Disclaimer: This was written for the soul purpose of my entertainment.
I lay no claim on Walker Texas Ranger or any of its characters.
Chapter 4
The phone on Gage's desk was ringing as they entered the office the next morning.
"Ranger Gage," he said as he picked up the receiver.
"I'm busy right now, I'll get back to you in about thirty minutes."
"Who was that?" inquired Syd as Gage hung up his phone.
"Paul Durgon he wants to meet with us."
"At least we are making some progress there," Syd commented as her phone began to ring. She walked to her desk to pick it up.
Trivette had come into the office now and stopped by Gage's desk to tell him he had found out a few interesting facts about Anthony.
"When Syd gets off the phone I'll explain it to both of you."
Gage nodded his head in agreement while he watched Syd. As Trivette started to walk away he began walking towards Syd.
"Then you start explaining what I don't understand Anthony," Gage heard her say.
"Bring Cara and come to Dallas, well if you can't come here then Gage and I will go there."
The line went dead and Syd hung up the phone.
"What does Anthony want?" Gage asked her.
"He is adamant that I do what ever the Costa Family wants me to do. He's scared Gage, scared to come here and scared to have us go there."
"Trivette has some information to share with us, lets find out what that is and see what he and Walker think about what is going on with Anthony."
Syd agreed, she came around from behind her desk and they walked over to where Trivette was talking with Walker.
"Your brother has been busy Syd," Trivette began, "I came across Terry Armstrong who used to be Michael Costa's right hand man before he became a guest of the state up in Huntsville. He used to collect on the bad debts that were owed Michael from his bookie operation. According to him your brother used to do a lot of gambling and was always loosing. He says that Anthony used to skim the money to pay his debts from your Father's business since he was doing the books. When your Dad got sick they needed every cent for medical bills so that is when Anthony came up with the idea of laundering the money through the business. Your Father in all likelihood didn't know anything about it.
Then Michael was accused of shooting Vic Lawson and that is where Anthony got real creative. He promised Cassandra Chapman's silence and the evidence, the shell casings, would disappear as long as his gambling debt disappeared too. Michael arranged for Durgon and Armand to threaten you and as Anthony predicted you were loyal to your family and the evidence went missing.
Once the charges were dropped Thomas Costa in gratitude bought your Father's business. Of course that way he was assured that this nice little legit business would still be able to handle moving all that dirty money through it."
Syd could hardly believe what she was hearing, Gage moved up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders.
"It all fits together," Syd finally spoke, "Anthony just called here trying to pressure Gage and I into cooperating with the Costa Family. He is scared, I tried to tell him to bring Cara and come here, I told him Gage and I would go there. He told me the only thing that would help is if we did what we were told and got Miles out of jail no matter what the cost."
"Walker I've got to call Durgon back and set up a meet with him give me a couple of minutes," Gage stated as he went back to his desk to make the call.
"Syd do you think there would be any problem with your mother coming down and staying with you for a few days? I think it would be a good idea if some one was protecting her until this is finished," Walker told her.
"My brother Rick as well," Sydney agreed.
Gage walked back over to the group, "It's all set for tomorrow at lunch," he announced.
"That gives you two time to go and get your Mother and brother then," Walker told Syd.
"I'd better call then," Syd walked back to her desk to make the call.
"Did I miss something?" Gage asked.
"Only that your in-laws are already coming to stay and you aren't even married yet," laughed Trivette.
Walker was smiling now too as that confused look came over Gage's face.
**********
As the plane began to descend into the airport Syd reached over and took Gage's hand. She sat there silently looking out the window. He brought her fingers to his lips wishing this nightmare was over.
The books for the business had all been stored in her Mother's attic. Alex had got a subpoena for them, Syd knew her Mother would let her have them she had just wanted to make sure Anthony had no more strings to pull.
Rick stood at the gate waiting for them, he pulled Sydney into his arms when he saw her. Looking at Gage all he could say was, "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault Rick," Syd spoke up.
"Maybe part of it is, I knew that Anthony was gambling, I knew he was acquainted with Michael Costa and Michael was taking his bets. I just didn't know how deep in he was or how far he would go. I should have went to you or Dad."
