How to dress

Jason pulls his bike up to the curb and revs his engine, a grin on his face as he waits for Katie and hands her her helmet. “Mornin’ sunshine.”

It’s a quick ride to TJY where Jason heads to his office to do a few things, refreshed after getting some sleep. He just hoped that he’d stay alert the rest of the day…though adrenaline would most likely keep him going later at the fundraiser.


Carson lies on his back, staring up at the ceiling tiles. He’d slept, he’d changed clothes, Rick had checked on him, he’d slept some more, he’d counted ceiling tiles, he’d ventured around the infirmary, he’d slept some more, and now was just about ready to go crazy. No one had come to discuss the future with him – probably they were still undecided. Either that, or they’d opted not to keep him on their side and turn him in instead.

He sighs and rolls over on his right side, giving his sore shoulder a break, but wincing as his ribs take the brunt of his movement. He was hungry for fast food, but had no cash, and no means to get around, and even if he did, they wouldn’t allow him out on his own. He wanted to help TJY go against the Agency, but was it always going to be like this?


Laura picks at the cold potato salad, not exactly hungry for it. She’d skipped lunch, so had figured she better eat something in the afternoon, but nothing seemed to want to settle with her.

She’d talked to Con on the phone earlier…he and Jamie were still planning on going to the fundraiser. It sounded like he’d had a good day, and that made Laura feel good.

She shoves her bowl aside and turns back to her computer. She didn’t have a vehicle…she didn’t want to put anyone else out…she should probably just skip going to the fundraiser and call a cab to take her home once the workday was through.


“Great, Kyle, thanks. I’ll see you there.” Jason hangs up his phone, grabs his jacket and heads for Katie’s cubicle. He was running late…he hadn’t made it over to Mike’s like planned, but Kyle said they’d gotten everything loaded already, so it was fine, and they were going to meet Jason at the community building to start setting up and getting ready. They’d agreed to let others use their sound system for the event, so it would take just a bit of extra time to get set up.

“Yo, Katie, you ready to blow this joint?” Jason throws her a quirky smile. “I gotta grab a few things back at Con’s, pick up a bite to eat, then meet the guys at the community building.”

It doesn’t take long before the short tasks are complete, and they arrive at the community building that adjoins the city park. A small crowd of people are already there, mostly hospital staff preparing for the evening’s event, though some spectators as well, either simply standing back to watch or volunteering help.

Jason finds a parking spot and dismounts the motorcycle, helping Katie as well. As they make their way inside, the rest of JetStream can be seen at the one end of the large open room, getting things set up on the stage.

“Kyle, throw me those cords.”

“These?”

“No, the other ones.”

“Mike, get your foot off the cable!”

“Jen, where’s that duct tape?”

“Hey, has anybody seen my mic?”

Kyle straightens from looking into a tote of extra supplies, a smile spreading across his face. “Hey, it’s Jase and KT!”

“Sorry I’m late,” Jason apologizes. “Reese was keeping me busy today.”

“No worries.” Mike tosses him a cord. “Jen’s working on the soundboard.”

Jason slips right into his role, switching gears to help set up, and uncoils the cord to plug into the soundboard that’s set back from the stage.

Jen wheels around from where she’s been working. “Hi, Jason, hi, Katie.” A smile is on her lips, before she turns to point at Phil. “The duct tape is in the back seat of the truck where you left it.”

“Oh, yeah.”

Jen rolls her eyes. “Where’s that extension cord we just bought?”

“Um…” Phil thinks, then points to a box that had been left across the room by the door. “I think it’s in last box over there.”

“Thanks. I’ll go get it.”

Kyle glances at her and steps off the stage. “I’ll get it.”

Jen stops her chair and shoots Kyle a warning glance. “I’m fine. I’ll get it myself.”

Kyle grits his teeth for a moment, then holds up his hands. “Alright.” He turns back to what he was doing, obviously avoiding eye contact with anyone for several moments until the strange tension has passed.

“What are we wearing tonight, guys?” Mike asks a few minutes later. “Casual or up nice?”

“Casual.” Jen returns with the box on her lap.

Kyle grins and looks at Katie. “Jen’s our resident advisor for how we look on stage. She usually does a pretty good job.”

Jen rolls her eyes, sticking out her tongue just a little. “I can’t help it if you grown men can’t figure out what to wear. Mike, you got that red shirt with you?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well take that and your faded jeans – that always looks good.”

“Alright.”

Jen looks at her two brothers. “Kyle, holes in the knees is too casual, I’d change that, but your brown t-shirt will do – the one with the writing on the back.”

“Yeah, I got it in the truck.”

Jen nods. “Phil?”

Phil shakes his head as he plugs in a speaker. “I’ll have to run home. I need to grab something other than these sneakers anyway.”

“Good call. You should wear that black shirt of yours. You all will look nice, but not matching so it’ll give the stage a casual feel.” She looks over to where Jason is working at setting up the monitors. “Hey, Jason?”

“Yeah?”

“Go for your white tee and those tight jeans of yours.”

Jason’s eyes shoot up, his eyebrows raised. “Pardon?”

“Oh come now.” Jen rolls her eyes. “Now’s not the time to be self-conscious. You’re in the forefront, and you look dang good when you dress like that.”

Jason’s face reddens. He opens his mouth to argue, but she cuts him off.

“And gel your hair again, but not so much in the front. Once you’ve played for a while, you get that lock that falls down on your forehead and it’s way too cute to keep it back." Jen gestures with her hands. "Go for that and the jeans, and you’ll be irresistible. The girls will love it.”

“Jen!” Now Jason can really feel the heat in his face.

Jen starts to grin, knowing good and well she’s embarrassing him, but having too much fun, knowing what she says is true. She looks over at Katie. “Would you please tell him I’m right?”

*Misty lowers her head to look at the table again and than stands.*

"I guess I'll tag along and grab mystuff before I head home for a shower, and than come back."

*Misty walks with Carson to Rick's office and grabs her stuff exiting the office. Looking back at Carson Misty grins.*

"See ya in a bit."

*A few hours pass as Katie sits on the pourch waiting for Jason to show up. The morning had been along already and Katie wasent even at work yet. She wasent staying a full day only a few hours, but something told her it was going to feel like a lifetime. The funraiser was tonight, Katie felt nervouse and excited at the same time. Katie ears perk up as she heres the sound of a motercicle draw close.*

*Misty steps out of the shower and heads into her bedroom. Looking down at the bed Misty smiles at the 2 small figures curled up together sleeping. Beinding down Misty pats the 2 ferrits on the head as they look up at her.*

"Hey Romieo, Hey Juliet."

*Going to she closet Misty sifts through the clothing. Pulling out a baby blue tank top and a pear of Jeans Misty throws them on. She had caught about 3 hours of sleep and felt quite rested now. Leting out a sigh she exits the room and makes her way across the house. Grabing her keys she heads to the car and is off to TJY once again.*

Avoidance

As Carson takes in what Misty is saying, he has no idea how to respond. He did know how she felt…he’d only been away from the Agency for such a short time…had only just now decided to go up against them, and it was already a fight. He knew exactly what Misty was feeling.

Misty takes him a little by surprise as she speaks of her own reactions to him. And to this…he had no idea how to respond. He could tell that she needed comfort…needed understanding…needed a friend. But he had never played those roles before. He had never crossed the line between business or pleasure into the realm of friendship. It had always been too dangerous of a spot.

Misty’s somewhat sudden attachment to him was a little bewildering…he liked her…she stirred something inside of him that most women didn’t. But her emotions ran deeper, despite the short time they’d known each other. Carson didn’t know how to take it…he didn’t know how to respond. Woman had talked sweet to him before, but this was different…this was genuine.

