HOONNNKKK!!! HONNK! ANGRY NOISE, ANGRY NOISE, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...

 I sighed sitting back in my seat and drumming my fingers against the steering wheel. Traffic in L.A is always frustrating but add in the crazy of almost summer time and well... it gets worse.

 ​"I don't think we're going to make it Kiddo," I muttered glancing at the time before looking at my thirteen-year-old adopted son. 

Damion Cooper now Crenshaw snorted softly looking up at me.

 ​"Fine with me, school is almost done for the year anyway." 

Hearing the slight relief in his voice sent my senses on alert. Before I could ask the traffic began to move. ​

"Finally," I said glad to be moving again. 

Out of the corner of my eye I saw him slump down in his seat. Knowing something was wrong I decided that school could wait for a little bit. Getting off the freeway I started heading to one of our favorite spots.

​"Wait this isn't our exit," Damion stated perking up. ​

"I know," I said smirking slightly. 

Settling back in his seat, he seemed to know exactly what I had in mind. Glancing back at him I couldn't help but smile. It had been over year since the ill-fated Mexico mission. My team and I had been tasked with finding Damion and his biological father. His father wound up being killed and Damion would have been too if I hadn't taken his place. It took several days but in the end...well needless to say it took some doing but I was able to escape but not unscathed. While I was in the hospital Damion refused to leave my wife's side. According to her the kid made up every excuse he could think of. When Riley learned that the kid had no other family and didn't want to go into the system, she immediately put in for guardianship. After I woke up from my coma and was able to put my two cents in, Riley and I quickly agreed that adoption was the best thing. Damion was thrilled and even more so when Riley let it slip that she was pregnant. All in all, it hasn't been easy dealing with the trauma but with my family and friends, some therapy and a whole lot of praying, I've been able to heal for the most part. I still have nights were terrors plague my every thought and days the anxiety wears me down but I know I have to keep going. Although, usually on those days Riley does everything she can to persuade me to take it easy but taking it easy isn't something Crenshaw men know how to do.

 ​"Dad?" Damion called shaking me from my thoughts. ​

"Huh?" I asked. ​

"You're about to miss the stand," he said pointing.

Realizing that he was right I quickly hit the turn signal and pulled into the parking lot. 

​"I knew where I was going," I said shutting off the engine. ​

"Sure you did," he sassed. 

Rolling my eyes I ruffled his hair and opened the door. 

​"Come on, it won't be long before your mother calls wondering why you aren't in school," I said grabbing my cowboy hat and putting it on.

 ​"How does she always know?" ​

"The same way she knows when we go fishing instead of whatever we're supposed to be doing." 

He smiled broadly at that. 

​"Man I can't wait for Matt to be old enough so we can take him." ​

"As do I."

 Ten minutes later we were enjoying one our favorite treats, shaved ice. 

​"So you want to tell me why you didn't want to go to school?" I asked deciding to not beat around the bush.

 ​"Really didn't want to take my history test today..." he said fiddling with his spoon. 

Watching Damion's face I could tell he wanted to tell me more but something was holding him back. ​

"You mean the one you took yesterday?" 

He sighed and placed his cup down. ​

"Dame, Bud, I want to understand but if you don't tell me, then I can't," I offered taking a bite. ​

"Older punks at school," he finally answered. "They saw you the other day when you picked me up after you testified in court." ​

"Oh," I said remembering I had worn a dark suit, sunglasses and my black cowboy hat. ​

"Yeah, they've been constantly teasing me about it ever since," Damion said taking another bite. 

​"I'm sorry," I said placing a hand on his shoulder. ​

"Don't be," he replied looking up. "I don't have a problem with you being the way you are, it's just I really didn't want to deal with those guys today and besides after next week it will be summer vacation." 

I knew there was more but I wasn't going to force it out of him. He will talk when he's ready. ​

"Okay, but I want you to tell me if things get out of hand between now and then," I ordered. ​

"Deal." 

We sat in silence for a short time when Damion looked up at me. 

​"Is there anything you want to talk about?" 

I smiled lightly looking out over the ocean. ​

"I don't think you want to know my problems Kid." 

​"Come on, if I have to spill then so do you."

 ​"Home," I said after a few minutes.

 ​"Home?" 

I sighed and turned back to him. 

​"Have I ever told you about what I wanted to be when I grew up?"

