The first meeting of the newest satellite launch was more productive than Steve expected. He and Rudy worked hard the past 3 weeks to make sure all the ‘bugs’ were worked out before the scheduled project meeting. Before the discussion ceased for a lunch break Steve was summoned to the phone. It was a distraught Callahan. She told Steve that Jenny had disappeared. After searching the whole store with a security guard it was definite that Jenny was missing. Steve’s heart twisted in his chest as he kept repeating to Peggy that it wasn’t her fault assuring her that his strong-willed daughter probably went out on her own. He added she would be grounded for a month for being so obstinate when he found her. Before concluding the call Steve agreed to meet Callahan at the store to begin his search. Hanging up the receiver he shared the information with Oscar and Rudy, his face red with anger knowing he may have to miss the afternoon meeting to look for his disobedient child. Before exiting Oscar’s office another call came in for Steve. He took the call at Oscar’s desk and sat on its corner. His friends watched the color drain from his face as he was silently listening to the words spoken to him, not wanting to believe them. Oscar and Rudy waited to get some information from Steve’s end of the conversation and were shocked at its contents.

“Listen to me Corby if you lay a single hand on my daughter I will personally tear you in half.” The connection was quickly broken and Steve slammed the receiver on its cradle as his face burned with anger.

“Steve what was that all about?” His former boss asked.

“David Corby.” Steve took a deep breath trying to calm himself and think clearly.

“David Corby is dead!”

“Apparently not dead enough, at least not yet. He has Jenny.” He stood to leave.

“Who’s David Corby?” Rudy asked.

Oscar explained, “He and his brother were involved in high end arms dealing missiles, tanks etcetera. Steve was the operative sent to break up the organization. David and Allen Corby were killed at least we thought David was killed. Apparently our information was faulty. Steve, where are you going?”

“I’m going to get my daughter back!” He headed out the door but was stopped by a hand on his arm.

“Steve you’ll need backup. I won’t let you go there alone.”

“You want to try and stop me? He said come alone and that’s what I plan on doing.” Steve challenged his friend when Rudy stepped in.

“Steve he’s right at least let us go with you? Think about it, while you go after Corby someone has to get Jenny out of there.” Rudy and Oscar were just as concerned for Jennifer’s safety. Steve sighed heavily trying to construct a plan quickly.

“Alright but we play it my way, okay?” He looked at Oscar who nodded.

They arrived at the location, which was an isolated and abandoned lakeside house. They stopped about 1 mile way to plan the rescue. Steve was not aware that Oscar had two other agents close behind them in case they were needed. Steve stepped out and headed toward the house on foot as Oscar and Rudy tried to squelch the fear in their stomachs.

Jenny paced the small windowless basement room trying to calm herself. She was scared and still trying to assess her situation. She had only seen 2 large Neanderthal type men who took orders from the leader they called Mr. Corby. This was not a familiar name to her and wondered why they wanted her. The thought that they were only trying to lure her father there never entered her mind since she was not aware of her father’s previous profession.

The one man stayed with her at all times. He as a large black haired man, taller and heavier than her six-foot father, who made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up every time he came close to her. He would touch her long hair and mumble that she was such a pretty girl. Young and pretty was his favorite type. He said he hoped they would get better acquainted after dinner before she had to leave. She stiffened as he ran his hand softly over her left cheek where a dark bruise had formed, a souvenir from her initial capture.

The door was unlocked and food was handed between the men. She was asked to sit and eat. She sat across from the man as he un-wrapped the enchiladas and burritos. ‘Obviously take-out was not too far way’ she thought. She stared at the food without any desire to eat. She disliked Mexican food anyway. He told her to get used to it because tomorrow she would be in Mexico and that type of food was plentiful. She watched him scarf his food while she picked hers up and moved to sit on the cot. She suddenly had an idea picking the jalapenos off the meal she placed them in the front pockets of her zipper-front hooded sweatshirt.

She tried to eat some of the food not knowing how long it would be until she would eat again if her plan worked. With dinner completed the large man walked to her and took her half-eaten plate and placed it on the small table. He then swiftly turned back to her and grabbed her roughly by her arms, lifting her to a standing position in front of him. With his touch her body stiffened, she realized he was too tall to complete her task. She would have to wait.

