In the limo, Steve and the driver chatted. The driver, Matt Henson, had joined the O.S.I. the year before, quickly rising in the ranks.

“How do you like working for Oscar?” Steve asked. He always enjoyed the answers from rookies, ranging anywhere from tough but fair to raging tyrant.

“Mr. Goldman? He’s all right. Reminds me of my Dad,” Matt replied.

“I am so sorry for your Dad,” Steve quipped.

Matt chuckled. “I’m a service brat. My Dad was in the Navy; he ran a tight ship, pun intended. I’m the middle of seven kids so he had to be tough. Anyway, when I met Mr. Goldman for the first time, I felt like I had gone home.”

Steve just shook his head, wondering how Oscar was going to handle a twenty-some-odd old ‘son.’

“How did you meet Mr. Goldman?” Matt said.

“Oh, I was dropped into the organization, drafted, if you will. One day I was testing experimental vehicles for the Air Force, the next I was O.S.I.”

“Good grief,” Matt exclaimed. “No choice in the matter. For that, I’m sorry.”

“It took getting used to, but I finally settled into the routine. I go out, come back, drop into bed and get called out again.” Steve chuckled, knowing he was exaggerating, but he always loved pulling a rookie’s leg.

“Thankfully it’s not that bad for me!” Matt said.

Steve looked out, noticing the scenery changing from woods to farming to residential. “We should be at the bank soon,” he announced.

Minutes later the limo pulled up in front of the bank. Steve exited the vehicle, briefcase in hand, and entered the bank. Seeking out the bank manager, Steve introduced himself and requested access to his box. The bank manager took the key and led Steve back to the vault.

Steve placed the box on a nearby table, opened it and extracted the documents. He quickly placed the documents into his briefcase and returned the empty box back to its slot, locking it in place.

Steve returned to the limo a mere ten minutes later. “Let’s go,” he said to Matt.

Matt radioed ahead, informing Russ they should be there within the hour.

Steve leaned back in the seat, still holding the briefcase. He couldn’t believe it was this simple.

They rode in silence down the mountainside. As they approached a sharp curve, a car appeared ahead of them in their lane. Matt took evasive action, but it was too late. The late model car avoided a head on collision, but managed to hit the limo from the side, pushing it off the cliff.

The limo somersaulted down the mountainside, flipping end over end until coming to a rest on its roof, moments later, the limo’s gas tank exploded, engulfing the vehicle in flames.

At the edge of the cliff stood a lone man, looking down. He appeared uninjured. After the explosion, he reached for a radio to call his superiors.

“Mission accomplished. The Americans are dead. Their vehicle exploded on impact. Returning to base,” the man said.

A second car arrived from around the bend. The driver got out and helped the lone man push the damaged vehicle off the cliff, making it look like a deadly accident had taken place. Happy with their efforts, the men returned to the second vehicle and left the scene.

Russ paced nervously, wondering what was taking them so long. All efforts to contact Matt had been unsuccessful. They were now an hour overdue.

Dreading the duty, he contacted Oscar.

“Snow White, this is Sneezy,” Russ said.

“Snow White here, reading you five by five.” Oscar sat in his California office waiting for the report.

“Grumpy and Sleepy are missing. I repeat Grumpy and Sleepy are missing. All efforts to contact them via radio have been unsuccessful. Last contact from them indicated they were returning to base. Awaiting instructions.” Russ knew the wheels were turning on the other end of the radio as the silence stretched from seconds to minutes.

The radio came to life. “Sneezy, notify local authorities using your cover, request help with the search, giving them the planned route. Do not, I repeat, do not blow your cover. Stay in contact. If an initial search turns up empty, I will fly to your location and take over. Acknowledge.”

“Yes sir, understood.”

“Snow White out.” The radio filled with static. Russ turned it down, not off, in case Oscar tried to call again.

He gathered the ‘flight crew’, filling them in on the situation and on their orders. After notifying the local authorities, they began their search.

