~Chapter Six ~

Almost At The Gages

Chris had turned to wait for Angela to get off the bus. As it pulled away he took Angela's book bag from her and slung it nervously over his shoulder.

"I'm so glad you thought of this," Angela smiled taking his hand as she began chatting away about the school dance that was coming up, she was on the decorations committee.

Even though Chris had the Gage grin plastered to his face his thoughts were a hundred miles away wondering how he had ever gotten talked into this mess. Once he had gotten to school he had searched out Angela and told her about that morning's escapade plus the fact that his parents were still out on some farm way the other side of Fort Worth.

"So you mean no one is going to be at your place at all after school?" Angela asked like her mother always thinking and planning.

"I guess not," Chris answered not really giving it much thought.

"Chris could we go over to your place after school and do our homework?" she sweetly smiled, then standing on tiptoes to whisper in his ear added, "It would be nice and quiet and well you know we could spend some real quality alone time together."

"I don't know if that's such a good idea Angela," Chris began to say thinking he just may have used up all his "get out of jail free" cards that morning.

"Sure it is Chris you know we never get to spend enough time together without at least one of our parents butting in on us," she persisted.

"Yeah I know Angela it's just that if my mom finds out she will for sure tell your mother and they will tell our fathers… we'll never see each other again until it's time to leave for college," Chris tried to reason with her.

"How are they going to find out I'm sure not going to tell them. Piper, Danny and Cat will be at the HOPE Center until six and I'll just take a bus to the library and have my mom pick me up. I'll tell her I'm working on a big history paper," Angela outlined her plan to him.

After half a dozen more "Angela I don't know about this" and she had him talked into. Now as they neared the house Chris was really having second thoughts. Rounding the corner he new that they were in trouble when he caught sight of his mother's van in the driveway. Looking the street over he noticed the police unit parked across the street.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Angela admitted as they started up the driveway and one of the officers waved at them.

"Please Angela let me do the talking," he pleaded with her as they headed up the driveway knowing that if a car was parked out front it would be his mother here not his father.

"Maybe she's asleep," Angela suggested as Chris slipped his key in the lock and opened the back door.

"What will that help?" Chris asked letting Angela go in ahead of him just in time to hear the sound of breaking glass. "You stay here," he hissed at Angela setting the book bags down and proceeding inside Angela right behind him both pressing themselves against the kitchen wall.

All had become quiet again until they heard the study door open to let someone out. From down the hallway Chris could see someone silently moving forward and he pushed Angela back against the wall bringing his finger to his lips to whisper, "Shh." Turning his head back he suddenly saw the face and heard the voice of Hunter Blake addressing his mother.

"Nice and easy now Sydney put the gun on the floor," he told her.

"Or what?" Syd asked.

"Or I'll shoot to kill," he answered her.

Slowly Chris began to move up behind Hunter pieces of the last encounter with the man being dredged up from his memory.

He watched his mother slowly let her gun slip from her hand to the floor and heard Hunter demand, "That's it Sydney now turn around and face me." Sydney had slowly begun to turn to face Blake as he started up again, "I told you before that I wasn't finished with you."

"What do you want," Syd demanded.

"What do I want? What do I want?" he shouted. "What I've always wanted from the start and you aren't standing in my way anymore," he shouted louder squeezing the trigger and firing the gun, the same instant Chris went flying into him with a hard spin kick the gun firing into the wall instead of his mother.

Hunter turned catching sight of Chris recognition in his eyes. "You didn't learn anything from out last meeting," he snarled at Chris levelling his gun at him.

Another loud bang went off Hunter Blake teetered in one spot for a moment before dropping the gun and falling back. Gun still in her hand Sydney came forward kicking Blake's weapon away from him. "You never learnt much from your last meeting with me either," she told him watching him take his last breath his cold eyes staring at her in death.

"Mom are you all right?" Chris was asking going to her putting his hand on her arm letting her hug him close.

"Ranger Cooke, Ranger Cooke," the young officer from earlier and his partner were banging on the door calling to her.

"We're fine," Sydney called back seeing Anna B come to the doorway. Letting go of Chris she went to the young woman putting her arm around her to lead her into the kitchen away from Hunter.

Chris caught sight of Angela standing against the wall not moving. Going to her he put his arm around her shoulder pulling her close to hold a moment before he lead her away from Blake too.

