Changing

*Trish nods as she listens to Laura.* "Well thats Hotshot for ya he never knows what he wants. Half the time he dosent even know if he is coming or going himself. Maybe there is more to Katie being here than meets the eye." *Trish shrugs* "Anyways...tomarrow maybe we can all go do something after work. Maybe we can help Katie feel at home. She seems a bit uptight.*

*Katie nods to Reese.* "Its good to be here again. Though it feels strange not barging through your door." *Katie gives alittle smile. Trying not to let the hurt show through.* "You never know Reese maybe things will change down the road. You never know." *Katie changes the subject fast.* "Yes Wyatt should be around. He seems like a nice kid. Looks just like you. Now I know why." *Katie gives a small laugh.* "I want to thank you for giving me this opertunity to show some of the skills I have. I apprieciate it even though its not what Carter and yourself had planed." *After a moment more of talking with Reese, Katie turns and leaves the office giving a smile to Susanne as she leaves. Walking around the floor for a while Katie trys to get use to everthing.*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Wendy sits deep in though searching through some files. Her mind skips from here to there looking over the information. She is unable to find anything new. Going to another file she trys to look for more. Feeling frustrated she throws the files down and puts hands over her face.*

*Rosetta finds Cindy siting at one of the tables in the mess hall.* "Heya. I hope I'm not intarupting you. I was wondering if you would like to do that girls night out tonight? I could use alittle change and I need another mother to talk with." *Rosetta smiles at Cindy.*

Guessing

Laura readily agrees. "Oh yeah, sure. We can go anywhere you need before heading to my place."

After going through Susanne, Wyatt opens the door to Reese's office, letting Katie in first. "I'll leave you two at it. Dad, I'll be stepping out for a while."

Reese gives a casual wave to Wyatt. "Alright. See you later." He stands up from his desk to greet Katie. "Well, glad you made it! I trust you got shown around. After I sent Scott after you, I hoped you would get here in one piece." He chuckles. "Anyway, today I'd like you to just get your bearings. Meet people, explore the floor. Tomorrow I'll get you started on the work that needs to be done." He sighs just a little. "I was hoping that you and Jason would stay on the Agency case, but I'm glad to have you here nonetheless." His assumptions show through. "We tried setting Jason up with a partner once before but they couldn't get along, so this isn't new. Though Carter and I both prefer teams to loners." He shakes his head. "Anyway, Tomorrow you'll get immersed into the secretarial work I've got lined up for you, and we'll go from there."


Laura nods to Trish. "Yeah...Katie. She and Jason were just here recently...I heard Carter wanted them to be partners, but the talk around here has been that they couldn't get along." She frowns, not convinced. "They looked like they got along alright when they were here though, so I don't know. Brent said he thought Jason was gonna get sacked, but we all know that's not true, even after his suspension. He's too valuable for Carter to sack." She shrugs. "Anyway, yeah, Katie seems nice. She'll be staying with me for a bit."

Office

*Katie follows Wyatt around trying to take everything in. As they pass Jason's office door her hear rises than sinks again everything fresh in her mind still. As Laura walks over to them Katie smiles.* "Thank you Laura for everything. It mean alot. Just when every you leave tonight let me know I can get my two bags out of Scott's car. Oh maybe later if we have time you could show me where the mall is? I left alot of my stuff home and need to get more." *Katie once again follows Wyatt to Reese office.*

*Trish walks over to Laura as Katie walks away.* "That the new girl? She seems intresting."

Tour

Wyatt grins and motions for Katie to follow him. "Won't take you long to know this floor like the back of your hand." He walks her down the right aisle in between cubicles, introducing her to people along the way. Everyone offers warm smiles and waves, most seeming to already know who she is.
Wyatt leads her around the corner where a hallway is. "Over here on the right is where we have the copy machines, paper supplies, etc." He reaches for the doorknob, but a loud crash is heard inside, followed by a woman's chiding voice, and Scott's apologies. Wyatt's eyes widen and he doesn't open the door. "I'll introduce you to Wanda later." He moves down the hall. "These doors on the left are offices..."
The first door's nameplate bears Austin's name, the one next to it, someone named Sean, and the third door bears Jason's name. Wyatt thumbs to that door in particular. "I'd show you in there since you know him, but I doubt you want to see the kind of office Hotshot keeps." He rolls his eyes in amusement. "And right here is the break room...we've got a fridge and microwave and some tables to relax at. It's the main hangout around the noon hour if you want to get a hold of the local gossip."
Moving on, there are several more office, including his own, and finally they turn around and head back out onto the floor, going down the other aisle.
Halfway to the back, Laura spots them and gives Katie a smile. "Hey there! Good to see you again. Reese told me you were coming today. Bummer Hotshot didn't make it back, but I'm glad you're here." She throws some paperwork onto her desk in the cubicle. "Got my spare room all set for you too, so tonight we'll be all set." She thumbs toward the back. "Reese is out of his meeting now if you want to go check in with him."
Wyatt nods, gesturing to Katie again. "I'll drop you off there."

TJY

*As Katie keeps her focuse out the window she replys to Scott.* "I've only ever had to use it with Jason. So I dont know if it works with anyone alse or not. Sooner or later I am sure I will find out now I guess." *Katie watches as they pull into TJY.*

*Katie follows Scott as the head down the elevator. As Scott is stoped by the new gentalman. As Scott goes off to help with the copy mashean Katie cant help but laugh.* "He sure is an intresting person. Alittle accident prone. Thanks for saving me." *Katie giggles. Turning back to the stranger Katie shakes his hand.* "Its nice to meet you Wyatt. That would be nice to actully get a tour this time." *Katie smiles at Wyatt.*

New Face

After getting his tie caught in the door and tangling his arm in the seatbelt, Scott drives his beater car away from the airport. He offers Katie what he hopes is an encouraging smile. "Well, TJY can be a little intimidating at first, but you'll get used to it." He pauses in thought. "I'm assuming you're talking about Jason. Rumors had it you two were going to be partners, but then Reese told me this morning you were coming in yourself." He stops at a red light and waits for it to turn green. "Heard you got quite the sixth sense...does it just work with Jason, or can you do that with anybody?"

After pulling into the TJY parking lot, Scott gets out, tripping over a loose shoelace. "You can keep your stuff in here until you leave later with Laura," he comments, heading for the door.
Once inside, they go down the elevator and onto the floor. It's not quite as busy as the night Katie and Jason were there, but there are still plenty of people in their cubicles. Scott stands a little proudly, as if surveying his domain. "Might as well start you off with the grand tour before going to see Reese. He's in a meeting anyway." He starts to stroll down the right aisle, and begins to point something out, but is cut off.

"Hey, Scott, the copy machine is down," a man calls as he approaches. "Wanda needs help."

Scott looks at Katie, then back at the approaching young man. "Well I was just..."

"...Don't worry, I'll take care of her." The tall stranger throws Katie a wink when Scott isn't looking. "Wanda's going to have a cow if she can't make copies of those reports."

"...I guess...okay..." Scott nods to Katie. "I'll see you around." Walking quickly ahead, he almost runs into someone emerging from their cubicle, and papers and folders go flying.

The stranger cringes, stifling a laugh, and turns back around to Katie, offering a strong handshake, his eyes twinkling. "Hey. I'm Wyatt. You must be Katie. Sorry about interrupting, but I wasn't about to watch you get taken on one of Scott's 'grand tours.' You'd be in here all day." His eyes widen with humor as he chuckles. "Besides that, I wanted the pleasure of showing you around myself. How 'bout it?"

Pee

*Katie gives a little giggle as she puts her sunglass on.* "Its very nice to meet you as well." *Katie follows Scott out of the airport.* " No I think I am ok. I had something on the plane. Thank you though." *As Katie follows Scott to the car she thorws her bags in the back seat. Geting into the front they are off. After a bit of silence Katie looks to Scott. I am kid of scaired to go to TJY. Last time I was there it was with a friend, and now without him...it just feels strange." *Katie looks out the window again. Everyone would be waking up now. And Jason probley found her note. Katie missed the ranch already and she had just left.*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*A tiny voice calls from the back seat.* "Sham, I is hungry."

*Sam is jolted out of thought and looks into the backseat.* " Ok, The next place we pass we can get some lunch ok." *As the come closer to a BK sam stops and helps BJ out of the car.*

*Without warning BJ starts to dance around the parking lot next to Sam.* "Sham, Sham I have to pee...I have to pee."

*Sam looks down at BJ.* "We are going in now."

*BJ has a look of aggony on his face.* "SHAM...I HAVE TO PEE."

