Late night

Carson prolongs the embrace, enjoying it too much to let go, but suddenly draws back with a start, wincing as he goes for his left shoulder. A curse makes its way to the surface, and he looks at Misty with apology before letting a dry laugh come. "Well, if you doubted my story, take it from me now - I ain't in no shape to have any kind of 'adventures' tonight." He rubs his shoulder gingerly. "I think you're gonna have to drive the rest of the way back - I've about had it."

The drive continues, another storm system moving in to dump more rain. On the way, Carson's body finally starts to tire, hurting all over from the beating he'd received. He rubs most of the makeup off his face, revealing the cuts and bruises, and he leans back in the seat, remaining fairly quiet...thinking...pondering.


Jason sighs deeply at Katie's question. "No...nothing yet. Carson is...well he's out looking for her...long story." He cringes a little. "It's a mess, Katie, and it's partly my fault. Reese and I had a plan and it turned out a complete disaster, so I don't know what's going to happen now." He paces the break room, leaving his half-empty pop can on the table. "Sometimes nothing can go right, ya know?"


Laura turns over in bed, looking into the darkness. She had a hard time sleeping away from home, but tonight seemed even worse. Her mind continued to insist on revisiting the day...her brief conversation with Nate...the awkwardness at supper. She'd seen the look in her brother's eye... She loved Con dearly, and respected his opinions and character judgment...but had he been right to act the way he had? Or was is Laura who was not being cautious enough? Con's body language had implied he thought Nate was doing something more than just giving her a lift...was that true? Was Nate just being nice, or was there something more? And if there was something more, what was Laura supposed to do with that?

She glances at the clock and yawns. This whole thing was just silly. She just needed to ignore it and move on as if nothing had happened. Otherwise it would just drive her crazy, and tonight she really did need her sleep.