Shooting

*As Joe hears the door open he steps back farther into the shadows making sure he is not seen. His eyes widen as he see Con come down the steps. Drawing his gun he cocks it silently. Waiting watching.*

*As Jamie feels herself being lifted in strong arms her eyes flutter open to see Con's face. Jamies heart starts to race, he was....Con was alive.*

"Con...."

*Jamie reaches her hand up to touch Con's face making sure he is real, wincing in pain slightly. In a low, horse, weak voice Jamies talks.*

"Con...they..*coughs as the gash on her face starts to bleed again.*...They told me you were dead. I new it couldent be true."

*As Con carrys Jamie up the steps she turns her head slightly spit out of blood.*

"Con...dont for get to help my friend...she is down there to. You have to help Sam."

*Joe watches as Con makes his way up the steps. Steping out of the shadows he aims his gun for the back of Con's head.
Sam watches in horrar as Joe aims for Con. With all the strangth left inside her she decieds for once she was going to start up to the agency and help me friend. Giving a loud shout she says.*

"CON...BEHIND YOU."

*Joe's gun goes off right as Sam runs in the way of the gun point blank in the chest.*

*As Nate hears the gun fired he runs to the steps seeing Con and Jamie, than seeing another figure fall to the ground. As Nate sees Joe take aim again he takes no hesatation in aiming his gun and aiming at Joe, it was eather him or Con, pulling the trigger Nate shoots Joe in the head sending him falling to the ground with a loud thud. Noding at Con Nate makes his way down the steps kicking the gun from Joe's side. Rolling Sam over her checks her pulse and shakes his head geting nothing. Placing his hand over her eyes her takes one swift motion and closes them saying a silent prayer for her. Standing Nate stands and follows Con and Jamie up the steps.*

Surprise Attack

Three figures make their way to the edge of the woods until they can see the house. Jason spots a mirror reflection on the other side of the clearing, and knows Wyatt is in position now too.

He watches intently for two more flashes. “Wyatt’s spotted two men in the house – that’s how many I can see from here too. We might just be in luck.” He grabs his walkie-talkie. “Hal, Chris, we’re here, and it looks good. Hang tight.”

Jason nods to Nate and Con. “I’ve got your back. Get ‘em with surprise.”

Con keeps his handgun in his holster for how, and goes to his stomach to army crawl through the tall grass and weeds towards the house. He can’t hear Nate very well behind him, and can only assume he is.

Jason stands by the tree, his rifle aimed and ready, keeping the scene within his sites. He can only hope he doesn’t have to shoot.

Once Con reaches the side of the house, he gets to his feet, nodding for Nate to do the same. He goes for his gun and holds it up in front of him, creeping under the window, around the side, and onto the porch. Despite his weight, he steps lightly, avoiding noise until he’s positioned in front of the door. Quietly trying the handle, he feels that it’s locked.

Nodding to Nate, he steps back and takes aim. With one swift kick, the door flies open. “Nobody move!”

Carson staggers backward, tripping over a chair as his hands raise into the air, taken completely off guard. The other heavy-set thug goes for his handgun, but isn’t quick enough.

Con fires a bullet into the man’s leg, sending him to the floor with a howl of pain. “I said don’t move!” He spots the closed door and instinctively knows that this is the route he needs to take.

“Nate, hold this scum here and blow their heads off if they try to escape.”

He approaches the door with caution, though doesn’t take his time. Throwing the door open, he stares down into the darkness and descends the stairs, his gun raised. He squints, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness, not seeing a light switch within reach. “Jamie?” He moves further into the darkness, his feet scuffing on the concrete floor. Suddenly his eyes spot Jamie in a heap, lying in the corner. His heart almost stops, and suddenly his caution flees.

Rushing to her side, his gun is holstered and he slides on his knees next to her. Horror fills his veins as he sees the bruises…the blood. Emotions run rampant as he puts a finger to her throat, searching for a pulse. It’s there. Weak, but there. “Jamie, don’t leave me now,” he whispers. “Stay with me…please…” He wraps his arms around her gently, lifting her up to hold her close. “God, please don’t let me lose her…not like this.”

Knowing his task, he gets to his feet with her in his arms, and aims for the stairs.

Shadows

*Nate heads over to his desk grabing his gun and more ammo. Along with a knife he slids into his boots. After geting the rest of what he needs Nate joins the other again. With in minutes they are all at the house and in position waiting to strike.*

*Katie answers her phone fumbaling for a moment as it scaired he tar out of her.*

"Ok J. Please be safe. I'll be praying. Ok..Later."

*As Katie hangs up the phone she closes her eyes and prays everything will go well.*

*As Carson leaves the basment a dark figures hids in the shadows. Waiting. Carson had hesatated, for somereson he let Jamie get to him. He had betrayed them. Joe staired out from the dark. He would finish what Carson couldent.*

Lie

Jason nods. “We need to be armed, no doubt. I suggest Wyatt being on the other side of the clearing here…” He points on the map. “Then Nate, you and I can go in from this angle, and…”

“If you think I’m staying out of it, you’re crazy,” Con interrupts.

Jason looks over to him with seriousness. “Con, you’re half dead yourself. I think it would be better if you were over here at a good lookout point to be our eyes and…”

“Dang it, Jason!” Con’s palm slams down onto the table. “Quit treating me like a rookie!”

Jason looks into his bloodshot eyes, thinking this move unwise, but feeling not alternative at this point. “Alright. Fine. You and Nate go in, and I’ll hang back to get a grip on the big picture. We should have Hal and Chris about a quarter mile down from there a backup if we need it, but they’ll be far enough away not to get in the way or tip anyone off. They can also call back here in case anything goes wrong.”

The men stand up from the table, and Wyatt gestures down the hall. “Let’s gear up with what we need. We’ll take two vehicles, and I’ll inform Hal and Chris to be standing by.”


Jason throws on his holster and pistol, dialing on his cell phone at the same time. “Katie. Just wanted to throw you and update. We’re heading to that place you found. We think it might be the spot. I’ll call you again once we’re back here.”


Laura watches from a distance, feeling just a little helpless. She knows there’s nothing she can do at this point, but her worry lingers.


Surprise flickers in Carson’s eyes at Jamie’s words. He draws back just slightly, unable to think of a response.

As Jamie goes limp, he reaches out to catch her head before it hits the hard wall. Feeling her pulse, he knows she’s not going to make it much longer. He just studies her for several minutes, a strange feeling welling inside of him that hasn’t been felt for so very long.

He hears his buddies shout at him from upstairs, telling him to hurry up and either get answers or kill her off.

Carson stands up, pulls a gun from behind his back and cocks it, holding the barrel aimed at Jamie’s head. But for the first time, he hesitates. I forgive you. His blood runs cold and his hand starts to shake.

Uncocking the gun, he holsters it again and turns around heading for the stairs. “She’s dead already,” he yells up. “Nothing here but dog meat now.”

The Secret Told

*Nate nods at the other two looking between them.*

"Ok, so we know ten to one says they are armed. So that means we are going in armed too. Next question is should we get more people to back us up, and how are we gonna do this. If anyone stands in our way we know what to do. But what about the guys who dont. We cant just let them go free."

*Nate looks between Jason and Wyatt for addvise. It was his operation and desitions that were listened to but he always like listing to what his other team members had to say.*

*Katie smiles at Laura and nods.*

"Anytime Laura. I'm always around to listen. Night."

*After Laura leaves Katie flicks the tv to nervouse and worryed about what the day break will bring for everyone. Fliping thought the channels Katie find a movie to watch finally falling a sleep with the phone by her head incase a call came in.*

*Nate lets out a yawn as he downs his 4th cup of coffee. He HAD to be awake and alert this morning for this. Lising to Jason he gives a nod. Jason was smarter than anyone he ever met for his young age. He would never argue with one of his planes. He had helped Nate out of many sticky situations before.*

"Sounds good to me Hotsot. Lets get the stuff we think we will need and get rolling."

