Happy Holidays, mackiedockie!
Title: Chivalry Isn't Dead
Author: strangevisitor7 aka The Itteh Bitteh Kitteh Committeh
Written for: mackiedockie
Character: Joe Dawson
Rating: PG-13: Gen
Summary: Joe runs a late night errand that goes awry.
Chivalry Isn't Dead
The group of teenagers pushed past Joe, practically knocking him off his feet as they rushed past.
"Hey, watch where you going!" he yelled after the four. Joe had a quick errand to run before then heading home tonight and he wasn't in the mood to be a pinball.
One of the youths turned around to respond to Joe's comment, as he walked backwards next to his friends. "Want a piece of me old man?" he laughed, holding his arms wide in challenge.
In the pale street light, Joe could make out the shade of the colorful bandana wrapped around the youths' heads as well as their matching jackets. He knew gang colors when he saw them. As much as he'd like to teach these idiots some respect, it wasn't worth the effort. Instead he shook his head at the kid who had addressed him. It was late and these delinquents were probably just itching for a fight
The gang member shoved his hands back into the pockets of his leather jacket and smirked. "Didn't think so." The teen turned around. He knocked shoulders with another member of the group, and tilted his head back toward Joe, which elicited peals of laughter from the other three.
Joe knew that they were snickering at the idea that an old cripple would challenge their right to do anything. He slowed his pace, not that Joe could really move fast with his disability, but it was best to put as much distance between him and the group as possible. He had no interest in drawing their attention again. Joe wasn't one to run from a fight but he also knew he was no match for a bunch of kids looking to create chaos.
He watched as the ruffians turned the corner and cursed that his errands were sending him in the same direction. Carefully, he approached the corner and peered around the bend. The youths had disappeared and he assumed they'd entered one of the apartment buildings that lined this side of the street.
Huffing out his relief, he headed toward the all-night grocery store at the end of the block. If it wasn't for the lack of coffee in his pantry, he wouldn't even be out this late, but there were some things he refused to do without. Besides, he could defend himself if he had too, and coffee was definitely something worth fighting for, he chuckled to himself.
Joe was brought up short by the sounds of laughter and taunting coming from the alley to his left. It was the gang of four, and from the noise they were making, they'd found someone new to torment. Joe peered down the alley. In the light from the single naked bulb in the passage he could just make out the figures of the four teens, and they weren't alone.
The boys were circling a fifth figure. A woman was clutching her bags to her chest as she tried to back out of their reach.
"Please let me go!" She screeched as she was grabbed from behind and held as the others closed in. The bags spilled to the ground as she struggled against her captors
"Now don't worry, sweetheart, we won't hurt you," the gang member snickered as he paused to grin at his companions, "much."
Joe stepped back into the shadows as he pulled out his cell phone. Leaning against the building he quickly dialed 911 and in a hushed whisper explained the situation to the dispatcher. Pocketing his phone he peered around the corner.
The violence was escalating. Someone had shoved a cloth into the woman's mouth to keep her silent and she was being held roughly by two of the youths. The guy who had taunted Joe earlier ripped open the woman's blouse.
Horrified, Joe realized that there was no time to wait for the police; he had to act. Living among Immortals meant that he was often called on to defend himself. Not for the first time he was glad he'd taken to carrying a gun, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that.
He wished MacLeod were here. Saving the damsel in distress was more his thing but Joe knew he couldn't stand by and allow the woman come to harm. Taking a deep breath as he steadied himself for the confrontation to come, Joe hobbled into the alley with one hand in the inside pocket of his coat ready to draw if the youths turned on him. He hoped that being caught in the act might be enough to send them on their way.
"Let her go!" he shouted with a false bravado, hoping the teens couldn't tell how nervous he truly was. They were like sharks and would definitely attack if they could sense his fear.
The fourth kid, who'd been a spectator to his friend's disgusting activities, took a step toward him. "Someone wants to be a hero," he jeered.
The first youth stopped his assault on the woman to look at Joe. "Hey old guy," he said brightly, as if addressing an old friend. "Ready to take me on after all?"
The woman had stopped struggling against her captors and sent a look of gratitude mixed with pure terror in Joe's direction. He nodded slightly, trying to reassure her before giving his full attention to the boys closing in on his position.
