Part 2
Headquarters 8:45 AM.
Sydney was all ready busy at her computer when Alex and Walker came in. "Hi guys," she greeted them.
"Hi how did Piper and Chris take to the news of a new baby?" Alex asked.
"They'd rather have a pony like Angela's," Gage answered coming up behind them.
"Who wants a pony?" Trivette questioned coming in and heading for the coffee machine.
"Our children," Syd dryly informed him.
"Going to keep it in the garage Gage?" Trivette asked without cracking a smile having seen Gage's garage.
"With the rest of the junk?" Syd asked referring to Gage's domain.
"Hey now we need every bit of that junk Syd," Gage stood his ground.
"Um hmm," Syd agreed before asking Alex how their night was with Danny.
"He is such a sweet little boy," Alex began.
"I wish I had better news for him," Syd returned. "It seems it was just Danny and his Mom his father is listed as deceased on his birth certificate and I can't seem to locate another living relative any where."
"Are you sure?" Walker asked.
"So far nothing," Syd confirmed, "I still have a few sources left to check but it doesn't look good.
Walker's phone rang and he walked over to answer it. Alex took the opportunity to ask Syd if she would like to do some shopping at lunch. "I want to get a few things for Danny," she explained, "Last night we had to put to him to bed in one of Walker's t-shirts."
Suddenly Syd's phone rang and she hurriedly told Alex she would meet her at noon before picking up the receiver to answer it. "Ranger Cooke," she said as Alex told her okay and waved good-bye.
Walker had hung up his phone and Gage with Trivette had started walking over to his desk. "That was Dallas PD they just got a line on Trevor Ross he's staying at some flop house off of Lincoln," he informed them as Sydney walked over to join them.
"They just found another woman dead over at the Ridgeway apartment complex which is just a block away from the Hanover buildings," she informed them.
Walker took a minute to mull the information over then looking at Gage said, "Take Sydney and go see what forensics has on this new victim while Trivette and I pick up Ross." He could tell by the look on Gage's face that he wasn't pleased with Syd going on the call but he said nothing.
Instead he turned to her saying, "Come on Shorty."
"Gage doesn't look any to happy," Trivette commented to his partner as they watched Syd and Gage leave.
"It's just leg work and I wouldn't have sent Syd if I thought it might be dangerous. I'm just trying to give her a little out of office work with Gage until she is really stuck here," Walker replied defending his decision.
~~~~~
"Come on Gage lighten up I thought you liked being my partner?" Syd teased her husband as they rode down the elevator and walked over to the car.
"Sydney I just want you safe that's all."
"It's just the crime scene Gage what can happen? Besides I have you to protect me," she smiled feeling his arm go round her.
"All right already," he retorted opening the car door for her, "you're here and I love you but I don't have to be happy about things."
Syd's smile widened at her husband as he put the car in gear and headed towards the Ridgeway buildings. Things looked pretty much the same as they had the day before when they pulled up. The familiar yellow tape, a small crowd milling around outside and once again Detective Lewis.
"This is getting to be a habit," Lewis greeted them.
"One we can break anytime," Gage replied as they followed him into the dingy ground floor apartment. "What have you got?"
"Her name is Andrea Leavens, she's lived here a couple of months, the killer has gone back to blondes."
"Back to blondes?" Syd questioned.
"Yeah Nancy Ross was the only brunette out of the five the rest were blondes," Lewis informed them.
Gage headed towards the body that lay on the floor as Syd followed hoping she wouldn't have an episode like the day before. Squatting down Gage pulled back the tarp to reveal the girl laying on her side in a pool of her own blood just like yesterday. Pulling the tarp back he stood up catching hold of Syd's elbow as she had closed her eyes for a moment.
"Ok partner?" he questioned.
"Yeah fine," she replied as the nausea began to disappear.
She looked pretty pale but Gage let it pass for now deciding he would have a word with Walker as soon as he could. He tried to concentrate on the case as Syd wandered down the hallway towards the bedroom.
Sydney screaming his name was all he heard as he tore down the hallway to the bedroom just in time to see her climbing through the window in pursuit of someone. He was only seconds behind her but still not fast enough to prevent what happened.
She was calling stop Texas Rangers the same time as she reached to grab the assailant who turned shoving her off him sending her hard to the ground where she stayed.
Gage had Sydney in his arms in a matter of seconds while two officers continued the chase.
"Lay still Honey don't try and move," he whispered pulling her close. "What were you thinking?"
"I'm sorry Gage I just wasn't. He was getting away…" Syd's voice trailed off as she buried her head against her husband's chest. They stayed that way for a few minutes more until she heard Gage telling someone to call 911 for his partner.
"Gage I'm not that hurt," she protested.
"Syd I want you checked out," he told her taking charge of things.
"Alright Gage I will but can't you just drive me? I think I just had the wind knocked out of me. Can you help me up?"
