New day

*Wendy stands tall and walks slowly past Clint.* "Thank you my handsome Prince. I am forever in debted to you. What would I have done with out without you." *Wendy sits down at the table and cross her legs.*

*Wes laughs and walks into the kitchen smiling at Becky.* "Those two are so cute together. Its good to see them both happy again." *Wes grabs some coffee and some muffins.*

*Rosetta slowly makes her way to the mess hall. Her heart was heavy. She wasent as mad at Katie as she was yesterday but she still wasent happy. Asking god for guidness to talk to Katie and Jason Rosetta feels a bit of peace.*

*Angel hands back for alittle bit doing some paper work in her office.*

*Katie smiles and follows Jason. Siting down she looks at the menu.* "Coffee, lots of Coffee leave the whole pot." *Katie giggles.* "mmm...what alse would you sujest from here J?" *Katie looks around taking in her saroundings.*

Breakfast

Clint gives Wendy a silly grin, allowing her into the mess hall. As they enter and Wes hurls the amusing warning in his direction, he jumps to the side in an astonished movement. He grabs a plastic fork from the table and assumes a sword fighting stance, aiming at a group of chairs. “Back! Back I say! Or I shall cut you to ribbons! You are no match for me. Ha!” He leaps forward, taking a stab in the air with the fork. “Take that! And that!” Satisfied with his attack, he twirls his weapon and returns it to an imaginary sheath at his side. Bowing to Wendy, he ushers her towards the table. “The way is clear, melady.”

Becky sticks her head out of the kitchen and rolls her eyes. “What’s gotten into that boy?”

Rosalynn giggles from her place at the kitchen counter as she pours a cup of coffee. “I haven’t seen him this wound up since we were in grade school.”


Cindy walks slowly to the mess hall, taking her time as she looks up at the clear morning sky. She’d woken up in prayer today, her only wish to see Jason safe again. Despite the knowledge that he had been seen, worry was still on her mind, and she would feel much better when her son was back.
She opens the front door of the mess hall just in time to hear Wes call to Clint about the chairs. She looks at him in surprise, a wry grin spreading across her face as she shakes her head.

Austin takes route to the ranch, with Con directly behind him. Sleep hadn’t come easy the night before, and today he was anxious for Jason and Katie to get back. He’d gone over a million times, it seemed, what he was going to say to his grandson. He’d get his point across if it killed him, and that would be the end of these shenanigans.


Jason directs Katie across town to a little family-owned restaurant, where few have gathered yet this early. A bell jingles as they enter through the door, and a heavy, middle-aged woman comes out of the kitchen to greet them. Her eyes widen as she sees them, a genuine smile spreading across her round face. “Well I’ll be. Hotshot! We thought you dropped off the face of the earth, and from the looks of it, you did!”

Jason chuckles and nods to the woman. “Hi, Mrs. Owens.”

She comes forward, furrowing her brow in sympathy at Jason’s scarred face and his crutches. “You poor thing, what happened?”

“Oh, just got in a little scrape.”

“Uh-huh. That means it’s one of those ‘if I told you, I’d have to kill you’ instances, doesn’t it?”

“You’re just as sharp as ever.” Jason winks at her in amusement. “It’s nothing some of your fine cooking can’t cure.”

Mrs. Owens waves him off, rolling her eyes. She glances in Katie’s direction with a smirk. “He’s such a flirt.” But she can’t help a good-natured laugh. “He does know the right things to say though, doesn’t he?” She shakes her head and turns back towards the kitchen. “Find yourself a table,” she calls over her shoulder. “I’ll be right back out.”

Jason grins, spinning his gaze to Katie. “My favorite table is over there by the window. And trust me – if you wanted coffee, you’re at the right place.”

chairs

*Katie nods and takes the keys understanding.* "OK your going to have to direct me where to go to eat. I dont know my way around here." *Geting into the driver seat Katie feels excited. She was never able to drive such a nice car before. Before they know it, they are heading down the road.*

*Wendy grins at Clint.* " Watch it smart guy or I am going to make a chair attack you again." *Wendy glances at the chair as she enters the mess hall. giving alittle bow to Clint who held the door.* " Thank you Sir."


*Wes slowly makes his way to the mess hall. The night before still showing signs in his eyes. Coffee will make it better. Entering he see Clint and Wendy making there wya to the table.* " CLINT WATCH OUT...THE CHAIR...ITS GONNA ATTACK." *Wes gives a sly grin.*

Keys

Jason chuckles and shakes his head. "You win. Give me a minute to get some shoes on, and we'll scoot out of here. There's nothing to eat in the house since we've been gone. I need to get some food though, so we can stop on our way out of town and you can have your coffee." He turns to go back to his bedroom, wanting to eat something soon so he can take some pain killers. His knee is throbbing, though he tries not to let it show.

Finally ready, he gets together his own backpack of some things he's wanted, and aims for the door. Locking up the house again, he turns to Katie, holding out the car key. He doesn't want to admit needing help, but he's in no good shape this morning. "You're gonna have to drive for a while."


Clint opens the mess hall door with a grin. "Hey! She can walk!"

Awake

*Wendy giggles and shakes her head. Heading inside Wendy sits and reads alittle. Than turns off her light and drifts off to sleep.*

*Wendy makes her way to the mess hall walking on her own 2 legs. Angel took her cast off early this morning. Though Wendy now has a slight limp*

*Katie answers the door her hair wet indacating she already has taken a shower. It looks as though she was up much earlyer than Jason.* " You were sleeping later than me, so I think YOUR the sleepyhea." *Katie smiles and grabs her back pack.* " I need some coffee."

Wakeup call

Cindy smiles and shakes her head as Wes leaves. She sighs with content and heads to bed, feeling warm and fuzzy inside...a feeling she hasn't felt for a long time. Sleep comes easy.

Clint beams. "Great! And you'll be out of your wheelchair? Awesome." He lingers awkwardly for a moment, then finally turns to leave. "See you in the morning, Wendy." He positions himself on the short railing to slide down the distance of the three steps and lands to jog to his own bunk.



Morning. The ranch is sleepy and people are slow to rise after yesterday's worrying, and a late night.

Jason cracks one eye open, groggily looking at his clock and he groans. It takes all the energy he has to drag himself from bed. He makes it down the hallway to take a shower, grimacing as his knee has become stiff overnight.
After cleaning up he throws on a clean pair of jeans, white tee, and flannel shirt that he leaves unbuttoned. Still in his bare feet, he heads back down the hall on his crutches and raps his knuckle on Katie's door. "Yo, sleepyhead...five o'clock..."

try to sleep

*Wes smiles at Cindy. His own heart raching as he waited for Cindy's response.* "Wonderful. Well, have a great night." *Wes turns to leave almost falling down the steps but catches his balance and disapears into the dark.*

*Wendy giggles as her face turns a shade of red.* "Why I'd love to go Sir. The Queen herself said I should be out of my carage by tomarrow." *Wendy points to the wheel chair. Than gets a more serouse look on her face* "Yes Clint. I would love to go with you."

*Katie wakes brefly, but closes her eyes again trying to tell herself not to worry. Jason was in the other room fine. He dident need a babysiter only a friend. Katie trys to fall back to sleep.*

Nightmare

As they stand on the porch, Cindy looks up at Wes with surprise. His hand feels warm...gentle... A blush comes to her face. "Well, I....I mean..." She stammers, unsure of her own response. "It's just a casual event, right? I mean, we'd be going as friends...just as friends..." She swallows hard, getting lost in Wes' eyes. "...Yes. I'd love to go."

Clint grins, taking hold of Cindy's wheelchair. "Madam, you have never been more safe, for I am the king of conquering chairs! Onward!" He steers her to the door, and they make their way to Wendy's bunk. Stopping outside the door, Clint gets a mischievous look on his face and puts his foot in front of one of the wheels so she can't go inside. "This princess wouldn't want to accompany a lowly peasant to a winter social, would she?"


A nightmare propels Jason into a state of panic as he sits bolt upright in bed. Eying the darkness, it takes him a moment to remember where he is. Forcing his own breathing to slow, he flops back onto his pillow and wipes the sweat from his brow. That had been a new kind of nightmare...it had been more than images from the past. It had combined the horrific scenes with new and imagined ones, overlapping his former and current lives. Was it a glimpse at what could really happen? Could his own decisions that pushed him down one path cause all that pain to people he cared about?
He automatically glances to the papers from Carter again. Was his nightmare a warning, or simply rampant an unnecessary worries coming out?
Rolling over on his side, he sees his clock. Three in the morning. They'll have to rise in just a couple hours if they're going to get back to the ranch that night.
He closes his eyes and tries to go back to sleep.

Will you

*As Katie shuts the door she smiles. Jason's smile imprinted on her brain. What was is about him that made her feel this way. Cralwing back into bed Katie pulles the blankets up to her chin. Stairing into the dark for a long while she fimaly falls asleep.*

*Wes gets up with Cindy and exits with her. Walking her to her Bunk.* "Cindy...I wanted to ask you something." *Wes cheeks turn a slight shade of red as he takes Cindy's hand.* " I wantd to know if you would go to the winter social with me?"

