The following story is based on the characters of the TV Series "Walker, Texas Ranger". The characters belong to CBS Productions, Top Kick Productions, etc., but the story is mine. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)
"No Greater Loss" Chapter 2
by Lorrie
An hour or so later, the fire was completely out and the smoke had died down. The only thing left of the cabin was the rock fireplace and the rocky base of the porch.
The fire chief approached Walker. "Ranger Walker, we didn't find a body, but the intensity of the heat of that fire could have consumed any remains. We did find a set of closed handcuffs around an iron rod and we found this: The fire chief handed Walker a heart shaped locket.
Walker swallowed, he knew that Sydney had been wearing the locket that morning. He approached Gage. "Did they find her body?" Gage asked as he finally looked up at Walker.
Walker looked at Gage's tear-stained face. "No, but they did find a pair of locked handcuffs and this." Walker handed Gage Sydney's necklace. Gage held the locket, he knew instantly that it was Sydney's. It had been a Christmas present from him last Christmas.
This confirmation of Sydney's death was too much for Gage to bear. He leaned forward and suddenly passed out. Walker eased him over on his back and propped up his head as Trivette motioned for the paramedics.
**********
Gage was admitted with first and second degree burns on both of his arms and his back. The doctor had also ordered a mild sedative to be certain that he would rest peacefully until morning.
Walker spent the night in Alex's room, holding her while she mourned for Sydney. "Oh Walker, I understand why Gage took Angela out first, but he could have got Sydney out after her. Instead he got me. He could have left me Walker, then he wouldn't be going through this." Alex was experience survivor's guilt.
"No, I would." Walker kissed his wife. "I understand why Gage got you out after Angela. Alex, you have to remember, he grew up without his parents. I've heard him say before that he would never wish that on any child.
"I know, but poor Sydney. They weren't even after her." Alex said through her tears.
"Do you know who did this?" Walker asked for the first time.
"I recognized Pete Kellum. There was also one named David and another named Steve."
**********
"Walker, do you want me to call Sydney's family?" Trivette asked.
"I'll call her mother, but would you call Gage's sister, Julie. I think he's going to need her if he's going to get through this at all."
Trivette nodded. "I'll take care of it."
**********
Deep in the woods, a shadowy figure was visible through the smoky cave.
Sydney woke to find herself wrapped in a bearskin, lying on the floor. Her burns had been tended, but by whom? There was a small plate of food and a cup of water sitting beside of her. She took a couple of bites and gratefully drank the water.
"You are feeling better?" The figure asked from a distance.
Sydney, somewhat startled by the unseen voice answered. "Yes. Thank you. What happened?"
"A deer led me to the burning cabin. I took you out the back as the roof collapsed."
"Who are you?" Sydney asked, not sure if she were awake or dreaming.
"I am Golden Eagle. You must rest now." Sydney fell asleep.
**********
Walker approached Trivette in the hallway outside of Gage's room. "Is he awake?"
"He's been awake for a few minutes. The doctor is in with him now." The doctor emerged from Gage's room. Trivette caught him as he passed by; "How is he doctor?"
"Physically, he'll be fine. His arms are healing well and I'll probably release him later today."
"You said he'd be fine physically?" Walker asked slowly.
"I'm worried about his mental state. He seems withdrawn, angry and he's blaming himself for the young woman's death."
Walker nodded. "Thank you doctor."
Walker and Trivette stepped into Gage's room. His head was turned towards the wall, but Walker could tell that he was awake.
"Gage?" He said softly. Gage said nothing. "I know you're awake. You have to try to understand something. The men that . . " Walker paused. "The men that killed Sydney, they were after me. They wanted to take Alex and Angela. Sydney was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"And that's supposed to make it better?" Gage asked sarcastically.
"There are no words to just make it better. If there were, God knows I would say them."
Gage thought for a moment. "You know who did this, don't you?" He asked quietly.
"Yes and I'll take care of it."
"Not without me you're not." Gage responded as he slowly turned towards Walker.
"Gage, you're in no condition to go after anyone."
"The doctor is releasing me today. I can't let this go Walker."
Trivette interrupted. "Gage, your sister will be here in about an hour."
Walker added. "And Sydney's family in on their way in also."
