Long day

Laura watches from her desk as the team comes into TJY. Word was that they had retrieved Mick, but that Misty had been shot. She had stayed here working late to be around if needed, and to find out all that had happened.

As Nate comes to her and wraps her in an embrace, she senses his deep emotions. No matter how many times someone was out on a case, things like this just never got easier.

Laura rises from her chair and puts her arms around Nate, resting her head on his chest. "I'm glad you're okay," she whispers.


Scott receives Katie's hug, putting his arms around her in a comforting hold. Looking over her, he sees several pairs of eyes on them. Yes, the rumor that we're together is true. You can stop staring now. He pulls away slightly to lift her chin with a finger. "She'll be okay...Rick's good...we're not going to lose her."

Domino comes trotting out of Scott's cubicle, even though she'd been told to stay. She looks up at Scott and Katie, and puts her front paws up on his leg, giving a little whine.

Scott lowers one hand to lay on his dog's head. "It's alright. Go back where you belong."

Though confused, Domino obeys and retreats.

Scott heaves a deep sigh. He couldn't wait until all of this was over. He looks at Katie again, searching her eyes. "Can I do anything for you?"


Mick watches from a distance, still talking with Wyatt. "So Jason took getting out pretty hard, huh?"

"It hasn't been good. It's been a rough adjustment for him...things weren't easy on him when he was behind bars, and I think he feels like a fish out of water now. Especially since..." Wyatt's eyes drift back to Katie and Scott.

Mick lowers his voice just a little. "I've got an imagination, but what exactly happened there?"

Wyatt purses his lips in thought. He'd kept Katie in his sights ever since he'd attempted to build something with her, and had seen things crumble between her and Jason, while something new had been ignited with Scott. "Oh...Jason pushed her away. I could slap him silly, but I don't think he did it on purpose. It just...happened. But it hurt Katie enough that she got pretty down. Scott was around...I guess he gave her a shoulder. I don't know everything," he admits, "but I saw them together a couple times...once it was a tad intimate."

"Before Jason got out?"

"Yeah. In their defense, I know they both tried not to let anything develop because Katie was still willing to give Jason a chance once he got out, but...once a spark gets loose, it's hard to put out the fire." Wyatt glances to Katie and Scott, then back to Mick. "Jason got out and things went haywire. He wasn't himself...kept pushing Katie away...then one morning he beat Scott to a pulp. No one knows the whole story except those two, but one can only conclude that Jason found out about Katie and Scott...well...kissing...and lost it."

Mick raises an eyebrow, feeling compassion for the whole situation. It couldn't have been easy on anyone, least of all Katie. "Then what?"

Wyatt shrugs. "I don't know. Rumors have been flying around here left and right, but I'm pretty sure that Katie and Jason finally broke up. And...Scott was waiting. Some people will try to tell you that Katie had been cheating on Jason since he left, but that's not true...it was just recently that anything actually formed between her and Scott. I'm not so sure I liked seeing it before Jason got back, but...I guess I can't blame Katie. Jason was being a jerk."

"Poor girl."

It's Wyatt's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Poor girl? She's the one that started something before her boyfriend even returned, and at least has someone now."

"Yeah, but..." Mick remembers back at the ranch. He hadn't interacted with Katie much, but it didn't mean he'd been blind. "She loved that boy to death. I bet breaking up with Jason was one of the hardest things she'd ever done, whether she already had Scott or not."

Wyatt thinks for a moment, having to admit Mick was probably right, and he felt just as badly for the whole thing. He was over his own past with Katie, but that didn't mean he felt no compassion. "I suppose so...I'm just glad she's not alone."

"Scott a good guy?"

"Yeah." Wyatt nods. "He is. Never called him my best friend and he's got some quirks but...overall, he's a good Christian man from what I've seen."

"Good." Mick nods with satisfaction. In all reality, none of this was probably his business...but Katie was his fiancé's niece and soon he'd be part of that family. Without Jay around, he did feel just a little bit of responsibility, necessary or not. "Well..." He looks around, changing the subject. "Got a phone I could use?"

"Yeah, sure." Wyatt gestures to an empty desk space. "Have at it."

"Thanks." Mick eases down into a chair wearily and picks up the phone, dialing without even having to think of the number. Hearing Rosetta's answer on the other end, he smiles a little, keeping his voice soft. "Hey you...I'm at TJY...they got me out."


Carson continues to pace the infirmary, his eyes ever returning to the bed where Misty lay sleeping...so still...so quiet. Seeing her so sick once before had been bad enough...this was torture. Seeing her without life was worse than anything else.

"Carson, would you settle down?" Rick washes his hands at the sink. "You're going to wear a hole in the floor."

Carson stops for a moment, rubbing a hand over his face. "What's your opinion, doc?"

Rick thinks for a moment, trying to be realistic. "She's got a chance if nothing else goes wrong...if the antidote does its work on the poison...if there's no infection. She's young and healthy and has a strong body, not to mention a strong will to live..." He looks over his shoulder at Carson. "...and a reason to live too."

Carson grits his teeth against his emotions. The room felt small. He felt caged in. There were too many things going on at once...too much for him to handle. "I'll be outside," he informs. "Get me if anything changes."

Rick nods with understanding. "I will. I'm not going to leave her."

Carson steps outside the infirmary, taking a deep breath of air that was void of the chemical smells. A nearby waste basket receives the brunt of his pent-up frustration and a swift kick sends it flying down the hall like a soccer ball.


Jason hears Aerith's voice and recognizes it, but keeps his face hidden for several more moments anyway. He couldn't tell her what was happening...he couldn't tell anyone on the outside except those who had been accepted into TJY's trust, and even then, details couldn't be told. Would that ever end? He knew it would...but would that mean him ending up behind bars again, or the freedom to work in the open?

Finally he sighs and lifts his head to sink back into the booth, resting his head against the back. It takes him a moment to actually look at Aerith, the frustrated despair showing in his tired eyes. He can't even manage a smile tonight. There was just too much...the job...Misty...the Agency...Katie... His eyes beg for rest...they beg for comfort...but his mind manipulates his body language to form an abrasive outer shell, only succeeding in proving the severity of the war within himself.

Jason rubs a smudge of dried blood between his fingers. "Long day."

Worry

*Turning her own mic back on Katie gives alittle nod even though Scott cant see her.*

"Ya I'm here. I'm the best I can be. Just alittle shaken. I'm heading back now with everyone alse."

*As Katie stops talking she looks to Jason as he looks out the window. Her heart acked from what happend today, and what happend to Misty. And seeing Jason siting there. Alone, it hurt as well. Looking away Katie leans her head back and closes her eyes for a momen just leting her own mind wonder.*

*Nate scurrys around the infermary after they arrive doing everything Rick tells him to. Worry corses through his own blood as he watching Misty laying on the table, so young, to soon life was slipping away from her. Nate does everything he can to help. Finally as she is layed hooked up to the IV Nate slips out leting Rick know if he was needed to come get him. Exiting Nate finds Laura at her cubicle without saying much Nate bends down to be the same level with her and just gives her an embrase as his own tears threatn to show.*

*Katie makes her way over to Scott the look of worry on his face. Without saying much the first thing Katie does is give him a hug. Would the others see? Probley. Did she care? No. It could of been anyone of them in Misty place right now shot. Like could be gone and changed so fast to Katie it dident matter what the other had to say. Talk of betrale to Jason was not true, Talk of her not loving him was just lies. She waited, she loved and now it was time to just move on.*

"Everything was ok Scotty. Unless my guess would be someone saprised Misty and shot her before she could react. She is in pretty bad shape. All we can do is pray and lift her up to God."

