"Back in the Saddle" PART SIX

(final part)

Walker stood his ground with one foot planted forward and the other slightly behind as he turned…readying himself in fighting stance. His hands remained at his side…ready to come forward at any moment. His eyes flickered with an unseen flame of fire as he looked into the face of evil before him.

Hank Tarpin dove forward with a rather lousy punch to Walker's face which Walker missed with a simple dodge downward. He raised back with ease, spinning around to face his opponent who had since stumbled beyond and behind the Ranger. Walker's two consecutive roundhouse kicks caused the criminal near defeat. But he didn't give up…and instead offered a few high kicks of his own which Walker took hold of with his hands, throwing the menace's leg back down which caused him to stumble. The goon crawled back to his feet, limping ever so slightly as he doubled forward and successfully punched Walker in the face. But Walker returned the favor ever so swiftly and on the double. Hank fell onto his back with one strong thud. A loud grunt issued from his bloodied lip admitting his defeat.

Walker sighed, shaking his head as he bent low to pick up his black Stetson which had since found the ground below them. He then turned his attention to Deats Tarpin who still let out a groan every now and then. Walker bent low to the thug with a sigh. "Well, looks like the bullet went clean through."

Deats groaned again, rolling his eyes away with disgust.

"Hands behind your back." Walker jerked the criminal upward and dragged him a distance. He nearly threw the man forward onto the side of his truck.

Deats Tarpin struggled as he eased his hands behind his back. His face issued a cringe worthy of the pain that seized him as he did so. "Ow!" He screeched as Walker secured the metal cuffs around the criminal's wrist. The Ranger secured the other also with a briefly firm click of the device before hauling the man onto the bed of his truck.

"Walker!" Trent's voice called in earnest from the home's doorway, filling the atmosphere with a fear-filled fervor that caught the senior Ranger's quick attention.

Walker drew his gun by reflex, firing off a shot as soon as his body had turned completely around. It all happened so fast as Hank Tarpin fell back onto the ground…lifeless…breathless…and with a rather large hunting knife hanging limply from his cold hand against the warm grass below his dead body.

"Walker!" It was a different voice this time. Miss Cahill raced forward, throwing her arms around the Ranger with tears of joy. "Oh, my…Walker…How did you know?"

Walker drew her into an embrace before easing her away from his body to look into her soft-seeking eyes. "I'll fill you in later. How are the others?"

Alex took in a deep breath and exhaled, shutting her eyes briefly and opening them again as she did so. "Everyone's okay. Except Trent. They hit him over the head I think."

The two lovers looked back towards the house as Trent, Carlos and Trivette's voices intermingled into the cool air as they collectively escorted the cowboy-clad criminal from the ranch house.

Walker creased his forehead. "Who's that?"

Alex sighed. "I have no idea. He seemed to have been in on these others' plan to…to kill you." She blinked away the tears. "He got the drop on us just as Tommy and Katheryn thought they had the others under hand."

"Is Tommy and Katheryn alright?"

Alex nodded. "They are wonderful fighters, Walker. But they were too much for them."

"Yeah. I know what you mean." Walker rolled his eyes and sighed playfully.

Alex slapped at his chest with a cheerful grin.

Molly and Katheryn were right behind the guys as C.D. trailed along.

It had been a long day…far too long. All the group longed for was safety and much-deserved rest as each one filed to their individual cars and headed in separate directions. The Malloys headed homeward to Providence Way while the Rangers hauled off the three desperados to Ranger Headquarters. Trent and Carlos followed the Rangers and so did the young ladies and Miss Cahill.

C.D. was quite worn out and promised to pay a visit to the Rangers' office as soon as he could. For now, he headed to his own abode…via the Conestoga he had arrived in. It was a sight to behold as he followed the fast-paced troop of cars that hurried on before him. Yet he enjoyed it and took his own sweet time. After all, wouldn't a retired Ranger deserve a break once in a while?

The old gentleman's weary eyes sparkled as he watched the stream of dust settle before him that was lifted seconds ago by the departures of the others. He chuckled softly to himself and smiled a weak smile. "There goes some mighty good folks. Yes, siree. Some mighty good folk." He clicked his tongue and kissed aloud to the horses to be on their way home. C.D. whistled a homely country tune as the wagon bounced away from the small potholes and hilly gravel areas. Yet not even tired bones could steal the joy from that proud man's face.

##

Trivette's finger breezed over the light switch nearest him on the inside wall as he strode into the room adjacent to Interrogation Room A. The fluorescent light flickered on and shadowed the ones who entered the room. Trivette's arm lingered at his side with a file in hand. His Stetson shadowed the item as he raised the file into view, stopping at the middle of the one-way window into the next room. Ranger Walker and Detective Sandoval stopped next to Trivette, their eyes falling upon the rather sullen man who had since shed his cowboy attire and traded it in for an orange prison jumpsuit. The man was, needless to say, far from pleased.

"His name's Dole Hoskins. Was released from prison on good behavior a couple months ago." Trivette passed the file to Walker. "Started out on the force in San Antonio eight years ago. His partner was killed in a shootout only a year after he joined the force. Seems he went downhill from there."

