CHAPTER 13

Santini Air...

"Hey String, now that Clara has been released from detention and If it's okay with you. I'd like to take her out for a afternoon," Cait said. "You know girl stuff, I'd like to spend more time with her. So we get to know each other better,"

"Cait, you don't have to ask my permission," Hawke said. "It would be great for her,"

"Thanks, and also I want to Thank you for that wonderful date the other night," She said as she gently kissed him on the cheek. "I didn't know drive-in movie theaters were still around,"

"Gotta, Thank Dom on that one," Hawke said as he caressed her cheek. "What was the movie anyway?"

"I have no idea," She chuckled. "I didn't go with any intention of watching it anyway,"

"Well, I was thinking how about tonight we go to the county fair?" Hawke said. "You're making me feel like a kid again,"

"I'd love that, I haven't been to one in a long time," She said. "What about Clara? Why don't we take her?"

"Yeah, that's a great idea," Hawke said. "Spending the night out with my two favorite ladies,"

"And If you two don't get back to work, you'll never make it," Dominic interjected. "Mamma Mia,"

Hawke and Cait both chuckled as they both set back to their tasks. They hurriedly finished their work stealing glances in-between. Both were Thankful and relieved that were no outside hanger jobs. Hawke couldn't wait for tonight, going out for the first time together with Clara feeling like a true family he and Clara dreamed of. Clara took her punishment serious and throughout the month long restrictions she never complained. After kissing Cait goodbye, Hawke rushed to pick Clara up from school.

"Hi, Daddy," Clara said as she greeted her father with a hug.

"How was school today?" Hawke asked as he picked her up.

"We got to blow stuff up!" Clara exclaimed. "It was science class,"

"Really, you did?" Hawke said.

"Yes, we blew up a bunch of ping pong balls!" Clara said. "It's easy to do all you need..."

"We are NOT doing that at home," Hawke said. "Or anywhere else outside of school,"

"No fun," Clara pouted.

"I'm fun, in fact tonight we are going to the fair," Hawke said. "With Caitlin,"

"REALLY?!" Clara exclaimed.

"Yes, really," Hawke said. "Now before we go home, I gotta stop off at the store,"

On the way to the store Hawke noticed Clara became quiet instead of her usually chatty self. Normally she would tell him tales of her day at school and enjoy a carty to wind down from the day. Now she was staring out the window in a trance like state.

"Clara, are you okay?"

"Yeah, just tired," She said.

Arriving at the store Hawke and Clara walked around quickly gathering his items. Clara was becoming increasingly agitated as they moved further along into the store. This was behavior was very unusual from her, normally she was patient only needing a one time chiding from him to quell her. This time it was not working.

"Clara, what is wrong with you?" Hawke asked. "We're almost done,"

Clara by was now holding onto the cart, jumping up and down having a mini tantrum. She looked up at him and he saw her face flushed red with beads of sweat across her brow. Lethargy was setting in barely able to keep her eye's open.

"Oh, somebody's getting sick," Hawke said. "Alright, we're going Lamb,"

He picked her up placing her in the seat of the cart. Taking a pillow from the cart placing it in front of her to rest her head. Making a stop at the pharmacy before checking out.

"Oh boy, she look's sick," The Pharmacist said.

"She feels hot," Hawke said.

"Let's take a quick temperature," The Pharmacist said.

"It just came on real quick," Hawke said. "Almost no warning other than the bad mood,"

"Well, she has a fever of a hundred and four," The Pharmacist said.

"Daddy, I'm cold," She whimpered out as she began to shiver. "My stomach hurts,"

"Definitely sounds like the flu," The Pharmacist said. "Tylenol or ibuprofen for the fever and aches. Plenty of rest and fluids. That's all you can do but call her doctor to let them know,"

"Thanks, can I pay for this stuff here?" Hawke asked sounding anxious.

"Yes, you need to get her out of here quick,"

Hawke exited the store in a hurry his thoughts traveled back to the cold January morning he found her. Her lethargy and visible shivering and declarations of her stomach pains prompted him to drive to the Firm. He wanted to make sure she had just the flu and nothing else that could be lingering from her previous injuries. Arriving at the Firm's hospital, Hawke carried Clara's limp little body to Doctor Well's office.

"What happened?" Rudy asked as Hawke rested her obn the exam table.

"She started running a temperature in the store. Checked out at a hundred and four but she say's her stomach hurt's," Hawke said. "I'm worried that might be from the previous..."