Carson is quiet for several minutes, trying to come up with a response, but nothing seems to form. “The fact that you didn’t stay there tonight proves you’re on the right side, no matter what you were feeling, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much.”

He shrugs a little, reverting to her statement about how she felt around him. “I guess a lot of people need someone to chase their shadows away until they find their own light.”

Suddenly feeling as though he’d been cornered for some reason, he stands up. “I’m going to head back before Rick finds me out of bed.” He knows his statement is a contradiction to his real feeling of not caring, but it’s the best excuse he had. “Guess I’ll just wait around for someone to tell me what to do.”

feelings

*Misty lets out a sigh and searches Carson's face. If there was on person she new she could talk to and would understand where she was coming from it was Carson.*

" Ya it does. Its been ages since I acted or did stuff like I did lastnight. I had forgoten how...."

*Misty stops for a moment rethinking her words.*

"..I forgot what it was like. The emotions involved. I played into the roll so naturley like I had never left. That means its still a part of me. The Agency has left a mark that can never go away. The horrable part of it all is...it felt good to go aganst the rules. I dont want to be that person anymore though that hurts people. The memories though they still haunt as I am sure you know."

*Misty lowers her face to the table starting to pick at a peace of tape on the table.*

"Its so easy to talk to you Carson. You know where I am coming from. I feel comfortable around you. I dont even think about my shadows when your around. There is something about you...I never cared what happend to someone as much as I do with you. I've wanted to be mad at you so many times and I just cant be. As soon as I see your face, your eyes. The anger goes away, replaced with another emotion. and I wonder in the end, what will be enough....what will really matter?"

*As Misty talks she relizes she is saying more than she probley should. Why was she opening herself like this to Carson. Making herself varnalbul in his pressence. Maybe her words wernt even making sence to him. Maybe she was only babbling.*

*Nate smiles and Nods being able to sence Laura's awkwardness.*

"Ok..well I'll see ya later than."

*Nate heads for the door as he shakes his head. He was a fool what was he doing. First he went and kiss Laura witch made complacations to start with and now, now he was chasing after an angel that would always be out of his reach. Who was he fooling. Though Nate though it was a lost cause something pulled on his heart anyways telling him he had to keep trying. Maybe later he would ask Laura if she wanted to go to the fundraiser as friend.*

Thanks though

Carson cocks his head and straightens to enter the break room, pulling out a chair and turning it around to straddle it across the table from Misty. He hadn’t had anything to eat since a light supper the night before and was now hungry enough to take Misty up on her offer to finish the sandwich.

After a few moments, he looks up, searching her face. “Gets in the blood, doesn’t it? The action. The adrenaline rush. Not an easy thing to shake.”


Laura looks up quickly as Nate approaches, feeling an odd jump to her stomach. “Oh, um, yeah…I couldn’t sleep so I decided to come in and make myself useful, though I’m not sure I’m accomplishing even that.” She laughs, though it comes out a little more nervous sounding than planned.
“I, um…I’m trying to cut back on my caffeine, so, I um…guess I better pass on that…. Thanks though.” She looks back down the her computer, frustrated with the awkwardness she felt. What had happened? She’d never been awkward around Nate before.

Starbucks

*Misty snaps her head up as Carson enters giving alittle jumps proving she was lost in thought. Trying to place the sassy smile on her face she takes another bite of her sandwitch.*

"Psycaly, ya I'm fine. Mentally, I'll be fine after a bit. Just got lots of things running though my mind."

*Misty goes silent for a moment looking down at the table. Though the color and sassy fire returned to her eyes, there we still a dull hint of emotional wreckage. Misty felt like crap from what went down tonight. Misty slowly lifts her head again to look at Carson again.*

"Feeling any better? I bet Rick fixed ya up good. He's real good at making people better."

*Misty pushes the other half of her egg sandwitch twords Carson.*

"You wanna finish that for me? I dont want anymore and I hate wasting food."

*Looking up from his desk Nate seeing Laura clearly. She looked exsausted. Finally having time to stop and think Nate's mind goes to when her and Laura met Con at Mom and Pop's. The look her gave Nate chilled him to the bone yet he dident understand it. Did Con not trust him that much? Why? Nate shakes his head and stands walking over to Laura's cubicle and leans on the wall smiling.*

"I dident exspect to see you here this early. You look like you could use some coffee. I'm heading out to starbucks would you like me to pick you up anything?"

Stuffy

Jason hangs up with Katie and heads out, letting Reese know he’ll be back later. He goes to Con’s where he flops down on the couch, trying to sleep for just a couple hours before he has to go pick Katie up.


Carson doesn’t allow much of anything to show on his face, though he looks Nate in the eye at the mention of Misty. “No, not usually.”

“You’re not going to be meeting much of anybody for at least a day,” Rick interrupts with a warning.” I want you to spend the next twenty-four hours at least in this bed so you quit breaking open your wrists, and so you give that shoulder and those ribs a break. Tonight’s excursion didn’t help you any, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll take my advice.”

Carson throws Rick an annoyed look, “Yeah, whatever.”

“No, not whatever!” Rick retorts, unafraid of Carson. “I’ll stay in here to watch you if I have to.” He sighs and starts to put his things away. “I’ve got some other work to do now, and I expect you to be in that bed when I return.”

It’s only a few minutes before Carson is left alone. He glances around the room, his mind not a hundred percent as exhaustion begins to set in. But he doesn’t want to sleep, and he doesn’t care about Rick’s orders. Standing, he walks slowly to the door, looking down the hall to make sure Nate and Rick are out of eyesight, then walks down a few doors to the breakroom. He leans on the door frame and looks in on Misty, his words a bit gruff. “I neglected to ask if you were okay earlier.”


Laura yawns again and rolls her eyes at herself. She couldn’t sleep at Jamie’s, and now that she was here, she was getting tired. The air felt warm and stuffy in here this morning, and it wasn’t helping clear her mind much. She sifts through some more paperwork, then starts in on answering emails, though her eyes keep wanting to close. Some fresh air would probably help things, but she didn’t want to get up while she was in the middle of this work. If she could at least get through this one thing…

Yay

*Misty turns and smiles sweetly at her uncle give alittle nod.*

"I'll be ok, but if I need ya I'll call."

*Misty continues to the kitchen pouring herself some OJ and warming up a breakfest sandwitch. Siting and eating Misty gets lost in thought her mind going from one thing to the next.*

*Katie sits up with a start looking around the room. Hearing the phone ring again she reaches out and answers it.*

"Hey J. Well I am glad everyone is ok."

*Katie cant help but let out a yawn.*

"Ya I could use a ride to work. I think Laura is geting a ride from Nate so ya I guess I do . I'll be ready by 6:30-7:00. Ok...I'll see ya than."

*Katie hangs up the phone and swings her legs around the side of the bed. Rubbing her eyes she streaches. Her alarm was going to be going off in a half hour there was no point in going back to sleep. Grabing her head phone she starts to listen to some music singing along with it geting her vocil cords ready for tonight. Grabing her cane she heads into the kitching still singing softly.*

*Nate crosses his arms across his chest leaning on the doorframe.*

" Well we have a spare room done up down the hall you can bunk there. I am sure everyone agrees you proved yourself to us. Your free to do what you want Carson."

*Nate throws a look to the breakroom a small smile creeping across his face.*

"I'd stick around though if I were you. Its not even day you meet someone like that girl in the other room."

Early Start

Jason receives Misty's comment about beating someone up, a retort on his tongue, but he holds it in front of Reese. It wasn't his fault that the two other guys had gotten out of hand, so he wasn't going to feel guilty about it. Misty was entitled to her opinion, and if she didn't like what had happened, then she could take it up with her uncle.

Reese takes the disc from Misty, his eyebrows raised. "Alright...thank you." He stops her before she is out of sight. "Misty, I'm going home for a few hours. If you need anything, call me."

