*Katie cant help but grin and let out a chuckle as Jason stumbles around with his words. Katie thought it was quiet funny that for the first time in her life she threw Jason himself for a loop and got him flustered. Listening to what he had to saw about the brawl Katie gives a slight nod of understandment.*
"Yeah, I planed on staying late tonight anyways so I can that for ya."
*Katie gives a small smile.*
"Hey, Thanks for informing me too so I dident tweek out."
*Charlotte grins again something she couldent help but do.*
"Saterday it is than if you promise me one thing. The next to days you feel like wallowing than you'll call me. Because if you blow me off just to wallow I'll kick your butt. If you can do that than I can try and manage to keep myself out of trouble. I dont know how well it will work. but I'll try."
*Charlotte new if she had a reason she would able able to keep herself out of trouble and seeing Bret again and keeping the promise to him was a good enough reason for her. Charlotte wanted to see him as much as she could before she went back home. Life just wouldnet be the same without a friend to flip coins with.*
*Answering the door Angelica is saprised by the lady handing her flowers. Slowly closing the door she puts her face in them and takes in the freshness of them. Setting them down on the table and smiling Aneglica reads the card. A smile spreads across her lips. In so many words Reese was asking her to say. Puting the flowers into some water she heads over to her computer and starts to type a message. She had wanted to stay the first time around and had talked to her associetit about it. Jake had told her to follow her heart and if she wanted to stay in Nevada than he would take over her office in Cali and when they needed her she could come out. The practice would still be hers but she would live alsewair. Angelica had toyed with the idea but she wanted to make sure still hessatent. She was now willing to try something new Mike gave her that but was she ready to let go?*
To: Mike Reese
From: Angelica Lockheart
Subj: Ask
Charlotte and I will me leaving on Sunday but I really dont
want to go. Ask me to stay Mike!
-Angelica Lockheart
P.S. Thank you for the flowers.
*Hesatating for a moment the words of her grandmother entered her mind and Angelica smile sending the message on its way.*
*As Misty finishes up the last bit of her work she looks up at the clock. It was 6:30. That would give her enough time to get home, wash up and get dressed. Grabing her bag she shuts down her computer and heads out.*
...a while later...
*As Misty re-enters TJY she looks down at her watch again. It was now 8:15. She was right on time. Her hair was still damp, part of it throw up on the top of her head while the rest hung down. A few strands hung out the front as long side bangs that curled around her face nicly. Misty had on a bit more makeup on than normal as well. For clothing She wore a red half cut tank top and over it a black short leather bike jacket. Also she had a black pare of tight jeans on with a chain belt that went around her waist. She also had a pare of black boots on. To top it off she also had 3 chans around her wrist as a braclet.
Misty starts to make her way across the floor to Jason's office passing Nate.*
"Well you certinly look that part."
*Misty rolls her eyes.*
"And to think I use to always dress like this. Now I just find it uncomfortable."
7/3/08
Ask Me
Train
Jason's eyebrows shoot up at Katie's statement, heat rising into his face. "What is it with you women today?"
He shakes his head. "I'm going undercover tonight, alright?" He quirks an eyebrow. "But hey, if I get this kind of attention, maybe I ought to consider changing my style."
Realizing what he'd just said, his face reddens even more. He clears his throat awkwardly, waiting for Katie to turn back around. "Um...I..." Looking down, he can't help but give a little laugh. "Okay, so my train of thought just went right out the window." His eyes remain on the floor until he regains some composure. "Alright, there it is. Okay."
He finally looks back up at her, deliberately staying focused. "I'm trying to get invited to a place the cops can't find, and in order to do that, I'm going undercover and Nate and I are going to draw a bit of attention to me with a friendly brawl."
Jason pauses, hoping Katie catches his drift. "We're going to take it easy on each other, but I wanted to let you know what was going on, so if you all of a sudden thought I was getting attacked or something, that I was fine. Of course..." He thinks for a moment. "I guess...if I'm not really scared you might not think I was in trouble anyway....or something..."
Giving a little sigh, he shakes his head. "That's all. And I thought if you were going to be working late or anything, just keep your radar up in case something really does go down and we need backup. You'd know it before Misty could even call anyone."
Ty looks around the corner, spying Jason at Katie's cubicle. His card was still in his hand, clutched tightly. He waits a few moments, but it looks like the two are deep in conversation, so he turns back around to leave. He'd come back later.
Bret can't help a smile at Charlotte, and finally digs into his own food. "Well...tomorrow I get to go and see if I still have a job. Then Friday I have the funeral to go to. But Saturday..." He sits seeming to be deep in thought. "You might be in luck there - that is, if you can keep yourself out of trouble for two days."
A maid knocks on Lockheart's hotel room door and waits for an answer. As Angelica comes, the maid smiles and hands her the bouquet of flowers. "These are for you. Have a nice day." Nodding, she turns and leaves.
The bouquet smells of fresh spring, and a note is attached:
Maybe the second time is the charm for me. I think you missed these the first time around. Thanks for all your hard work for TJY and others. I see your passion to help people and admire that.
Don't forget we've still got an office open down here... I'm a terrible hint-dropper. Call if you change your mind.
-Mike R.
Dang Jason
*Katie smiles back at Scott about to say something but he gets out of the car to fast. Leting out alittle sigh Katie gets out of the car next and heads inside with Scott her arm linked with him. Coming to where they both would part for now Katie stops Scott and gives him a kiss.*
"I love you too Scotty."
*Finally breaking off and heading to her own desk.*
*Misty nods to Jason. A spark in her eyes. She might like working in the infermary better, but she would pass up going out and working as well.*
"Alright, I think I can handle that. Alright I'll finish up what I have to do around here than head home, get changed and I'll be back about 8."
*After Jason leaves Misty goes back to her work making sure she can get it done in time.*
*Hearing Jason's voice Katie looks up at him fast and smiles.*
"Hang on one sec..."
*Than quickly looks back down as she type but suddonly stops. Slowly she turns her head looking back up at Jason a smile crossing her lips as her mind intakes Jason. She couldent help it he looked extra good right now.*
"Ok...so you wernt dressed like that this morning. I think while I was at lunch I missed something but dange Jason you look good."
*Shaking her head she turns back to her computer finishing up her typing and than. Once she is done she turns back to Jason still shocked to see him dressed like he is.*
"Ok, what do you need help help with?"
*Charlotte continues to grin at Bret.*
"I guess you right. I look forward to it."
*Taking another bit of her food Charlotte toss a wink at Bret from across the table.*
Help needed
Scott asks Mabel for a box for the leftover pizza so they can warm it up any time back at work, and once the food is paid for, he heads with Katie back to TJY.
Not much is said - the ride is quiet. Once parked, Scott hesitates before getting out, his keys jingling in his hands. Looking over to Katie he just studies her for a moment, the wheels in his mind turning. So much had been said...so much had gone unsaid...and so much unspoken didn't need to be.
But questions linger. He didn't want to ask himself these tough questions, but they were there...in his heart of hearts, they were there. Was this just a little bump in the road? Was it more? Was this the beginnings of a downward spiral that would lead to even greater separation? Or would it make them stronger? Was Katie saying no now a reflection of what she might say in the future if he were to ever grow in his own seriousness about their relationship? Or was this just a circumstance that would be overcome? The future was so vague.