The Connor Side of the Ravine

After conversing with Trivette Walker headed out of the ravine and into the Connor's pasture disappearing out of sight above just as the sheriff caught up with the group. "Where's Walker going?" the sheriff demanded.

"Gage found something and Walker is back tracking to help him investigate," Trivette answered his eyes focusing on McKay.

"Maybe I should go give them a hand," McKay replied heading towards the path Walker had taken up.

"I'm sure that they can handle this on their own," Trivette pointed out moving in front of the sheriff blocking the path.

"All right," McKay agreed his eyes going nervously upward to where Walker had disappeared.

"Something the matter?" Trivette questioned trying to read the sheriff.

"Nothing except I'd better give my true boss a call and tell her not to wait supper for me," he answered letting a grin cross his face.

"Yeah you really don't want to get on her bad side," Trivette agreed still eyeing the man suspiciously.

~~~~~

Up top Walker wasted no time heading back towards where Gage was a feeling of apprehension descending over him as he picked up the pace. His eyes averted to the side catching sight of the Connor farm house all seemed quiet and peaceful the tractor with a wagon behind it parked in the yard.

Suddenly his thoughts were broken up by a loud pain driven scream. Without any hesitation he broke into a dead run towards where he knew the noise came from, where he knew Gage would be.

Breaking into the clearing Walker lost no time taking in the situation without breaking stride he covered the distance between Gage and his attacker bringing his foot up hard connecting with assailant's head just as the killer brought his fist up to plough it into Gage's face. Spinning his body around Walker executed another vicious kick as Gage struggled to get the man's hand from his throat his head and shoulders hanging over the edge of the cliff.

With the ground crumbling beneath them Walker's last blow sent the man attacking Gage flying sideways over his ranger to go plunging into the ravine below. As the enemy went over Walker made a grab for Gage catching the front of his shirt and pulling him back saving him from going over too.

Gage closed his eyes gasping for breath his body shaking. "All right?" Walker asked.

"Yeah," he choked out. "Thanks Walker," he managed.

Resting his hand a moment on Gage's shoulder he warned, "Take it easy I don't want to have to answer to your wife if I don't take you back in one piece."

Pulling his phone Walker dialled Trivette quickly explaining about the attack on Gage and to watch for the body. Hanging up he turned back to Gage, "Any idea what he meant when he said it ends here ranger?" he asked.

"I think it was my life he was referring too," Gage answered letting Walker help him to his feet. "All I can figure is that Hunter has had enough of me."

Nodding his head in agreement Walker added, "Let's go find Sumner then we can concentrate on Hunter Blake."

~~~~~

Snapping his phone closed Trivette scrutinized the area his eyes coming to rest on sheriff McKay whose eyes were fixed on the river as he pulled out his phone once again to dial. Trivette keeping his eyes on McKay he quietly began walking up behind him to hear him mutter, "Come on Lyons pick up."

"Trouble getting through?" Trivette questioned startling the sheriff.

Turning quick the sheriff came face to face with Jimmy. "I… er yes," McKay stuttered out. "I'm probably going to have to climb to the top there to get the signal out."

"I don't know about that my phone is working pretty good here. Want to give it a try?" Trivette offered reaching out his hand and his phone.

Before McKay could answer Deputy Weston shouted out, "Sheriff we got a body floating in the water."

"Haul him out," Trivette called out McKay remaining mute both men walking towards where the young deputy was calling from.

"Sheriff it's Ted Lyons," Weston called out.

"You know him?" Trivette was asking his eyes back on McKay who was falling behind.

"One of the locals," McKay supplied.

"Your poor sister," Weston continued.

"What's you're sister got to do with this?" Trivette was once again staring at the sheriff.

"Ted is… was the sheriff's brother-in-law," Weston spoke up eager to supply the answers

"So your brother-in-law is one of the locals?" Trivette was looking at the sheriff waiting for an answer.

McKay looked at Trivette trying to pick his words carefully starting with a small laugh. "Yeah Ted is one of the locals always seeming to be in trouble. I like to know what he's done first before owning up to the fact I know him not alone he's related. You understand don't yeah?"

"Oh yeah I understand all right," Trivette quipped thinking much more then you'd like me to.

The Connor Home

Once Gage got his bearings back he and Walker headed out for the Connor's farmhouse. They hadn't gotten very far when Gage's phone rang. "Syd," he answered knowing it was her before he heard her voice, wondering how he was going to avoid telling her what had happened.

