The following story is based on the characters of the TV Series "Walker, Texas Ranger". The characters belong to CBS Productions, Top Kick Productions, etc., but the story is mine. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)
"Bayou Justice"
By: Lorrie
Gage sat at his desk waiting for Sydney to come in. Something had happened between them last night, something wonderful and exciting. Gage couldn't remember a time when he felt more alive. He and Sydney had finally connected on an intimate level. It was the best birthday he'd ever had.
Sydney dreaded going into work. She dreaded facing Gage today after last night. What had she been thinking? Obviously, she hadn't been thinking. The evening started out like many that she and Gage had shared recently. It was Gage's birthday and she had invited him over for dinner.
After dinner she gave him his birthday present, a couple of new CD's. Gage reached over, cupped her chin and kissed her firmly, but gently on the mouth. What began as a simple thank you kiss quickly escalated into a very intense passionate kiss.
Once thing led to another and Sydney had awakened this morning finding herself in her own bed, snuggled against Gage's bare chest, the sheets and comforter wrapped around their intertwined bodies. Only then did the magnitude of their spontaneity hit her, "Oh my gosh," she thought. "We slept together."
**********
Sydney took a deep breath before entering Ranger HQ. She'd decided to play it cool with Gage, pretend nothing happened. "Good morning Trivette, Walker."
"Hey Sydney."
"Good morning Syd." Gage smiled warmly.
"Morning Gage." Sydney mumbled and looked down at the new mound of paperwork on her desk.
Gage stared at her for a moment. "OK, she's just playing it cool in the office. That's understandable," he thought.
"Gage, can I see you in here for a minute?" Walker asked.
"Sure." Gage entered Walker's office.
"Have a seat." Walker motioned to the chair in front of his desk. Gage sat down. "The Governor just called and requested our help, more specifically, requested your help."
"My help?" Gage asked, somewhat puzzled.
Walker nodded. "He was very impressed with the way you handled yourself with 'The Hammer' last year in the Arkansas State Penitentiary. I'll tell you up front, I'm not really with the Governor on this one. I don't like a lot of things about this assignment. You can feel free to turn it down and I wish that you would."
"How about telling me about the assignment first and let me decide?"
"It appears that Simon Laguex is running a smuggling ring from Houston to Lafayette."
"Smuggling what?" Gage asked.
"Weapons." Walker replied. "These weapons are making their way out of the country once they reach Lafayette and so far we can't tell how. The Governor wants to set you up in Lafayette. Two FBI agents have been assigned to this case as well. The Feds have lost contact with them."
"Are they dead?"
"We don't know yet. These are the two agents." Walker laid out pictures of the missing agents.
"How long have these guys been in place?"
"About three months." Walker responded. Gage nodded.
"Gage, if you locate them, you need to get word back to either myself, Governor Perry or Agent Byron Holt, he's in charge of the FBI's interest in this case."
"How will I be able to contact you?"
"Keep your cell phone with you, but be careful. We know Laguex and his men play for keeps and we don't know anything about his contacts in Lafayette. Speaking of which, have you ever been in Bayou country before?"
"Well, I've been to Mardi Gras, does that count?" Gage smiled. Walker smiled in response, then his face quickly grew serious again. "Gage, I want to stress to you that you don't have to take this assignment. I want you to take a couple of days and think it over before you give me an answer. It could be very dangerous and if those FBI agents are dead, you won't have any backup out there. It could also take awhile for you to get close to Laguex.."
"I'll think about it and let you know by the end of the week. How's that?" Gage stood up.
"That'll be fine." Walker replied as Gage walked out.
"So, what was that all about?" Sydney asked.
"I'll tell you later."
"Whatever." Sydney replied harshly.
**********
Later that evening, Gage called Sydney at home. "Hey Syd. Would you like to come over for awhile?"
"Why?" Sydney asked cautiously.
"I'd like to see you and I'd like to tell you about what Walker and I talked about this morning."
"Can't you tell me over the phone?" Sydney asked.
"Syd, what's wrong?" I thought we'd finally moved our relationship up a notch, now if I didn't know better I wouldn't even know we were friends."
"I'm sorry Gage. Give me a few minutes, I'll be right over." Sydney hung up the phone. It was true, she wasn't being much of a friend to Gage. She wasn't sure if she was ready to be his lover, but she certainly didn't want to lose him as a friend.
**********
Sydney arrived at Gage's apartment and knocked on the door. Gage opened the door with a smile. "Hey beautiful."
"Hi," she smiled, but pulled away as Gage reached for her.
"Syd! What's up with you?" Gage asked in frustration.
"Gage, I'm sorry! The other night, I just, I got caught up in the moment. It shouldn't have happened." Sydney yelled.
"What are you saying? What happened between us the other night was beautiful. I've been with a few other women, not that I'm an expert, but I'm not exactly a novice either. Syd, I never knew that making love could be that wonderful. I guess I've never loved anyone else the way I love you. Please don't shut me out." Gage put his hand on Sydney's.
"Gage. I'm not ready for a relationship with you. I can't. I've worked too hard to get where I am just to throw it all away. Can't we just go back to being friends and partners?"
Gage pulled his hand away from Sydney and walked over to the window. "So a meaningful relationship with me isn't worth the price of not being partners?"
"I didn't mean it like that."
"That's what you said." Gage looked back at Sydney, who was still sitting on the couch and took a deep breath. "Walker offered me an assignment from the Governor." Gage glanced at Sydney, waiting for her to say something. "It's in Lafayette."
