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RIP VAN STEVE AUSTIN - complete; (With TWO conclusions!)
Topic Started: May 18 2009, 08:11 PM (14 Views)
Rudywells1274
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RIP VAN STEVE AUSTIN (1)


Circa 1977

You are invited too Oscar.” Steve informed his boss.

“Steve I appreciate the invitation but a picnic? I don’t think I would fit in at a picnic.” Oscar explained.

“Mom and dad really want you to come.” Steve pointed out.

“I thought it was supposed to be a family picnic Steve. I’m not family.” Oscar continued to argue.

“Neither is Rudy and he’s going.” Steve told him. My whole family will be there. They really want to meet you.”

Oscar threw his hands in the air. “Ok pal, you talked me into it. Besides if I were to say no again you would only throw me over your shoulder and take me anyway. Am I right?”

Steve laughed. “You could be.”

“So when do we leave for Ojai?” Oscar asked thumbing through a file.

“First thing in the morning the picnic is day after tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at 7:00 am.”

“I’ll be ready.” Oscar didn’t take his eyes off the brief in his hand.

“Did you talk him into it?” Rudy asked when Steve stepped into his office.

“Yea he’ll join us. I’m really excited about this. I mean you have met my folks…but just to say hello. This will give you time to really sit and chat…get to know them so to speak.”

“I’m looking forward to it myself.” Rudy stated. “Now why don’t we get your tests done and over with, then you can relax and have a good time.”

“I can’t argue with that one Rudy.” Rudy ran Steve through the usual tests.

“Well Steve. You did great. You’re all set.” Rudy informed him.

“Ok then Rudy. I’ll see you first thing in the morning. I told Oscar I’d pick him up around seven. I’ll grab you s little after that.”
“See you then Steve.” Rudy gave him a slight wave as he left.

/////////////////////////

The next morning Steve stopped by Oscar’s house first. Oscar was waiting on the porch. “You ready?” Steve called as he got out of the car.

“I guess so.” Oscar said picking up his suitcase.

Steve walked over to him. ‘Here let me take that. The weather is great. I’m cleared for an 8:00 AM take off.” Steve tossed Oscar’s bag in the trunk

Oscar slipped into the seat beside Steve. “You know I’m actually looking forward to this.” Oscar smiled.

“Everyone is looking forward to meeting you. I called them last night. Most everyone is already in Ojai.”

“Now this is your mother’s side, right?” Oscar asked staring out the window.

“Yea, my mother’s side of the house” Steve pulled up to the curb in front of Rudy’s apartment building.

“Rudy said he would be waiting just inside the door.” Steve got out of the car and headed into the building.

“Morning Steve” Rudy called out from the elevator.

“Hi Rudy, are you ready?”

“I sure am. I had to go up to the apartment I for got my wallet “

“Great. Oscar is in the car and we have an 8:00 AM take off time.” Steve grabbed his bag and the two of them headed for the door.

Steve tossed Rudy’s bag in the trunk. “Sorry Doc, I guess you’re stuck in the back.”

“No problem Steve.” Rudy slid into the back seat.

Steve turned to everyone “So are you both ready?” He asked.

“Yea, why do you ask?” Oscar and Rudy replied.

“Just making sure before we get on the plane” Steve laughed. ‘Now has everyone used the facility? Steve continued laughing.

“Shut up and drive!” Oscar snarled.

Steve turned toward the back seat. “He doesn’t have to get testy about it.” He laughed.

“Steve I agree with Oscar, and if you have clearance for…”

“Ok, ok. I get the picture.” Steve pulled away from the curb and headed for Andrews. “I really appreciate the two of you coming.” Steve became serious. Personally I think it will do Oscar a world of good to get away from it all for a while.”

“Me too” Rudy chimed in from the back.

“I could use a little R and R.” Oscar admitted. “I like Ojai anyway. By the way is Jaime going to be there?”

“As far as I know” Steve replied.

“That’s great. I haven’t seen her since she got back from her last assignment.” Oscar added.

“It will be a pleasure for all of us.” Steve agreed. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen her myself.”

Steve continued to make his way through the early morning traffic. “I didn’t think there would be this much traffic on a Saturday.” Steve muttered more to himself than anyone else.

“It is pretty thick for this time of day.” Oscar noted. He reached in his brief case and pulled out a file folder.

“Oh no Oscar… none of that.” Steve chided. “We are on vacation.”

“Yea come on Oscar.” Rudy called from the back seat. “Put that thing away.”

“Oh alright” Oscar slid the file back into his brief case and placed it on the floor of the car. “Don’t let me forget it though.” Oscar said.

“Oscar that brief case stays in the car.” Steve informed him.

“Steve its top priority” Oscar shot back.

“Then I’ll put it in the trunk.” He pulled into the parking lot of Andrews Air force base and they all stepped out of the car. “Here Oscar” Steve took the brief case from him.

“It will be safe in here.” He slammed the trunk after retrieving everyone’s suitcases from it.

/////////////////////////

Jim met them at the airport. “I’m so glad the two of you came.” He greeted. Everyone is very anxious to meet you. We talk about you all the time. We are having a small get together at the house tonight just a couple of close relatives you will meet the rest at the picnic tomorrow.”

