Watch Your Back (The Return of Latimier) Chapter 4 - by Lorrie Ellis
Email: lorrieann@hotmail.com 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 ours. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)
Latimier was taking no chances with Sydney. After they boarded the plane, he secured her to one of the seats and placed a piece of duct tape over her mouth. "There. That should keep you nice and quiet."
Silent tears streamed down the normally feisty Ranger's cheeks. Her thoughts at the moment weren't of herself and the predicament she was in, but of Gage and the torment he would soon be put through.
"We're ready for take-off on your go, Mr. Latimier." The pilot said, sticking his head out of the cockpit door.
"One more little detail." Latimier picked up his cell phone and radioed to one of his men below. "Change the time on the bombs to nine o'clock."
"Yes sir." A voice replied." Latimier hung up and then looked to Sydney and nodded. "Mr. Stevens, we're ready to take off." He continued to stare at Sydney. "Say goodbye to your old life Sydney. I'm taking you away from all of this."
Sydney closed her eyes as the plane began to taxi down the runway.
********
Walker called in a few favors, finding a printed layout of the airstrip. He rolled open the plans and laid them on the table. "OK, looks like there are six hangers. We'll need to check all of them for the girls."
"Walker, if he sees anyone else besides me, he'll kill Julie and Sydney just as sure as we're sitting here." Gage said firmly.
"Gage, you can't do this alone. It's too much ground to cover and if he is planning to set off the bombs, we have no idea when or where."
"So, what's the plan?" Gage asked.
Walker checked his watch. "Latimier said to meet him at nine, right?" Gage nodded.
"Then we go in before nine. We'll parachute in here." He pointed to a remote area several hundred yards from the airstrip. "And we'll go in on foot."
Gage nodded. "That might work, but Walker, these buildings are pretty large and we'll need to check every square inch."
"I know. That's why all three of us are going in." The three Rangers looked at each other, nodding.
*********
Walker checked his watch and nodded to Gage and Trivette. "We're at the drop site Rangers." A voice came over the radio.
Walker gave a thumbs up and jumped from the plane, followed closely by Trivette and Gage. The three Rangers landed and took up their chutes quickly, then joined up behind a large rock.
Nodding toward Gage, they began their stealth charge towards the airstrip. "Gage, you take the two on the left, Trivette the next two and I'll take the two on the right." Gage and Trivette nodded in agreement and made off for their targets.
Walker entered the first of his buildings and began his search, as did Trivette. Gage checked his watch as he entered the first building, it was fifteen minutes until nine. "Jules!" He shouted as he saw his sister sitting in a chair with her back to him. "Julie?" As he stepped closer, he saw the bomb and the fear in his sister's eyes.
"Easy sis, I'm going to get you out of here." The time on the bomb read 8:50. Gage radioed to Walker. "Walker, I've got Julie. There's a bomb around her neck and it looks like it's set to go off at 9:00."
"I'll get the bomb squad." Walker radioed back.
"There's no time Walker. I've got about five minutes to disarm it, get her out of here and find Sydney." Gage went straight to work, first removing the tape from Julie's mouth.
"Francis, get out of here!"
Gage shook his head, as he removed the cover from the bomb. "Jules, I need for you to calm down so I can disarm this thing and get you out of here, OK?"
She pursed her lips and nodded her head fiercely.
"Two wires down and one to go." He said quietly, reaching for the third wire and clipping it with three minutes remaining on the clock. "I'll be back for you." Gage called out as he ran towards the door. "I have to find Sydney!"
Running with all his might, Gage rounded the next hanger and flung open the door, finding a chair in the middle of the room and taking note of the dark hair hanging across the back. "Syd!" He called out, as he made his way towards her. The clock on the bomb showed 8:59.
Trivette and Walker were jarred as a loud explosion rocked the airstrip. They could hear Gage screaming out Sydney's name as they neared the burning hanger.
"Gage! You can't go back in there!" Walker yelled, grabbing the young Ranger's jacket at the same time and pulling him into a strong hold, taking note of the cuts and burns on his face, chest and arms.
"Sydney!" Gage yelled, desperately trying to break free from Walker's hold.
Trivette could see that Gage was about to get the best of Walker and grabbed his other arm, holding him back, away from the inferno. "Gage."
"NO!!!" Gage screamed, tears streaming down his face.
"Gage, you can't go back in there. It's . . . it's too late." He heard his own voice crack at the thought of Sydney and what had just happened.
Sirens could be heard in the distance as Walker pulled a trembling Gage down to the ground, leaning him against his own chest.
Julie's screams could be heard coming from the first hanger. "Trivette, get Julie." Walker said.
Trivette found Julie much as Gage had left her. The disarmed bomb was still around her neck and she was secured to the chair. "Oh God, Jimmy! Francis and Sydney?!"
"Your brother is out front with Walker." Trivette replied quietly.
"And Sydney?" Julie asked as she shook the last of the rope from her wrists.
Trivette could feel tears welling up in his eyes. He shook his head. Julie's eyes grew large as she ran outside of the hanger to her brother.
Gage stiffened as the paramedics tried to move him. "No. I'm not leaving until they find her."
