ONE IN A MILLION-PAGE 2

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It was going to be a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining brightly and
there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Callie and Murdock went to the garden shed
together to retrieve the rakes and the wheel barrel. They were making only
small talk as they worked, with Callie filling Murdock in on a little bit of
neighborhood gossip. She didn't have too many exciting details to reveal as
she was known to be somewhat on the quiet side and kept mostly to herself.
She spoke of some of the trips her neighbors had taken lately, who had kids,
who was retired, what the village consisted of and how many lakeside
cottages and resorts there were in the area. 

As they continued to rake the leaves into the huge forming pile, Callie
noticed that Murdock hadn't said very much at all. She let him be for
awhile, then decided that they had had enough of this working and that it
was time to let off a little steam again. She silently laid down her rake as
she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Murdock had his back to her.
She scooped up a large handful of the leaves and quite nonchalantly walked
up behind him, tossing the handful over his head. 

Murdock's mind had been a million miles away. He was experiencing things in
his life for the first time that he never thought would ever happen to
someone like him. He was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the rest of the
team in order to have a little while alone with his best friend, Templeton
Peck, and be able to have someone he could express these feelings to. Face
was an expert when it came to matters like these. Even though there had been
only a couple of very serious relationships in Face's life, Murdock was sure
he could rely on his good friend for some much needed advice. At this point
in time he felt that he would never be able to give Callie up. He had never
fallen for anyone this fast before in his entire life. Right now he didn't
know which direction to turn or how to deal with his feelings. What he
wanted to know most of all was how Callie felt about him. He was sure there
had to be some sort of attraction there, just from the mere fact that they
had been intimate already. Callie had been an incredible lover, but he also
couldn't help but wonder if he had been the first, just from what he had
observed in her reaction as he had entered her. 

All of a sudden his thoughts were interrupted as a huge shower of leaves
started falling over him. "Hey!" he yelled as he turned around quickly and
saw that Callie was laughing up a storm and was about to make a hasty
retreat away from him. Tossing his rake to the ground he was upon Callie in
four huge strides, threw his arms around her waist and lifted her off her
feet. All the time Callie had been laughing uncontrollably and was trying to
stop long enough to tell Murdock to put her down. He said he would, very
shortly, as he headed for their pile of leaves they had raked. Callie was
still laughing and trying to wriggle free out of his grip. Murdock aimed for
the pile of leaves and they both tumbled down together, still lost in fits
of laughter. He pinned Callie's arms to either side as he began biting at
her neck and warning her that he was going to get even.  They were both so
involved in each other right at the moment that neither one of them had
heard the car pulling into the driveway at the side of the house. 

"Well now, isn't THIS cozy?" came a voice from behind them. Murdock
instinctively and protectively kept his body over top of Callie as he jerked
his head around at the sound of the voice. Callie had gasped and clutched at
Murdock's neck as she tried to peer around to see who had just arrived.

Standing just a few feet away was Face, Hannibal and B.A.  A look of utter
amusement showed itself at the corners of Face's mouth as he spoke about the
"cozy" situation they had just come across, but Hannibal and B.A. appeared
somewhat more serious in their demeanor. 

"Hannibal! You...you guys are early!" a shocked Murdock exclaimed as he
bounded to his feet and reached his hand out to help Callie up. They tried
to brush some of the leaves off their clothes, and he reached out to Callie
to retrieve a couple of leaves entangled in her hair. "I, uh, we...we were
just, um...doing a little raking here, and uh, well, you know, getting the
leaves ready to burn and all," he stammered as Face continued to smile and
Hannibal & B.A. continued to stare. 

"Hello Captain, Ms. Bertram. Callie, isn't it?" Hannibal spoke first as he
stepped towards them and took Callie's hand. "I take it that all has been
safe and well with you two? You must have the situation here VERY well in
hand seeing as how you were so unaware of anyone approaching you just now."
Hannibal was in no way angry, but did have a hint of disappointment in his
voice. "Need I remind you, Murdock, that we have been retained by Callie to
see to it that no harm befalls her?" Hannibal still appeared serious as he
addressed his young chopper pilot.

"No sir, colonel. I don't need to be reminded. And I HAVE been taking very
good care of Callie while in her company. The house is secure and there have
been no threats or phone calls of any kind since my arrival here with her."

Callie was soon to speak her mind as well. "He's right. I've never felt more
safe in my life having Murdock around. This little bit of horseplay was all
my fault, not his. He has been watchful and aware every moment we have been
here, or away from here, for that matter. We haven't seen nor heard anything
out of the ordinary."

Hannibal put his cigar back in his mouth, nodded once, and began to look
their surroundings over. Callie's house fronted the road, there were
neighbors on either side, and an open field to the back which lead to some
woods. It was this open field lined with trees that he didn't much care for.
Too much opportunity for someone to be out there with binoculars, watching
their every move. No sooner had he thought this when all of a sudden the sun
reflected off of something in the trees. He turned to the others. "Did you
see that flash of light out there just now?" The other men nodded in unison,
and Hannibal continued to stare out towards the trees, thinking, clamping
his teeth on his ever present cigar. "So, you tell me that since the two of
you have returned here, that there hasn't been anything out of the ordinary?
No suspicious looking vehicles following you when you leave?"

Callie spoke up & told him about what she thought she saw out the kitchen
window the night before, but that Murdock had taken care of everything when
he had gone outside to check things out. There were no signs of any wrong
doing whatsoever.

Still, Hannibal was uncomfortable with this. He strongly suspected that the
house was being watched even as they spoke. He turned to face the others.
"Callie, I understand that your house here is a bit small to accommodate all
of us. We have taken the liberty of obtaining rooms at a motel in town. Face
here came up with an ingenious way for us to travel - we managed to fly into
New York, then he was able to book us on a seniors' bus tour, with fake id
of course,  that was coming to Ontario. Cute, huh? By the time we hit
Toronto, the three of us split and rented this car. Now, shall we retire to
the inside please and discuss how we will be working for you? I'm sure we
can come up with some good ideas here." Everyone turned to head back inside.
"Uh, Murdock? Can I speak to you in private for a few minutes please?" 

Murdock looked at Callie for a few seconds then put his hands in his
pockets. "We'll be there in a few minutes," he said to her as he started to
walk over to where Hannibal was standing. He stood & watched Callie until
she was out of sight.

"Murdock, I don't know what has been going on here these last few days, but
I know I don't like it. I know you saw the sun reflect off whatever it is
out there in those trees. I have a really bad feeling that you have been
watched all the time you've been here. You let your guard down. We could
have been ANYBODY strolling in here while the two of you were taking a
tumble in the leaves over there." The young chopper pilot had said nothing,
but stood with his hands in his pockets and his head down as if he were a
child being reprimanded for having done something naughty. Hannibal
continued. "It would be in Callie's best interests if you were to return to
the motel with me and Face later today, and I'll leave B.A. here to watch
out for Callie. If whoever's watching happens to get a load of him, well, I
would imagine they would have second thoughts about trying to get anywhere
near Callie."

Murdock quickly looked up, his eyes widened. "But...but colonel! I've been
doing my job here. Honest I have! I feel I have been quite observant
and...and aware of what has been going on around us. I mean, we haven't even
had as much as a phone call here! Please, I'd like to stay here with Callie
if I may. We, uh, we've been getting along very well since we met
and...and...well, I've just never met anyone like her before, ya know? I
mean, I feel really different about spending time with her than what I have
ever felt in the past with any other woman I have ever met. Callie is, well,
she's special."

