Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Thanks to Janis for all your help and to everyone who reviewed.
Chapter 8: Thursday
Sydney's apartment
Sydney woke around 5:30 and shut off the alarm, before it sounded. Moving Gage's arm from across her waist, she sat up and turned toward her partner. Smiling, she reached out, lightly touching his cheek, the smile widening as she thought of the previous evening.
Getting out of bed, Syd headed for the bathroom, letting Gage sleep a bit longer. After a quick shower, Syd donned her robe and went to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. When the coffee was ready, she filled two mugs, then turning off the maker returned to the bedroom.
Going to Gage's side, Syd set the steaming mugs on the nightstand before sitting on the edge of the bed. Running her fingers through her partner's sandy-blond hair, Syd leaned forward pressing a light kiss to his lips. The kiss was returned as Gage's arms suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling Syd across his lap to rest on the bed.
"Morning, Syd," Gage said, breaking off the kiss to nuzzle her neck while moving her robe to the side.
"Umm, Gage?" Sydney moaned as his kisses moved across her shoulder.
"What honey?" Gage questioned continuing back toward her neck to nip her ear.
Syd gasped, clasping his face to gently push him away so she could look into his eyes, "Gage, we've got to get to work early, remember?"
"Syd, can't we stay here a little longer?" Gage whined.
With a smile lighting her face at how pathetic her strong partner sounded, Syd pulled him close for a quick kiss. Sliding out from under him, she sat up in the bed while asking him to hand her one of the coffee cups. As he did so, they settled back against the pillows to drink their coffee talking about what to do for breakfast and what was still needed to, hopefully, wrap the case up that day.
Ranger Headquarters
Syd and Gage entered the office laughing as Walker finished pouring cups of coffee for Trivette and himself. Sydney stopped at the pot for two more mugs while Gage continued over to where Jimmy sat at his desk.
"You here on time again, Gage?" Trivette, with a twinkle in his eye, teased the younger man.
Heaving an over exaggerated sigh, Gage replied, "Jimmy, Syd explained that I've been on time to keep her from grouching at me. Now, can we please drop the subject?"
"I remember what Sydney said yesterday, but it's still odd that you wouldn't run her a little bit behind today, since we were out last night and had to be in earlier." Jimmy responded, with a mischievous grin.
Before Gage could respond, Syd approached the other three and handing her partner his coffee said, "Jimmy, we got home at a decent hour and I called him this morning when I woke up so he'd be ready." Turning toward Walker, who listened to the whole exchange with an amused expression, she changed the subject asking, "How are we going to play this today?"
The senior Ranger replied, "I'm going to arrange for you to come downstairs when we arrive to escort us around. You can take me downstairs to meet with Willie to tour the line then take Trivette back to your office. I figure Powers or Winters will accompany me with Brown, but if not you need to keep an eye out for them when the bust goes down. As soon as I've been in the factory long enough to see that we have the evidence we need to make the charges stick, I'll give the signal for the other Rangers to move in. Gage can help me downstairs, but you two need to watch for Carlton or Justin. If they're alerted to what's going on in the factory, they'll probably figure out what's happened and could come after you before their arrest."
As they nodded in agreement, the junior partners said, "Got it," at the same time.
"Okay, you two need to head out and we'll see you around ten o'clock." Walker stated as they turned to leave the office.
Red Manufacturing
When Syd and Gage pulled into a parking space, Gage caught her hand asking, "You ready for this, Syd?"
"I'll be fine Gage. You and Walker are the ones who need to be careful. Jimmy and I won't be there to cover your backs if you get in trouble."
"No, you two just have to worry with Powers and Winters by yourselves. Walker and I will at least have backup with the other Rangers."
Syd smiled and giving his hand an extra squeeze said, "So we're agreed, we'll both be cautious. We'd better get inside before we're late."
Getting out of the car, the partners headed inside splitting up at the elevators after a quick kiss. When Gage arrived outside the factory a few moments later, Willie called him to his office. Following the foreman warily, Gage entered his office waiting to see what the other man wanted.
Willie got right to business, "Mr. Powers called me a few minutes ago and said that your girlfriend will be bringing Mr. Carson and his partner down here at ten. I just wanted to let you know that even though she will be here for a while and you're such good friends with Mr. Carson doesn't mean that you can slack off on your work. You need to keep doing your job or else all the deals Mr. Carson can make will be for nothing because the product won't be ready to ship anywhere. Do you understand me, Shawn?"
Gage listened to the foreman's rambling orders with amusement, but kept a straight face so as not to make the man angry. When Willie finished, Gage replied, "Yes sir, I understand. Can I get to work now, or did you need something else?"
With a grimace, Willie stated, "We're done. Get to work and remember what I said."
Gage answered with a curt nod before turning to head out of the door going to where he had been working the last few days.
Meanwhile, Sydney entered Brandon's outer office and paused hearing another man's voice talking to Brandon through the closed door to the interior office. After listening a moment, she realized it was Carlton Powers so she continued on to her desk to begin working. Brandon had some new numbers lying on her desk; which needed to be input into an existing file in the computer.
Syd was about halfway through entering the new information when the door opened and Powers accompanied by Brandon came into the room. Sydney kept right on with what she was doing until Powers addressed her. "Ms. Walters, I'll see you around ten o'clock. Let me know when Mr. Carson arrives." Glancing at the older man, Sydney nodded her agreement with a brief smile.
When the Vice-President exited the office, Brandon commented, "Well, at least, he's being a bit nicer to you."
With a quick look toward him seeing his sincerity, she replied a grin, "Yes, Shawn and I had to talk with him, Mr. Winters, and Willie about something yesterday morning. He's been a little less stuffy with me and Justin is ignoring me in the hall now."
"Well, I'm guessing you talked about Tuesday afternoon's events?" Brandon asked with a smile. At Sydney's affirmative answer, he continued, "Then with Carlton and Justin, it sounds like me overhearing what I did helped you more than anything."