*Jamie maniges to open her eyes to look at Carson. The cold hard steel that was there yesterday is now gone. Love and compation only remains. Coughing Jamie speaks softly Never leaving Carson's eyes.*

"You think its to late for you Carson, But its not. God can save you still Carson. I forgive you."

*Jamies eyes close and her body goes limp.*

Morning

Jason looks up to see Nate and offers an offhanded salute of greeting before receiving the questions.

“No, the idiot still hasn’t eaten anything, nor has he taken a rest. He headed towards his office a few minutes ago, but he hasn’t been back – I don’t know what he’s doing or what’s taking him so long.

“As far as Wyatt’s concerned, I haven’t heard anything…” He suddenly glances behind Nate. “Speak of the devil.”

Wyatt makes his way to the table and grabs a chair, hyped, despite the late hour. “That house has got to be it. I parked a ways away from it and went on foot through the strip of woods there. I saw a light on and several guys come and go… you can’t tell me it’s legit business at this time of the night.” He looks back and forth between Nate and Jason. “All we got to do now is figure out how we’re gonna get in there without somebody getting killed. We can bet that anyone in there is armed. I saw about three guys tonight, but there’s no telling numbers tomorrow.”


Laura smiles at Katie, grateful for the encouragement. “I know…thanks. I know it’ll all work out somehow…it’s just hard to see at a time like this, I guess. And I suppose I worry too much…I know Con’s heart…I know he knows what’s right and will come back around…. But when I heard he’d killed a guy today I guess I just had a moment of question ya know?”

Laura takes a deep breath and looks back at the clock. “Thanks for letting me talk, Katie…I feel better…” She smiles a little. “I should get on home for a few hours sleep before I head back to TJY at daybreak. I know we’ll call you if anything changes.”

She rises from her chair and gives a slight wave. “Night, Katie.”


The sun begins to peak over the horizon, creating a grayish pink atmosphere. A fog has settled over the land, giving an eerie feel to the already stressful early hours.

Laura gets back to TJY, ready to help out, and spots all the guys where she last saw them at the table.

Con runs his finger along the map as the four discuss a plan of action. “These woods here, where you were last night, Wyatt, would be a good entry point, but we should have someone here on the other side in case they run.”

Jason polishes off his orange juice and nods in agreement. “Once we’re there, we have to determine how many we’re up against, and figure out a way in. After that, it’ll be playing it by ear. Dangerous, but necessary.” He looks across at Nate. “Well, Captain, whadya think?”


“Rise and shine!” Carson shines a bright flashlight into Jamie’s face and reaches down to drag her over to the wall, propping her up in the corner. “Well, little missy, sorry to barge in here on you like this, but apparently we’re giving you one more chance to talk before we simply leave you down here and go on our merry way.”

A knife blade glints in his hand as he squats down in front of her and reaches out to take her chin and shift her face towards him. He stares in her eyes for several moments, and suddenly seems to decide not to use the weapon, putting it back in his pocket. “If I were you, Jamie I’d talk. You got one more chance. Don’t make me leave you here.”

Lean on Me

*Katie gives a soft grone as Jason shovers her. Oping her eyes she wasent in a deep sleep.*

"Since when did I become you mother."

*She replys in a playful tone. Finally noting Laura.*

"Oh Hey Laura!"

*As Jason leaves the room Katie rolls her eyes and giggles.*

" I'll try not too."

*As Katie turns her attachen back to Laura she can tell something is not right. A deep pain had formed in her friends eyes. Smiling softly she nods.*

"Its ok Laura, its will be nice to see ya and have someone bedsides the guys here all the time."

*As Laura talks Katie takes what is said in. Not knowing any of this about Con. He was such a sweet guy it was hard to believe. Puting a hand on Laura shoulder Katie smiles not speaking till she is done.*

"Wow Laura and I though my past was rough. I am so sorry. Its ok to be scaired though, but ju7st remember God is in controll. He will take care of your worrys Laura. Con has alot of people praying for him. Things will work out in the end Laura. You just have to trust God. And be there for Con. He needs his little sister as much as you need him."

*Katie smiles giving Laura's shoulder a friendly squeeze.*

*Nate walks across the floor with a coffee cup in hand. His eyes with heavy bags under them but alart non the less.*

"Hey Hotshot."

*Looking around Nate dosents see Con.*

"Did he decied to go to sleep or get something to eat? Also is Wyatt back yet?"

*Nate knows he is asking 20 questions but being the leader of the team had its responsiblitys to know what was going on and when, where everyone was.*

"As soon as we hear back from Wyatt or when he gets back we can sit down with a game plane hoping this is the spot where Jamie is. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If this isent than there is no way she is in Navada still."

*Nate takes another sip from his coffee and sits down in a chair.*

*Jamie trys to hold her head up to take another drink of water from Sam but cant. She hasent eaten in 2 days her small farm having a hard time handling it loses its strength. Jamie trys to speak.*

"Sorry Sam but I dont think I will be going to Texas for you after all. I cant take this much longer."

*A tear rolls down Sam's face as she holds her new found friend close.*

"They are coming Jamie. They are coming. Your gonna be ok. Just hold on."

The Past

Laura looks over from her desk at the table where her brother still is. It was the middle of the night, and the other guys had rotated leaving off and on, but she’d wanted to stick around just to make sure Con was okay. It had been an awfully long time since she’d seen him like this…an awfully long time.

Leaning her elbows on her desk, she picks up a framed picture of her and Con so many years ago. The memories come back to her, burned into her mind forever…

Glancing at the clock, Laura realizes that Jason wanted her to call him so he’d come back to TJY for another shift. Weary of sitting here though, and just wanting some company other than the guys around here, she decides to take a break herself. It was late…but maybe Katie wouldn’t mind…


“Mm-hmm.” Jason listens to Katie, though has a hard time staying alert. Before he knows it, he’s drifted off, still in the chair.


Laura knocks lightly on Katie’s door, letting herself in. It was one o’clock in the morning, and she hated to wake Jason now, but he’d be upset if she didn’t. “Hey, Jase…” she speaks quietly. She approaches him cautiously and puts a hand on his shoulder.

Jason had been in a deep sleep on the verge of a nightmare, and jumps as Laura touches him.

“Whoa, easy,” Laura steps back, giving him space. “It’s just me.”

Jason blinks in the dim room, finally bringing her into focus. “Aw, man, I was out.”

Laura giggles. “I see that. Sorry…but it’s one o’clock.”

Jason groans and stretches out, turning to see Katie. He reaches out to give her a playful shove to the shoulder. “How come you let me sleep so long?” He yawns and springs to his feet, shaking his head to wake up. “Alright. I’m heading back.”

“I’ll be along in a while,” Laura tells him. “Call me if anything happens.”

“Yeah, sure.” Jason grabs his jacket, throwing Katie a quirky grin and a wink. “See you later, Hero. Try not to miss me too much.”

As Laura watches Jason leave the room, she raises an eyebrow before turning back to Katie, question flickering in her eyes, though she doesn’t ask. Easing herself down in the chair, she sighs deeply. “Oh, Katie…what’s happening, hmm?” She shakes her head. “I know it’s late, but…I just couldn’t stand waiting down there anymore…and seeing Con like he is. I hope you don’t mind.”

Before she realizes it, a tear has escaped and runs down her cheek. She forces a laugh at herself. “I’m sorry…I guess this got to me more than I thought…it’s just… it’s been a long time since I’ve seen Con like this…so angry…so hurt.” She swipes her eyes with the back of her hand and takes a deep breath, knowing that she will feel better if she gets this off her chest.

