War

Carson smiles as he works in the kitchen, calling back out to Jess. "Now why would I mind?"

He creates a strawberry milkshake for her, making a small one this time, knowing that she probably wouldn't want a whole lot. He tops it off with a bit of whipped cream and a whole strawberry sliced in half.

Coming back out to the counter, Carson sets the shake down in front of Jess and leans his elbows on the counter. "So how you doing? I was gonna come see you today but it was crazy in here and I couldn't get away."


"So where you all staying anyway?" Phil questions Rocky.

"Well, we got our reservations at the hotel on the edge of town - don't know how long we'll be there, but the bus should roll into town in a couple days with all our stuff. Right now we just got a few changes of clothes on us."

Phil nods as he fidgets with his napkin. "You got gigs lined up after that?"

"Not now...we're not breaking up, but we're just tired of being on the road. Too busy...we want something stable for a while."

"I can understand that."

Rocky shrugs. "So...we're gonna be looking for jobs and stuff. Kinda get back into 'normal' mode for a while."

"How long is a while?"

"Don't know yet. But it could be six months...could be a year...could be two. We just want to play it by ear and see where we go. And if we never hit the road again, so be it. But we all want to be in agreement whatever we do."

Mike joins in to the conversation. "Got places to go after the hotel?"

"Nope. Have to find some apartments or whatever. Starting from scratch...blessed enough to afford it for a little while."

"You guys could come stay out at my place," Mike offers. "Pay for your own meals and I won't charge rent. might have to sleep on a couch, but I got room."

Joel had been listening, and lifts an eyebrow. "Aw, we can't do that."

"No...really. It's just me and my dog."

"Well..." Joel and Rocky exchange glances. "Guess we'll wait until the bus comes in with our stuff and...we'll talk it over with the others then."

Mike nods. "Fair enough."


“So then we get to that place and…” Logan continues his story to Kyle, elbowing Axel every once in a while for him to join in.

Axel swirls the ice around in his glass, barely paying attention. Instead, his eyes roamed the room, bounced off faces, stared at the table, then back to roaming the room again.

Logan has paused his conversation and smirks Axel. “Hey, I was talking to you.”

“Hmm?”

Logan rolls his eyes. “How many pictures are hanging on the wall?”

“Six.”

“Paintings or photos?”

“Both.”

“How many ceiling fans?”

“Three.”

“What’s for desert?”

“Apple pie.”

“How many stools at the counter?”

“Eight.”

Logan throws up his hands and shakes his head, looking over to Misty. “I’m telling you, this guy is weird.”

Axel’s eyes narrow and he smirks at Logan. “You just don’t know what observant means.”

Logan shakes his head, still looking at Misty. “He’s not observant. He’s weird.”

A grin spreads on Axel's face. Though his sense of humor was very dry, he let it shine in his eyes, and he tosses Misty a wink, clearly owning the upper hand in this one, even if Logan thought he was the one in control.

Letting the conversation fade into the background again, Axel's eyes wander back to the counter, seeing the waiter talking to the woman. He watches for a moment, summing up their interaction.

Rising from his chair, Axel sets his napkin down.

“Yo, Grease, where you going?”

Axel turns around and throws Logan a look. “Keep up with that name and you’ll find out what axel grease feels like in bed.”

Logan raises and lowers his eyebrows, giving a silly grin. “Slippery.”

Axel points a finger and clicks his tongue. “If I were you, I wouldn’t want to find out.” He turns around again, aiming for the men’s room.

Logan calls after him. “Have fun!”

Axel just waves. He heads back down the side hall, slipping past the front counter on his way.


As Katie tucks the flower behind his ear, Jason’s eyes go to the side even though he can’t see it. He lets it sit for a moment, contemplating his options.

His eyes roam back to Katie and her laughing, and he grits his teeth to keep his own laughter in. You did not just put a flower in my hair.

Con spots Jason sporting a flower and starts to laugh. “Why Hotshot, you look right pretty tonight!”

“Shut up, Con.

“What?” Con cocks his head, still laughing. “I didn’t hear you.”

“You did too, you big tank.” Jason stands up from the table, throwing a balled-up napkin in Con’s direction.

“Hey!” Con receives the napkin to his own head even though he tries to jerk out of the way. “Watch it before you start a war, mister.”

“Me?” Jason fakes innocence. “It was her who started it!” He points to Katie, knowing good and well it had been him to make the first move. “Her and her flowers.” He grabs the flower from his hair. “And look, she even broke it!”

“Ohhh no!” Con shakes his head in dismay. “She broke the flower. She’ll have to go turn it in to Mabel now. You know what happens to people who break flowers.”

Jason hadn’t a clue and neither did Con. But it sounded good. A grin spreads on Jason’s face. “Yep. Flower killers must pay.” Before stopping to think, Jason grabs Katie from her chair, bends over and in one motion he has her slung over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes, her head hanging down his back. “Mabel!” He marches toward the counter, flower in hand. “Katie gone done and ruined a center piece.”

“Don’t let her go, Jase!” Phil hollers.

“Take him down!” Laura yells to Katie, laughing.

Object

*Jamie gives a smile as she leans into Con and looks back at Rocky than Joel, and than to Con.*

"I guess it slipped my mind?"

*Sticking out her toung Jamie laughs and than squeazes Con.*

"I guess I just got excited to see everyone but now that you mentioned it...I'm getting married to this tank here. I guess we are even now for you both not talking to me in so long."

*Jamie smiles as the chatter continues.*

*Katie gives a nod as she listens to Jason but is still talking herself with Taylor. Once or twice she stops to remember what she was trying to say as Jason talked but for the most part Katie kept both separated. He does seem a little strange but nothing to worry about.

As Katie goes to say something alse she is blasted in the side of the head with the straw wrapper. Stopping dead Katie very slowly turns her head to look at Jason.*

"Do you remember what happend last time? I would hate for you to fashion pizza this time."

*Katie can't help the smile that plays on her lips and she turns back around. Glancing around the table her eyes fall on some nice flowers. Reaching out and taking on Katie breaks off the stem than turn back to Jason tucking the small flower behind his ear.*

"There you go, that one matches you eyes nicely."

*Katie breaks out in laugher as she watches Jason's face.*

*Misty laughs again as she looks at Kyle and smiles than looking back to Taylor.*

"I think its his humor mixed with his increadable nice side that helps me deal with it. Sometimes I wonder how he can deal with me? I act like his mother to much."

*Jess eyes lock with Axel's for a moment as a small smile spreads across her own face. A true smile that had not been seen in a while. As Axel looks away Jess quickly does the same turning her attachen back to Carson. Raising her voice just a bit so he can hear her.*

"Well if you don't mind keeping me company, I won't object."

Interacting

“Jamie!” Rocky returns Jamie’s hug with enthusiasm, spinning her around. “I know, I know, everyone’s bugging me about keeping in touch, even your mother. Well…complain no more, you got me back for a while.” His grin widens and he stays with Jamie, Herb and Mabel for several minutes, just reminiscing and catching up a little bit with the other guys, and Taylor. Once satisfied that they’ll talk more soon, they head back to the table.

“Mmm.” Con embraces Jamie, his face lighting up as he sees her. “Glad you could come down – it just wasn’t the same without you in this rowdy bunch.” He sits down after pulling out a chair for Jamie too.

“Whoa, Jamie, you got something to tell us?” Rocky is sitting across the table, and looks between her and Con, then gestures to her left hand.

Con quirks an eyebrow. “You mean she complained you didn’t keep in touch and she didn’t even let you all know that she’s getting married?” He fakes shock and glances down at Jamie. “I think I’m offended.”

