Reese nods thoughtfully as Lockheart speaks. "I've talked this over with Carter already, and he and I are in agreement to bring this suggestion to the table, when we call our meeting. We want to wait until Misty and Carson are back for it too."
He sighs deeply. "If everyone is against it, then we won't go through with it...but the reality is, that every day we're more and more in danger of being found out, and I would rather show our hand before the authorities come in guns blazing."
Reese things for several moments again. "The thing is...if we go out in the open, all of us are guilty of illegal acts...whether we've killed people, used false identities, forged signatures, or hacked into confidential police records. So you're right...if this happens, we'll need a good lawyer, and you're the only one I would trust."
"...We've never had one of our men end up in prison before...we've always been able to stop it from going that far. And...I just can't stand the thought of Jason spending the good part of his life behind bars. I know he knew the risks...but I can't live with myself if I haven't tried all I can to get him out. And my guess is, that the rest of the staff will be behind me in this. I don't know what will happen...if we fold, I'll have a whole staff who are out of jobs...some have families to take care of...others don't know anything different. But that's why they're going to be included in the decision making."
A cop enters the small cafe and sits down at a nearby table with a cup of coffee. Reese shrugs and gives Lockheart a knowing look. "I guess this meeting is over for now. I'll let you know what happens."
Seven o'clock. Scott waits outside his beater car in the parking lot of the theater, waiting for Katie to arrive. As promised, he hasn't changed out of his "laid back" clothing.
"Alright, Jamie..." Con slips in behind his steering wheel and turns on the motor. "Your pick. I'm all yours tonight, and my cell phone is staying home so no one can bother me. It's your night to decide what we do." He glances in her direction, a grin on his face.
Laura glances at the clock and gives a little sigh. Shutting off her computer, she performs her nightly routine of getting ready to go home, finally grabbing her purse and heading for the exit. She makes it home in good time, and greets Henry with a kiss and a rub to his head. Throwing on some comfy clothes, she heads to the kitchen to make something light for her supper. Maybe she'd curl up on the couch with a good book tonight.
Wyatt pulls out of the TJY parking lot and heads to the other end of town. Needing to get some groceries, he aims for the store. It doesn't take him long, and he opts to go take a quick stop at a friend's house outside of town to set up a day and time to go fishing together. Once leaving, Wyatt takes a country road around the outskirts of town, taking his time. Evenings were lonely every once in a while, and this was one of them. He was in no hurry to get home.
5/6/08
Where to
Represent
*Katie smiles as she keeps her walk twords her desk. Alittle light warmed Katie's heart. It was nice to have someone around to talk to. To have a friend around to lean on. Katie hadent exspected to become such good friends with Scott. He alway kept to himself and was quiet. And when she first met him she though he was intresting . But now Katie got to know Scott even more, she got to see deep in him that there was more and he was a wonderful person. How Katie was glad she did befriend him. Katie sits to finish her work up and go home to get ready for tonight.*
*Lockheart sits and listens to Reese for a long moment. Taking a sip of her tea a wave of saprise corses over Lockheart as she hears Reese mention exsposing TJY. She new the saprise could be seen in her eyes too. Lockheart dident know TJY all that well, she hadent been there for years like the others.*
"Reese...I understand where you are coming from, and I think its amazing that you would be willing to do that to save someone. But...what will happend to TJY after and everyone that works for you. This is a big desition to make, and I think you should talk with your employees about it as well. This is there life too. I havent been around for long but I got the pleasure to meet some of them and you can tell this place means everything to them."
*Lockheart takes another sip of her tea as she thinks a bit more.*
"I want to help Jason, I really do. I dont like seeing Katie misrable, and I dont like the change I see in Jason. I often think back and as horrable as it sounds I think my brother was luck to have goten the death sentince than to have to sit in Jail like Jason is. Yes he is alive, and geting out in 4o years if we cant do anything, but is he truly alive anymore? His soul, his spirit is dieing."
*Lockheart lets out a sigh and looks down in her tea cup thinking and relizing she was off the trail alittle bit. It still hurt when she thought of Angeal how she did miss him and how it must be even harder for Katie to know the one you love is alive but you cant see them.*
"Anyways, if you end up exsposing TJY your going to need an atturny, and I dont have anything plained for now. Most the work the last few months I have been geting to my office in Cali they have been email to me, and I have had other take the cases for me. So I can keep doing that. Its working out fine for now. So...all in all I would like to represent TJY if if came down to it. It would be another long process but, I feel right now this is where I am needed most."
It's time
As Scott flips open his can of pop, his eyes go wide at Katie's acceptance of his invitation. She'd actually said yes? He hadn't really expected that at all. He was usually given excuses not to do thing with him, so this was new. Not that he minded...
He grins as he watches Katie leave, and calls after her. "Meet me at the theater at seven!"
Reese sighs deeply. "How about meeting at the cafe downtown in half an hour?"
...The cafe had few people in it - a good setting for a private conversation. Reese sips on his glass of coke and plays with his straw wrapper, thinking for several moments before saying what he wants to Lockheart.
Finally looking up at her, his eyes show a weariness in them. "I care about my workers, Lockheart..." He pauses. "I have the most loyal group of people working under me, and when one of them is hurt or in trouble, it's like knowing your kid is in pain."
He looks back down to the table. "And sometimes sacrifices need to be made to help that one person, or save them from an awful fate... Jason's facing a terrible fate, and he's already started on a downward spiral from what I've heard. Our investigative efforts have done nothing. And...there may be only one drastic measure that can shock the system enough to get enough attention to expose the bribery in the courtroom."
Reese thinks hard for several more moments, then glances up to look Lockheart in the eye. "I think it's time TJY was exposed."
Anything
*Katie cant help but giggle at Scott and his reaction.*
"Scotty calm down it was a complament. I think you look find like that. Alot more layed back and relaxed."
*As Katie steps away from the fridge she thinks about Scott offer to go to the movies. Katie hadent been in a while and it might do some good to have some fun. She tyred to keep her mind busy anyways cuz than she dident have time to think so maybe hanging out with a friend was a good thing. Katie walks twords Scott once standing by his side before passing him Katie looks to him and smiles.*
"Ok, you have a deal. As long as you lean to take complaments better. Oh ya let me know what time I need to be there later too."
