Jaime and Oscar arrived together the next day. The over-worked director couldn’t stay long and for that he was grateful since it was very difficult to see his close friend in such a dismal state. He knew the investigation was moving ahead slowly but still said nothing to Steve about who was their primary suspect and why. It unnerved the tall dark-haired man that Steve never even asked who killed his son.

Jaime pushed the wheelchair slowly down the hall. She stopped it as Rudy approached, “Well did you enjoy your walk?” He directed his question to the silent man in the chair but got no response so Jaime answered for him. She then continued the trek onto his room and since Rudy was allowing him out of bed for longer periods she parked him by the window.

Steve still would not even make eye contact with the woman he had known for decades. She would have been the closest thing to family at this time but he still didn’t open up to her. Jaime did her best not to treat him as if he was her client knowing it was Rudy’s department and he was familiar with Steve’s reactions to such situations…. ‘Such situations’ she thought. When has Steve ever experienced anything remotely like this?

As she grabbed her coat to leave Harry Donner entered the room. The sandy-haired woman smiled at the boisterous greeting he had for his friend. They looked at the injured man who continued to stare out the window oblivious to his new visitor.

“Well, I’ll leave you boys to entertain one another. Steve, I’ll be back later. I have to see two of my clients then maybe we can eat dinner together.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze then gracefully made her exit.

Harry settled himself at the small table across from Steve. He lifted the bag he had brought with him onto the flat surface. “Well Steve I know you are stuck here for at least a several more days and you need something to entertain you besides watching all those pretty young nurses so I brought you a present.” Steve remained frozen in place, his face void of expression, staring unfocused out the window.

Harry lifted the portable cassette player from the bag then dumped out several home made tapes. “As I mentioned yesterday Steve I want to help you. After what I did all those years ago… well…I want to make it up to you. So I brought you these. I do recall years ago you like some of these bands. Let’s see…The Rolling Stones, Three Dog Night…The Beatles, can’t forget them…and as an added bonus a compilation of Harry Donner’s favorites.” He smiled at the unmoving profile.

Looking over his shoulder to make sure they were alone he placed a cassette into the machine. He then stood and moved closer to his old friend, beginning a long, one-sided soft-spoken dialogue. When he was through he took a set of headphone from the bag. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to use these. Don’t want to disturb the other patients now do we?”

He plugged the jack into the side of the machine, pushed ‘play’ and placed the padded headphones on Steve’s head. Steve never acknowledged anything Harry had said but Donner was confident the information would sink in. He just needed to give Steve a few days then see where they would go from there. He glanced at his watch, time was running short and he had a lot of work to do before Steve’s hospital release.

“Well buddy I’m afraid I need to head out. I’ll try to make it back later on tonight. Maybe you will be up to talking then.” Harry stood with his eyes locked on Steve’s stoic face wondering if the tapes would have the desired affect. “See ya later.” He patted his friend lightly on the shoulder and left the room.

Steve sat where he was placed, staring glassy-eyed out the window with the headphones covering his ears, remaining there for forty five minutes passively listening to the sounds on the tape. He was alone when the cassette tape finally stopped moving. Dr. Wells would have been ecstatic but no one was there to witness Steve blink a few times then turn his head slowly from the window and focus his eyes on the table. His right arm slowly came up from his lap to reach across his body and push the ‘eject’ button on the machine. Reaching out he flipped the audiotape over, closed the lid and pushed the ‘play’ button. There was still no expression on his face, turning back to the window, a lone tear meandering its way down his face as the tape droned on and on into his head alone.

Later that evening the nurse was helping Steve out of his robe and back into bed. He easily swung his legs onto the bed, the pain in his hip slowly diminishing. The door swung open to admit Steve’s two closest friends. Jaime apologized for not getting back to the medical center by dinner. Her absence did not seem to bother the depressed man as he sunk his head into the pillow.

The doctor directed his nurse, “I think we can discontinue the arm sling when he’s in bed. He only needs it when he’s up and about.” His gentle hands assisted the nurse with removing the arm support. She turned and placed it on the nightstand. It was then Rudy noticed her pick up Steve dinner tray. He was shocked and happy to see it empty. ‘At least his appetite is coming back’ Rudy thought.

