Disclaimer: See Chapters 1 & 4

Author's Note: Many thanks to those who reviewed the previous Chapters. I hope you enjoy Chapter 5.

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Chapter 5

Gage stepped into Sydney's room at 7:30 Wednesday morning to find her sitting up and eating breakfast.

"Hey, Shorty," he greeted her with a smile and a light kiss as he pulled a chair close to the right side of her bed.

"Hey." She smiled back and continued to eat. "This hospital food leaves something to be desired, but I'm starving."

"How'd you sleep last night?"

"Like a baby," she said with a grimace. "I woke up every two hours. The nurses wouldn't leave me alone. I'd better be released today."

Gage grinned at her comments. Then they both looked toward the door as they heard a knock. It opened and her doctor entered. He smiled at Syd then noticed Gage.

"You're not supposed to be here yet. But since it's close to 8:00 I'll let it slide," he addressed Gage before turning to Syd. "How are you feeling this morning?" he questioned as he moved to her left side.

"My leg hurts and I'm tired. I'd get better rest in the middle of the freeway. When can I go home?"

Dr. Riddle smiled as he answered her. "Let me check your leg and we'll discuss it." He went through the same drill as the night before and was satisfied. "This seems to be healing well. I think you can go home today, but I want you to stay completely off your leg for the next week. Your injury was severe and we don't want the stitches to pull loose. And you may not go back to work. We'll get you a follow-up appointment for a week from today, and if I like what I see I'll let you go back to limited duty until this is fully healed, which should be in four to five weeks. It would be best if you had a friend available to help you out during this time."

"I'll keep that in mind," Syd replied, "but I think I can manage."

Gage eyed her incredulously, but didn't say anything.

"Whatever the case," continued Dr. Riddle, "I don't want you driving. So you'll need to have a ride available to go home, and anywhere else until I see you again. Whether friend or taxi, you are not to drive."

"We'll take care of her, Doc," inserted Gage.

"Alright," stated Dr. Riddle, "your discharge papers will be ready by 11:00. Your appointment time and prescription for pain medication will be included with them. I'll have the nurse discuss that with you. Do you have any questions?" At her negative response, he said he would see her the following week, and left.

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Just after 8:00, Sam came down the hallway of the hospital and found Walker, Alex, Jimmy, Erika, and Gage congregated outside Sydney's door talking quietly. They turned and greeted her as she approached them.

"How's Sydney this morning?" she asked.

"She's doing better," answered Gage. "The doc says she'll be released today. We were just discussing who can stay with her. She's not supposed to drive."

"She doesn't want to cause problems for any of us," added Alex. "Everyone works except me, and our house has stairs, so she's trying to say she'll be fine on her own. But even her doctor would prefer someone be with her."

"Maybe I can help," put in Sam. "Let me go talk to her." She smiled at them all and entered Syd's room. "Good morning, Sydney. How are you feeling?"

"Sam!" Sydney welcomed her new friend with a smile. "I'm going to be fine. Dr. Riddle seems to think I'll make a full recovery. Thanks for coming by."

"I'm glad you're alright."

"Thank you."

"I was wondering if you might be interested in helping me with something. I want to try to get to know this area; see some of the sights, find the restaurants with the best food, that sort of thing. I understand you're not going to have much to do for the next week, so I thought I'd ask if you would like to join me and show me around. Also, Alex told me your doctor would like someone to be with you, and I wanted to offer to stay with you. I would be glad to come to your house. Or if you would be more comfortable, you can stay at the hotel with me. Then we could enjoy some of the spa features. I haven't yet, because that kind of thing is more fun when you're not alone. And, I'd be happy to drive your car, unless you want to use the hotel limo if we stay there, though your car might be easier to get in and out of. So what do you say? Can we share company for the next week?" proposed Sam.

"Well, I've had worse offers," replied Syd. "Did anyone put you up to this? I know they were all worried about me being alone, but I really can manage and I don't want to be a bother."

