Two days later Steve told Jaime he was going to take the boys on a picnic. He had arranged for Oscar to bring them on into town so he was on his way to the OSI to pick them up. Just as he was ready to go in the gate two men approached him. “Col Austin you’re coming with us.” The first man stated.

“I don’t think so.” Steve started to back away.

The second man crept up behind Steve and jabbed a needle in his neck. Steve went down….

When Steve awakes he is shocked to find himself face to face with another old foe. ‘This is getting to be ridiculous.’ Steve says to himself. Then he turned to Quail. “Ok what do you want?” Steve sounded annoyed.

“I have had it in for you ever since you destroyed my laser.” Quail informed him.

“I was under the impression you were killed in the explosion on your island.” Steve said.

“No, no. I escaped injury. I have been living in seclusion for the past couple of years. I have been dreaming of this moment. Ever since.” Quail told him.

“What exactly is it that you want?” Steve wondered. Unlike Bacon, Quail had no idea of his special qualities.

“I intend to become rich. I have already sent your wife a little love note demanding 10 million dollars for your safe return.”

“That’s a lot of cabbage Quail” Steve whistled. Slowly. “Then you return me to my wife?” Steve asked.

“Of course not.” Quail teased. “I collect the money and then kill you. That way you see. I get the best of both worlds.

“I was afraid you were going to say that.” Steve sighed. ‘I can get out of this one’ Steve thought to himself. ‘I’ll just bide my time a little.’

Back in Oscar’s office the twins were getting restless waiting for Steve. “Dad” Marc complained, “Steve said he would be here at noon. It’s already half past.”

“I’m sure he will be here soon Marc.” Oscar assured. “Why don’t you and Matt play a game or something?”

“All of our games here are in Rudy’s office.” Matt reminded.

“I’ll call and tell him you’re on your way.” Oscar picked up the phone.

The twins nearly ran into Jaime as she entered Oscar’s office. She waited for the boys to leave.

“Oscar. It’s terrible.” She showed Oscar the ‘ransom’ note.

Oscar read it in disbelief. “They want ten million dollars?”

“Or they say they will kill Steve.” Jaime stated. “Who is Quail anyway?”

“I know who he is. Steve ran up against him one time.” Oscar explained how Quail had planned to use a laser to target peace talks and Steve had foiled his plans. I watched the island blow up. I thought Steve had been killed. But we got lucky on that one. We just assumed Quail had been killed.”

“I guess if Steve could survive Quail could to.” Jaime added. “What about the ransom? Oscar you, we, it will have to be paid.” Jaime reasoned.

“Jaime? Do you really believe that if we pay it they will return Steve alive?” I’m sure Quail has already killed him.” Oscar sighed.

“Oscar! Are you telling me you refuse to pay the ransom?” Jaime was shocked.

“Jaime, I refuse to pay 10 million dollars for Steve’s body.” Oscar explained.

“Well then I guess I better get started.” Jaime began.

“Started with what?” Oscar asked.

“I’m going to have to raise the money somehow. I don’t care if it is just for his body. I want my husband back.”

“We’ll get him back Jaime. Don’t worry. Maybe we can work out a bluff or something.’ Oscar assured. “Just don’t tell the kids.”

“I won’t. Oscar I am going on this assignment. We’ll deal with Steve’s anger later. I want to find him!!”

“Ok I’ll let you do some light investigating for me. Steve was supposed to pick the boys up at noon. Steve is never late to do things with them. Why don’t you start by snooping around? Around here.” Oscar suggested.

“I’ll do just that.” Jaime headed for the main gate. She found Steve’s car abandoned just outside the security gate.

Jaime headed back up to Oscar’s office. “The boys still down with Rudy?” She asked.

Oscar nodded. “What did you find out?”

“He was here. His car is parked outside.” Jaime informed him

Oscar looked up. “Well then, maybe the note came a little early. Maybe Steve is down with Rudy. Quail doesn’t have him after all.” They both headed down to Rudy’s office to see if Steve might be there.

“So?” Steve asked trying to make small talk and stall for time. “How long did you give them to deliver the money?”

Quail looked at him. “I told them I would contact them this afternoon. Now why don’t you just sit down and shut up.” Quail ordered

‘Ok, ok I’ll play your game a little longer. I’m actually having fun. All I have to do is wait for him to set that gun down…’

Quail paced back and forth across the room

“You seem a little nervous Quail.” Steve noted.

“I’m not nervous. And I thought I told you to be quiet.” He shouted.

