Follow Your Dream

*Katie trys to smile at her dad.* "Sounds like fun. Camping is always a blast. I never told Aunt Rosetta but I always like when we had bonfires." *Katie lets out a sigh. She was upset with her dad still, but that icy patch over her heart was starting to melt. Maybe Jay really did change.*

*As Rosetta enters her eyes widen a bit. She new Jay would be coming but it was still strange that he was actully there. It had been such a long time since she last saw him. As tears form in her eyes Rosetta walks over to her brother and wraps her arms around him.* "Its been along time Bro. To long."

*As Katie watches her family and friend reunite she gives a tiny smile only to have it fade as Jason enters her mind. Again he wasent in trouble, he wasent hurt but his heart acked. For some reson he was leting his dream slip away. Not wanting to call him to bother him yet again Katie closes her eyes and leans her head aganst the pillow softly whispering.* "Follow your dreams Jason or there always will be what if. Follow your dreams, follow your heart. I'm behind you."

Turning around

Jay listens intently to Katie talk about Jason and Wyatt, intrigued by who they are, and who is daughter has become. He almost says something once about the men she was referring to, but refrains, remembering that at this point in time, he really has no right to give advice.
Instead, he continues to listen. A smile forms as he takes the picture of Katie with her car. "She was a beauty," he compliments.
Learning about Katie at TJY, what she did, who her friends were...it filled in so many holes...answered so many questions he had had. As Katie concludes, Jay realizes that there are tears behind his eyes. He looks down for a minute, then back up at his daughter with love. "I'm so proud of you... You've done so many things...had so many accomplishments..." He reaches out to take her hand. "Somewhere along the way I lost my little girl...but you've grown into a woman that any father would be proud to call his daughter."
Clearing his throat awkwardly, he shrugs. "Life at home hasn't changed a whole lot. It's just Jess and me around the house most of the time with your siblings away from home now too. Business at the dog kennel is going alright...tax season is a mess..." He chuckles. "Picked up the hobby of fishing somewhere along the way so once the weather is nice we'll be camping out some."

Mick nods at Rosetta and throws an arm around her shoulders as they exit the hotel. "One of these days, this'll all be over," he promises quietly.
The drive to the hotel doesn't take long, and the three make their way to Katie's room again. Arriving, Jeff opens the door to let Rosetta and Mick in, only after entering, realizing that Katie's not alone. He raises his eyebrows as he sees his brother.

Turning around at the sound, Jay's eyes widen. He'd known Rosetta and Jeff might be here, but he had forgotten, and hadn't prepared for this meeting. He stands up from his chair, the strange nervousness returning.


Jason pulls off onto the shoulder of the road, his indecisiveness getting the best of him. He puts the truck in park and just lets it idle as his mind spins. This whole thing was just ridiculous. He hadn't told anyone about it so that it wouldn't become a huge deal, but instead, he was apparently making it worse by not saying anything. It was such a small thing that he'd hate to even say anything now, for fear of looking foolish. It was nothing for anyone to get excited over...in the broader view of the subject, the request had been nothing, compared to the world it lived in. It was such an insignificant thing! It would be like him saying it had all been over as stupid a subject as choosing what color to paint his office.

He groans and sets his head back against the seat. It really was silly the way this had turned out...Katie was worried about him, Wyatt thought he was doing something illegal...all because he'd simply kept this to himself. ...But he still didn't want to tell anyone...he knew nothing would come of all this, and not having anyone know would simply save him the embarrassment of announcing rejection. Why had he said yes in the first place?

He runs his hand along the bottom of the steering wheel as he thinks. He'd agreed thus far for the simple reason that this was something he'd always dreamed about, whether he'd let anyone in on that dream or not. He'd always known he wasn't good enough...
Getting through two meetings had sparked a slight hope, but he knew today would just pop that bubble. He shouldn't go... He looked a mess after his go-around with Wyatt, he didn't want to receive that look of rejection, and on top of all that....even if there was the remotest possibility that he was wanted...even if there was that ever-so-slight chance...how could he really say yes to it? He knew good and well that once he tasted it, he'd love it, and then he'd be forced to ride two roads. It would be impossible to balance what he already did...his job...his friends...then add something this on top of it.

Gritting his teeth, Jason puts the truck in gear and waits for traffic before turning around and heading back towards town. He just needed to forget about this whole thing. It was stupid of him to have pursued it this far to begin with. Cutting it off today was the safest route to take.

Get to Know me!

*Katie lets out a small laugh at Jay as he asks about Jason.* "Jason, No. At one point I wanted him to be, but that dident workout. Maybe even a small part of me still wants too. But I was hurt once and I just I dont know. Me and Jason stand as really close friends right now. We are really close and I dont want to push it. At times in his eyes I can see he wants more or feels more. But thats just not the story right now." *Katie goes into alittle bit more detail to Jay about Jason, his flowers, there feeling, and her ability to feel what he feels, before she moves onto a new topic.* "The other guy you hurd me....yell at I guess you could say Wyatt. He is my boyfriend. He's a really good guy. Really sweet, fun to be with. He's knows what he want and goes after it. He's so kind and caring. He'd put anyone before himself. I'd like you to meet him before you left I think." *Katie again goes into detail about Wyatt. What he is like, what they have done together. Katie feels a tad bit funny as she explains Wyatt to her dad. She new him, but she dident really "Know" him. There were so many dark courners yet to be discovered. So many secrets hiddon.* "So thats the guys in my light right now. It can get kind of crazy. but I deal the best I can." *Katie reaches into the little dresser and pulls out a pic of her car with her standing next to it and hands it to Jay* "Thats my car before it blew up. It sure was pritty. Ah well. So anyways...I work at TJY as a secratary, and sometimes work on the cases with the others. Or did anyways. If I cant walk again I probley will just stay a secretary. Oh ya, I was being Jason's bodyguard too." *Katie tells Jay more about her life in the last years and more about her life in Navada. Trying not to leave about any details finally bring herself to the currant.* "So thats me. what about you Jay? How is everyone? Anything exciting going on?"

*Rosetta gabs her stuff and giggles trying her best to smile.* "Lets get this show on the road."

Decision

“Dang it!” Wyatt tosses his phone into the passenger seat, and slams his palm down on his steering wheel. He leans over to rest his forehead on the wheel. “Lord, what am I doing?” This had to stop…was it time he just admitted he’d been wrong? Katie had been a spot of sunshine in his life ever since she’d started to work at TJY. He’d found her to be a loyal friend that offered compassion and fun. He’d taken a chance with his heart that had already been burned once, confident that maybe this time he had a real shot. And then Jason had come into the picture. Everything had been fine until he’d been hurt in Alaska, then had come back to TJY. After that, it had been nothing but tension. Both Jason and Katie would deny any form of relationship other than friendship between them, and yet their actions seemed to prove otherwise.
Wyatt didn’t believe either was outright lying…and Katie was not the sort of person to do anything behind his back or to ever be deceitful. But Wyatt had seen how she’d clung to Jason the last few weeks at the hospital…he’d seen how she depended on Jason…cared for him… Whether she recognized it herself or not, Wyatt was beginning to. Was what Jason and Katie had something that could be dissolved, or would it always exist? If it was to continue, Wyatt wasn’t sure he could keep trying like this.
Turning his jeep around, Wyatt heads back towards TJY. He’d give up on tailing Jason for now…and he wouldn’t try to do anything that might upset Katie right now…she had enough problems to worry about without him making it worse. When he felt she was ready, he would approach her about these things. In the meantime, he would continue to show the affection that he felt.
Halfway to TJY, he stops at a flower shop.


