I couldn't

As Nate takes charge of Carson and Misty, Carson’s face reflects his confusion. What was Nate doing?

He asks no questions though, simply feeling as though he no longer had any control over his own future. There was no point in fighting this. There was no point in running.

Pulling over, his confusion grows when Nate takes the cuffs off. He still says nothing, though, and moves to take off Misty’s as well.

As she puts her hand in his, he tightens his grip to let her know it was going to be okay.

Looking at Nate in the mirror, Carson’s eyes show a strange look of gratefulness mixed with some fear of seeing his sister again. He’d giving up seeing Dani again. He’d figured his one afternoon with her would be their last. But Nate was giving him one more chance.

Finally he nods. “Take the next right.”


Pulling up in front of Lockheart’s, Carson hesitates. He looks to Misty to gather up his strength, then gets out of the car. “You two better come with me,” he directs. “In case someone thinks I’m trying to get away.”

Moving to the front door, he knocks and waits.


Dani looks up at the knock and sees Lockheart go to answer the door. As it swings open, she’s hit with a wave of relief and joy. Her brother was back and alive – that could only mean one thing…he’d accomplished the job.

Running to the door, Dani bypasses Lockeart to throw her arms around Carson’s neck. “You came back…” A tear rolls down her cheek. “You really came back.”

Carson wraps his arms around his sister tightly, giving her a hug. “Yeah…I did.”

Dani withdraws, and seeing he and Misty aren’t alone, her face reddens slightly.

Carson follows her gaze. “Dani, this is our friend Nate. You owe him a thanks too, for helping us. He’s, um…he’s taking us back to Nevada now.”

Dani’s disappointment is evident. “You can’t stay, or…anything?”

Carson shakes his head. “We have to get back.”

“What will…what will happen to you?”

“I don’t know.” Carson forces a dry laugh. “Whatever I deserve, I guess.”

Dani’s eyes fill with tears again. “They won’t…put you in jail, will they?”

“I don’t know, Dani.” Carson reaches out to wipe her tears with his hand. “But I got to see you again and that’s all that counts, eh?”

Dani nods, trying to control her emotions. She’d just gotten her brother back, and was losing him again.

“Hey.” Carson gives her a crooked grin. “Quit worrying. They allow visitors, you know.”

Dani can’t help a little laugh, and she swats his arm. “I don’t want to visit you in jail. I want to just visit you.”

Carson is filled with a feeling he’s not all that familiar with. “Really? You’d want to come see me?”

“Well you’re my brother, aren’t you?”

“Even after all that happened? All the things I did?”

Dani puts a hand to the side of Carson’s face. “Blood is thicker than circumstances, Carson.”

Carson sighs before hugging Dani again. “I have to go.” Looking up, he sees Lockheart and gives a nod. “I’m sorry about all this. Thank you for your help.”


Reese paces his office, waiting for the phone to ring. He knew it wouldn’t be until late that night before heard anything more, but that knowledge didn’t help much. He’d gotten the call that said Misty and Carson had been arrested, and that Nate would be bringing them back. Another officer was already on his way with Misty’s car. Everyone would be brought down to the station for everything to be sorted out.

Brown had told him what Carson had explained to the officers about why he was there, and there had been a third arrest. Reese was confused about it all, and just couldn’t imagine how everything was connected or how to sort it all out.

Sighing, he flops down in his chair, again lifting up a prayer.


TJY is quiet for mid-week. A feeling of melancholy had seemed over the main floor. Everyone knew about Carson and Misty now…Nate was gone…Jason was still in the infirmary and miserable after Rick had told him the severity of his knee injury. Scott was gone. It was just an odd day…one where someone might be tempted to leave early and just go home to curl up on the couch, or just go to a loved one for a hug. Things were happening…things were changing. It was a little bit scary.


“Jason, you’ll pull through this.”

“Yeah, I always do, don’t I?” Jason’s tone is sarcastic, the frown on his face proving his displeasure. He’d refused pain killers for the second time today and his knee felt as though it were on fire.

Camryn sighs. “Come on…I don’t want to come visit a grouch, so you’re just going to have to quit it.”

“Thanks.”

Camryn shakes her head and smirks, moving closer to the bed, and leaning over Jason, putting her hands on the bed so she can look straight down at him. “You’re a difficult person, you know that?”

“Sometimes.” Jason wanted to stay mad…the problem with his knee, if as bad as Rick indicated, could put his future here at TJY in jeopardy. But for some reason, he just couldn’t continue filtering that madness toward Camryn.

Camryn grins and leans in to give his lips a kiss. “I gotta go to work. See you tonight?”

Jason looks at her slyly. “Thought you didn’t want to come see a grouch.”

“Then you better start behaving, huh?” Camryn gives him another kiss before straightening up. “See you later, Hotshot.”

Once she’s gone, Jason takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Being happy around Camryn came easy. But when alone, it was hard. He wasn’t really angry…just…frustrated. Would he really heal well enough to continue working here? The question was as frightening one.


The only sounds on the main floor are the clicking of keyboards and the occasional ring of the phone and quiet conversations.

Domino chews on her toy in Katie’s cubicle, having settled down after a couple hours of being here. She trots around the small area proudly with her prize, flopping down again in her bed that Katie had brought in for her. Suddenly though, her ears perk up and she goes to the cubicle opening and looks down one way, then the other. Giving a little sigh, she waits, listens. Then seems to think it’s okay to investigate whatever it was she’d heard. Trotting across the floor, she appears as she owns the place, ignoring anyone who walks by.

A few minutes later, someone approaches Katie’s cubicle quietly. Standing for a moment behind her, the sound of a backpack sliding from their shoulders to the floor breaks the silence.

A soft male voice comes…one that should not be there. One that was supposed to be miles away by now.

“I couldn’t do it Katie…I couldn’t get past the state line. I love you too much to leave.”

How do we...

*Nate watches as Misty and Carson get into the backseat of the police car. He runs a hand over his own wery face. What Nate was to do next he dident even understand himself but it felt right. After knowing what had been done and why, and seeing Carson spair a life Nate new they dident deserve to be treated like prisoners. Steping up to the officer Nate nods.*

"Why dont you let them back to with me. I'm heading that way anyways, and I know they wont run. That way you guys dont have to go out of your way. They will arrive in once peace."

*As the officer hands the key to the cuffs to Nate he nods. Helping Carson and Misty into his own car still cuffed. Looking into the rerview to watch the officers as he heads the way back to Nevada. Finally a good distince away Nate stops the car. Geting out her goes around to Carson's side of the car and opens the door.*

"Lean forward."

*As Carson does so Nate uncuffs him and than hands him the keys for Misty. Geting back into the Car it look in the rearview mirror at Carson.*

"How do we get to Lockheart's from here? You can tell your sister its safe yourself."

*Nate pulls out again and drives awaiting Carson's direction.*

*As Misty sits next to Carson she wonders whats going on. What was Nate doing? As her cuffs are removed she rubs her wrists. Taking Carson's hand in her own she cant help but quiver alittle. Was would happen next? What would happen to them? What was Nate doing? Leaning over to Carson she gives alittle smile.*

"No matter what, I proud of you Carson. You could of killed Zane and you dident. You have changed alot."

Arrested

Carson’s jaw is locked, his mind only on one thing. But as he hears Misty and feels her, he hesitates. His eyes continue to glare at Zane, now the battle within him intensifying.

