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This is a soap opera type story based on the
characters from Walker Texas Ranger.
Most of the characters belong to CBS and Norris Productions and we are
really only borrowing them for the summer to help us all with the long wait until
the next season. The other characters
introduced are our friends who are HUGE fans of Walker and the gang. We mean no disrespect just wanted to do
something completely different.
Hopefully you will all enjoy this story….and we will be sending it out
throughout the summer as we get more written and edited….hopefully it takes all
summer to get this done and keeps you all entertained…
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Crystal entered the
Agency and started for her office.
There was some paperwork she wanted to start and she hoped her partner
would be waiting. Their office was
smaller than the main D.C Branch but she didn’t really notice. Going into the bullpen area she gathered
several messages and sat behind her desk just as her bosses came in.
“Crystal,
glad to have you back.” Lee Stetson said sitting down as his wife entered
casually behind. Amanda and Lee Stetson were an old team that had begun in the
D.C area. There were many stories about
how they met and Crystal was pretty sure only Amanda and Lee knew exactly what
had happened. What she did know was
that they both had taken this new position after Amanda’s sons had grown and
her mother had passed away. Amanda had
been divorced with two boys when she became an agent and then ultimately
married Lee Stetson. For years they had
tried to have a child of their own but after awhile had decided it wasn’t to be
so when the sectional director position came open their former boss selected
them each and sent them Texas. It had
been tough at first especially getting to know Lee. He was a quiet person and it seemed the only one who really knew
him was Amanda.
“Thank
you, unfortunately things aren’t going as planned.” She said frustrated and
wishing she could drop the entire case. Yet she knew that could never happen,
not with possible crooked funds being smuggled into a national election.
“Why
do you say that?” Amanda Stetson asked as she stood slightly against the near
wall.
“I
just spent nearly two months on a ship with a former Texas Ranger. He loves to
tell stories, farfetched stories at that, and now I’m engaged to him. Where is my partner in all of this? She’s
off being wined and dined by some cute Texas Ranger.”
“Swoopes,
we know the case has been tough and hope it’s over soon.” Lee threw some photos
and reports on her desk and went to stand next to his wife. “Clarencefan has
been able to do some surveillance so far it appears that this woman has been the
one filtering money into his account.
From the background we’ve done she had been messed up with some drug
money. It seems a few years ago she
helped out with an area bingo group as their accountant. Unfortunately all the money was dirty drug
money. They let her go but it was really suspicious and your partner seems to
think this woman is the link.” Looking
through the papers she smiled realizing that she did have the better end of the
deal. Even though she was engaged to
the “old man” it was only temporary and she had an awesome tan.
“Well
I’m hoping to have this wrapped up by the end of the week. Was Tammy coming in today?” Crystal asked
leaning back in her chair.
“No
she’s out for the day.” Lee and Amanda smiled and walked out the door, hand in
hand. Crystal smiled as they left and
turned to her computer. Turning on her
laptop Crystal found herself thrilled they no longer had the ancient Apple
computers. The last fossil had been
replaced only a couple of months earlier.
Thanks to her computer skills she was turning the Agency around. Even though she hated getting bugged several
times a day by someone trying to figure how to cut and paste something it was
still a lot better than writing everything out or worse using those horrid
ancient relics.
***************************
Kathy was in her
living room deep in thought. She was trying to decide how to handle the
situation she never expected to have to deal with. Should she confide her
worries to Aaron? She knew what he would want her to do. When the truth was
revealed over two years ago he had wanted Kathy to tell Sydney immediately. But
she just couldn't do it. After all what difference did it make now? Sydney was
a grown woman and living in Texas. It would totally disrupt her life. She would
be devastated to learn that her entire life had been a lie. Kathy knew exactly
how it felt to find out that your mother had lied to you for years. So against
Aaron's advice she decided to leave things as they had always been. She would
not tell Sydney the truth about her father. But that was then. Now she was
going to be forced to do what she had feared. How would Sydney react? Then
another fear popped into Kathy's head. What if he didn't even remember her?
After all it had been over 30 years, and they had only spent three weeks
together. Maybe their time together hadn't meant the same thing to him as it
had to her. The situation seemed to be getting worse the more Kathy thought
about it.