Carlos looked onward at the begrudged man in the other room. "I remember hearing about that. He was accused of grand theft."

Trivette nodded. "And aggravated assault."

"Do we know how he ended up in Dallas?" Walker thought through the situation piece by piece as he glared beyond them into the next room unbeknownst to the arrested man.

"Nope." Trivette shook his head in defeat. "All we have is an eye-witness on record who claimed he heard him say he would get revenge."

Carlos arched his brow. "Get revenge with whom?"

"That's a good question." Walker mused. "Trivette, see if you can find any information on the officers who worked with this Hoskins."

"You got it." Trivette moved past his partner and friend, making his way outside into the busy halls of the Tarrant county courthouse. He paused as he arrived at the bench that Molly, Katheryn, and Trent occupied. "You guys alright?"

The two young ladies nodded. A smile tempted their demeanors.

"Way to ruin a perfect Saturday, huh?" Trivette chuckled. "I'll so you guys later," he called behind himself as he ambled forward.

Trent turned to Molly, clearing his throat. "If you'd like, I can take you home since Katheryn wants to stay and see how it turns out."

Molly turned to look at Trent. A weakened smile eased from the corner of her mouth as she sighed, her head gently drooping onto her shoulder. "That is so kind of you to offer. I think I could fall to sleep standing up."

Trent smiled as he stood to his feet. "Alright then."

He offered Molly a hand which she took nervously, glancing upward only once before returning her hand to her side as she secured her own footing with confidence. "I think I've got it." She assured Trent with a forced grin.

"Good." Trent's smile faded as he nodded his approval. He turned to Katheryn. "You sure you want to stay?"

Katheryn nodded. "I'm sure."

Trent surrendered with a smile and looked back at Molly who awaited him with patience. He swept his hand forward, indicating for Molly to go ahead of him. His firm steps followed the young woman from behind as they made their way through the hall to the golden doors of the elevator.

Katheryn watched as the doors closed on the twosome within as she directed her attention back towards the Interrogation Room. She mused inwardly as her eyes traced the steps of the many people going to and from various places in the building. As the traffic died down some, her thoughts drifted to that night of the checkpoint after Walker's party at C.D.'s only a few nights ago. It had all seemed so strange. Disturbing in fact. As if the whole thing was a cruel joke on somebody. Indeed it had to be from what Carlos had discovered. But it still didn't make much sense. How was the cowboy and police man facades connected…if at all?

Detective Sandoval's presence drew Katheryn out of her deep reverie as he exited the room and made his way near her. She stood up almost impulsively as he approached her.

"Any update?" She queried, noticing the tiredness in Carlos' eyes.

Carlos' sighed, shaking his head. "Not really. All we know is he was an officer with the force in San Antonio and did some time for theft and assault."

Katheryn pursed her lips in thought as she listened. She crossed her arms with a sigh. "Any way I can help?"

Carlos offered a smile. "Afraid not."

"Somehow I knew that's what you'd say."

"But not because I don't want your help." Carlos was quick to insert.

Katheryn only nodded, smiling towards Carlos with understanding as she took in a deep breath.

"Wait a minute." Carlos spoke up suddenly, a thought having seized him in the silence. "Wasn't there more than one officer at that checkpoint?"

Katheryn thought for a moment before nodding. "You're right. It was. At least two. Maybe three."

"Hmm," Carlos thoughts raged silently. "And none of them were the Tarpins?"

"Nope. Now that you mention it…."

Carlos lifted his head with confidence, crossing his arms in front of him. "That's rather interesting."

"Do you think there could be some officers still in on this?" Katheryn nearly read his mind.

Carlos nodded. "Possibly." He stepped forward. "I'm going to head back to the station." He softly laid his hand on Katheryn's shoulder. "You alright by yourself?"

She cast him a sarcastic glance with her eyes pointed upward at him.

"Never mind." He chuckled softly, drawing a smile from her as he strode forward with the image of Katheryn's confident eyes echoing in his mind to himself as he walked away.

Miss Cahill met with Carlos as she got off the elevator. She issued him a smile and goodbye as they exchanged places. Katheryn watched the doors close behind Carlos before turning her attention to Alex as she approached her.

"Not how I imagined our Saturday ending." Alex chuckled, lightening the moment some.

"Yeah." Katheryn agreed, shaking her head as she fought away the thought that the afternoon had so conveniently stolen a day with her closest friends. "But I suppose catching the bad guys is what counts."

"Indeed." Alex smiled once more before stepping forward. Katheryn fell into sync next to her as they made their way to the Ranger Headquarters office down the hall a ways. Alex pushed open the door with one hand, letting Katheryn enter ahead of her.

Walker awaited them both, reading over the file that Trivette had provided him with. He glanced upward at the two beautiful women who entered the office. "Well, hello. I thought you were heading home, Alex."

"I was." Alex sighed. "But I got a call from Judge Neville."

"What did the judge want?"

"It seems that Hoskins has friends in high places." Alex handed Walker a piece of paper.

Walker accepted the paper and read over its contents with a raised brow. "The judge set bail. Even with his record?"

