One Wrong Move
by Alisa Joaquin & Linda Schwartz

Part 1

Pater Caine sat by his father's hospital bed. The sound of the ventilator breathing for his father only served to remind him that his own breathing was far from calm. With each "breath" the machine took, Peter struggled to keep his breathing slow and even, but the turmoil in his soul would not be stilled. Tears threatened to fall every time he looked into that all too pale face. He could not forgive himself for what had happened. Most of all, he would never forget the look on his father's face when it did. Peter Caine buried his face in his hands and remembered.

*****Flashback*****

Peter stood behind the barricade, waiting for the suspect to move from his position. He knew he was out there, but he did not know exactly where. This cat and mouse game had to end sooner or later. He hoped it would end sooner. His nerves were at their highest peak. Then a small imperceptible noise caught his attention. Someone was approaching, trying not to be heard. Peter slowly moved where he could view the area more readily and caught out of the corner of his eye, the shape of a man, raising his arm in the shadows. The arm was reaching toward his direction.

#*#BANG#*#

The figure looked up briefly and stared back in surprise, then toppled.

Peter rushed over to the fallen form, gun trained, prepared for any possible tricks. Turning the man over, he looked into the face . . .

"No!"

Peter sank down to the ground, his gun slipping from his hands. Pulling his father into a tight grasp, the cop began rocking him. Tears stung his eyes as he realized what he had done. The red stain that had not been there earlier that evening when he had seen his father last now spread out slowly to mar the whiteness of his silk crane shirt.

Other cops were rushing to the scene after hearing the shot. Skalany brought her hands to her face when she saw just who it was that laid in her partner's arms. That image was frozen in time forever in everyone's minds.

"GET AN AMBULANCE!" Peter cried fruitlessly as he continued to rock. "No, Pop. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Another officer bent down and used a pen to pick up the gun lying beside both men and placed it into a clear plastic bag. No one noticed the officer's smug face as everyone watched the young deteciive cradle his father.

*****End of Flashback****

Peter was suddenly brought back to the present by the sound of an alarm going off. He looked down at his father. Something was terribly wrong. Though the ventilator continued to pump life-giving oxygen into his father's lungs, the alarm that sounded told another story. Caine's heart had stopped beating.

"No, Father!" Peter cried out as the doctor and several nurses rushed into the room. He was roughly shoved aside so the medical team could get better access to the patient.

"He's in full arrest. Damn!"

"Where's that epinephrine?"

"Here."

Peter watched, transfixed, as the attending physician plunged the long needle directly into Caine's chest.

"Still no pulse."

"Paddles!"

"Clear!"

'It's my fault, it's all my fault', Peter's mind kept saying over and over. He cringed as he watched his father's body recoil from the bed as they touched the paddles to his chest, desperately trying to get his still heart to beat again.

"Nothing!"

*No, Father! Don't leave me like this!* Peter practically screamed, not knowing if his psychic cry would even reach the stricken priest.

"Clear!"

Again the sound. Again Caine's limp form moved under the jolt.

Peter let out the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding as he heard the monitors beeping. The medical team had won the battle, this time.

Peter didn't move at first, he was still too entranced by his father's pale form. Then, as if on their own, his legs moved him to Caine's side. Gently he reached out to touch the weathered face, fingers mimicking the caress his father would always use on him.

"I'm sorry, Father, I'm so sorry. I did it again, didn't I? I acted without thinking and look what happened." Peter fought to keep the tears that threatened to spill from coming. He had to be strong now to 'accept whatever comes' as his father might say.

Part 2

Peter held on tightly to his father's hand, concentrating on giving him his chi strength. He had watched his father do it hundreds of times. He never imagined he'd ever be in this position himself. Deep down Peter was Shaolin. That was his birthright. But fifteen years of separation from the temple and being raised by the Blaisdells made him stray from his path, and cut him off from the gifts that slept wihin him. Now he wished more than ever for the skills that would heal his father.

Just then he felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lo Si," Peter said his name softly. He didn't even ask how the old priest knew what had happened, he just was never so glad to see someone in his entire life.

"Peter, I could sense your father's pain....and yours." The priest moved to the other side of Caine's bed, his hands running up and down the length of his body. "His chi is very weak."

"Can you help him Lo Si? Please do something," Peter's anguished voice filled the room.

"I will do all that I can, but it is you that must help him," Lo Si said as he looked at Peter's pale face. He could tell the young man had not eaten anything, and he knew he would not sleep until his father regained consciousness.

"Help him? I helped him all right, I PUT HIM HERE!" Peter cried out as he jumped off the chair and started to pace towards the window. "This is MY fault, Lo Si, I did this. I shot my own father."

"Peter, you must not blame yourself. It was an accident. Your father will not blame you." The Ancient tried to offer comfort to him.

"Not blame me, how could he not blame me? His son, the hotshot cop, was doing what he ALWAYS does best, act without thinking. This time we're both paying the ultimate price. I guess all my father's teachings didn't sink in after all. He is always telling me there is always another way, but do I listen to him.....NOOO. I screwed up big this time," Peter rambled on, his anger at what he had done was mounting.

"Peter, you do a disservice to yourself and your father. You carry within you all that you were taught, the ancient ways carry purpose and may not be forborne." He said trying to sooth Peter's troubled spirit.

"Don't try that Shaolin stuff on me, Lo Si, you know I'll never really be Shaolin. I'm ashamed of what I did, of who I am." Peter felt the walls closing in on him, he fled the room.

"Peter!" Lo Si called after him, but Peter was not ready to hear anything the Ancient had to say to him.

*****

It was no surprise that Peter found himself by a pond that was on the grounds of the hospital. Many of the patients were taken here as part of their recovery. Peter sat at the edge of the water, luckily no one was around. He just couldn't face seeing anyone right now. He picked up a stone and angrily threw it across the water. As he sat there he remembered all the happier times he had spent with his father, including all the times he and his father spent, just the two of them, at the temple. Then his expression changed as he remembered another time, a very unpleasant, unhappy experience. Peter shuddered as the memory flooded his mind.

*****Flashback*****

Peter had just finished breakfast, when he noticed his father had come into the room. His mind started racing as he wondered if he were in some kind of trouble. 'I know I cleaned my room and I made my bed.' He straightened up in the chair as his father came to stand in front of him. "Good morning, Father."

"Good morning, my son. Did you sleep well?" he had spent part of the night in Peter's room watching him as he slept, he needed to be there in case the nightmares came.

"Yes, Father, I did."

"I am going to town for supplies, would you like to accompany me?" Caine asked, a faint smile came to his lips.

Peter's face lit up at the prospect of going into town. All the boys in the temple loved to find excuses to go into town to see the other kids and what they were up to. It was the day after Memorial Day. Peter had been overjoyed when his father had told him that he and the other boys could go watch the parade.

"Yeah.," Peter jumped out of the chair, "I mean yes, Father."

"Very well, then get dressed and we will leave." His father walked behind him, his hand laid across Peter's shoulders.

Peter got dressed in record time and met his father by the temple entrance. Peter enjoyed these walks with his father, there was always a lesson to be learned.

As usual, when they arrived in town, they would always receive looks of distain from some of the townspeople. This always annoyed Peter and his impatience at their intolerance would grate on him. Though his father had taught him that such intolerance teaches patience, Peter felt that someone needed to teach the townspeople a lesson in tolerance as well.

"Here, Peter, that is the store I wish to go to," his father pointed to the general store across the street. Just as they were making their way across, a pick-up truck rounded the corner, the driver had been partying the night before and had too much to drink. He came barreling down the road towards the Caines. It was apparent he was still under the influence from the night before as he swerved across the road.

Without a second thought, Caine pushed Peter out of the way. Peter watched in horror as the truck struck his father, throwing him several feet into the air. The truck driver sped quickly away. Caine had been thrown onto the front lawn of someone's home. Peter rushed to his father's side.

"Father!" Peter cried as he knelt next to him. His father's eyes fluttered open and came to rest on Peter's face.

"Peter, you are all right, my son?" he said weakly as he placed a hand on his face.

"I'm fine, Father," Peter assured his father, as he pushed his cheek into the comforting touch. He could hear the ambulance coming. He reluctantly let go of his father's hand as he was loaded into the ambulance. He watched helplessly as it drove away. One of the townspeople drove him to the hospital, Ping Hai had met him there.

*****End of Flashback****

Peter remembered how his father had been lucky that time, he only suffered a broken leg and some cracked ribs. He never learned who had called the ambulance that day, but he had been forever grateful to that unknown person.

Now his father lay critically wounded in the hospital and Peter had put him there.

Peter got off the ground and looked up at the hospital, towards his father's window. He sighed as he started to walk towards the entrance. His heart was heavy as he dreaded what he would find when he went to face his father.

Part 3

Peter exited the elevator leading to the ICU unit where his father's room was located. He did not want to re-enter that room knowing that his father would possibly blame him for his actions. Caine had never said he disapproved of his profession, but each time Peter had used his gun, he could see the look of pained disappointment in his father's eyes.

As Peter approached, Mary Margaret stood there waiting for him.

"We need to talk," the tone in her voice more serious than Peter remembered it ever being.

Panic filled him at the anticipation of her words. 'NO! He's dead! I killed him!'

Mary Margaret saw Peter's face pale and she immediately knew without having to read his mind like a Shaolin to know what he was thinking.

"No, Peter," she said gently, tring to dispel the fear. "Your father is still with us. He's a fighter. He won't give up easily."

Peter felt an uncertain relief flood through him. "What . . .why . . ." Peter's mouth went dry as he tried to ask the question why Mary Margaret had come.

"IA wants to talk to you. They want to know what happened. They expect you to come in today and explain. They have your gun for analysis. I don't like it any more than you do."

"I can't leave my father. He hasn't regained consciousness."

"Peter, this isn't debatable."

"When do they want to see me?"

Mary Margaret looked at her watch. "In one hour."

