And the days go by

Laura finds herself relaxing just a little bit more with Nate, forcing herself to enjoy the ride back to TJY and not dwell on their previous conversation, or the hesitation she felt.

…The next few days, things become almost routine as she and Nate eat lunch together again several times, before taking care of things for Jamie. Nothing more than small talk is broached, and the atmosphere is kept light, Laura appreciating Nate’s willingness to let her move at her own pace. As they hear Jamie will be returning, Laura is surprised at herself for feeling just a twinge of disappointment. She was getting used to the daily outings.


Clint grins and puts his arm around Wendy to, drawing her close. “I don’t think you owe me any thanks. I’d say we’re getting closer to even after everything you’ve done for me.”

...The ranch settles down, letting Jamie’s news sink in, each in their own thoughts, discussing the matter between themselves, everyone mulling over possibilities and feelings.

It is decided to wait just a while before attempting to explain things to BJ. Decisions need to be made first. Damien needs time to think…time to decide what he wants to do, and others respect that. For now, things will remain a they have been, until a wise decision can be made.

Everyone loves having Jamie around, and as her time to leaves draws nearer, it is bitter sweet, especially for Cindy, who had known Jamie already, but only as an acquaintance, and now had quickly formed a new kind of friendship with her.

But things must return to normal, routines must go on, and time must persist.


Carson looks to Misty quickly, his eyebrows raised, a grin quirking his mouth. “Do you enjoy driving me mad? Every time I try to focus on eating something, there you are, tempting me like dangling a carrot in front of a horse.”

He reaches out to put her in a headlock on the way to her car. “Somebody ought to teach you to behave, you know that?”

…The days for Carson grow a bit weary, and boredom persists, though he does try not to get into trouble. By the end of the week, Reese has got him set up in an apartment only ten blocks from TJY, and he’s able to stop sleeping in the guest room. Lunches with Misty are a given, and time spent together is usual, now surprising no one at TJY in the least. Where there was one, the other was surely around somewhere close.


Con enjoys his conversation with Jamie, hating to hang up, but relents as their time comes to a close. Though he doesn’t tell her where he is, he knows he will eventually…but for now…it was still his secret.


“…So tell me, Con…what’s troubling you?”

Con leans back in the couch, his eyes on the fireplace. Though the days were warmer, the nights were still cool, and the fire was a welcomed warmth. “That obvious, huh?”

Dan smiles a little from his seat in the overstuffed chair. All nine of the grandchildren were in bed, and Paula was in the kitchen doing dishes. “You’re a bit pensive. I just thought maybe there was something on your mind.”

“Maybe.” Con shrugs. “I just needed to get away for a while. Thought perhaps getting some fresh air and some good work might help clear my mind.”

“Mm.” Dan lets it go, seeing Con’s hesitance to talk about it. “Well tomorrow I got that hay I wanna pick up and stack in the barn, then sometime I thought I’d put the kids to work painting that back shed. I want to get started getting that roof on the new outbuilding too…”

Con’s stay at the farm continues to be an enjoyable one. Time with his aunt and uncle, time with his younger cousins. Days are spent working with Dan out in the hay field, or working on the new outbuilding. Evenings are spent with the family, talking, laughing, enjoying each other.

Con leans on the top rail of the fence, watching the five cows graze. The sun was starting to set on yet another day. Being around his aunt, uncle and cousins was refreshing… It was giving him something else to think about and enjoy, just like he knew it would.

“Hey.”

Con turns to see his uncle. “Eric help you with chores?”

“Yep.”

“I told him I thought it looked like you could use a hand.”

Dan smiles and leans on the fence next to him. “So what is it, Con? I’ve kept quiet and respected your privacy since you got her, but I gotta ask…what was it really that brought you here?”

Con forces a dry chuckle. “Oh…a lot of things I guess. Things haven’t exactly been going well back home and…I needed to clear my head.”

“So what’s been going on?”

Con feels a soft movement on his leg and looks down to see one of the barn kittens that had apparently followed him out here. He hadn’t heard it mewing. Bending down, he scoops her up, fitting her neatly in the large palm of his hand. He leans his elbows on the fence rail again, cuddling the purring black ball of fuzz.

“We had an woman…an agent…get kidnapped. I guess I had a hard time dealing with it.”

“Oh?” Dan waits for more. “Did she get hurt?”

“More emotionally than anything.” Con thinks for a moment. “I got mad, Dan…real mad. I killed a guy out of anger. He would have hurt us, but it was anger that drove me to shoot him, not logic.”

Dan lifts an eyebrow. “I see.”

Con continues, knowing his uncle is waiting for him to elaborate. “We got the agent out…got our hands on one of the guys that had helped rough her up. I lost my head again…my best friend got in the way and I took it out on him with my fists.”

“Mm-hmm…”

Con sighs deeply, running his thumb across the kitten’s back. “I felt like the old Con…like the guy who got thrown off the police force…I could feel it all over again.”

Dan thinks in silence for several moments. “Scare you?”

“Yeah.” Con concentrates on the pasture. “I started thinking about what would happen if I lost control with people I cared about…I don’t want to hurt anyone, but I’m afraid this monster in me will come out again…I couldn’t live with myself if I really hurt someone I loved.”

Dan keeps his elbows on the fence, folding his hands and gazing out at the dimming sky. “And you thought coming here would…?”

“I don’t know…clear my head I guess. I missed you guys and thought maybe thinking about something different for a while would be a good idea.”

“Con…” Dan considers his words. “I’m glad you find this place a refuge…that’s what we’re here for. But running away from your problem isn’t going to make it go away.” He gives his nephew a sidelong glance. “We all have monsters inside of us…and we’re all human. You can’t live in fear that it will again rear its ugly head… And it will come out again. You simply have to learn to control it when it does. And you have to have faith in yourself…in your goodness, that you would not hurt those you love.”

Dan pauses, and nods to the purring kitten. “Do you think that little critter there would trust a monster?”

Con glances down to the kitten, his fingers still raking her fur.

“And those kids?” Dan continues. “You’re a magnet for their attention. Do you think they would love a monster like that?” He purses his lips and sighs. “You’re a good man, Con. You’ve got a temper that you’ve locked away for a good number of years, and your emotions set it off. Before you can do anything else, you have to forgive yourself. Maybe you were wrong…but God’s mercy is greater.”

Con swallows hard, feeling the light vibrations of the purring in his palm. Maybe Dan was right…

Dan lets him think a moment before going on. “You’ll probably struggle with this again…but with God’s help, you can be stronger than your temper…next time it comes on, you can overcome it…I have faith in you. And I know you wouldn’t hurt those you love. You’ve got too big of a heart…you’re not capable of it.”

“I already coldcocked Jason.”

“Did it ruin your friendship?”

“No.”

“Because he knows your heart.” Dan gives Con’s shoulder a firm pat. “You made a mistake. You let that monster take control. Now take back that control because you can. God’s given you the love and strength to do it. And he’s given you the mercy to move on. Quit running…it’s over, and each passing moment is a new chance to prove you’re bigger than that monster.”

As Dan walks away, Mindy comes running up to Con. “Unca Con!” Her arms wrap around his leg.

Con can’t help his smile as he reaches down to run a hand over her head. “Hey, kiddo.” He hands down the kitten to her. “How about you returning this little girl to her mommy?”

Mindy squeals with delight as she takes the soft kitten. “Okay!”


Nevada days move on. Jason grows weary at the prison, nightmares plaguing him at night, lack of hunger weakening him during the days. But hope keeps him going…the picture of Katie keeps him company. Five days…he counts them down as if it were five years, waiting…waiting. Anticipation builds. There’s no way they can lose. Not with what Lockheart has built.

Finally, the fifth day comes. Jason doesn’t know whether to be excited or afraid, but follows willingly as the guard retrieves him from his cell to take him to the vehicle that would transport him to the courthouse…

The courtroom is crowded, the stuffy air not helping the tension. As Jason is escorted in by the bailiff, and scans the room quickly, looking for familiar faces. He finds Reese and Wyatt to the back corner, and shifting down a couple rows, he spots Katie. Other people get in the way though, and he can’t catch her eye as he’s pushed towards the front to join Lockheart.

