5I promised in the intro to No Way Out part 2 that I had a crossover waiting in the wings. Originally it was supposed to have landed around Profiler, Profiled but when I worked out the characters' ages and the timing of this story, I goofed. Ironically enough, it now lands right in between episodes "The Evilution of Frank" and "Doubt". So it seems appropriate that I post it now. Since it's a crossover, we won't see much of our favorite profilers until about halfway through the story and I debated about putting in the actual crossover section rather than here but since it fits into the cannon at this point in my timeline, I decided to just put it with my other stories. For once, I edited my own work so all mistakes are mine. For those unfamiliar, High Mountain Rangers ran on CBS in 1987/1988 for 13 episodes. In order to make the two timelines work, I've brought HMR forward to 2007 so that the technology and so forth matches. In addition, it is a slight AU in that I have created the character of Lisa McMasters as well as smoothing out some timing inconsistencies found in the original HMR series.
Criminal Minds is property of CBS and High Mountain Rangers is property of A. Shane Productions. This story is written for enjoyment only and no copyright infringement is intended.
BAU Headquarters
Morgan looked up as Hotch called his name from the catwalk.
"How would you feel about accompanying me to Sacramento to teach a two-day seminar?" the unit chief asked.
Morgan shrugged. "I don't mind. I haven't been in that part of California for several years. In fact, an old college buddy of mine lives in that area." He narrowed his eyes as a thought occurred to him. "I thought the speaker lineup was already set. What happened?"
"Theresa Davidson who was supposed to present one of the lectures was in a car accident last night. She's going to be fine, but she's won't be out of the hospital before the seminar starts," Hotch explained. "We should have some downtime so feel free to call your friend." He turned and headed back into his office.
"Hopefully, your seminar won't end up like Dad and mine did," Reid remarked.
Morgan chuckled. "No movie sets in Sacramento, pretty boy," he teased.
"I wasn't talking about the movie sets, Morgan." Reid retorted with a grin. "At least you don't have a girlfriend to worry about if a celebrity takes a liking to you."
"Speaking of girlfriends, how is Whitney doing?" Morgan suddenly sobered as he recalled the attempted murders of Sarah Gideon and Whitney McAllister.
Reid sighed. "She's dealing with the aftermath of what happened with Frank as well as can be expected. She said she's looking into talking to someone from the hospital's EAP program. I didn't know this but apparently some hospitals offer counseling for their employees and since it's free for her, she wants to look into it. She still has nightmares although they've lessened in frequency over the last four months."
Morgan nodded, "Taking a life is never easy. Even if it was self-defense."
"Exactly. She's getting there but it's still just going to take time for her to recover."
Lake Tahoe, California
Matt trembled as he hurried from the building. He blinked rapidly as he tried to hold back his tears. This couldn't be happening to his little brother. Not to Cody. Not when he was only sixteen years old and had his whole life in front of him.
"It's not fair," he thought to himself. "It's just not fair."
Twenty-four hours previous
"Are you sure it's ok that I go see Jackie? I promised I'd go riding with you before she called to ask if I wanted to go shopping."
Cody glanced over his shoulder at his adopted sister. "Lisa, I told you yesterday that I didn't mind. It's not like the meadow is going anywhere."
The girl bit her lip still not totally convinced. "I know that. I just don't want you to think I'm trying to steal your mom or anything."
"Where did you come up with that idea? I've never thought you were trying to steal my parents. I'm actually kind of glad to not be the youngest anymore even if it is only by seven months."
"Oh you…" Lisa swatted at him even as she giggled. She smiled fully now, reassured by her brother's teasing. She had come to live with Cody and Jesse four years earlier at the age of eleven but at times she still struggled with feeling as though she didn't belong. Although she couldn't bring herself to call Jackie and Jesse "Mom" and "Dad", she considered Matt and Cody to be her big brothers and she felt safe whenever she was with them.
"You need a break from me and Dad anyway. It's not like there's tons of kids up here."
Lisa rolled her eyes at him as he grinned. "You're a dork sometimes Cody."
"Love you too, Lisa." Cody straightened up as he finished putting his day pack together. He tilted his head as the sound of Avila's chopper reached his ears. "You ready to go? Sounds like the chopper is here."
"I still can't believe Matt got Frank to come up here and get me." Lisa grabbed her duffel bag, slipping the strap over her shoulder.
"He was doing a flyover anyway and when he heard the plans, he volunteered." Cody closed the door to the cabin behind both of them. "Dad? I'm following Lisa to the chopper before heading out." Jesse acknowledged him with a wave of his hand. The Hawkes family patriarch watched as his two youngest jogged across the clearing, Dingy loping at Cody's heels and Cooper trotting obediently along. Lisa's blonde hair blew into her face from the breeze that also ruffled her brother's dark bangs. Sometimes he forgot that Lisa wasn't his biological daughter especially since she and Matt shared similar features. Just on the other side of the trees, Cody swung into the saddle as Lisa disappeared. Moments later, the chopper rose into view before pivoting gracefully and flying off into the distance. The young man turned back toward his father. "I'll be home before dark," he called.
"Have fun and be careful," Jesse called back.