Nate’s words, added to Misty’s, finally is enough to break his want to kill. Slowly, he lowers his arm, and takes a deep breath. “You’re a lucky man, Zane…a very lucky man.”

Zane is so relieved that he simply falls back to lie on the ground, not even thinking about trying to escape.

Carson folds his knife in again and runs a hand over his face. “Alright…call the cops…”


“…You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you…”

Carson grits his teeth as the handcuffs are tightened around his wrists. It wasn’t fair that he and Misty were being arrested right along with Zane. He’d told his story…but it wasn’t for these officers to decide what to do. They would be driven back to Nevada, most likely to Sheriff Brown for further judgment. Zane would face the courts.

Before being pushed into one of the police cars, Carson glances back at Nate. He was still grateful for the help. “Call Lockheart,” he instructs, “So she knows to tell Dani it’s okay to go home now. And have her tell Dani that I’m sorry I couldn’t see her one more time before I left.”

“Watch your head.”

Carson ducks, being forced to get into the backseat of the police car next to Misty. It was going to be a very long ride home.

Knifs

*Misty stands silent watching Carson. Her own eyes drawn cold to show no emotion that Zane could feed off of. With each word spoken Misty's own irration grew. What a low down dirty thing for anyone to do and for what? A bit of money?

As Misty watchs Carson and can tell by the flex in his arm he was ready to throw. A wave of fear runs through her. Slowing steping along side Carson ashe runs her hand on his arm trying to catch his eye.*

"Hey, knifs are my specilty..."

*Misty gives alittle smile.*

"..let the law take it from here Carson. Dont turn back into the man you once were."

*Nate watches and dosent say much stay pretty nutrel. Though as Carson goes to throw a bit of consern shoots through him and listing to Misty's words he can only hope Carson will listen to her.*

"Listen to her Carson. You murder this skum and you can bet you bottom dollar you'll go to jail for life. Do you really want to leave that pretty thing standing next to you for good?"

Threats

Domino settles down a little bit with Katie’s attention, and soon is happy to carry around her toy. Getting into Katie’s car as if she owns the passenger seat, she looks out the window as they go, growling every time she sees another car. Once at TJY, she follows Katie obediently, her toy in her mouth once again.


Zane freezes as he sees Nate’s gun. Surprise comes over him, and he hesitates. Anger in his eyes, but unable to retaliate, he obeys, standing and walking ahead of Nate off to the side and beyond the thin row of trees. It was apparent that he knew it was smarter to do as he was told than retaliate at this point.

Carson wastes no time in meeting them, and feeling in as safe secluded spot, he grabs Zane by the collar, slamming him up against a tree trunk. “I ought to kill you with my bare hands,” he growls.

Zane’s face has gone pale and he holds out his arms to the sides. “Try, and you’ll….you’ll be shot dead where you stand.”

“Where are they?” Carson demands. “Where are your men?”

“If I told you that, I would have no leverage.”

“Exactly.” Carson keeps Zane pinned with his forearm under the man’s throat, while reaching in his pocket to draw out a knife and exposing the blade. “But you know me, Zane… You know about me, don’t you? I could make a turnip talk if I wanted to bad enough.” He brings the blade up to run it lightly along Zane’s face and under his ear to barely tip his throat. “I’ve only had one person I couldn’t break, and they were protecting someone other than themselves. You don’t have a chance.”

Sweat pours down the sides of Zane’s face and he squirms under Carson’s hold. “You’re gonna die if you keep this up. If I….if I don’t show up in ten minutes, they’ll come. You’ll see…they will.”

“How many?”

“For me to know.”

“How many?!” Carson applies pressure to the knife on Zane’s cheek.

“Alright, alright!” Zane cries out. “I lied!”

Carson glares at him. “What?!”

“I lied!” Zane swallows hard. “It’s just me…just me….I don’t have nobody working with me.”

“Of all the stupid….”

“I wanted it all for myself!” Zane continues to squirm. “If I had help, I’d have to give them a cut. So I’ve been going it alone.”

“You lie!” Carson goes back to the pressure.

“No, please!” Zane begs. “You’ve got to believe me. I’ll do anything…give you anything…just don’t kill me, please!”

Carson searches Zane’s eyes, and is amazed to find he’s telling the truth. “You’re a piece of work, you know that?” Yanking him from the tree, he shoves him down on the ground. Anger surges through his veins. He’d been terrified of his little sister dying. He’d put other people in jeopardy. He’d gotten beat up, broke jail and fled the law. And all for what? One piece of garbage who was no more in control of this than anyone else…one small man who hadn’t had a clue any of this time where Carson and Misty were. And he’d pulled it over on Carson. That in itself was enough to make him mad, let alone everything else. Carson had been taken by the ultimate ruse.

Zane looks up at Carson and crawls backward, the terror in his eyes. “I told you what you wanted!”

“You threatened me, you threatened my sister,” Carson states flatly. He shifts his knife to hold the blade end instead as he walks toward Zane, his cold stare reflecting the want for death. “You messed with the wrong person. And with no one to come after me, you’re free game.” Carson draws his arm back, his muscles tight, ready to throw the knife.

Scott Johnson

*As Scott gives Katie a hug she returns it tightly not wanting to break it. Finally leting go, Katie stands and watches Scott for a long moment. As his car starts to go down the street Katie jumps of the pourch and jogs after the car waving.*

"I LOVE YOU SCOTT JOHNSON!"

*Finally when the car is out of sight Katie stops running and just stands stairing down the street hoping for a moment that Scott's car would return. After a few moment pass and Scott's car dosent apear Katie turns to head back to the house hearing Domino's howl. Entering again Katie bends down to pick the small dog up and kiss her forhead.*

"Its gonna be ok you...."

*Katie talks trying to being convincing for Domino though really inside she was trying to convince herself.*

"..we are gonna see him again this weekend and than soon you get to go live with him again."

*Seting Domino back down Katie moves around the house gathering Domino belonging and making sure to grab her favorte toy.*

"How about we go into work. I'll even let you come with me today so you dont have to be alone."

*Katie makes sure to shut the door behind her and lock up. Opening her car door she whistles for Domino to jump in and than pulls out of the driveway heading to TJY.*

*Nate sits unmoving on the park bentch watching the kids in the park playing. His eyes slowly scaning the area but making no fast or suddon movies.

As the older man sits down Nate offers a friendly smile the rest of his face showing no emotions. Was this Zane? The one Carson fear? As Nate see the man go for the bag he knows it must be. Standing Nate moves alittle closer till he is almost infront of Zane. In a deep voice be talks softly but strong in his words.*

"Sir, I think its best if you come with me. Stand slowly and dont draw attachen to yourself."

*Nate moves his jacket he had on alittle bit to show he had a gun. Nate eyes show there sterness and that he was not joking around.

As Zane rises Nate walks along side him casuly walks to where Misty and Carson are positioned.

As Misty watches and see Zane her jaw almost drops. Than hearing Carson's words she cant help but laugh alittle bit. Looking at Carson.*

"Sorry."

*As Nate leads Zane over Misty demeaner changes and she becomes searouse.*

Gone

Scott grins down at Katie. “Chin up. Breakfast sounds good, and Domino and I already had a nice long discussion, where she told me that staying with you sounded a might more pleasing than Wyatt.”

He leans down for a kiss, then stands up, offering Katie a hand. “Come on. That breakfast is already waiting. I’ve been up for a while.”

