Chapter 7 – Paybacks Can Be Brutal

Disclaimer: As usual, I don't lay any ownership claim on these characters – they belong to either Bellisario or Universal. I'm just playing around with them.

A/N: This is the next chapter in my "What Now" story arc, and will revisit some of the characters from the S1 episode "To Snare a Wolf," as well as the S2 episode, "Sweet Britches," which introduced the character of Caitlin O'Shannessy. References are also made to certain events in my Love Will Turn You Around story line, particularly in reference to Hawke and Caitlin's wedding day. For continuity information, please check the other stories in the "What Now" Storyline, including "Many (UN)Happy Returns" and "A Day To Remember."

A/N 2: Thanks to AtCrBr, Nellis Air Shark, LadyMidnight1973, Rkady, Ladyhawke620, and Sirius7 for your reviews. Hope you enjoy this latest chapter – robertwnielsen

And now, Paybacks Can Be Brutal:

FIRM Clinic, Hawke's Room; after S3 episode Horn of Plenty events (right before the events of Sirius7's "From Nightmares to Dreams")

A/N 3 – The first line of the flashback is actually a modified version of a line I borrowed from Sirius7 – I just thought it fit so well with what I was trying to accomplish in the opening flashback. Also, the term "clue-by-four" is borrowed from Sirius7 – something she had in her "slang dictionary" for quite a long time, and again, it fit so well with things I was writing in this story, I had to ask permission to borrow it – robertwnielsen

Flashback to Hawke's room at the FIRM Clinic, with Michael

"Hawke, can I ask you something? In all seriousness—were you dropped on your head when you were a baby? Because brain damage is about the only way I can explain the way you act, and the way you think sometimes! You don't understand how Caitlin feels about you...she LOVES you, for Pete's sake! And before you ask, nobody told me. Nobody had to tell me—it's written all over her face. I've seen it, practically every time she looks at you, or even hears someone say your name! But since you don't believe me, maybe this will serve as a clue-by-four, and get through that thick skull of yours – when she, Dom and I were debating how to get you out of the Horn compound, Dom said he'd take care of it by himself, but Caitlin told him, 'Dom, don't do that to me. I care about him too, you know. Probably more than you know.' And by the way, those were her words, not mine. Now, if that doesn't serve as a giant clue-by-four, then I don't know what would! But I will tell you this, Hawke. You better realize her feelings and figure your own out fast...because as attractive as she is, somebody will take her away from you if you don't get your head out of your ass and do something about it!"-Hawke remembered Michael's words during their discussions after he had been rescued from the Horn compound, as Hawke lay in his bed at the clinic, against his wishes. Michael had decided to abandon his professional line of questioning, and go after Hawke on a personal level, although he knew the potential risks to his own health, from personal experience.

All I have to do is remember that right cross Hawke gave me when I told him about Gabrielle, Michael mused to himself. To his surprise, though, Hawke hadn't moved to hit him, or anything else. Instead, he had simply leaned back in his bed and closed his eyes. Well, I'm still standing, and Hawke hasn't told me to get the hell out of here...or flattened me with a right cross like the time I told him about Gabrielle..although actually hitting me might be difficult for Hawke, given the situation...but he'd find a way to do it, I know...but, it's a good sign, Michael continued. Maybe...just maybe...Hawke will pull his head out of his ass this time, before it's too late.

End Flashback

Hawke's Cabin

Well, Michael, I hope you're satisfied...because I am, Stringfellow Hawke mused to himself, glancing down at the beautiful redhead lying next to him, her head in a familiar place on his chest. What Michael hadn't known that day at the clinic, Hawke thought to himself, was how Caitlin had her nightmare...and when I went to check on her, I heard her say "love you." That...and the kiss immediately afterward...was all I needed. But something had been bothering Hawke ever since that night at her house. How did I live with myself...pushing her away for all that time? And why did she stay around and wait for me? He knew the answer to his second question, of course—That answer's obvious – she loved me, and she was willing to wait for me to get my head out of my ass. Of course, then that begs another question—exactly how long would she have waited? As to my first question, I doubt I'll ever know the answer to that one, he mused to himself, and sighed as he absently stroked Caitlin's hair with his left hand.

Whether it was the sensation of something moving in her hair, or the barely audible sigh she'd just heard, something woke Caitlin Hawke up, and when she opened her eyes, she gazed up at her husband's face, and realized that she had felt his fingers as he ran them through her hair. God, I love when he does that to me, she thought to herself as she reached up for him. Oh, who am I kidding? I love everything this man does to me! She found he met her halfway, and captured her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss. After a few seconds, however, she broke the kiss and whispered, "Good morning, lover. Penny for your thoughts?"

"Good morning, Cait. Oh, just thinking about something Michael told me, just before I came to your house that night." As he told Caitlin the story of how Michael had risked his own life, simply to try to convince Hawke of Caitlin's feelings for him, he noticed her grin grow wider with practically each word. Finally, he said, "I realized that it was stupid of me to live so much in the past, when I had everything I'd ever wanted right in front of me, if I'd only take the chance to grab it. Michael told me what you said before you and Dom came to get me...and then told me, 'If that doesn't serve as a giant clue-by-four, then I don't know what would!' Then, I was at your old place...I heard you scream...and..."

