Healthy

As Reese makes his presence know Thirteen sinks back just a little but feeling Ryder's hand on her shoulder she could only go far.

Her eyes move wildly from Ryder to Reese than back to Ryder almost begging for his protection as Reese tone was less than comfroting.

Keeping her hand on Troopers head her fingers nervosly pet the dogs head. Listing to Ryder and Reese go back and forth.

As he is about to leave Thirteen takes his arm gently and looks up at him. How scaired she was in this place she didnt know, and the only person she could trust was Ryder. Getting his confermed words that he would be back she let go and headed back to where the blanket and pillow on the floor still were.

Drawing Trooper closer Thirteen continues to stroke his head waiting for Ryder's return. Hearing her tummy growel she looks up at the samwhich continplating eating a few more bits of it.

After Ryder comes back in Thirteen gives a smile. but it slowly fades at the metion of the questioning pulling away a little.

"What...what kind of questions?"

Hearing her tummy growel once more and feeling the all to familure of tummy pains Thirteen moves a little to the nightstand and takes the small samwhich.

Taking a sip of her own coffee Misty just listens to Carson as he talks. Nodding her head now and than to let him know she was listing.

Finally as he drew to a close Misty slowly reaches over and placed her hand on top oh his smiling back at him.

"To get drunk was stupid, but I cant balm you for it for it. You have had alot of stuff going on with you back to back and it was enough to drive anyone insane."

Misty all to well how much stress a person could be under and how it could break even the strongest of people.

"You know you can always talk to me when things get hard. I'll always listen to you. Its alot healthy for you than drinking too."

Looking over twords the tree where Kyle had went to talk with his sister Alice glances to see if he was still on the phone. But being met with Kyle's hand hanging she new something was wrong. Could it have been a bad conversation?

Slowing making her way over to the tree Alice gently wraps her arms around Kyle's wast cocking her head a little to look at Kyle.

"Hey you everything ok?"

She hoped she wasnt imposing she only wanted to make sure he was ok.

Falling apart

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Ryder assures. The last thing they needed was for Thirteen to be terrified here. Alec was one thing - he just had a bad attitude. Gage was clueless, but wouldn't fall to pieces. Thirteen... she needed more care... more delicacy.

Ryder reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder, then runs a finger through her hair, gently working out a small tangle. "Tell you what... how about you and Trooper hang out here for a little while longer and..."

A knock at the door makes him look up in surprise. Reese stands in the doorway. Ryder keeps a hand on Thirteen's shoulder, keeping her from backing away. "Good morning, Reese."

"Ryder." Reese nods and eyes Thirteen before looking back at Ryder. "I was looking for you... I was told you had her in here for the night. Wasn't sure that was such a fantastic idea."

"Well, Trooper stayed in here and... the girl's not a threat." Ryder stands slowly. "I was on the main floor too, so I thought it would be okay."

"The interrogation room has served for Gage, I think-"

"Can we talk about this outside?" Ryder urges Reese into the hall. He looks back over his shoulder and nods to Thirteen. "It's okay. I'll be right back." He leaves the door cracked open as he and Reese stand in the hall. "The interrogation room might be fine for Gage," he hisses. "But not her. She's scared spitless and doesn't need something like that."

"If you haven't noticed, she's our prisoner, straight from the Agency! I will not tolerate us pampering one of them just because you feel sorry for her."

"I don't just feel sorry for her!" Ryder's eyes narrow. "She doesn't even have a name, Reese. She goes by "Thirteen." She's an Agency baby just like Carson figured. It's bad enough for her to be in here at all, let alone in a cold locked room. I mean, come on. She wanted the dog for company so she wouldn't be alone, for crying out loud."

Reese sighs and puts his hands on his hips. "Look, we can't play favorites, Ryder. Agency is Agency. Who says she's not acting?"

"I do." Ryder's eyes spark with a daring fire. "It's not an act. She's not involved, trust me. She doesn't know what's going on, and the Agency is all she knows. Take one look at her and you can see she's been treated like an animal. She's smart, but she's been taught only what they wanted her taught."

Reese grits his teeth. "Ryder... I'm sorry, but I'm not putting TJY at risk because you're attracted to the girl."

"Aw don't give me that." Ryder glares at him. Feeling warmth on his lip, he realizes that he's split it again, and he wipes away the small droplet of blood.

Reese quirks an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"Ask Nate."

"Nate? What, he hit you?"

"Yeah, but I guess I deserved it. Look, I'm talking about Thirteen, not Nate, alright? Just let her stay in this room for now. I'm asking you... for me. Please? She won't go anywhere, I promise."

"Fine. But she gets interrogated this afternoon."

Ryder shakes his head. "Let me handle it."

"No, Ryder! It's bad enough I don't have her under lock and key. We're not going to treat her with kid gloves. Innocent or not, she's still Agency and she still holds some information. It's our job to extract it."

"So what are you gonna do? Use force? Let someone in to beat her up like Scott?"

"That was not our doing," Reese snaps. "I will let her stay in the room, but she gets moved to interrogation one this afternoon, got it?"

Ryder tries to control his temper. "Who's doing it?"

"I don't know. Nate's gone, Jase is gone... I'll probably do it myself."

"Well just...."

"What?"

"Never mind." Ryder turns back to the room. "She'll be there." Entering the room once more, he closes the door behind him to lean against it, looking over to Thirteen. He tried to convey he was sorry. "You've got a few hours," he informs quietly, wiping his lip again. "Then Reese is going to take you into the other room for questioning."


Carson lets Misty lead him out of the courthouse and agrees to the coffee shop. Once there, he eases into a booth across from her, trying not to let the pain show from sitting down. Ordering a coffee and sandwich, he fiddles with a packet of sugar, not meeting Misty's eyes. The table is quiet... too quiet. He was glad she wasn't yelling at him, but he still felt an overwhelming amount of guilt.

He finally breaks the silence. "Screwed up again, didn't I?" His eyes stay away from hers. "I know... we all fall sometimes... but I was stupid.... again."

His finger rips through the sugar pack, spilling the contents on the table. He sighs. How appropriately timed.

"Just with Katie... and Herb and the restaurant... and Alec... and this whole thing with Mackenzie I just..." He swallows hard, finding it difficult for some reason to maintain control. "Guess being back on the field got to me... thinking about Katie. Then I knew I had court today and I just wanted to forget for a while.... just wanted to sleep and forget so... I guess I did." He shrugs. "I don't remember what I did last night. But I still remember everything else I was trying to forget."

His heart ached. He was supposed to be taking over a restaurant. He was supposed to meet a lost brother with strength. He was supposed to be a strong character with or without Mackenzie in his future. He was suppose to be able to handle his job on the field. But instead, he was falling apart.


Evening has caught up with Break Out...

"Jen, look, I... but... wait... I...." Kyle groans and leans back against the side of the bus. He rubs his forehead, holding the cell phone to his ear.

"...of all the stupid!" Jen's tears can be heard in her voice. "You haven't been returning my calls, or anybody's for that matter. Then when I finally get a hold of somebody, they tell me that you almost died!" She chokes on a sob. "Don't do that to me!"

Kyle turns around, resting his forearm against the bus. The reststop was dark and quiet. Crickets chirped, and a few lights lit the near-empty parking lot alongside the interstate. It had been a long day on the road, and he was tired since being released from the hospital. The day had been quiet as well... Hunter had seemed especially offish and Kyle wasn't completely sure why. But he'd kept his distance. Only when stopping for a break, had he realized that he had several new missed calls, and had finally called Jen back. He sighs. "I'm sorry. I know I was stupid and..."

"You certainly were! Don't scare me like that! Accident or not, I..." She sniffs. "...I couldn't do it without my brother so just be smarter from now on!"

"I will, I will." Kyle tries to keep his own voice low. The others were just a ways away, and he really didn't want to make a scene. He knew he's scared his sister, and he felt badly about it. He felt badly for scaring everyone, but was just trying to move on. "I'm sorry, okay?"

