How far?

At first, Scott doesn't even respond to Katie, just keeping his eyes down. But as she leans down and kisses his forehead, he looks up quickly, and odd sense of longing in his eye that passes quickly.

Trying to absorb her words, he musters up the energy to give her a nod. "Alright," he responds quietly. "I'll try."

His gaze follows Katie out the door, and when she's out of sight, he eases back on the bed to lay down, closing his eyes. All he wanted to do right now was just be able to function like a normal human being, and he couldn't even do that right.

Hearing a noise in the hall, his brain knew it was just Hal, but he flinches anyway, curling up into a tight ball. All he had to do was get through this night... just this night...


Jason is leaning on the wall, completely lost in thought, when Katie comes out to him again. He jumps a little, startled by her presence, but quickly recovers.

Yeah, ok. Let's go. I'll follow you, then we can split up from the station unless we need to go anywhere else tonight.

Making it outside and to the parking lot, Jason trudges to his truck with less enthusiasm than when they had come. He was just as gung-ho about their task and what needed to be done, but the wind had been taken completely out of his sails, making him question everything about himself. Austin... his own grandfather... how could he have...

Jason shakes his head and starts up the truck, following Katie out and downtown.

It doesn't take long, and once again, they're both walking up the steps and inside the police station. It was quieter tonight... late enough that most people had gone home for the night. But a few officers still lingered, including the same one who had been at the front desk earlier.

He raises his eyebrows as he sees Jason and Katie again, then a small smile curls the corner of his mouth. He thumbs down toward the hall. "He's in his office."

Jason can't help a grin, realizing that he and Katie were pretty predictable. "Thanks."

If we come down here any more often, they're gonna put us on their payroll instead of the Elite's!

Getting to Brown's office, Jason taps his knuckles lightly on the door, waiting to enter until he hears a voice bidding him to do so.

Here we go again.

Seeing the two young agents once more, Brown gives them both nods as he sits behind his desk. "Well, I wasn't expecting to see you again quite this soon. Something wrong?"

"If finding proof is wrong, then yeah." Jason reaches into his pocket, pulling out the disc. "You wanted proof of abuse. We got it."

"Ahh." Brown's eyebrows raise and he takes the disc. "Austin himself?"

"Yep."

Brown turns to insert the disc into his computer, while gesturing to Katie and Jason. "Please...sit. I have a feeling you two aren't in a huge hurry, and I'm certainly not. I got enough work here to keep me here all night if I wanted to."

Jason chuckles. "Sounds like TJY."

"I can imagine." Brown fiddles with his computer a moment, then settles back to watch the footage. Coming to the part that had convinced Jason and Katie to pursue the issue, Brown shakes his head, a frown forming. "Well, Scott certainly didn't deserve that..." He watches more, the look on his face going from disappointment to irritation. "I would think Austin would know better than that. He had be convinced this whole thing was a normal routine. I don't get it."

"Neither do we," Jason admits. "We don't know why he'd do this, other than the fact that he's just as royal scumbag."

Brown stops the disc, looking at Jason with slight surprise. "I didn't know you felt quite that strongly about him... him being your grandfather and all."

"Look..." Jason takes a deep breath, trying not to think about his earlier finding. "He's not who I thought he was. I don't know what he's become, or what he's doing, or why he's doing it."

Brown sighs deeply and leans back in his chair, quiet for several minutes as he thinks. "Well, what do you two want to do?"

"Hang him," Jason mutters.

Brown shifts his weight to lean forward instead, resting his hands on his desk, so he's closer to Jason and Katie both, though his words are aimed at Jason. "Is this about you, or about Scott?"

Jason swallows hard. After tonight, it was both. His anger resumes its boiling, the churning in his stomach starting again. "I'm here seeing you because of Scott. My hatred towards Austin goes beyond this one issue."

"And why is that?"

Jason grits his teeth. His fists are clenched so tightly in his lap, that his knuckles begin to turn white. "This isn't his first offense."

"Against you?"

Jason continues to hesitate. He hadn't had time to sort through it yet. He hadn't had time to tell Katie about it yet. But Brown wasnt going to let the issue drop.

Finally he glances up to look Brown square in the eye. His voice comes out like ice. "I found out tonight that my own grandfather helped put me in prison. How would you feel?"

Amidst the anger a deep hurt rises within him, along with the lump in his throat. He wanted to look at Katie. He wanted to talk to her about this. But he knew if he looked in her direction, he would lose control.

Brown's eyes widen. "Are you sure? You mean that murder case? But...why would he...."

"I don't know," Jason interrupts. "All I'm saying is that this isn't the first time he's pulled a stunt like this." His hands start to shake as he bottles up his emotions, trying to keep himself in check. He couldn't lose control... not here... not now.

Brown shakes his head. "I'm sorry, Jason. This must be tough on you."

"I'd rather talk about Scott."