 He shook his head confusion etched across his face not sure where I was going with this. ​

"Growing up I wanted nothing more than to become a Texas Ranger like all the men in my family. My Dad, he didn't approve of my dream and we were constantly at each other's throats." ​

"Why didn't he approve, isn't he a Ranger too?" ​

"Nope," I said popping the p. "He was in training to become one but after my Mom died something in him changed. He gave it all up and became a preacher instead. Granted he is a really good one but the problem was he wanted me to become one too. I knew that, that wasn't what I wanted to do but boy did he persist. That's probably why we got into so many arguments. Anyway after I turned eighteen and was just fresh out of high school, I told him that I really, really felt like going into the Rangers was something I was destined to do." ​

"He didn't take it well did he?" Damion said lowly. ​

"No, in fact that was the last argument we had because that night, I packed my bags and left it all behind. Didn't realize just how far I had gone till I had to stop for fuel in near the New Mexico State line. After that I kept driving and somehow made it here to Los Angeles." 

​"So where are you going with this?" Damion asked still confused. 

Now it was my turn to fiddle with my spoon. 

​"Well, it's this new case the Governor put us on. I don't know why but ever since he gave the order I can't stop thinking about going back home. I just can't explain it." ​

"Maybe it's your conscious," the kid offered. "You know maybe with the therapy you've been going for all the trauma brought out his memory and coupled with the fact that Governor Livin has you searching for missing kids instead of adults. It's weird but it can happen." ​

"I see someone has been paying attention in psychology," I chuckled. 

​"More like health class," he downing the rest of his slush. "We were learning what trauma can do to a brain and what to look for."

​"Huh, all I remember from health class was the teacher refusing to teach a certain part of the book and as long as you did your work and was respectful things were pretty relaxed. He was one my favorites, actually."

 ​"Wish Ms. Woods was like that," he said thinking about his English teacher. "She's just crazy." ​

"Hey you need at least one teacher like that so you have something to talk about at the reunion," I laughed and soon he joined. 

However looking up I spied a small group coming towards us. ​

"Great," I growled slightly.

 Damion noticing my immediate change glanced around worriedly. Downing the rest of my cup, I quickly took his and threw them away. ​

"What's going on?" He asked coming to stand by me. ​

"Reporters," I replied protectively slipping an arm around his shoulders. "If they catch up to us just keep your head down and let me do the talking okay?" 

He nodded and we quickly made a run for it. Unfortunately there was more than I thought and swarmed us just as we made it. ​

"Agent Crenshaw, what can you tell us about the missing children's case?" ​

"Are you out on a lead? Is this why there is a kid here?"

 ​"Are you using him as bait?"

 ​"What can you tell us?" 

Holding my hands up I stepped in front of Damion shielding him from view and sent up a silent prayer asking for the right words.

"Listen if you want to know so badly, I suggest you talk to Governor Livin's office. I am not at liberty to say anything. Have a wonderful day." 

Taking their silence as an opportunity, I nudged my son to get in and once he was safe inside I made a break for it. As soon I moved away from his door they were on me again but I just ignored them. ​

"You would think they actually had something better to do than harass people," Damion muttered as I fired the engine. ​

"Part of the job," I said making sure I didn't hit anyone as I pulled away. "When you have big cases like this one, the reporters come out seeking the truth and will do anything to get it." 

I ruffled his hair as he let out a small huff. ​

"Still doesn't make it right." ​

"You're right Son, that you are right." 

                                                                                         ◆◆◆ 

Twenty minutes later we finally made it to Angel Headquarters. ​

"You know we still have to tell Mom why I'm not in school," Damion commented. ​

"I'll think of something," I said pulling out my phone as it sounded. "Hello Dear." ​

"Want to explain to me why you and Damion are making headlines on social media? Better yet, why isn't he in school?"

 ​"Mom, we were having a bad day and needed some guy time," Damion said.

 I heard her sigh and I could mentally see her face palming. ​

"All right fine, just hurry up." With that she hung up. 

The kid and I shared a look and decided to not keep her waiting. 

When you first walk into Angel Headquarters, the first thing that greets you is an open and inviting waiting area. Above the receptionists desk is a verse. 

"EACH OF YOU SHOULD USE WHATEVER GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED TO SERVE OTHERS, AS FAITHFUL STEWARDS OF GOD'S GRACE IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS."

                                                                                                                                                ​1 PETER 4:10 

That verse describes the Guardian Angels so well. We are all so different but together we make an excellent team. ​

When I first came to California I had no idea what I was going to do. As grateful as I was for Maggie taking me into her home, I wanted to be able to earn my keep. So after a couple of months I accepted a job working for the UCLA campus security. It wasn't what I had imagined I would be doing but I have to say it was a great job.