Rudy turned to Steve to deliver the good news. “Well Steve, I have scheduled time in the morning to repair your bionic eye. So by this time tomorrow you’ll have your depth perception back and the patch will be gone.”

Steve just stared at the tile ceiling, only paying half attention to the words being directed at him. The rest of his mind was at war with his heart and conscious. Seeing no obvious response Rudy continued to provide uplifting information.

“Anyway, once your eye is repaired I think I can see about discharging you the following day. I think you’ve recovered enough to leave here but I’m strongly suggesting you stay with someone for a while.”

With the patient remaining silent Rudy and Jaime exchanged a glance, the young woman just shrugging her shoulders. Their attention instantly turned to Steve when he uttered his first words since learning of Michael’s death.

“I don’t need a babysitter.” The voice was low and didn’t leave much room for argument. After recovering from the shock of hearing his despondent patient speak Rudy stated matter-of-factly, “Steve you still only have use of one arm for a while. It’s going to make everyday activities difficult…and besides Jaime has already volunteered.

Steve swallowed hard, his eye focused on the ceiling, not wanting to hurt Jaime’s feelings but his mind was already made up. “I’m not staying in Washington. I’m going back to Ojai.” Jaime made eye contact with Rudy across the bed as both their stomachs twisted at the thought of Steve being alone and depressed. They knew trying to change his mind would be difficult. “How about we talk about this tomorrow. Okay?”

The pair walked out into the hallway to discuss what other options they had.

By daybreak Steve had already been awake for hours. Now he lay with his headphones providing private entertainment. He remained still and focused on the sounds only he could hear. Rudy entered his room to explain what had to be done to repair his eye. Sensing the close presence Steve cracked open his right eye. He politely reached up and pulled off the headset.

“Listening to anything good?” Rudy asked casually.

“Not really.” Steve replied curtly and pushed the stop button on the machine resting on his stomach.

“I wanted to let you know they will be taking you to the operating room in about an hour. The repairs shouldn’t take more than 3 hours. You’ll be groggy for a couple hours but the eye should be fully functional again.”

“Fine.”

Rudy could see the tiredness in Steve’s face. He knew Steve wasn’t sleeping much, spending much of his time listening to the tapes Harry brought. Although Steve’s mood was improving, he was talking and eating again, the doctor was still concerned that his longtime friend was far from acting like himself. Deciding to go out on a limb he offered, “Steve….maybe later we can talk, just you and me.”

Steve’s single blue eye turned icy. Rudy prepared himself for an angry outburst. He was shocked by the quiet voice that replied, “There’s nothing I want to talk about.” He slipped the headphones back on, pushed ‘play’ and closed his eye. Rudy left without another word.

With Steve almost fully recovered it was time to discharge him from the medical center. Rudy pleaded with Steve not to return to Ojai, at least no yet and certainly not alone. He knew Steve was still very depressed but Steve continued to put his belongings into his duffle bag.

“Well Buddy, are you ready?” Harry called out on his way into the room. He had heard Rudy’s request and wanted to get Steve away from the well-meaning physician as soon as possible.

“Yeah, let’s go.” He picked up his bag with his right arm, his left still immobilized. Rudy stood silent and watched the two men exit. His gut told him something was not right with his patient. ‘Maybe this is Steve’s only way to deal with such an overwhelming loss’ Rudy thought to himself.

The doctor’s thoughts were interrupted by Oscar’s unexpected appearance. “Don’t tell me he’s gone already.” Rudy nodded. “Is he staying at Jaime’s?” The tall man inquired.

“No. He refused. In fact he’s adamant about returning to Ojai.”

“How is he getting there?”

Rudy shrugged. “I think he’s taking a commercial flight. He’s certainly not fit to fly himself.”

“He’s flying alone?” Oscar exclaimed with trepidation knowing he didn’t have anyone following to protect Steve should Stenning try again.