"There were a lot of things that we all should have and shouldn't have done," Syd smiled at her brother. The first real smile Gage had seen in a couple of days.
**********
The ride to the Kathy Cooke's house took what seemed like forever. Except what was said at the airport brother and sister were keeping their thoughts to themselves. Nearing the house Gage spotted a car in the driveway.
"Rick do you know that car?"
"No."
"Pull over, Rick stay in the car, Syd you take the back," Gage was giving out orders as they all feared the worse.
Gage watched as Syd got into position, then he advanced on the front door, knocking loudly, "Texas Rangers open up."
He was answered by gunfire breaking through the window of the front door. With one kick Gage had the door open, he could see Syd's Mother tied and laying on the floor. The assailants were fleeing out the back to where Syd awaited them. Gage rushed past Kathy, by the time he got to the back of the house Syd had one down and was struggling with the second. One well placed kick from behind from her partner finished him as well.
"Syd go look after your Mother," Gage directed her, "I'll look after these two."
When Syd got inside Rick was all ready there untying their Mother's hands and feet. Together they helped her into a chair. From what she told them these two were here to collect the books for the business.
When she knew her Mother was all right Syd began dialling her phone, "Cara is Anthony there? You tell that coward to get on the phone because if I have to hunt him down I will," Syd was all but screaming at her sister-in-law.
A few minutes passed and Anthony finally picked up the phone, "Are you calling to tell me that you are going to help them?" he asked smugly.
"No Anthony I'm calling to ask you what's next they put a bullet in Mom's head because I won't do what they tell me?"
"What are talking about?"
"Gage and I are here at Mom's with Rick, when we got here two of Costa's thugs were all ready inside trying to make her hand over the books. They could have killed her, how far are you going to let this go."
"Don't you understand Sydney if we'd all cooperate with these people then none of this would be happening."
"Don't you understand as long as we do cooperate with these people we will never be free of them."
"Sydney please hand over the books to them, that's all they want."
"Anthony the books have been subpoenaed and are in the hands of the state now."
"How could you do this to me?"
The line went dead. Gage was standing in front of her now, he put a hand on either arm and pulled her forward to him.
"He didn't even ask if Mom was hurt or if she was all right. All he is worried about is himself."
Gage knew that was the blow that hurt her the most.
"Syd go spend some time with your Mom, make sure she is packed, I'll have Anthony and Cara picked up for questioning."
She nodded her head yes and walked over where her Mother was sitting quietly with her brother. Gage went to talk to the officer in charge and put a call into Walker. He was just telling Walker they would be in around eleven when an officer came over to speak with him.
**********
"Syd, I need to see you for a minute," Gage told her motioning her to come here.
"What is it Gage?" she asked walking towards him.
"Let's go outside."
She followed him out the back door to the middle of the lawn where he had stopped to wait for her.
"Syd the officers that went to pick up Cara and Anthony just radioed in. Someone has broken in they've been shot, Cara is in critical condition and is being rushed to hospital."
"Anthony is dead isn't he?" she simply asked.
Gage nodded his head yes, Syd stood not moving as a tear rolled down her cheek.
**********
Sydney's Mom and brother took the news about like she did. None of them had wanted it all of them had expected it.
Rick and Gage loaded Mrs. Cooke's bags into the car and then they all got in to go to the hospital. Sydney and her Mom went to the waiting room to check on Cara, while Gage went with Rick to identify Anthony's body.
Upon seeing his brother's body, Rick cried softly nodding his head yes. Gage put his hand on his shoulder.
"I keep seeing us as kids. I never thought it would end this way for him."
"I'm sorry Rick," Gage told him, he knew this was never easy at any age, "We'd better go join your Mom and Syd."
Rick nodded his head yes and Gage pushed the elevator button.
Syd and her Mom were sitting quietly in the waiting room when Rick and Gage entered. A few minutes later the doctor came out asking for the Cooke family.
"Is there a Sydney Cooke here?" he asked.
"Yes I'm Sydney."
"Cara is in stable condition, she has a chest wound that grazed her lung, but luckily it passed out her back. She is awake and she has been asking for Sydney. If you would like to come this way I'll take you to her."