"That's just great. Don't they understand that I can't leave my father. I haven't showered and shaved since all this happened. Why can't they wait until . . ."

Peter was working himself into a rage when he cut himself off. It would do little good to argue. Perhaps it would be best to get it over with. He already felt he know what their decision would be, and maybe they would be right. He had become more of a liability.

"You can forget it Skalany. I'm not going anywhere. Here, they may has well take this, too." Peter handed Mary Margaret his badge. "I quit."

Peter turned his back and entered his father's room, leaving a very stunned partner behind.

Part 4

"HE WHAT!?!"

Skalany had never heard Karen Simms yell so loud in her life. Usually the Captain was cool. Instead, when she was angery, her eyes would take on a smoldering look, and her voice would go down to a menacing whisper.

"He quit," Skalany said as she placed Peter's badge on the Captain's desk. "I've never seen him this upset, Captain. Not since Captain Blaisdell was almost killed from a Shadow Assassin. He blames himself for shooting his father. Everyone has tried to tell him it was an accident, but you know Peter. He'd blame himself if the Moon didn't shine if he thought he was the reason for it."

As Skalany and Captain Simms talked, an unfamiliar officer had entered carrying a stack of files. He had overheard everything that had been said.

"Everyone knows that Caine's been a loose cannon. And with his father interfering in police business where he doesn't belong, it was bound to happen sooner or later. From what I hear, IA was going to kick Caine off the force anyway and his old man is a goner, so . . . "

The two women glared at the officer. The look in their eyes was enough to curdle milk.

Captain Karen Simms rose slowly from her chair and moved to the door, effectively blocking the officer from leaving. "Chief!"

"Is there a problem, Captain?" Strenlich came over and eyed the officer standing in the Captain's office. It was obvious he had had problems with this particular man before.

"See that this officer is transferred out of my precinct, now."

Strenlich didn't say a word as he led the officer by the arm and down the steps to the lower level of the precinct. As soon as they came in range of the locker rooms, Strenlich shoved the man inside.

"Pack your things. I've had enough of your badmouthing fellow officers."

"You mean Peter Caine. He's nothing but a hotshot cop. Everyone knows he's the one that gets all the best cases, doesn't even leave room for anyone else to move up in rank. Then he takes his Daddy along with him. Truth be known, he probably couldn't solve his way out of a paper bag without his Daddy's help. Serves him right if his father dies."

Strenlich balled his fist and slammed it into the locker next to the man's head, leaving a deep dent in the door.

"Pack your bags and get out, Masterson. You can forget that transfer to another precinct. You're fired."

Part 5

Masterson slammed his locker closed as he finished emptying it out.

"So I'm fired, huh," he said out loud. "Oh you are going to pay for this, Detective Caine, you're going to pay dearly." He sneered as he stalked out the door.

*****

As much as they tried to keep the shooting incident from the press, Sandra Mason showed up at the hospital.

"So, Detective, Peter Caine, the hotshot cop, shot his own father. Could you tell us how it happened? Was he being reckless again?"

"Get the hell away from me!" Kermit spat He pushed the microphone away from his face.

"Maybe the shooting wasn't an accident. Maybe he was punishing his father for all those years of abandonment."

Kermit barely kept himself from slugging the witch to the ground.

"If that garbage ever gets on the air, you can kiss your job goodbye, lady!" he said menacingly. Kermit thought of Peter like a brother, and he felt like Caine was family too. He wouldn't put up with anyone hurting either of them.

"Jackson, do me a favor and keep that crow away from Peter Caine and his father's room," Kermit said to one of the officers.

After news of the shooting had spread, a lot of Peter's fellow officers stopped by to offer support to him. Jackson was there to offer his support and also to get Peter's side of the shooting. He was waiting until Peter was ready.

Kermit slowly opened Caine's door and peeked inside. Caine was hooked up to a heart monitor and there were numerous IV lines running out of his arm. Peter sat by his side, holding onto one of his father's hands. Distress was written all over Peter's face as his head was bowed.

"Peter? Come on, kid, it's time to take a break."

Kermit put his hand on Peter's arm. He tried to pull him away from the bed. Peter wouldn't budge.

"I can't, I can't leave him."

"Kid, your father wouldn't want you to make yourself sick. We'll go get a cup of coffee and come right back."

"I won't be far, Dad," Peter said quietly.

This time Peter slowly released his father's hand and got up from the chair and followed Kermit out of the room, he kept looking at his father as he left as if it would be the last time he would ever see him again.

Kermit ushered Peter down the stairwell to the floor below. He didn't want him to have to face Mason and her cronies.

*****

The shift was changing at the hospital. It was so easy to slip in, the two men put on orderly's clothes and made their way down the hall. One stopped at the nurses station and looked at the board on the wall. The other kept an eye out for anyone who might come by. No one seemed to question or notice that these two did not belong. The one at the nurses station scrutinized the area and spotted what he needed. There was a listing of the last names of each patient and their room numbers. He scanned it until he found the one he was looking for. He waved to his friend as they both made their way down the hallway looking at the rooms. The first one slowly opened the door to the room and saw the prone man laying there, hooked up to all kinds of machinery. A wicked grin came to his face. This would be easier than he thought.

Part 6

Kermit grabbed two cups of coffee and a salad, paid for them, and walked over to the table where Peter sat. He placed both the salad and the coffee in front of his friend then sat next to Peter and began sipping his own coffee. He was surprised by the taste. Even hospitals weren't known for their food being good, but this tasted like heaven compared to the sludge they got at the precinct. Kermit noticed that Peter had not moved since the food and drink had been placed in front of him.

"Come on, kid. Eat your salad."

Peter picked up the fork and began picking through the assortment of greens, but did not make a move to bring the food to his mouth.

"You need to eat something."

"I'm not hungry. I need to get back to my father."

Peter started to rise from the chair when Kermit clamped firmly down on his arm.

"You are not going anywhere. How long has it been since you've eaten, twenty-four, thirty-six, or is it more like forty-eight hours? You're going to make yourself sick. You need to keep up your strength for the sake of your father."

"I don't like leaving him. I need to be sure he's going to be all right. His heart stopped once, I won't allow that to happen again."

"You're not a Shaolin priest . . ." Kermit began.

"And I'm not a cop either," Peter interrupted.

"What I mean is, you're not a trained apothecary."

"No, but if I had been, I would have been able to help my father," Peter said emphatically.

"What are you saying? That you want to be Shaolin?" Kermit questioned.

"I don't know any more. I became a cop to help others because I couldn't be a Shaolin. That part of my past had been destroyed with the temple."

"If you had a chance to do that . . ." Kermit did not finish the thought.

"I don't even know if it's even possible. All I care about right now is seeing that my father gets better." Without another word, Peter left Kermit sitting at the table, his salad still untouched and the coffee growing cold.

*****

One of the orderlies moved the IV bags to a stand attached to the bed while the other one began unplugging the equipment. As soon as the plugs had been removed from the automatic drip system, the battery kicked in. The heart monitor was turned off and the hookups were removed. The ventilator was turned off and surprising, the patient began to breathe on his own, though quite shallowly. It was as if he knew as soon as the machine had been switched off how to control his own breathing to conserve his energy and to resume fully when the danger had passed. The rails were raised on the bed and checked to see if anything else was hooked up. Both men made sure that everything had been removed so there would be no interference. Finding nothing more, one of the orderlies walked over to the door and checked to see if anyone was coming. Seeing no one, both started to guide the bed through the door while one kept a hold of the battery unit attached to the IVs. As they started to move the patient into the hall, a nurse approached.

"Where are you taking that patient?"

"The doctor requested an MRI be done," one of the orderlies stated.

"I was not aware of such a request."

"It just came down."

"Let me check with the attending physician," the nurse said.

"I don't think so," One of the orderlies pulled a gun, keeping it close to his body, hidden enough so others could not see.

The other eyed the man also with surprise. As far as he had been concerned, he thought the man that held them at gunpoint was another orderly. As he was coming on duty, this man had told him that he had been asked to move a patient and needed his assistance. This had been his first day on the job at this new hospital.

"Now we're going to walk along quietly and we're going to take this man and place him in an ambulance. One wrong move, and I'll blow him, both of you, and anyone else who gets in our way to Hell. Understood? Nod as if we're in agreement."

The frightened nurse and other man did as they were instructed. They guided the patient down the hall and into the elevator leading down to the emergency area.

*****

Peter exited another elevator. He walked to his father's room and opened the door.

"NO!"

Doctors and nurses rushed to Caine's room. All eyes fell into the room. Peter sat on the floor staring into empty space. The bed that contained his father was gone.

Part 7

Peter sat staring into the empty space that had contained his father's bed. Every hookup that had been attached to his father had been removed, except for one thing. The IV bags and their portable battery system were gone. Whoever took his father wanted him to live, at least for a little while longer.

Kermit exited the elevator and headed for Caine's room. He hoped to talk some sense into the stricken detective but as soon as he appraoched the room, he knew something was wrong. The doctors and nurses were whispering among themselves. Dr. Sabourin looked stricken herself.

Kermit's heart skipped a beat as thoughts of the unthinkable had come to mind. 'Poor Pete. I should not have taken him from Caine. He should have been there at the end.' As Kermit approached, however, the whispers were not centered around death. What was going on?

Just then Peter emerged from his father's room. Kermit's blood ran cold as he saw the look in his friend's eyes. Something did happen, but it wasn't the death of Caine.

"Peter, what's happened?" Kermit's voice was a whisper.

At first Peter would not answer. He indicated to Kermit that he should follow him to a more private area. At that moment, Lo Si joined them both. He had to leave earlier to take care of a sick member of the Chinese community, even though he would have preferred to remain by Peter's side and help him through this crisis with his father. Even Kermit could see that Lo Si was very much disturbed.

Peter indicated that Kermit should sit and he began pacing the small waiting area. For now, they were alone.

"My father is gone."

