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
When Gage went back inside Syd had things pretty much taken care of. Taking her hand he asked her if she still wanted to get something to eat before they met with Walker.
"You still are hungry aren't you?" he asked.
"I guess so."
"What kind of an answer is I guess so?" Gage teased.
"Colt don't start on me," and with that she pulled her hand from his and walked away from him.
Gage went after her, "Mac I didn't mean anything by that, I didn't say that to start a fight," he pulled her to him as he spoke. He could tell looking into her face that she was fighting back tears. He guessed this thing with Michael Gato was getting to her.
"I'm sorry, I'm a little on edge, I want this to be over so we can go home."
"We'll be on our way tonight Honey," he told her cradling her close not caring who was watching. "Let's get right out of here for now and enjoy a little lunch before we have that two o'clock meeting."
Gage took her hand again, guiding her out the door and down the street. He went straight to a small restaurant that he and Walker had ate at different times during their stay. Handing the Hostess twenty dollars he asked for a nice quiet table. She obliged them with a very private table.
After ordering Gage reached across the table and took Syd's hand. That's when the tears started and he was at a loss to know what to do. Crying was something that Syd hardly ever did. The last two days she had cried more then he had ever seen her cry since he'd met her.
"Syd tell me what I can do and I'll do it."
"Gage if I knew I'd tell you, just put up with me I guess," she tried to smile as she wiped her face with her napkin.
"That shouldn't be too hard," he smiled back at her.
They chatted a few more minutes about what had gone on that morning until the waitress brought the food. Everything was delicious until about the third bit when Syd set down her fork.
"Everything okay with your lunch"
"Yes everything is fine, I just can't eat right now I must be nervous about what's going to happen this afternoon."
At that moment Syd's phone rang making her jump. She pulled it out of her pocket and answered it, "Mac Cruzo."
It was Victor Gato calling, "Hello Mr. Gato and how are you today? Yes we had a small incident at the hotel today. This is the second time that Michael has made advances towards me, once at the party last night as well. It is only out of respect for you that we have not put a permanent stop to this. We have given Michael two warnings there will be no more if Michael persists we will take care of it. We look forward to seeing you this afternoon too."
"Nice recovery there Mac."
"Why thank you Colt," retorted Syd as she stole another French fry from Gage's plate.
**********
"Tell Michael I want to see him in my office now," ordered Victor Gato in a cool even voice. Only those close to him knew that he was actually seething with anger inside. He hated disobedience in his organization and the worse offender of the crime was his own son. He had told Michael last night not to do anything to jeopardize this deal and now it looked as if he had done everything in his power to do exactly that. Two of their people were dead and he was very lucky to still be alive.
"You wanted to see me?" asked Michael entering his father's office.
Victor Gato walked right over to his son and backhanded him, "I told you not to mess with Mac Cruzo and Colt Pearson." He hit him again, "I told you that Mac was not to be one of your conquests." And again he hit him, "I told you we stood to make a lot of money if we handled this right, did I not?"
Michael shook his head yes, hating his father more then he ever had before. Victor grabbed the front of Michael's jacket pulling him face to face with his, "Now this is what you are going to do. You are going to pack a bag and get into that fancy car of yours and leave the city until our guests go back to Florida. Do I make myself clear?"
Michael shook his head yes again as he wiped the blood from his lip.
"Get out of my sight," his father shouted at him.
As Michael left he decided that this would be the last time his father ever hit him.
**********
Twenty minutes later they were at the hotel with Walker going over the details of the exchange. With everyone ready Gage phoned the front desk to have the car brought around.
Both partners had wires on and as they neared the drop site they both tested them. They could both hear Walker warning them not to take any unnecessary chances, to just make the deal and wait for backup.
They drove in seeing a black limo waiting for them. The door of the limo opened as Gage pulled along side. Victor Gato's driver got out and opened the door for him to get out. Both Colt and Mac stepped out of their car at the same time.
"Mac, Colt how nice to see you again. Please let me apologize once again for Michael's lack of judgement and bad behaviour. I'm sure you will not be bothered by him again for the duration of your stay. Are you ready to do a little business?"
