5A/N: High Mountain Rangers belongs to Sibling Rivalries and CBS. Criminal Minds belongs to CBS. Don't own them just having fun with the inspiration.
Jesse paced the room while his son slept. Jackie sighed softly as she watched him move.
"Jess? What's bothering you?"
"I don't know. Just something about the way Matt left. Tim Hart has been covering the Rangers since they caught Christine. Why wouldn't he just call Matt's phone?"
"Maybe he's driving and asked one of the deputies to call Matt." Jackie stood up and took her husband's hand. "Do you think we should call him ourselves?"
"I don't know. On one hand, I don't want to bother him but on the other something just doesn't seem right." Jesse ran his hand over his face. "I'm going to call the station. They'll know if something is going on."
Jackie pressed her lips together as he made the call.
"What do you mean he isn't there?" Jesse repeated incredulously. He listened for a few minutes more. "Have you seen him at all?" He met his wife's worried gaze. "Ok. Thanks Jim." He hung up and sighed.
"He's not there," she said quietly.
"No. Jim called out to the room but no one has seen him." The former ranger's face darkened. "Why would he lie to me?"
"I don't know Jesse. It doesn't make any sense. Why would he leave Cody's bedside if he wasn't going to the station like he said he was?"
Jesse began pacing again. "I can't wait here. I'm going down to the station. Something's wrong with Matt."
Jackie nodded, knowing it was useless to argue with him when he had made his mind up. "Be careful Jesse," she said as she kissed him.
"I will," Jesse promised solemnly. He kissed her one more time and hurried from the room leaving her alone to watch over their sleeping son.
Jim looked up as Jesse entered the station. "I've tried calling him but his phone is off. He's not answering the radio either."
"Try again," Jesse commanded softly.
Jim sighed and picked up the mike. "Flash calling Flying Tiger. Come in Flying Tiger." He waited a couple of minutes before repeating the call. The silence was ominous as the hail ended.
"Where is he and why isn't he answering?" Tim frowned. "This isn't like Matt. Try again on our backup channel."
"He's not going to answer." Reid spoke from the doorway of Matt's office. Everyone turned to look at the young doctor.
"What are you talking about Spencer?" Gideon asked, moving to his side.
"Morgan sent me a message. Stratton threatened the hospital so Matt went to meet him alone and unarmed. Morgan saw him leave and followed him along with Robin." Reid replied meeting the older agent's eyes. "Morgan told me not to tell until someone realized Matt was missing. They think Stratton has been watching the station and the hospital. IT sounds like he admitted as much to Matt. If the team left too early, Stratton could realize we know what's going on and head to the hospital."
"I thought your son was more cautious than this," Hotch growled at Jesse.
"Not when lives are on the line. He did what he thought was best." Jesse held the Unit Chief's gaze. "Matt can take care of himself and he knows that mountain."
"But he's facing a serial killer unarmed. And even if he doesn't want to admit it, he's emotionally and physically drained from all of this." Gideon said quietly. "Let's just hope Morgan and Robin can keep him safe."
"In the meantime, Prentiss, JJ and Reid go to the hospital. Get security to watch out for Stratton. Lock down the hospital for all nonessential traffic. Call the local sheriff for assistance."
"Izzy, go with them to the hospital. Everyone else get ready to move," Tim added. "Jesse, I know you're a civilian but you know Matt's trail better than any of the rest of us. Will you lead the track?"
"Absolutely," Jesse replied grimly. No further words were necessary as the teams scattered to their assignments.
Matt brought the bike to a stop a short distance from the ridge. As the sound of the engine faded, he listened to the woods around him. He couldn't hear anything unusual but his instincts told him he wasn't alone. He slipped the backpack off his shoulders and left it on the seat of the bike. He slowly moved forward until he cleared the tree line and stepped out into the open. He still didn't see Stratton but he was certain the man wasn't far away.
"I didn't think you'd actually show up."
Matt started to turn as the voice spoke from behind him. "Sorry to disappoint you."
"Keep your hands where I can see them and slowly turn around."