His hand caressed her face as he apologized for hitting her. She worked hard trying to keep her breathing even and remain calm. As his face came down to kiss her lips she slowly removed her hands from her pockets. Little did the man know she spent the last 20 minutes squeezing the raw hot peppers with her fingers. She quickly brought her hands up and rubbed his eyes hard. He screamed out in pain as her knee impacted his groin sending him onto the cot with a yelp. She quickly removed the keys from his pocket and headed out the door, locking it behind her.

She headed down the corridor, her heart racing. She stopped suddenly hearing footsteps approaching her. She ducked into an alcove behind some old cardboard boxes. It was obvious the previous owners did not take all their belongings with them. As she sat and listened to the approaching footfalls she noticed a baseball bat in the middle box, which she slowly slid from its home. Closer and closer the casual footsteps became. She hoped her aim would be true, swinging hard.

With a resounding crack the man fell straight back onto the cement floor, motionless with blood flowing from his crushed nose. She stepped over him and headed to the small window across the corridor. She knew she was small enough to fit through it and didn’t want to try reaching the upper floor, from which she could hear another set of footsteps. She broke the glass with the bat handle as quietly as she could and using a box she slid across the floor she stepped up and wiggled herself through to the back lawn.

She ran full speed, her long muscular legs covering the route toward the lake quickly. She was strong swimmer and knew she could swim to safety in relative cover. She was almost to the pier unaware Corby was behind her aiming a gun at her unprotected back.

Steve was quietly heading around the north side of the house. He thought he had heard the faint sound of breaking glass a few seconds before reaching the side of the dwelling. He picked up his pace to the rear of the house with a sense of panic at the unmistakable sound of a gunshot.

Jenny froze in her tracks after seeing the bullet impact the earth just in front of her left foot. Her heart pounding against her ribcage as she slowly turned, Corby was already reaching for her long black mane, the gun at her temple.

“Let’s go little girl we have a boat to catch,” He ordered, easily propelling the lightweight girl toward the pier. He already had his getaway plan in motion.

Oscar and Rudy were racing towards the house as soon as the shot was heard, the extra agents following closely behind. Steve assessed his options as he ran across the lawn, stopping at the grassy end of the pier. Corby turned toward Steve from the far end, an arrogant grin on his face.

“Well if it isn’t the famous Steve Austin.”

Steve’s heart broke at the fearful look on his daughter’s bruised face. “Let her go Corby!” He slowly stepped onto the wooden planks, 45 feet separating him and his child. Over the gunman’s shoulder his telephoto lens caught sight of a small yacht heading towards them at high speed. His attention was returned to the scene before him with Corby’s threat.

“Don’t come any closer Austin.” He let out an evil chuckle, “I suddenly realize that taking your daughter away from you will hurt you more than taking your life.”

Steve’s gaze moved from Corby to make eye contact with Jenny. He saw the same strength in her eyes he had seen in Jessica’s just before…. nausea settled in his stomach as he realized the scene playing out in front of him. He was determined the outcome would be different than before, planning on his offense being his best defense. His daughter would live to see tomorrow, he had no doubt.

Oscar, Rudy and the two agents took a position unnoticed at the side of the house not wanting to disturb and already tenuous hostage situation. They all knew Steve well, knew he would do whatever was necessary to save his daughter but none of them were prepared to witness his actions.

“Jenny, are you okay?” He had to know before he took action. For a moment Corby’s attention was on the interaction between father and daughter. Steve noticed this and before Jenny replied Steve was already in a bionic leap, confident that Corby would, in a panic, be more fearful of personal bodily harm from him than shooting Jenny. He was correct.

David Corby, eyes wide in fear, quickly move the gun barrel from the girl to the man flying at him at a high rate of speed. He was able to get off one shot before Steve’s body impacted his. Steve was successful in grabbing the gun on contact and pointing it away from him and at the gunman’s chest. A second muffled shot could be heard as their bodied fell into the cold water.

Jenny dropped to her knees, her hands on her head, ears ringing from the close range gunshot. At the sound of the splash she spun and looked over the side, a large bloody cloud slowly dispersing in the clear blue water where her father had fallen.

“DADDY!!!”