Reaching over, Scott brushes Katie's cheek with his hand, a small smile creasing his mouth. "You know I love you." Leaning closer to her, he plants a tender kiss on her lips, then turns to exit the car before more can be said.
Making sure she follows, he opens the door for her into TJY and goes in with her to try and finish out the day.
Bret looks up at Charlotte's statement about his ex being silly, a look passing through his eyes that indicates maybe he didn't put all the blame on Maria. He lets it slide though, and just listens to her continue.
"Sunday, huh?" He grins. "A lot of fate can happen between now and then."
Jason gives a light chuckle at Misty and shakes his head. "Well lets just not tell Carson then," he teases. "Actually, Reese has me on a case, and I need to hang out in a not-so-great part of town for a while tonight, get in a brawl with Nate and hope someone invites me to a street fight."
He shrugs as if it's just a daily occurrence. "Nothing too exciting." A faint grin tweaks his mouth. "I need someone there to back me up but won't raise suspicion, so if you'd be so kind as to pretend for a while you and I are together, that might pull us through quite smoothly."
He cocks his head. "And yeah...you'll need to change. Just pretend you're dating a back alley, top dog street fighter. I think you know what I mean."
Glancing down the hall, he sees Scott walk by, then turns back to Misty. "I'm leaving here a little before nine and taking my bike, so if you got a jacket, bring it along. I gotta go talk to Katie, so I'll be in my office if you want a more in-depth briefing on this."
Turning, he jogs down the hall and looks to the cubicles where Katie is just returning. Strolling over to her desk, he leans in the cubicle doorway. "Hey...I need your help tonight if you're up to it."
Where? When and Why?
*Katie can see and feel the disapointment in Scott's voice and eyes no matter how he trys not to show it. It just about breaks Katie's heart to see Scott like this. Reaching out Katie puts her hand on top of Scott's and smiles.*
"I can come and see you as well. That way I can see Domino too. And ya never no maybe after a month God will give me a kick in the butt and send me that way."
*Katie looks down at her plate as her Pizza sits there half eaten. Suddanly she wasent hungry anymore. Katie hated that she had dispointed someone and hoped Scott would be ok.*
"Alright I'm ready whenever you are."
*Charlotte gives alittle shake of her head at Bret's apologize.*
"There's no need to apologize. You did what I wanted to do. But for what its worth I forgive you."
*Charlotte cant help but grin. Hearing a new name she hasent before she can only guess it was Bret's wife. He dident talk about her offten and by the look in his eye she new why.*
"I wouldnt say its a downfall, only a weekness. We all have them unfortunitly. Personaly and forgive me for saying this I still think you ex wife is pretty silly to let a few problems get in the way of someone so sweet and hunky as yourself. Sometimes ya have to take the bad with the good."
*Charlotte's eyes twinkle as there food arrives. Everything smelled so good, Charlotte's stomach turned as it was calling to the food. Taking a bit Charlotte continues to hold her grin. After a few more moment of silence she puts her for down to reply to Bret.*
"I guess this might be. It's kind of sad when you think about it. When I got back to Cali I am going to have no one to bug."
*Charlotte's grin grows alittle bit. She did really mean she was gonna miss Bret. She spend countless amout of time with him and going back it was going to just feel strange not seeing him.*
"We are leaving Sunday. So you have alittle time left."
* As Misty hears Jason's voice she dosent look up at first.*
"I could always use a n......"
*As Misty finally looks up at Jason she cant help but let a grin slip on her lips.*
"...ight out. Carson would beat you to a palp if he saw you looking like that and asking me out you know."
*Misty couldent help but give alittle laugh. Jason looks good today. Not his normal, extra good.*
"I'd like to get out tonight. Where we headed? When? Why and should I change?"
Undercover
Scott listens to Katie, still chewing and swallowing his pizza. His eyes show a hope...an anticipation...that slowly fades as her answer comes. He lowers his gaze and leans back in his seat, letting his half-eaten slice of pizza wait on his plate.
After the silence has gotten tense enough, Scott looks up to Katie again, giving her half a smile. "It was a long shot." It's obvious that he's doing his ultimate best not to let any disappointment show. "I guess I probably thought that's what you'd say, but it was worth the try."
His smile recedes for a moment before being forced to return as he picks up his pizza again. "Who am I to ever go up against what God has told you? If there's ever been a good reason for doing or not doing something, it's that."
Even though the words are convincing him that the right choice has been made, it's obvious that it's just a little hard for him to finish his food. "I'm...glad you're not giving up on us though." He nods and takes a sip of his soda. "And it won't be all that bad..." The assurance in his voice is lacking, despite his strong efforts. "We can call each other and email, and if you're here, I might try to commute on the weekends if I can afford it. Then we can be together for a day or two every week." He nods with decision and finishes the slice of pizza.
"Alright, well...I guess as soon as you're done here we can skidaddle on back to work before Reese has our hides for taking a long lunch break when there's so much to do."
Bret sits across from Charlotte in the little Greek restaurant as they wait for their food. He gives a sigh, finding it just a tad bit hard to relax after the day they'd already had. "I...guess I want to apologize again..." He breaks the silence. "Just when that guy started accusing me like that...I got to thinking about Brandon...and his family...and I don't know..." His eyes remain glued to the table. "Guess I just lost it."
He forces a short laugh. "Maria always said that was my downfall. Maybe she was right."
Lifting his glass of water, he takes a sip, his mind still wandering. Looking up a Charlotte, he cocks his head. "So...I guess this might be the last adventure fate has with us. When do you and your sister pull out of here?"
After Jason is finished with Nate, he goes back to work for a while, then heads out for a late lunch, taking longer than normal. When he returns, it's obvious as to why. He wasn't planning on going home before heading to the bar tonight. He was just going to work late, then leave straight from here.
A chain hangs down from his jeans beltloop to connect to his back pocket wallet. The jeans he had were worn, a hole starting in the left knee. Motorcycle gloves covered half his hands to leave his fingers free, his black boots helping him with the desired look. His white tee was tucked in under an open camouflage jacket with the sleeves rolled up. To top it off, a black bandanna was folded and wrapped across his forehead as a headband, his hair spiking just above it. He hadn't shaved since yesterday, and his five o'clock shadow finished off the rough appearance.
"Wooee." Laura calls out to him with a whistle as he passes. "Where are you headed?!"
Jason turns around and throws her a wry grin. "To fight with your boyfriend." Leaving her hanging, he aims for the infirmary. Heading down the hall, he stops at the open door and looks in to Misty's desk. "Hey, Misty...Short notice, but how would you like to get out of the office for a while tonight?"
Greek
*Charlotte cant help but grin at Bret turning back to her sister and waving.*
"I guess thats your answer. I'll be back at the hotel sooner or later."
*Angelica rolls her eyes geting into her car and drives away.
Charlotte lets out a laugh as her sister speeds down the road.*
"I love picking on her its so funny. Now food...do you have any good Greek restronts in this part?