Jay’s eyes are slightly wide as Katie turns her attention back to him. “Wow…you’re right, I didn’t expect this, but it’s okay…” Finally, ever so small, a smile surfaces. “I guess maybe I need to stop trying to apologize for the past and simply try to get to know you again, if you’ll let me. I know it’s not easy for you because of the way I acted so long ago…and nothing I can say will erase that…I have to live with the consequences every day of my life.” He stops to sigh deeply. “So…tell me about yourself. You started talking about the guy who was in here…Jason…is he your boyfriend?”


Mick cleans up the kitchen counter, ready to leave the hotel. “All aboard who’s going aboard!”


Laura is just drying her hair from the shower after getting up late, and is trying to get some breakfast when the doorbell rings. “Oh, now what?” she grumbles. Trudging to the door, she opens it with annoyance. Her eyes widen, a delighted shriek erupting. “Con!” She stands on her tiptoes to throw her arms around him.

Con laughs and gives her a bearhug. “Hey, sister. Don’t mind I dropped in unannounced do you?”

“Mmm, never!” Laura lets him go and backs up, smiling from ear to ear. “I knew some of the others were come up to see Katie, but I wasn’t sure if you were or not. “So how are you? How have things been…”

Running Circles.

*Katie starts to grow a bit irrotated not with just Wyatt, but with them both. Kaite lets out a long sigh.* " Its nothing....its nothing...I HEAR ITS NOTHING FROM EVERYONE NOW DAYS. Both are you are running circles around me. Having me worryed sick than telling me its nothing. When you feel like telling me something you know where I am Wyatt, Why cant you trust me enough to tell me." *Katie hangs up the phone on the verge of tears. Looking over at Jay she shakes her head.* "I'm sorry I know this is not what ou exspected. but I'm all yours not."

nothing

“Me?!” Wyatt’s eyes widen. “You just…Jason?” He groans inwardly. Was this really going to work? Jason was everywhere. No matter what Wyatt did, there was Jason again. How was Wyatt supposed to tell Katie that he’d just slugged him? “I didn’t…” He shakes his head, keeping his voice even and calm. “Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing.”

What is going on

"Wyatt Reese, what did you do? I just got off the phone with Jason. What on earth is going on now?" *Katie trys to not sound angry.*

Answering

Jason flips his phone shut with a sigh and tries to refocus. He’s got to get himself clean up before meeting with Sheriff Brown again.

Wyatt picks himself up off the ground and slides into his jeep, angry at this whole thing. He rolls his eyes as his phone goes off. “Now what?” He takes a moment to start his jeep and pull it off to the side at a better angle for any traffic to go around him, and finally looks at his phone. Katie? That was a bit coincidental. He takes a deep breath to calm himself. “Hey, Katie. What’s up?”

Wyatt

*Katie eyes widen.* "Wyatt...what?" *Katie lets out a sigh.* "No I'm ok. I'll give Wyatt a call and see whats up thx J. Be safe." *Katie once again hangs up the phone than dials Wyatt's number. once again Waiting.*

Disgust

Jay looks at Katie, confused. He doesn’t understand what she’s trying to say, and is left hanging once again as she goes back to her phone. This wasn’t exactly what he’d imagined their talk being like.

Jason grimaces as he holds the phone to his ear, driving with one hand. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he answers, with just a bit of disgust. “Just a little sparring session gone wrong. I’m across town and am late for my meeting – you have your boyfriend to thank for that.” He rolls his eyes at himself, knowing he needed to watch his tongue. “You need anything?”

Are you

*Katie lets out a sigh as she closes her phone. Looking over at Jay.* " I guess I should explain to you of my uniqe abilitys huh. That guy you met Jason. Since I met him I have had a connection with him. I know when he is hurt or in danger. I ccan just tell. Its....." *Katie gets cut off as her phone ring. Pucking it up she answers.* "Jason where are you? Whats going on? Are you ok?"

Oops

Jay’s eyes fall. “I know…but I want to know you, Katie…I know I can’t gain back the time that’s gone, but I’d like to…” His voice trails off as Katie goes for her phone, a perplexed look crossing his face.

Wyatt and Jason stare each other in the eye. Suddenly Jason’s phone on his belt rings. He automatically glances down.

Wrong move.

Wyatt’s fist connects with his mouth. Jason is thrown backward into the side of the truck, wincing as his shoulder hits, and the taste of blood hits his tongue. Instincts overtake his logic and he lunges at Wyatt, ramming him against the bumper of his jeep. Crying out, Wyatt swings his elbow around, catching Jason’s left eye. Jason backs off to recover, just to be brought to the ground, forced to block more punches before he can use his legs to throw Wyatt off of him. As Wyatt rolls to the curb, Jason struggles to stand, going for his phone as it continues to ring. Flipping it open, he sees it’s Katie. His eyes widen. She knew.

Too late, he has to toss the phone through the open window of the truck before Wyatt is on him again. Stumbling to the side, his knee is wrenched and he cries out in pain, as it gives way, sending him to the asphalt. Determined not to go down alone though, he swings an arm at Wyatt’s ankles, taking him down with him. Both men lay still for several moments, just panting. Jason’s the first to rise, wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand. He sways unsteadily, his knee shot, but he musters up his energy to glare down at Wyatt. “Leave it be, Wyatt. Tail me again and you’ll pay.” Backing away, he climbs back into the truck and starts the engine. Pulling away, he can’t help but look in his side mirror to make sure that Wyatt is picking himself up. This whole thing was just stupid. He was madder than a hornet, but he didn’t want to hurt anyone. Looking at himself in the mirror, he grimaces. His lip is split open, and he’s got a bruise near his eye from Wyatt’s elbow. Great. Just great.
Grabbing his phone, he calls Katie back and waits.

Call

*Katie sighs as she watching Jay.* "Thats the crappy thing about time I guess. You can turn it back. You missed so many years of my life. You dont even know who I really am. I know your sorry...its just hard." *As Katie talks to Jay a horrid feeling comes over her. Jason wasent hurt or wasent having a flashback it was something alse. Katie goes very quiet for a moment. Searching for answers Katies mind is still in a fog, not being able to pin point what is wrong.* "Excuse me a moment." *Katie picks up her phone and dials Jason's number waiting for him to answer.*

*Rosetta heads into the shower to get cleaned up for the day.*

Fight

Jason searches Katie’s eyes just for a moment to be sure she’s telling the truth, then nods. “Okay. I’ll be back in a while. I got my phone with me.” He grabs his bag and heads out, throwing one last glance over his shoulder before closing the door for their privacy.

Jay slowly sits down in a chair, finding it just a little difficult to meet Katie’s eyes. “I’m…I’m sorry, Katie. I guess I said all I thought I could in that email of mine, and then I wasn’t sure if you were really okay or if you still hated me, so…so I let the subject drop…again.”
He sucks in his breath as an unexpected tear surfaces, and he forces a short laugh, trying to regain control. “This is harder than I thought, ya know?” He shakes his head. “And it’s still all coming out wrong. I just…I just don’t know what to say…there’s nothing I can do to ever make up for what happened…I was wrong, I was stupid…and I was scared. And now…I thought I really had lost you…” He swallows hard. “And just seeing you here makes me realize just how much I’ve missed.”


Wyatt is suddenly alert as he spots Jason exiting the hospital and getting into Hal’s truck. “There you are.” He sits up straight and starts his jeep. “Where you headed, hmm?” He pulls out cautiously, keeping a safe distance away from the truck, but close enough not to lose track as they merge into traffic.

Jason heads to the edge of town, continuing to glance in the rearview mirror. He grips the steering wheel tighter. Wyatt must’ve really thought he was smart to pull a stunt like this. Was he stupid to think Jason wouldn’t have noticed he was being tailed? This was ridiculous. Did he have no rights anymore? No privacy?
Deciding to play the game, he speeds up and starts taking bogus turns.

Wyatt struggles to keep up, and loses Jason twice before gaining ground again. Where on earth was he going? Suddenly the truck disappears. Wyatt slows, looking all around, and down the side streets. Where had Jason gone?

