As per you and Maureen's tradition here is my beginning b-day fic.

This series is entitled "Quaternion" (The meaning of which will be explained at a later time).

It is obviously an Alternate Universe story containing a cross-over between FX: The Series and Hope Island, which I unfortunately own none of! Ultimately, other series will also come into play and will be explained at such time, but for now these are the only two of importance.

* For Hope Island fans... I ask for your indulgence, it will take a little time before we get there but I hope you feel the pay-off is worth it.

This is rated R from the first sentence so you have been cautioned. Lastly, I gratefully acknowledge Peggy and Maureen for allowing me to borrow from their writings, hopefully enriching my tale. Also to Monika for her assistance in part five which I am embarking on soon.

Okay, that's it for now, on to Chapter One of "Battered"....

Angie Ramirez-Tyler felt lips start at her lower back and travel up to her neck.

"Picking up from last night huh?" She grinned, turning over.

Her answer was a passionate kiss and exploring hands.

The phone rang at that moment and she forced her husband, Rollie, onto his back and straddled him. "You answer it, it will be the last thing you ever do!" She threatened.

"Could be a job." The Aussie replied, accent more pronounced.

"It can wait, I can't!" She growled kissing him.

"Promise we'll be doing this when we're eighty?" He groaned.

"Viagra sweetheart." She laughed.

"As insatiable as you are I'll need it." He retorted.

"Who woke whom up this morning?"

"Good point." He breathed and flipped her back over.

An hour later Rollie slipped out of bed, donned his robe and headed downstairs while Angie showered. "Blue, messages."

The mechanical pet barked once and played them as Rollie turned the coffee-maker on and pulled out a couple of pans which he sprayed then set on a low fire.

'Hey,Rollie, it's Kenny Davenport. I've got a new project and I want the best FX team on it, of course ILM was busy so I had to resort to you!'

"Real comedienne Kenny!" Rollie grumbled as the voice laughed at his own comment.

'If you're interested give me a call at the Le Parker Meridien, room 815.'

"Upscale, but not uptight." Rollie recited their tagline as he cracked three eggs, added a touch of milk and scrambled them together in a dish with a dash of salt and pepper. He pulled out the bread and dipped four pieces into the mixture then put them into the sizzling pans. While they were cooking he poured two mugs of coffee, putting it, a pair of forks and the bottle of syrup on the table.

"Mmm, french toast, you can cook for me every morning husband." Angie smiled coming in.

"Don't hold your breath wife." He replied putting the plates on the table.

"Guess the honeymoon's over." She sighed dramatically, digging into the food.

"Only the part where I cook you breakfast everyday." He answered giving her a meaningful look.

"Oh! I see how it's going to be! You get your way with me and then I slave over a hot stove while you lounge around here!" She gave him another look.

"Nah! We'll lounge together...order in...continue the honeymoon." He grinned.

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart and...." He trailed off guiltily.

"You pulled that on me once buster, I wouldn't forgive you a second time!" She growled and slipped her hand into his.

Rollie looked up and returned her smile.

"So who called while we were honeymooning?"

"Kenny Davenport, a project he wants us in on."

"Details?"

"Said to call him. Le Parker Meridien." He added in a French accent.

"He's moved up in the world." She replied wide-eyed.

"I'll call after I shower. Too bad you already had yours." He sighed.

"You are taking this newlywed time table seriously aren't you?" She teased.

"Time table huh? How're we doing so far?"

"A little ahead of the record."

"Good," he answered taking their plates to the sink, "by the time our second anniversary comes 'round no one will have a chance at beating us for centuries." He added heading for the stairs.

"I'd better take naps whenever.....and wherever I can." She groaned.

By the time Rollie returned to the lower level of the loft Angie had washed and dried the dishes and was reading the paper.

"Blue, call the Le Parker Meridien, put it on speaker phone."

'Le Parker Meridien,how may I help you?'

"Room 815 please."

'One moment while I connect you.'

'Mister Davenport's suite, who may I say is calling?' A woman answered.

Rollie and Angie exchanged a surprised look.

"Rollie and Angie Tyler." The Aussie replied.

'One moment, sir.'

"A secretary?" Angie whispered.

"He really has moved up in the world." Rollie nodded.

'Hey! how are my two favorite FXers? I know I'm a bit late, but congratulations!'

"Thanks. Sorry we didn't invite you to the wedding but ---" Rollie began.

'I understand, just a little family and close friends ceremony. Between you and me that's the way to go but Beth had her heart set on the works so....'

A moment of silence passed as they recalled the blond with the quick wit. The cancer had been found too late and she had died within two months. It had been a year since her passing and almost as long since Kenny had moved to L.A. to escape the memories.

'Anyway,' the producer said, 'this movie is going to be something else and I really want you on board.'

"What's it about?" Angie asked.

'Tell you what, I have a meeting with a backer in half-an-hour, why don't you guys come by around one and you can take a look at the script yourselves.'

"Okay, we'll see you at one then." Rollie answered upon Angie's nod.

'Oh, forego lunch and we can eat here.'

"Sounds like a plan, see you then." Rollie agreed.

'Until then.'

"Speaker phone off, Blue."

"Well," Rollie replied unbuttoning her blouse and kissing her neck, "I can think of one thing."

"You really are going for that record." She uttered and brought his lips to hers for a hungry kiss.

Rollie stood and pulled her to her feet and led her up the steps.

At twelve noon they climbed into the Acura and headed uptown to the swank hotel where the valet took the sports car to a parking garage.

The couple rode the elevator up to the eighth floor and found his room easily.

A leggy brunette in a short skirt opened the door and Angie gritted her teeth at the look she was giving Rollie.

"May I help you?" She smiled at the Aussie.

"Mr. and Mrs.," Angie emphasized, "Tyler, to see Kenny."

"Please have a seat, you're a bit early." She replied, eyeing Rollie again.

Angie clenched her fists as Rollie ushered her inside the suite.

"I can't believe her nerve!" Angie fumed as the brunette disappeared behind a set of double doors.

"Something wrong?" Rollie asked.

"She was practically throwing herself at you!"

"Really? Hadn't noticed since I only have eyes for one woman."

Angie's jealousy faded upon seeing the love in his eyes.

He took her hand while they waited and Angie wore a smug look upon the woman's return.

"Mr. Davenport will be with you in a moment."

"Thanks." Rollie nodded sliding an arm around Angie's waist.

The woman picked up her briefcase and left without a glance backward.

"Wonder what her problem is?" Rollie uttered.

Angie smiled at him.

They had to wait a few more minutes before Kenny appeared.

"Rollie! Angie! It's great to see you again!"

By all appearances Kenny Davenport hadn't changed since they last saw him, still 5'10, full head of blond hair, piercing green eyes, athletically built and one of the nicest people they had ever worked with.

"Thanks,you look good too....for working out there." Rollie jabbed at his residence.

"It might do wonders for your career." He retorted then turned to Angie. "Married life seems to suit you...too bad it's to this guy."

Angie chuckled as Rollie acted miffed.

"So do we get a look at this script?" She asked as he escorted her to the table set up with lunch for three.

He nodded and handed her an inch thick,leather bound one from his briefcase. "The premise is the second page in." He added as they sat down.

She dug into the script, ignoring the plate of food before her.

Rollie watched her face as he ate and saw a myriad of emotions play across it as she read.

Angie put the script down and looked at the producer.

"So...?" He smiled.

"I'm only on page 35 and I'm hooked."

"That good huh?" Rollie asked.

Angie handed it over and nibbled at her meal while he read.

The Aussie looked at his wife and saw the hope in her eyes then turned to Kenny. "What kind of contract are we talking?"

The producer pulled one out of his briefcase and handed it to him.

Rollie read it over,satisfied, but something caught his eye and he frowned. "Seven thousand for travel expenses? What kind of travel?"

"Location shoot. A little ways from here." Kenny answered, rather evasively, Rollie thought.

"East of the Mississippi?" He asked.

"Um....a bit further West."

"Arizona?" Angie asked. She'd alway's wanted to see the Grand Canyon.

"Uh...actually....Washington, the state."

"That's how many thousands of miles?" Rollie asked, not thrilled by that kind of drive in the van.

"I know,but I really want you with me on this. I don't trust anyone else to create something that doesn't look hokey. You have three weeks travel time.... give you a chance to do the tourist thing. We start principle photography on the third."

"It would be nice to see some of the country." Angie mentioned.

Rollie knew their work kept them on the East coast for the most part and Angie had mentioned wanting to travel cross-country some day.... "I refuse to stop at, 'The Largest Ball of Yarn in the World' Museum." He eyed her.

"No yarn, I swear." She smiled happily.

"Look's like you got an FX team." Rollie sighed as he scribbled his name, then Angie did likewise since they were partners, on the contract.

"Now that business is taken care of, let's eat!" Kenny grinned.

"Have the part's been cast yet?" Angie asked.

"David Cameron is the lead, Alison Duncan and Beverly Haig co-star."

Angie bit her lip, giddy with excitement. She had first seen David Cameron on screen ten years ago and had become star-struck. He was the only actor to ever set her pulse racing. She hoped Rollie didn't remember that. Maybe he'll be a jerk and I won't like him....but I hope not!

Rollie's ey's danced with mirth as he glanced at Angie. I recall a certain teen-ager having a monster crush on David Cameron a few years back. This should be interesting. "Do you have an extra script? We can plan out the effects before we get there and fax them to the set for the director to see."

"Keep that one."

"What do you say to an early Monday morning start sweetie? That'll give us plenty of time."

"Yeah and we avoid rush-hour here." She nodded.

