Chapter 9—Deadly Memories

Disclaimer—I do not own Airwolf – Either Bellisario or Universal does, and I don't make any money off these stories. They are simply written for my enjoyment, and whoever else might enjoy reading them—robertwnielsen

A/N—I can't believe I've let "What Now?" languish this long! Hopefully, I'll be a little more judicious with my updates on this and "Musings," but I'm getting back into the groove of writing the longer stuff, too. The plot of this chapter will mirror the S2 episode The Deadly Circle, although the villain is an original character. For continuity purposes, this chapter takes place approximately two months after the events of Changes Coming On. (Chap. 8). Enjoy this next chapter, and please, read and review—robertwnielsen

Looking through the newspaper, the strange man stopped when he came to the wedding announcements—focusing on one man in particular. Stringfellow Hawke...married? The man asked himself incredulously. He never seemed like the marrying type when I knew him back in the Army...before he made a fool outta me and ruined my career. Then, the man happened to catch sight of a photo of the bride. Damn, he said to himself. I see what Hawke fell for. Well, Mr. Hawke...I do have to give you this much—you've got good taste in women. But when I'm through with you, she'll be mine, Stringfellow Hawke. All mine. And anybody who dares get in my way, I'll just have to...eliminate. Calmly, he picked up a telephone and began making calls, setting his plan in motion.

Hawke's Cabin

"String?" Caitlin Hawke asked as she turned in bed to face her husband.

"Yeah?" Stringfellow Hawke replied, smiling as Caitlin's hazel eyes met his steel-blue ones.

"You know we haven't had Mom, or Erin out here since the wedding?" Caitlin asked anxiously.

"Yeah," Hawke replied, smiling at his wife. "I was thinkin' about that last night, before..." His voice trailed off, but Caitlin immediately knew what he was talking about.

"M mm, yeah," Caitlin said, her eyes brightening, "before we...got distracted." Even though she was almost four months pregnant, their romantic life was thriving. At one point, Caitlin thought her OB-GYN was going to go bonkers from all the questions Hawke was bombarding her with, but she simply smiled and said, "That's what I'm here for, Cait. It's my job to make sure you and your husband are fully informed as to what's safe and what's not during your pregnancy."

"So," Caitlin said, drawing String back into the moment, "you wanna call her when we get to the hangar, or should I?"

"We'll call her, Cait," String replied, pulling his wife closer to him again. "But...we're not due at the hangar for a few hours yet, so..."

"H mm, I like the way you think, Mr. Hawke," Caitlin replied, just as String took her lips with his.

Meanwhile...

"What do we know about Mr. Hawke?" Randall Weston said angrily.

"You mean, what new have we found out recently?" Jason Donovan asked. Donovan was Weston's right-hand man, one of his friends from back in the Vietnam War. "Well, let's see. You already know a lot about Mr. Hawke, from your time together in the 1st Air Cav, but ever since he's been out, he's been a loner...at least, he was until about six months ago, when he married that woman," Donovan said. "His brother, Saint John, came home not long before they got married...and we think that might have helped Hawke resolve some of those...demons he's been carrying from the past." Weston nodded, satisfied.

"Well, if I have anything to say about it," Weston said with an evil grin as he glanced at the photo of Caitlin, "those demons are going to come back and bite Mr. Hawke right in his arrogant, self-absorbed ass! Nobody makes a fool outta me the way he did, and gets away with it!"

"Yessir, Mr. Weston," Donovan said anxiously.

Santini Air

"Mom? Mom, it's me...Cait," Caitlin said when she heard her mother's voice.

"Caitlin!" her mother shouted excitedly. String had picked up a cordless phone while Caitlin was on the main phone in the office. String moved closer to his wife when her mother said, "Everything okay with you two lovebirds?"

"Everything's fine, Mom," Caitlin said, and String saw Caitlin's cheeks tinged a familiar shade of pink. "I was just callin' to...to say hi. And of course, you know about my other news," Caitlin added, smiling when she remembered how her mother had reacted when Caitlin had told her two months ago that she was pregnant. I'm surprised we can still hear after that, she mused to herself.

"Yeah, Caity girl," Maggie said, and Caitlin thought she heard the smile in her mother's voice. "How are my little grand-babies doin'?"

"I was at the doctor just the other day, Mom," Caitlin said, smiling. "She says everything's fine...my weight is good, and the twins are right on schedule. Don't worry, Mom," she added, "String won't let anything happen to me...or our babies."

"Well, that's sure a relief," Maggie said. "Is he there?" Maggie asked. Caitlin nodded at String, who released the mute button on the cordless extension.

"Right here, Maggie," Hawke replied.

"You're takin' good care of my Caity, aren't you, String?" Maggie demanded, but Caitlin and String could both hear the smile in her voice.

"Of course I am, Maggie," String replied. "I don't want anything to happen to Cait...or the babies, you know that. Dom's as excited to see his grand-babies as you are!"

"How is Dom?" Maggie asked, surprising String.

"He's good," String replied. "Still workin' around the hangar, and keeping his eyes on me, Sinj, and Caitlin. I think he's finally adjusted to the fact that even though Cait and I are married, we still need Dom in our lives...just like we need you, Maggie." String winked at Caitlin, and was not surprised when she smiled back at him.

"Thank you for sayin' that, String," Maggie said.

"Mom?" Cait said. "How's Erin doing?"

"She's good," Maggie said, "but I think your brother-in-law made quite the impression on her at your weddin'—she hasn't stopped talkin' about him since then."

"Well," Caitlin said, shaking her head, "I dunno how Saint John feels about that. Maybe...maybe you and Erin would like to ask him, sometime?"

"How in tarnation are we supposed to do that, Caity girl?" Maggie demanded. "I mean, you're all the way out there in California, and we're back here in Texas!"

"Mom," Caitlin interrupted, "that's why I called. I was tryin' to ask if you and Erin might want to fly out here, spend some time with String, Sinj, Dom and me."

"Are you serious?" Maggie demanded.

"Yes, Mother, I'm serious," Caitlin replied. "I was tellin' String just the other day how we haven't had you and Erin out here since our wedding, and we haven't been back to see you, either. By the way—I'm—sorry about that, Mom," Caitlin said nervously. "We've just been preoccupied with—"she was suddenly cut off when Maggie interrupted her.