"And the rest, as somebody once said, is history." Sighing contentedly, Caitlin snuggled back into Hawke's chest, and listened to his heart beat, as she'd done so many nights since that first one. She'd come to recognize his moods when she listened to the beat of his heart, and right now, those beats told her that all seemed right in Stringfellow Hawke's world. And in mine, she sighed happily, except for one thing – what the heck is a "clue-by-four?" "Remind me to tell him 'thank you' sometime, String." she sighed sleepily.

"Sure thing. As soon as I tell him. Cait, can I ask you something?"

"Of course you can. You're my husband, String. You can ask me anything."

"Okay, then. Exactly how long were you willing to wait? For me to get my head straight about how I felt...how I feel...about you?"

Swell. I'm not completely awake, and Hawke asks me the one question I'm not really sure how to answer, even if I was completely awake, Cait thought to herself. She remembered multiple letters from her mom, as well as phone calls from her father before he died, telling her to forget that "damned fool Hawke" and come home. Her family had been adamant that there was no way Cait would ever penetrate the walls that Stringfellow Hawke had built around his heart. And they might have been right, she mused to herself. Good thing I was too stubborn to listen to them. Aloud, she finally said, "I would have waited as long as I had to for you, String. Although I must admit, my family, especially Daddy, was bugging me to hightail it back home and forget all about you. But, I knew I just couldn't do that, String. I knew...or at least I hoped, that if I kept pounding away long enough, sooner or later those walls would come down. And, they did. Of course, I had to watch you DIE before we could admit our feelings to each other.." She grew somber at that, as she recalled the nightmare that began their whole relationship.

Yeah. Pounding is the right word. With all the subtlety of a battering ram, Hawke mused to himself. "Well, Mrs. Hawke...you certainly can't say we had a 'normal' beginning to this relationship, that's for sure. But, I definitely think we need to put our heads together, and come up with something nice to do for Michael – after all, if it hadn't been for him, we might not be here together, right now. Or," he sneered, a wicked gleam in his eyes, "we could put our heads together...for other things," Hawke said as he reached out to her.

"Oh, baby...you read my mind," she drawled at him, her Texas accent becoming thicker with the emotions that were running through her as she slid into his arms, and wound hers around him. Let's see if he makes my toes curl again, she thought to herself as their lips met.

"Well, String, you did it to me again," Cait sighed, a few hours later.

"Did what, exactly?" He thought he knew the answer, but just wanted to hear her say it...and besides, I've got a surprise for her, too.

"Made my toes curl, babe," she replied, her head still on his chest.

"I have to tell you something, Cait – you made my toes curl, too." He grinned that familiar boyish grin back at her, knowing full well she couldn't resist it...or him.

"Well...before we go for a repeat performance, I have a question for you. What the heck is a 'clue-by-four?'" Ever since Hawke had said that, Caitlin had puzzled over what it meant, but drawn nothing but blanks.

"I guess it's like a two-by-four...only not quite as hard on the head," Hawke grinned down at his wife. "Anyway, whatever it is...or was...it worked." He noticed the gleam come back into her eyes and said, "Now then...you said something about a repeat performance?" They both smiled as they reached for one another again.

Washington, D.C. Office of the Department of Public Security

Son of a bitch. As if I didn't have enough reason to hate Hawke already, DPS Undersecretary D G Bogard muttered to himself as he re-read a newspaper clipping he'd recently received from Pope County, Texas. Not that I'll actually miss the guy...it's just the fact that 'Hawke' is the one that did it. Okay, Hawke. You want to play games? I'll play games. But, you've picked the WRONG guy to play games with. Quickly, he picked up the phone. Got a lot of calls to make, Bogard muttered to himself. His first phone call, to Pope County, Texas, was of a personal nature. Okay, so I know Hawke was involved...but what about that other little runt...the one he had problems with...what's this? She married Hawke? H mm...that could prove useful...when the time comes, Bogard thought to himself as he continued his research. H mph... for all Michael's efforts to classify everything about this marriage, he forgot one thing – the wedding announcements in the local newspaper. Guess I owe the little runt's mother for that one, Bogard said to himself with a satisfied smirk. Of course, I'll never admit it, he grumbled to himself.

The Cabin

"Hawke...what are you thinking about now?" Caitlin questioned him as they finished the breakfast dishes.

"Oh, nothing...everything, I guess," Hawke answered her. "Guess I need to keep learning not to be so mysterious, huh?"

"Well...a little mystery never hurt anybody," Caitlin replied with a sly grin, "but, I admit, you do seem to take things to the extreme now and then."

"Okay, okay. You made your point," Hawke replied with a smile of his own. "I just can't help worrying...things are just going too well lately, you know? And, that's just...not normal for me," Hawke admitted, sighing as he did so.

"Hawke. You have got to learn to stop being so paranoid," Caitlin told him as she dried her hands. "You know I hate when you get like that...I feel like there's nothing I can do for you...and, that hurts," she admitted. Since they had gotten together, Caitlin knew how much being involved with Hawke had improved his life, as well as her own. And, when moments like this occurred, even though they were becoming fewer and further between than when they had first met back at the hangar, Caitlin still worried.

"Hey, Cait...don't get all upset on me," Hawke said with a smile as he took her in his arms. "Trust me on this – you have done more for me in the time we've been together than I'll ever be able to repay – and, I love you for it," Hawke stated firmly, but with a smile. Caitlin returned the smile, and leaned into her husband's chest with a contented sigh.

