This is the second story set in the "Orphaned Spirits" Universe. In this universe, Rollie never met Manny and so, never became his apprentice. Angie has quit college and works for "Big Jake" Westmoreland, a former assistant of Manny's who didn't last long as an assistant. Angie and Rollie finally meet when Big Jake and Angie go Down Under to do special effects on a film for Simon Simony. If you want to read about their first meeting, check out "Orphaned Spirits". (Gee. Think that might be why this is the "Orphaned Spirits" Universe?)

If you're glad I'm writing this now, then thank Maureen. We made a deal. If you wished I wouldn't, then she gets the blame. *wicked grin*

Oh yeah, timeline. This takes place after "Orphaned Spirits".

Angie blinked at Big Jake's words, fighting back the tears. She wouldn't let him know how upset she was, how close to actually losing it she was getting. She swallowed the lump in her throat and felt it settle like a granite boulder in the pit of her stomach. It clenched tightly as she responded quietly. "Okay."

Big Jake watched his assistant with hard, beady eyes as she went to her computer setup deep in the heart of the small, rundown warehouse he used as a SPFX studio. Good thing, she knows who's the boss, he thought to himself, preening a bit. With a sly smile, he went over to his desk to gloat over the contract with Nick Breen.

Nick Breen! Angie wanted to scream, to cry out to the heavens! There was no justice in the world! None! Why?!? Why did they have to work for that... that... monster? WHY?!? How could she walk on to the lot each day and work near the man responsible for her father's death? How?!? HOW?!? She sat at the terminal, staring at it with unseeing eyes, brooding over that black, bleak day. The day Manny Ramirez died and her life ended. Her blue eyes slid tightly shut and she struggled to hold back the tears, the sobs that clogged her throat, screaming for release. Big Jake was probably getting a kick out of it. Out of making the daughter of his "mentor" (The one who almost literally kicked him out of his studio for incompetence) work for the man most culpable in his death. It was Breen's incompetence, Breen's decisions that were responsible. Unfortunately, the studio had pulled the ropes of New York City's so-called justice system and cleared him of that responsibility. Angie knew better, she'd been there and seen the entire horrible nightmare, but hadn't been able to convince any one to so much as fine Breen, never mind prosecute him. No one wanted to listen to the then eighteen year old girl/woman. Everyone had said she was being hysterical. Finally, she gave up trying to get someone to listen, to believe her. All that remained were her nightmares and her - alone.

The blonde took a deep breath and opened her eyes. They were drawn to the small framed picture sitting on top of her terminal. A soft, sad smile touched her lips. Well, no, not alone, not totally, not anymore. By some miracle, she had found someone to hold on to, to cling to, to turn to in time of trouble and to help her when life got to be too hard. The tall, lean young man in the photo stared at her with warm brown eyes, a wide smile on his face and a baby koala clinging to his right shoulder. The man was battered and hurt, but the life and joy inside of him shone through, captured by the lens of the camera. Angie Ramirez was no longer alone, she remembered. He might be on the other side of the world, but she still had Rollie Tyler. Angie had a suspicion she loved him, but might never know for certain since he was in heart of Australia and she was in New York City. Still, as Rollie kept reminding her in his small, but steady flow of letters, you never knew what might happen. Letters... Yes, she would write to Rollie when she got back to her apartment. He would understand and listen. Maybe they could arrange a time to talk on the telephone. The Aussie was the only person she knew who didn't have internet access and didn't even have a phone in his isolated home. Feeling slightly better, she went to work on the computer graphics for their last film, pushing thoughts of Breen and Westmoreland FX's newest project out of her mind.  

Angie moaned silently to herself as she hastily slipped through the studio lot to the special effects truck. She now spent her days dancing around to avoid Breen and sometimes her own boss. It was a pain. It was unbearable. It paid the rent. More and more her mind was occupied by thoughts of what David McNabb and Simon Simony had told her - that she should start her own business. If she was the boss, she wouldn't be working for Breen that was for sure! She sighed silently as she wished for a letter from Rollie. The man had been strangely silent after she sent her last letter, the one telling him all about Breen and the new job. Why? Had distance finally stilled the care and concern they had found for each other? Or worse! Had something happened to Rollie Tyler? She told herself to get a grip. After all, if Rollie had been interested enough to send her at least two letters a month (if not more!) for six months, he wasn't about to loose interest now! It was more than likely an unkind act of that occasional public nuisance, the post office. Whether it was the Australia Postal Service or the US was up for grabs. A fact of life when you depended on the mail for your sole means of communication. If only Rollie would get a phone or, better yet, add internet access with it! She knew when there were problems with her email. There wasn't any uncertainty about delivery or non delivery there. She sternly reminded herself that Rollie was far more consistent with his letters, than she was with hers. Two letters a month, sometimes more, was not a shabby rate. Especially from a man. A man who lived alone in the heart of nowhere to boot! One who usually walked - walked! - to town to get them delivered.

Angie froze as the giddy actress (Actor, she claims to be an actor!) called her name and joined her. The taller brunette was thin, beautiful, always moving, irritating, but also terribly sweet and friendly. The blonde reminded herself that she needed more friends and Lucinda Scott had been an unexpected ally in avoiding Breen and keeping Big Jake off her back. She cringed ever so slightly as the woman actually squealed and turned to face her.

"Angie! Angie! Angie! You'll never guess! Never, never, never in a million years!" Lucinda finally stopped and waited patiently. When Angie Ramirez didn't say anything, her mouth formed a small pout. "Well, aren't you going to guess?"

"You just told me and I quote, 'You'll never guess! Never, never, never in a million years!' So, why should I try to guess? Just tell me, Luce!"

"I've got a part!" Lucinda jumped up and down like a giddy school girl. "A real part in the movie!"

"What?!?" Angie was perplexed by the announcement. All parts were cast and closed weeks ago. Lucinda was dialogue coach for the leading lady, the producer's girl friend. How could she now have a part in the movie? "How? I thought everything was cast."

"It was." Lucinda took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling. "They added a new part. I'm to play moi's leading lady's best friend." She made a slight face. "I get killed by mistake in the fifth act, but still... It's a part!"

"We've already filmed the fifth act." Angie pointed out.

Lucinda shrugged, dramatically rolling her eyes. "I know! They're going to reshoot it!"

"Reshoot it? What else have they just suddenly decided to change, Luce?" Angie pulled her new friend toward the SPFX truck, anxious about this new turn. Films didn't have whole scenes reshot without extremely good reasons. It was much too expensive for them to do this big a rewrite this late in the game and... It was odd. Distinctly odd. Angie felt the hair on the back of her neck standing up. Too odd!

Rollie closed his eyes and wondered if his last letter had reached Angie. He hoped so, since he wouldn't be home to receive any of hers for a while. Still, this trip was necessary for Baby. It was a pity they hadn't gotten a name for her, but with the other joeys gone, it hadn't seem as urgent a matter anymore. She was his only baby at the moment. Maybe he should write Angie when he got back and ask for suggestions. Mind, that might not be necessary if Doctor Barry Waugh and Doctor Sandy Carmichael were successful with her. Barry Waugh was suppose to be an expert on Australian wildlife, particularly koalas. Sandy Carmichael was not as well known in the field, but seemed to be making a name as Doctor Waugh's assistant and future replacement. The experts at Alice Springs and Darwin were hoping they would manage to accomplish one of two goals - a) re-introduce Baby to her natural environment or b) get her to accept humans (besides Rollie Tyler or Angie Ramirez that is). Either way, the good doctors were to try and get Baby to accept other koalas in particular. Rollie himself wasn't certain about the whole plan, but if it would help Baby, he was willing to give it a go.

At least the transportation people and the authorities were all being especially nice to him and Baby. He hadn't had a lick of trouble traveling to Melbourne with her. In fact, his only real problem was the way everyone wanted to pet Baby. At least, it hadn't disturbed the young koala too much. She just clung to her "mum" and accepted the attention. Pity, he wasn't as pragmatic about it! Grateful their journey was almost over, he waited for the plane to empty and the chance collect his small kit and move on. His long legs weren't made for planes, that or planes weren't made for his long legs. With a soft sigh, he stood, using one hand to balance Baby and the other to grab his small bag from the overhead. He walked out of the plane, pausing to thank the crew for their kindness on his way. The lanky, brown haired man stood at the exit ramp and looked around with uncertain brown eyes. They'd said that someone would meet him at the air terminal. So where were they?

A beautiful woman, a willowy blonde dressed in khaki, strode briskly forward. "Mister Tyler?"

"Uh, yes?" Rollie blinked as he took in the vision in front of him. He felt his mouth go dry. It had been too long since he dealt with women like this one. Not since he was a stuntman. Angie, Angie wasn't like her or the others, he could talk to Angie. He wasn't sure he could talk to the woman in front of him.

"I'm Doctor Carmichael." She reached out a graceful hand to him, waiting for him to shake it.

Doctor Carmichael?!? Why hadn't someone mentioned that Sandy Carmichael was a she? They were probably laughing their heads off right about now, thinking about the naive Bush walker and the sophisticated lady animal doctor. "Uh, yes. Doctor Carmichael." He dropped his bag and shook her hand, hoping she wouldn't notice he was shaking ever so slightly. His other hand gently stroked Baby, finding comfort in the soft, familiar touch. Guess I'll have to talk to her. He swallowed. "Call me Rollie." Everybody else was right. I have been alone too long!

"All right, Rollie. I'm Sandy to my friends. I'm sure you and I are going to be great friends." She was practically purring as she drew his arm under hers and lead him through the airport. A silent, young man picked up Rollie's small bag and followed them.  

The movie set was bustling with activity as the crew readied for the next shoot. Angie was taking advantage of the small respite in her duties to re-read Rollie's letter. She sighed as she realized Rollie probably hadn't gotten her letter about Breen and their new job before he left. The condition of the letter and envelope indicated that it had gone through quite a bit of rough handling before reaching her. She wished she could telepathically send a message to him and get him to call her at her apartment tomorrow. She jumped as a hand touched her shoulder.

"What's that?" Luce asked her, trying to read over her shoulder. "Is it from your boyfriend?" She was curious about the pretty blonde. Angie hadn't shared much about herself and had steadfastly refused Lucinda's efforts to get her to go out on a double date with her. Even though she had personally promised her a really good time!

"No," the special effects artist responded wryly, "it's not from my boyfriend."

"So who is it from?" The actor craned her neck, trying to read. 'Come on, Annngie! Nobody writes letters anymore! Please!"

"Rollie does," Angie answered as her attention returned to the carefully written letter. His left handed scrawl had gotten better as time passed and injuries healed.

"Ah ha! It is from your boyfriend!"

Angie sighed deeply. "Rollie is a friend. That's all."

"A friend who writes you letters, girl. A man who writes! Angie, do you know how rare that is? Guys don't just write anything!"

The blonde shook her head at the brunette. "A man who lives in the middle of nowhere and doesn't even have a phone writes. Rollie writes letters all the time."

Lucinda's eyes danced with curiosity. "The middle of nowhere? There isn't such a place anymore, Angie. Everybody is somewhere and everywhere has phones. Even the Antarctic has telephones!" She was very proud to know that little fact. She'd dated a man who worked there for a while.

"Rollie doesn't have a phone. He lives in the Outback. If he wants to call someone, he has to go to town." Angie's lips quirked slightly. "Where they have a grand total of five phones!" She gave Luce a sly look. "Oh and he usually walks to get there. He doesn't have a car."

"Oh." Lucinda considered Angie's words and the letter which she neatly folded, inserted back into the envelope and returned to the safety of the bottom of her backpack. She smiled. "Is he cute?" Her smile turned to a grin. "Does he look like Crocodile Dundee? Does he talk like him? How old is he? What does he do for a living? Hunt crocodiles?"

Angie almost laughed as the questions flowed over her without any sign of stopping for answers. The fun vanished however when she spotted Breen headed her way, clearly intent of talking to the SPFX crew and Big Jake wasn't here at the moment. "Damn," she muttered under breath.

"What's wrong?" Lucinda asked, then spotted the director coming their way. "Oh." She said flatly. "Him again. Want me to activate diversion tactics?"

"No," Angie sighed in resignation, "he's wants to talk about the effects." Well, she knew she'd have to talk to him eventually. She just wished she didn't feel so alone and vulnerable doing it.

"Want me to stick around? Keep him from, uh, being a pain."

Angie rolled her eyes slightly. Lucinda had somehow gotten the impression that Breen was harassing her as in workplace sexual harassment. It seemed to be something she was familiar with. The blonde had never explained about her past with the man, about her father. She hadn't wanted to talk about it. Still... "You don't mind?" and flashed a grateful smile, before turning serious and facing part of her nightmare. Her face was closed as she acknowledged his presence. "Mister Breen." Her voice was colder than the heart of an Arctic winter.

"Oh, Angie," the man grimaced slightly, a bit uncomfortable. Then with the gall only the most ego concentrated personality could produce, he continued. "Look, I... I've been wanting to speak with you. I am so sorry about your father. I was young. It was my first movie and I was under a lot of pressure. I had people who were looking for any reason to get rid of me. I had to..."

"No! No, you didn't have to and you don't live with the consequences. I do! Every night, I live it. Are you happy about that? To be part of my worst nightmares? In living or should I say dyingTechnicolor! You don't know and you'll never know. SO JUST STAY AWAY FROM ME!!!" Angie turned and fled, her face pale, her cheeks flaming. Embarrassed to have lost it in front of everyone. Haunted by her memories of that night as they screamed at her as fresh as if it had just happened. She ran, seeking a place to hide from the curious gawkers that watched her, heard her. They didn't understand! They couldn't understand!

Lucinda watched Angie run away, bewildered and concerned. This wasn't a case of a big shot harassing a pretty female and making life difficult. It was something worse. She didn't know what it was, but she aimed to find out before the day was over. She turned a jaundiced eye on the director, her expression carefully neutral, waiting for him to comment or offer an explanation.

Breen looked around, mumbled something about emotional women and hurried away.

Lucinda shook her head and decided to go find her friend.

Rollie looked around the room he'd been given at the research center. He'd spotted a couple of koalas in the trees on the way in. In between dodging the attention of Sandy Carmichael. He stroked Baby's fur and then started to unpack his small kit. His things didn't even fill one of the drawers, but it was enough for him. She'd said that dinner was at seven and he would meet Doctor Waugh at that time along with the rest of the staff. Including the man who'd carried his bag? He wondered about him. He'd never said a word and Sandy hadn't offered to introduce him. There was a story there. He'd have to keep his eyes and ears open to find it.

In the meantime, there was time for some serious attention to Baby. He settled on the bed and began to stroke and play with the young koala. Free of the attention of strangers, Baby chirred happily and petted and rubbed against the man, grabbing one of his hands gently and pulling it. Curious eyes took in the strange room and she clambered up the bed post, looking at everything. Oh yes, Baby was going to love those posts. He'd have to make sure she didn't get into too much trouble. Like tangled in the curtains. Rollie rescued Baby from their dastardly grip and pondered getting her some food. He didn't have anymore eucalyptus leaves with him or any milk to flavor. They were both hungry. He could wait. She couldn't. So where would he find something for her to eat? Time to do a little exploring. He slipped out of his quarters silently, Baby safely perched on his shoulder, wishing Sandy had bothered to show him around a bit or at least offered something for his young charge. Decidedly odd.  

Angie huddled in a dark corner of the set, her arms wrapped around her knees, trying to get her emotions and memories back under control. She wished desperately for Rollie to be there, holding her in his strong arms and soothing her. It was an impossible wish, but not as impossible as her equally fervent wish for her father to be there. A step sounded and she jerked her head up, trying to see in the dark. Who was there? Breen? Or Westmoreland? He was going to fire her. Maybe she should save him the trouble and her pride by quitting first.

"Angie?" Lucinda Scott moved closer to the blonde, uncertain and anxious. She never liked people getting upset or unhappy. She worked very hard on putting on a happy face, even in the face of an absolute disaster. Lucinda Scott was a professional and she never let a little unhappiness slow her down. She sat down beside the other woman. "Do you want to talk about it?" Her tone was quiet and serious, totally at odds with how she normally behaved.

"No, I don't want to talk about it." Angie sniffed and rubbed at traitorously red eyes. "Have I been fired?"

"I don't know. No one said so." Luce shrugged. "Sometimes... Sometimes talking helps. You know?"

Angie stared off into the distance and the brunette thought she wouldn't answer. Then. "He killed my father. Oh, no one will actually say it, but he did. Breen did." She looked at the other woman with grief filled, haunted eyes. "I was there. I saw it happen. I know what Breen did, but no one would listen to me." Sad eyes turned to contemplating the past. "They thought I was hysterical."

Lucinda hesitated because this was serious stuff! It sounded like Angie was talking about murder! Was their director, a jerk and a womanizer certainly (He would jump anything with breasts!), also a murderer? Would the authorities turn a blind eye to that? Luce considered walking away, she didn't want to be involved in something that heavy, but... She stared at her new friend, the pain radiating from her was almost visible. What type of friend was she if she just walked away now? She knew people said she was flighty, the sort that just wanted a good time. She had never gotten involved before, not that way, not that seriously. Lucinda stared back at the door and then touched Angie's shoulder gently, turning the blonde to face her, her eyes serious and dark. "I'm listening."

Rollie slid through the rooms on silent feet, Baby clinging to her perch on his right shoulder. Not seeing anyone, he decided to see about getting fresh leaves off of some of the trees outside. Hoping to find some of the trees Baby was used to eating, he slipped out a side door and moved soft as a shadow into the thick woods. Silently, he moved among the leafy giants, pausing here and there to strip off a few leaves. Some he offered to Baby to eat, others went into a pocket sewn inside his wool fleece vest. He blinked up at some of the koalas high up the trees and they blinked sleepily back. None of them objected to the quiet man with his equally quiet companion. That was why he could slip unnoticed to the odd activity playing out deep in the heart of the woods. What?

One hand going up to make sure Baby remained silent, he ghosted behind a particularly large eucalyptus and sent her scurrying into the branches. Once he was sure his charge was safely hidden, Rollie turned his attention to the events unfolding beyond. Whispered words full of urgency and anger drifted among the trees. Unable to hear what was being said, he moved closer, a silent hunter well trained by the Yamatji. He watched Sandy Carmichael as she spoke with harsh gestures and muted sound to the quiet man who had carried his luggage and driven the SUV that had brought him here. Abruptly, the words and gestures stopped and he froze, fearing detection. Woman and man separated as if by an unseen signal, each going in opposite directions. For a moment, Rollie hesitated, wondering if it was wrong to follow. Surely, this was none of his business. Baby was his business, not whatever was bothering Doctor Carmichael and her unnamed companion. Besides, which one would he follow? Carmichael or her associate? What would it lead to? They certainly weren't poaching or hurting the animals here and probably not the people either. Perhaps, they were only hurting each other. Perhaps, it was a quarrel between lovers or something and, in that case, most certainly none of his business. A soft rustling drew his attention back to the trees and he saw one of the resident koalas peering over at Baby. Decided, he went and coaxed her back down, returning to his room to wait for dinner and to ponder what he had observed in the stand of Eucalyptus trees. Odd. Very, very odd. Rollie wondered if he'd been dropped into the middle of a soap opera or something more sinister. Not that soaps didn't have sinister things happen in them, but they were always tangled up in relationships. Slowly, he began to gather defenses back around his soul, defenses he hadn't needed or used since he'd returned to the Bush and the Yamatji. Defenses built well and strong, tried and found true in the complex world of movie making. Briefly, he wished Angie was here to be his ally. He wondered how she was doing and felt a faint tendril of apprehension.  

Evening settled over the movie set like a shroud, turning trucks and equipment into ominous, monstrous shadows. People were shutting things down, packing everything up for the night. A few noticed a blonde woman moving quietly through the lot, avoiding everyone else's eyes. Some wondered what had happened between the special effects expert and the director. Everyone knew about the earlier explosion of emotion. A few remembered that time and knew. They were aware of how painful it was for Angie Ramirez to work for Nick Breen. Sympathetic eyes watched her move toward the director's trailer and the explosives shed beyond it. One or two said silent prayers for Manny's little girl.

Several hours later, the night was turn to day in a towering flash of flame and sound. The echoes of the explosion rattled windows for over a mile away. The movie lot turned into an inferno.

Rollie washed his hands and face, Baby watching with bright eyes, taking in his movements. "Well, I don't know what is happening here, little luv, but we'll muddle through." He dried his hands with the soft, yellow towel. "We always do," he smiled warmly at the young koala, "and I do have a surprise or two up my own sleeve."

He moved out of the small bathroom with Baby trailing slowly, listening to his quiet words. "I don't trust this Sandy or her too quiet friend..." His face filled with concern. "And I think something might be happening with Angie. You remember Angie? I talk about her enough to you. Remember how she found you and Mangela brought both of you to me. You were so small then. Now you're getting to be a big girl. Pretty soon, you're going to be really interested in the boys. You be careful when you are. They're only interested in one thing." He told his charge seriously. "I should know. I was a boy too... once." He looked at the clean shirt in his hands, then put it on. "I've learned a bit since then, or hope I have."

He sat down on the bed and Baby climbed up to join him, settling in his lap. He hugged her gently. "I know. I'm worried too." His eyes flashed as he thought of the scene in the stand of trees so close by. "We have a puzzle here." He gently touched the little koala's nose. Her eyes crossed slightly watching his finger. "We will have to be careful. We can figure it out, but we'll have to take it slow. I hope Doctor Waugh has a nicer feel than Doctor Carmichael. If he does, maybe he'll let me borrow the phone. Maybe he'll let me call Angie?" He gently tickled her under her chin. "Would you like to talk to Angie?"

Rollie shifted Baby to his pillow. "Now, you stay here and stay out of trouble. We'll play dumb for a while and see what's what. I wonder if Sandy will finally introduce her friend at dinner. How do I look? Clean enough? Dumb enough? I hope so. Maybe Sandy will think I'm just another pretty face?" He laughed self mockingly. "Whot? You don't think I'm pretty? Everybody tells me I'm a looker. Dad says I get it from Mum and the snake oil from him. We're going to need both to get to the bottom of this... Whatever this is. Well, ready or not, it's time for dinner."

A moment later, a knock sounded. Doctor Sandy Carmichael barged in and wrapped her arm around Rollie's. "Are you ready for dinner, Rollie? We're informal here. Come along and I'll introduce you to everyone and then tomorrow we'll see about introducing your koala to ours." She chattered on about inconsequential things.

The brown haired man allowed her to guide him to the dining hall. He listened silently, taking in everything around him. His eyes, normally bright and full of intelligence, were vague and dreamy.  

The man pinched his nose and shook his head as he examined the crime scene. What a mess! Whoever had done this knew exactly what they were doing. Fortunately no one had been killed, the only real plus in this crime. Work had been done for the day, everyone had been gone except for security and they'd been on their rounds, well away from the site of the explosion. So if the culprit hadn't wanted to kill anyone, they knew the schedule intimately, which implied someone on the inside was involved. And according to the uniforms first on the scene, the center seemed to be the director's trailer. Time to get to work. "Come on, Frank." He climbed out from behind the wheel of his unmarked police car.

"Right with you, Leo," Francis Gatti piled out of the passenger seat, hastening to join his partner. He hadn't been a detective for long and everything still seemed sort of strange. He shot a glance at the older, somewhat taller man. Leo McCarthy was a troublemaker. Every cop on the force knew it. Every cop also knew he was a good detective and cop. He cared about justice, about right and wrong. There were days when Frank wished he had a different partner and other days when he thought he was extremely lucky to be partnered with the senior detective. He wondered which one it would be today.

Three witnesses later, both detectives were shaking their heads. So far everyone and everything seemed to be pointing at the junior special effects expert, Angie Ramirez. One, she had a beef with the director and no, they hadn't known what, but it had blown up yesterday afternoon. Two, she had the knowledge to do it. And three, they'd seen her heading for the explosives shack when shutting down for the day.

Leo stared at his partner for so long, the shorter man wondered what he had done wrong. "Let's go have a chat with Mister Nick Breen."

"Okay Leo." Some days, that seemed to be all he did - say yes or no to his partner and follow him like a pup. He wondered if he'd ever get to do something on his own, then shook his head ever so slightly. Of course he would! He was just learning the ropes of a new position. If he couldn't handle the job, his superiors wouldn't have given him that promotion. Right? Right! And Leo didn't have patience with idiots. So... He picked his way through the debris, following his partner to where Nick Breen stood, raging about the lost time, equipment and most probably, film.

The detectives stared at the man, listening to his words as he yelled and roared to some poor sob of an underling. But that's all it was, bluster and bluff. Leo saw it, heard it, knew it. The man wasn't feeling any real pain or loss from the destruction and it made him wonder why.

"I'm ruined! We'll never get the film done now! I would have to start over from scratch. All of the footage was in my trailer, waiting for me to go over it!" Breen spoke with his hands, dramatically over emphasizing everything.

And why was all the footage in your trailer? Is that SOP for film making? Weren't there copies or something? Leo studied the questions, brushed them off and tucked them away to be asked of someone else in a little bit. He added some more to that corner. So if the film was shut down, what happens? Does anyone profit? Where is the gain in all of this destruction? What about insurance? Frank and Colleen could look for those answers for him - later. He cleared his throat and spoke. "Mister Breen?"

"What?" The man spun around to stare at the two strangers.

"I'm Detective Leo McCarthy. This is my partner, Francis Gatti. We have a couple of questions for you, if you don't mind." He spoke with a deceptively soft tone, his gray eyes looking tired and worn. A short, curly haircut of light brown hair heavily touched with gray, added to an appearance of worldly knowledge and weariness. Leo McCarthy gave the appearance of a man who'd seen just about everything man could do to his fellow man. Nothing and no one would or could surprise him anymore. He flashed his badge and tucked it back into his pocket, waiting for a reaction.

"Of course, detectives! You have to catch whoever did this terrible thing. They've completely ruined my movie and possibly my career!"

What about the people who could have died? What about them? Good thing, this guy wasn't an actor. He wouldn't have a career! "Your career?" Leo asked politely.

"In this business, you're only as good as your latest movie. And now look at it! Ashes! Ruins!" Breen waved his hands around the studio lot, indicating the destruction.

"I understand, Mister Breen. Could you tell me who might want to do this? Harm your career and film? Why would they do it?" McCarthy waited.

"No," Breen shook his head emphatically. "Everybody loves me. No one would... would do this. At least, I don't know of anyone."

Riiight, Frank thought to himself as he settled back to watch an expert at work and take mental notes. One day, he would be doing this and he wanted all the tips he could get.

"Really? Well someone did it. This wasn't just an accident. What about... Angie Ramirez?"  

Leo almost grinned as the man squirmed ever so slightly. Whatever was there with this Ramirez woman was real and important. He rocked back on his heels slightly, waiting patiently.

"Angie?" Breen blinked a bit as if surprised.

"Yeah, we heard you had some type of fight with her yesterday."

"Uh..."

"Quite a row ending with Ms. Ramirez storming off in a fury."

"Well, there... She..." Breen looked at his hands, now locked together, fingers entwined.

Frank wondered if the man could talk without his hands, he was stumbling so much.

"That... That's old news really. She, uh, well, she blames me for her father's death. It was an accident, of course, but... It was very traumatizing for her, I'm sure. I tried to, well, sort of apologize yesterday. I guess she wasn't ready to deal with it yet."

Leo nodded with a knowing look, jotting a few notes in his pad. "I see. Then everybody doesn't love you. Where is Ms. Ramirez?"

Breen blinked again. "I'm sure I don't know. You don't mean that you think that she...?" He looked horrified at the thought.

"Covering the possibilities, Mister Breen. Just covering the possibilities." McCarthy closed his pad and tucked it away in his suit jacket. "Thank you. If we have any more questions...?"

"I'll be around. There's going to be hell to pay with the backers."

Leo and Francis split up, questioning cast and crew. All of them told Leo that Angie Ramirez was the last person they saw head toward the explosives shed. Except for her boss, Jake Westmoreland, he said he hadn't been on the set and so had seen nothing. He also told Leo that Angie had been very unreliable on this movie and she'd had developed an "attitude". The cop walked over to join his partner. "I'd like to adjust his attitude," he muttered. "Okay, Francis, let's see what we've got."

"Leo, one of the actresses I talked to, she said it wasn't Ramirez."

"Wasn't Ramirez? Well that's a switch. So which one was it?"

Frank consulted the notes on his electronic notepad. "Uh, Lucinda Scott. Get this! She says she saw a blonde woman, but insists it wasn't Angie Ramirez."

"Oh, so. What? They're friends, right?"

"Well, not exactly. Ms. Scott says this movie was her first working with Ramirez. They met on set. She also said that Westmoreland and Breen have been giving her a hard time and that she helped her duck them a few times."  

"All things considered, I can't blame Ms. Ramirez for that, Gatti. What makes her think it's wasn't Ramirez?"

"She said 'I didn't see her face. She had the right build and hair, but she didn't move like Angie Ramirez.' Not much use, huh?"

"Nope. So, where is this Lucinda Scott? I've got a couple of my own questions to ask her."

"Last time I saw her, she was over by the canteen. So, Leo, you think she knows something."

"I think," Leo tapped the side of his nose with a finger, "something stinks. Let's see if we can't find out what. Oh and while you were talking to people, did anyone happen to mention where Ms. Ramirez is?"

"Nope, none of them have seen her since yesterday."

"Great," Leo muttered under his breath.

Much to Rollie Tyler's relief, Doctor Barry Waugh proved to be much nicer than Sandy Carmichael in both manners and feel. The entire dinner, the lanky man felt like she was a leech that'd latched on to his skin. He kept wanting to use his steak knife to remove her, to slide the blade across his skin to pry her off, but restrained himself. It wouldn't be easy to explain to the others. Most of them were ordinary, normal people. Just the type of folks he'd expect at a game preserve or charging around the bush looking for animals. All right, so they weren't exactly normal, but they were very nice and polite to the stranger in their midst. All of them were eager to meet Baby and show them the compound and introduce them to the other koalas. This was what Rollie had expected when asked to come, not Carmichael and the Silent Type. That was another thing Rollie noted. Sandy's friend was not at dinner. So where was he? Who was he? What did he do besides drive Sandy Carmichael around and argue with her?

"What's the matter, Mister Tyler?" Doctor Waugh asked anxiously. "Is something wrong with dinner? You've hardly eaten a thing."

"Rollie, please, Doctor!" Knowing he couldn't explain that Doctor Carmichael had ruined his appetite, he reached quickly for an explanation. These people didn't know him, so... "I'm sorry, everything's fine. I'm just not hungry. I must be tireder from the flight than I thought. Don't take many."

"Of course. You have come a long way today. Well, perhaps we should let you retire and get a good night's sleep. We can chat in the morning."

"That's fine," Rollie hesitated. He really wanted to call Angie, but he didn't want the woman sitting next to him to know. He wasn't sure why. It was just a vague feeling that Angie was a protection for him against her. With reluctance, he pushed away his desire to phone her. It was almost day for Angie anyway. Tomorrow morning would be better. That would be her night and with luck she would be home then. He pushed his chair back and stood up. "Thanks for the spread. Sorry I couldn't appreciate it more. I'll see all of you in the morning. Good night."

There was a round of good nights from around the table as he turned to leave. Sandy started to get up. "I'll just show you the way back to your room, Rollie."

"No! No, that's okay, Doctor, er, Sandy. I can find it. Thanks."

She pouted ever so slightly. "Well, if you're sure?"

"I'm sure. Thank you. Good night."

"Good night, Rollie," she purred back.

Rollie walked out of the dining room slowly. Damn! She really did make his skin crawl. A feeling of urgency burned inside of him. He bolted down the hall, running to his room. He got there just in time to see a figure flee out an open window. The lanky man darted over to try and get a better look. He started to follow when Baby's cries reached his ears. "Baby!" He spun around looking for the koala, finally finding her under the spread from the bed. She immediately climbed into his arms, chattering indignantly about the mistreatment. Rollie stroked her gently. "So so so. It's okay, Baby. Shh. It's okay. I'm here. I'm here now." He looked around, taking in the state of his room. It had been well and truly trashed. Nothing, absolutely nothing was in its place now. The sight made him tired just thinking about putting it back to rights. Bloody hell! It looked like a monsoon had gone through. That or a marauding herd of apes, remembering the mess that one ape had made during a movie he'd worked on. Remembering how grateful he'd been to be 'just a stuntman' that time, he decided this might just be pay back for that rather selfish gratitude. Rollie picked up a comfortably padded chair and set Baby in it. "Now you stay here. If you behave, I'll have this back to rights in no time. Well, almost no time. Otherwise, we'll be at it all night." He closed the window, putting the latch in place.