Steve awoke to a raging headache and sharp pains down his left side. He had been thrown clear of the limo, slamming into a tree, shortly before the car came to a rest and exploded.

He lay still, assessing the situation. A sharp pain ran down his left arm. He attempted to move it and almost passed out. The left leg felt odd; the sensations fed back to his nervous system told him there was a problem, but to what extent he didn’t know.

Steve continued testing his body for further injuries, concluding his left side is worse for the wear. Bearing the pain, he raised himself into a seated position, leaning against a rock; waiting for the wave of nausea to subside.

He examined his arm and found it to be a closed injury. “Thank God for that,” he proclaimed. Knowing he’d need a sling, he unbuckled his beat and pulled in out of the pant loops. Forming a loop out of the belt, he carefully put it over this neck, and then fed his injured arm through it.

Steve rested for a few moments longer, wondering how he was going to survive. “Matt!” he yelled, knowing it was hopeless, the sound echoing through the mountains. Spotting the smoldering car a little further down the incline, he knew the agent was dead.

Not having time to mourn, Steve knew he had little time with the fading sunlight. He examined his leg, spotting several points of damage. Attempting to move it was pointless.

Looking around the area, he spotted a downed branch, which could be fashioned into a crutch. It was just out of his reach, but with a lot of effort he managed to grab hold of it.

For the next hour or so, Air Force training took over. Once mobile, Steve examined the trees around him, looking for suitable shelter. He found a nearby pine whose soil had eroded around the base. The branches drooped down over the base, affording protection from the elements. He also spotted edible berries nearby, along with a few plants with edible roots.

Gathering his stash in pockets and whatever would hold the food, he settled into the shallow beneath the tree. Spring in Switzerland was pleasant during the day, but the nights could be cool. He did his best to stay warm, thinking of Jan, Josh and the twins to keep him focused.

Russ was beside himself when the search was called off due to darkness. He couldn’t push the issue since local authorities believed civilians were involved. They might become a bit standoffish if they learned U.S. spies were on their soil.

Russ returned to the airport, waiting for Oscar’s arrival. The radio came to life a short time later. “Sneezy, this is Snow White. Acknowledge.”

Russ grabbed the receiver. “Sneezy here.”

“Any word on Grumpy and Sleepy?”

“Negative. Search called off due to darkness.” Russ heard Oscar swearing under his breath. “Search to resume at first light,” he added.

“Acknowledged. ETA one hour. Snow White out.” The radio went dead.

“The Boss sounds pissed,” the pilot said.

Russ whipped around, glaring at the pilot. “No kidding he sounds pissed. We’re missing two agents. Did you think he’d sound happy?” Russ stormed off the plane, going for a walk.

An hour later, O.S.I. 1 touched down and taxied toward the private jet. As soon as it came to a halt, the door dropped open ad out popped Oscar. He found Russ sitting on the stairs of the plane.

“Idiots ahead,” Russ spat as he poked a thumb in the location of the plane.

Surprised at Russ’s outburst, Oscar decided not to ask. “Is there any point in us continuing the search this evening?”

Russ shook his head. “It’ll be pitch black up there. No lights lining the highway from about two miles from here to a mile from the town.”

Oscar seated himself next to Russ. “It's going to be a long night.”

Russ nodded. “Did you bring anyone with you?”

“Yeah, they’re sleeping. No point in waking them now,” Oscar replied. “We should get some sleep too.”

Russ agreed. They returned to O.S.I. 1, a much larger plane with sleeping accommodations. After freshening up in the restroom, the two men retired for the night.

Steve woke from a fitful slumber, disoriented. It took him a few minutes to fully remember his situation. Poking his head out of the tree branches, he noticed a light snow had fallen during the night, and that his shelter had provided him with enough warmth. After the initial shock of the cold air, he gathered a handful of snow and munched on it, badly in need of fluids. Once satisfied, he settled back into his shelter to consider what would be occurring topside.