*Misty lays in the infermary bed. Feeling nothing. Her body is hot, and her pulse fast but nothing more could be done. The bullet was out, she was stiched up, and antidote administered. Now it was just a waiting game. Misty mind was in an endless sleep and though her eyes closed and her body shut down her mind still wondered dreaming. Dreaming the past all the times with Carson, when she first met him. Every kiss, every caress. Her minds goes to England when she first saw Carson again. The time spent on the beach there, and everything they did. Than when they came back home. They had some rough time, but the happy one were greater and more. Whoever would of thought people like Misty and Carson could ever interact so with another person but they had found eachother. In the dead of night, two people met and gave eachother hope and that is what Misty's mind clung to now. She had to make it though this. For Carson. For the one.....she had grown to care for so much!*

*Aerith lets out a sigh as the bell on the door rings. It had been a long busy day and she really dident feel like waiting on another customer. Looking up and see it is Jason she stands up straghter not being able to help but feel maybe she could help one more person. As she smiles and Jason walks by suddin worry pass over her. Jason dident look so good. He looked down right awfel. Grabing him some OJ Aerith slowly approchs the booth and sets it down. Standing silent for a moment than finally speaks.*

"Jason, are you ok? You dont..look so good."

*Genuin worry and consern in her voice.*

Peace Sought

Mick feels Katie next to him and looks down. A reassuring smile makes its way to his lips and he moves to put his arm around her. He knew that look…he knew the feelings…he’d been here way to many times.

Looking at her, he realizes that she’s only a few years older than Jade. How things had come so far…how the pain had spread to the next generation…it just wasn’t fair.


Carson’s grip tightens around Misty. He wants to tell her to rest…not to talk…but he knows she’s trying to stay awake. He wants to comfort her…tell her it’s going to be okay…but no words seem adequate enough.

Rick is sitting on the opposite side of the van, completely helpless without enough supplies here. There had been too much confusion…too much chaos, and his supplies were in the other van. He could only wait until they arrived back to TJY. Taking in Misty’s words, he nods. “I know, hun, I know…you don’t worry about a thing and let us take care of you for once.”

Looking up to the front, he frowns. “Wyatt, can’t you make this thing move any faster?”

“Not and keep the rest of us alive.” Wyatt grits his teeth as he pushes the speed limit.


As Misty speaks, Carson keeps his focus on her, a slight smile making its way to the surface, just for her. “The only reason I’m hot is because of you, ya know…”

Listening to her words, feeling her touch, his emotions threaten to erupt.

As her eyes drift shut and she starts to shake, Carson takes her all the tighter. “Misty, no!” his voice raises slightly. “Come on, stay with me!”

Rick moves to kneel down next to her, remaining calm. “She’s going in to shock. We’ve got to hurry.”

Though his hands are covered in blood, Carson reaches up to move a strand of hair from Misty’s face. “Dang it, girl, don’t leave me a second time.”


Jason remains in his seat, his heart aching all the more. He had so much on his mind already…to be going through this was murder on anyone’s soul.

Suddenly the mics crackle to life. “Did you all forget about me, or what? I see one of the van’s on its way back. What’s happening?”

Wyatt’s eyes widen and he flips his mic back on. “Scott! Didn’t dad contact you? Never mind. Half of us are coming in. We got Mick. But Misty’s down.”

“Oh, no…” Scott’s voice reflects true concern. “Hey, Katie…you still there? You alright?”

Jason takes a finger and pulls his headset off with just a little force, the sound of the conversation removed from his ears. He focuses his eyes out the window, his working jaw muscles the only sign of his tension.


Rick looks to Nate and nods. “When we get back, you help me and Carson get Misty inside. And I’ll need all the help I can get in the infirmary once we’re there.”


…The door of TJY bursts open as the small group walks onto the main floor, their faces telling their story.

Carson has Misty in his arms as he carries her quickly behind Rick, accepting some help from Nate.

Once in the infirmary, Rick takes one swipe at the table, sending the old bedding and anything else flying onto the floor. Rolling up his sleeves, he dons sterile gloves and preps the table, directing Carson to lay Misty down.

Rick start to bark orders to both Carson and Nate. The door to the infirmary is shut, and work is started. Carson is directed to give Misty oxygen and keep track of her pulse, while Nate is recruited to hand him the necessary tools.

It takes Rick longer than he’d like to locate the bullet and draw it out. He’s just setting it aside, when Carson alerts him.

“I’m losing her pulse, Rick…” Panic sets in. “I’ve lost it.”

Moving quickly, Rick shoves Carson out of the way, unhooking Misty and starts working on her chest, pressuring her heart. “Come on, Misty…” After several moments of trying to revive her, he feels her throat again. “Pulse. Carson get back here. Nate, help me sew her up.”

It feels like an eternity before Rick has done all he can, and has Misty resting on the bed, hooked up to an IV.

Carson paces like a caged animal, while Rick sets to work studying the bullet under the microscope, then doing an analysis on the casing. “Oh, no…”

Carson spins around. “What? What is it?”

“Poison.”

“The same stuff?”

Rick nods grimly. “We need to get the antidote in her, and fast.” Once again, he’s back on his feet, moving to retrieve a syringe of the antidote that Misty herself had prepared. Injecting it into her vein, he pulls back, heaving a weary sigh.

Carson’s bloodshot eyes search his. “Now what?”

“We wait.”


Scott is on his feet when he sees the team enter TJY. One hand to his side, he approaches quickly, looking for Katie. “What happened? I thought everything was fine.”


Mick hangs back from the group a little, just slightly in shock to be here at TJY…he’d really had no idea it was this big. He wanders by himself for a few minutes, just trying to get his bearings…Jason and Katie were the only two people he knew here.


Jason watches Nate and Carson help with Rick, and knows that he would be in the way if he tried to help any more. He starts to wander forward, but catches sight of Scott and automatically bristles. Instead of staying with the group, he turns around and heads back for the exit.

“Hey, Jason,” Wyatt tries to stop him. “We need a debriefing when the others get back. Where are you…” His voice trails off as he realizes it’s useless. The door shuts after Jason, signaling his departure.

Mick lifts an eyebrow. “What’s up with that?”

Wyatt throws his arms in the air. “You name it. Prison…lost love…whatever. Just plain bad attitude?”

“You mean he and Katie…”

Wyatt shakes his head and thumbs in Scott’s direction.

Mick raises his brow. “Oh, I see. Jason just got out of prison, didn’t he?”

“Yeah. He hasn’t been doing so great.”


Jason doesn’t know where he’s going. His mind is occupied with too many things. He starts for the lake, then opts not to…that would just make things worse. He starts for the apartment, but realizes he doesn’t want to be alone with his own thoughts. He aims for Mike’s, but then doesn’t want to get hounded with questions from the guys.

Finally after turning around at least five times, Jason winds up parking in front of Mom and Pop’s out of sheer frustration. Killing the engine, he aims for the door. It was late…it was nearing nine o’clock at night. They would be closing soon. But he just wanted his quiet corner booth…something to drink…a peaceful atmosphere to calm his nerves.

Entering, the bell dings, but for once, he ignores Mabel at the counter to simply trudge to the familiar table and sink down into the booth. He folds his arms on the table and leans down to rest his forehead on them.

I...L

*Nate stands and watches as Carson and Jason take off for where Misty was. Hearing that she was down Nate sprints behind Rick in case he needed anything.

As the Van pulls around Nate helps Carson and Rick get in with Misty. Katie slids in next to Mick. It was nice to see him again even in this situation. She was scaired herself. She just killed someone and now her friend was dieing. Katie herself had seen many a times Jason in the same position and new how it felt to have someone you love hurting front of you. Feeling helpless to help them. Slowly Katie slips her arm around hims and just hold on to it for a moment. He had been away from the ranch for a while now, but the smell of the clean air, the smell of the horses still lingered on him and it braught Katie a bit of comfort.