"Stay back!" Joe commanded. "I don't want any trouble. I just want you to let her go and be on your way."
Idiot number one stopped as he looked at his friend. "He wants us to go, Chaz," he laughed, the sarcasm dripping from his voice. "I don't know. Ya think we should do that?"
Chaz didn't take his eyes off Joe, and the Watcher could see the crazy in the youth's stare. "Na, Forge, I think we should teach old men to mind their own business," he replied coldly.
Forge smiled as the two resumed their advance. Seeing no other alternative, Joe pulled his gun.
"I said, let her go."
"Oooh crip's gotta gun." Forge smirked raising his hands in mock surrender as he feigned fear. "Guess some people just don't know when to keep walking."
"Idiots," Chaz nodded in agreement. He flicked open his jacket and Joe didn't wait for the teen to draw the gun he spotted in the waistband.
Joe fired right in front of Chaz, bringing both teens up short. Chaz's hand halted its movement toward his weapon. The boys exchanged a look that indicated they hadn't believed that Joe would actually fire.
In the space of their hesitation, Joe fired again, kicking up dust in front of Forge. The teens stepped back, unused to being challenged in this way.
One of the gang members still holding the woman called to his friends, "Let's get out of here! She ain't worth it."
"Shut up, Billy," Forge commanded, but the bluster from before had slipped away. When Forge attempted to reach for his weapon, Joe raised his gun to aim at the teen's heart.
"Don't even think about it," Joe said, the calm in his voice masking the fear coursing though him. "I won't miss this time." He was praying that these idiots wouldn't force his hand.
"Hey man, don't get crazy," Chaz pleaded as he raised his empty hands. "We were just gonna have a little fun, but we don't want no trouble."
Joe kept his weapon pointed at them, silently waiting for their next move.
Forge glared at his companion. Chaz ignored it as he tugged at his leader's arm. "Billy's right, we should go before the cops come. Someone had to have heard the shots."
Forge shook off the grip. "This isn't over, old man," he snarled, pointing a finger in Joe's direction to emphasize his threat.
Joe smiled as he heard the distant wail of sirens. "Oh, I think it is."
A look of terror passed between the two as they ran back to collect their companions. They pushed the woman to the ground and made a beeline for the opposite end of the alley, only to be thwarted as the first police car pulled up to block their escape.
Joe sequestered his gun, and ignoring the flurry of activity as the police did their thing, he moved quickly to the woman. She was just moving into a sitting position as he approached, appearing dazed but otherwise unharmed. She was trying to tug her damaged blouse closed with one hand while the other attempted to tame her mane of shoulder length brown hair.
Joe approached her cautiously not wanting to frighten her.
"Can you stand?" he asked, offering her his free hand. "Are you hurt?"
She turned brown eyes up at him and took a deep breath before answering hesitantly. "I'm okay, I think," she whispered. "Thanks to you."
Relief coursed through Joe as he realized that he had, at a minimum, saved her from becoming the victim of a violent attack.
"You're welcome," was all he could manage as the enormity of what he'd done threatened to overwhelm him. He'd been running on pure adrenaline from the moment he stepped in the alley. He really wanted to sit down and get his own nerves under control. Instead he forced himself to maintain a façade of calm for her sake.
The woman was a bit unsteady as she grasped his hand, allowing Joe to bring her to her feet. He found himself with an armful of brunette as she stumbled against him.
"Sorry, guess I'm a little more- " she paused as she tried to push herself away from him. Suddenly, the tears started flowing. "I don't - I can't--" She waved an arm loosely at the area around them.
"Ssh," Joe said as he instinctively pulled the woman back into his embrace. "It's over. They can't hurt you anymore."
The woman allowed herself to be held as she sobbed against his chest. Joe rested his chin on the top of her head and just let her cry.
She had sagged against him and he rubbed a hand along her back trying to calm her. Joe huffed out a breath as he took this moment master his own emotions from the ordeal. He found that he enjoyed the feel of her against him and then chastised himself for such thoughts given what she'd been through. Still, he couldn't help but notice that she was an attractive woman near his own age.