Sydney stiffened. "What kind of an assignment?"
"Two FBI agents were investigating Simon Laguex and a weapons smuggling ring, they're missing and I've been asked to go in and locate them."
"Sounds dangerous" Sydney said quietly.
"I suppose."
"So, you're turning it down."
"No." Gage faced Sydney again and shook his head. "I wasn't sure until tonight, but Syd, you and I obviously need some time away from each other. I'll let Walker know tomorrow that it's a go and I'll leave on Saturday for Louisiana."
"For how long?"
"I don't know, probably a month or two. Does it really matter?"
"Of course it matters."
Gage starred at Sydney for a moment. "I don't know how long. I guess as long as it takes." Gage stretched, hinting for Sydney to leave. "I've got an early day tomorrow."
"Yeah, me too. I guess I'd better get going. I'll see you tomorrow." Sydney grabbed her keys from the counter and quickly left before the tears began to fall down her cheeks.
**********
Gage was already in the office the next morning when Sydney came in. "Hey Syd," he said as she sat down.
"Hey partner." Sydney replied in a cheerful voice.
Gage walked over to Sydney desk. "I just talked to Walker, things have been moved up, and I'm leaving in an hour."
"Oh." Sydney paused. "Is Walker taking you to the airport?"
"I'm taking my bike. I should be able to get in with Laguex's guys a little easier if I look like a drifter." Gage sat on the corner of Sydney's desk. "Syd, last night I know I said we needed some time apart, but . . ."
Sydney cut him off in mid-sentence. "You were right. We do need some time apart."
Gage got up from Sydney's desk and began to gather his things for the trip.
Walker met Gage before he left. "Gage, are you sure you want to go through with this. You can still turn it down."
"I know and I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine with it, really."
"Alright. Good luck and watch yourself out there." Walker shook Gage's hand.
"Thanks Walker. I'll be in touch as soon and as often as I can."
Gage turned to Sydney. "Bye Syd."
Sydney got up and stepped outside with Gage. "Please be careful." Sydney wrapped her arms around him.
"I will." Gage moved Sydney's arms from around his waist. "I love you." He smiled at her and left.
**********
Gage arrived in Lafayette and headed straight for one of the local bars. He figured he must be in the right place when he reached for the door. A loud argument concerning Laguex could be overheard.
Gage stepped aside as someone threw a guy out the door in front of him, then he entered the bar and was quickly included in the brawl that was ensuing. He held his own with six guys using his martial arts skills. Once the trouble makers were down, one of the other men approached him.
"I don't know who you are, but thanks for the help back there."
"Not a problem." Gage replied coolly as he headed for the bar for a cold one. "Hey, you wouldn't know where a guy might be able to get some work would you?"
"What kind of work are you looking for?"
"Something short term that pays well."
"I might have something for you, let me make a phone call." Gage sat on the bar stool nursing his beer. Soon the man returned smiling.
"Finish up. I've got somebody for you to meet. By the way, I'm Toby."
"Nice to meet you Toby, I'm Colby." Gage held out his hand.
**********
"Mr. Laguex, this is Colby, the man I told you about from the bar." Toby introduced Gage.
"Do you have a last name Colby?" Laguex asked as he puffed on a cigar.
"I do. Do you need to know it?" Gage replied sarcastically.
"I like to know a little about those in my employ."
Gage reached out his hand. "Colby Parker."
"Well Mr. Parker, where are you from?"
"Originally, Montana. My parents died when I was young and I was raised by my grandparents in El Paso."
"What brings you to Lafayette?" Laguex continued.
"It's somewhere I haven't been, but always wanted to see."
"Why, Mr. Parker?"
"Look Mr. Laguex, it's just me and my bike. I have nothing tying me down and I like it that way. I go where I want when I want. My goal is to see everything in this country worth seeing. I support myself with odd jobs between states. Toby here said you might be able to use me, but if not, I'm out of here." Gage turned to leave.
"I never said I couldn't use you. Toby has mentioned that you handle yourself quite well. I will have you and Toby to guard the grounds for now. Toby show Mr. Parker where he can put his things."
**********
"Walker, have you heard anything from Gage?" Sydney asked hopefully.
"No, not yet. I'm beginning to get a little worried. It's been a little over a month. Walker picked up the phone. "I'll check with Agent Holt, maybe he's heard something."
Walker came out of his office "Sydney, he hasn't heard anything either. If we don't hear from him by tomorrow, we'll go in after him."
"Do you know where he is?"
"I have a rough idea. The camp is located somewhere within this 30 mile radius."
"What's in a 30 mile radius?" Trivette asked as he came through the door.
"Laguex's camp."
"Ah. You haven't heard from Gage yet, have you?"
"No."
**********
Gage was beginning his fifth week with Laguex's camp, so far nothing about the weapons had showed up. The two FBI agents were nowhere to be found either.
"Man, Friday nights are a little dull around here aren't they?" Gage asked Toby as they sat on the bank of the swamp.
"Well, that all depends. Last month we watched these boys have a feeding frenzy." Toby pointed at the large alligators on the opposite riverbank.
"Feeding frenzy? On what?" Gage asked, knowing already that he really didn't want to hear the answer.
"Laguex found out that a couple of FBI agents had infiltrated the camp, so we took care of them."
"You fed them to the alligators?"