*Kaite cant help but smile giving alittle laugh and shaking her head as she walks out of the break room and to her desk.*
*Lockheart grabs her phone looking to se eits Reese. Stoping what she was doing on her computer for a moment to talk.*
"Hey Reese. Ya I thought that was the case when I hadent hurd much from you. Ya let me know where and were you wanna meet. I'm not really doing much. ok..."
*Lockheart was willin to listen to anything. She saw Jason, she saw Katie, and she saw the pain is was bring. She wanted this over as much as the next person.*
One more option
Scott's eyebrows shoot up at Katie's first remark, and he opts not to respond, simply rolling his eyes and turning towards the pop machine. After the can gets stuck and he takes several moments of twisting, turning and pulling to get it out, he's ready to walk away when Katie's second remark makes him spin around. His face turns three shades of red. "It's not like I did this on purpose," he defends. "Tell my dog to stop playing games, and I can look halfway decent when I come into work, let alone be on time."
He quirks an eyebrow with challenging annoyance. "If you think I'm so hot, then why don't you just come watch that new action flick down at the movie theater with me tonight?" He holds out his arms to the side in surrender. "I'll even stay this way if it brings you that much amusement."
Carson paces up and down the walk in front of Misty's place, waiting for her to get back. He knew her test would take a while, but he'd been bored and wanted the fresh air, so the walk gave him something else to think about.
Reese picks up the phone and dials, waiting for Lockheart to pick up. "Hey, good morning. This is Reese...look...we've been coming up empty handed over here, and...I think it's time we sat and talked again. There's one more option left."
Layed back look
*Katie streaches as she sits in the breakroom. Lost in thought today. She really dident want to or feel up to working but she had promised she would be in. Running a hand over her face she looks up when she hears someone come into the break room. As Katie looks up and see Scott she feels like her mouth is hanging open for a moment. Looking away Katie smerks.*
"Yep I was right, you do look good with the layed back look."
*Katie stands and goes to the fridge puting the rest of her OJ in there. OJ....Katie's mind drifts to Jason as she lets out a sigh. Oh how she missed Jason. Eating in the morning with him, going home with him. They had worked so hard to make it work than finally the day came when Jason said he too DID have feelings for Katie and wanted to be with her than the kiss. That was only a memorie in her mind now. Jason was slipping away and along with him a peace of Katie was slipping away to. Trying to push eveything out of her mind once again but have little sucess at it Katie turns and gives Scott a look over fast a smile forming on her face. How she loved to tease her friend when she new it would make him turn red.*
"So my new looking Hot Hunk of a friend, what are you up today?"
*Katie turns around from the counter and trys to past the best smile on her face she can. Katie dident want anyone to worry about her. She's be ok sooner or later when Jason returned.*
*Misty runs around her house geting things ready. Today would be the day she was to go into school and take her test. Geting dressed she threw a cute while sun dress, and she sandles on. It was important to pass this test so she could go home with Carson. Misty was nervouse but she new she would do ok. After words she was going to meet Carson for some lunch. Jumping into her car she makes her way to the school as her nerves go wild.*
*Jamie enters TJY and heads to her desk. She was going to be meeting Con after work for just a night out. She wasent sure what they were gonna do or where they were going but Jamie new it would be a special night. As Jamie sits at her desk she jumps right into her work she had alot to do and so little time.*
Looking Good
Scott is dumbfounded for just a moment, at Katie's comment. "What is it with you women and contacts?!"
On to the subject of the vacuum, Scott laughs. "Yeah, well maybe I ought to set up a fundraiser and see how many other people would pay to see me do it."
As Katie winds down the conversation, Scott follows her lead. "Alright. Well have a good evening, and we'll see ya around here tomorrow."
Katie's horn blaring echoes through Mike's property and a few moments later, the door bursts open with Kyle emerging. "Well hotdog! It's KT and she's got a new set of wheels!" A grin spreads across his face. "Wooee and it's a nice 'un too!"
"Let me see!" Jen wheels up behind him and peeks out the door. "Ooooh, Katie, she's gorgeous!"
Kyle admires the car for a couple minutes, then waves Katie inside with enthusiasm. "Come on, come in, we got this great new song we're working on, but we need your opinion."
The evening at Mike's is one filled with laughter as the band practices. Some songs they hit right on, others they mess up royally, just adding to the humor. Pizza is ordered out for supper, and by the time the night winds down, it's getting late. Kyle and Phil head out, and Mike offers to take Jen back to her home, everyone wishing Katie a good night as well.
Carson reaches up to brush Misty's cheek with the back of his hand. "I don't care what we watch. You pick. I'm just looking forward to the popcorn," he teases.
Time spent indoors on the couch is relaxing, as the stress of recent events begins to melt away. So much to do, but tonight...tonight there is rest.
After a long movie, Carson leaves Misty's place to go back to his hotel, promising to return in the morning as she continues preparing to leave for the US.
Con pauses as he pulls his shirt over is head. Had Jamie just said something about a buffet? He wasn't sure. Running a towel over his wet hair again and throwing on some cologne, he's finally ready and comes out into the living room. "How about the Western Grill House?" he suggests, clueless that Jamie had just mentioned it. He grabs his keys, and slips his wallet into his back pocket. "We can take my car, then I'll just bring you back here after so you can drive home."
Jason lies on his bed, a thousand thoughts flowing through his mind, his concentration landing on none. Other than receiving a warning from the Warden, the day had been as normal as any other. Time spent with Katie had been too short... he was getting used to not seeing anyone from the outside, and it didn't feel good.
As he lies in the dark, his heart continues to work on the barrier that was still forming. But its host does not heed warning. For along with burying negative emotions, the good were being dragged down with them, creating an empty abyss where no feelings could survive. Hope...love...joy...they remained in the heart, but were slowly becoming locked away behind the outer shell of protectiveness. Like many before, time here was taking its toll.
Thunder rumbles, shaking the atmosphere as the dark clouds threatened to break forth. The rising sun struggles to create light on this stormy morning. But despite the want to stop time as the dense weather provides a gloomy atmosphere, life persists. Some depressed by the rain, others invigorated.