“I don’t know. You seem a little nervous to me. You keep muttering to yourself. You rehearsing a speech or something?” Steve was hoping to get in involved in a conversation so he would get occupied with something else.

“I guess I’m rehearsing what I’m going to say when I call your friends and family Quail snapped.

“Oh I see.” Steve remained cool. “Sounds like you really didn’t have this planned out very well.” ‘Come on start talking to me and get distracted.’ Steve thought.

Quail continued to pace playing with the gun the whole time.

‘That thing is going to go off on its own and kill one if not both of us.’ Steve continued to think. ‘I have to get it away from him or at least have him put it down. He’s way to nervous.’

“So did you Quail.” Steve tried to stat a conversation again.

“Did I what?” Quail demanded. Steve could tell he was getting very nervous.

“Did you have this whole caper planned out?’ Steve asked again.

“Yes! Of course I did.” Quail continued to hold the gun, but his hands were so shaky Steve was afraid the gun was going to go off.

“Why don’t you put that down before someone gets hurt?” Steve suggested.

“The only one who is going to get hurt is you.” Quail reminded. “In fact I am getting real tired of you mouth. Quail raised the gun and aimed it at Steve and fired.

Oscar and Jaime entered Rudy’s office. Oscar walked up to Rudy while Jaime went to the twins and tried to keep them from hearing what Oscar was saying to Rudy.

“Where’s Steve?” Marc demanded

“He’s on his way honey.” Jaime assured.

Oscar stepped over to Rudy. “I guess Steve isn’t down here then.”

“No why is there a problem?” Rudy whispered back to Oscar. He kept one eye on Oscar and the other on the twins who were putting a puzzle together.

“No, no problem. We just can’t seem to find him.” Oscar related. “I don’t want Marc to know. I’m afraid he’ll take off like the last time.” Oscar continued to whisper

Rudy nodded his agreement.

Just as Quail fired Steve ducked out of the way. “All right Quail! I’m tired of this!” Steve charged him and threw him to the ground. He grabbed the gun and pulled Quail up by the collar.

“Ok Quail Let’s go. I do believe you have a prison cell with your name on it some where.” Steve began to escort Quail out of the building. Steve looked around trying to figure out just where he was.

He used a piece of rope and his own belt to tie Quail up He shoved him into the back seat of Quail’s and headed for the OSI.

“I hope you realize how much trouble you’re in Quail.” Steve seethed as they drove. “I’ll see to it that you spend the rest of your life in prison. All I can say is that my wife better not have received that note.” Steve threatened

“And why is that. Quail was trying to get loose.

“She’s pregnant. That’s why!” Steve fumed. “If you did anything to cause her any undue stress you may not need a prison cell. I’ll kill you myself!”

“I’d like to see you try.” Quail challenged.

They pulled into the parking lot of the OSI just as Quail worked himself free.

“Something is wrong!” Marc argued. “I know it. You are keeping it from me. If some thing has happed to Steve I think I have the right to know!”

“Marc nothing has happened. We are just a little concerned as to why he’s not here yet.” Oscar tried to assure him.

“If something has happened you will tell me won’t you?” Marc demanded.

‘Of course I will.” Oscar lied.

“Listen Marc…” Rudy was interrupted when his phone rang.

“Hello. Steve. Where are you?” Rudy called into the phone.

“I’m downstairs Rudy. I have an old friend of ours. Listen call Jaime tell her she will be receiving…”

“She already received it Steve.” Rudy told him

“Let me talk to her.” Steve demanded.

Jaime got on the phone. “Steve. Are you all right? She cried.

“Yea I’m fine. I’ll be right up. I just want to see to it that Quail is taken care of.”

“Ok I’ll be waiting for you.”

A few moments later Steve appeared in Rudy’s office. Rudy ran over to him “Steve are you all right?”

“Yea Doc, I’m fine.” Steve assured

“You let me be the judge of that. How did Quail capture you?” Rudy asked.

“He sent two goons to bring me in. I guess they hit me in the head or something. I feel fine though.”

Rudy gave Steve a quick once over. “I think you’ll be all right. No apparent concussion that I can tell.”

“So it’s ok if I continue on with my plans?” Steve asked.

“What were your plans?” Rudy wondered.

“I was going to take the boys on a picnic.” Steve told him.

“Yea that will be just fine. You guys have a good time see you later”

At the Federal prison not to far away Barney Hiller and his wife sat in the visitors area.