*Charlotte gets into Brets ready to start the rest of a stress free day.*
*Nate nods thinking about what he had to do in the mean time and than nods to Jason.*
"9 at Kelley's I'll be there."
*Nate returns back to his work to see what he can get done in such a short amount of time.*
*Katie sits acorss from Scott she cant help but giggle watching him fight with his pizza. The afternoon had gone well and lunch with Scott even better. It was always nice to just chat with him about anything.
So...
Bret nods to Angelica and returns the handshake. “I appreciate everything.”
Turning to Charlotte he quirks an eyebrow. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a quarter and is ready to toss, but then stops and shakes his head. “I don’t think I’m leaving this one up to fate.” He grins at her. “I better get in all I can before you take off again. You name the place.”
“Mm, pizza sounds like a fantastic idea.” Scot starts to straighten the papers on Trish’s desk. At Katie’s question, he rolls his eyes. “I was doing great until this.” He rubs his wrist gingerly. “Otherwise not to bad I guess. Just…another morning.”
Jason nods. “Kelley’s across town. I’ll got at it myself tonight and see what happens. If I’m lucky enough to get spotted then invited, I’ll see about Misty going with me from there.”
He nods decisively. “How about nine o’clock tonight. I’ll probably just work late and leave from here – take my bike. Then you can show up shortly after.”
…Scott takes a bite of pizza, the cheese stretching out long as he tries to bite it off. Grinning, he’s finally successful.
Mom and Pop’s is fairly quiet today with a few customers scattered about. Conversation between Scott and Katie had been kept light for the most part as they enjoyed each other’s company and the food.
But as the meal progressed, there was just as slight tension that rose as well. Finally, Scott asks what he knows they’re both thinking about. “So…have you thought any more about Arizona?”
At first
*Once outside Angelica nods to Bret and exstends her hand.*
"Your welcome Bret. It was nice to meet you. In a week or two you will get a bill in the mail from my office. I'm very inexspensive, and you can pay it when you can its no rush."
*Truning to Charlotte she gives a node and a questioning look.*
"Are you coming back to the hotel with me or?"
*Charlotte looks to Angelica and than back to Bret than to her sister.*
"I'm not sure yet."
*Smiling at Bret Charlotte questions.*
"Would you care to go for victory lunch or should I go back to the hotel with Ang?"
*Charlotte gives a grin and a wink to Bret.*
*Katie bends down and starts to help Scott pick up some papers. She new the question he asked her last night was weaghing heavy on his mind still. Katie also new she owed it to him to let him know her desition. Though she couldent help be nervose she believed this is what God wanted.*
"I'd like to do lunch. Maybe we can do pizza today."
*Katie smiles at Scott as she continues to help him pick up the mess that had been made.*
"So other than this mess..how are you today?"
*Nate smerks at Jason finding humor in the whole thing.*
"I dont know if I cant let you win at first but I can certinly put on a good show, than let you win."
*Listening to more of what Jason had to say Nate throws in here and there what he thinks could be added that should be done and what not.*
"Ya Misty would be good. You wouldent have to worry about her being out in that crowd alone thats for sure. Ya tonight sounds good. What bar and a time."
Old fashioned
Bret sinks back down into his chair, knowing he’d been foolish and feeling stupid for it, though still angry at the situation.
Feeling the touch to his leg, he sees Charlotte withdraw her hand, reveling the coin. He quirks an eyebrow, somehow a slight sense of humor entering in. He obeys Angelica and remains quiet, biting his tongue from further outbursts.
Listening to Charlotte speak, Bret has to admit he’s impressed. She held herself well in the courtroom with the same confidence she showed otherwise. The flirtatious spark wasn’t here, but the fire was, and it grabbed his attention. His eyes shift to the judge, watching for reactions.
As Charlotte concludes, the judge spends what seems like an eternity, contemplating the case.
“You’re Honor…”
The judge holds up his hand to cut off the prosecutor. “I’ve heard enough.” Shifting through some papers and reviewing more evidence, he finally looks at the lawyers present, and at Bret. “Many times, in cases of accidents, someone is to blame. Whether it was due to negligence or stupidity.”
He pauses, shaking his head. “In this case we’ve got three different sides. We’ve got an individual being blamed, a company being blamed, and an office that threw out an accusation before they could be blamed.” He shakes his head again. “This has been handled backward from the beginning – it’s obvious that the surveyor’s office jumped the gun because they knew they should be the guilty party.”
Thinking for several more moments he finally nods. “This was a tragic accident where someone died. But as Miss Lockheart pointed out – there was slim chance that those caves could have been discovered. As such, I can’t see that Titan Inc. can be blamed either. For that matter, if discovery of the caves were impossible before a cave-in, then how can the surveyors even be blamed?”
The judge gives a sigh. “My ruling is for the best interests of all involved, and I hope that this does not happen again. In the future I hope to never have such a tangled and backward case on my desk again. This case is dismissed.”
…Bret takes his eyes off the ground to look up at both Angelica and Charlotte as they reach the vehicles parked out front. “Thank you…both… I apologize for my outburst. I couldn’t have gotten away with this without you two.”
Scott gives a little groan, his face red from embarrassment. Taking Katie’s hand, he picks himself up off the floor. “Yeah, handsome alright… I made a handsome mess, that’s for sure.”
He bends over to start picking up some of the papers, and retrieves the phone to put it back. Pausing, he tilts his head, tossing Katie a smile. “And good morning to you too. I was going to come see if you wanted to do lunch today.” The tone of his voice indicates that he wants to talk to her, and he knows that the subject on his mind would be obvious. He didn’t want to pressure her, but she’d said a day and he wasn’t about to neglect asking her again.
Jason grins a little at Nate’s enthusiasm. “I thought you might like this. The only drawback is that I have to win.”
His eyes show the humor that he isn’t releasing. “I’m on a case to take down an underground racket of street fighting. Local cops have been unsuccessful in finding them and taking them down. I figure to go in the old fashioned way.”
Moving around to the cubicle opening, he leans on the wall, explaining what he’d already planned out in his mind. “They’ve already got some names of some rough guys that frequent a bar downtown. The cops are pretty sure they’re involved in the racket. What I’d like to do is give them a nice show. I’ll head down, spend some time there, then you show up. We get in a nice brawl and I show off enough to catch someone’s eye. Throw a few comments around and see if it’ll get me an invitation to a real fight. After that, I’m in. I figure having a partner would be good for this, and I’m thinking about Misty. She knows the rough side of things, and would be better cover than a second man.”
Jason pauses, trying to think if he left anything out. “So…what are you plans for tonight?”
Coin
*Lockheart trys to calm Bret down at the argument only to finally stand once the judge talks to her giving a nod to him.*
"Yes your Honor if you would forgive Mr. Parker. He just got work his dear friend passed and has not had the right amount of time to greave so I blame his out burst on that. It wont happen agan you Honor."
*Siting down Angelica leans into Bret and keeps her voice on the low.*
"Bret you need to stay calm and quiet this isent going to help anything. Let me do my job. I know its hard to hear all this information but you have to remain calm."