Jason was fed up. Wyatt had no right to be following him. If he wanted to question his whereabouts he should have just asked instead of tailing him as if he were a wanted suspect of some sort of crime.
Jason dodges traffic and takes a hard right, then a left, losing Wyatt for just a moment. Hitting the accelerator, he takes a route that will swing him back around to the road he’d been heading down. Pulling out of the sidestreet, he doesn’t stop, but pulls directly out into traffic and slams on the breaks to block the right lane, risking getting t-boned.

Wyatt’s eyes widen as Hal’s truck comes out of nowhere to block his path. Breaks squealing, he applies the breaks and jerks his steering wheel around, skidding in a circle, barely missing the truck.
His heart racing, he takes just a moment to catch his breath, glad that for the moment, the street was deserted except for them.

Jason grits his teeth and exits the truck, anger flashing in his eyes. Seeing Wyatt get out of his jeep, Jason wastes no time. “What in blazes do you think you’re doing?!”

“Me?!” Wyatt throws his arms in the air. “You’re the one driving like an idiot!”

“Why were you following me in the first place?”

“Don’t I have a right to if I want?”

“Don’t I have the right to a private life?” Jason counters.

“Is that what you call it?” Wyatt stands up to him, despite needing to look up to see his eyes. “Sneaking around? Being evasive? You’re hiding something, Jase, and I want to know what it is.”

Jason’s face reddens, more from anger than embarrassment, though he feels stupid for allowing his actions to show more than intended. “I’m not hiding anything. Get off my case.”

“I want to know what’s going on! Why were you with the Houser County sheriff yesterday, huh? What’s with your roaming around without telling anyone where you’re going?” Wyatt sees the surprise in Jason’s eyes. “You should know better than to think you’re not being watched. So what is it? You in some sort of trouble? You double crossing someone? What?”

Jason’s hands tighten into fists. “Off me, Wyatt.”

“I want some answers!”

“Is this really about me?” Jason defies Wyatt’s authoritative tone. “Or are you just mad at me in general now because of Katie?”

Wyatt’s eyes narrow at the low blow. “Do I have anything to be mad about?”

“I don’t know, do you? You seem awfully bent on making me out to be the badguy all of a sudden. Ever since I got back, you’ve been breathing down my neck.” Jason pauses, not thinking before the next words fly out of his mouth. “Or is this really about Katie? You sure you’re not reliving something else? Like your infamous past with Crystal?”

Wyatt’s body weight shifts, his muscles instantaneously preparing for the thrust of his fist.

Talk

*Katie nods to Jason.* "I think I'll be ok J. Go do what you need to do. I'll be here when you get back and I have your number if I need you." *Katie looks at Jay again.* "Ok we can talk I dont plane on running away."

*Rosetta wakes and walks out into the other room. Seeing Mick and Jeff up she smiles.* " You guys were always early wakers." *Going over to the coffee pot Rosetta pours a cup of coffee.* " If you guys dont mind I'd like to go see Katie before we leave. I just want her to know again we are prayin and rooting for her."

Tension

Jay can’t help but be taken aback by Katie calling him by his name, though he knows he deserves it.

Jason can feel the tension thick in the air. He’s never forgotten the look in Katie’s eye when she’d told him about her past and what had happened. Shoving personal feelings aside, he stands up, offering Jay a cordial handshake. “Jason Stevenson. Nice to meet you.”

Jay accepts the hand and nods. “Pleasure.”

The short exchange doesn’t take up much time, and the silence is back. Jay glances to Katie, his awkwardness increasing by the second. “I…I got here as soon as I could…I didn’t…I mean…” He sighs at himself. “Can we talk?”

Jason raises an eyebrow and looks to Katie, unafraid to voice his question. “You alright?”

Jay

*Jamie smiles at Con.* "Well thank you Con." *Lingering for alittle bit.* "well I guess I will see you back at TJY."

*Katie laughs at Jason.* "Sounds good." *Kidingly she throws her head back on the pillow. Opening one eye to look at Jason she bursts out laughing. As the door opens and Katie see who is is her smile fades. She looks from Jason back to Jay.* "Jay...what...what are you doing here?" *Katie saprises herself. She just called her father by his first name. She did, but she dident feel comfortable enough to call him dad. He maybe her father but for the last several years he hasent been there for her. A new feeling over comes her. Not sure how to feel.* "Jason...this is my father Jay."

Visitor

Mick can see that Rosetta is bothered, and only wishes he has a solution.
The party is broken up, and Con goes with Jamie, while the other three head to the hotel. Once there, Mick and Jeff claim one room, giving Rosetta the other.
The drive to Jamie’s takes just a little while, and it’s quiet. Con doesn’t offer a whole lot of small talk other than subjects of what’s been happening at TJY, as he keeps a wary eye out for anything or anyone on the way, taking his role seriously. Once they near her place, he retrieves his cell phone to call a cab.


The sun cannot be held back by the night, and slowly rises to the horizon to spread its light once more.

Wyatt tries to stretch out in his jeep, but even with the seat back, it’s difficult to get comfortable. He’s been awake all night, watching the hospital door, but nothing had happened. Today though…he had a hunch Jason would be back out again, and this time he’d find out just where he was going. Something was strange, and he’d gotten Reese’s permission to check it out. They couldn’t afford any slip ups now. Jason was smart, but he was hiding something.


Jason rolls over and groans a little, not wanting to wake up. But he sighs and forces himself to sit up, yawning and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He heads out of the room to clean up and change clothes, and comes back still feeling drowsy. Seeing Katie awake, he grins and flops down on the bed next to her. “Is it time for a nap yet?”


Jay rolls his eyes at the cab driver and pays him with cash. It had certainly taken him long enough from the airport. This whole trip had been nothing but a disaster from beginning to end. Having only a small bag slung over his shoulder, he makes his way into the hospital, his nervousness increasing. After inquiring about where Katie is, he heads to the next level, wandering down the hall. He stops in front of the half-closed door and swallows hard. His mind had been reeling all night of what he would say, what he would do…and nothing seemed to be enough. What could he really say?
Taking a deep breath, he slowly opens the door and steps inside.

Jason sees someone entering and quickly sits up, ceasing his playfulness. Who was this man? Studying him for just a moment, he suddenly wonders if this is Katie’s father…the resemblance is definitely there. He lets his eyes fall back to Katie with question. Was this her dad? If so, did she want Jason to stay or leave?

Jay lets his bag slide off his arm and settle to the floor. He stares at Katie in the bed, his heart breaking. He hadn’t seen her in so long…why had it taken something like this for him to take the time to visit? Even if he had thought she would reject him, he should have tried. Emotions pool behind his eyes, and he forces his feet to carry him forward, stopping several feet from the bed, his hands tucked awkwardly in his pockets. He eyes Jason with slight surprise…he hadn’t known Katie had a boyfriend. Looking back to his daughter, he musters up a slight smile, unsure how he will be received. “Hi, Katie…”


Mick sets a box of donuts on the kitchenette’s counter and calls to Jeff and Rosetta. “I know, I know, I’m such a health nut when it comes to breakfast, but this is all the quickmart on the corner had. Sorry.”

Jeff laughs and takes a donut for himself. “Mm, chocolate? Apology accepted.”

Mick rolls his eyes as he grins. “You two want to go back to see Katie one more time this morning before we go, I assume?”