He knew by this time a search party would have been formed, but with the vast amount of area to be search, approximately 20 miles of winding highway, he knew it might be a while before his rescue.

By now he suspected Oscar had been notified, and has possibly arrived. Unfortunately, he would be unable to reveal the true nature of the search, since the international community would frown upon American agents working in Switzerland.

Steve’s stomach rumbled. He grabbed a handful of berries and munched on them, thinking of what he could do to aid in his rescue. Doubting he could climb up the mountainside, Steve felt his options were limited. Grabbing his handmade crutch, he carefully pulled himself out of the shelter into the cold shade of the tree. He hobbled out into the sunshine. The pain had subsided, replaced by numbness. He sat upon a nearby rock while continuing to contemplate his situation.

The local authorities arrived at the crack of dawn, as promised. The Chief of Police informed the group that a second search party, starting from the town, has been engaged in the search. They would remain in constant radio contact.

Oscar had introduced himself as Russ’s business partner, having flown from the U.S. to aid in the search in any capacity possible. Russ took to the part in a heartbeat.

The Chief ordered helicopters for the search, allowing Oscar to be a passenger in the lead unit.

By mid-afternoon, the search had proven fruitless. Oscar was frustrated with the air search had to be called off due to descending cloud cover. He was dropped off at an appointed area so he could join the ground search. The search ground to a halt as a rainstorm moved into the area.

Oscar and Russ returned to the plane, hoping the weather would let up soon.

Sitting at the back of the plane, out of earshot of the other agents, Russ said, “Doesn’t Steve have some sort of radio device or triangulation device built into his leg?”

Oscar nodded. “Triangulation unit yes, but no radio. After trying to disappear a few times and being easily found, Steve ripped the triangulation unit out of his leg and threatened Rudy with physical harm if the unit was replaced.”

Russ grimaced, knowing that Steve would have followed through on his threat since his personal life was at stake.

“Let’s hope that if he and Henson are out there, they’ve found some shelter against the rain,” Oscar said, looking out the window.

As the rain started, Steve quickly located an alternative shelter. His previous location would fill with water in no time. Scanning the area, he found a deep outcropping along the edge of the mountain. With all his strength, he made it to his new shelter before the light rain turned into a torrential downpour.

Jan stood, staring out the back window and rubbing her growing belly. Steve had been gone more than a day now and she hadn’t heard from him. Prior to leaving, Steve had promised he was call as soon as he started his journey back.

Rudy stood in the kitchen, preparing dinner. Josh stood nearby, helping when asked.

“Is my Mom okay?” he asked, folding a towel.

Rudy looked to the concerned Josh. “She’s fine, just worried about your Dad. How about putting the salad and dressing on the table?”

“Sure.” Josh grabbed the large bowl and ranch dressing, carrying them into the dining room. Returning to the kitchen, “Do you think my Dad’s okay?” Josh leaned against the kitchen sink, waiting for the next task.

“I subscribe to the ‘no news is good news’ philosophy,” Rudy replied. Truthfully, he was worried, knowing Oscar had flown to Switzerland. Earlier in the day, while Jan napped and Josh was at school, Rudy placed a call to Oscar, only to be informed of his departure.

“Dinner’s ready,” he announced.

Jan joined them in the dining room. Minutes into the meal, “Ouch,” she proclaimed.

“Problem?” Rudy asked.

Jan rubbed her belly, “No problem, just a future soccer player practicing a kick.”

Rudy and Josh chuckled, while Jan glared at them. “Don’t laugh. Guys have it easy,” Jan said. Turning the tables, “Tell me Rudy, why haven’t you ever settled down and married?”

“I’m already married to my work. I don’t think a wife could fit into my life right now,” Rudy replied.

“Now that’s a cop-out if I ever heard one,” Jan said. “You could make it work out if you wanted.”

Rudy shrugged. “I’ve never really thought about it. Shelly picked on me about it as well, wanting me to settle down.”

