Greasy job

Scott looks up at Katie, knowing that she was worried... knowing that she had moved close for his benefit. And he did appreciate it... he did... it Was just... still so... hard.

His gaze drops. "N...no, I'll be fine. You and Jason can go." He thinks for a moment, then shakes his head a little. "I... no... I mean..." He hadn't thought about going to be with Sapphire before, but... he wasn't sure that was the right choice either. He loved his sister, for sure, but... he wasn't sure he should pick that option.

Not even able to decide what to do, Scott looks back up at Katie, trying so hard to be brave... trying so hard to be strong, even though inside he was screaming in fear. "I'm okay. Rick will be here soon and... then he can decide if I can leave or not."

Scott drops his eyes again, his thin fingers fidgeting with his blanket. He was so scared. Of what, he didn't even know. It was just... of people. Of the Agency. Of Austin. He was scared he would wake up and find that all this had been a dream and he was still in that dark cell. It just all hurt so bad, but there was no place for the pain to go. "I'm fine," he mumbles again.

Jason looks on, worried and angry.

I guess I'm not all that upset about getting suspended either. I'm just.... angry. And you're right. We need to make sure Scott is going to be okay.

Reese sighs, watching his three agents. "I need to go get started on some things... Jason, Katie, you can't work, but don't be strangers. And Scott... hang in there. Let me know what you decide to do." Turning to the door, he pauses one more time, but still can't think of what else he could say, so he leaves quietly.

The door falling shut makes Scott flinch. He hadn't seen Reese move. It was bad enough every sound startled him, but having only half his vision just multiplied the fear.

Domino whimpers a little and crawls up closer to Scott, confused about all the tension she sensed.

Scott lays a hand on her head, both calming her down, and finding comfort in her fuzzy warmth too.

Jason sighs. "Let's stick around, Hero, until Rick comes at least."

Scott is unresponsive, and draws his legs up close. He was so confused about where he belonged... where he fit... where he was supposed to go.

The infirmary remains quiet for a short while, but Rick shows up on time, ready to take over his duties, and quite prepared to fend off anyone who was not out for Scott's best interests. He anticipated Misty would as well, and was confident that at least for now, there would be no more incidents...


Jason sucks in a breath of fresh air as he hits the parking lot, taking his time as he trudged out of TJY with Katie.

Now what, Katie? How do we battle this? I can't just sit back for two weeks and do nothing. I know Scott is safe in Rick's hands but... there's got to be something we can do.


Scott comes out of the bathroom slowly, having changed into the clothes that Susanne had brought him. He was grateful for her kindness and generosity... At least now he could feel halfway normal... almost.

Rick looks up from his desk and smiles a little. "Hey, you clean up pretty well."

Scott forces a small grin. "Yeah, but I got a problem."

"What's that?"

Scott looks down, emphasizing the fact that he has to hold up his jeans to keep them from sliding down.

Only now does Rick realize just how much weight Scott lost. Those had been his jeans before, and now they were just hanging on him, along with the t-shirt. He could only hope Scott pulled through and regained what he'd lost. "Looks like you need a belt."

Rick scoots his chair across the floor to a small closet where he retrieves one and tosses it to Scott. "Try this."

Scott misses catching the belt and has to lean down to pick it up, but once on, it helps. "Thanks." He wanders around the infirmary for a few minutes, bored and feeling a bit lost.

"Feel free to take a walk," Rick suggests gently.

Scott trudges to the open door and looks out, but stops before entering the hall. It just seemed...so...big. Swallowing hard, his hands shake slightly, and he reaches out to touch the doorway, then the hallway wall. He knew that Austin couldn't do anything during the day when there were so many people around. But that knowledge didn't seem to curb his fear at all.

Walking slowly, he reaches what used to be his office again. But this time the door was open, and he could hear someone inside. Mustering up any courage he had left, he approaches the doorway and looks inside, spotting Dalton.


Clint whistles to himself as he skips down off the porch steps and heads to the shop for the day. Wes was out for the morning, so he'd have everything to himself for a while. His goal was to find out what was wrong with that car before Wes showed up... He'd need a bit of luck, but maybe he could pull it off.

Getting inside, he flips on the lights, tosses his jacket on a hook and rolls up his sleeves, ready for the greasy job.

Worry

*Opening her eyes Katie slowly sits up. Her body acked from sitting in the chair all night but it was worth it. Hearing the fighting herself Katie sits up straghter and is about to go to the door when out of the courner of her eye she see Scott moving. Changing her direction she walks a little closer to Scott's bed. Giving him a friendly smile.*

"Hey Scotty."

*Letting Scott and Jason talk for a moment Katie just watches Scott. Studying his moments and his words. Katie wanted to know how he was really, she wanted to help or at least look into his soul and see him.*

"Its not a problem Scotty. We'd do anything for our friend."

*Before more can be said the door opens and Katie wherls around exspecting anyone to come through the door and ready to protect Scott again. Seeing Reese Katie relaxes just a bit. Listing a little more to what Reese said Katie couldnt help but feel her own anger start to flair again though trying to still keep it in check. Completely ignoring the fact that Reese just told her she was saspended as if she didnt even care Katie goes to Scott's side seeing him upset.*

"Scotty its gonna work out dont you worry and dont you blame yourself ok. Now, are you going to be ok staying here withouOr would you like to go stay with your sister?"

*For a moment Katie moves her emotions to Jason relaying a message to him.

I'm sorry you got saspended. Me I really don't care at the moment. I just want to make sure Scott will be ok.*

* Wendy slowly opens her eyes as she grones. Why was it morning already, why did she have to get up, couldnt she just stay in bed forever. Knowing better than that Wendy turned the covers back on the bed swings her legs around. Slowly making her way to the bathroom she starts to clean up for the day as her mind started to curn reliving what had been discovered lastnight.

Once finished Wendy heads out of the bunk house slowly making her way to work. She still wasnt sure what to do. She was scaired and even scaireder to tell Clint, but she new she had to it was just trying to figure out how.*

Trouble

Carson just holds Jess for several long minutes, letting the silence take over the room. How he wanted to return another kiss. How he wanted to laugh and tease and have fun with Jess. But it was that lingering shadow at the back of his mind that kept him from it. It was that name in the fog that wouldn't let him. But how could he ever say that?

"Of course I like you the way you are," he whispers.