Matt obeyed slowly pivoting in a circle until he was facing Stratton. Allen was as tall as he was but broader through the shoulders. The man's dark hair was tied back in a ponytail at the base of his neck. However, it was his eyes that drew Matt's gaze. The ranger had seen a lot of anger in his job but Stratton's eyes blazed with pure hate. He held a rifle at the ready, aimed directly at Matt's chest.
"Figured you'd turn coward like your father."
"Allen, your father wasn't abandoned. He sacrificed himself for the rest of his team. He's a hero."
"That's what your father told you. I know the truth," Allen snarled. "That entire unit wanted my father dead! But I taught them all a lesson." A vicious smile spread across his face. "Now it's your turn."
"You gonna throw me off the cliff too like you did my brother? Or are you just going to shoot me?" Matt asked pointedly.
"Neither one. I'm going to hunt you down like a dog," Allen replied. "I'm giving you a five-minute head start and the longer you evade me, the longer your brother stays alive. Because when I'm done with you, I'm going back to the hospital to finish what I started."
Matt stared at the man. He'd expected bragging or taunting but not a game of cat and mouse. He was so stunned he didn't move for several seconds.
"You're wasting time Matthew," Allen smiled coldly. "Of course, if you'd rather not prolong the inevitable," he shifted his rifle, his finger on the trigger.
Matt's eyes narrowed. "You won't get away with this Allen. Sooner or later, the rangers will catch you."
"I doubt that. You didn't even know my name until the FBI showed up. Christine and I were watching your brother's movements for three weeks without you seeing us. Once I kill you, I'll go finish Cody and disappear into the crowd just like I've done each time before."
"Allen Stratton! Drop your weapon and put your hands on your head!" Morgan's command rang out from the tree line.
Matt dove sideways as Allen reflexively jerked his rifle toward the sound. He heard the roar of the shot as he hit the ground and a sharp burn raced across his ribs. He rolled behind a tree as he tried to catch his breath.
"I should have known you'd break the rules, Matthew!" Allen shouted. "Now a lot of innocent people are going to die!"
"You won't make it, Stratton. By now the FBI and the sheriff's department have the hospital on lock down!" Robin called back. "Give it up before anyone else gets hurt."
Allen fired several shots in her direction before fading into the trees behind him. "I'm going to find you Matthew. I know my shot burned you. It's only a matter of time."
Matt pressed a hand to his side feeling the warm dampness of the wound. Every breath he took hurt as he tried to calm his heart rate and breathing. He tensed as a rustling sound came from his left then relaxed as he saw a blonde ponytail.
"We need to move. How bad is it?" Robin dropped to her knees beside him.
"Hurts like hell, but I think I'll live," Matt groaned softly as he climbed to his feet. "What are you doing here?"
"Morgan saw you leave. We followed at a distance hoping to catch Stratton off guard and bring him in."
"Albeit without the intention of you getting shot in the process," Morgan observed dryly as he joined them. "Stratton's gone. I don't know where he went."
Matt shook his head. "He's not gone. He's stalking us and just like a lion, he knows I'm hurt and he's going to take his time hunting us down."
"So, what do we do from here?" Robin asked.
"We lead him far enough away that we can turn the tables on him. I don't care how long he's been here. These mountains are our territory, and no one knows them better than us." Matt's voice held a note of firm resolve.
Morgan nodded then stiffened as he caught a flash from the trees to their right. "Down!" All three dropped to the ground as bullets whined overhead smashing into the tree and showering them with bark.
"Stay low and follow me," Matt whispered. "I wish I had time to get my pack."
"I grabbed it after I lost Stratton," Morgan muttered back. "Figured it might come in handy."
"Then let's move. Stratton isn't the only one with a few tricks up his sleeve." Matt led the way as the trio slipped deeper into the forest.
A couple of hours later
Hotch watched as Jesse scoured the ground before rubbing some dirt between his fingers. "What's bothering you, Jesse?"
"Somebody's hurt. I don't know who it is but from the tracks, it's either Matt or Morgan. Robin's prints are smaller."
"How can you tell?"
Jesse pointed to the ground. "Blood stains in the dirt. Someone knelt here next to someone sitting down. From the scuffing, I think it's Matt's boots but I'm not completely certain."
"There are bullet marks in the tree over here. Someone was doing a lot of shooting." Avela ran his hand over the scarring. "It couldn't have been Matt. He's unarmed."
