It was past 3:30 in the morning when they pulled up in front of the house owned by Rudy’s uncle. “There isn’t much room.” Oscar noted as they all got out of the car.

“I couldn’t sleep anyway.” Steve picked up Rob and carried him into the house.

“Same here” Jaime agreed “I’ll put on a pot of coffee.”

“Good idea. We’ll more than likely need it.” Rudy opened the door and they all stepped in. Rudy pointed Jaime to the kitchen and Oscar led Steve to the room he had just vacated. Steve laid the still sleeping Robbie down on the bed then joined every one in the kitchen.

“So what do we do now?” Steve asked once they were all seated.

“I’m not sure.” Oscar sighed. “My first choice would be to play it out…”

“Play it out?” Jaime asked.

Oscar nodded. “That is if it will work. It all depends on if they were listening when you all got out of the house…”

“So what you’re saying,” Steve continued. “Let them think they actually killed us?”

Again Oscar nodded. “I think it will work. I mean as long as they didn’t hear you leave the house. They should assume all are dead.”

“That could be. But are you saying we should go into hiding? I don’t know if I like that.” Steve disapproved.

“It won’t be forever Steve. Just till we can flush them all out” Oscar encouraged. “If they find out you’re still alive, they could come after your family. Oscar reminded.

Steve looked at Jaime, who under normal circumstances could take care of herself. But now she had not only herself to think about, but a baby as well. And then there was Robbie sleeping upstairs. No this didn’t involve just him this time he had a family to take care of.

“Ok Oscar what do we do?” Steve asked

“We send you, Jaime and Robbie to another part of the country….”

“Ojai?” Jaime asked.

“That would be too obvious.” Oscar muttered. He thought for a long moment “how about someplace in the Midwest?”

“Where?” Jaime asked.

“I don’t know. Let’s get a map.” Oscar found a map of the United States and they cut out the Midwest section.

“Now” Oscar closed his eyes. “I’ll point to a state, and then from the state we’ll pick out a city.”

“Sounds very scientific” Rudy laughed.

Oscar’s finger landed on the state of Iowa. “Ok now we find a city. We need a map of Iowa.”

A map was found. Rudy’s uncle traveled a lot and had maps from just about every state.

“Ok Oscar. Now find our new home.” Steve laughed.

Oscar closed his eyes and pressed a finger to the map. “Well looks like your new home is in the capital. Des Moines.”

“I’m sure you had nothing to do with that.” Jaime smiled.

“No I didn’t It was the luck of the draw.” Oscar’s face remained serious. “Now we have to find you some new identities,” Oscar continued.

“New identities?” Steve asked.

“You can’t keep your names. I’ll run over to the OSI, see what we have in the witness relocation file. We’ll need a family with one son.” Oscar muttered as he walked for the door. “You stay here. Rudy you come with me. Now that I’m not dead, I can go back to work. “

“We better play up on what happened.” Rudy suggested as they left the house.

After they had gone Jaime turned to Steve “I don’t know if I like this very well.”

“I don’t like it at all, but what else can we do. I’m not going to have them come after you the baby and Rob.” Steve sighed.

“I suppose you’re right.” Jaime finally agreed. “We need some clothes to where. We lost everything.” Jaime reminded.

“I know, but we can’t be seen in public What if they were to see us.” Steve explained.

“So what, we just sit here and wait for Oscar to come back?” Jaime sounded nervous.

Steve nodded. “He’ll take care of everything.”

At the OSI Oscar and Rudy entered Oscar’s reception Fayina was still sitting at Callahan’s desk. “Well Amanda.” Oscar continued the game. “just one more day and Callahan will be back.”

“Yes sir.” Fayina gave him a fake smile ‘That is if she makes it back’ she thought “Is there anything I can get for you?”

“Not at the moment. I’ll let you know. You heard about what happened last night?”

“Yes. Is it true?” Fayina needed the information to pass on to her comrades.

“Yes I’m afraid it is.” Oscar dabbed his eye. Then he turned to Rudy. “What really angers me is that they involved Jaime and Robbie as well. I mean if they had a grudge against Steve then take it out on him, but why involve a pregnant woman and an innocent child. Those dam Soviets you just can’t trust them.” Oscar added that for good measure.

“I know. Rob was a great kid too.” Rudy finished.

“Well come on Rudy we have to make arrangements.” They stepped into Oscar’s office. “Did you see her eating up everything we were saying?” Oscar whispered.