*Wendy smiles as Clint.* " I would love an escort. As long as you promise to protect me if any chairs attack us."

Going to bed

Jason grips Katie’s hand firmly, guiding her across the hall and to Cindy’s room. He says nothing, as he lets her go, simply leaving her with his signature gaze before turning to go back to his room. Once there, he shuts his door and leans his back against it, closing his eyes and letting out a long breath. “Oh, Katie,” he whispers. Shaking his head, he crawls back into bed, this time able to doze off within a few minutes


The card game finally comes to a close as the five at the table grow tired. Jeff is the first to leave, and Cindy stands and stretches. “Sorry, y’all, but I’ve had it. Thanks for the fun.”

Clint stands as well, looking to Wendy. “I think it’s about time I headed to bed myself. Would you like an escort to your bunk?”

Back to my room

*Katie sighs.* "You sound like my aunt now. I might as well go back into the room or I will never hear the end of it." *Katie gives a sly grin. As she takes Jason's hand it feel like eletricity shoot though her. For a bref moment she lingers. In the past she has held a guys hand, but this time it felt.....differnt. Katie wonders if Jason can tell but says nothing. Slowly she steps forword back to ehr room.*

Bed

Jason squints at Katie, trying to figure her out, and the silence lingers for several moments. He runs a hand through his hair and heaves another sigh, his grin still toying with his mouth. “Katie, Katie, Katie, what am I going to do with you?” He looks into her eyes, and for the first time, she makes him feel awkward. It takes an effort to shove aside the unexplainable feelings, and he bites his lip, too many thoughts running through his mind that he doesn’t want to deal with. “You’re a stubborn brute, but I’m not gonna let you sleep in the hallway. What kind of a gentleman would I be, letting you do that?” He limps out of the doorway and holds out his hand. “You’re going back to bed. Come on.”

*Katie smiles up at Jason. The dark alumanated by it.* " I was sleeping. I can run off an hour or two of sleep at a time. Something about my body it dosent need much sleep to be rested. Trust me, I'm ok."*Katies eyes dance in the dark as the moonline hits them.*

Need Rest

Jason sighs and leans on the doorway, looking down at Katie. As his eyes adjust to the dark, he studies her face. "Don’t be sorry. I was already awake. You do realize though, that you’re going to have to figure out some way to not let my restlessness bother you. You’ve got to sleep too.” He shakes his head. “I’ve given up trying to figure out how you can tell when I’m in trouble, but I do know that you’re human and need rest. So…. How about you try getting back to bed, hmm?” His grin shows through the dark, proving he’s more amused than annoyed.

Cards

*Katie slowly turns. He dosent startle her for she hurd him walk across the floor. * "I'm sitin here silly whats it looks like. I couldent sleep, and I could sell you were restless so I was hoping..bah I dont know. I'm sorry I woke you." *Katie's face turns a slite shade of red. Its a good thing its dark.*

*Wes giggles.* "Ok Miss cardshark, we are playing Pinochle. Deal em out."

*Wendy glances at Clint and smiles.* "This was a good night indeed."

???

Cindy shakes her head in amusement and gets a glass of water from the kitchen. Coming back into the other room she sighs, grinning at Wes. “Alright…watching someone fight a chair has got to be worth staying up for.” She pulls out a chair next to Wes and grabs the deck of cards, shuffling them expertly. “However, I think a card game on the side will be entertaining as well. What are we playing?”


Jason opens his eyes for the umpteenth time an sighs. Suddenly his ears pick up the sound of movement in the hall. He glances at his clock. Katie’s been in bed for hours. A chill runs down his spine.
Silently rolling out of bed, he manages to pull on a pair of jeans, but doesn’t bother with a shirt, and limps to the door in his bare feet, not making a sound. Slowly he cracks the door and squints into the hall. A figure sitting in the chair startles him. “Katie? What on earth are you doing?”

Protection

*Rosetta takes one more look around the barn and sighs. She was geting older alright. There was a time when she could stay up all night, but not anymore. Time was catching up to her. Shuting off the lights and making sure the barn door was shut Rosetta heads to her office for the night.*

*Wes smiles at Cindy.* "We sure are. How about you come sit next to me babe and watch Clint defeat his chair again." *Wes says in a teasing tone.*

*Wendy bursts out laughing.* "Wow...I wont ever forget this." *Wendy once again trys to keep a solam face,* "So we gonna keep playing cards or is mister hodieani over there still doing his tricks with the chair."

*As Katie wakes she can feel Jason uneasyness. He's not in trouble...but he is restless. Katie throws the blankets back and hopes out of the bed. Leaving her room, she makes her way to Jason's door. Spoting a chair she pulls it up to the wall and sits down. Katie dosent want to disturb Jason but she hopes maybe her presence outside the door will give Jason enough comfort to at least get alittle bit of shut eye.*

Night

Austin rolls his eyes. “Katie and Jason both. If he thinks he can get away with a stunt like this, he’s sorely mistaken.” He turns around to head back out of the barn. “I gotta go tell Cindy. See you two tomorrow.”

As Austin leaves, Mick stands up and stretches. “Well…I guess that’s that. At least we know those kids are alright, no matter how stupid they were.” He shakes his head. “As for this old cowboy, it’s past my bedtime. I’ll see you in the morning.” He throws Rosetta a quick grin with a wink, and turns to exit the barn.



Clint takes a bow. “Yes, I’d say that chair won’t dare cross me again. Why? Because I’m brave! I’m strong! I’m…”

“…Crusin’ for a bruisn’ bubble brain,” Jeff quips. “Are you gonna sit down on that misbehaving chair or stand their talking to it all night?”

“Uh…” Clint spins around and picks up the chair, promptly sitting on it and scooting back up to the table. He clears his throat, not meeting anyone’s eyes for fear of bursting out laughing again, and his face reddens as he holds it in.

Eric rolls his eyes and finishes off the glass of iced tea he’d been nursing all evening. “I hate to break this up, y’all, but I’m beat.”

“Aww…” Clint complains.

“Sorry.” Eric chuckles and shakes his head and stands up. “You can sit here with your chair wars all night as far as I’m concerned, but I got a date with my pillow.”

The four are left alone, but the back door opens and Cindy steps inside. After Austin woke her to tell her about Jason, she couldn’t get back to sleep, and had decided to go to the mess hall and get something to drink. She raises her eyebrows as she sees Wendy, Clint, Jeff and Wes. “Are you guys still up?” she asks, amazed.


Jason stares up at his ceiling. Being back in his own room felt good, but strange. The house felt different. There was an emptiness there, without his mother, without the dog… yet he wasn’t alone.
He tries to drift to sleep, but the pain in his leg keeps him from the peace required. Awake, his mind drifts over the day, thinking back to the confrontation at TJY. Carter was right…he had changed. He could feel it in himself…there was no denying it. He had started out on this case, wearing a mask, fooling himself and those around him. After breaking down, his walls had crumbled, leaving him bare and vulnerable. But somehow….he had overcome. Now no longer was a mask needed…he was becoming his true self. Fear was no longer present…a new reserve was there instead, steered by a wise confidence rather than an air that turned people off. Would it last? Was he really on the right path? What did the future hold for him now?

He thinks of TJY. There was so much more there than this one case. Though having been started with the drive to take down the Agency, the vigilante corporation had grown quickly into much more, with a variety of cases that kept the full staff constantly busy. They had evolved into more than a small unofficial basement gang that it had started out as. Did Jason really have a future there? It was his current life…it was his talent… it was what he was born to do. Would he continue on the same route, or would he be given a different job? Did he want to stay on the field all the time, or would he rather be in the office in a more secure atmosphere? He was respected at TJY…he knew how to manipulate things well enough to get himself in whatever position he wanted to if he tried hard enough…

Jason turns his head to see the papers lying on his nightstand. He hadn’t revealed to anyone the second sheet that was underneath his suspension release. It was a suggestion…perhaps more of a request…he could easily accept it or turn it down with no questions asked. His accepting it would certainly set him down a path that would keep him on that route indefinitely. Of course, it also depended on the other party, but he was pretty certain of that outcome…
His eyes start to drift shut, his mind beginning to shut down.

A wave of pain causes him to flinch, harshly waking him back up again. He tries to get comfortable, but his knee feels as if it’s on fire, despite the pain killers he had downed with supper. Tossing and turning, sleep just won’t come, and the night feels as if it will never end.

Fast Asleep

*Rosetta loved at Mick with a mischeavus grin Siting up straght and crossing her legs she says..* " I sir...am a Lady." *Than relaxing and pointing a finger at Mick she says.* "...but not so much that I couldent do just that." *Rosetta smiles.Rosetta looks up and seeing Austin. Listing to what he has to say Rosetta nods.* "Well at least someone knows where they are." *Rosetta rolls her eyes.* " That girl is still geting a good talking to when she gets back. She had me worryed sick."

*Wendy laughs even harder at Clint.* " Ya you sure did tell that chair who is boss dident you."