Keep Going

*Katie smiles. Just was so thoughtful at times.* " As long as you come back J I think I will be ok. We will see how I feel in the morning." *KAtie knows the meeting is about what happended with the sheriff but dosent bother Jason with the question now that he is sleeping. Katie leands her head back aganst the bed and drifts off to sleep. Katie dreams about her Aunt and Mick, and Cindy and Wes..than she comes to herself. In front of her stand 2 men, Her crossroad. The sure safe path, or the long twisted hard road. Katie shoots up from bed glancing over at Jason. He was sleeeping so peacefuly. For a long while Katie watches Jason before she drifts off to sleep again.*

*Rosetta sighs and trys to keep her smile and nods.* "Ok we go back tomarrow than. Probley should let Austin know what going on so he is on high alirt." *Rosetta's face drops a bit.*

*As Jamie stands she smiles at Con. She knows her can make it home ok by herself but would never decline Con's company.* "Sure, I'd like that Con. I have a bit of a ways to go so it might be nice to have someone come along." *Jamie stands and smiles at the group.* " It was nice meetin you all. I hope to see you all again, and are safe. I will keep praying."

Night is closing

Jason laughs. "So who's here to protect me when my own bodyguard is holding me hostage?"
As Katie moves, he lifts his arm, stretching it out as it has grown a little numb, but he doesn't mind. He turns to look at Katie for a moment, feeling more content than he has in a long time.
Though spending most of his time here lately, it had taken until tonight to realize that Katie really did want and need his presence, and that in itself was enough to keep him here.

He cocks his head slightly. "You owe me no thanks, for anything, Katie...you should know that by now."
For just a brief instant, he remembers the moment out on the hotel balcony, and he bites his lip as the feelings return without warning. Swallowing hard, he sits up, trying to stop his face from reddening. Thankfully, the nurse's entrance provides a distraction, and he gives her a sheepish grin in reference to the bed. "Thanks. I've been curling up in that chair enough lately that I expected to wake up one morning and not be able to straighten out. I'll probably take you up on that bed this time."

When the nurse leaves, he's still sitting with Katie, and turns to her with an encouraging smile, setting aside any awkwardness he'd experienced just moments before. "Sounds like you're doing pretty well." Though the doctors haven't been too optimistic about Katie being able to walk again, Jason holds on to hope for her sake. "You'll be up and around in no time now." He gives her hand a squeeze and gets up, going over to the other bed and dramatically flopping down on it, his eyes already closed. "Tomorrow I got a meeting to go to" he mumbles sleepily. "But I won't go until someone else is here if you don't want to be alone." He lets his head sink into a pillow. "Night, Katie."


Mick looks at the others at the table with concern. "I don't like this..."

Con frowns. "Me either. I know you guys might want to spend more time with Katie, but if I were you, I'd get back to the ranch tomorrow. I'll have to talk to Reese about whether he wants me to stick around here for a while or not too."

Mick nods in agreement after receiving a look of approval from Jeff as well. "It won't do us any good to be scattered all over the place...not right now." He sets a hand on Rosetta's shoulder. "We should probably head to the hotel now just in case someone is close by."

Con tosses Mick the keys to the car. "Go ahead and take the car. I'll get a cab to take me to my place and I'll use my own car until I know whether or not I'm staying." He turns to Jamie. "Or if because of this, you want company on the way home, I can come along, and get a cab from your place. I don't want anyone from the Agency mistaking you as part of this gang."

Sleep

*As Katie stays snuggled with Jason the time seems to pass so fast. Dinner comes and goes the new movie playing. Hating to see the night end Katie thinks for a moment.* " I think I will hold you hostage. Its more fun that way." *Giving a silly grin Katie sits up a bit to let Jason move his arm.* "J, thank you." *Katie sits back.*

*As Katie sits back a nurse walks into the room.* "Well Miss, tomarrow you start your tharipy if your up to it. The Doc said you grained alot of your strength back fast. But be warned your gonna feel alot more pain befor this gets better. But it will be ok. Seem to me you have a good friend who is helping you as well. That always makes things easyer." *The nurse smiles at Jason than nods to the other bed in the room.* " That bed has fresh sheets on it. Your more than free to sleep in it if you like. More comfortable than that chair and because f the situation here we wont put another pashent in here. So its all yours." *The nurse checks Katie's charts than heads out of the room.*

*Rosetta sits down slowly and looks around the room.* " I...I dont know who it was but I can guess. All they said was " The war has started. The end is near, are you prepaired?" and than they hung up. My hunch says its the Agency."

Hostage

Jason chuckles as he takes the menu. "There's just so many choices, I don't know if I can pick." He grimaces. "I think you're right...the chicken sounds the best."
With his free arm he calls down to have their food brought up, and it's not long before their meal is there.

With a movie playing on tv, talk is minimal, but the atmosphere is peaceful. Once supper is through, Jason winds up kicking off his shoes and settling back with Katie again, his arm once again around her in an attempt to keep away her fears, only moving when the nurse comes in to check on Katie or readjust anything.

As the evening becomes late and another movie comes on, Jason finds his eyelids growing heavier and heavier. He rubs Katie's arm gently. "Psst...if I don't go claim that chair in the corner here pretty soon I'm gonna fall asleep right here." He offers a drowsy grin. "Think I can have my arm back, or are you going to hold me hostage?"


Mick looks up as Rosetta comes and sits down, and he can immediately see that something is wrong. "Rosetta, what is it? Who just called?"

The Phone Call

*Katie smiles as Jason hopes in the bed next to her and puts his arm around her. Katie always felt so safe in Jason's arms. He could chase away her fears in a blink of an eye. No matter his faults or how Katie felt sometimes, Jason was perfect. Katie looks at her little menu.* " So what wonderful hospetal food should we have tonight." *Katie rolls her eyes.* " Actully the fryed chick and corn with bread sounds good to me. How about you?" *Katie hands the menu over to Jason and she leans her head aganst his shoulder. Katie was happy to have Jason near. She was truly happy to have him as a friend.*

*The chatter at the restront is light and cheerful dispite the morbit feeling at the hospetal. Rosetta was happy to have seen Katie and known she was ok. The laughing, joking and storytelling play on late into the evening. Rosetta cell phone rings. Decieding it could be someone from the ranch she excuses herself and heads to the front of the restront Answering her phone.* "Hello?" *As Rosetta listens to the caller on the other end her smile fades and face goes pale.*" Who is this? Hello? Hello?" *Rosetta closes her phone and walks slowly back to the table siting down.*

The day isn't over yet

Jason immediately sees the fear in Katie’s eye and is taken aback for just a moment by her pleading. He honestly hadn’t thought his presence meant that much. He enjoyed being here with her, no doubt…but he hadn’t known it was that important to Katie.
His heart breaks all over again as he sees her tears. How could he have been so selfish? So what that he had an unresolved situation to deal with? So what that his mom was getting married? They were his problems, and he had no right to let them create a negative mood swing when he was supposed to be here for Katie.

As she looks away from him, he frowns. She should know better than to hide herself like that. She was going through something that no one should have to, and if anyone had a right to cry, she did.

He approaches silently, and reaches down with a gentle hand tucked under her chin to turn her face back to him. He gazes at her for a moment, before brushing away the tear with his thumb. “A promise is a promise…I’m not going to leave you alone.”

After several quiet seconds, he makes up his mind. A quirky grin forms and he reaches down to place his arms underneath Katie, and gently moves her over in her bed. Claming the now-empty space, Jason slides in next to her on top of the sheets, letting one leg hang off the edge, and slinging an arm around her shoulders for her to lean back against. “Now…” he grabs the television remote. “We’re going to find a movie to watch and…” he picks up the room phone as well. “…we’re going to get supper brought in here for the both of us, because I’m not near ready to give up on this day yet.”

Mask

* once again as Jason mentions not staying a look of fear pass in Katies eyes.* "No Jason...please you promised you wouldent leave me." *Desparation plays in Katie's voice. There was an unvoiced fear. One of the last times she had been in a real hospetal was when her mother and brother passed away. This braught a fear to Katie that she couldent explain.* " I care for you even when I am here to cover up my own fears. I do need you Jason." *Katie looks down at her hands, and down at her lower body in a cast a single tear forming in her eye.* " I'm really not that strong you know. Your not the only one who can put masks on." *Katie turns her head away from Jason. Embarssed that she was crying over nothing. But the truth was she was scaired, lonly, and dident know what was going to happen in her life. Everything was so messed up right now.*

Needed?