Scott dashes in out of the rain, hurriedly swiping his card to open the door at TJY. It had not been his morning. He was late - an unthinkable event in his daily routine.
Laura looks up from her desk as movement at the door catches her attention. Her eyes widen as Scott walks towards his desk. His hair was not neatly combed as normal, he was wearing his contacts, he had jeans on with a hole in one knee and a grass stain on the other, and a black tee replaced his usual button-down shirt and loose tie. "Wow, Scott, what..."
He raises a hand. "Don't ask."
Laura tries to hold in a giggle. "Where's Scott and what did you do with him?"
"He's at the drycleaners," he quips. "And that is the last time I open my front door before putting a leash on Domino."
Laura puts a hand to her mouth as mental images begin to form. She knew without Scott saying it, that he'd been chasing his little black and white Boston Terrier through the neighborhood. She watches as Scott passes by and he slips a little on the tiled floor with his wet sneakers. "I won't bother you about my computer until you've settled in this morning," she calls after him. "And just for the record, I like the new look!"
Scott smirks and continues his route to his desk, shaking his head. Tossing his keys on his desk, he turns around and aims for the break room. He'd missed his coffee that morning, and a can of pop right about now sounded good.
Night together
*Katie cant help but laugh as she turns down another street and heads out of town once again. Poor Scott. Katie felt alittle bad for him he was always breaking his glasses or something alse around the office.*
"You broke another pare? Why dont you just wair your contacts."
*Alittle grin cross Katie face.*
"I bet you look cute without your glasses on Scotty."
*Though Katie cant see Scott she can guess he probley just turned 3 differnt shades of red. Katie cant help but laugh again. It was nice to laugh alittle after the rough time she had.*
"Scotty I would pay good money to see you stick a vaccume up your nose. It would be to funny not to."
*Katie continues to talk to Scott as she drives to Mikes house. She just wanted to hear a voice and not be alone with her own thoughts at the moment. Finally drawing close to Mike's she decieds she better let Scott go.*
"Well Scotty I am gonna let you go. I probley will be heading home after I stop at my friends place and than pass out. If I feel better in the AM I'll see ya work. Have a good Night."
*Katie hangs up the phone as she pulls into Mike's driveway. Parking close to the house Katie gets out of the car and shuts the door. Reaching through the open window she lays on the horn loud and long. Only to finally leting up on it and slidding to the front of the car to lean back on her arms on the hood smiling.*
*Misty smiles as her arms wrap around Carson and she holds him. Misty brings her face over top of Carson's shoulder so her cheek is touching his and resting on his shoulder. Misty's smile stays in place. She was alittle happy herself to stay inside. Over the last few days they had done alot and Misty herself was pooped.*
"Your not disapointing me. I think staying at home and watching a movie sounds great."
*Misty gives Carson a small kiss on the cheek.*
"Now we just have to decied what movie to watch. Any sujestions?"
*Jamie follows Con back to his apartment and waits inside for him. Just siting back in the chair and relaxing while he got cleaned up. It had been a long day and siting felt good. As Jamie sits she trys to think of a good differnt place to eat. Once Con gets out Jamie smiles and yells.*
"How about the Western Grill House tonight they have there Buffet. Than if you want to eat that Cow you can."
*Jamie cant help but smile as her tummy growls as she continue to wait for Con.*
5/5/08
Vacuum
Scott stops his shuffling around his desk, hearing the strain in Katie's voice. He sinks down into his chair and thinks as he listens. "Yeah...I know what you mean. It's like getting permanent marker on your hand. There's a stain, and you know it's there and you dislike it, but no matter how much you wash with handsoap, it just doesn't come out." He pauses. "But use the right cleaner, and viola...clean skin again..."
He purses his lips in thought. "I don't know anybody who wouldn't change from being in prison, Katie...and sometimes they never change back to who they were...sometimes that's a good thing. For Jason, we all know we want him back the way he was...but it'll take the right cleaner to do it, in order for that stain to be removed.... Just hang in there and don't give up on him, no matter how much he changes. He may not even realize he's different."
Scott grins as little, diverting the conversation as Katie aims it in another direction. "Yeah, they got me down on the floor under furniture today. Would you believe I broke another pair of glasses?" He gives a little scoff. "They were my favorites too."
At her advice for a cold, he laughs. "No, it's just those dust bunnies Susanne is keeping under her desk. I feel like I need to stick a vacuum up my nose or something." He grimaces at the mental image. "Okay...so maybe that was a little too much information."
Carson doesn't react much to Misty's observation about dreams, but glances at her, a strange look in his eye. He doesn't mean to reveal it, but it's apparent that his nightmare had something to do with her.
As she sets herself behind him and begins to rub his temple, he closes his eyes. The tension begins to dissolve and he reaches up to take her hands in his, leaning back against her just a little, so her arms wrap around his neck, interlacing his fingers in hers. "Can we just stay here?" he asks a little sheepishly. "Just sitting here with you and watching a movie sounds a whole lot more appealing than more hours on my feet. But I don't want to disappoint you."
Con laughs at Jamie's comment about him being cute roughed up. "Yeah, well I may look cute, but I certainly don't smell cute, so lets just stick to getting me cleaned up."
He grins as she takes his hand, and walks with her, clocking out, and heading through the parking lot. "You can follow me to my place, then you can decide where we can go to eat. Frankly, right about now I think I could eat a whole cow." He gives Jamie a playful elbow as they have to separate to their own cars. "So pick somewhere good."
Phone call
*Kaite smiles alittle as she hears Scott's voice. It was always nice to have someone around her age to talk to. Katie had many friend but just someone in her age range was nice.*
"Hey Scotty. Bless you."
*Katie giggles alittle though her voice is alittle tired and emotionaly strained. Trying to keep her attachen on the road Katie lets out a sigh.*
"I dont think I am gonna be back into work tonight like I thought I would. It dident go as well as I though or hoped. I can see the old Jason in his eyes, but just...he's not. Prison is changing him and it hurts alot. I'm so scair if he stairs in there much longer the Jason that I, we all got to know will be gone forever. I just dont know what to do."