*Katie grins at Jason feeling a bit embarssed.* " Thx J. I think the bed will be nice after all." *Katie heads down the hall and grabs some towles. Heading to the bathroom she taked a shower. After she wonders the house a bit taking in how amazing it looks. Finally after grabing a glass of water Katie heads back to her room. Stopng she stairs at Jason's door for a long moment than heads into her room. Laying down on the bed it feels so soft. She had forgotten what a real bed felt like. Within minutes she is fast asleep.*

Spending the night

Mick laughs, allowing himself to relax. "What were you going to do? Hogtie me and throw me in the back of your truck or what?"

"Hey, there you are." Austin walks into the barn, looking for Rosetta, not realizing he's interrupting anything. "I just got a call from Carter. He said Jason and Katie are safe. Wouldn't tell me who found them, where they were or what they were doing, but..." He throws up his arms in surrender. "I guess we'll just have to trust that they're fine."


"No, I'm not okay!" Clint struggles underneath the chair, taking it in both hands and wrestling it off of himself. "I've been assaulted by a chair! It's a conspiracy, I tell you!" He kicks the chair away, bounces to his feet and assumes a karate-type stance, glaring at his inanimate adversary. "Ha! Take that!"

Jeff shakes his head, joining in the laughter. He tosses his cards to the middle of the table, giving up on the hand.


A grin plays at the corner of Jason's mouth as he pays the waiter for the meal. "If you want to sleep on the floor, that's fine, but there are more comfortable options. Come on."
He leads the way out of the restaurant, though lets Katie help him with the doors again. Settled in the car, they drive down the lighted streets. Jason steers through several side streets, ending up on the far side of town in a sleepy little housing development.
Turning down a curved street, they finally pull into the driveway of a small one-story tan house. A link fence runs around the well-kept yard, bushes line the house, and there is evidence of flowers along the walk.
Jason turns off the car and gets out, nodding for Katie to follow him to the darkened house. Making his way to the porch, he fishes for a key in his pocket and lets himself in, making sure Katie is behind him. Entering, he automatically reaches for a light switch to illuminate an entryway that leads to a kitchen on the left and a living room on the right.
"Follow me." Jason doesn't explain, but leads Katie through the living room into the hallway, maneuvering with his crutches around the furniture. Coming to a bedroom, he reaches around the corner and turns on the light to reveal a feminine-looking room, tastefully decorated in blues and tans. "Mom won't mind if you take up residence in here tonight." He grins at Katie. "Though if you really have the desire to sleep on the floor, be my guest."
He points into the room. "There's a private bathroom there, and if I know Mom, there should be fresh towels on the counter. Feel free." He thumbs back out into the hall. "My room's two doors down. If you need anything, that's where I'll be."

Laughter

*Rosetta smiles and nods as her heart flutters, and her tummy gets knots.* " Ok good. Cuz if you dident say yes I was going to make you go anyways." *Rosetta trys to make a joke trying to break the tention they are both feeling. Though even through the tention her is excited and already decieding what to wair in her mind.*

*Wendy laughs uncontroll able as Clint falls to the ground.* "AH HA...Now I am cheating...I see your cards, I see your cards." *Wendy sticks out her toung. Than as if relizing Clint actully fell on the ground she looks at him her face red from laughter. Trying to hold her laughs in she says...* "Are you ok Cint?" *...knowing good and well he is she looks fro Clint, to Jeff, to Wes, than back to Clint and once again busts out laughing.*

*Wes trys to keep a straght face as he looks at Jeff.* " Psht...remind of you any people we know. It seems so long ago when we were there age." *Wes cant hold it anymore and laughs.* "Well seeing as Clint's cards are all over the floor, I would guess this hand is over." *Wes looks at the two kids and smiles. In all the confustion, and hardships they still were young and able to have fun. It was good to see that.*

*Katie nods at Jason sugestion at finding somewhere to sleep knowing he means nothing malishus about it.* "Ya thats fine. I like sleeping on the floor. Its better for my back."

She started it!

Mick's eyebrows raise slightly at Rosetta's invitation. She's being so casual, but her words mean so much more than a simple duo to a social event. He looks into her eyes...seeking...questioning...his heart pulls him in two directions at once. The crossroad is begging him to make the choice. Left...or right... He swallows hard, knowing the silence he has created bears tension. As he would tear a caution sign from the ground, he nods. "Sure."



"Ah! Help!" Clint squirms and can't help his laughter as he's tickled. "I'm being attacked!"

Jeff rolls his eyes, holding back his own laughter, and he looks at Wes. "Kids these days."

"She started it!" Clint scoots back to avoid another tickle by Wendy, but he throws his weight too far. The chair tips, and before he knows it, he's on the floor, under the chair, his hand of cards flying in all directions.



Jason finds a table in the diner and they order. Hungry, the meal doesn't take long, and conversation is minimal. Finally, Jason glances at his watch. "It's getting late. We should probably find a place to stay for the night, then head out in the morning. You alright with that?"

Home Coming

*Rosetta feels her cheeks become a shade of red as Mick talks.* "Ya the best thing that came out of this all was you, and everyone alse. I'm sure I would go back and change somethings in my life to but not a whole lot. I cant imagen life with out you. It sure would be boring." *Rosetta sits and things for a long moment, and than a smile forms on her lips .* "I have a crazy thought and you can say no its ok. Would you like to go to the Winter Social wiht me Mick?"

*Wendy looks saprised at Clint.* "WHAT...me? I am doing no such thing." *Wendy leans over and starts to tickle Clint.* "I'll show you cheating...huh huh. Just cuz a girl is kicking your butt you think they are cheating." *Wendy starts to giggle so hard she can hardly controll herself.*

*As Katie gets into the car with Jason she smiles.* " Your welcome. I dont mind helping when I know what I say is true. Your a great friend Jason." *After driving a while they get to the dinner. It looks like a nice home orented place. Geting out of the car it feels nice to streach her legs. Katie lets out a content sigh and breaths in the fresh air.*

Leaving

Mick leans his head back against the wall while he thinks. "Yeah...right about now, I think all of us are ready for some peace and quiet. I was ready years ago, and thought I'd gained it." He offers her a solemn but gentle smile. "Of course...as we all know, without this mess, we wouldn't have ended up together again. ...And I'm not sure I would have liked never to have had a reunion. Bad things happened...and I have regrets...if I could go back, I would probably change some of the things I did. But...seeing you again has reminded me of what's really important in life, and I guess I'm not convinced anymore that my life should have stayed the way it was, even though I was happy at the time."

The card game progresses with competitiveness and laughter. Clint throws his hand down with a good-natured moan. "This is just not my night!" He glances at Wendy with a crazed look. "They're cheating, I tell you! Cheating!"



Jason uses his crutches to leave Carter's office and shakes his head at Katie. "No need to call..." He pauses, his instincts knowing the truth. "They'll know we're okay."

Reese looks up from his desk as the two come back through. "I didn't hear any shouting. What did you do? Kill him silently?"

Jason throws him a smirk. "Nice, Reese. No, as a matter of fact, I got what I came for." He holds up the folded papers.

Reese's eyes widen. "Well I'll be. How did you do it?"

"With a bodyguard." Jason gives a wry grin at Reese's confusion. "I'll be in touch." He turns and heads with Katie back into the receptionist's office. "See ya, Susanne."

She turns from her filing cabinet, also showing surprise. "So what happened?"

"Nothing too exciting, but you're still stuck with me. Oh..." Jason nods to the phones. "I'll fix that technical problem on my way out."

Susanne rolls her eyes, giving in to a chuckle. "You never change do you, Hotshot?"

Jason pauses in his route for just a moment. "How about we just say some things never change, eh?" He aims for the door and lets Katie open it for him. Once back on the floor, he lets out a long sigh, satisfied, relieved, but exhausted. He finally replies to Katie's former statement. "Yeah, I'm starving too. I know a nice burger joint about five minutes from here. They should still be open."

As they make their way back down through the organized chaos, he pauses at Laura's desk. "I promised Susanne I'd fix the phones. Do you mind?"

Laura grins and rolls her eyes. She reaches down and hits a couple buttons to end the bogus conference call between all four lines. "All set. You leaving us now?"

"Yep. Heading back to the case."

Laura eyes him skeptically, but resumes her position of withholding questions, knowing him well enough not to ask. "Take it easy, will ya?"

"Always." Jason nods his goodbye and looks to the elevator doors. "Okay, Katie, let's get out of here."

Within minutes, they're back in the car. Jason leans over across Katie to throw his papers in the glove box, then straightens with a sigh. "Well...that's that." He turns to give her a serious smile of appreciation. "Thanks for your help. What you said in there...it meant a lot." He turns the key in the ignition and steers back towards the driveway. Once on the road, it doesn't take long to arrive at the small diner downtown.



Carter stares at the closed door for several moments, then shakes his head, chuckling to himself. He lowers himself into his chair and picks up his phone, waiting.

Austin sits by the fireplace, weary, but too worried to go to bed. The happy chatter behind him beckons him, but he just can't clear his mind enough to relax or enjoy anything right now. His cellphone startles him and he answers quickly. "Yeah?"

"It's me."

Austin's hope takes a flying leap. "Did you find them?"

"They're fine."

"What do you mean? Where are they?"

"They're safe and they should be back home by tomorrow night."

Austin frowns in bewilderment. "But what's going on? Where did they go? How did you find them? Who found them?"

"The important thing is that you have two fine young people working on this case. It's not my place to explain the details."