"Yep." Alex lifted her face with sarcasm lacing her tone. "All because of Anthony Maynard."

"Who's that?" Katheryn inserted.

Alex turned to the young woman. "He's a mafia leader. Been on the unofficial most wanted listed for years but has managed to keep his nose clean by keeping all activity separate from his organization. It seems Hoskins did him a favor or two when he was on the force. And now he's paying the favor back."

Katheryn turned her nose up with disappointment. It didn't seem fair. "Carlos told me he suspects there may have been more than one officer involved with wrongdoing."

"I agree." Walker nodded with a hint of a glimmer in his eye.

Alex noticed his reverie. "What is it, Walker?" She smiled.

Walker turned to Katheryn. "Would you like to do a little undercover work?"

Katheryn smiled. "Sure. What would I need to do?"

Walker reached for his Stetson. "Alex, call Carlos and tell him to meet us at Uppercuts in an hour."

A confused mien was shared by the two ladies.

Walker took notice of their concerned faces and smiled. "Trust me."

Alex lifted her hands in surrender before using Trivette's phone to call Carlos as Walker took his leave.

Carlos was equally perplexed when Alex relayed what Walker had said but knew better than to question Walker's instincts and quickly agreed, gathering up what little information he had discovered and remembering it carefully as he hurried to meet the others at the said time.

##

Katheryn brought her Stingray to a smooth halt in the parking space next to Walker's vast pickup just as the Ranger exited his vehicle, planting his boots on the asphalt parking lot adjacent to Uppercuts…a bar ran by Butch McMann, a former boxer and private investigator turned proprietor.

Katheryn followed suit, setting her foot firmly against the ground and pushing herself up and away from her brightly-shining vintage sports car and shutting the door firmly before joining up with Ranger Walker as he traced the ground from the parking spaces to the front of the building a short distance away in front of them.

The place was rather quaint. Blink and you just might miss it. Katheryn surveyed the place with interest, squinting against the last high bit of late afternoon sunlight that shone overhead. Uppercuts was not a building to itself but rather a large brick unit situated on the corner of the lot with a staircase shadowing the doorway below. As she walked, Katheryn traced the path of the stairs up to what appeared to be another entire establishment. Accept…It didn't seem to be occupied very much at the present time. The window just beyond the door at the top of the stairs was cluttered with spider webs and months of natural wear by the looks of it she assumed, glancing back downward as they walked into the shadow of the large place.

Walker placed a hand on the single door's knob and turned it, opening it for Katheryn before entering himself.

"Walker." A tall man's rather deep, booming voice greeted the two guests as petty restaurant din and country tunes filled their ears. Butch McMann stepped around from the bar, throwing a towel over his broad shoulder as he walked toward them, covering the short distance. He extended his hand. "How are you, Walker?"

Walker firmly shook the man's hand twice. "Good." He turned to Katheryn. "I believe you remember Katheryn from the other night."

"Indeed I do." Butch extended his large hand with a friendly twinkle in his eyes.

Katheryn's hand could have nearly been engulfed by his as he shook hers delicately the best he could. "Pleasure to meet you again, sir."

"Likewise." Butch waved a hand forward towards an empty table and moved to be seated. Walker and Katheryn followed suit, taking a seat at the square table. "What brings you guys by my place?"

Walker issued a sly grin. "We may need your help with something."

"Oh?"

"Yep. Carlos Sandoval is on his way here also."

"What do you need? Just name it."

"Well, we have a hunch that there may be some DPD officers involved in wrongful doings. And the only way we might be able to know for sure is if we can catch them in the act."

"What does that have to do with me?" Butch smiled as only he could.

"Well…"

The door to Uppercuts swung wide open once more, letting in a stream of light from the oncoming sunset as Detective Sandoval strode in, removing his sunglasses as he closed the door behind him. As his eyes adjusted, he noticed the group already gathered in discussion and crossed the short distance to them with a smile. "Am I late?"

"Not at all." Katheryn smiled and indicated the extra seat to him which he accepted willingly, looking towards Walker to hear the plan. "What's up?"

"As I was just telling Butch here," Walker continued, "The only way to see which officers may be bad is by setting a little trap."

"I see." Carlos' interest was piqued. He grinned. "What's the plan?"

"Well, I was wondering if you two were up for a little undercover work."

Katheryn and Carlos exchanged fond glances and nodded towards Walker.

"Sure." Carlos nodded one last time.

"Okay…" Walker turned to Butch. "Now…Here's what I want you two to do…."

Ranger Walker left Uppercuts about a half hour later after thoroughly going over his plan with Carlos, Katheryn, and Butch. It was set. And Carlos now busied himself at a corner booth of Uppercuts, equipped with nothing but his good sense and pistol at the base of his back. Meanwhile, Katheryn quickly set herself to figuring out the best way to start an argument with the customer at the corner booth. The more she thought the plan over as she propped her chin up on her fist at the bar, the more she was convinced she couldn't do it.

Butch noticed her debased expression and found his place behind the bar in front of her. He took the towel from his shoulder and wiped over the counter. "Why the long face?"

Katheryn sighed. "I can't do this, Mr. McMann."