Shaking his head, he went over to heave the mattress back on to the bed. "Wonder what they were looking for, Baby. Was it Sandy's friend, Mister No-name? You know, he wasn't at dinner and I did leave early. That intruder must've gotten a right scare thrown in him when I opened the door. Sure took off quick enough. Wish I'd gotten a good look. Whoever it was really ransacked the place. I wonder what they thought they were going to find." He kept up the steady stream of words as he set things to rights in the room. "Did you bring something I don't know about, luv? No? Well, I'll take your word for it. Doctor Waugh's a nice old man. Very much the grandfather type. Or at least what I imagine a grandfather would be like. Not like I've got a lot of experience there. Still, he's got a much nicer feel than that Sandy woman. I didn't get a chance to ask about calling Angie though. Didn't want to do it in front of her! Not sure why." He scratched his head, then started to make the bed. "I wonder if Sandy knew about our nocturnal visitor. This is all too strange for me." He looked over at the young koala with serious brown eyes. "If I didn't think Doctor Waugh could help you... Well, we'd be out of here, that's for sure! They wouldn't have seen us for the dust." Rollie worked steadily, putting drawers back in place, then placing the little he'd brought with him in them. He picked up the broken pieces of glass from the bath's floor. He only cut a finger once doing it. Sucking the finger, he tossed them into the trash basket and looked around. "Wish I knew where to get another drinking glass. Guess we make do. Should I report this to our hosts now or wait? What do you think, Baby? Yeah that's what I think. We don't know what's what or who's who. Just 'cause Sandy gives me the creeps isn't sufficient to think she is involved. And there's nothing to say they're not all in it or out of it." Rollie picked up Baby with a soft sigh. Anxious, she nuzzled his face, trying to comfort her 'mum'. She could feel the anxiety rolling off of him. He moved to stretch out on the bed, Baby curling into her place against his side. "I know I should tell Doctor Waugh and have him call the police. It's just I know nothing! What do we report? Someone broke in and ransacked the place. Well, no, I'm sorry Constable, they didn't actually take anything. Well, Doctor Carmichael has this friend she won't introduce. He's about the right size. Oh and they were arguing back there in the eucalpyts. Go over real well, that would. Nothing. Nothing and more nothing. We'll have to keep our eyes open. See what there is to see. Still wish I knew what that bloke was looking for." He blinked sleepily. "I'll see if I can't ask Doctor Waugh about the phone tomorrow. I don't know what's going on, Baby, but Angie needs us. I can feel it. Very frustrating considering she's the other side of the world. Hope a call helps. Hope she's home. Hope..." Rollie dropped off into an uneasy sleep full of dreams with vague ominous shapes and Angie and Baby crying for his help.    

Lucinda Scott fidgeted with her necklace as the older detective watched her. "You have no idea where Ms. Ramirez is now, Ms. Scott?"

She shook her head and tried to speak. Nothing came out. Luce paused and drew in a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "No, I don't. And that's not like Angie. She's been here on time or early every day."

"Maybe she knew there wouldn't be any work today," he responded wryly.

"No!" Lucinda shook her head, sounding absolutely certain. "Angie isn't like that. You'll understand when you talk to her, Detective. Angie is..."

"Angie is what, Ms. Scott?" He glanced at his notes. "You met her at the start of the shoot."

"That's right." She nodded acknowledgment.

"Hardly time to get to know someone that well."

"Maybe. You have to understand, Detective McCarthy. Some people think I'm a ditz. That I'm really shallow. Well, I'm not. I'm really good at observing people. It's part of what makes me a good actor and I am good. Damn good! Angie... Angie is young and she's been hurt. She's also tough as nails. You can knock her down and she'll come fighting back. Breen is a leech. He clamps on to anything with breasts. And yes, me included. But not Angie. I thought at first he had, you know? That that was why she was avoiding him, but she told me that he killed her father. I thought at first she meant he'd murdered him and I couldn't understand why he was walking around free and all. But then she explained. When Breen first started as a director, he'd hired her dad to do the special effects. There was this one effect... It was very dangerous and her dad told Breen that. He told him that they shouldn't do it. Breen insisted and Manny Ramirez did it and paid the ultimate price. He died in that explosion with Angie watching. She tried her best to get the authorities to listen to her, to bring Breen up on negligence charges, but they wouldn't listen to her. That was that. From that time on, Angie was alone. She went to college, but finally had to drop out because of the expense. She got a job with that jerk, Westmoreland, and has been keeping his company afloat ever since. Because, between you and me, Big Jake Westmoreland couldn't effect his way out of a paper bag. He can't even find his own ass without help."

"That's all very interesting, Ms. Scott, but it doesn't explain why you think Angie is innocent. Almost every one else we talked to says she was the last person to approach the explosives shed. Means, motive, opportunity and knowledge, Ms. Scott."

"Maybe, except that wasn't Angie. I know what Angie looks like and that woman last night did look a lot like her, but she sure didn't move like her. Angie's fit. She works out. Athletic. That woman last night did not move like an athlete. And... Well, this shoot has been weird. I got a role after all the roles were filled. We started shooting scenes that were already shot. Weird. It made Angie... uncomfortable. She thought something was going on. I didn't want to believe her. After all I'd finally gotten a role! But I'll admit it now. Something strange is going on here and it's not Angie!"

"Hmm." Leo looked thoughtful. "So they recast parts after they closed casting and started shooting scenes over?"

"No, they didn't recast a role. They created a new role! Look. If someone quits, they'll hire someone else and do what they have to do to get it to fit the movie, even redo canned scenes. They don't come up with new roles part way through the filming! Movies cost too much to be doing that without a reason."

"So, they've been spending more money than they needed to be doing?"

"Yeah and I don't get it. Why did Breen hire Westmoreland FX, knowing Angie was working there? Westmoreland isn't very good at his job. It's Angie that makes that company and Breen had to know how Angie would feel about working for him."

"Maybe he felt bad about her father. Maybe he felt guilty and wanted to help her out." Francis chipped in.

Lucinda shook her head. "No way. Breen is a weasel. He doesn't have a heart. His ego's too big. It gets in the way. There has to be a reason for him to hire Westmoreland FX and there has to be a reason for the changes."

"I see and you have no idea where Ms. Ramirez might be. How about a boyfriend?"

Lucinda suddenly smiled. "You know, Angie says she doesn't have a boyfriend, but there is this guy. He lives in Australia and writes her letters. Real letters!" She sighed wistfully. "I never had a guy write me letters. Ever! But he does and regularly too! It's sooo cute and romantic." A dreamy look appeared in her eyes. "I wonder what he looks like. Angie wouldn't say."

Francis tried to keep a straight face as his partner stared at the woman in disbelief. Leo took a deep breath. "Okay, so she probably didn't go to visit him?"

She blinked and shook herself. "Well, no. It's kind of far to go on a whim. You know?"

"Yeah, I know. Come on Francis. Let's go." McCarthy nudged his grinning partner.

When they got out of sight and earshot, Leo swatted at his partner. "What are you grinning like a lunatic about?"

"Ms. Scott and her description of Angie's boy friend." His smile got wider. "And your reaction to it."

"Ha ha. Well, sober up, Francis. Something is going on here and Angie Ramirez is at the heart of it. We've got to find her. If she's still alive."

That sobered Francis up quickly. "Yeah." He looked downcast at the thought of her being dead, thinking about his wife and daughters. This young woman was alone in the world, but she seemed to have been doing good for herself. She was working hard, unless you listened to Westmoreland, smart and had a maybe boyfriend in Australia. She was also a suspect in their bombing case and missing. He hoped she wasn't dead. He hoped she wasn't guilty. "Maybe Westmoreland?"

"Maybe. Or Breen. Or someone with a grudge against Breen. Or..." Leo looked thoughtful. "Okay, this is what we do. We check Ramirez's place. We check the books for the film, Westmoreland FX and Nick Breen. Colleen can help with that. I'll call and get her to start with that computer of hers. You check with the personnel office and get an address on Angie Ramirez."

"Gotcha, Leo." Frank started to head off, then paused, glancing back at the older man. "You don't really think she's dead... Do you, Leo?"

Leo's face softened fractionally. "I don't know, Frank. I... If she isn't dead, we better find her PDQ. I got a feeling."

Rollie woke with a start. The shadows of his dreams faded away as he recognized the soft touch of the coming dawn. Baby nuzzled up to him, patting him with her paws. He stroked her and stood up, stretching. He dressed quickly in moleskin trousers and shirt, gathered his charge in his arms and slipped silently out into the new day. Baby made a soft grunt and he set her down, watching as she scampered over for the nearest tree. He watched her climb with mild amusement and strolled over to stand under the tree. He leaned against the trunk and turned toward the east, wanting to see the sunrise. He remembered sunrises at home, shared with his Mum and waited with a feeling of melancholy. He listened to the Dawn Chorus shatter the silence of the hastily fleeing night.

The sun and the day were well on their way, when he heard the soft footsteps behind him. He sighed, uncertain about his new acquaintances. Glancing over his shoulder, he spoke. "G' morning, Doctor Waugh."

"Good morning, Mister Tyler."

"Rollie. Please."

The doctor smiled, showing a dimple in one cheek. "Rollie. Is that Baby I see?" He pointed up in the tree with his chin, his eyes alight with curiosity.

"Yeah. That's Baby."

"She's a pretty one. Healthy too." The two men watched her clambering around, gathering an occasional leaf and nibbling on it.

"She is pretty." Rollie smiled up at his young charge and thought of the woman who'd found her and brought her to him. He looked over at the older man, unsure, especially after his unannounced visitor last night. Oh well, nothing ventured. "Doctor Waugh?" He turned to face Barry Waugh.

"Yes, Rollie?" He looked at the younger man with an open, friendly face, bright hazel eyes burning with curiosity.

Rollie had a feeling that curiosity was a driving force with this man. That was fine by him. "Um, I was wondering if it would be possible to borrow your telephone?"

"But of course! If you need to call home, just help yourself."

"Th--that's not exactly it." He felt a blush rising up his face and wondered why, then blushed more deeply. "I... I have a friend in the U.S. and I'd like to call her, if you don't mind. S--sh--she's the one who first found Baby actually."

"Really?" Barry fought to hide his amusement from his guest. Ah, to be young again. He grinned. "Of course, you can call her. Perhaps later, we could arrange a conference call. I would love to hear more about Baby and I'm sure she could give some excellent insights." He thought that young Rollie's 'friend' would be nothing like his assistant. Sandy Carmichael was a... Oh well, don't go there. It's too nice of a morning to spoil that way.

Rollie relaxed fractionally. "Yeah, I--I'm sure we could do that." He glanced back up in the tree and whistled softly. Barry watched in fascination as Baby immediately scampered down. How did he do that? He'd never seen a koala come like that before. She was bit awkward since she was holding something in one hind paw. "And what have you got there, young lady?" The Aussie clucked at her and she moved to him quickly. With a chittering sound, she offered her 'mum' her prize. "Thank you." Rollie said politely as he accepted the gift. He opened the soft leather pouch and poured it's contents out in the palm of his hand.

"Rocks?" Doctor Waugh asked, staring at the small stones in bewilderment.

Rollie looked around sharply, carefully returning the stones to the pouch. "Sapphires." He drew it closed and tied the string off.

The doctor's eyes bugged out. "Sapphires? Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. I..." He hesitated. Was this what his 'visitor' had been looking for last night? Where had they come from? And how had Baby found them? His eyes captured his host's and he looked deep into them, seeking. He had to trust some one. Could he trust this man? "Is there somewhere we can talk and not be overheard?" He had a feeling of eyes boring in his back.  

Rollie sat in Doctor Waugh's office, absently running his fingers through Baby's fur. The motion and feel was soothing and he needed that at the moment. There was too much wrong, too much that felt off. It was like an itch he couldn't reach to scratch. So he concentrated on Baby and let her ease his soul.

Barry Waugh looked up from the rocks poured on to the blotter on his desk. "You're sure they're sapphires?"

The younger man smiled. "Yeah. I'm sure. My Dad, he brought some home a time or two when I was little. Hard to believe they'd clean up and polish into something as beautiful as a sapphire, isn't it? If I remember right, those should be Royal Queensland Blues."

The doctor looked down at what looked like pebbles to him and back at his guest. He was right, it was hard to believe. And it was amazing how much this young man apparently had stored under that long, shaggy mop of brown hair. He wondered how much Rollie Tyler actually remembered and how little, little had been. He wanted to shake his head at the thought of all this... intelligence just sitting out in the middle of the Outback. Adopting orphans... That's what he'd been told, that the man adopted orphaned animals and raised them to go back into the wild where they belonged. If he hadn't been there, the little koala sitting in his lap would be dead. Another as well and how many other young animals? Perhaps he'd been there for that reason. Or perhaps, just perhaps, Rollie Tyler was the type to find purpose in helping others wherever he was, whether it was the middle of 'nowhere' as so many claimed the bush was or the heart of a city.

"Doctor Waugh. I... I didn't say anything earlier, but... Someone searched my room last night."

He looked at Rollie with wide eyes. "Searched?!?"

Rollie nodded. "Yeah. I didn't want to say anything, 'cause I didn't know what was going on and I... I'm the stranger here. I..."

"You think they were looking for the sapphires?"

"Makes sense." Rollie shrugged. "Not like I have anything worthwhile, 'cept maybe Baby here." He ruffled the koala's ear fur gently. "And she's not mine. She's just with me for a little bit until she grows up."

"She's more precious than any jewel."

"Yes." Rollie whispered in answer. Baby sat up and hugged his neck and he hugged her back.

The level of communication between man and koala was astonishing, but there were more immediate matters that needed tending at the moment. "I guess we should call the police. I just wish we had an idea of who it was."

Rollie Tyler froze for a second. "I have an idea who." He licked his lips. "When I came here with Doctor Carmichael, a man drove us here. He never said anything and she didn't introduce us. Later, I saw them arguing in the grove of eucalyptus. Last night at dinner, he wasn't there and when I returned to my room... early, I... The man I saw leaving by the window was the right size."

Barry Waugh frowned. "You think this man is the one who searched your room." He looked at the door to the verandah. "You think Sandra Carmichael is involved."

"Yes," Rollie dropped his head. Why had he bothered? Why should Doctor Waugh listen to him? He was a stranger and a nobody. He should have stayed quiet and let the police sort it out.

Barry Waugh sighed deeply and pushed his chair back. The door opened and Carmichael sashayed in with her silent partner. He shook his head as he stared at the pistol in her hand. It was pointed steadily, not at the men, but the young koala in Rollie's lap. "I guess you're right, Rollie." He looked at the young Australian who sat up stiffly, his arms curving in instinctive protection of Baby. "I'm sorry."

"Not your fault." Rollie answered softly. He looked at the doctor with sad eyes. "You didn't know."

Leo McCarthy looked around the tiny apartment of Angie Ramirez. It was furnished with Salvation Army furniture and everything said the person who lived here didn't have money. But she had pride. It was neat and clean, well kept. It felt... homey. He glanced at his partner and hid a smile. The cat they'd found inside was weaving around the shorter man's legs, crying piteously. It almost sounded like it was howling. It was obviously hungry and just as obviously had pegged Francis Gatti as a soft touch. Good instincts, he thought and turned to check the book shelves.

"Uh, I'll check the kitchenette, Leo."

The detective stifled a chuckle. "You do that, Frank. You do that." He picked up the framed photograph of a man and a young woman from one shelf. Was this Angie Ramirez? He turned it over and found someone had written 'Manny and Angie, 1989' on the back. He examined it closely. So this was Angie Ramirez. Her face showed strength and was really very pretty. By society's standards it was too strong to actually be considered beautiful, but... He tilted his head to one side. He decided that she was beautiful and a survivor which only enhanced that beauty, returning the picture to its place. He wondered what Colleen would say about her. Perhaps he would ask, it never hurt to have a woman's opinion. He looked at the books on the shelves, then moved on. I wonder if there's a picture of her 'boy friend', remembering Lucinda Scott's curiosity. He found it on the bed stand - a small photograph of Angie Ramirez with a baby koala in her arms and a tall, slender, young man standing beside her, one arm wrapped around her shoulder, the other in a sling. Both were wearing huge smiles, happy to be together. He frowned thoughtfully, taking in the long hair and the smile. He's shy, Leo thought to himself. This isn't the grin of someone who's made a conquest, it's the smile of someone who's found a friend and maybe the light of his life. Should hang on to her, pal. That's a rare thing indeed in this old world.

Francis came out of the tiny kitchen area. "Nothing there."

"Oh?" Leo responded absently. "Well, I'm not finding much either. A couple of pictures of Ms. Ramirez." He passed the one in his hand over to his partner, curious.

"She's pretty," Frank said automatically. "Guess that must be her Australian 'not boy friend'." He examined the man with a critical eye. The man appeared to be the same age as him with Angie Ramirez being several years younger. He couldn't decide if it was six or eight or longer or shorter. Still, he tilted his head to one side, considering the man with a father's eyes, not a predatory type and smiled in approval.

Amazing how we can judge someone we've never met, just on the way he looks. Leo smothered another laugh. It was so easy to follow Francis' thoughts as they flowed across his face. Of course, I was doing the same thing. "Guess so. Why don't you take that chest of drawers and closet." Let Frank deal with her unmentionables, he should be used to it. "I'll check the bathroom. We need clues, Francis. Something to tell us if she was on set last night setting that bomb or where she is now."

Francis Gatti returned the picture to the night stand. "Yeah." He moved on in their search, hoping to find something that would explain what had happened and where she was. The cat strolled over from his food bowl and joined the detective as he stuck his head in the small closet. He looked down at the small animal as it batted at something soft in the back corner and blushed slightly. One thing to see Sarah's underwear, another to see a stranger's. He wondered if he'd ever get used to the intrusive nature of his work and sighed. He reached up and pulled down a shoe box from the shelf. A glance showed it was full of pictures and small mementos, not shoes. He moved to sit on the bed and sort through the box. The cat followed and stuck its head under the bed, sniffing. A small cloth came sailing out from under the bed, the cat following in a stalk. Francis glanced at it and looked down, only to look back swiftly. He rescued the pad from its attacker and sniffed cautiously. "Uh, Leo? I think we found something."  

Rollie shifted back in his chair, uneasy about the gun pointed at his young charge. He watched the woman and man with sharp eyes hidden behind a veil of soft brown waves.

She sauntered over to Doctor Waugh and his desk. "Put the stones back in the bag, Doctor Barry!"

Barry Waugh shrugged slightly and complied. All things considered, he didn't care about the sapphires. He was more concerned about that gun pointed with unwavering sureness toward his guests, human and koala. He held out the little bag of sapphires.

Sandy Carmichael laughed lightly and accepted the stones. She stepped over to stand in front of Rollie and Baby. "Give it to me." When Rollie just pulled back slightly, pulling Baby closer to his body, she snapped. "NOW!"

Rollie shook his head and answered softly, stubbornly. "No."

Doctor Waugh shifted uneasily and started to speak, just as Carmichael reached forward to pull the koala from the man's arms.

"Run Baby!" Rollie shouted, tossing her toward the curtains. "Climb! Get away!"

Baby obediently scrambled up the curtains. She glanced toward her 'mother', wondering why she was suppose to do this thing. Her mum usually fussed at her for climbing the flimsy things. Why was he encouraging her now? Besides, the tone in her mum's voice was scary. He never shouted.

Sandy Carmichael, furious, hit Rollie in the face. Unfortunately for Rollie, it was with the hand holding the gun. Baby started yipping softly seeing her mum fall to the floor. The woman growled and kicked him in the side. Baby's yips began to grow louder. Carmichael and her accomplice exchanged glances, disturbed by the increasing noise. It was bound to attract attention. She glanced out the windows and stalked to the curtains. The young koala started to scream distressingly like a human baby, shaking. Why didn't her mum get up? Why didn't he come?

Baby's cries attracted attention all right, but not quite what Sandy Carmichael and her friend expected. Reacting to the sounds of a distressed baby, other koalas clambered down out of the nearest trees. Mothers all, they came seeking the source. They grunted angrily as they scrambled on powerful legs toward the verandah.

The man watched them come with wide, surprised eyes. "Um, Sandy? What are they doing?" He pointed outside at the disturbed koalas approaching them.

She glanced out, past the curtains. "Damn! It's this stupid joey. They're coming to find out what's wrong. We don't have time for this!" Eyes flashing, she glared at her employer and the man who started this trouble. "It's all your fault!" She shouted at Tyler as he rose to his knees. She kicked him again, as hard as she could. Rollie went down again with a strangled gasp as the steel tipped boot caught him in the stomach. "I'm warning you, Doctor. Don't try anything! Don't call the police. You do and we'll be back. We'll burn this compound down around your ears!" With a last furious look at Rollie Tyler, she growled. "And I'll kill you and that--that nuisance with pleasure! Come on!" The pair fled the room, heading toward where the motor vehicles were parked. They'd take a sport utility and leave, disappear into the depths of the country. Sandy Carmichael muttered imprecations and curses under her breath. It had all been so perfect! No one had suspected a thing - not until that bushy boy and his pet had shown up. They'd spoiled everything!

Leo joined his partner. "What ya find, Francis?" He looked at the small pad of cloth in the other man's hand. He accepted it cautiously, only touching one corner and sniffed the fading scent on it. "Chloroform. Looks like Ms. Ramirez might just be in trouble." He glanced around the small apartment. "Call it in. Get forensics down here."

"Someone kidnapped her, right Leo?"

"That or Ms. Ramirez has... kinky habits. Call it in, Frank. We've lost enough time."

The shorter detective pulled out his cell phone. "Do you--Do you think she's still alive?"

Looking over at the picture on the night stand of Angela 'Angie' Ramirez and her maybe or maybe not boyfriend. "I hope so, I sure hope so."

Rollie lay on the couch, slightly curled around Baby and his aching stomach. Damn. Bloody hell! That hurt. So did his side and head. Baby murmured softly at her mum, making him smile gently. "You did good, luv." He stroked her back, listening to the doctor on the phone. It'd taken a little while to convince Doctor Waugh that they had to notify the authorities about Carmichael and No-Name. What had finally worked was a quiet comment about how he would feel if they hurt someone else... or worse. That had started the other man into acting. One of the female koalas sat perched on the back of the couch, surveying the room with a majestic air. She was a matriarch and didn't currently have a baby in her pouch or on her back. She seemed to have taken it upon herself to protect this baby and her injured 'mother'. An irritated grunt came from her and Rollie obediently quieted and closed his eyes. He didn't want to argue with the wilder and older koala. The others had returned to the trees and their own charges, apparently content to let this one handle things. She reminded Rollie a bit of one of the elder lubras. Not one he wanted to argue with at all.

Rollie woke from his doze when the police arrived. He answered their questions as best he could and sketched a picture of the rather non-descript No-Name. He accepted the poking and prodding of the medic they brought with them. Sighing deeply when the man insisted he return to the city with them for a 'real' doctor to check him out and perhaps stick him in the hospital. The rotund, mousy haired man hadn't found any signs of a concussion or broken bones, but he was worried something might be ruptured inside where he'd been kicked. He supposed he'd have to go, but what about Baby? Hospitals didn't like koalas inside. He'd already learned that lesson once. He didn't want to go through the argument again. Oh well, don't borrow trouble as his mum used to say. He didn't think he was hurt badly enough to require hospitalization.

The constables turned their questions to Doctor Waugh. He provided a picture of Sandra Carmichael, a description of the vehicle they'd taken, including the license number and in general, corroborated Rollie's part of the tale. The one in charge watched, amused and a bit amazed, as Rollie wandered outside to join them and got into a conversation with the trackers they'd brought. The two local aborigines seemed to accept the young man with open arms. They seriously examined the tracks together and he listened with one ear as they chattered away with each other, seeming to reach a consensus.

Rollie watched the authorities set out, carefully following the trail of the SUV had left. He was fairly certain that the trackers wouldn't get tired of this hunt and would see it through to the end - whatever that end was. They hadn't been happy about the assault on him or the threats to the young joey. He needed that assurance. He didn't want to think of Doctor Sandy Carmichael or her friend coming back and hurting Baby. The senior constable had identified him as someone Sydney police were very anxious to question in regards to a stabbing. Having done what he could, he accepted being bundled into the remaining police vehicle with Baby in his arms. Time to visit a doctor - again. He thought he could get very tired of the repetition of these doctor visits. Rollie decided he needed to do something about it. What he could do, he wasn't quite sure of yet. Perhaps Mangela would have some ideas.

The young Aussie and his charge returned, Rollie in something of a haze due to the painkiller the doctor had made him take. He'd been cleared, a bit reluctantly but cleared none the less. The x-rays, EMGs and other tests hadn't found any signs of internal bleeding or such. Thank goodness! He really had had enough of hospitals for a while. He was badly bruised though and it was going to hurt more, a lot more, before it got better. Oh well, wasn't the first time. He smiled a bit wanly at Doctor Waugh, who met him at the door.

"Are you all right, Rollie?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just give me a little time." He blinked owlishly, feeling the painkiller.

"Perhaps you should lie down for a while." The doctor wrapped a gentle hand around his arm and guided him to his room. "But first, I thought you might like to call your friend." He nodded to the telephone they'd placed in his room.

"I..." Rollie stared at the phone, astonished. "I... Yeah. I would."

"Well, I'll leave you to a bit of privacy. 2254 will reach me in my office if you need anything. Dial 9 to get the outside line." He walked toward the door. "Oh, and Rollie. Don't fret about the cost." He left with Rollie's soft, heart felt "Thank you" in his ears, thinking that was the least they could do for their abused guest.

Rollie stared at the telephone for a moment. Perhaps he should wait. It was late on the Eastern coast of the United States. Angie probably needed her rest. It would be the middle of the night there. He could wait. It... it wasn't that important that he talk to her. It didn't have to be right this moment. He settled Baby on the pillow and reached down, carefully, because it still hurt in spite of the pain killer, to remove his shoes. He'd lie down for a bit. He could call Angie later in the evening, perhaps after dinner. Yeah, that's what he would do...  

In spite of the painkiller, Rollie couldn't seem to fall asleep. He glanced over at the phone with longing in his eyes. He really shouldn't call her and yet... Memories of his dreams rose to haunt him. Baby murmured in his ear and nuzzled his neck. He reached up and stroked her gently. And yet... He turned over on to his back, trying to ignore the temptation. He'd waited this long, surely he could wait a few more hours! No, he couldn't. He sat up with groan. Damn, he was already getting stiff. He petted Baby once more, then reached for the phone. Carefully, Rollie dialed the international phone number he'd memorized when Angie had gone home. He made sure he dialed that 9 to get out first. He held his breath, waiting for Angie to answer. She would forgive him. Surely she would! Three rings. Four rings.

A soft click and he was finally hearing her voice again. "You have reached the residence of Angie Ramirez. I'm away at the moment. If you would leave a name and number with a brief message at the sound of the beep, I'll get back to you. Thank you." Beep.

Beep? A bloody answering machine! Bloody damn hell! Oh well, he took a deep breath. "Angie, this is Rollie. Sorry to be calling so late. Um," he hesitated, the doctor wouldn't mind him giving out this number to Angie. "Um, if you'd call me at..."

There was another click and a man's voice came on. "Hello?"

"Uh," Rollie wondered if he'd made a big mistake calling now. Sounded like Angie might be... entertaining.

"Sir? Are you still there?"

"Uh, yeah. I'm here." Rollie swallowed nervously. Bloody hell.

"My name is Leo McCarthy. I'm a detective with the New York Police Department."

A detective?!? Bloody hell! What was a detective doing answering Angie's telephone? Please let him be her new boy friend. Please, please, please.

"Sir? Your name's Rollie, right? Rollie what?"

"Tyler. Rollie Tyler."

"Mister Tyler, when was the last time you heard from Ms. Ramirez?"

Oh BLOODY HELL!!! He wasn't Angie's boyfriend. He was... No. Please let her be all right. Please let her be all right. "Um, I got a letter, uh, a couple of weeks ago." He took a deep breath. "What's going on, Detective McCarthy?" When there wasn't an immediate response, he felt a cold chill in his stomach. "Please, where's Angie? What's going on?"

"That's what we're trying to find out, Mister Tyler. No one has seen Ms. Ramirez since yesterday and we... have a few questions we'd like to ask her."

Questions? Why did the police want to question Angie? And where was she? Why...

"Mister Tyler, if you hear from her, would you contact me immediately and ask her to call as well?"

Hear from her? What? Anything he got would be old news. Angie certainly wouldn't be calling him, he didn't have a bloody phone she could call him at! Except... The phone at the pub. He could call Mister Brown. Leave the number with him and... Oh! The detective! "Uh, yeah. Yeah, I can do that." He listened carefully to the phone numbers the American gave him, writing them down and repeating the numbers to make sure he got it right. He might have to call them himself as much as he hated that thought. This McCarthy might be the only way for him to find out what had happened to Angie. "Yes sir, I--I'll do that."

He listened to the buzz of the disconnected telephone for a minute, before carefully hanging it up. What had happened to Angie? Where was she? Why were the police looking for her? If it hadn't been for this McCarthy bloke, he might of thought she was working nights or... or on location or something. But... He shivered and pulled Baby close, hugging her. Where was Angie? What was going on? He sat there, the questions whirling around his head, staring at nothing. Later, and he never knew how much later it was, if it was a few moments or a hour, Baby yipped softly and tugged at her mother. She was hungry. The Aussie shook himself slightly. Baby was hungry. He had to feed her. Whatever... Whatever had happened to Angie, Baby still needed him. He stood somewhat shakily. He had to fix her bottle. Maybe get her some nice juicy, tender leaves to nibble. He looked down at the young koala in his arms and almost cried. He wanted to find Angie. He wanted to go to New York City and find Angie Ramirez! His heart fairly screamed at him to go. And he couldn't. He couldn't abandon his responsibility to Baby. How long? How long would it take to get her to accept someone else? Doctor Waugh, perhaps. Or maybe a female koala would adopt her? How long would it take though? And what was happening to Angie while he played nurse maid to an... an animal? He scrambled blindly through his drawers, pulling out her bottle. Why? Why couldn't he go?

Rollie stumbled out into the hall, turning toward the kitchen. Formula. Baby needed her milk. He tried to focus on the task at hand. Going to pieces wouldn't help Baby or Angie! Baby... Baby might be all that he had left of the beautiful woman who'd wandered into his life for too brief a time. She... He stopped walking. Something was in his way. He blinked.

Doctor Barry Waugh looked up into his guest's face, surprised by the paleness and shakiness he was exhibiting. He hadn't been this bad before. He'd been a bit dazed, but... "Rollie? Are you all right?" Had the doctors missed something? Was young Tyler hurt worse than any of them had realized? He looked like he was in shock. They must have missed something.

Rollie blinked and focused abruptly. "Doctor Waugh? Oh. Sorry. Baby's hungry. I need to fix her bottle."

The doctor reached out, gently touching Rollie's arm. "Are you all right?" When Rollie nodded his head. He tugged him toward the kitchen. "Are you sure? You... You're looking a bit pale."

"I'm all right. I..." He looked around the large kitchen, a bit bewildered.

"Here's the formula for the young koalas." Doctor Waugh handed it to the younger man. He watched with sharp eyes, as Rollie measured it out and set about fixing the bottle, his hands shaking. "Rollie. Are you sure you're all right?"

"I'm... I'm fine." Rollie concentrated on his task, refusing to look up. "I'm fine."

"Did you call your friend?" Barry asked, watching his guest with sharp eyes.

"C--ca--call?"

"Your friend? In New York? The one who found Baby?" He prompted gently.

"I..." Rollie closed his eyes and swallowed. When he opened them and looked at his host, they were haunted. "I called. Sh--sh--she wasn't there. Sh--sh-she..." He sat abruptly and looked up at the older man, his eyes pleading. "A detective answered the phone. They're looking for Angie. Sh--she... Why would the police be looking for Angie?" He begged, desperately seeking reassurance.

Police? "I don't know, Rollie. Did the detective say anything else?"

Rollie took a deep breath and cuddled Baby close. "He said... He said they had some questions for her and... And that no one has seen her since yesterday." He stared at his young charge, his warring emotions clear upon his face.

"Oh. Well, perhaps it's nothing. Maybe..." He searched for something, a possibility. "Maybe she saw something and they have some more questions. A mugging or... something. And a day. That's not long, not really. She might not know the police want to talk to her and might be visiting a friend or something."

"Ma--maybe." Rollie hugged Baby and stood. He returned to fixing her meal with carefully controlled motions. Maybe he was making it out to be worse than it was. It wasn't like Angie was expecting him to call or anything. She was a grown woman, capable. And she was working too, he bet. He, of all people, should know the irregularities of a movie crew member's life. He'd left the message or... Would it be there? That detective had picked up the phone and interrupted the recording. He'd call again in a bit. Leave a new one. And he would call Mister Brown and leave the number here, just in case Angie called there. With a silent prayer, he presented Baby her bottle and cuddled her close as she started to suck it. Angie would be fine. Of course. He stroked Baby's back, gently. She was fine. It turned into a mantra in his head. Angie was fine. Angie was fine. He tried a smile on the doctor. "I... You're probably right. I'm probably fretting over nothing. After Baby finishes her bottle, I'm going to lie back down. I think I really need that nap. The pain meds are muddling me."

Doctor Waugh reached over and gently ruffled Baby's fur. "I expect you're right. It's going to be fine, Rollie. You'll see." He left them to the young koala's meal. He only hoped it would be fine.

Leo stared thoughtfully at the phone. Well, that must have been Ramirez's maybe/maybe-not boyfriend. He'd certainly sounded Australian. Rollie Tyler. He rolled the name around. So, he hadn't heard from Angie Ramirez recently. He'd been surprised to get the detective too. Leo glanced around the empty apartment. A couple of hours ago, he'd dropped Francis off at his place, along with the cat. They'd found its carrier and after it had been cleared by the forensics team, had spent at least a hour trying to corral the cat or coax it into the pet carrier. Finally, when they hadn't been looking, it had just strolled in there and curled up for a nap. The moment he saw that, he'd pounce on the door, shutting it and locking the cat in. That had taken way too long. He was glad he didn't have to explain why he was late. He chuckled softly, wondering what Francis Gatti had said to his missus. After grabbing a quick bite, Leo had returned to see if the search had turned up anything useful. They were done, but, unfortunately, hadn't found anything immediately useful. They'd picked up a few prints though. Maybe there was something there. He'd just have to wait. And at least he'd gotten to talk to Rollie Tyler. Maybe he would hear something and call back. He took a last look around, then walked out and locked the door. Or maybe not.  

Doctor Barry Waugh hung up the phone with a feeling of satisfaction. Now, he just had to talk to Rollie Tyler. There was a bounce in his step as headed for his guest's room. He knocked softly on the door.