During a light breakfast in the kitchen Scott keeps the subjects happy ones, avoiding talk of his leaving, until after they’re done and everything is cleaned up. Before he knows it, all his bags are in his car and he’s stepping out of his house, giving Katie keys so she can come and go, or get Domino whenever she wanted.

Shutting the screen door behind them, Scott takes Katie by the shoulders and looks into her eyes, a smile on his face. “I gotta go now…I’ll call you when I get there, alright?”

Leaning in, he gives her lips a tender kiss, his thumb moving to caress her cheek. “My phone is always on – call me any time for any reason.”

Pausing a moment, his eyes search hers. Why did this feel like such a deeper goodbye than what it should be? “I’ll see you in a few days.”

Giving her one last big hug, Scott steps off the porch and walks quickly to his car. Within seconds, he’s pulling away, one arm out the window, waving goodbye.

Domino stands inside the house, staring out the screen door as her master drives away, and suddenly she throws her head back to let out a howl. Seeing it did no good, she starts to whimper and whine, scratching at the door.

And back at TJY, waiting for Katie to come in to work, on her desk sits a white stuffed rabbit with a red ribbon around its neck that says “I love you.”


Carson grits his teeth, knowing that Nate was right, even if he didn’t like it. His fingers tighten around Misty’s. “You have my word. When I know Dani’s safe, I’ll come back without a fight.”

That settled, no one has to say that it’s time for action. The drop off point awaited.

A short ways of driving, and less than an hour later, the park is in view. Parking a distance away, Carson directs Misty to stick with him and walks deliberately to the designated bench, leaving the brown paper sack under the one end. Withdrawing, they head away again, but instead of leaving completely, they round a bend behind some trees where they will wait. They can see the bench from there, but no one would notice them.

Carson nods to Nate. “Alright. Go and sit. And when he comes, let him know quietly that he’s got a gun to him, and try to bring him over here without a scene.”

Once Nate is sitting down as directed, all they can do is wait. And they do…but only for fifteen minutes.

A short wiry man strolls casually down the park walk, glancing at children playing, and nodding to those who pass him. Approaching the bench, he gives a sidelong glance to the package, then to Nate before sitting down over the package.

Carson almost drops his binoculars. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he hisses. “That’s Zane? I could take him down with my hands tied behind my back!”

Zane sits for a short while, then moves to lean down and pick up the package.

One Condition

*Katie rolls on her back and keeps her eyes shut mumbaling.*

"If I stay sleeping you wont leave."

*Slowly Katie wraps her arms around Scott's neck and slowly opens her eyes to see Scott's face.*

"I guess it dosen't work that way huh?"

*Katie pull Scott into a tight hug, a feeling of dread looming over her. She new this was good for Scott and he couldent turn it down but still it was hard. Katie keeps Scott in a tight hug for a long moment before pulling away.*

"How about some breakfest? We still have to ask Domino if she wants to come stay with be for a bit."

*Nate cant help the smile the quirks at the courner of his mouth. This wasent a time for joking but he found humor in what Carson said anyways.

Nate nods and follows on the other side of Carson. Listing to everything he has to say. Some of it he found amusing, some disturbing. Some of it frankly Nate though Carson and Misty were stupid for doing, but Carson did have good intent.

Coming back to the cars Nate looks between Carson and Misty and lets out a sigh bringing a hand to his forhead for a moment.*

"Well as much as I dont want to agree with what you did, I cant say I would act any differntly if it was my own sister. Whether right or wrong you acted with good intent on her behalf. I cant turn away because I wouldent want you to turn away if I needed you."

*Nate looks off to the harizon of the rising sun for a moment. Something about it today was differnt though. The darkness loomed as if warning nothing would come of the day.*

"I'll help you on one condition. After this is over and your sister is safe you both come back to Nevada with me and turn yourselfs in."

*As Misty listens to Nate she squeeze Carson's hand. She new what ment. They both could spend time in prison. The might not see eachother again for a long time. Misty wasent sure if she wanted that. But what alse could they do. There was no other option.*

Time to go

Carson quirks an eyebrow at Nate’s odd tone, but relents to not be defensive. He knew Nate would want the right thing done just as much as anyone else.

“Trouble?” Carson hooks his hands in his jeans pockets, giving Nate a casual look that conflicted his own inner battle. “Taking part in illegal fights, then breaking out of jail will get me in trouble?”

Knowing this really wasn’t the time for humor, let alone sarcasm, Carson lowers his eyes for just as moment, giving a sigh. “Yeah, okay…I’m sorry I lied on the phone, but I didn’t want Reese to call in the troops yet. I didn’t think you’d believe me, but I knew he’d be worried enough about Misty that he’d relent.”

Glancing around in the dark, Carson is pretty sure there are no eyes at the moment. It was the middle of the night…they’d been immobile for hours. Most likely this was a rare moment they’d be alone. “Let’s take a nice quiet walk, shall we?”

He gestures with his head for Nate to follow, and puts an arm around Misty to walk. Strolling down the side of the dim street, Carson starts telling Nate all about what was happening, starting back to Zane’s phone calls, to the fighting, the breaking jail, to coming here. He explains why they want Nate, and he relays his game plan to him, as he had Misty.

By the time he’s come to the present, they’ve walked full circle back to the vehicles. Carson leans on the hood of Misty’s car and crosses his arms. “So…that’s it. Maybe there was a better way to do this…but I feel I did what I had to do. And…right now, my only focus is my sister. So…” He glances at his watch by the light of the now gray sky. Five o’clock was coming up fast. “You can stay and help us or you can blow the whistle on us and risk my sister’s life. I have to leave it up to you because there’s nothing else I can do.”


Scott zips his suitcase shut and sets it by the door with his other bags, and squats down to give Domino some loving. The dog seemed to sense something strange was going on, and she looked at Scott as though worried, sticking close to his heels wherever he went.

Scott finally rises and walks slowly back into the living room. He would be leaving in just a little while…and he didn’t want to say goodbye. It shouldn’t be this hard…he’d be back over the weekend. But for some reason, it felt more final than that. The logic in his mind continues to hound him, reminding him that this could very well be ending something he treasured. But had to hope…he had to hope that things would be just fine…that he and Katie were strong enough for this.

Easing down on the edge of the couch, Scott reaches out and brushes Katie’s hair from her face, just taking in the way she shone with beauty. “Hey…” He whispers, not wanting to wake her too suddenly, and gently rubs her arm. “Katie…time to wake up, babe.”

I new

*Once during the night Katie stirs. Not quite sure for a moment where she is a panic sets in. Feeling an arm around and a form next to her, and a lump on her feet she remembers where she is. She must of fallen asleep on Scott. Stairing into the dark for a long moment Katie runs her fingers on Scotts arm. Turning just alittle Katie looks at Scott as her eyes get use to the dark. Morning was coming fast and soon Scott would be gone. Just watching Scott sleep Katie studys his face imprinting it in her mind. Giving him a gentil kiss Kaite leans her head back down again and finally difts off to sleep again.*

*As Carson leans ove and gives Misty a kiss her hand goes to his arm as she returns it. Than pulls away her tone sturn.*

"Don't you say that Carson. There will be many more kiss after this is over. Got it."

*Falling silent as they pull across the street Misty's mind races and her tummy does flip flops. When the car comes to a stop Misty gets out and joins Carson walking along side him staying silent.

Nate turns as he hears Carson's voice. Steping away from the car and twords him he looks to Misty and than back to Carson. He cant help leting out a chuckle but the irratation in his eyes.*

"I new you wouldent hurt her. You relize you both are in alot of trouble right?"