Jason is left alone, and ambles to his office, dialing his phone as he walks. "Hey, Katie, it's me." He glances at his watch, noting that it's four in the morning. "Everybody is back safe and sound...I'll have to tell you all about it tomorrow. I just wanted to let you know. I'm probably going to head over to Con's to try to catch a little bit of sleep, otherwise I'll be dead on stage tonight. Do you have a ride to work in a few hours? If not, I'll be coming back in a little later for a while before heading over to Mike's to load up our band equipment."


Carson sits down on the edge of the bed in the infirmary, allowing Rick to check him over again. He sees that Nate has followed, and cocks his head in question, his eyes weary. "Well, now that that's over, what do you plan to do with me? Lock me up again? Send me on my way, or turn me into the cops?" His eyebrow raises in a slight challenge, his tiredness amplifying any negative feelings.


Drew hangs up his phone and gets up from the table. “Alright, boys, lets hit the road.” He stands and glances around. “Anybody seen Ashlyn?”

Travis shakes his head. “Haven’t heard a peep out of her since Carson was here.”

Mark snickers, but doesn’t say what’s on his mind.

Drew heads to the bedroom and knocks on the door. “Ashlyn – we’re moving. Boss wants all of us.” He waits, but doesn’t receive a reply. “Ashlyn?” He opens the door and steps inside. It takes him a moment to take in the scene.

Ashlyn is lying on the bed fully clothed, sprawled out as if she’d been tossed there. The bed is still made, and an empty syringe is lying on the bedside.

Drew goes quickly to Ashlyn finding her very alive, but lethargic as though she’d been drugged. He looks to the syringe and begins to piece together what had happened. His face begins to redden as anger develops, his shout echoing through the cabin. “CARSON YOU TRAITOR!!!”


Laura opens her eyes for the umpteenth time, staring at the clock. She groans inwardly. This was ridiculous. It was four-thirty, but she might as well get up if she wasn't going to be able to sleep. Rising, she quietly goes to the bathroom to shower and dress, careful not to wake Jamie or Con. By the time she is ready for the day, the sky has become a reddish grey, signaling that the sun will be rising soon.

After a quick phone call, she grabs a bite to eat and writes a note to Con to let him know that she's gone to work. If her mind was this busy, she should at least put it too good use, and besides that, she wanted to know what had happened last night after Nate and Jason had left so suddenly.

Laura meets her ride by the curb and is dropped off about a block from TJY where she walks the rest of the way. It's quiet when she arrives. Hardly anyone is there yet, though all the lights are on. She goes to her desk and sits down, yawning and starting up her computer. A glance to the sticky note she had kept, reminds her of one of the many things that had kept her up all night. She reaches out to take it off the wall and looks at the cute flower Nate had drawn. Smiling a little, she places it in her desk drawer and tries to focus on getting some work done. Maybe she would leave early and go to the hospital's fund raiser tonight... Con and Jamie were going...and it might be a nice distraction.

Names

*Katie smile continues.*

"Ok J, thx. Talk to ya soon."

*Katie hangs up her phone and flips her tv on. Laying back Katie finds a western to watch till finally her eyes grow tired and she drifts to sleep.*

*Misty smile up at her Uncel. His embrace startled her a bit. She though for sure she was going to be reamed out. She wasent exspecting the hug.*

"Ya I'm ok."

*Nate takes the phone and nods.*

"Thanks Carson you did good."

*Nate goes to place a hand on Carson's shoulder but stops short rememeber they were probley still a bit sore. Nate just shakes his head and smiles following Carson and Rick to the infermary.

Misty watches like a hawk as Rick and Nate move along side Carson. Misty wasent sure what to think still. Slowly turn her head to Jason a grin creeping across her face though she was confused. Everyone wasent yelling at her that in itself was a new feeling.

"I'll see what I can do next time. I just I guess care to much sometimes thats my curse."

*Misty thinks for a moment.*

"How about you guys not kidnapp and beat the tar out of anyone alse for along time ok? I am sure there is anther way of seeing someones trust. Like I lie detector or something."

*Misty cant help the little sassy gran that cross her face. Reaching into her pocket she pull out the CD disk she had and hold it out for Reese.*

"Here Richard Bilford this had alot of information on it you might wanna get rid of. You can access it with out a password but I wouldent want to take a chanse anyways."

*Misty gives a small smile and heads for the breakroom. Her mouth was dry and she needed something to drink.*

Back in one piece

Jason is grateful for Katie's words, and as always, he's calmed by them. "Thanks, Hero. I'll give you a call later, though it's getting to be the wee hours of the morning. Whether we hear anything or not, I'll keep you updated."


Carson can tell that Misty is keeping an eye on him, and though pride gets in the way, he doesn't complain. Maybe sometimes it was okay to have somebody looking out for him.

As they enter TJY, Carson separates himself just a little from Misty, not wanting to deal with any flack.

Jason, Nate, Rick and Reese are on the main floor and give a start as they see Misty and Carson. Reese wastes no time in going to his niece, embracing her in a relieved hug. "My word, Misty, you had me worried sick." He withdraws to hold her at arm's length. "Are you alright? I never would have forgiven myself had you ended up in the hands of the Agency. This whole thing was my fault."

Carson stands back a little, slightly surprised by Reese's reaction. He would have expected Misty to get the bad rap for going after him...but apparently Reese's love for his niece overruled that... It had been a long time since Carson had seen something like that. He leans a little unsteadily against a cubical wall, unsure what he's to do now.

Jason looks at him expectantly. "Thanks for bringing her back, Carson. How come you didn't call?"

Carson tosses the cell phone to Nate. "Wanted to make sure it was really over, and by that time, we were already 'bout back here." He stares at Nate for a moment. "Everyone is in one piece as requested."

"Did you run into any trouble?"

Carson holds a steady gaze lacking emotion. "Nothing Misty couldn't handle. No one got hurt."

Rick moves forward. "You're not looking so great."

"I feel like crap."

"Well, at least you're honest." Rick shakes his head. "Come on back to the infirmary while these guys talk and I'll give you something for that pain...I know your shoulder must be killing you, and by the way you're standing, my guess would be that some of your ribs went overlooked earlier."

Carson follows numbly down the now-familiar hall, starting to feel as if he's in a daze. So many things had changed...his circumstances...these events...and something inside of him was changing as well. It had started the day he hadn't killed Jamie, and it was growing larger...he wasn't sure what it was...it was a little scary...but unidentifiable.

After Carson has left the room, Jason glance at Misty with a perturbed look. "You do realize that you have too much spunk for your own good, don't you?" He shakes his head. "My fault. I shoulda known you'd go off like that. But next time, would you please stay on the line longer so I have a chance to reroute you?"

Back to Work

*As Carson winces and goes for his shoulder Misty cant help put wince herself, and put her hand on it saw well wishing she could make it feel better for him. Misty gives a small laugh.*

"Dont worry I believe you. Come on lets get you back so we can stop that pain."

*Misty goes to the driver side and waits for Carson to get in. As they drive back and the rain comes Misty keep a watch on Carson out of the courner of her eye. As the more makeup comes off Carson's face she see that it was more than alittle beating Carson receaved. Misty shakes her head still floored that they could do something like this to anyone. A small bit of anger enters Misty the more she thinks about it. Misy mind bounces from one thing to another unable to focus on just one thought. Though when her mind goes back to the kiss with Carson a smile creeps arcross her face.*

Finally they pull into TJY's parking lot Misty lets out a long sigh. Geting out of the car Misty makes her way over to Carson's side opening his door and helping him out. Misty coulde tell he was in a great deal of pain. Taking it slow Misty and Carson make there way inside. Stoping only one hesatationg on entering the door. Misty feel like turning and runing away but she knows she cant. Finally starting again they enter TJY*

*Katie lets out a sigh as she stands and makes her way to the kitchen for a drink. Henry following close behind.*

"Well your right sometimes things dont, and sometimes planes backfire but we all make mistakes.but as long as you did it with the best intentions thats what matters."

