Face to Face

*As Misty watches Carson she can see his eyes change from one thing to the next sending her heart racing. Why, what was this...She dident know Carson and yet this feeling what was it. As the thunder rolls in the background Misty is unmoved by it, but notices Carson jump. She dosent blame him. She would be pritty jumpy if she was him too. For that matter she WAS as jumpy as he was. Misty shakes her head and stands streching. As Carson talks to her about being alittle girl inside something sticks a cord in her own heart hiting home. Shaking it away the fire returns to Mistys eyes. As she thinks about leaving Misty turns back to the Cot and walks over to where Carson is. Leaning forword she puts both her hands on the wall by his head and shifts her weaght so her arms is saporting it all as she is on her toes and leaning over Carson her face inches from his the fire, spunk dancing in her eyes showing no fear. Misty cocks her head alittle bit looking into Carson's eyes.*

"I bet inside you there is a boy that wants to get out too. And I bet there is a boy that wants to believe in hope again. Maybe all you need is that one person to put faith in you, trust you and show you hope. Well Guess that Carson that one person is me. I took the match and lit the fire, what you do with it is your choise. How far will you go to get what you want, to take what you really want and not let it go. Dont let that fire burn out. It could be the last chanse for both of you."

*Misty stays looks down into Carson's eyes for a moment more. Pushing off the wall she moves herself from Carson's face and just stands in front of him.*

*As Laura arms find there way around Nate he lets out a content sigh. Laura felt nice in his arms. Her warmth...For a moment Nate stops and thinks, this feeling it wasent there before. What was happing. His heart gave a bit of a jump as Laura was wraped in his arms. Nate wasent scaired of much but for a moment this feeling frightend him. After a moment Nate chases the feeling away that was crazy Laura was his firend there was no reson to feel funny around her. As Laura draws away and runs her finger on the wet spot on his shirt Nate smiles.*

"Hey look at that you did. Its ok, this shirt needed to be cleaned anyways and now you started the process for me."

*Nate cant help but chuckle.*

" I promise I wont tell anyone I saw you cry ok. Though I have to admit I dident mind comforting you. I hope if you ever need anything Laura you would feel comfortable enough to talke to me."

*As the light flashes and the thunder rolls, Nate feels Laura's grip tighten. As if shelting her again Nate grabs her bag off the floor and puts his arm around Laura's should once again. Making his way her to the door. As they leave me makes sure to lock the door behind him. Running to his car with Laura he opens her door than runs about to his side jumping in. Pulling out of the drive way he smiles.*

"Away we go."

*As Katie hears Jason she cant help but laugh yelling.*

"CANT A PERSON USE THE BATHROOM IN PEACE GOODNESS."

*After a few moment the sound of a tolit is flushed and the water running. Finally Katie makes her way back downstairs slowly. The rain has started and it was making her back hurt though she trys not to show it. Siting down on the coutch next to Jason.*

"Oh no...my phone is out there somewhere geting wet. Now it will never work. I am gonna have to get a new one. Oh well."

*Katie cant help but smile.*

"Your right it is gonna be a wet ride. I dont mean to cute this pow wow short cuz I am certinly having to much fun to want to leave, but Maybe we should get going now before it gets to bad?"

Thunder

Carson sits back lazily as Misty begins to talk, just glad he's not as bored as the night before.

As she mentions not being able to be shy around him, and that he brought the spark out in her, he can't help a twinge of surprised amusement. He usually had quite a bad effect on people...this was an interesting switch...something about it almost made him feel good...something about it made him even more curious about this woman.

Misty's observation about Carson not being a vile person also stops him for a moment. First, it was hard imagining someone who didn't consider him as such. And second, if it was true, when had he changed? And had it been permanent or simply a brief moment that Misty had happened to be witness to? Carson almost opens his mouth to comment, but decides not to, and simply keeps his eyes fixed on Misty's face as she talks.

Her comment of him running from her forces a short scoff to the surface, along with a wry grin. "Oh yeah...I'm the type to go off running with my tail tucked alright. Hired hitmen are usually pretty easily frightened." Though his eyes barely move, the sarcastic humor invades them, almost as if he can control the kind of stare uses.

The news of Misty being in a gang has no effect on Carson, or his body language. He simply listens, almost as if what she was saying was what he'd already expected to hear...he reacts neither positively nor negatively.

As she mentions her sass, Carson lifts one eyebrow above the other, his jaw muscles tightening to withhold his grin. "You only run into trouble when a man finds that sassiness an enjoyable challenge rather than something to be afraid of." He meets her eyes head on, his own flashing ever so briefly with a different look...something softer...warmer maybe. But as quickly as he allows it to show, he disperses it just as easily, listening to the rest of her story.

"Ah, now we're getting somewhere." He nods slowly. "I bet I've run across your name a time or two if you tangled with the Agency."

Carson cocks his head as Misty concludes. "Touché. You've got more knowledge about what really goes on in this world than most people, I'll give that to ya." A memory invades his mind for an instant, and he sees his sister's face. He studies Misty's own face...her eyes...her body language, as a computer scanning each detail and processing it to file within his memory bank. The next words come out unplanned. "And I'd bet that somewhere...under all that sass...there's still a little girl that knows she grew up too fast and just wants to be that little girl again, carefree and innocent."

Without warning, a deep rumble of thunder shakes the lower level of TJY, and Carson sits bolt upright, almost jumping out of his skin. Relaxing again, he just about rolls his eyes at himself for being so skittish - he didn't like to admit that loud noises like that bothered him.

Resuming his bold air, he eyes Misty again. "Sounds like you better get your sassy self out of here before it gets too bad outside. Otherwise you'll be stuck here, and I doubt you'd want to stay in here with the likes of me. Not to mention tomorrow I would probably die and you would lose your job."


As Laura receives Nate's words, she can feel the walls that she built back up from that morning, starting to crumble once again. Being pulled into his arms feels warm and safe, comfortable and not awkward. A sob catches in her throat a the tears break forth once again. This time she doesn't try to hide them. She needs to let them out once an for all, allowing her emotions to be released.

She's never allowed a man other than her brother to hold her like this, but that thought doesn't cross her mind right now. Her own arms find their way around Nate, leaning into his protective hold - a shelter she needed.

Her crying eventually softens until her nerves have calmed down again. She sniffs, her head resting against Nate's chest. Blinking, she draws back a little, letting out a sorry laugh as she wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. "I got your shirt all wet." She takes her fingers to rub the wet spot, not daring to look up at his eyes. "Okay, you realize this this is totally unfair. Other than my brother and Jason, no one is allowed to see me cry and you've succeeded not only once, but twice in the same day." She sniffs again, trying to gracefully compose herself, though it's not easy. "Alright, so um...Jamie's...yes...if I don't show up soon, Con will be calling me again."

A flash of lightning illuminates the house before a deafening crack of thunder. Laura jumps, her hand automatically tightening on Nate's arm. "Goodness, that was close. I didn't even know it was supposed to storm tonight."


Kyle watches Katie ascend the stairs and calls after her. "Don't fall in! It's a long way down!"

"Kyle!" Phil gives his shin a kick. "Behave."

Jason laughs and runs a hand through his hair. "Well guys...I know I haven't been able to practice as much as I should - I hope I haven't slowed you down any."

"Bub, keep up putting yourself down and you're gonna find out what it's like to have three maniacs beating on you," Mike warns. "Okay, so yeah, we should practice more, but we knew you'd be in and out when we invited you here. And besides that, you've got such a good ear that you just sit down and start playing as if you've known these songs all your life. We'll be fine for the fundraiser."

A low rumble interrupts their conversation and Phil cocks his head. "Huh...didn't know we were supposed to get rain."

Jason shrugs, then suddenly realizes what that means. "Oh no..."

"What?"

"We brought my bike."

Kyle lets a laugh slip out. "Ooh, smart move!"

