"The Gladiators" Chapter 4 By Lorrie

Disclaimer: The following story is based on the characters of the TV Series "Walker, Texas Ranger". The characters belong to CBS Productions, Top Kick Productions, Washo Brother's Entertainment, etc, but the story is mine. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)

Methodist Hospital, Dallas:

Alex sat in a chair in the waiting room, her feet tucked beneath her while Trivette paced back and forth. "Jimmy, pacing isn't going to do either one of them any good."

He stopped and took a seat next to his friend. "I know. I just wish there was something I could do."

"Maybe there is." Alex said as she stood and headed towards the chapel, followed by Trivette as he nodded.

"Dr. Anderson, ICU Stat!" An announcement could be heard over the PA as Trivette and Alex were coming out of the chapel.

"Gage." Trivette whispered.

"Jimmy, don't jump to conclusions. There are other people in ICU."

Trivette nodded as they both started towards the Intensive Care Unit.

ICU:

"I don't know what happened doctor." The nurse began to explain.

"Looks like there's a problem with the oxygen supply." Dr. Anderson replied as he traced the tubing from the oxygen mask covering Gage's nose and mouth to the supply. "Here." Feeling the escaping air, he pointed to a small pinhole in the tube. "Get a new tube!" The nurse handed him a new tube and he quickly replaced the damaged one with it and then began to examine Gage's lungs again with his stethoscope.

"Is he alright?" The nurse asked.

Dr. Anderson nodded. "For someone who's comatose." He replied.

Trivette slipped inside the room just as Dr. Anderson was coming out. "Ranger Trivette."

"Dr. Anderson." He nodded.

"He's OK. It was just an oxygen tube problem." Dr. Anderson explained before Trivette could ask.

"No change?"

Dr. Anderson shook his head. "I'm sorry."

"Me too." Trivette said as he made his way to Gage's bedside. "Hey buddy, it's me, Trivette. Look, you've got to come out of this. We need you here and in spite of how peaceful you look right now; we really need you to wake up. Sydney's still a little out of it. They pumped her full of drugs and you know that once Walker catches them, we're going to need your testimony to put them away."

Gage's finger twitched slightly as Trivette touched his hand. "Nurse! He moved his finger."

The nurse observed Gage for a moment and then smiled politely at Trivette. "It happens sometimes, but it's just an involuntary muscle movement."

Trivette nodded as he squeezed Gage's hand a little tighter. "Come on buddy, I know you can hear me. You need to wake up."

DeKalb, Texas:

Walker and Nicole hailed a taxi from the small airport near DeKalb and headed for the Sheriff's office. "Ranger Walker, you were very quiet throughout the flight and I didn't want to press, but have you come up with a plan?"

Walker nodded. "We'll talk about it later." He said, not wanting to talk in front of the cab driver.

The cabbie pulled alongside the curb at the Sheriff's office. "Here we are." He said as he put the cab in park.

Walker paid the man as he and Nicole got out. "Let's see if the Sheriff has heard anything new since we left yesterday."

"Ranger Walker!" The Sheriff exclaimed as his office door opened. "I certainly wasn't expecting to see you back around here so soon. I hope those two young Rangers are doing better."

"Not exactly." Walker replied quietly. "Have you heard anything new?"

"As a matter of fact," the Sheriff started as he pulled a printout from his desk. "I was just about to call you. It seems that the drug activity in Decatur has already begun to pick up."

Walker nodded as he looked over the printout. "Who's the Sheriff over there?" He asked.

"Name's Billings. He's a good man, but he don't have much backbone. I doubt you'll get much help from him on this."

"I'm not looking for his help, just a little information."

"Sheriff, what do you know about Decatur?" Nicole asked. "Is there any particular reason that The Gladiators may have chosen it?"

The Sheriff shook his head. "It's not much bigger than DeKalb, mostly residential and older farms. There are a couple of big Longhorn ranches up there and last I heard only one of them is being operated this year. If there's no one there, it may be a good spot for a gang to hang out."

Walker laid his hand on the Sheriff's shoulder. "Thanks for all of your help."

"You two headed out tonight? It's kind of late, why don't you get a couple of rooms at the motel and start fresh in the morning. You both look beat."

