Sweatshirt

*As Katie gets into the van ready to leave thew site she sits by Jason but away a bit. She didn't know how she felt through the sadness. Her tears had stopped but on the inside they were still raging as the invisable tears fell. Turning her head to where the badge was set on the dashbored Katie just stairs at it for a moment. So many things still running through her head and the pain ran through her heart. Looking away Katie looks out the window and the van lerches forward. The scenes passing buy as the silence lingers.

Once back to TJY Kaite makes her way inside slowly. Walking between Jason and Nate they prove to be a barryer for her. Though keeping her eyes on the ground Katie trys to stay clam knowing there were many people around and what the act of her raging emotions could do.

Turning and looking up at Con feeling his strong arms around her Katie feels almost numb but the liqued from her eyes proves she's not. Wrapping her arms around Con Katie just stands her face burryed into his brawd chest the sobs soft.*

*As Reese message to join him in Scott office rings forth Sapphire is the first to whipe the tears from her eyes and slowly make her way down to her brother office. She'd never been to close with her brother but non that less he was her twin after all. Memorie run through her mind as she walks of when they were young and insepratable. Scott has always looked out for her and school and she for him, but over time they started to drift apart. Both going there own way there bond never broke and they were always there when the other one needed the other. Now, now that Scott was gone the emptyness remained. As if a sting had been cut, there was now a hole.*

*Slowly Katie follows Jason and Con into Scott office. For a moment stoping in the doorway and looking around the room. One who had visited this office offten would exspect to see Scott sitting in the spinning chairs , or to hear his jokes or laughs. But not today. Not on this sad day. Scott would not be back, he would no longer step into this room again.

Moving all the way inside Katie goes to the far wall and leans aganst it resting. Waitng...holding her pain in. Trying to keep the tears from her eyes.*

*As Nate hears his name he can't help the smile the spreads across his face as her makes a tumbs motion and words slip from his lips.*

"You know me all to well buddy. Nothing better than bad guy but kicking. I'll keep that first thing in mind as well.*

*Than gently his puts his arm over Laura's shoulder and pulls her in. Keeping her held tightly but gently. Offering his comfort to her, a small smile on his face from Scott's words. What a good guy he was, that Nate would never forget. From now on, each case won, would be for Scott.*

*Misty keeps her hand on the side of her face as her other across her chest. She didn't know Scott as well as the other but from what she did know he had a heart of gold. She had been honnered to get to know him, even though it was so unfair he was taken away all to soon.*

*As Sapphire listens to her brother last words to her a few tears spill from her eyes as the lonlyness she felt increased. She loved her brother, and she would miss him. But now, she would try to live everyday like there was no tomarrow, for herself and for Scott.*

*A smile spreads across Jamie's fast her eyes glossy with tears as she leans her back aganst Con. Scott had always been a good friend she could pick on and he could pick back. She was truly going to be missed around the office.*

*As Katie hears her name read off she trys her best to fight her emotions and stay calm as the tears start to form in her eyes again. She didn't undestand why Scott had to die and maybe that was they hardest thing of this all. Not undestanding why.

Kaite's heart acked, burned, it felt almost clawstraphobic in the office with all the people and Katie was having a hard time breathing. She needed to get out, Katie didn't want to be around people anymore.

Standing Katie throws a look at Jason but dosnt relay much more than her sarrow and pain before slipping out of the room and heading across the TJY floor and outside. Going to her car she just sits in the passanger side for a long moment running her hands over the leather of the car. This car had been what started the path to what had been a wonderful relationship with Scott.

Finally pulling out of the parking lot Katie sqeals her tired and starts to make her way across town. Pulling into the small drive way of Scott's house and getting out of the car Katie lets out a long sigh. Going up the front pourch Katie searches for the key and unlockes the door steping in.

Being greeted by Domino as she wiggled all over Katie bends down and pats the small dog on the head trying to talk through her unexspected tears again.*

"Hey Girl...."

*Standing again Katie walks and heads down the hall. Scott's voice echoing in her ears as she remembers the good times, the laughs, and the romantic times. Getting to Scott's bedroom Katie opens the door and steps in. Closing her eyes and almost being able to feel Scott and smell him. Going to the closet Katie pulls out one of his sweatshirt. Holding it close for a moment she pulls it over her head. She felt close to Scott now. Sinking down on his bed Katie pulls her feet up and curls up her head on the pillow. The tear no being able to be heald back anymore as Katie's sobs ring out and her tears start to soak the pillow.*

Note

Nate's words are met with silence as his words create a shock at the other end.

"Oh, no..." Hal's words are laced with emotion. "No..."

Theres' another long pause.

"Thanks, Nate. I...I'll...I'll start letting people know for Reese so there are no surprises."


