This is a little short story I had written a few years ago. Edited it slightly, hope you all enjoy. :)

The rain poured down heavily on the city of Dallas, which meant Ranger Cordell Walker was busier then ever. It seemed criminals will wait till the weather was bad to do anything. So far he has gone to two bank robberies and right now was on his way to a third. Ranger James Trivette who sat beside him was already radioing in that they were a mile away from the scene.

Squealing around a corner Walker's truck began to slide uncontrollably as the tires lost traction on the wet surface. Quickly he spun the steering wheel till he managed to recover, but not before both of them were breathing hard. He looked at Trivette whose hands were still plastered to the dashboard. This got Walker to smile then chuckle at his friend.

"Sorry, should have taken the corner a little slower." He patted Trivette's back as he began to drive once again.

Trivette nodded. "Yeah, just a little."

Walker placed his foot on the gas and sped towards the bank. As he was about a block away the radio crackled to life again. "The bank robbery was botched calling for all units to cancel." He turned off his sirens and slowed down to forty miles an hour.

"That was quick." Walker said, a little disappointed.

"Yeah." Trivette straightened up in his seat. "So, Walker are you hungry?"

"Not really." Walker slowly rotated his neck causing it to pop loudly. "Man, I'm hoping this day is slower. I've only been working for four hours and I had to go to two bank robberies." He smiled while shaking his head. "The bad weather brings out many people."

Back at the Company Walker slumbered back into the office and quickly went to the coffee pot. Pouring himself a cup of straight black he went to his desk and sat down wearily. He knew that he was getting up there in age, but something inside of him kept telling him not to retire. He was going to celebrate his fifty-fifth birthday in a month and Angela was going to be turning seven years old in just a week. He should of retired when Angela was born or lay it off a bit, but he never did and now his body was feeling the many battles he put it through.

He was about to recline in his seat when a beautiful blonde walked up to his desk. Her smile made him grin as she stepped up next to him.

Alex sighed. "Walker, I have a mission for you."

His smile dropped. "What is the smile for?"

"To throw you off." She turned to Trivette. "Listen Paco Cruse wants you back in Mexico. He says it's urgent"

Walker blew through his lips as he thought of his close friend. It has been a long time since he has spoken to Paco Cruse. The last time they actually communicated was over the phone a few years back about a case. However the last time they actually saw each other was when Walker saved his life nearly ten years ago. Why would Paco want him to go down to Mexico?

He started to play with his pen. "What's up that's so urgent?"

"He's suspecting a heavy shipment of marijuana to run through the border in two weeks. And he says you're the best man he knows that can track. He prefers that you bring Trivette with you this time."

"You know Alex I haven't done tracking for a long time I might be rusty." He threw his pen down. "But for Paco, I'll do it."

She smiled wearily. "I was sort of hoping you wouldn't do it."

Walker was shocked. "How come?"

"Angela's sixth birthday is in two weeks Walker. You've haven't missed a birthday of hers since she was born."

Walker buried his face in his hands completely mad at himself. Just a few moments before he was just thinking of Angela's birthday and how he had to calm down on the missions. Why does he always have to do the hard ones?

He took a deep breath. "Listen, Alex I'll make it up to her next year. Next year she will be old enough so that way we can take her to Six Flags for her birthday."

She shook her head. "I can't believe you. This is your own daughter."

"Alex, sometime in Angela's life I will miss a birthday." He gave her a smile. "Don't worry, everything is going to be just fine."

"Okay." Alex crossed her arms. "I will try not to, but I honestly think you should rethink this."

Four Days Later

As Walker stepped into the living room after a long day of work he quickly realized the room was decorated in bright, colorful decorations. Curious at what was going on he went into the kitchen and saw a cake sitting on the dining room table. A smile came over his face realizing that Alex decided to celebrate Angela's birthday a week early just for him.

Slowly he made his way to the backyard where he saw decorations on the trees and porch. Quickly he looked around for Alex, but couldn't spot her anywhere. As he stepped down the stairs he heard a car pulling into the driveway.

In seconds his spunky little six-year-old daughter ran around the side of the house screaming out 'Daddy'. Walker picked her up and swung her around causing the tiny girl to giggle uncontrollably. Laughing himself Walker slowed to a stop and carried his daughter to the picnic table. As he sat down Alex walked out of the house with a birthday cake.

Angela looked surprised. "But mommy, my birthday isn't till next week."

"I know, but daddy will be having to go someplace so this year, we're celebrating it a little early."

"Daddy, where are you going?" Angela said turning to Walker with those curious eyes of hers.

Walker gazed into Angela's deep blue eyes. "I'm going someplace for awhile, sweetie. I'll be leaving tomorrow night."

Angela crossed her arms and pouted. "Why do you always have to go someplace?"

Walker hated this feeling of guiltiness that washed over him every time he had to go someplace. "Because of daddy's job I have to."