Jason slowly enters Katie’s room, not settling down into a chair just yet. Why he suddenly felt awkward, he wasn’t sure. It just seemed he was the outsider, and if everyone else was there, was his presence really wanted?
He offers a slight grin and shakes his head. “No…I haven’t eaten since lunch, but I was just thinking about it. I bet you’ll be brought your supper soon. I should go down to the cafeteria and get something for myself.” He stops and looks at he for a long moment. “Here you are, the one in the hospital bed, and you’re still taking care of me. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?” He glances downward, smirking at himself. Katie was so strong in any situation…and he continually failed at staying on top of things…if anything made him feel just a bit worthless, that would do it, let alone wondering if he was really even needed here. “I don’t have to stay the night here if you don’t want me to,” he mentions casually as he goes to retrieve some money for supper from his bag.

WOW

"Oh wow...thats great about Wes and Cindy. Jason never mentioned it to me." *Katie looks to the door wondering if Jason even new. The sicking feeling she has in her tummy told her he hadent but does now.* "Wish them the best for me." *Katie smiles.*

*Katie gives everyone a hug and a kiss as they leave and tells them she will see them in the morning. Jamie acepts the invitation and heads out with the others.*

*Look up at Jason in the doorway Katie nods.* " You can come in and sit down so we cant talk." *Katie smiles.* " They maybe my family, but I have always felt strange around them. Ohh..have you had anything to eat J? You need to remember what Rick said! For me?"

News

Mick grins at Rosetta and puts his arm around her. “I think the ranch will be just fine…of course, leaving it in the hands of a lovesick fool is always as little risky.” He chuckles and winks at Katie. “Wes and Cindy have been engaged for two weeks now too.”


Though out in the hall, Jason can hear what Mick has just said. For some reason, the news hits him a little harder than he thought it would. His mom had mentioned Wes…but he still hadn’t believed it was that serious. His mom was getting married? She hadn’t called him…was he one of the last to find out? He swallows hard, unsure how to process this new information. Things had already changed so much…the past…what he had…it really was gone forever.


Con’s eyes widen a little at Rosetta’s question and Katie’s reaction, though he finds humor in it, already having known the situation. He shakes his head in response to Rosetta. “Don’t know…Reese has a couple guys working on the case…haven’t found anything yet. As far as Jason’s assailant goes, whoever it was has completely disappeared, so we don’t even have anything to go on from that perspective. Jason’s pretty sure it’s the Agency…Reese thinks it’s someone local Jason may have helped take down at one point or another. We’re just not sure.”
He pauses in thought. “The hotel should be fine. I’ll go back to my own place, so the three of you, Rosetta, Mick, Jeff…you guys can stay in the suite and I can bring you back here in the morning.”

It’s a while later that the four tell Katie goodnight. They decide to go get a bite to eat then head over to the hotel. Con suggests they stop by the café downtown, and he invites Jamie to join them.

Jason makes himself scarce as the gang leaves, suddenly feeling like the odd man out. When it’s quiet though, he eventually makes his way back to Katie’s room and leans on the doorway, unsure if she wants more company, or would rather be left alone. “Anything I can do for you?”

Connected?

*Jamie pokes Con in the side to get him to let go.* "Pst with out you around everything is quiet and calm." *Jamie cant help but laugh.*

*Katie cant help but laugh at Jamie and Con.. After a moment she looks back to Mick, Rosett, and Jeff.* "How long were you guys staying?"

*Rosetta smiles back at Katie.* "Probley a day or too, than head back. I dont want Wes burning anything down while we are gone or the others. I guess this is a good test for them though to see if they can handle stuff. Something tells me that change is in the winds." *Rosetta looks to Mick and smiles.*

"Well I was thinking. The Hotel Jason and I were staying at Is still payed for and no one is using it right now seeing as I am here and Jason has been staying with me. Maybe you guys can stay there till you go? If you think that would be ok Con?"



*Rosetta quirks an eyebrow.* " You and Jason were staying in a hotel along? Did you get married and not tell me?"

*Katie cant help but get a look of saprise on her face while Jamie laughs in the background at the question. For a moment Katie cant talk than finds her words again.* "Aunt Rosetta, I think I would tell you if I did something like that. But anywas someone was after Jason and I was hired at his Bodyguard. so thats why there is a hotel."

*Rosetta seems to relax for a moment understanding now what Katie was talking about. Rosetta looks to Con for a moment.* " DO you think....do you think Katie's accident has to do with what happend to Jason?"

Hey

Jeff smiles and shakes his head. “I’m only glad it’s just the car that’s gone.”

Con chuckles and returns Katie’s hug. “I’ve missed you too, Kat. Hasn’t been the same at the ranch without you, and a phone call a day for Reese just hasn’t quite cut it.”

Mick offers Katie a smile of encouragement. “Don’t worry. The best part of this trip is seeing you. We’ll get to meet your new friends in no time.”


When Jamie comes in, Con gives her a casual salute. “Hey, Jamie!” Receiving a hug, he returns it lightly with a pat on the back. He slings an arm around her shoulders, giving her a teasing headlock. “Long time no see. I trust you’ve been keeping everyone in line back at the office.”

Ages

*Katie smiles.* "Hey Uncil Jeff. Your dont need to worry I'm ok. My poor car isent. but I am. I wanted you guys to see it too. It was sooo nice." *Turning alittle Katie puts her rose Jason gave her in some water and sets it next to Wyatt's flowers on the nightstand.*

*As Con enters the room Katie's smile gets even bigger.* "Big Bro!!!" *Katie reachs up to pushes Con's hand out of her hair.* "Hey Hey I look like crap as is...wanna not mess up the hair." *Reaching up Katie hugs Con the best she can.* "Its good to see you. I've missed you." *Katie looks around the room.* "I've misses you all. I just wish you guys were here on better turns. I could show you around. Introduce you to my new friends." *Katie lets out a small sigh. She dosent know why but a feeling of leting everyone down comes over her. She wished she could do so much and she couldent.*

*There is another soft tap on the door as Jamie enters. She looks around the room.* "I'm sorry I dident relize you have guests."

*Katie smiles up at Jamie.* "Its ok. Jamie this is my Aunt Rosetta, her feonsay...." *Katie stops for a moment and looks from Mick to Rosetta and smiles.* "...Mick, and this is my Uncil Jeff. Well you already know Con too."

*Jamie nods and gives alittle wave.* "Hi! Nice to meet you all. I work with Katie back at TJY." *When Jamies eyes meet Con's her smile gets bigger as her face turns red.* "Hey there killer. It feels like ages." *Jamie gives Con a hug.*

Greetings

Jason grins a little, though his mind has taken a different turn. Great, Jason…now you’re hiding from Katie, too. What is with you? You ARE being silly and you know it. Why can’t you just admit what’s going on? What are you afraid of?
Jason shakes his head and gives a little chuckle. “You haven’t pried. You’ve just worried about a friend.”

He looks up quickly as the others arrive, and he stands from the chair, suddenly feeling just a little awkward. He raises his eyebrows to Rosetta, his face turning just a little red. “Well I don’t know what Con’s told ya, but I haven’t done anything out of the ordinary. I’d say your niece is the one who deserves a compliment…she’s a real trooper.” He doesn’t dare look in Katie’s direction, for fear of turning even more red. Thankfully the conversations that spring up provide a change of subject.

Jeff plops down in a chair by Katie, forcing himself not to let his worry show through, though it pained him to see her like this. “Hey, kiddo.”