I know it hurts...I know... But be strong, Katie... I know you can.

Jason's arms remain around her in a gentle but strong grip.

You'll always be a hero, Katie, don't pretend you're not. But even heroes can't control everything. There's nothing you could have done...

His hold finally loosens a little when he's confident that Katie won't try to attack anyone again, and his hand slides to her back to rub it. He tries to keep his own tears from his eyes as Katie sobs. Seeing and hearing her cry was heart wrenching.


The chaos continues around them as people come and go. Reese is forced to remain strong as he has to give a report, details to Sheriff Brown, and endure heavy questioning. Time drags on. The team can only wait. Can only become more resentful of this scene... can only wish to leave even more.

The fire is finally gotten under control as more smoke and steam shoots forth. Remnants of a charred building is all that's left of the once-beautiful house. Rescue workers and police are still everywhere. Reese doesn't allow anyone to question his team, not wanting them to have to go through that.

As the time drags on, the sun starts getting low, the air chillier. And finally...finally... it's time to leave.

The team is quiet in the van as Reese slides in behind the steering wheel. He is just quiet, unmoving for a full minute as he stares down at something in his hand. Firefighters had come to him earlier with the recovered object. He lets out a shaky sigh and finally reaches to set the blackened badge on the dashboard. Keeping himself in check, he pulls away, taking the van back to TJY.


At TJY, the atmosphere is quiet and dismal. Soft crying can be heard. No one wants to work...it seems unreal. Police officers often die in the line of duty...but not here.... and at TJY, it wasn't just a workplace... it was family. And one of their own had been lost. Some TJY members were on the outskirts and not as involved as those on the main floor. They would be able to move on more easily. But for those who interacted with each other every day...they were the ones with broken hearts.


The van makes it back to TJY, only to enter with downcast eyes. Their accomplishment of a case solved seemed trivial...not worth a smile.

They are greeted by others who need not say any words. It was hard to lose a friend...even harder to have been there to see it.

Hugs are given.... tears are not hid.

As the team walks across the main floor, eyes can't help but drift to the hallway where the offices were. This whole thing was like a nightmare. It was unreal.

Reese breaks off from the team and heads toward the hall. He remembered Scott's last words and would go look for what it was he was supposed to see.

The team is numb...no one wants to work... and no one is asked to. Suddenly a large shadow comes up from behind. Jason turns his head and almosto has to look up. His eyes meet with his friend for a sorrowful exchange without words.

Con joins the group. He'd been called by Laura. Seeing Katie, he reaches out to her and pulls her into a hug that envelopes her. "Hey, Kat," he whispers. "It's gonna be okay."


Reese walks back onto the main floor, his eyes reddened slightly, though he holds his composure. Looking around, he sees that eyes are on him, and he doesn’t have to get everyone’s attention.

“Hey, guys, um… can everybody come down to Scott’s office for a minute? There was, um…a note… about a disc he’s got and…he wanted everyone there.”

Most are quick to follow. Though not everyone was there, the main crew was, and followed Reese to huddle in and around Scott’s office.

Reese sits down behind Scott’s desk, leaning down to retrieve a disc out of the small safe to view on the computer. As the disc is inserted, it automatically starts a program, bringing up several files and documentations. A message pops up first though, forcing the user to read before proceeding.

Reese’s eyes scan the words, emotions filling his eyes. He swallows hard, seeing the others in the room. “There’s um…there’s a message here…to several of us…”

He clears his throat and composes himself before he starts to read aloud…

“If you're reading this, then I guess I bit the dust. I know - corny line. Maybe I was lucky enough to have died in my sleep, but if I died in the line of duty, which would be interesting since I sit behind a desk all day, I'm sure you guys took down whoever we were after. Don’t ask why this message is here… I guess I just felt like writing it one day.”

Reese pauses a moment, feeling the responsibility weighing on his shoulders for taking Scott away from the desk. He proceeds.

“I've got files here...and lots of 'em. I'm hoping that whoever is reading this has the clearance to do so. But before I tell you my passwords, give me just a moment to get sappy here. If a guy can't do it during his lifetime, surely he can do it after he's six feet under.”

A short chuckle is heard from someone in the room. Reese struggles to go on, seeing his name first.

“Reese - you were always a great boss, even when you were annoying. Thanks for helping me find my way and taking me on when no one else would. And before you go blaming Susanne any more for that quirky beep your computer does when you “accidentally” swear - it was me. And by the way, my house is paid for. It goes to TJY.”

Several people can’t help but laugh a little at the humor laced in amongst the words, though all remain attentive as they listen, tears still glistening.

“Susanne - there's a button on your printer that turns the power off. Use often. Use wisely. May your next technical supervisor's hands be ink-free.

Laura - marry the man already. And next time your computer crashes, instead of wailing, try asking nicely...computers are sensitive that way.