Rollie jerked awake from his uneasy doze. What? He sat up and pulled Baby close. "Come in."

"Rollie!" The doctor paused a moment. "Did I wake you?"

"No, no. I wasn't really asleep. What can I do for you, Doctor Waugh?"

The doctor smiled. "I have a favor to ask of you, Rollie. You and Baby." He reached out and gently scratched behind the young koala's ears. Normally, if they were intent on returning a koala to the wild, they kept contact with them to a minimum, only doing what was necessary. Baby, strangely enough, seemed to tolerate others only as long as Rollie Tyler was there and said it was all right. He had a feeling that if the Aussie was out of the room, the koala joey, now calmly accepting his attention so quietly, would be fussing at him from the top of some high place. Amazing!

Rollie blinked and looked at the doctor. "What favor?" He asked softly.

"Oh," Barry shook himself from his distracted thoughts. "I thought you might agree to take Baby for a trip. A friend of mine with the Wildlife Conservation Society has been begging for us to send a koala to them for a visit. I thought that you and Baby would be perfect for the task."

"Oh," Rollie hugged Baby close, stroking the young koala's soft fur. He'd been hoping to find someone else to take care of her, either Doctor Waugh or perhaps a real koala. He glanced out the window, torn by his need to find Angie and help her and his need to keep his young charge safe. Once more, he tried to convince himself Angie was fine and didn't need help.

"Admittedly, it's a long trip, but I think Baby will handle it just fine with you there." Barry felt a grin tug at the corners of his mouth. "I know that spring's a bit cool in New York City at the moment, but it should warm up nicely in a couple of weeks."

New York City? Rollie blinked again and shook his head. He had to be hearing things. New York City? He looked at Doctor Waugh with hopeful eyes. "New York?"

"Yes, the W.C.S. runs several zoos and centers there. Scott, my friend, Scott Miller, has been requesting a koala to show to the children at the Prospect Park Wildlife Center. The center is geared for children and one of their most frequently received requests is to see a real, live koala." His friend had been grumpy when he'd been woken from a sound sleep, but when Barry'd asked about the possibility of Baby coming for a visit, he'd jumped at the chance. All had been forgiven and arrangements begun, dependent upon Rollie Tyler's agreement.

"Baby and I would be delighted to visit your friend and the children, Doctor Waugh." Rollie gave the doctor a sunny smile.

Barry Waugh beamed, happy to be able to help. He rubbed his hands together. "Now, we have to get busy. We'll need to get you a passport and papers for Baby..."

"I've got a passport at home." Rollie interrupted, rubbing one hand over his face. "I'll need a few other things too. I'll call Mister Brown. He can send Bonzer to collect them and send them on here." He looked around the room. It wouldn't take long to pack his little bag. "What about feeding Baby?"

"I'll get you some formula and we'll pack a few leaves. Good thing, she's still on the bottle mostly. We'll send fresh leaves every other day while you're there, plus they do have a few eucalyptus growing in the States." He nodded thoughtfully. "I can make arrangements on Qantas for your trip. How long do you think to get your things from home?"

"No more than a day." He laughed at the doctor's surprised look. "You might be surprised at how quick the bush telegraph can work when it needs to. They'll probably give my stuff to Doctor Jock. He'll fly it to Alice and put it on a flight from Alice to here. No, a day's plenty."

"Well, why don't you make that call and get things moving? I'll get ready for Baby's exam."

"Will do, Doc!" Rollie was practically humming as he dialed the number for Mister Brown's pub. It felt so good to be doing something, instead of worrying. He was going to the US of A! He was going to see Angie! He didn't know what was going on or where she was, but he was sure of that. After all, he was going to New York City! Obviously, anything could happen. It didn't take long to reach Joe Brown and Rollie was promised that he and Bonzer would see to everything. He'd carefully described the bag he wanted and where it was located to the other man. It contained everything he would need for his trip, not just his passport, but other things as well. He hung up, assured that his bag would arrive safely and in a timely fashion at the Melbourne airport.

The young Aussie clucked at Baby, cuddling her close. "We're going to see Angie, luv. Do you remember Angie?" He tickled her gently under her chin. He noticed her attention focusing on the door and stood to open it. There he found one of the others, he'd been introduced to the night before. Was it only last night? So much had happened! Roberta 'Just call me Bobby' Savitch was a middle aged woman and much nicer than Doctor Sandy Carmichael. Bobby was open and friendly. She was also a volunteer at the center, offering a willing pair of hands to help out with the koalas that needed it.

"Hello Rollie. I'm here to show you the way to the clinic." She smiled warmly up at the brown haired man and looked at the small koala in his arms. "Hello! You must be Baby. I've been wanting to meet you."

"Yes, this is Baby." He coaxed the young koala to his shoulder. He felt three of her paws clutching at the shearling vest and her fourth paw grabbed a tight hold of a lock of his hair. The one habit he hadn't managed to dissuade her from and it had to be grabbing his hair. Oh well, at least she didn't pull it - much.

"She's lovely. This way, Rollie, Baby."

They followed her down the hallway, turned left and walked toward the end of that hall. This place was a good size. He peeked into one of the rooms on the way and saw a teen aged boy sorting through some eucalyptus branches. Another room showed a young woman with a baby koala tucked into a shearling pocket. This baby was much younger than Baby and seemed disinterested in the bottle the woman was trying to get her to take. Rollie stopped and stepped silently into the room. "What's wrong with her?" He asked softly.

The woman jumped slightly and glanced up at the man. "She lost her mother on the highway. Poor thing, so young. She has a broken leg too. We can't seem to get her to eat and if she doesn't eat..." She looked up at the man with the koala clutching his shoulder and hair.

"Let me give it a try," Rollie accepted the bottle and sat in the chair. Baby murmured softly in his ear as he tried to coax the little one to accept her milk. He gently slipped one finger inside the pouch and ran it through her fur, acting like he was grooming her. He sighed as the baby didn't even look at him. Poor wee thing. Frowning thoughtfully, he reached up and scratched Baby's back. He poured a little milk on his finger and stuck it near the injured joey's mouth, trying to get her to suck on it. When she didn't pay any attention, he literally stuck it against her mouth. At first, he thought it wasn't working, then he felt the softest of licks. All right, that gave her a taste, now for a bit more. He gently placed the nipple of the bottle up to her mouth and squeezed a bit out so it dripped milk. Everyone held their breath as the baby just lay there, then slowly, cautiously licked the nipple. Suddenly feeling her hunger, she latched on to the nipple and started sucking. "That's a good girl." Rollie smiled in relief. "I think you can take her from here." He told the woman.

"Thank you." She sat down, accepting the bottle and gently reached in to stroke the little joey with a finger, mimicking Rollie's movements.

"Thank you, lad. We were worried about that one." Bobby beamed up at the taller man.

Rollie blushed slightly. "No problem."

"I'm surprised she didn't bite you, actually."

Rollie grinned. "She smelled the milk. Much more interesting than biting me. Besides, I expect I smell a bit like a koala with Baby here."

Bobby led him to the end of the hall and they stepped into the antiseptic smell of a medical clinic. Rollie glanced around curiously.

"Right. Let me examine Baby so she'll have a clean bill of health." Doctor Waugh gestured for Rollie to place Baby on the padded table. He did, careful to hold her gently and scratch behind her ears, muttering soft reassurances to his charge. Baby sat patiently through the exam, only occasionally clutching at Rollie.

"That orphan from the highway is eating now, Doctor Waugh." Bobby informed him.

"Oh good. I was worried about her." He responded absently. "I guess she finally got hungry enough to eat, huh?"

"Actually, Rollie got her to eat." She told the doctor with a twinkle in her eye.

"Rollie? You got our 'problem' case to eat? Good for you, old son!" He praised the blushing man.

"It was nothing, really," Rollie responded softly.

"Nothing? No, it wasn't 'nothing', Rollie. We would have lost that one if she didn't start eating soon. Thank you."

Rollie blushed and ducked his head, nodding slightly. He watched the doctor and the volunteer closely. He wondered how long it would take Barry Waugh to realize the woman working so efficiently with him was in love with him. He hid a grin, thinking about it.

"There. All done, Baby. That wasn't so bad, now was it?" Doctor Waugh laughed as Baby grunted at him in disgust.

Rollie gently gathered Baby back up. "So, how's my little girl?" He rubbed his nose against Baby's cheek.

"She's fine, Rollie. Very healthy. I didn't even find any leeches."

"Leeches?" Rollie looked indignant. "Not on any of my charges!"

Barry laughed. "No, I can see that, but we usually find a couple on every koala, even the healthy ones. You've kept Baby very well groomed."

Rollie smiled. "I've done my best." Baby climbed up to his shoulder and muttered softly as she grabbed a handful of hair. She leaned against his neck, burying her nose against his hair and murmured at him.

"She should have a passport," Bobby said, nodding at the notion.

"A passport?" Doctor Waugh looked surprised. "Bobby, she's a koala. Koala's don't have passports!"

"Well, why not? She's going traveling, isn't she?" Bobby waved a finger under Barry's nose. "Lot farther than I've ever been and I've got a passport. She should have one too."

Barry Waugh shook his head and sputtered. "But..."

"With a picture! Come on, Rollie. We've got to take Baby's picture." Bobby led the bemused man out of the clinic and down the hall. He was even more bemused as she made a phone call and he listened to one side of the conversation. "Bobby? This is Bobby. -- Yes, I need an emergency passport issued. -- Not for me, silly! It's for Baby. Baby Tyler! She's going to the States tomorrow. -- No, I have her picture, quite charming. -- No, of course she doesn't have a birth certificate, but she is obviously Australian. -- Oh, you'll see. We'll be 'round in just a bit. -- See you then, Bobby!"

"Baby Tyler?" Rollie looked at his charge, then at her picture and blinked.

"Well, they need a last name for the passport and you've adopted her. So, Baby Tyler."

"She should probably have a real name, you know. I mean, she won't always be a baby." Rollie offered tentatively.

"Oh, I don't know, it seems to suit her." Bobby laughed softly. "Besides the rest of the world already seems to think we're all crazy anyway, so why not use Baby for a name?"

"Yeah, maybe." He tickled Baby and chuckled as she tried to tickle him back. "Angie and me, we were going to name her, but then those poachers showed up and, well, it sort of got sidetracked in the excitement."

"I expect. So, we have her picture and Bobby should just about have the paperwork ready. So, let's go!"

Rollie smiled at her enthusiasm and followed obediently. "Maybe they're right and we are crazy," he whispered in Baby's ear. He rather liked the notion of Baby having her own passport.  

Rollie blinked and looked at the man sitting at the desk in front of him. Bobby proved to be the doctor's Bobby's cousin and he thought he might get a headache keeping the Bobbys straight. They were chattering rapidly and he wondered if it was like a family secret language or something. Fortunately, Bobby was as taken with Baby and Bobby's notion of having a passport for her as Bobby was. Equally, fortunate, Bobby was placed rather high on the government food chain. So he soon had Baby Tyler's passport in his hands. He showed Baby her picture and she chittered at him. "You're absolutely right. It doesn't do you justice, but then that's the way of passports." He told her solemnly. The two Bobbys laughed and Bobby said good bye to his cousin and her new friends. The Aussie and koala followed Bobby obediently back to the car.

"When do you think your bag will get here, Rollie?" Bobby asked as she started the car.

"Don't know. I expect Mister Brown will call with the information." He looked at her pensive face. "Don't worry, Bobby. It'll get here in time."

"And then you and Baby will be on your way." Bobby tried to smile brightly.

"Well, yeah. I guess so." He looked out the window of the car, thinking. He'd only just met Bobby and Doctor Waugh and yet it felt like longer. Hard to believe he'd just gotten here yesterday and already he was leaving on a journey. I'll miss them! The thought surprised him. Well, he'd have to come back, wouldn't he? Baby would get older and need to find a mate. And he'd probably have to testify when they caught Sandy Carmichael and her 'friend'. He tried to remember if the police had given a name for him. He'd been a bit out of it, but... Oh yeah! Sonny Carson. He wondered about that. Sonny Carson - Sandra Carmichael were awful similar to each other. "I wonder if they're related."

"What?" Bobby glanced at the younger man. "Who's related?"

"Sandy Carmichael and Sonny Carson." He looked at her. "The names are similar. Maybe one is an alias?"

Bobby blinked as she stared at the road ahead. Related? Maybe Rollie was on to something. She'd have to mention it to Mitch. He'd know where to go with the notion. "I don't know. But... It's a possibility. I'll ask Mitch."

"Mitch?"

"The senior constable you met yesterday."

"Oh." Rollie hesitated, then his mouth quirked. "Another cousin?"

"Well, yeah." Bobby laughed. "I have a lot of cousins!"

"Very useful, they are too!" Rollie laughed, ignoring the swift flash of jealousy. He wished... Don't go there, sonny boy, that's just the way life is.

Bobby chuckled as they lapsed into a companionable silence. They returned to the compound and got out of the car.

Baby muttered a bit and then clambered down Rollie. She sat at his feet, looking around carefully. "I swear sometimes I think she thinks I'm a tree, not her mother like everybody claims."

"Who knows? Maybe you're both." Bobby responded.

Doctor Waugh came down off the verandah, walking toward them. Bobby turned to him and Rollie once more wondered how the man could be so blind to what was obvious to him. Baby grunted and scrambled into a run for a nearby tree using that funny rolling gait of a koala on the ground. ... Right in front of Bobby who stumbled, trying to avoid Baby, and would have fallen if Barry hadn't reached out and caught her. Rollie almost snickered as their eyes met in surprise. He decided to go after Baby and leave them alone.

"Baby," Rollie said warningly as he caught up with just as she reached his head height up the tree, "I swear young lady, if I thought you did that on purpose...!" He let the threat hang as she yipped softly in response, reaching over to clutch some of his hair. "Yeah, go on. Enjoy yourself while you can. I don't think we'll find many places for you to climb in New York." She let go of him and he watched as she scrambled the rest of the way up the tree. He gave a quick glance over at the doctor and volunteer and snickered. People were so... oblivious at times. He wondered if he was ever that bad. Probably, since he was only human too and not a koala. He looked up at Baby, even the young ones seemed to be too smart for his good. He chuckled and leaned against the tree to wait. All right, she pulls my hair sometimes. At least she doesn't kick me where it hurts. He rubbed his sore stomach. Black and blue all over, that's what he was.

Leo rubbed at his eyes and looked at Colleen's monitor again. "So, is that much insurance normal for a movie?"

Colleen, a pretty middle aged woman with blonde hair hanging to her shoulders in a gentle curve, glanced at Leo in mild disbelief. "How should I know, Leo? Movies cost money to make, but I don't know what's normal."

"Can you find out?" Maybe he should see an eye doctor, it was getting hard to see some things like small print. He sighed. Getting old, Leo. He hated to admit it, but he was.

"I can poke around a bit, compare it to other movies, but I don't know what to compare it to." She frowned at the screen, a line furrowing her brow.

The detective smiled at her. Colleen was a real gem, all woman and she always looked beautiful to him, even when she was frowning. "Did you find anything on the... What did they call them, Frank?"

"Backers, Leo."

"The backers? The ones with the money financing this thing?"

"Not a lot, not yet. But... I think you'll be interested in the producer." She popped a new screen up and sat back, feeling slightly smug at digging up something before her sometime boy friend.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't our old pal, Ricky Scapetti. Since when do mob boss wannabes get into the movies?" Ricky Scapetti wasn't a Scapetti or a Ricky. His real name was Luicius Stanislaw. He had fond dreams of becoming a big mob boss as opposed to a bookie and numbers runner. Man should stick with what he knew best, making money off of suckers betting on the ponies. Not having pretensions of being a member of a mob. It was a wonder the real bosses hadn't shut him down. Probably found the weasel amusing.

"Since his latest girl friend wants to be a star," Colleen grinned as she said it. "According to my research on the movie, she's suppose to be Breen's newest discovery."

"Yeah, right. More like his newest link to the piggy bank. Make the man with the money happy and you get more money."

"Maybe laundered money?" Francis chipped in.

"Maybe. Good thought, Francis." Leo placed his hands on the police researcher's shoulders. "Can you check it out?"

"I'll add it to the list, Leo," she responded drily.

"Gina Marconni." Leo frowned thoughtfully. "I don't remember talking with her. Did you, Frank?"

"Nope. I don't think she was on set that day." Frank brightened as he thought of something. "I could ask Lucinda Scott about her."

"You do that, Frank, you do that. And see what she knows about our producer here. Get the inside angle," Leo straightened up, "And I'll pay a visit to Mister Scapetti."

"Be careful. If I remember right, Scapetti doesn't like you, Leo."

"Feeling's mutual. I don't like him either. Don't worry so much."

McCarthy glared daggers at the two goons who escorted him to Scapetti's den. Both were big, muscular and brainless, totally interchangeable. He wondered briefly if anyone in Scapetti's so-called mob had any real brains.

"Leo McCarthy." Ricky Scapetti drawled out in what he fondly thought was a tough voice. "To what do I owe the displeasure?"

"Well, Mister Scapetti, I'm investigating the explosion down at Nick Breen's film site..."

"You mean the sabotage caused by that ungrateful brat, Ramirez?"

"I mean the explosion caused by yet unidentified parties," McCarthy responded in a smooth tone. "Is that what Breen told you? That Ramirez did it."

"She had the... expertise," Scapetti said, "and thinks Nicky killed her father. Total delusion, of course."

"Of course. Funny, Breen didn't mention anything to me, until I mentioned her." Leo examined the well appointed den with a practiced eye. "So, Ricky, what happens to the film now?"

"Ricky!"

The grating tone of Gina Marconni's voice rasped across Leo's nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard. He added nausea to his headache as Ricky Scapetti simpered at the woman. She was easy on the eyes, but not on the ears, that was sure.

"What do you need my dove?"

"Ricky, they're not going to shut down my movie, are they?" Tears filled her eyes. "I'll never be a star if they shut down."

"Nonsense, my love, the show must go on and it will. I promise you." He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Detective McCarthy will find the ones who tried to harm your career and Mister Breen will begin again. Trust me, my little turtle dove."

"Oh please," Leo muttered under his breath. He decided he better leave before he threw up on Ricky's expensive Persian carpet and had to pay for it to be cleaned. "I'll be in touch." He said more loudly. "Come on, boys, show me the way out of here," leading the two goons back to the front door. So, Ricky didn't seem to care about the amount of money he poured into his latest infatuation's career. He wondered if the knowledge was worth the headache he now had. Leo started his unmarked and headed over to the studio lot. Hopefully, Francis was having better luck than he was.

Lucinda looked at her freshly manicured fingernails and then at Francis. Nothing she liked better than a chance for some good juicy gossip. Well, except some really good girl talk or a hunk of a man maybe. "Well, Gina Marconni thinks she can make it in the business, but she doesn't stand a chance. Not really. She doesn't have the guts or the staying power." She glanced around the almost empty set, carefully checking for anyone too close to hear. "Or the talent. No talent whatsoever. The only reason she's the star is she's the producer's girl friend and... She and Mister Breen have been... Well, you know."

Francis blinked, his eyes a bit glazed from listening to Lucinda rambling. "Un, no I don't know. What has she been doing with Mister Breen?"

"They've been..." Luce glanced around again, more carefully this time, "boffing in his trailer between scenes."

"What?" Frank sputtered, startled. Was Breen really stupid enough to fool around with the producer's girl friend?

"Yeah! Honest, I caught them going at it one day. Well, I didn't walk in on them or anything, but I heard them... You know? You know."

"Uh, yeah. I'm sort of getting the picture here. Thanks Lucinda."

"So, you can tell me, Frankie. Is Mister Scapetti really a gangster?" Luce leaned closer to Gatti, eager to get the real lowdown.

"Nah, he's just a bookie. A big time bookie, but a bookie. Know what I mean?"

Luce leaned back with a disappointed sigh. "Yeah. Hey, you guys found Angie yet?" The more time passed, the more worried she was getting. She'd had visions of some of Scapetti's 'boys' giving her cement overshoes or something. Did gangsters really do that?

"Not yet. Leo talked to her friend in Australia though."

Lucinda perked back up. "Really? What's he like? Is he cute?"

"I talked to him, Ms. Scott, as on the telephone." Leo spoke up as he joined them. "So, no, we don't know if he's 'cute'," conveniently neglecting to mention the picture they'd found at her apartment. "And he hasn't heard from her for a couple of weeks. Seemed a bit upset about talking to me and very concerned about Ms. Ramirez. He doesn't know what's going on at the moment."

"Oh," she responded, disappointed.

"You about done, Francis?"

"Yeah, Leo. Talk to you later, Luce."

The two men walked away, heading for their cars.

"Luce?"

"Well, yeah, she's a nice lady, Leo."

"So, tell me, Frank. Does your wife know about the nice lady?"

"Leo, Sarah knows everything."

"Everything, huh?" Leo smiled as they stopped at their cars. "So she doesn't happen to know where Ramirez is, does she?"

Francis did a double take, then grinned. "No, Sarah's good, but she's not that good." His grin widened. "Yet." He got into his car.

Leo laughed and got into his own car. He leaned out the window toward Francis. "So, did the nice lady have anything interesting to say?"

"Yeah, she did. I'll tell you back at the precinct."

Leo put on his sunglasses. "Right."

Angie Ramirez groggily shook her head and tried to look around. She was in a cramped, uncomfortable position and it felt like she was on the floor. Why was she on the floor and why was it so dark? Was it night? Or... She shook her head again and noticed the feeling of cloth. A blindfold? She tried to shift her position and felt the ropes holding her. Ropes? She was tied up and blindfolded! Why? What was going on? She tried to remember what had happened and how she'd gotten in this mess... Whatever this mess was! It wouldn't come. "Hello?" She called softly, wondering if she should. It probably wasn't a wise idea to call attention to herself and yet... She wanted to know what was going on. She needed to know what was going on! "Is anybody here?"

A rustling sound reached her ears and then heavy footsteps. Hands reached down and turned her over.

"What is going on? Please?" She tried not to beg, but she really wanted to know what was going on here. A cloth pressed against her face and she struggled against the ropes and hands. No! The sickly, sweet smell was familiar - she'd smell this before and... Awareness faded with a chuckle filling her ears and her heart with dread. She didn't feel herself lifted from the floor and being carried away.

Rollie stood in the middle of the Melbourne airport, checking the flight numbers from Alice. There it was, the flight with his things. It was on time too. Good. He smiled at Doctor Waugh. "I can't thank you enough, Doctor. You've been very kind to Baby and me." He reached into the baby pouch lined with wool shearling which was snugly fastened to his chest and scratched his charge's head. She was curled up, asleep in the pouch that Bobby had provided him. It was a compromise for transporting Baby on the international flight. They'd first suggested a baby seat, but Rollie knew with absolute certainty that she wouldn't accept it for long. The pouch held her close to him and, added to her own strong paws, would keep her safe if the flight encountered rough weather. It would also provide Baby with a place to hide from the attention she was bound to attract. Even she'd get tired of it on this long of a flight. Over a day was a very long time.

"It was our pleasure, Rollie. I just wish it could have been longer... and quieter!"

"Yeah, guess we did have quite a bit of excitement. Do you think they'll catch them?"

"I don't know." Barry shrugged. "I hope so."

They drifted over to the gate, waiting for the plane to land. Mister Brown had passed on a message from Doctor Jock. The pilot of this flight had his bag and would pass it out as soon as they landed. Rollie stood patiently waiting while the doctor wandered around restlessly. A short time later, Rollie had his bag and his long legs was eating the distance to the international terminal.

"Wait a minute, Rollie," Doctor Waugh called after him.

"What is it, Doctor?" Rollie turned back and joined him.

"You would probably like something to read on the flight." He nodded to the little bookstand. "It's a long way and you can't sleep the entire time."

"Good idea." It didn't take long for Rollie to pick out a couple of books. Doctor Waugh insisted on paying for them.

"You've already done so much." Rollie lamented, thinking of the American money in several of his pockets, the plane tickets and the hotel accommodations waiting for them on the other side of the world.

"Not enough, Rollie. Not nearly enough. You've only been here a short time, but we'll miss you. You and Baby."

"We'll miss you too, Doctor Waugh. You've been very good to us."

They stopped and spoke with the Australian customs people at the entry to the international terminal. Baby was introduced to all of them and they were delighted by her passport. "Give the Yanks something to talk about, she will." One inspector said as they cleared her and the gum leaves Rollie was carrying. "I hope someone will be meeting you on the other side. They might give you a spot of trouble."

"Don't worry, Rollie. Scott will be meeting you when you arrive. He'll get you through the red tape." Doctor Waugh hastily assured him.

Rollie hid a smile. "I remember." Besides, he had dealt with red tape before and still remembered the lessons Dingo had taught him. Not that he was going to hide Baby or her food or who he was or what he was doing. He wondered what the doctor would have to say if he knew about the U.S. permanent resident papers he had tucked in with his passport. "We'll be fine."

"I'm sure you will. Well, I guess I best be getting back."

"Yes, Doctor. I'm sure you have plenty of work to do. Thank you for your help and... everything."

Rollie shook hands with Doctor Barry Waugh and watched him walk away. He coaxed Baby back into her new pouch and thanked the customs people. A hour and a half later, they were on their way to Los Angeles, and from there, to New York City... and Angie.    

Rollie and Baby passed the flight to Los Angeles quietly. Fortunately, it wasn't full and the airline gave them the privacy of three seats in first class. While Baby did cause a stir, it was mild compared to the flight to Melbourne. Mostly they slept, ate and Rollie read. Occasionally, he even read to Baby, scratching behind her ears and asking her what she thought of that. The flight attendants smiled at the sight and had a good laugh. Qantas had arranged for their wait in Los Angeles to be in a V.I.P. lounge. Rollie sighed in relief as he allowed both of them to stretch their legs. Baby climbed several chairs and murmured in excitement. A laugh from the door way startled the Aussie. He turned to find a gray haired man of about sixty, impeccably dressed, standing there.

"Koalas are so funny with that rolly poly walk of theirs on the ground, aren't they?" The man asked with a warm smile.

Rollie shrugged thoughtfully. "It's just the way they move."

"I guess so. I'm Thomas James. How has the trip been so far, Mister Tyler?" He held his hand out.

The young Aussie shook his hand, surprised that this man knew who he was. "Just fine, Mister James. Everyone has been very kind and helpful."

"I'm happy to hear that. I'm in charge of the American Airlines operation here in L.A.. We'll be handling the remainder of your flight. We want you and Baby to have a good trip."

"Thank you, Mister James. We appreciate all everyone has done for us, and please, call me Rollie."

"All right, Rollie. If there's anything you need, just ask."

Rollie grinned. "I'll do that."

The executive made his good byes and left. Rollie played with Baby, making sure she got plenty of exercise. Normally, a koala slept a great deal of the time and was most active at night. Baby, however, stayed awake for a much greater time than her wilder cousins or even those in the animal parks and zoos. It didn't seem to matter to her whether it was day or night either. Rollie wasn't sure if this was just Baby or if it had something to do with the time she spent with him. Either way, he wanted her to be quiet and behave on the rest of the flight. She'd been very good so far, but had to be tired of the continual confinement of the plane cabin. Heaven knew, he was tired of it!

A flight attendant stuck her head in the door interrupting their play. "Mister Tyler? The plane will be begin loading soon. We thought you might like to go ahead and board."

"Yes, thank you." Rollie gathered up Baby, placing her in the pouch. He grabbed his small travel bag and his bigger bag, following the attendant to the jet. Soon, they were settled once more in the first class cabin, waiting to resume their journey. Tired by the boredom of the long flight, they slept most of the way to NYC. A bit restlessly and not really restful, but sleep none the less. Rollie stretched and blinked as the announcement of the landing at Kennedy Airport would be soon. He hid a yawn and watched the preparatory motions, disinterestedly. Finally! New York and Angie! He wondered how long it would be before he could get away and find Detective Leo McCarthy. Rollie slipped a hand in his pocket, reassuring himself that he still had the paper with the detective's numbers and precinct on it. Soon... As soon as they dealt with the red tape and Scott Miller! Then he could find out what was happening with Angie Ramirez. Soon...

Rollie reached into the pouch and scratched Baby's ears gently as he waited for all of the other passengers deplane. Once things had quieted down, he stood and gathered up his luggage. He thanked the flight crew with a relieved smile, grateful to not be facing anymore flights for a while. He walked toward the end of the international terminal and hesitated in front of the diverging custom lines. Should he take the returning American or the incoming international? With Baby, it might be best to go through the international. Besides, Mister Miller was probably waiting on the other end of that one. He'd taken one step forward when a large hand came down on his shoulder, clasping it in a tight grip.  

Rollie looked over his shoulder at the big man standing there. Casually dressed, he was mostly bald with one of those faces that didn't show age. As if to make up for the lack of hair on his head, his eyebrows were craggy, thick and dark. "Jase Belden! You old bastard!" Rollie grasped the hand he was offered in a solid handshake. "I'd of thought you'd be working a desk job by now."

"I am, but when I heard you were coming in with a special load, I'd thought I'd meet you, Rollie. So what's with all this hair?" He tugged at a lock of the long, wavy, brown hair gracing the Aussie's head.

Rollie grinned wickedly. "Well, guess I have to make up for those follicularly challenged, Jase."

Belden laughed. "So where's Dingo? And what's he up to now?"

"No idea where he's off to right now. Or what he's doing. Could be anything."

"Same old Dingo."

"Always."

Jase led the way to a door behind customs. He opened it and waved Rollie through. None of the inspectors even looked twice at the two men. "Hi boys and girls!" Jase greeted the men and women who worked under his supervision at Kennedy Airport.

The men and women called out. "Hey Jase!" "What's brings you out of your ivory tower?" "What's up, Jase man?"

"I want you to meet an old friend of mine. This is Rollie Tyler. Yeah, that's right, the guy with the koala. Anyway, like I said he's an old friend and..."

"Can't be that old a friend, Jase! He's not that old." The man laughed heartily at his own joke.

"Well, there's where you're wrong, old son. You see, Rollie is responsible for one of my biggest busts. What was it, Rol? Five thousand kilos of coke?"

"Sounds about right, Jase." Rollie rocked back on his heels, knowing he couldn't get away from the old saw. He recognized the gleam in Belden's eyes.

One of the other inspectors shrugged her shoulders. "Nice haul, but we've done better."

Jase grinned wickedly and threw the punchline. "Not with just the help of a thirteen year old kid."

"Thirteen? Pull the other one, Jase."

"Yep, Rollie was thirteen when he led me to that load. Went down sweet and clean with his help too." He wrapped an arm around the faintly blushing man's shoulders. "The look on that guy's face when that fire extinguisher went off apparently all by itself was absolutely priceless!" He tugged a strand of hair. "You saved my life that day, kiddo."

"Well, I couldn't just hide and watch..."

"Yeah, I know. You're a good kid, Rollie." Figuring Rollie was already too embarrassed, he decided to get down to business. "Now, about this koala?"

"Baby?" Rollie shook himself slightly. He clucked and coaxed her out of the pouch. She chirred at him, scrambling to his shoulder and grabbing a hank of hair.

"Oh, so that is what the hair is for!" Jase laughed softly. "She's a pretty thing. How come you're with her?"

The inspectors clustered around to see the young animal, careful not to get too close or make too much noise.

"Well, I've sort of... been taking care of her since she lost her mum. She hasn't taken too kindly to anyone else." Rollie reached up and rubbed her back. He sighed, a haunted look creeping into his eyes.

"What happened, Rollie?"

The young Aussie looked down. "They'd been snagged by a group of smugglers and poachers. Left Baby and another little joey out in the bush to die." The group of customs people muttered angrily. They knew all about the results of such actions and none of them liked it. "The police caught the gang, but... Her mother didn't survive. The heat and... everything."

Jase rested a large, gentle hand on the shoulder away from Baby. "What else happened, kid?"

"I... I had to ki--ki-kill a man." Rollie looked into his old friend's compassionate eyes. "They were going to kill Angie and the joeys. I--I couldn't let them do that."

"Course you couldn't Rollie." Jase patted the Aussie's back, Baby yipping slightly in distress. "You didn't have a choice. You did what you had to do." He drew back, one hand resting on Rollie's shoulder. "If there had been any other way, you would have found it. I know you, kiddo. You didn't have a choice." Seeking something to draw his friend from the funk he had slipped into, he quirked an eyebrow and leered. "Who's Angie?"

Rollie blushed. "She's a friend. She's really the one who found Baby." He smiled suddenly. "She lives in New York! I'm going to visit her while I'm here."

"Oh ho! Ulterior motive, eh, kid? Good for you." He slapped Rollie on the back and looked around at the group gathered around them. "Where's Toby? I thought I told him to be here?"

"He's checking a cat that just came in from Paris, Jase. Should be back in a minute."

"A cat? Any of the vets can check a cat!"

"Well, this was a tiger cub," a man with gray hair sticking in all directions said as he walked up to the group.

"Ah. Well, in that case, I forgive you for making me wait, Tobe. Now here's Rollie and Baby. Give her a check and let's get this show running." He looked at the others. "The rest of you lot, don't you have work to do?"

"Yes sir!" They chorused, scattering with a laugh.

"Which one's Rollie and which one's Baby?" Toby asked with a straight face.

Jase faked throwing a punch at the other man. "The one with the hair is Rollie," he informed the veterinarian.

"That lets you out, then." Toby shot back without blinking an eyelash.

Belden shook his head and buried his face in his hands.

Rollie smiled. "This is Baby, Doctor. I'm Rollie." He reached out and shook hands with the newcomer.

"Thank you for clarifying that point, Rollie." He clucked at Baby. "Now, young lady, let's check you out." He smiled up at the taller Australian. "You have her papers?"