Finally withdrawing, he sits up straighter, allowing himself to look Jess in the eye. He finds himself putting a hand to her cheek and staring into her gaze, as the words fall from his mouth. "Don't you ever let anyone try to change who you are, Jess. No matter who disappoints you, or lets you down... don't ever lose that spark... don't ever trade your heart for sorrow again. You're strong. You're brave. And you can make it through anything if you just believe in yourself."

Running his thumb down to her jaw, he leans in for a last tender kiss on her lips before standing up, forcing her to slide to the floor too. "Now... since I've wasted almost all our time tonight with my stupidity when working with hot peppers... let's go see if there's a late movie."


Jason listens to Nate, and gives him a nod before he leaves. "Thanks, Nate. See you tomorrow."

After a moment, his eyes follow Katie's gaze, and his own grin forms. "Cards it is." Getting up to grab the deck, the dialogue continues silently.

I don't think we'll ever not be together... Even when we were apart... we weren't really.

He turns around and catches Katie's eye, giving her that patented stare.

The world's a little more bearable knowing you're in it.

Finally dropping his gaze, he goes to swing his chair around near the little table and stares to shuffle the cards quietly, keeping one eye on Scott.



"You can't do this! They're my best agents!"

"They're not yours! They're TJY's, and what they did was irresponsible, totally uncalled for, and I will not stand for it!" Austin's face grows red as he raises his voice against Reese, out on the main floor.

Reese himself was angered after hearing what had happened the night before. He felt like he was missing details from Austin's side of the story, and it had been quite a shock to be greeted in this manner by someone he'd known so well. "I'm sure they were just being over-zealous," he argues more calmly. "There may be call for a reprimand here, but you can't suspend them. Not when we've got so many cases on our plates."

"Two weeks," Austin growls. "They have two weeks leave, and that's final."

"What right have you, anyway?" Reese counters. "Last I looked, that would be up to me."

"Not last I looked." Austin lifts his chin a little higher. "You can take this to Carter if you want, but I guarantee you that he'll be seeing things my way, so don't waste your breath. In the meantime, I'll say now that some changes are going to take place around here, starting with my position."

Reese doesn't know how to react, and swallows hard. "Carter giving me the shaft?"

"Nope. But you better get used to my ideas. Jason and Katie are out for a week. Then after that, as soon as he's physically fit, Scott goes."

Reese loses it. "You can't do that!" he shouts. "Not to him! I won't stand for it!"

"Then go to Carter!" Austin points to the back offices. "Be my guest! But I'm running late as it is, and I'll not stand here arguing with you about it anymore. It's done."

Reese stands helplessly as Austin walks away. All he can do is just stand...shocked. Glancing around, he sees the few others that were already there that morning, looking on at the loud argument. For once... he didn't care. He felt his emotional reaction was justified.

Then lowering his eyes to the floor, he turns and heads down the hall, instead of to his office.


Jason shifts in his chair, lifting his head and wincing, the crick in his neck having formed after sleeping in this awkward position for hours. Yawning, he glances to the chair next to him, and gives Katie's leg a light backhanded swat.

Rise and shine. It's reality time. I... aldkt aejfkwj ewkrj.....

His thoughts all collide like a train wreck as his ears pick up shouting down the hall, and he loses his concentration.

What the...

He recognized Austin's voice and....Reese? Great.

Well, I guess the boss now knows. Sounds like we're in for it.

Jason's eye catches movement and he looks to the bed where Scott is starting to stir.

Looks like our patient is up too.

Scott manages to get an eye open and looks around the room for a moment, his brain trying to figure out why Jason and Katie were there. Glancing down, he realizes that Domino is under is his hand as well, looking back at him with her bright, expectant eyes.

What had... where was....

"Welcome back." Jason offers him a weary smile.

Scott swallows hard, trying to find his voice. "What happened?"

"You don't remember?"

Scott frowns, thinking. It was foggy.... but the more he thought, the more pieces he could put together. "I... I got into trouble and... you guys came?"

"Something like that."

Scott bites his lip. "Is he... is he still here?"

Jason thumbs toward the door. "I heard him a minute ago. But don't worry. He's not going to bother you anymore. I promise."

Scott isn't so sure he believes him, but he tries. His fingers absentmindely stroke Domino's head. "I... thanks, guys."

"Hey, no sweat. What are friends for?"

Scott manages a weak grin, then pulls himself up so he's sitting, and yawns, trying to wake up. Physically, he felt better than the day before... mentally... he didn't want to think about it. He couldn't remember all that had gone on the night before, but trying to think about it didn't feel good.

Before much else can be said, the door opens, making Scott jump a little. But seeing it was Reese, he relaxes again.

Reese forces a smile to the surface. "Well hi, Scott. Good morning."

"Hey, Reese."

Reese looks down to see Jason and Katie. "And good morning to you two. I was looking for you. Can I see you guys in my office a minute?"

Scott frowns. He could feel the tension. He could hear the stress in Reese's voice. And he could feel that this had something to do with him too. "Don't leave on account of me," he asks quietly. "It has to do with me doesn't it?"

Reese sighs and folds his arms, trying not to let the anger show on his face. "A little bit, yeah." He pauses, finally deciding that if Scott wanted to hear it, then so be it. He looks to Jason and Katie again. "I guess you two are officially suspended from duty for two weeks. My hands are tied. There's nothing I can do... I wish there was. I heard about what happened, and I'm not happy about it either. My advice is to just roll with the punch so you can be back here in two weeks where I need you."

"Suspended?" Scott is confused. "Why?"

Jason grits his teeth.

Because we were protecting somebody. Because we were after justice, not brutality. Because we stood up to somebody who doesn't have a heart, nor does he care.

"We had a bout with Austin last night."

Scott's mixed and confused emotions are written all over his face. "Because of me, wasn't it?"

Jason shrugs. He didn't want Scott to feel badly. "No, it was because of him. And it stays that way."

Scott looks back up to Reese, fear filling his eyes. "Am I... am I gonna lose my job?"

Reese opens his mouth, but he cannot answer. He can't lie, and he hates the truth. What could he say? What could he possibly say?

Scott reads into his silence, and his uncontrolled emotions cause his lower lip to tremble. "Please don't fire me." Tears fill his eyes. "I'll try to get back on my feet... I'll try to do a good job again... I'm sorry that I got people in trouble just... please..." His eyes beg Reese. "This is all I got."