“Married?!” Joel’s head perks up. “Who’s getting married?!”

Taylor points to Jamie. “She is, you dufus.”

Logan leans forward to see them. “No. Dude, congratulations!”


Jason interacts with the others, though is aware of Katie’s slight confusion about him, and manages to steer his emotions in her direction so she can read him while he’s talking.

When Wyatt called me back in the truck it was just about those goons and them talking. I guess when he said for sure that Carson wasn’t involved, it threw me. Now back to Axel though, I don’t know…I can’t read him…maybe that’s what bothers me. It’s like he’s reading me, but I can’t figure him out…puts me on edge I guess.

Jason’s fingers are busy fiddling with his straw and wrapper as he talks with others at the table, and silently with Katie, proving how quickly his mind and emotions are going, wound up from the evening.

Without warning, he turns to Katie, leans back and fires, blowing through his straw to shoot the little paper projectile directly at her head.


Kyle grins at Misty, half his dwindling energy just going towards keeping his eyes open. “If I would have listened to you, I wouldn’t have you next to me right now, now would I?”

Taylor giggles and looks at Misty. “He’s got a point.”

Kyle gives a raspy laugh. “Yay, I have someone who’s on my side.”

“Now, I didn’t say that.” Taylor slides a grin to Misty, but keeps looking at Kyle. “The greatest downfall of men is not listening to us women.”

“Maybe the downfall of women is that they talk too much.”

Taylor can’t hold in her laugh, and she looks at Misty. “He hasn’t lost his sense of humor, that’s for sure. How do you put up with him?”


Carson comes back with several pitchers of pop, Jason’s orange juice, and ready to take the orders for pizzas. Avoiding conversations, but able to relax just a little bit, Carson takes the order. Glancing down the table again, he sees Misty once more. This time it was obvious that she was leaning into Kyle. It didn’t take a genius to figure out this scene. They weren’t sitting like casual friends would. The level of seriousness couldn’t be determined, but there was no doubt…Kyle and Misty were dating. And deep down, a final flame is blown out, leaving only a dying ember. Hope was all but a lingering smoke from the fire that had burned so brightly.

Carson quickly finishes up the order and heads back to the kitchen. It was odd…it felt like forever since he might have been sitting in that group. Not with JetStream, but with the TJY group. For a while, he hadn’t cared…but now every day his loneliness increased…his desire to be back at TJY only worsened. But it would never be. He’d made too many mistakes. At least everyone, even Jason now, were treating him like anyone else…they were being nice enough.

Even seeing Misty tonight hadn’t been quite as hard…on the surface at least. Carson pauses his work, leaning on the kitchen counter and thinking. It seemed odd to him…Misty and Kyle…but if that’s what made her happy…

Carson knew it shouldn’t bother him, but it did just a little. He couldn’t deny that. It was easier seeing her, but just as hard dealing with his emotions. Would he ever be able to just walk up and say hi without the tension?

Hearing Jess, Carson is quick to exit to the front, a smile forced to his face. “Drowning in a milkshake eh? I can help you out there.” He cocks his head. “If that’s what you really want. Otherwise I can just help you out in the company department.” He gives Jess a quick wink. “Give me a minute and I’ll whip something up for you.”


Axel sips on his drink and leans back in his chair, studying the conversations around him, while interacting some. A slight grin played at the corner of his mouth, showing that he was at ease, enjoying this group.

Glancing toward the counter once, he catches sight of a young woman who had come in. On first glance, one might look away again, but Axel’s eyes remained, zeroing in on the condition of her face…the healing wounds…the way she sat…the way she held herself. This woman had been through a lot.

Seeing that she was looking back at him, a smile spreads on Axel’s lips and he purposely catches her eye.

“Axel!” Logan slaps his shoulder. “Pay attention. What was that fella’s name up in Washington?”

Axel is forced to jerk back to the conversation at the table. “Uh…Thomas.”

Fun

As Katie jerks her head up and looks towards where Jason was as she feels his emotional jump. Scanning fast Katie finds Jason and can’t help but giggle as she sees Axel next to him. She hadn’t been around the new comers long as of yet, but one thing she new already was Axel was quiet and got around fast. Once Axel leaves Jason’s side Katie can’t help but let her laughter come through a little more. If he takes you down from sneaking up like that, I am going to go down with you with those emotional jumps sheeesh. What so interesting? Do you sense something about him? Oh and I don’t mind if we have some tag along either.

Answering her phone Jamie’s ears perk up hearing Con’s voice. It was always nice to hear from him no matter the time.

“You think I would really miss a chance to see you or go to my parent’s? I’ll meet you there Babe.”

Hanging up Jamie stands turning the TV off. She wasn’t doing anything tonight anyways. Getting out of the house would be fun, spending time with Con even better, and spending time with her friends was the best, how could Jamie turn it down.

Katie stays in the car fairly quiet herself. She wasn’t sure what to say so she just let the silence linger. For some reason it seems odd to have a quiet one in a bunch like that. Listing to Jason and Axel talk Katie finally turns around in her seat and looks to Axel studding him herself. Her mouth opens as if she was about to say something but than closes as Jason pull out his phone. Turning back around Katie stairs out the window for a moment trying to read Jason emotions at the phone conversation went on to see if she could pick up what was going on. Only getting bits and peaces not enough to understand anything Katie waits till Jason is off the phone. What was that about? What’s wrong J?

As Rocky’s voice rings through the restront Mable pops out from the back room and big smile on her face.

“George, well I’ll be. I thought you were long gone and I hadn’t herd hide or hair from you in forever. You don’t even know how to write your mama a letter? Or call?”

Mable’s eyes sparkle as she speaks and give Rocky a hug. It had been a long time, to long.

Herb is the next to emerge from the back trying to keep the grin from his face walking near Rocky and Joel.

“So you guys finally came back, got the money to pay for that window you broke?”

Herb looks serous for a few moments longer before a smile finally breaks forth on his face and he offers his hand to Rocky and Joel.

“It’s good to see you guys again. Hope you guys will be staying around for a while, Jamie will be awfully upset if she new she missed you guys being here.”

As if on queue the bell on the small door rings again and a small shriek can be herd. A smile plastered across Jamie fast as she walks towards Rocky and throws her arms around him in a tight up.

“George Sanders, you don’t write, you don’t call, one would think you were trying to avoid me or something.”

Letting go of Rocky, Jamie smiles than turns to Joel and gives a little wave again.

“It’s good to see you again Joel.”

Jamie finishes her hellos, and greeting to the rest of the band and gets her interdiction to the new member, finishing off with a tight squeeze to Con and a loving kiss.

“Hey you!”

Katie sits next to Jason rolling her eyes as the argument starts. Leaning on the table a bit she smiles at Taylor and starts up a conversation about traveling, what it was like... And the conversation slowly slips into how Katie came here and her Aunt’s ranch.

Misty stays close to Kyle. She might have come tonight but that didn’t mean she felt comfortable, but it’s not as if she felt uncomfortable either. It was a strange mixed feeling that she wasn’t sure about.

Seeing Carson coming towards them Misty tenses a little. She hadn’t been to Mom and Pop’s in so long she didn’t know he was taking orders now. But seeing his pen and pad and hearing his greeting she realizes and relaxes a bit.

As Carson turns to walk away Misty’s eyes catching him for a moment. Than realizing she was staring they break away. Giving a small smile she nods at Kyle and signs without works. I am ok. Because she new he would be worried about Carson she wanted to ease that fear.

Coming back to the conversation at the table Misty smiles at Taylor’s comment and than leans into Kyle a little.