*Katie takes a drink of water and pops some left over chicken in her mouth than heads back to her room. Siting down in bed and leaning aganst the wall.*

"Everything will turn out ok. I know it will. Just keep that head high and dont lose hope. After Carson returns with Misty if ya need a shoulder I'm here. I probley wont be sleeping so just give me a call."

*Though Jason cant see her Katie is smiling trying to comfort him.*

Late night

Carson prolongs the embrace, enjoying it too much to let go, but suddenly draws back with a start, wincing as he goes for his left shoulder. A curse makes its way to the surface, and he looks at Misty with apology before letting a dry laugh come. "Well, if you doubted my story, take it from me now - I ain't in no shape to have any kind of 'adventures' tonight." He rubs his shoulder gingerly. "I think you're gonna have to drive the rest of the way back - I've about had it."

The drive continues, another storm system moving in to dump more rain. On the way, Carson's body finally starts to tire, hurting all over from the beating he'd received. He rubs most of the makeup off his face, revealing the cuts and bruises, and he leans back in the seat, remaining fairly quiet...thinking...pondering.


Jason sighs deeply at Katie's question. "No...nothing yet. Carson is...well he's out looking for her...long story." He cringes a little. "It's a mess, Katie, and it's partly my fault. Reese and I had a plan and it turned out a complete disaster, so I don't know what's going to happen now." He paces the break room, leaving his half-empty pop can on the table. "Sometimes nothing can go right, ya know?"


Laura turns over in bed, looking into the darkness. She had a hard time sleeping away from home, but tonight seemed even worse. Her mind continued to insist on revisiting the day...her brief conversation with Nate...the awkwardness at supper. She'd seen the look in her brother's eye... She loved Con dearly, and respected his opinions and character judgment...but had he been right to act the way he had? Or was is Laura who was not being cautious enough? Con's body language had implied he thought Nate was doing something more than just giving her a lift...was that true? Was Nate just being nice, or was there something more? And if there was something more, what was Laura supposed to do with that?

She glances at the clock and yawns. This whole thing was just silly. She just needed to ignore it and move on as if nothing had happened. Otherwise it would just drive her crazy, and tonight she really did need her sleep.

Mood

*The fire in Misty's eyes return to full color as she stairs back at Carson. Her sassy smile returning to her face.*

"Fine by me, I am in no hurry to go back."

*A grin plays and dances at the courner of Misty's mouth her eyes never leaving Carson's.*

"Are you sure its a battle you want to win? Or many just this once losing is ok."

*As Carson draws her closer to him once again like so many times before her paulse quickened. It was a feeling she could never get tired of though. The tast of Carson sweet lips, being wraped in his warm arms, feeling Carson so close to her Misty can feel herself melt as she kiss him back. Misty's one arm finding its way to Carson's back as the other slowly finds the side of his face. Misty cant help but feel happy never wanting this moment to end under the starlit sky and the soft sound of thunder to set the mood just right.*

*Katie toss and turns in bed finally siting up and looking at the clock. It was late and she hasent hurd anything from Jason since dinner. She dident feel anything wrong but that dident mean something happend to Misty anyways. Picking up her phone she dials Jason's number.*

"Jason it's Katie. Any word on Misty yet?"

Eyes

Carson allows Misty to push his hat up, and stares into her eyes…those never-ending reflections of her soul. “Let them think I kidnapped you then. I don’t care.”

His hand moves up to tuck her blowing hair behind her ear and he takes a step closer to her, his voice a hushed whisper. “The eyes of the conqueror, so pure and true. They slice the heart in half, dividing the soul into the paths it must choose. For it is but a path the soul must take…a journey…wrought with battles and wars. But the eyes…they are ever watching, ever guiding, ever revealing the true nature of this conquering queen.”

Carson holds his gaze, unmoving for several silent moments until he speaks again. “I don’t know what you do to me, Misty, but it isn’t fair. I can’t win no matter how hard I try.”

Finally giving in, he leans in to press a kiss to her lips, his arm finding its way around her waist to pull her to himself.

Blue Eyes

*Misty shakes head head and takes Carson's hand.*

"I have good eyes in the dark."

*Misty checks Carson's one wrist placng pressure on it. Geting the bleeding to stop her pulls some gause from her pocket and puts it around Carson's wrist. Than Misty does the same to the other. Loking up at Carson his eyes were hidden from his hat but Misty could feel the trocher, the battle raging inside of him. The warriors soul still at battle. Standing Misty once again puts a finger on the brim of Carson's hat and pushes it up so she can see his blue eyes.*

"You shouldent hide your eyes Carson. There to nice to not let people look at them."

*Misty smiles up at Carson. The fire slowly burning brighter now.*

"I guess we should get back now before they think you kidnaped me."

*The courners of Mistys mouth turn up in a grin.*

Dark

Carson shakes his head slowly, never to understand Misty’s way of thinking. Loyal was putting it mildly… he just didn’t get it how someone like her could like someone like him. It struck him hard enough that he realizes he’s beginning to fee remorse for past actions…once again, the care shown to him was bringing out guilt which bewildered him.

Pushing those thoughts aside, he turns as Misty summons him. His cap is still pulled low and his head is tilted down just enough that his eyes remain hidden, though he holds out his arm to her. “It’s too dark for you to see anything,” he reasons. “It’s fine.”

I dont care

*Misty lets out a long sigh. She cared about Carson she did and though she wanted to be upset she wasent.*

"The past is the past Carson, I dont care about it. I sure as heck am not sorry I care about you and if dispointment comes, I'll deal with it than. For now I still stand to what I said before. Your not pushing me away, end of story."

*Misty looks down at the ground again diging her toe into the dirt as she sits on the hood of the car. The cold hard look starts to fade, and the fire yet very dim still shines through proving itself there.*

"Come here Carson. Let me finish looking at your wrist."

Somebody like me

Carson doesn’t drop his stare from the sky. “Maybe.” He thinks for a minute, not even sure why he’s still talking. He really should just shut up. But something pushes him further.

“I’m sorry if what I did tonight misled you…but you should know that your assumption was a true judgment call of who I am…there was a reason the other guys weren’t surprised. I may not have done anything with Ashlyn tonight, but…”

He lets his phrase slide, wondering why he’s choosing his words so carefully. “Look it’s not like she was the first, nor would my actions have been the first, had I not given her that shot. And…I’m sorry you care because you’re something special…and there’s only disappointment in it for someone who runs after somebody like me.”

Change

*Misty can hear Carson coming up along side her standing silent still.*

"I might be a fool Carson but I wouldent change it for anything. In my eyes your alot more than you think."

*As Carson continues to tell Misty about how he was acting and the shot he gave Ashlyn. Misty can feel her cheeks turn red. She felt like a dang fool. Giving Carson a soft playful elbow to the arm Misty leans aganst the hood of the care lising to the thunder and taking in the fresh smell of rain.*

" I guess we both act to good for our own health huh?"

You're not

Carson sits and listens to Misty, receiving her words and absorbing them like a sponge, deciphering each one individually to understand…to comprehend. Her thoughts…her actions…her feelings…they were so foreign to him.

As Misty gets out of the car, he looks to her quickly, watching her walk in front of the car and stand. He cocks his head and heaves a deep sigh, turning off the car’s engine. Why must he continue to test…why must he continue to distrust and test others as a result?

After a few moments, he reaches for the door handle and slowly gets out of the car, fighting against the physical pain he is in. The pills have worn off.