"Don't worry, that's not what it is," Rudy said. "Stomach ache often comes with the flu and by the looks of her she definitely does have it,"

"The pharmacist gave me tylenol and ibuprofen,"

"That's right, and just let her rest and drink plenty of water. A fifteen minute bath in lukewarm water may help bring her fever down. Make sure the water doesn't get cold, and take her out if she starts to shiver. Dress her lightly. Use a sheet instead of a blanket to cover her in bed.

Rudy said. "If the fever doesn't break after two days call me,"

"Thanks Doc..."

"Hawke, is she alright?" Archangel asked as he burst through the door. "What happened?"

"She has the flu," Hawke said. "I got scared when she started to say her stomach hurt. I thought.."

"Understandable," Archangel said. "Will she be okay Doctor?"

"Yes, she'll be fine," He said. "She's as tough as they come,"

Rudy gave her a dose of medicine before sending Hawke and her on their way.

On the way home Clara was asleep in her car seat. Hawke used the opportunity to phone Cait and cancel their plans.

"Hey, Cait I got some bad news," Hawke said. "I gotta cancel tonight, Clara's sick with the flu,"

"Oh my god is she okay?"

"Just had her at the doctor's and she'll be fine," Hawke said. "It came out of nowhere while we were in the store,"

"Do you need me to come over and help?"

"No, I'll be fine besides, I can't have both of my favorite girls sick together,"

"Fine, have it your way," Cait chuckled. "But I'll be there the minute her fever breaks,"

"Deal,"

Once home Hawke carried Clara upstairs he could feel the dampness of sweat through her clothe's. She began to rouse as he laid her down on her bed.

"Daddy, I feel hot," She weakly said.

"I know Lamb," He said. "I'm going to get you better,"

Hawke went into her bathroom beginning to run a bath in hopes it will soothe her. Walking back in he began to question if it was appropriate to help her undress and bathe her. She was now independent no longer relying on him for his help. He was beginning to rethink his decision for Caitlin's help but he couldn't delay Clara's bath as he watched her once again become agitated.

"Clara, are you okay if I help you get undressed and bathe?"

"Yes, I can't do it Daddy," She wearily said. "I'm too tired,"

"Alright, let's get you better,"

He grabbed a towel to protect her privacy as he helped her out of her school uniform. Carrying her to the bath he layed her down and began to gently sponge her little body. As the water ran over her Hawke began to see her to relax. Beginning to feel some relief as well, his mind drifted back as it alway's did when she's not well and he was thankful she was rarely sick other than the occasional runny nose.

When he was finished he redressed her in her nightgown tucking her into bed with only a light sheet as her cover.

"Daddy, can you tell Caitlin, I'm sorry we can't go to the fair," She said. "I feel bad,"

"Clara, don't be sorry. Caitlin want's you to feel better," Hawke said. "She understands,"

"Thank you, Daddy for helping me," Clara said as she drifted off to sleep.

"You're welcome," He said as he gently kissed her goodnight.

For the rest of the night Hawke stayed by her side as he read her favorite book of poems.

Two days later...

Clara's fever finally broke and staying true to her declaration, Caitlin came to help giving Hawke a needed rest. For the two days of her fever, Hawke stayed by Clara's side tirelessly comforting and caring for her. Sacrificing his sleep to aid in his daughter's recovery but deep down he was nervous thinking back to that dark time in the hospital.

"String, go get some sleep," Caitlin said. "You're exhausted. I'm here now, she'll be fine,"

"I know she will be," Hawke said. "I can relax now that the fever's broke,"

"Good, I'll get her back to eating a little bit," Caitlin said. "Make her some chicken soup,"

"Sounds good and make sure you save some for me," Hawke said as he kissed her goodnight heading for his bedroom.

Caitlin went to the couch where Clara was peacefully sleeping. Gently rousing her as Caitlin gently rubbed circles along her back.

"Clara, wake up it's time to eat," Caitlin said. "I made you chicken soup,"

Clara slowly opened her eyes to see Caitlin smiling down at her. She turned onto her back rubbing her eyes with a big yawn.

"Where's Daddy?" She asked.

"He went to get some sleep," Caitlin said. "So, you and I are going to share some soup,"

"We have to save.."

"Some for dad," Caitlin interrupted. "I already put some aside,"

Hawke awoke several hours later finding Clara again asleep on the couch. Her tiny head resting on Caitlin's lap as she was quietly reading. His heart swelled at the sight of his two favorite girls. They looked so natural together as if they were mother and daughter. He stayed back for a minute taking it all in, committing to memory.