Butch scoffed playfully. "Can't? Now that's not a word I'd imagine I'd hear from the girl that Trent says is a stellar karate student and has nearly taken down a couple bad guys all by herself. What gives?"

Katheryn turned slightly, glancing at Carlos in the far booth and turned back to Butch. "It's hard to explain." She stifled a growing smile.

"I see." Butch nodded, suppressing his own grin. "But I think you can do it more than you think you can."

"I wish I had your confidence."

"You do." Butch smiled. "Except it's your own confidence. The confidence you never lost on the inside. Trust me. Not many gals accomplish what you have. I think you'll be able to pull this off."

Katheryn managed a smile as she pushed herself up and back into proper posture. "Thanks, Mr. McMann."

Butch raised his hand softly. "Please…Call me Butch."

"Okay." Katheryn chuckled lightly.

"Now…Let me make that phone call." Butch moved to his telephone and carefully dialed the number that Walker had assigned.

Katheryn stood and sighed. "Sure thing." She turned in the direction of Carlos and slowly took one step after the other, getting angrier as she walked. She quickly stepped into character, putting a hand to her hip and the other one she slammed palm first onto the table with a force she soon regretted as small pains tingled throughout her hand. Yet she fought it off and used the pain as a catalyst for the angry woman she had stepped into character as. "Listen here, mister! I don't want none of your funny business. Either you hand over the money you owe or I call the cops!"

Carlos got the hint and stepped into character as well. He drew from his days with the Deuces as he drew out his words and slurred a line or two, casting a lazy glance Katheryn's way. "Listen, girly. I don't know who you are, but I don't owe you nothing. Zilch…zero…zip."

"Oh, is that right?" Eyes began to turn their way as she raised her voice.

Even Carlos' eyes grew a bit wider before settling back into character. "Yeah. You know where the door is."

Butch hung up the phone at the bar and crossed the way, joining in the act. "Hey, you two. Settle down. Or take the argument elsewhere."

Katheryn spun on her heel to face Butch. She shook her finger in his face with a fervor she didn't know she had in herself. "And who are you to tell me what to do?"

Butch slowly backed away. For a moment there, even Carlos wasn't sure if she was acting or not. The detective quickly stifled a smile that threated to blow his cover.

"You just take it easy now…I'll be calling the cops if not."

"Hey!" Carlos called after Butch raising a full beer bottle. "Bring me another will ya!" He demanded the request rather rudely and drunkenly.

"I believe you've had enough, young man." Butch returned to behind the bar.

"I don't think so!" Carlos stood and pushed past Katheryn. He faked a small stumble as he reached the bar and pounded a fist against the hard top. "Give me another! Don't you know who I am?"

"No I don't." Butch confessed.

"I'm a former police officer. You hear?"

"That's nice."

"From San Antonio!" Carlos plopped onto the bar stool. "But I got kicked off and am trying to join up here. They won't let me. Cause I'm—I'm not good enough."

Katheryn wanted to chuckle. Carlos would make a horrible drunk. And although she was glad about that, she hoped it wouldn't hurt their chances of a successful mission.

"Well, I'll tell you what…I've got some friends who you should talk to." Butch reached for the phone.

"No, no, no! No police!" Carlos slapped the bar again in earnest.

Katheryn hurried to his side in anger. "What do you mean no police?! That's exactly who should be here! I'm calling you in for theft! Theft of my sister's dignity!" She rounded the bar and yanked at Butch's phone. She felt a cord tug from the wall and prayed it had not come loose as she dialed in the Dallas police's number. Except she got Carlos' partner…who was in on the whole plan. "Is this the Dallas police?" Katheryn barked, knowing full well who she was speaking to.

"Yes." Andrea replied.

"I'd like to report a criminal!"

"Oh?"

"Yes! For theft and disturbing the peace! Former officers shouldn't act like this. It's a disgrace to humanity!"

"Where are you at, ma'am?"

Katheryn routinely fed Andrea the address of Uppercuts with a staunch tone of voice.

"I'll let the dispatcher know." Andrea grinned as she hung up the phone and contacted the dispatcher. If they were lucky, maybe one of the officers on duty would be the one to take the bait.

All across the Dallas metro area, the dispatcher voice alerted every officer on duty. "All units, this is dispatch. I have a 10-92 reported at Uppercuts bar. Be advised suspect is a former police officer."

A few moments passed before an officer responded. "Dispatch, this is unit 451 responding to your 10-92. We are ETA ten minutes from location." The fish had taken the bait.

"Need backup?"

"10-10."

"10-4, 451."

Moments later, a DPD patrol car came to a screeching halt in front of Uppercuts. Its siren remained off while its lights still flashed their routine colors against the front of Butch's establishment. An officer emerged from both sides and walked side-by-side into the building.

The door opening was Carlos' signal. He quickly slipped back into a drunken stupor and yelled at Butch for another longneck to which Butch staunchly refused.

"What seems to be the trouble here?" The lead uniformed officer eased up to the bar nonchalantly, interrupting the group's act.

Katheryn spun on her heels. "This so called police officer had the nerve to turn down my sister at the altar seven years ago after he ran off with her money when he quit the San Antonio police force! The squirrel even had the guts to ask me to keep it a secret!"

