Ceased breath

Carson studies Angelica as she talks, taking in the information like a sponge. His mind was already calculating... already at work. Her final statement makes him pause, and he just looks at her. She knew that he wouldn't be held back from this case, Elite agent or not.

After asking a few more questions, he finds out that Jess hadn't been hurt quite as badly as last time, though Peter had been on his way to do more. Apparently Rocky and Reese had arrived just in time. Carson still wished he would have been there though.

"Alright..." He pauses, contemplating his options. "I might be back. Thanks." Turning around, he stalks out again, this time heading for Reese's office. Just as he reaches the main floor though, he almost runs into someone else. "Rocky!"

"Whoa, Carson, you're back." Rocky lifts his eyebrows. His friend look like he'd been on a battle field. "Everything alright?"

"Um, yeah...yeah. I just saw Jess."

Rocky's eyes dim. "Yeah. I came to see how she was."

"Shook up. But... at least it wasn't quite as bad as last time."

Rocky shakes his head, holding back what he really wanted to say about Peter. "I'm just glad I was there, and what's his name... the chief."

"Reese."

"Yeah, him. Otherwise..." Rocky stops. "Is Jess up?"

"Don't know. You can check the room."

"Okay, thanks."

Carson watches Rocky head down the hall, then keeps on his route to see Reese.


Rocky wanders past the line of doors, not totally confident of where everything was, even though he'd been here the night before. He sees into the infirmary, noting that it was quite busy, then continues to the next room. He knocks quietly with a knuckle before cracking the door. Peeking into the dimness, he sees Jess' figure on the bed. But instead of going in, he just stands for a moment. She was resting. He wouldn't disturb her.


Ryder groans and moves around, but with not enough strength to fight back Rick, who held him still as Misty worked on him. Things were foggy... fuzzy... nothing made a whole lot of sense. He wasn't really afraid... but there was no peace in this feeling either.

Once the stitches are completed and a bandage in place, Ryder's eyes are closed, seeming to relax more on the table. While the bed was still taken by Angel, he'd been made to be as comfortable as possible in adequate space.

With Rick and Misty cleaning up and away from the table, Ryder stirs. Turning his head, one eye is pried open, bringing Katie's face into focus. He was tired... so tired... numb, almost not even feeling as though he were lying in the infirmary.

He opens his mouth, his voice a quiet and hoarse whisper. "You're here..." His arm reaches over so his finger can barely touch Katie's cheek. "Does that mean..." His words trail off, his eyes becoming dim and faraway. His hand drops from her face, and suddenly, his raspy breathing ceases.


Clint's coffee lowers as he rests the mug on his knee, Wendy taking his other hand. As it's placed on her belly, he almost flinches. He was used to touching her, but... it was different this time. There was a life there... one that was a part of both of them... so unplanned... and so terrifying.

Relaxing though, he gives her a little rub, a smile forming on his face. He leans his cheek into her hand, letting her calm him down from the fears that welled inside. "I love you."

Easing closer, Clint puts his own cup down, and he leans over Wendy, the smile staying on his face. "And I am so happy that you and I will be spending the rest of our lives together." Leaning in further, he puts his lips to hers, tenderly, softly, before letting his kiss linger, bringing his rough palm to her face.