Caves

Carson seems to not even hear Nate as he gets into the car and turns on the engine. Not even bothering to buckle himself in, he squeals out of the driveway, aiming toward downtown.

Finally he answers Nate. "Wyatt had a date with Aerith tonight. She knows Frankie. If I can catch them at Mom and Pop's before they leave, I can ask her where he's been staying."

As they speed down the road, Carson reaches under his seat and pulls out a pistol to hand to Nate. "Check to see if this is loaded, will you?"

His thumb taps his steering wheel nervously as his mind works overtime. Frankie....anyone else? Was he alone? Did he have more thugs with him? Was Misty even still alive? How badly had she been hurt? Where would Frankie take her? And why? Was it for his own gain? Was someone trying to get to him through Misty?

Mom and Pop's comes into view and Carson spots Wyatt's jeep. "Good. They're still here."

Getting out quickly, Carson stuffs his keys in his pocket and walks quickly to the door. The bell jingles as he enters, announcing his arrival.


Wyatt grins. "What do you think happens to a twelve year old who just took off for the afternoon without asking permission. I couldn't even hide where I'd been- by the time I got home I was covered in head to toe with mud and..." His voice trails off as he hears the bell and looks to see Carson enter the restaurant with Nate on his heels. He starts to smile, but quickly grows concerned. Something was wrong. His childhood story was forgotten.

Carson completely bypasses Wyatt, going straight for Aerith. "I need to know where Frankie's been staying."

Wyatt's eyes widen. "Frankie, but..."

Carson shoots him a glare to shut up, and looks back to Aerith. "And I need to know now."


Bret forces a smile and nods at Charlotte, glad for her efforts to cheer him up. "Yeah, Con's a real good guy. Once you're friends with him, you got a friend for life. He's a real softy, but I've seen him mad and I certainly wouldn't want to cross him." His eyes widen for a moment as he imagines Con's size.

He chuckles. "Jamie's sweet and loves Con to death. It's always fun seeing them together."

Shrugging, Bret answers about the caves. "Titan Inc. lost the contract on the housing division because of the caves, but someone else turned right around and hired us back to do some excavation and prep for a tourist site. We've been blasting to remove the earth, and most of the caves are accessible now - it's just a matter of making them safe. Then we're to put up the buildings they want. So..Titan didn't lose much over the whole thing, thankfully."

A smile spreads on Bret's face. "A coin flip day, huh? Maybe we should flip a coin to decide when that will be." Chuckling, he shakes his head. "I don't have off until Saturday. But..." His eyes catch Charlotte's for a moment, suddenly certain seriousness settling over the table as searches the depth of her eyes. "I'd like to do that again."

Coin flip day

*Nate glances over the reports that were handed to him. Misty was indeed in bad shape. Nate puts the files back into the envalope bringing it with him.He wanted to bring them to Rick to ask him how long Misty had and if anythere was anything when they found her he could do.

Quickly Nate follows after Carson. He new he was upset and he had every right to be, but Nate also new Carson dident think clearly when he was upset or mad.*

"Carson where are you going and I am coming with you. I'm going to help you with this and we are going to find her ok."

*Nate climbs into Carson's car seeming to forget about his own at the moment.*

*Frankie heads out of the small building. Geting on his motercicle he revs the engin and heads across town back to Aerith's grandmothers house where he had been staying. He needed to grab a few things and get some food before heading back to keep everyone happy and to stop Morgan from whining.*

*Aerith's laughter fills Mom and Pop's as she listen to Wyatt's story. Once again her break was spend like so many people having a conversation and eating something with him. Left seemed to be going pretty good right now and having Wyatt to spend endless day with was even better. She never tired of his storys, or hearing about his day. Sometimes just shairing insprational storys about there relationship with God was nice too.

Leaning her elbows on the table she looks intently back at Wyatt waiting for the rest of the story.*

"So...what happen than?"

*Charlotte listens to Bret intently hearing the meloncoly in his voice when he mentions Brandon. He had only been a week and it still must of been hard. She new losing someone you are close to was never fun.*

"Hey, at least you have your good times to remember right? Brandon would want that. I bet he would want to live on in your heart still so you can still make you laugh."

*Charlotte gives Bret's hand a small pat.*

"Oh, I still have yet to meet Con personaly. I saw him and his girl that once but other than that I dont know a lick about him. From what you have said though he seems like a real good guy."

*Charlotte gives a laught.*

"And that girlfriend of his sounds like she is really a peace of work to have around keeping things livly. Whats with those caves anyways? Do they have anyone coming in to check them out? They made a big fuss over to not see whats going on with them."

*Charlotte rolls her eyes but the grin remains on her face.*

"Oh I wanted to ask when your next day off is too, i wanted to plane a coin flip day."

Some excitement

"It's a medical report." Carson hands Nate the letter. "Misty is dying." The words catch in his throat and he turns his face from Nate, suddenly slamming his fist on the top of the dresser. "I wasn't here...the one night...and I wasn't here."

Gritting his teeth, he spins back around to head out of the bedroom. An anger boiled in his veins - one of a deeper ire than he'd ever known. Someone would pay. "Frankie's dead meat."

Aiming for the door, he knows exactly where he's headed. He'd heard about Frankie from Wyatt before, and knew that Wyatt's girlfriend might very well know where Frankie had been staying.


Morgan gives a little nod. "Yeah, I won't let her keep yapping." As Frankie leaves the room, Morgan flops down into a folding chair, heaving a sigh, and mumbles to himself about being hungry with nothing to eat around here.

Looking to Misty again, he quirks an eyebrow. "Interesting fellow, your brother. Though please don't put me in the same looney category as him, eh? I may be taking a risk here, but I ain't one to do flipflops like he does." He gives a chuckle. "I do feel sorry for you though. Being his sister must suck. 'Course he means well, so I'd just relax if I were you. The less you fight him, the less painful it will be for you."


Bret quirks a wry grin. "My work?" He shrugs, playing with his food for a moment, his gaze resting on a sprig of parsley. "Oh...it's going. Not too easy being back there..." His eyes get a far away look in them as memories fill his mind. "Not the same without Brandon around. But..." He sighs, forcing a smile and looking back up at Charlotte. "Con's coming back, so that will liven things up. And we're doing some blasting around those caves so there's been some excitement."

Gag her or something

*Nate leans up in his chair listine to Carson and relized this was more than a call to say hey. His confustion grows as he trys to make out what Carson was telling him. Hearing Carson's words that Misty could die he automaticly stands shuting off his computer.*

"Ok, sit tight I'll be on my way over to see whats going on before we decied what to do. We might have to call more people in on this but I'll check it out first. Give me ten minutes."

*Grabing his jacket he heads to the door. Geting into his car and heading over to Misty's Nate keeps him mind cleared. Arriving He makes his way inside.*

"Carson?"

*Heading to the bedroom Nate scans the room. Going over the the bed and seeing the blood he lets out a heavy sigh running a hand over it.*

"Oh, Misty what have you gotten yourself into."

*Turning he see Carson nad walks over to him.*

"What do you got there?"

*Frankie snaps his head to Morgan giving him a cold stair.*

"I am not crazy thank you very much. I am just a conserned brother for his sisters well being. She was being brain washed there man. "

*Frankie shakes his head as he listens to his young protajas. He like his spirite and the way he though.*

"I have no problem with that at all. At least with Carson out of the way there wont be any reason for Misty to stay around here."

