This is a totally revised and reworked story from the one that I previously put up. I needed to add a little more to the main plot. So, if you started reading this before, you'll need to read this again to see what is going on.
Chapter 1
String snuggled up to Caitlin as they lay on the couch and listened to the strong winds that blew through the trees and around the cabin. He enjoyed his quiet time with her and loved how they could just hang out together and sometimes just enjoy each others presence without even talking.
He took her hand in his and began fiddling with the engagement ring on her finger. He loved the idea of her wearing it and little by little he was becoming more and more excited about the idea of marriage. He finally felt that he had put his fears of loving someone behind him.
"So," he said softly. "Have you thought about a possible date?"
"Date?" she asked. "What do you mean?"
String shot Caitlin a strange look. "Wedding date," he confirmed. "We haven't discussed it since we were re-engaged."
"Oh, I guess I hadn't really thought about it," she admitted. "I think that I've just been so content with the way things are that I haven't felt the need to rush and get married."
String sat up and pulled slightly away from Caitlin. "I wasn't trying to rush you," he replied while trying not to sound agitated. "I thought you wanted to get married? Have you changed your mind?"
"No, of course not," she replied. "I love you and love being with you. It's just that I don't want to go through all the drama my sister went through when she got married. I just figured that when the time was right, we'll just do it."
"But the time isn't right yet I guess?" he asked.
Caitlin leaned over and kissed him soundly. "Look, I love you with all of my heart and yes, I want to marry you," she replied. "When the time is right, we'll know it. It's just that we live such a crazy lifestyle. You have to admit it's not normal. I'm just not sure how marriage and Airwolf will mix."
String sighed. "You're right," he replied. "We'll do it when the time is right."
Caitlin smiled as she got up from the couch. She reached down and grabbed String's hand. "Now, in case you have any doubts as to how much I love you," she said. "Let's take this conversation upstairs."
String grinned. "You do know I can never say no to you don't you?" he asked.
Caitlin cocked her head sideways and laughed. "I was kind of counting on that."
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The next day Dom sent Caitlin and Saint John on several errands that he had put off doing himself. String had a meeting with a producer in order to prepare for an upcoming stunt she he was gone most of the morning. When he returned, he was surprised at how quiet things were around the hangar.
"Dom where are you?" he yelled.
"Back here," Dom called out from the back office.
"Where is everybody?" asked String.
"I sent them to the bank and to pick up those parts we needed to prep for that stunt," he replied. "They should be back anytime now."
"Good," said String. "I'm ready for lunch and it is Saint John's turn to buy."
Dom laughed. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled about that. He has wanted to drag us to that new place across town all week."
"Oh yeah," said String. "I forgot about that. Isn't it some weird name like Crazy Jacks Cuisine?"
Dom chuckled. "Yeah, I think that's it. I'm a little weary of a name like that but I did hear from several people that the food was actually quite good."
"As long as he's paying," said String. "I'll try anything."
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
On the way back to the hangar Caitlin was surprised when Saint John stopped at a nearby convenience store.
"Why are we stopping here?" she asked.
"Oh, I need to get a money order," he replied. "Remember that new exercise equipment I wanted to order? Well, they only take money orders."
"Oh okay," replied Caitlin. "I want to try that new cold coffee drink I saw advertised. I'll go in with you and see if they have it."
Once inside Saint John went straight up to the counter to get his money order and Caitlin went to find her drink. Pleased that they had it, she grabbed it from the refrigeration case and met Saint John at the counter.
As they were finishing up their purchases, a large man wearing a ski mask came running into the store. "Put your hands up," he demanded.
Saint John and Caitlin watched as he demanded the clerk give him the money in the register. Once done, he turned towards them. Caitlin handed her purse over but as Saint John went to give over his wallet, he tried to overtake the man. The thief proved to be stronger as he managed to throw Saint John to the ground. Once down the man took aim at him. Caitlin screamed out, "Saint John! No!" as she jumped down in front of him.
Within seconds she felt the hot searing pain of the bullet as it entered her back. Her legs seemed to go numb and she felt herself fall landing face down on top of Saint John. Afraid that someone might have overheard the sound of the gunshot; the thief ran outside and jumped into a waiting car.
"Caitlin!" yelled Saint John as he gently rolled her off of him. "Hang on Cait. Please hang on."
Caitlin felt her world spin out of control. The pain was growing stronger and she quickly lost consciousness.
"Call an ambulance," yelled Saint John. "Hurry!"
