Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

----------

Chapter 3

Sydney awoke with her alarm at 6:30. She lay still for a minute, waking up and remembering the last twenty-four hours. Her thoughts paused on her last conversation with Gage. She wondered if he would treat her any different now. Then she remembered the last thing she heard before she fell asleep.

'Did he really say that?' she thought to herself. She quickly collected her things and went to the bathroom for a shower. When she was through, she quietly moved downstairs not sure who might be up yet. As she neared the main floor she was surprised to hear an Oldies radio station playing softly. She was more surprised to hear Gage singing along. His back was to her as he made coffee.

"Hey! Hey, Baby! I want to know if you'll be my girl!" He sang quietly, not wanting to be heard. Sydney stifled a laugh.

"Really?" she said with a grin.

"Syd!" Gage exclaimed in surprise as he whipped around to face her. "I..um,..I didn't hear you come down. Uh, Bud was down a few minutes ago and turned this on. I was just making coffee. They'll probably be up soon. He said he heard Kendra and the baby."

"Gage, you're rambling." She could see his embarrassment in his wide eyes and the pink hue of his face, but she just smiled and pretended to ignore it. "So, what's for breakfast?"

"I hadn't gotten that far yet. I figured we would let the Turners get up, then decide."

Right then they heard Bud and Gloria coming down the stairs. Turning to watch them, Syd and Gage noticed relaxed smiles as the older couple shared a loving gaze.

"Good morning, Rangers," said Gloria when she saw them in the kitchen. "Kendra will be down when she's done feeding Jesse. Let me in there and I'll make you a wonderful breakfast."

"Thank you, Gloria," replied Syd. "I'd be glad to help you."

Talk ran along general lines after that. It wasn't long before Kendra and Jesse joined them. Gage kept watching Sydney. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something different about her, something softer in her eyes when she smiled at him. Whatever it was, he liked it.

----------

Walker and Trivette met at Ranger Headquarters that morning at 9:00. The office was full with Rangers and Tarrant County Sheriffs deputies.

"Watson told us the exchange is going down at noon," began Walker. "We're going to move in quietly and surround them. You all know the drill. We'll keep the chopper close on alert, just in case. Any questions?" For the next hour they poured over a map and designated who would be where, and collected what they would need for the bust. Then Walker said, "Alright, let's get going."

As they drove along in Walker's truck Jimmy looked over at him and asked, "You think the Suttons will try to get to the safe house?"

"The thought had crossed my mind. I've been wondering how James found Kendra after she left the first time. Frank Watson and Billy Hughes didn't know, and Joe and James weren't talking. But I'm sure Gage and Sydney will take care of the Turner's."

"They are a formidable team."

"Hopefully after this bust we won't have to worry about the Suttons getting to them. We're here. Let's get into position."

----------

Right at noon on the Sutton Ranch a stretched Limo pulled into the drive. It was followed by a Jeep, which had four men inside, and a large truck with a canopy, carrying two men. The vehicles pulled to the main door of the barn. The men in the Jeep alighted and one of them knocked on the barn door. At the same time the men in the truck got out and went to open the tailgate. As John Sutton exited the barn the driver of the Limo got out and opened the back door. The man who stepped out was a picture in contrasts. His tall, bulky frame, unkempt dark hair, and scraggly beard did not match his designer three-piece suit and excessive gold jewelry.

"It's good to see you again, Mr. Simpson," began John as he extended his hand.

"And you, John," replied Brody Simpson as they shook hands. "I hope all is well. I don't see your brothers here." His speech gave the impression of forced elegance.

"They have other business today," answered John, hoping the issue wouldn't be pursued. To change the subject he stated, "We have your order all ready," as he provided a sample.

At this Simpson turned to his driver and instructed him to examine the goods and get the payment. When this was done the barn doors opened and the men worked together to begin loading the truck.

----------

Walker and Trivette were watching the exchange through binoculars. When the barn doors opened they could clearly see the lab inside.

"There are the money and the drugs," said Walker to Trivette. Then holding a radio to his mouth he called to the other men, "All units move in."

----------

Brody Simpson and John Sutton stood talking as they watched their men loading the truck. Suddenly they heard sirens all around them and saw a chopper fly in and hover overhead, and the men began to scramble and reach for guns.

"Texas Rangers!" called Walker through a bullhorn. "Drop your weapons and put your hands in the air! You're under arrest!"

Bullets began to fly as the men tried to flee. Trivette went after John and Walker went after Brody. In a matter of minutes the men had been subdued and all were in custody. Simpson and Sutton were taken to different patrol cars.

"Where's your brother Jake?" Walker asked Sutton.

"Where's your little girl playmate?" he spat back. Walker had to stop Trivette from slugging him. "Let's just say that if she's with Kendra, we'll be out very soon."

As understanding set in Walker and Trivette took off running for the chopper. Walker called on the radio to make sure the pilot knew he was needed. At the same time Trivette tried to raise Gage on his cell phone.