Gage gave her hand a squeeze, then she followed the doctor to Cara's room.
Cara was hooked up to all sorts of machines, Sydney walked over to her sister-in-law's bed. She stood looking at her for a few minutes wondering how much she knew about what Anthony had done. Syd took her hand and gently called her name.
"I'm sorry Sydney."
"Cara it's all right it's in the past."
"No it's not all right I should have come forward at the time, but I didn't and now look what has happened. I want to change that Sydney, I want to testify now if it's not to late."
"We'll have Michael Costa picked up for murder."
**********
Paul Durgon sat nervously waiting for his boss Thomas Costa. Things had not gone the way he had anticipated concerning Anthony Cooke. They were only suppose to retrieve the books, those damn books that would expose their business affairs with Anthony Cooke. Now the books were in the hands of the Rangers and Ranger Sydney Cooke's brother was dead.
Thomas Costa entered the room Christopher Armand was with him. Paul Durgon nervously licked his lips.
"Durgon we have a big problem, the only thing you had to do was arrange with Rangers Gage and Cooke to get the charges against Miles dropped.
So far let me see, we have brought one of our legitimate businesses under scrutiny, and have killed Ranger Cooke's brother. Miles is still in jail and we don't even know if the Rangers are willing to still meet with us tomorrow. There have been too many mistakes. Christopher will look after things from now on."
Durgon sat there not moving he knew what was coming as Costa turned to leave the room.
Costa walked down the hall as the gun fired, the Paul Durgon problem had been solved.
**********
It was after midnight when Syd and Gage arrived home with Syd's Mother and brother. Syd helped her Mother get settled in the spare room while Gage brought bedding out to the couch for Rick.
Rick had been sitting quietly, he had hardly spoken since they had got on the plane. Looking at Gage, he softly spoke to him, "I can look after Mom, it's up to you to look after my sister. Can you promise me that?"
"Rick I love Syd, you have my promise I'll do everything in my power to protect her."
"I needed to hear you say that. I know she loves you too."
Gage sat and listened to Rick talk for a while longer before saying goodnight to him. He went to join Syd in their bedroom. She had all ready snuggled under the covers, he slipped in beside her and pulled her close. She was weeping for her brother and Gage held her until she fell asleep.
The next morning Syd was up before anyone else, she had the coffee started as Gage joined her in the kitchen.
"What are your feelings about our meeting with Durgon and Costa today?" Gage asked her.
"I can do this Gage. They have pulled the strings in my family for too long it has to end."
"I'll let Walker know that we are ready."
**********
An hour later two Rangers were at the door to stand guard while Sydney and Gage went to Headquarters.
Gage called Paul Durgon only to have his call redirected to Chris Armand. He was told that Mr. Durgon was no longer with them, but he was well aware of the meeting that was scheduled with Mr. Costa today and that they were certainly still eager to meet with them. Gage told him that they would see them at noon. He then joined Sydney who was going over things with Walker, Alex and Trivette.
"We've got a new player," Gage announced as he joined the rest of them, "Christopher Armand is now handling things for Mr. Costa. I wonder what that is all about?"
Trivette hung up his phone, "I think I can answer that, Durgon's body was just found out by the lake by some boaters not half an hour ago."
"Probably offered as an apology to Syd, for Anthony," Walker stated, "Like killing Durgon is suppose to make it all right. You two go get your wires, so they can make it all right."
An hour later Syd and Gage were headed into Costa's club to meet with them. Thomas Costa and Christopher Armand stood as they entered. As everyone was seated Armand began, "It is regrettable what has happened between our families Ranger Cooke, you will no longer have Paul Durgon's incompetence to deal with. We do hope that we can put this unpleasantness behind us and move forward."
Gage answered for Syd, "My partner is not interested in your apologies, what we are here for is to complete the deal concerning Miles Costa."
Thomas Costa cut in, "How much do I have to pay you to insure the charges are dropped and have my son our of jail?"
"Five hundred thousand, two hundred and fifty thousand for my partner and two hundred fifty thousand to me. Then there is the matter of another hundred thousand restitution to the Cooke Family for the untimely death of Anthony Cooke caused by the incompetence of Paul Durgon who was an employee of yours, working under your instruction." Gage smiled as he laid out the terms.
