that feeling

*Misty smiles as she looks down at Carson on the coutch.*

"mmm...food...coming to think of it I havent eaten all day. I know a good place to eat its called The Blackdog Cafe. I know you will like it there. And a walk on the beach sounds like a good plain to me. and this time I promise I wont splash water on you."

*Misty shakes her head alittle causing the water from her hair to drop on Carson alittle as she giggles.*

*Nate smerks turning his head and standing up.*

"Ok Miss pushy I am coming I am coming."

*Walking over to the door Nate opens it than shuts it behind him.*

"Oh ya you look as good as ever Miss. Gibbs. And DONT you think about making a smart remake back at me this time."

*Nate than opens the car door for Laura and closes it going around and sliding into the driver seat and pulling out of the driveway heading for the ice cream shop. Once there he does his normal ruteen helping Laura than heading up to the stand.*

"Oh ya did I mention I was paying cuz I am. So what would you like Laura? Anything you want you can have. I have to make up for the last 2 weeks."

*As Katie watchies the movie her mind stay occuied and her sick for the time being goes away relaxing her more. Leaning back in the seat Katie laughs at the parts the need to be laughed at, Crys at the pasts that need to be cryed at, and gets excited at the part that need to be. Katie tummy growls as she starts to feel hungry. Seting her drink down Katie goes and reachs into the almost empty bucket of popcorn. As Katie goes to grab a handful her fingers brush aganst another human for. Katie turns her head and looks at the bucket seeing Scotts hand in there as well relizing thats what she was touching. For a moment Katie keeps her hands in the busket gently running her fingers over the back of Scotts hand for a long moment as she looks up at him. Katie's face turns a shade of red, as a smile makes the way to Katie face as she studys Scotts own.*

*The woman turns her head and smiles at Wyatt.*

"Well its nice to meet you Wyatt Reese. I'm Aerith Adams."

*Aerith looks out the window trying to remember for next time the way Wyatt was taking so she could find her own way.*

"I know I probley sould like a totel wiredo but this is my first day in Nevada. My grandmother is very sick. So I am here to help her as much as I can. I'm use to busyer streets and more lights. It being so dark and quiet is..rather new. I'm from NYC."

*For a long moment Aerith is silent.*

"And why am I tell all this to someone I dont even know. I'm sure I am boring the tar out of you. But since we are on the subject whats your story? Have you lived here long Wyatt?"

*Aerith trys her best to keep the light chat up to calm her nerves. It was enough she was new here, and she hasent seen her grandmother in almost 10 years and was alittle less than happy Aerith helping her, and she now had to find a job. That put enough stress on her now her car was broke down and she had no way to get around. Aerith lets out a little sigh.*

Blissful

Carson is stretched out on his back on the couch, waiting for Misty, and hears her coming back with her questioning. “I have no idea what we should go do,” he admits. “You’re the one who knows their way around here, not me.”

He laughs a little. “Though if I had to make a suggestion, I’d say somewhere to eat is definitely appealing, and I wouldn’t mind seeing the beach one more time before we left.”


Laura yells back down the hall as she gets dressed in her bedroom. “Yeah, that was Katie’s car…” She pulls her navy tee over her head. “She’s doing…well, she’s hanging in there….for the most part.”

She throws on her jeans and slips into her flipflops. Looking at herself in the mirror, she runs a hand through her hair and remains satisfied. She had to admit, if there was one thing Nate didn’t do, it was make her feel like she needed to spend an hour making herself “pretty.”

Laura ambles back down the hall. “From what I heard, Jason isn’t himself anymore, and it’s taking it’s toll on Katie. I can’t blame her…I just feel bad, and there seems like there’s nothing I can do but keep praying.”

She throws up her arms and then lets them drop as she sighs. “Well…if you want to get your lazy bum off my couch, I’m ready to go.”


Scott grins and shakes his head just a little at Katie. “Alright.” Going into the dark room, he points up the steps in the seating. “Halfway up is the best spot,” he suggests. “Trust me, I know.”

Once settled Scott puts the popcorn on his knee so they can share it, and the movie starts. There aren’t too many other people there, making the atmosphere nice. The movie offers just an intense enough edge to keep minds occupied and attention diverted, if only for a couple hours.

Halfway through the movie, Scott takes a sip of his water, and goes to retrieve another handful of popcorn from the half-empty bucket.


