"Hey, what's wrong?" Gage ran up to Walker's side and had to actually do a light jog to keep up with him. "Walker…"

Walker came to a sudden stop then turned the chair so he could look at his friend. "Nothing is wrong." He pushed the hand bars on his wheels to began moving again. "I'm fine."

When he reached CD's he was greeted by the front door which had to be pulled outwards to open. This always caused problems and in fact, Mary, the new owner did suggest to put in an automatic door, but Walker couldn't let her do such a thing just for him. He didn't want people to change their ways because he was in the wheelchair.

He maneuvered his chair just right so he can pull the door open then bump it with his wheel. It appeared to have worked and he was nearly through when Gage came up and held the door open for him.

"I almost had it." Walker grumbled as he pushed his chair through. "I could have done it myself."

Gage stepped in front of him and shook his head. "What is wrong with you?"

"Wrong with me!" Walker snapped out as he grabbed hold of his legs. "This, is what's wrong!" He shook his head then glanced up to see a pained look on Gage's face. "You don't know what it's like to be locked in a wheelchair all day. Here," He took the bag off the wheelchair arm and handed it to Gage. "Tell her I'm sorry. I had to go on a walk…" His voice faded and he shook his head. "Just tell her I'll be back."

Inside the bar, Angela looked up from her lunch when she heard her father yelling. Rarely did he ever raise his voice and she knew by the tone that he wasn't too happy about something. Maybe she should have told Gage that it was her meeting him here, and not mom. Well, there went the surprise. Quickly she stood up to go find her dad when she was stopped by Gage.

"Just let him vent." He handed the bag to Angela. "That's for your mom."

Angela peered inside the small shopping bag to see a shirt then glanced back up at Gage. "What happened?"

The man, who she considered an uncle shrugged his shoulders and then turned to the front door. "I think realization suddenly hit him." He sighed heavily. "Your father is a tough man, but even he has his weaknesses." His voice showed Angela the emotional turmoil he was going through. "Guess everybody thought he would take this like he usually takes everything. With a shrug, a smile and perseverance."

She slowly nodded then patted Gage on the shoulder. "I'm going to go look for him."

As she left the bar Angela turned right, knowing her father he would go to this place first if he was venting. It didn't surprise her to hear about her father's outburst about being in a wheelchair, she knew it had to come eventually. A man can only remain strong for so long before his mind mentally couldn't handle it anymore.

The old arena came into sight and slowly she scanned around to see if she can spot her father. After walking around the building a few times she finally spotted him wheeling back towards the bar. The look on his face told Angela that her father was going through some serious mental battles and appeared to have lost. She has never since that look in her father before and it actually got her worried. Will her father be okay?

"Dad!" She called out as she sprinted towards him. "Hold up!"

Her father turned to face her, surprise written all over his face. "Angela? What are you doing here?"

She smiled as she approached his side. "Took a few days off from college. Needed a little break after finals." She reached down and gave him a hug. "What's going on?"

"Not a lot." His voice showed he was hiding something from her and she could see his eyes drifting. "How's Keaton?"

"He's doing good. Don't see him much anymore." She took hold of her father's handlebars then slowly began to push. It surprised her he allowed her to do this and she knew what the look was about. Whatever he had been thinking on his walk, won over and now her father sat, slumped over like a defeated warrior. "Okay, what's going on?" When he didn't respond she stopped pushing and walked in front of him. "Dad, you can talk to me."

He smiled at her. "I'm okay. Really, don't worry about me."

Walker took a look into his daughter's eyes to see Alex staring right at him. It amazed him how much Angela took after her mother and right now she showed her determination. He knew that his daughter won't back down unless he told her what was on his mind. That, or she won't talk to him for a few days, which seemed like the better option. He didn't want to show weakness in front of his daughter, didn't want to show her he had finally failed at something.

"I'm fine. I was just…thinking. That's all." He pushed his wheels forward just one time which allowed for him to be closer to his daughter. "Why don't we get something to eat?"

She crossed her arms and shook her head. "Some day, dad you will let mom and me in"

Almost out of nowhere Gage came running up to them, out of breath and looking nervous.

"Sam Groves just made bail." He took a deep breath then shook his head. "All fifty thousand of it, paid off. He's now a free man to roam the streets till his second court date. Last reported sighting was towards Fort Worth. Walker, do you want me to send a few guys to watch over your house?"