"I know, I know!" Maggie said. "We were the same way when your daddy and I got married—it was like my folks, and his, didn't even exist for a while! So," she said, "it's okay. Listen. I'll talk to Erin, and give you a call there at that hangar when we decide we're comin' down, okay?"

"Okay, Mom," Caitlin said, relieved. "We'll talk soon, then. Love you!"

"Love you, Maggie," String added.

"Love you both!" Maggie responded. "'Bye now!"

"Goodbye," Caitlin and String said at the same time, before Maggie disconnected the call.

"Well," Caitlin said with a relieved sigh, "I was getting' worried there that somethin' might come up about Airwolf." Caitlin knew what her mother might do if she found out that Stringfellow Hawke was involved with a military-style aircraft, and that Caitlin had gotten herself involved as well. Even though that's what drew me out here to California in the first place, all those years ago, she thought to herself, as she pictured Airwolf rocketing away from her little Hughes 500 police chopper, and Caitlin saying, "God in Heaven!" at the speed the machine moved with.

"Yeah," String replied, "I was worried about that, too. That's somethin' I'd rather your mom and sister not find out about. You know how it is," Hawke said, and Caitlin nodded.

"You better believe I know how it is," Caitlin replied. "And, I'll do whatever I have to do to keep Mom, or Erin, from findin' out about the Lady."

"That's good," Hawke replied, smiling at his wife. "Well, are you looking forward to seeing your mom and your sister again?"

"Yeah," Caitlin said as they moved out of the office. "I hate to say it, but I miss Mom and Erin."

"I understand, Cait," Hawke replied. "Probably more than you know." Caitlin grinned at Hawke's statement, remembering how she had used those same words years ago, to tell Dom how she felt about String, after he was captured by John Bradford Horn.

AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW

Randall Weston felt like he had good reason to hate Stringfellow Hawke. After the 1st Air Cav got back from Vietnam, there had been an incident between Weston and another soldier in the unit—they had come to blows over something that Weston had said—and String, being acting CO of Weston's squad, since Saint John was officially listed as MIA, had no choice but to report the incident to Gen. Howard Spielman, the commander of 1st Air Cav.

Because of numerous prior black marks on Weston's record, Spielman was forced to issue Weston an immediate dishonorable discharge, which had pretty much ruined his prospects for employment in the civilian world—nobody wanted a man with a "Big Chicken Dinner," as the military called Bad Conduct Discharges, on their payroll. So, Weston had drifted from town to town, until he ended up in Oregon, where he'd quickly established connections with the underworld—a branch of the Coslini mob family had offered Weston a high-profile position as a "troubleshooter"—meaning, more often than not, that Weston would be called upon to lead a raid against a rival faction, or family—and to "rub out" any specific targets as directed by the mob bosses. But as far as this operation is concerned, I'm the boss, Weston said to himself. And what I say goes.

He pulled his discharge papers out of a drawer of his desk and scowled at them, as he'd done many times before since the day Gen. Spielman had informed him of the consequences of his actions. All decorations, rank, and commendations were immediately stripped, along with his security clearance. Soon, Mr. Hawke. Weston said to himself angrily as he contemplated lighting the papers on fire. Very soon...I will have my revenge.

A few minutes later, Donovan walked into Weston's office and saw a set of papers on his desk. Weston's discharge papers, he thought as he picked them up. He quickly scanned the document, his eyes growing wider with every word. I've got to stop him, Donovan said to himself. What he's planning to do is wrong. And I won't be party to two—or more—innocent people being killed!

AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW

Hawke's Cabin

"What do you want, Michael?" Hawke growled into the phone.

"Nothing, Hawke," Michael said, trying to control his own temper. "Actually, that's not entirely accurate. I've received some information that might be of interest to you. It concerns a former colleague of yours and Saint John's from Vietnam." Hawke was immediately interested.

"Go on, Michael," Hawke said.

"His name is Randall Weston," Michael said. "Apparently, he's become attached to the mob in Oregon. He was a drifter for months after he got thrown out of the Army, until he met up with Reginald Coslini, and was introduced to the Coslini mob family. I—I don't need to remind you of the grudge Weston has against you, Hawke—or of the fact that he, along with his mob cohorts, would not hesitate to murder a woman, even if that woman is pregnant." Michael knew the enormous chance he had just taken, but he felt justified in doing so, considering the circumstances.

"No, Michael," Hawke said angrily. "You don't. Do you have any indication that he might be moving into California?"

"Not at the moment, Hawke," Michael said, "but he may be biding his time until he thinks you've let your guard down before he strikes."

"If that's the case, then he's going to be waiting a long time, Michael," Hawke replied, smiling in spite of the seriousness of the information he'd just been given. "I would think you know me well enough by now to know—I don't let my guard down, especially now."

"I understand, Hawke," Michael said. "And speaking of the mother-to-be, how are Cait and the babies doing?"

"They're fine, Michael," Hawke said. "Cait's eating everything that's not tied down, but she gets enough exercise to keep her weight under control—not that weight has ever been a problem for her, of course," Hawke added with a smile.

"That's good. Has she spoken to her family lately?" Michael asked.

"Just the other day, as a matter of fact," Hawke answered him. "Cait invited her mom and her older sister Erin out to California—we're just waiting to find out when they're going to come."

"Well, when they do, tell Maggie and Erin both that I said 'hello,' all right, Hawke?" Michael asked.

"I'll do that, Michael, and thanks for the information," Hawke said. He was about to hang up the phone when he heard Michael's voice again.

"Hawke," Michael was saying, "when Cait's mother and sister arrive, would you like any extra security at the hangar? Or wherever they might be staying?"

"No, Michael," Hawke replied. "Anything like that might cause Cait's mom to get suspicious—and, that's the last thing I want—her mother finding out about Airwolf, that is."

"I understand completely," Michael said, then added, "Good-bye, Hawke."

"Good-bye, Michael," Hawke replied, just as Caitlin walked up to him as he hung up the phone.

"What did Michael want, String?" Caitlin asked her husband.

"He was just giving me some information about an old Army buddy of Saint John's and mine," Hawke said, hoping like crazy that Caitlin wouldn't figure out he was keeping a piece of the truth from her. I hate to do that, Hawke said to himself, but Cait's got more than enough on her plate right now, with makin' sure the babies are okay, and her mom and Erin coming soon. She doesn't need to hear about Weston. And besides, maybe he won't try coming after me. Hawke thought about it a little more, then added to himself, Yeah, right. I didn't just fall off the pizza wagon, as Dom might say. Weston will come after me—somehow, sometime. I've just gotta be ready for it, Hawke said to himself.

AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW==

"How are preparations going?" Weston asked Donovan.

"The site in California is almost ready," Donovan replied. "You wouldn't be able to tell it wasn't the original. Kind of a shame you're going to blow it up, especially with those innocent people inside," he added.

"Donovan," Weston snapped, "those 'innocent people,' as you call them, are Hawke's only family. Since I lost my family, after what he did to me, I think it's only right, and fair, that Hawke loses his family. You're not developing a conscience on me, are you?" Weston demanded.

"N—no sir," Donovan lied. If he ever figures out that I lied to him, I'm a dead man, Donovan said to himself anxiously.

"Good," Weston replied. "Because in this line of work, a conscience is a commodity you can not afford to have. Do I make myself clear?"

"As a bell, sir," Donovan said.

"Good," Weston replied as he lit up a Padron 1926 #9 Maduro cigar. As he took a few puffs, Weston found himself anticipating his next meeting with Stringfellow Hawke. I'll have all the ammunition I need to take you out, Hawke, he said to himself. By the time I'm done with you, your wife will be mine, and you—well, you'll be pushing up daisies somewhere, you rotten bastard. Quickly, he made arrangements for himself and Donovan to leave for California.

AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW====AW==AW

Santini Air

"Hey, Mom," Caitlin said into the phone, "you figure out when you and Erin are comin' out?"

"Actually, Caity, that's what I'm callin' about," Maggie said, causing Caitlin to worry. "Erin and I were plannin' on comin' out next Monday, but I just remembered—I've gotta go into the hospital for a couple of tests that day, and I won't be out for a couple of days. Would you mind terrible if Erin comes out, alone?"

"No, Mom," Caitlin said, hoping her mother didn't pick up on the worry in her voice. "Is—everything okay?"

"I'm sure it is, Caity girl," Maggie said. "There's just a couple of things that the doc didn't like the last time I went to see him, so he says I need to have a couple of things checked out. I'm sure it's nothin', Caity girl, so don't you go worryin' yourself sick now, you hear me?"

"I hear you, Mom," Caitlin said. "So, Erin will be coming out next Monday, then?"

"She's plannin' on it," Maggie said. "I should be outta the hospital by Wednesday, assuming everything goes the way I know it will—and then I'll come out there to see ya sometime soon, okay, Caity?"

"Okay, Mom," Caitlin replied, trying to keep the tears out of her voice.

"Caity," Maggie said, "I told ya—this is just a check—there's nothin' seriously wrong with me. Don't worry about me, okay?"

"I—I'm sorry, Mom," Caitlin said, her voice near the breaking point, "it's just that—that Daddy said a lot of the same things before—" Caitlin finally lost the tenuous hold she had on her voice and began sobbing, quickly burying her head in Hawke's shoulder.

"Caity? Caity, you still there?" Maggie asked, now more worried than ever. Dang it, she said to herself. I knew I shoulda kept my mouth shut about those danged tests—what if this hurts the babies?

"Maggie, this is String," Hawke said a moment later. "Cait's—she's very upset right now...but don't worry. I'll make sure she calms down so nothing happens to the babies, all right?"

That's a relief, Maggie thought to herself. I'm sure glad String's there for her. Aloud, she said, "It's like I told you before, Stringfellow Hawke," Maggie said, "you're a danged good man—and, I'm danged proud that you're a part of this family. Caity's danged lucky to have you. I hope you know that."

"I do know that—and I'm very lucky to have her, too, Maggie," Hawke said as Caitlin dried her eyes and motioned for String to hand her back the phone. "Hold on a sec, Maggie. Cait wants to talk to you again." He smiled at Caitlin as he handed the phone back to her.

"You okay, Caity girl?"

"Yeah, Mom," Caitlin replied, wiping a few stray tears out of her eyes, "I—I'm fine. Just got a little worried, that's all. You promise, you'll let me know if anything's really wrong?"

"Yeah, Caity girl, I promise," Maggie said. "I gotta get goin', Caity. But, Erin will be comin' next week, so you be sure and tell her all about those twins you're carrying, okay? Love you!"

"Yeah, Mom, I'll tell her all about it," Caitlin said, smiling in spite of the situation. "Love you, too, Mom. Take care. 'Bye," Caitlin said as Maggie hung up. She handed the extension back to String, who quickly replaced it on the base and allowed Caitlin to cry on his shoulder for a few moments.

Finally, Hawke raised Caitlin's head off his shoulder and looked her in the eyes. "You okay?"

"Yeah, String," Caitlin said, even forcing a smile at her husband, "I—I'm okay. Just got a little emotional there for a second."

"What happened?" Hawke wanted to know.

"W—When Mom started sayin' that these tests she's goin' in for were no big deal, it reminded me of the way Daddy was before..." Caitlin cut herself off before she burst into tears again, but Hawke knew what she was talking about. Before her father had his heart attack, Hawke said to himself. Cait's probably thinking it's deja vu all over again.

"Cait," Hawke said, tilting her chin up to look into her eyes, "this is not the same thing that happened to your dad when you were a kid. Maybe—maybe the doctor's just trying to make sure that something similar won't happen to your mom. You've just gotta have faith that everything's gonna be okay, like you're always tellin' me. Okay?"

"Okay, String," Caitlin replied. "And, thanks," she added, giving him a loving kiss on the cheek.

"Any time, Cait," Hawke replied, smiling at his wife.

Monday Afternoon, Santini Air

"Erin!" Caitlin shouted as her sister stepped out of the taxi cab. String walked out to greet his sister-in-law, and help her with her luggage, as Erin embraced Caitlin. "Before I forget, Cait," Erin said, "Mom called from the hospital just before I went to the airport—and, everything's fine."

Caitlin let out a sigh of relief at her sister's words. "Thank goodness," Caitlin said. "I—I was so worried there when Mom told me about these tests she was havin' done—and the way she talked about it reminded me of what happened just...just before Daddy died. That's why I got so scared."

