Unhappy reunion

Bret can sense Angelica switching into business mode, and he lets the personal issues drop. There would be time for that later…the two sisters would work out their difference eventually, and hopefully they’d all be okay. But for now…he needed to go with the system instead of fighting it.

“Okay.” He nods in agreement. “We go downtown.”

He looks Angelica in the eye. “I know you don’t like me all that much… but just for the record… any other time I would have high-tailed it out of here. But I got stuff that’s too important for me to run away from now.”

Bret slips his arm around Charlotte’s shoulders. “I know I’m an accessory to the crimes, but I’ll do what it takes to either clear my record or pay. I trust you… and I’ll do what you say.”

Con gives an approving nod to his friend. “You’re doing the right thing, Bret. Reese?”

Reese nods. “I’ll escort them in. You’re free to go.”

Con offers a wave to everyone, and then a wink to Charlotte. “Take care of your man.”

Bret watches his friend leave, then takes a deep breath. “Okay…I’m ready.”


…The jail cell bars were hard and cold under Bret’s grip. He hated it here…he hated being caged up… he hated the feeling of helplessness. But for now…for a short time, it was necessary. Until a preliminary hearing in three days, he would be held here, under the charges of armed robbery and murder. Then hopefully he would be released on bail.

In the meantime, Charlotte would help Angelica gather proof of their alibi to fight that end of things. After that, it would be Angelica’s job to convince the authorities that if the charges of Bret being an accessory to the crimes could be dropped, he’d help them find the real criminals. There would be another blotch on his record, but it was a lot better than serving time in prison.

Bret leans his head up against the cell bars and looks at Charlotte with apology. “I’m sorry you got dragged into this… I shouldn’t have ever gotten involved with those guys again in the first place.”

He sighs, regret showing through. “Just don’t go back to my place… I don’t want you there alone in case the guys decide to do something stupid.”


“Hey, Mom.” Con grins at Mabel and leans on the counter, tossing his mother-in-law a wink. “Think you can handle a batch of us tonight?”

Carson sticks his head around the corner from the kitchen. “Got a load coming?”

Con chuckles. “You could put it that way. How ya doing?”

“Oh…hanging in there.”

“Good.” Con turns around to Jamie, and nods to the tables. “Since we’re the first ones here, how about we push some of them tables together so there’s room enough for everyone.”

It doesn’t take long, and people start filing in. Jason and Katie, Laura and Nate, Wyatt and others. He takes the liberty of trying to make sure Dalton knows everyone, making an effort to create a comfort zone, even though those from TJY were feeling just a little awkward, and it was obvious that Dalton was too.

Carson keeps his eye on the clock from the kitchen, knowing he was supposed to go meet Jess, but also needing to make sure he helped out enough here until he could leave.

“Yo, Mom and Pop!” Kyle comes bursting through the front door, spotting the group of friends. “Kyle is in da house!” Grinning from ear to ear, he half dances over to the table, finding an empty seat next to Misty. “And how is Miss T tonight, hmm?”

He flops down and looks around the table. “Evening, y’all.” Spotting Katie, his smile widens. “KT, good to see ya. Jase man, you’re back too.”

Jason raises his glass of Pepsi. “You bet.”

“Good deal, ‘cause we got practice tomorrow night, and you better be there. Cryptic is joining us.”

He turns to give Misty a peck on the cheek. “And how are you?”

It isn’t long before laughter rings out over the chatter as the group starts interacting more. Stories are swapped, jokes are shared, and small talk is passed around. Those from TJY try to include Dalton, though at times it’s hard, because so many things revolved around inside jokes, or things that only those in the group knew from the past.

Con sits across from Dalton, a little wary of the stranger at first, but does his best not to come across as anything but friendly. After all, Dalton was working with his wife…he at least needed to be polite for that reason alone.


The door opens, ringing the bell, though it’s not heard above the noisy chatter. The blonde young woman scans the room, a little nervously, though she holds her head high.