"But Carter!"

"Get some rest, Austin. Jason and Katie are safe."

Austin desperately fishes for more information. "But I need to know what..."

Carter interrupts him. "Tell Rosetta her niece is coming home too, so she can stop worrying. I'll be in touch."

Click

Austin groans and hangs up the phone. His confusion has been compounded. But he has to trust his father that Jason and Katie really are safe. What on earth happened - he has no idea. But they're on their way home, and that's what really mattered at this point.
He stands up to go find Rosetta.

Satisfaction

*Katie feel proud and good as Jason recites her words. Staying quiet Katie listens to Carter and Jason talk. Katie smiles as Carter talks about her aunt and herself being the same.* " Thank you Sir. I think I judged you wrong. And for that I am sorry." *Katie feel satisfaction at Carter hands Jason the papers. As Katie turns to leave with Jason she holds the door open. Looking back she smiles at Carter and nods. Than turns back to help Jason.* " I guess we should call back to the ranch, or at least Austin to let them know we are on our way back. Than the fun part comes, facing the music." *Katie takes her sun glasses out of her pocket and puts them on.* "How about we get some dinner first. I am starving!" *Katie makes a funny face at Jason.*

Angles

Carter studies Katie intently, watching her ever move, listening to every voice inflection. As she concludes, he rubs his chin thoughtfully, the hint of a smile still visible. He shift his focus back to Jason. “You’ve got quite a loyal friend here.”

Jason nods decisively. “Yes, sir, I do.”

The wheels turning in Carter’s mind are almost tangible as he turns around to look at his bookcase again, searching for another title. “And do you agree with what she says?”

Jason chooses his response carefully. “I can only hope that I may live up to such a reputation as that.”

Carter retrieves a book to look through, though continues to speak. “You’ve changed, Jason… I can’t quite put my finger on it, but if I didn’t know any better I’d say you’d done some growing up.” He glances at Jason out of the corner of his eye. “You can back up that confidence of yours - you always have been able to. That’s why you’re so valuable. But I was scared for a while that you’d let your cockiness run away with itself.” He scans the contents of his book. “You’ve matured, Jason. And that’s a good thing.”

Jason isn’t sure how to respond, so remains silent as Carter continues.

“You do realize though, that if I repeal your suspension, that some might think I’m showing favoritism. You are my great-grandson after all.”

Jason grits his teeth, again picking and choosing his words. “If you allow others’ skewed opinions rule your own decisions, then you’re not who I think you are.”

“Austin and I worry about you, you know.”

Jason thinks for just a moment. “Someone once told me that they would rather die knowing they did something to help than live knowing they did nothing.” He stares at his grandfather boldness. “I’ve worked hard to gain the position I have at TJY because I care about its mission. If what I do here helps one person, then it’s been worth it. I would hope that others’ concern for my safety would not override my own desire to do what is right…to do the things that I was born to do.”

Carter lets his book fall shut, and looks back to Katie, seeming to change the subject once again, though one might wonder if he is collecting bits and pieces of information to complete a puzzle in his mind. “You remind me an awful lot of your aunt, Katie. She had that same spark…that same fire in her eye. And she had the biggest heart I’d ever seen. She also was a good judge of character, and never one to put another person down, but she always saw the potential and the good.” He pauses, looking back and forth between the two young people. “I have a feeling that if I turn down this request, that I will not be rid of either one of you.”

“No, sir.” Jason stand straighter. “If you decline, you can bet that I will be continuing to work on this case with or without TJY. It would be my strong suggestion to put me back on this case through this company so at least you can keep an eye on me and keep me informed, lest I ruin an undercover plan by this department.”

A genuine chuckle emerges from Carter, and he shakes his head. A strange twinkle sparks in his eye and he looks back at Katie for a moment, then back at Jason. “Alright. Your suspension is lifted.”

Relief sweeps over Jason, but he remains composed. “I’d like to have that in writing.”

“Of course you would.” Carter move to his desk, taking out a sheet of paper and signing it. “I wouldn’t expect you to walk out of here without it.”

Jason’s eyes widen as he sees the paper. “You had it already drawn up?”

Carter hands it over to him. “Don’t dwell on a test once it’s been passed, Jason. Now go. Safe journey.”

Standing Tall

*Wendy wheels herself over.* " I'll play winners."

*Rosetta nods to Mick. Looking at him in the eyes* "Ya. I just..dident want her to have to deal with this stuff just cuz she was a Pent. And she is anyways. Its going to be quiet but I am going to be happy when this will be over and we can start our lifes without worrying."

*As Carter looks to Katie she stands tall. Taking off her sunglasses and puting them in her pocket now it is visable just how much she really dose look like Rosetta. Almost spiting image when sehw as younger. Standing tall she replys.* " I wouldent be standing here if I dident believe he should get his job back." *Katie locks eyes with Carter not backing down by his percing stair.* " Jason has shown me what true lolty is and what sticking up for youself means. He has more curage than anyone I have known. And he has risk life and body for this comany."*Katie steps around Jason to stand next to him and be able to look better at Carter. Strating her shoulders she continues.* "When he was kidnaped he dident give in and tell the Agency about anything. He was strong and kept his mouth shut. Thats alot more than most people can say. He also drove 10,000 miles to get his job back. I would say that in its self shows true deadacation. Yes, he did breach sacurity, and He did almost try to kill Austin but thats was than and this is now. He's changed and he now alot better than he was. Sometimes facing death does that. Trust me I know that myself. If anyone deserves to be here its Jason." *On the outside Katie looks strong, determend. But on the inside she is shaking like a leaf.*

Carter

Mick chuckles and shakes his head. He comes all the way into the barn and sits across from Rosetta on an upturned bucket. “You know me way too well…” He studies her eyes for several moments. “Worried about Katie?”


Jeff, Clint and Eric agree to a card game with Wes, and move to the table, trying to form teams.



Jason makes it to the back of the busy floor, and stops at a closed door. He gives Katie one last glance, mustering up the rest of the gumption he has left, and continuing to hold the air he knows is necessary to get where he needs to go. “If they try to kick you out, don’t let them,” he warns. “You stick with me.”
After hesitating only a moment, he opens the door, ushering Katie in behind him.

The office is small but warm feeling with older furniture. A woman sits behind the desk and looks up, her eyes widening at the unannounced visitors. “Hotshot, uh, Jason…what are you doing here?”

“Hi to you too, Susanne.” Jason cocks his head as he leans on his crutches. “I need to see Reese.”

Susanne looks at him as if he’s crazy. “Do you know how many times Austin has called today about you? What ARE you doing?! And this must be the girl you took with you?”

“Susanne…” Jason moves closer to the desk, leaning over almost to her eye-level. “I need to see Reese.”

Susanne reaches for her phone, but Jason shakes his head, keeping his tone low and controlled, his body language completely mastering the situation. “Don’t even thinking about tipping off Austin.”

“But…”

Jason lifts an eyebrow in gentle warning. “Nuh-uh. Besides, I think you’ll find it difficult to do.”

Susanne glances at the phone, bewildered. “All four lines are busy….. you…” She looks up at him again, not amused. “Great. Nice work. But you still can’t see Reese. He’s busy.”

“Busy with what? Paperwork?” Jason straightens up and gestures with his head to the door on the other side of the room with Reese’s name on it. “And what’s stopping me from just walking in on him?”

“Jason, please!” Susanne begs. “He told me he didn’t want to talk to you, and here you are showing up unannounced – if I let you in there, I’LL be in trouble.”

“Not as much trouble as me.”

“You’re right about that. You’re the one that’s suspended.” Susanne sighs. “What are you really doing here, huh? Is it really worth all the trouble you’re getting yourself and this young lady into?”

Jason purses his lips and nods. “Could be. Now…I’m going in there to see Reese whether you like it or not. If you want to block the doorway, go ahead, but I doubt you want to try physical force with me.” He moves towards the door, nodding to Katie. “Come on.”

Susanne stands up from her chair, desperate. “But Jason….” She throws up her arms when Jason doesn’t turn around. “Fine,” she mutters under her breath. “It’s your head. I’m just the secretary.”

Without even knocking, Jason shoves Reese’s door open, and steps inside the larger more official-looking office.

A man in his late thirties swivels his chair around in surprise, looking at the two newcomers from behind his desk. “Jason! What on earth….?”

Jason hobbles closer to the desk, his jaw set in determination. “I want my suspension lifted.”

Reese’s eyes get even wider. “That’s what this is about? You skipped out on Austin to come all the way here and tell me that?”

“You’re not being fair with me, Reese. I didn’t have much of a choice.”

“Well…”

“No.” Jason shakes his head, cutting him off. “I’m tired of being pushed around. You know that suspension was uncalled for.”

Reese rises from his chair, showing his well-built frame, though is still a bit shorter than Jason. Irritation begins to show on his face. He glances at Katie, but already knowing who it is from Austin, he asks no questions, turning his focus back to Jason. “Look, there’s no excuses for any of those charges. Do you think I WANT you suspended? You’re the best man I’ve got! I want you back here so bad I can taste it! But my hands are tied, Jason. The request didn’t come from me, nor did the authorization. I can’t fight it and neither can you.”