"I want a hug," Jen murmurs, still crying.

"Well if I was there, I'd give you one." Kyle waits as there is a long pause. "You still there?"

"Yeah..." Jen sniffs again, her voice continuing to crack as she speaks. "There's... there's something else. That's why I've been trying to call."

Kyle can feel himself bristle. "What? What is it?" His mind immediately thought of all the people who could be in trouble or hurt.

Jen pauses again. "Kyle, it's... it's Katie..."


...Kyle tucks his phone into his pocket as he tries to swallow the lump in his throat. He can hear the others talking a little ways away, but doesn't feel like joining in. Instead, he turns the other direction. Ambling into the freshly-cut grass, he finds a tree to lean against and takes a deep breath, trying to maintain control. But a tear escapes anyway for a journey down his cheek. It drops off his chin and lands unnoticed on his shirt. God, not Katie, please.

Keeping his back to the others, he lets his head hang, What more was there left? What more could happen? How much more severely did his heart have to be torn?

Shifting his weight, Kyle's arm slips on the rough bark and he winces as he receives a nice cut near his wrist. He sucks on it for a moment, but lets it bleed, not really caring at this point. He swipes at another tear. He needed to go. The others would be waiting. But he just needed one more minute...

I know

Pulling back from Ryder a little bit Thirteen just sits there and looks at him for a long moment. Her eyes held so much confustion and that she was weaghing her options in her head.

"My dad he...did alot of missions with the Agency. Really he was a brilliant man but the things he did just didnt seem right. He..."

Hearing a loud bump from somewhere outside the room Thirteen gives a jump as a wave a fear ran through her eyes.

"I..cant talk about him or they will kill me. I've seen it, I know how they do it. I cant talk about it."

Misty gives a small smile and gives a tiny nod to Carson.

"Yeah, lets go the little coffee shop down the road. Get you some coffee, and they have some good hang over food."

Helping Carson up Misty keeps her arm around Carson. Just letting him know she was there.

"Hope, there are some flowers here for you."

"Really? Ok I will be right out."

Opening her office door Hope exits taking the small package with a smile. Opening it up she see the seventeen flowers and her smile grows.

"Miss Garrison there is no note. How do you know who they are from?"

"I dont need a note, I know already."

Turning Hope goes back into her office with a smile holding the flowers and putting her face into them to give a smell.

Guilty parties

Ryder hopes that he hasn't scared Thirteen with his bleeding lip as she examines the blood. But before he can try to make light of it, she's getting to her feet. Letting her go, he's just a little bewildered, though glad she'd stopped crying.

As she comes back with the damp towel, he's surprised. The coarse material makes the cut sting, but he refrains from wincing. He almost felt like if he were to pull away, he might thwart the young woman's desire to help, and she might never try again. As she studies his face, he takes the opportunity to look into her own eyes, searching for the real woman behind her gaze. Her simplicity wasn't the sign of a slow mind... but the sign of a mind that had simply not been taught. Her actions seemed almost childlike, yet there laid a woman within, who had been emotionally beaten into this state. It made Ryder's heart hurt.

As Thirteen speaks, it hurts Ryder even more. How cruel could someone be? He knew she was from the Agency... he knew she was considered a risk, or even a threat at the most. But he couldn't treat her like a common prisoner... he wouldn't.

Ryder lets out a long sigh. Not because he's weary, or because he's agitated with Thirteen. But because he felt lost. He knew what he'd like to do, but he'd never be allowed.

"You can stay here... for now, okay? But later on you'll have to... I mean, you'll..." Looking into her innocent eyes, Ryder's shoulders drop. "For now, you can stay here," he finishes lamely.

Rocking back so he can sit cross-legged, he stays facing the girl. If he could get some answers, perhaps he could avoid her having to go through an interrogation. "You mentioned your father... who is he?"


Reese sees Nate rise, and knows that his answer is the best he'll get. "Okay. You've got three days. But I'll need you back here after that."

He could tell there was more behind Nate's reasoning, but knew better than to ask. "See you in a few days."


Carson doesn't need to lift his head to know who was touching him. It was a familiar touch... it was a hand with just as much warmth as the first time he'd felt it. He sighs. He felt like falling to pieces.

At Misty's question, he gives a forced, dry laugh. "I don't know if I even know..." He grimaces. Thinking hurt. Straightening up, he gives her a sidelong glance. She knew he'd been drunk. His eyes probably still showed it. Yet she was choosing not to chew him out. In a way, it made him feel even guiltier. "It's just been... too much."

He looks around the busy hall for a moment, then back to her. "Can we go somewhere else? I need to get something in my stomach, but... I don't have my car here."


Con knocks on the front door. "Anybody home?" he calls. Not hearing anything, he lets himself in with his own key. "Laura?" He cocks his head, straining to hear. If she was calling to him, he didn't know it.

He wanders through the living room and to the hallway. He sees a light on in the back room and approaches slowly. "Laura?" Opening the door a little wider, he quirks an eyebrow.

Laura was in her shorts and t-shirt, her hands gloved. Pounding away at the punching bag that hung from the ceiling, she grunted with frustration, sweat pouring down the sides of her face. She didn't even hear her brother calling her name. Only when the lights flicker does she pause long enough to realize Con was there. "Oh... Hi."

Con looks at her for a moment, furrowing her brow. Not only was her greeting dry, but she shouldn't be doing this. "You're bleeding."

Laura looks down to see that blood had soaked through her bandage and onto her shirt. "Dang it. These bandages never do their job."

"I'm surprised you're this active at all," Con chides. "You know better."

"I can stand the pain," Laura retorts. She pushes him aside to go to the bathroom, taking off her gloves.

"Well I know that." Con follows after her. "But that's really beside the point. You should be resting and letting that thing heal. That's why the doctor let you go early, remember? Because you promised to take it easy."

"Yeah? Well that was before I decided to punch the bag instead of someone's head."

Con leans on the bathroom doorway as his sister rummages for some clean bandages. "You wanted to what?"

"Punch someone's head in!" Laura states louder. She starts to pull up her shirt and look at her wound, then realizing she's not alone, she shuts the door in Con's face.

Con sighs. "What happened?" he asks through the door. "I got to TJY and found out you were there for ten minutes then left. That's why I came over here - to check on you."

"I don't need anybody to check on me."

"What?"

"I said I..." Laura groans and opens the door back up, not caring if he saw her. He was her brother after all. "I said I don't need anybody to check on me." She grimaces as she cleans her wound and tries to rebandage it, fumbling with the tape.

Con watches her for a minute then rolls his eyes. "Will you ever learn to ask for help?"

"I don't need any help!"

"Apparently, you don't need anything today." Con reaches out to help with the bandage, ignoring her slapping his hands.

With a sigh, Laura gives up and just holds her shirt out of the way. If anybody knew how to put a bandage on, it was Con. "All I need is to be left alone," she grumbles.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Con smirks, his eyes on his task. "I hate it when you won't repeat something I haven't heard."

"And I hate your persistence."

Con finishes up with the bandage and straightens, letting Laura put everything away. "You want to talk about it?"

"No." Laura shoves past him and wanders to the living room to flop down on the couch. Her side burned like mad, but she was too stubborn to baby herself. She goes for the tv remote, but Con reaches down over the back of the couch, taking it from her hand. "Hey! Give that back!"

"Uh-uh." Con shakes his head and comes around to sit at the other end. "First, we talk. I want to know what's wrong. Why aren't you at TJY like you planned?"

Laura grabs a throw pillow to hold. "You really want to know?"

"Yes."

"Fine. Nate and I had a little argument. Well no, that's not true. He wouldn't let me have a word in edgewise."

"What was he upset about?"

"About something really stupid!" Laura throws up her hands, then winces, realizing that had been the wrong move to make. She files a mental note not to move around so quickly again. "He thinks Ryder and I have a thing going or something, the idiot."

Con lifts an eyebrow. "Well do you?"