*Katie grows silent as her mind starts to wonder and her heart acked over Jason. Another tear escapes her eye. Sucking in a breath Katie trys to push her emotions away.*
"How are you doing Scotty? Everyone still bothering you to fix stuff? Sound like your geting a cold. Drink lots of tea if you are."
*Katie voice portrays she is trying to smile the best she can as she finally makes it into town, and turns down the road to head to Mikes.*
*Misty smile as she comes around to the front of the coutch to sit down.*
"Ya I know how nightmares go. You just have to remember though they arnt real. Only figmint of your mind wantes you to believe. The good thing about dreams though is you wake up and remember what good stuff you have."
*Misty takes note to Carson rubbing his head again. Misty stand up on the couth and fits herself behind the small space behind Carson's back and the coutch. Reaching over his shoulders she leans on his back lightly and places her fingers to his temples. In a circle motions she rubs to try and rid him of the pain.*
"I was waiting for you. Seemed like you needed to sleep from me running you ragged. So I thought we could go to the fair when you woke up. But if your not feeling up to it I dont mind staying home and maybe have some popcorn and watch some movies. Just depends how ya feel."
*Jamie gives a quick wave to Phil as he comes and goes Noding to make sure he dosent work to much. Jamie walks over to Con to help him stack what needs to be giving a giggle.*
"Its ok Con I new you had a reson. I just wanted to make sure you wernt over doing it. And thought you might need some company."
*Jamie continues to help Con stacking till its done.*
"And I could careless how sweaty you are as long as your with me. Personaly I think you look kind of cute all roughed up."
*Jamie laughs again. She always felt so comfrotable around Con no matter what.*
"Ok come on lets get you that shower and some food."
*Jamie interlocks her hand with Con's*
Glasses
“What do you do? Raise dust bunnies down here?”
Susanne stands behind her desk and puts her hands on her hips. “Of course not. I’ll have to tell Hal or Ty to get under there and clean it if it’s that bad.
A sneeze is her response. “Aw man…” Scott groans as he rolls over on his back underneath the desk, trying to sort through the wires and cords. “Who set this up anyway?”
“I don’t know…it wasn’t you?”
“Ha! You insult me. A mess like this?!” Scott grimaces and sets his glasses up on his head as they keep getting in the way. He squints at some of the cords. “Sheesh…I don’t know who you had in here before me, but they didn’t know what they were doing.” Fooling with the mess for several minutes, he finally sits up. Moving too fast though, he doesn’t get out from under the desk quick enough, and slams his head into the keyboard tray. A sickening crack makes him wince. “Don’t tell me I…”
“You did.” Susanne reaches down to take his broken glasses from the top of his head and holds them up. “Nice job.”
Scott lets out a moan. “That’s the third pair in one month!”
“Well for heaven sake, why don’t you wear contacts.”
“I’ve got ‘em I just…” Scotts shrugs. “I don’t know. They’re a pain.”
“So you gonna keep on doing this?” As Susane twirls the glasses, they fall completely in two, one half dropping to the floor.
Scotts sighs and picks it up before he tries to stand. Halfway up, his tie gets caught in the same keyboard tray and it yanks him back down.
Susanne chokes back a laugh. “Are you alright?”
Struggling for a moment, Scott finally yanks on his tie. It lets loose, sending him sprawling backward. He hits Susanne’s computer chair, which spins out of control and careens into her filing cabinet. Hitting it just hard enough, the unstable stack of files on top starts to sway and before Susanne can react, the whole stack has slipped off the edge, sending papers everywhere.
Scott’s eyes widen. “Oops.”
Susan lets out a little wail. “I just got all that sorted through half an hour ago.”
“I’ll help clean it up,” Scott offers and starts to gather the papers.
“No!” Susanne moves quickly. “I mean…thanks, but you’ve done plenty.”
Scott gives her an apologetic look. “Your computer is fixed…”
“Than you.” Susanne stands back as Scott finally gets to his feet. “I’m most appreciative. Now…I’ll clean this up.”
Scott brushes himself off and heads for the door, slipping on a piece of paper as he goes, but catching himself on the doorway.
Susanne shakes her head and gives a little groan, but can’t help her laugh.
“What happened to you?”
Scott throws Laura a withering look. “Don’t ask.”
Laura stifles a giggle. “You look terrible.”
“Oh, Thanks.”
“What happened to your glasses?”
Scott holds up the one half he’d retrieved. “An accident?”
“Isn’t that the…”
“Third pair,” Scott finishes. “Yeah.”
Laura shakes her head. “Why don’t you wear…”
“Contacts.” Scotts eyes widen. “What is it with all you harping on me about it?!”
Laura holds in her laughter. “Maybe we think you look hot without your glasses.” She bites her lip as she sees Scott’s face turn red. “But go ahead. Tape those back together. No one will notices.”
Scott tries to recover from her comment, and rolls his eyes, heading to his desk. “Thanks for the support.”
Laura calls to him as he walks away. “Oh, by the way, my computer is still freezing up on me.”
Scott doesn’t turn around, but throws his arms in the air.
After another giggle, Laura heads back to her own desk and picks up her purse, heading to the exit for the night.
As Scott gets to his cubicle, he hears his cell phone ringing. Moving quickly, he digs through his backpack, unable to find it, then finally realizes it’s sitting out on his desk. Flipping it open, he sees who the caller is. “Hey, Katie, wassup? How’d the visit go?” He lets out another sneeze while waiting for her response.
Carson jumps a little as Misty touches him, but he quickly calms himself. “Aw, sheesh, Misty, sorry.” He blinks, still trying to come out of his fog. “Just a bad dream I guess…” He avoids the topic. “I get those every once in a while.”
He rubs his forehead again, a headache having formed from the stress. “What time we going to that fair anyway?”
Con turns around as he hears Jamie’s voice, and gives her a weary grin. “Hey, you. I was afraid you’d come looking for me. Sorry I was late…”
“Hey, Con, I’m taking off.” Phil walks by as he’s taking off his nametag, but he stops and smiles when he sees Jamie. “Well hi, Jamie.” He thumbs to Con. “Don’t let this guy work too long, huh? Leonard’s gone for the night anyway.” He winks at her, then focuses back on Con. “Carrie’s closing up, so I guess just get things in order to make Leonard happy in the morning. I got band practice, so I’m out of here.”
