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 3
Michael Gato was standing with his father in his office relating to him what had happened that afternoon.
"Then this woman comes up behind Amy and before anyone knows what hit, Amy is lying out on the floor. Pearson and Ryerson don't bat an eye, in fact Pearson don't even turn around, he just says something like Hi Mac nice of you to join us. Then she calls me down and the three of them leave. I'd like to have that bitch alone with me for about five minutes..."
His father cut him off, "You'd be dead before you hit the floor. Did you not look over the files on the Cruzo Family? You think I just have these things put together so I can spend more money? David Ryerson is old school he has been with the family for years. He serves as an advisor to both Colt Pearson and Mac. Susan MacPhee Cruzo is Alberto Cruzo's only child. Her mother died when she was only three and Cruzo has brought her up to run the family business. Colt Pearson was the son of a business associate whose wife and he met untimely deaths. Alberto brought Colt into his home and raised him as his own. As he and Mac grew up they learned the ins and outs of the business. They both learned from the ground up, one is as deadly as the other. One has as many hits to their credit as the other. Do not try to pull a double cross on them Michael you will not survive. Both are smart and cunning. They are engaged to be married so don't think of her as a conquest either. We can have a long business relationship with these people if we handle things right. Do I make myself clear?"
Michael stood looking at his father, then slowly shook his head yes. His Father could only trust that his son wouldn't be stupid on this.
**********
Victor Gato had sent a limo to pick them up. Walker walked behind Syd and Gage as they made their way through the lobby to the awaiting car. He couldn't help noticing what a handsome couple the partners made. There was something about Sydney though that Walker just couldn't put his finger on. She was going to make quite an impression at the party this evening.
Heads turned and watched as they passed through the lobby. Gage pulled Syd a little closer to him wanting everyone to know that this beautiful woman was his.
The car pulled into the Gato estate that was very brightly lit for the evening festivities. This was to be a gala affair with a lot of Austin's elite being present.
"Okay the idea here tonight is to bait the trap. You two stay in plain sight, meet with Gato and set the plan in motion. While everyone is being charmed by you they won't think to be looking for me. So leave the snooping to me," Walker smiled at them as the door was opened for them.
Gage got out first and extended his hand to Syd. Victor Gato and his wife Celia stood at the door to greet the guests as they arrived. Walker stood off to the side letting the attention be drawn to Syd and Gage.
"Mr. Pearson," Victor greeted Gage shaking his hand, "and this must be your lovely fiancée, Miss Cruzo." Taking Syd's hand he brought it to his lips.
"You've done your homework Mr. Gato," Gage told him smiling.
"Please call me Mac, Mr. Gato, all my friends do," Syd smiled sweetly at him.
Victor turned to his wife, "And this is my lovely wife Celia who without her none of this would be possible."
"Very pleased to meet you," Syd smiled as she took Celia Gato's hand.
"Enjoy our hospitality and I look forward to meeting with you later this evening," Victor told them as Syd and Gage moved on to join the rest of the guests.
**********
"Fancy party," Gage commented as he handed a flute of champagne to Syd, that he had retrieved from a waiter.
Syd was about to take a sip, as she brought it to her lips the smell began to turn her stomach. Gage quickly put his hand under her elbow.
"Mac?" He questioned her.
Syd handed the glass to Gage, "I'm fine Colt maybe something non-alcoholic," she told him.
"All right I'll see what they have at the bar, you'll be all right by yourself for a few minutes?"
"Yes I'll be right here when you get back."
While she stood waiting for Gage, Walker came up beside her.
"Everything is set for the meeting tonight Mac," he told her, "nothing should be missed."
Walker had been able to sneak into Gato's office and plant a few bugs as Victor and his wife greeted their guests. The local authorities were stationed outside the gates of the estate ready to tape anything that was said at the meeting.
Gage rejoined them handing Syd another flute, "Sparkling Cider," he said.