Misty's eyes flutter as the pain corses through her body, everything hurt. Misty new she had to keep herself awake even though the feeling of fateag pulled at her eyes she new if she closed them she might verywell never wake again. Slowly Misty opens her mouth her eyes having a far away look in them her words coming out as a whisper.*

"Ri...ck...once....*gasps*....once you get this.....bu...bu....llet out...of me, make...sure you run...some some test...on it."

*Misty winces as the van hits a bunk in the road. Her body felt on fire, the pain so unbearable. A few tears escaping from her eyes. Turning her head slightly her eyes focus on Carson's, looking deep into them. A slight smile crossing her face.*

"Car.....Carson.."

*Slowly Misty raises her hand to Carson's face to caress the side of it.*

"Don't go....blaming yourse....*winces in pain*....lf for this. I know...you are. I...have no....re..grets. Your....as....hot...a...as...ever ya...know...that."

*Misty lowers her hand and places it on top of Carson's squeezing it lightly. Her body felt so weak, so drained of energy.*

"It's...ok..now...I...cant...feel the...pain anymore....Carson...I...L..."

*Misty's words trail off as her body starts to tremble going into shock, sweat breaking out across her brow. Her body feeling as though its burning. Misty's eyes drift shut, not dead, still listing to all thats around her...focusing, trying to stay awake, but her eyes were closed, and she was fading fast not being able to stay awake for much longer.

Nate stays siting next to Rick waiting for what he can do to help next. His eyes going from Carson, to Jason. As Misty starts to tremble Nate stiffens and looks to Rick.*

"What can I do to help, name it and I am on it when we get to TJY."

Death of Heart

Jason aims and fires on his target, now all three Agency thugs, victims to the fate of bullets. All three lie on the ground, instantly dead from the sharpshooters. He lowers his rifle, once again, a slight feeling of dread coming over him, despite knowing that killing was necessary.

He sees Nate stirring and looks down to see Mick and Reese as well. There was no more movement…the battle appeared to be over.

Standing, he heads for the side of the building, to shimmy down the battered rain gutter, landing softly on the ground. He approaches the others, giving a glance in Katie’s direction to make sure she’s okay as well.


Mick blinks and looks up at Reese, feeling he’s finally on the right side. “Am I glad to see you.”

As the gunfire ceases, Reese can’t help but give Mick a chuckle. “And we’re glad to see you alive, too. Come one, let me get those ropes cut.”

Mick turns around so Reese can cut him loose, and finally gets to his feet, trying to get his bearings. “Where are we?”

“Hobart street.”

“No…I mean…what state?”

Reese raises his eyebrows. “Nevada.”

“I wondered if that was the case.”

“How much do you know?”

Mick shakes his head. “Nothing. All I know is they were supposed to trade me for someone named Carson because he was the key to where a computer chip was. That’s it. I didn’t know where I was or anything.”

“Well come on. Let’s check on the others and get out of here.”

“What’s going on, guys?”

“Scott!” Reese had almost forgotten. “Hang in there. A report is coming.” He steps out of the shadows with Mick to look around, checking on their team.

Mick spots Jason and smiles. “Hey, Jason!”

Jason offers a handshake. “Mick. Good to see you.”

“No kidding. And Katie!” Mick’s smile widens. “Your aunt would kill you if she knew you were out in this…but I sure am glad you were.”


Carson watches from the roof, taking everything in. He would be the last one down, ensuring the team below him was fine. He sees Reese…Nate…Jason…Katie… He hears others talking, and knows that Rick and Hal are almost on the scene now too, to clean up.


Wyatt makes his way from down the block, still keeping his eyes pealed, though everything appeared calm. Suddenly movement catches his eye and he glances upward. His pulse quickens.


Out of the blue, Wyatt’s voice comes over the mic. “Carson! On your right, on your right!”

Carson spins around to see an assailant coming towards him on the roof. Their handgun was drawn and aimed at him. In a split second, he shoulders his rifle, his eye zeroing in on his target. Not giving himself even an instant to hesitate, he squeezes the trigger.

His target drops their gun, stumbling backward. Their hand goes to their chest before they fall to a still heap.

Carson slowly lowers his rifle and stares at the motionless body, his adrenaline racing. That had been too close. He approaches slowly, kicking the handgun out of the way just in case, ready to fire again if need be.

But as he nears, his heart leaps into his throat.

No…

As his face pales, his own gun slips from his hands. He slides to his knees next to Ashlyn, witnessing what his own actions had done.

Her eyes flutter open and she stares up at Carson for a moment. A smile curls her lips, her voice coming out hoarse, barely above a whisper. “Nice shot.”

Carson draws back a little, the horror of this scene clawing at him. “Dang it Ashlyn. Why…?”

Ashlyn moves her hand from her wound where blood pours forth. Reaching up, she puts Carson’s own hand in a vice grip. “We had some good times, didn’t we…”

Carson grits his teeth, her hand grasped in his. “I’m sorry.”

A dry laugh comes out as a cough. “I didn’t give you any choice,” she whispers. “Don’t let them take you…you deserve…better… I….” Suddenly her grip loosens, her eyes absorbing a dim and lifeless shadow. Her breathing ceases, not to be resumed again.

Carson can only stare at her for several moments, a million thoughts running through him all at once, colliding in a single wreck of chaos.

“Carson….you alright?” Wyatt’s voice comes through again. “What happened?”

Carson gently lowers Ahslyn’s hand and reaches out to brush her eyes closed, his finger stroking her cheek. His stomach churns, threatening to make him sick. It’s hard to find his voice. “I’m fine…enemy down.”

Standing, he looks at his own hand that’s covered in Ashlyn’s blood. So many times he’d wished he’d have the chance to kill her…and now that it was done…it made him loath the very reflex that had caused him to pull the trigger.

Picking up his rifle he looks at it, the anger within him rising to a height beyond his control. Taking the gun by the barrel, he hurls it with force, letting it fly across the rooftop. It lands hard, skidding across the surface.

Wyatt stares up at the roof, confused as he sees Carson’s gun fly. “Carson, what’s going on?”

Carson’s jaw is locked firmly as he fights within himself. “Just get someone up here to take care of this body.” He stares out into the setting sun, his voice wrought with emotion. “And give it a respectful burial.” Not waiting for a response, Carson removes his mic, shutting off his connection with the team. He walks across the roof to where his gun is and picks it back up, slinging it over his shoulder to head for the fire escape.

Making it back to ground level, he nods to Hal and Rick who were there to help clean up the area before the law showed up, and they head up the ladder.

Wyatt catches sight of Carson. “Hey, what happened up there?”

“I almost got killed. Thanks for warning me.”

“Yeah sure. Anybody important?”

“Just Agency scum. Let’s get out of here before anybody else shows up.”

Rick and Hal manage to bring the body back down to ground level where they prepare to get rid of all evidence, along with the other downed Agency members. As they lay her by the others, Wyatt's eyes widen. "It's Ashlyn." He glances to Carson. "Good land..."

Carson warns him with his eyes not to even go there.

Wyatt swallows hard, and tries to resume his focus. “Alright, is everyone here?” He starts counting heads. “Misty….where’s Misty?”

Carson is immediately alerted.

Wyatt taps his mic. “Hey, Misty…come in…where are ya?”

Carson’s blood runs cold. He looks down the street to the building where he’d positioned Misty. He saw nothing. His instincts kick into overdrive and he grips his rifle. Without even thinking, he breaks into a sprint.

Jason looks to him quickly. “Carson! Wait!” Too late, his words go unheard. “Idiot!” Taking his own gun, he heads behind him. Even with his long legs though, it’s impossible to catch up to Carson’s fast sprint.

Carson’s feet pound the pavement until he reaches the building where Misty was. All caution has flown, and he enters the shadows. Suddenly he sees Misty in a heap on the ground. “Misty!”