Jan frowned, “How are you doing, Rudy? I hadn’t even thought to ask, dealing with Oscar instead.”

Rudy smiled, “I’m doing alright. I visit my parents a little more often and don’t take them for granted. I guess the hardest thing was to have her in my life for a short time and then to have her taken away so violently.”

Jan nodded. “I understand what you mean.” She didn’t say another word, not wanting Josh to pick up on her feelings.

Halfway through the meal, the phone rang. “I’ll get it,” announced Rudy. He wandered into the family room and picked up the phone. “Austin residence.”

“You alone?” the voice asked.

Rudy glanced toward the dining room, seeing Jan listening to Josh.

“Not really, but she’s in the other room,” Rudy replied quietly. “What’s happened? I know where you are.”

Oscar paced the plane, as far as the cord would reach. “Steve’s missing. We don’t know what happened. Steve, Matt Henson and the limo are missing. We’ve initiated a grid search but have turned up nothing. It’s approximately a 20-mile stretch of winding road along the edge of the mountain. I figured I’d better call now to warn you.”

Rudy sat on the couch, concerned. “Should I fly over there?”

“I don’t know. I feel you should be here, but you’re needed there as well. Whom at the Lab could I have flown over just in case?”

Rudy didn’t hesitate, “Michael Marchetti. He has the basics down pat and can handle the immediate care. More complicated work would have to be done at either facility.” Rudy couldn’t think of another person he’d rather have there in his absence. “What should I tell Jan?”

Oscar sighed. “I don’t know. I’ve told you what I know. I’d say use your best judgment. She’ll become suspicious soon enough.”

Rudy agreed. He said goodbye and hung up the phone. Returning to the dining room, he found Mother and Son deep in discussion about geology.

From the look on Rudy’s face, Jan could tell something was wrong. “Josh, why don’t you start cleaning off the table.”

“Okay,” he said, gathering the plates. “I’ll do the dishes, Uncle Rudy.”

“Thanks kid,” Rudy replied with a wink. “Jan, let’s go sit out on the deck. You can use the sunshine.”

Jan settled herself into a deck lounger while Rudy pulled a chair up close to her.

“What’s happened?” Jan asked anxiously.

Rudy sighed, deciding to be straight with her, “Steve and another agent are missing.” He quickly filled her in on the conversation with Oscar.

Jan sat, crying. “Rudy, he’s got to be okay. I can’t do this without him,” she said, massaging the growing bulge of a belly.

“They are doing everything they can, but they efforts are being hampered by the weather. When they are searching, there are two ground units along with multiple air units.”

Josh, standing at the kitchen sink, waiting for it to fill, looked outside to the deck and noticed is Mom crying. He turned off the water and headed outside.

“Mom? What’s wrong?” he asked, closing the sliding door behind him.

Rudy looked up to suddenly see a very mature looking Josh, waiting for an answer.

“It’s Dad, isn’t it,” a fact, not a question. “Is Dad okay, Uncle Rudy?”

“We don’t know,” Rudy replied.

“You don’t know?”

Rudy shook his head, then told Josh a condensed version of the details from Oscar. In the meantime, Josh pulled a chair up close to his Mother and sat holding her hand.

“Dad will be okay,” Josh said to Jan. “I just know he will.”

“Jan, why don’t you go lay down? It’s almost time for your nap,” Rudy suggested.

Jan nodded, accepting help out of the chair from Josh. Mother and son went indoors, leaving Rudy sitting on the deck.

Josh escorted his Mom up to her room and lay on the bed with her, keeping her company until she fell asleep. He returned outside, seating himself next to Rudy. “Mom’s sleeping.”

Rudy looked to Josh, noticing him deep in thought. Rudy smiled inwardly, recognizing the look. Josh and Steve had become close enough that Josh had assimilated a few of Steve’s habits. The furrowed brow and deep, penetrating look while concentrating was what Rudy observed at the moment.

Turning back into a ten year old again, “My Dad’s going to be alright, right Uncle Rudy? He’s got to come home.” Josh started to cry.

