Stringfellow Hawke turned his face into the breeze letting it ruffle the longer strands of hair at the top of his crew cut. He loved being out on the dock playing his cello with his dog Tet at his feet and the world with all its trouble and trials fading from his existence. For the longest time, this…tranquility, this…solitude…refuge was necessary. For the longest time, he had needed the world to fade away. Even after the horrors of war had abated from its all-consuming hold on his sanity, the loss of St. John in that storm was too much for him to bear. For the longest time, he had simply hid at his cabin with only Dom trying to get him to live again.
Hiding was no longer an option. His life had purpose again. The tempo of the music he was coaxing from the cello changed as he mused on that topic.
In fact, he thought, more than one purpose. He was still searching for answers on what happened to his brother. Recently he'd met Ana Connelly, the woman St. John had had a son with after being listed as MIA in Vietnam.
She hadn't been too thrilled with the meeting. Her son, Le had been shot and she'd placed the blame squarely at Hawke's feet. At first, she'd threatened to sever Hawke's ties to his nephew only allowing a couple of letters a year. Fortunately, she and Cait had hit it off immediately. Caitlin with a lot of input from Le had convinced her to relent. He still couldn't visit very often, Le's safety had to come first, but he could keep up a constant correspondence which was more than he'd hoped for.
And, Ana had given Michael a lot of information on St. John. She remembered the name of the war lord who'd held him during the war. She'd even told them a little about the unit he'd joined after being rescued. All though she had filled in a few years of St. John's absence, she had no idea of his ultimate fate. He frowned slightly with the realization that he was no closer to finding answers than he had been when he stumbled into his second purpose, flying Airwolf.
What a trip she was. She was the ultimate in flying, not just a jet nor just a helicopter. Flying her was like walking on water, thrilling and scary at the same time. It may have started as just a way to force the Firm into investigating St. John, but it became so much more. Helping people in trouble, taking down the bad guys, even helping Michael with his missions for the greater good gave him direction. It was a direction he hadn't even known he needed. He didn't always like being shot at, but the ability to make a difference in people's lives and in the world filled some of the emptiness in his soul.
Flying Airwolf had also given Dom a new lease on life. Not that Dom would ever admit to being past his prime, but Hawke had seen how his life had come down to trying to keep his business afloat and reliving his past glories with Hawke's father during the war to anyone who would listen at the local airfield bar. Even if Dom couldn't talk about his time with Airwolf, it gave him a since of usefulness that he had sorely missed as a civilian. He had given up the military to raise the two orphaned boys of his closest friend and while he would never regret that decision their adulthood left him at loose ends for a long time. Manning the engineer's console not only gave him a way to reconnect and redefine his relationship with one of the boys he'd raised, but it also let him make a difference in people's lives as well.
Most of the people they helped drifted out of their lives almost as fast as they'd drifted in, but a select few had formed lasting friendships like Caitlin O'Shannessy. Unconsciously the music changed tempo again.
Caitlin O'Shannessy had become another purpose in his life. Somehow, quite unexpectedly, she had burrowed her way past all his defenses and taken up permanent residency in his heart. She was a handful right from the start. Her fiery temper, quick wit, and sheer tenacity made her instantly appealing in a way that surprised him. She was different from the women he usually found himself drawn to. He had categorized her as cute rather than gorgeous as somewhat naive rather than sophisticated. All though he had initially flirted with her, he quickly relegated their relationship to just friends when he realized she had come to California to stay.
As Hawke learned more about Caitlin, he found himself having to constantly reassess his opinion of her. Her naiveté gave way to guilelessness which in turn gave way to an honesty and sincerity that he found refreshing and sorely needed in his personal life. He also quit thinking of her as cute. During her time in California, she had transformed from the cute tomboy, girl next door. She was instead a beautiful woman both inside and out. He had watched silently as others had seen her beauty, at first as a protective big brother friend type, but later as a man seeing it for himself. It had bothered him from the beginning when she had dated someone else. She always seemed to be trying to change to suit the guy rather than being herself. It had annoyed him in a way he couldn't understand until he finally admitted to himself that she meant more to him than just a co-worker and friend, more than just part of his 'family.'
He had finally admitted to himself that he was in love with her. And, with that admission their relationship had changed again. He'd retreated to his cabin after she'd been poisoned and almost raped. He had needed to get a handle on his emotions. He'd almost killed the man who'd hurt her with his bare hands releasing a rage that had shocked him with its intensity. It was only her calling for him, her need of him that had brought him back from that precipice.