"Yup! No bodies, no weapon, no arrests. Just plain old Bayou justice." Gage turned away and had to fight to not lose his lunch.
Another of Laguex's men approached the area. "Toby, Colby, the new shipment's here." Toby and Gage met the truck and unloaded the crates."
"Toby, any idea what all of this stuff is?"
"Weapons, man. Laguex runs them down the Vermillion to the Gulf and meets a ship in the International Waterway, then loads the ship in International waters, less chance of getting caught. This looks like the biggest shipment in awhile." Toby said as they unloaded the last of the crates.
"Laguex will want to know how many crates were on the truck. Let's go."
"I'll catch up with you in a minute. This beer is working on me, if you know what I mean." Gage replied.
"Sure man. Just watch for the gators." Toby walked away from the river. Gage pulled out his cell phone and called Walker.
"Walker, its Gage. I've only got a minute. The agents are dead. I've got some details on the weapons, but I'll have to get back to you . . ." A shot rang out and the line went dead.
"Gage! Gage, answer me!" Walker yelled into the phone.
"Walker what's going on?" Trivette asked.
"That was Gage checking in. He's in trouble. There was a gunshot, then the line went dead."
"A gunshot?" Sydney stood in the doorway.
"Trivette, get on the phone and get a us a Ranger helicopter, we're going to Lafayette."
"I'm coming too." Sydney chimed in.
"No Sydney. Someone needs to be here in case Gage calls again." Walker started.
"Walker."
"Sydney, I know he's your partner, but I got him into this."
**********
Gage slowly regained consciousness only to find himself suspended above the river, his hands secured above his head. He was finding it very hard to breath due to the bullet hole in his chest.
"Mr. Parker, if that is really you name. Who did you call on your cell phone?"
"A girl I met in Dallas last month," Gage gasped.
"You told me you had nothing tying you down and you liked it that way. Now you tell me that you have a girl in Dallas. I find that very unlikely. Who are you? Another FBI agent? DEA? What?" Gage felt himself growing faint again. He was awakened when Toby poked him in the side with a long stick, causing his body to sway over the river and the hungry alligators below.
"And you thought this weekend was going to be boring. Looks like the 'gators are getting hungry." Gage looked down and saw two very large alligators below him, jaws snapping. "They smell your blood."
"Give me his cell phone Toby." Laguex demanded. He hit the re-dial button.
Sydney's phone rang, she cautiously answered. "Hello."
"Who is this?" Laguex demanded.
"This is Sydney, who is this?"
"Sydney, do you know Colby Parker?" Laguex questioned.
Sydney thought carefully for a moment, she knew Gage had used the name Colby before when he was undercover, but he didn't tell her this time what name he would be using. She closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. "Yes," she replied hesitantly.
"Describe him to me." Laguex replied.
"He has blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, very muscular build. Is he OK? Who are you and why are you calling me instead of him? I want to speak with Colby."
"He's not available at the moment." Laguex hung up the phone.
Sydney quickly called Walker and told him about the phone call.
"Thanks Sydney. Now aren't you glad you were there?"
Sydney had to admit she was glad that she had been there to take the call. It appeared, at least, that Gage was still alive.
**********
"She sounds beautiful Mr. Parker." Laguex put Gage's cell phone in his pocket. "I'll just keep this with me, I may want to call the beautiful Sydney again sometime."
"Mr. Laguex, what do you want us to do with him?" Toby asked.
"Nothing at the moment. Leave him where he is until I check into this a little further. Something still doesn't quite add up." Laguex said suspiciously.
"Toby." Gage whispered and blinked his eyes. "Man, cut me down. I've got to get
out of here. He's not going to let me live, I know too much. I've seen too much. Come on man, help me out."
Toby grabbed his knife from its sheath and cut Gage down. "Let's get out of here."
"You're coming too." Gage looked confused.
"Well, if I don't I'm a dead man. Laguex will know that I'm the one who cut you lose. Besides, you'll never make it out of the Bayou on your own. If the 'gators and snakes don't get you, then the quicksand will. I grew up around here and know these swamps like the back of my hand." Toby put one arm around Gage to help support him. "You're bleeding pretty bad, are you sure you can walk?"
"I don't have much of a choice do I." Gage said, looking back at the alligators.
"I see your point."
**********
"Ranger Walker, we're at the outer edge of the 30 mile radius you marked. Do you want to land here or do an air search first?" The pilot of the helicopter asked Walker.
"Let's do an air search first. We might get lucky."
**********
"Alex, can I talk to you for a minute?" Sydney came into Alex's office.
"Sure honey. Are you OK? You look a little pale."
"I think I'm coming down with something, plus I'm worried about Gage."
"He'll be OK. Walker and Trivette will bring him back."
"I know, but that phone call worries me. It isn't like Gage to just give up his cell phone and he took a big chance that I would answer the phone and not mention the Texas Ranger's or Ranger HQ."
"You two can read each other like a book, evidently even with hundreds of miles between you." Alex smiled.
Sydney smiled back and nodded. "Thanks Alex. I guess I just needed a little reassurance."
"Hey, one of mine and Walker's friends just dropped off this box of chocolates, would you like one?" Sydney took one look at the chocolates and bolted for the bathroom.
Once in the bathroom, Sydney threw up her lunch. "Sydney, are you alright?" Alex had followed her in to see if she needed help.
Sydney nodded. "I'm OK. I guess I'm getting that stomach virus that's going around."