*Stoping and folding his arms across his chest shaking his head.*

" So how about you both tell me whats going on and what your both doing before I change me mind on helping you at all or for that matter not turning you in."

Thanks

Laughing and giggling bounces through the dim hall at TJY, coming from the infirmary. Camryn looks at Jason with fake shock. "Would you behave yourself?"

"What?" Jason tries to look innocent, but his smile slips out as he throws another piece of popcorn at her. "You look good in corn."

Camryn holds up her hand in defense and laughs again. "Stop!"

"Shhh....you're interrupting the movie."

Camryn shifts in her chair to use the edge of Jason's bed as an armrest as she looks up at the tv. "Like you care about watching it."

"Well what else is there to watch?"

Camryn's eyes widen, giving him a look.

Jason grins. "Mm...you're right. There's more than one thing to look at in here."

"Alright, you two...." Rick comes into the infirmary, a slight smile on his face. "Quit making so much noise. Jason, you're supposed to be resting."

"What does it look like I'm doing?!"

"Having way too much fun." Rick comes over to look at Jason's knee. "Still hurting?"

"Some. Whatever you gave me though really helped."

Camryn rolls her eyes. "Yeah, it helped alright. Didn't do much for your mind though."

Jason swings his head back over to look at her again. "Don't kid yourself. You know you like me even more when I'm loopy."

Camryn giggles. "Maybe."

Rick chuckles and shakes his head. "Okay, I'm going home for the night. Jason, call me if anything happens. Camryn, make sure he gets to bed at a decent hour."

"Of course!"


"Tada!" Scott presents two plates with a mexican dish on them, the aromas filling his house. Setting the plates down on the kitchen table, he gets him and Katie something to drink and finally sits down. "I pulled it off without spilling or breaking one thing - I think that's a record."

He grins sheepishly. "Must be the company."

After a prayer for the food, Scott takes a bite and nods with satisfaction. "Turned out alright." He glances around the kitchen. "Well, I'm leaving a lot here for now...as long as I can afford it, I'll keep this place here for the weekends. So tomorrow I won't have to take anything but a couple bags of personal stuff."

The evening together is warm and fun. After supper, Katie and Scott settle down in his living room for some movies, Scott holding Katie close as they soak in the last few hours they have together. Evening becomes night, and soon Scott can feel Katie is asleep, but doesn't bother waking her. It was getting towards the early morning hours, but he was too comfortable...he wanted too badly to savor this time with her.


Dani tries to settle in at Lockheart's though is still a bit on edge, waiting to hear from Carson. She does enjoy Angelica and her company - she was so caring and nice. But all she wanted was for morning to come.
At three in the morning, her eyes are open as she stares into the dark guest room. She knew this was about the time things were starting to happen, and she could only pray they went the way Carson wanted them to.


As a new set of headlights appears and pulls into the parking lot across the street, Carson straightens in his seat. "Hello...I do believe that's Nate's car." He glances at the clock that read three a.m. "And right on time too. Punctual bloke."

Carson glances all around, a bit leery. "I don't see anyone else...he looks like he's alone...I would think he'd do as asked." He takes a deep breath. "Nothing like finding out though." Turning the engine on, he leans over and gives Misty and unexpected kiss. "In case I don't get another chance." He throws her a wink, then focuses on driving.

Pulling into the lot, he shuts off the lights and parks several spaces away from Nate. Getting out of the car, his eyes roam the area still, and sill finding no one else. Approaching Nate, he holds out his hand in a manner of a truce. "Thanks, mate. We need you."

11:30pm

*Katie looks up at Jason and offers a smile shaking her head.*

"J, you can stop saying sorry. I hurd you the first time."

*Katie cant help but smile even bigger. Weather this thing was a pain or not there were moments when Katie liked it and would trade it for anything.

Giving a sigh at Jason's request Katie knows Rick dident have a pleased look on his face when she last saw him talking to Reese. That could only mean bad news. Katie can feel Jason's worry and know he does have a right to know.*

"When I see Rick again I'll ask, but I cant make any promises ok!"

*Katie offers Jason the best smile she can.*

*Misty gives alittle nod as she listens to Carson. Watching across the street at the same time. The wait would be long but it was ok. The time to take Zane down was coming up fast and Misty couldent help but be alittle nervouse. A thousand and one things could go wrong and she new it.*

*Angelica smiles pack at hang up the phone after ordering a pizza.*

"Taking with strangers really isent anything new to be. I do it everyday being a lawyer and all. So I guess I have a knack for it."

*Aneglica contunues to chat with Danielle alittle bit about everything. Till finally dinner is over and they are settled watching a movie.*

*As the day drags on Katie contunes to work, keeping her off everything till finally its time to go. Geting her stuff together she checks on Jason one last time before leaving for the night and heading over to Scotts.*

As the night moves on all seems quiet. People spending there last waking hours with the people they love they will be gone soon, some just snuggaling enjoying the night and others wating to see if everything will work out.

*As Nate pulls into the motel parking lot he looks around. This is as far as he new to go. Where Carson was or wanted him from here he was clueless. Geting out of the car she shuts the door and just scans the area. Looking down at his watch he had arrived earlyer than planed. It was only 11:30pm. Not making many stops along the way had given him more time. All he could do was wait and let his mind wander.*

Doubts

Jason gives a slight chuckle and shakes his head, receiving the orange. "Theme music, huh? Yeah, I think you deserve it."

He slowly chews a slice of the fruit, even though his stomach doesn't want anything. He's quiet for several minutes, keeping his thoughts to himself. "Katie..." His eyes remain down. "I...I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't want to make you feel bad. I just...didn't..." He sighs, not sure what he's trying to say or how he's trying to say it. "I didn't want...either of us to be held back by this thing...unable to do what we want. I know there's got to be some good in it somewhere, I just..."

Jason gives up. "Listen, if you get a chance to talk to Rick...would you mind getting the scoop on my knee?" He pauses, knowing that Katie would feel his worry. "I don't think he's telling me everything."


Scott puts the last of his personal belongings into his box and sits back in his chair, scanning his cubicle. It felt so...empty. Someone would come along soon enough though and it would be full again.

Putting is hands behind his head, his mind continues to pull him back to the subject of tomorrow, and his leaving. The new job was perfect for him. The station was awaiting his arrival and were excited about him coming. The pay would be good...he already had someone to room with until he found his own place. But there was something that cast a shadow on it all. He was going alone.

Shaking his head, Scott tries to return to work, turning on his computer. He hoped that this would change nothing between him and Katie. Maybe it would actually make them stronger. He hoped that his weekend visits would keep them going, and constant contact through other means would help as well. They both could get used to it quickly.

But...logic knocked at the back door of his mind. Time apart like that wasn't always good. He hoped he could afford to commute on weekends, but most likely he wouldn't be able to as often as he'd like. Other communication was great, but it was a far cry from seeing each other face-to-face. Would they really last? For the first time, Scott had his doubts.


Carson reaches down to tilt back the seat a little in the car, keeping one eye on the motel parking lot across the street. He and Misty had a good view of it from across the street in a different lot, behind a row of bushes. It was a good vantage point, and one would have to look hard from the motel to see them. Nevertheless, it was going to be a long day and night waiting for Nate to show up. There was nothing else to do though...moving around would only create suspicion with Zane.