"Aw, Scott." Reese has a hard time himself, controlling the emotions that pool in his own eyes. He cared for each and every one of his agents here, and Scott had always been a special one.

Reese moves forward to the bed, and gives Scott's shoulder a pat. "Don't worry, okay? Just let things settle and it'll all work out. I promise."

Scott swallows hard again, trying to believe, though his voice still wavers. "Okay."

"Good morning!" Susann bursts through the door, her smile like sunshine on a rainy day. No doubt she had heard what was going on, but no one could tell. She grins at Scott. "Hey, there, Mr. Johnson. And... Katie and Jason, and Reese! Looks like all the important people are here."

Reese smirks at her. "We may be good, but we're all the best."

She smiles back at him, and takes a brown paper bag out from under her arm, approaching Scott's bed. Pulling out some items, she speaks absentmindedly. "I found these... somewhere... don't ask why they stuck around, but they did." She sets a shirt, a hoodie and a pair of jeans on the table by the bed. "They're yours... it'll at least give you something to wear other than the infirmary garb. And..." She pulls out a pair of new tennis shoes. "They were your size, on sale, and I knew you liked the brand. So at least you don't have to stay in your bare feet. I can't stand knowing you're walking around here with cold feet."

Scott's eyes are wide and he opens his mouth, but Susanne cuts him off again.

"Oh, and I almost forgot...." She pulls out a couple cans of Mountain Dew, and a couple packages of beef jerky. "Don't tell Rick, 'cause he's sure to say you shouldn't have this now, but... thought it might spark your tastebuds."

Scott can't help his small smile. He was hurting, he was depressed... but Susanne helped. "Thanks, Susanne."

"Don't worry about it." She crumples up the bag and heads back for the door. "Now I'm off to work for the big grouch." She throws a hand over her mouth, sarcasm starting. "Oh, did I say that?" Rolling her eyes, she exits, letting the door fall shut again.

Jason lifts an eyebrow. "Hmm. News of Austin's mood travels fast."

Reese smirks. "That it does. So what are you two doing? Katie? What say you?"

In it together

*As Jess gets taken into the kiss her arms find there way to Carson's back the one sliding to the back of his head to run her fingers through his hair. The passion, and warmth of Carson running through her. Jess heart beats faster as Carson draws her closer as her own arms tighter around him. Taking in the moment, soaking in the attachen, feeling the feeling of being with someone that ment so much to her.

As Carson lets Jess go but pulls her into a hug she rests her head on his shoulder. Keeping her arms around him in an embrace.*

"Thank you for liking me the way I am."

*Katie looks between Jason and Rick as a smile spreads on her lips.*

"How do you know when we are talking or not?"

*Katie can't help the small laugh but becomes more searouse listing to Ricks words. They might as well not start anymore trouble as long as no one messed with them or Scott for now. Watching Rick leave Katie lets out a long sigh.*

*Standing himself Nate throws his jacket on and looks between his two friends. He wasnt sure what to think about this whole thing.*

"I don't mind getting dragged into anything. What happend was wrong but there has to be an explanationg better than the one Austin is giving us somewhere. Just stay low for now, and maybe we can find out more later."

*Letting out a sigh Nate runs a tired hand over his face. Somewhere there was a reason for this. Weather it was a good reason or not there had to be something. Making his way to the door he calls over it shoulder.*

"I'm going to head home if you guys need anything you know who to call."

*Being left alone in the room again Katie is quiet for a long moment. Than seeing a deck of cards she smiles.*

"Want to play some cards to pass the time?"

*Katie can't help the smile that grows bigger on her face. She was scaired of what the morning would hold, but she wasnt going to let it bring her down or make her back out on what she believed in.

Thanks J. At least I know if anything happend we are in it together.*

Wrapping up the night

Carson can’t help his laugh as Jess gives him a bad time, and he ends up taking her hand to slide out from the booth too. “Sorry.”

He wipes his eyes again. “It was just too perfect.” Another laugh escapes. “But I promise I won’t be that mean again… at least the rest of tonight.”

Grinning, he follows Jess to the kitchen, willing to try whatever she suggested to get rid of this stinging pain. “Bread we have. Lead the way, nurse Fisher.”

It doesn’t take too long after taking Jess’ suggestion that the sting finally starts to subside. Carson blinks and squints at Jess, a wry grin forming. “Well I’ll be. You do know what you’re talking about.”

Still teasing, he sets the slice of bread down and grabs Jess around the waist, spinning her around. Flopping down in a chair, he pulls her down with him so she’s straddling his lap and he can look her in the eye. “You care too much, you know that?”

Reaching up, Carson puts a had to the side of Jess’ face, running his thumb along her cheek. His voice lowers. “You’ve been much more than I deserve.”

Studying her eyes silently for several moments, he finally leans in for a kiss. Yet as he does, the one thought that still haunted him, lingered in the back of his mind.

He presses his lips more firmly to hers, willing himself to focus on her, not somebody else. But the shadows remain.

Tightening his hold around Jess’ frame, he pulls her in closer to him, feeling her warmth, her lips against his. But the name taunted him.

One hand on her waist and one on her back, he falls into the passionate exchange, his desire to just feel her. But it’s not her that his mind continues to see in the fog.

Finally…slowly… Carson lets Jess go, but instead of letting her see his face, he draws her into his arms for an embrace. “Thank you for… for just being you, Jess.”


Jason eases down in the other chair next to Katie, a good feeling coming over him, despite the trouble they were in. At least they had each other, and were in this thing together. No matter the rough spots along the way, their friendship had endured.

An amused emotion is passed from him to her.
Yeah, come to think of it, I think one of those times you were over to my place I woke up with a wet shirt, and it wasn’t me.

A grin creases his lips.
But your drool is better than Trooper’s any day.

Rick sighs and looks between the two younger agents and shakes his head. “I ought to tell you to quit talking to each other, but I won’t. In the meantime though, I wouldn’t take this suspension so lightly… either of you. Whether you like it or not, we have to proceed with a bit of caution here. I know you feel badly about Scott and so do I. But now may not be the time to make a stink about it.”