Hesitating for a moment Gage put his arms under Syd's and helped her to stand. She leaned heavily against him and it took all his willpower not to pick her up and carry her as slowly they headed to the car.
By now the officers chasing the suspect were returning the suspect having gotten away.
Memorial Hospital Emergency 11:45 AM.
Gage paced up and down the waiting room Syd had been in there for close to an hour and the worry was getting the better of him.
"What happened?"
Gage heard Trivette's voice and spun around.
"She was out on the street and she shouldn't have been," he said neither Trivette or Walker missing the fury in his voice.
"You're right Gage," Walker stood in front of him addressing him. "I know how much she hates sitting out the action and I felt she would be safe with you at the crime scene."
Closing his eyes for a moment Gage opened them to face their boss. "I appreciate that but in all due respect I can't concentrate on anything but her and the baby when she is with me… I can't do it I need her safe."
Walker shook his head in agreement affirming that it wouldn't happen again.
"Gage?"
He spun around to see Sydney's doctor standing there.
"Dr. Marshall, how is she?"
"She's fine Gage both her and the baby," Dr. Marshall assured him. "I'm going to release her but I want you to take her home and make her relax for the rest of today."
"Believe me even if I have to hog tie her she is going to have her feet up," Gage declared.
"Gage Erica and I will look after getting Chris and Piper home you just concentrate on Syd," Trivette volunteered.
"Thanks both of you thanks," Gage said turning to follow Dr. Marshall.
Trivette's phone rang as Gage disappeared down the hallway. "Trivette," he answered, "We're on our way Erica."
"What is it?" Walker asked
"Trevor Ross just showed up at the Hope Center demanding Danny."
~~~~~
Pulling back the curtain slightly Gage moved behind it to join his wife. "Hey how are you feeling?" he asked her.
"Sore but ready to get out of here," she told him letting him take her in his arms.
"You're in luck then cause Dr. Marshall is letting me take you home as long as you spend the rest of the day relaxing."
"Then what are we waiting for?" she asked swinging her legs over the side of the bed closing her eyes as a wave of dizziness came over her.
"For you to slow down Syd," Gage told her holding her close to him again.
"You may have a point Gage," she murmured leaning comfortably against him.
Gently laying his hand against her cheek he lifted her face up to his brushing his lips against hers. He smiled to himself knowing it was hard for her to give up any of her independence even to him. Yet here she was doing just that.
The curtains opened and Dr. Marshall joined them. "All right Sydney you are free to go but I don't want to see you back here in emergency until it is time for this baby to be born. You can work at your desk but no more going on investigations with Gage."
"Don't worry it's been taken care of," Gage confirmed helping Sydney to stand.
Hope Center 12:46 PM.
Walker came to a screeching halt in front of the center both him and Trivette jumping from the truck. Ross in a fit of temper at not being given access to Danny had thrown a rock through the front window. He was continuing to smash out the glass until catching sight of Walker and Trivette. At that point he took off across the porch hopping the railing and running around the side of the center.
Trivette was right behind him while Walker circled round cutting him off. Ross threw a punch at Walker which he easily ducked. Bringing his foot up he hit
Ross in the side sending him flying. Trivette was quick to get the cuffs on him hauling him to his feet.
"Trevor Ross you are under arrest for the murder of Nancy Munro Ross," Trivette began reading Ross his rights.
"You got nothing on me it was that serial killer that got her," he was shouting.
"We certainly have you on vandalizing the Hope Center so we'll just start there," Walker told him as Trivette hauled him away.
Going back around front Walker was met by Erica. "Thank God Walker you got him," she gasped seeing Jimmy handing Ross over to a patrol car.
"Erica," one of the aids was calling her, "Danny has locked himself in the bathroom and won't come out he's so scared."
"Show me where," Walker asked following the aid to where the boy was.
"Danny it's Ranger Walker," he called knocking on the door.
"Ranger Walker he's going to kill me just like my Mommy," came the wail from the other side of the door.
"No he's not Danny, it's safe to come out Trevor is going to jail for what he did he's not going to be able to hurt you ever," Walker tried to assure the child.
Alex had just got there and came to stand beside her husband as he spoke with Danny.
"Please Danny Ranger Walker and I just want to help you," Alex encouraged.
Slowly the door began to open and Danny peaked out. Seeing Alex and Walker he went running to Walker's arms the tears running down his cheeks.
"I was so scared," Danny sobbed holding tight to Walker's neck as Alex rubbed his back hugging the boy as well.
"We were too," Alex told him, "We just didn't want anything to happen to you."
Erica and Jimmy had joined Alex and Walker. "Trivette do you want to stay here and make sure everything gets put in order so Alex and I can get Danny out of here for a couple of hours," Trivette asked his partner.
Trivette nodded his head in agreement glad to be staying with Erica for a little bit making sure she was really all right after what had happened that afternoon. "Take what ever time you want," Jimmy agreed noticing how attached the young boy was becoming to the Walkers and they to him.