"So you're leaving me to deal with Sydney's mother." Gage was getting angry. "I let her daughter die! I can't face her Walker. I won't!"
"Gage calm down." Walker spoke quietly. "I didn't mean it like that. I'm going to talk to Sydney's family. And you didn't LET Sydney die; you have to know that you did everything you could to save her."
"Did I?" Gage looked coldly at Walker. "Did I really?"
Walker quickly left Gage's room, fighting his own anger. He knew what Gage had meant. He had had a choice, he could have left Alex and saved Sydney. He played it over and over in his own mind, wondering who he would have chosen if the tables had been turned, the mother of the baby or the woman he loved.
"Walker, are you OK?" Trivette asked. "He didn't mean that, he's just angry."
"Yeah. I know."
**********
Walker entered Ranger HQ and walked into the room where Sydney's family was waiting for him. "Mrs. Cooke?"
"Ranger Walker. What's going on? Where are Sydney and Ranger Gage?"
"Please have a seat." Mrs. Cooke and her two sons sat down. Walker took Mrs. Cooke's hands and closed his eyes, searching for the right words. "Sydney was kidnapped along with my wife and daughter yesterday. The kidnappers took them to a cabin and set the cabin on fire. Ranger Gage arrived on the scene just after the blaze had been set, he was able to get my daughter and my wife out, but by the time he went back for Sydney, the roof collapsed. Sydney didn't get out."
"You're saying that my daughter is dead?"
"Yes ma'am. I wish there was something I could do."
"Where is Ranger Gage? Is he OK?" She asked between the uncontrollable tears.
"He's in the hospital, but he should be released later today."
"But how is he? I know the love he had for my daughter."
"He's blaming himself. He's angry, withdrawn and lost." Mrs. Cooke nodded as she turned to her sons for support.
"Mrs. Cooke, would you like help with the arrangements?" Trivette asked.
"Thank you Ranger Trivette, but I believe my sons and I can handle it."
**********
Walker and Trivette headed out to the parking lot, they had just received a tip on Kellum's location. Gage was leaning up against Walker's truck. "What are you doing here?"
"You know what I'm doing here. I took a cab from the hospital and I want to ride with you guys to go after Kellum."
"That's not a good idea."
"No, actually it wouldn't be a good idea for me to drive, but if you don't let me go with you, that's exactly what I'm going to do and I'll find this guy on my own."
Walker stared at Gage for a moment. "You're not going."
"I think you know the only way you're going to stop me from going." Gage set his eyes on Walker.
"Gage, I don't want to fight you. Now I've hardly once had to pull rank on you since you came here, but I'm going to this time. Your not going and that's a direct order."
Gage took his badge from his shirt and threw it on the ground at Walker's feet. "Now what, Walker?" Gage chided.
Walker started to get into the truck and Gage took a swing at him. Walker turned and blocked the punch. "Gage, I don't want to fight you." He said firmly.
"Then don't, let me go with you."
"I can't do that."
Gage threw another punch. Walker knew he was losing precious time and that Kellum may be on the move by now. He threw one quick punch to Gage's head. "I'm sorry for this, buddy." Gage fell unconscious at Walker's feet.
"Walker!" Trivette was shocked at what had just transpired. "You can't just leave him here in the parking lot."
"I know. Let's put him in the truck." Walker and Trivette put Gage in the cab, then Walker went to the driver's side of the truck and stopped to pick up Gage's badge, then headed to the address they had been given.
Gage started coming to a few miles down the road. He was sitting between Walker and Trivette.
"How about letting me have the door Trivette?" Gage asked, not particularly wanting to set near Walker.
"We're not stopping. If we do, we might lose Kellum." Walker said coldly.
When Walker pulled up to the house he looked over at Gage. "You really shouldn't be here." Gage looked coldly at Walker in response. "You're after the wrong kind of justice Gage."
"You should have thought about that before Walker. I'm not after justice, I'm out for revenge." Gage checked his weapon and moved into position at the front door.
"I'll keep an eye on him Walker." Trivette volunteered.
Walker joined Gage on the front stoop as Trivette ran around back. Walker banged on the door. "Open up Kellum, Texas Rangers."
David peered out the window. "Pete, it's the Rangers."
"It's Ranger Walker." Pete replied as he aimed the shotgun at the door and fired.
