Barely...

Wyatt and Reese exchange anxious glances as they see their team by the building. Would this work? Would they be able to pull it off? What would happen once they were in the building? If they got caught, could Jason and Katie manipulate others enough to get all of them out again?


Jason feels a lurch to his system as Katie releases her own tension in order to draw out the fear in the guards. He gives a slight start forward, not having been quite prepared. Recovering quickly though, he withdraws his gun and makes eye contact with Nate, gesturing around the corner.


The two guards are still trying to figure out what happened with the lights, when they aim their guns, looking around wildly. Their eyes are wide, fear evident on their faces. Though only slightly nervous at first, it grows, neither knowing that it was being done to them intentionally.

"Mark, what's going on?"

"I don't know."

"What's out there?"

"I can't see a thing. I don't like this."

"Me either. Something isn't right."

"This is bad, man, real bad."


Seeing the confusion, Jason would have grinned had he not been concentrating so hard on their mission.
Good job, Katie.
He nods to her and Nate. "Let's take 'em down."

Whipping around the corner with the other two, Jason stands with feet apart, pistol in hand, aimed at the two guards. "Freeze!"

The two men by now are sweating and shaking, hardly able to hold their own guns still. "Wha..who...how..."

"Drop your guns now!" Jason orders sternly. "Or you're dead where you stand."

The men exchange looks of horror, neither understanding why they were so terrified of these three invaders. "Okay, okay, don't shoot." Both lay their rifles down, putting their hands in the air.

Jason keeps his eyes narrow, his glare staying on them as he leads the team closer, cautiously. He and Nate kick the rifles to the side, and Jason turns the guards around. "Sorry guys."

Nodding to Nate, and knowing he'll do the same, Jason takes one from behind and in one swift motion, brings the butt of his gun to the man's head, knocking him out cold. He slumps to the ground in an unconscious heap next to his partner who Nate had just taken out as well.

Reese's voice crackles through the mics. "Way to go guys. That was as smooth as butter. Let's hope the rest of this goes as easy."

Jason holsters his gun.
Yeah, right.
"Just keep an eye on us." He grabs the one man and drags him by the ankles away from the door, motioning for Nate to follow suit with the other one. Then stripping off the guards' jumpsuits, both cover their own clothes and zip up the suits, sporting the nametags of the guards.

Wyatt can't help a chuckle. "Don't you two look sharp."

Jason looks down. The pants were barely at his ankles, while Nate's new duds were pretty tight. "Crack another joke and you'll be wearing this," he threatens Wyatt good-naturedly.

Making sure that he, Katie and Nate were all set, he goes to the door and looks down at the security. "We got a keypad here, folks. Hulk, we need you. Tap into the system and tell me what numbers I'm gonna need. Looks like it might be a six-digit code."
This has got to work... I have no idea what will be inside or what we'll do. We could be met head-on with more guards. And who knows where Scott will even be.
He tries to keep his nervousness in check, knowing that it would just make him feel worse, along with Katie.

Waiting only two minutes, the code is revealed and Jason breathes a sigh of relief. "You're a genius, Hulk." Taking a deep breath, he enters the digits and puts his hand on the door handle. "Okay, folks. Here goes nothing."

The door opens. Glancing in cautiously, Jason sees nothing but a dim hallway. "Katie, right behind me," he whispers. "Nate, behind her, as if we're bringing her in."

Slipping inside, Jason looks both ways. The hall was long and narrow. The direction to go? No one knew. Jason chooses to go right. With his gun ready, he takes the lead, quietly heading down the hall.

Several people are seen passing at the end, and Jason ducks his head to hide his face, but the strangers don't even seem to notice the three newcomers.

Reaching the end, Jason pauses. He makes eye contact with Nate and Katie, knowing that once they turned the corner, they might be in full-view of anyone. Pausing only a moment, he moves.

It was the wrong choice.

As Jason rounds the corner, he's caught completely off guard by a medium-build man who catches Jason's gut with an elbow, spins him around and takes his gun all in one motion, putting the pistol barrel to Jason's head.

Caught in a chokehold, Jason struggles.
Now's not a good time to make him nervous, Katie. Not unless you want my brains blown out.

The man pushes Jason back into the long hall, his eyes flashing with anger at the three. "Who are you?" he hisses. "And how did you get past the guards? You might have fooled somebody in those outfits, but I know Mark and Harris, and you're not them."

Jason gasps for breath. "They were stupid."

The man shoves Jason forward into Nate, stretching out his gun at the three, his eyes jumping back and forth between them. "I know you." His eyes narrow. "From somewhere..." He cocks the pistol. "You have one chance to tell me before I alert our security, and if I do that, you're never going to leave alive."

Jason's hands are raised slightly.
We've been caught. Should we try to lie our way out or not?

"Tell him where you're from," Reese orders, as if reading his mind. "Check his reaction and if he's scared, you got him. If not, take him down too. You can't risk getting killed."

Jason swallows hard. "Ever heard of the Elite?"

The man cocks his head.

"How about TJY?"

The man's eyes widen, his voice lowering to a whisper. "You're here for Johnson."

Seeing the opportunity, Jason moves quickly, giving a high kick to the man's arm, letting the gun go flying, before he slams the stranger up against the wall, now having the upper hand. "You better talk and talk fast," he orders sternly. "Because we haven't got all night, and we got close to an army out there just waiting for our signal to fire. Unless you show us where Scott is and show us now, we'll give them that signal."

Surprisingly, the man laughs, despite his position. "I'd bet you don't have an army, but I believe in your nerves. I'm glad it was me who found you. I'll show you the way if you promise not to make a scene."

I don't get it. He seems real. What's up with this guy?
"Why are you so willing to help?" Jason questions. "If you have a trap planned, so help me, my partners and I will tear you to shreds."

The man shakes his head. "I'm on your side, kid."

"What?"

"Just...It's a long story. But if you want to get your friend out of here, you better do it now. He may be dead already."

Jason presses him harder against the wall. "What do you mean, dead?"

"What do you think this place is? A candy factory? He's weak, malnourished, dehydrated and sick. Now are you going to trust me or not?"

Jason glances to Katie and Nate.
I don't know about this...but he's the only chance we have right now.
"Reese?"

"Do it. You don't know where to go. If he takes you to a cell, you'll probably be closer to Scott anyway. Go as far as you can."

Jason slowly loosens his grip on the man, then bends down to pick up his gun. "Lead the way then..."

"...Riggs." The man nods. "And that's all you need to know. Come on...if we go the other way, there's less traffic."

Jason hesitates, looking to his partners for confirmation before turning to follow Riggs. This really was their only shot. Maybe it wasn't a trap...maybe it was a lucky break. He could only hope so.

Riggs leads them down the corridor and around the corner to several flights of stairs. Halfway down, voices can be heard from below and Riggs opens a door, ushering everyone inside, while he remains outside, casually leaning in the corner. Only voices can be heard and Jason stands in the small janitor’s room, his gun ready.

“Riggs. You double-check with the Boss about that shipment?”

“Yeah, he said it’s a go.”

“That town won’t know what hit it.”

“You got that right.”

“Say, how’s that lab rat of ours doing?”

“I was just on my way to see.”

“How about us coming with you? Get in one last visit.”

Jason tenses.

Riggs responds coolly. “You’re more than welcome, but I heard Tanya was looking for some company and she gets off work in five minutes.”

“Ooh, now that’s a much better idea!”

Within moments, Riggs is alone again, and he lets the others out. “Come on.”

Once again, the four head down, down, down to the basement, and then an extra level beyond that. There were few lights here, making the atmosphere dim. They were below window level, never to signal the time of day.

Doors lined the hall with no windows to see in, and too thick to hear through. On down the line the small group finally gets to the last door. Riggs fishes a key out of his pocket and opens the door for the others. Keeping his voice low, he gestures inside. “I’ll keep watch. Make it quick.”

Jason hesitates. “No. You leave the door unlocked and come in with us.”

“I’m not going to lock you in.”

“I don’t believe you.” Jason takes Riggs’ shoulder and pushes him in first.

The room is dark, small, cold, and stinks of rodents.

Oh, this is lovely. I don’t know why anyone would want to get out of here.
Jason puts a lid on his sarcasm for now, squinting into the dark. It takes a moment for his eyes adjust, and then he spots the heap in the corner. His heart skips a beat. “Scott?”

Throwing caution aside, he holsters his gun and goes quickly to the corner, sliding down next to the still form on the floor. “Scott?”