"How can you ask me that?!" Laura looks at him in shock. "Of course not! Ryder is my friend. Period. And if Nate is gonna go all "jealous boyfriend" on me, then he can go sit in his little corner by himself until he decides to play nice. I don't have to put up with him throwing a hissy fit when I've got another guy three feet from me. It's stupid."

Con sits back and takes as minute to think. Nate wasn't one to act without thinking, or to act too quickly. No, it had to be more than this. "Why did he think you and Ryder had something going?"

"How should I know?" Laura rolls her eyes. "So the other day I was in the spare room at work, trying to rest up. Ryder comes in. We start talking. We wind up sitting on the bed, totally innocently, mind you. Nate comes in, and you could tell by the look on his face that he was peeved. Give me a break! It wasn't like Ryder and I were making out!"

Con purses his lips. "Was that all?"

"I don't know. I mean... maybe. No. But Nate didn't complain at the time! How was I supposed to know he was ticked off?"

Con just waits and says nothing, knowing his sister would continue.

Laura groans. "I don't know what he's thinking. He said so many things today I can't remember all of it. He was mad and not making much sense."

"But... something set him off today?"

"Okay, so maybe Ryder gave me a neck rub." Laura looks up to see the surprise on her brother's face. "I had a knot in my neck!" she defends. "He was being nice! And he kept his hands on my neck, thank you very much."

"I didn't say he didn't. So... that was it?"

"Well yesterday he mighta mentioned my other scar."

"The one on your other side?"

"Yeah."

"So?"

"Well he mentioned it in front of Nate."

Con rolls his eyes. "Oh that was good."

"What?! What is wrong with that? I mean, why is Nate blowing this out of proportion? Who cares if Ryder saw my scar? So what?!"

"How did he see it?"

"Well we... we were... we..."

Con waits expectantly.

"It's nothing bad," Laura snaps. "We got to talking about battle scars. He was showing off some of his from crocodiles and the like."

"And ...you showed him yours?"

"Well all I did was just pull up my shirt about an inch!" Laura demonstrates that it really didn't take much to show someone. "It's not like I took my shirt off! Or is that what you and Nate are thinking?!"

Con takes a deep breath and shakes his head, but can't get a word in.

"I wish you guys would give me the benefit of the doubt instead of jumping to conclusions!"

"So... that's what all this is about then? A scar and a neck rub?"

Laura's face reddens.

Con's eyes widen. "There's more?"

"It's all so stupid!" Laura slams her fist into the throw pillow. "Who cares if Ryder knew about the money box in my bedroom? Even you know about that! And what's a kiss on the cheek? Any gentleman can give a woman a kiss on the cheek! It doesn't mean anything!"

Con shakes his head slowly. "Uh-huh... okay."

"Well it doesn't! He's just a friend! He and I have even talked about it!"

"Right... so none of that was inappropriate."

Laura is silent, her temper still hot. "Regardless, Nate didn't have to punch Ryder."

"What?"

"He punched Ryder!" Laura repeats loudly.

"You don't have to yell! Did Ryder provoke him?"

"Ryder doesn't provoke anybody. All he was doing was walking by and Nate pounced on him."

"Right after the kiss."

"I guess."

Con groans and shakes his head. "Laura... do you really want Nate, or do you just enjoy someone there when you need them?"

Laura blinks, her face showing slight shock. "I don't understand. How can both you and Nate take me for someone like that? What have I done to give you both such a horrible impression of me? Ryder didn't mean anything by any of all this! We're just friends! He was glad I wasn't dead - that's why he gave me a kiss on the cheek. I told you about the whole scar thing. He rubbed my neck because he wanted me to feel better, not because he wanted more than that! He knew about the box in my room because I told him where it was, not because he spends time in there!" She can feel the tears finally welling in her eyes. "Can't I be friends with him?"

"Laura..." Con sighs, rising from the couch. "No matter what I say, you're going to have an excuse or reason why I'm wrong and you're right, so there's no point in me saying any more."

"But... I...." Laura stares up at him, surprised he was leaving.

"If you need something, give me a call, okay? And get some rest like you're supposed to."

"But..." Laura watches her brother head for the door and stares at it after it had closed. He'd left so suddenly. He never left like that. Why... But.... A tear runs down her cheek and she slips further down on the couch, curling up and hugging the pillow close. She was making a mess out of everything... again.


The small delivery truck pulls up in front of the office building. The driver gets out, bearing the slender parcel. Checking the address, he goes inside, finding the reception desk. "Uh, hey, I've got a package for..." He looks at the name again. "Dr. Hope Garrison?"

Giving a nod, the delivery man approaches the desk, setting the parcel down and receiving a signature. "Thanks." He tips his hat before exiting the office. "Have a good day."

No note was left to reveal who the sender actually was. There was only the box that when opened, would reveal a bouquet of spring flowers... seventeen to be exact.

Being Human

Pulling away from Ryder a little Thirteen hones in on his busted open lip. Whiping her own eyes from the tears that flowed through them Thirteen just looks back at him a bit of confustion in her own eyes as to why he had a bloody lip.

Reaching out she gently touches it and than pulls her fingers away looking at the blood that now marked them. Something deep inside her stired, she wasnt sure what it was but she didnt like it.

Standing Thirteen timidly walks over to where her water bottel was. Looking as if deep in thought maybe remembering something she takes her napkin and dumps just a little bit of water on the towel before going back over to Ryder and kneeling down on the floor infront of him.

Looking into his eyes for a moment she looks down to his lip and gentil takes his face in her hand bring the cloth to his lip and softly whiping the blood away. Almost copying what he had done on the cut for her the day before.

Being very silent for a long moment Thirteen keeps cleaning Ryder up, feeling inside a little bit of good being able to help as many things ran through her head.

Finally as she cleans the last little bit of blood up Thirteen finally talks.

"I've live there all my life, its been my home and my father is the leader. I want to go back home but at the same time..."

Thirteen looks down so deep in thought and showing the pain inside was conflicting and great.

"..I dont want to go back. I couldnt never be like them, I couldnt bring myself to all the blood, the smell it made me sick. I disapointed my father and he punished me for it. No what I just couldnt do it. I dont want to hurt anyone, and I dont want anyone else to hurt me anymore."

Thinking again for a moment Thirteen looks around the room before looking up at Ryder again in the eyes. Her question searous.

"Can I stay here? Its safe, and feels like my home. I like it in this room, and the floor isnt cold."

One could tell Thirteen was happy with the small room but also just how much of the world she didnt know. For the last 21 years of her life, a room was her home and sitting there, sleeping there, and learning the art of fighting, files, torcher where her pass time. A small clean room, with a carpet floor was like someone winning a million dollars.

Thinking for a long moment Nate plays with his keys in his hand. He could tell his boss his reason but really it had nothing to do with work and he would rather not let it get around. Sooner or later people would find out.

"Just, personal reason. Stress and what not. I know things are pretty backed up at the moment but I only want maybe two or three days than I will be back into the swing of things."

Giving a small nod to Reese Nate stands. His eyes held so many things in them he didnt even know himself where to start.

Taking Carson's hand in a strong hold Angelica gives a nod and a small smile.

"Try and stay out of trouble eh?"

Watching him leave she was about to follow but stops as she see Misty go out after him. Giving a soft smile she new he would get the repramanding and ride would all ready be offered to Carson and she was no long needed. Sitting back down her gathers some of her papers and finishes up a few things before leaving.

Exiting the court room Misty scans the people coming and going finding who she was looking for. Walking over to the bench She runs her hand along Carson back before sitting down next to him keeping her arm around his shoulders.

For many reasons she could be mad at him, she could yell and even lecture but she didnt want to, and it just didnt seem right. Today it seemed like Carson needed something more than that. Even the best of the best fall sometimes and she couldnt be mad at him for being human.

Leaning her head forward just a little bit to look at Carson she gives a small smile.

"Wanna talk about it?"