*As Charlotte sits next To Bret she move forward in her seat for just a moment. Reaching her hand out she touches Bret's leg. Moving her hand away a coin is revealed face up. Pushing her chair back Charlotte stands.*
"Your Honnor I have some information and a statment of my own I would like to bring up..."
*The prosicuter stands himself as Charlotte nears the judge.*
"...She cant do that your Honner not in the middle of the trial he can not change lawyers."
*Charlotte looks at the prosicuter her confadent her face no flinching revealing what he said.*
"Your Honnor, Mr. Parker is not changing lawyers. I have apart of this case and have been helping Miss. Lockheart out. I am in this as much as anyone. There is no rule saying you cant have more than one Lawyer as long as such is stated before the hearing."
*Charlotte draws silent for a moment wating for another reply from the judge. See a nod of his head Charlotte continues taking a few papers from the table.*
" Your Honnor Mr. Parker had no ill will when he started out here. There was no neglagence involved. As people had been researching these under ground caves now since they have been discoveder. Its been shown in reports that the earth is several feel deep between the air pockets and the surfice. Even with the best Escavators Titan Inc. could offord they probley never would of discovered these cave. The weaght of the dozers, and all the people walking is that caused this to happen...Also your Ho...."
*Charlotte is cute off as the prosicuter trys to talk over her. Not paying any attachen to him Charlotte raises her voice to speak over him.*
"ALSO your Honnor, Mr. Parker has been with Titan Inc. for over six years and this is the first misshap. On top of that I have a copy here your Honnor..."
*Charlotte hands the judge a paper.*
"..a document signed by Titan Inc. and Mr. Parker saying that the team he choose to do the excavation was an ok one and they did there own background check on the company. So there in front of you in black and white Titan Inc. gave there ok."
*Charlotte regroups and takes a few steps back.*
"From where I stand and the information that I just gave you it look to me that Titan Inc. knows they made a mistake, was it Mr. Parker's mistake no. It was Titan Inc. for not really doing a background check and now people are hurt, an innocent boy has passed away and Titan Inc. knows if they dont blame someone alse they have alot of bills to pay."
*Returning back to her seat Charlotte looks at the judge again.*
"That is all your Honnor."
*Siting down Charlotte smiles at Bret and than at Angelica.
Angelica smiles at her sister listing to everything she had to say. Very shocked and proude of what she just did.*
*As Katie see the chair go flying out of Trish's cubicle and hears a loud crash she cant help but cring knowing exacly where Scott is. Giving a shake of her head she retreaves the chair and pushes back into Trish's cubicle. Seeing Scott still laying on the floor Katie stands over top of him smiling down and offers him her hand.*
"Well good morning to you too Handsome."
*Nate looks up at Jason a smile forming on his face.*
"A bar fight huh?"
*Nate thinks for a moment.*
"Sounds dangerous!"
*Nate stops and thinks again.*
"A change to get out of the office."
*Once more he stops and thinks about all the other times he went on tasts with Jason. Good or bad they always had fun.*
"Count me in. What do we have?"
Order
Jason watches Katie leave and makes sure she’s out on the main floor again before shutting his door. Leaning back against it, he takes a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm and not dwell too much on what had just happened. It was funny how something they had lived with everyday for so long had suddenly become awkward.
Shaking his head, he goes back to his desk and tries to concentrate on work, picking up where he’d left off. It doesn’t take him long to remember the plan he’d been formulating, and he heads out, aiming for Nate’s desk.
“Nate…” Jason pauses at the cubicle, a few papers in hand. “How would you like to get in a bar brawl with me?”
Scott plugs the last thing in under Trish’s desk and backs out on all fours. Standing, he brushes off his jeans, satisfied that everything was in place for when she came back from making copies.
Turning around too quickly, he catches himself on the computer chair that was closer than he thought. Tripping on one of the casters, he falls forward, somehow winding up cockeyed on his stomach in the seat. His force, however is enough to shoot the chair out the cubicle opening.
Legs flying, somehow one of Scott’s feet catches the phone cord hanging off the desk. With a desperate wail, he’s first shot out the door, then yanked off the chair and onto the floor by his foot.
The chair goes flying, upending and clattering on the floor. Scott sprawls on his face, his foot still tangled, and when he rolls over, the phone finally gives, coming crashing down. It’s own movement from the desk catches a stack of paperwork that follows suit.
Before “Ohhh crap!” is out of Scott’s mouth, papers are everywhere and he sits…in the middle…on the floor…just staring at the mess he’d just created.
Bret nods at Angelica, not quite as confident as she was about this whole thing, but following her lead.
It takes longer than he would have liked to get inside, to the right room, and finally getting called up.
The judge is dry and without much emotion, going through the routines, reading off the facts of the case, then allowing the prosecution to begin with their accusation.
Bret sits in between Angelica and Charlotte, his leg bouncing nervously. He hated it in here. It was a big room, but he still felt claustrophobic. He just wanted to get this thing over with.
Listening to the prosecution attorney, his blood begins to boil.
“…who obviously neglected to choose a company with credentials matching the needs of Titan Inc. It is evident that Mr. Parker was negligent, and as a result of that negligence, one man may never walk again, and another is dead. I do not see how one can may assume he is guiltless…”
As the accusation drones on, Bret’s jaw tightens. His mind reels. He was in a courthouse he dreaded to begin with. He was grieving over the loss of a friend. He was facing the possibility of being out of a job. It was hot and humid in here. He was trying not to think about the past. And here he was, taking in these absurd accusations. They might as well be saying that it was premeditated murder. The thought alone that Bret could be responsible for Brandon’s death was enough to make him sick.
“…instead of checking other reputable surveying offices, Mr. Parker...”
“That’s not true!” Bret is on his feet, his voice raised before he even realizes what he’s doing. “You know dang well that I checked other sources and I found the lowest bid! How can you think that you can get away with this garbage?!”
The judges gavel bangs, echoing loudly in the room, but the argument has already started. The prosecutor’s voice matches Bret’s, both shouting at one another, their words mixing to something not even understandable to listeners. Bret is seething, his face red from anger, feeling the overwhelming urge to punch someone…something…anything.
“Order!” the judge shouts. He takes advantage of the slight pause. “Miss Lockheart, control your client! I will not have this in my courtroom, do you understand me? Either set him down and keep him still, or I will have him escorted out!
7/2/08
thank you
*Katie listens to Jason and bit of her feeling better. He was being really understanding and Katie apreshated that. Listening alittle bit closer to what Jason said about the people at TJY her heart felt at peace for a moment. Was this is answer Katie was looking for? Was God telling her where she belonged at the moment in time?
Katie gives a smile to Jason and alittle nod.*
"I promise I will let you know when I feel bad next time."
*Katie gives Jason a friendly hug and than turns to leave again.*
"Thank you J, forevery thing."
*Katie slowly makes her way out of Jason's office and back to her desk.*
*Charlotte can feel Bret's tention standing outside the court house. Catching up to him she give him a small smile. *
"Everything is going to be ok. Your dont alone."