With the window rolled down, Carson lights up a smoke in an attempt to calm his nerves. His thoughts going a hundred miles an hour, he goes through his plan aloud to bounce it off Misty. "I figure...we're supposed to put the bag under the bench in the park. If we station Nate at the other end of the bench casually, Zane should suspect nothing. My guess is that he'll come, sit down, act like he's taking a rest, then when he gets up, he'll grab the bag. But I want Nate to have a concealed gun on him, and just talk to him quietly to warn him. Nate will instruct him to come to us...we'll be waiting closeby to tie him up and throw him in the backseat...or trunk, if he doesn't behave."

He pauses, letting the smoke slowly out of this mouth. He grimaces, mad that he'd let himself get back in the habit, and flicks the remainder of the cigarette out the window. "After that, we have to act fast so his goons don't go after Dani. We have to find out who they are and where. Once we get him to talk, then we call the cops. They can come arrest him, take out the goons, and...Dani is home free. " Carson knew that his sister would be free...but his own future, and even Misty's, was unknown.


Dani musters up a small smile. "You're so kind...a total stranger taking me in like this. Carson didn't want me to say anything about all this because he didn't want you to get in any trouble for knowingly being involved but...I didn't think it was fair to leave you in the dark."

Her eyes shift downward. "I guess someone wants a lot of money from him, so that's why they threatened to hurt me and...he got in a little bit of trouble trying to take care of it all by himself."

She sighs and looks up at Lockheart again. "Until yesterday, it had been well over ten years since I'd seen my brother...I just don't want to lose him again so quickly, ya know?"

Unexpected tears threaten to spring into her eyes, and Dani looks away. "Please...don't change any plans because of me. I don't want to be any more of an imposition than I already am."

Theme

*Katie can't help the small grin that cross her face. Even the best of frinds had fights, falling outs, and down right tossed mean words to eachother, and heavn knows Katie and Jason had many. But it was the bouncing back, the forgivness, and the willingness to learn and try hard next time to not make the mistake again that made there friendship stronger.*

"Oh ok. I guess I can be your hero one more time."

*Katie takes the orange over to the garbagecan and starts to peal the skin off. Grabing some papertowles she hands the orange to Jason.*

" You realize one of these days I exspect you to write me my own theme music."

*Angelica just looks at Danielle for a long moment. A bit shocked by what she said. Carson running from the law? And his name was just cleared in court. That seemed odd.*

"No, he seemed to have left that part out. Oh well, your here, your safe..."

*Lockheart felt a bit upset that Carson had tricked her. But the feeling pass. What was done was done and she couldent change it. There was no way she was going to turn Dani out eather.*

"...we will just have to order in and have a movie night."

*Lockheart smiles.*

Don't tell

Dani tries to show her gratefulness with a smile towards Angelica. She walks through the apartment with her, not minding the mess at all, simply trying to fit in or at least act at ease, despite the odd circumstances.

At Angelica’s offer to go out with her, Dani hesitates. “Um…I…” She swallows hard. “Carson didn’t….exactly…tell you why I needed a place to stay, did he?”

Dani lowers her eyes, and leans against the wall, her face reddening slightly. “I don’t like secrets…Carson hasn’t told me much either, just that you were a friend I could trust.” She looks back up at Angelica. “Someone may be trying to kill me, and my brother is trying to stop it from happening. Unfortunately….” She hesitates again. “He’s also running from the law a the moment.”


When Jason sees the orange, he can’t help a grin. “How did I ever survive without a personal hero?” He reaches over and picks up the fruit, but trying to dig a thumbnail into the rind proves he simply doesn’t have any strength yet after coming out of surgery.

Glancing to Katie, he hands it back to her. “I’ll let you stay…if you help me out here and not tell anybody about it.”

Welcome

*As Angelica moves from the bedroom to the kitchen she hears a knock on the door. Very caually dressed in sweat pants and an over size sweat shirt she answers the door a smile on her face. Danielle looked just as Carson had described her. Exspending her hand she greets Danielle.*

"You must be Danielle Banks. I'm Angelica please come on in."

*Showing Danielle in she shows here where she can put her stuff for the night and than gives her a small ture of the apartment.*

"You'll have to excuse all the boxs. I'm just in the middle of packing. If your hungry at all from the drive I have some stuff in the fridge. Or if you want I have to go into town to do a few things we can stop and get something to eat."

*Angelica continues to smile knowing Danielle must be feeling really out of place and only hoped she could make her feel comfortable.*

"There is a tv in the other room and shelfs of boxs if you want to watch anything and I'll be leaving in about an hour if you want to come alone."

*Katie cant help but smile alittle as she pushs the door open slowly and step inside shuting the door behind her again. Making her way over to Jason slowly she lets out alittle sigh. Holding the orange out to him she speaks.*

"You need to eat so your sugar dosent drop. With all the painkillers your on it could fast without warning so eat that up."

*Katie sets the orange down on the table before looking at Jason again.*

"I thought you might want some company too. If not...I..I can just go."

Visitor

Jason stares ahead, caught between the desire to sleep and the desire to stay awake. Neither were appealing.

Bored and exhausted, he leans his head back into his pillow, just wishing all of this was over. He’d simply displayed earlier that he was mad he had to be here…but it really was depressing. Especially now, with his knee the way it was, and Rick hadn’t even told him anything yet. Jason had a bad feeling sitting in the pit of his stomach, but he suppressed it the best he could while blocking his physical pain.

Hearing the knock at the door, Jason quirks an eyebrow. Thinking for a moment, he knows who is there, and the corner of his mouth upturns. “If you can’t push open a door that’s not locked, you got a problem,” he calls a bit hoarsely.


Carson gives a little nod as he gets the OK from Lockheart. “Thanks, Lockheart. If my sister agrees, she might be down. I appreciate it.” Ending the call, Carson lets out a long sigh and glances to Misty, growing a bit tired. “Okay…one more call…”


Several hours later…
Dani pulls up in front of the apartment and checks the numbers again to make sure she’s at the right place. She hadn’t really wanted to come, but Carson had asked her, for her own safety, to leave for just the night, while doing it discreetly so as to arouse no suspicion around her. Though that in itself had born a bit of fear inside of her of this whole situation, she had obeyed.

Leaving her backpack in her car, Dani gets out and walks up the steps to knock on the door. She felt horribly intrusive, and horribly out of place. But it was just once….for one night…she could do this, right?

Hoping she’d done the right thing, she waits.

Snap of the fingers

*Katie sits at her desk for a long while taping her pencil and trying to work on some report Reese was having her look into. Keeping her mind off everything seemed like the best thing to do right now but it was hard to get her mind still.

Finally giving up to try and do work at the moment Katie gets up and makes her way to the breakroom to try and find something for lunch. Passing Rick and Reese she gives a small smile and continues to the vending masheen. As it turns to show the fresh items in there Katie see the orange. Puting the money in and open the little door Katie takes the orange out. Heading out of the breakroom again Katie heads to the infermary knocking on the door lightly and waiting.*

*Lockheart listen to Carson for a moment finding his quest odd but the storm was possable. The weather in Cali was so funny it wasent out of the ordanary to change in the snap of the fingers.*

"Sure Carson I have no problem with that. As long as she dosent mind a messy apartment. I'm just in the middle of packing to go back to Nevada at the end of the week. So if she dosent mind thats fine. I have some stuff I have to do tonight anyways. It will give me someone to do it with since my sister is busy packing as well."

*Lockheart continues to move around the apartment as she gives Carson directions to her house a few towns over.*

Not good

Scott grins. “Alright, it’s a date then.”