*Hearing his sisters voice he goes over behind Morgan and looks down at her a smile curling on his mouth.*

"Hey Little Sis, I told you I'd get you one way or another. If you just come with me when I first said something this wouldent have happend, but that stupid boyfriend of yours got in the way. Its ok though soon you will see if our way and you'll agree."

*Misty looks to Morgen her eyes glazes, but cold and hard. She dident feel scaired when she new she should be.*

"I happen to like the right side of the law stuff. Its safer. And your just as crazy as my brother."

*Misty turns her gaze to him her eyes still almost lifless as her head throbs.*

"Where is the brother that use to love and protect me?"

"I still do love you Misty, its you who stopped loving me. This I am doing this for your own protection from yourself. Don't worry you'll understand soon enough."

"No I wont, and they will find you Frank and they will take you down like everyother criminal. Its hard to think someone who was once my hero is now...this."

*As Misty's words come out Frankie's own emotions battle inside of him. Between good and bad, The good slaming fists on the door in his mind that kept him locked away pleeding to not do this, But the bad part was to strong and won this battle. Scoffing Frankie starts to walk to the door.*

"If she dosent shut up gag her or something. I'll be back."

*Misty's tryed to wrap itseld about Frankie's actions again. He was cold, hard, and just not the brother she had see when he first showed up. What had happend. Where did her brother go.*

*Charlotte hadent been able to stop grinning all night. Siting across from Bret again braught back good memories of the week spent out here the first time. Mixing her salad up alittle bit she finally replys to him.*

"Well, I'll probley be working from an office I set up in our new place and have Jake send me files when he needs me. Other than that I cant really help Ang with The Elite cases because they needed her and not just me. So I am going to at least have to find a part time job or something for extra money and so I dont go crazy. I'll figure something out maybe work a few days down town doing paper work or something."

*Charlotte takes a bit of her salad before speaking again.*

"How about you? Hows work going now that your back?"

Plans

"Nate, I need your help." Carson's voice is strained with an emotional panic. "Misty's gone. I don't know who took her, I don't know where, but she's hurt. You gotta help me...I can't go to Reese, not now. "

His eyes drift over the letter as he talks, and words pop out at him. "...headaches....rapidly growing worse...brain damage...death."

Carson feels as though he's going to be sick. "I'm over at her place Nate..." A truth hits him hard. "She's going to die if we can't find her."


"Hey, don't go blaming me." Morgan leans up against the wall and crosses his arms. "A guy like me's got to find money where he can. "You're the one crazy enough to go snatching your own sister."

He thinks for several minutes about the go-ahead to call Carson. "I wanna wait just a bit...let him really panic." He grins. "Seeing him panic would be nice for once." His eyes light up. "Then, when he's right where I want him...bam! No more Carson Banks to worry about!"

Glancing down at Misty as she speaks, Morgan goes to the corner and squats down by her. "You're in your brother's hands now, that's what's happening. Aren't you glad? No more of that right side of the law stuff, no more of those stupid rules to follow... You may not appreciate it now...but you will...you will."


"So..." Bret twirls his water glass in his hand as he looks across the table at Charlotte. The restaurant was fairly quiet...it was a casual atmosphere, but nicer than a fast food joint. "You're here to stay." A grin tweaks the corner of his mouth. "Still helping out with your sister's practice?"

Go ahead

*Katie return Scott's kiss with inthuseasm she keeps her arms around him holding Scott close.*

"I think dinner sounds perfect. Of corse anything with you sounds perfect."

*Katie giggles as she rubs her nose aganst Scott's.*

"So hows the office coming along?"

*Charlotte smiles and nods*

"Six sounds good. I'll try to be ready."

*Charlotte heads for the moving truck and heads back to the hotel letting out a sigh. She was excited to be going out with Bret.*

*Nate lets his phone ring for a moment as he finishs up typing something on his computer. He'd stayed later tonight trying to get some work done. Finally picking up the phone and seeing its Carson he gives her smile.*

"Hey Carson...Good to hear from you. Whats going on?"

*Nate leans back in his chair slightly.*

*Frankie gives Morgan a side long glance and rolls his eyes*

"Ya well how did I know she slept with a knife under her pillow? If you had been helping me and not looking around for money this probley wouldent have happend."

*Frankie goes over to Misty and squats down next to her Lifting her head gently to see the slick on her neck. It was deep but not enough to kill she. She would probley have a scar and thats about it. Running a finger over her cheek Frankie turns to Morgan and toss' him Misty's phone.*

"Go ahead and call for a ransom. I got what I want, I just need to figure out how to have her see things my way and to get out of town."

*Frankie stands again.*

"Go ahead and rattle Carson's cage for all I care I dont like that guy or any of her friends for that matter. I might as well let you have some fun."

*Misty can hear voice but finds it hard to move. The last thing she remembers was going to bed not feeling well and than seeing her brother and...nothing. A cold chilling though pass her mind. Her brother. Opening her eyes slightly Misty can make out a form her dosent know than see her brother. What was he doing...Lifting her head slightly she trys to get her baring of where she is but cant tell.*

"What..whats going on?"

Panic

Scott smiles and turns around, Katie’s arms still around his neck. His own arms wrap around her waist as he pulls her close. “Nah…this is too much fun to be work.”

After enveloping her lips in a kiss, he draws back, his eyes twinkling. “Want to do supper tonight?”


Bret chuckles. “Alright. I’ll pick you up at the hotel. And…I don’t know of anybody with any open places off the top of my head, but I’ll think.”

Starting to split from Charlotte to head for his car, he turns back around for a moment, flashing her a smile. “See you at six.”


Con gives a little sigh. “Oh, I’m alright. Shoulder’s been bothering me a bit, but nothing major…”

After a few minutes of talking, his and Jamie’s conversation is wrapped up with the agreement that Con will pick her up tomorrow night at six-thirty.


Carson hangs up his phone again, this time, a little concerned. Misty still wasn’t answering her phone. It was getting to be evening…she wouldn’t have been out and about for this long, would she?

Something in Carson’s gut warns him…almost like a red flag. It just wasn’t like Misty not to answer her phone, whether she was home or not.

Finally deciding to check it out if only to appease his conscience, Carson grabs his keys and heads out.

Arriving at Misty’s, things seem quiet…too quiet almost. Something makes the hair on the back of Carson’s neck. Confused by these feelings, he takes his small handgun from his back and knocks on the door. Nothing.

Trying the handle, he finds it open and steps cautiously inside. “Misty?” he calls. Nothing. “Misty!” Still nothing. Carson hears the ferrets chattering…that was odd.

Carefully sweeping the living room and kitchen, he finds nothing, still calling out Misty’s name. Sidestepping down the hall, he nudges her bedroom door open.

Glancing around for a moment, he sucks in his breath and steps forward more quickly, reaching out to touch the blood-soaked pillow. “No…” One name crossed his mind: Frankie. And Carson hadn’t been here. Panic sets in.

“No, no no…” Carson racks his brain for an idea…something to do…he had to do something. What had happened here? Was Misty really taken? Was she hurt? Dead? Was it really Frankie? Where were they?

