Weeks

The days turn into weeks once again, and life at the ranch continues to drag on. Spirits seem to go up and down as quickly as the seconds pass as little joys are sought out, but the misery of the case persists.
A celebration of the heart breaks forth when Mick makes known his decision to follow Christ, and Sparky has the privilege of baptizing him the next Sunday. Always brothers by blood, now brothers in Christ, a new and stronger bond is formed.


Clint leans into a car’s engine tinkering for a while, then winds up underneath the vehicle again to mend what’s been broken. “Hey Wes?” he calls. He’s been putting off asking forever now, and figures it’s a good a time as any, now that business has picked up a little bit. He was going to ask weeks before, but had simply procrastinated. “I was wondering…I almost got that debt paid off… but…you still need help around here?”


Jade sits down at her computer, looking out the window for a moment at the green grass just starting to peek through. The days had been warmer…it felt good.
She turns her attention back to her computer and begins to type.
Hey, Katie. Jade here. Would you believe that I haven’t checked my email in two weeks? Good grief – don’t ask why. I’m usually better than that.
At any rate, I’m glad to know you’re doing so well. Con mentions that every once in a while if I ask, though he’s out with Austin at their post most of the time.
Ooh, Wyatt, huh? Glad you’re making friends. We miss you around here.
Not a whole lot is new with me. I’m thinking about going back home for a visit. Dad talked me out of going back to stay…maybe I have a purpose here I haven’t discovered yet. I…doubt anyone told you that Jason and I broke up a couple weeks ago. We decided it was best.
Anyway…hope to keep in touch with you.
Take care of yourself. :)
-Jade


Cindy gently propels the porch swing back and forth, closing her eyes for a moment, resting after helping clean the mess hall. She was enjoying her time here….more so than she had before. She was more relaxed…maybe she was finally starting to fit in. It was hard without Jason around…but she had faith he would be okay, and Austin kept her informed of what was happening. She couldn’t complain, and she knew when she did feel worried, there was always a shoulder nearby to lean on. A smile creases her lips. One shoulder in particular.


Wyatt strolls along the park path, letting Trooper run ahead to sniff out the bushes and chase a squirrel. He takes in a breath of the fresh air, enjoying the warm evening with Katie.
“…So I think Ty’s settled in my place, but I haven’t gotten him to get out and do anything yet… at least not that I know of. He’s still pretty down, even after the last couple weeks. I think he just doesn’t know what to do with himself. Trooper seems to take to him alright, so at least he’s got company during the day.” Wyatt shrugs. “Dad thought maybe I could get Ty hooked up with some janitorial work around TJY, but I don’t know…I’m not sure something that confidential can be trusted with Ty just yet.”

Trooper barks and takes a mad dash after a rabbit. There are others in the park, and some young men and women are busy with a game of frisbee nearby. One man yells out as he leaps to catch the flying disc.
Trooper stops dead in his tracks, the rabbit forgotten, and he looks to the other people, cocking his head slightly, and letting out a whine.

Wyatt stops his train of thought, furrowing his brow, then shaking his head. “Poor dog. He does that every once in a while… I think he thinks he’s hearing Jason. Call me crazy, but I really think that’s what’s going on in his head. Bizarre dog just doesn’t pay head to anyone else. I guess after Jason found him wandering the streets, he decided he’d have one master and that was it.” Wyatt yawns and stretches out his arms as they walk, switching the subject once again. “Hey…my church is having a potluck after the service this Sunday. I could swing by Laura’s and pick you up if you wanted.”



Jason pulls on his heavy coat and gloves, grimacing at the snow falling outside.

“Don’t have too much fun out there,” Todd quips from his position at the fireplace.

Jason throws him a withering but amusing look. “I’ll try not to. I just feel so…lucky to have been the chosen one to get supplies from Jerry today.”

Todd laughs. “Yeah, well the dogs know their way. You’ll be back in no time.”

“Too bad I can’t take the four-wheeler.”

“Not after the snow we got last night.” Todd shakes his head and sips his coffee.

Jason dons a hat, rolling his eyes. “Sure, so send the cripple out.”

“You weren’t even using your cane yesterday!” Todd defends good-naturedly. “Besides, I went the last two times after Seth forgot what was on his list.”

Jason throws him a wry grin, now ready. “Alright. I’ll be back in a while.” He heads outside the barking dogs, already hitched up to the sled.

The ten mile jaunt to where they had their supplies wasn’t so bad on a sunny day or on a four-wheeler, but they’d been getting an unexpected snow the last three days, and it made any travel miserable. Though Jason enjoyed the work with the dogs who were kept at the base, traveling in this manner wasn’t his favorite thing in the world. The sled dogs were good, but he’d much rather be indoors training a dog to sniff drugs than be out in these blizzard conditions.

Halfway to Jerry’s, the dogs enter the woods to follow the narrow path, now made even narrower by drifting snow. Though taught how to handle the sled dogs, Jason knows they don’t need much direction, used to this route. He glances around the forest, noting that branches had fallen under the heavy snow, and several trees were down in places, proving the severe weather. Ice underneath the snow added to the weight, making the trees creak and groan.

The dogs slow to a walk as the path winds sharply to the right, and the trudge over several drifts. Just when the next clearing is in sight, Jason hears a sickening crack and looks up just in time to see a tree break loose from its base. He yells at the dogs to speed up, but it’s too late. The tree comes down just fast enough to knock Jason off the sled. He’s slammed into another tree, coming down hard in the ice and snow. Dazed, he just lies still for several moments trying to see through the falling snow. The dogs have stopped and are whining, confused by what has happened.
Jason tries to move, but cries out as pain shoots through his bad leg. Looking down, he realizes that he’s been pinned by the fallen tree. Gritting his teeth, he tries to slide out from underneath, but after several minutes, all he’s managed to do is become tired and sweaty from the effort.
Glancing around, he sees nothing to help him out of his situation. The dogs were trained to stay…no one would miss him for hours, and the snow was rapidly increasing.

The Truth will set you free

*Rosetta's own heart fills with the joy of seeing her friend, her love born again. As she returns Mick's hug she replys.* " Your welcome. You made the right choise. Now your ready to start you new life. I care about you so much Mick. It makes me happy knowing God will take care of you for the rest of the night." *As the time pass Rosetta and Mick sit talking about the new exsperince, the new feeling, the new life. Finally Rosetta starts yawning uncontrollably.* "Well I guess I should head back to bed or I am going to be dead tomarrow. I'll see you tomarrow. And Mick, Congradulations!"

Freedom

Tears pool behind Mick’s eyes, and he leans back against the wall, taking a deep breath. His wetness and coldness simply goes unnoticed as he closes his eyes. He knows what he must do… he knows it’s right…he knows that life or death depends on it. “Oh, God,” he finally whispers, “I’m sorry I’ve been such a fool…I’ve done so many thing wrong… But I give up. I can’t do this on my own…please….” He hesitates, the words sticking in his throat. “Please…take my life…I want to be forgiven…I want to be made new…”
Like the sun breaking through a blanket of clouds, warmth fills Mick’s heart. It’s not the words, he knows, that have lifted this weight from his shoulders, but his willingness to give that weight up. His fight was over…he was free.
Turning to Rosetta, he looks her in the eye, all of his pent-up emotions spilling over in a tear of sorrow mingled with a new joy he’s never known. Reaching out, he embraces her in strong hug, just holding her close…just allowing himself that comfort. “Thank you for not giving up on me,” he whispers.

Letter

*Rosetta hugs Mick close* " Would you like me to pray with you Mick? Are you ready to let god in?"

*As Katie sits up in her room her mind wonders to Jade than to Jason. Geting up she goes over to her computer and turns it on writing a email to Jade.*

Dear Jade,
I havent talked to you in a while and I just wanted to say Hi. I hope everything is going well for you. Things are great here. I met a new guy his name is Wyatt. He's really nice. I enjoy going on missions with him and what not he is great. So whats new with you? Well I better get to bed talk with ya soon

Katie

*After sending the email Katie turns off her computer and heads to bed. Henry joining her once again.*

Wrong

Mick finds a gentle comfort in Rosetta’s prompting, and finally raises himself up off the ground, following her numbly to her house. He feels like a whipped puppy with nothing left but pride lost in the wind.
Once inside, the howling wind is lost, and the quiet is a shock to the ears until a roll of thunder comes again.
Mick’s eyes focus on the floor where the mud and water run, and he dares not go further. “I’m sorry, Rosetta,” he manages. “I was wrong…I can’t do this myself anymore. You were right.”


Ty lies awake on Wyatt’s spare bed, feeling as though he’s in a dream. He can hear Trooper pacing outside the door, and wonders what tomorrow will bring. Was his future changed because of this one event? What would happen now?
The questions seem lost as he slowly drifts to sleep.

Pray

*Katie makes it back to TJY in one peace and heads to Reese office to let him know whats going on and to relay Con's message to Carter.*

*As Rosetta relizes that Mick is ok she kneels down next to him and puts her arms around him. Praying herself. Gently she trys and help Mick up.* "Come on you. Lets get you out of the rain before you catch cold.*

Storm

Wyatt smiles at Katie, throwing he a wink, and returning a squeeze to her hand. “I’ll call in later. See you tomorrow.” After making sure Katie is on her way back to TJY, he turns his jeep around to take Ty to his own place.


