Disclaimer: Everything you recognize in this story, the scenes and characters all belong to Chuck Norris and Norris Productions.
 

Prologue

Trent Malloy is a PI / karate Instructor and used to be a special forces operative and hand to hand combat instructor for the army. After the sudden death of his father, Pastor Thunder Malloy on May 4, 1997, Trent decided to return home and take care of his mother, two brother's, and little sister.

Carlos Sandoval is Trent's best friend and a former Dallas detective. He left the force when a serial killer that had been taunting him murdered his partner. It hurt Carlos deeply and it made him realize that being a PI left him free to do things differently so he became Trent's partner in Thunder Investigations. Trent also ran a karate school called Thunder Karate, both in memory of Trent's father; however, nothing could have prepared Trent for the day when he met Christina Jade. He saved her life and from the moment his eyes touched hers he knew his life would never be the same.
 
 

Chapter One
 

Dallas, Texas May 25, 1998

Alex Cahill was giving a fun festival to raise money for her Hope center. A place where people came for help with anything from daycare to job placements. It also provided shelter for abandoned children. The funding was limited. Therefore, the festival had many games, rides for the kids, live entertainment, food, refreshment and so much more.

Trent Malloy, Carlos Sandoval, CD Parker and Texas Rangers Cordell Walker and James Trivette were all there helping Alex out.

Now they were all in the far back playing a game of horseshoes. Walker and CD were at one end. Trivette and Alex at the other. Walker was teamed with Alex and CD was unfortunately teamed with Trivette. It seems that although he has lived in Dallas all of his life, Jimmy had never played horseshoes before. Trent and Carlos were on the side, trying their hardest not to
laugh.

"It's your turn Trivette," Walker said

When Trivette readied himself to throw, everyone stepped back

"Oh come-on people!" Trivette yelled

They had good reason; he missed by a mile. "Trivette, the object of the game is to get that shoe as close to this pin as possible," Trent said breaking out in laughter.

"Don't you start on me, Malloy!" Trivette grumbled and tossed another shoe nearly taking Walker's head off. "Oh.. Sorry", Trivette said.

"That's ok," Walker said

"Jimmy, would you like to use my glasses?" CD asked

"Very funny," Trivette said

Walker just laughed and threw his shoes. They glided over the pins with little effort. Then Alex tossed hers, winning the game for them.

"Well, Jimmy, I think it is safe to say that this is not your game", CD said

"It was my first time," Trivette said

They all just laughed aloud, shaking their heads

"All right then, Trent. Here. You throw," Trivette said handing Trent a set of horseshoes

"Trivette that really isn't necessary," Walker said, knowing Trent was good.

"No. Let him throw", Trivette said folding his arms stubbornly across his

Trent just grinned at Walker and tossed both shoes, each gliding over the pins in the same spot. Carlos broke out laughing.

"Isn't there anything you can't do?" Trivette asked Trent

"What?" Trent said. "You told me to throw so I did."

"Practice, Jimmy", CD said. "Practice. Practice. Practice."

"Excuse me while I go find Brandy", Trivette said and stormed off to find his date while CD walks over to where the pony rides were about to start

"Where's Kim?" Alex asked

"Oh, I had her run some last minute errands for me", Trent said

"What would you two do without her?" Walker asked

"I don't even want to think about it," Carlos said

"Come-on Alex," Walker said. "Those kids are getting anxious."

They walk over and help CD

"Come-on buddy, Jen should be here soon," Carlos said

"Jen?" You mean I finally get to meet this mystery girl of yours." Trent asked a little bit surprised. "Yes," Carlos said. "She keeps busy at her job."

"I thought she volunteered here for Alex," Trent said

"Yes, she does. But she also works for a big production company," Carlos said

"Production? As in movies? Music?"

"Yes. You could say that," Carlos said. "Now come on!"

Trent shrugged his shoulders and followed Carlos over to where the kids were anxiously waiting to ride the ponies Walker had brought from his ranch.

Jennifer was just coming in the door. She stopped when she saw Carlos with his friend. "That must be Trent," she said to herself. She has wanted to meet him and now here he was. Christina can finally get some help

"Trent, will you help me up?"