Rudy put an arm around Josh, pulling him close, letting the boy cry. “Uncle Oscar is doing his best, Josh. You know how he is. He won’t give up until your Dad is found. I’ve known your Dad for a long time. He’s a survivor. I’m sure the thought of you, your Mom and the twins will keep him going.”

Light filtered through the windows of the plane, brightening the interior. Oscar glanced out to the tarmac, dismayed. The sky was sunless, and a steady drizzle fell. He exited the plane, glancing up toward the mountain. His heart fell, seeing the mountain covered in clouds.

Russ appeared a moment later, standing by Oscar. “We’ll do a ground search whether the local authorities help or not,” Russ said. “This is the third day. We’ve got to find him.”

Oscar nodded, “Jan will never forgive me if I don’t bring her husband home in one piece. She’s lost one husband and doesn’t deserve to lose another, especially with twins on the way.”

The men grabbed a quick breakfast at the air terminal, waiting for the police to arrive.

Steve woke, sore and stiff. The cold had started to affect him in more ways than one. The numbness in his left arm and shoulder continued and his bionic limbs were partially frozen. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold on, but knew he had no choice. He scooted himself backward, as far into the outcropping as possible, attempting to stay dry as the rain continued.

O.S.I. 2 landed, rolling to a halt next to the first plane. When the door opened, Michael Marchetti descended into the light rain, his 5’ 10” frame covered in a raincoat. He strode and boarded O.S.I. 1, looking for Oscar.

“He’s not here,” an agent informed him, “but should be back soon. Went out to breakfast.”

Michael returned to his plane, checking the equipment transported from Colorado. When Michael received the call from Oscar, he gathered the equipment he would need for an initial examination. Not having considered the possibility of cold weather, he mentally kicked himself for not bringing the proper equipment in the event that Steve’s limbs needs thawing.

“Michael?”

“In here Oscar,” Michael replied, Oscar boarded the plane, not seeing Michael.

“Back here,” Michael said, raising an arm over a crate.

“I’m glad you could make it on such short notice,” Oscar said, leaning against a crate.

“We aim to please,” Michael replied. He popped into view a moment later. “Any news?”

Oscar shook his head. “Not yet and the weather isn’t cooperating. Air rescue is grounded for the day, and I’m afraid the ground search isn’t going to be easy.” Oscar was close to giving up their cover story in hopes of bringing in military personnel to aid in the search.

Michael climbed over a couple of crates, joining Oscar at the front of the plane. “We need to find him soon,” Michael said. “Assuming he’s alive, the cold will affect his ability to move, if he isn’t already immobile.”

“I’ve considered the scenario. I’m afraid we might be close to him but he wouldn’t be able to respond to our calls,” Oscar said.

“When do we start the ground search?” Michael asked.

“The local authorities aren’t here yet, but I’m tired of waiting,” Oscar admitted. “Time is definitely the enemy, and don’t want to wait another moment.”

By mid-morning, Oscar had his men working their way up the mountainside, retracing the tracks of the other searchers. He felt something had been missed, knowing that his instincts were a little sharper than the locals. The weather became progressively worse, forcing Oscar to call a halt. They found shelter along the inside edge of the mountain, close to the road. Oscar refused to return to the airport, waiting for the weather to let up.

Jan rose early, unable to sleep. Since news of Steve’s disappearance, Jan had become a bundle of nerves. She sat at the kitchen table, half-heartedly working on a list of baby names.

Some time later, Rudy entered the kitchen, not surprised to see Jan up. “Did you get any sleep?” he asked, preparing a pot of coffee.

“Not really. I lay awake most of the night worrying about Steve,” Jan admitted. “What time would it be in Switzerland?”

Rudy thought a moment, “It would be mid-afternoon by now. They are about nine hours ahead of us.”

“When did Oscar say he’d call again?” Jan put down the pen, not having come up with any new names within the past half hour.