"Thanks, but I had rather get a move on." Walker said.

"Suit yourself, but stay alert. I don't want to be called to the scene of your accident in a few hours."

"You won't be." Walker replied, his face set.

"Somehow, I'll bet you're right." The Sheriff mumbled as Walker and Nicole went out the door.

Nicole pulled herself into the RAM and as soon as Walker cranked up she turned to him. "So, what's the plan?"

"We'll check in with Sheriff Billings when we get there and find out where this ranch is." He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. "Here, call the hospital and find out how Sydney and Gage are doing."

Nicole dialed the number Walker had given her with the phone. "Trivette."

"Ranger Trivette?" Nicole said, slightly startled since she was expecting the nurse's station. "Uh, this is Nicole. Ranger Walker wants to know how Jack and Jade, I mean, Gage and Sydney are doing."

There was a long pause. "There's no change on either of them. Nicole, let me speak to Walker."

"He wants to speak to you." She handed Walker the phone.

"Trivette?"

"Walker, I got the background check you asked for on Nicole. Watch your back when you're with her. Her last three partners have been killed in the line of duty. There's no indication of foul play on her part, but still . . ."

"Thanks Trivette, you've got my cell number, let us know if there's any change."

"Alright. Be careful."

"Always."

When Walker hung up the phone, he noticed that Nicole seemed a little preoccupied. "You OK?"

"Um? Oh, yeah, I'm fine."

"Do you need to call your superiors in Florida?" He asked.

"I did, before we left Dallas. They're quote, "thrilled" that I'm this close to nabbing The Gladiators, but they can't offer any additional support right now." She stared out the window again.

"Isn't that unusual?"

"Oh, you might as well know all of it. My colleagues hate me. They think I'm a jinx because my last three partners were killed in the line of duty, each while we were working on a case together."

Walker raised his eyebrows. "Did you do anything that put them in the line of danger?"

"NO!" Nicole yelled.

"Did you have any prior knowledge of your cases that you didn't share with your partners?"

"NO!" She yelled again.

"Did you freeze up during a shootout, or not back up your partner properly?"

"I did not freeze up! I did everything I could to prevent each of my partner's from being shot! Hell, I ended up taking a bullet myself once!"

"OK, if you've done everything right and have no regrets, then stop blaming yourself for your partner's deaths."

Nicole sat quietly for a minute and then turned to face Walker, tears streaming down her face. "But why always with me? Why my partners and not me?"

"I don't know why, but I do know that you were spared for a reason."

"You think?"

Walker nodded and then the RAM grew quiet. Soon Nicole was asleep, her head pressed against the glass.

Methodist Hospital, Dallas - Room 204:

Alex stood outside the door to Sydney's room for a few minutes before quietly slipping inside. Sydney looked peaceful, at least for the moment. Alex had just had a long conversation with the nurses and they told her that Sydney had had a rough morning. She seemed to be plagued with dreams and would break out in a cold sweat, but couldn't seem to wake up.

As Alex started into Sydney's room, she heard a low moan coming from inside. "Nurse!" She called as she ran inside.

Sydney was having what appeared to be a seizure. "Nurse!" Alex yelled as loud as she could while trying to sooth Sydney. "Easy Sydney, help is on the way."

Two nurses barged into the room and gently pushed Alex aside. "You'll have to wait outside." One of them instructed.

Alex watched as one of the nurses inserted a large needle into Sydney's arm, but was relieved when she saw that the seizure came to an abrupt end.

"Ma'am, you'll have to step outside - - please!" The nurse instructed again.

Alex hesitantly stepped outside the door just as Doctor Anderson came rushing down the hall. "Alex, I'll let you know what's going on as soon as I know something."

"Thank you." She said as she leaned against the wall, looking at the ceiling.

Time seemed to be standing still. It had seemed like forever since Dr. Anderson went into Sydney's room. Alex was so lost in her own thoughts; she jumped when Dr. Anderson touched her arm.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. She's stable."

"What happened?"

"The drugs. We were able to counter the effects, this time, but I've ordered several more blood tests to see if we can find out how much of this stuff is left in her system."

"What about long term effects?"

Dr. Anderson shook his head. "I don't know yet."

ICU:

"Syd?" Gage called out softly in a muffled voice.

