Night, Morning

Reese gives a knowing nod to Hope. He knew that even though she herself would be tried for her relationship with Scott, he was important enough for her to risk further persecution. "It'll be at the courthouse in meeting room five. The judge will be present, along with Chief Brown, myself, and I don't know who else. Scott will be present and... it's at one o'clock."


Gage has to think about Sapphire's offer, but finally nods. "Okay. I... I like to read. They didn't like me reading books, but... I always sneaked some into my room anyway."


Jason gives Katie a little squeeze of encouragement. "Just take it easy for a while, alright? Take a couple days off work... give yourself a break. I think you need it."

Ryder nods as he finishes cleaning up the mess and pours Katie's water for her, handing her a plastic glass. "You probably won't want pizza but... if you want me to fix you anything milder for your stomach, just say so."

Both men hated seeing Katie suffer, and both knew that the kind of wound she had would take some time to heal. But both had faith that she was strong enough to overcome this hurdle, if allowed the time.


The night - regarded by some as a blanket of dark comfort... regarded by others as a frightening abyss of blackness. But it must come, as the sun sets below the horizon.

On one side of town, Ryder lies awake in bed, his body tired, but his ears tuned in to any slightest sound. Jason had left after supper, and since, Ryder had been aware that he might be needed, should Katie have trouble. Jason could feel her again, but Ryder was closer. His eyes stare up into the darkness. The evening had been a quiet one. After Katie had gone to bed, Ryder had stayed up with Thirteen to watch a fun movie before calling it a night. Now he was counting down the minutes until morning.

At a different street, Jason falls exhausted into his pillow. He was still withholding his negative feelings and it was wearing on him, after the trauma his body had already been through. But he was more worried about Katie than himself. The only reason he had left her tonight was knowing that Ryder was close by to help if needed. Tomorrow... tomorrow would be better. He tried not to think about the disappointments of the day. Tomorrow would be one step closer to a solution... one step closer to something new.

In the small room, Gage tosses and turns. Today had been full for him. With Hope. With Sapphire. Hope's evaluation had made him question himself... where he fit... where he was going. Time with Sapphire had continued to show him that there was more to life than he'd ever been allowed to see. He'd enjoyed eating out and trying Chinese food for the first time. He'd found that he couldn't take anything too spicy, but the flavors... oh the flavors were wonderful. And Sapphire was being so kind. He didn't know why, but he tried not to take it for granted. This night though... it was long. He'd never longed for freedom before... but the more he tasted, the more he wanted.

In another dwelling by dim light, a figure sits sharpening his knife. The sound of slide, slide, slide, pause, slide is the only sound that breaks the silence. Thoughts are far away. Hope is dwindling. And in the same house just down the hall, Scott listens to Gunner out in the living room. It didn't bother him - he was used to it by now. Tomorrow was what was bothering him. Carson hadn't called. Nothing had been found. He was as good as convicted.

Not far away, one pours over their computer, desperately searching. He needed more time. It wasn't fair. Carson had canceled his date with Misty to be here, and he kept running into dead end after dead end. He had until one o'clock tomorrow to find what he needed... and he wasn't going home and he wasn't opening up Mom and Pop's until he found it.

And while everyone is in different places in different circumstances with different thoughts, one common thread remains... the morning. And the sun does come, as sure as the dew on the grass. Slowly, slowly, spreading its light over the clouds in a brilliant display. But it was a light show not seen by many. For a thick cover of clouds had overtaken the land, thunder rumbling in the distance.


Reese looks at the clock. Time was ticking by slowly this morning. For Carson, who had been here all night, it was good. For him, he just wanted one o'clock to come and go so he would know the fate of his agent.


Scott paces back and forth in the living room, unsettled. Gunner trying to ignore him as he reads the newspaper.


Carson types away, his eyes red and tired. He'd seen Misty come in, moments before, but hadn't risen from his seat. He had to find it.... he had to.


Jason sinks down into his chair, exhausted. He hadn't yet said anything to Katie... he wanted to let her sleep as long as possible.