Jason turns as a new form appears in the doorway and smiles as Con appears. “Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.”

Con aims a finger at him teasingly, giving his younger friend a hearty slap on the back. “Lookin’ good, Hotshot.” He turns his attention to Katie, pasting a big smile on his face. “And I thought Jason was the troublemaker. Girl, you do know how to make a guy worry, you know that?” He approaches to rough up her hair. “How’s little sister doing anyhow?”

Jason watches the others interact for several moments, and slowly, slowly backs out of the room to find a chair in the hall.


Jay wakes with a start as another call comes over the airport intercom. He rolls his eyes as he sees the time. The minutes seemed to be passing slower and slower every hour. He was never going to get out of here.

Thx

*Katies own face turns red as she now feel stupid for making a fool of herself.* " Ok so I dident REALLY think you were capable of selling it, but it was just a passing thought. Well Ia m happy you dident sell it. and for now I can let it drop. But Jason know this I can tell its simply not nothing. If it truly was a minor thing you wouldent be so hesatent to not tell me. But I respect your privecy and have pryed to much for one day."

*Rosetta knocks on the door before entering.* " Hey you."

*Katie turns her head and it totaly saprised by Rosetta, Mick and Jeff's entrince.* " HI!! what are you guys doing here?"

*Rosetta smiles and comes over her her neice a hug.* " Well seeing as your siting in the hospetal right now, we though we would come see how you were and though ya might need some comapny. Though Con has told us Jason has been doing a great job." *Rosetta looks to Jason for a moment.* "Thank you Jason for everthing."

*Katie looks to Jason and smiles.*

Apology

Jason’s eyes widen as Katie talks, his face paling slightly as he sinks down into the chair next to her bed. He just stares at her in shock, even when she changes the subject, hardly hearing what else she says. At first he wants to be upset. How could she think he’d do something like that? That guitar was one of the most precious gifts he’d ever received. Did Katie really think he was capable of selling it? But then…he suddenly realizes the words he’s chosen to say. He was incredibly evasive all day…if he were in her shoes, he probably would think the same thing. He couldn’t blame her one bit for her accusation, and he begins to see just what a mess he’s created.

Unable to help himself, Jason leans forward, resting his arms on the bed and burying his face. His shoulders begin to shake, slightly at first, then uncontrollably. Starting to have a hard time breathing, he lifts his face just enough to reveal his reddened face and eyes filled with tears as his laughter is contained in silence. Throwing his head back he sinks back into his chair. Covering his eyes with his hand, he is unable to stop laughing, though keeping it silent begins to deplete his oxygen supply and he gasps for breath. He tries to speak once, but it starts all over again until he has to lean forward and stare at the floor, forcing himself to quit. Finally calming his breathing, he looks up at Katie, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. “Oh, Katie…” Another small laugh escapes. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea I’d given you such a bad impression about what was going on.” He shakes his head and takes a deep breath, his sides aching. “In an attempt to simplify things I just made one of the worst messes ever – it’s entirely my fault.” Yet another laugh makes its way to the surface as he replays the morning in his mind. “First I get called out by a county sheriff, then I disappear for half the day, then I come back without all my stuff…” He has a hard time containing more laughter, and reaches out to take Katie’s hand in his, giving it a squeeze. “It’s not at all what it looks like, and I did not sell my guitar. I don’t owe gangsters any money, and I’m not wanted by the police.” He shakes his head, and wipes his eyes again. “I’ve done a right good job of making a fool out of myself, that’s for sure, and I do apologize.” He runs a hand through his hair. “At least I looked good for the occasion.” Still shaking his head, he sighs deeply with amusement. “What am I going to do with you, hmm? I can’t get away with anything. But you have absolutely nothing to worry about, okay? It’s nothing you need to think about, and if my guess is right, by tomorrow it will all be over. Trust me when I say to forget it, because it’s most certainly not as big a deal as I accidentally made it out to be. Come to think of it, it’s downright silly." For just a brief moment, something passes through his eyes so fleetingly that it would not be caught by the untrained focus...but it's a strange look of subdued hope almost, maybe a hint of melancholy, and just ever so slightly something that hints of continued hidden truth out of fear. How real was his laughing fit? "So just clear your mind, and one day when I can face the embarrassment, I’ll tell you all about it. For now, chock it up to a man's foolishness.”

Sold

*Katie looks at Jason studding his face again. Another lie.* " You sold it dident you J? I dont understand why? What kind of trouble were you in that you needed to sell such a wonderful gift. You could of asked for help and anyone would of helped you." *Katie lets out a long sigh* "Yes J, I did. Very much so. I still have the tape Con gave me of yours. Your voice, and the way you play its just so...magicle." * Katie leans her head back as she hears Jason's voice and the music in her head. Finally as if waking from a dream she looks at Jason again.* " Your hair looks good." *She says with a smile.*

Airport

Con drops the other three off at the front door of the hospital and goes to park the car. Mick reaches out to take Rosetta's hand with reassurance, and Jeff trails behind, letting them go ahead. Once inside, the nurse tells them which floor and room number Katie is in.


Jason's face reddens slightly at Katie's question, despite him trying to cover up his hesitance. He just couldn't pull it off with her like he did with other people. "Oh, I left it over at...Con's place...with the rest of my stuff." A quick glance away from Katie's eyes proves that once again he's not given the truth. "I didn't know you liked it that much...." He'd been playing in the evenings for Katie, but hadn't thought much of it. He shrugs. "So...did you have a good time with Wyatt? Anyone else stop by? I went by the office and Laura said she was hoping to come by tonight...I think some people don't want to bother you too much, so they haven't been too quick to come down here, though I told them I thought you'd enjoy some company off and on."


"Oh come on!" Jay moans in frustration at the young woman behind the counter. "I need to get there tonight!"

"I'm sorry, sir, but there were complications with the plane and we were forced to keep it grounded. The fastest flight out of here to Nevada I can get you leaves at three in the morning."

Jay rubs his forehead as a headache forms. He'd never experienced such hassles at an airport before. "I'm...I'm sorry. It's just...I'm trying to get to my daughter who's in a hospital up there and I'm desperate."

The young woman looks at him with sympathy. "I really am sorry..."

"I know." Jay sighs, giving up. "Just do the best you can to get me out of here as soon as possible." He turns away to and find a chair to sink into.

^.^

*Rosetta waits in antisapation in the car clinging tight to Micks hand. She is exspecting the worst in hopes that it wont be that bad.*

*Befor Con leaves Katie grabs his hand more panic filling.* "Ok I will but why....why wouldent Jason come back?" *Katie's mind was still foggy from the pain killers and as hard as she tryed to sort everything out she become more confused. Everyone was running circles around her.*

*Katie wakes again and smiles at the gift Jason gave her.* " Your flowers always mean so much to me Jason. I love them." *Looking around Katie cant find Jason's guitar.* "J? Where is your guitar I was hoping you could play more for me tonight. It helped me feel so calm and at peace." *Katie scans Jason's body languge and his feelings. Something still wasent right. Katie still coudent put her finger on it, it was driving Katie crazy playing with her emotions.*

Acting

Lunch at the ranch is brief when Con announces that a plane is ready and waiting as soon as they get to the airport. By late afternoon, the Nevada airport is in view, and once there, Con takes over to drive a waiting vehicle to the hospital.


Wyatt chuckles. "You could never look like crap, even if you tried." He quirks an eyebrow at her comment about not pushing anyone away. "...and...you're actually capable of that?"
He shakes his head as she speaks of Jason. "He's always distant." Biting his tongue, he reroutes his answer in a more appropriate manner. "No...I don't know anything other than the call he was on earlier seemed pretty intense, and I didn't think it had been decided that he'd switch over to staying at Con's place instead of the hotel. I'll have Laura pick your stuff up for you if you want."
Wyatt stays as long as he can, until work calls. Sighing, he rises and bends over to give Katie a kiss on the forehead. "I'll come back tomorrow, okay? But if Jason doesn't come back, call me and I'll come tonight."

