R2MURPHY'S STEELE

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MURPHY'S STEELE
BY
ANNITA K. SMITH
(LOS ANGELES, JANUARY 1985)

Frustration turned to concern as Murphy Michaels sat in his rented car and watched the entrance to the 10th Street building where Laura Holt lived. He was tired; it had been a rough week, but a satisfying one. An embezzler had been caught and a fat fee would be his upon his return to Denver. But somehow this trip to Los Angeles, after an absence of almost two years had been haunting. He thought after such a length of time away from the city he knew so well, away from her, things would be easier, just another assignment in another city. But everywhere he turned, every place the search for Martin Belcher took him, held some memory of days at Hayvenhurst, early days of the agency or that last year after he came. He felt it, but had pushed it to the back of his mind. There was a case to solve and Murphy Michaels was a professional.

But once the job was over, he couldn't seem to keep his mind from wandering back to the time when he and Laura were partners, those days before Remington Steele became a flesh and blood entity. He knew he should just pack up his bags and head back to Denver but something had drawn him to the office this morning. Somehow, coming this close to the old memories made it important for him to know Laura was okay. Oh, he'd kept track of them to a degree, in the papers when Remington Steele Investigations solved a big case. The agency seemed to be doing better than ever but that wasn't what he needed to know.

The past years in Denver he'd been like a man in limbo. He'd made the physical break with Laura and the agency, but his emotions were still not free. Despite the relationship he had with Sherry Webster, he couldn't make a commitment. His heart was in Los Angeles. He knew when he left there was no way he could stay in the middle of that situation. But he still harbored reservations and now it had all come to a head. He needed to put all this behind him for good. He had to make sure Laura was happy.

It all sounded very logical: see Laura, make sure everything was well with her and the agency, then return to Denver and get on with his life. But when he approached the eleventh floor office, he was surprised to find the rooms dark and the doors locked. It was Tuesday morning, for God's sake. Why would the office be closed?

He returned to his car and drove here to the warehouse district where Laura had written him she'd moved. It didn't seem like the kind of place Laura would choose to live in. He wondered if he had anything to do with it. Putting such thoughts aside for the moment, he climbed up to the third floor and found the door padlocked. His flight scheduled for the next morning, there really was nothing else to do, so he sat out in front of the building in hopes she would return.

But she hadn't and it was going on three hours. It was getting dark and Murphy was getting worried. Logically he knew there could be all sorts of explanations, but somehow he just couldn't blow it off. He'd made the decision to see Laura and with each obstacle, his determination grew. There was only one other place he could check and the idea was highly distasteful. Still, it was the only option available to him and he wasn't leaving L.A. without seeing her.

He started the car and pulled away from the curb, heading the vehicle toward a certain affluent apartment building at the corner of Beverly and Rossmore. The distance in miles was not all that far; the distance in style of the neighborhoods was tremendous. As he approached the building, Murphy's eyes picked out the particular balcony and windows that belonged to his destination. It was fully dark now and there was definitely a light on in the apartment. So he was home, Murphy thought. Was she with him? Maybe working on a case, or could they be engaged in some activity more personal? Did he really want to walk in on a scene like that?

No, he didn't, he told himself, but he needed to see if she was there and if she was alright. If they were up there... together... he would take his leave as quickly as possible and get back to Denver where he belonged.

He almost backed out twice before the elevator reached the fifth floor, but something had kept him on course, even if it led to disaster. He rang the doorbell, took a deep breath and held it as he waited for the door to open.

* * *
Caitlin O'Connor stepped out of the shower and pulled the plastic cap off her hair. It had been a long day at the office, but a very good one. Since her promotion to assistant to one of the investment company's vice presidents, she'd worked harder than she ever had, but it made her happy. Things were going well in her life.

She looked around the apartment and smiled. Maybe someday she'd be able to afford to live like this. She felt quite at home here in Remington's place. Probably because there was evidence of his personality everywhere she looked, from the stylish decor to the books on film and the movie posters that adorned the living room wall. It made her comfortable flat look shabby in comparison. Perhaps the new coat of paint applied this week would improve things. In the meantime, she was grateful Remington offered her the use of his apartment while he was out of town.

She finished drying herself and tossed the towel over the shower stall just as the doorbell rang. She grabbed Remington's robe from the hook on the back of the bathroom door and wrapped it around herself as she walked through the living room.

The man who rang the bell stared in surprise at the face that appeared in the door opening.

"Can I help you?" asked Cait.

Murphy studied her for a moment. She was quite lovely, with long dark hair and the clearest blue eyes he thought he'd ever seen. He knew he'd never laid eyes on her before, but there was something disturbingly familiar about her, something that sent a chill down his spine, but he didn't know why.

"Can I help you?" she repeated.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I thought this was Remington Steele's apartment." He looked up to check the number on the door. It was Steele's place.

"This is Remington's apartment," she confirmed with a smile. "Are you a friend of his?"

Murphy hesitated. I wouldn't exactly call us friends, he thought. "I knew him a few years ago," he replied.

"Wait!" she cried, a dawning recognition in her eyes. "I know who you are! You're Murphy Michaels, aren't you? You used to work with Rem and Laura!" She had opened the door a little farther and he suddenly noticed she was dressed in a black velour robe... a man's robe... with the initials "RS" embroidered just below the left shoulder. His robe! Murphy's blood began to boil.

"I saw your photograph at the office and Rem has spoken of you," she continued. "Won't you come in?" she invited, beginning to look a little puzzled as she saw the hard set her visitor's features had taken.

"You sure I won't be interrupting something?" he asked, his tone icy as he stepped inside.

"No, of course not. Is something wrong, Mr. Michaels?" she inquired with a frown.

"Where is he?" he asked. "In the bedroom, waiting for his playmate?"

As the meaning of his tone registered, her eyes grew large and he could see the suppressed fire that came suddenly to their blue depths. "Remington is not here," she replied. "He and Laura are out of town on a case... Chicago, I believe."

"And they just closed up the office?"

"They were going to be gone for several days, so they took the opportunity to give their secretary a few days off," she answered tightly. "They are supposed to be back in the office tomorrow. I'm sure you could catch them there."

"I suppose it's awfully lonely without 'Rem'," he remarked with a smirk on his face.

Once again her eyes flashed at him and he was surprised that he found it vaguely appealing, despite his anger at Steele's obvious betrayal of Laura.

"I got the impression from what Laura and Remington have told me about you that you were a decent fellow. But apparently they were wrong."

"You know Laura?" he asked in surprise.

"Of course," she replied. "We're good friends." He looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Some people take the time to assess a situation before making rash judgements."

"I think the situation is quite obvious, Miss... ?"

"If you say so, Mr. Michaels." She ignored his question. "Now I suggest you leave before I throw you out. I do not appreciate your attitude."

"Well, excuse me." His voice rose angrily. "But Laura is a friend of mine and your presence here makes it obvious that that cheap con artist is just what I thought he was all along... a creep!"

"How dare you!" she cried back at him. "I will not stand here and allow you to insult my... that is, Remington, in this fashion. Believe whatever you want. I don't give a damn what you think, Mr. Michaels. Now get out of this apartment."

"Fine with me." He opened the door. "I'll take this up with him tomorrow!"

"You do that!" she exclaimed as she slammed the door, practically in his face. "Stupid, bloody idiot!" She kicked at the door, then grabbed her toe. "Good going, Cait," she told herself. "Next time you throw a tantrum, remember to wear shoes!"

Murphy fumed all the way down to this car. How dare he! How dare he do this to Laura! He was angry and actually a little surprised. Deep down he thought Steele really cared more for Laura than this. He didn't approve of the guy, but he was prejudiced and he knew it. He resented Steele because Laura cared for the man in a way she would never think of Murphy. Despite all his reservations from the beginning, the man had saved his life and he owed him for that. When Murphy left Los Angeles, they had come to some sort of understanding of each other. But he could never quite bring himself to trust the mysterious Remington Steele when it came to his relationship with Laura. Murphy had seen Laura hurt before and he'd be damned if he let that slick phony get away with this!

Before he pulled away from the curb, he looked back up at the windows of Steele's apartment. He saw her standing there watching him. When she saw him look up, she turned quickly away. He had to admit, he could see how Steele or any man would find it hard not to be attracted to a girl like her. She was very beautiful and spirited, too. She'd certainly held her own against his tirades. But that didn't change the fact she was causing Laura pain, or would if Laura found out about Steele's activities. Murphy wasn't about to let him get away with it. He gunned the motor and sped away down Beverly.

* * *

Cait stepped off the elevator and headed down the corridor toward the glass doors that identified Remington Steele Investigations. She smiled at the name on the door. If the world only knew the truth... She chuckled as she walked into the reception area.

"Why hello, Miss O'Connor," Mildred Krebbs greeted her warmly.

"Good morning, Mildred," Cait smiled. The sight of the secretary/assistant made Cait think about her visitor from the night before. When she first met Mildred, she too thought Remington was two-timing Laura with Cait and she was rather hostile until Rem and Laura explained everything. Maybe she'd been too hard on Murphy Michaels. Maybe she should've tried to explain, but he just made her so mad. Her temper was one of her biggest problems; it was something she'd have to work on. "Is Remington in yet?"

"No, not yet," Mildred replied.

"Oh, I thought their flight got in around 11:30 last night. I just assumed Rem stayed at Laura's when he didn't come back to his apartment. I was supposed to meet him for lunch today," Cait explained. "He said he wanted to hear all about the first week of my new job."

"Yes. I have you penciled in on his schedule." She pointed at the books. "I know he wouldn't forget about such an important appointment."

"Unless he got a better offer." Cait winked.

Mildred smiled. Cait knew the fact Remington and Laura's relationship had recently turned a major corner had not gotten past the cagey secretary. One morning when they came into the office together, both floating on Cloud 9, Mildred's curiosity got the better of her and she asked Laura if anything had happened. Laura had looked at her meaningfully and replied, "yes." Mildred was not the least bit shocked. On the contrary, she told Cait she was overjoyed.

"Why don't I give Miss Holt a call and see if they just overslept," Mildred offered.

"I wouldn't want to be responsible for interrupting something," Cait replied.

"I'll take full responsibility. After all, they ought to be used to my interruptions by now." Mildred picked up the phone and began to dial.

Cait smiled as she thought about Remington and Laura. Funny how quickly two complete strangers had become such a part of her life. She and Laura had hit it off as friends almost immediately. She felt quite comfortable with her after a very brief period when Laura did not really trust Cait. Cait understood Laura's reasons for doubting and that first impression had not proved an obstacle to their friendship.

Remington, of course, was the most miraculous new addition to her life. After years of resigning herself to always being alone, apart, to find someone who seemed to share her every thought, someone who knew so well how she felt and why. It was hard to put into words anyone else would understand; it was just a feeling. There might never be any proof Rem was her brother, but she knew it in her heart. He had taught her so much in just the two months she had known him, she could hardly remember what her life had been like before.

"No answer." Mildred replaced the receiver. "Maybe they're on their way in."

Cait nodded. "I'm sure you're right. I'll just sit over here and check out the latest gossip." Plopping onto a sofa, she picked up a news magazine and began to peruse it. She had barely checked the table of contents when the office door once again opened. She looked up and saw Murphy Michaels stride into the office. She noticed the slight limp as he crossed to Mildred's desk and she remembered Rem telling her about the last case before Murphy had left Los Angeles. Her anger from the night before dissipated and she studied the man as he spoke to Mildred, oblivious to her presence.

"I'd like to see Laura Holt," he told Mildred.

"I'm sorry," she replied. "Miss Holt isn't in yet."

"How about Steele?" he asked. Cait heard the harder edge to his voice when he said the name.

"He isn't in either, but I expect them both soon. Would you care to wait, or I could schedule an appointment for you?"

Murphy looked around the room, drinking in the site of the still familiar setting, when his eyes fell on Cait.

"Mr. Michaels," she greeted with a genuine smile. "We meet again."

"Somehow, I'm really not surprised to find you here, Miss...?" he prompted stepping toward her.

She grinned, remembering the evening before when she wouldn't give him her name. "Caitlin O'Connor."

"Miss O'Connor." He nodded his head. "I take it 'Rem' didn't return to your waiting arms last night?"

At the cutting remark, all Cait's good humor vanished and with it her intended apology. "You have a filthy mind, Mr. Michaels." She fixed him with a stare. "Remington saved your life two years ago, I believe. Why do you insist on this unreasonable attitude toward him?"

"Past experience," Murphy replied. "I know the man, probably better than you do," he told her.

"I doubt that seriously," she returned hotly.

Murphy looked her up and down with a quirky grin. "Perhaps you're right on that one," he said meaningfully.

Cait's eyes grew large and she jumped to her feet just as the phone rang. Mildred, who had been trying to make sense of this confusing shouting match, reached to answer it.

Cait glared. "You dirty-minded sonuva..."

"Careful," Murphy warned. "A nice girl like you wouldn't want to use profanity."

"I'll use any damn words I bloody well feel like!" she replied. "I'll have you know..."

"My God!" Mildred's cry caught both their attention and the sudden ashen pallor to the secretary's face made Cait rush to her in concern.

"Mildred, what is it?" Cait asked.

"Yes," she said into the phone. "We'll be right down." She hung up the phone and looked at Cait.

"Mildred?" Cait felt her stomach lurch in anxiety.

"Miss O'Connor, that was the police. Miss Holt's car went off the road. She's in the hospital right now."

"Oh, God." Cait's hand flew to her mouth.

"What hospital?" Murphy asked urgently and Cait jumped at the unexpected presence at her side.

Mildred handed the note toward Cait whose shaky hand was not fast enough to beat Murphy's grab.

"Hey!" Mildred called as he read the note.

"Mildred, did they say anything about Remington? Does he know about this?"

"They said they were trying to get in touch with Mr. Steele now. Miss O'Connor, what are we going to do?"

"Just stay calm, Mildred" Cait took a deep breath, trying to heed her own advice. "You stay here and man the phones in case Rem calls. I'll go to the hospital." She turned to Murphy, but he was halfway out the door. "I'll let you know when I find out anything," she called back to Mildred and rushed out to catch up with Murphy.

"I came in a cab," she started hesitantly as they waited for an elevator. "Do you have a car?"

"Yes," he replied tightly and Cait could see he was trying to maintain control.

The elevator arrived and they stepped on board. "Mr. Michaels, our disagreements are unimportant right now. The only important thing is that Laura is our friend, we both care about her, and she needs us right now. Can we call a truce?"

Murphy looked at her appraisingly for a moment. "Alright," he agreed as the doors opened. "This way," he directed and headed for his rented car.

* * *
After a long, silent ride, both of them lost in their own thoughts, Murphy and Cait arrived at the hospital. They moved directly to the emergency admittance desk.