The atmosphere is tense. An odd feeling filters through the air, though one cannot tell if it brings good or bad.

Jason sits quietly, his jaw muscles working away his own tension as he listens and watches the faces of the judge…the jury. Placed on the witness stand, sweat breaks out on his forehead as he tries to remain calm, clear-headed. The prosecutor takes him around in circles, trying to put words in his mouth, though Lockheart objects to strongly each time. They win some verbal wars, and lose some. By the time Jason is back in his seat, exhaustion is knocking at the door. But confidence is growing.

Jason watches Katie intently as she’s also put on the stand. She sticks to the story well, telling the truth, and not allowing the prosecutor to manipulate her. Jason keeps his eyes glued to her the whole time, hoping that the jury will see her sincerity. They had to.

The day grows long. People are tired. The prosecution is irritated. Lockheart remains cool and calm. The judge seems uptight. The jury appears neutral.

After a short recess, everyone is back again for another round. The time starts to muddle together, and Jason’s hope is all he can cling to. It was going well, despite the torture of the wait, and all the eyes baring down on him.

The time finally comes for the attorneys to give their final statements to the jury. The prosecution stands strong that Jason committed a murder requiring punishment to fulfill justice. Lockheart combats with her own firm statements, gently pulling on heartstrings with facts and speculation to draw the jury’s opinion. Confidence rises. The jury seems receptive. Hope continues. Jason’s alertness increases. He was going to get out of here today.

The jury is taken outside of the courtroom. The waiting game begins. Mumbled conversations sound throughout the room. Jason longs to speak to Katie, but can only steal glances in her direction, trying to reassure her with his eyes. It would be over soon, and things could return to normal once again.

It’s late in the afternoon when the jury finally reenters the room. All eyes go to them as they sit. Jason, Lockheart, and the others from TJY are on the edge of their seats. There’s no way Lockheart could have lost. Not with how she presented the evidence…not with how the jury had responded. But they have to hear it for themselves. The jury has to say so before Jason’s a free man again.

“Has the jury reached a verdict?”

“We have, Your Honor.”

The tension increases. One could hear a pin drop as the appointed jury member rises to inform the judge.

“We find the defendant…”

Jason’s heart pounds in his head, his ears stretching to hear those two words. His palms grow sweaty, and his eyes don’t leave the jury member. The whole courtroom seems to lean forward in anticipation.

“Guilty.”

Shock hits the room like a title wave. This wasn't possible. Jason blinks, dread and astonishment overcoming him with such force, that he fights just to stay alert. But everything is suddenly in a fog. He hears a rumble of murmurs behind him. The judge’s gavel quiets the room. The tension has worsened. Eyes shift wildly from person to person, nothing making any sense anymore.

The next words from the judges mouth feel like a kick to Jason’s gut, literally taking the breath out of him.

“…forty years imprisonment.”

The verdict. The judgment. The finality.

Jason feels sick. His eyes are wide with shock and fear. He looks to Lockheart, but is being pulled up from his chair by the bailiff. Reese is already out the door, a cell phone to his ear. Wyatt is among several others who are shouting their protests. It becomes loud and chaotic throughout the room, several police officers entering to contain the small crowd.

This couldn’t be happening. Jason’s mind reels as he’s pulled away from Lockheart, and he begins to resist on pure instinct. Fighting, his eyes search for Katie. He can’t find her. The crowd is too thick, moving too quickly. He begins to panic. No, this couldn’t be happening. Almost his entire life had been completely destroyed in one instant. Shock couldn’t begin to cover what was felt in his heart and mind. But the law waits for no one, and he is forced towards the door, despite his retaliation.

Greek

*Nate smiles and nods at Laura heading back to the office. He wish the afternoon with Laura could go on. He had a nice time at lunch and helping her with Jamie's house. But all good things come to an end and there would always be tomarrow.*

*Wendy smiles at Clint as she stands her hand in his watching the water. He did bring her the comfort she needed and wanted even though he words were few. It felt like he said so much.*

"Well I am glad your not gonna run away. Thank you Clint. For helping me feel better."

*Wendy takes her hand from Clint's and slips her arm around his shoulders shairing out at the water for a long while. How peaceful she felt again as a new excitemnt grew. She had a brother.*

*As Damien heads back inside he walks to the room where little BJ was playing standing in the doorway for a long while just watching him. Slowly turning Damien goes back to the table with the others and sits back down to join in the char.*

*Jamie laughs again listing to the noises in the background and hearing Con laugh. He sounded happy and Jamie new he needed to smile. She felt warm inside hearing it.*

"Well Con as long as they dont keep ya....I'm glad your doing well...and its good to hear you laugh Con."

*Jamie continues to talk with Con for a while longer laughing herself at the noises in the background.*

"Well I better let ya go. Its a wonderful day out and I think I am gonna take a walk with Cindy to see there new house that is going to be built. Take care Con and I will see you soon."

*Jamie hangs up the phone and heads out into the other room to find Cindy.*

*Misty cant help but laugh at Carson's comment.*

"Adventures huh? That could be dangerouse you know!!"

*Misty makes her way with Carson up the elavator not being able to help his comment.*

"Sometimes I think they should put me under lock and key. I get in enough trouble as of late myself."

*Misty cant help but playfuly kick Carson's leg as she gets off the elavator giving a wave to the sacurity guards as she passes.*

"How about....some Greek food? Thats my faverot and I know a place the has the best beef pitas this side of the state. So jucie and the cucumber sause my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Eather than or I am think of your kiss again."

Lock and Key

Laura grimaces at Nate’s calling from the other room. “Yeah, well…I’m glad he’s fascinating to you.” She shakes her head. “I wouldn’t say I’m scared of Ed, he just…creeps me out.” A slight grin forms.

When Nate joins her in the kitchen, she’s just glancing at Jamie’s mail to make sure nothing looked urgent, then sets all the envelopes on the counter. “Well, I guess that’s that… everything seems okay in here….” She sighs deeply. “I suppose that means it’s back to the office.”

She scrunches up her nose a little, really not looking forward to the rest of the work day. It was so nice outside, she hated to miss it. But she headed for the door. Duty called.


Clint’s fingers interlace with Wendy’s, his eyes still on the water. “Eh, what can this change? I mean really…so BJ is your brother…I know that’s pretty heavy, but I wouldn’t worry about it changing a whole lot. Nothing’s gonna change with your mom…this place…anything like that.”

He gives her hand a light squeeze. “And I’m certainly not going anywhere.”


Sparky gives Damien and encouraging nod, and watches him leave back toward the mess hall. He stays alone for several moments before wandering over to a pasture fence. He looks out at the grass…the horses. There were bits and pieces of peace here…if one knew where to look. But so much turmoil. So many questions. So much tension. Yet life was progressing. Luke and Angel were getting married, Wes and Cindy’s wedding was days away, Rosetta and Mick were getting married… Mick had interacted with his kids, BJ was now discovered to be family…Damien was here, interacting with Angel and Wendy… There were so many elements that no one had foreseen. Where did the Agency fit into all of this? Did they see the happiness and were trying to ruin it?

Shaking his head, Sparky eases away from the fence and aims for the bunk house. For now, he would let his mind settle as everyone else was doing. He knew that most likely, everyone here would simply let the new information sink in over the day and probably wouldn’t be discussed as a group again until tomorrow at the earliest. It was probably best that way, especially for Jamie.


“Everything is fine,” Con replies with confidence to Jamie, still holding the squirming boys and keeping Michaela locked in as well. “No problems.”

He pauses as Mindy wanders into the kitchen, hearing the racket. She immediately lights up and starts working at Con’s arm to free her brother and cousin.

Con holds the phone out to the side, giving the little girl a teasing look. “Hey, whose side are you on, anyway?”