"I didn't realize a stomach virus was going around." Alex replied. "Sydney, is there something you're not telling me?"
"Like what?"
"You know like what. Are you involved with anyone right now?"
"That's a little personal isn't it Alex? I don't want to talk about it, OK?"
"OK." Alex walked out of the bathroom and returned to her office. A few moments later Sydney appeared in her doorway again.
"OK. Yes, I'm sort of involved with someone."
"Do I know him?"
"Alex."
"Well?"
"Yes."
"I thought so."
"I have a doctor's appointment set up for tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I'm pregnant."
Alex smiled. "Does Gage have any idea?"
"No. If he did, he would have never taken this stupid assignment. Alex we were only together once, on his birthday. It wasn't planned, it was, it was. Oh Alex, it was perfect. I love him so much and instead of telling him so, I pushed him away.
The only reason he accepted this assignment was because he thought he and I needed time away from each other."
"Was he right?"
"Maybe. I know now that I want him more than ever and I don't even care if that means we can't be partners."
**********
"OK Colby, let's rest here a minute." Toby helped Gage to the ground and helped him lean back against a tree.
"Toby, how long have you worked with Laguex?"
"About a year I guess. Why?"
"You know all about his operation, right?"
"I suppose. What are you getting at Colby?"
"Toby, my name isn't Colby Parker, it's Gage and I'm a Texas Ranger."
"Oh damn it. I knew it. I knew you were bad news."
"Listen, you can't go back to the camp now. Laguex will think you're in it with me." Gage winced. "You can still get out of this with very little time to serve, if any. You turn states evidence and I'll get you into a witness protection plan."
"I can't testify against Laguex, he's a monster. He'll track me down anywhere and kill me. You're a dead man too. I figure the only way out for me is to go back there and either beg for his forgiveness or kill him."
"Toby, if you go back, he will kill you. I'm really not in any shape right now to help you. I do have an idea though. Get me back into town, into Lafayette, I can contact my boss and he can get us both out here and back to Texas." Gage closed his eyes and put his hand over the hole in his chest.
Toby looked at Gage, then looked back down the river, then back at Gage again. "OK. I'll get you into Lafayette, but I'm trusting you to keep your word man. You'll get me protection."
Gage weakly nodded in response.
*********
"Mike, take it down over there and let's re-group." Walker instructed the pilot.
"Walker, this is like looking for a needle in a haystack." Trivette commented.
"I know. I have this feeling that Gage is running out of time and we don't have a clue where to begin looking for him."
**********
"OK Ranger, hang on, we're about two miles out of town now. Can you stay with me?" Toby adjusted his hold on Gage.
"I'm still with you."
An hour later Toby and Gage staggered into town. "There's a phone booth over there. Gage nodded "He picked up the receiver and dialed the number the Ranger HQ."
"Hello." Sydney cautiously answered.
"Syd, it's Gage." He said weakly.
"Gage, I can barely hear you. Are you OK?"
"No. I've been shot. Where's Walker?"
"He and Trivette are in Lafayette looking for you. Gage, where are you?" Sydney asked frantically.
Gage moaned and handed the phone to Toby. "This is Toby. Your Ranger and me are in the town of Lafayette. We got away from Laguex, but we need some help quick. We don't have any wheels and we're sitting ducks out here."
"Toby, where exactly in Lafayette are you?"
"Across the street from a café called "Little Susie's"
"OK, don't move. A couple of Texas Rangers are in the area and are looking for Ranger Gage. I'll let them know where you are and have them pick you up. Stay put!"
Sydney quickly called Walker cell number. "Walker."
"Walker, it's Sydney. I have a location on Gage and a man named Toby. Gage has been shot, he sounds really weak. They're across the street from "Little Susie's" café.
"Thanks Sydney, we're on our way."
Quickly, Walker and Trivette boarded the helicopter and in moments were above the town of Lafayette. Once there, they quickly spotted the café, along with Laguex's men approaching the town in three cars.
Trivette, get Gage into the helicopter. "Gage, can you hear me?" Trivette asked the young ranger as he bent over him.
"Trivette?" Gage whispered.
"I'm here buddy. We're going to take you home."
Walker and Trivette helped Gage and Toby into the helicopter and headed towards Dallas.
"Gage, can you make it to Dallas?" Gage nodded in response.
"Walker, call Syd. I need her." Gage slipped into the darkness that had been threatening him since he was shot.
"He's unconscious." Trivette stated.
"Keep an eye on him, especially his breathing."
"He promised me immunity if I testified against Laguex." Toby explained.
"I'm sure that can be arranged." Walker responded.
**********
"We're clear to land at St. Matthews." The pilot reported.
As soon as the helicopter landed, Gage was carefully taken out and placed onto a stretcher and taken into surgery.
Sydney and Alex arrived and met Walker and Trivette in the waiting area. "I'm going to take Toby into protective custody. I'll be back as soon as I can." Walker said as he and Toby prepared to leave.
"I'll call you with any news on Gage." Alex said as she kissed her husband. Walker smiled.
A nurse came out and asked who was there for Francis Gage. Sydney stood up, followed by Trivette and Alex. "Are you a relative?"
Sydney felt her knees going and grabbed Trivette's arm for support. "Ma'm, he's still in surgery. It's touch and go. He's flat lined once and the doctors aren't sure of his chances at the moment."
Alex thanked the nurse and turned to help Sydney sit down. "Sydney?"