He was dragged from the moment by a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see a police officer silently asking him if everything was okay.
Joe disengaged himself from the embrace. He looked down at the tear stained face. "The police are here and I think they need to talk to you," he said gently as he brushed a wayward curl from her face. "Are you up for that?"
She bit her lip as she nodded, trying to regain her composure. Joe attempted to step aside to allow the officer access to her but the woman grabbed his hand, indicating she wanted him to stay.
"Please don't go. I feel - I feel safe knowing you're nearby," she admitted and then a shadow of confusion crossed her face. "I don't even know your name."
He smiled. "Joe Dawson," he said as he squeezed her hand. He couldn't explain the feeling of contentment that came over him as she admitted her need to have him close. He knew that desperate situations could often form quick connections between people and it seemed that she had attached herself to him. Joe found he liked the idea of being the hero in the story for once.
"Barbara Miller," she replied.
"Well, Barbara, I'll be right over here," he said, indicating a second officer who was motioning for Joe's attention. "I think you need to let them check you out. I promise I won't be far away."
Reluctantly, she released his hand and allowed herself to be led to the ambulance at the end of the alley.
Joe watched her walk away, wondering what she was really like when she wasn't scared and beaten down. He was feeling pretty pleased with what he'd accomplished this night.
"You did a brave thing," the officer said as he came to stand next to Joe.
Joe laughed. "Brave but stupid," he admitted.
The officer chuckled in response. "Not so stupid. You saved her life."
The Watcher nodded. "Guess I did. Now, I suppose you have a few questions for me."
"If you'll just come this way," the officer said.
He spared one last glance toward the ambulance that held Barbara Miller. Sensing his scrutiny, she looked toward him. He grinned at her and gave a little wave that brought a smile to her lips. She mouthed a silent thank you at him and he felt that sense of satisfaction sweep over him again. He was gratified to see that she seemed to be recovering quickly from her ordeal.
Joe sighed, wishing he had a drink. He figured he deserved one after everything that had happened. He was sure the full impact of what he'd gone up against still hadn't hit him. It was going to be a long night, but maybe there would be someone waiting for him when it was over.
END
Author: strangevisitor7 aka The Itteh Bitteh Kitteh Committeh
Written for: mackiedockie
Character: Joe Dawson
Rating: PG-13: Gen
Summary: Joe runs a late night errand that goes awry.
Chivalry Isn't Dead
The group of teenagers pushed past Joe, practically knocking him off his feet as they rushed past.
"Hey, watch where you going!" he yelled after the four. Joe had a quick errand to run before then heading home tonight and he wasn't in the mood to be a pinball.
One of the youths turned around to respond to Joe's comment, as he walked backwards next to his friends. "Want a piece of me old man?" he laughed, holding his arms wide in challenge.
In the pale street light, Joe could make out the shade of the colorful bandana wrapped around the youths' heads as well as their matching jackets. He knew gang colors when he saw them. As much as he'd like to teach these idiots some respect, it wasn't worth the effort. Instead he shook his head at the kid who had addressed him. It was late and these delinquents were probably just itching for a fight
The gang member shoved his hands back into the pockets of his leather jacket and smirked. "Didn't think so." The teen turned around. He knocked shoulders with another member of the group, and tilted his head back toward Joe, which elicited peals of laughter from the other three.
Joe knew that they were snickering at the idea that an old cripple would challenge their right to do anything. He slowed his pace, not that Joe could really move fast with his disability, but it was best to put as much distance between him and the group as possible. He had no interest in drawing their attention again. Joe wasn't one to run from a fight but he also knew he was no match for a bunch of kids looking to create chaos.
He watched as the ruffians turned the corner and cursed that his errands were sending him in the same direction. Carefully, he approached the corner and peered around the bend. The youths had disappeared and he assumed they'd entered one of the apartment buildings that lined this side of the street.
Huffing out his relief, he headed toward the all-night grocery store at the end of the block. If it wasn't for the lack of coffee in his pantry, he wouldn't even be out this late, but there were some things he refused to do without. Besides, he could defend himself if he had too, and coffee was definitely something worth fighting for, he chuckled to himself.