Hannibal understood all TOO well what his young captain was trying to get
across. He looked sympathetically at  Murdock. "Listen Murdock, it's quite
obvious that the two of you have a little something going on between you,
but you must understand that you can't let your emotions become involved in
your work. We are here to do a job, and that job is to keep Callie out of
harm's way. I honestly don't feel you can fully concentrate on that task
when you are with her because you are so pre-occupied with her. You made
that pretty clear with your little demonstration here when we arrived upon
the scene. I hate to ask this, and I know you will hate me for asking,
but...have the two of you been intimate?"

Murdock stood and stared angrily at his commanding officer, a deep,
penetrating stare. He didn't say anything, but just looked away.

"That's what I had suspected. You see? You are letting yourself be run by
your emotions right now, and we can't have that. This isn't a request,
captain. It's an order, for now anyway." Hannibal spoke not in a threatening
sort of way, but more like a father talking to his son in a very caring
manner. "Now let's go back inside and talk about how we want to set this
thing up, then I will instruct B.A. to stay here with Callie tonite.
Understood?"

Murdock looked at Hannibal now and, although not still as angry as he had
been a few minutes ago, nodded his head in agreement. "Uh...understood,
colonel. I would never want anything to happen to Callie. I would much
rather die first." With that the two men started towards the house.

Inside Callie had started to throw together a bit of lunch for them. She had
decided to just throw some hot dogs and hamburgers on the barbecue  and
perhaps whip up a couple of salads. Face & B.A. were helping themselves to a
fresh pot of coffee she had also started when they went inside. Murdock was
quick to begin helping Callie with making lunch and with the clean up
afterwards, but had said nothing about his having to leave there later in
the day. He touched Callie every chance he got, either by reaching out and
touching her cheek, giving her shoulder a squeeze, whatever he could manage
while all the other guys were around watching them. She, in turn, appeared
to have eyes for only him. When everyone was seated around the table after
lunch to discuss the planning, Callie and Murdock secretly held hands under
the table.

Hannibal and the others listened closely as Callie explained to them about
the building of her new house and the progress that had been made on it. She
told them that she & Murdock had visited there as soon as they had arrived a
few days ago, & Murdock then proceeded to tell Hannibal how much of the
house was done. He explained the location, described the property around it,
and the ideas he had as far as a cover for the team was concerned. 

Hannibal said he thought it could be a workable idea. He went on to mention
that Face had had past experience at interior decorating, a skill he had
picked up by cavorting with the rich and famous clientele he had always
managed to scam his way in with. He thought it might work if Murdock, B.A.
and himself could pose as Face's work crew and to be around the house quite
a bit in order to keep Callie safe. After a couple of hours of deliberating
their plans, Hannibal looked at his watch and decided they would continue
talking again in a couple of days. He thought it best if the guys were to
return to the motel to lay low for awhile, and have just Face come around
posing as a prospect for doing the work on the inside of the house. Then
this is where the rest of the guys would easily be brought into the picture. 

Callie and Murdock released their handhold and stood with the rest of the
team. She noticed that Murdock's mood had suddenly turned somber as he stood
and stared at her. Hannibal looked at the two of them and started to speak.
"Callie, I have decided that B.A. will be staying here at the house with you
and Murdock should return with us back to the motel." 

 
 

Murdock had not said a word since they had left Callie' place. After about
five minutes, Hannibal told Face to circle back and head towards a side road
which should lead them to that wooded area at the edge of the field where he
had noticed that reflection earlier. It may have been nothing, but he
thought they would make sure, just in case. Face found a place to park the
car, & the three of them made a ten minute trek through the woods, coming to
a clearing where they could look across and see Callie's house in a
distance. Hannibal looked about the ground and noticed a freshly trodden
spot where someone could have been standing. He studied the angle to
Callie's house and decided this would just about be where he had noticed
that flicker of light when he looked over earlier. The three men made a
search of a wide area, but came up empty handed as far as any clues were
concerned as to who might have been here not that long ago. Hannibal was
hoping that this person might now be aware of their presence and know that
he was being suspected. They walked back to the car and headed for the motel
in town. He would call B.A. later & let him know what they had discovered.

B.A. still hadn't seen nor heard Callie by six o'clock & he was beginning to
get hungry. He thought maybe he would check on her and see if he could fix
them up a bite to eat. Heading up the stairs he approached her bedroom door
and knocked. After the second time, Callie said to come in. It appeared as
though she might have been sleeping and she looked as though she was
slightly distressed with her hair and make up in need of some fixing up.
B.A. walked over & sat on the edge of her bed as she reached for a Kleenex
and blew her nose. He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Are you o.k., Callie?" he asked tenderly. "You know, maybe what we need
here is some nourishment. Are you hungry? I thought I might fix us up
something to eat. How does that sound? Will you come downstairs and join me?"

"Oh B.A., I'm sorry. I...I didn't mean to sleep this late." Callie thought
back for a moment and remembered that Murdock was no longer there. She took
a couple of deep breaths and tried speaking to B.A. again. "I was tired
and...and I thought I would, uh, just....just take a quick nap
and...and...," with that she felt the tears come again and reached for
another Kleenex. B.A. sat silently for a few minutes and let her gather her
emotions once again.

"There, there Callie. There's no need to cry. I ain't never seen no one
behave over this crazy foo' like this before. It ain't as though he's left
the country, you know. They only went to town. You'll see him again in a few
days, once Hannibal gets his plan formed. C'mon, let's go get something to
eat. I'm starved!"

"I...I'm sorry, B.A. I shouldn't behave like this, and I apologize. And
guess what? It just so happens I have plenty of chili in the freezer. How
about a nice big fixing of that, o.k.?" Callie wiped the tears from her face
and excused herself for another few minutes while she freshened up. She said
she would meet him downstairs momentarily.

While Callie was preparing their meal, B.A. excused himself to go outside
and take a look around. He also offered to bring in some wood to start a
fire, but Callie wasn't in the mood for one after the romantic evening she &
Murdock had shared together the evening before. She didn't explain it this
way to B.A., but just told him no thank you on the fire, that she didn't
want one that particular evening. They ate their meal in silence although
some attempts were made at some small talk. B.A. observed that Callie had
seemed to be lost in her own thoughts for the most part, and decided to just
let it be for now. They retired to the front room after supper and he
managed to find the ball game on t.v. while Callie sat and read a book. 

When the telephone rang, Callie was on it in a flash. B.A. however had been
just a bit quicker and sat with his hand on the phone before Callie had a
chance to answer. "Just be yourself and act natural, o.k.? If this is a
crank call, give it to me immediately," he told her before removing his hand.

Callie could feel her heart pounding. Oh, how she hoped it would be Murdock
on the other end! Would he actually be missing her as much as she was him?
She took a breath as B.A. allowed her to answer the phone and could hear her
heart throbbing in her ears as she spoke. "Hello? Oh, yes. Yes, he's right
here. Just a minute." Callie's heart sank as she handed the phone to B.A.
Her tears began to well up in her eyes again.