Tempers

Though startled, Ryder doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Thirteen's shaking frame. He starts to rock her gently, running a hand through her tangled hair. "Shh, shh... it's okay. Calm down... you're safe, you're safe." His tone is soft and comforting.

Trooper gave another little whine and sat down to watch the both of them, seeming to be satisfied that someone had finally come to rescue the girl from her sleep.

Ryder holds Thirteen for a few more minutes, doing his best to calm her down. Holding her, he realizes just how malnourished she is. He wonders when her last good meal was, if ever. Feeling her course hair, he wonders when the last time was that she'd been pampered, if ever. Seeing her clothes, he wonders when the last time was that she'd been shopping, if ever. She was a number... that's all she'd ever been. Ryder didn't know her story... he didn't know if she'd been with the Agency since birth, or just the last month. But he didn't have to. It was instincts that told him this girl had been with the Agency for most of her life, and he knew good and well that if they were willing to trade her off, that she had not been an agent of status. And if you didn't have status with the Agency, you were just a tool to be used and abused.

"Shh..." Ryder finds Thirteen's face to wipe her eyes. "It's okay."

He takes a swipe at his own lip, wiping away the slowly-flowing blood. That was all he needed to add to his day. He didn't want to scare the girl.

"You're alright... do you want to tell me about it?"


Laura blinks, stunned by the words that were flung in her direction. They come fast and strong, almost biting. She takes a step back, not used to Nate talking to her this way.

"I... But... it..." She tries to get a word in, but it doesn't work. Nate was too fired up to pause long enough for her to say anything.

Laura tries to make sense of everything Nate was saying, though her own temper started to flare. Her fists ball up at her sides and she grits her teeth, wanting to shout at him for taking out his frustrations on her and Ryder. But even so, she held her tongue as he continued.

She saw conflict in his eyes. She saw his anger, his hurt, and his disappointment. She saw that he didn't want to be saying these things, but felt the need. She saw tears backed up behind his eyes and she knew that once again, she had hurt him.

As Nate's hand touches her face, she doesn't move. She only stares him in the eye, not pulling away, but not leaning into his hand either. And watching him walk away makes her want to scream.

Spinning around, Laura takes several deep breaths, wincing and putting a hand back to her side. This was all wrong. This was just all wrong. It was stupid. She had no idea where Nate was getting this. She and Ryder were just friends! What was Nate's problem? If he'd had a problem in the first place, he should have said he didn't want Ryder living at the house in the beginning! But he hadn't! So now he decides to lambast her when he was stressed out over who knows how many things?

Growling under her breath, Laura stalks back to her cubicle. Windows or not, she was taking Henry and going home. She was supposed to have several days off to recover anyway. She'd wanted to be here so she wouldn't be alone, but apparently she wasn't wanted.

Within minutes, she's aimed for the door, not even stopping to tell anyone she was leaving.


Reese lifts his eyebrows at Nate's request. It wasn't strange that anybody wanted time off. Everyone had been so stressed out over finding Katie, that several others were taking a couple days as well.

"Um, no, that's okay. We got a lot of things backed up after putting all our resources to finding Katie, but... we can manage."

He cocks his head, studying Nate's face. He didn't need to know Nate's personal reasons... it might not be any of his business. But they were more than an office around here, and he felt compelled to ask. "Is... there something wrong?"


The court session seemed to drag on forever. Carson's headache grew worse, and halfway through, his hair was wet with sweat. Though he knew the room was air-conditioned, he felt hot and just wanted out.

Through further questioning, he did his best, sticking to his and Angelica's plan. Surely the judge would see the truth... wouldn't he?

Carson doesn't have time to meet Misty's eyes again, and it was just as well. Not only was she his girlfriend, but she was a doctor and had probably already picked up on his symptoms and figured out what they were from. For that reason alone, he avoided her gaze.

The only strange feelings he got were from a man that sat back in the corner of the room. He never moved, and was never a part of the proceedings. But he was watching and listening intently, studying what went on.

Carson's attention is whipped back to the case as the judge has his words. Now they would find out.

The judge sighs deeply, looking at both the prosecution and defendant. "This case has many more sides to it than it appeared on the surface. I feel a lot of underlying motives that can never be proved or disproved."

He pauses in thought, checking his notes. "Mr. Banks, I find that you could very well have benefited by kidnapping Mackenzie. There are many ways you could have taken advantage of that situation and received personal gains."

Carson's heart sinks as he slides a little lower in his seat.

The judge continues. "However, I see no proof of this. While a case has been built against you, there is no proof that you intended to kidnap your daughter, or even gain from her being with you. Nor have you even shown signs of ever wanting custody of her. What I do have proof of, is Miss Jones' strong feelings against single fathers and their fights for custody. Because of this, I'm inclined to believe that while she may or may not have been involved in any plots, she indeed took advantage and may have blown this case out of proportion."

Heather's eyes flicker with anger and she shoots Carson an icy stare. He ignores her.

The judge pauses again, folding his hands. "All evidence presented in this case has been circumstantial. Whether I believe Mr. Banks to be innocent or not, I cannot rule that he be found guilty, simply because it is not beyond a reasonable doubt. If he wishes to fight for custody of his daughter, that is to be taken up in another court. As for this case, I am hearby releasing Mr. Banks and closing this case." He taps his gavel. "Case dismissed."

Murmurs spread through the room as the prosecution bench argues within itself about whose fault the loss was.

Carson closes his eyes for a moment, breathing a sigh of relief, and thanking God. It was over. Looking to Angelica, his gaze shows he's sorry for being such a mess, but he's thankful for her work. "Thank you." Standing up, he offers her his hand. "I had a feeling that with you around, it would be hard to lose."

Making his way out into the large hall, the moving air felt good. But his knees were wobbly and he just wanted to sit a moment before trying to walk home.

Finding a bench, Carson eases down and rests his elbows on his knees, putting his face in his hands. He didn't think about the fact that Misty would have to walk by on her way out. It was over. It was all over. And yet... he tries to push aside the little nagging in his heart. No... no, no. It was over.... over, over, over.

He sighs. His head hurt. His tailbone hurt. How ironic that he could feel so badly after winning their case.

Lost

Just stairing back at Ryder something inside Nate softens a little and gives him a small feeling a guilt wells inside for hitting his friend. His anger is great though and as hard as stone not letting the feeling could out.

Watching Ryder leave Nate dosent even hear Laura come over untill she talks. Bringing his head back to face her Nate just eyes her a long moment as he trys to calm his temper down. He didnt want to be angry with Laura, he didnt like that feeling but it was so hard right now.

Finally finding the words to talk Nate new his anger would not cool anymore. He had stood by for to long and watched.

"I liked to know how you think its ok to let somone kiss you? or close enough for a back rub that was rather intamint. While your answering questins maybe you can answer me how its ok to let someone know personal details about you that I havent even seen. Your scar it not exacly in a hey looks at this spot. You probley would like how it made you feel seeing another woman kiss you would you and you would probley have your bother pummel me. Did you ever think about how that stuff made me feell?"

Nate is quiet again for a moment, he tryed not to let the words come out that he wanted to say, but he had to, It hurt so much and Laura had to know.

"Luara I will love you till the day I die, your the woman I want, and your the woman I need. But I cant sit by any longer and watch you flirt with Ryder, and let things happen that shouldent. I have been pashent, and let go on for quiet a while now. Its turning me into the guy I dont like to be."

Nate sucks in a breath and he searches Laura's eyes..his own heart was breaking and he didnt know if his eyes were watering or not.

"I have to think about my sister and myself now. I promised I would never push her away again and because my anger is getting in the way I am. I cant have that happen. I am sorry Laura but this cant work like this. Once you figure out what you want and if you come to the conclustion it really is me, You will know where to find me and I will be there."

Running one last finger down Laura's face Nate steps through his cubicle and turns to head twords Reese office not even letting Laura the chanse to reply. If he stayed he would see the look in her eyes and change his mind about this whole thing, but he could.