*Relizing that he really has to pee bad Sam picks up BJ and runs into BK aiming for the bathroom.*

*After enter and geting situated on the seat BJ looks up at Sam.* "Sham...I dont have to go anymore."

*Sam looks down at BJ finding it hard not to laugh.* "Just sit there till you go silly."

*After a long while Sam and BJ emerge from the bathroom. They order there food, eat than hit the road again.*

Greetings

"Oh, hi!" The young man holds out his hand to offer his greeting, while accidentally dropping the sign. "Oh, dear..." he leans down to pick it up, bumping a woman behind him. "Oh, I'm sorry." His face reddens as he grabs the sign. Standing up too quickly, his elbow catches a man walking by, who throws him a withering look. "My fault, pardon me."
Clearing his throat, he tries again, looking back at Katie. "I'm Scott Thimblewig. Pleasure to meet you. Reese told me all about you, and I'm honored that I got to come pick you up. It's very exciting to have a new team member, especially one like you that I've heard so much about." Realizing he's rambling, he shuts up, throwing the sign in a nearby trashcan. "Here, let me help you with your bags." He takes the larger one from Katie, his arm dropping as he tries to lift it, and he struggles until he finally takes both hands, waddling down the crowded hall of the airport. Huffing just a little, he keeps up a dialogue. "It's just a short ways to headquarters - it won't take us long. Have you eaten lunch? Do you need to stop anywhere? Reese said to take all the time you needed."

Hi

*Rosetta wakes again after finally falling back to sleep. Geting up she slowly heads into the shower after stand in the water for a long while Rosetta gets out and gets dressed. Leting out a long sigh she heads out to the mess hall to get some coffee. Katie was now gone. It had only been a few hours but for some reson it felt alittle bit emptyer at the ranch*

*Wendy sits at the mess hall table drinking her coffee and reading the news paper wait for Clint to come in. The last time they went riding it has been a desaster, but maybe she could get him to go again on one of the better trails.*

*Looking around again Katie see the man with the sign. Walking over to him she looks up seeing her name miss spelled she smiles at the man.* " Hi, I'm Katie. You must be who Reese send to pick me up. I've got all my stuff and am ready to go when you are."

Kaytee

Con doesn’t say much as he drives Katie to the airport, and waits for her to get her tickets. As Katie embraces him, he gives her a bear hug in return, along with a light chuckle. “If you don’t call me, Reese will, but I’d feel better hearing your voice, knowing you made it all right.” He stands back and gives Katie a wave. As she walks away though, he remembers something. “Hey, Kat, wait!” He jogs up to her while reaching in his pocket. “I, um…don’t know if you really want this or not…if you don’t, just leave it on my desk back at headquarters, but if you do, it’s yours.” He pulls out the CD in the tattered envelope, that has “Jason” scribbled in marker on it. It’s the one he played for her weeks before at the hospital. “There’s a few more songs on it than the one.” Con shrugs, handing it to her. “Safe flight. Talk to you soon.” He gives her a casual salute and turns around, getting lost in the crowd.


The Nevada airport. People are everywhere. Chatter, flight announcements, constant movement. A young man in his twenties stands to the side, raising himself on his tiptoes to see who’s coming off the plane. His tie is loose around his collared shirt, and he pushes his glasses up on his nose for the hundredth time. As he begins to see people from the plane that just pulled in, he whips out his cardboard sign, holding it boldly above his head. It reads “Kaytee Pent.” He scans the crows expectantly, looking at every young woman who passes, despite the distasteful glances he receives in return.


Jason grabs his crutches and is just ready to leave his bunk when he sees an envelope. That was strange. Where had it come from? He bends over, wincing as his knee stretches, and retrieves the note. He tears it open and reads the handwritten words, his eyes widening with each sentence. Backing up, he sinks down on the foot of his bed. Katie had gone to TJY? Reese had invited her? By herself? The words of friendship didn’t seem to mean as much as they should, the news of her leaving and her destination having much more impact.
Tossing the note aside, Jason puts his head in his hands, his emotions boiling over. She was gone…she’d left. Surely what had happened hadn’t been reason enough for her to walk away like this. And why was she the one who got to go back to TJY? Jason would give just about anything to get out of here right now, but he’d made too much of a fuss about staying on the case for that. Now he was stuck, and his world was once again crumbling down around him.
Gritting his teeth, he straightens to stand, resuming his aim for the door. If that’s the way Katie wanted it, then so be it. He couldn’t change the circumstances, so he might as well buck up and deal.
The note is left on the bed, forgotten…for now.

Coming and Going

"BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ........"
*As Sam's alarm goes off she looks at the clock 5am. Siting up and yawning she hopes in the shower and gets her and BJ's stuff together. He is till fast asleep. Very carfuly she picks him up and puts him into the car. Making sure they have everthing Sam starts the car up. Looking down at her phone she has 6 missed messages. They are all from Stan. Not even bothring she put her phone back into her purse. Sam pulls out of the driveway and starts down the road again. They have a few hours to drive before BJ will wake up and want something to eat. Sam glanes into the rerview mirror to make sure no one is following her. Than she turns to BJ sleeping. Leting out a long sigh she puts her attachen to the road again. They still had a full day of driving. But they should reach there destanation by 1am.*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~


*Katie opens her bunk door and smiles up at Con. She is dressed and ready.* "You bugger if you had been 5 min later I would of been calling the Taxi." Katie cant help but laugh. It felt good as her heart was heavy.* "My bags are there if you want to grab them for me. I want to go say good bye to my aunt." *Katie takes anothere look around the room. She was going to miss it here. Katie sighs and makes her way across the lawn to her Aunts house. Katie taps on the door lightly. In a few minutes the door opens. Katie says nothing but inbraces Rosetta.*

*Rosetta hugs her back, seeing Con heading to the car Rosetta knows whats going on.* "Its that time already huh?"

Katie: "Ya, I'm going to miss you. You know my number call me anytime you need me."

*Rosetta eyes grow alittle glossy.* "Ok. Be safe and if you need anything please let me know sweetheart. I love you."

*Katie lets go of Rosetta and smiles up at her. Her own eyes growing teary.* "I love you too Aunt Rosetta." *Katie make her away to the car. When seeing its Petes Katie smile at Con.* "I have good memories of this car." *Katie hops in and with in moment they are off to the airport.
After geting her tickets and checking her bags in Katie turns to Con. Her tummy is in knots, and she is scaired to death.* " I guess this is it huh? But its not goodbye." *Katie reaches out and gives Con another hug.* "I'm going to miss you Con. As soon as I get settles and what not I will call you." *Katie smiles at him again.* " I wont say good bye cuz its not. But I will say I'll see you later." *Katie smiles again and than heads throgh her gate and gets on the plain. After several hours Katie arrives at the Nevada airport. Geting off the plane and geting her bags she looks around for someone who might look like they are waiting for her.*

Morning

Con smirks at Katie. "Of course I'll be here in the morning."

Jason doesn't notice anything being slipped under the door, and Jade comes and goes without either of them realizing it's on the floor. The night feels long, and Jason tosses and turns, both his leg in pain, and his mind in turmoil.


Night slowly turns to morning, the sun winning the battle over the darkness. Long shadows are cast on the ground, and puddles remain, proving the stormy day before. But this morning the clouds have dispersed, sending a blanket of warmth over the ranch.

Con parks Pete's car near the mess hall, and exits, noting that no lights are on yet. He makes his way quietly to Katie's bunk and taps on the door, jingling the car keys. "Your ride awaits," he calls softly.

Night

*Katie smiles at Con.* "I'm doin ok. Not to hungry but I though I should make my presence known."

*Dinner is quiet and soon everyone is going there own way. Katie stands and looks down at Con.* "I'm going to be leaving early in the morning. Will you be there to say one last bye?"

*Finaly after a few house pass Katie makes her way back to her bunk. Once there she sits down and writes a letter know She probley wont have time to talk to him in the morning: { Dear Jason,
I know your upset with me but I hope you read this. I am going to be leave early tomarrow morning. I'm going back to TJY. Reese has some work for me to do that and I though it would probley be best for both of us right now seeing as we are angry with eachother. I just wanted to tell you goobye before I left and dont worry I will be around. If you need me at all you have my number and Con knows email. No matter what happens Jason your my good friend and I am wish you always. Take care and treat Jade good.
Your friend, Katie.} :Katie puts the letter into an envalope and heads over to Jason's bunk. Not know if he is there or not she puts the letter under the door. Than heads back to her own and falls asleep.*

*Night falls over the ranch all it quiet. As everyone sleeps.*

~*~Somewhere alse~*~

*Sam pulls into a motel taking the sleeping BJ out of the car. Grabing a room she tucks BJ in and sits watching tv for alittle bit. Looking at her watch she see its 1am. In a few hours Stan would be at her house looking to take BJ away. Sam quivered at the though of how angry he was going to be when he found out they wernt there. Sam wanted to be as far away as possable at that time. Sam sets the alarm clock for 5 so they can get up and be on the road again. Looking she see BJ and Mr.Snuggles sleeping. How lucky he was to be sleeping in a dreamland where there was no worry.* "Soon BJ, soon you will be safe."