Did she just call me a squirrel? Carlos arched a brow as he took in the scene before him.

The officers listened to her groveling speech while their faces showed they were clearly unimpressed. "Ma'am, I'm sorry but we don't have any evidence of that to arrest him with."

Katheryn arched her brow. "You saying I'm a liar?"

"No, ma'am." The officer stifled a laugh. "But it's your word against his."

"Amen to that!" Carlos raised his stupefied voice.

"Oh shut up." Katheryn threw over her shoulder to Carlos with an aggravated sigh.

"But you show me some evidence, little lady, and I'll take him in in a heartbeat. How's that sound?"

Katheryn nodded, admitting a supposed defeat. "Yes, officer." She spoke through clenched teeth as she turned to Carlos. "I suppose you're right."

"Then you folks have a good night." The officer tipped his hat her way and followed his partner to the door, mumbling something sarcastic inaudibly under his breath.

Carlos and Katheryn exchanged wary glances…almost afraid that their entire act had been for nothing…when the officer turned back around.

He slowly ambled towards Carlos, taking him softly be the arm and crouching near his ear. "Come with me. I think we might have something you'd be interested in."

Carlos nodded. His interest was piqued as he stood, winking barely at Katheryn as was the "It's going good" signal he had devised before they started.

The two officers hauled Carlos outside and around to the back of the building, glancing to and from in the growing nighttime darkness to be sure no one was watching. They released him only once they were out of sight.

"Listen here, mister. Are you really a former officer?"

Carlos tried to sober up. "Yep. With the San Antonio force."

"You remember working with a…Dole Hoskins?"

Carlos wrinkled his forehead before nodding. "I think so. Yep. Sure do. Man was ornery before they finally let him go."

"Why'd they let you go?" The second officer pressed with angry eyes.

Carlos chuckled. "I guess an officer helping a few prisoners escape was too much for them."

The first officer grinned. "You helped a prison escape?"

"Nope." Carlos smiled. "I helped five escape."

"Wow." The two officers exchanged victorious glances. "Looks like we got ourselves a real gem here. Old Dole would be proud if hadn't have gotten caught."

"Caught?" Carlos squinted.

"Yeah," the officer sighed. "Rangers busted him and two prisoners just this afternoon that he has helped escape from Huntsville."

"Why'd he help them escape?"

"Owed him a favor after those Tarpins helped him stow away drugs that he filtered to them in prison." The officer chuckled. "They took drugs and some weapons when they escaped."

Carlos grinned to play along. "What does that have to do with me?"

"You can join us!" The second officer prodded with a playful slap to Carlo's arm. "Help us pick up where they left off."

Carlos grinned broadly, nodding slowly as he acted out his part well. He slowly bowed his head as his smile faded…all "stupor" having left him entirely as he raised his eyes back towards the two dirty officers. "Sorry, guys. Not this time."

"What do you mean?" The first officer laughed it off.

Carlos reached for his badge which he had stowed away in his back pocket and flashed it before them. "Detective Sandoval. You two are under arrest."

The two goons cast a nerving glance at each other before darting away and back into the street in front of Uppercuts, making a firm get away as they hopped back into their patrol car and sped away…a loud screech emanating from their tires as the brake released and they aimed down the road at eighty to nothing in a matter of seconds.

Katheryn burst outside only to see Carlos darting for his own police issue. He climbed in, speeding away from the parking lot and halting next to the entrance of Uppercuts for Katheryn to quickly climb aboard before they sped away after the patrol car under the darkness of the night.

The chase continued, weaving in and out of the streets of the metro area. Carlos' steady hands manned the car well as he rounded corners and pressed the gas pedal to floor, dodging fellow drivers on the road while keeping his firm sights set only on the blue and white patrol car ahead of them.

Katheryn's gaze was set also as she placed her confidence in Carlos' abilities. This had become quite the easy task in the months since she had met him. Yet the adrenaline rush which she loved still set her on the edge of caution, forcing her to glance infrequently towards Carlos as he drove. She shut her eyes against the speeding force of the vehicle as she felt her body sway with the sharp turning of the car into yet another street which forced her eyes open. She couldn't miss a beat…no matter how hard she tried.

"Where are they going?" Katheryn called out as they turned into a suburb.

"I don't know." Carlos admitted, turning to follow them.

Then it struck her. Had these criminals followed her home that night? Surely not.

Her worst fear was confirmed as they started down Providence Way in earnest, slowing up only enough to come to a stop alongside the street's side and abandon their vehicle to run the rest of the way on foot. Carlos continued down the road at a slower pace, lagging behind to see just where these goons were headed. All Katheryn could do was squint in confusion. What in the world were they doing?

They halted their step at house 118…much to Carlos and Katheryn's dismay.

Carlos stopped the car alongside the street a few houses down turned the engine off, stepping out of the vehicle and drawing his weapon. "Stay close," he instructed as he eased in front of the car and up onto the sidewalk.

Katheryn hurried behind up behind him, keeping pace rather well as Carlos' walk turned into a soft run. He slowed as they reached 118 Providence Way beneath the dangerous shelter of the darkness.