Walker wiped the tears from his eyes and turned to face Gage, speaking quietly. "Gage, they're not going to find her. The bomb was so powerful that it left a three foot crater in the floor of the hanger."
Gage closed his eyes, giving in to the paramedics and Julie's prodding. "Come on Francis. You need to be checked out."
The ambulance pulled away from the airstrip with Gage sitting stone-faced in the back, still glaring at the blown apart hanger.
*******
Walker and Trivette rode in silence towards St. Matthews Hospital. As they pulled into the parking lot, Trivette turned to Walker. "Her parents are in Houston, aren't they?"
"I'll call them as soon as we find out how Gage and Julie are." Walker replied, emotionless. "I need to call Alex too."
"I guess I should let Erica know what's going on."
Julie Gage was sitting in the waiting area just inside the Emergency Room. The two senior Rangers made their way towards her. "Any word?" Walker asked.
Julie shook her head and then let it drop into her hands. "No." She cried. "He should have gone to her first." Sobs began to rack her body.
Walker knelt down beside of her and put his arms around her. "No Julie. The end result would still be the same for him. He couldn't stand to lose either of you."
"That's what scares me. Ranger Walker, he hasn't said a word since the explosion. It's like he's there, but he's not there. I'm so afraid for him." She continued to sob.
Trivette's hand dropped to Walker's shoulder and he looked up to see the doctor approaching. "Are you here for Francis Gage?" He asked.
"Yes." Walker replied. "How is he?"
"Are you family?" The young doctor asked.
"I'm his sister and yes, they're family." Julie nodded, looking to Walker and then to Trivette. "How is he?"
The doctor's head dropped. "Physically, he'll be fine. He has a couple of fairly deep cuts on his face that may scar, and a few first-degree burns on his face and forearms, but he'll be fine. What I am concerned about most is his state of mind."
Julie's face went pale and Walker helped her back to her seat. "I'm OK." She brushed Walker's hand away from her arm.
"Ma'am, your brother hasn't spoken a word since he was brought in. He's in shock and we're hoping that after a few hours, he'll come around, but it's something in his eyes . . . I can't get past the feeling that there's more to it."
Julie nodded. "Doctor, my brother is a Texas Ranger and he just lost his partner in an explosion. You're right, he is in shock. The question is when will he come out of it?" She stared into the doctor's eyes.
The doctor shook his head. "I don't know the answer to that. He may be better off at home, so if you can assure me that someone will be with him for the next 24 hours, I'll release him now."
Julie nodded. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Good. I'll get the paperwork together."
"Can I see him?" Julie asked.
The doctor nodded. "Sure, come with me." He led Julie to a closed curtain. "The nurse should be in soon with a mild sedative. His heart rate and blood pressure are up a bit and the sedative should help that."
Julie brushed the curtain back and cringed when she saw her younger sibling lying, motionless in the hospital bed. His eyes were open, but she could tell that he was a million miles away.
She pulled up a chair and gently brushed the hair from his face. "Hey little brother. How are you doing?" She fought back the tears as she saw the terrible pain in his crystal blue eyes. Taking his hand, she continued to talk. "It's going to be OK Francis. The doctor is releasing you and I'm going to get you home and take care of you . . . just like always." Her voice cracked and the tears began to flow freely. She wanted to take care of him, but she knew deep down, there was no possible way for her to take away the pain he was feeling over losing Sydney.
Walker moved the curtain back slightly. "Can I come in?" He asked.
Julie wiped her eyes and nodded. "Yes, sure." She stepped back to the foot of the bed, leaving Walker the chair.
He sat down and took Gage's hand in his. "Gage, we're all here for you buddy and we're going to get you through this. Whatever you need, you just let us know, OK?" He could feel his own voice beginning to crack. "I've called Sydney's parents and they're on their way." He closed his eyes and continued to talk. "Gage, I promise you, Latimier is going to pay for this. He's going to pay dearly."
Gage's body tensed at the mention of Latimier's name.
*********
Alex's face was red and her eyes still puffy when Walker came home. She met him at the door and sobs racked her body again. "Walker, what happened?" She asked after allowing him to hold her close for a while.
Walker led her to the couch and began to relay the story to her, as best as he could. "Trivette took Gage and Julie to his place." He finished.
"How is Gage holding up?"
Walker shook his head. "Not good. Not good at all. He hasn't said a word to anyone since the explosion."
Alex's face took on a sympathetic look. "What about Sydney's family?"
"I called them from the hospital. Their flight should be in about an hour and I told them that I would meet them at the airport."
*********
"Here we go." Trivette said as he pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex. "I checked with the police department. They said that the apartment was no longer a crime scene."
As they neared the door, Gage suddenly stopped and began to shake. Julie cringed slightly as she felt her brother tense. She quickly realized that this was the last place Gage had seen Sydney alive. "Trivette, we can't stay here. He can't stay here." Her voice was urgent and Trivette helped Gage back into the car where he laid his head over on Julie's shoulder.
"What is it?"
Julie whispered. "This is the last place he saw her alive."
Trivette felt a new wave of grief spread over his body. "Let me call Walker. I'll get the two of you set up in a safehouse."