 ​Sam and Melody grew up being raised by their aunt. Shortly after 9-11 their dad was deployed to Afghanistan and their mom abandoned them. Though the twins didn't let that define their future. They graduated with honors and enrolled in UCLA with Sam pursuing engineering and Melody pursuing nursing. I met them doing some volunteer work at the local V.A. Some poor guy had tried to mug Melody so I stepped into help but she took his distracted state and karate chopped the dude. Sam had rushed out of the building think it was me who tried to mug his sister but she quickly corrected him.

 ​Jason Mason comes from a background that he isn't fond of. We've tried to get him to spill but he never does because it's too painful. All we know is that after leaving Wyoming, he decided to enroll himself into UCLA to pursue Business. Despite his past, Jason is one of the most loyal of friends and avid classic rock fan. I met him responding to a call about a student being locked out of his car. As we talked I learned that he volunteered at a children's shelter and the Boy's and Girl's Club. He said he wanted them to have a better life than he had. 

​Cody Kingman is a country boy like me. I met him and his dad one day while Maggie and I were at the bank. A few thugs thought it would be a good idea to rob the place and when the police showed up they decided to take hostages. Maggie demanded that I didn't get involved, but I could not sit back. Luckily Cody had the same thought and together we were able to apprehend the thieves. After taking our statements we parted ways. It wasn't until the following week that we realized we had the same math class. From there he told me about how him and his Dad had left Tennessee when a group that his dad was testifying against threatened to kill Cody. Since it was just he and his dad, Mr. Kingman decided to not take the chance and left, putting as much distance from Tennessee as they could. When they made it to California his dad became a Detective and Cody enrolled in UCLA to study history.

 ​When I met cousins, Justin and Zack Mode, the idea of our team was already established. I was on my last day of guard duty when we got a call saying that two Philosophy students on campus were caught hacking into the school database. To make a long and boring story short, I took the initiative and intercepted the two. After a quick call to Maggie, not only were the charges dropped, Justin and Zack were offered a spot on the team. ​ 

I bumped into Riley, literally. We met on my first Sunday in Los Angeles when we sat next to each other in Sunday school and then again during service. At first she wasn't interested in me because she thought I would be like every guy she has ever met. However in the end I won her heart by being just her friend. Since our majors were similar, her major was Criminal Defense and mine Forensic Science, so we had some of the same classes. One day a guy tried to overstep his bounds; I punched his lights out. According to her, that was the day she fell in love and we were married two years later. If it weren't for them I definitely wouldn't be the Godly man I am today. 

Beyond the reception area lays the heart of our team. Our separate offices line each side of the room while at the far end stands a larger area that we use as a conference room. It has several computers so the hackers could work and still converse with the others. Two large TVs hung on one side of the wall, though often we use them as extra monitors. Sam and Melody both had offices to themselves since they handled the higher ups and other sensitive things. Riley and I shared one since we were the snipers. Justin and Zack shared an office so they could hack in peace; at least that's how they put it. Cody and Jason said they were okay with having separate offices so they could concentrate better.

                                                                                               ◆◆◆ 

​After grabbing Damion a visitor badge we quickly made our way up to the fifth floor. Riley met us at the elevator a tired but almost relieved look on her face. ​

"Good news I hope?" I asked. 

​"We have a lead," she said smiling down at Damion. 

In the past five months exactly five children have gone missing. The latest victim was taken just a few days ago. The kidnapper(s) never leave any prints, DNA or even been caught on camera. Governor Liven was fed up with the lack of progress from the L.A.P.D and brought us in knowing we would be able to solve the case. Many politicians think it's a mistake for us to be part of the investigation. Luckily, it's not up to them. Walking into the conference room, I could see Justin and Zack furiously typing on their computers. ​

"What's going on?" I asked. ​

"We finally got a lead on the kidnapper," Sam said as he typed on his tablet and swiped up, showing the contents on the two TV screens.

 ​"Traffic cameras caught him running a red light a mile from the latest victim's home."

 Staring at his mug shot, I couldn't help but feel like I had seen him before. 

​"Nathan Bella Rouge," Damion spoke reading his rap sheet. "Armed robbery, assault, money laundering, murder, kidnapping, and ties to various mobs and drug cartels. Wow, dude gets around." ​

"But what's his connection to the kid?" Melody quizzed taking the tablet and started messing with it. 

Riley walked over to Cody who was scouring though traffic footage with Jason. Sam and Melody were trying to help by looking more into Bella Rouge. Justin and Zack were doing something, however the longer I stared at the screen; the more a thought plagued me. After a couple of minutes, it finally hit me. 

