Always

Watching Mick Rosetta could feel it in the pit of her stomach. Something was wrong and new was going to be broken. But listing to Mick and seeing the bottle it only takes a moment for Rosetta to understand.

It was hard to try and figure out weather she was happy he wouldn't be gone forever, or sad that he had actully started his addiction again.

Just staring at the almost empty bottle Rosetta thought, and let her mind try and process though it was hard. If anything she had to give Mick credit for doing this on his own. Looking up and seeing he was ready to go, than hearing his words it hit Rosetta's heart hard and she could feel another crack. Stepping twords Mick she reaches her arms out to him and wraps them around Mick in a strong hug.

"I could never hate you. My love for you runs to deep."

Though Rosetta was having her own problem dealing with everything and the sadness she just couldn't shake, she could never let Mick walk away when he needed her the most thinking she hated him.

Though the ride home was quiet Karla didnt mind it. Sometimes the quiet was nice and with Kip it didn't feel awkward. It was a peacful quiet to know you were ridding along with a friend.

Rin himself sits quietly in the back seat with his face pressed up aganst the window loving the car ride.

It doesn't take long before they are in the all to familure naborhood, and Karla's apartment is in sight. Starting to get out Karla stops and looks to Kip again. A bit of color comes to her face as she hears his offer. She WAS greatly thankful for him wanting to help, and she would call Erik mom in the morning. It wasnt the best of jobs and it might feel a little strange being a maid for her new friends, but it would be money. Karla could use all of that she could get right now.

Giving a smile to Kip and taking the paper to flip it over and see his phone number Karla can feel even more color come into her face but for this time a different reason. Kip had just given her his number and even if he didnt mean it in the way Karla took it, it made her feel good. He wanted to see her again or else he wouldnt have given out his number.

Looking at Kip Karla's eyes give a small sparkle as she give a smile to to him.

"Thanks Kip, this means alot. I'll give her a call tomorrow, and who knows maybe I'll even call you up to bother."

Ripping off a peace of the paper and fishing for a pen in her pocket Karla jots down her own number and hands it to Kip.

"Thats my number so if you ever feeling talking you can call."

Giving a smile Karla gets out of the car saying her goodbye to Kip before heading into her apartment. The smile staying on her face till she crawled into bed to stay warm.

Please...

Mick looks up from the bed, and seeing Rosetta's face and tears, he wonders if perhaps she thought this scene spoke of something worse than intended. His eyes drop again, looking to his packed bag, and then to the floor.

Taking a deep breath, he eventually stands in front of his wife, his eyes full of so many different things. Pain, but from what? Torment, but why? Shame, but from where? The answer was there somewhere. And maybe it was time it was admitted.

Slowly, Mick shakes his head. He wasn't leaving - at least not like that. "They found Dylan," he responds quietly. "He's been doing drugs. I've told them to take him to the McClain's instead of here. They're better equipped to handle something like that." The sadness in his voice gives away the disappointment. "I... I'm going to go see him and... stay a few days."

Taking a step forward, he reaches out with a rough, but gentle hand to wipe away one of Rosetta's tears. He could just leave it at that. It made sense. No one would question him going to see his son. But it wasn't the whole truth. It was just an avenue... a prompt for a bigger step for his own sake.

"I don't know how to tell you I failed," he whispers. It was rare that tears rose in his eyes, but there was no mistaking the moisture pooling in front of his gaze. Dropping his hand, he wanders to the closet, and comes out a moment later to set an almost-empty bottle of whiskey on their dresser. He stares at it a moment before looking back to Rosetta. "Maybe Dylan's need for rehab has a purpose greater than just him."

Leaving the bottle, he goes back to his bag, checking the side pockets before deciding he had all that he needed. It took more strength than he could imagine, just to turn around and face Rosetta again. "I'm sorry." He almost chokes on his own words. "Please don't hate me."


Kip grins and rolls his eyes. "You're right - I wouldn't have asked. Come on." Grabbing his jacket and a set of keys, he opens the door for Karla, following her and Rin outside. Walking to a nearby car, he lets her and Rin in first, then slides in behind the wheel. It's a quiet ride to Karla's apartment, though it takes a lot less time than walking had.