Supper

Chatter erupts in the mess hall as everyone comes together for the evening. Clint finds himself next to Wendy again, while others grab their usual seats. Cindy sits down in the far corner after helping get supper on the table. She looks around the room, feeling just a little out of place for some reason tonight.

Con is one of the last to enter, and scans the faces. Seeing that Jason is not there, but spotting Katie, he aims for her instead of Austin tonight, sitting down across from her. He takes off his baseball cap, and offers something close to a smile. "How ya doing?"

Jason sighs as he looks at the clock. He knows everyone is eating supper, but he's just not in the mood to see everyone. Besides, Jade said she would stop by later, so he'd still get something to eat and have some company.

Dinner

*Rosetta nods* "Ok..I'll finish up here and see you at dinner." *Rosetta smiles watching Mick leave.*

Katie: "Ok Reese thank you." *Katie hangs the phone up. Siting down on her bed she looks around the room. Was she doing what was right? Katie leans down on her bed her eyes heavy. Within minutes she is alseep.*

~*~The afternoon goes by fast as everyone is doing there own thing. Finally its time for dinner as the sunsets. Everyone starts to pile in for dinner.~*~

*Katie wakes with a start looking at the alarm clock to see what time it was. It was almost 6 she has slept longer than she planed. Geting up she brushes her hair and heads over to the mess hall for dinner. Entering she scans the room for Con. Not seeing him yet she sits down at the far table alone.*

Yes

Mick returns Rosetta's hug, reassuring her that it will be okay. Standing back, he cocks his head towards the bunkhouses. "I'm gonna go see Sparky for a few minutes. I'll catch you at supper, okay?"


Con returns Katie's embrace, giving her back a loving pat. "Go chase your dreams, Kat." He watches her leave, and sighs deeply as he whispers to himself. "I hope you're making the right decision..."


"...so we had another confrontation, and that was that." Jason sets his empty plate aside, leaning his head back against the wall.

Jade is sitting cross-legged on the bed, listening to him relate the day's events. Her expression remains thoughtful....compassionate. Poor Jason...he was on the outs with his own grandfather, he'd just had a fist fight with a friend, his relationship with Katie was in jeopardy... "I'm sorry, Jason. None of this has been easy on you, that much I can tell. You and Katie are kinda close, huh?"

Jason shrugs. "I guess. I thought so anyway."

Jade swallows hard, looking down. "So she was jealous of me...I didn't think...I mean...she told me you guys weren't together or anything so..."

"...don't blame yourself for anything," Jason cuts her off. "We weren't together, nor did I intend for her and I to be. She'll just have to get over it...as for not telling her everything....I still think I made the right choice...I mean, I had my reasons."

Jade gives his good leg a pat. "Well, don't beat yourself up about it. What's done is done. You just have to look ahead now. It will all work out somehow."

Jason gives her a smile, appreciating her company. "I know...thanks, Jade."

She leans over to give him a kiss, her eyes dancing. "I'm going to go see if I can't get my dad to say he'll go riding with me this week. I'll see you at supper?"

Jason nods, a grin on his face. "Yeah."


Reese confirms Katie's plans. "When you get to the airport, give them your name, and you'll have a flight booked already, and it's nonstop. When you get over here, someone will be there to meet you and bring you on over."

Dont want to bother

*Rosetta nods*" I cant help but be scaired anyways. Its going to be strange not having her here." *Rosetta gives Mick a hug.*

*Katie cant help but cry more and throws her arms around Con.* " I wont. I promise I wont. I'm going to email you every chanse I get Con. Your like a big brother I like to be around. I'm going to miss you." *Katie linger with Con for just a moment longer than lets him know she will see him at dinner. Heading away from Con Katie thinks of Jason. She new he was upset with her and she was upset with him but he was still her friend and she couldent leave without saying goodbye. Katie makes her way to Jason's bunk. As she steps on the porch she takes a deepbreath. Right as she is about to knock on the door she hears Jade's voice. She must have come to see him. Katie puts her hand down and turns around off the porch trying to make as little sound as possable. She dosent want to disturb Jason and Jade. Katie makes her way to her bunk. Once inside she dials Reese number again Leting him know she will be flyinf, leaving tomarrow, and wondering if anyone will be picking her up at the airport.*

Take care

Mick shrugs lamely. "Beats me. I guess if she wants to go, TJY seems like an okay place...I'm pretty sure they're on our side, so she should be alright."


Con's eyes widen slightly as Katie tells him her plans, and he just stands for a moment, thinking. Finally, he reaches over to lay a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry to see you go, Katie...but maybe you're right. Maybe you do need this time away...and you'll be in good hands over at headquarters." He has to lean down a little in order to look her in the eye. "I just hope you're not running, because if that's the case, you won't ever find what you're looking for." He gives her a solemn look, followed by a forced grin. "Don't worry - if you're at TJY, we'll be in touch. Besides, I've gotten used to having you around - I have to keep an eye on you now." He throws her a wink. "Just take care of yourself, alright? And if you run into any trouble, don't wait too long to call."

Talking to Con

*Rosetta has a look of bewhilderness on her face.* " I...I have no idea." *Rosetta blinks her eyes* " I wonder if her and Jason got in a fight or something." *Rosetta stands from where she was siting.*



*Katie see Con standing on the trail. Walking over to him she smiles.* "Hey. I wanted to start out by saying thank you Con. For everything you tryed to do. It means alot. Your a good friend." *Katie stops talking for a moment than looks up at Con.* "Con I'm going to be leaving the ranch. I'm going back to TJY." *Katie lets out a long sigh* "I think maybe I was in the wrong about alot of things Con." *Katies eyes start to well up.* "I'm embarssed for my actions..and I just think some time away would be good. For me and for Jason. I've already talked to Reese, and I am going to do some secratary work for him. I wanted to tell you cuz your one of my good friends and I dident want to leave without saying anything. I would like to keep in contact with you to Con." *Katies tears slowly fall from her eyes, it is evadent this chose is hard for her to make as much as it is for people to hear. Katie looks down again at her injored hand. More words just wont come to her though she wants to say so much more to Con.*

Confused

Mick's eyes widen as Katie talks, though he stays out of the conversation. Something just isn't right. It doesn't seem like Katie to do something like this, and it's obvious that there is more to the story she isn't saying.
When she leaves, he turns to Rosetta, his eyebrows raised. "Wow...what on earth brought that on?"


Jade knocks on Jason's door, and after receiving a response, she lets herself inside with the plate of food and a bottle of water. "Hey, you. I stole Con's job from him. Hope you don't mind."

A grin emerges, and Jason shakes his head. "Don't mind a bit."

Jade sits down on the edge of the bed and hands him the food. She looks at his face, noting he looks just as bad as Con. She lets Jason start his meal, then finally broaches the subject. "So...want to talk about it?"

Jason knows exactly what she's asking about, and shrugs lamely. How could he explain it to her? It was so complicated, and even he didn't understand everything. "Oh...I guess I must have messed up somewhere..."


Con steps off the porch of the mess hall, whistling to himself and heading to the trail, noting that the rain has finally let up. He sees Katie coming towards the building, and pauses, not sure if she really wants to see him again or not.

talk

*Wes nods* "Ok. I'll be up to the mess hall in a bit. Have fun." *Wes gives a silly grin. As Cindy leaves Wes goes back under the call stoping to think for a moment. Rosetta had stoped Cindy from leaving. Things hadent worked out for them but he was happy they still could be friends. Wes smiles and gets back to work.*

*Katies voice changed to a smiled one as well and she nods her head even though Reese cant see her.* "I'm going to see if my Aunt will let me barrow one of her extra cars so when I am out there I will have one. But if she says no I'll let you know. Thx a bunch again Reese. Talk with you soon." *Katie hangs up her phone and enters her bunk house. Taking out a large sutecase she starts to throw her clothing into it. As the day pass Katie spends alot of time in her bunk geting things ready. She dosent have much to take with her. One sutecase full of clothing, the other has odds and ends. She cant take everything so she knows when she gets there she will have to buy some new stuff. Looking around the room to make sure she has remembered everything important she keeps her bags by the door than exits to find her Aunt. As Katie pass Jason's bunk. Her head hurts at the thought of leaving him. Would he be ok? Would they become friends again? all these questions where unanswered but Katie new this was something she had to do. She had to find her place.*

*Rosetta wonders around with Mick inside the barn as they fix something up and do odd and ends here and there. It was nice to be working on the ranch again with him. It had been to long. Hearing a noise Rosetta looks up seeing Katie enter the barn.* "Hey Katie whats up?"