"Yes, it did. It helped Shawn, also. Willie was watching his every move and now he's backed off. Shawn had him up against a wall yesterday though, because of setting the bomb on my car." Sydney finished with a grin. "I'd better get busy, ten o'clock is going to be here pretty quick."
Smiling back at the female Ranger, Brandon replied, "Yes, Carlton already told me you'd be busy with something for him. I'll just have to do without you for a while, I guess." He turned and re-entered his office, leaving Sydney to her work and thoughts about what he'd think when he found out why she and Gage were really there.
At ten o'clock, Walker and Trivette entered the main reception area. Approaching the desk, they were greeted by the receptionist on duty. "Good morning, gentlemen. May I help you?"
"Yes, we're supposed to meet with Carlton Powers." Walker answered.
"Your names sir?" When he told her their cover names, she checked her computer before replying, "Yes sir, Ms. Walters is down to be contacted when you arrive." Picking up her phone, the receptionist talked briefly, then smiling at the Rangers said. "If you gentlemen will have a seat, she will be just a moment."
After thanking the girl, Walker and Jimmy took seats not too far from the desk. They'd only been there a few minutes when Sydney appeared in the lobby. After greeting the senior Rangers, she led them to the elevators saying, "Mr. Powers wanted me to bring you to his office, gentlemen. This way please."
As the door to the elevators closed, she quickly informed her bosses why they were going to Carlton Powers' office. "Powers called me about an hour ago and told me to bring you to his office when you got here. I don't know if he plans on taking you downstairs himself or if he just wants to talk to you before you go down. He didn't tell me anything else, except to show you upstairs."
"That's all right, Sydney." Walker replied, "Whether Powers goes downstairs with us or not, I want Trivette to stay with you. You two will be each other's backup. Gage and I will have the others to back us, but you'll need to watch Winters."
"Okay, what if Carlton wants to know why Jimmy's going with me?" Sydney asked wanting to be prepared.
"I'll make up some reason, if he asks. Can you show us where your office is before we meet Powers?"
"Sure, it's on the same floor." Syd replied just as the elevator doors opened. Leading the way, the female Ranger took the two men down the hall to her current office before going the opposite way to meet with Carlton Powers.
Entering his secretary's office, Syd smiled at the older woman, "Hello, I have Mr. Carson and Mr. Gordon to see Mr. Powers."
"Yes, he's expecting you, just a moment." Getting the Vice-President on the phone, the secretary spoke briefly then hanging up, informed them, "You may go in now, he's waiting. Ms. Walters, Mr. Powers wants you in there too."
Thanking the woman, the three Rangers entered the other office. Powers came from behind his desk to greet them. "Mr. Carson, Mr. Gordon. I asked Ms. Walters to bring you to my office, because I won't be able to go downstairs with you. Justin and I have a few matters we need to clear up and will be busy most of the day. Willie is more than capable of taking care of you, though."
"Sounds good to me," Walker answered. "Is there anything else you need with us or can Carina show us downstairs now?"
"I believe that's all the pertinent details for now. After you've seen where and how the product is packaged for shipping, we'll go over the final points."
Shaking hands with the other man, Walker and Jimmy followed Sydney back out into the hall. Making their way back to the elevators, they went down to the packing rooms. Willie met them just inside the door. "Mr. Carson, if you and Mr. Gordon will follow me I'll show you how the products are packed. Thank you, Ms. Walters."
Giving the man a glare, which went entirely unnoticed except by the other two Rangers, Syd turned to leave the room just as Walker called, "Wait a moment, Carina. Mr. Brown, my partner would like to go over some things with Ms. Walters that can't wait. Is it okay for you to just give me the tour?"
Hedging a bit at this sudden change of plans, or so he thought, Willie replied, "I guess so, since you're the man in charge of making any decisions."
Nodding at his partner, Walker watched as Jimmy accompanied Sydney out of the room to head back upstairs. Turning to the foreman, he asked, "Now weren't you going to show me something?"
Looking back at the red-haired Ranger, Willie said, "Yes if you'll come this way?" They had walked around the main packing area where all of the parts were boxed before some were sent into the smaller room and had just entered the smaller packing area when the phone rang, "Excuse me a moment, Mr. Carson. Hello? ... Mr. Powers, what can I do for you sir? … Yes, he's here. … No, they went upstairs. … She did? Are you sure? … Sorry, I know you're sure. I can be up there in a few minutes, if you need me. … All right, I will. Goodbye."
"What was that about?" Walker asked.
"Nothing to concern you. Just something he needed an answer to regarding another matter entirely." Changing the subject, the man took the 'potential buyer' around the room, showing him every detail of the packing and shipping processes.
After leaving his partner downstairs, Jimmy followed Sydney back to the office she showed them. Once inside the door, Syd checked for notes from Brandon on the desk. Finding none she was going to pour a cup of coffee for the other man when the inner office door opened and Brandon looked out. "Oh Carina, it's you."
Noting his curious look at Jimmy, Syd answered the unspoken question, "This is James Gordon, he's one of the men I met for Mr. Powers. I have something to show him before he meets back up with his partner, who's downstairs with Willie."
With a nod, Brandon said, "All right, I'll be in here if anything comes up."
As he shut the door, Jimmy asked Sydney about the files she'd pulled up the day before on their suspects. Syd pulled the appropriate files up in a few moments and the senior Ranger began to scan them to see if there could be anything else that Syd had missed.
Immediately after the Rangers left his office, Carlton lifted his phone and dialing a number stated, "Justin, get to my office now, they just went downstairs."
Within minutes Justin was past Powers' secretary and entering the office. "I'm here Carlton, what's up?"
"Did you check the computer to see what files were accessed the past few days?" The older man asked, getting straight to business.
"Yes, our personnel files were accessed yesterday afternoon was the only time I noticed anything pertaining directly to us."
"Who pulled up our personnel files?" Carlton asked, "Or didn't you check?"
"I didn't track down who accessed them, no." Justin stated. Going to his boss's computer terminal, he quickly logged in and pulled the files in question putting a trace to see which terminal the files were pulled up on. "Here it is, Carlton. … You're not going to believe this."