"Thanks, Hawke. I have to admit...sometimes, I worry too...that something could happen and I'd lose you for some reason. And, I couldn't live with that, Hawke. You...you're my world...and without you..." her voice broke and she couldn't finish her sentence, so she just snuggled deeper into Hawke's arms and cried herself out.

I don't know what brought this on, Hawke said to himself worriedly. But, as soon as she'll talk to me, I'm going to find out. Finally, he felt her move in his arms and he asked her, "Cait. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, Hawke. You know I just get emotional for no reason sometimes. Don't worry about it, okay?" She glanced up at him and smiled, a warm, loving smile that Hawke recognized easily.

"Okay, Cait. If you say not to worry, I won't," Hawke assured his wife. He did know that Caitlin tended to get emotional sometimes for no reason – that's one of the things I love about her, Hawke thought to himself. It's gonna be hard, but I'll let it go...for the moment. But, mark my words...we're not done talking about this yet.

Knightsbridge

"Marella...tell me everything," Archangel asked his assistant Marella. She had received some very disturbing intelligence from operatives stationed in the Pentagon.

"He's at it again, Michael. Bogard is searching for Airwolf, again. And...he knows."

"Knows what?" Michael demanded.

"He knows...about Hawke and Cait. Apparently, there was a wedding announcement in one of the local papers back in Pope County that we weren't able to stop, and a family member of Bogard's forwarded it to him. And...there's something else," Marella continued, handing Michael a sheet of paper.

Archangel took the sheet and read over the notes from Marella's informant. "You've got to be kidding me...this guy was Bogard's cousin? Dammit. As if he doesn't have enough of a grudge against Hawke...now, he'll have even more ammo against them. All right, Marella. Saddle up Zebra Squad, immediately. And, get me Hawke as soon as you can."

"Michael? What's going on?" Hawke had just received a call from Archangel, courtesy of the secure satellite portable phone he had left at the cabin after Airwolf had been recovered. Archangel figured it would be best to have at least one reliable way to contact Hawke. "What? Bogard's at it again? Well, we beat him the last time...we'll beat him again. Wait...wait a second. Slow down, Michael." Hawke suddenly noticed Archangel's tempo increasing, to the point where he was having a hard time understanding Michael's words. "WHAT did you say? He knows...about Caitlin and me...and that sheriff was...oh, great. Okay...thanks, Michael. By the way, Michael; we'll need to know where his satellites are, like we did before. Yeah. Good to know. Okay. Yeah, we'll talk later."

"Where's Michael sending us this time, Hawke?" Caitlin hadn't heard the entirety of Hawke's conversation with Michael, and so had very little idea what was going on. Hawke led her over to the couch and they both sat down. "Cait. Do you remember when I told you about D G Bogard, and how he tried to find Airwolf?"

"Yeah, I remember...I also remember you saying he got arrested. So, what's to worry about?"

"He's out. And, it turns out there's a lot for all of us to worry about. He's hunting for Airwolf, again; number one. Number two...he knows about us being married...apparently, there was a newspaper announcement back in Texas that Michael couldn't get stopped in time. Number three...that sheriff we had problems with when you and I first met? That was...Bogard's cousin."

"WHAT? Sheriff Bogan was related to this weirdo? How?"

"I'm not exactly sure...and, neither is Michael. All he could tell me is that the two of them were cousins. The problem is – that means Bogard's not only going to be looking for me...he might come after you, too, as a way to get to me and Airwolf."

"Well, I survived one...thanks to you. As long as we stick together, I think I'll be all right," Caitlin told her husband with a firm smile. "And, just so you know...I don't intend for us not to stick together, if you take my meaning."

"Oh, I take your meaning, all right," Hawke added with a smile of his own. "It just means we need to be extra careful. Michael also told me he's saddled up Zebra Squad...a little 'extra insurance,' he said, since we are the only three people on this planet who know how to fly Airwolf." Hawke knew Zebra Squad would also be looking after Dominic. "So, we just go about our lives as normal, until Bogard makes his move. Michael will alert us if Bogard tries to make any move on you or me, so we'll try to maintain as close to a normal life as we can," Hawke finished.

Swell. As if I don't have enough to worry about, Caitlin thought to herself anxiously. Because, if what I'm afraid of is true, Dom and I won't be the only ones Hawke will be worrying about. It's not that I don't want it...just, not right now. I don't think Hawke can handle that kind of worry right now. Of course, I'll have to have him take me to the doctor one way or another...so he'll find out, eventually.

Santini Air, Later that afternoon

"Okay, so we know Bogard and Sheriff Bogan were cousins...that's kind of weird, don't you think?"

"Yeah, kind of," Hawke agreed to his friend Dominic Santini. "But, it's also none of our business, other than worrying about Bogard coming after us again. Considering how close he got the last time, we can't take any chances this time around." Hawke remembered being cornered by Bogard and a fleet of choppers at the aircraft boneyard where he had hidden Airwolf, before he was able to escape and lose Bogard's pursuit squad by flying Airwolf through the B-52 practice bombing run.

"Hawke. Promise me one thing, will you?" Caitlin piped up from her seat next to her husband.

"If I can."