Walker peered through the window next to the door and pushed Gage out of the way of the shot, then entered the house. Gage jumped up from the ground and followed Walker inside. Walker raised his gun and shot David and Steve as Gage jumped Pete and began beating him relentlessly. Pete threw a punch that propelled Gage backwards into a shelving unit. Undeterred by the retaliation, Gage came at Pete again, this time kicking him in the chest. He was able to get his muscular arms around Pete's neck then he positioned himself behind him and squeezed with every ounce of his strength.
"Gage!" Trivette shouted. "Not this way."
"This is how Syd died, except she was in a smoke filled, burning building as it got harder and harder to breath the air around her." He twisted his arms to tighten his grasp on Pete's neck. Pete's eyes bulged and his face began to turn blue.
Walker stared at Gage and for a moment he wanted to cheer him on. Pete Kellum had intended to burn Alex and Angela to death. He shook his head. "Gage, you've got to let him go." Gage made no motion to move. Walker took Gage's arms tightly and forced him to release his grip on Kellum.
Trivette took Kellum outside and read him is rights.
Gage still hadn't moved. Walker put his hand on his shoulder. "Gage?"
"I would have killed him Walker, for what he did to Syd and for what he tried to do to Alex and Angela." Gage stared straight ahead, his face blank of emotion.
"For a moment, I didn't care if you did kill him." Walker said honestly. "Come on, let's go home."
**********
Sydney was fighting a high fever, which had allowed her mind to dream. She dreamed of Gage and what a life with him would be like. She felt a cool cloth touch her head. "Gage?" She said quietly.
"No, I am Golden Eagle."
Sydney nodded and fell asleep once again.
**********
Julie had arrived at Gage's apartment while he, Walker and Trivette had gone after Kellum and his men. She straightened up his living room and put the dishes away that were still in the sink. She had already placed a call to Ranger HQ and left a message for Gage, Walker or Trivette after finding out that Gage had been released from the hospital.
Gage opened his door and saw his sister standing in the living room waiting for him.
"Francis."
"Hey Jules." They embraced and as they did, Gage began to cry. "I'm sorry Julie, I didn't mean to unload on you."
"Francis, that's why I'm here. You need a shoulder to cry on right now. I know how much you loved her." Gage held Julie's hand for a moment.
"Thanks sis."
"I'll always be here for you, no matter what. Now why don't you go get washed up? I have dinner ready."
"I'm really not hungry. I think I'm gonna take a shower and go to bed."
"You aren't supposed to get your bandages wet, are you?"
Gage had forgotten about the burns on his arms and back. "No, I guess not. Maybe I'll just go lay down."
"OK. Goodnight honey."
Gage lay across his bed and glanced at the picture of he and Sydney on his dresser. He got up and retrieved the picture and laid down again. "Oh Syd, what am I gonna do without you?" He drifted off into a fitful sleep.
**********
Golden Eagle stood over Sydney and continued to give her herbs to bring down her fever. She woke from time to time asking for Gage.
"I will get you back to your people when you are well enough. But I cannot leave you now as long as this fever burns inside of you."
**********
Julie let Gage sleep until 10:00, then woke him with a cup of coffee. "Good morning." She said softly.
"No Jules, it's not a good morning. I'm not sure if it'll ever be a good morning again." He took the cup of coffee. "What time is it?"
"It's a little after 10:00."
"The funerals at 1:00. I need to talk to her mom before the service." Gage was once again trying to choke back the tears.
"That's fine honey, you just tell me what time you want to leave."
**********
"Are you OK Alex?" Walker asked as he watched his wife lay out her dress and choose something for Angela to wear.
Alex nodded. "How are you holding up?"
"I'll be OK."
**********
Gage had ordered flowers to be delivered at the chapel then he and Julie left to meet with Mrs. Cooke.
Gage softly knocked on the door of the family room. He cleared his throat. "Mrs. Cooke, it's Gage. May I come in?"
"Please."
Mrs. Cooke noted Gage's appearance as he entered the room. She could see the pain in his eyes.
"I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am." Gage couldn't hold back the tears.
"Shh. It wasn't your fault."
"I was there. I had to choose between Alex and Sydney. I took Alex first because of Angela and Sydney insisted that Alex go first."