Rudy nodded. “I loved what you said about the not trusting the Soviets. That was a nice added touch.”

“That’s what I thought.” Oscar and Rudy continued to whisper as Rudy went through the files for witness relocation to come up with new identities for Steve, Jaime and Robbie.

At last he found the file he was looking for. “Come on Rudy let’s get back to your uncle’s house.” They stepped back into the reception area “I’ll be out of the office most of the day. If I have any messages just leave them on my desk.” Oscar knew there wouldn’t be any. Everyone knew Amanda was a Soviet spy and called Oscar directly on his private line.

“I need to get some money for them they will have to buy everything new.” Oscar said as he got into his car. He handed Rudy some money. “Here get them something to start out in.”

“Right Oscar I’ll meet you back at my uncle’s place. Say in about an hour.”

“Sounds good” Oscar got in his car and drove to Arlington. Checking every few minutes to make sure no one was following him. No one was.

“What are you saying dad?” Rob cried when he woke up. “I have to switch schools again?”

“Son it’s the only way.” Steve tried to reason with him. “It’s not forever…”

“I won’t go!” Robbie screamed.

“Robbie….”

“Steve let me handle it.” Jaime walked over to him. “Try to think of it as a vacation. You don’t have to go back to school. School is almost out anyway. We won’t be gone forever just till we find the people who blew our house up.”

Rob looked at his step mother. “I really don’t have to go back to school?” He smiled.

“No you don’t. Like I said school is almost out for the year anyway.” Jaime gave him a hug.

“Ok I’ll go I don’t like it but I’ll go.” He sat on the couch and waited for whatever was to happen next to happen.

It hadn’t been quite an hour when Oscar and Rudy both arrived at the house. “Anybody follow you?” Oscar asked

“Not that I could tell.” Rudy replied as they walked up onto the porch. “I bought everyone something to wear at least till they get to Iowa.”

“That’s good. I bought some stuff too.” They entered the house just as Jaime and Rob had finished their conversation.

“It’s about time you two got here.” Jaime teased.

“I bought you guys some clothes to wear.” Rudy handed them over “Just jeans and t-shirts to start out in. Oscar has money for you to start over once you get to Iowa.”

“That reminds me. Do we have a place to live, or will we have to look when we get there.”

“You have an apartment not to far from the down town area.” Oscar told them. We already rented it for you. Just see the manager and he’ll give you the key.”

“Ok that sounds easy enough.” He took the envelope from Oscar.

“This has all the information you’ll need it has your new identities and so on” as he handed it to Steve.

“Ok Oscar thanks.”

“You can always contact me on my private line if you need anything at all.” Oscar reminded.

“We’ll keep that in mind.” Steve opened the envelope and looked at their new names.

“Your rent is paid for the next six months. Hopefully this will be resolved by then.” Oscar continued. “Now you also have to alter your appearance.”

“How do we do that?” Steve asked

“I have some hair dye that should do the trick.”

An hour later Oscar and Rudy along with a dark haired woman and the blonde husband and son emerged from the house. They drove to Dulles and the Barrett family headed for their new life in Des Moines, Iowa.

“The plane touched down at Des Moines International airport at 3:00 Iowa time. The Barrett family gathered up their belongings and got off the plane.

“Let’s find our apartment first.” Dave Barrett said as they left the airport.

“How do we get there?” His wife Jane asked.

“By taxi I suppose.” Dave replied. “I’m sure there is one here someplace.”

“Um dad.” Rick started. “How bout if we try the taxi stand.” He pointed.

“Good idea Rick.” Steve smiled. “Come on family” Steve led them to the taxi stand. They got in their cab and were driven to their new apartment near downtown Des Moines.

Steve Walked in and talked to the manager who handed him the key to his apartment. “Your rent is paid up for the next six months.” The manager informed him.”

“I know.” Steve said. “Let me introduce my family. This is my wife Jane, and our son Rick.”

“Well Rick.” The manager shook his hand. “We have a wonderful playground just out back if you like that sort of thing.”

“Thanks.” Robbie said. “I do.”

“Well then I’ll just show you to your apartment. By the way, my name is Howard if you need me for anything.”

“Thanks.” Steve stated up the stairs “I appreciate that.”

“The apartment is all furnished except you’ll need to buy your own kitchen stuff, bedding, stuff like that.”

“We plan to go shopping as soon as we see our apartment.” Steve told him.