Kenny's cell phone rang and he took the call in the outer room.

"Tell me the truth Rol, were you as taken by it as I was?"

"Yeah, I was. I want to read the rest and see what happens to ---"

"Sorry about that, another backer for a different film wants a meeting this afternoon." Kenny sighed.

"That's okay, we need to get going to make sure we have all our FX supplies together by Sunday." Rollie nodded.

"I'll be flying out in a couple of weeks so I'll see you when you arrive. You can tell me all about the trip." Kenny grinned shaking their hands.

Believe me, you will hear about it." Rollie promised.

The producer laughed and walked them out. "I really look forward to working with you again."

"Likewise mate." Rollie nodded and slipped an arm around Angie's shoulder.

"I'll get a copy of the contract to you before you leave."

"Let's go love, so we can finish the script and figure out their miracles."

The couple left the hotel headed for the loft knowing there was a lot of work to do before hitting the road.

Rollie finished putting their suitcases in the FX van.

"Everything on board Ange?" He called.

"Almost." She replied then appeared holding their coats.

"Ange, it's warm out there."

"Yeah, here it is." She replied and shoved them into his arms.

He sighed and headed for the van with them when there was a knock on the door. Changing directions, he answered it and found Frank there.

"Need a hand?" The detective asked.

"No worries. Ange is probably rounding up Chiops, come on in." The Aussie chuckled.

Frank stepped into the loft where he saw Angie coming from the kitchen with the cat.

"The girls are really excited about having him for the next few months."

"I hope you still feel that way by the time we get back." Rollie replied from the van.

"Don't listen to dad, he'll miss you too." Angie told the cat.

Frank chuckled as he scratched the cat behind the ears.

"Okay, is everything on board now?" Rollie asked rejoining them.

"Looks like." She nodded glancing around.

"We'll be hitting the road in a few hours, we should get a good night's sleep."

"Yeah, it's going to be a long trip." Angie agreed.

"Does he have everything?" Rollie asked, nodding at the cat.

"Toys and lots of cat food." Angie smiled. "Say good-bye to dad." She held the cat up to him.

Rollie wrinkled his nose and rolled his eyes.

Chiops ignored Rollie and licked its paws.

"Feelings mutual." Rollie muttered and picked up the bag next to the pet carrier. "I'll put this in your car." He said to Frank and headed for the door while Angie got the cat into the carrier.

Rollie just closed the back door of the sedan when Frank appeared with the carrier.

"Where's Ange?"

"She forgot his blanket." Frank replied.

Rollie reached into his back pocket and removed his wallet and pulled out a twenty dollar bill. "In case you run out of cat food....he likes the Whiskas treats too." The Aussie said handing the money to him, ignoring the man's grin as he put the wallet away.

"Okay, here's his blanket, he'll probably want to sleep on the bed but he'll be okay in the carrier. The vet's number is in the bag. You be good for the Gattis." She told the cat, sticking her finger in the carrier and rubbing its fur. It meowed once then ignored her. "You have our cell numbers and e-mail, right?"

"Rollie gave them to me yesterday." He nodded.

"We'll call when we get there." She added as he put the cat in the car.

"Okay, you guys have a safe trip....drive carefully. Oh! Sarah says to take lots of pictures."

"We'll e-mail them back." Rollie smiled.

Frank hugged them both then left for home.

"You know, that cat of yours probably won't even want to come back the way those girls will spoil him." Rollie teased as they walked back inside.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you? No more sharing the bed." She teased back.

"You have to admit, he did come at some of the most inopportune times."

"I don't recall that stopping us." She answered and led him up the steps.

Rollie groaned as the alarm went off at 4 a.m. It was on his side of the bed and he reached out and hit the off button.

"Rise and shine sweetie." He yawned and shook her arm.

"Too early." She mumbled.

"Road trip." He replied kissing her neck.

"All ready?" She sighed and lifted her head. "I was having such a nice dream....we were on the beach making love."

"You'll have to give me a detailed account at our first hotel stop." He growled throatily.

"I suppose you'll want demonstrations too."

"Naturally." He grinned then slapped her on the backside and got out of bed before she could retaliate.

They took quick showers and microwaved a couple of breakfasts and made instant coffee, the only food in the house since they decided they would not care to come home to an out of control science experiment.

Rollie checked his watch as Angie climbed into the passenger seat and buckled in and saw it was 5:30 on the dot.

"Blue, set the alarm when the garage door closes then go to watch mode." He ordered his "guard dog" as he started the van.

"Here we come Washington." Angie smiled as they backed out.

"Hope they know what they're in for." He joked as they headed for the interstate.

Rollie yawned as they turned left onto Broadway. "How long a haul is this Ange?"

"2857.7 miles one way. Almost 48 hours."

"So if we average ten hours on the road a day ---"

"Split between the two of us."

"Should take us five days ----"

"Make it ten....sight seeing." She smiled.

"Okay," he chuckled, "ten it is."

"That gives us eleven days when we get to Seattle."

"Good, it also gives us 250 dollars a day for gas, food and hotel."

"I like the hotel part." She eyed him with a lascivious smile.

"Find that first hotel right now!"

Angie laughed and leaned against the headrest. "You and me on the road, it will be something to tell our kids about."

"Better take lots of pictures sweetie." He reminded.

Angie pulled the 'Rollie Tyler specially modified digital camera' from her bag as he turned right onto W. 79th. St. She touched play on the CD player and looked at Rollie.

"Cute Ange!" He shook his head and smile as 'What You Need' by INXS began.

"Just making you feel at home hon." She grinned.

They sang along to the disc as Rollie merged onto Henry Hudson Parkway.

"Pop quiz! What ship was Henry Hudson in command of when he first entered New York Bay?"

Rollie drummed his fingers on the steering wheel while Angie hummed the Jeopardy! theme.

"What's your answer?" She asked coming to the end of the theme.

Rollie smiled.

"1609, from Amsterdam on the Half Moon."

"I knew you would know that! I just knew it!"

The Aussie shrugged. He'd always remembered the most unusual things, even as a child. Some of his teachers were amazed when he came to America over the details he retained from simply reading something. Like the first settlers in Pennsylvania were Swedish, or that the Hebrew word for Monday was Yom sheni. He had no idea how he picked these things up or why he remembered them.

"We are now entering Lincoln Tunnel ladies and gentlemen." Angie said putting her hand over her mouth mimicking a microphone sound.

"Don't mind her folks, she's just an escaped mental patient." He used his hand the same way.

"And he helped me escape." She retorted.

"Only 'cause I love ya baby!"

"Aw! Ain't that shweet!"

Rollie merged onto I-495 West. "Where's our first overnight?"

"Toledo, Ohio." She answered checking the PDA. "Let's stop in Cleveland on the way. I want to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame....and Museum."

"How about just a quick lunch then?"

"We can have a relaxing dinner in Cleveland. Toledo isn't that much farther so we can still get a good night's sleep." She agreed.

They passed through Pennsylvania and Angie took several digital shots of the fall foliage. They both commented on how spectacular the view was, particularly with the Allegheny Mountains rising in the background.

Every few hours they switched driving duties and got a fastfood lunch of burger and fries, making it to Cleveland by 3:30.

"There it is!" Angie pointed to the pyramid shaped building as Rollie took the exit. She snapped a few pictures when he pulled into the parking lot. "This is going to be so cool!" She squealed as they exited the van.

Rollie paid the 30 dollar admission fees and they walked around taking pictures, some with Rollie in front of an exhibit, some with Angie posing at others. They hit the gift shop where Angie chose an Elvis tee-shirt and Rollie picked up a 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame' cap. They were looking around for some gifts for Mira and Frank when the loudspeaker crackled.

'Attention visitors....the museum will close in five minutes.'

Rollie looked at his watch and frowned, it was just going on 5:30. "Why are you closing so early?" He asked the clerk as she rang up the purchases.

"Normal hours, except for Wednesday and Saturday, when we're open 'til 9." She answered bagging the items.

He paid by credit card and walked out with Angie following silently. They climbed into the van and he started the engine. "I know which part of the website you didn't read." He commented.

"I'm really sorry Rol." She said lightly.

"Forget it," he chuckled. "Let's find a place to eat and relax.

She smiled and checked the PDA. "There's a blues club about a mile from here."

"Blues it is." He nodded and followed her directions.

They paid a small cover fee and found a table toward the front where they ordered sandwiches and drinks and listened to the singer on stage.

"Ya all know what time it is don't ya?" She asked finishing her set. "That's right, that's right.....audience time.......ooh, I found my first one." She grinned and descended the stage steps and walked right to Rollie. "What's your name sugar?"

"Uh.....Rollie, this is my wife Angie." He answered embarrassed.

"Well, uh.....Rollie,where you from hon?"

"New York." He blushed.

"Well now, I ain't never been to New York but that accent don't sound like any New Yorker I heard."

"I'm Australian."

"That's a mighty long way from New York. What's you doin' in Cleveland?"

"Just passing through on our way to Seattle."

"Ah, seen anything interestin', besides me?" She teased.

"Um....the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame....we only got a little over an hour, they closed at 5:30."

"Lance...."

The band started playing a bluesy melody.

"Well they was on their way to Seattle,
Rollie the Aussie and his wife Angie too,
They stopped here in Cleveland,
At the Rock Hall of Fame,
Got to tour for an hour,
Then closed up on them.
They got the....Rock and Roll Hall of Fame blu...ues."

The crowd clapped appreciatively and she gave Rollie's shoulder a squeeze and raised his hand to wave to the crowd as he blushed then she moved on to another table to chat someone else up.