"Laura Holt," Murphy said to the nurse on duty. "She was in some sort of car accident."

The woman scanned her clipboard. "Yes, Dr. Ames is with her now. If you'd take a seat in the waiting room, I'll notify him you're here."

"Can you tell us anything about her condition?" Murphy asked.

"I'm sorry but Dr. Ames will have that information."

"Thank you." Cait forced a smile.

Murphy guided her to the lounge area, but neither sat down. Murphy paced while Cait just stood in the middle of the empty room.

"Where is that doctor?" he asked no one in particular after only a couple of minutes.

"With Laura, where he's needed most," Cait replied softly.

He stopped pacing and stared at her for a moment. He opened his mouth to make some sort of response, but caught himself and took a deep breath. "You're right. I'm sorry, but waiting has never been my strong suit."

She smiled. "I know exactly what you mean." He smiled back at her understanding. It was a very nice smile, Cait thought, much better than the scowl that had been on his face most of the time since she first opened the door last night. "Mr. Michaels," she began, "I think I owe you an explanation."

The smile disappeared. "Your personal life is your own. I shouldn't have intruded. I just don't want Laura hurt."

"I understand. I care about Laura, too. The situation isn't what you think it is. If you'll let me explain."

Again he almost came back with a smart reply, but checked himself as he gazed at the sincerity in Cait's expression.

"I'm not Remington's 'lover'," she said softly. "He let me stay at his place while he was out of town. My apartment is being painted."

His gaze narrowed as he gauged her words. "I suppose you and 'Remington' are old friends?"

This is going to be complicated, she thought. "Not exactly," she replied. "We actually only met about two months ago."

"Well, if you aren't his lover, then what are you to him?"

Before she could reply, a white-coated doctor stepped into the room. "Are you folks here about Laura Holt?"

"Yes," they replied in unison.

"I'm Dr. Ames. Are you relatives?"

"No," Murphy started. "Just friends."

"Her sister lives in Tarzana. I can get in touch with her."

"That would be a good idea," he agreed.

"How is she, doctor?" Murphy asked.

"She's suffered a severe concussion. Any injury to the head can be tricky; however, I think she'll be alright. The tests all came back negative. She's unconscious right now and probably won't awaken for several hours, but that's to be expected."

"But you said she's going to be okay?" Murphy wanted confirmation.

"We'll know more when she's conscious, but from all indications, I don't see any problem."

"Thank God!" Cait breathed.

"Can we see her?" Murphy wanted to know.

The doctor shook his head. "I don't think it would be a good idea right now and she isn't awake anyway. Why don't you both go home. Just leave your number with the nurse at the desk and she'll call you when we know more or if she awakens."

"Thank you," Murphy replied as the doctor left.

"I'm not leaving," Cait stated flatly. "Not until we can find Remington."

"And I'd just as soon wait here as in my hotel room," Murphy agreed.

Cait started going through her purse. "I'm going to call Mildred and let her know how Laura is. I'm sure she's frantic by now. I can have her call Frances."

"Good idea," Murphy replied.

"Oh, blast! Mr. Michaels, do you have any change?"

He grinned and reached into his pocket. "No problem, Miss O'Connor. By the way, my friends call me 'Murphy'." He handed her the coins.

She looked at him a minute. Then, recognizing the concession, she reciprocated. "And mine call me 'Cait'."

"Cait."

"I'll be right back." With a smile, she turned and left the room.

Murphy sat down and picked up a magazine, only to toss it back on the table in disgust. He hated waiting, but he would rather be close in case Laura needed him. He also had to admit to himself he didn't mind the thought of having Cait for company. Maybe when she got back she'd finish her explanation of what she was doing in Steele's apartment. He was still very interested in hearing it, but he had the feeling he had jumped to the wrong conclusion. He could tell from the way she acted, Cait was genuinely concerned about Laura.

"Excuse me, but I understand you're a friend of Miss Laura Holt?"

Murphy looked up to see a uniformed policeman in front of him. "Yes," he said, standing. "The name is Murphy Michaels."

"Do you work for the Steele agency, too?"

"No," Murphy stated. "Not anymore."

"Do you know where we can get in touch with Mr. Steele?" he inquired.

"As a matter of fact, no. I was at his office when the call came in about Laura. Miss O'Connor is checking in now to see if his secretary has heard from him."

"I see. So as far as you know, no one has heard from him today?"

"No," Murphy replied. "Officer, what's this all about?"

"We're trying to make sense out of this accident. There was someone else in the car with Miss Holt. Would you have any idea who she could have been with?"

Murphy swallowed. There was something in the way the officer spoke and his investigator's instinct told him to brace himself. "She and Mr. Steele were out of town and due back today, but they hadn't checked in with their office."

"I see."

"Officer, who was this other person? Was he hurt?"

"He was killed, Mr. Michaels," he replied. "Whoever he was, he was driving the car. When it crashed, he was trapped inside. The body was burned beyond recognition. Miss Holt, luckily, was thrown clear. The car was rented at the airport in Ontario under the name of Remington Steele."

"Then you think the man who was killed was..."

"Mr. Steele." The officer nodded. "Yes, it's beginning to look that way." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a plastic bag and handed it to Murphy. "Do you recognize this?"

Murphy looked at the item inside the bag. It was an ornately trimmed bracelet on a broken gold link chain, charred and black looking. The inscription was still readable. "This was on the body?" he asked.

"Actually it was found in the car, but it was near the man's remains."

"I can't say I've seen it before, but it appears to be Mr. Steele's," he replied.

"I'm afraid we must tentatively identify the body in Miss Holt's car as that of Remington Steele," he stated.

"No!" came an intense whisper. Murphy looked up to see Cait standing just inside the waiting room. She was pale as a ghost and her blue eyes were wide and fixed upon the object in Murphy's hand.

"Do you recognize this bracelet, Miss?" the officer questioned.

"It... it belonged to Remington!" she confirmed. "Laura gave it to him." She took it from Murphy and stared at it, obviously aware of the implications. "He was in the car with her, wasn't he?" She looked from the officer to Murphy.

"There was a man in the car, but identification hasn't been positively made," Murphy told her.

"Identification?" she asked numbly.

"The body was burned," the officer informed her.

"Oh, God!" She grasped the object in the bag tightly. "Please, no!"

"Cait." Murphy put his hand on her arm.

"Were you a close friend of Mr. Steele's, Miss?" the officer asked.

She stared at him in horror. "You're telling me Remington is dead."

"They're not sure yet," Murphy responded.

"But this... his bracelet..." Murphy could feel her begin to tremble. "Remington is dead," she whispered. "But he can't be, he just can't be," she begged Murphy.

"I'm sorry," he said inadequately.

"I'll need your name for the report, Miss," the officer interrupted.

"Her name is Caitlin O'Connor." Murphy was beginning to get irritated.

"Rem. Oh, please don't let it be true." Cait turned her face against Murphy's shoulder as her tears consumed her. Slowly his hands went around her back to support her shaking body.

"I'm sorry, Miss O'Connor, but I have to ask what your relationship was with Mr. Steele," the policeman persisted.

"He was my brother," she replied in a barely audible voice.

"Brother?" Murphy said out loud. "But..." he stopped. Now was not the time for explanations, even though he was filled with curiosity. Cait was obviously distraught and in need of someone to help her through this. His questions could wait, and so could the policeman's.

"Can't we do this later?"

"Of course," the officer replied. "But I'll need to know the name of Mr. Steele's dentist. The coroner's office will have to make the final identification from dental records."

"Call his office," he suggested. "His secretary can tell you."

"No." Cait pulled away from Murphy. "You can't let Mildred find out that way." She looked up at Murphy. "Would you take me back to the office? I want to be the one to tell her, then we can call and give you the information you need," she said to the officer.

"Are you sure you're up to it?" Murphy asked.

She took a deep breath and wiped her cheeks. "Yes." She nodded. "Mildred isn't going to hear this from a stranger."

He saw the determination in her eyes along with the pain she was trying to contain. "Alright. Let's go."

"Here's my number." The officer handed Murphy a card. "Please call as soon as possible."

Murphy, his arm still around her for support, led Cait out of the room. As he opened the car door and held it for her, she turned tear filled eyes to him. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "I'm sorry to put you on the spot like this."

"Don't worry about it." He gave her a weak smile. "I have a reputation for being dependable."

They drove to the office in silence. Cait turned away from him, looking out the window, but he could hear her crying softly. He felt very helpless. He didn't really know this girl, but he wanted to be able to help her. There was something about the way she pulled herself together for Mildred's sake. Murphy didn't know Mildred, but he appreciated the concern Cait had shown. He wanted to know more about this business of her being Steele's sister. That was the last thing he'd expected to hear.

"I know you must have a hundred questions, Murphy." He turned to find her looking at him, apparently reading his expression, if not his mind. "I promise to explain everything to you."

"There's no rush," he replied. "Just take it easy."

"Thanks."

They reached Century City in no time. Cait took a deep breath as she stepped off the elevator and headed for the office.

"Oh, Miss O'Connor," Mildred greeted as they stepped in the door. "I haven't been able to track down Mr. Steele." Then she noticed Cait had been crying. "Oh, my Lord. Miss Holt isn't... I mean, when you called..."

"No." Cait shook her head. "Laura's still unconscious, but it's just like I told you on the phone, the doctor thinks she'll be fine."

"Thank goodness."

"Mildred." Cait put her hands on the secretary's shoulders. "Let's sit down for a minute."

"Miss O'Connor?"

"Come on, over here." She led her to the sofa in the reception area and they sat down. Murphy hung back and tried to blend into the furnishings. "I have to tell you something and I need you to be strong."

"What is it?"

"Laura wasn't alone in the car. There was a man with her and he was killed. They haven't made a positive ID on the body, but there's strong evidence to believe that it..." Her voice broke. "...That it was Remington."

"No!" Mildred cried, her eyes filling with tears. "No, Miss O'Connor, it can't be true."

"We don't know for sure yet. The police need the name of Remington's dentist so they can compare his records against... so they can compare," she finished. "But we have to prepare ourselves for the worst."

"No!" Mildred sobbed and covered her face with her hands.

"I know this is hard for you, but we have to be strong. If Remington is... is dead." The word came out in a broken whisper. "We have to be strong for Laura's sake. This is going to be hardest on her."

"Oh, why did this have to happen?" Mildred asked.

"I don't know." Cait's own tears overcame her. "I just don't know." She fell into the older woman's arms and together they shared their grief. Murphy felt like an intruder as he watched.

"It's just not fair," Mildred sobbed as she pulled away at last. "Everything was so good. Mr. Steele and Miss Holt were happier together than they'd ever been, and, oh, Miss O'Connor, he was so happy to have found you."

"I know." She squeezed her eyes closed against the tears. "Now, we have to help the police. Do you have the name of Remington's dentist?"

"Yes," she replied. "He went to Dr. Carroll right here in the building. His number is in the Roladex."

"I'll get it," Murphy offered and moved to the desk.

"Miss O'Connor," Mildred whispered. "Who is that man?"

"He's Murphy Michaels," Cait told her. "You remember, he used to work with Laura and Rem."

Mildred nodded and Murphy noticed her giving him the once over.

"I got it." Murphy pulled the card from the file. He grabbed the phone, dialed the officer's number and gave him the information.

"Now, Mildred, did you get hold of Frances?"

"Oh, yes. She said she was going directly to the hospital."

"Fine," Cait sighed. "I think you should go home now. Would you like us to drop you off?"

"I... I." She shook her head in indecision.

"It's no problem, Miss Krebbs," Murphy assured her.

"What are you going to do?" she asked Cait.

"We're going back to the hospital so we can be there when Laura wakes up." Cait looked to Murphy who nodded his agreement.

"Okay," Mildred sighed.

* * *
When Cait and Murphy stepped into the waiting room, it was no longer empty. There were about five people in one corner, a couple sitting in another, and, on the other side of the room, a lone man who Murphy recognized. He moved toward him and Cait followed.

"Dr. Piper. I don't know if you remember me or not, but we met while Laura and I were still at Hayvenhurst. I'm Murphy Michaels."

"Murphy, of course." Donald Piper came to his feet.

Murphy turned to Cait. "This is Cait O'Connor, ah, she's..."

"I'm Remington's sister," she completed for him.

"Oh, yes." Donald extended his hand. "Laura's mentioned you. I feel like I know you already, Cait." He continued to hold her hand. "They told us about Remington. I'm so sorry. He was a really fine guy. I liked him a lot and so did Frances."

"Thank you," she whispered.

"But you shouldn't be here, not after all that's happened. Frances is with Laura, but the doctors say she won't be regaining consciousness until probably morning. You should be at home."

"No," Cait replied. "I want to be here when Laura comes to. Rem would want me to be here for her."

"I think he would understand," Donald said gently.

"I know he would, but I still have to be here."

He looked at Murphy who shook his head that it was no use trying to dissuade her. "Alright." Donald gave in. "How do you two take your coffee?"

"Black," replied Murphy, and Cait nodded in agreement.

"I'll be right back." Donald headed out of the room.

"He's a nice man," Cait said.

"Yes," Murphy replied.

She looked at him closely. "So are you, Murphy Michaels. I know I didn't say that last night or this morning, but you are a nice man. You've been so good to me today, a complete stranger. I'm sorry I didn't clear up our misunderstanding at the very beginning. I have a problem with my temper and, well, you made me mad last night."

He smiled. "I understand problems with temper. And I overreacted. You were right, I made a judgement without knowing all the facts."

"And you still don't, do you?" she asked. He shook his head. "I only met Remington a couple of months ago when a lawyer named Weiland contacted us both about an inheritance from a man who was supposedly our father. After some investigation, Laura and Remington uncovered that it was just a plot hatched by the man's wife and son to free up their inheritance. They'd murdered the man, Terrance Flynn, not knowing his illegitimate children had to be found before the rest of his estate could be distributed. From the moment we met, Rem and I knew there was some kind of bond between us. It's very hard to explain, but we knew we were brother and sister. We felt very close to each other. He was so kind to me, interested in helping me. When we found out Flynn wasn't our father it was a great disappointment, but we still had each other."

"And there's no way to prove your relationship? Neither of you has a clue as to who your parents were?"

She shook her head. "I was raised in an orphanage. Most of the relatives who had a hand in raising Rem are long lost. All either of us knew was the name of our mother." She looked at Murphy. "It wasn't until after the Flynn matter was solved that we realized both our mothers had the same name... Catherine. Rem's mother left him a few months before I was born and never returned. My mother died in childbirth. They could have been the same woman. But no matter whether or not, Rem and I are brother and sister. We both felt that way. Laura understood. She was very supportive."

"She's a very understanding lady," Murphy agreed.

"We've spent the last two months getting to know each other better. For the first time in my life, I had someone who cared about me without demanding anything in return." She looked up at him as the tears spilled down on her cheeks. "I loved him, Murphy. For the first time in my life, I wasn't alone anymore."