“I was only seven…our parents were out for the night…Con was sixteen…he stayed home to take care of me.” Laura’s eyes grow dim as she recalls the event. “It got late…about ten o’clock. A policeman came to the door and Con went with him into the kitchen. A few minutes later the officer left…and Con came to see me in the living room. I’ll never forget the look on his face. He’d decided not to put me through hearing the news from a stranger, and shouldered the task of telling me that there had been an accident. Mommy and Daddy weren’t coming home.”

Another tear slowly makes a path down the side of Laura’s face. “Con fought tooth and nail not to let us get split up, or be taken to strange homes. He threw a social worker out of the house once, and I dare say the poor little man was scared to death by that lanky teenager.” Laura can’t help but laugh a little. “We had an aunt and uncle who offered to take us in, but I was scared to death and Con didn’t want to put me through any more trauma. By God’s grace alone, we were able to stay together and Con took responsibility for me, as long as our aunt and uncle had contact with us, and supported us financially. Con worked his tail off for me…he dropped out of high school when he was seventeen and got his G.E.D. so he could go out and get a job. Six months later he was getting me up to school in the mornings, going to work all day, picking me up at night and taking care of me in the evenings.”

Laura pauses, thinking back. “He sacrificed so much…he was just a kid himself but he played mom and dad, and never uttered a complaint.” A small chuckle escapes. “He had to call Uncle Danny and Aunt Ellie a few time for advice, but overall he took everything in stride. He got in with the police academy and rose quickly. It wasn’t until later that I realized everything he was holding inside…everything he was hiding just to protect me from emotional strain.”

Laura sighs, sinking lower in her chair. “When he was twenty, he was called in on a sting operation and there was an explosion. He was hurt pretty bad and was in the hospital for about a month. I was just eleven then…so Aunt Ellie came to stay with me until he got out again. After that I started hearing things about him getting suspended for beating guys up who he arrested…I guess he had quite a reputation. It seemed so strange to me…at home he wouldn’t hurt a fly. I heard once that the department would bring him in specifically for cross-examinations because he could scare the tar out of anyone…it wasn’t a surprise with his size and strength I guess, but he was too tough…too angry…I remember I didn’t even want to believe all that stuff.”

“A couple years later he ran into the guy who had set the explosive on that one operation and beat him so bad that the guy was put in the hospital for six months. It was the last straw at the department, and he was kicked off the force for good.” Laura pauses to rethink those events. “He got discovered by Carter, and before he knew it, he was a part of TJY. Of course… Carter wouldn’t have any of his temper and somehow worked it out of him, slowly but surely. Con started to gain more control…I think he probably worked through the past a bit, then he and I started going to church and we both became Christians, so I know that really topped it off. The brother I’d seen at home was who Con became all the time.”

Laura wipes the remaining tears from her eyes. “Once I was out of high school and on with my own life, we finally got our own places, though we stayed close. And now…” She shakes her head. “I saw that look in his eye again today…the one that was there so long ago…it’s like his old self has just come to the surface and taken over. I just don’t know what to do, Katie…I’m scared…”


Jason chews on a ham sandwich as he heads back down between the cubicles on the work floor. “Hey, how’s it going?”

Con looks up, not having understood what Jason said, but assuming the question. “It’s got to be that house with the bomb shelter – the one Katie found. It’s a quarter mile off the lake.”

“Got anyone out there?”

“Wyatt. He said he’d take a quick look, but Reese insists we wait until daybreak to move in.”

“You know that’s best.”

Con tosses him a glare. “Not when it’s life and death, Jase.”

Jason sinks into a chair. “She’s going to be okay, Con. We’ll find her, alright? Nate back yet?”

“Any minute.” Con doesn’t want to keep receiving empty reassurance, and rises from the table without another word. He heads to his office and snatches up his cell phone, seeing he’s got a message. As he listens to Katie’s voice, his walls start to weaken, and he flips the phone shut again. He leans on his desk and takes a deep breath, trying to stay focused. He knew better than to let himself go like he was, but his anger was what was keeping him going, and he didn’t want to stop.

Glancing down, he notices blood on his shirt, and rolls his eyes. Great. He aims for Rick’s office to get a clean bandage before the other guys give him too hard of a time.

Darkness Falls

"Ok Reese. I will for you. Thank you for keeping me informed."

*Katie hangs up her phone and leans her head back softly say a prayer.*

"Dear Lord, Please calm Con soul and help him remember you in this time of hardship. And that when he feels hoplessly lost he will lean on you. Also please keep Jamie safe. You know we are all worryed for he, but keep you Angel's with her and let her know your there watching over her. Don't let her give up hope that your there. Amen."

*Nate goes over and over the map, and in and out of headquarters check out differnt sites but coming back empty handed every time. As the day turns into night Nate takes Ed from Wyatt's car and brings him into TJY heading for Con.*

"Con, I though you could take care of Ed for Jamie. He is quite the hero ya know. I'll be back in a bit need to get some sleep. You should do the same."

*Nate turns and heads out to be back in a few hours.*

*As the night falls Sam stays close to Jamie helping her drink water every now and than and drying the blood from her face. Doing what she can to make her feel comfortable.*

*Katie smiles up at Jason as he enters the room. She had hardly seen him all day and understood why but had missed him.*

"Hey Hey look who the cat draged in. Rough day huh? Thats a bummer. I am sure you guys will find Jamie soon. God will keep her safe. I just wish Con wasent killing himself over this."

*A look of saprise forms on Katies face at the mention of Con and Jamie together.*

"I new there were really close friends but nothing more. Mable said something about it when I was at the restront before but I dident think anything of it. Mable has a way of, twisting what she thinks and knows bless her heart. Well I better let you get your rest. Your gonna have alot of long nights till this is over J. Sleep well J."

*After a few minutes Katie picks up her cell phone and dials Con's number only to get his voice mail. Quietly as to not wake Jason Katie leave a message.*

"Hey Big Brother. I'm told your taking this whole thing pretty hard. I cant say I dont blame you. I think I might be the same way if Jason was ever taken again so dont worry I wont harp on ya. I just wanted to call and make sure your talking care of yourself. You need to get some sleep and some food in your tummy. That way you stay stong for Jamie and are thinking clearly. Remember I love ya Big Brother. Talk to you soon."

*Katie hands up and places the phone by her bed where the flowers from Con and Jamie sat. Please let her be ok and give Con peace. Turning her head to face Jason, Katie smiles as he sleep. Closing her eyes she finally drifts off herself.*

End of the day

Con keeps a hand on his wounded shoulder as he relents and follows the others grudgingly. Though Nate’s comment about quitting brings a few chuckles, Con’s face remains stiff, finding no humor.

As they get to the car, Con wills himself not to feel the pain in his arm as he’d done so many times before. There was a bigger pain…a deeper pain that was much harder to ignore.


“He did what?! Oh, for crying out loud.” Reese rubs his temple where a headache is forming as he speaks with Wyatt who is on his way with the others back to TJY. “No, I guess leaving the poor bloke there is the best decision. Most likely in that part of town there’s so much crime, it’s not going to mean much and they’ll assume it’s gang oriented. I’ve seen cases there where they haven’t even done investigations anymore.” He sighs. “Alright, well, yeah, get back here and we’ll set up a station to work on those locations. Thanks.”

Reese hangs up the phone just to have it ring again. “Yeah, hello? Oh, hi, Katie.” He listens for a moment. “Down by the lake, huh? Interesting. Yeah, I’ll have the guys check it out. They’re on their way back here now with several possibilities, so I’ll add this one to the mix.” He pauses, contemplating all he should say. He wanted to keep Katie informed so there would be no surprises. “I just finished talking to Wyatt. I guess there was a shooting down at the house and Con was hit in the shoulder. Sounds like their man tried to run and Con gunned him down…that’s as far as I’ve gotten with information. Con turned in his gun and ID this morning...I’m not sure how all this is going to turn out, Katie…just keep praying, will ya?”