He turns to put a few things away on the counter and prepares to leave once again. “But..." He looks to Nate and Katie and Jason. "That's not to say that we tread very carefully. I'm on your side. And if it came down to it, I'd put my job on the line for this too. But let's not be too hasty to make that happen. I'll make sure when Scott is here, that he's protected. At least that will help with this issue. As far as your suspension goes... my advice is to not stir up trouble unless you have to."

Not waiting for an argument, he pulls on his jacket. "I'm heading home now. If anything happens, call me."

Jason heaves a weary sigh, watching Rick leave. "Well..." He glances up at Nate. "What'll it be? You staying or going? If you go, maybe you won't get pulled into this mess."


Clint yawns and scrunches his eyes tight before opening them again and staring in at the stubborn engine. It was late. He was exhausted. And the little light in the shop just wasn’t enough.

Tossing his wrench onto the work bench, he lets it clatter among the other tools. Slamming the hood of the car, he wipes his hands on his rag and trudges to the office to mark down what was done for the day, and wrap things up.

Glancing at the clock, he cringes. His wakeup call was going to come way too early. But, if he could figure out what was wrong with this car, it would be worth it. Even Wes was having trouble, and if Clint could figure it out… He grins.

Shutting off the lights, he makes his way back through the shop in the dark, knowing right where everything was to sidle around or step over, without even seeing it.

Locking up the door behind him, he stuffs his hands in his jacket pocket and trudges toward his bunk house. The gravel crunches under his boots and he glances towards Angel and Luke’s house. A different smile surfaces as he thinks about his and Wendy's plans to go into town tomorrow for lunch.

Stepping quietly up on the porch, Clint turns the doorknob of the bunkhouse door, hoping not to wake Jeff.

To perfect

*Jess watchs Carson for a long moment as his eyes still fill. The more Carson talks about regret the more Jess heart starts to race as fear and worry take over. A million and one things run through Jess mind on what was wrong and could be causing Carson so much pain. As the truth finally comes out Jess cant help but hide her own smile as she playfuly pushes him to the side. A playing tone in her voice.*

"Your a big jerk you know what. I thought something was really wrong."

*Jess can't help but shake her head a little as she lifts Carson's head from her shoulder. Leaning in she gives him a kiss on the lips before pulling away just shaking her head again. Slidding from the booth Jess stands and holds her hand out to Carson.*

"Come on lets go to the kitchen. If we get some break and places it over your eyes it will help. The yeast helps draw out the oils that sting and make your eyes water."

*Katie can't help the smile that spreads across her face as Domino and Scott interacte once again.
Like two best friends that had been long parted the joy of seeing a tiny spark in Scott eye made Katie happy. Domino was not just a dog to Scott, it was his compain his friend.

Because Hero's are smart and I know having your best friend around....

Katie moves her eyes from Scott to Jason as she smiles back at him.

...can really help you when your feeling down.

After a moment Katie turns to Scott again and seeing him asleep once again she gives a small nod and walks over to Jason giving his arm a light squeeze and noding to a few empty chairs on the other side of the room. Sitting down Katie leans back for a moment thinks about a few differnt things.*

"Personaly, if I get suspended I don't really care. I dont feel much like working in a place that calls what they did to Scott justice."

*Giving a small shake of her head Katie trys to get herself in a lighter mood. She didnt want to think about this now. For sure tomarrow there would be much talk of it. Letting a smile come to her face Katies eyes twinkle.

I guess you havnt seem me much when I sleep huh? Sometimes I wake up and think someone threw water on my pillow.*

*Wendy sits alone on her bed holding a small peace of plastic in her hands. A small tear falls from her face as her mind moves a million miles a minute. What was going to happen now? What did this mean? How could she have let this happen. Though she new it was to late now and what was done was done the feeling still sanke in and hit her in the face waking her up to the cold world that layed before her. Was it best to tell someone or keep it to herself? Should she at least tell Clint or would he turn away. Wendy believe that Clint was not like that everything with them was perfect maybe to perfect, but still the feeling the fear lingered. Standing Wendy throws the small item in the trash and turns back around heading for her bed. Throwing back the covers she snuggles under the blankets as more tears come. All she wanted to do was sleep, all she wanted to do was turn back time, but neather of those would come easy tonight.*

You don't drool

Carson jumps, not having heard Jess come in, and his eyes widen slightly, though they’re still red and swollen.

He blinks as another tear runs down his face and seems surprised when Jess puts her arm around him.

“Huh? Oh.” He sees the worry on her face and lifts his eyebrows, suddenly realizing what she sees. A strange look passes through his gaze, almost like he’s ready to say something, but then changes his mind.

Swallowing hard, he reaches out to cradle Jess’s face gently. “Sorry, I, uh… guess I’m not much to look at tonight.”

Withdrawing to stare down at his coke for a moment, slowly he just leans over, resting his head on Jess’ shoulder as another tear rolls down his cheek. "Sometimes I wish things weren't so hard, ya know?"

Swiping his eyes with the back of his hand, he pauses, blinking and trying to stop the tears. "It, uh... when... when you do something that you regret... You can't just go back and change it. And... the harder you try to make it right, the worse it gets."

Stopping again, silence rules for several moments before his voice comes back again, softly. “Sorry, Jess. I know you were looking forward to a nice night tonight. And so was I…”

Carson’s voice trails off and it seems like an awfully long pause until he finally lifts his head up. That same strange look passes through his eyes once more, but this time, he can’t hold it inside. But instead of words of sorrow that one would expect, a smile suddenly appears, sheepishly, but it was there.

“…But, I um…” He can’t stop it anymore, and he chokes on a laugh. “I got hot pepper juice in my eyes.”

His head is still on Jess’ shoulder and he looks up at her, just barely inches from her face. Mischief dances in his eyes, as silly as it was, and despite the stinging pain. They water again and he squints, swallowing another laugh. “Hundred dang washings with cold water and I still can’t seem to clean ‘em out.”


Jason doesn't understand where exactly Katie's going, but doesn't question her, and stays put in the infirmary. Once she's gone, he turns to Nate and Rick, unsure where to start.

Rick looks at him with question. "Well, Hotshot? I got part of a short version, but it isn't much."

"Yeah well...I didn't get the full and complete story either." Jason leans back against the wall, crossing his arms. "But does that..." he points to Scott. "...look like someone who was left alone?" He sighs and shakes his head. "Austin and somebody else interrogated him."

Rick nods slowly. "I gathered that."