"My husband, blues lyricist." Angie teased.

"That was embarrassing." He uttered.

"You were so cute. I think she likes you, you seem to have that affect on women."

"Don't know why." He mumbled.

"Let's find that hotel in Toledo and I'll show you."

Rollie and Angie left Toledo at 8 A.M. after a breakfast at the motel. Rollie hoped it would help them avoid heavy Chicago traffic.

"Um, Rollie?"

"Yeah, sweetie?"

"Well... um....our hotel stay this leg is St. Paul, right?"

"Yes."

"Well.... there's the Navy Pier in Chicago and I do want to see it.... but...."

"Spit it out Ange."

"There'saSixFlagsinGreatLakesandnotreallythat muchfartherandtechnicallywedohaveforty-eighthours togettoSt.Paulsocanwepleasegothere?Please?" She rushed out.

"An amusement park. Rollercoasters. She'll want to ride the rollercoasters and she'll want me to ride them too." He muttered to himself.

"One coaster, I promise Rol." She answered holding up her left hand and putting her right on his PDA.

Rollie glanced at her and fought the grin threatening to break out.

"What major cities are after Chicago?" He asked.

"Um... Rockford, Madison then St. Paul."

"If we can make Rockford or Madison by tonight!" He growled.

"Thank you Rol." She grinned and kissed his cheek.

Rollie gripped the wheel as they merged with Chicago traffic. A car cut in front of him, just clearing his bumper and he sighed. He hoped no one hit them because he didn't have time to get the van repaired.

"You want to get over to the far lane about three miles down the road." Angie advised.

He nodded and looked for an opening, one was given by an out-of-towner and he nodded gratefully and took the exit to the Navy Pier.

They found a parking place and walked along the pier looking at the outdoor sculptures and watching the jugglers and clowns and listening to the musicians and singers.

After eating lunch they walked some more and Angie pointed.

"Look Rol, boat and bus tours! Can we?" She pleaded.

Rollie sighed and nodded and she drug him to the boat landing where he paid and they settled into seats. Angie held his hand as they started the tour, thinking how romantic it would be at night.

Rollie pulled his hand away and placed his arm around her shoulder starting to relax and he smiled as she put her head on his shoulder.

This is nice, he thought, I want it to always be this way.

"Rol?"

"Hmm?"

"Can we ride the ferris wheel?"

He laughed and hugged her.

"This is the best view." Angie breathed as the ferris wheel stopped at the top.

"Right at home, eh Batwoman?"

"Let's go back to the van Batman and I'll show you what home is." She looked at him.

They headed for the parking lot once the ride was over, until Angie saw something in the gift shop window.

"Angie." He growled.

"We have to get something for the Gattis for watching Chiops.... and I'll make it worth your wait."

"You'd better." He hissed into her ear.

She bought a working replica of the ferris wheel and they were walking out of the shop when a woman shrieked.

"HE STOLE MY PURSE! STOP HIM!"

"May I?" Rollie asked picking up a frisbee from a juggler's suitcase.

The man nodded and Rollie climbed onto the base of the lightpole and whipped the disk at the man running with the purse through the crowd several meters ahead. It skipped off the dock and hit him in the back of the knee which sent him tumbling. Two police officers hauled him to his feet and cuffed him as the woman ran over to them.

Rollie jumped down and nodded, satisfied.

"Hey man, where'd you learn that?"

Rollie turned to see a couple of African-American teenager's gawking at him.

"Practicing with a boomerang mates." He answered and took Angie's hand and led her away.

"Real life 'Crocodile Dundee' man!" He heard one say and chuckled at it.

"So, I'm married to 'Croc. Dundee', huh?" Angie smirked as they reached the van.

" 'at's right. Now I'm gonna show ya my technique sheila." He replied closing the door behind them and picking up the PDA to hit the tint screen for the windows which darkened.

Angie surprised him and pushed him into the chair.

"Now you Aussie," She said straddling him," show me that technique."

With a grin, Rollie obliged.

"God Rol, that was better than any rollercoaster." She sighed contentedly.

"While I wholeheartedly agree with you, I was kind of looking forward to Six Flags." He answered caressing her arm.

"You really want to go?" She asked looking at him in surprise.

"Yeah, it'll be fun." He nodded.

"Okay, but I need to use the bathroom first."

"You and me both."

They got dressed, went to the bathrooms on the pier and with Angie behind the wheel, headed for the amusement park.

They paid the ten dollar parking fee then Rollie sighed and shelled out nearly a hundred dollars for the entrance fee.

He couldn't help but laugh as Angie grabbed his hand and ran toward the rollercoaster like an excited kid.

'Medusa', according to the PDA, was the first floorless coaster in the world. It was a flying chair that plunged 13 stories and rocketed through more than ten highly banked turns.

"This is the only one I'm riding Angela!" He groaned looking it over.

"How can a man who rigs himself to an apparatus that spins him around and upside down get queasy just looking at a rollercoaster?" She laughed as they reached the end of the line.

"I just don't like all those drops." He complained.

"How about if I hold your hand real tight?"

"That might help a little."

"What if I add a kiss to the deal?"

"Don't know if it will keep me from chundering, but it's a nice thought."

"Not a coaster fan either?" The man in front of them asked turning.

"Not particularly."

"My son wanted to ride and my wife adamantly refused so I get the displeasure."

"I told Ange I'd ride one. That's all I can handle." Rollie sighed.

"Are you Australian?"

"Had a week's R & R there after a tour in the Gulf. The people were really nice."

The comment made Rollie smile.

"Little far from home though aren't you?"

"Home has been New York for the last ten years."

"Ah, I'm originally from Florida myself, my parents immigrated from Cuba when I was a boy."

"Cuba? That's where I was born."

The three adults conversed as the line progressed and all too soon for Rollie's tastes they were getting into the seats. The harness was pulled down and locked into place and Angie took his hand as she had promised.

The Aussie closed his eyes as the ride began to move, it took them up hill and down, sideways and around, all at breakneck speeds. He heard Angie's screams and shrieks of laughter and trying to keep the queasiness at bay, he forced his thoughts to a calm place and all of a sudden he was in the Dreamtime...... he saw wolves circling a gazelle....

"Rol? Rollie?!?"

Rollie opened his eyes slowly and looked at a concerned Angie.

"It's over Rol. The ride's over." She soothed and helped him get out of the seat then led him to a near-by bench in the shade. She got a bottle of water and rubbed his back as he slowly drank it. "I'm sorry Rol, I didn't realize it was that bad for you." She apologized, feeling terrible about teasing him now.

He shook his head and swallowed the water. "It wasn't.... I didn't....." He sighed and looked at her. "I was in the Dreamtime."

"What did you see?" She asked sitting next to him.

He told her and she frowned.

"What do you think it means?"

He shrugged and took another sip of water.

"Well, let's break it down. It was just a gazelle surrounded by wolves?"

"Yeah."

"There were no eagles, so we weren't directly involved. The gazelle is either someone we know... or someone we're going to meet. So what does a gazelle represent?"

"They're graceful." He shrugged.

Angie pulled the PDA from her pocket and tapped into its word base.

"Gazelle....noted for their grace and gentleness, and for the softness of the expression of their eyes."

"I don't know what it means but Mangela always told me that nature reveals herself in her own time. I'm not gonna rack my brain, it will be shown to me eventually. In the meantime, let's enjoy the few hours we have left before we have to hit the road again."

"Sounds good....and no more rollercoasters."

"Promise?" He asked gratefully.

"Struth." She grinned, taking on his accent.

Rollie smiled back and they found a more sedate ride.... the carousel, and held hands the entire time.

They tried their hand at a few games, with no success, and she left him on a bench while she went to get pizza.

Rollie looked around and walked over to another game and plunked his money down. He picked up the baseball and wound up to hit the milkbottles.

Angie carried the food back to where she had left her husband and frowned at his absence. She looked around then broke into a grin upon seeing a stuffed kangaroo, with very long legs, heading her way.

"G'day you beautiful sheila!" It said to her.

"I appreciate the compliment, but alas I'm taken."

"Lucky bloke!"

"I happen to think I'm the lucky one, boomer."

"Psychic too! 'ow'd you know my name?"

"Well, as it happens, my husband is Australian and he told me a male kangaroo is a boomer." She answered and pulled the animal down to see her husband's smiling face.

"He's all yours love." Rollie smiled.

"Thank you. I love him." She kissed him.

They sat together on the bench with 'Boomer', as Angie decided to call him, off to the side while they ate. They walked around some more then Angie went to the bathroom leaving Rollie and 'Boomer' to wait by the carousel.

He watched a little blond girl, engrossed by the carousel, and smiled wondering if his and Angie's kids would look like that. She moved closer to the ride and he looked for her parents,but no one seemed to be watching her at all. He rose and took 'Boomer' with him.

"Hi." He knelt down to her level and smiled.

The girl's eyes grew wide with fear.

"My name's 'Boomer', this 'ere's Rollie, we was wonderin' if you was lost?" Rollie said, using 'Boomer' like a puppet.

"No, I'm not lost. My parents are." She replied tearfully.

"How's about we go and tell someone?"

"I'm not supposed to go with strangers." She shook her head.

"Well 'at's a good thing to remember. How abouts if I keep you company and my mate Rollie finds someone to find your parents?"

The girl nodded slowly.

Rollie handed the 'roo to her and she smiled.

"Do you promise to stay right here while I get someone?" Rollie asked.

Another nod and she hugged the toy to her.

"Okay, I'll be back soon." He smiled to her and stood.

Espying a guard he went over and spoke to him. The man came back and knelt before the child.

"Can you tell me your name?"