"Right here." Rollie unfastened an outside pocket on his knapsack and pulled out the papers Doctor Waugh had given him, along with their passports.

"Excellent!" Toby accepted the papers and looked them over. He grinned at the passport with Baby's picture. "A very good likeness, young lady. Much better than most I've seen." He hummed a bit, then asked Rollie to place the young koala on a padded table. When he tried to comply, Baby yipped and held tightly to his hair, refusing to let go.

Rollie looked at the doctor, flustered. "I'm sorry, she's usually better behaved, but..."

"It's been a long flight and she's tired of all the strangeness. I understand. Actually, I'm surprised she's behaving as well as she is. Just hold her still, I'll check her where she is."

Rollie stroked Baby's back and scratched behind her ears. He managed to coax her to hold on to his chest. Toby reached out and gently began to check her out. Baby buried her face against her mother, yipping.

"There, there, Baby. I'm almost done. Can you get her to look at me? I need to check her eyes, nose and throat."

"I'll try." Rollie slipped over and sat on the inspection table. He murmured softly to his charge. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a couple of eucalyptus leaves. "Here you go, luv. How about a gum leaf? Hmm? Come on, that's my good girl." He hugged her and rocked gently back and forth. Finally, after several minutes of just humming softly and rocking, Baby turned to reach for the leaves. The doctor grabbed a gentle but firm hold and hastily finished the checkup. Once freed of the stranger's hands, Baby grunted angrily and climbed around to Rollie's back. Her hind feet planted firmly, she stood there, grunting again as she grabbed two pawfuls of his hair and yipped, her disgust and anger plain.

"Ow! Baby, don't pull." Rollie quietly requested. "Guess that's it. She's had enough for today."

"That's all right. I'm done. Baby's fine and cleared." With that, Toby stamped her papers. He reached over, grabbed another stamp and did the same to her passport. He handed them back with a flourish.

Jase Belden grinned. "Okay and now for you, Rollie. Anything to declare?"

"Just one koala, not quite a year old, and an assortment of eucalyptus leaves." He made a show of frowning thoughtfully. "Oh yeah, and formula!"

"Formula?"

"Yeah, Jase. You know, Baby formula!"

"Ha ha! Very funny, funny man." He grinned as he stamped Rollie's passport and tossed it at him. "Somebody's meeting you, right?"

"Yeah, Scott Miller. He's with the W.C.S.."

"Okay, let's see if we can't find him in this zoo." Jase led the way out into the terminal. "Know where you're staying yet?"

"Not really, Jase. They've arranged a hotel, but I don't know which one." He walked, careful not to turn his head with Baby still perched on his back, gripping his hair tightly.

"Let me know when you get there, okay kiddo?" He handed Rollie one of his business cards. "I've got something for you." He waited a beat. "Besides, I want to find out which hotel will take koala guests!"

"Sure, Jase." Rollie started to ask what he had, when they were interrupted by a whirlwind.

"Mister Tyler?" The whirlwind stopped in front of him and became a wiry, older man in his mid-sixties, wire frame glasses sliding down his nose and wispy white hair. "I'm Scott Miller. Is there any trouble?" He glared at Jase Belden with fire in his light brown eyes.

"No, no trouble. This is an old mate of mine, Jase Belden."

"Yes, I've met Mister Belden before." The fire went out and he smiled benignly at the much bigger customs man. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, that we are."

"Here, let me help you with some of that." He efficiently relieved Rollie of his bigger bag. "This way, Mister Tyler."

"Rollie. Call me Rollie, Mister Miller."

"Only if you call me Scott or Scotty. Doesn't matter which."

"All right, Scotty, lead the way." Rollie called back to his friend. "Talk to you later, Jase!"

"Okay, Rol! Enjoy your stay."

Rollie followed Scotty out to short term parking. There was a cool breeze blowing between the pylons of the parking deck. He felt Baby shiver slightly and her paws shifted. He stopped while she backed down a bit and clambered around to his front. He tried to coax her back into the pouch, but the joey was having no more of that. She clutched the front of his shearling vest and curled into a ball. He sighed and placed a hand on her back.

"Is she all right?" Scotty asked anxiously.

"She's fine. She's just tired of all this rushing about and then sitting still." So am I, Rollie thought to himself. "And it was a bit warmer in Melbourne."

"Of course, well, we'll soon be to your hotel and you can both relax." He led them to a late model Chrysler, unlocking the doors with the remote on his key ring. He popped the trunk and tossed Rollie's bag in there.

Rollie set his small bag in the floor and climbed into the front passenger seat. He tried to fasten the seatbelt with Baby clinging to him, but neither it nor Baby were cooperating.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Miller asked softly.

"Just give us a minute. We'll get there." Rollie sat quietly, resting one hand on Baby's back. Not feeling the cool air anymore, she uncurled a bit and chittered as he coaxed her to his lap. He carefully fastened his seat belt and pulled Baby close. She leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes. Equally tired by the travel and time change, Rollie leaned his head back and closed his eyes as well.

Miller started his car and backed out of the parking space. He paid the parking attendant and pulled into traffic, heading into the city. Grateful it wasn't rush hour, he drove carefully, not wanting to disturb his resting passengers.  

Rollie rolled his head to one side and looked out the window. He would be glad to be someplace that wasn't moving. He gently touched Baby's back. She would too. Travel was okay, but it would be a relief to get where they were going. He sat up straighter, curious about their destination. Who would accept a koala for a guest? That was an interesting problem and a new one for him. Baby shifted in his lap, muttering softly. She grabbed hold of his vest and climbed to his shoulder. Sitting there, she looked out the window. This window was far more interesting than the one on the plane. Still... Where were the trees? Most of the specimens they saw were small and scrawny, not fit for climbing. Baby muttered in Rollie's ear, commenting on what she saw. The Aussie started to worry. Could he handle being in a city again? It had been quite awhile, his brief visits to Alice Springs and now Melbourne hardly counted. Did he still have the instincts he would need to take care of himself and, more importantly, Baby? He took a deep breath and released it slowly. Too late to worry about that now, he would have to cope and so would Baby.

Rollie felt his mouth drop as they pulled to a stop in front of the Hotel Delmonico. He blinked. They couldn't be... Could they? Since Scotty climbed out of the car, he followed, grabbing his small bag from the foot of his seat. He could feel Baby's claws sinking into the vest as she tightened her hold. Scotty removed his larger bag from the boot (trunk, he reminded himself) and led the way to the doors. The doorman smiled at the young koala and the Aussie, tipping his hat and holding the door open. They followed the W.C.S. representative as he walked up to the front desk. He felt Baby's head swivel, her ears brushing against his hair as she took in the well appointed lobby. He craned his head and looked up, taking in the chandelier. He blushed slightly as he heard the murmurs of excitement Baby was causing.

"Rollie?" Scotty gestured to him and he hurried forward.

"Your key, sir." The woman behind the desk smiled warmly and passed the card key to a bell hop. "We hope that you and Baby?" Rollie nodded and she continued, "will enjoy your stay."

The bell hop took Rollie's bag from his unresisting fingers. He also accepted the Aussie's other bag from Scotty. He led them to the elevators.

"Um, Scotty? Are you sure about this?" The Aussie began as he followed them. "I mean, Baby's bound to climb something and scratch the furniture and..."

He chuckled and looked up at Rollie and the koala perched on his shoulder. "Of course she will. But that's okay. We expect it and so does the hotel. I warned the manager when I booked the room. The W.C.S. has already paid the deposit to cover it."

"But..."

"No, no buts, Rollie. Baby will be her charming and natural self. If that means scratched furniture, so be it. Don't worry abou it. I'm sure she'll do less damage than some other animals we've put up."

Rollie blinked, wondering what they had been. "Well, as long as you understand and, um, know what to expect."

"We do." Scott Miller smiled and they got on to the elevator that had just arrived. The guests getting off gaped at the little koala as she chattered at Rollie.

Rollie Tyler was even more stunned when he saw his room or rather, his suite. He took in the large living room that greeted his eyes. He watched as the bell hop put his bags into a large bedroom and blinked as he was shown the dining room, kitchen and another bedroom. Dining room? What did he need a dining room for? Or for that matter, why two bedrooms?!? Was Baby suppose to stay in one? He doubted that! He did breath a small sigh of relief at the kitchen. It would make it easier to keep her food and feed her.

Scotty thanked and tipped the bell hop, then turned to face Rollie. "Is it satisfactory?"

"Satis--satisfactory?!?" Rollie gulped. "It's too much. I don't need all this. It's... It's bigger than my home, Scotty!"

"Better too much, than not enough. We wanted to give you plenty of room and a kitchen." He laughed. "Oh, and we asked for a terrace." He peeked out the curtains. "Yep, got it. We weren't sure about that, but we decided it was better to give Baby something outside too. Uh, she won't climb up the building or something... Will she?" He wrung his hands, suddenly nervous. Maybe the terrace wasn't a good idea after all... Maybe it would lead Baby into ....

"No, it's fine." Rollie suddenly grinned. "If she starts climbing, I'll call her back. She's very good about coming and she doesn't like being too far from me."

Scotty relaxed again. "That's good to know. Now, we would like for you to spend time at several locations while you're here. Give more people a chance to see Baby. I think Barry told you about Prospect Park, but we'd also like for you and Baby to, um, visit the Bronx, Central Park Wildlife Center and Queens Wildlife Center."

Rollie nodded, wondering how soon he'd have to start. He wanted to give Baby a chance to settle down first. And have some time to try and see Angie, find out what was going on.

"Discussing your schedule can wait a couple of days though," Scotty continued. "You and Baby are probably feeling a bit turned around right now, with the time change and all. And I'm sure you're tired from the flight. Take it easy and get settled in. I'll call to arrange for you to meet with some other members of the W.C.S. and we can discuss schedules then. Oh, here's my card. Call me if you need anything and I do mean anything. It doesn't matter what time it is. We want you to enjoy your stay. Oh! And let us know if you think we're asking too much out of Baby. We don't want to stress her or anything," he chuckled, "or you. Now, I'll just get out of your hair and you get some rest. Get yourself oriented." He headed for the door, then paused. "Thank you for coming, Rollie. We really do appreciate it and we really appreciate you bringing Baby for a visit!"

"Thank you for inviting us," Rollie responded, "and for all of this." He waved his hand, indicating the suite.

"The least we could do, Rollie." Scott Miller slipped out the door, closing it behind him.

Rollie sighed and stood in the middle of the living room. "Well, I guess I better get used to being in the big city, Baby." He strode across the room to the door. "And that means locking the door all the time." He suited actions to words and put on the safety locks. That done, he stretched slightly, then headed for the bedroom with his things. He needed to unpack and he wanted a shower. He glanced over at the clock by the queen sized bed. Rollie knew if he wanted to shake off the jet lag, he shouldn't go to bed now. But what about Baby? She had to be truly confused by the turnaround. Of course, Baby was more active than most koalas already. Hopefully, it wouldn't bother her too much. He clucked at her and coaxed her down off him and into the middle of the bed. She moved cautiously on the soft footing. This bed was a lot different from his. The Aussie rapidly unpacked his two bags, putting everything away. He took Baby's formula and her small supply of gum leaves to the kitchen. That done, he went to take a shower. He paused to look over at his young charge. "Now, young lady, you stay out of trouble while I'm taking my shower. I don't want to have to come out here and take care of things."

Baby chattered, looking up at him with innocent eyes. She sat down in the middle of the bed, grunted softly, then yawned.

"Now that's an idea. Get some rest, Baby. Then we'll see what we shall see."  

The Aussie headed for the bathroom, then paused. He went to the entrance, opened the door and carefully placed the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the knob, then locked the door again. Satisfied that he wouldn't get any interruptions from that direction, he went to take his shower. He set the water to a warm, steady flow, then stripped off his clothes. Slipping in through the curtain, he just stood there for a moment, letting the water wash over him. Unwrapping a soap, he worked up a lather on the large, soft wash cloth and began to wash off all the grime that he felt had accumulated during his long journey. Not that he was that dirty, it just felt like he was. He luxuriated under the flow of water, relaxing under it and the clean scent of the soap.

A rustle of plastic reached Rollie's ears and he paused. Now what? He'd left the door to the bathroom open so he could hear if Baby got into too much. He watched as a gray furred paw reached around the shower curtain, followed by a whole koala sliding down into the bottom of the tub. Baby yipped slightly, startled by the slippery porcelain. She sprawled there as the water washed over both of them.

Rollie chuckled softly. "Oh? Do you want a shower too, Baby?" He gathered her up and turned so she could feel the full flow of the water.

Baby chattered, surprised by the odd weather in this place. She blinked in the flow of water, then tried to curl into a ball, clutching at Rollie.

"Ow. Easy there, Baby. I don't have anything for you to grab except me. Why did you come in here anyway? Hm?" He rubbed the back of her head. "Lonely?"

Baby made an odd, squeaky noise.

"Oh, you have some business to take care of? Okay." Rollie turned off the shower and pushed the curtain back. He stepped carefully on the mat and over to the toilet. He settled her on the seat, letting her balance by holding on to his hands. Baby muttered softly as she took care of her 'business'. The Aussie was very glad he'd taken the time to not only 'house break' the koala, but taught her how to use the toilet as well. While he didn't think the plants on the terrace would mind a little koala fertilizer, now wasn't the time to go out there. He didn't think she wanted to wait for him to dry off and get dressed. When she was finished and her bottom gently wiped, Rollie plopped her on the bath mat and turned the shower back on. "Now, I expect you really don't want to take a shower so stay there. All right, Baby?" She shook slightly, shaking off the bit of water that was still on her fur. Rollie watched the drops of water scatter across the bathroom. A koala's fur was very efficient at shedding water, sort of like a duck's feathers. Her shake made a damp mess, but, he tilted his head to one side and smiled, it would dry. He returned to his own shower.

Rollie had just started shampooing his hair when the curtain rustled again. Sure enough, Baby was soon in the bottom of the tub, blinking in the shower 'rain'. He smiled as her paws slipped around and she sprawled out a bit. Soon, she was holding on to one of his legs, apparently enjoying the bit of 'bad weather'. He shrugged and left her there, returning to his shampoo. If she wanted to share the shower, it was fine with him.

Once Rollie felt clean again, he shut off the shower. Carefully gathering Baby in his arms, he stepped out. The Aussie quickly grabbed a large fluffy towel and held it over the young koala as she shook herself, removing the excess water. He gently patted her, then grabbed another towel and began to dry himself off. He watched Baby as she looked around the bathroom while he towel dried his long hair. Finished, he picked her up, carrying her to the bed. He rooted around his smaller bag and pulled out the handmade pick he'd made. It was the same size and shape of an adult koala's middle claws. Rollie gently and carefully groomed Baby's fur. Satisfied that she was looking good, he tossed it on the bedside stand and found his own brush, turning his attention to brushing out his long, wavy brown locks, before tying it back into a pony tail using a thin, flexible strip of black leather.

"So, what do you think, Baby? How do I look?"

Baby muttered softly and chirred as she sat on one of the pillows. He rubbed behind her ears and turned his attention to unpacking his bags. It didn't take long to place the contents of his two bags into the chest of drawers, leaving a ridiculous amount of room in them. He carefully hung up the garment bag from his bigger one in the closet. Unzipping it, he examined the contents with a critical eye. Sarah, a wardrober on the last movie he'd worked, had promised him that if he packed it just so that the contents would have nary a stray wrinkle. He was pleased to discover she was correct and turned to his charge. "All right, luv. Dress up," he waved his hand at the closet, "or," pointing to the chest of drawers, "casual?"

Baby strolled over to the end of the bed and sat again, looking up at her mum with bright eyes.

"Perhaps you're right. We don't want to seem pretentious. It will probably be better to be what we are and that does mean casual." Satisfied with the decision, Rollie quickly dressed in a clean, almost new pair of blue jeans. He pulled out a dark, long sleeve shirt, put it on and buttoned it up. As he tucked the tails into his jeans, he contemplated the shearling vest and a dark, heavy canvas jacket. Still thinking, he sat on the bed beside Baby with a pair of hiking socks in his hand. He pulled them on, followed by a heavy, but comfortable, pair of hiking boots. He looked outside and back to the vest and jacket. It was cool outside, but sunny. He really didn't think he wanted to wear the vest. That left the jacket. He stood and shrugged it on.

"Come on Baby. It's time to go. We've got business to tend to." He gathered the small koala in his arms, rubbing his chin on the top of her head. Shoving his wallet and the room key into a pocket, he headed out of their temporary home. Pausing, he looked around and headed for the elevator. Baby clutched at the jacket, yipped a mild complaint because it didn't have the furry feel of the vest. However, resigned to the loss and wanting to be with her mum, she grabbed hold with all four paws, clinging tightly. The Australian scratched at the base of her ears as they rode down to the lobby.

A quick glance and he headed for the courtier's desk, waiting patiently for the man to finish with a grey haired matron. Once she moved away, he stepped forward.

"Yes sir?" The man oozed a sort of congenial confidence.

"Yes, could you give me directions to the Mid-Town South Police Precinct?"

The dark haired man, greying at the temples, looked distressed. "The police, sir? Is there something wrong?"

Rollie blinked in surprise. "Well, not in the way you're thinking, no. I'm looking for a... friend."

"Of course, sir." He answered in relief, swiftly giving clear, concise directions while writing them down on a piece of paper.

Rollie read over the crisply written words, considering. It couldn't be that far, the whole island wasn't much more than twenty kilometers long and four wide, everything would easily be in walking distance. And yet, he glanced outside, did he want to subject Baby to more curious stares than necessary? She'd had her share for the day and was bound to garner more at the police precinct. And he did want to get there at a reasonable time for finding Detective McCarthy. So... Subway, bus or taxi? Well, if he was going to limit the curiosity draw for his charge, that meant taxi and it wasn't like he didn't have the money for it, thanks to Doctor Waugh's generosity. It also wasn't like he didn't have his own resources.

"Should we call a taxi, Mister Tyler?"

Rollie looked up, startled by the man knowing his name. He felt Baby shift slightly and smiled. Of course, how many guests would they have with koalas? Answer, one misplaced Australian bush man - him. Easy enough to identify if he carted her around with him, which he'd probably continue to do. Hard to find a 'Baby-sitter', harder to find one she would accept. "Yes, please and call me Rollie."

"My pleasure... Rollie." The man smiled warmly and reached for his phone.

Perhaps he should call and find out if Leo McCarthy was at the precinct. He thought about it. Surely, if he wasn't, someone could answer his questions and the detective would be in sometime. They might even be able to call him in, if he wasn't doing anything particularly pressing. Rollie felt an... urgency to talk to this man in person, not by an impersonal phone call. He could have done that from Australia and saved everyone a lot of trouble! He knew if he went to Angie's she wouldn't be there, he could feel it in the depths of his heart. Where was she? A frisson of cold ran up his spine. They had to find her - soon.  

Rollie got out of the taxi in front of the old precinct building with the driver's phone number in his pocket. He'd spent the entire trip listening to Hal saying his 'kids weren't going to believe it, they just weren't going to believe it'. The Aussie had explained about him being here with Baby and promised to give Hal a call when schedules were worked out for their appearances at the W.C.S. sites. He lightly touched the sleeping koala's head, then headed inside of the brick building. A glance showed the desk sergeant and he went to stand at the back of the crowd of people vying for his attention. As soon as a lull appeared in the chaos, he spoke up. "Excuse me?" When the man glanced his way, he continued. "I'm here to see Detective Leo McCarthy."

"Wait over there." The sergeant pointed to a bench against one wall.

It was already crowded with people, all of them talking about something or other. A few were crying, some others were speaking angrily and some were sitting calmly, waiting as if they were at a bus stop. Rollie went and leaned against some available wall space next to the bench. He hoped he wouldn't have to wait for too long.

"Hey man," a burly, young, black man on the end of the bench spoke, "great teddy bear! My girl friend would love one like it. Where'd ya get it?"

Rollie smiled. "I doubt she'd want one. Be a bit of a bother and they're very hard to come by."

"Ah, come on man! She'd love it and it would get me out of some hot water!" He reached out to touch the 'teddy bear', but jumped back when Baby turned her head to look at him. "It's alive!"

Rollie smothered a laugh and tried to still his embarrassment as everyone near enough to hear stopped talking and turned to look at them. "Yeah, she is." He scratched behind her ears. "Okay, Baby?" Bright eyes took in the people watching them and then Baby managed to snuggle closer to her mother and press her head against his chest.

"What type of bear is it?" "Isn't it illegal to own bears?" "They're wild animals." The babble of voices started up again, this time focusing on Rollie and Baby.

"Actually, Baby's not a bear. She's a marsupial. Baby is a koala and I don't own her. I'm just taking care of her until she's ready to take care of herself."

They quieted down, listening to the young man in fascination. "Why are you here?" A woman asked.

"Here, here or here in the States?" Rollie asked. "We're going to visit some of your zoos and wildlife centers, and no, I don't know which ones yet. We just got here and they haven't worked out the schedule. The Wildlife Conservation Society invited us to show children what a real koala is like."

"Where are you from?" Someone else asked.

The Aussie felt a little sad at having to answer this question. Every adult should know the answer to it. "Australia."

Interruption came in the form of a short, dark haired man who bustled up to the Aussie and spoke without any hesitation. "Mister Tyler, I'm Detective McCarthy's partner, Francis Gatti. Come on, I'll take you up."

Rollie blinked, there was that knowing who he was again Surely this couldn't be because of Baby! "Thank you, Detective Gatti," he answered softly. He followed the man toward the elevator and stairs.

"You up to taking the stairs? The elevators are being cranky today."

"The stairs are fine."

"Great," Francis threw over his shoulder, "I don't feel like risking getting stuck." He led the way up the stairs, glancing curiously at the small animal clinging to the tall, thin man. "Is that the same koala that's in the photo Angie Ramirez has? It looks bigger."

"Yes, this is Baby. She grew." Rollie took a deep breath, before asking anxiously. "What's happened to Angie? What's going on?"

"We don't know and if I tell you more than that, Leo will have my hide." He smiled to take the sting out of his words. He looked up into the taller man's face, his eyes full of sincerity. "We're going to find out, Mister Tyler, I promise you that."

"Rollie, please, call me Rollie."

"Okay Rollie, have a seat." The detective waved his hand toward a wooden chair sitting between two desks. All of it looked ancient, like it had been around almost as long as the building. "You want some coffee?"

"No, thank you, Detective Gatti. When can I talk to Detective McCarthy?" McCarthy had sounded older than Gatti. He would be senior and might answer his questions... Hopefully.

"Leo's down in records. He'll be back in a few minutes." Gatti sat at one of the desks and watched, wide eyed, as Baby stretched up from the Aussie's lap and clambered on to the other desk. "How did you manage to bring a koala with you? And... Why are you here? You're both a long way from home."

"Yeah, a long way." Rollie answered while keeping a very close eye on Baby as she explored her new territory. The little koala wandered over toward the computer keyboard, but turned away when her mother clucked softly at her. She found the pencil holder and, muttering softly, pulled one out. Baby returned to where Rollie sat and offered it to him. "Thank you," Rollie told her politely as he accepted her gift. "I was worried about Angie after talking to Detective McCarthy."

Francis smiled, the sort of sappy smile someone got when thinking about love. Rollie Tyler must love Angie Ramirez a great deal to find a way to New York City, bringing a koala in tow. It was a shame that there was genuine cause for his worry. He hoped she wasn't guilty. They still hadn't found out what had happened to her or why the movie set had been blown up.

Leo McCarthy entered the unnaturally quiet bullpen, wondering what was going on. Was it a hostage crisis? Maybe a bomb threat? It took something big to still all of the noise in this room. He looked around warily and found all of the attention, cop, perp and victim alike, focused toward his desk. He blinked and goggled a bit at the sight of an animal rummaging in his pencil holder. It plucked one out and turned toward a tall, slender man setting in the 'guest' chair. His back was to McCarthy, so he couldn't tell what he looked like. He could tell he had long hair pulled back in a neat pony tail. And it was a man, Leo was sure of that fact. Looking at the animal... The koala? He realized it must be Rollie Tyler. He pinched his nose and wondered how much worse today could get. He didn't need an upset boy friend running around, messing up the investigation.

A preternatural sixth sense caused McCarthy to look toward the other door. Uh oh. It had just gotten worse. The sight of a thoroughly disgruntled Marvin Van Duran stalking toward his unsuspecting guest proved that. Damn, better intercept and do some damage control before it got out of hand. He really didn't need this. He hastened forward, determined to reach his visitor first. The captain would want Tyler and that koala out of his precinct, so Leo would oblige him before he could ask. "Mister Tyler?"

The man started a bit and twisted around to look up into Leo's face. "Detective McCarthy?"

"Yes, if you'll just gather... that up." He pointed toward the young koala, even as he scooped up the Ramirez file off his desk. A glare gathered his partner in tow. "And come with me."

Puzzled by the abruptness, Rollie scooped Baby into his arms and obediently fell into step with Francis Gatti.

"McCarthy!" The barked name brought all of them to a halt and sent Baby scrambling for Rollie's shoulder. She perched there, holding a pawful of Rollie's hair, watching the man who had stopped them warily.

"Captain?"

"What is that?" Van Duran pointed at the animal on the stranger's shoulder. Baby gave a bellowing grunt and seemed as surprised by the loud noise as everyone else was. Except for Rollie who reached up a hand and scratched behind her ears. He was pleased by this sign of Baby's growing maturity. While female koalas weren't as vocal as the males, they could and did make a surprising amount of noise under threat.

"That would be a koala, sir. This is Mister Rollie Tyler, Captain. He's here about the Ramirez case... Sir."

"I see." The Captain looked over the stranger and the animal perched on his shoulder - the too cute animal. He became aware of all the eyes watching them. "This is a police station, not a zoo. Remember that."

"Of course," Rollie responded calmly.

Captain Van Duran turned away, heading for his office, leaving the two detectives to release the breath they'd been holding.

"I thought we were in for it for sure this time, Leo."

"Me too," Leo muttered. "Come on, let's get out of here." He lead the way out the door and down the stairs. Only stopping when they reached their unmarked police car. "What in the world are you doing here, Tyler, with that thing?"

"Baby isn't a thing. She's a koala as you told your captain. I couldn't very well call a babysitter for her, now could I?" The Aussie straightened to his full height. "I think I've waited long enough. What's happened to Angie?"

Rollie looked at Leo McCarthy waiting for an answer. Two patrol men walked by and looked at the koala in the Aussie's arms in fascination. They were paying so much attention to Baby, one walked into a parked car. He stumbled back and they focused their attention on where they were going.

"It's too busy here. Let's go someplace where we can talk in peace." Leo opened the driver's door and got in, wondering where he could take a koala. He didn't think it would be welcome at many restaurants or at his apartment building.

Rollie glanced at Francis and shrugged. The shorter man grinned and waved him toward the front seat, opening the door and getting in back. The Aussie rubbed Baby's head once and climbed into the car. He looked over at McCarthy, waiting. Recognizing the flustered look on the New Yorker's face, he hid a grin. "We could go to my hotel."

"Perfect!"

"The Hotel Delmonico." Rollie told him.

Leo whistled softly. "Nice hotel." He started the car and pulled out into the traffic. A few minutes later, Baby stirred in Rollie's arms. With a soft mutter, she climbed up to his shoulder, peeked out the window, then looked at the man sitting in the back seat. She chattered at him.

"What? What is it doing?" Leo asked, a bit nervously.

"She is just looking around. That's all." Rollie responded. He grinned at Frank, who grinned back. The little koala clambered to the top of the front seat between McCarthy and Rollie.

"Ah... She shouldn't be up there. I... Um..." Leo stammered a bit as he tried to split his attention between the traffic and the koala sitting next to his ear.

"Oh, she's fine. Got a tight grip." He clucked at her and she climbed over to slide down his chest. Sitting with his arms loosely wrapped around her, Baby muttered excitedly at her mother.

Fortunately for Leo's image, they reached the hotel and everybody headed inside. The detectives looked around with interest when Rollie opened the door to his room.

"Very nice," Francis said.

"Hey, Tyler, how can you afford this?" Leo asked as he peeked into one of the open doors.

Rollie placed Baby on the floor and watched her wander off, exploring the room. "By not paying for it. The W.C.S. is footing the tab. All I have to do is show up with Baby where they say to appear."

"Yeah? Nice deal." Leo surreptiously checked the koala's location, before plopping down on the sofa. He placed the Ramirez case file on the coffee table. "Okay, business. Three days ago, the set?"

"Yeah, the movie set?" Rollie prompted as he sat in the chair across from Leo. Francis sat down next to his partner.

"Where Ramirez was working blew up."

"What?" Rollie bolted up right at those words. "Angie? Is she okay? Where...?"

"Relax a bit, Tyler. No one was hurt or killed when it happened. Now where was I? Oh yeah. Witnesses reported seeing a blonde woman about five feet six inches around the explosives shed shortly before it happened."

Rollie's brow puckered as he stared at the men. "You think Angie did it? That's ridiculous!"

"Well, the witnesses said it looked like Ramirez."

"Except for Lucinda Scott." Francis chipped in.

Rollie looked carefully at the younger detective. They were about the same age. He stared into his dark brown eyes and nodded slowly, once.

"Who's telling this, you or me?" Leo grumbled. "Anyway, nobody has seen her since the explosion."

"I see. So what do you think, Detective McCarthy?"

"I... think something stinks. Nothing adds up. The director is Nick Breen. He has a... past with Ramirez. Her father..."

"Died on Breen's set, thanks to Nick Breen's negligence. Breen was never charged with anything. I know. Angie told me about that."

Leo glared at Rollie, then Frank. "Yeah, well, the producer is a crook named Ricky Scapetti. He's a bookie with delusions. According to Ms. Scott, changes have been made on the movie that... wouldn't happen. She got a part after everything was filled and they redid some scenes. They..."

"Whoa! Are you saying They reshot perfectly good scenes to add a new character?" Rollie asked in surprise.

"Yeah and..."

"You don't do that. It's unheard of!"

"Yeah and... Oh hell!" Leo shook his head. "Here's what we've got. There's a nice insurance policy riding on the completion, or should I say non-completion, of the movie. We don't know if it's normal or abnormal and..."

"How much?"

"What?"

"How much is the insurance for?" Rollie asked with a sigh.

"Ah..." Leo flipped through the file and showed the page with the insurance information to Rollie, wondering what he would think of it. What did Aussies with koalas know about movies anyway?

"If it's the type of movie I expect it is, this is high. And why is Breen the primary beneficiary? It should be the studio and backers." Rollie continued reading the page, muttering softly to himself.

"How do you know that?" Leo asked.

"I used to do stunts. I learned quite a bit about making movies then." Rollie glanced up and grinned. "Mostly by asking questions and keeping my eyes and ears open. It was fun, but... I didn't want to keep doing it." He looked back at the page, nearing the end of it. "Oh, this is interesting."

"What is?"

"Jake Westmoreland gets part of the insurance if something prevents the movie from completing." Rollie sat back.

"That's not normal?" McCarthy perked up. This was the most information they'd gotten since yesterday. And it was adding up to a very odd picture.

"Nope. Westmoreland is a mediocre special effects man at best. He only does as well as he is, because of Angie." Rollie reached over and pulled the telephone to him. He frowned as he tried to remember a number he hadn't called in years. Crossing mental fingers, he dialed and listened to the phone ring.

"Who are you calling?" Frank asked.

"An old friend. I hope he can give us some of the inside dirt on Breen and this movie." Rollie answered. He smiled as he heard a familiar, brash voice.

"Yo! Your quarter. Make it good. The Rickmeister is about to leave the building."

"G'day Rick!"

"Rollie? You old bastard! Where are you? You finally getting tired of the wild and lonely and decide to come back to civilization?"

"Not exactly. I'm in New York though."

"Yeah? You want to get back in the business? I got a nice little number lined up. I'm sure they could use you too. And the babes! Grrrrl!"

"No, not now, Rick. Tell me what you know about Nick Breen and his latest."

"Breen? That loser. Rollie, you can do better than him. He hasn't had a good flick since his first one. Looks like a one shot wonder. And he lost a really top rate FX man on that one. Um... Ramirez. Manny Ramirez. Man, that was a shame."

"Tell me the dirt, Rick. I know you know it."

"Let me think."

Rollie waited impatiently for his friend to come through.

"Yeah. Okay. Word is that if this one is a bust, Breen is through. Studio's going to kick him out on his ear and no one else will touch him. Oh and get this. The new movie? Buddy of mine, I don't think you know him, Rol, Rock Grant. I met him after you headed back out. Anyway, Rocky's got stuck with stunt doubling for the leading man, if you can call him that. Anyway, Rocky says that this one stinks so bad it won't even get the video sell through market. Soooo, it's so long Breen and good riddance."

"That's Outback, Rick. Thanks for the scoop, mate."

"Hey. I hear that the set blew up. Something about Ramirez's son or daughter or something. Pity. Should have left Breen to hang his own career. Look, I'd love to stay and chat, but I'm off to sunny Mex-he-co. Later buddy! Maybe we can get together when I get back."

"Yeah, maybe. If I'm still here. Have fun and don't kill yourself chasing the ladies. Thanks, Rick. I owe you one."

"Hey! You owe me more than one." Rick shot back and hung up the phone.

Rollie looked at the phone and muttered, "Who saved whose arse on 'Driven Demons'?" He hung up the phone and looked up at the two men watching him with a great deal of curiosity. He smothered a laugh as he saw Baby was perched on the back of the sofa with an almost identical look on her face. "That was an old friend of mine. Rick Forsaythe. He's a stunt man."

"And what does he have to say about Breen and this movie?"