Wyatt chuckles. The jeep gives a little lurch as he releases the clutch, and they’re on their way to town. “Yeah, I know where Rockwood Ave. is. That’s only about seven blocks from my own street. We’ll be there in a jiffy.”

It’s quiet for several minutes, and Wyatt gives this newcomer a sidelong glance, taking in her pretty features. It was obvious that she wasn’t from anywhere around here. “I’m Wyatt Reese, by the way.”


Con receives Jamie’s warm kiss, and smiles down at her. “I don’t know what you’re thanking me for,” he comments. “From my perspective, it’s you that’s making this evening wonderful.”

Drawing her close, he wraps his arms around her, and this time doesn’t let the kiss end so quickly. His hands are so rough, but so gentle, holding her tight, and cradling her back and head. If ever a blissful moment, this was it.

Moonlight

*Misty smiles as she opens the door to let herself and Carson in.*

"I think it went pretty well. The test was ALOT harder than I exspected, and differnt. I had 4 differnt cases where people were sick writen up. There symptoms the whole nine yards. Than I had to write up diagnosis for them and treatments. There was one I wasent to sure about but I dont think I did bad. So...now I just need for them to grade it, than tomarrow after noon I should know how I did. I am so excited and scaired at the same time."

*Entering the house Misty throws her keys and purse on the table.*

"I am gonna go take a shower fast and than we can go out and do whatever if you want. Just be thinking of what to do and I will be back."

*Misty makes her way down the hall to her bedroom and than into the bathroom closing the door behind herself. Within a few moment Misty is drying her hair and exiting the bathroom to find Carson and see if he decieded what they should do tonight.*

*Nate enters and smile going to sit down on the coutch. He loved Laura's apartment it was so nice and neat inside. As Laura is in the other room Nate stays siting and yells to her.*

"WAS THAT KATIE'S CAR? ITS GOOD TO SEE HER GETING OUT AND ABOUT! HOW IS SHE? I WOULD GUESS BETTER. SHE SEEMED IT WHEN SHE LEFT ANYWAYS."

*Nate leans back on the coutch relaxing waiting for Laura. He had gone right home to see Maggie and than ran out again to see Laura. Truth be told he was a bit tired but dident want let go of this perfect chanse to see Laura.*

*Katie takes a sip of her water as Scott stops in front of the door listing to what he has to say.*

"Scott, I want to be here. I am happy to be here. You can get rid of me that easly. Your stuck with me now. I'm not leaving."

*Katie gets a bigger grin on her face. But slowly sees the look on Scotts own face relizing he really was worryed. Growing alittle more serous Katie puts her hand on Scotts arm (in a friendly mannor-.-) and smiles.*

"Honestly Scott, I'm ok. Just hit a rough stop. I'd rather be out with you to keep me company than siting at home alone. I really am happy to be here with you Scott. Thank you for asking me to come out with you."

*As the room where the movie is starts to get dark Katie smiles and interlocks her arm with Scotts. The feelings were still on her tummy and heart that something was wrong. But Katie was deturmened to have a good time tonight.*

"Come on lets go before we miss the movie."

*The woman cant help but laugh at Wyatt's comment.*

"Give me a sec to grab my stuff and dont worry about the crowbar. I think my purse is heavy enough to hurt if it hits you."

*Walking about to the driverside the woman opens the door and grabs her purse and locks the door. Geting into Wyatt's car she gives a smile.*

"Mmmmm....My place is on rockwood Av. I hope you know where it is, cuz this is my first time going there and I have no idea where it is. Thats how I ended up out here in the first place."

*Rolling her eyes at herself she relizes how stupid she must sound right about now.*

*Jamie enjoys the time with Con she always did. As she listens to the sound of the waves and water crashing on the shoreline Jamie feels at peace. Jamie moves so she is alittle bit closer to Con leaning on him slightly. Leting out a content sigh.*

"You have been working so much Con I havent seen as much of you as I would like but...if everytime a spand of not seeing you ended like like, I think I can deal. Thank you Con for making me this a wonderful night."

*Jamie streches on her tip toes and gives Con a quick kiss. Than backs up looking into Cons eyes as the moon light shown bright through them.*

Beach

Carson looks up as Misty approaches, and is glad to return the kiss, a smile breaking his lips. “I’m much better now,” he muses. He rises to his feet and stretches a little. “And it’s alright. It’s not like I had anywhere to go, or had a big schedule.”

He cocks his head. “So how about you? How’d things go?”