"No," Sam stated, "when I heard about your situation I just thought it might be fun. Take it easy during the day, meet everyone back at C.D.'s in the evening; you wouldn't be stuck at home by yourself, and I'd have a friend to tour the Metroplex with. And of course whoever wanted to join us would be welcome."

Syd smiled at the last comment, which had been delivered with a completely straight face. "Anyone in particular you were thinking about?" she queried.

Sam maintained her composure as she responded with, "I'm sure you would like it if Gage did, but if he doesn't want to be odd man out with two women he could always bring Max."

Syd had interrogated enough people that she could tell there was more behind that statement than Sam wanted her to hear. Her eyes narrowed just a bit and a slight grin formed on her lips as she inquired, "Do you play poker?"

Sam had a feeling where this was going. A thoughtful look crossed her face. "Some. Why do you ask?"

"I bet you would be very good at bluffing."

Sam smiled and her tan cheeks colored slightly at that. But all she said was, "So do we have a deal?"

Syd grinned wide and nodded her head. "You're right. That does sound like fun." They chatted for a few more minutes and decided to stay at the hotel before Sam left to make the arrangements. She informed the others of the plan when she left the room, then they went in to talk to Syd. By 8:30, Walker, Jimmy, and Erika had headed to work. Gage had permission from Walker to make sure Syd was released with no problems. Alex was going to take him to Sydney's house to collect some things she would need, and then to pick up her car. They were going to meet Sam at the hospital at 10:30 for Syd's discharge.

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Adam King entered Company B headquarters with another man and approached Walker's desk. He extended his hand to Walker, introduced the man with him, and then they sat down across from him.

"Ranger Walker," he began, "this is Devon Clark, my attorney. He will be representing Jeff. I wanted to let you know, we talked with him this morning and convinced him that based on the evidence that was collected and the testimonies of his three cohorts, it would be in his best interest to plead guilty to all charges. We've already met with the District Attorney. I've also spoken with the parents of the other three. They are as upset about this as I am, and are encouraging their sons to cooperate fully."

"Thank you for letting me know. I truly hope he learns something from this."

"So do I. I don't want to lose my son. How is Ranger Cooke faring?"

"She will be fine. She's being released this morning," Walker replied with a smile.

"I'm glad to hear that," stated Adam. "Well, we don't want to keep you." At this he and his lawyer rose.

"Mr. King," Walker said before they could leave, "I want to thank you for your help. I know that was very difficult for you. If there is anything I can do that might help Jeff to not repeat his mistakes, please let me know." He stretched his hand out and Adam grasped it in a firm shake.

"Thank you, Ranger Walker," he responded gratefully. Then they turned and left.

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Sam was waiting in the hospital lobby when Gage and Alex returned. They smiled and began talking as they headed for Syd's room.

"Sam," Gage asked, "did you bring your bike back?"

"No, I left it at the hotel and got a ride here." She didn't elaborate. "I was planning to drive Sydney's car."

"Oh," responded Gage, sounding a bit deflated. He was carrying Angela's carseat for Alex and a bag for Syd as they went to the elevator, until he heard his name called from behind. He turned and saw Walker coming toward them.

"Let me take her," Walker said as he reached for his daughter. Then he kissed his wife.

"Hi, Honey," Alex greeted him as they stepped on the elevator. "I didn't think you would be back today."

"I decided to come and make sure Sydney got released without a hitch," he replied with a smile. A few moments later when they reached Syd's floor, Walker handed Angela back to Alex and turned to Gage. "Let's go see Sydney." Then he faced the women and added, "We'll see you in a few minutes."

They looked between themselves then moved to the chairs in the waiting area. Gage followed Walker to Syd's room with a worried look on his face.

Sydney looked toward her door on hearing a knock and called, "Come in." She was pleasantly surprised when her partner and her boss entered. Gage set her bag down on a chair then immediately went to his usual place by her right side, and Walker stepped to her left.

"How are you feeling, Sydney?" began Walker.