“We’re glad to be here Jim.” Rudy shook his hand.

They piled into Jim’s car and headed for the ranch. “Jim, Rudy and I could stay in a hotel if there are to many people…”

“Nonsense everyone is scattered to the four winds. They all took the hotel in fact and if I recall there on no rooms in the inn.” Jim laughed.

“Well as long as it’s no trouble.” Oscar indicated.

“No trouble at all, Helen is looking forward to it.” Jim pulled into the driveway of the ranch. “Well folks here we are.”

Everyone got out of the car. “You two go on ahead.” Steve offered. “I’ll grab your bags.”
Oscar and Rudy followed Jim into the house. “Helen, we’re back!” Jim called out.

Helen ran to the door. “Where’s Steve?” She asked.

“He’s right behind us.” Oscar stated. “He’s bringing our bags in.”

“Oh good you’re staying here. I’ll show you to your rooms.

After a lovely dinner and conversation with Steve’s relatives everyone called it a night. “We have a busy day tomorrow.” Jim announced.

////////////////////////////////

The next morning Helen was up early getting everything ready for the picnic. “Anything I can do to help?” Rudy offered.

“No you just sit back and enjoy. I have everything in hand.” She smiled at him.

“Well ok then, when Oscar and Steve wake up tell them I went for a walk and I’ll be back in just a bit.”

“I’ll do that.” Helen promised.

The morning passed quickly and soon it was time to head for the park for the picnic. Steve’s cousin Paul organized games for everyone.

“Aren’t you going to join Steve?” Jim asked.

“Not right now dad. I’m going to do a little exploring in the woods. I’ll be back in time for lunch.”

“Well if that’s what you want.” Jim was disappointed.

“Yea that’s what I want.” ‘Actually I’m a little bored.’ Steve thought to himself.

Oscar and Rudy sat off to the side watching the children play the games. After a while Jim approached them. “You two haven’t seen Steve have you?”

“No Jim, why?” Rudy asked.

“Well it’s time to eat and I don’t see him anywhere. He said he was going to explore the woods but that was over an hour ago now.”

“He can’t be far.” Rudy assured. “We’ll just take a look around.”

Another hour passed and still no sign of Steve. “I hate to say it Oscar.” But I’m getting very concerned.” Rudy whispered.”

“Yea me too” Oscar admitted. “Where in the world do you suppose he could be?”

“I have no idea. Let’s keep looking.”

The picnic was forgotten everyone joined the search. In spite of all efforts they could not find Steve anywhere.

Rudy had to pull Oscar away from the picnic grounds. “Come on Oscar, hey maybe he’s back at the house.” Rudy presumed.

“If that’s the case Rudy then be prepared to treat Steve for any number of ailments.” Oscar scoffed.

“Personally I’d just be relieved to see him.” Rudy said.

“Yea, me too” Oscar agreed.

They rode back to the house with Jim. The rest of the family headed back to the hotel they were staying in.

“I just can’t believe this.” Jim pondered as they walked though the front door. “I half expected to see him here. I got the impression he was rather bored at the picnic. That’s why he wandered off.”

Three days later Oscar and Rudy caught a flight back to Washington. “Thanks for every thing” Helen said as they stood in the airport waiting for their plane. “I’m sure Steve will show up.” Helen began to cry. “I just don’t understand where he could be.”

On board the plane Oscar and Rudy began to speculate as to the whereabouts of their friend.

“What do you think Rudy?” Oscar asked once they were seated.

“I really couldn’t guess.” Rudy sighed. “My gut tells me that he just high tailed it.”

“You mean he just took off?” Oscar quizzed.

“I don’t know Oscar.” Rudy started crying. “My other instinct tells me he met with foul play.”

“That’s what my instinct tells me too Rudy” Oscar turned toward him.

“Just exactly to you suppose happened..” Rudy wondered.

“I would assume some foreign government agency could have gotten hold of him.”

You don’t’ believe that do you?” Rudy asked

“No Rudy I don’t. But I’ll tell you one thing. I will stop at nothing till I find him.”

One year later
1978

“Morning Oscar.” Rudy greeted as they met each other at the door coming into the OSI.

“Rudy how are you? Nervous about Saturday?”

“Very.” Rudy replied. “It’s not everyday a man gets married.”

“How’s Jaime doing? Is she all set?”

“I think she’s more nervous than I am.” Rudy laughed. “I know I’ve asked this everyday for a year now. But any word on Steve?”

“No, nothing. Rudy it’s like he just disappeared from the planet.” Oscar looked at him. “What time does Helen get here this afternoon?”

“Jaime is picking her up at three.” Rudy started for his office then turned back toward Oscar. “You know, it would be just like Steve to show up at the last minute.”

“In a way that would be great Rudy” Oscar sighed. “I can hardly believe it has been a year since. Well since…”

“Yea I know.” Rudy pondered. “It was a year yesterday. It makes you wonder where he has been all this time. Is he hurt? Does he need me? I can’t sleep nights for worrying so much.”

