Music

Leo almost seems disappointed that someone had come to get information about what had happened. The look on his face portrayed that he felt he'd been "this" close to actually winning some of Ryan's attentions.

Smirking a little, he follows Ryan through the shop to get back to the office where Reese and Axel still were.

Reese nods at Ryan as she talks and he jots down a few notes. "Sounds pretty cut and dry." He turns to Leo. "And you?"

Leo just thumbs towards Ryan. "What she said."

Reese quirks an eyebrow, not thrilled with the lack of details, but he lets it go. With Axel and Ryan's accounts, he had what he needed to turn into the police. "Anything missing?"

Axel shakes his head. "Naw, he didn't get away with anything."

"Any damage done?"

"No." Axel shakes his head again. "Unless you count a little ding in the shelf there, but it's far less damage than the bump that guy's got on his head."

Reese almost smiles. "Alright. Thanks for calling us down here, Axel. I'm glad you recognized him. If you have any trouble connected with this, or you do find some damage, please let us know and we'll help you get it straightened out."

"Thanks." Axel wanders to the door with Reese, looking out at the waiting car. He gives Carson a casual salute, receiving one in return. Though Carson didn't show much feeling connected with Alec, Axel knew that deep down his friend was probably dealing with some pretty confusing emotions. All he could do was keep praying for him.


Leo sighs and leans back against the counter, cradling his hand that was growing more sore. He looks to the clock, then to Ryan. "You could make it if you ignore the speed limit out on fifty-six." A crooked grin emerges. "You wouldn't want a petty thief to ruin your race tonight, would you?"


Ryder's eyes aren't even close to being closed when his ears catch a strange sound. It was faint, but it almost sounded like a guitar. Odd... He sits up on the hood of the car, cocking his head. Yes, it did sound like a guitar and it was coming from inside the house. Did he hear singing too? He wasn't quite sure. It takes him a moment, then he realizes what must be going on. A small smile turns up the corner of his mouth.

Unable to help his curiosity, he slides slowly off the hood and ambles closer to the house. He wanted to know what Thirteen was up to. He figured she'd discovered one of Jason's guitar, but he was a little surprised that she'd taken the initiative to check it out.

Leaning against the house, he presses his ear to the door and is able to make out the music and words she was singing. For someone just picking up an instrument for the first time, she wasn't doing a terrible job at all. Ryder wondered if she did have some talents that had been hidden deep down from so many years of being held back.

He's ready to simply turn back and leave her alone, when he catches the words she's singing. He stops and listens, a lump rising in his throat. He'd known that she felt like she needed him... but now he knew she even recognized that need. It made something stir inside of him that hadn't been touched in a long time.

Ryder looks back to the car. He couldn't sleep out here no matter how hard he tried. And he was thirsty. And it sounded like Thirteen couldn't sleep either. What other excuses did he need to check on her? He rolls his eyes at himself.

The music had stopped now, so he goes ahead and opens the door, quietly slipping inside. He knew the sound would get Thirteen's attention so he didn't need to announce himself. Instead, he simply goes to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water. There was something he wanted to say to her but... he figured that just getting his water was the best option.


"You're nothin', Scott."

Another hit to the face.

"Come on, you're not even trying."

Whack.

"Can't you see it coming? Now come on, pay attention!"

Smack.

"You don't deserve to be an Agent."

Scott tries to duck another blow and holds his hands up in defense, struck again, this time hard enough to knock him down onto the mat. He pants, his hair dripping with sweat. "I can't..." He tries to catch his breath. "Can't... do it."

"You will do it."

"But-"

"Get up!"

Scott is yanked to his feet. He takes another hit to the side of his face, maddening him enough to strike back.

"Better. Better. Watch yourself. Keep up that arm. Watch your feet!"

Scott's feet go out from under him, knocking the wind out of him. He just lies there, breathless and unable to get himself up again.

"Okay... we're through for today."

"What-"

"Tomorrow, again."