Jason scoffs. "Yeah. Austin. The great and powerful senior agent of TJY."

"Hey," Rick warns. "Enough sarcasm. You did enough damage."

"He deserved it," Jason scoffs.

"Maybe he did, but the more worked up you are, the harder you're gonna make it on yourself."

"I don't care."

"You and Katie are already facing suspension."

Jason's fist tightens. "Is that what he said?"

"Yep."

"Then so be it." Jason remains cold. "It was worth it."

Rick rolls his eyes. "When Reese gets here tomorrow, we'll discuss this whole thing with him and get it worked out."

"Good luck. Austin is in it with his own father. Something is up and I don't like it one bit."

Rick raises a hand to keep him quiet. "Settle down. Tonight is over. Scott is safe."

Jason isn't happy, but relents to being quiet. He throws Nate a look, wondering what his friend thought of all this, and what side he would be on.

It's only moments though, before Katie is back, and Jason sees she has Domino with her. A small smile creases his lips.

Oh, Katie... you are a hero. How come you always know exactly what to do?

Domino squirms in Katie's arms, looking around at all the faces, and sniffing the air. Giving a little whine, she lets Katie take her to the bed, but just stands on the mattress for a moment, cocking her head and looking at who she is standing next to.

Glancing up at Katie, Domino gives a quiet little woof, then makes he way forward, almost timidly towards Scott's face.

Scott pries his eyes open once more, trying to understand what was going on in the room, and what all the voices meant. Hearing Katie, he's confused, and manages to crane his neck, spotting his dog. For one of the first times since his return, a genuine smile surfaces.

He moves his hand to stroke Domino's head with his bony fingers.

Domino sniffs and jumps a little at his touch, but then suddenly realizes that this really is her master that had been gone for so long. And just as quickly, she starts to wiggle all over. Crawling up closer, she starts to lick Scott's face all over, unwilling to let him out of her sight.

Scott's smile remains and he doesn't push the dog away, but strokes her gently, a faint spark in his eye once more. "Hey you," he whispers.

Domino whines and snuggles closer. After a few minutes of getting all the attention she could from her weak and sleepy master, she finally stops begging for more, and turns around a few times to plop down and curl up right beside him.

Scott's eyes drop shut again, the exhaustion too much to fight anymore, but his hand stays on top of the little friend that had meant so much to him.

Jason can't help but smile as he watches the two interact. Despite Scott's condition, he'd obviously found comfort and pleasure in seeing the little dog.

You're so smart. And I think I'll stick around tonight too. I don't want Austin coming back in here, and... Why would I give up the opportunity to spend my time here with you? It's either that or going home to Trooper, and seeing as though you don't drool, you're it. Not to mention after this, we might not have too many more nights in the infirmary if we get suspended.

Small friend

*Opening the door a little Jess knows Carson will be the only one at work. Closing the door behind her and making sure its lock Jess starts to go across the floor to the back room but stops at the faint sound and strange feeling she got. Turning Jess heads to one of the booths where the sound was coming from. Coming close and seeing Carson a wave of worry hits Jess. She'd never seen Carson cry before. Slidding in the booth next to him Jess puts an arm around his shoulder.*

"Carson whats wrong?"

*As the infermary door opens Nate looks up from the book he was reading. Seeing Jason and Katie he gives a small nod.*

"Nope everything has been ok. Scott's sleeping still."

*Nate watches Jason and Katie for a moment a little confused about what was going on but stays quiet for now.*

*Coming back into the infermary Katie gives a small smile to Nate before hearing Scott's voice and going over to him. PLacing a hand on his arm Katie looks down apon the face of her friend.*

"Yeah we stoped them Scott. They shouldnt be bothering you anymore."

*Looking up at Jason Katie gives a small smile..

I'll probley stay with him for most of the night. If you want to stay that would be nice but if not I understand.

Looking back at Scott again Katie pats his arm gently. As if getting an idea a lightbalb goes off in her head.

J, I have to go get something can you explain whats going on to Nate and Rick and I will be right back.

Leaving the infermary quickly Katie exits TJY and gets into her car head for home.

The time slowly tick by and after a half hour Katie enters the TJY floor again with a small bundle in her arms. Opening the infermary door Katie enters with a smile on her face. Showing the black and white bundle to Jason and Rick as Domino sits.

I thought maybe Domino would bring Scott some more comfort.

Going back over to the bed Katie holds Domino in her arms.*

"Scott, Scott...I braught someone to see you."

*Setting the small dog down on the bed Katie takes a step back and waits.*

Don't leave?

It's okay.

Jason throws his grandfather one last glare. "We're not finished."

Turning around, he follows after Katie.

Don't worry about it. It's not like I was calm in there. I just...

His emotions start to churn, proving that there was more than anger there. There was a deep hurt that he didn't understand. One that he'd been keeping away from Katie. One that wanted to surface now. One that created a form of misery he hated. But he pushes it away again.

Let's go see if Scott's alright.


Rick stands in the doorway, letting Jason and Katie by. But he doesn't follow straight after. Instead, he just stands, looking at Austin with a sad questioning. "You interrogated Scott?"

Austin swallows hard and tries to regain his composure. "It was protocol. You should know that."

"But he was in no shape to handle that." Rick's astonishment comes through in his voice. "My word, Austin... what were you thinking?"

"Me? What about those two who just came in here unannounced and started tearing my office apart, let alone screwing with my head?"

"The office part was Jason," Rick responds casually. "And the screwing with your head was Katie. In case you didn't know. And in case there's more information you're missing, those two were pretty close to Scott. I don't blame them for being upset with you."

"Well they've not heard the last of this," Austin states flatly. "They'll both be suspended for this."

Rick cocks his head. "Isn't that Reese's call?"

"You think I'm gonna wait around for him? This goes straight to Carter. Jason and Katie's actions were completely uncalled for."

Rick shakes his head and sighs deeply. "You do what you feel you have to do, Austin. But don't forget the team you're dealing with." Not wanting to argue, he turns around and walks slowly out of the office, heading back to the infirmary.


Jason pushes open the door and spies Nate, glad that he's here and not whoever had been with Austin. "Hey, Nate," he greets quietly. "Nothing exciting going on, I hope."

Scott can hear the voices around him, and though put into a state of exhaustion by whatever Rick had given him, he manages to pry open one of his eyes. "Did...did you stop...them?"