After speaking with Walker for a moment, Trivette cranked the car and took Julie and Gage to one of the Ranger's safehouses a few miles out of town limits. "OK, let's try this again." He said, helping Gage and Julie out.
"I'm sorry to be so much trouble Jimmy." Julie said as she helped Gage inside.
Trivette shook his head. "It's no trouble Julie. Gage is family and we would do anything in the world for him."
"I know each of you are grieving in your own way over losing Sydney, but he and Sydney were more than partners. They connected. They were best friends and, well a little more than that, I think."
Trivette nodded. "I know and so does Walker. We'll all see him through this Julie." He hugged her. "Walker's gone to the airport to pick up Mr. and Mrs. Cooke now. I plan to meet with them at his ranch and as soon as I know any details about the arrangements, I'll let you know, OK?"
Julie smiled. "Thanks." She watched Trivette walk back to his car and then turned to her brother who was sitting motionless on the couch. "We had better get you into bed. That sedative is going to take effect pretty soon."
Gage shook his head. "Why Jules? Why Syd?" Tears were streaming down his cheeks and he had a lost look in his eyes.
Julie hugged him tightly, cradling his head. "I don't know sweetheart. I don't know."
"I'm tired." He whispered.
"I know you are. Let's get you into bed, OK?" He nodded slightly and Julie helped him into the bedroom and watched as he dropped to the bed, still fully clothed.
******* With the air pressure change and the tightness of the ropes, Sydney could no longer feel her hands or feet. Latimier had tested the ropes earlier, but she hadn't seen him for almost an hour. Suddenly, he reappeared.
"Ah, you're awake my pet." He said stroking her face. "Looks like the ropes are biting. Let's see if we can get some circulation back into your hands and feet." He loosened the ropes slightly, giving her room to wiggle her aching wrists and ankles.
Surprisingly, he then removed the duct tape from her mouth. "The way I see it, no one is going to hear you scream up here, so there's really no point in keeping the tape over your mouth, right?"
"Why did you do it?" She asked.
"Do what?"
"Let Gage think I'm dead."
A thin smile came to Latimier's lips. "Well, lets see, where do I begin? I hate Ranger Gage with a passion. His testimony alone is what got me 25 to life. I lost everything; my wife, my son, my house, everything and I want him to know what it feels like." He kissed Sydney's cheek. "He'll live everyday with the image of seeing his beloved partner die in a horrific explosion." Latimier began to laugh. "Sort of ironic, isn't it? He sent me to jail for life and now his life is the one that is a pure hell."
"But what about my parents, Travis? Why should they be tormented like this?"
Latimier softened somewhat at hearing Sydney utter his first name. "I'm sorry for your parents loss, but Sydney, you are dead to them either way. You won't be returning to Dallas. You and I are relocating somewhere where I don't feel that I have to constantly look over my shoulder in fear of being taken back to jail."
"Why me, Travis. Out of all of the women out there, why me?" Sydney asked.
"I don't know. There's something about you. Maybe its your spunk or . . ." His eyes began to twinkle. "I really don't know. Maybe it's because Gage loves you and I wanted to take you away from him."
Sydney closed her eyes. "Gage and me? You're way off base there Travis. We're partners and friends, but that's it."
"Yeah right. I've seen the way he looks at you and I saw the look on his face when that bomb ripped that dummy apart. He literally looked like his heart had blown apart too. That boy had it bad for you Sydney."
She opened her mouth to say something and Latimier placed his finger over her lips. "That's enough talk for now. I'm going to get some dinner. I'll bring you back something. We should be touching down soon too. I'll check with the pilot." He turned and left her to her thoughts.
*********
The sedative the doctor had given Gage did allow him to fall asleep, but it was far from a peaceful sleep. He tossed and turned and was tormented by the same endless dream of seeing the bomb go off and rip through the hanger.
Julie had heard him scream out and rushed to see what was wrong. She found him in a pool of sweat, his eyes still closed. "Francis! Francis, wake up!" She shook him back to reality.
"Tell me it was just a dream Jules! Tell me that she isn't dead!" He cried out, knowing that the dream was just a replay of what had actually happened.
"I wish I could baby. I wish it were all just a dream."
She tried to get him to go back to sleep. But he shook his head. "I'll just dream about it again, sis. But you go on back to bed. It's only four a.m."
Julie shook her head. "No. I'll go make us a pot of coffee."
Somewhere between her first and second cup of coffee, Julie had dozed off and was awakened by the sound of the telephone. She heard her brother answer. "Hello." He said softly.
"Francis. It's Amanda Cooke. I just wanted to let you know about the services for . . ." She broke down and couldn't finish. Alex gently wrapped her arms around her and led her to the table, giving Walker the phone.
"Gage?"
"I'm here." Gage said quietly.
"There's a memorial service tonight at 7:00 at Our Lady of Hope and the funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 tomorrow. The Cooke's have decided to have her laid to rest at the Dallas Memorial Gardens."
Gage nodded, feeling himself quivering.
"Gage?"
"I heard you."
"If you and Julie need anything . . ."
"We're fine." He said blankly.