“Alright.” Con nods. “Thanks.” Alone with Jamie again, he sighs a little. “I’d never turn down help from you…especially when Leonard’s not around.” He grimaces. “If you help me get these palettes stacked up, I’ll take you out to dinner wherever you want to go…That is…as long as we can swing by my place so I can take a shower. I don’t think you want to go out anywhere with me until I do.”
Help from a Girl
*Katie lets out a sigh and trys her best to smile back at Jason. Katie was hurting, Jason was hurting and she could do nothing about it this time as he blocked her out. As Katie opens her mouth to say more the guard comes into to get Jason.*
"Hey thats not fair...we get an hour. J...no."
*Katie stands as Jason is moved tworsds the door. In her last bit of desparation she calls after himn hoping he would hear her.*
"I'll live again J when you can live with me. I care and love you to much to leave you high and dry.I'll BE WAITING FOR YOU J...FOR WHEN YOU COME HOME TO ME. I LOVE YOU!!"
*As Lockheart finish talking with another guard she hears Katie's shouts from inside. Racing in she takes Katie by the arms.*
"Come on Katie, we have to go now. There is nothing we can do."
*Leaving the prison Katie says her fast goodbyes to Lockheart not wanting to sick around. Katie was glas to have seen Jason she missed him so muc it hurt, but seeing him so closed off today hurt even more. As Katie gets into her car her tears finally breakfree. For a long moment Katie just sits crying. She felt so frustrated, scaired and alone. For a long moment KAtie just sits crying. When the tears ftop Katie lets out a long sigh looking at the clock in her car. By the time she got back to town it would be 7. Katie dident feel much like going back to work, but she dident want to go home eather. Katie's mind wonders to Kyle and the others. They hadent seen her new car yet. Maybe tis was a good time. Figuring outtoday was the day and by time Katie got back into town they all would probley be gathered at Mike's for bandpractice. Kicking the car into gear Katie starts her wat to town than Mike's keeping in her mind to call Scott later.*
*Misty looks up from the kitchen table where she was writing up her patition about transfering to school in Nevada when she can see a figure move fast in the living room. Going to the door Misty see Carson and can tell he looks distraught. Walking over slowly Misty puts a gental hand on Carson back speaking softly.*
"Carson what happend? What wrong?"
*Misty leans on the back of the coutch watching Carson to make sure he is ok.*
~*~15 Min later~*~
*Jamie navagets her way around the lumberyard slowly making her way to where all the noise was coming from. Feeling lost among all the pallets and limber Jamie searches for any sign of life. Finally coming to a clearing Jamie spots Con working in the hot sun once again. A smile cross her face.*
"Looks like you could use some help? That is if you dont mind help from a girl."
*Jamie smiles and makes her way twords Con helping him out.*
Veil
"Katie, please don't..." Jason's words aren't meant to be harsh, but the lifelessness creates a cool edge as he prevents himself from feeling the sorrow of seeing her distraught.
"I can't do this....not here, not now..." His eyes plead with her.
Struggling, his barrier weakens for a single instant, pain shooting through his heart. But he looks away, breaking his stare to regain control. Reestablishing eye contact after a moment, he cocks his head and moves the fingers of his other hand up a little bit on the glass. "Don't cry..."
Looking deeper into Katie's eyes, he lingers, slowly drawing out a single emotion of warm happiness that emits from seeing her. The corner of his mouth upturns into a gentle, yet subtle smile, conveying that he only wishes he could reach over and wipe away her tear.
To anyone else, it would seem to be the only emotion present, establishing the false assumption that there was nothing else. But to the only one who can see past his efforts, it's but a translucent veil, unable to hide the barrier that lies beneath. The warmth is true...its existence is real...but it cannot make up for what is hidden beneath, kept from view.
Jason knows that his single chosen feeling brings little comfort to someone that knows him so well. But it's all he can offer. "I'm sorry," he whispers.
"Stevenson!"
He turns his head at the guard's sharp call, throwing him a scowl. "What?"
"Out." The guard thumbs to the door.
Jason's eyes widen in irritated surprise. "What happened to an hour?"
"The warden wants to see you about this morning. Now."
Jason looks back to Katie, then back to the guard. "He can wait."
"Now, Stevenson." The guard steps forward, threatening to wield his nightstick.
There was no point in arguing. But Jason couldn't help his disgust. It wasn't his fault Zane had ducked and his fist had landed on that other guard. He returns his gaze to Katie. "I have to go." He lets his fingers remain on glass for just a moment longer before standing. There was nothing more he could do, and he starts to back away. "Live your life, Katie...don't let me stop you."
The guard takes him by the shoulder and forces him around to walk to the door. But before exiting, he throws one last glance over his shoulder, his dim eyes the last thing Katie can see as he disappears from view.
Carson wakes with such a violent start that he sits bolt upright, his heart racing. He'd fallen asleep on Misty's couch, planning to rise and go to the fair with her in just a couple hours. But he hadn't had a nightmare like that in over a month. He leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees, rubbing his hands over his face and trying to shake it off.
"Dang it, Con!"
Con cringes at Leonard's reprimand, suppressing the urge to use force. "Look, it wasn't my fault!" he defends. "Carrie left those palettes there, not me."
"But who's standing here now?" Leonard puts one hand on his hip while pointing with the other. "Get it cleaned up."
Con grits his teeth, fighting to keep his cool. He opts to say no more, and turns around to pick up the stack that had toppled over because they hadn't been put in the corner properly. He had just been on his way out to meet Jamie for a late lunch...now he'd be here for another twenty minutes. His cell phone was dead, and he couldn't call her from work until he'd finished this task... Great.
Feel
*Jason's words, though they were ment to comfort did not. They made Katie's heart race. Something was wrong. Katie mouth ran dry as she ignors Jason's later questions. Katie moves her hand so it touches the other side of the glass where Jason's his. Katie new his pain was in there, the dark look the cold look in his eyes was something Katie hadent seen in a long time.*
"You tell me not to think about it J, but how can I not. Even when you try to block me out I feel it. You put up those walls than wont let me in and it hurts 10 fold. I'm the one person in the world you dont have to hide from."