"I know, Cait," Erin said, embracing her younger sister again. "Mom told me all about the conversation you guys had. But it turns out there wasn't anything to worry about in the first place—what the doctor thought he saw before was wrong. But, he wanted to have the tests done anyway, even after he figured out he'd made a mistake. But, everything's okay, and Mom oughta be home in a couple days."

"That's a relief," Caitlin said, smiling, even as Hawke leaned in and whispered, "See? I told you so."

"Oh, you," Caitlin replied, turning to her husband and smiling at him.

"String," Erin said, drawing him into a friendly embrace, "it's so good to see you again! You takin' care of Caitlin and my little niece or nephew?"

"Of course I am, Erin," String replied. "I wouldn't have it any other way, you know that."

"That's good to hear, String," Erin replied, smiling at him. "And Dom, how are you?" she asked.

"Still alive and kicking, Erin," Dom said with his familiar toothy grin. "I wanna stick around long enough to see my grand-babies, you know!"

"I understand, Dom," Erin said as she saw Saint John walking up to the group.

"Hi, Erin," Saint John said with a smile when he noticed her. He quickly gave her a warm embrace, along with a friendly kiss on the cheek. "Have a good flight?"

"Oh, it was okay," Erin replied. "A bit long, but otherwise it was okay. How have you been, Saint John?" she asked, smiling up at him.

"Not bad, Erin. And I thought I told you to call me 'Sinj,' for Pete's sakes. String and Cait both call me that, you know."

"Okay, Sinj," Erin said hesitantly. Caitlin reached over and touched her sister's arm. "Hey, Erin. It took me six months to get used to callin' him that, so don't feel bad."

"Okay, Cait," Erin replied as the group moved into the hangar.

AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW

"We've received some interesting information, Mr. Weston," Donovan said from the new office Weston had established in California, on a plot of land he owned. "Apparently, Hawke's sister-in-law has decided to pay them a visit. And from what our operative tells us, she's kind of interested in Hawke's brother Saint John."

"That's very interesting," Weston replied, taking a drag on his cigar. "How soon can we be ready to execute the operation?"

"Just give the word, sir," Donovan replied.

"The word is given," Weston replied. "The operation commences at 1000 hours tomorrow morning."

"10:00 tomorrow," Donovan echoed. "I'll let the boys know."

"One other thing, Donovan," Weston said. "I don't want any of them harmed...especially Hawke's wife. Any harm comes to her, or any of the others, the boys will answer to me. Is that clear?"

"As a bell, sir," Donovan replied before he turned and left the room. I've got to keep up appearances as long as I can, he said to himself, but one way or the other, I'm going to stop Weston from killing Hawke. Or his brother—or his wife.

You will be mine, Mrs. Hawke, Weston thought to himself as he glanced at Caitlin's newspaper photograph again. And taking your husband away from you—and you from him—will make my revenge that much sweeter. I almost wish your sister wasn't going to be involved, but she's just going to be collateral damage, I'm afraid.

AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW

Santini Air, the next morning

"It's about time you guys got here!" Erin said as Caitlin and String got out of their helicopter. "Dom's been pacing around for the last hour waitin' on you!"

"Sorry, Erin," Caitlin said, her cheeks turning a slight pink. "We...got distracted this morning."

"Distracted, h mm?" Erin asked, a smile teasing the corner of her mouth. "I just bet you got distracted. Anyway, everything's ready...even though Dom says there's nothin' on the schedule for today."

"That doesn't surprise me," String said as the three of them walked to the hangar. "Business has been kinda slow lately."

"You're tellin' me, String!" Dom said as they walked into the hangar.

Later that morning, Dom said, "Hey, String...you want to run and pick up those parts I got on order? Ev told me a few minutes ago that they came in."

"Okay, Dom," String said, picking up his motorcycle helmet. Before he strapped on the helmet, he walked over to Cait and gave her a good-bye kiss. "Be right back, baby," he said with a smile as he strapped on his helmet.

"M mm...see you soon," Caitlin said as Hawke walked over to his motorcycle, climbed on, and fired up the engine. A moment later, he was headed away from the hangar.

"Does String always wear that helmet?" Saint John asked Cait.

"He has for a while now," Cait said. "I told him not long after we got married that if he didn't start wearing a helmet, I'd sell that bike for scrap metal!"

"I bet String was thrilled to hear you say that, sis," Erin said, grinning. "But, I understand why you did it—because you're worried about him—and, I'm glad he wears it," she said, smiling at Caitlin.

"Not half as glad as I am," Caitlin replied, smiling back at her sister. Just then, Dom saw a green van headed towards the hangar. "Hey, maybe our luck's about to change," Dom said as the van pulled up. Suddenly, the side door slid open and six men jumped out, all wearing black jumpsuits and ski masks, brandishing what looked to be large automatic weapons.

"Nobody move!" One of the men shouted. Caitlin froze in terror as she recalled something similar happening a few years ago. Please, God, not again, she said to herself as one of the men set down his weapon, walked over to Dom, spun him around; then took a piece of rope out of his pocket and bound Dom's wrists behind his back. One by one, Saint John, Erin, and Caitlin were similarly bound, then blindfolded and herded into the back of the van. The leader of the group stuck a note onto the nose of the helicopter sitting in the hangar, then jumped back into the van as the driver sped off.

"What the heck is going on?" Erin demanded, trying to work her hands out of the ropes.

"Good question, sis," Caitlin said from the other side of the van. "Don't worry, though—String'll find us, and get us out of this." Whatever 'this' is, Caitlin said to herself worriedly.

A few minutes later, String came back to the hangar, finding it deserted. "Cait?" He called out, surprised when she didn't answer back. He walked into the office, and called out again. "Cait? Sinj? Dom?" Where the heck could they have gone? Hawke wondered to himself as he walked back into the hangar—and then, he saw the note taped to the nose of the helicopter. He quickly pulled it off and read the few lines written there:

Mr. Hawke,

You stole everything from me after that incident when we came back from 'Nam—so now, I've taken everything from you. If you want to see your family again, meet me in three hours—you know the place. And don't be late, Mr. Hawke.

Randall Weston

"Dammit!" Hawke growled as he crumpled the paper up and threw it into the waste can. He quickly went into the office and dialed Michael's desk line.

"Michael?" Hawke demanded.

"I'm sorry, Hawke," a woman's voice came through the phone. Marella, Hawke realized. "Michael's out of the country for a few days. Can I take a message for him?"

