...from James

Sparky is a little surprised, hearing that Faith had been here more than Angel had requested. Why, he wasn't sure. But the caring heart he'd started to see the first day now was very evident. This woman was full of a loving peace that Sparky could feel, just being near to her.

Turning his head a little to look up at her, his eyes roam her face as they often did. Then giving a little sigh, he manages to get himself into a sitting position, leaning back against the wall. It took more effort than planned, proving juts how weak he was. Coughing again, he finds a glass of water near and takes a long sip, letting it soothe his throat.

"Man... it's been a long time since I've been hit this bad," he comments. "Weird dreams... or hallucinations or something." Rubbing his forehead, a few foggy memories surface. He gives a little chuckle. "I could have sworn at some point there was an angel sitting right here." He gestures to the edge of the bed. "She was beautiful - her voice was like the sound of a summer rain. And she was quoting... no, reading..."

The memory becomes just a little clearer and Sparky recalls the soft features and the wisps of strawberry hair falling alongside her face. Suddenly, his eyes snap up to Faith, the rest of his phrase trailing off. "...from James..." A crimson shade creeps up his neck and into his face. The level of embarrassment was the same as when he'd made a fool out of himself several days ago when he'd been introduced to her. Only this time, he had no escape route.


Gunner lets out the breath he'd been holding and he grins. "Thanks, guys. I'll be in touch. Keep it under your hats, okay?"

Scott nods, and watches as Gunner backs away, then leaves the office. He opens the bottom desk drawer to pull out a new bag of jerky. "I have a feeling we're gonna need this." After tearing into it, he offers some to Dalton as was the frequent ritual. "First one to get past the first security doesn't have to pay for the next round of Mountain Dew."


By now, Gage was used to Sapphire's comfort, and he didn't resist the arm she put around his shoulder. Quite honestly, it felt good right about now.

Listening quietly, Gage tries to process everything that she was saying. Some of it was a little difficult, but if he pushed aside his frustration, he understood a little easier. Sapphire's observation about his behavior now versus when he was with the Agency was something he hadn't thought of. If he'd still been with the Agency, the man today might not still be alive.

Continuing to listen, he wonders about her reference to God. She talked about Him often, not just when referring to Christmas. The concept was intriguing, but usually Gage kept his questions to himself, spending time to ponder them and just take in whatever information Sapphire offered.

Sitting in the quiet for several minutes, Gage looks at the tree again, then slowly lets his head lean to the side until it was resting against Sapphire's. "So what you're telling me is that it could have been worse but I'll never be perfect."

He gives a wry chuckle before sighing deeply. "I guess you're right... I'm just feeling sorry for myself. It's just... hard some days."

Pausing, he purses his lips. "I just want to get through this community service so I can actually do something with myself..." He glances around the room. "Get something better than this."

Shifting a little, he turns his head so his eyes are just inches from Sapphire's. His voice goes quiet. "Do you really think I can? Succeed, I mean?"