"That Breen's career is over with his next bomb and according to a buddy of his, this one is a very bad bomb. It would have to be if Rocky thinks it can't even get anything out of the home movie market."

"Sooo..." Leo sat back, then jumped as he felt something brush his hair. He stared at the koala in wide-eyed surprise. She grunted at him in disgust and got up, wandering over to Frank who watched her curiously. He tentatively reached out a hand, then paused, looking over to the Aussie in question.

"Go on. It's okay. I think she likes you, Frankie." Rollie assured him. "You don't mind me calling you Frankie, do you?" He asked, remembering where he was at.

"No, that's okay... Rollie." Francis gently touched Baby's side, then stroked her fur in wonder. "It's so soft." He whispered.

"Yeah. That's part of why they were hunted so badly before. I'm glad they're protected now... Or as well as can be expected. It's illegal to hunt koalas, but people seem intent on destroying their habitat. And we won't go into the poachers and smugglers."

"That's a shame. She's so cute. It's like watching a real live teddy bear."

"Yeah, a teddy bear with real teeth and claws." Leo responded drily.

"That she does have, Detective McCarthy."

"Leo." He harumphed. "Now, back to more important matters. So, we have a higher than normal insurance policy. A director who's firing his last shot at his career. And... Nah, it doesn't make sense. From what your saying, Westmoreland is on the take for, ah, shutting down the movie and they're trying to lay the blame on Ramirez?"

Rollie nodded confirmation.

"It doesn't add up. You also said she's the one that's keeping him in business. This is a one shot deal. The money he's getting is good, but it's not that good. Why kill the golden goose, so to speak?"

"Maybe because the goose was getting ready to fly the coop?" Rollie answered. "Angie was thinking about going independent and starting her own business. She already has support from some fairly successful directors and it wouldn't take long for others to remember her... heritage. They still remember the name Ramirez."

"Ooookay. So, blew up the set, blame Angie who would no longer be... useful, and collect the insurance. Plausible, but. Where is Angie Ramirez?"

"Good question," Rollie answered, his brown eyes full of worry and concern. "What was the damage from the explosion?" He prayed Angie was still alive and all right. That all they had to do was find her. Leo gestured toward the folder, plainly indicating the Aussie should help himself. He anxiously read through the meager file, paying particular note of the list of damages. "Well, the movie is still salvageable - barely. Insurance company could insist they try to start work again." He looked at the detectives before continuing solemnly. "They'll have to strike again. And they'll need Angie there to do it. They have to provide proof that she is responsible. They can't risk any doubts."

"Yeah," Leo answered softly, "like the body of someone accidently caught in their own explosion."

Rollie shivered at the detective's words. His vivid imagination painted an all too clear picture of what Angie would look like. Baby whimpered slightly and slipped down to the seat of the sofa. As the two policemen watched, wide eyed, she climbed to the floor and scampered across to Rollie. She grasped his leg and climbed expertly into the tall man's lap. Baby gave an odd soft cry as she cuddled up against her chosen mother, trying to comfort him. The Aussie smiled and gently scratched behind her ears, finally resting his hand on her back. "It's okay, Baby, we're going to find Angie." He looked at Leo McCarthy and Francis Gatti, his brown eyes full of stubborn defiance and determination.

Leo stirred momentarily, ready to protest this civilian butting into his case. Then he settled back and sighed. "Like we have any ideas where to look." Surely, this man who wasn't even a citizen, never mind a New Yorker wouldn't be able to do more than they had so far.

Rollie tilted his head and grinned. "Oh, I have an idea, all right."

Leo blinked and glared at him, his disbelief plainly written on his face. "Okay, hot shot, just what is your idea?"

"Angie told me Westmoreland has a small warehouse that he uses for an effects workshop. I'll wager that's where they're holding her."

"Why there?" Frank asked. "Why not Breen's? It's certainly big enough. Or...?"

"Too many people might find out if she's there or at Westmoreland's place. It's the warehouse. It'll be in a relatively quiet area, not too many people to snoop around if there's any odd noises. Besides, people would expect strange sounds there." He laughed softly. "After all, I don't think Breen or Westmoreland are the type to clean their own loo. The workshop is the best spot."

"Yeah? Who says Westmoreland doesn't have someone come clean it too? Why should it be any different than his apartment?" Leo challenged.

"They don't offer maid service for special effects workshops, too much to get into by accident if you don't know what you're doing. Ange probably kept it clean for him. I say we check it out." Brown eyes locked with gray, matched in a duel of stubborn wills.

Finally, Leo threw up his hands. "All right, we check it out."

Rollie smiled slightly as he followed the two men down to their car.

"Oh no! We are not taking that... that thing with us!" Leo pointed at Baby.

"Are you going to find a, uh, Baby-sitter for her, Leo?" Rollie asked mildly.

"No. You are staying here with it, er, her. We will check it out." He nodded toward his partner, indicating he should get into the car.

Rollie sighed and shook his head. "I'm coming with you."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am. That or I'll follow. I'm not staying here." Rollie winked at Frank. "Besides, you won't know what you're looking at or for. Westmoreland could hide Angie in such a way that you wouldn't find her without tearing the place apart - literally."

McCarthy glared at the young man, wondering if he could arrest him for something so he wouldn't be in his hair.

"One way or the other, I am coming, Detective McCarthy. Either with you, where you can keep an eye on me," Rollie pointed out reasonably, "or, without you."

Leo grumbled under his breath as he angrily yanked the driver's door open. Of all the stupid, stubborn, pig-headed... If something happened to this guy, the Captain would eat him for lunch. Him, not his amused partner or this ... this ... Aussie!

The drive to Westmoreland FX was made in an uncomfortable silence. Wisely, Rollie didn't want to irritate Leo McCarthy any more than he already had. Why the man couldn't listen... No, that wasn't fair. He was listening, albeit reluctantly. And more importantly, he was letting Rollie help. It would have been so easy for him to do something else with the Australian and for this small blessing Rollie Tyler was very grateful. He just hoped they found Angie!

Francis Gatti shifted in his seat and glanced over at his perturbed partner. He didn't want Leo's temper aimed at him, but... "Uh, Leo?"

Leo grunted and cast a gimblet eye at his partner. "What?"

"Um... Shouldn't we get a search warrant...?" Frank's words ended in a squeak as the full force of Leo McCarthy's ire was focused entirely on the younger detective.

"Based on what evidence? It's not like we've got anything concrete to present to a judge to get one."

Well, when you put it that way, no, they didn't have anything concrete. But they had some pretty solid suspicion! Wasn't that enough? Or maybe it wasn't. After all, Leo had been doing this when Gatti was still a rookie. Maybe Leo knew best. But was it legal for them to look for Ramirez at Westmoreland's without something? He squirmed as he was torn between his desire to find Angie Ramirez and to stay within the letter of the law. He looked out the side window. Sarah had warned him about this. McCarthy was known as something of a maverick and she hadn't liked the fact that they were partners. No, she'd made that perfectly clear to Francis. He glanced over at the man and studied his face. Serious. World weary. He'd never really understood the definition of that phrase, not until he met Leo. McCarthy had seen just about everything NYC's underbelly had to offer. Not only seen it, but felt it first hand. And he'd frequently arrested some of the so-called 'untouchable' elements. Yeah, Leo didn't back down because someone was rich or influential. The stories he'd heard. He'd even arrested a Fed once! And the facts had backed that bust. The man was now serving a fifteen year sentence, prosecuted not only by the city, but the state and federal courts as well. Rumors at the station said it was McCarthy that drove the previous Captain of Detectives into early retirement. He smothered a grin. Leo sure kept Van Duran on his toes. So, maybe he should be taking notes, not making waves.

Francis glanced back at the man sitting in the back of the car. The koala was pulling at his large hands, playing. There was a serious look on the brown haired man's face. Sober eyes, full of questions, met his. Gatti realized that Rollie Tyler had taken his question to Leo to heart. He didn't want to cause trouble for the detectives, just help his friend... and maybe more than friend. The Italian American flashed a grin and the man relaxed ever so slightly. He watched in fascination as the Aussie gently ruffled his charge's fur. If only! Francis wished he could take man and koala home with him. His two daughters would be fascinated. All right, the youngest might not understand about koalas, to her Baby would be a living, breathing teddy bear. And she was a wild animal. He tried to convince himself of that. It probably wouldn't be safe to let the kids play with her. She wouldn't understand if they pulled her ears or... or rubbed her fur the wrong way. That bothered cats he knew. Did it bother koalas as well? Still, he pictured the looks on their faces, on Sarah's face and almost laughed out loud. Something of his thoughts must have shown on his face, because he was pulled from them by a softly accented voice.

"What?"

Frank shook his head. "Nothing."

"Must've been something, mate. You were further than Australia."

The words were soft, the voice gently teasing.

"I was just thinking how my kids and wife would react if I brought you and Baby for a visit."

Rollie chuckled. "Maybe we can arrange something later."

Frank laughed, "Maybe."

Leo pulled the car over to park in front of an old warehouse. "Okay, Chuckles. We're here." He looked around carefully. "And nobody else seems to be." He climbed out of the car, wondering if Westmoreland might have parking in the back. Surely, he wouldn't leave a car unattended in this area. It looked like cars would make nice targets, even though there didn't seem to be anyone around to jack them.

Rollie and Frank piled out of the car. The lanky Aussie glanced inside. "Baby, you stay there." She chittered in protest. She didn't know where Mum was going, but she wanted to go too! He carefully closed the door, making sure one window was cracked so she'd get fresh air. It wasn't too hot outside in the cool spring air so the young koala would be fine for a few moments. Rollie didn't think they would be here for very long.

"Will she be okay?" Francis asked, echoing the other man's thoughts.

"Yeah, should be. It's not too hot and we won't be long."

The two men hurried to join McCarthy at a small side door. Huge doors for delivery trucks, fork lifts and other vehicles of its past stood mutely beside it, the faded paint peeling. Leo knocked loudly on the door again, impatient for someone to open it.

Rollie walked around and stood on tiptoe, trying to peer past the dirty windows and see inside. He moved back to the cops. "I don't think anyone's home."

"No kiddin', Sherlock." Leo growled with ill humor as the man stated the obvious. He turned to head back for the car, then looked back as the Aussie fiddled with the door. "What are you doing now?"

Rollie just grinned as the door opened under his deft touch. "Oh look! Someone didn't lock the door," he spoke with convincing innocence, while smiling cheekily at the two police detectives.

"Are you nuts? B&E in front of cops?!? I ought to haul you in." Leo hissed as he hastened to the tall, lanky man.

"Oh? Did you see that?" Rollie asked curiously.

"No and you know it. You..." Leo cuffed the younger man and walked inside.

"Leo? Francis gaped in surprise as his partner started to look around.

"Well, we have to check it out. No telling who might have walked in here. Somebody could be robbing the place." Leo responded placidly. "Very careless, leaving the door unlocked."

Rollie began his own check, searching all the places he could think of that a SPFX man could use to hide someone of Angie's size. As Frank watched and with Leo occasionally glancing his way, he checked some very odd places indeed, suits of armor, space suits, aliens, monsters, boxes that didn't look big enough for a medium sized dog. Leo stopped his own search to watch the Aussie search, impressed by his thorough and thoughtful pattern. Finding nothing on the floor level, Rollie looked up. With a shrug, he climbed a ladder attached to the wall, headed for the scaffolding near the ceiling. Francis and Leo followed full of curiosity. The Aussie sighed as he took in the dust covered collection of props and effects. It would take too long to check everything, but the dust might hold a clue. Either there wouldn't be any dust or... it would be subtly different from the rest. He walked down the narrow aisles, keeping a sharp look out.

Meanwhile, Baby was getting more and more restless. She began to push at the buttons near the door. Nothing happened. She accidently tugged on the handle and grunted at the sound it made. She leaned against the door, sniffing at the scents that came through the window, her ears catching distant sounds. She wanted to be with Rollie! She stretched up toward the opening in the window. One rear paw caught on the handle and it moved again. This time, her weight, slight as it was when compared to a human's, was enough to open the door. She tumbled to the ground. Grunting angrily about her surprise spill, she picked herself up and shook the dust off her fur. With bright, curious eyes, Baby looked to where her Mum had gone. With determination, she trundled toward the partially open door, short hind legs trying to keep up with her long fore legs. Peering around the door, she sought Rollie and his new friends. Not seeing them, she scrambled inside and listened carefully. She looked up at the soft sounds coming from above. So, that's where they had gone. Bright eyes spotted a wooden support column. She walked up to it and began to climb, her strong claws biting into the smooth wood to give her a good grip. It didn't take long for the little koala to reach the upper level. With a grunt, she stretched for the flooring.

A strange sound, or rather a not so strange sound made Rollie pause in his search. His head tilted to one side as he listened closely. What? What was that? He'd heard it before. He knew it. His only problem was that it was out of place here. Baby? Surely not! They'd left Baby in the car. She couldn't come inside. He turned toward the sound and gaped as Baby grasped the flooring with her strong front paws. She hung for a moment, stretched awkwardly between a beam and the floor. Then, abruptly, she released the beam and scrambled on to the floor. Bemused, Rollie watched as his charge shook herself off and then strolled casually over to sit down in front of him. She chattered softly, obviously pleased with herself and with life in general.

Francis came up behind Rollie and stared past him, shocked to see the little koala. "How did she get here?"

"Climbed up," Rollie answered with an appearance of calm, even as he was wondering how Baby had gotten out of the car.

"Bu-bu-but," Leo sputtered behind his partner, "you left her in the car!" He finished in protest.

"She got out," Rollie responded with the obvious, reaching down to pick up his wayward charge. He watched in bewilderment as she muttered and moved away from him. Well, seemed Baby didn't want to be picked up. Now what? He followed the koala with Francis trailing behind them as she explored her new location, muttering softly to herself. She sniffed the air, her ears twitching as she listened closely to sounds only she could hear. Baby squealed as a faint scent touched her nose. It was vaguely familiar and drew up memories of soft warm hugs and beautiful loving sounds. She hurried to where the scent came from, eager now. Stopping in front of a large crate near the edge of the upper level floor, she began clawing at the wood.

Rollie quickly joined Baby in examining the crate. He was pretty sure Baby still remembered Angie. Maybe, just maybe she had found her scent. He found where the side was hinged and picking up a discarded hammer, began to pry on the other side. Suddenly Baby reared back on her haunches and grunted angrily at something in the shadows. Rollie caught a glimpse of a large form just before it slammed into his side, knocking him down. The man didn't even slow down, shoving hard at the smaller man who appeared in front of him. Surprised by the assault, Gatti was knocked over the railing. The man kept going, disappearing down the ladder and from the sound of it, slamming outdoors.

Rollie scrambled to his feet at Frank's scared yell. Afraid of what he was going to find, he lunged for the railing. He released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding when he saw Frank Gatti clinging by one hand to a strut about a meter below the upper level. The Aussie immediately dropped to his stomach, grunting as the move reminded him of the bruises he'd received from Sandy Carmichael. He stretched down, trying to grab hold of the smaller man. And missed. The man was just barely beyond the reach of Rollie's long arms. Ignoring the pain radiating from his bruised abdomen, he scooted forward, stretching as far as he could and not pitch himself down as well. He snagged Frank's free hand, then snaked down further to grab his wrist. Now, the two men locked holds, hands wrapping around each others wrists. Frank's dark brown eyes met with Rollie's lighter brown, the question written in them plain. Now what?

What indeed? Rollie considered his options. Somehow, he had to pull the detective up, but how? The angle was awkward and he couldn't seem to get the leverage he needed to pull properly. Oh well, nothing but to go for it. Rollie began to pull, forced to rely almost entirely on the strength of his arms and upper body. Gatti released the strut and grabbed the other hand Rollie offered him, trusting the man to be able to hold him. The lanky man groaned as pain flared through his body, but he held fast and pulled. Suddenly, Rollie felt another weight on his side, this one was very familiar. Baby grunted as she sank her claws into her Mum's jacket, endeavoring to pull the tall man back from where he hung over the edge. The man allowed himself a slight smile at the act. There was no way that the little koala could actually pull the tall man back or even prevent him from falling if he should slip while trying to pull up Gatti, but he was touched by her efforts to help. Rollie just hoped that he didn't go over the edge, taking both of them with him.

Leo ran to join Rollie's efforts, having been attracted by his partner's yell. He dropped beside the Aussie, adding his weight and efforts to Baby's. With the detective's added presence to anchor him, Rollie felt more confident in his position and exerted his strength in a tremendous effort to pull Francis Gatti to safely. Soon, Frank was close enough to grab the railing. Leo reached over and helped to pull him the rest of the way up. Relieved of the smaller man's weight, Rollie curled on to his side, wrapping shaking arms around his abused stomach. The muscles in his arms, shoulders and back spasmed and his abdomen cramped in sympathy and protest of the abuse they'd just received. Baby nuzzled his hair as he moaned softly at the pain.

"You okay, Frank?" Leo asked as he examined his partner for signs of injuries. He really didn't want to get a new partner at this point in time. It took so long to break them in and he was just getting used to having the younger detective around.

"Yeah, I'm okay Leo." Frank patted the older man's hand on his arm, before moving to kneel next to the Australian. "Hey Rollie? Are you okay? What's wrong?"

Rollie stifled a groan and forced himself to sit up. "Nothing some ice packs and a hot bath won't cure, mate." He looked over at the crate they'd been checking before the attack and staggered to his feet.

"Maybe we better call an ambulance," Leo started as he absentmindedly petted the distressed koala on her back.

"No!" Rollie shouted, then calmed himself. "I don't need an ambulance. I'm all right." He paused and looked at Frank. "Unless you need one?"

"Nope. I'm fine, thanks to you and Leo... and Baby." Frank responded, rather doubtful. Rollie was pale and shaking, but then after what had just happened, didn't the man have a right to be?

"Good," Rollie mumbled as he walked on somewhat rubbery legs and reached for the hammer again.

Leo shook his head and grabbed the hammer. "Allow me," he said dryly as he expertly placed it beside the locked clasp. With a sharp yank, he popped the screws holding it in place and pulled it open.

Rollie looked in anxiously, only to moan in disappointment. The crate was empty save for a discarded blanket. Baby came over and sniffed it eagerly. Disappointed, she cried and moved to the tall man she'd accepted as her mother, begging to be picked up, wanting to feel the comfort and warmth of that sturdy body against her own. "Damn! Where is she?" He'd been so sure, Angie was here and, from the looks of things, she had been. But how much time had passed since she'd been moved? And where was she now?

"Well, looks like they might have held her here, but she's not here now," Leo patted the younger man on the back and lead the way to the ladder. Both detectives watched as Rollie climbed down, unconsciously holding their breath until he was safe on the ground floor. Leo followed Frank down and had just set his feet on the floor when Rollie suddenly started and began to run. What?

"The movie set!" Rollie shouted over his shoulder. "They must have taken her back to the lot!"

Leo and Frank exchanged startled looks, then took off after Rollie, running for the car. Right or wrong, they couldn't let the Australian out of their sights. Leo knew that, somehow, the young, long haired man would attract more trouble and who knew... Maybe he was right! If he was, there would probably be another explosion soon. The three men (and one koala) piled into the car. Leo took off in a spray of gravel, the warehouse forgotten.

"I don't suppose either of you got a good look at that slimeball?" Leo asked as he expertly worked his way through the late afternoon traffic.

Frank shook his head. It had all happened so fast, too fast to have identified the man who'd knocked him over the railing. "'Bout all I got was Caucasian, Leo... and big." He twisted around to look at the worried man in the back seat. "How about you, Rollie?"

"What?" Rollie started, then shook his head, running his hands anxiously over his charge.

"The guy? The big jerk that knocked you down?" Leo prompted.

Jerk? Big jerk? Big Jerk! The man had been a bit taller than him and quite a bit heavier. Rollie immediately thought of one possibility. "I don't know. He was a pretty big guy... I'd say he was the same size as Jake Westmoreland."

"Oh?" Leo thought about that as he took a sharp turn, a grunt escaping from his passenger in the rear. "Not good enough, my friends. We'll need more than that to place charges."

"Yeah." Rollie watched the buildings go by as they sped past them. "How long before we get to the studio lot?"

"Soon, Rollie, we'll be there soon." Leo crooned, trying to ease some of the younger man's worry. Remembering the grunt his last sharp turn had elicited, he slowed down slightly and took the next corner at something resembling a sane speed. He wasn't convinced that Rollie Tyler was as okay as he claimed. He sat up in the driver's seat a bit. "There," he pointed.

Rollie looked ahead to see the familiar fence and gates of a movie studio about a block ahead. He swallowed and seemed to hear, as if from a great distance, Leo exchange words with the security guards on the gate. One nodded at something the detective said, then opened the gate. He waited impatiently for Leo to park the car and the moment he did, he piled out, Baby clinging tightly to his shoulder. She had no intention of being left behind this time. Why looked what had happened last time! Her Mum might need her.

Leo got out and looked over the car at the tall Australian, his small charge and his partner. "Okay, apparently we've got the studio to ourselves. The guards said there's nobody here right now." Unspoken was the thought, just like when the first bomb went off. "You seem to be the expert here, Rollie. So, where do we look?"

Rollie blinked and looked around. It was easy to identify the location of the first explosion. While things had been cleaned up, some things remained... Like the crater where Breen's trailer had been. Somehow, he knew this time wouldn't be quite as... small. Whoever was doing this had to make this one big enough to shut down the production with no possible doubt. He glanced over at the quonset hut that held the sound stage. While the building was large, the Aussie knew it was small in comparison to most studios. Still, if he wanted to shut down a production and blowing up the director's trailer with the shot film wasn't enough and he didn't want to harm the 'stars', this was the target he would go after. He lead the way inside the large, dark building. Yes, he could see the unique shadows and corners of sets and props. "Here," he told the detectives who followed him.

"In here?" Leo turns around, taking in the large space. It was too big! There was no way they were going to be able to search the whole thing. Not in time! He could feel the sands of time trickling out. "Francis, go call for backup."

Rollie peered over at them, questions in his expressive face and eyes.

"There's no way we can search all this." McCarthy waved his arm around, indicating the building. "We'll need help."

"They'll be too late," Rollie whispered. He stroked Baby's soft fur and turned his head to look at her. He gently plucked her from her perch on his shoulder. "Baby? Do you remember Angie?" He asked softly. "Do you?" The Aussie's eyes took in the large, dark space - just right for bright koala eyes and a sharp koala nose. "Can you find Angie?" He placed her on the floor in front of him. "Find Angie, Baby!"

The detectives held their breath, waiting to see what happened. Would Baby seek Angie, the way Rollie was asking? It seemed a bit much to Leo, but he would accept any edge he could get.

Baby looked up at Rollie and muttered to him, not fully understanding. She looked around for a moment, then back up at her Mum. Now what were they suppose to do? Suddenly, she caught a familiar scent. Suddenly eager, the koala reared up on her haunches, sniffing. Oh! She rolled to her feet and began to track it to its source. Yes! Yes! Yes! Baby remembered the warm hugs and gentle strokes, the loving touches. Yes! Yes! Yes! She sniffed the air and followed the elusive thread of scent. She grumbled to herself because it was accompanied by another scent, one that stung her sensitive nose. Rollie followed Baby, feeling his heart beating too fast, he hoped she was following Angie and not something else. Leo and Frank looked at each other, shrugged and followed the tall Australian. This would be hilarious Leo thought to himself, if things weren't so serious.

The small koala led the three men deeper into the darkened building. She wove her way around and under props and sets. Every time Baby went under something, the men had to run around to catch up, because they usually couldn't follow that way. Rollie looked ahead of his charge, trying to pierce the gloom. Sharp eyes caught sight of a blinking red light. He felt his heart catch in his throat as recognition dawned. A shape moved in the gloom and swung a kick at the koala. She squealed in surprise and pain, then yipped, crying for her mother. The Aussie darted forward. The big man turned and plowed a pile driver fist into Rollie's stomach. He folded, the air knocked from his lungs and fire seared his nerves, his arms instinctively curving to try and protect the vulnerable spot. Another hard blow and Rollie collapsed to the floor, enervated by the surge of pain.

Leo pulled his firearm and aimed at the shadowy figure. "Freeze! Police!" Before he could get off a shot, the man shape disappeared into the dusty gloom of the building. Leo cursed as he and Francis ran over to Rollie's side. There was Angie Ramirez, shaking her head, dazed and disoriented. Beside her, counting down toward it's final, explosive moment was the bomb. They had to get out of there! Having no time to pursue the perpetrator, Leo yelled "Help Ramirez!" at his partner. He put his hands under Rollie's armpits, pulling him to his feet.

Rollie whimpered, then managed to croak out, "Baby? Where's Baby?" He looked around, desperate to find his young charge.

As Francis pulled Angie up and draped one of her arms around his shoulders, McCarthy spotted the yipping koala. He reached down and grabbed her. Before she could think to protest, he shoved her into Rollie's arms. He wrapped a helping arm around the taller man's waist and they all began a stumbling run for the exit.

Four humans and one koala fled the building. They had to get out before the coming explosion! For one second, the two cops hesitated at an intersection of scenery, uncertain which way was out. Rollie pointed and they were off again. Bursting out of the doors, they stumbled toward their car. Frank flung Angie behind it and threw himself down beside her, huddling protectively over her just as the set exploded in a flash of sound, fire and smoke. Leo and Rollie fell forward from the force of the blast. The Australian twisted desperately, determined to protect Baby from the explosion and his fall. He landed awkwardly, protecting the little koala in his arms with his own body.

As debris rained down from the sky, Leo sat up, shaking his head, his ears ringing. He looked over at the younger man who was curled on his side around Baby who was yipping continuously. He stood and stumbled over to Rollie's side just as Baby reared back and her yips abruptly changed to a loud and angry bellow at something behind Tyler. Startled, he turned to see where her gaze was fixed and saw a man trying to slip away behind a trailer. The detective pulled his gun and aimed. "Freeze, police!" He shouted, his voice carrying over the roar of the burning studio. He gently squeezed the trigger and watched in satisfaction as dust raised from the new hole in the side of the trailer, right in front of their fleeing suspect. The man froze and raised his hands above his head. He strolled over to put cuffs on the man's wrists as security guards came running up, one going to attend Rollie and Baby, one to Frank and Ramirez. Two more joined him as he began to mirandize his prisoner. The sounds of sirens filled the air as emergency vehicles raced to handle this newest man-made disaster. McCarthy looked toward the car, checking on his partner, glad to see him sitting up, an arm around Ramirez's shoulders, reassuring her.

Rollie was sitting up as well, his hands gently probing Baby's fur, looking for signs of injuries. Leo handed his prisoner over to the two uniforms who just arrived and went to join the Aussie as the medics tried to check him out. "Let them check you," McCarthy ordered the protesting man. The kid's face twisted, ready to protest more loudly. However they were cut off by surprise as the gruff cop reached down and gently scratched Baby's white chest. "You did good, kid," he whispered in her furry ear, "real good." Baby chattered back, then she reached out and tried to hug her Mother. Rollie hissed at the touch.

Leo gasped as a medic raised the Australian's shirt, revealing the extensive bruising. Ouch! His stomach looked like one huge bruise! Black, blue and red, it extended down, disappearing into his jeans. That couldn't just be from now or earlier this afternoon. They were too dark, older. No wonder the kid had reacted the way he had. "Come 'ere, Babe." McCarthy opened his arms. Baby hesitated, looking at the cop, then back at her Mum. Her bright eyes seemed to be full of questions.

"Go on, Baby," Rollie whispered gently. He watched carefully as the koala climbed into the cop's arms. She settled there, muttering in mild dissatisfaction. "We need to get her checked." He looked up at Leo, his eyes pleading for help.

"We need to get you checked." Leo shot back, then looked over at Angie Ramirez and nodded his head that way. "And her." Appealing brown eyes continued to reproach him. "Oh, all right, Baby too." He scratched behind her ears. "She is a hero after all. I'll make you a deal. You get checked out at the hospital and I will personally take Baby to a doc to get her checked. Deal?"

Rollie shook his head. "She won't sit still long enough, 'cept for me... or maybe Angie."

"Ro--Rol--Rollie?" Angie stumbled over to his side on shaky legs. She sank down beside him, one hand gently touching his cheek. "You're here? How?" She whispered in a soft, hoarse voice.

Rollie pressed his face against the palm of her hand, much as a cat would. "I'm here, luv. It's a long story."

Angie looked around with rounded eyes, blinking owlishly in the light from the fire. "Is that Baby?" She reached out to the koala in Leo's arms. "Look at you! You've gotten so big! There's a good girl." Angie stroked her soft fur, still unable to believe Rollie and Baby were actually here. She must be dreaming! But if she was, she hoped she didn't wake up. Awake was a nightmare and this dream was so sweet. She snuggled against Rollie's side. He hissed silently, then wrapped an arm around her. Senses still dulled by drugs, Angie started to fall asleep again. This time, instead of terror and darkness, cold and loneliness, there was Rollie and Baby, safety and warmth and love.

The EMTs were ready to load Rollie and Angie into the ambulance, except Rollie didn't want to go, not yet anyway. He knew he should see a doctor, but his mind was filled with the sounds of Baby's cries, the sight of her flying as Westmoreland landed the kick. For it was indeed Big Jake Westmoreland that Leo had arrested with such satisfaction.

The big special effects man had been subdued when he was loaded into the squad car and hauled off to the precinct. Hopefully, he'd roll over and cough up a full explanation too, Leo thought as he focused his attention on the stubborn Aussie. "Look, Rollie, you go with Angie in the ambulance." He cast a cautious and warning eye over the younger man. "You do want to go with Angie, right?" Satisfied by the startled nod, he continued. "Frank and I will follow with Baby. And I promise she will be checked out by a doctor almost as quick as you and you will be there. Promise!" He made a cross my heart motion. "Trust me."

Rollie hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. He found that he did trust this man. He didn't know what he was going to do, but... He trusted Leo McCarthy to keep his word.

Swift to take advantage of a more cooperative patient, the medics finished loading and headed for the hospital. The two cops followed, Baby safely wrapped in Frank's arms. He was fascinated by the way she kept turning her head and looking at the scenery, by the quiet sounds she was making, by the softness of her fur. At the hospital, he followed his partner, bemused as the older man began to persuade the staff to allow Baby to join Rollie Tyler inside. Amazing! Ab-so-lute-ly amazing! Between Baby's sweet face and disposition and Leo's blarney, Francis found himself inside the small cubicle where Tyler was being examined. The koala bleated and stretched her arms out, wanting Rollie to hold her. As the stunned intern looked on, his patient gently gathered her to his side. There, Baby settled down in a ball, tucked under her adoptive mother's arm, her head resting on his chest, watching the doctor and nurse carefully.

The young intern shook his head and looked over at his older, more experienced nurse. She smiled back, reassuringly. He gave himself a hard shake and returned to checking out his patient. He found himself constantly glancing at the bright eyed, furry face that was observing his every move so single-mindedly. The doctor gave a sigh of relief when a senior doctor poked his head in and took over.

The sturdy man with iron gray hair clucked over the bruises he found as he carefully palpatated Rollie's abdomen, checking the skin's tension, looking for internal bleeding. "I'm Bill Russell. And you are...?"

Rollie groaned, then answered softly, "Rollie Tyler."

"Well, Rollie, you've certainly been walloped a good one. Who's your friend here?" He rubbed Baby's ears as he looked into his patient's eyes.

"This is Baby."

"Baby? Long way from home, Baby, and you too, I expect, Rollie. Now, I need to run some tests, but I'm afraid Baby needs to stay here. I'm sure she wouldn't like them."

"Not until Baby's been checked out." Rollie turned serious eyes on to Leo McCarthy. "You promised Baby would be..."

Leo cleared his throat, but was interrupted by Doctor Russell.

"And why does Baby need to be checked?" He blinked down in mild surprise at the little animal. It, she?, looked fine to him.

"She was kicked. She might be..." Rollie trailed off as Bill gently began probing Baby's fur.

"Where? Side or stomach like you?"

Rollie sat up a bit, pulling Baby on to his chest. He gently touched her side. "Here." He watched anxiously as the doctor focused on his new, and unorthodox, patient. The lanky man felt his heart warm as Doctor Russell clucked over Baby the exact same way he had over Rollie himself.

"X-rays and ultrasounds for both of you then," the doctor spoke to both patients. He paused. "Will she sit still for...?"

"She will if I tell her to," Rollie was quick to assure the doctor.

"Good," Bill Russell turned to the nurse, "let's get to it, Mitch."

"Doctor, I don't think the board will appreciate you treating an animal." She cautioned him mildly. She felt sure she knew what his response would be.

"Just because she doesn't have insurance probably," Bill grumbled. "It's part of Mister Tyler's treatment, otherwise I doubt he would let us treat him." He winked at the wide-eyed Australian. "Just sit back and relax. Leave the driving to us."

"As you say, Doctor." Nurse Yvonne "Mitch" Mitchell looked forward to telling this latest tale of Bill Russell in the nurses' locker room. He was a favorite of theirs because he would do anything to take care of his patients. This one topped them all though! A koala! A real, live koala bear! Such a sweet thing, in spite of the rather strong antiseptic like odor from her fur. What was that? She knew she'd smelled it before. And not just on Rollie Tyler too, because it was there as well. She watched as Baby snuck a paw into a pocket in his discarded jacket and pulled out a couple of leaves. She started chewing calmly as they maneuvered the gurney down the hallway. Of course! It was the scent of eucalyptus. Well, Baby couldn't be too hurt if she was eating. That was reassuring. She didn't know how to treat a koala bear. Mitch began to plot ways to smuggle Baby into the Children's Ward. The kids would love her and they deserved a visit by this very special patient.