"Well I don't have a car!" Jason retorts. "If I could afford it, I would. But the forecast was clear weather tonight, not rain." He lets out a groan. "This is gonna be fun. " He aims his voice upward, knowing the bathroom is above that corner of the basement. "Hey, Katie!" he yells. "Better prepare yourself for a wet ride home!"

Past like Your

*Misty can sence Carson's deprestion. For some reson it struck a cords in Misty's heart. Why, why did she care so much for this stranger she hardly new and someone with his past. Was is because she had one herself or was it just those stunning blue eyes the drew her in. That felt like they searches her soul for an answer. Misty cant help but feel hypnotised by them. Yes there was something differnt about Carson and Misty had no fear. Misty grin alittle as Carson bring up wanting to know about her past again. Turning so she is on the bed alittle more she sits crossing her legs indien style so she could see Carson a bit better.*

"I guess theres no fooling you huh? I dont know what it about you Carson, but you bring that spark out of me. I tryed to be shy and innocent around everyone. This was my job here. and it worked till I saw you. Ya I know totaly crazy right. Next your far from vial. Well at the moment anyways. A person is not made up of actions of the past but those yet to come. We can all change and become better people yet still have a shard edgh like myself."

*Once again Misty search Carson's face for the answer she was looking for. A sassy little grin plays her lips and she re-thinks Carson's question about her past.*

"I am average now anyways. Sort of I guess. Mmmmm...my past, you want to know about my post ok. I guess I can get alittle bit more into detail just dont run for the hills with your tail between your legs.

I grew up here as a kid in a really strikt christion family. Navada has been my home time for ages. As I grew up alot of differnt stuff happend in life that I dident understand and I dident understand my family anymore. I ended up running away from home and joining a gang. I had to be sassy there I was a woman in a gang of mostly guys. I had to have that sharp edgh to let them know not to mess with me. So i guess thats where my sassyness came from and I just never let go of it. In a way I guess I like it."

*For a moment Misty is silent, giving Carson a chanse to talk if he needed to. Misty's eyes meet him as she continues to talk.*

"Well the little gang I was in ran side jobes for the Agency. Nothing to big just hits, and geting money. We wernt involved in the "Big Picture." Anyways while doing that I killed my shair of people that the Agency wanted me to, that our gang boss wanted me too. I was rolling in some good money. But time went on and Reese actully is the one that helped me get out. Is the Agency after me still? Is the gang still looking for me? Oh probley. They wouldent notice me by my looks anymore, I was young than and had grown up quite a bit but if I ever talked to one I am sure they would know who I was I left an impresstion on there brain that would probley last a life time. Anyways...I'm here now changed."

*Misty eyes lite up with sparks and her grin grows wider.*

"See I told you, you have more in common with these people than you think."

*Nate puts his arm around Laura's shoulder.*

"Sometimes it sad how time, this world, this life can change people. We help people but I wonder if we ever stop and think in a sence we are hurting people too. The stuff we go through can be alot to one person. It can do alot of stuff to your mind and mess you up pritty good. I guess in a sence its like a war. You see so many people, friends, loved ones get hurt and its just to much to handle. Those are the people we really need the most Laura. Dont dwell on the part even if it was good. Just remember, and look for the brighter tomarrow. Our friends and those who have had there minds hurt need us. Even if we dont think they do cuz they might have someone alse. They need every person they can get to show them love. We can help pull them out of the black pit and bring them back with God on our side Laura, we can help them."

*Before Nate even relizes what he is doing he has Laura in a stong embrace. Resting his head on top of her.*

*Katie cant help but laugh at Kyle.*

"Yes Kyle he is...and I dont think he'll ever change."

*Katie cant help but continue to laugh and smile as Jason. Standing she makes her way over slowly her cane at her side.*

"Tell them to stop? Why would I do that I enjoy seeing you turn a few shades of red."

*Katie lands a playful punch to Jason's arm.*

"I'll be back guys, I have to use the rest room."

*Katie exits slowly hobbaling up the steps as carfely as she can disapearing though the door at the top.*

So tell me

Carson isn't sure he understands what Misty means about getting him out of trouble with Reese, but suspects it had to do with earlier in the day. He lets it go though, opting to shut out anything that might bring on unwanted emotions. It was a habit - one that kept him safe.

He digs into his sandwich, the action proving his gratefulness for the meager meal. When Misty comments about the room, he takes another look around as he chews, letting a bit of sarcasm out. "Can't get much better than this, eh? What more could a bloke want? Nice concrete room, not too big...full stomach and a spitfire sitting three feet away. A guy could do worse."

He takes a swig of pop before downing the rest of his sandwich. "I'd wager right about now this is better than having been left for dead a couple days ago, though sometimes I wonder if that would have been the preferable option."

One might guess from Carson' words that he'd slipped into a depressive state, though his tone and eyes indicated no emotion...his voice was void of life...void of feeling.

He tilts back his head to finish off his pop. Taking aim, he tosses the empty can across the room, landing it squarely in the waste basket. Finished with the light supper, he bounces his leg a bit nervously without even realizing it as the craving for a smoke returns, but this time there's nothing to curb it.

"So tell me, Misty...what's a girl like you...with as boring a past as yours...doing here, taking the side of a vile criminal such as myself?" He cocks his head, letting his eyes fall on her face. "Something tells me you skirted around the truth earlier. You can't make me believe you're just another average Jane."


Laura finds her cheeks growing just a little warm at Nate's comment about not liking to see her sad. She pushes it aside though, and heads for the porch.

Fifteen minutes later, she's got a small duffel bag ready to go with just a couple day's worth of clothes and a few extra items to take over to Jamie's. Finding Nate looking at the pictures in the living room, she comes up beside him, eying the photos as well. "Interesting, isn't it...how time goes so quickly...yet when staring at a picture, one can almost travel back in time to recapture that memory." Laura's eyes drop down to a smaller framed photo of her and Con many years before...she couldn't have been more than ten...he was barely nineteen or twenty. Those times had been hard...but they'd made her into who she was today, and she couldn't deny that God had sent His blessings, despite the trials.

Laura gives a little sigh. "Sometimes I wonder where these people have gone...there was innocence once...not for everyone, but for some." She spies a picture of Jason who holds a bright smile - something not seen very often any more. Then was Con, laughing at someone's party...she wished she could hear that laugh again now after he'd become so distant. "These pictures keep me company I guess, when I start to get lonely."


Kyle laughs at Katie's enthusiasm, and gives an extra couple enthusiastic notes on the keyboard. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, I'll be here all week."

Phil gives him a slap upside the head. "Yeah, but what about the rest of us? My fingers are about ready to fall off."

Jason chuckles and rests back on a stool, his guitar hanging from his shoulder to leave his hands free as he flexes his own fingers. "You guys are gonna be the death of me. I haven't played this much in years."

"Her fault!" Kyle points at Katie. "She's the one who keeps wanting encores!"

"And you're the one that keeps instigating that we give in!" Mike shoots back.

Jason laughs and shakes his head. "No matter the length of time, I think we sound pretty good."

"Pretty good?!" Kyle brings a hand to his forehead. "We're awesome!"

Mike holds up his first fingers and thumbs, squinting at Kyle from a distance as if measuring something. "Yep, his head has definitely grown in the last hour and a half."

Phil rolls his eyes. "Jason, I don't care what you say, you're the one making us sound good at the moment. I never will understand why you haven't done something with that voice of yours before this."

Jason shrugs and takes off the guitar to put it on a stand. "If I told you it was because I didn't think I could make it, you'd just give me a bad time, so I won't."

Kyle glances over to Katie, a funny look on his face. "Is he always this difficult when someone pays him a compliment?"

"Hey, come on," Jason argues. "You guys are awesome by yourselves. I'm just the add-in."

Phil scoffs. "Yeah, whatever, Jase. Sure, we could be surviving on our own, but don't think we don't see your talent. We're just lucky we got a hold on you before some other band did. We know good and well it takes all of us to get this sound, so don't think the rest of us feel we're doing nothing - but you definitely add an edge we didn't have before."