*A single tear ran down Katie's face as her tummy tightend. Her own paluse raced with the knowlage of not feeling Jason. She couldent feel Jason psycaly right now so she had clung to his emotions to be close and those now to...were being slipped away. Katie's own past emotions come back when everyone left her. Lonlyness, and darkness were her friend at that time. Katie dident want to go back to that but slowly Jason was sliping away and thats where they both would return.*
"Dont let go J. Dont push me away and out."
*Katie looks down at Jason's hand feeling the warmth through the glass. How Katie hated this place and how she hated the Agency. She wanted Jason out and she wanted him out now. Swallowing hard Katie closes her eyes trying to stop the tears that wanted to spill out. And than opens them again.*
"J, I love you with all my heart. The rose that you gave me has faded, and wilted away. But, the love tucked in deep inside remains in my heart forever. The memories are there, and the knowlage that when you get out I will have more flowers my way. Dont let this place turn you cold and hard. Remember my face...."
*Katie's voice quivers her eys growing glossy.*
"...my voice, my life it will stay with you always."
*Katie keeps her hand on the glass withing she could touch the one she loved, so he could feel she was real.*
Survival
Jason keeps his eyes on Katie, almost challenging her efforts to see into him. He knows now that he’s blocked her out…he can see the emptiness in her eyes and knows that she can’t find his emotions.
At her words, his gaze softens a little, and he extends his hands, to put one to the bottom of the glass. “It’s survival of the fittest in here, Katie,” he replies softly though almost defiantly. His handcuffs remind him of just that morning’s little row. “Emotions get in the way.”
A dim weariness fills Jason’s eyes…a cold stare that hasn’t been seen in him for a long time. It’s lifeless…empty…dark.
“Don’t think about it too much, eh?”
His heart beats within his chest, crying out to him with desperation to break free from this cage and once again be close to Katie. This glass between them was almost unbearable. He can see freedom, he can taste it…but it’s so far away. He was losing hope that TJY could win.
“How’s the band doing, Katie? And Con? What’s he doing now that he’s not at TJY?”
Empty
*Katie's smile grows as she see Jason. Oh how good it was to see him.*
"Hey J. You're looking good."
*For a moment Katie studys Jason trying to connect with him. Searching his eyes, scaning his emotions. Feeling as long he hit a wall a foggy cloud invdes Kaites search. She was cut off from Jason's emotions. He was hiding them from her but why. What was happing to him in this place that caused him to close them off to her. Searching a bit more but only finding a darkvoid, emptyness it strickes a pain and confustion like non other into Katies heart. For a moment Katie stays silent but dosnt move her eyes from Jason's. Keeping her smile on her face she speaks in a soft quiet voice.*
"Sometimes people dont learn eh. J, you can hid your emotions from me so I dont know what they are, but I still know they are there. Something is differnt about you now and it worrys me J. What has this place done to you!"
*Katie was happy to see Jason, how she missed him so. But this new develupment hurt. Knowing something was wrong and not being able to see it drove her up a wall and botherd her. How she wished she could hold Jason, kiss him...comfort him and she could do nothing.*
Blocked Out
Carson sits in the kitchen and props his elbows on the table to rub his hands over his face. “Pooped? You’re gonna plum wear me out, woman,” he teases. He lifts his head to grin at her. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world though. But can I at least have a nap before we go?”
Jason ambles in front of the guard as he’s directed to the visitors room. Today he had to put up with having handcuffs on…after that morning’s little episode, he wasn’t surprised, but it wasn’t his fault…really…
Entering the room, he scans for Katie and spots her at one end. A crooked smile comes to his face.
He’s been allowed to grow his hair back as he used to, though it’s still a bit different. His weight is back to normal since the last time he’s seen Katie, and workouts in the rec room have helped maintain his strength.
Moving to the window, Jason goes to sit down, leaning forward with his hands folded in front of him on the counter, a bit restrained by the cuffs. He searches Katie’s face for a moment, reintroducing himself to her features. His eyes search hers, wondering at her thoughts. He locks a gaze with hers, but something is different…though allowing himself to look her in the eye, he refuses to let the emotions surface, keeping Katie from feeling them.
But his grin remains, naturally relieved to have a visitor, especially her. “Hey, Hero.”
5/4/08
Memories
*Misty accepts Carson's hand up and runs her other through her hair to get the sand out. As Carson takes her hands she smiles.*
BIG BEN
Amusment Park in Blackpool on the waterfront
*The Cathedral stood so tall, and was build to perfection. Misty and Carson both agreed it was one of the most amazing things they ever saw.*
Newcastle Academy
Misty's HouseAgain?
A sly grin creases Carson’s mouth as Misty removes his hat and runs her hand through his hair. His eyes close for just a moment, enjoying her touch.
He returns her kiss and studies her as she withdraws. Her question makes him think for just a moment. “Nope…I don’t think you’d told me that yet…” He squints at her. “How about you tell me again?”
Leaning down, its his turn to initiate a kiss, letting it linger on her lips as he holds himself over her. Drawing back just a little, he moves to give her another light kiss to her forehead before rolling back and standing to his feet. He reaches down to give Misty a hand up, and brushes the sand off of himself.
Slapping his cap on her head, he slips her hand into his and nods to the path up from the beach. “Alright. I’ve got five days before my plane leaves, so we better get to sightseeing and getting your stuff taken care of. I’m at a hotel somewhere around here, I forgot the name, but how about we sightsee somewhere to eat first? My stomach’s all confused with this time change.”
Scott smiles and gives a little nod. “You’re welcome. And just give me ten minutes to fix whatever Susanne did to her computer.” He shakes his head as he walks away. “Don’t make me decide where to eat – I’ll choose Mom and Pop’s every time. Pick a place ya like, and that’s where we’re going.” He chuckles. “Pick it across town and your introduction to your car will last longer.”
A new friend?
*As Misty looks up at Carson her grin increases as she stairs back up into Carson's captavating eyes. As the water drips from Carson's hat hit Misty in the forhead she cant help but giggle more reaching her hand up she pulls off his hat to runs a hand through his slightly wet hair.*
"Well thats good, I would hate to do this to a dead man."