Adrenaline taking over, he kneels quickly, checking her pulse. She was still alive, but barely breathing. A curse escapes under Carson’s breath and he stands, looking around. Too angry to even think, he aims for the nearest corner, again sprinting to where his instincts lead, and rounds the building quickly without caution. He sees the back of a man halfway down the block. The man’s casual pace signals that he knew what was going on, and there could only be one reason for his presence.

Without giving any warning whatsoever, Carson raises his rifle to his shoulder and unloads. The lever flying with each shot, Carson fires without remorse into the enemy’s back until the body finally falls to the ground.

Jason slides down next to Misty, his head shooting up at the sound of gunfire. “Carson! What’s going on?!” Looking back at Misty, he sees the wound and feels sick. “Rick…Rick, come in. Get over here NOW. Misty’s down. Repeat. Misty’s down.”

The next fifteen minutes are a blur. Both vans are brought around. Hal, Reese and Wyatt remain to clean up. All of the others pile into the other van to head back to TJY as quickly as possible.

Carson sits in the back of the van, holding Misty across his lap, one hand behind her head, the other pressed onto her wound to try and slow the bleeding as instructed by Rick. “Come on, Sassy,” he whispers. “Don’t do this to me…not now…” He wants to scream. He wants to stop and run. He wants to throw himself at the mercy of some wretched truck if just to end this all. He’s had no time to think. He’s had no time to process. Ashlyn was dead. Misty was dying. Both were his fault.

Success?

*Misty watchs every move going noticed, her eyes ready to draw her knife if needed.

Katie stays in the shadows her gun aimed waiting for the signal or for the Agency to make a wrong move.

Slowly Nate pulls his cap down keeping his head low but held high showing the same pride Carson would.*

"Here goes nothing."

*Nate whispers as Reese and himself move out and twords the street. As they move to the middle Nate stop keeping his hands in the open to show he has no weapon of his own. His heart pounding in his chest as he see Mick and someone from the Agency pushing twords them. As Nate hears the count in his eat along with the first gun fire he drops to the ground his hat flying of as he hits the dirt keeping his eyes open but making sure not to move and get into the gun fire and he himself rolls backwards.

As Katie hears the count She grabs her target and shoots hit him dead in the head. Watching his gun drop and him follow Katie pants her heart racing.*

"Target down."

*As Misty listens to the count she can see a movement out of the courner or her eye. Turning she draws her blade and speak into the headset but it to late another gun shot rings out but unheard by the others as the other guns go off. Misty grabs her stomach as she is thrown aganst a wall and sinks to the ground. A warm sharp pain corses through her body as the blood starts to flow and a tear froms come from her eye.


A dark form stands over Misty scoffing.*

"Your as good as dead, so Mick dident die, but you will thats good enough. Let this be a message to your little boyfriend double crossing us is a bad thing. Its a shame you had to die, you were a pretty one."

*The thug bends down to Misty lifting her face with his hand. He gives a crooked smile*

"I always liked you. Oh well..."

*The thug stratens up and grabs his cell phone making his way back into the shadows.*

Showdown

As Scott receives Katie’s kiss on the cheek and sees her start away, he reaches out to stop her by taking her hand. “I’m not worried about you…I’m worried about me being without you.”

Wyatt stands to the side and studies the other two. There was no doubt now that the rumors around the office are true. He turns a little, not wanting to interrupt.

Scott gives Katie a little smile. “I’ll have Wyatt help me. You go get ready.” He lets go of her hand and looks down at his dog. “And you…miss trouble…you stay here and watch for Rick. Warn me if he comes.”


Carson gives Misty’s shoulder a last squeeze before splitting up again to go his own way and prepare a few things before the team had to leave.


Jason sits in his office waiting… He really didn’t have anything to do until everyone left. But like before all confrontations…like before all battles, his mind drifts to what could happen. Ever since he’d started with TJY, every time he was put in danger, one person came to mind: his mother. He hadn’t even spoken to her since he’d gotten out of prison… They all hoped that everything would go fine today…no one wanted to think that any TJY agents would get hurt, or worse. But there was always that possibility.

Jason really didn’t want to deal with anything right now…but he’s pushed forward by the sheer weight of responsibility, whether he actually wanted to or not.

Picking up the phone, he dials the number he’d been given. Hearing the answer on the other end, he hesitates just a moment. “Hi, Mom. …Yeah…” A small smile creases his lips. “I’m okay….yeah….really….” He listens for a few minutes, learning about what has been happening in his mother’s life…the wedding…the new house… A part of him wished he’d been there…he felt out of place… maybe even a little left out. “That’s great…I’ll have to come sometime soon to see everything. …No…no reason…we got a case going down today and I guess I just thought of you… no…I’ll be fine, don’t worry…” He pauses again, leaning back in his chair and furrowing his brow at his mother’s tone change. Then his eyebrows shoot up. “What…you…really? I mean…” He blinks, not even sure how to take that kind of news. It was…different. “I…” A slight laugh comes out. “Congratulations?” His mother’s laugh lets him know she wasn’t offended by his hesitation. “Well yeah, I’m a little surprised. That’s um…that’s great…yeah.”

“Jason, need your help.”

Jason looks up to see Hal in the doorway. “Sorry, Mom, I gotta go. Take care of yourself, alright? Okay…yeah. Bye.”


The next hour is filled with preparations to leave. Scott equips two vans with communication devices, and sets himself up in his cubicle, despite Rick’s complaints.

“You shouldn’t even be able to do that.”

Scott looks up over his shoulder at Rick who was staring at his computer. “I know.” He’d tapped into satellite images to keep track of the area where the team was going. “Don’t tell anyone.”

Rick rolls his eyes. “As soon as we’re back, you’re getting your hind end back in bed, is that understood?”

“Roger that.”

Rick sighs and shakes his head, turning to leave. “Why do I even try?”


“...Alright guys, load up!” Reese points to the two vans out back. Rick and Hal are in one. They’ll be available after everything goes down, to clean up and haul away any evidence before the law could trace them. Whether it was bodies, weapons, or any other shred of evidence.

The other van would hold Reese, Carson, Misty, Jason, Katie, Nate and Wyatt.

As they pile in, Jason scoots to the back, avoiding eye contact with Katie and putting himself in a position where they wouldn’t have to interact during the drive. The others find their places and before they know it, they’re headed down a quiet road.


The deserted portion of town is indeed vacant. A dry hot wind blows down the streets, creating small dust devils. One might have thought they'd stepped through time. Broken down brick buildings stood tall, a poor reflection of the busy main street it was before the town started building in a different direction.

"Hobart street is up about five more blocks," Jason points out, leaning up from the back and gesturing over Reese's shoulder.

"Alright, folks." Reese speaks to those in both vans. "We're parking back here off the side of the road behind this stand of trees and walking in. Scott, you got anything?"

"Not a thing. Quiet as a mouse's lair when all the cheese is gone."

Reese quirks a grin. "Great. Everybody out and stick together. We're taking the side street and coming back around through an alleyway to get to our destination."

Wyatt slides the van door open and hands guns and mics to those exiting. Carson... Misty... Nate... Jason hangs back letting Katie exit before him, and is the last one out before Wyatt. Reese joins them and after a brief check of their mics and guns, they set out cautiously.

All eyes watch...all ears listen. Rick an Hal remain in the second van, prepared to call for help if need be, but hoping all they'll have to do is help clean up the scene when it's over.

The deserted bank on Hobart street proves to be empty. The Agency wasn't there yet.