She took the glass from his hand and this time was able to take a sip.
As the evening progressed Syd and Gage mingled with the guests trying to watch for anything unusual. About nine thirty one of Victor's associates approached them to say Mr. Gato would like them to join him in his office around ten o'clock.
"We would be pleased to," Gage told him.
Michael Gato was standing across the room with his pals watching Colt and Mac. What his father had told him earlier was running through his mind. He dismissed it thinking to himself that neither of them looked like killers. He had told his father earlier he would like five minutes with her, as he watched her now he decided he would need her longer then that to satisfy himself. If nothing else she was a beauty. Colt had leaned down and kissed her neck it turned his stomach. One way or another he was going to have her. No one denied him anything.
She was whispering something to him then she got up and moved away from him. Things were certainly going his way he thought to himself as he moved to follow her. She had gone into the powder room to freshen up as she opened the door to come out Michael made his move. He blocked the door way so Syd couldn't pass.
"I think we have some unfinished business," he told her as he pushed her back inside.
Syd could smell the alcohol on him as he stood there leering at the front of her dress.
"Michael I think we have two choices here," Syd suggested to him, "first you can get out of my way and we can forget this ever happened."
Gato started laughing, "or what?" he asked reaching for the front of her dress.
Syd quickly grabbed his hand twisting it so she brought him to his knees with his arm behind him, Then reaching for the knife that was sheathed to her leg brought it to his throat.
"Or I could tell Colt and let him have you. Since I was a little girl Colt has always done everything I ever asked of him and he wouldn't think twice about it when I asked him to bring me all your dirty little fingers before he killed you. So what will it be it's your choice? Syd pressed the knife a little harder to his throat.
Gato waved his free hand at the door.
That's what I figured you might decide. Just as a warning though don't you even think about looking at me the wrong way or you won't live to see the sunrise another day."
Syd shoved him forward to the floor, replaced her knife and left the bathroom as if nothing had happened.
As she walked back up to Gage he smiled at her and told her he was just about to send out a search party for her.
She quickly explained about her chance meeting with Michael Gato in the powder room and how she had resolved the problem. Gage smiled when she told him what she had done, yet he didn't hesitate to pull her close and ask if she was all right.
**********
The meeting went as expected, Victor Gato having checked out the Cruzo family was satisfied that this would be a profitable business arrangement for all concerned. Syd and Gage conveyed the same sentiments and the details were worked out.
The first buy was to go down the following afternoon. With both sides being satisfied with the arrangements the meeting was concluded.
"Colt I think we should retire to the hotel, it has been quite a splendid evening. You must tell Celia what a wonderful party this was and thank her for having us."
"The pleasure was all ours," smiled Victor as he sent one of his people for the car, "If you will excuse me I have a little more business to attend to this evening. Until tomorrow. Michael will see you out."
He took Syd's hand once again and brought it to his lips. Gage offered his arm to Syd which she took and they walked from the room. The car was waiting for them, Gage helped Syd into the car then turned to face Michael Gato.
"You are lucky to still be alive, go near her again and I will kill you. Good evening Michael."
Even though it was a cool evening, Michael could feel the sweat running down his back between his shoulder blades. His Father had been right he had made two very bad enemies tonight.
It gave Gage a lot of pleasure to watch Michael Gato squirm. It had been him who had given the order to use that heroine on those two kids, and it had been him who had shot their father in the head. Gage wasn't through with Michael Gato yet, he had meant it when he told him to stay away from his wife.
**********
Gage slid into the car beside Syd and pulled her close to him. He could tell she was tired.
"Long night?" he asked her.
"Not really, but I sure am tired. You should be the one that is tired I slept most of the way down here," she said leaning her head on his shoulder.
"I'm fine Syd," he replied kissing her neck. "Changing the subject a little..."
"Yes Gage?"
"I know you can look after yourself."
Syd rolled her eyes, "Then what is the problem?"