At her offer to watch Domino, he raises an eyebrow. “Guess I just figured upsetting Henry wasn’t worth it. But you can ask Laura and then as Domino tonight how she feels.”

He gives her a wink. “I better get back to work. I got a few things left to box up, and I’ve got to hunt down something Susanne needs.”

Scott exits Katie’s cubicle, but turns one more time to throw her a smile before heading to his own desk. Singing down into his chair, his mind is reeling. This was so much…information. How could this be happening to Katie? And Jason? He simply had to let them work it out. Fearing it would not help anything.


As Jason tries to apologize to Katie, at first he senses almost a strange feeling of frustration, as if he’s trying to enter a house, but the door has been locked without him knowing it, and he’s standing, trying to get in. But after a moment, it’s relief he feels, the pressure dispersing, releasing the emotions. He wonders for a moment about it…and can only imagine.


Carson responds to Lockheart in a positive tone. “Ah, well, I’m hanging in there. I’m actually around your neighborhood at the moment, taking in the sights.” He pauses, not quite sure how to keep going. “Um, listen…I got a sister up here. In twenty-four hours, a storm will have passed, but in the meantime, she’s needing a neutral, safe place to hang out. I know this is quite an imposition, but…well you’re the only one I trust around here. You got room for her for one night? Or know of someone else?”


Reese wanders across the main floor, his purpose really just to stretch his legs and get his mind on something else for a few minutes. He says hi to a couple people, then winds up en route to the break room.

Just as he’s entering the hall though, he runs into Rick. “Oh hi, Rick. I was just thinking about coming and see you. How’s Jason?”

Rick sighs deeply and leans up against the wall, eying the main floor, then focusing back on Reese. He wasn't sure who all should know everything right now. He hadn't even talked to Jason much about it yet. Several people were within earshot, but he went ahead anyway. “Not good.”

“Oh? What happened?”

“Infection. His body didn’t like the metal in the pins I guess.” Rick shakes his head grimly. “I’m not sure what will happen now. Originally, when his knee was smashed, JT replaced most of the cap with an artificial one. That’s really how Jason was able to recover as well as he did before, since those bones didn’t have to be repaired and heal. Anyway, the other night, he must have hit his knee on something, then it got bashed around and yanked real hard. It tore the ligaments surrounding the knee and shifted things too much.” Rick demonstrates by using his own hands and arms as an example of leg bones. “See, it’s supposed set like this, but it got twisted, like this…. The artificial cap wasn’t enough, and then one of the parts that was still his own bone actually fractured. At any rate, the solution seemed to be to put a couple pins in to hold everything together, then once the muscles were able to reattach and heal, he’d have mobility. But…”

Reese frowns, not liking the sound of this. “So what exactly are you saying?”

“I put a different kind of pin in, and we’ll see if that works. I’m just afraid there’s been too much damage.”

“Too much…for what?”

“Walking…running… oh, he’ll get back on his feet, I’m sure, just because he’s stubborn. But will it always give him problems? Probably. Will he be able to walk straight? I have my doubts. Run? It’ll probably be too painful.”

Reese swallows hard. “In your opinion, would this affect his position and job here?”

Rick looks Reese in the eye for a long moment, not wanting to say what he believed the answer was. “Only time can tell that.”

Domino

*Katie smiles up at Scott. He always had a way of making her feel better how matter how down she was. She still felt upset with Jason and had him partuly blocked but she Scott had calmed her down enough that her emotions wernt haywire.*

"I think that sounds good. After work I'll hop on over. Scotty, thank you for being you. You always make me feel better."

*Kaite's eyes were dry of tears now and though red alittle, the sparkle was back in them.*

"Ya know to, just something to think about and I'll ask Laura if its ok. Maybe Domino would be more comfortable staying with me for a few weeks till you come to get her? I'd like the company not to mention I love the little girl."

*As Katie talks with Scott her emotions start to relax even more. Like a child peeking around a door to see if a fight was over, Katie prys open the little bit of emotions she had shut off from Jason. As if testing to see if his emotions had calmed. Like water sliping through the cracks Katie feel's Jason's sorrow and guilt for what he said. Giving a sigh on the inside Katie prys the rest of her mind open as if to say your forgiven. Leting her mind be totally open to Jason again.*

*Misty lets out a sigh and leans her head on Carson as they walk the image of Jason and Carson in that ring vived in her mind.*

"Yeah I know, I still can see both your faces in my mind."

*Misty gives a slight shake as a chill runs down her spine thinking about that night all over again.*

"..and no probley not, but whats done is done right. There will be time for make up for it later."

*As Carson pulls out his phone to talk Misty draws silent.*

*As Lockhearts phone rings she stops puting some stuff into a box and answers her phone. Hear Carson's voice she gives a smile.*

"Hi Carson. I'm doing well thank you. How are you?"

*As Lockheart talks she places more items in boxs.*

*As Nate finishs up at home he gives his sister a kiss on the head and promise to be back when he can. Thank thanking Janet for looking out for Maggie on late notice. Taking his bag and puting his gun in its holester Nate makes his way out of the house and throws his stuff slidding into the car.*

"Dear Lord, Please let this go the way you want it and keep everyone safe. Guild me to do whats right. Amen."

*Opening his eyes again Nate pulls out of the driveway and starts his long drive to Cali.*

Loving

Reese watches Nate leave, and sinks back in his chair wearily. He wanted to call Brown. He wanted to send a whole troop out to California to pick up Carson and get Misty out. He didn't want to believe Carson would hurt her...he'd seen a change in him. But he'd been trouble since coming here. He'd dealt with the Agency multiple times, he'd gotten himself in scrapes, he'd run off, had a questionable lifestyle, and had currently been involved in some pretty heavy illegal activity. What kind of a double life had he been leading? And what was he trying to prove now? He hadn't said what this was all about...why had he run, just to call back? Had he been so afraid of prison that he'd had Misty help him escape from jail, then ran into trouble? Had Misty gone willingly? Had Carson manipulated her? Had Carson mistreated her? Was there a logical explanation to all of this? But if so, why hadn't he said so earlier?

"God, somehow, some way... bring the answers into the clear," Reese whispers. "And please, please keep my niece safe." He regretted letting Carson into TJY...he regretted not putting his foot down about the relationship between Misty and Carson.


Laura raises her eyebrows at Nate, partly disappointed, partly surprised at his sudden exit. “Um…okay…be safe?” She watches in bewilderment as he walks away, and finally just shakes her head and tries to concentrate on her work again. She wondered what was going on, but she’d learned long ago not to ask too many questions around here. Too many times, nothing could be said anyway.


Carson gives a little sigh and nods at Misty as they head back around the park. “Yeah…I agree. We’ll just have to keep an eye out when Nate gets here and go from there. If he’s alright, we’ll have to tell him what’s going on so he knows how serious this thing is.”

Looking a the ground as they walk, he puts his free hand in his pocket, his mind wandering a little. “Jason had to have surgery on his knee again…I could kick myself for that.” He shakes his head. “I guess we both went a little crazy…he ‘bout choked the living daylights outta me, but I knew his weak spot…” The guilt toys with him. “I never should have fought him.”

He takes a deep breath, trying to move on from it. “Anyway…you had a good idea a while ago…” He picks up his cell phone again and scrolls through some random numbers. Dialing, he waits for the female voice to answer. “Lockheart…Carson Banks here, from TJY. How ya doing?”


