The following story is based on the characters of the TV Series "Walker, Texas Ranger". The characters belong to CBS Productions, Top Kick Productions, etc., but the story is mine. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)
NOTE: I had Joe Penny in mind for the role of Gino Martinelli when I wrote this.
"Deep Cover" Chapter 6
by Lorrie
Walker spoke with Gage's doctor briefly before he and Trivette left the hospital to meet with Tony Cortez and his superiors.
"What did the doctor say?" Trivette asked.
"Gage and Sydney are both asleep. They want to keep a close eye on Gage's lungs and kidneys for the next 24 hours."
"Why?"
"Two of his broken ribs punctured his left lung and both of his kidneys are bruised."
Trivette shook his head. "You said two of his broken ribs, how many did he break?"
"Five, plus his arm, his leg and his collar bone."
"Man, poor guy."
"The doctor also said they're a little concerned about his eyes. He can't open them yet, they're swollen shut, so they don't know yet if there's any damage there." Walker stopped just outside of Gage's room and quietly pushed the door open. Sydney was still sitting by Gage's bedside, holding his hand, her head lying near his chest. Walker quietly stepped out.
"He's still asleep?" Trivette asked. Walker nodded.
*****
Walker called Alex, who had come into town once she was informed of the incident involving Gage, and asked her to join them in the conference room of the local courthouse with Tony and his superior, Agent Michael Vaught, to decide if Tony should be brought up on criminal charges or not, or if that was even a consideration.
Agent Vaught spoke first. "First, let me explain the FBI's involvement in the Martinelli case. Agent Blake Stevens, that is his real name by the way, has been in deep cover with the Martinelli organization for almost three years gathering information on domestic and international contacts. He worked his way up to Martinelli's right hand man by gaining his trust and respect. He couldn't afford to blow his cover after that much devoted time."
"Agent Vaught," Alex began. "May I remind you, the FBI called the Texas Rangers in on this one after you lost an undercover Agent. The Rangers were asked to move and move quickly to get Rangers Gage and Cooke in place with Martinelli."
"I understand that and I do understand your position, Mrs. Walker and that of your husband." Agent Vaught looked at Walker. "Ranger Walker, as senior Ranger, you feel that it's your duty to protect those under you and we deeply regret the suffering that your Ranger Gage has endured, but may I remind you, he is alive and had it not been for Agent Steven's quick thinking, he might not be."
"So, you're basically saying that Agent Stevens did no wrong in your eyes?" Trivette questioned.
Agent Vaught shook his head. "No, he did nothing wrong. I would be saying the same thing if Marty had killed Ranger Gage. Agent Stevens couldn't afford to blow his cover."
Alex shook her head in disbelief. "Agent Vaught, may I ask you something?"
Agent Vaught nodded his head. "Yes, Mrs. Walker?"
"How did your other Agent die?"
"I'm sorry, we're not at liberty to discuss that. Are we finished here?" Agent Vaught stood up, as did Agent Stevens.
Alex, Walker and Trivette also stood. "For the time being, yes." Alex replied.
After the two FBI agents left, Alex turned to Walker. "Can you believe the nerve of those two?"
Trivette stood with his mouth open and shook his head. "They're trying to brush all of this aside, like it never happened."
Walker stood with anger in his eyes and his fist clinched at his side. He had many thoughts going through his head, the foremost being the total lack of consideration for his department and total lack of consideration for human life in general. He was brought back from his thoughts by Alex's voice.
"Walker, are you alright?" Alex asked as she touched her husband's arm.
"What? Yeah, I'm fine." He offered a forced smile as he looked at his wife. "I need to make a few phone calls." Walker left the conference room and shut the door to the office that had been provided to him to conduct business. He then made his way to the desk and called the Governor of Texas, who had been the one to ask Walker to join forces with the FBI in bringing down Martinelli.
*****
It took Sydney a moment to remember where she was when she woke up the next morning. She moved gently, so as not to wake Gage who, finally was sleeping peacefully after a very rough night.
Sydney got up and stretched as the nurse entered the room. "How is he doing?" She asked as she approached the bed.
"Better." Sydney smiled, remembering how much pain Gage had been in during the middle of the night.
"The pain medication will probably help him sleep for a good part of the morning. Why don't you go downstairs and get some breakfast?" The nurse suggested.
"I can't." Sydney shook her head as she looked at Gage. "I won't leave him."
The nurse smiled. ""Well, I'll bring you something a little later."
"Thank you." Sydney replied as she sat back down beside of Gage's bed and took his hand in hers.
Around noon, Gage began to wake. He grimaced in pain as he tried to open his eyes. "Syd?"