Grabbing his phone again, he flips it open and starts to dial, then stops, hesitating. Starting over, he dials a different number and waits for Nate to answer. As he waits, he scans the room and spots the envelope with x-rays. Curious, he scans them as he waits for Nate.


"Way to go, now she's hurt." Morgan rolls his eyes as he paces the small room. "Not that I care...I bet that blood will scare Carson good." His tone indicates his pride in this fact. He glances down to the corner where Misty lies in a heap. "What now? You gonna ask ransom or did I do this for nothing?"

Blood

*Charlotte cant help but give a little laugh her arm around Bret's waist and heading outside. Giving a nod to the moving truck.*

"Well Angelica and my stuff is there, and our home for the moment will probley be the same hotel we stayed in before. We haven't found our own place yet. So....if you wanna pick me up at the hotel that would be great."

*Charlotte gives a smile and than stops thinking for a moment.*

"You wouldn't happen to know anyone with a place open would you? Maybe anyone from you work?"

*A smile forms on Jamie's mouth heading Con's voice. She never grew tired of hearing it.*

"Sounds like a great night to me. I accept. How ya feeling today?"

*Jamie smiles as she listens to Con chat away. What a better way to spend lunch than to talk to the man of her dreams.*

*Angelica spend the rest of the afternoon bringing more boxes in from her car. Opening some up and puting files away into her file cabnite that she needed from her office in Cali. Also puting stuff away in her desk, and seting up her computer and Fax mashean. Opening a few more boxes Angelica continues to go threw a few more things.*

*Katie comes up behind Scott and wraps her arms over his shoulders and lays them on his chest. The ring on her finger sparking in the light. Resting her chin on the top of his head. Giving a small laugh her voice is filled with humor.*

"You work to much you know that."

A while later....

*Misty's apartment lays silent except for the soft chatter of coming from the cage in Misty's room. The two Ferrets call for there master only to get no reply.

The covers on Misty's bed lay strewed all over the place as if someone had a horrible nightmare and spend the night twisting and turning. A rather large pool of blood was collected in the middle of the head imprint on the pillow case as it soaked into the material and was starting to turn a brown color as it dryed. On Misty's dresser layed a vanilla envelope from the Hospital down town. Inside was a letter and x-ray the date on it to have been received 3 days ago. The envelope was ripped open proving they mail had been opened and read.*

Nevada State Hospital
P.O. Box 4578
Nevada


Miss. Miller,
Your test results from last week came back. You have a crack in the right said middle of your skull. It seems that blood has been slowly seeping through the crack and into your crainial cabity causing much pressure on your brain. Think of your brain drownding in blood. Your headaches will grow worse and worse. Your condition is rapidly growing worse my the day, by the moment and if you don't get it taken care of soon you could suffer brain damage or worse death. I'm surprised you have been able to last this long. You being a Doc yourself should already know this. Apon your request we have send you your Xrays and labs as you requested that you would be having Dr. Rick Johnston look after you from here on out. Miss. Miller please I cant stress enough you get this taken care of as soon as passable. Its only going to get worse if you don't and it wont just go away.

Signed,
Dr. Amanda Fuller M.D.

*The rest of Misty's house looked undisturbed from what the naked eye could see. It layed quiet, dark...a strange smell in the air.*

Missing it

“Mm.” Bret grins. “Maybe you should go away once more so you can make up for lost time again.”

Cocking his head, he finally squints one eye. “On second thought…I think I’d rather you stuck around this time.”

Slinging his arm around her shoulders, he aims for the door, ignoring the unfinished drinks on the counter. “Dinner sounds fabulous. Just tell me where to pick you up.”


“Hey you.” Con grins as he hears Jamie’s voice at the other end of the line. “Sorry to bother you at work, but I got to thinking about tomorrow night… If you don’t have any plans, how about dinner… It’ll be my first day back to work, but I can swing by TJY after to pick you up… Then stop by your place if you want to change… I’m thinking that nice restaurant up by the lake…candle light…quiet music…”

He chuckles. “And cell phones stay home. How ‘bout it?”


Reese helps Angelica for a while, bringing in things from her car to the office. Once she’s at least got her bearings, he leaves her alone to go get some of his own work finished.


Carson sits alone on his couch, staring at a blank television. He wasn’t in the mood to watch tv…he wasn’t in the mood to go for a run…he wasn’t in the mood to go out and do anything…he wasn’t even in a mood for the beer he’d bought the night before. He had a little money, but not much…not enough to last long without a job. But he didn’t even know what he was going to do. The more time that passed, the more he realized just what he had at TJY. He’d thought it was alright before, but now…he actually was missing it…he was actually missing a job. It was a new sensation. He missed talking to Nate…he missed making Rick roll his eyes…he missed saying hi to Laura, giving Susanne a bad time…he got into trouble all the time, but he even missed Reese. And Jason…Carson wasn’t so sure there was anything left between them any more that could he salvaged, and that hurt just a little bit. But it was his own fault. All of this was.

Giving a little sigh, Carson picks up the phone and dials Misty. Waiting…waiting…no answer. Odd.

Lost Time

*Angelica smiles at Mick and gives a slight shake of her head. Mike was to good to her. Angelica was happy to be back, and she was excited that maybe Lord will he would give her the strength to do something more than involve herself with just work. Maybe he was her turn to get out and about again.*

"I'd like that Mike. Some of those boxs are heavy so it can be a group effort."

*Angelica smile as she turns to head back across the floor once again twords the elevator.*

*Charlotte cant help but let out alittle gasp as Bret takes her hand emotions running over her. Charlotte returns Bret's kiss her arms going around him holding him close to her. Her heart once again skips a beat.*

"It was only a week, but what a long week it was. Yes I did indeed miss you and I am never mean to you!!"

*Charlotte draws Bret close to her again pressing her lips to his for a while kissing him again. Till a smile breaks on her face and she pulls away..*

"I was making up for lost time. How about dinner tonight?"

Miss me?

Reese's face reddens slightly, and he clears his throat. "Um, yeah, the office is ready. It might need a bit of cleaning. Hal and Ty hadn't gotten that far yet. But we can get that taken care of right quick, so if you want to start moving things in, that's great. I'll help you if you want."


Bret smirks at Charlotte and rolls his eyes as she walks away. He was tempted just to see how far she'd go, but decides that he can let her win this once.

Sliding off his own stool, he reaches out to take her hand and turn her back around. "What kind of a friend would let me sit here and wallow without doing something about it, hmm?" He grins a little, his hand tightening around hers as he looks her in the eye.

Bret's voice lowers to a quiet tone. "Hi, Charlotte." Drawing her close until she's up against his chest, he tilts her face up with a finger under her chin. "Don't be so mean to me." Leaning in, he presses his lips to hers, the same feeling rushing over him that her kiss had delivered the first time.

Drawing back, his grin still plays with the corner of his mouth. "Ya miss me?"

Wallowing

*Angelica can't help the small smile that cross her face. Giving Reese a hug was good, but receiving one back was better. Angelica gives a nod to Wyatt as he walks past his dad harassing him. In a way she thought it was cute.*

"Oh, my week was eventful. But I got alot of stuff done that I wanted to before I left. Now I'm here and I am ready to stay a new chapter in my life. I am scared to death but excited at the same time."