Oscar and Rudy were at her side in an instant. “DADDY!!” She screamed as her tear filled eyes searched the still water, Oscar’s strong grip stopping her from diving in. As the minutes ticked off she began sobbing and Oscar pulled her close to him and away from the pier’s edge. She struggled against him as he desperately tried to calm her.

“Jenny it’s going to be okay.” His tone soft, arms hugging her tight, his eyes looking over her to the red-colored water. His eyes met Rudy’s, both men hoping to see their friend break the surface soon.

Steve wrestled his injured adversary 10 feet to the bottom, knowing his bionic construction would allow him to stay under water three times longer than Corby. He wanted him to suffer a slow death after what he did to his daughter but it was not to be. The last bullet entered Corby’s chest and he died within minutes of hitting the water. Steve knew his daughter was topside and wanted to spare her the terrifying sight of the dead man, his dull eyes still wide with fear. He hooked Corby’s belt to an old splintered pier strut holding the body submerged until Jenny was away from the scene.

Steve was quickly getting light headed not realizing his gunshot wound was causing significant blood loss and his heart was beating faster to compensate, thus his heart muscle was demanding a larger amount of oxygen. He struggled to the surface, consciousness fading fast. The two OSI agents swiftly pulled him onto the pier as he coughed out water that had invaded his lungs.

Oscar continued to hold Jenny at a distance not wanting her to view the scene up close. Rudy didn’t have to check for a pulse as the shallow pants between coughs told him he was alive. The doctor tore open Steve’s shirt and placed his hand on the wound at his left ribcage in an attempt to slow the bleeding. Steve protested the pressure on the wound with a groan, the white hot, stabbing pain bringing him back to awareness.

His voice was hoarse and weak, directed at Rudy, “Jenny. Where’s Jenny?”

“She’s safe Steve, Oscar has her. I need you to take it easy the ambulance should be here any minute.” The doctor tried not to let his fear show.

One of the agents leaned over the injured man, “Steve, where’s Corby?” their eyes searching the water.

Steve coughed and whispered, “He’s dead…I tethered him…under the pier…don’t want… my daughter… to see him.”

Rudy looked at the blood leaking out around his hand and needed to apply heavier pressure, the bleeding was not slowing. Steve let out a moan before losing consciousness.

Jenny attempted to ride in the ambulance with her father but Rudy would not allow it, unsure what might happen during the 15-minute ride. Oscar escorted her to his car and followed the emergency vehicle. Jenny remained silent throughout the ride making Oscar’s stomach twist with concern.

Steve faded in and out during the ride. At one point defying Rudy’s order to remain silent when he pulled off the oxygen mask and informed Rudy that Jenny did not know about his previous work for the OSI nor was she aware of his bionics. He didn’t want his daughter to know any of it. Rudy was surprised by the information but nodded to the request for secrecy.

Oscar sat in the waiting room watching Jenny sitting on a chair her knees pulled to her chest. She would not allow anyone to examine her until she saw her father. The longtime bachelor was unsure how to comfort her as she stared blankly at the floor.

Rudy entered the room and assured them Steve although very weak, would recover. Jenny immediately jumped up and requested to see him. Rudy agreed only if he could check her over first to be sure she was unhurt. She took a defiant stance with her arms crossed and simply replied, “Not until I see my Dad.” Rudy and Oscar recognized the familiar posture and would have laughed had they not so weary, she was definitely her Steve Austin’s daughter.

Rudy conceded hoping she would follow through on the deal. “Okay come on.”

The three of them headed to the recovery room where Steve was propped up with the head of the bed elevated. His chest was bare except for a large white bandage covering his left ribcage and his hair was slightly matted to his head as a fever had begun, his body fighting the infection caused by the dirty water in the wound. His eyes were closed when Jenny slowly walked to his side, unbelieving her strong muscular father could look this weak.

“Dad?” She asked in a soft tone touching his arm, trying to be appear strong and grown-up.

He turned his head toward the familiar voice, swallowed hard and in a raspy voice asked, “Jenny, are you okay?” His eyes not missing the bruise on her face.

“I’m okay Dad.”

Steve looked past her at his long time friend, “Rudy is she really okay?”

Rudy was honest, “I’m not sure.” He made eye contact with his patient knowing what Steve was ultimately concerned about. “I was just trying to coax Jenny into letting me take a look at her to be sure.”