Trivette had closed his eyes and was about to doze off when he heard Gage's voice. "Gage!" He exclaimed.

Gage shuddered slightly as he tried to open his eyes. "Triv . . ."

"Shh. Let me get someone in here. Don't try to talk." Trivette pushed the call button on Gage's bedside. In an instant, a nurse appeared from one of the other ICU rooms.

"Yes?" She asked.

"He's awake! He's talking!"

The nurse hurried to Gage's bedside. "Ranger Gage, can you hear me?"

"Syd?" He asked again.

A smile almost as broad as the one Trivette was wearing broke out across the usually tough nurse's face. "I'll page Dr. Anderson." She left the room for a moment and then returned with a damp sponge. "Sometimes a damp sponge will bring them around quicker."

Without hesitation, the nurse began to bathe Gage's face and chest with the sponge, all the while, talking to him. "Come on Ranger Gage, let's see if you can open those beautiful blue eyes for me."

Gage's eyelids began to flutter slightly and after a little more coaxing, his right eye opened fully.

"Hi there." The nurse smiled at him.

"Hey." He replied quietly.

Dr. Anderson stepped inside the room. "What have we got?" He asked, fully expecting another crisis. As the nurse moved and the doctor stepped closer to Gage, he realized, much to his surprise, that his comatose patient was fully awake and communicating.

"Ranger Gage, I'm going to remove the oxygen mask and then I'm going to examine you, OK?"

Gage slowly nodded.

"Ranger Trivette, you'll have to step outside." The nurse said as she nudged him towards the door. "You can go back in when the doctor is finished."

Trivette nodded and followed the nurse out into the hallway. She briefly touched his arm. "He's a fighter." She said and then continued down the hallway.

"That he is." Trivette said to himself. "That he is."

Just outside Decatur, TX

Walker slowed the RAM to a stop for a traffic light. The sudden change in speed jolted Nicole awake. She stretched for a moment. "Where are we?" She asked.

"Just outside Decatur. We should be there in ten minutes or so."

Nicole nodded. "Sorry I fell asleep on you."

"You needed the rest."

"What about you? You've been going strong for several days now, haven't you?"

"I'm used to it. My wife and I have a 2 year old at home." He smiled.

"It's not the same and you know it." Nicole smiled.

"How about you? Are you married?"

She shook her head. "No. Never had the time."

Walker nodded, remembering life before he and Alex started dating and how he never thought he would have time for a family. "You have to make the time."

Before Nicole could answer, she noticed the police station up ahead. "There's the Sheriff's office."

Walker nodded and pulled the RAM into the parking lot.

Sheriff Billings was waiting for them when they entered the building. "Ranger Walker?" He asked, extending his hand.

"Sheriff." Walker shook the man's hand. "This is Nicole Braden, DEA Miami."

"Please to meet you ma'am." He tipped his hat at the petite woman.

"Sheriff, I'm sure that you're aware by now of The Gladiators."

The Sheriff nodded. "We have two of them downstairs in the cells. A fight broke out in one of the local bars and two of my men arrested them earlier tonight."

"Any idea where the rest of them are?"

The Sheriff nodded. "We're not positive, but we think that they may be using an old Longhorn ranch about fifteen miles South of town, The Circle D."

"Can you get me directions?"

"Already got them." He handed Walker a map with a circle over the ranch. "I can't really offer you any back up right now. We're just a small outfit."

"I understand Sheriff. We've got it covered." Walker stood and shook the Sheriff's hand again. "Thanks for the information."

"You bet. Anything to help out the Rangers." He then looked at Nicole. "And you too, ma'am." He tipped his hat again.

As Walker and Nicole were headed back to the RAM, Nicole shook her head, silently.

"What?" Walker asked.

"Ma'am? What, do I look like someone's grandma?"

Walker smiled and chuckled slightly to himself, remembering how much Alex hated to be called ma'am.

"Let's get going." Nicole said as Walker climbed in. "I'm ready to take them down."

"Hold on a minute. We need a plan and we're going to need back up." He said as he picked up his radio.

"Who did you have in mind?" Nicole asked.

"State Police." Walker replied and continued to make his call.