Carlos stopped suddenly, watching as the two officers made their way up the walkway up to the Malloy home as if on a normal patrol as they ambled with ease. Both Carlos and Katheryn could not believe it…and cringed to know what they would do.

"Can you tell what they're up to?" Katheryn asked, suspense getting the best of her as she remained tucked behind Carlos as he stretch to see what was going on.

He creased his forehead, sighing as he strained to see their small figured reaching the porch. "Nope. The first officer is ringing the doorbell."

"Can't you just dive in and fight them down?"

Carlos shook his head. "It would put them in jeopardy."

Katheryn sighed as Tandy, Ty, Tommy, and Katie's faces all flashed before her mind. She prayed for their safety as an owl hooted overhead, signaling the evening hours had deepened even more.

"The door's opening. It's Tommy." Carlos reported. "Trent just came up behind him and is talking with them."

"What if I try the neighbor's house and use their phone?"

"It would take too long."

Katheryn sighed once more. "There must be something we could do."

Inwardly, Carlos agreed with Katheryn more than ever. He didn't like this helplessness that had taken over him. But he held his tongue…Or he too might choose to something irrational just to save his friends.

"Um, might I ask where your patrol car is?" They could hear Trent's voice just barely through the pin-drop silence.

"Oh, it's just up the road here. Kind of had some trouble. That's what we stopped here for. Saw your light on and figured we could ask if you saw a suspect we were chasing."

"I see." It was clear that Trent was not convinced.

"She's a blonde. Pretty thing. Too bad she's running from the law."

"Blonde you said?" Trent's eyes narrowed.

"Yep. Long hair. Lovely looking eyes. Like she stepped from the pages of a novel."

"I see." Trent repeated. "And does this young lady have a name?"

"Katheryn." The officer returned flatly.

Trent suppressed the urge of surprise that rose up within him as he said that name. "What do you want with her?"

The officer pulled his gun on Trent much to Carlos' dismay as he watched. "Then you do know where she is."

Trent held his ground, staring down the officer with tenacity in his eyes. "Which side of the law are you exactly on, mister?"

"The side I choose to be." He cocked the weapon. "Now tell me where she is."

"And if I don't?"

The supposed officer only laughed. "I know she's here. This is the address that sweet little Molly gave."

"What do you mean?"

"Well…We sort of cornered her after you left her. Yeah. We've been following you all ever since you took down our partner Hoskins. And she told us this is where you live."

"What did you do to her?!" Trent demanded, heat rising to his cheeks.

"Oh, nothing opening the door to her little apartment won't cure."

"What do you want?"

"It was that squealer who helped put Hoskins away with her eye witness account. She'll die for it…and so will you and everyone else whose name I find in that police report once you tell me where she is."

"Not a chance." Trent said through closed teeth.

The officer scoffed. "Fine." He almost back away when he instead through his fist toward Trent only to be guarded and flipped onto the floor of the entryway in a matter of moments.

And it was Walker who got the drop on the other officer, stepping from the shadows and onto the porch with his pistol aimed in the back of the officer. "Freeze!"

Trivette was not far behind, and reached for his handcuffs, securing the first officer in their grasp.

Carlos grinned victoriously and spun around, holstering his gun back at his side. "It's Walker and Trivette. They got them." He turned back and hurried forward into the Malloy's yard as backup arrived and Katheryn heeled him from behind.

"Trent!" Carlos called, skipping the final step as he ran up to check on his friend. "You okay, bud?"

"Yeah." Trent was not relieved though. "But we still got a problem."

"Oh?"

Trent looked to Katheryn. She caught a glimpse of his growing concern. Her smile faded. "What is it, Trent?"

"It's Molly. They've rigged your apartment while she's in it."

"C'mon, Trent. I'll give you a lift." Carlos offered.

The three friends hurried for Carlos' unmarked police issue after briefing the Rangers on the situation. They arrived at the young ladies' apartment in ten minutes flat.

Trent reached the apartment door first as the lift thudded open.

"Trent!" Carlos called after his close friend. "Wait a second!"

Katheryn and Carlos made it to Trent in time before he opened the door.

"Trent, buddy." He then realized any warning he had to say was null and void as he looked into Trent's determined eyes. It was no use. He was going to go in no matter what they could say. So he simply nodded. "Be careful."

Katheryn nodded in agreement as she stood by Carlos' side with concern in her eyes.

Trent looked towards Katheryn. "You have the key?"

Katheryn nodded and reached into her pocket, handing Trent the small silver trinket.

He swiftly unlocked the door and rushed in. Immediately, the sound of a ticking clock reached his ears. It's ever ominous call tempted his every move as he searched for Molly.

"Over here!" Molly called through her tears as she wriggled within the grasp of the ropes that held her to the kitchen chair.

Trent rushed to her side and immediately began working at the ropes.

"No!" Molly insisted, glancing at the homemade bomb that lay at her feet. "It's set to go off a minute after the door is opened."