"I'm right here." She gently put her hand on his left shoulder and coaxed his body back down on the bed. "Don't try to move."
"It hurts." Gage said quietly.
"I know, baby. I know." Sydney replied, almost in tears as she stroked his hair.
"How bad?" Gage asked.
"How bad are you hurt?" Sydney asked, trying to guess what Gage was asking. He nodded in response.
Sydney gave him a brief rundown of the broken bones, bruises, cuts, punctured lung and bruised kidneys.
"Sorry I asked." Gage replied sleepily.
"Are you tired?" Sydney noticed how groggy he looked. Gage nodded.
"Go to sleep. I'll be right here, I promise."
Gage drifted off to sleep. Sydney kept a constant visual over him, getting up only to stretch her legs once, briefly.
Later during the evening, Gage woke in somewhat better condition than earlier during the day. "Are you in any pain?" Sydney asked as Gage began to stir.
"No, not really." Gage replied quietly, still unable to open his eyes more than just a slight slant.
Dr. Amos entered the room and introduced himself to both Sydney and Gage. "Mrs. Gage, I need for you to step outside a moment while I examine your husband."
"Doctor, that's not possible. My husband and I are both Texas Rangers and I've been assigned to protect him while he's here in the hospital." Sydney explained.
The doctor nodded. "OK, but I'll at least need for you to stand over there." He pointed to the far side of the room. Sydney complied.
"Mr. Gage, this is going to be a little painful. I'm going to have to force your eyes open, one at a time so I can examine the eyeball and eye socket for injury. We were hoping that the swelling would have gone down some by now, but since it hasn't, we'll have to proceed with the examination this way."
"I understand." Gage replied hoarsely.
The doctor produced a small tool to pry Gage's eyelids up, so he could see his eyeball. Gage's eyes immediately began to water and he felt a tremendous pain radiate all over his face.
"I'm almost finished, Mr. Gage. Hang in there, I know this must be uncomfortable."
When the doctor finished the examination. Sydney once again approached Gage's bedside and took his hand. His eyes were still watery. She brought her hand to his face and wiped his eyes gently.
"There doesn't appear to be a lot of damage to the eyes themselves. We just need to get the swelling down so you can open them." Dr. Amos smiled. "I'll have the nurse bring in a cold pack to put on your face and we'll see if that helps any."
*****
"Walker, I just got a call from Agent Vaughn. Blake Stevens is dead." Trivette said as he met up with Walker in the hallway.
"What happened?" Walker asked as took his keys from his pocket.
"Marty, escaped from the county lockup this morning. They're pretty sure it was him."
"Come on, we've got to get back to the hospital. Gage and Sydney may be next." Walker and Trivette headed towards the hospital to warn Gage and Sydney of a possible attack from Marty.
When they arrived, they found Gage resting comfortably, ice packs on his face and Sydney reading a magazine, sitting beside of his bed.
"What's wrong?" Sydney asked as Walker and Trivette burst into Gage's room.
Walker motioned for her to join them in the hallway. "Sydney, Agent Stevens, Tony, is dead and Marty has escaped from the county lock-up. I'm doubling security on you and Gage. I have two uniformed officers on the way and they'll be guarding this door 24/7." Walker patted Sydney's back. "You stay with Gage. I don't want Marty to have another chance to finish what he started."
"Me either." Sydney exclaimed. "I won't leave him."
"I know you won't." Walker smiled. "How is he anyway?"
"Actually, he's doing much better. The doctor seems pleased with his progress and we got some good news today. His eyes appear to be fine. Dr. Amos also did an ultrasound of his kidneys earlier and said that he read the reports later today and if they look OK, he may even release Gage as early as the end of the week."
"That's great news!" Trivette exclaimed. "I'm sure he's ready to get out of here too, isn't he?"
"You bet. You know how much Gage hates hospitals."
Walker suddenly made a mad dash towards the exit at the end of the hall. "Walker!" Trivette ran to join his partner outside. Sydney immediately ran into Gage's room and locked the door.
"What's going on?" Gage asked.
"I'm not sure yet. Walker and Trivette are here and we know that Marty has escaped from the county lock-up and Tony is dead."
"What?" Gage asked, somewhat confused.
"It's a long story, Gage."
Trivette met Walker outside of the hospital on the steps. "What is it?" He asked.
"Marty. I saw him at the end of the hallway. He ran when he saw me." Just then Walker caught site of Marty running towards the parking lot. "There!" He shouted as he and Trivette ran towards Marty.
"Stop, Texas Rangers!" Walker yelled, but Marty kept running until he reached a row of parked cars. He then dove behind one and began shooting at Walker and Trivette.