It's late afternoon before Jason shows up again, and he's since changed clothes and gotten a much needed haircut. He cracks Katie's door to make sure he's not barging in on anyone, and slips inside, a smile on his face. As far as he's concerned, no one will even question him about his whereabouts if he can control his body language well enough that everything is normal. He's brought with him his bag to spend the night again if needed, though not his guitar this time.
Approaching Katie's bed, he takes his hand from behind is back, revealing a rose he'd picked up for her. He glances to the bouquets that Wyatt had already brought, and offers Katie a wry grin. "Afraid I can't stand up to a flower competition, but I wanted to thank you for putting up with me."

Happen to know

*Rosetta hangs up the phone with Jay.* " Jay is gonna be taking the next flight to Navada." *Walking back into the kitchen Rosetta takes over the soup and starts some cheese smawitches.*

*Katie cant help but giggle at Wes comment.* "Meh I probley look like crap and thats ok. I think i am sapsto. I'm deturmed to get out soon but I know that wont happen. I am bound to walk again too. I miss you guys, and want to work by your guys side again...So that and trying not to push people away is my modavation." *Katie smiles. Katie looks up at Jason.* "What where...J." *Its to late Jason is already out the door. Look back at Wyatt Katie smiles.* "He's been acting really strange...distine in a sence happen to know anything about that?"

Today

Jay sits in stunned silence, the work he'd just been doing, completely forgotten. He finds himself sitting on the floor, feeling numbed by the emotionally driven images of his baby girl. "Oh, no," he whispers. He puts a hand to his mouth, unsure of what even to do. But he doesn't have to think long. "I'm going to see her," he states decidedly. "I'm going to get the next flight out of here...if you see her before I do, let her know I'm coming..." He ends the conversation with a brief goodbye, then hangs up the phone. Getting to his feet, he leaves the paper and iced tea mess. "Jess! Come down here, we need to talk. I've got to go to Nevada...today."


Wyatt grins. "Things at TJY? Boring without you around there." He winks at her. "We're supposed to ask you how you're doing, not the other way around." He studies her face, realizing just how well she's taken the news about her condition...would she ever cease to amaze him? "What about you? Hospitals are nasty, but you're looking pretty good, if I do say so myself..." A mischievous look sparks in his eye. "Of course...you always look good to me."

Jason enters the room, but skids to a halt when he sees Wyatt. He has to take just a second to redirect his train of thought. "Oh, hi, Wyatt. You gonna be here long?"

Wyatt raises an eyebrow. "I was thinking about it."

"Alright...." Jason moves to pick up his bag and guitar. "Um, Katie, I'm going to take this stuff over to Con's place and....and do some other running around. I'll be back in just a bit."

Flowers

*Rosetta lets out a long sigh. Trying not to beat around the bush with Jay.* "Jay, Its Katie. She went to Navada for a job and there was an accident. She is alive but not in pritty shape." *Rosetta goes into more detail leting Jay know what happend and what was going on. Leting him know where Katie was if he wanted to see her.*

*Katie scoffs to herself easyer said than done.*

*As Katie sits and eats her foor she looks up and see Wyatt.* "Heya. Ya I am up to it. Anything to stop eatinh this nastly hospetal food." *Katie cant help but smile as she takes the flowers from Wyatt and smells them.* "They are pritty Wy thank you. So how has everyone been back at the office?"

strange behavior

Jay stops mopping up his mess as he hears his sister's voice. "Rosetta?" He frowns. They hadn't talked in a long time...why would she be calling...and why did she sound nervous? "What's wrong?"


Jason's shoulders drop just a little at Katie's response. "Alright....I'll go find someone about getting you something to eat...." On his way out, he pauses in the doorway, turning back around. "Don't worry about it Katie....please try to forget about this morning. I really do want it to just be water under the bridge." Not waiting for a reply, he heads out into the hall, flagging down a nurse.

It's not much later that a nurse brings in some food for Katie, apologizing for the delay, and completely embarrassed that Katie had been overlooked. She tries to make up for it by letting her know that she smuggled in some chocolate pudding from the kitchen without the cook knowing about it.
Time passes, and Jason still doesn't return, but Wyatt shows up in the doorway with another bouquet of flowers and a smile. "Hey, you're awake." He enters and sets the flowers down on the table, turning a chair around to straddle so he can talk with Katie. "Saw Jason down the hall on the phone deep in conversation so I figured I could squeeze in a few minutes with you, if you're up to chatting."

If Life Was

*Rosetta let the silence linger for a while.* "Hey big bro its been a while. How are ya?" *Rosetta trys to stall all she can but wonders if her voice gives her away.*

*Katie looks down at the cast around her low body.* "Jason honesly...something could go wrong..I cant walk for goodness sake what alse can happen to me now?" *Katie shakes her head and grumbles.* "Its not forgoten Jason. If life was only that easy." *Katie lays her head back again feeling totaly exsausted.* "I'ma rest a while till you get back."

Mess

Jay tosses several bills to the side and digs under a pile of tax paperwork, trying to find the ringing cordless phone. "Jess! Where's the phone?" he yells.

"You had it last!" Jessica calls from the upstairs bedroom.

Jay's elbow bumps his glass of iced tea. The drink goes everywhere, splattering onto papers, records and the tiled kitchen floor. "Aw man!" The phone rings again, and he rolls his eyes in frustration. This was not his day. Grabbing a towel, he finally spots the phone under a magazine on the counter. As he's kneeling on the floor trying to sop up his mess, he answers a little more tersely than intended. "Yeah, hello?"


Jason sees the hurt he just caused by a few simple words, and he lets out a groan at himself. He wasn't going to let subjects change that quickly. He'd been wrong and he knew it. "Katie, I'm sorry." He shakes his head, his face showing disapproval at his own action. "That was stupid. I just didn't....I'm not trying to hide anything, I just....it's.....complicated and...and..." He starts to pace in a small circle, his nervousness very unlike him, especially around Katie. "....it's really no big deal, even if someone thinks it is, and I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill because everything could just go wrong, and I don't want anyone else involved, and I don't want anyone to know because then I'll have that to deal with, and who knows what would happen after that if it fell apart, and I don't want to deal with that, and it's all just stupid because I really shouldn't care at all, and it really shouldn't be bothering me, something like this is just..." He suddenly clamps his mouth shut, realizing how ridiculous he must sound. Turning, he rolls his eyes before looking at Katie again. He takes a deep breath, aiming for one route that he vows to stay on. "But it's over. It stopped with this morning, So...you have nothing to worry about and I have nothing more to say. It's forgotten."
He takes the opportunity to lead back into Katie's own subject change, smirking at her. "And they call this a place where they take care of people....don't even feed anyone." He quirks a smile. "I'll go give someone a hard time about it. Sit tight."

A simple Lie

*Rosetta thinks for a moment. Its been along time since she last talked to Jay and it wasent a plesent conversation but this was a differnt siuation.* " I can do it. Mick will you watch the soup while." *Rosetta heads for the phone and dial's Jay's number.*

*Katie looks at Jason her own saprise showing through. A simple lie and is stung worse than anything Katie had just been through. A hint of disapointment shows in her eyes.* " You dont have to lie to me J. When your ready to tell me I sapose you will. I just dident know we were hiding things from eachother" *Trying to changes the subject before she says anything alse she will regret Katie giggles alittle.* "Can ya see about bringing me something to eat on your way back? I havent eaten all day."

Lie

Jeff looks up at Rosetta grimly. "Yeah...someone should let Jay know...you can do it or I can. It's up to you."