"Oh Peter . . ." Kermit said, a deep sadness crept in but was interrupted by Peter's next words.

"No, you don't understand. He's gone, from the hospital. Someone took my father."

The words hit Kermit like a ton of bricks. The look in Peter's face, however, told him that the young cop was not about to sit by and let anything else happen. He knew if he didn't control the situation, Peter would wrecklessly head into danger without any thought for his own safety.

"Are you sure? Maybe they just moved him to another room. Maybe we should make a search before we jump to any comclusions."

"That will not do any good," Lo Si spoke up.

"Lo Si?" Peter turned to the old priest. "Do you know something?"

"Only that your father is in great danger. If we do not find him, he will die."

*****

The ambulance sped across the city. No one paid any attention. To those who observed, it was just another vehicle on the road, some may have thought that the ambulance must be transporting a patient to another hospital. It did not look like it was heading to any emergency situation. No one saw the ambulance pull into a large tree covered area cited for development. Two people emerged from the vehicle, a man and a woman, both dressed in hospital attire. This wasn't at all unusual except the man was holding a gun. The man waved the gun and both walked into the woods. A gunshot could be heard. Only the man returned. He climbed back into the ambulance and left, taking his passenger further away from his loved one and closer to death.

*****

Kermit, Lo Si, and Peter entered the precinct. They entered Captain Simms' office and closed the door.

"Peter, how's your father?" Captain Simms asked, a look of concern playing on her features.

"That's what we came to discuss," Kermit said.

Peter had moved to the corner where the file cabinets sat. Simms could not help notice his unusual quiet demeanor. He continued to stare into space as if no one was there.

"Has something happened?" Fear of having to go to a Shaolin priest's funeral entered her mind.

Simm's features hardened as she listened to what Kermit said. She continued to glance over to Peter Caine, trying to read his feelings on the matter. It was as if his heart had turned to stone.

"We must find Kwai Chang Caine quickly," Lo Si said. 'Not only for his sake, but for Peter's as well. I fear that young Caine may destroy himself."

"You mean suicide?" Simms said, her voice going down to a whisper.

"No, but he will destroy his soul if he acts with great violence and with hatred," Lo Si said.

"I'll assign Kincade to the case. Kermit, you assist as much as possible. I'll try to keep Caine here and see that he does not interfere."

"That may not be possible. When the crane's young is threatened, the parent acts to defend the nest with its life. Peter is Shaolin in spirit. He will do whatever is necessary to get his father returned. You know he will not sit back while his father is in danger. It was the same at the temple when his father was taken by the Spider Sect. He disobeyed orders not to interfere. He will do so, again," Lo Si stated.

"I'm out of here. I've got someone I need to see." Peter left the Captain's office without another word.

"Lo Si, go with him. We need someone to keep an eye on him."

Lo Si bowed and everyone was surprised just how quickly the ancient priest could move as they watched him leave.

"Kermit, ask Kincade to come in my office. He'll need to know the full story. I just hope we can find whoever took Peter's father in time."

Part 8

Peter rarely visited Donny at his home. They usually met at some out of the way place, primarily the docks or fishing piers. Peter would do his utmost to protect Donny's identity. This time was different, this time the stakes were high for Peter. His father's life was on the line and Peter would go to the ends of the Earth, if necessary, to save him.

Donny lived on the seedier side of town. The hallway had some interesting smells to it. 'Which one was it?' he thought as he tried to remember the apartment number. 'Finally', he thought as he knocked on the door. Inside, he heard something being slammed down.

"You little weasel! Did you forget your keys again, I told you the next time you did that I was gonna....." The door flung open and Lula glared at him. "Oh, Peter, I'm so sorry. I thought you was Donny. So what brings you to our door, Detective?"

"I gotta see Donny, it's important," Peter told her as she let him inside.

"Ain't it always important. You know Donny can't always be at your beck and call. What do you think he is..."

"Lula, please," he interrupted her. "This is about my father."

Peter sat down heavily on the couch, his shoulders were hunched.

"Your father? Oh Pete, I'm sorry. What happened?" Just then Donny walked in. He had groceries in each hand.

"Pete? What are you doin' here?" Donny went to the kitchen to drop off the bags.

"It's his father, Donny." Lula got up to put the groceries away. Donny sat down next to Peter.

"Donny, you gotta help me. My father was in the hospital."

"Yeah, I heard about that, Pete. Sorry man."

"Well, now he's missing. Donny, did you hear anything?"

Donny looked at him, "Well I did hear from a source while I was out. Someone in your line of work had a beef with you, Pete."

"You got a name?"

"Uh, I believe I hoid the name Masterson."

"Masterson? What the hell does he have against me?" Peter started pacing the room. "Do you know where he's hanging out?"

"He's got a loft on Fourth Ave." That was in the warehouse district, some of the older buildings were converted into loft spaces.

"Thanks Donny, "Peter flew out of the apartment.

*****

Kermit, Strenlich, Blake, and Captain Simms all waited in the hall to talk to hospital personnel. They had returned to the hospital to search for any clues for who might have taken Caine and also to see if Peter might have returned to also search for any clues, but Peter had not returned to the scene. Caine's room had been dusted for prints. It was clean. Not a single scrap of evidence could be found for the reason for Caine's disappearance.

"Where the hell do you think he took off to?" Strenlich barked.

"You know Pete, Chief, he's always rushing headlong into things," Blake commented.

Kermit stood off to the side, Captain Simms stood next to him. They both jumped when Kermit's cell phone went off.

"Griffin.....WHAT! Wait where are you? Okay, don't do anything, we'll meet you there." Kermit clicked the phone shut. "That was Peter, he said he found out who took his father."

"Who?" Captain Simms asked.

"Masterson," Kermit spat.

"Masterson? I fired that SOB this morning," Strenlich said.

"Looks like he's taking his revenge against Peter," Captain Simms said as she looked at Kermit. "Where is he?"

"In the warehouse district, on Fourth Ave. Let's hurry over there. I have a feeling he won't wait for backup."

"I'm going to head back to the precinct," Captain Simms stated. "Blake, you come with me. Kermit, better pick up Kincade on the way. He's the primary on this case. Chief, see what you can do to help."

They filed quickly out of the hospital to meet up with Peter.

*****

The warehouse district was on the other side of town, Peter made it there in record time. He parked the Stealth down the block. He spotted a woman coming out of the building.

"Miss, can you tell me where Jack Masterson's apartment is?" he asked her as he showed her his badge.

"He's on the second floor, apartment D." She went to her car.

Peter slowly climbed the stairs and inched his way down the hallway, drawing his gun. He noticed the door was ajar. He tensed as he carefully opened the door. The place looked deserted. It was sparsely furnished. A club chair was in the middle of the room. The kitchen area was to the right and Peter noticed a light was on, illuminating the countertop. Peter saw something sitting under the light, he slowly lifted the object up. It was a hospital ID bracelet. It said Caine on it. Peter let out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding, then he saw an envelope on the counter and opened it. There was a letter inside, he began to read it.

"You took everything that meant anything away from me, now it's my turn to return the favor."

Something fell out of the envelope onto the floor, he bent down and stared at the object. "Oh, NO!" Peter cringed as he held his father's jade pendant in his hand.

Part 9

When Kermit arrived with TJ and Strenlich at Masterson's apartment, they found Peter sitting on the floor clutching his father's pendant to his breast. His badge and gun were laying on the floor next to him, forgotten for the moment.

"How did Peter get ahold of his badge and gun? I thought IA had them," TJ said quietly. "There were rumors flying all over the place that IA decided Peter was off the force."

"The Captain made a very convincing argument to IA so Peter could keep his job," Strenlich replied, his eyes never leaving the stricken detective. "Mary Margaret had left his gun and badge on his desk and was planning on giving them back to Peter but he must have grabbed them on the way out. Even if they had succeeded in booting Peter out, I don't think that would have stopped him in light of what's happened."

The three men watched as Peter continued to sit on the floor. All three wondered how Masterson had gotten ahold of Caine's pendant.

"I put my father's pendant down by his bedside so he could wear it when woke up." Peter said, his voice sounding as if he was talking more to himself. "Masterson must have picked it up when he took my father."

The others stared at each other wondering how Peter could have known what they were thinking.

"Come on, Peter," Strenlich said. "I'll take you home. Kermit, Kincade, stay here and wait for forensics so they can dust the place."

Both men watched the Chief of Detectives pick up Peter's gun and badge then helped the stricken detective off the floor. Their eyes focused on the hospital ID bracelet still resting on the counter with the letter from Masterson, an obscene gesture of what Peter had lost, and was going to loose if they did not find his father in time.

As both men waited for forensics, Kermit received a call from Captain Simms from the hospital. They learned that a nurse, Helen Stewart, was also missing from the hospital. She had not been with the staff for more than six months, but she had proven herself quite capable of protecting the patients under her care. She had never missed a day of work in her life and was always on time. When she did not finish her rounds and report back to the nurses' station, someone had grown concerned. Captain Simms had said she was going back to the precinct to assign a couple of detectives to look for the missing nurse.

*****

Peter walked into his father's apartment a beaten man. There was nothing anyone could do to reassure the sullen young man that everything was going to turn out all right. Peter just couldn't go home to his own place. He needed to be close to his father in some way. The only place where he felt any comfort was his father's apartment, so Chief Strenlich had dropped him off there. Even though Donny Double D had given him the name of the man who had taken his father, he had been too late in reaching him. Both were gone and Masterson was taunting him in some way, using his father in some twisted game of revenge.

As Peter entered, he could feel the warmth of many candles. more than normal. Peter saw Lo Si put match to wick and another candle flared to life.

"Lo Si, why are you lighting so many candles?"

"It is for hope, to let Kwai Chang Caine know where home is. You found out who took your father," Lo Si stated.

"Yes. Name's Masterson. Turns out he's a fellow cop at the 101st. I went to his apartment but he wasn't there. All I found was a letter, Dad's hospital ID bracelet, and this," Peter held up his father's jade pendant. "I don't understand what he has against me and why he took my father."