“He should be home sleeping right now, but you know men, they never listen to us.”

Misty giggles as her eyes twinkle at Kyle.

Katie watches Carson for a moment; a bit surprised herself over his concern enough with Jason to offer orange juice. I wouldn’t look so good either if I went through all he did. Maybe he really is changing.

As the commotion continues the small bell to the door rings goes un-noticed. As Jess enters she glances to the table to a moment a little on edge but knows quite a few faces from TJY and relaxes. Making her way to the counter she gives a nod to Mable. Than gives a call to Carson.

“Hey, I was wondering if I could get another milkshake from you? I felt a bit of nervousness and worry coming on. I though maybe I could drown them in something again.”

The truth be told Jess really wasn’t hungry and she didn’t want a milkshakes but she didn’t want to sit at TJY anymore either. Being there she had time to think. Time to think about stuff she really didn’t want to. This was really the only other place she had to go at the moment and Carson was really the only friend she had. Being here she felt safe. They hadn’t caught Peter yet and Jess new he was a dead man if he stepped foot into this place.

Turning her head to the noisy bunch once again Jess scans the faces trying to remember who everyone was, and wondering about the new people. They looked like they were having a blast. As Jess eyes roam they land on the red head and for a moment Jess doesn’t look away her eyes mapping his face.

Waiter

Bret laughs. “How come I always owe you anyway hmm?” He takes another sip of his beer, but is suddenly distracted by bright headlights that shine through his window.

Getting up, he goes to the front window to draw the curtains back. The hair on the back of his neck stands up, and he has no idea what Charlotte may have just said to him. “Uh, I got somebody here, babe. I gotta go. I’ll catch you later…”

Still looking out the window, he shuts his phone and sets it on the table, going to the door. His hand is on the deadbolt, but he stops. He couldn’t just lock them out. He needed to send them away.


Kyle smirks at Misty’s comment, but squeezes her hand back. “Alright, mother.” He gives her a kiss on the forehead for good measure. Despite his exhaustion, the humor was still in his eyes.


Jason packs away a few more things, pausing only to decipher a new batch of feelings. He grins and picks up a cord someone had dropped. As if I'd mind. We might have a few other passengers though, if Cryptic ahedlglkruwkrk.... Jason jumps to a hand on his shoulder and whirls around to see Axel.

Axel throws up his hands. "Whoa, sorry. Jen just asked for that cord so I thought I'd take it to her."

Jason rolls his eyes at himself for being so jumpy. "Now I know how Rocky feels." He hands him the cord.

Axel grins. "He thinks I'm half Indian."

"Keep it up and I'm bound to think it too."

Axel studies Jason for a moment giving him a strange once over then getting a good look at his eyes. He finally just quirks another wry grin before going back to Jen.

Jason wanders to where Phil is gathering the guitars. Interesting... Jason brings a bit of confused intrigue to the surface. Anyway, of course you can ride with me.


After everything is loaded back up into the pickups, the stage completely cleaned off, and a check around the room completed, t he group is outside in the darkening evening.

"Alright, how we all getting there?" Mike asks. "We got several cars and pickups here."

"We can tie Axel to the top," Rocky suggests. His teasing gets him put into a side headlock.

Axel keeps a firm grip on him, not letting go. "How about you ride up there with me, eh? I might get lonely, not to mention cold."

Rocky stifles his laughter and squirms out from under Axel's arm. "Dibs on the car that Axel's not riding in!"

As the chatter flies back and forth about who's riding with who, Con steps to the side with his phone and dials Jamie. "Hey you...I know it's kinda late, but the show's over and a bunch of us are heading for some pizza. I'm gonna tag along...thought maybe you'd like to meet us there."

After more chatter and banter, finally everyone is settled into their vehicles. Cryptic has split up with several others, and the small caravan heads downtown. Axel winds up riding with Jason and Katie, and for a couple minutes, the truck is fairly quiet.

Jason glances in the rearview mirror. He bundles together a few feelings close to curiosity, questioning and apathy. Axel must be the quietest out of that bunch. "So, you been with Cryptic just a short while then?"

Axel nods, catching Jason's eye in the mirror. "Yep."

"How'd you join up with them?"

"Heard 'em at a concert...got together with them through a friend of a friend...happenstance...and here I am."

"What did you do before that?"

The question was an innocent one, but it takes Axel a moment to answer. "Not much, I guess. Nothing worth talking about." He looks between Katie and Jason. "So...you two together?"

Jason quirks an eyebrow and looks quickly to the mirror again. "No. We work together. Scott - the guy who was around earlier - he's the lucky one." No emotions surface.

"Ah." Axel's own eyebrows rise a little, as if he almost doesn't believe Jason, but he says no more. "The band speaks highly of the area around here. Guess I'll be getting to know it."

"Where are you from?"

"Wisconsin."

Jason's mouth is open to say more, but his vibrating phone interrupts him. Going for his belt, he pulls off the phone and sees it's Wyatt. "Sorry, gotta take this." He flips it open. "Wyatt...how'd it go? Mmhmm..." They got both the guys to the station and into interrogation. "Good. Have they talked yet?" One was stubborn, but the sniper ran off at the mouth about how they were just hired to take down Jen to get to Kyle. "Yeah, that's what we figured. Glad to know we were right. Anything else?" Jason nods as he drives and listens. Nothing much else except... "Oh, really? No, no, not surprised just...." A bit of guilt surfaces. "I suppose. Yeah, okay. Thanks, Wyatt. More later." Jason flips his phone shut and glances to Katie. "Things are fine. He's got to work late."

"That have to do with that little takedown?" Axel questions.

For some reason I don't trust this guy. "Yeah. We're in the clear."

It isn't long before the cars are parked at Mom and Pop's, and everyone is filing inside. As it's later in the evening, it isn't very busy, so they spread out in the front room.

Rocky heads straight to the counter, a big grin on his face. "Mama Mabel! You're still here!"

"Rocky..." Joel gives him a shove, speaking loud enough for Mabel to hear. "Don't bring back all those memories. She might want to kick us out!"

Some of the guys grab several tables and start putting them together so everyone can sit with each other, and for a few minutes, everything is noisy chaos, but no one complains as the chatter and laughter starts up.

Kyle grabs a seat for himself and one for Misty somewhere in the middle, Jen and Mike on the end, and everyone in between grabs whatever place is closest. Jason winds up flopping down next to Katie, involved in an argument of music with Phil and Logan, amused banter going back and forth.


Carson looks up from the dishes he's putting away, as he hears the noisy bunch come in. He looks out from the kitchen and sees that it's JetStream with a bunch of others too. TJY people...Con...a bunch he didn't recognize...Misty... He sighs a little. Aerith was cleaning in the back. He could make everyone wait for her, but then not only would they be waiting, he'd be dumping this one on her too. He'd been ready to clock out, but he'd stay. Going the extra mile lately was the only way he felt he was at least partially repaying Herb and Mabel for all their help.

He glances to Herb as he takes off his apron. "I got it." He wasn't comfortable with waiting on this group...but avoiding it would just make him out to be even more of an idiot.

Grabbing a pad and pen, he heads out of the kitchen.

"Hi, Carson." Jen was the first to spot him, and gives him a warm smile.

Carson can't help but give a little smile back...Jen and Mike were the only two he really felt okay around...Jen was always so nice as if the past was completely forgotten. Carson never had known her very well, but he knew that surely she knew everything about him through the band, through Jason. Yet she never cast judgment on him. "Hi, Jen. Big crowd tonight."

"That it is." Jen giggles. "We'll try to behave ourselves."