"Michael Gato, Syd he is cruel and vicious I don't want you to have to handle him alone again that's all."
"Gage I can handle myself."
"I'm not questioning that, I just don't want you in the position that you have to handle it alone. Syd I'm sorry it's my heart speaking."
"Then I forgive you," she whispered to him as the car pulled up in front of the hotel.
The doorman came around to open the car door, Gage slid out of the car turning he offered his hand to Syd who graciously took it. They walked into the hotel together still turning heads.
**********
Michael Gato had stood on the front steps for a long time after the car carrying Mac Cruzo and Colt Pearson had disappeared. He knew he had opened a real Pandora's box tangling with the two of them. He was just going to have to devise some sort of plan to get what her wanted. He could not let this go unchallenged, he was a winner and these two were not going to come in here and try to prove otherwise.
It was more then just that though, since he had laid eyes on Mac he knew he wanted her and he wasn't someone to take no for an answer. She had class and a style all her own, he knew that he had to have her no matter what the cost. She was becoming an obsession.
Colt Pearson, on the other hand had just given him another reason to hate him. Telling him to stay away from her. Threatening him if he went near her like he was a rabid animal to be put down if he did.
Michael Gato decided right then and there that he was going have Mac and make sure that Colt knew it before he killed them both.
**********
Once they were in their room Gage pulled Syd into his arms and kissed her.
"Can we order room service?" she asked.
Gage looked at her puzzled, "All that food at the party tonight and you are hungry?"
"I didn't eat anything, once I smelled the champagne and my stomach began to turn I thought I'd better wait until we got back here to eat."
"Order what ever you like Honey."
Syd made a dive for the menu and then the phone.
Gage listened to her wondering if there was anything on the menu that she wasn't ordering. When she hung up the phone he asked her if there was going to be anything left in the kitchen. She made a face at him.
"Help me with the zipper of my dress."
Gage kissed her shoulder as he unzipped her dress and let it slide to the floor. Syd wrapped her robe around her and went into the bathroom to remove her make-up. Gage laid back on the pillows patiently waiting for her. When she came back she curled up beside her partner as they rehashed the evening's events. Gage's cell phone rang interrupting their conversation.
"Walker, okay we'll meet you around two o'clock and go over everything with you."
As Gage hung up the phone there was a knock at the door to announce Syd's late supper had arrived. A room service cart was wheeled in and Gage signed for it. As the door closed Syd went to the cart and began helping herself to the food.
"Did you want some?" she asked.
"I'll get some if there is any left," he smiled at her.
As it was Syd had ordered plenty of food for both of them, Gage was still watching her, the combinations of foods she was putting together looked more like something he would have put together to eat. This was the first she had eaten since breakfast so he said nothing to her.
After Syd had finished eating she laid back against the pillows and within moments was sleeping. Gage pulled the covers over her, kissing her forehead as he did so. He undressed and slid under the blankets and pulled her close. She murmured softly as she pulled herself closer to her husband.
**********
They slept soundly until about six o'clock, Syd had woke up feeling warm and pulled herself away from Gage. She sat at the edge of the bed trying to get her bearings so she could get to the bathroom with out turning on any lights. Standing up that dizzy feeling from the day before hit her. This time she didn't have time to sit back down she made a dash for the bathroom where she was very sick.
Gage woke up and turned on the light, he could hear Syd, going to the bathroom door he knocked.
"Can I come in Honey?" he asked.
"Just a minute," she answered weakly.
She opened the door and Gage came in. She sat on the edge of the tub her head between her knees, shivering in a cold sweat. He picked her up and carried her back to bed. Slipping under the covers with her he pulled her close using his body to help her warm up.
"You need to see a doctor Syd."
"As soon as we get home."
"No I was thinking in the next hour or so."
"Gage let's wrap this up and go home, I want my own doctor. It's starting to pass I've stopped shivering. I've got to be there for this meet to make it work."