Mrs. Cooke put her arms around him. "Stop blaming yourself. You did the right thing."
End of Chapter 2
"No Greater Loss" Chapter 2
by Lorrie
An hour or so later, the fire was completely out and the smoke had died down. The only thing left of the cabin was the rock fireplace and the rocky base of the porch.
The fire chief approached Walker. "Ranger Walker, we didn't find a body, but the intensity of the heat of that fire could have consumed any remains. We did find a set of closed handcuffs around an iron rod and we found this: The fire chief handed Walker a heart shaped locket.
Walker swallowed, he knew that Sydney had been wearing the locket that morning. He approached Gage. "Did they find her body?" Gage asked as he finally looked up at Walker.
Walker looked at Gage's tear-stained face. "No, but they did find a pair of locked handcuffs and this." Walker handed Gage Sydney's necklace. Gage held the locket, he knew instantly that it was Sydney's. It had been a Christmas present from him last Christmas.
This confirmation of Sydney's death was too much for Gage to bear. He leaned forward and suddenly passed out. Walker eased him over on his back and propped up his head as Trivette motioned for the paramedics.
**********
Gage was admitted with first and second degree burns on both of his arms and his back. The doctor had also ordered a mild sedative to be certain that he would rest peacefully until morning.
Walker spent the night in Alex's room, holding her while she mourned for Sydney. "Oh Walker, I understand why Gage took Angela out first, but he could have got Sydney out after her. Instead he got me. He could have left me Walker, then he wouldn't be going through this." Alex was experience survivor's guilt.
"No, I would." Walker kissed his wife. "I understand why Gage got you out after Angela. Alex, you have to remember, he grew up without his parents. I've heard him say before that he would never wish that on any child.
"I know, but poor Sydney. They weren't even after her." Alex said through her tears.
"Do you know who did this?" Walker asked for the first time.
"I recognized Pete Kellum. There was also one named David and another named Steve."
**********
"Walker, do you want me to call Sydney's family?" Trivette asked.
"I'll call her mother, but would you call Gage's sister, Julie. I think he's going to need her if he's going to get through this at all."
Trivette nodded. "I'll take care of it."
**********
Deep in the woods, a shadowy figure was visible through the smoky cave.
Sydney woke to find herself wrapped in a bearskin, lying on the floor. Her burns had been tended, but by whom? There was a small plate of food and a cup of water sitting beside of her. She took a couple of bites and gratefully drank the water.
"You are feeling better?" The figure asked from a distance.
Sydney, somewhat startled by the unseen voice answered. "Yes. Thank you. What happened?"
"A deer led me to the burning cabin. I took you out the back as the roof collapsed."
"Who are you?" Sydney asked, not sure if she were awake or dreaming.
"I am Golden Eagle. You must rest now." Sydney fell asleep.
**********
Walker approached Trivette in the hallway outside of Gage's room. "Is he awake?"
"He's been awake for a few minutes. The doctor is in with him now." The doctor emerged from Gage's room. Trivette caught him as he passed by; "How is he doctor?"
"Physically, he'll be fine. His arms are healing well and I'll probably release him later today."
"You said he'd be fine physically?" Walker asked slowly.
"I'm worried about his mental state. He seems withdrawn, angry and he's blaming himself for the young woman's death."
Walker nodded. "Thank you doctor."
Walker and Trivette stepped into Gage's room. His head was turned towards the wall, but Walker could tell that he was awake.
"Gage?" He said softly. Gage said nothing. "I know you're awake. You have to try to understand something. The men that . . " Walker paused. "The men that killed Sydney, they were after me. They wanted to take Alex and Angela. Sydney was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"And that's supposed to make it better?" Gage asked sarcastically.
"There are no words to just make it better. If there were, God knows I would say them."
Gage thought for a moment. "You know who did this, don't you?" He asked quietly.
"Yes and I'll take care of it."
"Not without me you're not." Gage responded as he slowly turned towards Walker.
"Gage, you're in no condition to go after anyone."
"The doctor is releasing me today. I can't let this go Walker."
Trivette interrupted. "Gage, your sister will be here in about an hour."
Walker added. "And Sydney's family in on their way in also."
"So you're leaving me to deal with Sydney's mother." Gage was getting angry. "I let her daughter die! I can't face her Walker. I won't!"