Pulling up to the curb, Kip doesn't let her out right away. "Hey, before you go..." He fishes in his pocket for a wrinkled piece of paper. Jotted on it was a phone number. "This is Carol, Erik's mom's number. She's been looking for some help cleaning around the house since someone else left a few weeks ago. I don't know what she's paying, but I know it would be fair, and I know she'd work with you on the hours and stuff. So... here." He hands Karla the paper. "Think about it. And... if you need a ride or something..." He turns her hand over to show the backside of the paper. "That's my number."

Leaving

Hearing the door to the house open and shut Rosetta figured it was just BJ and continued to fold the cloths in the living room trying her best to dry her eyes. After a few moments and no one comes into the living room she found it strange.

"BJ...?"

Putting down the towel she was folding Rosetta caught movement in the bedroom and Mick's form. Coming to the doorway Rosetta just stands for a long moment watching him put his things into the duffel bag. A million and one thoughts run through her mind as another single tear rolls down her cheek. Stepping into the room she stands at the bed.

"So, you really are leaving?"

Rosetta didnt know what else to say as her heart broke. Her world was falling apart and for once she didnt know how to fix it.

They have helped alot of people out there. Maybe they will be able to help Dylan too.

Looking down at her younger cousin Katie shock her head before leaning it back aganst the van again. She felt so tired and she wan't even sure why. Maybe it had to do with seeing Dylan like this but Katie could only hope things could work out for the good again.

How about we have another vacation after this?

Katie lets a small laugh slip through as she gives Jason a smile.

Looking at Kip Karla gives a smile. She had, had such a great time Karla couldn't remember the last time she had felt this good. Running her toe on the ground Karla is quiet for a moment before looking up at Kip again.

"A ride would be nice on a cold night like tonight. That is if you dont mind to much."

Smirking a herself and than cocking her head to the side Karla follows her last statement with another.

"I know I know you wouldnt have asked if it wasn't. But I still have to get use to this stuff being ok."

Looking down at Rin she gives him a questing look.

"What do you think?"

Giving a woof of approve and wagging his tail Karla laughs and looks at Kip again.

"I guess thats a yes."

How?

Dylan tries to fend off Katie's duct tape, but with a quick cuffing by Jason, the younger man was left helpless to stop the tape being applied to his mouth. Giving Katie a blurry glare, he sinks back on the floor with a grunt.

Reese answers his phone and finds out the details from Katie, disgusted at the report on Dylan. "Thanks, Katie. Keep on heading to the ranch. I'll call Mick and let him know what's going on."

Ending the call, Reese is quick to dial Mick. He gets his voice mail once, then tries again a few minutes later.


Mick's eyes follow Rosetta outside. He wanted to stop her... to tell her he was sorry. But it was as if there was a barrier. It was one that his own pride had made, but it was there nonetheless, and it kept him from stopping Rosetta.

Alone again, Mick sighs and looks back to the blank computer screen. Leaning forward to put his face in his hands again, he just sits, feeling more alone than he had in a long time. What was happening to him?

His phone rings again. Knowing he needed to answer it, he finally reaches into his pocket to answer it. "Yeah?"

"Mick, it's Reese. They've got Dylan."

Mick forces his mind to clear as he goes on alert. "Where? Is he okay?"

"He was at that apartment. Apparently he was pretty doped up."

"What? You mean he was drugged?"

"Uh... no, I mean he was doing drugs."

Mick's body slouches. "Aw no."

"I'm sorry, Mick. The team is still bringing him back to the ranch."

"Are you going to report him?"

Reese takes a moment to think. "I'm going to leave it up to you. It will stay in our own records, but... if you don't want to involve the police, I won't force you."

"Thanks." Mick quickly ends the call, rubbing his forehead that suddenly hurt. It wasn't the Agency, but his son was running off on a whim and doing drugs on top of it. Could it get much worse? Taking his phone again, he dials Wyatt.

Wyatt keeps one hand on the wheel as he reaches for his cell, putting it on speaker phone. "Hello?"

"It's Mick. Your dad said you've got Dylan."

"That's right. We're on our way."

"No. I want you to take him somewhere else."

Jason throws Katie a glance. Why was Mick changing plans.

"Um..." Wyatt quirks an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"

"There's a ranch... it's the McClain ranch an hour or so from here."

Jason's eyes are still on Katie.

I hadn't thought of that... might be a good place if Mick isn't going to turn Dylan in for the drugs.

"I know where it is, Wyatt."

