Walker woke up and looked out the window from where he was lying. The sky was clear with not even a puff of a cloud to disrupt its magnificence. The sky was like a watercolor painting with the varied colors flowing into one another as the sun slowly rose in the east. 

Walker rose from the bed and opened the window slightly. It is going to be a beautiful day, he thought. He inhaled the fresh cold March air. He watched the bare trees dance as a gentle breeze blew.

It was such a glorious morning and Walker had awakened earlier than usual. He decided to take Amigo for a long ride before heading to the office. He dressed pulling on a pair of old jeans, a comfortable red long sleeved long john shirt and then his favorite worn cowboy boots.  With a slight lilt in his step, he hustled down the stairs wearing a smile.  He grabbed his hat, jacket, and gloves and headed through the kitchen and out the door towards the barn.

The air smelled fresh and clean. The morning air was brisk and revitalized his being as he strolled to the barn. He drew open the door and began gather his riding equipment in a pile near the barn door.  When all he needed was gathered, he quickly fed and watered Cookie, Ranger, and Little Ranger and then headed for Amigo's stall. He poured feed into his bucket and gave him fresh water without paying him much mind.  He would give him plenty of attention in just a few moments. He returned the pails to their proper place and then returned to Amigo's stall.

Amigo nodded as if to welcome Walker as he opened the stall door and stepped inside. Walker extended his hand and stroked Amigo's nose. "Good morning boy," he said as he moved around to Amigo's side to stroke his neck. It was then that he noticed a blood red envelope tied about Amigo. Walker frowned, someone had been in the barn. He cautiously looked around. The horses seemed fine and he didn't notice that anything had been disturbed. Why didn't the horses alert him that someone had been here? He knew he would have heard them.

"Who was here Amigo?" he asked his friend quietly.

Amigo just nudged him looking for attention. Walker rubbed Amigo's neck and then removed the necklace that had been placed about him. Amigo was unaffected by the tensing of Walker's body and the smell of fear that began to exude from him has he removed the note.  Amigo had smelled the few sugar cubes Walker had slipped into his pants pocket as he passed through the kitchen and was sniffing them with excitement.

Walker slowly opened the red envelope. He removed the note and opened it. The message was hand written in black ink. It was just barely legible as if the writer was crazed or unstable. As his eyes passed over each word, his fear and anger grew.

Your love is tucked away
Less than 8 hours away.
You are the one who must come
To rescue the one whose heart you have won.
Six yellow roses are the gift you should bring
'Cause in 16 hours the final bell will ring.
The sound of bells will fill the air
Leaving only 25 minutes to find her there.
Two more clues you will get
The first will arrive at 9:18, on that you can bet.
Stay at the ranch until it arrives,
After then, you can drive.
Only a single chance you'll get
Or today will be a day you will sorely regret.
Consultation is okay,
But, no Ranger CD or Trivette may come this way.
It is you and me alone at last,
Hurry Ranger, hurry fast!


Alex! Someone has Alex his mind screamed. They want to play games. They are using her as a game piece. They are playing with her life?and their own as well. If they hurt her his mind trailed off.

"Sorry Amigo, our ride has been postponed." He patted his neck and as he handed over the sugar cubes. 

Trying to calm himself, Walker went over the note again, memorizing each word, searching each word for a clue. He had time before the second note would arrive; until then he could do nothing but wait and think. He did his chores quickly and in an automatic fashion leaving his mind fixated on thoughts of Alex. He wondered if she had been harmed, where she was, who had her? His mind continued to race through the possibilities of people who would want to kidnap her and hurt her. He thought about her case load; were there any possibilities? All this thinking was making his fear and anger grow into a raging inferno. A raging inferno of not only anger, but one of great fear for Alexs' life too.   

********

Alex paced the dark room. She was thinking about Walker. She was wondering what he would be thinking by now. Would he be coming to find her? Of course he would, Alex thought. He loved her. He would do anything for her. The question was, would he be in time. She sat down heavy hearted on the lone piece of furniture in the room. There was nothing left to do but think and wait. Oh Walker, please hurry, her mind pleaded.