Rudy again nodded affirmatively, “Harry Donner just gave him a ride to the airport.” Oscar stared at the doctor with a confused look. He too expected Steve to remain in Washington. He still couldn’t figure out why Steve had yet to question the director about the car bomb and who was responsible. It wasn’t like him at all to just let things go.

After paying the fare Steve pulled his bag from the back of the taxi. He couldn’t wait to get settled back in his own home. It was warm early evening when he arrived at the ranch, exhausted from his long trip. Throwing his bag on the floor he dropped onto his bed. Within minutes he was sound asleep.

The bright sunlight provided a harsh wakeup call through the bedroom’s eastern window. Steve’s stiff body caused him to groan as he rose up on his elbow. He felt like he could use 8 more hours of sleep. Pulling himself to his feet he got himself ready for the day.

By the time he was showered and dressed he was spent. Wandering to the kitchen he made some coffee then settled in the living room chair. Tilting his head back he closed his eyes slowly sifting through the events of the past three weeks. He was emotionally numb, unable to grieve for his son just yet. After a few minutes he lifted his head and opened his eyes only to have them fall upon the myriad of photographs that were scattered on the fireplace mantle. He took a deep breath as he stood and wandered towards them, his heart thumping in his chest. Seeing Michael’s smiling face in most of the pictures his mind screamed, ‘It’s isn’t fair. It just isn’t fair.’

The ringing of the phone startled him. He turned towards the sound and for an instant considered answering it but he didn’t feel like talking to anyone. He figured his friends would be checking up on him about now. He turned back to the mantle when the answering machine clicked on.

“Can’t talk now. Please leave a message.”

When the beep sounded he let out a sigh waiting to hear the voice of Jaime or Rudy. His heart skipped a beat from the sad voice he heard, leaving him frozen in place. Part of him wanted to reach for the phone and the other part was terrified. He had not spoken to her since before Michael…since….

“Steve, if you are there please pick up….I talked with General Mackey. He told me you were discharged from the hospital today. I figured you would go home…..I really need to talk to you so please…..”

He grabbed the receiver and said sullenly, “I’m here Karen.”

Steve drove into town to purchase much needed groceries. The short phone conversation he had with Karen a few hours ago still weighed heavy on his mind. After exiting his car he casually strolled across the store parking lot. Pausing at the blue mailbox on the sidewalk he pulled out the white envelope he carried in his sling and, letting out a heavy sigh, he dropped the hand-written letter into the box. He knew it was best for everyone involved. As soon as the small swivel hatch clanged shut he felt some weight off his shoulders. Heading for the glass doors he had no idea his first day out and about was about to get worse.

Rudy entered Oscar’s office just as the yelling started. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE CALLED YOU OFF? HE DOESN’T HAVE A CHOICE! SOMEONE OUT THERE MAY DECIDE TO FINISH THE JOB….HE’S A WALKING TARGET!”

Rudy stood silent with his hands in his pants pockets listening to the one-sided phone conversation. “I DON’T CARE IF HE THREATENED YOU! I WANT HIM WATCHED WHETHER HE LIKES IT OR NOT. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? IF YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE ASSIGNMENT I CAN HAVE YOU MOVED TO THE PARKING LOT GUARD GATE!”

The doctor cringed at the slamming down of the receiver knowing there were few things that got the director so riled up. Steve usually wasn’t one of them but the added guilt Oscar was carrying around regarding the car bomb had shortened his temper.

Looking up, exasperated, he explained the situation. “Do you believe this? I send someone to protect Steve and he dismisses them away without another thought. Doesn’t he realize he’s a target right now?” He dropped tiredly into his chair and Rudy replied in a cautious tone, “Maybe he does.” Oscar locked eyes with the man before him fully aware of the meaning behind the words.

“Well he’s not getting himself killed while I’m around.”

Steve pushed his cart around the well-stocked aisles with his only functional arm, not in much of a hurry. Within minutes of entering grocery store he was being ogled and whispered about. It only took the sullen man a few moments to realize people were stopping and staring at him, he couldn’t stand to see the pity on the few faces he happened to see when he glanced up. Being such a small town many residents knew Steve and had the pleasure of meeting his son.