Steve attempted to use his most authoritative voice but found it difficult in his condition, “Jenny listen to me this is very important.” Their eyes locked, “I want you to go with your Uncle Rudy and do exactly what he asks and answer all his questions. Do you understand me?”

She was exhausted and so racked with guilt over how defiant she had been lately, realizing she almost didn’t get to make things right with her father, the man who almost died saving her. She just nodded as tears flowing unchecked down her cheeks. She leaned in and they exchanged a tight embrace. A muffled voice apologizing for her recent bad behavior was followed by Steve reassuring her that things were okay between them and that he loved her more than anything, nothing would change that. Rudy eased her away from the bed directing her to the nurse who took her to another room.

Rudy glanced at Steve seeing the pain in his watery eyes from the uncertainty of what transpired while his daughter was in the hands of the kidnappers. He placed a comforting hand on Steve’s shoulder and said he would return as soon as he finished.

With the examination complete Rudy headed to Steve’s room. Steve was fighting to stay awake just as Rudy had expected.

“Well?” Steve held his breath waiting for Rudy’s answer.

“She has bruises on her upper arms, lower legs, ribs and face, nothing major, and no signs of concussion. From her description of her abduction I suspect that is where most of the bruises came from, she put up quite a fight. She’s exhausted and sleeping on the couch in my office.”

“That’s it? They didn’t….”Steve could even say the words.

“No.” He answered quickly. “She said they didn’t and I found no evidence.” Rudy gave a small smile remembering Jenny’s explanation, “Apparently they tried but your daughter is a very smart and resourceful girl. She was able to defend herself.”

“Defend herself? She’s only 12 years old. How the hell did she defend herself?”

Rudy shared the story of the raw pepper juice she used to blind her assailant and the affective kick to the groin. He then shared how she was able to escape the house with the swing of a Louisville slugger. The doctor watched as Steve’s head sank deeper into the pillows proud of his daughter’s ingenuity and cool-headedness. A lopsided grin crossed his face, “Yes she is resourceful and I think she had a guardian angel looking out for her.” Steve thought of Jessica and knew she had her eye on their daughter.

“That’s for sure.” Rudy saw Steve’s face drop and a serious look crossed his brow. “What’s the matter?”

“I’ve been sitting here thinking ever since Jennifer left the room that maybe I should change our names and go underground to prevent this from happening again.”

Rudy nodded his understanding. Oscar overheard the comment from the doorway and interjected, “I’m afraid the OSI wouldn’t allow that Steve. We wouldn’t be able to locate you should you be abducted. The best I can offer is maybe some personal security.”

Steve’s first impression was one of disgust “You mean someone to follow me and my daughter around, I don’t think so.” Soon his face took on the look of consideration which concerned Rudy. “Steve?”

“I was just thinking how it would certainly help me keep tabs on her should she sneak out of the house at night again.” The three friends laughed at Steve’s potential uphill battle with his daughter.

The next morning the inevitable happened and Steve was no more prepared for it. Jenny was sitting next to his bed eating breakfast.

“Dad, why did that man want to kill you? Who was he?” Jenny asked in a serious tone that told Steve she would not be redirected.

“He was a man I knew a long time ago. He stole things and at the time your Uncle Oscar sent me to get those things back which made him pretty mad.”

“I thought you only built things for Uncle Oscar? Were you a spy like the CIA?”

Steve could not prevent the shock that crossed his face his daughter was obviously more informed than he thought.

“Why do you think that?”

“Well the secret things they do before letting us into Uncle Oscar’s building you know metal detectors and badges? I saw a movie once at Karen’s house when I slept over and it had a company called the “Central Intelligence Agency”. The name reminded me of Uncle Oscar’s company. The movie showed spies who did bad things.”

“No I was not a spy.” He chuckled at his honest description of his former position, “I was more of a golden retriever.” Steve smiled at her giggle.

“What’s that suppose to mean?”

“He just sent me different places to pick things up, like a golden retriever goes and picks up the newspaper or his master’s slippers.”

“Oh I see.” She climbed onto the bed snuggled close to him as they shared quiet time watching T.V. Steve was relieved in all the commotion on the pier she never noticed her father took an unusual 45 foot leap, keeping his secret hidden. He silently thanked God for allowing him to have his daughter back safely, regardless of her pre-teen angst.