Rollie fidgeted slightly through the process, worried about Baby and Angie. He sighed in relief when Doctor Russell gave Baby the all clear. Nothing was broken, mostly thanks to strong koala bones, she was just bruised. Certainly not as badly as he was, his poor bruises now had their own share of bruises. He was going to hurt for quite a while. He would have to call Scotty and explain they would have to delay Baby's appearances longer. He hoped it wouldn't be too long though. Scotty and Doctor Barry had done so much for them. He didn't like to think he was letting them down. Doctor Russell debated admitting Rollie, but relented when he promised faithfully to rest and take it easy. The Aussie looked up eagerly as Leo and Frank joined them again. "Angie? Is she okay? What...?"

Leo held his hands out, palms up. "Whoa there, pal! Angie's doing fine. She's been drugged quite a bit. They kept shoving tranquilizers down her throat, in between using chloroform when they moved her. She's sleeping right now. They're going to keep her at the hospital until the drugs work their way out of her system... Since she doesn't have anyone to watch out for her at home." He waited for what he knew was coming next.

Rollie sagged in relief. Angie was okay. Angie was... "She can stay with me! I have that extra bedroom and I can watch her." He spoke eagerly, eyes once more full of pleading, asking for Leo's help.

"Yeah? And who is going to watch you?" Leo asked, reasonably enough, he thought.

"Me? I'm fine. Ask Doctor Russell! I'm..." Oops, he thought, maybe that isn't such a good idea, remembering the admonishments about taking it easy and... Oh bloody hell! He blushed as he saw the good doctor appear behind the two detectives. Oh. Bloody. HELL!

"Ask me what?" Bill Russell looked questioningly at his patient and the two detectives. "What is he up to now, Detective?" He directed this to McCarthy.

"He wants to take care of Angie." Seeing the incomprehension in the doctor's eyes, Leo explained the whole case to him. He finished with the reason for Rollie's request. "The hospital wants to keep her for observation until the drugs wear off, especially since she doesn't have anyone to keep an eye on her. Rollie is volunteering." He concluded drily.

Doctor Russell shook his head in amazement at what Rollie had gotten caught up in. "Well, I don't know." He felt his resolve weaken as Rollie turned his eyes on him. Damn! Puppy dog eyes. The echo effect from Baby wasn't helping either. "You have to take it easy, Rollie. I don't want you doing anything strenuous." Oh well, might as well go the whole way. "All right, but I will be coming by to check on you." He paused dramatically. "All of you!"

"Yes, Doctor Russell. Thank you!" Rollie beamed happily. What could be better? And when the drugs wore off, he and Angie could get caught up on what had happened since their last letters. And they could play with Baby, who would love that. And... Oh this was good! Besides while he was waiting for Doctor Russell and Leo to spring Angie, he could fulfill Mitch's request. "While you're taking care of checking out Angie, I'll just go with Mitch here."

"Mitch?" Doctor Russell shook his head. "Never mind. I don't want to know. Be back here in forty five minutes." Was that enough? Yes, Mitch was nodding. Now what was she up to? He really didn't want to know. "Come along, Detective McCarthy."

Leo obediently followed Doctor Russell. "Hey Doc! How did you know I was a detective?"

Bill Russell laughed softly as he led the cop out of earshot. "Believe me, Leo... May I call you, Leo?" At McCarthy's nod, he continued. "Call me Bill. Anyway, I know cops. It comes from hard won experience." He thought of all the police officers he'd treated over the years. Recognizing the breed had become second nature to him. Now to talk to Angie Ramirez's doctor and get this trio of patients out of here before hospital management got wind of Baby and caused a ruckus!

Rollie quietly followed Mitch to the service elevator. She kept looking around, hoping to avoid being spotted by any one who might report the breach of rules to the management. They could be so... unreasonable! Understanding her nervousness, the Aussie encouraged Baby to curl up and be still, that way she would look like a lifelike toy, rather than the living animal she was. They quickly entered the elevator and Mitch pushed the door close button with a sigh of relief. So far so good, she thought. Now, if they could just get to the right floor without adding passengers. There was a ding and the elevator halted. Uh oh, she shifted so she was standing between Rollie, Baby and the opening door. Mitch held her breath as a woman doctor, tall with peppered hair, stepped on, reading papers on a clipboard. She glanced up absently and nodded a greeting to the nurse and the tall man behind her.

Now who is that, Doctor Emma Brown wondered. She didn't remember him and hoped Mitch wasn't up to something. The nurse had that look about her. She surreptitiously checked out the handsome young man and the toy in his arms. A visitor? Then why was he in the service elevator? Only hospital personnel and support people were suppose to use it. Perhaps he was a delivery man. "Good evening." No reason not to speak after all.

"Good evening, Doctor Brown." Mitch managed to get out, past her heart in her throat.

"G'day, Doctor."

Oh what an exquisite accent. It sounded Australian! Emma had a soft spot for Australia, she was positively obsessed on occasion. At least that was what Bill claimed. Bill? As she remembered something Bill had told her not too many moments ago, she took a good close look at the "toy" in the Australian's arms. Yes, it was indeed a koala. A real koala! "Oooh, she's adorable!" She gushed as she pushed up beside the brown haired man. Come to think of it, so was he, with that long brown hair pulled neatly into a pony tail and those expressive brown eyes. "May I?"

Rollie had the distinct impression that they were well and truly caught. And that it didn't matter one bit. He nodded and she reached out, gently stroking Baby's back. Baby, liking the touch, turned to look at the source and muttered a bit.

"Aren't you the most precious! I am so glad I had this chance." Emma practically gushed over the young animal. She checked what floor they were on and turned to ask. "Could... Could I hold her? Just for a minute?"

As Mitch hid her face, mortified, Rollie smiled and nodded. He shifted Baby so she could go into the nice doctor's arms, which she did, behaving like a champ. "Her name is Baby." He told the woman, a bit shyly.

"I couldn't believe it when Bill told me she was here."

Bill told her? Why that...! Yvonne Mitchell felt steam start to build as she fumed at Bill Russell squealing on them. She deflated as she watched Doctor Brown. Of course, he'd told her. Why, they were dating for goodness sake! And if Emma Brown was as taken with all things Australian as she seemed to be. Well, it would have been criminal to not give her a chance to meet the sweet little koala and Rollie!

Emma, in the mean time, cuddled Baby close, gently petting her. She was so soft and wonderful. "I always wanted to visit Australia, but I haven't had the chance yet." She chuckled. "I got so mad when he said she was here and I couldn't take time to go see her! But then, here you and she are. Oh, Baby, you are the sweetest, little thing." She placed a kiss on top of the koala's head, then, reluctantly, handed her back to her care giver.

Rollie beamed. "She seems to like you, Doctor..."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Doctor Emma Brown." She petted Baby's back. "And you're Rollie Tyler. It's been a real pleasure, Rollie, Baby."

Yep. That clinched it! He would never be able to go somewhere without being recognized. At least, not while he had Baby with him. Still, she seemed to like these two docs and even the detectives. Maybe, just maybe he'd found some choice Baby-sitters and would be able to take Angie out, before... Before they had to go home, back to Australia. The thought dimmed Rollie's happiness for just a second before he shook it off. No, he wasn't going to worry about that. He was in New York City, by a miraculous bit of serendipity, and he was going to enjoy every moment he could get with Angie. The future would take care of itself.

There was another ding and Doctor Brown moved to get off the elevator. A man, standing at the doors, took a step forward, but was halted when the doctor called to him, asking a question. Distracted, the elevator went on it's way without him as Mitch pounced on the close door button, making good their escape. Doctor Kinnison was a stuffed shirt and a stickler for regs. There was no way they'd have gotten Baby past him. Thank goodness, Doctor Brown had made that save. She'd have to remember to thank the good doctor. Maybe make a special desert or something? She smiled up at Rollie. "Well, that was a close call."

"Whot?" Rollie asked, his eyes rounded in surprise, "Doctor Brown was very nice."

"Yes, she was," Mitch responded with a grin, "I meant Doctor Kinnison."

"Oh." Rollie mulled that over as he stroked Baby and scratched behind her ears. The elevator dinged again as it came to another halt and he stiffened, suddenly more nervous. What if it was another Doctor Kinnison (whoever he was) and not a Doctor Brown (who had been more than kind)?

Rollie released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding after the doors opened and no one got on the elevator. Mitch stuck her head out, cautiously scouting the lay of the land. Pleased by not finding anybody around except the nurses assigned to the floor, she turned to Rollie. "Stay here. I'll be right back." With that she scooted off after first pushing the door lock open button.

Rollie Tyler blinked and rubbed the back of Baby's head. What had he gotten himself into? He wasn't one for cloak and dagger stuff and that was what this seemed to be turning into. After all, he'd agreed to a visit to the Children's Ward for heaven's sake! Not to sneak behind enemy lines or any of that rubbish. Decided, he stuck his own head out. Well, okay, so he was curious. He smiled at the sight of Mitch and the other nurses with their heads huddled together. They really were making such a production out of a simple visit. "Let's go," he whispered to Baby and stepped out of the elevator. He strolled casually over to join Mitch and her friends. Realizing they hadn't noticed them, he obligingly cleared his throat and found himself smothering a laugh when all three jumped as if stung. "Shouldn't we get on with it?" He looked pointedly at Mitch, waiting.

The nurse blushed slightly, then nodded. "Erin, Simone, this is Rollie." She touched Baby with a triumphant smile as if she'd gone on safari herself and brought back a special prize. "And this is Baby!"

"Hello, Rollie! Hi Baby!" The two nurses clustered round and gently touched the koala's fur.

Erin gave herself a shake and smiled brightly up at Rollie. "Come on, let's go see the kids."

The two nurses were practically bouncing as they led their visitors to the main ward. A quick check revealed most of the children in bed, reading, quietly playing, or waiting patiently or impatiently, as their nature's dictated, for the nurses to appear and tuck them into bed. They noticed the nurses and smiled at them. The women grinned back, winked, then disappeared.

A moment later, they reappeared, escorting a tall man with long hair, a large stuffed toy in his arms. All of the kids who noticed wondered who was getting the toy. Even the ones who thought they were too old for such things looked at this one wistfully. The toy moved. They blinked in disbelief. It turned it's head and resolved itself into ... a teddy bear?!? The children stared in awe. The man whispered something into one of it's large furry ears and gently set the bear on the floor. It sat there, sprawled out a bit, blinking and looking around at the eyes upon it as the man moved one short step back.

"It's a teddy bear," one little boy lisped in stunned amazement, "and it's alive!"

"She's a koala," Rollie told them, "and her name is Baby."

Baby turned at the sound of her name and looked up at her Mum. With a soft grunt, she stood up, gave herself a shake and ambled off to explore this new place. She approached one of the beds and grasped the rails with strong paws. The two thumbs she possessed on each of her front paws helped her greatly as she clambered up. She perched on the top railing and looked around with bright eyed curiosity.

The girl, whose bed Baby had chosen to climb, reached out and touched the animal in wonder. "She's so soft," she squealed. She hugged the koala who blinked at her and accepted the attention calmly. Doctor Barry Waugh would have been amazed how collected the little koala was at this moment. She nuzzled her soft, sueded nose against the girl's cheek and made little chattering noises.

The other children, freed from the shock of a real live teddy bear, climbed out of bed or sat forward if they couldn't. The mobile ones gathered around the bed where Baby sat.

"Gently," Simone prompted the children as they reached out to stroke her soft fur.

Baby looked at them with her bright round eyes, then looked over at Rollie. She pulled away and walked back to the end of the bed and muttered at the man, reaching her arms out.

Rollie chuckled softly and walked over, sitting carefully on the end of the bed, gathering his charge in his arms. Satisfied, Baby turned her attention back to the small hands that were stroking her fur. She nuzzled one dark hand and the little boy giggled as her ear fur brushed his arm and tickled him.

"Baby, Baby," one little girl said over and over again. The koala looked over at her as if to say 'yes, do you want something?' and she clapped her hands gleefully. "You're soooo sweet. I wish I could take you home with me. Then I would never be scared again!"

"I'm sorry, but you can't do that," Rollie told her softly. "I have to take Baby back home so she can return to the bush where she came from and have her own babies."

"How did you get Baby?" An older boy without any hair asked thoughtfully.

Rollie sat up and looked at all the children looking at him and mostly at Baby. They were all shapes and sizes, all ages and colors. Some had eyes that were too old and wise and all of them sick or hurting. "Would you like me to tell how I came about having Baby now?"

The children nodded solemnly. Yes, they wanted to hear. They wanted to know about koalas and where Baby had come from.

"It's not exactly a happy tale," Rollie warned them as he gently hugged the koala.

"Does it have a happy ending?" asked the little girl whose bed they were sitting on.

"Well, I like to think so," Rollie told her. "What do you think, Baby? Does your story have a happy ending?"

Baby made some soft muttering sounds, then stood up in his lap and hugged the tall man's neck.

"I'll take that as yes," Rollie said. "All right then, everyone settle down and listen. And I'll tell you how I came to have Baby and how we came to be here." With that, he launched into the story, telling them something of his life near Docker River and how Angie had brought Baby to his door. He told a somewhat sanitized version of their encounter with the smugglers and how Baby had been truly orphaned by their greed and cruelty. He explained about visiting Doctor Barry and how he'd come to New York with Baby. "And Mitch here," he nodded at the nurse, "asked if we could visit all of you, so here we are."

The children looked at Rollie and Baby with round eyes. They were sorry about Baby losing her mother and angry about the smugglers. However, they could see the little koala was well loved and happy with Rollie. And they were very happy to meet her and the tall, thin man with his gentle voice.

The boy without any hair smiled. "Thank you for bringing Baby for a visit." The other children nodded agreement. "May I?" The boy asked, holding his arms open. At Rollie's nod, he gently gathered Baby to his chest and took her over to the other beds where the children who couldn't leave them watched and listened with wide eyed interest.

Rollie watched, trying to blink the tears that sprang to his eyes away, as Baby and the boy visited each child, allowing them to stroke her soft fur and if they liked to cuddle her close for a bit. Mitch came to join Rollie, leaning against the bed stead as they watched together. He looked up at her, questions in his expressive brown eyes. She gave a minute shake of her head and he sighed silently.

The boy finished his rounds at the bed of a little girl who was curled around a worn teddy bear, her eyes huge and wary. As Baby was settled on her bed and was pulled into a tight, but gentle, hug, Rollie realized that the girl wasn't wary of the koala or the boy, but the adults. He felt particularly sad at that. Children weren't suppose to be wary of adults. They were supposed to be cherished and loved. The casts on her arm and one leg told him this child didn't know that and he knew if he'd been the one bringing Baby to her that she would have pulled away from him. He was glad she got to hold Baby and that she got this opportunity to shed a few tears into the soft, gray fur. He knew sometimes tears were needed for healing and this little one needed to heal. He remembered shedding tears into the fur of his little dog, Bluey, when the lonely ache was too deep. And he remembered shedding more tears after his mother's death into the fur of a kangaroo years later. Her name had also been Bluey, because she was a Blue Flyer, a female red kangaroo though only the males were red. The females had blue gray fur and were faster than the large red boomers, hence their nickname. She'd also been considerably bigger than him for red kangaroos were large as a lot of men, though the females weren't as large as the males, and he'd been small as a child. The growth spurt that lead to his present tall height had come late for Rollie Tyler. He'd always felt more awkward as a child than most, with hands and feet too large for his small, sturdy, body. He swallowed as he took in the too large hands and feet of the boy now gently extracting Baby from the little girl's grip. He wondered if this boy would have the opportunity to grow into their size.

The boy returned Baby to Rollie and looked at him wistfully. "Could you tell us a story before you go?" He looked over at Erin and Simone. He knew it was past time for them to go to bed, but... Just one story wouldn't hurt, would it? They nodded for they knew this was probably the only visit that Rollie and Baby would be able to make. Why not make the most of it? He finished his request. "A story about a koala, please."

Rollie looked at all of the children gathered around. The kids all headed for their beds and settled into them, waiting patiently for the bedtime story. He knew very few stories about koalas. There were the Blinky Bill stories that every Aussie kid learned, but he knew that wasn't what they wanted. The story of how the orphan boy became a koala was hardly appropriate. He just couldn't tell that one to this group of children. He looked over at the little girl with the huge eyes, it came too close to home. So what could he tell?

Rollie sat down in a rocking chair that presided in the middle of the ward. It was obvious this chair was there for just such occasions as this. The Aussie settled Baby into his lap, gently rubbing her ears as he thought and sought some inspiration. Well, since none of the koala stories he'd learned from Mangela and his friends were suitable, he would just have to make it up as he went. "Okay, everybody settle down and listen." The children stilled in their beds, looking a Rollie with wide, expectant eyes. Erin, Simone and Mitch found themselves waiting with equal fascination.

"This is a story about Koala. Koala was young, but he was growing. Once he had slept in his Mum's pouch, warm and safe from the world. But he grew too big to stay there, so he had lived on her back, clinging tightly as she climbed gum trees and taught him which leafs were best, which were bad and how to avoid branches that could not hold their weight. Getting bigger had also meant getting bolder. He had experimented with eating gum leafs on his own and climbing from limb to limb. He had felt very daring the first time he had jumped from one branch to another. Looking at them, that wasn't something you expected to see a koala do, but they did it anyway. By watching his Mum and Da very carefully, Koala learned to watch, listen and smell for danger. He learned what was dangerous to koalas and what wasn't, who would harm a koala and who wouldn't. The day finally came when Koala was too big to be carried by his Mum. She had a new joey in her pouch. Joeys are what we call kangaroo and koala babies. They're all joeys when they're young." Rollie said in an aside, sharing with his new friends. "Koala's Da had started to watch him lately. Koala could see from the gleam in his eyes that Da thought he was big enough. It was time for Koala to live on his own. But where?"

Rollie sighed a bit sadly. "Koala looked around the tree he was currently living in, then thought. 'This isn't my tree anymore. Where will I go?'" The Aussie's voice changed as Koala thought his thoughts aloud, it became light and gentle and soft, but there was a touch of mischief hiding beneath the surface. "That night, Koala looked around and listened very carefully and sniffed the night air. Not hearing or seeing or smelling anything dangerous to koalas, he climbed down the tree, tail end first. Koalas always climbed down this way, just like a human would. Of course, Koala has advantages humans don't. Koala has two thumbs on each hand and very hard, strong claws that give him a tight grip. He sat at the base of his old home for a moment, just looking around and listening, his sensitive nose inhaling the familiar scents of home. Koala wanted to remember this moment, for he would probably never see his Mum or Da again. For that is the way it was for koalas that have grown up."

"A thrill of excitement worked its way through Koala's soft gray and cream fur. An adventure! This would be an adventure! Perhaps the only one he would ever have, because koalas are, generally speaking, not adventurous creatures. He would have to make the most of this one. Decided, he walked around the tree, then following his nose set off into the night. It was time for Koala to find a new home - his home!"

Rollie looked around at the children, then rubbed Baby on her back. "Now, you have to understand, koalas do not usually have names. Names are a human thing and koalas did not need them. They knew their parents and their parents knew their joeys. Koalas also knew their mates. It is only when they lived in a human home that they have names. They have no need of names in the Bush, so all koalas are Koala."

"Anyway, to continue, our adventurous young Koala set off to find his new home. He walked for a very long time. Koala knew he had to leave his Da's territory, for his Da would not want another adult male there and that was what Koala was now. He puffed up a bit and swaggered. Koala was an adult! He was going on an adventure! The kookaburras started to laugh and soon a raucous chorus of other birds joined them. The Dawn Chorus! The sun was rising! It was the start of a new day. Day was time for a koala to be safe in a tree and sleep. Koalas don't want to roam in the day though they do it from time to time. They were more likely to find danger then. Koala looked around for a tree to climb and sleep in. None of the ones here were appealing. They were too small for a big koala like him. And there were those funny homes that humans lived in all around here. Koala didn't want to be seen by humans. These trees would not hide him from prying human eyes. Dogs might find him and cats too. Koala did not want to be found by the pets of humans or their strays. Where could he spend the day?"

"Koala looked around carefully, his eyes round and bright. He looked at the biggest trees and thought them strange with their straight limbs and the narrow vines running from one to the next in a line. He didn't know it, but these were power poles. Sometimes when koalas get confused, they climbed them and that could be dangerous indeed for a koala. Fortunately, Koala had more sense than that. He didn't like the way he would be visible to the rest of the world if he climbed one of them. He thought about climbing one of the homes that the humans lived in, but didn't see a good place for a koala to hide and he didn't like them. He saw a funny looking human thing. It was smaller than their homes, but it's sides were wood and would give his claws a good grip. Even better, up near the top there was an overhang which was deeply shadowed. He could hide there. Decision made, Koala stretched as high as he could until he reached the wood. Up he went, climbing higher. He moved over to his chosen hiding place and curled into a small ball, gripping the wood tightly. A gray koala in deep shadow would be hard to see and all that Koala left showing was gray. The cream markings on his chest and ears were hidden now. Feeling safe, Koala fell asleep. He was tired from all his walking. He was hungry too, but he wouldn't worry about that until night."

The lanky man shook his head in dismay. "Koala didn't know it, but what he had climbed was a truck train. You all know what a train is, right?" Rollie looked around and smiled at the nods. "Yes, well, in Australia, truck trains take goods to places that the rails don't go. A truck could pull three or four trailers behind them, heading off into the Bush with the things people needed there. We call them truck trains and this was what Koala was sleeping on. Poor Koala didn't know."

Rollie shook his head again over Koala's hiding place. It wasn't as good a place as Koala thought. "Of course, with the sun, came the people. The drivers came out of their homes and climbed aboard. They had places to go and people who were depending on them for the goods they carried. They had a long way to travel and wanted to get on their way. The drivers didn't notice their little stowaway. Why, who had ever heard of such a thing? A koala on a truck train?!? It was unheard of! The engine roared and they began their journey, deep into the Outback. Soon, the truck train was moving swiftly down the road. Because of the distances they had to travel, truck trains travel very, very fast."

"Koala woke with a start, the wind whistling through his fur. He had never felt such wind before, except once when the trees had whipped wildly back and forth and he had to cling very, very tightly to his Mum and his Mum to the tree so as not to be tossed off. That was what this felt like, but the human thing was not whipping back and forth. It was vibrating instead. A vibration unlike anything he had ever felt before was running through it. What was going on? Koala was afraid. Shivering, Koala opened his eyes and looked around." Rollie opened his eyes very wide and looked around, they rounded in surprise. "Oh! The ground was moving! The ground was moving! Koala had never seen such a thing! His parents had never mentioned such a thing was possible. And what was worse, it was rushing by so very fast he thought he might lose his grip and be dashed away by the wind. Oh! Oh! What could a koala do?!?"

The children shivered in their beds and leaned forward, worried about Koala. Rollie cuddled Baby close to his chest. "Koala was full of fear, but he kept his tight grip and hung on. He knew it was for his life. He closed his eyes because the ground's rushing was making him dizzy. Poor Koala. He had to hang on for a very long time. Eventually the vibration changed and there were strange noises. Koala shut his eyes more tightly. What was happening? What new torment was waiting for him? The vibration stopped, but Koala continued to cling tightly in his hideaway. He was afraid to look. Minutes trickled by, moment by moment, and nothing happened. He heard the voices of the men. What was happening? Finally, unable to stand the curiosity building inside, he opened his eyes." Rollie opened his eyes wide and look around in deep surprise. "The ground had stopped! Though it was daylight, Koala did not want to risk it moving again. It wasn't right! The ground wasn't suppose to move! He climbed down as fast as he could, falling the remaining couple of meters to the ground. Koala would almost rather be caught by humans than to have the ground move like that again! But he wasn't caught. The drivers didn't see the shaking, furry gray figure that scrambled away from their truck train. Koala ran madly away as fast as his legs would carry him. He ran and ran and ran until he could run no more. Then, he stopped."

The lanky man sat up straight and looked around the room. "Koala looked around. He saw large gum trees full of delicious green leaves. He saw a wallaby with a joey in her pouch hopping away. He listened. He heard birds in the trees, gallahs and kookaburras and many others. He looked up. There was a sugar glider and a colony of flying foxes. He looked down. There was the entrance to a wombat's home. He looked behind him. There wasn't any sign of the truck train or people or the road. Koala didn't know it, but he was in the heart of an old growth forest. This was land that humans had decided to protect. It was a national park. Koala thought it might be a good home. Weary, his paws aching and hot, Koala climbed an unoccupied gum tree. He flopped, boneless, against the tree where it forked, legs dangling, high, high above the ground. Koala was asleep in an instant."

"When Koala finally woke, it was night. This was fine with him. Night is the time for koalas. He was hungry and thirsty though. His stomach growled at him. Koala reached out and pulled a small branch over. Snip! He bit the tip off of a leaf. Oh! That was good! That was very, very good. Koala happily settled into his new tree, eating and eating. Koalas do not drink very often or much. They get the water they need from the leafs they eat and the dew on them. Koala was very happy eating his eucalyptus gum leafs. Finally, satisfied and full, Koala looked around. He needed to check out this new area. If there weren't any other male koalas, it could be his territory. That thought made Koala even happier. He climbed down his tree and looked around. He listened closely to the night sounds. He sniffed the air intently. No scent of koalas reached his sharp nose. He rubbed his chest against the tree marking it as his. Koala rambled off into the bush, checking everything in the area. Occasionally, he stopped and marked another tree. Dawn found Koala back at the first tree - his tree, his home! Koala was very, very happy as he climbed high up into the tree to sleep.There were no other male koalas so he wouldn't have to fight for his home. He settled into a crook of the tree. Only one thought disturbed Koala and it was a distant one. There also weren't any female koalas. That would be a problem one day, but it seemed distant and faint. For now, Koala was happy with his new home."

Rollie scratched Baby's chest. "Do you know why it was bad for Koala to have no females near?" He looked around the room. Maybe he shouldn't be going here. They were all so young! And yet... He had known when he was their age. Maybe it was growing up alone in the Bush. With all that time and no one to play with, he had plenty of time to look and watch. He had seen the 'roos and other animals doing what all animals felt an imperative to do, even humans. Sex and making babies was part of living. He hid a smile as he remembered one time he had accidently walked in on his parents. Dingo had actually blushed! And their reaction to his matter of fact response was priceless! That had been the one and only time Rollie Tyler had left his father totally speechless.

A little girl waved her hand. "There wouldn't be any baby koalas if Koala doesn't find a female!" She responded eagerly. "My momma and daddy have promised me that I'm going to get a baby sister or brother soon," she explained sagely to her neighbor.

Rollie chuckled as Simone and Erin hid their eyes and blushed slightly. "That's right. If Koala wants any joeys of his own, he will have to find a female." The Aussie clucked his tongue. "But poor Koala was all alone in his new home, save for the other animals, the kangaroos and the wallabies and possums and all the others. Eventually, Koala grew lonely. Why, even Dingo had a mate and pups! He should have a mate and a joey too! He knew it. He just didn't know what to do about it. Koala had roamed around quite a bit in his new home in the Bush and not found one trace of another koala. Poor Koala! He sat back on his perch and bellowed loudly. Not to mark his territory as his Da had done, but to tell the world that Koala was lonely and wanted a fine mate of his own."

"Now unbeknownst to Koala, some humans were camping nearby. They were very surprised to hear a koala call in this part of the country. There were no koalas here! They knew it because they were part of Koala Rescue and had wished that this land could be home to koalas. The couple had long thought that it would be a fine home for their rescued charges, but koalas are very picky animals. If it was a fine home for koalas, surely they would already be here? Koalas survive and thrive only when they have just the right eucalyptus leafs and other things that only a koala knows it needs. This is what the Experts had told them. So, they had never brought a koala here. But now! Now, they were hearing the bellowing call of a koala! Eagerly, they scanned the trees with their night binoculars, seeking the koala they heard."

"There! There was the koala! The man pointed it out to his wife. They looked Koala over and were pleased. What a fine little fellow! He was young and obviously healthy and strong. His fur was well groomed and fluffy, he had that deceptive roundness that hid his sturdy legs from ignorant watchers. This koala was a fine fellow indeed! Koala bellowed his call again. The couple exchanged a look. He wanted a mate! They smiled. They knew just the one. They had a little female at Koala Rescue. She had been hit by a car, but was properly healed now. She had not had a joey yet, but was almost old enough for her first. It was almost time for her release back into the Bush. They just had to convince their bosses that this was a good place for koalas to be. Not an easy task for one was an Expert and thought that the park must be lacking in something if it didn't have koalas already."

"The woman pointed out, quite reasonably, that now it did have a koala and a fine, healthy fellow too. The man nodded in agreement. She snapped some pics so they would have proof that the koala was real. They lay down for the night, not sleeping as they had expected to do. Koala was also a loud fellow and was telling the world he was here and ready for a mate of his own. He only took an occasional break to eat some gum leafs, before calling again. It was a long night for the human couple."

"Now, instead of waiting for their vacation to end as they had intended, the couple packed up the next day. They wanted to introduce the little koala to the wild here and they knew they would have to fight hard to get their bosses to agree. They left Koala to his lonely perch, hoping that they would soon solve his problem."

"Koala didn't know that humans were trying to bring him a mate. He began to roam far and wide looking for one of his own. Always, his search was a failure. Koala wondered if he would have to move on. He loved his home! It was full of good eucalyptus trees and friendly animals that would never harm a koala. There was only the dingoes to worry about and there were just enough of them to keep a smart koala on its toes and alert. Koala didn't want to leave, but had begun to think that he would have to if he didn't want to be an old bachelor koala."

"One day, Koala was sleeping when a sound disturbed him. 'Now what?' He grumbled to himself as he blinked his round eyes open. 'Oh horrors! Humans!' Maybe he should move? Koala didn't want to live with humans. He watched them with bright, curious eyes. What was that? They were carrying a box. Koala didn't know what it was, but it was certainly odd. Why, it was just koala sized! The humans looked around and found some koala droppings. Small and oval, they had the sharp scent of the eucalyptus that all koalas eat. Only a koala left that scent behind for no other animal ate eucalyptus. One of the humans nodded. Koala didn't know it, but this was a boss human and an Expert on koalas. Carefully, the couple with him opened the box and the man reached in."

"Oh! Oh! Oh! A koala! Koala couldn't believe his eyes! He blinked and rubbed them with one paw. A koala! The humans had brought another koala! He started to bristle. How dare they bring a rival into his territory?!? Why he would just run this fellow right off! After the humans left, of course. Koala, as angry as he was, was not about to risk being caught by humans."

"The man held the koala on it's back. It had its legs spread wide, seeking something to grab. The poor thing had tried very hard to hold on to the box so it couldn't be picked up, but gentle hands had pried its claws loose. Poor little Koala! It didn't understand what was going on at all! The woman made soothing noises as it was carried to a tree. The man held it up to a tall, sturdy gum tree. Grab! Scramble! Away raced Little Koala, high, high up into the gum tree. Finally, it stopped and looked down, panting and shaking. Finally! Little Koala was away from those people and very happy about it. Sniff. Oooh! Gum leafs! Little Koala snipped a tip off and chewed, watching the humans warily. The humans laughed and smiled. They walked away, taking the box with them."

"Now, the new Koala didn't know it, but the humans didn't go far. They set up camp beyond a stand of bushes. The people from Koala Rescue wanted to make sure that the koalas got along and that their koala didn't get hurt. Koala watched them as they set up their camp. He thought that humans were silly creatures. Koala took a deep breath, sniffing the air. Hmm... Little Koala didn't smell like a male. Maybe this new fellow was too young for the musky scent gland that males used to mark their territory? Little Koala was smaller than him. Oh! Koala puffed up a bit. What a fine, big fellow he was now! Well, if that was the case, he would make sure that Little Koala understood it could only stay a little while. Koala went back to sleep, resolving to keep a close eye on his new neighbour."

"Night came and Koala woke up properly. Now what was he going to do? He knew something important had happened! Oh yes! There was another koala here! Might as well let his new neighbour know what was what. Koala was the big koala here! He took a deep breath and bellowed as loudly as he could. He paused and listened closely, waiting for a response. What? Nothing! Oh, what a big koala he was now! What a fine, impressive call! This new Koala was obviously cowed by him. He preened a bit, then let out another bellow. Koala heard a rustling sound at the bottom of his tree. What? Why it was that Little Koala! He grumbled to himself. Well, if he wanted a fight, then Koala would give it to him."

"At the foot of the tree, Little Koala looked up, then around cautiously. Tentatively, it put a paw to the tree. It walked around the trunk and came to where Koala had marked it. Oooh! What a wonderful smell! Little Koala looked up again. It wanted to find the one who made that smell. Little Koala began to climb, going higher and higher. Abruptly, Koala and Little Koala found themselves nose to nose. Koala started to grumble aloud, then stopped. That scent! Oooh! Little Koala was a female koala! Koala preened and showed himself off.' Look at me,' his bright eyes said. 'See what a big, handsome fellow I am!' Koala grunted and bellowed again. 'See here World! I have mate here!' He bellowed it happily."

Rollie blinked and looked around at his audience. "Silly Koala! He didn't have a mate yet. Little Koala had to decide for herself if he was worthy of her attention or not. She took a deep breath, smelling Koala's scent. Well, he certainly was a fit fellow. Perhaps he would make a good father for her joeys. She would wait and see though. Little Koala climbed past Koala, settling into a new perch. She nibbled on some gum leafs. Well, he certainly has a fine taste in trees, she thought to herself. Little Koala watched Koala coyly as he preened, then ate and preened some more, showing off."

"The humans were pleased by Koala's response to his new neighbour. Wisely, they withdrew from the location, leaving nature to take its course. They would return in a year and see how the pair were doing. If there was a joey, perhaps they would bring more koalas here."

