Chapter 2

Hawke rushed to the phone to call Archangel. "Michael, what's going on with Dom?" he asked, almost yelling into the phone.

Hawke was trying not to panic. The man who was like a father to him was missing and he desperately needed to know what was happening.

"Calm down, Hawke," replied Michael. "I have all my resources on it. So far, there have been no reports of a distress call or a downed helicopter."

"Don't patronize me, Michael," replied Hawke. "I'd better not find out this had anything to do with our last mission. You promised me everyone would be safe."

"I kept my word on that," he replied. "There is no indication that this is even remotely connected with what happened in Mexico. Give us some time, we'll find him."

Hawke shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe this is happening," he said. "I'll have better luck in the Lady. I'm going to search every inch of land from Santini Air to Doc's place until I find him."

Hawke put down the phone and headed to the front door. Caitlin followed behind him and grabbed his arm.

"Wait a minute, Hawke," she yelled. "You're not leaving without me."

String turned to look at her. "No," he said flatly. "Caitlin, you are in no shape to be going anywhere."

"Besides," he thought to himself. "I know you'll be safer if you stay right here."

Caitlin gave Hawke an incredulous look. She was not going to take no for an answer. "I can't believe you," she said. "You know very well that I can take care of myself. Besides, all we're doing is flying and searching. Doc can come with us if it'll make you feel any better."

She didn't want to argue with him. All she wanted was to be included. The past year had been so difficult for her. She thought her friends were gone and her whole world had changed. Caitlin loved Dom like a father too and she wanted to help find him.

Cait looked him sadly in the eyes, "Please," she nearly whispered. "Don't leave me out again."

He wanted to tell her she couldn't go but a slight fear that it might cause her to leave him crept into his thoughts. He didn't want to risk pushing her away. This relationship they seemed to be starting was too new, too fragile.

Hawke closed his eyes and sighed deeply. "Fine," he replied. "But only if Doc checks you out and says that it is okay. Let me go and get Airwolf. I'll come back and pick you both up."

"Do you promise you'll come back?" she asked, not sure that she really believed him.

"I'll be back," replied. "I promise."

After Hawke left, Doc examined Caitlin's shoulder. "Looks like it's healing nicely," he said. "Does it still feel pretty stiff?"

"A little," she replied. She didn't want to admit that she was tired and didn't have much energy. She wanted so badly to go and help in the search for Dom. Cait wasn't going to let anything or anyone stop her.

"To be honest, Cait, I really think you need to stay here and rest," said Doc. "But, if you promise that you'll take it easy, I won't say anything to Hawke."

"Thanks, Doc," she replied. "I won't overdo it. I promise. I just want to help."

The two walked out and sat on the steps of the cabin to wait for Hawke to return.

"What's changed?" Doc asked.

"Huh, what do you mean?" Caitlin replied.

Doc turned sideways on the steps to look at her. He could see it in her face. He couldn't help but smile. "You and Hawke, something's changed. Something's different," he replied. "I could see it the moment I walked in."

Caitlin was hesitant to reply. "Oh, I don't know," she finally said. "I guess you could say we are getting closer. I'm almost afraid to say too much more. I don't want to jinx it."

"It's pretty obvious that he cares a lot about you. You know, as mad as he was at Michael and me for bringing you back, he was just as happy to see you," Doc explained. "Don't you dare tell him I told you this, but, he was really nervous about talking to you when you woke up in the hospital."

Doc's comments caught Caitlin by surprise. "Really?" she asked. "Why?"

"He was afraid that you wouldn't forgive him," replied Doc. "It killed him to see you lying there like that. He wanted to protect you and he felt like he failed."

"It means a lot to me that he wants to protect me," replied Caitlin. "Sometimes he just overdoes it, ya know? He needs to trust me more."

"Then prove to him that he can trust you," replied Doc. "Do the right thing here."

Caitlin gave Doc a dejected look. "You mean, stay here, don't you?" Caitlin asked.

"Like I said before, I won't tell him a thing if that's what you want," he said. "But, it's up to you. If you stay here, he can concentrate on finding Dom and not have to worry about how you're feeling."

Caitlin stood up and headed to the door of the cabin. "Oh, alright," she said. "You're right. I don't want him worrying about me. Plus, I'm too tired to go anywhere. I feel like I could sleep for a week."

"Do you want me to stay here with you?" Doc asked.

"No, Hawke needs you more than I do. He can't fly Airwolf and search for Dom at the same time," she replied. "I'll be alright. No use in you sitting around here while I sleep. But, please keep me updated on the search."

"Okay, I will. Get some rest," he replied.

Caitlin went back into the cabin and headed up to the loft for some sleep.

Doc met Hawke and Airwolf at the dock. String was surprised that Caitlin wasn't with him.

"Where's Cait," asked Hawke. "Is she okay?"

"She'll be fine," replied Doc. "She decided it would be best for her to stay and get some rest."

"Really?" he replied. "That doesn't sound like Cait. She was so hell bent on going with us. Are you sure she's alright?"

"Look, don't worry. She's fine," said Doc. "Her shoulder's healing well. We just agreed it would be best for her not to go this time."

"How in the world did you get her to agree with that?" asked Hawke.

Doc laughed, "Well, it sure wasn't by telling her no. No offense, Hawke but that was the worst thing you could have said to her."

Hawke smiled at his friend. "Okay, point taken," he said. "I'll have to remember that next time. Now, let's go find Dom."