“Well that’s great. Here we are.” He opened the door and everyone stepped inside. “It’s got two bedrooms, both rooms have beds in them.”

“Well thanks for everything.” Steve shook hands with Howard and Howard made a quick retreat.

“Well it’s not the Tajmahal.” Jaime noted. “But I guess it will do for a while. I say we go pick up a few things that way it will feel more like home.”

“Agreed” Steve and Robbie voiced.

“…Yes thanks Russ. You’ll stay on it?” Oscar spoke into his private line.

“I sure will. I’m here for as long as they are. Don’t worry Oscar.”

Oscar hung up his phone in Rudy’s uncle’s house and turned to Rudy. “Well the Barrett family is all moved into their new apartment.”

“Good. Now we just have to find out who killed Steve and Jaime.”

“That’s good news.” Rudy replied. “Now all we have to do is find out who tried to kill Steve and Jaime. By the way Callahan returns tomorrow.”

“Yea I know I think I’ll greet her with open arms.” Oscar smiled. “Anyway we know it was the Soviets, we just have to pin it down as to which one.” Oscar related.

“Maybe ‘Amanda’ could tell us.” Rudy assumed.

“She’s not going to reveal who planted the explosives.” Oscar scoffed.

“Not under normal circumstances but we could…”

Resort to their tactics. I don’t know Rudy.” Oscar admonished.

“Do you want to find out who tried to kill Steve or not?”

“Of course I do.” Oscar shouted.

“Then let me do this Oscar. Look I don’t like it very well either but if we find out who tried to kill them. Steve and Jaime can return sooner. The sooner we get this solved, the sooner Steve can go back to work.”

Oscar’s eyes lit up over that. “Ok but how do we get ‘Amanda’ back.”

“You asked her to stop by so Callahan could meet her. Remember?”

“Oh yea that’s right. So how do you plan to get her on your turf so to speak?”

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll think on it over night. I’ll see you in the morning then.”

“Yea good night Rudy” Rudy left and Oscar hung around the ‘safe house’ Russ was supposed to call back once Steve, Jaime and Robbie had turned in for the night. “It was only five out there. So he had quite a while to wait.

In Iowa Steve, Jaime and Robbie had just returned to the apartment their arms laden down with new clothes, bedding, groceries and everything else they needed to set up house keeping.

“Dad, would it be all right if I went out to the playground?” Robbie asked.

“No Rob. I’m sorry. We really need to keep a low profile. Someone might see you.”

“Dad I don’t even look the same. No one will know who I am.” Rob protested.

“I still don’t think it’s a good idea son” Steve held him back.

“I can see this is going to be a fun trip.” Robbie groaned.

“I’m sorry son.” Steve put his arm around him. “It’s not gong to be for that long.”

“Ok I guess I can bare with it for just a bit. After all I got out of school early.”

“When do you meet with Russ?” Jaime asked.

“We have it arranged. We aren’t actually going to meet. Down the street there is an arcade it two phone booths we are going to go into those and phone one another. That’s where we will do all of our calling. We can’t take a chance that the phones are bugged.”

“Do you think the apartment is bugged?” Jaime asked.

“I doubt it. And it’s very unlikely the phone is bugged. But just to be on the safe side.” Steve concluded.

Later that night Russ placed the first of his two calls to Oscar to get news on what was happening on his end, then he met in the phone booth with Steve.

“Steve stepped into the phone booth and waited for Russ to call. He picked it up on the first ring.

“Yea Russ” he spoke.

“Oscar and Rudy are going to try and get “Amanda’ to tell them who tried to kill you. Hopefully this will be over in just a few days rather than months.”

“Well that’s good. Tell Oscar so far so good.” Steve hung up and headed out of the booth.

Russ pretended to continue his conversation. Then hung up and dialed Oscar. “So far so good Steve says” Russ reported. “I’ll speak to him again tomorrow at this time.”

“That’s great. Thanks Russ. Hopefully you can tell him he’ll be able to come home.”

“Me too cause that’s what he wants.” Russ hung up and headed back to his hotel.”

In Ivan’s office at the Russian Boris, Ivan and Fayina were having a late night meeting.

“Word is that Austin was not killed in that explosion.” Fayina began.

“How do you know this?” Boris demanded.

“I just heard rumors. Goldman and Wells talk like they are dead, but I heard they are somewhere in the Midwestern part of the country.” Fayina was eager to give all the information she could.