Kathy was startled back into the present as
the phone rang. "Hello"
"Hi are you
ready to go? I'm about to leave my house," said Kathy's friend Heather on
the other end of the phone line. Heather was going to take them to the airport
for their flight to Dallas.
"Yes I think
so. Aaron has already put the luggage on the drive."
" Ok then I'll
see you soon." Heather replied.
Coming down the
stairs Aaron asked, "Was that Heather?"
Kathy didn't answer
she had already slipped back into her agonizing thoughts. "Kathy? What's
the matter with you? You've been acting strange since last night. What's
wrong?"
She considered
briefly telling him what was on her mind. But decided against it. She might
later on but now was not the time. Heather would be there any minute.
"Nothing is wrong. I'm just thinking about Sydney." Which really wasn't
a lie she thought to herself.
"Sydney will be
fine. I'm sure the transplant will work with no problems." "Are you
sure that's all it is?" Just then they heard Heather ring the doorbell,
putting an end to the conversation.
"Gage, thank-you
so much for going to the airport to pick up my parents." Sydney said
speaking on the phone to her best friend and partner who had become almost like
the brother she never had.
"It's no problem Syd. You need your
rest." I think you've been over doing it lately anyway."
"As much as I
hate to admit you are right I'm afraid you are this time. I probably shouldn't
have gone to Trent's house warming party last night. But I had such a great
time."
"Yeah me
too. I talked to Walker while I was
there. He seemed really pleased that he was going to be the one to donate his
marrow to you." I still can't get over what a coincidence it is that you
and he are such a perfect match. I…"click
"Oh darn that's my other line. Can you hold on a sec?"
"Sure"
Sydney waited a
moment then Gage came back on the line. "Syd that was Walker he is going
to ride to the airport with me."
"Oh that's
good. I'm anxious for my parents to meet him anyway.
“Well
Walker, I think I’m heading out for the night.
See you at CD’s.” Trivette said grabbing his jacket and hat.
“Yeah
oh don’t forget I’m going with Gage to pick up Sydney’s parents at the airport.
Then I’ll be over. It will be really nice to see CD after all this time.”
Walker said placing a paper in the done stack.
“It
will be wonderful to hear about everything.” Alex said walking up to the
two. Walker grabbed a couple more
papers trying to act extra busy as his partner made a fast retreat out the
door.
“Can
I help you?” Walker asked as Alex sat on the corner of his desk. Her long, slender legs were crossed and he
couldn’t resist a look. She really was
beautiful but his mind was preoccupied with someone else. Two months earlier Tammy had brought her
best friend into CD’s to meet Trivette.
One look and Walker had been gone.
The only trouble was she disappeared afterwards and he hadn’t been able
to find her. Maybe he should give Alex
a try. Sure he had heard the rumors
about who she really was, but they were rumors.
“So
Cordell, are you heading to CD’s?” Alex asked smiling sweetly at the man she
lusted over.
“Yes,
just as soon as I finish this paperwork.” He answered motioning to the small
stack of papers sitting in front of him.
“Well
I would be honored if you would be my guest.” Alex said placing a hand on
Walker’s and gazing deeply into his eyes, almost as if she were casting a
spell.
“Everyone
is invited so I will see you there.” With that Walker returned to his
paperwork. Alex jumped up and left the
room in a huff.
Closing
the door with a little more effort than necessary Alex headed back to her
office. Tonight was the night that was
for sure. Pulling out her briefcase she
paced a few things and headed for her apartment. There was so much to get ready and not enough time to get it
done.
************************
“Coming!”
Crystal shouted rushing down the hall to her front door. Opening it she found CD dressed in a dark
suit and a tie with a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses. Her cheeks were suddenly a flame as she
motioned for him to enter.
“I’ll
take those,” Taking the flowers she headed for the kitchen. “Why don’t you sit
down.” She finished crossing the threshold of the kitchen looking for a
vase. Adding water she arranged them
and headed back out.
“They
are very pretty, thank you.”
“I’m glad you like them,” CD
replied kissing her on the cheek.
