it. ⁸

Claudia - [opens case, revealing a sword] It's very nice, Duncan.

DM - You're going to have to learn how to use that.

Claudia - Why?

DM - So you can keep on living.

Claudia - It's too late. I'm already dead.

<DM - Listen to me. Sit down. [They sit on the back of the sofa.] You don't think I know how you feel. Hmm? When I first became immortal, I had the same fears that you have. My life changed in a way I couldn't comprehend. Through the years I've found so many wonders, so many endless possibilities. I'm not telling you that whatever gift you were given you'll ever get back. Things will never be the same. That's the way it is for us. But there's future upon future, lifetime upon lifetime out there for you. But only if you learn how to protect yourself. CUT

Claudia - B-But I'm nothing now.

DM - Claudia, talent is something that you have. It's not who you are.>

Claudia - But who will care about me if I can't play?

DM - I will.

Claudia - Promise?

[DM smiles, nods.]

[Methos knocks on front door, holds rose behind his back. Alexa opens door.]

Methos - Hi. [Alexa comes out onto porch. Methos hands her the rose.] Am I late?

Alexa - Only about a year. You shouldn't have come.

Methos - You, uh, hiding your husband in there? Is that what's going on? Lover? Boyfriend? Seven Dwarfs?

Alexa - That's exactly what I'm doing -- hiding my husband, my boyfriend, my lover and the Seven Dwarfs.

Methos - I can take them all on. I'm not afraid. ⁹

Alexa - I shouldn't have agreed to see you. It was stupid, really.

Methos - Why?

Alexa - [looks up at him] Because you don't need to be a witness to what I'm going through. It's going to get ugly.

Methos - You look beautiful to me. Look, ^I whatever it is you're going through, I can handle it. If you let me.

Alexa - Why would you want to?

Methos - Because the alternative is unthinkable. How long...?

Alexa - Less than a year. They don't know. Do you -- Do you ever just wish that time could stand still? [Methos reaches into his coat pocket, hands her an envelope.] Plane tickets? To where?

Methos - Anywhere you like. Everywhere, if there's time.

Alexa - It's not that easy.

Methos - Yes, it is. You spend whatever time you have left dying, or you spend it living... with me. [Alexa stares at him, tears in her eyes.] ^J Please, say you'll come with me, Alexa.

Claudia - A Buddhist retreat? What good is this going to do me?

DM - It'll give you time to think. A chance to figure out who you are before we start your training.

Claudia - [scoffs] My training. ¹⁰ How long has it been for you? How many years?

DM - You're better off counting in centuries.

Claudia - See, I can't handle this. I-I can't even conceive of it.

DM - Claudia, you will. At least here you'll be safe from other Immortals while you make the adjustment.

<Claudia - "Adjustment." What are you talking about? CUT

DM - I haven't told you this. All right. This is holy ground. No one of us can harm you here.> There'll be nothing to be afraid of. All right? [Both sense 'buzz'. DM sees Walter standing at a distance. Walter raises his arm in DM's direction.] Walter. [Walter shoots him in the chest.]

Claudia - [screams] God! Oh, Duncan! Oh, my God! Duncan. [DM dies. Claudia turns as Walter approaches.] What do you want?

Walter - What I've always wanted. To guide your genius.

Claudia - No, it's gone, Walter. You stole it from me.

Walter - We can find it again.

Claudia - I can't play. I will never play.

[DM starts to revive.]

Walter - Don't say that!

Claudia - It's because of you. You did this to me.

Walter - No! [presses his sword blade against her neck]

Claudia - [gasps, sinks to her knees] Okay. [DM swings katana blade to rest against Walter's neck.] Don't, Duncan. Let him.

DM - Put it down, Walter. Claudia, get inside the monastery. Stay there and wait for me.

Walter - [calmly] Go on. I'll be in in a moment. [spins around, hits DM's sword with his own] MacLeod knows which of us is the better swordsman.

DM - I've had a little practice since the last time we met. Claudia, get moving.

[Claudia moves away from them.]

Walter - [laughs] You never had all that much talent, MacLeod.

DM - Oh, I never pretended to. You, on the other hand, couldn't write a sonnet to save your life.

Walter - "Lay on, Macduff, and damned be him that first cries, 'Hold, enough!' "

DM - Will you shut up already?

[They begin to fight. Walter retreats, dodges a blow, chuckles. Claudia glances back at them, then enters the retreat. Fight continues. Walter ducks a blow, jumps onto rock feature, then runs back over by small statue. ^K They exchange blows, a few more quick parries, then circle each other. DM dodges a blow, backs toward the statue. Walter presses his advantage. DM continues backing away, then ^L goes on the offence again. Walter retreats.]

DM - Come here, Walter. Right here. [finally manages to disarm Walter] Now swear it, Walter. Leave Claudia alone, and I'll spare you. Swear it.

Walter - "Out, out, brief candle! Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player who struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more."

DM - I should take your head just to shut you up.

Walter - What value will my life have without her genius to color it?

DM - Fine. Have it your way. [raises sword]

<Walter - Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! [sighs, crosses his fingers behind his back] I promise. CUT

DM - Promise what?

Walter - I promise to leave her alone.

DM - Good. Now let me see your hands.

Walter - [holds his hands up in front of him, uncrossed] I promise.>

DM - Good. [gives him back his sword]

Walter - "I've watched the stars burn bright and sure, and then with a flash, disappear. But still, I'm the one who endures." CUT

<DM - [starts walking toward monastery with Walter] That was pretty good.

Walter - You think so?

DM - Yeah. Who wrote it?

Walter - I did.

DM - Really?

Walter - Yeah. [motions with his hands] Where'd you pick this move?

DM - I told you I'd gotten better.

[Walter scoffs as they continue toward monastery. ^M]>
 

[Claudia finishes playing a piece, turns to DM.]

Claudia - Did you hear me?

DM - You sounded great.

Claudia - Yes. It's almost there. Not quite, but almost. When Walter was about to kill me, I was afraid to die, Duncan.

DM - Well, we have to start your sword training.

Claudia - No. I was afraid to die. I have to fear death in order to feel my music -- in order to feel mortal.

DM - But, Claudia, you're not mortal. You're -- You're in the game now. While you're out there chasing your genius, someone else is going to be chasing you to-- Don't do that.

Claudia - But I have to. Duncan, it's okay.

DM - [accepts her decision] Okay.

Alexa - We're going coast to coast in the van. Adam likes to call it our tour of the New World.

Methos - Well, it's all new to you, isn't it?

Joe - Sounds great. Then what?

Methos - Egypt.

Alexa - Isn't that romantic?

Joe - Well, he's certainly the man to take you.

Methos - Thanks, Joe.

Joe - Yeah.

Alexa - [hugs Joe] We'll write.

Joe - Okay.

Methos - [helps Alexa into passenger seat of van, walks over to DM] It's not long enough.

DM - It never is. You take it easy.

Methos - Yeah. [gets in van, drives away]

Joe - They don't know if she'll make it to Egypt.

DM - Doesn't matter. Even if she lives to be a hundred, he'll still have the pain of losing her.

Joe - Where's Claudia?

DM - Gone.

Joe - On her own. Unprotected? One of them trying to die, and the other one trying to live. It's crazy.

DM - Not for her. Listen, Dawson, when, uh, you get a Watcher on Claudia--

Joe - Don't worry. We'll keep an eye on her.