Mindy looks up at him and giggles. “I don’t know.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Con grins and lets her keep trying, though her little hands are no where near a match for his strong arms. He returns the phone to his ear. “Um, I talked to Laura earlier and Jason’s court date is in five days. Nobody knows why or how it can happen so fast…they’re pretty sure it has something to do with the Agency, though it feels fishy, seeing as though that will just get Jason out of there sooner. But…otherwise, that’s it on that end of things, that I know of.”

Jake finally wriggles free of Con’s grip and somehow manages to get his cousin loose as well. Noting they’re starting to flee, Con sticks out his foot, hooking Keith’s legs to trip him, then hold him firmly between his ankles. Keith lets out something like a combination of a howl and a laugh as he hits the floor, his legs stuck between Con’s, with no way out. “No fair!”
Michaela, now free from the wall, tries to pry apart Con’s legs, but it’s not much use.

Con stifles his laugh as the kids try to figure out how to win this game, and tries to hear Jamie. “Me?” He looks around at the gleeful chaos. “I think I’m at a zoo.” His own teasing tone seems an out of place rarity, as his heart every so slowly gains back a small portion his own sense of happiness. “But don’t worry, I convinced them not to keep me here with the rest of the gorillas.”


“A date?” Carson rolls his eyes as he stands from his chair. “Carson Banks does not go on dates. He has adventures.” He starts to follow Misty, giving a glance across the floor to make sure that his exit doesn’t set off some sort of alarm in someone’s mind. “And I dare say that Misty Miller doesn’t go on dates either.” He throws her a sly grin.

Once outside, he looks at Misty with question. “So where are we going anyway, that we can’t get into trouble for? Or should I say…somewhere I can’t get into trouble for. You’re not the one under lock and key.”

Not to bad

*As Nate opens Laura's door he smiles back at her. Her eyes shows a glint of a new trust twords Nate. It was very small but it made him happy to see it non the less. All he wanted more than anything was Laura's trust. He would be pashent and let the rest come in time.*

"Your very welcome."

*Geting into the drivers side Nate once again starts the car and makes his way to Jamie. Once geting there he heads into the kitchen to get some frozen mice for Ed. Walking back into Jamie's office where he was Nate yells over his shoulder.*

"Ed really is harmless Laura. He's even quiet loyle to Jamie. Did anyone tell you that he bit one of the guys that took Jamie. They are quite intresting, but I could understand the fear of them. Tv makes they out to be so horrable."

*Nate finishes with Ed and than joins Laura in the other room to see if she needs anymore help.*

*Felling Clint's touch and than its retreat Wendy reaches her own hand out not caring having about the oil. For a long moment Wendy looks out at the water watching the ducks padle along, and the fish jumping every once and a while.*

"No I dont think there is anything you can do. Though the company is nice. Sometimes when a heart is troubled just having someone near is nice. This just all happend so fast, I have a brother now and everything is going to change, and I dont know where that will leave somethings. Its all just so confusing you know?! I...just dont know what to think."

*As Damien listens to Sparky a yerning enters his heart. He did want to get to know his son but he still just wasent sure if he could raise a child. He'd always been a loner, and he had a bad past. People forgave him for it but it was still non the less. Was he fit to be a father? Pushing off of the truck he holds his hand out to Sparky. These people here he thought would never accept him for what he did had learned to forgive and that was something new. These people were differnt, truly God had given each of them gifts.*

"Thank you Sparky, for everything. I guess your right about Mick telling BJ. I'll be there. I still dont know what I am going to do, but I still want to be apart of my son's life no matter what I decied. Even if he dosent live with me, I dont want to write him out again. He's my flesh and blood even if I cant remember."

*Damien starts to make his way back to the mess hall.*

*Jamie wasent sure where Con was, hearing noises and shouting in the background confused a bit she figures he is probley at her Mom and Dad's place.*

"Oh, I'm doing ok. Was emotional giving them the news. It braught back alot of memories for me too. But I am trying to deal. Had a hard time sleeping but that cuz it was someplace new. Its peaceful here and everyone is really nice. I just had I had to bring them such news to shock them all. Oh well though. I'm trying to work out some of my own problems while I am here too. My nerves seem to be calming so thats nice. I think after I get all this stuff in the open I will have alittle time to sit here and just relax thinking things though ya know. Its very pretty here too. Was good to see Austin and Pete they both said Hi."

*Jamie is quiet for a moment hearing more laughter in the background trying to figure out if Con was at the restront or not.*

"I'll probley stay till the end of the week. So five more days. Its gonna seem like a life time though. I am missing you already."

*Jamie cant help but laugh.*

"How is everything at home going? No problems? And hurd anything about Jason?"

*As Jamie hears another voice join in with the other in the background and can hear the strain in Con's voice she knows he is not at the restront now but has no idea where he could be. Cerousosity gets the best of Jamie. A giggle in her laught as the small voices of kids in the background.*

"Con where on earth are you with all that noise?"

*Misty taps her fingers on the cubicle wall a smile playing on her face.*

"Is that your way of asking me on a date?"

*Misty turn and leaves Carson siting at the cubicle. Throw a look over her shoulder she gives a sassy smile.*

"Are you coming or what?"

*Katie's eyes widen a bit hearing Wyatt was at her place. That must have been the feeling she felt watching her.*

"Wyatt was here? I dident even relize it. Thanks for having someone check on me Reese."

*Katie steps out of her bedroom and heads to the kitchen relizing her tummy was growling.*

"I probley wont come in today, I'm just not up to it. I'll be in tomarrow though. Thx again Reese."

*Once Katie hangs up the phone she leans on the counter for a moment. She still wasent feeling the greatest but she new she had to eat or Jason would have her head. Grabing some bread, and jelly Katie makes a sandwitch to hold her over for now being heading back into her room.*

Honest

Laura can feel herself tense as she feels Nate’s fingers on hers, but she doesn’t pull away. His touch was gentle…warm…she could trust that touch.

Her eyes stayed glued to the table as he talks. Her body language might say she wasn’t listening, but she was absorbing his words like a sponge desiring water. He was strong yet tender. He was different. Different than other men Laura had known.

As Nate withdraws and rises from the table, Laura lifts her head to watch him as he moves around the buffet. She’d known him as an acquaintance…a coworker for quite a while now. She was torn between remaining simply as such, and a strange longing deep down that had been buried…one that threatened to seep into the forefront as Nate slowly gained her trust.

When Nate gets back to the table, Laura resumes her quiet state, pushing her plate to the side, even though she hadn’t eaten everything. She had things she wanted to say…but she withheld them…for now.

Lunch draws to a close, and Laura stands, putting her money on the table and picking up her purse. She takes a deep breath, changing the topic to the whole reason she and Nate were out. “Well, are you ready to go feed that scaly critter?”

Getting to the car, Laura makes an effort to pause and allow Nate to open the door for her…she’d realized it was something he deemed important, and decided to stop rolling her eyes at him over it.

She stops before getting in though, and turns to finally look at him. “Um…thanks. For…for just being honest.”


Clint follows after Wendy, ending up by her side as they walk, but he keeps quiet until they reach the pond. Standing at the edge of the tranquil water, he starts to take Wendy’s hand, but glancing down, he realizes the oil and grease stains on his fingers and palm, so he resists. “Can I do anything for you?” he asks gently.


Sparky gives a bit of a smile to Damien. “Not to make it sound easy, because it isn’t. But…telling a six-year-old is quite a bit different than telling an eighteen-year-old. BJ’s still young…and he might be confused for a while, but with everyone else around here to keep him happy and occupied, it won’t be a trauma for him.”

He glances towards the house. “And…Mick is pretty good with him. I’m sure he’d be happy to help out with that. BJ might receive the information differently from him, though you should probably be there.”


Con looks up at the pipes under the kitchen sink, lying on his back, his broad shoulders preventing him from getting any further underneath. He taps a wrench on one of the pipes, trying to find the source of the problem.

“I told him to call a plumber when he couldn’t find the problem,” Paula comments with annoyance from her seat at the table. “But he kept saying he’d keep working at it.”

Con chuckles at the reference to his uncle Dan. “You gotta give him credit for trying.”

Paula rolls her eyes. “Well if we would have called the plumber, you wouldn’t be under there now.”