“So who authorized it?”

“Carter.”

Jason grits his teeth. “Why, Reese? Why did I really get suspended? If anyone else could have been suspended on only one of those charges, why did it take this long for it to happen to me? Apparently no one cared up until this point, so what happened? Why did Austin request it?”

“This is confidential stuff and you know it.”

“I don’t care!” Jason raises his voice. “I have a right to know!”

Reese frowns at him. “Because Austin cares too much about you! You had enough stacked against you to have you thrown out of here entirely, but at least it was kept to a suspension. You’ve been through heck the last couple months and you almost died. Austin didn’t know any other way to protect you than to get you off the case.”

The news comes as a surprise to Jason, and for a moment, he almost loses his composure. Quickly gaining it back, he glares at his superior. “Look, I’m not a little kid. I know what I’m doing, and I can make my own decisions. I’m quite capable of handling myself and this case.”

“Yeah, you look like it.” Reese shakes his head. “You almost died, and you’re on crutches for pete’s sake. Would YOU want you out there on this case?”

Jason glares at him. “Make a remark like that again, and you might just find out the answer to that.”

“Are you threatening me?” Reese moves around his desk, facing Jason

“Take it how you want,” Jason challenges.

Before anyone can react, Reese takes a swing at Jason’s face.

Jason ducks and swings a crutch at Reese’s legs, knocking his feet out from under him. In a split second, he’s got Reese’s throat pinned under the end of the crutch, the other one in the air, threatening to be swung in his direction.

Reese holds up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. You’ve proven your point.”

Jason lets him go and steps back, resuming his position. “Now are we going to get this thing straightened out, or not?”

Reese gets up off the floor and shakes his head. “I told you…my hands are tied. So you’ve proven you can still handle yourself. What good does that do? Carter’s the one with the control and you know it.”

“Good.” Jason turns around. “Then we go see Carter.”

“But Jason! You can’t just barge in there!”

“Watch me.” Jason heads to another door in Reese’s office, motioning for Katie to follow him. Ignoring Reese’s warnings, he once again enters an office without knocking.

This third office is the biggest, but the simplest, with little furniture and an uncarpeted floor. An older man is standing near a bookcase and turns at the sound of visitors. Surprise flickers in this eyes, though he doesn’t allow his body language to show it.

Jason stops several feet in front of him, staring him straight in the eye. “Carter.”

Casey’s features prove the years have been hard on him, the weariness showing in his body and eyes. But he has a pride about him as he stands tall. “Jason.”

Jason stands bravely in place. “I want my suspension lifted. Reese said it had to come from you, so here I am.”

Carter chuckles, and turns his attention back to the book case, pulling off a book and thumbing through the pages. “You do realizes there were grounds for that suspension.”

“Yes.”

“And yet you have the nerve to want the sentence lifted?”

“There were reasons for everything.”

“Oh?” Carter raises an eyebrow. “You almost killed Austin.”

Jason swallows hard, shoving his emotions out of the picture. “I was emotionally and mentally distraught. Since then I have found help and have overcome that problem.”

Carter allows a pause. “What about disclosing private information without permission?”

“That was a judgment call I made and if I could do it over again, I would. There were too many secrets, and Austin was taking too long in telling the truth.”

Carter closes his book and puts it back on the shelf. He studies Jason for several moments, then shifts his gaze to Katie. “So, Katie Pent...” He studies her thoughtfully, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “What do you have to say about this? What say you about Jason? Do you think he should remain suspended or not, and if not, what are you reasons?”

Waiting

*Katie watches in aww at everyone and how much respect Jason had. He truly was honnered here. Stoping at Laura Katie is quiet as Jason talks. Returning her handshake Katie nods. Still following close behind Jason. As they near the doors in the back her heart starts to race as she gets nervouse.*

*Rosetta speaks aloud.* "I just wanted to keep her safe. I dident want her to make the same mistakes I did ya know." *Rosetta looks up and turns her head to Mick.* "Hey Mick." *Rosetta smiles.* " I new it was you. I can tell by the way you walk. I've known you for many years I master the house, the steps, the spaces between each." *Rosetta giggles alittle.* " What are you up to?"

*Back at the Mess hall Wes stands and pulls out a deck of cards and hold them up?* " Anyone wanna play alittle get out mind off everything for the time being. I know we are all worryed but, there is nothing we can do right now so we might as well try and keep our spirits up."

Co-workers

It’s after supper. Mick wanders from the mess hall, taking in a deep breath of the evening air. What else could go wrong? Would things ever settle down? Would they really ever be able to end this thing? It seemed things were going wrong one after the other.
He shakes his head and ambles towards the barn, looking for nothing in particular. Entering, he spots Rosetta. Stopping briefly, he wonders if she wants to be left alone, and is unsure whether he should stay or leave.



Jason swings his way down the center aisle of the cubicles, aiming for the very back where there were several doors.

“Yo, Jason!” A young man stops his own route, with paperwork in his hands. “What are you doing around here? I heard you were laid up.”

Jason pauses for a moment. “Just checking in, Drake. Nothing that these crutches can’t cure.”

Drake lifts an eyebrow at Jason’s serious tone, and doesn’t bother asking who Katie is. “Alright….Catch you later then, I guess.”

Jason nods and starts forward again. People look up from what they’re doing, and pause in their own work as they pass. By their body language, it’s obvious that Jason is very well-known and respected. Few dare to get in his way, as his lifted chin implies he’s not to be toyed with this evening.

Halfway to the back, a young woman meets them in the aisle, flashing a smile at Jason. “Hey, Hotshot!”

“Laura.” Jason nods, keeping his tone at a friendly but cool level.

Laura puts a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Didn’t expect to see you back in this neck of the woods yet.”

“I’m not.”

“Oh?” Laura looks at him with question.

Jason shakes his head, remaining collected. “I won’t be here long enough to even go to the office.”

Laura doesn’t ask what he means, but refocuses her attention to Katie. “Who’s your friend?”

Jason allows a grin to sneak out. “My bodyguard.”

Laura is taken aback for just a moment, but then senses the humor in Jason’s voice, and extends her hand to Katie. “Well, Bodyguard, welcome to TJY.”

Jason throws her a warning glance. “No questions, Laura.”

She takes the hint, and backs off with nod. “As you wish.” She cocks her head at Jason. “How’s the leg? Heard you had a close call.”

“Let’s just say I don’t care to do it again.” Jason nods to the back of the floor. “Who’s in tonight?”

“Everyone.”

“Good. See you later.”

“Okay.” Laura gives a brief wave, and turns her attention back to what she’d been doing.

Jason starts forward again, but stops and turns back to her. “Hey, Laura…”

“Yes?”

“Take care of the phones, will ya?”

Laura thinks for only a moment before nodding knowingly, proving her own respect for him. “Good as done.”

“Thanks.” Once again, Jason takes route, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Katie is still with him. He ignores the looks of question and curiosity that are thrown his way, staying focused on his purpose.

New place

*Rosetta stands abruptly.* " I have to get some air." *Rosetta leaves the mess hall and heads for the barn. Entering she stops at the stall with Beauty. Exstending her hand she pets the folls nose. So gental this small animel was. It was hard to imagen who her father was. That was so long ago. So many years had past since that time. So many adventurs they had been on. So many dangers. Rosetta with draws her hand and sits down on a bail of hay. Her thoughts drift her and there.*

*Katie keeps close to Jason. Making sure to her head up like she was one of them let trying to get the layout of there sarroundings. What an amazing play TJY was indeed. Katie walks swiftly behind Jason.*

Arrival

Jason throws Katie a wry grin, and steers the car into the driveway. Stopping at the security booth, he rolls down the window.

The guard eyes him suspiciously. "State your business."

Jason quirks an eyebrow cockily and flashes his ID card.

The guard looks it over and hands it back. He nods to Katie with rude question.

Jason stares him in the eye, warning him not to ask questions. "She's with me."

After a moment, the guard relents. "Alright. You're clear." He re-enters the booth to open the gate.

Jason takes a deep breath and drives through, following the route around to the back of the building. "Well, one good thing - apparently security hasn't gotten wind of me being missing, which means Austin is still clueless." He parks between several other cars and gets out, retrieving his crutches. "Alright...follow me and keep close."

He leads the way to a small entrance door, using his ID card to unlock it. A buzzer sounds, opening the door, and he makes sure Katie is still with him. Directly inside is an elevator, and he presses the button for the lower level. The ride is short, and when it opens, a whole new world appears. The basement of the building is huge, with dozens of cubicles, computer stations and people mulling around. The lights are bright, leading one to think they aren't even underground. Conversations buzz from every direction, phones ring, and a couple people hurry by, not even noticing the newcomers.

Jason nods to Katie. "Well...this is it. Come on."

Hotshot

*Katie nods to Jason. Pulling her rubberband from her pocket she throws her hair back up again and puts her sun glasses on again.* "ok...lead the way Hotshot." *Katie gives alittle grin.

