Alone?

Carson looks at Misty for several moments, his eyes growing dim. “You know what…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come.”

He shakes his head and slides off the table, picking up his shirt. His jaw is starting to swell and he speaks with difficulty. “Next time I get jumped behind the supermarket by Terry’s goon and wake up several hours later, I’ll call the law instead.” He stops with sarcasm. “Oh, wait, I forgot. I am the law. Guess even we have trouble sometimes too.”

Wincing as he starts to walk, he puts a hand to his ribs. “I thought with you my reputation wouldn’t precede me, especially after our conversation earlier today. But I guess I was wrong.” Carson gives a little shrug. “I suppose I can’t blame you…I wouldn’t want to get dragged into this by helping me either. So go ahead and go back to bed and pretend I was never here. I’ll go see Rick instead.” He aims for the door, intent on leaving.


Reese cocks his head slightly as he listens to Lockheart. The words she was saying weren’t new…he’d heard them before. If not from Wyatt, from someone else. But when Lockheart said them…they just seemed…more…within reach. As if finding love again really was a true possibility. Was it just her smoothness as a lawyer, or did she really mean what she was saying?

At her apology, Reese chuckles and shakes his head. “Don’t apologize. Sometimes guys like me need to be reminded of those things every once in a while.”

He takes a sip of his water. “But what about you? You speak as someone who’s been there, Angelica. What’s behind those eyes that you haven’t let anyone see?”


“Mm…the best kind of fun is always done behind someone’s back, isn’t it?” Bret grins at Charlotte’s apparent love for getting out and doing things without her sister knowing about it.

He chuckles at her question. “Ooh, that’s a tough one. What I do other than that list on my own is entirely different that what I would do if I were not on my own.” His eyes meet Charlotte’s, a daring challenge in them. “If I weren’t by myself, I might head across the county line and aim for the lakeside beach. Or I might actually go to a movie. Sharing ice cream with someone is always fun. And then there’s the several clubs around town where loud music and dancing is a must, but once again, kinda boring to dance with yourself.”

Bret leans back a little as their food is brought and they dig in. “So what are you predictions, Miss Charlotte? Do you think I’m going to go at it alone this weekend? Or do you see another date in my near future?”

Not Untill

*Lockheart looks at Reese from across the table for a moment. Yes, she new all to well how he felt. Though it was different for her because she lost a brother and he lost someone deeper, they both lost someone they love and it changed there life so much, it caused them to shut down, blocking out the outside world, and not letting much emotion in anymore. The both had forgotten what happiness with someone ales was like. Forcing themselves to think they were really happy the way they were.*

“I think Wyatt is right. He’s a smart boy. Life should start again for you. It’s definitely not to late to go back and maybe find a happy ending. I am sure your wife would you want you be happy again. She knows you loved her, but its time to move on now and start life again.”

*Lockheart drizzles some dressing on her salad, than taking her knife she cuts into the lettus and the tender ray meat. She felt relaxed now having something to talk about with Reese. The tension slowly was dispersing with every word they took. Lockheart was still nervous but not nearly as much as before. Taking a bit of her food she just smile across the table from Reese before continuing what she was saying.*

“Some people never find one love in there life. They go on living being alone searching but never find it. You have the chance to have a second. That’s a rare opportunity.“

*Looking down at her plate to take another bit of her dinner Lockheart realizes just how much she has said and just how out of place she was being. A bit of color cheeps up her neck and to her cheeks.*

“Ha, look at me giving you advice on this. I’m sorry, I was out of line. I don’t normally go on rants like that.”

*Lockheart looks up from her plate to search Reese eyes. Hoping she didn’t rune the evening and he wasn’t to horribly offended by what she said. She wasn’t quite sure what caused her to on so, especially to someone she hardly even new. On top of that, she should be the last person giving love advice when she didn’t even live by what she was saying.*

*Misty sits up in bed with a start hearing the doorbell. SHe wanted sleeping but she wasent exspecting the doorbell to right at 12am eather. Slowly geting out of bed Misty takes caution not know who is at the door at this hour. Grabing her knife from her jacket pocket Misty ambles to the door. Opening it a crack and seeing Carson her face goes pale as she opens the door father revealing the knife, closin it, and sticking it in her pocket.*

"Carson what on earth...get in here."

*Steping outside her door in her bearfeet and her PJ's she slings Carson's arm around her. Helping him inside and to the kitchen moving a bunch of stuff of her stirdy table she orders him to sit. Helping Carson take of his shirt slowly Misty brings a hand to his face, looking at the cuts and bruses. Than moving to his jaw and than examing his sit pressing alittle bit.*

"Well it looks like you are going to have a nice black and blue eye once we get the swelling down. You lucky you eye dident pop out of your head. I am going to need to reset you jaw, and It looks like you have a rib that is cracked in more than one place that I am going to need to bandage up in hope it will heal right and no peaces of the bone broke off and are floting around inside of you where they could puncher your lung or worse your heart."

*Misty steps back away from Carson and grabs a chair. Siting down casuly in it Misty cross her arms, and places one leg over top of the other, not moving much to help him.*

"So Carson Banks, untill you tell me the truth about what on earth is going on. You can sit there, in pain."

*Misty's face was hard showing she ment what she said, but yet behind her eyes there was the look that if one looked close enough it was killing her inside not helping him. She was screaming at herself to moves and mend his wounds, and wrap his broken bones. But Misty dident move at all, she sat across from Carson her arms folded waiting for him to speak again.*

*Mable nods jotting down the order.*

"Ok I'll put the order in and it will be ready in a few."

*Mable turns and leaves the table heading into the backroom to give Herb the order. Poking her head out the pickup window though Mable watches Bret and Charlotte.*

"Herb who do you think that girl is with Bret?"

*Herb rolls his eyes at his wife.*

"Maybe its his wife."

"No, I dont see a ring on eather of there hands."

"Maybe its his girlfriend than. People are aloud to have thouse you know."

"But Herb where is she from? She is kind of exotic looking, and very pretty."

*Herb slaps his spatula down on the grill causing Mable to jump and pull her head back inside.*

"Would you leave them alown. Do you always have to be in everyones busness?"

"What, I was just wondering."

"Well stop and go grab me some mushrooms."

*Mable lets out a sigh and heads into the back cooler.*

"I'm here with my sister. Helping her out alittle with some work. She is heading out for the weekend though to go to a wedding, and she though maybe over the time she was gone I could get settaled here, and see the sights before I got to inthralled with her work and not be able to have any fun. Little does she know though...."

*Charlotte leans into the table and whispers for some dramitc affect as her lips turn up in a curling grin.*

"...I'll have fun anyways when she isent looking."

*Charlotte sits back up with alittle laugh taking a sip of her water.*

"So Bret, what is it you do when you'er not meeting mistery women, wallowing in a bar, or siting at home watching TV? I have to get idea's of what I am going to do on my boring weekend alone. Because if I sit in a bar all weekend long, my sister somehow will find out and WILL kill me."

*Charlotte smiles as she leans back in the booth her eyes meeting Brets and twinkling.*

Midnight caller

Reese feels himself relaxing more as he and Lockheart share small talk. Cutting into his steak, he pauses a moment at her question. He didn't often talk about this...come to think of it, the only person he had talked to about it was Wyatt.