“Good land, Con!” Reese meets the four men on the floor as they make their way into TJY.

The whole side of Con’s shirt was by now soaked in blood, the pressure from his hand doing little good from the front, and nothing from the back.

Con barely reacts. “Rick here?”

“Yeah, in his office,” Reese points. “Get yourself down there.” Once Con is out of earshot, he turns to the others. “We’ve got to keep a handle on him before anything else happens. In the meantime, I’ve got a table set up over here with several maps of the city. Have at them.”


“Well, this is nice.” Rick starts to clean the bullet wound after Con has pulled off his shirt. “In one side and out the other. At least I don’t have to dig anything out like I did the last time.” He points to a scar only inches from the new injury. “That one took me three hours.”

Con grits his teeth. “Just patch this one up.”

Rick raises an eyebrow at Con’s impatient tone. “Alright, tiger, settle yourself down.”

It takes a while for Rick to finally stop the bleeding and sew up both sides of the wound, taping a bandage over it. When bringing a sling though, Con refuses. “I’m fine.”

“Conrad Gibbs!” Rick throws his arms in the air. “When will you learn to take care of yourself? Every time you come in here, you walk right back out as if you’re fine!”

“So when will you learn that I really am?” Con grabs his bloody shirt and tosses it in the trash. “Don’t worry though – this was the last time you’ll have to do this.” Exiting Rick’s office, he goes to his own where he has a spare change of clothes, and grabs a fresh shirt.

Rick looks after Con in bewilderment. He’d heard that Con was on the case of Jamie’s disappearance, but something really must have gotten under his skin to be acting like this. And what had his last statement meant?

Con joins the others at the table of maps, staring down at the streets and markings. They had to find Jamie before it was too late…this was their only chance.


“Hey, Hero.” Jason enters Katie’s room wearily. It was late evening, and he was exhausted. Tossing his jacket aside, he sinks down in the chair next to Katie’s bed, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. “I’m here for just a couple hours to get some rest. We’ve been pouring over maps all day and have had men out scouting locations the last several hours. We got two possibilities…one is a warehouse, and one is that house you discovered. Reese wants to make sure we know the location before barging in…so we’re hoping to get that figured out soon, then we’ll have to wait until daylight to go in, unless we want to make it a suicide mission. Of course, Con did a good enough job on the last incident, the idiot.”

Jason takes a deep breath after his long spiel, his eyes still closed. “He won’t even take a break – hasn’t slept a wink and is starving himself until this thing is over. Right about now, I think I’m the only one who knows his reasoning though. Did you know he and Jamie were getting serious?”

My Story

*Nate hangs up the phone with Reese and heads back into the kitchen sighing and pulling up another chair.*

"Reese wants us to stay put for now untill our friend here gives us any clues at all about where Jamie might be. And it needs to be handled in a profestional manor as well."

*Nate looks at Con his eyes full of worry about what is going on in his head. Nate new Con was capable of much, and even though he was about as big as Con but alittle shorter he new it would be quite a challange to bring Con down even if there was 3 of them. A man of Con's size with a hot temper behind him would be like trying to stop a tank. Nate sits and listens to that Dirk is saying. Taking every bit of information in. As the shots rings out Nate falls to the ground like many times in the past befor standing he scans he room making sure his friend are. Finally standing and leting out a long sigh. Con killed someone..sure Con killed lots of people in the past but something about this was differnt. Standing Nate says nothing and goes over to Con checking his shoulder. He couldent scold Con, if it has been him in Con's shoes he wasent sure if he would of done anything differntly. Helping Con up Nate nods.*

"Ya I'll drive Con's car and follow you guys back to TJY."

*Giving a heart laugh and trying to lighten the mood a bit Nate exclames as they walk out of the house.*

"I think we all have quite one or two times before. I know I have. And Reese keeps leting us boneheads come back like we are important to him so something."

*Nate gives a sly grin.*

*Slowly Jamie turns her eyes twords Carson at the new of Con's death. Her eyes filling with pain and the tears siting on the edgh of her lids waiting to come out. Jamie's heart breaks. What was the point now. It dident matter if she told or not Con was dead. She had learned to love again and be loved in return only to have it taken away now. Why, This wasent fair. Jamie's eyes follow Carson as he stands and heads for the steps. With eyes of steel and a voice drained of life Jamie calls.*

"You'll burn in hell for what you've done, but its never to late."

*Joe makes his way over to Jamie as she speaks backhanding her across the face. The rings on his fingers catching on her skin causing a gash from the courner of her mouth up across her cheek. As the blood starts to fill Jamies mouth and run down her face he gives out a low cackle.*

"Dident you mom ever tell you if you dont have something nice to say dont say anything at all?"

*Turning he leaves following Carson up the steps closing the door behind him.*

*Once the door is shut Sam inches her way over to Jamie as she holds her stumic from where she was kicked. Moving the glass of water she sits down in the chair.*

"Oh Jamie, I'm so sorry. I know how it feels to have the ones you love taken from you by the Agency. Its not fun. Not fun as all. I was marryed and had a sun at one point in time. Both are still alive but neather know me anymore. They both live in Texas now. MY husband dosent even know that they boy he see almost every week is his son."

*Sam lets a long drawn out sigh.*

"Little BJ. I took him to that Ranch out there the R/M so he would be safe with people I new would love him. and Even his family. His uncil Mick, and Aunt Annie. We were triplit taking by the Agency split up. They dont even know BJ is related to them eather. Along with some of my other brothers there."

*Sam looks at Jamie studing her face before talking again. Filling her in on everything of the past that happend with little BJ and Damien. How she worked for the Agency cuz she had to. An hour pass when she is finally done.*

"...your the only one who knows the truth Jamie. I know your friends are one there way to finding you. So I ask a request from you. When you get out of here and are able to travil will you go to Texas and let them know about Little BJ and let him know his mother loved him very much and was ever so sorry for everything that happens."

*Jamie starts to shake her head, in a low quiet voice replys.*

"When my friends come to rescue me, I'll make sure they get you out too."

*Sam smiles. It was sweet how Jamie dident just think of herself as a time like this.*

"Even if they do get me out along with you Jamie, my body has been through so much at the hands of the agency and I have been here for so long, I wont make it for very long. Its not my destiny to make it out of here. But if it helps we can hope anyways."

*Sam trys to keep a positive smiles as she gently washes the cut on the side of Jamie's face unable to stop it from bleeding.*

"When you get out if its soon enough your going to need stickes on that."

*As Katie searchs though more files on her computer she comes across a spot that talks about an abandon house that at one time had a bombshelter connected to it. The wheels in Katies head start to turn. What a perfect place to keep someone. There crys, screams, please, even a gunshot would be unhurd of. It was down by the lake. It was worth a shot. Katie dials Reese's number.*

"Reese...I was going through some files and I came across a section about an old house that had a bomb shelter connected to it. Ya I thought maybe it was worth a shot. Its down by the lake."

Shot

Reese grumbles a little to himself, not happy with the way things have been handled by Con. “I guess you three stay there with Con until you get some information from Dirk. That way you’ll all know what’s going on, and if Con does anything stupid, it would probably take all three of you to take him down anyway.” He pauses, still thinking. “Once you’ve got some ideas on a location, if any, come back here and leave Dirk the way he is. Nothing he can tell the Agency after this will be news to them anyway. …Give me a call back when you’re headed this way. Thanks, Nate.”


“…There’s that abandoned school out on fifth that they use sometimes.” Dirk runs his tongue over the split in his lip, staring at Con, fear still on his face. “Not sure why they like it since it’s so close to downtown but…”

“I don’t care about your opinion!” Con slams a fist on the table, making Dirk jump. “I want facts, Dirk! Where else might they be?”

Dirk swallows hard. “I…I don’t know, man! There’s that shelter down by the rock quarry about six miles out of town…and I know sometimes they’ve met at that old place that used to be a restaurant out on Maple.”