While filling his cart a few acquaintances approached him to offer their deepest sympathies and condolences. After the third time Steve just couldn’t take it anymore. He didn’t want reminding that his only son was dead. He quickly grabbed the most important items he needed and swiftly checked out.

Arriving home it took two one-armed trips to the car to carry the paper bags filled with food. He tried to get the sad look of the peoples faces out of his mind as he filled the empty spaces in the refrigerator, freezer, cabinets and cupboards. Once that chore was done there wasn’t much to take his mind off the sadness slowly moving through him, threatening to erupt.

In the living room he reached for a glass and bottle from the wet bar before retrieving his phone messages. Pouring himself a healthy dose he listened to Jaime’s sincere message offering to come and visit. Getting comfortable on the couch he stared at nothing in particular while he downed his second drink. Even after that was gone he still didn’t feel much better. Now his grief just floated on the numbing liquid he just consumed, making it very difficult for him to keep control of it.

With the sun set it was getting dark in the unlighted room but he didn’t care. Suddenly the doorbell rang and he choked back the tears that threatened to surface. He ambled to the door and opened it. The two stared at one another for an elongated moment taking in each others red rimmed eyes and tired faces. Steve invited Karen in with a weak smile.

The tall, slender woman with the long and wavy platinum blonde hair walked into the warm and neatly kept living room feeling a little nervous. She had not seen Steve, in person, for over five years. Only the occasional phone call or phone message left here and there. Michael had been the conduit between them. Now that he was gone Karen had an unexplainable need to connect with Steve.

“Make yourself at home.” She gave him a gracious smile and took a seat on the couch. Glancing around the room she didn’t know what to say. Looking a Steve gingerly remove his arm sling she quipped, “Not the bachelor pad I had expected.”

He gave her a small lopsided grin as he settled in the chair, “What did you expect?”

“Oh I don’t know maybe dirty dishes in the sink, clothes strewn around the floor, a refrigerator full of beer and cheese wiz…you know the stereotype.”

“Well I guess I should be glad I don’t fit the stereotype.” He saw her glance at the whiskey bottle still sitting on the coffee table. “Would you like a drink?” He asked while refilling his glass. “No thanks.” She replied and watched him sit back, staring down into his drink, his jaw clenched.

The awkward silence quickly filling the room became unnerving. Steve finally spoke up as he stood and went to the fireplace. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like but I’m not sure it will help… either of us”

She saw his body sag against the stone fireplace. Her trained nurse’s eye could see his physical tiredness taking over. It was obvious to her that he wasn’t as recovered from his injuries as he had led her to believe when they spoke on the phone.

Using the arm resting on the mantle Steve rubbed his face. He was suddenly so tired. The pretty woman stared at her still handsome ex-husband. On her drive from her family’s home in Bakersfield she tried to figure out the purpose for needing to come. She realized she needed the comfort only he could give her and vice versa.

She stood and walked to him, tentatively placing a hand on his back. She felt his well-toned muscles instantly tense at her touch. “Steve, we’ve both lost the most important person our lives. Only we can know and understand what the other is going through.” He slowly turned towards her and looked into her deep emerald-green eyes, eyes that could always see into his soul. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She felt his lean body begin to sway from the physical fatigue combine with the alcohol.

“Come on, you need to go to bed.” She guided him to the master bedroom and sat him on the bed. She saw how grief-stricken he was and wondered if he released any of his pain since the incident that took their son. Her heart broke and she too felt lost now that Michael was gone.

The young woman knelt in front of Steve, his shoulders slumped, his head lowered. He looked spent. She began to undo the only four fastened buttons at the bottom of his shirt, keeping her eyes on his face. She placed her flattened palms on his hairy chest to slowly push the fabric off his broad shoulders.

He quickly grabbed her wrists, “Don’t.” He mumbled and looked her in the eye. It was then he knew she felt everything he was feeling, she knew and understood completely. She returned his stare letting him know she was here for the duration, at least until the overwhelming pain was whittled down to a more manageable level.