“I don’t mind.” Con reaches up with his hand to feel around a seal.

Suddenly his phone starts to ring in the other room, but he doesn’t hear it. “Uncle Con, your phone is ringing!” Seth yells from the living room.

Paula looks to Con, but sees he didn’t hear. “Con, Seth says your phone is ringing.”

“Oh.” Con shifts his head to yell into the other room. “Bring it in here, will ya?”

Seth comes bounding into the kitchen, along with Michaela and Mindy. Before he reaches Con, he flips the phone open. “Oooh, it says Jamie on the screen.”

Michaela’s eyes widen. “A girl is calling Uncle Con!”

Hearing that, Con sits up too quickly, banging his head on the pipes, catching his shoulder on the side of the cupboard. “Oh, shoot. Seth, give it here.”

Seth grins with mischief and presses the button to answer the call. By now, Con is sitting up, and reaches out with speed before his cousin has time to say anything. “Jamie?”

Wanting to play, Seth grabs for the phone while Con dodges him, finally getting to his feet, and putting Seth into a headlock. He tries to concentrate on the call, while fending off Seth, along with Michaela who tries to rescue her brother.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Con lifts an eyebrow. “Yeah, I bet that was quite the news for everyone. I can imagine the shock.” He stumbles to the side as both his cousins put pressure on him, starting to laugh and squeal.

“Children, shh!” Paula chides.

“But he’s got Keith!” Michaela argues, giggling.

Keith’s face is red from laughing as he tries to squirm out from Con’s strong hold. “Let me go!” he cries.

Con tries to hold in his own laughter, struggling to keep the phone to his ear. “So how are you holding up? What do you think of the ranch?”

“Ahh, Uncle Con!” Michaela shrieks as he pins her to the wall behind his back so she can’t help her brother.

All of a sudden, Jake appears, automatically joining in to rescue his cousin.

Con winds up keeping the headlock on Keith, able to grab Jake by the shirt collar with his hand, now holding two squirming boys and trying to salvage his phone call at the same time, ignoring the laughing and playful complaints. “Decided yet how long you’re staying?” he asks Jamie.


Carson looks up from the computer as Misty approaches, and gives her a slight grin. “The only thing fun and exciting around here is you. I feel like I’ve been demoted and am bored out of my mind.”

Rolling his eyes, he glances to his watch. “You wouldn’t want to escort a dangerous sucker like me out to get something to eat, would you?”


“Oh, hi, Katie.” Reese leans back in his chair as he hears who is calling. “Wasn’t sure if I’d hear from you or not. Wyatt said you were sleeping pretty soundly. You’re free to stay home if you want to…don’t feel pressure to come in today, alright?”

Comfort

*Nate intakes everything Laura had told him. He never new anything about this or would of guess. Laura carryed herself so well. This was defintly not what he was exspecting. Nate looks down at his plate shairing Con's feelings that Laura just told him. This happend awhile ago but Nate cared so much it bothered him to see Laura said. Slowly Nate reaches his hand from under the table and slids it across till it touches Laura's fingers running over them slowly for a moment.*

" I dont want you to be vulnerable Laura, I just want you to be the woman that I have grown to know and like to hang out with. I..I like you the way you the way you are, and the way you look. I'd never want to make you change.If all you want to be is friends Laura, I'm fine with that. I'd never want to do anything that would hurt you. Please dont feel uncomfortable around me. I dont want to make you feel funny, or that you need to shut down. I'd hope you would trust me enough to talk to me about anything. I'm not one that is quick to judge, and I understand alot of things. So always keep that in mind...ok? "

*Nate smiles and moves his hand back to his own side of the table leaning on his elbow. Leting out a sigh he trys to change the subject for Laura's sake.*

" I think I am gonna get some more food. I'll be right back."

*Nate stands and heads back to the buffet grabing another plate and puting food on it.*

*Angel gives alittle smile at Clint and nods her head leting him know she understands.*

*Wendy leans her head up from Clint and stands.*

"Ya I think I would like that."

*Wendy heads out of the mess hall and slowly makes a path for the pond. Making sure to take is slow so Clint could keep up with her.*

*Jamie lets out a sigh and smile at Austin standsing. He always new what she needed when she needed it. Austin was like a second dad to her. Offering him a small hug.*

"Ya I think I will. I wanna see how he is doing anyways. Thank Austin."

*Jamie makes her way to the bed room pulling out her phone and dialing Con's number.*

"Heya, guess who?...how are ya babe? Everything been going ok?...I'm ok..ya I just got done telling everyone her about Sam and BJ. They took it hard but I dont blame them."

*Jamie sits down on her bed leaning her head back her emotions still running while bring back memories.*

*Damien lets out a long sigh trying to remember parts of the past but only coming up with bad memories.*

"Thank you Sparky your right God has a reson for this. I just...dont know how to act of feel. I was having enough of a hard time talking to Wendy who is all grow let along alittle 6 year old boy. where do I even start."

*Damien motions for Sparky to step back and opens his truck door steping out and leaning aganst the car.*

"How do I even tell him I am his dad? "

*Damien lets out another sigh.*

*As Misty finishs up reading the chapter she is on she decieds to get back to work. Heading up the steps she starts to cross the main floor scanning. Her eyes fall to rest on Carson and his new cubicle. Walking up behind him Misty smiles leaning on the wall.*

"Well look at you. Got your own desk and everything. Working on anything fun and exciting?"

*Katie slowly opens her eyes and sits up. Looking around the room she gets her barings for a moment and than remembers whats going on. After the court room Katie had come home and never went back to work. Maybe she should call Reese and let him know eveything was ok. Taking her phone she dials his number and waits.*

"Hey Reese its Katie."

I can't

Laura stirs the ice in her glass with a straw, watching the small cubes swirl in circles. She had heard Nate's question, but let the silence befriend her for several moments. She didn't know why she wanted to tell Nate about this...maybe she just wanted him to be able to understand where she was coming from. Though hesitant towards him, he was still a nice guy and deserved to know why she was trying so hard to ignore him.

"His name was Bryce." Laura finally raises her eyes for just a moment to look at Nate, then looks back down at her food. "I'd known him in high school, then about four years ago we happened to meet...hit it off...started dating...were together for over a year."

She reflects on the past, giving a quiet sigh as she stares at her water glass. "I got burned. Bryce wasn't the guy I thought he was...he, um..." Laura swallows hard, finding it hard to dredge up the memories, let alone not get into details Nate didn't want to know. "He took advantage of me...I got hurt...and that was the end of that."

She picks up her fork to take another mouthful of chicken and rice, trying to stay on top of the emotions she thought she'd gotten past. "My brother was ready to kill him, but he got what he deserved in the end, so I convinced Con not to do anything." Laura sets her fork down again, indecisive about eating more, and fixes her gaze on the table. "Relationships are hard for me, Nate, and...and when there's a chance of...something more than..." Her words trail off, the heat returning to her face. "I turn guys down...it's my pattern. And...I just..." She takes a deep breath, forming the words slowly and deliberately. "I don't want to lead you on because you'll just end up like every other guy in the last three years - disappointed...because I can't make myself vulnerable again."


Carson scans an email, quirking an eyebrow. He knew about this...the TJY agent was asking about a Kirk Malleroy over in Utah. Carson recognized the name, and knew of the situation going on there.

Inserting himself into the contact, he hits 'reply.' Reese wanted him to help, so he would.


Clint glances over to Angel, conveying a look that told her he understood her daughter was going through a rough time, and all he wanted to do was offer support. He looks back down to Wendy and speaks to her quietly. "You want to go for a walk?"


Mick stands up and paces in a small circle, thinking. He knew what it was like to raise kids. It had been a lot of work. Certainly worth it, but it hadn't been easy, and two parents had been involved. He couldn't imagine taking on the responsibility alone - that would be a huge thing for Damien to do.


Austin can see the tension on Jamie's face, and knows this must have been hard for her. He'd been told a little bit about what had happened back in Nevada, and surely she was still feeling the effects from that trauma.