“Glad to see I’m not the only one.” Oscar mumbled. “Jaime has been on several assignments trying to find him. There is just no sign of him.” Oscar added.

Rudy nodded ‘Yea I know.”
////////////////////////

“Well.” Oscar said approaching the happy couple. “How are Dr. and Mrs. Wells doing?”

“Just great Oscar” Jaime laughed. “The honeymoon was perfect. All we talked about was Steve.”

“Yea I figured as much.” Oscar turned his head away from the two of them. “Well Let’s get back to work.” When he turned back Jaime saw tears in his eyes.

Five years later
1983

Rudy stepped into Oscar’s office. You’re coming to Chip’s birthday party tonight aren’t you?” He asked sitting on the edge of the desk. “He’s four now, You know you haven’t been to one of his Birthday parties. Jaime gets a little upset about it. She wanted to make sure I invited you personally.”

“I don’t know Rudy.” Oscar’s eyes filled with tears. “Don’t get me wrong. Your and Jaime’s son is great. But why, why did he have to be born on the same day that Steve disappeared?”

“Coincidence I presume.” Rudy stated. ‘Well I asked. Jaime will be disappointed if you don’t come.”

“I’ll try Rudy. No guarantees though.” Oscar continued reading a file he never put down the whole time Rudy talked to him.

//////////////////////
\
“Did you ask him?” Jaime’s eyes danced with hope as she greeted her husband at the front door.

Rudy shook his head. “I asked, but don’t count on it.” He put his arm around her and led her back into the house. “I did find out the reason that he has never come to any of the other parties.”

“Why” Jaime say next to him on the couch.

“Chip’s birthday falls on the same day Steve vanished.” He explained.

“I never thought of it quite like that before, maybe there was a reason for it.” Jaime assumed.

“What would that be?” Rudy held her in his arms.

“Well maybe we are supposed to be so busy with Rudy Jr. (Chip) that we are to forget all about Steve.”

“That could be.” Rudy mused. “Where is the little guy anyway?”

“He’s upstairs with Linda. She has been such a wonderful nanny for him.”

“Yea and she already knows about everything so we don’t have to worry about that.” Rudy stood. “I’m going to go wish my son Happy birthday.”

“I’ll come with you.” Jaime stood and joined her husband at the bottom of the steps. From overhead they could hear Chip and Linda talking.

Rudy, Jaime and Chip were just sitting down to dinner when the doorbell rang. Rudy went to answer it.

“Oscar!” He called out “Come on in.”

Oscar stepped in and laid a huge box in the hallway. “Is invitation still open?”

“It was never closed.” Rudy turned toward the kitchen “Jaime! Oscar is here.”

Jaime came running into the hall. “Oh Oscar thanks for coming!”

“Well I decided it was best to start living again. It’s been five years now. I guess if Steve really wanted to come back to us he would have done it by now. I have stayed in that office night and day waiting for my private phone to ring, waiting for Steve to call…”

“I know Oscar we all feel the same way.” Jaime hugged him. “Come on it we were just getting ready to eat dinner, there is plenty.”

Fourteen years later
1997

Oscar, Jaime and Chip sat in the front row of the funeral home. Jaime sat in between them. “I just can’t believe it.” She cried.

“It’s going to be ok mother.” Chip soothed.

Jaime clung to her and Rudy’s only son. “Oh Chip I’m so glad you could break away from school for this. I’m sure your father would appreciate it.”

Chip glanced over at Oscar. “Dr. Marchetti has her on tranquilizers.” Oscar explained. “It has been very hard on her.”

Chip nodded. “What exactly happened?” Chip held Jaime’s to his chest.

“From what we can tell Jaime came home and found your father on the bedroom floor. Marchetti says it was a heart attack.”

Chip nodded once again. The three of them sat in silence through the rest of the funeral.

/////////////////////////

In a remote cave just outside of Ojai California a lone man slowly woke up. he sat up and looked around at his surroundings. The cave was pitch black. The entrance he remembered being just a few feet in front of him was no longer there.

Steve sat up and scanned the cave. ‘A cave in huh. I bet everyone back at the picnic grounds are worried sick.’ Steve rose to his feet and slowly began to free himself from the cave. He made his way down the path he had walked only, only…Steve glanced down at his watch. ‘I’ve only been gone about twenty minutes.’ He thought to himself.

Steve made his way to the picnic area no one was around. ‘Come on where is everyone?” Steve wondered.

‘Maybe it’s later than I think. I bet they went back to the house.’ Steve began the long walk back to his mother’s house. He knocked on the door when he got there.

“May I help you?” A strange man asked.

Steve stared at him in astonishment. “I’m sorry I must have the wrong address.” Steve slipped off the porch and headed into town.

“Just what is going on?” Steve wondered as he looked at the strange town in front of him. He stepped into a gas station when he read the price of gas was over a dollar a gallon. He was just about to approach the attendant when a calendar on the wall caught his attention.

Steve stepped over toward it. ‘May 7, 1997’ Steve read. That can’t be.”

Steve approached the attendant “Excuse me. I’m a bit confused, could you give me the date?”