"Ev'rythin's o.k. here, Hannibal. Hasn't been no sign of no one. Yes, I
will. I'll make good & sure all the doors and windows are checked thoroughly
before we go to bed. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Oh. O.k. Yes,  I understand. I'll pay
attention, especially to that part of the woods. Is uh, is that Crazy Man
around? Oh. Yes, I'll tell her. Good-bye." With that said, B.A. hung up the
phone. He looked over at Callie who was biting her lip to keep from crying.
"Hannibal said Murdock had gone out for a walk about an hour ago & hasn't
returned yet." With that, Callie excused herself to go to bed. It was nine
thirty in the evening.
*******************************************************************************

Murdock had told the others that he needed to go for a walk to clear his
head. Now, if only he could succeed in doing so. His thoughts for the last
three days had been centered entirely around Callie Bertram, and he knew he
couldn't get THAT out of his head. He just needed this bit of time alone, to
sort some things out, then he thought he would approach Face for some
advice. His emotional state was a mess, more so than usual, or even for what
it was supposed to be when he was at the V.A. Hospital. Being in there, life
had been easy, a lot less complicated. He did what he had to do in order to
remain incognito. It was never a problem getting out when he had to. He
rather enjoyed the challenge. And hadn't he and his attending physician Dr.
Richter become very good friends?  Why, the Dr. would as much as take
Murdock with him on some of his frequent visits to his exclusive country
club! What more could a "seriously ill" mental patient ask for? Now it was
time to have to approach Dr. Richter on a much more serious matter - to look
into having Murdock released from the hospital. He knew now, without a
doubt, that he would have to be with Callie, to allow himself more time with
her and to get to know her better. He had been SO tempted tonight to just
call a taxi and to go to her, but could not go against the colonel's orders.
His feelings and his obligation to his unit were in such deep turmoil that
he would just have to confront Face and try & get this talked out of his
system. Murdock had been so deep in thought while he was walking that he
didn't hear the pick-up truck approaching him from behind...
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Callie's phone rang at one o'clock a.m. B.A. was the first to reach it,
bounding down the stairs several at a time. He let it ring a few times as he
waited for Callie to catch up with him, then instructed her to pick the
phone up. Callie did as B.A. had asked, then in somewhat of a confused
state, handed the phone to B.A. once again. "It...it's Hannibal," she said
with a shocked expression on her face. "He wants to know if we've seen Murdock."

"No Hannibal, he ain't here, man. He what? And you haven't seen nor heard
from him since then? Oh, what's that crazy foo' up to now? No, if he was
here, I woulda let you know. O.k. If we DO hear anything, I'll be in touch
with you." B.A. looked over and saw the horrified look on Callie's face.
"Oh, and Hannibal? If he does show up there, uh, can you let us know that
here? Oh, you're comin' here? O.k. We'll see you soon. Thanks, man." B.A.
placed the headset back in the cradle. 

"Where IS he, B.A.? Where would Murdock be this time of night, in a town he
isn't all that familiar with?" Callie tried to speak without letting the
panic show in her voice. She backed away from B.A. as she sat herself down
on the couch, trying to overcome the sick feeling she suddenly had in the
pit of her stomach.

"Don't worry, Callie. Murdock can take care of himself. He may ACT crazy a
lot of the time, but it's just an act, if ya ask me. He'll be o.k. Don't you
fret none." B.A. tried to sound as reassuring as he could. Right now he knew
his first priority was the well being of Callie Bertram, but he was also
concerned for his friend and fellow team member. It certainly wasn't like
Murdock to just up and disappear. 
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As Murdock was trying to regain consciousness, he squinted through his
swollen eyes and saw the stars in the sky. His hands were handcuffed behind
his back, his mouth gagged, his feet tied. Every joint and every muscle in
his entire body seemed to scream out in pain. He was glad that Hannibal had
always insisted on their regular workouts in order to keep fit. Otherwise he
might have suffered far more injuries when he had been struck by this maniac
in the half ton. He heard the truck approach just before it hit him and
tried to jump in order to avoid most of the impact. He remembers landing on
the hood and bouncing off the windshield, then hitting the pavement with a
thud. After that everything was a blur. Now he was awake and tied up, being
taken someplace in the back of this truck. He looked about him, with
negative results, trying to landmark their travels the best he could, be it
some sort of building he might be able to see, an unusual tree - anything
that he might find his way out with again. And then his thoughts would drift
back to Callie. Was she still safe at home? Is that what this was all about?
He began to fear for her safety, but knew she should remain unharmed in
B.A.'s company. Yes, he needn't worry about too many people getting by the
Big Guy. He felt like he was going to lose consciousness again...
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Callie started for the upstairs. "I'm getting dressed and I'm going to go
and look for him." 

"No! Callie, we can't leave here. I have to look out for you. And besides,
Hannibal and Face are on their way out here. They will look for Murdock on
their way. Please, we can't go out!" B.A. felt he could disable her vehicle
if she was going to be uncooperative, but also hoped it wouldn't be
necessary. Callie had stopped to look at him while he spoke and took a
moment to think about what he said.

"But...but B.A.? What...what if he's hurt? Maybe...maybe he was trying to
get here, to get to me, and...and he was hit by a car or...or something
horrible like that! He might be lying in the ditch somewhere! I have to
know! Please? We have to go and look for him!" Callie couldn't hold back the
tears any longer. By this time B.A. had walked over to where she was
standing and put his arms around her. Callie cried on his shoulder. She
seemed to do that a lot with these guys.

"Don't let your imagination work like that, Callie, please? He'll be o.k.
He's been through a whole lot worse than this during his lifetime. He'll be
just fine. You'll see." B.A. was doing the best he could to assure Callie of
Murdock's well being, but he was more at ease with kids than he was trying
to comfort adults. He was thinking himself that if any harm had come to his
friend in ANY way, he would track down the person or persons responsible and
make them pay! Nobody, but NOBODY hurt any of B.A.'s own and lived to tell
about it! He would make sure of that! 

Thirty minutes later they heard the car pull up in the driveway. Callie, who
had put on some jeans and a sweatshirt in the meantime, met Hannibal and
Face at the door, hoping for some sign of Murdock as well. They hadn't seen
nor heard anything all the way out. If Murdock had in fact decided to
disobey Hannibal's orders, he most certainly would have at least called for
a taxi. They called the emergency room of the local hospital & there had
been no hit & run victims brought in there any time during the previous
evening. Callie, still appearing to be somewhat in shock, sat herself down
at the table and stared. "I....I made a pot of coffee. Help yourselves," was
all she managed to say. She continued to stare at the tabletop as the others
brought some mugs and the pot of coffee to the table.

B.A. spoke first and broke the silence. "Hannibal? What did that crazy foo'
say to you when he went out? Did he say where he was goin'?"

"He just said he wanted to go for a walk & clear his head, B.A. He's been
pretty down in the dumps since we left here. Haven't you even noticed that
he just hasn't been himself since we arrived, and especially since we have
been in the company of Ms. Bertram here?" Hannibal had an unlit cigar in his
mouth as he studied his coffee mug. He continued: "I mean, Murdock has been
acting too, shall we say, "normal" this past day or so. It's not LIKE him.
Why, he hasn't even attempted to come up with any new secret identity, or
any new invisible pets...he hasn't even mentioned his dog Billy once! That's
not like him. You guys know that." He took the cigar out of his mouth and
began to drink his coffee.

"You know, Hannibal, you got a point there," B.A. spoke up. "I don't
remember ever seein' the crazy foo' as happy or carefree as what he seems to
be with Callie here. So THAT'S what I found strange about him - the fact
that he AIN'T been strange!" This last statement brought a smile from
Hannibal and got Face's attention. Callie continued to stare as her coffee
was getting cold.

All of a sudden the phone rang. Callie was suddenly shaken out of her
traumatized state of mind and ran to the phone. Hannibal and the others were
right behind her. Please God, let it be Murdock...please let him be alright!
Her hands were shaking so badly she could hardly pick up the receiver.
Hannibal was there beside her. The voice on the other end was not Murdock's
and it made her blood run cold.

"Hello Calandra. How've you been? I've missed you all these years. You knew
I would come back for you, didn't you? You know you can't stop a good
thing." By this time, seeing the shock on Callie's face, Hannibal had
stooped down to listen in on the conversation as well. The voice continued:
"I have something here that I'm sure you want. Only thing is, you will have
to come to me in exchange for him. Yes, that's right. I have lover boy. You
think I don't know what's been going on there? HUH? HOW YOU HAVE BETRAYED
ME? You will be sorry, Calandra, so very, very sorry. Here, I think lover
boy is trying to say something now." 