He ambles in front of the car as well until he is standing beside Misty, and he looks up with her at the stars, tilting his head to see them out from under his baseball cap. “You’re a dang fool for caring about me, Misty.” He purses his lips in thought, letting the night’s silence surround them. Thunder rolls in the distance and crickets chirp their night song, but even so, it is a silence of souls.

“But you’ll probably be happy to know that Ashlyn will be sleeping soundly for another several hours after the shot I gave her less than a minute after we’d entered that room.” He pauses. “You’re not the only one who can act, you know.”

Star

*As Carson slams on the breaks and Misty goes forword she snaps her head looking at Carson.*

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Are you crazy? Thats my car your slaming around are you trying to make me go through he windshield."

*Misty sits for a moment undoing her seatbelt taking her heart out of her throut. After a moment Misty looks out the window and speaks slowly.*

"Why Carson? Why do I care? Why does a person normaly care for another? We dream of hope, of change, fire, love and death and than it happens the dream become real and the answer to the quest shows itself like the glow of a new dawn and all we want is to be around that person or things that brang us so much comfort so much joy. We want to be near to the person that lite the darkness and chased away most of the shadows. and I guess When a change comes, some species feel the urge to migrate, they call it zugunruhe. "A pull of the soul to a far off place," following a scent in the wind, a star in the sky. The ancient message comes calling the kindred to take flight and gather together. Only then they can hope to survive the cruel season to come. I guess the reson I care is cuz I dont want to be alone, lost in darkness anymore. I feel connected to you for some reson Carson. I feel a feeling I cant describe when I am near you."

*Misty's emotions well inside of her did she really just tell Carson some of her inner most hiden feelings. Misty feels the tears wanting to break free as the car becomes stuff and hott. Misty opens the door and steps out. Walking infront of the car a few feet. Standing with her arms crossed under she check Misty lets out a heavy high. Her soft hair now down blowing in the warm wind. Raising her head to the sky Misty studys the starts each one differnt in there own way. *

You do too

In a sudden move, Carson puts on the breaks and pulls the car off onto the shoulder, putting it in park. “You do too care, Misty, and I want to know right here and now why.”

Moments pass

*Misty fold her arms across her chest slumping in her seat.*

" I guess it is. Your problem your lose. I dont really care."

*Misty felt herself slipping away but she dident know why. WHY did she really care what Cason did? Misty continues to look out the window lost in thought. She could feel the tears welling in her eyes.

Moment pass as the seanry of town came into view. They would be back at TJY again soon. Misty would have to listen to everyone once again ritaculiing and questioning her for what she did. Misty just wanted to hide. No one understood her.*

Business

Carson can’t help wincing a little as Misty applies the pressure to his wrist. As she mentions Ashlyn in such a way, he grits his teeth and pulls away his hand to press it against his leg instead. His emotions were running circles around him and he didn’t know why.

“Ya know, I think that’s my own business,” he retorts. “And I don’t see why you should care what I do with Ashlyn.”

Adventure

*Misty lets out a long sigh. How could they have done that to Carson. Maybe TJY was the same as the Angency in a sence. Shaking her head Misty takes Carson hand in her. Using her other hand to take off his wrist bank she puts pressure on the wound.*

"Ya know you need to stop working your wrists so much or its never gonna heal."

*Misty gives Carson a side long glance her tummy was in a knot.*

"I'm sure your little adventure with Ashlyn dident help any eather."

wrist

Carson frowns. “Yeah, well believe it.” He reaches up to brush away Misty’s hand, and in doing so, notices that his jacket sleeve is showing blood through it. He curses under his breath and pulls off his jacket while he continues to drive, revealing the blood coming from his wrist. “Dang it.” He holds out his arm to Misty. “Take off my wrist band and put pressure on that, will you?”

How

*Misty lets out a dry laugh.*

" I wasent half-cocked as you put it. I new good and well what I was doing."

*Misty turns her head to Carson. She can feel her own anger build.*

"What, TJY is who kidnapped you?"

*Misty is almost speachless as to what to say. How could they. How could Reese. Misty can sencs something is more wrong with Carson reaching over she lifts the baseball cap up some of the making having smugged off from his adventures.*

"Oh Carson, how could they do that to you. I dont believe this."

Mess

Carson frowns at Misty’s tone. “Look, you could have been killed. I don’t care if you’ve been involved with the Agency before or not, you shouldn’t have gone off half-cocked like that. It was stupid.”

He glares at the road, his cap still pulled low to hide his eyes from Misty. “Besides that, I didn’t need rescuing. If you would have stuck around long enough to find out, you would have been informed that it was all a ruse to see where my loyalty was. But since you decided to come after me, by yourself no less, it created an even bigger mess.”

Old

*Misty sits in the car quietly for a long while. Finally replying to Carson.*

"Dont tell me what to do. I was trying to rescue you."

*Misty lets out a sigh and just stairs out the window. Her eyes hadent changed back to the normal fire yet. They were still cold and hard. Something stired inside of her something that had been dorment for a while, Being around the Agency again, Seeing Carson with Ashlyn. It braught back old memories, feelings. Misty keeps her head held high. Though inside she feels lost and alone.*

Free

Drew turns his head to look at Misty, slyly. “Oh, I’ll be seeing you around, you can bet on that.”

Travis rolls his eyes as Misty grabs his smokes. “Aw thanks. You owe me now.”

Carson goes for his jacket and cap, pulling it down low so his eyes are barely visible. He throws Misty an annoyed look. “Are you done with your cute farewells or what?”

He tosses a casual salute to the guys. “See you around, boys. If anyone calls, we’re on our way.”

The night air is moist and dense from the storm that has gone through, and a mist still hangs to dampen things. Carson steps down off the porch, and though wanting to quicken his pace, resists, maintaining his casual amble. Reaching the car, he resumes his place behind the steering wheel, waiting for Misty to get in.

Within minutes, they’ve reached the blacktop road, and are speeding back towards the border. Still having said nothing, Carson finally breaks the silence. “Don’t you ever do something stupid like that again, you hear me?”

Leaving

*Misty sits down next to Drew grining. *

"Drew hunny, I dont think you could handle what I have to offer so many its a good thing you have to keep watch."

*The card game contiues as normal untill Carson emerges from the bed room. Misty keeps her eyes low but cant help looking at Carson. No matter what happend Misty couldent help but silly think Carson look good without his shirt on.

As Carson sujests leaving Misty's eyes narrow searching Carson's face. Than turning her head to Drew she grins.*

"Parting is such sweet sarrow eh?"

*Leaning over she gives him a small kiss on the cheek.*

"Dont miss me to much ya hear."

*Misty stands and grabs her jacket that was just about dry. Checking her smokes she notices she only has two left. Walking up behind Travis she leans over him and grabs his pake of smokes replacing it with her.*

"I new you wouldent mind if I took these its a long drive to headquarters and I'm gonna be stuck with him I'll need these."

*Misty check to make sure the dick is in her pocket and throws on last glance around the room.*

"Later."

Suggested Leave

Drew grins a little at Misty, reaching up to run a finger along her arm. “Too bad I gotta stay watch right now, otherwise…” He catches her eye, throwing her a wink. “This might not be such a boring visit after all.”

Travis kicks him under the table. “You in or what?”

Drew smirks and puts his attention back to the card game, amply distracted from his line of questioning. “Yeah, yeah.” He looks back up at Misty, nodding his head to the chair beside him. “Sit back down and bring me some of that luck of yours.”


The bedroom door eventually opens, and Carson steps out, shoes and shirt in hand, and closes the door again. He sets his shoes down and pulls the shirt over his head, running a hand through his hair before grabbing a spare chair to sit down and lace up his boots. “Stopped raining,” he comments, making no eye contact with anyone, seemingly apathetic to anything going on.

Drew raises an eyebrow. “And Ashlyn?”

The corner of Carson’s mouth quirks cockily. “Sleeping.”