Jason looks over to him with sympathy. "Yeah. Nobody's gonna bother you. You just rest."

"Katie?" Scott's eye falls shut again. "Don't... leave?"

Jason looks to Katie, then Scott, then back to Katie.

I doubt he even knows what he's saying. Once he drifts off, he'll be gone for the night. We can stick around for a while if it'll make him feel better. He trusts you the most. Not to mention, we better tell Nate and Rick what's going on.

Overbored

*Nate makes his way into TJY making it in good time. Maggie had been in bed for about an hour and Jane was in the back apartment doing her own thing. Making his way swiftly across the floor he gives a small nod to Hal and enters the infermary. Going over to Scott he just looks down at his friend for a moment not sure what was going on but hoping everything was ok. Letting out a long sigh Nate pulls up a chair and just sits. Waiting for Rick's return.*

*For a moment Katie just looks at Austin not even hearing Rick. Jason's emotions were feeding her and she was feeding Austin. She was so angry for what he did to there friend.*

"I think its funny how you think we should listen to you Austin when you didnt even listen to Scott. I bet he begged, and pleaded for you to stop as you ripped open his mind and scars again."

*Katie could feel her ownself growing weak. Pushing her emotions twords Austin drew on her own energy and than Jason, he was starting to pull his emotions away. Trying to grasp on to them as she still focuses on Austin Katie can feel them slipping away. Finally not being able to hold on any longer Katie shuts her emotions down from Austin and she turns her back to him. The anger that was in her eyes, the fire had now turns to tears as a few escaped her eyes.*

"I'm going back to Scott."

*Moving past Jason and Rick Katie heads for the door. She still had anger, and she still wanted justice but her body was just to weak at the moment.

Sorry J. I guess I went overbored.*

Just like him

Rick sits with Scott for a little while, keeping an eye on him. But something wasn't right... where had Jason and Katie gone? It just didn't seem right...

Acting on instinct, he goes for the phone and dials Nate. "Hey Nate, it's Rick. Yeah, listen um... can you swing on down by TJY? Hopefully it's nothing, but... I gotta go check something out, and I want someone here to keep an eye on Scott."

Ending the call, Rick makes sure Scott is still asleep before slipping out the door. Spotting Hal with the trash, he waves to him. "Make sure nobody goes in here, will you? Except Nate... he should be coming soon."

Hal quirks an eyebrow in question, but nods. "Alright... sure. But..." Watching Rick leave, he just shrugs, leaving his questions hanging.

Rick walks quickly down the hall, looking around to see if he could find the other two.


Austin absorbs Katie's words, anger flashing in his eyes as she dishes out her own. "I did nothing but my job! And so help me, if you start a mutiny, the lot of you will be gone, and I will form a new team."

Watching Katie come closer, Austin finds himself backing up a step as a new wave of fear hits him. What had started out as slight nervousness from Jason's apparent outburst started to build into more... more that he didn't understand.

As Katie starts talking about being afraid, Austin's hands start to shake, a bead of sweat running down the side of his face. "I crossed no line!" He raises his voice. "I am doing my job! I have been involved with this organization for years more than you and I know exactly what needs to be done and how to do it."

Jason can feel himself weaken slightly as Katie focuses her drawing power on Austin rather than him, but he remains steady, right beside her. "Was that your own idea, or someone else's, Austin? Hmm?"

"That is none of your business."

"You messed with the wrong people," Jason retorts. "You made it our business by hurting Scott."

"I didn't hurt him!" Austin backs up another step, going behind the desk chair.

"Not physically, did you." Jason cocks his head, remaining cool. "But you didn't care about his mind did you? You didn't care about his heart, did you? You didn't care that he just spent two months in pure torture that caused wounds so deep that he can barely function, did you?"

As Jason's voice raises, the fax machine starts to rattle.

Austin's fear increases, his face paling. "Come on... just... just stop it you two. That's... that's a direct order."

Jason spits a scoffing laugh. "Or what? You gonna drag us into the interrogation room too? You gonna ask us questions... make us talk? Maybe threaten us a little bit?"

"You... you are in so much trouble." Austin's voice wavers more. "You have no...idea... what you two... what you are doing."

The fax machine sparks, more smoke coming from the sides.

"Jason! Katie. Stand down." Rick shows up behind them in the doorway.

Jason doesn't move, knowing Katie won't either. "Come on, Rick," he responds evenly. "Austin was just about to tell us his master plan. Sit down. Wait a spell. Grab some popcorn."

"Jason stop it," Austin begs. "What... I don't understand... what..." By now his knees are growing weak, his fear becoming a mild form of terror.

"Tell us!" Jason shouts. "Or I will tear this office apart piece by piece and you'll be in so much fear that you'll drive yourself insane."

"Jason!" Rick barks. "No." He takes a step further into the office, lowering his voice. "You do this, you are no better than he is. Now stop before you do something you both regret."

Jason stares at Austin, a hate forming in his eyes. The battle inside of him intensifies to a degree that makes his emotions run rampant. He was so angry...so upset... he wanted to make Austin pay for what he'd done to Scott. But deep down... way deep down... he knew Rick was right.

Forcing his emotions down, he stops manipulating objects in the room, but knows his grandfather is still under Katie's influence.

Come on, Hero... Rick's right... We'll deal with this later.

Knowing Katie's anger and knowing how she felt because of what had been done to Scott, Jason knows it might take more than words to get her to stop. Slowly he tucks away more and more of his own emotions, knowing that the more he took away from her, the sooner she'd have to turn her energy back to him and away from Austin.

Austin's shaking hands grip the back of the desk chair, waiting, watching, not understanding.

Rick waits calmly behind them, knowing good and well what they were doing. He could feel his own fear forming because of Katie's presence, but fought it, trying to save his young friends from their own actions that could put them on the wrong side. He agreed with them, but knew that if fought in this way, the consequences could be greater than it was worth. There were other ways to make their point.

heart of the betrayer

*Katie eyes narrow as she grits her teeth. This was not cool, this was not what she wanted, this is not why she was here or what she stood for and every moment that Austin talked more the more her blood boiled.*

"My Job...MY JOB...I'll stand up for my friend over my job anyday. If this is how you do things, bullying the people who put trust in you, toruchering them than your no better than The Agency and I dont want to be here, but something tells me if you fire me alot of people will come along with and than you will be up crap creek with out a paddle."