He put his arm around her and she leaned into his shoulder as the tears flowed freely. He could hear the pain in her voice, see it in her eyes as she spoke. Whatever he thought of the man the world knew as Remington Steele, he could tell that man had meant a lot to her and she was devastated by his loss.

He knew the man wasn't all bad. In fact, before he left, he'd gained a degree of respect for him. There was little doubt Murphy would have bled to death in that cold dark cave if Steele hadn't stayed with him all night, putting pressure on his wounded leg. It was hard to like someone who'd won the heart of the woman you loved. But it was also hard to hate a man who had unselfishly saved your life. If Steele was indeed dead, as it appeared, Murphy was sorry. Sorry for Laura, sorry for this girl in his arms, but also sorry for the man himself, who deserved better than a fiery death on an isolated country road.

"I had to go to three machines, before I found one that wasn't out, but here's the..." Donald stopped in his tracks with three lidded containers of coffee stacked one on top of the other. "I'm sorry," he apologized for his interruption.

"It's alright," Cait told him as she pushed herself out of Murphy's embrace. "This isn't the time or place for me to be acting like such a child."

"You have every right to cry," Donald replied. "Although this place isn't exactly private." He nodded toward the other side of the room.

"Why don't you let me take you back to Steele's apartment," Murphy suggested, but she shook her head.

"Rem can't be here for Laura, but I can and I will. This is hard for me, but it'll be even harder for her. They were very much in love, Murphy. What Mildred said was true, things had been wonderful between them lately. They were closer than ever, in every sense of the word."

Murphy felt himself flinch at her words. So Laura had been happy with Steele. That's what he had stayed in Los Angeles to find out, but there was a part of him that had hoped things weren't so great, that he would find Laura had come to her senses and he would have another chance. Now it seemed Steele was out of the picture, but it wasn't the way Murphy wanted it to be at all.

"Excuse me." A nurse stood at the entrance to the waiting area. "Is there a Mr. Michaels here?"

"Yes," Murphy replied.

"There's a call for you at the nurses' station," she told him.

"Thank you." He got to his feet. "I'll be right back," he told Cait, then exchanged a meaningful glance with Donald who nodded in understanding and put his arm around her.

"Line four, Mr. Michaels," the nurse said as they approached the desk.

"Michaels," he stated into the instrument.

"Mr. Michaels, Officer Campbell, we spoke this afternoon. You asked to be informed when we made the ID."

"Yes." Murphy's pulse quickened.

"We still don't have an identification for the man, but we know it was not Remington Steele, the dental records don't match."

"What!" Murphy cried.

"I thought you'd want to know as soon as possible. Will you tell Mr. Steele's sister?"

"Of course," he replied. "Right away. Thank you, Officer."

As he hung up the phone, he experienced a feeling of relief that almost surprised him. He didn't take time to analyze it, however. He quickly returned to the lounge.

"Cait!" he called as he came into the room. "The man in the car... it wasn't Steele!"

"What?" she asked numbly.

He grabbed her by the hands and pulled her up to stand before him. "That was the policeman we spoke to today. The dental records don't match. The dead man is not Remington Steele."

"He's alive? Remington's alive? Oh, Murphy!" She threw her arms around his neck as he picked her up off the ground, returning the embrace.

"Then who was the man?" Donald asked.

"They still don't know," Murphy responded.

"And if Remington isn't dead, where is he?" Cait's concern returning to her features.

"That's what I'm going to find out," Murphy replied. Finally, something he could do! If Steele was out there somewhere, anywhere, he was going to find him and find out what this was all about.

"We need to talk to Laura," Cait reasoned. "Is there anything we can do between now and when she wakes up?"

"Yes. Give me Mildred's phone number. I've been out of Los Angeles. I've lost touch with my contacts. Maybe together we can come up with some places to begin."

Cait scrounged through her purse for her address book. "It's in there, under Krebbs."

"Right!" Murphy headed for the phone.

* * * It had taken a few minutes to calm Mildred down after his unexpected news, but when Murphy told her what he needed, she instantly turned into a model of efficiency. She told him she would head immediately for the office and start to work on the computer. When he returned to the waiting room, he was satisfied he'd done all he could for the moment.

As he walked in, he noticed a dark-haired woman had joined Cait and Donald. "Oh, Frances." Donald drew her attention to Murphy. "You remember Mr. Michaels. He used to work with Laura?"

"Of course. How nice of you to come."

"How's Laura?" Murphy asked. "Is she awake yet?"

"She came out of it for a moment," Frances explained. "But she was so groggy and tired. All she did was call for Mr. Steele. She knew I was there, but she kept asking for him. I just couldn't tell her about the man in the car and now, from what Donald told me, it's a good thing I didn't."

"Has the doctor seen her?" Cait asked.

Frances nodded. "He was in there when she came to. He managed to ask her a couple of questions, who she was, what day it was, how many fingers he was holding up, that sort of thing, and she answered him. He says she's going to be fine. She just needs more rest." She sighed heavily.

"I'm so glad, Frances," Cait told her. "You look very tired."

"Yes, I guess I am. I've been on the go all day. I was okay until I knew Laura was going to be fine then I guess the exhaustion just caught up with me."

"Why don't you and Donald go home and get some rest. I'll be here all night. If anything happens, I'll give you a call."

"But Cait," Donald objected. "You're just as exhausted as we are, probably more so with the emotional turmoil you've been through."

"I'm not leaving until I can talk to Laura. She's the only one who can give us a clue about what happened to Remington."

"I'll be here too," Murphy added. "If anything happens, I promise we'll call."

"Let's go home." Donald nodded to Frances.

"Wait a minute. They won't let anyone in there who isn't a relative," Frances suddenly remembered.

"Come over to the nurses' desk with us," Murphy suggested. "And introduce them to your Cousin Murphy and Cousin Cait."

Frances smiled. "Okay."

* * *
Only one person at a time was allowed in the room with Laura and Cait took the first shift. She sat quietly in the chair beside the bed, listening to the strong, steady rhythm of Laura's breathing. She was trying to force herself to relax, trying to be patient when it was the last thing she wanted to do.

Certainly she'd been elated to learn Remington hadn't died in the car crash, but after the initial euphoria had subsided, she realized she still didn't know if he was alive. After all, he had disappeared; no one knew where he was. Nothing would keep him away if he knew Laura was hurt and he was physically able. No, Remington was definitely in trouble at the very least... hurt or dead at the worst, but now she had something she didn't have before the comparison of the dental records with that corpse... she had hope.

The fact was, she was unhappy that she hadn't doubted Remington's demise before. How could she have allowed herself to believe him dead without positive proof? Perhaps the answer was within. Wasn't it what she had really expected all these months? For him to leave her just as everyone else important in her life had left? As much as she loved and trusted her brother, it was hard to change the attitudes of a lifetime. She knew he would never leave her alone on his own accord anymore than he would leave Laura. She knew that in her head. Her heart was harder to convince.

She leaned forward against the bed and looked at the face of the sleeping woman her brother loved. That's how it had been for Laura. It'd taken a long time for her heart to fully accept the fact that Remington wasn't going to just leave her like so many others, especially her father. Cait smiled.

"A fine threesome we are," she whispered. "We all want to care, we do care, but we're all terrified of it." Afraid of being trapped, afraid of being consumed, afraid of being left alone... again.

Well, she had no intention of being left alone again, nor of letting that happen to Laura. She hadn't just found her brother only to lose him. Her mind became foggy as her exhausted body demanded sleep. She closed her eyes to rest them for just a moment.

* * *
Laura Holt was floating in a swirl of mist and darkness. Darker forms, shadows seemed to loom before her, then dissipate into the abyss in which she was engulfed. Slowly, the darkness began to fade, but the fog grew denser as the light increased. The brightness grew like approaching headlights glistening off the particles of mist. Brighter and brighter, until it became painful. She moaned as the pain in her head grew stronger. As she fought to see through the glare and the fog, a muffled sound touched her ears?

She thought she heard a voice call her name.

"Laura?"

There it was again.

"Can you hear me?"

She heard herself moan as she fought to force her eyelids open.

A fuzzy form leaned toward her and Laura's eyes began to focus on familiar dark hair and two blue eyes looking down at her. The face began to swim into features... his face. She was safe now. He was here.

"Is that you?" she heard herself ask.

"Yes, Laura, it's Cait," came the response.

"Cait?" Laura was confused. Blinking her eyes, the remaining fog began to disappear and the face before her became clear. "Oh, Cait," she mumbled. "I thought you were..."

"Remington?" Cait asked and Laura nodded. "Well, we do look a little bit alike, but I never thought I'd be mistaken for him." Laura managed a smile. "How do you feel?"

"Woozy," Laura responded, raising her hand to rest at her temple. "And my head is pounding."

"What happened?"

"I don't..." She tried to concentrate. Suddenly her eyes focused on a face that appeared beyond Cait's. "Murphy?" she asked in disbelief.

"Hello there, Partner." He smiled. "You had us worried for a while. I was just coming in to relieve Cait."

"What are you doing here?"

"I was in town on a case and thought I'd drop by to see you, but you decided to check into the hospital instead."

"Sorry," she apologized. "Where's Mr. Steele?"

Cait glanced back at Murphy. "We were hoping you could tell us. What do you remember, Laura?"

"I'm still awfully fuzzy," she admitted.

"You flew into the Ontario airport?" Murphy prompted.

"Ontario?" An image of the small terminal building growing closer as the plane taxied in appeared in her mind. "Yes. There was some mix up with our reservations. We couldn't get a flight into L.A., so we flew into Ontario instead."

"You rented a car there," Murphy added.

It began to come back to her. "We rented a car to drive into L.A. I left my Rabbit at LAX."

"What happened then?" Cait asked. "Take your time. Go slow."

She closed her eyes as her memories unfolded like on a movie screen. "We went to pick up the car and... something happened. Wait! There was a man with a gun!" she said excitedly.

"Take it easy," Murphy told her.

"He made me get in the car. He hit me over the head." She reached for the bandage that covered the throbbing bump.

"Do you remember anything else?" Murphy asked.

"Yes. When I woke up we were going down a road. I didn't know where we were. The man was driving. He didn't know I was awake. I grabbed for the door handle, but he caught my arm. We were struggling. Then I saw this bridge just ahead. I screamed, but he couldn't get control of the car in time. I pulled on the handle..." She concentrated for a moment. "That's the last thing I remember... except... was Frances here?"

"Yes," Cait told her. "She was here earlier when you came to. Laura, what about Remington? Do you know what happened to him?"

"He isn't here?" she asked.

Cait shook her head. "He seems to have disappeared. When was the last time you saw him?"

An image flashed. His face... a frown of concern... calling her name as she began to fall away from him... her vision fading to blackness. "It was when the man hit me over the head, I think." She played the scene over in her mind again. "He started toward me when the other man grabbed him."

"Other man?" Murphy asked.

"Yes!" she cried. "There were two men!"

"If one of them took Laura, the other must have done something to Remington," Cait said to Murphy. "He's been kidnapped!"

Murphy shook his head. "Not in the usual sense of the word. There've been no ransom demands."

"You think it was someone motivated by revenge?" Cait asked in alarm.

"Did those men say anything, Laura? Anything that might indicate what they wanted?"

"No," she replied. "They just wanted us to go with them."

"Then Remington could be anywhere." Cait sighed.

Laura felt the same desperation she heard in Cait's voice. Desperation, and frustration, as she realized she was in no condition to go looking for him herself. "Murphy." Laura reached for his hand. "You've got to find him. Time is critical. Someone has to get on the trail before it goes completely cold. I know you aren't one of Mr. Steele's biggest fans, but..."

"Laura," Murphy interrupted. "I'll find him." She smiled and seemed to relax a bit. "Now you just concentrate on getting some rest, okay?"

"I'll try." She glanced over at Cait. The girl wasn't looking at her, but at Murphy and the expression was a mixture of concern and uncertainty. She knew what that look meant, she'd seen it before on Steele's face. Cait wasn't sure of Murphy, wasn't ready to put her trust in him. Of course she didn't know Murphy like Laura did. Laura knew Murphy was capable of finding Steele if he set his mind to it. Right now, she was too tired to think about it any further. She closed her eyes and allowed the darkness to claim her once again. As she drifted into a troubled sleep, the last face she had seen, Cait's, changed subtly into a very similar one, Remington Steele's. Her last conscious thought was a question. Where are you?

* * *
It was a pitch black room with a single chair as its only furnishing. The walls were concrete, no windows, no light fixture and the door was padlocked on the outside. Whoever they were, they'd gone to a lot of trouble to make sure he had no avenue of escape. He'd lost track of time. How long had he been here? A day? Two? Or had it just been a few hours that seemed like days? Whatever the time, it was too long. He would go crazy if someone didn't come soon to tell him what they wanted, why they'd brought him here, and most importantly, what they'd done with Laura.

The last thing he remembered, Laura'd been struck on the head and put in their rental car. He tried to resist and had been given the same treatment. He rubbed the knot on the back of his head that still throbbed something awful. He'd never seen the two men before, of that he was certain. He racked his aching brain trying to figure out what this was all about, but it did no good. He needed more information.

Suddenly there was a sound. Someone was turning the key in the padlock. Steele pressed himself against the wall next to the door. It opened outward and a bright flood light shone into the room, but no one entered.

"Mr. Steele?" came a man's voice with a trace of a cockney accent that sounded vaguely familiar. "Mr. Steele, would you please step out of the room?" He didn't move. "I'd certainly 'ate to 'ave to use Miss Holt to force you ta cooperate. It'd be so much nicer if you 'elped us on yer own."

Steele swallowed hard. The threat to Laura was enough. He stepped out using his hand to shield his eyes from the blinding light.

"Good, now come with me, I think we can find a more comfortable place to discuss our business." The man was unarmed, but there was a second man beside him who held an ugly looking revolver. Steele nodded and started down the hall with them. As soon as they were out of the glare, Steele got a good look at the man's face.

"Ashford!" he cried.

"Glad you remember me, 'arry." The man smiled. "'Scuse me, I forgot, it's Mr. Steele now, ain't it? You know, I was surprised to find that out, only pleased too." He motioned toward a door just ahead. "Won't you step into me parlor?"

Steele gave him an appraising look, then opened the door and walked into the room. It was the total antithesis of where he'd been held. Although this room was also windowless, it was elegantly furnished and well lighted.

"Please, sit down, make yerself at 'ome," Ashford invited.

As Steele lowered himself on a sofa, he regarded his 'host'. "The last I heard of you, Ashford, you were in a prison in France."

"I was released fer good be'avior," replied the man. He looked just as Steele remembered him: an ugly little man, dark haired with a heavy black mustache and beard. "'fraid I lost touch with most of me old friends by the time I got out. I 'ad no idea you were in the States."