"Well...I suppose...when a man loses his better half, it kinda takes the wind out of his sails. Not too much fun going out with the same friends anymore - you're suddenly the odd man out, the only one without a date. And doing anything else, you normally wind up alone, so it's not much fun. So..." Reese gives a little shrug and chews his food. "I guess the only thing left is work...it became my only passion so that's what I focus on." He gives a little grin, not wanting the subject to stay this deep. "Of course, Wyatt keeps warning me that that's no way to live and I need to get out more..." He cocks his head as he looks across the table. "Maybe he was right."


Carson ducks another blow from Torch, stepping back and kicking at the larger man’s midsection, hitting it as if it were a brick wall.

The thunderous shouting and stomping shake the lower level, going ignored by the two fighters.

Torch’s fist meets Carson’s mouth, sending him stumbling backward, blood and sweat flying. As he’s rammed into the cage, his mind reels. The last few guys he’d been up against had been his own size, but Terry had stepped it up, and he was really going to work for this one. The thought crossed his mind that he was going to have to be pretty quick on his feet to be able to come up with an excuse for his injuries after this one. The others had been easy…this was different, and he wished he would have argued with Terry about setting him up with someone from his own league. But it was too late now, and if he wanted to live, he had to fight.

He ducks another blow as the fight persists. They’d been at it now for twice as long as expected and both were growing weary, but neither ready to give up this war. There was too much money at stake.

As the brawl continues, Carson finally slips in behind Torch to jump on his back, wrapping his arms around his neck and a vice-like chokehold. Torch swings from side to side, trying to get Carson off his back as he would a pesky fly. He growls threats and trash talk, finally hurling himself backward.

As Carson is slammed into the corner of the cage, he can hear a sickening snap to his ribcage and pain shoots through his side. His eyes automatically water with pain, though he grits his teeth, still not letting go of his adversary. This was his only chance. If he didn’t bring him down now, it was over.

Torch continues to bash Carson back against the cage, but the more energy he spent, the more out of breath he became. Finally, he’s brought to his knees. Carson applies more pressure and a couple jerks, cutting off Torch’s air supply. Eventually he feels the giant go limp, and lets go, throwing him face first onto the ring floor.

The crowd gets louder and Carson stand panting, holding his side and not caring about whether or not the onlookers liked him. Taking a step toward the exit, his world spins a little and he staggers. Before he knows it, two other large men have come alongside him to help him out and through the crowd to the back room.

Sitting down on the hard bench, Carson winces.

“Yo, man, you took a nice hit,” Dane comments, tilting up Carson’s face.

“Yeah.” Carson can already feel his left eye starting to swell, and his jaw felt like he’d been walloped by a two-by-four.

Cyrus grins. “But you made it, Eagle. Nice work. Terry will put you on the schedule for sure, now. After a win like that? That was a real upset.”

Carson manages a short laugh, though that movement alone hurts. “If I can walk.”

“That bad?”

“Ain’t great.” Carson manages to slip back on his socks and shoes, grabbing what few things had been in his pockets.

“That’s the business, man,” Cyrus reminds. “You can’t make it next week, Terry won’t let you back in, you know that.”

“I know, I know.”

Just then, the door opens again, the roar of the mob getting louder for just a moment as another match has already started. Terry gives Carson a nod. “Nice work, Eagle. Didn’t think you had it in you. Torch and you…rematch…three days.”

“Three days?” Carson rolls his eyes. “Give me Cutter first.”

“No, it’s Torch.”

“Cutter.” Carson glares up at Terry. “Or I walk. You know you’ll make good money watching me and Torch again – we just got the crowd hyped. So I know you don’t want me to walk out of here yet. Give me Cutter first.”

Terry crosses his arms and thinks for a moment. “Alright. You got it.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a roll of bills. “This is for tonight. Beat Cutter, and beat Torch again, and that’ll double.”

Carson takes the money that’s passed to him, and stuffs it into his own pocket. Standing up, he keeps an arm wrapped around himself to hold his ribs. “You’ll be seeing me again.”

“Of that I have no doubt.”

Carson is able to make his own way back outside, fighting the crowd and heading back up to ground level. The cool night air felt good, but not good enough to relieve any physical pain. Getting into his car, he finally doubles over, trying to recover. He hadn’t been willing to show how much pain he was in inside the building, but now alone, he just wanted to go curl up in some corner and sleep it away.

Finally he starts his car and pulls away, noting the late hour. It was almost midnight. He manages to get himself to his apartment, but parking in the lot, he stops to think. This was ridiculous, but he had to keep this whole thing under wraps. He simply didn’t have a choice. But how on earth was he supposed to get around this one? He needed something…some alibi…he had to come up with something good, and hopefully, after this he’d take fewer hits and it would be easier. It hadn’t been bad when he’d had easier opponents…he just had to keep this going a little longer until he had enough money.

As he moves to get out of his car, he stops, the pain shooting through his ribcage. He knew he’d broken a rib…and if he didn’t get it wrapped, it would only make things worse. But he couldn’t do it on his own.

Contemplating a moment, he shuts his door again and pulls out of the lot….

…Carson makes his way slowly up the walk and knocks on Misty’s door. He knew it was late, but knew if she was already in bed, she’d get up. Waiting for her to answer, he looks up as she appears. Swallowing hard, he looks her in the eye. “Sorry, babe…but I need your help.”


Bret smirks a little at Mabel, though his eyes twinkle with amusement. “You know I can’t handle anything too spicy.” He throws Charlotte a sidelong glance, then looks back to Mabel. “Yes, I’ll stick to my regular spaghetti and meatballs, thank you.”

As Mabel leaves, Bret focuses back on Charlotte, reverting the conversation back to where they’d left off. “Me…oh…I was born up in Colorado…but been living here for quite a while. Got a brother and sister…” He shrugs. “My life doesn’t have a whole lot of exciting twists and turns, other than meeting mystery women who appear from California.” He grins a little. “So I don’t think you ever said what brought you here.”

Its Habbit

* Misty lets out a sigh as she listens to Wyatt.*

"No reason I guess. Sometimes stairing at paper work all day, its cool to hear about the action.*

*Misty is silent for a moment more weaghing on her mind as the continue feeling of worry makes itself known. Misty and Wyatt had grown closer over the last few months but she dident want to bother him with her worry let alone not knowing the whole truth herself.*

"Ok, well sorry for bothering you. I'll see you tomarrow. Nite."

*Hanging up the phone Misty sets it down and leans back in her chair for a moment spinning it around and looking out the window.*

"Where ever you are Carson...I hope your safe."

*Misty gives a shake at a cold chill that runs down her spine as she turns back to her desk standing and puting away the stuff she was working on before heading out of TJY, to the store for some dinner and than home.*

"Fishing, I've never done that before. At least you have one thing in comman with you son that you can do."

*Lockheart gives a small genuine smile. Lockheart wouldent addmite it but inside she understood what Reese ment about work and doing nothing alse. She liked wrapping her own self in work all the time.

Lockheart listens intently to everything alse Reese says, trying to look through his layers. It was hard for her not to she was a lawyer after all and there always more to what made a person act they way they did. For a moment she felt bold, a bit of curage, and yurning to find out more. Maybe it was the face that she couldent read Reese like most people. Something about him wanted her to ask, insted of pealing back the layer without asking if it was ok.*

"So why do you wrap yourself in work so much? How come you dont go out, and find new stuff to do and try?"