*Katie's eyes burn with an anger so fearce, her own eyes wanted to tear from it, but they did not. Hearing Austin call Scott week just fed her anger, it made her hate him even more.*

"Scott...is FAR FAR from weak Austin. I'd have to say that man is stronger than alot of us here. Its not every day people can stand up to the angency tourte like He did. The only other person I know that can say she did would have to be Jamie. She wasnt trained for field work, She didnt have any training at all and she stood up to them."

*Standing taller Katie stays next to Jason. In a proud stance her keep her ground not being scaired by Austin's threats. As the lamp starts to shake and the phone burts Katie dont flinch as it gives her a edge on Austins own emotions. Like a floodgate being opend Katie takes the lid off her emotions hurling them in one direction and one direction only to strike her own fear into the heart of the betrayer.*

"Its not nice to make people fear you when you think you can trust them. Fear, and torment is not a good feeling Austin now is it?"

*Katie takes a few steps twords him as her emotions flow freely still not even paying mind to the small amount of pain she felt by Jason's emotional burst.*

"What you did was wrong Austin, bottom line. You could of handled it differntly. Scott was one of us, Scott was our friend. You crossed the line Austin."

I don't care

Carson works alone in the kitchen, preparing a few ingredients for the next day. Everyone else had gone home already, but Dani was too tired to do anything tonight, Jess wasn’t coming over until late, and Carson didn’t have anything to do in the meantime. Nor did he really feel like it anyway. Better to keep busy… better to keep his mind occupied. Not that it worked.

Sniffing, Carson blinks and swipes his eyes with the back of his hand again. Tears immediately fill his reddened eyes again, the salty liquid stinging them.

Trying to focus on his work, he knows his eyes are red and puffy, and he knows Jess will be there any minute, but he just can’t seem to stop the flow, once it had started.

Blinking again, he goes to the sink in frustration, splashing his face with cool water. It was no use though. The tears were determined to come.

Growling at himself for being in this state, he goes to try to at least finish up what he was doing before Jess arrived. Ten minutes later though, he’s given up and is slouching in a booth, a glass of coke for company as he waits.


Jason doesn't take time to talk with Rick either, leaving that story hanging for now. "We'll be back, Rick," he hollers over his shoulder. Following Katie down the hall, he lets her take the lead. He need not ask where she was heading... he need not ask what her motive was.


Scott watches the two leave, his eyes widening a little. Even though Katie said they'd be back, he felt so vulnerable without them. Looking to Rick, he sees the needle and cringes.

Rick smiles warmly and approaches the bed. "It's alright, Scott. This is just something to help you sleep alright?"

Scott swallows hard, trying not to see Donovan with the needle that brought so much pain. He had to trust Rick... he had to believe this was reality, not what he'd been seeing in his mind. "Okay..."

"Atta boy." Rick preps Scott's arm and administers the shot quickly and smoothly. "There you are. Now just lie back and relax, okay?"

"You're not... not gonna leave me alone, are you?"

"No." Rick shakes his head. "I won't. I'll be right here."

Scott takes a moment, trying to decide if he believed him or not, then finally stretches out to lie back down on the bed, curling up on his side. The shot worked quickly, and his eyes grow heavy. "Don't let... them... come back..."

Rick sighs deeply as he watches Scott drift to sleep. What had happened? And why were Jason and Katie so much on edge? He could only wait it out until they came back.


Austin is looking through some files in Carter's office when Katie bursts in. His eyes widen as he sees both her and Jason, then as he receives her angry words.

His facial expression turns from one of surprise to one of irritation, then anger. "First off, young lady, we knock on doors around here and..."

"How would you know what we do around here?" Jason intervenes quickly. He folds his arms across his chest. "You've been gone an awfully long time to start spitting out protocol. Or... is that what you did with Scott already?"

Austin's shoulders drop as he looks at his grandson with annoyed disappointment. "C'mon, Jase... No 'hi how are you?' I just got back and this is what I get?"

"Do you deserve more?" Jason's anger starts to boil again, and this time he doesn't hold it in. "Besides, it's her who came in here first, not me." He nods to Katie. "You gonna answer her question?"

"I don't have to." Austin stands up straighter, bypassing his disappointment. "I'm the senior officer here, and I don't like being questioned. You get to where I am and make it this far, then you can make all the decisions you want to make." His tone grows more stern and he looks directly at Katie. "As for you, I don't know where you got your information or who skewed it, but I am here tonight doing my job. If you got a problem with that, I suggest you go home and sit and think about your job here and what it would be like without this job."

Jason takes a step forward, his eyes blazing. "Are you threatening her, Austin? Do you actually have the nerve to say something like that? Where do you get off? Answer her question! How could you do that to Scott?!"

"It's protocol!" Austin shoots back. "Scott is weak! Those Agency goons could have done anything they wanted to with him. He doesn't know how to block out their mind games. He was never trained for field work. Don't you get it? He could have compromised this whole department!"

"But you only assumed he would! You didn't give him a chance! He's in no shape to take something like that and you knew it! And you interrogated him anyway!"

"Stand down, Jason," Austin barks. "Or so help me, your job will be on the line too. You do not question me, do you understand?"

"Oh, I understand alright." Jason's tone grows low and cool, and suddenly the desk lamp starts to shake. At the same time, the phone cord sizzles and sparks, causing the phone to smoke then burst in a small show of sparks.

Austin jumps and looks down quickly, then back up at Jason, questioning the timing.

Jason grits his teeth.
Go for it Katie. I don't care what you do.

Justice

*Katie wraps her arm around Scott again as he starts to shake. If anyone was good to talk with Scott about this Katie new it was Jason.*

"You WILL be ok Scott and soon those dreams will stop, and it will only be a memorie. God will keep you safe and help you deal with this. Just remember that."

*Katie watches as Jason goes to the phone.

Yeah sometimes I think we communicate better this way. You can see my feelings, I mean there is no way you could miss interpit them.

Continuing to watch Jason Katie turns her attachen back to Scott as she holds him. How he heart hurt.*

"Rick is on his way Scott. He's gonna check you over and make sure you ok. He might even give you something to help you sleep if you want. Jason and I have to leave to do something but we will still be in the building and Rick will be with you till we get back ok."