Mick speaks again. "Jason, that you?"

"Yeah."

"What shape's Dylan in?"

"Uh..." Jason looks down at Dylan's lethargic figure. "He's... in his own little world at the moment."

"Can you get him to the McClain's?"

"I think we can. You gonna be there?"

Mick pauses. "Yeah... if I'm not there when you arrive, I'll be there shortly. Thanks guys."

"Yep." Wyatt hangs up and looks in the rearview mirror. "Okay, Hotshot, which way?"

Jason tells him where to turn instead of going to the R/M ranch, settling back for the ride.

Seems weird, doesn't it? Here we are... the Elite... and this has nothing to do with any real case, other than a couple of druggies. I knew Dylan had gotten himself in a bit of trouble before but I didn't know he'd go this far.


Mick flips his phone shut and once more, thinks for a long time. Eventually, he stands up and leaves the dining hall, heading to the house. Entering slowly, he thinks he might hear Rosetta in the living room, but he heads straight for the bedroom. Standing at the closet for what seemed an eternity of contemplation, he finally takes out his duffel bag and sets it on the bed. And slowly, he begins to pack. Today had been the straw to break the camel's back... or several camel's backs, it seemed. Something had to give. He was angry with Jade, he was angry with Dan, he was angry with Rosetta... he was angry with the world, and it was all his own fault. He knew it, and had been unable to stop it by himself. After slugging his brother a second time, and seeing that Rosetta didn't agree about Dan, he questioned himself and his state of mind. And knowing that Dylan would be at the McClain ranch... perhaps it was the door that he needed to step through on his own this time.

Continuing to find clean clothes, he packs enough for several days at least. Then zipping it shut, he sits on the edge of the bed, his mind and heart tormented. How would he tell Rosetta what he was about to do?


Sparky is a little surprised by Angel's hug, but it only takes him a moment to return it. Giving her a hug back, he sighs and finally pulls away, offering a small smile. "Thanks, Angel. I don't know if I'll actually leave or not, but... keep it under your hat, okay?"

Nodding a little, he finally slips back outside, heading to the barn to keep his hands busy and his mind off the pain in his lip.


The fun, games and laughter were over for the night. Several others had already headed home, and the others were wrapping things up. Wandering towards the door with Karla, Kip gives her a smile, his hands tucked in his pockets. "Thanks for coming over, Karla... I... really enjoyed your company."

He chuckles . "Crazy day, but... I'm glad you didn't pin me as a creep." His one hand reaches down to scratch Rin before he looks back up to Karla. "Wouldn't want a ride home, would ya? I can drive us so we don't catch cold."

Heartbroken

Rosetta just looks at her husband for a long moment, slowly blinking her eyes. This was unreal, was Mick really saying this to her? A soft buzz seemed to sound in her ear and she wondered if it was her own emotions, of the tears that seemed to spring into her eyes that made the sound.

"None of what you just said it true and you know it Mick. It really hurts to hear you say that and see the look in your eye that you actually believe it."

It almost felt like a crack had been formed in Rosetta's heart and now it was being torn in two. Over the last few weeks Mick had been different, and Rosetta didn't know what to do. She didn't know how to help and she felt so alone. Her family was being tore apart.

A few days back she would of just brushed it off thinking it was because Dylan was gone but now, after his words that really hurt Rosetta wondered. Rosetta wanted to help but she didnt even know where to start. The longer she sat here, the more she beat herself up, and the more a small form of depression sunk in.

Standing Rosetta dosnt even know what else to say as she trys to hold her tears in. She was the strong one, she always was the stong one but she felt so defeted.

"I...have to go check up on BJ to make sure he found Jeff ok."

Heading to the door and than out Rosetta stops on the pouch for a moment. The tears formed even more in her eyes now as her heart was hurting. Going down the steps Rosetta swipes her eyes and instead of heading for Jeff's she goes the opposite way to the house. She just can to compose herself for BJ's sake, and if she had to cry it out she would.

Giving a nod Angel's eyes held a sorrow for Sparky. She could only guess how it felt, and she was sure it was not good.

"No, I don't blame you at all. But I dont see you causing much strife, but you will find that everywhere you know. If its like that with one person well..."

Angel's words die off as she lets out a sigh. She supported whatever Sparky felt like he needed to do and she shouldn't be trying to froce him to stay. She just wanted him to know he was carred about and everyone would miss him.