Scott is barely conscious, his eyes fluttering open slightly at the sound of Jason’s voice. But seeing a form above him, he shudders, balling up tighter, and giving something close to a whimper.

It is him...it's true...he really is alive. But he's in bad shape.
“Scott…” Jason lays a hand on his shoulder.

But instead of recognizing his friend, Scott lashes out with his hand. Catching Jason off guard, his knuckles meet Jason’s face, making him jump backward.

“Be careful with him,” Riggs orders. “They’ve had him doped up. He probably doesn’t even know who you are.”

How could they do this to him?
Jason grits his teeth and leans back over Scott, seeing one wrist chained to the wall. “I need a key.”

Riggs approaches and hands him one. “Hurry up. We only have so much time before security makes their rounds.”

Working quickly, Jason manages to unlock the shackle. “Just take it easy, Scott.”

Scott fights against the help, hardly lucid enough to know he was being talked to, and too weak to move around too much. The only one who tried to ever move him was Donovan. “No,” he mumbles. “No.”

Jason’s hand brushes against Scott’s face, and he grits his teeth.
He’s burning up.
“Come on…it’s us.”

Feeling his writs free, Scott manages to sit up, but instead of accepting Jason’s hand, he scoots back in the corner, shaking from terror and from cold.

Jason sucks in his breath, the dim light from the hall, catching Scott’s face. He was so beaten and gaunt, Jason wasn’t sure he would ever have recognized him. Scott’s hair had been cut extremely short, taking away pride with it. His face was so thin it was almost scary, full of bruises and old cuts that had not been tended to. And as he stares back at Jason, only one eye seems to register in focus. His left is dim and gray, a sign that no doubt sight had been completely lost.

Apart from his physical appearance, his clothes were tattered and grimy - what was left of a t-shirt and jeans. Nothing had been provided for his bare feet that were now scuffed and bleeding from lack of protection. His hands that were held up in defense were rough and thin reminders of the soft strength they’d once had.

Jason’s stomach lurches. “Oh, Scott…”
We’ve got to get him out of here.

“What’s going on, guys?”

Jason is suddenly brought back to the present as Reese’s voice interrupts them. He puts a hand to his earpiece. “We found him.”

“Is he alive?”

“Barely.”

“Can you get him out?”

“Hope so. Hang tight.”

“You got it.”

Jason takes a deep breath and moves to take Scott’s arms, but is met with dead weight, pulling back into the corner. “Come on, Scott, a little cooperation here.”

Still out of it, Scott, refuses, putting up his hands in weak defense.

“Scott, come on,” Jason begs. “It’s us…Jason…Katie…Nate.”

Scott’s mind tries to understand. He knew that voice. But that voice belonged to someone who was supposed to be dead. He shivers as another wave of cold chills hits him, the sweat running down the side of his face.

Jason tries again, reaching out and trying to simply pull Scott up. But Scott struggles, winding up just falling back against the corner again, crying out as he hits the concrete.

“Katie, Nate, we need to do this together,” Jason orders. “He doesn’t know it’s us.”

As the struggle continues, the radios crackle. “Katie…Katie, it’s Rick. Reese said you’re having trouble with Scott. Don’t forget you can calm him down. You can stir someone up by dragging out the negative, I know you can drag out the positive too. Somewhere, Scott knows it’s you… somewhere there’s as calming element there. Talk to him so it surfaces, then use it. I know you can, Katie.”

Gain entrince

*Getting out of the van Katie walks behind Jason as Nate walks behind her. Keeping low and quiet they move through the trees to the edge of the building. Katie nerves stay bottled as she keeps them pre paired for what was to come.

As Katie starts to feel Jason's emotion start to bubble prain moves through her own mind and body. Feeling his hand and fingers curle around her own brings her a comfort knowing her was there with her, know they were keeping eachother safe in this time of being valnarable. Though it still hurt it added to the situation and Katie's emotions. Letting them bubble, letting them churn like a pot ready to bubble over.

Katie wait, the moment was to come. The right time, not to soon not to late. As Katie feels Jason emotions come in one burst it takes all she can not to let her own shreek out as the lights pop and the sparks fly. Knowing it was her time Katie shifts just a little as her hold on Jason's hand tightens for a moment before letting go. Closing her eye's Katie lets the lid opens as memories flow through her mind and help her attach her feelings to those of the two guards drawing on there fear and there own nerves.*

*Nate stands aganst the wall as Katie and Jason do here thing just watching them. He'd never seen what they could do before and to Nate this was amazing. What more could he do than watch them work ready to take his own part when the time was right.

Nate taking his own gun he follows Jason ready to act and take down those who would gain there entrince.*

Running out of time

We'll be fine, Hero... I know you can do this.
Jason gives a nod to Nate. "All three of us will need to get as close as we can. Katie and I need to be pretty near our targets to be able to do anything."

He stops to check his gun as well before holstering it again. "We'll sneak around there through the trees until we're close." He points out the window. "The lights will blow, and set those guards on edge. They're gonna get mighty nervous so when we come up on them, they'll be ready to drop their weapons. I think we should knock 'em out and drag 'em out of the way. Then...somehow we need to get inside."

"They're wearing ID badges and I assume they have keys of some sort." Wyatt looks through his own binoculars. "Jase, why don't you and Nate slip into their jumpsuits? And...take Katie in as your prisoner?"

Reese raises an eyebrow. "That might work...if you go in and say you caught her snooping around or something..."

"Yeah, but no one is going to buy that Nate and me are the guards," Jason argues. "Surely everyone in there knows everyone else."

Reese shrugs. "Depends. At least it'll get you inside. You're going to have to play it by ear then anyway. If that line doesn't work, then do what you do best."

Jason gives him a wry grin. "I think Nate and I could handle that."

Wyatt nods to Katie. "I think that wildcat back there could handle that too."

Jason glances to her too.
I have no doubt.
"Alright... so it's as much a plan as we've got." He slides open the van door. "Lets move." Letting Nate and Katie out, Jason looks back in at Dalton. "Keep us in touch. Be ready to hack into some systems if we need it. I don't know what'll go down in there."

Once the three are out of the van and ready, Jason automatically takes the lead. Normally he'd fall in behind Nate, but for some reason, this time he was heading in first as long as Reese allowed it.

The air was cold, the wind whipping over the treetops. A light mist could be felt in the air, creating an icy atmosphere.

The clearing is only a few yards away, then it's a grassy slope down into the large parking lot before the building. The three sweep along the outer edge until they're closer to their targets, but off to the side where the guards won't notice them right away.

Sneaking through the shadows, they get closer and closer, bent low and weapons ready if needed. Reaching the building, Jason flattens himself up against the wall, waiting for the others to follow suit. He knew the others would be watching from the van... He hadn't thought about this scenario confusing Dalton, but he might as well start realizing that there were a couple strange people on this team.

Jason creeps nearer the corner and turns his hat around before going just far enough to barely see around the corner. He sees the two guards smoking and talking by one of the doors, and he glances up to see the lights.

"It's gonna get dark," he whispers as he withdraws again.
Soon as those lights are out, they'll be on edge and you can latch onto them, Katie. If they're scared enough, they'll surrender even if logically they have the upper hand.
"Nate, stand by to show them we mean business. If Katie gets to them, they'll fold fast."

Wyatt glances to Reese, then back to Dalton, then back to his dad. He could hear Jason talking, and wondered how well this would really work. He knew Jason and Katie could do some unexplainable things... and most people at TJY had experienced Katie's emotional interference by now... and some had heard about what Jason was capable of... but would this really work?

Jason takes a deep breath and closes his eyes for a moment, willing up the negative emotions. It hurt... he didn't like the way they made him feel. It was one thing to be angry first, then just use that anger. It was another to have to drag it up on purpose.

Standing with his back against the wall, his free hand crawls towards Katie's, giving it a tender squeeze.
I know this hurts you too.

Feeling the peek of his emotions, Jason bundles them tight. Letting go of Katie, he moves quickly around the corner, staring straight at the lights. And like a gun, he aims.

Sparks and glass fly as the lights burst with a loud popping sound. The two guards jump back and aim their guns upward, looking around in confusion. They glance every which way, their eyes wide as they question each other, bewildered and taken completely off guard.

Jason whips back behind the corner, turning his hat around and drawing his gun. "Alright. Let's do this." He nods for them to step out and take the guards down.

Reese's eyes widen as he sees the lights burst by the building. "Atta boy, Jase. Do your thing, Kat."