Jennifer looked over to see a little girl holding her arms up to Trent

"You bet I will," Trent said and he playfully swung the little girl around as he picked her up. It was the sweetest gesture Jennifer had ever seen. She decided to call Christina.
 

Christina Jade was in her kitchen, frantically stacking dishes along the bottom shelf of the kitchen cabinets. Her eyes were continuously resting on the digital clock on the stove. Keith would be home today and she still wasn't through cleaning. Her home was always clean. But it was never good enough with Keith. He would always find fault in her and everything she did. Her heart was threatening toe beating beat out of her chest when she thought of what he would do to her when he came home. She was still recovering from the beating he had given her four nights before for stating her monthly cycle.  He flew into a rage, blaming her as if she could have prevented her body from doing what was natural.

He beat her because he refused to bed her. A part of her wished she hadn't stopped because as much as she feared his fists, she was more afraid of him raping her. It was always so degrading and he left her feeling so sick and dirty. The phone rang bringing her out of her thoughts.

"Hello," she said, trying her hardest to keep the fear out of her voice

"Chris, its Jen"

"Jen, hi."

"I have been waiting for you," Jennifer said

"You know I can't," Christina said

"You need to get out of there," Jennifer said

"I can not talk now, Jen. Please understand."

"I am so scared for you," Jennifer said

"Just let it go," Christina said

"Did you read the article?" Jennifer asked

"Yes."

"Then you know he can help you"

"What do you think you are doing!?"

Christina jumped at the sound of Keith's voice

"Chris, are you there?" Jennifer asked

"Keith.I was .." She couldn't find her voice. The fear consumed her as she looked at Keith. His eyes bore into her as he came at her, striking her so hard that she fell back over the kitchen table, the phone crashed to the floor

"Who was it?" he shouted

"I....was...."she was so afraid he was going to kill her that she t ried to move away but she found herself pinned against the wall. She let her eyes dart from keith to the door. He must have sensed what she was thinking because he grabbed her by the hair and jerked her to her feet then he lifted his knee up and jabbed it into her stomach, knocking the wind out of her.
She doubled over in pain.

"I swear I'll kill you if you don 't tell me who you were talking to!" Keith screamed as he kicked her in the stomach. It was the last thing Jen heard before she was cut off.

"Oh God!" Jen cried, letting the phone drop at her feet. She ran over to Trent

"Oh, Jen you made it," Carlos said trying to give her a hug, she ran past him to Trent, surprising Carlos

"Mr. Malloy?"

"Yeah," he said, turning from helping little Sara down

"Trent, this is Jen," Carlos said

"Hello Jennifer," Trent said extending his hand

"Please!" Jen cried, "I don't have time for that now. I was on the phone with my friend Christina just now and her boyfriend came in. He threatened to kill her,"

As always Trent grew concerned when he heard about a woman being beaten

"Give us an address Jennifer", Walker said

"56 Anders. On the West Side. Near Glenn's park"

"I want you to keep trying her number," Walker told her

"All right,' she cried

Carlos pulled her into his arms "Don't worry, Jen. We will get to her."

Jennifer shook her head and started dialing as they ran out. "Nothing. Just static," she cried. "Alex, what if---"

"Don't even think like that," Alex said. "Keep trying."

***************

Back at Christina's Keith, had her pinned back up against the wall with nowhere to go as he viciously struck her across the face? Then he put his hands around her throat and squeezed, causing her to fight for air. "No! Please!" She gasped, pleading with here eyes for him to stop.

"Who was he?" Keith demanded

"It.was.Jen," she choked out as Keith dragged her to the stove. When she saw his hand turning the fire on she panicked. "No....Keith...n-no! Please...don't!"

He was going to burn her, she pulled from him with what little strength she had left and ran for the door. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Don't you run from me!" He screamed as he dragged her back to the stove. He was going to burn her face and she couldn't stop him.