​"I got it!" Everyone turned to stare at me. ​

"Honey?" Riley questioned but I ignored her. 

I starred pacing as I collected the speeding thoughts. 

​"We've been looking at this the wrong way. It seems like these children were all random targets, so no one thought to look at their connections." 

Sam seemed to understand where I was going with this. ​

"Do we have the name of the latest child taken?" He asked. ​

"Yeah, the family just came forward. His name is Ian Woodman," Justin announced.

 ​"As in Senator Kathleen Woodman?" Jason asked turning from his computer. ​

"What's her significance?" Riley said coming over to stand by me. ​

"Senator Woodman," Melody said pulling something up. "Is heading up a bill that gives free healthcare to basically everyone. If the governor signs the bill into law it will shut down some of the big name pharmaceutical companies." ​

"Good way to kill a bill, kidnap your kid," Sam remarked. "Probably figured she would be more focused on finding her son." 

​"Except it didn't work," an older Hispanic voice announced coming into the room.

 I grinned seeing Margret (Maggie) Hernandez. At an aspiring sixty-two years of age, Maggie was five foot tall, Hispanic and had a wit about her that if one wasn't paying attention, she could rob the person blind. After spending much of her adult life in Naval Intel, she decided to take the opportunity and oversee the Guardian Angel Task Force. She is also like a second mom to me.

 ​"I take it you know something?" I smirked at her. 

​"Don't sass me," she remarked swatting my arm as Riley giggled. 

​"Ow! All right, all right." ​"Now as I was saying, I have just come from a meeting in Christian's office. He said that he heard about the senators misfortune and moved everything up. After hearings and some intensive thought and prayer, he has decided that the bill is needed. He signs it on Friday before everyone leaves on his or her two-week vacation."

 ​"So we have until then to find this kid, great," I groaned.

 ​"Kids," Zach said still typing.

 "I looked up the names of the other three victims and every single one has a parent working on the bill." 

Wait a minute that didn't sound right. ​

"Before anyone says anything, " Justin took over. "Only the Woodman's and three other families have come forward. I found that odd so I did some digging on the top three companies to be affected by this bill. Turns out all three supported a certain senator when he ran for office. Would anyone like to guess who?"

 I guess our pause was too long for him. ​

"Anyway, the senator is none other than Allen Greenfield. Whose eight-year old daughter's last reported day in school was the same day we were brought in. The very next day her dad is trashing us on the news." ​

"That's too much of a coincidence," I muttered crossing my arms in thought. 

We all jumped when Jason whooped in excitement. ​

"Got him! Greenfield's car is parked at an abandoned warehouse along with the kidnapper's van." 

​"All right people, we have no idea what we are walking into. I want to pray before we gear up," Sam said clapping his hands together. 

I nodded suddenly feeling a bit of nostalgia. Back to the days of playing high school basketball and praying before and after every game. Riley must have noticed my mind had started to wander and pulled me back to reality. ​

"Maggie, would you like to lead us?" She asked. 

No matter how many times we ask, the woman is always delighted.

 ​"Of course my Dear." 

We joined hands and bowed our heads. 

​"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day and for being able to live in and serve this great country. Lord we thank you for this lead and I ask for your protection as this team goes in. We want to be able to bring these babies home and bring all involved to justice. In Jesus name, Amen." ​

"Amen!!" 

                                                                                           ◆◆◆ 

Thirty minutes later we were parked in a lot a hundred yards away from the warehouse. Riley and I were hooking up our microphones and strapping our vests on while Justin, Zack and Cody were setting up the surveillance systems.

​"Testing 1...2...3...can everyone hear me?" Jason's voice crackled. 

I flinched slightly at the noise. ​

"Turn the volume down a bit." 

​"Is that better?" He asked. ​

"Much," Riley responded looking back. "Guys how does it look?"

 ​"Far as we can tell there are at least five targets guarding the place," Cody said looking at the screen.

 I could hear Sam sighing in frustration. ​

"What's up?" Melody asked. ​

"The police chief says he will have a unit on stand by but that's it. He thinks this lead is just a dead end. Says he doesn't understand how a team that's only been on the case two weeks can find a lead that his force couldn't do in five months."

 Riley face palmed and mumbled something under her breath. ​

"Well, time to go prove them wrong," I whispered squeezing her hand.

 ​"Yup because those five guards just turned into ten," Zack groaned. ​

"Riley, Mark, we're going to need you two on the roof. I don't like how this is shaping up." Sam's voice was solemn.