Rudy seated himself across from Jan, “He didn’t say.”

Josh wandered into the kitchen, silently sitting at the table. He scooted the pad of baby names toward him, looking over the newest list. He grabbed the pen and jotted down a couple of names then pushed the pad back toward his mother.

Jan looked down at the new addition, “Jason Matthew Austin, Karen Marie Austin. Not bad Josh, not bad at all.”

Josh slid out of his chair and headed outside without uttering a word.

Steve fought the urge to sleep, knowing me may not wake. Evening was falling once again, leaving him cold, hungry, in pain and very frustrated that he couldn’t help himself.

The rain had slacked off a little, allowing the last few rays of the setting sun to peak through the clouds. Steve knew it would be another long night.

Due to darkness, Oscar had called a halt to the search, marking their stopping point. Once at the airport, Oscar called an Air Base in Germany, requesting plain clothed personnel, night vision equipment and thermal infrared sensing equipment. The Captain taking the order assured Oscar that help would arrive before morning.

Oscar then placed a call to California, dreading not being able to give Jan good news. Fortunately, Rudy answered the phone.

“Austin residence.”

“Rudy, it’s Oscar.”

“With good news I hope,” Rudy said. “Jan’s not doing well, and Josh isn’t doing much better.” The silence on the line spoke volumes. “Have you found him?”

“No, not yet,” Oscar replied. He explained the details of the search to date and the call to the Air Base in Germany. “We’re doing everything we can, but I still feel my hands are tied. We can’t break our cover for one man, regardless of who he is. It would cause an international incident if we were found out.” Oscar was extremely frustrated, but tried to keep his emotions under wraps.

“Oscar, you are doing the best you can given the situation. Is Michael there?”

“Yes, he arrived early this morning,” Oscar replied.

“Let me speak to him,” Rudy said.

Oscar woke Michael, who had fallen asleep at the table. “Rudy wants to talk to you.”

After handing the phone to Michael, Oscar returned his attention to a map of the area.

Russ had marked off the secured locations and plotted a search grid for the next day. He had also been in touch with the local authorities, discovering they are giving up on the search. Russ was informed that no one would have survived in the mountains for this length of time without food, shelter or water. Unable to reveal the resourcefulness of their search target, Russ had to hang up before he gave them a piece of his mind.

Rudy sat at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper. It was late, but he couldn’t sleep. Josh had gone off to bed early, Jan following shortly thereafter. She hadn’t felt well most of the evening, chalking it up to nerves and stress.

Rudy glanced at the clock, noting it would be morning overseas. He sincerely hoped they found Steve soon. His discussion with Michael depressed him slightly, knowing what Steve would be going through, assuming he’s still alive.

Rudy finally retired to the bedroom, hoping to at least rest. Shortly before dawn, he drifted off to sleep.

“Mr. Goldman!” yelled a plainclothes Airman. “Over here!”

Oscar sprinted the hundred or so feet to the man’s side. He looked down the mountainside, “What do you see?”

“See the damage to the bush and trees? Although there’s no evidence of tire tracks or skid marks up here, the damage below could indicate a vehicle went over the edge.”

“Airman, that’s the best news I’ve heard in days,” Oscar said. He rounded up the search crew. “I want you to concentrate on the area below. Watch your step while looking for clues.”

The men broke into small groups, descending the mountainside ten to fifteen feet apart. Although it was slow going, their efforts were not in vain. Russ was the first to spot the car at the bottom, flipped on it’s top and charred.

“Oscar!” he yelled. “Over here! I found the car!”

Oscar carefully picked his way through the brush to Russ’s side. He looked down the mountainside at the wrecked limo. “We need to get down there.”

Russ radioed the rest of the search teams to let them know they were in the right spot.

As the men slowly descended the mountain, they started calling for Steve, who lay unconscious under the outcropping.

An hour later, Oscar stood looking at the limo. They had found the remains of Hensen, but no evidence of Steve.