"Hey, how are you guy's doing?" Hawke whispered to Caitlin from behind.

"We're fine," She said. "She ate and drank but she's still really tired. The fever took a lot out of her,"

"Yeah, her tempeture got really up there almost past one'o six," Hawke said. "Why don't you go take a break, I'm fine now,"

"I'm okay, pretty comfortable right now," Caitlin said. "I saved you some soup,"

"Thanks, I'll have some now. Pretty hungry," Hawke said as he headed for the kitchen.

After Hawke finished his soup, he headed back to Caitlin. As he approached he stopped dead in his tracks after he heard Clara say the one thing he never thought he would ever hear her say.

"Thank you, Mommy," Clara said drowsily as she turned over.

Caitlin froze in shock looking up to see Hawke standing there. "String, I never told her..."

"Cait, it's okay," Hawke said as he sat down beside her. "I know you didn't, the real question is are you okay with it?"

"Yeah, I'am," She said. "It feels strangely natural,"

"I never thought I would hear her say 'Mommy' again," Hawke said. "She nearly trusts nobody but you she took to instantly. You're the closest person she has ever had to a mother. She said she could live without but when she started school it became harder for her. Seeing the other kids mother's, she couldn't relate. One day I got a call from the school to pick her up early because in music class a woman sang a song that apparently her mother used to sing to her. It was from Cinderella and she just broke down,"

"Well, that's in the past..."

"Marry me," Hawke said all of a sudden.

"What?"

"I don't want to wait any longer," He said. "I know this isn't romantic and I don't have a ring, but I want to spend the rest of our lives together,"

"Say that again," She asked confused.

"Will you marry me?" Hawke asked as he looked deep into her eyes.

"Yes," Caitlin smiled. "Yes, I will!"

"I will make up for the romance I promise," Hawke said. "And the ring,"

"String, this is romantic," Caitlin said as she turned her gaze down to Clara. "This right here is perfect,"

Without speaking, Hawke put his hand up to her face, brushed her cheek and then ran his hands through her hair. Grasping it firmly, he pulled her towards him and kissed her passionately, holding her there for what seemed like an eternity.

"I love you," He said. "More than life itself,"

"Oh, is that all," Caitlin chuckled returning the kiss.

"Alright, how about I love you more than women love diamonds," Hawke teased. "But, that doesn't mean I will skip out on getting you the most brilliant one on earth,"

"I already have two of the most brilliant diamonds," Caitlin said. "But, I love you more than..."

"I love you both more than "Harry Potter," and that should have been impossible," Clara said looking up with a chesire smile.

"How long have you been pretending to sleep?" Hawke asked.

"Since you asked her to marry you," Clara said.

"You little rascal," Hawke said as he bent down showering her with tiny kisses. "So, do I have your blessing?"

"Hmm, that depends," Clara said.

"On what?" Caitlin asked.

"If you're gonna be strict like Daddy when it comes to my preferred food group," Clara said.

"I think we can work something out," Caitlin said. "It will the first thing your Dad and I will discuss,"

"Okay, you got it Daddy," Clara said with a thumbs up.

"Now, I just have to ask your Father," Hawke said.

"Oh, String, you don't have to," Caitlin said with hesitation

"I want to keep to some tradition," Hawke said. "Besides, I gotta meet your family eventually,"

"Alright, but I'm gonna warn you," Caitlin said. "They're a bit overbearing,"

"I think we'll be able them," Hawke said. "Wait until you meet her Grandmother,"

"So does this mean we're going to Texas?" Clara asked excitedly.

"Yeah, we're going to Texas," Caitlin said.

"YAY! Can we go in Airwolf?" Clara asked.

"Yes, we'll go in Airwolf," Hawke said.

"And a trip to space?" Clara asked.

"Space?" Caitlin wondered out loud.

One week later...

"Uh oh," Clara blurted out as they pulled up to the house.

"Yeah, my thoughts exactly," Hawke said as they pass the white stretch limo.

"I didn't do anything," Clara said.

"He's not here about that," Hawke said.

"Then he's sending you and Grandpa away again," Clara said sadly.

"Clara, we don't know that yet," Hawke said as he helped her out of the truck. "Let's not assume,"

Archangel and Marella emerge from the limo as Hawke and Clara make their way to the front door.

"Michael, the answer is No," Hawke said.

"I didn't even say anything yet," Archangel said.