Lo Si sensed the pain behind the young man's eyes. He knew if his father was not found quickly, Peter would be in for more round of nightmares. If Peter was to lose his father this time, Lo Si feared he would not be able to stop the young man from destroying himself. "Perhaps there is a way to locate him."

"How?" a spark of hope dared to grow in Peter's heart.

"We must prepare a space. Your father's pendant may be the very link we need."

Lo Si rose and began shifting things around in the room. He moved some of the candles. He then gathered a large square rug and placed it in the center. At each of the corners he placed a tall candle, marking the four corners of the four directions.

"Peter, sit in the center grasping your father's jade medallion."

Peter did as the old priest instructed.

"Do you remember any of your meditation training?" Lo Si asked.

"Yeah but . . ."

"You must use it now. It may be the only way we can reach your father."

"Lo Si, I'm not a Shaolin," Peter said, feeling inadequate to the task ahead as a long forgotten fear rose to the surface associated with this part of his heritage.

"You were raised in a temple for ten years of your life. You were being trained, Peter. If that temple had not been destroyed, what would you be by now?"

Peter blinked at Lo Si's question. Lo Si was right. He had been trained and if the temple had not been destroyed, he most certainly would be Shaolin. Did he still have the training to be able to do this? He had never been big on meditation, not since that one time when he was about eight years old. His thoughts drifted back to that time at the temple.

*****Flashback*****

Young Peter and his father sat together in the small meditation classroom. No one else was present. The evening was growing late and candles were being lit to dispel the coming darkness.

"Close your eyes and slow your breathing, my son. You can do this," Kwai Chang Caine instructed.

Peter did as his father instructed. He could feel himself relax with each intake and release of each breath.

"Let your mind quiet," Caine's words became softer.

Peter could feel his mind still then drift. It was as if he was floating on a cloud. Suddenly, he became aware of a presence. It did not feel like his father. The presence came toward him, reaching. It had an evil about it. It came closer and Peter saw that its eyes were blood red and glowed with an unearthly light.

*No! Father!*

Peter was suddenly brought out of his meditation. He was breathing hard and sweating. Deep fear was in his eyes, a fear that Kwai Chang Caine could not bannish.

"Peter. It is all right. You are safe.

"Father, I'm frightened, help me. The demon, he's coming after me."

"Peter, there is no demon. You are safe."

"But I saw it. It had red eyes."

Whatever the boy had seen, it obviously frightened him.

"I don't want to learn how to meditate any more." Peter said tearfully.

"Perhaps we will try another time, my son. It is time for bed."

Kwai Chang Caine lifted his son into his arms and held him close. He could still feel his son's body tremble from whatever he had experienced. He hoped that whatever it was, it would not last.

*****End of Flashback****

Peter tried to quiet his breathing. When it finally came for Peter to take the meditation classes, he still could not forget that first time. He would try to find excuses not to go to meditation class, but he knew that sooner or later, his father would catch on, so he went, only to sit there in silence with his eyes closed, his back rigid, and refusing to focus. Oddly enough, after the temple was destroyed, he longed for those days. He tried to meditate, but the pain was too great, even for the mock meditation that he would do.

Now he sat with Lo Si, facing the reality that he needed to slip into a meditative state in order to search for his father. But he could not help wonder if he would run into that demon again. He had to try, for the sake of his father's life. He had to try.

***

Note: There were a couple of questions that were brought up: "How did Peter get his badge and gun back and how did Masterson get ahold of Caine's jade pendant? I have attempted to answer those questions here.

Part 10

Masterson dropped an armload of firewood next to the fireplace in the living room. He still couldn't believe how neatly his plan had fallen into place. No one knew about this cabin, it had belonged to his friend's father. He had passed away years ago. His friend was out of the country for a while and told him he could use it anytime he wanted.

It suited his needs perfectly. The cabin was on an island in the middle of the lake. It was inexcessible by car, you needed a boat to reach it. He looked towards the bedroom. It was time to check on his guest. He stood in the open doorway. The injured man lay prone, the IVs hung on a makeshift stand and the automatic IV drip system showed that the IVs would need changing in the next hour. Luckily he had grabbed what supplied had remained in the ambulance and had placed them in the refrigerator. He wanted Caine to stay alive as long as possible so he could arrange a little surprise party for his son.

Masterson made sure his "guest" was comfortable, this was the first time he got a good look at Caine's father. They certainly didn't look like father and son, except perhaps around the eyes. He was certainly different, a hint of Chinese and those bizarre markings that looked like tattoos, a tiger and dragon. Why Peter would want to have this man as a father was beyond him, not when he could call Paul Blaisdell father. Masterson never met Blaisdell. He only knew him by his reputation, which was well known throughout the police department. A moan brought him back from his musings.

"Don't worry, Caine, you're not going to die, not yet anyway. I have plans for your son, and you're the bait that is going to bring him here. Yep revenge is certainly sweet."

*****

Caine fought his way to consciousness. Something in the feel of the atmosphere told him he was no longer in the hospital. He could barely make out a voice beyond the pain. He sensed an evil presence in the room with him. He knew this man meant to hurt his son. Try as he might he couldn't fight the darkness that reclaimed him. In his weakened state, he again slipped into that shadowy world of the unconscious.

*****

"Kermit, where's Peter?" TJ asked him as he stood at his office doorway.

"He's at his father's place, the Ancient is with him."

"Do you have anything?" TJ stood behind Kermit, looking over his shoulder at the computer screen.

"Nothing, " He let out a sigh, "Masterson is smarter than I gave him credit for. There's an APB out on his car. I just heard a car was found abandoned on Route 26. There was some blood on the back seat."

"Caine's?" A worried expression appeared on Kincade's face.

"Yeah, that would be a good bet. We gotta find them, before Masterson kills him. "

"How's Peter holding up?"

"How do you think he's holding up? Not good, it's tearing him apart. First he accidently shoots his father and now a psycho cop bent on revenge takes off with him. We don't have much time Kincade."

"Well according to Masterson's records he has a sister in Barkley, I was headed over there to talk to her. Do you want to come with me?"

"Oh yeah." Kermit got up and grabbed his car keys off the desk. "We'll take my car." TJ followed him out the precinct doors to the parking lot.

*****

The room was filled with candles, Peter sat in the square made by the four tallest ones. His father's essence was so strong in this room. Peter didn't realize how much of his father he carried within himself until now. He had his doubts on just how Shaolin he was. He was about to find out.

Part 11

Barkley, though a small town outside the city by about an hour, was an exclusive place for those who could afford to live there. When Kermit and Thomas Jefferson Kincade arrived in the town, it felt like they had stepped into the town of Stepford. It felt strange not seeing any other ethnic group. It was as if the town was straight out of the twilight zone.

"Let's get this over with and back to Chinatown," Kermit stated, his face a mask behind his green shields.

"I'm with you on that one," TJ agreed. It wasn't so much that the town was filled solely with white middle America, it was the fact that it was in a town like this one that he had lost his Amanda to the forces of darkness and he wasn't ready to face that kind of pain again.

They found the street where the house was located and drove up the drive to a very lavish home. Kermit's car would fit just right in this neighborhood with its outlandish color and style. The two detectives stepped out of the car and took the long walk to the front entrance of the home. After Kermit rang the bell, it felt like an eternity before anyone came to the door.

"Yes, may I help you?" A smartly dressed butler stood looking at them with disdain.

"We're here to see Ms. Masterson," T.J. said, handing the man his card. He had dealt with such servants before having grown up with them. The Kincades were known for more than just the fact that one of them was the Police Commissioner of a large metropolitan city.

The butler led both men down a rich wood paneled hallway. Mahogany floors and cherry wood paneling helped to reenforce the amount of wealth the Mastersons had. It came as a shock to both men since Jack Masterson had never said anything about his background. They were led into another room that was just as lavish as the hall had been. Floor to ceiling heavy red velvet curtains hung over cathedral sized windows. Built-in bookcases lined three of the four walls, even between the windows. Heavy winged back chairs and dark mahogany library tables helped emphasize the function of this particular room. A large fireplace with a lifesize portrait of an elderly gentleman took up the space of the remaining wall. The two detectives were just about to speculate why someone like Masterson would consider ever joining the police force when a woman of about forty came into the room. Even during the day she wore a dress that looked like it would cost Skalany a months salary.

"Detective Thomas Jefferson Kincade, 101st Precinct, Sloanville. You are out of your juristiction, Detective," the woman said as she read the card.

"Not when it comes to police business that involves a family member," Kermit said cooly.

"I see Detective Kincade and which family member are you talking about?" The woman turned toward the shaded man.

"Actually, I'm Detective Kincade, he's Detective Griffin," the blond man spoke. "We came here to find out the whereabouts of your brother, Jack Masterson."

"My brother, John Masterson the third, has not been here for 5 years, not since he joined the police academy against our father's wishes."

"You have not seen your brother during that time?" T.J. asked, pulling out a small notebook from his inside coat pocket.

"Are you mad?" the woman gazed at TJ as if he were a piece of lint on a $1000 dollar suit. "My brother was supposed to take over the family business when Father retired. It has always been that way ever since our great-grandfather began his railroad business. When John left and joined the police academy, our father was devastated. It was up to me to keep him going. My father viewed being a civil servant as nothing more than white trash. He disowned him and has since written him out of his will. Whatever my wayward brother has done, you will get no help from me, Detective."

"We apologize for wasting your time. If you do hear from your brother, give me a call. You have my card."

"Don't bother seeing us out. We'll find our own way," Kermit said.

*****

"Hey, Nicky. We have a Jane Doe hear. Someone jogging through the woods spotted the body underneath some bushes." A uniformed officer waved his colleagues in as they wheeled a bodybag on a gurney into the freezer section of the morgue.

"What have we got?" Nicky asked, curiosity peeking at having a mystery to solve.