Slowly letting go of her wrists Steve took her hands in his. Swallowing hard and taking a shaky breath he choked out his confession to the mother of his son. “It’s all my fault. He died because of me.” She watched as the warm tears cascaded down his face and did the only thing she could. She leaned forward and wrapped him in her arms, holding him close.

The heart wrenching sobs were only interrupted by his cracked whisper, “I’m so sorry Karen. I’m so sorry.” He squeezed her tight against his chest and heard her begin to let go a few of her own tears. “It’s okay Steve. It’s okay.”

The couple, weary from their emotional release, repositioned themselves on the bed, huddled together fully clothed atop the bedspread, both escaping, temporarily, into a deep restful sleep that was long overdue, safe in each other’s arms.

Over the next two days Steve and his former wife enjoyed each other’s relaxed company while slowly working through their grief and guilt. They spent the days taking long walks, horseback riding and long drives in the country. Ever since that first night Karen spent at the house they felt more connected to each other than they ever had. The years that had passed had brought wisdom and maturity, what their earlier relationship had sorely lacked.

At times Karen would notice Steve distance himself, being quiet and distracted. These periods were punctuated with occasional heavy drinking that did nothing to help his continued depression and sleeplessness. She assumed it was his guilt over Michael’s death that was preventing him from moving forward.

The two were relaxing with a lazy picnic lunch by the lake when Steve told her of his resignation and the reason behind it. She asked what his future plans were and he just shrugged and said he wasn’t completely sure, only time would tell. She suggested he continue with the air charter business he and Michael had planned but after seeing the sadness reflected in his blue eyes she knew that may not be a possibility.

It was late in the evening and Steve had left the house hours ago in one of his moods that demanded she give him space. Karen was just finishing up some laundry, dressed comfortably in faded blue jeans and a US Air Force tee-shirt Michael had recently given her. The doorbell startled her. Quickly pulling her long, messy pony tail tighter she pushed the errant strands of blonde from her face and casually swung opened the door, coming face to face with a pair of business suited men she didn’t recognize.

Two sets of brown eyes opened wide in surprise at the beautiful six-foot tall woman before them, their mouths initially unable to produce the words forming in their heads. It was suddenly obvious to them why Steve wanted to return to Ojai. The taller man spoke for the two, “My name is Oscar Goldman and this is my associate, Rudy Wells. We are here to speak with Steve.”

She eyed them cautiously, not sure if Steve would be happy to see them after everything he had confided in her. Not wanting to be rude the young woman welcomed them in. She walked them to the living room where the three took their seats.

“Steve does still live here doesn’t he?” The director asked lightly with a charming smile trying subtly to get some information from the woman.

“Yes, he does, but I’m afraid he isn’t home at the moment.” Karen replied, her polite smile not reaching her high cheekbones. Rudy watched her carefully unable to figure out why she looked so familiar to him, he was positive they had never met before.

Oscar was suspicious, having seen Steve’s car in the garage before he rang the door bell. “I see. When do you expect him back?”

She shrugged her narrow shoulders, “I’m not sure. He left several hours ago and didn’t say when he would be home.” Oscar took notice how easily the word ‘home’ left her mouth. It was as if she was comfortable there, leading him to believe she was staying there also. “Do you know where he went? Dr. Wells and I really need to speak with him regarding an urgent matter.” Oscar was trying to keep the anxiety from taking control thinking of Steve wandering out there alone with a possible hit man on his tail. He had successfully done away with every agent Oscar had sent.

Her sharp green eyes moved from one face to the other in an attempt to read their intentions. She initially wasn’t going to tell them but the intense look of concern on their faces, the shorter man’s more so, told her she should.

“Would you care to share with me the reason you need to speak with him at such a late hour?”

Seeing her confident posture Oscar replied, “We are concerned for his safety. We have reason to believe his life is in danger.” He was sure that would push her enough to tell them Steve’s whereabouts. “I’m afraid I cannot elaborate any further.

“I have an idea where he went but I can’t be sure.” She grabbed the phone book and quickly looked up a number. After dialing the phone and hearing a reply she spoke, “Hi Jack, is Steve there?” She paused knowing the man was looking around his surroundings before answering. “Okay. Thanks Jack.” She set the receiver down and became lost in thought. Rudy’s voice found her, “Is something wrong?” She looked up and now her face displayed a touch of concern.