Brown takes the hint and backs off. "Alright. How far do you two want to take this? Do you want to lodge an official complaint and force Austin to go before a judge? Do you simply want me to talk with him and serve a reprimand? What is it you're looking for?"

Jason tries to stay focused, though it's difficult as a headache starts to form. "We just don't want him to get away with this."

Brown picks up a pencil to fidget with. "Katie? What about you? Are you intent on getting Austin in hot water, or just warm enough to remind him what he's supposed to be doing?"

Worst two months

*Continuing to follow Jason to the infermary her mind wonders. It was nice to know other people like Hal would stand behind them in what they were doing. It made them seem a little less lonley. Katie wondered though with all the people they could get behind them how hard would this be? Through her anger and hate she couldnt help the looming feeling of a dark storm cloud that was going to go terrably wrong.

Once caring only about herself and keeping herself locked away from any emotional feelings, now Katie faught for one of her best friends and his right and the wrongs of other. It had been a long while since Katie had said she hated anyone and now once again the feeling was there. It was a feeling she herself hated having and that drove her anger even more knowing someone had pushed her that far.

Finally Katie's mind rests on what Jason had said earlyer about wishing he new Austin would do this. No, no one could of know this was going to happen. Blood or not there was just no way. Something had happend, something had went wrong, something was un answered.

Bringing her thoughts back to the here and now as the enter the infermary Katie looks at her friend as she throws away his food and returns to the bed kicking off his shoes after Jason's question. Katie couldnt help but feel oh so bad for him. The once strong man that she had grown close to and even loved at one point in time was now so small. The consistent loss of weaght and the dull look in his eyes drove a knife home for Katie. How she hated seeing Scott like it.

ok, I'll be right out J. Thanks.

Once Jason is gone Katie makes her way to Scott's bed the best smile she can forming.*

"Hey Scotty. I know you hate staying here but, all and all its for the best ya know. We are just looking out for you and want to make sure we keep you safe. We are doing everything we can to make sure Austin pays for what he did. No one hurts my friend and gets away with it."

*Katie lays a gentil hand on Scott's arm as she talks.*

"Your my friend, and I care so much about you Scotty. I went two months thinking you were dead and it was the worst two months of my life. I don't want to lose you again, I don't want to have to feel what I did again. Stay strong ok for me...?"

*Leaning in Katie gives Scott a kiss on the forhead and than turns to leave stoping for a moment and throwing him another smile one that help truth and a promise.*

"If you need think call I got my phone on me. We will be back, and we wont give up. So dont you give up eather."

*Leaving the infermary Katie meets up with Jason again.

Alright J lets get going.*

More...

As Katie reacts to the findings, Jason grits his teeth, feeling the immediate shift in their connection. It never really hurt, but it was a definite discomfort. He knew that both of them couldn't help the way they felt though, and he'd already put Katie through enough tonight that he would never think of complaining. She hadn't bugged him about it, but he knew that most likely, she'd felt just as sick as he actually had been.

Looking up at Katie as she suggests going to Brown, he nods. "Yeah... I don't know what he's going to say, but we might as well show him this. Might not get us anywhere, but it might, so it's worth a try."

For a few moments, Jason gets lost in his own jumbled thoughts. He knew they should leave immediately for two reasons - one, so no one caught them here while they were suspended, and two, so they could catch Brown before he went home. But the shock of all the findings tonight weighed so heavily on him that it was almost as if for a moment he couldn't even move.

Finally standing up, Jason ejects the disc and puts it in his jacket pocket. "Okay... let's go."

Making it to the door, Jason stops once more, his back to Katie. Still feeling her own strain, and knowing the anger and hurt she herself felt, he turns around and impulsively pulls her into a strong hug.

I'm sorry all this is happening. I know it's not my fault, but this is my own grandfather. I guess I feel like there's something more I should have done, or could be doing. If only I would have seen things sooner. I should have seen this coming... I should have seen the signs so much sooner.

Backing away, Jason looks down into Katie's eyes as if searching for the world and finding her soul. He knew that the emotions being shared were ones of anger, hate, hurt, and a slow and steady coldness that was settling over the flames, killing all warm feelings towards his own grandfather. There was more. Whatever else he had found, had sealed his hate. He knew Katie would force him to revisit it later so she would know, but at this moment, it was too much to handle. Tonight they were on a different mission.

Spinning around, Jason heads for the infirmary again. "Let's go. We don't have a whole lot of time."

Halfway there, Hal meets them, a bucket of cleaning supplies in hand. He lifts an eyebrow at Katie and Jason, stopping near the infirmary. "Well hello. Didn't think I'd see you for a while."

Jason cocks his head. "Why not?"

Hal almost laughs. "You think the news of someone getting suspended wouldn't travel around here?" He grins. "But I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to see you. Find anything?"

Jason looks at him cautiously. He trusted Hal, but the question sent up a red flag. "Who said we were looking for anything?"

Hal smirks at him. "I'm not stupid. I was going to go hunting myself while I cleaned tonight. I just want to know if I have to now."