After a brief exchange of gunfire, Marty fell to the ground, clutching his chest. Walker and Trivette ran towards him, as did medical personnel from the hospital, but it was too late for Marty.
After securing the scene and giving statements to the local police department, Walker and Trivette went back inside the hospital to check on Gage and Sydney.
"Gage, are you OK?" Walker asked.
"I'm real sore." Gage replied. "But at least I can open my eyes now. That's better than I could do this morning." Walker smiled.
"I saw Dr. Amos a little while ago and he said you're kidneys are healing nicely, so he's going to let you come home Friday." Sydney stated as she held Gage's hand.
Gage nodded. "Yeah, that was the best news I've heard recently."
Walker stood beside of Gage's bed. "You really had us worried for awhile."
"From what Syd tells me, I was pretty lucky that you guys found me when you did. I would have probably bled to death in another hour."
"I'm amazed that you were able to hold on as long as you did." Trivette said.
"I just kept thinking about my beautiful wife." Gage looked lovingly at Sydney. "And praying for the strength to hold on." Sydney wiped a tear from her eye as she thought about how close she had come to losing Gage forever.
Walker and Trivette got up to leave. "Well, we're headed back to Dallas. You two take care of each other and Sydney, if you need help getting this guy home, let us know. Oh, and Alex asked me to tell you two that she'd stop in and see you when you get back home."
"Thank Walker, Trivette." Sydney hugged them both.
"And you take care of yourself, buddy." As Trivette shook Gage's hand he slipped something to him. Gage smiled when he realized what it was.
"I will. We'll see you guys soon." Gage smiled as best as his bruised face would allow.
After they left, Gage motioned to Sydney to come and sit beside of him. "Now, tell me the whole story of what went on, don't leave anything out."
"Gage, I really just want to put this behind us."
Gage nodded his head. "Yeah, me too." He reached for her left hand and placed her engagement ring and wedding band back on her finger. Sydney stared at her hand once the rings were in place. Gage held her hand as he spoke, "Now, promise me that these will never come off of your finger again." He stared at her adoringly.
Sydney leaned over and kissed her husband's bruised lips. "I'll never take them off again." She paused as she looked at the rings and remembered their wedding vows. "I love you Francis Gage, with all of my heart and soul, until death do us part."
"Until death do us part." Gage echoed as he kissed her again.
THE END
NOTE: I had Joe Penny in mind for the role of Gino Martinelli when I wrote this.
"Deep Cover" Chapter 6
by Lorrie
Walker spoke with Gage's doctor briefly before he and Trivette left the hospital to meet with Tony Cortez and his superiors.
"What did the doctor say?" Trivette asked.
"Gage and Sydney are both asleep. They want to keep a close eye on Gage's lungs and kidneys for the next 24 hours."
"Why?"
"Two of his broken ribs punctured his left lung and both of his kidneys are bruised."
Trivette shook his head. "You said two of his broken ribs, how many did he break?"
"Five, plus his arm, his leg and his collar bone."
"Man, poor guy."
"The doctor also said they're a little concerned about his eyes. He can't open them yet, they're swollen shut, so they don't know yet if there's any damage there." Walker stopped just outside of Gage's room and quietly pushed the door open. Sydney was still sitting by Gage's bedside, holding his hand, her head lying near his chest. Walker quietly stepped out.
"He's still asleep?" Trivette asked. Walker nodded.
*****
Walker called Alex, who had come into town once she was informed of the incident involving Gage, and asked her to join them in the conference room of the local courthouse with Tony and his superior, Agent Michael Vaught, to decide if Tony should be brought up on criminal charges or not, or if that was even a consideration.
Agent Vaught spoke first. "First, let me explain the FBI's involvement in the Martinelli case. Agent Blake Stevens, that is his real name by the way, has been in deep cover with the Martinelli organization for almost three years gathering information on domestic and international contacts. He worked his way up to Martinelli's right hand man by gaining his trust and respect. He couldn't afford to blow his cover after that much devoted time."
"Agent Vaught," Alex began. "May I remind you, the FBI called the Texas Rangers in on this one after you lost an undercover Agent. The Rangers were asked to move and move quickly to get Rangers Gage and Cooke in place with Martinelli."
"I understand that and I do understand your position, Mrs. Walker and that of your husband." Agent Vaught looked at Walker. "Ranger Walker, as senior Ranger, you feel that it's your duty to protect those under you and we deeply regret the suffering that your Ranger Gage has endured, but may I remind you, he is alive and had it not been for Agent Steven's quick thinking, he might not be."