"What did I tell you before I left?" he screamed at her. "You were to stay off

***************

Trent and the others arrive outside. 'Fort Know" cam to mind as Trent looked at the large two-story house. There were guards posted everywhere. "What does this guy do?" he asked Walker

"One can only guess," said Walker as he pulled into the driveway

No one offered resistance as Walker and Trivette flashed their badge'

"What are you after Ranger?"

"Christine, where is she?" Trent demanded

"Why should I tell you?" the man grumbled. "I don't see no warrant."

Wrong answer. Trent gripped him by the collar and hoisted him off his feet "The lady may be in danger, now I am not going to ask you again," Trent said

"This is police brutality," he said nervously

"Well, it might be but then again I 'm not a cop", Trent said

"You better tell us," Walker warned

"Yeah, see, cause he isn't even mad-yet," Carlos said

"I heard them in the kitchen," he said and Trent dropped him

"Walker, I'll go in," Trent said as he headed toward the front door

"Right. I am going to look around out here," Walker told him

"Be careful!" Carlos yelled after his friend

***************

"Was Jen trying to get you to leave me?" he screamed.

"No.." she cried

"Don't lie to me!" he said

"Keith.I.swear."

"Why do we have to go through this every day? Huh?" he demanded as he gripped her neck even tighter and dragged her closer towards the stove. She panicked when he turned the knob all the way up

"No! Please...Keith...don't!" she cried "Turn...it....off!" she pleaded and fought but he was too strong and he dragged her face toward the burner

"Let her go!"

Keith turned to see Trent standing in the doorway "Who are you?" Keith demanded

"That's not important," Trent said. "Just let her go".

"She happens to be my property!" Keith yelled. "Now get out!"

"I don't think so," Trent said standing at a casual stance letting this man know that he was not getting rid of him. Christina was trying her hardest to pull away. She could not breathe.

"No! Please!" she gasped

"Shut up!" Keith said and threw her across the room putting a rage through Trent like he had never felt before

"What do you think you are going to do pretty boy?" Keith taunted

He never expected the blow that came to the middle of his face. When he turned, Trent applied a spinning round kick that sent him across the room. Unconscious.
 

Trent then turned the knob to the stove off and went to Christina. She tried to back away, terrified.

"No! Please! Stay away!" she cried. She was shaking so badly Trent thought she might break. She had her hand at her throat and she was still gasping, trying to get air in her lungs.

"Easy," he said gently. "I won't hurt you." "God, she is beautiful," Trent thought to himself as he gazed at her. "My name is Trent Malloy. Your friend Jennifer sent me." He knelt down beside her. Christina recognized him from the article.

"I told her not to--" "Why?" She could not breathe. She began coughing and gasping

"Take slow breaths," Trent told her as he looked at her tenderly. She did not pull her eyes away from his and there was a spark between them. Walker, Trivette and Carlos come in. They were not surprised when they found the guy
out cold on the floor.

"He tried to burn her," Trent said

When Walker knelt down beside her, she became frightened. "It's alright. This is Ranger Walker. A friend."

"Is anything broken?" Walker asked Christina

She tried to sit up, but the pain in her head was too intense and she fell back. Trent caught her and held her close. She broke down. Tears streaming down her cheeks. Trent tried to calm her as best he could.

"The ambulance is on the way," Trivette said. Then he yanked Keith up on his feet as he was coming to and read him his rights as Carlos cuffed him. Then he took him out and put him in the patrol car along with the other men outside. They had guns and Trivette figured that was enough to hold them for questioning.

"You will all pay for busting in my place without a warrant," Keith grumbled

"If I were you I'd practice my right to remain silent," Carlos said

Inside...

"Keith!"

"He is going to jail," Trent said

"No!"

She panicked. Keith in jail would only make him angrier. She tried to sit up, but it was hard to focus on anything. She fell back and everything went black.

"Walker!" Fear raced through Trent as Walker checked her pulse

"She fainted," Walker said

"I can not understand why she stayed with this guy," Trent said

"I see it every day Trent," Walker said

"I know. I mean, I should be used to it with my work, but..."

"But your not", Walker said plainly

"No."