"No, dammit!" Hawke shouted, then forced himself to relax. "Sorry, Marella. Listen, I hate to dump this on you, but I've got a big problem—Dom, Cait, Saint John, and Cait's sister Erin have all been kidnapped!"

"Kidnapped?" Marella echoed. "By whom?"

"A guy Saint John and I knew from Vietnam—Randall Weston. And if I'm right, Weston's after me because of what happened after we got home. Can you—can you meet me in about an hour?"

"At the hangar?" Marella asked.

"No," Hawke said. "Did Michael tell you the location where I met him when Dom went down in Mexico a few years ago?"

"Yes, Hawke," Marella said, "but why do you want me to—?" Suddenly, Marella understood, at least; she thought she did. Airwolf, she said to herself excitedly. He's going after Airwolf—so of course, he doesn't want me to know where Airwolf is hidden.

"Can you meet me there, or not?" Hawke demanded impatiently.

"Yes, Hawke," Marella said. "I'll be there."

"Good. I'll explain everything when I see you," Hawke replied, He quickly hung up the phone, grabbing a set of keys and heading to one of the Jeeps. A short time later, he was on his way to the Lair.

AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW

"Who are you, and what do you want with us?" Dom demanded. The four prisoners were seated on a bench in a barracks-like building, with Weston staring at them.

"My name is Randall Weston," he said, blowing a puff of smoke from his cigar in their faces. "Saint John Hawke—it's nice to see you again after all these years. I thought you were dead."

"I can't say the feeling's mutual, Weston," Saint John replied. "Why don't you answer Dom's question? What do you want with us, for Pete's sake?"

"Saint John, when we came back from Vietnam, your brother took everything away from me...An incident that should have been swept under the rug caused me to get thrown out of the Army, and live in disgrace for twenty-five years!"

"I heard about that 'incident,' as you call it," Saint John replied. "String was only doing his job, Weston. And it wasn't just that incident that got you tossed out. From what String told me, Gen. Spielman had been looking for an excuse to get rid of you for weeks. Then after String reported that fight, the General had the last piece of evidence he needed to toss you out! And, I would've done the same thing, if I'd been there!"

"And then, I'd be coming after you, the same way I'm after your brother," Weston replied. "You see, Mr. Hawke, I've been waiting for this day for a long time, and nothing's going to keep me from my revenge."

"That's what you think, Weston!" Caitlin snapped angrily. "As soon as String finds out we're gone, he's going to be coming after you. And, we have some awfully powerful friends who will be backing him up!"

"Ah, you must be Mrs. Hawke," Weston said, moving up closer to Caitlin. "You're even more beautiful than I thought you were. Once you're a widow, I'm going to enjoy getting to know you better," he said, stroking Caitlin's cheek with his hand.

"Leave my sister alone!" Erin shouted, standing up. Weston turned and calmly slapped Erin across the face, knocking her back onto the bench.

"I'd advise you not to do that again, my dear," Weston said. "You, Saint John, and the old man are all expendable. But once I've killed Stringfellow Hawke, I'm going to enjoy making his widow...mine." He gazed hungrily at Caitlin, even as Saint John and Dom glanced worriedly at each other.

"Don't worry, guys," Cait said, winking at Saint John and Dom, "String's no match for whatever this guy's got. You know that."

"Yeah, Cait," Dom said, keeping his voice low to avoid arousing Erin's suspicions. I just hope it's enough, he said to himself anxiously, especially since he's got nobody ridin' in the backseat of the Lady.

AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW

Marella had no idea how long she'd stood there, but suddenly she heard the unmistakable howl of Airwolf's engines, and saw the helicopter passing overhead. "My God!" she said to herself as Airwolf set down a few feet away from her. She quickly bent down and ran toward Airwolf, stopping only when she reached the co-pilot's side door.

"Hello, Hawke," Marella said as she climbed into Dom's spot in the Electronic Data Command Center and pulled on a flight helmet.

Hawke turned around and noticed Marella was in an Airwolf flight suit. "I'm not going to ask how you had a flight suit ready," Hawke said. "Do you know the controls back there?"

"Yes, Hawke," Marella said confidently. "I've studied all the schematics on Airwolf's controls. We'll get everyone back. I promise," she said as Hawke took Airwolf into the sky.

"Let's not waste any time, then," Hawke said. "Turbos!"

"Turbos!" Marella echoed, shoving the lever hard against the stops. A moment later, she felt a powerful kick in the rear end as Airwolf's turbos engaged.

"So, who is this guy Weston?" Marella asked.

"He served with Saint John and me in Vietnam," Hawke replied. "After we came home, there was an incident between Weston and another member of the unit—Weston made a very uncouth remark about another soldier's family one day during PT—physical training, that is—and, the other soldier took matters into his own hands—literally. I was acting CO of the unit, since Saint John was still listed as MIA, and I had no choice but to report the fight to Gen. Spielman, our commanding officer. And, with the other black marks on Weston's record, Gen. Spielman had no choice but to issue Weston a 'Big Chicken Dinner," Hawke said.

"Big Chicken Dinner?" Marella asked, puzzled.

"Sorry," Hawke replied. "That's soldier-speak for a 'Bad Conduct Discharge.' Gen. Spielman threw Weston out of the service and stripped him of all commendations, medals, his rank and security clearance—basically ruined his prospects for employment in the civilian world."

"I understand, Hawke," Marella said. "So, where are we going?"

"Weston owns a spread of land about twenty miles away," Hawke replied. "He got involved with the mob in Oregon shortly after he came back to the States, and from what Michael told me before he left, the mob set Weston up with everything he needed—money, weapons, all of it. But as to why he kidnapped Dom, Saint John, Erin, and Caitlin—he's usin' them for bait, to get to me."

"Well, don't you worry, Stringfellow," Marella said. "We'll beat him, you and me."

"Thanks, Marella," Hawke replied.

AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW

"Okay, Weston," Caitlin said. "I've got a proposition for you. What is it you mob types say? 'I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse', or something like that?"

"I think you've been watching too many old Marlon Brando movies, Mrs. Hawke," Weston sneered, stepping right into Caitlin's face. "What sort of offer could you make me that I couldn't refuse?"

"Let Dom, my sister, and Saint John go," Caitlin said, ignoring the shocked reactions from all three. "Then, once you've killed String, I'll stay here with you."

"Cait, no!" Erin shouted.