"It's not much. Looks like she was shot directly in the heart."

Nicky Elder unzipped the bag and stared down at the young woman. The officer had been correct at the cause of death. There was one thing that struck Nicky so much that he immediately went to the phone and dialed the number to the 101st Precinct.

"Captain? It's Nicky Elder. I think we may have found our missing nurse."

*****

Peter sank down into the void. He had not done this for a long time. His father's voice came to him as he quieted his spirit and let his mind drift. Suddenly, he was aware of being pulled into a tunnel. He came upon a place that he had at one time believed existed but had become doubtful during his 15 years of separation from his father. And yet, the place had a familiar feel to it as if he had been here before. He was in the Bardo world. He looked into what looked like a bar that twisted and turned in all directions. For a brief moment, he thought he saw someone that he recognized. He tried to go forward into the bar, but was thrown back hard and forced back through the tunnel.

"Auugh," Peter moaned weakly.

"Easy young Caine," Lo Si helped Peter to sit up. "Drink this. It will clear your mind and strengthen your chi."

"Lo Si, did I experience what I just thought I did?"

"You entered the Bardo world. You were not prepared. Your father is not there. To find him, you must concentrate on his essence."

"Lo Si, what if I can't find him?" Fear entered Peter's mind, fear that he would not find his father in time.

"You will, you must. You are his only hope for survival."

Peter swallowed the lump in his throat. He wished Lo Si had not said that, but he knew that he was right. He was the only one who had any chance of finding Kwai Chang Caine.

Part 12

Masterson met his associate at the dock and began loading what he could into his boat. This would be the first of many surprises that would await his hated enemy. He only needed a few hours of preparation. As he was loading the devices, his mind kept returning to the bomb disposal classes at the police academy. There had been talk even then of a hotshot police captain's foster son who had breezed through the course in record time. Even though Masterson had tried his best to break the man's record, he never was quite close enough. Peter Caine had always seemed to be one step ahead of him. It didn't matter if Peter had at least five years more experience than Masterson. When Masterson joined the 101st Precinct four years ago as a rookie cop, ironically, it was Peter who tried to help him the most and give him pointers. At first, he admired the man and did his best to emulate his style, even after Masterson had made Detective two years ago. Even so, he'd been lucky to get the honor. Most cops never made Detective and only after four years from walking the Stem. He'd been lucky. Caine had been in the hospital and he had been the one to collar the guy who put him there. He had been called a hero then. But after Caine returned, things changed. Some of the cases that he had been working on for weeks were turned over to Peter, including the Tan Case. Within days, Caine had them wrapped up. It just wasn't fair. Those cases should have been his. Chinatown had been his beat, and Caine took that away from him. Not only that, Peter Caine had the audacity to discover that his father was alive. No man should be allowed to have two fathers. He still could not fathom what Peter saw in the man that looked like he walked out of some commune in the sixties.

Didn't he abandon Peter over fifteen years ago? Wasn't there some law that stated that parents who abandoned their kids gave up their rights? He couldn't possibly care about the man the way he seemed to. There were several occasions when he would overhear Peter complaining about not being able to understand his old man. By getting rid of the crazy old coot, he may just be doing Peter a favor. Who was he kidding. He certainly wouldn't do that guy any favors. He took everything you ever believed in away from you, even the love of a father.

"You'll pay, Peter Caine. Oh yeah, you'll pay."

After Masterson was through loading his boat, he turned and fired his weapon into the guy's chest, point blank. The man stared back at him in surprise and fell into the water. Masterson then walked over to the overnight express mailbox and dropped the small package into the box. 'This ought get junior running to help his daddy, he thought. 'Then bye bye baby.'

*****

"Are you sure she's the missing nurse?" Captain Simms asked, eyeing the report from Nicky Elder.

"The description fits. In fact, I called down to the hospital. They're sending a coworker of hers over to identify the body. As soon as we have a match, we can place Masterson at the scene of the hospital," Kermit said.

"Did you talk with the sister?"

"No help there, Captain. She hasn't spoken to her brother since he joined the police academy five years ago. It would seem that little rebellious act got him kicked out of his father's will," T.J. replied.

"I had no idea that he had come from so prominent a family. I should have recognized the name. My ex-husband was familiar with the Mastersons. They were big contributors to charitable organizations, you know the ones where you got to shake the hand of some famous celebrity."

"Well, you wouldn't have known it from the way the sister greeted us," Kermit said. "She was more of an ice queen than you were when you met Peter. No offense, Captain."

"None taken," Simms gave Kermit an icey glare. She'd get him later for that remark.

At that moment, Strenlich came into the office.

"Got the ballstics report back. It's confirmed. The bullet came from Masterson's gun."

"So now he's wanted for murder, too," Simms stated.

"There's more. An abandoned ambulance was found in the Cherry Hill district. Some guy found the vehicle in his driveway. His car had been stolen," Strenlich reported. "There's more. A body was found in the back."

"That makes three. Want to bet the car we found on Route 29 with Caine's blood was the stolen vehicle?"

"Oh yeah," Kermit said. "But where did they go from there?"

*****

Peter sat again in the center of the square and tried to refocus his chi. He was still overwhelmed about what had happened earlier. 'Did I really do what I just did?' he thought. 'Okay, calm down, Caine. Think, what would my father do? Calm his chi, must calm my chi.'

Peter swallowed the lump in his throat and took several deep cleansing breaths and felt his body relax. 'Lo Si said I can do this. My father needs me.'

Soon Peter was again slipping into a deep meditative state. This time, he focused only on the essence of Kwai Chang Caine. Peter found himself walking through a foggy terrain. Darkness prevailed here. Then something compelled him forward.

*Help me,* the voice called.

*Pop? Where are you?* Peter called out.

*My son, help me.*

For an instant, Peter could see his father's form in the distance. He rushed toward it. *Pop!*

*It is too late, my son. I must return. No more energy.*

*No! Father, please. Don't leave me. I'm coming for you. Where are you? Tell me!*

But the form was gone.

*No, Father!* Peter reached toward the disappearing form, but suddenly found himself again back in the circle of candles. "No, Father," he cried weakly, tears streaming down his face. He had been too late. His father was gone.

Part 13

A package arrived at the precinct addressed to Peter Caine. After Kermit had the bomb squad check it out, and it was deemed safe, he took it to Peter.

"Peter?" Kermit found his friend sitting on the pallet in the apothecary room staring at the flute and his father's pouch, which were both in front of him. He ran his hands gently over the flute.

"What is the measure of a man's life?" Peter began quietly "You know it took a lot of time for me to get used to living with the Blaisdells, Kermit. They gave me so many things, video games, a computer, stereo, my train set. All the material things that the other kids had. They wanted me to have as close to a normal life as any other kid. Oh, I know they gave me more than that, a home, family, love, but I don't think I've ever really appreciated what my father truly gave me until now. He shared so much of himself, he was always there, always understanding. He never, not once, hit me, even if I deserved it. He would slap me on the cheek, but it was to 'drive the lesson in,' he'd said. He's always been patient, loving. I remember how many strange looks I've gotten from you and the others at the precinct when I told everyone that I was raised in a Shaolin temple. It was special, Kermit. I can't put it into words. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I wouldn't trade my father, either. He's my life."

"Pete, I think you'd better open this," Kermit said quietly.

Peter opened up the package. There was an envelope inside, he opened it, his mouth gaping open. There were pictures of his father. The first ones were in the ambulance; he looked very pale, the various tubes still sticking out of his body. The next picture showed him in someone's private bedroom. A makeshift stand was holding the IVs in place while the front panel from the IV's pumping system showed that it was still operating, but Peter knew soon enough those IVs would need replacing if his father was going to remain alive. A letter came with the photos.

"I thought you'd like to see that Daddy dearest is still among the living. If you want him back, come and get him. You don't have much time. We'll be waiting for you, it's nice and cool by the water."

"That son of a ....." Kermit was enraged when he saw the pictures.

"He mentioned water. Does Masterson have a second place by the water?"

"No, but I ran a check, he's got a boat registered to him. He has a slip for it at Pier 86. Let's go check it out."

Peter started to walk out of the room, then stopped to get his father's pouch. "We may need this." He didn't explain further as he and Kermit went to the Stealth.

*****

Masterson smiled at his handy work. "Yep just one more little detail and we're all set for our guest of honor," he said to himself as he set the last trap. He went back to the cabin to wait.

*****

Kermit called TJ and told him to meet them at the pier.

"Peter, this is Mr. Tucker. I asked him about Masterson. Tell him what you told me." TJ moved back to let him by.

"Well as I told Detective Kincaid, Masterson rents a slip for his boat. I think he took off last night sometime because when I got here this morning, it was gone."

"Do you know where he might have headed?" TJ asked him.

"Well there are quite a number of islands in the lake.. He did mention a friend of his owns one of them. Robin's Island I believe it's called."

"Can you tell us which one it is?" Kermit asked.

"AHHHH!"

The four men jumped as they heard a woman scream. She was standing at the end of the dock, looking into the water. They ran over to the hysterical woman. Peter was the first to reach her.

"What's wrong?" He looked down and saw the body of a man floating in the water.

Kermit flipped open his cell phone and called Nicky's office. Then he helped Peter and TJ drag the body out of the water.

"I know this guy," Kermit stared at the face of the dead man. "It's Nolan Johnson, he's a supplier."

"A supplier of what?" TJ asked.

"You name it, he's got it. But he specializes in high powered guns and bombs."

"Bombs?" Peter exclaimed "Masterson must be setting a trap. He may have that island rigged and my father's right in the middle of it."

"Oh yeah," Kermit agreed. "We'd better hire a boat and find this whacko."