“I still can’t believe that they would do this to you.” Carla cried as she stared at her husband

“Well that just shows you what kind of a person Oscar Goldman and Rudy Wells are!” Barney said his voice bitter “I need your help Carla. I need you to help me get out of here. I’ll get even with Austin if it’s the last thing I do…”

“So guys what do you say about our picnic? You still want to go?” Steve asked.

“We sure do.” The twins said together.

“Ok guys just give me a minute I need to tell your dad something, then we’ll take off. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”

“Same here.” Marc called after Steve as he headed for Oscars office.

“Quail is on his way to prison. Security is giving him a personal escort. I would have sworn he was killed in that explosion.”

“I thought you were killed in that explosion.” Oscar reminded. “You’re sure he’s safe in custody.”

“Yea I’m sure. I told them to call as soon as Quail was processed “ Steve told him “How upset was Jaime?” Steve sounded concerned.

“Well she was pretty upset. But She handled it pretty good.” Oscar assured him.

“Well that’s good. I wish there were a charge we could add for that.” Steve snorted.

“Are you still planning on taking the boys on the picnic. You really don’t have to.”

“I want to. I mean our camping trip got ruined I kind of wanted to make it up to Marc.” Steve related.

“Well ok. Have a good time then. I’ll see you when you drop the boys off.” Oscar gave him a wave.

As they drove to the park Steve noticed Marc was awful quiet. “Something bothering you Partner.” Steve called into the back seat.

“I’m just mad I guess.” Marc snarled.

“Why, what’s wrong?” Steve asked.

“I just wish people would tell me when something is wrong.” Marc stated.

“Marc, we only want to protect you.” Steve replied.

“I don’t need to be protected. I’m bionic too…”

“Regardless you are still only eight years old.” Steve reminded.

“I guess so.” Marc muttered, “I just want to be able to help.”

“I wish you could Marc.” Steve pulled the car to a stop “But the fact of the matter is you are just a little boy. That’s one of the reasons I planned this little outing. I wanted to talk to you.”

“What about?” Marc asked

“Come on that looks like a nice spot over there.” Steve pointed to a table under a bunch of trees.

Marc and Matt followed him. When they were seated Steve again turned to Marc. “Now don’t take this the wrong way partner. The other day I was never so happy to see anybody, as I was you. But you could have put yourself in great danger.”

“What do you mean? You were the one locked in the freezer.” Marc reminded.

“I know that. But what you don’t know is Bacon knew about you. He saw us in the yard when we were practicing.”

“Really?” Marc was shocked.

Steve nodded. “That’s right. If Bacon would have seen you… Marc I shudder at the thought of what he would have done to you.” Steve explained.

“Well, he didn’t.” Marc punctuated.

“Yea I guess you’re right.” Steve agreed. “Why don’t the two of you go play?”

“What? When did this happen?” Oscar bellowed into the phone. “I don’t care what you have to do or how many men it takes! You find him!!” Oscar continued to shout. “I’ll get my own people on it as well.’ Oscar calmed down a bit.

He slammed the phone down. “I can’t believe it.” He looked at Jaime

“What is it Oscar? What’s wrong?” Jaime wondered.

“It’s Hiller. He escaped from prison. They don’t know when. They went to check on him and he was gone. I have to find Steve and get him back here.”

“Oscar how did he escape? From what Steve told me Barney is well he’s… “Yea I know what you’re trying to say. I can’t believe it myself. I’m sure Carla helped him. Do you have any idea where he would have taken the boys?”

Jaime shook her head. “I’m sorry Oscar. There are still things he won’t even tell me.” She admitted.

“Well we have an APB out on Hiller. Maybe I should extend it to include Steve and the twins as well.”

“Oscar do you think Barney is going to try and find Steve?”

“That’s exactly what I think. When we well I guess there is no delicate way to phrase it. When we took Barney apart…”

“He deserved it.” Jaime broke in.

“Yea I guess your right.” Oscar reminded himself “To continue He swore he would ‘take care’ of Steve.”

“Oscar that sounds like a threat.” Jaime noted

“That’s what we thought that’s why he was to be guarded twenty four hours. I guess they became lax at the prison. They must have assumed what harm could he do.”

“Oscar we have to find him before he finds Steve and the boys.” Jaime stated. “If Marc were to see him…”

“Don’t even mention that possibility.” Oscar muttered. “It would destroy him.”

“If anything happens to Marc.” Jaime continued. “I personally don’t think Steve could handle it. I think Steve considers Marc his son.”

“Yea I know. “ Oscar muttered. “Marc is closer to him than he is me or even Matt for that matter.”