“Yes sir, it’s May 7, 1997.”

“Thank you.” Steve mouthed. “How could this be?” Steve thought aloud as he walked the streets of Ojai.

As soon as he could Steve caught the next flight to DC ‘I have to see Oscar.’ He thought as the plane landed at Dulles.

Steve jumped into a cab and headed for the OSI building. He jumped out and paid the driver then bounded up to Oscar’s office.

Oscar was sitting behind his desk when Steve entered.

“Steve!!” he cried out…
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Michael stepped into the lab. “Well we got past that one.” He announced.

“How?” Steve asked standing to greet him.

“You must remain here under house arrest. You will have the full run of the floor my office, the lab, and Oscar’s office. “

“I guess it sure beats the alternative.” Steve sighed.

“Hi Steve, Michael” Oscar greeted as he walked into Michael’s office. “Steve this is Mason Perry. He’s you attorney.”

“Thanks Oscar.” Steve said. He shook hands with Mason.

“Why don’t we get started?” Mason sat next to Steve.

Oscar turned to Michael “I suppose we better let them talk this over. Steve’s trial starts day after tomorrow.”

////////////////////////

“Well now that we are alone, why don’t you tell me what happened, from the beginning.”

“It’s like I told Oscar what’s it been now two days since I got back?”

Mason nodded. “That’s correct.

Steve thought for a long moment “As I started. It’s like I told Oscar two days ago. I know it sounds ridiculous but when I was on a picnic twenty years ago I fell asleep “

“That’s where we have a problem. Another agent not with the OSI but he works for us swears he saw you working for the Soviets.”

“He’s lying!” Steve shouted.

“I believe you. What I’m going to do is make him offer proof.” Kent took his note pad and placed it in his brief case. “Look I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

“Ok Thanks.” Steve showed him to the door. Hanson’s man was standing just out side.

As soon as the lawyer left Steve turned toward the man guarding him “I was told I had the run of the floor.” Steve growled.

“That’s true. You can leave the room, but I need to follow you.”

Steve shrugged “if that’s what you want.”

////////////////////////

Steve, Oscar and Michael sat in Michael’s office. “Well Steve your trial is tomorrow.” Oscar started the conversation. “Are you nervous?”

“I sure am Oscar.” Steve lowered his head. “Treason is a pretty serous charge. Mason doesn’t think he can get me off.”

“I know. I spoke to him last night.” Oscar cried. “I just don’t know what to do.”

“Well let’s just see what happens” Steve stressed.

Oscar rose to leave. ‘You try and get a good night’s sleep huh?”

“I wouldn’t count on it.” Steve sighed.

Michael walked over to him “here Steve. This might help.”

“I don’t think I need that Michael.” Steve said when he saw the needle in the Doctor’s hand.

“It can’t hurt Steve.” Michael noted.

“Yea well maybe you’re right.” Steve allowed himself to be injected.

/////////////////////

Oscar was at the office early the next day. He caught Steve’s lawyer on his way in. “Hi Mason.” Oscar greeted.

“Morning Mr. Goldman” he called back.

“Are we ready for the trial?” Oscar asked.

“Look Mr. Goldman, don’t expect any miracles. There are too many things stacked against Steve on this one.”

“Such as?” Oscar demanded.

“The NSB claims they have w witness.” Kent explained.

“What?” Oscar asked

“One of there double agents is going to testify that he saw Col Austin working with the Soviets. He claims he even worked with him a number of years ago.”

“Does Steve know about this?”

Mason nodded. “He denies it of course.”

“Of course he’ll deny it’s not true. Look I have just as hard a time with that story as anyone else does. But the fact of the matter is. He would never do anything like that.”

“You’re sure about that?” Mason questioned

“Very sure, look I really feel Col. Austin’s lawyer should believe in him.” Oscar indicated. I mean what chance does he have if his own lawyer doesn’t believe him.”

“I don’t have to believe him Mr. Goldman. Hell half the people I defend are guilty. All I have to do is convince the jury they aren’t guilty.”

“I don’t know if I like that attitude very well.” Oscar snorted.

“That’s the way it is Mr. Goldman. It is my job to get him off, guilty or not. I’m just saying that the prosecution has this witness….”

“The hell with their witness I’m telling I’ve know Col. Austin for many years he couldn’t and wouldn’t do this.” Oscar continued to argue.

“You haven’t known him for the past twenty year Mr. Goldman.” Mason reminded.

“The Col Austin that I knew would never sell out his country.” Oscar finished.

“Well let’s go then. Let’s see if we can’t get your friend off.”

They headed for Steve’s room. ‘You ready pal?” Oscar asked

“No. Not really. But let’s go.” Steve followed the two of them out to the parking lot.

“I’ll drive.” The lawyer stated. “You two can ride in the back, that way you can talk.”

Steve and Oscar climbed into the back seat. “He doesn’t believe you Steve.” Oscar whispered.

“I know. He told me straight out but he also said he would go to the ends of the earth to defend me.”

“Well that’s good. Cause you’re going to need it.” Oscar muttered.

