Thin ice

Carson looks up as Misty approaches, and gives her a grin, though his eyes aren't smiling. "Mm, Chinese sounds good, and of course we're going out. I'd hate to see what wrath I'd receive if I bailed on you two times in a row." He throws her a wink.

At the mention of him forgetting the locket, his eyes widen slightly. "Oh, crap, I took it off when I showered and it must still be on my sink." He leans back in his chair with a little smirk. "I was probably thinking about having your arms wrapped around my neck instead."

Left alone a while later, Carson stares at his computer screen, though isn't paying attention to it. The sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach was getting worse, and try as he might, it just wouldn't go away. He'd done things like this before...it had never bothered him...he was just getting what he wanted when he wanted it. Why was this tiny feeling of guilt growing? And being around Misty just made it worse. He'd ridden fences all his life, but this time it was uncomfortable... Deep down he knew why...he could see between right and wrong much clearer now than he'd used to, and his relationship with Misty was different than anything he'd had before. But he'd still chosen a route that put him on thin ice...and it was getting thinner.


The persistent ringing of the phone finally brings Con into a slight state of groggy alertness. Rolling over, he grabs at the phone, mumbling. "Yeah?"

"Con, where are you?"

Con's eyes fly open, suddenly fully awake. He looks at the clock and groans. "I'm on my way."

"You better be - Leonard's on the warpath today."

"I'll be there in fifteen minutes." Con throws the receiver back in place. Mad at himself, he stumbles out of bed, finding clean clothes, not even bothering to shower. He'd slept on his right side and hadn't heard his alarm go off an hour before. Now not only was he going to be in trouble, but he wasn't going to get a lunch break, which mean he'd have to miss going out with Jamie...for the third time. That in itself made him even madder. He was sore and exhausted, and his body just wanted rest - it wasn't surprising he hadn't woken up when he was supposed to. But he couldn't keep on going like this. He had to try harder at not lying on his good ear.

Out of the house in ten minutes flat, Con dials Jamie as he gets into his car. "Hey, it's me...I'm so sorry...I'm gonna have to take a rain check on lunch...again."


Wyatt keeps an eye on Carson that morning, watching his every move. He'd gotten a couple calls on his cell phone...he hadn't gone down the hall to visit Misty but once - that was strange in itself. He'd been on edge whenever someone had approached him, and the look on his face said he was irritated. Something was definitely wrong, and Wyatt was going to find out. He'd have to wait until Carson left today, but when he did, it would provide ample opportunity.