Jason grimaces and looks at Katie. "Would you tell these guys to stop?"

The Rits

*Misty cant help but get a cheese grin on her face as Carson calls to her. She had no doubt in her mind that he wouldent. Turning back around once again she makes her way across the floor to Carson.*

"Well want cant have that now can we. I just got you out of alittle trouble with Reese. I cant have you being a big old bear and geting into more now can I!"

*Misty holds her grin as the fire in her eyes dance with mischife and enjoyment. Making it to Carson's cot Misty sits down on the courner edgh not wanting to sit on the ground and get her pants dirty. Once comfortable she hands the food and drink to Carson.*

"I know its not much but its the only thing I could think of bringing you that wouldent make the few people left here wonder what was going on."

*At Misty sits on the cot and watches Carson her mind wonders. It was strange that she was siting there now with Carson. When she first got the call from Reese to come and do her internship at TJY she made it up in her mind this was work. And thats how it was going to stay. Now she was breaking the rules to help someone she hardly even new. What was it about Carson that drove Misty to want to help him. He cerntly was intresting, the way he acted and the way he talked. On top of everything alse he was mighty handsome too. Misty take her eyes off Carson and looks around the room.*

"Looks like your staying in the Rits huh. I guess it could be worse though."

*Misty glance at Carson out the courner of her eye at Carson again but trys not to stair as he is eating and dosent want to be rude.*

*Nate finally pulls into Laura's driveway for the second time today. Turning off the car Nate gets out and goes over to Laura's door opening it for her.*

"I'm truly happy I could put a smile on your face and help you today Laura. I dident like seeing you so sad."

*Nate smiles and heads into the house with Laura having to use the bathroom. Once he is done he waits in the living room for whenever she is ready to go. As Nate waits he looks around at all the picturs of Laura, Laura and Con, and Laura Con and Jason. Many other pictures line the wall of differnt people from TJY. They all looked so happy. Nate cant help but smile alittle more. It was nice to see that such friendship still exsisted in a world of chaos.*

*Katie sits on the coutch in the basment of Mike's house listing to the guys practice. Her feel proped up and tucked up underneath her. Taping her fingers and even at time huming along to the music. It was nice to be siting there spending time with her friends. To get away from all the stress and just relax and have a fun time. Jamie hoots and hollars at a song comes to and end.*

"ENCORE ENCORE."

Be that way

Carson purses his lips in thought, letting Misty get to the door again before stopping her. His gut ached from a lack of food, and he couldn’t deny that company would be nice. Though Misty indeed evoked impulsive actions, he had no ill intentions, and it was obvious that she knew it.

“Sure, you come in here, dangle food in front of my face, then threaten to walk away.” He flops down on his cot, resting his back against the wall. “Alright. Be that way. But you’ll have a bear on your hands tomorrow if you don’t at least stay for five minutes, and for crying out loud, give me something to eat.”

...

*As the dim lights go on Misty squints her eyes. Giving alittle laugh to Carson comment.*

"I guess I did, dident I."

*Misty steps up to Carson looking him in the eyes.*

"I dont know but you look pritty harmless to me. Anyways I thought you would be hungry and alittle bit lonly. If you want though I can do."

*Misty turns slightly to start to leave.*

"And I guess I was driven by the fact that I wanted to show you not everyone would leave you high and dry, thats just not me."

Well, well

Laura rolls her eyes, but agrees not to give Nate any money. “Alright, you win this time, but I owe you.”

She glances to Ed with a giggle. “Ah yes. Can’t forget about him.” Receiving Nate’s affirmation that he’ll give her rides to both places, she shakes her head. “Nate, if it weren’t for you, I’d probably still be out in the parking lot bawling my eyes out. I don’t know how I would have made it through the day without your help.” She turns to head back to her desk. “Just let me get my purse and I’m ready.”

She meets Nate by the door a few minutes later, ready to go.


Carson’s eyes fly open as he hears the loud click of the door lock. The room is dark…he doesn’t know what time it is, but would guess late evening. As far as he knew, no one else would be coming to him until morning.

Slipping off the cot, he stands as the door opens and closes. His hand goes for the lightswitch, sending dim light into the room by a simple corner lamp.

His eyebrows raise as he sees Misty. Would she ever stop surprising him?

Carson’s eyes narrow slightly, and he leans to the side, one hand up on the wall, the other on his hip. “Well, well, the little sheila broke the rules again, did she?” He quirks a slight grin. “Either she’s got more guts than a rat terrier, or she’s stupid…putting herself in the same room as a deadly criminal trained to torture people? Tsk…whatever possessed her?”

Viset

*Nate looks up from his desk as Laura aproches. He smiles thinking about she is asking for a ride home is cute. Why hadent he even noticed Laura before, was it cuz he new she was to far from his reach. As if something wakes him in the brain he relizes what he just though. This was crazy Laura was his friend and he liked it that way....right?!*

"Sure it is. I dont mind at all and dont you even dare give me any money. As for going to Jamie's house I have to go there anyways and drop this guy off."

*Nate points to Ed inside the box.*

"So droping you off there is not a problem at all."

*Nate picks up Eds box and grabs his coat grining at Laura. On there way out Nate stops as he see Rick's office light still on. Heading over to the door he knocks lightly than enters.*

"Hey Misty. I dident relize you were still here. Laura and I are heading out now. If you need anything Hal and Ty are still here just give a yell to them. Have a good night."

*Misty looks up and smiles at Nate and Laura leave.*

"Night."

*After about an hour pass Misty puts the files she was working on away. Looking at the clock and relizing what time it was. Grabing her purse Misty turns the light off and heads out of the office. Being half away across the floor Misty stops and looks around. A small light is on in the loung figuring thats where Hal and Ty were. The rest of the floor was quiet. Carson poped into Mistys mind once more. Had anyong even brang him anything to eat. Very slowly and quietly Misty makes her way to the break room grabing a bag of chip and a sandwitch from the venting mashean. Along with a can of MD. With great care Misty pokes her head from the break room and heads down the hall to the cell holding Carson. Trying to silently turn the lock it gives a loud click. Misty freeze in her place listing to hear if anyone is coming. hearing nothing Misty opens the cell door and slips in holding the food for Carson and shuting the door behind her.*

Asking

Carson sinks down on his cot when he’s been left alone, and lets out a long sigh. This was strange…he hadn’t planned on emotions in the mix. All he’d wanted was to get a simple job done. Period. But things weren’t quite turning out that way.


Reese watches his niece leave, then shakes his head before sitting back down at his desk. “Well…that was strange.”

“No kidding.” Rick quirks an eyebrow. “I thought she was…well…I don’t know… reserved, maybe?”

“Me too.” Reese purses his lips in thought. “I just can’t believe she would have encouraged Carson. But…I guess we move on.”


Laura looks at the clock and sighs. She’d worked later than planned. Con had already called her once to find out where she was. Her car had been towed hours before, and she was still stuck without a ride. She really didn’t want to bother Nate, but she’d run out of options. She knew he hadn’t left yet – she’d kept an eye out and hadn’t seen him walk by.

Finally making up her mind, she makes her way to his desk, noting that almost everyone else was gone already. Seeing Nate, she hesitates, feeling silly…it wasn’t like her to hesitate. “Hey, um, Nate?” She scrunches up her nose in a slight grimace. “That offer for a ride still open? I, um…guess I could use that lift home. I need to go back over to Jamie’s after that, but I could have Con come get me for that if you don’t want to go running all over town. I’d be happy to help pay for gas…”

...

*Nate shakes his head.*

"Its sad Carson when someone had been hurd so bad they lost all hope. My life hasent been always a bed of roses. But thats another story. Need anything yell."