"Ms. Walters?" Carlton questioned matter-of-factly.
"Yes. Wait a minute, she's pulling them up again or someone else is using her computer and accessing them."
"Carson's associate, Gordon, may have gone with her for some reason. Can we see exactly what she's looking at from here?"
In a few moments the two terminals were linked and the men were looking at the same things that Syd and Jimmy were scanning at her computer.
Carlton and Justin watched the screen intently as Carlton's employee file came up then scrolled slowly down the page stopping a few places. After scanning the first page, the page showing former employers came up stopping at each entry for several minutes before moving on. When Syd and Jimmy finished looking at Carlton's file, they went on to Justin's then Willie's. Watching them, via computer, scan the other two files as closely as they had Carlton's, Justin finally burst out, "Why the hell is she looking at the same things again?"
"Justin, control yourself. It might not be Ms. Walters looking at them again. It could be Mr. Gordon."
"Carlton, does it really matter who is looking at them? Gordon couldn't get into the computer without an authorization code and since he's on Carina's computer it would only make sense that she logged in under her name to give him access to look in our files."
"Exactly, so just calm down and we'll go talk to them. Let me call Willie first." Carlton picked up the phone as he was talking.
Dialing an extension, he paused a moment before saying, "Willie, it's Carlton. … Is Carson there? … Are Gordon and Ms. Walters still there? … I figured as much. I had Justin do some checking for me this morning and Ms. Walters pulled our employee files yesterday, then she or someone else is accessing them now to look at. … Of course I'm sure, didn't you hear me say that I had Justin check this morning? … No, you stay there. Go ahead and give Carson the tour, but keep an eye on him. Justin and I will take care of Ms. Walters and Mr. Gordon. … Goodbye."
Hanging up the receiver, Carlton looked at Justin then said. "Ms. Walters is probably showing Mr. Gordon the files right now. They left the packing room about thirty minutes ago, so it's probably Gordon looking at our files."
"So what are we going to do?" Justin asked calmly.
"We'll take care of Mr. Gordon and Ms. Walters, while Willie looks after Carson and Caldwell. I have a feeling all of them may be more than they appear." Carlton answered as Justin grinned in response. The two men watched the computer screen for a few minutes more to find out what other information the two 'snoops' were looking at.
Meanwhile, downstairs
After speaking with Carlton Powers, Willie had proceeded to show Walker around the room. The whole time Gage kept an eye on his boss waiting for the signal to call in the backup.
Walker, also, knew exactly where Gage was positioned in relation to his place with Willie. The senior Ranger listened to everything the plant foreman told him, all the while, looking around the room and judging how much resistance they were apt to encounter during the bust.
While they were looking at each product shipped and how everything was packed into the cases, Walker kept Willie busy by questioning him about every process that occurred. When they'd completed their round of the room, Walker said, "Well Mr. Brown, you've been very helpful and informative while showing me around. Now there's just one other thing."
With a frown crossing his brow, the other man asked, "What would that be Mr. Carson?"
"Well, actually, it's a small problem. You've shown me all of these drugs and how they're packed, but the problem is I'm a Texas Ranger and you're all under arrest."
At his words, Willie's eyes widened fractionally as he threw a punch towards Walker's face, which the Ranger easily blocked. About half of the workers began encircling the foreman and Walker, to help their boss.
Several of the men were stopped as Gage jumped into their midst. Spinning a roundhouse kick at the closest, he caught him in the chest and knocked him backwards into another man. One heavy-set man immediately grabbed Gage around the chest to hold him while another one went to slug him in the face and body. Gage received a left hook, then turned the tables on his attacker by using the man holding him as a lever bringing his legs off the floor and knocking two of the others backwards into a table leaving them dazed. Planting his feet firmly back on the floor, Gage then head-butted the man holding him causing his hold to loosen. Turning quickly, he dispatched the bigger man with a powerful kick to the side of his head.
While Gage took care of himself, Walker had his hands full trying to keep hold of Willie while subduing the rest of the workers. Walker took down two men with one powerful kick catching both of them along the side of their faces. With his attention diverted, a large man came up behind the senior Ranger and pulled his arm from around the foreman before shoving Walker to the floor. The man lifted his foot with the intent of slamming it into Walker's face. As he brought his foot down, Walker used the man's own momentum against him by pushing his leg to the side throwing him off balance and causing him to fall to the floor. Walker was up on his knees quickly with a hard right jab to his attacker's jaw that left the man stunned senseless. Getting to his feet, the Ranger saw Willie trying to get to the door, but had no time to follow as he was defending himself against the rest of his attackers.
Meanwhile, the backup team of Rangers entered the room stopping any other workers from thinking of helping out and cutting off Willie's escape route. Gage headed for Willie after putting cuffs on the man who'd held him earlier and was just beginning to wake up. Walker met Gage as he reached Willie, grabbing him and pulling him around, and, before the younger Ranger could say anything, told the foreman, "All right Willie, I want you to call Carlton Powers and get him and Winters down here. Make up any story you have to, but get them down here now."
Brown was already shaking his head as he chuckled, "It won't do any good unless I call Brandon's office, because when Mr. Powers called earlier they were going to take care of Ms. Walters and Mr. Gordon. Justin found out she's been snooping around in our files then showed Gordon today, so they're probably already out of commission." Before Willie finished speaking, Gage was halfway to the door with Walker right behind him.
Trivette had been in front of the computer for a little over half an hour looking at the files Sydney had already summarized for them. Sydney looked at them over his shoulder again while waiting for the senior Ranger to finish. Finally, Jimmy leaned back in the chair imitating his partner's favorite thinking pose of steepling his fingers while gazing at nothing.
After a few minutes of silence, Syd asked, "Well?"
Breaking out of his reverie, Jimmy said, "Nothing new. You already reported everything that's in here." Looking at his watch, he said, "Maybe we ought to check and see what Justin and Powers are doing and if Walker's called in the troops yet."