*Rosetta anger grows, than dies, than grows again as her emotions run around in circles. She is worryed, upset, not understanding why Katie would do something like this. Rosetta shakes her head and heads to the office to get some work done ending again in the Mess hall asking Austin if he heard anything yet.*

Welcome

Austin sighs in disgust as they find nothing. "No one I've called has heard from him either." He shakes his head. "There's no point in trying to track a bank or credit card - Jason's too smart for that. I honestly don't know where he'd slip up, if he would at all." He rolls his eyes. "He's too smart for his own good, that's the problem. I've got a squad on the lookout for Pete's car, but without even knowing where Jason has gone, it won't do a whole lot of good. I guess we just keep looking."

The day seems to last forever, and no one at the ranch can find any information to lead them to where Jason and Katie might have gone. False hope rises when someone from TJY calls in with a report on Pete's car, but it ends up being misinformation, and they're back to square one.

By supper time, the tension has worsened, and anger has built even more.

Austin throws down a file folder of paper on the table with a whack. "Soon as that boy gets back here, he's gonna be under house arrest, or so help me, I'll..."

"You'll what?" Cindy leans in the kitchen doorway, her face proving she's just as upset as everyone else. "Fire him? Knock his block off? You do realize that probably the reason he's gone is because of threats like that."

"Are you saying it's my fault?"

"No..." Cindy shakes her head slowly. "But you know Jason doesn't react well to that kind of treatment."

Austin groans and turns his back to look out the window, not admitting he's more worried than upset. "Where are you, Jase?"


Jason slows Pete's car down as they come upon a long driveway, leading back a ways from the road into a wide parking lot that surrounds a large warehouse-type building with the company's name boldly proclaimed on the side. A security booth sits on the side of the driveway with an electronic gate, hindering anyone who doesn't belong there.
Pausing, Jason lets out a slow breath. "I could very well lose my job completely at TJY for this..." He shakes his head and straightens in his seat, throwing on his confident air. "Just follow my lead and act like you belong here." He reaches in his pocket, pulling out his ID card. "Welcome to TJY."

Credit Card

*Rosetta nods and stands pulling out a phone book. Starting to dial numbers.*

*Wes sits thinks for a long moment.* " I know I shouldent but I know Katies laptop is in Jason bunk, I am gonna go and see if there is any clues on that as to where they might go." *Wes gets up and leaves the mess hall making his way to Jason's bunk.*

*As they enter navada Katie looks with aww.* "So...I'm gonna meet "Carter" himself huh when we get there. Intresting. Everyone says I look alot like my aunt, I wonder if he will know who I am." *Katie cant help but giggle as her excitment builds.* "Hey..I guess we are like the new age Bonnie and Clide."

*Rosetta comes back to the table and sits down.* "Nothing. Does Jason have a bank card or Credit card he might have used for Gas we can track? I know Katie took her cash she was saving so they might of been smart and used that. But we can hope they slipped up somewhere."

*Wes enters the mess hall again after a long while.* "Hey, I was looking on Katie's laptop and there was a message from Jay on there. Do you think they went to see him?"

*Rosetta looks at Wes in astonishment.* "Katie never told me her wrote her a letter. Maybe thats why she has seemed so distint latly." *Rosetta shakes her head.* "Katie dident like Jay much I dont think she would of seem him. I'll call just is case." *Rosetta dials Jays number.* "Hey Sharri....is Jay there?...Hey Big Bro...its Rosetta. Ya I know it has been awhile...Hey listen have you hurd anything from Katie...I dident think so...Her and a friend of hers took off lastnight and we dont know where they went...Ya...ok..thx. Ok...I'll let you know. Thanks Bro." *Rosetta hangs up the phone.* "Nothing."

Calls

Cindy just shakes her head. "Where would he have gone? I just don't understand. It's not like him to do something like this...I know he was upset, but...why wouldn't he have told me?"

Austin gets up and begins to pace, racking his brain. "There's got to be a logical answer...would he have gone far? Out of town? His note said he'd be gone a couple days...but that doesn't mean a thing. He could have just slipped down to a hotel an hour away to make us sweat."

Cindy frowns. "Why would he do that? He's not mean."

"No, but maybe he wanted to prove a point or something....maybe he thought we'd say we needed him back. Maybe he's going to wait a couple days, then call and say he'll come back if he gets his job back."

"Would you give it to him?" Con scoffs.

"After this?! Ha!" Austin grimaces. "This is the last straw as far as I'm concerned."

"What if he went after a lead?"

"In his condition?"

Con shrugs. "He's not alone."

Sparky intervenes. "You think he'd actually go after a lead on the Agency with Katie as his only partner, and without telling anyone?"

Con purses his lips in thought. "If he felt he had something to prove...maybe."

"This is ridiculous." Austin finds his chair again. "This is just plain ridiculous." He picks up his phone again. "I'm going to start calling anyone I think Jason might have contacted. Rosetta, how about calling hotels within a fifty mile radius and see if any reservations have been made?"



Jason lets a grin slip. "You're as bad as I am." He looks back to the road ahead. "Nevada, here we come."

Through thick and thin

*Wes looks to Cindy than to Rosetta.* "What why...Oh man...Katie." *Wes goes over next to Cindy and puts his hand in his hands.*

*Frustrated Rosetta dials Katie's cell. Geting no answer once again she slams it down.* "Out of all the stupid thing to do. I thought she was smarter than this. "

*Katie listens to her phone ring again than looks to Jason and smiles.* " I am old enough to make my own desistions. And if I dident want to stick with you, I wouldent be here now." *Katie offers a small smile to Jason.*

You sure?

Austin groans, finally plopping down into a chair. "I don't have a clue where he would have gone...Con?"

Con stays standing, folding his arms across his chest. "Well, he hasn't led on about going anywhere at all. I'm just as surprised as y'all are..." He shakes his head. "I know he was upset about being suspended...maybe he was just mad and took off to cool down."

"But WHERE?" Austin slams a hand down onto the table. "Of all the stupid...I can't believe he did this! To put himself in jeopardy is one thing, then to top it all off, he dragged Katie along with him." He takes his phone and dials angrily, waiting for just a moment. "Yeah, Reese, it's Austin. You haven't heard from Jason by any chance, have you? ....No, he left in the middle of the night without telling anyone. ...You haven't?" He sighs in disgust. "I didn't think he would have talked to you, but it was worth a shot. We don't know where he would have gone. ...Well, he was upset about being suspended... Con thinks he might have just taken off to cool down, but we still don't know where that would be. ......No, we don't think it was foul play. He left me a note. ....Alright. If you hear anything, call me right away. Thanks." He hangs up, his face showing his anger. "He's never done anything like this before. I don't get it."

Cindy looks up as Wes enters, tears of worry behind her eyes. "Jason and Katie are gone. No one knows where they went. You don't know anything, do you?"


Jason sighs deeply, shaking his head. "I am so dead..." He pauses, looking at Katie out of the corner of his eye. "You sure you want to stick with me on this one?"

Voicemail

*As Rosetta listens to the phone ring she talks to Sparky.* " He new better than to leave her here, she would tell us where he was going. " *Feeling frustrared and helpless only makes Rosetta bloodboil more.* "Come on Katie. Answer your phone do the right thing before you both get youself killed."

*Katie's eyes linger on Jason for a long while. She slowly she puts her phone back in her pocket. Returning her gaze to outside.*

*Rosetta finally gets Katie's voice mail. Rosetta leaves a message in a stern voice.* "KATIE LYNN PENT YOU GET YOU BUTT HOME THIS INSTINE DO YOU HEAR ME. AND BRING JASON WITH YOU. YOU BOTH ARE IN BIG TROUBLE." *Rosetta slams the phone down.* " We have no idea where they would go at all? Non what so every?"

*Wes walks into the mess hall as everyone is shouting.* "Whoa whoa whats going on.?"

*Katie takes out her phone again and plats the message.* "This is not going to be fun when we get back."

Don't

Austin rolls his eyes and throws up his hands. "Great. I should have known he'd take her with him. Those two are..." He bites his tongue from saying something regrettable.

Con arrives on the scene, not surprised by the tension. "The cameras are back up, but Pete's car is gone. Jason skipped didn't he."

Austin grits his teeth. "Yeah, he skipped all right. No location, no nothing. I don't have a clue where he would have gone."


Jason raises an eyebrow and glances to Katie. "Don't answer it. I need to get to TJY before they figure out where we've gone. The element of surprise is the only thing I've got."

She's gone

*Katie can feel Jason's stress and tention.* "Its gonna be ok J. Its gonna work out." *Katie continues to look out the window at everything going by.*

*Rosetta nods and geting up leaving for Katies bunk. After several moment Rosetta comes bursting back into the mess hall. Her face red with anger.* "She's gone. Her backpack, money, clothing, cell phone, everything is gone." *Taking her phone she dials Katies cell.*

*As Katie gets lost in thought her cell phone strats to ring and vibrate. Taking her phone from her pocket she see its Rosetta. Lookng at the phone and than to Jason she states.* "Its my Aunt."

*Rosetta waits as the phone rings.*

He's Gone

Jason keeps his eyes on the road as the radio plays, his mind far from the music and lyrics. Miles go by, and the stress of the situation wears on him. There are so many variables...


Austin holds up the crumpled paper. "Look, Jason rigged the cameras so no one would see him leave, and he stole Pete's car. Left this note, not even telling me where he'd been. Does that sound to you like he took a joy ride to town?" He shakes his head in frustration. "Find Katie. Jason usually tells her what he's up to, and I need to know where he's gone."