Carson chuckles. "Thank you." He moves to a more centered place by the table, looking for whoever might be leading this bunch, and finally Phil speaks up, ordering several pitchers of soda pop.

"Alright..." Carson jots it down. "You all know what you want to eat already, or..."

"Pizza!" Logan exclaims. "Lots and lots of pizza!"

Taylor gives his arm a slap. "Calm down."

Phil grins at Carson. "Yeah, pizza. But give us a minute to figure out what we're doing."

"You got it." Carson turns to go get their drinks, letting a glance travel down the table until it rests on Misty. She seemed happy...she looked good...she was sitting between Kyle and Con...Kyle...had his arm around her chair?

"Hey, Carson..."

He looks down to where Jason was waving him over. He tenses a little, but approaches with caution. "Yeah?"

Jason purses his lips and sighs, keeping his tone quiet to not distract or include the others. "We, um...got the guys that attacked Kyle. They...talked after they got to the station and...you're in the clear."

Carson lifts an eyebrow. "I didn't think I had reason to worry that I wasn't."

Jason almost rolls his eyes. "Technically you didn't...I'm trying to apologize for my personal accusation."

Carson isn't quite sure how to take it, but he accepts the apology with a nod. Hearing that from Jason had to count for something. "Alright." He starts to walk away, but then turns once. "You, um...been working hard all night...would you prefer orange juice to pop?"

Not only did the gesture surprise Jason, but the memory too, and for a moment, he just stares. "Um...yeah, sure...thanks." He watches Carson walk away, then glances to Katie. He still doesn't look so great, but at least he's being nice.


Kyle tenses a little as Carson moves around the tables, but he doesn't say anything. His fingers give Misty's arm a little pat, hoping that she wasn't too uncomfortable. He wanted her to be able to be comfortable again...he wished he could help her be comfortable enough with the others...with him...that she wouldn't worry about Carson any more.

"Kyle, you look like you're ready to drop off."

He looks up to Taylor and gives her a silly grin and nods. "Just about."

Time for bed

*Charlotte can't help but let out a sigh and than chuckle as she thinks about Bret coming and the looks on everyones face as he took her away.*

"I have no idea why they put me on nights eather. Sooner or later they will see that they are losing money and not gaining it and I wont have to worry about night. Oh and if I get fired it would be a good way to go."

*Taking a bite of her cheese Charlotte pauses for a moment, just listing to Bret. Enjoying her meager meal and just listing to the sound of his sweet voice.*

"Don't you try and flatter me, it won't make me forget you owe me that beer still.."

*Katie can't help the smile she feeling inside as she receves Jason's thanks though on the outside her face remained ferm. This new talking through emotions with Jason felt good. It was something they had that no one alse did. In a way Katie found it pretty cool. Well I couldn't have done it without you, so thank you as well J.*

*The time moves on and Nate heads back with Wyatt ready to put in his statment as well. Katie and Misty stay behind. Misty to watch over Kyle and help, and Katie to help as well while keeping an eye on things.

The time moves on more and the minutes pass. Time seems to go slow yet is pass in a flash. New people join them and the laughing and greetings continue.*

*Giving a elbow to Kyle as she pass Katie jokes.*

"Kyle, trouble? NEVER!!"

*Katie can't help but throw a wink at Jason and laugh as she continues to gather things up.*

*Misty leans into Kyle as Logan talks. She couldn't help the color that came to her cheeks.*

"Looks like I am already taken. Sorry Logan."

*The chatter and fun continues as the mention of food comes up. Misty laughs not saprised that Kyle was thinking of food. Even being tired and sick thats what he mind liked the most.

At the mention of Mom and Pop's Misty stiffens for a moment. Did she really want to go? Did she really want to face Carson again? She had seen him the other day and she had forgiven him, but did she willing want to see him?

Misty sighs and looks to Kyle searching his face. The look in his eye was asking her the same question. Thinking things over fast in her mind Misty gives Kyle a soft smile and a nod.*

"Yes, I would like to go for a little while with you. Someone does have to tell you when its time for bed since you can't do it on your own you know. You need your rest Kyle, so we can't be out to late."

*Misty gives a squeeze to Kyle's hand showing she cared and was worryed about him even though she new he was a grown man she was still his Dr. on top of being his girlfriend and his health came first.

Misty's mind wonders but lands on one thought alone. She couldn't live in fear and stay away from Mom and Pop's forever. If Carson was there, than he was there. She couldent let his presence keep her away. She had to lean to function around him again.*

*Katie is about to reply to Jason when Scott comes up behind her. Leaning back into him for a moment Katie smiles and turns her head to kiss his cheek.*

"You'll see me tomarrow if these rougheins don't keep me out to late."

*Katie can't help but laugh giving Scott's hand a pat and turning to hug him.*

"Let Domino know I said "Hi!' and that this weekend is still on before it gets to cold. I'll see you tomarrow babe."

*Once Scott is gone Katie lets out a sigh and grabs a few bags to throw into the cars. Remembering she hadn't answered Jason yet Katie lets out a small laugh. I'd love to. As long as I can ride with you since mine just left. As long as you don't mind.*

Introductions

Bret chuckles. "I'd love to come rescue you, but seeing as though you got several hours left, I'd probably wind up getting us both in trouble, and you out of a job."

He kicks the fridge shut and finds the bottle opener to pop open his beer and take a swig. "Never did understand why they got you on nights down there anyway. No one comes through after nine o'clock anyway."

He sighs and flops back down onto the couch, beer in hand. "Wallowing? Me? What have I got to be wallowing about? I'm talking to a lovely young woman on the phone, I've got my favorite beer in my hand, I'm sacked out on a comfortable couch...."


Jason tries to calm his own emotions down enough to read Katie, getting her message but feeling it as all garbled at first. Finally figuring it out, he starts to relax a little more. The man was down...and Katie and Con could handle the rest quite well. Good job, Hero.

He finishes out the band's song, just to go into the last one for the night.

Kyle can see bits and pieces of what's happening, and once falters on the keyboard to produce a sour note, but quickly tries to recover. He had to trust the others to take care of things. Trying to focus, he's back to playing, forcing his smile again and eying Misty.

Con tries to get a handle on the situation, but with the loud music, he sees Katie's mouth moving, but can't hear her. Hoping he's assuming right, he gives her a hand getting the guy onto his feet and half-dragging him out the back, Wyatt ensuring that no one gets too suspicious. Someone does throw him a questioning glance, and he just rolls his eyes and shakes his head, acting like he's drinking. The other person nods and rolls their eyes too before turning back to the concert.

"Oh, and here's your partner right now." The police officer outside has the other man in cuffs, and slams him up against the wall as he sees Con and Katie appear with the sniper. "Great going, guys. How bad's he hurt?"

Con scoffs. "Not bad enough. "He'll live."

The sniper curses and groans as Con and Katie drag him, but doesn't have enough energy to fight.

Several more cop cars show up with their lights flashing, one car to take the criminals downtown where Brown and Reese were waiting, and the others to be there for questioning and in case anything else happened.

It seems to move fast, and before anyone knows it, the two Agency men are being taken away, and the outside is quiet again except for the sporadic sounds of the police radios in the cruisers.

Con sets his hands on his hips and just watches for a moment, then gives a sigh. Turning to Katie, he gives her a grin, then turns to sling an arm around her shoulder, aiming them both back inside. "Well, Kat, you haven't lost your touch."

Back in the main room, the concert is just coming to an end. Phil is closing out the evening with words to the audience, and within minutes, all the people are starting to file out, the noise of chatter erupting.