Reaching past the senior Ranger, Sydney pushed a few buttons on the computer, accessing the security cameras for the plant. When the view came on the monitor, the two saw a group of Rangers entering the smaller room with guns drawn. As Sydney downed that access, Jimmy said, "Okay that question's answered. What do you say we go have a little talk with Winters and Powers?"
At Sydney's agreement, the two Rangers headed for the door. When Jimmy opened the door, he found himself looking down the barrel of a small pistol. Taking a quick step back, he felt Syd run into him and heard her start, "Jimmy, what…."
Syd's voice trailed off as she glanced around Jimmy to see Justin Winters holding a gun in his face. Carlton Powers said, "Why don't the two of you just get back in there, nice and quiet now. Is Brandon in his office?"
Syd answered, "He left for an early lunch about 15 minutes ago."
"Good we won't have to worry about him barging in. Now, sit down." As Sydney sat behind the desk with Jimmy taking a seat next to her, Justin relaxed his grip on the gun slightly without moving it from the two Rangers. Noticing this, Syd looked at the older Ranger getting an acknowledging glance that he had, also, seen right as Carlton began to speak.
"Well, looks like you two have been busy, especially you Ms. Walters." Carlton sat down in a comfortable chair on the other side of the desk from Syd and Jimmy. "Why don't you tell me why you've been so curious about Willie, Justin and my files?"
Jimmy spoke up, before Syd could, "What makes you think we were looking at your files?"
"Please, credit me with some intelligence, Mr. Gordon. I have the system set where if my, Willie, or Justin's files are accessed the computer sends me a message. There was a message last night that all of the files had been studied for quite a while at the same time. Justin tracked down that the files were accessed on a computer here in the building. This morning, I told him to find out which computer they were pulled up on and he traced them back to Ms. Walters' computer, just as they were being brought up again. We watched over my monitor as, I suppose, you were looking at the files, Mr. Gordon?"
Carlton trailed off, leaving Jimmy an opportunity to say something. Getting nothing but a cool stare from him in return, he continued. "Everything you looked at, we know about. A quick phone call to Willie brought the news that you had accompanied Ms. Walters upstairs. By the way, I told Willie to keep Carson busy and keep an eye on him and Caldwell, so we don't have to worry about them interrupting us either."
At Powers' words, Sydney's eyes widened then narrowed, staring coldly at the older man as she asked, "Why worry about them interrupting anything in the first place?"
With a wry grin at her impertinence, Powers answered, "Since Carson is Gordon's partner and you and Caldwell are always together, it stands to reason that you all have a hand in whatever you had planned. Now we're just going to have a nice, little chat. What were you hoping to find in our files?"
Sydney quirked her eyebrows at Jimmy, leaving it up to him to start, "Well, Randall wanted Carina to see if she could access any personnel files and to what extent. When she found out she could pull up anyone's file and see where they'd worked before, he asked if she'd let me look at yours so he could find out more about who he was dealing with."
"All right, I can accept that but it doesn't explain why Ms. Walters was in our files so long last night, or why you were looking in depth today."
This time Sydney spoke up, "I wanted to get as much information for Mr. Carson that I could, then he asked me to show Mr. Gordon while they were here today, so it didn't make any difference."
Justin looked at his superior saying, "Carlton, this is ridiculous. They're only retelling each other's story and it's everything we already knew before we came in here. Let's just get them downstairs with the others and out of our hair once and for all."
At that moment, the door opened and Brandon, standing in the doorway, asked, "Justin? Carlton? What's going on in here?" As his voice sounded, Justin turned moving the gun away from Syd and Jimmy to aim at the other man.
Sydney brought her leg up, knocking Justin's aim off just as the gun discharged. The bullet lodged in the wall beside the door, startling Brandon into shutting the door quickly while remaining in the hall.
With Justin and Carlton both distracted by Sydney's sudden movement, both Rangers sprang into action, catching them by surprise. Sydney kept after Justin, who after the first couple of blows from her, proved to be almost a match with her in skill by blocking most of her moves. After a few minutes of fighting, Justin blocked a punch that Syd threw at his jaw and caught her in the chest with his foot, pushing her backwards into the wall. Moving in and holding her to the wall with an arm across her throat, Justin diverted his attention for a second to check how Carlton was doing against Jimmy. That second was all Sydney needed. Lifting her foot slightly, she kicked him in the knee. At the same time, she grabbed the arm that was against her throat while punching him dead center in the eye. As he loosened his grip and staggered slightly away from her, Syd, keeping hold of his arm, moved to one side and threw him over her shoulder to the floor. With the breath knocked out of him, Justin didn't protest or resist as Sydney rolled him over and cuffed him.
Meanwhile, Jimmy grabbed Carlton Powers while Syd attacked Justin. Jimmy, expecting an easier time with the older man, was taken by surprise when Powers broke free of his hold. Turning, Powers began throwing punches at Jimmy, who quickly ducked to avoid the first couple, before getting a few hits of his own in. The two went back and forth exchanging blows, somewhat evenly matched since Jimmy's knee was still stiff from the car accident. About the time Justin looked toward the two from fighting Syd, Powers got the better of Jimmy with a punch to his shoulder and kicking his leg right below the kneecap, sending the Ranger to the floor in pain. Jimmy, trying to regain his footing while staying out of Powers' way, pushed himself toward the far wall. Carlton Powers, following Jimmy, was startled to feel a jolt as Sydney flew into him pushing him into the wall hard, before holding him there as she slapped a pair of cuffs on his wrists.
Sydney pushed the older man to the floor before turning to Jimmy, "Are you all right?" She asked, while helping him to his feet.
"Yeah, thanks to you." The senior Ranger was about to say more when the door slamming open brought both of them around their guard up in case of another attack. Seeing Gage and Walker in the doorway, the two Rangers relaxed their stance.
"Are you okay, Trivette?" Walker asked, noticing his partner take a limping step toward Carlton Powers. Gage had headed for his partner, asking her, "You okay, Shorty?" at the same time.
"Yeah I'm fine, Walker. Powers got the drop on me and kicked my leg, but it'll be okay. It's just a little sore at the moment." Jimmy replied as he reached down to drag Carlton Powers to his feet.