“I’ll
be right back.” Crystal said going towards the back to her bedroom so she could
finish getting dressed. Running behind
wasn’t really her style but knowing CD was coming to pick her up that evening
she had to get rid of any trace connecting her anywhere. As far as CD knew she was an orphan with no
family. All of her family pictures were
boxed and shoved in the back of the spare bedroom. Unsure how far the charade would go she would have them moved to
Tammy’s or put them in storage.
“Tanner, don’t look at me like that,” Crystal said going to
the edge of her bed where her beloved Sheltie laid giving her his best puppy
eyes. “You act like I’m leaving you forever.
I’ll be back in a little while. I promise. “ For the two months she had been gone Tammy had taken Tanner. It had taken forever for the two to get
along but Crystal was thankful they did.
Just the thought of Tanner being boarded with a vet for that long just
didn’t excited her. The largest problem
had been Gus, Tammy’s cat. He was the
biggest baby either of them had seen and he hated dogs. Knowing Gus would eventually tolerate Tanner
and that tanner would not hurt Gus Tammy was all for having a dog, even if it
was for a short time. Sure enough the two got a long with in a few days and now
were actually missing the other.
“Tanner,
we will go see Gus tomorrow.” Patting him on the head she really loved that
dog. He was always there for her no
matter what.
*****************************
Standing
in front of the RAM she gently ran her hand down the front panel feeling the
paint and sloping contours of the frame.
Slowly walking around she exhaled trying to remain calm. Her emotions were in overdrive getting a
rush from the experience of being this close.
For days she had envisioned this very moment praying it would
happen. Now that she was there she was
unsure what to do. Throwing caution to
the wind the woman opened the driver’s door and slid into the seat. In a matter of seconds the wires were
crossed and the engine was roaring.
Closing the door she put the RAM in gear and headed out of the parking
lot.
“I
think I’ll call you Henry.” She said to herself as they headed towards the
outer city limits. “Yes Henry, that’s a perfect name for this truck.”
**************************
As their plane
pulled up to the gate at DFW Aaron asked Kathy "When are you going to tell
me what's on your mind? You've barely said a word since we left home. That's not like you."
"It's fine
really. I'm just anxious about Sydney's transplant surgery."
"Well OK if
you're sure."
"I am please
stop worrying about me."
As they stepped out
of the Jet way into the terminal a young blond-headed man greeted them.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cooke, I'm Sydney's partner Francis Gage."
“Yes,
Hi Ranger Gage she told us that you would be meeting us. I'm glad that you
didn't have any trouble recognizing us," Aaron said.
"Well Sydney
has shown me enough pictures of you two. And By the way most people just call
me Gage" He replied.
Just then another man walked up to the
threesome, carrying two cokes. Kathy nearly fainted again. She couldn't believe
it. She thought she would have at least one more day before she had to face
this. She stood in a silent stare. The years had worn on him some and his once
clean-shaven face now sported a handsome and close shaven beard. But she would
know the face anywhere. Any fears she had about him not recognizing her were
dispelled as soon as she saw the look in his eyes. Recognition was obvious.
"Oh hi
Walker." Gage said oblivious to Walker and Kathy's reaction to each other.
"Mr. and Mrs. Cooke I would like for you to meet Ranger Cordell
Walker."
"Cordell
Walker!" Aaron exclaimed not able to hide the shock in his voice.
"Yes I guess
Sydney told you that Ranger Walker is going to be the donor."
"Well I haven't
talked to her about it. But I have a feeling she mentioned it to her
mother." Aaron said as he gave Kathy an accusatory glance.
"It's.. ah… Nice
to…ah meet you." Walker said stammering over his words. "Oh Gage and
I thought you might want something to drink." He said awkwardly
remembering the two cups he held in his hands.
"Why don't we
go and pick up your luggage?" Gage said. On the way to baggage claim
Walker and Kathy carefully exchanged glances at each other, both not wanting
the other to realize that they were looking. After the luggage was retrieved
Gage offered to go get the car and pick them up right next to the terminal so
they would not have to carry the heavy luggage all the way through the parking
lot.
After Gage and
Walker went to fetch the car Kathy and Aaron stood on the sidewalk waiting for
them. Aaron turned to her and said in a tone halfway hurt and halfway angry.
