Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

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 and Max came barreling down the street, hoping against hope to reach C.D.'s before Granger. Just as they screeched to a stop in front of the bar they heard a burst of gunfire emanate from within.

"NO!" yelled Gage as they jumped out of the car. "How many shots was that, Max?"

"I couldn't tell," he replied. "Let's get in there."

Gage turned to the two officers who were running over from the unmarked car. "Call this in and don't let anyone out this door. We're going in the back." With their weapons drawn and eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary, he and Max took off up the street that ran along the side of the building, and then turned into the alley and quickly made their way to the back door. They carefully approached the door and each moved to one side. Gage checked the handle, not surprised to find it unlocked, and then cautiously led the way in. As they reached the main room, it took a moment for their minds to register what they were seeing.

"Gage!" cried Syd when she saw them. She was on the floor trying to maneuver her way to Sam. He immediately went to her side and knelt down.

"Syd, are you okay?" questioned Gage when he reached her side.

"Yeah," she replied. "No major damage. Just a little sore."

"I'm going to go let the officers in here," continued Gage as he stood and moved toward the front door, at the same time reaching for his cell phone.

While Gage headed for Syd, Max made his way toward Sam. He saw her sitting on the floor with her back to him. Her knees were pulled up with her chin resting on them and her arms were wrapped around her shins. With her left hand she grasped her right wrist and her right hand clutched her pistol, the slide of which was locked open. Ten feet in front of her lay Toby Granger. There was a large, red stain in the middle of his chest. She was staring at him.

"Sam?" called Max quietly as he cautiously approached her. He slowly lowered himself down beside her and gently slipped his left arm around her shoulders as his right hand eased her gun from her grip. Then he reached up to set it on the bar before pulling her into an embrace.

"I had to, Max," Sam whispered, her voice full of pain as she struggled to control her tears. He could feel her trembling. "He left me no choice. He was gonna kill us." Then her resolve broke and she began to weep, covering her face with her hands as she turned toward his chest.

"I know, Sam," replied Max, his voice tender and soft, as he held her close. "Easy, Sam. It's alright."

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Walker and Trivette arrived at the warehouse to find it swarming with peace officers. They got out of the truck and approached Ranger Perkins.

"Lyle," began Walker as he held out his hand, "how'd your end of the bust go?"

"Fine," he replied as he shook Walkers hand. "We got everyone and everything."

"Have you seen Granger around here?" asked Trivette.

"No," stated Perkins with concern. "I told everyone to keep their eyes peeled after you called me. How'd he get away from you, anyhow?"

"Gage and Max followed him out of the barn and chased him into the trees. He lost them at the road," Trivette responded.

"He killed someone and stole their car," added Walker.

Just then Jimmy's cell phone rang. "Trivette," he answered, then listened to the caller. "Alright. We'll be right there." He hung up and turned to Walker. "Granger's dead. He went to C.D.'s after Sam and she shot him."

"Are she and Sydney okay?" questioned Walker.

"Sam's pretty shook up, but they're both apparently unharmed," said Jimmy. "Gage called for an ambulance to get them checked out, just in case. He asked us to meet them at Methodist."

"Let's get over there," replied Walker as they moved toward the truck.

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Walker and Trivette entered the waiting room of the emergency department and moved to where Gage and Max were sitting side by side in silence.

"Are Syd and Sam alright?" asked Walker.

"When we got to them neither had been seriously injured," began Gage. "We haven't heard back from the doctor yet, but they should be fine."

At that time the doctor came out to speak with them. "Rangers Gage and Bowen?" he inquired.

"Hey, Doc," answered Gage. "This is Ranger Walker and Ranger Trivette."

"Ranger Cooke has a very mild concussion and a bad bruise on her leg, but is otherwise fine. I've given her some medication for her pain. Miss Dawson has some slight bruising and scrapes, but mostly she is still in minor shock. Ranger Cooke is with her now. I don't foresee any long term effects for either of them. They said they would be out in a few minutes." With that the doctor left and the men sat back down. Ten minutes later the ladies emerged, and both looked weary. Sydney's limp was more pronounced and she had her arm around Sam, who had a nasty bruise forming on her cheek and was clearly shell-shocked. At their approach all four men stood up.