With a chuckle and a shake of his head, Walker asked, "How about we get these two downstairs to go with the rest of the group, partner?" as he brought Justin Winters to his feet, also. Looking at Syd and Gage, Walker said, "We'll see you back at headquarters in about half an hour."
Glancing toward Brandon and noting the shocked look on his face, Sydney replied, "All right, Walker. I'm going to fill in Mr. Cox, then we'll be there as quickly as possible." After the senior Rangers had taken their prisoners out of the room, the junior partners headed over to where Brandon was still standing.
Sydney asked, "Are you okay, Brandon?"
Shaking his head as if waking from a trance, he replied, "Yes. Do you mind telling me what's going on, though?"
Gage answered, "We're Texas Rangers. We were undercover investigating large shipments to certain companies for Mr. O'Malley."
Sydney spoke up telling Brandon, "My real name's Sydney Cooke and his is Francis Gage. We couldn't tell you who we really were, but you've helped our covers out a lot. When you heard Justin and Willie talking about the bomb on my car and called Gage, you saved my life, they caught me snooping around in Justin's office. We really appreciate everything you've done."
Brandon looked more alert after the partners started their explanation. Upon realizing exactly what Sydney was telling him, he asked, "So, I guess this means I'm losing a good replacement assistant?"
Sydney smiled reassuringly as she answered, "Don't worry, you're all set up with a temp for as long as she's needed. She'll be here around one o'clock to start. Now, Gage and I need to get out of here and back to headquarters, before Walker starts calling to find out where we disappeared to." Saying their goodbyes and best wishes to Brandon, the partners left RED Manufacturing for the last time, knowing their duties were accomplished.
Ranger Headquarters
When Sydney and Gage walked into the Company B office, Walker and Trivette were nowhere to be seen. The partners got to work starting the reports for the completed case. About twenty minutes later, the senior Rangers entered the office. Looking up the younger couple noticed a smug grin on Jimmy's face while Walker looked definitely satisfied.
At the junior partner's questioning gazes, Walker answered, "We just finished questioning our three chief suspects. We've got all the information we needed to book all three for drug smuggling." As Gage started to ask a question, Walker continued, "Before you ask, Willie folded quickly. He'll testify against Powers and Winters for a lighter sentence. Of course, what deal the DA works out with him remains Phil's decision. We just got enough for what we needed to charge them. Why don't we see how fast we can wrap up the paperwork and I may let you get out of here early."
With that all four Rangers turned back to their work. Sydney and Gage, having the longest reports to file on the case, were just finishing up about an hour later when Walker's phone rang. Half listening when he answered, the other Rangers concluded that Alex was calling Walker, especially, when he turned his chair toward the wall while talking.
After several moments of conversation, Walker hung up the phone saying, "All right, honey. I'll see you later." Turning back around, he asked, "Are you two finished yet?"
Syd and Gage stood simultaneously and headed to the senior Ranger's desk, handing him the completed reports. Gage joked, "Signed, sealed and delivered, boss."
Shaking his head in amusement, Walker glanced at the reports then called to Jimmy. When his partner joined them, Walker said, "Alex called and we decided to see if you three and Erika wanted to join us for dinner tonight." As his friends chorused their assent, he continued, "Okay, it's one o'clock now. Why don't we get out of here and everyone be out at the ranch between four and five?" As the group dispersed, Walker watched Syd smile and nod her head about something Gage said to her while leaving the office and wondered how much longer he could wait before approaching them about their budding relationship. Deciding, once again, to play it by ear, he stood and grabbed his hat before joining his partner following the junior Rangers out the door.
As they were leaving, Jimmy asked, "Hey Walker, can you give me a ride home? Erika brought me to work today; we thought we might go out tonight."
"Why don't I just take you home with me then. Alex said Erika was going to be there in a bit to help her get things ready." His partner answered, "You could give her a call and let her know where you are."
The red-haired Ranger finished speaking just as Jimmy's cell phone rang. Answering, the other Ranger said, "Hi honey, I was just going to call you. … Yes, Walker told us about dinner. … Erika … Where are you at now? … That's okay … Honey, wait a minute. … Erika, listen to me a minute. Walker offered to take me on out to the ranch since you were planning to help Alex with dinner. … Yeah, we're getting ready to leave now because we got the case and paperwork finished. … All right, see you there." Closing his cell phone, Jimmy looked over at his amused partner as they reached his RAM, "It's all set, Erika's ready to go out to the ranch now, so you're saving her a trip back later to pick me up or me driving and us having two vehicles there."
On the way to the ranch, Jimmy decided to quiz the senior Ranger. "Walker, do you have any idea what's going on with Gage and Syd?"
"Why do you keep asking me that, Trivette?" Came the mildly exasperated reply.
"Maybe because you keep avoiding it every time I ask. They've been acting different the last couple of weeks, too. I know they've always been close because they were already partners and friends when they came here, but the last couple of weeks Syd's seemed to be sticking closer to Gage and both of them keep watching each other, like they're going to disappear at any minute. Have you even noticed any of this?"
"Yeah, I've noticed they were getting closer. I'm going to have to talk to them eventually I just don't know when it's going to be necessary. Listen to me Jimmy, don't say anything to Alex or Erika about this and don't bother Sydney and Gage when they get out here this afternoon. Just leave it alone until I get a chance to talk to them or they tell us something concrete, okay?" Getting an affirmative answer from his partner, their conversation turned to general topics until they reached the ranch arriving the same time as Erika both greeting her as they entered the house together.
Sydney and Gage
As Gage followed Syd back to their desks, he leaned over to ask quietly, "So Syd, did you have anything in mind to do until we need to be at Walkers?"
Gathering her things quickly after closing down the computer, Syd watched Gage doing the same as she replied, "Not really, maybe grab a sandwich and relax. Why, did you have something you needed me for?"
While they headed for the door, he answered her quietly enough that no one else could overhear, "I'll always need you, but right now I was thinking more along the lines of asking if you wanted to go for a ride on my motorcycle with me."