“That’s a lot of territory.” Ivan spoke. “Do you know where about in the Midwest they might be.”

Fayina nodded. “I believe I heard something about Des Moines Iowa mentioned.”

“I’ll get someone right on it. Now what about Callahan has she been…shall we say disposed of yet?” Ivan continued.

“We’re working on it.” Boris replied.

“What do you mean working on it?” Ivan screamed. “I don’t want that woman returning to DC.”

“She won’t don’t worry. Callahan will be dead before she ever returns.” Boris assured.

“We also have another problem.” Fayina added. “I think they are on to me.”

“Why do you say that?” Boris asked.

“I listen in to the conversations that come through on Goldman’s regular line. They found out about the King woman is dead.”

“Interesting.” Ivan responded. “They have said nothing to you about it?”

“No they haven’t.” Fayina replied nervously. “Callahan is supposed to return day after tomorrow. I don’t know what to think.”

“You don’t have to worry Callahan will not be returning to work. Now I have a lot of work to do.” Ivan at his desk and placed several phone calls one to the agent tailing Callahan, the other to one of their operatives in Iowa to find Steve and family. After meeting with Russ, Steve returned to the apartment

“How did it go?” Jaime asked.

“If all goes well we should be home by the end of the week.” Steve whispered as Robbie was sleeping in the next room. “When did he fall asleep?”

“About ten minutes after you left would you like some coffee or something?”

“No I’m with Rob. I’m beat. To much excitement for one day.”

They all headed for bed.

Outside Callahan’s sister’s home in Silver Gate Montana a lone man stood watching the house. Callahan had hardly been out since she arrived. It seemed as if the sister’s husband did all the running around. He had to think of a way to get Callahan alone before she left in two days. Otherwise the rest of the family was going to pay the price as well……

The phone rang early at Callahan’s sister’s the next morning. Callahan’s brother-in-law Pete answered the phone.

“…Yes I’ll tell her.” Pete spoke.

He hung up the phone and stepped into the kitchen where Callahan was preparing breakfast “That was Mr. Goldman. He wants you to call him.” Pete told her. He said to use a pay phone, something about security.”

“Wonder what that’s all about?” Callahan spoke more to herself than her brother-in-law.

“I don’t know, but it sounded important.”

“Well all right. Just let me finish this up then everyone can eat.” She glanced at the clock. It was 8:30 that meant it was 10:30 in Washington. She would leave as soon as everyone was at the table.

At a house just outside Des Moines Iowa Nadya Vladislav was opening a envelope that had just been delivered. She was expecting it and opened it right a way. Inside was a photograph of Steve Austin, his wife and son and a short note written by Ivan.

Nadya,

Here is a picture of the family. I’m sure they are not going by the name Austin. As I stated in our conversation last night you are to dispose of them anyway you see fit.”

Ivan

Nadya thought her best start would be to look for the boy. He would have to be in school so she decided to check out the elementary schools that were in the area. She had a little more time than her friend Jasha Ivano who was in Montana Callahan had to be taken care of right away, but Nadya could take her time. She would spend the day parked in front of each school till she saw the boy out for recess, of course school would soon be out for summer recess, but she would find him.

In their apartment Steve, Jaime and Rob were getting ready to start their day.

“So what do we do Steve, do you have a job?” Jaime asked.

Steve shook his head. “No I don’t Oscar doesn’t want us to leave unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“Well then I guess we just sit back and wait.” “At least till Oscar says it’s safe to return to DC.” Steve added. I bought a bunch of games for Rob that ought to keep him entertained for the day anyway.” He laughed.

“Well.” Callahan remarked. “I better go call Mr. Goldman. Will you be alright for say half an hour or so?” She asked he sister.

“I’ll be fine,” Her sister Jean assured.

“I’ll be right back. I’ll use the drug store across the street.” Callahan left the house and started across the street. Jasha was ready for her. He gunned the engine and headed straight for her.

A quick thinking pedestrian grabbed her out of the way just in time.

“Dam!” Jasha cursed as he watched a shaky Callahan walk inside the drug store.

“She’s going to call Goldman.’ He thought. He sped away to place a call to Washington and tell them the mission had failed.

Callahan walked over to the pay phone and dialed Oscar’s private number in Washington. She realized he hadn’t called her but she felt she needed to tell him what had just happened.’

“Are you serious?” Oscar was amazed.