"We appreciate all you have done to take care of this problem Mr. Gato. Yes lets get down to business, it has been a long time coming," smiled Syd as Gage held up the briefcase with the money.
Victor's driver came forward now with his briefcase as well. Syd opened the case Gage was holding while Victor opened the case his driver held.
"Everything looks in order here," Victor smiled.
"And here as well," Syd answered him.
They exchanged briefcases, finishing the sting operation. Gage was just about to announce who they were when riffle shots sounded out, one catching Syd and taking her to the ground.
"Walker, shots fired Syd's been hit," yelled Gage pulling her to safety behind the car. Still more shots were being fired, "There's a sniper on the roof some where still firing."
Victor Gato had dived back into his car, but not before taking a bullet as well. His driver jumped into the car too speeding them out of the parking lot.
"Gage, it's my shoulder I think it went right through," Sydney said trying to sit up.
"Stay down Syd, who ever is shooting is still out there."
She had pulled her gun from its holster and tried to get up on her elbow as another round was fired on them.
"Gage up there," Syd was pointing now.
"Walker north west corner of the building to our left."
"We're on it."
"Gage," Syd called out to him
He turned to see Syd's eyes closing, as he slid over beside her, "Hold on Honey help is on its way," he told her as she slumped against him. Her blouse was soaked with blood now from her wound. Another round of bullets was sprayed at them, one shattering the windshield of the car while the rest pinged off the metal of the car and the pavement. Gage pulled Syd a little closer hoping to shield her from the shots.
From his position on the ground Gage could see the figure on the roof top, as still another round of fire began. He realized from this distance he would be unable to get an effective shot away. Craning his neck around Gage was able to catch sight of a second figure on the roof, he knew it was Walker. A short struggle ensued and suddenly the shooter plummeted to the ground.
**********
The ambulance was now pulling up beside them, the stretcher was brought out and Sydney placed on it. She was opening her eyes again, Gage took her hand and smiling at her mouthed the words, "I love you," as they moved her into the ambulance. Gage never let go of her hand.
At the hospital he didn't have long to wait. Within the hour the doctor was in the waiting room asking for a Ranger Gage. Gage stood up and walked over to him.
"I'm Ranger Gage, how is Ranger Cooke?"
"It was just a flesh wound and we have her patched up, but we are going to run some tests she seems quite anemic. She passed out when she tried getting up. We are going to keep her over night for observation."
"She hasn't been feeling that well, the last couple of days. She's had a couple of dizzy spells and been sick to her stomach. She was waiting to wrap up this case and go home before she went to the doctor. "
"I take it you two are quite close, is she your partner?"
"She's a little more then that, she's my wife."
The doctor smiled at him, "They are just drawing blood and we will get the test results back shortly then you can go in and be with her, she's asked for you a lot. It shouldn't be too much longer."
Gage thanked the doctor and took his seat again. A few minutes passed and Walker came in.
"How's Syd?" he asked walking over to Gage.
"Just a flesh wound, but they are doing some blood work to see why she hasn't been feeling well the last couple of days. They're keeping her over night."
"Are they going to let us see her?"
"Go home Walker, I've had my wife with me the last couple of days and we will be home shortly. Syd will more then understand."
Walker smiled, "Call if you need anything, your room is paid up until the end of the week. By the way Gage the shooter on top of the roof was Michael Gato, he was working on his own agenda, he didn't like you and Syd telling him no where she was concerned. He and his father had a long history of not getting along, this last incident just put him over the edge. Victor Gato didn't make it either he died from the wound inflicted by his son."
"Thanks for taking him out Walker, see you when we get back."
Another thirty minutes passed before a nurse came back for Gage, "Ranger Gage you can see Ranger Cooke now."
Gage followed her to Syd's room. She was sitting leaning back against the pillows arm in a sling.
"Hi, how you feeling? Did you get the test results?"
"Come here Gage I need you to hold me."
Gage went and sat at the edge of the bed putting his arms around her. He held her tight being careful not to hurt her arm.
