~Chapter Six~

"Syd," Gage shouted.

"I'm fine you?" Syd answered her eyes suddenly scanning the car coming to rest on her mother. "Mom, Mom," she cried scooting back across the seat and out of the car to where her mother lay bleeding.

"Oh God," Gage mumbled under his breath all ready dialling his phone as he made his way around the front of the car to where Sydney was with her mom.

"Mom open your eyes, please Mom stay with me open your eyes," Syd was crying clutching on to her mother's hand.

Placing his fingers on Amanda's neck Gage found her pulse weak and thready as it was. "She's alive Syd and help is on it's way," he told her knowing they were only empty words at this point.

The minutes seemed like hours until finally the EMT screamed in. As fast as they could they had Amanda stabilized and ready for transport. "I'm right behind you," Gage whispered to Sydney helping her into the back of the ambulance.

"Okay," she answered her eyes not leaving Amanda.

Standing a minute Gage watched as Syd sat at the head of the gurney a single tear escaping her eye to leave a wet trail down her cheek. Her t-shirt was covered in her mother's blood… her fear and pain transpiring to him.

One of the EMT pushed past him and he helped to swing the doors closed before running to where his car was to follow closely behind.

St. Mathews Hospital

They had been at the hospital going on three hours. Walker had come in with Trivette earlier, Sydney had gotten up and walked to the window to stare out leaving Gage to explain to their boss' what had happened.

"Walker I'm sure it was aimed at Syd," Gage had told them. "It was a single shot… Sydney and her mother are so close in looks… the long hair… it was dark and what better way to rattle me then hurt her."

"How's Syd doing?" Trivette asked.

"Holding her own she just finished calling her father… the man never gives her an inch," Gage said as much to himself as the senior rangers.

Gage had tried to coax her into sitting down with him but she had shook her head no. "I just need to stand right now," she had told him. Now as they started into the third hour Sydney suddenly turned around to face her three co-workers. "I want them, I want who ever did this, I want them to pay."

Reaching out Gage put his arm around her to bring her close to him. "We're going to get them Honey," he murmured to her.

"Not if you don't get some sleep so you don't run the car off the track tomorrow," she snapped pulling away from him all business like.

All three rangers fixed there eyes on Sydney Gage once again speaking, "I'm not going to be sleeping as long as I'm worried about you and your mother. I'll be fine tomorrow, I'll qualify and we'll get to the bottom of this," he told her taking both her hands.

"When is your Dad's flight due in?" Walker asked.

"He should be here any time," she replied biting her lip and turning to look back out the window.

"Ranger Cooke?" Everyone turned to see a seasoned surgeon standing there waiting to speak to Sydney.

"Yes," Sydney replied feeling Gage's hand on her shoulder supporting her as she stepped forward.

"I'm Doctor Edwards," the man told her offering his hand to her giving Gage the once over at the same time. Syd catching his face immediately spoke up, "It's all right he family," she told him.

Taking her word he began to tell them about Mrs. Cooke. "The bullet went clear through which was good and the damage it did was minimal. She is going to be in quite a bit of pain and it is going to take time for her to recover but she will be fine," he explained to them.

"You're sure?" Syd asked hardly daring to believe.

Smiling Doctor Edwards replied, "Very sure. You'll be able to see her for a minute very shortly," he told them turning to leave.

Syd could feel herself falling back Gage's arms catching her sinking against him in relief.

"Sydney!" her relief was short lived her father's voice sounding in her ears.

"Dad," she cried going to him. "You just missed Mom's doctor she's going to be all right," she told him letting him stiffly hug her.

"Thank God," Joseph Cooke whispered relief in his voice as well.

"They are going to let us see her in a few minutes," Syd continued to say her father cutting her off.

"What are you and Francis doing to find out who did this?" he asked.

Hearing Sydney's father Gage stepped beside her to respond. "We think the shooting has something to do with an on going investigation we are in the middle of."

"You involved your mother in one of your cases. Sydney how could you? I can't believe how irresponsible you can be. I see nothing much has really changed since you were in high school…" he scolded his daughter.

Turning on her heel Syd walked to the window she had stared out so long while waiting for word on her mother.