“Yes Mr. Goldman….” Callahan reported.

“You say they lured you out of the house?”

“Someone called, my brother-in-law answered, they told him to have me call you…”

“Look Callahan I hate to do this but I think you should come back to DC. I’ll send my private jet for you. You were coming home tomorrow anyway, And if they’re that anxious to kill you they could involve your family.”

“I’ll leave for the airport now.” Callahan agreed.

In Des Moines Nadya was getting very frustrated. She had sat outside two schools, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. She looked and looked for a boy who resembled Robert Austin but so far had come up blank. She decided to check out apartments in the area and see if anyone new had moved in in the past week. She was bound to come up with something. She decided to start in the downtown area She dreaded the call she had to make to Ivan in Washington.

After receiving both phone calls one from Jasha the other from Nadya he was furious. “I can’t believe they have both failed!!” He shrieked.

“Nadya will get to them.” Boris assured.

“No she won’t. Don’t you see? With Jasha’s attempt to kill Callahan, Goldman will alert Austin!” Ivan continued to scream.

“I guess you’re right now what?”

“I say we keep going, maybe we can still get Austin.” Ivan laughed.

Oscar was at the airport to meet Callahan. “Are you sure you’re ok?” He asked for the fourth time when they got in the car.

“Yes Mr. Goldman I’m fine. What is going on?”

Oscar filled her in as best he could about what had transpired in her absence

“Are Steve and Jaime alright?” She asked.

“I don’t know. Steve and Russ meet every night around ten their time which should be in the next couple of hours. I’m sorry it took so long to get the plane to you.” He apologized.

“That’s ok.” Callahan was relived to be back where she felt safe.

“I’m heading for the OSI building to await Russ’ call. Do you want me to take you home?”

“Yes. That way I can get a good night’s sleep and be there bright and early to throw that woman out of my desk.” Callahan smiled.

“I think you should stay home tomorrow. Let me deal with our spy. I have a feeling tomorrow will be her last day.”

“Well as long as you say so.” They pulled up in front of Callahan’s apartment. “Let me know if there is anything I can do.”

“I will, you stay inside and don’t answer your phone. If I need to contact you I’ll send someone.”

“Ok Mr. Goldman.” Callahan got out of the car and headed for the building.

Oscar headed for the OSI building where he and Rudy would wait Russ’s phone call.

At 9:45 Steve again left the apartment. He wore dark sun glasses even though it was night. He didn’t want anyone to recognize him. He walked to the arcade and waited for Russ to call.

“So Russ, what’s the good word?” Steve asked

“Not so good Steve. The Russians tried to kill Callahan this morning.” He reported.

“That’s not what I wanted to hear Russ.” Steve sighed. “I was hoping you were going to tell me we could come home.”

“Well Oscar would like you to. I mean it’s not over, but he thinks you’d be safer if you were here. I mean if they were able to find Callahan, they are more than likely looking for you and will find you.”

“Ok Russ We’ll leave first thing in the morning.” Steve assured.

“Good I’ll relay the message to Oscar.” Russ hung up and dialed Oscar’s number. And Steve headed back to the apartment.”

“What did Russ say?” Rudy asked when Oscar hung up.

“Steve and Jaime will be home sometime tomorrow.” Oscar looked up at Rudy. “You look like the cat that swallowed the canary.” He observed.

“I may have a plan to get ‘Amanda’ or who ever she is to tell us who she works for and who tried to kill Steve and his family.”

“Why so coy about it Rudy?” Oscar wondered.

“Because it would mean using the same tactics the Russians use” Rudy sighed. “I don’t know if I like that very well.”

“If it will help us track down the people who are behind this I think I’m willing to resort to just about anything.

“Ok then we’ll do it tomorrow when Amanda gets here. We’ll somehow get her down to my office…By they way you told Callahan to stay home tomorrow, right?” “Yes I did. She wanted to come in and kick but, but I told her to let us handle it.”

“Good.”

Back in Des Moines Nadya received the call she had been waiting for. It was Ivan. He called to tell her the Austin family’s new name.

“Nadya?” Ivan spoke

“Yes Ivan.” She answered.

“I have the address of the Barrett family…”

‘Amanda’ reported for work believing that soon Steve Austin would be dead She was surprised when Mr. Goldman told her he needed her to go down to Dr. Well’s office.

Fayina was a little nervous. She wondered just what they wanted. She stepped into Rudy’s office. Oscar and Rudy were waiting for her.