*Kaite nervouse walks twords her Aunt. Is isent to sure how she is going to react to this news but hopes it will go ok.* "Aunt Rosetta I have something I need to tell you and I need to ask for your blessing before I go."

*Rosetta looks at Katie a bit saprised. She can sence a bit of sadness. Rosetta looks to Mick and than back to Katie.* " Is it ok if Mick is here?"

*Katie nods* "Yes thats fine." *Katie stops for a moment to regain her thoughts.* "I'm going to be leaving the ranch again. I'm going to be going back to TJY."

*Rosetta gets a look of shock on her face. Katie wanted to leave again, why.* "Why Katie? Following someone where ever they go is not a good thing Katie. I just dont undersand."

Katie: "Aunt, I will be going alone Jason wont be coming along. And You dont have to worry about me being in danger. For now all I will be doing is paper work. I haveto do this Aunt Rosetta. I need to find my place in this world. And right now I dont feel its best to stay here."

*Rosetta searches Katies eyes.* "Somethings happend...."

*Katie cutes her aunt off.* "Please Aunt Rosetta dont ask questions. Its to complacated."

*Rosetta nods and lets out a long sigh.*" Ok...Your old enough to make your own desitions. Be safe ok. How are you geting there?"

Katie: "Well I was going to ask if I could barrow one of the cars. If not I can fly."

*Rosetta thinks for a moment.* "I might not be able to tell you, you cant go, but I can worry and tell you I think it would be best you flew. I dont want you driving all that way yourself."

*Katie nods.* "Ok I understand thank you Aunt Rosetta." *Katie goes over and gives her a hun.*

*Rosetta returns the hug.* "When are you leaving?"

Katie: "I think tomarrow or the day after."

*Rosetta nods.* "Ok."

*Katie turns and leave the barn. Aiming for the mess hall to find Con.*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*Sam and BJ stop at a restront after a few hours of driving.* "Are you hungry bud?"

*BJ looks down at his tummy.* "Yes Sham its talking to me."

*Sam smiles at BJ.* "Ok good."

*After eating there meal Sam makes sure BJ uses the bathroom than again they are on the road. After a few more house BJ is fast asleep in the back seat.*

Important Job

Cindy smiles at Wes gratefully. "Thank you..." She grows a little embarrassed. "I was ready to leave, but Rosetta stopped me..." She gives Wes' hand a light squeeze. "I better go see if Becky needs some help - she was going to be doing a bunch of laundry today."


Reese responds readily. "Alright. Sounds like a plan. Yes, do give me a call before you leave because I'll have a couple things you'll need to know when you get here." He pauses. "And Katie...like I've told many others who have come here, the job you're given may not be glamorous, but trust me that whether you're in Europe undercover, or making copies in the office, the work you do is important, appreciated, and does help in the big scheme of things whether it feels like it or not. Behind the scene tasks are the backbone around here." The tone of his voice hints that he is smiling. "I'll be awaiting your call. If you have a ride, great, if not, we'll fly you in."


Jason glares at the ceiling. He just didn't get it. What had he really done wrong? Katie hated him, Con wasn't approving of him...he'd thought he had been making the right decision! He rolls his eyes and tries to ignore the pain in his leg. He'd already lost Austin... what was left? Jade was the only one who seemed to take him for who he was right now. What had happened?


Con wanders into the mess hall, going to the kitchen to get something to eat for Jason. As he's gathering just a few things, Jade comes in. She looks at his face, seeing several bruises. "Con?" she asks timidly. "Is everything okay?"

Con turns and gives her a smile. "Yeah...it's okay, Jade."

"But you and Jason..."

"It was just a misunderstanding."

"I haven't seen him all day...is he alright?"

Con looks down, but forces himself to nod. "His sugar level crashed, so I'm taking him some food, but otherwise, yeah..."

Jade searches his eyes, wanting to understand, but seeing that he's respecting someone's privacy enough not to elaborate. "Can I take him his food?"

Con hands her the plate with a grin. Whether he agreed with what Jason had done or not, he wasn't going to begrudge him whatever happiness he had with Jade at the moment. "Sure."

He watches her goes, then cleans up the small mess he'd made. Wandering into the other room, he looks around, getting his bearings on where everyone is at. Clint was just walking out the door, he'd seen Mick near the barns, Jeff was at a computer, Wendy was at a computer, Eric was..... He glances into the living room. Eric was on the couch scanning some want ads. And Jim, Becky....Rosalynn? Con can hear the washing machine down the other hall, and wanders in that direction, going past the guest room. He stops as he hears voices, and identifies the three people he'd been looking for. Their tones sound hushed, and Con wonders if everything is okay, but he's not going to pry. As long as everyone was accounted for. He turns around and heads back out, grabbing his cell phone to call Austin and see what the days' plans were.

Off and away

*Wes smiles and puts his hand on Cindy hand.* " You can take all the time you need. I'll be right here with you every step of the way. Just let me know if I do anything wrong, or move to fast ok?" *Wes cant help but smile alittle bigger. He felt content.*

*Katie listens to what Reese tells her while still walking to her bunk. Being a secretary wasent what Katie had in mind but it was a good start.* "Ok just call me secretary Katie. Let Laura know she will have a new roommate to for the time being till I can get my own place. I'm gonna have to talk with my aunt and let her know whats going on. And than I will be able to head out in a few days if that ok. I can call and let you know when I leave."

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*Sam carrys BJ's bags down to the car and puts them into the trunk. Going back into the house Sam scans the rooms making sure she has remembered everything of BJ's going to the closet she pulls out his jacket. Yelling upstairs to BJ.* "BJ are you ready?"

*BJ emerges from his room trying to drag a big suitcase across the floor.* "Sham....Sham...dis is to heavy." *Tuging BJ continues to try and pull it to the steps.*

"Ok Ok....let me come and help you before you fall down the steps." *Sam starts up the steps and take a hold of the suitcase. Starting down the steps Sam calls.* " Did you remember Mr. Snuggles?"

*As if remembering somthing important BJ turns around and runs back into his room. Jumping on his bed he grabs his stuffed Monkey.* "Tum on Mr.Shunggles...we are going away." *As BJ walks to his room door he stops and looks around the room one last time than heads down the stairs.* "Otay I'm ready."

*Sam nods and puts BJ's coat on. Than ushering him out the door he puts him in the back seat of the car and staps him in.* "Ok I will be right back." *Sam goes back inside and over to her desk taking the picture of herself and BJ she grabs her purse and heads back out to the car puting the picture into one of BJ's bags. Jumping into the drives seat she looks in her rearview mirror.* "Ready?"

*BJ squels in the back seat. * "YAY!"

*Slowly Sam back up out of the driveway. Looking back at the house Sam knows this will be her last time ever seeing it.*

*BJ intently looks out the window.*

Answer

Cindy thinks for a moment, then shakes her head, stammering slightly. “Um, no, I..this is fine. Yes.” She looks down at her feet, her pulse quickening as her face reddens. “I…I just….about last night, I…I thought about what you…what you said about…us…” Cindy licks her dry lips and finally gets up enough nerve to look up at Wes. She can feel the heat on her face and wishes she wasn’t so transparent. “And…and I wanted to tell you that…..” She pauses awkwardly. “Um…” She takes a deep breath. “I like you too, Wes. And I want to try at something…something more too.” She stares into Wes’ eyes, pleading for understanding. “But…for me…please take it slow because I’m scared to death.” Having said it, she gives a little sigh, feeling some relief.


Reese listens to Katie, then speaks, his voice pleasant. “Well, I know that Carter wanted you two on a team, but if neither of you are for it, then it probably wouldn’t be wise.” He pauses for several moments in thought. “Hang on just a minute, Katie…” There is some background noise, a woman’s voice and the rustling of papers. Finally Reese gets back on. “Tell you what - if you can stand some secretarial work, we’ve got a spot open out on the floor. It wouldn’t be too exciting, but it might be good for you to get to know TJY and the staff here a bit better. On top of that, I know Laura’s been looking for a roommate to share expenses at her apartment. I don’t know how you’d feel about that, but you’d have a place to stay then, and Laura’s trustworthy. What do you think?”