"OK. Listen, do you want me to pick you up tonight?"
Gage shook his head. "No. I don't know. I'll get Julie to call you back, OK?" His voice cracked and he hung up the phone.
"How is he holding up?" Alex asked.
Walker shook his head. "At least he's talking today."
Gage hung up the phone, but continued to stand in the same spot. Julie got up, took him by the hand and led him to the couch. "I'll fix you some breakfast."
"I'm not hungry. I think I'll just go grab a shower, OK?"
She could tell that he was just about ready to lose it again and knew that he wanted some time to himself. Nodding, she whispered. "OK. I'll be in here if you need me."
Turning on the hot water, Gage was reminded of the superficial burns on his arms. "Oww!" He cried out.
"Francis, are you OK?" Julie called out.
"Yeah." He responded and reached to adjust the temperature of the water. When it was cool enough that it didn't affect his burns, but still warm enough that it soothed him, he stepped inside and closed the shower curtain.
He stood, letting the water pound down on his shoulders and back, not realizing immediately that he was crying. "Oh God Syd. Why you? He was after me, why did he kill you?" He dropped down to the floor until he was sitting on the floor of the tub.
Julie waited for almost forty-five minutes before knocking on the bathroom door. She could hear the shower running, but could also hear Gage crying softly. "Francis?" When she received no answer, she knocked again. "Honey, are you alright?"
Her voice somewhat out of his stupor and he cleared his throat. "I'll be out in a minute." He said quietly.
"Take your time honey. I just wanted to make sure that you were OK."
Gage turned the water off and muttered to himself and leaned over the sink. "I don't think I'll ever be OK again."
When he emerged from the bathroom, he changed clothes, laid across the bed and finally drifted off into another fitful sleep.
Julie was cleaning the kitchen when the phone rang. "Hello." She answered.
"Hi Julie, it's Alex. How are things going?"
Julie reached over and closed the bedroom door. "I'm really worried about him Alex and I don't know what to do to comfort him."
"All you can do right now is be there for him." There was a pause. "Walker asked me to call and see if you'd like for us to pick you and Gage up for the services tonight."
Julie nodded. "Yes, I think that might be a good idea. I just don't know how Francis is going to take things tonight, especially seeing Mr. and Mrs. Cooke."
"OK. We'll pick you up at 6:00, if that's OK."
"That's fine. Alex, I hate to impose further, but my things are at Francis' apartment and I'd like to get a suit for him from there too."
"Say no more. How about if I come get you in a few minutes? Walker or Jimmy can stay with Gage while we're gone."
"Are you sure I'm not asking too much?"
"Not at all." Alex replied.
******
Gage had slept off and on all day, not even realizing that his sister had left the premises and that Trivette was in the house until after the fact.
At 5:00 Julie lightly knocked on the door and came in with a small suitcase and a garment bag.
"What's this?" Gage asked, rubbing his eyes.
"I had Alex take me by your place to pick out one of your suits for tonight." She opened the bag and pulled out a dark blue suit and a practically new black suit, along with white shirts and matching ties.
"Thanks sis." He replied. "Oh, I was supposed to have you call Walker and let him know if we needed a ride to the service tonight."
"It's taken care of." Julie smiled. "I'll let you get dressed."
"Thanks."
Julie went to the other bedroom and changed her own clothes and then waited for her brother in the living room.
When he finally came out, he stared at his sister. "I don't want to go Jules. I don't know what to say to her parents." Tears began to stream down his face. "I let them down. I promised them that I would take care of her and now she's dead because of me."
Julie wrapped her arms around Gage and held him close. "Honey, it's not your fault."
He drew in a ragged breath and pushed his sister away. "Who's fault is it then?"
"Francis, don't you dare start blaming yourself for Sydney's death. You know she wouldn't want that."
"I know she didn't want to die either, but that doesn't change anything does it?" He cried out.
Walker could hear the conversation as he stood on the porch and knocked on the door.
"That'll be Walker."
"I'm not going." Gage said and sat down on the couch, turning on the TV.
"Francis." Julie said sternly, watching her brother tune her out much in the same manner he did when they were kids. She reached for the door. "Walker, come in."
"Thanks. Are you two about ready?"
"He says he's not going." Julie explained, looking towards the couch.
"Gage? Why don't you come on with us, it's the right thing to do." Walker said quietly.
Gage shook his head slightly. "I'm tired of always doing the 'right' thing Walker. I was doing the 'right' thing when Sydney was killed and look where it got me."
Walker took a seat beside of his friend. "Gage, I know what you're feeling and . . ."
A look of rage came into Gage's eyes as he jumped to his feet. "You KNOW what I'm feeling?" He yelled, causing Julie to stiffen. "There is no way that you could possibly KNOW what I'm feeling! Alex is still with you Walker! I lost the only woman in the world that I've ever really loved! I . . ." He realized that he had just confessed his love for Sydney and stood in front of his boss and his sister with his mouth hanging open, feeling tears stinging his eyes once again. "I really did love her." He whispered.
Julie put her arms around Gage and held him for a moment. "Francis, honey, we need to go, OK?" Gage nodded absently and allowed his sister to lead him out to Walker's RAM.