"No... you don't have to."

"Good." Hal nods with satisfaction, respecting secrecy and trusting Jason and Katie fully.

"There is something you can do though," Jason requests. "Keep an eye on Scott? He wanted to go home tonight, but we didn't think it was a good idea."

"You were right. Last couple nights he's screamed up a storm from those nightmares he's been having." Hal shakes his head. "Nothing I could do but let him get through it on his own. I mentioned it to Rick, but he said not much other than time would help." He sighs deeply. "Anyway, yeah, I already was watching him. Rick asked me to. I've been up and down this hallway every few minutes, and I got the cameras watching the front door so I'll know if somebody comes in."

Jason nods his appreciation. "Thanks, Hal."

"Hey... don't thank me. I want to help as much as you do."

Jason knew that there was much more meaning in Hal's words than a simple longing to help Scott. Hal obviously had feelings against Austin now too, even if he wouldn't say so directly. "Alright. Katie and I will be gone in a few minutes."

"Great. And Hotshot...watch your back."

Jason grins and thumbs to Katie. "What do you think I got her for?"

Making it the rest of the way to the infirmary, Jason stops in the doorway, seeing Scott on the edge of the bed.

Scott was still where he had been, still not taken his shoes off, and still not cleaned up the leftover supper. Seeing a shadow on the floor, his head jerks up, taking just a second to recognize his two friends again. As if being brought out of a trance, he stands up slowly and goes to throw away the leftover food, then sit back down on the bed. "Find what you wanted?" he asks quietly.

Jason approaches slowly, and nods. "Yeah... we did."

Scott looks up at him, then at Katie, his own eye showing proof that he realized they knew more now, and though knowing it hadn't been at all his fault, embarrassment was still there. "Guess you're leaving now then."

"Yep. And you are...?" Jason lets his question hang, wanting Scott to answer it.

"Staying here," Scott mumbles. He kicks off his shoes and pulls his legs up on the bed to sit cross-legged, staring at the floor.

Jason gives a little sigh. There was nothing more he could do.

I'll be out in the hall. See if you can make sure he'll stay here, then we can get going.

He nods his farewell to Scott, then sidles past Katie and out into the hall to wait.

Anger

*Heading down the hall and to the offices Katie keeps her eyes open her bodyguard instincks kicking in. This was dangerouse if not by death it was for another reason and she would rather they be safe than sorry. Giving one more look around Katie finally slips into the office shutting the door behind her. Following Jason into Austins office Katie breaks off from Jason looking through shelfs, boxs, and cabnits.

There has got to be something Austin is hiding if the disk is missing from that night, why alse would he get rid of it or hide it.

Katie continues to look flipping through books as Jason makes his way to the desk. In a moment's time Katie is hit with a wave of anger, dizzyness and a sudden larch in her stomach only to go as fast as they came being shut off, locked away from Katie's mind. Looking up she just eyes Jason for a moment knowing something was wrong. Jason found something that he was not telling her. About to say something about it to Jason he makes his way to the exit ordering her to keep looking and than leaving before she can even say anything alse. Her eyes following him to the door she can feel his stomach reaction and for a moment feels ill herself. Trying to continue with what she was doing Katie searchs a few more place before feeling the vilont sickness over again as she could tell Jason was throwing up. Going down to her own hands and knees for a moment the feeling finally pass before Katie can send any message to Jason.

Job or no job you shouldnt keep your feels locked up like that. You know better than that. I will come back to this later to find out what happend J.

Feeling he was ok Katie continues to look waiting for Jason's return. Finally Jason re enters and Katie is once again comfortable looking around knowing her partner in crime was ok.

Minutes seems to pass and all hope seems loss till Katie finally hears the clicks of a brefcase and looks up to see Jason holding up a disk.

Jackpot.

Moving out of the office once again and heading to Jason's Katie pulls up a chair to his desk strattaling it and resting her arms over the back. Stairing at the computer screen as everything starts to boot and run.

Watching the scenes in front of her Katie lets out a frustrated sigh seeing nothing incrimanating about them. Leaning her head in her arms for just a moment she is about to tell Jason it was no use and to turn it off when she head shoots up from the yelling. Watching the screen even more Katie's anger boils once again as she sits up from her chair slightly almost ready to lash out at the TV itself. Continuing to watch her eyes burn with fire once again as she can feel her hand balling into fists. How could he? How could Austin do this? This wasnt right, no excuse could cover this up.

Finally jumping from her chair Katie turns the tv off fast as Jason's words echo. Turning her back to him for a moment Katie's anger brings fire red hot tears to her eyes. Staying silent for a moment Katie trys to controll her emotions just a little as to not drive Jason up a wall. Turning back to him Katie gives a strong nod.*

"I say we bring it to him now. This can't wait another day J. This is major. Let's check Scott one last time to make sure he is ok. Ask Hal to keep an eye on him and than head to Brown. I know he is working late tonight."