Somewhere alse

*Wes pushes himself from under the car saprised but happy to see Cindy.* "Ya sure." *Geting up he whipes his hands off. * Would you like to go into my Apt its warmer and more comfortable. Its clean this time too!." *Wes smiles.*

*Katie takes a deep breath. This was it. There was no turning back.* "Hey Reese is Katie....Hey I wanted to let you know Jason talked to me about being on his team. Listen right now I dont think its a good idea for us to be on the same team. However I still want to be part of TJY, and if I could still get a mission somehwere alse, or even do some research or odd jobs around the office down there I would really apresheat it." *Katie pauses not sure what alse to say.*

Questions

Cindy’s hand shakes just a little as she opens the door and goes inside, the smell of gasoline and oil hitting her nose. She makes her way to the back of the shop, carefully stepping over hoses and tools. Finally getting to Wes, she squats down next to the car so she can see him. She tries to smile. “Um…do you have a couple seconds?”


Jason’s eyes narrow slightly as Katie speaks, though a strange feeling of dread rises up inside of him. It’s the same feeling he shut out weeks before, the night they’d stayed at his house. Why was she doing this to him?
He closes his eyes briefly, and takes a deep breath, fighting with logic. He’d finally started finding himself. He’d finally started realizing he didn’t have to wear a mask, and his confidence in himself had taken on a new level. And here was Katie, questioning his judgment. What was he supposed to think?
Jason looks at her with little emotion, though her words sting. Had he really hurt her that badly? Knowing the truth by the look in her eye put his stomach in knots. He’d caused that pain on her face. He’d caused that hurt behind her eyes.
As she mentions Jade, a whole new set of questions rises. Was he under obligation to let Katie in on everything? Was that what friendship was really all about? If that was the case, he wasn’t so sure he wanted it as much as he’d thought.
He opens his mouth to give a rebuttal, but it’s too late. As Katie leaves, flinging her final words, he feels like he’s been stabbed in the heart, and speech simply won’t come.

Con stares after her as she leaves, stunned. He knew Katie had been upset, but he really hadn’t thought she’d react quiet like this. He’d been trying to help, but apparently he’d just made things worse. He knew he couldn’t blame himself though, and he looks at Jason with raised eyebrows.

“What?” Jason frowns at him. “You agree with her?”

“I’m not going to takes sides in this one, Jase. I’m just sad things have gone this route. You two would have been good together, that’s all I can say. But if your mind is made up, there’s nothing to be done.” Con shrugs lamely and stands up. “You need something to eat whether you like it or not, so I’m going to the mess hall. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”


A voice at the other end of the line answers. “TJY, this is Reese…”

The Call

*Wes yells from in the shop.* "Ya...come on in I am in the back." *Wes looks out from underneath a car.*

*Katie stands.* "Thats all I needed to know Jason. But let me give you a word of addvice with your relationship with Jade. Always tell her everything no matter what. Dont ever hide anything. It hurts 10x more when they find out in the end. No matter how hard someone can be they still have feelings, and they still get hurt when you hide stuff." *Katie plays her words in her mind, and keep her tone calm with a sadness to it still.* " You hurt me the moment you dident tell me Jason. and You new what you were doing. Dont play stupid. It may work with everyone alse but not me. As for Jade, it would of been nice to know. You said I was your friend, well your friend would of liked to know. It wouldent have hurt as much to hear it from you and not find out from seeing them kiss. I'm sorry I interfeared, and I am sorry I had feelings for you." *Katie walks to the door, looking to Con again.* "I'm sorry, I cant sit here anymore or I am going to explode. I've taken alot in my life. but this cuts the cake. I'm sorry." *Katie makes her way out of the bunk house and across the lawn. Taking out her cell phone she dials Reese phone number that no one new she had. The phone rings.*

Reasoning

Cindy swallows hard and peaks in the shop window. Having seen Clint heading for the mess hall, she knows Wes is alone. Taking a deep breath, she knocks on the door.



Jason works his jaw muscles as Katie talks, knowing his reasoning all too well. But how many more times could he try to make her understand? Was it even possible? Would arguing even do any good?

Con cocks his head at Katie, feeling sorry for her as he realizes her misery. He turns to Jason, sensing he’s become a referee, and tosses him a look that says, “What say you, Jason?”

Jason shakes his head, letting out a short sigh. “Katie…if you truly heard everything, I’d think you’d understand.” He forces himself to keep his voice at an appropriate level, leaving out any sarcasm. “The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you - You’ve got to believe that. I wanted to do what was best, and I thought that simply telling Reese and Carter no was the best option. Letting you in on it would have just complicated things, and it did.”

“Why?” Con intervenes to prompt further explanation.

Jason catches himself from rolling his eyes. Con really was putting him in an awkward position. “Must I repeat myself?”

“Put all your cards on the table, Hotshot.”

Jason grits his teeth. “Alright. I don’t think it’s healthy for any partnership when one person has feelings for the other. It’s dangerous and it interferes in their work. Reese wants us to be a team, but he doesn’t understand our circumstances. I can’t have a partner who not only feels about me in an unhealthy manner, but is also jealous of who I have chosen to pursue.”

Con cringes a little, but can’t rebuke for lack of honesty. He swings his head back to Katie. “What do you think about that?”

Words

*As Con wraps Katie's the pain runs through her put she hardly flinches. Looking at her hand while Con talks she says nothing. When Con turns his attachen to her she looks up at him. A new look in her eyes. A sadness....a sadeness but hardness behond anything alse. After a very long silence Katie looks out the window at the still falling rain.In a very dry sad voice she speaks.* "You should of told me! You should of told me about it all and not left me in the dark. It made me feel foolish and stupid. You should have told me."

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

* Sam finish writing her letter and put it in an envalop. On the front she writes "To whom it may concern" standing she puts the letter in her purce. Hearing little footsteps upstairs she relized BJ is up. Climbing the steps her yells for him.* "BJ, we are going to be going on a trip hun. We need to pack some stuff ok. And you need a pick out a bunch of toys you want to take. ok."

*BJ pokes his head out of his room.* "Hey...Sham how did you know i is awake?"

*Sam smiles at BJ.* "Cuz I am magic now do what I said ok and I will pack your clothing." *Sam enters BJ's room.*

*BJ runs to his toys.* " Otay. Where we going Sham?"

*Sam looks at BJ sadness in her eyes.* "Somwhere, where you will be safe and free."

*BJ looks up at Sam confused. Than goes back to picking out toys.*

Apology

Cindy finally manages a smile. “Thank you, Rosetta. I think I’ll stay here…but I would like to have a girls night out sometime – that sounds like it would be a lot of fun.”
After Rosetta leaves, Cindy sits for a long while, thinking and praying. What was she supposed to do? Her suitcase remains half-packed on the bed.
Cindy hibernates for several hours, not bothering to join everyone for lunch. Finally mustering up her courage though, she takes a deep breath and heads outside into the light rain. She aims for Wes’ garage, still unsure of what she’s going to say or how she’s going to say it.



Con looks at Katie’s hand with pity and disappointment. “Oh, Katie.” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that she had purposely hit a solid object. He sighs, but does not reprimand, seeing she’s embarrassed enough the way it is. Instead, he asks no questions.
He reaches out to take her injured hand in order to see it more closely, and tries to be gentle, though his own hands are not used to delicate work. “Well, you did a good job of this, I’ll give you that.” He squints at the swelling, and feels the small bones. “Fractured a couple knuckles, eh?”

Jason raises an eyebrow, though sinks lower, knowing that he’d driven her into such a state as to do something like this.

Con pokes and prods for a couple minutes, then nods to a chair. “Sit down.” He goes into the bathroom, talking over his shoulder. “Nothing much to do, but let it heal – you’re gonna be hurting for a while though.” He comes back out with a clean ace bandage. Reaching under Jason’s bed, he pulls out a first aid kit and retrieves a bottle of horse liniment. He gives a slight grin. “What’s good for horses is good for humans.”
He pulls up a chair in front of Katie, and takes her hand again. “This is gonna sting like mad, so grit your teeth.” He pours the cool liquid over her hand, rubbing it in as gently as he can. “This should help with the swelling.” He then takes the bandage and wraps the injury securely so there is little movement possible. “Now, take my advice and don’t use that hand for a while. You’re gonna have to let those bones heal, no matter the size of those fractures. If you can’t handle that, get a sling from Angel so you’re forced not to use it.”

He leans back in his chair with a sigh, and looks between Katie and Jason for several moments. “Now that we’ve got you both patched up, I think it’s about time we talked.”

