Ride

Carson jumps as Nate enters the room, not having expected to see anyone until morning. The offer is surprising…distrust surfaces. But this guy seemed okay… The comment about running strikes a nerve, and Carson almost retorts, but thinks better of it. He knew he was crazy for having given himself up in the first place, but he was here now, and needed to cooperate, lest someone really would take out their frustration on him or worse.

There was something about Nate…something about these people here…Carson wasn’t sure he could quite put a finger on it, but it was the same thing he’d felt when Jamie had looked him in the eye and spoke of her forgiveness. It had taken him aback, no doubt.

“A window without a view seems to be appropriate. Lead the way, mate.”


Con knows Jamie understands, and is grateful. Lifting her hand, he plants a gentle kiss on it. “I’ll talk to Laura tomorrow. As for now…” He withdraws, settling into the chair. “You need sleep, and I’ll keep you company.” It was funny…it wasn’t all that long ago that Con had questioned Jason’s time spent at the hospital with Katie…but now he understood.


Jason grabs a jacket of Katie’s too. “And this. I’m not planning on taking any dives, but road rash is nasty.” He winks at her, and goes to get her cane for her. “Alright…we’ll take it slow. If the nurse asks, we’re on a secret mission.”

They make their way down the hall, though it seems longer than usual at their pace. Jason doesn’t mind though, and sticks close for support should Katie need it.

Finally they’re out to the parking lot and to the bike. Jason sets the helmet over Katie’s head and straps it under her chin, adjusting the length. Once he’s got his own helmet on, he helps Katie get onto the back, making sure her legs are in the right places, with her feet on the foot rests. Strapping her cane to the back as well, he adjust a couple things, then swings his long leg over, settling down in front of Katie. Turning the key, the engine starts up with a roar. Jason turns his head to speak loudly to Katie. “I’m not in the habit of losing passengers, so hang on. You need to stop, just yell in my ear.”

The bike starts forward with a little lurch as the gear is engaged, and Jason steers it carefully out onto the street, driving just a little more cautiously than normal, and heading downtown to Mom and Pop’s.