********

His mind found the images, sounds, and feelings he would never forget, even though he wished them away. He heard Alex screaming through Jimmy's cell phone as LaRue began ripping her clothes. The shear pulsating of anger that raged through him and the sound of his own voice promising to rip LaRue's heart out if he hurt Alex filled him.  He remembered her trembling body in his arms after he had rescued her from the car crusher. A shiver ran down his spine. Could this person be as sadistic as LaRue? Would they harm her the way LaRue tried? His anger raged as his thoughts and questions continued on. 

Not if I can help it, he thought. No one will hurt her like LaRue ever again. Not as long as I have breath in my body. With those words echoing in his head his fist slammed through several boards leaning against the side of the barn. He stared at the barn wall for a moment; then, he looked down at the pile of broken boards. Alex was always used as a game piece. She was like a toy to those who wanted revenge on him. Why did he let this continue? His mind taunted him. 

His brain continued to fumble through the why's and what if's as he headed to the house to call Jimmy and CD. The message said they could be involved just couldn't come to rescue her. Why was the message that specific about that detail, he questioned. It could be a trap, his inner voice responded. He didn't care. He just wanted Alex to be safe; and he would give his life to ensure it.

********

"CD's."

"CD, it's Walker. Is Jimmy there yet?"

"Right here," CD said as he handed the phone over to Jimmy.

"Yeah," he said swallowing his bite of breakfast.

"You and CD need to come out to the ranch. Alex has been kidnapped."

"What?" Jimmy replied, knocking over the bar stool that he had just been seated on.

"They left a message behind. Bring your computer."

"We're on our way, Walker." He hung up the phone, grabbed his coat and hat. "Come on CD, Alex has been kidnapped."

"Oh Lord Jimmy. I thought Walker's tone was unusual. Is she okay?"

"I don't know, CD. I don't know, but it doesn't sound good."

CD and Jimmy made good time getting to Walker's. Both men traveled the distance in silence each concentrating on Alex and worrying about Walker's state of mind. Jimmy recognized his tone. The tone was rare; and the first time he had heard it was the day LaRue had taken Alex and several other hostages in an elevator of a hotel where she was to have an interview for a very lucrative job. 

Jimmy and CD pulled up to the house, got out of the car, and started toward the porch. Walker was on the edge. Jimmy and CD could both sense it as Walker came towards them. His presence was different; dangerous. His gait as he closed the distance was determined and with a purpose. His face showed no sign of anger or worry; but his eyes did. His eyes were dark and serious.

They headed into the house to begin examining the first message Walker had received. As they examined the message, Walker watched the clock. 

"Not much longer before the second message should arrive," he said. "It is almost 9:00 now."

"Son," CD began, "don't worry. She's gonna be just fine. She's a fighter, she is. Besides, we'll find her. I know we will. I'll go make us a pot of coffee to help calm our nerves."

Walker said nothing. He just nodded and started reading the message for what seemed like the hundredth time. There has to be something in here. There has to be a clue, he thought. 

Jimmy had scanned the message into the computer. He was working on a handwriting match. He was also reviewing the log of Alex's case load and recent released convicts that she had prosecuted. He was keeping himself busy and quiet. Walker was not in a conversational mood. 

Jimmy, for the first time, was nervous sitting near Walker. His being was vibrating with anger and Jimmy was afraid if something happened to Alex, he wouldn't be able to stop him from killing the person or persons responsible. Alex had stolen Walker's heart. Jimmy had watched Walker over the years become more protective of her. He had convinced her to get a security system installed in her house and car, get a tracking system installed in her car, and insisted she check in with him or Jimmy if she was going out hunting for clues or investigating a case so someone would know where she was. He constantly looked out for her well being. 

Jimmy had yet to figure out why Walker had not asked her to marry him. He looked up at Walker. Walker was staring at the message he held in his hand. He was frowning in frustration. This is the reason why Walker hadn't asked Alex to marry him. She would become more of a target than she was now. It was too risky. He wouldn't want to loose Alex like he had lost Ellen. Jimmy had answered his own question about why there had not been a marriage between those two. It was sad too, he had never known a more perfect couple than Walker and Alex. They complimented each other so well. Walker’s strong, silent personality, and Alex's openness and love of life.