Methodist Hospital, Room 204:

Alex slipped back into Sydney's room and took the seat beside of her bed again. She was shocked when she heard Sydney's voice.

"Alex?" Sydney whispered.

Alex patted her hand. "I'm right here, honey."

"Where's Nicole?"

"She's fine. She and Walker have gone to Decatur."

Sydney nodded and tried to smile and then tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. "Gage? Is he . . .?"

Alex began to shake her head firmly. "No, no honey, he's not dead. He is broken up pretty bad and he's in ICU, but he's not dead."

"Thank God."

"Yes, thank God that neither of you are dead." Alex reached for the call button.

"Yes." A nurse answered.

"Ranger Cooke is awake."

"Thank you." The nurse replied.

A minute later, the nurse appeared in the doorway. "How are we doing?" She asked Sydney from the foot of the bed.

"Better." Sydney replied dryly.

The nurse smiled. "Good. Let me run a quick check of your vitals and then I'll check in with Dr. Anderson."

"Sydney, while the nurse is with you, I'm going down to ICU and check on Gage."

"Thanks." Sydney smiled again.

ICU:

The elevator door opened and Alex stepped off, almost dreading going into ICU again. She hated the sound of the instruments and could hardly bare to see Gage in the shape he was in. His bandaged head and badly bruised face. His left eye was swollen shut and of course the casts on his left arm and left leg, which according to Dr. Anderson would be there for a while.

As she neared the door, she was surprised to find Trivette squatting on the floor. "Jimmy?" She asked with urgency.

Trivette stood immediately. "He's fine. He's awake."

A smile broke out across Alex's face. "He's OK?"

"The doctor's in with him now." Trivette's expression quickly changed as he began to wonder why Alex was here and not with Sydney. "Is Sydney alright?"

Alex nodded. "She's fine. She's awake too!"

Dr. Anderson exited the ICU and stopped to talk with Trivette and Alex. "Well, I assume that you just left my other patient's room." He said to Alex.

"Yes. She's awake."

Dr. Anderson smiled. "I know. The nurse just paged me. She's not only awake, she's hungry and that's a very good sign."

"How about Gage?" Trivette asked.

"I'm going to leave him on oxygen for a while longer. He can breathe OK on his own, but with his broken ribs, I think he's a little more comfortable with it in place."

Trivette nodded. "But other than that, he's OK?"

"He's in a lot of pain and he's going to be for a while. I've prescribed morphine to keep him comfortable, but other than that, I would say that he's on his way to a remarkable recovery." The doctor then shook Trivette's hand and squeezed Alex's shoulder. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get upstairs and check out Ranger Cooke."

"Can we see Gage?" Alex asked.

"Sure. I hope to have him in a private room later today, that way someone can stay with him, if you like."

"Thanks doc." Trivette replied as both he and Alex stepped into ICU.

"Hey there." She said as she noticed that Gage's right eye was open.

"Hey." He replied weakly, his voice muffled by the oxygen mask.

"I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Hurts." He said.

Alex gently touched his right arm. "The doctor said that you should be getting some morphine in a little while to help with that and hopefully he'll get you into a private room later today."

Gage closed his eyes and nodded in response.

"So, are you going back to Sydney's room?" Trivette asked quietly.

"Syd?" Gage asked as a sharp pain racked his body.

"Shh." Alex soothed. "She's OK. She's awake now and asking for something to eat."

Gage nodded again and breathed in sharply.

"Jimmy, get the nurse in here. He's in a lot of pain." Alex instructed.

"Nurse!" Trivette called out as he stepped out into the hall.

One of the floor nurse's was on here way to the room with the morphine unit. "Yes." She answered.

"Is that his morphine? He's in a lot of pain."

"I'm going to take care of that right now." She said as Trivette held the door opened for her to bring in the cart.

"Hi there Mr., Gage, is it?" She looked at his chart.

Alex stood up and moved out of the way so the nurse could get to the IV stint already in place in Gage's right arm. "I have something that should make you feel a little better." She quickly sat up the IV drip and connected the tube to the stint. After watching the drip for a moment, she made a quick adjustment and then turned to Gage. "Better?" She asked.

Gage nodded. "Some."

"Good. I'll be back in to check on you in twenty minutes or so."