"I'm looking forward to getting out of here," she answered. "My leg is a little sore and stiff, but otherwise I'm fine."

"I'm glad to hear that," he continued. "I wanted to let you both know that I spoke with Captain Barrett this morning about yesterday's incident. We're both very proud of the way you handled yourselves. We've also agreed it's time to acknowledge the elephant in the room." The last statement was delivered with a grin.

"I'm not sure I follow you, Boss," Gage stated with a confused look.

"I really don't think it's necessary for you two to try to hide your feelings for each other anymore. Besides, nobody is being fooled. Just remember to maintain your professionalism on the job, and we shouldn't have any problems." He smiled at the relieved looks on their faces as they looked at each other and grasped hands. Then they turned back to him.

"Thanks, Boss," Gage replied with a smile.

"We won't let you down," added Syd.

"I never thought you would," finished Walker with a smile. "Now you should get ready to leave." Just then a nurse arrived to help Syd, and Walker and Gage left.

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Sydney was released a short time later. She had been given a pair of crutches to aid in mobility, but had to ride in a wheelchair to the door. As their friends followed and chatted with them, Gage pushed her out to the car. Once there he put her things in the trunk, helped her to climb in the front passenger seat, and then gave her a quick kiss before shutting the door. After that, he and Walker returned to headquarters to begin the paperwork for the case, Alex took Angela home so they could both rest, and Sam drove Syd to the hotel to get her settled there.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Syd and Sam had lunch in their room, during which Sydney requested that they go by headquarters toward the end of the day so she could see everyone and let them know she was fine. After lunch she laid down to rest while Sam quietly took care of some business. Sydney awoke refreshed a few hours later and they left for the Company B offices. As she hobbled through the doors on her crutches, cheers erupted from all of the people in the office. She thanked them all for their good wishes, and then her eyes sought her partner and she went straight to him. Sam went to Walker's desk to speak with him a moment and was met there by Jimmy and Max.

"Afternoon, gentlemen," Sam addressed them all.

"Howdy, ma'am," said Max with a grin, which she returned.

"Sam, how's it going?" began Jimmy. "I have a question for you. Erika and I were planning on meeting everyone for dinner on Saturday, but we were wondering if we could change it to C.D.'s tomorrow? Will the menu be ready by then?"

"Sure, Jimmy," she replied. "The menu isn't complete yet, but we will have a good selection available. I'll make sure a table is available for you," she finished with a smile.

"Great," answered Jimmy enthusiastically. "I'll let Erika know." With that he turned back to his desk.

"Max," inquired Sam, "are you going to come tomorrow, too?"

"Wouldn't miss it," he responded. Then Jimmy called him over to his desk.

"Walker, do you have that item I asked you for?" Sam queried.

"Right here," he rejoined as he handed her a large manila envelope that was stiff. "I'm still curious about what you're going to do with this." She just smiled and thanked him as she took it, then made her way toward Syd and Gage. Sydney's crutches leaned against her desk as she sat in her chair. She quietly watched the activities in the room with a pleased smile.

"Sydney," called Sam as she approached, "I have an errand to run. Would it be alright if I picked you up in an hour or so?"

"I have a better idea," put in Gage. "How about you meet us for dinner? I'll bring Syd, and you won't have to come back."

"Sounds good," Sam agreed.

"Oh, Gage," interjected Syd, "didn't you tell me this morning that you brought Max to work?" Without giving him time to answer, she turned to Sam with as innocuous a smile as she could muster and asked, "You wouldn't mind if he joined us, would you?" Gage watched his partner, but said nothing.

Sam eyed Syd and a slow smile crossed her face as she replied, "No. That would be fine." They selected a restaurant and then she turned to go.

"What was that about?" posed Gage quietly. He observed Syd watch the door close behind Sam, wait a few moments, and then call out to Max.

"What can I do for you, Sydney?" he questioned as he approached.

"Gage and I are meeting Sam for dinner and wanted to ask you to join us," she stated. "We can ride together to the restaurant."