*Lockheart takes a peace of bread from the basket thats on the table and puts it on her plate. Unwraping her silverware she places her napkin in her lap and gently take her knife to butter her bread.*

*Charlotte slides into the booth across from Bret. Taking the menu she scans it over trying to decied what she wanted. Giving alittle grin to Bret's questions she glances over the menu.*

"Well I was born in Puerto Rico, but moved when I was really small still. Now my Madre, Hermana, Abuela and myself live in California."

*After speaking her sentince she relized she listed off her family member in spanish. Feeling silly and not wanting to inslat Bret she explains.*

"Sorry, its habbit to just call my family there spanish names. When I ment to say was my Mother, Sister, and Grandmother. My brother also came to Cali with us but, he passed away a while after we moved here."

*Charlotte is silent for a moment, but her smile never leave her face as she looks down at her menu again before closing it and puting it down looking back at Bret.*

"So what about you? Have you always lived in Nevada?"

*As if on que with Charlotte's placment of the menu Mable makes her way over to the table giving Charlotte her water and Bret his Coke.*

"What can I get you guys tonight?"

*Charlotte looks up at Mable and smiles.*

"I'll have the Chicken Marsala please. With a side salad and ranch dressing."

*Mable quickly jots down Charlotte's order and turns to Bret.*

"What can I get you Bret? The normal or are you going to spice it up tonight?"

*Mable looks to Charlotte and than back to Bret giving a grin. She new good and well he was on a date and it only made it more fun to harass him.*

Hand to hand

Wyatt is just driving from the murder scene when Misty calls. He answers, keeping his eyes on the road. “Hey, Cous. No…nothing too interesting, other than the fact that there’s no doubt it was a murder. Brown was concerned it was Agency connected, but I don’t think it was. This guy had a lot of enemies, so it could be a number of things. Why?”


Reese ends up ordering a steak, and concentrates on different parts of the room…people…tables…lights…

As Lockheart speaks to him, he finally looks back at her, and a smile finally breaks forth as he chuckles at her question. He gestures to himself. “Not like this.”

Trying to relax, he shakes his head. “Apart from work? I’m afraid there really isn’t much to me away from TJY. It’s my life…it’s why I spend more hours there than at home, and when I do end up at home, it’s to fall asleep in front of the television set.”

He grins, catching Lockheart’s eye. “Wyatt can’t stand it that when I’m out all I can talk about is work, but I fear there just isn’t too much else for me to talk about. I guess that’s why he and I get along so well when we go fishing…we have to just stay quiet if we’re going to catch anything.”


Bret aims for the booth in the back and thinks. “Uh…just get me a pepsi, thanks, Mabel.” Reaching the booth, he slides in the far side, not needing to pick up a menu. He knew what he wanted already.

“So, Charlotte…” He cocks his head, questions sparking in his eyes. “Where does a beauty like you come from anyway?”


Heading into the building it’s still quiet, appearing to be deserted. Only at the very far corner is one dim light, leading the way for those who know where to go.

Through the dingy door and down the dark concrete steps, the noise starts to build. As the door at the bottom swings open the jeering shouts and cheers is one massive wave of noise hitting Carson’s ears.

The room is crowded beyond capacity with people lining all four walls in undefined rows – a mob watching the center ring.

Shoving his way through the crowd, Carson holds his chin high, defying anyone who stares at him. He aims for the back room, spying the man he’s looking for.

A tall man with black skin eyes Carson and gives him a sneering grin, his gold tooth glinting in the dim lights. “Well, if it isn’t the Eagle himself. Wasn’t sure we’d see you again after last night.”

Carson glares at him. “I told you I wanted a rematch.”

Terry shakes his head in amusement. “Against Cutter? He’s out tonight – though that would have been good.”

Carson crosses his arms. “Then set me up with someone else.”

“We got Torch. But I think he’s a bit out of your league.”

“Good. Then the pay will be good.”

Terry lifts an eyebrow in thought. He’s distracted by a moment by the shift in cheering, and glances over the crowd to the ring where only one fighter is still standing. “Alright…you beat Torch I’ll up the pay and we’ll knock you to the next level. Lose and you’re back to square one.” He holds out his hand.

Carson shakes it. “Deal. What time?”

“In two fights. Get ready. And Eagle…watch yourself. Torch killed the last guy from ground level that challenged him.”

Carson shrugs off the warning. “You just worry about your cash flow.”

Within minutes, Torch vs. Eagle is added to the board at one end of the room, the interest rising in the crowd as bets are made quicker than any one person can keep track of…

…Carson paces in the back room, his hands wrapped, but without gloves. These kinds of fights were intended to be brutal and without protection, they were. Carson had gotten away so far without hard hits – last night had been his worst, with a loss after getting knocked out cold. Tonight was either showing bravery or stupidity and he wasn’t sure which. But if he could pull it off, he’d have enough money to run on for another week.

Taking his phone out of his jeans, he flips it open, noting he had a voicemail. Listening to it, he sighs and shuts the phone again. If he got out of here early enough, he’d call her. Excuses were already forming in his mind. This racket down here was illegal, and if he let it slip, he was through.

“Yo, Eagle. You’re on.”

Carson sighs and steps out the door into the thunderous mob once more to make his way to the ring. As usual, he was in his bare feet and jeans, his lack of shirt showing off his tattoo which had born his handle. A red bandana served as a headband to catch his sweat and he marched to the ring, entering the cage.

Gritting his teeth, he paces, waiting for his opponent and trying to ignore the shouts of the crowd.

As the almost-seven-footer enters the ring on the other side, Carson sees just how outmatched he is by this hulk of a man. He was going to have to be quick to compensate if he had any hope at all.

Torch glares at him, the flames on his pants making him recognizable by fans in the back. Smacking a fist into his palm, he gives a nod in Carson’s direction, threatening him.

Carson waits for the sound of the buzzer, then makes his move.

Start of the night

*As Misty sits quietly in the infermary at TJY her eyes glued to a micrascope a suddon wave of fear pass over her. Looking up from the scope Misty walks to the door. Steping outside she scans the main floor. Mosty everyone was gone at this hour. Only Hal was around. Even Ty was gone seeing as the wedding was tomarrow. Making her way to the breakroom Misty grabs some water than heads back to the infermary. Siting back down at her desk the wave comes over her again this time Carson's name poping into her head. Taking out her phone she dials his number. Not even receving a ring it goes right to voice mail.*

"Carson, its Misty. I know your busy, I just...I dont know I was siting here working late and I got a funny feeling that passed over me. I intinly though of you and the worry increased. I just wanted to make sure you were ok. I'll talk to you later. Miss you."

*Hanging up the phone Misty twirls it in her hand for a long moment before Dialing on her phone again.*

"Hey Wyatt, Its Misty. What did you find out about that body today? Anything intresting?"

*Lockheart scans the menu trying to decied what to order when the sound of Reese phone breaks the silence and causes her to give alittle jump as well. Once Reese informs her the the other wouldent be coming her nerves rise again. She wasent sure how to act, what to say this was insain. At least with someone alse with them she wouldent have to try and keep the conversation up by herself. Now she would have to think of something. and as ordered by Charlotte she needed to stay away from the topic of work.

Continuing to look at the menu for a long moment she finally decieds on geting the Stingray salad with chickpeas. Once giving the waiter the order Lockheart looks up at Reese and gives a small smile.*

"Thank you for inviting me to dinner. Even if Sheriff Brown and his wife couldent make it, it was nice of you."