"C...ca...Callie?" was all Murdock was allowed to say in the receiver.
Callie heard herself scream. "MURDOCK! Murdock, WHERE ARE YOU?" The line
went dead. Callie felt her legs give out from beneath her as Hannibal helped
her to the couch. 

"Who was that? Did you recognize the voice? Please, Callie, this is very
important. This person obviously has Murdock and is using him to get to you.
Don't worry about Murdock. He can take care of himself. Now, I really need
you here. Did you know the voice on the other end of the phone?" Hannibal
tried to keep the situation sounding as serious as he possibly could without
raising his voice. If Murdock had been kidnapped by someone who was
desperate to get to Callie, there's no telling what they might do to him or
what condition he was in as far as making his escape was concerned. He
didn't want to tell Callie this much, although he knew that B.A. and Face
were thinking along the same lines as he was. B.A. was now pacing the room,
banging his fist into his open hand.

Callie felt like she was going to be sick. Her pallor was chalk white. She
began to cry. After a couple of minutes, she started to compose herself long
enough to at least explain to Hannibal and the others about the voice on the
phone. It was something she would NEVER have suspected in a million years.
These threats she was getting and problems she had been having were all
starting to make sense now. She suddenly knew that it hadn't been money
related at all. She began her story. 

"Years ago, when...when I was still in high school, there was this boy. His
name was Warren Scott. He wasn't very popular around school, but then,
neither was I. I did have friends, though. He seemed to be somewhat of a
loner. Didn't do too well with his grades from what I understand. He came
from a poor family life where he didn't get much support or the proper help
that he needed. Anyway, he...he had a crush on me at school. We just laughed
it off, thinking he would eventually give up. He had asked me out several
times to school dances and on dates, and...and I had always turned him down.
Soon he was everywhere. He...he had become my worst nightmare. He was ALWAYS
following me, whether it was between classes, if I was going to the library,
the washroom, or even to and from school. I was frightened. Back then, well,
there weren't the stalking laws that we have in place today. I told my
parents and we had to get a lawyer and take action with the school board.
We, uh, we weren't quick enough in our actions. One...one day...this...this
Warren...he...he beat me up. Bad. That was all he did. Nothing else. But
he...he fractured my jaw, broke my nose, and bruised me up pretty badly.
This was serious enough by now to call in the police and have him arrested.
Turns out that the courts sent him for a psychiatric evaluation and decided
to have him committed for some time to a local mental institution. The last
I ever heard tell of him, well, his parents were dead and his whereabouts
were unknown. I...I know where their old house was...in a town about forty
minutes from here. Is that any help?" With all this having been brought to
light, Callie began to cry softly. "Oh Murdock! It's my fault! If anything
happens to him, I don't know how I will be able to live with myself! Oh,
it's all my fault!" Callie slumped over towards Hannibal and started to cry
uncontrollably. "I'm so sorry, Hannibal! I should have known! Why didn't I
know?"

Hannibal tried to comfort Callie the best he could, all the time knowing
that they had to rely on her as well to get them to this town where they
might be able to catch up with this obviously disturbed character. "It's
o.k., Callie, we're going to leave right now and get him back. He'll be
fine. He knows what to do in a situation like this. Now, is there anything
else you can tell us about this guy? You can take us to where he used to
live? That would be a start."
********************************************************************************

Murdock felt an icy cold splash on his face which made him come to. He
sputtered and looked around at his surroundings. It was very dark with only
a single, small watt lightbulb overhead. The place smelled of old musty
newspapers and he was feeling cold from the dampness of the night around
him. His hands were still handcuffed behind his back and he realized he was
now in a sitting position. His legs were tied to the chair, but the gag had
been removed from his mouth. He tried to squint and moved his head about
slowly to have a look at his captor. His head was pounding from having been
struck by the truck, and he felt nauseous. Suddenly there was someone
standing in front of him, but because the light was shining in his eyes, he
couldn't make out the man's face all that clearly. A voice began to speak.

"Don't worry. She will be here soon, then I will have no further need for
you. I know Calandra. I know she will come. She knows where I live. Did you
think you were going to just waltz right in here and TAKE what was MINE???
HUH??? I DON'T THINK SO. Calandra has been MINE for YEARS, buddy! I won't
let YOU or ANYBODY have her! No, I've waited too long for this moment. Soon
the two of us will be together, forever, and there isn't anything that YOU
or your FRIENDS will be able to do about it. YOU GOT THAT?" With that,
Warren struck Murdock across the face with the back of his hand. Murdock's
head went to one side, the blow sending a sharp pain through his already
pounding head. He tried again to look at this man that was holding him
hostage and tried to speak through his swollen lips.

"What is it you want from me? Huh? You won't be gaining anything by holding
me here, not by the time my friends are through with you. And don't think
for ONE MINUTE that you will ever, EVER get near Callie. THAT won't be
possible. I guarantee it! You had also better hope that I never get free
from here," he finished saying through gritted teeth. "You will be dog meat,
buddy. THAT'S a PROMISE." Murdock succumbed back into darkness as he felt
another smashing blow to the side of his head. His chin dropped forward to
his chest.
********************************************************************************

The drive felt like it was taking forever, even though B.A. was traveling at
a high rate of speed. Hannibal was in the passenger seat beside him, smoking
his cigar. Callie was in the back seat with Face. It was a fairly cool
autumn evening with the hint of a storm as they had been experiencing the
sound of thunder and the occasional flash of lightning from off in the
distance in the direction in which they were headed. Callie told herself
that she would remain calm and in control of her emotions as Murdock's life
may depend on it. If anything were to ever happen to him, well, she just
didn't want to go on living. She was willing to trade her entire fortune
right NOW for the safe return of her newfound love. She had been praying
silently to her God ever since they had left the house. She even didn't seem
as concerned about Murdock leaving to go back to California, something which
was no doubt inevitable in the near future. At least he would be alive.
Please, oh please, she prayed, let him be alive!

The first time anyone spoke the entire trip was when Callie had instructed
B.A. where to turn off the highway. They drove several miles to the south
until they came into a small town not far from the Lake Ontario shore.
Callie once again gave B.A. directions across several side streets until
they were near the old house Callie had told them about. Hannibal instructed
B.A. to turn the lights off. The streets were empty that time of the morning
and there was plenty of light from the street lamps to see where they were
going. The car stopped a few houses up the street from the house that Callie
had remembered as being the one time home of the man who they felt was
responsible for being her stalker. Hannibal turned to face Callie.

"You stay put. Face, you go around the left side of the house, B.A., the
right. I'm going in the front. Let's get the weapons from the trunk and be
on our way, shall we?" Hannibal checked the hand gun he had with him, then
tucked it safely back into his belt. Face did the same. B.A. didn't need to
carry a weapon. He felt his fists were threatening enough. Face got out of
the car and went around to the trunk to retrieve the arms.

"Weapons? Hannibal, you brought weapons with you?" Callie sounded distressed
at the mention of firearms. She was so afraid for Murdock's safety right now
that she didn't think it would be a good idea for everyone to be running
around with a gun in his hand. 

"No Callie, you needn't worry. From what you have told us about this guy, he
needs help. Real bad. What Face has managed to round up for us is each of us
will be in possession of a stun gun, although our pistols won't be that far
away either, just in case our lives are in absolute danger. That is the ONLY
time we will use any necessary force. We are never out to harm anyone. Only
to contain them until the proper authorities arrive and take control of the
situation. That's all. Now, if you will excuse us, we are wasting time here."

"I want to go too. Please? I...I have to see if Murdock's alright!" Callie's
voice was near panic as she pleaded with Hannibal to let her tag along.