Spotting the large group, she looks at the faces, spotting one she knew. Misty. But she was busy with her friends… and the last she knew anyway, Misty was no longer a route to her destination. But hopefully this restaurant was.

She walks across the floor, determination in her step, her shoes clicking on the floor, her leather jacket swaying slightly over her jeans. Getting to the counter, she sits down on a stool and grabs a menu, though her eyes don’t stay on the prices. Instead they wander to where she could see through to the kitchen.

Carson is busy helping Herb make the pizzas when he gets the funny feeling he’s being watched. Though trying to hurry so he could leave in five minutes, he pauses and looks up.

Spotting the visitor, his eyes widen, the blood draining from his face. The bowl of sauce slips from his grip, crashing to the floor in a red mess.

Trying to get his concentration back, Carson is quick to clean everything up and stir a new batch, but he can’t stay for long. Before he goes crazy, he finally excuses himself. “Sorry, Herb. I’ll...I’ll be right back.

Taking off his apron, Carson slips out of the kitchen from the side to come around the outside of the counter. He stops several feet away from the woman, his eyes still wide, filled with rampant emotions. “Dani?”

She turns and throws him a look less than pleased. “Well, I guess you really do work here. Had a hard time finding you. Kind of a winding trail.”

Her irritated tone throws Carson into defensiveness, though his confusion lingers. “What…what are you doing here?”

Dani quirks one eyebrow. “No, ‘Hi, Dani’ no hug, no ‘how you been?’ I thought so.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I don’t know.” Dani turns back to her menu. “I don’t even know why I came. You’re busy. Go back to work.”

“No.” Carson steps closer. Half of him wanted to be upset with Dani’s attitude, and half of him wanted to draw her in for a hug. And still part of him felt like running and hiding for the way he’d treated her… or rather his lack of treatment since he’d seen her last. “Why did you come here?”

Dani scoffs and looks back at him. “You think I just happened to come here? Was on vacation and saw an Italian restaurant and decided to stop? Why else would I come but to find you?”

“Well why?”

“I don’t know.” Dani shakes her head. “A while back I would have said it was because I wanted to see you. Now I’m not sure. Maybe I just wanted to look you in the eye one more time and try to figure out how you played me for a fool.”

Carson dares to come even closer, leaning on the counter so he can see his sister’s face. “What are you talking about?”

Dani almost laughs. “You tell me. You’re the one that made promises to see me, but decided to drop off the face of the earth instead. Was it too hard to tell me you were alive? Too difficult to write? To expensive to call?”

Carson glances down, his face reddening as his guilt rises. Why did this have to happen here…in public? “Dani, can we just go somewhere quiet and talk?”

A smile creases Dani’s lips. “No, I don’t think so. It’s rather fun seeing you squirm at the moment.”’ She glances over to the table of people, and spots Misty. Turning back to Carson, she cocks her head. “I’d go say hi to Misty, but I heard you two-timed her. Way to go.”

Carson bristles. “Look, there’s a lot of things you don’t know, and obviously you’ve made some pretty big assumptions. So let’s just go somewhere else where we can talk, okay?”

“No. I’m staying here. Now, if you choose to walk away, that’s fine. I wouldn’t be surprised. You’d just be keeping up with your pattern.”

“Look, I’m sorry, okay?” Carson’s voice raises slightly. “I was just…it…I…”

“What?” Dani pushes him further. “You were just what? Too busy? Too arrogant? Too forgetful? I tried for months to get a hold of you! I’ve been worried sick, I’ve stewed about it, and I’ve busted my britches trying to figure out why on earth you’d show up from the dead, just to leave me high and dry again.”

Carson sets his hands on his hips, irritation overcoming the mixed emotions of seeing his sister. “So why now? Why did you pick now to come and yell at me?”

“Because the stars were right?”

“Why?” Carson demands sternly.

