Katherine led the rest of the team up to the door , she put two police officers in position by the door , just in case .

Simone led the rest of the team to the back of the building . Officer Blackstock was waiting with his dog who was staring intently at the back door .

Officer Blackstock looked at Katherine and began speaking . " There was a strong indication to Spring . " He said as he pointed to the dog . " Of drugs in the area that appeared to have been cleared , he followed a trail , now he his pointing that the trail is through this door .

" Simone can you unlock it so Spring can maybe follow the trail further . " Katherine asked .

" Should not be a problem . " Simone answered as she knelt down to look at the lock , she again removed something from her utilty belt , a few second later Simone opened the door .

Spring pulled officer Blackstock who began to follow him who in turn was followed by the rest of the team . Spring got as far as the centre of the alley way , sat down and began moving his head from side to side as if attempting to pick up another scent , after about a minute Spring lay down .

Agent Blackstock looked at Spring and then turned to Katherine . " That means he has lost the

scent ."

" That means they loaded all the furniture into a van of some sort . " Cabe told them .

Katherine immediatly turned to Agent McKay . " Could you go and watch the front door and send the two officers out to us . We need people who know the area to go and see if there are any CTV cameras around here . "

" Yes Director . " Agent McKay replied as he began to run to the front door .

" Ok , once the other two officers arrive i need the five of you to check out all the buildings that back onto this alley to see if there is any CTV that could be of use in finding the van that was used . The other two officers arrived , Katherine quickly filled them in on what was needed . The two who had been protecting the entrance went back to the front , to check along the front part of the buildings . The other three checking out the rear and along the alley .

Five minutes later Officer Blackstone returned and began to speak to Katherine . " There are cameras on unit 30 that point this way . "

Katherine just nodded . " Can you contact one of your colleges out front to check to check if unit 30 is open . "

Officer Blackstock immediatly got on his radio and put a call out , a few seconds later one of the officers replied , he was just approaching the unit . After a minute's silence he replied , telling them the building was open and reception had confirmed that CTV was working .

Katherine turned to Cabe . " Can you take Agent Thomas with you and go and check the tapes from when the Agents left the premises . "

A hour later , Cabe and Thomas returned a big smile on Cabe's face . " The van shows up around 4.30pm. and is loaded in a hurry , then left out the alley at the top end . Unfortunatly the picture quality was poor so we could not make out the licence plate . But when the van reached the end of the alleyway it turned left at 5.30pm . , so maybe cameras could pick it up again . "

Katherine said nothing for a moment . " Ok we will relocate the local officers to begin checking the way the van went , to see if CTV down that way is better . If we can get a registration number we can use traffic cams to follow the van .

Simone can you secure the building , i will contact the local police to get permission for a partrol car to be left here on survellance just in case anyone returns . Agent McKay you will stay with the police and liase with me . "

" Yes Director . "

Simone managed to secure both doors . Once all this had been done Katherine phoned Scott to tell him what was happening . The five returning to Homeland climbed aboard Katherine's SUV , leaving Agent McKay with Richard's car .

The Garage .

Walter and Ralph arrived at the garage just before 11.00am. and within ten minutes both were working on their computers . By the time they heard a knock on the door , they had both managed to trace two new names each .

Walter walked over to the door and opened it , Paige standing there a big smile on her face . Megan in her basenett in her left hand and her baby bag over her right shoulder . Walter gently took the bassenet from her and moved to one side so Paige could walk through the door . Walter followed and put Megan in her bassenet on the end of his desk . Paige removed the bag from her shoulder and put it on her old desk . She walked over to Walter and pulled him into a hug and kissed him on his lips , which Walter was more than willing to return .

Ralph was still sitting at his desk , a big smile on his face , because Walter had told him what he intended to do , once they had eaten lunch and Megan had been fed .

Paige pulled away from Walter . " Just keep an eye on Megan , while i fetch lunch out of the car . "

She was back a few moments later with a bag which she took as usual into the kitchen .

Once everyone had finished lunch , Paige put the remains of the food back into the bag . Then went upstairs to feed and change Megan who had just woken up .

Once Paige was upstairs Walter called Ralph over . " Ok , buddy you know what i want to do , but i want both my children involved in the proposal , can you keep hold of this ? " As he said this he passed the small black velvet covered box to Ralph .