“What else?”

“Sometimes I know they’ve gone down to the north side of the lake too, you know, where those vacant houses are.”

“What else?”

Dirk shakes his head. “That’s all I know!”

Con grabs Dirk by the shirt collar again. “There’s more, I can see it!”

“Alright alright! There’s a house, east of…”

Without warning, there’s the sound of a shot and breaking glass. Con is hit with such force it throws him back into the table before he sinks to the floor.

“Everybody down!” Jason orders, immediately going to his stomach on the floor, along with the others, adrenaline racing through his veins.

Dirk seizes the moment and jumps up from his chair, making a mad dash to the adjoining living room.

Still dazed, Con moves a bloody hand from his left shoulder and sees Dirk fleeing. Without hesitating, he grabs his gun that fell to the floor with him, and aims it at his enemy’s back.

Jason’s eyes widen. “Con, no!”

A second shot rings out.

Con’s gun remains outstretched as he watches Dirk slump to the floor after an instantaneous death.

Silence.

Jason stares at the scene in shock. Had he just witnessed his friend gunning someone down? Shooting him in the back, no less? It takes several moments for him to right himself from the floor, along with Wyatt, who is also stunned.

Con manages to sit up, wincing as he moves his left arm, the blood still coming.

Finally finding his voice, Jason glances over to him. “How bad is it?”

“Went right through.” Con grimaces as he applies pressure to the wound. “Must’ve been a sniper across the street. He’ll be long gone by now.”

“And now we’ve got a body on our hands.” Jason holsters his gun, throwing his arms in the air as finally his own irritation surfaces. “How could you do that, Con?! Now we won’t find out anything else, let alone the fact that you just killed Dirk in cold blood! What were you thinking?!”

Con grits his teeth as he pulls himself up off the floor to stand. “Go ahead, Jase. Tell me you would have handled it differently. Tell me that you would have sat here for hours on end talking nice to him and just hoping he’d make a slip of the tongue so you’d actually gain some information. Tell me you would have let him go alive after knowing where we were headed. Go ahead, Hotshot – tell me.”

Jason searches his friend’s eyes, a strange emotion rising. He didn’t even know what to think or what to feel. This cold-heartedness was something new, and it caused disappointment…anger…almost a fear.

Wyatt cautiously goes into the living room to check Dirk, finding him, in fact, to be dead. Something behind the window curtain catches his eye though, and he moves the drapery to the side. His eyes widen. A sawed-off shotgun had been hidden from view. He looks to the kitchen, revealing the weapon.

Jason sees the shotgun, then looks back to Con. If Con had not shot Dirk, or if he’d only given him a wound that wasn’t fatal, Dirk would have turned on them, and one of them might now be dead instead.

Con glares at Jason. “…And tell me that you would have let him shoot us all down.”

Jason swallows hard. There was so much anger in Con’s eyes…so much hate. Was there no remorse for what he’d just done, even if it had been for their own protection?

Wyatt interrupts his thoughts. “We need to go back to TJY, table all of these locations and pinpoint where we think is most likely Jamie is being held. We won’t know if Dirk was telling the truth or not until we look.” He nods to Con. “And you need Rick to take care of that shoulder of yours before you bleed to death.”

Con rolls his eyes. “I’m fine.”

“You just got shot!” Jason exclaims. “Stop trying to be a one-man army, Con! There’s nothing more here now. We have to work on this as a team and you know it!”

“I can’t go back to TJY. I quit this morning.”

“I’ve quit multiple times,” Jason counters. “Now come on…Nate, can you drive Con’s car?”


Carson’s eyes narrow at Jamie’s silence and he finally lets go of her head, shoving her back into the chair. His phone rings and he answers it, ending the call after only a moment, then looks back at Jamie. “Sorry, babe, but your boyfriend just bit the dust. One shot right to the chest. You can be glad it was quick though – he went down immediately.” He looks into her distant eyes, the anger building in his own. “It doesn’t get any better, Jamie, it only gets worse. The longer you stay quiet, the more suffering occurs.”

Leaning his arms forward on the backrest of his own chair, he’s quiet for several moments, just letting silence envelope the misery. “You remind me of my sister, you know that?” Something in Carson’s tone has changed. “Same pretty face…same attitude…but her silence didn’t get her anywhere but the grave. The Agency doesn’t pull any punches, and they follow through with their threats. I watched my family die right before me as they stood there, strong, just like you, only to die in the end, leaving nothing behind but a family to mourn their deaths.”

A scoffing laugh escapes. “I chose the route of survival. Work for the Agency or die – that’s my motto. Keep quiet or watch even more family die – that’s my incentive.” Carson reaches out to turn Jamie’s face towards his. “You think your silence shows bravery? You think it keeps your loved ones safe? No…” He shakes his head. “All it does is prolong the inevitable. I turned into this monster you see, just so I could make people like you talk. Why? Because the Agency is gonna win one way or the other. It’s too late for me to get out – you, on the other hand, have a chance to save yourself and your friends. Tell us what we want to know, and you’ll go free. It’s that simple.”

He stands up and starts to walk away, but turns instead to fill a glass with water and set it on the now-empty chair in front of Jamie. “Think about it.” Spinning around, he heads for the stairs.

Silence

*Even though Reese cant see Her Katie nods.*

"Ok, I'll see what I can find for you Reese. I'll talk to you soon. Call me with any updates."

*Katie hangs up her phone and grabs her laptop. Oping files sifting for anything important. Turning up empty handed Katie sighs and starts to look for any old building around in the area making a up a list for someone to check out.*

*Nate shakes his head and sighs holstering his gun.*

"Jason, Wyatt stay with Con and Dirk I have to go call Reese and see what he wants us to do."

*Walking out of the kitchen Nate walks into the living room dialing Reese number on his phone. giving him a lowdown on what was going on and what was the next step.*

*As Carson grabs Jamies head and pulls her closer feeling the rough tug on her head and her body being jerks around she lets out a painful cry. Con, her family all as risk of being hurt. When she first started to work for TJY she was trained for this and new she couldent say anything, but now that it was actully happing it was so much harder. They was no way of knowing if what Carson spoke was true or not. Jamie couldent say anything...no matter how she wanted to she couldent. As Jamie remains silent she opens her eyes and just stairs into the distine at noting paticuler she braces herself for another blow that was bound to come her way. Memories play though Jamie's mind. Con's smile, there lunches together, there kiss it braught a small smile to her lips as she staired at the wall behind Carson. Memories of her mom and dad, all they have done for her. She had to remain strong for them. They were depending on her. If she gave up the location of TJY she would be puting so many people in danger. That was something she could not let happen no matter what happend or was said to her. Sooner or later her whole body would go numb and she wouldent feel a thing how Jamie prayed that would come soon.*

*After shuting the door behind himself Joe pulls out his cell phone and dials Troy's number.* "Do it." *Joe hangs up the phone to make his way down to Carson again, noding at him.*

Sniper

Jason hears Nate come up behind him, but doesn’t move, still keeping his eyes on Con, not wanting to make any wrong decisions.

Con holds his glare at Jason, though shifts slightly as Nate enters the room. His eyes blaze with a deep anger. “Y’all just had to come, didn’t you? Reese just couldn’t let good be good,”

Nate’s words hit him below the belt as images of Jamie flash through his mind. He wanted to find her so badly…he wanted to hold her in his arms…he wanted to know she was safe. He knew he didn’t want to kill anyone…he knew that the consequences of such were great enough to keep him from pulling that trigger. Nate was right. But he was so desperate.

Wyatt looks back and forth between the other men, his gun held down. He’d never dreamed he’d be seeing this…what was happening? “Come on, Con…Nate’s right.”