Scott just rocks Katie a little bit, rubbing her back as she talks. At first, her explanation was somewhat disturbing…unnerving. What was this thing? How was it possible? It was nothing logical…nothing normal…nothing that happened everyday. If it were true, it was beyond what humans should be able to do. But…he’d seen the effects…he could not ever say that he thought Katie was lying. He couldn’t deny this…this thing that was happening.

Part of him really didn’t like it… He still felt and odd pang when thinking about Jason and Katie…it wasn’t jealousy…maybe just a little bit of worry. And then he was leaving too…would he just worry more while away.

Scott leans his face into Katie’s hand and swallows all of these uneasy feelings. Katie was going through a very hard time, and even if he didn’t understand it, she deserved his support. She needed someone to hold her up right now…a blessing or a curse, this ‘thing’ could not be easy.

“I guess you really are a hero.” He offers a smile, taking her hand to kiss it. “A superhero in my book.”

Cocking his head, Scott looks her in the eye. “I’m gonna miss you too, Katie… But absence makes the heart grow fonder, eh?” He tweaks her chin playfully, not even letting her dwell on the problems she’d just discussed. “But I think my heart is pretty fond right now…so fond in fact that you’re coming over to my place tonight where I’m gonna treat you to supper, desert and the movie of your choice while we cuddle on my couch.”

He puts his arms around her again in a hug. “Besides, Domino wants to see you again too. She’s nervous about living with Wyatt for a few weeks and is distraught about me leaving.”

Scott draws back a little, a twinkle in his eye. “She needs a woman’s loving as much as I do, and we need all we can get before tomorrow’s big day.”


Light enters the darkness, groping, pulling, beckoning to be seen. Jason opens one eye just far enough to see a blurry version of the infirmary. He could hear movement around him...his leg hurt...his throat was dry...he felt rather miserable.

Gradually, as the anesthetic wears off, he opens his eyes more and blinks in the light. The last thing he remembered was feeling really tired, and Rick telling him to relax. How long the surgery had taken, he didn't know. What Rick was able to do or repair he didn't know. But for some reason, he did feel miserable.

Then he remembers why. It was what had happened before the surgery. It all comes back to him now. Talking with Katie...the whole experience with her...then getting upset, saying things he shouldn't have...it had been a mess alright.

Jason shifts his weight a little, trying to get comfortable. He didn't know where Katie was now...maybe she wasn't even at work anymore. He felt badly...he felt sorry... Time had a strange way of making someone see things more clearly. He'd been wrong.

Closing his eyes again, despite feeling weak, Jason musters up how sorry he feels...the guilt, the shame for his words, his apology in the form of emotions, emitted to the wind, seeking out its destination.

Reason

*Nate sits in the chair office listing to Carson's demands.*

"Yeah, I got it."

*Once Carson hangs up Nate is silent for a long while deep in through. His elbow rests in his hand as the other is on his chin.

He'd gotten to know Carson pretty well over the time he's been here. He'd seen the change that took place, He's seen the good and the bad with Carson since he first got here. Now listing to Carson's voice on the phone it was differnt. There was a strain of urgency and the coldness rang through proving they were in trouble but just by the single way he said Misty's name there was almost like a tint of softness that not the normal persob would pick up on. No Nate new Carson wouldent hurt her. Standing he makes his way for the door than stops turning back to Reese.*

"I think its best if we follow his instructions for now. Carson is smart, and weather he really would hurt Misty or not he has her brains too. They with both know if something is up. I'd rather not take that risk. If anything happens you know where I am. I'd rather go alone first than risk anyones life. I better get going if I am going to make it there in time. I'll call you when I can."

*Nate heads out of the office paper in hand of where to go. Walking part Laura's desk he stops and smiles.*

"I just wanted to let you know I have to cancle dinner tonight Laura. I'm sorry..."

*Nate looks at the paper than back at Laura and gives it alittle wave.*

"I'm going to Cali for some exciting work."

*Nate rolls his eyes but cant help the grin that forms.*

"I'll make it up to you when I get back. I promise.*

*Nate gives Laura a kiss on the forhead and a tight hug before making his way out of TJY again.*

*Misty walks with Carson keeping quiet her arm around his wast. She couldent help but chuckle alittle as he talked to Reese. Though inside she did feel a little bit bad. Her Uncle was probley worryed as was about her and now this was added on top. But this had to be done. What they were doing maybe wasent right, and maybe they went about it the wrong way but whats done was done and now that only thing that mattered was geting Zane and keeping Dani safe.

Misty ears perk as Carson empasis surgary. Jason was in sergary again? Misty could only hope her friend would be ok. She had seen the damage to the knee and new it was bad, but they had hoped the pins would work and fix the problem. Obvesily it dident and not Misty could only wonder and hope Jason would be ok.

Geting her mind back on the task at hand she trys to run some stuff through in her head. She diden't know Nate to well, but from what she saw he could be trusted. Right now though she wasent even sure of that. Her and Carson were as her Uncle said on the "wrong" side of the law right now. Still keeping her arm around Carson she lets out a small sigh.*

"Nate seems like an ok guy than can be trusted, but to be safe I think we should feel him out first. Than before this all goes down tell him the truth. That way he can have a level head going into this and so can we not worryed about what if he trys to do something stupid."

*Kaite returns Scott's kiss soking in his words, his touch they were so gentil. Wraping her arms around him Katie nuzzles her face into Scott's chest.*

"Its my whole sixth sence thing Scotty. Its evolved far more than what it was before. Its goten to the point that..."

*Katie lets out a sigh this was so hard for her to explain she only hoped Scott could understand. Katie's face remains burred into his chest.*
"...I cant not feel any time his emotions go haywire...anytime the spike, bad....or good. Jason had been learned to shut off his feelings without totelly suhting down like he did in prison..."

*Katie continues to talk to Scott trying to explain things the best she could. Going from on detail to the next. Scott had a right to know. He was apart of her life, and she was apart of his. Her pain was and and vice versa it was his right to know.*

"....and than to conclude the wonderful day, I went back in the infermary to get my keys and hurd Jason say some unplesent things. He dident mean to hurt me he was upset, but his words still cut like a knife. I just, I want to know why I have this ability, what does this have to do with God's plane. I just wish I new. This is something that will probley never go away, and slowly we are learning how to controll it so we can have our sepret lifes. Its just till than its so hard."

*Kaite removes her head from be burryed and looks up at Scott trying to search his eyes to find the answers to what he was thinking. She dident even know how Scott would take all this information. She only hopes it would scair him or make him turn away from her. Bring a hand to his face she continues to talk.*

"I guess on top of all that, I'm scaired to death that your leaving. I'm going to miss you so much. I know this is great for you and I am so happy, I'm just being selfish to I guess. I'm just gonna miss you so darn much Scotty."

Phone call

Scott takes Katie in his arms, holding her close as he feels her longing for comfort. Looking down into her teary eyes, his heart aches. "Oh, Katie..."

He sighs deeply, just studying her face, her emotions. "You know I can't pass this by." He reaches up with a gentle hand to wipe a tear from her cheek. His voice quiets, his tone softens. "You're far from ordinary, Katie Pent. I don't know what wonderland would do without you."

Tilting his head, he plants a tender kiss on her lips before drawing her close to him again. "I'm sorry you've had a rough morning." In the back of his mind, there was slight question as to what had happened...this was yet another time he knew she'd been around Jason, then had come away upset. "Do you want to talk about it?"