" I am going to hold Megan , as soon as i begin to kneel , open the box and pass the ring to me . I will then ask your mom to marry me , hopefully she will say yes . Are you alright with all that ? "

A big smile came across Ralph's face . " Of course . "

Twenty minutes later Paige came down the stairs carrying Megan in her bassenet . Paige put the bassenet on Walter's desk , who immediatly went and picked up Megan , Walter's face broke out into a big smile .

Ralph moved from his desk to stand at Walter's side and gently pulled the box almost out of his pocket , still hidden from Paige . Walter looked across at Paige his face and eyes full of love .

Paige was a little taken aback and simply said . " What ! "

" I would like you to help me achieve the most importent thing in my life . " As he spoke he went down on one knee . Paige's face began to beam with a really big smile .

Ralph opened the box and passed the ring to Walter .

" Paige Dineen , in front of our children , would you do me the great honour of agreeing to marry me ? "

Paige's hands went up to her mouth and tears began to roll down her cheeks . Walter held the ring up in his left hand , while securely keeping Megan safe in the crook of his right arm . Paige moved her hands from her mouth and extended her left hand towards Walter as she also managed to say " YES , it would be my greatest pleasure to become Mrs Walter O'Brian ."

With some difficulty , because of holding Megan and a slight shaking in his left hand , he managed to slip the ring onto Paige's finger .

Paige could now see the ring in all it's glory . Her face dropped as she took in all the detail , a round diamond surrounded by small rubys , all mounted over a split in the ring .

Walter carefully stood up and gently handed Megan to Ralph , who held her like a priceless piece of porcelain . Megan looked up at his face and uttered Ral .

As soon as Paige saw Megan was safe , she threw herself at Walter pulled him into a big hug and planted a kiss on his lips which Walter returned . After a few minutes they heard Megan shouting , Mo, Mo,Da,Da then giggerling .

Paige pulled back from Walter . " It would seem the little princess is happy . How about you Ralph ? "

Ralph kept a straight face as he looked at both of them , before saying . " Mo,Mo,Da. DA. . "

This caused both Walter and Paige to break out with loud laughter .

Once they had both calmed down , Paige turned to Walter , with a smile on his fer face ." How did you manage to find a ring so similar to my ideal design ? "

Walter had a smile on his face , but lowered his head . " I am sorry Paige , but for the past couple of weeks , both Ralph and myself have been keeping something from you . Remember the first night , Cabe and Allie came over for a meal . I got Allie to set you up to fetch your design , then i sent you to see if Megan was alright . Well i photographed your design , Ralph got your ring size . So the next day i phoned a lady i have known since i was seventeen , who just so happens to run a jewelry making business .

After looking at your design , she was very excited to make it for me , however she did want to make a couple of adjustments . First because of the weight of the stones , she suggested 14ct. instead of 18ct. which after a time could begin to go out of shape . The second amendment was to the mounts for the rubys , again just to make them more secure .

So i make an apology from both of us for the little lie we had to tell you so we could pull of this surprise . "

Paige again planted a big kiss on his lips . " I am sure i can live with that small ommision ,but i would love to know more about the person who made the ring . "

Walter returned the kiss before answering . " She wants to meet you to , but i think that talk should wait until we get home . We still have a lot of work to do . "

" Ok , i suppose i should let you get back to work , but i am so excited i just want to shout it out to the world that i am now engaged to the most wonderful man in the world . I just want to stay in your arms . "

Ralph gave a small cough . " You do realize both of your children are here , go get a room . "

As he spoke Megan began to giggle and Utter Mo,Mo, Da,Da. Which made the three of them laugh .

Paige released Walter and walked over to Ralph and carefully removed Megan from his arms and placed her back in her bassenet . She walked back over to Walter and leaned in close and whispered . " I promise i will thank you properly once Ralph and Megan are asleep . "

She pulled away " I will let you get back to work , but would you mind if i called Cabe and Allie to tell them . We can tell your parents during tomorrows video call . "

" Of course you can . " He replied his face one big smile .

" Ok , then i will sit over on the sofa admiring my beautiful ring and maybe begin making some wedding arrangements . "

" What ever you want , love of my life " Walter replied before planting another kiss on Paige's lips

Walter and Ralph went back to their computers to begin tracing more of the payments . Paige picked Megan's bassenet up and carried it over to the sofa and put it on the small coffee table which was in front of the sofa , by now Megan had fallen asleep . Paige sat down on the sofa then spent the next thirty minutes just looking at her ring , mesmerized much the same way Walter had been when Rachael first showed it to him . She pulled out her phone and hit the contact for Cabe .