"Gage calm down." Walker spoke quietly. "I didn't mean it like that. I'm going to talk to Sydney's family. And you didn't LET Sydney die; you have to know that you did everything you could to save her."
"Did I?" Gage looked coldly at Walker. "Did I really?"
Walker quickly left Gage's room, fighting his own anger. He knew what Gage had meant. He had had a choice, he could have left Alex and saved Sydney. He played it over and over in his own mind, wondering who he would have chosen if the tables had been turned, the mother of the baby or the woman he loved.
"Walker, are you OK?" Trivette asked. "He didn't mean that, he's just angry."
"Yeah. I know."
**********
Walker entered Ranger HQ and walked into the room where Sydney's family was waiting for him. "Mrs. Cooke?"
"Ranger Walker. What's going on? Where are Sydney and Ranger Gage?"
"Please have a seat." Mrs. Cooke and her two sons sat down. Walker took Mrs. Cooke's hands and closed his eyes, searching for the right words. "Sydney was kidnapped along with my wife and daughter yesterday. The kidnappers took them to a cabin and set the cabin on fire. Ranger Gage arrived on the scene just after the blaze had been set, he was able to get my daughter and my wife out, but by the time he went back for Sydney, the roof collapsed. Sydney didn't get out."
"You're saying that my daughter is dead?"
"Yes ma'am. I wish there was something I could do."
"Where is Ranger Gage? Is he OK?" She asked between the uncontrollable tears.
"He's in the hospital, but he should be released later today."
"But how is he? I know the love he had for my daughter."
"He's blaming himself. He's angry, withdrawn and lost." Mrs. Cooke nodded as she turned to her sons for support.
"Mrs. Cooke, would you like help with the arrangements?" Trivette asked.
"Thank you Ranger Trivette, but I believe my sons and I can handle it."
**********
Walker and Trivette headed out to the parking lot, they had just received a tip on Kellum's location. Gage was leaning up against Walker's truck. "What are you doing here?"
"You know what I'm doing here. I took a cab from the hospital and I want to ride with you guys to go after Kellum."
"That's not a good idea."
"No, actually it wouldn't be a good idea for me to drive, but if you don't let me go with you, that's exactly what I'm going to do and I'll find this guy on my own."
Walker stared at Gage for a moment. "You're not going."
"I think you know the only way you're going to stop me from going." Gage set his eyes on Walker.
"Gage, I don't want to fight you. Now I've hardly once had to pull rank on you since you came here, but I'm going to this time. Your not going and that's a direct order."
Gage took his badge from his shirt and threw it on the ground at Walker's feet. "Now what, Walker?" Gage chided.
Walker started to get into the truck and Gage took a swing at him. Walker turned and blocked the punch. "Gage, I don't want to fight you." He said firmly.
"Then don't, let me go with you."
"I can't do that."
Gage threw another punch. Walker knew he was losing precious time and that Kellum may be on the move by now. He threw one quick punch to Gage's head. "I'm sorry for this, buddy." Gage fell unconscious at Walker's feet.
"Walker!" Trivette was shocked at what had just transpired. "You can't just leave him here in the parking lot."
"I know. Let's put him in the truck." Walker and Trivette put Gage in the cab, then Walker went to the driver's side of the truck and stopped to pick up Gage's badge, then headed to the address they had been given.
Gage started coming to a few miles down the road. He was sitting between Walker and Trivette.
"How about letting me have the door Trivette?" Gage asked, not particularly wanting to set near Walker.
"We're not stopping. If we do, we might lose Kellum." Walker said coldly.
When Walker pulled up to the house he looked over at Gage. "You really shouldn't be here." Gage looked coldly at Walker in response. "You're after the wrong kind of justice Gage."
"You should have thought about that before Walker. I'm not after justice, I'm out for revenge." Gage checked his weapon and moved into position at the front door.
"I'll keep an eye on him Walker." Trivette volunteered.
Walker joined Gage on the front stoop as Trivette ran around back. Walker banged on the door. "Open up Kellum, Texas Rangers."
David peered out the window. "Pete, it's the Rangers."
"It's Ranger Walker." Pete replied as he aimed the shotgun at the door and fired.