“What can I do for you?” Fayina asked.

“I’m going to lend you to Rudy for a couple of hours.” Oscar tried to smile. “His secretary is out sick today…”

“I just have some filing that needs to be done, then you can return to Mr. Goldman.” Rudy assured.

“Sure, no problem” Fayina tried to hide her irritation. She headed over to the files on Rudy’s desk and began to put them into the file cabinet. Rudy snuck behind her with a syringe and injected her it the back end.

“Ok now we take her into the lab. The sodium pentothal is all ready to go.” They carried her into the lab.

When Nadya got to the apartment she knocked several times on the door receiving no response.

“They’re gone.” The apartment manager said coming down the hall. “They left early this morning I’m just coming to get it ready to show to new tenants.

“Did they say where they were going?” Nadya was furious.

“No, not so much as a forwarding address. Now if you’ll excuse me, unless there is a unit I can show you.” He didn’t want to run off a perspective tenant.

“No, no that’s quite alright.” Nadya left to once again phone Ivan with bad news. He was going to turn inside out with fury.

After receiving Nadya’s phone call Ivan slammed the phone down. “We have to get out of here” He shouted at Boris. “The whole operation is falling apart. I’ll call our people and see if they can get us back to Moscow.”

“Won’t they be upset that we failed at the mission?” Boris asked.

“Better that than caught. I’m sure they know all about us.” Ivan started packing his things up then placed that call to Moscow to say the mission was a bust.

Ivan was right. Rudy and Oscar had extracted all the information they needed out of Fayina. They were waiting outside the Russian embassy when Boris and Ivan stepped out.

“I’m afraid you’re both under arrest.” Oscar growled.

“You can’t touch us.” Ivan screamed. “Or maybe you’ve never heard of diplomatic immunity.”

“I’ve heard of it. But unfortunately it doesn’t apply when you attempt to kill a federal agent.” Oscar informed them.

“Look just let us go back to Russia.” Boris pleaded.

“I can’t and won’t do that.” Oscar continued to growl at them. “I’m afraid you’re going to remain here and stand trial as well as your cohorts I believe we have agents picking up Nadya Vladislav and Jasha Ivano as we speak. In other words the party’s over.” Oscar snarled.

Oscar and Rudy were waiting at the airport when Steve and Jaime’s plane landed. “So what’s going on Oscar?” Steve asked.

“It’s over Ivan and his people are in jail at the NSB and Callahan is back on the job.” Oscar smiled.

“Well there’s a bright spot.” Steve replied.

“Yea their trial will be next month…”

“Then what they serve time here, or do we deport them.” Jaime asked.

“I’m not sure yet. They’re in a holding cell at the NSB…”

“Do you think that will be good enough?” Steve asked.

“I hope so. They’re keeping a pretty close watch on them. There is not a minute goes by they aren’t guarded.”

“They have all of them then.” Steve continued.

“Everyone from Boris and Ivan to the two they had in Iowa and Montana to kill you and Callahan.” Oscar informed.

“You’re sure Callahan is ok?” Jaime asked

“Yea she’s fine.” Oscar assured.

“Well that’s good.

The next six months flew by. Steve had been sent on several assignments since the Boris Ivan incident. Boris, Ivan and all of his cohorts were convicted to attempted murder on a federal agent and were serving time in Federal prison which after they were to be deported back to Russia never to return to the US.

It was a beautiful day. Steve, Jaime and Rob decided to go on a picnic at a park in Bethesda. They had just arrived when the first pains hit Jaime.

“What’s the matter?” Steve asked.

“I’m not sure, but if I were to take a wild guess I’d say I was in labor.” Jaime winced

“That’s great!” Steve shouted. “I’ll call Rudy on the car phone and let him know we’re on our way back.”

They jumped back into the car and Steve dialed Rudy. “Doc? I think it’s time.”

“I’ll be waiting for you. Where are you now?” Rudy asked.

“Just leaving the park in Bethesda” Steve told him. We should be there within the hour.”

“I’ll be waiting at National for you. Do you want me to call Oscar?” Rudy asked.

“That would be great. See you in just a bit.” He hung up and continued driving.

“I’m sorry Rob.” Jaime apologized between contractions.

“Sorry, for what?” Rob wondered.

“I ruined our picnic.” Jaime winced again.