He makes his way slowly to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "How about we break up for a while and let this settle. Later we can get together and talk more after we've thought things through." He cocks his head, knowing one thing that might make Jamie feel better. "Maybe Con would like to know that we all know now."

Now

*Nate smiles at Laura. He could tell she was uncomfortable but he dident want to draw attachen to it. Nate dident want her to feel any more out of place than she already was. Maybe it was best if for now he just gave up. He never wanted to hurt Laura and he felt like he was only making matters worse.*

“Its ok Laura.”

*Nate wanted to say more, he wanted to let Laura know that just being with her was all the company he needed words dident need to be said. Nate wanted to tell her that her eyes said a thousand words to him when he looks into them. But he new he couldent. Biting his toung he takes another sip of he coke.*

“Is everything ok? You seem destint today like something is on your mind!”


*Misty keeps herself busy most of the day. Working on files with Rick, Going out a few times with him to check on people, and goes over some other blood and evidence for him. Being able to break something down and see what was to it came in handy. Misty never though she would be able to us the talent she had in the area as much as she did here. Finally Misty is finished with her work for the day but dosent want to leave TJY yet. Taking the book she was reading ealyer she heads down to the rec room to study a bit more.*

*Jamie shakes her head at Mick’s questions. She had many answers to there questions, but not nearly enough in this situation.*

“All she told me is she wanted him to be safe and with family. She wanted BJ to know his family and not be but in the system. Other than thay I don’t know what alse she wanted. I have answers but I don’t have all the answers. I’m sorry.”

*Jamie sits back in her chair in thought. Her mind turning back to when she had been taken by The Agency. Her mind skips to how Sam had helped her. Been there to keep her strong. The look on Sam’s face as she told Jamie her story. Jamie hasent known Sam long but she had formed a bond with her. Jamie had seen her die it wasent a memorie she wanted to remember, but she did and it hurt.*

*Wendy leans into Clint her forhead resting on his shoulder. She just dident know what to do. Everything was changing so fast again. Clint was so good to her. She was thankful God brang him to the ranch that day. He had become her best friend instinly and she wouldent change a day since than.*

In it together

Laura focuses on her menu, continuing to avoid looking Nate in the eye. "Um...something chicken." She rolls her eyes. "Like that narrows it down."

Conversation is minimal until food arrives and lunch is started. Laura picks at her food...though having been her choice to come here, her appetite suddenly wasn't there. Why couldn't she just act like herself? She was getting so frustrated with herself... Nate was trying so hard...she could tell, and she was completely ignoring him. If she was trying to send him the signal that she was unapproachable, she was certainly doing it well... but she was doing it too well, to the point of frustrating the whole situation. She didn't mean to be offish...she didn't want to be mean... It just...happened.

Setting down her fork, Laura takes a sip of her water, and just stares down at the table for several moments. She can feel her cheeks growing warm again...something she hoped Nate didn't notice. "I...I'm sorry I'm not very good company today, Nate." She takes her fork again to resume picking at her food. "Just ignore me."


Carson leans back in his chair and just looks around the small cubicle. It felt strange. He was working for TJY...the very enemy of the corporation he'd worked for almost all his life.

Reaching out, he picks up the files Reese had given him. Apparently he was to go through them and double check names and locations, comparing them to what he knew from the Agency. The results would give TJY a better handle on who out there was Agency and who wasn't, and would help create patterns to follow in the future.

Carson taps his fingers on the desk absentmindedly before grabbing another piece of gum. His smoke yesterday hadn't helped things a bit, and it was back to square one.

Looking around, he can feel a bit of boredom sinking in again. Turning to the computer, he decides to do as Reese suggested and read through some emails of outside contacts...there might be something in their cases that Carson might know about, and if so, he could help.


Mick still feels the shock, still trying to process everything Jamie is saying. "But...what do we do now? I mean...where does BJ end up? He needs a family...he can't just live in limbo. And..." He glances to the door. "What about Damien? I don't know that he'd want...I mean...I can't imagine what he must be thinking right now, but can he be expected to just start being a dad? I mean, I know that...that apparently BJ is is son, but...can he take care of him? Is he in a position to? Would he even want to?"

The questions seem so overwhelming. "Did Sam say what she wanted beyond BJ being safe?"


Clint can feel Wendy's turmoil, and without thinking, he reaches to put his arm around her shoulders. "It's alright," he comforts quietly. "It'll all get straightened out, I promise."


Sparky leans on the truck, absorbing Damien's hesitance...fear...anxiety. "What kind of person does that make you?" he repeats. "One that was taken advantage of by monsters at the Agency. One that is not responsible for what happened. One that can't be blamed for a loss of memories."

He pauses, cocking his head. "I can't even begin to imagine what you're feeling, Damien. But bear in mind that God has His hand in this. You didn't come here out of sheer coincidence... the chances are too great. You have a daughter who you are slowly getting to know, despite a terrible past. You're learning about a life you didn't even know existed until today...but you're growing."

Sparky looks him in the eye. "And if you think the rest of us here are just gonna leave you high and dry through this, then you got another thing coming. That little boy in there has grown on a lot of people around this place, and no one's gonna let him down, or you. Goodness knows I wouldn't know how to be a father...it's strange enough realizing that he's my nephew...but even though BJ may be your son, we're all in this together. We can't let the Agency win this one, Damien."


"But you haven't even asked him."

"I know what he'd say."

"Yeah, he'd say no." Phil sets his hands on his hips.

Kyle shrugs, holding the disc in his hand. "Only because he's too humble for his own good sometimes."

"And lacking confidence," Mike adds from the drumset.

Jen rolls her eyes as she watches the other three in Mike's basement. "I think it's fine."

Kyle grins. "See? Our manager thinks it's fine."

"But we don't even know what's going to happen," Phil argues. "We may never be the same again."

"Then at least we've had a one-time adventure." Kyle picks up his phone.

"But Kyle!" Phil groans. "No one's even heard that one. It wasn't a final cut."

"So?" Kyle starts to dial. "It was a good cut. It was one of the best."

"But he may not even have wanted to use that ever."

"It's too good not to." Kyle puts his ear to his phone. "People are gonna hear it."

Play on

*Nate smiles as he kept his eyes on the road only to glance at Laura ever now and than when she wasent looking herself.*

"mmmm....Chinese sounds good. Havent had that in ages."

*Nate makes a few turns here and there heading farther into town. Finally making it the small chinese building. Geting out of the car Nate comes around and opens the door for Laura like he always did. Being around Maggie had taught Nate alot. All wemon were delicit not just his little sister. If you cared about them even if it was only a friendship you showed them, and respected them. Maybe Nate was a bit old fashion but it was something he couldet shake. Going inside they end up geting a booth in the back and sit down.*

"I think I am gonna have the buffet. All you can eat here I come."

*Nate gives a small laugh. He liked trying to make Laura laugh it wasent something she did often and Nate wanted to see more of it. He just couldent help it she deserved to be happy. Even if it wasent with him, as long as she was happy Nate would be pleased. He just wish Laura could relax around him again. Nate could only hope and hold himself back from doing anything alse silly.*

"What are you gonna get?"

*Rosetta hold Mick's hand rubbing it with her other. Her own mind reeled over this not knowing what to think. She could only imagen what Mick was going through. Rosetta stays silent not feeling it was her time to talk only listen and be there for those who needed her.*

*Jamie turns her attachen back to Mick. Her eyes still soft.*

"Sam new Mick, even if you never found out who BJ was this would be the best place for him. He would be loved here no matter what. She new you guys would keep him safe and not let him fall into the wrong hands. You wouldent let anything happen to this innocent child. Sam dident want BJ to grow up in a world of hate like she did, always scaired, alone, confused. She wanted him to have a chanse at life. To live and be happy. She new he would get that here."