The girl hugged the animal tighter.

" 'e can help ya find your parents." Rollie said in 'Boomer's' voice.

She looked at the stuffed animal a moment then very softly whispered 'Katie'.

"Katie Edmunds?"

She nodded.

The guard stood and spoke into his shoulder unit.

"What's going on?" Angie asked softly, rejoining Rollie.

"She's lost."

"Your parents will be here real soon." The guard assured the child then turned to them. "She wandered off half-an-hour ago, we've been looking for her."

Angie smiled at her husband.

"What?"

"Maybe you really were put on this earth to do heroic deeds."

"KATIE!!!!"

"MOMMY!" Katie squealed dropping 'Boomer' and running to her mother where she was picked up and held tightly.

Rollie scooped up 'Boomer' and turned around.... where he came face to face with the man they had talked to in the rollercoaster line.

"You found my little girl?" Frank Edmunds asked in grateful surprise.

"I....I didn't really find her....she was by the carousel and no one seemed to be keeping an eye on her so I wondered if she was lost and told the guard." Rollie shrugged.

"Thank you." The Navy Lieutenant shook his hand vigorously.

"You're welcome, I'm glad she's all right." Rollie nodded and smiled at the girl.

"Bye 'Boomer'." Katie waved shyly.

Rollie waved 'Boomer's' paw back.

"If you're out this way again, look us up, we'll take you two out to dinner." The officer handed him a card then shook his hand again before they departed.

Angie kissed his cheek.

"What was that for?"

"For being you. Maybe that was your Dreaming. Katie could have been the gazelle and the wolves could have been the people in the park."

"Maybe..." He replied thoughtfully.

"What do you say to hitting the road and getting a good night's sleep before going to St. Paul and beyond?" She asked.

"Sounds like a plan sheila." 'Boomer' answered.

Angie laughed and they drove to Madison where the trio settled in for a good sleep.

Rollie and Angie woke late and ate a leisurely breakfast. They technically had four days to reach Bismarck and stay on their time table. It would take a few hours to get from Madison to St.Paul and less than eight to reach Bismarck so they decided to make it a very relaxing drive.

Angie had downloaded pictures from the Toledo to Madison leg after breakfast and was now driving on I-94 west toward St. Paul.

"There's an e-mail from Francis, 'thanking us for the pictures from day 1.....Sarah loved the shots of the trees and mountains of Pennsylvania.....the girls love having Chiops and he's settling in just fine'. He may not want to come back to the loft by the time we get home. It's possible he won't even remember you." Rollie kidded her.

"Okay, just for that..." She said under her breath.

Rollie had to hold on as the van made a sharp right turn. "What are you doing?" He called.

"I saw a sign for a winter carnival and we are going, pal!"

"How can they call it a winter carnival when it's not even winter yet?" He asked.

"Check the temp., love."

Rollie glanced at the external temperature and his mouth fell open. "Twenty-four degrees!"

"Glad I had the foresight to bring our winter coats?"

"I would have driven on by." He retorted.

"You still would have had to stop for gas, which we're low on again, by the way."

"Now I know why they gave us seven grand." He sighed as Angie pulled into a station.

Rollie found his heavy coat and pumped the gas while Angie used the bathroom.

A car,with music blaring pulled in and four teenagers got out and went inside the store.

"All yours." Angie said coming back and handing him the key to the men's room which she requested upon taking the women's key back inside.

"Thanks." He nodded and went to the bathroom.

She climbed into the van and started it to warm it up while she waited. She watched the teenagers pile back into their car and shook her head. They had tried to buy beer but the clerk refused and Angie hoped they didn't go somewhere else and get it and risk becoming a danger to other drivers.

"Let's hit the carnival, Mrs. Tyler." Rollie grinned, joining her as he rubbed his hands. "Ya did bring gloves too, didn't ya?"

"Outer pocket of the suitcases." She nodded buckling her seatbelt.

Rollie located the gloves and tossed hers to her before settling into the passenger seat where he belted himself in then pulled his own on.

"You're in a good mood." She commented as they pulled away.

"It's not just a job, it's an adventure."

"You going to enlist?" She snorted.

"Private Rollie Tyler reporting as ordered, Left-tenant."

"That's it," she chuckled, "you'd never be off KP if you called them 'Left-tenants'."

"I wonder what my career would have been like if I'd enlisted back home." He said thoughtfully.

"Ordinance Master, you have a natural talent for blowing things up." She snickered.

"You're gonna pay for that!"

"I suppose you and your army are going to get me." She replied and pulled into the parking lot.

They held hands as they looked at the ice sculptures and Angie pointed to an ice castle.

"Would you like me to build you an ice castle?" He asked sincerely.

"You would, wouldn't you?" She smiled back.

"Whatever you want angel."

"Well an ice castle is nice, but it has its drawbacks." She answered seriously.

"Like?"

"Melting when we made love the first time in it."

Rollie laughed and hugged her as they walked on.

After a while Angie shivered and Rollie got them hot chocolate which she gratefully accepted.

"Mmm....this is nice and warm."

"I can make you warm too." Rollie whispered in her ear.

"We have to find a hotel first." She smiled back.

"No worries." He replied and they walked to the parking lot where he took the driver's seat.

"About four miles west." Angie consulted the PDA.

Rollie nodded and headed that way.

"What the....?" He frowned looking in the rearview mirror as he drove.

"Rol?" Angie asked.

"We've got a car alongside ----" He was cut off by screams and hollers.

"They were the ones trying to buy beer at the gas station." She said concerned.

"If they've been drinking....."

"I'll call the highway patrol." She nodded.

Rollie glanced over and was rewarded with a glimpse of bare bottom. He kept his eyes straight on the road then, grateful he never acted like that. The teen's were hollering and gesturing but he wouldn't look.

"Okay, patrol's on its way."

"Good ------GET OVER! GET OVER!" He shouted and hit the brakes upon seeing a delivery truck in the oncoming lane.

They watched in horror as the teenagers swerved to avoid the truck and plowed through a field where there was a splash as the car stopped.

Rollie clamored out of the van and ran toward them, dumping his coat and gloves as he dove into the water. He reached the passenger door and pulled, thankfully it was unlocked and he grabbed the girl and swam to the surface, where to his surprise someone took her allowing him to go back down where he retrieved another female from the back seat and again took her to the surface where, he presumed the same person took her from him. The Aussie's strength was being drained by the icy water but he went under a third time, vaguely hearing Angie's calls to him, and tried the driver's side but the door was stuck so he had no choice but to leave him and try and rescue the other passenger in the back seat. It was a boy and he struggled to the surface exhaustedly and gave a last push and broke the surface gasping for air where not only was the boy taken from him, he himself was hauled out of the water.

"One more." He panted.

"We have divers in the water." The sheriff's deputy replied and wrapped a blanket around him then led him to an ambulance.

"I....I'm okay." He replied through chattering teeth.

Angie sat beside him holding his coat and gloves.

"I need to know what happened." The deputy said.

They filled him in with him asking a few questions before closing his book.

"Sounds pretty cut and dried."

"How are they?" Angie asked.

"On their way to the hospital." He shrugged.

"Let's get you to the hospital sir, make sure you don't have early hypothermia." The medic said.

"No, I'm okay."

"I really advise ----"

"Look, I'm fine."

"I can't force you to go...." the medic frowned, "keep a close eye on him, if he seems drowsy, mentally confused, his skin has a pallor....get him to a hospital."

"I will." Angie nodded.

"About the news people....." Rollie frowned as they started to arrive.

"I'll take care of them and you folks can be on your way."

Angie got Rollie to the van once the coast was clear and she drove them to the hotel, ordering him to remain in the warm van as she checked them in. She drove around to their room and started the shower for him, then helped him get the wet clothes off and into the warm water. While he was warming up she retrieved their luggage, pulling out his boxers and sweat's and placing them on the counter in the bathroom and changed into her own pajamas as well.

Rolie stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist and smiled upon seeing the warm bed clothes. He dried off quickly and put them on, feeling better as he exited the bathroom rubbing his hair. "Any news?" He asked, joining Angie on the bed.

She pointed to the report just beginning and they listened as the newswoman said one of the tee's died and that the other three were in stable condition. They spoke to the driver of the delivery truck who told them it was another man (Rollie of course) who pulled the three out. He stated that that man was a hero.

Angie turned it off and dried Rollie's hair in silence.

He closed his eyes as she did this, allowing his mind to replay the events.....knowing he did his best.

"I'm tired, let's go to bed." She said handing him the towel and climbing under the covers.

He took the towel to the bathroom and turned out the light then joined her.

After a moment of staring at the ceiling he rolled over and put an arm around her. "Are you angry with me?"

"When I saw your face the second time you came up.....I wasn't sure you were going to make it a third time.....that scared me. I might be a grown woman, but that doesn't mean I don't get scared."

"I'm sorry."

She turned to him and touched his face. "I love you and I know you can't promise you won't jump in again to save someone but could you try to only do something like tonight every once-in-a-while."

He smiled tenderly at her then gave her a gentle kiss. "I'll do my best."

She snuggled closer and they fell asleep, exhausted.

The couple ate a big breakfast, having skipped dinner the night before, for obvious reasons.

The newspaper had the tragic events as their front page story, where Rollie was identified as "a good samaritan" who had pulled several of the kids from the water.

The Aussie was thankful they were expected to make a full recovery and said a silent prayer for the one who he couldn't save.

They decided to drive through to Bismarck since it was less than eight hours away.

After picking up some sandwiches and water they hit the road again.

Angie e-mailed the Gattis and posted pictures from the winter carnival but made no mention of what followed their trip there.