"Yeah. Mostly for Alex and Angela's safety. Has anybody talked to Keaton yet?"

"No, I'm sending a man there now."

Walker glanced up at his friend to see the Captain badge proudly displayed on his left chest and it made his heart swell up with pride. Ever since that day, a few years ago when Gage confided in him about the undercover mission gone wrong, he and Walker have been very close. Throughout Walker's stay in the hospital and rehabilitation wards there were countless nights where he talked to Gage about family and career. From this, their relationship sort of turned into a father and son one, where Gage now looked up to Walker for advice and leadership. No wonder he appeared hurt when Walker lashed out at him in the bar.

"Good." Walker slowly began to wheel forward. "Let's just hope Groves doesn't show up at my house." Guilt washed over him again as his friend walked on his right. "Gage, listen I'm sorry…"

Gage held out a hand. "It's all right. You have all right to vent out every now and then." He patted Walker's shoulder. "Let's get something to eat. We should be safe at C.D.'s."

Walker's Ranch Two Hours Later

The taxi had dropped him off a mile down the road from the Walker's residence and Sam Groves had to walk the rest of the way. It was really no big deal since he needed to stretch his legs after eighteen months in jail. Ten minutes later he found himself hiding in some bushes across the street from Walker's ranch. From his view point he could see a wheelchair ramp leading to the front door. He had heard that he had paralyzed the ex-Ranger which made him extremely happy. Though he didn't kill the man, at least he made him suffer.

After several minutes he slowly stood up from his hiding spot then stretched his back out. As he did so, a black car came driving towards the ranch and in the left seat he could see Angela. In just under two years the young woman has matured quite a bit and if Groves didn't know any better he would have thought she was Alex. And no sign of his son. Figured as much.

As the car parked he watched as Angela quickly got out, opened the trunk and took out a folded up wheelchair. That was when he noticed the blacktop drive-way leading towards the house. He began to laugh as he saw Walker struggle to get onto the wheelchair from the passenger seat. It will be much easier now to kill him. Unfortunately, judging by the cars parked nearby he had to worry about officers. Well, that didn't stop him last time, it shouldn't stop him now.

Inside the ranch house Walker slowly made his way through the lower floor till he got to the restroom. This always humiliated him and he hardly ever asked for help. He learned quickly on how to do this task on his own so as not to ask Alex for help. Just another reminder of his current disability. It always embarrassed him how he couldn't do the simplest tasks anymore without some fuss. Hopefully as the years go by, things will come easier for him.

After a few minutes he returned to the living room to see Gage talking to Angela. He gave her a friendly hug then made his way to Walker with a look of worry on his face.

"The officers lost Groves ten minutes from here." He shook his head. "I have officers positioned around the Ranch. Hopefully if Groves does show up, we'll be able to get him."

Walker shook his head. "On what? All he'll get is trespassing."

He sighed heavily as he made his way into the kitchen where he got a glass from a drawer which pulled out for his convenience. Just another part of the remodeling done to the house to accommodate him being in the wheelchair. He went to the kitchen sink and pushed a button which lowered the sink to where he could get a glass of water. Several thousands of dollars were put into remodeling the house which always frustrated Walker. He was suppose to provide money for his family and now, because of him, they were in debt.

Gage leaned against the kitchen counter and nodded his head. "You may be right about that."

Walker hated feeling so helpless and just wished he could watch over his family like he use to. Now what was he to do if somebody was to threaten his family? Roll over their feet and hope he breaks a toe or two. He rested his hands on the metallic hand bars then rolled his chair to the back door. He pulled open the screen door then made his way onto the wooden porch.

Before him he could see Abigail and Smokey grazing out in the pasture. Unfortunately he had to sale three horses to help pay for remodeling and hospital bills. Should have just sold the ranch and move to the city. But, Alex wanted to stay here for some unknown reason. He took a deep breath as his mind went back just a few years ago when his life was normal.

"Hey, dad." Angela stepped to his side and put her hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong?"

He took a deep breath then shook his head. "Just thinking." He took hold of her hand then squeezed it. "Are you staying here while you're visiting?"

Angela nodded. "Yeah." She began to rub his shoulders. "Dad," Her voice cracked as she knelt down in front of him. "I love you, but I can't stand seeing you like this. You just need to let it out. I'm not going to think less of you."