*Misty strains her neck up kissing Carson on the lips for a moment drawing her head away again resting it in the warm said to stair up at Carson as the sun reflected off him giving him a soft glow.*
"Did I tell you already how happy I am to see you."
*Once again the things in Misty's life changed so fast, but this time it was a goodfelling that brang joy.*
*Kaite smiles at Scott and his comment. She cant help but giggle. Scott certinly had a good sence of humor.*
"Ok...It will be our little secret. I'm pritty much ready whenever your done with your work just let me know. You be thinking of somewhere to eat too. I cant decied I am to hungry."
*Katie sticks her toung out alittle bit and giggles once again siting down at her desk to continue her paper work. Than looks up again at Scott.*
"Thank you...again Scott it means alot."
Don't tell
Seeing life in Misty again brought hope to Carson that maybe…maybe someday they could regain what they’d had, and perhaps even more. He knew he’d have to work at it to gain back her trust completely…but he could tell that she was willing to let him try.
He keeps his eyes on her as she crouches by the water, watching her movements, reading into her words. He starts to respond to her offer to show him around, when all of a sudden he’s splashed with water.
He blinks but doesn’t move as the water runs down his face and drips off the brim of his hat. Thinking for a moment, his eyes narrow and he looks at Misty out of the corner of his eye. “You just can’t get enough of those consequences, can you?”
Without even hesitating, Carson leans to the side and sweeps his arm to the back of her ankles, knocking her off balance so she falls backward. In one movement, he’s looking down at her, one hand beside each shoulder, his fingers sunk into the sand. Water drips from his hat onto her forehead, and he stares into those never-ending eyes. “Any bloke that has forgotten your adventures would have to be considered dead, and I’m certainly feeling anything but dead.”
Scott’s grin remains pasted on his face, showing he’s happy and relieved that Katie had not turned down the gift. “Consider it a belated birthday present or something.” He shrugs. “And I know how it is to be without a set of wheels.”
Studying her face for just a moment, a look of understanding passes through Scott’s eyes. “I’d love to introduce you two.” He chuckles. “And I’d also love to get behind the wheel again, so you’re on. But you keep the keys.” He pushes her hand back towards her. “I’ll be the one borrowing them when we leave.”
He turns to go, but then stops, spinning back around, a silly look on his face. “If I’da known this would provide me a chance to go out with you, I woulda done it sooner.” He tosses her a wink to show he’s kidding. “Just don’t tell Jason – he’d beat me to a pulp.”
Unexspected look out!
*Misty stairs back at Carson a sassy grin making itself present on her face and the brigt light glowing in her eyes. Yes...the present, the future it looked bright. Long and hard but everything would be ok.*
" I think....."
*Misty leans back on her ams again her face going solom for only a moment but her eyes still smiling. Looking at Carson she closes her one eye just alittle blocking the sun.*
"...I'll be able to face tomarrow, and look twords the future as Misty Miller now that I know I wont be facing it alone. Thank you Carson."
*Misty starts to stand in a squating position once again leting the water run over her hand and through her fingers. her face still solom deep in thought.*
" Its going to take me a few days to finish things up here. Need to put my house up for sale, and see about geting transfered back into the school in Nevada. I've been doing good this samester so I dont see a problem. Your more than welcome to stick around Carson so we can go back together. I can show you the sites, the food...why I love it here. Unless in the last two months you have become soft, and forgot how fun my adventurs can be."
*Cuping her hand Misty throws a big spash of water at Carson as a smile finally breaks forth on her face. Her eyes shown, and burned brighter before. Laughter rings through the air drifting back to the small Cafe.*
*Frankie stands leaning on the railing of the cafe watching Sage and the man who had come to see her. A smile cross Frankie's face as he hears her laughter ring through out the beach. Standing he lets out a sigh and tucks his hands in his pockets. His job was done. Sage had someone new to watch over her now. The one who was ment to. Turning Frankie walks out of the cafe and gets into his car. Taking the picture of Sage he tucks it in his wallet. He was confadent she was going to be ok now. Frankie had the good memories and Misty...would always be Sage to him for thats who he new her as.*
*Katie looks up at Scott aproches and smiles.*
"Hey Scott."
*As Scott cuts Katie off she listens to him at first wondering why he was telling her about the his favores. As soon as she see the keys land on her desk she understand what Scott was hinting at. Taking her hand she runs them over the keys for a moment. She new the shape of the key, and the make names writen on them. Looking up at Scott Katie eyes are big and round. A tiny bit of fear. She hadent driven since the accident. She wasent sure if she was scaired or not, she wa sstill in shock by Scott wanting to give her the car.*
"Scott....I dont, I couldent...wow. I couldent take this from you, without giving you something for it. Why dont you drive it? I...mean...thank you..but..."
*Katie looks down at the keys again. Works could not express her feeling, She was happy to have a car again, just like her old one non the less. The car she was over joyed to have her pride and joy. Fear, the what ifs, but would could one live there life in fear. Confustion Scott would give her a car. She dident talk to him much and out of the blue he gave her a car.
A small smile cross Katie's face as she looks up at Scott again and can see the look that said he wouldent say no. Staning Katie takes Scott in a friendly embrass.*
"Thank you."
*Katie draws away and looks at the keys in her hand again. Her first time in the car would be hard Katie. *
"Hey Scott...do ya think maybe...you could drive for me the first time around while I ride, just to warm up to the car."
*Katie wasent sure how to put it without just coming out and saying it. But Scott was smarter than he looked and Katie hoped he would understand what she was geting at. Katie holds the keys out to Scott.*
"Maybe we can grab a bit to eat than I can drive home?"
Are you?
Carson eases down next to Misty in the sand, folding his legs up Indian-style. He listens quietly…he’d had times in his life where he thought he was going to die…he could relate…he knew it wasn’t fun to think about.
The information that he was the one thing Misty hung onto stirs a strange feeling within him…he knew Misty cared about him…had fallen in love with him…but there was a deepness there he didn’t yet understand.
Mention of the Agency brings a muttered curse to the surface. Carson had been afraid of that…it just went to prove how heartless the Agency really was, and made him all the more glad he was out of it.
As Carson hears the tears in Misty’s voice, he reaches over to put an arm around her shoulders. He couldn’t remember ever needing to comfort anyone, and it felt just a little awkward…but he didn’t want to withdraw from Misty…not now.