"Frank passed along a 'hi' from Mira. They're working on a case where the victim was killed with...snake poison." She reported.

"Certainly makes the killer unique." Rollie replied. "Got a stranded driver, I'm gonna see if I can help."

"Right behind you."

Rollie pulled the van behind the car on the shoulder, got out and walked to it, knocking on the window he smiled at the young woman. "What's the problem?"

She looked back frightened and he softened his smile.

"If you tell me, maybe I can fix it."

"It just stopped....I can't get it started again." She replied through the closed window.

"Pop the hood." He requested and went to the front of the car.

"Hi." Angie said smiling at the girl. "I'm Angie, that's my husband Rollie, if it's fixable Rol will get you back on the road soon."

"Your fan belts completely shot." He said holding it up for her to see. "I'm gonna see if I have one in the van."

"What kind of van is that?" She asked, lowering the window a crack, seeing the extra equipment on the top.

"Our mobile fx shop." Angie replied, smiling at the memory of all the time he put into making it an fx shop on wheel.

"Fx shop?"

"Like movies?" She asked and got a nod. "What kind of movies?"

"All sorts. Earth Doom, Fallen Knight, Red Storm, White Light -----"

"I loved that one!"

"It was one of our favorites too." Angie smiled fondly.

"Don't have a belt that size." Rollie reported rejoining them. "You call a tow already?"

"My cells dead. My dad tells me to remember to recharge it for emergencies......I always forget."

Angie pulled the PDA out of her pocket and looked up tow companies and called for one.

"What is that?" The girl asked wide-eyed.

"Personal Digital Assistant. We use it for all kinds of stuff." Rollie replied.

"They're on the way." Angie said.

"Good, now let's get back into the van where it's warm." Rollie nodded rubbing his hands together.

"Come on, you can't stay in your car, it's too cold out here." Angie motioned to her.

"I....."

"We won't hurt you." Rollie gave her a sincere smile.

"If you were in trouble, Rol's the one to have with you. He's a veritable Eagle Scout."

Rollie nodded, bouncing up and down, which made the girl giggle a little. She slowly opened the door, clutching her purse close and followed them to the van.

The couple was careful to keep their distance, sitting in the front seats while she took the back one.

"What does all this stuff do?"

"Some of it controls the movements of an actor's prosthetic mask, some for pyrotechnic devices." Rollie shrugged.

"How did you get into all this?"

"My dad owned the business so I come by it naturally. Rol was a stuntman who my dad hired as an apprentice upon suggestion of a friend. When my dad died he left it to Rol."

"Ange and I are partners in every way." Rollie smiled at his wife.

"What is it you do?" Angie asked, slipping her hand into Rollie's.

"I'm in college."

"Have a major yet?" Rollie asked.

"No." She sighed.

"Tow's here." Angie said.

"Thanks for everything.....if you come back this way, look me up. Lisa Rogers, anyone can tell you where my parents live." She smiled and exited the van.

"Wonder what she meant?" Rollie asked puzzled.

Angie shrugged as they watched the car loaded onto the flat bed truck.

Lisa waved and climbed into the tow truck.

Rollie followed them to the exit where they parted ways.

"I'm glad we're the ones who found her."

"I am too sweetie."

After a meal on the road they pulled into Bismarck at 6:30 where they found a motel and had a pizza delivered as they settled in to watch some television.

"I don't like this Ange....there's a snowstorm heading this way." He frowned seeing the local weather report.

"It's a twelve hour drive to Helena." Angie replied, consulting the PDA.

"That storm is supposed to hit at noon....if we leave here by seven, we can make it half-way there, if the forecasters are on target."

"I'll find someplace to lay-over if necessary."

Rollie nodded as he munched on the pizza and drank his pop.

"Okay, I've got a few places, we'll just have to decide depending on the weather."

"Come on." He said standing.

"What?" She asked confused.

He handed her a pamphlet he'd found on the bedside table.

"Ice skating?" Angie read with doubt in her voice.

Her husband was not an ice skater.

"They have a lot more than that......dozens of vendors, a laser show at dark, musical acts....let's go and have a good time tonight."

They headed to the park where Angie spotted a vendor with hot chestnuts and Rollie bought a bag which helped to keep the chill off. They came upon a band playing jazz and he wrapped his arms around her as they swayed to the music.

"We should get something extra for the girls for watching Chiops." She said when the musicians took a break.

Walking around they found t-shirts that looked like laser pictures so they purchased three different ones then bought some hot cocoa as the laser display started.

"That's us sweetie." He breathed as laser eagles took flight.

They stayed for the whole show and returned to the motel at eleven where they changed into pajamas and snuggled together in bed.

"G'night Ange." Rollie said wrapping his arms around her.

"Night Rol." She sighed in reply and closed her eyes drifting into a peaceful slumber.

Rollie frowned as the windshield wipers brushed the snowflakes away.

"I hope this holds off for at least a few more hours." Angie said putting a piece of muffin in her mouth then pulled a piece off and fed Rollie.

"So do I." He nodded swallowing it.

An hour later they were moving at a snail's pace as a whiteout hit them.

"The exit's another quarter mile." Angie informed him.

Rollie glanced over and saw red and blue flashing lights.

'Please follow me, I'll lead you to the Border States rest area.' They heard over the loud speakers of the police truck.

Rollie flashed his lights to indicate he understood and the truck pulled in front of them.

It was slow going but eventually they pulled into the parking lot and hurried inside with the officer.

"Dee Dee, get these folks some coffee."

The older woman behind the counter nodded and retrieved cups and the pot.

"Thank you for the help." Rollie told the officer.

"The Governor requested we give you an assist."

"The Governor?" Angie asked puzzled.

"Yes, ma'am. You helped his daughter yesterday."

"Lisa Rogers ----"

"Is Governor Rogers' daughter." The officer nodded.

"No wonder she said anyone could tell us where her parents lived." Angie shook her head as she poured a bit of milk into her full cup.

"You folks take it easy and drive carefully when the storm lets up." The officer nodded then left.

Rollie glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. It was still almost nine hours to Helena.

"See if there's lodging about five or six hours from here. If we can be back on the road by one...at normal speed limits....we'll only be three or four hours from Helena, we can get there by lunch tomorrow and not lose any time."

Angie nodded, already calling up the information.

"There's a hotel chain five hours away."

"We'll aim for that then." He said warming his hands over the cup.

Rollie watched as the trucker at the next table over paid his bill and headed out a short time later. He snagged the newspaper left behind and began reading it.

"Looks like the weather's let up a little. I'm gonna hit the bathroom then we can go."

"Okay,sweetie." He nodded looking out the window to see a much clearer sky.

Angie departed and he flipped through the paper glancing at the headlines. His mouth fell open at the one on the next page and he looked at the photo accompanying it.

"Being the son of a famous parent is never easy, now magnify that a thousand times and add the scrutiny of being a televangelist's son....that's what Daniel Cooper, son of Televangelist Cliff Cooper, has lived with since he was fifteen. This is his story, in his own words." Rollie read softly. He skipped down to see who wrote it and knitted his brow. Callie Pender?

"Ready?"

"Huh?" He looked up startled.

"What's wrong?" Angie asked.

"I'll tell you in the van." He answered folding up the paper and leaving five dollars for a tip and they departed.

".....that is why Daniel Cooper lost control in Las Vegas. Could any one of us cast a stone at him in his hour of grief? A terrible tragedy befell him and he responded in a very human way." Angie read aloud and put the paper down and took a deep breath.

"Okay sweetie?"

"I just.....I can empathize. When you died, I didn't want to go on, but you came back to me. I don't think anything would have mattered had you not survived." She answered tearing up.

"I want to visit him."

"I think we should. I still can't get over how much he looks like you."

"It was a little eerie when I opened the door of my room and saw him there. I wish I could find a connection, it's a bit unnerving."

"I've heard everyone has a twin, maybe you happened to find yours." Angie shrugged.

Rollie never really believed people had a look-alike in this world but seeing Daniel Cooper was clear proof that at least he did.

"Why don't you let me drive for a while?"

Rollie nodded and stopped at the gas station off the exit to fill the tank and trade places before heading on.

Angie hummed along to the CD as she drove. She had really wanted to meet this Daniel Cooper after Rollie returned from Hope Island and told her about him. Mostly it was curiosity to see just how much alike they were. Of course, no one could compare to Rol.... She recalled the feeling of shock upon checking Daniel out on the internet, seeing his resemblence to her then fiancé and she couldn't help but wonder what kind of man the minister was. Part of her figured he favored his mother because there was very little resemblence to Cliff Cooper, she did end up meeting Daniel in 'Frisco....that was a trip she tried to selectively forget, but Daniel, Alex and Dylan had been a pleasure to meet and she was glad for the chance to see them again.

Rollie logged onto the computer and saw Mira was on-line.

Hey! How's it goin' back at Midtown South?

Rollie logged off and went to the passenger seat and buckled in.

"Just talked to Mira."

"How is she?"

"Stumped on the snake poisoning case. The venom was from a snake native to the envoy's home country."

"Times like this I'm glad we're in the movie business."

"Me too sweetie, me too."

It was snowing again by the time Angie pulled into the parking lot and they checked into the room.

"Rol, we don't have to stay in a motel while we're in Seattle do we?" Angie sighed dropping her luggage onto the bed.

"Nope, Kenny is renting several houses for the company."

"Good, we can put down roots for a few months."

Rollie hugged her.

"How about dinner at the restaurant around the corner?" He asked.

"Sounds good, I'm famished."