"No, you stay here where it is safe. I also need you here by the phone, in
case he tries to call again. He doesn't know we are in town, and it has been
nearly an hour since we last heard from him. If he DOES call, you will have
to find out where he is, just in case we aren't successful here. Then, if he
insists on meeting with you, tell him you will do so in, oh, about an hour.
And tell him you will come alone and NO DEAL unless he has Murdock with him.
Understood?" Hannibal accepted the nod from a now tearful Callie and
proceeded to get out of the car. Face handed him a stun gun and they started
down the street towards the house. No sooner had they got any more than two
driveways away when the phone rang. Callie jumped out of the car and called
to them. Within seconds the men were back at the car as Callie reached
nervously for the phone. She pushed a button to use the mike in order for
everyone else to hear.

"Hel...hello? Yes, it's me. I...I've been waiting for your call. I...I
missed you too." At this last remark, Callie gave a shudder. "Yes, I can be
there, on one condition. You make sure my friend will be there also,
unharmed. Let me talk to him. RIGHT NOW! I said to put him ON!!" Hannibal
reached out and grabbed Callie by the shoulder and whispered for her to be
careful. "Murdock? Murdock, is that you? Are you o.k.?" tears were running
down her cheeks. 

A very faint response came back to her over the phone. "...hi
sweetheart...I'm o.k. ...just...just do as he says...," was all he had been
allowed to say. He knew the others wouldn't be too far away. Warren got back
on the phone with Callie. "Yes, Calandra, do as he says. You remember where
we had that little rendezvous one time, Calandra? That place I took you to
in order to teach you a lesson about ignoring me? Meet us there...in an
hour, yes, that's right. And Calandra? If you want to see lover boy here
alive again, come alone. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. I'll be
waiting. And ready." The line went dead.

Callie slumped back in the seat and put her face in her hands, weeping. Then
she sat upright and took a couple of deep breaths and began to tell Hannibal
and the others where Murdock was being held. "They...they aren't here in the
house. When...when he...attacked...me," she spoke with difficulty, "it...it
had been in an abandoned newsprint factory, just south of the tracks towards
the lake. About...about five minutes from here. From what I can remember, it
is accessible on all sides. It isn't a well lit area, or at least it never
used to be. That's where he meant when he asked me if...if I
...remembered...the place...," Callie rubbed her temples with her fingers as
if to rub out all the bad memories that this was stirring up for her again.
She was prepared to do whatever it would take to ensure Murdock's safe
return, even if it meant having to go back to that place.

The guys piled into the car quickly, weapons still in hand, and headed for
the industrial part of the town. Once again Hannibal told B.A. to approach
quietly and without the use of headlights. They sat about a quarter of a
mile away from the old building with it being just barely in sight,
watching, waiting, checking their watches for when approximately an hour had
gone by. Soon it was time to make their move. 

Hannibal once again addressed Callie. "Are you sure you are up to this? We
will never let anything happen to you. At this point we have no idea what is
going on inside, or what Murdock's situation is. B.A.? Do you have what I
requested?" Hannibal held out his hand and B.A. placed what appeared to be a
ladies' sport watch in his hand. He told Callie to hold out her arm, took
her watch off, and replaced it with what he had been given by B.A. "This,"
he continued to say, "is a microphone. The three of us are wearing watches
with speakers and will be able to hear everything you say inside that
building. Is that understood? If you possibly can during your conversations
with this guy, try & give us some sort of hint as to what is going on in
there, will you? If anything sudden happens, if something goes bad, you fall
face first to the floor and stay there. We will do absolutely everything in
our power to ensure that no harm comes to you. You will be safe with us
nearby. We will circle the building immediately and come in from all sides.
I don't expect he wants to hurt you right away. They usually don't."
Hannibal sounded very sure of himself from past experiences he had been
through with situations like this. Only thing is, one of his men usually
wasn't in danger such as this.

Callie looked at each of them and slid behind the wheel of the car, her legs
shaking so badly she wasn't sure if she would be able to drive or not. It
was the thought of reaching out to help Murdock that kept her going. Soon,
she thought. Soon it would be over. She had every confidence in the world in
these wonderful guys she had sought out in California. She knew for a fact
that it had been the right thing to do. The silhouette of the building
loomed before her in the darkness. It felt like forever driving down the
road to get there, but before she knew it, she was parked and standing at
the entrance door. All was quiet. So very, very quiet.

Callie looked around her first but couldn't see where the others had gone.
With her heart pounding in her ears, slowly she eased the cracked door to
the open position and stepped inside. Nothing. It was very dark where she
had entered, but up ahead and leading out into the factory part she could
see a very faint light shining. Slowly she proceeded towards the light. At
the next doorway she paused and peered inside. There about half way across
the floor she saw Murdock sitting bound to the chair with a gag over his
mouth. Warren hadn't wanted to take any chances and didn't want Murdock
yelling out to Calandra as she arrived. Callie felt her heart sink to the
floor. She made a slight whimpering sound, then told herself to keep in
control. Losing it now would be no good to her or to Murdock. She saw a
shadowy movement behind Murdock and was nearly paralyzed when she managed to
make out Warren's features in the dim light.

"Hello Calandra. It's been a long time. Too long a time. How have you been?
I've been following you, you know. For quite awhile now. Yes, it was me at
that airport in Los Angeles. You didn't even know I was following you, did
you? I'm good. Too good for the likes of you. Why, I was on the SAME PLANE
as you traveling BOTH ways. Did you know that? No! Of course you didn't!"
With this said, he began to laugh.

"Please...please Warren. Let...let me come to my friend. I...I need to see
if he is alright." Murdock had his eyes open, but hadn't moved. When she
moved a bit closer, she saw that Warren had a gun in his hands, and she
froze. Think, Callie! Think of something, now! You have to get to Murdock
before God knows WHAT this maniac will try! Talk, for christ's sake! That's
what the mic was supposed to be for! "Warren, please...please put that gun
down. I'm alone, and I'm unarmed. Can...can you see that?" Callie held her
arms out to her sides. "I did as you told me. Now, will you keep your end of
the bargain? Is it necessary to have Murdock tied to that chair in front of
you? He...he appears to be hurt. I'm coming over to him. Now. Put the gun
down Warren. I don't want anyone to get hurt." Slowly Callie took a few more
steps forward as Warren lowered his hand. 

She didn't appear to be all that much of a threat right then, and she did
appear to be alone as he had told her to be. He didn't see or hear anyone
who might have followed her. She probably managed to sneak away from the
others so as not to jeopardize the safety of lover boy here. He lowered his
hand and uncocked his gun. He looked at Murdock, then turned his gaze back
to Calandra  and continued to stare. He knew this time would be at hand
sooner or later. Hadn't he said so before? He also knew he would have no
problem luring her here by holding this loser hostage. He would deal with
him later. First, he wanted to enjoy spending time with Calandra and he took
a step out around Murdock to stand in front of him.

Callie, desperate to run and throw her arms around Murdock, held herself
back with all her might and continued towards the two of them cautiously.
She decided it was time to say something. After her eyes had adjusted to the
poor light inside the building, she noticed the windows all around them.
With her heart breaking in two, she looked past Warren at Murdock sitting in
the chair, then returned her attention back to Warren. Slowly she began to
speak. "I...I need to talk to you. A...away from him. What I have to say
is...is meant for only the two of us, Warren, and I don't feel it is
necessary for him to listen in on our conversation." Callie tried to sound
as sincere as she possibly could without raising any suspicion on Warren's
part, her insides shaking so badly now that she was hoping with all her
might that he couldn't tell. She continued to look Warren in the eye so as
not to let on that there might be someone else in the immediate area.
"Please," she continued, I need to talk to you. Over there, by that window." 