Dreams filter in and out of Scott's mind, blurring reality and imagination together. Shaking with cold chills of fever, he huddles in the back corner, ignoring the bowl of rice in the corner that was feeding the rats tonight. He didn't even know if it was breakfast or supper, but he didn't care.

"You're determined to die in here, aren't you?" A gentle hand reaches down to rest against Scott's forehead. "If you wouldn't have fought so much, I could have gotten you into the medical center."

Scott withdraws, shielding himself from anyone else, friend or foe. He didn't understand... he never understood anything after the shots.

"Donovan ought to get a shot of that himself," the voice grumbles. "Just hang in there, eh?"

Scott starts coughing, holding his his arms tight against his thin frame to stop the pain.

The other figure finally stands and heads to the door. Their eyes show their compassion hidden from the others in these walls. "Lord, take him quickly," he begs before leaving, closing and locking the door once again.


"So since when are you such a good cook, hmm?" Dani giggles and licks her fork clean, leaning back in the booth at Mom and Pop's.

Carson stands by the table, wiping his hands on a towel. It was eight o'clock, they were closed for the night, but Dani had come for a late supper with him. "I have no idea."

"Well this was mighty good. Either you got Mum's talents, or Herb is a good teacher."

Carson grins, but a bit of melancholy settles over him. He and Dani hadn't spoken much of the past at all, and the mention of one of their parents brought on some long-forgotten memories.

He sighs and lowers himself into the empty booth across from his sister, leaning his elbows on the table. "Think about Mum much?"

Dani cocks her head, a little surprised at the subject. "Oh...sometimes. I remember bits and pieces."

"Like what?"

"I don't know... her smile... how she used to go all out for our birthdays... the smell of her perfume... the warmth of the kitchen when she was cooking... oooh, and her sugar cookies."

Carson chuckles. "Even I remember those."

"What have I forgotten, Carson?" Dani looks him in the eye. "What did I miss out on?"

Carson leans back, letting his eyes drop. There was a lot she didn't remember...but it was just as well. "Sounds like you got the memories that count."

"Maybe. I don't remember Dad much."

Carson's eyes move back up. "You were closer to Mum."

"I guess. I wish I remembered Dad too though. I was twelve... you'd think I would remember more."

"Yeah, but that was pretty traumatic when you were brought to the US. It's not surprising you don't remember much."

Dani shrugs. "I suppose... I don't remember Dad's character...you know? Like... I know Mum was kind and warm and caring... I just don't know what Dad was like."

Carson swallows hard and rubs a dirty spot on the table. "I missed this spot last night," he muses.

Dani reaches over to stop his hand. "Carson...there's something you're not telling me, isn't there?"

He looks up quickly, his eyes searching hers. One day she might remember, and when she did, it might be very hard. It would probably hurt, and she probably wouldn't understand. He couldn't put her through that prematurely. He couldn't be the one to bring that on her.

Carson forces a small smile and shakes his head. "Dad was busy. He wasn't home much."

Dani looks at him for a moment, but then backs down, satisfied with his answer. "So. Enough about the past. What about the future? You gonna move in with me?"

Carson chuckles. "I can't afford to help out much."

"I know. But with my job down at the grocery store we would be okay."

"Well...I don't know. I know you're trying to get your own start and all. I don't want to be a burden to you."

Dani rolls her eyes. "I've offered three times now. I leave it up to you. You know good and well you wouldn't be a burden." Her mouth upturns into a mischievous grin. "You need a good start...if you're going to impress that girl of yours."

"Dani!" Carson's eyes widen, though he laughs. "I think I've done quite well, thank you very much."

"Oh, sure...for starters. I'd date a guy who lived in the back of a restaurant too. But the smell of Italian gets a little old after a while."

Carson smirks. "Maybe Jess likes it."

"Maybe." Dani giggles. "She likes you more though."

"You think?"

"Are you kidding me?" Dani gives him a look like he's crazy. "It's written all over her face. You got her, bro."

Though Carson laughs, for some reason, his eyes lack a spark, and his gaze drops once again. "Yeah, I guess I know."

Dani suddenly furrows her brow. "Well don't get too excited about it or anything," she comments with sarcasm.

"What?"

"Why the grim look? You do like her too, don't you?"

"Of course I like her."

"But...?" Dani fishes for more.

Carson stands up, taking her empty plate. "She'll be here in a few minutes to head to a movie and I still have to clean up the dishes. Come help me or I'll be the one to blame for making us late."

Dani rolls her eyes, but grins, picking up her napkin and silverware. "Lead the way, o cook."

Ready

*Nate watchs over Reese shoulder at the blueprints running his own finger along the outlines and differnt rooms. As if almost making a mentil map in his mind of the building. Than looking up he gets closer to the window squinting and looking out. Plans and actions running through his mind. Finally looking away Nate pulls his gun from the holster and checks it making sure that amo was in and in working condition. On every mission they went on Nate always hoped he wouldnt have to use him weapon more more times than not he needed too. Maybe that was the part of his job he hated the most.

Turning Nate looks at his two young friends. They both had powers no one could understand but in this situation it could be used for something good. Nate trusted them and new they new what they were doing. Even if no one alse could comprehend it.*

"I'm ready and I can help Jason sneek up on them."

*Katie takes the binoculars from Jason and looks out them for a moment studying the building.

I never tryed using my powers like that, but I see no problem in doing it.

Continuing to scan the area she takes note to everything that was around them and around the building. Making sure to leave nothing unturned. Giving a nod Katie looks to Jason, than Nate and than Reese.*

"Yeah I'm ready. I think this is out best bet at this point."

* Katie eyes held hope as her own nervouseness was pushed aside for now to be used later when she needed it.*

*Misty silently sits in the van and listens to everything that was going on around her. She was there to help if they needed it and to mend thoughs who would as well. Though no one said it Misty new in the back of her mind if Scott was alive he would need her and she was ready.*

Diversion

Once a few preliminary instructions are passed around, the team is ready to head out. "Alright, gang." Reese slides in behind the steering wheel, Wyatt riding shotgun, and the rest piling into the back. Two seats would hold the team, while the back was left for equipment and spare room in case medical attention was required.

Jason slides in next to Katie in the back seat, giving a sigh, and trying to close out his emotions for now. He needed to stay focused...stay alert.


Kyle picks at his supper, his mind somewhere completely different.

Phil stares at him across the small kitchen table. The hamburger helper wasn't all that great, but it wasn't terrible either. "What's wrong?"

"Hmm?" Kyle looks up, shaken from his stare.

"I said what's wrong? You look a million miles away."

"Oh...I don't know." Kyle sighs and shrugs before stuffing forkful of noodles into his mouth. "Just thinking I guess."

Phil rolls his eyes. "I hope it's not about Misty breaking her date with you tonight."

Kyle gives him a wry grin. "Nah. I guess not. I know she works undercover sometimes and all...I'm just not used to not knowing where she is, or when she'll be back."

Phil studies his brother for a moment. "Worried about her?"

Kyle twirls his fork in his food. "Yeah. I guess I am."

"Well, she's in good hands. You know Reese wouldn't endanger his own."

"That's what they thought about Scott."

Phil stops eating and looks at his brother sternly. "Kyle, quit it. It's probably nothing. She'll be back in fine shape, alright? Stop worrying, or I'm gonna make you go mope somewhere else."

Kyle finally breaks into a weary smile. "Sorry."

"We got practice at Mike's in a while, so shape up."

"Yeah...and Jason won't be there either...neither will Katie."

"Think they're on the same case?"

"Too coincidental not to be."

"Well there you go then. Jason and Katie are there, so you know there are level heads. Now finish your food."

Kyle points his fork at his brother. "Keep ordering me around, you'll be wearing this noodle."

Phil grins. "No thanks."

Kyle pulls back his utensil, threatening him.

Phil grabs a napkin to hold up in front of him. "Oh no you don't."


The drive is long and fairly quiet. Though everyone has so much on their minds, it can only be rehashed so many times, so most fall to silence.

Road signs and state lines pass with the hours, Reese driving steadily. Pit stops are taken every two hours, and light meals are eaten on the go.

The sun eventually sinks down below the horizon, spreading red and golden colors across the sky in a brilliant display.

Sitting almost sideways in the backseat with his head against the window, Jason looks out at the sunset. One arm is tucked around Katie as they settle in for the night drive.

Funny how such beauty can exist while missions like ours do at the same time. It seems so... contradictory.