Oscar picked up the receiver “I want the APB on Hiller to include Colonel Austin and my sons as well. They are not in trouble. I just want to find them before Hiller does.” He turned to Jaime. “Come on let’s join the search.”

While the twins played catch not to far from Steve, Steve started taking the food out of the picnic basket he decided it would be best to discard the potato salad since it had sat in the trunk of the car during his ordeal with Quail. “Well I guess we don’t have to much left.” Steve noted as he decided it was best to throw the chicken out aw well.

He looked across the street. “Great a Deli “ He called the twins over “Listen guys the food I packed got ruined Let’s go across the street and get some fresh.”

The three of them walked across the street to the deli. “Ok guys what shall we get.” Steve asked.

As the entered the Deli Carla and Barney pulled up right behind Steve’s car. “Are you sure this is his car?” Carla turned to him

“Oh yea it’s his car all right. I memorized the plate number.” Barney seethed.

“Why don’t we find a place where we can watch him then? I can’t understand why he would be here.” Carla wondered.

“I don’t know. But I’m going to destroy him the same way he destroyed me.” Barney smiled.

It wasn’t a ‘happy’ smile, but it was the first time Carla had seen him smile ever since Rudy had dismantled him. “What do you have in mind?” she asked.

“I don’t know just yet. There is only so much I can do. The only way I can hurt him is verbally or emotionally. I’ll think of something.”

Oscar, Jaime and Rudy all got into Oscar’s car. “Where do you suppose we start looking?” Jaime started.

“I would assume we would start with all the parks in the area.” Oscar figured. “I just hope we find him before Barney does.”

“Did you give the police a description of Steve’s car?” Rudy asked.

“And the license number.” Oscar added.

“Well that’s good. I wonder what Steve will say when he finds out Barney escaped from prison?’ Jaime asked.

“He’ll be upset.” Oscar surmised.

They continued driving searching all the parks in the area. So far they had come up blank. “I wonder?” Rudy stated. “Do you suppose they left the City?”

“Knowing Steve they probably did.” Oscar agreed.

“I think I know where he might be.” Jaime broke in. “There is a park in Bethesda that I have heard him mention. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before.”

“Let’s get going then!” Oscar turned around and headed for Bethesda.

Steve and the twins bought some sandwiches and Steve replaced his ruined potato salad with a fresh one. He paid for the sandwiches and drinks and they headed back across the street to the park.

“Steve?” Matt asked.

“Yea, what Matt?” Steve turned to him

“What was wrong with the chicken Jaime fixed?”

“It went bad sitting in the car for so long.” Steve explained.

“Oh I see.” Matt replied. He turned to Marc and they both shrugged their shoulders.

“Ok why don’t we sit down and eat, then you two can go play for a bit. There is a play ground right over there.” Steve pointed.

The boys started eating. “So Marc, about what we discussed earlier. As much I appreciate your help. You need to be careful I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.”

“Ok Steve. I won’t follow you on missions anymore. Can Matt and I go play now?”

“Yea. I’ll get this cleaned up and we’ll head back to the City in a while.”

“Ok” they ran off to play. Steve started cleaning up the mess from lunch.

In the distance Barney and Carla watched as Marc and Matt ran off to play. “I have the perfect way to get even with him.” Barney turned toward Carla.

“How is that?” Carla asked.

“To do what I had planed in the beginning. To destroy the boy’s mental state you just heard him. He couldn’t take it if something were to happen to the boy.”

Carla smiled. “I understand what you are saying. We need to get him to come over here…

Oscar, Rudy and Jaime arrived at the park. “There’s Steve’s car!” Jaime called out.

They pulled up in front of it. Rudy turned to Jaime “Do you hear them at all?”

Jaime nodded. “It sounds like the twins are playing.” She followed the sound of their voices.

“Steve!” Oscar called as they approached him

“Oscar what is going on? Can’t I have any?” …

“Steve we have been looking for you. Barney Hiller escaped from prison today.” Oscar interrupted Steve’s objection.

“How did he do that?” Steve demanded.

“I don’t know. We think Carla helped him. We wanted to get you and the boys back to the OSI before he finds Marc.”

Steve stood up and headed toward the play area of the park.

Just as Carla and Barney were about to approach Marc Steve called out.

“Marc, Matt. Come on guys, it’s time to go.”

The twins jumped off the swings and headed back to Steve.

“Carla this place is going to be crawling with police. Let’s get out of here.” Barney suggested. The two of them waited for Steve and the others to leave then got in their own car and drove off.

“I’ll still get him.” Barney continued to threaten.