"Now, Little Koala watched Koala for several nights. Time passed and the gum tree they were living in was beginning to look bedraggled. Two koalas eat more than one. Koala decided it was time to move to a new tree. He grunted at Little Koala. She opened one eye and looked at him. 'And why should I?' Her look asked him clearly."

"Koala grunted again. 'Look at the tree,' he said."

"Little Koala looked at their home. 'Oh, all right. Maybe it is time to move.' In this way, the gum they were leaving would have a chance to recover and grow more delicious leaves for them to eat."

"Koala went down the tree first. He stopped and sniffed the night air. He listened closely to the sounds. 'Hmm... Perhaps we should wait a bit.' He barked up at Little Koala."

"Little Koala grumbled to herself. 'First it's go, now it's stay. Make up your mind, Koala!' Little Koala stopped grumbling when Dingo and his mate went by. Uh oh! Maybe Koala was smarter than she thought? Hmm... Maybe she should listen more closely to him. She waited more patiently now, occasionally neatly nipping a leaf off to chew."

"Finally, Koala was satisfied by the sounds and smells. He looked around carefully, but his bright eyes saw no more signs of Dingo. He grunted up at Little Koala. 'Time to go,' he said."

"Obediently, Little Koala followed Koala down the tree. Off into the Bush they went. Koala keeping his eyes, ears and nose open for signs of trouble. Reaching the new tree he had already decided on, Koala sent Little Koala up first. When she was high enough to be safe, he followed up after her."

"What a fine fellow, Little Koala thought to herself. I like Koala. Perhaps... She hesitated and looked over to where Koala was busily snipping leafs, eating their tips. Hmm... Little Koala smiled to herself. Yes, he was a very fine fellow. She went to where Koala was and snuggled against him, happy and pleased."

"Koala froze for an instant in surprise. Oh! Oh! Oh! He smiled a koala smile in joy and snuggled back. Little Koala will make a fine mate. We will have plenty of fine joeys together. And what a splendid place to raise joeys! Plenty of food and space for all of them, even the little males, he just knew they would have. Koala was a very proud and happy fellow that night!"

Rollie chuckled and smiled at his happy audience. "Koala was right. They did have a fine, little female joey and the humans were very, very pleased to see her when they came to check up on their 'experiment' as the Boss called it. They were almost as pleased and proud as Koala as they watched Little Koala work her way around their tree with Joey on her back. Such fine, healthy specimens! This was a good place for koalas to be! Koala and Little Koala had lots more joeys of their own, males and females, which pleased Koala Rescue to no end. And so it came to pass, that Koala Rescue brought more koalas to Koala's forest, deep in the Bush, away from human places and troubles. And Koala decided this was a fine thing, since it meant their Joeys would be able to find mates for themselves when they were ready. Of course, it didn't hurt that the males that the humans brought were smaller and younger than him and Little Koala. This meant that Koala was the Patriarch of this band of Koalas and they all backed off when he bellowed to let them know his territory!"

The little girl with the worn teddy bear, blinked at him and lisped sleepily, "And they lived happily ever after?"

Erin and Simone blinked in surprise. It was the most she had ever said to an adult!

Rollie smiled gently at the little girl and the rest of his sleepy audience. "They lived very happily ever after for they had all that koalas ever wanted or needed."

"Good," she said, snuggling into her pillow. "Tuck me in?" Several other children echoed the request.

Rollie stood and placed Baby on his back. With her clinging tightly to his shoulder, he carefully tucked each and every child into their beds. He gave a kiss on the cheek or forehead to the each of the girls and ruffled each boy's hair ever so gently. This pleased them no end, that Rollie knew they didn't want to be kissed like the girls did. The Aussie silently lead the nurses out of the ward. Simone sniffed and wiped her eyes. Erin and Mitch beamed at the gentle man and he looked around wondering what he had done this time.

Mitch stood on tip-toe and kissed him on one cheek. "That was wonderful, Rollie. Thank you!" Erin and Simone nodded in agreement. They touched Baby one last time and echoed her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Rollie answered. "Good bye." He followed Mitch back to the elevator, leaving the others to return to their duties. The lanky man gave himself a shake as they went down. He brightened as he thought about taking Angie back to the hotel. Hopefully, she was ready to go!

Rollie eagerly left the elevator, leaving Mitch behind. A quick glance around showed no signs of either detective, Doctor Russell or Angie. Before he could tense with worry, Mitch passed him, beckoning the Aussie to follow. He followed her silently to a treatment room.

"Go on in, Rollie." Mitch gave him a little shove, then walked away. It was time for her to return to her duties.

The lanky man cautiously shoved his head in and smiled when he saw Frank and Doctor Russell. Where was Angie though? "Hi! Any luck?" He tried to keep his concern out of his voice, but it leaked out.

The two men smiled at each other and parted. There was Angie curved on the treatment table, asleep.

"Leo headed back to Mid-Town. He wanted to question Westmoreland." Francis informed the Australian. "I'll drive you to the hotel."

Rollie smiled at him. "Thank you, Frankie." He squatted down beside the treatment table taking in Angie's beautiful face. His smile softened and became tender. He gently touched the blonde's shoulder and shook her. "Hey Angie. What say we blow this pop stand?"

"Hmmm?" Angie moaned softly.

"Come on, time to get up, Angie," Rollie said more loudly.

"Not yet," she breathed, snuggling against the pillow.

Baby reached out a paw and patted her face. Surprised, Angie blinked her eyes open, looking owlish. "Baby?" Blue eyes connected with golden eyes, then drifted to the beautiful brown eyes that watched her with such loving warmth. "Rollie?" Angie reached over and stroked his soft brown hair. She yawned widely, too sleepy to hide it or be embarrassed. She shifted over until her forehead touched his, then rubbed her cheek against his hair. "Rollie," she sighed in contentment, drifting back to sleep.

"Ehh, none of that, Angel. Time to get up unless you want to stay in the hospital tonight?"

"Umm, no." Angie blinked her eyes open again. "No, I'm up. I'm up!" She stretched languidly, unaware of the effect she was having on the Aussie.

Rollie felt his heart flip as he watched her, unaccustomed warmth filling his body. Ever so faintly, a blush touched his cheeks. He sighed silently in relief as Doctor Russell interrupted his thoughts and the flow of his feelings by pushing a wheelchair up beside the bed. "Thank you, Doctor Russell." Rollie put all of his gratitude into his voice and his eyes.

Bill smiled at the younger man. "You're welcome, Rollie." He turned to Angie. "Now young lady, you just sit down here and we'll have you out in a jiff." He helped Angie slide off the table and sit on the chair, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders to protect her from the spring night's chill.

Francis left to get the car ready. Doctor Russell got Rollie to sign some forms and then, with Angie dozing once more, pushed her out to the front entrance. The short detective was waiting with the engine running. Bill helped Rollie shift Angie into the back seat. Rollie slid in beside her, one long arm wrapping around her shoulders. She sighed in contentment, snuggling against his shoulder. Baby scrambled over and curled up into a ball between Angie and Rollie, making her own sleepy sounds of contentment. Bill smiled in amusement as Baby and Angie made simultaneous sighs and fell asleep, heads pressed snuggly against the young Aussie.

"Thank you, Doctor Russell."

Bill smiled. "No problem, Rollie. I'll be by to check both of you tomorrow. Don't forget to take it easy. All right?"

"I will," Rollie promised solemnly.

"You know, maybe the hospital should hire you to get some of our more reluctant patients to go to sleep. They look very content there." Doctor Russell joked. He laughed softly as Rollie blushed and stammered. "Go on, get out of here! See you tomorrow." He closed the door and stepped back. He waved once, then entered the hospital. There was always more work to do and he had rounds to make.

Francis pulled out into the traffic. Rollie took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of Angie's hair. He smiled as he looked at his sleeping charges. Watching them, Rollie let the worries and fears he had carried since he'd spoken with Leo McCarthy on the phone slide off of his shoulders and vanish into the night. By the time Gatti had reached the hotel, Rollie had joined them in sleep.

"Rollie?" The soft call instantly woke the Australian. "We're here." Rollie slid out of the car, waking Baby in the process. He put the young koala on his back, then coaxed the partially awake woman out of the car. With help from Francis, he got her to walk to the elevator. They rode it up, Baby falling asleep again, her paws holding tightly to her Mum's jacket. Angie leaned against the Aussie's lengthy form, her eyes closed, one hand holding tightly to the collar of his jacket, almost asleep again. The ding of the elevator arriving on his floor didn't disturb either of the young females. Frank helped guide Angie to Rollie's suite, then held her limp form up as Rollie hastily turned down the covers of the bed in the second bedroom. He eased her down to sit on the bed. Rollie bent down and removed her shoes, then raised her legs up, sliding them on to the bed.

Frank watched as Rollie pulled the covers up, carefully tucking Angie into bed. It reminded him of tucking his daughters into bed so much that he felt a pang, a need to go home and see them... and his wife, Sarah. "Well, I'll get out of here. Leo or I will call you tomorrow with an update on things."

"Thanks, Frankie." Rollie's warm smile made his eyes sparkle as he looked at the shorter man. "You're a good mate. I'm glad to have met you and Leo."

"Well," Francis shuffled a bit in embarrassment. He wasn't used to such sentiments being expressed. "I'm glad I met you too and Baby." He smiled at the ball of fur clinging to Rollie's back. "Um, I'll see myself out. Good night."

"Good night," Rollie called softly. He listened to the hall door close as the New Yorker left, watching Angie sleep. He would set out the 'Do Not Disturb' sign and turn the deadbolt and safety locks in a minute. The Aussie was too content watching Angie sleep to move from his place on her bed. He would do it in just another minute. The minutes slipped by unnoticed. Finally, Rollie's own eyelids began to droop and he curled up beside Angie's sleeping form on top of the covers. He yawned. Just for a minute... The moon shone through the open curtains of the window, limning the sleeping woman, man and koala in silver light.

Rollie woke with a slight oomph as Baby firmly planted a paw against his bruised abdomen. He blinked his eyes open, surprised to find sunlight streaming through the window. He could tell it was early, but still, he hadn't meant to fall asleep. At some point during the night, Baby had shifted from his back to snuggle between him and Angie. He blushed slightly as he realized that he'd spent the night with her. Then he smiled as he recognized the bed covers modestly separated them. The young koala grumbled and pressed against the Aussie again. What? Oh! "Sorry, Baby," Rollie murmured softly, "I bet you're starving." He shifted off the bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping woman. He gathered his charge into his arms and headed for the kitchen. He hadn't meant to neglect Baby. It was very important that she be well fed every day. Yesterday had been largely consumed by their search for Angie, then seeking medical treatment. Poor Baby hadn't gotten all of her feedings. Now, the young man set about remedying that particular situation. He was pleased to find that at some point recently someone had delivered the fresh eucalyptus leaves. Well, they were relatively fresh. This was why koalas remained in Australia for the most part. The logistics of feeding their picky appetites made them difficult to keep elsewhere. He opened the package and settled Baby on the table to dig into the 'new' leaves. While she was working on those, he bustled around the kitchen to fix her bottle. This wasn't just because Baby was young. Actually, if she had still been in the wild, she wouldn't even need milk. However, being with humans, all koalas needed help in getting enough nourishment, even the adults. The milk formula supplied much of the nutrition they needed. Satisfied with his preparation, Rollie sat in a chair at the table. Baby immediately abandoned the leaves and eagerly scrambled over to him. Cuddled in his lap, she began to suckle her bottle. She knew what was good for her and she was so hungry!

Angie woke slowly and stretched languidly. Her mind refused to focus fully and she lay in the warm, soft bed just luxuarating in the feeling. So good. So very, very good. Her hand touched an indention beside her and she was surprised to find it was still warm. What? Memory returned - Westmoreland, a stranger, Rollie and Baby, a doctor... Rollie and Baby?!? She sat up in surprise. Where had that come from? They were in Australia, not here. So why did she have memories of them? The blonde took in the bedroom, surprised she didn't recognize it. It wasn't her apartment and if this was a hospital, well, they had certainly changed the decor! Where was she? Puzzled, she got out of bed, a bit surprised to find she was fully dressed except for her shoes. A glance found them neatly placed on the floor next to the bed. She sat on the edge and pulled them on, tying the laces. Angie ran her hands through her hair, straightening her short cut from the muss sleeping had made. Satisfied, she set out to find out where she was and what was going on. She considered picking up a heavy candlestick for a weapon, but decided against it. In spite of what had happened to her, she felt ... safe. She found the suite was large, airy and well appointed. Suite? Well, it did look like a hotel, like the ones that the 'big shots' stayed in that she'd seen when she got to follow her Father around. She found the kitchen and was surprised to find a koala on the table, happily munching some leaves. She stood there gaping. She must have made some sound though, because it turned and looked at her. The koala abandoned its leaves and walked to the end of the table closest to her, reaching it - her arms out in appeal. "Ba--Baby?" Angie squeaked out as she gathered her hallucination in her arms. The warm weight was just all too real!

"Good morning, Angie!" Rollie greeted cheerfully as he walked up behind her.

Angie jumped and spun around. Her arms instinctively clutched Baby closer so she wouldn't drop her. She gaped up at the tall, lanky Australian and felt her jaw drop to the floor. "Rollie?" He looked a bit tired. His hair was wet and he'd obviously been towelling it dry, because a damp towel hung from his fingers. He looked... good. The dark clothes he wore emphasized his dark hair and fair complexion. Bright brown eyes twinkled down at her. He certainly was in good cheer. "Rollie!" She jumped forward, hugging him, but being careful to not squeesh Baby in between them.

"Angie," Rollie whispered as his own arms closed around her, hugging her and Baby close. His head dropped and he took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of her hair. His nose wrinkled slightly. Angie needed her own shower, but he wasn't certain he could let go long enough to let her take it. "Angie." He kissed her forehead gently.

The woman sighed in content, her eyes closing as she pressed against the long, lean, firm, warm and very real body. She felt the feather touch of his lips on her forehead and opened her eyes to look at him. Blue eyes filled with unshed tears as she found the warm depths of his brown eyes holding her captive. "Oh Rollie."

Baby's paws grasped her Mum's shirt and she climbed up and around. All of this hugging was all very well, but she wanted another nap. She took a firm hold at Rollie's back and hummed softly as she snuggled down, drifting off to sleep.

"Rollie," Angie whispered again as her hands reached up to run through the soft strands of his long brown hair. She pulled his head down to hers and their lips met, softly at first, then as need and desire rose, more deeply. When she finally let go, he pulled back slightly, panting as his lungs tried to refill themselves with the oxygen the kiss had deprived them. His eyes were closed and there was a stunned look on his face. She giggled slightly at this evidence that Rollie still cared and she could still have such a profound effect on him.

The man grinned wickedly as he opened his eyes. They were full of mischief as he wrapped his arms around Angie's waist, lifting  her from the floor. His lips met Angie's and this time it was her turn to be stunned as she was gently, but thoroughly kissed by the Aussie. His smile was a bit smug as she panted when he set her down.

Angie grinned up at him. "Not that I'm complaining, but what are you doing here?" This had been the last thing she had expected when she woke up. She felt a bit giddy actually, she had fully expected to go to jail or something equally horrible because of Westmoreland's actions. Vaguely, memories of someone else roused in the dark recesses of her memory. She shivered, then snuggled more closely to the Aussie, appreciating his warmth and a strength that went beyond the physical.

Rollie rubbed his cheek against her hair. "Take a shower. I'll make some breakfast and we'll... talk." He smiled, the smile that made her toes curl in pleasure.

Why some woman hadn't already snatched him up was a mystery to her, but she was very grateful for their lack of insight. Or maybe it was a patented Aussie (or Rollie) stubbornness! Whatever the reason, she had cause to be very grateful. Angie obediently went to wash off the grime that was making her feel itchy. She was hungry and curious. The sooner she was clean, the sooner she could grill Rollie Tyler for answers.

A knock sounded on the door and Rollie sighed. He hoped it wasn't anything important, he really wanted some time alone with Angie. He went and peeked through the door's peep hole. The sight elicited a deeper sigh from the Aussie. He reluctantly opened the door to admit Leo and Francis. "G'morning."

"Good morning," Leo grinned and held out an overnight case. "We thought Ms. Ramirez might like a change of clothes and, uh, other things."

"Thank you," Rollie responded gratefully. He might wish for more time alone, but he knew Angie would be glad. He knew he hated getting into dirty clothes after getting clean. "Have a seat! I'll be right back." He headed for the other bedroom and tapped on the door to the attached bath. "Angie? I'm leaving a clothes change out here." He set the bag outside the door and went out to entertain their guests. He sat, gingerly on the edge of the comfortable chair, all too aware of Baby snuggled against his back. He was used to not being able to sit back now and wondered idly how long it would take him to do it once she was gone. "So, how's the case coming?"

Leo shrugged. "Westmoreland isn't rolling over yet." He glanced out the window. "We're still working on it, naturally, but unless he does there's not much more we can do. I think we can reasonably say Ms. Ramirez is free and clear of charges though." He smiled as the Aussie relaxed fractionally.

"Actually, we were sort of hoping she might have seen or heard something that might help us," Francis chipped in.

Rollie started to answer, but was interrupted by Angie appearing in the doorway.

"Rollie?" Angie looked questioningly at the other men.

"Angie! This is Detective Leo McCarthy and his partner, Detective Francis Gatti." Rollie held his hand out to her. "They helped me find you."

Angie stepped forward and squeezed in beside him in the chair. She held his hand, her other one reaching to touch Baby. "Thank you. But... What happened?" Her voice was plaintive, she was tired of being in  the dark, tired of not knowing.

"Someone blew up the director's trailer on your current movie, Ms. Ramirez. Everyone reported seeing a blonde woman in the vicinity of the explosives trailer before it happened." McCarthy stated, watching closely for her reaction.

Angie shook her head in bewilderment. "But I didn't-- I wouldn't-- Look, Detective McCarthy, I don't like Breen! I never have and I won't pretend I do, but I did not blow up his trailer." She made a sound, half laugh, half disgusted snort. "If I ever go after that ... man, it won't be that quick. And it won't be his trailer." She smiled wickedly.

Leo almost chuckled at the young woman's feisty words. It didn't take much imagination to know just what Angie Ramirez would be after if she did decide to 'get' Nick Breen. "All right, all right, Ms. Ramirez!" He made a whoa gesture with his hands, indicating she should settle down. "If we didn't know that before, we do now that we know that Westmoreland is up to his neck in this thing. It never hurts to catch the criminal in the act."

"Guess not," Rollie chuckled softly. And Westmoreland was well and truly caught in the act. What the prat thought he could get away with, Rollie didn't know. Why protect someone else when you were guaranteed to go down for a crime, especially one this serious? Was he really fool enough to think that he would get away with it? Or maybe it wasn't fool, but arrogance? An arrogant fool was still a fool and Rollie Tyler did not believe in honor among thieves or any other type of criminal. They just needed to find the right button to push.

Angie looked at the Aussie's face. "Rollie?"

"Hmm?" Rollie blinked and focused on the beautiful blonde snuggled against his side. He smiled widely. Oh, he could get very used to this! He wrapped one long arm around her shoulders and pulled her just that bit closer.

"What are you thinking?" He was up to something, she just knew it.

"Nothing yet, luv, but it will come." Rollie brushed his cheek against her hair and sighed blissfully.

Francis shifted uncomfortably and looked at Leo. He felt like an intruder, watching them. He was surprised to catch the doting expression on the older man's face. That look brought a smile to Gatti's face. He watched Baby reach up and tug at Rollie's hair. The sight reminded him. "Ms. Ramirez, your cat has been staying with my family while you were, um, missing."

Angie blinked and looked at the shorter detective. "He has? Well, thank you, Detective... Gatti?"

"Francis, please," Frank smiled warmly.

"Or Frank or Frankie," Rollie chuckled. "Want to pick up Chiops, sweetie?"

"Guess I better or I might not have a cat," Angie responded. She looked around the suite. "I'll get my bag and we can go..."

"'Fraid not, Ms. Ramirez." McCarthy interrupted. Rollie and Angie looked at him in surprise, then at each other. He looked serious. "Your apartment is a crime scene. We won't be able to let you in for awhile yet. I'm afraid you'll have to find somewhere else to stay."

Frank Gatti blinked and started to speak, only to be silenced by an elbow in his side. What was McCarthy up to now?!? He rubbed his aching ribs and glared at his partner. Leo nodded slightly toward the young couple whose heads were pulled together. Fortunately, they weren't paying attention to the cops at the moment. Francis blinked, then realized what was going on. He smothered a chuckle. Who would have thought that Leo was a closet romantic? He'd have to clue in Colleen. He couldn't think of any one who would appreciate it more.

"You can stay with me, Ange. There's plenty of room." Rollie spoke softly, his breath stirring her hair.

"Rollie, I can't impose on you. Besides, what about Chiops? I can't let Detective Gatti keep taking care of him. Hotels don't..."

"This hotel already has a koala in their suite. What's the problem with having a cat?"

"And what about Baby? What if she and Chiops don't get along?"

"What if they do? Angie, let's just try it." Rollie took a deep breath and released it slowly. "If they don't like each other, but aren't too vocal, we'll just put them in separate rooms." His eyes twinkled. "You can't tell me this place isn't bigger than your apartment. I know about New York! I've been here before. And I know it's bigger than my place."

Angie looked at the large, airy room. Rollie was right. This room alone was bigger than her tiny apartment. Hell! He was right about his home too. She knew just how small it was. If that was enough room for Baby and Chiops on a normal day... Well, why couldn't she stay? It wasn't like they had to sleep in the same room. She wasn't stupid, she knew they'd done it last night, but they hadn't slept together. She didn't think Rollie would do that and... Well, behind one of those other doors was another bedroom and bath. Had to be! Her bath wasn't messed up from Rollie's shower and if he'd used that one she would have found him first, not Baby. She would have heard him. "All right."

Rollie beamed at her. "Fair dinkum."

She laughed. "Fair dinkum."

They turned their attention to the watching detectives. "Angie can stay with me." Rollie declared. "Now, let's go collect Chiops."

Leo laughed. "All right." He continued as they stood up. "In the meantime, Ms. Ramirez. Do you remember anything? Start from when Westmoreland arrived at your apartment." He looked at her. "It was Westmoreland. Wasn't it?"

"Yeah," Angie breathed as she wrapped her hand around Rollie's elbow. Anchoring to him made her feel real again and safe. "Yeah, it was," she answered more loudly as they followed them out the door.

Leo sat in the passenger seat, asking Angie questions as Frank drove the familiar path to his house.

Rollie sat quietly, his arm wrapped around Angie, Baby clinging to his chest and listened.

Angie talked. She remembered the knock on the door. She was surprised to see Westmoreland there. He'd never come to her apartment before. She hadn't even known he knew where she lived, though she'd filled the address out on several forms. They were ignored for the most part. The tax forms were passed to his accountant. A mousy man who'd been glad to have her act as go between. He obviously didn't care for the bullying Westmoreland. Typical of Big Jake to bully people smaller than him. Except... She didn't bully. She stood up to them. Westmoreland didn't like that, but he had to live with it. And he'd like that even less. So, he always spent as little time as possible with Ramirez. Another reason to be surprised by his appearance at her door. Maybe that was why she'd opened the door so carelessly - surprise. He started talking about the next day's shoot. Something he'd never done before. Chiops had made a slight hissing noise and slunk under her bed. He didn't like Westmoreland either. She was glad her apartment was neat, the bed made. This visit would have been worse if she had a mess. It would have been something else for him to snipe about.

Westmoreland coughed suddenly and asked for a glass of water. She turned toward the kitchenette and then... A hand clamped a pad with a sickly sweet odor over her mouth, her arms were pinned to her sides by the strong arm that wrapped around them. She struggled, kicking back, trying to connect. With anything really, shin, knee. Higher would have been nice. Eventually, she had been forced to breath, spots dancing in front of her eyes. It had been as if her head was suddenly stuffed with cotton, everything turned vague and blurry. The spots turned dark, the darkness spreading and engulfing her. That was her last real memory. There was a vague knowing about shifting about, being handled like a bag of potatoes. Dark places, hot places. She shivered as if she was cold. Rollie's arm tightened, he pressed against her, offering comfort. She looked up and saw his face was troubled, his eyes angry. Angry for her. She clutched at his coat, then let go. She stroked Baby's back. The young blonde turned her attention back to Leo McCarthy. "I don't remember much else. I think... I think there was someone else. I sort of remember voices talking... Over my head as if from a great distance. I don't... I don't know who it was though. There... There's something." She shrugged helplessly. "I'm sorry I'm not much help, Detective McCarthy."

"Leo. Call me Leo. Well, it's enough to add kidnapping and imprisonment charges to the list for Jake Westmoreland. That's something." He nodded encouragingly. Maybe it didn't nail their main suspect, but it would definitely affect Westmoreland. By the time he was done with the charges, the judge wouldn't even consider bail. He clicked off the small tape recorder that he'd been using. "We'll get a statement typed up. You'll have to sign it, Ms. Ramirez." He hid a grin. Maybe he could get her to the precinct. If she came, so would Tyler. That meant Baby would come too. The Captain wouldn't like that. He liked yanking Van Duran's chain though.

"You know, if I'm calling you Leo and Frank, you could call me, Angie." She pointed out reasonably.

"Absolutely correct," Leo paused for a heartbeat, "Angie."

Francis pulled the car over to park in front of a small, well kept older house. "We're here," he announced unnecessarily. "Come on in and I'll introduce you to my wife."

Rollie smiled softly at how Frank said wife. He glanced over at Angie as he got out of the car, his expression wistful. They were such worlds apart he didn't think they could ever get close enough for marriage. Still, a couple of days ago he had thought it impossible for him to be in New York too. It was very hard to know what the future might hold, even if Mangela said he could see it if he ever tried. The very thought of that terrified him to the depths of his being. Mangela said that when he had dreamt of the blackbird and the eagle he had dreamed true, as true as any wirrun or elder. He gave himself a mental shake, maybe Mangela was wrong for once because he had found no signs of that vision coming to reality. For one thing Luthor Cale had effectively vanished from Docker River and maybe even Australia. No one knew what had become of the half-breed who had tried so hard to kill Rollie and almost succeeded, would have succeeded if Rollie Tyler had not been so extremely stubborn. At least that was what the doctors had said. "Maybe I should wait here," Rollie answered softly, touching Baby's head.

"Nonsense, Sarah wants to meet you and Baby," Francis said. There was a look in the man's eyes that made Rollie feel a bit doubtful, but he sighed, shrugged and silently followed everyone inside.

They went down a hall and stopped just outside the kitchen. A woman stood at one of the counters with her back to them. Looking mischievous, Frank turned to Rollie and motioned for him to set Baby on the floor. The Aussie looked at the woman's back, then looked at Francis Gatti. His gaze passed over Leo and Angie. He paused as his serious brown eyes met her blue ones. There was a sparkle of laughter there as the blonde realized what Frank wanted.

Rollie looked down at the koala in his arms. He stooped down to the floor. "Looks like I'm outnumbered, Baby," he breathed in her ear, "don't cause too much trouble", releasing her to explore her new location. He sat back on his heels and watched as the little koala looked around the room with interest.

Baby looked at her mum for a moment, then around the room. She chittered very softly, then stood up and began to wander around. Her sharp nose caught an unusual scent and she looked for its source. Her nose led her gaze up to look at the top of the refrigerator. A lean black cat sat there staring at the stranger with huge eyes. Chiops had never seen anything quite like Baby before. For a moment his mind said 'dog', but the sharply astringent odor screamed 'strange!'. He literally didn't know what to do or how to respond to this invasion of his new territory. When the koala walked toward the cat and stretched up, Chiops hissed silently. Angie held her breath as the two animals confronted each other, their eyes locked in challenge. Baby was several pounds heavier and quite a bit bigger than the lean cat. Sharp pointed ears swiveled forward to catch every sound. Baby made a plaintive noise and looked over at her mother.

Sarah Gatti jumped slightly at the unusual noise. She made an exasperated sound of her own. "Chiops, what do you want now?" she complained as she turned toward the cat and froze. Her mouth dropped as she spotted the koala now testing her kitchen cabinets to see if they were climbable.

Seeing what Baby was about to do, Rollie stood up and moved forward. "Excuse me," he said politely to the surprised woman as he went past her and scooped up his charge. "None of that now, Baby. Do you hear me?" He tickled her under her chin.

Baby, finding herself considerably higher than before, decided to get a closer look at the strange creature on top of the big white box. She expertly scrambled her way to the tall man's shoulder. Chiops seeing the stranger getting closer to his position of safety on higher ground, hissed again and backed up. His rump collided with the wall and his temper turned to fear as Baby climbed to the top of Rollie's head.

"Baby!" Rollie groaned as he felt her pulling on his hair. He didn't know what the koala intended to do with the cat. He didn't know what the cat would do in response, but he didn't want to be the playing field if they got into a ruckus. And he didn't want the animals to hurt each other or themselves.

Concerned, Angie stepped forward. "Chiops?" The sound of his beloved human was sufficient to completely distract the cat from its potential opponent. Like a shot from a cannon, the cat hit Rollie's shoulder the farthest from the koala and bounded to the floor. He ran, crying, to the blonde and began to weave a path against, around and through her legs. A loud purring filled the room.

Baby twisted around in surprise. Well! She watched curiously as the cat was scooped up into Angie's arms and the woman rubbed her face in his fur. She humphed slightly. Feeling jealous of the attention the cat was receiving, she pressed her own face against Rollie's hair. He clucked at her and reached up to scratch behind one furry ear. "Come on, Baby," he coaxed and with an effort convinced the koala to return to his arms. He hugged his charge and smiled warmly.

Sarah looked at the two strangers and their pets. Her eyes took in and dismissed her husband's partner. Oh yes, Leo could cause more than enough trouble, but not in her house. The man didn't dare. Her eyes locked on to her husband and promised to rain her wrath on him - later. For now, she had guests. Turning to them, she spoke. "Hello, I'm Sarah. You must be Angie," she nodded to the blonde, "and Rollie. Francis has told me quite a bit about both of you. Welcome." She smiled graciously and indicated that they should sit down at the kitchen table.

Rollie's smile was a bit sheepish as he sat down. He opened his mouth to apologize, but Sarah shushed him. She winked and moved toward some cabinets. "Would you care for something to drink? Coffee? Soda?"

"Coffee's fine, Sarah," Angie answered.

Rollie craned his head around to watch Sarah as she worked. Sharp eyes spotted packets of tea. "Tea?"

Sarah smiled to herself at the shiver that went up her spine at his accent. Nice! "Would you like some tea, Rollie?"

"Oh yes, please ma'am," he answered promptly, "if it's not too much trouble."

"No trouble at all." She lifted down the assortment of teas and placed it on the table in front of the Australian. "Pick what you like and I'll brew a cup for both of us."

Frank and Leo sat down in the other chairs. They watched in amusement as Baby sniffed the fascinating scents coming from the paper packets her mum was looking through. Rollie made a game of it, presenting each flavor for her inspection and approval. They sorted through several packets that way, Baby sneezing a bit and turning her nose up at some of them.

Chiops was curled up on the table, leaning against Angie and staring at the strange creature on the other side. The blonde frowned slightly. If Chiops and Baby didn't at least tolerate each other, there was no way she could stay with Rollie at the hotel. She found she very much wanted to stay with Rollie for as long as circumstances allowed. But how?

"Vanilla maple?" Rollie's eyebrow rose as he looked at it. "I don't think so, Baby. Let's try something else." He shuddered just thinking of it. "Breakfast tea? Oh, morning tea. No, let's not do that one either, luv." She sniffed another packet, discarded it and tried a new one. This one was passed to Rollie. "Ah, Earl Grey. Very good choice, my lady." He grinned as he looked up at Sarah.

Humming softly to herself, she served cups of coffee to Angie, Leo and Francis. Sarah accepted the packets of Earl Grey from Rollie. Turning back to the counter, she carefully set about the process of making tea. It wasn't something she got to do very often and she wanted to do it right.

Rollie gathered up the scattered packets and returned them to their box. He stood to place them safely out of Baby's reach on the counter. No longer distracted by the teas and with her mother's back turned, the koala decided to check out the other furry being sitting on the table. She stood and took a couple of steps toward Chiops. When he pressed himself back against Angie, she sat in the middle of the table her head tilted to one side. Chiops sneezed. Baby sat, blinking in surprise. Rollie turned and froze. If Angie was going to stay with him, the animals would have to get along, or, at least tolerate each other. It wasn't something they could force or coerce, it had to come naturally. Poor Chiops didn't have a clue about koalas and Rollie knew that wild koalas occasionally had problems with wild cats. Looking at Angie's pet, he knew that most of them were considerably larger than Chiops. Compared to them, he was a featherweight. What would Baby think? He didn't want to encourage Baby to create a potentially dangerous precedence, but...

Baby stood and took another step. One paw reached out and touched the cat's long tail. Chiops immediately twitched it away, but now Baby was intrigued by the silky texture of his fur. Her questing paw found his back. Chiops hissed, his fur rising and fluffing up, making him look larger. He froze as the koala sniffed him, then sneezed. Not knowing what else to do, Baby began to groom Chiops in much the way her mother and Rollie did her. Chiops, his fur being pushed the wrong way, squalled and sought safety in Angie's arms.

As everyone watched in amusement, Baby seemed to give a shrug and returned to where Rollie stood. The Aussie exchanged looks with Angie and sat down. Baby made soft sounds as if telling her mum about the strange animal. Chiops was now totally ignored. Eventually, as Sarah served the tea, he began to feel safe and left Angie's arms, allowing the blonde to return to her coffee. As if by mutual agreement, Baby and Chiops now ignored each other completely. A slow grin spread over the Aussie's face. It seemed a truce had been called. His eyes twinkled and Angie grinned back. A truce seemed to have been called and it looked like it would be safe to keep koala and cat together in the hotel suite.