Gage on the other hand stood square in front of Joe Cooke to address him. "She didn't involve her mother in one of our cases. She was taking her mother to our place, yes our place," Gage emphasized before continuing, "So she would be out of harms way. If the truth were known we think that the intended victim was Sydney and Amanda was mistaken for her daughter. Either way you would have been still standing here tonight as arrogant as ever."

Joseph stood silently in front of Gage his mouth gaping open and then closing. Looking past Gage to where Sydney stood he meekly said, "Excuse me."

Walking around Gage he went to where his daughter was. "Sydney…" he cleared his throat and tried again. "Sydney I had no call to say what I did. As usual I was looking for someone to blame other then myself. I know that you would never do anything reckless that would put your mother in danger. I also know she wouldn't have been here in the first place if I didn't make such outrageous demands."

Syd remained silent still staring out the window. "Sydney it's just when it comes to you… I just don't like that you've grown up… I can't get past you aren't my little girl any more…"

"Daddy stop," Syd cried spinning around to face him tears in her eyes.

"Honey I'm sorry."

"I know you are," Sydney told him letting her father take her in his arms and hold her against his chest.

"Ranger Cooke?" A nurse was asking for her. "If you'd like to see your mother…"

"Yes please," she anxiously replied. "This is my father," she told the nurse as they fell a step behind the nurse Syd suddenly stopping to call to Gage.

"You two go ahead I'll keep Walker and Trivette company," Gage told them Syd smiling slightly and nodding.

Amanda Cooke's Room

Pushing open the door Sydney and Joe entered the dimly lit room quickly moving over to Amanda's bed. "Mom," Syd whispered taking her hand.

"Sydney?" her mother croaked.

"Shh don't try and talk Mom," she cautioned. "Daddy is here," she told her letting Joseph step up beside her.

"Amanda I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so stubborn…"

"Joe… be… quiet," she murmured letting him take her hand from Syd. "Do you know… who did it?" she questioned her daughter.

"We have an idea we just have to prove it," Sydney told her.

"Go do what you do… best Honey," she struggled to get out. "This old… fool will keep me… company."

"I love you Mom," Syd whispered leaning down to kiss her mother's cheek.

"Make sure Francis… looks after… you…"

"I have no doubt he will," Joe piped up kissing his daughter's forehead before she slipped out the door to join Gage.

Sydney And Gage's Room The Raceway Hotel

It was the wee small hours of the morning Sydney wrapped around Gage neither partner sleeping very well. Sydney's mind was focused on her mother and who had shot her, while Gage's mind focused on the fact Amanda Cooke had been shot instead of Syd, all just to rattle him enough to keep him out of the race.

Earlier…

"I want her and Hollander," Syd had stated as Gage wheeled into the hotel parking lot. "And then Mancuso," she spat out.

"Shorty, Shorty slow down," Gage cut in.

"I won't slow down… was it your mother who was almost killed tonight?" she cried out not realizing what she was saying before it was out of her mouth. "Gage I'm sorry… I… I'm sorry," she got out reaching to rest her hand on his arm.

"I know Syd," he replied a slightly cockeyed smile forming at the corner of his mouth.

"Why do you put up with me?"

"Probably because I love you," he answered taking her hand. "Now you stay in this car until I have the door open. I don't want what happened earlier to repeat it's self."

"Gage I can look after…"

His fingers automatically went to her lips. "Sydney no arguing and I mean it. I want you in one piece tomorrow standing with the crew while I'm qualifying for that race," he told her his eyes catching hers by the dim light of the flashing hotel sign. She nodded her head yes letting her partner lean down to kiss her.

Gage opened the car door looking around before getting out. Walking to their room he slid the key in and opened the door Syd's eyes on him the whole time. Pushing the door open he flicked on the light looking over the room for a moment before going back for Syd. Opening the car door he let her slide out in front of him putting his hand on her shoulder slamming the door closed with the other, together they went inside.

With the door closed behind them Gage grabbed her arm to pull her against him. "I want you to be careful tomorrow. Walker is bringing Trivette in on security since extra people have been put on to protect the Hollander car. If I'm on the track and something happens find Trivette for back up," Gage instructed.

"Gage I do know procedure," she frowned at him.

"Yeah but that doesn't mean you follow it," he came back drumming his hands on her backside.

"And you are one to talk about following procedure?" she leaned back looking into his eyes.