Mick can hear Rosetta’s voice, but it takes several moments to drag himself from his sorrowful state. Still on his knees, he straightens to raise his face to the heavens again, completely ignoring the storm that’s raging. The one raging inside his heart is much more needing of his attention. “God, I’ve been a fool,” he voices. “How can a wretch like me deserve your forgiveness or guidance through this treacherous world?”
He sees Rosetta out of the corner of his eye, but cannot find the strength to lift himself off the ground.

What on earth

*As Katie listens to Con she is a bit saprised about the news with Jason.* "J is going to Alaska? Wow...ok..I'll let Carter know. Ok Con...I'll talk to ya again soon. Let J know I said be safe. Later." *Katie hangs up the phone. She feels a bunch a mixed emotions. Even though her and Jason were so far apart she could still feel him enough to knoe he was ok and not in danger. But if he was going to Alaska it was going to be even FARTHER away and she dident know if she would be able to feel him at all. As they stop away from TJY Katie nods.* " Ok I guess so, but I want an extra long walk with you 2 than next time." *Katie smiles and turns to Ty.* " Have a good night and dont get to scaired of Trooper." *Kaite says goonight to Wyatt and gives his hand a small squeeze. Geting out of the car she waves as the boys drive away. Katie makes her way back to TJY in no hurry to get back.*

*As everyone is gathering for dinner Wendy enters the mess hall and hanger her new painting up. It dident come out how she wanted but it wasent horrable eather. After puting her painting items away and scans the room for Clint. Giving a wave she heads over and sits down.* "Heya you. Get all your work done for the day or is Wes gonna kill you." *Wendy gives alittle giggle.*

*As the thunder rolls Rosetta shoots up out of bed. A voice she though she hurd a voice call out over the thunder and rain. Geting out of bed she squints out the window. During the summer and spring Rosetta's sleep habbit changed. She dident sleep as deep as in the winter. She always was sleeping with one eye and ear open in case a visoter needed help. As Rosetta continues to scan the yard she heads the faint voice again. A crack of thunger follows and a flash of lighting lites up the sky showing a form laying on the ground. Panic over takes Rosetta. Throwing on her jacket and slipping on her boots she flings the door open. Jumping off the porch she runs across the lawn. Drawing closer she can now make out its Mick. Over the thunder Rosetta yells.* "Mick, MICK Whats wrong? are you ok? what are you doing out here. Rosetta scans the yard squinting through the rain again trys to get the sarounding trying to make sure no one alse is out there.*

Broken

Ty seems to grudgingly accept what Katie says, though his body language still reflects that he’s on guard. He studies Katie a little more carefully, wondering if she really could relate. For some reason, he believed her.

Wyatt listens quietly, once again, wondering at Katie’s past. He’d read her profile…he knew there were some blotches on her record. But what really made her tick? What had made her who she was today?
He lets his questions go, and glances back to Ty again after several moments of silence. “So what do ya say? My place?”

“Sure, whatever.”

Concluding that would be about the best response he would get, Wyatt lets it drop and just drives.


Con is just stepping out of Jason’s bunk when his cell phone rings on his belt. Seeing who’s calling, he grins, and slows his walk toward the mess hall. “Hey, Kat!” He fills her in briefly. “Nothing a whole lot new around here…I guess tell Reese that we’re still hanging on. Nothing new has come up on Medridge yet…the feeling around here is that we’ll be at a standstill forever, but I can’t help but think something’s got to come up soon.” He pauses for a moment, wondering if he should say anything or not, but figuring that for simple logic, it would save another phone call. “Oh, and get a message to Carter that Jason accepted the Alaskan job. He’ll fly out tomorrow.”



Jade looks to Angel with gratefulness, feeling just a little better. “Thanks, Angel…you make a lot of sense.” She thinks for several moments as they make their way back to where their walk began. “I don’t know if I should leave or not…I might talk to Dad about it. I guess a part of me has always felt like an outsider here. It’s nothing anyone here as done or said by any means…everyone here is so nice…and I love you all. But I guess my life has been so different than this for so long that I just can’t seem to fit in.” She shrugs and sighs, looking towards her bunk. “I suppose I should get some stuff done before supper…. Thanks for listening to me.”


Wyatt stops his jeep about two blocks away and out of sight from TJY, following protocol when having a stranger along. “Alright, Hero, I’m letting you off here and gonna to take Ty back to my place. Can Trooper and I have a rain check on that walk in the park?” He grins at Katie with a mixture of apology and pleasure.



The evening is a quiet one. Clint closes up shop before supper, joining the others in the mess hall and saving a spot for Wendy. It’s different having visitors around, but the gang remains close-knit, and anything about the case is brought up after the visitors have gone to bed or interspersed throughout the day.


Nightfall brings on a strange denseness to the air, the scent of moisture rolling in. By nine o’clock, the wind has picked up, and thunder can be heard in the distance.

Mick lies in his bunk, still fully dressed. The clock indicates midnight. He can hear his brother sleeping soundly in the other bed, but he himself is wide awake. Sleep has escaped him so many nights now, that he’s used to lying awake. But his body is exhausted.
Finally giving up, he rises, throwing on his hat and jacket and heading outside. The rain is pelting down, and lightning flashes across the sky. Mick heads towards the barn and slips inside, shaking the water off himself. He sets about checking on the horses, and winds up flopping down on a stray bale of straw. Resting his head back against the wall, before he knows it, sleep has taken over.
But once again, the sleep pulls along with it the horrors of his now-regular nightmares. The emotions have worsened. The images have become more violent. The torment more intensive. War is waged yet again, taunting…killing…the pain is worse than ever.

A crack of thunder wakes Mick with a start, jolting him so violently from his sleep that he stands and looks around his surroundings to ensure reality.
Angered by the inability to control these dreams, and desperate to stop them, Mick stalks outside, leaving his hat and jacket behind, and kicking the door on his way. The rain is coming down in sheets, the lightning still zig-zagging in all directions. Mick flings a glare up to the dark sky, throwing his arms into the air. “What do you want from me?!” he shouts.
An ear-splitting roll of thunder responds, shaking the ground.
“Stop tormenting me!” Mick’s voice competes with the driving wind. “What do I have to do?!”
The answer is there. It tugs at his heart. It pulls, prods and shoves its way into his mind. He knows the answer. He knows what he must do. He knows the right path to take. His heart feels as if it’s being ripped in two as his pride is shattered into a million pieces. He cannot survive on his own…he cannot continue alone.

Mick feels himself dropping to his knees, the mud and water going ignored. The rain soaks him to the bone, the thunder reverberates in his ears. But nothing compares to the feeling of brokenness as his soul is laid bare before the One he has resisted for so long. He curls over to hide his face in his hands, unexpected tears mixing with the rain as guilt and shame break forth. But there is a hand to catch him…there is a mercy to forgive…there is a love to hold.

I know how you feel

*Katie continues to look out the window as she listens to Wyatt and Ty talk. Finally after Ty asks the same question for the million time Katie turns in her seat.* " Its part of out Job. Its what we do. We take the innocent and keep them from being wrongfuly accused. Its just what we do. We dont like seeing something happen to people who dont deserve it. There is nothing more to it, nothing less." *Katie turns and looks out the window again. Deep down she felt so sorry for Ty. She had been the same age as him when she left home. Katie new it wasent an easy road to travil and when you dident have true friends and family it was hard. After a moment Katie turns again.* "Listen I am sorry I snaped at you. I guess it kind of hits home. I wasent much older than you were when I left home and got into trouble. Be lucky that you have people who care enough to try and help you. Even if you dont know who they are. We are good people, and we work for what is right. You have nothing to worry about." *As Katie falls silent she remembers she hadent called Con today. Pulling out her phone again she turns to Wyatt.* " I forgot to call Con before we left. This will only take a minute." *Katie dials Con's number and waits.*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Angel listens to Jade deep in though.* " Its never easy Jade no matter how long you have been with the person. You build a closeness with them, and get use to your life with them in it. Its not silly to be like that. Your human and it shows emotion. Even if you leave being totel upset with the person or even hating them, it still hurts to have to do so. Yes things will be differnt but at least you still get to be friends. As for you leaving, it would be sad to see you go. We have all goten use to having your pritty face around. But you need to do what you think it best for you, and not worry about everyone alse. Sometimes, you have to go through alot of hurt to finally find the one your ment to be with. Every person we meet and grow close to teaches us something differnt, and we carry that with us forever."

Transfer

Wyatt can’t help his amusement as he listens to Katie tell off Ty. A grin spreads across his face, and he gives her a momentary glance, his eyes laughing.

Ty rolls his eyes at being called a kid, and sinks lower in his seat out of resentment for the situation.

Reese responds to Katie over the phone. “Alright. I trust you two. If you thought Ty needed to get out of there, then that’s probably best. If he’s got a place he wants to go, go ahead and take him there. We don’t have anything on him that we could dig up, other than he’s from South Dakota. If he doesn’t have any place to go, I give Wyatt permission to make any judgment calls necessary.”

