Wow

"Ha...you do that and if you need it I have a packet of ketchup here on the floor..."

Alice moves her foot a little that was not on the gas pettle to here a poping sound. Her eyes opening wide she cant help the laugh.

"...never mind unless you wanna whip it up off the floor of my jeep."

Finally ending the call so she could consintrate on driving Alice shakes her head a little the smile was bigger than ever on her face. This was going to be a blast, more than she exspected.

I'm on my way.

Katie gets up from her cubicle and wonders down the hallway making her way into the control room.

Squinting just a little Katie looks at the screen as she makes her way into the room. Coming up behind Jason she didnt say anything knowing he would feel a little more that she was there.

Does he have what I think he does in his hand?

Continuing to watch on Katie's own question is answered. A bit impressed by Ryder's skill to get Alec to talk Katie nods just a little to herself.

Have to addmit that was pretty smart thinking. We should keep Ryder around here he could come in handy for a few things.

Finally as the whole thing comes to an end Katie mouth hangs open finding out Alec's last name. Something told her Carson didnt know anything about him and it was going to be just as much a shock to him.

I...dont think he knows about Alec. When he gave us his history he said his family besides Dani was killed. Wow...this is....wow.

Laying in the bed Angel's shiver stop, and her breathing seems to become a little more normal though her eyes were still closed like she was in a deep sleep.

Seeing the slight change in Angel Misty makes her way over checking there pashent out from head to toe once again. Giving a small nod she looks up to everyone.

"Angel is not out of the woods yet but her breathing has become normal once again and her heart rate is down and that is a good thing. I do believe the antidote is starting to work. I'll stay here the rest of the night to keep an eye on her and make sure she continues to do alright."

Giving a smile Misty gives Luke a small pat on the shoulder. Though Angel was farm from ok she was getting better and this was hope that she would be alright. She new Luke had been through so much now if he could only hold out for a little longer as well.

After interductions are made and jokes are finished Charlotte couldnt deny she was having a blast more fun than she though she would.

As Bret makes his way out to the car Charlotte slips the head set on excited to finally see him behind the wheel. Leaning on the metal railing that outlined the track Charlotte watches Bret intently throwing in her own humor here and there.

"You know Babe, my grandmother could drive faster than that, how about you pick it up a bit."

Enjoying the good time, and watching Bret Charlotte feels right in at home joking with the others like she was one of the guys. Not bothering to make her own comment about Maria. Though it had been a sad loss for her, it had been a great gain for Charlotte that she wouldnt change for anything in the world.

Banks

Ryder studies Nate for a moment, fully aware of the vibe that said "leave me alone." He wasn't surprised. Yet he still stood for several seconds, still watching, still contemplating. "You know," he muses aloud, "it was always the feisty crocs that I liked the most. If I didn't have to fight to stay alive, winning just never seemed quit as fulfilling."

He gives a shrug, leaving it at that before simply walking away. Once in the hall, he wanders for a while, eventually coming on one of the control rooms. Inside was Reese, studying one of the monitors.

"Knock knock."

Reese turns around. "Oh, hey, Ryder, come on in. Settling in?"

"Getting there." Ryder tucks his thumbs in his pockets and looks to the screen. It was showing the security camera's view in the holding cell. "Ah, this is the guy I've heard about, eh?"

"Probably. Can't get anywhere with him. Won't say a word. "

Ryder studies the screen, watching the prisoner's body language. "Nothing huh?"

"Nope." Reese shakes his head. "Last night we got nothing. This morning I brought him up and still got nowhere. He's hardly had anything to eat or drink, and we keep handcuffing him back to that stupid pipe."

Ryder grins a little. "Whose idea was that?"

"Our resident tank. Well... not so resident anymore." Reese sighs. "This guy's just about rubbed his wrist raw though trying to slip out of those things, but it's no use. I don't know if he's stretching his intelligence by staying quiet or if he's just plain stupid. We haven't even got his name."

"So what happens next?"

"More pressure probably. But if we can't get him to talk, he goes down to the station without a chance of making any deals. I thought about getting Carson to come in and see what he could do."

"Yeah, he's good at torture, isn't he?"

Reese quirks an eyebrow at the underlying tone of bitterness. "Yes... I suppose he is."

"Hmm." Ryder squints at the monitor. "I'll avago."

"You?"