"But you are going to do this because I'm asking you right?"

"All right Gage you have my word," she told him standing on tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

An hour later they had shared a quick shower and settled into bed for what remained of the night. Bone weary still neither of them slept well their minds still going over the facts of the case. Finally they fell fitfully into slumber only to be awakened by the phone ringing with their wakeup call.

The Next Morning In The Hollander Pit

"Look what the cat dragged in," Tinker greeted them looking them both up and down. "Doing a little early celebrating?" he questioned.

"My mother had an accident we spent quite a few hours at the hospital last night," Syd volunteered not elaborating.

"I'm sorry to hear that Callie," the older man told her genuinely concerned.

"She's going to be all right," Gage added.

"Hey Jeff ready for a good run?" Reade Dawson asked joining the group. "We got the car running like a top."

"And I'm ready," Gage smiled.

"Jeff I need you to do everything like yesterday's run. Just listen to me I'll guide you through it," Tinker was explaining.

"Jeff is driving today?" Everyone heard Lindy's voice before she appeared. "Jeff," she called out stopping dead in her tracks when she saw Sydney. "Callie what are you doing here?" she blurted out.

Standing in front of her Syd answered, "I'd say I had a lot more right here then you do Lindy."

"Hey Tye's time just came in," Dawson called breaking the tension. "He clocked in at 26.741," he announced to everyone.

"Come on Jeff let's get you in the car you're on deck next," Tinker took over the conversation slapping Gage's shoulder.

Turning on her heel Lindy stormed out to the pit area passing right by Jimmy Trivette. Catching Syd's eyes Jimmy gave the area another quick glance before following her out.

Gage was in the car the engine running Sydney stood nervously watching him listen to last minute instruction from Tinker before roaring out of the pit to the start line. Holding her breath the flag suddenly came down and Gage was off.

"Go high," Tinker was all ready shouting at him as he headed into the first turn. "Now open her wide," he was shouting once again into the headset the car flying forward.

Again and again Syd watched the car speed past listening to bits of instruction that Tinker was shouting into the headset. Finally the flag came down signalling to Gage that the run was over.

"26.683 seconds," Dawson was all ready shouting. "Can you believe it? We are a shoe in to be in the top five!"

"The pole position!" Sydney exclaimed the excitement beginning to grab at her too if it hadn't been over shadowed Gage and she being in danger and her mother being shot.

Gage had just brought the car into the pit bringing her to a halt. Sydney ran to where he was crawling from her, Tinker and the rest of the crew crowding around him. She stood back for a moment until Gage's face and eyes caught hers. "Callie," he called holding his arms open to her.

In an instant she had her arms around his neck and he was lifting her from the ground planting a huge passionate kiss on her lips that she was giving back with full force.

A Step Behind Lindy…

Trivette followed as close as he dared behind Lindy Tameron as she hurried through the rows of trailers until she was at Hollander's trailer. Running up the stairs she banged on the door not waiting for an answer she barged right in. "She's alive!" Lindy shrieked out.

"Will you keep your voice down," Hollander barked at her closing the door behind her.

Looking around a minute to make sure no one was watching him Trivette moved so he was directly under a vent in the trailer. Bits and pieces of the conversation began to filter through as Trivette stood there listening.

"She's still alive I just had a run in with her in the pit," Lindy told him temper still flaring. "And your boy was climbing in the car probably going to blow Tye out of the water."

"Lindy relax this is even better… Jeff needs to go the same way that Donnie did," Hollander informed her. "So that Mancuso gets his money and I cash in because my money is on Tye."

"Bobby this had better work…" Lindy warned.

"Like a charm," Hollander answered, "Like a charm!"

Trivette barely had time to move away before Lindy was coming out of the trailer to storm back over to the pit area.

The Hollander Pit

"Jeff, fifth position," Hollander shouted out slapping Gage on the shoulder. "Have you seen the odds you are favoured to win this race. It's been a long time since the Hollander team has been in a position like this and we owe it all to you."

Hollander had grasped Gage's hand and was shaking it as he spoke. "Thanks Bobby," Gage answered his free arm going around Syd both of them catching Trivette come in.

"So Callie what do you think of this man of yours?" Hollander was smiling down at her. "He's going to win us a race."

"Like I've always thought that he's pretty special," she replied her phone ringing. "Excuse me," she smiled turning slightly to answer it.