"I'll make you a deal he told her reaching for the phone, I'll call the desk for a wake up call for ten o'clock and if you are feeling better it will be a go. If not we find a doctor for you. All right."
She reluctantly agreed knowing there was no other way around her husband.
**********
By nine o'clock Syd was awake, dressed and feeling much better. She decided she would go downstairs and take a look around. Gage was still sleeping so she wrote him a note, kissed him and left.
Downstairs Syd poked around a few of the shops for a couple of hours. She had an uneasy feeling the whole time as if she was being watched. By eleven she was still feeling paranoid and decided to call Gage to join her. Usually if something wasn't right they both picked up on it. She went to the house phone and called.
"Hi honey are you hungry?"
"Syd where are you?"
"Downstairs, I left you a note on the desk."
"Just found it," Gage told her sounding less panic stricken.
"Grab a quick shower and meet me down here for brunch."
"I take it you are feeling better."
"I'm fine just hurry up I'll meet you in front of the restaurant."
She decided she would wait until he got down there and see if he felt like they were being watched too. Hanging up she decided to browse once again in the gift shop while she waited. After about fifteen minutes Syd headed for the restaurant only to be stopped by Michael Gato and two of his associates.
"Well the lovely Mac," he smiled at her, "and how are we this morning?"
"Michael this is becoming tiresome," Syd replied trying to muster up all the confidence she could.
"On the contrary Mac this is just about to get interesting. You see I know that once you've spent some time with me then you are going to wonder what you ever saw in Colt Pearson. Then the only question will be whether I want you or not."
Gato's people were circling behind her now one coming up on either side of her grabbing her arms making sure that she could see their guns could be drawn at any moment.
"Now Mac this is what is happening here, I'm going to leave and in about five minutes my two friends are going to escort you out and bring you to me. We are going to spend a nice afternoon together before you rejoin Colt and meet with my father."
"You really are insane aren't you?"
"We'll see," he said moving his hand to her face to caress it. Syd turned her head biting his hand.
"You little... just get her out to the car," Gato directed the two thugs. He turned and left.
Syd waited until he was out of sight to make her move. She drove her heel into the foot of one and as he let go of her she attacked the other.
Gage was getting off the elevator when he heard the commotion and went to see what was going on. Seeing Syd was in the middle of things, he stepped in to help. Gato's two men were unconscious on the floor before they knew what hit them.
Hotel security was rushing to the scene now, "What happened Mr. Pearson?" the first was asking Gage.
"These two thought they could attack my fiancée," retorted Gage putting his arm around Syd.
"Colt, Michael is outside some where waiting for these two to take me to him."
"Let's give him something to watch while he waits then," replied Gage as he took out his phone and began dialling Walker.
Walker was meeting with the Austin PD helping to coordinate things for the bust that was set up for that afternoon. Walker had both police and ambulance dispatched to give the appearance that Gato's people had met an untimely death.
"Mac look after things here I have something to take care of."
"Colt?"
"I'll be right back," he told her brushing his fingers down her face.
Gage went outside, the ambulance was just arriving along with the police. He caught sight of who he was looking for. Michael was sitting in his car watching the emergency people wondering what was taking so long and what was going on inside. He was so caught up in what was going on that Gage was able to move up behind him and point his gun at Gato's temple.
"Hello Michael, you don't listen very well do you?"
"Colt, wasn't expecting to see you, what's with the gun?"
"Don't be cute Michael the only reason we are having this conversation is out of respect for your father. You are much luckier then your friends, all this fuss is for them. Mac doesn't take kindly to people trying to make her do things she doesn't want too. She has asked me not to kill you because she wants that pleasure the next time you dare to touch her. Is there anything you don't get?"
Michael slowly shook his head no.
"Now start your car and drive away."
Michael did as Gage told him too scared to look back.
I lay no claim on Walker Texas Ranger or any of its characters.