"Why not? Don't have anything better to do, and I can't do any harm. Worst that happens is that he doesn't talk to me either."

"True..." Reese shrugs. "Fine. I can come with you so we can take him into the interrogation room."

"Nah, leave him there." Ryder heads for the door. "Where's that maintenance kid?"

"Ty? Don't know." Reese looks at his watch. "Might be gone for the day, why?"

"Just wondering..." Ryder leaves Reese hanging as he wanders down the hall, aiming for downstairs. Once there, he spots Ty. "Hey, kid. How old are you?"

Ty ties up the last of the garbage bags, and looks at Ryder skeptically. "Twenty-one. What's it to you?"

"Good." Ryder digs some cash from his pocket. "I need you to run down to the nearest liquor store."

Ty's eyes widen. "What for?"

"Water." Ryder rolls his eyes. "Get a bottle of whiskey and bring it back here. Sealed, mind you."

Ty smirks and takes the bill. "Don't worry, I won't steal any. Do I dare ask what it's for?"

Ryder grins. "What else but to drink it? Now get going." Once Ty is gone, Ryder paces out in the hall, every once in a while glancing in on the prisoner. It looked like his shoulder was healing up nicely. But from the look on his face, one would have guessed that he was in a deep, dark dungeon somewhere.

It doesn't take too long, and Ty comes back, bearing a brown paper bag. Ryder gives him a nod and takes it. "Thanks."

"Yeah sure... Now what?"

Ryder grins and takes out the bottle, opening it up. He takes a swig, then offers some to Ty. "Join me?"

Ty looks at him skeptically. "I thought you were here to interrogate. No... thanks."

Ryder shrugs and takes another sip, letting it burn down his throat before replying. "Your loss." He ambles to the door and scans the keypad. "Got the code?"

"Sure." Ty reaches around him and punches it in. It beeps and the lock clicks.

"Fantastic." Ryder takes another swig of whiskey and winces a little. "Alright...." He stands up a little straighter, his hand on the door handle. Out of nowhere, he starts to raise his voice with an irritated tone. "Fine! You want me out of the way, great! But don't come crying when you need me back on the job!"

He gives Ty a sidelong glance. "Throw me in."

Clueless, but finding this ridiculous enough to play along, Ty just shakes his head and positions himself at the door. "Oh, shut up," he grumbles. Opening the door, he gives Ryder a quick shove.

Ryder stumbles inside, whirling around to bang his fists on the door that slams in his face. "And tell Reese he can just find someone to replace me!" Growling, he turns around to glare at the stranger. "What are you looking at?"

Alec quirks an eyebrow. "Don't know, but looks to me like an idiot."

"Yeah, well maybe you're right." Ryder takes another gulp of whiskey and wipes his mouth before flopping down on the cot. "'I'm late,' he says. 'Can't do anything right,' he says. 'No drinking on the job,' he says. Yeah... well he can just forget about me showing up for work again."

Alec stares at his new cellmate skeptically. "So why would they throw you in here instead of kicking you out the door?"

"Ha! That would be too easy for 'em." Ryder shakes his head. "You know Reese. Always gotta make a point. He thinks he can get me to stay by giving me some form of punishment. Won't work though." He downs another mouthful of alcohol. "Join me?"

Alec licks his dry lips. "Why not. They won't give me anything but crap down here."

"Of course. They just want to get under your skin." Ryder moves to sit on the edge of the cot, reaching out the bottle.

Alec reaches it with his free hand and takes a swig before handing it back.

Ryder helps himself again. "Heard you got caught tryin' to interrogate one of our guys or something."

"Or something." Alec rolls his eyes. "Got took down by a crazy loon. Once I'm out of here, I'll be paying for that mistake."

"Better than here though, ay?"

"Anything is better than this dump."

"What on earth is he doing?" Reese folds his arms and just stares at the monitor. Several others had joined him by now, in the control room, to observe Ryder and their prisoner. They could hear what was being said, and for the last half hour, Ryder had been working on the stranger, but hadn't gotten too far yet.

Jason stares over Reese's shoulder. "Is that a bottle of whiskey he's got?"

"Yep."

"My word, is there anything left in it?"

"Hardly."

Jason's eyes widen. "He shared it?"

"Hardly."

"Well good grief. He's got to be snockered beyond snockered!"
Hey, Katie, you better come in here and see what our new friend is up to. He's crazy.