“I got fired from my job.” Tears spring into Dani’s eyes. “Figured it was time for a vacation. And I thought, what the hey, as long as the rest of my life is going down the tubes, I might as well come and say to your face what I’ve wanted to for a long time now.”

“Look, I’m sorry, okay?” Carson throws up his hands. “I screwed up. There. Is that what you wanted?”

“No!” Dani’s own voices raises, as the public atmosphere is forgotten.


Several eyes from the table look up as voice can be heard. A few confused looks are exchanged as to what’s going on, and who Carson is arguing with. Jason throws Misty a questioning glance. “Hey…is that his sister?”


“Well what did you want then? Do you want me to get on my knees? Apologize ten times? I can’t exactly buy back time.”

Dani slides off the stool to face her brother boldly. “I want to know why you left me high and dry. I want to know why you didn’t call or write or anything. Why, Carson? Why did you claim to have thought the world of me, just to forget about me like that?!”

Carson looks down, shaking his head slightly. He lets the argument pause for a moment before looking back up. His tone reflects anger to cover up his guilt and shame. “Maybe I didn’t feel worthy. Maybe I didn’t think I deserved to be your big brother anymore. Maybe in the beginning I was just plain scared I wasn’t good enough. Then maybe enough time had passed that by then I just figured you were better off forgetting about me.”

“That’s stupid,” Dani counters. “You had the decency to see me when my life was in danger, you could have at least let me know you were still alive.”

“What do you want me to say?” Carson holds out his hands to the side. “Take a good look. I’ve been a drunk. I’ve been an all-around scumbag. I’ve broken the law. I’ve been a liar and a two-timer.” He points toward the back hall. “Down there you’ll find a tiny room with all the stuff I own that will fit into one bag. Why? Because right now, that’s where I live. Why? Because I was stupid. I lost everything because I was a total idiot, made stupid decisions, and now I’m paying for it. I have nothing. Nothing, Dani, don’t you get it? Not a home, not even a car. Why would I want you here to see that? Why would I want to invite you into my life? Into a life that’s…that’s worthless?”

The rising emotions pool behind his eyes and he finally lowers his tone. “I’m sorry. I was wrong. And I guess I made the wrong choice…again.”

Feeling lower than the floor, Carson’s shoulders drop and he simply goes to a nearby booth, sliding in to sit and fold his arms to bury his face. He’d thought about seeing his sister again so many times…this kind of reunion was not at all what he’d pictured. It was just another nightmare… further aftermath of his own decisions.

Dani watches her brother walk away, a tear trickling down her cheek. She turns back to the counter to lean her elbows on it, trying to ignore eyes that she now realized were watching. She could feel Mabel near, and wanted to leave, but her feet felt glued to the floor. She was so angry at Carson… yet she could see that his eyes were clear… it was obvious he wasn’t drinking, and he didn’t even smell like smoke this time. But who was he?


Con’s eyes follow Carson to see him sit down…a scene that would make anyone soften. Con looks over to Nate with question, wondering if someone should interfere or not.

Kyle glances to Misty, then to Dalton who wouldn’t have a clue what any of this was going on, then back to Misty again.

Fire with Fire

*Katie can't help but laugh a little as she sits at the desk. It felt good to be back, and it felt good to not have the tention with Jason again.

I think I'll ride with you tonight. I'll make sure I am ready and waiting.

Finally moving Domino gently from her lap Katie stands and heads out of her cubicle going to the copy room to copy some papers.*

*For a moment Angelica just stands stunned looking at Bret. His words about her giving up on love hit hard and for a moment she wondered if thats what it really was but quickly she push the feelings away and looks to her sister, a bit oh hurt and disapointment flicker in her eyes but is quickly gone as she stratens again and clears her throut. Controlling her voice so it didnt shake.*

"I'm going to need the number for the church you got married in and the hotel you stayed in. I need to see if I can get there video camra's to have a visual proof of you being there as well. Fight fire with fire we need all we can get."

*Angelice looks up from the desk to look between everyone.*

"I am going to need everyone's help on this one. We have to work fast and efficient. They want you turned in now, and well we have to but we wont let you stay there for long."