End chapter 4 To be continued . . .
Email: lorrieann@hotmail.com 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 ours. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)
Latimier was taking no chances with Sydney. After they boarded the plane, he secured her to one of the seats and placed a piece of duct tape over her mouth. "There. That should keep you nice and quiet."
Silent tears streamed down the normally feisty Ranger's cheeks. Her thoughts at the moment weren't of herself and the predicament she was in, but of Gage and the torment he would soon be put through.
"We're ready for take-off on your go, Mr. Latimier." The pilot said, sticking his head out of the cockpit door.
"One more little detail." Latimier picked up his cell phone and radioed to one of his men below. "Change the time on the bombs to nine o'clock."
"Yes sir." A voice replied." Latimier hung up and then looked to Sydney and nodded. "Mr. Stevens, we're ready to take off." He continued to stare at Sydney. "Say goodbye to your old life Sydney. I'm taking you away from all of this."
Sydney closed her eyes as the plane began to taxi down the runway.
********
Walker called in a few favors, finding a printed layout of the airstrip. He rolled open the plans and laid them on the table. "OK, looks like there are six hangers. We'll need to check all of them for the girls."
"Walker, if he sees anyone else besides me, he'll kill Julie and Sydney just as sure as we're sitting here." Gage said firmly.
"Gage, you can't do this alone. It's too much ground to cover and if he is planning to set off the bombs, we have no idea when or where."
"So, what's the plan?" Gage asked.
Walker checked his watch. "Latimier said to meet him at nine, right?" Gage nodded.
"Then we go in before nine. We'll parachute in here." He pointed to a remote area several hundred yards from the airstrip. "And we'll go in on foot."
Gage nodded. "That might work, but Walker, these buildings are pretty large and we'll need to check every square inch."
"I know. That's why all three of us are going in." The three Rangers looked at each other, nodding.
*********
Walker checked his watch and nodded to Gage and Trivette. "We're at the drop site Rangers." A voice came over the radio.
Walker gave a thumbs up and jumped from the plane, followed closely by Trivette and Gage. The three Rangers landed and took up their chutes quickly, then joined up behind a large rock.
Nodding toward Gage, they began their stealth charge towards the airstrip. "Gage, you take the two on the left, Trivette the next two and I'll take the two on the right." Gage and Trivette nodded in agreement and made off for their targets.
Walker entered the first of his buildings and began his search, as did Trivette. Gage checked his watch as he entered the first building, it was fifteen minutes until nine. "Jules!" He shouted as he saw his sister sitting in a chair with her back to him. "Julie?" As he stepped closer, he saw the bomb and the fear in his sister's eyes.
"Easy sis, I'm going to get you out of here." The time on the bomb read 8:50. Gage radioed to Walker. "Walker, I've got Julie. There's a bomb around her neck and it looks like it's set to go off at 9:00."
"I'll get the bomb squad." Walker radioed back.
"There's no time Walker. I've got about five minutes to disarm it, get her out of here and find Sydney." Gage went straight to work, first removing the tape from Julie's mouth.
"Francis, get out of here!"
Gage shook his head, as he removed the cover from the bomb. "Jules, I need for you to calm down so I can disarm this thing and get you out of here, OK?"
She pursed her lips and nodded her head fiercely.
"Two wires down and one to go." He said quietly, reaching for the third wire and clipping it with three minutes remaining on the clock. "I'll be back for you." Gage called out as he ran towards the door. "I have to find Sydney!"
Running with all his might, Gage rounded the next hanger and flung open the door, finding a chair in the middle of the room and taking note of the dark hair hanging across the back. "Syd!" He called out, as he made his way towards her. The clock on the bomb showed 8:59.
Trivette and Walker were jarred as a loud explosion rocked the airstrip. They could hear Gage screaming out Sydney's name as they neared the burning hanger.
"Gage! You can't go back in there!" Walker yelled, grabbing the young Ranger's jacket at the same time and pulling him into a strong hold, taking note of the cuts and burns on his face, chest and arms.
"Sydney!" Gage yelled, desperately trying to break free from Walker's hold.
Trivette could see that Gage was about to get the best of Walker and grabbed his other arm, holding him back, away from the inferno. "Gage."
"NO!!!" Gage screamed, tears streaming down his face.
"Gage, you can't go back in there. It's . . . it's too late." He heard his own voice crack at the thought of Sydney and what had just happened.
Sirens could be heard in the distance as Walker pulled a trembling Gage down to the ground, leaning him against his own chest.
Julie's screams could be heard coming from the first hanger. "Trivette, get Julie." Walker said.
Trivette found Julie much as Gage had left her. The disarmed bomb was still around her neck and she was secured to the chair. "Oh God, Jimmy! Francis and Sydney?!"
"Your brother is out front with Walker." Trivette replied quietly.
"And Sydney?" Julie asked as she shook the last of the rope from her wrists.
Trivette could feel tears welling up in his eyes. He shook his head. Julie's eyes grew large as she ran outside of the hanger to her brother.
Gage stiffened as the paramedics tried to move him. "No. I'm not leaving until they find her."