*Angelica is the next to walk up next to Bret with her brefcase in hand. She wore the confadent air she usally did going into a case. Scaning the court house geting a feel for it.*
"Make sure you stay clam in there Bret no matter what they say, and no matter how it hurts. Let me do the talking for you. Thats what I am here for. If you need to break for anything let me know and I will ask for you."
*Leting out a breath Angelica looks at Bret and Charlotte giving a small nod and a genuin smile something she dident do offten.*
"Ok, lets get a move on."
*Angelica is the first inside followed by Charlotte and Bret.*
Waiting
Jason cocks his head a little and offers Katie a bit of a crooked smile. “Hey…but you’re not alone.” He searches her eyes trying to convey reassurance. He hated seeing her like this…confused and vulnerable. “You couldn’t be surrounded with more people that care about you…” He gives a short laugh. “I don’t know what this place would do without you, Hero. This poor office might not be able to survive.”
He gives her chin a playful tweak. “I’m sorry you felt all that though. I’ll be careful with what I do and when I do it alright? But promise me you’ll tell me if you’re feeling bad. I can’t change anything if I don’t know I need to.”
Scott works with Trish's computer just a couple desks away from Katie's, constantly looking over to see if she had come back to her cubicle yet.
Sighing for the umpteenth time, he concentrates back on his work.
Bret shakes his head and gives a little roll of his eyes at Charlotte. “Next time take two out of three flips – chance might decide it doesn’t want any more housework.”
Obeying Charlotte’s lead, he heads across the room for the door. On his way, something odd catches his eye. It was such a silly thing and he knew it, but it stopped him anyway. The stack of magazines that had been spread around and making a mess were now piled neatly to the side of the coffee table, organized by date. He never organized things like that…he would have just piled them all together. But they used to get organized by date anyway… Maria wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Glancing back to Charlotte, Bret suddenly realizes that this is the first time in four years that a woman has been in his house. And for the first time today, if felt just a little awkward.
Shaking it off before he said something foolish, he continues his route outside, holding the door for her, then locking it behind him.
The ride to the hotel is quick, and before long, they’re joined by Angelica and heading to the courthouse.
Once parked and heading inside, Bret pauses, looking at the large entrance doors. He had a bad taste in his mouth when it came to this place. The judge’s ruling still rang in his ears. The feeling of despair still clung to him.
Rolling his eyes at himself, he steps forward, looking back at Angelica and Charlotte. “Well…let’s get this thing over with.”
The Coin said
*As Jason calls for Katie to wait turns around. The more she stood in that office the more her mind wondered. Feeling Jason's hand on her shoulder she leans her face on it for a moment. Jason's touch even if it was just as a friend bringing her comfort. Her voice lets out a low whisper.*
"Ya, I'm ok."
*Katie lets out a sigh and thinks for a moment stairing back into Jason's eyes. Thinking about what just happend. She wasent even sure herself.*
"I'm not sure what happend Jason but I felt the emptyness of you hiding something and I felt suddonly very alone. It braught up alot of my own past emotions from before I first met you. I dont know why they came up. They were just there. Its not your fault I just dont know what happening to me."
*Katie looks back at the floor before she looks at Jason again. Her mind ran around on so many things. Katie dident want to hurt anymore, Not Scott, not Jaosn when he was trying to move on. All Katie could do was continue to ask God for guildent and a sign on what to do.*
*As Charlotte sits on the coutch watching tv she trying to keep the smile on her lips hidden hearing Bret come down the steps. As Bret comes around to the front of her, her smile finally breaks forth. Shuting off the TV Charlotte stands near Bret giving alittle shrug.*
"I fliped a coin. It landed face up so that ment I wanted to clean. Anyways if you let the sun in and see the dirt that gives you reason to clean it and be able to breath. If you stumble around in the dark all the time your going to be lost and you will never get to see those coins flip. Personaly I dont want you to miss out on a good coin toss when it involves me."
*Charlotte cant help but let a grin form on her face. She dident care Bret had problems, and she liked to be bold with him and tell him what was on her mind it just felt good in a way. Giving his shoulder a gentil pat she nods twords the door.*
"Come on lets get going before I flip a coin on whether I do your dishes or not."
*Misty walks back inside with Carson his arms still wrapped around her. Why did she let Carson get away with what he did? She new good and while he was feeding her lie after lie. One of these days she new she would snap and that would be when all would break lose. Misty hoped in her heart of hearts it wouldent come to that but she was 100% sure it wouldent no matter how she tryed to keep faith in trusting Carson.*
Card
As Jason spots the tear in Katie's eye, he brings the exercise to a halt, his eyebrows rising.
Confused when Katie starts to leave the office, he stands. "Katie...wait..." Going to her, he rests a hand lightly on her shoulder, concerned by her reaction. His own pain surfaces with the thought that he had hurt her with his efforts. He hadn't meant to. "Are you okay? What happened?"
Bret takes his time with his shower, trying to knock the cobwebs out of his head, and by the time he's pulling on a clean shirt, he's feeling more like himself. Tucking in his button-down shirt, he gives a last glance in the mirror. Well, he looked presentable enough... His attire would just have to do for court.
Running a comb through his wet hair, he rolls his eyes. It was being unruly today, and no comb was going to do the trick. Today, gel was required.
Finally as ready as he could get, he heads back downstairs from his bedroom, coming back into the living room. Hearing the television, he spots Charlotte, then stops. His eyes roam the room. It looked...cleaner.
Quirking an eyebrow he looks a little closer, noting all the items that had been picked up or dusted. He sets his hands on his hips and walks around to where he can see Charlotte, and cocks his head. "I didn't know that housework and entertainment mixed."
Carson starts to say something in retaliation to Misty lying for him, but stops himself. It wasn't worth the argument. Sighing a little, he withdraws his arm from her and instead, wraps it around her shoulders. He doesn't like the feeling that was evolving between them...his actions and attitude was starting to drive a wedge between them, and it didn't feel good. But if he could just hang on until this was over. A few more weeks and he'd have everything he needed.
The lower level of TJY is quiet, other than the rustling of garbage bags as Ty makes his rounds. He hadn't gotten in last night - a blown-out tire on his bicycle had seen to that, and by the time he'd walked back home, made a call, walked to the store, gotten a new tire and fixed it, it was too late to try finishing work. Hal had been there to do his share, but now the rest of the building needed to be cleaned.
Working his way down the hall, Ty pauses, glancing around to be sure no one was near. Pulling a piece of mail out of his pocket, he sits down on a bench and stares at the envelope. It had come yesterday. He recognized the name...the envelope was blue and bigger than normal letter envelopes. He'd only seen it this morning with the mail Wyatt had brought in the day before, but hadn't dared to look at it until now.
He stares at the return address. It might as well have been Greek. He runs his finger over the handwritten letters. H...H...e...n or m? Giving up, he flips the envelope over and slits it open with a finger. Drawing out the contents, his eyes widen slightly. A card?
It was bright and cheery with two words arching over a picture. Ty didn't have to know how to read those two words. The picture of a birthday cake said it all. A smile starts to form. He'd never received a birthday card before... His adopted family had just never celebrated birthdays, least of all his. The vivid colors on this folded paper was so simple, but enough to give him a warm feeling inside. So this is what it felt like. Tomorrow was his birthday...he'd forgotten. But who had known? And who had even wanted to send a greeting?