“I’ll help you anyway I can.” Carla promised.

“Good, I say we stake out Goldman’s home.” Barney suggested as Carla drove the car.

“Where do you think Barney will go Oscar?” Steve asked.

“I think he’ll go to my place. I’m alerting security to wait for him there. In the mean time can the kids stay with you?”

“You don’t even need to ask.” Steve pointed out. “I’ll pick Dan up and School, the twins are here…”

“You’ll have to stop by the house and pick up Joey. “

“I’ll just leave them all with Jaime. I’ll be back in about 10 minutes. I’m going to look for Barney.” Steve told him.

“Are you sure you’re up to it. I mean after all that’s happened in the past few days?”

“Yea I’m up to it. I’ll be back in 10 minutes. Is security at your place?”

“Yea that’s where they will be.” Oscar told him

“Do me a favor, get rid of them. If Barney sees them he’ll get out and fast.” Steve told him

“No way. Security has orders shoot to kill.” Oscar informed him.

“Don’t you think that is a little drastic?” Steve wondered.

“No, not at all. He tried to kill you and lord only knows what he would have done to Marc. No Steve I don’t care if they bring Barney back alive or dead. Personally I would prefer dead.”

“Look I know what he tried to do to me. But Barney is very troubled.” Steve reminded.

“Ok Steve. Let’s put it this way. Let say he went after your son?” Oscar tried to explain. “Let say Barney tried to kill me. And then went after your son?

“I’d kill him myself.” Steve sighed.

“Now you know how I feel.”

“Yea. I guess you’re right.” Steve sighed again. “I’ll go ahead and take the kids to my place. I’ll join security when I finish.” Steve headed out the door with the twins. Minnie was meeting them at Steve’s house with Oscar’s youngest son.

Jaime had had gone on ahead and was waiting for them on the porch when they arrived Minnie pulled up right behind Steve.

“Hi guys!” Jaime called from the porch.

“Hi Jaime.” Minnie returned the greeting. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel pretty good.” Jaime replied. She turned to Steve “You be careful.” She warned.

“Yes dear.” Steve gave her a kiss.

“I want to help you Steve.” Marc argued.

“No! Marc you stay here I mean it.” Steve almost shouted. “I don’t want you involved in this at all.”

“Ok Steve.” Marc sighed.

“Jaime keep a special watch on him. I don’t want him joining the party so to speak.”

“I will Steve I’ll get the boys busy with something.” She offered. “I think Minnie is staying here too.”

“Good. We should be back in just a little bit.” Steve got in his own car and headed for Oscar’s house to join the security team.

Steve pulled into Oscar’s driveway Russ stepped up to his car. “Nothing yet Steve.” He replied.

“I’m sure he’ll come here Russ.” Steve started to get out of the car. “I just know he wants to get at Marc. Where’s Oscar?”

Before Russ could answer another car pulled up behind him it was Barney. The security teams Oscar had sent were on Oscar’s roof sniper style. The instant Carla lifted Barney out of the car they opened fire.

Carla screamed.

Steve cried out “Hold it just hold your fire. He’s down.” He ran over to where Carla sat leaned over Barney.

“Carla. I’m sorry I didn’t want this to happen.” Steve tried to explain.

“You get away from me!!” She cried. “This is all your fault. The whole thing is your fault. If you hadn’t convinced Rudy in the first place that Barney couldn’t live with bionic strength they never would have tuned him down…”

“Carla I didn’t mean…”

“I hate you. You killed my husband. Not just today. You killed him a year ago when they tuned him down.” Carla continued to cry.

“Carla, Barney couldn’t handle bionic strength. You know it.” Steve tied to reason. They were still standing there when Oscar pulled in. “Steve. They got him?” Oscar asked.

“Yea Oscar. I think we could have taken him alive…”

Carla interrupted again. “I’ll never forgive you.” She hissed. “If you would have helped Barney I’m sure he would have adjusted.” Carla was furious “If it is the last thing I ever do I’ll get you.” She screamed as security lifted Barney into the waiting ambulance.

At Steve’s instructions they gently led her away as well but she continued to scream she would get even with Steve.

Later that night they sat in Steve’s house. The kids were playing in another room. “I still don’t like it Steve.” Oscar started

“What don’t you like?” Steve asked.

“The threat she made…”

“She threatened you?” Jaime asked.

“No not really. I don’t take it too serious.”

“Well I take it very seriously.” Oscar interrupted. “She said if it was the last thing she ever did she would get even with you.”

“Oscar I’ll be fine.” Steve reassured.