Moving past emotion

The time in the holding cell is quickly up, and the guard opens up the door. “Time’s up, Lockheart,” he informs gruffly. “Stevenson, back to your cell.”

Jason takes a deep breath and rises slowly. “Thanks, Lockheart. Tell Katie I’m alright, will ya?”


Carson makes his way down to the next level. Within minutes, he’s aiming a gun at a target and blasting holds into the paper with accuracy. His mind was a mess, but concentrating on something else seemed to help a little.

He was just so confused by the people around here. He’d known Jamie was special…if it hadn’t been for her, he’d still be on the other side right now. But she’d still surprised him today. He wasn’t used to this sort of thing…people just didn’t normally act this way.

He had almost wanted not to accept the forgiveness offered…he knew he didn’t deserve it, and certainly hadn’t asked for it. But it had been given freely… why?

Reloading, Carson continues to think before firing off another eight rounds. This whole thing was humbling…he hadn’t had very many experiences like that. He was proud of who he was and his accomplishments…but standing next to Jamie, it seemed none of that was important, least of all his pride, which had been shattered.

In the end, perhaps he simply needed to accept this and move on. Apparently that’s what Jamie wanted, and it would certainly make him feel better to leave this whole thing behind him. Though it had impacted his heart in a strange new way, Carson sets aside those thoughts and feelings for now. He would move on…move past…

Making his way back upstairs a while later, Carson ambles down the hall, pausing at the infirmary. He leans on the doorway, tucking one hand into his pocket. He spies Misty and cocks his head. “Rumor has it that studying too much can be bad for the brain,” he teases. “Don’t tell me you’ve lost your taste for excitement already.”


Laura nods to Nate, then turns back to Jamie with a little sigh. “I’m sorry, Jamie. There were multiple reasons Con didn’t want anything said, but since you’re here now, I might as well tell you.” She shrugs. “He left town the day after you did…took everyone’s advice to get away and cool off. He’s at our uncle and aunt’s place about three hours from here. I’ve had some contact with him, but I doubt anybody’s called him about Jason yet.”


Wyatt watches as Katie slowly exits the jeep and heads up the walk. His heart screamed at him to go to her. But how could he? She didn’t want comfort from him…he couldn’t give her what she needed. She only wanted one person, and that person couldn’t be here. She was lost, alone and miserable, and there was nothing he could do about it.

Feeling helpless, Wyatt just sits, his eyes still on Katie. But suddenly gritting his teeth, he grows mad at himself.

No. There was something he could do about it. Katie shouldn’t be left alone right now, no matter how miserable she was. The only thing holding him back was fear that his heart would be left vulnerable again. He couldn’t lie to himself – he still had feelings for Katie. But leaving her here now was an utterly selfish action. This was about her, not him. If he couldn’t get past his own emotions, then he was no better than someone turning his back on another in need.

Making up his mind, Wyatt gets out of his jeep and stuffs his keys in his pocket. He jogs up the walk, catching up to Katie just as she reaches the door. “I’m not leaving you alone,” he informs bluntly. Already having a key from Laura, he opens up the apartment door and holds it open for Katie.