Alex held to Jimmy's arm for a moment. "I'm going to go back up and check on Sydney. Do you mind staying down here?"

"I'm not going anywhere." Trivette replied with a smile.

Decatur, Texas:

The Circle D Ranch sat in a wide-open field, the main road stretching out above it. Walker was thankful for the darkness as cover. He and Nicole quietly got out of the RAM and he peered across the many buildings with his pair of night vision binoculars. After focusing in on the barn, he spotted several motorcycles parked in one of the outer stalls.

"Well?" Nicole asked, growing anxious in the night air.

"They're here." He replied.

"This place is so wide open, how are we going to get down there without getting caught?"

"We're not. I am." He replied as he pulled his biker gear from the back of the truck.

Nicole stared at him, dumb-founded. "You must be kidding. You can't possibly take on all of them alone."

"Nicole, they'll recognize you in a heartbeat. Me they've never seen."

"But . . ."

"There's no point in discussing this. You'll stay here with the truck behind that grove of trees until the State Police get here. Let them know who I am and what I look like." He stepped around to the back of the truck and quickly changed. "Look, I'll be easily recognized by the police." He came out from behind the truck in full biker gear, complete with a black bandana with the word, Texas, in big white letters on the front.

"Walker, when are the State Troopers supposed to be here?"

"Maybe an hour from now." He put his hand on Nicole's shoulder. "Look, I know you want in on this bust and I'm fine with that, but I can't knowingly let you do anything that will put your life in jeopardy."

"You know, 'The Man' is going to be suspicious of you right off if you don't come in on a bike."

"I know. I've already thought of that. I'm going to tell them that I was ran off of the road and the jerks took my bike." He tossed his suede jacket to her. "Put that in the back of the truck."

"He might buy that. Just say as little as possible around him, he like a sponge, he takes in everything everyone says."

"I'll remember that."

Nicole tossed the jacket into the truck. "Good luck." She called out quietly as Walker began to walk towards the ranch.

The Circle D Ranch:

'The Man' stirred slightly in his sleep and then sat up. "Did you hear that Leo?"

"What?" Leo groaned.

"Somebody's out on the front porch."

"Oh, go back to sleep, ain't nobody out there this time of night." Leo grouched.

'The Man' threw a pillow at him as he got up, pulled his gun from beneath his pillow and started down the stairs.

Walker sat down on the front steps and leaned up against one of the columns. He closed his eyes and strained to hear footsteps from inside the house. He wasn't disappointed. Someone was coming down the staircase towards the front door.

Walker crossed his arms, his right hand resting on his gun, in case he needed it.

'The Man' pulled the lace curtains back and saw a tired and weary looking older biker sitting on the steps. "What the?" He said aloud as he flung open the door.

Walker looked startled as he opened his eyes wide, facing 'The Man' for the first time. "Sorry man. I saw your bikes in the barn, but I didn't want to wake you, so I thought I'd park myself here for the night and that maybe we could talk when the sun came up."

"Who are you?"

"Name's Joe."

"Well, Joe, you look like a biker, but I don't see no bike and I know I didn't hear one."

"No, you didn't. I got ran off of the road just a few miles from here. Bunch of backwoods hicks. They knocked me out and when I came to, my bike was gone." Walker reached for the back of his head, as if touching a recent injury.

'The Man' nodded. "You can stay for a few days, but we're not in the habit of taking just anyone in."

"I understand." Walker replied. "Say, what's the name of this outfit anyway?"

"The Gladiators." 'The Man' replied.

Spike heard the sound of voices from outside. "Leo, 'The Man' was right. There is someone out there." Spike got up and pulled on his boots and was quickly joined by Leo.

"You wanna come inside or stay out here?" 'The Man' asked.

"I'll just stay out here if it's all the same to you?" Walker replied.

"Suit yourself." 'The Man' started back up the stairs and almost bumped into Leo as he and Spike were coming downstairs.

"Get out of my way you idiots!" 'The Man' yelled.

"Sorry man. Hey, who's outside?" Spike asked.

"His name's Joe. Says someone ran him off of the road a few miles back and when he came to his bike was gone."

"You want us to look into it?" Leo asked.

"Maybe, but in the morning. I'm going back to bed." 'The Man' climbed the stairs and slammed the door behind him.