"You are going to take your responsibility in all this aren't you Mr. Costa?" Syd asked forcing a smile.
"If you have the cash ready for us we can sign the paperwork now, file the papers this afternoon and have Miles home in time for dinner," Gage continued.
Costa motioned to Armand, "Go to the safe and get the money I want this transaction taken care of."
Armand stood up, leaving to retrieve the cash as Costa continued, "Ranger Cooke, your brother was weak, he made deals with us that he couldn't keep, in the end he was a liability. An example had to be set. His death was nothing personal just business. It was a mistake that it happened before our business transaction was complete, but fortunately we were able to come to a solution suitable for all of us."
Armand came walking into the room with the cash just as Walker and Trivette came walking in, informing everyone that they were under arrest. The Rangers jumped into action and in a matter of a few minutes Costa and his associates were in handcuffs. Syd had cuffed Thomas Costa herself as Gage pulled him to his feet.
"The only suitable solution is to see you and your sons behind bars for a very long time," she told him.
***********
Two Weeks Later.
Gage stood with Sydney outside the Office of the Internal Affairs Review Board. Alex had acted as her defence presenting her case before the board. Walker had spoken on her behalf at quite some length as well as Trivette and Gage. She had told her story, admitting her guilt and now the only thing left to do was wait for the ruling to be handed down.
Finally a woman emerged from the office and told them that they were ready for her inside. Syd took a deep breath and walked in Gage right behind her. Everyone was asked to take a seat as they waited to hear the verdict.
"Ranger Cooke could you please stand," asked the chairman of the Review Board.
Syd did as she was asked.
"What happened almost five years ago is not something to be taken lightly. Yet the circumstances surrounding the case, your exemplary record as a Ranger and your work on the last case setting the record straight even knowing how it could end for you has all been taken into consideration. It is the opinion of this board that it would be a far greater loss to dismiss you then to keep you in the position you are now. However this incident will stay on your permanent record being sealed to this board. You are free to go and resume your duties as a Texas Ranger."
The End
By Janis
I lay no claim on Walker Texas Ranger or any of its characters.
Chapter 4
The phone on Gage's desk was ringing as they entered the office the next morning.
"Ranger Gage," he said as he picked up the receiver.
"I'm busy right now, I'll get back to you in about thirty minutes."
"Who was that?" inquired Syd as Gage hung up his phone.
"Paul Durgon he wants to meet with us."
"At least we are making some progress there," Syd commented as her phone began to ring. She walked to her desk to pick it up.
Trivette had come into the office now and stopped by Gage's desk to tell him he had found out a few interesting facts about Anthony.
"When Syd gets off the phone I'll explain it to both of you."
Gage nodded his head in agreement while he watched Syd. As Trivette started to walk away he began walking towards Syd.
"Then you start explaining what I don't understand Anthony," Gage heard her say.
"Bring Cara and come to Dallas, well if you can't come here then Gage and I will go there."
The line went dead and Syd hung up the phone.
"What does Anthony want?" Gage asked her.
"He is adamant that I do what ever the Costa Family wants me to do. He's scared Gage, scared to come here and scared to have us go there."
"Trivette has some information to share with us, lets find out what that is and see what he and Walker think about what is going on with Anthony."
Syd agreed, she came around from behind her desk and they walked over to where Trivette was talking with Walker.
"Your brother has been busy Syd," Trivette began, "I came across Terry Armstrong who used to be Michael Costa's right hand man before he became a guest of the state up in Huntsville. He used to collect on the bad debts that were owed Michael from his bookie operation. According to him your brother used to do a lot of gambling and was always loosing. He says that Anthony used to skim the money to pay his debts from your Father's business since he was doing the books. When your Dad got sick they needed every cent for medical bills so that is when Anthony came up with the idea of laundering the money through the business. Your Father in all likelihood didn't know anything about it.
Then Michael was accused of shooting Vic Lawson and that is where Anthony got real creative. He promised Cassandra Chapman's silence and the evidence, the shell casings, would disappear as long as his gambling debt disappeared too. Michael arranged for Durgon and Armand to threaten you and as Anthony predicted you were loyal to your family and the evidence went missing.