Nodding her head, Syd smiled up at Gage saying, "I'd love to go for a ride with you. Can we stop by my place first so I can change?"
"Yeah, that's what I was planning to do, then we can go by mine so I can change and to pick up the bike. We could take the bike out to Walker's, unless you think we should stick with one of the cars?" Gage asked, rather tentatively, to see what Sydney thought of the idea.
"There's no reason to worry about driving one of the cars to the ranch. No one will think anything about it, I'm sure." Syd was talking when they reached the car and got in. As Gage started the vehicle and backed out of his space, she continued. "Besides Alex and Erika already know we're dating. They promised not to say anything to Walker or Jimmy. Have you got an idea where you want to ride?"
"Well since you don't mind taking the bike to Walker's, we could go through Plano and around Lake Ray Hubbard then take some back roads before heading back."
"That sounds great Gage. Could we try to skip the dirt roads?" Syd asked teasingly while trying to keep a serious face.
Pulling into a parking space in her apartment complex, Gage shifted the car into park while protesting, "Hey, now." Looking at Syd, he broke off upon noting the teasing look on her beautiful face. Grinning in response, he queried, "You trying to get me riled here, Shorty?"
"Now why would I do that, Gage?" Syd laughed as they climbed the stairs, dodging Gage's attempt to grab her, they continued chasing each other to her apartment. Getting inside the door, Syd tried to make it to her bedroom, but Gage caught her before she was out of the living room. Pulling her close, his fingers found the ticklish spots on her sides. Slowly moving his fingers along her rib cage, Gage soon had his partner giggling while, at the same time, squirming to get away.
After a few minutes of torturing Sydney, Gage's fingers stilled and his arms moved to wrap around her and hold her close while pressing his lips to the top of her head. As her laughter subsided, Syd caught one of her partner's hands and they stayed in the embrace for a few minutes while thinking back over the events of the last couple of weeks that brought them to where they were now. Finally, Gage squeezed Syd gently while saying, "Why don't you go get ready, so we can leave?" Letting go he watched her move down the hall before making himself comfortable on the couch.
When Sydney was ready to go, they headed out to Gage's car for the ride to his apartment. Once there, it took about fifteen minutes, before he too was ready for their ride. Exiting his building, they moved into the garage area where his motorcycle was. After Gage took a few minutes to ready the bike, the partners put their helmets on and situated themselves on the bike. Ready to go, Syd wrapped her arms loosely around her partner's waist after he'd started the cycle's engine and they took off for a couple of hours of relaxing before heading to the Walker Ranch for dinner with their friends.
Walker Ranch
Walker and Jimmy were helping Alex and Erika in the kitchen as they prepared a beef roast with potatoes and carrots in the oven. Just as Alex put the lid on the roasting pan ready to place it in the oven, a long wail was heard from the nursery. "Oh dear, there's Angela."
Erika piped up, "You go take care of her Alex. I'll get this in the oven and get started on the salad." Thanking her friend, Alex headed upstairs to see what the baby needed.
As the sounds subsided from upstairs, Walker asked, "Erika, can you and Jimmy handle things while I go talk to Alex for a minute?"
"Sure, Walker. Not a problem, you go ahead, I'll keep Jimmy busy for you." Erika laughed at her fiancé's face as he sputtered out a protest, while Walker followed his wife's path up the stairs.
Reaching the nursery door, Walker stood for a few minutes just watching Alex with baby Angela. Finally, Alex asked, "Are you just going to stand there and watch, Cowboy, or are you coming in for a while?"
Grinning, her husband replied, "Actually, I was wanting to talk to you alone without Jimmy and Erika overhearing."
"About what, honey?" Alex glanced at him curiously.
Walker watched his wife closely while saying, "About Sydney and Gage. I was wondering if you had noticed a change in their relationship or if either of them had said anything to you?" After asking, he noted that Alex wouldn't meet his eyes while a slightly uncomfortable look crossed her face, showing that she knew more than she wanted to admit to, as she finished feeding Angela and began to burp her. "All right, Alex. You know something. Now, what's up?"
"Walker, Erika and I promised Sydney…." Alex answered hesitantly, as she laid the drowsy infant back in her crib.
Taking her hand, Walker led her to their bedroom where they could continue to have privacy to talk. Sitting beside her on the bed he questioned further, "What exactly did you and Erika promise Sydney and why?"
"Well, Sydney told us that Gage stayed in the guest room at her apartment last weekend after the funerals, because neither of them wanted to face empty apartments. We talked about our nightmares and found out how similar they were. Sydney, also, mentioned what happened between her and Gage on their ride Saturday afternoon. … Walker, they finally admitted to each other that they're in love. They didn't want to lie to you and Jimmy, but they don't want to be split up at work either so they just decided to keep things to themselves for a while, before saying anything." Alex trailed off realizing how much she'd actually told her husband.
With a smile, Walker replied, "Don't worry Alex. I won't tell on you. I'd already noticed a change in their relationship this week, but I wanted to get your opinion and see if you knew anything more than I did."
"So what are you going to do now?"
"Well, I need to talk to them and soon. I suppose you're asking what I'm going to do about them being partners?" At Alex's affirmative nod, he continued, "Well, I had a couple of meetings about that subject with Captain Briscoe the other day and he said…."
Meanwhile, downstairs
Erika was trying to keep Jimmy busy chopping vegetables when all he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her teasing her neck with butterfly kisses while Erika giggled at each kiss. With their attention diverted, neither of them heard the motorcycle pull into the drive.
Since they were expected, Sydney and Gage moved to the back of the house to go in the kitchen area, where they figured the others would be. Entering the kitchen without knocking, they stopped while grinning at each other watching the engaged couple embrace.
After a few moments, Jimmy and Erika pulled apart. Glancing toward the outside door, Erika let out a startled shriek upon seeing someone standing there. When she realized who was there she grinned asking, "How long have you two been there?"
Smiling, Sydney answered, "Not long, just a couple of minutes. We didn't want to intrude, but figured we'd make more noise leaving than we did coming in."