"Promise me you won't take Airwolf through any more bombing runs. Next time, you might not be so lucky," Caitlin pleaded with him, and he could see the fear in her eyes. I can't lose you, Hawke. Especially not now...not when I might be...she stopped herself, not wanting to finish the thought that had suddenly intruded on her mind.

"Well, Caitlin...if I can avoid it, I promise – no bombing runs." Hawke noticed the expression on his wife's face, and wondered if there was something more on her mind, but decided not to press the issue. If she wants to talk about it, she'll come to me, he reasoned. She always does.

"Cait? You okay? I haven't seen you look that upset in a long time," Dominic commented. And, she does look upset. I haven't seen her like that since before String finally admitted he loved her.

"Oh, I'm fine, Dom. Just...hormones. That's it, hormones," Caitlin replied, not sure whether either Dom or Hawke believed her.

Aha. Right. And I'm Luciano Pavarotti. I didn't just fall off the pizza wagon, you know, Dominic thought to himself. But, I'll leave it alone for now. We've got bigger things to worry about.

"What's the word from Archangel?" Dominic queried.

"Well, I'm sure you've noticed all the extra security around here," Hawke responded, and Dom nodded, taking note of a group of individuals in camouflage fatigues, each armed with a very impressive weapon. "Michael informed me that Zebra Squad is on full alert – both here, and up at the cabin, in case Bogard comes after me or Cait up there, like he did the last time. Maybe we'll get lucky, and Zebra Squad will take him out for us," Hawke said, trying to lighten the mood. "Would save us all a lot of grief, I think."

"You've got that right, String," Dominic responded. "But, in the meantime, we're just gonna go about our lives as normal, huh?"

"Yep. No point in getting too worried before we know what we're worried about. After all, that kinda worrying only gets us a lifetime full of bills!" All three chuckled at Hawke's comment. Dominic had originally told Hawke that two years ago, during the Carter Anderson affair, and Hawke had remembered it, and used it on occasion, both with Caitlin and Dominic.

"Well, okay then. Let's get back to work." The trio stood up and began working on the helicopters in the hangar, as most of them needed maintenance of some form or another. As they continued working, however, Dominic noticed worry on the faces of both Hawke and Caitlin, and it didn't appear to be worry about this Bogard situation. I sure hope everything's okay, Dom thought to himself. I'd hate to think Cait and String are having some kind of problem, but now that I think about it...Cait hasn't seemed to be herself at all these past few days. She's worried about something...really worried. Ha. If I didn't know better, I'd swear she was... Dom had to cut off his thought as Hawke walked over to him.

"Something on your mind, String?"

"Not really. Just wondering what's on Caitlin's mind," Hawke told his friend. "She won't say a word to me, but something just isn't right, you know? You've noticed it, I'm sure," Hawke continued, which generated a sympathetic nod from the older man.

"Yeah, I noticed. Even asked her about it earlier...she said it was just hormones, but I believe that about as much as I believe that Archangel and I are ever gonna be drinkin' buddies!" Hawke had to stifle a chuckle at that assertion. Archangel and Dom hadn't ever seen eye to eye on anything, Hawke mused to himself, and he didn't see that changing any time soon. "String, I wouldn't go getting yourself all bent outta shape over it – you know she'll come to you when she's ready. She always has, after all," Dominic reminded his friend.

"Not 'always,' Dom...but I appreciate the sentiment," Hawke said in response.

"String...can I hazard a guess here?"

"Go ahead."

"You think Caitlin might be...well...pregnant?"

That question made Hawke stop and think. "I'm not sure, Dom. I mean, it would explain an awful lot...her moodiness, especially. At the very least, I think she's late, if you get my meaning."

"Yeah, String. I get your meaning," Dom answered with an embarrassed smile. "Would that be so bad, though? I mean, surely you guys have discussed having kids...haven't you?" Dominic's expression went from thoughtful to hopeful.

"Well, sure, Dom. I mean, I know you want some 'grandkids' to spoil...and, I'll be honest, I wouldn't mind a child at some point. I just wonder..." Hawke suddenly had to clam up as he caught Caitlin walking towards them out of the corner of his eye.

"Hey, guys. What's with all the long faces, huh?" She grinned at her husband and Dom both, and they both grinned back at her, relieved that at least for the moment, she seemed to be back to normal.

"We were just talking about things, Cait," Dom reassured her. "Nothing too serious. Anyway, it's about time to get out of here...so, I'll see you two later, okay?"

"Okay, Dom," Hawke said with a smile to his friend as they locked up the office; Cait and Hawke boarded a chopper to head back to the cabin.

Once they were in the air, Hawke glanced over at his wife and said, "You want to talk about it?"

"About what?"

"Oh, whatever it is that's had you worried all afternoon," Hawke replied with a worried look in his eyes. "Cait, you've never kept anything from me before. Even when I wanted you to," he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Trust me, Hawke; it's nothing, okay?" Caitlin asked him, while silently adding to herself, At least, I hope it's nothing. Maybe this will all pass in a couple of days, and I'll have been wrong.

Office of the Department of Public Security

Excellent. My satellites have just about located the area where Airwolf is believed to be hidden. It won't be long now, Bogard said to himself smugly, and I'll take Airwolf back, and get a little personal payback from Hawke and his little wife for what happened to my cousin. H mm...maybe I can kill two birds with one stone, he thought to himself. Well, maybe not "kill," Bogard continued. From what I've heard, that runt's actually not too bad looking. This could be interesting, after all.