Walker could tell that his former student was about to lose control "Trent are you all right?" Walker asked

"Yeah. I just can't believe how beautiful she is," Trent said

"Yes she is," Walker agreed

The paramedics come in and Walker goes out. It had become dark faster than Walker thought it would and he had to look around before he spotted Trivette.

"Keith Brody," Trivette said

"And the others had enough ammo on them to start a small war", Carlos said

"Well question them at headquarters," Walker said

"Where's Trent?" T rivette asked

"Inside," Walker said. "This is hitting him hard."

Carlos goes off with another officer as the medics come out with Christina on the gurney

"How is she?" Walker asked

Trent stopped beside Walker and Trivette. "It's too early to say," Trent said as he watched them place her in the ambulance.

Then he went over to where Carlos was talking with another officer. "Carlos, I am riding with her", Trent said and tossed Carlos his keys. "Follow in the vette."

He climbed in the back of the ambulance before Carlos could make a response and the lights flared to the drivers on the road.

Walker calls Alex and tells her that Christina is being taken to the hospital and she and Jennifer agree to meet them there.

"Walker I'll ride with the unit to headquarters," Trivette said

At St. Matthews..

"You will have to wait out in the lobby while the doctors examine her," the medic told Trent

"Thank you", Trent said and went out, never taking his eyes off the door he had exited. "Get with it Malloy!" Trent told himself. This was tearing him up. "Why?" He shook himself mentally.

"Trent?"

He looked up to see Carlos and Walker heading toward him

"Any word?" Walker asked

"No," Trent said

"Let me see what I can find out", Walker said and headed over to the nurses station

"You okay buddy," Carlos asked, concern in his voice

"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Trent said

"Because we know you," Carlos said. "She is getting to you."

"No!" Trent paused and looked at his friend knowing he was right.

"Carlos, I'm sorry."

"It's all right buddy," Carlos told him. "When I was a cop I tried not to let what I saw effect me, but it wasn't easy."

"I know," Trent said in frustration running his hands through his hair. "With Christina.... I cannot explain it. I feel drawn to her somehow. Not like with the other woman I've helped."

"Well, none of the other woman you have helped were as beautiful," Carlos said smiling

Leave it to Carlos to point that out. "What does that have to do with anything?" Trent asked

"Come-on Trent. She is gorgeous," Carlos said

"Yeah, she is," Trent, agreed

"The doctor will be out soon," Walker said

"Good". Trent said

Jennifer and Alex arrive a few minutes later. "How is she?" Jen asked as Carlos slowly drew her into his arms.

"The doctor is still with her," Trent said

"This is all my fault," Jennifer said

"No. Jen, how can you say that?" Carlos asked

"I wanted her to meet Trent," Jennifer said

"Me?" Trent asked

"Yes. Carlos has told me about all the woman you have helped," Jen said

"So that is why you came to the festival today?" Carlos asked

"Well, you said he might be there," Jen said

"Jennifer I promise you that I will do everything I can for her", Trent said

"And he will too" Carlos thought to himself. "Consume his every waking hour to make things right for Christina" it was just who he was.

The doctor came out and they all placed hopeful faces on him" She is doing fine," The doctor said. " The head injury is the only thing that concerns me so I would like to keep her here overnight for observation."

"Can I see her?" Jennifer asked

"Certainly. They are taking her to the second floor. Room 212."

Jennifer turned to Trent "Trent I think Christina would like to meet her savior."

He smiled at her end followed her and Carlos to the elevators

"That young lady has been through quite an ordeal", the doctor said

"I know," Alex said. "We will do everything we can for her."

"Good. And if you need anything from me don't hesitate to get in touch."

"We will," Walker said. "Thank you doctor."

Christina was lying on her side sobbing. She had never felt so scared in all her life. She kept watching the door expecting Keith to come in at any moment

"Chris"

She lifted her eyes up to her friend

"Go away," she said softly

"Chris, I am sorry," Jennifer said

"Why did you do this?"

"I was scared," Jennifer said. "I didn't know what else to do. I asked for Mr. Malloy to help."

Jennifer motioned Trent to come in. Carlos nodded for him to go ahead. Christina just lowered her head to afraid to look at him.