*Wendy turns her head to Clint. She dident know what she felt. She wanted to run to her mom, but she was grounded with Clint by her side to give her comfort. That feeling she felt creeped in again that she had in the shop. She dident want the comfort of anyone alse but Clint. Her mind flairing in many directions. She had a brother. Wendy's hand shakes alittle as it is in Clints. What would happen now? Was everything about to change? How would she act around BJ he was her brother and it was Clints cousin. That sounded wierd saying that. what this mean for the time to come now.*

*As Damien sits in his truck his mind races. He isent sure what to think. The knock on the door startles him as he looks up and see Sparky. Rolling down his window Damien turns his eyes back to look down the drive way.*

"I cant even remember my own wife and kid. What kind of person does that make me Sparky? I remember at the hospetal BJ told me Sam had picturs of me all over. What happend to us? My mind wants to remember but I cant. I dont even know if I will ever get the memoris of my child and wife back.

And now, I have a chanse to know my son but I dont even know where to start. I dont know how to be a father, or to raise a child. I am still so unsure of myself how can I watch over another small life form. I dont know what to do Sparky."

*As Wes sits at the table he leans back slightly in his chair. He had a nephew. Wes' mind was more open to the idea, yet confustion set in anyways. He wish he was able to meet his sister, and she was still around for her son. How hard it would be for the small boy and how worryed Wes was for him. Wes's eyes move to Cindy's showing confustion and not sure what he was to think. This drew a new line of questions, problems, yerning.*

Stunned

A smirk crosses Carson's face and he shakes his head, standing. "Yeah...all I gotta do is get myself into trouble, and there you are."

He starts to leave the room, then turns for just a second, studying Misty, his thoughts still confused, but becoming clearer. He liked her. Plain and simple. Throwing her a wink, he finally exits to go find Reese.


Laura gives Nate a silly look of annoyance as he opens the car door for her, but doesn't say anything. As they drive, her mind wanders to that which she resisted. She knew that even though she and Nate were just friends...and even though she'd gotten over the whole stupid kissing thing, there was an element of caution within her that was causing her to hold a barrier between him and herself.

Looking out the window, the sun is warm on her face. She remembers the day she broke down and Nate had been there...he'd been so sweet....and she really hadn't thought a thing of it. Then Con's reaction had alerted her to the fact that maybe she was leading Nate on...and maybe Nate's own intentions weren't only to just be friends. Then Nate had gone and gotten sick, and though Laura knew good and well that he hadn't meant to kiss her and and it didn't bother her anymore...there was still something there that made her question his intentions.

She was comfortable being friends with Nate...but the combination of Con's reaction, and her own hesitance was beginning to wear on her mask that everything was fine. Everything wasn't fine. Nate made her feel....funny. She wasn't scared of him...he was a nice guy...he was so sweet...a real gentleman. And she had to admit that she liked being around him. But...did he really want more than to be friends? And if so, what did that do to Laura's own perspective? What did she want? She was trying hard to act normal...to treat him as she would anyone else... but she knew that her harsh comments and body language today was the first sign that she was on the defense...and that could be dangerous. If she allowed herself to be on the defense, she could wind up pushing Nate away...she'd done it before... Things hadn't ended well. She'd lost simple friendships because she'd gone overboard in the wrong direction. Why couldn't she just relax and be herself?

Laura sighs deeply, trying to forget about all of this for now. She points towards downtown. "How about lunch at the chinese place? I haven't been there in a while." Her eyes avoid Nate's, and she can feel a slight warmth creeping up her neck. This wasn't supposed to be hard...why was it?


Mick sit stunned by Jamie's words. His hand feels like ice on Rosetta's as the new realizations hit him. His mind reels. BJ was his own nephew...family...blood. His eyes automatically shift to the other room where BJ is playing. The child had picked him out from the very day he'd arrived, and now was the truth that it hadn't been coincidence.

A lump rises in Mick's throat. He didn't know what to do...how to feel. It was confusing...it was...just plain confusing. He looks to Rosetta, finding her eyes, the emotion building inside of him.

Sparky exchanges a look with Wes, glances to Mick, then Annie, then back to Jamie. They had a nephew...BJ was their nephew. His thoughts are broken by Damien's abrupt exit, and something pulls on his heart strings. He couldn't imagine how that man must be feeling right now.

Rising from his own seat, Sparky quietly follows Damien, seeing where he's gone. He waits a few minutes, and realizing that Damien isn't leaving, he goes to the truck, tapping his knuckles lightly on the window. He cocks his head, his face expressing that he knows he doesn't understand everything, but he's there...he's a free ear if Damien wants it.


Clint tries to digest all what had just been said. How one small thing had turned everything upside down. A child thought to have been abandoned without hope, now was surrounded by family. He was Sam's son, a nephew of...

Clint's mind stops and he blinks. That meant that...BJ was his cousin. He had a little cousin... Having thought this whole meeting would be completely outside of his own world, Clint now realized that this shifted things a bit for him too.

And Wendy...she suddenly had a brother. It was....Clint gives her a sidelong glance as the connection is drawn in his mind. No way. What a bizarre web this had formed. Her brother was his cousin.

He quirks an eyebrow, thinking it over again, making sure he was right. Sure enough...the line was there. He almost wanted to laugh, but the shock on Wendy's face warned him that this wasn't the time. Instead he takes her hand in his, unsure if she'd rather have his presence or her mother's.


Mick is finally able to find his voice, though it's hoarse, filled with emotions. "So now...I..." He shakes his head. "What do we do? What did Sam want to happen? If Damien didn't know about BJ, then....I just..." His voice cuts out on him, and he drops his eyes to the floor, unable to even fathom this chain of events.

More to the story

*Misty shakes her head grinning.*

"Not at all and before I met you my Uncel thought I was sweet an innocent."

*Misty leans into Carson looking into his eyes. Her own blazing with fire again.*

"I guess he was wrong."

*Misty gives Carson another kiss on the lips as she stands grabing the plates*

"You better go before Reese has both our heads. You'll see me again, I am always around remember."

*Nate rolls his eyes at Laura and stands. She had a bad attitude at times but it dident both Nate he kind of liked it. Though it confused him as well. What made Laura so hard, closed off to any kindness Nate tryed to show her. Sometimes he just dident understand.*

"All right all right you dont have to bite my head off."

*Nate walks after Laura till they get to his Car opening the door for her than geting in the other side. Pulling out of the driveway he states.*

"And we are off.*

*Jamie lets out a long sigh and takes a sip of her water. Drawing a breath in and than figuring she might as well get it all out in the open now and not drag it.*

"So after the wrong two people were killed they couldent backtrack and take out Sam and her son. Someone would know something was up and the couldent have that. So they thretand Sam. If she dident do what they wanted they would kill her and she son. The Agency ended up puting a computer chip in Sam's son. It ws the link to everything the information on it. It had lists of names, dates, people, places. It would prove the Agency exsisted and bring them down."

*Jamie eyes the room resting on Damien and than to the room where BJ was. This was harder than she thought. Her eyes go back to Damien.*

"Damien your probley wondering why your here? What you have to do with all this?"

*Damien looks up to Jamie.*

"Yes I am actully. If this is about me being involved with the Agency I had nothing to do with killing anyone...I..."

*Jamie's eyes turn soft.*

"You really dont remember do you. Damien you were married to Sam, and...and BJ was your son."

*Jamie goes silent once again as the eyes widen.*

*A million thoughts run through Damien's mind. What was this? He strains his mind. This couldent be true.*

"Thats not possable."

*Jamie looks at Damien again.*

"The Agency errased your mind Damien, they dident want you to remember Sam or BJ...."

*Damien stands from the table he dident know what to think. He was so confused.*

"I think I would remember my own wife and son. This is not possable I dont believe you. I'm out of here."

*Damien gets up and walks for the door swinging it open and making a beeline for his truck. Once in it Damien dosent start it up but only sits and things. Nothing in his life made sence. How could what Jamie said he true. How?*

*Jamie's eyes follow Damien as he leaves and she lets out a long sigh.*

*Wendy's eyes widen at the news that was just told. BJ was Damien's son...that ment...she had a brother?*

Surprised

Carson gives Misty's leg a playful swat. "I'm trying to eat, don't remind me how much fun it is."

"Hey, Carson..." Reese skids to a halt in the break room doorway, quirking an eyebrow with a look of mixed annoyance and frustration, though laced with subtle amusement.