*Angelica gives Mike's hand a playful squeeze something she dident often do.*

"And I have you to thank for that."

*Gives a small smile and as if relizing what she was saying her cheeks turn a slight shade of red and as trys to compose herself again.*

"Well I have my stuff in my car, if the office is ready and if its ok with you I can start moving the boxes in at least so while I go to find an apartment I dont have to drive around in a car cramed with boxs."

*Charlotte keeps grinning her eyes locked on Bret's. She couldent help but feel a serge of energy through her. Things had changed fast but Charlotte dident mind change. But looking into the depths of Bret's eyes made Charlotte stop and actully think, reavaluating her life almost to consider that maybe there were a few things miss that she never had with her old boyfriend and being around Bret seemed to fill the hole.

Starting out some where new would be nice. Finding someone she truly enjoyed spending her time and treated her good with was even nicer.

Leaning a bit closer to Bret Charlotte's eyes danced there pearcing gaze seemed to know what kind of welcomed he wanted and flickeredas if saying it was ok.*

"I'm pretty sure it would be ok to bypass chanse one more time. I certinly dont mind anyways."

*Charlotte takes another sip of her drink and than sets it back down.*

"But I mean if you mind I can just leave that way you can get back to your wallowing."

*Charlotte slids off the barstool the courners of her mouth still curled into a grin. Steping away Charlotte runs her fingers over Bret's hand and slightly up his arm before breaking away and slowly moving backwards to the door.*

Do I have to...

Reese smiles as he listens to Angelica, not caring what she was saying so much as just hearing her voice. He couldn't help it that he liked it.

As she steps forward to give him a hug, at first he's a little surprised and hesitant, but quickly recovers to give his own hug, his strong arms giving her a little squeeze. "It's good to see you too." Withdrawing, he looks her in the eye. "Real good..."

"Yo, Dad, I need you to get on the ball with getting that stuff from Brown." Wyatt swats his arm as he walks past.

Reese rolls his eyes at the interruption. "Alright already. Give an old man a break."

Wyatt grins and keeps walking, throwing a wave to Angelica. "Welcome."

Reese gives a little sigh, setting his hands on his hips, trying to resume his conversation with Angelica. "Well...I'm doing alright. Had a bit of excitement around here lately - more than I care for, but I guess it comes with the territory." He searches her eyes for a moment. "What about you?"


Bret cocks his head at Charlotte, finding this information quite interesting. "So...permanently in the area, huh?" He raises his eyebrow and sways his head a little as if that's not an unpleasant prospect.

Turning to take another swig of beer, he swallows then stops, unable to help the smile that finally spreads across his face, and the short laugh that comes out. Looking at the neon sign behind the counter, he just shakes his head. "I guess it's the end of my wallowing days then eh?"

Finally turning around to look Charlotte in the eye, his gaze is soft...welcoming...almost as if relieved, like a load from his back was suddenly gone. "So do I have to flip a coin to see if I can greet you properly, or would you care if I just bypassed chance on that one?"

50/50

*Katie cant help but laugh.*

"Jason Stevenson that IS to much to ask."

*Katie gets a joking angry face for a moment before she breaks out into a smile.*

"But since your my friend and all...I guess I can listen to you. Speaking of witch I should go see where that feonsay of mine is. No doubt hiding in his new office again."

*Katie shakes her head again laughing.*

"I'll talk to you again later I am sure J."

*Katie heads away from Jason to find Scott.*

*Angelica makes her way to Mike finally both of them meeting in the middle.*

"Yeah, I got everything set up back in Cali with Jake, and he has my number here so I dident need to worry about that. My apartment is still up for sale but I dont need to stay there for that and everything. So I figured why not come a little early. The trip went well. I have my car here full of stuff for my new office, files and what note. Anything alse I need I figured I could buy here. Since Charlotte came back with me to it worked out because she drove the moving truck that the stuff from both our apartments are in. Figured it can stay in there till we find a place."

*A moment of silence comes and Angelica can't stand in any longer. Slowly and cautiosly she reaches out and gives Mick a hug not sure if she should let it linger or not.*

"It's good to see you again Mike. How are you?"

*Ordering her own drink and takes a sip. Spinning around in the stool Charlotte leans her elbows aganst the bar and tilts her head back and to the side looking at Bret still grinning. The bantering, the flirting is was all part of the fun.*

"As fate would have it my sister was coming back here permintily to have a second office for the Elite. So fate was on myside there."

*Charlotte takes another swig of her drink.*

"The hard part was bending my sister to let me come back with her. I finally got my way though as you can see. I like it when I was out here last, the weather seems nice, and its just a nice change in scenery. Not to mention I have some good memories from a weekend here and an added insentive is having this guy I met a few weeks back in this area too. So all in all I guess fate and I went 50/50. I'd have to say maybe fate as alittle bit more on ourside seeing as we both just happen to be in the same bar we first met in."

*Charlottes grins grows ever more as she raises her eyebrows alittle.*

*Wes wraps his arms around Cindy and gently holds her running his hands up and down her back giving it alittle massege. Giving the top of her head a kiss and than leaning his own on her.*

"I'll always come back to you at the end of the night. I'd be a darn fool not too."

Was it fate?

Jason chuckles at Katie’s comment and reaches over to mess up her hair with his hand. “How about you pay attention to your own pampering and leave Camryn’s for me to worry about?” His eyes dance with humor. “Or is that too much to ask?”


Hearing Angelica’s voice, Reese spins around. A smile breaks through. “Well, hi there! Didn’t know you’d be here so soon.” He walks toward her casually. “How was your trip?”


Bret has a hard time keeping a straight face as Charlotte flips the coin over. Taking a swig of beer, he feels her sit down next to him, and finally gives her a sidelong glance, keeping up the banter and prolonging the greeting he knew he wanted to give.

“So was it fate that brought you here? Or did you have to bend it to get your own way?”


Cindy’s smile grows at Wes’ reaction, unable to help but laugh softly. Moving about her work, she sees him still standing and thinking about it. Shaking her head, she goes to him and wraps her arms around him, snuggling her head into his chest. “You could go tell the whole world and I wouldn’t care as long as you always come back home.”

Wow...

*Katie smiles back at Jason trying to help keep his attitude positive. She new he still wasent great but she wanted to at least try and help him feel better.*

"I'm doing pretty good. Things just seem to be falling into place nicely for once."

*Katie gives Jason's arm a soft pat.*

"Your you chin up eh? At least this gives a reason for Camryn to pamper you."

*As Angelica steps onto the main floor of TJY she scans the cubicles. She cant help but smile it felt good to be back. Walking weaving in and our she nods to people, and toss hellos till finally she see who she is looking. Coming up behind Reese she softly calls to him.*

"Good Afternoon Mike!"

*A smile spreads across Angelica's face proving she was happy to be here.*

*Frankie stands and walks over to a tiny map motionaing for Morgan to come over. Pointing to the corner of Misty's block.*

"The corner of St. Elm, and Burch, 11:00. Make sure your ready and don't get any stupid idea's in your head. Just stick to the plane. I don't need you messing this up for me got it."