Chapter 3
Michael Gato was standing with his father in his office relating to him what had happened that afternoon.
"Then this woman comes up behind Amy and before anyone knows what hit, Amy is lying out on the floor. Pearson and Ryerson don't bat an eye, in fact Pearson don't even turn around, he just says something like Hi Mac nice of you to join us. Then she calls me down and the three of them leave. I'd like to have that bitch alone with me for about five minutes..."
His father cut him off, "You'd be dead before you hit the floor. Did you not look over the files on the Cruzo Family? You think I just have these things put together so I can spend more money? David Ryerson is old school he has been with the family for years. He serves as an advisor to both Colt Pearson and Mac. Susan MacPhee Cruzo is Alberto Cruzo's only child. Her mother died when she was only three and Cruzo has brought her up to run the family business. Colt Pearson was the son of a business associate whose wife and he met untimely deaths. Alberto brought Colt into his home and raised him as his own. As he and Mac grew up they learned the ins and outs of the business. They both learned from the ground up, one is as deadly as the other. One has as many hits to their credit as the other. Do not try to pull a double cross on them Michael you will not survive. Both are smart and cunning. They are engaged to be married so don't think of her as a conquest either. We can have a long business relationship with these people if we handle things right. Do I make myself clear?"
Michael stood looking at his father, then slowly shook his head yes. His Father could only trust that his son wouldn't be stupid on this.
**********
Victor Gato had sent a limo to pick them up. Walker walked behind Syd and Gage as they made their way through the lobby to the awaiting car. He couldn't help noticing what a handsome couple the partners made. There was something about Sydney though that Walker just couldn't put his finger on. She was going to make quite an impression at the party this evening.
Heads turned and watched as they passed through the lobby. Gage pulled Syd a little closer to him wanting everyone to know that this beautiful woman was his.
The car pulled into the Gato estate that was very brightly lit for the evening festivities. This was to be a gala affair with a lot of Austin's elite being present.
"Okay the idea here tonight is to bait the trap. You two stay in plain sight, meet with Gato and set the plan in motion. While everyone is being charmed by you they won't think to be looking for me. So leave the snooping to me," Walker smiled at them as the door was opened for them.
Gage got out first and extended his hand to Syd. Victor Gato and his wife Celia stood at the door to greet the guests as they arrived. Walker stood off to the side letting the attention be drawn to Syd and Gage.
"Mr. Pearson," Victor greeted Gage shaking his hand, "and this must be your lovely fiancée, Miss Cruzo." Taking Syd's hand he brought it to his lips.
"You've done your homework Mr. Gato," Gage told him smiling.
"Please call me Mac, Mr. Gato, all my friends do," Syd smiled sweetly at him.
Victor turned to his wife, "And this is my lovely wife Celia who without her none of this would be possible."
"Very pleased to meet you," Syd smiled as she took Celia Gato's hand.
"Enjoy our hospitality and I look forward to meeting with you later this evening," Victor told them as Syd and Gage moved on to join the rest of the guests.
**********
"Fancy party," Gage commented as he handed a flute of champagne to Syd, that he had retrieved from a waiter.
Syd was about to take a sip, as she brought it to her lips the smell began to turn her stomach. Gage quickly put his hand under her elbow.
"Mac?" He questioned her.
Syd handed the glass to Gage, "I'm fine Colt maybe something non-alcoholic," she told him.
"All right I'll see what they have at the bar, you'll be all right by yourself for a few minutes?"
"Yes I'll be right here when you get back."
While she stood waiting for Gage, Walker came up beside her.
"Everything is set for the meeting tonight Mac," he told her, "nothing should be missed."
Walker had been able to sneak into Gato's office and plant a few bugs as Victor and his wife greeted their guests. The local authorities were stationed outside the gates of the estate ready to tape anything that was said at the meeting.