*Charlotte stands close to her husband putting an arm around him. She would stand with him to the end she'd never waver. Anything asked she would do. To death do us part, she would live up to that.*

Yellow car

Jason grins a little. Yeah, well... anyone else I'd warn not to be scared of him. But I don't think I need to warn you of that.

He shakes his head and dives into work. Speaking of which, we going separate, or am I driving?


Brian's eyes narrow as Angelica starts in about Charlotte marrying him, his face growing red. First, he was upset he had to be here at all, then to be standing here while his new wife got chewed out in front of Reese and Con... He'd known Angelica wouldn't be happy, but Charlotte didn't deserve this, and now was not the time for this kind of petty argument.

"You only think it's crazy because it's something you wouldn't do," Bret intervenes pointedly, his eyes on Angelica. "Just because you've given up on love doesn't mean your sister has to."

He stands tall, unashamed of their choice, and pulls Charlotte even closer to his side. "I'm your brother-in-law now whether you like it or not. But quite frankly, that's not the issue right now. If you want to spout off about our personal lives, and argue about domestic matters in the office, then I guess I can't stop you. But that's not why we came. We came because I'm in trouble and I've been wrongly accused. We trust you to be able to help, and we trust your abilities. If you're not willing to help, then by all means, simply say so and I'll get a public defender to see my case. But if you can set aside your personal feelings for a moment, act like an adult, and treat us like adults, I think everybody in this room would appreciate it."

Bret takes a deep breath as he finishes, knowing that his statement would either bring resolution or wrath. He wasn't sure which it would.

Con stand by, looking between the newlyweds to Angelica to Reese, and back again. He was staying out of this one, and just being moral support if needed.

Reese lifts his eyebrows at Bret's boldness, and glances towards Angelica. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, Bret made sense, and at least right now, was undoubtedly genuine. Reese clears his throat a little, trying to break up the tension, but allowing Angelica to speak first.


A yellow car parks on the side of the road. She stares at her map, drawing out the lines with her finger, and turning the map so North is up. Squinting, she finally looks up again at the road sign. It looked like she had about another hour and a half to go.

Setting the map down, she pulls back out onto the road, her tires squealing as adrenaline controls her actions.

Crazy

*Receiving Jason emotions Katie looks up for a moment. She'd forgotten that Wyatt had said someone was here to be the new tech guy.

Oh yeah, I haven't met him yet. Not sure if I really want to or not.

Katie can't help but put a little laugh laced to the end of the emotion she sent out. It was good they had a new tech guy they needed it, and she was moving on and had let Scott go, but still she wasn't sure she was ready to meet his replacement just yet. If he was to come to Mom and Pop's tonight than she would meet him.

Going back to her paperwork Katie rests her free hand on Domino's head gently stroking it.*

*Charlotte nods her head at Reese.*

"Thanks and yes I know she is. But at least I'd die happy."

*Letting out a sigh Charlotte stands next to Bret just listing.*

"I think once we explain everything to Angelica she will be able to help Bret. How they got that picture of him I don't know but over the last 3 days I was with Bret non stop he never left my sight."

*As Reese calls for Angelica, Charlotte looks to Bret as her hand tightens on his just a little more. It was bad enough her husband was being blamed for something he didn't do let alone now have to listen to her sister.*

*Hanging up her phone Angelica gets up from her desk and makes her way out of the office and across the floor to Reese's. Seeing Bret and Charlotte, Angelica's face turns a bit red as she enters and closes the door behind her.*

"Where have you been? I've been worryed sick, and you.."

*Angelica looks to Bret.*

"..Are you trying to drag my sister down with you? I..."

*Before Angelica can say anything alse Charlotte intarupts her. Her own irratation growing.*

"Angelica, he is innocent. I know for a fact is wasnt him."

"How do you know for sure Charlotte? Were you with him 24/7?"

"Yes I was...."