"I will!" Cody nudged Cooper with his heels starting the horse cantering through the woods. He took a deep breath relaxing in the sounds of the environment around him. Robin had once remarked that the mountains were his world yet she had no idea how right she was. He was a child of the mountains. Born and raised there, he was more at home in the trees than he was in busyness of Tahoe. Although he definitely didn't mind spending time with Matt and the Rangers when he could. Especially when pizza was involved. Fording a small stream, he headed for the meadow. He was hoping to catch a glimpse of the family of deer he had seen the previous week. He hadn't had his camera with him that day so he was coming back to hopefully get some pictures to show Matt. As he got close to his destination, he slowed Cooper with a murmured word. Obediently the horse slowed to a walk allowing Cody to enter the meadow with little fanfare. This way he wouldn't frighten any of the wildlife that might be around.
"Perfect timing," he thought to himself as he spotted the animals feeding along the side of the clearing. Lifting his camera, he captured several shots before peering at the display. Satisfied at the photos he had, he urged Cooper a little closer to the deer. As he approached, the doe raised her head, her ears twitching with awareness. Cody instantly pulled his horse to a stop so he wouldn't spook the creatures but his efforts proved futile as the little family disappeared into the trees. Disappointment flooded through him as he watched them leave. After a few minutes, he continued his ride heading along the upper edge of the ridge. Dismounting he looped Cooper's reins over his shoulder and wandered through the trees. The fall leaves were just starting to turn colors splashing the mountainside with golds and reds. He sank down on a log near a small brook and nibbled on an apple and some jerky he had packed in his bag. Filling his canteen in the clear water, he relaxed in the stillness of the elevation with Dingy laying nearby. Finally, with the sun beginning to sink into the horizon and the air turning cool, he turned for home.
He started to mount, then stopped startled by the woman who suddenly stepped out into the open.
"Hello, I didn't expect anyone to be up this far." The lady smiled at him, shading her eyes with one hand.
"Oh, I live a few miles away. My family and I live up here year-round." Cody tilted his head studying her. "Are you hiking? Did you get lost?" he asked noting her lack of backpack and equipment.
"Oh yes. My husband and I got turned around. He stopped for a moment and I just kept on walking. I thought I heard the sound of a horse and there you were."
"Does your husband have a map? I can show you how to get back to the main trails," Cody offered. He held Cooper's reins loosely in his hand as Dingy barked and darted into the woods ahead of them.
"Oh, could you? That would be great!" The woman fell into step with him and they headed back into the trees. "I'm Christine."
"Cody, Cody Hawkes."
"It's nice to meet you Cody Hawkes," Christine smiled at him even as her gaze shifted sideways. Cody started to turn as he registered a presence behind him but never completed the action as the man viciously struck him with the butt of a pistol just behind his right ear. The boy dropped to the ground unconscious. Cooper reared slightly startled by the motion then ran off into the trees chased by Christine's shouts.
"One down, one to go."
"He's not dead yet. We aren't finished until both of Jesse Hawkes' sons are dead." The man crouched beside the unconscious teen. "We'll get him taken care of and then we'll radio the station and lure Matthew up here to join his brother."
"Revenge nearly fifteen years in the making."
"Indeed." Allen stood with Cody slung over his shoulders in a fireman's carry. "Now we'll will finish the job with a nice long fall."
Cody slowly became aware of the sound of voices and the feeling of motion. He tried to open his eyes but his head was throbbing. Suddenly he realized he was almost upside down and he jerked reflexively.
Allen swore as he realized their quarry had regained consciousness. He struggled to maintain control of the teenager, nearly dropping him as the boy fought for his freedom. He tried to gain a better grip but overbalanced sending both of them to the ground. Cody took advantage of the fall, scrambling to his feet and running for the trees. However, the dizziness from being struck in the head slowed him just enough that Christine was able whip out the baton she was carrying in her belt. Snapping it to its full length she swung hard making contact with his right leg just above the ankle. Cody cried out from the pain as he felt the bone snap and he tumbled to the ground. A hard kick drove the air from his lungs and he lay there gasping and helpless with blackness threatening his vision. Dimly, from a distance, he heard Dingy begin growling and barking. A yell sounded before a gunshot roared and the dog's barking turned into yelps that faded into the distance. He forced his eyes open to see Allen standing over him.
"Get a good look boy. I'm the last thing you'll ever see."
"Why?" Cody whispered. "Why me? I don't even know who you are."
"Your daddy owes a debt and you're the payment."
The statement didn't make sense to the teenager but he didn't have the energy to ask any more questions. Panic welled up as he felt himself being dragged along the rough terrain. Abruptly he realized where he was and what the couple intended to do. With the last of his strength he grabbed at the wrists holding him, digging in his fingernails as hard as he could.
"You little…." Allen shifted his grip easily breaking out of the boy's grasp. The edge of the cliff they had picked was just a few steps away. "Grab his knees," he instructed Christine. The woman obeyed twisting Cody's broken leg as she did, eliciting another cry of pain.
"Over you go boy," Allen remarked callously as together the duo swung their limp burden into space and let go. Cody vaguely registered the sense of falling before a huge wave of pain washed over him and darkness took him.
Allen stood staring out over the edge of the cliff as he absentmindedly rubbed his wrists where Cody had scratched him. He turned to Christine who was examining her leg. "You okay?"
"That dumb dog got me good," she muttered fingering her torn pants. "At least it's not deep enough to need stitches or anything."
"Good. Let's get back to the cabin and finish the job by luring Matt up here to join his brother."