“Hey if it’s going to be ruined I rather it be ruined in this way. I’m about to become a big brother. I can hardly wait.”

Jaime gave him a slight smile. “I’m glad you’re so happy.” “I sure am.” Rob reached into the front seat and gave her a hug.

She returned the hug and then watched the road traffic stood at a dead stand still. She turned to Steve. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. We seem to be stuck in traffic.” Steve was a lot calmer than Jaime thought he should be.

“Stuck in traffic?” Jaime’s voice was shrill. “Steve this baby is not going to wait.”

“You mean you’re that close? Rudy said the first baby could take hours.”

“Well he’s been wrong before.” Jaime reminded.

“I’ll call Rudy again and see what he says.” Again Steve reached for the car phone. “Rudy it’s us…”

“Steve where are you I expected you a long time ago.” Rudy sounded concerned.

“We’re stuck in traffic.” Steve explained. “And Jaime says the baby isn’t going to wait much longer.”

“Well Steve if it comes down to it I can talk you through the delivery.” Rudy told him.

“You mean I might have to deliver the baby?” Steve was incredulous

“It might come down to it. Why don’t you look ahead and see what the hold up is.” Rudy suggested.

“I just might do that.” Steve hung up and turned to Jaime. “Rudy says if it comes down to it he can talk me through the delivery.”

“I’m sorry Steve but I don’t know if I like that very well.” Jaime teased.

“Well I don’t either.” Steve smiled.

“Trouble?” Oscar asked.

“There might be. Steve and Jaime are stuck in traffic. I just might have to talk him through the delivery.”

“Why don’t you go to them? Take an ambulance and…”

“Oscar if they can’t get to us, an ambulance will never get to them.” Rudy pointed out. “Yea I guess you’re right. What are you going to do?” Oscar wondered. He knew Steve was a wonderful pilot and a great agent but could he be a Dr.

“The only thing I can. Talk him through the delivery.” Rudy sighed.

Back on the street traffic hadn’t budged Steve was getting a little nervous as Jaime’s pains grew closer and close together.

“Rob it looks like I’m going to have to deliver this baby. I don’t think I want you in the car…”

“Aw dad! I see worse on the late, late show.” Rob argued.

He’s right Steve, besides you might need his help.” She cried out as another pain hit her.

Steve picked up the phone and again dialed Rudy.

“Steve! How’s it going?” Rudy asked.

“Not so good. Traffic still hasn’t moved and the contractions are less than a minute apart.”

“Ok just relax.” Rudy tried to remain calm. “Try to get Jaime in the backseat. Do that then call me back.”

“Ok Doc. Stand by.”

Steve got out of the car and walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for Jaime. “Ok. Rudy says it will probably be easier if you’re in the backseat.”

“I was thinking the same thing myself.” Jaime winced in pain as Steve assisted her into the back seat. “Ok Rob why don’t you jump in the front.”

Rob got out and then slid into the passenger seat.

“Ok looks like we’re ready. Hand me the phone then dial Rudy’s number son.”

Rob did as he was instructed. “Here dad” he handed him the phone then dialed the number.

Rudy picked up on the first ring. “Steve?”

“Yea it’s us. Jaime is lying in the backseat now what?”

“First of all you’re going to need something to grab the baby with. A cloth or something the baby will be very slippery.”

“Rob look around for a blanket or towel or something.” Steve called into the front seat where Rob sat staring out the front window.

Rob looked around and finding nothing to fit the description of what his father wanted, he removed his shirt and handed it to Steve. “This should work.”

“Ok Rudy got it.” Steve called into the phone.

Rudy talked Steve through the delivery. Steve looked down at his daughter. “Well little lady.” He spoke softly. “You caused quite a stir today.”

Rudy it’s a girl.” He announced.

“That’s great Steve. Just leave Jaime in the backseat and get here as soon as you can.”

Five minutes later traffic was moving. They arrived at the National Medical Center ten minutes after Stephanie Lynn Austin was born.

“Well Steve.” Rudy proclaimed after he examined Steve and Jaime’s new addition. “She’s perfect in every way. By the way Rob, here’s your shirt back.”

“She can keep it. Hey maybe it will be her security blanket.

Rob was right. Stephanie wouldn’t sleep with out her big brother’s shirt.

“Well” Steve proclaimed a week after the baby was born. “I guess we have a perfect family now.”

“You’re right." Jaime smiled at him, then they both smiled down at their daughter sleeping in her crib.