Giving a small knock on Reese door he waited to him to reply before entering. Talkng a seat in one of the nice soft chairs Nate is quiet for a moment before looking up at Reese.

"I know now it not the best time but I need a leave of absence for personal reasons."

Nate looks at Reese, he hurt, he didnt know what to think or what would happen he just needed some time away. Maybe take Maggie camping, or to a fair, he just need time.

Lost in her dream Thirteen can hardly feel Ryder shaking her. She new she had to awake, she new she had to get away. Hearing his familure voice break through the darkness of her sleep Thirteen shoots up from bed with another scream.

Turning her head to see Ryder she scoots closer to him and calapses into his lap tears coming from he eyes as she holds on to him for comfort.

Listening intently Angelica sits and waits for her turn, just listing to everything that was said to Carson.

When her turn finally comes up for every questions she had an answer and every answer she had a question. Firing one after another to the procicuter, or Carson even Heather herself.

Angelica did her best bring everything out and not holding any punches. She defended Carson and made his rep know that he was not that man anymore and thought he new it was not safe for his daughter he was a good guy and should at least be able to see her when she wanted. She did all she could for Carson.

Sitting down again and keeping her arms crossed Angelica looked to Carson with a reasurning nod. It was time to wait now, they had done all they could for now.

Guilt

Ryder is taken totally by surprise. He doesn't even see Nate's flying fist coming. As it connects with his mouth, he reels backward, knocking into another cubicle and falling to one knee.

Fighting reflexes kick in and he's back up in an instant to face Nate, but does not retaliate. Nate's words are like a second slap to the face, stinging all the more. Ryder's eyes are wide with confusion, hurt and anger for being hit.

Wiping his lip, he glances down at his hand where he finds blood. He looks back up at Nate and just stares at him for the longest moment. He could easily try to defend himself. He could easily try to explain. He could easily fight back. But he saw the look in Nate's eye and knew that nothing he did would matter. He had crossed a forbidden line.

Without a word, he spins on his heel and walks away. More than his lip had been broken.


Laura is just coming up from paying attention to Henry when she glances across the room. What she saw made her jaw drop and her heart skip a beat. What on earth... Her eyes narrow as she makes her way over to Nate's cubicle as quickly as she can, holding a hand to her sore side.

Arriving just in time to see Ryder disappear down the hall, she whips her head around to Nate with a glare. "What do you think you're doing? What did you do that for?!"


Ryder stalks down the hall, aiming for the bathroom to nurse his wound. His stomach churned and fire burned in his eyes. He knew exactly what had just happened, and he knew exactly the consequences that would occur. And it didn't feel good.

Getting to the bathroom door, he's just about to open it when he hears a scream. Backing up, he realizes that it's coming from the spare room. A chill runs down his spine and he forgets about himself. Sprinting to the door, he throws it open, ready to fend off somebody, but he finds only Thirteen and Trooper.

The dog was pacing and whining, nudging Thirteen lightly with his nose, but unable to wake the sleeping girl. Ryder sees her writhing on the floor, obviously in the middle of a nightmare.

His heart still pounding, he slides down on his knees next to her. Reaching out, he takes her shoulder gently. "Hey, hey," he croons. "Come on, wake up. You're okay... it's just a dream, wake up."


Guilt is written all over Carson's face. He knows that while he was mostly sober, someone as smart as Angelica could easily deduct what he'd been up to. He's just as glad that they don't have enough time for her to give him a reprimand.

Going over last-minute details, Carson can feel the knots forming in his stomach. They had a won case... he knew they did. But that didn't mean the process would be pleasant. They knew that Heather had a personal grudge against single fathers, but Carson would still have to endure an interrogation in front of the judge.

It was too soon before Carson was on the stand. There was a handful of other people there. Heather had several others with her, all of their noses in the air with a confidence that made his blood boil. And then there was... Misty? Surprise flickers in Carson's eye as he catches her gaze for an instant before his attention is drawn back to the slick lawyer in front of him. The games began. Questions were fired, answers were given. Carson had a hard time concentrating, his hangover worsening each time he had to think.

"Mr. Banks, is it true that when Mackenzie was with you, that you had a phone conversation with Heather Jones?"

"Yes."

"And is it true that she told you to take Mackenzie to your local authorities?"

"Yes."

"And did you do as you were told?"

Carson grits his teeth, his hands fidgeting in his lap out of sight. "No. I didn't want to-"

"Why didn't you do as you were told, Mr. Banks?" The prosecutor paces in front of the stand. "Why didn't you do as Heather Jones requested?"

"I didn't want the girl to go through any unnecessary trauma."

"But staying with you - her kidnapper - that didn't seem traumatic to you?"

"I didn't kidnap her."

"Mr. Banks, were you aware that keeping Mackenzie with you was illegal?"

Carson hesitates. But he and Angelica had agreed to total honesty. "Yes."

"And yet you still chose to keep her. Why?"

"I just told you."

"Isn't it true that you wanted to keep Mackenzie and gain custody?"

"No."

"Isn't it true that you saw an opportunity for control by gaining access to your daughter?"

"No!"

The prosecutor's voice rises as well. "Isn't it true that you hired someone to kidnap your daughter, so she would be brought to you, so you could hold her for personal gain?"

"No!"

The prosecutor chuckles and shakes his head. "You... have a record, Mr. Banks."

"I've been pardoned."

"Do you deny having a criminal past?"

Carson keeps himself from rolling his eyes as his shoulders drop. He hadn't been ready for this one. "I do not deny it."

"And... you think while having this past that your living quarters is a safe one?"

"I don't claim that it is or isn't. But-"

"Do you really think it's a safe environment for a little girl?"

Carson's had just about all he can take. "I never said I wanted her to live with me!" His tone rises with irritation. "I never said that I wanted to keep her or gain custody! Whether my residence is so-called "safe" or not doesn't matter because I never claimed to even want her with me."

The prosecutor remains calm. "So you did kidnap her for something else. Money? I understand you're renting an apartment with your sister. Are you financially stable?"

"Money doesn't have anything to do with this! I didn't kidnap Mackenzie!"

The prosecutor spins on his heel to stalk back to his table with a smug look on his face. "I'm done here."

Carson rubs a hand over his face, thoroughly agitated. To anyone watching, he knew that he looked guilty. There were so many reasons he could have had for kidnapping Mackenzie. They had to prove he hadn't. But in his state, it might even be harder than they'd thought. His eyes catch Misty's again. His own were bloodshot and still held a slight glaze. She would know... he knew she would know without even being close to him. He looks down, feeling the guilt for his actions the night before. He couldn't have chosen a worse time to fall to pieces.

Dream

Smiling as he see Laura enter work Nate cant help but shake his head a little. He had tryed to ask her this morning to at least stay at home, or his place for just a day or so more to heal but he new she wouldnt listen.

About to leave his cubicle Nate see Ryder and stops. Trying his best to hold back he decieds to just wait and talk with Laura a little longer.

Sinking down in his chair again Nate does his best to work though he takes a glance now and than but trying his best not to be nosey.

Glancing up again this time Nate dosnt look away watching as Ryder gives Laura the back rub. They were close, to close for comfort and Nate could feel his insides bubble as her face felt warm. He was going to let it go, he had to let it go..he had...Nate's eyes widen as he see Ryder lean closer to Laura and give her a kiss on the cheek. The anger is burned to a new level this was not ok.

Seeing Ryder come twords him Nate's eyes burn with fire. Everything, from Laura and Ryder, to Katie he just couldnt take it anymore as he was hitting his breaking point a place he hadent been in so long.

As Ryder pass by Nate grabs him by the arm and spins him around. Before Ryder can even react Nate's fist connects with Ryder's jaw sending him backward a few steps.

"Find your own girl friend to kiss."

Laying on the floor with Trooper Thirteen was fast asleep. Her eyes flutter slightly giving the impression she was dreaming...

"Bring her in here."

"Yes sir."