Walker wiped the tears from his eyes and turned to face Gage, speaking quietly. "Gage, they're not going to find her. The bomb was so powerful that it left a three foot crater in the floor of the hanger."
Gage closed his eyes, giving in to the paramedics and Julie's prodding. "Come on Francis. You need to be checked out."
The ambulance pulled away from the airstrip with Gage sitting stone-faced in the back, still glaring at the blown apart hanger.
*******
Walker and Trivette rode in silence towards St. Matthews Hospital. As they pulled into the parking lot, Trivette turned to Walker. "Her parents are in Houston, aren't they?"
"I'll call them as soon as we find out how Gage and Julie are." Walker replied, emotionless. "I need to call Alex too."
"I guess I should let Erica know what's going on."
Julie Gage was sitting in the waiting area just inside the Emergency Room. The two senior Rangers made their way towards her. "Any word?" Walker asked.
Julie shook her head and then let it drop into her hands. "No." She cried. "He should have gone to her first." Sobs began to rack her body.
Walker knelt down beside of her and put his arms around her. "No Julie. The end result would still be the same for him. He couldn't stand to lose either of you."
"That's what scares me. Ranger Walker, he hasn't said a word since the explosion. It's like he's there, but he's not there. I'm so afraid for him." She continued to sob.
Trivette's hand dropped to Walker's shoulder and he looked up to see the doctor approaching. "Are you here for Francis Gage?" He asked.
"Yes." Walker replied. "How is he?"
"Are you family?" The young doctor asked.
"I'm his sister and yes, they're family." Julie nodded, looking to Walker and then to Trivette. "How is he?"
The doctor's head dropped. "Physically, he'll be fine. He has a couple of fairly deep cuts on his face that may scar, and a few first-degree burns on his face and forearms, but he'll be fine. What I am concerned about most is his state of mind."
Julie's face went pale and Walker helped her back to her seat. "I'm OK." She brushed Walker's hand away from her arm.
"Ma'am, your brother hasn't spoken a word since he was brought in. He's in shock and we're hoping that after a few hours, he'll come around, but it's something in his eyes . . . I can't get past the feeling that there's more to it."
Julie nodded. "Doctor, my brother is a Texas Ranger and he just lost his partner in an explosion. You're right, he is in shock. The question is when will he come out of it?" She stared into the doctor's eyes.
The doctor shook his head. "I don't know the answer to that. He may be better off at home, so if you can assure me that someone will be with him for the next 24 hours, I'll release him now."
Julie nodded. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Good. I'll get the paperwork together."
"Can I see him?" Julie asked.
The doctor nodded. "Sure, come with me." He led Julie to a closed curtain. "The nurse should be in soon with a mild sedative. His heart rate and blood pressure are up a bit and the sedative should help that."
Julie brushed the curtain back and cringed when she saw her younger sibling lying, motionless in the hospital bed. His eyes were open, but she could tell that he was a million miles away.
She pulled up a chair and gently brushed the hair from his face. "Hey little brother. How are you doing?" She fought back the tears as she saw the terrible pain in his crystal blue eyes. Taking his hand, she continued to talk. "It's going to be OK Francis. The doctor is releasing you and I'm going to get you home and take care of you . . . just like always." Her voice cracked and the tears began to flow freely. She wanted to take care of him, but she knew deep down, there was no possible way for her to take away the pain he was feeling over losing Sydney.
Walker moved the curtain back slightly. "Can I come in?" He asked.
Julie wiped her eyes and nodded. "Yes, sure." She stepped back to the foot of the bed, leaving Walker the chair.
He sat down and took Gage's hand in his. "Gage, we're all here for you buddy and we're going to get you through this. Whatever you need, you just let us know, OK?" He could feel his own voice beginning to crack. "I've called Sydney's parents and they're on their way." He closed his eyes and continued to talk. "Gage, I promise you, Latimier is going to pay for this. He's going to pay dearly."
Gage's body tensed at the mention of Latimier's name.
*********
Alex's face was red and her eyes still puffy when Walker came home. She met him at the door and sobs racked her body again. "Walker, what happened?" She asked after allowing him to hold her close for a while.
Walker led her to the couch and began to relay the story to her, as best as he could. "Trivette took Gage and Julie to his place." He finished.
"How is Gage holding up?"
Walker shook his head. "Not good. Not good at all. He hasn't said a word to anyone since the explosion."
Alex's face took on a sympathetic look. "What about Sydney's family?"
"I called them from the hospital. Their flight should be in about an hour and I told them that I would meet them at the airport."
*********
"Here we go." Trivette said as he pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex. "I checked with the police department. They said that the apartment was no longer a crime scene."
As they neared the door, Gage suddenly stopped and began to shake. Julie cringed slightly as she felt her brother tense. She quickly realized that this was the last place Gage had seen Sydney alive. "Trivette, we can't stay here. He can't stay here." Her voice was urgent and Trivette helped Gage back into the car where he laid his head over on Julie's shoulder.
"What is it?"
Julie whispered. "This is the last place he saw her alive."
Trivette felt a new wave of grief spread over his body. "Let me call Walker. I'll get the two of you set up in a safehouse."