There was a knock at the front door. Walker looked at the clock;  9:18 on the dot. He rose and headed toward the front door with his gun drawn. He opened the door to find a young man wearing a Quicky Delivery uniform shirt and black jeans. He was wearing a smile like he was having a good day.

"Delivery for Ranger Cordell Walker," he said cheerfully.

Walker grabbed the front of the young man's shirt and pulled him in the door. His eyes flashed a dangerous warning of his great anger. The young man's eyes stared back at him with extreme fear. The bright envelope he held in his hand fell to the floor.

With controlled anger in his voice, Walker growled, "Who sent you?"

The young man stuttered, "I.I.I.don't know?.I was just given.the envelope..and ttttttold ttto deliver it."

Jimmy picked up the envelope. The front just said "Ranger Cordell Walker."

"Who paid for it? You should have a record," Walker spoke shaking the young man slightly.

"I.I.didn't tttttakke the ccccalll.  I.Iwas jjjjjust gggiven the envelope," he gulped. "IIIIII cccccould cccccalll mmmmy boss," he continued trembling.

"Do that!" Walker said as he released him.

Jimmy handed the young man the phone. His hands were shaking so badly as he tried to dial the phone, that Trivette finally had to dial it for him.

"Jean-Ann," he started with a shaky voice, "Can I speak to Bob please. This is urgent."

There was a few moments of silence while they waited for Bob to pick up the line. The young man was trying to control his breathing and regain his composure while he waited.

"Bob? I need to find out the information on the envelope being delivered to Ranger Cordell Walker. I need to know who sent the envelope. If you don't, I think he is going to kill me."

With that, Walker grabbed the phone impatiently from the young man. "This is Cordell Walker, Texas Ranger. The Assistant District Attorney, Alex Cahill, has been kidnapped and the envelope being delivered is evidence. I need to know who sent the envelope. I need to know now," he said in a quiet demanding voice.

He listened quietly as the man spoke and then hung up the phone. CD and Jimmy knew that Walker didn't like the information he received. He was frowning and his eyes growing even darker with his anger.

"The person paid cash. There is no record," Walker said looking at Jimmy. Then he turned to the young man, "Sorry about that son. You are free to go." Walker reached out his hand to the young man, to shake his. Walker felt terrible when the young man jumped away from his hand, the look of terror still filling his eyes. "I really am sorry."

Walker's words filled the young man with relief and it showed in his face. As if being freed from the jaws of death, the young man turned and raced out the door.

Jimmy handed the bright sun yellow envelope to Walker which bared his name. Walker quickly opened it and began reading it out loud.

The map in your truck will lead the way
To the blonde for whom your heart pines away.
If you hurry, she'll be just fine
Start your search column “E” on page twenty.
Eight years ago her heart beat to a new band
As she saw you sitting before her on the stand.
Less than four days later your lips touched hers,
Claiming her heart to be forever yours.
One more clue to help you find your way
'Cause you must find her today!
Check D2 on page 5
To keep this game alive.
You'll find your next clue dressed in blue
at the corner near the Zoo.


Walker handed Jimmy the message and ran out to his truck to find the map book. A brand new map book was lying on the front seat with a big metallic green bow on it. He picked it up and headed back into the house. He found Jimmy scanning the new message in the computer and CD pacing nervously, looking over the first message.

Walker sat down and opened the map book to page twenty. He found column “E.” There was one block highlighted with a yellow marker. He placed his finger on it. There was nothing there. It was empty. "There is nothing here!"

Jimmy looked up from the computer. CD leaned in closer to get a better view. Both looked at where Walker's finger was sitting on a barren yellow square.

"Damn it Cordell, there has to be something there! What kind of sicko pervert...something in blue...that could be anything. A post man...a cop...I just don't believe this."

"Calm down Big Dog...we'll find her." Jimmy said out loud, only wished he could believe in his own words.

"Check page five, D2," Jimmy offered, grasping to find an answer to this ever growing mystery.

Walker flipped back to page 5. The Zoo was circled with a red pen. He looked at CD and Trivette, shaking his head in confusion. Quickly he flipped back to page twenty.