Carson sighs a little and turns his head, keeping Misty on his lap. "Does ruining moments run in the family or what?"

Reese smirks at him, not even commenting on his niece being with him, let alone being in that position. "Your desk is set and I'm ready to show you the ropes...that is, whenever you're finished...eating."

"Right." Carson takes another bite of his sandwich. "Give me a minute or two."

"Make it fast," Reese warns lightly. "I don't intend on having to come back here finding you still wooing that niece of mine."

Carson's eyebrows raise as Reese leaves the room, then he shifts his gaze to Misty, humor making his eyes sparkle. "I take it this place isn't used to having someone like me around."


Jason doesn't say much, but tries to find hope in Lockheart's words. After she leaves, he's taken back to his cell and left. His nightmares try to take over as his unstable emotions sway on the breaking point. But he pastes Katie's face in his mind..the only thing that could ever bring him out of those nightmares. "Hang on, Katie," he whispers. "Five days."


Laura rolls her eyes at Nate's antics, despite the small grin on her lips. "Thanks, but I happen to be an independent woman on the payroll, which means I buy my own food. But I'll let you drive and if anyone gossips about us, I'll set them straight."

She spins around to head for the door, purse in hand. "You coming? I don't have all day."


Eyes widen at Jamie's story. Jeff's jaw drops, and he glances to Rosetta, then to his brother. Their sister-in-law had been murdered.

Mick reaches over to lay a hand on top of Rosetta's, feeling her shock. The Agency had been involved and active just over six years prior and no one had known. They hadn't been as dormant as everyone had thought...this changed a lot pf perspectives... and created a brand new anger.

Questions linger in the air...who was Sam's husband? Where was her son now? Were there more connections?

But no one voices their thoughts, respecting Jamie's time. It was evident she had been through heck and back and no one was going to push her.

A story

*Misty cant help but get a grin on her face as Carson takes her around the wast and pulls her all over the place finally to end in his lap at the table. Take a bit of her sandwitch she leans her head aganst Carson's.*

"Ya I guess I do like to rune the good moments huh? I was starving though and something about kissing while my tummy was making noises dident seem very attractive."

*As Misty sits on Carson's knee she suddanly felt content again. Something about Carson calmed her yet striked sparks. Misty dident know what they strange feeling was or how it came to be so fast but there was no point in fighting it. The feeling felt good, it made her happy. Misty laughs at Carson comment about her cooking, taking another small bite of her sandwatch.*

"One dosent have to be better than that other you know. They are both perfect in there own way maybe."

*Misty cant help but grin.*

"But I do have to say I'd rather kiss you than cook. One is more fun than the other."

*Lockheart shakes her head and draws her arm awat from Jason but still stays next to him.*

"I dont understand it eather Jason. I honestly dont, let alone understand how they can even get away with it. Maybe they figure the sooner they bring you down the sooner TJY and the people inside will fall. Along with the people in Texas. You have touched so many people life alot of them would be devastated if you were gone. But we arnt going to have to worry about that Jason. Do you know what five days means? Five days means, in five days your gonna be a free man, and your not going to miss any of that important stuff."

*Lockheart smiles and stands.*

"We are gonna do this Jason and we are gonna laugh at the Agency when its threw. Boy am I going to miss you when this is over. Your a good kid Jason."

*Lockheart reaches into her bag and pulls out the rest of the orange for Jason.*

"I know its not much but its whats left from earlyer today. I'll bring you something alse when I come back tomarrow. Try and get some rest tonight. Dream of your girl and how nice its gonna be when you get out and can hold her. Let it bring you comfort Jason. Let the memories protect your mind. I'll see you tomarrow."

*Lockheart makes her exit and heads for the hotel.*

*As Laura shakes the walls of Nate's cubicle her cant help but play along.*

"Ahhhh earthquake help...help..."

*Finally he stops flalying himself about and grins at Laura.*

"Your saved me Laura Gibbs. Your my hero."

*Shuting off his computer Nate stands and streches.*

"Ok I guess we can go. I'll drive. Maybe we can pick up some lunch to. What do ya say? You can even pay if you want. But I am offering so its my treat."

*Angel makes her way into the messhall finding a seat next to Luke knowing he wasent feeling all that great she dident want to leave in alone in case something happend. Not to mention she would give any excuse to be close to him.

Rosetta finds a seat up front with Mick ready to listen to Jamie intently. Whatever was going to be told certinly going to be something big. Why alse would she come all the way out her other than to get away and than call a meeting. Rosetta makes sure BJ playing on the carpeted area where the TV was while he watches Spunge Bob. Rosetta wanted to make sure she would be able to keep an eye on him.

Damien found a seat at the far end of the table. Close enough to hear but back a bit from the other. He still wasent sure how he fit in here, and if there were strange or not. Sure he hung out once and a while but it was always a strange feeling. Though he was a bit saprised when Mick called as asked for him to head over. That a complete stranger was holding a meeting and asked for him to be there. In a sence it felt nice, like he was part of the gang. But on the same hand he felt something tarrable was going to happen.

Wes make's his way arm in arm with Cindy to the left side of the table where it is not to crowded. Cindy had been through so much in the last week Wes could only hope that whatever was going to go down would not more bad news for her. Wes new a bit about who Jamie was and how she had been taken bu the Agency. But other than wanting a get away he new nothing about her. Wes was ready to listen intently.

Wendy also makes her way into the mess hall spoting Clint she grins and heads over to him siting down. and smiling.*

"Looks like I am not the one that intarupted you this time huh?"

*Wendy gives a smerk and than draws her attachen to Jamie as she stands up.*

*Jamie stands. She was as nervous as all get out and she wondered if it showed. She hadent shaired her story with many people and she always had a hard time talking in front of strangers. Clearing her throt Jamie starts to speak softly.*

"First I want to start by sorry I dont normaly talk in front of big groups of people. I've never been good at it. So it this turns out horrable I'm sorry. I guess I'll start by introducing myself for Damien since he dosent know who I am. I'm Jamie and I work for TJY. I was taken by the Agency a while back and was held for a few days."

*Jamie brings her hand to her scar out of instinct.*

"It was the hardest few days of my life that I have ever been though. But when I was being held captive I met someone who was being held as well. Her name was Sam Henson."

*Alittle voice can be hurd from the other room.*

"SHAM????"

*Rosetta takes her attachen from Jamie to the room with BJ.*

"Just play with you toys hun."

*Jamie looks twords the room her eyes sad.*

"Sam died saving my life. If it wasent for her Con and I might not be here today. Sam new she wasent going to make it out of there alive. So before she died she told me a story. Your sister wasent a bad person she just had her secrest. As you guys were taken from the Agency so was she but she was raised by them. The Agency was all she new. Till finally she wanted to get out and she met someone and they had a child.

When the Agency found out Sam had turned there bad on them they were furieus. They made planes to kiss Sam and her baby off. Taking her husband and errasing his memorie and having him work for them. However as the story goes it dident work out that way. The thugs in charge got it mixed up and killed the wrong two people. You see another lady had a baby that same day, in the same hospetal. "

*Jamie draws in a breath and than lets it out. This next bit of information was going to be quite a blow. Jamie was only happy Katie wasent here.*

"Her name was Tammy Pent."

*Jamie's eyes drift to Rosetta as her own eyes widen.*

"The Agency's men got mixed up and new that the Pent family had always been in there sites So they thought this time whats who there were after and they killed 2 more innocent people."

*Jamie stops talking lowering her head. IT was hard telling this story, she new it braught so much pain. She lets every one take it in for a moment leting room for questions if they needed to be asked.*

*As Rosetta listens to Jamie her eyes widen. Her sister in law, Katie's mom and baby Jason were killed by The Agency. A tear falls from Rosetta's eye. She dident know what to say or how to react. All she new was the great deal of pain she felt inside.*

Ready and waiting

As the moment comes to an end, Carson lets Misty draw back, and looks her in the eye again, seemingly ignoring her suggestion to eat. Without even cracking a smile, he turns her around, keeping her in a firm grip around her waist to drag her along with him as he takes a couple steps the counter to retrieve her own plate, then back to the table.