Trent ceased his work on the ropes and shifted his focus to the electronic menace before him. On bended knee, he looked the entire thing over once, twice, three times. Thirty seconds remained on the clock before him. The threatening ticks continued into the silence around them. He drew out his pocket knife and issued a silent prayer that he would choose the right wire to cut. His eyes fell upon the black one among the yellow ones. With ten seconds left on the clock and confidence rising within him, Trent sawed quickly on the narrow wire, closing his eyes as he intensified his efforts against it.

With one resounding echo, the clock stopped. And in its place was a silence like none other.

Trent let his head bow limply with relief as he sighed while Molly's soft laugh of praise surpassed the tears she had just shed not moments ago.

Trent stood to his feet and turned towards the door. "Carlos! Katheryn! It's safe!"

The two made their way into the apartment just as Trent had freed Molly from the ropes. Molly rubbed at her wrists some as she stood, making her way over to Katheryn and embracing her friend with a newfound appreciation. Katheryn accepted her embrace, drawing her even closer as she let her shed tears of joy this time without saying a word.

Trent and Carlos stood to the side with smiles easing onto their faces, admiring the friendship before them with thanks in their hearts that they had overcome yet another obstacle…and saved a life along the way.

##

The sun was just barely setting over Dallas and the loft apartment that Katheryn and Molly had shared for nearly two weeks already when Katheryn made her way proudly through the kitchen of the abode to the dining area of the open floor plan living area, setting a large platter of fried chicken before her first dinner guests ever. Many oohs and ahs dispersed through the small crowd that was gathered around the table which was a housewarming gift from Ranger Walker and Miss Cahill to the girls.

"So…Looks like you finally figured out how to make fried chicken." Trent looked up towards Katheryn as she raised back up from setting the delicious food before them.

Katheryn chuckled softly, wiping her greasy fingers on the towel she had used to carry the hot plate with. "Appears so. It was easier than I thought." She ended with a smile and hurried back to the kitchen as Molly called her. It had sounded rather desperate.

Carlos sniffed at the food before them all as the others talked among themselves. He elbowed Trent in the ribs with a grin. "She can cook."

Trent suppressed a grimace. "Who?"

Carlos stared at Trent lamely.

"Oh." Trent finally understood, nodding slowly as he turned his attention elsewhere to his two youngest siblings who occupied a smaller folding table nearby in the living room area. He smiled as he saw them having a good time, laughing and carrying on with their drumsticks, mashed potatoes, and peas.

A few moments later, Molly and Katheryn appeared from the kitchen carrying the last items of food and setting them down in front of their guests. Although interrupting the conversations of their dinner guests, it was well-received as the hungry crowd issued various small praises to the girls for a job well done.

"This looks wonderful, ladies!" Miss Cahill exclaimed, placing her napkin gently in her lap as she gave Walker a glance of approval.

Walker nodded to each of the girls as they took their seats each at either head of the table. "You did wonderful, girls."

"Thanks, Ranger Walker." Katheryn spoke for them both as she looked on her guest with a bit of pride swelling within her heart. She felt immensely blessed to be among them all.

Trivette and Carlos, who sat in front of each other with Katheryn to their side at the head of the table, was just about to reach for the chicken simultaneously when Trent cleared his throat, causing a gently silence to fall among them all. He paused a moment and gave the twosome hard glances. They shrank back with innocent expressions and smiles the begged for mercy.

Trent suppressed a grin as he looked to his left at Molly then down the other end of the table to Katheryn. "If I may…I'd like to say a prayer….Not only over the food…but for you both."

Both Molly and Katheryn nodded at the same time, giving Trent a smile of approval.

Trent then stood to his feet and asked that they all join hands. The group did as bid, bowing their heads and closing their eyes. Trent took a deep breath, closing his eyes and lifting up his gaze. "Heavenly Father, thank you for your hand on us each day and for watching over us. Thank you for your protection. We ask for your guidance and blessings in everything we do. Please help us to keep our faith strong as we accomplish your work. Lastly, we thank you for the wonderful food before us that these young ladies have so graciously prepared. And thank you for blessing these young ladies in all they do. Amen." **

Each one present rose their voice with an amen as Trent ended the short prayer of thanks. Molly and Katheryn each smiled yet again towards Trent to let him see their thanks.

"Thank you, Trent." Katheryn offered. "That was beautiful."

"Let's eat!" Tommy exclaimed, reaching for the chicken as Trivette and Carlos faces became sullen as they saw the food slowly slip away from them.

"Tommy Malloy!" Mrs. Malloy softly scolded, causing Tommy to shrink a bit as he pulled the chicken to himself. He slowly got a piece and returned it to the table as quick and politely as he could.

Soft snickers and laughs dispersed through the group, setting off a joyous evening of fellowship among friends. Yet all too soon it was over.

"Well…I think I'll call it a night." Miss Cahill placed a loving hand on Katheryn's arm with a smile as she stood from the sofa following a riveting game of dominoes with Walker and Trent over coffee.

"Okay." Katheryn feigned a pout, reaching her arms around Miss Cahill for a quick embrace before she left.

Miss Cahill sighed as she drew herself away. "I've got court first thing tomorrow morning. It's the first hearing for those officers you all captured. With all our eye witness accounts and the evidence Carlos received, it should be enough to put them and eventually Hoskins and the Tarpins away for awhile." She turned to Molly for a hug.

