Consequences

Carson chuckles softly and keeps his eyes on the road. “Nothing like being in trouble with the prettiest woman I know.”

The hours tick by, and soon, the lights of the city come into view. Carson maneuvers the streets to arrive at the police station, parking in front out on the street. Before he and Misty can even get out of the car, several policemen are already present, no guns drawn, but threatening to do so, should anyone make a sudden move.

Carson gives Misty’s hand a squeeze and leans over to give her a kiss. “Time to face the music.”

Getting out of the car, they’re escorted inside without many words. Misty is taken by the arm and led to the front door. Carson is grabbed, his arms forced behind his back and shoved ahead of the others, manhandled inside as if they’re getting him back for making them look foolish when he’d escaped.

Reese stands off to the side, out of the way of the officers as they walk past with Carson and Misty. He gives Nate a sidelong glance, his eyes proving that he’s not happy, but he is sorry to see these two in this position. He’d already spent an hour talking with Brown, sharing everything from Nate, while Carson and Misty’s fate had been decided. It was up to him now to talk to them.

As Carson and Misty are taking down the hall to a cell, Reese gestures with his head for Nate to follow him.

Carson is forced into the cell behind Misty, the door shutting hard behind them. Heaving a sigh, Carson leans ataingst the wall to wait, his nerves shot.

Within minutes Reese appears. He just stands for what seems an eternity, looking at the two, studying them. Nodding to an officer, the cell is unlocked.

Reese approaches and goes inside, heading for Misty first to hug her. “I’m so upset with you, and so glad to see you safe.” Sighing, he withdraws to see her face, his eyes weary.

Backing off, he looks to Carson and just shakes his head. Finally he sits down and motions for the other two to do the same.

Carson glances out at Nate, wondering what will happen now, but turns his attention back to Reese.

Reese thinks for several moments. “There’s no point in talking any more about what happened. Nate has filled me in quite adequately. I’m sorry things have turned out like this…I understand the reasoning and commend you two for saving a life and taking down a crook, however I think you both know what you did was wrong.”

He pauses for another moment. “Misty, you are suspended from the Elite for one week. No more, because I convinced Brown that you were following Carson’s lead and wouldn’t have sprung him from jail otherwise. Your job is safe, and you’re not going to jail.”

Carson’s body relaxes with relief. Misty was safe and that was something to be relieved about.

“And Carson…” Reese shifts his attention. “You’re not going to jail either. Though I must tell you it took some doing. Brown has little tolerance for the kinds of stunts you pulled. I’m sorry to inform you though, that as of now, you are no longer an employee of the Elite.”

Carson’s eyes widen slightly. Though knowing he deserved jail, the news of losing his job seemed a bigger blow.

Reese shrugs. “That’s it. What’s done is done, and I can’t change it. If I were in charge, I might put you on probation instead, but…it’s no longer my call. Both of you are free to leave now and go home.”

Rising, it is obvious that Reese does not want to discuss things any more, and he exits the cell. “Nate, would you make sure they get out of here alright?”