Once the phone call ends and Wyatt is informed, he glances in the rearview mirror. “Well, Ty… the sheriff is out to get you here…you don’t have a home…where is it you’d like to go?”

Ty looks up to the mirror with a scowl. “You mean I get a choice?”

“We’re on your side here…what do we have to do to prove it? We just wanted to get you out of there before your life was unjustly ruined.” Wyatt tries his best to show his sincerity. “You got any family? Friends? You were in this area for a reason.”

Ty drops his gaze. “I was just passing through.”

Wyatt sighs, feeling a brick wall again. “Talk to us, Ty…you can trust us. What’s your story?”

“I’ve been drifting,” Ty shrugs. “I left South Dakota about a year ago…just…trying to find my destiny I guess.”

“How did you get here?”

“Hitchhiked.”

“All that way?”

Ty shrugs again. “Why not? This bag here is all I got. Picked up a few odd jobs along the way to pay for meals, but I figured I wouldn’t try settling down ‘til I hit the coast.”

“So you’re heading for California. Got something waiting for you there?”

“No…”

Wyatt glances to Katie, wondering what they should do, but keeps up the conversation with Ty. “Where is your family? Still in South Dakota?”

Ty scoffs. “If you wanna call them my family. I walked out from them over four years ago when I was sixteen. I doubt they even realize I’m not there anymore.”

Compassion hits Wyatt hard. Ty was only a couple years younger than he was…he couldn’t imagine feeling like that. “Tell you what - I’ve got a spare room. How about coming back with me?”

Ty’s eyebrows shoot up. “You’re kidding me, right? You just hauled me out of jail and you’re going to share your house? Wouldn’t you be afraid I’d steal something?”

“You said you were innocent, and I believed you.” Wyatt looks in the mirror again. “What happened anyway?”

“Oh, I opened my big mouth.” Ty rolls his eyes. “I was in this grocery store and I saw the holdup going on. I recognized the head guy who had the gun, so I yelled at him, asking him what he thought he was doing. I called him by name, so when the cops came, the store cashier said I was with the gang. So they arrested me.”

Wyatt nods. “Alright then. Why shouldn’t I trust you?” When Ty doesn’t know how to respond, Wyatt continues. “At least spend the night. No tricks, no strings attached.”

Ty looks between Wyatt and Katie, totally confused. “Why do you guys care?”



Jade sniffs and walks next to Angel. “I feel silly…I was fine a while ago…” She goes on to explain what happened, and what she and Jason decided. “I mean…I know we did the right thing…and I know we’d only been together a couple months, but….I don’t know…it still hurts. And things are going to be different now. We parted on good terms, but we won’t be doing stuff together like we were...” She sighs, her tears dried now. “Katie’s not around any more…I’ve lost Jason… maybe it’s time for me to go home, I don’t know.”


“What?!”

Con shrugs as he looks at Jason. “That’s what he said.”

Jason turns around in his chair at his desk, trying to see if Con was serious. “Carter wants me off this case?”

“No. He still wants you on call, but the guys up north need some help, and Carter figured you’d not only be a good choice, but that you might want to get out of here for a while.”

Jason’s eyes grow wider. “It’s Alaska!”

“So?” Con grins. “You told me once you’d like to go there.”

“Yeah, but…” Jason sighs. “Well, whatever. If Carter wants me to go help train those dogs at the northern base, I will.”

“I think Carter wants you back out on duty for some other cases, too. He mentioned one close to headquarters he might call you in for.”

“But I’ll be in Alaska.”

Con quirks an eyebrow. “That’s what phones and airplanes are for.”

“So I just leave you guys here high and dry?”

“You know if we need you, we can have you back here in no time.” Con pauses, cocking his head. “Carter left the door open if you really didn’t want to go…” He purposely glances at Jason’s desk where a picture of Jade is.

Jason follows his gaze, before looking back up at him. “That’s not in the way anymore.”

“What?”

“It’s over.” Jason shakes his head. “We called it quits today.” He quickly changes the subject, despite Con’s surprised and confused look. “So yeah…whatever Carter wants.”

What next

*Katie flips the visor down and look at Ty's reflaction. Something....something tuged at her mind again. She new him from somewhere. His face, his attitude..It was so familure.* "LIsten kid, if we were really part of a gang we wouldent have just gotten you out of jail. We probly would of shot you while you were still in there." *Katie keeps watching Ty in the mirror.* " Now if you really want us to be from some gang I have no problem tieing you up and throwing you in the trunk." *Katie flips the visor back up and takes out her cell. Dialing Reese number.* "Hey Reese its Katie." *Katie gives Reese a lowdown on what went on and to get instructions on what to do next. Glancing at Wyatt out of the side of her eyes she smiles.*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Rosetta smiles and hugs Mick back.* " I will, and you can always pray too. Its pritty easy just talk to God like you would any of your friends. He will always listen to you. I'd even be willing to pay with you sometime if you wanted." *As Rosetta embraces Mick she thanks God for leting Mick's heart be open and ask questions. The though of losing him and having him condemed for ever was a though she hated. Rosetta wanted Mick to be saved and excited about God as she would.* "Come on lets go get some lunch." *Rosetta walk's with Mick making there way back to the mess hall.*

*Wendy cant help but laugh.* "Ok, I guess I can let you go back. I should probley get this painting done anyways before I lose the sky. I'll see ya at dinner, and maybe before." *Wendy resumes her seat and starts to paint again.*

*Angel exstends her arms giving Jade a hug.* "Corse I do hun, and yes its never easy. Come on lets walks alittle. It will do us both good." *Angel walks with Jade being a sounding bored for the young girl.*

Hard

Ty finally exits the cell, snatching the bag from Katie with a look of warning. “Fine. But I better get some straight answers once we’re out of here.”

Wyatt rolls his eyes a little, giving Katie a grin. “We better split before our friend here blows a gasket.” He looks back to Ty. “Got anything other than that? A car?”

Ty scoffs. “No.”

“Where do you live?”

Ty grits his teeth. “Nowhere.”

Wyatt lifts an eyebrow, starting to lose his patience. “Look, in about forty-five seconds, that deputy will be in his office, and we’re to walk out of here unseen. We just want to get you back home so you can put this behind you, so you better start being straight with us.”

“And I’m telling you that I don’t have a home.” Ty hisses, staring right back at him. “For someone who supposedly knew what was happening, you certainly don’t know a whole lot, do you?”

Wyatt can’t help some surprise as he senses the truth. “Alright, keep your shirt on. You’re coming with us then.” He sees Katie has a handle on making sure Ty doesn’t skip out on them, and heads to the door. Going into the front room, sure enough, the deputy isn’t in sight. Wyatt tosses the key on the desk and opens the front door for Ty and Katie. He directs Ty into the backseat of the jeep, ensuring Katie resumes riding shotgun, and within seconds, they’re heading out of town. “Katie, call Reese and ask him what he wants us to do.”

Ty leans forward between the seats in protest. “Now hang on. Quit treating me like piece of meat being tossed around. Who’s Reese, and who are you guys? I deserve to know if I’m getting into something worse than I just left.”

“We’re from an underground group of vigilantes whose purpose is to stop these kinds of crimes against innocent people from happening.”

Ty is speechless for only a moment. “Nice try. You’re from Troy’s gang, aren’t you?”

Wyatt sighs and looks at Katie. “I tried. You wanna see if you can do any better?”

Ty puts a hand to his lip that’s started to bleed again, and throws a glance in Katie’s direction. “You two are really something. Fine. Call what’s-his-name. I don’t care.” He flops back in his seat, crossing his arms.



Mick runs a hand along Beauty’s back, ensuring that she’s clean, and he tosses his brushes onto a shelf. He continues to mull over Rosetta’s words, still confused, but satisfied for now. He unties Beauty from the aisle and takes her to her stall, making sure the door is shut securely. He goes back to Rosetta and wraps his arms around her in a hug, sighing deeply. “Well, for now, since you’re in the habit of praying, pray these nightmares stop.”


Clint returns Wendy’s hug. “Yeah…I’m kinda glad that stupid dog ran out in front of me…otherwise I prolly would have dumped my cycle on some deserted road in Timbuktu.” He backs away, sensing her melancholy. “I’m sure it will end too…it has to… and no…I’m a little too attached to this place to take off even if the case no longer exists.” He throws her a quirky grin. “Speaking of attachments, if I don’t put in a couple more hours in the shop, Wes is gonna know it and never let me live it down.”


Jade stops walking and looks at Angel, her emotions starting to tumble out. Her lower lip trembles and she shakes her head. “No…everything’s not okay…. I just… I mean… Jason and I…” A tear escapes down her cheek and she takes a deep breath, trying to regain control. “It’s…it’s fine…I just…” She stops, tossing her gaze back to the ground. “I didn’t think it would bother me this much…can you…I mean…do you have a minute?”