----------

Gage and Sydney sat on the couch talking with Kendra, who was in the easy chair. Gage admired how natural Syd looked holding the sleeping Jesse. Bud and Gloria had just begun to dance around the family room to 'their song.'

"So your parents really like the oldies, huh?" asked Syd.

"Yeah. We moved down here from Michigan when I was in high school. They never took to country."

"Well, it's nice to see a couple that stuck it out and still seem so much in love. How long have they been married?" Syd continued.

"Thirty years in September. That's a record anymore. I always hoped that I would find that," Kendra finished with a sad smile.

"I know what you mean," replied Syd. "That kind of love seems hard to come by these days."

"I don't know, ladies," put in Gage. "I think it's possible to find. You just have to recognize it when it's in front of you, and not be afraid to take it." It did not escape Syd's notice that Gage was looking at her when he said it. Blushing slightly she got up and handed Jesse back to his mother.

"I suppose he should be put in bed. Thank you for letting me hold him," Sydney said with a smile, trying to change the subject. Kendra glanced between the two and smiled a little too knowingly as she headed up the stairs.

Right then Gage's cell phone rang. With a worried look at Syd he picked it up and checked the caller ID. The Turner's all stopped to watch him.

"Jimmy, what's up?" questioned Gage.

"Gage, if you don't have visitors yet they're on the way," answered Jimmy.

"Aw, man, that's all we need," said Gage. Suddenly the perimeter alert sounded. "Syd, get them upstairs! I'll check the monitors!" yelled Gage as he hung up. He headed for the kitchen and she began herding the Turners to the bedrooms, moving them all into one.

"Barricade this door. Stay on the floor and away from the windows," Syd instructed. With that she joined her partner downstairs.

"There's one large van with no windows pulling in front of the house," called Gage as Syd moved to a defensive position near a front window on the right side of the house. Gage moved to another window across the room from her. "Looks like five guys. They're splitting up."

"I see them," answered Syd as the men scattered across the lawn.

They heard one man call loudly, "Remember, we need them alive!" Then they opened fire on the house for cover to get in. Gage and Syd returned fire. Two men fell in the yard. Two more came through windows on opposite sides of the house. The last, the largest of them, came straight through the front door. Sydney shot the man that came through the window near her and turned to see the large man coming toward her. She backed up and circled looking for the best defense.

"You'd be Jake Sutton," she said.

"And you'd be that pesky girl," he replied with a sneer. Then he charged her. Syd turned and ran to a wall. Leaping up she planted one foot against the wall then spun, kicking him in the head as hard as she could with her other foot. The momentum knocked him to his knees but he was up quickly. As he lunged at her she went low, spinning with one leg extended and knocking his feet out from under him. He roared in anger and frustration as she continued to elude him while managing to repeatedly knock him down.

Gage tackled the man who came through the window by him. Three well placed punches and one round house kick brought that man down. Then Gage turned to see Syd holding off Jake Sutton. Quickly joining her, he kicked Sutton in the back and knocked him to the ground. Syd sprang on his back and put him in a choke hold. He tried to stand as he pulled at her arms, but several seconds later he succumbed and fell to the floor.

Standing up, Sydney rolled her neck and sighed.

"You alright?" asked Gage.

"Yeah. You?" Syd said.

"Yeah," Gage replied. Then after stepping out of kicking range, he grinned and said, "Do I get another kiss?"

Sydney rolled her eyes and smiled. "That was just a 'thank you,' you know. Let's go let the Turner's out." Then they both paused as they heard a chopper approaching. Going to the window they were glad to see it was Walker. "You go talk to him, Gage. I'll go give the Turners the all clear."

Gage stepped out on the porch and waited for the chopper to set down in the front yard. Walker and Jimmy jumped out and ran up to him.

"What took you guys so long?" called Gage with a grin.

"We took down enough drug dealers at the bust and figured this was your turn," replied Jimmy, grinning back. They moved to watch the Turner's follow Sydney into the yard.

"Besides," said Walker as the corners of his mouth turned up, "we didn't want Sydney to think we believed she couldn't handle them." Sydney smiled wryly and shook her head. "The good news is," continued Walker, now all business as he addressed the Turners, "the Suttons are all in custody. You should be able to go back home." They were interrupted by sirens as patrol cars came to collect the final men. With that they went to pack up their things. Walker and Trivette took the helicopter back to town. The Turners got a ride with an officer. Gage and Syd rode together in his car.

----------

Gage and Sydney agreed to go to headquarters first when they got back to town. The ride was comparatively quiet as each kept stealing glances at the other. Once there they parked and made their way to the office. Walker and Jimmy were already there.

"Welcome back," called Jimmy as they came through the door and went to Walker's desk.

"How'd they find us?" asked Syd.

"Mike Johnson, one of their hands, told us," began Walker. "He said James put a GPS tracker in the lining of Jesse's diaper bag. He had one locator in his truck. That's how he found her the first time. A spare was at the house. After James was arrested, John had Mike use it to keep track of Kendra. He marked on a map where she went. When it stopped moving, they knew where she was. I've already found it and removed it for Kendra."