They arrived at the courthouse within 10 minutes after leaving the OSI building. “Well I guess this is it.” Steve closed the car door and headed into the building with Oscar and his lawyer.

“Don’t worry pal it will be fine.” Oscar put his arm around Steve’s shoulder.

“I wish I could believe that Oscar. My excuse is rather flimsy “

“I believe you Steve. I found it a little hard at first but after a conversation I had with Michael I’m behind you all the way.”

“What conversation was that?” Steve wanted to know.

“Steve you had done many things over the years before you disappeared, you eluded me on many occasions. You argued about and refused many assignments, but one thing you never did was lie to me.”

“That’s because I always tell the truth Oscar.” Steve turned toward him.

‘I know that. That’s why I believe you. As ridiculous as the entire story sounds I believe you.”

“Thanks Oscar. I’m glad I have your vote of confidence. Now if we can just convince the twelve members of the jury, we’ll be doing pretty good.”

“Let’s go convince them then.” They stepped into the courthouse.

“You two wait here. I’ll see what courtroom we’re in.” Mason left them for a moment and headed down the hall. He appeared within seconds. “We are in courtroom D Just down the hall Judge York will hear the case.”

“You don’t look very happy about that.” Steve noted.

“Judge York is not the best judge to hear this case. He’s real hard on everyone including the jury. He has no time for ‘fooling around’ as he puts it.”

“A no nonsense kind of guy huh?” Steve slumped down in the chair next to his lawyer. Oscar, Michael and Jaime sat directly behind them.

Jaime leaned forward “I’m right hear Steve.” She soothed. “Don’t worry we’ll get through this.”

Steve leaned back to her. “I only wish I shared your confidence.” He sighed.

“It will be ok Steve. You’ll see.” She sat back in time to see her son join them. “Oh Chip I’m so glad you’re here.” Chip gave a slight nod.

The judge entered the courtroom and called the court to order. He turned toward his bailiff

“Well John what do we have.” The judged asked.

“Your honor this is case 19965 the State vs. Col Austin. The charges are treason.”

“Very well shall we proceed?”

‘Yes your honor.” The prosecutor stood “John Dillon for the prosecution. Your honor we have proof that for the past twenty years Col. Austin has been employed by and working for the Soviets as one of their agents.

“I see.” The judge pointed to Mason.

“Yes your honor Mason Perry for the defense .Who ever they have as a witness is not telling the truth. For the past twenty years. Col. Austin has been asleep.”

The courtroom erupted in laughter.

“Order! there will be order in this courtroom!!” The judge banged his gavel

The courtroom silenced “Call your first witness Mr. Dillon.

“Yes your honor I Call Frank Smith.

“Mr. Smith.” John Dillon began. “Please tell us who you work for.

“I work for the NSB. I work as a double agent...which means I say I work for both sides.”

“By both sides you mean the Soviets.”

“That would be correct.” Smith nodded.

“In your work did you ever see the man sitting before you?” Dillon continued

Yes. On numerous occasions I worked with him for a year.” Smith replied.

“He was working for our side to? You were working together?” Dillon asked.

“No The Soviets teamed me up with him.” Smith explained.

“I have. No further questions.

“Very well.” The judge turned to Mason any questions?”

“Not at this time your honor.”

Oscar turned to Michael and Jaime “What does he mean no questions?” He shouted.

“There will be order in this courtroom!” The judge admonished.

“Yes your honor. I’m sorry.” Oscar stammered.

“Another outburst like that and I will have you removed from this courtroom. Do I make myself clear?”

Oscar nodded.

“Call you next witness.” The judge turned back to Dillon.

“I have no more witnesses” he replied.

“Very good it looks like you’re up Mason.”

“I call Steve Austin to the stand.”

Steve took the stand.

“Have you been working for the Soviets?” Mason asked.

“No I haven’t” Steve answered.

“No more questions your honor.”

Mason took his seat.

The judge turned to Dillon “You’re up.”

“Yes your honor.” Dillon was ready to pounce. “Tell me Col Austin… where have you been fort he past twenty years?”

“I’ll say it one more time. I’ve been asleep.”

“I have no further questions.” Dillon returned to his seat.

“Any more witnesses?” He asked Mason

“No your honor the defense rests.”

“Very well” he turned to the jury. “It’s up to you now if you find him guilty the penalty for treason is death.” The judge explained. “Bailiff show them to the jury room. “

Before anyone had a chance to leave the courtroom the jury filed back in.

“You have reached a verdict already?” The judge wondered.

“Yes your honor. We find the defendant guilty of the crime to treason.”

“An excellent choice” the judge agreed. He turned to Steve. “You have been found guilty of the crime of treason. The penalty for which is death.”

Steve couldn’t say a word he only stared at the judge.

Oscar leaned over to Jaime “Don’t worry we’ll get a better lawyer on appeal.”

Again they listened to the judge who had not finished speaking. “I am going to save the tax payers a little money and set the date right now. That way we won’t all have to come back here in a week or so. The execution will take place tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM…”
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I TALK TOO MUCH! LOL!
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NonononononoNO! Steve needs help really, really fast! Chip? Jaime? Michael or Oscar?
And I need you to hurry back!
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Poor Steve... I hope they come up with a good defense for him. Good chapter!
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I wrote two conclustions to this story... let me know which you liked best...