Next Step

*Katie nods at Wyatt as he comes back into the room. Going over to the far end of the room Katie picks up a bag that have Ty's name on it. Coming back over Katie grins.* "Well I would say you should cuz right now it looks like we are the only friends you got let alone people trying to get you out of here.." *After geting Ty out of the cell Katie stands behind him making sure not to leave him much room to run. Katie throws a look to Wyatt asking what to do next.*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Well you see Mick, You should only be baptized when you feel ready to be. However God wont love you less if you dont. But being baptized is a sigh of loilty. We are offering outselfs completely to God. Leting his holy sperit fill us, change us. Making us examples for other so that God can live through us to reach them." *For a long moment Rosetta is silent. Talking to Mick about God felt good. She liked being able to shair what she new with the man she loved so when life in this world was over they could both see eachother someday.* " And ya know Mick. None of us are perfect, we will always make mistakes and make God sad. But as long as we learn from our mistakes, ask god for forgivness, and try not to do it again. God will forgive us and help us along. Goodness know I have made my shair of mistakes along the way. But its comforting to know I am forgiven and loved still."

*Wendy nods at Clint.* "Ya I know what you mean. But I am happy to be here non the less. I have enjoyed geting to know you, and spend time with you. Your a great person Clint. I've been happy to get to know you. I hope Wes does say you can work fulltime for him, I like having you around." *Wendy smiles and throws her arms around Clint giving him a hug.* " I have faith that someday this will b over, I also have faith when this is over we wont lose our friendships." *Wendy lets out a long sigh.* " I just feel bad for Mom, and everyone alse. They have been going through this for years. It will be nice when its over they can rest."

*As Angel looks out the windows she can see Jade hurry past. SHe looked up. Angel grows concerned. Stepping outside Angel walks over to her and places a hand on her shoulder.* "Jade hun, is everything ok?" * A look of compastion in her eyes*

How do I know?

Wyatt looks at Katie with intrigue at the mention of the past, but he doesn’t question. “I know what you’re saying, and I agree. But if they’ve already gone this far, threatening legal action against them won’t do any good. Besides that, if we threatened and had to follow through, we’d jeopardize TJY’s position in this whole thing. We’ve got to get Ty out of here without giving away our own identities or getting caught by higher authority. I wanted to see the sheriff, but maybe it’s better that he’s not here.”
He nods, knowing they won’t get into trouble for changing the plans. “Dad trusts me, and he trusts you too. We’re alone out here and if his goal was to get Ty out of this, then we have to act now. I don’t see any other options.” He throws Katie a wink and turns to go back through the door.

The deputy’s eyes narrow as Wyatt approaches him. “Visiting hour is almost over. You better get your woman out of there.”

“Let her be,” Wyatt growls. “At least let those two have some privacy.” He moves closer and turns to rest half of his body on the desk, cocking his head at the deputy. “I know a good lawyer…”

“That kid don’t need a lawyer.”

“I wasn’t talking about Ty.” A sly grin comes to Wyatt’s face.

The deputy’s eyes widen slightly. “Remove yourself from this office or I’ll have the sheriff on you so quick that your head will spin.”

Wyatt laughs, and reaches into his pocket. “You don’t wanna get caught, and I don’t wanna get caught. Looks like we have something in common.” He pulls out a wad of bills. “What’s bail?”

“There is none,” the deputy scoffs.

“I said…” Wyatt glares at him. “What’s bail?” When the deputy doesn’t answer, he grins. “Being a deputy can sometimes have a benefit on one’s income. Oh, a prisoner might escape by unknown means every once in a while, but in the end, a deputy’s pocket is sure to be full. Now…what’s bail?”

In minutes, Wyatt is back with Katie and Ty with a key. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.”

Ty hesitates for a moment. “How do I know I can trust you guys?”



Mick doesn’t like admitting to himself that what Rosetta is saying makes sense. It all fit…and if Jesus was what made her so happy and peaceful during the tough times, then wasn’t what she saying true?
“Well what about all the other stuff like…like baptism?” Mick resumes grooming Beauty to keep his hands and eyes busy. “Sparky says that if someone believes in God and accepts Jesus, that they should be baptized if they’re physically able and circumstances allow.” He shrugs. “Something about all the examples in the Bible, and how often it was taught or something. I dunno…he said that it was faith that brought somebody to God in the first place, but that baptism is like the physical sign of taking an oath…and that it goes hand-in-hand with accepting Jesus…not that salvation is based on a physical act, but that it’s showing obedience and kinda like, I dunno…like proving you’re serious about it or something…” Mick suddenly stops and looks up, realizing that he’s revealed how much he’s really paid attention to things people have told him, and simply hasn’t wanted to sort through them before. “So…Sparky quoted some verses…is that really what the Bible teaches?”


Clint shrugs. “I guess I haven’t thought much about it because I don’t have an awful lot of faith that this thing is gonna be over any time soon. I see people like Jeff…he ended up going home a couple weeks ago to put his stuff in storage and giving up his apartment. Luke’s friend brought his car and he’s still got his apartment, but he’s thinking about going the same route. Sparky…he misses home, I can tell, and he’s stuck between staying here or going back to his friends and life he loved.” Clint sighs a little. “Then my folks…they still got the house, but it’s just sitting there being paid for while it’s vacant. Eric - he moved all his stuff out of his place, sold half of it, and kept the rest in his rig…” He pauses, thinking about it all. “It’s like we’ve all settled on the fact that this could go on for a very long time, yet we all hope it won’t. I just don’t know what to think about it…I don’t know where I fit in.”


Jason eases down on the edge of his bed and stares at the floor. Despite knowing the decision made was right, the pain was lingering. Maybe he’d been foolish to think that Jade would want to stay with someone like him. He was glad they were still friends, but it would be different…awkward…
He shakes his head and flops backward, closing his eyes. Could someone like him really find happiness and peace? Or would his chosen path continue to lead him down a miserable road? Did he really have to give up what his life was made up of, in order to gain someone like Jade?
Jason grits his teeth as his emotions start to rise behind his eyes. It wasn’t fair that he and Jade had to do this…but who said life was fair?


Jade wanders from the kitchen and back outside. A tear rolls down her cheek and she brushes it away with the back of her hand. She wished her mom was here…she wished Katie was here…. She ignores someone she meets as she trudges past Angel’s office, her eyes glued to the ground.

In our favor

*Katie thinks for a long moment remembering when she was in TY postions herself.* "Wyatt...this might help, I have been in TY's postions, some day I will tell you the story but not now. Anyways, they dident offer him a lawyer. That in its self is a crim and they cant hold TY cuz of it. If we can get TY to coroperate with us, we can use the no lawyer to our addvantage." *Katie eyes Wyatt showing her is nervouse.* " I just dont want to get in trouble for going aganst your dad. But I trust you as much as him. I'll call Susane now." *Katie goes to the other side of the room calling Susane. Katie fills Susane in brefly and tells her to let Reese know. If he has any problems to call Wyatt or her cell.*

~*~ Back at the Ranch~*~

*Rosetta smiles at Mick. She is happy for his questions. Its nice to shair with him. She only hopes its coming out how God wants it too.* " Well thats the easy part. All you have to do is have someone pray with you and lift your life to God. You have to tell him your sorry for the bad stuff you did. God is our father, and is sad when we disobay. Just like you would be when Dylan or Jade did as kids. As we accept Jesus into us so that way its kind of like a mark he puts on us. He washes us clean and we change. We still are ourself but we have a new glow about us. Our life seems to look so much brighter than it does now. We alow God to open our eyes." * Rosetta holds her smile at Mick. Searching his eyes.*

*Wendy nods.* " Ya I have. As sad as it sounds I dont really like thinking about it." *Wendy stairs across the pond.* "When this is over everyone is going to go there own way and its going to seem so lonly and quiet. I've goten use to having all you guys around. She wont say anything but I know mom is geting older too. And when she gets married I dont know if she is going to continue here eather. I know its selfish...but...I wish you all could stay forever." *Wendy lets out alittle laugh.* "Have you done any thinking about it?"

The future

Ty eyes Katie with suspicion and distrust. “I want you to bug off if you’re not here for anything but to gawk.”

Wyatt quirks an eyebrow. “Cop an attitude and we walk away. We’re here to help you.”

Ty scoffs and makes his way across the cell, reaching for the bars to lean against them casually. “I bet. What are you gonna do? Call the sheriff?”

Wyatt glances at Katie, showing his annoyance, then looks back at Ty. “Have you called anyone?”

“Ha!” Ty’s mouth creases into a smile, though his expression is angry. “I’m lucky I got a cot to sit on.”

“They didn’t allow you a call? Offer a lawyer?”

Ty cocks his head, studying both his visitors. “You don’t get it, do you? I’m in here to be an example, plain and simple. I get nothing but a free ride to the county ‘correctional facility’ where I’ll be behind bars for a good couple years – that is, if Sheriff Drierson has his way.”

Wyatt’s eyes widen. “When are they moving you?”

“Tomorrow. Seven in the morning.” Ty shakes his head. “Look – if you came here on a social call, I don’t know what you expected. What’s your angle?”

“No angle.” The wheels in Wyatt’s mind begin to work. He looks Ty in the eye. “Did you help out with that robbery?”

Ty stares right back at him, his honesty evident, despite his attitude. “No.”