*Taking a sip of her water Lockheart fishes around in her head for something to talk about. It was easy to talk about work, or a case, to make up please, and speaches she always new what to say but now that she was called on it she really dident know much about Reese. Once again her eyes meet Reese like they had before. He looked sharp tonight much differnt from his normal work atire. He looked Nice.*

"Siting here I relized I dont know to much about you. What are you like outside of work?"

*Lockheart couldent help but beat herself up inside her head once the words were from her mouth what a stupid question to ask.*

*As Bret pulls up Charlotte raises an eye bow. He certinly had a nice car. Nicer than she exspected. Geting in she gives a smile to Bret.*

"Good Evening."

*Charlotte greets in return. Charlottes cheeks show a bit of color again at Bret's comment.*

"You dont look so bad youself tonight. Something tells me though you always look pretty good."

*Charlotte grins as the small talk it kept up untill they get to the restront. Charlotte follows Bret into the small restront looking around.

As Mable hears the bell on the door ring she looks up and smile at Bret. It was always good to see him. Mable gives a small wave and nods at Charlotte.*

"How are ya tonight Bret? You can take the booth in the far courner if you want. What can I get you guys to drink?"

*Charlotte looks at Mable and smiles.*

"Do you have any wine?"

"Sorry dear all out drinks are non alcholic."

*Charlotte gives a nod though she was a bit disapointed.*

"I'll just have some ice water than please."

*Mable gives a nod and turns to Bret.*

"What can I get you Bret?"

Good condition

Looking at the clock, Reese lets out a groan. “Susanne! Why didn’t you tell me the time?!”

Susanne appears in Reese’s office doorway. “I didn’t know I was supposed to.”

Reese stands up from his desk and grabs his car keys. “I’m leaving. I’ll probably be back late to check on things before heading home, so if you need anything for while I’m gone, leave a note, or call me.”

Heading out in a hurry, he gets into his car and drives home, having barely enough time to shower and change into his pants and collard shirt.

Driving to pick up Lockheart, he doesn’t have to wait, as she’s right on time as he knew she would be. As she gets into the car, he tries not to stare…Lockheart was an attractive woman, but he’d never seen her quite like this before, and it brought a smile to his face.

Pulling out of the hotel parking lot, he heads toward the restaurant. “You look nice,” he comments casually. She smelled nice too, but he wasn’t about to verbalize that one.

Making it to the restaurant, Reese gets out and goes around to open Lockheart’s door for her, then walks her inside. It was a nice restaurant with the lights dimmed just as little for atmosphere, round tables filling the floor with soft tablecloths. The scent of spices wafted through the air, making anyone’s mouth water who walked through the door.

Being taken to a table by the waiter, Reese tells him that they’re waiting for two more, and the young man says he’ll be back for orders later.

Sitting alone with Lockheart, Reese fidgets with the glass of water, trying to think of small talk but coming up completely blank. He finally reverts to the menu. “I’ve been here a time or two and their food is great. The fish is excellent, and so is their steak.”

Suddenly his cell phone rings and he jumps, almost throwing the menu onto the floor. “Sorry,” he apologizes. Answering the phone, he speaks quietly. “Hello?...Oh? I see..no, no… that’s quite alright. I understand completely. No, really, that’s fine. Yes. We’ll um…just do it another time. Sure. Thanks.”

Reese shuts his phone and hesitates, finally daring to look up at Lockheart. “Well….that was Sheriff Brown’s wife. Apparently..” He clears his throat. “He got caught up in an unexpected case and won’t be able to make it tonight, so…” Reese glances down again, then back up. “I guess it’s just you and me.”


Bret slaps on some cologne and heads out the door in his good blue jeans, leaving his collard shirt untucked, his hair still wet from his shower, and grabbing his wallet and keys on the way. For once, it was nice to get out of the house in the evening. This time he had more to look forward to than a smoky bar. There was doubt that Charlotte would even show, but he had a hunch she’d be there…he’d sensed her adventurous nature and would bet that she’d be waiting for him.

Reaching the designated street corner, he grins. There she was, and looking extremely sharp in her eye-catching outfit. Pulling his black corvette up to the curb, he gestures for her to get in.

“Good evening, Miss Charlotte,” he greets. Checking his mirror, he pulls away and turns around the block to head downtown. “I see you made it back alright without any thugs jumping you…” He glances in her direction. “…and in quite good condition, if I may say so.”

Reaching the little restaurant, Bret parks in the lot. “Isn’t much to look at from the outside, but the food and service is great.” Mom and Pop’s wasn’t a place he went all that often, but when he did, it was always nice to be welcomed, especially after Herb and Mabel had come to realize he was an acquaintance of their daughter and Con.

Getting out of the car, Bret leads the way inside, the bell on the door jingling to announce their arrival. Seeing Mabel behind the counter, he gives a little wave. “Hey, Mabel. Where’ll you have us sit?”


Carson sits in his car for a long time in front of the building. It was getting dark…he knew what time it was, and knew what was going on inside. He had just as much of a choice as he had every other night for this past week. And he knew good and well that he was going to choose the same thing.

Looking down, he picks up his cell phone. He’d just briefly talked to Misty before leaving work earlier in the evening to tell her they were on for supper tomorrow night. She shouldn’t be calling him…no one should…but he’d rather be safe than sorry. He wasn't out doing laundry or shopping for that matter, and it would be just as well that no one find out.

Shutting off the phone, he slips it back in his pocket and gets out of his car. The street was quiet, but cars lined the curb, all here for the same thing, and all here good at keeping the secret.

Girl Talk

*Misty lets out a sigh before turning to leave.*

"Ok, hit me up before you leave so I know about dinner tomarrow."

*Exiting Carson's cubicle she heads for the infermary to start her days work. They were days Carson confused her, and days she just dident understand. Sometimes she even wondered why she kept trying. But than she remembered the good times with Carson and how much they our weaghed the bad and it gave her hope that oneday Carson would come around.*

*Charlotte watches as Bret leaves and shakes her head. Finishing off her drink she pays for them and heads out herself. Geting outside the Bar Charlotte takes not to the time and heads down the street looking in differnt shop windows. She dident know why but she felt like buying something new for her date tonight. She hadent been on one in a while, and just felt like making herself feel pretty. She already had a nice top back at the hotel she new she could wait, but needed some pants to go with it. She was going to buy a par anyway so it really wasent like she was buying them for JUST this occation. Finally finishing and handing the cashier her card she exits the store and heads back to the store. Alittle bit of exciment settaling in.

As Charlotte enters the hotel room her sister is running around the room. Raising an eyes brow she inquires.*

"Hermana, what are you doing?"

*Lockheart looks up at her sisters voice. She had just gotten out of the shower and was rushing around looking for clothing when her sister returned back to the room.*

"I am trying to find something to wair to dinner tonight."

"Ohhh...your going on a date?"

"Its not a date!"

"Than why are you worryed about what you have on?"

*Lockheart looks up meeting her sisters eyes."

"You were at a bar drinking wernt you?"

"Don't try and change the subject."

"I'm not I am just stating a fact. I wish you dident drink its no good for you, and you know."

"Hermana, you know I dont drink that much anymore. Now back to you. Its a date just addmit it. That guy....Mick, Mac,...."

"Mike!"

"Yes Mike asked you to dinner so its a date."

"He was just meeting some people for dinner and dident want to go alone."