Going out and grabbing Thirteen by the arm the rather large man pulls her into another large room. Giving her a shove he push her forward infront of an oak desk.

Getting up from the desk the man goes over to Thirteen and lifts her chin to look at her complection, her face giving her the once over.

"Your starting to turn into a very pretty young woman you know that? You will be of great use to us. Because we love you here in your home we will teach you eveything. You will learn to think like us, talk like us, live more like us, and kill like us."

Thirteen's heart pounded in her chest as she listened to what was being said to her. She didnt understand is all but she listened anyways.

As the man comes over and takes her roughly by the arm again He pulls her to the other side of the desk and sits her down to look at some computer screens that held 3 differnt cells that held people being tourchered.

"You will learn to do this."

Thirteen didnt want to look, she didnt want to see this is scaired her. Turning away she receved a back hand to the face as angry words where spoken.

"You never turn away, your a disapointmint, a disgrace. I had big things planed for you, my young daughter but now...now you will be punished take her away."

Giving a sharp scream Thirteen new what was coming and she kicked not again, she didnt want that again.

...As the dream continues Thirteen withers in the bad as she twists and turns, moans, whimpers and screams coming from her lips. Tears making there way out of her sleeping eyes as her crys continue.

Glancing down at her watch more than once Angelica waits for Carson growing impashent and a little nervouse the he wasnt there yet.

Where was he she needed to over a few things, and get his consent on some other stuff. Pulling out her cell phone she is about to dial his number when she see him coming down the hall.

Finally!

As he draws closer Angelica can pick up on something strange about him, not to mention a he smelled like whisky.

"Dont tell you were..."

Giving a shake of her head there was no point. What was done was done she only wished he would of been smarter.

"Come on, I will give you a quick breffing while we walk to the room. We dont have much spair time."

Entering the court room Misty's heart raced. The message on her voice mail made her worryed and though Carson said not to come she did anyway. Her had a saspition on what was happing with Carson and Dani but she only wish and hoped she was wrong.

Asking for directions on where his case was being held Misty makes her way down the hall and slips into the room un-noticed. Sitting down in the back she was there if needed.

No-no's, bungles and introductions

Ryder isn’t sure what Thirteen is giggling at, but he doesn’t ask. At least she appeared to be a little more at ease than when she’d arrived.

At her question, he quirks one eyebrow and thinks. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, letting his gaze go to the dog again. He should say no. He was going against just about every rule in the book the way it was.

He was aware that since Jason had found Trooper, the dog had been trained for numerous tasks, picking up on almost everything naturally. Whether it was sniffing for drugs, searching for victims, protecting an agent, or keeping an eye on someone, the dog had hardly needed any prompting at all, seeming to understand what Jason wanted, right off the bat. So accustomed to work, Trooper had often showed signs of taking matters on his own, but usually it was when Jason was around. Today he’d done things even without his master present. Ryder wondered what the dog’s motives had been. Had he sensed the girl’s fear? Had he just been bored and wanted attention? Had he sensed that someone needed to watch over Thirteen to make sure she didn’t go anywhere? No matter the case, it was obvious that Trooper held no aggression, and perhaps even offered Thirteen some comfort.

Ryder shakes his head, almost rolling his eyes. “Alright. But let me take him out first so he doesn’t start whining in the night.”

Hearing “out,” Trooper stands up, his tail wagging.

“Yeah, yeah, come on.” Ryder lets the dog out before him, then shuts the door, not bothering to lock it. Less than five minutes later, he’s returned, Trooper pushing his way back into the room.

“Now behave yourself, ya galah.” Ryder points his finger at the dog. “She’s not supposed to leave.”

Trooper picks up on the new tone in Ryder’s voice, and knows that his job is to stay and make sure this newcomer stayed too. He wanders over near the bed to flop down on the floor again with a wide yawn, showing all his teeth.

Ryder nods. “He can stay,” he tells Thirteen. “His master’s gone right now anyway and might not be back for a while.” He looks at her grimly. “The girl you were supposed to look like is his girlfriend. Unfortunately, she’s in a coma.”

Moving to the door, he pauses, looking at the lock, then back to the girl. “I’m going to leave this unlocked so you can go to the bathroom or if you need help. I’m trusting you to stick around.” He nods to Trooper. “He may be a new friend, but make no mistake – he’ll keep you in the building if he has to, so just know that.”

Ryder takes on last look around the room, feeling as though he needed to do something more, but unsure what it would be. More would have to be decided about Thirteen tomorrow. “Goodnight.”

The door closes with a quiet click. Trooper sighs and lays his head down on the floor, though his eyes stay open, his ears ever-alert.


Ryder finds a place to bunk down in the infirmary on the spare cot. Rick went home late, so eventually it was dark and quiet. Ryder kept the door open though, ready to wake at any sound.

Sleep finally came, finally relieving exhaustion. More tired than he’d realized, it was fortunate he had the reassurance that Trooper was on guard because he fell into such a sound sleep that it would have taken more than light noise to wake him…


It was early morning. Some people were just starting to get to work. Ryder was already up, wandering to the break room to make some coffee. He could hear Susanne’s humming as she came in for the day, and he saw Rick pass by on his way to the infirmary once more. Yawning, Ryder wandered out to the main floor. He would check on Thirteen in a little bit. Not seeing Trooper, he was confident that nothing needed his dire attention. The girl had seemed scared and tired yesterday… he would let her rest a little longer.

He’s just ready to go check on Henry, when he spies someone else arriving. A smile spreads as he sees it’s Laura, and he waits for her to come over to her cubicle. “Well good morning. Didn’t expect to see you this early.”

“Mm, I couldn’t stand it there any longer.” Laura was walking a little gingerly, but overall she looked good. “I begged the doctor to let me go this morning and he finally gave in. Thought I’d come and surprise Nate.”

“Good. And the others?”

“Um… still no change with Katie. I checked in on her and Jason was sound asleep so I didn’t bother him. And Scott… I think Gunner’s arriving back in town today and he’s going to take Scott home for a while. I saw Reese at the hospital this morning and he said they’re going to have Scott under house arrest until they can figure out exactly how his mind has been tampered with.”

“Might not be a bad idea.” Ryder sighs. “Feel sorry for him though.”

“Yeah, me to.” Hearing the door, Laura turns around to see Nate arriving. She smiles and waves at him, planning to go see him when he got to his desk. For now, she turned her attention back to her conversation. “I guess they’re afraid that since he went through the assimilation that he might have some automatic responses that could harm the Elite.”

“Well, they make robots out of people like him, so it’s definitely something to consider.”

Laura nods, grimacing as she puts a hand to her neck. “I think I must have slept wrong. My neck hurts more than where I got shot.”

“Oh, here.” Ryder steps forward, turning her around and gathering her hair to one side. Holding her shoulders, he lets his thumbs massage up and down her neck, finding the knot that was causing the trouble.”

“Ooh, ouch.” Laura laughs. “Where’d you learn to do that?”

Ryder grins. “I’m just a natural.”

“Sure you are.” Laura winces, but it felt good. She giggles as he keeps working on her neck. “I’ll have to keep this secret safe. If anybody else knew you were good at neck rubs, I’d never get you back.”

Ryder laughs and gives her shoulders a pat. “There you go. Better?”

“Mm, much. Thank you.” Laura turns around, ready to look through a few things at her desk before going to see Nate. She smiles at Ryder. “See you later I guess.”

“I hope so.” Ryder cocks his head, looking at her for a long moment. “Be careful ay? Kinda scares a bloke when more than one of his friends comes close to bitin’ the dust.”

“Aw.” Laura softens a little. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Too late.” Ryder gives her a little grin as he leans closer. “This is for being as tough as nails.” He gives her a kiss on the cheek before pulling away and brushing her nose teasingly with a finger. “Don’t work too hard today.”