*Nate leaves the room and closes the door behind him leting out a long sigh.*

*Misty smiles at her uncil knowing he is confused. Not saying anything agreeing or disagreeing. She turns to leave Reese office and heading back to her desk in Ricks. Siting down she pulls out some papers and starting to read them doing her report for the first day. Yet her mind keeps drifting back to Carson unable to shake him from her memorie.*

Disappointed

Carson looks at Nate dimly. Though his words hit deeper than he’d care to admit, he ignored them. “The only light at the end of my tunnel, is the chance to get back at a handful of people for what they turned me into. I have nothing else to live for. Anything else was taken away a long time ago, and any faith I had was destroyed. I’m glad you apparently live in a good enough world that you can have such a positive outlook…” He shakes his head. “…but for someone like me? Naw, mate, there isn’t much left but a bunch of empty grudges. Take me, beat me, run me through the wringer…I don’t much care anymore.”


Reese’s eyes widen. Rick’s jaw drops.

“You…” Reese blinks in disbelief. “How…” He stops, allowing Misty to go on. Hearing her out, he straightens a bit, not sure how he should be feeling. Exchanging a look with Rick, it is apparent he’s not the only one who is confused.

Reese steps forward, laying both hands on Misty’s shoulders. “First, thank you for telling me. I…I’m not sure what to think though…I’m shocked that not only would you allow Carson to do that, but that you would encourage it.” He frowns a little, not wanting to be too harsh, but unsure now of what to do. “I…I appreciate your concern for him…and I understand what you’re saying. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have allowed him to be here. Carson deserves just as much a chance as anyone. But…” He shakes his head a little, still frowning, though not angry. “I just can’t have this happening. His fault, your fault, whatever…I think maybe it would be a good idea if you didn’t interact with him. Like it or not, right now, he’s still our prisoner, per say, and like it or not, I don’t approve of any kind of shallow relationship formed by impulsive behavior.”

Reese pauses, searching his nieces eyes. “I love you, Misty, and I want you here. So let’s put this incident behind us and move on.”

Throw me in there too

*Nate looks back at Carson leting out a sigh finally making it back to the cell. Before shuting the door stops.*

" What I see Carson is a man in front of me who wants to change but dosent know how. A man who can be trusted and honest but is scaired that he cant trust those who are willing to help him. I see more to you than you care to show. There is always a light at the end of the tunnal, you just have to have alittle faith."

*Misty steps into Reese office her eyes darting from Reese to Rick. She might of been sassy with Carson, but she was now scaired as ever standing infront of Reese.*

"I'm fine Uncil Reese, and please dont be sorry. Dont take it so hard on Carson eather. I was at as much fault as he was when I decied to kiss him back."

*Misty's hands start to shake and become hold as she makes her confestion.*

"I was trying to explain to him about trusting people, and that he could change if he wanted to.There is something differnt about him Uncil Reese. I know I dont know the whole story about him but I know enough. I always so the look in his eye, and i felt his touch. He dident want to hurt me. You guys have to give him a chanse, it wasent so long ago that I was any differnt. When I was in that gang that ran on the side for The Agency. I killed people too, but I was given a second chanse. You guys helped turn me around and make something of myself. We, you can do that for Carson too. He just need alittle faith that people arnt going to turn on him or back stab him and I guess thats why I am here. If what he did was so bad in Rick's office that he should be treated like an animel than I should be throw in there too."

*Misty's eyes drop to the floor only to look up again at Reese. She was scaired as ever but couldent back down. She had to be strong.*

Apology

Carson gives half a lame laugh. “How many reasons are there for finding a woman in a man’s arms?” He shakes his head. “If I say anything but what that doctor said, it would be assumed as a blatant lie anyway. I may be out to save my own hide here, but arguing won’t do me a bit of good, so I might as well not. I’m in enough hot water the way it is, without making it worse.”

He pauses, squinting one eye at Nate, once again, trying to figure him out. “Just take me for what you see, Nate. This is all I am. This is all I’ll ever be.”


Reese’s office door is opened by Rick, who is still on edge. Reese is standing by his desk, and looks at Misty with concern. “Are you okay? I should have known better than to not have a better handle on Carson while he was free, and I’m sorry.”

Why?

*Nate shakes his head and sighs.*

"You have got to be kidding me. Carson lets go."

*Giving a forceful shove down the hall Nate mind reels. Was he upset, was he saprised, was he shocked. As Carson turn and talks to him Nate see something in his eyes. Something tells him he wasent trying to hurt Misty. A part of his eyes showed life that lacked yesterday.*

"What were you doing Carson? Why did Rick find Misty in your arms? Carson...I want to help you. I might dislike you, but I want to trust you as well. But I cant if you dont let me in."

*As Misty sit at her desk all is quiet but Carson and Nate's footsteps disapearing. She couldent let Carson take all the blame for this. Something...she had talked to him about trusting she couldent let him rot and make him thint it was a lie. Standing Misty composes herself and heads to Reese office where she is sure Rick has went. Gently she knocks on the door.*

All good things

Too sure of his own assumptions, Rick doesn’t even hear Misty. As Nate arrives, he’s all to happy to hand the thug over to him. “This trash came onto Misty. For pity sake, take him back to the holding room and leave him there. If he needs help with that bullet hole of his, call somebody else. Maybe next time he’ll think twice about messing with someone else.”

Rick’s words are icy cold against he man who had already hurt one of TJY’s own. He wasn’t about to let it happen again, let alone here in the building.

Carson doesn’t react as he’s handed off to Nate, taking the physical force in stride. There was no point in fighting. He was outnumbered. If he said it was Misty who had instigated the scene Rick had witnessed, he’d be even worse off anyway. A quick glance makes its way back into the office and he sees Misty with her head in her hands. She wouldn’t be taking any blame for this. It wouldn’t surprise Carson if she didn’t say anything, leaving all of the blame on him. Not that he didn’t deserve it. He had been the one to start the whole thing. …But given a second chance, he wouldn’t have done differently. He’d wanted to kiss her, plain and simple, and he hadn’t denied himself.

Despite his cool inner attitude though, a tiny spark had lit fire to a very small, very forgotten part of his heart. Something was different…somewhere…even though he was ignoring it, turning his back on it…this whole place was doing something strange to him. And to top it off, Misty was different…he’d been careless with other women…he’d thrown caution into the wind before…but this time…the fact that he’d been taken by surprise so many times in a row was enough to make him stop and think.

Carson twists his head around to look at Nate, one eyebrow quirked, his tone dry. “The reprieve from the cell was nice while it lasted. But as they say, all good things must come to an end.”


Con lets silence take over for now, taking a bite of his own sandwich. Though not hungry, he forces himself to eat half of one, and finish a bowl of soup. Now all he had to do was wait for Laura to come later on.


Jason chuckles, and returns Katie’s kiss. “I’ll see what I can do about that sunset. For now, rest easy, and I’ll be back.”

God Sent

*For a moment Misty loses all reality. Embraced in Carson's arm Katie enjoys the kiss. The sweetness of Carson lips made her heart race. As Rick enter the office and makes his way to them Misty gets out of the way stuned for a moment at what again is going on again today. As Rick hits Carson over and over again Misty cant help but cring.*

"Rick...no wait...please..."

*It was no use Rick wasent listing. As Carson is pushed out the door Misty goes over to her desk and puts her head in her hands. What had she done. Carson was innocent. She was as much to blame as he was.What a heck of a first day.*

*As Nate sits at his desk looking throw some files he hears Rick yell for him. Jumping to his feel he see Rick with Nate. With in minutes Nate is to Carson and Rick grabing Carson's other arm and pulling it behind his back.*

"Whats going on Rick? What happend?"

*Jamie smiles alittle as Con sits down. She new what Con said was true. She felt the comfort in his words and the wormth of his smile.*

"THank you Con, your more comfort to me than you will ever know. And even though I know I dont need to I am anyways. Your such a God sent to me, you really are."