"So, you're basically saying that Agent Stevens did no wrong in your eyes?" Trivette questioned.
Agent Vaught shook his head. "No, he did nothing wrong. I would be saying the same thing if Marty had killed Ranger Gage. Agent Stevens couldn't afford to blow his cover."
Alex shook her head in disbelief. "Agent Vaught, may I ask you something?"
Agent Vaught nodded his head. "Yes, Mrs. Walker?"
"How did your other Agent die?"
"I'm sorry, we're not at liberty to discuss that. Are we finished here?" Agent Vaught stood up, as did Agent Stevens.
Alex, Walker and Trivette also stood. "For the time being, yes." Alex replied.
After the two FBI agents left, Alex turned to Walker. "Can you believe the nerve of those two?"
Trivette stood with his mouth open and shook his head. "They're trying to brush all of this aside, like it never happened."
Walker stood with anger in his eyes and his fist clinched at his side. He had many thoughts going through his head, the foremost being the total lack of consideration for his department and total lack of consideration for human life in general. He was brought back from his thoughts by Alex's voice.
"Walker, are you alright?" Alex asked as she touched her husband's arm.
"What? Yeah, I'm fine." He offered a forced smile as he looked at his wife. "I need to make a few phone calls." Walker left the conference room and shut the door to the office that had been provided to him to conduct business. He then made his way to the desk and called the Governor of Texas, who had been the one to ask Walker to join forces with the FBI in bringing down Martinelli.
*****
It took Sydney a moment to remember where she was when she woke up the next morning. She moved gently, so as not to wake Gage who, finally was sleeping peacefully after a very rough night.
Sydney got up and stretched as the nurse entered the room. "How is he doing?" She asked as she approached the bed.
"Better." Sydney smiled, remembering how much pain Gage had been in during the middle of the night.
"The pain medication will probably help him sleep for a good part of the morning. Why don't you go downstairs and get some breakfast?" The nurse suggested.
"I can't." Sydney shook her head as she looked at Gage. "I won't leave him."
The nurse smiled. ""Well, I'll bring you something a little later."
"Thank you." Sydney replied as she sat back down beside of Gage's bed and took his hand in hers.
Around noon, Gage began to wake. He grimaced in pain as he tried to open his eyes. "Syd?"
"I'm right here." She gently put her hand on his left shoulder and coaxed his body back down on the bed. "Don't try to move."
"It hurts." Gage said quietly.
"I know, baby. I know." Sydney replied, almost in tears as she stroked his hair.
"How bad?" Gage asked.
"How bad are you hurt?" Sydney asked, trying to guess what Gage was asking. He nodded in response.
Sydney gave him a brief rundown of the broken bones, bruises, cuts, punctured lung and bruised kidneys.
"Sorry I asked." Gage replied sleepily.
"Are you tired?" Sydney noticed how groggy he looked. Gage nodded.
"Go to sleep. I'll be right here, I promise."
Gage drifted off to sleep. Sydney kept a constant visual over him, getting up only to stretch her legs once, briefly.
Later during the evening, Gage woke in somewhat better condition than earlier during the day. "Are you in any pain?" Sydney asked as Gage began to stir.
"No, not really." Gage replied quietly, still unable to open his eyes more than just a slight slant.
Dr. Amos entered the room and introduced himself to both Sydney and Gage. "Mrs. Gage, I need for you to step outside a moment while I examine your husband."
"Doctor, that's not possible. My husband and I are both Texas Rangers and I've been assigned to protect him while he's here in the hospital." Sydney explained.
The doctor nodded. "OK, but I'll at least need for you to stand over there." He pointed to the far side of the room. Sydney complied.
"Mr. Gage, this is going to be a little painful. I'm going to have to force your eyes open, one at a time so I can examine the eyeball and eye socket for injury. We were hoping that the swelling would have gone down some by now, but since it hasn't, we'll have to proceed with the examination this way."
"I understand." Gage replied hoarsely.
The doctor produced a small tool to pry Gage's eyelids up, so he could see his eyeball. Gage's eyes immediately began to water and he felt a tremendous pain radiate all over his face.
"I'm almost finished, Mr. Gage. Hang in there, I know this must be uncomfortable."
When the doctor finished the examination. Sydney once again approached Gage's bedside and took his hand. His eyes were still watery. She brought her hand to his face and wiped his eyes gently.
"There doesn't appear to be a lot of damage to the eyes themselves. We just need to get the swelling down so you can open them." Dr. Amos smiled. "I'll have the nurse bring in a cold pack to put on your face and we'll see if that helps any."