Part 14

Masterson stood near the shore looking toward the mainland, toward the city. He brought up the binoculars and focused them. A boat was coming in his direction. The boat, however, was filled with more than just Detective Caine. He could see that Kermit and two others were with the cop, one a very ancient looking man and another older man whom he did not recognized but seemed to know Peter quite well. Kermit Griffin was at the wheel. This was going to be harder than he thought. He should have realized by sending the package to the precinct, he would get more than just the one person he wanted to lure into his trap. He should have indicated for Peter to come alone or daddy would die instantly. Now it was too late. Even so, it really no longer mattered to him how many died. So long as one of those deaths was Peter Caine. Masterson rushed back through the woods that concealed the house from prying eyes and entered. He headed toward the bedroom.

"Your son is coming for you, Caine," Masterson said. "But he's not alone. So much for the better. But he's in for a big surprise. I'll be leaving you here to greet him." Masterson tossed a letter down on the prone man's chest. "Say hello to your son for me, in Hell."

Masterson grabbed a bag and headed out the door to the other side of the island where he had docked the boat. He wanted to get as far away from the place as possible but still be able to watch when the island became an inferno. If Peter Caine was lucky enough to escape, he would be sure that their paths would cross again.

*****

"Are you sure he's laid a trap?" the man said, his accent giving him away as a man who once lived in another country.

"I recognized the man that Masterson shot. He specialized in the sale of high powered guns and bombs," Kermit said. "Some of his devices were highly specialized, requiring suphisticated equipment."

"Well, that's why I called Steadman in," Peter said. "If anyone can figure out how to stop it, he can."

"We must hurry. Your father is growing weaker."

"Lo Si, how do you . . ."

"Can you not feel it, Peter?"

Peter reached out with his chi and as they drew closer to the island, he became more aware that he was sensing someone, someone who was growing weaker. His father? No. He could not lose him.

The four men reached the island without incident. As they approached the shore, they were careful to try to follow a specific path. They did not know if Masterson had set land mines that would heed their progress. When they reached the house, they found the door wide open. Kermit went first, drawing his Desert Eagle, followed by Peter then Lo Si. Steadman brought up the rear. They started a systematic search of the house.

"Pop!" Peter reached the bedroom where his father lay prone.

"Quickly Peter, your father's pouch. There is a small bottle," Lo Si stated.

"I think I know which one." Peter pulled out the bottle. It looked exactly like the one that his father had him drink from when they were going after Tan and trying to rescue the Ancient. He pulled out the stopper and lifted his father's head so he would not choke on the liquid and poured it into his father's mouth.

As Lo Si and Peter were ministering to Caine, Kermit had picked up the letter that had slipped off Caine's chest and landed on the floor. What he read caused the small hairs on the back of his neck to rise.

"Welcome to Hell, Caine. If you haven't noticed, the device in the corner of your father's room leads to a series of bombs, one of which is under your father's bed. If you move your father, that bomb will blow first creating a chain reaction. If you try to even stop the one under your father's bed, it will also trigger a chain reaction. There is only one way to stop all the bombs from blowing. You must stop all of them before the timer counts down, if you want your father to live. Good luck, Caine. If you survive this, our paths will cross again.

Masterson"

"Peter! Stop, don't move your father," Kermit commanded.

"What?!? I've got to get him out of here."

"If you move him, we're all dead." Kermit handed Peter the letter. He watched as Peter's face paled.

Peter handed the letter to Steadman.

"We've got to find that devise," Steadman said.

"He said it's in the corner of the room, but which corner?" Peter said, sounding panicy.

"Over here." Kermit's observant mercenary nature had spotted something out of the ordinary. What portible medical equipment was in the room could have been considered normal for a patient who was in hospice care, but the item he saw did not look like any kind of hospital equipment. He moved near the dresser and on the floor was a box with wires leading to a clock counting down. The wires were all one color, black. There would be no clue to help them to be able to disable the bombs. The clock on the timer read forty minutes and each second that went by, the timer's numbers got smaller.

"I say we are in deep trouble," Peter said.

"Oh yeah."

"Steadman, have you seen anything like this?" Peter asked.

The ex-mercenary munitions expert looked at the box that sat on the floor.

"It's been a long time, but I believe I saw something like this when I was on a mission in the Suez. Damned if I can remember how it worked."

"Steadman, please, you've got to do something."

"Easy, Peter. Patience is the masters true lesson. We'll save your father. I'm going to need my tools. I'll need to take the box apart, get inside and see how it works. That's our only chance."

"I'll get them." Kermit dashed out of the room.

Lo Si had pulled up a chair by Caine's bed.

Caine was beginning to stir. "Peter," he whispered.

"Pop!" Peter rushed to his father's side and was about to sit on the bed when Lo Si stopped him.

"Any extra pressure may set the bomb off."

Peter kneeled on the floor and took his father's hand in his. He felt an imperceptible squeeze, letting him know that his father knew he was there.

"Pop, we'll get you out of here. You've got to hang on. Steadman, Lo Si, amd Kermit are here."

Caine's grip tightened around Peter's hand. In that one movement, Peter knew his father wasn't going anywhere.

Part 15

Masterson watched from a small hill above the cabin. You've got thirty minutes now, he thought as a wicked smile came to his lips. He shouldn't have even given that much time, he was being too kind. But he was confident that they still would not figure out how to stop the chain reaction before it was too late. Oh well, it'll all be over soon. He moved towards the boat, he didn't want to be on the island when it blew.

*****

"Steadman, please hurry," Peter cried out desperately. He moved as close to the bed as he could without putting pressure on it. He could tell the herbal drink that he gave his father wasn't enough. "Lo Si, you have to do something." His eyes were pleading with the older priest.

Wordlessly, Lo Si came up beside him and took Peter's hands in his. Then he positioned them on his father's forehead and chest.

"What?" Peter began.

"As I told you, young Caine, only you can help your father now." Lo Si said.

"I'm not a Shaolin Lo, Si," Peter tried to argue.

"You can do this, young Caine. He needs your chi to strengthen him. You are as one. Your love will heal him." Lo Si stood back.

Peter breathed a deep sigh and closed his eyes. Even though he was doubtful of what the Ancient had said, he concentrated on sending his life force through his father's body. Maybe if he just sent his love, it would be enough. 'I love you so much, Father.' He sent the words along with all the love he felt for him through the link, the bond which tied them to each other. He usually did not use the formal form, but his need to reach his father was great. It was his last chance. Tears stung his eyes as he focused his life force as if his own life depened on it. Then he sensed it and with his third eye, he could see a light, small at first, then getting bigger. It surrounded him, became part of him. Then he heard a voice.

*My son.*

*Pop?*

Peter reached out to the essence, it took form, then solidified into the shape of his father. He grabbed hold of him and held him tightly.

*I'm so sorry, Father, I know you must hate me for what I did to you. I promise I'll stop being a cop. I'll-I'll never pick up a gun ever again. I'll....*

Caine silenced him with a finger to his lips. *Shhhh, my son, it was an accident. You did not mean to shoot me. I could never hate you. You mean everything to me.* Caine stood back and bowed to Peter. *Thank you.*

*What are you thanking me for? For almost blowing you away?*

*For saving my life, for coming to rescue me.*

*How can you forgive me, Pop?* Peter asked the vision before him.

*There is nothing to forgive, my son, I love you.*

Peter could feel his father tiring from the effort, but he also knew that he would recover now. He opened his eyes and saw his father looking at him, a faint smile on his face as he closed his eyes again.

*****

Steadman carefully removed the casing surrounding the bomb, it was a good thing he had a steady hand. A set of wires attached to the timer ran through the box. He needed to select the correct one. 'How the hell did I do this in Egypt.'

"Peter, make sure your father doesn't move." He could see the wires ran straight to a connection under the bed.

"You sure you know what you're doing?" Kermit asked as he knelt down beside him. A look from Steadman told him he didn't want to know.

*****

Nickie Elders told the attendants to load the body in the coroners van. "One straight through the heart, I don't think the guy knew what hit him," he said as he left for the medical examiner's office.

"Kincade, what do you have?" Captain Simms came over to him. TJ stayed with the body till Nickie showed up.

"We have a DB, name's Nolan Johnson, Kermit said he's a supplier of guns and bombs."

"Bombs?" Simms said, surprised.

"Yeah, Masterson is holding Peter's father on one of the islands on the lake. They hired a boat."

"They?" she asked.

"Yeah, Peter, Kermit, the Ancient and a guy named Steadman. Peter called him. Said he was some kind of munitions expert that Paul Blaisdell knew. They're going after Masterson."

"Chief?" Simms turned to Strenlich. "Call in the lake patrol, we're going to that island. They're going to need back-up."

Part 16

Steadman tried to follow the wires to see where each one led. He knew he was running out of time. If he pulled the wrong one, any one of them could start the chain reaction that would blow them all away.

"Kermit, I need you to follow each of these wires and tell me where they lead, and hurry we do not have much time left, but it's very important that we know."

All eyes fell on the munition's expert as Kermit did as Steadman instructed. Sweat beaded on Steadman's forehead as he took a deep breath. As he scrutinized the wires, something in their configuration was beginning to make sense. He could see each of the wires and realized there were at least three too many for this setup. Knowing that, he began to narrow down which ones connected to the bombs and which ones did not. With Kermit's help, he was able to pinpoint each location. Now all he needed to do was choose which one was the correct one.

"Trust yourself and the one you choose will be the correct one," a good friend's words came back to him.

*****

"I have a map here that shows all the islands," the pier owner stated. "This one here is Robin's Island. It's pretty well secluded and not easy to get to. It got its name because of its egg shape. There's a narrow inlet here that you have to go through. Plus, there's a hill on that island. Anyone standing on that hill could see you coming. Your best bet is to try and come around to the other side, but it may take longer to get there."

"We don't know how much time Caine has left," Strenlich said. "I'll take my chances and go straight up the middle."

"Just like a marine to go straight down the throat," T.J. said.

"Listen up people. We're looking for this man," Captain Simms talked to each lake patrol group and handed them a photo. "Keep an eye out for him. Consider him armed a dangerous. TJ, you go with group number one. Chief, you go with group number two. I'll go with group three. We'll regroup in fifteen minutes then head to Robin's Island. Goodluck everyone."

