Circumstances

Wyatt listens thoughtfully. He could sense Katie’s genuine hurt for a friend. And though feeling just a little awkward that it was Jason she was talking about, he couldn’t help but admire her depth of friendship and care.
“I knew when Jason got back here that he’d changed…I could tell he’d been through a lot and was more focused…maybe grown up more, though I hate to use that term.”
He shakes his head sadly. “I wish I could see what you do…I can’t, but I believe you. I wish I knew how to help him.”
Wyatt lets Katie talk again, sensing another serious subject arising. As he hears the news, he can feel his heart sink just a little, but he tries not to let it show. “Well, Katie…you’re the only one who can tell if you’re making the right decision or not… I suppose my own perspective is that you’ve got a job to do. Whether you’re protecting Jason, me or Scott… If…” He hesitates, but says it anyway. “If there are no personal feelings involved, then you just have to learn how to separate job from friendship. It’s possible.”
He glances at her, and reaches over to put an arm around her shoulders. “As far as you and I are concerned…you can’t expect me to be thrilled about this, but where you have to do a job, I have to accept that fact too. We’ll still find time to be together…whenever Jason’s with other people or at TJY, you’ll be free, and….” He cocks his head to see her eyes. “…And I’m just going to have to force myself to trust you.” He offers a little grin. “Take it as a compliment.”
Wyatt gives her a little squeeze. “It’ll all work out…I promise. And…if you want, I’ll even help get things set up for you, however this is going to work with him staying at a hotel for a while. We’ve used the one downtown before…it’s got a suite with divided rooms.” He shrugs, not necessarily liking this topic, but not able to avoid it. “How do you feel about that?”


Jason stretches out on Laura’s couch, feeling the Advil starting to kick in. It wasn’t doing much for his stomach since he hadn’t eaten anything, but it was making him drowsy. Maybe he’d be able to just get a short nap in…

Laura looks down on him thoughtfully as he drifts off. “Where are you, Jason?” she whispers. “Where are you hiding?” She goes back over to the pictures, smiling at Jason’s face. He and Con had always been there for her… but there was a part of Jason she’d never known. They had all been friends…good friends…but a part of Jason had always been kept at a distance. She’d caught a glimpse of it about a week ago… but today…it was gone again.