Travis rolls his eyes. “I wish I could get some sleep around here, but Mark snores so loud he shakes the whole place.”

“I can’t help it,” Mark retorts.

As Carson sits back up, he receives a shooting pain to his previously injured shoulder. It takes all he has not to favor it, but looking down, he suddenly notices a bit of blood showing from under his leather wristband. He wipes it away quickly, reaching for a pack of smokes on the table and lighting up, following it with a long swig of beer. “Figure I’ll be taking off for headquarters again since this storm seems to be over.”

Mark gives him a grin. “Just come to eat and run, eh?”

Carson silences him by throwing him a look that could kill. “I wouldn’t want to waste too much more time – not with all the information I’ve got on me.” He finally glances in Misty’s direction, then to Drew. “How about giving up that sheila over there so I can take her with me? You and I both know the boss would prefer to get everything all at once, and she’s got just as much knowledge as I do – more probably.” He pauses, rolling his eyes. “And if I bring her along to back me up, I’ll be less likely to face the gallows in the morning.”

Drew scoffs. “You know some of them higher ups talked about if you were alive, they’d kill ya.”

“So?” Carson shrugs. “I’ve got eight lives left. Let ‘em come. You know I’m not scared of them. They want me too bad. I’m one of the best they got.”

Drew polishes off his bottle of beer and gives Katie a sidelong glance. “As much as I’d hate to part, Carson’s right, and I don’t want to get myself into trouble for keeping either of you here, lest they think I’m trying to keep secrets or something. What say you to that, pretty missy?”

Richard Bilford

*As Carson busts into the cabin her heart gives a jump though her face is uncanging. Carson was there, was he friend or foe. He hasent rated out who she was so he wasent there to harm her. Though she new he wouldent if he was even asked to. Misty throws a nod at Carson.*

"So we meet again."

* Misty pays little attachen untill Ashlyn emerges from the bedroom. Running her hand down Carson's neck and pressing her lips to his the courner of Mistys mouth twitches. Misty waches casualy as Ashlyn and Carson disapear into the bedroom. A small low growl forming in her thout but dispates quickly as not to lead on that the sit just witnissed made her sick to her tummy.

Misty shifts her eyes around the table at all the men. Grabing another smoke Misty new it would be the only thing that would keep her calm. Throwing down her hand of cards she laughs.*

"Full house...look like I win again."

*As Drew asks about TJY Misty slowly turns her head to him leaning in onto the table.*

"Hardly even saw the leader. Coming to think of it I dont think i even saw him once. His name was Richard Bilford."

*Misty's tone stand calm and cool trying her best to show no hesatation.*

"I dont know where he hides all the time though or even what his point is. He dosent do ANYTHING."

*Misty lets out a shallow low laugh.*

"As for other people there you know about Jason, Jamie, Katie, Con. I tell ya Carson did a good Job with Jamie as did the other. She is totally unstable. I think its funny in a way."

*Misty pushes her chair from the table and leans agant the back of the chair almost bending over it streaching her back out. Standing she heads into the kitchen. Oping the fridg Misty glances into the other room making sure everyone was still siting down. Pulling out a fresh beer bottle Misty heads to the sink abd dumps the containts out fillig it with water. Walking back to the card table Misty takes a sip from the beer bottle. As she pass Drew she runs her hand though his hair flashing him a sassy cold smile. Misty was cringing on the inside but was hoping to revert Drew's mind from his questions.*

Questions

Ashlyn cocks her head at Misty, giving her a wary stare. “Oh, honey.” Her laugh rings out. “If you think Carson’s a bore, then you must not know him that well.”

The guys ignore the women’s talk, and Travis grabs a deck of cards. “I’m in.”

Mark nods. “Me too.”

Within minutes, all the guys are involved with Misty, playing cards and listening to the pouring rain. It’s warm and stuffy in the cabin, the cigarette smoke and cent of beer filling the room. Ashlyn retreats down the hall, avoiding the guys.


Carson pulls up on the side of the road, seeing the jeep in the ditch. Was this related to his search? He stares through the rain-streaked windshield at the log in the road. If someone from the Agency had gone in the ditch here, where would they have gone? The cabin.

Carson knows good and well that the clues he’s following might not be clues at all…he could be on the wrong trail completely. But he had nothing else to go on.

Steering around the downed tree, he makes it slowly down the road. He passes the dirt road that is now mud, and goes half a mile further to the gravel that will also take him to his destination.

Within minutes, the cabin comes into view, and Carson sees lights on. At the very least, someone was here. He parks and takes a deep breath. He had to do this right. No fear. No hesitance. He was not on the defense. He had done nothing against the Agency. That is the attitude he assumes, stepping into the role he needed to play…the role he knew so well…the role that had shaped him.


The door is kicked open with a bang, startling those in the room. Drew looks up quickly from the table, his hand on his gun.

Carson holds out his hands to the side and cocks his head, rain dripping off the brim of his baseball cap. “Little jumpy aren’t we?” He sees Misty out of the corner of his eye, but pays her no heed. He casually shuts the door behind himself and takes off his jacket to hang it up. “Having a party?”

Drew looks at him with a bit of suspicion. “Heard you were dead. Then heard you’d gotten nabbed by us. What’s going on?”

Carson laughs. “Rumors can be quite amusing, can’t they?” he scans the room, setting his hands on his hips. Finally his eyes land on Misty. “Ah, the little traitor herself.”

“So you do know each other,” Drew comments.

Carson quirks an eyebrow. He had no idea what Misty had said, but had to risk playing along. “Doesn’t everybody know Misty?”

“What are you doing now?” Drew’s skepticism is obvious, as is Mark’s, Travis’ and Leon’s as they look at him from the table, all of them ready to draw weapons.

Carson shrugs. “Nice night for a drive, don’t you think?” He scoffs. “I dumped them idiots back in Nevada, piled up enough info to tear ‘em apart and started my way to headquarters. Weather got bad so I decided to see if anyone was home. And, whatdya know…I find a party.”

“Carson?” Ashlyn comes from down the hall. She stops for a moment, her arms crossed as gives Carson a once over. “You dog, I thought for sure you’d died.”

“You know me. I’m too mean to die.”

“Well I miss that meanness.” Ashlyn approaches him slyly, reaching out to run her hands down the sides of Carson’s neck, then down his arms. “Maybe it won’t be so boring around here after all, hmm?” She rests her hand on Carson’s chest and leans in, pressing her lips to his.

Carson reacts by returning the kiss with passion, wrapping his arms around Ashlyn’s model-like frame.

The guys at the table don’t seem to notice, starting to relax and going back to their card game and potato chips as if this was an everyday occurrence. It was obvious that they were used to seeing Carson and Ashlyn together.

Ashlyn withdraws, a seductive smile on her face and she reaches up to take off Carson’s dripping hat. “You, uh…planning on staying long?”

Carson’s eyes don’t move from her face, his own grin playing on his face. “Maybe. If it’s worth my time.”

“Oh, it’ll be worth it.”

Drew lifts his eyes from his hand of cards to follow Carson and Ashlyn to the bedroom where the door is closed behind them. He shakes his head, and throws down a card. “Some guys got all the luck, boys.”

“And some guys got real bad hands.” Travis tosses his whole hand onto the table. “This is ridiculous. Aren't we ever gonna get out of here?"

Mark chuckles and puts out his cigarette in the ashtray. “"Not until we get that call. As far as this game goes, maybe you just don’t know how to play.”

Drew leans back in his chair, studying the rest of his own cards. “So, Misty…what is it exactly that you’ve got on this place in Nevada? Who’s the ringleader of that bunch anyway?”

Cards

*Nate turns to Jason and nods.*

"I still dont agree to what was done, but I cant stay mad at you forever you to good of a friend for that."