"But when you found out, you decided to look me up for old times' sake?"

"Not 'xactly," he admitted. "Let's be honest, 'arry, we were never what you'd call 'friends'. We ran in different circles, you and me. You were in that upper class of gentlemen cat burglars the Americans like to romanticize in their cinema, while I was more of a bread and butter thief."

"Don't sell yourself short, Ashford," Steele replied. "You were a very inventive fellow."

"But I was never in the same league as you and Chalmers and that lot."

"No," Steele admitted. "We don't kill people."

Ashford laughed. "Yeah, I guess I was a bit messy."

"What brings you to Los Angeles?" Steele asked.

"A certain exhibit that 'appens to be in your fair city at the moment... the Pennington Collection. All them lovely diamonds, rubies, sapphires and that exquisite emerald and diamond tiara."

"The Pennington Collection." Remington nodded. "You certainly have good taste."

"Yeah," he agreed. "Only soon as I took one look at the Freemont Museum where the exhibit is, I knew I couldn't touch it. It's state of the art security, 'arry ol' boy. I was just about to give up the idea, when I saw yer picture in the paper. Me old friend, a famous private detective. Good cover. But then I did some checkin' and found you been usin' the name for more'n three years now. I can't tell you how sad I was you'd gone straight. What a waste. So I decided to come to the rescue and put you back on course."

"You want me to steal the Collection for you," Steele concluded.

"Brilliant deduction, Mr. Steele." Ashford laughed. "It was fate, you being 'ere when I needed you."

"But as you said yourself, 'Mate'." He emphasized the word. "I've gone straight. I'm not interested in liberating the jewels."

"Ah, you forget, I'm very good at persuadin' people to come 'round to my way of thinkin'. I told you I did some checkin' on you. I know yer weak spot, 'arry. It's that little lady you were travelin' with when me boys picked you up, ain't it? Laura 'olt!" Steele fixed him with a glare. "I can see I was right."

"What have you done with her?" Steele stormed.

"Don't worry. She's safe, far from 'ere. And she'll be released un'armed just soon's you deliver them jewels."

"Are you letting me go?" Steele asked.

Ashford laughed as he shook his head. "I ain't stupid, 'arry. You tell me what you need and I'll get it for you. I'll even take you on a little tour of the museum, but I ain't cuttin' you loose 'til I 'aves what I want."

"I want to see Laura," he stated.

"Not 'til it's done," Ashford replied.

"How do I know you haven't killed her already?"

Ashford smiled. "You don't. Can you take the chance I ain't tellin' the truth?"

Steele stood up and turned away from his captor. There was nothing he could do but go along with the deal. Ashford was good and was taking every precaution. He had no way of knowing where Laura was being held and would not get an opportunity to find out. He didn't trust Ashford and knew that when the job was done, there was a good chance he would just kill them both, but there was little alternative. If he didn't do what Ashford wanted, Laura would certainly suffer for it. By going along he was buying time.

"When do I get to take a look at the museum?"

Ashford grinned.

* * *
"Where do we start?" Cait asked as she and Murphy left the hospital and headed for the parking lot.

"What's this 'we' business?"

"I'm going with you," she told him.

"The hell you are!" Murphy exclaimed. "I don't need you in my way."

"I won't get in the way."

"No," he said flatly. "Go back to the office and help Mildred if you want, or stay here with Laura, or go home or to work, but stay out of this."

Cait grabbed his arm and forced him to stop and face her. "Why are you so mad?"

"Because I have a job to do and someone is keeping me from doing it!" he returned.

"No, I think it's because you just promised you'd find Remington and now that you've thought about it, you're not really fond of the idea!"

He glared at her. "Listen. The guy may not be at the top of my list, but..."

"That's just my point. I know how you feel about Laura and you blame Rem for coming between you two. I'm just not too sure your heart is in this."

"You're right," he said. "I've never been a big fan of his, but like I told Laura, I owe him. And I know what he means to her. I'm not going to let her down. I said I'd find him and I will. Count on it!"

"Okay, you're doing it for Laura, but I'm doing it for Remington. Murphy, he's my brother. I've hardly had time to get used to the idea and I'm not ready to lose him without doing everything I can to help. I'm not stupid. I may not be a trained detective like you, but I'm not exactly helpless either."

"I don't need you questioning every step I make," he warned.

"I won't," she promised. "Please, let me help."

He considered for a moment. "Okay, but not right now. You go back to the office and wait for me." She started to protest. "For God's sake, Cait, let me do my job!"

She sighed. "Okay. I want to trust you, Murphy. It's just the stakes are so high."

"I know the stakes." He turned and headed for his car, but stopped after a few steps and looked back at her. "I'll call."

She nodded and turned toward the street to hail a cab.

Murphy watched her for a minute. She'd been right. He wasn't thrilled at being put in the position of having to find Steele. That's why he'd been in such a mood and it made him feel guilty that Cait could see through him so well. He intended to find Steele all right. Then he'd ring the creep's neck for putting Laura and Cait through this!

* * *

Cait sat behind Remington Steele's desk in his chair and felt incredibly small and insignificant. She reached for the phone to make yet another call. So far her efforts had been fruitless. She didn't have the contacts Remington did, but she tried everyone she could think of. Before she could dial again, Mildred came into the office.

"Miss O'Connor, the police just called. They finally identified that man who was driving the car. His name was Ansil Mercer and he just got out of prison about three months ago."

"What was he in for?" Cait asked.

"Robbery and loansharking. He was what they call 'muscle'."

"Can you get us all the information available on him?"

Mildred smiled. "Already working on it."

Cait returned the smile. "I don't know why I asked. You're much more experienced at this than I am. Thanks, Mildred."

"No problem, Miss O'Connor." Mildred left the office. Within a few minutes, she was back with a printout. "Here it is, but I'm afraid there isn't much."

Cait took the sheet and looked over it. Something caught her eye. "Bingo!" She grabbed her purse. "Can you run another copy of this for Murphy?"

"Sure," Mildred replied. "But where are you going?"

"To see an old friend. One who owes me a favor and I'm about to call in the marker." With that Cait was out the door.

* * *
Murphy could swear he'd talked to every single person at the Ontario airport and shown them Steele's photo, but so far with no luck. All he had was the basic information: the flight arrived at 12:45 a.m. and Laura and Remington went to pick up their rental car at a little before 1:00 a.m. The clerk remembered them, but after telling them where to locate the car, they left and she hadn't seen them again. He checked out the area where the car had been parked, but there was precious little to see there. He picked up a receipt from a Los Angeles liquor store, but anyone could have dropped that. No one had seen a thing. It was time to go back to Century City and see if the police or Mildred had come up with anything.

The confidence with which he'd assured Laura and Cait he would find Steele began to erode. It wasn't going to be easy, and as Laura had said, every minute counted. He dreaded facing Cait back at the office where he knew she would be. She was certainly a stubborn woman. He smiled. Somehow he found that was appealing. Stubborn, head-strong, determined. Some of the same qualities he always appreciated in Laura. Yes, he had to admit, in some ways she was a lot like Laura, but with a rougher edge. He knew very little about her, and somehow it seemed important for him to know more.

As he stepped into the offices of Remington Steele Investigations, Mildred grabbed a file folder and held it out for him. "Mr. Michaels, this is the computer report on the man who was driving the car in Miss Holt's accident. Miss O'Connor asked me to give it to you as soon as you returned."

"She's not here?" he asked, surprised.

"No. She left right after I gave her a copy. She seemed very excited and said something about collecting a favor."

"A favor?"

Mildred shrugged. "That's all I know."

Murphy started reading about the hoodlum who had abducted Laura. "Ah, Mildred, I'll be in..." He looked toward Steele's door and immediately dismissed the idea, changing directions. "In Miss Holt's office."

"Yes, Mr. Michaels."

Murphy stopped, turned and smiled at the secretary. "Mildred, if you don't mind, it's Murphy. I'm a very informal kind of guy."

Mildred returned the smile. "Whatever you say, Murphy."

For a moment, he hesitated, wondering how much about his former association with the agency Mildred knew. Then he continued into Laura's office and returned his attention to the data before him.

Ansil Mercer was a two-bit hood. He'd been in and out of jail since he was a teenager. He'd just been released from prison after serving a three-year stretch for assault in connection to his job as collector for Abe Dixon. Murphy recognized the name. The man had been under investigation in New York for loansharking. Things got too hot there for him to operate, so he pulled up stakes and moved to the west coast. Word was that he was carrying on the same kind of operation out here but so far, the police had been unable to catch him at anything. If Dixon was involved in Steele's disappearance, things could get very nasty.

Murphy closed the report and searched through Laura's desk for a pencil. Lying in the top drawer was an open note. Murphy's eyes were drawn to it like a magnet. It was Steele's handwriting... he still recognized it. Just a short note, it read, "Thank you for letting me be who I am." It was signed "RS".

He stared at it for a moment, then slammed the drawer closed. For letting him be who he was... what a joke! Laura didn't know who the man was. He was a fraud, a charlatan. It stuck in Murphy's craw that such a man could win the love of a woman like Laura. How could she trust him?

But apparently she did. He knew it... had known it since before he left Los Angeles. He thought he'd accepted it, but now he was right back in the middle again. Good ol' dependable Murphy, cutting his own throat by trying to find this con man for Laura. The rejection still hurt. If Laura only knew it, she would be better off if they never found him.

No. He knew that wasn't the truth.

It would tear Laura apart if Steele were never found, perhaps worse than if he turned up dead. And it wouldn't do him any good either way. Just because Steele was out of the picture was no guarantee Laura would turn to him. If fact, she'd been honest with him from the beginning. The only way she'd ever thought of him was as a friend, perhaps a brother.

His thoughts turned to Cait. He'd seen how Cait reacted when they thought the man in the car was Steele. She had tried to be strong, but she would be terribly hurt if Steele was dead. She obviously idolized the man. Hard as it was for Murphy to believe, she looked up to her brother and had a very strong emotional bond with him. How cruel it would be for her to have found someone to share things with after years of being alone, only to lose that person in sudden, senseless violence.

No, Steele had to be found. Aside from all other considerations, Murphy couldn't forget the fact that the man had saved his life. He owed it to Laura, to Cait, even to Mildred out there, and yes, to him. Grabbing a pad and a pencil, he started making notes from the file.

* * *
It had seemed like a good idea when Cait first saw the name in the report on Mercer, but now she wasn't so sure. Locating a man like Abe Dixon wasn't easy and she wasn't too comfortable going down to the rougher side of the waterfront alone. When she reached her destination, a bar called Moby Nick's, she paused to prepare herself before walking in the door.

The room was dark and dirty, filled with smoke and the smell of fish and sweat from the collection of fishermen and longshoremen who frequented the place. She looked out of place here and her presence drew the immediate attention of most of the patrons in the form of stares and whistles. One very burly, dirty stevedore stepped up to her with a wide, toothless grin.

"My, you are a beauty." His face was very close to hers. "Why don't you let me buy you a drink, Sweetie?"

From the strength of his breath, Cait was certain he'd already had quite a few. "Not right now, Friend." Cait tried to keep her expression easy and natural. "I'm looking for someone."

"And you found me, Sweetie." He reached his arm around her shoulders.

She knew she had to stay calm and show no fear if she were going to get out of this place in the same condition as when she walked in. "The man I'm looking for is Barney Helms." Know where I can find him?"

"Sure," the man replied. "He's where he always is, at that table there in the back." He pointed to the darkest area of the room past the crowd of rough looking customers at the bar. "But what could a lovely thing like you want with an ugly old codger like Barney?"

"He's my uncle." Cait stepped past him. The man reached out and grabbed her arm. She smiled back at him. "Maybe later?" she suggested.

He looked at her for a moment, then grinned. "Sure."

She made her way past the bar and stood by the table looking down at the man who was apparently passed out from consuming the entire contents of the bottle of bourbon still clutched in his hand.

"Barney?" she said softly. She lowered herself into the chair next to him and put her hand on his. "Barney, wake up." Slowly he stirred and shakily raised his head. His stubbled gray beard held stains of chewing tobacco and the pallor of his skin carried the slightly yellow tinge that indicated the degenerate state of his liver. Too much booze, Cait thought. He looked much older than he had when she first met him. He looked like a man in his seventies, but Cait knew he was just over fifty. Bleary eyes tried to focus on her face. "Barney?" she called again.

"Katy?" he asked. She smiled and nodded. "Katy Brown?"

"You're not looking so good, Barney. Been hitting the sauce a little hard, eh?"

Barney rubbed his eyes and mouth as he continued to stare at his visitor. "What are you doing here?"

"I need your help, Barney," she told him. "I'm looking for an old friend of ours, but I don't know where he is."

"Who you lookin' for?"

"Abe Dixon," she replied.

The dull blue eyes grew large. "Dixon? You don't want him, Katy. You don't want to get back into all that again, do you, Girl?"

"No, Barney. I'm through with... that. But I have to talk with Abe. Where can I find him?"

"I ain't seen him for a while," he told her. "You don't need him anyways."

"Barney, it's important. I have to talk to him. Please, help me."

"You don't want to get mixed up in that again, Katy," he said shaking his head. "You're a good girl, always was."

"Yes, and you helped take care of me. But I'm a big girl now and I have a problem only Abe can help me with." She took his hand and held it gently. "Barney, where can I get in touch with him?"

He looked at her a moment before answering. "He's got an office on the wharf just up from O'Reilly's Chandlery. He ain't there half the time, but his enforcers are. It'd be big trouble for you to go there."

"I can take care of myself now," she assured him. "Come on, let me take you down to the cafe and get you something to eat."

"No, Katy-girl," he replied. "I'm gonna stay right here for a while."

Cait looked at him with affection. Then she pressed something into his palm. "Here's a little something to use later. Buy food, Barney, not booze."

"Sure thing, Katy."

She squeezed his hand as she got up to go. "Goodbye, Barney," she whispered as she turned and started to make her way back through the crowded bar. She walked up to the man who had approached her when she entered and grinned. "I'm in a bit of a rush this trip. Maybe I'll see you again sometime... soon?"

"Maybe so, Sweetie." He practically drooled. She reached up and planted a quick kiss on his cheek, then turned and headed out the door, resisting the urge to wipe her mouth until she was safely outside.

Barney watched her go, then made his way to the bar. "Nick," he called to the bartender as he laid down the twenty in his hand. "Give me another bottle." Nick complied and Barney staggered back to his table to have another drink so he could forget the last of a long line of broken promises.

* * *
Cait knew she was at the right place. The two men who tried to look inconspicuous as they stood on the sidewalk in front of the import/export store were a dead giveaway. The presence of muscle also indicated the big man himself was probably inside, carrying on his "business". She walked up to one of the men.