*Frankie's crooked grin remainds on his face and the crazed look in his eye. As he heads out of the small building making his ownself ready.*

*Slowly Charlotte says nothing but moves up closer to Bret. Reaching over him she flips the coin over so it was now tails up. Slowly she moves to sit down next to Bret Charlotte's grin remains as her eyes twinkle with the flertation they never seemed to lose.*

"Every once and a while you have to bend chanse and fate so it does what you want!"

*As Cindy moves Wes' hand to where the movment was. Wes can't help but laugh as his smile spreads even more across his face. His face right now would light up the darkest of rooms.*

"I felt it kick, I really felt it. Wow...thats...words can describe it. You know the baby is there, but to actully get to feel it really brings a new feeling."

*Wes keeps his hand on Cindy's tummy for a while longer just soaking in the joy. He was so excited and happy.*

"The baby can have my energy but I bet its going to have your brains."

*Finally Wes lets go on Cindy so she can finish was she was doing but stays leaning aganst the counter in case she needs him.*

"After lunch if you dont need me, I HAVE to go to the ranch and level everyone know I felt our baby kick."

*Wes shakes his head, whispering again as he liked the sound of the words he spoke.*

"Wow...I'm gonna be a dad."

Moving

Jason pauses his route to his office as Katie approaches, At her question, he shrugs. “I’m alright…I’m here…I should be grateful for that, right?”

His gaze falls for a moment before looking back up at her. “I guess I’m fine. And you?”


Morgan grins. “I thought you were never gonna say we were going. I’m ready as I’ll ever be. You know my number. Where do we meet, and what time?”


Reese wanders from the empty office back out onto the main floor, heading for his own office. He had so many things to do today that he really shouldn’t be taking his time like he was. But for some reason, today he just couldn’t concentrate.


Bret has a pretzel halfway to his mouth when the quarter lands on the counter in front of him. Startled, he looks at it for a moment, confused, but as the voice comes from behind, a warm feeling rushes over him.

He grits his teeth, trying not to smile yet, and casually picks up the coin. “Mm, heads, huh? Rats. If it were tails, I mighta kissed the next woman who sat down next to me.”


Cindy pauses in her work of getting lunch, letting the kiss with Wes linger. She leans back against him, her face glowing. “I think I’m the lucky one.”

She suddenly jumps a little bit, then laughs. Reaching down, she moves Wes’ hand along her belly to the other side where movement can be felt. “I think this baby has your energy.”

Happy times

*Lockheart pulls her car into the TJY parking lot her car packed with boxs for her new office. Reese new she would be showing up today but he wasent sure what time. Geting out of her car she locks the door and heads into TJY to find Reese and make sure it was ok to start moving things in. Not to mention it would be nice to see him again*

*Nate looks up from his cubicle hearing the knock. Standing he offers his own hand to Carson in a strong shake. Nate really was sad to see him go.*

"You bet, dont be a stranger ok? It gonna be strange around here without you. Take care of youself and if you need anything call. You might not be here everyday but that dosent mean I still wont stick my neck out for ya."

*Nate gives a grin as he draws his hand away and gives alittle nod.*

"Keep that girl of yours out of trouble too would ya?!"

*Katie looks up and gives a wave to Jason puting some papers down at her desk and walking over to Jason.*

"Morning! You look like your geting use to those things alittle bit better now. I told you, you would in no time."

*Katie still cant help her smile. It had been pasted on her face all last week and now this week to.*

"How are you feeling J?"

*As Bret sits down at the counter something goes flying over his shouldent and lands at the counter heads up. For a few moments everything is silent until a finally a grin spreads across the face of someone who was not exspected to be there. A flirty voice speaking hope to bring a smile to a face that needed it.*

"And what did I tell you about wallowing?"

*Charlotte stands behind Bret her hands on her hips and her deep brown eyes showing life.*

*Frankie sits at the small table that was set up. His finger taping on the table.*

"Morgan would you sit down. I cant think with you yap moving. And we were waiting because we cant exacly grab Misty while Carson was staying at her hour now could we?"

*Frankie plays over differnt scenes in his mind. Working things and trying to figure would the next moves.*

"Lastnight Carson went home. So my conclution is tonight he'll go home as well. So, tonight is when we strike. So make sure your ready, I already know she can put up a pretty good fight. She always could."

*Frankie rubs his jaw as her mouth curls into a grin and a deep laugh comes from his mouth.*

*Wes pokes his head out of the bathroom door.*

"Left overs is good. You know I like it the second time around as well as the first."

*Wes disapears back into the bathroom again for a few moment only to emerge again dress. Making his way into the kitchen she stands in the doorway watching Cindy. A smile coming to his face. Just watching Cindy she was so pretty to start with and now seeing her with her belly sticking out, knowing she had another life growing inside of her she was every prettyer.

Coming up next to her Wes wraps an arm around her shoulers and places his other hand on her belly.*

"Your so pretty, and I love you SO much."

*Wes leans down and tilts Cindy's face upward to give her a kiss. His hand going from her belly to the side of her face caressing it for a long moment as there kissed continued. Finally pulling away Wes beams.*

"How did I become so lucky?"

*Now that Cindy was farther along in her pregnincy Wes took most days as half days leaving the shop in the hands on Clint, with Wendy doing the office paper work. He made trips back to the ranch here and there to check on everything but never stayed to long after working the whole morning. He new Clint was doing well as he offten watched his nephew, and new he was making the right desitions and when he did have a problem, or wasent sure about something he never hesatated to as for help. Clint had grown so much she was so proud of him.*

A week later

Jason’s eyebrows raise at Katie’s news, and it takes him just a moment to respond. He didn’t know why…he shouldn’t feel any apprehensions.

Shaking off the awkwardness, he smiles instead. “Well congratulations, Hero.”

As she comes with the orange juice, he stops her by taking her left hand and admiring the diamond. He grins up at her and nods. “He done good.” He really was happy that Katie was happy…he was glad to see her smiling…maybe she’d found her place in life.

Taking his glass, he raises it as a toast. “To Katie and Scott – may they be forever happy.” Jason winks at her before taking a swig of orange juice, and grins. The strangeness in the back of his mind persists, but he continues to ignore it, suppressing any apprehensions so that all Katie would feel was his happiness for her.

*****

Carson tosses another item into the small box on the chair, clearing off the rest of the desk. He glances around the cubicle one more time. He had everything. Some people had stopped by just to see what he was doing…others had actually said they’d miss him. Most just didn’t approach him. Reese had told him that he was still welcome to come and go and socialize, but he knew he probably wouldn’t be here much.

Sighing, Carson picks up his box and gives the main floor once last glance. It had been over a week since he’d been here, and this was is the last time he’d be a part of it at all. He hadn’t talked to Misty yet today…last night had been the first night that he’d gone back to his own apartment after Frankie hadn’t shown himself again. Carson didn’t know if Misty would be coming back to work or not. Last he knew, she was still undecided, though he had tried to convince her to come back…TJY needed her, and he knew that despite him not being there, it was work that she loved.

Heading toward the exit, he stops momentarily at Nate’s cubicle. Knocking on the entrance, he extends his hand to him. “Nate…I’ll see you around, eh?”


Jason makes his way across the main floor of TJY on a set of crutches, Trooper coming along behind him. He would have forced himself to hobble without the crutches, but since the week before, he’d been unable to put any weight on it – any time he’d tried to walk, it had buckled, proving there was no strength left in it.