The band is quick to abandon their instruments and get off the stage. Kyle goes straight for Jen, sliding into a chair next to her. Receiving her hug, he returns one, drawing back to search her eyes with worry. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." Jen nods, Kyle's hands in hers. "A little shook up, but they got the guys."

Kyle's hands are shaking and he takes a deep breath. Thank God they had taken down the two men. "Good."

Jen smiles at him, knowing he had been worried to death about her. "Now go help take everything down so we can get out of here and you can get some rest. You look like death warmed over."

Kyle slaps on a grin as he stands up. "At least I'm warmed over." Heading to the stage, he stops to see Misty, just looking at her for several seconds. If it wasn't for her, he wouldn't have been able to convince the guys to play tonight...and she'd done a very good job as well. "Thanks, Misty." His eyes are glazed and bloodshot, showing their exhaustion, but he stands tall anyway. Reaching out, he pulls her into a hug for just a moment, trying to grasp onto the things he cared about...the things that were real to prove that this was really over.

As the late evening progresses, Wyatt goes downtown to give statements, while Con sticks around to help keep an eye on things with Katie. The band is busy packing everything away, in a hurry to leave, but at the same time, so relieved that no one had been hurt, that they take their time. Soon, the band and their close friends are the only ones remaining in the room. The audience had cleared out completely, and it was up to them to lock the doors on their way out.

"Dude, where’s the party?!”

Everyone was so busy cleaning up and packing things away that no one had noticed the small group emerging from the back.

The band squints at the group, trying to figure out who they were.

“Nice red and blue lights outside…thought maybe we’d see one of you all in the back of one of them cruisers.”

A grin spreads on Phil’s face. “Rocky, you dog!”

Rocky laughs as he leads his bunch toward the front. “Yo, what up? Did we miss anything?”

“Just the whole show,” Mike teases.

Rocky steps up on the stage to give the guys hearty handshakes. “And you must be Jason.”

Jason nods, accepting the handshake. “You must be the guy who said he couldn’t make it.”

“We would have even made it sooner if he hadn't told the taxi driver the wrong place to go.” Max rolls his eyes and approaches too.

Jason chuckles. “Well, we managed.”

Rocky glances to the knee brace on Jason’s leg. “I thought it was Kyle who was the one having trouble.”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Someone told me to break a leg so I did. And Kyle is definitely the one having trouble. Or should I say, he IS the trouble.”

“Hey!” Kyle’s rebuke is forced and scratchy. “Don’t listen to a word he says!”

“Kyle! You were playing with one hand?”

Kyle looks over to Logan and grins. “As if you didn’t notice.”

“Honestly? No. Who was that sweet voice next to you though?” Logan grins at Misty as he steps up on stage.

Kyle laughs. “Misty, this is Logan – he and the others here are Cryptic. And Logan, the answer is no.”

Logan shoots him a look of innocence. “What?”

“You know what.” Kyle smirks. “She’s mine.”

“Aw, rats.” Logan grins, throwing Misty a wink, showing how he was teasing. “Thought maybe I was in luck.”

“The only thing you’re going to be in is trouble if I don’t get a hug,” Jen pipes up from the floor.

Logan whirls around and stretches out his arms. “Jen!”

Kyle shakes his head in amusement, and some quick introductions are made for those who don’t know the visitors. It’s obvious that the Mitts and Mike all know Cryptic very well and vice versa. Though they hardly had seen each other through the last few years, their time spent together in and around high school had formed their bond.

“So why on earth are you guys here?” Phil asks.

“Well that flight did get canceled,” Joel explains. “But we got another one sooner than we thought. Rocky thought about calling you back, but we figured we’d still be too late, so we just left it at that. Looks like you managed well, but what was with all the cop cars?”

“Oh, nothing much.” Phil shrugs off the whole incident, not really wanting to get into it right now.

“Try stalkers out to kill someone.”

Heads shoot up to the new voice and Rocky whirls around, slapping a hand over his heart. “Axel! You’re gonna give me a heart attack one of these days! Why do you always sneak around and then pop up out of nowhere?”

The redhead grins slyly, his hands tucked into the pockets of his gray hoodie. “Because it’s fun?”

Rocky rolls his eyes. “Now what’s this about stalkers?”

“How about asking these fellas?”

Phil bristles a little at Axel’s forwardness, and looks to Rocky, showing some question.

Rocky lifts his eyebrows. “Oh, sorry. Y’all prolly don’t know Axel here. He joined up with us about…eight months ago or so.”

Axel nods. “Heard a lot about you guys.”

“Aww…” Mike grins. “You’re the ones traveling around the country and getting albums produced.”

Taylor laughs. “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

After hellos and nods are exchanged to the newest band member, the conversation reverts back as Rocky doesn’t let the subject drop. “So you guys got stalkers or what?”

Phil eyes Axel warily. “Who’d you talk to?”

Axel meets Phil’s gaze, picking up on the suspicious vibe. “Well, I didn’t go to the media.”

Rocky elbows him. “Cut it out, Grease.”

Axel takes a moment, something between humor and defiance glinting in his eyes. “I asked the cop outside. Did you think I was psychic?”

Logan laughs at him. “You do have some strange traits.”

Rocky shakes his head and looks back to Phil. “So what’s up with that? Everybody okay?”

Jason sees the hesitance on Phil’s face and steps in. “I’m in law enforcement and we had a run-in with some nuts who were out for a thrill.”

Axel looks to Jason, studying him intently. “Law enforcement, huh?”

“Yeah. I’m an officer of the Elite. It’s a branch started by the local police department in cooperation with the FBI.” He pauses, seeing the surprise on several faces, and finding it just a little fun. “Katie over there is on the team, and Scott…and Misty…and that tank, Con over there is for tonight...” He glances around, seeing that several friends had left with the police, but not knowing if Nate was still around or not. “…and a few others around here.”

Max’s eyes widen. “Well, looks like JetStream is well protected.”

Kyle grins and nudges Misty, throwing her a wink. “You’d be surprised.”

“So what are y’all doing after you get packed up here?” Rocky leans down to pick up a cord and wind it up, the other guys starting to pitch in as well, knowing this routine.

“We hadn’t made any plans.” Phil shrugs. “Might go hang out or…”

“Food,” Kyle states flatly. He might not have been that hungry himself, but he knew both these bands well, and he also played his part well. “Definitely food.”

Rocky grins. “You haven’t changed a bit. You guys still got that little Italian place?”

Mike’s head perks up. “Mom and Pop's? Yeah, it’s our favorite spot. It’s still early enough…they might whip us up some pizzas.”

“Now that sounds mighty good.”

“It can be a welcome home Cryptic party,” Jen suggests, smiling.

Kyle makes a quick glance in Misty’s direction, not wanting there to be any bad feelings, but also knowing that they couldn’t just avoid Mom and Pop's because Carson might be there. He might not be working either. They might not even see him, and it was not a good reason not to go.

Kyle himself was completely exhausted though, and didn't know which option to take. He was still running on adrenaline...maybe just a few minutes would be okay, then he could leave the party early. He looks to Misty, giving her a crooked grin and a couple signs. "Want to go?"


Jason picks up his guitar case and sets it with the others, letting his eyes roam to Katie. Join us?

"Hey, Katie..." Scott walks up behind her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'm gonna head out. I got an early start in the morning, and I promised Domino some daddy time tonight." He leans around to plant a kiss on her cheek. "See you tomorrow?"

Wallow

*Charlotte takes a bite of cheese and gives a small laugh.*

"Sounds like a blast to me. Maybe you should be spontanious, do something unexspected. Come resue a damsel at work for a nice ride."