"Sis, I'm a grown woman!" Caitlin shouted back. "I can make my own decisions!"

"You're also a married woman," Erin snapped, "with a baby on the way! Do you really think String would go along with this?"

"He'll never know," Caitlin said, winking at Dom. "Weston said he's going to kill String, and I believe him. And I also know that nothing would hurt String more than if he lost me. So, Weston," she continued, turning back to their captor, "what do you say? Trade the rest of the group for me? I think you'd have to agree that having me as your agreeable companion would be better than my staying here as an unwilling prisoner."

"No way, Cait!" Saint John shouted, standing up himself. "Because there is one thing that would hurt String as much as losing you—and that would be if he lost me! So, Weston," Saint John said, "I guess you'll have two hostages—Caitlin, and me. Will that satisfy you?"

"Mrs. Hawke, I must say, that is...a very tempting offer," Weston said as he hungrily swept his eyes up and down Caitlin's body. "And I can always use a pilot, especially one of Saint John Hawke's skill. All right, Mrs. Hawke—although you won't be Mrs. Hawke much longer—you have a deal," Weston replied. He quickly opened the door to the barracks and called one of his men. "Take the old man and the other woman back to the hangar. I'm keeping Hawke's wife and brother here with me!"

"Sinj, don't do it!" Dom shouted just before Donovan forced him and Erin out of the barracks. Weston walked up to Caitlin and laid his hand against her cheek. "I have to admit, the idea of having you as an agreeable companion is much more palatable to me, Mrs. Hawke," Weston said as he walked closer to Caitlin. "You know, Mrs. Hawke," Weston said as he stroked her cheek, "you remind me of a filly I once owned—beautiful, spirited, free and wild. It took me two weeks to break her—and, I enjoyed every minute of it!" He let his eyes sweep hungrily up and down Caitlin's body again, and Caitlin forced herself not to vomit at Weston's expression. A moment later, Weston walked out, closing the door behind him and locking Caitlin and Saint John in the room together.

"Cait, why would you do such a thing?" Saint John demanded. "Like I told you before—String would never let you go that easy."

"I know, Sinj," Caitlin replied, smiling at her brother-in-law. "But this way, String will only have two of us to worry about when he gets here. Besides," she said, grinning at her brother-in-law, "I told Weston I'd stay with him when he'd killed String—and you and I both know why Weston's not gonna be able to do that!" Saint John smiled and nodded his understanding. "I just hope Dom and Erin are far enough away from here when String—" she suddenly cut herself off when she heard Airwolf's familiar howl. "Now, as long as Erin doesn't hear that, I won't have to explain Airwolf to her—that would make both her and my mother, sick." And Mom's sick enough already, Caitlin said to herself anxiously.

"I understand, Cait," Saint John replied.

AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW===AW

"We've got company, Hawke," Marella said as the ID scan program kicked in.

"How many?" Hawke demanded.

"Five," Marella said. "Huey Cobras—looks like they've got twin M35 20mm cannons, and 2.75" rockets on wingtip pods. These guys are loaded for bear," Marella said.

"Okay. Let's go get 'em!" Hawke said. "Weapons to combat mode!"

"Combat mode," Marella said, turning her seat to the main panel and punching the buttons to deploy the chain guns and ADF pods, and bringing the Hellfires on line.

"One's coming right at us, Hawke!" Marella shouted.

"He's an idiot," Hawke replied, dropping the targeting visor on his helmet. As soon as he heard the lock-on tones, he launched a Hellfire, destroying the helicopter immediately.

"Another one, three o'clock low!" Marella called out.

Hawke turned Airwolf just in time to see the chopper pass almost directly in front of him. He dispatched it with a quick burst of fire from the chain guns, just as Marella called out, "Hawke, we've got a Sidewinder coming, five o'clock! Popping a Sunburst!" She reached over and punched the button to release the powerful decoy, and was rewarded a moment later when the missile flew into the Sunburst and detonated.

Machine gun fire suddenly rattled Airwolf. "One on our tail, String!" Marella shouted, throwing the lever hard against the stops. "You've got turbos!"

"Thanks," Hawke replied, punching the turbo button. A moment later, he swung Airwolf around and dispatched the attacking helicopter with a Hellfire shot, just as Marella warned that another was approaching, from nine o'clock high.

"Dammit...this guy's good!" Hawke growled as a burst of fire from the chain guns missed the chopper by inches.

"Rocket coming!" Marella shouted.

"Sunburst!" Hawke ordered as Marella punched the button again.

"It didn't take that Sunburst!" Hawke shouted a moment later as he ignited the turbos again. "Gimme a—"

"Hellfire ready, Hawke," Marella said.

How the hell did she do that? Hawke asked himself as he destroyed the missile. A second later, the fourth chopper fell to another Hellfire shot. "Where's that last chopper, Marella?" Hawke demanded.

"Seven o'clock, coming up fast!" she replied. A second later, the chopper was crashing to Earth in a ball of fire. Hawke quickly landed Airwolf and told Marella, "Get the 9mm out of the port storage compartment." She opened the compartment and found Caitlin's weapon. "Got it," she said as they climbed out of Airwolf and entered the barracks where Weston was.

"Weston!" Hawke shouted. Weston stood directly behind Caitlin, one arm around her throat, and a gun pointed at her temple. Another man stood behind Saint John, holding a gun at his temple.

"Well, Mister Hawke," Weston sneered, "we meet again. Only this time, I hold all the cards. I had planned to blow this place up, with your wife, your brother, the old man, and your sister-in-law in it, but then my plans got changed when your lovely wife volunteered to stay here, once I kill you. So, I guess there's only one question—do I let you watch your brother die, or does he get to go through the pain of watching you die?"

"Weston, let Saint John and Cait go," Hawke said. "I'm the one you're after, not them."

"True, Hawke," Weston said, "but I can't think of any better way to make you suffer than knowing that I took your wife—and the brother you've been looking for all these years—the same way you took everything from me! It's ironic, isn't it—you lived your life for so long thinking there was a curse on you—that everyone you loved, or might love, would die. And now, that curse is going to come true once again—with one of the two or three people you love most in the world! So, Mr. Hawke, what will it be? Do I make your wife and brother watch you die, or do you stand there and watch Donovan shoot the brother you looked for all these years, before I kill you?" Caitlin glanced worriedly over at Saint John, remembering what she'd said earlier. Dear God in Heaven. He might actually shoot String in cold blood—and make Saint John and me watch. I've gotta do something. But what?Just then, she heard Donovan saying something.