He watches the colors shift and meld together like an ever-changing painting. As he gazes upon it, his mind wanders to a subject he'd thought of a lot lately. Scott's parting message to him. It wasn't something that he liked to think about, but it always seemed to crop up in his mind. Especially at times like this, when he questioned the majesty of the sky without a God to have placed it there. And now... more than ever... if there really was a God, now was the time they could use some help.

"Alright... I don't know if you're real or not... or if you're all they say you are. But you seemed pretty important to Scott. If you are real and you can give us some help here so we can get Scott home safe... I'll look into this thing a little more. No promises, but... I'll be willing to at least take a look at a Bible or something."

A bump in the road makes his head bounce against the window and he cringes. Grabbing a spare blanket, he puts it behind his head, and sinks down farther in the seat. It was going to be a long night.


At ten o'clock, Wyatt takes over driving so Reese can sleep, and the drive goes on. His concentration doesn't waver, even though his mind wanders to a million places. Scott had been one of his close friends... the prospect of finding him alive was too much to hope for. He could only pray they weren't all setting themselves up for ultimate disappointment... and that they wouldn't be too late. "God, please bless this journey... I know Scott would be in the best place if he really were with you, but... it was so soon... and we all loved him as a friend. If it's your will, please let him still be alive, and please give us wisdom and speed so that we won't be too late."


Street lights pass by one after the other, one after the other. Early morning, Reese takes over the steering wheel again, Wyatt taking his turn at rest.

The rising sun hides behind a cloudbank that is steadily rolling in. Reese looks out the window frequently, tuning in to a weather station and wondering what they were in for. It was colder here, and the clouds looked full of moisture, whether it was just rain, or ice or snow. The van-load could only hope that the storm wasn't heading to the same destination they were.

Breakfast...lunch... supper was forgotten. Into Washington and beyond, their destination was too close now for anyone to want a meal. Reese takes charge of their directions, being the only one familiar with this territory. Driving, he holds the van steady, despite the cold wind that had come up. The sky was gray, having hidden the sun all day long. Now it was nearing evening, and the team is tense once again.

Driving through several cities, they finally arrive at what looks to be almost a ghost town. Not much is left, and few cars are seen. Very little traffic passes, and the atmosphere has an eerie stillness about it.

They sky going darker, Reese resists turning on the van's headlights, and eventually drives cautiously down a street that takes them past a large business building. The parking lot is huge, and a big lighted sign out front indicates a publishing company.

"Here it is, ladies and gentlemen," Reese informs.

Driving past, all have a good look at the lighted exterior. One would have to think long and hard to be able to know how to get in without being seen.

Heading a mile out of the way, then looping back around, Reese finds an old dirt trail that takes them up behind the building. Seen through the trees, several cars are leaving, indicating a finished workday.

Reese glances at his watch. It was six o'clock, and almost dark. He picks up his binoculars. "There are three doors on our side of the building and no windows. Two armed guards watch this end, while five are at the front. Our best bet is to find a way in this side."

He grabs the blueprints and passes them to the back. "Take a good look. We need to figure out how to get in, then from there, we're going to have to play it by ear. I'd like Katie, Jason and Nate to go in."

Wyatt looks up. "Not me?"

"No, I want you here for backup."

"But just sending three in..."

"Less to notice," Reese responds sternly. "The less attention, the better. There are only a dozen vehicles here. There aren't many people here right now. Going in unseen and actually meandering through the building without being spotted will require a small group."

Wyatt stands down, though isn't happy.

Jason looks through the binoculars. "We need a diversion. If we do it right, we'll have two guard uniforms at least."

Reese quirks an eyebrow. "What kind of diversion?"

"How about taking out those lights above them?"

"Gunfire will alert the guards in the front, let alone set off who knows what kind of alarms."

"I wasn't talking about gunfire." Jason glances to Katie.
If I can take out those lights, that will startle them enough to give you something to draw on, and you can make them scared enough that sneaking up on them should be easy.

As if reading minds, the radio crackles with Rick's voice. "Let him do it, Reese. I'm not there, but if anyone can create a distraction it's Jason and Katie."

Reese looks back to Jason, Kate and Nate. "We have very little time. A new crowd will be coming in one hour. Can you do it?"

Time

*Misty puts her stuff into the van giving one last check that she has everything she needed. Taking some medical sapplys Rick new about she keeps them in a separate bag. She want sure what they would need but she brought what commonsense told her. A bit nervous by all the secrets Misty tryed her best to calm her nerves. Kyle new she would be out on a case but where and for how long she did not tell him. Even keeping something from him made her uneasy but what was done was done for a reson and she just had to accept it for now.*

*Pulling his car into the parking lot Nate sits for a moment thinking. Was what they were doing right? Could it be pulled off. Leting out a sigh Nate gets out of the car and slowly makes his way to the garage. He had to move forward this was worth it. *

*Katie listens to Reese as she throws her bag into the van. Heaving a heavy sigh. She felt bad not filling Laura in on anything when she asked her to watch Domino. Laura was one of her best friend and hiding this hurt, but it had to be done.

Pulling her hoodie around her tighter to keep the cold chill out Katie stands by Jason. How would this end? Was time on there side with this?

For Scott.*

For Scott

Carson is thankful that Herb lets the rest of his story drop for now. He felt stupid, but for not it was just best he say nothing. Maybe the situation would solve itself. Until then, he had to be more careful about coming late, and had to watch what he said better. Otherwise he was looking at punishment, and a lost life.

Receiving Herb’s compliment, he can’t help the smile that creases his lips. “Thanks…” He looks back at the dough. It was hard to believe where he was today…he never would have guessed he’d be working at a little Italian restaurant…let alone enjoying it. But despite his natural urge for excitement and action… he was getting used to this, and a part of him was starting to settle down… to the point where he could honestly say that some days he liked this. He’d always been able to cook a good steak, but being able to make the food served here… it felt like a nice accomplishment. And that was something he wasn’t used to.

Turning back to his work, he changes subjects. “Dani might have found an apartment just about five blocks from here…it’s got two bedrooms, so she’s invited me to stay with her, so long as I help out as much as I can.” Carson shrugs. “I was thinking about it…but…if I do… would you still be around to watch my paychecks?”


Jason tosses a paper airplane into the trashcan.

Yeah… I feel the same. There’s no way I’d let this go, even if I thought I was going to lose my job. I just…I’m mad, Katie. I don’t understand Austin…or Carter… Half of me wants to go barging in to find Scott, and half of me wants to confront the top dogs instead. I’m their grandson for crying out loud, so it’s like I feel partially responsible or something.

He sighs deeply and shakes his head, rising from his desk.

Guess I better go home and grab my gear. See you in a while, Hero.


Time seems lethargic, yet seems to fly at the same time. TJY is tense with a strange atmosphere. Those going on their mission are busy preparing. Those not going can only watch, asking questions without receiving answers.

Laura watches the movement around the office with suspicion. Asking Jason about the strange meeting and behavior only gave her a surprising cold shoulder. Not used to that, she’d withdrawn, not even daring to ask Nate, who also appeared to be in on whatever was going on. It wasn’t so strange to have undercover operations… and it wasn’t so strange to have some amount of secrecy… but this was stranger than normal. It was more than just protocol that kept the others’ mouths shut.


Rick heads to the lower corner office beneath the main floor to prep the equipment. He’d been down here plenty times before to help out Scott and Hal with communication. It felt strange to be here by himself. But he understood the necessity of it.

Turning on the computers and other devices, he prepares, meeting up with Dalton with mics and a few instructions. And the rest…was left up to the field team.


Jason tosses his duffel bag into his truck and backs out of the driveway, his nerves causing his mind to reel. This whole case had him on edge. The confusion about how to feel if Scott really was alive… The anger towards his grandfathers and superiors… The strange secrecy. It was odd…

He used to feel so much excitement on cases. He used to love the adrenaline rush. He used to go all out, rip-roaring to go. But somewhere along the way, that had changed. Now it felt less a game and more of a duty.

He’d always understood the seriousness of working at TJY… He’d been taught since high school that being here meant putting your life on the line, and fulfilling their purpose, even if it meant risking everything. But it still had held an element of almost fun. It had been fun to talk about, fun to be in training, especially at his age, and fun to be undercover and fighting the bad guys.

And now…it just felt… different. As if time had changed him, his perspectives, and his view of duties. This was more than a pastime…it was more than and adrenaline rush… it was more than something to gain prestige over. It was his life. And it was what he was made to do.