Way to go, Callie! Hannibal was extremely impressed with the way Callie was
handling the situation inside. He brought his arm up to his mouth in order
to communicate with the others. They could talk to each other even though
Callie's watch was set up to send messages only, and nothing could be
'heard' coming from her watch. "Face, B.A., if possible, take a quick peek
in the windows and see which one of you will be closer. If you can see at
all, and make sure you can, take a dive through the window and go for the
guy. Callie will know what to do. And be CAREFUL! He has a gun, but it
sounds as though he released the hammer & doesn't pose a threat right at the
moment." Hannibal was at the end of the building, his men on either side. He
had observed the windows as being a bonus for their entry into the building.
Then he couldn't believe his eyes! He saw an extra light moving inside the
building. Callie had a small flashlight in her pocket! GOOD GIRL, he
thought! "Face, it's up to you buddy! Do you see the light that Callie is
shining? What a smart girl! Do this with all your might, and be careful of
that gun! Let's go!"
********************************************************************************

Everything happened so quickly in the next few seconds. Callie had managed
to draw Warren away from Murdock and over towards the window. Being an avid
evening walker, she suddenly remembered the pocket size flashlight she had
been carrying in her sweater. She brought it out slowly enough for Warren to
see what it was, then turned it on and shone it towards the window where she
wanted him to go. She was hoping and praying the guys would be close by, as
Hannibal had said they would be. She knew they would. After all, hadn't she
hired only the best? Without saying anything further to Warren, she started
to move towards the window and listened carefully to see if he would follow. 
Warren was reluctant at first. He let Callie turn her flashlight on. Who in
hell would see her in here, anyway? They weren't anywhere near any other
houses. Could he trust her? That was the next question. He had been on the
upper level and hadn't noticed anything suspicious outside at all. He knew
she had come alone. She wouldn't dare call for help, not when lover boy here
had been so helpless. He followed Calandra over to the window. She stood not
in front of the window, but rather to the side of it, facing the back of the
building so that the window would be in front of them. He stood on the other
side of the window, peering out the corner into the darkness. Nothing. There
was no movement at all. Not a sound. Callie looked over towards him.
"Please, come...come a little closer. These windows are...well, they are
so...so big," Callie said to him. He sure hadn't changed much in his
appearance over the past ten or twelve years. Still as frightening as ever.
Callie was fighting for every breath she was trying to take. Please God,
don't let her faint now! Warren hesitated, then began to walk over to where
she was standing.
A crash came through the window in seconds. Warren had not even been
expecting it and was taken completely by surprise. Callie ran with every
single ounce of strength she could muster in the direction where Murdock was
still tied to the chair. She threw her arms around him and toppled the chair
to the floor where it landed on its side, her arms still protectively
wrapped around Murdock and the chair he was tied to. Behind her she could
hear the commotion as Face struggled with the madman. By this time Hannibal
and B.A. were in the building also. Callie dropped her flashlight when she
ran, and she could barely make the men out as the light shone across the
floor to where they had restrained Warren. She was crying and whimpering
incoherently now as she eased the gag away from Murdock's mouth and so very
tenderly kissed his bruised lips. B.A. was at their side in only a couple of
minutes with a key to release Murdock from the handcuffs as Callie moved
down to untie his legs from the rungs of the chair. With a combined effort,
Callie and B.A. helped Murdock slowly to his feet as he rubbed his wrists
where the cuffs had been painfully digging in. Then the unexpected happened.
With a crazed look in his eyes and his adrenaline pumping, Murdock looked at
Warren and charged him. There was no present danger. The unstable man had
been restrained by Face and Hannibal as they continued to stand by the
window, but that didn't stop Murdock.
"NO!" NO!" Murdock screamed as he tackled the maniac away from his
teammates. They crashed to the floor before an unsuspecting Hannibal and
Face, and the two of them could not pull Murdock from this man who was being
beaten within an inch of his life.
"MURDOCK, NO!" Callie screamed. B.A. was there in a flash and had his friend
pulled off of the semi-conscious man on the floor. B.A. was a very strong
and competent man, but it took all the strength he could muster to hold his
friend back from finishing what he had set out to do.
"MURDOCK! THAT'S ENOUGH!" Hannibal said once he got to his feet. "Captain,
get a hold of yourself, will you? She's o.k. Callie's going to be o.k.!"
Callie ran to where Murdock was being held back by B.A. and managed to get
in front of him. He stopped struggling in B.A.'s arms and looked at Callie,
then the two of them embraced and wept. 
********************************************************************************
Callie stood and finished giving her statement to the police officers as
Hannibal and his men looked on from where their car was parked a safe and
unsuspecting distance away. Still listening in on their wrist sets, the guys
couldn't help but smile as Callie tried to explain that she would testify
for the police to help put this guy back in some institution where he
belonged, but there was no way in hell she would ever identify her friends
who had come to her rescue and had helped her to subdue this unstable man.
She even as much as dared the police to take action. Said she wasn't worried
as she could afford to hire the best lawyers money could buy. The police
knew this. Eventually they backed off and told her she was free to go. They
would be in touch with regards to the hearing. Callie smiled, told the
officer her car was parked around behind the building, and turned to go
around the corner. She circled back and across the darkened street to the
waiting vehicle and climbed into the back seat where Murdock put his arm
around her and held her tight all the way home. 
"Murdock, we should really try and get you in someplace to see a doctor,"
Hannibal suggested. Callie had a great response for him.
"I can take you to my friend's house - she's a doctor, and she won't tell
anyone about Murdock's injuries! And besides, it's not as if there are any
gunshot wounds or anything to report. But I agree with you, Hannibal, that
he should be checked for possible fractures or maybe even a concussion."
Callie looked at Hannibal for a second, then turned her attention back to
Murdock as their lips met for the umpteenth time.
Within the next three hours everyone was sitting around Callie's kitchen
once again, in a much, much better mood this time. B.A. and Face were
laughing uncontrollably, as was Hannibal. The only one who didn't seem as
amused as his teammates was Murdock. "Knock it off already, you guys! It
isn't THAT funny!" he said as he continued to caress Callie's back. She was
seated carefully on his lap so as not to cause him any pain from the scrapes
and bruises he had received in his accident. Callie's friend was very
cooperative and more than willing to help out a friend of hers anytime.
But...what Callie had FORGOT to mention when they arrived at her friend's
house was the fact that her friend - the doctor - was a veterinarian! B.A.
was beside himself with laughter. Callie couldn't completely understand why
it was still so terribly funny. At least their cover wouldn't be blown had
they gone to a regular hospital, and most importantly, Murdock was given a
clean bill of health. He needed a few days of quiet to rest and recuperate
from his many bumps and bruises, but other than that he was going to be just
fine. And the absolute BEST part of the whole situation would be the fact
that Murdock was going to stay right here with Callie. According to
Hannibal, well, it would be best if they didn't try to move Murdock into
town and into the uncomfortable motel bed right away. He thought Murdock's
chances for a speedy recovery would be best suited right here. There was no
argument from Callie OR Murdock at this suggestion. Soon Hannibal excused
himself and the others as he stood and said that it had been a long night
and that they should get back into town and get a bit of rest. Within
minutes they were in the car and on their way.
With a little bit of a groan, Murdock picked Callie up off her feet and
headed for the stairs. Callie began to protest, worried about the fact that
he might hurt himself, especially with the injuries he had sustained in his
accident. Murdock only smiled as he looked into Callie's eyes and carried
her up the stairs to her room. He laid Callie down on the bed and eased
himself on top of her. Their kisses were plentiful but careful as the
swelling still hadn't completely gone down in Murdock's face. He had been
given some mild pain killers from Callie's doctor friend, so things didn't
feel all that badly right at the moment. His hands were on either side of
Callie's head as he ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her face and
neck. Callie's arms were around Murdock's waist as she caressed his back and his