*Jamie lowers her head and takes a bit of her sandwitch.*

*Katie smiles at Jason and cant help but laugh.*

"Finding my phone would be a good thing. Maybe before sun down?"

*Katie throws Jason a wink.*

"Ok..I'll see you than, than. Be safe."

*Katie leans over and gives Jason alittle kiss before he leaves.*

Caught

Receiving Misty’s words, Carson holds no guilt for his actions, his eyes only showing cocky amusement for her feisty reaction. He half expects a slap to the face and stiffens to receive it, though he wouldn’t have done anything differently.

Instead though, he’s taken by surprise yet again as Misty draws him in for another kiss. He can’t help it that his pulse beats a little faster at her own impulsiveness, or that he’s lured in by the taste…by the scent of her sweet perfume. She felt small in his arms, but was full of energetic fire that appealed to his interest. His hands make their way to her back, keeping her in a tight hold, allowing her own action remain as long as she wills it to.


Rick makes his way back to his office, a bit of paperwork in hand. He pushes open the door to his office, still looking down. “Misty, would you…” As he looks up, his voice trails off.

Hearing Rick’s voice, Carson is immediately brought back to reality, separating himself from Misty, but it’s too late.

Rick’s eyes widen, and assumptions enter his mind before he can even think. Anger surges through his veins, as he sees the enemy holding Misty, kissing her, no less. Sure that Carson has pushed himself on the young woman, Rick wastes no time in getting to them both, grabbing Carson by the arm, and whipping him to the side, slamming him back-first into the countertop.

Not having had the gumption to brace himself or fight back, Carson winces as he hits the edge of the counter, but manages to stay on his feet. Looking at Rick’s angry face, he holds up a hand, “Look, I…”

He can’t finish as Rick’s knuckles are planted on his mouth. Rick withdraws his hand flexing it as the hit had stung more than anticipated.

Carson is twisted around with the impact, and leans both hands on the counter, blinking and trying to catch his breath.

Too upset to even let anyone talk, Rick grabs him by the back of the shirt and manhandles him towards the door. “See if I give you another chance,” he hisses. “You’re going back in that cell and staying there ‘til you rot for all I care!”

Carson stumbles forward, still unnerved enough not to retaliate, something in the back of his mind reminding him not to go up against this crowd. He felt no guilt, only stupidity for getting caught. He doesn’t have time to reflect on what just happened though.

Rick manages to get him out into the hall, with a quick knee to the lower back. “Nate!” he bellows. “Get down here now!”


Con shakes his head as he pours their drinks and checks on the soup again. “You have nothing to apologize for, Jamie, and I don’t want you to ever think an of this is your fault.”

He takes the plate of sandwiches to the table, then returns with the drinks before going to finish the soup. “It won’t last forever…I know you better than that…you’re too strong to let this keep you down.” Con’s eyes study the tomato soup for a moment, his mind drifting again. What did the future hold?

Sighing, he turns off the stove and finds a couple bowls, spooning out a portion for Jamie and himself, then makes it to the table again to sit down across from her. He reaches over to take her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Everything will be fine…I promise.”


Laura gives a little sigh as she watches Nate walk away. After this morning, she certainly didn’t deserve such offers from him. He was being so sweet. It felt nice…just to know someone cared. She knew everyone there cared about her, but Nate was letting his actions follow through with that care, and Laura couldn’t help but notice.


Jason can’t help his laugh. “Liked the ride that much, huh?” He gives her a sly grin. “We’ll probably stay on our designated route this time, but we really should go look for that phone of yours sometime…” He throws her a wink, polishing off his final piece of pizza.

“Well…” He stands up to stretch and yawn, but stops suddenly, wincing at the pain in his face. “Ooh, that smarts.” He grimaces. “I do need to get back to work though. I’ll try to make it back around supper time before taking off for Mike’s. If any of the guys call, tell them we’ll be coming.”

A Slap

*As Con holds Jamie she starts to calm down feeling a bit foolish. Siting in the chair she watches Con clean up her mess. Leting out a long sigh she whipes her tears away with the back of her hand.*

"I'll have some iced tea please."

*Jamie is silent for a momenet as her mind races. When would this be over.*

"I'm sory Con. I guess...I guess my nerves are still shot. I I hope this goes away soon. I cant live like this."

*As Carson pulls Misty aganst him she is a bit saprised not given enough time to react before receaving his kiss. Placing both hands on his cest Misty push before Carson back his head away from her. The firey spark is still in Misty's eyes but not of anger. In a bit of a shaky yet strong voice Misty reply.*

"Don't EVER kiss me again unless I tell you to do you understand me?"

*As Misty looks into Carson's eyes she can see something, something that makes her blood race. when she was in school in england she had a handfull of boyfriends here and there but they were all prim and proper, and boring. Non of them ever liked Misty's sassyness and for that fact they never lasted long. Than a few other found out about her past and ran for the hills. Maybe Carson was differnt, but Misty hardly new anything about him why did she feel this way. Reaching her hands up she places the one on the side of Carson's face and the other one on the back of his head pulling his face with alittle bit of rough nature to hers again planting a kiss on his lips that lingers.*

*Katie giggles at Jason. A smile on her face, a smile in her eyes, a song in her heart.*

"I'd love to go with you tonight J. Corse I would say yes to anything if that ment I could ride with you on your bike again."

*Katie smile widens as her eye dance. Jason was amazing in Katies eyes and she had never been happyer. Life was finnaly turning out right.*

*Nate smiles at Laura.*

"Dont worry I can give ya a ride home or where ever you need."

*Nate winks at Laura again and turns heading back to his desk. Seeing Ed he relizes he forgot to give him back to Jamie. Oh well he guessed he would have to return him to her later after work. Maybe thta would make a good excuse to take Laura home. Nate shakes the idea from his head. What was he thinking trying to trick Laura into going home with him. Nate rolls his eyes at himself and trying to get his papers organised.*

Nevermind

As Con comes to the kitchen doorway, he sees Jamie on the floor, cleaning up the mess, hearing her voice shaking. He’d heard the noise outside, but hadn’t thought a thing of it, and now realized what had happened.

Without saying anything, he goes to Jamie, leaning down to pull her up off the floor. He takes the paper towels from her hand, and pulls her in close, holding her head against his chest and rocking her. His heart had never hurt like this before…seeing Jamie crying was like a kick to the gut, and he only wished he could make her pain go away.

Con guides Jamie to the kitchen table and sets her down in the chair, taking upon himself the task of cleaning up the floor. He gets down on all fours with several more paper towels, making sure he cleans up the mess entirely before turning his attention to the sandwiches that were now done. He finds a plate for them, and also finds another can of soup and starts to heat it up to replace that which had spilled.

Not mentioning the incident, Con opens the fridge. “Want water or iced tea?”


Carson holds is tongue as Misty talks to him, her continued boldness and spunk hitting him as enjoyable, despite her words that challenged him. Maybe it was the challenge that he liked. At the Agency, he was just another thug…no one had ever cared what he said or thought. He just did his job and shut up when told. He had been good at his job, but it had meant little.

Misty telling him to snap out of it and change if he wanted to, struck a strange chord in his heart…one that hadn’t been struck for a very long time. He had to admire her – not many people would dare to talk to him like that, let alone succeed in driving their point home. Carson had had other women in his life, as anyone he knew would testify, but Misty was different. She was an attractive woman, her beauty not only in her looks, but in her intellect.

Carson’s eyes search her own, looking for her motives…seeing that fiery spark that drove the daring words from her mouth.

As Misty walks by, Carson takes his hands from his pockets, reaching out with one arm to grab her around her slim waist, easily enveloping her. Pulling her just a little bit roughly against himself to face him, he looks down at her, getting a closer look at those eyes. His face is rugged without having shaven, his clothes worn from the day before, his voice deep and mellow. “Where I come from, a sheila like you isn’t allowed to just walk away after talking to a man like that – there are consequences, you know.”

