For Scott

Carson is thankful that Herb lets the rest of his story drop for now. He felt stupid, but for not it was just best he say nothing. Maybe the situation would solve itself. Until then, he had to be more careful about coming late, and had to watch what he said better. Otherwise he was looking at punishment, and a lost life.

Receiving Herb’s compliment, he can’t help the smile that creases his lips. “Thanks…” He looks back at the dough. It was hard to believe where he was today…he never would have guessed he’d be working at a little Italian restaurant…let alone enjoying it. But despite his natural urge for excitement and action… he was getting used to this, and a part of him was starting to settle down… to the point where he could honestly say that some days he liked this. He’d always been able to cook a good steak, but being able to make the food served here… it felt like a nice accomplishment. And that was something he wasn’t used to.

Turning back to his work, he changes subjects. “Dani might have found an apartment just about five blocks from here…it’s got two bedrooms, so she’s invited me to stay with her, so long as I help out as much as I can.” Carson shrugs. “I was thinking about it…but…if I do… would you still be around to watch my paychecks?”


Jason tosses a paper airplane into the trashcan.

Yeah… I feel the same. There’s no way I’d let this go, even if I thought I was going to lose my job. I just…I’m mad, Katie. I don’t understand Austin…or Carter… Half of me wants to go barging in to find Scott, and half of me wants to confront the top dogs instead. I’m their grandson for crying out loud, so it’s like I feel partially responsible or something.

He sighs deeply and shakes his head, rising from his desk.

Guess I better go home and grab my gear. See you in a while, Hero.


Time seems lethargic, yet seems to fly at the same time. TJY is tense with a strange atmosphere. Those going on their mission are busy preparing. Those not going can only watch, asking questions without receiving answers.

Laura watches the movement around the office with suspicion. Asking Jason about the strange meeting and behavior only gave her a surprising cold shoulder. Not used to that, she’d withdrawn, not even daring to ask Nate, who also appeared to be in on whatever was going on. It wasn’t so strange to have undercover operations… and it wasn’t so strange to have some amount of secrecy… but this was stranger than normal. It was more than just protocol that kept the others’ mouths shut.


Rick heads to the lower corner office beneath the main floor to prep the equipment. He’d been down here plenty times before to help out Scott and Hal with communication. It felt strange to be here by himself. But he understood the necessity of it.

Turning on the computers and other devices, he prepares, meeting up with Dalton with mics and a few instructions. And the rest…was left up to the field team.


Jason tosses his duffel bag into his truck and backs out of the driveway, his nerves causing his mind to reel. This whole case had him on edge. The confusion about how to feel if Scott really was alive… The anger towards his grandfathers and superiors… The strange secrecy. It was odd…

He used to feel so much excitement on cases. He used to love the adrenaline rush. He used to go all out, rip-roaring to go. But somewhere along the way, that had changed. Now it felt less a game and more of a duty.

He’d always understood the seriousness of working at TJY… He’d been taught since high school that being here meant putting your life on the line, and fulfilling their purpose, even if it meant risking everything. But it still had held an element of almost fun. It had been fun to talk about, fun to be in training, especially at his age, and fun to be undercover and fighting the bad guys.

And now…it just felt… different. As if time had changed him, his perspectives, and his view of duties. This was more than a pastime…it was more than and adrenaline rush… it was more than something to gain prestige over. It was his life. And it was what he was made to do.


The garage felt small with Reese, Dalton, Rick, Misty, Nate, Jason, Wyatt and Katie. It was time. Five o’clock, and they were hitting the road. The office knew this team was leaving, but that was it. Susanne was under direct orders to filter all incoming calls and to not let anyone know the team was gone together. Though confused, she had readily complied.

“Alright, folks…” Reese looks at his team before opening up the garage door. “This is it. I’ll drive until I’m tired, then Wyatt will drive. We’ll take it in one sweep and should arrive to our destination by this time tomorrow night. Let’s pile in, check our mics and move out. Everyone ready?”

Jason stands straight, the brim of his ballcap hiding much of the tension on his face.

Let’s do this…for Scott.