"I'm OK. As long as he's hanging on, I'm OK."
Part 2 to come.
"Bayou Justice"
By: Lorrie
Gage sat at his desk waiting for Sydney to come in. Something had happened between them last night, something wonderful and exciting. Gage couldn't remember a time when he felt more alive. He and Sydney had finally connected on an intimate level. It was the best birthday he'd ever had.
Sydney dreaded going into work. She dreaded facing Gage today after last night. What had she been thinking? Obviously, she hadn't been thinking. The evening started out like many that she and Gage had shared recently. It was Gage's birthday and she had invited him over for dinner.
After dinner she gave him his birthday present, a couple of new CD's. Gage reached over, cupped her chin and kissed her firmly, but gently on the mouth. What began as a simple thank you kiss quickly escalated into a very intense passionate kiss.
Once thing led to another and Sydney had awakened this morning finding herself in her own bed, snuggled against Gage's bare chest, the sheets and comforter wrapped around their intertwined bodies. Only then did the magnitude of their spontaneity hit her, "Oh my gosh," she thought. "We slept together."
**********
Sydney took a deep breath before entering Ranger HQ. She'd decided to play it cool with Gage, pretend nothing happened. "Good morning Trivette, Walker."
"Hey Sydney."
"Good morning Syd." Gage smiled warmly.
"Morning Gage." Sydney mumbled and looked down at the new mound of paperwork on her desk.
Gage stared at her for a moment. "OK, she's just playing it cool in the office. That's understandable," he thought.
"Gage, can I see you in here for a minute?" Walker asked.
"Sure." Gage entered Walker's office.
"Have a seat." Walker motioned to the chair in front of his desk. Gage sat down. "The Governor just called and requested our help, more specifically, requested your help."
"My help?" Gage asked, somewhat puzzled.
Walker nodded. "He was very impressed with the way you handled yourself with 'The Hammer' last year in the Arkansas State Penitentiary. I'll tell you up front, I'm not really with the Governor on this one. I don't like a lot of things about this assignment. You can feel free to turn it down and I wish that you would."
"How about telling me about the assignment first and let me decide?"
"It appears that Simon Laguex is running a smuggling ring from Houston to Lafayette."
"Smuggling what?" Gage asked.
"Weapons." Walker replied. "These weapons are making their way out of the country once they reach Lafayette and so far we can't tell how. The Governor wants to set you up in Lafayette. Two FBI agents have been assigned to this case as well. The Feds have lost contact with them."
"Are they dead?"
"We don't know yet. These are the two agents." Walker laid out pictures of the missing agents.
"How long have these guys been in place?"
"About three months." Walker responded. Gage nodded.
"Gage, if you locate them, you need to get word back to either myself, Governor Perry or Agent Byron Holt, he's in charge of the FBI's interest in this case."
"How will I be able to contact you?"
"Keep your cell phone with you, but be careful. We know Laguex and his men play for keeps and we don't know anything about his contacts in Lafayette. Speaking of which, have you ever been in Bayou country before?"
"Well, I've been to Mardi Gras, does that count?" Gage smiled. Walker smiled in response, then his face quickly grew serious again. "Gage, I want to stress to you that you don't have to take this assignment. I want you to take a couple of days and think it over before you give me an answer. It could be very dangerous and if those FBI agents are dead, you won't have any backup out there. It could also take awhile for you to get close to Laguex.."
"I'll think about it and let you know by the end of the week. How's that?" Gage stood up.
"That'll be fine." Walker replied as Gage walked out.
"So, what was that all about?" Sydney asked.
"I'll tell you later."
"Whatever." Sydney replied harshly.
**********
Later that evening, Gage called Sydney at home. "Hey Syd. Would you like to come over for awhile?"
"Why?" Sydney asked cautiously.
"I'd like to see you and I'd like to tell you about what Walker and I talked about this morning."
"Can't you tell me over the phone?" Sydney asked.
"Syd, what's wrong?" I thought we'd finally moved our relationship up a notch, now if I didn't know better I wouldn't even know we were friends."
"I'm sorry Gage. Give me a few minutes, I'll be right over." Sydney hung up the phone. It was true, she wasn't being much of a friend to Gage. She wasn't sure if she was ready to be his lover, but she certainly didn't want to lose him as a friend.
**********
Sydney arrived at Gage's apartment and knocked on the door. Gage opened the door with a smile. "Hey beautiful."
"Hi," she smiled, but pulled away as Gage reached for her.
"Syd! What's up with you?" Gage asked in frustration.
"Gage, I'm sorry! The other night, I just, I got caught up in the moment. It shouldn't have happened." Sydney yelled.
"What are you saying? What happened between us the other night was beautiful. I've been with a few other women, not that I'm an expert, but I'm not exactly a novice either. Syd, I never knew that making love could be that wonderful. I guess I've never loved anyone else the way I love you. Please don't shut me out." Gage put his hand on Sydney's.
"Gage. I'm not ready for a relationship with you. I can't. I've worked too hard to get where I am just to throw it all away. Can't we just go back to being friends and partners?"
Gage pulled his hand away from Sydney and walked over to the window. "So a meaningful relationship with me isn't worth the price of not being partners?"
"I didn't mean it like that."
"That's what you said." Gage looked back at Sydney, who was still sitting on the couch and took a deep breath. "Walker offered me an assignment from the Governor." Gage glanced at Sydney, waiting for her to say something. "It's in Lafayette."