"Excuse me, but I need to speak with Mr. Dixon," she explained.

The man regarded her, then exchanged a look with his partner. "I don't know who you're talking about, Lady," he replied.

"Then why don't you just mention the name Katy Brown to the man inside and see what he says."

"Why should I?"

"Because he will want to see me," she said confidently.

The men looked at each other for a moment, then the first one stepped inside the building. Cait waited patiently until he reappeared. "Come in, Miss Brown."

She smiled knowingly and followed him into the building. It was decorated with expensive furnishings, if perhaps a little gaudy. Behind the desk sat a very large man with gray hair and small black eyes. He looked up and grinned when he saw her.

"Katy! By God, it is you!" he greeted her lustily.

"Hello, Abe. You're looking prosperous."

"Clean living, my Dear," he replied with a mischievous expression. "I had no idea you were in Los Angeles. Just a visit?"

"No, I live here now," she told him.

"And it looks to me like you're doing very well for yourself. Higher class of clientele these days, eh? I always said you would make one high-class lady."

Cait took a deep breath. "I'm not in the business any more, Abe. I work for an investment firm."

"Well," he said with appreciation. "I must say, that's sad news for some of us."

Cait turned away for a moment, uncomfortable with the resurrection of a past she tried hard to put behind her. When she brought her gaze back to Dixon, he was watching her closely. "I need information, Abe."

"What kind of information?"

"Three years ago, a man named Ansil Mercer worked for you, in your Enforcement Division, I believe. He was sent to prison and released just a few months ago."

"What do you want with Mercer?" he inquired.

"Personal business," she stated.

"I don't know where is, if that's what you want."

"No, I know where he is." She sighed. "He's dead. He was killed in an accident while trying to kidnap a very good friend of mine."

"Kidnapping?" Dixon shook his head. "Doesn't quite sound like Ansy's line."

"There was someone with my friend when she was taken by Mercer," Cait continued. "Someone else apparently took him away separately. I have to find him, Abe. I need to know who Mercer was working for."

"It wasn't me, Princess," he replied. "That particular department is filled at present. Oh, Ansy came to me when he got out of the joint, but I wasn't sure I could trust him anymore. He spilled some beans when he got busted three years ago and helped turn up the heat on me in New York. I didn't want anything like that to happen here. Besides, I run a legit place now."

"Of course, you do, Abe." He grinned at her tone. "Do you have any idea who Mercer was working for?" she asked.

"This guy who got snatched, he's real important to you?"

Cait looked straight at Dixon. "He's my brother."

"I didn't know you had one," Dixon replied.

"Neither did I until a couple of months ago, but he means a great deal to me."

"What's his name?"

Cait hesitated, but she knew her best bet with Dixon was to be straight with him. "Remington Steele," she replied.

"Remington Steele?" Dixon repeated with surprise. "The detective?"

"Yes," she confirmed.

"Well, well," he said with interest. "I guess everyone has a skeleton or two in his closet."

"You should know," Cait replied daringly.

The big man frowned for a moment. "Why should I help you find this detective brother of yours?"

"Because you owe me, Abe. If I hadn't warned you about Rico in New York you'd be dead."

He nodded. "You're right about that. And I never like to be in anyone's debt. My business works best the other way around, you see." He seemed to be considering. "Alright, I'll see what I can find out. I can't guarantee anything, though."

"I understand," she replied. "If you do this for me, Abe, we can consider the debt washed."

"I'll do my best, Princess," he promised.

She handed him a piece of paper. "Here's the phone number of my brother's office. If I'm not there, leave a message with the secretary."

As he took the paper, he reached for a pen and wrote down something and handed it back to her. "This is my private line. I don't give it out to just anyone, so don't go spreading it around."

"Alright," she agreed.

"But if you need to get hold of me, you can reach me at that number anytime."

"Thanks, Abe."

"You said it. I owe you."

As she turned to leave, Dixon0 called, "Katy."

"Yes?"

"If you ever decide to get back into the business, let me know."

"I won't," she said firmly.

"Pity." His eyes roamed over her body. Quickly she left the office and the building and headed for her car.

* * *
"Where the hell have you been?" Murphy stormed out of Laura's office as soon as he heard Cait's voice.

"I didn't think you wanted me around," she countered.

"I'd rather have you underfoot than have to worry about where you are and what you're up to."

Cait laughed. "I'm sorry, but I was touching base with some friends who might be able to help us find out who Mercer was working for."

"Who do you possibly know that could come up with that kind of information?" he asked.

"Friends," Cait repeated with a grin.

Murphy was about to respond when the phone rang and Mildred, who had been listening with interest to the conversation, answered it. "Remington Steele Investigations. Yes, she's here. May I say who's calling?" Upon the response from the other end of the line, Mildred quickly covered the mouthpiece before breaking into laughter.

"Mildred?" Cait asked in confusion.

"He says he's, and I quote, 'a friend'."

Cait chuckled as she took the phone, glancing at Murphy who was having a hard time not smiling at the joke.

"Hello?"

"I got a name for you, Princess."

"Just a minute." She grabbed a pencil and Mildred passed her a pad of paper. "Okay, ready."

"William Ashford. He's a Limey. Usually works in Europe. Robbery is the line, but he isn't known for neatness. One of the lower forms of life, if you get my drift."

"Any idea why he's in Los Angeles?"

"Nope. I can't do everything for you," he told her.

"Thanks, Abe. We're even now."

"Be careful, Katy. Like I said, this Ashford's a killer. But his nabbing Steele doesn't figure unless it's a personal score. Kidnapping doesn't fit. Anyway, that's it. Call me." With that the line went dead.

"Abe?" Murphy asked in disbelief as she hung up the phone. "Abe Dixon?"

"Yes," she affirmed.

"You know Abe Dixon?"

She nodded. "I met him in New York, did him a favor once and he owed me. He just paid up."

"Now I believe it," Murphy said to Mildred. "She is definitely his sister!"

Cait couldn't suppress a smile. "Do you want to know what he gave me?"

"I'm all ears," Murphy replied.

She repeated what Dixon had just told her about William Ashford and Mildred set about searching through the computer for information on the thief. Meanwhile, Murphy checked on the location of the liquor store whose receipt hedd found at the airport.

"Well, there are a lot of warehouses in the area," Murphy said as they studied a city map spread across Steele's desk. "It could make a good place to hold someone and it would be hell to find the exact location."

"At least it's a start," Cait returned.

"Maybe this will help," said Mildred as she walked into the office with a sheaf of papers in her hand. "Talk about your unsavory characters."

Murphy took the stack from her and sank into Steele's chair as Cait peered over his shoulder. "He's worked all over Europe. Not really big time stuff. He's been in prison in France the last few years. Usually goes after cash or jewelry."

"Does any of this help us?" Cait asked.

"Maybe," he replied. "Mildred, get me a list of any special jewelry collections in the high-risk category. You should be able to get them from the major insurance carriers if you're clever."

"Right." Mildred left.

"What are you thinking?" Cait asked suspiciously.

Murphy looked at her. "Just how much do you know about your brother's... ah... past occupations?"

She narrowed her gaze. "Just how much do you think you know?"

"Well, I'd hate to disillusion you, but when he first appeared here and moved into Remington Steele's identity, he was after the jewels Laura and I were protecting."

"The South African Royal Lavulite." She nodded.

"Well, let's just say he showed a bit of experience at that sort of thing."

She smiled. "If you're trying to break it to me that Rem has skills in that area and has used them in the past to recover certain items. I know all about it."

"Good," he replied. "Now, the way I figure it, if Ashford is the man who grabbed Steele, there are two possibilities: One, they've had some kind of run-in the past and Ashford was out to get revenge, or two, since Ashford is known to have operated in Europe, perhaps he was familiar with Steele's 'abilities' and decided to recruit him to assist with a job."

"Against his will, of course. That would explain why they tried to kidnap Laura, too. If they were holding her, they could force Rem to commit this robbery."

"Unless it wasn't against his will," Murphy suggested.

Cait stared at him. "No way! Rem would never do anything like that and he certainly wouldn't do anything that would put Laura in danger. Even you should know that."

"Okay," he admitted. "I agree. I think we have to proceed under the assumption that Ashford is forcing Steele to help him commit some kind of robbery."

"And if it's the other alternative?" Cait asked. "If he was after Rem for some sort of revenge or something?"

"Then the chances of Steele still being alive would be very small," Murphy told her quietly. "But for what it's worth, I think you have a point about them grabbing Laura. They obviously thought they needed her for some reason. They wouldn't if they just wanted to kill Steele."

"Do you really believe that, or are you saying it for my benefit?" she asked.

"I won't lie to you, Cait, just to spare your feelings." He stood and placed his hands on her arms. "In the long run, that'd be harder on you. I really think the robbery theory makes more sense, but you have to know the other possibility and be prepared, just in case."

She looked at him, then nodded. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." They were standing very close to each other and her blue eyes were only a few inches away. He felt as if he were losing himself in their clear depths. Before he realized it, he had pulled her closer. She offered no resistance and the feel of her body so near his made his senses reel. He felt her hands against his back as he closed the distance between their lips. The kiss was gentle, but the moment they touched was electric and the realization of what had just happened seemed to hit them both at the same time.

"I'm... I'm sorry." Murphy pulled away from her in embarrassment. "I didn't intend to do that."

"It's okay," she replied. "I didn't mind."

He looked at the sparkle in her eyes and couldn't resist a chuckle. "I think we'd better get on this." He held up the map. "It's a long shot, but maybe we can find someone who has seen Ashford in the vicinity of this liquor store. You aren't adverse to doing legwork, are you?"

"No, why would you think so?" she asked.

"Because he always hated it."

"Well, you can discuss that with him when we find him," she replied.

* * *
Armed with pictures of Mercer, Ashford and Steele, Murphy and Cait canvassed the area around the liquor store. After a couple of hours with no luck, Cait returned to the shop to rendezvous with Murphy. She found him at the pay phone in front listening intently and jotting down notes.

"Yes, got it. Good work, Mildred. We'll check in later."

"Something?" she asked.

"Possibly," he returned. "First, the clerk here in the liquor store and another at the hamburger joint just down the street recognized Mercer's photo. Unfortunately, they don't remember whether he walked or drove, so it doesn't narrow the area by a lot."

"Well, there's another one about three blocks west of here and they didn't recognize anyone. Wouldn't that mean the hideout is probably in one of the warehouses to the east?"

"Probably," Murphy agreed. "But that's still an awful lot of area to cover. Mildred came up with three possible scores: a very expensive diamond necklace was just acquired by a man named Oglesby, there's a large shipment of precious jewels arrived at the Long Beach Diamond Exchange, and the last is the Pennington Collection at the Freemont Museum. That's the most valuable, and for my money, the most likely candidate."

"What should we do?" Cait asked.

"I'd like to go have a look at the museum. If anyone there has seen Ashford or Steele, that would pin down the target."

"Let's go."

"Wait a minute." Murphy caught hold of her arm. "I could do this alone. Why don't you go home and get a few hours sleep? You have to be exhausted by now."

She shook her head. "No, I'm going with you."

He looked heavenward. "Okay, but you have to get some rest sometime."

"After we find Remington." Cait was adamant.

Murphy sighed in resignation as they headed for the car.

* * *
Laura Holt stood carefully beside her hospital bed. She was a little woozy and her head felt like it was inside a bass drum that was relentlessly pounding the beat of a brisk march. She couldn't take it any longer... just lying here unable to do anything but think about all the things that could have happened to Remington Steele. Inactivity had never suited her and in this situation, it was intolerable. She felt much better, stronger, and despite the doctor's warnings, she couldn't stay in this bed one moment longer. Murphy and Cait were out there looking for Steele, and although she knew Murphy was a very good detective, she couldn't leave the search in his hands alone.

As for Cait, while she was very concerned, she wasn't an investigator. Laura didn't know how much help she could be to Murphy, especially since she had the distinct impression Steele's sister didn't trust their former associate. She might prove as much a hinderance as a help.

As she slowly dressed, Laura tried to convince herself she was doing this because she truly felt she could contribute. After all, she had worked with Steele for three years. Her knowledge of him could make a difference. But in the back of her mind, she knew she resented the fact that Murphy and Cait were out there looking and she wasn't.

She'd felt that sort of resentment quite a few times in the last few weeks and it was directed at Cait. She recognized the unreasonable jealousy and fought against it. She knew Mr. Steele felt very close to Cait and it was only logical he would want to share his feelings with someone who seemed to understand him so well. Cait was undemanding, unlike Laura who had always needed reassurances and proof of commitment. It was sometimes easier for him to talk with Cait. Laura understood and knew it was natural, but still, for three years she had been the one he had come to and it was an adjustment to have to share any part of him.

Whatever her feelings were, she would have to work them out later. Right now, the important thing was locating Remington Steele... before it was too late. She grabbed her purse and slipped out the door.

* * *
Remington Steele's eyes played around the room as he and Ashford stood before the case that held the Pennington Collection. He was mentally taking note of all the security measures that were obvious, planning how to breach them, and all the time hoping it would not be necessary. For the life of him, though, he couldn't see any way out as long as Ashford was holding Laura at some unknown location.

As he took an unobtrusive glance at the closed circuit monitors that looked down on the exhibit, he tipped back the hat Ashford gave him as part of his disguise. The fake mustache tickled his nose and it was too hot for the overcoat he wore. He wished there was some way he could get free from these buggers for just a little while without endangering Laura's life, but he didn't dare.

"Seen enough?" Ashford asked impatiently.

"Just another turn around the main exhibition room," he replied.

"Alright, but make it quick. It ain't 'ealthy fer any of us to be out too long, 'specially fer Miss 'olt."

"Listen, Ashford," Steele replied tightly. "You gave me this little assignment and if you want it done right, you have to give me enough time to study the set up."

"Come on," Ashford hissed as he turned toward the door that led back to the large exhibit hall.

* * *

Cait and Murphy were just entering the Freemont Museum. "You take a look around out here," he told her. "I'll check out the room where the collection is."

"Fine," she agreed.

As he walked away, Cait began to wander around the hall looking at paintings, sculptures and rare artifacts of the private museum. A very striking impressionist painting caught her eye on the mezzanine just above and she made her way to the escalator. There was quite a crowd, she noticed as she had to wait for a couple of minutes before getting a place on the escalator. She'd noticed two tour buses and several school vans outside as they drove up. She stepped on the lift just behind a group of giggling, gum-chewing girls she estimated to be around fourteen. Trying to ignore the press against the small of her back of a camera slung around the neck of the tourist, she gazed up, anxious for the ride to be over.

Something drew her attention to a man among the crowd on the descending side of the moving stairway. He wore a hat and an overcoat and appeared to be stifling in the heat and closeness of the bodies. Then his eyes met hers and she knew.

