DAYS

Chapter 2

A month later, Alex and Sydney were sitting at the bar at CD's talking as they waited for CD to finish making their lunch.

"So, how's it going with your new partner?"

"I honestly don't know how Walker does it."

"Does what?"

"Deal with Trivette." They both laughed. "The other day, we were on a stakeout for six and a half hours, and by the fifth hour, I was ready to strangle him."

Alex had to hide a grin. "Why?"

"He was whining about being tired and hungry. Oh—and his coffee was cold, apparently." They shared another laugh at his expense just as he walked in.

"What's so funny?" he asked as CD set their plates down in front of them.

"Nothing, Jimmy," they said together. He gave them a wary look before turning his attention towards the man behind the counter.

"Hey, Big Dog, can I get some coffee, please."

"Sure, comin' right up." Alex glanced over at Sydney and raised an eyebrow. The younger woman rolled her eyes. They started giggling again. Trivette looked exasperated.

"Now what's so funny?" he cried.

Both women spoke simultaneously. "Nothing, Jimmy."

********

Alex was sitting in her office, trying to work on her latest case as she waited for Walker to check in. Because he was in such deep cover, he only called in every two weeks. The time between each call seemed to be getting longer and longer, lasting for an eternity. Sydney came into her office then, and Alex was glad for the distraction, especially since she'd been feeling mildly sick all day. She looked up, and saw that Sydney was frowning at her.

"That's a lovely shade of green you're turning there, Alex, but—"

"Oh, God!" Alex's hand flew to her mouth as she ran into the bathroom to be sick.

When she finally came back out, she sank down at her desk, white-faced and exhausted.

"Alex, are you all right?" Worry tinged the younger woman's voice.

"I haven't been feeling well for the last few days, but this is the first time I've actually gotten sick—" She leapt up again. A few minutes later, she returned, still a little queasy. She slumped in her seat, her head falling back and her eyes closing.

"I haven't been doing too well lately, either. Maybe the flu's going around. Let's go pay a visit to the doctor, eh?" She lifted an eyebrow to emphasize her statement.

"All right. But after Walker and Gage check in."

Sydney smiled. "Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."

********

Two cups of coffee and one bathroom trip later, they were still waiting. They both jumped as the phone began to ring shrilly. Alex snatched it quickly.

"Hello? Alex Cahill-Walker," she greeted, her face expectant.

"Hi." Alex barely restrained herself from letting out a yell. She settled for giving Sydney a grin.

"What have you found out?"

"Nothing much." Alex knew there must be someone there listening to his side of the conversation.

"Someone's there with you?"

"Yeah."

"Found anything out about McDaniel yet?"

"Uh-huh." By the time Alex hung up the phone, she knew two things. The first—McDaniel had a shipment of drugs coming in next week. The second—Gage wanted Sydney to know he loved her. After Alex gave Sydney the message, they drove to St. Matthew's Hospital together. The doctor there drew some blood and sent them on their way, saying they probably had the flu, and that she'd call them with the results. A week later, she did call. Alex and Sydney were ten and eight weeks pregnant, and suffering from morning sickness. Once they'd recovered from their shock, they told CD and Trivette, but agreed not to tell Gage and Walker—it would distract them, and that could prove fatal. They were anxiously awaiting the next phone call, and when it came, Walker had nothing to report. The next two weeks came and went—and so did the check-in time. At the missed call, Alex and Sydney became worried. By the third day, they were frantic. On day seven, every available officer was deployed to search for the two missing Rangers. Two weeks later, as the two women sat in Alex's office, waiting for news, Trivette entered the room. Silently, he handed them each a small navy blue velvet bag. With trembling hands, they shook the contents out. They were horrified to see that they each held their husband's Ranger star and wedding band.

Trivette's face was grim as he said, "Alex, Sydney, I'm so sorry."

********