Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Dr. Riddle is named after a friend of mine who offered his medical expertise.
Author's Note: Many thanks to those who reviewed the previous Chapters. I hope you enjoy Chapter 4.
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Chapter 4
Seconds after he reached Sydney, Gage heard the sirens of the approaching ambulance. Now, as he pressed his hands over her wound, he watched it pull to the entrance of the alley, and two EMT's disembark and run toward them carrying a gurney, followed by Walker and Jimmy.
"She's bleeding from both sides of her leg," called Gage. "I think it nicked her artery. The blood was pulsing."
"How long has she been bleeding?" questioned an EMT.
"About a minute," replied Gage.
"Does anyone know her blood type?" the other asked.
"A positive," supplied Gage.
The two men knelt beside her as Walker and Jimmy helped Gage up. He moved to give the techs room to work. They quickly cut her pant leg off below Gage's makeshift tourniquet, and then tightly wrapped the wound for transport. Then they moved her to the gurney, raised it and headed for the ambulance as they informed the Rangers that they were taking her to Methodist Medical Center.
"Gage, go with her," instructed Walker.
"Thanks, Boss," he returned over his shoulder as he ran after them toward the ambulance and climbed in.
Walker and Jimmy moved to stand beside Max and asked him what happened. He shared what transpired from the time Walker had told Gage to move into the alley.
"I read them all their rights. I've also called for another medic van for this one," he finished as he indicated the hurt man lying on the ground. Max was kneeling beside him, pressing his hands over his wounds. "I think his injuries are pretty minor from what I can see."
Walker knelt before him. "What's your name?" he asked.
"Jeff King," he replied sullenly. "How did you know we'd be here?"
"We'll discuss that later," answered Walker. "Max, you stay with him. Trivette and I will take the other two in. We'll meet you at the hospital later."
Right then the second ambulance arrived and took charge of Jeff, as Walker and Jimmy led the other two to patrol cars to be transported. Then they went to tell Jeff's father what had happened. The hardened man began to tear up when he found out his son was shot.
"It's just a couple of flesh wounds," informed Walker, "one in the shoulder and one in his side. He should be fine. They had no choice. We're not sure if Ranger Cooke is going to make it or not."
"I understand; they did what they had to," said Adam as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. "I'm truly sorry for Ranger Cooke. I need to talk to the bank manager, and then I will come to the hospital. I'll make sure one of your men gets the security tapes." With that said, he started for the bank as Jimmy followed Walker to his truck.
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Walker and Jimmy found Gage standing in the waiting room outside the surgery ward, staring at the closed doors with his arms crossed over his chest. He wore a distressed look and kept his lips pressed tight together in a futile effort to still the trembling. They both went to him and each stood on one side.
"She'll be alright, Gage," said Jimmy. "She's too stubborn not to be," he added with a grin. Gage just nodded slowly, his expression unchanged.
"We'll be over here if you need us," stated Walker as he motioned for Jimmy to join him at the chairs. Then they called Alex and Erika. Gage began to pace slowly in front of the doors, his eyes never leaving them.
About an hour later the elevator doors opened and Walker and Jimmy rose to greet Alex, carrying Angela in her carseat, and Erika. Max was with them.
"How is she?" asked Alex.
"We haven't heard anything yet," Walker answered as he gave her a hug and took Angela.
"I've assigned a guard to watch Jeff King," Max informed Walker, who nodded his acknowledgment.
The elevator opened again and they all turned to see Sam step off. Instead of her jacket she was wearing a black leather vest with snap closure that laced up the sides.
"I heard what happened on the news," she informed them. "Is Sydney alright?"
"She's in surgery," replied Gage from near the doors. "You guys don't have to pretend I'm not here." He turned and walked slowly toward his friends. "She lost a lot of blood." He lowered himself into a chair and they all followed suit. His face showed a mix of pain and anger. "I don't understand, Boss. What is it with rich kids that they think they rule the world and can do whatever they want?"