Suddenly he stopped in his tracks his wife's words tearing at him. "Syd are you all right?" he cried out Walker stopping and turning to face him. "Chris and Anna B? Angela's there? Everyone's all right?"

Walker was staring at him now with the mention of his daughter's name. Gage was standing saying nothing as he listened to his wife relate what had happened at home. "You're sure you're all right?" Gage asked again stopping to listen to her again finally telling her he loved her and hanging up the phone.

"Well?" Walker asked impatiently wanting to know that Angela was okay jarring Gage out of his thoughts.

"Sorry," Gage answered quickly explaining what had gone on and Hunter's death. "But it seems that the Blakes and the Connors have a history," he began to explain resuming the walk towards the house.

Pushing open the gate they headed towards the front door of the neat well kept Connor home. Mounting the first steps of the veranda both rangers could feel the tension that had built up inside of them, the anxiety of finding Sumner alive and well eating at them. Their thoughts were soon broken with loud cries coming from inside.

Walker bound across the front porch in two long strides Gage right behind him. Raising his fist he pounded loudly on the door calling out, "Texas Rangers open up."

He waited a second when both he and Gage heard Sumner's cry for Anna B go up. Trying the door Walker opened it wide Sumner's voice ringing out again from the upstairs as he and Gage bolted upwards.

"I've got to get to my wife," Sumner was shouting Lily and Joe fighting hard to keep the struggling young man in bed.

"Texas Rangers," Walker announced again.

"He's one of ours," Gage barked out as he and Walker pushed into the room to Sumner.

"Gage Walker," Sumner cried seeing both, "Anna B is she all right?"

"She's fine Matt she's with Sydney," Gage tried to tell him, tried to calm him.

"You're sure?" he cried out again now struggling against Walker and Gage.

"Positive Matt I talked to Sydney not more then fifteen minutes ago," Gage was assuring him. "Matt I wouldn't be here if something was wrong at home."

The words finally sank in and Sumner let his body drop back against the pillows the terror for his wife slowly easing up.

"I found him injured in the ravine," Joe was trying to explain as Walker stood up to face them. "I thought… I just…" the old man began to stutter out.

"We just wanted to make sure the young man was all right," his wife Lily cut in. "I know maybe we should have called the sheriff but… we've not much faith in Sheriff McKay."

Nodding his head Walker agreed. "We understand and appreciate the fact that you took care of Ranger Sumner for us."

"Sydney," Walker could hear Gage on the phone with his wife. "Honey put Anna B on the phone we found Sumner he's all right, we're coming home."

Handing the phone to his friend Gage watched as Sumner put it to his ear. "I'm fine Anna B please don't cry I'll be there as soon as I can be. I love you too."

Teasdale Flats

The coroner had just gotten to the flats when Trivette's phone rang. "Yeah," he answered listening to Walker who was on the other end. "He's all right then?" was the next question he asked listening to what had developed in the last hour since they had talked. "Got you Walker I'll meet you at the Sheriff's office," his eyes going to McKay as he spoke he could see McKay edging towards the woods.

"Got to go Walker," he said breaking the connection without saying good-bye to shout, "Sheriff, hey Sheriff McKay."

Without so much as looking in Trivette's direction McKay took off into the woods. "Hey," Trivette called racing after him at the same time. It took Jimmy only minutes to catch up to the sheriff and with one flying leap had him to the ground.

McKay was not giving up without a fight rolling hard he threw Trivette sideways enabling him to be ready to throw a punch. Trivette being more in physical shape then the over weight McKay easily ducked the punch and landed two of his own putting the sheriff out of commission.

"We just wanted a word with you," Trivette shouted at him.

"I'm not answering to you, Texas Rangers will be the least of my worries if I open my mouth about Ted or anyone else," he spat out at Trivette to shut up and said nothing more.

Memorial Hospital

It was all Sydney could do to keep Anna B calm as they waited in emergency for the helicopter to arrive. "I know Matt said he was fine but did Gage tell you anything Matt isn't telling me?" she anxiously asked unconsciously squeezing Syd's hand harder as spoke.

"No Anna B nothing," Syd answered easing her hand out of her friend's grasp. "You know he was roughed up, shot in the shoulder, and fell hitting his head to get a concussion. The only thing Gage said was he was dying to get home to you," she repeated to her for the hundredth time.

Anna B was unable to reply her voice was drowned out by the sound of the helicopter's engine landing on the helipad just outside the emergency doors.