Carson chuckles a little at Misty. "Either you're too good at this game, or you've watched too many movies." He scans the area again, his eyes revealing his nervousness. "I don't know...I just...If Zane can see our every move, he's going to know anything. Without us knowing him or his goons though, we can't even tell if we're being watched or followed."

He shakes his head. "I like any and all of those ideas - they're great. I just...don't trust them in this situation."

Walking a short ways, he strolls casually, nodding to a passerby. Stopping, he turns to Misty. "We need someone Zane doesn't know...someone who's good undercover, who can hold him and manipulate him into a position we can take him down. And I hadn't thought about Lockheart being so close."

Carson reaches for his cell phone hesitantly. He looks at Misty again. This whole thing was risky. But he they needed the help. Finally, he dials.


Reese rolls his eyes as his direct line rings again. Would he ever get anything done this morning? "Yeah, hello, this is Reese."

Carson gives Misty a sidelong glance as he speaks. "Well it's just the bloke I wanted to talk to."

"Carson! Where are you?"

"Now, now, don't get all excited."

"Dang it, Carson, what do you think you're doing? Tell me what's going on!"

Carson slings an arm around Misty's shoulder as they continue to walk, drawing no attention to themselves in the park. "Oh, don't worry, you'll find everything out. But right now, I need a bit of help."

"You need help alright. Quit playing games with me."

"Alright. Here's the bottom line. I got your niece. You want to see her alive again, you do what I ask."

"Carson, you swine!"

"Hey, hey, easy, mate. You know how this works. You do what I ask and no one gets hurt. It's that easy."

Reese pauses. "What do you want?"

"Jason."

"What?!"

"I got a job here and I can't do it myself. I need a good man."

"Well sorry to burst your bubble, but Jason's in surgery for the second time now, thanks to you."

Carson stops walking and glances at Misty, a look of remorse crossing his eyes as for a moment he forgets his role. "Surgery?"

"Yeah. You did a fine job on his knee."

Carson closes his eyes for a moment, trying to regroup. He hadn't wanted to hurt Jason that badly. They both had just lost it in the ring. They'd both been flying around in there with pure survival instincts. But he couldn't dwell on that now. "Alright. Then it's Nate."

"What do you want him for?"

"Get him in your office."

Reese doesn't hesitate, and summons Nate quickly, putting the speaker phone on, and resumes contact within minutes. "Alright, he's here."

"Good. Now...if either of you call the cops, tell Brown about this, or let anyone else in on this, Misty's dead. Got it?"

The coldness in his tone makes Reese cringe. Carson wasn't playing games. Had he snapped? "Got it."

"Alright." Carson goes on to explain the vicinity where he and Misty are, directing Nate to the motel where they'd stayed the night before. "I want Nate here by three in the morning."

"But what is he going to be doing?"

"You don't worry about that. Just get him here - got that, Nate?" Carson keeps on walking with Misty, still talking. "No questions, no cops, no one gets hurt. Don't show up, and you can read the obituaries to figure out where we are."

Reese runs a hand over his face, tight with tension. "Anything else?"

"Nope. But I'm sure we'll be in touch." Carson flips his phone shut and puts it back on his belt, keeping an arm around Misty. "Well...now we can watch from a distance. We just have to decide if we can trust Nate once he's here...you think we should keep him in the dark and manipulate him still with this line of mine, or tell him the truth? I don't want anything to be spilled until we've got Zane in hand."


Reese hears the click at the other end, and looks up at Nate, the confusion and concern in his eyes. "I have no idea what's going on. Carson's gone off the deep end. I knew it was bound to happen sometime, but with Misty..." He shakes his head. "We've got to get her out of there. Do you want to follow his instructions to the letter, or implement our own strategy?"

Normal Girl

*As Katie hears Scott's voice and feels his hands on her shoulders she lifts her head. Lifting her head the stress shows on her face, the tiredness in her eyes. Turning around she stands and wraps her arms around Scotty.*

"Oh Scotty, Its been one heck of a morning. I'm so frustrated and so tired."

*Katie clings to him for the comfort she so desperitly wanted. Soon Scott would be gone too. SO many things happening at once. Everything changing so fast. Katie burys her face into Scott's shoulder.*

"Your going to be gone soon too. Than what am I going to do."

*Katie looks up at Scott a few tears in her eyes.*

"Do you really have to go?"

*Katie had shown much emotions except excitment about Scott leaving. But not that the time was drawing even closer it was hard to hide it.*

"Alice is nothing but an ordanry girl without the white rabbit."

*Misty leans up aganst the front of the tree with her sunglass on scaning the saroundings. Trying to take in the sights, places where people could hide trying to take in everything.*

"Well first things first I think we need to get Dani to a safe place. If we do this tonight and nab Zane there is not telling what his cronies will do. They might go to ANY and all lagnths to get him back. Angelica Lockheart live two towns over. I dont know if My Uncle has talked to her but we could see if Dani can stay with her and if you dont feel comfortable with that I would say she can stay with us. But if something goes down I dont want her to witness it. So we might want to think of something along that lines."

*Misty stops and thinks for another moment still scaning the park.*

"If we can get a rent a car, and set up a dcoy..."

*Misty is silent again for a moment throwing out idea's to herself but out loud still.*

"..set up a camra and a moniter in my car so we can drive but still see the money so when Zane nabs it we can see where he goes.
I could dress up like a begger pushing a shopping cart and if Zane see I am going to take the bag he might come out of hiding to find it.
You could try calling Zane, and telling him you have something extra for him and I can be waiting with the money. I'm good at acting. Than you can follow up.
We could use the sewer lines some how.
If we put a layer of wadded up paper in the bottom of the bag and han a layer of cash it will make it look like all the money is in the bag. Than that call tracing decise I can turn it into a becon to track where Zane takes the money...."

*Misty's words trail off again as she removes her sunglasses looking back at Carson.*

"...Did any of that babble sound good to you?"

Too tired

Jason sinks into his pillow, glaring at the ceiling as Rick sweeps up the broken glass. He knew Katie was upset with him…he could tell now… It wasn’t the same as the way she could feel his emotions, but he was beginning to figure out how to read the fluxes in the magnetic pull, and this time he knew he’d probably crossed a line he shouldn’t have.

Sighing, he shuts off his surface emotions to leave her alone. This whole thing was just one big mess.

Rick finishes up cleaning, and comes to Jason’s bed again. “Hungry for breakfast?”

“No.”

“Did you have anything already?”

“Some juice.”

“Good.”

“When are you going to do my knee?”

Rick glances at his watch. “Now, if you’re up to it. The sooner the better.”

By this time, Jason is too tired to put up any more of a fight. “Fine…just put me all the way under. At least for a while then, Katie and I can have some peace.”


Scott ambles closer to Katie’s cubicle, a strange nervousness entering his veins. He wasn’t sure what it was…he hadn’t felt it a few minutes ago. But he almost thought it had something to do with Katie.

Glancing around to her desk, he seeks her head down, and thinks for a moment. He starts to leave, but then stops, changing his mind. Entering her cubicle quietly, he comes up behind her and sets his hands on her shoulders to rub them gently. “Hey…you alright?”


Carson leans up against a tree in the busy park, sipping on his leftover soda pop. “Alright…so we’re supposed to leave the money under that bench over there, and just walk away. I want to nab Zane before he can get away. But if he’s got eyes everywhere, he’ll know if we stick around.” He glances over to Misty. “Suggestions?”