Joe was brought up short by the sounds of laughter and taunting coming from the alley to his left. It was the gang of four, and from the noise they were making, they'd found someone new to torment. Joe peered down the alley. In the light from the single naked bulb in the passage he could just make out the figures of the four teens, and they weren't alone.
The boys were circling a fifth figure. A woman was clutching her bags to her chest as she tried to back out of their reach.
"Please let me go!" She screeched as she was grabbed from behind and held as the others closed in. The bags spilled to the ground as she struggled against her captors
"Now don't worry, sweetheart, we won't hurt you," the gang member snickered as he paused to grin at his companions, "much."
Joe stepped back into the shadows as he pulled out his cell phone. Leaning against the building he quickly dialed 911 and in a hushed whisper explained the situation to the dispatcher. Pocketing his phone he peered around the corner.
The violence was escalating. Someone had shoved a cloth into the woman's mouth to keep her silent and she was being held roughly by two of the youths. The guy who had taunted Joe earlier ripped open the woman's blouse.
Horrified, Joe realized that there was no time to wait for the police; he had to act. Living among Immortals meant that he was often called on to defend himself. Not for the first time he was glad he'd taken to carrying a gun, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that.
He wished MacLeod were here. Saving the damsel in distress was more his thing but Joe knew he couldn't stand by and allow the woman come to harm. Taking a deep breath as he steadied himself for the confrontation to come, Joe hobbled into the alley with one hand in the inside pocket of his coat ready to draw if the youths turned on him. He hoped that being caught in the act might be enough to send them on their way.
"Let her go!" he shouted with a false bravado, hoping the teens couldn't tell how nervous he truly was. They were like sharks and would definitely attack if they could sense his fear.
The fourth kid, who'd been a spectator to his friend's disgusting activities, took a step toward him. "Someone wants to be a hero," he jeered.
The first youth stopped his assault on the woman to look at Joe. "Hey old guy," he said brightly, as if addressing an old friend. "Ready to take me on after all?"
The woman had stopped struggling against her captors and sent a look of gratitude mixed with pure terror in Joe's direction. He nodded slightly, trying to reassure her before giving his full attention to the boys closing in on his position.
"Stay back!" Joe commanded. "I don't want any trouble. I just want you to let her go and be on your way."
Idiot number one stopped as he looked at his friend. "He wants us to go, Chaz," he laughed, the sarcasm dripping from his voice. "I don't know. Ya think we should do that?"
Chaz didn't take his eyes off Joe, and the Watcher could see the crazy in the youth's stare. "Na, Forge, I think we should teach old men to mind their own business," he replied coldly.
Forge smiled as the two resumed their advance. Seeing no other alternative, Joe pulled his gun.
"I said, let her go."
"Oooh crip's gotta gun." Forge smirked raising his hands in mock surrender as he feigned fear. "Guess some people just don't know when to keep walking."
"Idiots," Chaz nodded in agreement. He flicked open his jacket and Joe didn't wait for the teen to draw the gun he spotted in the waistband.
Joe fired right in front of Chaz, bringing both teens up short. Chaz's hand halted its movement toward his weapon. The boys exchanged a look that indicated they hadn't believed that Joe would actually fire.
In the space of their hesitation, Joe fired again, kicking up dust in front of Forge. The teens stepped back, unused to being challenged in this way.
One of the gang members still holding the woman called to his friends, "Let's get out of here! She ain't worth it."
"Shut up, Billy," Forge commanded, but the bluster from before had slipped away. When Forge attempted to reach for his weapon, Joe raised his gun to aim at the teen's heart.
"Don't even think about it," Joe said, the calm in his voice masking the fear coursing though him. "I won't miss this time." He was praying that these idiots wouldn't force his hand.
"Hey man, don't get crazy," Chaz pleaded as he raised his empty hands. "We were just gonna have a little fun, but we don't want no trouble."
Joe kept his weapon pointed at them, silently waiting for their next move.
Forge glared at his companion. Chaz ignored it as he tugged at his leader's arm. "Billy's right, we should go before the cops come. Someone had to have heard the shots."
Forge shook off the grip. "This isn't over, old man," he snarled, pointing a finger in Joe's direction to emphasize his threat.