Leo continued down the stairs and pulled the curtain back. "Hey Spike." He called, after getting a look at Walker.

"Yeah?"

"Isn't that the guy we had that run in with at 'Wheels' a few days ago?"

Spike pushed the curtain further back and looked at Walker. "Yeah, I believe it is."

"What is he doing here?" Leo asked as Spike pushed his way passed him and headed upstairs. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Leo, it's 3:30 in the morning, I'm going back to bed."

"I don't think so. I think we're going to find out who this guy is and what he's doing here before 'The Man' does."

"Why?"

"Why?! What if he's another cop and 'The Man' finds out that we saw him a few days ago?"

"Oh, I didn't think of that." Spike replied somberly.

"That's right, you didn't think. Between the two of us, I do the thinking!"

"Ah, shut up Leo. You think you know everything."

"I know a lot more than you." Leo retaliated.

Walker could hear the shouting match just inside the door. He quietly got up from his position on the porch and opened the door, wide. "Would you two keep it down, I'm trying to sleep out here." He rolled his eyes. "Oh, it's you two."

"Yeah, it's us and we owe you one from the other night." Leo started as he and Spike went outside and closed the door behind them.

"Yeah, about the other night," Walker started. "I guess I had a few too many and well, you know."

"That may be, but you showed us up in front of some of our buddies. We don't like that." Leo picked up a chain that was lying in a nearby chair.

"Yeah, we don't like that." Spike echoed, pulling a knife from his pants pocket.

"Guys, listen, truth be known, I could beat your butts anywhere, anytime. Do you really want me to prove it right here in front of 'The Man' and everyone else."

Leo and Spike considered Walker's threat. "You had just better watch your back." Leo hissed, pointing his finger at Walker and dropping the chain at the same time.

"I'll keep that in mind." Walker replied as he sat back down.

Walker's RAM:

A patrol car pulled up silently behind Walker's Ram. "It's about time you guys got here." Nicole said.

"Keep your hands where I can see them. Where is Ranger Walker and who are you?" The officer asked.

"I'm Nicole Braden, DEA Miami. The Gladiators are holding up at the Circle D Ranch down there." She pointed towards the ranch. "Ranger Walker went in almost two hours ago. He's dressed as a biker and he's wearing a bandana with the word Texas printed across the front."

"Let me see some ID." The officer requested.

Once Nicole handed him her badge, he holstered his gun. "Detective Braden, come over here with us and we'll discuss our options."

Nicole joined the group of State Troopers, which included a S.W.A.T. team. "Captain Sharp, this is Detective Nicole Braden, DEA Miami. She's with Ranger Walker."

"Where is Ranger Walker?" The Captain inquired.

"He's already infiltrated the gang. Detective Braden said he's dressed as a biker, and wearing a bandana with Texas printed across the front."

"Great." The Captain swore under his breath. "Michaels, get into position."

Nicole watched as an apparent sharp-shooter took off on foot towards the trees where the RAM was parked.

"So, what's the plan, Captain? The ranch is so out in the open." Nicole asked.

"I know. I was hoping for a surprise attack, but it looks like we'll be seen before we get half way there."

"Can you get a call into Walker?" The Captain asked.

Nicole shook her head. "No. He wouldn't take his cell in. He said he was afraid they would find it."

"Alright, then Walker's on his own." The Captain turned towards the S.W.A.T. team. "Move in."

"Wait a minute." Nicole said quietly. "I want in on this bust."

"I know. Walker told me about your undercover work. You'll be in on the bust, but the S.W.A.T. team goes in first and secures the area. I agree with Walker on this one, you would be spotted too easily."

The S.W.A.T. team, dressed in black quietly and quickly made their way towards the ranch house. Walker, still on the porch, heard a slight movement in the silence of the night. He lifted his head slightly and looked towards the field, towards the road, as he did, he saw two figures moving towards the house.

As the S.W.A.T. team neared the yard, Walker got up from the porch and took a position behind a tree at the edge of the yard. When one of the team members was within arms reach, Walker grabbed him from behind, placing his arm around the man's neck. "Shh. I'm Ranger Walker." He whispered as he let go.

"Ranger Walker, where are they?" The team leader asked as the rest of the group came near.