“That was the local bar he sometimes runs off to after….” Her voice drifted off.

“After what?” Oscar and Rudy asked in unison finding it difficult to believe that Steve, who hardly touched alcoholic beverages, would spend his evening drinking at a bar, especially when there was such a pretty woman here at his home.

“After he’s had a bad day. Today was a bad day.” She said quietly. She let out a long sigh and a thought occurred to her. She explained as she dialed. “There’s one place he might be.” She waited for the phone to connect. “Hi Charlie it’s me. I was wondering if you could do me a favor. Can you look out and tell me if the lights are on in the hangar?” Her eyes glanced up at the questioning stares. “Steve’s charter service doesn’t have a phone. Charlie’s farm is next to the property. Its how I keep tabs on him when he disappears.” She turned her attention back to the phone. “It is. Thanks Charlie.” She hung up and wrote down directions to the private airstrip. Before handing it to Oscar she took a deep breath hoping Steve wouldn’t object. Oscar thanked her as the trio stood.

“Thank you so much…ah… I’m sorry I didn’t get your name?” Oscar commented smoothly and Rudy suppressed a grin.

“It’s Karen….Karen Austin.”

Her revelation left both men temporarily speechless. Rudy was the first to regain composure and offered his sincere condolences to Michael’s mother. It certainly explained her resemblance. Her son looked a lot like his mother.

After thanking them for the kind words she walked them to the door. As they stepped out Oscar turned back towards the charming woman. “You know being here with Steve also puts you at risk.” She smiled brightly and responded, “Steve has already fully explained the situation. I’m willing to take the risk.” Oscar nodded and the two men left.

During the short drive to their destination Oscar and Rudy spoke a lot about the pretty young woman. Just before entering the property they passed the large lighted sign, ‘Austin Air Charters’ with the words ‘temporarily closed for business’ just under it. Oscar coasted the car to a stop just outside the hangar. The large metal sliding door was ajar letting the bright fluorescent interior light drift into the night.

They entered the immense building together, striding past the shiny Bell Ranger helicopter and the twin engine Bonanza with the newly painted business name and logo on them. Stopping and looking around they heard a noise coming from the back office.

They went to the open doorway. Steve had his back to them as he lifted a large pile if folders from the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet and dropped them heavily on the desk, almost knocking the newly opened bottle of whiskey over. He looked up startled.

“What are you two doing here?” He asked with a voice as stern as his expression.

“I thought you would be expecting us.” Steve shook his head and began sorting through the files without commenting. He knew Oscar’s reason for coming was his resignation letter.

Oscar and Rudy entered the small office “I would have thought a fledgling business wouldn’t have so much paperwork already.” Steve glared at the flippant man.

“I purchased this business from an old family friend who was retiring. His clientele came with it.”

Oscar questioned further, “So you’re keeping the business?”

“Probably not. Right now I have a prospective buyer and I need to find the paperwork on that Bonanza out there. The sooner I can sell this place the better.”

“Does that mean you’ll be retracting your resignation?”

Steve sat back in frustration and took a big swig from his drink. “I don’t think so Oscar.”

“Steve, I don’t understand why. Why would you suddenly resign? No discussion?… No negotiating?”

Steve jumped to his feet in annoyance and Rudy jumped too at the sudden movement. “Why is it any of your business? Even though I was essentially drafted into the OSI doesn’t mean I have to stay.”

Oscar looked contrite. “If this is about Michael…”

Steve cut him off with an angry glare, “You leave my son out of this. If it wasn’t for the OSI there wouldn’t be people blowing up my car…and my son!”

Oscar and Rudy watched their friend turn his back to them in a tense stance to look out the window at the darkness. “Steve at least let me give you some protection… a bodyguard… in case there’s another attempt. Please.”

“No.” The simple yet firm reply sent the overly-tired, frustrated, guilt-ridden director over the edge.