"I love you Gage."
"I love you too, Syd," he said as he could feel the apprehension starting to creep over him.
"I had them check the results twice so I know that they are right."
Gage pulled her a little closer to keep from trembling with worry and whispered to her, "Just tell me Honey."
"This hadn't even occurred to me so it was as much of a surprise for me as I'm sure it is going to be for you."
She pulled herself away from him so she could see his face when she told him.
"Gage we're six weeks pregnant," she smiled as that same dumb look she had when she was told crossed his face.
**********
Alex lay quietly in Walker's arms, being a lawyer she began questioning him about Syd.
"Why did you say they kept her?"
"She's been having dizzy spells and been sick to her stomach. Gage says she's so emotional she'll cry if you look at her funny. So they were running some tests and keeping her over night."
"I bet I know what's wrong with her," Alex grinned.
"So you are a doctor now too?" Walker questioned her.
"No but it doesn't take much to figure this one out. I recall having those same symptoms not that long ago."
Walker thought about it for a minute as suddenly a smile crossed his face, "You really think that's what it is?"
"I'd stake my reputation on it," Alex laughed.
*********
"Sydney? A baby? We are having a baby?"
"That's not a bad thing is it?" she asked not being able to read his reaction.
"It's wonderful Honey," he told her as he pulled her close again, as the reality began to sink in.
Slowly he placed his hand on her tummy smiling at her as he did so.
"I hate to interrupt but in view of our findings I think it would be all right for Ranger Cooke to be signed out if you take her home and put her to bed," the doctor smiled at them. "You aren't heading out until morning are you?"
"No we may even take a couple of extra days since the boss told me our accommodations were paid up until the end of week."
"I'll sign a no travel note until Saturday then. Meet me at the desk in about twenty minutes and you will be free to go."
Gage helped Syd out of bed, "Let's get out of here Mommy," he teased her.
"I'm right behind you, Dad."
He helped her out of bed, each of them thinking about how their lives were changing again.
The End.
By Janis
I lay no claim on Walker Texas Ranger or any of its characters
Chapter 4
When Gage went back inside Syd had things pretty much taken care of. Taking her hand he asked her if she still wanted to get something to eat before they met with Walker.
"You still are hungry aren't you?" he asked.
"I guess so."
"What kind of an answer is I guess so?" Gage teased.
"Colt don't start on me," and with that she pulled her hand from his and walked away from him.
Gage went after her, "Mac I didn't mean anything by that, I didn't say that to start a fight," he pulled her to him as he spoke. He could tell looking into her face that she was fighting back tears. He guessed this thing with Michael Gato was getting to her.
"I'm sorry, I'm a little on edge, I want this to be over so we can go home."
"We'll be on our way tonight Honey," he told her cradling her close not caring who was watching. "Let's get right out of here for now and enjoy a little lunch before we have that two o'clock meeting."
Gage took her hand again, guiding her out the door and down the street. He went straight to a small restaurant that he and Walker had ate at different times during their stay. Handing the Hostess twenty dollars he asked for a nice quiet table. She obliged them with a very private table.
After ordering Gage reached across the table and took Syd's hand. That's when the tears started and he was at a loss to know what to do. Crying was something that Syd hardly ever did. The last two days she had cried more then he had ever seen her cry since he'd met her.
"Syd tell me what I can do and I'll do it."
"Gage if I knew I'd tell you, just put up with me I guess," she tried to smile as she wiped her face with her napkin.
"That shouldn't be too hard," he smiled back at her.
They chatted a few more minutes about what had gone on that morning until the waitress brought the food. Everything was delicious until about the third bit when Syd set down her fork.
"Everything okay with your lunch"
"Yes everything is fine, I just can't eat right now I must be nervous about what's going to happen this afternoon."
At that moment Syd's phone rang making her jump. She pulled it out of her pocket and answered it, "Mac Cruzo."
It was Victor Gato calling, "Hello Mr. Gato and how are you today? Yes we had a small incident at the hotel today. This is the second time that Michael has made advances towards me, once at the party last night as well. It is only out of respect for you that we have not put a permanent stop to this. We have given Michael two warnings there will be no more if Michael persists we will take care of it. We look forward to seeing you this afternoon too."
