Shut door

Alice's comment about bears makes Kyle smile and he starts to relax. While being outgoing, he didn't normally spend time alone with someone he hardly knew, but for some reason, being with Alice, he didn't think much of it. She'd already seen him at his worst, even having only met him twice - he could only go up from there, so he didn't really mind just being himself. He knows he had been a grouch, and so he tries doubly hard to turn his attitude around, at least for Alice's sake. Leaving his truck behind for the afternoon felt as if he was leaving his bad morning behind as well, if only temporarily.


Those in the infirmary are glad for the coffee and thank Misty gratefully.

Rick shakes his head, but doesn't seem any more concerned than earlier. "No change. Which is good at this point. If we can keep her this stable until a breakthrough, we'll be doing well."

Luke takes a sip of his coffee and leans back in his chair. He'd dozed off for a little while, but now forced himself to stay awake again. At this point, the dull pain in his legs didn't compare to the worry in his heart.

Jeff paces in order to stretch his legs, and is the first done with his coffee. Taking the opportunity, he goes out into the hall to wander for a few minutes and take more of a look around than he'd had so far. TJY fascinated him.


In the basement room are Jason, Reese and Carson. All three look up as Katie enters, having just gotten started with their discussion.

Jason gives her half a smile and reaches an arm out to pull her in close, planting a kiss on her forehead.

Sorry about earlier. I'm okay now. Just had to cool off. Thanks for being patient. ...We just got started here.

Carson eyes Katie and Jason for a moment, a strange glint passing in his eye that matches the slight grin at the corner of his mouth, but he says nothing. "Hey, Kat. Glad you made it."

Reese stands near the table and folds his arms across his chest. "Alright, you two. We've got a delicate situation here. Upstairs is Angel Lachey. I know you both know her."

Jason's eyes widen as he lets his hand fall back to his side. "I didn't see her."

"That's because she's in the infirmary and is deathly ill."

Jason tenses.

I hadn't heard about that. I knew she'd been here, but sick?

"We think it's the Agency," Reese finishes grimly.

Jason eyes Carson then Reese again. "And... now what?"

"That's where Carson comes in."

Carson takes in a deep breath and tucks his hands partway in his jeans pockets. "I've chosen the both of you to go with me to locate and bring back the antidote."

Jason eyes him with slight suspicion. "And where is that?"

"Australia."

The location hits hard. Jason blinks and glances to Katie.

Australia? That's... wow. I think I trust Carson though so... I'm game if you are. Especially if it will save Angel.

Carson's eyes narrow at the silence. "First rule though - if you two have something to say, I'd appreciate it if I heard it too."

Jason can't help his grin. "Not fair."

Carson chuckles. "Hey, you two are the unfair ones here. I'm gonna need you though. I chose you specifically."

"You?"

"Carson will be in charge," Reese explains. "Civilian or not, while on this case, both of you will take orders from him. Can you do that?"

Jason quirks an eyebrow, but nods. "Yeah, as long as he isn't stupid."

Carson rolls his eyes. "Thanks for the confidence." He tosses a wink at Katie. "Hero trusts me."


Austin exits the hotel at a faster pace than when he'd entered. He'd received no phone calls. He had heard nothing. He had received no news from TJY or Jason, or anyone at the ranch. The sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach warned him that he may have just gotten what he'd asked for.

The drive to TJY seemed to take longer than it should have. He didn't want to think the worst, so he would go there first. The guy at the hotel had said that three men had come and taken Angel, one saying he was her husband. It could be true. It could have been Luke. Austin only hoped it was. Otherwise they were dealing with something much worse. He would go to TJY first. If no one there knew anything, he would start an immediate investigation.

Getting to the building, Austin is quick to get inside. He hadn't planned on being back until he heard he was needed, but he would have to set that agenda aside for now.

"Austin?"

He looks quickly to the hall, surprised to see Jeff. "Jeff... what are you doing here?"

"Luke and I came for Angel. We didn't know if you knew or not."

"Knew what?" Austin's worry increases.

Jeff remains grim. "We think she's been poisoned."

"Poisoned?" Panic hits Austin and he moves to go to the infirmary, but Jeff stops him.

"She's just sleeping now. Somebody is putting together a team to go look for the antidote."

"Where are they?"

"I don't know... downstairs I think. But I..." Jeff's sentence trails off as Austin heads to the stairs, not waiting for him to finish. Jeff sighs and shrugs. He didn't know the whole story here... maybe he didn't want to. For now he was just here for Luke until they could go home.

Austin heads downstairs two steps at a time. Hearing voices in the main room, he enters without knocking.

The others look up quickly. Jason immediately tenses.

Austin searches the faces. "I want to know what's going on now," he demands. He points to Carson. "And who is this?"

"You're not in charge anymore," Jason growls. "Back off."

"Hey," Reese intervenes. "Cool it. Austin, we're just forming a team to look for an antidote for Angel. We have what we need."

"Who asked you?" Austin snaps.

"Back off," Jason growls. "You're not in charge anymore, or have you not noticed."

"Well it looks like you're a bit over your head." Austin crosses his arms defiantly. "And I think I should be in on this."

"Jase isn't in charge either," Carson intervenes. "Reese is, and I have the team I want."

"You're Carson aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Great. Someone who was thrown off the force is now back in. Who decided this?"

Reese holds up his hands. "Hey, cut it out. Austin, I suggest you go back upstairs and I'll talk with you about it shortly."

Jason glares at his grandfather. "Better yet, why don't you keep on going and walk right on out of here? You don't deserve to be in on any of this."

"Hey, Angel is my friend," Austin snaps. "Don't talk to me like that."

"I'll talk to you however I want to!" Jason defies, raising his voice.

"You have yet to learn respect! You don't even deserve to be in the Elite, let alone on a mission like this!"

"If you have a problem with me, talk to the boss! At least he thinks I'm capable! It so happens that..."

"Hey!" Carson barks at the two taller men, making them stop. "Jason, you got a problem with your grandfather?"

Jason rolls his eyes. "What does it look like, genius?"

That was the wrong thing to say. Carson's eyes narrow. "You gonna be on my team, then let's get one thing straight - you will come with a clear head. He turns to Austin. And you will not interfere. Is that understood?"

His words don't help as the two start to bicker again. Carson turns to Katie and throws his arms in the air, frustrated. "What is it with these two? We need to go, and instead we're standing here witnessing a shouting match!"

Before anyone can react, Carson reaches up and grabs Jason's jacket collar. With the other hand, he twists Austin's arm behind his back, and he shoves both of them toward a side room door.

"What the..." Jason tries to fight him off, but stumbles to the door. "Carson!"

Austin glares at Carson. "What do you think you're doing? This is..."

Suddenly both men's loud voices are muffled behind a shut door that is being locked. Carson turns around, out of breath and leans against the door. "When it's quiet, we'll continue. Until then, sorry, Katie. I know this doesn't feel good for you either."