Ryder laughs at something absurd he'd said, and looks over at Alec. By now he was sitting on the floor next to him, sharing in the absurdity. "What'd they call you anyhow?" he asks, a bit slurred.

Alec rolls his eyes, feeling a bit woozy. "The best," he quips.

"Well, when we get out of here, we gonna march straight up to... to..."

"Reese?"

"Thats right," Ryder nods emphatically. "Reese. And we're gonna say..." He takes yet another swig of whiskey, followed by a hiccup. "We're gonna say.... Reese! Me and... and..." he thumbs to the side. "Er..."

"Alec."

"Yes. Me and Alec. We are out of here!"

Reese's eyes widen. "He got it. He got his name."

"Tis right, mate. Me, Mr. Ryder Billings, and the best of the best here, Alec Hughes."

Alec snorts. "Banks."

Reese's jaw drops. "Banks? You've got to be kidding me..."

"Right. Alec Banks." Ryder toasts the name and drinks some more. "We're off to greater things. I don't got a boss to tell me what to do anymore. Reese no longer exists in my book."

"Amen." Alec nods, falling into his own drunken state. "Erica isn't gonna get away with nothing no more. I'm through with taking orders."

"Right."

Reese just shakes his head, still watching and listening. In the next ten minutes, Ryder had gotten names, locations and a confession out of Alec. "Holy cow."

Jason is standing, just as surprised.
Banks? That guy is a Banks? That can't be a coincidence. That's... I mean... Carson ever say anything to you about a relative in the Agency? And then Ryder... he's.... good grief.

Alec gives another last slurred statement before leaning his head back against the wall and closing his eyes, drifting into a foggy stupor.

Ryder squints into his bottle, measuring what's left, and takes another swig. Then looking up at the camera as sober as could be, he tosses a wink to those he knew were watching. "Somebody wanna come get me out of here?" he asks clearly.


The infirmary is tense, all just waiting... watching. Dark circles outline Luke's eyes as he watches Misty administer the antidote. Though he didn't move, on the inside, he was alive with hope.

Jeff paces at one end, glancing their way every so often. Luke hadn't been sleeping and hardly eating. Both were sick with worry. They had called home a couple times with general reports. But Luke had still said not to tell Wendy. If the antidote did nothing to help, then they would have Wendy brought in immediately. But until they knew that, Luke didn't want her to worry, risking her or the baby's health.

So now... they just waited... and waited.


"Ohhh." Bret chuckles and swings an arm out to pull Charlotte back in close. "Let's not have a clash of claws, shall we? I want to leave here today without battle scars."

Landon grins, looking at the sass in Charlotte's eyes. "I have a feeling Maria might get a few of her own if she clashed with you."

"Don't encourage her," Bret chides. He gives Charlotte a squeeze, then a light kiss on the lips. "Come on, I've been dying to show you off to the rest of the guys."

Introductions are made, all the guys loving to meet Charlotte, right at home with cracking jokes with her, and no one afraid to mention Maria. It was apparent that everyone knew about her and Bret, and everyone also knew that Bret was now happily married. Since nothing was secret, no one cared about kidding around with it, even though Bret cut them off a couple times.

It isn't long before Bret goes for a run in one of the cars and is on the track, the guys talking to him through headsets as they watch him drive. Landon gives Charlotte a mic too, letting her in on the fun if she wanted it.


Kyle answers the phone and grins when he hears Alice. Moving his mouth from the phone, he shouts to the others. "Hey, anybody seen a crazy guy around here?!"

"Yes, you!!"

Kyle gets back on the phone. "Well thanks for the warning, but no one here has seen him. If I happen across him though, I'll be sure to approach with caution, then lure him away with a french fry I found in the seat."

Talons

Hearing Laura had come in a little bit ago Nate lets a sigh out. He had to at least say Hi to her or it would drive him crazy.

Standing Nate goes to exit his cubicle but stops. Seeing Ryder standing there with flowers and Laura taking them a suddon feeling forms in the pit of his stomach. The laugh and smile on her face, Nate felt like his heart was being ripped once again. Maybe he really wasnt worthy of having Laura's love after all. Or maybe it was just him all togter that Laura didnt like anymore. Feeling the sadness inside hurt, and he didnt like it. Wonder if he did something wrong, wondering if maybe he was just not good enough for Laura after all.