Her mouth flew open to call his name, but an almost imperceptible shake of his head froze the sound in her throat. He shifted his eyes to his right and, following the look, she saw he was not alone. Her heart raced as they drew close. She didn't know what to do. Silently she mouthed his name. His expression pleaded with her not to give herself away. She placed her hand as casually as possible on the rail. As they passed each other, his fingers brushed hers and his lips formed a word she couldn't quite catch. All too suddenly, he had passed by. She turned and looked at the hat as it moved further down toward the ground floor.

Suddenly she realized she was about to lose him. Frantically she looked up to see how far she was from the top... too far. She tried to push through the crowd, but it was impossible. After what seemed like forever, she reached the landing and immediately pushed in line to go back down amid angry protestations from the people she elbowed out of the way. "Please," she pleaded as she tried to get through. Desperately her eyes sought out Remington. He was disappearing out the front door.

Finally she reached the ground floor and shoved her way through the people gathered at the base of the lift. Reaching the door, she rushed through and outside into the bright sunshine. Looking up and down the sidewalks, there was no sign of the hatted figure. Running as fast as she could to the corner of the building, she surveyed the parking lot, but still no luck. One car was moving toward the street entrance, but there was an older lady behind the wheel.

"Oh, God," she cried under her breath. "Remington, please don't let me have lost you!"

"Cait!"

She spun at the sound of the voice to see Murphy rushing up behind her.

"What is it?" he asked. "I saw you running out the door."

"I saw him, Murphy." The tears began to spill down her cheeks. "He was on the escalator coming down as I was going up. By the time I got back down he was gone. Oh, Murphy, he's gone!"

He put his arm around her shoulder. "Take it easy."

"You don't understand. He was there. He was right there. And Ashford was with him. Rem saw me and he didn't want me to say anything with Ashford right next to him."

"He was right," Murphy said. "It would have been a bad situation to upset a man like Ashford in the middle of that crowd. He probably had a gun on Steele."

"But if I could have only told him Laura was safe. If Ashford is using her to force him to help steal the Collection, he won't even try to save himself."

"Cait, there was nothing you could do. At least we're better off than we were. We know Steele is alive. We know we were right about Ashford and about the jewels. If we only knew exactly when they were going to hit the place.

Cait's eyes grew wide. "Tonight!" she exclaimed. "That was it! That's what he was trying to tell me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!" she replied with conviction.

"Then we're going to be here too. Let's head back to the office. We've got some planning to do."

* * *
Remington Steele sat in an enclosed room, barely better than the first place he was held, and poured over the plans that lay on the desk in front of him. He'd given Ashford the list of equipment he would need and decided on the best way to gain entry to the museum. It would be tricky, but he was reasonably sure he could get in and out without detection. He put his pencil down and rubbed his face with both hands.

He was worried. He wasn't sure Cait understood what he was trying to tell her. He also wasn't sure why he'd done it. What could she do? At best she could help him get away from Ashford, but where would that leave Laura? At worst, she could get caught or hurt trying to help him. It was stupid. Cait wasn't trained as a detective or a thief. She was a smart girl, but she just didn't have the experience to handle this kind of situation. He had known all that, so why in that moment had he tried to tell her when the robbery would take place?

Perhaps it was that look in her eyes, that pleading, helpless look as they passed. Maybe it was just because he was desperate.

Her very presence at the museum indicated she had an idea what was going on. How she'd found out, he didn't know. But he did know there was no other way. Ashford was insisting on going along with him tonight. He would be kept on a very tight rein. After the robbery, he and Laura were useless to Ashford and he knew the man well enough to know they wouldn't be left alive to tell anything. He was out of alternatives.

Whatever happened, it would happen at the museum tonight. Of that, he was certain.

* * *
As Murphy and Cait walked into the office, they were greeted by a familiar voice.

"It's about time you two got back!"

"Laura!" they both exclaimed at the same time. "What are you doing here?" Murphy added.

"I couldn't stay in that hospital one minute more, especially since no one bothered letting me know what's going on!"

Cait and Murphy exchanged sheepish looks. "I'm sorry, Laura, things just happened so fast, I'm afraid we didn't think. I know how worried you are, but he's alive. I saw him," Cait explained.

"What?"

"At the Freemont Museum," Murphy stated.

"What was he doing there? Did he say anything?"

"I didn't get a chance to talk to him. Ashford was with him."

"Ashford? Who's Ashford?" she asked in confusion.

"I think we'd better fill Laura in from the beginning," suggested Murphy.

"I think that's an excellent idea," Laura agreed.

For the next half hour, Murphy summarized their discoveries about Ansil Mercer and his boss, William Ashford. When he reached the episode at the museum, Cait took up the story.

"... and by the time I got down the bloody escalator and out the door, they were long gone," she concluded. "If only I could've told him you were free and safe."

"You couldn't have in that situation, Cait, with Ashford probably holding a gun on him," Laura commented. "Murphy's right, we have to be at that museum waiting for them tonight." She turned to Murphy. "Between the two of us, we ought to be able to come up with some way to get inside."

"How about calling the police," Murphy suggested.

"No," she replied. "There'd be too much to explain and too many chances for mistakes. It's better if it's just you and me."

"I'm going with you," Cait put in.

Laura shook her head. "No, Cait, this is something Murphy and I have to do alone. We're going to have a hard enough time trying to get Mr. Steele away from Ashford without having to watch out for you."

She hadn't said it in a mean or unfeeling way, but Murphy grimaced at the hurt expression on Cait's face. Apparently Laura noticed it, too.

"I know you're worried about him and want to help, but please, Cait, leave this to us. We've been in this kind of situation before. Besides," she smiled. "Mr. Steele would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you."

Cait started to make some argument, but then changed her mind. "I understand. You will call me when... when it's over?"

Laura put a sisterly hand on her shoulder. "Of course we will. For that matter, we'll just bring Mr. Steele to you."

Cait nodded, then with a forced smile toward Murphy, she started for the door.

"Cait," called Murphy. "Wait a minute."

She turned as he walked toward her. "You can take my rental car. I'll walk you down to the garage."

"There's no need," she replied. "You and Laura have a lot to do."

He pushed open the door, not about to be swayed. "Laura, I'll be back in a minute." He held the door for Cait to proceed him to the elevator.

"She didn't mean it the way it sounded, you know," he said as they waited for the car to arrive.

"I know she didn't," Cait replied. "I guess she's right. I'm too emotional. When it comes to something like this, Laura is all professional. Though she's worried about Rem, she can look at the situation clearly and decide what's best. I understand that."

"You're no so bad at that sort of thing yourself," he replied. "Look how well you did when we thought Steele was dead. You didn't let your emotions take over. You thought of Mildred's feelings, and Laura's. And when we started this investigation, Cait, if it hadn't been for you going to Abe Dixon, we might never have come up with Ashford's name, which led us to the museum. You saw Steele and figured out what he was trying to tell you. You've done a lot."

"I had to. He's my brother..."

"And you love him," Murphy finished.

"Yes," she replied.

The doors opened and they stepped inside. Murphy pushed the garage floor button and they started down.

"Well," he sighed. "To each his own. Although I can't understand what you and Laura see in that shifty-eyed con man who calls himself Remington Steele," he quipped.

"You just can't accept it, can you?" she asked.

"Accept what?"

"That Remington might not be the villain you've pegged him to be. That he could actually have changed from what he was before, that he might have made a real commitment to the agency, to me, and most of all, to Laura."

Murphy laughed. "Commitment? The man won't even tell her his real name! Oh, that's a commitment, all right."

"Did you ever stop and think that maybe he doesn't know what that name is?" The car stopped, the doors opened and Cait stamped out into the garage.

Murphy was caught unprepared and frozen to the spot for a moment before he rushed after her. "Hey. Wait a minute! What do you mean by that?"

"Just what I said," she replied. "There you go again, making judgements before you have all the facts. I meant what I said to you before, Murphy, you're a nice fellow. It's just you have this blind spot. Can't you see it? You won't let go of your feelings for Laura, and because of that, you can't allow yourself to see the truth about Remington. He's not a saint, but he's not a demon either. He's just a man, who's lived his life in a world you could never understand... a world where he had to do things to survive that aren't very pleasant to think about. The path may have taken him on the darker side of the street, but a man can find his way back, especially when he has a good reason. Laura gave him that reason."

"I don't know why I ever thought you were like him," Murphy replied in awe. "You're not."

"Oh, yes I am," she exclaimed. "Don't fool yourself. I'm made of the same metal, forged in the same furnace... the streets. That's why I know him so well... better than you ever could, even if you tried. I've been where he's been. I know what it's like to try and try and try to make something of your life and get flattened at every turn. I am like him, Murphy.

He shook his head.

"Why can't you accept that we're alike? Because you've grown fond of me? You've caught yourself caring about me, putting your trust in me, even a little bit. And if I'm like him then, well, you'd have to admit you might be able to trust him, too?"

"No!" Murphy exploded. "I refuse to accept you two are anything alike aside from the physical resemblance. You're caring and open and honest. I've seen you think of other people before yourself. That's something he'd never do. You don't think of yourself first."

"Oh, but I used to. I had to. When you're sixteen and alone and living on the streets, there isn't much else you can think about except how to get by one day at a time. There's no future, no past. It's only after you get a chance to catch your breath you realize you have a past, and then there are people like you who will never let a person forget it. Oh, yes, I have a past, too. Let's talk about names, shall we, since that particular topic seems so important to you. What I said before is true. Remington doesn't know who his father was. He never saw his birth certificate. As he grew up, he learned that a name is something that you change to suit your purposes, discard like clothes that aren't of any further use. It's just a part of surviving, just like stealing food."

Murphy's gaze narrowed as she spoke.

"I know all about names, Murphy. I've had my share. Caitlin is my real first name, but I had a longer time to learn that than Rem did before I was on my own. Since that time I've been a lot of people. Sharon McLonergan. Marian Paroo. Fiona Campbell. I spent three years as Katy Brown. They're all characters from musicals, mostly Irish." She smiled ironically. "Rem likes Bogart, I like musicals."

"But you were never like him... a thief, a con man... who knows what else."

"No, I've always been sweet and innocent just like I am now!" she cried. "Wake up! Let me tell you something, Mr. Murphy Michaels." In her anger, her Irish accent became more pronounced. "I lived on the streets and I did things to survive I'm not proud of. Things I'd do anything to forget."

"Did you ever break into someone's home and steal some priceless object of art or some million dollar diamond?" he asked.

"No," she replied. "But I had... other skills."

"Cait, stop it. I understand you care about him and feel close to him, but I just can't believe a man like that can change overnight and all for the 'love of a good woman'. Give me a break."

"In that case, since you seem to find me attractive, maybe you'd be willing to buy my affections for a few quid!" She fixed him with a stare.

"What?"

"Your theory is that people who have sunk into such depravity as Rem and me can't change. So I guess I must still be considered a London whore!" She turned to run, but Murphy grabbed her. She fought to get away from him, and as he struggled to hold her, he caught a glimpse of tears glistening on her cheeks.

"Cait, please."

"Are you shocked?" she asked. "Yes, I was a hooker. First in London, to buy a meal or just to have a place to sleep at night that wasn't cold and wet. That's the way I earned my ticket to America. When I got here, I swore I would never sleep with a man for money again, but you know something? It's hard to remember oaths like that when you're hungry, when you have no skills and nothing saleable except your body."

Murphy stared in silence, not knowing what to say.

"I worked odd jobs, waitressing, sales clerk, whatever I could find while I put myself through secretarial school, but sometimes those jobs weren't enough. New York became just like London. Finally, I had to leave. I came out here where no one would know what I'd been. I became Caitlin O'Connor, as good a name as any. I got a normal job. I lived like a normal person. But there was always the fear that everything would fall apart. You never get used to living with that kind of terror. I haven't turned a trick in four years, but if what you say is true, then I guess I'm still just a whore. People don't change, huh, Murphy?"

"Cait, I didn't mean..." He hung his head. "I'm sorry."

"I'm not," she replied. "I'm alive. And things are finally beginning to come together for me. I found there are people out there you can trust. I learned you have to trust someone sometime or you'll always be running, if from no one but yourself. Do you know who taught me that lesson? The man you dislike so intensely. He's spent three years as Remington Steele. That's an eternity for people like us. He's proven his commitment to Laura. He's a good man, Murphy. If you could only look at him without thinking of how he took Laura away from you, you'd be able to see that."

"He didn't take Laura away from me," he said softly. "She was never mine to begin with."

Cait closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

"You're right, Cait. About everything. I knew it when I left Los Angeles. I knew it and that's why I ran away. I could no longer tell myself I was trying to protect Laura from a man who wanted to hurt her. That wasn't true anymore, if it ever had been. But I couldn't face it, so I ran. The very thing I used to say he'd do." He looked into her blue eyes. "I know it, but I can't help the way I feel."

"You've taken the first step," Cait said quietly. They stood for a long minute, just looking at each other.

"Does Steele know about your past?"

She looked away as she shook her head. "I've never had the guts to tell him."

"Why did you tell me?"

She once again met his gaze. "Because it was important to make you see you were wrong. You're a good man, too, Murphy, and you've been kind to me. If you could see me as different from what I used to be, I had to make you see Remington in that same light."

"But why?"

"For you own sake mostly. It isn't good to keep emotions bottled up inside and let them gnaw at you. And because I love my brother. I wanted you to be able to see something of what I see in him. And for selfish reasons, too." She looked firmly into his eyes. "I wanted to get it out and said between us. It was important I be honest with you... because... I care about you Murphy. If you can stand to look at me ever again."

His hand touched her face, gently stroking her soft skin. She started to pull away, but he held her tightly. Suddenly his lips descended toward hers. She tried again to push away, but he wouldn't let her. Then his mouth captured hers. Cait stopped struggling. The hands that had pushed him away moved around his neck to run through his hair. After what seemed an eternity, their lips parted.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "But I just had to do that."

"That's the second time you've apologized for kissing me," she reminded him. "Is there something wrong with the way I kiss?"

"Not a thing."

"Then let's see if you can do it without apologizing this time." She gave him a tentative smile as she pulled him to her lips. It was Cait who initiated the kiss, but Murphy was anything but reluctant to participate. He held her tight, marveling at how good she felt pressed close against him. He could feel himself becoming lost in the passionate feeling Cait's touch created and he backed away.

"Whoa there," he said. "I think we're moving a little fast here." He glanced around. "A parking garage is hardly the place to start this sort of thing."

"And you have to get back upstairs before Laura wonders what happened to you. There's a lot of planning to do for tonight." Her expression darkened as she remembered what they were facing.

"I promise, we'll get him out," he told her.

"Please be careful, for all your sakes," she whispered as she planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Murphy handed her the keys.

"You go straight to Steele's place and wait," he instructed.