The garage felt small with Reese, Dalton, Rick, Misty, Nate, Jason, Wyatt and Katie. It was time. Five o’clock, and they were hitting the road. The office knew this team was leaving, but that was it. Susanne was under direct orders to filter all incoming calls and to not let anyone know the team was gone together. Though confused, she had readily complied.

“Alright, folks…” Reese looks at his team before opening up the garage door. “This is it. I’ll drive until I’m tired, then Wyatt will drive. We’ll take it in one sweep and should arrive to our destination by this time tomorrow night. Let’s pile in, check our mics and move out. Everyone ready?”

Jason stands straight, the brim of his ballcap hiding much of the tension on his face.

Let’s do this…for Scott.

Good Work

* As Katie hears about Austin and Carter blowing off the fact that Scott could be alive a anger suddenly flairs up inside her and for a moment become uncontrollable as her mind moves from one thing to the next.

How could they not care? How could they just blow off the fact that Scott is alive and do nothing? How could they be so heartless!

Katie's anger continues as she stairs at the ground. Than as if relizing what she was doing Katie look up and around the room like putting a lid on a boiling pot Katie shuts out her anger and trys to calm herself.*

*Nate stands listing to Reese. This sounded risky but if they did in fact end up getting Scott out it would be well worth it. Shifting a little Nate's irratation grows suddinly. Finding Scott and bring him home was well worth it, even if it did cost his job. Than like a light switch Nate irratation was gone. Looking to Katie for a moment A suddin sadness enters Nate's heart. Katie had been through so much. They all had and now there was time for more.

Standing Nate heads out of Reese office and out of TJY. He needed to have Janit watch Maggie for him, He needed to get his stuff together and head back. Would this work? It had to.*

*Giving a push off the wall Dalton exits the office a strange uncomfortable feeling washing over him but as quick as it comes its gone once again. Heading down to his office he enters and goes through a few things. If they were going to go tonight they would need to bring a few things with them and he had to set them up to make sure they worked.*

*Standing Katie finally exits Reese office. She needed to head home and take a shower and pack a few things. Exiting TJY and getting into her car Katie lets out a sigh. Where they doing the right thing? They had to be...they couldnt just let Scott there they had to go and get him out.

I don't know J. To me it feels right. I don't think I could live with myself knowing I left someone to die at the hands on the Agency. Like I said along time ago I would rather die trying, than to stand back and live knowing I did nothing.

Katie lets out a long sigh as she pulls out of the TJY parking lot and heads down the road. Everything would work out it had too.*

*Listing to Carson for a moment longer Herb searchs his face for the truth in what he said. Seeing the sensarity in his eyes for now Herb is satisfied even though he could feel there was more behind this. For now he would let it go again.*

"Ok, well if you need any help let me know. Thats what I am here for Carson. I want to help you when you need it. You just have to ask first."

*Giving a small smile Herb looks to the pizza Carson was doing up and nods.*

"Your getting pretty good at that. Keep up the good work."

The truth?

Reese shakes his head. “I don’t know how, Nate. I don’t know how anybody could have survived that explosion, and I don’t know how or why the Agency would have been involved there anyway.”

The office goes quiet for several moments as everyone is lost in their own minds, trying to adjust to the thought that Scott had not died. Mixed in with that inner turmoil though, was the desire not to hope…for even if he had not died in the explosion, there was no guarantee that he was alive now.

“I think it’s best that the family is not aware of this investigation,” Reese emphasizes. “If Scott is indeed alive, that news should be broken gently. And if he is dead, then we will need to deal with that appropriately at that time. But until then, I’d appreciate all of us respecting the sensitivity of this.”

Jason shifts in his chair.
There’s still something I don’t like…something I still don’t understand.
“You said you didn’t want me talking to Austin, or even alerting Carter. Why not?”

Reese looks down for a moment, fidgeting with a pen.

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “Reese…why?”

“It’s better if we don’t let this leak out. Now, about going to Washington, we need…”

“What are you hiding?” Jason interrupts.
I don’t like this…this isn’t like him.

Reese frowns. “Remember your place, Jason.”

“I do. I’m one of the best men you got, and you want me on this,” Jason replies flatly. “So it’s your loss if you kick me off. I want to know why we have to keep this under wraps. The family thing is understandable. But this doesn’t make any sense.”

Reese grits his teeth, glancing to the faces around him. “My own investigation was not approved.”

“So? It’s not like you asked for it. You just slinked away.”

Reese purses his lips, remaining silent again.

Jason looks around at the others to make sure he wasn’t the only one in the dark. “Reese…what is wrong? You didn’t ask permission, did you?”

“Actually, I did.” Reese finally sits straighter with a little more confidence. “And I was told not to proceed.”

“What? Who did you talk to?”

“Well, I called Austin first, just to see what he thought.”

“And you told him you though Scott might be alive?”

“Yes.”

“And what did he say?”

Reese eyes Jason, not sure if he really wants to say. He knew there was tension between grandfather and grandson anyway, and he wasn’t so sure that this was a good idea. But he believed in honesty. “He told me…that it was too risky. That…it wasn’t worth risking more lives over and…that if the Agency had Scott, that by now they would have brainwashed him and he would be on their side now…and that going and getting him would be a breach in security.”

Jason’s eyes fall to the floor as a sudden anger boils within him. It was just like Austin to say that. Cold and heartless. Austin was good…he hated the Agency as much as anyone, and his intentions were honorable… but when it came to personal feelings, or relationships, he would rather stick to protocol. “And Carter?”

Reese gives a sigh. He glances around the room again. Though this was more closely related to Jason because of blood, maybe everyone here needed to be aware of what had gone on. “I met with him after I’d talked to Austin.”

“And?”

“And Austin had already called him. Carter gave me a direct order not to go after Scott. He said it was too risky…that if sacrificing one life would save the Elite from infiltration then so be it.”

Jason can feel his face start to redden as his anger grows. His family ties had never affected his job or status here, and now he was glad of it. For once, he was glad that he’d never been close to his grandfather or great-grandfather. “How could they just throw this chance away… how could they just forget about Scott?” He lifts his face to see Reese again. “How?”

“I don’t know.” Reese is tense and rubs a hand over his face. “But this is where we stand, folks. We may get our wrists slapped for going on this mission, but I’m pretty sure all of you are in anyway. Austin’s opinion has no hold over me, but it does you, and Carter is above all of us. But…it’s a risk I’m willing to take. It was my decisions that got Scott lost to begin with. And I’ll risk my life to get him back.”

Jason swallows hard, trying to put a cap on his emotions so he didn’t bother anything or Katie. “Agreed. I’m in.”

“I figured.” Reese looks around the room. He knew he didn’t have to ask. He knew his staff was behind him. He also knew that this was shocking to all of them, and that despite the urgency, sensitivity was still necessary. “I want to leave by tonight. There is no airport where we need to go, and besides that, I don’t want to use TJY jets in case Carter gets wind too early. We’ll take a van. If we leave tonight, rest briefly along the way, we’ll get there by tomorrow evening.”

He makes eye contact with all the others in the room. “I’ll want Jason, Katie and Nate to be main agents in this once we get there. Wyatt will be backup, Dalton will be our contact middle man, and Misty, I want you there in case we need medical help.”

Rick quirks an eyebrow. “And me?”

“You’ll be our contact back here. I’d normally choose Hal, but…well, I’d just as soon it was you for this, for several reasons. In case we need medical advice you’re there and…I just prefer you for this.”

Rick shrugs. “Alright. No problem. Let me go home, tell Janet that I’ll be here, get a few things, and come back. I’ll be here before you leave.”

“Good.” Reese gives a short nod. “I want everyone to meet back in the garage at…” He looks at his watch. “…six o’clock. You’re all dismissed.”

With everyone filing back out of the office, Jason heads to his own, avoiding talking with the others for now. He’d been upset enough the way it was about this whole thing with Scott, but then to find out that his own grandfather didn’t even think it was worth the time to go and search…it made his blood boil.

Getting to his office, Jason flops down in his chair, sighing heavily. He needed to go home… grab another set of clothes… get some gear together… then get back here in time to leave. But at the moment, he was too worked up to do anything.

Trooper gives a little whine, sensing Jason’s tension, and goes to his master, setting his head down on his leg.

Jason absentmindedly scratches the dog behind the ear. “Yeah, I know… who’s going to watch you while we’re gone, hmm? Wyatt’s going with us…”

Sighing, Jason picks up his phone. There was only one other person he trusted to take care of Trooper for him.