buttocks. She undid the snaps on the front of Murdock's shirt and helped him
to shrug it off. She then reached for his belt buckle, then unfastened his
jeans, and lovingly pushed them down past his knees where Murdock kicked
them off the rest of the way. Wearing only his underwear, Murdock managed to
slide Callie's sweater over her head and unfastened and removed her jeans.
God, but he loved the slinky but feminine lingerie she chose to wear. He ran
his fingers over top the burgundy lace bra and panties she had chosen to
wear that day, and with deliberate motion proceeded to remove the scanty
articles of clothing. 
Before Callie made a move to remove Murdock's shorts, she stopped what they
were doing and looked him in the eye. Murdock, just a bit confused, raised
himself up on his elbows and looked at her. "Tell me something," she began.
"The other night, when you were making the fire, you said that you had liked
the outfit I had been wearing BOTH the night before and on that particular
morning. So, how did you KNOW I had been wearing that same outfit the night
before? When I said goodnight to you, I went straight to my room and stayed
there." Callie looked up at this incredibly built man and waited for his answer.
Murdock could only smirk as he leaned down and kissed her mouth, and then
kissed her face around to her ear. "You should be more careful the way you
parade around your bedroom with your door slightly ajar. No tellin' WHAT a
man might observe," he said as he looked back into her eyes. 
Callie couldn't help it any longer. She began to laugh out loud. "I knew you
were there," she told him. "I wanted to seduce you. It worked, didn't it?"
She laughed again, drew Murdock down close to her on the bed, and reached to
remove his shorts.
Murdock thought for a second, then laughed himself. "Callie Bertram,
whatever am I going to do with you?" He stared into her eyes for a second
then placed his mouth over top of hers as they became one. Murdock continued
to kiss Callie as he opened his eyes slightly to watch her smiling face.
Neither had reason to say anything more as all that could be heard was their
combined moans of pleasure throughout the morning until their bodies were
satiated and they stopped occasionally to rest. This wasn't the time for
either to think about what the future might hold for them.
********************************************************************************
Within the next few days, Callie accomplished something that she didn't
think was going to be possible. She had managed to talk Hannibal and the
rest of the team to stay here in Canada while her house was being completed,
stating that they were probably due for a much needed vacation anyway. It
wouldn't be the luxurious, warm California climate they would be used to for
the fall and winter months, but it would be a change. Besides, she really
could use the extra help in order to ensure the proper completion of her new
home. All their accommodation and expenses would be fully paid. Once the
guys had agreed to postpone their trip back to the States, Callie decided
that they would all head for the city and indulge in a major spending spree,
making sure everyone would have enough warm winter clothes and coats to see
them through their visit. All this, and the opportunity for an extended stay
from Murdock to boot.
The next several weeks saw the completion of most of Callie's new home.
Within five weeks it was in move-in condition and that is exactly what she
did. The outside had yet to be finished, but that could be worked on as the
house was being lived in. And she did indulge in Face's expertise as far as
doing the interior design was concerned. She had received several fresh
ideas from him regarding the interior decorating and, in honor of the
fabulous team that had seen her through her dark period during these last
few weeks, decided she would go ahead and use his ideas. 
The house was almost as Callie had described it to Murdock. It had four
bedrooms - two main floor and two on the lower level - and the upstairs loft
area was Callie's own special getaway. It contained a walk-in closet and
dressing room, 5-pce bath including Jacuzzi, a balcony, and her bed to face
a wall of glass to overlook the lake during the day and to catch the glitter
of the city lights on  the north side of the lake at night. Hannibal and
B.A. had chosen the two bedrooms on the lower floor, and Face, of course,
had his room on the main level. 
The first snow came in late November. It was always one of the happier times
for Callie, and she should be ecstatic with the beautiful new home with the
never ending views where she could sit for hours now and watch the
incredible snowfalls. Christmas was approaching. It took quite a bit on
Callie's part, but she actually succeeded in talking the A-Team into
spending the holidays there with her. She had received word that her parents
would spend the winter away with some relatives in some warmer climate
stateside. Her youngest brother would be spending most of the holidays with
his wife's family, and her other brother also had plans of his own with some
friends for the festivities. She approached Hannibal with the idea of their
spending the holidays with her, stating that fact that they had often talked
about their being the only family each of them had. That is, the only family
they could spend time with. Face had discovered that not only did he have a
father [now deceased], but also a half sister who he tried to keep in touch
with, but found it difficult so as not to put her in an awkward position as
to what his whereabouts might be. Callie also knew that B.A.'s mother still
lived in the Chicago area, but she too was always being watched by the
military in case he made an attempt to return home, especially at holiday
time. Murdock had no family he was close to, and Hannibal spoke of his
brother sometimes, but that was about it. Yes, it took some doing, but in
the end the guys unanimously agreed to stay now through the New Year.
Besides, they hadn't heard of any pending jobs back at home through the many
connections they had, and this was the last place the military would EVER
think of looking for them.
With all this happening around her, why was it then that Callie wasn't happy
these past few weeks? She already knew the answer to that question. She was
in love. And the man she had lost her heart to would soon be leaving her
life for good. He lived on the other side of the continent. Callie never
took a moment with Murdock for granted. He shared her bed every night and
she slept with her arm tight around him as if this would somehow prevent him
from leaving her in the future.  Murdock had recovered just fine from his
injuries. Callie thought the two of them had been getting along so well
these last few weeks. Sometimes she would be in the office section of her
loft and look out on the grounds, and she quite often would see Murdock
walking and talking with one or all of the other guys. She often wondered
what it was they would be talking about, but decided she wouldn't question
Murdock about it at any time. Besides, she was so busy lately making sure
that everyone would have the most incredible Christmas ever. She and Murdock
had been doing some planning and arranging together to surprise the guys
this year. Her mind was also occupied trying to decide on just the right
gift for Murdock. She had decided that it would be something personal. 
********************************************************************************
Christmas Eve. Everyone had decided on having their main, special meal that
evening, as well as open their gifts at that time as well. There had been a
light snowfall all day and everyone was in such a good and festive mood,
enjoying each other's company, their good fortune. Murdock and the others
had noticed lately that Callie didn't seem to be herself. She didn't come
across as being quite as happy and cheerful as what she normally was. She
and Murdock had been getting along so well. They hadn't been separated since
Murdock's accident and kidnapping. Oh, she had tried to put on a
happy-go-lucky appearance for the sake of everyone else as they all chipped
in and started to prepare the food for the meal they would be sharing later.
But they all still felt that deep down inside something was still bothering
her. She wasn't the same person they had met two or three months before. 
It was going to be a beautiful winter's sunset that evening. Everyone was
sitting around sharing drinks and stories of Christmases gone past while
supper wouldn't be ready for a couple of hours to come. There was a roaring
wood fire ablaze in the wood-only fireplace, thanks to Murdock. Callie said
she would always burn wood as a special reminder of the time she had shared
with him, especially the first time they had made love. This, of course,
would be just their little secret.
 Just as the five of them were enjoying each other's company, the doorbell
rang. Callie and Murdock looked at each other, and the other guys figured it
was probably no big deal - no doubt just some friends of Callie's stopping
by for a quick drink and to wish her a Merry Christmas. Callie smiled at
B.A. and Face who were seated nearest the door, and asked them if they would
be so kind as to answer the door. At first they had thought it was strange
that she wanted them both to go, but got up and headed for the door anyway
without too much argument. When they opened the door, they couldn't believe
their eyes. Standing on the other side was B.A.'s mother from Chicago and
Face's sister who had flown in special as well from North Carolina. By this