Walker and Alex exchanged glances then they both looked at Sam. She had dropped her head and was looking at the floor as she ran one hand through her copper locks. Walker returned his gaze to Gage. "They're not all like that, Gage," he said softly.
"Oh, come on," he returned incredulously. "Remember that case from a few years ago that you told me about? The rich kids recording themselves beating up on homeless people for the fun of it? How about the guy that was stalking that young singer, until you and Trivette caught him red-handed dealing drugs in his father's offices? Better yet, how about that spoiled rotten, heroin dealing jerk that attacked me, claimed diplomatic immunity, then tried to have my job taken away for defending myself? They're all the same."
"Gage, I know you're upset. But that's like saying all cops are on the take, just because we've known some who were," responded Walker. Gage just hung his head. He knew his boss was right. Suddenly Sam stood up.
"I better go," she stated quietly. "Ranger Walker, please call me at C.D.'s and let me know how Sydney's doing." She turned to go and saw Adam King exit the elevator.
"Samantha Dawson?" he said as he approached her. "So that was you I saw earlier."
"How are you, Mr. King?" she asked as she shook his hand. The others looked up in surprise at the friendly exchange. Gage's face registered complete shock.
"What brings you here, Sam?" inquired Adam.
"I met Ranger Cooke yesterday, shortly after arriving in Dallas. I heard about her injury on the news tonight and came down to check on her. How about you?"
"I'm here because, unfortunately, Jeff caused her injury. Perhaps if I had raised him more like your father raised you we wouldn't be here right now." The others were stunned at the personal nature of the conversation, and began to see more about Sam than she had wanted to reveal.
"You're too kind," she humbly replied. "Just remember that Jeff is responsible for his own actions. It's not your fault if he makes poor choices."
"Thank you," he replied with a smile.
"I was just leaving," she continued as she glanced at the others, avoiding Gage. "Perhaps we can connect later."
"I look forward to it," Adam answered. Then Sam went to the elevator and left.
"You know her?" asked Gage. "And her father?"
"Yes," responded Adam. "I've had dealings with Jared for years."
"Her father is Jared Dawson?!" inquired Jimmy, clearly astounded.
"Jacob Marks' niece," said Gage quietly as understanding set in. "She came to the station in Houston once with her Mom. That's where I've seen her." He leaned forward, put his elbows on his knees, and rested his forehead in his hands.
Adam suddenly noticed the astonishment on their faces. "She didn't tell you. Well that's not really a surprise."
"Who's Jared Dawson?" queried Max.
"One of the richest men in Texas," Walker informed him.
"If he's rich, I'm just barely well off," put in Adam. "Not that you would know it by looking at him. He's the most unpretentious billionaire I've ever had the pleasure of doing business with. And he succeeded in teaching his children how to handle money, where I failed miserably." At this he shook his head and sorrow filled his voice. "Ranger Walker, I came up to tell you that Jeff will be fine. His doctor says he will be released tonight and I can see him soon. I also want to let you know that I will cover any expenses for Ranger Cooke. I truly hope she will come through with no complications."
Just then the door opened from the surgery ward and a tall doctor, with short, sandy hair and friendly, blue eyes, wearing scrubs came into the waiting room. "Ranger Gage?" he said. "You came in with Ranger Cooke? I'm Dr. Riddle." They all approached the doctor.
"How is she, Doc?" asked Gage, acting as spokesperson. Apprehension filled his voice.
"She's going to be fine," answered the doctor. At this everyone visibly relaxed. "As you know, the bullet went clean through her inner thigh. It did hit her femoral artery, but it missed the bone. She lost a lot of blood, however surgery went well and I expect her to heal fully. She's in recovery now, and should be coming out of the anesthetic within the next hour."
"Can I see her?" inquired Gage.
The doctor looked around at his patient's friends and smiled kindly. "If one of you would like to be with her when she wakes up, I don't have a problem with that."
"Go ahead, Gage," said Walker. "We'll come in later."
"Thanks, Boss," Gage responded as he followed the doctor to Syd.