*Nate gives his friends shoulder a strong squeeze.*

"If anyone can get Misty out of this it is Carson. We know he is one our side now, and he also care for Misty. It will be ok."

*Misty composes herself and than exits the bathroom her sassy smile and steel eyes places once more. Misty nods to the woman she hadent noticed before. Siting down at the table Misty kicks her feet and rocks her chair backwards pulling out she smokes and lighting one up. Leaning forward she picks one of the beer bottles up but thinks better of it remember how stupid Carson had acted. Right now was not the time for her to start geting loopy. Leaning back in the chair she sighs again.*

"So what do you guys do around here for fun? Got any cards and want to make it intresting?"

*Misty sly grin widens more as she takes puff on her smoke. Coming out of the bathroom Misty had hurd Drew talking to the woman about Carson. Taking another drag from her smile she nods at the woman.*

"Ashlyn right? So what up with you and Carson? By the look on your face when Drew mentioned him seems like something is heavy going on there."

*Misty grin gets even bigger as her cold eyes dance circles.*

"Personaly I dont see why he seemed like such a bore to me."

Cabin Talk

Jason is relieved when Nate finally emerges from the infirmary, but receives the orders grudgingly. He didn’t like being ordered around, especially in this case. What was going on?

He obeys anyway, but when he returns to find out just what is going on, he resists, looking to Nate. “Are you nuts? You’re just gonna send him off by himself, to take care of this thing?”

Carson checks his guns over, loading them as he overhears Jason. “You just had me put through the wringer in order to find out if I had turned my loyalty over to TJY. Don’t embarrass yourself by disrespecting the results.”

Jason starts to get mad, but then settles down, realizing the truth in Carson’s words. “Just don’t be a hero alright.”

“It’s a job, mate, nothing more.” Carson grabs the other items, and scrounges in his bag for a few more things, sidling past the others to head for the bathroom.

It doesn’t take him long, and he finally comes back out. He’s in the clean set of clothes, hiking boots, and a baseball cap. The cuts and bruises on his face are now covered, the makeup job done well enough that it’s not noticeable, proving he’s done this before. The bandages have been taken off his wrists, and his cuts are covered up with a wideband watch on one arm, and a leather wrist band on the other.

He remains grim as he prepares, donning a holster for one pistol, and sticking the other behind his back before throwing on his denim jacket. He glances up at the other three men and gives a short nod. “I’ll call back here as soon as I’ve got a chance. Don’t come looking and don’t call.” He grabs several pain killers and downs them with some water, grimacing just a little.

Without another word, he heads out.

Jason looks down the empty hall after him, sighing deeply. “I hope we’re doing the right thing.” He pauses for a moment, then turns to Nate. “Hey, I want to apologize about earlier. We did this whole thing once before with a guy we weren’t sure about. That time it went fine, and nobody got hurt, so Reese and I thought it appropriate for this instance as well. Maybe we were wrong.” He shakes his head. “There were just too many variables with this one. And the two guys Reese hired…they got carried away and we didn’t intend for that to happen. If everything had gone as planned, Carson wouldn’t have gotten that hurt, and nothing would have happened to Misty. We just wanted to know for certain if Carson would rat on us or not. We felt it was necessary to find out before he got in too deep here.”

He pauses for another moment. “I’m sorry I didn’t include you.”


Carson gets into Misty’s car, putting the seat back further and adjusting the rearview mirror. Starting the engine and pulling out, he can’t help but feel just a little strange driving her car.
He heads out and down the road, keeping his eyes ahead between the swishing windshield wipers. His mind races. Where would Misty have gone…he had to have a starting point… He remembers being in the van. They’d headed out of town…he had thought they were heading to the warehouse on the river, but they’d turned before arriving. That would have been the most logical place for Misty to go first at least.

Arriving at the warehouse though, he finds it now deserted. Now what… Carson taps his fingers on the steering wheel, thinking hard. What was the next closest location? The nearest was Base G across the border. But would that really have been where they went? He couldn’t risk calling anyone. He simply had to take the risk.

Carson is quick to leave the warehouse and head to the back roads, enveloping himself in the role he played so well. Like a machine, his mindset had switched gears and he was now thinking like the criminal he was. He knew the routes best to take to avoid traffic or cops, and knew that if anyone from the Agency had headed to Base G, this is the way they would go.


The men in the cabin don’t react much to seeing Misty, neither having known her from before. Beer bottles are set on the table with two open bags of chips, and the television on.

“Drew, what you doing here anyway?” Mark snorts.

Drew rolls his eyes and hangs up his soaked jacket. “Getting out of this dang weather. Jeep went in the ditch. Got me, Leon and that gal there, Misty.”

Mark just grunts. “Yeah, well, we’re just here waiting for orders. Supposed to be getting called in on some fool case up in Montana or something. Wasting time here, but it ain’t bad.”

“Nothin’ wrong with doin’ nothin’,” Travis comments from his lazy seat at the table. He takes a sip of his beer. “A tad bit boring though. ‘Course we got Ashlyn – not that she lets us have any fun.”

“You boys need to get a life.” A tall, slender dark woman comes out of the adjoining bedroom, throwing them an annoyed look. “Hey, Drew.”

Drew throws her a grin. “Ashlyn. Guess what I heard tonight?”

Ashlyn sets her hands on her hips. “What’s that?”

“Carson’s still alive.”

Ashlyn’s eyes light up, a narrow smile creasing her lips. “Oh, really. I’d heard that rumor.” She nods to the bathroom door. “Who’s the chick’s voice I heard?”

“Misty. Old schooler back for some more action.”

One Peace

*Nate studys Carson's face for a long moment. His expresstions, his body languige. After a moment he stands up stragh and pulls the chair closer to Carson siting down filling him in on Misty and her past with The Agency.

About an hour pass while finally the infermary door opens and Nate steps out. Looking from Jason to Rick he starts to throw around orders.*

"Jason get Carson his guns back. Rick give him some good pain killers."

*Nate leaves to head into the breakroom. Grabing some extra clothing he always keeps laying around, and some making up. Heading back into the infermary throwing the stuff to Carson. Walking over to Misty's desk he opens the draw and pulls out her car keys throwing them to Carson as well along with a cell phone.*

"You can take Misty's car since it is still here. Take the phone as well so if you need anything you can call me."

*Nate gives Carson a respectful nod.*

"Be safe, both both yourself and Misty back to us in one peace."

Terms

Carson holds his gaze on Nate, never letting it drop. The words stung, but he took them, absorbing the sting...letting them sink in. Misty had given him something no one else had...a chance. A chance at trust, a chance at friendship, a chance at life. Carson hated TJY right now for their move, even if it had been logical. But as far as he knew, Misty had nothing to do with that, and Nate was right...she was innocent, and she was in danger.

The wheels in his mind start to turn almost visibly as he begins to negotiate scenarios in his brain. One thing after another flies through his mind until he lands on the variables that he needs. "I want my guns," he states flatly. "I want a vehicle. I want to know everything about Misty's past with the Agency. I want a change of clothes, I want some major pain killers, I want makeup, and I will be going in alone." His glare proves his seriousness. "Those are my terms."

Do it for

*Nate slowly walks over to one of the chairs and puts in hands on the back of it bracing himself up. The anger that was in his eyes a moment ago was no longer there. It was replaces with simpathy, compastioin and worry.*

" I know you dont like me Carson, and I can understand why. But in my defence I was to say I dont agree with what they did to you. I dident even have any idea untill today when we got the call from Misty. I started to panic racking my brain to try and find where she was. Going through papers, files everything and found nothing. I was worryed sick and than Jason sprung on me the same thing he did on you. Let me tell you I was alittle less than happy with him."