time, everyone else had been standing in the background and took great
pleasure in wishing B.A. and Face a very, Merry Christmas. Tears of joy were
everywhere, followed by hugs, more tears, and again more hugs. Callie and
Murdock had schemed together and had arranged for these very special ladies
to be here to celebrate with their family. Callie shed many tears when she
saw the happiness it had brought to her friends. Every single time that
evening she walked near Face or B.A., it always ended in a big hug or a kiss
or both. She really was happy for them. Now, if only she could do something
about her own personal heartache and figure out a way to keep Murdock from
walking away from her. He hadn't seemed very bothered by it at all, even
though New Year's was little more than a week away. He had always managed to
keep his happy and carefree attitude while spending these last few precious
days in her company. 
After their meal everyone gathered around the huge tree the guys had cut
from Callie's property the week before. She had always loved a real tree and
they had a marvelous time decorating it together. B.A. had already agreed he
was to be Santa, for obvious reasons. They all exchanged and cherished the
gifts they had given one another. Callie was delighted when B.A. placed a
large sized parcel on her lap with the card reading from Murdock. She just
sat and held onto it until B.A. had presented Murdock with his gift from
her. Murdock made her open hers first. Inside Callie pulled out the most
beautiful knit sweater she thought she had ever laid eyes on, and beneath
some more of the tissue paper she saw some beautiful satiny lingerie, just
the kind that Murdock liked, and this made her blush terribly in front of
everyone. All the guys had thought it was great! Murdock spoke up and said
that Face had been along to help him pick it out, and this made Callie blush
even more! Callie then sat back and watched as Murdock opened his present
from her. It was a favorite photograph of the two of them that one of the
guys had taken, back when she first moved into the new house. They were
standing outside on the deck with their arms around each other, the view of
the lake in the background. She had the picture enlarged to an eleven by
seventeen size and had it professionally matted and framed. Murdock looked
at the picture, then looked at Callie, and without saying a word leaned over
and put his arms around her. He said this was the most special gift he had
ever received. The others added their approval and agreed that it was a very
nice gift indeed.
Callie sat a few minutes longer still holding her new sweater in her arms
lovingly and just touching or stroking it every chance she got. Murdock had
been watching her from the corner of his eye. Callie then stood up and tried
to excuse herself to get some garbage bags to clean up their wrappings, then
they would have more room to drink and visit well into the beautiful night
it had turned out to be. Face wouldn't hear of it. He told her to sit back
down while he went for the bags. When he returned, he just looked at Callie
and sat the bag on the floor. She wondered for a moment what he was doing,
then started to pick up some of the wrapping paper herself.
"Oh, Callie, don't do that!" Face told her. "B.A.? Are you losing your
touch? Why, the presents haven't all been handed out yet. Um, B.A.,
would...would you mind?" Callie looked at the empty space under the tree,
then glanced around at everyone who was looking and smiling at her. 
"Face, what on earth are you talking about? Of course the presents have all
been handed out." Callie didn't have a clue as to what he was talking about.
B.A. stood and looked at Callie, then he walked over to the tree and reached
in behind, about half way up, and brought out a small box which he then took
over and handed to Callie. She looked up at B.A. and then at the beautifully
wrapped box with the card attached. With somewhat shaky hands she reached
out as B.A. handed it to her. Inside the card it read: "With this box, I
give you my heart. All my love, Murdock". By now Callie was shaking so badly
she could hardly open the gift. Nobody in the room was saying anything but
just sitting back to watch. Callie opened the lid to expose the most
beautiful set of rings she had ever seen, and her tears started down her
cheeks. Murdock got off the couch and on one knee before Callie, reaching
out to take her hand. 
"Callie Bertram," he began, "I love you with all my heart and soul, and I
want to share the rest of my life with you. Will...will you marry me?"
Murdock stayed on his knee waiting for her response.
Callie could hardly see him through her tears, and knew it wouldn't be long
before her sniffles turned to sobs. She did however manage to speak a couple
of words: yes and when. With that, she left the couch and threw her arms
around Murdock, knocking him off balance as they both fell to the floor.
Everyone else was cheering and waiting for the chance to hug and
congratulate the happy couple. Murdock managed to get Callie back up to a
sitting position in front of the fireplace as he reached out and took the
box from her hand, then removed the engagement ring from the set and placed
it on Callie's finger. They looked into each other's eyes for the longest
time, then embraced and kissed so long that Hannibal was afraid someone
would have to administer CPR. 
********************************************************************************
It was getting into the wee hours of the morning by the time everyone had
decided to go to bed and try and get some sleep. Face agreed to bunk
downstairs in B.A.'s room while his sister and B.A.'s mother took the main
floor bedrooms. 
Murdock looked at Callie and asked her if she was tired yet. She shook her
head no and said she didn't think she would be able to get any sleep at all.
He flashed her a beautiful smile and proceeded to put some more wood on the
fire. Callie excused herself for a few minutes as she grabbed her gift box
she had received from Murdock and went upstairs to the loft. She was back
downstairs shortly wearing the lovely lingerie set that Murdock had given
her for Christmas. By this time Murdock had removed the cushions from the
couch and had placed them on the floor in front of the fireplace. He was
laying on one side on his elbow as he watched Callie walk towards him. He
reached out his hand to her and drew her down to the cushions and held her
tight against him. With that incredible smile of his, he began to talk to
her in a low voice.
"You know, you seem to be a whole lot happier now than what you have been
these past few weeks. Why, at times you have looked so down in the dumps I
didn't know if you would EVER smile again," he said as he ran his fingers
through her hair. He reached over and kissed Callie on the cheek where a
tear had trickled down the side of her face. "Why are you crying now?" he asked.
Callie couldn't help herself and began to weep softly as she put her arms
around Murdock's neck and held him. "I...I'm just so...so happy...so very,
very happy now, Murdock. I know I've been sad lately. I just couldn't face
the fact that you would be leaving me forever within the next couple of
weeks. I just didn't know what I was going to do. I love you so much. You
know that. And I...I'm sure you know by now that, well, the fact that I, uh,
I've never been intimate with anyone before you. And...and all this time I
just couldn't help but wonder if maybe you might miss me too when you had
decided to leave." 
With that last comment she had made, Murdock thought that HE might start to
cry. "It has been so hard these past few weeks to see how depressed you were
becoming and to not say anything so as not to spoil the surprise I wanted to
give you tonight. I never had any intentions of leaving you, not ever. I
knew that I would either have to leave the team and stay here with you, or
else drag you back to California with me. Either way, we would be together,
Callie. There's no way I am EVER going to leave your side. I have been
talking things over with the other guys SO MUCH over the last little while.
They only want what's best for me and to make sure I make the right decision
and for us to be happy. It will be so hard when the time comes for THEM to
leave, but hey, we can always visit one another, right?" He leaned back to
look at Callie, then bent over towards her face and kissed her long and
hard. When they were done, he confessed to her that he still hadn't told her
everything. "I, uh, I guess now is as good a time as any to, um, to tell you
this...I've already made plans with a minister to be here with us in our
home, on New Year's Eve, and to marry us while Hannibal, B.A. and Face are
still here. I, uh, I hope that will be o.k. with you. We can always have
another ceremony later, you know, when your family is all here and such.
It's just that, well, I wanted the guys to be here to witness our nuptials
as well before they leave." 
Callie knew she would never be happier in her entire life than what she was
this very moment. She was so choked up that all she could manage to do was
smile and nod her head in agreement. Of course she would agree to marry him
on New Year's Eve with his friends present. She would marry him right this
very minute if it were possible! With her arms still around his neck, she
gently pulled him down towards her, and they made love well into the dawn of
the new day. ******************      The  END******************      MAYDOCK
****************** Thanks to Sparks for Murdock's escape,  &
 for helping me decide      on the stalker.******************