The Cabin

"Hawke, we've got problems," Archangel's voice filtered through the secure phone. "We believe Bogard has just about figured out Airwolf's hiding place."

"Great. All right, Michael. Just don't send any of your people there," Hawke added with a warning tone.

"You honestly think Bogard's going to tell me where Airwolf is hidden, assuming he does find her? Hawke, Bogard hates me almost as much as he hates you," Archangel stated firmly. "There's no way Bogard would share that kind of information – his ego wouldn't allow it. You know that as well as I do."

"Yeah, I do. Okay, Michael. Thanks." Hawke hung the portable phone up and then clicked on the CB radio. "Santini Air, come in. Dom? This is Hawke. Come in, Dom."

"What is it, String? Something wrong with..."

"No, Dom. Michael thinks Bogard's close to figuring out where Airwolf is hidden – which means we better get her moved, ASAP."

"I'm on my way, buddy," Dominic replied, and Hawke went to tell Caitlin what was going on. She'd want to be involved in any sort of Airwolf-related business. And, she'd never forgive me if I didn't let her know what's happening, Hawke said as he moved upstairs to the bedroom.

"Cait? You okay?" Hawke found her sitting in the middle of the bed, her head in her hands.

"Oh, Hawke. I'm sorry...this whole thing with Airwolf...you don't need my problems on top of it," Caitlin sobbed, and Hawke took her into his arms to comfort her.

"Hey, Cait...it's gonna be okay. Whatever you're concerned about, we'll deal with it...together, just like we always have," Hawke replied, at the same time wondering if Dominic hadn't been right in his assessment of the situation.

"Hawke...remember when I asked you to promise me you weren't going to go through any more bombing runs? Well...there's a reason why I said that, and I think you need to know," Caitlin said with a thin smile. "Hawke, I think I'm...I think I'm pregnant."

Dom was right, Hawke said to himself. "Caitlin...why didn't you say something?"

"Hawke, I don't even know if I am or not...I just know that I'm late, and that's never happened with me before." Caitlin said, still sobbing, as Hawke pulled her close to his body and held her. "Just tell me everything's gonna be okay, Hawke...please. I've been so scared to tell you...especially right now."

Hawke gently raised her face so he could look into her eyes as he whispered, "Caitlin, I promise you. Everything is gonna be okay. We're a team, now; and I'll be by your side through all of this. And, we will get through this...you, me, and our baby. Okay?"

"Okay, Hawke. Thanks. And...I love you."

"I love you, too, Cait. Always, and forever." Hawke replied as they heard Dom's chopper outside. "You gonna be okay to come with us?"

"You're kidding, right?" The feisty grin was back. "Stringfellow Hawke. If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times..." Caitlin quickly dried her eyes as she glared at her husband.

"Okay, okay," Hawke said with a grin as he pulled Caitlin to her feet. "Looks like this might be just what the doctor ordered. Well, let's get going – the Lady awaits."

As they climbed into the Santini Air chopper, Dom glanced at both Caitlin and Hawke. "She okay?" Dom asked Stringfellow.

"She's fine, Dom. And it turns out...you may have been right."

"Really? What..." Dom let the last word hang in the cockpit for a moment, then asked, "You mean, she's..."

"We think so, Dom. Caitlin told me just a little while ago. Of course, we'll have to check as soon as this is all over...but, it looks like you might just get that grandkid after all," Hawke told Dominic with a smile.

"I've got half a mind to set this copter back down and kick Cait out, you know," Dominic replied, "except, I know her too well – if I tried that, she'd never speak to me again...and I'd never see my grandkid, either."

"Right on both counts, Dom," came from behind him. "No way I'm letting the father and grandfather of any baby I'm carrying go anywhere without me...especially where Airwolf's concerned." Her tone of voice indicated that Caitlin didn't intend any argument on the subject, and neither Hawke nor Dominic wanted to test that. So they flew on in silence until they reached a spot about an hour away from the Lair, where they left the chopper and hiked the rest of the way.

Once they had Airwolf out of the Lair, the question became where to hide her next. Obviously, the boneyard they'd used before was out – Bogard knew where that was. "Any ideas on where to hide this thing?" Hawke asked both his friends.

"I dunno, String," Dom piped up from the engineer's console. "Kinda hard to hide something like this Lady, you know."

"True...unless...Dom, call up the headings for Red Star," Hawke ordered.

"Red Star? Oh, you mean the base where the project originated," Caitlin observed. "But wouldn't that be a giveaway to Michael as to where she is?"

"Only if we tell him where we stashed her. Otherwise, what Michael doesn't know won't hurt him," Hawke answered his wife, "and might save our behinds."

"Red Star...three miles, dead ahead," Dom called out from behind them. "Of course, the question is what we do, once we get the Lady secured," he continued. "We need some way to get out of there, you know."

"I think there might be a chopper or two still out there," Hawke said. "After all, the base was rebuilt and reactivated...it's been operational for almost two years now. Well, here we are," Hawke said as he brought Airwolf down near the main building. "We can stash her in that hangar, over there...and it looks like there's a chopper right next to it...so we can head back to Santini Air...or we can stay here for a while."

"I say let's stash the pretty bird, and go home," Dom said, and Caitlin nodded in agreement. Hawke set Airwolf down and guided her into the hangar, then once the chopper was secured and the alarm activated, the crew piled into the second chopper to go back to the hangar.