Laura eyes Nate with just a little suspicion, but accepts the flowers, putting them to her nose to smell their sweet perfume. “Well I wouldn’t want to kill something as lovely as these, so I will put them in water.”

Her cheeks turn crimson at Nate calling her pretty, and she looks down for a moment, feeling silly. Why was it that she always melted under his gaze? She could play it so tough with everyone else, but with him…it was just hard.

Upon his order to get her shoes on, she looks back up, quirking an eyebrow and regaining her composure. “Looks like your time in that hot sun didn’t do your stubbornness any good.”

Embraced in his hug, for a moment, she feel so warm, cozy, safe. But like a sudden wind, it’s replaced by a fear that sends a tingle down her spine and she withdraws. “Um…okay… Just give me a minute to at least put some decent clothes on.” She turns from the door, letting it fall open wider. “You can come in and wait if you want.”


Scott just rolls his eyes at Katie’s comment about his dog, and doesn’t give a verbal response. Once she suggests the popcorn, he nods. “Alright. A large popcorn it is, and two waters.”

He nods as she leaves, but watches her out of the corner of his eye, sensing something wasn’t quite right. As if he didn’t know. Maybe he shouldn’t have asked Katie to come tonight. But she’d seemed like she really wanted to…

“Sir, can I help you?”

Scott turns back around to the counter. “Uh, yeah…”

Once Katie returns, Scott hands her her water and points down the hall. “We’re right down here.” He leads the way once again, but stops at the door and turns to Katie. He doesn’t like asking, but it didn’t feel right not to. “I’m real glad you wanted to come tonight, but you sure you feel up to staying? I won’t be offended if you don’t.”


Wyatt eyes the woman with a little bit of annoyed humor. Only a city slicker would think of staying out here all night. “Look, Miss, I know you’ll probably say no because you don’t know me from Adam, but I’d be more than happy to give you a ride into town. I wouldn’t feel right about just leaving you out here, and trust me – it would be a whole lot more dangerous than accepting a ride from me.”

He cocks his head. “I’ll even give you my crowbar and you can hit me over the head any time you get scared.”


Supper is fun and peaceful on the lakefront. As Con promised, after the meal, he takes Jamie by the hand and leads the way to the sandy beach. The moon is just up, sending its bright rays over the sparking water, the warm breeze creating ripples.

Halfway down the beach, Con stop and turns, just to gaze out on the water. It was quiet…restful…no chaotic noise…just…peaceful.


Jason kicks the end of his bed, letting off some steam. He paces for several moments, his hands on his hips. Seeing Ethan knifed to death two hours ago turned his stomach. Zane was in solitary confinement now, but for what…Ethan was dead. Jason cringes at the image that has embedded itself in his mind. The knife…the blood….it bothered him more than he would have thought or wanted to admit.

Taking a deep breath, Jason closes his eyes, slowing down his thoughts, calming his emotions enough to push them a safe distance from his heart.

He flops down on his bed and curls up, wanting just to sleep now.

Well Well Well

*Misty drives down the road leting out a long sigh. It had taken her 2 hours longer at school than she exspected. Pulling into her driveway she see Carson siting on the steps. A smile comes to her face as she gets out of the car and walks over.*

"Well well well look what we have here. There is a hot man siting on my steps whatever am I to do."

*As Misty gets closer to Carson she sets her bag down than bends over planting a long passinot kiss on Carson's lips than pulls away with a grin playing on her lips.*

"How are ya? Sorry it took my so long."

*Nate grins and smiles at Laura. Oh how he had missed her. He sticks his arms out offering the flowers to Laura.*

"Well first off I insist you take these and put them in some water before they die and next I in this area to see a pretty lady and guess what I found one."

*Nate cocks a crooked grin as he straghtens up.*

"Grab your shoes we are gonna get some ice cream and you cant say no. I have spent 2 weeks in the hot sun, under cover and now I want to spend some time with the prettyest woman in Nevada. So come on...get those shoes on please."

*Nate cant help but smile than reach out to give Laura a hug.*

"I missed ya Laura."

*Katie laughs as she walks into the thearer with Scott. A smerk still on her face.*

"Well I guess I'll have to have a talk with your dog than to keep the game playing up so her daddy can look like this every day."

*Once they are inside and looking up snack bored Katie gets lost in though for a moment. She was geting a sick feeling in her tummy and she new it was Jason. Something was wrong but he was again masking it. Leting out a long heavy sigh and hearing Scott ask her about popcorn Katie snaps out of the transe and smiles at Scott.*

"I LOVE popcorn, but I'm not to hungry all of a suddon. How about you get a big tub and we can shair it. That way I can eat alittle and you can have the rest. I would like some water though losts of ice."