"Well, since you're here, could you help me with the salad, Syd? Maybe we can get it ready without distracting each other." Erika asked.
"Sure, Gage, why don't you and Jimmy go …" Sydney broke off as Walker and Alex reentered the kitchen.
The married couple had heard their friends' conversation, as they came down the stairs, so Walker took up where Sydney left off, "Why don't you two go out on the front porch with me, so that the girls can finish dinner." Getting nods of agreement from the other two men, they left as the women watched them until they were out the door before going back to the dinner preparations.
Since the men were outside and would be involved in their own conversation, Alex looked slyly toward Sydney and asked, "So, Ranger Cooke, how have you and Ranger Gage been getting along this week?"
Hearing the question, Sydney glanced up to see both of her friends with expectant looks on their faces. "All right you two. Can't we get through this evening without talking about me and Gage?"
Erika and Alex looked at each other thoughtfully for a moment, then Erika replied, "Nope, afraid not Syd. I thought when I got back here that you two would have woken up and figured out what was going on between you, but you seemed almost completely clueless still. I'm as happy for you as I was when Jimmy agreed when I told him to 'marry me then'."
Smiling as she continued to chop vegetables for the salad, Sydney answered. "Well, if you must know … we've been getting along fine. We've stayed together after work, just to have dinner and talk until time to go home."
Alex piped up, when Syd stopped talking, "I've been wondering what you did Tuesday night." At Sydney's quizzical look, she explained further, "After talking with you and Gage that evening, I could tell you were both upset from the bomb being planted on your car. So, did he ever take you home that night?"
"Not really," Sydney said, "Neither of us wanted to be very far away from the other so I stayed at his apartment that night. He ran me home Wednesday morning to change clothes." Noticing the look that passed between her two friends, she continued, "And before either of you say anything, Gage gave me one of his T-shirts and a pair of shorts to wear. They swallowed me and I looked more like a three-year-old playing dress up with my parents' clothes than a grown woman."
"We weren't going to say anything about that Sydney." Alex replied, "Okay, this pot roast is ready. How about we dish everything up then go get the guys for dinner?" After the other two agreed, Syd helped Alex set everything on the table while Erika went and called the men for dinner.
After a delicious dinner and lots of conversation, Alex, Erika and Sydney cleaned the kitchen before joining Walker, Jimmy and Gage on the porch. A few minutes later, Gage nudged Sydney asking, "Hey Shorty, you want to take a walk?"
With a smile, she replied, "Sure. We'll be back in a little while." As the others watched them go, Walker wrapped his arm around Alex's shoulder pulling her close to his side on the porch swing and Erika snuggled closer to Jimmy in the chair they shared.
Sydney and Gage walked to the fence near the barn to spend a few minutes alone before rejoining their friends. As soon as they stopped they leaned against the barrier, resting their arms on top of the fence and looking out in the pasture. They noticed Apache and Cheyenne grazing nearby, when they saw their human friends the horses headed over to where Syd and Gage stood. Upon reaching the couple, the horses nudged their hands for attention. After only a couple of rubs in greeting though, both horses lowered their heads slightly while sniffing at Syd's jacket pockets.
Laughing, she backed up saying, "Here Gage. They found their treats and you thought they wouldn't look for them." Reaching into her pockets, Syd pulled out two apples handing one to Gage for Apache while feeding the other to Cheyenne. When the horses finished their treats, they stayed with them for a few more minutes enjoying the attention they were getting before going a little bit away to continue grazing.
After the partners watched the horses for a while, Gage asked, "Syd, did you know Walker asked me to stay here before he asked you?"
A little hurt thinking about how their first encounter with Walker could have split their partnership up rather than giving them both a chance to work with the best group of Rangers in Texas, Syd replied, "No, no one told me about him not wanting me to move here."
Glancing at his partner, Gage immediately realized what he'd said and how Sydney had taken it. "Syd, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that the way it sounded or for you to get mad at Walker for it."
"I know, Gage." Sydney interrupted before her partner started rambling. "Alex told me Walker had never worked with a female Ranger before I came here. He didn't really have the same opinion of women that C.D. did, just hadn't worked with any of the female Rangers because of there being so few." As she finished speaking, Syd folded her arms on the top rail of the fence and rested her chin on them before querying, "Why did he change his mind about asking me?"
"Why would you think I'd know?" Getting one of Syd's 'yeah, right' looks, he grinned, reaching over to take one of her hands in his, before continuing, "I asked him if I could choose my partner and told him that I'd never had a better partner than you. He decided to get us both."
"You mean you would've gone back to Houston if Walker hadn't asked me to stay?" Syd asked wonderingly. At Gage's affirmative nod, she asked, "Why? Working with Cordell Walker is every Ranger's dream job."
"Because even though it was a chance of a lifetime to work with Walker's company of Rangers…I couldn't imagine what I'd do without you. Working with you, talking to you or just seeing you. It just didn't appeal to me to stay in Dallas if it meant losing you as my partner and friend." Looking into his partner's eyes, Gage noticed they were shimmering with tears. Cupping her cheek, he said, "Syd, what's wrong?"
Shaking her head slightly, Sydney replied, "Nothing really, just realizing how much we think alike. When the bear attacked you at Lake Ebby, I realized that I didn't know what I'd do without you in my life. I was really afraid you might not make it Gage."
Wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her into his side, Gage said, "It's all right, Syd. Thanks to you, Alex, Walker and Trivette I did survive the attack. Together we can get through anything, remember?"
Getting a smile in response, she answered, "Yeah, we do seem to survive situations you would think most people would fail at. Then again, so have Walker, Jimmy and Alex. Speaking of which," she pulled away slightly, "Walker's coming."
Gage dropped his arm from her shoulder and turned toward Walker calling, "Hey Walker. Did you decide to take a walk too after that dinner?"
Smiling, Walker replied, "Not really. Gage, Sydney, I'd like to talk to you for a minute."
"Sure Walker. What's wrong?" Sydney asked.