*Charlotte cant help but laugh again. The nights wernt busy around the caves now that the weather was a little bit colder, so most of the time was standing doing nothing. Charlotte always liked the breaks at night though talking to Bret was a nice break in the dull ruteen.*

"You better now be wallowing Mr."

*Katie draws closer to the man she took down. Seeing she got him in the shoulder she raches down taking the riffle. Replying to Jason, while keeping her gun on the enimy still. I got him, he's down J. Con and I are going to take him out to the cops. Reaching the man the same time as Con Katie looks at him and than scans the arena fast.*

"Con, help me here. sling his arm over your shoulder, make it look like we are just helping someone drunk out."

*Katie reaches down and slings the mans on arm over her shoulder. Keeping her mind and thoughts open to Jason so he new what was going on. Also Katie keeps the mans one hand locked with her own as to make sure he dosent try anything.*

Sniper

Bret scoffs. “Me? I’m up to skipping supper and watching some dumb show on television.” He gets up from the couch to walk with his cell phone to his ear. “And…heading to the fridge for a nice cold beer. Then I’ll probably get tired of watching something I don’t want to anyway and I’ll go crawling upstairs to bed until the morning when I’ll get up and stare at the newspapers for hours looking for someone who would hire a guy like me so I can stay occupied without so much dang down time on my hands.”

He pauses at the fridge, a grin on his face. “How’s that?”


Everything happens so fast. The band plays…the noise continues…the music…the singing… But for an instant, Jason hears nothing. His eyes are focused on the crowd, yet he sees the back where the shot is fired. He hears Katie’s feelings to decipher their meanings. Suddenly, he’s drawn back into the sounds. He looks around wildly, trying to remain in control onstage, but is desperate to take down the intruders. Katie…what happened…is he down? Did anyone see you?

The other guys on stage muster up all they have not to stop playing…not to get offstage and help and see what had happened. They had to keep going…had to keep the crowd focused on them.

The sniper goes down, thrown into the corner with the force from the bullet, dropping his rifle with a clatter. Several people in the back turn their heads at the movement, though the sounds have been muffled from the music. Before they can see anything though, Wyatt has stepped in the way, obscuring the view and letting his body language show that everything was fine and there was nothing to look at.

The sniper’s eyes flutter open and he moans, moving a hand to his inside shoulder where blood is flowing out of the bullet wound.

Con comes in from the back, having already deposited the first thug into the custody of a police officer that had been posted outside by orders from Brown. He stops short, seeing the man down, and looks to Katie with question. “We gotta get him out of here,” he whispers hoarsely, glancing to Wyatt’s back. “Before these folks see him.”

Taken down

*Charlotte finds Bret's phone conversation a bit odd but only hearing one sit she decieds to ignore it for now. Though Bret can't see her Charlotte smiles anyways. She often did that at the sound of his voice..*

"Oh just on lunch break. I have the late shift tonight, won't be out of here till about 1 or 2. What are you up too?"

*Katie's eyes scan the area as the concert starts. Listening to the misuc and doing her job was a good combanation Katie enjoyed it. Some releaf settles over her as concert starts to come to an end and nothing happend. But than...as Katie see Wyatt move and than Con, she is on high alart. Keeping her eyes on the one they were after Katie watches, losing him a few times than picking him back up only to lose him agan. Continuing to scan Katies eyes rest on the man again in horror as she is close to Jen and the look of fear cross her face. See Con on top of it Katie relaxes again just a moment and she continues to keep a look out.

Than in a sudden burst Katie receves Jason's distress emotion message. Not evening having to stop and than about it Katie turns fast aiming her gun. I got him J. with in seconds the trigger on her gun is pulled as the one being shot at falls. I'm going to see if he is injored or not. Slowly Katie starts to walk in the direction of the man down.*

Showdown

Bret cringes a little and rolls his eyes. "Yeah...yeah, everything is fine. Just...an old acquaintance. So...what are you up to?"


Scott readily agrees to ice cream, returning Katie's kiss with a grin. "You got it." Seeing her on the job, he slips away, going up front to keep Jen company while everyone else got to work, onstage and off.


Kyle doesn't argue with Misty about getting rest. Not only does he not have the energy, but he couldn't disagree. Getting back onstage, he gives her a thumbs up, knowing she'd do well with the band tonight...


Adults and kids roam, sit, stand, clap and sing along. JetStream performs as well as normal, a little different tonight, but most wouldn’t notice. Jason keeps the interaction going with the audience, holding their attention and bantering some with Phil this time instead of Kyle. Kyle himself keeps a hand on the keyboard, offering slight instrumental backup, and listening to Misty’s vocals.

Everything seems to be going well. There’s a short intermission, nothing seems out of place, and the music picks up again. People filter in and out, providing constant movement for those watching for anything suspicious.

The music continues, the band staying strong. Kyle does his best to keep up, though as the night moves on, he grows wearier and wearier. His body was resisting not only staying awake, but the stress of the evening, and several times, he has to move his feet just to keep from passing out from pure exhaustion. He stays though, determined to remain and see the night out.

Jason sings into the microphone, his palms and fingers expertly playing along his guitar. If it weren’t for the stressful situation around them, he’d be having the time of his life like always. The night was almost up though…so far so good…had they been wrong to predict the Agency?

Just as they move into a nice upbeat and loud song, Jason’s eyes catch movement near the back of the room, where someone had just come through the doors. Something about them didn’t seem right. They were ducking behind other people…moving toward the edge with hidden purpose.

Turning slightly Jason keeps cool, though quickly makes eye contact with anyone he could find. Wyatt. Con. Katie where are you…there’s someone at the back.

Wyatt catches Jason’s look, and slips casually to the side of the room, glancing around and finally spotting the guy he was sure Jason had seen. As he does, there’s more movement toward the back – a second man was there.

The song continues, filling the large room with sound, the crowd clapping and singing along. The confusion is enough that Wyatt loses his target for a moment, only to see him again, this time having made it closer to the front.

Backtracking, Wyatt hurries a little, frantically looking around for someone else. Spotting Con, he gives a low wave, pointing to the suspect.

Con offers a slight nod in return and leaves his corner post. Scanning the crowd, the man has suddenly disappeared once more. Where was he…

Jen sits in her wheelchair at the soundboard, keeping her eye on the stage and listening to all the parts that needed adjusting. Without warning, she feels a strange pinpointed pressure to the back of her neck, and she tenses. She’d never been in this position before, but she had no doubt what this was.

“Shhh.”

The whisper in her ear sent chills down her spine. She wanted to scream, but the gun barrel warned her not to. Scott was sitting right next to her, and she couldn’t even get his attention.

Suddenly a large hand envelops the one holding the gun. The thug gives a start, but a vice grip to his shoulder holds him still.

“Drop it,” a voice hisses. “Or your hand breaks.”

The hold around the man’s hand tightens, and he’s forced to lower his gun, wincing under the pressure.

“That’s better…” The larger hand takes the gun. “I wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt.”

The one caught scowls and twists his head to see who had just outsmarted him. Coming face-to-face with a chest though, he has to lift his eyes higher…higher to finally see Con’s eyes glaring down at him. He swallows hard, his face paling. “Hey man…I’s just doing my job.”

Con can’t hear what the man said, but doesn’t care. He stuffs the gun through his belt and grabs the back of the man’s collar, pulling him back to the edge of the room. “Move before I squash you like a bug,” he threatens. Turning, then pushing the man in front of him, he heads to the back where he would hold him until the police had arrived. Nice and quiet takedown, just like they’d wanted…

Eyes from the stage see what’s happening, and though doing well at continuing the performance, inside, all are tensely watching Con. Kyle keeps his hand on the keyboard, his stomach doing a flipflop as he sees his sister in such great danger, then safe again. His eyes glance toward Misty. Was that it? Was it over?