Jason tries to laugh, but allows his forced smile to fade as Katie questions him. Instead of answering, he just stares at her for several moments. Why wouldn't he tell her? Why couldn't he do it? He felt almost silly.
As his eyes meet hers, there's suddenly something there that's never been before....something that shows whatever this subject is, is a very private part of Jason's life...something he's not used to sharing, even with Katie. And there's fear. As much as Jason despised it, it was there.
Remaining silent, he ambles to the window to look out, leaning against the frame. This whole thing was just stupid. There was no way any of it would happen...even if they had asked him to come back. A part of him deep down wanted to find thrill in this, but elements of logic, fear and reality held him back. And there was so much that could go wrong...there could be so many consequences if this thing continued. And yet...his determined spirit didn't want to let that win...he wanted to throw caution into the wind...but if he failed like he thought he would, his hope would have been for nothing. There weren't many areas in which Jason lacked confidence, but this was one, and it was holding him back. If he told anyone about this, he was just setting himself up for embarrassment.

He finally turns back around, hooking his thumbs in his pockets. "It's nothing...really. The sheriff just wanted to get some answers about yesterday." Jason can't believe he just lied, and his eyes automatically fall to the floor. "I, um...supposed I better call in to Reese and see what's on the agenda for today."

You cant Hide

*Katie lets out a small laugh* "Dont worry I promise I wont get up and walk away." *Katie rolls her eyes.* "And when you get bacl I'd like to know whats going on. Even if you dont wanna tell me." *katie smiles alittle. As Jason leaves Katie drifts off to sleep.*

*Rosetta stands and heads to the kitchen to make some lunch.* "Just let us know when Con, and ya I think Katie would like if you came Jeff." *For a moment Rosetta thinks than speaks up again.* "Should someone call Jay and let him know?"

*As Jason reenters Katie room she opens her eyes sencing Jason discomfort and distress.* " I'm doing ok. In a bit of pain but I guess thats to be exspected." *Katie leans her head back aganst the pillow for a bref moment.* "Guess you took longer than you though huh? So what was that all about?" *Katie coughs alittle.* "Dont tell me nothing, You know you cant hide from me J and you know it." *Katie gives Jason a silly grin.*

Strange Event

Jason smiles, trying to reassure Katie. He would tell her what was going on, but something holds him back. He'd much prefer if he could get this situation out of his hair and come out on the other side with his dignity still in tact, no matter the outcome. It was best that no one knew...he didn't want the situation to escalate any more than it had. He should have flat out told the sheriff he wouldn't go with him...but that would have only made things more difficult since the sheriff had been so determined. After this meeting though, he was confident they'd let him go with not so much as a 'thanks for coming' farewell - surely they wouldn't see any reason to call him back in after this. It was ridiculous that he'd get called in in the first place! From here on out, he'd just have to be more careful not to draw attention to himself...it was bad enough being embarrassed once, he didn't need it all over again.
"Everything's fine. No worries." He takes Katie's hand to give it a squeeze, seeing the slight fear behind her eyes. "I'll be back so quick you won't even know I was gone," he teases. "Don't go anywhere."


Con nods. "Alright. We can drive over to the airport here in a while then and get going."

Jeff thinks for a moment, then nods his gratefulness to Rosetta. "I'd like come along, if that's okay."


It's over two hours before Jason finally gets back to the hospital. He rides the elevator up to the second floor, trying to get his body language to portray that everything was fine. He had to get the shock to wear off, and quick. How had this happened?
He steps out into the hall and slowly goes towards Katie's room. It was eight o'clock...probably no one had come from TJY yet to check on her...he hadn't planned on being gone that long.
Pausing at the door, he takes a deep breath, trying to straighten out everything that had happened. He never would have expected the reactions he received. And they weren't going to let him go as easily as he'd hoped. Con had been right...but if there was one thing that scared Jason, this was it.

He enters Katie's room with a smile. "Hey you...how you doing?"

Hurry Back

*Katie sits up as Jason comes back into the room. A look on panic almost plays on Katie's face as Jason says he is going to leave.* "J...is everything ok? Will you be back soon?" *Katie searches Jason's face for answers.* "Ya...I..I should be ok. I'll just try and sleep some more. Just hurry back ok?" *Katie trys to smile.*

*Rosetta nods* "Ya I would like that. I dont think anyone alse besides Mick and I are going for now."

*Angel stands and goes over to Rosetta.* "Let Katie know we are thinking of her and praying for her."

*Wendy goes over to the mess hall wall and take down the picture of the ranch with 3 horses grazing.* "Can you give this to Katie for me? To hang on her wall." *Wendy hands the picture to Rosetta.

*Rosetta smiles.* "She will like that thank you." *Rosettta looks to Jeff.* "Would you like to come too?"

Unexpected Development

Jason hums quietly as the sun peeks over the horizon to send rays streaming into the room. His eyes closed, his fingers move automatically along the frets, skillfully picking out the strings to create the soothing melody.

It was strange to think that a couple weeks had passed already. Most of Jason's time had been spent in the hospital with Reese giving him time off, and not having protection elsewhere. Though he was daring to start moving around by himself, believing his assailant was lying dormant for now. If it had been Medridge's doing, that was the pattern. Strike to create fear, then back off.
He wondered sometimes if he was creating a rift with Wyatt, as much time as he was spending here with Katie, though nothing had been said. Friends from TJY often stopped in for visits...Katie was missed back in the office, and everyone hoped she would return, despite dismal doctor's reports.
Reese had given the OK yesterday for outsiders to see Katie, and Jason knew that Con would be coming with some of the others from Texas soon. He hoped that would help lift Katie's spirits some.

Finally drawing his playing to a close, Jason turns to see Katie awake. A smile forms. "Mornin', Sunshine." He sets his guitar to the side and flexes his hand...it had been a while since he'd played as much as he had lately. He stand and stretches, wandering over to Katie's bed. "How's my hero doing?"
A new voice interrupts them.

"Jason Stevenson?"

Jason looks up quickly to the doorway. A uniformed policeman was standing there, taking a casual but professional stance. Jason's eyes narrow slightly. It was awfully early for a sheriff to be here, and according to his badge, he was from the next county over. "Yes?"

The policeman nods and also gives Katie a nod of greeting. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but could I please have a word with you for just a moment?"

Jason's inner radar is heightened. Something felt strange. But he wasn't about to resist speaking with a cop before he knew for sure what it was about. "Um. Sure." He looks back down at Katie, throwing her a wink. "I'll be right back." He moves around the bed to follow the sheriff outside the room. They move away from the doorway, their voices muffled.

The sheriff's tone can be heard first, though only bits and pieces can be made out. "...meet...yesterday....mthing I wanted......called.....your intent..."

"...n't understand..." Jason sounds confused. "...what...means for...sure I can't...."

"...records...try to prove...with me...more about...future....break...a deal..."

As the two men shift back towards the door, the conversation comes to a close. "So I'll meet you downstairs and you can come with me to the station," the sheriff concludes.

"Um...yeah, okay." Jason watches him walk away, and tries to decide how to feel about all of this. It was completely unexpected. He never would have guessed that this would happen...not here, not now...not like this. But he'd have to play along if only to appease those who thought they knew what he had. If he played it cool, by tomorrow it will all have been forgotten. He might have been caught, but there was no way they'd keep him. Surely they wouldn't...
He reenters Katie's room, letting a grin show. "Hey, listen, I, uh, gotta go straighten out some things downtown with the sheriff. I shouldn't be long though...you be alright?"


Con cradles his coffee mug in his hand and looks between Mick and Rosetta. "Reese called me last night...TJY has offered their private jet for those of us who want to go see Katie. They feel the coast is clear now. I'm going, and I assume you two are. Reese said Katie's doing as well as can be expected. I guess Jason's been spending most of his nights at the hospital with her and everything has been okay. At any rate, we can go any time and be there this afternoon if you want."