" Good afternoon , sweetheart i hope you are well . " Cabe answered

Paige who's smile had got bigger on her face . " We are all very well , but at the moment feel i am floating on air . Walter just proposed , the ring is beautiful . I hear you and Allie were part of the little conspiracy with regard to the ring . "

" I hope you are not upset about our little bit of subterfuge but Walter was determined you should have the exact ring you wanted when he asked you to marry him . " Cabe answered .

" That is why i love him so much he will always put his family's happiness and safty first , with no thought of expecting anything back . Would you like to meet up at Kovelsky's tonight , i know it is not that romantic , but in many ways it as always been sort of our special place , Say 7.30pm. "

Paige knew Walter would be happy with any arrangements she made . Paige heard Cabe shout across the phone to Allie if she wanted to meet up with Walter and Paige to celebrate their engagement .

Cabe came back on the phone . " We would love to meet you there . See you later , Allie is over the moon , can you pass on our congratulations on to Walter . "

Paige disconnected the call and then Walked over to Walter , although he was concentrating hard on his computer work , as soon as he smelt the lavender that Paige loves to use , his head came up to be met by the smiling face of Paige .

" Cabe and Allie are very pleased, i have invited them to meet up with us at Kovelsky's at 7.30pm. tonight . Are you alright with that ? " Paige asked as she leaned in for a kiss .

" Anything that you want i will always try and please you and i am sure Ralph will be more than happy with a Kovelsky special burger . " Walter told her as he looked across at Ralph .

Ralph had not looked up from his computer , but he had obviously neen listening as he quickly said . " You bet . "

The house of Sadiq Mustpha ( Owner of Stylist Importers .)

Rusty pulled up outside the house . " Ok , we do not have a warrent so we need to do everything by the book . " Rusty told Nick and Agent Thompson .

Both nodded in agreement .

" Ok , lets knock on the door . " Rusty said as he opened the door and stepped out of the SUV. Rusty led the other two up to the door , and gave it two loud knocks . " Homeland Security , open the door . "

Nothing happened , Nick looked through the two windows that faced the street . " I would say they have gone in a hurry , there are lots of drawers open and items of clothing on the floor . "

" Or there could have been a break-in , i think we should investigate . Nick can you open the door ? "

Nick nodded , bought his right leg back then forward at speed so the sole of his boot hit the door with speed and force . The door flew open .

Rusty looked across at Nick . " I had not quite got that in my mind . "

Nick just shrugged his shoulders . " I am not Simone , i don't carry lock picks , my boot does the job just as well . "

" As we don't have a warrent remember don't touch or move anything . I will phone Katherine and get her to arrange a warrent , then once she as arranged it we can search correctly . Remember we thought we were checking on a break-in . "

Again the other two nodded in agreement . Nick and Thompson went upstairs , Rusty began looking around downstairs , while phoning Katherine , he saw a photograph on a side unit , of a man , woman and two children , both who appeared to be in their early teens .

After twenty minutes the three met up in the main living area . Rusty spoke first . " I am certain they have left , a lot of items have been disturbed down here , but we need that warrent to be certain . "

Nick replied . " Upstairs looks a a bit like a war zone , things have been pulled out of drawers a lot of items falling on the floor and being left . Wardrobes with open doors , still with some clothes in them , but also plenty of empty coat hangers . "

Agent Thompson seemed a little out of his depth , he had obviously not been in a situation like this before .

Rusty smiled . " We go and sit in the car and wait , then i will phone Scott and fill him in . "

Stylist Imports

Although the dog was still searching Scott and his team had already found around 10kg. of what appears to be pure cocaine . Rusty had phoned him to explain the situation at Sadiq Mustpha house and had agreed they should wait there until Katherine confirms the warrent .

Scott phoned Katherine , who by then was back at Homeland .

" Hi Katherine , not so good at your end ."

Katherine No ! All the bamboo furniture was shipped out , we are still trying to trace the van , but so far no luck . Also the owners are being very elusive the names on any of the paperwork we have found all appeared to be false , which again makes tracking anyone down very difficult .

Scott . I don't really like to ask but would Walter be of any use , if he was to check their computers ? "

Katherine " I think he as enough to do at the moment , but i can put our top computer people on the job . "

Scott " Are you sure you can trust them ? "

Katherine " I do not really know but i think we have to take that risk . "

Scott " Yes , i suppose you are correct , keep me informed . Bye . "

Homeland .

Katherine turned to Cabe . " What do you think ? "

" I think it is time for me to go home there is not a lot i can do at the moment . I will be back tomorrow . ".