Jason throws him a smirk. “You don’t look so hot yourself.”

Con manages a grin, putting a hand to his swollen lip. “Yeah, well, I’ll be fine.” He crosses his arms in thought. “So are we going to put all the cards on the table, you two, or are we going to keep beating around the bush and hurting feelings?” When no one responds, he shrugs. “Alright, I’ll start.” He looks at Jason. “I’m sorry I confronted you the way I did, Jase. I should have chosen more privacy, and I shouldn’t have gotten upset before I’d heard your side of the story.”

Jason looks down and shrugs, not sure what to feel or how to respond. His emotions are still too mixed to straighten them out in order to formulate something intelligent to say.

Seeing Jason’s hesitance, Con turns to Katie. “And whether you should have been informed or not, I’m sorry you found out things the way you did – it was my fault, and I apologize.”
He quirks an eyebrow, feeding the rising tension as he moves on quickly. “Now…you two have some problems that you’ve got to work out, unless you both want to just part ways and let things fester the way they are.”

Shame

*Rosetta's smile remain. How many times has she said the same words in her own head about Mick.* " Ya know, if we always went through life worrying about hurting someone, or disapointing them, If we wouldent take chanses than we would live in a pretty boring world. and The best thing about Wes is he is the easyest person to talk to. You might be nervouse and you might be scaired. But really its something you need to do. For your own happyness. You both deserve it." *Rosetta pats Cindy's hand and stands.* "well I better get to the store before Mick thinks I got lost and sends out a search part. My offer still stands if you want to come along."

*Katie walks along with Con helping Jason to the bunk. Once there Katie trys to hide her hand. Looking up at Con she knows there is no keeping it from him. Slowly she unwraps it revealing her swallen and black and blue hand. Slowly the bruses are creeping up her fingers. Katie looks up at Con and than to Jason, than to the floor.* "Its really not all that bad. It just needs a splint and once the swelling and brusing goes down it will look like hardly nothing. Honest." *A feeling of shame fills Katie. Her actions were so not like her. There was only one other time she had reached her boiling point before this and it had been a long time since that. No she remembered why she hated it. Cuz in the end, everyone got hurt. More often than not, she never saw them again eather.*

Let me see

Cindy begins to calm down even more as her tears begin to dry. "I feel so silly...I'm thirty-seven years old and am acting like a high-school girl." She shakes her head. "I want to trust Wes...and I don't believe he'd hurt me on purpose...I've never met anyone like him, and..and I really do like spending time with him." She swallows hard. "But I made a mistake once....I've never had confidence in my judgment since. I mean, what if I'm wrong? What if I end up disappointing him? I don't want to hurt him any more than I want myself getting hurt." She heaves a sigh, feeling as though she's babbling. "I'm sorry...I just don't know what to do." She finally looks up at Rosetta. "I'm scared to talk to him about it."


Jason forces a weary grin at Katie's comment about getting away that easy, but doesn't have a comeback. He grimaces she and Con pull him up to his feet, and he automatically puts more weight on Con than Katie, not wanting to burden her physically or mentally.

Con raises a concerned eyebrow. "You alright?"

"No." Jason shakes his head miserably. "I cranked my knee good this morning, and it's swelled up pretty good now. I can't hardly move it."

"Well, we'll take it slow." Con glances to Katie. "Let's get him to his bunk."

The going IS slow, but within a few minutes they finally make it to Jason's bunk. Con helps him into a dry shirt and cutoffs, and gets him to sit on his bed with his leg propped up. Not much is said as Con looks at Jason's knee and re-wraps it after applying something that will help the swelling. When done, he looks at both Katie and Jason. "I think the three of us need to talk before things get out of hand again." He glances at Katie specifically. "But before that, I want to look at your hand. You may not want Angel or your aunt knowing what happened, but at least let me see it."

smile

*Rosetta smiles at Cindy. No feelings over laping themself with Wes. She new it dident work with them and now they are both moving on.* "Awww...Cindy. Wes can be a pritty over whelming person. He is a good guy thought with a good heart that is big. If your scaired he will hurt you, you dont have to worry about that. I've seen the look in his eye, He truly likes you Cindy." *Rosetta thinks for a moment before speaking again.* "Maybe Cindy you should talk to him. I am sure he dosent know this is bothering you, and he would like to know. Its always good to talk to someone about a problem that way things dont get miss understood." *Rosetta holds her smile to Cindy.*


*Katie smiles at Jason, the pain trobbing in her hand still there but masked* " Your far from a loser." *Katie lets out a sigh of releaf as Jason's sugar starts to go up. Giving a laugh to his comment.* "The firing line huh? You only wish you could go out that fast and easy." *Katie manages another smile to Jason. Throwing his arm around her neck, and winces again in pain but ignors it. Katie helps Jason up.* " Come on. Lets get you out of the rain before you catch death of a cold."

Firing line

Cindy sighs deeply and looks down at her hands, finally able to compose herself halfway. "Thank you, Rosetta. You're so kind...and I love everyone here dearly....going out really does sound fun, but...it's not the situation that's gotten to me." She bites her lip, hesitating again. "It's...well...last night....Wes, he..." She swallows hard. "He wants to be more than friends, and I...I just don't know..." Another tear trickles down her cheek. "I like him...I really do, but..." She sniffs, unable to finish her sentence.


Jason stares up at Katie weakly, and manages a scoff at himself. "I'm one lucky jerk, aren't I?" His mind has slowed down, making it hard to think, and he's not 100% sure what he's saying. "Yeah, good ol' Katie...knock her down and she comes right back no matter how big of a loser someone is."

Con sprints across the clearing as Katie calls to him. He kneels down on the other side of Jason, getting out the candy bar. "Nice going, Hotshot," he scolds gently. "Didn't give me a chance to finish you off, but you wanted to do it yourself. Way to go." He breaks off a piece of chocolate, forcing Jason to eat it.

Slowly Jason's symptoms begin to lessen as the sugar hits his system. Blinking, he wipes rain from his face with the back of his hand, looking up at Con and Katie. He's not even sure what to say anymore. That morning comes back all over again, yet the anger isn't there anymore. "So what are you guys gonna do with me? Take me out back to the firing line?"

Lost and found

*Rosetta puts her arm around Cindy.* "Hey..there there now. Talk to me. I am a good listener and its been known that i give soe pritty handy addvise once an a while too." *Rosetta pats Cindy's back and sits down on the bed next to her waiting to listen to her hurting friend. A idea pops into her head.*" How about we go out to dinner tonight. A girls night out and we can talk if you want. Maybe some time away will be good. It can be over whelming being here all the time. After a while you get use to it though."


*Katie pears around the clearing. Seeing nothing she is about to leave when the sight of a body by a tree catches her eyes.* "There by that tree." *Katie does dashing across the clearing and down by Jason.* "Jason...oh Jason. Your really not smart sometimes are you. You should learn to always carry candy with you." *Looking back at Con she yells.* "CON come here with that candy bar." *looking back to Jason all anger is lost.* "Its ok J. We have something for you."

Don't know what to do

Cindy's lower lip quivers and she backs up, letting Rosetta in. "No," she whimpers, "I'm not okay." She sits down at the end of the bed by her open suitcase. "I...I just...." She buries her face in her hands, the tears flowing again. "I feel like such a fool...but I can't help it..." She sniffs and lifts her head again, not looking Rosetta in the eye. "I don't know what to do...I mean...I want to leave, but I want to stay, and I'm just so confused." She knows she's not making any sense at all, but was Rosetta really the person she could talk to about Wes? After all, it hadn't been that long ago that those two had almost been engaged.


Con breathes a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Katie. I owe you." As they go out the door, he pauses, looking down at her. "And...I'm sorry about this morning. We all need to sit down and talk about it calmly...I shouldn't have lost my temper like I did." Changing subjects quickly, so as not to distract for their current problem, he reaches in his pocket to pull out a chocolate bar he'd been saving. "If Jason's that far down, he'll need something that will act quicker than that orange. Come on."
He leads the way out into the drizzle, the thunder rolling above. Getting out behind the barn, he starts to call. "Jason! Jason were are you?!"
He heads in the directions Katie suggested, coming up empty-handed. Finally they head to the clearing where the target is set up. Con squints through the rain, scanning the area. "See anything?" he asks Katie.

Jason fights sleep, knowing he needs to stay awake. From the position he's in, he can just make out movement in the clearing to his left. He opens his mouth, but no words seem to come, and his eyes try to drift shut again.