"Not wrong, so much as a concern." The senior Ranger watched the partners exchange an uneasy glance at his words. "You two have been partners for about three years now, right?"
Nodding in agreement, Gage answered, "Yeah, that's right. Why?"
Motioning with his head, Walker said, "Let's go in the barn and sit down while we talk, okay?"
Syd and Gage followed their boss into the barn where all of them sat down on bales of hay facing each other. When they were settled, Walker continued, "Before I start talking, is there anything you'd like to tell me?"
Watching his junior Rangers share another look, Walker wondered if they would admit to their growing relationship, without him asking questions, when Sydney began. "Yes Walker. There is something that I guess we need to tell you." Pausing for a deep breath, she hurried on before he could say anything, "You see … Gage and I … well. I've had more than 'just friends' feelings for Gage for a while now and last weekend we talked and I found out he feels the same. We've, more-or-less, been dating since last Saturday and we wanted to take our time and enjoy being together for a while before telling anyone. Alex and Erika found out what happened last Sunday when they picked up on a comment I made and questioned me further. Please, don't be mad at Alex and Erika for keeping it quiet, though. We were going to talk to you and Jimmy as soon as this case was over. Are we in trouble now? We talked this over and we'd really like to stay partners, but we'll understand if you have to split us up."
"I'm glad you told me your side without me having to question you about specifics. I've noticed the changes in your behavior with each other over the last week. I had a meeting with Captain Briscoe about what we would need to do if your partnership had developed into something more. I asked him about fraternization rules within the Rangers and he didn't know of any other than the ones for police officers. The captain decided that either the police rules would apply or we would have to come up with our own solution." Looking between the two junior Rangers as they watched him, Walker could tell they were anxious to know what the decision was. "Briscoe asked my opinion since I work with you on a daily basis, and I told him that I believed you could be professional at work regardless of what went on in your personal life that decision on my part was due to how you both handled the situation Tuesday afternoon. The captain knows that you're a good team so he left the decision up to me to decide on the solution."
When Walker paused, Gage asked, "So you've known something was happening all week? Even Tuesday when I was trying not to show how much the situation bothered me while keeping calm for Syd's sake and worrying if we would get her out of the car in time?"
Walker nodded, "I didn't know definitely until today, so much as suspected. I noticed both of you had your arms around each other heading inside Tuesday afternoon among other little things since last Saturday. I didn't say anything to Jimmy until we were coming here this afternoon and then only because he pointed out something he'd noticed the last couple of weeks about you and asked point blank if I'd noticed anything. After we got here tonight, I talked with Alex. She let slip what you told her and Erika Sunday, Syd. Anyway, I believe you've handled yourselves exceptionally well the last couple of weeks especially Tuesday. You're two of my best Rangers and I don't want to break you up as partners. So, unless you give me a reason to change my mind, I'm going to keep you together at work."
As Walker finished, he watched as the younger couple fully comprehended what he'd said. The relief that spread across their faces relayed more than their words how worried they were about being split up. Sydney hugged Walker, saying, "Thank you."
"Just don't make me regret it." Walker answered, returning her embrace. Letting go he continued, "Let's get back to the house before Alex comes to check on us. Alex and Erika will be waiting to find out my decision and we can see if Jimmy's figured out what's going on between you."
Exchanging a mischievous grin with Gage, Syd asked, "How about if we just act like we've been doing after work when we're alone and see what he says?"
Smiling Walker answered, "As long as it doesn't go farther than kissing, I'm all right with that. Just remember there is a baby in the house, all right?"
"Gotcha boss," Gage said, "Besides, that and a little snuggling is all we'd do around anyone." Walker headed out of the barn with Syd and Gage following. On their way to the house, Gage wrapped his arm around Syd's shoulders pulling her close to his side. Walker took advantage of the trip to the house to collect himself so as not to give anything away to Jimmy.
Upon reaching the house, they found Jimmy sitting by himself in a chair on the porch reading the newspaper. Walker went up the steps and sat in a chair beside his partner with Syd and Gage following but sitting close together in the porch swing. A few minutes after they sat down, Walker asked, "Anything interesting in there, Trivette?"
"Not really. Did you run into Sydney and Gage while you were walking. Alex and Erika went after dessert and wanted to wait until they got back before we could eat." Jimmy answered with his nose still buried in the paper.
"You mean us?" Gage asked, grinning widely as Jimmy finally looked at the junior Rangers.
"Yeah, we didn't know where you two ran off to earlier, then Walker decided he'd walk out to the barn. Were you around there?"
"You could say that," Syd's reply was somewhat rueful. "We were visiting the horses and talking about what's been going on until Walker found us."
Noticing the smiles that wouldn't fade on the young couple's faces, Jimmy realized they were sitting closer to each other than normal. At the realization, he exclaimed, "I knew something was developing between you two! How long has Walker known? He wouldn't tell me anything this week!"
His rant brought amused looks from the other Rangers, as well as alerting Alex and Erika to something going on outside. Coming to the door, Erika asked, "James Trivette, what are you yelling for?"
Pointing at the younger Rangers, he answered, "That!"
"Sydney!" Erika squealed upon seeing her friend's public embrace. "Did you and Gage tell Walker?"
Before the female Ranger could reply, Alex was asking, "Walker told me Captain Briscoe left it up to him whether to split you up or not, but he said he couldn't decide until talking to you. What did he decide?"
With all the questions being directed at Sydney, Jimmy burst in, "Well, if you two would calm down for a minute and stop asking so many questions maybe they could tell us."
As their friend's outbursts brought laughter to Walker and the younger couple, Alex, Erika and Jimmy stopped talking all at once staring toward the amused Rangers. Alex, picking up on how relaxed the three seemed, asked, "Walker chose to keep you as partners, didn't he?"
Nodding, Syd and Gage both exclaimed, "Yes!" together then Syd explained to the others how their conversation with Walker had gone.
When the explanations were through, Alex said, "Well, we've got a cake for dessert and, I believe, we have something else to celebrate." At her words, the friends entered the ranch house looking forward to what the future would bring for them together.
The End