Con flips through tv channels, not really finding anything of interest. Deciding to just let sleep take over, he shuts the television off and settles back in the couch, just to have the phone ring. “Yeah, hello?”

“Hey, Con.”

“Jason, what’s up?”

“Got a favor to ask.”

“Anything.”

“Check on Trooper for a couple days?”

Con quirks an eyebrow. “Sure. You leaving town, I’m assuming.”

“Yeah. It’s a case. Don’t let the word spread though, and if Jamie asks, just tell her it’s top secret.”

“Sounds heavy, if there’s secrecy within the department.”

“Yeah, well…yeah.” Jason sighs. “I’m sorry, I can’t talk about it, even if I want to.”

Con senses an odd strain in his friend’s voice, and a little bit of concern surfaces. “You alright?”

“I think so…I will be. I’m just…yeah. Look, I’m going to leave Trooper home, so he just needs to be fed and led out a couple times.”

Con nods, respecting Jason’s change in subject. “Sure. No problem. Do you know when you’ll be back?”

“No. You can hope it’s soon though. I’ll let you know as soon as I can, okay?”

“Fair enough. I’ll check on Trooper first thing in the morning.”

“Thanks, Con.” Jason ends the call and hangs up, leaning forward to give his dog some attention. “Behave for Conrad, eh?”

He tries to shove aside the feelings that had risen about his grandfathers. He didn’t feel right about it, he was angry with them, and there wasn’t anything he could do about it. He couldn’t even talk to Austin about it. They just weren’t that close. Austin had been there for him as a kid, and though he’d been the only male figure in his life, he hadn’t been like a father… there had been very few tender moments if any… most of the time, they were simply agents, working for TJY, and that’s as far as their relationship went. During the last year they’d grown further apart too, and now…now Jason wasn’t sure what to do with that.

What are we doing, Katie? Is this going to work? Can we really do this with just our small group? Why couldn’t everyone be in agreement over this? Isn’t it important enough?


Carson stops what he’s doing, still not looking up to see Herb. He knew he was being cornered, and he didn’t like it. Yet what was he to expect? He’d been skirting around the truth for weeks now… he’d been late to work almost every morning with no explanations, and it would be odd if Herb didn’t finally have enough of that. It was bad enough even Dani had started to question him, let alone Jess.

Carson leans on the counter for a moment before sighing, and turning around to look at his friend and employer. He takes off his hat to reveal the entire black eye. “I’m sorry that I’ve been dishonest, Herb.”

He gives a wry laugh. “Even when I tell the truth though, I get into trouble.” He shakes his head. “This did happen with a door…one that wasn’t on its hinges properly. But it wasn’t here.”

He looks down and swallows hard. “I, um…” He pauses, rolling his eyes at himself. “I’ve been helping a guy out, Herb. I didn’t say anything because…because he didn’t want people to know he needed the help and…I don’t know. I just felt a little strange about it.”

Carson grabs a towel to wipe flour off his hands, leaning back against the counter. “His name is Tim. He lives on Harper street. His house is pretty run-down, and one morning when I was jogging past, I saw him slip and fall. He’s an older guy, and so I stopped to make sure he was okay. I noticed his house could use some work, and so…” He shrugs. “I offered to help.”

Another wry grin surfaces as he rubs his knuckles that had been so badly skinned not all that long ago. “I’m not sure I realized what I was getting into, but…I said I’d help him out. He can’t afford to pay me, but I leave here about four in the morning now so I have enough time to stop at his place.”

Carson shrugs and finally looks at Herb again. “I guess…I kinda fell foolish now for keeping it a secret. I just…I don’t know. I just decided I would. Then there’s…”

His eyes shift slightly as he bites his lip, his face reddening. There was more. But he could get into trouble for that one. It wasn’t helping Tim that had spent his money lately…it was something else… but until he found a permanent solution, he wasn’t so sure he could say anything about it.

“…there’s…well I guess that’s it. So…I’m sorry. Tim’s a talker and sometimes I just can’t get away soon enough to get back here when I’m supposed to. If he knew he was making me late, he’d be mortified, so I usually don’t tell him."

It felt so silly now that Carson admitted all of this, that he'd kept it a secret. He just...he just wasn't used to helping people out like that and for some reason it had felt a little funny to him. He wasn't sure how other people would react to someone like him helping out someone else, and it just...felt...different.

Something better

*Receving orders to get Misty and Rick, Katie gives a nod and turns to leave the office. Her own mind full with so much she want sure where to start even stopping to think for a moment. Heading over to the infermary Katie knocks on the door and than enters. Seeing Misty and Rick both there she was happy for that.*

"Hey guys sorry to bother you both but Reese needs to see you for a pretty important meeting."

*Turning again Katie leaves the infermary and heads back to Rick's office.*

*Misty throws a look at Rick for a moment at the suddon intaruption. It wasnt often Katie came in called a meeting and left. Something was in the air, something was up. Standing Misty shrugs and head back into the office.*

*After everyone is gathered Katie sits in a chair not to far from Jason feeling a bit uneasy about everything and maybe a little in a hurry to get everything over with.

Katie can't help but bring a hand to her mouth to keep from laugh at Jason's comment

You better stop or I am going to give us away.

Strating again Katie trys to compose herself and listen to Reese once more. Though she can't help but looks saprised when Reese tells them to stop talking. How did he...know. Shaking her head Katie turns her attachen back to Reese.*

*Dalton stands in the back leaning aganst the wall just listing to Reese. He was being included and was glad that he was not in trouble but still he felt out of place here among these people. If Scott was still alive where did that leave him once again?*

*As Nate sits listing he can't help but straten more as he hears that Scott might be alive.*

"What...how?"

*Nate's mind races as his own heart starts to thump. Scott being alive, that....that was almost to good to be true. It wasnt the same without him, and just the thought of him being alive again was a great thing. It game hope even if Nate didnt want to get to worked up.*

*Herb studys Carson for a long moment. That was no door and for Carson to use that excuse it shocked Herb just a little. Carson had been acting strange over the last week and Herb hadent push but now maybe it was time.*

"Carson, you couldnt come up with something better than that? What really happend?"

*Herb stops what he was putting away and turns to Carson as he leans aganst the counter.*

Team

Carson looks up from where he was rolling out some pizza dough, for once...feeling just a twinge of pride for his own self. It wasn't often he felt that way...felt as though he'd done something good...or was appreciated in a workplace.

Receiving Herb's question though, Carson looks down again, his ballcap bill hiding his face. "I, um..." He shrugs. "...ran into a door."


I know...this isn't like Reese at all. I guess we gotta trust him on this one...I just don't like secrets within our own department.

Jason heads straight for the car, rolling his eyes as he sees the dogs waiting. Opening the passenger side, he looks at his drooling friend. "Alright. In the back."

Trooper heaves a sigh and turns around, fumbling and sliding, to get back into the backseat again. Domino wiggles all over with excitement of seeing Katie came back, and immediate hops in the back to sit with Trooper again.

The ride back to work is quiet. Jason's mind reels with possibilities of what's going on, but nothing seems to make sense.

Finally getting to work, he and Katie aim straight to Reese's office.


"I said give me an hour!" Reese exclaims as they enter.

"I don't want to wait," Jason retorts. "We need answers and you know it."

"I need a shower." Reese shoulders past them, heading towards the hall. "In the meantime, get Wyatt and Dalton. I want all of you. Oh...and I want Misty too. Come to think of it..." He walks backward, still talking. "Call in Rick. Oh, and Nate."

Jason's eyes widen. "You only got a few left! Anyone else?"

"Nope. And keep it that way."

Jason throws up his arms. "Alright, Katie, you go get Misty and Rick, I'll grab the other guys."

Twenty minutes later, the small group is crammed into Reese's office. He's back and cleaned up, ready to start talking. Jason sits close to the desk, while Rick hangs back a ways, just listening. They all knew past history and what had happened in that deadly case with the explosion.

“To start off, I want you all to know that I’m sorry for leaving you in the dark, or for leading you on that I didn’t care about this. I knew as soon as there was hope of Scott being alive, that if word got out, we could have a real mess on our hands. So I decided to let you be and let you investigate under wraps. The secret would be better kept if you were trying to keep it from me.”

Rick's eyes widen. Scott being alive? This was news to him. He glances at the others, wondering who else had gotten wind of this theory.