"We understand." Molly nodded. "There will be other nights I'm sure."

Alex smiled. "I'll count on that." She turned and gave her goodbyes to the Malloys, the Rangers, and Carlos before directing her steps away from the apartment.

Katheryn and Molly exchanged glances of satisfaction as their first guest departed. It had been a good evening…great in fact.

Carlos stood from where he sat in the arm chair nearby, watching the game of dominoes unfold over his own cup of joe and neared Katheryn. It was no use putting it off any longer. He had promised himself to ask her tonight. And this was the most opportune moment. "Molly, would you mind if I steal Katheryn away for a minute?"

Molly nodded, curiosity besetting her. "Why, of course." She scurried off to the kitchen, leaving Katheryn with Carlos.

Katheryn noticed the nervous glint in his eyes. "What is it?"

"Um," Carlos softly cleared his throat as he drew out a folded piece of paper from his back jeans pocket and handed it to Katheryn.

She took it with a smile, opening it carefully. Reading it silently, Katheryn looked up over the page at Carlos with a widening grin. "What is this?" She scolded herself as the words came out of her mouth. For she knew perfectly well what it was…At least what she hoped it was.

"It's an unofficial reminder that I made a reservation for two at Uppercuts for Saturday night."

"Oh?" Katheryn smiled. "Since when did Butch start accepting reservations?"

Carlos looked at her in earnest, his eyes asking the question but his lips refusing to move. He shook it off and took an unseen breath. "I wanted to ask if you'd like to have dinner with me…officially. I mean, I know we went to a banquet undercover and all. But…" Carlos calmed his words and thought through what he should say next. "…I wanted to ask you to join me for dinner…outside of undercover work."

Katheryn nodded, her face remaining emotionless as she thought through his words. In a matter of seconds, every little moment Carlos and she had experienced together flashed through her memory. From the moment she met the detective over a spreadsheet on Ranger Walker's desk to the cup of tea shared by moonlight on the H.O.P.E. center's veranda. Even those roses before Christmas…whom she still did not know who sent…and the red Stingray Corvette in the Malloys' driveway on Christmas morning.

She blinked slowly and inhaled softly, opening her eyes to Carlos with a smile easing onto her face. "I'd love to join you."

Carlos chuckled softly as relief overtook him. "Great! Then…I'll pick you up at…"

Katheryn thought for a moment. "I'll be at the center all day restocking donations. Is six okay?"

Carlos nodded. "That'll be great." He grinned once more before nervously easing his way back across the living space and sinking back into the armchair.

Katheryn subsequently returned to the kitchen, feeling guilty that she had left the dishes to Molly and Mrs. Malloy.

Carlos took a rather large gulp of the hot liquid in his mug and set the cup on the coffee table as he leaned forward, his elbows propped on his knees with his hands folded in front of him.

Trent noticed the agitation pouring from his friend and looked up at Carlos from where he sat across from him on the sofa, focusing intensely on what his next move in the dominoes game should be. "What did you do?"

"She said yes." Carlos whispered, grinning back at Trent.

"Your turn, Trent." Walker sat back away from the game.

Trent smiled and went back to his game. "Oh. So you finally asked."

"Yep." Carlos clapped softly, pleased with himself.

"Well good for you, buddy."

"Thanks." Carlos stated flatly, unsure if the congratulations was legitimate.

Mrs. Malloy then appeared in the living area, folding her sleeves back down as she glanced over Trent's shoulder. "You winning, son?"

"Afraid not." Trent chuckled, looking towards Walker.

Katie smiled and looked toward her youngest who sat huddled with Tommy, reading one of Katheryn's titles on karate. I should have known, Mrs. Malloy silently mused, crossing the short distance. "Are you guys ready to head out?"

Tommy sighed and yawned. "Nope. I could go on for another hour."

"Oh no you don't. Not on school night."

Little groans were soon replaced by willing feet as the threesome stirred and stood, reaching for their coats as Walker finally put a cap on his and Trent's dominoes game.

"Well, looks like I'm done here too." Trent stood and arched his back into a stretch, stifling a yawn.

"Me too." Walker admitted and followed the Malloys to the door where their hostesses were waiting to see them off.

Carlos was not far away.

"It was a wonderful housewarming party." Walker smiled over the young ladies and gave them each a hug.

"Yep. Sure was." Trent agreed with a broad smile.

Once reluctant goodbyes had been said and their door locked on a successful evening with their closest friends, the proud roommates cast aside their dish rags and aprons, finally surrendering to the urge for sleep. They each said goodnight and went their separate ways to their bedrooms for much-needed shuteye.

As Katheryn crawled into the warmth of her bed, she slowly breathed a prayer of thanks for her friends. They were more than friends now…they were family. She was sure of this more than ever…and continued to look forward to what the future held for her in the city of Dallas, Texas, alongside the people she cherished greatly.

**This is an alternate version of the same prayer prayed by John Mason (Trent Malloy's character in the Hayes Cooper episode) in the episode this story is based around "Paradise Trail."