*Charlotte looks to Bret and than to Angelica again before lifting her hand.*

"We were in Vages getting married."

*The color from Angelica's face drains as she just looks at her sister and than to Bret than back to her sister.*

"YOU did WHAT? Are you crazy? You hardly even know eachother...you....how could you go and do this?"

*Charlotte trys to stand strong aganst her sister. It was something she didnt often do but this occation called for it.*

"I may not have known Bret for long but we have spend day in and day out together and I know who he is. I fell in love with him and he's made me happy. He's treated me like a human being and I wouldnt change my choose for anything in the world. I love him."

*Angelica lets out a huff as she walks over to Reese desk and leans one arm on it.*

"This is crazy."

*Charlotte lets out another breath of air. That wasnt as bad as she thought it would be though it wasnt good eather she could only hope in time Angelica would accept what had happend and would still help Bret.*

Accomplice

Jason quirks an eyebrow at Dalton's remark and tone. "Yeah...later." Leaving, Trooper follows behind.

Well...that Dalton character is... different. Talk about getting someone opposite Scott as a replacement. But I guess if he knows what he's doing.

Jason shuts his office door behind himself and goes to flop down in his chair. He didn't want to report in to Reese yet. He'd find out what had been happening around here before then.


Domino snuggles into Katie's lap, whimpering for several minutes before finally settling down. Resting her head on Katie's leg, she remains with her new mistress, finding the most comfort here for now.


"Have to go? Then I guess I can't say no, can I?" Kyle laughs. "I'm off work right at seven. I'll just meet everybody there. Save me a spot if I'm late."


Con returns Jamie's kiss, his mouth upturning into a grin. "I'm glad you chose that it was me being nice. How could I ever not be, hmm?"

Wrapping his arms around Jamie, he pulls her close for a hug before letting her go. "Alright then. Mom and Pop's it is. We gotta keep an eye on the rest of these whippersnappers anyway."

Con's eyes roam the floor for a moment. "Off topic, you haven't seen..." His voice trails off as he spots the couple by the door. "...Bret. He did come. I'll be back." Leaving Jamie, he exits the cubicle, aiming for his friend.


"I love you too." Bret leans in for a kiss, returning the squeeze to the hand. Scanning the floor, he can feel Charlotte's nervousness, and tries to overcome it with his own confidence, but little existed. Walking slowly, he's so unsure about all this. It felt like he was walking into a bear's den without having been invited.

Then he spots Con. A little relieved, he aims for him, his hand still in Charlotte's. "Con."

"Bret." Con gives a nod. "Charlotte." He offers her a small smile. "You two alright?"

Bret nods. "Yeah...we came straight here. Now what's going on?"

"They've got footage of your car fleeing the scene of the crime."

"But that's impossible."

"Well it's definitely your car, and it's definitely you behind the wheel."

Bret's voice is a strained whisper as he tries not to draw attention. "But Charlotte and I were in Vegas."

Distrusting, Con probes. "What were you doing there?"

Bret smirks in annoyance, then holds up his left hand.

Con's eyes widen. "You dog." He can't help the smile that spreads and he glances back to Charlotte. "I'd take the time to congratulate you two, but we gotta get this thing cleared up first. Come on. We'll go straight to Reese."

Bret swallows hard and his grip tightens around his wife's hand, but he follows his friend obediently.

Across the floor, down the aisle of cubicles and to the main office. Susanne was already gone for the night, and Reese's door was ajar. Con knocks, then sticks his head in. "Reese?"

"Yeah..." Reese answers absentmindedly as he goes over some paperwork, then realizes who the voice belongs to. Looking up quickly, he lifts his eyebrows. "Well Con. Hi."

"Hi. I got someone here who needs to talk." Con opens the door wider and ushers both Bret and Charlotte in."

Reese stands up from his desk. "Bret Parker. Charlotte. Con, you realize I have to place him under arrest."

"Just... wait a second, will you?" Con holds up his hand. "They have an alibi."