Looking

*Rosetta smiles.* "I was heading into town and wanted to know if you needed any...." *Rosetta stops talking as she see Cindy has been crying. Worry seting in.* "Hey, are you ok?"

*Katie nods* "Ya I can help." *Geting up she throws her coat on wincing just a tad as she slips her hand through her jacket sleeve. Slowly she heads for the door. Remebering she had an orange in her back pack she grabs it and buts it into her coat pocket.* "Ok...let check the barns, than the clearing where we target practice. Than we can look behind the tool shead. There is a nice clearing there with a tree for shelter. Those should be our starting place." *Heading out with Con they starts to look.*

~*~ Somewhere Alse.~*~

* After lunch is done Sam sent BJ up to take a nap. Siting down on the coutch she lets out a long sigh. Weaghing many options in her head Sam finally come to a conclution. She new what she had to do. It was BJ's only hope at life, even though it ment risking her. Geting up Sam heads to her desk and starts to write a letter.*

Help me?

Cindy pauses in the middle of folding a shirt and placing it in her suite case. She looks at the door and hesitates, but finally goes to answer it. Her eyes are red and puffy from crying and she looks at Rosetta expectantly. "Oh, hi. You need anything?"


Con steps inside Katie's bunk, and gratefully listens to her. He glances down and sees her hand bandaged, his eyes widening just a little, but he waits to ask about it. Instead, he looks at her with desperation. "I've looked all over for him, Katie, and I can't find him. I know this isn't easy, but please...can you come help me?"

Finding Jason

*Heading out of the mess hall Rosetta aims for her truck. Stoping for a moment she looks up. She hasent seen Cindy in a while. Wanting to make sure she is ok Rosetta heads to Cindy's bunk and knocks on the door waiting for an answer.*

*Katie wakes with a starts and for a moment forgets why she is laying on the floor. Hearing the Knock on the door Katie places both her hands on the floor pushing her weaght up. He arm gives out as pain corses through it. Giving a small shreek Katie now remembers what happend. Puting her weaght on her other hand she pulls herslef up. Going to the door she looks out and see Con. Great. For a moment she dosent answer the door but at hearing Jason was missing she slightly cracks it.* "Jason's missing?" *Katie opens the door wider so Con can come in. Siting down she trys to clear the pain from her mind and search her feeling, trying to find Jason. After several minutes Katie finds the feeling again. She felt sick, but not in trouble.* "Jason is still at the ranch somewhere, He's crashing from his sugar. You'll need to find him before he goes into shock. Make sure you bring an orange with you. Katie slightly lifes her head to look at Con.*

Miserable

Cindy cries softly by herself behind the mess hall for several minutes before finally heading to her and Mel's bunk. Her heart heavy, she pulls her suitcase out of the closet and stares at her clothes that were hanging up.


Jason and Con wrestle in the mud, both trying to gain the upper hand with weight and skill. Con finally manages to get on top of Jason when he hears Katie begging him to stop. He hesitates, his fist raised for a final blow as he glares at his younger adversary. It's just the break Jason needs however, and Con receives yet another uppercut, sending him off Jason's stomach into a puddle. Jason tries to get up and deliver his own punishment when his knee gives out on him completely, bringing him back down. He clutches his leg as pain surges through it, and he just lies on the ground.

Con recovers quickly and stands, his hands balled into fists, but he stops abruptly at seeing Jason writhing. The rain is still coming down in sheets, and neither notice that Katie has left.

"Aw, Jason!" Con puts his hands to his head. He never liked the feeling of losing his temper, and this time a shame followed for beating on his friend. He kneels down next to Jason, his face bleeding and stern. "Are you going to stop?!"

Jason winces and breathes through the pain. He looks up at Con, his anger still fresh, but he's unable to fight further. "Just bug off," he growls.

Con slowly and purposely turns his emotions around to feel more pity than anger, and shakes his head. "Let me help you up."

"I said bug off!" Jason's eyes fill with disgust, ire, agony, shame... He'd rather be left to his own misery than be treated like an invalid.

"What on earth is going on here?!" Austins voice roars over the sound of thunder and rain. He stares down from the porch at the two men, his hands planted on his hips.

Con gets to his feet, wiping the mud and rain from his face. "Just a little misunderstanding, Austin." He tries not to make things worse. "We're fine."

Austin's eyes narrow as he takes in the scene. He has no idea what could have started such a brawl between the two friends, but Con apparently didn't want to be specific.

Jade slips out behind Austin, and puts a hand to her mouth as she sees Jason on the ground. "Jason!" She is quick to go to him, ignoring the rain and mud, though she doesn't even have a jacket on. She reaches down, trying to help Jason sit up. "Oh, are you alright? What happened?" She looks up at Con, unable to imagine that they had been in a physical fight.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." Jason takes it easy on his tone, not wanting to have Jade upset on top of everything else. "Just go back inside."

Jade looks at him with fear and sorrow. "But..."

Jason shakes his head, cutting her off, though managing to keep his voice halfway gentle. "Go back inside. I'll talk about it later."

"But you're hurt."

"I'll be fine." Jason stares at her, begging her to leave.

She finally relents and stands back up, heading back inside, worried and confused.

Austin resumes his glare. "What happened," he barks.

"I said it was a misunderstanding," Con repeats strongly, unwilling to get anyone in deeper trouble at this point. He was extremely upset with Jason, but it would do no good right now to have Austin involved. He'd find out soon enough what was really going on.

Austin eyes Con with irritation, but throws his hands up in the air. "I give up. This is ridiculous. When you're finished jeopardizing safety because you can't get along, let me know." Instead of going back inside, he steps off the porch and heads for the woods, aiming for the hideout.

Jason manages to crawl to the porch and pull himself up onto his feet, though by now, his cane is nowhere to be found.

Con folds his arms across his chest, his heart in pain for his friend, but he knows Jason will refuse any help. Gritting his teeth, he turns to leave as well. "Think about what just happened," he calls over his shoulder. "You better hurry up and get your head on straight before something happens that you'll really regret."

Jason throws him a look that could kill before limping away from the mess hall himself. A new sensation of pain courses through him, and he automatically looks to Katie's quarters. What has he done? This whole thing was his own doing. It was a mess, and all because of him. Miserable, he doesn't go to his bunk, but heads out behind the ranch yard, finding a sheltered spot to sit on the ground. He feels as if he's a dog leaving a fight to lick his wounds, and it's a feeling he wouldn't care to duplicate.

He begins to cool down and he wipes blood from his lip, gingerly touching his right eye where he knows there is a bruise. There had always been one person he didn't care to fight with, and it was Con - now he remembered why.

He replays in his mind what just happened. The look of fear in Katie's eye as he'd almost struck her. The anger that surged through her face as she'd yelled at him. His own anger resurfaces as he recalls her flippant remark about Jade.

Glaring at the ground, Jason lets the rain wash his hair and face. He had thought he was making the right decision. He'd finally been able to sort through enough things to start thinking straight, and now his judgment was being challenged once again. Would he ever get it right? Or were the others the ones who were wrong? He did think Katie had a crush on him, and he did think it was a bad idea for them to be together working on the case all the time. It was a tension that he didn't think was good or necessary. Couldn't anyone understand that? But then he recalls Con's referral to pride. Was he really taking something away from Katie because of his own pride? Was he really doing something so horrible to deserve the tongue-lashing and physical confrontation? Katie was his friend...the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. He hadn't intended for her to hear anything he'd told Con...he hadn't wanted Katie's feelings hurt. He only wanted to avoid them being partners not only because he didn't want to be uncomfortable, but because he didn't want her to be uncomfortable either. Was he wrong?

Jason leans his head back against a tree, his temper finally cooled. He'd worked so hard at coming to a point where he was thinking clearly and had a handle on things. Had he just blown it entirely, or was it just a conquerable setback? He thinks of Jade again, a sadness hitting him. He wished Katie wouldn't feel so badly about it. But he really did like Jade. She was fun, she was outgoing, she was just...different. Spending time with her evoked completely different feelings than when he spent time with Katie. Couldn't Katie accept that it wasn't something shallow he had with Jade? Reverting back to his original point, if Katie was that upset over the whole thing, how could she possibly think that she could be his partner?

He closes his eyes, drenched to the bone, but not caring. His knee burned like never before, but he ignores it, too miserable to get up.


Hours go by, and lunchtime comes and goes. The ranch functions the best it can despite the weather, and everyone assumes their normal routines. By one o'clock in the afternoon, the rain has changed to a light mist, though the thunder still persists.


Someone pounds on Katie's door. Con stands with his jacket pulled tight and his cap low. "Katie?" He listens for any movement, hoping she's there. He wants to apologize...he wants to talk to her about what happened that morning, but right now he has something more urgent. "Katie?" He calls louder. "I know you're upset, but I need your help - I can't find Jason."