"So he asked you to go as a date."

*Lockheart rolls her eyes.*

"Fine its a date are you happy?"

*Charlotte gives a nod of satisfaction and she puts her packages down. On the bed and going over to her sisters suit case to help her pick out something. Finally choosing a black skirt that came right above her knee, and a burnt orange shirt she smiled.*

"I even braught my black boots you can barrow for tonight."

*Lockheart looks at her sister alittle leery about what she wanted her to wair. Her sister was younger than her and she wasent all to sure if when she wanted her to wait was apropreate for someone her age.*

"Charlotte, I dont think I can wair this."

"Oh stop you will be fine, and you will look nice. I'll even do you hair."

*Lockheart shakes her head and gives a sigh. She was happy her sister wanted to help but she wasent totally sure she was ready for all her. She was growing more and more nervouse by the minute. Trying to switch things off of her she looks to her sisters bed where her packages where and raises an eyebrow.*

"It dident take you long before you wanted to go shopping."

*Charlotte gives alittle laugh as she heads into the bathroom and sets up the curling iron.*

"Well what do you exspect I was stuck here all day.l I had to find something to do."

*Lockheart smiles. Charlotte was always on the go trying to keep herself busy. Lockheart was so much differnt from her sister. She wraped herself up in work and Charlotte wraped herself in life. Sometimes Lockheart even envied her sister but offten dident dewll on it.*

"So do you have planes tonight Charlotte?"

*Charlotte pokes her head out of the bathroom smiling.*

"Maybe, but I am not telling because you will just be a worry wort."

*Lockheart smiles as she stands. Going over to her sister she takes a hold of her and looks her in the eye. Her sister new her all to well. Giving her a quick hug she states.*

"Just be safe ok, I dont want you geting into another mess like you did with Todd ok?"

*Charlotte nods and hugs her sister back.*

"I know hermana. Thank you for looking out for me. Now come here and let me do her hair."

*Lockheart laughs as her sister pulls her into the bathroom, a bit of excitment shown through the nervousness.*

I guess

Carson sits down in his chair and throws Misty a glare before turning on his computer. “You think it’s so important, you go volunteer. I said no…Wyat will do just as good a job as me. I got enough to keep me busy, and I don’t want to get caught up in some mystery murder.”

He grits his teeth and turns his attention back to his desk to scan some papers, while hiding his eyes at the same time. “Reese can get another guinea pig for this one.”


Bret is almost surprised by Charlotte’s forward response, but had quickly caught on to her demeanor and grins instead.

He looks down, studying his own left hand for a moment. “This finger has been void of a ring for four years.” He looks back up to Charlotte. “So I guess someone was the stupid one and a judge earned a buck in divorce court.”

Bret slides back off the stool, glancing at his watch. “Six o’clock on the street corner. Don’t be late and set your mouth for Italian.” Reaching the door, he turns one last time to study Charlotte, but says no more, and disappears outside.

Her loss my gain

*Misty smile at Carson as he stands up. Though the hair on the back of her neck stands on end as he brushs off dinner till tomarrow. She has hurd that excuse before and cant help but feel caution. Trying to push it away Misty gives a nod walking into TJY under Carson's arm.*

"Ya, tomarrow sounds good."

*Walk in and passing Reese Misty stays under Carson's arm. Misty's eyes go back and forth between Reese as she listens to Reese almost beg Carson to do the job only to get shot down by Carson one excuse after another. Watching Carson walk away Misty gives a shake of her head to her Uncle and hurrys after Carson. Once he is in his cubicle Misty enters behind him. Keeping her voice low, and even not trying to toss blame Misty speaks.*

"Hun, you shopping and laundry can wait. What Reese is asking you to do wont take long and since we arnt going to dinner tonight you can do that stuff later. Unless you have another reason for not going I dont know about."

*Misty face dosent sure much of an exprestion differnt from the one she had before. Keep her voice even and steady. She dident want to jump to conclutions, or assume. She wanted to give Carson the benafit of the doubt.*

*Charlotte runs her finger around the rim of her glass before taking a drink. Thinking for a moment before she replys.*

"You ended up married huh?"

*Charlotte scan's Bret's hand and than looks up at him in the eyes once again.*

"Well I dont see a ring, so eather your one of those guys who pretends not to be married and ask girls out, or your not married anymore. If thats the case your ex is stupider than crap, and I would love to gain from her loss. So yes, a date would be nice."

*A smile spreads across Charlotte's face giving proof that she wasent scaired to speak her mind. Her eyes give alittle twinkle as a bit of color makes its way to her cheeks. So far her time in Nevada had proven to be intresting maybe she was glad to come with her sister after all.*

Trade

Carson returns Misty’s kiss and gives her hand a squeeze, thought he doesn’t respond verbally. He didn’t have to. She knew he understood she was there for him.

Taking a deep breath, he finally gets himself up off the ground and pulls Misty up with him. “Dinner sounds splendid, but how about tomorrow night instead? Tonight is my errand night and that means store, laundry and who knows what else that would bore your pretty little head to death.” He roughs up her hair teasingly. “Come on and get me inside before someone thinks I skipped out on work today.


Reese is just turning from Nate’s cubicle when he hears Susanne’s voice over the intercom telling him he has a call.

Rolling his eyes, he scans the area for a moment, and grabs the nearest phone. “Yes? Oh, yes, hi. What?”

Carson enters the floor with Misty under his arm, striding toward his cubicle. Passing Reese, he stops for a moment, sensing the seriousness of the call.

Reese furrows his brow and steals a pen and piece of paper from someone’s desk. “Where did they fine the body? Across town?” He writes some notes down. “Bullet straight through the head, eh? Think it was a professional job?” He nods grimly. “Yeah, sure…I’ll send someone down to check it out. Thanks.”

Hanging up, he looks to see Carson and Misty. “Ah, just the guy I wanted to see. We got a homicide at the east end of town. Brown wants one of us to scout out the sight…he wants to meet someone there at five.”

Carson hesitates. “Where is it?”

“Warehouse on fifth street.”

Carson’s eyes shift down to his cubicle, then back to Reese. “Can you send Wyatt? I got an engagement tonight.”

“Well I was hoping for you,” Reese insists. “Can your plans wait?”

“I’d prefer they didn’t,” Carson emphasizes.

“You realize this is your job.”

“Can’t you at least ask Wyatt?”

“What’s so important you cant miss?”

Carson frowns at Reese. “I do have a personal life.”

Reese sighs and throws up his hands. “I thought you’d be the best man, but I don’t have time to stand around and argue. Fine. I’ll ask Wyatt.” Spinning around, he heads for his office.

Carson sighs and waits a moment before aiming back for his own cubicle, the tension thick as he remains quiet.


Bret raises an eyebrow at Charlotte as her comment slides from her mouth. He gives her a wry grin and shakes his head. “I’d be careful if I were you. The last woman who dared throw me a line like that ended up marrying me.”

As the game ends, he gives a short chuckle. “Too bad…I never got to find out what you’d want.” Following her back to the bar, he waves off the bartender. He’d already had two bottles. “Better not give me another one, Mark. I gotta drive.” He grabs a stool though, not yet ready to leave. Throwing Charlotte a sly glance, he cocks his head daringly. “How about a date instead of a drink?”