*****

Masterson climbed in the boat and sat watching for another ten minutes off shore. He double checked his gear to see if he had everything, including his passport. Canada was just across the lake. He'd have to explain to his friend later how it was that his island home had gotten destroyed and the fact that five male bodies were found there. He knew one thing, he wasn't coming back to the states for any reason, except if Peter Caine and his father managed to live through this one, but he doubted it. There was no way they would be able to find the main wire in time. He had set up a few blinds just to be sure. Only a munitions expert familiar with that particular design would have been able to notice the exact configuration, and he doubted there was anyone who even knew that kind of setup was possible. Just in case, it was best that he be a safe distance away. Masterston pulled the boat away from the dock and moved a few hundred feet off shore. He stopped the boat and let it float there and sat back to prepare and watch the fireworks.

*****

Peter sat as still as he possibly could. His father's grip on his hand would not allow him to leave. He had to rely on his trust of the others to get them through. This was the hardest part for him, trusting and being patient, but somehow he would manage.

"Peter," Caine's voice was a whisper.

"Pop? Please, don't move. Steadman should have the bombs defused any minute."

"Thirsty."

"Lo Si, could you get my father some water?"

Lo Si carefully rose from the chair and went to the kitchen. He found a bottle of water in the refrigerator and brought it back. He opened the cap and without adding any more pressure, he was able to give Kwai Chang Caine a much needed drink.

"Awwwe. Thank you, my friend. How much longer?"

"Ten minutes," Steadman said somewhere on the floor.

"You better make up your mind on which wire," Kermit stated. "I would rather it be sooner than later."

Steadman gave Kermit a cool look than continued to scrutinize the wires. "This is delicate work, Mr. Griffin. Would you care to try?"

Another agonizing five minutes then suddenly the timer stopped.

Part 17

The group let out the breath they'd been holding.

"It's ok, everyone, all the bombs are dead," Steadman said as he sat back and wiped his brow.

Peter stood up and checked his father again.

"Come on, let's get out of here," he said. Peter noticed a sled in the corner, hidden behind the door. It had a stretcher on it and ropes tied to the front of it. "So that was how Masterson transported my father here."

"That's going to have to wait. We've got to make sure there aren't more surprises in this cabin, or on this island," Kermit mentioned as he and Steadman thoroughly checked the house and then went outside to check around the grounds.

"Kermit, wait!" Steadman stopped Kermit from stepping on some stones near the woodpile in the back of the cabin. Kermit's foot was a hair from touching the ground when he quickly pulled it back.

"What, what do you see Steadman?"

Steadman showed Kermit that there was a landmine under the stones. "I saw something like this in Cambodia. There are probably more around here."

Steadman and Kermit spent time searching for more landmines and began disarming them. They were shocked to discover at least two had been placed on the path that led to the house. It was a miracle that no one had stepped on them when they had first arrived. They didn't know how many mines had been planted. Steadman suggested that a sweeper come in later and double check so no one else would get hurt inadvertently. As soon as that task had been completed, they came back into the cabin.

As the two ment entered the bedroom, Lo Si was giving Caine a tea. Peter had brought a pan of water in from the kitchen and had placed it on the night table next to the bed. Lo Si had added some kind of powder to the water. Peter dipped a wash cloth into it and was wiping his father's face and neck.

"He's developed a fever," Peter said sadly, answering the unspoken question that was on both Kermit's and Steadman's faces. He leaned over and kissed his father's forehead. His father softly moaned and opened his eyes slightly. He looked over at Peter, his lips pulled into a small smile then he passed out.

*****

"Damn you, Peter Caine!" Masterson started the boat and steered out of the small canal and into the open lake.

"Hold it right there, Masterson! " TJ's voice echoed through the patrol boat's microphone.

*BAM*

Masterson fired at the patrol boat, he revved up the engine and took off. TJ fired back.

"AHHH," Masterson grabbed his arm and lost the gun over the side. He put the boat in high gear, swinging it back and forth. The patrol boat had a hard time keeping up with Masterson's boat. It disappeared around one of the smaller islands.

The patrol boat increased its speed to try to catch up to Masterson's boat. They could see it getting farther away from them.

"Get the helicopter on the line," Captain Simms called out to the Captain of the boat. By the time the helicopter showed up, Masterson's boat could not be found. Some of the islands had a lot of vegetation on them and there were a lot of places to hide.

"Masterson knows this place too well. Let's go back to Robin's Island. We'll let the other patrol boats comb the area. Tell the pilot to keep circling the area. Masterson is out there somewhere, wounded. He has to come out sometime."

They headed back to the island.

*****

Kermit and Steadman pulled the sled over to the bed. Peter carefully lifted his father onto the makeshift stretcher then handed Lo Si the IV tubes and automatic drip system. He knew enough medical knowledge and understood that the IV tubes should not be laid down. He had Lo Si try to stay close but at the same time, bring up the rear and watch their backs.

"Pop," he whispered as he ran his hands through his father's hair. "We're taking you out of here. The ride's going to be a little rough. Just hang on."

Peter lifted the ropes and began to pull the sled. Steadman and Kermit took the lead, watching for any traps along the way back to the boat. Lo Si carried the medical equipment and tried to keep as close to Kwai Chang Caine as humanly possible.

Kermit looked back briefly then let Peter and Lo Si pass him by with Caine's stretcher. He would be more equipped to watch if Masterson decided to attack them from the rear. Each of them had a foreboding feeling that this was FAR from over.

Part 18

The four rescuers made it to the dock with their charge without incident. It was a matter of time before they would make it back to the mainland. At that moment, Captain Karen Simms arrived with TJ and Chief Strenlich in one of the larger patrol boats.

"We better take Caine in our boat. It will be much faster. I'll have a life-flight helicopter standing by," the Captain said.

Peter watched as the lake patrol helped to lift his father into the boat.

"Go with him, Peter," Lo Si encouraged. "Your father will need your strength to get him through this final crisis. We will meet you back at the hospital."

Peter nodded and climbed into the patrol boat. He sat next to his father and grabbed his hand. The ride back to the mainland and back to the hospital felt like an eternity. Peter forced the air out of his lungs to calm his rapidly beating heart.

*****

Peter began pacing the waiting room. It wasn't long before the others arrived. Lo Si sat in a nearby chair with his eyes closed in meditation. Kermit and Steadman stood together talking quietly and trying to keep an eye on their worried friend. Peter continued to pace and watch the double doors that led to where they had taken his father. It felt like an eternity since they took his father to emergency surgery. On the way to the hospital he began to bleed internally. They needed to open him up to repair the damage.

Peter hadn't let go of his father's hand since they left the island; the nurses had to pry Peter's hand from his father's. He leaned over and kissed his father on the cheek and whispered 'I love you' into his ear and watched as they led him away.

That had been two hours ago, he'd stumbled into the waiting room. He took a seat and stared blankly at the television hanging from the wall above the seats. Peter noticed there was a movie playing. Looking closely at the actress on the screen, he was dismayed to see it was Rhonda Fleming. His father told him his mother looked like the actress. His eyes welled up and he buried his head into his hands. He couldn't lose his father, not now!

He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hi, Kid, any word?" Kermit sat down beside him.

"No, nothing yet," he let out a sigh.

"He's tough, Peter, you know nothing can keep Caine down," he squeezed his friend's shoulder.

"You're right, you can't keep a Shaolin down. But my father's human, Kermit. And right now, I wish he was that superhuman being that I had always thought of him as being when I was a kid."

Just as Peter felt Kermit squeeze his shoulder, trying to give him comfort, they saw a doctor making his way towards them. He was dressed in surgical green, spots of blood splattered on the front of the scrubs. His face didn't reveal anything. Peter got up and walked over to him. He was holding his breath, dreading what the doctor would tell him.

Steadman and Kermit watched as they saw Peter and the doctor move down the hall. They both figured that Peter needed some privacy. They would be informed soon enough of Caine's condition. Lo Si silently rose from his chair and moved closer to where he could watch the young Detective. At that moment, a uniformed police officer approached Kermit. Kermit had arranged to have a guard placed outside Caine's door after he had come from surgery. It was a precaution just in case Masterson had managed to escape the searchers and tried to retaliate.

What they could see of the conversation that had taken place between Peter and the doctor, the look on Peter's face was enough for them. They knew over the next few hours whether Caine was going to live or die. For that time, they would leave father and son alone. While Peter would be keeping his vigil, Kermit and Steadman conferred with Captain Simms and TJ in a nearby waiting area, not waiting to go to the precinct when they arrived. For the time being, everyone seemed to have forgotten that Lo Si was even there.

"Masterson got away." Karen Simms reported, trying to mask the frustration she felt. "The lake patrol must have searched around those islands a dozen times. There's no trace of the man. Even the boat is missing."

"There is an inlet leading to a river on the other side," Steadman stated. "He could have slipped in there."

Karen Simms stared briefly at the stranger, though grateful for his help after what she learned what Masterson had done. "Yes, but that side of the lake is out of our jurisdiction," she continued. "In fact, it's out of our reach entirely. We really have no authorization to even be on that side. It would be considered invading a foreign country. That part borders Canada."

"I didn't realize we were so close to their borders," Strenlich stated.

"This may be considered a midwestern city, Chief, but we are very close to our Canadian neighbors," Simms stated.

"I just bet Masterson did cross that border," Kermit said. "It's the only option that makes any sense if he was going to escape. I'll check to see if he may have had a passport issued to him recently. They've gotten more strict about needing passports. Used to be all you needed was a birth certificate. If he did cross over, I know someone I can alert over there."

"Masterson is smart, Kermit. He's also a cop and not above using an alias. He may even claim to be undercover," TJ tried to point out. "Chief, you look a look a little pale. Are you all right?"

Strenlich looked embarrassed.

"What's the matter, Chief?"