Con’s jaw tightens as he weighs his options. Finally he uncocks his gun, setting it on the table, aimed towards Dirk. He turns his attention back to his captive, the anger unresolved. “You’re dang lucky they showed up,” he hisses. “But you better start talking before that luck runs out.”

“I told you I don’t know nothing!” Dirk insists, now looking to the other men, hoping they’ll stop Con.

Con sends another backhanded blow to Dirk’s face, fresh blood spurting from Dirk’s mouth.

Wyatt takes a step forward to stop him, but Jason puts out his arm to hold him back. As much as he didn’t want to see Con beat the life out of anyone, if they interfered now, Dirk’s fear would be gone, and if he didn’t have any fear, he wouldn’t talk.

Dirk recovers from the blow and tries to get up from the chair, only to be shoved back down so hard that the chair almost tips over. Con takes him by the collar, threatening another punch. “You tell me all there is to know right now, or so help me I’ll kill you with my bare hands in front of three witnesses without so much as blinking.”

“So just kill me then!”

“Oh, did I say it would be quick?” Con takes hold of Dirk’s right arm, putting pressure on the joint until Dirk squirms.

“No, don’t break that one too!”

“Then talk!”

“Alright, alright!” Dirk’s eyes are wide with fear. “The Agency just hired me a month ago. I don’t know all them details or nothing. They just wanted me to get you poisoned, and that’s all I’ve ever done, I swear!”

Con applies more pressure to the arm. “And Jamie?”

“I don’t know!” Dirk winces in pain and squirms until Con puts a knee to his ribs to hold him still. “I knew they were going to take her, but I don’t know where she is. Honest! They didn’t tell me!”

“You sure about that?”

Dirk cries out as more force is used. “Yes!” He hurls a curse in Con’s direction. “There’s only a few places they would have taken her around here, but they didn’t tell me where it was. My job was over when I caught you at the auto shop. End of story.”

Con can tell that Dirk is telling the truth, and finally releases his grip. “You’re a wise man, Dirk. Now…how about you telling us where these few places are, hmm? Then you can go on your merry little way and you’ll never have to see the likes of me again… But if you resist…or lie…I’ll hunt you down like a dog, and you can believe that when I get through with you, you’ll wish you were dead.”

Jason looks to Wyatt and Nate, not knowing what to do. They couldn’t take Dirk to TJY for security reasons…they had their own work they were supposed to be doing, but they couldn’t just leave Con alone again. He glances at them with question.

…Outside and across the street, a dark figure lies on the roof of the abandoned brick building. The rifle scope zeros in on the target, the house’s windows giving ample sight for a clean shot. All he needed was the ‘ok’ to pull the trigger and Con would be out of the way.


Reese sighs deeply. “I’m not sure what you can do, Katie, other than pray. If you want to sift through some computer files on your laptop, feel free…if Con finds this guy he was looking for, we might get a location on Jamie, but if you want to hunt out some prime targets for holding someone…abandoned buildings, that sort of thing, go for it. I’m really at a loss here until one of the boys calls me back.”


Carson receives Jamie’s spit to his face without flinching. He takes a hand and slowly wipes it off, just looking at Jamie for several moments. “Bold move…very bold, missy. I’m surprised you’d let your friend die…but if you want it that way…” He waves to Joe. “Get back up there and call Troy. Tell him to take Conrad out. I’m tired of playing games.”

As Joe leaves, Carson runs the back of his hand over Jamie’s face before grabbing the back of her head his fingers latched onto her hair as he pulls her closer towards him. “People like you don’t live very long, Jamie…If you care about you friends, I suggest you tell us everything you know. Otherwise you’re gonna have an awful lot of funerals starting to attend, starting with Con’s, and ending with your parents’.”

More than meets the eye

*Nate shakes his head irratated.*

"I'm gonna ride with you Wyatt. Make it look like someone is here if people come back. We better hurry. I dident like the look in Con's eyes Wyatt. I've never known him to be like this but I have a feeling there is more than meets the eyes."

*Nate hurrys out of the house carrying Ed's box and a few papers he found of his own. Geting into Wyatt's car placing Ed on the floor of the back seat.*

*Minutes seem like hours till finally Nate and Wyatt pull into the driveway. Noding to Wyatt Nate draws his own gun and enters the house. Scaning the living room than Making his way to the kitchen. He see Jason's back to him but dosent relax. Something still wasent right. Enting the room along side Jason Nates eyes widen.*

"Con, dont do this. Think about it. Jason is your friend. Put your gun down. Think of the consiquines of killing someone."

*As Nate looks at Con in the eyes he see something. He can see Con's heart open on his sleeve.*

"Con, do you really was Jamie to visit you in a jail cell? Is this peace of trash really worth it Con."

*Jamie winces as she is thrown about in the chair. As Carson lifts her head runing his finger on her jaw, Jamie jerks her head away from his touch. As the knif cuts though her arm Jamie lets out a soft shreek but dosent look up to meet Carson's eyes. Trying to block out the pain. As Carson talks about Con Jamie's head shoots up her lip trembaling. No..not Con, She couldent let anything alse happen to Con. Jamie opens her mouth to speak but gets cut off by Sam.*

"Dont tell him anything Jamie. Half of what he is saying about Con isent true anyways...He's all words to make you..."

*Joe swiftly makes his way over to Sam geting her a swift kick in the gut making her double over giving a small cry of pain.
As Sam words hit Jamie's ears her mind reverts back to her training for TJY and Reese and Carter's voice saying that half the time what a bad guy says isent true but they know how to play the right mindgames to make you think they are true. Jamie lifts her her with pride and looks Carson in the eyes for a long moment, Finally without warning Jamie spits right in Carson's face, her voice full of anger for a moment.*

"You'll have to kill me before I tell you anything."

*Jamie holds her cold hard eyes to Carson's.*

*Kaite lets out a long sigh over the phone as Reese tell her nothing new has been found.*

"Oh Con...what is he thinking. Reese is there anything I can do? Paper work, looking at files anything? I hate not being able to help at all."

Out of Control

Wyatt can’t help but laugh just a little at the discovery of Ed. “They shouldn’t have removed the venom.” He rolls his eyes. “You’re right though – if someone doesn’t take care of him, there will be someone else dead.”


Reese taps his pencil nervously on his desk as the minutes tick by. This case bothered him. TJY had started due to the Agency, but it had evolved into so much more…the Agency case usually wasn’t the priority anymore, simply because of lack of leads, or silence from the Agency itself. Now though…the Agency had moved from Texas attacks to Nevada. …As far as everyone knew, the Agency still didn’t know about TJY specifically…was that in jeopardy now?

It didn’t help to have one of his men going out half-cocked. Jamie was in danger, but even more dangerous was someone out there who wasn’t using their head.

Reese gets up from his desk and heads for Con’s office. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do, but he needed to know just where Con had gone.

Once he reaches the office, he sees Con’s computer still on, and looks at the file that had been brought up. Dirk Jones. And he lived in town. Surely Con wouldn’t do anything stupid…would he?

Not wanting to take the chance, Reese dials Jason.


Jason looks at Herb and Mable, himself feeling terrible. This shouldn’t be happening…it wasn’t right…it wasn’t fair. No one’s child should be taken from them.

That thought brings back the image of seeing his own mother for the first time after being rescued from Alex. That had taken over a year. How much suffering had happened during that time…how much sorrow.

Jason snaps himself back to reality, as the remnants from yesterday’s episode make themselves known. He gives a little nod to the couple. “We’ll let you know as soon as we find anything. In the meantime, just sit tight, and let us know anything…anything at all that seems suspicious or if you feel in danger.”

The borrowed cell phone on his belt rings and he goes for it as he walks to the door. “Yeah? ….He what?” Jason rolls his eyes as he pushes open the door. “Great. Well what do you want me to do? …Yeah, alright. No, you better get the others too, just in case. It was stupid of him to go alone. Might not be anything, but he could be in over his head. …Hmm? Alright…I’ll meet them there.”