A deal is a deal

*Misty continues to watch Carson. Her hand lifts from her legs and finds Carson's linking through his arm and her fingers locking with his own.*

"You can hide stuff from everyone alse, and but dont hide it from me Carson. You can trust me and something as small as this is nothing to feel bad for telling me about. I like being your shoulder no matter what and in the end, I know you will do what right. I have faith in you."

*Misty turns and gives Carson another kiss. Keeping her fingers locked with him. She had a feeling there was still more Carson wasent saying but if its one thing she learned you can lead a horse to water but you can make it drink. They have to do it on there own. Misty new when Carson was ready he would tell her, or she would find out another way.*

"So are we going to sit out here all day or are we gonna get some work done so we can have dinner together tonight?"

*Taking another swig of her drink causing the drink to be empty Charlotte stand making her way around the table. Studding the balls as she talks to Bret.*

"I'm here, because I tend to get bored easly and being bored amplifys my dislike of being alone. So I go out, and try to find a way to keep myself busy."

*Charlotte leans over the table and goes to hit the ball but looks at Bret as the ball goes flying sending the solid into the desired pocket.*

"A bar, happens to be the best place for that. There is always someone up for a game of pool, or darts. Even just talking to someone over a drink is better than siting doing nothing. Especially when they is a hunk around like yourself..."

*Charlotte points her pool stix at Bret as her girn grows.*

"..who is up for a game."

*Charlotte goes around the table once again eyeing her last solid ball that happend to be next to the 8 ball. Taking aim she readys herself....sending the cu ball sailing it hits the solidball but bounces off the wall hiting the 8 ball and sending it into the pocket. Being dramadic Charlotte calapses onto the pool table pretending to cry, before she straten again.*

"Sorry...got alittle carryed away there."

*Puting her pool stix back she tumbs to the bar again.*

"Let get you that beer before you think I am trying to welsh out of my bargen. You can order whatever you heart desigers. I know what I am geting."

*Charlotte leans on the bar geting the bartenders attachen.*

"Another Rum and coke and whatever Bret here wants."

Inevitable

Carson grits his teeth and looks straight ahead. He didn’t like lying to Misty…her of all people. It had been stupid to think he could get away with it in the first place, but even if he had, he’d still feel just as guilty as he did now.

He could feel her disappointment in him, and it stung more than he’d like to admit. He takes a deep breath, wanting to take his pack of cigarettes from his pocket, but opting not to light up again in front of Misty.

“I’m sorry,” he apologizes quietly. “I just….” He takes a deep breath and runs a hand over his face. “I got a bloke after me…Terry… for a job he wants me to do…he’s an old acquaintance…not with the Agency, but scum just as bad.”

Carson pauses again, picking at a worn spot in the knee of his jeans that’s almost a hole. “At any rate…he’s been calling me…bugging me…I finally gave in and went to meet him last night. It…didn’t go well. He wants me to take a guy out who owes him money.” He gestures to the side of his face. “I pushed, he pushed harder.”

Sighing, Carson lifts his hand, letting them flop back down on his lap. “I told him to get lost and leave me alone. He hasn’t called me today, so I’m hoping it’s over. I guess….having a taste of the old life was more tempting than I thought it would be, and…I didn’t want anybody to think I was actually going to go kill somebody, so I figured silence was the best route.”

He shrugs, bouncing his foot a little nervously. Finally he turns his head to look at Misty, the corner of his mouth twitching. “And no…wearing makeup is not a new habit of mine.”


Reese’s eyes widen a little as Lockheart stumbles over her words, and he can’t really decide what to say, but even if he could, she was gone to fast to say it. “Uh…six-thirty!” he calls after her.

Looking back to Katie, he gives her a confused look at her comment, then realizes that she’s caught on to the very thing he was denying. “Well I…um..” Watching her walk away too, he stares after her. “Thanks…Katie…” His voice quiets. “I think…”

Shaking his head he remembers he was going to Nate, and continues his route. At this rate, six-thirty was going to come way too quickly and he had a lot to get done first.


Bret chuckles a little at Charlotte’s comment. Unbuttoning and rolling up his sleeves, he watches her start the game, leaning on his cue stick. When his turn rolls around, he chalks the tip and walks around the table, studying the position of the balls.

Glancing up briefly he grins at Charlotte’s question, but opts to shoot first, signaling where he’s aiming. Nailing his target, he straightens again. “Mm, what if wallowing is a daily ritual for me?” Chalking his stick again he squints and calls the shot before leaning over again, and again sending the ball rolling into the desired pocket. “Alone is inevitable. Where I land depends on the weather.”

Pausing, he squints an eye at her. “Now, I could ask you the same questions…to find me here wallowing in the middle of the day requires you being here too.”

Taking another turn and sending the cue ball sailing in the wrong direction to ricochet and hit a solid ball, Bret retreats, letting Charlotte take her turn.

Solid

*Misty studys Carson for a long moment taking note to him not looking at her. She had know and been with Carson long enough to pick up on his habbits that she could read without him saying anything. Giving a small sigh Misty pulls her knees up to her chest and rests both her arms over her legs.*

"There's more to it than that Carson. I've known you to long to not have picked up on the small clues. Like when your streching the truth and there is something your leaving out, you never look me in the eye."

*Misty stays leaning aganst the wall but turns her head to look at Carson. What was is about him, anyone alse she would of left a long time ago without a second thought but Carson she couldent seem to say goodbye to. She wanted to help him, and she wanted to be there for him.*

"So, if there anything alse your leaving out that maybe you should tell me? I want to be able to help you, and whatever it is we can work through it thats what having a relationship is about. Working through the bumps."

*Lockheart turns and smiles at Reese.*

"Yeah I though I'd talk with Katie a bit since I havent had a chanse in a while. Find out what I am geting myself into going to this Rosetta owns. I've hurd so much about it, I guess I wanted to hear more from the source."

*Lockheart is taken aback for a moment at Reese offer for dinner. Not sure what to say at first.*

"Well...I...mean I should be....geting...ready for tomarrow and everything..and I...mean Charlotte...she...I mean...."

*Lockheart knows and can hear how stupid she probley sounds stumbaling over her words, not being able to make sence of them. Lockheart gives a glance at Katie wondering if her young friend would give her some help.

Katie just stairs back at Lockheart trying her best not to laugh. As Lockheart look to her Katie gives alittle nods and mouths "yas yes." widening her eyes alittle bit giving empisis.

Lockheart rollls her eyes but finally gives in turning back to Reese. Feeling the color showing in her cheeks.*

"Yes..I'll go with you tonight. I'm staying at the Hokal Inn. You can pick me up there if you like."

*Lockheart feels so silly and brings a hand to her head leting out a frustrated sigh knowing she sounded silly. Turn Lockheart makes her way to the elavator and disapears.

Katie stands and pats Reese arm after Lockheart it gone.*

"Its not you Reese, she just....not use to this stuff. She'll come around."

*Katie leaves her cubicle and heads to the copy room. No one had to tell her Reese was intrested in Lockheart she could just tell.*

*Charlotte cant help but smile more as she walks behind Bret to the pool table. Grabing a pool stix she quirks and eyebrow as Bret bows.*

"Dont flatter yourself to much there."

*Leting out a laugh and taking another sip of her drink Charlotte positions herself on the opisite side of the table. Leaning over alittle bit and puting the stick between her two fingers she takes am and hits the cu ball dead on. Sending it to the other end smaking into the other balls that were set up sending them flying in all differnt directions. One solid ball is sunk into the left courner pocket and a striped one follows. Looking up at Bret Charlotte nods.*

"Ok, I'll be solid."