She nodded as she climbed into the car. Murphy watched her drive out of the garage. He stood alone for several minutes after she was out of sight. It would take some time, however, to put this conversation out of his mind. She had given him a lot to think about... a lot of feelings to sort out. Laura, Steele, Sherry, and a girl he had only known for two days. Was he really getting emotionally involved with his sister?

God help me, he thought as he headed back to the office and Laura. What have I gotten myself into?

* * *
Cait was tired as she headed toward Remington's apartment. Her encounter with Murphy had left her physically drained. She hadn't intended to tell him the story of her sordid past, but in her anger, she hadn't been able to stop. Anger not directed at him personally, but at her inability to make him comprehend, to make him see things as she saw them. But the fact that it had been so important to her that he understand Remington hadn't surprised her as much as the importance that he understand her, and that's what was really unexpected.

As she inserted the key in the lock, opened the door and stepped into the apartment, her thoughts turned to Remington. She longed so much to be there tonight, but maybe Laura and Murphy were right, and the last thing she wanted was to get in the way and cause something to go wrong.

From behind the door came the blur of a dark form. Before she had time to react, a man's arms grabbed her from behind and a soft cloth was placed over her face. A strong odor assailed her nostrils, just before everything went black.

* * *
Remington Steele stepped into Ashford's parlor and looked around for his captor. "Ashford?"

"Right here, 'arry." The man stepped from behind a partition.

"You had me brought here, are you ready to leave for the museum?"

"Not just yet," Ashford replied. "I 'ave a confession to make first. I'm afraid my man let yer Miss 'olt get away from 'im."

"Laura's free?" Steele asked in amazement.

"She was, but we took care of that. Just to make sure you cooperate, I 'ad her brought 'ere. She'll come with us to the museum tonight and wait with a couple of me men, in the car 'til the job is done." He turned toward the door. "Louie!"

The door opened and one of Ashford's henchmen entered with his prisoner. Steele stared in surprise. "Cait!"

"Rem!" she cried as she tried to move toward him, but Louie wouldn't let her out of his grip.

"You idiot!" cried Ashford. "This ain't the 'olt woman." He looked from Steele to Cait, then smiled. "But apparently this young lady means something to you, too," he surmised. "Would you care to make the introductions?"

Steele's eyes never left Cait's face as he spoke. "Caitlin O'Connor this is William Ashford, our... host. Miss O'Connor is a former client of mine."

"Oh, I think she's a bit more than that. Louie picked her up at your apartment. She 'ad a key. And from yer reaction, I'd say yer relationship goes a mite further than business."

"We're friends," Cait replied, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible.

"I think you'll do very nicely as a substitute for Miss 'olt." Ashford grinned. "Shame on you, 'arry. And 'ere I thought you'd given up all yer old 'abits and begun to settle down with yer little lady. Now I find you 'ave two on the string, or are there more?"

"I try to keep my options open," Steele replied.

"Ah, but you always did 'ave a sense of honor and I doubt you'll chance lettin' Miss O'Connor be 'urt." He glanced at his watch. "It's time to start. Shall we?" He directed them toward the door.

It took about half an hour to reach their destination. Steele had been placed in the front seat of the car with Louie driving, Ashford sat in the back with another henchman who kept a gun trained on Cait seated between them. They pulled into the alley behind the building next to the museum and parked in a very dark spot. They all got out and Louie proceeded to the trunk, opened it, and started unloading equipment. Steele stepped next to Cait.

"Let's go," said Ashford.

"Oh, Remington." Cait threw her arms around his neck before Ashford or his two goons could stop her. Quickly she whispered in his ear. "Murphy and Laura are inside. I don't know what their plan is." The second flunky grabbed her roughly by the arm and threw her back against the car.

"Hey!" Steele shouted.

"Keep yer voice down, 'arry, or I'll give yer girlfriend 'ere a sample of what me boys will do if we don't get back within an 'our."

"I'm alright," Cait said quickly.

"It's going to be fine," Steele said to her. "Don't worry."

"I won't." She smiled at him tentatively.

"Get the stuff and get started." Ashford shoved Steele toward the stack of rope and other equipment. Steele picked up the tools and gave Cait a last look before setting off toward the museum.

* * *
Laura's head was pounding as she sat crouched behind a display panel listening for some sound that would signal their quarry had arrived. She moved slowly and silently to massage the back of her neck, tight with tension, as she wished for the hundredth time that Steele would make his appearance. She glanced at Murphy beside her and noticed him rubbing the circulation back into his bad leg. Unfortunately, the cramped quarters were unavoidable. It was the only place they could hide and still have a view of the display.

It had taken some talking to convince the curator to allow them to stake out the place. At the first mention of the possibility the Pennington Collection was endangered, he insisted on calling the police. Laura, however, had managed to convince the man not to do so, or to warn his two guards on patrol in the museum that anything was amiss. She impressed him with the importance of capturing the mastermind behind the robbery attempt and assured him the remarkable Remington Steele would be on the scene to help foil the crime. The man had been reluctantly persuaded and allowed them to hide away after closing.

Movement beside her brought her back to reality as she looked toward Murphy. He was only shifting position, however. Obviously his leg was bothering him as much as her throbbing head was her. Out of necessity to hear any movement, they couldn't talk to each other here, but Murphy had been uncharacteristically silent even before they began their vigil... since he returned from escorting Cait to the garage, Laura realized. He was gone longer than would normally be necessary for such a task and when he returned, had been very much within himself. A couple of times he'd had trouble keeping his mind on what they were planning. Laura couldn't help but wonder what had happened. She asked Murphy if anything was bothering him, but he denied it. She hadn't pressed him.

Still, something must have gone on between Murphy and Cait. From what Murphy had told her, Cait had proved very helpful in their search for Steele. Laura needn't have been worried by the look she'd seen in Cait's eyes when Murphy agreed to look for the missing head of the agency. Laura suspected Mr. Steele had told Cait a bit about why Murphy left the agency. He shared a lot with his newfound sister.

There it was again... the jealousy. Sometimes she wasn't fair to Cait, like this afternoon. Her frustration at not being able to help made Laura short with her. She hadn't meant to be, and she really felt strongly that Cait should be kept out of this evening's activities for the reasons she had given. But she could've put it more delicately.

She didn't want to hurt Cait. She truly liked her. Although Cait's past was almost as mysterious as her brother's, Cait seemed more open, more willing to share. Laura felt she'd gained a better understanding of the man she called Remington Steele from talking to his sister. And, after all, it was partially due to Cait's influence on her brother that Laura and Steele had taken the most significant step in their relationship.

While that step had clarified a lot of things in Laura's mind, it also complicated things. Despite it all, she still fought the doubts that crept into her thoughts. She loved him and she was truly beginning to trust him. But the hurts she'd accumulated over a lifetime weren't easy to forget. The one thing she knew was she couldn't lose him now.

A sound just outside the room interrupted her thoughts. One glance at Murphy told her he'd heard it too. It sounded as if it were coming from the ceiling. "The skylight." She indicated to Murphy who nodded in agreement. She forgot the pain in her head as she readied herself.

Two figures moved slowly through the doorway into the room that held the collection. In the dim light from one high, barred window, Laura could make out the first man as Steele. The second had to be Ashford, she reasoned. She scarcely dared to breathe as the two men inched their way across the floor to the case that contained the jewels. A beam appeared from a flashlight in Steele's hand and trained on the case.

"Beautiful, aren't they?" Steele whispered.

"What about the guards?" Ashford breathed nervously.

"On the outer perimeter of the other side of the building at this moment, if your man's information was correct," Steele replied quietly.

"It's not my information you 'ave to worry about," Ashford stated. "Just don't you try nothin'."

"With Miss O'Connor out there in the car with your two apes?" Steele asked. "What could I do alone?"

Laura barely kept from gasping in shock. Somehow they'd gotten hold of Cait to use in place of her. She looked at Murphy and could see a stony set to his features.

"Get on with it," Ashford commanded.

"Wait!" Steele stopped and listened. "I thought I heard something."

Laura and Murphy held their breath.

"Check the door." Steele motioned. "It could have been the guard."

Ashford hesitated. "'Member, if I don't walk out of 'ere with you, yer girlfriend's dead." As soon as he turned his back, Steele clubbed him on the back of the head with the flashlight. Ashford fell to the floor in an unconscious heap.

"Laura? Murphy?" Steele called. "You'd better be here."

They quickly moved from their hiding place. Steele's heart raced at the sight of Laura. He'd been afraid for her for so long. She obviously felt the same way. She rushed to his side and he took her into an embrace.

"How did you know we were here?" Murphy asked.

"Cait managed to tell me," he replied. "And I must say, I'm very glad to see you, Murphy."

"Are you alright?" Laura touched his arm.

"I'm fine, Laura, but we have other problems."

"How'd they get Cait?" Murphy asked.

Steele regarded him for a moment before replying. "Apparently after Laura got away, Ashford sent two of his men to get her back. The one at my apartment had never seen Laura and assumed, since Cait had a key, she was the woman he wanted."

"How do we play this?" Laura asked.

Steele bent down and relieved Ashford of his gun and his heavy woolen cap, then looked at Murphy and smiled. "I have a plan."

"And I think I know what it is." Murphy returned the smile.

* * *
Cait sat in the back seat of the car next to Louie, his hand gripping her shoulder. The other man, who Louie called Joe, was outside, leaning against the driver's door, watching up the alley. Cait's eyes were nervously watching the same direction. She had no idea what to expect, whether Remington would try something against Ashford, whether Murphy and Laura, not knowing she was being held, would sound the alarm, or any number of other scenarios, just as unpleasant.

They'd been gone for almost an hour when suddenly the two dark-clothed figures reappeared at the end of the alley. Ashford had a bag in his hand and was apparently holding his gun to Steele's back. Cait tried to lean toward the window, but Louie pulled her back. "You'll be together with your boyfriend soon enough," he told her menacingly. "Forever."

If she'd had any doubts before, they were gone. Ashford intended to kill them both, and now that he had the jewels, there was nothing to stop him. What had happened to Laura and Murphy?

Ashford and Steele were almost to the car when Cait heard a sound from out the opposite window. Louie heard it too and, when he turned to look, came face to face with the barrel of a .38. "Freeze!" Laura shouted as she held Ashford's gun level with the hoodlum's head. The cry alerted Joe, who turned to see what was going on. Immediately, Steele and his companion jumped him and wrestled him to the ground.

Unexpectedly, Louie grabbed for the pistol in Laura's hand. The weapon discharged in the car before Laura could wrench free of the man's grasp, step out of his reach and point the gun at him again.

"Not another move!" she warned and he reluctantly obeyed.

"Laura, are you alright?" Steele called.

"Fine," she answered.

"Cait?" he called and was answered by a moan.

Murphy quickly pulled the door open as Steele leaned into the car.

"Cait?" Murphy touched her hand. Then he noticed she was holding her right hand to her upper arm. Blood was oozing from between her fingers.

"I think I got in the way," she said weakly.

"Damn!" Steele cursed softly, putting his arm around her shoulders and helping her out.

"Cait?" Murphy put his hand on her good arm as she stood from the back seat. She looked into his face and saw the concern written there.

"I'll be okay, Murphy. It doesn't even hurt much." She smiled. "Thank God, it's all over."

"Mr. Steele," called Laura. "Do you think you could spare some of that rope to tie these two up?"

"Of course, Miss Holt," he replied. Cait shifted her weight off her brother and leaned against Murphy. "You'll be fine, Luv," Remington told her. "As soon as we get these fellows under wraps, we'll get you to the hospital." He kissed her lightly on the forehead.

"I'm okay," she smiled.

Before stepping away, Steele gave Murphy a speculative look, then he went to Laura's aid.

"Here," Murphy said as he offered her his handkerchief. "Put this against it."

"Thanks," Cait replied. Then she looked into his eyes. "And thanks for helping us find Remington."

"Thank you for showing me the... error of my ways?" He grinned, then he kissed her gently on the forehead.

Suddenly she began to feel dizzy and the image of Murphy's face swam before her eyes. She heard him call her name from what seemed a great distance, and felt herself being held tightly just before the darkness enveloped her completely.

* * *
Remington Steele was glad to be alive and holding the woman he loved in his arms. After hearing the whole story about the accident that nearly took Laura's life, all he wanted to do was hold her close for a very long time and reassure himself she was safe. Not too surprisingly, he found she felt much the same way. They arrived at the hospital and the doctors assured them Cait's wound was not serious. She had been moved to a private room to sleep and Murphy and Laura had filled Steele in on what had happened. Perhaps sensing they wanted to talk alone, Murphy made some excuse about going for coffee and departed the waiting room that was now empty except for the two private detectives.

Finally Steele pulled away from Laura just enough to look at her. "Let me go check on Cait for a few minutes, and we'll go home, okay?"

"Whose home?" she asked with a slight upturn of the corners of her mouth. "Yours or mine?"

"It doesn't matter," he replied. "Home is where the heart is, and mine's right here."

"I'll wait," she told him. "Don't stay long. Cait needs her rest, and I think we do too!"

He gave her a quick kiss and headed down the hall. As he approached the door to Cait's room, he could hear voices through the half opened door and was surprised to recognize one of them as Murphy's. He started to walk on in, but heard his name mentioned and curiosity got the better of him. Leaning against the wall, he listened.

"I think you should talk to Remington," Cait said. "It would make things better for both of you if you put this resentment to rest for good."

"You just don't quit, do you?" Murphy asked with laughter in his voice.

"Not when it's as important as this."

"Have I told you I think you're very beautiful?"

"No, as a matter of fact, you haven't," she replied.

"Well, you are. I guess you're used to hearing that, though."

"I used to hear it a lot," Cait said in a more serious tone. "But it never meant much. Fact is, nothing meant much to me in those days but surviving and getting away from it."

"That's behind you now. Just forget about the past."

"I can't forget about it, Murphy," she replied. "I might want to, but it's impossible. And in a way, it's good to remember. It makes me appreciate the way things now are so much better. Look at me. I have a good job... that is, if they haven't fired me for missing the last two days... I'm beginning to have friends, I have a brother who cares about me."

"And you're lying in a hospital bed with a bullet hole in your arm," Murphy teased.

"Better than lying in a bed with a man who paid for the privilege of using me," she replied bitterly.

Steele closed his eyes and leaned his head wearily against the wall. It was something he had never considered, although he should have. He knew very few girls who survived on the streets without being forced into the world's oldest profession. It caused him pain to think Cait had been one of them. He would do anything to change things.

"That's history," Murphy told Cait. "I understand how you must feel. But your past doesn't have to shape your future. You taught me that."

"Talk to Rem," she replied. "I know he'd like to hear you say that. But please, don't tell him about me. If the time ever comes, I'll tell him myself. I don't want to hurt him with it now."

"I think he'd understand. After all, you two are a lot alike and look how understanding you are."