"You don't have to," Hawke said. "Just you showing up here is,"

"Hi, Uncle Mike and Aunt Marella," Clara said. "Don't send Daddy away,"

"Really? how nice," Archangel said. "It must be very serious between the two of you,"

"Michael, that part of my life is none of your business," Hawke said as he entered the house. "Move on to another subject,"

"Alright, no more on that subject," Archangel said. "The reason I'm here is we have a big problem and we need both your help,"

"Both?" Hawke asked. "What's going on Michael?"

"Three days ago, a blueprint was stolen from Stark Industries," Archangel said.

"A blueprint for what?" Hawke asked.

"A new type of missile," Marella said. "A real game changer,"

"How?"

"The Jericho Missile is Stark Industries' "crown jewel of it's 'Freedom Line' " and is also the first system to use repulsorlift technology. In the launch process, the system first is given a target which it then calculates the distance to. The missile is then launched, and when it reaches a designated height and distance away from the target, splits into 16 smaller missiles that all hit the target at strategic places. Though 'clean', the missile still gives off an extremely powerful blast and shock wave,"

"Okay, but how can Clara help?" Hawke asked. "Just because she's friends with his son.."

"We got a tip that the hand off is going to take place and get ready for this," Archangel said. "A child beauty pageant,"

"NO! Michael, absolutely not!" Hawke said. "I'am not going to let Clara be used physically for missions,"

"I'm not liking this either but I have no other choice,"

"Yes, you do. Find another child!" Hawke said. "Not Clara, why don't you send your team if you already know where it's gonna happen,"

"Because we're not sure of who they're handing it off too," Archangel said. "We need someone on the inside to snoop around,"

"Why don't you get someone to pose as a judge?" Hawke asked.

"For all we know it could be a judge," Marella said. "Having a child enter last minute won't raise too many eyebrows,"

"The answer is still No," Hawke sternly said.

"Please Hawke, if there was another way I would," Michael said. "But I have no choice,"

Hawke gave a big sigh. "Where and when?"

"South Carolina," Archangel said.

"Oh goody, a trip in Airwolf!" Clara said.

"Wait, I don't know anything about beauty pageant's," Hawke said. "I don't know anything about makeup and hair,"

Just then a voice echoed from down the hall. "String?"

"Oh hey, guys..." Caitlin said as she walked into the living room. "Oh, sorry, I'll go..."

"No, don't go," Archangel said. "She's your answer,"

"Michael! Don't even think about it," Hawke said. "Not the two of them,"

"What is it?" Caitlin asked.

"We're talking about child beauty pageants," Archangel said.

"Beauty pageants?" Caitlin said. "You've come to the right girl, my mother dragged my sister and i across the south competing in them. Really just my sister, I wanted no part of it,"

Archangel explained to Caitlin the detail of the mission. She was nervous yet intrigued at the idea of playing spy. It was now a reality instead of a fantasy. She was now part of his life and she could see he was terrified she was going to be on his list of sorrow.

"Well, what do you think?" Marella asked. "Will you help?"

"Cait, you don't have to do this," Hawke said. "I don't want you to,"

"String, it's my decision to make and I want to help," She said. "Besides she's gonna need someone who can do more than braid hair,"

"We'll be okay Daddy," Clara said.

"Alright, but you guys do everything that I say," Hawke said.

"Okay," Clara said.

"Well, when do we go?" Cait asked.

"Tomorrow," Marella said.

"There goes date night," Cait said. "I better start getting ready,"

"The pageant wear will be at the hotel when you arrive," Archangel said.

"What about Grandpa?" Clara asked. "Is he coming?"

"Yeah, we'll have him play the crazy doting Grandpa," Hawke said. "Nobody would expect him as a spy,"

"I'll go ahead with your flight arrangements," Archangel said.

"No need, we're taking Airwolf," Hawke said. "She knows, Michael,"

"SHE KNOWS ABOUT AIRWOLF!" Archangel exclaimed. "Hawke, I know you were serious but.."

"Yes, and that's the end of it," He said. "I trust her,"

"Does she know how to fly her?" He asked.

"I'm getting there, he's been giving me lesson's for the last month," Cait said.

"A MONTH!" Michael exclaimed.

"Will you stop it, already," Hawke said.

"Uncle Michael, since this involves travel and physical work my fee is more than the usual phone call,"

"I'm afraid to ask," Michael said.

"Fifty thousand dollars," She said.

"WHAT?!" Marella exclaimed.

"One more thing," Clara said. "What's a beauty pageant?"