"You sure I won't be butting in?"

"Not at all, we want you to come," she assured him.

"Alright, sounds good," he assented. "Let me know when you're ready to go." With that he returned to his desk.

Gage looked at Syd with a grin and shook his head. "You're so bad."

"What?" she replied innocently with her own mischievous grin.

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Sam was waiting for them when they pulled into the parking lot of the Italian restaurant. Together they moved toward the front door.

"It's my turn to pay," called Gage just before they entered. Everyone acknowledged him.

Shortly after, they were seated at a rectangular table with two chairs on either side. Sydney sat on Gage's left and across from Sam, who was to the right of Max. It wasn't long before they were enjoying their meal and talking amicably.

"You sure didn't bring much, for moving up here, Sam," stated Max.

"I've learned to travel light," she returned with a smile. "My trick is sending my luggage to my hotel ahead of me."

"Sam," queried Syd, "how long are you planning to stay at the hotel?"

"That depends," she responded. "I've purchased some property and my house is under construction. It's supposed to be completed within the next month. When it's done I'll move in, until then I'll probably be at the hotel."

"Why'd you move up here if your house wasn't ready yet?" asked Max.

Sam paused before she answered. They could all tell she was weighing her words carefully. A shadow crossed her face and she began pushing her food around her plate with her fork. There was hesitation in her voice and she stared at her plate as she said, "I just really needed to get out of Houston."

The three Rangers exchanged glances. They could tell something was amiss, but knew better than to pry. Max decided to change the subject.

"So, Syd," he began, "did the doctor say how long it would be before you can use your leg again?"

"At least a week. Then I'll have therapy to help rebuild and strengthen my muscles. After that it'll all depend on how quickly I recover. He said I won't have full use for a good four weeks, maybe five." Here she looked at her partner before continuing with, "So we'll be missing our workouts for awhile."

"You will," stated Gage. "But Max offered to spar with me until you're back to 100 percent."

"Good," she replied with a sly grin. "Maybe then when I come back you might actually be able to challenge me."

"No, what you mean is, there will be no way you will be able to challenge me." Their grins gave away the teasing nature of the exchange.

"So," put in Sam, "you have all been trained in the martial arts?" At their affirmative responses she further queried, "What disciplines?"

"I've studied Tae Kwon Do since I was twelve," answered Gage.

"I was fifteen when I began taking lessons in Tang Soo Do," replied Syd.

"I practice Jiu Jitsu," responded Max. "I started at six."

"Wow," said Sam. "I imagine you're all very good at taking care of yourselves."

"We hold our own," rejoined Syd. "But Walker's the best."

"What does he study?" inquired Sam.

"Everything," retorted Gage.

"How about you, Sam?" posed Max. "Have you ever studied the martial arts?"

"No," she replied. "I've always wanted to, just haven't yet. My daddy says you should never let someone get close enough that you need to fight with them, and so I've been handling weapons my whole life. But I've always thought self defense training could only be a useful skill."

"If you want I'll teach you when I get back to normal," offered Syd with a smile.

"When have you ever been normal, Shorty?" remarked Gage with a playful grin.

"Gage," interjected Sam with curiosity etched on her face, "why do you call her that?"

"Well, first of all it fits," he stated matter-of-factly. Then he said, "Ow," as he flinched at a smack on the arm from Syd. Max and Sam began to chuckle.

"Is there a secondly?" pressed Max.

Gage broke into a huge grin as he replied with, "Because I can't call her sexy in the office." Max and Sam started laughing heartily as Sydney turned red and punched Gage hard in the shoulder. "OW! Hey!" he complained as he rubbed his arm. But he was unable to erase his smile, and could tell that she couldn't stifle hers, either.

From there, the conversation devolved into more teasing between the partners, and eventually ran along general lines. The evening was pleasant and everyone enjoyed themselves. At the end, the boys left in Gage's car and the girls went back to the hotel in Syd's, with plans to meet the following day for the opening of C.D.'s.

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To be continued….