*Moving to the side Charlotte studys the table and positions herself once again.*

"Solid, right courner pocket."

*Taking am and smacking the ball again It enters the pocket only to have been hit with to much force and pops out again.*

"Well thats stupid. I guess its your turn Bret. Dont get distracted now."

*Taking another sip of her drink she sits waiting for Bret to shoot. Studing his movments, watching his face, his eyes, the ways he moved.*

"So, did I find you wallowing today? or do you normaly come to this bar alone in the middle of the day?"

mystery

Carson doesn’t withdraw from Misty’s touch, but winces just a little as she runs a finger over his bruise.

He straightens out his legs and looks down at his burn, not answering Misty for a long while. “Met an old buddy of mine about a week or so ago. Started hanging out with him after work.” Carson shrugs, his eyes remaining glued to his hand instead of Misty’s face. “Guess he’s more part of my old life than I thought…brought up stuff that I hadn’t thought about in a while. Anyway…” He pauses again. “Had him over to my place last night and…we got to drinking. Guess I had too much. I think I ran into a doorframe…least ways that’s the best I could figure when I woke up this morning.”

He finally looks up and turns his head to Misty. “But it’s over…I’m gonna tell him no more and…he’s not coming over anymore. So…” He shrugs again. “There.”


A genuine look of pleasure passes through Jason’s eyes at Katie’s enthusiasm. “Alright…we’ll do that soon then.” He finally keeps up his route to his office, leaving the main floor behind.


A short while later, Reese grabs his files to take to Nate and takes aim out of his office. Walking down by the cubicles, he notices that Lockheart is still there, chatting with Katie. The idea that had come to mind earlier comes back again, and he shoves it aside as silly, but as he nears, he can’t let it go. He offers a small smile. “Hey, didn’t know you were still around.” He pauses, knowing good and well a bit of color was coming to his face, which made his hesitance all the more worse. “Since I caught you again, um, Sheriff Brown and his wife are meeting me for supper at a nice little restaurant downtown. You’re welcome to join us if you’d like. I could pick you up…”


Bret gives Charlotte a sidelong glance, his mouth forming a grin. He extends his hand to grasp hers in a firm shake. “Bret. And you’re on. But don’t get any preconceived ideas about how well I play – you might be surprised at how easily you beat me.” He slides off the barstool and starts to saunter to the pool table. “’Course then we’ll get to decide what it is you want for winning…that mystery in itself might cause me to throw the game.” He starts to retrieve the pool balls, rolling them onto the table from the last game that had been played. Finished, he bows slightly. “Ladies first.”

Pool

*Misty cant help the grin the curles on her lips. Served Carson right for smoking but Misty would never say that out right. Leaning aganst the wall Misty slids down next to him.*

"Well at least you will die happy with me, smoking will just give you cancer and you wont dieing happy at all."

*Misty looks down at her hand. Rubbing in her fingers together she feels the grittyness of makeup on them. Turning to look at Carson worry is in Misty's eyes as she leans forwards and tilts his head twords her and runs her finger over the spot again.*

"Are you making a habbit out of wairing makeup now too?"

*Misty leans back aganst the wall leting out a sigh.*

"Whats been going on Carson? You know sooner or later I am going to find out, and if you tell me yourself I might be alittle less upset."

*Misty searchs Carson's eyes, her own reflected more worry than anger.*

*Katie looks up from her work again giving another smile to Jason. Each day would grow alittle easyer. As long as they took the right steps. Everything would be ok again.*

"I'd like that, I am sure Scott would too. I have some stuff for your new place anyways I have been meaning to give you. I'll also make something up a salad or pie or something and bring it with me. Just let me know when and where."

*Charlotte finish off her drink, and orders another one before answering Bret.*

"I'll be staying here for a while. How long I am not sure, but its going to at least be for a few weeks. And if trouble happens to find me, like it always does...I'll probley be staying even longer."

*Charlotte takes another sip of her drink before leaning agast the bar. Scaning the room again she spot a pool table and a smile forms on her her lips as she turns back to Bret. Gazing into his eyes for a momnt Charlotte found herself lost. His boyish good looks making it harder to look away. Streching out her hand she stats and challanges.*

"My name is Charlotte and since we both seem to be doing nothing, how about a game of pool? If you win I'll buy you another drink, if I win, you can well...I dont think I will win so if I do we can think of that after."

*Lockheart exits Reese office heading for the door when she dicieds to stop by Katie's cubicle and chat with her for a few about the wedding.*

Trouble

Carson snaps to attention as Misty’s voice startles him from his thoughts, and he gives a jump, shifting his weight to stand. “Aw fo..” He gets cut off as Misty leans in to kiss him and he relaxes under her touch, leaning back again.

Suddenly though he withdraws with a cry and a curse. He crushes his cigarette under his foot and brings his hand to his mouth to suck on the fresh burn. Glaring, he looks at Misty, though his anger is not pointed towards her, but his own stupidity.

“Giving me a heart attack can kill me too,” he retorts. “I thought you knew better than to sneak up on a guy like that.”


Jason nods to Katie. “Yeah, okay. Guess I’ll catch you later then.” He turns and tells Trooper to heel, and both head back to his office. Stopping halfway though, he turns around. “Katie…you and Scott haven’t seen my new place yet…thought I’d have you guys and another friend or two over for supper sometime…if you’d like.”


Bret gives a short laugh. “Yeah, well be careful. Around here you don’t have to try getting into trouble to get there. Sometimes it just jumps out at ya without warning.” He shakes his head and finishes off his beer, shooting the empty bottle down to the bartender.

“Want another one?”

Bret shakes his head. “Maybe later.” Instead, he leans on the bar and looks up at the television where a baseball game was on. He’d go home, but if he did, he’d wind up doing this same thing and without the distraction of other people around.

Looking back to Charlotte, he cocks his head. “So you passing through or staying around here?”


Reese raises his eyebrows at Lockheart’s quick exit, but nods. “Okay…see you bright and early then.” He watches her as she leaves, startled back to reality by Susanne’s voice on his phone. “You’ve got some messages…”

That stuff

*Lockheart gives a small smile She dident mind rehearing anything from Reese. The same talk was nice. Lockheart sits down in one of the over stuffed chars. She had sat in them before but this time for some reason they felt differnt.*

"I dont think I will be doing much today. Knowing Charlotte she is probley somwhere or other. She dosent slow down much. So I'll probley spend alot of my time in the hotal room reading, and going over some of the information I have from Bret."

*Lockheart stands again as if she startled herself for relizing how relaxed she was geting. She felt silly, like she was acting like a little girl with a crush again.*

"Well you have alot of work to do, I better let you get back to it. I'll see you in the morning. Have a good night Mike."

*Charlotte smiles at Brets complament. It wasent something she was unuse to hearing, but Bret's voice made it sound better than most drunk guys. It could be the fact he wasent drunk. Charlotte gives a nod taking a sip of her drink.*

"Yeah I just got in this morning, Dont have a car and this place was right around the way from the Hotal so..I stoped here. Anyways I like excitment, but I like trying to keep myself out of trouble even more well as much as I can anyways. Sometimes it dosent work out so well."