Sydney stiffened. "What kind of an assignment?"
"Two FBI agents were investigating Simon Laguex and a weapons smuggling ring, they're missing and I've been asked to go in and locate them."
"Sounds dangerous" Sydney said quietly.
"I suppose."
"So, you're turning it down."
"No." Gage faced Sydney again and shook his head. "I wasn't sure until tonight, but Syd, you and I obviously need some time away from each other. I'll let Walker know tomorrow that it's a go and I'll leave on Saturday for Louisiana."
"For how long?"
"I don't know, probably a month or two. Does it really matter?"
"Of course it matters."
Gage starred at Sydney for a moment. "I don't know how long. I guess as long as it takes." Gage stretched, hinting for Sydney to leave. "I've got an early day tomorrow."
"Yeah, me too. I guess I'd better get going. I'll see you tomorrow." Sydney grabbed her keys from the counter and quickly left before the tears began to fall down her cheeks.
**********
Gage was already in the office the next morning when Sydney came in. "Hey Syd," he said as she sat down.
"Hey partner." Sydney replied in a cheerful voice.
Gage walked over to Sydney desk. "I just talked to Walker, things have been moved up, and I'm leaving in an hour."
"Oh." Sydney paused. "Is Walker taking you to the airport?"
"I'm taking my bike. I should be able to get in with Laguex's guys a little easier if I look like a drifter." Gage sat on the corner of Sydney's desk. "Syd, last night I know I said we needed some time apart, but . . ."
Sydney cut him off in mid-sentence. "You were right. We do need some time apart."
Gage got up from Sydney's desk and began to gather his things for the trip.
Walker met Gage before he left. "Gage, are you sure you want to go through with this. You can still turn it down."
"I know and I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine with it, really."
"Alright. Good luck and watch yourself out there." Walker shook Gage's hand.
"Thanks Walker. I'll be in touch as soon and as often as I can."
Gage turned to Sydney. "Bye Syd."
Sydney got up and stepped outside with Gage. "Please be careful." Sydney wrapped her arms around him.
"I will." Gage moved Sydney's arms from around his waist. "I love you." He smiled at her and left.
**********
Gage arrived in Lafayette and headed straight for one of the local bars. He figured he must be in the right place when he reached for the door. A loud argument concerning Laguex could be overheard.
Gage stepped aside as someone threw a guy out the door in front of him, then he entered the bar and was quickly included in the brawl that was ensuing. He held his own with six guys using his martial arts skills. Once the trouble makers were down, one of the other men approached him.
"I don't know who you are, but thanks for the help back there."
"Not a problem." Gage replied coolly as he headed for the bar for a cold one. "Hey, you wouldn't know where a guy might be able to get some work would you?"
"What kind of work are you looking for?"
"Something short term that pays well."
"I might have something for you, let me make a phone call." Gage sat on the bar stool nursing his beer. Soon the man returned smiling.
"Finish up. I've got somebody for you to meet. By the way, I'm Toby."
"Nice to meet you Toby, I'm Colby." Gage held out his hand.
**********
"Mr. Laguex, this is Colby, the man I told you about from the bar." Toby introduced Gage.
"Do you have a last name Colby?" Laguex asked as he puffed on a cigar.
"I do. Do you need to know it?" Gage replied sarcastically.
"I like to know a little about those in my employ."
Gage reached out his hand. "Colby Parker."
"Well Mr. Parker, where are you from?"
"Originally, Montana. My parents died when I was young and I was raised by my grandparents in El Paso."
"What brings you to Lafayette?" Laguex continued.
"It's somewhere I haven't been, but always wanted to see."
"Why, Mr. Parker?"
"Look Mr. Laguex, it's just me and my bike. I have nothing tying me down and I like it that way. I go where I want when I want. My goal is to see everything in this country worth seeing. I support myself with odd jobs between states. Toby here said you might be able to use me, but if not, I'm out of here." Gage turned to leave.
"I never said I couldn't use you. Toby has mentioned that you handle yourself quite well. I will have you and Toby to guard the grounds for now. Toby show Mr. Parker where he can put his things."
**********
"Walker, have you heard anything from Gage?" Sydney asked hopefully.
"No, not yet. I'm beginning to get a little worried. It's been a little over a month. Walker picked up the phone. "I'll check with Agent Holt, maybe he's heard something."
Walker came out of his office "Sydney, he hasn't heard anything either. If we don't hear from him by tomorrow, we'll go in after him."
"Do you know where he is?"
"I have a rough idea. The camp is located somewhere within this 30 mile radius."
"What's in a 30 mile radius?" Trivette asked as he came through the door.
"Laguex's camp."
"Ah. You haven't heard from Gage yet, have you?"
"No."
**********
Gage was beginning his fifth week with Laguex's camp, so far nothing about the weapons had showed up. The two FBI agents were nowhere to be found either.
"Man, Friday nights are a little dull around here aren't they?" Gage asked Toby as they sat on the bank of the swamp.
"Well, that all depends. Last month we watched these boys have a feeding frenzy." Toby pointed at the large alligators on the opposite riverbank.
"Feeding frenzy? On what?" Gage asked, knowing already that he really didn't want to hear the answer.
"Laguex found out that a couple of FBI agents had infiltrated the camp, so we took care of them."
"You fed them to the alligators?"
"Yup! No bodies, no weapon, no arrests. Just plain old Bayou justice." Gage turned away and had to fight to not lose his lunch.