Walker peered through the window next to the door and pushed Gage out of the way of the shot, then entered the house. Gage jumped up from the ground and followed Walker inside. Walker raised his gun and shot David and Steve as Gage jumped Pete and began beating him relentlessly. Pete threw a punch that propelled Gage backwards into a shelving unit. Undeterred by the retaliation, Gage came at Pete again, this time kicking him in the chest. He was able to get his muscular arms around Pete's neck then he positioned himself behind him and squeezed with every ounce of his strength.
"Gage!" Trivette shouted. "Not this way."
"This is how Syd died, except she was in a smoke filled, burning building as it got harder and harder to breath the air around her." He twisted his arms to tighten his grasp on Pete's neck. Pete's eyes bulged and his face began to turn blue.
Walker stared at Gage and for a moment he wanted to cheer him on. Pete Kellum had intended to burn Alex and Angela to death. He shook his head. "Gage, you've got to let him go." Gage made no motion to move. Walker took Gage's arms tightly and forced him to release his grip on Kellum.
Trivette took Kellum outside and read him is rights.
Gage still hadn't moved. Walker put his hand on his shoulder. "Gage?"
"I would have killed him Walker, for what he did to Syd and for what he tried to do to Alex and Angela." Gage stared straight ahead, his face blank of emotion.
"For a moment, I didn't care if you did kill him." Walker said honestly. "Come on, let's go home."
**********
Sydney was fighting a high fever, which had allowed her mind to dream. She dreamed of Gage and what a life with him would be like. She felt a cool cloth touch her head. "Gage?" She said quietly.
"No, I am Golden Eagle."
Sydney nodded and fell asleep once again.
**********
Julie had arrived at Gage's apartment while he, Walker and Trivette had gone after Kellum and his men. She straightened up his living room and put the dishes away that were still in the sink. She had already placed a call to Ranger HQ and left a message for Gage, Walker or Trivette after finding out that Gage had been released from the hospital.
Gage opened his door and saw his sister standing in the living room waiting for him.
"Francis."
"Hey Jules." They embraced and as they did, Gage began to cry. "I'm sorry Julie, I didn't mean to unload on you."
"Francis, that's why I'm here. You need a shoulder to cry on right now. I know how much you loved her." Gage held Julie's hand for a moment.
"Thanks sis."
"I'll always be here for you, no matter what. Now why don't you go get washed up? I have dinner ready."
"I'm really not hungry. I think I'm gonna take a shower and go to bed."
"You aren't supposed to get your bandages wet, are you?"
Gage had forgotten about the burns on his arms and back. "No, I guess not. Maybe I'll just go lay down."
"OK. Goodnight honey."
Gage lay across his bed and glanced at the picture of he and Sydney on his dresser. He got up and retrieved the picture and laid down again. "Oh Syd, what am I gonna do without you?" He drifted off into a fitful sleep.
**********
Golden Eagle stood over Sydney and continued to give her herbs to bring down her fever. She woke from time to time asking for Gage.
"I will get you back to your people when you are well enough. But I cannot leave you now as long as this fever burns inside of you."
**********
Julie let Gage sleep until 10:00, then woke him with a cup of coffee. "Good morning." She said softly.
"No Jules, it's not a good morning. I'm not sure if it'll ever be a good morning again." He took the cup of coffee. "What time is it?"
"It's a little after 10:00."
"The funerals at 1:00. I need to talk to her mom before the service." Gage was once again trying to choke back the tears.
"That's fine honey, you just tell me what time you want to leave."
**********
"Are you OK Alex?" Walker asked as he watched his wife lay out her dress and choose something for Angela to wear.
Alex nodded. "How are you holding up?"
"I'll be OK."
**********
Gage had ordered flowers to be delivered at the chapel then he and Julie left to meet with Mrs. Cooke.
Gage softly knocked on the door of the family room. He cleared his throat. "Mrs. Cooke, it's Gage. May I come in?"
"Please."
Mrs. Cooke noted Gage's appearance as he entered the room. She could see the pain in his eyes.
"I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am." Gage couldn't hold back the tears.
"Shh. It wasn't your fault."
"I was there. I had to choose between Alex and Sydney. I took Alex first because of Angela and Sydney insisted that Alex go first."
Mrs. Cooke put her arms around him. "Stop blaming yourself. You did the right thing."
End of Chapter 2