"How are you ladies holding up?" questioned Walker.

"We'll be fine," replied Syd for both of them.

"Well, let's go to headquarters so you can both give statements," he continued as they all made their way toward the parking lot.

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Once they reached headquarters Sydney and Sam went to separate rooms to give their statements. Walker wanted to talk to both of them and chose to speak with Syd first, taking Gage with him.

"What happened, Sydney?" Walker asked as he sat down across from her and Gage sat next to her.

She went through all that had occurred that morning. "Walker, he admitted to being The Boss and killing the DPS officer. Then he threatened to kill us. If she hadn't acted when she did, we'd both be dead right now. She saved my life."

"Alright, Sydney," said Walker as they stood up. "Thanks. I'm going to go talk with Sam now. When we're done here, take her home for awhile so she can rest. I know she didn't get much last night. And keep an eye on her. This was very traumatic and she may need some help coping."

"I'll wait in the office," replied Syd. "Just let me know when she's free."

Gage helped Sydney make her way back to the office. She sat at her desk and stared aimlessly across the room.

"You okay, Shorty?" queried Gage. He watched her closely, his face full of concern.

"I'll be fine," she answered with a weary smile. "I still remember the first time I had to kill someone in the line of duty. It never gets easier. I really feel bad for Sam that she was put in that position." Gage nodded in agreement before pulling out paperwork for the case.

Max had waited with Sam and greeted Walker when he entered the room. He observed Sam as he sat down across from her, and noted that the look of shocked dismay in her eyes had been replaced with solemn resolve.

"Sam," began Walker gently, "I need you to tell me about this morning."

She nodded, and then slowly and calmly relayed the events to him. "As we struggled for his gun, we ended up rolling away from Syd and each other. We both came back up maybe ten feet apart. I had managed to get my pistol out and take aim at him. When he saw that I had my gun on him he yelled, 'If you won't be mine, you won't be anyone's,' and swung his revolver at me. That's when I fired."

"You said you had primed your gun earlier and had a full magazine plus one round in the chamber," questioned Walker softly. "That's eight rounds. Why did you empty your clip on him?" He watched tears spring into her eyes, accompanied by fear, and her lips begin to quiver.

"Walker," she responded barely above a whisper, trying hard to control her voice, "I was afraid that if he could get up again, he would have kept coming. I had to stop him. He would have killed us both."

"I understand, Sam," stated Walker as he gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "No charges will be pressed. This was clearly self-defense. Why don't you go on home with Sydney and get some rest, now that this is all over."

"Is it?" she asked as her eyes dropped to the table. "Because it doesn't feel like it is."

Walker watched her and knew where she was going with this line of thought, and was glad that she was. "Sam, you know you did what you had to. The fact that you're struggling with this is what sets you apart from the Grangers of the world. You didn't take a life just because you could or wanted to. You were acting in defense, not only of yourself but of another as well. You gave him every opportunity to leave, but he forced your hand. You have nothing to be ashamed of. The sharp pain you're feeling right now, will eventually recede to a dull ache. But you can move on secure in the knowledge that you did the right thing."

"Will the pain ever go away?" she inquired somberly.

"Only worry if it does," he replied. "It's the pain that let's us know we're human." They sat quietly for a minute more before Walker stood and asked, "Are you ready to go home now?" She nodded and rose from her chair. The three went together to the offices and met Gage and Syd at their desks. "Gage," stated Walker, "I know that Sydney's car is still at C.D.'s, so you and Max take Sam and her home, before you go by there and make sure the crime scene is being taken care of."

"You got it, Boss," agreed Gage as the four friends made their way out the door.

Once they reached the car, Gage headed for Sydney's house.