“Spread out and search the area. Radio immediately if you find anything, and I mean anything, out of place,” Oscar ordered.

They knew that either Steve survived the crash and got out on his own, or that he was thrown clear of the car as it tumbled down the mountainside.

Michael stood, looking up the side of the mountain.

“Do you see something?” Oscar questioned.

“Just looking for possible hiding places,” Michael replied. “If he is alive, he would have required shelter from the weather. There are so many nooks and crannies along the mountainside that he could be anywhere, unable to answer.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Oscar admitted, looking up the mountainside himself. “I can’t just stand here; I need to start looking myself. I want you to stay with me,” Oscar ordered as he started to ascend the mountain.

By late afternoon, Oscar had almost given up hope when Russ radioed.

“Oscar, we’ve found the briefcase. There’s also evidence that Steve’s alive, or at least he survived the crash,” Russ reported.

Oscar and Michael quickly picked their way through the brush to Russ’s location. They examined the area, finding a few things out of place.

“He was here,” Oscar announced, not knowing what made him believe it.

Oscar turned in a slow circle, using his binoculars to scan the area. Spotting an outcropping a short ways up the side of the mountain. He handed the binoculars to Michael, pointing to the spot of interest.

“What do you think?” Oscar said.

Michael scanned the area, “It’s worth a shot. How did we miss it on the way down?”

“Don’t know,” Oscar said, heading up the mountain. It took a good half hour, working their way through the undergrowth. Once at the destination, Oscar was shocked at the sight.

Michael quickly moved to Steve’s side, checking vitals. “He’s alive, barely. We need to get him out of here now.”

Several hours later, Oscar paced the halls of an Air Base hospital in Germany, waiting for news while Michael attending to Steve’s immediate needs. Oscar wanted something tangible to pass along to Jan and Rudy, not just that he had been found. Oscar finally settled in the waiting room, tired of pacing.

Michael arrived shortly thereafter.

“How’s Steve?” Oscar questioned, getting to his feet.

“He’s dehydrated. His left arm is fractured in three places, close enough together that pins will be required. Unfortunately, the healing process had started. We’ll wait until we get him Stateside to re-fracture the bone and set it correctly. His whole left side is badly bruised, and we already knew his left leg is in need of repairs. As for the rest, bumps, bruises, and scratches, well, those are minor.”

“Is he awake?” Oscar said. He wanted to talk to Steve as soon as possible, not only on a professional level, but a personal as well. He hoped to pass along a message to Jan so she’d feel better about Steve’s ordeal.

“He’s sedated for now. I’d prefer to keep him that way until we get home. Speaking of which, we can leave at any time.”

Oscar headed to the nurses desk, making a call to prepare for the trip. He was informed it would take an hour prep time before they could leave.

In the meantime, he placed a call to California. The phone rang numerous times before someone answered.

“Austin residence,” a shaky voice said.

Oscar was stumped, taking a moment to recognize the voice. “Jim?”

“Oscar, have you found Steve?”

“That’s why I’m calling. What’s wrong? Where’s Jan?” Oscar said.

“At the hospital. She went into labor early this morning. The doctor said the babies are in trouble. They hope to stop labor and keep the babies where they are.”

Oscar slumped against the counter. “Oh my God. When?”

“About six hours ago. Helen and I flew here as soon as Rudy called. He’s at the hospital with Jan; Helen took Josh there as well. I can contact them with a message.”

“Yes, yes, please do. Tell them we found Steve and he’ll be all right. We’ll be leaving here in an hour or so and will be flying into Edwards as soon as possible. Steve’s in need of Rudy’s attention.”

After passing along a few other details, Oscar hung up the phone and went looking for Michael, finding him it the E.R. with Steve.

Oscar beckoned Michael from the room. Once in the hall, “Keep him asleep, Michael. You don’t want to deal with him now.”

Noting that Oscar was shaking, “What’s wrong?” Michael said.

“Jan’s gone into labor. The babies are in trouble,” Oscar replied.