“OKAY, FINE, HAVE IT YOUR WAY! WALK AROUND WITH A BULLSEYE ON YOUR BACK AND I CAN ALMOST GUARANTEE STENNING WILL FINISH THE JOB….AND THIS TIME…THIS TIME I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE!”

Steve’s head dropped, his back still towards his friends. The reference to Lyle Stenning did not surprise him, he had already known about his involvement before leaving the hospital; but Oscar’s verbal slip did catch his attention. The brown-haired man spun on his heels and glared at the taller man. With his jaw clenched the words were forced out. “What did you mean by ‘this time’?”

Oscar’s eyes reflected his shock that he had, in his angry outburst, made a big mistake. “Well, I’m waiting!” Steve demanded.

Oscar’s body language spoke of the fatigue and guilt he was carrying. “I was informed of Stenning’s release 24 hours before the explosion.”

Steve’s eyes grew wide at the confession. He couldn’t believe that his friend was saying. “You knew?” Oscar just nodded slowly then broke eye contact with the angry father.

Steve turned back to the window, the betrayal he felt washing over him. He only had one more question for his former boss. “When are you going to arrest him for the murder of my son?”

Oscar shot a quick glance at Rudy then stared at Steve’s back, “We haven’t been able to connect him to the evidence. Every lead was a dead end.” Steve spun again and glared at the tall man. “So he’ll get away with it?”

“We are doing our best but that seems to be a strong possibility.” He swallowed hard waiting for the fallout from his response.

“Get out.” Steve said slowly. Rudy tried to intercede, “Steve…”

“I said… GET OUT!” He yelled knowing that if Oscar had provided the information Steve could have protected his only son. He turned back to the window and the two men left for their car.

Getting in Rudy asked, “What do we do now?” He watched Oscar start the car and throw it into reverse. He slammed on the brakes and sat there a moment, parked in the darkness, out of site. “I’m not sure.” He replied.

They then saw the lights go out in the hangar and a lone figure exit. After pushing the large door shut and locking it Steve mounted the motorcycle. He pushed the kick start, revved the engine, and took off. Rudy broke the silence, “I think we better follow him. I suddenly have a bad feeling about this.” Oscar pulled the car onto the main road and followed Steve at a distance but it was futile. As they expected Steve saw them and picked up speed, covering the familiar, winding country roads effortlessly. He lost the sedan within minutes.

It was almost dawn when Steve arrived home. He had spent the night sorting things out in his mind. He had a lot to think about and decisions to make. The brown-haired man was relieved to see the only vehicle outside his house was Karen’s red sports car. If his luck held out Oscar was back in Washington by now. Steve wasn’t in the mood for another altercation.

He sat on the parked motorcycle, Michael’s motorcycle, and filled his lungs with the crisp pre-dawn air. His extreme fatigue was the only thing squelching his intense anger at the moment. Last night, for the first time since he was made bionic, Steve almost lost all control. He shuttered to think of the serious injuries he could have inflicted on his former boss if the two men not left Steve’s office when they did.

Turning his head to the left he watched the sun growing on the horizon realizing his misdirected anger was a mistake and solved nothing. Lyle Stenning was the one responsible for Michael’s death and he was the only one deserving of Steve’s anger.

Quietly entering the house he came upon a sight that brought a small crooked smile to his lips. Karen had fallen asleep on the couch. Her long blonde hair was fanned out on the small green throw pillow, framing her delicate face. One hand was resting on her flat stomach and the other rested above her head on the sofa’s armrest.

The tall man stood and stared at her for a moment, her peaceful face, the steady rise and fall of her chest. She looked much younger than her age. He quietly grabbed a quilt from the adjacent chair and gently draped it over her. It was then he realized he may be falling in love with her again. Rubbing his stubbly face he ambled to his bedroom and immediately fell asleep.

Karen awoke in the brightening living room, her watch telling her it was mid-morning. Remembering why she fell asleep on the couch she immediately jumped to her feet and made her way to Steve’s room hoping to find him there.