Laura laughs and shakes her head. “I won’t. This tough as nails lady is too sore for much today. I think rest is on the schedule for me.” Watching Ryder walk away, she shakes her head again before setting down her purse and leaning down to check on Henry. She really was sore, and looked forward to going home as soon as Ryder got the windows covered.

Ryder ambles through the line of cubicles, looking ahead to Reese's office. He hadn't seen his boss yet this morning, but he needed to go check on Thirteen anyway. He didn't want to leave her alone too long before checking on her. Passing by Nate’s desk, he gives a little nod. “Morning.”



Dani yawns again as she exits the bathroom, running a hand through her still-damp hair. She was up early today, but it was just as well. After already showering and dressing, she had plenty of time to eat a slow breakfast before heading to work.

Heading for the kitchen, she walks through the living room and pauses, seeing Carson's form on the couch. Odd. It was rare that he sacked out on the couch for the night, and after yesterday, she figured he would have chosen his own bed. She'd hardly seen him at all last night - just long enough to find out about everything that had happened with Katie. She shrugs. It was none of her nevermind where her brother slept.

Turning the light on in the kitchen though, something makes her pause. She sniffs the air. Her nose was sensitive, and the scent she thought she'd picked up shouldn't be there.

Dani backs into the living room again, turning on that light too. The sight made her heart sink. But the disappointment was quickly overtaken by anger. "Carson!" No response. She stalks to the coffee table to pick up the half-empty bottle of cheap whiskey. She had half a mind to break it over his head. "Carson!"

He groans but doesn't move.

"You idiot!" Dani puts the bottle back down again. "What were you thinking?!"

"Mhmm."

"You have to be in court in an hour!"

Carson manages to get one eye open as his sister's words partially register. "Aw..."

Dani's eyes narrow at the curse he mutters next. "Watch your language!"

Carson cringes. "Keep it down," he mumbles. "Don't shout so loud."

"I'll shout if I want to!" Dani points to the bathroom. "Get up, and get yourself cleaned up! Come on!"

Carson rolls over and manage to sit up before finally getting to his feet. He staggers a little though, steadying himself on the armrest of the couch.

Dani's eyes widen. "You're drunk. You're still drunk! I cannot believe this!" Walking around to him, she grabs his arm to drag him down the hall to the bathroom. Turning on the shower, she shoves her brother towards it.

"No!" Carson tries to resist, but he's too tipsy to fight off anybody.

Dani places her hands on his chest and gives a hefty shove. He stumbles backward, his feet catching on the toilet. Down he goes. Falling back, his tailbone bounces off the rim of the tub before his head takes a hard hit to the wall. The cold water sprays down on top of him, clothes and all. Groaning, he tries to get out, but he's like a turtle stuck on his back.

Dani rolls her eyes. She wasn't going to help him. Instead, she spins around and heads back to the kitchen where she puts on a pot of strong coffee. So much for her relaxing breakfast. But she wasn't going to let Carson get away that easy.

It's a few minutes before she goes back to the bathroom and finds her brother still under the stream of water, now cold and sopping wet. He blinks back the water, staring up at her miserably. "You-"

"There's no use calling me names," Dani reprimands. "Now come on." She lays down a set of clean clothes on the counter before reaching in to turn the water off. She then offers Carson a hand. "Get up, get yourself dried off and put some clean clothes on."

Carson mutters a complaint under his breath, but he accepts her help up again. Standing straight, he winces and reaches for the counter to steady himself.

"Your head?" Dani asks.

Carson shakes his head and bites his lip. "I'm fine."

Dani quirks an eyebrow, but doesn't ask. She hands him a towel instead. "I'd like to know what got into you to pull a stunt like this, but we don't have time to stand around talking about it. You've now got less than an hour to make yourself presentable."

"Who cares?"

"I care! You need to get your hind end in gear and get on down to that courthouse so you can prove you didn't kidnap your daughter!" Dani stares at him, then forces him to look at her. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes, okay?!" Carson pulls off his wet shirt and begins to dry off.

"Good." At least he was starting to be a little more alert, but he needed to be fully sober, and Dani only hoped she could help pull it off. This was ridiculous. She makes another trip to the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee. By the time she's returned, Carson is dry and tucking his buttoned shirt into his good blue jeans. "Here."

Carson accepts the coffee, gulping down several large swigs. The longer he was awake, the more aware he became of the fact that he really did need to sober up and get going. Angelica would kill him if she knew about this.

"And here..." Dani hands him his belt and his electric razor.

Carson obeys, slipping on the belt in between swallowing the rest of the hot coffee. It was incredibly bitter - he could only imagine how strong Dani had purposely made it. Just as he's giving himself a quick shave, his stomach retaliates. His face pales, and he doubles over at the toilet.

Dani rolls her eyes. "Don't get any on ya. That's your only good shirt."

Carson spits, trying to regain control. "Thanks for your sympathy."

"You don't deserve any."

Retching again, Carson can't argue. Maybe he didn't. Once he can straighten up again, he gingerly returns to the sink where Dani hands him the mouthwash before proceeding to hand him a black tie.

He cringes. "Not a tie."

"You're going to look at least halfway decent... maybe they'll be convinced you actually tried."

Carson sighs and takes the tie, but once he's got it around his neck, he fumbles with the knot, getting it more tangled than anything.

Dani groans and intervenes, taking over. "I don't even know why I'm helping you," she grumbles. "You deserve to be horsewhipped. What ever possessed you?"

Carson lamely lets his sister tie his tie for him. "I don't know."

"Yes you do." Dani purposely slides the knot tighter around his neck. "And whatever it was, you know good and well it wasn't worth getting shnockered over. Especially on a day like today. I thought you knew better."

"I... I just..."

Dani turns him around to give him a once-over. "Well... it's gonna have to do." His face was pale, and his eyes slightly glazed, but at least he was alert. At least after the cold shower and the coffee he'd have more of a hangover than tipsiness. "You look terrible. But it's gonna have to do. Come on."

Carson follows Dani numbly back to the living room where he hunts for his tennis shoes.

Dani goes for the phone. She had to get to work. Now instead of early, she was risking being late. She wanted to wallop Carson for getting drunk, and she wanted to know why he'd suddenly broken again, especially since he'd been doing so well. But she didn't have time to find out now. Unfortunately, she didn't have time to give him a ride either. Hearing an answer on the cell phone, Dani tries to make it brief. "Misty? It's Dani. Look, Carson has to be in court in about twenty minutes, but he's in no shape to drive and..."

"I am too!" Carson shouts in irritation. He goes for the phone, trying to shut it off, but Dani is quicker.

"No! You are not driving! Look at yourself!"

"I'm fine!"

"You are not!"

The phone gets taken on a tug-o-war ride. Carson glares at his sister. He hadn't wanted Misty to know about any of this. "I'm driving myself." He finally wins out and puts the phone to his ear. "Misty, forget it. I'm heading in myself. Dani didn't have all the facts."

"Carson Gabriel Banks!"

Carson ignores his sister, continuing to talk to Misty. "Thanks anyway. I'll call you after court to let you know how it went." Hitting the end button, he lets Dani have the phone again. "I said I'm fine," he states flatly.

"You're barely sober."

"But I am sober, so cut it out." Carson looks around for his wallet and keys. He finds his wallet on the coffee table but can't find his keys anywhere. "Dani..." He glares at her. "You better not have taken my keys."

"How should I know where they are?" Dani throws up her arms. "You're the one that was drunk, not me. If you can't find them, it's your own problem. I have to go to work now."

"But..."

"No buts!" Dani grabs her purse. "Good luck in court. For Mackenzie's sake, I hope the judge sides with you. As for your own sake... well I don't know what would be best at this point. You're a disappointment to everyone who thought you'd changed."

"Wait, Dani, I..." Carson's words trail off as he's met with a slamming door. Looking again for his keys, he still can't find them anywhere. Another curse slips out before he exits the apartment. He would now be late. But walking would get him there one way or the other. Going down the steps seemed to take forever, even though it was only one flight. Every step hurt, but he wasn't about to admit it to anyone. It was bad enough his head hurt from hitting the wall in the shower - he didn't need his throbbing tailbone to get any attention.