Carson’s arm holds her in a strong grip, his other hand reaching up to hold her chin as he leans in to force an impulsive kiss on her lips. He intentionally prolongs the short moment to satisfy his lack of caution before drawing his face away. Misty still within his grasp, his eyes narrow slightly as he studies her face, searching for her reaction.


Jason laughs good-naturedly, cleaning himself up the best he can. “A shopping spree it is then.” He goes on eating, then a thought strikes him. “Oh hey, I’m supposed to go practice with the band tonight over at Mike’s to get ready for that fundraiser. You want to come along?”


Laura tips her head a little, just a bit confused by Nate’s change in plans. She’d thought he was implying they got to Carson now. Maybe she’d misunderstood. “Oh, um… I guess…yeah, that would be alright. That’s not too late, if…well..” Her face reddens slightly. “By then, Wyatt will have gone home, Con’s over at Jamie’s, and Jason’s only got his bike, and…well I need to…Well see I’ve got…” She swallows hard, not wanting to bother Nate any more. He’d already been so kind. She’d find someway to get to her own place to gather her things, then go to Jamie’s. “Nevermind. Yes, just come get me when you’re ready.”

30 or 40 years

*Jamie stands at the kitchen stove fliping the grilled cheese and grabs a can of tomato soup out of the cabnit.*

"Sounds good. I'm just making us some cheese sandwitches and some soup. Should be done soon."

*As Jamie starts to pour the soup into the pan a loud crashing noise sounds outside causing her to jump into the air her arm puming the tha pan and spilling soup all over the place. Finally catching her breath Jamie looks down on the floor at the mess.*

"You have got to be kidding me."

*Grabing some paper towls Jamie sinks to the floor trying to controll her tears knowing Con is near and not wanting to upset him yet a few slip though as she voice shakes.*

"I've....I've got popcorn we can eat and play games or some...something."

*Misty listens to Carson and stands walks over to a cabnet and looking at some items than turns around.*

"Somebody like you, thats strange you dont look to be dieing, like your running out of time. You look like your strong, with lots of will power. I say you got a good 30 or 40 years left in you and that certinly will give you enough time to turn around and make a future for youself. You relize quite a few people here have had a past like yours. Blood on there hands, yet they are here. You have more in common with these people than you think. So snap out of it and if you want to change, change, dont just stand there and wallow in self pitty cuz thats what your doing. Let someone help you, help youself. and trust those around you now."

*Misty eyes search Carson face her sassyness showing in her eyes. Finally Misty looks away and walks past Carson to go to her desk.*

*Katie cant help but laugh at Jason.*

"You poor thing. We are gonna have to take a trip the walmart or something when I get out and so some shopping. I could go for a shopping spree myself. Have to get some stuff to fix up the new room Laura has for me anyways. Its bigger than my last room."

*Kaite smiles as she bites into her pizza. Pulling it away as the cheese strings out with her.*

*Nate searches Laura's face for a long moment. Something was wrong again and she was in no shape to go in with him. In case Carson did try anything Laura was in no shape. Nate rethinks what to do for a moment before speeking.*

"Ok, I was gonna do it now but I need to get some stuff together first. Haw about around 4 or 5 we can? Thats not to late for you is it?"

*Nate smiles at Laura leting his concern show though. He worryed for her. He dident know why but the new feeling of worry was there.*

No future

Con grins a little. Though realizing feelings for Jamie, it was still new, and slight sheepishness passes a moment through his eyes for his impulsiveness.

“Okay…don’t make much for me though, I’m not that hungry at the moment.” He knows that even after all the turmoil lately, that statement coming from him was a surprise. His appetite generally matched his body size. But for the last week or so, he really hadn’t been that hungry.

Con slides out of the car, going around to open Jamie’s door, then accompanying her inside. He’s glad to see that the crew from TJY has already been there, cleaning up the mess. If it weren’t for stacks of paper on the desk that hadn’t been put away, one would never guess the chaos that had happened there.

Con automatically gives the house a quick search, assured that it is only he and Jamie. “Well, I’m gonna give Laura a call and see about her coming over. I still never got a chance to talk to her.” He goes for his cell phone and waits for an answer, slowly pacing the living room floor. “Hey, Laura…no, I took off early…yeah, don’t ask.” Con would just rather not explain to his sister why he’d left TJY early. “Look, I’m over at Jamie’s with her.” Not wanting to make Jamie feel bad for not wanting to be alone, he reroutes his reasoning for Laura coming. “I’m not so hot on the idea of her being over here by herself yet. I doubt those goons will be back – they usually don’t strike twice, but I’d just as soon have somebody keeping an eye on things. I’m planning to bunk down here a couple days, and wondered if you’d be willing to as well.” He lowers his eyes to the floor as he talks, glad for Laura’s understanding. “Alright, that sounds great. Yeah, once you get here after work, I’ll take off for my place to grab a few things, then we’ll go from there. No…it wasn’t Reese’s suggestion…just mine. …Okay. See you later then. Bye.”

He hooks his phone back onto his belt and goes to find Jamie. “Laura will be over tonight, so we’re all set.”


Carson cocks his head a little at Misty. “You’re pretty bold for a petite little thing, aren’t you?” He shakes his head. “You tell me what I’m going to do…what choices does someone like me have? What chance do I have at a life other than the only one I know?”

He stands up, tucking his hands into his jeans back pockets. “I gave myself up as a prisoner to this side so I wouldn’t die. I can’t go back to where I came from because they’d tag me a traitor and give me a bullet to the head. I can’t join this side…once I give them what I know about the Agency, I’ll no longer be of use to them. Though I don’t think anyone here would kill me off, I could see them keeping me here until the war is over, and no one would trust me enough to let me help more than giving out information.”

Carson works the muscles in his jaw, not having felt this vulnerable in a long time. “I won’t lie – I’m out to save my own butt here. I’m willing to be a traitor to the Agency so that I don’t suffer a worse fate – though I do have a personal grudge against them, which makes turning on them a little easier. But in the end…I’m just looking for the easy way out, and there’s no future for somebody like me.”


Jason throws Katie a wry grin at her promise, knowing good and well that if the same circumstances came up again, she’d break it without a second thought. But he couldn’t be upset...he could only enjoy her spunk.

He quirks an eyebrow at her reference to him being sweet. It hit him as strange. He’d been called a lot of things, but never sweet. Was he really that different around Katie?

Letting that thought go, he aims for the phone. “Alright. Let’s get that pizza before I starve.”

It doesn’t seem to take much time at all before Jason and Katie are able to have their pizza. Jason takes a first bite of a slice, only to have sauce squirt out from under the cheese and promptly land on the front of his shirt. “Aw, man.” Jason rolls his eyes at himself and grabs a napkin. “Ya’d think I could at least handle eating a piece of pizza without making a mess of that too.” He throws Katie a silly grin. “I better extend my wardrobe if I’m gonna keep staining my shirts. I still haven’t gotten everything replaced since the fire.”


Laura hangs up the phone with Con, a little confused about his unwillingness to say why he’d left work early. She was more than happy to help out with Jamie though. She knew that Con didn’t really need her there, but understood his reasoning, and respected him for it. At least there seemed to be one part of his world that was making him happy right now.

She looks up, seeing Hal walk by. “Hey, Hal?”

“Yeah?” He spins around, stopping his route to Reese’s office.

“Did you see Con this morning?”

Hal’s eyebrows raise. “Who didn’t?”

Laura is confused. “What?”

“You weren’t here?”

“For what?” Laura shakes her head. “What happened?”

Hal hesitates for just a moment. “He and Jason got in a bit of a row. I guess Con found out Carson was here and lost it.”

“Lost it?” Laura was becoming concerned.

“Yeah. He was out for blood, lemme tell you. I’ve never seen him that hot. Probably scared Carson half to death, but Jason managed to get in the way, and Con ended up taking things out on him instead. Probably a good thing, otherwise we might have had the last batch of that Agency gang to burry.”