Once the charges were dropped Thomas Costa in gratitude bought your Father's business. Of course that way he was assured that this nice little legit business would still be able to handle moving all that dirty money through it."
Syd could hardly believe what she was hearing, Gage moved up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders.
"It all fits together," Syd finally spoke, "Anthony just called here trying to pressure Gage and I into cooperating with the Costa Family. He is scared, I tried to tell him to bring Cara and come here, I told him Gage and I would go there. He told me the only thing that would help is if we did what we were told and got Miles out of jail no matter what the cost."
"Walker I've got to call Durgon back and set up a meet with him give me a couple of minutes," Gage stated as he went back to his desk to make the call.
"Syd do you think there would be any problem with your mother coming down and staying with you for a few days? I think it would be a good idea if some one was protecting her until this is finished," Walker told her.
"My brother Rick as well," Sydney agreed.
Gage walked back over to the group, "It's all set for tomorrow at lunch," he announced.
"That gives you two time to go and get your Mother and brother then," Walker told Syd.
"I'd better call then," Syd walked back to her desk to make the call.
"Did I miss something?" Gage asked.
"Only that your in-laws are already coming to stay and you aren't even married yet," laughed Trivette.
Walker was smiling now too as that confused look came over Gage's face.
**********
As the plane began to descend into the airport Syd reached over and took Gage's hand. She sat there silently looking out the window. He brought her fingers to his lips wishing this nightmare was over.
The books for the business had all been stored in her Mother's attic. Alex had got a subpoena for them, Syd knew her Mother would let her have them she had just wanted to make sure Anthony had no more strings to pull.
Rick stood at the gate waiting for them, he pulled Sydney into his arms when he saw her. Looking at Gage all he could say was, "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault Rick," Syd spoke up.
"Maybe part of it is, I knew that Anthony was gambling, I knew he was acquainted with Michael Costa and Michael was taking his bets. I just didn't know how deep in he was or how far he would go. I should have went to you or Dad."
"There were a lot of things that we all should have and shouldn't have done," Syd smiled at her brother. The first real smile Gage had seen in a couple of days.
**********
The ride to the Kathy Cooke's house took what seemed like forever. Except what was said at the airport brother and sister were keeping their thoughts to themselves. Nearing the house Gage spotted a car in the driveway.
"Rick do you know that car?"
"No."
"Pull over, Rick stay in the car, Syd you take the back," Gage was giving out orders as they all feared the worse.
Gage watched as Syd got into position, then he advanced on the front door, knocking loudly, "Texas Rangers open up."
He was answered by gunfire breaking through the window of the front door. With one kick Gage had the door open, he could see Syd's Mother tied and laying on the floor. The assailants were fleeing out the back to where Syd awaited them. Gage rushed past Kathy, by the time he got to the back of the house Syd had one down and was struggling with the second. One well placed kick from behind from her partner finished him as well.
"Syd go look after your Mother," Gage directed her, "I'll look after these two."
When Syd got inside Rick was all ready there untying their Mother's hands and feet. Together they helped her into a chair. From what she told them these two were here to collect the books for the business.
When she knew her Mother was all right Syd began dialling her phone, "Cara is Anthony there? You tell that coward to get on the phone because if I have to hunt him down I will," Syd was all but screaming at her sister-in-law.
A few minutes passed and Anthony finally picked up the phone, "Are you calling to tell me that you are going to help them?" he asked smugly.
"No Anthony I'm calling to ask you what's next they put a bullet in Mom's head because I won't do what they tell me?"
"What are talking about?"
"Gage and I are here at Mom's with Rick, when we got here two of Costa's thugs were all ready inside trying to make her hand over the books. They could have killed her, how far are you going to let this go."
"Don't you understand Sydney if we'd all cooperate with these people then none of this would be happening."
"Don't you understand as long as we do cooperate with these people we will never be free of them."
"Sydney please hand over the books to them, that's all they want."
"Anthony the books have been subpoenaed and are in the hands of the state now."
"How could you do this to me?"
The line went dead. Gage was standing in front of her now, he put a hand on either arm and pulled her forward to him.