Walker turned to the others. "Jimmy, now that we know Sydney will be fine, take Max with you to question the three guys who were helping Jeff. Mr. King, I'll go with you to see Jeff and question him myself."
"Erika and I will wait here until we can see Sydney," Alex told her husband as she took Angela out of her carseat. Then everyone dispersed.
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Walker followed Adam King to the room his son was in. After identifying themselves to the guard outside the door, they entered to find Jeff lying in the bed with his right hand cuffed to the bedrail. He ignored Walker, but gave his father an icy stare.
"You turned me in, didn't you, Father?" It was more a statement than a question. "How did you figure it out?"
"After our conversation this weekend, yesterday's robbery was too much of a coincidence. After I heard about it, I had Bruce follow you and let me know what you were up to. He took pictures of you and your friends staking out the bank on Seventh. Then it was just a matter of waiting for you. I had a feeling your greed would get the best of you, and you would move today. Especially since I know you didn't get much yesterday."
"What proof do you have that yesterday was me? As I see it, since I was caught in the act today, all you have is one count of attempted robbery."
"We'll see what your friends have to say," put in Walker. "They're in custody, too. And we've issued search warrants for each of your homes. Officers are attending to that as we speak. If we find what was stolen yesterday, we will have no trouble tying you to that robbery as well. The question is, are you going to talk to me now about it or not?"
"I'm not saying anything more without my lawyer," Jeff answered in an even tone. Adam shook his head and left the room with Walker.
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Jimmy and Max sat in the office comparing the security tapes from the thwarted robbery with the tapes from the first one, and noting the similarities.
"I can't believe he was going to use the same speech," remarked Jimmy. "Word for word it's the same, up until Junior Collier interrupts him. With a voice match we shouldn't have any trouble proving both of these are Jeff King."
"Especially since his friends turned on him," added Max. "They were sure quick to bargain with us."
"Well, they all want to make it as easy for themselves as possible. Since we have this information, let's head back over to the hospital. I want to see how Syd's doing." They left the office and headed for Jimmy's car.
"And Gage," continued Max as they walked. "He's taking this awful hard."
"They've been partners a long time, and they're best friends outside of work," Jimmy replied protectively.
"Is there more to it than that?" asked Max.
"I don't know for sure, and it's not my place to speculate. But I have no complaints against either of them," Jimmy answered emphatically.
"Neither do I," stated Max. "They certainly proved their professionalism today. They seem to make great partners."
"You won't find two people more in sync on the job. But they would never allow their friendship to jeopardize the team," Jimmy said.
"I can see that," Max replied. "I can't imagine how hard it was for Gage to leave her laying there bleeding so I would have back-up."
"But it was the right thing to do," Jimmy responded. "I have no doubt she would have done the same thing." They continued their trip to the hospital in companionable silence.
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Sydney had been moved into a room for recovery. The only illumination in the room came from a single light at the head of her bed. She laid still, her hair cascading over the pillow. Gage sat close by her left side, watching her and holding her left hand in his as his right hand gently stroked her head. Slowly her eyes flickered open and her head rolled until she was looking at her partner.
"Hey, Shorty," Gage said, his voice thick with emotion. "Welcome back." He struggled to smile at her as tears filled his eyes. She tried to reach for him, but the effects from the anesthetic prohibited it.
"Hey, Gage," she slurred out. "What's with the tears?"
"Oh, Syd," he answered, "I almost lost you."
"Never gonna happen," she managed to say before she slipped back to sleep.
He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them as he waited for her to wake up again. It was only a few minutes before her eyes opened and once more sought his.
"I could get used to this," she said with greater clarity as a weak smile played on her lips.
"What?" he questioned. "Lying in a hospital bed with a gunshot wound?"
"No," she answered as firmly as she could, then more softly, "waking up to you."
He grinned at her as he replied; "Now I know the anesthetic hasn't worn off yet."
She managed a smile at that as they continued to gaze into each others eyes. Gradually the effects of the drugs released her body and she became more alert.