Rick had wanted him in a wheelchair, but Jason had refused, taking the crutches instead, and forcing himself to get to and from work on his own. Camryn had been over almost every night to his place to help him with supper, and at work, he spent most of his time sitting in his office. Jason had tried to keep a good outlook, and was doing a good job at hiding his disappointment and misery. Reese had told him several times that he wanted to talk to him, but Jason had avoided it, afraid it would have to do with his job.

Headed toward the hall, he spots Katie down a ways and gives her a nod, hollering to her. “Mornin’!”


Scott throws another empty box out into the hall and sets his hands on his hips, looking around the office. Finally, it was empty. After a week’s worth of work, he could finally move his desk in here and start setting up. It was a good feeling.


“Hey, Laura, did you get that paperwork for me from Reese?”

Laura looks up from her desk to see Wyatt, and nods. “Yep.” She hands him a folder. “Here you go. It’ll take you all night to get through this stuff.”

Wyatt chuckles. “I hope not. I got a date tonight.”

“Aerith?”

“Well who else?”

Laura grins. “You’ve been hanging out with her a lot lately.”

“Can you blame me?” Wyatt returns the grin, a bit sheepishly. “Or have you totally overlooked the fact that I like her?”

Laura laughs. “I don’t think anybody’s overlooked that fact. But you deserve it. I’d definitely choose a date over work any day.” She thumbs towards Nate’s cubicle across the room. “’Course I can’t convince Mr. Workaholic of that lately.”

Wyatt shakes his head. “Oh, throw him that smile he loves so much, and he won’t be able to resist.”


Reese switches on the light in the empty office and takes a glance around. He wasn’t sure anyone had even been in here since Con had left. It seemed strange now that it wouldn’t be him occupying it. But he was excited to know that Lockheart was coming, and it would be well-worth using up this space rather than letting it sit dormant.

Moving into the office he takes a look around, making mental notes of the things he should tell Ty to pay particular attention to while cleaning.


“Bret….earth to Bret!”

Bret turns his head from the blueprints on the table. “What?”

Erin rolls his eyes. “What is with you? You been in another world all week!”

“Sorry. What did you want?”

“Wondered when Con was coming back.”

“Tomorrow…least that’s what I heard. He got the doc’s okay to get out of the sling and start using his arm again. Dean wants him doing most foreman duties though, to keep him out of hard labor.” As the whistle blows, Bret looks at his watch. “I’m taking off for a while on my lunch. If Gary calls, tell him the answer is yes.”

Heading off the site and tossing his hardhat to the side, Bret aims for his car, digging his keys out of his pocket. It doesn’t take him long to get across town and park at the edge of the curb.

Glancing to his rearview mirror, he sees the necklace that still hung there. Maybe it was self-torture to leave it there, but for some reason, he just didn’t want to take it off.

Giving a sigh, he gets out of his car and heads inside the bar.


To: Katie, Jason, Scott, Camryn, Con, Jamie, Wyatt, Aerith, Nate, Laura, Misty, Carson
From: Kyle
Subject: Party
I know I didn’t get everybody I needed to with this email, so it’s up to y’all to pass this on to anyone else who might be interested in our end-of-summer bash. Yeehaw!
We’ve been talking about it for weeks, and it’s finally coming up. Next weekend is almost here, and we’re expecting to see you at the park by three in the afternoon on Saturday. Swimming…hamburgers…hotdogs…frisbee…music… Mmmm, my mouth is watering already. If you decline just because you don’t think it’ll be any fun, then I highly suggest you immediately go to your doctor to have your head examined.
That said…see you there!
-Kyle


“So why can’t we do it right away?!” Morgan paces the small dim room to the back of the factory. He looks at Frankie with distaste. “I said I’d help ya just ‘cause I owe you one… But since I found out that dirtbag Carson is gonna suffer, I wanna get in there now to see him squirm.” A wicked grin creases his mouth. “I owe him for the time he turned me in to Tony. And if taking that little girl will do it, I’m all for it. But I don’t understand why we’re waiting!”


Cindy eases down in the computer chair, one hand on her tummy. She was starting to show more and more and it was getting just as bit uncomfortable to move around now. Scrolling through her email, a smile spreads. She’d heard from Jason again. He was getting better at keeping in touch.

Reading that he was up and moving again made her feel glad. She’d heard about his knee injury through Austin, and was glad to hear that he was recovering quickly. Jason mentioned he’d be back on both feet in no time and as good as new soon after.

Satisfied, Cindy rises again, making her way slowly to the kitchen to prepare lunch for Wes. She could hear him cleaning up in the bathroom down the hall, and calls to him. “Did you want that leftover chicken casserole or a sandwich, hun?”

Impashent and Runed

*Misty cant help the grin the pass over her face and she found a bit of humor in what Carson said.*

"I think I will for a little bit. After the last couple of days, I just want to actually relax with you. How about eating that breakfast first though it smells really good."

*Misty smiles and get up wrapping her arms around Carson's waist and directing him to the kitchen.*

*Katie follows Jason's eyes and than looks back at him seeing the question in his eyes. A grin stays on Katies lips.*

"I was going to tell you this morning, but since your to impashent and runed my saprise in telling you.."

*Katie sticks out her toung at Jason.*

"..Scott ended up not going to Az yesterday and showed up, saprised me and asked me to marrie him....and....I said...YEs."

*Katie beams and turns grabing a cup from the cabnet and pouring some OJ for Jason. She couldent help but feel a tad bit strange on telling Jason about her engagement, but the feeling soon passes. Jason had a right to know he was her friend after all and her best one at that.*

*As Mick wraps his arm around Rosetta her free hand comes up and holds to Micks arm as she leans back into him flipping the hasbrowns.*

"Mmmm....Good morning Sweety. I was hoping not to wake you guys. I was going to let you sleep in alittle bit till dinner was done.*

*Rosetta cant help the smile the curled on her lips. Finally setting the spatula down Rosetta turns wraping her arms around Mick's neck and gives him a kiss.*

*Suddenly tow tiny arms can be felt one around Mick's leg and one around Rosetta's. Looking down BJ smiles up at them both with his toothy grin.*

"I worked up because I smell something. Good Morning."

*Rosetta cant help but giggle as she runs a hand through BJ's hair.*

"Good Morning Little Man."

Ring?

Carson gives Misty a little smile and puts an arm around her. “Well I reckon with all the stupid things I’ve done, you deserve a little spoiling.”

He stands up to head for the hall. “I need to go home in a while…clean some things up…go do laundry.” He pauses and turns back around, realizing Misty is probably leery of that reasoning. He winks at her. “You can come keep me company if you want.”


Jason quirks an eyebrow at Katie and pauses his route. “Help isn’t always going to be around,” he counters. “I better learn to get around on my own, hadn’t I?” He shakes his head. “I almost got away with it this time, eh?”

Sighing, he relents, and puts some of his weight on Katie, gingerly limping to the break room. “Just don’t tell Rick…he’d have a cow. With him all it’s been is ‘do these exercises, do this do that, but don’t get out of bed!’” Jason rolls his eyes. “He ought to lay there for a couple days then he’d know what a torture it is.”