*Katie looks up at Jason and gives alittle smile. She had been thinking of the gig all week and was looking forward to going. This was one of the many ways she liked to get away and clear her head. Being a bodyguard, and over looking the band was always fun aways. Its something she lived for. The thought of missing an avent made her heart sink, but the though of missing time with her family did as well.*

"Ok thats good to know. I'm not sure if I will be staying or not. I'd hate to miss one of your guys conserts. But I will give you a definate answer before you leave the ranch."

*Katie gives a smile Jason.*

"Hey J, thanks for leting me know."

*As Katie watches Jason for a moment, that feeling of tention that had been there so strong was slowly dwindaling. It wasent as strong as he had been the days before. It felt as though she could breath around Jason again. Katie was happy, and if Jason was finding happyness again, she was happy wiht that too.*

*As Misty heads into TJY her eye catches movment on the side of the building, and the smell of smoke hits her nose. A sudden serge of worry hits her. The only person she new of that smoked was her brother. And why would be be lerking here, Misty's mind wondered and felt a tinge of fear. If it was him she better see what he wanted and get ride of him before anyone alse got in his way.

Slowly Misty makes her way around the build walks quietly. As she around the courner and see Carson a wave of releaf pass over her but at the same time a bit confustion was in place. Why was Carson smoking again, what was he stressed about. Crossing her arms under her chest and squatng down quietly Misty leans over him finally speaking .*

"You know that stuff can kill you right?"

*Misty goes in for the kill planting a kiss on Carson's lips and bringing a hand to the side of his face running her thumb over his skin.*

Not from around here

Reese can’t help a little smile at hearing Lockheart would be helping out Bret Parker. That meant she’d be around a bit.

As he accepts the envelope, his eyebrows rise. “Oh yeah…yeah, this will be great. Brown was asking me just the other day if we had any of that stuff you used in court, and I said only bits and pieces.” He nods and moves to put it down on his desk. “This is a huge help now that we can really investigate the Agency…we’ll be focusing a lot on crimes around here again, but this case isn’t going to die until we can find the core and take them down. They’re too dangerous to have on the loose, and Brown agrees.”

Reese pauses, knowing that he needn’t have said any of that…she know all that already. But for some really odd reason, as she looked at him, he didn’t know what to say. What was the matter with him?

“So…I guess you’ll be taking off from here with the rest of us bright and early in the morning then… You, um…got plans for today?”


Bret turns his head as he hears someone enter, and quirks an eyebrow before focusing back on the empty bottles on the shelves behind the bar. This place was a casual gathering place for locals…he knew all the people who frequented here…but he’d never seen this attractive woman before.

As she speaks to him, he shakes his head, taking another swig of beer. “I’m not sure ‘boring’ would describe my day, but it’s something in the vicinity of that.” Turning to see her, his eyes scan her face, boldly looking into her brown eyes before drifting back to the bar. “You’re not from around here… I can’t imagine why you’d pick this spot to land. There’s more excitement at the other end of town come five o’clock.” He gives her a once over again. “But with looks like that, I wouldn’t travel it alone.”


Jason heads inside TJY with Trooper, aiming for his office. He needed to get as much work done today as he could since he'd be taking off early to throw a few clothes together and get some sleep before an extremely early morning.

Before going down the hall though, he turns and takes route to Katie's cubicle. Leaning on the wall, he looks down at her, Trooper sitting obediently by his side. "Hey, Hero." He manages half a smile. "Forgot to tell you that Laura's coming to the concert Sunday night and she's going to ask Nate too, so we're okay for security if you're going to stay in Texas a couple days."


Caron sits against the brick outside wall of the TJY building, around the corner from the entrance side. Sitting with one leg tucked Indian style and the other with his knee drawn up to act as an armrest, he looks across the empty lot full of weeds and grass. Beyond it was another building, the first in a row of many down that street. But his mind was far from his surroundings.

Taking a puff of his cigarette, he lets the smoke out slowly, leaning his head back against the warm bricks. Resting his arm on his knee again, his other hand goes to the bruise on the side of his face. He’d covered it up pretty well this morning, but it was still pretty sore after receiving it the night before. He hadn’t seen Misty yet today…she’d be the only one who would get close enough to maybe notice it.

Old friends, New faces

*Lockheart smiles as Reese opens the door. His reaction was pleasing knowing he saprised her. She had to addmit to herself as well it was nice to see him again. Lockheart steps inside Reese office.*

"Well I got a call from Bret Parker and he wanted me to be his lawer for the whole Titan Inc mess. My sister is going to help me out on this case. She is my aprentis I guess you could so. So I figured we would come out early and get her settled, before I left for Texas with him."

*Lockheart relizes she is stumbaling over her words and feels silly. Remembering she had the envilope in her hand her hold it out to Reese.*

"I also wanted to give you this. Its stuff that belongs to you guys and I hope it can help you take down the Agency. Its all the information that was given to me from Sam. Names, places, dates everything."

*Lockheart smiles as her eyes absintmindedly search Reese face for the first time. The words of her grandmother floting through her mind.*

*The bell on the bar door chims as Charlotte enters the small bar. Her sister was gone, and she was geting bored siting in the hotal room. Throwing on a comfey par of jeans and green tank top Charlotte exits the hotal. She dident have her car here so she couldent really do much sight seeing. But taking a walk seemed like a good idea and stumbaling across a bar was even better. Nothing like passing the time in a bar drinking.

Slowly Charlotte makes her way over to the bar siting down on one of the stools. Giving a wave to the bartender Charlotte calls her thick hispanic accent showing though.*

"Can I get some rum and coke hold the ice."

*Looking around the small bar Charlotte takes in the sites, sounds, and notes that not many people were there. Her eyes rest on Bret a smile spreading across her lips.*

"Boring day for you to?"

Passing the time

Susanne looks up to see Lockheart and smiles big, offering a welcoming wave.

Reese paces his office, scanning the files from Sheriff Brown when he hears the knock at his door. Wandering to it absentmindedly, he opens it, his eyes still down. “Yes…?”

Finally prying his gaze from the papers he looks up and sees Lockheart. His eyebrows shoot in surprise, and his greeting slips out. “Angelica!” He shakes his head, opening the door wider. “Miss Lockheart…. I certainly didn’t expect to see you here! What a pleasant surprise. What’s going on?”


“And this is where we part.” Jason slows Trooper down at the TJY entrance, ready to head back inside from his lunch break.

Camryn grins and reaches out to give Trooper some loving. “Alright…” She glances at her watch. “I gotta get back to work too anyway. I have to lead a tour this afternoon. Fun fun fun.”

Jason gives her a wry grin. “With you leading it, I’m sure it is.”

Camryn stops for a moment, her eyes on Jason. “…thanks for the walk.”

“I needed it anyway.”

“Can’t you just accept a thanks?”

“I guess not.”

Camryn rolls her eyes. “Like that’s a surprise. Alright, well, I’ll see you around.”


“Hey, Bret. Starting early today, aren’t we?”

Bret swivels on the barstool to see Harry. “Nah…just needed a break.” He takes a swig from his beer bottle. “I’ll leave before it gets too crowded in here.”

“No work today?”

Bret shakes his head. “I can’t go back ‘til I’m cleared.”

“Ah yes…I heard about that.” The older man shakes his head and downs his shot of whiskey before turning to leave the quiet bar, waving his farewell. “Take care of yourself.”

“Yeah…” Bret watches him leave, then turns back around, giving a little sigh.