Wyatt sees Con taking the first man to the exit and breathes a sigh of relief. But…he’d seen someone else. Suddenly on guard again, he looks around, trying to see above the heads of the crowd, but can’t see anything.

Jason’s voice rings out along with the music, his hold on the crowd never wavering. He felt relief at seeing Con escort someone away, but something still felt wrong…something….he finally catches sight of Katie. Running his eyes up to the back of the room, he sees something that makes his blood run cold. A man was standing in the corner with a rifle raised. The barrel was aimed down front at the back of Jen’s head.

Katie! Behind you! They’re gonna shoot Jen!

After Tonight

*Katie smiles and gives Scott a little nudge back.*

"Nah, I think you would like that to much. I can however....give you one of these."

*Leaning over Katie gives Scott a kiss on the lips. Her own adrenilan giving a little bit more to the kiss. Pulling away Katie smiles at Scott.*

"Well I guess I better stop kissing you and pay attachen. Ice Cream afterwards?"

*Katie continues to listen to Scott but turns her attachen back to the crowd as she scans every face, every action looking for something that dident seem right.*

*Misty links her arm with Kyle's as they start to walk out. She new he was tired, She new he was hardly standing, and she new he would drive on. Leaning into Kyle a little bit as they walk she whispers.*

"After tonight your getting the rest you need, and thats an order. I dont want you even going to work."

*Misty still holds her smile on her face to let Kyle know she harped because she cared. Following the band Misty's stomach does flip flops as the excitment builds.*

*Charlotte is about to answer Bret when she hears him tell her to old on and is on the other line. Trying not to be nosey Charlotte pulls a banana from her lunch bag and takes a bite. But as Bret's voice grow so does Charlotts curosity. What was going on...

Finally when Bret gets back Charlotte questions.*

"Is everything ok Hun? Seemed like a pretty heated convo?!"

All ready

Both Bret’s landline phone and cell phone go off at the same time. One hand goes to his caller ID, the other to flip open his phone to see who’s calling.

A groan escapes his lips as he sees his caller ID, and he let’s the answering machine pick up as he goes ahead and answers his cell. “Hey, Charlotte.” He tries to sound cheery the best he can. “What’s up?”

As he talks, his answering machine starts recording. “Bret…I know you’re home…I saw your car a few minutes ago as I drove by. Still know how to take care of that baby, don’t you.”

Bret struggles to hear what Charlotte has to say, over the other voice, and he growls. “Hang on a minute, babe.”

Holding his cell phone out to one side, he leans over to his other phone and picks it up. “You call me one more time,” he hisses, “and you’ll be sorry. Drop it, Ron. The answer is no.”

He listens for a moment, his voice getting a little louder. “Look, been there done that. I’m not risking it again. No! Tell him I said no! I don’t care. Just…dang it all, Ron, shut up and leave me alone.”

Slamming the phone down, he takes a deep breath, and runs a hand over his face. Suddenly he remembers the cell phone in his hand. “Aw, Charlotte…” He sits up straighter on the couch, then leans to rest his elbows on his knees. “Sorry, um…what were you saying?”


Con and Wyatt receive Katie’s instructions, nodding and holstering their weapons. Both start to roam the room, checking doors and windows and hallways, sniffing out the corners. The band sets up and soon people are filtering in and out, noise starting to fill the room.

Once the stage is set, Jen takes her place behind the table down in front for the sound check, signaling the guys one by one to test out their instruments and mics. Kyle tries out the keyboard with one hand, doing a fair job for not being able to use his right. He directs Misty to her own mic beside him, giving her a thumbs up. Once all together, the band plays through one song, Jason leading vocals as usual, Kyle giving Misty her cues for backup.

Soon, everyone is ready, and the families are starting to filter in. The guys leave the stage for a few minutes to regroup before they're on.

Scott wanders in from the back and scans the room, finally spotting Katie. Smiling, he comes up next to her and nudges her with an elbow. "Evening ma'am. I looked in the mirror and saw a suspicious man. You won't arrest me, will you?"


Back down the hall, the band converses about several of their songs, have a prayer, then try to get ready.

Kyle leans back against the hallway wall and closes his eyes, letting out a sigh.

Phil's eyes narrow slightly. "Hey, you alright?"

Kyle throws his eyes open and pastes on a good smile. He nods. "Never better," he croaks.

Phil smirks. "Yeah, you sound like it."

Jason shakes his head. "You sure you want to be up there?"

Kyle rolls his eyes and thumbs to Misty.

"Yeah, I know you got backup so we could do this thing...but you know good and well we agreed because you were stubborn. Now are you sure you'll be alright?"

Kyle sighs and throws up his good arm. "Will you guys just shut up and leave me alone? If I wasn't fine, I wouldn't be here!" He blinks and shakes his head, slapping on a quirky grin, then moving to knock his brother upside the head.

Phil gives a dry laugh. "Alright, alright... Let's get this show on the road."

Mike, Jason and Phil head back down the hall, while Kyle stays behind a moment, throwing Misty a wink. He was running on pure adrenaline right now and had no idea how he'd make it through the night. But he would...he would.


Half an hour later, the lights were being dimmed and JetStream was walking on stage.

Ok

*Katie gives a nod to Jason receving his emotional message. She understood how he felt. She was nervouse too. She had done this before no problem, but this time with so many people being there so much more rided on not making the wrong move.

Slinnging an arm around Jason's shoulders and one around Con's she smiles as they make there way back up top.*

"We are going to be ok, everyone is going to be ok. As long as we keep our eyes sharp and stay on our toes everything is gonna be ok."

*Katie's words were strong but on the inside she was just as scaired. She old could pray God protected them and let them be ok tonight.

Once getting up top and seeing Wyatt and Nate Katie gives a wave.*

"You guys ready to rock?"

*Nate grins at Katie's enthuseasum. She always was up for a good fight even if she was scaired.

Throwing on his sunglass and his dark brown leather jacket Nate stratens.*

"Lets do this. Hotshot we are still going over everything when we get there right one last time?"

*Nate follows as the others head out the door. This was another job to him, was he nervouse maybe a little but Nate refused to let it show. Fear was a weekness and at a time like this there no room for it.*

*Misty gives a wave to Phil and the other as her and Kyle slowly start to walk to join the others. She cant help the laugh and grin that esacpe her lips at Kyle and Phil go back and forth. It was always fun watching the brother go at it. Misty cant help but laugh again as Kyle makes his way over to his keybored. Following along Misty starts to help as she looks over the music.*

*Once Jason had left the room Katie looks around at all the faces that staired back at her. Reaching into a bag she pulls out some silencers and hands them to everyone. Glancing around the room and than down at the lay out Katie starts to point.*

"Wyatt, I want you and Nate at the entrince till the consert starts. Than I want you both to fan out along the back. Con I want you on the right side of the stage keep your eyes on Jen inbetween everything asle and I will be on the left doing the same. You guys pretty much know the drill if we catch anyone. Try not to let the crowd know, call officer Brown. If you think something it to dangerouse than go with you gut."

*Charlotte glances down at her watch as she grabs her lunch bag for break. It had been a long day so far at work and she was happy to get to eat finally. Sitting down at a small picnic table Charlottle opens her bag and pulls out her food. Than pulls out her phone Charlotte dials Bret's number. That was pretty much her normal rutean when she new he would be around.*

Prep

Kyle's shoulders drop a little. He knew he needed rest. After everything his body had gone through the last couple days, and how sick he'd been not twelve hours earlier, he needed sleep. But he couldn't. Not now.