"Thanks." She smiled. "For being my friend."

"You're welcome," he replied.

Steele heard only the sound of the bedclothes rustling. He peeked into the room and saw Murphy had leaned down and was kissing Cait! Embarrassed, he stepped back and considered for a moment. Taking two or three silent steps back up the hall, he turned and began to walk noisily toward the door, mumbling loud enough to make his presence known to the two occupants of the hospital room.

"Hello, Cait, my Luv, how are you feeling? Why, Murphy!" he said as if surprised to find him there. "So this is where you slipped off to."

"I thought you and Laura would appreciate a little time alone," Murphy replied.

"Funny. You never used to be that considerate." Steele caught a flash of disapproval from Cait. "But then, I guess I wasn't all that considerate of your feelings in those days either."

"Maybe we've both learned a little since then," Murphy suggested.

Steele looked at him seriously. "I hope so, Mate."

"Now as to consideration..." Murphy looked toward Cait.

"Oh, dear." Steele looked sheepish. "Did I interrupt something?"

"No," Murphy replied with a smile. "Nothing we can't take up in the morning after we've had a good night's sleep." He rose from the bed with a last look toward Cait. "I'll leave you two alone now. Sleep well, Cait."

"Goodnight, Murphy, and thank you again for... everything."

Steele watched the look they exchanged with interest. As Murphy turned to leave, Steele extended his hand. "Will you accept my thanks as well?"

Murphy smiled at him sincerely and took the offered hand. "Glad I could help. After all, I owe you for the last time."

"Not anymore," Steele stated.

Murphy turned to Cait as he walked out the door.

"Goodnight," she said.

Steele moved to the side of Cait's bed and sat down. "How do you feel, Luv?"

"I'm fine, Remington, don't worry."

"It's my right as your brother to worry about you." He held her hand and stroked her forehead. "You and Murphy seemed to be getting on quite well for such a short acquaintance."

She laughed. "We've gotten to know each other while you were away. He's really a nice guy, Rem."

"I know. Now I want you to go to sleep and dream about nothing but beautiful dreams."

"I'd like that," she sighed. "I've kind of forgotten to sleep for the past couple of days."

He looked at her seriously. "Cait, Murphy told me how shaken you were when you thought I was dead. I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

She shook her head. "I was so afraid I'd lost you after just having found you. I don't think I could survive that."

"You're wrong," he told her. "You can survive anything you have to. You're a very strong young lady. You and I are both survivors. Life may sometimes get us down, but it can't count us out."

"You're right, of course." "I'm always right." He smiled. "Take care, Luv." He kissed her hand. "I'll see you in the morning." He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead before moving toward the door.

"Cait." He paused at the entrance, the grim bit of conversation he had overhead between Cait and Murphy on his mind.

"Yes?"

"Never mind," he said with a shake of his head.

"I love you, too," she replied with understanding.

Remington moved back to the bed in two long strides and hugged her ferociously. With one more quick kiss to her forehead, he pulled away and wordlessly walked out the door. A few steps down the hall, he stopped and closed his eyes for a moment. Cait must never find out he'd heard her conversation with Murphy. She didn't want him to know and it was better if she thought he didn't. Taking a deep breath, he headed for the waiting room where he had left Laura.

* * *
As Remington Steele finished adjusting his tie and checking his overall appearance in the bathroom mirror, Laura wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"You look quite dashing, Mr. Steele," she commented.

"Thank you, Miss Holt. We do have to keep up appearances."

"Is something bothering you?" she asked softly. "I know you didn't sleep well last night."

"I'm sorry, did I disturb you?"

"No, but stop avoiding the question," she replied.

Remington considered telling her of the conversation he overheard between Murphy and Cait, but immediately decided against it. It wasn't his right to share something so personal when he didn't even have the right to know himself. "Just thinking about Murphy, actually." He walked out of the bathroom and reached for his jacket on the bed. It wasn't exactly a lie.

"What about Murphy?" Laura prompted as she followed him.

"He and Cait seem to be getting along very well... as if they've known each other for years instead of days."

Laura chuckled.

"Is that funny?" Steele slipped on the coat.

"You're funny," she replied. "You're playing the overprotective brother again."

Remington sat on the edge of the bed. "Perhaps, but haven't you noticed how they get on?"

"Yes, I have," Laura agreed as she sat beside him. "I was out of it most of the time and I don't know what went on between them, but I get the feeling they've had some very heavy conversations."

"About what?"

"I don't know. Why don't you ask Cait?"

"Laura, you know very well I can't do that." He frowned. "I don't want Cait to think I'm prying."

"I thought Cait told you everything and visa versa," Laura replied lightheartedly.

"There are some things you can't share, even with those closest to you," Remington replied with seriousness. Laura noticed.

"You aren't really worried about Cait and Murphy, are you?"

"Of course not. I guess I'm just making up for lost time. I've never had so many people to worry about before."

"I think we've had quite enough worry for a while." Laura gave him a kiss on the cheek as she rose from the bed. "Let's get going so we can check on Cait before we go to the office."

Remington caught her hand and pulled her back down beside him. "It's early. She's probably still asleep. I think we should give her a few more minutes before we go and wake her up."

"And just what shall we do to occupy our time?" Laura asked innocently.

"Oh, we'll think of something, I'm sure," replied Remington as his lips found hers and he gently lowered her back on the bed.

* * *
"Good morning," Murphy greeted from behind a bouquet of red roses.

"Good morn... Murphy! Good lord!" Cait exclaimed as she spied the flowers. "What is all this?"

"I just thought you could use something to brighten up your surroundings."

"That's very sweet, but the doctor told me early this morning I can go home. I was just waiting for Rem and Laura."

He set the vase down on her nightstand and she leaned over to smell the sweet fragrance. "Mmmm, they're wonderful."

"Glad you like them. Actually, I came to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" Cait gazed at him wide-eyed. "So soon?"

"I have an agency of my own to look after, remember?"

"But couldn't you stay a little longer?"

"The flight doesn't leave until 12:30," he replied.

"I'm going to miss you, Murphy Michaels," she told him.

"And I'm going to miss you, Caitlin O'Connor. Who would have thought, with such a rocky start, we'd turn out to be good friends?"

"Special friends." Cait smiled.

"Yes," he agreed. "Cait, I spent a lot of time last night thinking about us... how I feel."

She put her finger on his lips. "You don't have to say anything."

"I want to," he said. "Most people have a lot of acquaintances and a much smaller circle of people they consider friends. Once in a while someone comes along who really understands and cares about you. I had a relationship like that with Laura... I hope I still have. I wanted it to become something more, but it wasn't meant to be and no matter how much I wanted it, the cards were dealt to a different player. That doesn't change the fact that I care for Laura and always will."

"Murphy... "

"Just a little more," he stopped her. "You made me realize I've been deceiving myself. I thought what I felt for Laura was a once in a lifetime thing and I couldn't face the fact I could never have her. But then I met you, and suddenly I was feeling those same feelings for someone else. It's been a very confusing few days, but now I think I understand. I needed you, Cait, to sock me in the kisser and make me look at myself."

"Now you can look at life differently. You can move ahead and not be constantly looking behind... thinking of what might have been. I learned that same lesson a very short time ago. I have a whole life ahead of me to discover. You've helped me too, Murphy, and I'll always be grateful."

"I have a life to discover, too."

"In Denver," Cait added.

"Yes, in Denver."

Cait smiled. "I never asked you, is there someone there?"

Murphy smiled as the image of Sherry's face appeared in his mind. "Yes. I did a lot of thinking about it last night. I don't think I've given that relationship the chance it deserves. I want to change that."

"I'm very glad, Murphy." Cait smiled. "I'm glad we were here to help each other." She looked seriously into his eyes. "I hope someday I find someone... someone wonderful, like you... just for me."

"I think you can do better than the likes of me."

Cait shook her head. "I can't imagine how."

Murphy leaned forward and kissed her.

"Oh dear," came Remington Steele's voice. "I do seem to have the worst timing where you two are concerned."

"And this time you dragged me along with you," Laura added as they stepped into the room.

Murphy and Cait laughed.

"It's okay. I think we just said it all." Cait looked meaningfully at Murphy.

Laura and Remington exchanged a look... the frown on Remington's face almost making Laura break into laughter. "Remember our earlier conversation, Mr. Steele," she whispered.

Remington looked at her and his features smoothed into a smile.

"Is there anything else I can do for you besides the roses?" Murphy asked Cait.

"Yes." She glanced toward Steele, then back to him.

Murphy understood her meaning and nodded as he stood and turned toward the man he once considered a rival. "How about grabbing a cup of coffee with me?"

"Sounds like a great idea." Remington hadn't missed the exchange. "Let's go."

As soon as they left, Laura turned to Cait with a puzzled look on her face. "What was that all about?"

"Progress." Cait gazed at the door through which they had disappeared.

* * *
When they entered the hospital cafeteria, Remington made some remark about the decor and Murphy commented on the stale look of the donuts. Without another word, they got their coffee and took a table. The silence continued for about a minute while each sipped his drink and tried to think of something to say. Remington finally broke the barrier.

"Murphy, if this has anything to do with Cait... "

Murphy shook his head. "Not directly, although I'll admit I wouldn't be sitting here if it weren't for her."

"Oh?" Remington looked at him intently.

"She's been a good friend to me. She taught me that people aren't bound by their past... they can change. And I learned something about myself... about fantasy and reality and accepting things the way they are."

"Sounds like you learned a lot," Steel replied quietly.

"I think so." He looked at Remington for a moment. "And I realize you deserve an apology."

"For what?" Steele asked.

"For things I said. For things I didn't say. For holding your past against you without really knowing anything about it."

"It's understandable," Steele replied.

"After all that's happened... after all this time... can you forgive me?"

"For what? For being concerned about Laura? For trying to protect her? How can I hold that against you? I certainly didn't give you any reason to trust me." Murphy watched him as he spoke and was surprised by the sincerity in those blue eyes. "To tell you the truth, I really didn't mind our little 'disagreements' so much. They served a purpose... kept me on my toes. You were so sure I was just going to disappear one day, I think part of the reason I stuck around was to prove you wrong!"

"No, it wasn't," Murphy replied. "It was Laura."

"Yes," Steele agreed. "It has always been Laura."

"Do you love her?"

Steele looked directly into Murphy's eyes. "Yes, Murphy, I do love her."

Murphy nodded.

"I'd really like us to be friends," Steele suggested.

Murphy looked at him questioningly. "You think we can handle that?"

"Oh, I think we can do anything we put our minds to," he replied with a crooked grin.

"I'm still going to keep my eye on you," Murphy warned, teasingly.

"As I've said before, I wouldn't have it any other way." He raised his cup in a toast. Murphy returned the gesture and as the plastic cups touched and they drank the rapidly cooling brew, Murphy noted the mischievous expression on his companion's face. This time, the expression didn't worry him... this time he returned the look with pleasure.

* * *
As he and Cait stood in the boarding lounge, Murphy couldn't help thinking how different this leave-taking was from the last time there had been a gathering at LAX to see him off. He wasn't running away this time... he was going home. Home to his house and his growing business. Home to the new friends he'd made since moving to Denver. Home to see Sherry and maybe now be able to give more of himself to that relationship. Yes, Denver was home now and that was as it should be.

But he had friends in Los Angeles... yes, friends. Laura was as she had always been, except she seemed happier than ever. Remington Steele was now his friend, too... unbelievable as that might still seem, it also felt good. And then there was Cait, his very special new friend.

"You look like you're a million miles away already." Cait's voice brought him back to the present.

"Just thinking."

"That's obvious," she replied.

They stood in silence for a few minutes.

"I guess you'll be happy to get back," Cait added.

Murphy laughed. "What is it? Do you read minds or something? How is it you always seem to know what I'm thinking?"

"You have a very readable face."

"Bad for poker," he quipped.

"It's just your honesty showing. There's nothing wrong with that."

"Another lesson?"

"No, school's out and you're going away... but not just for the summer. This time you've graduated." There was a sadness in her voice. "I know it's selfish and I know Denver is where you belong, but when you find a true friend, it's hard to just say goodbye and let him walk out of your life."

"I'm only a phone call away," he reminded her. "And this winter you could all come up to the mountains to ski."

"I could meet that certain someone you have there." She smiled. "I'd like that."

"So would I."

"Well, Mate, your bags are all checked in," Steele told him as he and Laura returned from the task. "According to the postings, your flight is on schedule. We hate to see you go."

"Murphy, I miss you already." Laura threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear. He gave her a big hug and when they parted, offered her his most brilliant smile.

Laura stepped back to stand next to Steele, taking his hand in hers. Murphy took note of the almost unconscious gesture. Not long ago, such a show of trust and caring would have made him feel angry and hurt. It pleased him to realize that now it seemed natural and his smile didn't fade a bit.

With his left hand still holding onto Laura, Steele extended his right to Murphy. "Thanks, my friend. I don't know what we would have done without you."

"Glad I could help," he replied. "But this sister of yours deserves a lot of the credit." They both looked toward Cait who appeared dangerously close to tears. Murphy turned back to Steele. "You've got two great ladies here, Remington. Take care of them."

A smile crept across Steele's face at Murphy's use of his name for the first time. "I will," he promised with a nod.

Finally, Murphy turned to Cait who had stayed in the background as he said his goodbyes to the others. Murphy stepped up to her and looked into her eyes for a moment. He thought, perhaps, he had some idea how Laura felt looking into another pair of Steele blue eyes. Maybe if things had been different, if he'd met Cait three years ago... No, he wasn't going to let himself do that again. No more "what if's".

"Keep in touch," she said.

"I will," he promised. She moved into his embrace and they gave each other a good long hug. When they parted, they grasped each other's hands. There was nothing more to say.

The flight was called and Murphy headed toward the corridor leading to the plane. He paused one last time to look back. Remington Steele had moved to Cait's side and put his arm around her. All three of his friends returned his final goodbye wave.

* * *
Cait plopped down on her sofa after a long day at the office and started going through her mail. Bills, junk mail... and an envelope with a Denver postmark and handwriting she recognized immediately. She smiled as she opened the letter and marveled it had been only months since she first met Murphy. He had been true to his word and kept up a reasonably regular correspondence with her.

She was surprised to find not a letter, but some kind of announcement. As she read the engraved sheet, a small cry of joy escaped her. It was an invitation to Murphy's wedding! Cait couldn't be happier for her friend. Sherry seemed like the perfect girl for the young detective and she knew how much Murphy cared for her.

As she leaned back against the sofa, she thought about how wonderful it was to have friends whose happiness was important to her. Rem and Laura, Murphy and Sherry. Her closest friends seemed to be coming in pairs. She couldn't help but wonder if there was someone out there somewhere for her. She smiled at the thought, then started for the phone to give her brother a call and share the good news.