Wyatt isn't too awful surprised. He'd heard a few murmurs among Katie, Jason and Dalton, and though he hadn't interfered, he'd had a few questions. It had been too much to hope for that Scott might be alive. Was it a real possibility? His pulse quickens, but he tries to remain professional for the sake of this case.

Reese manages to quirk a wry grin. “All I had to do was wait. I did my own looking around here after hours and…I took that location radius from Dalton.” He pauses, looking at the newest team member with apology. “I’m sorry I invaded your office. Yell at me later if you want. For now though, I’m impressed with what was found, and the speed in which it was done. I know you care about your friend, and heaven knows I feel responsible for what happened.”

He pauses, a bit of emotion entering his voice. “If there’s anyone besides his family that wishes he hadn’t been on that assignment, it’s me.”

Gathering his thoughts, he continues. “After receiving the radius, I called Luke Trahern, just to find out that my best man had already called him.”

Jason crosses his arms. Ha…beat him to that one. That’s one for the charts.

“Luke was more than helpful, and though a bit confused as to why two people called him for the same reason and neither wanted the other to know… he was cooperative.” Reese grins a little. “I got the same information that Jason did… there was a little town up north that was pretty much abandoned, but a lot of action seemed to take place that no cop ever wanted to get involved in. Luke got wind of it and knew himself that it could be Agency-related, but at that time, he was trying to avoid them. So he simply kept his ears open. I took that lead and a couple days ago, I went up there myself. I found an old business building that had been remodeled and was posing as publishing company. Dead center of a ghost town, no one bothered to check them out, except lost “tourists” like me. It was too fishy. So I camped out.”

Wyatt rolls his eyes. “Great. So you skip down without word, and let everyone worry half to death.”

“What? You think your father can’t handle himself?”

Wyatt just smirks.

Reese goes to the white board on his wall and starts to scribble out a map. “It’s a simple town… I laid low here in these woods and kept an eye out. Seemed to be normal business, until I heard target practice. Later I saw some pretty expensive vehicles. It just didn’t feel right. I went to the next town over, found a young woman who said that a while back, she remembered a couple rough looking guys come into the diner. They had someone else with them who looked in pretty bad shape and…he fits Scott’s description.”

I knew it…it’s got to be him.
Jason’s eyes glance to Katie.
I don’t know how, but…this has got to be it.

Reese looks at them. “Quit talking.”

Jason snaps back to attention, surprise flashing in his eyes.

Reese gives a short nod. “I talked to the local authorities. Seemed like the upper guys of this “publishing company” were always on the verge of getting caught in illegal activity, but were always just far enough ahead to escape. With all these pieces, I can’t help but believe it’s the Agency.”

Wyatt shakes his head. “But who says that if they did get Scott, that he’s there?”

“No one. But that’s the only location even close to anything that we’ve got. I did get a hold on some blueprints of the building.”

Jason’s eyebrows raise and he lets out a low whistle. “You’ve been busy.”

“What? You think all I do ever is sit on my bottom?” Reese throws him a look before moving to his desk and pulling out a copy of blueprints. “There’s an interesting basement to this place. It’s not your norm. It’s got storage cells, full concrete, and tunnels that run all the way under the building. It would be a perfect hideaway. And…”

Reese moves to retrieve his last puzzle piece from his desk. “I got close one night and found this near the building.”

Jason squints at the object in Reese’s hand. “A watch?”

Reese turns it over to reveal a broken wristband and a shattered face. But it was recognizable.

Wyatt sucks in his breath. “That’s Scott’s.”

“Precisely. And I want a team to head to Washington asap. I want Rick here to be our contact, and I want the rest of you to come with.”



“Aw come on. Just leave him alone.”

“What is with you, Riggs?” Donovan scowls at his partner. “I’s just trying to get him to eat.” He sneers down at Scott. “He doesn’t seem to want his dinner.”

His foot kicks the bowl of rice to send it flying across the room and bouncing across the wall, sending the contents everywhere. The squeal of happy rats comes from the other corner.

Scott pulls himself into a tighter ball, back into the shadows.

Riggs rolls his eyes. “Nice.”

“Well I haven’t seen you keeping Mr. Johnson company.”

“I was on level three, trying to talk some sense into the Boss and get permission to put this dimwit out of his misery.”

Donovan laughs. “Naw, we’re not through here yet. We may not be putting Mr. Johnson back behind a computer, but it doesn’t mean we can’t have any fun. I was just ready to remind him about his friends’ untimely death.”

Scott’s fingernails dig into his own palms. He shakes in the cold while his skin feels as though he’s burning up. A tear comes to the surface, stinging his eye. He didn’t want to hear this again. He’d been told enough. About how after the house blew up, the thugs had shot up the TJY van. There had been no survivors. Scott knew who’d been in that van… Jason… Reese… Katie… Nate. The Agency had kept him so he could get even more out of the TJY system…but the others… murdered in cold blood.

He’d wept, he’d begged, he’d prayed, he’d hoped… but nothing would remove this torture. Not the physical pain nor the mental anguish.

“They didn’t suffer long,” Donovan smirks. “That we know of, anyway. It didn’t take long to fill that van full of bullets.”

Scott quivers, another tear running down his face.

Donovan laughs again. “Ohh, the poor little boy is crying… How’d you ever team up with that stupid TJY anyway? You haven’t got the guts of a mouse.”

Riggs rolls his eyes. “Do you like wasting your breath on this trash? He’s taking up room. We’ll need this cell in another week.” He unholsters his handgun and aims it down at Scott’s form. “Just give me the honors.”

“Patience, my friend, patience.”

“I’ve been waiting over six dang weeks!”

“So wait a little longer!” Donovan shakes his head. “Another few days of him refusing food like this and he’ll take care of himself.”

“If he don’t keel over from bein’ sick.”

“What, you want to help him?”

“A healthy moving target runs better. Makes for more fun.”

“Oh, come on.” Donovan heads for the door. “He’s not your target. Boss’ orders.”

The door slams shut again, the room silent, except for the inner sobs of Scott. He’d lost everything and couldn’t even mourn. It was wretched to be alive.

excited or scaired

*Katie looks up at Reese and for a moment is a bit saprised. She can't remember a time when she ever saw him like this. Not to mention he new what they were doing down to the T. Looking to Jason and than back to Katie she listens intently.

I'm not sure if I should be excited or scaired by this whole thing. This is not like Reese at all.

Continuing to listen Katie mind moves a million miles a minute. Scott was alive last Reese new, he was....it was almost mind blowing to think about it and to think of what they might be doing to poor Scott was even worse. It was enough to make one go mad.

After Reese leave Katie just looks at Jason for a moment not sure what to make of everything. But finally as Jason stands Katie follows grabing her hoodie and her purse. If Scott was alive they had to find him. They had to bring him home no matter what it took.

I'm right behind you J.

Katie was ready to face anything, she was a part time bodyguard even if it wasnt officle. She couldnt sit back and just do nothing.*

*Herb enters the back door of the restront with bags in his hands. Now that Carson worked the kitchen and new what he was doing it made it easyer for Herb to get the stuff done that he needed too. Coming in late today because of poicking up stuff for around the restront Herb had no worrys that things were less than fine.

Setting the stuff down on the counter Herb starts to unpack everything and put it where it belongs his back to Carson.*

"You have no idea how much this helps me out Carson knowing your here so I can do what I need to. It really is a stress releaver."

*Turning Herb goes to bring some tomatos over to Carson to make some new sause when he stops and studys Carson's face and his black eye for a moment. A wave of worry hits him as he dosnt know what happend and wants to make sure Carson is ok.*

"What happend to your eye Carson? Are you ok?"

*Herb sets the tomatos down and continues to unpack the other items but keeps his attachen on Carson.*

Washington

Giving Charlotte a smile as they walk to the car, a new feeling suddenly hits Bret. He'd never been close to Maria's family at all...they hadn't liked him, and they'd never interacted at all. It was nice to know that Angelica approved of him, and he actually looked forward to interacting with her, especially now that he was part of the family. It was a good feeling...a peaceful one.


Mick glances up to Rosetta and shakes his head, though isn't feeling the greatest. "No...I just took a couple pain killers half an hour ago."

He scoots BJ over to the side so they can give Rosetta room, and Mick pats the now-empty space beside him. "Sit down and let's have us some food." He nudges BJ. "And don't leave any crumbs in my bed," he teases.

Settling back between his wife and adopted son, Mick gives a contented sigh. Though physically in a bit of pain, he couldn't be happier.