Cindy stops drinking her coffee, worry coming back all over again. "Oh, Jason," she moans quietly. "What have you done now?"

Worry

*Katie eats her yogurt and drinks her coffee. Katie takes in the sights as they drive. This being the fathest from home she has ever been its all new and exciting for her. Reaching over she turns the raido on and listens to the first song that sounds cool: January One, I got a lot of things on my mind I'm looking at my body through a new spy satelliteI try to lift a finger but I don't think I can make a call So tell me if I move 'cause I don't feel anything at all. So carry me I'm just a dead man Lying on the carpet Can't find a heartbeat Make me breathe I wanna be a new man Tired of the old one Out with the old plan.*

*Everyone looks up as Austin comes pursting into the messhall.*

*Rosetta lifts her head from her paper work.* " What do you mean Jason is gone? You mean taken again? Surely if that was the case Katie would of come and told us. Are you sure he is not in town or something?" *Rosetta thinks for a moment relizing she hasent seen Katie all morning eather.* "I have seen Katie yet this morning at all. Maybe they went out together somewhere and will be back soon!" *Rosetta trys to stay calm but the look in Austins eyes makes it hard to do that.*

Morning

Jason concentrates on the road, every once in a while throwing a glance in Katie's direction. There weren't many people he knew that would trust him enough to follow him blindly like she would. It was a unique feeling.
Once the silence is broken, he nods. "Yeah, we'll stop here pretty soon. We're gonna need gas anyway. I know a good truck stop up here a ways."

By the time they pull off the interstate into the truck stop, it's seven o'clock and the sun is throwing its warm greeting over the land. With the car fueled up and breakfast in hand, it's quickly back on the road to head northwest. Jason downs a breakfast sandwich and orange juice, swallowing several pain killers as well. He looks a the clock with satisfaction. "We're making good time."



Austin and Con make their way to the ranch, using the now well-worn trail. As they aim for the mess hall, Austin looks towards Jason's bunk. Though knowing the situation between himself and his grandson is tense, he goes up the porch, simply to check on him. He's surprised that there's a note taped to the door, and he takes it off and opens it.

Austin -
Sorry about the cameras. Tell Brent it's switch eleven. Let Pete know his baby is in good hands and will be returned soon; apologies for not asking first.
The undisclosed location I'm headed to will keep me for a couple days. I'll be back as soon as the situation allows.
Jason

Austin's eyes widen as he reads, the anger immediately beginning to boil. He crumples the paper in his fist. "Con! Get back to the cabin and check the cameras, then check on Pete's car and call me."

Though surprised and confused, Con obeys, turning to jog back down the trail.

Austin makes a beeline for the mess hall. There was only one person there who might know where Jason would have gone.
He bursts into the mess hall, met by surprised stares. He scans the room, his irritation growing. Katie's not there. "Jason has skipped out on us," he announces loudly. "If anyone knows anything, now's the time to say it."

Sunrise

*As they speed down the road Katies mind wonders. It feel strange siting here now with him while she was more awake. Just recnetly she had felt so strange when Jason had told her he was going to the social with Jade. Now she wasent sure how to feel. Jason was her friend and she was happy for that, but her heart wanted more even though she new being his friend was enough. Glancing over at Jason she can see he is deturmend. He has that smile on his face she has seen so many times before. All that Katie was feeling about him and Jade is gone for now. Jason has asked her to go with him. Maybe he really did care and she was just looking to much into him and Jade. This truly was going to be an adventure. After a few hours of silence Katie speaks again.* "We should probley stop some where to get some breakfest soon. Dont need your sugar geting to low. If you start to get tired I can drive for alittle bit too." *As they keep driving Katies hair blows in the breeze as she lets it down out of the pony tail to dry. The wind in her face and the smell of the air in her noise. All her worrys drift away she felt free. Turning she looks at Jason without saying anything only smiling. As sunrise comes the sky turns pink, and purple, blue and red. The colors bouncing off Katies face. She has never seen something so pretty in her life.*

On the road

Jason lets a slight chuckle out at Katie. “Yeah, you look great. Come on.”

He leads the way as quietly as possible, moving swiftly on his crutches. He heads down the driveway, then veers off onto a path that leads away from the ranch yard. He doesn’t say much until the small hideout comes into view. “Alright.” He stops and whispers. “Pete’s car is hidden just a short ways away from the cabins. I hacked into the camera system about an hour ago so no one should have seen us so far. They’ll fix it in the morning. We should be able to get the car started and get out of here without waking anyone up.” He throws Katie a grin. “His mustang purrs like a kitten.”

Jason keeps going, leading the way to the car that’s covered with a tarp. Taking it off, he gestures for Katie to get in the passenger side. After getting his crutches in the back seat, he eases in behind the steering wheel. Within minutes, they’ve hit the main road, and Jason revs the engine, pushing the speed limit down the darkened highway.

Finally he glances to Katie. “Alright…Reese isn’t taking my calls, Austin and I aren’t on speaking terms, and my future is in jeopardy. I’m going to TJY in a last ditch effort to get Carter to repeal my suspension. It’ll take us about sixteen hours to get there. Once we arrive, it might get a little hairy if Reese won’t see me, but I’m bound and determined to speak my mind, and I’ll do it one way or another.”

Leaving

*Katie just looks at Jason for a moment.* "Ya...I'll come along. Let me get dressed. Come on in so no one see you standing out there." *Katie grabs her black jeans, and her nice dress shirt from her dresser. Going into the bathroom she hopes in the shower fast. Than gets out and gets dressed. Throwing her hair up in a pony tail she exits the bathroom. Going over to her desk shair she grabs her brown suade coat and puts it on. Taking her black sungalss from her pocket she throws them on and looks at Jason with a smile.* " I look good dont I?" *Katie laughs and grstures to the door.* " Ok lets get going and you can explain whats going on, on they way." *Before leaving the bunk Katie grab her wallet and takes some money from her dresser and puts it into her coat knowing they will probley need it. Also she grabs her backpack that has a bunch of stuff in case of an emergncy along with her cell phone.*

You coming?

Jason gives half a wry grin at Katie’s groggy appearance, and he keeps his voice low. “I’m going to TJY - should get there after supper time. You coming along or what?”

I can feel

*Katie sound asleep jolts up in bed hearing the knock. Looking at the clock she see it is 3am. Rubing her eyes she just sits there for a moment leting the get use to the dark. After a moment she can feel with out a question who is at the door. Geting up she answers the door in her over sized sweatshirt and blue striped shorts.* "J...." *Katie says in a groggy voice.* "...J I'd ask you if everything was ok, but I can feel it is. Whats up?"

Night visitor

Jason nods thoughtfully. "Yeah, I still gotta get you that lighter rifle I promised you ages ago. Remind me in a few days again and we'll go get it." He sighs deely and looks a the clock. "Well, I think I'm gonna take a shower then head to the mess hall so everyone at least knows I'm alive." He swings his legs over the side of the bed, biting back a wince. "I'll catch ya in a bit."

Clint stands a little straighter, feeling good that he's shared with Rosetta. He's on the right track with his past mistakes, he's doing well with Wes, and he's making the right choices now. Maybe things really were looking up.
His face reddens slightly at the mention of the winter social. "Um...I haven't asked her yet," he admits. "I'm planning to though." He gives her a sheepish grin, then turns to leave. "Thanks, Rosetta. I better get back out to helping Wes."


Before everyone knows, it evening is upon the ranch once again. The gang gathers in the mess hall for supper, the mood fairly light. Clint is able to muster up the guts to join Rosetta in telling the others about his and Wendy’s finding, and it’s decided to sleep on it before taking any action.

Jason joins in for the evening meal, though avoids Con and his grandfather, purposely sitting at another table. Con won’t meet his gaze, and he makes a point of tossing Austin a look that could kill. Jason doesn’t allow the tension to affect anything else though, and tries to enjoy the company around him.


The next few days seem to go quickly, despite the mundane routines assumed around the ranch. Jade snatches up any free opportunities to be with Jason, while he continues to be sociable, but withdrawing to the privacy of his bunk often, not letting on about any plans.



It’s three o’clock in the morning. Everything is set. Jason throws on a pair of jeans, laces up his boots and dons his black leather jacket. He feels for Pete’s keys in his pocket to ensure they’re there, and he grabs his wallet to stuff in his back pocket. He takes one last look at himself in his mirror, standing tall. He’s dressed to kill and he knows it. If he’s going to make an impression, it’s going to be a good one…it was his only chance.

Slowly he heads out of his bunk, letting his door shut quietly behind him, and he hobbles down the steps with his crutches. He’s supposed to go to therapy tomorrow…but it will just have to wait.
He makes his way down the driveway, but something in his gut stops him, and he pauses. He knows that he’s making a decision some will thing is rash. He knows that he will be in big trouble with Austin, despite the note he left on his door. He’s going through with it anyway, as a last ditch effort.
But…for once…he weighs the choices of going alone, or with company. And for once…he feels the want of a friend. He’s usually a loner…but the thought of company is strangely appealing, and if there’s anyone he’d want along, it was her.