Gage rejoined them handing Syd another flute, "Sparkling Cider," he said.
She took the glass from his hand and this time was able to take a sip.
As the evening progressed Syd and Gage mingled with the guests trying to watch for anything unusual. About nine thirty one of Victor's associates approached them to say Mr. Gato would like them to join him in his office around ten o'clock.
"We would be pleased to," Gage told him.
Michael Gato was standing across the room with his pals watching Colt and Mac. What his father had told him earlier was running through his mind. He dismissed it thinking to himself that neither of them looked like killers. He had told his father earlier he would like five minutes with her, as he watched her now he decided he would need her longer then that to satisfy himself. If nothing else she was a beauty. Colt had leaned down and kissed her neck it turned his stomach. One way or another he was going to have her. No one denied him anything.
She was whispering something to him then she got up and moved away from him. Things were certainly going his way he thought to himself as he moved to follow her. She had gone into the powder room to freshen up as she opened the door to come out Michael made his move. He blocked the door way so Syd couldn't pass.
"I think we have some unfinished business," he told her as he pushed her back inside.
Syd could smell the alcohol on him as he stood there leering at the front of her dress.
"Michael I think we have two choices here," Syd suggested to him, "first you can get out of my way and we can forget this ever happened."
Gato started laughing, "or what?" he asked reaching for the front of her dress.
Syd quickly grabbed his hand twisting it so she brought him to his knees with his arm behind him, Then reaching for the knife that was sheathed to her leg brought it to his throat.
"Or I could tell Colt and let him have you. Since I was a little girl Colt has always done everything I ever asked of him and he wouldn't think twice about it when I asked him to bring me all your dirty little fingers before he killed you. So what will it be it's your choice? Syd pressed the knife a little harder to his throat.
Gato waved his free hand at the door.
That's what I figured you might decide. Just as a warning though don't you even think about looking at me the wrong way or you won't live to see the sunrise another day."
Syd shoved him forward to the floor, replaced her knife and left the bathroom as if nothing had happened.
As she walked back up to Gage he smiled at her and told her he was just about to send out a search party for her.
She quickly explained about her chance meeting with Michael Gato in the powder room and how she had resolved the problem. Gage smiled when she told him what she had done, yet he didn't hesitate to pull her close and ask if she was all right.
**********
The meeting went as expected, Victor Gato having checked out the Cruzo family was satisfied that this would be a profitable business arrangement for all concerned. Syd and Gage conveyed the same sentiments and the details were worked out.
The first buy was to go down the following afternoon. With both sides being satisfied with the arrangements the meeting was concluded.
"Colt I think we should retire to the hotel, it has been quite a splendid evening. You must tell Celia what a wonderful party this was and thank her for having us."
"The pleasure was all ours," smiled Victor as he sent one of his people for the car, "If you will excuse me I have a little more business to attend to this evening. Until tomorrow. Michael will see you out."
He took Syd's hand once again and brought it to his lips. Gage offered his arm to Syd which she took and they walked from the room. The car was waiting for them, Gage helped Syd into the car then turned to face Michael Gato.
"You are lucky to still be alive, go near her again and I will kill you. Good evening Michael."
Even though it was a cool evening, Michael could feel the sweat running down his back between his shoulder blades. His Father had been right he had made two very bad enemies tonight.
It gave Gage a lot of pleasure to watch Michael Gato squirm. It had been him who had given the order to use that heroine on those two kids, and it had been him who had shot their father in the head. Gage wasn't through with Michael Gato yet, he had meant it when he told him to stay away from his wife.
**********
Gage slid into the car beside Syd and pulled her close to him. He could tell she was tired.
"Long night?" he asked her.
"Not really, but I sure am tired. You should be the one that is tired I slept most of the way down here," she said leaning her head on his shoulder.
"I'm fine Syd," he replied kissing her neck. "Changing the subject a little..."
"Yes Gage?"
"I know you can look after yourself."
