Age

“Ahh!” Though yelping, Jason can’t help but laugh as Wes drags him around, then puts him down on the floor. He groans a little, looking up at his stepfather panting. “Alright, alright, you’re not old!”

He accepts Wes’ hand up, just in time to throw a look at Katie for her comment. “Left out?” He blinks and looks to Wes. “She’s feeling left out. That’s not good.”

Before anyone can stop him, Jason steps closer to Katie, bending down and picking her up to sling over his shoulder, holding her legs in front of him and spinning her around.

“What on earth…” Cindy comes back into the living room, her eyes wide.

Jason comes to an immediate halt, almost running Katie’s head into the wall, looking at his mother as his face reddens. But she’s not looking at him.

Instead, Cindy has her hands on her hips and is looking at her husband. “Wes! I don’t care how young you are, we have someone even younger in the other room, trying to sleep!”

Jason stifles a laugh as Wes takes the blame for everything. “Easy, mom…I think it was my fault.”

Cindy quirks an eyebrow and throws her son a look, giving him a once over, seeing his hold on Katie. “I thought you were a little beyond roughhousing.”

“Me?” Jason twists around and down, trying to see Katie’s face. “I think…uh…mm…”

“That’s what I thought.” Cindy comes over behind Jason to look upside down at Katie. “If he causes you trouble, come knock on my door. He wouldn’t want his mommy to have to come spank him.”

Jason’s eyes widen. “That is so not fair.”

“Night, hunny.” Cindy gives his hand a pat, accompanied by a knowing grin. Then turning to her husband, she takes his arm. “And you…are coming with me so you can quit causing trauma to the living room.”

Jason waves at them both. “G’night!” Heaving a sigh, he just stands for a moment, as if having forgotten about his armful. “Oh yeah…” Turning around, he walks back to the couch, dumping Katie onto the cushions. “Incoming. Watch your head.”

Barely giving her enough time to move, he flops down, faking carelessness, though he knows exactly where Katie is. Stretching out on his side to face the television, he pulls a throw pillow under his head and grabs the remote from the floor, letting Katie find her own position. “Okay, Hero, whadya have?”


Reese thinks for a moment, and shakes his head. “I’m not sure…Bret isn’t home… but if he thinks he’s being tailed, he won’t come back. I think we should lay low and let him come back like everything is fine. Don’t call Charlotte… in case they’re together, so as not to tip off Bret. We wait at least another day or so… then if he doesn’t show up, we’ll start after him.”

Heaving another sigh, Reese gathers up his things. “Though there is one person I might call. In the meantime… just sit tight. See if your sister is home – if she is, don’t say anything about this. If she isn’t…then we can assume they’re together.”

He gives a short nod. “I guess…that’s it. Thanks, Angelica.”

Leaving her office, he already goes for his cell phone.


“What?” Con paces the living room, hearing Jamie making supper in the kitchen. “Yeah… we’re friends. Right. From Titan. But how could…” He pauses, frowning. “Yeah, I knew about his record. He told me once. But he wouldn’t do that again. I… I don’t know about the picture, but it couldn’t have been. It just…”

He stops, realizing that Reese is not looking for opinions. “I’m sorry, no. I haven’t seen him in about a week or so. Last time I did, he was same as always…I didn’t think anything was wrong. He talked about Charlotte…that was it. No… yeah, if I see him I let you know. Alright. Yeah. Bye.”

Hanging up the cordless phone, Con just stops and thinks for several moments, shaking his head, then going to the kitchen. Leaning back against the counter, he purses his lips in solemn thought. “There was as bank robbery today in town… Reese is on the case. Says Bret Parker was involved.”

Three days ago

*Hearing Jason's comment Wes walks slowly behind him and though Jason is taller Wes still has long arms and is strong from being in the army. Putting Jason in a headlock Wes pulls him around the living room for a second.*

"Old...you think I'm OLD. I'll show you old."