After speaking with Walker for a moment, Trivette cranked the car and took Julie and Gage to one of the Ranger's safehouses a few miles out of town limits. "OK, let's try this again." He said, helping Gage and Julie out.
"I'm sorry to be so much trouble Jimmy." Julie said as she helped Gage inside.
Trivette shook his head. "It's no trouble Julie. Gage is family and we would do anything in the world for him."
"I know each of you are grieving in your own way over losing Sydney, but he and Sydney were more than partners. They connected. They were best friends and, well a little more than that, I think."
Trivette nodded. "I know and so does Walker. We'll all see him through this Julie." He hugged her. "Walker's gone to the airport to pick up Mr. and Mrs. Cooke now. I plan to meet with them at his ranch and as soon as I know any details about the arrangements, I'll let you know, OK?"
Julie smiled. "Thanks." She watched Trivette walk back to his car and then turned to her brother who was sitting motionless on the couch. "We had better get you into bed. That sedative is going to take effect pretty soon."
Gage shook his head. "Why Jules? Why Syd?" Tears were streaming down his cheeks and he had a lost look in his eyes.
Julie hugged him tightly, cradling his head. "I don't know sweetheart. I don't know."
"I'm tired." He whispered.
"I know you are. Let's get you into bed, OK?" He nodded slightly and Julie helped him into the bedroom and watched as he dropped to the bed, still fully clothed.
******* With the air pressure change and the tightness of the ropes, Sydney could no longer feel her hands or feet. Latimier had tested the ropes earlier, but she hadn't seen him for almost an hour. Suddenly, he reappeared.
"Ah, you're awake my pet." He said stroking her face. "Looks like the ropes are biting. Let's see if we can get some circulation back into your hands and feet." He loosened the ropes slightly, giving her room to wiggle her aching wrists and ankles.
Surprisingly, he then removed the duct tape from her mouth. "The way I see it, no one is going to hear you scream up here, so there's really no point in keeping the tape over your mouth, right?"
"Why did you do it?" She asked.
"Do what?"
"Let Gage think I'm dead."
A thin smile came to Latimier's lips. "Well, lets see, where do I begin? I hate Ranger Gage with a passion. His testimony alone is what got me 25 to life. I lost everything; my wife, my son, my house, everything and I want him to know what it feels like." He kissed Sydney's cheek. "He'll live everyday with the image of seeing his beloved partner die in a horrific explosion." Latimier began to laugh. "Sort of ironic, isn't it? He sent me to jail for life and now his life is the one that is a pure hell."
"But what about my parents, Travis? Why should they be tormented like this?"
Latimier softened somewhat at hearing Sydney utter his first name. "I'm sorry for your parents loss, but Sydney, you are dead to them either way. You won't be returning to Dallas. You and I are relocating somewhere where I don't feel that I have to constantly look over my shoulder in fear of being taken back to jail."
"Why me, Travis. Out of all of the women out there, why me?" Sydney asked.
"I don't know. There's something about you. Maybe its your spunk or . . ." His eyes began to twinkle. "I really don't know. Maybe it's because Gage loves you and I wanted to take you away from him."
Sydney closed her eyes. "Gage and me? You're way off base there Travis. We're partners and friends, but that's it."
"Yeah right. I've seen the way he looks at you and I saw the look on his face when that bomb ripped that dummy apart. He literally looked like his heart had blown apart too. That boy had it bad for you Sydney."
She opened her mouth to say something and Latimier placed his finger over her lips. "That's enough talk for now. I'm going to get some dinner. I'll bring you back something. We should be touching down soon too. I'll check with the pilot." He turned and left her to her thoughts.
*********
The sedative the doctor had given Gage did allow him to fall asleep, but it was far from a peaceful sleep. He tossed and turned and was tormented by the same endless dream of seeing the bomb go off and rip through the hanger.
Julie had heard him scream out and rushed to see what was wrong. She found him in a pool of sweat, his eyes still closed. "Francis! Francis, wake up!" She shook him back to reality.
"Tell me it was just a dream Jules! Tell me that she isn't dead!" He cried out, knowing that the dream was just a replay of what had actually happened.
"I wish I could baby. I wish it were all just a dream."
She tried to get him to go back to sleep. But he shook his head. "I'll just dream about it again, sis. But you go on back to bed. It's only four a.m."
Julie shook her head. "No. I'll go make us a pot of coffee."
Somewhere between her first and second cup of coffee, Julie had dozed off and was awakened by the sound of the telephone. She heard her brother answer. "Hello." He said softly.
"Francis. It's Amanda Cooke. I just wanted to let you know about the services for . . ." She broke down and couldn't finish. Alex gently wrapped her arms around her and led her to the table, giving Walker the phone.
"Gage?"
"I'm here." Gage said quietly.
"There's a memorial service tonight at 7:00 at Our Lady of Hope and the funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 tomorrow. The Cooke's have decided to have her laid to rest at the Dallas Memorial Gardens."
Gage nodded, feeling himself quivering.
"Gage?"
"I heard you."
"If you and Julie need anything . . ."
"We're fine." He said blankly.
"OK. Listen, do you want me to pick you up tonight?"