He lets his smile fade, knowing Misty could see through it anyway. "I have to go...it's me their after...I know they're going to try something tonight."

A small grin emerges, mischief forced into his eyes and he reaches out to tap a finger under Misty's chin. "You'll just have to keep me awake."

Without waiting for any further argument, he heads to the door, opening it for her to exit first.


Jason takes a deep breath, nodding. It was one thing to be on a case for TJY. It was another thing to be on a case that involved his friends. And it was different still as he wouldn't even be able to help from onstage. He had to trust the others and resolve not to be on security tonight.

"Yeah...the Agency is just so hard to predict. As much as I hate to admit it, I almost wish we had Carson there 'cause he might recognize these goons."

Con quirks an eyebrow. "Well...let's just hope they got their idiot thugs on this one. They shouldn't be all that hard to spot."

"No, I just..." Jason sighs, gathering up all his fears into one bundle and stuffing them under the surface. I just feel so helpless on this one. "I just want to make sure we don't make mistakes. Nothing could happen tonight...it might be as quiet as anything. But something in my gut tells me otherwise. I think Kyle's right."

Shaking his head, he gathers up several of the firearms. "Come on...let's get this stuff together, meet up with Nate and Wyatt upstairs, then head on over. The rest of the band will be waiting."


"Yo man, there you are!" Phil looks up from the stage as he sees Misty and Kyle approaching. "I've been trying to call you all day!"

Kyle rolls his eyes and throws his arm in the air.

Phil smirks. "Yeah, you were probably ignoring me on purpose. Don't do that to me...we thought maybe you got taken down for good or something."

Kyle quirks an eyebrow and nods to Misty as if saying, 'what do you think I got her around for.'

Phil just shakes his head. "Well get your butt on up here and help us set up then. And show Misty the music so she knows what on earth is going on. And for pete's sake stay out of trouble."

Kyle sighs a little, but his smile is there. Jogging the last couple steps he leaps up onto the stage, whirling around and shifting his weight, squinting and pointing a finger at Misty.

Jen laughs from her place on the floor. "Kyle, will you settle down? What did you have for lunch? Sugar?"

Kyle thinks for a moment, then just grins and dances over to where his keyboard needed to be set up. He waves to Misty, asking her to come up and help him.


"Alright guys..." Jason stands at the back of the room with Katie, Con, Wyatt and Nate. "I have to go set up, so....." He looks to Katie. "You're in charge. Don't forget the silencers so if we do have to fire, the audience won't be alerted right away. And be on standby to call the cops. Brown knows there might be trouble. If anyone's caught, let them come pick the goons up so you all can stick around in case there's a second wave."

"Hotshot!"

Jason turns around and looks to the stage. "Coming, coming!" He looks back at the others. "Alright. See you later."


Bret flops down on the couch and flips on the television. Tonight it was a lonely night...he'd made no plans...but didn't feel like getting out anyway. Noticing his answering machine light blinking, he listens to the message.

"Bret...you're ignoring me. You know better than that. Ten days...you know you want to...for more reasons that one. Call me. You know where I am." Click

Bret grits his teeth and immediately erases the message. No, he wouldn't be returning the call.

Advantage

*Misty gives a small wave to Kyle's grandfather and than places her own hand on top of Grans she smiles.*

"It was very nice meeting you and thank you so much for lunch. I'll try my best to keep him healthy as well."

*Misty smiles again and than gives Gran a small hug before turning and following Kyle outside.

Following Kyle's directions Misty heads back to his house continuing to keep an eye on the time. Once getting to Kyle's apartment Misty gets out of the car and follows him inside. She takes her place in the living room like normal and just waits.

Finally when Kyle reapears Misty stands. Searching his face for a moment he looked so tired.*

"Kyle, maybe we should call this off? You need your sleep and its silly to put you up there. Your way to tired, and if anything happend I would feel horrable.*

*As Katie's face turns red again as Jason's emotional comment she cant help the single emotions she throws at him with a laugh. Jerk.

Continuing to listen to Jason Katie takes everything said in. This was important they have everything covered. One wrong move and there could be a big problem.*

"Yeah we deffintly should have eyes on Jen and Kyle but I think we should show just as much attachen to the others as well. The Agency could take advantage and know that we are watching them closly and take us off guard targeting the others."

Singing?

Kyle mumbles something and blinks, squinting in the sun coming through the living room window. Feeling Misty shake him and hearing her voice, he realizes how deeply he'd fallen asleep, even if it was just for a short while.

Finally straightening up, he looks at the clock. "Oh, crap." He stands up a little too quickly and sways for a moment as he gets dizzy. Still trying to wake himself up, he looks at Misty with apology for having left her on her own. "Sorry..."

"Oh, good, you're up. I was just coming in to see when you had to leave." Gram comes into the living room, smiling. "You gonna make it?"

"Mm-hmm." Kyle stretches and yawns, giving his grandma a hug goodbye.

"You have fun tonight, alright? Tell your brother and sister hi. Oh, and Uncle Larry is coming next week with a pot of his chili, so anyone's more than welcome to come."

Kyle smiles and nods. "Thanks, Gram."

"Quit talking and get out of here before you're late," she chides, though is still smiling. She turns to Misty for a moment and takes her hand again. "It was so very nice to meet you. You must come again sometime. And watch this boy to make sure he takes care of himself, will you?"

Kyle rolls his eyes and shakes his head, though keeps his grin on the way to the door, waving his farewell.

Once in Misty's car, Kyle leans his head back and closes his eyes again. He knew he was just feeling the effects from being so sick, and he knew his body was telling him that he needed to sleep, but he couldn't. He had to be there tonight. It was too important, and his presence would be the drawing factor if anything was going to go down.

As they pull out of the driveway, Kyle straightens up again and points Misty in the right direction to get them out of this corner of town. His eyes are bloodshot and he struggles not to fall asleep again right here. "Swing by my place," he directs hoarsely. "I need to change, and grab a few things."

Back at his and Phil's apartment, he lets Misty in with him, and heads down the hall to his room. Trying to shake off his sleepiness, he sheds his church clothes to throw on an older pair of jeans, his black t-shirt and his tennis shoes. Running just a bit of gel through his hair, he preps for the show. His hand throbbing from all the moving around today, he opts to wear his sling and is finally ready again.

On the way back to the living room, he stops by the bathroom to swallow a couple pain killers and grab some coughdrops.

Ready, he holds out his arm, throwing on another quirky smile. He knew his eyes would prove to Misty that he wasn't feeling well, but he was going to smile...he was going to make it through tonight. "You ready or what? What's taking you all day?"


Both Con and Jason raise their eyebrows as they hear Katie singing, coming down the hall. Con looks at Jason with question if he was hearing things right, and if he was, as to why on earth she was singing about him, but all Jason can do is shrug lamely.

As Katie pops around the corner, Jason has a hard time not laughing. Thought I was alone, didn't you? That'll teach ya.

Con grins and shakes his head. "Hi to you too, Kat. I'd think you were warming up your voice for tonight, if I didn't know Misty was singing, not you."

Jason rolls his eyes and finally laughs. Trying to get down to business, he nods at Katie. "Yeah, I got a layout of the building and everything. I figure we just put our guys around the main room, we should be okay. I got that printout in my truck to bring with us... Once we meet the guys over there we can have a powow about how things are going to go down. I'll want eyes especially on Kyle and on Jen."