Wyatt grabs his phone as it rings, still sifting through some paperwork in Jamie’s office. “Yo…yeah, Dad, what’s up?” He pauses in his work. “Aw, great. No…we can leave stuff here and come back later. There’s not much to go on.” He pauses, finding a pen and piece of scratch paper to jot down the address. “Got it. We’re on it. Right. Bye.”

He heaves an irritated sigh and shakes his head, ending the call, and he turns to Nate. “Con took off for a place across town where this guy of his supposedly is. Reese doesn’t want him out there alone in case he’s bit off more than he could chew. Jason’s already on his way over, but Reese wants us there just to make sure everything is okay, then we can come back here.”

Wyatt gathers a few pages that had been found earlier. “These have TJY info in them…Not sure what all is here, but I’m taking it in case anyone comes back. Better not to let anyone get their hands on it.” He aims for the door. “We’re heading to the other side of town. You can follow me.”


Con keeps his back to the side of the old house, his gun held up in front of him. Reaching a window, he barely looks around the frame to see four men sacked out in a messy living room. They were all relaxed without a clue anyone was there.

Taking advantage of the element of surprise, he makes his way noiselessly onto the porch. Glancing around the run-down neighborhood, he sees no one in sight. Bracing himself, he gives one swift kick to the door, forcing it open with a startling crash before stepping in, his gun aimed at the living room. “Everybody freeze!” he barks.

The four in the living room were already on their feet, and stop, stunned by the intrusion.

Con scans their faces, spotting Dirk. “You. Stay where you are. Everyone else, out.” When no one moves, he fires a shot in the ceiling. “Now! Move!”

With a few murmurs of confusion and fear, the other three shuffle out of the room, Con’s eyes bearing down on them. “Call the cops and you’ll regret it,” he growls. “Now get!”

He keeps one eye on the retreating party until they’re down the street, then focuses on Dirk. “Well, well, well…what a cozy little scene.”

Dirk’s hands are in the air, his face pale, though angry. “What do you want? Who are you?”

“Don’t play stupid. You know good and well who I am. I’m the guy you were supposed to kill, but failed to do so.” Con motions to the adjoining kitchen. “Get in there.”

“Naw, man, I…”

“Move!”

Dirk gives in, backing into the kitchen, his hands still raised.

Con moves after him, and shoves him down into a chair. “I’m here for answers, so you better just cooperate with me, or you’re gonna find out how I felt after your little dose of poison got through with me.”

Dirk scoffs. “You can’t prove anything. Besides, if you kill me, they’ll find you.”

The back of Con’s hand meets Dirk’s face with force. “Who said anything about killing?”

Dirk blinks, and tries to recover. “Look, I don’t know nothing.” His head whips to the side as he receives another blow, his lip splitting open. “I just follow orders!” Again, knuckles meet flesh, this time to Dirk’s eye, sending him to the tiled floor.

Con reaches down to pull Dirk up by the collar. “Now you listen to me. I’m not playing games. I know it was the Agency that tried to kill me, and I know it’s the Agency that’s holding a friend of mine. For your sake, I hope you know where they have them because I don’t have a whole lot of patience today.”

“You’re crazy.” Dirk looks up at Con.

“Am I?” Con twists Dirk around, putting pressure on the right arm. “Then I can plea temporary insanity when they try to put me away for your unfortunate death.”

“Come on, man!” Dirk struggles to free himself. “Just because I got paid to do the job on you doesn’t mean I know anything else. I don’t know nothing about no girl, or anything.”

Con catches the fact that he hadn’t mentioned his friend was female. “Wrong answer.” Applying a sudden force to Dirk’s arm, there’s a sickening crack before Dirk screams. Con twists him around, mercilessly shoving him back down into the chair.

Dirk winces in pain, cradling his now-broken arm. “I’m not telling you anything.”

“No?” Con reaches out, yanking Dirk’s arm in the air and planting a chop to the shoulder.

Dirk cries out again, sweat starting to run down his face, mixing with the blood from his mouth. “Alright, alright! So he sent me to poison you! But I don’t know anything about the girl!”

“You’re lying!” Con grabs a fistful of Dirk’s hair to pull back his head and look down on his face. “The Agency has been torturing people for years, and I’m sick of it. Innocent people are being hurt and worse, from nothing they’ve done wrong. I see senseless pain being applied to people who deserve to be happy, but the Agency keeps them under their thumb all the while.” He stares down into Dirk’s angry eyes. “Medridge likes to play with his lab rats to see their reactions. Well, he messed with the wrong rat this time, and he’s going to get more of a reaction than he bargained for. Now you’re going to tell me all your know. If you don’t, I’ll just find someone else, and I’ll hunt them down one by one until I find what I’m looking for.”

Fear passes through Dirk’s eyes. “You wouldn’t kill me. Medridge said none of you had the guts to do anything but sit back and take what he dishes out.”

Con takes his free hand, cocking his gun and pressing the barrel into Dirk’s skull. “You willing to bet on that?”

“Con!” Jason stands in the doorway of the kitchen, having found the front door open, and followed the sound of voices. His eyes are wide at seeing the scene before him. “Don’t do it.”

Con keeps a hand on Dirk, but spins around, his arm outstretched, the handgun pointed at Jason’s chest. “Stay out of this,” he growls.

Jason automatically takes a step backward, both hands held out to his sides. As he stares at his friend, he knows in an instant, that this was not the Con he knew. This was the Con that existed thirteen years ago when he’d been kicked off the police force for brutality. By the time Jason had met him, Con had undergone a change that had settled him into his position at TJY. But right now…there was no mercy…there was no remorse…there was no hesitance.

Jason swallows hard, looking Con in the eye. He had to believe that Con would not shoot him, but the threat alone was enough to make his face pale.


Wyatt parks alongside the curb and makes sure Nate is still behind him before exiting. He sees Jason’s bike in the driveway, but draws his gun anyway, and makes his way to the door. Peering inside, he sees no one, and motions with his head to Nate to go ahead and enter while he keeps his eye on the outside surroundings.


“Reese, Katie’s been holding on the line for you.”

“Thanks, Susanne.” Reese picks up the phone. “Hi, Katie, how are you doing today?” He can’t help a weary sigh. “I suppose you’d like to know how things are going. So far no one’s reported back to me with much. Though Con went out of here like a bomb ready to explode when he thought he found the guy that poisoned him…I called Jason, Wyatt and Nate off their locations to go after him and make sure nothing stupid happened, though I’ve never seen Con like this before…. I’m just waiting now to hear back from them.”


Carson lets out a laugh. “Might be kind of fun to have Sam try and attack me.” He rolls his eyes and heads for the door. “Alright, let’s see what kind of nerves this little lady’s got.”

Within moments he’s in the darkened room, his eyes sweeping the floor. Spotting Jamie, he glances to Joe. “Nice job. She must be a pretty tough one. I like that.” He approaches Jamie and reaches down, grabbing her arm to yank her up and drag her into the chair. He takes a second chair, turning it around to straddle it and rest his arms on the back, facing the captive. He reaches out to turn Jamie’s head toward him, studying the blood and bruises. His finger runs along her jaw line almost gently, but his eyes show their sinister glint. “So…you’re Jamie. A nice prize won, I must admit. I hear you haven’t been too cooperative though.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a knife, snapping the blade into place, testing the sharpness with a thumb. “See…the Agency has been following this fellow of yours…Conrad Gibbs, for a while now. Apparently he spent a lot of time with a group of people quite important there back in Texas.”

Carson twists the knife in his hand, the light reflecting off of it. “He also, apparently, works with someone else…somewhere…and that’s what we’d like to know. We’re pretty sure that a group out this way is looking for us, and we’re not too happy about it. So…you’re going to tell us where this place is, and what they know about the Agency…and don’t try telling me you don’t know, because I’m awfully confident that in that pretty little head of yours you hold quite a bit of information.”