"He didn't even ask if Mom was hurt or if she was all right. All he is worried about is himself."
Gage knew that was the blow that hurt her the most.
"Syd go spend some time with your Mom, make sure she is packed, I'll have Anthony and Cara picked up for questioning."
She nodded her head yes and walked over where her Mother was sitting quietly with her brother. Gage went to talk to the officer in charge and put a call into Walker. He was just telling Walker they would be in around eleven when an officer came over to speak with him.
**********
"Syd, I need to see you for a minute," Gage told her motioning her to come here.
"What is it Gage?" she asked walking towards him.
"Let's go outside."
She followed him out the back door to the middle of the lawn where he had stopped to wait for her.
"Syd the officers that went to pick up Cara and Anthony just radioed in. Someone has broken in they've been shot, Cara is in critical condition and is being rushed to hospital."
"Anthony is dead isn't he?" she simply asked.
Gage nodded his head yes, Syd stood not moving as a tear rolled down her cheek.
**********
Sydney's Mom and brother took the news about like she did. None of them had wanted it all of them had expected it.
Rick and Gage loaded Mrs. Cooke's bags into the car and then they all got in to go to the hospital. Sydney and her Mom went to the waiting room to check on Cara, while Gage went with Rick to identify Anthony's body.
Upon seeing his brother's body, Rick cried softly nodding his head yes. Gage put his hand on his shoulder.
"I keep seeing us as kids. I never thought it would end this way for him."
"I'm sorry Rick," Gage told him, he knew this was never easy at any age, "We'd better go join your Mom and Syd."
Rick nodded his head yes and Gage pushed the elevator button.
Syd and her Mom were sitting quietly in the waiting room when Rick and Gage entered. A few minutes later the doctor came out asking for the Cooke family.
"Is there a Sydney Cooke here?" he asked.
"Yes I'm Sydney."
"Cara is in stable condition, she has a chest wound that grazed her lung, but luckily it passed out her back. She is awake and she has been asking for Sydney. If you would like to come this way I'll take you to her."
Gage gave her hand a squeeze, then she followed the doctor to Cara's room.
Cara was hooked up to all sorts of machines, Sydney walked over to her sister-in-law's bed. She stood looking at her for a few minutes wondering how much she knew about what Anthony had done. Syd took her hand and gently called her name.
"I'm sorry Sydney."
"Cara it's all right it's in the past."
"No it's not all right I should have come forward at the time, but I didn't and now look what has happened. I want to change that Sydney, I want to testify now if it's not to late."
"We'll have Michael Costa picked up for murder."
**********
Paul Durgon sat nervously waiting for his boss Thomas Costa. Things had not gone the way he had anticipated concerning Anthony Cooke. They were only suppose to retrieve the books, those damn books that would expose their business affairs with Anthony Cooke. Now the books were in the hands of the Rangers and Ranger Sydney Cooke's brother was dead.
Thomas Costa entered the room Christopher Armand was with him. Paul Durgon nervously licked his lips.
"Durgon we have a big problem, the only thing you had to do was arrange with Rangers Gage and Cooke to get the charges against Miles dropped.
So far let me see, we have brought one of our legitimate businesses under scrutiny, and have killed Ranger Cooke's brother. Miles is still in jail and we don't even know if the Rangers are willing to still meet with us tomorrow. There have been too many mistakes. Christopher will look after things from now on."
Durgon sat there not moving he knew what was coming as Costa turned to leave the room.
Costa walked down the hall as the gun fired, the Paul Durgon problem had been solved.
**********
It was after midnight when Syd and Gage arrived home with Syd's Mother and brother. Syd helped her Mother get settled in the spare room while Gage brought bedding out to the couch for Rick.
Rick had been sitting quietly, he had hardly spoken since they had got on the plane. Looking at Gage, he softly spoke to him, "I can look after Mom, it's up to you to look after my sister. Can you promise me that?"
"Rick I love Syd, you have my promise I'll do everything in my power to protect her."
"I needed to hear you say that. I know she loves you too."