Just sitting and savoring the card for a moment, he finally opens it up. More words...H..o...p...e? "Hop...Ho....hop....." Ty gives a little sigh. His eyes scan the handwritten message on the inside. Someone had pretty writing, and he admired it, even though he couldn't read it. Glancing to the bottom of the card, he sees four signed names. But...two of them weren't really names.
Tears well up in Ty's eyes. "M...o...m ....D...a...d." He pronounces the cherished words in his mind as his fingers outline the letters. He knew the other two names had to be Clint and Roaslynn's. The handwritten note surely was his own mother's.
Sitting alone in the hall, he just stays for a long while, a few silent tears running down his cheek. To be loved...this was something new.
Void
*As Jason consintrates so does Katie. Her mind filling with Jason's thoughts of being nervouse starting for the consert. Going the the emotions one by one feeling, than like walking in a hall at night smacking into somehting. Katie came to the emptyness where all seemed calm. Yet there was something that sruck a cord. Consintrating harder Katie tryed to see the unseen. A dim light broke though so close you could reach but so far you couldent grasp. As the emptyness lingers a tear falls from the courner of her eye the emptyness was strange and uninviting. It made her feel her own feelings from the past. What was wrong with her.
Giving a whipe to her face Katie gives a smile and whispers as she stands.*
"It worked that time J. In no time we will have a handle on this. I better get back to work before Reese thinks I skiped out."
*Heading twords the door Katie stops steding her hand as it shook alittle. Calling over her shoulder.*
"If you wanna try more later let me know."
*After Bret leaves the room Charlotte turns from the window scaning the livingroom. A grin cross her face as she pulls a coin from her pocket. Fliping it, it lands heads up. Chucking to herself she puts the coin back in her purse. If Bret wasent going to try and be perky she was going to help alittle. Heading into the kitched She grabs some paper towles. Working quickly Charlotte opens the front windows to leave some air in and starts to clean up the living room. Picking up clothing, paper, straghtening things out and whiping table dusk and what not away.
It takes Charlotte about 15 minutes and soon the living dosent look perfect but alot better than it did. Siting down on the coutch she turns the tv on to wait for Bret.*
*Misty shakes her head as she listens to Carson. Taking note to him not looking her in the eyes again. Giving a sigh she asks herself "how long, how long will this go on."*
"Like you havent run off with me before. Just do you know Carson Rick dosent know you told me he looks at your eyes..."
*Misty stands as Carson does.*
" Yes, I lied for you this time Carson to my own boss."
*Changing the subject fast Misty takes Carson's arm.*
"Come on lets get back to work."
Sunlight
Jason cringes just a little. "Oops." He tries not to let his embarrassment continue to bombard him. By now Katie knew everything about the way he felt, so who cared. "Okay, okay... one more try... Um..."
He racks his brain, trying to think of something again...two things with strong emotions attached. Snagging onto a scene with he band, he pulls that one up. Getting ready to play, backstage, his nerves were high. Excited, but a ball of nerves.
He squints a little. It almost hurt to do this. What else... Con. Jason replays the day he'd heard that Con might have died in the cave-in. It was dread and fear this time. He felt it again, but tucked it safely back, letting the nervousness from the JetStream experience rule. At least if Katie felt both it was less intimate...though he was pretty sure that this time he'd gotten it. All he had to do was let the nervousness out, turn off that fear, and.... He blinks. It hurt. But he knew it had worked.
Looking Katie in the eye again, he cocks his head, testing her. "How about now, smarty pants."
Carson flinches a little as Misty touches the bruise. No, he'd had a fist the size of a dinner plate coming at him a hundred miles an hour to slam iron knuckles into the side of his face. But sure...moving wrong while he slept would do just as well. "Guess I ought to get a softer pillow eh?"
His eyes continue to roam, finally settling on a bent blade of grass by his sneaker. He could feel Misty looking at her...he could feel her hesitance. She knew something was wrong. And why wouldn't she? It didn't take a genius to figure out that Carson was skirting around issues, and now she was catching on that he'd been lying. Was it even possible to ease her mind while continuing to keep his secret? He didn't know.
"Well, since this is gone..." He puts out his cigarette and changes the subject. "I suppose I should go back inside. "They see both of us gone, they're liable to think I ran off with you or something."
Bret squints a little as the sunshine comes in through the window. Tilting his head, he studies Charlotte's frame, pondering her words. She was flirty, outgoing, adventurous and fun. But she hadn't sacrificed her mind. She had a grasp on feelings that Bret didn't often see in people anymore.
"When I let the sunlight in, I see the dirt even better," he muses in rebuttal. "At least in the dark I can't see what a mess I'm in."
Stuffing another cracker in his mouth and finishing off his water, he stands up. He was starting to dwell on the past, and that was something he avoided at all cost. "I'm going to take a shower and change into something that will convince your sister I was behaving myself all day. If you haven't had breakfast, help yourself to whatever I got. If you have..." He stops, entering the hallway. "Entertain yourself."
Better To
*Trying to find humor in the whole thing Katie shakes her head this time feeling what Jason was feeling and thought of Camryn and food.*
"Dont move to fast Romieo. Your still learning how to controll this."
*For some reason something was nagging at Katie inside about this whole thing. A strange feeling settled in her stomach. It wasent a feeling from Jason but one of her own she just couldent put her finger on it.*
*Misty sits down on the ground her words slipping from her mouth before she cant stop them.*
"I might be smart but at times a feel like a fool."
*Reaching over she takes Carson chin and tilts it so she can look at the burse.*
"Its better to let me worry than lie to me you know."
*Taking her finger she runs it over the bruse checking it out.*
"Looks like you will be ok. You might of just bumped it wrong when you were sleeping."
*Charlotte studys Bret for a long moment pondering his words. Standing her goes over to the cutrin and pulls the shaids up.*
"You know if you let some sun and fresh air in here it wouldent be so bad. If you keep yourself closed up all the time I know why you wallow. Fate is fate but it only goes so far. You choose to sit here and wallow when you should be out there. Bad things happen to good people all the time, but that dosent mean our life should stop. It should give us more of a reason to move on, and do better next time."
*Charlotte continues to look out the window everything she was saying she felt. She had told her sister the same thing after Angeal had been taken away. Thats how Charlotte lived her life, trying not to wallow. Thats why she was always trying to move and takes chanses. If she ever slowed down she new she would lock herself away like Angelica did and she dident want that. She loved life. She was happy she got to shair some of her love for life with Bret over the weekend he needed it. Charlottle only hope that what she gave Bret that weekend, the spark she found in his eyes would return again so he could pick himself up and move on.*
Too smart
Bret gives Charlotte a wry grin. "You think too much like I do." He takes another sip of water and sighs deeply, not tired, but not having much energy either. "I guess now you're witnessing the ultimate wallower. Wasn't bad enough I went downtown, but I sit here and do it too." He pauses and shakes his head. "Welcome to my life apart from weekends led by chance."