"Anna B," Syd shouted trying to run after her as she ran with the emergency people to be with Sumner.

"Matt, Matt," she cried grabbing his hand to run along side him as they rushed him inside.

Following behind Gage met Sydney putting his arm around her shoulders to hold her to him. "You all right Honey?" he whispered his lips caressing her temple.

"Now that you're here," she answered hugging him tight.

"Umm," he moaned favouring his side.

"Gage what's wrong?"

"Nothing Syd honest," he tried to smooth over.

"Francis!"

"Don't worry I'll let you take care of me once we get home," he retorted. "Come on I want to see Sumner's face when she tells him he's going to be a daddy."

~~~~~

"Mrs. Sumner you are going to have to step outside," the emergency nurse had her hand on Anna B's arm trying to pull her away from Sumner so the doctor could tend to him.

"I'm not leaving him," Anna B argued holding tighter to her husband.

"I'm not that hurt," Sumner joined in, "I want her here… I need her with me." Sumner had brought her hand to his lips as the tears formed in both their eyes.

"Nurse it's all right," the doctor cut in beginning his exam of Sumner's injures.

Letting up the nurse went to help the doctor to redress Sumner's shoulder and set up for x-rays.

"Matt I was so scared I'd never see you again," she murmured to him holding his hand with both of hers.

"Honey you are the only thing that kept me going. I just got a picture of you in my mind and let you guide me back to you," he whispered back gritting his teeth as the doctor cleaned the wound.

"Matt I've got something really important I need to talk you about…"

"One minute and he's all yours," the doctor cut in. "There you are someone will be down very shortly to take you to x-ray. If we don't find anything then you should be able to go home as long as your wife promises to look after you," he grinned leaving the two of them alone.

"Oh Matt," she cried her arms going round his neck holding him tight his arms going round her.

"Hey, hey, it's all right I'm here," Matt soothed kissing her cheek.

"Matt I was so afraid…" she was sobbing. "And now… that we're… going have... a…baby," she gasped out between sobs.

"Honey I can't understand what you're saying," Matt began to say. "It sounded like you said we are having a baby," he told her the same time as her eyes met his. "We're having a baby?" he asked watching her nod her head yes.

"We're having a baby," he shouted pulling her close just as Gage rapped on the door pushing it open to stick his head in.

"Are we interrupting something?" Gage asked all ready grinning as he held the door open for Sydney.

"Gage Sydney we're having a baby," Sumner announced grasping tightly to Anna B's hand his eyes trained on his wife.

"Congratulations," the Gage's said in unison going to the young couple to share some hugs and handshakes.

A Few Days Later At Sumner And Anna B's

Once it had been discovered that Jonas Blake had been murdered all the pieces had begun to fall into place. Sheriff McKay had been quite willing to talk with the threat of repercussions from Blake lifted.

It seems his brother-in-law Ted Lyons was involved in a few shady deals with the Blakes and when Hunter had shot Andrew Connor he brought the sheriff in on things. Hunter had been smuggling drugs in through the Connors' property, Andrew had caught him and Hunter had killed him.

McKay had made it look like an accident covering up the drug smuggling and the murder. He confirmed that Daines and Lyttle were supposed to get rid of Sumner plus confessed to setting up Gage for Lyons to eliminate because they stood in the way of Hunter having Anna B.

With both Blakes dead and Matt's ordeal behind them the Sumners had invited everyone over to celebrate Matt's homecoming and their news.

"Come on in Walker Alex," Anna B greeted the Walkers. Erica and Jimmy had just gotten there moments before Gage was all ready comfortable on the couch with Sydney curled up beside him his arm around him.

Sumner was in the easy chair with his feet up. "Looks like your wife is doing a good job mothering you back to health," Alex greeted the young ranger.

"She's just getting in practice for when that baby is born," Gage piped up.

"Hey Gage you didn't forget any of the finer points of child rearing did you?" Walker asked.

"Yeah like getting up for those two o'clock feedings, up all night cause your little darling is getting teeth and then all those diaper changes," Trivette teased.

"I'm sure it will all come back to me just like riding a bike," Gage smiled hugging Sydney close to him the rest breaking into smiles and laughter.

The End

Special Note:

All those interested please watch for my next episode, "What's Precious In Life" Which I should begin posting in the next few days.

Also: Anyone wanting more information on the WTR Virtual Season please email me privately Thanks!