She tip-toed quietly into the room. His even breathing assured her he was sleeping soundly. She leaned against the painted wall with her arms folded at her waist and took in the sight of him. He still had a ruggedly handsome face with the sharp jaw and pointed nose. His broad shoulders tapered down to his narrow waist, all atop two long legs. He was even more handsome then when he was in college. Add to that his intellect, charm and sense of humor and he was almost the perfect man for any woman. Her mind suddenly and unexpectedly flashed back to their wedding night and her face quickly flushed.

Steve mumbled softly and rolled onto his side. His house guest retrieved a blanket from the closet and laid it over him. Gently running her fingers through his soft brown hair she wondered….

The smell of bacon slowly brought the tired man back to reality. He looked down and immediately knew how the blanket had come to be on him. Pulling it back to sit on the edge of the bed he realized he had fallen asleep with his clothes on.

Wandering into the kitchen his glassy eyes were met by her warm green ones. She smiled and handed him a steaming cup of coffee. “Are you okay?” she asked, surprised he had stayed out all night. He nodded silently as he sipped the brown liquid. “Hungry?” she asked in a hopeful tone.

“Not really. Just the coffee’s fine. I think I’ll go grab a shower and a shave.” She watched him go, sensing something serious happened last night. Confident he would tell her when he was ready she turned back to cracking the eggs.

Later she found him standing out back leaning on the corral fence. She walked out into the bright California sunshine and stood next to him in silence. Minutes ticked by, the couple staring at the grazing horses, before Steve spoke of last night. He shared with her his deep feelings of betrayal and anger. She rubbed his back knowing it was difficult to talk of such things.

“I don’t know what to do with all the anger.” He whispered. “If I had the opportunity I’d kill Stenning with my bare hands.”

He turned to look at her. She knew Steve was not the revenge-seeking type but the look in his eyes told her Michael’s death may have changed him, changed both of them, forever. Sharing his desire to hurt the man who hurt their son, she offered him a friendly smile, not sure how to respond.

“Steve, this situation is new for me too. I’m afraid I don’t have all the answers. All I can say is it will take time and everyone has their own way to deal with the anger and grief. We each need to find what works for us.” He shifted his gaze back to the horses. She eyed his chiseled profile. “I think you need to do whatever you need to do to get through this. I will be here with you every step of the way. Okay?”

He gave her a small smile and said, “It’s nice not having to go through this alone. I’m glad you’re here.” She affectionately returned the smile, “I feel the same way. Thank you for letting me come.”

He saw the warmth and sincerity in her eyes and raised his hand to her face. He tenderly caressed her tanned cheek with his thumb, her skin smooth and flawless. She closed her eyes and leaned into his familiar hand, savoring his touch. It surprised her when she felt the feather-light touch of his lips on hers. She slowly opened her eyes and Steve felt her body tremble ever so slightly. Placing his other hand around her waist he pulled her tight against him and kissed her firmly.

Her tall, slender body immediately melted into him, her hands wrapping around to his muscular back. The fit of their bodies was still a perfect match. The playful dance of their tongues made them both breathless.

Steve skillfully moved his head and slowly began to lay passionate kisses on her long neck, both surrendering to their body’s natural reaction. With her eyes still closed Steve scooped her up into his strong arms as he whispered in a husky voice, “Let’s go inside.” She nodded in agreement as her arm went around his neck. She suckled his neck and earlobe while her free hand rubbed his tanned, hairy chest causing his steps to increase in speed.

Once in his bedroom their movements became more urgent. With the passion rising Karen whispered his name. In her heated daze she blurted out the thought that was crossing her mind, “Oh Steve,” She breathed out, “Let’s make a baby.” Her words stopped his fondling instantly, the moment shattered.

“What? Did you say what I think you just said?” He asked quietly looking her in the eye.

The flushed young woman didn’t answer, shocked and embarrassed that she had said her thought out loud. She saw the anger replace the heated glaze that was in his eyes. He words were soft but firm, “Making another baby will not replace our son!” He stepped around her, not bothering to refasten his jeans or belt, and stormed out of the room.

A dazed Karen sank down onto Steve’s bed, her heart rate slowly returning to normal. The hot tears tumbled down her cheeks, dropping onto her trembling hands as she began buttoning her blouse.

...Continued