"Daddy? Mom is all right?" Syd anxiously questioned hearing her father's voice.

"Yes Honey Mom is fine. I'm just wondering what developments you've made in the case," he confessed to her.

"Jeff and I will be there as soon as we can get away," she told him.

"Jeff? Jeff who?" Joe blankly asked.

"We'll see you soon Dad," Syd continued.

"You and Gage?"

"Yes Dad the two of us," Syd replied.

"Oh yes you're undercover," Joe spoke coming to the realization.

"Yes Daddy we'll see you soon," Syd continued hanging up her phone.

"Callie's mother was hurt in a drive by shooting last night," Gage explained to Hollander before calling to her, "Callie everything all right?"

"Yeah just my Dad you know how he can be," she replied breaking into a small smile.

"Maybe we had better go…" Gage began to say only to have Syd cut him short.

"Jeff this is the first of your victory we aren't just rushing out of here."

"Why don't the two of you take off now so our boy can catch up on the sleep he lost last night," Tinker over hearing the conversation had interjected. "Tomorrow night is when we are really going to party," he grinned added, "The victory party!"

"I haven't won anything yet," Gage interrupted him.

"You keep driving like you are and nobody can touch you," Tinker confidently came back.

Grinning himself Gage answering, "We'll see." Catching sight of Trivette going out the door Gage continued, "If you're sure you don't need me anymore maybe we'll take off for a while and stop by the hospital."

"We're just going to check over everything on the car again to make sure she is in top shape and then we are going to be set for tomorrow," Tinker told him.

"I'll be here early I want to make sure everything is set," Gage replied taking Syd's hand.

"We'll see you tomorrow," Tinker waved them off the partners heading for the door.

"Where yeah going Jeff?" Reese Dawson called out to him. "Aren't you going to stick around while me and the boys do the last minute check on the car?"

"I trust she is in good hands with you Reese," Gage called back holding the door open for Syd.

With the door closing behind them Syd scrutinized things finally seeing Trivette standing off to one side watching the comings and goings of the immediate area. Nudging Gage they made their way towards him.

"Gage Hollander is betting heavy against you," Trivette greeted them.

"Against me?" Gage questioned.

"Yeah seems that Mancuso is taking lots of bets for you to win and when you don't Hollander is going to be off the hook. In the meantime he's putting all his money on Tye Reade.

"Gage you can't get in that car tomorrow," Syd cried out the flash of her dream playing across her mind.

"Syd I have to," Gage responded both he and Trivette looking at her.

"Sydney we are going to find out what Hollander is up to long before Gage gets in the car," Trivette tried to tell her.

"And if you don't?" she snapped back at him.

Neither ranger spoke instead they stared blankly at Syd both knowing that Gage could very easily be seriously hurt or even killed if he took the Hollander car on the track.

At The Carson Pit

David Carson stood at the opposite side of the room watching as Lindy Tameron waltzed in and over to his newest driver Tye Reade. He looked mildly agitated with the lovely Lindy pushing her back from him as she tried to wind her arms around his neck. Leaning closer to him she whispered something to him Reade grabbing roughly to her arm and ushering her out.

Setting his drink on the table beside him Carson followed behind the two of them into the garage area where they had continued their conversation.

"You're sure that Stevens is going to be out of the picture this time," Reade barked at her.

"Bobby is betting heavy on you Tye what do you think that means?" she purred her hand going to his cheek.

Grabbing her wrist he pulled her hand from his face. "That's what you said about the time trials," he glared into her face as he spoke.

"Bobby was just driving the odds up that's all. This is a sure thing you just have to get out there and do what you do best. Jeff Stevens is going to be out of the race before it finishes," She smiled bringing her lips to his for a kiss.

"That's what you two think," Carson spoke walking from the shadows. "I'm pulling you from this race Tye."

"What you mean you can't do that we have a deal," Reade snarled out letting go of Lindy at the same time.

"I can do what I please I own this team," Carson shot back. "I like to win as much as the next guy but I don't stoop to sabotage and murder to do it."

The words were no sooner out of his mouth when Lindy brought a huge wrench down on his head. "Lindy what the hell?" Reade gasped out.

"He won't be pulling anyone from this race," she calmly answered.

TBC