"Gage, what happened after I got shot?"
Before he could answer the doctor knocked on her door, entered, and turned on the overhead light to check on her. Gage released her hand and stood up to give him room.
"I'm Dr. Riddle," he introduced himself to Syd. "It's nice to see that you're awake. I'm the one who sewed up the hole in your leg. Let me check it." He looked questioningly at Gage, who had taken a seat on the other side of her bed. Syd grabbed his hand before he could leave.
"Please, Doctor," she said, "I want him to stay. He'll behave."
"Very well," he said with a smile. "Then I won't need to call a nurse." He moved the covers off Syd's leg then slid her gown up just high enough to check her wounds. "Well, this seems to look fine. I'm afraid you're going to have a nasty bruise at the top of your leg for awhile. You can thank your partner here, and his belt, for that." Here he looked at Gage. "By the way, you're not getting it back. We had to cut it off." Turning back to Syd he continued, "But don't be too hard on him. It saved your life."
Syd looked at Gage and smiled. "He's always good for that, Doctor."
The doctor watched them for a moment as he repositioned the covers over Syd's leg. "As soon as you are ready your other friends may come see you," he began. "I'll leave it to your partner to notify them. I'm going to keep you here tonight for observation. In the morning we'll see how things are going, and I'll determine then when you'll be released."
"Thank you, Doctor," Syd said as he turned to go.
"Yeah, thanks, Doc," chimed in Gage as he shook the doctor's hand. With a smile at them both, the doctor left.
Syd looked back at Gage and they smiled at each other.
"Thank you," she voiced softly, "for saving my life again."
"I couldn't do anything else," he responded in kind.
"I'm sorry about your belt," she continued.
"That I can afford to lose," he replied.
Slowly Syd stretched her left hand up and ran her fingers through his hair to the back of his head. Then she gently pulled him forward until his lips were on hers. She held him in a kiss for several seconds before relaxing her hold. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. Her fingers were still entwined in his hair and his right hand still held hers.
"I love you, Gage," Syd said quietly.
"I love you back, Shorty," he answered. They smiled at each other, and then he slid his left arm under her shoulders to embrace her, and leaned in to give her another kiss. As he moved away he told her, "I'm going to go let everyone know that you're awake."
Minutes later he returned, and Syd's room was filled with her friends and co-workers, all wishing her a speedy recovery.
"You know, Syd," began Jimmy, "there are a lot better ways to get an extended vacation."
"Yeah," said Walker, "and he's tried all of them."
"Hey!" cried Jimmy as everyone laughed at his expense. The noise woke the sleeping Angela, who gave a startled cry.
"That's our cue to leave," stated Alex as she hugged Sydney. "You take care and get some rest. We'll be by in the morning."
"Thanks for stopping by," Syd replied as Alex and Walker moved for the door with their daughter. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"We'd better go, too," joined in Erika as she pulled Jimmy out. "See you tomorrow, Sydney."
"Good night, guys," Sydney called. Only Max and Gage were left. "So tell me what happened after I was shot." She looked at them both for answers. Between the two of them, they brought her up to speed on the case.
"Oh, and Sam and Mr. King stopped by while you were still in surgery," Max volunteered.
"Don't remind me," moaned Gage.
"Why?" asked Syd. "What happened?"
"I made a fool of myself," answered Gage. He then proceeded to tell her about the enlightening exchange in the waiting room. He questioned why she wasn't surprised about Adam's revelation and she told him about her conversation with Walker.
"Gage, you need to go talk to her," Syd finished. "And I think you should do it tonight." She began to yawn.
"I know," he replied. "We should get going anyway. You look like you need some rest." She could see in his eyes, and the fact that he hadn't moved, that he didn't want to leave.
"Gage, I don't have my car here. I forgot I rode with Jimmy," interjected Max. "Would you mind giving me a ride?"
"No problem," Gage told him. "You feel like making a stop first?"
Max smiled and said, "Sounds fine." Then he noticed that Gage hadn't got up to leave yet and added, "I'm going to hit the rest room before we go. I'll meet you outside," as he left the room.
