The Birthday Gift

I don't own these characters; I just like to spend time with them. No other profit to be had than that.

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Caitlin paced nervously around the office, picking up paper and laying it back down, without actually looking it at. Twice she sat down, only to stand again and resume her pacing. Dom had fled his office in favor of cleaning out his red, white and blue jeep, as he was unable to stand her worry, or his own, any longer.

Hawke was missing, had been for thee days. He wasn't on a mission for Michael and he wasn't at the cabin. Although it wasn't totally out of character for him to disappear for a day or two, he usually let them know about it.

But he hadn't.

Concerned that he may have taken Airwolf for some reason or other, Dom and Caitlin had even driven out to the lair. But the Lady was there, untouched since her last mission.

Dom and Caitlin had checked every place they could think of for their missing friend, but so far had turned up nothing. Dom had even gone to the extraordinary length, at least for him, of contacting Michael and requesting assistance. Michael and had promised his help but so far, he had no news to report.

As Dom cleaned the windows and wiped down the dashboard of his vehicle, he heard a crash coming from the office. Afraid to look and yet even more afraid that Caitlin could've hurt herself, he rushed into the office to find the trash can lying on its side, its contents spilled across the floor.

"Feel better?" He asked; knowing she'd probably kicked it over in a fit of frustration.

"No." She sighed and sat down only to rise again, wrapping her arms protectively around herself. "Where is he, Dom?" She whispered; afraid raising her voice would show just how very scared she was at what could have happened to the man that she loved.

Dominick Santini was not a stupid man. His outside appearance often disguised the kind and extremely wise man inside. Stepping over to her, he pulled her into a comforting hug. "Ah, I know, honey. I'm worried too. But, I know String. There's usually nothing he can't handle."

Caitlin pushed back from him, studying his face intently. "Usually." She repeated. "But not always. Dom, if he…" She stopped, unable to complete that thought. "I'm scared." She finally admitted.

Dom nodded and pulled her back for another hug. "I know, honey, I know. But ya gotta believe that he's safe and will be home soon."

As the two stood there consoling each other, they heard a car pull up and a door slamming. Breaking apart, hopeful expressions crossed both of their faces as they hoped against hope that it would be String or perhaps Michael with news.

It wasn't.

It was a delivery man with a large bouquet of roses for Caitlin and an invitation for both her and Dom to Hawke's cabin that evening. The invitation was signed simply, H.

"What the…?" Dom pushed his red ball cap back and scratched his head, a completely puzzled look on his face.

Though Caitlin was no less puzzled, she was also elated to know that he was at least well enough to send gifts and invitations and angry enough to clobber him, when she got to the cabin, for worrying her and Dom so much. Laying the flowers on the desk, Cait grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" Dom asked. "The day ain't over with yet and we got a student coming, in about an hour, for a flying lesson."

Caitlin scowled at the man she loved like a father. "I'm going to the cabin. Where do you think I'm going?" She snapped as she headed out.

"And if he's there?" Dom asked.

"And if he's there…" She let the comment drop, not really sure what she was going to do, kill him or kiss him.

Dom looked at the invitation in his hand and the retreating back of the red head. Pocketing the invitation, he hastily scribbled a note on a piece of paper and taped it to the door, before closing up the hangar and practically running to the helicopter to get on, before Cait took off. He didn't want her going without him.

Caitlin said nothing to him, as he got in and she piloted the bird into the air and headed to String's cabin.

When they landed, they saw that the cabin was quiet, as it had been when they'd checked it the other day. No welcoming smoke coming from the chimney and no sign that anyone, besides themselves had even been there. Even Hawke's old hound was mysteriously absent.

"Cait, I don't like the feel of this." Dom said as he grabbed her arm, preventing her from going up the steps and into the cabin. "I think it's a trap or something."

"For what purpose?" Cait asked scowl still firmly intact.

"Oh, I don't know." It was Dom's turn to snap. "Maybe to use us to get to String or the Lady. You know, it wouldn't be the first time that's happened. It don't look right to me, Caitlin, and I don't think we need to go in there. Maybe we should wait until later."

Caitlin dropped her head for a moment. Dom was right of course. It very well could be, and most probably was, a trap. But what if it wasn't? The past few days had been too trying for her not to have a look. "I've gotta see, Dom. I've just got to." She turned pleading eyes on Dom, begging his understanding.

Dom took a deep breath and finally nodded. "Not alone, you don't." He moved forward. "Stay behind me." He directed as he led Caitlin towards the cabin.

TBC