Another of Laguex's men approached the area. "Toby, Colby, the new shipment's here." Toby and Gage met the truck and unloaded the crates."
"Toby, any idea what all of this stuff is?"
"Weapons, man. Laguex runs them down the Vermillion to the Gulf and meets a ship in the International Waterway, then loads the ship in International waters, less chance of getting caught. This looks like the biggest shipment in awhile." Toby said as they unloaded the last of the crates.
"Laguex will want to know how many crates were on the truck. Let's go."
"I'll catch up with you in a minute. This beer is working on me, if you know what I mean." Gage replied.
"Sure man. Just watch for the gators." Toby walked away from the river. Gage pulled out his cell phone and called Walker.
"Walker, its Gage. I've only got a minute. The agents are dead. I've got some details on the weapons, but I'll have to get back to you . . ." A shot rang out and the line went dead.
"Gage! Gage, answer me!" Walker yelled into the phone.
"Walker what's going on?" Trivette asked.
"That was Gage checking in. He's in trouble. There was a gunshot, then the line went dead."
"A gunshot?" Sydney stood in the doorway.
"Trivette, get on the phone and get a us a Ranger helicopter, we're going to Lafayette."
"I'm coming too." Sydney chimed in.
"No Sydney. Someone needs to be here in case Gage calls again." Walker started.
"Walker."
"Sydney, I know he's your partner, but I got him into this."
**********
Gage slowly regained consciousness only to find himself suspended above the river, his hands secured above his head. He was finding it very hard to breath due to the bullet hole in his chest.
"Mr. Parker, if that is really you name. Who did you call on your cell phone?"
"A girl I met in Dallas last month," Gage gasped.
"You told me you had nothing tying you down and you liked it that way. Now you tell me that you have a girl in Dallas. I find that very unlikely. Who are you? Another FBI agent? DEA? What?" Gage felt himself growing faint again. He was awakened when Toby poked him in the side with a long stick, causing his body to sway over the river and the hungry alligators below.
"And you thought this weekend was going to be boring. Looks like the 'gators are getting hungry." Gage looked down and saw two very large alligators below him, jaws snapping. "They smell your blood."
"Give me his cell phone Toby." Laguex demanded. He hit the re-dial button.
Sydney's phone rang, she cautiously answered. "Hello."
"Who is this?" Laguex demanded.
"This is Sydney, who is this?"
"Sydney, do you know Colby Parker?" Laguex questioned.
Sydney thought carefully for a moment, she knew Gage had used the name Colby before when he was undercover, but he didn't tell her this time what name he would be using. She closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. "Yes," she replied hesitantly.
"Describe him to me." Laguex replied.
"He has blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, very muscular build. Is he OK? Who are you and why are you calling me instead of him? I want to speak with Colby."
"He's not available at the moment." Laguex hung up the phone.
Sydney quickly called Walker and told him about the phone call.
"Thanks Sydney. Now aren't you glad you were there?"
Sydney had to admit she was glad that she had been there to take the call. It appeared, at least, that Gage was still alive.
**********
"She sounds beautiful Mr. Parker." Laguex put Gage's cell phone in his pocket. "I'll just keep this with me, I may want to call the beautiful Sydney again sometime."
"Mr. Laguex, what do you want us to do with him?" Toby asked.
"Nothing at the moment. Leave him where he is until I check into this a little further. Something still doesn't quite add up." Laguex said suspiciously.
"Toby." Gage whispered and blinked his eyes. "Man, cut me down. I've got to get
out of here. He's not going to let me live, I know too much. I've seen too much. Come on man, help me out."
Toby grabbed his knife from its sheath and cut Gage down. "Let's get out of here."
"You're coming too." Gage looked confused.
"Well, if I don't I'm a dead man. Laguex will know that I'm the one who cut you lose. Besides, you'll never make it out of the Bayou on your own. If the 'gators and snakes don't get you, then the quicksand will. I grew up around here and know these swamps like the back of my hand." Toby put one arm around Gage to help support him. "You're bleeding pretty bad, are you sure you can walk?"
"I don't have much of a choice do I." Gage said, looking back at the alligators.
"I see your point."
**********
"Ranger Walker, we're at the outer edge of the 30 mile radius you marked. Do you want to land here or do an air search first?" The pilot of the helicopter asked Walker.
"Let's do an air search first. We might get lucky."
**********
"Alex, can I talk to you for a minute?" Sydney came into Alex's office.
"Sure honey. Are you OK? You look a little pale."
"I think I'm coming down with something, plus I'm worried about Gage."
"He'll be OK. Walker and Trivette will bring him back."
"I know, but that phone call worries me. It isn't like Gage to just give up his cell phone and he took a big chance that I would answer the phone and not mention the Texas Ranger's or Ranger HQ."
"You two can read each other like a book, evidently even with hundreds of miles between you." Alex smiled.
Sydney smiled back and nodded. "Thanks Alex. I guess I just needed a little reassurance."
"Hey, one of mine and Walker's friends just dropped off this box of chocolates, would you like one?" Sydney took one look at the chocolates and bolted for the bathroom.
Once in the bathroom, Sydney threw up her lunch. "Sydney, are you alright?" Alex had followed her in to see if she needed help.
Sydney nodded. "I'm OK. I guess I'm getting that stomach virus that's going around."
"I didn't realize a stomach virus was going around." Alex replied. "Sydney, is there something you're not telling me?"