"Sydney did tell you that her donor was Cordell Walker didn't she? That's
what's been on your mind. Why didn't you tell me?
"Well I wanted
to wait."
"Wait for
what?"
"I wanted to
make sure it was the same Cordell Walker."
"Come on Kathy,
just how many Cordell Walkers to you think there are in the world?" Before
she could answer Gage and Walker pulled up to the curb.
************************
The conversation on
the way to Sydney's apartment consisted mostly of chitchat between Gage and
Aaron. Walker and Kathy were both almost silent the entire trip. Walker was
still in shock over seeing Kathy. The shock was not so much due to seeing her
after all these years but mainly from finding out that she was Sydney's mother.
What an amazing coincidence.
While Walker's
thoughts were in the past and present Kathy's thoughts or more accurately her
fears were firmly planted in the future. How am I ever going to explain all of
the to Sydney? She thought distressfully.
After they arrived
at Sydney's apartment Aaron quickly got out of the car and went round to the
trunk to collect their suitcases. He took one and handed the other one to Gage.
He then began to engage Gage in conversation and walked swiftly to the stairs.
He was hoping he could put enough distance between the four of them to give
Kathy and Walker some privacy. He hoped she would start things rolling. Aaron
glanced back and saw them talking.
"Cordell you
haven't changed much since the last time I saw you." Kathy said very
awkwardly.
"You do
remember me then? I wasn't sure that you did." Walker responded smiling.
"Of course I
do." She said stammering slightly.
"I just can't
believe that you are Sydney's mother. It's really an incredible
coincidence."
"Yeah, it's
incredible alright."
Sydney was waiting
for them at them door. "What took you guys so long to get here from the
car?" Kathy gave Sydney a hug but didn't answer her question.
However Walker did.
"Your mom and I were talking. We know each other, or at least we used to.
We…ah….are…ah … friends from a long time ago."
"You're
kidding? That's amazing I can't wait to hear all about it." Sydney said
excitedly.
"Well maybe
later." Kathy said and received a look from Aaron that said It better be
sooner than later.
“Yes, later, Gage
would you mind dropping me off at my truck I need to get to CD’s”
Gage said, “Sure
Walker, looks like I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
******************************
Arriving
at CD’s Trivette held open the door allowing Tammy to enter and then they
slowly made their way towards the bar.
Everyone was supposed to be arriving in a few minutes with CD arriving
in less than an hour. Surveying the
room Trivette noted a couple retired Rangers sitting at a table against the far
wall. Before turning back towards Tammy
he sent them a quick wave.
“I made out my part
of the guest list this afternoon. I think I only have about twenty or thirty
people.” Tammy chuckled because she knew Trivette hadn’t even started to think
about wedding plans. “Don’t look at me
like that. The wedding will be here before you know it.”
“I know, we’ll go
over it this weekend. I promise. Is that a deal?” He asked pulling her close.
“Yes, I think we can
wait until then.” She replied as he gently kissed her. Suddenly the door flung
opened startling everyone. Trivette
turned around to find his partner coming in with the look of rage engraved on
his face.
“Can you believe,
day of all days…” Walker said louder than his usual tone and adding confusion
to his partner.
“What happened
Walker?” Trivette asked hoping they would be able to solve whatever had
happened to put his partner in such a foul mood.
“Can you believe
someone stole my truck? I leave it
parked out front of the station like I always do…. same place. When Gage and I
went to the airport to pick up Sydney’s parents we found it stolen. I put in my 10 hour day most of it behind a
stinking desk only to go out and find it stolen.” Trivette stood their stunned, in all the years he had known
Walker he had never known him to have his truck stolen. That vehicle was his pride and joy something
he cherished almost more than life itself.
“I sent it out on the wire but I’m guessing
that truck is long gone by now. Really
upsets me though…it was all broken in and…” Walker trailed off as he tried to
calm himself down but wanting to hit something.
“Walker,
we’ll find your truck.” Trivette said turning towards his fiancée and trying to
figure out what to say to help his partner through this. They all knew that the chances of finding
the truck were slim to none by now it was probably below the border and being
torn apart. They had seen it many times
before and would see over and over again.