"They are perfect parents," Erica commented to her husband as she stood beside him watching Walker help Danny with his seatbelt thinking the same as Jimmy was.
"There are still a lot of unanswered questions before we start thinking that way," Jimmy told her knowing how her mind worked. "But never mind that are you all right?"
"I'm fine," she laughed, "Just another day as a wife to a Texas Ranger."
~~~~~
Pulling away from the curb Walker looked at Alex asking, "Didn't you say that Danny needed a few new things?"
"Maybe a couple of things," Alex smiled looking sideways trying to catch Danny's face, "New toothbrush, pyjamas, you know that sort of thing."
"What do you say we get those things looked after and then maybe we can get some ice cream? Would you like that Danny?" Walker asked stealing a glance at the child.
The first genuine smile Danny had shown stole over his face, "Ice cream?" he asked.
"Yeah I'm kind of partial to raspberry ripple myself," Walker commented. "How bout you Alex?"
"I'm definitely a butterscotch girl," she replied, "What's your favourite Danny?"
"Chocolate I love chocolate," Danny's smile widened as he spoke his mind temporarily forgetting the events of the last couple of days.
With Danny between the two of them it didn't take long to make the purchases and head for the ice cream bar. Walker ordered the cones handing one to Alex and one to Danny as the girl made them. Danny dug into the ice cream like it was his first taste both Alex and Walker smiled at the delight on the child's face. They almost made it to a table when the top scoop of Danny's cone toppled down the front of him and onto the floor.
Tears and fear welled up in the boy's eyes as he began crying, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to drop it. I'll be more careful really I will."
"Danny it's all right Honey it was just an accident," Alex cried running to the child and mopping the front of his shirt taking him in her arms at the same time.
"No it's not," the child persisted, "I'm stupid and I don't 'preciate anything." He was sobbing even harder now.
Alex looked in her husband's eyes as he picked up Danny and pulled him close. "Danny who ever said that you don't appreciate things was very wrong. You are a very bright young man who is thankful for everything that is done for him," Walker told him hugging him close. Tears were forming in Alex's eyes and he reached out and drew her close too knowing he hadn't felt this way since Angela was born.
"Cowboy," Alex whispered.
"I know Alex lets see what we can do to make it real."
Sydney and Gage's Home 2:15 PM.
Gage very gently pulled his arm from beneath Sydney; she stirred slightly but didn't wake. They had gotten home from the hospital about an hour earlier both lying down. Syd had fallen asleep almost instantly while Gage held her watching her sleep resting his hand on her tummy and the baby. He leaned forward kissing her cheek letting his lips rest there as he murmured, "I love you," to her.
Again she stirred softly calling, "Gage," but still not awaking as he tucked the blankets around her and got up. He stopped in the doorway for a moment and smiled before going down the hall and picking up the phone to call Trivette.
"Gage how's Syd?" Trivette asked hearing his voice on the phone.
"She's going to be fine she's sleeping right now," Gage replied.
"Well you can tell her not to worry we got Trevor Ross he tried to break into the Hope center and grab Danny."
"That's what I'm calling about it wasn't Trevor Ross Syd was chasing, this was an African-American," Gage informed him.
"What about Danny saying that he saw Trevor hit his Mother?"
"He probably did Nancy Ross was the only victim that wasn't a blonde. Syd and I were going to compare the autopsy reports to see if there were any other discrepancies but we haven't gotten the chance yet."
"That's okay Gage I'll look into that," Trivette told him before hanging up the phone.
"Gage?"
He spun around to see Sydney standing there. "You're suppose to be resting," he scolded going to her side.
"I was but I woke up when you snuck out on me."
Without a word he picked her up in his arms and headed back towards their bedroom.
"Gage put me down," she protested loudly only because she didn't want to lie down in bed.
"I will once you are laying down again," he firmly told her resting one knee on the bed so he could set her down and still hold her. "It's the high price you pay for scaring me out of my wits today."
"I didn't mean to," she replied still holding onto his neck and looking into his eyes.
"And what is it you tell Piper when she gives you that answer?" Gage persisted as together they said, "Then think about it before you do it."
"All right you made your point," she said bringing her lips to his holding him tight as she kissed him.
"Dr. Marshall said you were supposed to relax this afternoon," Gage smiled as he kissed her again.
"I am relaxed," she teased as her hands began unbuttoning his shirt.
"I don't think this was the kind of relaxing she had in mind," he responded all ready giving her goose flesh as his lips played down her neck.
"Umm," she softly purred, "it's this way Gage if you want me to lay in here and sleep you had better do something to tire me out."
"Then you lay back Mrs. Gage because you are going to be too tired to get up for about a week," he warned taking his turn to tease her.
"Take your best shot Francis," she exclaimed just before his lips covered hers in a deep passionate kiss.