Nate - read Laura's first... got it? Okay. Now get out there and kick some bad guy's butt. I know you want to.”

Laura’s face reddens and she looks down, an embarrassed smile on her lips.

“Con - I know you're not around here anymore, but I gotta say - you're one big dude with one big heart. You put up with a lot while you were in the office...thanks.

Rick - don't quit. You've saved lives, man. Keep it up.

Ty - dumpster man! Hang tight and don't give up.

Hal - careful...I might have left some moldy cheese in my garbage. Clothespins for your nose not included.”

More chuckles interrupt the speech.

“Misty - thanks for all you've done. Your future is bright. Don't let Rick boss you around too much... you're teaching him as much as you're learning.

Sapphire - sis...I know we didn't get along all that great, but you know I loved ya. Keep that chin up and make yourself known around here. Get out of your box...trust me, it's worth it. Tell mom and dad I loved them… one last effort to bury the hatchet.

Jason - we've had our differences...boy have we ever. But ever since you got here, I envied you. Your talents...the way people respected you even when you were just a cocky high schooler. You've just got "it" and there's no two ways about it. I may have had a couple years on you, but it didn't matter. Just don't let that talent of yours go to waste. Use it...for good… you know how. And Jason...since I never could get through while I was there, let me say it now - start believing in God. I've seen Him now, and He's real. Don't wait too long. I want to see you again.”

Jason leans back against the wall, his hands hooked in his pockets as his eyes focus on nothing and no one. Scott’s words struck deeply…deeply enough that for now he set the emotional strain aside to deal with later when he was not in the presence of others.

“Wyatt - hey, boss' kid. Yeah, you. Don't let your dad get to you, and stop worrying about what others are thinking about you. You're fine. You're good. You're going to make a great leader.

Jamie - take care of that tank of yours, you hear? Be careful out there and don't neglect that smile of yours. Thanks for the friendship. It meant a lot even if all I did was tease.

Katie - I didn't leave you last on the list because you were last in my book. Maybe I just didn't know what to say because there were too many things to choose from. Love. Laugh. Live. You deserve it. Fly, Katie... stretch those God-given wings of yours and don't let anyone hold you back. You're unstoppable and you know it. Never give up. Never say die. Dry those tears. I'll see you soon. (And if Jason misbehaves, slap him once upside the head for me 'cause you're the only one he won't hit back.) Love ya, Alice. Take care of Domino for me.”

Jason finally glances over to Katie, searching her eyes, feeling emotional stress. He was right…

“Alright...now that that's over... (you gals can quit crying now...I mean it...stop it...I've never felt better here).... the following documentation contains all the stuff Reese would want, or the next tech guy that'll be filling my shoes. Usernames, passwords, stuff I shouldn't even have...”

Reese’s voice trails off and for several moments, there is just silence until he manages to speak again. “The rest is all files that I’ll need to go through…things someone else needs to know to keep things running around here.”

Hero

*As Jason pulls Katie away she fights and struggles for a moment. Finally though she gives up and just lets Jason hold her. It was usless to match Jason's strength without hurting him and that was not matter how upset and hurt Katie was something she just did not want to do.

How could this happen J....It hurts so bad.

Feeling Jason's arms around her she burrys her face into his chest as the tears continue to come though she trys to calm herself down. Using Jason as her shelter all Katie can do now is cry. As her mind raced with memories, with thoughts, and with feelings she couldn't even begin to describe.*

"Some Hero I am!"

*Nate looks to Reese and gives a nod, though he himself was stuned. It was hard to turn away knowing they would be going back short one. Scott has been quiet, but in the last months to pass he had changed and life was new for him. But not it was hurt short and it killed him to think of the pain and sarrow of the passing life of this young man.*

"Yeah, I got it boss."

*Turning around Nate heads back to the van give a nod to Jason and placing a hand on Katie's shoulder.*

"It's going to be ok Hero. Don't beat yourself up over this. You were Scott's Hero, So don't even say other wise. You gave him life and hope. Thats more than any man could ask for. He new you loved him and he would hate to see you like this. "

* Giving a gentil pat Nate disapears into the van. Though he new that in time it would be ok, his words just didn't seem enough. It was hard to see Katie like this, it was hard to see the look in Jason's eye, it was hard to deal with his own feelings.

Switching the raido and headset back on Nate clears his throt and keeps his voice low as his eyes scan the data that Scott had transfered.*

"Hal, we got the information we needed. All of it, but..."

*Nate's voice trails off for a moment as he lets out a long sigh and closes his eyes for a moment.*

"...Scott didn't make it out before the building exploded. Scott's gone Hal. Reese wanted you to know first."