Wyatt pulls Katie aside to where Ty can’t hear them, and keeps his tone low. “Reese didn’t want us making any moves, but if they’re going to take Ty tomorrow, we’ll never get him out of here, and I think he’s telling the truth.” He glances towards the closed door. “Apparently the sheriff isn’t here – the deputy is all we gotta worry about, and unless I’ve lost my touch, I’d say he’s just corrupt enough that we might be able to bribe our way out of here.” He pauses, thinking through what’s going to happen. “Tell you what…call Reese and tell him what’s happened… no… just talk to Susanne – Dad will talk too long. Be brief, then tell Ty that we’re getting him out of here. I’ll work on Mr. Smarty at the front desk.”




Mick pauses Beauty’s grooming to pick out the hair from the brush. He furrows his brow, sucked into the subject like never before as he searches for answers, but still fights against Rosetta’s words. “Well what about this whole Jesus thing? I mean…” He pauses, not liking how his questions were coming out. He’d asked these kinds of questions once a long time ago…Jill had discussed some things with him – she’d been a churchgoer, and Sparky had tried telling him these things. But…he still didn’t understand. He still didn’t trust it. “I’ve heard the whole thing about accepting Jesus..is that true that you have to do that? Why can’t you just say okay and follow God’s rules and that’s it? What’s with accepting Jesus, and how do you do that anyway?”


Clint shakes his head and releases Wendy from his grasp. “No…not yet.” He sighs. “I just haven’t had a good time to talk to him about it. I don’t know if he could use continued full-time help or not. If not, I’m gonna have to go look for another job. I can’t just be here without helping out financially…it’s not fair to the others, like Eric…he’s dispersing his whole paycheck every week just to help keep this place going with everyone here. I don’t want to just sit back and do nothing. Even Dad’s started doing some work through the internet to gain some income.” Clint pauses in thought. “Ever think about what’s going to happen when this thing is over?”



The warm breeze blows softly, rustling the treetops, and providing a peaceful atmosphere for the little picnic. Conversation is kept light between Jason and Jade as they begin their relaxed meal in the soft grass of the clearing.

“So…what are you plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in ten years?”

Jason leans back in the grass on an elbow as he chews his sandwich thoughtfully. The question seemed a random one, but he supposed that it was a subject that simply had gone overlooked before. Neither one of them had spoken much of the future, other than getting through the case against the Agency. “I guess I see myself at TJY.”

“Really?” Jades tone implies slight disbelief. “You like that kind of work that much?”

“It’s in my blood.” Jason shrugs. “It’s what I’ve been trained for…what I’m good at. I like helping other people by working for the corporation.”

Jade sits back, thinking hard. His answer probably shouldn’t have surprised her, but it did. “You don’t think it’s hard on your family and friends?”

Jason stops for a moment, wondering what her point is. “I know it is…but it’s something I feel strongly enough about, that my family and friends just have to adjust and understand. There will always be a need for people like me, and I can’t deny the duty I feel. I care about my friends and family, but like my mom, they just have to trust that I’ll be all right.” He takes a swig of iced tea and looks at Jade with curiosity. “What about you? What’s your future look like?”

Jades’ face reddens slightly, though she easily switches gears to talk about herself. It was a subject she often dreamed about, even if she didn’t speak of it. “Oh…I guess I want to find the love of my life…settle down in a little house out in the country somewhere…marry a man who I know will always be there…someone to spend my evening with…someone whose job doesn’t take him far away, so our kids can grow up with a normal, healthy family life…” She giggles. “I guess that’s a fairytale version.” Her smile grows thoughtful as she thinks about her dream. “It’s what I really want though, I guess. Maybe some would say it’s just romantic ideas, but I’ve seen it happen, and I know if I want it bad enough, I’ll find it.” She looks up at Jason, her eyes suddenly full of hope.

Jason finishes his sandwich, a strange awkwardness settling over the scene. He wasn’t quite sure how to react. Jade’s admittance of her own ideas for the future had caught him off guard.
Jade senses the tension as well, and busies herself with putting away the picnic articles. This conversation had not been planned.

Jason swallows hard as he mulls over what she’d just said, and questions build in his mind that had been buried up until this point…questions to which the answers may not be wanted…and if truth be known, questions that had been purposely avoided. He finally reaches out to take Jade’s hand, forcing her to cease her busy work. “So…that’s what you really want, huh?”

Jade looks down, letting his thumb run through her palm. “Yeah.”

Jason thinks about his life…his involvement with TJY, and his own future. Suddenly his life and Jade’s life appear as opposite as black and white. For someone with a job like his, the daily circumstances were always uncertain. Living in one place and settling down was something he could never promise. Having kids was not something he thought wise for someone in his position, with the danger that he faced and the unpredictable outcomes. And for someone like Jade…someone like her with picture-perfect dreams…would she really be happy with someone like him? The answer was as clear as day, though it remained unwanted.

He forces a weak laugh. “I guess there’s no changing that dream, is there…?”

Jade frowns, instinctively knowing and dreading what’s coming next. She hadn’t wanted her question to spawn this conversation…all she’d wanted was to enjoy the afternoon. But they were here now, and couldn’t avoid it. “No. …And you?” Her words are laced with lingering hope. “You’ll always want to live the life of adrenaline and danger?”

Jason meets her eye with a new form of sorrow. “I can’t change who I am.”

Jade withdraws her hand, unsure what to say as she places the napkins into the picnic basket. A quiet scoff surfaces. “I should have known better, Jason…”

Jason sits up, his heart sinking. After a moment, he voices what they’re both thinking. “It’s not going to work, is it?”

She turns to him, pursing her lips in solemn thought. “I don’t think either of us are willing to change our dreams, and if that’s true…do we really have something that would last?” She shakes her head. “You know as well as I do that ever since the winter social, this whole thing has been just surface feelings. We want it to work…we want to be together…and we do like each other…care for each other, but… is there really any depth?”

Jason has a hard time forming any words. In his heart, he knew she was right, but it still hurt. “I’m sorry, Jade.”

She gives him a little smile, despite the tears behind her eyes. “It’s not your fault. The first time I saw you, I felt something I’d never felt before, and I knew it was worth a try. But sometimes things just don’t work out like we hope.”

Jason looks down, a strange mixture of feelings hitting him. He was sad, yet at the same time, not as sad as he would have thought, perhaps proving what they both knew. “You’re going to make an awfully fine catch for that man of your dreams,” he says softly. “I’m just sorry that I can’t be him.”

Jade reaches over to put a hand on Jason’s face, a tear trickling down her cheek, despite her smile. “There’s a corner of my heart that has grown to love you in a short amount of time, and I’ll never forget that. I have no regrets, and neither should you. I don’t want to let you go, but it’s better to stop now before things go far enough that it will hurt even more.” She pauses for just a moment. “There’s a woman out there somewhere who’s made for you…who has dreams that are so close to yours that when you reach this same point, there won’t be any doubt… You’re a good man, Jason…and you deserve the best.”

Jason takes her hand, swallowing his emotions and sighing deeply. “I hope we can still be friends.”

“Of course.” Jade squeezes his hand.


The walk back to the ranch is slow and quiet, neither speaking much as they stroll hand-in-hand. As they arrive, they turn to each other once more. Jason leans down, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “Thank you, Jade. For everything.”

She smiles up at him, graciously accepting the circumstances. “I’ll see you later, Hotshot.”

A small grin can’t be helped, and he backs away, finally turning to go to his own bunk.

Jade trudges to the mess hall to return the picnic leftovers to the kitchen. As she unpacks items into the refrigerator, she holds back her tears. They had made the right choice, she was certain. But no matter how right, the pain would linger for just a little while.

Somethign Strange

*Rosetta thinks for a moment before answering Mick as she keeps brushing the horse out.* " Why yes Mick you do have to. Think...what would the world be like if those who stole and murdered wernt puished? If we dident have rules we would all be robbing stores, and killing people, this wouldent be much of a world to live in would it? Now think of the bible...I dont like to think of them as rules but gidlines on how I should live mylife. God is here to help us, not condem us. With out even relizing it Mick you follow God's rules now. You dont cuss, You dont murder....The only thing you lack is the trust. If I want to get up and Go...I can. As log as I am healthy while I am doing it. We can do what we like still as long as we shair Gods love, and follow the guidlines along the way." *Rosetta smiles at Mick.*

*Wendy giggles at Clint.* " I dont think I would. Oneday when you dont know it...I'm gonna." *Wendy leans into Clint.* " Ya I like this one too. I really like how everything is reflecting off thew water. I just need to do the sky, and some more trees and it should be done." *Wendy looks out at the water as Clint stands with her.* " Did ya talk to Wes yet about going full time over there?"

~*~With Wyatt~*~

*As Katie follows Wyatt into the back she lifts her sun glasses off her face and puts them on top of her head. As the make there way to the cell with TY Katie eyes him. Something about him seemed familure but Katie couldent put her finger on it. Its wasent possable for her to know this guy she had never seen him in her life. Yet something tuged at the back on her mind. Katie looks from Wyatt back to Ty. A strange feeling comes over Katie in the gut of she stomach. A strange thoughtfull look on her face.* "I guess that depends who you want us to be."