He pauses, reaching out to take Jamie’s arm and stretching it out before him. He rests the knife blade on her skin and presses just enough to draw a slow stream of blood. “You’ve resisted pain…you’ve stood against questioning and torture… But would you be so brave if you knew we had a sniper whose sites were lined up with your boyfriend’s head?”

Carson’s grin is a contrast to his threatening words. “You wouldn’t want to be set free just so you could go to Conrad’s funeral, would you?”

Ed

*Nate shakes his head as they enter the office. Jamie lived in a relitivly big house for being on her own it was a good thing only 2 rooms were messed up. The rest could just be skimmed.*

"I tell ya Wyatt, I just dont understand sometimes what is going through peoples minds to do this. Even if they do it for fun. I just dont understand."

*Nate bends down to movie some of Jamie's desk draws and out them back in the cabnit sending more papers flying all over. Bending into a squating position Nate stars to sift though a bunch of papers and what not tossing some aside, and keeping some that might help. As Nate keeps looking he finds tiny drops of blood in cirtin places. Worry strikes in his heart. Was that from Jamie? There wasent alot but that dident matter. Blood was blood. Following the drops of blood over to the courner Nate gets a funn grin on his face. Bending down he picks something up gently and holds it.*

"Hey Wyatt, looks like we DID have someone trying to protect Jamie."

*Nate hold up Jamie's Ball Python who had alittle bit of blood around his mouth.*

"Ed had his venom removed but I bet it still hurt whoever he striked at. Least we know SOMEONE has and injored hand. When we leave remind me to take him with me. Jamie would kill me if we let him here to die."

*Nate bends down and puts Ed into a carboard box and sets him aside for now.*

*Mable lets out a small cry as she turns her head to bury it into Herb's shoulder crying softly.
Herb his his face sollem though you can see the emotion behind his eyes wanting to get free. But for Mable sake he dosent.*

"We know you guys will do all you can. Thats all we can ask for. Thank you for coming to tell us."

*Herb things for a moment about anything strange that had been going on.*

"There have been some new faces in the restront 2 or 3 men. They showed up about a week ago I think it was. They always pay with cash though so I dont know anymore information than that. They come in usaly around lunch time, order some stuff to go than leave. Other than that I cant think of anything."

*Herb comforts Mable rubbing her back and holding her close. Trying to comfort her the best he can.*

*The Fat Man throws a thumb at the door, and nods.*

"She downs there probley passed out at the moment. But have at it. Just dont damage her mouth for Pete sake. She cant give us the info we want without it. Sooner or later she is gonna crack. A person can only take so much. Who knows Carson maybe even you can make her talk. I've seen ya do it with people before. Take Joe with you. We still have Sam down there, if she see you alone she probley would try to attack you. I'm not willing to take that chanse."

* As the Fat Man nods to Joe he stands tall next to the door wiht a cocky look on his face waiting for Carson.*

*As Jamie opens her eyes as she hears a new voice she coms face to face with Sam again. As look of fear on her face.*

Sam: "You have to stay strong Jamie. Dont let them win. Your a strong person and you can do it I know you can. Carson is here and things just got a whole lot heavyer. Just block the pain out if you can cuz there will probley be alot of it, and dont give up. I am sure your friends are looking for you right now."

*Sam trys her best to comfrot Jamie but knows it probley isent helping much. Hearing the lock on the door up stairs Sam scurrys back over to the other wall.
So helpless and Weak, Jamie wondered how much time really had gone by. Hours seems like week without any light. Jamie new she had to stray strong though. That was part of being in TJY, the oth you took when you started. Jamie couldent put evenone alse in danger even if it ment giving her own life.*

*After Katie finishes with her therapy for the day she ehads to her room. It had been a few hours and wondered how everything was turning out. Grabing her phone she dials Reese number.*

Quitting

Con grits his teeth as another file is done without finding who he wanted. Flipping open another one, he suddenly stops. There he was. Con’s eyes widen. He had no doubt. This was the man that had bumped into him at the auto shop. 5’10, dark hair, dark eyes…and yes, he had that scar on his chin.

He pulls out the sheet with detailed information. Dirk Jones. Two DUIs, three petty thefts, one disturbing the peace, apparently he’d ended up in jail for a few years for attacking an officer as well. Typical low-down trash.

Con snatches up the papers and gets up from the table, wasting no time in getting to his office where he sits down, turning on his computer. As he waits impatiently for it to start up, he studies the picture more, the anger beginning to intensify. This was the only lead he had.

Finally he’s able to open up the TJY database and begins searching for Dirk Jones. Finding him, he browses the record, his eyes landing on current information. 378 Thorn St. He lived in town. Con knew the area. It was the slum part of town on the other side.

Without even turning the computer off, Con gets up and marches down the hall, heading for the floor, then the exit.

“Con! Where are you going?”

Con spins around to see Reese. “I found him, and I’m going to go have a friendly little chat with him.”

Reese raises his eyebrows, seeing the fire in Con’s eyes. “Friendly little chat I think not. You’re staying here until the others get back, and they will handle this.”

“I’m not waiting. Jamie is being held by the Agency and they’ll kill her without warning at any time, if she isn’t dead already. I’m going.”

“No you’re not.” Reese raises his voice. “You’re staying here and that is a direct order.”

Con glares at his boss, receiving the order with irritation. Reese was keeping him from finding the one precious thing in his life, and he would not be stopped. “Well then…I guess I won’t take orders from you anymore.” Con reaches onto his belt and takes off the gun that was issued to him through TJY, tossing it onto a table. He pulls his ID badge out of his back pocket and flicks it onto the floor. “There’s your protocol. Any of your men get in my way, they’re on their own.” He spins on his heel and stalks for the door.

“Con!” Reese looks after him in shock. One of his best men had just quit. How could this be happening? “Con, don’t do this!”

Con pays no attention, not even slowing his stride. Out in the parking lot, he’s in his car and reaching under the seat to pull out his own handgun, making sure its loaded, and tucking it into his holster. Payback time.


Wyatt lets out a low whistle as he sees the mess in Jamie’s house. “They did a right good job on this, I’ll say.” He reaches down to right a chair. “This is a mess.” His eyes peruse the office, looking for anything odd in within the tangled heap of furniture, paper and other various articles. He glances to Nate. “Well…I guess we dig in.”


Jason looks back and forth between Herb and Mabel. He didn’t know them as well as Con did, but they’d always been a bright spot whenever Jason had come here. Always warm and friendly, making everyone smile. If anyone didn’t deserve to receive this kind of news, it was them.

He sighs deeply, not even sure how to start. But they had to know…otherwise they would find out on their own about Jamie and would probably call the police – something that couldn’t happen unless they put TJY in jeopardy.

“Herb…Mabel…I’ve got some bad news for you.” Jason grits his teeth, trying to find the courage he needed. “I just came from TJY on orders to inform you. Jamie is missing. Her house was apparently broken into last night, and we think we know who did it. Right now we don’t have any leads, but we’re doing all in our power to find her and bring her home.”

Jason searches the two faces, watching as the shock hits. “I’m sorry. We’re doing all we can. If you’ve seen anything suspicious at all recently, please tell me because anything to point us in the right direction will lead us to Jamie faster. And you both know…time is important.”


“Yo, it’s me.” Carson opens the door, slipping inside before shutting and locking it again. He looks to the two other thugs and nods. “Got sent over here to see how things were going.” A crooked grin creases his lips with sadistic amusement. “And I thought I might get a glimpse of the jewel that was stolen. Heard she was a pretty little thing. I bet that Con guy is hopping mad – Les said he caught ‘em making out a couple times. Medridge knew what he was doing with this one. Not only do we get to play with the torture, but we might just get some answers too.”