They bundled up and hurried to the small but clean restaurant where they were promptly seated.

"The grilled chicken salad looks good." Angie said perusing the menu.

"That does sound good." He nodded.

"What can I get you folks to drink?"

"I'll take a white wine." Angie answered.

"Coffee." Rollie added and she went to get it.

"So what are the houses like that Kenny is renting?"

"He said to call when we get in and he'll give us the addresses." Rollie shrugged.

"I hope he doesn't pile us forty deep." She replied and placed her hand on his, "And that he sees fit to give us our own room."

"We'll just have to enact that clause in our contract."

"What clause?" She asked puzzled.

"The one that says newlyweds get their own room." He smiled at her.

"I must have missed that in reading the contract...... but I like it." She smiled back.

Rollie chuckled as the waitress arrived.

"Here we are," She said placing the drinks before them, "do you need a few more minutes to decide?"

"Nope, we'll both have the grilled chicken salad." Angie answered.

"Okay, then." She nodded, writing it down and heading for the kitchen.

"If we're going to spend the night in Helena tomorrow maybe we could do something there."

"Wonder if they have an arcade?" Rollie smiled.

They ate and returned to their room where they watched a movie titled 'FX' with fellow Aussie Bryan Brown and were compelled to compare it to their own lives, with frightening similarity.

The film ran up until the news, which they watched, then they turned in for some sleep.

They reached Helena at 1:30 and after checking into a room at the motel they headed to the mall they had seen on the way into the city.

Once they finished lunch at the food court they walked around, browsing in several shops, ultimately picking up a gift for Mira in a handmade crafts store.

"Oh! Ange look!" He pointed as they started down a side corridor.

A rock tower stood thirty feet away and people were climbing up it.

"You want to do that, don't you?" She smirked.

He grinned at her.

"Go on!" She smacked his backside.

He slipped his coat off and handed it to her and she watched as he paid for the privilege to climb and expertly slipped into the harness and skillfully climbed, his height giving him a distinct advantage.

"It's okay Courtney, just climb back down."

The girl, maybe about ten, shook her head vehemently and clung fearfully to the tower.

Angie watched as Rollie carefully made his way over to the girl and spoke to her, a few moments later they were coming down together.

"Thank you." Courtney's father said to Rollie as he hugged his daughter.

Rollie nodded and removed his harness then took his coat back from Angie and they began walking again.

"What did you say to her?"

"I told her to pretend they were monkey bars."

Angie chuckled and hugged him.

"Hey, I saw an arcade upstairs...." She grinned.

They spent another two hours playing games then ate at the mall's restaurant before heading back to the motel.

"From here to Seattle is almost eleven hours." Angie said consulting the PDA.

"We're four days ahead of schedule....see if there's a place to spend the night along the way that will be relaxing."

"There's a bed and breakfast in Alberton...listen to this....'relax in the early 1900's atmosphere. A historic railroad hotel to a modern country inn. Eight rooms, private baths. Full breakfast accompanied by harp music.' They have whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking and hunting. $50--$90 dollars a night."

"Sounds like a nice place....call and see if they have a room."

She hit the phone icon as he went to the bathroom.

I wonder if the have a large tub or shower? He mused as he glanced at the one person stall. It certainly sounds like a place for a little romance...

'We have three room's available, all in the $75 dollar range.' Rollie heard as he came back out.

"Great, we'd like to book one."

'Registry name?'

"Mr. and Mrs. Roland Tyler."

'T...Y...L...E...R...?'

"Yes."

'Credit card number?'

Rollie pulled their travel card out and handed it to her and she read the number off it.

'How long will you be staying?'

"Just one night."

'You're reservation is confirmed. Check-in is at 2 p.m., check-out 11 a.m. We'll see you tomorrow Ms. Tyler.'

"Thank you." Angie replied and hung up.

"Let's see what comes after Alberton." Rollie said as she handed the card back.

"Spokane, then Seattle. Spokane has 'Pigout in the park', a five day restaurant and music fair. We'll make the last two days."

"You're so romantic Mr. Tyler." She laughed and kissed him. "I'm going to take a shower." She said and went into the bathroom.

Rollie waited for the water to start then picked up the PDA with a grin.

"You ain't seen nothin' romantic yet Mrs. Tyler."

"There it is! 'Treasure State Bed & Breakfast'."

Rollie took the turn-off and drove down the driveway. They parked and carried their luggage up the steps of the wooden porch.

"May I help you?" The man behind the desk asked.

"We're the Tylers----" Angie began.

"Ah! Yes, please follow me." He nodded and led them upstairs and unlocked the door to their room. "Here we are...."

The first thing Angie noticed was the brass bed adorned with a wedding ring quilt. The rest of the furniture was white, with the walls painted a pale yellow making it bright in the room.

"It's beautiful." She replied and smelled the yellow roses, which happened to be her favorite, in a vase on the dresser.

"Glad you like it. I'm Todd Culver by the way, my wife Beverly and I own this inn. If you need anything just let us know." He nodded and placed their key on the dresser before departing.

Angie went into the bathroom to look around.

"Hey Rol,they have a wash basin and pitcher....along with a tub with glass shower doors." She chuckled.

"'Case you're not that quaint." He replied. "Let's go for a hike, it's a beautiful day and a sweater would probably be enough."

"Okay." She smiled coming out of the bathroom.

They walked through the woods for over an hour, listening to the birds sing, the insects go about preparing for the upcoming winter, just enjoying nature.

"Look Rol! Bunnies! They're so cute!"

"Yeah....cute."

"Sorry, I forgot."

European rabbits were a scourge to Australia, causing the extinction of over 15 native species of wildlife and resulting in large losses financially to agriculture.

"Look at the eagle Rol." She whispered and pointed at the tree branch.

They watched as it took flight and Rollie wrapped his arms around her.

"Beautiful." The Aussie murmured.

"It's so majestic." She nodded.

Rollie took a deep breath of clean air and smiled.

This is what it's all about Ange."

"I love you Rol." She replied turning.

"I love you sweetie." He answered and they kissed.

"I think I saw some bubble bath on the edge of the tub...."

"Wonder how fast we can get back?"

"Let's find out." Angie laughed and they walked quickly to the inn and to their room.

"You start the bath, I'll put out the 'Do Not Disturb' sign."

"You got it 'boss'." Angie smiled and went into the bathroom where she removed her sweater after starting the water and pouring the soap in then swished it around.

Rollie joined her and they undressed each other then climbed into the tub and Angie turned the water off then they washed each other and made love.

"That was great sweetie." He murmured leaning against the back of the tub.

"It sure was." She agreed leaning against him. "The water's cold now though....and our bubbles are gone."

"That's okay, the exercise we got today has made me famished."

"Which one? The walk or.....?"

"Or. Definitely the or." He grinned.

Angie stood and climbed out of the tub wrapping a robe around herself then held the other out to him.

"You'd better eat now because there's more 'or' waiting for you."

He stood and donned the robe then let the water out.

"Guess we'd better find some place to eat so I can rebuild my stamina." He smiled back.

"I don't really want to go out to eat but I guess there's no choice." She sighed.

Rollie opened the door and led her into the bedroom.....where a cart with two covered plates and a hurricane lamp sat surrounded by a couple of chairs.

"The brochure didn't say.....oh.....Rol.....you did this?" She turned to him tearfully.

" Happy 'just because I love you Angela Tyler' Day." He grinned and handed her a rose.

"The roses too?"

Rollie nodded and she hugged him tightly.

"This is wonderful. What did they bring?" She asked releasing him.

"Grilled steak, steamed veggies and rolls. Oh! And a bottle of wine." He answered.

"You're so good to me." She kissed him.

"I wanted to make this a romantic night." He smiled and seated her.

They ate then Rollie put the things in the hall and he and Angie made love again.

"Night Rol." She mumbled drifting off in his arms afterward.

"G'night love." He whispered and soon fell asleep himself.

The eagle circled above the gazelle that was surrounded by wolves. Their eyes met and the eagle could see the gazelle's resignation as the wolves bared their teeth.

Rollie blinked and shivered as the water washed over him from the shower. He turned it off and stepped out absently.

It must not have been Katie....

"Morning." Angie hugged him from behind startling him slightly. "I'll get a shower then we can have breakfast before we leave."

"Sounds good." He smiled and left her to shower while he dressed.

Moving to the window once he was clothed he began puzzling out the Dreaming.

Angie wrapped the towel around her then exited the bathroom.

"Brrr." She said hurrying across the floor barefoot. "I think it's a day for a sweater....unless you want to keep me warm." She grinned pulling her underclothes from her suitcase.

She turned when there was no reply.

"Earth to Rollie Tyler." She teased then walked over to him and placed a concerned hand on his arm. "Rol?"

"Hey....nice towel." He smiled looking her up and down.

"What's wrong?" She asked seriously.

"I had the Dreaming about the gazelle again." He sighed.

"What do you think it means?"

"I don't know. Let's go to breakfast, maybe it will help clear it up with a full stomach."

She dressed quickly and helped him put the bags in the van then they sat down at a table after filling their plates.

"Did you folks have a good night?" Beverly asked with a knowing smile.

"Very. Thank you for everything." Angie smiled.

"Thank your husband. Hold on to him honey, men like him are hard to come by." She replied patting Rollie's shoulder making him blush.

"Morning." Todd said joining them.

They nodded back smiling.

"Ask you a question?"

"Sure mate."

"What does FX stand for?" He asked then nodded toward the window, where their van could be seen, for clarity.

"Special effects. Ange and I do it for the movies."

"In Seattle." Angie nodded.