One month later

“I still can’t believe it.” Oscar said as they left the cemetery “He walked with his arm around Jaime. “This has to be especially hard on you.”

“It is Oscar. It’s very hard. First of all Steve just vanishes, then I lose three children before we finally had Chip. Then I lose my husband.”

“I understand.” Oscar continued to hold her. “I appreciate your letting us bury Steve next to Rudy. I’m sure they both would have wanted it that way.” Oscar added.

“I’m sure they would too. I was so happy when Steve showed back up. I really didn’t care where he had been.” Jaime started crying. “I was devastated when I lost Rudy, but then Steve returned …”

“Then the trial…” Oscar finished.

“Oh Oscar the past three months have be horrible.”

“I know that.” Oscar started to open the car door for her. “To bad Chip couldn’t have gotten away.”

“He’s so busy with School.” Jaime sniffed.

They were just getting ready to pull away from the curb when Chip’s car pulled up beside them. “Please tell me you just got here.”

“Actually we were…” Oscar started

“We just got here Chip.” Jaime interrupted the three of them headed back into the cemetery.

“I still say Steve didn’t get a fair trial.” Chip tried to hold back his anger. “I heard the lawyer who defended him was disbarred “

Oscar nodded. “If everything hadn’t moved so fast Steve could have appealed.

“I think he could have won too.” Jaime sobbed.

“Same here” Oscar also wept.

“Well he said after regaining his composure “It’s over with now. We can’t go back and change a thing.”

“I guess you’re right Oscar.” Jaime agreed. “As much as I hate to admit it I guess life does go on.”

“Let me assure you Jaime, I’m not going to rest Jaime till I clear Steve’s name. I know for a fact Steve is not a traitor. “

“I know that too Oscar.” Jaime cried

“If it takes me the rest of my life Steve Austin will not be remembered as a traitor.”

By now they had pulled up in front of Jaime’s house. “Anyone interested in the house?” Oscar asked when he saw the for sale sign in the yard.

“I’ve had a few people look.” Jaime sighed.

“You still moving to Boston?”

Jaime nodded. “I think that would be best. I’ll be closer to Rudy Jr. that way he won’t have to drive home every weekend. I don’t want to lose him too.”

“I understand what you are saying.” The tears were evident in Oscar’s eyes.

Jaime started to get out of the car. “You let me know if there is anything I can do to help with clearing Steve’s name.”

Oscar thought for a moment. “Maybe there is something you can do. Meet me in my office in about an hour.”

“I’ll be there.” Jaime got out of the car and Oscar watched her walk up the sidewalk.

//////////////////////

An hour later Jaime sat in Oscar’s office. “You have a lead?”

“I don’t know it’s something Steve mentioned some time ago.”

“What was that?” Jaime leaned forward

“Steve said that when he woke up in the cave he had fallen asleep and it had ‘caved in’ so to speak He said the entrance was blocked. He said he had to dig his way out. I guess if we are going to start anywhere that would be the place.”

“You want me to go to Ojai?”

Oscar nodded. “I know those are bad memories too Jaime, but it’s for Steve.”

“I haven’t been there since Helen’s funeral ten years ago.”

“I know that. Think you can handle it. If not I could send another agent.”

“No Oscar I can handle it, but so what if I find the cave the way Steve described it. How do you prove a man has been asleep for twenty years?”

“Just call me if the cave is the way Steve told me it was. I can get a forensic team out there. They could tell us a lot.”

“Ok Oscar I’m on my way.”

////////////////////////

Two days later Jaime stood outside the mouth of the cave. Big boulders had been scattered all over the place. Most of them were inside the cave.

She slowly stepped inside. “Oh Steve, what you told us. Could it possibly be true’? Jaime thought. She reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. She quickly dialed Oscar’s number in Washington.

“Yes Jaime.” Oscar spoke into the receiver.

“Oh Oscar it’s true. You need to get to Ojai.”

“I’ll be on the next flight.” Oscar gathered some to the best Doctors he knew in forensic science to join him.

Jaime led them back to the cave.

Oscar looked around the cave was exactly the way Steve had said it was even though two months had now passed since Steve stepped into his office after his twenty year absence.

“This is where we start gentlemen.” Oscar announced. “I want you to turn this cave upside down I want proof the Col Austin spent twenty years in this cave.”

The forensic team went to work. They bagged up bags of sand and dust off the floor of the cave. With Jaime’s help they managed to get a couple of the boulders to the lab.

“Mr. Goldman. We are going to dust those boulders for Steve’s fingerprints. Then we are going to go through each particle of sand and look for Steve’s DNA.”

“I appreciate that gentlemen I only wish we would have done this two months ago.”

Oscar oversaw the entire procedure

//////////////////

Two weeks later Oscar was handed the report t. “Sir, Col Austin did spend a considerable amount of time in that cave. His DNA is on every grain of sand we took.”

“Which means?”