"If Bogard or anybody else disturbs Airwolf, the alarm goes off, both at Santini Air, and home," Hawke announced after they'd returned to Santini Air. "So, we should be safe for the moment."

"Let's hope so, String...By the way, you two want to check out that...other problem?" Dom glanced tentatively at Caitlin, who nodded, and Hawke quickly made a phone call. A few minutes later, he was in the waiting room at an OB-GYN clinic that Marella had recommended, when a nurse came and took him back to see Caitlin.

"Well...now I know why I've been so moody lately," Caitlin told her husband, with the special smile she reserved only for him, then added, 'Daddy.'"

It took Hawke a minute for Caitlin's message to register. "You're sure?"

"Oh yes, Mr. Hawke. You and Caitlin are going to be parents," the doctor assured him. "Now, Caitlin, I want to see you back here in three to four months for a sonogram, okay?"

"Okay, Doctor. And, thank you."

"Any time."

As they drove back to the hangar, Hawke's mind whirled. Now I really need to watch out for Caitlin, he thought to himself. She's carrying my baby...and I don't want anything to happen to them. Even if it means kicking her off the Airwolf crew for a while.

"Guess this means no more Airwolf missions, huh?" Caitlin announced from the passenger seat, startling Hawke. "I mean, I don't want you to be worried any more about me than you already are...and I can only imagine what went through your mind, Hawke," Caitlin told her husband.

"Yeah. I have to admit, it worries me, sweetheart," Hawke replied as they arrived back at the hangar.

"So? What'd the doc have to say? Is everything okay, Cait?" Dom seemed to be even more concerned than Stringfellow, if that were possible.

"Everything's fine, Dom," Caitlin replied as she rubbed her hand across her belly. "Dominic...you're going to be a grandfather." Caitlin told him emphatically, and was surprised to see Dom start to faint. "Dom? You okay?"

"Oh, wow," was all Dominic could say. "Well, I guess this means no more Airwolf missions for you, sweetheart," Dom said with a smile. "Maybe for good."

"Dom! Once the baby is born, I'll be back on the crew just like nothing ever happened," Caitlin insisted. Then, she realized what Dom meant. "Oh. You're worried about who's going to take care of the baby, if String and I are both on the Airwolf crew, aren't you?"

"Now she gets it," Dominic replied with a grin.

Just then, the special alarm went off. Someone had found Airwolf.

"Come on, let's go!" Hawke was out the door in a shot, headed for a chopper.

Within a few minutes, they had arrived back at Red Star, all three armed with their Airwolf service weapons. "Cait, you stay at the door," Hawke told his wife. "There's no point in you taking any stupid chances...especially now." Hawke could see the disappointment in her eyes, but there was also understanding there. If anything happens to our baby...or me, Hawke would never forgive himself, Cait told herself, unaware of someone behind her.

"Bogard? Where the hell are you? Bogard! Let's finish this thing, right now!"

The response Hawke expected came not from in front of him, where he expected Bogard to be, but behind them. "I'm right here, Hawke." Hawke and Dom both turned around to find Bogard holding Caitlin with one arm around her throat, and a gun pointed at her head.

"Bogard, let her go! This is between you and me!" Hawke shouted, but he knew what was happening.

"Oh, it's between all of us, Hawke," Bogard replied with a smirk. "You and this little runt here have caused my family enough grief. Don't get me wrong, Hawke – I never liked Bogan in the first place...but did he really deserve what you did to him? I think taking her life in exchange is only fair," Bogard sneered as he tightened his grip around Caitlin's neck.

"So what do you want, Bogard?"

"First off, Airwolf. You know that, Hawke. That chopper doesn't belong to you – it belongs to the U.S. Government. Archangel was a fool when he made that deal with you. Secondly, I want revenge for my cousin. And, I'm going to take it with your wife, Hawke," Bogard taunted him again.

Like hell you are, Caitlin thought to herself as she stepped back and thrust her hips upward, causing Bogard to flip over her shoulders, and more importantly, release his hold on her. When he came down, Bogard immediately stood up and made a beeline for the door of the hangar, where his helicopter was parked just outside.

"Oh, no. Not again," Hawke growled as the three of them climbed into Airwolf. Within a few minutes, the engines were started, and Airwolf slid out of the hangar.

"Where is he, Dom?" Hawke asked as Airwolf rose into the sky.

"Looks like about a quarter-mile ahead, String. And that chopper of his is armed to the teeth. Sidewinders, quad .30 caliber guns loaded for bear...be careful, buddy."

"You don't need to tell me twice, Dom," Hawke assured his friend. "But if Bogard thinks he's getting away from me this time, after what he threatened to do to Cait, he's got another think coming."

"Hawke. You do this, and the government's going to hunt you down like a mad dog," Bogard taunted Hawke over the radio. "You can't just kill a United States Government official and get away with it."

"You forget, Bogard—that 'government official' is guilty of terrorism, kidnapping, attempted murder, harassment...and a few other things that I'm probably forgetting from the last time we met. I think I'll be all right. I've got a few friends in high places too, you know. And as for your cousin, do you know what he was doing to the people who lived in that town, not to mention what he almost did to my wife?" Hawke jerked the stick to one side to avoid a missile fired from Bogard's chopper, and watched as the missile exploded harmlessly on the ground. "Trust me on this, Bogard – Sheriff Bogan wasn't worth my time...and he certainly wasn't worth yours."