Reaching the break room, Jason eases down in a chair, too weary to get his orange juice yet. “Oh well…as long as I get back in bed within half an…” Suddenly his voice trails off as his eye catches Katie’s left hand. Before he can stop it, he knows his face shows surprise and he glances up to Katie’s face with question.


Mick takes a deep breath and stretches, feeling the bed move and Rosetta’s kiss, but not awake enough yet to open his eyes. Rolling over onto his back, he yawns and finally looks groggily around the room, blinking in the dim morning light.

Getting his bearings, he realizes Rosetta is up, and BJ is still sleeping. Reaching over, he runs a hand through BJ’s hair for a moment before sliding out from under the covers to get up. Throwing on a pair of jeans, he takes just a moment to brush his teeth and run some water over his face before heading to the kitchen.

Seeing Rosetta fixing breakfast, he just watches her for a few minutes, a small smile at the corners of his mouth. Finally he comes up behind her at the stove and puts his arms around her under her chin and kisses her head. “Morning, you.”

Hashbrowns, Eggs and Bacon

*As Misty lays sleeping a sudden voice enters her dreams. Her head snuggled into the pillow it felt so soft, the covers wrapped around her up to her chin, she bed felt so nice. A voice she new well and was welcomed there, till finally she realized it wasn't a dream and slowly opens her eyes. Seeing Carson look down at her she smiles lifting a hand out of the blanket and bringing a hand to his face.* "If you keep making me breakfast in the morning I'm going to get spoiled, but I guess I should take advantage of it while I can huh." *Misty slowly pulls the covers back and slips to the side of the bed next to Carson. Leaning over she smiles and gives him a small kiss as a thank you.

Despite everything that had happened the night before, and the uncertainties that loomed in the air Misty felt pretty content. Though her might was restless, as her head continued to throb.*

*As Katie steps into the elevator heading down to TJY a sudden surge of pain shoot through her leg. Leaning back against the elevator wall Katie wonders whats wrong. She cant feel much but the point. But than the feeling of determination breaks through and she new what was going on. Stepping off the elevator her suspicions are confirmed as she see Jason making his way to the break room. Coming up along side him she smiles and lets out a sigh.* "You just cant ask for help can you?" *Katie steps forward and offers her shoulders for Jason to sling an arm around to help him to the break room.*

*Rosetta slowly opens her eyes as she feels a little form next to her. Turning her head she smiles as she looks apone the two sleeping faces next to her. Mick on the far left and than BJ in the middle. It had been thundering and lighting that morning and BJ had gotten scared. During the middle of the night she had felt his shaking little hands as she climbed up the middle of them and quietly slipped under the covers. Rosetta remembers wrapping her arms around him offering him comfort from the storm that raged outside.

Just watching the two boys sleep for a long while Rosetta cant thank God enough for her family. This was everything she wanted, this was perfect. Quietly Rosetta finally pulls the covers back placing a kiss on BJ's head and than one of Mick softly before slipping out of bed. Throwing her bathrobe on she moves quietly to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee and make hash browns, eggs and bacon for the boys.*

Wise or unwise

“Hey, hey.” Carson sees Misty’s tears and moves to put his arm around her, speaking softly. “Your uncle loves you, and people at TJY will know the whole story so they can’t whisper, alright? And Nate’s right…think about this. You love TJY and they need you. If you leave and throw all that away, I’ll blame myself and be miserable for it.”

He gives her a little squeeze. “Come on…let’s get out of here before they start asking us to pay rent.”

Moving out of the cell, Carson catches Nate’s eye for a moment to convey a message of thanks. Under the surface though, lies an uncertainty, almost a fear, of his own future, despite his calming words to Misty. He was taking his own fate very well, while on the inside it was killing him.

Making their way outside, they get into Misty’s car, and Carson drives back to her place. They eat a light supper, both exhausted, and Carson claims the couch for the night, still leery about Frankie being around.


Morning. That time in which we want to save our dreams…just keep our eyes shut for a little while longer, if only to prolong the coming of a day marked with unknowns. But even the most powerful of wills can’t stop the sun.


Scott strolls down the hall at TJY, whistling as he goes. Clear at the end was the door he was looking for. Unlocking it, he peers inside and flips on the light to discover a mountain of boxes, furniture, technical equipment and anything else one could think of. Yes, it was a catch-all storage room. But…he’d talked to Reese a little bit more, and Reese had been serious about giving it to Scott if it could be cleaned out. Scott grins…it was funny…he’d been looking forward to an office in Arizona, but had forfeited it for what was so much better here…and now he was still getting an office.

Moving inside, Scott starts to sift through a few things. Today and for several day after probably, he’d be in here cleaning things out. To some it might seem a chore. But to him, nothing could make him down. He was on top of the world, and he knew it showed on his face. He was engaged to the prettiest girl he knew, she had a ring on her finger they’d bought last night, and in five months, he’d be married to that same beautiful girl. What more could he ask for?


Jason stirs restlessly, writhing in pain but unable to wake fully until Trooper nudges him. As his eyes fly open, he winces. So much for ignoring the pain killers again. He knew he’d have to relent today. It was just too much.

Trying to relax, he pulls himself up in bed a little, getting his mind functioning again. He’d thought a lot last night. A lot about himself, his knee, his work here. And he wasn’t about ready to give any of his life up because of this stupid injury. But Rick had said mobility in his knee would probably be limited. Strength would be limited. It would take time to even be able to move or walk at all, as the muscles had been torn and moved around – they would need to be retrained.

It was all a depressing thought…but he had to make it through…he had to. There wasn’t anywhere else he belonged….anywhere else he fit in.

Looking around the infirmary, Jason knows Rick will show up in about half an hour. Biting his lip and thinking, he finally gets his legs swung over the side of the bed and stands on his good leg. He was hungry, he wanted some orange juice, and he was going to do it on his own whether Rick had told him to stay in bed or not.

The trip to the door was excruciating and slow, and Jason has to stop and lean on the doorway for several moments before turning and leaning up against the hall wall to slowly make his way down to the break room.


Carson slips the spatula under the eggs in the frying pan as they sizzle, scooping them out onto two places along with bacon. Setting them down at the kitchen table, he wanders to Misty’s bedroom.

Opening the door a crack, he sees her snuggled under her blankets, and he enters quietly. Sitting down on the edge of her bed, he reaches over to run a hand along her face. “Morning, Sassy. Want some breakfast?”

Not the same

*A few tears fill Misty's eyes something not seen offtent.*

"Go back to a place where my uncle it upset with me and everyone is going to whisper. Some place to go back to. It wont be the same there without you there with me."

*Misty shakes her head.*

"Its not fair."

*Nate just watches Misty and Carson for a long while before speaking. He did feel sorry for his two friends. In there hearts what they did was right even though they new it was wrong. The did the wrong thing for the right reason.*

"Misty, at least take you week saspention and spend some time with Carson. Think over you desition before making it. Than next week if you still feel like leaving, than do so, but at least thing on it before acting."

*Nate lets out a small sigh.*

"Now come on. Get out of that cell. I've seen both of you in it long enough. Go relax get something to eat. Just take it easy alright?"

Don't accuse

Reese pauses on his route as Misty speaks, and turns around one more time, looking through the bars at her. His voice is stern.