A new face

Mick doesn't look Rosetta in the eye as she talks, though her words are convicting for some reason. He ponders them a few minutes before speaking again. "But if God loves people so much, why are there so many rules and all that? I see Sparky, and....well you too, and it's like you're tied down or something." He shrugs. "Does someone really have to go through Jesus and all that to get to Heaven?"


Clint grin and slings an arm around Wendy's shoulders. "Well, I'm not done for the day, but I needed a break. Wes is gone for a bit, so I gotta close up later." He steers Wendy back to where she was painting. "Mm...I like this one... you do such a good job."
He laughs at her suggestion of painting him. "Ha! I'm sure you'd portray it perfectly, but we don't want to scare anyone away."



The drive to Jackson is a pleasant one, and the radio fills up most of the quietness on the way down. Once arriving, Wyatt finds his way around the small town streets until he spots the police department. It fits the town's size as not very large, with few police cars around it. "Well...let's go in and take a look around. We can say we're here to visit...." He pulls out a piece of paper Susanne had given him. "...Ty Baker. Just play it cool I guess and once we see what kind of shape he's in, we can leave and call Reese before doing anything else. I wanna see the sheriff myself to see if the rumors about his attitude are true."

Wyatt exits his jeep and hops up on the curb, waiting just a moment for Katie. "If they ask, we're Ty's friends. They don't need to know anything else."

Once inside, a deputy looks up from his desk, seeming a little disgusted by their intrusion on the paperwork he's doing. "Yeah?"

Wyatt grits his teeth at the cool reception, and pulls an attitude of his own. "We wanna see Ty...now would be good."

The deputy eyes them suspiciously. "If you're part of his little gang, you can just turn right around and high tail it out of here before you get put behind bars too."

Wyatt leans over onto the man's desk, looking him in the eye. "We're friends of Ty's, and it stops there. So please...just point us in the right direction so we can get out of your neatly combed hair."

Despite a glare, the deputy backs down and nods to a door. "Just go through there. He's in the back cell. Only one there. Try anything and I'll lock the door behind you."

"Thank you." Wyatt straightens and motions for Katie to follow him. They go into the back and follow the short row of cells to the back.

A man looking to maybe be in his early twenties is lying on a cot, staring up at the ceiling. Hearing someone approach, he turns and sits up, swinging his legs around. A black eye accents his face, along with several other cuts and a swollen lip. His dark hair is matted, and his eyes linger on Wyatt and Katie with a piercing stare. He stands up, folding his arms across his chest in a defiant stance, though his attitude doesn't seem to match a more timid look behind the mask. But something about him jumps out as familiar. The way he stands...the way he holds his head. Wyatt doesn't appear to sense the strange feeling in the air.

Ty just stares at them. "Who're you?"

Heaven or Hell?

*Katie laughs* "Ya only if Trooper dosent slobber all over me like last time." *Walking tword the Door Katie hears Susanne call. Looking a Wyatt a smile crosses her face. Throwing on her sun glasses and folding her arms under her chest she gives alittle lean back.* " Ready, Willing, and Able oh great defender." *Katie cant help but bust out laughing as they head out. They maybe small cases Katie was helping with but she loved everytime Reese wanted to help. She was moving up and she loved it."

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Rosetta is not saprised by Mick's question. Picking up another brush Rosetta starts to groom Beauty's other side.* "Well...I would say my constince was trying to tell me something. Maybe you feel badly about something you know you should do. The topic of heaven and hell could be heavy on you mind after talking to someone about it. Your dreams might be perseving the battle your fighting inside to know what is right. Sometimes with us being human we dont like to make a desition untell we workd through the outcome of both to know what will happen, But when it comes to heaven and hell that will never come. We never will know what will happen. Well, we know when we die if we go to heaven than thats wonderful and if we go to hell thats bad and you will be in pain forever. But it sounds like your brain is trying to go deeper and you just cant." *Rosetta stops for a moment to collect her thoughts wondering if she is even making sence.*
"We just have to trust God that he knows what he is doing. That went we turn our life over to him he wont let us down. Ya bad things happen and we are GOD why..why did you let this happen if you love us so. The reson he let it happen is so when we passon we have something to look forword to. If we were happy and content here on earth we would never want to leave." *Rosetta smiles at Mick.* "As for the good things in our lifes, God gave those to us along with the bad so we know than if we put all of our good stuff together that still would only be a small portion of the happyness we will have in heaven."

*After finishing a few brush strokes Wendy lays down her palit and brush. Turning she smiles up at Clint.* "Hey you. I thought Wes would never let you leave." *Wendy giggles.* "How was work today?" *Wendy streaches out her legs and works her fingers in and out trying to get them to uncramp for when she starts to paint again. Over the last few weeks Wendy has made painting one of her main hobbys. And of the ones she thought looked half way deacent she hung in the mess hall and if visters wanted to buy them they could. Wendy liked seeing the look on people's faces when they got her paints like they just got a master peace* "Ya know...sometime your going to have to let paint you while you working. I think it would come out pritty cool." *Standing Wendy walks over near Clint and smiles.*

Ready?

Wyatt just sits back and cocks his head, enjoying giving Katie the upper hand. He laughs and shakes his head. "Nope - I like seeing you win." He finally takes his feet off the table and leans forward to grab his water bottle, finishing it off. "Well, to tell you the truth, if you want someone to help you get a car, the very best person is Scott." He grins. "He may own a bomber himself, but I tell ya - he knows a thing or two about engines, even more than I do."
The clock on the wall changes to one o'clock and Wyatt sighs. "I gotta go help Hal at his downtown office." He gets up and heads to the door, but stops and pivots back around. "After supper tonight I'm walking Trooper down to the park to let him run for a while. Want me to swing by Laura's?"

"Hey Wyatt, Hero in there?" Susanne calls down the hall, interrupting them.

Wyatt almost rolls his eyes, giving a little sigh, laced with humor. "Yeah."

Susanne comes with a phone message in her hand. "Just got a call. There was a robbery over in Jackson and the cops caught one guy who's pleading innocent. The town sheriff has a bad reputation around there, and he's holding this guy as guilty, not even bothering to go out and bring the other culprits in. Sounds like one of his deputies roughed up the guy pretty good too. It was a civilian who called Gary, who just called Reese. We don't have anybody else on call right now - can you two swing down there and snoop around? Reese said not to do anything more than visit the guy and get a grip on what's happening, then report back."

Wyatt grins, knowing Katie will jump at the chance. "You bet. As long as you call Hal and let him know I won't be there today."

"Sure."

Wyatt fishes his keys out of his pocket and looks to Katie. "Take us about an hour. You ready, mighty sidekick?"



Mick smiles at Rosetta, and resumes Beauty's grooming. "Eh, she'll be fine. I got her going pretty well before I sent her here, so she's had a rider on her. It won't take much to get her back in the routine after not having been handled much in a while." He concentrates on a tangle in Beauty's mane, though a flashback from last night's nightmare comes rushing back. Sighing, he shakes his head, too exhausted from the torment to continue keeping it hidden, and deciding just to blurt it out. "Rosetta, if you were having nightmares about heaven and hell, what would you think?"


Clint yell back at Wes to let him know he's got everything under control. After tinkering a while longer, he decides to take a break, and cleans up before wandering outside. Looking around, he heads to one of Wendy's favorite spots, finding her near the pond. He approaches quietly, knowing she's concentrating on her painting. "Hey..."



Jason is just heading to his bunk, when Jade runs up behind him. "Get ready, we're going for that picnic today." She tries to catch her breath.

Jason stops and looks down at her in surprise. "...Okay?"

"It's supposed to rain tomorrow." Jade giggles. "And I'm not going to postpone again. So get yourself ready and I'll go get the food. You okay walking a ways?"

"Yep."

"Good. Meet you back here in ten minutes."