Angela pouted, this time she turned her head away. "Well, find another job."

Alex approached the table with the cake with seven candles a lit. Walker got up then held onto Angela as she leaned across the table to blow out the candles. As they finished singing Happy Birthday, his daughter beamed up at him. .

"Daddy, do you want to know what I wished for?"

Walker shook his head smiling. "No. You see if you tell me Angie your wish won't come true. So, you will have to keep it a secret till it does."

Angela crossed her arms and pouted. "Then I'm never going to tell."

Alex went up to her daughter and gave her a reassuring hug. "Yes, it will. If you believe enough it will come true."

Five Days Later

The sun bared down on the three men as they crouched in the high weeds surrounding the cluster of buildings. For two days now they sat in this same spot barely moving expect to do the basic essentials. They surveyed the building in front of them in shifts, desperately looking for any weakness in the suspects plan.

The drug dealers had the place well guarded with an electric fence around the entire perimeter which was topped with barbed wire. Not only that they had sentries that would circle the building and several cameras. So far the men were able to hide in the bushes without getting spotted. However, their luck will run out. Let's hope when it does nothing too serious will happen.

Walker reached out for his canteen and took a long drink of the cool water. Sitting here for countless hours his mind amazingly enough was still at the task at hand. He noticed quickly on that Trivette would nod off now and then and Paco would just play with the dirt with his knife. How to help those two so they won't get bored? Maybe he could have them play a little game…

One of the sentries glanced directly at him which made his heart skip a beat. Did the man see him? The sentry waved for help which told Walker that they had to get out of the location and fast. How could he have been so reckless?

Quickly he kicked Trivette awake then reached for the rifle at that laid at his friend's side. Paco instantly sensed something wrong and had reached for his rifle as well. As the men watched the lone sentry a group of ten men ran out of the main building carrying everything from small arms to grenade launchers.

"This is a little more then we expected." Paco said still keeping low.

Walker nodded in agreement. "Yeah, just a little." He pushed himself up to a kneeling position. "On my count, run."

Paco cut Walker a quick glance. "And what will you do?"

"Cover you." Walker took a deep breath then quickly stood up. "Run!"

Instantly gunfire erupted from the compound as Paco and Trivette sprinted for cover. Walker managed to take down two men before hot searing pain sliced through his side. Grunting out he lowered his rifle allowing another shot to hit him square in the abdomen.

Very rabidly Walker's world began to get hazy and distorted as his vision began to tunnel. Dropping to his knees he could hear the rifle fall from his hands, but he couldn't feel it. Looking at the direction of the men he could see figures quickly running to him. His whole world turned black as Trivette's voice got nearer.

Trivette went crazy as soon as he saw Walker fall to his knees. In three quick shots of his rifle he managed to connect all three with the bodies of three men. Paco ran beside him also shooting wildly, his aim hitting dead on.

Once he got to Walker he saw that his friend laid on his back, his legs tucked under him. A pool of blood quickly started to form under his lifeless body running down the hill to Trivette's feet. He shook his head as he knelt down, now ignoring the gunfight that was going on between Paco and the men of the compound.

He could see that Walker was shot twice, once in the shoulder and once in the abdomen. Quickly he took off his shirt and started to put pressure on Walker's wounds. When he did this his friend groaned then slowly opened his eyes.

"Hey, buddy that's it. Hang in there." Trivette's voice quivered from emotion.

Walker swallowed hard. "Trivette, I'm so thirsty."

Trivette tried his best not to cry. "Walker, you're going to hang in there. Don't you worry. Everything is going to be okay."

Paco slid next to Trivette trying to avoid the puddle of blood. "Hey, I managed to keep the men busy for awhile. Come on let's take him to cover and call for help."

Trivette nodded his head then took hold of Walker's arms while Paco took hold of his legs. Lifting Walker up Trivette was really surprised at how heavy he felt. He knew that Walker was hefty, but for some reason he felt a lot heaver as they carried him to a grove of trees. As they reached cover Walker began to lightly squirm.

"Put me down." His voice was barely a whisper.

Trivette obeyed his friends orders and placed Walker down against a tree. As he did this, he put his hand tightly against Walker's abdomen. Even with pressure the blood kept coming out. Trivette nearly cried as realization suddenly hit him. Walker had suffered a fatal wound to the stomach. No matter what they did, no matter how hard they fought his friend will die.

Walker began to gurgle, a sign that death was near by. "Trivette..." He lightly coughed which sent blood to dribble down his chin. "Tell Angela for me..." He started to choke which made him cough up more blood.

Trivette too overcome with emotions placed his head in his hands. This can't be happening this was supposed to be a simple mission. He looked up at Paco, his face stained with tears and Walker's blood. The veteran officer wiped the tears from his own face as he took a deep, shaky breath.

Paco shook his head as he slowly stood up. "Walker ain't going to make it."