*Nate looks up at Carson emotions running though his eyes. Something Nate dident let alot of people see. But his eyes they were pleeing with Carson.*

"I had to push that anger away for now though cuz someone is out there an innocent someone. She cared enough about you to put herself in danger to find you. Who knows what she is doing, or where she is. But she it out there facing the Agency head on. You know what they would do to her if they find out she isent on there side, or if they catch her snooping around. She dosent deserve this. She is an innocent woman who was just trying to save the person she cared a great deal about. She's bold, fearless, a good manipulater, sassy and I have no doubt that she can hold her own, but everyones luck runs out sooner or later. And when it does there might be a chanse that the last time you see her sassy face is when the Agecny ships her back to us in a box."

*Nate draws in a breath. Just the thought was enough to make him crings. He hadent known Misty long but he admired her strong will, her fire, she was part of TJY, friend, family one of them.*

"If you cant do it for us Carson, or even for me, do it for that woman that layed everything on the line for you. The woman that helped you feel, who looked past you downfalls and everything you did to see the good in you. Do it for Misty she deserves that."

Cold

Jason looks at Nate in surprise, as does Rick. Jason opens his mouth to argue, but sees the determination in Nate's eye, and decides better of it. He nods to Rick. "Come on." He looks to Nate one last time. "We'll be right outside."

As those two leave, Carson eyes Nate skeptically. For once, he allows his eyes to show his feelings...he was miserable. He was angry, he was frustrated, and he was hurt. He knew he had his shortcomings...he knew that he hadn't been all that cooperative here, but he'd been scared. He'd said he was on their side, yet they had still tested him...to the point of having him assaulted to see if he would talk. And not only that, but they had endangered one of their own.

He locks eyes with Nate, his coldness coming through once again.

Drying

*Misty walks through the woods the rain pelted her face and left its stinging mark. Her hand still stuffed in her pockets still she fingers her butterfly knife. Continplating what she should do next. There was no way she could run, Drew was fat but he could run fast she new that frm experinces of the past. Misty had to continue to play along till the right moment came along.

As the cabin came into view Misty let out a sigh. She was soaked to the bone and couldent wait to get inside and get dry. Steping inside she shakes the extra water from her hair and removes her coat throwing it on the back of a chair to dry. Misty starts to head for the bathroom and turns looking at Drew*

"I'll be right out. I'd like to get somewhat dryed off so I dont catch a death of a cold. I'll be back."

*Steping into the bathroom Misty takes some towels out and starts to soak up some of the water caught in her clothing. When done she just toss them on the floor. Leaning on the bathroom sink she look into the mirror and shakes her head. Her eyes were so cold with a black fire that burned. Misty dident like that look. She hated it, but its what she had to do for now. If Drew or anyone alse caught on that this was an act, she surly would die or worse.*

*Nate looks to Carson and shakes his head. Did he blame him for not wanting to help, no he dident. Nate himself dident even agree with what had happend. But this was now Misty's life that is on the line. Nate turns to Jason and Rick. His frustration and anger of his own visable.*

"Out both of you. I want to talk to Carson alone."

Anger

Drew rolls his eyes and follows Misty up the steep incline. "Head down this road," he directs. "Up a ways is a lane that leads back into the woods." He stops, smirking at himself. "What am I telling you for? You know where it is." He gestures with his hand, "Ladies first." Though the words are polite, his eyes display that he wants to be able to see Misty at all times.

The walk is long, the rain pelting down in sheets, lightning streaking across the sky, and thunder shaking the earth. The lane off the main road is muddy, making the trek difficult. The extra gangster follows farther behind trudging at a slower pace, grudgingly obeying Drew.

The cabin finally comes into view within the woods, a light on inside, the silhouettes of two more men visible through the window.


Rick works steadily, cleaning up Carson's cuts and bruises, and getting his shoulder back into place before he wakes up completely. Checking his wrists prove they had split yet again, and he has to work at getting the bleeding stopped and rebandaged.

Rick throws a look to Nate. "Hurrying isn't always the best thing in the world, you know. But..." He retrieves a syringe. "This will help bring him out of the stupor he's in." After giving Carson a shot, he resumes what he was doing. No extra bandages are needed, though Carson's face is plenty bruised, and his lip cracked from a punch.

Carson groans a little and starts to move, wincing in pain. He felt like he'd been run over by a truck. Opening his eyes, everything is fuzzy. What was going on?

A clap of thunder makes him jump and he sits up too quickly, making his head spin.

"Whoa, easy," Rick warns. "Take it slow."

Carson blinks in the light, trying to bring things into focus. Finally he sees Rick...Jason...Nate. His shoulder is throbbing, his head and face hurt, his wrists were still sore... "What's going on?"

Jason cocks his head, remaining several feet away. "You got beat up pretty good, for starters. But you're back at TJY now."

Carson puts a hand to his head, that night's events flashing in his mind. The two thugs...the cabin...the van...Misty... He looks up quickly, searching Jason's face. Something wasn't right. This just wasn't adding up. "But the Agency...how did....?" He didn't like being confused, and starts to frown. "Tell me what's going on."

Jason folds his arm, not sure if this is going to be good or not, but knowing he's the one that's gotta say it. "Look, Carson, we need your help, so I'll make this brief. It wasn't the Agency. It was our side. We needed to make sure you wouldn't talk to the Agency if it came down to that. I'm sorry the guys too it this far - they weren't supposed to. Though you have my respect because I'll admit I thought you would fold."

He looks at Carson's face, trying to read the emotions forming. "Unfortunately, Misty didn't know about this, and she's run off. We believe she probably assumed it was the Agency as well and since the other guys said she didn't show up, we're afraid she went to the Agency itself to find you. ...And that's where we need you. We don't know where to look."

Carson gets to his feet, cradling his shoulder, though his eyes blaze with a new anger. "So...when I asked you how far you'd go, you liked to make it look as though you wouldn't hurt a fly, didn't you? And this is what I get for it."

"You did it to us," Jason replies. "I'd say we're even. You've tested us, we've tested you. It's time to get some work done."

Carson grits his teeth and looks between Jason and Nate. "This is a fine mess. I hope you're happy." He shakes his head. "Get yourself out of it."

I'll Melt

*Misty looks at Drew and rolls her eyes.*

"No really? I though I was going to stand out in the rain and use myself as a lighting Rod, and there is no way I am staying in here with him he's such a woss, I'd get mad at his whinning and probley end up killing him. Not that I'd mind he irratates me."

*Misty thumbs to the thug in the back and than get out throwing her now wet hair up on the top of her head. Ziping up her coat she stuff her hands in her pockets. Making her way up the steep muddy hill. She shoulders ake with pain from the rough jolt of the jeep. Looking around Misty takes in her sarroundings. There wasent a house or even building for miles around. Truning back around once at the road she yells back down.*

"Come on hurry up already I dont have all night. Anyways I'll melt in this rain."

*Misty cross her arms under her chest and waits.*

*Nate shakes his head still irratated. But trys to push the feeling away as Rick enters with Carson. This couldent be the time to have ill feelings they needed to work together now to get Misty back where ever she was. As Jason and himself head with Rick to the infermary Nate notived the bit of blood seeping through the bandeges on Carson's wrists.*

"Rick make sure you check Carson's wrists. I dont know if the blood is from his head or not but its better to be safe than sorry."

*As Nate watches Rick work on Carson he cant help but let his worry intensafy. What would the Agency do to Misty if they caught her. They new what they did to Jamie but with Misty it would be far worse. She was one of them and turned her back to them, surly she would meet death.*

"Rick cant you give him anything to make him wake up faster? He's our only hope of finding Misty. Come on Carson we need you for this one...wake up."

*Nate paces the floor once again.*

"Jason did Misty relay any information from her talks with Carson to you? Anything at all? Locations? Buildings? How about the places where Jamie was held? Any of the ones we got that were dead ends...it wouldent hurt to check them again."