Just
then the door opened and in came CD.
Walker stood stunned as he saw Crystal coming in on his former partner’s
arm. He had been searching everywhere
for her and here she was stunning as ever.
He guessed she had been on the cruise because of the golden tan and as
they walked up to him he was speechless.
“Cordell!”
CD said walking up and stopping directly in front of the trio. “Jimmy, how are you?” CD stopped when he saw
Tammy he wasn’t sure who she was. He
knew he had seen her around and assumed as close as she was sitting next to
Trivette they were close.
“CD
Parker, I’m Tammy and I must say it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Tammy said extending her hand and shook
the older ranger’s hand. Introductions
were made and the party got underway.
Walker had managed to slink down to the end of the bar hoping that no
one would notice. Tammy made sure her and Trivette were never far from Crystal
and CD who were telling stories about the trip.
“We
have an announcement!” CD exclaimed standing up and reaching for Crystal’s
hand. Tammy noted that Crystal glanced
towards the bar and was trying her hardest to appear to be happy as she stood
also. “This little lady here and I are engaged!”
Tammy
couldn’t believe her ears and then as soon as the initial shock wore off she
realized it must be the case. When
Crystal had left for the cruise all she could talk about was Cordell Walker and
looking over her shoulder she found Walker still standing near the bar and he
too appeared to be in shock. Somehow
Tammy knew they were going to have to solve their case and get Walker and
Crystal together. It was times like
these that she wished they worked normal jobs where they weren’t having to
create new and alter personalities.
Walker
had heard the news from across the room.
Hanging his head down he looked at the glass in front of him and wanted
so badly to begin drowning his sorrows.
As everyone began congratulating the newly engaged couple he wanted to figure
out how to get out without having to tell anyone he was leaving. His heart was breaking and nothing was going
to make him feel better.
“Hey
cowboy.”
Walker heard the
voice and couldn’t figure out why his life was going so badly at that moment. “Alex…”
He replied without looking up.
“I…thhoought this
was yyou…” Alex said slurring her words and he could tell she was getting
drunk. “Scootch and vater.” She said
holding up her glass and nodding her head.
“You’re drunk.”
“I now see…how come
they make you a Ranger.”
“Well I think you’ve
had quite enough.” Walker took her glass and moved it just as she fell into the
stool next to his.
“AH come on Ranger
Walker, I want a drunk.”
“I think you’ve had
enough, in fact I think it’s time to get you home.” He wasn’t happy about the
thought but looking back over his shoulder he also knew no one else was going
to give her a ride home and it would be the best way to get out the door
without having too many questions to answer.
“Ooh
home…bed…. sleep…” Alex slowly turned her head and looked up at Walker and
taking her hand he helped her up as she lost her balance and fell back into his
arms. Waving goodbye to his partner
Walker escorted Alex out of CD’s and taking her keys he helped her into the
car. Driving off they headed towards
her apartment.
*********************************
Once at her
apartment Walker helped Alex to the couch “I’ll go start some coffee.” Going
into the kitchen Alex got up and made her way into the bathroom where she
pretended to be sick. Grabbing the tiny
vile of sedative from the medicine cabinet she flushed the toilet and made her
way out slowly.
“Are you all right?”
Walker asked several minutes later as he brought the coffee into her and set it
on the table.
“Yes, I think so. Would you mind bringing me a cool wash cloth
from the bathroom?” Alex asked quietly as she held her hand to her
forehead.
“Sure.” Just as
Walker headed towards the bathroom Alex slipped a little of the drug into his
coffee. Coming back into the room he handed her the wash cloth and sat down.
Alex watched as he picked up his coffee cup and took a long swallow. Sitting quietly it wasn’t long before the
drug began to work it’s magic.
“Walker, you don’t
look so good.” Alex said removing the drunken façade as she made her way to
Walker who was trying to stay awake.
“Why don’t you come with me.”
Taking his hand she led him into the bedroom and helped him to lie on
her bed. Lying down next to him she
began kissing him and in his drunken state he reciprocated. She needed his final thoughts of their
evening being of them together in a questionable manner in her bedroom. As Walker drifted off to sleep Alex
undressed him and then slipped into bed herself.
****************************