“You drop your DNA just about everywhere you go.” The forensic specialist explained. “It happens every time you sweat and so on. Even though you don’t know it or feel it your skin also flakes away and you leave your DNA that way also.”

“So you’re telling me that Col. Austin did spend time in that cave? Twenty years?” Oscar emphasized.

“That’s what my final report is gong to say.” The scientist told him.

“Thanks Tom.” Oscar grabbed the report from him. He reached for the phone and called Jaime in Boston first.

“Good news Jaime.” Oscar almost shouted into the phone.

“Go on Oscar.” Jaime grabbed for a chair and sat down to listen to what he had to say.

According to the forensic report which I hold in my hand, states that Steve’s DNA was all over that cave.”

“So what do we do now?” Jaime asked.

“First I place a call to Hanson at the NSB and tell him that Steve didn’t commit Treason. That he actually was asleep in the cave for twenty years.”

“Do you think Hanson will buy it?” Jaime wondered.

“No, but by the time I finish with him he will. Things may get ugly Jaime. I’m going to resign from OSI as soon as I speak to Hanson.”

“Oscar you can’t!” Jaime protested.

“Jaime the only reason I stayed on this long was to find Steve. I’ve been ready to retire for years. I guess that’s the word I should have used rather than resign.” Oscar corrected himself.

“Well if you think that’s what you have to do. I’ll back you.” Jaime agreed.

“That; means a lot to me.” Oscar whispered.

The next call Oscar placed was to Hanson. “I need to meet with you in my office as soon as possible Hanson.” Oscar spoke into the phone.

“On what matter?” Hanson was suspicious. He knew Oscar had been doing some investigating on behalf of Steve Austin and Hanson wasn’t all together sure he wanted to hear about it.

“It’s about Steve. I’ve uncovered some new evidence that should clear him.” Oscar reported.

“Mr. Goldman. Col. Austin is dead.” Hanson reminded. “It doesn’t matter now…”

“I feel that it does matter.” Oscar shouted. “Col Austin was innocent of the crime he was unjustly accused of and I want his name cleared. It’s the least I…you can do for him.”

Hanson met with Oscar in his office. “Ok Oscar what’s this evidence?” Hanson scoffed.

Oscar handed him the report from the forensics people. Hanson skimmed through it.

“Yes I see.” Hanson agreed. “I’ll set about correcting this right away.”

Three days later Hanson appeared on a television talk show denouncing the previous reports that Col. Steve Austin died a traitor. Several articles also appeared in major newspapers across the country.

Jaime helped Oscar load all of his personal belongings from his office. “I’m glad you decided to move to Boston too Oscar.” Jaime smiled as they pulled away from the OSI for the last time.”

“Yea me too I’m anxious to see Chip, it’s been awhile.”

“He’s anxious to see you too.”
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One month later

“I still can’t believe it.” Oscar said as they left the cemetery “He walked with his arm around Jaime. “This has to be especially hard on you.”

“It is Oscar. It’s very hard. First of all Steve just vanishes, then I lose three children before we finally had Chip. Then I lose my husband.”

“I understand.” Oscar continued to hold her. “I appreciate your letting us bury Steve next to Rudy. I’m sure they both would have wanted it that way.” Oscar added.

“I’m sure they would too. I was so happy when Steve showed back up. I really didn’t care where he had been.” Jaime started crying. I was devastated when I lost Rudy, but then Steve returned …”

“Then the trial…” Oscar finished.

‘Oh Oscar the past three months have be horrible.”

“I know that.” Oscar started to open the car door for her. “To bad Chip couldn’t have gotten away.”

“He’s so busy with School.” Jaime sniffed.

They were just getting ready to pull away from the curb when Chip’s car pulled up beside them. “Please tell me you just got here.”

“Actually we were…” Oscar started

“We just got here Chip.” Jaime interrupted. The three of them headed back into the cemetery.

“I still say Steve didn’t get a fair trial.” Chip tried to hold back his anger. I heard the lawyer he had was disbarred “

Oscar nodded. “If everything hadn’t moved so fast Steve could have appealed.

“I think he could have won too.” Jaime sobbed.

“Same here” Oscar also wept.

“Well he said after regaining his composure “It’s over with now. We can’t go back and change a thing.”

/////////////////////////

Rudy came out of the room closing the door behind him

“How is he Rudy?” Oscar asked moving close to the Dr.”

“He’s going to be all right Oscar. You can come in if you want.”

Oscar followed Rudy into the room. “What do you suppose happened?”

“I’m not sure. My hunch is that he sustained a head injury during that earthquake we had.” Rudy surmised.

“If he would have stayed with us…” Oscar began

“Let’s not go into that Oscar Steve is going to be just fine. Although he is still unconscious…”

“Still?” Oscar quizzed.

“Don’t worry, he’s coming out of it. He had a pretty bad concussion.” Rudy reminded.

“I realize that.” In the bed Steve began to stir Rudy moved closer to him.

“Steve?” He called out.

Steve slowly opened his eyes. “Rudy?” He asked.

“Yea Steve just lie still.”

Steve stated at him for several minutes. “You’re alive?”