Hawke shook his head trying to dislodge the images of Cait's battered body, of her lying motionless in the hospital. He abruptly stopped playing the cello and rested his right arm across his knee and took a deep breath.
She'd come looking for him after leaving the hospital reamed him a new one for isolating himself when she showed up at his cabin. A smile spread across his lips as he recalled how she followed him up to the old sleeping loft and poked him forcefully in the chest to make her point. They'd made love afterwards and he'd known. He'd known he would never be the same. He had found the woman he wanted to spend forever with and it scared the hell out of him.
He had tried to push her away, but she surprised him again. She stepped back. She put them back on the friends footing. She, he sighed. She gave him the time and space he needed not once, not even twice, but three times to not only adjust to his new found revelation but to accept it as well. He was incredibly lucky.
Hawke took one last look across the peaceful lake before gathering up his cello and the old fishing stool and heading back to the cabin. His dog Tet dutifully followed at his side.
"Done all ready," Caitlin asked from her position on the sofa. She had been reading a book while he'd been outside. "You usually play a lot longer."
"Yeah, well I wouldn't your life to get too routine." Hawke sat down on the sofa beside her as she moved her book to the table. He slipped his arm around her with an ease that still surprised him. Pulling her closer his lips met hers for a tender lingering kiss.
"Hmm, not that I mind, but what was that for," Caitlin questioned him while her hand sneaked up to the top button on his shirt and toyed with it.
A small smile flitted across his features and settled in his eyes.
"I was thinking I would make you dinner steak, potatoes, the whole nine yards." He kissed her again.
Caitlin pulled back to look at him squarely.
"It isn't my birthday. It isn't even your birthday. What gives? Are you about to go running off to who knows where with Dom and leave me to watch the hangar again?" she teased.
"Nope, I plan on staying here all weekend. If it makes you feel better, we can call it a lesson in cooking on a wood burning stove. You could help me look out for the hot spots. Beside, can't a guy make a girl dinner without there being some ulterior motive?" Hawke pulled her close again and started to kiss her neck.
"All weekend hmm…" she tilted her neck and began stroking his hair. "I think we both know what your motives are."
Hawke pulled back and she caught the gleam in his eyes before she found herself lying with her back on the sofa.
"I do enjoy your lessons though." She was smiling when he kissed her.
He kissed her lips, her neck, and her shoulder. He moved on to undo the buttons on her blouse and kiss the skin just above the cups of her bra.
Caitlin shifted so her pelvis was in line underneath him as he moved down her now naked abdomen to her bellybutton. There Hawke lingered a moment before slowly making his way back up her body while riding her of her shirt all together. As he moved back to kissing her neck and shoulders. She proceeded to unbutton his shirt and push it over his biceps until it was unceremoniously dropped to the floor. She indulged herself by rubbing her hands over his muscular frame.
Something nagged at the edge of Hawke's hearing. He dismissed it as Cait began to systematically kiss all the spots she'd discovered that made him incoherent with passion, just behind his ear, down his carotid artery. She flicked her tongue briefly into the hollow of his neck and was rewarded with the hard press of his jean clad erection.
He let out a gasp when she gently took his nipple between her teeth and flicked her tongue across it. Hawke undid the clasp on her bra with one hand as she pulled at the buttons on his pants. Catlin had just released the tip when he took one breast in his mouth and sucked hard. She arched back. One hand grabbed the back of his head pushing him closer. She hooked a leg over his trying to feel his erection against her while her breast still filled his mouth.
Hawke came to a sudden stop. His breathing was hard and he took several deep breaths while staring out the front window. He scowled before sliding off Caitlin and hastily adjusting himself and buttoning up his pants.
"I'm going to kill him," he murmured angrily as he retrieved his shirt and rushed to the door.
Cait hastily clasped her bra into place and pulled her shirt on. She could hear someone coming up the front steps to the cabin.
Hawke managed to throw on his shirt. He had no time to button it, but made it to the door just as it opened.
"Hawke," Michael said. He saw first the angry scowl on the younger man's face. His one good eye flicked over him. He glanced briefly toward the couch. He noted Cait's disheveled hair and how she resolutely kept her back to him as she fiddled with her blouse. His lips twitched and couldn't help the mock innocence that permeated his next words. "I'm not interrupting, am I?"
