Why

Lost. That's the only word Gunner would be able to use to describe how he felt right now. Dalton and Scott had collected some very good information and they had gotten past thick security walls that could be used to get into Crescentview. Yet JT's rebuke kept coming to mind.

Gunner drives down the busy streets, looking this way and that, simply killing time and trying to work through everything that was going through his mind. Music played on the radio but it was far from his concentration.

Every thought, every prayer... they all revolved around Bree. Every time he remembered where she was, he cringed. Every time he dwelt on how many days had passed, his stomach turned to knots. She was his friend... more than a friend. And without her, he was realizing just how much she meant to him...

It was half an hour later, and the church was still and quiet. It was getting dark out, and candles were lit along the inside perimeter. Long pews stretched on each side and intricate woodwork towered above the sanctuary on the high ceiling. Enough line shone to make way for any weary traveler.

Gunner walks... trudges down the carpeted aisle. Stopping before the great stained glass window and alter with candles, he stares up at a statue of Jesus on a cross, alongside his mother Mary. She had such a peaceful expression.

Removing his baseball cap, Gunner lowers to his knees, his eyes still fixed on the quiet figures. He'd been brought to the Catholic church early on after the accident so many years ago. He'd often wondered if there was more, and long talks with Con had proved there was. He didn't always agree with all of the beliefs of this church, and he knew when he prayed, it was to God and no one else. He had been immersed several years ago for different reasons than perhaps some people from this congregation believed. But though he'd been seeking for a family where he felt he fit, here was where he had found peace and so here it was that he came.

God... why? Why did you let this happen? I don't understand. Bree is your child as much as I am... I just don't understand. How can we get to her? Surely you won't let her stay there in misery and let the enemy win. Surely it can't be your will to have us sit back and wait, blind as she suffers.

His eyes search the ornate workings before him that symbolized peace and love offered to all who would accept. His heart ached. But no more words seemed to form in his mind. His spirit was in anguish. All he wanted was an answer... all he wanted was a way.


Jade can't help her smile as she curls her fingers around Dan's. "You're right... and thank you. You may get more than you bargained for and get tired of me hiding behind you all the time."

Her eyes twinkle with mischief. "Or maybe not."

"Heeeey."

Jade swings her head around to the table behind her and smirks before giving Jeff's back a firm whack with her hand.

Jeff's chuckle is heard, though he doesn't turn from his table.

Jade's cheeks are red, but she doesn't care, and looks back to Dan. "We better be careful talking about those hiding places or they won't be secrets anymore."


Sparky's lips upturn at Faith's comment. He was sleepy and his body ached, but she held an air that kept him wanting to stay awake. "All the time, huh?"

He cocks his head, thinking for a long moment and probably further than he should have. But it was a gentle sequence that didn't bring color to his face, despite the context. "You've got the world at your fingertips and all your want to do is cook? Surely there is more in that heart of yours than that."

..............

Laura looks out the window and sees Nate's car, her eyes lighting up. She'd missed not being with him for over twenty-four hours. It just hadn't seemed right. Tossing aside the dish towel, she heads for the door just as Nate is getting out of the car.

Not caring that she didn't have a jacket on in the chilly breeze, she runs pellmell into Nate, wrapping her arms around him and giving a short laugh. Stopping to look up into his eyes, a smile was on her face this time - a genuine smile. "I missed you."