*Kaite smiles at Scott again as he goes to order. Feeling sick again Katie walks over to Scott and puts a hand on his arm to get his attachen.*

"Scotty, I'll be right back. I have to use the little ladys room."

*Katie makes her way following the signs to the bathroom. Going to the sink she leans over it for a moment than looks back up at the mirror whispering to herself.*

"Oh Jason..why are you doing this to youself."

*Closing her eyes and swallowing. Reaching down she turns the water on and splashes her face. Grabing some paper towles she pats her face dry and takes a moment to try pushing her feelins away again. Scott has asked her to come to the movies with him and she dident want to make him feel like she wasent having a fun time when she new she would. Exiting the bathroom she finds Scott and takes her drink smiling again.*

"Ok I am ready now. Lead the way I've never been here."

*Jamie grins she new Con would break and decied sooner or later.*

"Hey, I like your idea better lets do that."

*Jamie small talks with Con along the way as she holds his hand contently.*

*The woman lifts her head and stands with a jump as Wyatt calls to her. She hadent even hurd the car. For a long moment she just studys Wyatt being alittle leary about him.*

"Someone put some barbwire in the middle of the road and I got two flats. I was going to change them myself but it seem like I replace the spairs and the jack from the last time."

*The woman rolls her eyes as she pulls her cell phone from her pocket.*

"My cell dosent get any signil out here eather go figure thats just the kind of day I am having. I figured I would sleep in my car for tonight and in the morning I would start the long walk back into town. I should be ok..maybe. Thanks for making sure."

*The woman gives Wyatt a friendly smile.*

Movie food?

Laura hears Katie call her, and furrows her brow, confused. Setting aside her yogurt, she shuffles to the door in her flannel pajama pants and green tanktop. Reaching the entrance, her eyes widen in surprise, and a grin makes its way across her mouth.

“Well hi, there, stranger.” She leans on the doorframe and crosses her arms, cocking her head at Nate. “And what brings you to this part of the neighborhood?”


Scott laughs and shakes his head. “I haven’t been waiting long. Besides, we still got fifteen minutes to get in, get our popcorn and find the best seat.” He smirks at her. “No, I don’t avoid anyone, I was getting stuck in a heating duct behind Reese’s office, trying to find a loose wire. And that answers your question as to how my afternoon went too.” He rolls his eyes. “But tomorrow, sorry, I’m gonna lose this so-called look. I got it from you, from Laura, and even Susanne. No siree, it’s back to my normal garb tomorrow.”

He leads the way inside, holding the door open for Katie, then resuming his pace in front of her as they approach the counter. He mentions the movie they’re going to see, then thumbs to Katie. “And I’m getting hers too.”

After paying, Scott heads to the food counter, and gives Katie a sidelong glance. “So are you one of the stubborn ones who won’t pay to eat at a theater, or do you let go and just enjoy yourself and the greasy popcorn?”


Con grins at Jamie and gives her hand a squeeze. “I make you choose because I like making you happy. But…if it bothers you that much…” He chuckles. “Then I’ll choose the half hour drive out to the lakeside restaurant, then after a nice long dinner, we’ll stroll the moonlit beach, end up at the ice cream shack, then walk off all those calories on the way back.”


Wyatt turns up the music on the radio, just driving. He hadn’t gone back into town like planned…it just seemed a good evening for a drive. And something pulled at him to drive…it was a strange feeling…he didn’t normally just drive for no reason, but tonight it felt right.

Turning down a halfway-familiar road, he spots a car on the side of the road in the distance. Slowing just a little, he passes it, looking in his rearview mirror. Two flat tires? Was that a woman sitting on the hood?

Concern hits him. It was going to be dark soon. No one should wait out here like that. She probably had someone coming already, but he wouldn’t feel right not checking to make sure.

Putting on the breaks, he stops, throws his jeep in reverse and backs up, still in the road, until he’s beside the other car. He leans over and rolls down the passenger window. “Hey…you alright?” he calls.

Car problems

*Lockheart watches at the Cop enters the cafe. She reconized him as one of the ones from where Jason was. A cold chill runs down her spin as she turns back to Reese and nods.*

"Ok, just let me know whats going on and I will contact my office in Cali and see what I can set up. If we end up going through with this I am gonna have some stuff sent to me."