"Gage," Syd began as she looked across the seat at him, "how about you swing by C.D.'s first so I can pick up my car. Then we'll have it available if we want to go somewhere."

"Sorry, Shorty," replied Gage. "You heard Walker. Home first. You both need to relax some. Let me have your keys and we can bring it to you around lunchtime."

"Max," pleaded Syd as she looked at him over the seat, "little help, please."

"I'm not going against Walker," he responded. "Sam," he continued as he turned to his right to see her, "is the cleaning crew set to come as soon we're through with the crime scene?"

"Yes, sir," she stated. "I spoke with them while I was waiting to give my statement and they said they would be available as soon as I needed them. How long will it take to release C.D.'s?"

"A few hours," returned Gage from the front seat. "Since this was a clear cut case of self-defense we won't need to close it down for a lengthy investigation. We'll give you a call as quick as we can. Did the cleaners tell you how long they would take?"

"They won't know that until they get in there," Sam answered. "Right now I'm not really in any rush to get back," she finished more softly. Her friends fell silent with this statement, and the remainder of the trip was quiet. When they reached Sydney's house everyone went inside for a few minutes. Then Gage got Sydney's car keys and left with Max, promising to call in a couple of hours to see about lunch.

Sam had ensconced herself in the overstuffed chair with her feet up on Syd's new solid oak coffee table, and she was staring blankly at the wall behind the television. Syd locked the door behind the guys and hobbled to the couch then eased herself down and stretched out on it with her feet up. She gazed at Sam for a moment before speaking.

"Sam?" questioned Syd softly. "Are you going to be okay?"

"You know, Syd," Sam answered after a brief pause, "I have been trained to defend myself with deadly force if I have to. I have been taught all my life that I have that right, and I still firmly believe that I do, though I thoroughly understand that it should always be a last resort. But I've never needed to until today. And while you can prepare your mind and body to take action when it's necessary, you can never prepare your emotions for the weight that hits when you're forced to end another person's life, no matter how much they deserve it. I know I did the right thing, but I hate that I had to."

"I understand," Syd replied. "I've been there. As a Ranger, I always prefer to end confrontations without the loss of life, and it's always difficult when I can't. My heart goes out to you."

"Thanks," said Sam quietly. Then she stood up and moved toward the hall as she pulled out her cell phone. "I'm going to make a phone call. Then I think I'll lay down for a bit."

"I'm going to get some rest, too," responded Syd as she pulled herself off the couch and followed Sam down the hall. "The meds the doctor gave me have helped the pain in my leg subside, but they've also made me very tired. But let me know if you need anything."

"I will." Sam mustered a smile for Syd as she pressed a button to speed dial a number on her phone. "Let me know when Gage calls." Then she entered her room as Syd continued down the hall. Just before Sam shut her door, Syd heard her say, "It's Sam, Mama."

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Sydney awoke to the ringing of the telephone. She glanced at her bedside clock as she reached for the receiver and was surprised to see that three hours had gone by.

"Cooke," she answered drowsily.

"Hey, Beautiful," said Gage from the other end. "Did I wake you?"

"Yeah," replied Syd with a yawn. "But you're always welcome to. You know I would rather wake up to the sound of your voice than anything." By now she was smiling, and she could tell he was, too. She climbed off her bed and began to make her way down the hall.

"I'll keep that in mind, Shorty," responded Gage. "So, what do you and Sam want to do for lunch?"

"I'm not sure yet," she stated. "Let me see if Sam is up." She knocked softly on Sam's door and called out to her.

Sam opened the door and came into the hall, turning to walk toward the front room. "Is that Gage?"

"Yeah. He wants to know what we would like to do for lunch."

"I don't really feel like going out right now, but you're welcome to," said Sam.

"Maybe they can pick something up and bring it here," offered Syd. "I don't really want to get out, either."

"That would be fine," replied Sam. "Is he going to bring your car back here?"

"Yep. Anything in particular you're in the mood for?"