Walker could feel the tears coming to his eyes and he had to stifle them back. "I know. Don't worry about me, Angela. I'm going to be just fine. Just focus on your studies."

"But, you're my father. I worry about you all the time." She took his hands into hers and smiled at him. "Have you told mom yet?" He shook his head no. "Oh dad. No wonder she's…" Angela caught herself then smiled. "You need to talk to her."

"I will eventually." He patted his daughter's hand then took a deep breath. "I just want some time alone. I'll be fine."

Later that day Walker found himself once again on the back porch looking out to the field as the lighting bugs danced in the glow before sundown. He knew he was battling depression once again, but he really didn't want to admit this little fault to his family. If he did, they may want him to see somebody about it. So, for now he kept it inside the best he could.

He sighed heavily as he stared at the field before him, wishing he could walk among it again. He knew he shouldn't think about the past, but for some reason his mind couldn't help going there. Before the accident he was a fit man for his age, able to run ten, twenty miles a day and then able to work out in the gym for three hours after that. Now, thanks to his left hand he wasn't able to wheel his chair through a mall without being in some pain and discomfort. Then of course there was the constant wave of sharp pain that would come from the break sight in his back. Hopefully that will be fixed after the next surgery.

The screen door creaked open and soft footsteps made their way onto the porch. "Out here again." Alex stepped to his side and held a glass of tea in front of him. "Angela told me about what had happened at C.D.'s."

Walker sighed heavily as he took the glass from Alex. "Please don't worry."

"I'm trying not to." She rubbed his right shoulder. "Gage also told me your leg…"

"I can take care of myself." Walker's voice showed his irritation. "But, if it makes you feel better," He put the glass on the wooden hand rail that wrapped around the porch then pulled up the left pant leg to show Alex where the teenager had kicked him. "It's nothing."

Alex glanced down, her eyes glistening with tears. "There's a bruise there. Just keep an eye on it." She quickly turned away from him, her hand going to her face. "Keaton's flying in. He wants to be here for you and the family."

Walker slowly shook his head. "He should stay and work on his studies." He unlocked his breaks then turned to his wife. "Can I just have some time alone? I can't walk or ride a horse like I use to do when I needed some space. I'm stuck in this damn chair! The only place I can go, right now is this fu…"

"Cordell Nathanial Walker!" Alex spun around with fire in her eyes. "What has happened to you!"

Walker waved at his lifeless legs. "This is what happened to me!"

"You're acting like a selfish pig right now! What about your daughter and Keaton?" Alex began to sob uncontrollably. "They both look up to you! It hurts them so much to see you like this…"

"And how else are they suppose to see me!" Walker shook his head as he wheeled closer to his wife. "I'm Walker, remember! The man with no fear!"

Alex's face softened at these words and she knelt down to get eye level with him. "Oh Walker." She tried to take hold of his hands, but he pulled them away from her. "Every man has their weaknesses, but in that weakness comes perseverance and from that comes a much stronger person. Walker, you said that to me numerous times when I was down." Her eyes glanced at his legs then back to his glistening eyes. "So what if you can't walk again, that doesn't make you any less of a man. In fact I think that makes you much stronger as a person." Alex saw her husband's eyes flicker away from her as he glanced at the wooden floor of the porch. "I know you battle depression, Doctor Richardson warned us all about that. But you can battle through this. Let me and everybody else help you, please Walker. We're here for you."

Walker took a deep shaky breath then slowly nodded his head. "I've been a real jerk lately, haven't I?" He wiped his face with his right hand then smiled at Alex. "Thank you."

A clap could be heard from the lawn and Alex quickly turned that way to see Sam Groves standing there eyeing them. Keaton's father smiled at the both of them as he stepped onto the porch. How the hell did he get past the Rangers guarding the house?

Groves clapped some more as he glanced down at Walker. "That's such a moving thing to say to a cripple. Fight through it, I know you can." Groves said in a mocking manner.

"Leave us alone!" Walker rolled towards Groves and Alex could see the spark once again in her husband's eyes. That told her he wasn't going to back down till the police came to help them. "Listen, there are officers positioned all over the place. Eventually they will see you here and…" Walker stopped in mid-sentence as Groves took out a knife.

"I'm going to kill your wife and daughter right in front of you." He stepped up to Alex who shied back from him. "What can you do to stop me?"