Turning around, he aims for Katie’s bunk. Finally making it up the short steps, he raps his knuckles on the door, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one is watching. “Katie?” he calls quietly.

Disapointment

*Katie's smile slowly fades. A sadness and pain in her heart. Trying not to let it show Katie laughs.* "Thats ok I probley wont go anyways." *Katie giggles as she puts her smile back on.* "Ya I was doing alittle bit of shooting. Trying to clear my mind from everything with my Dad. I figured I could of use the practice anyways."

*Rosetta takes the paper and nods at Clint.* "Thank you for coming to me with this Clint. You did the right thing." *Rosetta hands the paper back to Clint.* "Lets let everyone know about this at dinner ok." *Rosetta smiles proud that Clint came to her.* " So are you gonna take Wendy to the Winter Social in town? I bet she would like it."

Too late

Clint jumps in surprise as Rosetta comes up behind him. “Oh, sheesh.” He rolls his eyes at himself. “You’d think I would have heard you coming.” He follows Rosetta inside and shifts his weight awkwardly. “Listen, um…there’s something I should have told you a long time ago… I was going to tell you a few weeks ago, but everything got crazy, so I didn’t. I think maybe Luke and Angel know a little bit, but Wendy and I didn’t share it with anyone.” He reaches into his back pocket and retrieves a couple folded printouts. “Wendy and I found information on a woman named Trace. We questioned her resemblance to Luke, and we saw that she was involved with Casey at one time. After hearing Austin a few weeks ago, I wondered if maybe Trace was one of the people that Casey wouldn’t talk about. At any rate…we found where she currently resides with her husband, and there is contact information.” Clint swallows hard, knowing that keeping secrets never went over well in this group. “I…we thought maybe we’d find something ourselves and be helpful, but…I guess maybe we should have shared this sooner.”


Jason grins as Katie comes into his bunk. He shrugs off her thanks for the flowers, uninterested in making a big deal out of it.
As Katie asks him to the winter social, his eyes widen. Not even thinking, he lets a chuckle escape, proving he’s oblivious to Katie’s seriousness. “Well, if ya would have come five minutes sooner, you might have had a chance. But Jade beat you to it.” He shakes his head in amusement, not catching on to Katie’s subtle embarrassment, and not believing that any of this is that big of a deal. “So what have you been up to today? I heard some shots - target practice?”

Asking

*Wes nods at Clint.* "It takes time." *Feeling Clint is uncomfortable talking about Jim he lets the conversation change.* "Ok try tighting that over there....ok now change those to wires. Ok let see if this thing will work now."

*Rosetta comes up behind Clint on the porch with a bunch of mail in her hand.* "I guess it would help if I was in there to answer the door huh?" *Rosetta cant help but smile at Clint. Opening the door She smiles.* "Come on in."

*Firing off the last round in her gun a paper blows past Katies feet. Puting her guns sadtl on and than returning it to her holdster she runs after the paper. A smile comes to her face as she reads. It would be fun to go with Jason and get them both and about for a bit. Stuffing the paper into her pocket Katie heads for Jason's bunk. As she draws closer she see Jade heading out. Katie nods at Jade as she goes up the steps on a mission. Katie knocks on the door as it swings open. Looking in she see Jason siting up on bed. Katie steps in.* "Hey J. I'm happy to see your up and eating something. I was gonna ask if you wanted anything. Oh thank you for the flowers. I love them. You sure do know how to make a girl smile dont you." *Katie smiles at Jason. Siting down she pulls the paper out of her pocket.* "Hey J I was gonna ask...I found this out in the clearing and its for a winter social, and I was wondering if maybe you would like to go with me. I dont normaly go to this kind of stuff but I thought it would be nice for us to get out of the ranch for a bit and have some fun." *Katie's face turns alittle red as she askes Jason being alittle embarssed.*

Invitation

Clint concentrates on the job he's doing, but takes to heart what his uncle is saying. "Thanks, Wes...I appreciate all your help." He mulls over what was said about him looking like Jim, and he pauses, wrench in hand, for just a moment. "Jim and I had a good talk the other day...I guess maybe we're mending the bridge that almost got burned." He shrugs. "Maybe one of these days he and I will have a better relationship."
Not comfortable with talking about it further right now, he turns back to the motor. "Now...let's get this sucker running..."


Jade gives Wendy a knowing grin as they talk about Clint, but she doesn't tease. Looking to the kitchen, she nods. "Oh yeah, thanks. I'll see you a bit later." She goes to the kitchen, and a few minutes later, she and Mick head outside for a walk.


Morning becomes afternoon, and the day progresses slowly.

Taking a break, Clint heads to Rosetta's office and knocks on the door. "Rosetta?"



A tennis ball flies through the air, ricochets off the wall and back into Jason's hand. He tosses it again, aiming at nothing, and catching it, just to throw it back. He's been awake for an hour, sitting up on his bed, his mind reeling. His mind has wandered back to TJY, Austin, an his suspension. Con's words come back to him, "Don't fight it. Let it go." But how could he let it go? How could he just sit back and take it? Yes, he'd made mistakes, and yes, the charges were all true. But he'd had his reasons...there were explanations. Did he not have a right to defend himself?
He throws the ball with force, and it stings his palm as it bounces back to him. He'd tried calling Reese a while ago, and had been given the runaround by another secretary. It was obvious that Reese was not going to take his calls, avoiding the whole issue, which just made Jason all the madder.
As the tennis ball's banging noise against the wall drones on, a hard determination forms in Jason's mind. He may have made some mistakes, but this treatment was unfair. But if Reese wasn't going to talk to him, there was only one option left.
He catches the ball one last time, his gaze fixed on the blank wall. Maybe it wasn't the wisest decision, and it was certainly wasn't something he could tell anyone else about. But it was his only chance.
His mind begins to formulate a plan, calculating all the variables, and all the scenarios that might occur. The end result would either be very good or very bad. But either way, he couldn't just sit here and do nothing.
Jason throws the ball one last time, his mind made up. Now all he needed was a couple opportune times to get things in place so he would not be hindered.

A knock at the door startles him, and he stops throwing the ball again. "Yeah, come on in."

Jade timidly opens the door and steps inside. "Hey...I wasn't sure if you were awake or not. No one saw you at lunch, so we assumed you were still sleeping."

Jason grins, shoving his plans to the back of his mind. "Yeah, I just woke up a while ago."

"I brought you something to eat if you wanted it..." Jade holds out a paper plate with a sandwich and some fruit. "Your mom said you get low blood sugar if you don't eat."

Jason chuckles. "She was right, and I am a bit hungry."

"Good." Jade comes and sits on the edge of the bed, handing Jason the food. "How are you feeling?"

Jason takes as bit of the sandwich and nods. "Alright until the pain meds wear off. But I feel better than everyone's treating me." He throws her a wry grin. "Not that I mind the attention."

Jade blushes slightly.

"Nah, really I feel pretty good." Jason shrugs. "I know everyone who saw me at death's door might expect me to be in worse shape, but I think sleeping for three weeks did me good."

Jade looks at his face with sympathy. "Does that hurt?"

"What, this?" Jason gestures to his fresh scar. "Not much. The doctor said I could see a plastic surgeon if I wanted, but I figure it's just part of me now...it's a good reminder of my mortality every time I look in the mirror."

Jade cocks her head. "I think it gives you character."

A grin makes its way across Jason's face again as he takes another bite of his sandwich. "Let's just hope none of my ventures give me any more character, okay?"

Jade laughs. "Alright." She pauses, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, I wanted to tell you...I've gotten out a bit lately, and I saw that there's a winter social event in town in about two weeks. Sparky said that the church is involved too, so it's a good clean event. They have food, games, dancing... that sort of thing..." She looks at him with question.

Jason lifts an eyebrow, pausing his chewing. "And..."

"Well..." Jade's face reddens slightly. "I thought maybe you'd like to go. I know everyone's worried about security and everything, but Sparky and Mel are going...I don't know about any of the others yet, but it's not like it's out in the boonies where something can go wrong."

Jason swallows and thinks for just a moment, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And do I look like someone who could join in the festivities?"

Jade rolls her eyes. "It's a social event. Who cares if you can't get up and dance? I certainly wouldn't. Besides, it would be fun to get out and meet some other people... get our minds off everything that's been going on, if only for a couple hours." She grins at him. "So...what do you say?"

Jason wonders if the decision he'd made just a short while ago would affect these plans. But if everything went his way, it wouldn't. And Jade's invitation did have a certain appeal. Her enthusiasm to do something like that with him made him feel good in a way that was new to him. He concentrates on his food again, slyly allowing the silence to create tension.

Jade looks at him expectantly, the heat rising to her cheeks. "If you don't want to that's okay, I..." Jason's teasing glance makes her face grow even redder. "You turkey."

Jason laughs. "And I thought you cared. Now you're calling me names."

"Well I wouldn't if you'd just give me an answer!" Jade slaps his arm teasingly.

Jason shakes his head, still laughing. "Alright, I won't torture you. Yes, I'll go."

"Yay!" Jade smiles broadly. "Good. Now, I'm going to leave you in peace. If you need anything, call up at the mess hall."