“If you want to leave TJY, I cannot stop you, even though I would sorely disappointed to see you go. But don’t you ever accuse me of giving anyone special treatment. You may be my niece, but your punishment was what I deemed appropriate. As for Carson, he was the one involved in illegal activities before breaking jail, not you.” He looks Misty in the eye. “And that was his decision, not yours. Special treatment? If anyone is receiving it, it’s him, not you, just remember that.”

Without waiting for a response, Reese turns on his heel and walks out.

Carson glances out to Nate, then back to Misty. “He’s right,” he comments quietly. “Don’t throw your job away. Don’t punish me more by making me watch you turn your back on what you got going.”

Special Treatment

*Misty stays close to Carson once in the cell. She had been in trouble before but never behind bars. This was something she dident like, and for the second time in her life in the same day non the less she was scaired. Listing to her uncle, hearing her punishment and than Carson's she knows its not fair as she stands to leave she stands as well.*

"With all due respect Uncle, what happens to Carson should happen to me as well. I acted on my own free will. Carson dident convince me, threaten me, cokes me, or manipulate me. I got him out of jail from my free will. I new it was wrong and I did it anyways because I believed in helping his sister. I should be treated just like he is. If he no longer has a job than neather do I...."

*Nate's eye widen slightly. Such lolty from someone so young was amazing. Misty was an amazing woman indeed and Carson was luck. Nate still talks though leting Misty truly know what she was doing, and forcing her to think first.*

"Misty, think about what your say your giving up your job!"

*Misty looks past Reese at Nate.*

"So be it than, I can find a another job somepleace asle. I would rather do that than to know I was being treated differntly because my Uncle runs TJY."

*Misty turns her gaze back to Reese. She was sorry, she was hurt but she new it was right. She shouldent get special treatment. Sitting back down next to Carson she takes his hand in her.*

*Nate lets out a sigh and nods to Reese. After Misty was done talking.*

"Sure thing Boss."

Consequences

Carson chuckles softly and keeps his eyes on the road. “Nothing like being in trouble with the prettiest woman I know.”

The hours tick by, and soon, the lights of the city come into view. Carson maneuvers the streets to arrive at the police station, parking in front out on the street. Before he and Misty can even get out of the car, several policemen are already present, no guns drawn, but threatening to do so, should anyone make a sudden move.

Carson gives Misty’s hand a squeeze and leans over to give her a kiss. “Time to face the music.”

Getting out of the car, they’re escorted inside without many words. Misty is taken by the arm and led to the front door. Carson is grabbed, his arms forced behind his back and shoved ahead of the others, manhandled inside as if they’re getting him back for making them look foolish when he’d escaped.

Reese stands off to the side, out of the way of the officers as they walk past with Carson and Misty. He gives Nate a sidelong glance, his eyes proving that he’s not happy, but he is sorry to see these two in this position. He’d already spent an hour talking with Brown, sharing everything from Nate, while Carson and Misty’s fate had been decided. It was up to him now to talk to them.

As Carson and Misty are taking down the hall to a cell, Reese gestures with his head for Nate to follow him.

Carson is forced into the cell behind Misty, the door shutting hard behind them. Heaving a sigh, Carson leans ataingst the wall to wait, his nerves shot.

Within minutes Reese appears. He just stands for what seems an eternity, looking at the two, studying them. Nodding to an officer, the cell is unlocked.

Reese approaches and goes inside, heading for Misty first to hug her. “I’m so upset with you, and so glad to see you safe.” Sighing, he withdraws to see her face, his eyes weary.

Backing off, he looks to Carson and just shakes his head. Finally he sits down and motions for the other two to do the same.

Carson glances out at Nate, wondering what will happen now, but turns his attention back to Reese.

Reese thinks for several moments. “There’s no point in talking any more about what happened. Nate has filled me in quite adequately. I’m sorry things have turned out like this…I understand the reasoning and commend you two for saving a life and taking down a crook, however I think you both know what you did was wrong.”

He pauses for another moment. “Misty, you are suspended from the Elite for one week. No more, because I convinced Brown that you were following Carson’s lead and wouldn’t have sprung him from jail otherwise. Your job is safe, and you’re not going to jail.”

Carson’s body relaxes with relief. Misty was safe and that was something to be relieved about.

“And Carson…” Reese shifts his attention. “You’re not going to jail either. Though I must tell you it took some doing. Brown has little tolerance for the kinds of stunts you pulled. I’m sorry to inform you though, that as of now, you are no longer an employee of the Elite.”

Carson’s eyes widen slightly. Though knowing he deserved jail, the news of losing his job seemed a bigger blow.

Reese shrugs. “That’s it. What’s done is done, and I can’t change it. If I were in charge, I might put you on probation instead, but…it’s no longer my call. Both of you are free to leave now and go home.”

Rising, it is obvious that Reese does not want to discuss things any more, and he exits the cell. “Nate, would you make sure they get out of here alright?”

I cant think

*Nate runs a weary hand over his face as he answers his phone picking it up and become more alert at Carson's voice Nate listens.*

"Sure thing Carson. I can't do anymore damage I already got a week suspension, but that's ok it was worth it. Midnight, ok. I'll call Reese and head there with him. You guys drive back safe ya hear? Ok, see ya later."

*Nate hangs up the phone and leans back in his chair. In a way he was happy they were coming back. If they hadn't he sure would of missed having them around. Nate dials Reese's number and wait for him to answer before filling him in.*

*Misty sits with Carson she just looks out the window for a long while. It seemed strange to actually be scared to go back. The fear of not knowing what was going to happen to them was worse than actually knowing. Misty gives Carson's hand a gentile squeeze. But withdraws it fast as a surge of pain shoots through her head. Misty didn't know what was going on with these migraines but if they didn't stop soon she was going to have to get them checked out. Grabbing her bag Misty opens it up taking out some Advil and downing a few. Than she slowly replaces her hand in Carson's.*

"This stress is killing me."

*Leaning her head back Misty turns it to look at Carson as a smile cross her face.*

"Though I cant think of who I would rather get in trouble with!"

*Katie beams at Scott again the smile seeming to be permanently burned on her face.*

"Why dont we just drive, and where ever we land is where we are and what we do."

*Katie takes Scott's hand and leads him to the door with Domino close behind.*

"As long as I am with you Scotty I don't care what we do."

*Katie's laughter rings out through the hall, and those ears it lands on proves she is happy. There was no denying it was a laugh of pure joy.*

Suggestions

Scott grins. “I don’t care. We could go to the lake…go to Mom and Pop’s…get ice cream…or we could go get that ring that’s going to look oh so nice on that finger of yours.” His eyes dance with that thought, his smile not fading.


On the road again. Carson taps his finger on the steering wheel, his thoughts going a hundred miles an hour. No one knew what would happen. No one knew the consequences he and Misty would have to endure. But they had to return. It was right.

The ride is quiet. Carson’s thumb runs over Misty’s hand as the miles pass, but not many words are spoken, almost as if vocalizing thoughts will make the time go by too quickly.

Towards dark, Carson pulls over to the side of the road and finally calls Nate. “Hey, Nate…it’s Carson. Misty and I are coming back. We’ll be in town around midnight. We’re…heading straight for the station. I’d appreciate it if you told Reese and came with him. We might need your testimony you promised.”