"Long ways from New York." She replied having seen their plates. "We had a movie shot in Alberton once....a lot of waiting."

"I was an extra." Todd grinned.

"He had to sit at a table for hours." Beverly chuckled.

"The end of my acting days." Todd sighed.

"Mostly the waiting comes for the actors while everything in the scene is set up, which keeps us non-actors busy." Rollie smiled.

"What kind of fx do you do? Explosions?"

"Yeah, along with some make-up and scenes where someone's floating and lots of other things too. It's all under the umbrella of fx." Rollie answered him.

"Oh! There's that bird watcher group, they're early. I'd better get your room and some of the others cleaned up so they can check-in on time." Beverly said seeing the bus pull up.

"I'd better get to the desk. It was nice having you folks here." Todd smiled at them.

"You were wonderful hosts and thank you again for helping with the plans." Rolie stood and shook his hand.

"Come back any time. It's nice to see two people as much in love as Todd and I are." Beverly nodded and the couple hurried off to attend to their chores.

"I like them Rol."

"So do I."

They finished breakfast and were on their way by ten a.m.

"Next stop, Spokane, Washington." Angie said as they got onto the highway.

"Is is Spocane or Spocan?" He asked.

"Don't know, you'll have to ask when we get there."

"Me? Why don't you ask?"

"You're Australian, they won't scoff at you."

Rollie laughed at the thought of anyone scoffing at Angie.....and what she might do to them if they did.

"Oh, Rol, look.....it's a hurt dog." She pointed.

The Aussie pulled the van over under the cloudy sky and moved to the back where he put his work gloves on and removed a muzzle from a drawer before exiting the van. He approached the animal slowly, speaking in aborigine and slipped the muzzle over its mouth and nose. He carefully hefted the animal into his arms and took it back to the van.

"I put towels down by the make-up stand." Angie called from the front. "There's an animal clinic a few miles from here." She added pulling back onto the highway.

Rollie continued talking to the animal in Australia's native tongue the whole way there and he carefully picked up the animal once they reached their destination.

The receptionist looked up and hurried into the back and a few minutes later she returned with another woman.

"I'm Dr. Jantz. Is that a pet?"

"We found it along the highway, looks like it's been shot in the leg." Rollie replied, ignoring her tone.

"Bring it back here." She motioned for them to follow through a door marked private. "It was very dangerous for you to approach it, it could have tried to attack you." She said removing a syringe from the cabinet and filling it with a liquid from a bottle in another cabinet. Rollie placed the animal where she pointed and she injected it.

"Will its leg be okay?" Angie asked.

"I don't know." She shook her head looking at it. "Get Charlie, he can assist." She told the receptionist who nodded and left the room.

"We'll get out of your way." Angie said and gently pulled Rollie's arm.

"Look, I'm sorry I was short with you. You really shouldn't have approached it though, it was very dangerous. Next time call the police or animal control, they're more equipped to handle things."

"Understood." Rollie replied then motioned to her computer. "Could you let us know how it is?"

"Sure." She nodded and handed him a tablet to write on.

He put their e-mail addy on the paper and handed it back as another man entered.

"Another coyote? Looks like a buckshot. Hunting season is open again." The man sighed.

"Let's get to work." Dr. Jantz said and the receptionist escorted the Tylers out of the room.

"That was a coyote?!?" Angie choked as they climbed into the van.

"Yeah, it was sweetie."

"If had known that I would have never let you near it!"

"I've dealt with wild animals before Ange and so have you."

"Yeah but, not wild, injured, coyotes!"

"Guess they don't have those in the city huh?" Rollie replied trying not to smile.

"No, just two legged beasts." She muttered.

Rollie hugged her with a laugh then started the van. "Let's get going."

They stopped for lunch several hours later then reached Spokane at 4:30, checked into the motel and went to 'Pig out in the park', where they enjoyed an array of food and great music and ended up staying until closing.

Angie pointed and grinned.

"The Seattle Space Needle... built in 1962 to serve as the official site of the World's Fair that year." He said.

"How do you know these things?!?"

He shrugged, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"You looked it up!" She punched him in the arm.

"When we stopped for gas and you used the restroom." He burst out laughing.

"You are so busted!" She joined him.

"Give Kenny a call, see where renter's row is."

She reached the producer on his cell phone and got directions which Rollie followed and soon pulled into the driveway of a two story house, where a woman was waiting.

"Hi! I'm Jenny Silver." The perky redhead greeted. "If you want to get your things I'll open the house."

Rollie retrieved the luggage while Angie followed her inside.

"There are three sofa beds on the lower level. The dining table seats six, you could probably squeeze in ten. The laundry room is through that door there." She pointed to the back of the kitchen then ushered Angie back into the hall and up the stairs.

Angie rolled her eyes at Rollie as he came in and followed them. The Aussie deposited their luggage at the top of the stairs and they checked each of the four bedrooms, deciding on the medium sized one for themselves, he took the luggage inside then they all went back downstairs.

"If you need anything, here's my card." The redhead said giving it to Rollie, who swallowed a snort of laughter upon reading it. ' Silver Spurs Reality....no rental is too big for our boots.'

"Thank you." Angie nodded and led her to the door.

"Kenny said there would be a number of people coming in the next few weeks so I expect I'll be seeing you again soon."

"Undoubtedly." Rollie answered.

"Since you're the first ones here I'll leave the keys with you and be on my way." She said and departed.

"So....what shall we do?" Angie smiled at him.

"Hmm...." Rollie feigned thought.

"SPACE NEEDLE!" They said unison.

Rollie pulled the van into the parking lot and paid the $8.00 fee.

He'd have let valet service do it but the van was his business and apart from Angie there were few he'd let behind the wheel.

"It says here there's a carnival midway at the base of the needle."

"As long as there are no coasters ." He muttered.

Angie grinned at him as she turned the pda off and stowed it. They locked up, set the alarm and headed for the ticket booth, where Rollie plunked down the $22 dollars to ride the elevator to the observation deck.

"What a view." She enthused.

Rollie nodded in agreement and they stood there a while just looking around at the beauty of the city then browsed at the displays.

They were hungry so they had dinner at the Skycafe where they watched the view as the restaurant revolved a full 360 degrees.

Angie took several pictures and the waitress graciously offered to take a few of them together.

The revolution took an hour and they stayed the whole time just to tell everyone they had.

The couple returned to the base of the needle and enjoyed the midway and picked up a few souvenirs.

It was almost eleven when they returned to the house where they put on pajamas and crawled into bed tiredly with plans to see Pike Place Market and Deception Pass tomorrow.

Rollie found the fridge and cupboards stocked and smiled. He scrambled eggs while Angie dressed.

"Smells good." She said coming into the kitchen.

"It's almost done. Pour the coffee?"

She grabbed two paper cups off the counter and did so as he loaded eggs and toast onto paper plates.

"Sure was nice of Kenny to supply us with groceries." She said as they ate.

"I was a bit surprised." He nodded.

"Maybe he took pity on us for our cross-country trek."

Rollie shrugged as Angie looked through the paper they liberated a few days ago.

"Look at this Snoopy cartoon." She chuckled.

Rollie leaned over and smiled at it.

"Ange, can we go see Daniel tomorrow?"

Seeing the paper had reminded him of his 'twin'.

"Of course we can." She smiled.

They finished eating then cleaned up and grabbed their coats to head for the van and a day of sightseeing.

Rollie was just backing out of the driveway when he heard honking.

"Bloody hell!" He swore and put it in park then climbed out.

"Look's like you were right you old conger! 'e said my kids were here!" Dingo Tyler grinned at his son as he and Mangela exited the Cadillac.

Rollie hugged them both as Angie stood by shaking her head.

"Not that I'm not glad to see ya, but what kind of trouble are ya in? " Rollie asked eyeing them.

"No trouble son." His father replied.

"No worries sonnyboy." The aborigine added.

Rollie stared at them hard then sighed.

"So where are you and Angiegirl headed?" Mangela asked.

Rollie glanced at Angie who nodded slightly.

"Pikes Place Market and Deception Pass, you wanna come?"

"What'd ya say old coot?"

"A hardy walkabout." Mangela nodded.

"Why don't you follow us....in case Kenny calls and we have to leave." Angie suggested.

"Good idea." Rollie nodded.

He and Angie returned to the van while Dingo and Mangela unhooked Dingo's ever-present trailer in front of the house.

"I still can't believe they're here." Rollie shook his head.

"I hate to say this Rol, but where they go...trouble usually follows."

"I know and I truly hope it hasn't this time." He sighed and checked the mirror to make sure they were following.

"Okay, so what are you two doing here?" Rollie asked as they sat down to lunch.

"I was in Sacramento when he shows up outside my trailer. Don't know how the bloody hell he does that!" Dingo shook his head.

Rollie looked at the man who had been like a father to him growing up.

"I was visiting you when I had a Dreamin' tellin' me youse was here." Mangela shrugged.

"You swear you're not in any trouble? If you are spit it out now!"

"We swear, on your mum's grave, there's no trouble son."

Rollie nodded, knowing his father would never swear on his mother's grave unless he meant it....or else.

"So, another hour here then onto Deception Pass?" Angie asked.

"Reckon!" Rollie grinned.

Rollie pulled over and he and Angie exited the van just past the end of the Deception Pass bridge.

"Wow!" He uttered looking around. "There are a lot of amazing places in America."

"Probably just as many in Australia." She smiled slipping her arm around his waist.

"Lot of green, eh Mangela?" Dingo replied as they joined the couple.

"Not like home." He agreed.

"There's no place like home." Rollie replied.

"And here I forgot to pack my ruby slippers." Angie grinned.