*In one quick movment Wes brings Jason to the ground gently as to not hurt him. Standing over top of him he laughs, and offers a hand up again to Jason.*

"Now, if I was old could I do that?"

*Wes can't help the smile on his face as the enjoyment dances in his eyes.*

*Katie can't help the laughter that ring from her mouth as she watches Wes and Jason. It was good to see them getting along. Wes might not be Jason's dad but it was still good to see that they interacted ok.*

"You know I am feeling left out here."

*Katie shakes her head and continues to watch. Once the horse play is over Katie looks to Jason and smiles.*

"A movie sounds good."

*Looking down at the picture Angelica's eyes grow a little bit wider as she looks back up at Reese. A millions things ran through her mind. Bret seemed nice enough but anyone could wair a mask and now, was her sister in danger is well.*

"I havn't seen Charlotte in 3 days or so do you think...."

*Angelica's voice trails off as she grabs her phone and calls Charlotte work.*

"Hello...this is Angelica Lockheart, my sister Charlotte works there and I was wondering if she was in today."

"Nope we have it written down that she called off three days ago. She told us she had something important to take care of and would be back in a few days."

"Ok thank you."

*Hanging up the phone Angelica shakes her head.*

"They said she called off a few days ago. What now?"

Movie?

Cindy nods. “Sure. You just make yourself at home. And if you need any spare clothes, or anything, you just let me know.”

She waits for a few more moments, then finally relents, entering the living room. “Hey, hun.” She reaches down to run a finger through Jason’s hair. “Wake up, Jase.”

“Mm.” Jason squirms a little and forces his eyes open. “Mm-hmm.”

Cindy chuckles and moves to pick up Kaylee. “Better get up before you fall too much more asleep, or you'll never get into bed." She tucks the baby up by her shoulder and makes her way from the living room, nodding to Wes on her way.

Jason rubs his hands over his face and stretches out tall, yawning. "Okay...guess I was tired." Noticing Katie in the doorway, he gives her a sheepish grin. "Some rescuer I am. You're still up working, and I'm the one that conks out."

Cocking his head, his eyes twinkle with mischief. "So you up for a movie while the old folks go to bed, or are you conking out now too?"


Reese shrugs, fingering the folder in his hand. "Oh...well... " He sighs and steps into Angelica's office, setting the folder down on the desk. Opening it up, he reveals pictures from outside security cameras at the bank that was robbed. He points out one of them in particular. "This was digitally enhanced to zoom in... it's... Bret Parker's car, and it's him behind the wheel. It was, um... the getaway car for the robbers. He wasn't home when the police went to his place about an hour ago. I... thought maybe Charlotte might know where he was."

Apology glints in Reese's eyes. He wasn't sure what to think.

Worry

*Charlotte can't help but laugh again as the smile widens on her face. Stopping to think about it for a moment Charlotte can't help but see her sisters face already when she found out.*

"Oh boy are we ever."

*Charlotte shakes her head and takes Bret's hand with her own interlacing her fingers with his.*

"I'll go through anything as long as I am by your side."

*Charlotte looks out the window as the scenes as they pass by. The energy here fed her own, Bret helped her enjoy it and gave her even more. It was a circle Charlotte loved and was so happy to now have. An unexspected happyness that Charlotte wouldnt trade for the world.*

*Coming up behind Cindy Katie can't help but smile at Jason as a warmness washes over her from the picture that was before her. Watching Jason with little Kaylee was the cutest thing. He just needed to see more the confadince he already had. His sister loved him, and he new how to handle her.*

"Well, at least we know someone got through to him."

*Katie cocks her head as she watches for a little while longer. Finally shaking her head she lets out a small sigh.*

"Well, I'd like to see my Aunt and Mick again but I can do that in the morning. I think I would like to sleep here."

*Katie didn't feel to awkward and now that her and Jason were trying over again it made things a little easyer too.*

"Thank you Cindy for everything is means alot."