Laura’s face pales. “Is Jason okay?”

Hal nods. “He got it pretty good, but he was alright. Reese gave him the rest of the morning off though, so things could cool off. Your brother took off with Jamie after that too.”

“And Carson?”

“My guess is that he’s feeling pretty lucky, and if not, he should.” Hal shrugs. “Sorry you missed the excitement.”

“Yeah…” Laura gives a little nod, but isn’t amused. As Hal walks away, she glances to her desk where there’s a picture of her and Con years before. “Oh, Con,” she whispers. “Where have you gone?”

Despite Nate’s knock, Laura still jumps, looking up in surprise. It takes her just a moment to grasp what he’s saying, as she tries to pull her mind out of the previous subject and back to work. “Um…yeah, okay. Sure. Just um…” She looks around her cubicle, feeling as though she’s forgotten something. “Yeah.” She gets to her feet, hoping all her ducks are in a row. She hated pulling information out of other people like this, but apparently no one else was around – that was the only reason she ever got chosen to help out in these kinds of situations. “Lead the way, I guess.”

What would I do?

*As Con's lips press aganst Jamie's, she can feel the love and passtion that was here the other night. As Jamie returns the kiss she can feel her cheeks geting red but she dosent care. Jamies hands make there way to Con's back wraping him in her arms lingering on the kiss for a while longer. Finally drawing away Jamie's eyes are filled with love as she fazes at Con a smile on her lips as big as she could manage at the moment.*

"Lets head inside, my tummy is gonna eat itself if I dont get something in it. I'll make us some lunch."

*Misty looks up from her desk at Carson squinting her eyes together just alittle.*

"If I dident want to know your story I wouldent have asked now would I?"

*For a moment Misty is silent thinking. This person in front of her Carson. She new he wasent a good guys. Someone on there side, or for now he wasent anyways, but something wanted Misty to get to know him more, better. It was like somewhere there was a softside to Carson and Misty could tell it was there*

"Australia huh? I new you had an accent I just couldent put my finger on it you dident talk enough for me to har it to good. As for the rest of your life, I know bits and peaces. I just dont know everything. No matter I guess its really not that important. So after they let you go from here are you going to go back to that life?"

*Katie cant help but laugh and smile at Jason's comment. He dident have to say but she new he wasent please with what she did.*

"Ok eating in sounds good to me. Oh and Jason I promise untill I am 100% I wont try and have anymore unsupervised "Outings."

*Katie laughs again and shakes her head. This was Jason's soft side that not many people got to see. Kaite got so much joy out of knowing he did open up to her and showed her that side. She promised herself she would never hurt him.*

"What would I do without you to keep me inline Jason.Your such a sweer guy."

*Nate nods at Reese yet a bit of saprise shows in his face as he mentions Laura. Nate dident dare question him though Reese new what he was doing and Nate would have to trust him.*

"You got it boss. I'll see what I can get out of him."

*Nate exits Reese office and heads back over to Laura's cubicle and gives it alittle knock so he dosent scair her.*

"Hey there Doll, Reese has me working on the case with Carson. Asking him questions and what not. Reese said he wanted you to to come with me to see whats up so I'm not alone. So if your cool with it we can head over to Ricks and get him."

*Nate searches Laura's face to make sure its ok with her before he asumes she will come with him.*

Wouldn't want to disappoint...

Con can’t help the unexplainable feeling of bliss as Jamie’s hand touches his face. What he’d never noticed before, now was something he didn’t want to live without. And if he only had Jamie’s words to go on, he knew that he wouldn’t have to live without it. Her words were true…the love remained.

Jamie’s mention of Jason provides a little bit of hope that Con hadn’t ruined anything between himself and his friend…but there was still a little bit of doubt. Sure, Jason had slugged him before…the two of them had had it out with each other more than once. This time though…Con knew good and well that he’d been out for blood, and it scared him to realize he’d taken that out on Jason. He wasn’t convinced Jason would have done quite the same for Katie.

Con considered Jamie’s suggestion for getting away. “I don’t know…I don’t know where I’d go anyway. I just feel like everything is slipping from my grasp…I’ve even gone sour on TJY. I’m just sick of the system…Reese probably wouldn’t want me back after today anyway.”

He lets the topic slide, finally able to quirk a small smile at Jamie’s reference to her mother. “Well…we wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would we?” Hesitating just a moment, Con can feel just a little bit of heat creeping up the back of his neck. Slowly, he leans over to press his lips to Jamie’s, letting this morning’s events fade away, if only for a moment. His hand makes its way to her head to run through her soft hair, feeling as though he did the night Jamie had kissed him for the first time.


Carson listens with surprising interest to Misty, though he’s still unsure of why he cares…he’s the enemy…or was…or still is…or… he doesn’t even know anymore. He’s taken off guard by Misty’s own question, not having though anyone would want to know about him. He’d always experienced assumptions based on his appearance or attitude. No one had ever cared about his story before… Misty’s question was a simple one, but for some reason, he guessed it to be sincere.

“You don’t want to know my story.” He shakes his head. “Up until about eight years ago, I was in Australia with a life too boring to talk about. And after that…” He again shakes his head. “It’s better you don’t know.”


Jason forces a bit of a laugh, not being able to imagine a physical fight with Katie. He sighs deeply as she talks, finally nodding. “Yeah, I guess maybe you’re right….maybe it was the look in his eye that got me though…it was different…cold…like he didn’t care that it was me he was beating on.” He lifts his hand to touch his bruised face again. “Oh well…if anyone can calm him down, I suppose Jamie can.” He shakes his head. “Those two were a bit of a surprise to me, I must admit.”

Sighing, he decides to move past this subject for now, letting the topic of lunch take over so he doesn’t have to think about it anymore…not now…not when he was still confused.

A grin makes its way to the surface. “Pizza it is. And since you’ve apparently been on an outing already today, might I suggest calling it in, and having it delivered?”


Laura watches Nate walk away, and grins. This was about the most she’d interacted with him since he’d come to TJY, even though he’d been there a year.
Making her way back to her cubicle, she sits down, finally feeling as though she could move on with her day. Seeing Nate’s stickynote again, she chuckles to herself.


“Yeah come in,” Reese calls. Seeing Nate, he raises his eyebrows. “I was just going to call for you. “I need someone to go talk to Carson…see what he knows…see if we can tell whether he’s telling the truth or not…that kind of thing. I was going to have Jason and Wyatt do it, but I sent Jason home, and now Wyatt had to leave to show up at a trial before someone got put in prison for a crime they didn’t commit.” He pauses in thought. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like you to talk to him. And have someone else with you…maybe Laura. This sounds terrible, but I’d like you to see how he reacts around her. If anything would give away ill intentions, that would be it.”

Would you act differntly?

*Jamie's heart goes out to Con. The dimness, the far off tone. Con was so lost inside himself. He ment so much to her, once thinking of him as a friend now looking at him with love, the love she felt for a while finally free. Jamie never wanted to lose that. Jamie's own hand finds Con's face gently running her fingertips across his skin and wraping her hands about the side of his face to cradle it.*

" I'm in it for the long hall Con. Part of a relationship is dealing with hard times and helping eachother through. I'm not going to leave you when you need me the most, just like you dident leave me."

*Jamie holds her smile as she looks into Con's eyes.*

"I know there isent an excuse for what happend with you and Jason, But if I know hotshop Con I am sure he understands. Wernt you telling me about how one you got in the middle of him and Hero and he sluged you one? You guys are like brothers and you guys fight and make up like brother too. He's gonna understand Con. Something tells me he would do the same thing for Katie."

*Jamie removes her hand from Con's face but still holds her smiles as she lets out a sigh.*

"Maybe you need some time away Con. Away from TJY and all the stress. To clear your head and really ask yourself what you want in life and how far you will go to get it and keep it. Sometimes we all need a good head clearing. Come on you, lets go inside befor my mom stops by and thinks we are kiss again or something."