All three men looked at her blankly.

"You know? Dorohy? Toto? The Wizard of Oz?"

Nothing.

"I don't think we're in Kansas anymore." She muttered.

"I'll get you my pretty....and your little dog too." Rollie whispered in her ear then grunted when she elbowed him in the side.

"Maybe we'd better get going before she decides to throw him off the bridge." Dingo loudly whispered to Mangela.

"They wouldn't send my death benefits to her in the slammer."

"I wouldn't need them in the slammer." Angie retorted.

"Better quit now son." Dingo laughed.

"I humbly grovel at your feet my wonderful wife."

"Grovel yourself to the van and let's get going."

He laughed and kissed then they headed to the van.

Their next stop was at Oak Harbor Park where Rollie walked over to the monument.

"What does it say?" Angie asked snapping pictures.

"Basically that in 1792 Joseph Whidbey, of the HMS Discovery, sailed through here proving Deception Pass wasn't a small bay, as the Spaniard's had said, but was actually a deep and turbulent channel.... thus the name 'Deception Pass'."

"You have some antacid in the van son, that lunch is comin' back on me."

"Uh yeah, try the firstaid kit."

Dingo nodded and went to the van where he located the kit easily and chewed a tablet.

"A paper....won't hurt to just look at the horses..."

"How about a hike sweetie?" Rollie asked.

"Let me get the video camera."

She climbed into the van and opened a drawer.

"Hey Dingo, you find that antacid?"

She looked up when he didn't answer.

"Oh....Daniel." She nodded.

"You know him?" Dingo asked wide-eyed.

"Yeah, but Rol knows him a lot better."

"I know who a lot better?" Rollie asked coming inside.

"Daniel." Angie replied going back to rummaging.

"Oh, yeah. I saw him a long time ago in New York. That was quite a shock I can tell ya. I came out here a while back and we officially met. He's a really great guy."

"He lives here?"

"Not here in Seattle, one of the islands."

"Aha! Found it!" Angie said holding the camera up.

"Come on dad, we're taking a walkabout." Rollie grinned and pulled him out the door.

Angie took several photos and video on their walk. After a while they sat down to enjoy the quiet beauty.

"How ya like it Mangela?" Rollie inquired.

"I 'ave to wear shoes here."

Rollie and Angie laughed at the face he made.

" 'kay dad?"

"Oh....uh.....yeah." Dingo nodded looking at the water.

Rollie gave Mangela a look and the aborigine shrugged.

"I'm gonna take more video." Angie said and moved off.

"Think I'll catch up to Angiegirl." Mangela replied and left father and son alone.

"What's wrong dad?" Rollie asked after a moment of silence.

"Nothin'."

"Dad---"

"Gonna see if I can find that old coot." Dingo said and left him there.

"Everything okay?" Angie asked.

"No, but he doesn't want to talk about it." Rollie sighed.

Angie rubbed his shoulders.

"That feels good sweetie."

"If we go back to the house I can make you feel even better." She whispered kissing his ear.

He got to his feet and they went to the van where he left a note on the Caddy to give the house a wide berth for the next few hours.

Rollie stretched and Angie kissed his chest.

"That was good love."

"Just good?"

"Okay, superbly magnificent." He grinned.

"That's quite a compliment. If you get me some nourishment I might be able to top it."

"If I want more lovin' I need to get you somethin' from the oven, huh?"

"I'd take ice cream."

"I could do somethin' with that." He waggled his eyebrows at her.

"Let me have a few bites first please." She smiled.

Rollie slipped out of bed and pulled his jeans on then headed downstairs to the kitchen where he checked the freezer and frowned.

"No ice cream." He reported going back upstairs where he put his shoes on.

"Where are you going?"

"Gotta keep my woman satisfied. Don't move a muscle."

"Not even this one?" She asked kissing him.

"Just that one." He smiled grabbing his shirt, jacket and keys.

He donned his shirt then slipped his jacket on and headed out the door to the van when he saw Dingo sitting in the car. He walked over and knocked on the window and his father unlocked the door.

"Talk to me dad." He requested climbing inside.

"He looks so much like you." Dingo uttered holding up the newspaper.

"I just....I can't get over it. You said you met him?"

"Yeah."

"I'd sure like to meet him, you think I could?"

"Ange and I were gonna visit him anyway." Rollie shrugged.

"Thanks son."

"I can show you the place I was thinkin' of buying too."

"A house out here?"

"Lighthouse cottage actually. It's a safe place if we need it. Of course Ange needs to approve of it."

"When can we go?"

"I'll call Alex in the morning and get Daniel's number."

"Alex?"

"She owns the local inn. Get some sleep, you look tired." Rollie squeezed his shoulder.

Dingo nodded and they climbed out with the older man retiring to his trailer.

Rollie sighed and climbed into the van.

"Hope he doesn't die from shock." He uttered starting the van to retrieve the ice cream.

Information for Hope fans: This series is entitled "Quaternion" (The meaning of which will be explained at a later time). This is an Alternate Universe story containing a cross-over between F/X: The Series and Hope Island, which I unfortunately own none of! Ultimately, other series will come into play and will be explained at such time, but for now these are the only two of importance. This is rated R from the beginning but since the Hope(rs) pick it up at chapter 13, this is a quick recap.....Rollie and Angie Tyler, special effects (FX) artists from New York have taken a cross-country trip to Seattle for a movie project, they've had many adventures along the way but these will pale in comparison to what is to come.

"Finish break----" Alex Stone started to say to her son Dylan, who ran for the door, when the phone rang.

"Hi Daniel! Bye Daniel!"

"Hey buddy." Daniel Cooper chuckled.

"You know what, he just walked in." Alex said handing him the phone.

"Hello?" Daniel asked giving her a puzzled look until he heard the voice on the other end. "Yeah, sure, that's fine. I'll be here all day. Okay, see you then."

"What'd Rollie have to say?" She asked taking the phone back.

"His father saw my picture, Callie's article. He wants to meet me so they're coming over for lunch. Oh! I need to get some groceries!"

"After breakfast." She pointed to the stool.

He smiled and sat down obediently.

Rollie Tyler felt the butterflies stirring in his stomach as the ferry drew closer to the island.

Please don't let dad freak when he sees Daniel.

They proceeded up the gangplank after docking and ran into Kevin Mitchum.

"Hey Rollie!" The cop grinned shaking his hand. "Welcome back!"

"Thanks, this is my wife Angie, my dad and our friend Mangela."

"Nice to meet you all. I'll tell you,the first time I saw this guy I thought he was Daniel!" Kevin laughed then grew wide eyed. "They do know about Daniel, don't they?"

"Yeah, we came to see him....you understand why..."

"Oh, sure." He nodded. "I saw him at the store about half-an-hour ago, he was headed back up the hill."

"Thanks, Kevin." He patted the cop's shoulder and led his family that way.

Bonita Vasquez was unloading boxes from the van when she looked up.

"Rollie?!?"

"Hi Bonita." He smiled and stopped.

"It's good to see you again and so nice you keep in touch with Daniel."

"Who are you-----Rollie! Daniel said you were coming." Ruby Vasquez hurried down the stairs smiling. "You must be Angie. He was very anxious to get home to you when he was here." The older woman said.

The blond opened her mouth startled then closed it, recalling this was basically a small town and everyone pretty much knew everyone else's business, as her husband proceeded to introduce everyone again.

They chatted for a few minutes with the women then started on their way again and were stopped by Father Mac, Nub Flanders and Brian Brewster before they finally got to the hill.

"He lives by the church." Mangela said thoughtfully.

"Daniel is the minister." Rollie nodded as he led them to the porch and knocked.

The door opened a moment later and Daniel Cooper stood smiling at them.

"It's good to see you two again, come on in." He said and stepped back.

They entered and he felt intense eyes upon him.

"Uh....I made sandwiches and coffee...."

"I'll give you a hand."

The Aussie followed him into the small kitchen.

"Thanks for doing this, it's strange for them, you know?"

"I understand Rollie." Daniel nodded and picked up the coffee while Rollie took the sandwiches to the livingroom.

"Turns out Daniel drinks black too." Rollie smiled as they sat.

"So, Mr. Tyler...I'm sure this is a shock, seeing how much I resemble your son. It was for me when we first met." Daniel smiled at Rollie.

"Yeah, I opened the door to my room and there's a mirror image of me standing there." Rollie chuckled.

Dingo nodded looking Daniel over.

"Did Rollie tell you he has an investment here?"

Dingo nodded, not taking his eyes off the minister.

"He helped Alex out a lot."

Dingo nodded again.

"Dad? Are you okay?"

"My God.....it's you!" Dingo blurted throwing his arms around Daniel shocking them all. "My baby boy is alive!" Dingo cried.

What do I do? Daniel thought as the man's tears fell onto his face.

"Mister Tyler----" He began, gently pushing the man away and standing. "I'm not your son....or Rollie's brother. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Cliff and Bonnie Cooper-----"

"No! You were born in Australia----I wasn't there the day you two were born. I never forgave myself for your mother going through that alone. The doctors said you were stillborn.....they wouldn't even let her see you, said you had been cremated.....she doted on you," he said turning to Rollie," but she never forgot her other baby boy. Neither did I and now I have you back." Dingo embraced Daniel.

"Mangela...." Rollie looked to him for help.

"Reckon white man's science can tell one way or another."

"Of course! A DNA test!" Angie said.

Daniel could see the plea in Rollie's eyes and he nodded.

"I'll call Dr. Watson." The minister said and pulled out of Dingo's grasp.

Rollie watched Dingo watch Daniel make the phone call and felt a pang.