*Once more Katie looks to the coutch where brother and sister were laying the smile still on her face.*

*Angelica looks up from her desk as Reese enters. Quirking an eyebrow she thinks for a moment.*

"Well, I know they have been spending alot of time together I hardly ever see her at home anymore between working and spending all her free time with him. Other than that I am not sure what they do or anything. Why whats wrong? Do you think he had something to do with robbery?"

*Angelica has a bit of worry cross her face. She helped Bret out once and he seemed nice but other than that no one new anything alse about him.*

Soft spot

“Aw, thanks.” Bret smirks at Charlotte, scanning the street for the next fast food joint. “Then…we go to that beach you saw and eat in the car since I’m not in the mood to get cold. And if I feel adventurous, we’ll go for a walk.”

He stops in traffic to make a turn into a restaurant drive-thru. “And then we’re going to go get a movie or two somewhere to take back to the hotel, and stay up into the wee hours of the morning, just because we can and don’t have any responsibilities tomorrow.”

He grins and throws Charlotte a sidelong glance. “You do realize that we’re both dead.”

Reaching over, he roughs up her hair. “But at least we die together now.”


Jason gives Wes a wry grin. “No ringer…just life in general.” He gives him a subtle nod that they would explain later. Entering the house, he brings Katie in with him, setting down his bag in the entryway.

“What we both could use now is a good shower.”

“Wes, who is…” Cindy comes around the corner, and he face lights up. “Jason! Katie!” She smiles. “Don’t you two look like you’ve had an adventure. What are you doing here?”

Jason chuckles. “Sorry to barge in on you.”

“You don’t have to apologize and you know it,” Cindy chides. “This is home…for both of you. Please say you’re staying for supper.”

“If that’s okay.” Jason gives Katie a glance, then looks back to his mom. “I think we both could use some food after we clean up.”

“And then…?”

Jason shrugs. “I don’t think I want to go back to Nevada tonight, so I’ll sack out here if it’s alright.” He looks to Katie again. “I don’t know where Katie wants to stay.”

Cindy holds her smile. “Well if she wants to head to the ranch, that’s fine, but Katie, you’re more than welcome to stay here too. That’s what the guest room is for.” She opens her mouth to say more, but with all the noise, Kaylee is now awake and starts crying for her own supper. “Ohh, Kaylee.” Cindy rocks her gently. “Come on.” She heads down the hall, calling over her shoulder. “You guys are free to use the shower… Wes, watch the stove, could you?”

Jason grins and shakes his head. He gestures to the hallway, letting Katie use the shower before him. “Ladies first.”

Once everyone is cleaned up and settled, supper is on, and enjoyed in the dining room. Just as warm and cozy as always, the atmosphere is a loving one, and even more at ease than the last time, with less tension between Jason and Katie.

Brief explanations are shared with Wes and Cindy, though too many details are avoided, for privacy’s sake. After the meal is finished, the table is cleared off, and once more Cindy has to see to Kaylee. As everyone settles down for a little while though, Cindy hands the baby off to Jason. “Here, you can hold her for a while.”

No time to refuse even if he wanted, Jason takes the warm bundle, still feeling a little awkward. “Um…ok.”

Cindy smiles, and throws a wink in Katie’s direction, knowing that Jason wasn’t a hundred percent comfortable, but making him do it anyway. “Katie, you wouldn’t mind helping me with the dishes, would you? Then it can be done in half the time.”

The women in the kitchen, Jason wanders to the living room to sit down and chat with Wes for a while. Soon though, it’s quiet, exhaustion from the day taking over.

The dishes finished, Cindy cocks her head and listens, hearing nothing. Giving Katie a curious glance, she goes to the living room to peak in. A smile spreads on her face and she just stands and watches.

Jason was lying on his back on the couch, one foot on the floor, the other stretched out to set on the armrest. One hand was hanging off the couch, the other on top of the sleeping form on his chest.