Gage sat and listened to Rick talk for a while longer before saying goodnight to him. He went to join Syd in their bedroom. She had all ready snuggled under the covers, he slipped in beside her and pulled her close. She was weeping for her brother and Gage held her until she fell asleep.
The next morning Syd was up before anyone else, she had the coffee started as Gage joined her in the kitchen.
"What are your feelings about our meeting with Durgon and Costa today?" Gage asked her.
"I can do this Gage. They have pulled the strings in my family for too long it has to end."
"I'll let Walker know that we are ready."
**********
An hour later two Rangers were at the door to stand guard while Sydney and Gage went to Headquarters.
Gage called Paul Durgon only to have his call redirected to Chris Armand. He was told that Mr. Durgon was no longer with them, but he was well aware of the meeting that was scheduled with Mr. Costa today and that they were certainly still eager to meet with them. Gage told him that they would see them at noon. He then joined Sydney who was going over things with Walker, Alex and Trivette.
"We've got a new player," Gage announced as he joined the rest of them, "Christopher Armand is now handling things for Mr. Costa. I wonder what that is all about?"
Trivette hung up his phone, "I think I can answer that, Durgon's body was just found out by the lake by some boaters not half an hour ago."
"Probably offered as an apology to Syd, for Anthony," Walker stated, "Like killing Durgon is suppose to make it all right. You two go get your wires, so they can make it all right."
An hour later Syd and Gage were headed into Costa's club to meet with them. Thomas Costa and Christopher Armand stood as they entered. As everyone was seated Armand began, "It is regrettable what has happened between our families Ranger Cooke, you will no longer have Paul Durgon's incompetence to deal with. We do hope that we can put this unpleasantness behind us and move forward."
Gage answered for Syd, "My partner is not interested in your apologies, what we are here for is to complete the deal concerning Miles Costa."
Thomas Costa cut in, "How much do I have to pay you to insure the charges are dropped and have my son our of jail?"
"Five hundred thousand, two hundred and fifty thousand for my partner and two hundred fifty thousand to me. Then there is the matter of another hundred thousand restitution to the Cooke Family for the untimely death of Anthony Cooke caused by the incompetence of Paul Durgon who was an employee of yours, working under your instruction." Gage smiled as he laid out the terms.
"You are going to take your responsibility in all this aren't you Mr. Costa?" Syd asked forcing a smile.
"If you have the cash ready for us we can sign the paperwork now, file the papers this afternoon and have Miles home in time for dinner," Gage continued.
Costa motioned to Armand, "Go to the safe and get the money I want this transaction taken care of."
Armand stood up, leaving to retrieve the cash as Costa continued, "Ranger Cooke, your brother was weak, he made deals with us that he couldn't keep, in the end he was a liability. An example had to be set. His death was nothing personal just business. It was a mistake that it happened before our business transaction was complete, but fortunately we were able to come to a solution suitable for all of us."
Armand came walking into the room with the cash just as Walker and Trivette came walking in, informing everyone that they were under arrest. The Rangers jumped into action and in a matter of a few minutes Costa and his associates were in handcuffs. Syd had cuffed Thomas Costa herself as Gage pulled him to his feet.
"The only suitable solution is to see you and your sons behind bars for a very long time," she told him.
***********
Two Weeks Later.
Gage stood with Sydney outside the Office of the Internal Affairs Review Board. Alex had acted as her defence presenting her case before the board. Walker had spoken on her behalf at quite some length as well as Trivette and Gage. She had told her story, admitting her guilt and now the only thing left to do was wait for the ruling to be handed down.
Finally a woman emerged from the office and told them that they were ready for her inside. Syd took a deep breath and walked in Gage right behind her. Everyone was asked to take a seat as they waited to hear the verdict.
"Ranger Cooke could you please stand," asked the chairman of the Review Board.
Syd did as she was asked.
"What happened almost five years ago is not something to be taken lightly. Yet the circumstances surrounding the case, your exemplary record as a Ranger and your work on the last case setting the record straight even knowing how it could end for you has all been taken into consideration. It is the opinion of this board that it would be a far greater loss to dismiss you then to keep you in the position you are now. However this incident will stay on your permanent record being sealed to this board. You are free to go and resume your duties as a Texas Ranger."
The End
By Janis