Despite his irritation, or perhaps because of it, Hawke gave a sarcastic reply. "Why of course not Michael. Your timing is impeccable as always."
Michael smiled and seeing as how Cait had stopped messing with her blouse and had turned to greet him, he invited himself in.
"Come right on in Michael. Make yourself at home. You will anyway." Hawke continued as the spy made his way into the cabin.
Michael nudged Tet with his cane from one of the chairs next to the fire. The dog having been dislodged decided the hearth was a much warmer perch anyway. He yawned and laid his head on his paws as if the change had been entirely his idea.
Michael sat in the recently vacated chair and wondered briefly if he would wind up with blue tick hound hair on his pristinely white suit. He smiled at the way Caitlin was blushing. Oh yeah. He had definitely interrupted something.
Hawke stood leaning on the fireplace mantle trying to appear comfortable while dealing with the aftermath of his interrupted activity.
While he admitted to himself that he relished irritating Hawke, Michael really didn't want Caitlin to be uncomfortable. He hastily suppressed his smile.
"Caitlin, you're looking well."
Caitlin picked up on the hint of amusement and couldn't resist the opportunity. It reminded her of being a caught making out on the sofa by her older brothers when she was a teenager.
"Thank you Michael," she said innocently. "Hawke's been giving me lessons on a variety of things to do with remote cabin living. I've really come to enjoy it. All though I haven't quite developed his sense of hearing." She said a wry smile on her lips.
"Really, are you sure it doesn't get…well…routine?" Michael said catching the mischief in Cait's eyes.
"Oh no, there's lots a variety. After all there are things to do indoors, and of course there's the great outdoors. This place offers endless possibilities." She glanced at Hawke enjoying his disgust at her hidden meanings. "Would you like some tea? I'm sure it would be hot in no time."
"Thank you no, perhaps later."
Hawke cleared his throat reining in the frustration evoked by their evident pleasure at his discomfort.
"You have a reason for being here, Michael?"
Michael turned his gaze on Hawke. He decided he'd better get to the point before the man threw him out.
"I thought you'd like to know Ana and Le made it safely home. I arranged everything so he'll be known as Le Connelly. The anonymity will add an extra layer of security. No one should be able to trace him back to you."
"Thanks Michael."
Michael tilted his head at the heartfelt gratitude.
"I also have an update on Chad Carter. According to the tap we have on his father's phone, he's definitely in the Los Angeles area. He's been very clever. He only uses pay phones and never the same one twice. He must be paying everything with cash. We're trying to track his movements but without a reliable description…."
"It's like looking for a needle in a haystack," Hawke commented. He rubbed his chin in deep thought.
"And, we don't even know what the needle looks like." Cait added. "It's a little scary thinking that he could be anyone on the street."
"Which is why I want to put you into protective custody," Michael began. "The taps confirm he's been tracking your movements."
"Michael, we've already been through this with CC. I refuse to live my life in fear."
"What if there's another way?" Hawke broke in.
They both turned toward him.
"You said he's tracking Cait right."
Michael inclined his head in acknowledgement.
"What if we draw him out, make him come to us?"
"Use me as bait?" Cait checked.
Hawke's eyes met hers resolutely. He could see the fear in hers from her last encounter with Chad Carter.
"If we can get him to come to us, we can finish this once and for all."
"We'll have to plan carefully though." Michael stroked his mustache considering.
Cait shifted uncomfortably. "How would we even know him, if he did come after me Hawke?" She couldn't keep the anxiety out of her voice.
"We'll have to make him an offer he can't refuse."
"Make it seem like Cait's all alone and vulnerable. But, it has to be only for a short time, or we'll be waiting around for him to make his move." Michael said. "It has to be something believable too."
"Dom's got a charter up the coast next week. I'll make it look I'm leaving for a couple of days too." Hawke's eyes never left Cait's. "I don't think he'll want to waste any time. He'll make his move fast. But, I'll be with you the whole time."
"And we can wire you, so we'll know if you get into trouble, or just bug the hangar." Michael stroked his moustache to hide the smile forming. He swept the hangar routinely for security reasons and for the fact that it irritated Dominic Santini. If his crew were to leave a bug behind after this op, he could blame it only Santini's lack of vigilance. Hmm, he liked ops that ultimately served more than one purpose. "It's up to you Cait," Michael said. "But I think it's our best chance."