"I—I don't think so, Mr. Weston," Donovan replied as he let Saint John go and turned his gun on the mob head.

"Donovan, what the hell are you doing?" Weston demanded.

"Do you remember when you asked me if I had a conscience? Well, I lied," Donovan replied. "I do have a conscience. I—I can't let you shoot two innocent people, Mr. Weston—and, I won't. I read your discharge papers—Mr. Hawke was right to do what he did, and you're wrong to do what you're doing now. Drop the gun, Mr. Weston. It's over."

"Like hell!" Weston shouted, pulling Caitlin around in front of him even as he turned towards Donovan, pointing the gun at his right-hand man. The moment Caitlin knew that the gun was away from her temple, she gave Weston a short, painful elbow to the ribs, which caused him to stagger backwards, and more importantly, released his arm from around Caitlin's neck. Just before she ran, knowing what was about to happen, Caitlin turned and unleashed a devastating roundhouse kick at Weston's jaw, which further disoriented him. Then, she ran over to where Saint John stood, and they both waited to see what Donovan would do next. As soon as Donovan determined Caitlin was out of the line of fire, he fired two shots at Weston's head, and Hawke did the same a few moments later. Weston collapsed in a pool of blood as Caitlin ran over to String.

"Are you okay, Cait?" Hawke asked.

"Yeah. I'm just fine, now," Caitlin replied as she embraced him. A moment later, though, Hawke looked around, confused and worried.

"Where's Dom?" He demanded. "And Erin?"

"Weston let them go, String," Saint John replied. "Cait and I knew that losing one, or both of us, would have hurt you a lot more than losing Dom or Erin. So we convinced Weston to let them go, and we agreed to be his hostages. They should be back at the hangar by now," Saint John concluded.

"I hope so," String replied. Well, everyone, let's go home!" He slipped his arm around Caitlin, and the three of them walked with Marella out to Airwolf. Donovan said, "I—I'm glad everyone's okay, Mr. Hawke. Are—are you going to call the authorities?"

"I already have," String said. "They should be here—"he stopped as he heard police sirens approaching.

"I understand," Donovan replied. "And I'll cooperate with them. I—I really didn't want to do this, you know. Especially after I read what had happened—like I said, Mr. Hawke, you were right to do what you did back then—and Weston was wrong to do what he did. That's the main reason I turned on Weston—I couldn't stand by and watch him shoot your brother, or you. And what he planned to do with your wife—I don't even want to think about that."

"I know. And, thank you," Hawke replied as the police took Donovan into custody. They questioned Caitlin and Saint John, then told Hawke they would be coming to the hangar to get statements from Erin and Dom. Finally, Hawke, Caitlin, Saint John and Marella climbed back aboard Airwolf. Once they were back in the air, Marella brought up Maverick missiles, and Hawke destroyed the barracks where Weston had held his family. "Let's go home," Hawke said, smiling over at Caitlin.

Marella contacted the FIRM and asked for the limo to meet them at the same field where she had met Hawke a few hours ago. Once Marella was gone, Hawke flew to the Lair and secured Airwolf, then he, Cait, and Saint John went back to the hangar, and were relieved to find Erin and Dom waiting for them.

"Cait!" Erin shouted as she ran up to her sister, embracing her. "What happened to—?"

"He's dead, sis," Caitlin replied. "He won't bother us anymore."

"I'm sure glad to hear that," Erin replied. "Why was he so upset at String, anyway?"

"It was because of something that happened when Weston and I were in the Army together, after Saint John went missing," String replied. "Weston had gotten into a fight with one of the other soldiers in the squad, and, since I was acting as squad leader, with Saint John MIA, I was obliged to report the incident to our commanding officer. Weston had been on thin ice anyway, and that incident was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak. Weston got tossed out of the Army on a dishonorable discharge—and he blamed me for it, along with everything that happened afterward. So, he wanted revenge."

"Well," Erin said, smiling at Saint John, "at least my visit wasn't boring! Not that I ever want to go through somethin' like that again, but at least, we're all okay."

"Yeah. Excuse me for just a minute," String replied before he walked over to the FIRM limousine with Marella.

"Marella," String said, "thank you so much. If it hadn't been for you, I don't know what would have happened. And, I have to admit—Dom couldn't have performed better himself."

"Well, Hawke," Marella said, smiling at him, "first of all, thank you for the compliment. Secondly, I will say this—it was certainly a ride I'll never forget! And, don't worry. Everything that happened will stay between you, me, and Michael. I kinda have to tell him, you know, but other than that—"

Hawke interrupted her. "I know," he said, smiling at Marella. "and I understand." He gave her a friendly embrace before he turned and walked back to Caitlin, Erin, Saint John and Dom.

Marriage has certainly been good to him, Marella said to herself as she climbed into the FIRM limousine for the ride back to Knightsbridge. I doubt he'd be half as understanding if he'd never admitted his feelings about Caitlin. She allowed herself a smile as the limousine headed back to Knightsbridge.

"By the way, Erin," Cait said, "There's somethin' I've been meaning to tell you. Remember when you said I was a married woman 'with a baby on the way'? That wasn't totally right, sis."

"What do you mean, it wasn't totally right?" Erin demanded. Then, she saw Caitlin glance at String, and said, "Wait a sec. Now that you mention it, Cait, I do remember hearing Mom sayin' something about 'babies,' as in, more than one. And, Dom said something about 'seeing my grand-babies' when I got here. Cait, are you saying you're having—?"

"Twins," Caitlin interrupted, beaming. "Twin girls, actually."

"Wow!" Erin said, embracing Caitlin first, then String. "Congratulations, you two!"

"Thank you, Erin," Caitlin and String said, in unison. Just then, Saint John walked over.

"What's with all the celebrating?" he asked.

"Guess you didn't hear the news, Sinj," Hawke said. "Cait's pregnant with twins. Two girls, to be exact."

"Twins?" Saint John echoed. "Congratulations, you guys! I've gotta say, little brother, when you do something, you do it right!"

"Thanks, Sinj," Hawke responded as they walked back into the hangar. Dom stopped Hawke, though, and gestured for him to walk back outside for a moment.