Syd rolled her eyes, "Then what is the problem?"
"Michael Gato, Syd he is cruel and vicious I don't want you to have to handle him alone again that's all."
"Gage I can handle myself."
"I'm not questioning that, I just don't want you in the position that you have to handle it alone. Syd I'm sorry it's my heart speaking."
"Then I forgive you," she whispered to him as the car pulled up in front of the hotel.
The doorman came around to open the car door, Gage slid out of the car turning he offered his hand to Syd who graciously took it. They walked into the hotel together still turning heads.
**********
Michael Gato had stood on the front steps for a long time after the car carrying Mac Cruzo and Colt Pearson had disappeared. He knew he had opened a real Pandora's box tangling with the two of them. He was just going to have to devise some sort of plan to get what her wanted. He could not let this go unchallenged, he was a winner and these two were not going to come in here and try to prove otherwise.
It was more then just that though, since he had laid eyes on Mac he knew he wanted her and he wasn't someone to take no for an answer. She had class and a style all her own, he knew that he had to have her no matter what the cost. She was becoming an obsession.
Colt Pearson, on the other hand had just given him another reason to hate him. Telling him to stay away from her. Threatening him if he went near her like he was a rabid animal to be put down if he did.
Michael Gato decided right then and there that he was going have Mac and make sure that Colt knew it before he killed them both.
**********
Once they were in their room Gage pulled Syd into his arms and kissed her.
"Can we order room service?" she asked.
Gage looked at her puzzled, "All that food at the party tonight and you are hungry?"
"I didn't eat anything, once I smelled the champagne and my stomach began to turn I thought I'd better wait until we got back here to eat."
"Order what ever you like Honey."
Syd made a dive for the menu and then the phone.
Gage listened to her wondering if there was anything on the menu that she wasn't ordering. When she hung up the phone he asked her if there was going to be anything left in the kitchen. She made a face at him.
"Help me with the zipper of my dress."
Gage kissed her shoulder as he unzipped her dress and let it slide to the floor. Syd wrapped her robe around her and went into the bathroom to remove her make-up. Gage laid back on the pillows patiently waiting for her. When she came back she curled up beside her partner as they rehashed the evening's events. Gage's cell phone rang interrupting their conversation.
"Walker, okay we'll meet you around two o'clock and go over everything with you."
As Gage hung up the phone there was a knock at the door to announce Syd's late supper had arrived. A room service cart was wheeled in and Gage signed for it. As the door closed Syd went to the cart and began helping herself to the food.
"Did you want some?" she asked.
"I'll get some if there is any left," he smiled at her.
As it was Syd had ordered plenty of food for both of them, Gage was still watching her, the combinations of foods she was putting together looked more like something he would have put together to eat. This was the first she had eaten since breakfast so he said nothing to her.
After Syd had finished eating she laid back against the pillows and within moments was sleeping. Gage pulled the covers over her, kissing her forehead as he did so. He undressed and slid under the blankets and pulled her close. She murmured softly as she pulled herself closer to her husband.
**********
They slept soundly until about six o'clock, Syd had woke up feeling warm and pulled herself away from Gage. She sat at the edge of the bed trying to get her bearings so she could get to the bathroom with out turning on any lights. Standing up that dizzy feeling from the day before hit her. This time she didn't have time to sit back down she made a dash for the bathroom where she was very sick.
Gage woke up and turned on the light, he could hear Syd, going to the bathroom door he knocked.
"Can I come in Honey?" he asked.
"Just a minute," she answered weakly.
She opened the door and Gage came in. She sat on the edge of the tub her head between her knees, shivering in a cold sweat. He picked her up and carried her back to bed. Slipping under the covers with her he pulled her close using his body to help her warm up.
"You need to see a doctor Syd."
"As soon as we get home."
"No I was thinking in the next hour or so."