Time Passed

*Katie stands and picks up her own darts. For a moment she is quiet as if really consintrating. Taking aim her first dart lands right next to if not ontop of Wyatt's. She gives a smerk as she can feel Wyatt watching her. Her next lands right by the first. Smiling she sits back down.* "Ya know I could always throw a game or two for you. If that would help your male ego any." *Katie scruntches up her nose at Wyatt. The time had seemed to fly by. It felt like just yesterday was her first day at TJY. Now she fit in. People started accepting her, no matter if she was away from the ranch or not the nickname Jason had given her stuck. Personal Hero, most people shortend it to Hero, a few must have goten wind of Con's nickname (kat) for her too. Though Katie never perked up to that one as much unless it was Con himself who said it. Calling Con had become Katie's daily ruteen. Though it was a call for work Katie always spent an extra few minutes catching up and seeing how everything at the ranch was going. It was always good to talk and hear Con's voice.
Katie giggles at Wyatt's comment.* " I think Laura would kill you if you messed with her car. Thats like her baby you know." *Katie cant help but smile her eyes dancing.* " I guess you and Trooper will just have too. I could use some more exersise myself and now thats its nice out, I hate being cooped up inside all the time. I'm thinking about using the money I saved up and invest in my own car. It would be nice to have one and explore alittle. I dont know much about them though." *Katie leans back in her chair and streaches leting out alittle yawn.*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*As Rosetta leaves the mess hall she smiles at Jade and Jason on the swing. They were so cute together. Walking off the porch she takes in the warm crisp air. It was nice to have the good weather here again. Trying to keep her head up after the case had hit a sour note for the ranch's sake and for her friends and family as well. Rosetta nods as she pass a few guests. The ranch was starting to pic up again and with the warm weather many more responsiblitys. Entering the barn Rosetta smiles at Mick. Coming up along side him she lets out a sigh.* "She sure is a wonderful horse. I think she is going to be a spitfire to train and I sure would like alittle help. If your up to it." *Rosetta grins at Mick as she leans in to give him a kiss. It had been a few weeks. Rosetta and Mick grew with each passing day. Both of them finding happyness in eachother. Rosetta thanked God for everymoment she could spend with him. He had changed since he had been here, Mick truly seemed happy. Though Rosetta couldent help but worry about his nightmares. They seemed to be geting worse. Not wanting to bring up the momries she never mentioned them to him. Rosetta new in time when Mick was ready he would talk to her about them.*

"No nos nos....You need to digs the shand out like dis." *BJ sat in the sand with a few other kids building sand castles and showing them how to dig out motes. Much time had passed since Sam droped BJ off at R/M. Not a day went but he dident think of her. But to his child mind it wasent long and he believed she would be back. Right now BJ was enjoying his new friends and sarroundings. He had grown very attached to Rosetta and Mick. BJ lets out a giggle as him and his friend dig like crazy in the sand. BJ was content.*

*Wes lets out a hearty laugh as Clint sings at the top of his lungs.* "Hey dont quit you day Job eh." *Walking over to the car Clint is working on he looks over his work.* " You are doing a fine job Clint. You've come alone way and caught on fast.I am proud of you." *Wes does a bit more tinkering around in the shop than heads into his apt to thorw some new clothing on and take a shower. He was running a bit late He forgot he promised Cindy he would meet her in town for lunch. Coming out of the back Wes calls to Clint over the raido.* "HEY CLINT, When your done for the day lock up for me ok. I am heading into town to meet Cindy." *Wes leaves the shop and jumps into his truck heading for town.*

*Wendy sits outside on a stump by the pond. The last week has been stressful and hard but she is trying to make the best of her. With her paints and easll sit out Wendy starts to paint the pond. Stoping for a bref moment Wendy lets out a sigh. Than goes back to painting trying to kill time till Clint is done working.*

Time

Though most would want to agree with Wes, it was obvious that storming the Agency wasn’t the best of plans.

Jeff catches Rosetta’s eye, sorry he’d suggested splitting up again. He hadn’t really wanted that to be an option, he’d just been trying to figure everything out.

It’s agreed that trying to find both the location of Dr. Medridge and Sam would be a good starting place to begin research again, while continuing to try and find the location of the last chip.

Con fills Katie in later when she calls, giving her a detailed report to give to Reese. He wants to elaborate on Jason’s change in demeanor but resists, not wanting to open up that can of worms. Instead, he makes small talk about working at TJY before ending the call.


Wyatt seems to have disappeared for the day, someone mentioning he got called out of the office, but early afternoon, an email pops up for Katie.
“Thanks for breakfast. It was scrumptious. - Wy”

Time…

Over the next couple weeks, Wyatt continues to give Katie and Laura rides to and from work as her car waits to get fixed, then winds up in the shop for longer than planned. No one minds though, all three winding up doing more together and enjoying the time to develop friendships.


Plunging ahead with new purpose, work on the case from the ranch takes on a fresh perspective, giving everyone new motivation. But as time drags on and little is found, the pace slows back to the depressing state of wondering if they’ll ever find what they need. The weather warms, creating a conflict of enthusiasm for spring mixed with a depression resulting from the realization that danger still lurks with no warning and no answers.

…Passes

“So then I said I would go.” Jade giggles as she controls the swaying of the porch swing with her foot as she leans against Jason, his arms resting around her.

Jason grins at her high school story, and allows a long pause, the warm breeze seeming to lull them into a melancholy state.

Jade senses his quietness and questions it. “Penny for your thoughts.”

Jason rests his chin on her head. “Just thinking is all…it’s been a month since we’ve dug up anything substantial on this stupid case…the Agency, or Dr. Medridge at least, has gone back into hiding… it all just feels like a weird dream.”

“Yeah…” Jade sighs. “I was talking to Dad about it yesterday…he seemed a bit down over it. Come to think of it though, he’s seemed a bit off for quiet a while. I can’t put my finger on it though.”

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “I heard Sparky say something to Wes last week about him knowing that Mick’s been having nightmares something awful.”

“Really? I didn’t know that.”

“That’s all I heard though, so I’m not sure if that was everything or not.”

Another pause is allowed to reign for several minutes until Jade speaks up again. “How’s your knee after you twisted it yesterday?”

“Better.” Jason grimaces, remembering his sparring session with Con the day before. He’d held himself to a rigorous morning routine for weeks now, though yesterday was his first attempt at getting back into some hand to hand combat. He still depended on a cane to get around, but he’d set aside his crutches two weeks prior after receiving a positive report from JT. “Con felt terrible.”

Jade giggles. “Well you were fighting.”

“He said he shouldn’t have hooked my leg like he did.” Jason rolls his eyes. “He’ll get over it.”

“I’m sure.” Jade straightens up and sighs with content. “We still gonna go on that picnic you keep promising me?”

“Of course.” Jason pulls her back close to give her a bear hug and kiss on the head. “I always keep my promises.”

“Good. Tomorrow then.”



Clint sings at the top of his lungs to a song playing on the radio as he lies on his back under a car. Reaching for another tool, he realizes how much he’s learned since he started helping Wes… and his debt was almost paid off now too. He was going to have to ask Wes if he wanted help to continue, even if the original reason was taken care of.



Mick ties Beauty in the barn aisle, giving her a good brushing after the quick workout he’d given her. With the weather getting warmer, he knew Rosetta would probably saddle her up one of these days, and he wanted the young mare to be ready. Pausing, Mick leans on Beauty’s back for a moment, his mind wandering to last night’s nightmare all over again. Would the bad dreams ever stop? They were still haunting him…some worse than others, but all leaving him with a terror that clung to him throughout the day.



The afternoon at TJY seems slow with several people gone on vacation, and as a slowdown in cases comes. Reese keeps Katie busy with secretarial work though, impressed with her efficiency and adding a few more responsibilities to her plate, along with toying with several ideas for her to help with a few certain cases.

Wyatt leans back in his chair, his feet propped up on the break room table and he throws another dart, landing it near the bull’s-eye in the target on the far wall. Another throw lands his next dart dead center. “Ha!” He glances over to Katie. “I’d say ‘beat that’ but I’m afraid you will like you did last week.” He grimaces. “Scott still hasn’t let me forget that.” A grin escapes as he doesn’t really mind at all…he’d been having too much fun getting to know Katie to let anything bother him at this point. He pauses, his eyes twinkling. “I keep having to fight my jeep in the mornings not to drive by Laura’s, now that her car is fixed. I’ve considered tampering with her engine just so I could keep picking you guys up in the mornings.” He throws Katie a wink. “Guess Trooper and I will just have to take a few extra walks.”

Fight

*Rosetta looks at Jeff, her eyes grow small tears.* " Even if it was cuz we were split up, I dont want to go down the road again. Not now. I wont be for that plan."


*Wes stands again pacing.* "Cant we get TJY involved more? Find out where this DR is or Agency is located and storm in guns blazing and...." *Wes slumps back down in his chair scanning the room.* "Ya I know, not likely."

*Angel sighs.* "We have been through to much to give up again." *She shakes her head* " Its not fair to iceolate outself from the people we love. I say we start fighting back. If Sam was at the McClain's she would of had to give them a home address right? I wonder if we called if Allen would give it to us. I know it could be a bogus one, but it might not of been. We might be able to go and check it out get some clues or something."

~*~At TJY~*~

*As Katie makes her way to the desk she starts to work on the papers Reese has layed out for her. Hours pass and finally the pile is almost empty. Looking down at her watch Katie sees its almost noon. Trying to decied if she wants to call Con now or wait till after lunch Katie picks up the phone and dials Con's number.*

Discussion

Clint stumbles forward just a little as Wendy comes up behind him, but instead of straightening, he bends over, pulling Wendy up onto his back and swinging her around, piggy-back fashion. He sprints into a jog to the mess hall, giving her a bouncy ride until he hits the porch, swiveling around to deposit her on the step. In one swift motion he turns to leap onto the porch and open the door, bowing low to usher her inside. He's breathing heavily, his face red, but he's grinning from ear to ear.

After everyone is settled down, Jason shares and the questions fly, Jason shakes his head. "Rosetta, I don't know." He glances at his grandfather, but Austin doesn't offer anything. "Who would we try to prove anything to, even if we could? The authorities would laugh us out of town before even investigating it themselves. It's been tried. Not to mention we've encountered law enforcement that's been in with the Agency, so who do we trust?" He holds up the papers. "These here are just printouts of of files I shouldn't even have seen. If I would show these to anyone, I could probably go to jail for hacking."