 I knew that tone. We had just walked into the lion's den.

                                                                                       ◆◆◆ 

It had taken only a few seconds for this simple recon to turn into a rain made of bullets. The ten guards had doubled as the rest of the team pulled into the warehouse yard. As they started to fire Sam, Melody and Jason jumped out of the truck to seek shelter and fire a few shots of their own. The door to the van snapped open and Cody, Justin and Zack scrambled out hoping to avoid a trip to the emergency room. I felt sick to my stomach as Riley and I watched through our scopes. ​ 

"Arghh there's to many," Cody shouted snapping another clip into his gun. 

Beside him the two cousins snapped clips into their own guns, praying they wouldn't have to use them. ​

"Next time we demand for back up!" Melody yelled as the truck's window shattered above her. 

I could see Sam pressing against his ear. ​

"Riley! Mark! You two need to hurry!"

 ​"Working on it!" Riley said placing the cross hairs on a large man with a machine gun. ​

"I mean all we're doing is trying to take down, what, twenty people," I chuckled trying line up my own shot. ​

"Feeling the pressure Dear?" Riley teased.

 ​"What? Me? Please...I'm cool, calm and collected," I said seeing my window of opportunity. "I've got my shot on what looks like...maybe the main gunner." 

​"Good take him out!" Sam yelled.

 Breathing a short prayer and I pulled the trigger. Riley lined her shot and did the same. A few minutes more and the chaos stopped.

 ​"Finally!" Jason said slumping in relief and stood up to survey the damage.

 Before he had a chance to take a step, a shot rang out and a body fell next to him. 

​"Thanks Riley," he smiled giving thumbs up toward us. 

​"You're welcome," she said looking up from her scope.

 I couldn't help but grin still surveying through my scope. ​

"You know one of these days, someone is finally going to get the jump on you."

 Jason glared at me. 

​"Enough you two," Sam ordered getting up. "Is everyone all right?" 

The team nodded in relief.

 ​"Sam, something is going on here," Melody insisted. "All these guards, it doesn't make sense." 

He nodded in agreement. ​

"You're right, it doesn't. Which is why we're going into the warehouse. Mark, you and Riley pack up and come down. Justin, Zack, I want you guys to use the thermals; I don't want any more surprises. Everyone else, you're with me." 

A few minutes later, we were gathered around the surveillance van.

 ​"Justin, what are the thermals saying?" Melody asked throwing her black braid over her shoulder after adjusting the safety vest's strap. 

​"Good news, we took out most of the thugs, bad news, thermals are picking multiple signatures on the second floor and in the basement."

 ​"Basement?" Cody questioned his eyes going wide in shock. ​

"That might be the children," Sam realized. "Riley call LAPD; let them know we have found the kids and to be on standby." ​

"You got it," she answered stepping away. 

​"Be careful guys," Zack cautioned. 

​"Don't worry, just keep us informed," Sam said turning to us. "Let's go." 

Silently and carefully we made our way over to the building. Pressing ourselves against the wall we waited for a second to see if anyone jumped out the door to shoot at us. When they didn't come Sam turned us. 

"Stay aware of your surroundings," he whispered. "Though it's quiet, we may be walking into another trap." 

​"We're with you Boss," Cody smirked. 

Melody and I nodded in agreement. Sam breathed a silent prayer and lifted his gun. 

​"All right, on three," he said counting. "Three!"

 Melody kicked in the door, allowing us to surge inside pointing our weapons in every direction as she watched our backs. ​

"Clear! Cody said finishing his sweep. 

​"Clear!" Melody announced.

 ​"Clear!" I said coming back into the main room. ​

"Good, Justin where are those signatures exactly?" Sam asked. 

Justin typed a few moments and a layout of the building popped up on the screen and noticed something new. 

​"In several rooms on the right side of the hall and basement, but there's something weird. They are really small compared to the much larger one on left side of the hall."

 ​"Wait that is weird," Cody said as a single shot rang out making us all jump and rush up the stairs. ​

"Which room on the left Justin?" Sam ordered.

​"Third door," he answered still typing on his computer. 

We stopped and waited on bated breath as Cody carefully opened the door. We stepped in and froze. Nathan Belle Rouge sat behind a desk, a gunshot wound to the head and several documents and flash drives laid out. Melody heard a sort of scratching and went over to a door on the right side of the hall. She nearly fainted after opening it. ​

"Guys LAPD is ten minutes out," Riley reported. 

​"Tell them to step on it, Riley and get several ambulances too!" Melody said, turning to us as her face paled. "We have a problem."