Carson looks around the street and squints a little in the sun. He glances up to the tall building across the street, then down and around. "I'm going to set up shop right up there." He points to the rooftop. "Jason, why don't you get on top of the lower roof next door. Katie, I suggest going to the building across the way there and keeping out of sight in those shadows. You'll have a perfect view from where that door used to be. And Misty..." He glances to her for a moment, wishing he could tell her to go back and wait with Rick and Hal. "I want you down the street on the corner. You need to give us a heads up if anybody shows up unexpected. Nobody can come from the other way - it's a dead-end street. But...that doesn't mean someone can't sneak around and wait. Wyatt, how about you take up that position."

He pauses, turning around to give the bank a once-over. "My guess is that they'll come in through the back of the building. Let them. We need to get Mick out in the open before we can do anything."

Within moments, everyone is heading in their own directions. Jason is quick to get on top of one-story building across the street, sliding down onto his stomach and looking down the barrel of his rifle to gain a feel for the area.

Carson follows suit on top of the next taller building, using the brick rail as a stand as he sights in the bank's front doors and sweeps the street to make sure he's got a clean shot of the area. He watches intently as the others get into position.

Reese and Nate go into the building across the street, out of sight, but able to see the bank, while Reese keeps track of the time.

The wait is long...the sun is hot.

Carson wipes the sweat from his brow again, relaxing as most of the others have as well. Looking down and around he can see Jason who gives him a nod, proving he's still awake and alert.

"Everybody still around?" Carson questions over his mic. Receiving confirmations, he questions Scott. "Hey, Scott, how we looking?"

"Funny you should ask...just got a call from Burt and he spotted a vehicle just about a mile from you guys coming in slow. Satellite confirms they're heading your way. ....Heads up and stay low. Incoming."

As if on cue, a motor in the distance can be heard. Everyone tenses, poised and ready. The vehicle doesn't show, proving Carson's theory that they'd be showing up through the bank. Right on time, figure appears in one of the windows.

"We got action guys," Reese comments through his mic. "Look alive, but not alive enough for them to notice. How many we got?"

"I see two," Carson answers quietly.

"Three." Jason's eyes focus inside the bank. "They got three and they got Mick. He's bound and blindfolded."

"Dang...he's going to have to act on his instincts."

Jason has no doubt. "He will."


Mick is pushed out of the car and can feel they've entered a building, a cool musty atmosphere enveloping him as a contrast to the outside air. He's shoved ahead, scuffing his feet as he can't see where he's going. Soon he can feel warmth again. He was outside... or almost. He flexes his hands behind his back, having no idea what was going on. He'd been told he was being traded for someone named Carson...he couldn't see a thing...he felt helpless.

One of the thugs shoves Mick towards the light, and all four men appear on the sidewalk. The three Agency gangsters hold guns, one aiming steadily at Mick. But before they move, they want to make sure their own goods are waiting.

Reese sees them halt, and looks to Nate. "Alright...here goes nothing. Pull your cap down and lets walk." Heading out just in front and to the side of Nate, Reese walks bravely forth, his hands stretched out to his sides to signal he's unarmed, despite the screaming desire to grab his gun from his back to ensure he's not the first one hit.

"They're watching him," Carson whispers into his mic. "They're clueless that anybody else is here. They're guard is down... Somebody sent a real batch of idiots, but it's a good thing for us."

Reese halts in the middle of the street, stopping Nate next to him. He stares ahead, taking in the scene, and slowly backs up, his arms still raised. He backs up to the curb and waits.

Mick is shoved forward. The three thugs move with him several feet until one pokes a gun in his back and shoves him a little, barking at him. "Keep walking."

Mick grits his teeth. He could be walking off a cliff and he wouldn't know it. But he knew he had guns pointed at him. He walks slowly forward, still seeing nothing.

Carson sits waiting, his gun aimed. "Alright...there's three of them and three of us," he notes quietly. "Wait until Mick is beside Nate...then I've got the guy on the east end...Jason, take out the guy in the middle, but watch it that Mick's not in the way...Katie, you got the eye on the other end. Let's make this clean and quick and take them down before they know what hit them."


Mick trudges forward. As he reaches the middle of the street, he senses someone else close by. Carson?

Carson holds his breath for a moment, looking down the barrel of his rifle. "On three...one....two...three." His trigger is pulled. Shots ring out. Carson's target goes down first, their own gun thrown into the air as he's brought to the ground.

As soon as the shot is heard, Mick dives, catching himself by a shoulder and rolling several feet in the direction his instincts aim him. Adrenaline surges through his veins. What was going on? It had to be TJY. They must be trying to fight out instead of going ahead with the trade. Hitting the curb, he's suddenly taken in a strong grip and pulled backward, a voice telling him not to struggle.

Reese yanks Mick out of the street and back into the building where he'd started out at, quickly removing the blindfold. He holds up his hands to show he's not one of the bad guys. "I'm Reese. You're safe."

Yes

*Katie studys the mic and than speaks into it making sure its working for Scott. A smile on her face as she thinks about what he had said with not telling Rick.

Katie watches Scott work for a long while. A feeling of sadness pass as she relized she dident know anything about what was going down and felt alittle bit left out. The feeling quickly pass though as Katie watches Scott again. He moved so freely around the equpment, never hesatating and always so confadent in what he was doing. When it came to tech stuff he was a pure genisus.*

"I'm doing pretty good. Domino is around here some....."

*As if on que Domino's nails can be hurd thundering down the hall as she trys to stop and slides past the cubicle door. Only to reapear a few moments later sliding her belly on the ground to make sure she dosent go past again. Coming into the cubicle its as if she new Scott was doing something important and couldent intarupt him. Going over next to Katie Domino sits and gives alittle whimper to Scott.*

*Misty put her arm around Carson and they walk and she leans her head aganst him.*

"I help while I can. I cant shoot worth crap but I can throw and thats what matters when it comes to saving someones life. Pluse it would probley be good to have me there in case anyone gets hurt. Lets hope they dont, but just in case."

*Misty walks with Carson keeping her arm around him. She wouldent addmit it but she was a bit nervouse. Anything could happen. This could go good, this could go bad. There were so many ways the wind could blow and no one new the answer till after it was over.*

"Heya Wy."

*Listing to what Wyatt said made Katie feel a bit happy. They dident forget about her want wanted help. Catching Scott's eye for a moment she could see he was worryed about her and dident want her in harms way but this it what she lived for, this was why she came to TJY. Not to sit behind a desk all day. Looking back to Wyatt Katie gives a slight smile.*

"I'm in."

*Katie stands and dusts herself off.*

"I'll get myself and stuff together and meet you in an hour."

*As she pass by Scott Katie leans down alittle and gives him a small and undetited kiss on the cheek whispers.*

"Don't worry to much. I'll be ok hun. I promise."

*Stranting again she heads out of the cubicle but stops and turns.*

"Did you need me to help you will the stuff taking it to the van or did you want Wyatt's help?

Asking

Scott looks up from his work as Katie approaches him, and grins a little at her affectionate greeting. "Hey you. Yeah...I should still be in bed...just don't tell Rick." He grabs a mic and hands it to her as she sits on the floor. "Here, try this out for me." He fiddles with some more wiring, pausing just once as he shifts his weight against a pain in his side.

"There's gonna be a showdown today sometime with trying to get Mick back. The word is they want Carson as a trade, but looks like we're not going to comply. I'm just getting ready all the communication transmitters they'll need and making sure they got contact back to here too."

He works for a few more minutes, then finally pauses, giving Katie a sidelong glance. "So...how are ya doing this morning?"


Carson nods to Nate. "Yeah, we should be able to fool them...hopefully this will all happen fast enough that there won't be a whole lot of time for them to speculate anyway."

As Nate speaks about Katie, Jason nods with all seriousness. "She's one of the best." At the mention of Scott, Jason's eyes meet Nate's for just a split second, though long enough for his own look to convey an ever-so-brief stirring of emotions before it's gone again. His face returns to one of hard determination for the case, completely ignoring everything else. "I'll be in my office for just a bit. What time are we heading out?"