Dani slips into her car and starts the engine, pulling out of the drive. She glances down to see Carson's keys in her passenger seat. Sighing, she finds her cell phone. Maybe Carson would accept help from one other person.


Carson trudges down the sidewalk, the morning sunlight making his headache worse. Angelica was going to kill him... she was going to kill him, and he'd be going to jail for kidnapping. Great. Just great.

Dani's words nagged at him. "You're a disappointment to everyone who thought you'd changed."

He grits his teeth, wishing for a moment that he could just walk off a cliff somewhere. He was stupid and he was weak.

Glancing down, he realizes his wrist is empty. He'd forgotten his watch. He didn't even know what time it was. Maybe that was okay... he wouldn't know how late he was once he got to the courthouse.

Halfway to his destination, he hears a car slowing behind him. Spinning around, he sees it's Axel. He sighs. Axel would question him. He'd dig until he found out why Carson was in this mess, and then he'd give it to him for being so stupid. But at this point... Carson could use a lift.

Axel rolls down the passenger window. "Taking the slow route this morning, aren't you? Don't you have to be in court in a few minutes?"

"Yeah..." Carson leans on the door. "I had to hoof it this morning though."

"You should have called. Hop in."

Carson doesn't argue. He gets into Axel's car, only then realizing that there's someone in the backseat. Seeing a young woman, he's surprised.

Axel takes in Carson's state, and a look of questioning disappointment crosses his face. But he wouldn't ask about it now. Now wasn't the time. "Carson, this is my little sister Liz. Liz, this is Carson."

Carson quirks an eyebrow. "Sister?"

Liz laughs. "Not really. But it's close enough."

A lightbulb goes on in Carson's brain. "Derek's daughter."

"Yep."

"Then you're..." His voice trails off and he looks to Axel. He didn't know what kind of tangled web there was within that family, and whether or not Liz even knew she had a half brother.

Axel nods. "Jason's sister."

"Oh."

The rest of the short ride is quiet, and Axel lets Carson out a the courthouse. "Let me know how things turn out, alright?"

"Yeah... and thanks for the lift."

"Not a problem." Axel waits to see Carson makes it up the steps before pulling away from the curb.

Carson heads up the steps two at a time, trying to ignore the pain as he went. Getting inside the building, the cool air was refreshing. He knew he didn't look like he belonged here. No matter his physical condition, he was in jeans and tennis shoes. At least he had a nice shirt and tie on, thanks to Dani. It was the nicest he'd dressed in a long time, but even so, he looked like a hobo compared to all the men in business suits walking around.

He stops in the large foyer with the shiny floor. His eyes roam the people and he finally spots Angelica. He spies a big clock up on one wall. He'd barely made it. "Sorry," he apologizes quickly. "Had a little trouble this morning."


Liz watches Axel in the rearview mirror. "So what was that all about?"

"What?"

"You know... someone calls and says that guy needs a ride. You don't even tell him that - you just act like we happened to be driving by. He has to be in court, and looks like he was ready to pass out."

Axel takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I don't know... He's in court because someone accused him of kidnapping his daughter that he didn't even know he had. It's a mess and a long story. Bottom line is, he's innocent. And... this morning.... I don't know. If I had to guess, I'd say he was drinking last night, but he's been clean for so long now that I wouldn't have thought he'd do that. I'll have to find out later."

"You're friends then?"

"Yeah." Axel puts his concentration back on the road. Both are lost in their own thoughts for the next fifteen minutes through town.

Liz takes a deep breath as the hospital comes into view. “So… this is the place, huh?”

“Well, your dad said he was at the hospital, right?”

“Yeah.” Liz nods to Axel, still a bit hesitant. She’d gotten a call from her mom early that morning, that said her dad was finished with the mission. She had then called his cell phone, admitting to him where she was. He hadn’t been happy, but since she was there, he wanted to see her, and told her that he was up at the hospital with some of the Elite members, including Jason.

“You okay?” Axel had been waiting to get out of the car, but Liz had not moved.

“I think so.” Liz looks at him sheepishly. “I guess maybe I was little over-enthusiastic about this whole thing. Now I’m a little nervous.”

“About getting a tongue-lashing from your dad for being here, or about seeing Jason?”

“I’m not worried about Dad. He gave me enough of a bad time over the phone. I guess… I don’t know.”

Axel gets out of the car and goes to her side, opening up the door. He throws her a wink. “Come on. Jason’s a good guy.”

They head inside together, Axel taking the lead. Finding Derek, he embraces his daughter more strongly than normal. She didn’t know anything about where he’d been, but he knew that he had been close to never seeing his family again. “If I wasn’t so glad to see you, I’d tell you you’re grounded.”

She laughs and returns his hug. “Am I ever gonna get to know what you were doing here?”

“Yeah… come here. Axel, you can sit with us too.”

It took a little while, but Derek shared the light version of what had happened, and why he and Jay had been wanted. Liz was a bit shocked – she hadn’t expected it to be something like that, and now she could just be thankful that her dad was safe and sound. She was sad to know that someone had died, and that her brother’s girlfriend was in a coma though.

“Wow… that’s all… a lot.”

Derek manages a small smile. “Yeah, I know. But it’s over now. And we’ll go home soon.”

“So… can I meet Jason?”

“I was planning on it.” Derek stands from the hospital dining room table. “Come on. I told him you’d be coming.”


Jason is awake and leaned back in his chair, having hardly left the room at all. No one knew how long it would be… but it didn’t matter.

Seeing someone enter the room, he turns. “Axel?”

“Hey, Jase.” Axel approaches and sets a hand on Jason’s shoulder. “I’d ask how you’re doing, but I think I can figure it out.”

“Heh… yeah.”

Axel goes to the bedside and looks down at Katie with a deep sigh. “Aw, Katie… don’t stay away too long.” He turns back around to study Jason’s tired eyes. “There’s someone here to see you.”

“Liz?”

“Yeah.”

“Derek told me she was here… it was, um… interesting to find out how close you were to the family.”

Axel gives a quiet laugh. “Upset with me for never saying anything?”

“No.” Jason sighs deeply. “No… There’s far worse things for me to be upset about. I can see why you wouldn’t want to tell me.”

“Derek told me that you’ve had quite a life change.”

Jason lifts his eyebrows a little and nods. “I guess I have. It feels…”

“Peaceful.”

“Yeah. Despite all this… I just… I don’t know… I’m not angry like I thought I’d be.”

“That’s good.” Axel nods his encouragement to the young Christian before him. He only wished that the even were surrounded by circumstances better than these. “I’ll um… leave you guys alone. I’ll probably see you again soon.”

“Alright. Thanks, Axel.” Jason stays seated for a few moments alone, feeling like he was in a fog. It felt so strange… he’d been thrown together with his father, he was now meeting his sister… and his best friend wasn’t here to help him through it and help him know what to do. He felt more on his own than he had in a long time.

“Jason?”

He jerks his head around, startled. His eyes fall on Derek, then down to the young woman beside him. A kind of warm feeling filled him, though it was awkward. Standing up, he approaches slowly… cautiously.

Liz’s eyes widen. “Wow…” Her younger brother looked more like her mom than anything… seeing Jason, she was very surprised at how much he looked like her dad.

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “Is that a good wow or a bad wow?”

Liz giggles, her cheeks reddening. “A good one. I’m sorry, I… I could have picked you out of a crowd any day.” Looking up at him, her eyes twinkle. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Jason gives a little nod. “Nice to meet you too.”

“I’m sorry… that this is such a hard time.”

“Me too.” Jason gives a quiet, sorry laugh and looks over his shoulder for a moment. “I wish I could introduce you to the other half of my life.”

Liz purses her lips, feeling sorry for this stranger that was her brother. “I hear you two are pretty important to each other.”

“Yeah… yeah we are…”