Jason raises his eyebrow, hardly wanting to hope it had really worked. "Really?" Thinking for a moment, his eyes widen. "That's it..." His mind reels. "That's what it is... it's like a....like...a..." He gropes for a good example. "Like a faucet. Turn it on full blast and you get everything....thoughts, emotions, feelings, whatever. I've shut it off before, but apparently that has ill effects on you. But now...now if I can fine tune it... I can just shut it off partway to keep whatever I want from getting to you."
Getting just a little excited, he closes his eyes, trying to think of something. He hadn't had much breakfast this morning...he was hungry...he was getting a dull ache in his stomach for the want of food. Concentrating on that, he also pulls in a thought about Camryn, daring to replay the other evening in his mind. But instead of letting it out along with his hunger, he holds it back like he had with the paperclip.
Opening his eyes back up, he looks at Katie, with question, trying to read her face. What had she felt?
Carson glances up as Misty rounds the corner. He shouldn't be surprised. He was overdue to get back inside, and Misty had probably wondered where he was, and knew where he'd been lately.
At Misty's words that they needed to talk, Carson bristles. Using his bent knee as an armrest, he taps his cigarette absentmindedly, his eyes drifting anywhere but to her own.
He shrugs. "Sorry. Just didn't want you to worry, that's all. I knew the dang bruise got worse, but it's not like it's life threatening, so I figured if you thought I'd seen Rick, you wouldn't worry about it." He gives a short laugh, giving her a sidelong glance. "Guess that one backfired on me. You're too smart for your own good."
stop
*Charlotte smiles at Bret clearing off some paper from the end of the couch and sits down.*
"We have about 2 hours. You should be fine by than and if you think not, try laying down for an hour. And as far as Angelica goes what she dosent know wont kill her."
*Charlotte continues to sit and just looks around the room. It really was a nice hour dispite the mess.*
*As the thoughts of Camryn enter Jason's mind Katie can once again feel them to givng alittle crings.*
"Stop saying your sorry would you. Its not like you cant help it."
*Watching Jason put the metal on his skin again. This time the only feeling she had was emptyness. She dident feel the clip to Jason's skin at all. Looking at her hand and than back up at Jason she smiles.*
"I think it worked that time. One small step for you, one giant leap for something or other."
*It was a strange feeling to see Jason doing something but for once not feel it. She wasent sure if she liked it or not, but what had to be done had to be done for everyone sake.*
*Misty makes her way outside. Not seeing Carson at his desk she new where he would probley be. It seemed he was spending alot of time around the courner these days. Catching sight of him Misty walks over leting out a sigh and keeling down.*
"Hey Babe."
*Misty thinks for a moment. Did she really want to bring them up to Carson? Would he get upset?*
"We need to talk. Rick caught me today when I was doing some work and asked what happend to you eye."
*Misty looks down at the ground and than back up at Carson.*
"How come you told me you saw him when you dident?"
Outside
Bret opens one eye and lamely receives the water and crackers. He knew the routine and wasn't one to fight it. "Thanks...I think."
Taking a swallow of water, then crunching into a cracker, he sinks a little lower in the couch. "How much time we got to sober me up anyway? Your sister is going to kill me."
Rick quirks an eyebrow at a strange tone in Misty's voice, but dismisses it, turning back to his work.
Jason sighs with frustration and rolls his eyes. "This is ridiculous. Do you even realize what we're doing here? Anyone finds out, they'll throw us in the looney bin."
He wanted to dismiss the whole thing. It really was something that made him uncomfortable. This whole thing was just... weird. He knew it had to be just as bad for Katie thought.
Giving a sigh, he lifts the paperclip again. "I'm not giving up. There's got to be a way."
For a moment he thinks about how he needs to conquer this for Katie's sake. She couldn't go around all the time feeling what he felt. The most prominent example in his mind was any interaction he had with Camryn. He was getting closer to her, and the feelings that evoked were...
Jason comes to a screeching halt, his eyes looking back up to Katie as his cheeks grow warm. "Sorry."
Quickly concentrating on the task again, he closes his eyes for a moment. He could do this. It had to be possible... Digging the metal lightly into his hand, he tries again, this time allowing himself to accept the pain but not emit it. It was almost like a mask, veiling the true feeling, and letting the rest of his emotions, the consistent ones, fill in the holes instead to cover up the fact he was in pain.
His eyes drift back to Katie, having an odd sense this time that he had been successful. It felt...different.
Carson glances at his watch and knows he needs to get back inside before he gets into trouble. He decides to finish off his smoke first though, figuring Reese hadn't given him much pressing work lately anyway. He'd just been getting a lot of research duties that made him hope all the more for more tasks from Brown.
I dont think
*Charlotte cant help but give alittle laugh as she entered Bret's house. If someone asked her what the thought it would look like, she probley would of said a mess. Watching Bret go into the living room Charlotte sets her own purse down on the table before looking around.The house was rather big and if kept up on it could look pretty nice. Finding the kitchen Charlotte searches for a glass and gets Bret some water. Also finding a pack on crackers on the counter she grabs them and brings them back into the livingroom.*
"Here drink and eat this is will help ya feel better."
*Misty just continues to look up at Rick. She was stuned herself Carson had lied again. Why, why would he lie to her again.*
"Oh its nothing I just figured he's come and have you take a look at it since I wasent here yesterday morning is all."
* Misty turns her head back to her work. Had she just lied to Rick? She was now upset with Carson and herself. She lied to save his hide and she dident even know why.
Excising herself Misty stands and leave the office to try and find Carson.*
*Katie draws in a breath. This sound absalutly abserd. But Jason wanted to try and help her she might as well go along with it trying.*
"Ok, might as well be a good first place to start."
*As Jason runs the paper clip along his finger Katie can feel a tingly sensation run through her hand, than a sharp sting causeing her to lift her hand and shake it.*
"I dont think it worked that time."
Pain?
Bret directs Charlotte the short drive to his house, and arriving, he takes back his keys and gets out of the car to lead the way up the short walk to the front door.
He takes it in stride, as if not thinking a thing about having Charlotte there - whether he really didn’t care, or whether it was the alcohol skewing his judgment wasn’t clear.
Letting her in behind him, the screen door shuts on its own with a quiet bang.
The house is bigger than one would expect a bachelor to live in, indicating that perhaps he had won the battle to keep it over four years ago. The interior, however, was probably what one would expect. It was fairly clean, but cluttered, the living room scattered with everything from old magazines to clothing that hadn’t made it from the washer to the bedroom. The carpet of the entryway had been neglected, with evidence of his job caked to it and his boots that were by the door. The kitchen off to the right was well-stocked with food and not atrociously dirty, though the sink was half-full of dishes that needed to be washed, and those that had been washed hadn’t been put away. The air the house wore was one of someone who perhaps had let go of some things for the sake of mourning what they once had.
Bret tosses his keys on the coffee table in the living room, and flops down on his couch, pulling out a newspaper from underneath him and letting it fall to the floor on top of a week’s worth of papers.
Leaning his head back and closing his eyes, he knows he needs to eat and drink something to take the edge off, but his brain just doesn’t quite seem to want to get him there. “Make yourself at home,” he mumbles. “Ignore the mess.”