Sinking back down in his computer chair Nate trys to consintrate but the feels inside him just wouldnt go away. He was sad, he was angry, and he just plan hurt. Nate wanted to hid now, just hide away. He felt misrale.

Hearing Ryder's voice Nate dosnt even turn his head as he continues to look at his computer screen. The sooner he could get Ryder to leave the better, he didnt want to have to deal with the guy who obvesly could make Laura smile more than he could.

"Morning!"

Was the only short answer Nate had to offer as he continues to stair at his computer screen. Though he wasnt reading it, it gave the illustion that he was. His mind was so far away and his feelings just continued to clash with eachother.

Standing next to Rick Misty slowly picks up the vial. She could feel her heart beating so fast in her chest. Misty wanted this to work for Angel but with out having something to test it on there really was no way of knowing. But they had to try for Angel's sake and everyone alses who new her.

"I'm ready..."

Getting a saringe ready Misty fills it from the vial. There was only one way to find out if it was going to work. Going over to Angel Misty looks down on her for a moment before checking her vitals. Than taking her IV she slowly injects antidote into it.

"Now all we can do is wait. It shouldnt take long for it to start working, but till than we wait."

Alice cant help the laughter as she gets back into her Jeep and starts out after the bus. Laughing again as she see the sign and than Kyle going flying.

Taking out her phone fast she dials Kyle. Finally having him answer she trys to hold back the laughter.

"You might wanna tell the other on the bus they have a crazy person on there hands. I think I saw him go flying in the back somewhere."

Charlotte clings to Bret's arm as she is introduced to everyone the smile never leaving her face.

"Him make excuses never?"

She cant help the sassy grin that forms on her lips as she leans up to give her husband a quick kiss. Its not till the comment of the wildcat does Charlotte let go of Bret's arm and turns around. A nother smile of a differnt kind forms on her face.

"So thats her huh?"

Continuing to look she feels no anger, or hate twords this other woman only sadness.

"I'd let to see her try and bring her claws around here. I do have talons of my own."

Needs

Laura eases down in her desk chair, letting out a long sigh. She turns on her computer and waits for it to boot up, swiveling in her chair a little. She knew Reese would probably give her a bad time about being back to work already, but she wanted this... she needed this.

Turning, she sees the little picture of Nate that she'd had on her desk for a long time now. Picking it up, she runs a finger over the photo. Emotions welled up inside of her. She opens her drawer and is about to put the picture away, but she stops.

Her eyes glance across the room to Nate's cubicle. She hadn't even said hi to him this morning. It hurt. She looks back at the picture and closes the drawer. The frame was still in her hand. Putting it back where it had been, Laura lets Nate keep smiling from the still shot. She needed that too.


Ryder grins at Katie and goes to put his shoes on. "Anything to keep me busy... you do not want me getting bored."

It doesn't take but a few more minutes until Ryder is following Katie out the door. Stopping at the flower shop, Ryder is quick to get in and out, sliding back into the passenger seat, this time with his hands full.

Before they pull away though, he separates what he's holding to reveal that it was actually two small bouquets. Handing one to Katie, it's full of a variety of yellow flowers. "I can't leave you out." He grins. "And if Jason throws a fit, blame it on the sheila in the shop 'cause she said yellow was best for a friend. So... thank you... for being a friend when I most needed it."

Buckling himself in, Ryder makes sure the other bouquet of mixed colors doesn't go sliding off his lap. On their way again, he keeps his eyes out the windows, taking in his surroundings and trying to memorize it. He still wasn't sure where all the turns were and which directions to go, to get to TJY.

Once there, he follows Katie inside, separating from her once their on the main floor. Looking around, he finally spots Laura's space. Wandering up to her cubicle, he leans over the top. "Well now... nice office."

Laura looks up quickly, and grins. "Ryder. You look like you've been up to mischief."

"As always." Ryder smiles and moves to the doorway, holding out the flowers.

Laura's eyes widen. "For me?"

"Well who else is in here?" Ryder shakes his head. "Of course they are."

Taking the flowers, Laura blushes, but hides it by putting her face down into the flowers to smell their sweetness. ""They're lovely. But why?"

"Does a bloke need an excuse to give a girl flowers?"

"Usually."

"Not this one." Ryder throws her a wink. "Let's just say, I think you deserve them."

"After making a fool out of myself last night?"

"I didn't see a fool."