Enjoying the light meal while watching BJ's movie, they kid around with each other, just enjoying their time. And though Mick desperately wanted to be up and about, being tired was simply inevitable. Soon, he's laid his head back and is sound asleep, one arm around BJ, the other hand in Rosetta's.


"Now you two behave yourselves." Jason pauses outside of Katie's car as they get to Mom and Pop's, staring in at the dogs. Both sit in the back looking up very innocently.

Jason rolls his eyes and heads for the restaurant, holding the door open for Katie.

Once their owners have disappeared, the dogs root around in the backseat for a few minutes, Domino going playfully after one of Trooper's legs, while the enormous dog tries to play without squishing his tiny playmate. The car shakes as the tussle continues until Domino finally jumps into the front seat , putting her paws up on the steering wheel, just high enough that she could peek over to keep an eye on the restaurant door.

Not to be outdone, Trooper somehow manages to crawl to the front as well, squeezing his huge frame between the seats until he's half siting, half hanging off the passenger seat, also looking out the windsheild to wait for his master. A bit of drool ends up on the dashboard, Trooper knowing good and well what kind of goodies were inside that building.

"...so we still think it might be in Washington..." Jason sets his sub down and wipes his mouth, pointing to some of the papers he's got spread out on the table. "We just don't know where at all, or even if there's any Agency activity up there."

He takes a sip of his pop, still thinking. "And even then..." He sighs. "It's such a long shot that all of these clues are even connected. We could be barking up an entirely wrong tree."

The bell on the door of Mom and Pop’s rings, a lone figure entering the warm restaurant. His face was slightly flushed, his eyes filled with tension. It looked as though he’d slept in his clothes for at least one night if not more and he was just a bit grimy. For those who knew him, it was quite out of the ordinary to see him in such a state.

He scans the tables until he spots Katie and Jason. Lengthening his stride, he makes his way over to them quickly. Stopping at their table, he looks down at the open files and the papers. “Yeah, I thought so.”

Jason looks up, his eyes widening. “Reese. What on earth.”

Reese cocks his head. “If you guys are finished here, we’re taking a trip to Washington state.”

Jason looks at Katie, then back to his boss.
What on earth is going on? Where has he been? Why does he act like he knows what we’re doing?
“What’s going on?”

“I don’t think I need to tell you to that. Or Dalton, for that matter.”

He knows.
“Wha…how…”

The corner of Reese’s mouth upturns slightly and he looks at Katie, then back to Jason. “You think I didn’t know you two well enough to know you wouldn’t let the subject drop? I just couldn’t make it official to avoid an uproar, and I didn’t want you two snooping around my own investigation.” His gaze drifts past Katie, softening a little. “In case we were wrong.”

He stands a little straighter. “Now. I’ve been hiding out for two days. I’m tired, I stink, and I’m hungry. And I can’t talk here. Meet me back at TJY in an hour. I have a location.”

“A location, but…how…”

Reese quirks an eyebrow. “Not here, Jase. I had to be sure before I involved you guys. And I am now. He’s alive. At least…he was. No promises now, but…I won’t stand for doing nothing.”

“But you…”

“You don’t want to let our comrade down, do you?” Reese pats Jason’s shoulder. “An hour. Be ready to leave and tell no one. Not even friends, and under no circumstances are you to breathe a word to Sapphire or other family. I don’t know what we’ll find... And you're both under direct orders not to talk to Austin or be in contact with Carter about this.” He turns, giving a quick wave to Mabel, then is so fast out of the restaurant that Jason has no time for further questioning.

Dumfounded, Jason stares after him, then looks back at Katie. “That dog…he knew we’d investigate, and I’d bet you anything, somehow he used what we found. Otherwise he wouldn’t have been in Washington. He must have pinpointed a location…he had to have talked to somebody to get any facts…”
If it were any other time, I’d laugh. He had us and our actions pegged. That’s the last time I underestimate him. The only thing that worries me is why he's hiding this from Austin and Carter.

“Come on.” Jason closes his folder and downs the rest of his drink. “I’m not waiting around here.”

Tossing payment on the table, he dons his jacket, grabs his keys and makes sure Katie’s with him to exit Mom and Pop’s quickly.


Carson glances up from the kitchen in time to see Reese leave, then Jason and Katie hurry after him. A strange pang hits him… almost a wish that he was involved and knew what was going on. He missed the action.

Looking down, he goes back to his work. It was a fairly quiet day today, but he wished it were busier. One of these times Herb would corner him and ask him about the black eye he was sporting this morning, and he really didn't want to have to try and explain that one. Dani had left before he'd gotten back from his jog that morning, so she hadn't seen it yet, but he would be seeing Jess later, and was sure to get questioned one way or the other.



“You fool!”

The back of a hand comes flying full force into Scott’s face, knocking him out of his chair and onto the floor. Scott’s energy spent, he can’t even fend off the kicks that come to his back and ribs. All he can do is pull himself into a ball and hope that the attack would stop.

Donovan grabs the syringe off the table. “I might not be able to kill you, but for that stunt you just pulled, you’re going to pay.”

“Donovan!” Riggs comes into the room. “What happened?”

“This worm tried to send a message to his friends,” Donovan scoffs. “I cut off the power soon enough that no one will be the wiser – they think he’s dead anyway. But he won’t be back in this room again. We’re through.”

“But the boss said to use him.”

Donovan gestures to Scott. “We did. He gave us more than enough information, but now he screwed up. So it’s over for him. He’ll not be back here again. His cell is now his home.”

Riggs crosses his arms and scowls. “I told you I shoulda killed him when I wanted to. Now we have to go to the expense of keeping him alive even when he’s doing us no good.”

Donovan reaches down and sticks the needle into Scott’s arm. “He’s just another addition to our little zoo. The boss likes it that way, you know that.” Standing up, he tosses the empty syringe into the trash. “I’ll let you get him out of here.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“Do it!”

Riggs smirks with displeasure. “Whatever.”

Scott is already starting to writhe in pain, unable to move on his own, unable to even think straight.

Riggs simply grabs his arms and literally drags him out of the lab and down the hall to the stairs that would take them to the underground cell.

Scott cries out as a last ditch effort, but it’s no use. The next thing he knows is the darkness of the cold cell once more as a soothing wet cloth is put to his forehead. The floor was hard…he knew where he was… he also knew the hand that touched him. “I… can’t… too… hurts…” His words get tangled as his mind tries to get past the pain and make some sense.

“Just lie here,” the rough voice instructs. “Quit fighting and they’ll leave you alone. They’re not going to use you anymore, and if you act sedated, there’s no more fun in giving you anymore of that stuff.”

Scott rolls over onto his side, balling up again, a whimper coming to his lips. If no one could come, he just wanted to die. It would be easier that way. He just wanted this to end. Hope had already died. “But…”

“No buts.” The ally doesn’t retreat, but puts the cloth to Scott’s forehead again. “Just…rest.” He sighs. “They’re not going to kill you, so the only way they won’t hurt you anymore is if you just lay low and don’t fight. Can you do that?”

Scott didn’t have the energy to fend off a fly, let alone Donovan anymore. Taking a deep breath, he shudders before his eyes roll back in his head, unconsciousness taking over again.

Approve

*Angelica gives Bret a smile back knowing he is trying. She might not have agree with how they got married and that it was so fast but she couldnt do anything about it and her sister was her own woman. After all even if Angelica didnt addmit it she did like Bret.*

"Breakfest sounds perfect to me."

*Coming back over to Charlotte she gives her arm a gentil pat.*

"You have a keep. I approve."

*Charlotte beams as she receved her sisters words and links her arm with Bret's her face shinning like no tomarrow.*

"I plan on keeping him for a long time. Thank you Angelica."

*Putting her arm around Jason's wast Katie toss him a smile. It was good to see him happy again, a smile on his face was a good sight.

Your such a goof.

Walking with Jason out of TJY and Trooper close behind on one side, Domino trots proudly on the other. Finally decieding to take Katie's car they hope in and are finally on there way to Mom and Pop's.*

*BJ Smiles up at Mick again and hold up a movie with a bear on the front in overalls.*

"It's called Patttttinton's missing button."

*Getting distracted for a moment BJ just looks at the case and studys it as if looking for something. Than holding it up her offers it to Rosetta to pop in.*

*Giving a smile Rosetta takes the movies and goes to the VCR putting it in. Coming back around to Mick and seeing him wince a little in pain her own hand movies to his.*

"Are you ok? Need me to get you anything?"