"Nice recovery there Mac."
"Why thank you Colt," retorted Syd as she stole another French fry from Gage's plate.
**********
"Tell Michael I want to see him in my office now," ordered Victor Gato in a cool even voice. Only those close to him knew that he was actually seething with anger inside. He hated disobedience in his organization and the worse offender of the crime was his own son. He had told Michael last night not to do anything to jeopardize this deal and now it looked as if he had done everything in his power to do exactly that. Two of their people were dead and he was very lucky to still be alive.
"You wanted to see me?" asked Michael entering his father's office.
Victor Gato walked right over to his son and backhanded him, "I told you not to mess with Mac Cruzo and Colt Pearson." He hit him again, "I told you that Mac was not to be one of your conquests." And again he hit him, "I told you we stood to make a lot of money if we handled this right, did I not?"
Michael shook his head yes, hating his father more then he ever had before. Victor grabbed the front of Michael's jacket pulling him face to face with his, "Now this is what you are going to do. You are going to pack a bag and get into that fancy car of yours and leave the city until our guests go back to Florida. Do I make myself clear?"
Michael shook his head yes again as he wiped the blood from his lip.
"Get out of my sight," his father shouted at him.
As Michael left he decided that this would be the last time his father ever hit him.
**********
Twenty minutes later they were at the hotel with Walker going over the details of the exchange. With everyone ready Gage phoned the front desk to have the car brought around.
Both partners had wires on and as they neared the drop site they both tested them. They could both hear Walker warning them not to take any unnecessary chances, to just make the deal and wait for backup.
They drove in seeing a black limo waiting for them. The door of the limo opened as Gage pulled along side. Victor Gato's driver got out and opened the door for him to get out. Both Colt and Mac stepped out of their car at the same time.
"Mac, Colt how nice to see you again. Please let me apologize once again for Michael's lack of judgement and bad behaviour. I'm sure you will not be bothered by him again for the duration of your stay. Are you ready to do a little business?"
"We appreciate all you have done to take care of this problem Mr. Gato. Yes lets get down to business, it has been a long time coming," smiled Syd as Gage held up the briefcase with the money.
Victor's driver came forward now with his briefcase as well. Syd opened the case Gage was holding while Victor opened the case his driver held.
"Everything looks in order here," Victor smiled.
"And here as well," Syd answered him.
They exchanged briefcases, finishing the sting operation. Gage was just about to announce who they were when riffle shots sounded out, one catching Syd and taking her to the ground.
"Walker, shots fired Syd's been hit," yelled Gage pulling her to safety behind the car. Still more shots were being fired, "There's a sniper on the roof some where still firing."
Victor Gato had dived back into his car, but not before taking a bullet as well. His driver jumped into the car too speeding them out of the parking lot.
"Gage, it's my shoulder I think it went right through," Sydney said trying to sit up.
"Stay down Syd, who ever is shooting is still out there."
She had pulled her gun from its holster and tried to get up on her elbow as another round was fired on them.
"Gage up there," Syd was pointing now.
"Walker north west corner of the building to our left."
"We're on it."
"Gage," Syd called out to him
He turned to see Syd's eyes closing, as he slid over beside her, "Hold on Honey help is on its way," he told her as she slumped against him. Her blouse was soaked with blood now from her wound. Another round of bullets was sprayed at them, one shattering the windshield of the car while the rest pinged off the metal of the car and the pavement. Gage pulled Syd a little closer hoping to shield her from the shots.
From his position on the ground Gage could see the figure on the roof top, as still another round of fire began. He realized from this distance he would be unable to get an effective shot away. Craning his neck around Gage was able to catch sight of a second figure on the roof, he knew it was Walker. A short struggle ensued and suddenly the shooter plummeted to the ground.
**********
The ambulance was now pulling up beside them, the stretcher was brought out and Sydney placed on it. She was opening her eyes again, Gage took her hand and smiling at her mouthed the words, "I love you," as they moved her into the ambulance. Gage never let go of her hand.