"Gage let's wrap this up and go home, I want my own doctor. It's starting to pass I've stopped shivering. I've got to be there for this meet to make it work."
"I'll make you a deal he told her reaching for the phone, I'll call the desk for a wake up call for ten o'clock and if you are feeling better it will be a go. If not we find a doctor for you. All right."
She reluctantly agreed knowing there was no other way around her husband.
**********
By nine o'clock Syd was awake, dressed and feeling much better. She decided she would go downstairs and take a look around. Gage was still sleeping so she wrote him a note, kissed him and left.
Downstairs Syd poked around a few of the shops for a couple of hours. She had an uneasy feeling the whole time as if she was being watched. By eleven she was still feeling paranoid and decided to call Gage to join her. Usually if something wasn't right they both picked up on it. She went to the house phone and called.
"Hi honey are you hungry?"
"Syd where are you?"
"Downstairs, I left you a note on the desk."
"Just found it," Gage told her sounding less panic stricken.
"Grab a quick shower and meet me down here for brunch."
"I take it you are feeling better."
"I'm fine just hurry up I'll meet you in front of the restaurant."
She decided she would wait until he got down there and see if he felt like they were being watched too. Hanging up she decided to browse once again in the gift shop while she waited. After about fifteen minutes Syd headed for the restaurant only to be stopped by Michael Gato and two of his associates.
"Well the lovely Mac," he smiled at her, "and how are we this morning?"
"Michael this is becoming tiresome," Syd replied trying to muster up all the confidence she could.
"On the contrary Mac this is just about to get interesting. You see I know that once you've spent some time with me then you are going to wonder what you ever saw in Colt Pearson. Then the only question will be whether I want you or not."
Gato's people were circling behind her now one coming up on either side of her grabbing her arms making sure that she could see their guns could be drawn at any moment.
"Now Mac this is what is happening here, I'm going to leave and in about five minutes my two friends are going to escort you out and bring you to me. We are going to spend a nice afternoon together before you rejoin Colt and meet with my father."
"You really are insane aren't you?"
"We'll see," he said moving his hand to her face to caress it. Syd turned her head biting his hand.
"You little... just get her out to the car," Gato directed the two thugs. He turned and left.
Syd waited until he was out of sight to make her move. She drove her heel into the foot of one and as he let go of her she attacked the other.
Gage was getting off the elevator when he heard the commotion and went to see what was going on. Seeing Syd was in the middle of things, he stepped in to help. Gato's two men were unconscious on the floor before they knew what hit them.
Hotel security was rushing to the scene now, "What happened Mr. Pearson?" the first was asking Gage.
"These two thought they could attack my fiancée," retorted Gage putting his arm around Syd.
"Colt, Michael is outside some where waiting for these two to take me to him."
"Let's give him something to watch while he waits then," replied Gage as he took out his phone and began dialling Walker.
Walker was meeting with the Austin PD helping to coordinate things for the bust that was set up for that afternoon. Walker had both police and ambulance dispatched to give the appearance that Gato's people had met an untimely death.
"Mac look after things here I have something to take care of."
"Colt?"
"I'll be right back," he told her brushing his fingers down her face.
Gage went outside, the ambulance was just arriving along with the police. He caught sight of who he was looking for. Michael was sitting in his car watching the emergency people wondering what was taking so long and what was going on inside. He was so caught up in what was going on that Gage was able to move up behind him and point his gun at Gato's temple.
"Hello Michael, you don't listen very well do you?"
"Colt, wasn't expecting to see you, what's with the gun?"
"Don't be cute Michael the only reason we are having this conversation is out of respect for your father. You are much luckier then your friends, all this fuss is for them. Mac doesn't take kindly to people trying to make her do things she doesn't want too. She has asked me not to kill you because she wants that pleasure the next time you dare to touch her. Is there anything you don't get?"
Michael slowly shook his head no.
"Now start your car and drive away."
Michael did as Gage told him too scared to look back.