"Hawke, the people in that jail were the dregs of society—drunks, bums, addicted to I-don't-know-what else. Bogan was doing his town a favor, keeping them locked up," Bogard replied as he fired his cannons against Airwolf, even though he knew the shells would bounce harmlessly off Airwolf's armor plating, and probably do more damage to his own ship. "As for your wife...well, I know she's listening so I can't say what I really think, but suffice it to say I wish she didn't have to go down with you. I like a girl with that kinda spunk...and so did Bogan." Hawke glanced over to Caitlin in the co-pilot's chair, and her expression told him all he needed to know.

"Bogan may have liked her, but I doubt the feeling was mutual, Bogard," Hawke replied angrily. Just then, Dom called out, "Look out, String! Rocket coming in, six o'clock!"

"Sunburst!"

"Sunburst," Dominic called back as he released one of the powerful decoys. The rocket flew straight into the decoy and detonated.

"Bogard, this is foolish—you know what this ship can do as well as we do. Maybe better. You know you can't win, so I'm giving you a choice. Land that thing, now – while I'm still in the mood to let you."

"Not a chance, Hawke," Bogard growled as he released another missile, which Hawke deftly avoided.

"Great shooting there, hotshot. Speaking for myself and two other taxpayers, I can safely say that we'll love to replace that parking lot," Hawke commented with a grin.

"Funny, Hawke. Very funny," Bogard growled back as he fired another missile.

"Rocket coming!"

"Sunburst!"

"String! It didn't take that Sunburst!"

"Hellfire, now! Gimme the turbos!"

"Turbos," Dom called, and he and Caitlin both felt the kick in the butt as the powerful turbines engaged. Hawke expertly swung Airwolf into the path of the oncoming missile and knocked it down with a Hellfire.

"All right, Bogard. Time to let you know—I can give as good as I get," Hawke said as he dropped the targeting visor on his helmet, and was rewarded a few seconds later with a series of beeps indicating a Sidewinder missile was locked onto Bogard's chopper. "Say hello to your cousin for me," he growled as he launched a Sidewinder at Bogard's chopper, and a huge explosion just a scant few seconds later signaled the end of the engagement.

"Well. That's over with," Hawke said with a sigh of relief, one that was echoed by both Dominic and Caitlin. Just then, Archangel's voice sounded in the cockpit.

"Hawke. What in the hell is going on out there?"

Hello, Michael. Just taking out the trash. You might want to let someone in the Department of Public Security know they're going to need a new Undersecretary."

"You mean..."

"That's right, Michael. Bogard's dead. He tried to steal Airwolf, he was going to kill Caitlin, and he tried to shoot us down...so we took care of him. He won't be bothering any of us anymore."

"Well. I can't say I'll miss the guy, but there may be problems for all of you, Hawke. After all, Bogard was a government official, even if his actions weren't of the official variety. I'll do what I can, but..." Archangel's voice died in the cockpit, and Caitlin shot a worried glance over to her husband.

"I know, Michael. I know you will," Hawke replied as he turned Airwolf towards home.

The Cabin, later that evening

"Well, once again, civilization is saved from the scourge of government," Hawke laughed as he and Caitlin finished clearing the dinner dishes. "No offense, Michael."

"None taken, Hawke. And the better news is, nobody's going to prison," Archangel smiled as he lit up a cigar. It had looked bad for a while, but once Archangel presented the evidence to the Department of Public Security, both from this encounter and Hawke's original run-in with Bogard, they agreed that Hawke's actions were justified, since Bogard was clearly out of his mind; and that Bogard had seriously overstepped his authority, both professionally and personally. Bogard had been posthumously stripped of his title, and with that, any case the government would have had against the Airwolf crew disappeared. Archangel couldn't help but notice the look of relief that Caitlin and Hawke shared. "So, I understand Caitlin's pregnant?" When he received a nod in response, Michael continued, "Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you, Michael," Hawke replied with a smile of his own. He had insisted that Caitlin get herself checked out after the problems with Bogard were concluded, and, as Caitlin had tried to explain to him, both she and their child were fine. Hawke, of course, had been concerned, not only that the recent adventure could have caused problems; but that his child would either be born without a father, he being either in prison, or dead; or, our baby could have been born in prison, Hawke muttered to himself.

"Of course, eventually you'll have to be taken off the crew," Archangel was saying. "Hawke and Dom have proven they can handle Airwolf fine by themselves, so that shouldn't be a problem, at least until after the baby is born," Archangel finished, noting Caitlin's disapproving glare. "On the other hand, once you've experienced being a mother, Cait; you may never want to go back," Archangel concluded, noting Caitlin's expression changed to a soft, thoughtful smile.

"Michael, if there's one thing you should know about me by now, it's never say 'never,'" Caitlin told him emphatically. "I'll be fine...both as a mom, and as an Airwolf crew member." The look in her eyes told Archangel that she had already made her decision, and didn't expect any disagreements about it.

"Okay, Caitlin," Archangel said, chuckling. "You're right, though. I should know better than to argue with you once you've set your mind to something." Archangel noticed Hawke subtly nodding from his seat next to Caitlin.

"Good decision, Michael," Hawke said with a grin.