"It's too many marks for a handgun. Plus, Morgan wouldn't waste his ammo like this." Hotch joined the ranger pilot. "Would Robin have brought a rifle?"
"No. None of the rifles were missing."
"So, it was Stratton. But who was he shooting at?"
"More importantly, why did he miss?" Jesse said. "This isn't controlled shooting. This is a spray as if he's just trying to get shots off rather than actually aim. Not the mark of a controlled killer."
"His routine is disrupted and he's devolving. Now he's trying to stay ahead of Matt, Robin, and Morgan." Gideon said. Jesse frowned.
"Maybe. We need to keep following the trail. That's how we'll get our answers."
An hour later, Jesse was certain of two things. Stratton was tracking the trio and Matt was the one who was injured.
"Do you think Matt's lost?" Hotch asked.
The former ranger shook his head. "Matt wouldn't get lost up here. But he's not trying to cover his trail. He knows these mountains well enough that he could lose Stratton any time he wanted. But he's not. He's deliberately leading him deeper into the woods."
"Could it be because Stratton is armed with a rifle and Matt isn't?"
"I don't know. But there's something going on." Jesse answered Gideon's question while trying to hide his concern. He glanced up at the sky. "We're losing the light. Better make camp now while we can still see to do it. There isn't any more we can do tonight."
The two FBI agents stepped back as the rangers quickly and efficiently set up the basic camp. Once a small fire was going, they ate a quick meal before retiring. Jim lay on his side, his head propped on his hand as he stared into the darkness. Even with the time close to midnight, sleep hadn't come Seeing movement near the fire, he threw back his sleeping bag and joined Jesse near the flames. He wasn't surprised that the older man wasn't asleep either. For awhile the two men sat in silence, staring out at the tree line so as to not interfere with their night vision.
"Do you have any idea where he's headed?" Jim broke the silence.
Jesse looked up at the ranger and frowned. "Not really. What I don't understand is Matt seems to be trying to stay just one step ahead. It doesn't make sense especially since he's the one who's injured. He could lose Stratton and circle back on him very easily. But he's not doing it."
"How close are we to your cabin?" Jim abruptly asked.
"On a line? Three to four miles," Jesse shrugged. "But it's closer to a four-hour hike because of the terrain." He paused for a moment. "You know, you may be on to something. They would have supplies, shelter, and access to Cody's rifle which would certainly even the odds."
"Stratton thinks he's the one hunting Matt when in reality, he's the one being hunted."
Five miles ahead of the rangers' camp, Matt and Robin crouched in the bushes watching as Stratton's fire slowly died. The man was snoring softly wrapped in a sleeping bag at the edge of the clearing. They watched for a few more minutes before standing and drifting silently into the trees.
"We can get a drop on him while he's asleep," Morgan whispered as they joined him. Matt shook his head.
"I wouldn't put it past him to have some sort of booby trap around the campsite. In the dark, we'd trip it before we knew what hit us. We're better off waiting until daylight."
"We need somewhere safe to bed down for the night too."
Matt half smiled at Robin's observation even though he knew she couldn't really see it in the darkness. "I know a place we can go."
The moon was approaching full allowing him enough light to navigate the way through the woods. Once they were was a safe distance away from the camp, both Morgan and Robin broke open glowsticks that they had put into the backpacks. Then they headed as quickly as they dared toward Jesse's cabin.
Matt was near dead on his feet from exhaustion when they reached the cabin but paused when Morgan waved him to a stop.
"Let me make sure the coast is clear. Is the door locked?"
"No. Out here there's no reason to lock it. The cabin's too far off the main trails to draw attention to it."
"Still let's make sure. After what's happened over the last few days, we can't be too careful."
"Stay here. I'll go with Morgan." Robin drew her sidearm and followed the FBI agent's steps. Matt leaned against the tree, fighting to keep his eyes open. A few moments later, Robin waved to him from the porch, and he jogged across the clearing. Once inside, he sank down in the nearest chair.
"Let me see that wound of yours," Robin said quietly.
"It's fine, Robin," he mumbled. "It quit bleeding hours ago."
"Let me be the judge of that. Besides, you're always telling the team that you won't argue with me when it comes to injuries so follow your own directives."