Reese looks at the clock. "I want to be out of here in an hour. That's way early, but the earlier the better. If the Agency ends up showing themselves early too, then we'll either have a tradeoff quicker, or we'll have an early war. But I'm not willing to walk into something blind and have an ambush waiting."

"Agreed." Carson nods.

"Alright then. We'll be taking our two vans. Meet on the main floor in an hour."

As the team files out of Reese's office, Carson lays a hand on Misty's shoulder, slowing her down to walk beside him. "Thanks for helping out with this, Misty. I know we can use you out there."


Wyatt makes his way over to Katie's cubicle, but finds it empty. Knowing Nate was probably right about where she might be, he shifts his focus and aims for Scott's desk instead. He finds both him and Katie still there helping. "Hey, you two."

Scott glances up. "Yo."

"Should you be out of bed yet?"

"Nope." Scott stuffs the electronic equipment into a box. "But I'm going to put these in the vans and somebody's going to help me before Rick figures out where I've run off to."

Wyatt chuckles and shakes his head. "Glad you got that stuff together. Hey, listen..." He shifts his gaze to Katie. "We need sharpshooters. Carson and Jason are coming, but they both want a third pair of eyes. We could use you if you feel up to it."

Scott eyes Katie with just a bit of wariness. For the first time, he didn't want to see Katie in any combat situation, but he knew that they were all at risk here. Even he was, just for working here. And besides that, he knew this was what she lived for...and she was good at it.

Wyatt waits for a response, glancing at his watch. "We're leaving in an hour. The meeting point is across town and it should all go down this evening."

People

*Aerith cant help but give a laugh at Jason.*

"I think that would be fun."

*Aerith sits and chats with Jason alittle more enjoying the conversation they were having. Ordering a small salad she relizes juat how hungry she was. As Jason gets up to leave she smile thanking him as well for filling the dull that was there hours before.Listen to Jason bike rev and than drive away Aerith cant help but smile.

Clearing up the plates for Mable mind drifrs to going fishing. That did sound like fun and it would be nice to do again bringin back good memorie lost in the courners of one mind. Finishing up helping Aerith says goodnight to Herb and Mable heading home knowing her grandmother would be waiting, but also know Her had to good night and God for comfort. Everything would be ok.*

~*~Morning~*~

*As Katie enters TJ she looks around. It seemed quiet today. Seeing movement at Scott cubicle she new he was up. Feeling a bit of worry Katie makes her way over watching him for a second before finally speaking.*

"Scotty what are you doing? Shouldent you be in bed still."

*Katie walks over behind him and gently puts her ams over his shoulders and around his neck giving his cheek a kiss.*

"Whats going on? It looks like important whatever it is."

*Katie leans back aganst one of the cubicle walls she lowers herself to the ground.*

*Misty stands close to Carson but far enough away for the moment. This was no playing matter, no time for messing around this was searouse.

Nate stands close to Reese his arms crossed. Waiting, listing.

As a man voice comes over the speaker phone Misty is releaves alittle knowing it wasent Ashlyn on the phone this time. There is just something about her that boiled her blood.

Nate cant help but let out a laugh at Carson's comment of being an aussie.*

"Ya I can do that. If you think it would really work. I mean I am the same build as you and my hair is alittle darker, but with a hat on no one could tell. I have no problem with it and have full faith in my team to back me up."

*Nate thinks for a moment before speaking again. Was Katie such a good idea in her state? Nate rolled his eyes at himself for even thinking that. When it came to work Katie was always level headed and new how to controll herself. If they left her out of this she would probley feel horrable.*

"I think asking Katie is a good idea. From what Jason told us a while ago, and from what I have seen on the shooting range she had a good arm on her and could shoot a penny thrown in the sky. So...Wyatt if you want to go find her and ask I think I saw her come in. Check where even Scott is she probley went to see how he was."

*Nate speaks and glances at Jason than away again. This was magor and right now he dident care about feelings. This was more important than that.*

Plans

Jason listens to Aerith thoughtfully, then gives a little nod. “Yeah…I like to fish. Don’t do it as often as I want, just ‘cause I’m busy with other stuff…but I know a few good spots around here.”

He knew his dialogue was just waiting to become and invitation, so he relents. Who knew…this might be the last conversation he ever had with Aerith anyway. He was just being polite. “Maybe I’ll have to show you sometime when you’re not busy coming in to work in your free time.” He offers a slight smile, then catches Mabel’s eye from a distance and waves her over for something light to eat. Sticking around for a little while wouldn’t be that bad, and he knew he needed to eat something.

Before long, the meal is finished, and Jason is preparing to leave. He gives Aerith a brief farewell and thank-you for the chat, then heads on out. The bell on the door dings as he leaves, and a few moments later, his motorcycle’s engine his heard revving up before he pulls out down the street.


Carson gives Misty a smile and turns around, bringing her close to wrap his arms around her. “Thanks for coming over.” He gives her a kiss on the top of her head. “I could use the company for a while. But please…no more singing…”

After supper is finished and cleaned off the table, both settle down in the living room and Carson pops a movie in. Halfway through, they’re snuggled up on the couch when Jason comes home, though he pays them little attention, just giving a short wave and heading for his room.

As the movie credits roll, Carson pries himself up off the couch, even though the thought of just staying there all night is appealing. Giving Misty a kiss goodnight, he walks her out to her car and promises to see her tomorrow at work. He’d be going straight in without his morning run tomorrow…work needed to be done.


The morning dawns foggy and gray. The weather prediction was fair, forecasting sunshine in the afternoon. It felt warm and fresh...a contrast to the tension going on in a small corner of the world...


Scott winces as he leans down from his desk chair to scrounge in one of his drawers. Rick would kill him if he knew he was at his desk instead of in the bed next to the infirmary where he'd been moved earlier. But he'd heard about what was going down today, and he was the one in charge of tech support and he wasn't going to let someone else fool with the equipment. Not to mention, he was bored out of his mind.

It was still early yet...Rick had come in way early to check on things, then had stepped out again. The floor was still relatively quiet, so Scott had gotten himself up and dressed, though was still in his bare feet, and looking as though he really had just rolled out of bed.

Holding his side, he scoots to the other end of his desk to retrieve some wireless mics. Plugging things in, programming devices and typing away on his keyboard, he preps for what he knew was coming.


It was almost noon. Jason had slept late after a rough night and had spoken to no one this morning, though had forced himself up and out to make it here for the meeting Nate had informed him about. He takes long strides across the main floor towards Reese’s office. Upon arriving, he finds Reese, Nate, Wyatt, Carson and Misty gathered. He knew more would be involved, but obviously this was the core team for this one.

Reese looks up as the door opens and nods, relieved that Jason had actually shown up. But before he can say anything, the phone rings. Picking it up, be puts it on speaker phone. “This is Reese.”

“So glad you decided to be there for our call.” It’s a male voice this time, one that Carson didn’t recognize.

Reese bristles at the taunting tone. “We’re listening, and we’re ready to deal. Just name the place and time.”

“Good. It’s going to be number two-twenty-five Hobart street. Seven-thirty tonight. Now listen carefully, because you screw one thing up, and Mick dies. A gun will be pointed at his head at all times and we will not hesitate to pull the trigger. We will bring him out of the building at exactly seven-thirty. You will have one representative and Carson. That’s it. One more person than that, and we will view it as a threat. You will bring Carson to the middle of the street and step back. We will send Mick across, completing the trade, while Carson stays put. Once Mick is in your custody, you will get into your vehicle and leave without looking back and without calling the authorities. Are these instructions clear?”

Reese glances around at the others grimly. “They’re clear.”

“Looking forward to doing business with you. Seven-thirty. You don’t show, Mick dies and we move on to another hostage.” A click signals the end of the call.