"String," Dom said, "who the heck was ridin' back seat in the Lady when you went after Cait and Saint John? Was it Michael again?"

"No," Hawke replied, glancing back in the direction the FIRM limousine had gone, "it was Marella."

"Marella?" Dom demanded, shocked. Hawke smiled and nodded. "I always did like that gal," Dom said, smiling back at String. "Not as much as I like Cait, of course, but I always liked Marella. I just never understood why—until now."

"I know the feeling, Dom," Hawke said, smiling as they walked back into the hangar to join Saint John, Cait, and Erin.

Hawke's Cabin, a week later

"A toast," String said as he refilled everyone's glasses. "To family—and all the people in it." He smiled at his wife, and Caitlin returned his smile.

"To family!" Saint John, Dom, Caitlin, Michael and Marella replied. After they drank, Michael said, "I'm just thankful Marella was able to help you, Stringfellow."

"Not as thankful as I am, Michael," String replied, smiling at Marella. "You might want to think about giving her a raise or something. She certainly performed above and beyond the call of duty last week."

"I'll certainly take that under advisement, Hawke," Michael said, laughing. "By the way, Caitlin, were your babies harmed at all by the kidnapping?"

"No, Michael," Caitlin replied. "String made me get checked out as soon as Marella left after we got back to the hangar, and the doctor confirmed what I thought—the babies are just fine. I think String was just bein' a worrywart, like usual. And," she said, leaning over to kiss him, "I love him for it."

"Aw w," Dom and Saint John said as Cait and String separated.

"Sorry about that," Caitlin said.

"No, you're not, Cait," Michael replied, smiling at her. "And we don't mind in the least. You know, Cait, what you and Saint John did—offering yourselves to Weston the way you both did—took an awful lot of guts. There were so many things that could have gone wrong. I'm just glad everything worked out all right."

"So are we, Michael," String replied, moving closer to his wife. "So are we."

"Well, we could probably talk all night long," Michael said, but, we do need to get going. Marella?" She nodded and stood up, walking to the door with Michael.

"Caitlin, String, thank you for a lovely evening," Michael said as he shook Hawke's hand, then gave Caitlin a friendly peck on the cheek. "We'll talk again soon." Marella smiled as she embraced first String, then Caitlin.

"Hopefully under better circumstances," Hawke said, and Michael and Marella both nodded. "Good night." Michael and Marella moved out to the white FIRM helicopter as Dom stood up with Saint John.

"G'night, you two," Dom said, embracing Hawke, then Caitlin.

"'Night, Dom," String replied.

"Good night, Dom," Caitlin said, giving Dom a friendly peck on the cheek.

"Well, little brother," Saint John said after he embraced String, "I sure hope nothin' like that happens again, but at least if it does, we know you, Cait, Dom, Michael and Marella have all got our backs."

"Always," String replied, smiling at his older brother. "Always."

"Cait," Saint John said as he gave her a friendly peck on the cheek, "take care of this guy for me, willya? And," he said, smiling at Caitlin, "take care of yourself and my little nieces too, okay?"

"Don't worry about anything, Sinj," Caitlin replied, smiling at him. "String and the babies are the most important things in my life, you know that."

"Glad to hear it, Cait," Saint John replied. "So long, you two!"

"Good night," String and Caitlin said together as Dom and Saint John moved out to the Santini Air chopper parked a few feet away from the cabin. Caitlin and String moved to the front door and stood, arm-in-arm, watching Dom's chopper as it lifted off.

"String," Caitlin said as they walked back into the cabin, "hold me?" The expression on her face was one that Hawke hadn't seen there in a long time. But, one I was expecting, he said to himself.

"Are you okay, Cait?" Hawke asked as he pulled her closer to his body.

"I—I will be," she replied, and Hawke could hear her voice shaking as he wrapped her in his arms. "I—I was just so scared. I mean, I told Weston I'd be his hostage, and then Saint John did, too. And I was so scared of what Weston might do—he told us that he was gonna kill you, and keep me for himself. And if Donovan hadn't turned on Weston like that—"Caitlin finally felt the fear she'd been hiding ever since they were rescued overwhelm her, and she began sobbing against Hawke's chest. And I couldn't have handled watchin' you die, String, Caitlin said to herself.

I knew this might happen, Hawke said to himself. Hawke held Caitlin close against him for a few moments, allowing her to release the fear she felt. Finally, he said, "Cait, it's okay. Weston's gone, and I'm here. I'm right here with you, and our babies," String said, and Caitlin felt her spirits rise when Hawke smiled down at her.

"I'm glad, String," Caitlin replied as she moved closer in his arms again.

"Is that all, Cait?" Hawke asked.

"No." Caitlin admitted. "It's just that everything that happened with Weston came right after I got the news that Mom's gonna be okay. It just all hit me at once, y'know?"

"Yeah, Cait," Hawke said "I—I do know. And I was scared, too—I was scared that Weston might get away with killing me, or Saint John. Or, you and the babies. And, I couldn't have lived with myself if anything happened to you—just the same way you are with me." He smiled weakly at Caitlin, and was relieved when she smiled back at him through her tears. "Plus," String said, "I don't even want to think what Erin or your mother would have done if something had happened to you!"

"Yeah," Caitlin replied, allowing a smile to cross her face once again. "Mom gets pretty intense sometimes, especially where Erin and I are concerned." She smiled weakly again at String, but he could see the anxiety she still felt about their ordeal in her eyes.

"String? Can you—can you just hold me in your arms, all night long?" Caitlin asked. Hawke saw the tears in her hazel eyes, and his heart absolutely broke, knowing why she was crying, and how much the events of the past week had affected her.

"Anything you want, Cait," Hawke replied, scooping her up in his arms and heading for the sleeping loft. A few minutes later, Cait felt String pull her body tight against his, the way he had every night since they got together—but tonight, it felt special to Caitlin. Thank you, God, she said to herself as she felt sleep claiming her. Thank you for getting all of us through this okay, and for bringin' String back to me.

Thank goodness she's okay, Hawke said to himself as he pulled Caitlin's body tight against his own. And like I told her—I understand why she was so scared, because I was scared too. But we got through it, together. Just like we always have. And, he said to himself as he placed a gentle kiss on the back of Caitlin's neck, just like we always will. Hawke finally succumbed to the sleep he felt claiming him, and pondered their future.