Matt was too tired to disagree with her, so he lifted the side of his shirt allowing her to examine the laceration left by the bullet.
"If we were down at the station, I'd take you for stitches but by the time we get back the wound will be too old." Robin carefully cleaned and then bandaged the wound. "I don't suppose it would do any good to tell you to stay here and rest and allow Morgan and me to take of Stratton." She chuckled at the eye roll she got in response and patted his shoulder as she rose to accept a cup of soup from Morgan.
"It's not much but it's hot," the agent said ruefully.
"It's ok," Robin reassured him. "We're used to bare necessities when we're on a track." She glanced over her shoulder at her commander. "Matt? You awake enough to drink this?"
"Hmm?" Matt half opened his eyes. "Yeah, I'll take some." He winced as he stood before joining them in the kitchen. He took a few sips of the hot liquid before setting the mug down. "Robin you can sleep in Lisa's room, Morgan in Cody's. I'll take the couch."
"No, you need to take your dad's room." Robin fixed him with a stern look. "You're hurt and you need better sleep than the couch is going to give you."
"I'll take the couch. No one's getting past me," Morgan said firmly. Matt slumped as a wave of exhaustion washed over him. He didn't resist as Robin gently steered him to his father's room.
"I'll wake you at dawn." Matt was asleep almost before the words were out of her mouth. She stood still for a few minutes watching him breathe.
"He's going to push through that wound," Morgan said quietly.
"Yeah, I know. I'm just worried about him. He's more exhausted than he wants to admit."
Morgan chuckled as he kicked off his boots and settled down on the couch with a blanket. "Go to bed Robin. You're not going to change Matt any more than I can change Gideon or Hotch."
"Good night, Morgan."
Dawn found the trio up and making coffee. Matt sipped the strong brew reflecting on the next few hours. Today would be the day of reckoning. Setting down the mug, he crossed the room to where Jesse and Cody stored their rifles. His father's weapon was gone as Jesse was carrying it, but Cody's was there in its nook. Robin watched as he checked over the weapon.
"Ironic that you're using Cody's rifle to catch the man that tried to kill him," she observed.
"I'm not going to let Stratton have another chance at hurting my brother. I want to bring him in alive if I can, but I have a feeling that's going to be easier said than done." Matt's tone was determined.
"You're thinking suicide by cop?" Morgan asked as he checked his own weapon.
Matt nodded. "He's not the type to let us take him alive. Besides with his sister in custody, he doesn't have anyone else to help him." He drained the last few swallows of coffee from his cup. "You guys ready?" Robin and Morgan nodded in unison. "Then let's move."
Stratton frowned slightly as he studied the ground. Hawkes had clearly been watching him during the night. He was slightly disappointed that the other man hadn't set off the tripwire he had arranged but that couldn't be helped now. He picked up his pack and headed in the same direction as Hawkes' trail. A short time later, he crouched down studying the trail. He wasn't sure where his quarry was headed as the tracks had suddenly doubled back on themselves.
"Hold it Stratton!" Matt spoke firmly from behind him. He froze in surprise as he realized that the Ranger had somehow gotten the drop on him. His eyes scanned the trees in front of him searching for the other two rangers.
"I'm impressed Matthew. Seems like you're smarter than your brother. He was all too easy to trap. Where's your two friends?"
Matt pressed his lips together to keep his temper. Stratton was goading him to make him lose focus. "They're covering us from the trees. You're under arrest for attempted murder."
"You'll never bring me in Hawkes." Stratton spun and launched himself at Matt's knees. The two men tumbled to the ground struggling for leverage. Almost immediately, Matt lost his grip on the rifle, and it fell by the wayside. Over and over, they rolled trading blows until the ranger was able to kick free. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Morgan running toward them bringing his weapon up to aim at Stratton over Matt's shoulder. The agent's mouth tightened as he shook his head. Instinctively, Matt knew Morgan didn't have a shot unless he moved. Suddenly a sharp pain pierced his leg and his steps faltered. He tumbled to the ground, Cody's rifle just beyond his fingertips. Stratton's weight landed hard on his back.
"It's just a matter of time, Matthew," the man growled. "You're just prolonging the inevitable."