*Jamie cant help but let out a chuckle and her smiles becomes silly and her eyes dance in the sun light.*

*Misty nods to Rick as he leaves. Moving away from the sink Misty stands infront of Carson with her arms folded. Her hair tied back now in a long ponytail as to not get in her way anymore.*

"My story, I dont think I have one. Well one thats to intresting anyways. I grew up around here. Reese is my Uncil, I went to medicle shcool in England, have to do an intership for a year so thats why I am here. Its good to know people in high places sometimes I guess. All in all I guess I am pritty normal, well compared to alot of people here who had hard, difacult backgrounds."

*Misty steps away from Carson and moves over to what would become her desk. Siting down she lets out a sigh than turns in her chair to Carson and gives a qwerky smile.*

"So...Carson, whats YOUR story?"

*Katie lets out a long sigh. She felt sorry for Con yet confused at the same time. She's never seen Con upset that that at anyone. Smile Katie looks at Jason.*

"I can understand why your hurt. I probley would be too., if my best friend just beat the crap out of me, even though I'd like to see you try..."

*Katie sticks her toung out at Jason and cant help but laugh. In minutes though she grows searouse again.*

"...but all in all ya I understand why your hurt. But if you were in Con's shoes on the brink of losing your best friend, and the person you hold dear to you heart, only to find out that those you thought were the good guys were harberin the guy that almost killed the person close to you, would you act any differntly than he did? I'm not trying to say its ok what he did, only trying to understand myself why he did, and the more I think about it. I dont think I would act differntly myself."

*Katie is silent for a moment befor once again the smile returns to her face and the light returns to her face.*

"Well since you have some time, how about we get that pizza we wanted last night but never got to?"

*Nate smiles at Laura as they enter TJY.*

"Well I am happy I could do that for you. Just keep tht chin up Doll and everything will be ok."

*Once inside Nate gives alittle wave and winks at Laura before heading to Reese office to see whats up for the day.*

Changed

Con returns Jamie’s kiss lightly, taking in her words, though his mind is still a million miles away. The look on Jason’s face kept replaying, over and over, driving the guilt further into his soul. He’d just been so angry…it all seemed a blur…he could barely remember a time he’d been so out of control, and it was a frightening thought. He turns to see Jamie’s eyes, searching them for the reassurance that was in her voice…allowing her presence to calm him.

“You know…about a week ago, my eyes saw you so differently…” His voice goes soft and thoughtful, a contrast to his earlier display, though a dimness shades his tone. “…In a single instant, everything changed. Like adding a drop of dye to water, it transforms it immediately, and can never be returned to its original state.” Con’s eyes drift from each of Jamie’s, consumed by their entrancing pull, yet still confused by how his world had turned upside down.. “I’ve never felt so deeply for anyone, Jamie…it’s almost like a dream…one day I was just myself, with not a whole lot to look forward to… and the next, I had a sudden realization that I’d been missing something. And not only did I realize what it was, but it was at my fingertips to fill that void.”

Con cocks his head slightly, his eyes not drifting from Jamie. “It all happened so fast, that I don’t think I’ve caught my breath yet.” He pauses, raising a hand to cradle her face. “And I feel so unworthy. To think you love me…have loved me for a long time…I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to understand that.”

He swallows hard, remembering his anger. “I’m sorry for what happened today…I just lost control…” He finally breaks eye contact, letting his hand retreat. “I’d never want that to get in between us…I just don’t know anymore what will set me off, or if I can keep a handle on it, and I’m afraid I’ll hurt someone I care about.” His eyes grow even dimmer. “Like I already have.”

Con takes a deep breath, unable to sort through the strange mixture of thoughts and emotions that seemed so foreign to him. “I don’t know what to do.”


Carson looks to Misty in surprise. “No…thanks…” He sits back down on the table and pulls his shirt back over his head.

Rick sticks his head back into the room. “Misty, stay here a minute, will you? I have to run to Reese’s office. I’ll be right back.”

Seeing him leave, Carson glances back over to Misty, his curiosity getting the best of him. He still didn’t understand why he cared at all, but for some reason he did…these people had a strange effect on him that he just couldn’t seem to shake. “So, Misty, huh? What’s your story?”


Jason takes Katie in his arms, a little surprised at the welcome and tale of her excursion. “Aw babe, you know better than to do that.” He rolls his eyes, though he can’t scold, and kisses her head instead. “I’m sorry, I knew you’d probably know something was up. I should have called up here before I came.”

As Katie draws away and asks him what happened, he purses his lips in seriousness, though forces some amusement. “I got run over by a tank.”

He turns her around with an arm still over her shoulders, and sets her down on her bed, where he sinks into the familiar chair. “No…it was Con. He found out Carson was in the office, Jamie got scared, and he just went crazy.” Jason shrugs. “And I got in his way.” He licks his lip, finding the bleeding has almost stopped. He wants to pretend like everything is fine. He wants to pretend that he believes Con is fine and it really was Jason’s own fault for getting in the way. But he knows his eyes will betray him. He was hurt. Con had hit him before, but not like this…it had been different this time.

“Anyway, Reese wants me back after lunch, but he figured I could use some fresh air. I guess he was right. Con took off, I guess to take Jamie home too, so things at the office should have settled down by now.”


Laura finds Nate’s gentlemanly politeness surprising but nice, and lets him open the door for her again. She smiles gratefully at his offer. “Thanks…” She continues to talk as they head for the building. “…And thanks for making my day a little brighter. I guess I kinda needed that this morning. Maybe now I'll actually have enough sense back to function without bursting into tears over something silly.”

Kiss

*Nate smiles as he starts to pull out of the driveway.*

"I wouldent mind taking you home again. Its on the way anyways."

*As Nate makes his way back to TJY he glances at Laura and smiles. She looked nice without any makeup on.*

"If Wyatt wouldent be able to take you to work eather let me know and I certinly can take you as well."

*Finally pulling into TJY Nate lets out a long sigh for some reson he dident want to go back into work today even though he new he must. As Nate exits the car he see Con and Jamie exiting the building. Her throws a wave and smiles not knowing what had occured inside. Heading over to Laura's said of the door he ups it up for her and steps back to let her get out.*

"Well if you need anything just give a yell. I'll probley be at my desk or helping Jason today."

*Misty's body relaxes as he fight is finally broken up. What on earth just happend. What a first day. Walking over to the sink she pours herself a glass of water and takes a swig. Turning back to Carsontrying to calm her shaking hands.*

"Want anything to drink or...or eat?"

*The ride home is quiet. Jamie isent sure what to say to Con or how to act. Somewhere inside her she felt this was her fult. If only she had been stronger, and no so scaired Con wouldent have goten so angry. Finally reaching her house Jamie lets out a sigh and turns to Con.*

"Con, You were only trying to protect me. The face that you cared so much drove you to want to hurt the person that hurt me. I'm honnered you care that much I am. Just next time lets try not to kick your friends butt in the process ok. Anger can be good and bad at the some time. But no matter what happend at TJY today Con, I love you still the same. Just dont let your anger block me out. If kept untamed thats what it will do and I dont want that."

*Jamie leans into Con and smiles at him. Love filling her eyes. Gently Jamie plants a kiss on Con's lips lingering for a moment. than pulling away again to look into his eyes. *

*As Jason enter Katies room she pushed herself away from the window. It looks as though she had been crying alittle. But a sigh of releaf wases over her as she stands and slowly makes her way to Jason wraping her arms around him tight.*

"J...or J, I was so worryed. I new something was wrong really wrong, but I couldent find my phone anywhere I think I droped it lastnight while we were out. And non of the nurses would come when I called for them, I tryed to walk all the way to TJY, and I got half way and I couldent want anymore I had to turn around...and and...it was killing me I dident know what was going on."

*Katie draws away from Jason and looks at his face grimcing at the cuts and bruses.*

"J, what the heck happend?"