Title: Trials of Sydney Chapt. 1

Rated: PG-13

Author: Babs

Disclaimer: I own nothing... at least what is in this story, except for the idea and any made-up characters.

Texas Ranger Sydney Cooke couldn't believe the sight that greeted her as she turned onto the street she lived on. In front of her apartment complex were multiple fire trucks, extinguishing the last of the flames. Thick, black smoke escaped from the broken windows and the roof. She recognized a few of the spectators as people that lived in the same apartment complex.

Sydney parked her car and got out to watch the last of the flames to be put out by the firefighters. She realized that most the damage was on the top floor on the right side, where her apartment was located. Her gut instinct already told her that the fire started in her apartment, even though she wasn't home. She started to rewind time, trying to recall if she left anything on, but she could remember turning off everything; the oven, the lights, unplugged her curling iron and hair dryer.

So, what could have caused the fire?

"Sydney!" her neighbor called her over. Sydney turned her away from the building just as the roof caved in, collapsing the entire right side of the building, taking the bottom floor apartments with it.

'I hope everyone got out safely,' she thought to herself as she stopped next to Eleanor Campbell, a young newlywed.

"Hi, Eleanor," Sydney greeted as she looked at the building the firefighters gathered to discuss what happened.

"I can't believe it, Sydney," Eleanor began in disbelief. "After all Greg and I went through to get the place. Everything we owned, gifts from our wedding day are all gone."

Sydney felt pity for the Campbell's' now. It is hard to start out on your own.

"I'm sorry," Sydney told the 19 year old. "Where is Greg?"

"Working the midnight shift. I'll have to go and tell him."

"I'll drop you off," Sydney offered. She knew the Campbell's only had one vehicle, which Greg drove to work. "I'm going have to find a place to stay tonight as well."

Eleanor was about to answer when a couple firefighters, along with a police officer, walked towards them. "Ma'ams," the police officer began. "Do you reside here?"

"Yes, sir, both of us," Eleanor answered.

"Officer Duncan," the officer introduced. "Please, come with me and fill out some information."

"Texas Ranger Sydney Cooke," Sydney introduced herself, using her title out of habit.

"Eleanor Campbell."

The officer, Eleanor, and Sydney walked towards his car and handed each of them a sheet of paper, filled with contact information, which apartment was theirs, and whether or not they had insurance.

Sydney waited while Eleanor finished with her paperwork before biding the officer a farewell and taking Eleanor to her husbands' job.

"Thanks a lot Sydney," Eleanor said as she got out of Sydney's car. "If we need anything, I'll call you."

"Alright. Bye, Eleanor," Sydney said as Eleanor closed the passenger side door and went inside the gas station which her husband worked.

Sydney pulled away and began to drive. She didn't know where she would be staying tonight. Pulling over at the 24 hours Denny's, Sydney went inside and ordered her a coffee. She was now depressed to realize that everything she owned was most likely destroyed.

"Mmmm... Francis," a sweet female voice purred in Francis Gage's ear as he felt a small feminine hand tease his chest.

Gage got his eyes opened slightly to look at the blonde next to him. He smiled at her and kissed her soundly on the lips.

"You know," Gage began slowly, "I usually never let a woman sleep here. Makes it too personal. I may make an exception for you though."

"Glad to hear it," the female purred again, nipping his earlobe.

Gage groaned and turned her to her back just as the doorbell rang. He sighed as the female told him not to get it, that the person on the other side would go away. He would have agreed with her, but the next ringing was long and annoying and impatient. Gage stood up, silently apologized, and pulled on his slacks. He finished zipping and fastened them as he reached the door. He pulled it open and was about to rudely ask the person on the other side what did he want or to go away until he saw who stood before him, looking so unsure of herself.

"Shorty," Gage greeted in shock. Sydney did not look entirely like herself. She looked like herself, but she wasn't carrying herself as she usually does. She had an unsure look on her face and her eyes spoke sadness.

End of Chapter 1