"If you feel like you need to leave, than I understand and see where your coming from. Just be safe, make sure its the right desition, and hurry back to us. Your always welcome here, and it will always be your home."

Not being able to help it Angel reachs out and gives Sparky a hug. He was her friend, and had been for a long time. It was just something she needed to do to let him know she cared what happend.

Your ranch

Mick lifts his head, though he still won't look at Rosetta, his shoulders drooping. One could see his anger was boiling just below the surface, but an element of defeat kept it at bay. For the longest moment, he is silent, almost as if not having heard Rosetta speak. But finally he responds. His tone has a bite to it, though he keeps it calm.

"And that's the way it is, isn't it? I think this is the first time we've disagreed about something dealing with this place. But it doesn't matter, does it? I'm your husband... the head of my household... but it's your ranch."

He finally turns to look at his wife. His eyes were so tired - it looked as though he had been at war. There was more defeat than malice, but his frustration was so high, and he wore an air of depression. "You started this place, not me. I guess I shouldn't have expected any different when I married you, but it's still 'Rosetta's ranch.' Maybe I need to go do something else and let someone else manage things here. I just thought things would be different... that it would become the Henson ranch and that we'd be a team. But... maybe I didn't realize that it would always just be yours."

Sighing, he runs a hand over his face. He didn't even know what he was saying. Everything felt wrong. His cell phone buzzes in his pocket, and for the first time in a week, he ignores it.


Sparky's head hangs a little as he contemplates all that had been happening lately. "I just don't know what's wrong with him, Angel. Nothing's ever right anymore. And me... I just get in the way. Sure, I help Rosetta but... what's the point if I just cause strife on the side?"

Sliding off the stool, he pauses before heading for the door. "I know everybody else doesn't mind me here, but with the big boss upset with you, it kinda defeats the purpose of staying. I'm tired of getting pushed around. Is that so terrible?"

Feelings

Looking at Sparky Angel felt bad for him, and his words just seemed to follow. This was Rosetta's ranch but it was just as much everyone elses that worked here too.

"It would be pretty lonly if you left Sparky. You help Rosetta out so much she might be lost. This is as much your home, as anyone elses. Dont let a few bad things with your brother make you think other wise."

Giving a shake of her head and than a nod Misty was happy Axel was smart enough not to try and drive right now.

"Yeah, I'll call Jess for you. Just rest for a few hours and than you should be as good as new."

Going back to her desk Misty pick up her phone to call Jess and than follow it up with a call to Carson.

Rosetta leans back in the chair and study's Mick for a long moment. She hated not agree with Mick, and she new it would cause some kind of tiff, but she had to talk it out with him.

"No one deserves to get punched no matter what they do. That in its self is not acceptable. You could of yelled at him all you wanted to, but actually causeing harm to Sparky is not ok."

Drawing silent again for a moment Rosetta just sits there her eyes continuing to look at Mick. There was so much she wanted to say, but she didnt even know how. She wanted to stay calm but get upset at the same time. It was one big mess. But finally Rosetta speaks again her tone staying calm.

"And you want to fire Dan because.....he likes Jade? I'm sorry, but I wont allow Dan to be fired because he likes Jade. He's been a great worker who has pulled more than his share of work around here, He's always followed the rules, and I cant fire him for his feelings for another person. I respect your desitions Mick, but I just cant agree with this one."

Doing what she needed to make sure Jason could grab Dylan Katie stays alert. Once Jason had him and was pulling him to and out the door Katie follows. Heading down the steps with Jason covering him. Hopping into the back of the van and telling Wyatt to head to the ranch.

Every curse word that came from Dylan's mouth felt like nails on a chalk bored to Katie. Her cousin had only gotten worse from the last time she saw him.

"I think your right, he'd not goint to learn from this. But if he keeps cussing my fist in gonna meet his mouth to shut him up."

Katie didnt like to use force but Dylan was getting on her nerves and she just couldn't help it. Spying some duck tape at the one end of the van Katie had a better idea and wouldn't get her in trouble. Ribbing a peace off she puts it over Dylan's mouth.

"There, no I didnt have to punch him and I can think."

Dialing Reese Katie waits for him to answer letting out a sigh as she sits back resting her head aganst the van wall.

"Hey Reese, we got Dylan. He's...dopped out of his mind, but he is alive."