Gage shook his head. "No. I don't know. I'll get Julie to call you back, OK?" His voice cracked and he hung up the phone.
"How is he holding up?" Alex asked.
Walker shook his head. "At least he's talking today."
Gage hung up the phone, but continued to stand in the same spot. Julie got up, took him by the hand and led him to the couch. "I'll fix you some breakfast."
"I'm not hungry. I think I'll just go grab a shower, OK?"
She could tell that he was just about ready to lose it again and knew that he wanted some time to himself. Nodding, she whispered. "OK. I'll be in here if you need me."
Turning on the hot water, Gage was reminded of the superficial burns on his arms. "Oww!" He cried out.
"Francis, are you OK?" Julie called out.
"Yeah." He responded and reached to adjust the temperature of the water. When it was cool enough that it didn't affect his burns, but still warm enough that it soothed him, he stepped inside and closed the shower curtain.
He stood, letting the water pound down on his shoulders and back, not realizing immediately that he was crying. "Oh God Syd. Why you? He was after me, why did he kill you?" He dropped down to the floor until he was sitting on the floor of the tub.
Julie waited for almost forty-five minutes before knocking on the bathroom door. She could hear the shower running, but could also hear Gage crying softly. "Francis?" When she received no answer, she knocked again. "Honey, are you alright?"
Her voice somewhat out of his stupor and he cleared his throat. "I'll be out in a minute." He said quietly.
"Take your time honey. I just wanted to make sure that you were OK."
Gage turned the water off and muttered to himself and leaned over the sink. "I don't think I'll ever be OK again."
When he emerged from the bathroom, he changed clothes, laid across the bed and finally drifted off into another fitful sleep.
Julie was cleaning the kitchen when the phone rang. "Hello." She answered.
"Hi Julie, it's Alex. How are things going?"
Julie reached over and closed the bedroom door. "I'm really worried about him Alex and I don't know what to do to comfort him."
"All you can do right now is be there for him." There was a pause. "Walker asked me to call and see if you'd like for us to pick you and Gage up for the services tonight."
Julie nodded. "Yes, I think that might be a good idea. I just don't know how Francis is going to take things tonight, especially seeing Mr. and Mrs. Cooke."
"OK. We'll pick you up at 6:00, if that's OK."
"That's fine. Alex, I hate to impose further, but my things are at Francis' apartment and I'd like to get a suit for him from there too."
"Say no more. How about if I come get you in a few minutes? Walker or Jimmy can stay with Gage while we're gone."
"Are you sure I'm not asking too much?"
"Not at all." Alex replied.
******
Gage had slept off and on all day, not even realizing that his sister had left the premises and that Trivette was in the house until after the fact.
At 5:00 Julie lightly knocked on the door and came in with a small suitcase and a garment bag.
"What's this?" Gage asked, rubbing his eyes.
"I had Alex take me by your place to pick out one of your suits for tonight." She opened the bag and pulled out a dark blue suit and a practically new black suit, along with white shirts and matching ties.
"Thanks sis." He replied. "Oh, I was supposed to have you call Walker and let him know if we needed a ride to the service tonight."
"It's taken care of." Julie smiled. "I'll let you get dressed."
"Thanks."
Julie went to the other bedroom and changed her own clothes and then waited for her brother in the living room.
When he finally came out, he stared at his sister. "I don't want to go Jules. I don't know what to say to her parents." Tears began to stream down his face. "I let them down. I promised them that I would take care of her and now she's dead because of me."
Julie wrapped her arms around Gage and held him close. "Honey, it's not your fault."
He drew in a ragged breath and pushed his sister away. "Who's fault is it then?"
"Francis, don't you dare start blaming yourself for Sydney's death. You know she wouldn't want that."
"I know she didn't want to die either, but that doesn't change anything does it?" He cried out.
Walker could hear the conversation as he stood on the porch and knocked on the door.
"That'll be Walker."
"I'm not going." Gage said and sat down on the couch, turning on the TV.
"Francis." Julie said sternly, watching her brother tune her out much in the same manner he did when they were kids. She reached for the door. "Walker, come in."
"Thanks. Are you two about ready?"
"He says he's not going." Julie explained, looking towards the couch.
"Gage? Why don't you come on with us, it's the right thing to do." Walker said quietly.
Gage shook his head slightly. "I'm tired of always doing the 'right' thing Walker. I was doing the 'right' thing when Sydney was killed and look where it got me."
Walker took a seat beside of his friend. "Gage, I know what you're feeling and . . ."
A look of rage came into Gage's eyes as he jumped to his feet. "You KNOW what I'm feeling?" He yelled, causing Julie to stiffen. "There is no way that you could possibly KNOW what I'm feeling! Alex is still with you Walker! I lost the only woman in the world that I've ever really loved! I . . ." He realized that he had just confessed his love for Sydney and stood in front of his boss and his sister with his mouth hanging open, feeling tears stinging his eyes once again. "I really did love her." He whispered.
Julie put her arms around Gage and held him for a moment. "Francis, honey, we need to go, OK?" Gage nodded absently and allowed his sister to lead him out to Walker's RAM.
End chapter 4 To be continued . . .