"But how?"

"I don't know."

"Well what's the alibi?"

Con points to the couple. "Elopement."

Reese's eyes widen and he looks to Charlotte. "Congratulations, but your sister is going to kill you."

Bret rolls his eyes. "We know. I just want to get this cleared up. I wasn't at the bank robbery. I knew about it, and I can give you more info on the other guys, but I wasn't there."

Fear flickers in Con's eyes for his friend. "Bret...even if we prove you weren't there... Do you realize that makes you an accomplice?"

Bret's face pales. He felt stupid. How had he not thought of that.

Con continues. "That makes you an accessory to armed robbery and murder."

Reese interrupts. "Maybe we can crack a deal. Information for freedom."

"Like last time?" Bret questions.

"It worked once before." Reese moves towards his phone. "But that's not for me to decide." Picking up the receiver, he dials Angelica's office phone. "Angelica... I need you in my office right away. Drop what you're doing, this is important." Hanging up, he studies the couple for a moment, and sighs. "You know if you weren't Con's friend, I'd have you to the station by now."

Bret swallows hard. "Then I guess I'm glad I got him on my side."

Flattery

*Dalton looks down at the dog that stood by Jason's side and than back up at him giving a small nod.*

"It's not a problem. I figured if he was going to attack me, he was going to and there was nothing I could do about it. But I new if I leveled with him he would at least leave me along for that moment and that would sustain him from attacking me."

*Turning back around Dalton goes to the filing cabnit and thumbs through some papers before finding the file he was looking for. Throwing it on the desk Dalton sits back down before looking up at Jason again giving a chuckle.*

"I don't have any doubt that I'm good at what I do so there should be no problem, and the only shoes I can fill are my own, and they are pretty big."

*Giving less than a wave Dalton looks down at the papers again anmd mumbles.*

"Later."

*Katie continues to type away on her computer as she can hear Domino playing on the floor. As Domino's soft whimpers can be heard the clicking of Katie's keybored stops and she turns to look at the small dog. Simpathy showing in her eyes. Domino and Scott had always been close the best of friends, and Domino new something was wrong and wondered where Scott was.

Leaning down Katie pats her lap gently calling for Domino to come join her. Once the small dog is in her lap and settled Katie pets her head gently. If anything it was nice to still have something of Scott close to her.*

"Hey there little Domino. It's gonna be ok, I miss him too."

*Misty looks up at the sound of Wyatt's voice and gives a smile.*

"Kyle turn down food I doubt that would happen as for me I'll be there too. I couldn't turn down a good time. Thanks for the invite Wyatt."

*Giving a smile Misty looks back at her paper work for a moment before getting her phone and dialing Kyles number.*

"Heya Babe, we were just invited for dinner at Mom and Pop's tonight. Wyatt said we had no choise in the matter. We HAD to go."

*Seeing Con sends an instint smile on Jamie's face as her cheeks start to turn a little red.*

"Flattery, flattery. You eather did something wrong, or just want to be super nice. I'll go with the being nice part."

*Standing Jamie goes over to Con and leans the opisite way on the wall bringing her lips to her for a moment as they continue in an exchange of a kiss. Pulling away she looks at Con and smile.*

"As for tonight at Mom and Pop's, I wouldn't miss a good time. Not to mention being able to see my parents again is always nice."

*Charlotte lets out her own sigh as she gets out of the car and walks over to Bret. Taking his hand in her she gives it a gentil squeeze and smiles.*

"I've been here once when I first came out with Angelica. I don't remember it to well but I think I know enough to get us inside."

*Starting forward Charlotte can't help but shake just a little geting close to the door and than inside. Heading to the elavator Bret and herself enter pushing the button for the bottom floor. As the bell dings Charlotte dosnt move. Glancing at Bret she whispers as she gives his hand a squeeze.*

"I love you!"

*Finally steping out of the door Charlotte scans the area at all the people where she was to go next she wasnt sure.*