At the hospital he didn't have long to wait. Within the hour the doctor was in the waiting room asking for a Ranger Gage. Gage stood up and walked over to him.
"I'm Ranger Gage, how is Ranger Cooke?"
"It was just a flesh wound and we have her patched up, but we are going to run some tests she seems quite anemic. She passed out when she tried getting up. We are going to keep her over night for observation."
"She hasn't been feeling that well, the last couple of days. She's had a couple of dizzy spells and been sick to her stomach. She was waiting to wrap up this case and go home before she went to the doctor. "
"I take it you two are quite close, is she your partner?"
"She's a little more then that, she's my wife."
The doctor smiled at him, "They are just drawing blood and we will get the test results back shortly then you can go in and be with her, she's asked for you a lot. It shouldn't be too much longer."
Gage thanked the doctor and took his seat again. A few minutes passed and Walker came in.
"How's Syd?" he asked walking over to Gage.
"Just a flesh wound, but they are doing some blood work to see why she hasn't been feeling well the last couple of days. They're keeping her over night."
"Are they going to let us see her?"
"Go home Walker, I've had my wife with me the last couple of days and we will be home shortly. Syd will more then understand."
Walker smiled, "Call if you need anything, your room is paid up until the end of the week. By the way Gage the shooter on top of the roof was Michael Gato, he was working on his own agenda, he didn't like you and Syd telling him no where she was concerned. He and his father had a long history of not getting along, this last incident just put him over the edge. Victor Gato didn't make it either he died from the wound inflicted by his son."
"Thanks for taking him out Walker, see you when we get back."
Another thirty minutes passed before a nurse came back for Gage, "Ranger Gage you can see Ranger Cooke now."
Gage followed her to Syd's room. She was sitting leaning back against the pillows arm in a sling.
"Hi, how you feeling? Did you get the test results?"
"Come here Gage I need you to hold me."
Gage went and sat at the edge of the bed putting his arms around her. He held her tight being careful not to hurt her arm.
"I love you Gage."
"I love you too, Syd," he said as he could feel the apprehension starting to creep over him.
"I had them check the results twice so I know that they are right."
Gage pulled her a little closer to keep from trembling with worry and whispered to her, "Just tell me Honey."
"This hadn't even occurred to me so it was as much of a surprise for me as I'm sure it is going to be for you."
She pulled herself away from him so she could see his face when she told him.
"Gage we're six weeks pregnant," she smiled as that same dumb look she had when she was told crossed his face.
**********
Alex lay quietly in Walker's arms, being a lawyer she began questioning him about Syd.
"Why did you say they kept her?"
"She's been having dizzy spells and been sick to her stomach. Gage says she's so emotional she'll cry if you look at her funny. So they were running some tests and keeping her over night."
"I bet I know what's wrong with her," Alex grinned.
"So you are a doctor now too?" Walker questioned her.
"No but it doesn't take much to figure this one out. I recall having those same symptoms not that long ago."
Walker thought about it for a minute as suddenly a smile crossed his face, "You really think that's what it is?"
"I'd stake my reputation on it," Alex laughed.
*********
"Sydney? A baby? We are having a baby?"
"That's not a bad thing is it?" she asked not being able to read his reaction.
"It's wonderful Honey," he told her as he pulled her close again, as the reality began to sink in.
Slowly he placed his hand on her tummy smiling at her as he did so.
"I hate to interrupt but in view of our findings I think it would be all right for Ranger Cooke to be signed out if you take her home and put her to bed," the doctor smiled at them. "You aren't heading out until morning are you?"
"No we may even take a couple of extra days since the boss told me our accommodations were paid up until the end of week."
"I'll sign a no travel note until Saturday then. Meet me at the desk in about twenty minutes and you will be free to go."
Gage helped Syd out of bed, "Let's get out of here Mommy," he teased her.
"I'm right behind you, Dad."
He helped her out of bed, each of them thinking about how their lives were changing again.
The End.
By Janis