*Lockheart finishs up her tea and Offes her hand to Reese lowing her voice.*

"Contact me whenever you know whats going to happen Reese and I just want to extend my thanks to you as well for this opertunity to help you everyone."

*Lockheart smiles. She did feel important, and it felt good to do something so helpful. It was a challange and Lockheart was always up for something new.*

~*~Sometime Later~*~

*A loud bang rings up and down the deserted desert road as car swerves to the side of the road. A figure slowly emerging from the drives side her dark blonde hair that is streaked with red, and lighter blond is a tad bit messed up proving the heat was something she wasent use to. Her skin was fair and had a hint of sunburn on it. Slowly she moves around the car than looks to the middle of the road at the barbwire that was place there.*

"You have got to be be kidding me."

*Bending down the woman examens the two flat tireds where Small peaces of wire sticking out of them. Pulling out her phone the woman dials a number only to get a sharp squeeling noise in her ear an a out of service message. Her deep blue eyes show a tad bit of annoyance.*

"Great, stuck out in the middle of no where."

*Puting the phone back in her pocket she looks up and down the road only to be greeted by nothing as the sun started to set. Leting out a long sigh she removes the hairtie from her wrist and throws her hair up fast in a poneytail. Going to the passangerside of the car she reaches in and pulls out a denim jacket throwing it on than pops the trunk. Bending down she searches for a few throws. Finally she slams the trunk down her hands empty.*

"Why is this happing to me Tonight of all nights."

*Moving over to the front of the car the woman sits down on the hood and puts her face in her hands leting out a frestrated tired sigh. This was the iceing on the cake for her day. What was she going to do now.*

*As Katie rushes around at home she takes not its 6:30. She was going to have to leave soon if she was going to make it on time. Finishing up in the bathroom she heads into the bedroom and throws on a teal t-shair and a pare of jeans. As she pass her mirror she relizes her hair dident look right going back into the bathroom she sticks her head under the focet and drenches her hair. Pulling her head out and grabing a towle she drys the extra water out, grabs some gel and runs some through it causing her highlights to snow more and giving a tiny messed up look. Finally satisfied she grabs her hoodie in case it gets cold and to the front door.*

"Laura I wont be done to long."

*Katie was excited about going out tonight with a friend. Its felt nice to look forward to something insted of salking in her room. Though she still couldent help feeling a bit down that Jason wouldent be going with her.

Opening the door Katie cant help but smile turning she yells back into the other room. Laura you NEED to come here and look at this quick.

Once again Katie turns back to the door and heads out throwing a smile and wink at the waiting Nate who is on the pourch with a Bouquet of daffodils. He hadent even needed to say anything to Katie and she new who he was there for.

Jumping into her car Katie heads to the theater. Looking down at the car clock it reads 7:01. Crap she was going to be late. Going a tad bit faster than she should Katie finally pulls into the theater parking lot and smiles as she see Scott. Geting out of the car she waves alittle.*

"Hey Scotty. Sorry I am alittle late and made you wait."

*Katie moves around the cars and keeps the smile on her face. He hadent changed like he said he wouldent.*

"Lookin good lookin good."

*Katie gives him a silly looks and alittle slap to the arm as she teases him.*

"So....I hadent see you since this morning. You wernt trying to avoid me so I wouldent give you anymore complament were you? How was your afternoon?"

*Katie slowly walks with Scott twords the theater.*

*Nate watches as Katie jumps into a car. Was that hers? She must of got it after he had left. Turning back to the door Nate waits for Laura to come. It had been almost two weeks since he had been gone and he had missed spending time with Laura. His skin was darker than normal proving most of his time was spent in the sun. His hair was spiked up and he wore his sunglasss. Along with some cackys and a white tank shirt. A smile on his face.*

*Jamie grins and laughs as Con slids in the seat next to her. She was happy Con was all her tonight. It had been so long since they were able to spend more than an hour together.*

"Me..why do I ALWAYS have to choose where we go."

*Jamie cant help but giggle as she purces her lips.*

"Ok, ok ok I'll pick. How about we get something to eat and than after that we can figure something alse to do? Really it dosent matter to me as long as I am with you."

*Jamie grins again as she moves her purse out of the way and leans a bit closer to Con. Taking her free hand and clasping Con. Its was a nice warm night out, she was with the love of her life, and she was feeling good what more could she ask for.*

Where to

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.

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.*

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.”