" Ok have a good afternoon and evening . "

" Thank you , i will be putting my feet up and read the paper . See you tomorrow . " Cabe replied with a big smile on his face .

An hour later the warrent for Rusty and his team came through , she pulled her phone out and called Rusty .

Sadiq Mustpa 's house

Once Rusty had received the phone call from Katherine , he and Nick plus Agent Thompson returned to the house . This time they carried out a complete search . After an hour they had not found out much to help the case , except details of the car Sadiq drove . Rusty phoned Katherine with the information .

She immediatly put out an APB and calls to check all airports and docks . Not that she thought they had much chance as Sadiq had over a twenty hour head start .

Stylist Imports

After about six hours , Scott called a halt to the search , arranged for all the documention to be sent to Homeland and called the drug department of the LAPD to send a vechile to collect the drugs and transport the six prisoners . He arranged for one of the patrol cars to stay until the LAPD arrived .

Sadiq Mustpa 's house .

Rusty and Nick made tempory repairs to the door so it could be locked up , reported it to the local police so they would keep an eye on the property . They then made their way back , with Agent Thompson , to HQ.

Homeland HQ.

Around 4.00pm everyone , except Cabe , were back in the conference room to discuss the findings of the the two raids . First however Scott sent Agent Thompson down to the cell block and told him to send Agent McKay back up to the conference room .

Five minutes after Agent Thompson left the conference room , the whole of the building was filled with the noise of a siren . Katherine jumped up immediatly . " That is the cell block alarm , we need to get down there now . "

Rusty was first to react . " Everyone , Nick , Simone and myself will go first , just in case there are attackers down there . All of you need to stay here , once we have secured the area we will phone Katherine . " He had spoken with such authority that not even Scott showed any objections .

As the three left the room , Scott turned to Katherine . " I can see why you value them so much . " After five minutes Katherine's phone rang . "" Hello Rusty . "

" Katherine we have agot three unconcious Agents and one very dead Carlson . He has been shot execution style , through the back of the head . Can just you and Scott come down as the area is such a limited space . " Rusty explained .

" Ok , see you in about five minutes . " At that Katherine cut the call and turned to Scott .
" The two of us need to get down to the cell block . Carlson his dead , Rusty just wants you and me down there due to the limited Space . "

Scott nodded and turned to the other Agents . " Right you will stay here until we return , Katherine could you arrange some coffee for these guys ? "

Katherine pulled her phone out and arranged for coffee and snacks to be bought up to the conference room . With that the two of them made their way to the cell block .

As they arrived at the cell block , Rusty and Nick were moving people from the area , the siren having caused concern , a so many Agents had run down to the area . With Rusty and Nick's help , Katherine and Scott made their way into the cell area .

The three agents on duty were at their desks , their heads actually resting on the desk tops as if in a contented sleep . In front of each of them a half empty cup of coffee .

Rusty turned to Katherine and Scott . " They are all alive , i am cetain the coffee was drugged . Carlson is still were he was found . " He pointed to the cell were Carlson was being held , his body was lying head facing away from the door , the blood around his head had begun to congeal .

Scott did not move but just stared at the body . After about a minute he turned to Katherine .
" Looking at the blood he must have been killed at least three hours ago , so i am not sure what was used to knock the Agents out , but it must have been strong . "

Katherine gave a half smile . " I agree , as anyone called for medical help for the agents ? "

Simone stepped forward . Yes Director , help should be here soon , in fact i will go up to reception now , so i can bring them down . " With that Simone took of at a double pace .

As she left Katherine turned to Scott . " Well that is one problem solved , but it as created a load more . "

Scott nodded " Yes we won't need to prove Carlson's guilt , but it must mean there is at least one more rogue Agent in the team in L.A. H. Q . We had better start an investigation into Carlson's death , using the Washington Agents and maybe Rusty's team .

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Grykon Carlson was expecting to die once he had been arrested to stop him telling them any information . Now they are engaged ARR .

LouBe 96 it was all system go for the ring . The team is back , they all say thank you for their welcome . Carlson was just waiting , because he knew what was coming . As you have seen the proposal as happened ,hope you enjoyed it . I do not think the team will need to help Paige i think the Agents have got the message , especially when they see the ring .

Guest Please keep away from the edge it could be dangerous . Glad you are enjoying the story .

Pearliegirl Glad you enjoyed the chapter, the suspence is still growing but i hope you enjoyed the proposal .