Kaylee was slowly raised and lowered with every one of Jason’s breaths, her own eyes closed in sleep. Her tiny hand clutched Jason’s shirt in a vice grip, her other tucked under her own head.

Cindy leans against the doorway, her smile in place. She looks to Katie again, her voice in a whisper. “Some tough guy.” She chuckles softly. “At least someone was able to find his soft spot.”

She shakes her head a little and gives a contented sigh. “I hate to wake them up, but I need to put Kaylee down in her crib.” She looks to Katie with question. “Have you decided what you’d like to do tonight?”


“Angelica?” Reese taps lightly on her office door. It was late, and he wanted to go home, and he wanted her to be able to go home too, but he needed to talk to her. “I just got a call in about a bank robbery downtown. The station is full up right now, so they handed me the case to handle. I, um… I was wondering if… well…” He didn’t want to imply the wrong thing, but he just had to ask. “Has Charlotte said anything about where her boyfriend has been lately or anything?”

Saprise

*Wes stands hearing the door setting down the paper work he was looking at for work.*

"Yeah I got it."

*Heading to the door he opens it to find Jason and Katie on the other side. A bit surprised but happy non the less a smile spreads across Wes face.*

"Well look who we have here."

*Noticing the start of the dirt on there cloths Wes grows concerned for a brief moment.*

"Is everything ok? You guys look like you have been through the ringer."

*Stepping aside Wes holds the door open and waves Jason and Katie inside.*

"Come on in your mom will be happy to see you again."

*Charlotte thinks for a moment trying to decide what she wanted to eat. She herself really did not care either but the choice was on her now so she had to choose. Reaching into her pocket and pulling own a coin a smile spreads across her face.*

"Heads we go fast food, we go family style. No elegant we are dressed for it at the moment."

*Tossing the coin in the air and catching it Charlotte slaps it into her other hand. Heads.*

"Looks like fast food. I saw a pretty nice looking beach over there, its not to cold out if you want to take it there to eat. Oh I picked what kind of food now you get to pick the place."

*Charlotte cant help the laugh that escapes her lips.*

Hungry

Though Jason and Katie had been close before, this moment felt new. Both had been through so much... both had grown... both had changed. And though love did exist, it would be nurtured slowly, gently pushing away fear, and bringing two lives together that were meant to be from the very beginning.

Drawing away, Jason looks down into Katie's eyes, a small smile on his face. Right about now, he could stay here forever and not care. But life was moving on around them, and no matter how it felt, time wasn't really standing still.

"I guess if you're ready to go... we should head out. We can make my mom's and Wes' by suppertime... and I bet they'd be thrilled with the company."

Finally letting Katie go, Jason takes her hand to walk her back to her things, and also gathers up his own backpack.

Though the trek is hard going down the slippery slopes, it doesn't seem so bad. Hand-in-hand half the time, few words are spoken, but company is enjoyed. After stopping for a light lunch, Jason gives Mick a quick call that things were fine, then the hike continues.

By the time Jason and Katie reach the bottom, both look as though they've been camping for a week, covered in mud and grass stains. Walking down the path, Jason turns and grins, reaching up to take a twig out of Katie's hair. "Remember I said they'd be thrilled with company? We might scare them away before we can get that far."

The sun is beginning to sink lower in the sky by the time the two reach Wes and Cindy's. Jason isn't sure about Katie, but he's exhausted, not only from the physical workout, but also from the emotional strain of the day. Though knowing he could walk right in if he wanted, to, he knocks anyway.

Cindy is stirring the sizzling hamburger for her casserole on the stove, while holding Kaylee with the other arm, the baby sleeping against her shoulder. Hearing the knock, she turns to Wes at the table. "Would you see who that is, please, hun? I got my hands full."


"Alright, we got fast food, we got family-style diners, we got elegant." Bret looks out the window of his car as he and Charlotte cruise the busy road. "I'm starving, but I don't care where we go, so I leave the option up to you."