Joe smiled as he heard the distant wail of sirens. "Oh, I think it is."
A look of terror passed between the two as they ran back to collect their companions. They pushed the woman to the ground and made a beeline for the opposite end of the alley, only to be thwarted as the first police car pulled up to block their escape.
Joe sequestered his gun, and ignoring the flurry of activity as the police did their thing, he moved quickly to the woman. She was just moving into a sitting position as he approached, appearing dazed but otherwise unharmed. She was trying to tug her damaged blouse closed with one hand while the other attempted to tame her mane of shoulder length brown hair.
Joe approached her cautiously not wanting to frighten her.
"Can you stand?" he asked, offering her his free hand. "Are you hurt?"
She turned brown eyes up at him and took a deep breath before answering hesitantly. "I'm okay, I think," she whispered. "Thanks to you."
Relief coursed through Joe as he realized that he had, at a minimum, saved her from becoming the victim of a violent attack.
"You're welcome," was all he could manage as the enormity of what he'd done threatened to overwhelm him. He'd been running on pure adrenaline from the moment he stepped in the alley. He really wanted to sit down and get his own nerves under control. Instead he forced himself to maintain a façade of calm for her sake.
The woman was a bit unsteady as she grasped his hand, allowing Joe to bring her to her feet. He found himself with an armful of brunette as she stumbled against him.
"Sorry, guess I'm a little more- " she paused as she tried to push herself away from him. Suddenly, the tears started flowing. "I don't - I can't--" She waved an arm loosely at the area around them.
"Ssh," Joe said as he instinctively pulled the woman back into his embrace. "It's over. They can't hurt you anymore."
The woman allowed herself to be held as she sobbed against his chest. Joe rested his chin on the top of her head and just let her cry.
She had sagged against him and he rubbed a hand along her back trying to calm her. Joe huffed out a breath as he took this moment master his own emotions from the ordeal. He found that he enjoyed the feel of her against him and then chastised himself for such thoughts given what she'd been through. Still, he couldn't help but notice that she was an attractive woman near his own age.
He was dragged from the moment by a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head to see a police officer silently asking him if everything was okay.
Joe disengaged himself from the embrace. He looked down at the tear stained face. "The police are here and I think they need to talk to you," he said gently as he brushed a wayward curl from her face. "Are you up for that?"
She bit her lip as she nodded, trying to regain her composure. Joe attempted to step aside to allow the officer access to her but the woman grabbed his hand, indicating she wanted him to stay.
"Please don't go. I feel - I feel safe knowing you're nearby," she admitted and then a shadow of confusion crossed her face. "I don't even know your name."
He smiled. "Joe Dawson," he said as he squeezed her hand. He couldn't explain the feeling of contentment that came over him as she admitted her need to have him close. He knew that desperate situations could often form quick connections between people and it seemed that she had attached herself to him. Joe found he liked the idea of being the hero in the story for once.
"Barbara Miller," she replied.
"Well, Barbara, I'll be right over here," he said, indicating a second officer who was motioning for Joe's attention. "I think you need to let them check you out. I promise I won't be far away."
Reluctantly, she released his hand and allowed herself to be led to the ambulance at the end of the alley.
Joe watched her walk away, wondering what she was really like when she wasn't scared and beaten down. He was feeling pretty pleased with what he'd accomplished this night.
"You did a brave thing," the officer said as he came to stand next to Joe.
Joe laughed. "Brave but stupid," he admitted.
The officer chuckled in response. "Not so stupid. You saved her life."
The Watcher nodded. "Guess I did. Now, I suppose you have a few questions for me."
"If you'll just come this way," the officer said.
He spared one last glance toward the ambulance that held Barbara Miller. Sensing his scrutiny, she looked toward him. He grinned at her and gave a little wave that brought a smile to her lips. She mouthed a silent thank you at him and he felt that sense of satisfaction sweep over him again. He was gratified to see that she seemed to be recovering quickly from her ordeal.
Joe sighed, wishing he had a drink. He figured he deserved one after everything that had happened. He was sure the full impact of what he'd gone up against still hadn't hit him. It was going to be a long night, but maybe there would be someone waiting for him when it was over.
END