“Of course I am …”

“You’re not married to Jaime?”

“Me? Married to Jaime?” Rudy looked up at Oscar who was staring at him.

‘What’s he talking about?”

“I don’t’ have a clue.” Rudy was perplexed.

“Steve listen you were hurt…
“Hurt?”

“Yes we had an earthquake.” Rudy explained to him

“Earthquake?” Steve repeated.

Rudy nodded. “We started searching for you as soon as it ended. Like I said it was very slight.”

Steve sat up and stared at Rudy and Oscar.

“You had us pretty worried pal.” Oscar stated. “You were unconscious when we found you.”

Steve tried to remember what had happened.

“You must have been going into that cave before it fell in. one of the rocks must have hit you in the head.” Rudy tried to make sense of what had happened.

“I’m sorry Rudy I don’t remember any of it.” Steve lay back on the pillow.

“Well I guess that’s not important. What do you remember?”

Steve closed his eyes in deep thought. “I had to get away for just a little while. I don’t know I was looking so forward to the picnic but once I got there I just wanted to be alone.”

“Do you remember what happened after you left?” Rudy kept questioning.

Steve continued to think. “I walked through the woods I was going to come right back. I saw the cave and….”

“And what?” Rudy pressed.

“I do remember the ground started to shake. I thought I better get back…that’s the last I remember Rudy that is till I woke up here. Where are we by the way?”

“The air base hospital we brought you here as soon as we found you.” Oscar interrupted.

Steve turned to him “You said we had an earthquake. Are the rest ok I mean mom…dad?”

“Everyone is fine. As Rudy said you were the only causality” Oscar explained.

“Well that’s good. Where is everybody?” Steve wondered.

“Just outside” Rudy told him.

“Is Jaime there?” Steve pressed

“She sure is. She is very worried about you. Now what’s all this about the two of us being married?”

“Steve proceeded to tell them what he had dreamt

“That was some dream Steve.” Oscar whistled.

“Yea just a dream” Steve closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep.

“Come on Oscar let him rest.” He and Rudy stepped out of the room where Helen, Jim and the rest of Steve’s family pounced.

“Is he all right Rudy?” Jaime asked.

“He’s tough. He’ll be just fine.” Rudy told her.

“Well that’s good.” Helen sighed relief. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure Helen.” Rudy assured.

“When will he be ready to go back to Washington?” Oscar wondered.

“In a few days” Rudy rolled his eyes in disbelief.

“I’m sorry Rudy. I don’t mean to seem crass I just wondered when he would be strong enough to make the trip.”

“Give it a couple of days Oscar.” Rudy sighed.

//////////////////////

Three days later Rudy gave Steve the all clear to leave the hospital. “I want you to take it easy for at least another 24 hours Steve. Then you can go back to work.”

“Thanks Rudy I appreciate everything.” Steve told him. “I think I’m going to hang around here. Then I’ll head back to DC. I want to spend a little time with Jaime.”

“After that dream you had I’m surprised you don’t come at me with both fists swinging.” Rudy laughed.

“Trust me I would have if I would have been myself. I didn’t even know where I was when I woke up.”

“You don’t have that trouble now do you?” Rudy sounded concerned

“No Rudy. I feel great.”

“Well that’s good. I’ll see you back in Washington. Oscar’s already there and my flight takes off at 2:00 I suggest you fly commercial also…. at least this time.”

“I understand. I will.” Steve promised.

Steve left the hospital. Jaime was waiting for him just outside. “Are you feeling better?” She asked.

“Much, now that I know you and Rudy aren’t married.”

“Imagine, me married to Rudy? I wonder what brought that on.”

“I have no idea, but see that it doesn’t happen ok?”

“It won’t.” Jaime assured.

They spent the afternoon together before heading back to Steve’s house. The phone was ringing the minute they walked through the door.

“Yes Oscar.” Steve said as he picked up the phone.

“Steve we have trouble. You need to get back here. Rudy says you’re ready.”

“I’m on my way.” He hung up and turned to Jaime. “Well duty calls.”

”I was hoping to spend more time together….”

“Yea so was I. Want to give me a ride to the airport?”

“I suppose.” They got in her car and Jaime drove him to the airport.
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bionic4ever
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I TALK TOO MUCH! LOL!
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Well, that was just evil! Break my little heart....but thank heavens he is alright! He...is alright...isn't he....?
Great chapter!
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bionic4ever
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I TALK TOO MUCH! LOL!
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Very nice - I like how Oscar stayed at the job until he could clear his friend's name. Great chapter. Whichever one you choose deserves a sequel, you know!
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OJFan
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I haven't read #6 yet, but I like this one...
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OJFan
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Hmmmm I liked that one too :) Not sure which I prefer.
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messyhead
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Good story Holly. Hmm. I can't decide which ending I like better. The thought of twenty years in a cave makes me claustrophobic, but I like that in this version I like that Oscar does the right thing, whereas in #6 he just heartlessly puts him back to work!

#6 is a little lighter though...less death....hmm...maybe it just depends on your mood as to which one you like better!
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BWfan313
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I like this one better but then again I always want happily ever after
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