"Does that come from experience, Hawke?" Archangel queried, with a grin of his own. Of course, I know from experience how determined Cait gets, Michael said to himself, remembering her actions with Dominic when John Bradford Horn had kidnapped String. The look on her face when Dom had said, 'Not 'we', 'me!' The instructions say me!' told me how much Cait cared about Stringfellow...and how serious she was about being involved. Not to mention her comment to Dom back in the limo, when Dom didn't want her coming along... 'I care about him too, you know—probably more than you know.' If I didn't know what she meant then, Archangel mused as he watched Hawke and Caitlin, I certainly know it now.

"You could say that, Michael," Hawke replied, smiling at Caitlin. He had been thinking about some of the arguments that the two of them had had at different points throughout their relationship, and if one thing stood as a constant during all of them, it was that Caitlin was not one to be easily dissuaded once she'd set her mind to something. Truth be told, that's one of the things I love about her, Hawke said to himself as he glanced at his wife.

"Personally, I love it," Dominic said from his seat at the bar. "Cait's probably the only person I know who could handle String...well, other than you or me, Michael," Dom continued.

"Thank you Dominic...I think," Michael said, not exactly sure how to respond to Dominic's comment. Something had changed in their relationship recently, and while Michael wasn't sure exactly what that something was, he had determined it was a good thing.

"Sounds like Dom's got you pegged pretty well there, little brother," Saint John teased his younger sibling. "But seriously, String; I know I told you this before, but damn, it's good to see you so happy."

"Thanks, Saint John," Stringfellow replied with an easy grin. "It's nice to be able to be so happy, especially after everything that happened." Saint John knew what his younger brother was referring to – Gabrielle...and thinking that I was gone too.

"Caitlin, just do me one favor, okay? Whatever you're doing to my brother...keep it up," Saint John grinned at his sister-in-law.

"Oh, I plan to, Sinj...don't worry. I plan to," she grinned slyly at her husband, causing some knowing stares from both Dom and Archangel. "Hey...after everything I went through to get String, I don't plan on giving him up that easily, guys," Caitlin added, which caused everyone to laugh.

"By the way, Michael," Caitlin chimed in again. "Consider tonight a 'thank you' for talking some sense into Hawke's head back at the clinic. Things might not have evolved the way they did, if you hadn't stuck your nose where it didn't belong," Caitlin finished with a friendly smile.

"It was my pleasure, Caitlin," Michael replied with a smile of his own. "Although, I was worried that Hawke was going to slug me when I finished chewing him out. But, I'm glad to see everything worked out for the both of you." Stringfellow could see in the master spy's expression how relieved he was.

"Michael, you're right. Everything worked out for the best," Stringfellow replied as he gave Caitlin's hand a loving squeeze. "Now, Saint John. We need to find you a woman," String teased his older brother. Saint John smiled at Stringfellow's assertion, but he knew his younger brother was right. String's not the only one who felt like he'd been alone too long, Saint John said to himself. I'm beginning to understand how that felt.

"Well, you know, Hawke...Erin's single again," Caitlin chimed in. "Has been for a while now, remember...and she might like Saint John. I mean, they seemed to get along well enough at our wedding. Would be interesting...my sister dating your brother," Hawke cringed at the thought, but only for a moment.

"I remember your sister, Cait," Saint John replied with a smile as he recalled dancing with Erin at Cait and String's wedding. "She seemed nice enough. Could be interesting, like you said."

"Just do us all a favor, Saint John," Hawke replied with a grin. "If you and Erin get serious...promise both Cait and me that you won't dance around your feelings like I did. It doesn't do you or her any good – trust me on that." Hawke could see by the expression in his brother's eyes that he understood what Stringfellow meant.

"Don't worry about that, little brother," Saint John said with a grin. "I wouldn't want to put anyone through what Caitlin went through with you. I still wonder why she stuck around so long."

"That's simple, Saint John," Caitlin said as she wound her arms around Stringfellow's neck, and leaned her head onto his shoulder. "I love him. Period. End of story."

"Okay," Saint John grinned back at her as he, Dom, and Archangel stood to leave. After a round of good-byes, Hawke and Caitlin stood arm in arm watching the two choppers leave. Finally, they were able to collapse on the couch together, alone at last.

"Well. I don't know about you, Hawke, but I'm glad that fiasco is over," Caitlin sighed as she leaned her head onto her husband's shoulder, and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"That makes two of us, Cait," Stringfellow replied, sliding his arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer to him. "I'm just glad none of us will wind up in jail. I was worried sick about that happening."

"So was I, Hawke," Caitlin replied. "I was scared to death that the baby and I were going to lose you."

"That's not gonna happen," Hawke replied as he gazed lovingly into Caitlin's eyes. "I made a promise to you...and I always keep my promises."

"Hawke? What's next?" Caitlin asked her husband.

"Who knows, Cait," String replied as they both stood up and headed upstairs. "But, whatever happens, we'll face it together; just like we always have – and like we always will."

"H mm. I love the sound of that...and, I love you, Stringfellow Hawke," Caitlin told him once they reached the sleeping loft, as she fixed him with a sultry expression that sent his heart rate soaring. "Now, I don't want to talk any more tonight. Okay?" She grinned her best impish grin at him, and was rewarded with Stringfellow's familiar boyish grin in return.

"Okay, Cait. No more talking," Hawke agreed as he kissed her.