He sits down in the chair and sets Misty on his knee, shoving her plate in front of her. “You sure know how to ruin a moment, don’t you,” he grumbles. “But I suppose if it’s gotta be ruined, it might as well be done as such with one of your grilled cheese sandwiches.” He takes a bite of his and contemplates it for a moment. “Hmm…I don’t know which is better…your kisses or your cooking.”


Jason sits back in his chair as Lockheart puts an arm around him. He wanted to remain strong on his own…to stay tough through this… but she reminded him of his own mother, creating a feeling of melancholy. The wedding…it was coming up fast. If only they could win this…

He shakes his head slowly. “I don’t understand this…if the Agency wanted to torture me, why would they allow things to move this quickly? I don’t get it…”

The guard taps on the door. “Five more minutes, Lockheart.”


Laura shakes Nate's cubicle wall, a smirk on her face. "Hey. Snake tamer. It's late. Are we going to Jamie's or what, and who's driving?"


The mess hall is a bit noisy with chatter as the gang gathers together at the wish of Jamie. Damien has come, and most everyone else is present.

Luke pulls out a chair in the corner and eases down slowly, trying not to wince. He felt like crap, in pain, and struggling without the meds he was on. But he’d given what was left to Angel, and was forced to go without.

Mick offers Jamie a seat near the front where everyone can see her, and scoots his own chair in close, sensing that this was something he was going to need to hear.

Austin hangs back a little, knowing some of what was coming, though interested to hear it from Jamie herself.


“Can I have the peas?”

“Mashed potatoes please!”

The lunch table was alive with chatter. Dan and Paula direct the younger children, while the older ones help out passing the food, Con somewhere in the middle of it all.

“Unca Con…” Mindy looks up from his left side, trying to get his attention. “Unca Con..” She finally tugs on his sleeve.

Con turns to see her, giving her a smile as he realizes by the look on her face that she’s been trying for several moments. “Sorry, kiddo.” He taps his ear. “Uncle Con can’t hear from this side anymore.” He leans down closer, cocking his head. “Whatcha need?”

Mindy points to the chicken on her plate. “I can’t cut it myself.”

Con chuckles and reaches over to pick up her fork and knife. “No problem. Here we go.” Within a minute, Mindy has her chicken cut up into pieces just her size.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Con ruffles her hair with a hand before turning back to his own plate.

Paula smiles at him from across the table. “Thanks.”

Con shakes his head, not needing an ounce of thanks. He glances down to sixteen-year-old Eric. “So did you ever get that catfish you wanted last year?”

Eric laughs, taking a sip of his water. “Almost. I had that sucker out of the water halfway up the bank and my line snapped.”

Con cringes. “Ooh, bummer.”

“Yeah, and Lydia still doesn’t believe me.” He elbows his sister who was a year younger.

She smirks at him, turning to Con. “I say he got a snag and broke his own line.”

Con laughs. “Well, Eric, maybe you and I will just have to go down to that pond and try again while I’m here.”

:|

*As Misty feels Carson's touch she closes her eyes leaning her head into his hand. They felt so warm, so soft to Misty. As Carson's lips touch her they are soft as well. This kiss was much difffernt from the ones before it. This one showed passion but a gentalness. Misty kiss Carson back leting it linger. Bring her hands around him to his back squeezing him alittle as there kiss continues. Finally after a long while Misty gives Carson on last squeeze and pulls away from the kiss.*

"How about something to eat now?"

*Lockheart slides her arm around Jason's shoulder in a motherly way.*

"We will win Jason. Just stay strong a while longer. We will win this. You've got God, thats gonna help us through too. There is no way we can lose with him on our side. In 5 days Jason your gonna be free. And your gonna be able to hold Katie again, and you gonna make it to you mom's wedding. Its gonna work out."

*Lockheart sits with Jason a while longer just trying to bring him the comfort he needed.*

*Katie stirs in her sleep feeling someones pressence in her room, but her body is to sore and tired to wake. Being able to feel it wasent a thret Katie stays fast asleep.*

We have to

Taken off guard, Carson doesn’t react at first to Misty, his arms remaining at his sides…but feeling her embrace…feeling her tears… his hands find their way around her.

As she brings her lips to his, he doesn’t kiss her back, but waits for her to draw away, meeting her gaze head on. Her plea hangs in the air, surrounded by a silence he uses to let his thoughts run wild in.

Carson searches Misty’s eyes…she did still care…even after all that had happened…she did still care…she did still want to be with him. Would she ever cease to surprise him?

He slowly brings a hand up to run his fingers gently through her hair, now realizing that though it had been barely twenty-four hours, he had missed her. “Alright,” he relents quietly. “I won’t leave you.”

His thumb rubs away a tear on her cheek. He leans down to kiss another away, following the trail until his lips meet her own once again. His arms tighten around her, enveloping her in a strong embrace, his passionate motion proving his words true.


Jason stares numbly at the table, barely feeling Lockheart’s hand on his shoulder. His face and eyes are void of emotions, his mind to the point of total exhaustion, too tired to handle any more. “Five days,” he states quietly. “We’ve got to win. I can’t stand this any longer.”

He leans his elbows on the table to rest his forehead on his hands. It hadn’t been all that long…he couldn’t imagine spending more time here…with this kind of treatment…away from those he cared for. If he had done something deserving this punishment, he would be able to justify it in his mind. But he had been right to kill that man…and knowing that, simply drove home the misery.

“We have to win,” he repeats. “I can’t let Katie down.”


A figure slowly, quietly slips into Katie’s bedroom, approaching her bed as she sleeps. Checking to see she rests peacefully, they take the blanket and pull it up over her, allowing the rose to remain in her hand. With a gentle brush to her cheek, they retreat, leaving her door ajar.

Stepping outside, they go back to their jeep, flipping open their phone. “Yeah, Dad, she’s alright. I’ll make sure Laura knows to check on her later when she comes home.”

Comfort

*Misty feels a tear in her eye. Who was she fooling. She couldent let Carson go.*

"Carson...."

*Misty turns to look at him. The tears still in her eyes. Sometime about Carson Banks touched her life, got he invoved and no matter what she dident want to turn her back on him. Once it would of been so easy to throw a guy away but Carson touched parts of her that were unreached by anyone alse. Misty dident want to plung back into darkness, she had been there for so long before she liked the light Carson braught. Misty swiftly walks over to him throws her arms around him and burrying her face into his chest. The tears still falling. She dident care if Carson saw them, she dident care if this was a sigh of weakness. She just dident care. Misty pulls away enough to look into Carson peacing blue eyes for a sign of life, a sign of anything. She dident know what to say to show Carson she still cared all she new is she dident want him to go. Misty reaches up to touch Carson's face running her fingers over his cheek. Her hands were soft her touch light. Misty places a small kiss on Carson's lips than draws away again.*

"Please....dont leave me."


*Lockheart drops Katie offer just a bit worryed about her. She dident look so good and she was limping. As Lockheart pulls out of the driveway and heads back to the Jail she dials Reese's number on her phone.*

"Reese...its Lockheart. Ya we got done with the plamianry about a half hour ago....5 days. I dont know how they are geting away with it. I'm pritty confadent though the jury looked to be pritty good....Katie took it pritty hard. I think maybe later you should have someone check on her. She was limping pritty bad, and her emotions are crazy....She miss him something awfel....ok Reese. Talk to ya soon."

*Lockheart pulls into the jail driveway and than enters. Knowing the way down the all familure hall. Entering the room with Jason she goes over to him knowing his own emotions must be crazy. Placing a hand on his shoulder Lockheart slids down next to him offering a shoulder if he needs it. Even the strongest of people break sometimes. Maybe it would be good for Jason.*

*As Katie heads inside her tears have finally stoped. Her mind races with many things. Taking the new Rose from her dresser Katie crawls into bed. She new she was ment to call Reese but she just dident have the emergy right now. Katie places her phone on the small nightstand. Her mind on Jason and everything that was going on tears form in Katie's eyes again. Finally after about an hour Katie falls fast asleep from exsausten.*