Rees takes a deep breath and folds his arms over his chest. “Well…that’s that. Hobart street…that’s out at the southwest corner of town that’s deserted isn’t it?”

Carson nods. “They picked a spot where you could set off a grenade and no one would hear it. No one hears, no law gets involved.”

“Two-twenty-five is an abandoned bank,” Jason adds.

Reese quirks an eyebrow. This was the quick Jason he knew. “What else is around there?”

“I been down to that area a few times,” Jason replies. “It’s in the middle of a block. Brick buildings…all vacant, obviously. Across the street are more buildings, probably three stories tall. Be a great lookout if you ask me. We could position a sniper up there, and fill in the downstairs with lookouts too.”

“What if they’ve already got the place crawling?” Wyatt asks.

“They won’t.” Carson shifts his weight, nodding to Reese. “The Agency is cocky. They’ll expect us to be afraid enough to do exactly as they say. They won’t have extra men except in the old bank with them. Another reason being, that they’re serious about killing Mick. It won’t be any skin of their teeth…we don’t do as they say, they kill Mick, they go after someone else, and the cycle continues until they get what they want.”

“So what about snipers?” Wyatt asks.

Carson nods. “It’s what I was thinking. My advice is to get down there a.s.a.p. We arrive before they do, get our own men in position so we have the upper hand. No surprises. We go in, we start to exchange people, but instead of following through, we take out the competition.”

“What about the trade?” Reese intervenes. “They won’t send Mick across unless they see you in the middle of the street.”

“I need to be up on that roof,” Carson points out, “Where I can see what’s going on. I know faces, I know how the Agency moves. If they try something unexpected, I don’t want to be on the ground useless. From a lookout point I’ll be able to tell if they’re trying to pull something before anyone else.”

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “Sounds to me like you just don’t want to be in the line of fire.”

Carson turns to glare at him. “Look, I suggested going ahead with a trade, but you people won’t let me. If I’m going to help, the best way to make that happen is to make me a pair of eyes instead of bait. I know the Agency and I’ll know if they’re going to double-cross us. But if I’m on the ground with Mick, I’ll be useless because by the time I move, he’ll be dead.”

“That still doesn’t solve our problem,” Reese points out.

“What about a decoy?” Wyatt suggests. “What if they think it’s Carson, but it’s not?”

Reese raises his brow. “But they know Carson well. Besides, who looks like him?”

“Well they wouldn’t have to look like him exactly…just someone close this his build…give them a denim jacket and a baseball cap that’s pulled down low and there you have it. He’ll be in the middle of the road – it’s not like he’ll have to talk.”

“I don’t know…”

“It might work,” Carson muses. “Most likely if they see someone they think is me, they won’t look too close and just go on assuming.” He glances around the room. “We’ll need snipers besides me too. Jason?”

For now, Jason bypasses all personal feelings and mood, putting himself into work mode. “Yeah, I’m in.”

“What about Katie?”

Jason gives him an uneasy glance.

Carson purses his lips. “Reese?”

“I don’t know,” Reese responds. “We can ask her though. Do we need to call Con in?”

Jason shakes his head. “Don’t do that to him. He’s finally got the quiet life he wanted, and a job he’s trying to hold down. Don’t tempt him to jeopardize that.”

“Maybe you’re right…well, that’s two and three if we get Katie. But what about the decoy?”

Carson glances over to Nate, sizing him up. “How would you like to be an Aussie for an evening?”

I do

*Misty stands leaving her half eaten food going up along side Carson.*

"Dont worry Hun, we will get him out. Just dont do anything till we all talk tomarrow ok."

*Misty puts her arm around Carson and gives him a squeeze.*

"How about we watch a movie or I can sing you another song."

*Misty's grin widens trying to lighten the mood.*

*For a moment Aerith is quiet as Jason listens to his voice mail. Not wanting to talk and intarupt something important. As Jason hungs up and informs her it work Aerith cant help but roll her eyes and laugh alittle. What was it with these guys and work.

Aerith can tell Jason wanted to revery from talking about himself and the past and Aerith was fine with that. It wasent always easy for some people to be open.

As Jason brings up fishing Aerith cant help but smile. Just mentioning it braught back memories.*

"My dad and I use to go fishing all the time. He new a great spot outside the City. It was quiet and always nice to get away there. We would pack lunch and have a great old time. But I havent gone since he passed. I never had anyone alse to go with and sometimes its just not fun to do stuff alone."

*Aerith gives alittle shrug.*

"Do you like to fish?"

*Aerith really did enjoy talking with Jason. He had his shair of shadows, but he really did seem like a nice sweet guy. The conversation with him was intellagent as well and that was always nice.*

Some Answers

Carson opens his mouth to say more on the same subject, but realizes that Misty is giving him an out, so he takes it, following the redirected conversation.

“Oh, kind of…not really.” He chews on a fry thoughtfully, the frustration showing through. “She said the Agency waited until now because they actually thought that I’d come back to them at some point…they didn’t really believe I was on this side for good. When they realized that, they got desperate.” He shakes his head, still confused. “They think I know where the last remaining computer chip is.”

Carson pauses, not understanding the whole thing. “I guess there’s a war going on internally at the Agency. Medridge is starting to play around with his own men now, creating havoc. He told someone that I was the key to where the chip was, but he wouldn’t give them any more than that. So one of the gangs assumed that meant I knew where it was and decided to come after me. They want to find out where the chip is, in order to get to it before TJY, even though Medridge didn’t tell them to.”

He finishes off his burger and leans back in his chair, chewing until he can talk again. “So I know why they want me bad enough to kidnap Mick…they want me alive – maybe that’s a good thing. Problem is, I don’t have a clue where that stupid chip is. Why Medridge would say I did, I don’t know. But what I really wanted out of Ashlyn was to know where this would go down tomorrow…how many of their men would be there. But…she wouldn’t give it to me.”

Carson stands up to pace a little bit, trying to sort through his mess of thoughts. They were all tangled up with each other, leading to nothing that was helpful. “The good thing is, that one, they don’t want to kill me. Two, that if they’re not being led by Medridge, you can bet they’re not as organized. And three, they don’t have a clue how many of our own will be there.”

He stops to lean on the counter, staring at the sink. “We’ve got to get Mick out of there alive…”


Jason turns his head back to Aerith, unable to help but find a spark of amusement. She really did talk too much, but her innocence wouldn’t let Jason get upset. Katie tried to get into his head, Con tried to talk him out of his actions, Nate tried to give him advice on everything…but Aerith didn’t have a clue about his situation and was simply receiving information without judging or trying to advise him. It almost felt strange.

He opens his mouth to reply when the phone on his belt buzzes and he rolls his eyes. Picking it up he sees it’s Nate and decides not to answer, but waits to hear the message, separating his thoughts from Aerith for just a minute. Listening to what Nate says, Jason quirks an eyebrow, but lets out a tired sigh. Would this ever end?

He puts his phone back and shakes his head a little. “Work,” he explains. “Guess it’s an early morning for me.”

Looking back to Aerith again he almost quirks a smile. No, he wasn’t going to elaborate on his own life…he’d already said too much. But her company was worth keeping up a dialogue. His body language clearly tells her that he doesn’t want to talk about his troubles, and he switches the conversation, using the opening she had provided. “Fishing, huh? Was that a random topic, or do you actually like to fish?”

Info

*Aerith slids into the booth across from Jason no hesitation what so ever. What Jason had said came as a saprise but it explained why he seemed sad.*

"I'm sorry all that stuff happend to you. Someone as nice as you certinly dosent deserve that. I guess I can simpathys with you alittle bit about coming home and not understanding or feeling like you fit anymore. After my father died and my mom remarried everything just seemed differnt and it was hard fiting in."