Walker reached out a bloody hand. "Leave..." As he coughed it sounded weaker then before. "Go...leave..." He gave them a weak smile. "I'm...okay."

Angry at Walker's smile Trivette swiftly stood up to notice the men were now coming down the hill. He looked at Walker then back at the field. He knew that if Walker were to die they would have to take his body. Who knows what these mongrels will do to him.

He bent down and took hold of Walker's arms. "Come on we got to take him away form here. If we don't we will never be able to find him again."

Paco gave a nod then lifted Walker's legs grunting with the weight. "You know we shouldn't move him." His face saddened when he spotted the blood slowly coming to a stop. "No! Walker you have to hang in there!"

Trivette quickly took a glance down to see his friend's eyes slowly close to a slit. Walker coughed one last time then his whole body went completely limp.

"NO!!" Trivette tried to drop Walker, to give him CPR, but Paco stopped him. "What!?"

Paco pointed with his head to the direction of the compound. "They're coming. Help me get him on my shoulders." Once Paco had all the weight of his friend on his back he began to move. "Go, hurry. We don't have much time."

After a mile of running Paco finally had to stop, panting really hard from his effort. Trivette leaned back to catch his breath as well. He looked around and noticed they were really deep into the woods and the men from the compound weren't even near them. Going up to Paco he helped ease Walker off his back and place him by a tree. They laid their friend down in the shade, on his back.

Trivette studied his friend to see that the blood was no longer spilling out of the wounds. However the shirt Walker wore was now caked in blood, which he could easily smell. He also noticed Walker's eyes were open just a slit, but they held no life. Very shakily Trivette reached out to check his friend's pulse and wasn't really too surprised when he found none. His best friend for over ten years had passed on.

Paco slumped to the ground, his head buried in his hands. "Well, they don't know where we are." He wiped his brow. "We can hide Walker here till we get help."

"What about animals?" Trivette said, his voice so weak he wondered if Paco heard.

"Not that much here in Mexico except maybe for the feral dog." Paco looked at Walker as tears rolled down his cheek. "He was a good friend."

Trivette managed a slow nod. "Yeah, he was." He swallowed hard. "How will we tell Alex and the rest….?" He couldn't talk anymore, the emotions were too overwhelming.

"Don't know." Paco gently started to fold Walker's arms across his body. "Listen, one of us can stay with his body."

"Please still call him Walker."

"Sorry." Paco ran his hands over Walker's eyes closing them. "You sure you're going to be okay out here?"

Trivette gave a weak nod. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

Once Paco left Trivette went to his friend and gently touched Walker's face, which was slightly cold to the touch. He can still feel some warmth, but it was slowly fading.

"Walker, remember when we first meant each other." Trivette started to sniffle. "I was swimming and dressed in my bikini's. I have to admit buddy, that when I first saw you I thought you were going to be lame, an officer by the book. I've heard of your reputation as a tough cowboy, knew that I may have to go through hell to get your respect." He started to cry. "Walker, I should have been there for you. I should have been there to protect you." He pounded at the earth. "I didn't cover you."

The sound of leaves rustling made him quickly look up. When he did he saw there was no one around but him and Walker. The leaves started to rustle again as a figure appeared before him.

"Walker!" Trivette screamed out as he fell backwards to his hands.

The ghostly image of his friend knelt at Walker's lifeless body then shook it's head. He looked up at Trivette with pained filled eyes. The figure didn't say anything instead he began to search dead Walker's pockets till he found a silver necklace covered in blood. The figure went up to Trivette then placed the necklace on the ground beside him.

Trivette finally managed to get his voice, "Walker?"

The figure nodded. "It's going to be all right." He smiled. "I felt no pain. I ordered you to run. It isn't your fault." With that the figure disappeared.

Trivette took a look at the necklace given to him by the ghostly figure, quickly noticing that it was the locket that Walker bought for Angela's birthday. Opening it up he saw it still remained empty. He rubbed the inside, he knew exactly what he should put in there.

For the next ten minutes or so he sat besides Walker's body cleaning the locket with his hands. He finally managed to get a shine back into it when he heard voices not too far from him. He put the locket in his pants pocket then lifted his rifle. As he stood up five men dressed in DEA jackets swarmed around him followed by Paco.

One agent who had in his hands a thick black bag approached Walker. "When Paco told me I didn't believe it. It's really true, Walker is dead."

All five agents stood around Walker's lifeless body, each of them took of their hats and held them over their hearts. One agent, a large black man started to hum Amazing Grace as the agent with the black bag, with the help of the remaining three placed Walker's body gently inside.

As he zipped up the bag something tugged at Trivette's heart that caused him to wail. He fell to his knees, buried his head in his hands and began to sob. Walker is really dead, he isn't going to walk through those trees smiling that smile of his. He isn't ever going to put his arm around Trivette when he is down. He won't ever encourage him when things got rough. What was he going to do without his best friend by his side? Who will he look up to?