"This is Trent Malloy," Jennifer said. "Trent, this is Christina Jade."

"We met already," Trent said trying to make her feel better

"Trent made sure that Keith would never bother you again."

"Jen, he will come for me," Christina cried. "You know he won't let me go."

"You can press charges."

"No!"

Trent could see the afflicting emotion etched across her face. She was trying to build a wall around herself, not wanting to let anyone in"Christina", I am a PI", Trent said. " I can help you."

There was so much confusion and uncertainty in her eyes when she looked up in to his eyes

"I know you are scared and you have every right to be," Trent said. "But you can trust me when I tell you that you never have to fear him again."

"But I do", she said

"Jen?"

They turn to see Alex in the door

"Chris, this is Alex Cahill," Jennifer said

Christina just turned her head, not wanting to talk to anyone

"Can I talk to her for a moment?" Alex asked

"I don't know."

"I won't upset her. I promise."

"All right," Jennifer said. " I'll go get some coffee."

She steps out leaving her friend in their hands

"Christina I am the assistant DA for Tarrant County," Alex said. "And I."

"Just go away," she cried, "Both of you".

Trent so much wanted to take the sadness out of her eyes

"Let us help you," Trent pleaded

"You can't," she said softly. "He will stop you."

"Not this time," Trent said

"I run a center and--"

"He always finds me at those places," she said

"Well, then you can stay with me." "Why did I say that?" He asked himself

Alex gave him a questioning look "Can I talk to you?" Alex asked him

"Sure," he said. "Well be right back Christina."

"Are you all right?" Alex asked him when they were out of the room

"Yes, Why?"

"Offering to let her stay with you," Alex said

"Alex, she needs to feel safe," Trent said

"Yes Trent, but I am not sure that is a good idea," Alex said

"What's up?" Walker asked

"Trent just offered to let Christina stay with him."

"What?" Walker and Carlos said

"She is scared out of her mind, Walker," Trent said

"I know," Walker said

"I am just trying to help her, like I would anyone else," Trent said

" I don't recall you offering the loft to any of the other woman you have helped."

"Christina is different," Trent said

"How so?" Alex asked

"She just is," Trent said impatiently. "Now if you don't mind. I would like to go back in." He walks away from them and goes back to Christina's room.

"What has gotten in to him, Carlos?" Alex asked

"He's in love," Carlos said

"What? Carlos, he just met her," Alex said "He is confusing things,"

"You cannot confuse love Alex," Walker said putting his arm around her

"I know," she said. "But you know he is when he is helping people."

"This is different Alex," Carlos said. "He has fallen in love with Christina."

"Let's just hope he realizes it," Walker said

They all look towards Christina's room with concern

"Christina, you have been through a terrible ordeal," Trent said. "But you are safe now and everything is going to be fine. I promise."

When Christina looked up, she saw that he was right. He had a determined look, full of confidence, and suddenly she felt stronger. She smiled at Trent. It astounded him. He smiled back as Jennifer came in.

"The doctor says you can go home tomorrow."

Christina never took her eyes off Trent as Jennifer talked. She found herself getting lost in his eyes. They were the purest blue she had ever seen. "Chris, did you hear me?" Jennifer asked.

She was a little embarrassed to have Jennifer catching her staring at Trent

"What?"

"I said while Keith is in jail, I'll go by the house and get your things,"Jennifer said

"Why?"

"You will have to stay somewhere," Jennifer said

"Not with you," Christina said. "It's the first place Keith would look for me."

Jennifer realized she was right "But I want you to be safe", Jennifer said

"She will be," Trent said. "With me".

"Trent, I don't---"

"Jen, I don't ever want to go back to Keith," Christina said

"I know you don't," Jennifer said hugging her friend

"And you are the one that wanted him to help me", Christina said

"Yes. Thank you for reminding me," Jennifer said. "But you will still need your things out of there."

"I don't want to go back there alone," Christina said

"You won't," Trent said

"You will take me?" she asked Trent

"Yes. Anything you want."

Jennifer did not miss the attraction between them" How about I bring you something of mine in the morning," Jennifer said

"Thank you, Jen," she said hugging her friend one last time and then she turned to Trent ."You better take good care of her," Jennifer said

"I will," Trent said hugging her. "I promise."