*As Aerith talks she can tell Jason really was having a hard time with everything that happend to him. She could tell by his suddon change in demeanour that he just wanted to shut down and hide. Tilting her head alittle bit Aerith trys to catch Jason's eye for a moment.*

"I know its probley a hard thing to talk about Jason. So if you dont want to thats ok, but I am willing to listen if you just need to talk. Or if I am being to nosey you can just tell me to be to quiet to. We can always just eat in silence too, or you could tell me about a great place to go fishing or something. and sometime I really do talk to much."

*Misty gives alittle smile to Carson as she stuffs another fry in her mouth. Carson's past hurt to hear and though Ashlyn had come between them once it was just the past now and Misty did have faith in Carson again even though he did struggle. Misty was thankful that Carson had been honest and told her even though it was hard on him ans she new it. Giving Carson's hand a pat she takes another sip of her soda.*

"Thank you being honest with me Carson."

*Knowing Carson probley felt pretty uncomfortable Misty trys to redirect the convesations alittle.*

"So did you find out the information you were looking for?"

No lies

A sorry scoff makes its way to the surface, encased in a dry humor. Jason scoots back in the booth to sit sideways, leaning up against he wall and stretching out his long legs over the seat, his boots hanging off the end. “I guess when a man spends over half a year in prison, comes back to a life he doesn’t understand, and breaks up with his girlfriend, he might seem a little blue, eh?”

Only after the words have left his mouth does he realize that it’s the first time he’s said that about him and Katie aloud. It hits him hard enough that he starts to shut down and he looks away from Aerith for a moment. “I guess coming here was a distraction.”

Another forced smile surfaces. “Though the smell of the food is getting to me, so I might just have to relent and eat some supper while I’m here.” He cocks his head to the other side of the table. “Booth’s empty. Unless I’ve just succeeded in scaring you away, you’re welcome to it.”


Carson slowly relents and joins Misty in the kitchen. He half expects an interrogation for the call she’d just heard, but it doesn’t come. Instead, her question catches him just a little off guard.

He doesn’t answer right away… He unwraps his own burger and takes a bite, letting the silence rule for several minutes. His eyes stay lowered to the table. “There’s a lot of things about me I’ve never told you, Misty…mostly because it’s over and I don’t want you dwelling on why I did what I did, and who I did it with. And I know you’re smart enough to know that kind of past exists.”

Carson sets his burger down and folds his hands not even sure what to say. But Misty deserved an answer. “Ashlyn and I…had…a relationship based on all the wrong things. She liked me, I liked her and that was that. Commitment on either side never existed…we just…spent time together when we wanted to. And whether it was a day or a week, when it was over, it was over and we wouldn’t hardly see each other until the next time.”

He shrugs. “When describing her and me I’d never use the word love…but I won’t lie to you…there was more than a one night stand there, yes.”

Carson can feel heat creeping up the back of his neck. He didn’t like talking about this with Misty…he didn’t want to hurt her, and he didn’t like verbalizing his feelings either. It felt unnatural and awkward. But right now…it seemed necessary enough to grin and bear it.

He sighs deeply. “I guess…on some level I believed I’d found something resembling happiness when I was with her. Though there were…others…in between…somehow she and I always ended up back together again…often enough that the others in our circle at the Agency considered us being together as a given, or when we would show up at the same place that we’d…” He lets his voice trail off. Misty had been there that evening with Drew in the cabin…she’d witnessed the way the others had reacted to him and Ashlyn being together…he need not go on.

“Anyway…I guess that’s it. I don’t want it to be hard now, but it is sometimes…I was just trying to get answers from her tonight, and it was harder than I thought it would be. But…” He finally looks up to see Misty’s eyes. “But I’d never want that to come between us again…that's all in the past, and...as far as I’m concerned, you’re it.”

Eat

*Katie opens the door As Domino bounds in from outside. Both pants trying to catch there breath. Domino's fav chew toy in her mouth. Heading for her bedroom Katie lets Domino know to stay and she would be right back. Shuting the door behind her so Henry isent disturbed. Heading into the kitchen Katie grabs a glass of water and fills a bowl for Domino.*

*Aerith stays standing crossing her one arm over the other looking down for a moment than back at Jason. How strange it was to see Jason here again. Aerith dident mind though He seemed like a nice person to have a half way decent conversation with.*

"I have to addmit its alot more peaceful here, but when I left my grandmothers tonight to just get away and clear my head I had no intention on coming here. But here I am anyways. I figure God must have a good reson for me to be here. He guided me with out even me knowing it."

*Aerith smiles at Jason studying his face for a long moment. She saw the same looks she had earlyer today and it put the ping in her heart to help once again, but she wasent sure how nor did she want to pry into the life of someone she hardly even new.*

"How about you? You seem alittle blue."

*Quietly Misty listens to the rest of Carson's conversation not moving. Finally as he hangs the phone up she starts to unpake the burgers and frys. Not saying anything for a long moment just thinking deeply.*

"Come eat!"

*Misty sits down at the small table unwraping her wopper pulling off the tomatos she puts the top back on and takes a bite. Misty wasent angry and she could honestly say that. Sure she dident like Ashlyn but at the moment she dident feel angry. Just deep in though over everything. So many questions were still left un answered. Taking a spip of the soda Misty finally speaks.*

"Even if you dident pay attachen or whatever to it, there was more to you and Ashlyn than a good time way back went wasent there? I can tell by the way you talk to her and the look in you eyes."

*Misty dips a fry in katchup and eats it slowly.*

Arguing

It was late in the evening…the tv was droning and Scott was trying to keep himself awake, but it wasn’t working very well. He was alone in the infirmary…Katie had taken Domino home with her to give the poor dog a break, Misty was gone for the night, Rick had left and said he’d be back one more time…otherwise, it was just the night that waited.


Jason looks up quickly, raising his eyebrows at Aerith. It was obvious she wasn’t working tonight…interesting that she’d be here. He forces a weary grin, spreading his hands to show an empty table. “No snack, just…” He shrugs. What was it really? Time away? Time alone? An effort to keep his mind occupied? An effort to salvage some peaceful time while he butchered the rest of his life? “Hanging out,” he finishes lamely.

He cocks his head. “Most people don’t come back to their place of work in their free time…” His memory serves him well. “Or is it more peaceful here than with your grandmother?”


Carson doesn’t hear Misty until she speaks, and he whirls around in surprise. Taking in her comment, his face grows solemn and he holds up a finger, the look on his face conveying the message to stay put and shut up. He continues his conversation on the phone without missing a beat. “No, I swear. I don’t have that information. The Agency screwed up on that one….. Well tell them!” He starts to pace again, his bare feet dragging on the living room carpet. He sighs deeply. “No…I’m not coming back to tell them myself. And I’m not coming to you…that’s…” Carson closes his eyes for a moment, desperately trying not to allow Ashlyn’s words to bring up memories of the past…memories of good times…memories of times before he’d turned around. “Look…” His voice is calmer. “Someone screwed up and now there’s an innocent man’s life on the line. How long are you going to put up with this crap? When will you open your eyes and see that life with the Agency is worthless? Take my warning and get out while you still can.”

He rubs his forehead as a headache starts to form. “Alright…fine…if you don’t believe me, then I can’t do anything about it. Where’s it going down? …Come on, Ashlyn! It’s me you’re talking to! You know dang well that I wouldn’t call just to play games here.” Carson lets a curse slip under his breath as he talks. “What time? …No promises. If you’re double-crossing me, Ashlyn, so help me, I’ll…” His voice trails off as he receives another sly comment. He opens his mouth to retort, but finally ends the call instead, hanging up while Ashlynn is still mid-sentence.

Gripping his phone tightly, he finally lets it go, tossing it through the air and into a corner chair. Folding his arms on his chest, he tries to settle his nerves, and looks to Misty. “You do pick interesting times to show up,” he agrees. “I’ll give you that.”