"Second floor, first window."

The team leader nodded, pointed at one of the other team members and then towards the window Walker had indicated. A moment later, a canister of tear-gas had been deployed through the window.

Coughing and choking sounds could be heard as the gang members fought to find their way downstairs.

Walker hurried around back, along with two of the other team members. They saw three men running towards the barn. "You two stay here. I'm going after them." Walker instructed.

"We're being followed." Leo shouted as he saw Walker behind them.

"It's Joe." 'The Man' shouted.

"He's with the cops!" Spike yelled.

Walker caught up with Leo and Spike as they were running for their bikes. He tackled them both from behind. Leo was first to recover and he threw two jabs to Walker's ribs before Walker could get in a swing.

Meanwhile, Spike was up now and grabbed Walker from behind, pinning his arms to his sides. Leo grinned broadly as he pulled his fist back, intending to slam it into Walker's face, but as he was about to hit him, Walker flung his head backwards, nailing Spike in the nose and causing him to loosen his grip. Walker then forcefully pulled his arms upward, freeing himself completely from Spike.

He faced Leo. "Come on." He taunted.

"It's time to pay "Joe"." Leo announced.

"Yeah, it is Leo. Come on, show me what you've got." Walker continued to taunt.

Leo threw two jabs at Walker's chest, which he shook off easily and retaliated with a punch to Leo's jaw, then another to his stomach, followed by a spinning kick to his chest, landing him hard on the ground.

When Walker turned to face Spike, he saw him tucking his tail and running back towards the house where Nicole quickly apprehended him.

The cranking up of one of the bikes grabbed Walker's attention. He turned just in time to see 'The Man' head out the back of the barn. He quickly climbed onto one of the faster bikes and cranked it up, following the path 'The Man' had taken.

Walker could see 'The Man' just ahead of him on the narrow path. He could also tell that they weren't far from the main road. As he followed 'The Man' up a small hill and around a curve, they were at the main highway.

'The Man' knew that someone was following him. As he hit the main highway, he gave his bike full throttle. Walker followed closely behind. Soon the two were side by side and as they neared a sharp turn in the road, Walker saw a semi headed straight for him. He made a fast decision to stand on the bike and before 'The Man' knew what was happening, Walker had jumped off of his bike and joined 'The Man' on his.

They both heard the sound of crumpling metal as semi hit the abandoned bike head on. 'The Man' tried to shake Walker off by swerving the bike from side to side, but Walker was able to get a chokehold on 'The Man' and as soon as he went limp, Walker grabbed the handlebars and brought the bike to a stop.

The sirens of the State Troopers could be heard in the distance as Walker got off of the bike and pulled out his handcuffs. As he started to slap the cuffs around 'The Man's' wrists, he was startled as 'The Man' suddenly reached up and wrapped both of his hands around his neck.

Walker slammed two punches into 'The Man's' stomach, causing him to quickly release his hold and try to protect his tender abdomen. When he did this, Walker took advantage of his position and nailed him twice in the jaw with two swift punches. 'The Man' staggered backwards and fell against his bike.

"Let's try this again." Walker said as he slapped the cuffs onto the biker's wrists just as the patrol cars arrived.

"Ranger Walker?" Captain Sharp asked.

Walker nodded. "This one's the leader. They call him 'The Man'."

Nicole stepped ahead of Captain Sharp and tested the cuffs around 'The Man's' wrists. "Nicolas Dent, aka 'The Man', you have the right to remain silent. Anything you do can and will be used against you in a court of law . . ." She continued to read him his rights and when she was finished, he looked at her coldly.

"I thought you were dead." He said defiantly.

"Sorry to disappoint you." She replied, winking at Walker as she hauled her prisoner off towards one of the patrol cars. After placing him securely inside, she returned to where Walker was standing.

"So, what now Detective Braden?" He asked.

"Back to Miami. I need to start on the extradition papers."

"You know he has three attempted murder charges on him here in Texas." Walker reminded.

Nicole nodded. "Believe me, I'm not likely to forget that."

Walker nodded. "Good luck."

"Thanks. I hope your Rangers are doing better."

"Thanks, me too." Walker replied as he watched Nicole get into the Trooper's car with her prisoner.