Matt didn't have time to answer as he slammed his elbow backwards trying to dislodge the man. Stratton's hold loosened slightly allowing him to shift forward and get his fingers on the butt of the rifle.
"Oh no you don't," Stratton snapped grabbing the back of the ranger's hair, jerking his head backward.
"Stratton, put your hands on your head!" Morgan ordered, his voice close to Matt's ear. For a moment, the weight on Matt's back didn't change then it was suddenly gone as Stratton pushed off the ground, dropping his shoulder into Morgan's gut. The agent stumbled, momentarily off balance. Stratton's blade flashed, narrowly missing Morgan's chest but the tip caught his bicep, weaking his grip on his sidearm.
"Hold it, Stratton!" Matt aimed the rifle at the killer. "Drop the knife and put your hands on your head, now!"
Stratton froze, his gaze shifting between the two men. Morgan took two steps to the side, ensuring he was out of the line of Matt's fire and also aimed his weapon at Stratton, ignoring the blood running down his arm. Matt held his breath hoping that Stratton would surrender. Then a wolfish grin split the man's features.
Jesse narrowed his eyes as he studied the trail. Matt's, Stratton's and the tracks he thought belonged to Morgan were suddenly tangled on each other with no rhyme or reason. Suddenly Robinn burst from the trees in front of them.
"Matt and Morgan have Stratton pinned down a half mile in front of us!" she called out. The teams broke into a run to follow her as she whirled and raced back down the trail. Abruptly a gunshot sounded nearby. The Rangers and FBI agents froze as the report faded away. When the sound wasn't repeated, the group moved quickly in the direction that the gunfire had come from.
"Matt!" Cutler suddenly shouted. He raced forward and crouched beside the blonde commander now lying on the ground with Morgan holding pressure on his thigh.
"Stratton stabbed him," the agent panted still trying to catch his breath from the fight.
"Looks like he's not the only one," Hotch said observing the blood still trickling down Morgan's arm.
"It's just as scratch, Hotch. I'm fine." Morgan muttered; his attention still focused on Matt. Jim placed his hands over Morgan's.
"I've got this," he said as Robin also joined them already pulling first aid supplies from her backpack. Morgan nodded, rose and stretched trying to alleviate the tenson he was feeling in his back. He grimaced as the cut on his arm pulled.
Gideon pressed some gauze he had gotten from Robin against the wound. "Are you okay?"
Morgan nodded. "Yeah, I couldn't see the knife until he cut me with it. He'd already stabbed Matt at that point but with the angle I didn't know that."
"Who shot Stratton?"
"Matt did. We both had our weapons on him, and I thought for a moment he was going he was going to give up." Morgan shook his head. "Unfortunately, he decided to charge at Matt, so he didn't have a choice but to shoot to kill."
Hotch nodded. "I don't think anyone would say differently. Especially since Stratton had already demonstrated his determination to kill."
Across the clearing, Jesse knelt next his son. "I didn't want it to end like this, Dad." Matt murmured softly. "I didn't have a choice. He charged at me with the knife in his hand."
Jesse squeezed his shoulder, concerned about the pallor of his son's skin. Matt's body shook with exhaustion and blood loss. "No one's blaming you. You did what you had to do in order to preserve not only your life but Morgan's, Robin's, and Cody's."
"And the hospital staff," Robin added.
Matt didn't have the energy to respond. Black spots were beginning to dance across his vision. Nausea bubbled in the back of his throat, and he pressed his lips together to keep his stomach where it belonged.
"We need to get him to the hospital fast." Robin said grabbing for her radio. "He's going into shock."
"Avela is already on standby. He can be here in fifteen minutes," Tim joined them. "He's down at Aaron Bass's lodge."
Robin nodded; her attention focused completely on their team leader. The bleeding had slowed somewhat but the ground around them evidenced how significant the injury was. "Stay with us, Matt," she said softly.
"Don't feel good," he mumbled in reply. His breathing was rapid and shallow.
"I know. We're getting you to the hospital." Robin kept her voice calm hiding the concern she felt at his condition. Matt's skin was paler than his hair with a sheen of sweat beading on his forehead. His hands were cold and clammy as she knelt there monitoring his pulse. His heartbeat drummed rapidly beneath her fingers. "Just hang on."