Cat collected and visit over, animals, cops, witness and misplaced Aussie headed back for the hotel. Not without Rollie and Angie promising a visit soon when the Gatti children were home. The Aussie, settled in the back of the car with Baby, Angie and Chiops, smiled at the thought. His smile turned to a grin as he remembered how Sarah Gatti had acted like the perfect hostess with hardly a ruffle at her unusual koala guest. Francis had quite a lady. He looked at Angie's blonde hair as she crooned over her pet. He could see Angie reacting the same way, then given him bloody hell for it later. Rollie suspected Frank Gatti was in for it when he finally returned home. Drawing a deep breath, he turned his attention to outside. As he watched the cars go by, a thought flickered and vanished. Waiting patiently for it to return, he suddenly groaned. "Bloody," he breathed softly.

"Rollie?" Angie looked at the Aussie, blue eyes bright with concern. "Are you all right?"

Leo twisted around and frowned. "What's up, kid?"

"I forgot to call Jase!" Rollie proclaimed. "Bloody hell! I can't believe I forgot!"

The other humans looked at each other in mild bewilderment.

Wondering who 'Jase' was, Leo pulled out his cell phone. "Well, you have been kind of busy, Rol. Just call him now." He held out his phone. "You do know the number, right?"

"Uh, yeah, I do, Leo" Rollie accepted the phone gratefully. "Thanks, Mate!"

Leo grinned wryly as he watched the lanky, young man pull out a business card and dial a number. Suddenly a horrid thought hit him. "Um, Jase is in NYC... Right?"

"Yeah, he works at the airport. Bumped into him when we got here. He wanted me to call him after I got to the hotel and I clean forgot about it," Rollie explained absently as he listened to the rings. He tweaked one of Baby's ears when she tried to take the phone from him. With everyone watching in interest, except for Frank who was forced to pay attention to the road, Rollie sat, trying very hard not to fidget. "Jase? I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. Things have been a bit busy." He nodded, then grinned. "Uh huh. ... Hotel Delmenico. ... Yeah, it's a bit over the top, very pom." ... "Sure!" Rollie gave the man his suite number. "See you then, Jase!" Rollie carefully disconnected the call and passed the phone back to Leo. "Thanks."

"So, who is Jase?" Leo asked curiously.

"Jase Belden," Rollie started.

"Whoa! Wait a minute!" Leo put his hands in the shape of a T for time out. "Jase Belden? As in the Jason Belden in charge of the customs boys and girls at Kennedy? That Jase Belden?!?"

Frank glanced at his back seat passengers by looking in the rear view mirror, his ears fully pricked. This sounded really interesting. He remembered the stories he had heard about Belden. The man was a literal legend at the police department. Not the least was the fact that he was tougher than a trained attack dog with smugglers who tried to bring in animals or endangered wildlife byproducts. He'd caught a glimpse of the big man across a courtroom once when he'd been uniform. Even at that distance, he had felt the fury in the man and had felt a sort of fascinated terror. And Rollie knew him?!?

"Well, yeah. I guess he is now. He wasn't when I met him, of course. I guess things changed."

Leo cleared his throat. "And just how did you meet Belden?" He watched the Aussie with sharp eyes, waiting impatiently.

"Um, well, you don't want to hear that. It was a long time ago." He shrugged in mild resignation. "Besides, if you're still there when he arrives, I'm sure Jase would love to tell it. Again. No need for you to hear it twice."

Leo's brow furrowed as he thought about it. He'd always possessed a high amount of respect for the customs agent. He was tough, but fair with a reputation for no nonsense with criminals. Leo's first encounter with him had been shortly after he'd made detective. A cocksure rookie, the man had read him the riot act after a really dumb stunt. He mentally winced at his mistake. The cop just hoped Jase Belden didn't trot out that particular story on him. He turned his attention back to where they were going, remembering. Maybe he should make sure he wasn't there when Belden arrived. But then he wouldn't find out about how the kid had met Belden. His lips curved slightly as he decided this story just might be worth any potential personal embarrassment.

Everyone safely back inside Rollie's suite, he set about fixing Baby another meal. As she eagerly drank her formula he watched Chiops check out the main room. They would need a few things to take care of the cat properly, but the Aussie figured he could call room service for them. The desk clerks hadn't even blinked when they showed up with their newest addition. He scratched the koala's neck as he wondered what Jase had for him. He knew he was avoiding thinking about what he should be though - Angie's kidnappers. Westmoreland was in for it, but there was the other person. He knew everybody, including him, thought it was Breen, but there wasn't any evidence. ...Unless Westmoreland talked, which seemed more unlikely with every hour that passed. So what to do? He chewed his lower lip thoughtfully. Even if the SPFX man talked, it might not be enough to actually get the director. Without supporting evidence it was one man's word against another. They needed more. At least Westmoreland was caught fair to rights with four people witnessing what happened at the studio, two of whom were cops. But what about Breen? Rollie was still thinking about it when he rejoined the others in the living room.

"Penny for you thoughts," Angie said as she watched him.

"Hmm? Sorry, luv, we don't have pennys in Australia any more." Rollie smiled, his eyes teasing.

"Okay, a nickel. American!"

Rollie chuckled. "Not much, but I guess I'll take it. I was thinking about Breen." He watched storm clouds fill Angie's eyes. "Even if Westmoreland talks, it really isn't enough." He looked over at the two cops. "Is it, Leo?"

The cop nodded, somewhat reluctantly it seemed to the Aussie. "You're right." He made a frustrated sound. "A good lawyer could make it seem that Westmoreland is trying to tarnish Breen, out for revenge or something. And Breen would have a very good lawyer. We will need more, a lot more." He looked at the blonde. "No offense, Angie, but even if you do remember Breen was involved, a good lawyer could make it seem like this was a plot to get revenge for your father's death."

Angie Ramirez flinched. Tight lipped, her face turned white. She wanted to shout at McCarthy for saying that, but... She knew it was true. Her testimony would be even worse than just Westmoreland's. She'd seen enough of the high priced lawyers in action on the news to know that they could twist the whole thing into a sick plot with her as the motivator. She rubbed her arms, feeling suddenly cold. It was hopeless! And Nick Breen was going to get away again. What was the justice in that? Where was the justice for her? For her father?!?

Rollie watched Angie with deeply troubled eyes. He looked at the cops and sighed ever so softly. "I have an idea." A knock on the door interrupted him. "That'll probably be Jase." He went and, remembering past experiences in cities, peeked through the eyehole. With a grin, he pulled the door open. "G'dayee Jase!"

The others watched as the tall, thin Australian was engulfed in a bear hug. Francis Gatti felt his jaw drop. He never imagined Belden could be so friendly. Rollie winced at the pressure. Jase felt it and pulled back, his hands going to the younger man's shoulders. "Okay, kiddo, what's wrong?"

"Wrong? What makes you think something is wrong, Jase?" The Aussie silently hoped no one else decided to volunteer any information. It was such a brief wish.

"You should see his bruises," Leo told his fellow law enforcer.

"Bruises?" One eyebrow arched as he examined his friend carefully.

"It's nothing, Jase. Just some bruises." Rollie tried to step back, but a large hand prevented him.

"His abdomen is black and blue. Mostly black," McCarthy supplied helpfully.

Angie stood abruptly, suddenly worried about Rollie. "How bad?"

Rollie sighed in exasperation as Jase pulled up his shirt and looked. He slapped the man's hand away. "Watch it! We're friends, Jase, but you're not that good a friend."

The large customs officer frowned. "Who did that, Rollie? I'll thump 'em good for you!"

"No you won't." Rollie thought about prevaricating, but knew it was useless. "Besides, one set is from a guy that Leo there," he pointed his thumb over his shoulder, "already has in custody. The other's in Australia. Bit far to go for a thumping."

"Rollie?" Angie came to his side, looking up into his face, her anxiety clear.

The Aussie smiled warmly. "Nothing to worry about, luv. Just some bruises. I'll heal." He gently placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Not as bad as last time?"

"Last time?!?" Jase stared at the couple in surprise.

Rollie rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I told about the poachers. Remember, Jase?"

"Yeah, well, you didn't mention getting hurt."

"I'm all better now. Get over it, Jase! These bruises will go away. Just like every other one I've ever acquired." Rollie searched desperately for something to divert everyone's attention off of him. He brightened slightly. "So what is this thing that you have for me?"

"Oh yeah, kid. I've got your cycle downstairs."

"My cycle?! My motorcycle? Jase, I told you it was yours when I left last time."

"And I told you I would keep an eye on it for you! It's all yours, kid. You earned it."

"Jase!"

Leo snickered at what looked like a continuation of an old argument. Belden heard it and looked over at the other men in the suite. His brow furrowed, then cleared. "McCarthy, right?"

"Yeah, that's me." Leo stood up, not letting the difference in their sizes intimidate him. He wasn't a rookie now and he wasn't going to act like one.

"You stuck with trying to keep this character out of trouble?" The bald man tugged on his friend's pony tail.

The cop made a sour face. "Guess I am."

"Good luck, McCarthy! You're going to need it."

"I think you're right, Belden."

Rollie Tyler stood there, feeling a slow burn start. He closed his eyes and reached deep inside, looking for patience. Jase Belden would never change and Leo McCarthy looked to be no better. And Jase was a good friend. Looked like Leo could be another. "So, what shape is she in?" Hoping to get the attention off of him. His last try hadn't gone well.

"She's good, Rollie," Jase informed him, happily. "Besides, I got somebody who wants to meet you."

"Meet me?" Rollie asked in surprise.

"Yeah, he's interested in the bike and, well, there's something else." He wrapped a large hand around Rollie's arm and tugged gently. "Come on. I've got to show you."

Bemused, Rollie let Jase Belden guide him out the door and to the elevator. The others, curious, trailed along behind. The sight of Rollie's motorcycle sitting on the trailer behind a car drew the men's attention immediately. What was sitting in front of the car caught Rollie's.

Leo whistled in appreciation. "An Indian?! In great condition too!" He went over to examine it more closely.

The man standing beside it glanced at them, then turned back to his own appreciation. "Yeah, she's a real beauty. Kid who restored her did a great job!"

'That would be Rollie, right? Rollie Tyler?" Leo turned to the other man and began an automatic categorizing - taller than Belden, more hair shot with gray, long though no where near Rollie's own mane, a well trimmed beard. He made Leo think of a biker gang member who had gone respectable as he matured.

"Yeah. Otto Thompson," he offered Leo his hand.

The cop accepted the firm handshake. "Leo McCarthy." He nodded toward the tall, thin, long haired man with a koala and blonde hanging on him. "That's Rollie."

"Good. I've been waiting a long time to meet him. I couldn't believe it when Jase told me he was here."

In the meantime, Rollie was doing his own bit of drooling over the Holden car parked in front of the one towing his motorcycle. It had been restored to perfect condition. He couldn't believe it! How had a Holden FX made it to New York City?!? The 48-215 was a real beaut. It looked like whoever had restored her had gone to painstaking efforts to match the original paint and interior.

"Like her, Rollie?"

The Aussie tore his eyes away from the FX. "Like her? She's great! But how did she get here?"

"Not really sure." The man scratched his beard thoughtfully. "I just knew when I found her that if I was going to get my hands on your Indian, she would do the trick for me."

"Huh?"

"Otto Thompson."

Rollie accepted the handshake absentmindedly, still trying to figure out what the stranger had meant.

"I was wondering if you might be interested in a little trade, son."

"A trade?" The Aussie's brow puckered slightly. "You mean you want to trade the FX for my motorcycle?"

"Yeah. I've had my eye on that cycle in Jase's garage for a long time. Never could get that man to give over though. When he told me the owner was Australian, well, I started thinking what an Ausse might want. When I saw that old '48 Holden, I thought I might have found my answer." He grinned, his brown eyes twinkling. "So what do you say, Rollie? Is it a deal?" When Rollie didn't respond, he took a deep breath. "Oh, I know the car doesn't match the motorcycle. I know how much a '50 Blackhawk is worth! I've been dreaming about that bike just about all my life. So, I will certainly sweeten the deal with some cash, say, five thousand?"

"A '50 Indian Blackhawk for a Holden 48-215 and five thousand dollars? Five thousand American dollars?" Rollie squeaked out.

"That's right, Rollie. What do you say?"

"I don't know what to say, Mister Thompson. I feel like I'm taking advantage of you."

The man gaped a bit at that response, but before he could say anything, Rollie pointed at the car.

"That is the first truly Australian car! She'd be worth a bloody fortune to the right folks at home! I know about Indians. Read all I could about them when I was fixing her up. Somehow it doesn't seem fair. I mean, I know the '50 to '53 Blackhawks are some of the most popular of all the Indians, but... That's the first Australian car!" He took a deep breath. "And I have never seen one in this good of condition before."

"Then it's a deal?" Thompson pressed. "Rollie, it's not 'taking advantage' if we both get what we want. I have always wanted a Blackhawk and you fixed her back to being a real beauty. She's a prize winner, hands down. Besides, I didn't pay that much for the Holden and, well, I can afford it!"

"Well, it's not like I paid a fortune for the bike either," Rollie started. Seeing the look on the older man's face though... He looked back at the motorcycle. It didn't mean a lot to him, besides being the first actual transportation he'd ever bought with his own money. That plus the work he'd put into it. And the Holden... Maybe five thousand would get the car back to where she truly belonged. He hated disappointing people and he hadn't suggested the money. Thompson had done that. He suddenly grinned. "All right. Deal!" The two men exchanged a hearty handshake, sealing the bargain.

"Good! Glad that's finally settled. Maybe Otto will stop bugging me now." Jase rubbed his hands together, pleased with himself. "And there is something else, Rollie. Come here, kid, and take a look."

Curious, Rollie followed Jase to the car. Belden pulled the car door open and picked up a box with holes in it. He pulled the lid up and Rollie felt his jaw drop in surprise for the second time that day.

Rollie swiftly recovered from his shock and started crooning to the animal in the box, trying to calm it down.

Curious, Angie peeked around his arm to see a lizard. It had flattened itself down as much as it could and was watching Rollie warily. "What is it?" She looked at Jase, waiting for an answer.

"It's a frilly," Rollie told her softly, "a frilled neck lizard. Where did you get him, Jase?"

Beldon's eyes flashed with suppressed anger. He turned a bit red as he tried to suppress it. "An idiot tourist thought he'd bring it home for a pet for his kids." His lips thinned as he thought about the pure unadulterated ignorance the man had shown. He shook his head and looked at Rollie who was now gently stroking the little lizard with one finger. "Are you sure it's a male, kid?"

"Oh yeah, this little guy is a fella all right. He's got more colour than a female would. Why?"

"Well, the gang at the reptile house he'll be going to will be happy to hear that. They have a couple of females already. They'll be delighted to have a male." He examined the Aussie closely. "Tell me Rollie, you got room for one more 'pet' for awhile?"

Rollie blinked. "Sure. Why? I thought..."

"Yeah, but he's got to go through a quarantine. We don't know exactly where that jerk picked him up. The little guy hasn't exactly been interested in eating."

The Aussie stared at the customs agent. "What have you been trying to feed him?"

"Uh, I think it was some type of bug crap the guys got from a pet store."

"Ground up dead bugs? No wonder he didn't want to eat." Rollie looked around and spotted a line of ants trooping toward a full trash can. He grinned and slipped his hand under the frilly, picking him up. "Come on, mate. I think it's chow time." As the man slipped over toward the can, the lizard seemed to come to a conclusion and climbed up his arm.

The others watched in fascination as the lizard caught sight of the insects. Bright eyes watching his prey, the lizard froze again. Rollie got the frilly in striking distance. Chomp! Ant after ant vanished down his gullet. He was soon on the sidewalk, catching more of the ants. The Aussie kept a close watch, not wanting him to get into harm's way. To the others amazement, most of the people walking by went around Rollie and didn't even notice koala or lizard. A particularly oblivious business man, a cell phone glued to his ear, bumped into Rollie.

"Watch where you're going!" The suit glared at the tall, long haired man distastefully.

The frilly opened his mouth wide, unfurling his frill. He hissed loudly at the intruder.

The man jumped back in alarm.

Baby grunted in disgust and shifted around Rollie.

"Wha-what--what?" The man stuttered, his eyes wide in shock.

Unable to contain themselves, the fascinated watchers started laughing heartily.

The man sputtered for a second, then drew himself up. Pointedly not looking at any of the people watching him, he turned around and went back in the direction he came from.

Leo grinned. "Oh man, that's better than TV!"

Beldon clapped a hand on the cop's shoulder. "You got that right."

Now people had spotted the frilly, they were stopping and gawking at the lizard. When Rollie scooped him up, their attention was drawn to the koala on his back. "Come on, let's go where there's a bit more privacy," he told the frilly. Ignoring the others, he sailed toward the entrance to the Hotel Delmenico. The doorman opened the door with a bow to the Aussie, koala and frilled neck lizard. The others scrambled to follow.

As he passed the doorman, Leo looked over, wondering what he thought about the Aussie's growing menagerie. He chuckled as he saw the twinkle in the man's eyes. Oh yeah, way better than the crap on TV!

An elevator arrived just as they caught up with the long-legged Australian.

"So, what are you going to feed him, Rol?" Angie asked curiously.

"If nothing else is available, he can eat some of Chiops' cat food."

"Cat food?"

"Yeah. Chiops does eat canned cat food, right?"

"Yeah, I usually give him a small can every day and I keep a dish full of dried stuff. So that," she pointed at the lizard that was now perched on the Aussie's shoulder, "will eat cat food?"

"Yes, he will. Barring that, I can feed him some eggs." He twisted his head to catch a glimpse of the frilly's head. "Maybe I can get room service to deliver some crickets..."

"Live crickets?" Francis asked in surprise, "Do you really expect the hotel's room service to...?"

Rollie shrugged cautiously, very aware of his passengers. They definitely seemed to think he was a tree. "Why not? They haven't blinked at any requests yet."

"What have you asked for so far?" Leo queried curiously.

"No biggies. Of course, they deliver Baby's leaves when they arrive." He started to ennumerate on his fingers. "A litter box, tins of cat food, some of that dried stuff, a couple of those large cat tree thingies." He looked at Angie. "You know the type of thing they put carpet strips on?"

"Yeah, I know." Angie considered the list. "When did you ask for all that?"

"This morning while I was fixing Baby's formula."

"But that stuff is pretty, well, normal," Frank pointed out.

"Maybe. Still, you can get crickets from pet shops, so it's not like I'm asking for anything exotic. I expect they won't object to the request." He stroked the frilly's tale, then scratched behind Baby's ears. "Maybe I'll asked for another cat tree. It might be a good idea to give all of them separate places to climb."

"Those two don't seem to object to sharing you," Otto pointed out.

"No, but feral cats consider frilled lizards prey in Australia."

"They do?" Angie frowned as she considered that.

"Yeah," Rollie wrapped one arm around the blonde. "We can always put them in separate rooms, luv." He smiled. "Of course, one look at this little guy in full frill and Chiops might decide to head in the opposite direction."

"Are you calling my cat a coward?"

"Not a coward, rather say... inexperienced, Ange."

Angie laughed. "You got that right, Rol!"

"Yeah, well you need anything, you just let me know, kid," Jase informed his young friend firmly.

Rollie nodded as he opened the door to his suite. Chiops was stretched out in a sunny patch by the balcony doors. As soon as the cat spotted his mistress, he was up and running toward her. Rollie felt the lizard drop a bit, trying to camouflages itself the way it would do in the wild. The frilly was clearly visible on Rollie's shirt and vest, but the cat remained oblivious to this latest visitor. He rubbed against Angie's leg, his purr vibrating loudly. The blonde bent down and ran her hand down his back and up his tail. With a grin, she scooped him up and put her nose against his. The excited cat purred louder. A pink tip came out and licked Angie's nose.

Not liking how close the cat was now, the frilly opened his mouth, flairing his frill. He hissed loudly.

Startled Chiops twisted around and hissed back, the fur on his back rising.

Not waiting for any more signs of agression, the lizard suddenly darted down Rollie and ran across the floor on his hind legs, his frill still fully extended. He reached an armoire and swiftly climbed to the top.

"Looks like you're going to need to keep those two separated," Otto commented in amusement. He rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Now, let's get our business over with and I'll get out of your hair."

"Sure thing, Mister Thompson," Rollie started, "but I left the papers for the bike with Jase here".

"And I got 'em right here, pardner." Jase pulled out an envelope and handed it to the Aussie.

Otto plopped down on one of the couches and pulled out an envelope and his checkbook. "I'll hope you'll accept my check, Rollie. You can keep the Indian's papers until you're sure it's cleared the bank."

"That's okay, Mister Thompson. You're a friend of Jase's, that's good enough for me."

"Who will hunt me down and do painful things to my person if I cheat you," Otto responded with a grin. "Thanks, Rollie. I appreciate your trust."

Rollie sat down on the other couch and the two men concentrated on filling out the paperwork to transfer ownership. Thompson finished signing the check with a flourish. He tore it from the book and handed it to Rollie along with the paper for the Holden. "There you go, Rollie."

Rollie handed the signed papers for the Indian. "Thank you, Mister Thompson."

"Thank you, Rollie!" Otto stood and extended his hand. They shook on the deal. "Well, I'll get out of here now. I'm sure you and Jase have a lot to catch up on." He left and Leo closed the door behind him, leaning on it.

"All right, now that is done, I wan to know something."

Rollie felt a faint blush appear, certain that the detective was going to ask once more how he and Jase had met.

"What's that, Leo?" Angie asked as she sat next to Rollie.

"Right before Beldon here showed up, you said you had an idea about Breen, Rollie. Well, I want to hear it - now!"

Leo still felt irritated deep inside as he walked on to the studio lot. Francis stayed by his side, wisely keeping silent. He was surprised that Rollie had actually talked all of them into doing this. His partner had spent the remainder of yesterday bristling and he had chosen to avoid getting his head snapped off by remaining unobstrusive. The Aussie was really good, he decided. Not only had he convinced Angie and Francis himself, he had also convinced Leo and Jason. How? Frank didn't have a clue, but he thought he better be careful if Rollie ever offered him 'a deal'. The man could probably sell the proverbial freezers to Eskimos!

The older detective spotted Breen and veered course to speak with the director. "Mister Breen."

"Detectives," Breen answered, only slightly subdued. "How is the case going? I was told that you had a suspect in custody. A pity you didn't catch her before she wrecked our biggest set."

"Him," Leo corrected.

"What?" Breen started, becoming more alert.

"We caught your special effects man, Jake Westmoreland," McCarthy supressed his smile of satisfaction at the man's wide eyes, "red handed." Just to make it perfectly clear. "It turns out he kidnapped Angie Ramirez and was trying to frame her." He looked over the studio lot, watching Breen closely out of the corner of his eyes. "Of course, he had an accomplice, but we'll find..."

"Accomplice?" Breen squeaked, then cleared his throat. "Are you sure he wasn't working with Ramirez?"

"Yeah, sure enough." Leo answered. "All we need to do now is find the one who helped him." He felt a moment of satisfaction as he laid his part of the bait. Thanks to Breen's interruption, he didn't have a clue that the cop had technically been referring to the woman who had impersonated Angie, which was just the way they wanted it. His eyes narrowed and he let his irritation show on his face. Nick Breen looked toward where he was staring and fidgeted slightly as he saw a blonde and a tall, lean, dark haired man walk across the lot, heading toward the SPFX trailer. "Francis." McCarthy nodded toward the couple.

"I'm on it, Leo." Francis moved to intercept the couple that had attracted his partner's attention and openly shown irritation.

Breen watched the shorter detective, only half listening to Leo's words as he espoused their 'theory' about Westmoreland.

Francis caught up with the pair. "All right! Hold up! What are you doing here, Ms. Ramirez?"

"I--I wanted to get a couple of things, that's all, Detective Gatti."

"What things?" Frank was trying to growl like Leo and it was all Rollie could do to keep a straight face. The Aussie had no doubt the young detective could do it, just not with friends.

"Pictures, Detective," Rollie managed to keep a straight face and his tone respectful, "of her father..."

"And Rollie." Angie finished. "Please. I just want to get them, then we'll go. We--I don't want to cause any trouble." She glanced over at the director, then looked away. All looking at Breen would do was make her angry.

"Wait here. I have to clear it with Leo."

"Yes sir." Rollie watched the short New Yorker approach his partner.

"Angie! Are you all right? I was sooo worried about you. What happened?" Lucinda Scott nearly ran to the blonde's side, anxious to find out what had happened and to get a closer look at the handsome, young man with her.

"I'm fine, Luce." Angie wasn't surprised to find Lucinda openly checking out the Australian. Not that she could blame her. Rollie was a yummy sight and well worth extra checking. She noticed a blush starting up his neck and decided she better distract Lucinda before he turned red all over. "Luce, this is Rollie Tyler. Rollie, this is Lucinda Scott. I told you about her."

"G'dayee," Rollie spoke softly.

The actor (Never actress!) felt her toes curl at the sweet tones of the man's voice. Such a scrumptious accent! All that and a good looking package. Hubba hubba! Why couldn't she get so lucky? Most of her dates were losers. "Hi, Rollie." Her voice purred as she looked up into his warm brown eyes.

Rollie's adam's apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed nervously. He felt like he was next on the menu and didn't like it at all. Fortunately, Angie was there to distract her friend.

"As to what happened, I was kidnapped." She nodded at the shocked woman. "By my own boss! Can you believe it?" The blonde shook her head in disgust. "I knew Big Jake was a big jerk, but I didn't think he was like that. You know?"

"Jake Westmoreland kidnapped you!? Did they catch him? Maybe you shouldn't be out here. Not that Rollie couldn't protect you or anything, but Westmoreland is bigger than he is and..."

"Breathe, Luce. The cops have him in jail. And I'm fine, thanks to them and Rollie." She smiled warmly at her companion. "Actually, I'm staying with Rollie at the Delmenico, until they release my apartment."

"Oooh, really!" Luce's eyes sparkled with speculation. "I guess you feel pretty safe there, huh? I mean with Rollie and the staff and all. Do they think Westmoreland's it? I mean everybody said they saw a woman who looked a lot like you, Angie."

Angie nodded worriedly. "Yeah, I was told about that. All I know is that it wasn't me, Lucinda. Honest!"

Rollie blushed slightly at the direction Lucinda Scott's thoughts were sure to be going. "Yeh, well, I know the cops have been worried about an accomplice and that you think you're not remembering something, Ange, but you will. I know you will, Angie!" He looked at the two women earnestly, ignoring the curious people on the lot who had drawn closer to eavesdrop, eager for the inside scoop.

Just then, Detective Gatti returned. "Tyler! Just tell the whole world, why don't you?" He barked angrily at the taller man who had the grace to flush. "Come on, Ms. Ramirez. Leo said I was to escort you to get your pictures, then you're to return to the hotel."

"Thanks, Detective. Talk to you later, Luce!" They walked toward the trailer with a sheepish looking Australian trailing behind them.

The hotel room was dark and quiet as the doorknob turned slightly. It jiggled a bit, then and finally opened slowly. Two figures, dark and barely visible, slipped inside. One figure motioned to the other, indicating a need for silence. They crept into the center of the room. The smaller figure pointed to a closed door and they approached it. They were about to open it when they heard a hiss. Startled, they withdrew back to the center of the room. The larger figure pointed to a door on the other side of the room and they made their way toward it. A muffled curse sounded as the larger figure tripped over something unseen in the darkness. He rubbed his shin, while his smaller companion shushed him urgently. Shaking his head, he turned on a small flashlight and they walked over to their target. Carefully turning the knob, the smaller figure opened the door and they peeked inside.

Silvered by moonlight from the window, two figures lay curled together on the large bed. Long dark hair gently mixed with the short, golden strands of his companion on their pillow. The intruders pulled something out of their coat pockets. Metal flashed ever so slightly in the dim lighting. They pointed the objects at the peacefully slumbering figures. The man's teeth flashed in the moonlight as the silence was broken by two muffled chuffs of sound.

Lights came on and Leo nestled his gun lovingly against the neck of the man. "Freeze, slime." His grin was wide and feral, a cat with fresh prey to play with.

"Ah ah ah," Francis said as he pointed his gun at the woman who had started to turn toward his partner. "I suggest you put it down, slowly." He waited a beat. "Both of you."

The two culprits carefully complied, McCarthy's gun pressed firmly, yet gently, against the man's neck. Once the pair were standing upright again, Leo peeled off the ski mask the man was wearing. "Well, well, Mister Breen. Moonlighting?"

Nick Breen gritted his teeth grimly. "I want my lawyer."

"Oh and you will get your lawyer. What about you, Miss?" The detective glanced at his partner.

Francis pulled off her mask and smiled slightly. The woman was about the same height and build as Angie Ramirez. She had platinum blonde hair, high cheekbones, luscious lips... A classic beauty with frosty blue eyes. Frank looked over at the curious couple that had come out of the other bedroom. Angie, he thought to himself, is more beautiful. The coldness of Breen's companion made her ugly.

Rollie laid his arm around Angie's shoulders and shook his head sadly. "At least it's over, luv."

"Yeah." Angie hugged herself, then sighed. She leaned against the long length of the Aussie's body, drawing comfort from his presence. Baby reached over and patted her hair. The little frilly came out of the bedroom behind them and hissed warningly at the strangers, his frill spreading wide.

Rollie chuckled softly at the lizard's antics. "You tell them, little buddy."

The woman stared wide-eyed at the couple. "But--but--but..."

"Magic," Rollie grinned at the stunned woman. "Movie magic. Angie's an expert, you know."

Angie looked up at Rollie. "Me? You're the one that whipped out that holographic projector!"

The Aussie shrugged slightly. "I read about it in a magazine. I always wanted to try one, but never had the parts or a reason. And you are the one who came up with the plans and parts. And the programming." He took his companion into his arms and kissed her gently on the nose.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Leo grumbled, but couldn't wipe the grin off his face. "Come on, Francis. Let's get these two down to the precinct and book them. Maybe Breen here can have an adjoining cell with his pal, Westmoreland."

Angie sighed regretfully as the cops hustled their arrests out the door. "Well, there goes that job."

Rollie pulled her closer. "You'll find another one, Angie. You're too good not to and anyone who doesn't see that..." He hugged her tightly.

"Angie snorted softly. "Yeah. Well, I guess I'll find out."

Two days later, Angie was watching in amusement as Rollie, Baby and the lizard entertained a flock of fascinated children. She shook her head as she listened to his singing, accompanied by a borrowed guitar. The song brought a smile to all the adults, it was so silly about didgeridoos and pink gallahs. It was followed by another song that had crows flying backwards. Who knew the Aussie could sing and play a guitar? He had a lovely voice though. She'd heard worse on the radio. The guitar was swapped for a didj and Rollie mimicked the sounds of several different birds and animals. She smothered her laugh as he did a truck train going by.

Sarah made her way to the blonde's side. "He's good. The kids love him." She smiled at the group of school children, including one of her own, that she was helping to chaperone.

"Yeah, he is. Every time I think I've found out what he can do, he pulls something else out of his dilly bag," Angie answered with a grin.

"Dilly bag?" Sarah looked at the blonde from the corner of her eyes.

Angie shrugged and applauded with everyone else as Rollie came to an end.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Sarah asked.

"I don't know." Angie sighed as she thought about it. She couldn't stay with Rollie forever. After all, he and Baby would be returning to Australia soon and if she didn't get a job, she was going to lose her apartment.

A middle-aged woman, prematurely gray, worked her way through the crowd and stopped beside Angie and Sarah. "Angie Ramirez?"

"Yeah, that's me." Angie looked at the woman, stiffening slightly. Now what?

"Sara Tucker," she offered her hand and Angie shook it. "I'm replacing Breen as director."

Rollie examined the newcomer with bright eyed curiosity as he joined the women, a smile touching his face. He had a feeling...

Angie looked at her, puzzled. "Yes?"

"I've heard some good things about you and was wondering if you'd agree to finish up the effects on the film."

"Me?! But I..."

"You can do it, sweetie." Rollie chipped in before Angie could finish.

The blonde shook her head. "I don't..."

"If you're worrying about equipment, I talked to an old friend, Bob Pulaski, UltimaFX. He says you can use some of his old stuff."

"And when Westmoreland's equipment goes on to the police auction block..." Rollie grinned happily at the thought of Angie starting her own business.

"Uh, well, I still have my Dad's," Angie admitted.

"You do?!" The two women and man looked at Angie in surprise.

"Yeah. I--couldn't bring myself to sell it. I have the workshop too." She elbowed the Australian. "And it's in a lot better shape than Westmoreland's. But some of it is ... kind of outdated."

"Whatever you need, Angie, we'll get it. The studio feels kind of..."

"Responsible?" Rollie finished for the director.

A gleam appeared in Angie's blue eyes. "A personal computer? State of the art for graphics?"

"Oh yeah. I think we can arrange that!"

"With all the peripherals? It won't do much good without a top quality scanner, printer, jaz and zip drives..."

Sara laughed. "Sure thing, Angie. You pick it out and have them send the bill to me."

"I better go help with the kids," Sarah said as she watched the milling crowd disburse. "Rollie, Angie, don't be strangers. And Rollie, we expect you and Angie to come by for dinner before you leave."

"Will do, Sarah." Rollie grinned. Things were going to work out just fine for Angie. He'd have to return to Australia soon, too soon for both of them. But after Baby was settled into her new home, wherever Doctor Barry found, he could think about the future. Maybe he would talk Angie into letting him be her apprentice. She seemed to think he was good enough. And after he learned the ropes, they would make the best independent special effects company on the market. He was sure of it!