Mick speaks up. "As far as I can tell, the Agency chose us, simply because of our parents. Apparently they agreed with whatever the Agency was doing. That's what we discovered up to this point at any rate. I'm not convinced it has anything to do with us, per say, but rather we just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Jason nods. "That's what we've landed on so far." He turns to Wes with seriousness. "If you have a game plan in mind, do share. But don't think we've come up with nothing. This in itself clears up a lot of questions. You've been lab rats - anyone who gets involved has been, and anyone who gets involved hereafter is included in the batch. I'm in danger, Austin's in danger, and even Con." He shakes his head again. "It won't end until one of two things happen - we take down the Agency or die trying."

Con studies his younger friend, intrigued by Jason's sudden take-charge attitude. What had happened overnight to change his outlook?

"Or give up," Jeff states lamely. "Do you think the torment would stop if we split up again?"

Jason isn't sure he knows enough to answer, but he does anyway. "We thought you all were left alone because you were split up - but it could very well be simply because Medridge was behind bars for a while..."

"So we still don't know what to do." Mick scoffs in disgust. "It's like getting pieces to a puzzle, but putting them together doesn't form a picture."


Once at TJY, the threesome splits up, Wyatt heading to his desk with his breakfast, and Laura to hers. On Katie's desk is a bunch of papers and notes from Reese with new tasks for the day, including a reminder to call Con.

New Calabration

*Rosetta smiles at Mick and rolls off the coutch trying to get motavated.* "It's 7am." *Finally geting enough motavation Rosetta gets up and wakes BJ up ready to start the day.*

*Angel smiles as Luke comes up behind her. She rests her head on his and laughs.* " ya go figure I do know how to cool little."

*As Wendy lays on her bed she hears a loud bank on her window. Jumps straght up in the air finally she heads Clint's voice.* "Why that little." * Jumping out of bed Wendy runs out the door and jumps off the porch running up behind Clint trowing her arm around him.* "Are you TRYING to give me a heart attack?!?"

~*~In Wyatt's Car~*~

*Katie laughs at Wyatt.* " You better watch it she will kick your butt. I bet she could goo." *Katie gives Wyatt a silly grin. The rest of the way to TJY is pritty quiet*

~*~Back at the Ranch~*~

*Rosetta listens intently to what Jason has to say her eyes going big for a moment.* "So all of this, everything we have been through has been the doing of Dr. Medridge. Wow....so how do we even stop this? We dont have any proof but those papers you have."

*Angel sits up straghter in she chair.* "Why did the Agency pick us for the implants though? Was it just randome or do we all have a certin trate or what."

*Wes speaks up* "So whats our game plane now? I just want to get this done and over with so we can move on with our lifes and be happy. I am tired of draging this out. Doing research and coming up with nothing."

*Wendy sits quietly with Clint. Even once in a while glancing over at BJ. He was watching Jason so intently like he new what was going on. But that was impossable he was only 6.*

Clues

Sparky grabs a cup of coffee and wanders the mess hall, trying to focus his mind for the day. He meanders to the living room, taking a glance after realizing this morning that Mick hadn't been in bed all night. Seeing his brother and Rosetta on the couch, he lingers, leaning in the doorway, just watching them for a moment. Maybe a little bit of peace could be found amongst the turmoil.

"They look happy, don't they."

Sparky turns quickly at Mel's whisper, not having heard her behind him. "Yeah..."

A small smile creases Mel's lips as she sees Mick. "I'm glad he came back here...I was afraid at one point that he'd gone too far down to turn around."

Sparky takes a sip of his coffee and nods. "Me too."

Mel gives him a sidelong glance. "Ever wish you could find that happy spot like him?"

"You mean that he's found with Rosetta?"

"Yeah."

Sparky shrugs, still keeping his voice low so as not to wake anyone. "Not sure I was meant to...I suppose a part of me gave up on that a few years back."

Mel eyes him for a moment then turns to go, but not before laying a hand on his shoulder. "There's always tomorrow."

Sparky lifts an eyebrow as he watches her leave, his mind suddenly a thousand miles away from where it was.


As the scent of coffee drifts into the adjoining room, Mick opens one eye groggily, then the other, slowly coming out of a fog. As his surroundings come into focus, he realizes that Rosetta's face is inches from his, a smile prompting his own grin. He draws her a little closer to plant a kiss on her forehead. "One of these days I'll grow up enough to go to my own bed at night." He rolls his eyes then reaches his arms over his head to stretch as he yawns. Recalling the evening before, he knows he owes Rosetta a thanks, though understands that she wouldn't have stayed had she not wanted to. He lets is own look into her eyes convey his gratefulness. "What time is it anyway?"


Luke slips into the kitchen, a smile on his face as he creeps up behind Angel to grab her around the waist and lean down to give her cheek a kiss, his hair still wet from his shower. He rests his chin on her shoulder for a moment, looking at what she's cooking. "Mm-mmm. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you knew what you were doing."


Cindy leans over her stationery on the mess hall table, concentrating on the letters she's writing.


Clint trudges groggily to the mess hall, his hair still askew, having had only one thing on his mind since rolling out of bed: coffee. Passing Wendy's bunk, he reaches up to bang his palm on the window pane, letting out a holler. "Rise and shine!" He continues his saunter to the mess hall yawning big.



Laura follows Katie out the door, locking it behind her. Catching up as they get to the jeep, she slips in the backseat again.

Wyatt raises his eyebrows as Katie hands him the container of food. "What have we here?" He cracks the lid to look inside, a grin spreading across his face. "Now that's what I'd call a right good wakeup call." He smacks his lips, setting the container down on the floor by his seat. "I have a date with that as soon as I get sat down at my desk." He throws Katie a look that conveys he's pleasantly surprised by the breakfast. "Thank you."

As they pull away from the curb, Laura chuckles. "Now if I would have given you something, you would have asked me what favor I wanted."

Wyatt laughs, keeping his eyes on the road. "That's because I know you. This damsel on the other hand...." He gives Katie a sly sidelong glance. "I'm still figuring out. But between you and me, I think she's driven by purer motives than you."

Laura grimaces good-naturedly and whacks the back of the driver's seat. "Thanks a lot."

Wyatt just grins and steers his jeep into traffic.



Most everyone is already seated and eating breakfast by the time Jason enters the mess hall, met by Jade, who helps him with the door. "Hey there handsome." She smiles. "I was just ready to come see if you were joining us this morning."

Jason returns the smile, his eyes and mind clearer than the day before. "I am, but I appreciate knowing you'd find me if I died or something."

The mischief in his eye makes Jade laugh. "Come on. I saved a seat for you."

"Nope." Jason shakes his head. "I got something to share first." He holds up his papers. "This is gonna be of interest to everyone." He makes his way to the end of the room, tossing the papers onto the end of one of the tables. Glancing around, he clears his throat, trying to gain everyone's attention. "Hey, y'all... I got something I want to share with you... last night I found some interesting facts..." He glances at Austin and Con. "I haven't even told you two about it yet."

Austin and Con exchanges glances that convey both surprise at Jason's discovery and surprise that he's that confident this morning - something has changed.

Jason leans on his crutches, glancing down at his printouts. I ran across a name the other day that I finally remembered I'd seen while perusing some Agency files once. After some double checking, and comparing records, I wound up hacking into a system, getting in pretty much by luck. But once there I found some records of a department of the Agency, in which was a partial personnel file, including these." He points to his papers. "This is a file on a Dr. Kent Medridge. He's basically a psychopath. Apparently he's got quite the status at the Agency, having been with them since way back when. We can go over details later, but the bottom line is that y'all have always wondered why you were tortured in a sense, never left alone, even when you weren't trying to go up against the Agency."

Sparky and the others listen intently, confused, but wanting to know more. Jason goes on. "Really, it all boils down to lab rats. That's how you're viewed by Medridge. After the Agency sucked in your families, you received implants and the works, Medridge started his own program of evaluating human behavior under stress. He was allowed to use your families as a testing ground, basically." Jason shrugs. "It's hard to believe, but from what I've gained from these records is that he's been the one behind all the random attacks, kidnappings, you name it. The Agency itself would have been satisfied to leave everyone alone after the implants were in place, but they allowed Medridge to play. There's records on all of you that I couldn't get access to - I'm sure they list reactions, behaviors and results from stressful situations."
He scans the room grimly. "So you've got a double whammy here. Not only does the Agency want you because of the implants, but Medridge is going after you too. He's the type to put an ant under a magnifying glass just to see how long it takes to kill the thing as it burns. It's my theory that the Agency's only motives are the computer chips, and for all we know, they don't realize yet that we're on to them in that area. But Medridge basically has free rein, so he can torture while the Agency can still keep an eye on where everyone is."

Sparky shakes his head in disbelief. "What kind of a sick person would do that?"

"Medridge," Jason states flatly. "He needs to be locked up in a padded room somewhere."

"So what about the last eighteen years?"

"He was locked up," Jason explains, shifting to another printout. "He got in trouble for a wrong diagnosis on a patient a while back, blew the whole thing out of proportion and wound up behind bars. It just happened that he got out about the same time Mick started digging around and the case blew open again."