Methodist Hospital, Dallas

"Do you think they could bring me another sandwich?" Sydney asked Alex as she finished eating the last bite of her lunch.

Alex laughed. "I can ask."

Sydney smiled and caught her arm. "No, don't. I was only kidding." The look on her face suddenly went from bright to grim.

"What is it, are you in pain?" Alex asked.

Sydney shook her head. "No, I was just thinking about Gage."

"He's improving." Alex reassured her.

Sydney nodded. "I know. I just wish I could see him."

"Well, he is supposed to be in a private room now. Let me find Dr. Anderson and see if we can arrange something."

Ten minutes later, Alex brought a wheelchair through the door and smiled as she entered the room. "Are you up for a ride?"

Sydney smiled. "To Gage's room?" She asked excitedly.

Alex nodded. "Dr. Anderson said he thinks it will do Gage a world of good to see that you're OK. He's really worried about you, you know."

"That's a two way street." Sydney replied as she sat down in the wheelchair and adjusted her housecoat. "There, do I look presentable?" She asked.

"You look fine." Alex again reassured her.

As Alex pushed her down the hall, towards Gage's room, she thought that she had better prepare her for Gage's condition. "Sydney, he's been through a lot and it shows. His left arm and left leg are both in casts and when I saw him last, his head was heavily bandaged and the left side of his face was pretty swollen."

Sydney nodded. "I'm OK Alex. I just need to see him. I need to know that he's OK."

Alex nodded in agreement. "I know." She stopped just outside of Gage's door and knocked.

Trivette came to the door. He stepped outside, leaving the door slightly opened behind him. "Sydney! You look great!"

"Oh, I do not." She smiled. "How is he?"

"He's doing pretty good today. The doctor took him off of oxygen and he's breathing comfortably, but . . ." Trivette hesitated.

"But what?" Sydney asked.

"He doesn't want any visitors."

Sydney could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. "He doesn't?" She asked, her voice beginning to crack.

"Sydney, I think it's just because of all of the swelling and . . ." Trivette said, still leaning on the door.

From his bed, Gage could just barely see Sydney, sitting in her wheelchair, her hair cascading down onto her shoulders. He saw how excited she was when Trivette had first stepped out and now she was close to tears and he knew it was his fault, but he couldn't let her see him like this, could he?

"Trivette." He called out. "Let her in."

Trivette pushed the door back a little to allow Alex to push Sydney in, but before Alex could touch the wheelchair, Sydney grabbed the wheels and quickly entered before Gage could change his mind. She stopped beside of his bed, close enough to touch him. "Why didn't you want to see me?" She asked quietly, still close to tears.

"Oh Syd, it's not that I didn't want to see you. I just didn't want you to see me, like this." He mumbled, but more clearly than earlier.

"Gage, I thought you were dead. Do you really think a few bandages and a little swelling matter to me?"

By this time, tears were streaming down both of their faces. Gage smiled as Sydney took his hand. "I can't imagine life without you." She said and then wiped her eyes and chuckled. "But the beard . . . the beard has to go." She smiled.

"I love you too Syd." He replied. "But I'm kind of getting used to the beard." He returned the smile as best as he could with the swelling in his face.

Trivette closed the door and put his arm around Alex. "Care to walk down to the cafeteria with me, Mrs. Walker?"

"I would love to, Ranger Trivette."

Just as they were getting on the elevator, Trivette received a page. "Ranger James Trivette you have a call at the nurses' station."

As soon as the elevator stopped, Trivette went to the nearest nurses' station. "Trivette."

"Trivette, it's Walker. How are things going there?"

"Great Walker! Sydney and Gage are both awake and doing great! How about you?"

"Everything's under control here. I should be back there in about an hour."

"We'll be waiting for you." Trivette replied. "Walker, Alex wants to talk to you."

Trivette handed the phone to Alex and she and Walker talked for a few minutes. "I'll see you soon. I love you."

"I love you too Alex." Walker replied as he hung up his cell phone and continued down the road towards Dallas, smiling knowing that all was now well with all of his friends, old and new alike; Gage and Sydney were on the mend, Nicole completed her undercover assignment and got her man and now things could finally get back to normal, whatever that may be.

THE END