"Naw. Whatever y'all want." By this time the ladies were in the kitchen and Sam was getting a glass for some water. Syd moved to sit at the dining table as she turned her attention back to Gage.

"Honey, just pick something up and bring it here when you bring my car," Syd began. "I'm assuming Max is coming with you?"

"Yeah, he is," agreed Gage. "Anything in particular you want?"

"No. Surprise us."

"Okay. Tell Sam she can let the cleaners know that C.D.'s is free."

"I will," said Syd. "When can we expect you?"

"You said to surprise you," replied Gage with a laugh.

"Don't make me kick your butt," responded Syd.

"Alright, alright," conceded Gage. "Give us forty-five minutes. We might be there before then, but I'll try not to be much later."

"We'll see you then," stated Syd. "I love you."

"I love you back," finished Gage before they hung up.

Sam sat at the table across from Syd. "How's you leg feeling?"

"It's better," Syd answered. "I think I just needed to get off of it for awhile. How are you?" Her tone and expression conveyed her concern.

"I'll be fine," rejoined Sam firmly.

"Gage said to tell you it's fine to send in the cleaners now. Did you let Tom know you wouldn't be opening today?"

"Yes, ma'am," Sam returned as she reached for the phone. "He said he would let everyone else know for me." With that she called the cleaning company and instructed them to call her as soon as they had an estimate on when she could reopen. Then they each went to freshen up before the men arrived. It wasn't too much longer before they heard a knock on the door.

Sydney opened the door and was greeted by Gage with a kiss before he moved to the dining table to set down the take-out bags and return her keys. Max followed him in with a tray of drinks.

"We picked up subs," said Gage as they all sat down. "I hope that's okay."

"Sounds good," answered Syd. "Did everything get taken care of at C.D.'s?"

"Yep," he replied. "By the way, I called Walker when we were done there. He said he talked to Alex and let her know what was going on. She insisted that everyone come to the ranch for supper tonight. I hope you didn't have any other plans."

"I don't know if I'd be very good company tonight," put in Sam.

"Nobody's expecting anything," added Max. "We just want to be here for you."

"Besides," continued Gage, "Walker said you needed to be there and to make sure you come."

"Why?" inquired Sam with a puzzled expression. "Didn't he get everything he needed from me at the station?"

"He didn't elaborate," stated Gage. "He just said something was going to be there for you."

"Hmm," intoned Sam, clearly perplexed. "Well, alright. At least now we don't have to worry about what to make for dinner."

"So shall we meet you there?" queried Syd. "And what time?"

"Don't worry about it," replied Gage as he squeezed her hand. "We'll pick you up. If the meds you got at the hospital make you so drowsy, you probably shouldn't be driving."

"What?!" Syd said incredulously. "Those meds will have worn off by then. I'm perfectly capable of driving safely. Definitely safer than you."

"Shorty, can't you just agree with me for once?" bantered Gage. "You know I'm right."

"If you were right, I would agree with you," countered Syd. "As it is you're just trying to treat me like some hot house flower."

"It's only because I love you so much," responded Gage as he deftly slipped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Sam and Max smiled at each other and shook their heads at the behavior of the two as Syd at first tried to push away, before quickly being subdued and sliding her hand up the back of Gage's neck and into his hair. Several seconds later Gage drew slightly away and grinned at Syd.

"Okay, fine," stated Syd as she caught her breath. "You can pick us up."

"Good," finished Gage with a satisfied smirk. "We'll call when we're done at the office. We need to get the paperwork finished tonight if we want to be free tomorrow. Are we still planning on going riding?"

"The doctor said it would be fine, as long as I feel up to it," replied Syd. "What do you think, Sam?"

"I still want to," she answered. "A good ride always helps me relax. There's nothing like feeling the wind in your hair to clear out cobwebs."

"I hear ya," joined in Max.

"So it's settled," returned Gage. "In that case, we better get back and finish that paperwork." A few minutes later they had finished lunch and the guys left.

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To be continued….