"This doesn't make any sense," Walker said as he stood up picking up the two original messages. "I'm heading to the zoo. I will call you when I get the next message."

"Walker, I am going with you," Jimmy said rising from the chair and grabbing his laptop.

"No. The first message said for me to come alone. I don't know what we are up against. I am not risking Alex getting killed because I didn't follow the instructions. I have a bad feeling about this Trivette," he finished looking almost terrified. He started toward the front door and stopped for a moment. "I will call you at the office Jimmy. In the meantime, maybe you and CD can piece these clues together."

"Good luck son," CD said.

Jimmy and CD watched Walker as he headed toward the truck and got in.

"I am worried Jimmy. This person isn't right. Playin' games like this. Cordell...he's right this doesn't make any sense," he said pointing at the mess on the dining room table.

"I am worried about HIM AND ALEX," Jimmy said pointing to the front door. "I honestly thought he was going to rip that kid apart. He really scared me. I saw him look like that one other time...with LaRue...he had that same look then. It scared the hell outta me Big Dog. Then and Now."

"Love certainly has a hold of him. I think Ellen's death scarred him more than any of us will know. He couldn't prevent her death. He will do anything to prevent losing Alex. I just hope he gets to her before, well...you know. He couldn't take it if anything happened to that little lady, neither could I."

"I know CD. Let's get this stuff together and head back to the office. Maybe we can come up with something, no...we HAVE to come up with something!"

********

The bars on the windows stared back at her as she peered through the glass looking for a sign of Walker. She had stood watching and hoping for two hours and still no sign of him. Walker where are you, she worried. What if something had happened to him? She loved him so much; she prayed nothing had. A lone tear slid down her cheek as she remembered the man she loved.

********

Walker pulled up to the corner near the front of the zoo. His mind kept repeating,"You'll find your next clue dressed in blue at the corner near the Zoo." He stopped the truck in front of the zoo. He wasn't sure which corner so he opened the map book again looking for a clue to which corner he should search. There was a small loop at the top of the drawn red circle, near the west corner near the back of the zoo. He decided to take his chances and head there first. He left his parking space and drove to the back side of the zoo. He parked and got out, taking with him the first two messages and the map book just in case the loop wasn't a clue after all. He walked to the corner and looked around. "Your next clue dressed in blue," he spoke to himself quietly. He noticed nothing blue. Maybe it is the wrong corner, he thought. He opened the map book again.

*********

Alex had curled herself into a tight ball in the corner of the darkened room. The only window available was on the west side of the house and would not have sunlight until later. She thought about Walker's state of mind. She knew he would be frantic by now. She knew his mind would be replaying the nightmares brought about by LaRue. He had told her once, and only once in the quiet of the dark, that LaRue hurting her or killing her scared him more than anything. And whenever, she had been accosted his mind returned to thoughts of LaRue. Those thoughts forced him to stop at nothing to find her and bring her back safely.

The memory of Walker's words and the thought of LaRue brought back the nightmares of long ago. Her first meeting with LaRue. His hands touching her. The sound of her clothes ripping. His lips touching hers. The sound of Walker's voice echoing from her cell phone. 

LaRue's release had been scarier than their first encounter. She remembered him laughing at her and Walker as they sat at their table in a banquet hall. The evening was supposed to be joyous but had turned into a nightmare with LaRue’s idea of a delectable feast of a dead rat so beautifully displayed on a bed of watercress and LaRue’s very presence.  She remembered his eyes as they read into her soul searching for the fear he so longed to see.

She remembered being tied to a bed in Walker's house. LaRue had taken time to place candles on the bed and prepare wine for both of them. He had teased her and forced her to drink the wine. He had forced her to kiss him. She remembered the pain of her teeth scrapping the back of her lips as he forced her to kiss him and how she resisted. She remembered the feel his lips and the taste of his mouth. She remembered his scent. His eyes, dark and evil. But most of all she remembered his touch. A shiver ran down her spine. That day LaRue had almost succeed in killing Walker with the scorpions. Walker fought to the bitter end that day to rescue her. He had done it that time and many others times since they had met. 

For her and Walker both, she thought, LaRue had been their worst and biggest nightmare. Together, however, both had survived and continued on.