What I wanted to

The look in Katie's eye almost scares Jason and he watches her walk away. Still stunned himself, his eyes drift to the fire as one of the fire trucks pulls up and begins to douse the flames. Scott... There had been times when Jason had hated him... had not appreciated him... had taken him for granted. But he'd been a good man with a heart like no other.

Turning back around, Jason suddenly realizes where Katie's gone, and before he moves, he sees her throw a punch at the FBI agent.


Reese is still shouting as Katie approaches. As she nears, his own anger increases, feeling the emotional wave. His mouth is open to lay more blame when Katie steps in to lay her hands on Tipman.

Though angry, Reese's eyes widen slightly. "Katie, no. Stop, Katie..." Too late, she was taking the man down.


Jason jogs to the small gathering, seeing Katie on top of the agent on the ground. Katie...let him go... he's not worth it... stop it, Katie...

Reese takes a step forward, going for Katie, but a hand to his arm stops him and he looks to Jason.

It's Jason that leans down, firmly taking hold of Katie and pulling her off of Tipman. He struggles just a bit against her angry strength, but gets her up and drags her away from the people, nearer their own van. Do you think Scott would want you to do this? It may be Tipman's fault, but you can't do this...you have to let it go...

Once more, Jason wraps his arms around Katie, trying to hold her still. Seeing her bleeding knuckles, he almost winces. Drawing her in tighter, he buries her tear-streaked face against him, resting his own head on hers and rocking her. "Shhhh.... just breathe, Katie, calm down...."

With all his own anger and fears, it's so very hard to emit anything else, but digging down deep for the strength, Jason puts a lid on the negativity, and pours out all the comfort he can muster in an attempt to drown out the anger.


Tipman wipes his bloody lip and glares at Reese as he gets back to his feet. "Brown will be hearing about this. It was his idea to give your department free reign. If that's the kind of officers you produce, then..."

Reese cuts him off. "I have the best officers a man could ever have," he hisses. "Don't you ever, ever dare to insult me like that again. I apologize for Katie's behavior, but I commend her for doing what I wanted to. Go ahead. Go to Brown. And if you do, so help me, I'll have you from so many different angles that it will make your head swim." He stares Tipman in the eye. "Now get out of here. You've caused enough damage. This is my scene. That was my officer. You have no right to this."

Turning around, Reese eyes Nate. "I need you to radio back to Hal. I'm sorry...but please tell him what happened. I want our group to know before it leaks from the FBI or the media."

Fists of Destruction

*Jason mentil pleading goes unheard, Katie's heart and emotions feeling as though they theyselfs were going to explode. Her mind racing she couldn't give up...she had to save him.

As Katie gets closer and the heat from the fire starts to sting her face she only slows a little. Feeling jolted back by Jason and finally sencing his emotional message and feeling his arms wrap around her. Katie didnt want his comfort She needed to get to Scott.*

"Let me go J...I have to go. Let me go its not to late."

*Katie struggles and pounds her fists on Jason's back. She had to....she had to help him, but fainally as Jason continues to talk to her and prompt her to calm down the cold hard truth hits Katie, and the relization of what just happend sinks in. Her tears continue to flow as she sinks into Jason's arms and she starts to shake.*

"No...J...he...he can't be dead....please...why..."

"Slowly Katie lifts her head as she hears Reese and another man talking. She could only guess that he was the one from the F.B.I.

Her tears still flowly Katie continues to strain to listen the her emotions movies a million miles a minute. This was there fault, Scott was dead because of them.

In an instint Katie fear, and painic, hurt and pain turns to pure anger and hatread. Something not offten felt by her. Pushing away from Jason Katie stops and looks at him. Weather it was the reflection of the flames from the house or her emotions fire could be seen in her eyes. Moving past him Katie stalks the other way to where Reese and the other were standing. Her fists balled with a destructive purpis.

Standing next to Reese for a moment looking at the other man Katie's anger and hate increases ten fold. Reaching out in one swift motion Katie grabs the man by the shirt her voice laced with the anger, hatread and pain she felt as she hissed.*

"This is your fault. YOU did this."

*Bringing her other hand around Katie knocks the man in the jaw sending him stumbaling backwards. Again Katie lands another punch this time causing the man to fall to the ground with a thud. Not waisting a moment Katie is on top of the man both her fists marking there distruction as her own knucked start to crack and bleed.*

"YOUR TO BLAME...THIS IS YOUR FAULT..WHY...WHY...HE WAS A GOOD GUY...HE NEVER HURT ANYONE...HE WAS A GOOD GUY...."

*Katie continues to let her tear pour as she beat on the helpless man, her emotions clouding her mind as she felt so alone. Images of Scott flashing through her mind. Scott's smile, his voice, his words and his dreams. The love in his eyes, and the comfort in his voice. Katie's tears proved how much she was huring.*