"I don't want to leave you here, Syd," Gage stated when the door had closed.
"I don't want you to go," she answered. "But you have to. Go talk to Sam. Get Max to his car." Then she giggled as she said, "In that order I think." Gage grinned back. "I'll be here tomorrow," continued Syd. "Get some rest tonight, and I'll see you first thing in the morning."
"Alright, Shorty," conceded Gage. He sat on the edge of her bed and embraced her again, and kissed her goodnight. "I'll see you in the morning." Then he left to find Max waiting for him in the hall.
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Gage parked in front of C.D.'s behind Sam's bike and he and Max looked toward the windows. They could see that some lights were on, but the closed sign was in the front door. In one window was a sign that read, "Grand Re-Opening, Thursday, June 14th, 5:00 P.M." Then Max looked over at Gage.
"Looks like she's there, Gage," he said. Gage just nodded and opened the car door. Max followed suit, and they went to the door and knocked. They didn't hear anything, but after a few moments they saw Sam look through the window. Then they heard the lock turn and she opened the door. She stood before them with a pool cue in her hand.
"Gentlemen," she began, "to what do I owe this honor?"
"How are you, Sam?" asked Max with a warm smile.
"Hey, Sam," Gage began. "We came to let you know how Syd is. Can we come in for a few minutes?"
She nodded and opened the door wider, then walked back inside to the pool table and lined up a shot. The men followed her, closing the door behind them, and noticed that there were only a few lights on and Dobie Gray's song "Drift Away" was emanating from the new jukebox. On a table near the pool table sat a half full drink.
"So," Sam said before she took her shot and turned to face the guys, "how is Sydney?" Her voice was full of concern. Gage noticed she had a hard time looking him in the eye.
"She's going to be fine," he told her. "There were no problems with her surgery and the doctor expects a full recovery."
"I'm glad," she responded with a smile. Her tone indicated that she truly meant it. Then an awkward silence filled the room and she turned back to the pool table. Max began to circle the table and watch her game.
Gage plowed ahead. "Sam, I owe you an apology. I made some pretty harsh statements in the waiting room that came solely from emotion, and I didn't know who I was talking to or what the effect of my words would be. Adam King told us more about you than I'm guessing you wanted us to know. I want you to know, I never would place you in the same category as some of the people I've had experience with."
"Gage, you don't have to explain," she replied as she continued her game. "I've been dealing with this stereotype my whole life. I have distanced myself from many of my contemporaries for the exact reasons you named earlier. In my position it has been very difficult to find true friends. People either don't want to be around me because they think I'll act a certain way, or they only want to be around me for what they think they'll get out of it. That's why I kept my family relations a mystery. I wanted you all to get to know me for me. I wanted to be friends first."
"I hope you'll give me another chance to show you I'm not always a thoughtless jerk. Because from what I know of you already, you seem like you'd be a great friend."
She turned to him and smiled. "Apology accepted. And I'm sorry for not being honest from the start. Perhaps if I had been this wouldn't have happened."
Gage returned her smile. Looking around he remarked, "So, you got the new jukebox in. Looks like things are going to be ready for Thursday."
"Yeah, I already have my help lined up, too. Is everyone still planning to come?"
"As far as I know of," Gage answered. Then he looked at Max. "Well, we'd better be going. It's been a long day."
"Yeah, I need to get back to my hotel," Sam responded. They waited for her as she cleaned up. Then she led them out the door and locked it.
"Are you planning to come see Syd in the morning?" inquired Gage. "I know she'd love to see you."
"I think I probably will," she replied. "What time are visiting hours?"
"Eight a.m." said Gage. "Well, good night, Sam," he finished as he got in his car.
"Good night, Gage." Then she turned to face Max with a smile. "See you tomorrow, Max?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he answered as he returned her smile and tipped his hat. He waited for her to get on her bike and start it before he got in the car. Then they headed their separate directions.
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To be continued….