Rick lifts his eyebrows in surprise at Misty. “No…Carson didn’t say anything about it…I thought it looked like he’d been socked good by someone with a hard fist, but I didn’t ask him. Figured if it was bad enough he’d come to me, but he didn’t. Why?”
Jason grimaces slightly, knowing he must sound ridiculous. “Um…yeah, I guess that’s what I’m saying.”
He pauses, trying to come up with something they could work with. Spying a paperclip, he picks it up and unfolds it. “I tried to block one thing out once before, but…I don’t know if it worked or not.” A slight color to his cheeks indicates he’s not willing to say just what it was or when. “I figure unless you want to pull someone in here who can make me mad, physical feeling is the best place to start. I wanna know if I can make it so you don’t feel my pain.”
Taking a moment, he draws in his breath and holds the paperclip to his finger. Concentrating on what he feels, he runs the edge along his skin making it sting.
Experament
*Misty cant help but laugh a she gazes through the micrascope that was on her desk and than goes back to her papers. She dident have to be looking at Rick to know he like herself was probley knee deep in information he dident want to pry away from.
Misty still in deepth in her work dosent even look up when replying to Rick.*
"Oh he got it a few days again he got jumped and than yesterday morning Rick said he probley..."
*Stoping dead in her tracks she looks up at Rick relizing what she just said. Question in her voice as she raises her one eyebrow.*
"You mean you dident talk to Carson about his eye yesterday morning?"
*Charlotte smile and gives a nod thankful that Bret had agreed to come along. As the coin lands on the floor Charlotte cant help but let out alittle chuckle. Geting outside and taking Bret keys she smiles.*
"Your a smart man Bret Parker."
*Geting inbehind the wheel Charlotte cant help but feel like she was special in someway. She could guess Bret dident just let anyone drive his car. Starting the car up Charlotte turns to Bret.*
"Ok so....knowing where you live would be helpfu."
*Waiting for Bret's directions Charlotte listens carfely. Finally squeeling the tired form the parking spot and heading down the road as Bret had directed. Turning the loud music up on the raido.
Moment later Charlotte is pulling into Bret's drive way taking in the sights of the sarounding area. Shuting off his car she hands his back the keys and exits the car.*
*Katie sits across from Jason in one of his chairs listening to what he had to say. Katie thought she understood what Jason was saying.*
"So what your saying is you want to experement with what I can feel and what I cant? Make your way feel one way to see what affect it has and if you can block it?"
*Katie studys Jason's eyes trying to understand what he was saying.*
Tails
Bret sighs deeply, giving Charlotte a sidelong glance as she puts a hand to his shoulder. There was so much he wanted…so much he missed…so much he longed for. And Charlotte stirred them all within him.
Shaking his head, he takes one last swig of beer. “Alright. You win.”
Sliding off the stool, he reaches into his pocket to pay for his drinks. Tossing the bills toward the bartender, a coin falls to the floor. Glancing down, Bret quirks an eyebrow. “Well, whadya know… tails.”
He doesn’t bother to pick up the quarter, aiming for the door. Arriving outside and to his car, he stops. Thinking for a moment, he reaches in his pocket and pulls out his keys. “Tails. You drive so I don’t kill us both.”
Jason gives a slight roll to his eyes and heads for his office. Once inside with Katie, he shuts the door and goes around his desk to sit down. “Look…Katie…I’ve been thinking and…I know there’s got to be a way around this whole thing. You and I both know that we can’t keep living like this… You feeling me all the time is going to ruin more things for you, and it’s going to make you miserable. And…I get miserable just thinking about it.”
He leans his elbows on his desk, studying Katie’s face. “But in order to see if I have a solution, I need to know what you’re feeling… I need to learn how to shut off portions of what I do. But the only way I’ll know if it works, is if you tell me…”
He searches her eyes, not even quiet sure what he’s asking, but hoping she understands anyway. The only way to find out if anything would work, or if there was any solution was to experiment.
Rick ambles past Misty's desk, paperwork in hand as he squints at the small print. Almost running into her chair, he catches himself, realizing he better focus on where he's going.
Glancing down to Misty, he remembers what he was going to ask her. "Oh, say, Misty, I caught sight of Carson's nice shiner yesterday. What's he been getting himself into?"
I see
*Charlotte looks at Bret a bit of worry in her eyes.*
"Bret, we arnt going to let them blame you. You got me. I dont know much about anything yet, but my sister has taught me enough and she is a darn good lawyer. We arnt going to let you go down."
*Charlotte takes another sip of her own drink but end up pushing the rest away from her something she dident do offten. Scaning Bret's face she can see the glazed over look in his eyes another consern rising. Bret couldent be drunk or even tipsy for this hearing. Standing Charlotte puts her arm around Bret's shoulder trying to give him alittle prompting.*
"Come on, lets get you cleaned up for this afternoon. After the hearing when your cleared I'll buy you all the drinks you could possably want ok. And dont go giving up yet on me. I still see a few coin toss in your future."
*Katie looks up at the sound of Jason's voice. As he calls her to come to his office she lets out a sigh having just sat down. Finally geting up she lets out a yawn and carrys with her another cup of coffee following Jason to his office.*
"I dont think you've ever summoned me to your office before J. I kind of want to know what I did wrong now."
*Katie cant help but leave out alittle laugh after her comment.*
Nightmare
“Yeah, well, we all die eventually,” Bret mutters. “And now they want to blame me so they don’t look stupid themselves. A fine mess this is.”
His slight slur gives away the fact that he’s already had a beer or two before Charlotte arrived, and he takes a swig of a new one. He knows he needs to leave so he can be totally sober by this afternoon, but he was just having a hard time getting away. “We lose it all eventually. Why not now. I don’t have anything anyway, so I guess the timing is alright.”
Jason heads to the main floor, spotting Katie just getting to her desk. Arriving at her cubicle, he looks over her wall. “Psst.” He gets her attention. “I need to talk to you…can you come to my office?”
Scott is just rounding the corner, having wanted to catch Katie right when she got to work, but stops, giving a little sigh as he sees Jason beat him to it. Turning back around, he makes a mental note to come back in a few minutes.
Carson and Misty make it to TJY and start their work day, Carson finding it hard to concentrate. He hated himself for the lies he was weaving…they were coming easier and easier now. From excuses about his injuries, to lying about seeing Rick, to lying about where he would be tonight. But he couldn’t tell anyone the truth…there would be too many consequences that he just couldn’t deal with.
It doesn’t take long for him to lose his concentration on his work, sinking back into a state of contemplation that he hates.
Getting up, he heads outside and around the corner to the spot he’s claimed as his own. Sitting on the ground, he sits for a while, lost in thought. Finally reaching for his pack of smokes in his pockets, he lights up, attempting to settled his nerves. He had to see it through. He had to. No matter what.
Leaning his head back against the building, his mind drifts back…so far back… He didn’t often thing about when he was a boy. But today he did. There were good things there…he’d been carefree at one time. Pure and untouched by the world. Not yet given himself away to the temptations that had lured him to the wrong side. And there in the midst of it was something so precious to him…something that now had become a nightmare of worry.