*********

"Jimmy, that computer of yours come up with anything?" CD asked.

"No, Big Dog. Look, I have printed out each of the messages let's put them together and look at them. Maybe if we read them together we can find a clue. Maybe we'll see something we didn't see before," Jimmy said as he picked up the messages and headed over to an empty table with his cup of coffee.

"Well what is taking so long Son? We need to find something to help Cordell. If anything happens to Alex, you know there will be hell to pay. You know as well as I do, he'll stop at nothing to bring the kidnapper to justice."

"I know CD. I'm trying as hard as I can. I'm worried about Alex too you know. Calm down. Come on.  Let's see what we can figure out."

"I'm sorry Jimmy. I Love that little lady and I know you do too. I just feel so damn helpless. We have to find her."

"I know CD. We will find her. It is just taking longer than we want it too. Let's go over these notes again."

CD poured another cup of coffee and joined Jimmy at the table.  They began examining the messages in detail.

"Do you think the colors have something to do with the answer?" Jimmy asked realizing that the original notes were red and yellow. 

"What could they possibly mean Jimmy?"

"I don't know.  Let's just keep looking.  It was just a thought."

********

"Excuse me?" a friendly male voice said.

Walker looked up from the map. He found a jolly looking clown dressed in a blue and white polka dotted costume wearing blue hair with a blue star painted over one eye with a tiny yellow star sitting on top of the blue one with a smile drawn inside. To top off the costume the clown was wearing big floppy blue shoes, walking an invisible dog and holding an immense blue balloon bouquet.

"Are you Ranger Cordell Walker?" the blue clown asked wearing a cheerful red painted smile.

"Yes," he said shaking his head no. He was in shock. A kidnapper with a sense of humor. Great, he thought, what kind of wacko am I dealing with? He decided not to take down the clown like he did the delivery man. A small girl holding hands with her mother was pointing at the clown and smiling happily as they passed by. He didn't want to scare the girl or worse make her cry for beating up a clown.

The clown pulled from his big blue and white clown pants a large blue envelope and handed it to Walker along with the huge bouquet of blue balloons.

"Here you go. Don't let go of the balloons sonnie. Smile, it is going to be a beautiful day," the clown said then honked his bright red nose as he turned and waddled away.

Walker looked up at the balloons. He almost started to laugh.  This was getting weirder by the minute. Well, I guess if they sent in the clowns Alex can't be in too much danger. Maybe this whole thing is a big hoax." He shook his head as he headed back to his truck with his bouquet of balloons, three bright colored messages, and map book in hand.

He shoved all of the balloons in his truck, got in himself, and then opened the large blue envelope.

You've read two out of three
If you make it in time, you will both be set free.
Do not fear for the one you love
She is cooing for you like a dove.
You and she will become one
Before the rising of the next day's sun.
Twenty one more miles to go
Then you will finally know.
Out in the middle of God's beauty,
You will find your number one, favorite cutie.
Don't be angry Ranger Man
For she and I are your biggest fan.
A black t-shirt and tight jeans
Is always her favorite scene.
Five miles out there is a shop
One Betty's Flower Shoppe is your next stop.
Pick up 8 more roses. 
This time they need to be white
You will need them for the great surprise that awaits you tonight.
Please hurry, my patience is gone
Time will run out before too long.

Walker's heart fell and his inner alarm started to go off again as he read "Please hurry, my patience is gone. Time will run out before too long." He found the message from the red envelope and read it again. 'Cause in 16 hours the final bell will ring. The sound of bells will fill the air leaving only 25 minutes to find her there." The message had changed. The kidnapper was losing patience. He didn't want to wait or play the game anymore. Time was running out faster now. I should have at least 8 hours or more left, he thought. "Leaving only 25 minutes to find her there." What did that mean? Was she going to be moved? Was "fill the air" a clue about would happen if he didn't get there in time? The roses? What was that about? Flowers for a kidnapping? Maybe the kidnapper is planning on killing Alex as soon as I arrive. The roses could be for remembrance, he thought. Walker shook his head trying to get rid of the thoughts bring his fear to the surface. 

********

Page Two
"CLUES"
By:
flybye and dakota
August 1998