"Like what?"
"You know like what. Are you involved with anyone right now?"
"That's a little personal isn't it Alex? I don't want to talk about it, OK?"
"OK." Alex walked out of the bathroom and returned to her office. A few moments later Sydney appeared in her doorway again.
"OK. Yes, I'm sort of involved with someone."
"Do I know him?"
"Alex."
"Well?"
"Yes."
"I thought so."
"I have a doctor's appointment set up for tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I'm pregnant."
Alex smiled. "Does Gage have any idea?"
"No. If he did, he would have never taken this stupid assignment. Alex we were only together once, on his birthday. It wasn't planned, it was, it was. Oh Alex, it was perfect. I love him so much and instead of telling him so, I pushed him away.
The only reason he accepted this assignment was because he thought he and I needed time away from each other."
"Was he right?"
"Maybe. I know now that I want him more than ever and I don't even care if that means we can't be partners."
**********
"OK Colby, let's rest here a minute." Toby helped Gage to the ground and helped him lean back against a tree.
"Toby, how long have you worked with Laguex?"
"About a year I guess. Why?"
"You know all about his operation, right?"
"I suppose. What are you getting at Colby?"
"Toby, my name isn't Colby Parker, it's Gage and I'm a Texas Ranger."
"Oh damn it. I knew it. I knew you were bad news."
"Listen, you can't go back to the camp now. Laguex will think you're in it with me." Gage winced. "You can still get out of this with very little time to serve, if any. You turn states evidence and I'll get you into a witness protection plan."
"I can't testify against Laguex, he's a monster. He'll track me down anywhere and kill me. You're a dead man too. I figure the only way out for me is to go back there and either beg for his forgiveness or kill him."
"Toby, if you go back, he will kill you. I'm really not in any shape right now to help you. I do have an idea though. Get me back into town, into Lafayette, I can contact my boss and he can get us both out here and back to Texas." Gage closed his eyes and put his hand over the hole in his chest.
Toby looked at Gage, then looked back down the river, then back at Gage again. "OK. I'll get you into Lafayette, but I'm trusting you to keep your word man. You'll get me protection."
Gage weakly nodded in response.
*********
"Mike, take it down over there and let's re-group." Walker instructed the pilot.
"Walker, this is like looking for a needle in a haystack." Trivette commented.
"I know. I have this feeling that Gage is running out of time and we don't have a clue where to begin looking for him."
**********
"OK Ranger, hang on, we're about two miles out of town now. Can you stay with me?" Toby adjusted his hold on Gage.
"I'm still with you."
An hour later Toby and Gage staggered into town. "There's a phone booth over there. Gage nodded "He picked up the receiver and dialed the number the Ranger HQ."
"Hello." Sydney cautiously answered.
"Syd, it's Gage." He said weakly.
"Gage, I can barely hear you. Are you OK?"
"No. I've been shot. Where's Walker?"
"He and Trivette are in Lafayette looking for you. Gage, where are you?" Sydney asked frantically.
Gage moaned and handed the phone to Toby. "This is Toby. Your Ranger and me are in the town of Lafayette. We got away from Laguex, but we need some help quick. We don't have any wheels and we're sitting ducks out here."
"Toby, where exactly in Lafayette are you?"
"Across the street from a café called "Little Susie's"
"OK, don't move. A couple of Texas Rangers are in the area and are looking for Ranger Gage. I'll let them know where you are and have them pick you up. Stay put!"
Sydney quickly called Walker cell number. "Walker."
"Walker, it's Sydney. I have a location on Gage and a man named Toby. Gage has been shot, he sounds really weak. They're across the street from "Little Susie's" café.
"Thanks Sydney, we're on our way."
Quickly, Walker and Trivette boarded the helicopter and in moments were above the town of Lafayette. Once there, they quickly spotted the café, along with Laguex's men approaching the town in three cars.
Trivette, get Gage into the helicopter. "Gage, can you hear me?" Trivette asked the young ranger as he bent over him.
"Trivette?" Gage whispered.
"I'm here buddy. We're going to take you home."
Walker and Trivette helped Gage and Toby into the helicopter and headed towards Dallas.
"Gage, can you make it to Dallas?" Gage nodded in response.
"Walker, call Syd. I need her." Gage slipped into the darkness that had been threatening him since he was shot.
"He's unconscious." Trivette stated.
"Keep an eye on him, especially his breathing."
"He promised me immunity if I testified against Laguex." Toby explained.
"I'm sure that can be arranged." Walker responded.
**********
"We're clear to land at St. Matthews." The pilot reported.
As soon as the helicopter landed, Gage was carefully taken out and placed onto a stretcher and taken into surgery.
Sydney and Alex arrived and met Walker and Trivette in the waiting area. "I'm going to take Toby into protective custody. I'll be back as soon as I can." Walker said as he and Toby prepared to leave.
"I'll call you with any news on Gage." Alex said as she kissed her husband. Walker smiled.
A nurse came out and asked who was there for Francis Gage. Sydney stood up, followed by Trivette and Alex. "Are you a relative?"
Sydney felt her knees going and grabbed Trivette's arm for support. "Ma'm, he's still in surgery. It's touch and go. He's flat lined once and the doctors aren't sure of his chances at the moment."
Alex thanked the nurse and turned to help Sydney sit down. "Sydney?"
"I'm OK. As long as he's hanging on, I'm OK."
Part 2 to come.