"You're going to be real upset with me, Captain," he said cautiously. "When I fired Masterson, I just assumed he'd turn in his badge and gun. He may still have them."

The Captain gave Strenlich a hard stare. "We'll talk about this later. Right now we have a crazed and wounded cop out there who may very well seek revenge if we don't find him."

"I'll send the Canadian Authorities everything regarding Masterson. They don't have to know he's a cop. Besides, I don't think he's had time to change his name unless he's been planning this sort of thing for years. Keep me posted on Caine's condition. I'm going back to the precinct."

"I'll come with you," said Captain Simms.

The rest of them watched Kermit and the Captain leave and continued to wait for news from Peter about his father.

Part 19

Peter walked with the doctor down the hall as they talked.

"Doctor, he's not...."Peter swallowed hard, his whole body tensed as he dreaded what the doctor would say.

"No, no, Detective, your father came through the surgery very nicely. He's a strong man, a real fighter."

"Yeah, that's my Pop," Peter sighed with relief. "Can I see him?"

"He's in recovery now, you should be able to see him soon. A nurse will come get you." The doctor turned and retreated down the hallway.

"See, I knew my father would be okay," Peter glanced back to see Lo Si approaching him from the waiting area. A wide grin was on the Ancient's face.

*****

"Yeah, Stephen, he slipped through our fingers." Kermit had contacted his friend Stephen O'Malley, he worked for the Canadian equivilant of the American FBI. "I'm faxing his photo to you now."

"I'll get this out to all our agents and then the local constable."

"He's wounded, consider him armed and dangerous, Stephen. He kidnapped Peter Caine's father, took him right out of the hospital. Used him as bait so he could kill Peter. He left some 'gifts' for us to disarm. I want him, Stephen, I want to see his face as I strangle the life out of him."

"Boy, he got on your bad side Kermit."

"Oh yeah," Kermit said his good byes to his friend.

"Is your friend going to help us?" Karen Simms asked him as she leaned on his office door.

"Yeah, Stephen is going to do all he can. Any word on Caine?"

"TJ called from the hospital. Caine came through surgery just fine."

*****

Peter practically ran the nurse over when she came to tell him he could see his father.

He stood at the doorway to the room. He couldn't help remembering the first time he did this. Of course, back then his father had no idea who he was, and Peter had thought he was dreaming the whole thing. 'His father, alive? Impossible.'

He was overjoyed that it was all very real. Since their reunion they had become very close. Their relationship was rocky at times, but they had been able to weather the storms.

Peter drew up a chair and sat next to his father's bedside. He gently picked up his father's hand, entwining his fingers round his, being careful not to pull on the IV tubes sticking out of his father's arm. As he watched his father, he replayed that first time he saw him.

*****Flashback*****

"Peter Caine of the 101st," the young detective flashed his badge. "I need to speak to the two men that were brought in last night from the fire at the meatmarket in Chinatown."

"I'm sorry, sir, but only the families are allowed," the nurse said.

The young man wasn't sure if he should tell her but if he didn't, he might not get a second chance and the Shaolin that he spotted last night might be gone by tomorrow. "This IS a police matter. There was evidence that the fire may have been deliberately set. I need to know what happened. Beside's the younger of the two men is . . . my father," he said, his voice choking on the words. He didn't like to lie to the woman, but if the man could tell him about his father, now was the only opportunity he might have of finding anything out at all.

The nurse eyed the young man suspiciously. She doubted that they were related, but since he said it was police business, and the young man was obviously a cop, there really wasn't much she could do to stop him. "Very well, come with me."

The nurse led him to one of the rooms. The older man laid in the bed, apparently sleeping. The young man saw the older man stir and again he saw the brands on the priest's arms as he moved. Then he became aware that the older man had felt his presence. Peter moved a little closer into the darkened room. Something in the face of this man was so familiar. Could it be? He had to know.

"I was in that street last night," Peter began quietly. "I recognized the brands on your wrists. The dragon and the tiger. Who else but a Shaolin priest would come out of a burning building like he was taking a stroll through Central Park"

"Must be very hot in Central Park . . ." the priest answered weakly.

Peter moved closer into the room. That voice, he had not heard that voice in fifteen years. Could it really be him? As he spoke, the priest raised his head and stared at him, and at that instant, Peter knew.

"I thought you might have known my father. Could tell me something about him. But I don't have to do that now." Tears welled up in the young man's eyes and he tried to keep from choking on his next words. "Because the only thing that hasn't changed about you in fifteen years is your eyes."

"Peter . . . " Astonishment appeared on the Shaolin's face as recognition came. Though he could see evidence of the child that he had thought lost to him, a young man now stood before him, a young man filled with the pain of loss, anger, fear, and now joy. His son was alive, returned to him by some miracle that he had not dreamed possible.

"Can't find the words . . ." Peter said.

"They will come . . . " Caine said gently, holding out his arms to accept the young man, to accept the lost child, his child back into his embrace.

Peter rushed to the bed and fiercely hugged the father he had thought lost to him fifteen years ago and felt his father's embrace also tighten around him. It was an embrace that neither wanted to let go.

*****End of Flashback****

The hardest thing that day had been leaving that hospital room. When he felt his father's touch, he did not want it to end. All Peter wanted to do was to remain there with him, but he had a job to do that day, a job that later went wrong. And for the first time in fifteen years, his father was once again helping him, saving him from the bad guys. This time, it was Peter's turn. But Peter could not forget who had put his father in the hospital in the first place. It had not been Masterson, or Bon Bon Hei, or even Sing Wah. It had been him.

The turmoil in Peter's soul still remained, even though his father had tried to reassure him on the island. At first he thought what had happened had been a dream. Did his father really appear to him and forgive him, or was it simply his imagination and his own wishes? He really could not be sure. Right now, he wished his father would wake up. Maybe if he kept talking to him, his father might hear him somehow.

"Hi, Pop," he whispered, watching his father's chest rise and fall with each breath. "I had so much to tell you before Masterson took you away from me. I was so scared I'd lose you forever this time," Peter gently squeezed his father's hand, took a deep breath, and just let out what he needed to say. "I'm so sorry, Father, it's all my fault. I shot you. My being reckless put you here. I know you'll never forgive me. I-I can't forgive myself."

His use of the formal "father" showed just how much fear Peter was in and how much guilt he was carrying. The sobs came and he lowered his head next to his father on the bed. The tears came in earnest as he draped one of his arms gently around his father's waist. He didn't know how long he's been sitting there in that position when he felt a hand caressing his hair, the fingers feeling each strand softly before the palm patted his head. Peter lifted his head and looked at his father's face through the tears.

"My son," his voice croaked, his throat dry from the anaesthesia.

Peter took some ice chips from a glass that was sitting on a nearby table and gave them to his father.

His thirst quenched, Caine continue, "It was an accident, there is nothing to forgive."

"How can you say that, Pop? I didn't stop to think. I just reacted, like I usually do and look what happened." Peter had gotten up to pace the room. "I've made a decision, I'm going to quit the force, I won't allow this to happen, again."

"Peter," his father tried to calm his son.

"Pop, I could've lost you, I almost killed you. I just can't, couldn't...." As Peter came close, he felt his father's hand grab his wrist. The grip was strong; not allowing him to escape. He was forced to sit next to his father on the bed.

"My son, listen to me. This was NOT your fault. I do not blame you. You have always protected the weak, vulnerable ones. It has not surprised me that you have found a place for yourself where you can help people. You are a cop, and my son. I am very proud of you." He gently pulled Peter's face down and kissed his cheek. "I love you, my son."

"I love you, Pop." His father had calmed his spirit, once again. Peter knew he'd have to think about where his path would lie. Lately, there had been just way too much violence and he had started to notice that there was a harder edge to everything that was going on at the precinct. His partner, Jody had developed a coldness that even caused him to shutter. It wasn't until this last case that he realized that coldness was developing even within himself. This latest crisis with his father was forcing him to re-evaluate his choices. For now, his father needed him and Peter would stay with him during his recovery. "Oh, I have something for you."

Peter pulled out the jade medallion from under his shirt and lifted it from around his neck. "I hope you don't mind I wore it. It helped me to feel closer to you."

Peter took the medallion and started to slip it around his father's neck. Caine stopped him, took the medallion, and again replaced it around his son's neck.

"You keep it for me, my son. I do not think the hospital personnel will let me wear it yet. I know it is safe with you, and what I have is yours." Caine placed his hand on his son's cheek then let out a yawn. He tried to keep his eyes open, but sleep was claiming him once again.

"Don't worry, Pop. You rest now. I'm not going anywhere, this time."

*****

Note: Flashback came from the pilot episode, "Initiation." Additional scene info in the beginning was written by me (Alisa). I tried to keep as much of the flavor of the flashback as possible but writing it in prose to match the story.

Epilogue

The lobby was still busy with the last of the guests of the convention that was held this past weekend at the hotel. They were saying their good byes and heading home.

It was very busy at the front desk, so many comings and goings. The pretty blonde turned as another guest approached the counter.

"Hello, welcome to the Valhalla, can I help you?"

"Why yes, you can," the man said as he put his luggage down. "I want a room."

"Yes, sir. What is the name?"

"Miller, John Miller," the man said as he handed the desk clerk a credit card. "Can you tell me how I can get to downtown Toronto?"

"There is a shuttle that leaves from the hotel. It takes you to the subway station. You can buy a day pass into the city, it allows you to ride the subway and tram the whole day for one price."

As the man waited for the desk clerk to process his credit card, an American newspaper that was sitting on the counter caught his attention. His eyes narrowed at what he saw. 'So they survived after all. It looks like we will meet again.'

"Here is your room key, sir, and enjoy your stay."

"Thank you."

After he got his room key, the man stopped at the fireplace in the corner of the lobby. He glanced around then threw something into the fireplace and left. The fire quickly consumed the paper. A driver's license with the name Jack Masterson on it was reduced to ashes.

End?