Jason's eyes open, slightly glazed from the strange sleep he'd somehow assumed despite being out in the weather. As he moves his head, a wave of dizziness hits him, and he stops, leaning back against the tree. His knee has gone completely stiff and almost numb. He tries to stand, but his muscles shake under the strain. Holding his hand in front of his face, it shakes uncontrollably and he feels sick to his stomach. He fishes in his wet pockets, but comes up empty-handed. He had no sugar. A severe headache starts to form, and he knows he's in trouble. But he can't even stand, and he's not within shouting distance of anyone.
He closes his eyes again, trying to get himself through the episode, but he knows good and well that if he doesn't get some help, and fast, he's going to pass out and go into shock.

this must end

*Rosetta smiles at Mick.* "Summer is on its way thats for sure with all this rain." *Rosetta leans into Mick's arm. It was so nice to feel it around her. She could this this way the start of what they had both been waiting for, for a long time.* "We I have most of the morning stuff done. But will need some help with the afternoon stuff and you are more than welcome to help me than."

*Katie watches as Con and Jason start to go at it. What has she started. As she watches on she feels helpless not knowing what to do. As Jason crys out in pain Katie cringers, pain running through her own body. Katie drops to the ground. Managing a horse yell she says.* "Con....CON, thats enough please." *Katie manages to stand again leaning aganst the railing. Katie was happy that Con was a good enough friend to try and protect her, but seeing her other friend in pain was a hurting emotion.* "What have I done." *Watching her two friends fight had put a new sadness into her. She had started this. It was her fault. She let her emotions get the best of her. Limping she takes off for her bunk house. Once inside anger corses through her again. This time at herself. As she thinks more and more anger fills her till finally she punches the bunk room wall. Katie can feel several cracks in her hand as fist and wall calide. Giving a sharp yell in pain she holds her hand. Looking down at it she can tell she broke a few knuckles. Grabing a ace bandage from her backpack she wraps her hand not wanting to go back outside to face everyone. She was to embarssed at her actions. Surly she had pushed her friend to far this time. Tears fill Katie's eyes once again as she slids down to the bunk house floor.*


~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*Sam smiles as she sits and eats an early lunch with BJ. Sam phone rings at her side. As she looks down she see it is the "Boss" calling. Sam new it would only be a matter of time before he called. Sam stands and smiles at BJ.* " I'll be right back." *Leaving the kitchen she heads into the Living room answering the phone.*

Sam: Hello?
The Boss: Sam, I just got word from Stan about your actions of taking Jason out places. Why?
Sam: He is a growing boy. He needs to run, have friends, and not stay inside all the time..
The Boss: You know you are not to take him out Sam. Anyone could reconise who he is.
Sam: We are far enough away no one would I know...
The Boss: I am having someone come and take him away Sam.
Sam: What...
The Boss: I have warned you to many times. Jason is to important to us for you to jeprodise it.
Sam: But...

*The phone line goes dead. Sam lets out a long sigh. Slowly she walks back to the kitchen standing in the door way she watches BJ. He has a bunch of his actions figures lined up on the table. Each haveing a torn peace of napkin in front of them with a noodle from his Mac and Cheese in front of him. Sam's heart is heavy as she watches him. So innocent. She wasent given a chanse at life and now neather was BJ. Sam couldent let the Angency take BJ. Sam new if she did BJ's life would be in danger. She had to do something, but what. Sam sits back down at the table and finishes her lunch with BJ.*

Mistake

Mick puts his arm around Rosetta, content, and no longer resisting. He had chosen a direction at the cross roads, and was unwilling to turn back now. “Hi. Nice weather we’re having. I was gonna come out and see if you needed help in the barn, but when I looked over there, you were already finishing up.”

Clint nods. “Yep…Wes has a few things lined up for me today. At least I’ll be in out of the rain. What are you up to today?”

Cindy looks down, trying to hide the fact that tears are lurking behind her eyes. “I…it’s just…” As a tear escapes, she turns. “I’m sorry…” Quickly heading for the door, she puts a hand to her face in the hopes that no one will see anything is wrong. Donning her jacket, she slips out the back door, to lean against he outside wall, just letting the rain come down on her to hide her misery.


Jason’s eyes hold a dead ire like burning coals as Katie pins him against the wall. Wild emotions rush at him at once as a title wave, engulfing his soul. Horror for what he almost did, anger for Katie’s words, and hurt for the entire situation. Too stunned to react immediately, he receives her threat, letting it bounce off of him for now, in an attempt to avoid further pain.

Con steps forward as Katie takes Jason on, and withholds for just a moment, seeing that Jason has backed off, allowing Katie the upper hand.

When Katie releases her hold, Jason stares her in the eye a million thoughts racing through his mind. Seeing her backing off, he takes several steps toward her, not about ready to let her get away without allowing him to speak his own mind.

Con, however, has seen enough, and takes one step to place himself between them. He glares at Jason with a warning. “Stop right there.”

“Let me go Con,” Jason hisses. “This is my battle.”

“Not any more it’s not.” Con squares his shoulders. “You take your anger out on Katie, you’ve got me to contend with.”

Jason rolls his eyes in distaste. “What are you now? HER bodyguard?”

Gritting his teeth, Con grabs Jason’s collar with one hand, and gestures with the other. “I’m THIS close to knocking your block off for your behavior. DON’T push it.”

“Just try,” Jason shoots back, his eyes daring Con to do it.

Con thinks for a moment, then lets Jason go. “No.”

Jason’s emotions are running rampant, his adrenaline giving him an energy surge that has to be released. Instead of letting Con go and letting the situation resolve itself, Jason gives Con’s jaw a quick uppercut, sending him staggering backward.

Almost falling off the porch, Con puts a hand to his jaw, his eyes wide with disbelief that Jason had just struck him, and was in his right mind. Now with a new anger, Con steps back up, throwing a jab to Jason’s stomach, and kicking his foot out from under him.

Flipped backwards, Jason stumbles off the porch into the mud and pouring rain. He cries out in pain as his knee is twisted, but Con isn’t finished yet. Ignoring the several faces that are now at the window, he picks Jason back up, only to receive a fist to the mouth and another to the ribs.

Both men go down, fists and mud flying.

Thret

*Rosetta grabs herself some coffee than walks over next to Mick siting down giving him a small hug.* "Heya you."

*Wendy smiles and takes a sip of her coffee.* "I sure did my handsome Prince. Are you going to be helping Wes later?"

*Wes places his hand one her shoulder sencing something is wrong.* "Hey...whats wrong? talk to me I am a good listner." *Wes offers a small friendly smile.*

*As Jason's fist makes its way for Katie's jaw she drops her sunglasses. With another swift moment she blocks Jason punch. Holding his one arm with all her force she pushs Jason aganst the mess hall wall with a thud her other arm under his chin aganst his throt his head tilted she look at him dead in the eyes. Her own expressing, anger and sadness. In a rough hard voice Katie spits out.* " If you ever take a swing at me again out of instince or not, and you will be taking another trip to the hospetal." *Katie hold her eyes on Jasons a while longer. Than she lets him go slowly not knowing and scaired of his next movie. She looks over her shoulder at Con. There is nothing left put pain in her eyes as slowly Katie back away to the porch steps.*

Reflexes

Mick grins at Rosetta, tossing her a wink as an invitation for her to sit with him when she’s ready.

Clint straightens in his seat stifling a yawn. “Hey there, Princess. Sleep well?”

Cindy offers a small smile to Wes, though her eyes this morning show some kind of a dimness that wasn’t there before. She chuckles softly, though no joy rings in her laughter. “Nothing that a bit of coffee and an afternoon nap can’t fix.” She lowers her eyes, unable to look Wes in the face.


Con takes a step backward as Katie intervenes, and a knot forms in his gut as he realizes she’s overheard everything. He opens his mouth to talk her down, but it’s too late.

Jason’s stares at Katie as she shouts at him, her words striking him like a barrage of bullets. His eyes narrow angrily as she accuses him and makes reference to Jade. Her tone stabs him like a knife, and his adrenaline starts to race, his jaw tightening with the tension.

Con stands back in shock, not even knowing whether he should intervene or not, but can’t get a word in edgewise.

Jason’s straightens, ready to give Katie a piece of his mind, when her hand makes contact with his face. His head jerks to the side with the impact of her slap. Lost in a moment of pure instinct to defend himself, his reflects react immediately, bringing his own arm up with a closed fist, aimed for her jaw.