*****
"Walker, I just got a call from Agent Vaughn. Blake Stevens is dead." Trivette said as he met up with Walker in the hallway.
"What happened?" Walker asked as took his keys from his pocket.
"Marty, escaped from the county lockup this morning. They're pretty sure it was him."
"Come on, we've got to get back to the hospital. Gage and Sydney may be next." Walker and Trivette headed towards the hospital to warn Gage and Sydney of a possible attack from Marty.
When they arrived, they found Gage resting comfortably, ice packs on his face and Sydney reading a magazine, sitting beside of his bed.
"What's wrong?" Sydney asked as Walker and Trivette burst into Gage's room.
Walker motioned for her to join them in the hallway. "Sydney, Agent Stevens, Tony, is dead and Marty has escaped from the county lock-up. I'm doubling security on you and Gage. I have two uniformed officers on the way and they'll be guarding this door 24/7." Walker patted Sydney's back. "You stay with Gage. I don't want Marty to have another chance to finish what he started."
"Me either." Sydney exclaimed. "I won't leave him."
"I know you won't." Walker smiled. "How is he anyway?"
"Actually, he's doing much better. The doctor seems pleased with his progress and we got some good news today. His eyes appear to be fine. Dr. Amos also did an ultrasound of his kidneys earlier and said that he read the reports later today and if they look OK, he may even release Gage as early as the end of the week."
"That's great news!" Trivette exclaimed. "I'm sure he's ready to get out of here too, isn't he?"
"You bet. You know how much Gage hates hospitals."
Walker suddenly made a mad dash towards the exit at the end of the hall. "Walker!" Trivette ran to join his partner outside. Sydney immediately ran into Gage's room and locked the door.
"What's going on?" Gage asked.
"I'm not sure yet. Walker and Trivette are here and we know that Marty has escaped from the county lock-up and Tony is dead."
"What?" Gage asked, somewhat confused.
"It's a long story, Gage."
Trivette met Walker outside of the hospital on the steps. "What is it?" He asked.
"Marty. I saw him at the end of the hallway. He ran when he saw me." Just then Walker caught site of Marty running towards the parking lot. "There!" He shouted as he and Trivette ran towards Marty.
"Stop, Texas Rangers!" Walker yelled, but Marty kept running until he reached a row of parked cars. He then dove behind one and began shooting at Walker and Trivette.
After a brief exchange of gunfire, Marty fell to the ground, clutching his chest. Walker and Trivette ran towards him, as did medical personnel from the hospital, but it was too late for Marty.
After securing the scene and giving statements to the local police department, Walker and Trivette went back inside the hospital to check on Gage and Sydney.
"Gage, are you OK?" Walker asked.
"I'm real sore." Gage replied. "But at least I can open my eyes now. That's better than I could do this morning." Walker smiled.
"I saw Dr. Amos a little while ago and he said you're kidneys are healing nicely, so he's going to let you come home Friday." Sydney stated as she held Gage's hand.
Gage nodded. "Yeah, that was the best news I've heard recently."
Walker stood beside of Gage's bed. "You really had us worried for awhile."
"From what Syd tells me, I was pretty lucky that you guys found me when you did. I would have probably bled to death in another hour."
"I'm amazed that you were able to hold on as long as you did." Trivette said.
"I just kept thinking about my beautiful wife." Gage looked lovingly at Sydney. "And praying for the strength to hold on." Sydney wiped a tear from her eye as she thought about how close she had come to losing Gage forever.
Walker and Trivette got up to leave. "Well, we're headed back to Dallas. You two take care of each other and Sydney, if you need help getting this guy home, let us know. Oh, and Alex asked me to tell you two that she'd stop in and see you when you get back home."
"Thank Walker, Trivette." Sydney hugged them both.
"And you take care of yourself, buddy." As Trivette shook Gage's hand he slipped something to him. Gage smiled when he realized what it was.
"I will. We'll see you guys soon." Gage smiled as best as his bruised face would allow.
After they left, Gage motioned to Sydney to come and sit beside of him. "Now, tell me the whole story of what went on, don't leave anything out."
"Gage, I really just want to put this behind us."
Gage nodded his head. "Yeah, me too." He reached for her left hand and placed her engagement ring and wedding band back on her finger. Sydney stared at her hand once the rings were in place. Gage held her hand as he spoke, "Now, promise me that these will never come off of your finger again." He stared at her adoringly.
Sydney leaned over and kissed her husband's bruised lips. "I'll never take them off again." She paused as she looked at the rings and remembered their wedding vows. "I love you Francis Gage, with all of my heart and soul, until death do us part."
"Until death do us part." Gage echoed as he kissed her again.
THE END