"With all we have on them, the DA says it won't be any problem putting them away for a long time, especially since a lot of their men are turning states evidence," added Jimmy. "Apparently they didn't treat anyone very well. And we got Brody Simpson to boot."

"The Turners are in Room 2," continued Walker. "They want to talk to you before they go home." With that Syd grabbed a pamphlet off her desk and followed Gage to see them.

----------

Sydney knocked on the door to Room 2 before entering with Gage. The family was once again sitting at the table. Kendra looked up and smiled, then rose and embraced Sydney.

"I can't thank you enough," she began as tears welled in her eyes. "I can't believe this is finally over."

"There's still the trial," replied Syd as she returned the hug. "But at this point, that's practically a formality." The ladies released each other. "Are you sure you'll be okay? Often traumatic experiences like what you've been through will have far reaching effects. It would be wise to find a good counselor and talk some of this through."

"We've discussed that," rejoined Gloria. "We're just not sure where to find one."

"The H.O.P.E. Center has some excellent resources," suggested Syd as she handed them the pamphlet. "Here is their contact information."

"Thank you again," said Bud as he shook their hands.

"We're glad we could help," finished Gage. With that the family went home and Gage and Syd returned to the office. For the next two hours they worked on paperwork for the case, and continued to steal glances at each other.

"Gage, can you give me a ride home?" asked Syd. "I don't have a car here."

"Sure thing, Shorty. Just let me know when you're ready to go."

"I need to talk to Walker for a minute first." Syd got up from her desk and asked Walker if she could speak with him. He took her into the office and shut the door, but left the blinds open.

"Walker, I'm sorry about blowing up at you last night. I don't know what I was thinking."

"I do. Sydney, your one of the finest Rangers I know. But I also know that your gender makes life more challenging for you. I understand how this case brought some frustration to the surface. Know that I have full confidence in you and I'm sure it won't happen again. By the way, after the crime scene photos were taken at your house, I took the liberty of having it cleaned for you, and a new front door put in. I hope you don't mind," replied Walker as he handed her keys.

"Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you."

"I figured you wouldn't want to come home to that. Speaking of which, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Walker. Give Alex a hug for me." Sydney collected her things from her desk then followed Gage to his car.

----------

"Gage, do you want to come in for a minute?" asked Syd as he parked in front of her house.

"Sure. Let me get your bag for you while you go unlock your new door."

"What?" she said with a grin. "You don't want to demolish this one, too?"

"Well, if you really want me to," he replied as he got out and turned for the door.

"No, no," she asserted laughing. "I'll use the key."

"I need to get a new coffee table," Syd stated after they were inside. "Have a seat. You want anything to drink? I have tea, milk, water, lemonade…"

"Lemonade sounds good." He sat in the overstuffed chair as she went into the kitchen.

"Gage, I have a question. Why did you start talking about the weather last night?"

He paused, wondering where this was going. "Well, uh, I just thought that maybe me droning on about something mundane would help you relax," he stammered. She didn't see the color rise in his face.

"Why would you think that?" she asked as she began to pour two glasses of lemonade.

"Well, Syd, I'm not really sure," he continued to stammer. "I just thought maybe you'd like the sound of my voice."

"And why would you think that?" she inquired again. He couldn't see the smile creeping across her face.

Gage sighed. "Well, the truth is, Syd, when I was in the hospital, after my surgery to repair my hearing, as I was coming around I could've sworn I heard you say that… you love the sound of my voice. But maybe I was just imagining things," he finished quickly.

"That's interesting," she said as she put the lemonade away. "Last night just as I was dozing off I could have sworn I heard you say that you love me. But maybe I was just imagining things." There was a charged silence for the next few moments.

"Oh," Gage replied. "You're not going to… kick me in the head again… are you?"

"No," she said softly as she brought the lemonades and set them on her dining table. "You remember I told you that kiss after Walker and Alex's wedding was just in celebration? And yesterday was in gratitude?" She came up beside him and lowered herself over the arm of the chair into his lap. "What do you think this one means?" she asked as she put her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his, softly but fully. His arms went around her and he held her close for the next several seconds. Then she pulled her head away from his and looked into his eyes.

"I think I know what that means," he said as a smile spread across his face. She smiled back.

"You ever notice how much better a kiss is when you love someone?" she queried.

"And when they love you back?" he returned. "I'm not sure. Maybe you better show me." She gave him one more kiss then stood up to get their drinks. "Syd, where do we go from here?" he continued as she handed him his drink.

"Let's just take it slow and see what happens," she answered as she sat on the couch. "I think we just got past the hardest part." They both chuckled at that. Then Gage looked at his watch.

"Well, I better get going," he said, and then he finished his drink and stood to go.

"Gage?" She stood up and put her hand on his arm to stop him. "You never told me why you kissed me at the Raptor's camp." He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close before answering.

"That was just 'cause I wanted to," he replied softly before kissing her again. "I'll see you tomorrow, Shorty."

"Good night, Gage." Syd smiled at him as he left her house.

----------

Roll credits.