He sighs deeply as she concludes, trying to process the information…trying to decide how he should be feeling. He was so angry with the Agency, he could taste it. He wasn’t mad at Misty though…he understood now…he wasn’t sure he would have done differently. Half the time she hadn’t remembered, and half the time she was trying to protect herself and those she cared for.
Carson gives Misty’s shoulders a gentle squeeze. “I’ve never experienced as great a pain as I did when I thought you’d died because of me,” he mentions quietly. “And I still carry with me the guilt because though you didn’t die, you experienced horrors that no one should have to go through.”
He swallows hard, grasping for control over his emotions. “You don’t have to make up for anything, Misty. The only thing you did was what you felt was right, and…you can’t regret that.”
Carson allows a long pause, contemplating the present…the future. “What happens now? Are you going to stay in hiding?” He turns his head to look her in the eye. “Or are you going to go back with me and face this thing to end it once and for all?”
A hard determination settles into his eyes. “Hiding only gives the Agency just what they wanted, and I’ll be hanged if I let them be satisfied with their dirty work.”
Scott ambles across the floor, jingling something in his pocket.
“Hey, Scott, can you help me over here?” Susanne calls from her office, holding up some cords that look like they shouldn’t have been pulled from something.
Scott throws her an annoyed but amused smirk. “Hang on. I’ll be there in a minute.” He continues his route to Katie’s cubicle where he leans on the wall, looking down at her. “Hero! Good to see ya today.” He grins at her and pushes his glasses up further on his nose.
“Listen, I, um…I got a buddy in town who owed me for some tech jobs I did for him a while back, and…I decided to cash in. Just so happens he works at that car lot over at the east end of town.” Scott cocks his head a little and shrugs. “I did a bit of haggling and ended up with these.” He reaches into his pocket and tosses a set of keys onto Katie’s desk.
“She’s got about 3,000 miles on her so she’s just broke in. Engine’s great and purrs like a kitten. I checked everything out, and all she needs now is a driver and someone to give her a name.”
My Story
*Misty listens to Carson talk about the time between leavin TJY and when he returned. The gap there in time was slowly being filled as Carson talked. When Carson pauses for a moment Misty turns her gaze out to the water the waves making tiny pools in front of her. Memories of how she arrived to england pladed her mind.*
"Your right Carson I dont want to know the details. In the last 2 months we both have done stuff we arnt happy about. Maybe some are worse than other, but mistakes all the same. We made desistions, and payed the price."
*Misty goes silent again as she continues to listen to Carson. As she releaze how he felt about what happend and his pain. Misty dident blame him for being angry. Slowly Misty eases down to the ground running her hand through the clear water for a moment. It felt good running over her skin, though it still braught a sence of fear. Easing away Misty takes off her sandles and sits in the sand sticking her feet out in the water themself. Slowly Misty starts to spreak again after Carson askes his questions. It was his right to know.*
"Its hard facing your own death. You leave one area thinking your gonna start over, and before you know it someone is whispering your about to die, playing out how and why. Than is happens...you life pass before you eyes. So many things you wanted to do before you died, so many people you wished you could hug again. Its so scary. Just think about it strikes fear in my heart."
*Misty stops talking for a moment closing her eyes. Replying everything in her mind. It was a long hard road, one Misty tryed to put behind her and now she had to reply it over for Carson. Leting out a sigh Misty keeps her eyes closed smelling the warm air.*
"I spend a month in a hospetil here recovering from my injarys. I had a few broken bones, got some bad scars on my back from burns, and alot of other injorys. I also lost my memorie from the trama. Even though my memorie was lost there was one thing that braught me comfort. Your face."
*Misty opens her eyes and turns her head to look at Carson.*
"...Your face was in my dreams, and when I closed my eyes it was there. This was the only thing I could go by for your name."
*Misty holds up her arm to reveal her wrist with the braclet.*
"Even in losing my memorie my heart wouldent let me forget you. Anyways....a month later when an officer was talking to me again about the crash everything came back to me. Like a title wave it all hit me. Who I was, TJY, The Agency, Who you were, and the crash."
*Misty takes a deep breath in again remembering like it was yesterday. With memoris comes pain, but with pain comes growing glancing around the beach Misty takes in the peacefulness and though it hurt being able to shair this all with someone was light a weaght being lifted. Misty keeps her eyes out on the harizon.*
"It was the Agenct that took my plane down. I remember it will. The seat next to me was empty till we were up in the air. A guy named Mathus..He was an Agency goons...occupied that seat after we had taken off. He smelled of whisky and smoke so bad it made my gut rench and I can still smell it. I remember at one point he leaned over to me really close and told me he new who I was. He said The Agency new I was involved with you. Out dear friend...."
*Misty rolls her eyes and cringes as she speaks the name.*
"....Ashlyn told them that much. I guess she really does hate me. So The Agency did what they do best as payback to someone. They hit them where it hurts the most. Even the Agency has people willing to be Kamikazes. The screaming on the plane, the tears, the little kids....."
*Misty sucks in a breath as a few tears fall from her eyes.*
"...I blacked out and when I came to I was on the beach spiting up water and people were running twords me. When I started remembering, i started to understand what would happen if the Agency new I was still alive. I though it was just best if I stayed dead. For my safty and so the Angecny would try and do anything to you or my family to draw me out. I dident have much in Nevada anyways, so i changd my name and ehre I am."
*Misty keeps looks out as the tiny boats going by, the small row boat with 2 people in it laughing.*
"..Not a day when by I dident think of my family or you Carson. I missed you all terribaly, but I thought I was doing what was rigt and good foreveryone. I was so lost and confused at that time, I just wanted to be left alone and try to find happyness somewhere though it never came."
*Once again Misty turns her head to Carson trying to open her heart and findint it hard to find the words put pushing on anyways.*
"I'm so sorry for the pain I caused Carson. If there is anyway I can make it up please let me know. I will regret what I have done always."
*Katie splits off from Laura as they enter TJY. Today she was feeling ok so decieded to come into work. Making way to her desk Katie pulls out a can of soda, and starts moving through papers on her desk, and seeing what needs to be done.*