She goes out to where Alex and the others were waiting. "She is going to stay with Trent," Jennifer told them.

"That's all right with you?" Alex asked

"Yes. I think Trent can protect her better than anyone."

"Come on Jen, Carlos said. "You need some rest. I'll take you back to the Hope Center."

"All right," Jen said resting her head on Carlos shoulders as they walked out

"Tell Trent I'll be right back," Carlos said

Alex and Walker nodded and head toward Christina's room

"Jen is a good friend," Christina was telling Trent

"I hope you will think of me as a friend," Trent said reaching out a hand to her. She slowly accepted it. His touch was gentile yet sensual. She could not turn away from his eyes.

"I will. I mean, I do," she said shyly

When Walker and Alex came in and saw Trent's hand in Christina's they knew Carlos was right. Trent was in love. It looked like Christina felt the same.

"How is the patient?" Walker asked

Trent smiled and pulled his hand away , "She is doing fine," Trent said. "Just fine".

"This is Ranger Walker," Alex said

"I remember you being there," Christina said. "Thank you for helping me."

"You are very welcome," Walker said

"Christina can we finish our talk?" Alex asked

Christina just shook her head and Walker and Trent walk out.

"Trent is a good guy," Alex said

"I know," Christina said. "I can't explain it, but he makes me feel safe."

"That's our Trent. Protector of the world," Alex said. "And he is very good at what he does."

"I am a bit confused at what that is exactly," Christina said

"He owns a Karate school," Alex said

"Yes. Jen told me that much," Christina said. "Then he mentioned being a Private Investigator."

"I guess you can say he does everything," Alex said. "PI, karate teacher, hero," Christina grew quiet. Alex so much wanted to reach out to he"Christina I told you about the center," Alex said

"Yes. I... don't want to stay there Miss. Cahill.."

"Please. Call me Alex. All my friends do."

"Alex. I am sorry. I know you are just trying to help, but Keith will find me."

"It's all right," Alex said. " Jennifer said that you would be staying with Trent."

"Yes"

"What I really want to talk to you about is the woman's group," Alex said

"No. Please. "I can not think about that right now," Christian said

"You are going to have to Christina," Alex said

"No. I don't," Christina cried getting upset. "Please. Just leave."

Trent heard every word from the door. His heart was breaking for her

"I will go-for now," Alex said. "But I want you to think about it," she said before meeting Trent and Walker at he door.

"She just needs time Alex," Trent said

"The more time she takes the harder it will be, Trent," Alex said. "You should know that."

"Why don't you talk to her," Walker suggested. "She seems to have taken to you"

"You think." Trent asked

Walker and Alex exchange a look

"What?" Trent asked confused

"Trust us on this", Walker said. "She will talk to you."

"Carlos will be right back," Alex said. " He is giving Jennifer a ride back to the center."

"All right," Trent said. "Thanks."

He went back in Christina's room. "Christina is there anything else I can get you?" Trent asked

"No. I think you have done enough for me for one day," she said

"You know Alex can help you," he said

"Not you too?" she asked

"Alex has done a lot of good for those women," Trent said. "And I have been teaching them self defense."

"I appreciate your concern Trent, but--"

"Just think about it," he asked

"I will," she said

"I want you to call me when you are ready to leave," Trent said, handing her his card.

"Thank you," she said

Carlos came in. "Hello.""

"Carlos, I would like for you to meet Christina Jade. Christina, my best friend and partner, Carlos Sandoval".

"It's nice to meet you Christina," Carlos said smiling at her

"You too," Christina said. "Jen has told me a lot about you."

"Nothing bad I hope." Carlos teased getting a smile out of Christina

"No. She said you are a great guy. I am happy for you both."

"Well, we better let you get some rest", Trent said

"Good night, Trent", she said

They leave and she glances at Trent's card

"THUNDER INVESTIGATIONS"

Trent Malloy

Carlos Sandoval

(213) 555-6982

She turned it over and noted that he had written his home number on the back.

To be continued..........