Laura blushes again under his gaze. "Well... thank you. The flowers are beautiful."

"Just like looking in a mirror, ay?"

Laura looks up quickly, then her eyes narrow good-naturedly. "Now you're being an outright flirt."

"Can't help it. You just bring it out of me."

Laura giggles. "Stop now before I call security."

"Security?" Ryder lifts an eyebrow. "I have a feeling you wouldn't need any. I think I'd rather go with the security for my own protection, rather than face your wrath."

Laura can't help another laugh. "Good. You just keep being afraid then. Now get going before I really get mad."

Ryder grins and straightens to leave. "Your wish is my command."

Laura watches him walk away and just shakes her head, rolling her eyes. But the smile still curls the corner of her mouth. Getting up, she heads for the break room for a glass and some water for the flowers. They would add a cheerful touch to her cubicle today. She needed that too.

Ryder hooks his hands in his pockets and wanders the main floor, greeting a few people and trying to get his bearings. If he couldn't find anything to do, he'd go see what Katie had.

Ambling down the other end, he passes someone he recognizes. While some might turn around and walk the other direction, he didn't. Instead, he stops and gives Nate a nod. "G'day."


"Well... what do you think?" Rick stares down at the little vile that he and Misty had just finished on. He looks to Misty with question. Were they ready to try the antidote? Was it time? And was Angel strong enough to handle anything at all? They had to do something... she didn't have much time left.


"Alice! Woo!" Kyle throws his arms in the air. "The shadow has arrived!"

Some of the others pop their heads around corners out out windows. "Hey hey hey! Welcome!"

Kyle makes a quick job of introductions before getting picked on for taking too long. "Alright alright alright." He rolls his eyes. "We can go now!"

"All aboard!" Jordan shouts and climbs in to sit behind the wheel.

Kyle grins and gives Alice a wave. "I got my phone, so if you need to stop or anything, let us know so we don't lose ya."

"Kyle! Come on!"

"Coming!" Kyle's grin widens as he walks backward, still talking to Alice. "We'll be stopping for lunch and then..."

"Kyle!"

Spinning around, Kyle sprints the rest of the way to the door, jumping into the bus. Almost immediately, the bus begins to move. As they're pulling out onto the road though, the view into the back window is suddenly overshadowed by a figure moving around, and suddenly a big sign appears and is taped to it. It read, "If you're not Alice, get off our tail." Then Kyle's face appears, plastered on the window to peer down at Alice in her jeep. Hitting a bump though, Kyle suddenly disappears from view.


Con wanders into the house and heads straight to his chair in the living room. Easing down, he just leans back, quietly thinking. Jamie was at work... he was supposed to be out looking for a job, but the deal at the hardware store had fallen through. Instead, he'd gone for his scheduled doctor's appointment, that he hadn't told Jamie about.

Sighing, he finally takes off his jacket, and throws his keys on the end table. What would the future bring now? Never had he pictured himself in this position. Never had he thought that he would have to face this kind of thing. It went against everything he knew... everything he wanted to do. Why him?

After sitting for a while, Con moves from the chair to the couch, lying on his stomach with a throw pillow tucked under his head. He didn't used to take naps. But today he was too tired not to.


"You mean this is her? You finally brought her? You actually did it?" A smile spreads across Landon's lips and he offers a hand to Charlotte. "This man of yours has been bragging about you the last ten times he's been out here, and every time there's been a new excuse as to why you weren't here." A mischievous glint enters his eyes. "For a while there, I thought maybe you were a figment of his imagination."

"Oh, stop." Bret gives Landon's arm a whack. "Each time it was legit and you know it."

"Yeah, yeah. Always gotta win, don't you?"

"Always."

Landon shakes his head and sets his hands on his hips. "Well, Mrs. Bret Sterling Parker, you have entered our domain." He spreads out his arms, surveying the main track, the stands, and the adjoining dirt arena.

As he does, his eye catches movement on the far side of the track. "Uh-oh. Wildcat is back."

Bret cringes a little. He'd told Charlotte that Maria was around, and had hoped that this morning at least, the track would be free from her snotty remarks. He may have told Charlotte that his ex hung around the track, but he hadn't exactly told her about all the unwanted interaction. "Yeah, well..." He directs a stern look to Landon. "Let's just keep her claws aimed in another direction, shall we?"

Landon grins again. "As if we have control over that."