*As Rick looks to Nate and gives a nod about the phone Nate gives him a small nod back letting him know if he needed anything he new who to call. Than turning back to the game Nate smiles at Maggie and Janet as he muses.*

"So are you going to deal or just hold the cards all day Janet?"

*Janet can't help the smile that spreads across her face as she brushes a bit of her long flowing hair from her eyes.*

"Don't rush me Nate or I'll deal you all the bad cards."

*Janet cant hold the small giggle as she gives Maggie a nudge and starts to deal the cards only to pause for a bref moment again to give Rick a kiss before he left.*

*As Rick enters the infermary Kaite gives him a nod and gently removes her arm from around Scott. Giving his arm a gentil squeeze.*

"Rick's gonna stay with you for a little bit untill we get back ok. You hang in there."

*Standing Katie gives one last look at Scott before turning and walking away from the bed. Letting out a long sigh Katie makes her way to the door only calling over her shoulder the flames that were in here eyes were still there.*

"Betrayel Rick, Betrayel by one of our own."

*Katie leaves the infermary before Rick can even reply. Her mind set was on one thing now and one thing alone, there was no stop, there way no holding back. There was only anger and pain. Austin couldnt get away with this.

Seeing the light on down by Reese office Katie makes her way through the cubicles still she came to the office. Entering and seeing no one in Reese office Katie glances to Carters door and can see a tiny light on underneath it. Walking over to it Katie fails to knock just flinging it open. Steping inside and see Austin her face is flush as the anger in her eyes flaired.*

"How could you Austin, how could you do that to him when You darn well know what he has been though. He thought he could trust you and you stabed him in the back. What kind of justice do you stand for because this sure is not what I call right."

Card game

Jason can feel the tension in the flow of emotions and knows that Katie is growing angrier, just as he was. He can feel his own emotions being bottle-necked as she shut herself partway down so as not to affect Scott, but he keeps himself steady.

Talk about burning up... I knew he wasn't the good ol' boy he claimed to me... he's been trying to get me in his good graces for months and...

Jason suddenly remembers that he'd never told Katie about that.

...long story. Bottom line - Austin's a jerk and a coward. This was the last straw for me. Him and me... we're through.

Scott starts to shake again as another tear surfaces, his mind and emotions being overtaken by pictures of when he was captive. He felt as though he were in a nightmare, unable to wake, and his fear was so great, it was starting to make him feel like he was going to be sick.

"You can't," he manages quietly. "It's... it won't leave me alone.... I can't.... I can't shut it out..."

Jason's jaw tightens and he stands up. He gives Scott's shoulder a gentle pat. He knew exactly how it felt and more. "Hang in there, buddy. It'll be alright." Turning, he heads to the phone.

Sometimes I wish I could talk to other people like you... Sure would help out the phone bills.

Jason picks up the receiver and quickly dials Rick's number.


"Aw man!" Rick throws down his cards on the dining room table, having lost another round. He smirks with humor across at Maggie. "Do you realize you've beat me three times in a row now?"

He collects the cards and starts to pass them to Nate, but then stops and hands them to Janet instead. "I think it's your turn to deal."

The ringing phone makes him jump. "Alright. I'll answer that, but nobody stack the cards!" Getting up, a smile spreads on his face and he grabs the phone in the living room. "Yeah, hello."

"Rick."

"Jase? What's up?"

"I'm with Scott. He um... he's having a tough time settling down. Thought you should come see him."

"I gave him something to sleep," Rick muses.

"Yeah well... I'll tell you what happened later."

"Alright. Is he bad?"

"It's not good. He's in the middle of a nightmare and just can't calm down. He needs to get some rest before he makes himself sick."

Rick nods. "Okay. Give me fifteen minutes." He hangs up and goes back to the small group, leaning down to give his wife a kiss on the forehead. "Sorry, but duty calls. You three have fun, and I'll be back in a while."

He gives Janet's shoulder a squeeze. "I don't know if I'll be late or not." Looking over to Nate, he gives a little nod, signaling that it was TJY related, then heads for the door.


Jason hangs up and turns back to Katie and Scott, feeling helpless. "Rick's on his way." He paces the floor, trying to decide what to do.

I wanna march down to wherever Austin is and knock his block off... But I'm not leaving Scott until I know he's safe. The nerve... the gall! One of our own....


It seems like forever, but Rick finally comes, pushing open the door to the infirmary. Seeing Jason, then Katie, his eyes fill with questions, but he goes to Scott without waiting for answers. "Hey, Scott, you don't look so hot."

Scott shakes his head, having returned to hiding his face in his knees.

Rick sighs deeply and goes to prepare a needle. He didn't like sedating anyone, but in this case, maybe it was best. "You two gonna tell me what's going on?" he asks quietly.

Wrong group of friends...

*Katie continues to listen as her own anger grows. Trying to keep a lid on it Katie knows she wont be able to hold it for long. The emotions she felt right now were to great, worse than anything she ever felt before. Griting her teeth Kaite hand still rests on Scott's back as he leans into her. As her eyes meet Jason's so much emotions run through her own tell a tail in itself.

How could he? It was bad enough Scott was taken for two months and torchured, but to have Austin...one of our own turn there back on Scott and do this...it burns me up even more.

Katie quiets herself for a moment as she continues to keep the lid on.*

"Its ok Scott. Don't worry we wont let it happen again. Your gonna be ok and your going to get through this. We are with you every step of the way and we wont let you give up. When things feel like they are to heavy to hold alone we will be there to help hold you up. Thats what friends do, thats what friends are for. We wont let you stand in the world alone."

* Katie's eyes break away from Jason's for a moment as she looks down at Scott while she talks. Searching his own face, seeing the fear and tears in his eyes. Seeing such a strong person being broken now it only was to feed Katie's anger even more. Scott's pyscal scars where cleaned and starting to feel, the the wounds on the inside were still there and ripped open again that much was for sure.

Once again Katie looks up to catch Jason's eyes, this time the flames could be seen. A look not often seen by many, that could strike fear into the hardest of hearts.

Call Rick! I don't wan't to leave Scott alone but I don't wan't Austin to get away with this eather. He messed with the wrong group of friends.*

Interrogation room

Scott shakes his head and draws in a ragged breath. "He... he told me not to tell."

Inside, somewhere deep down, Scott knew there was no reason to be afraid. There was no reason to fear the present, nor the past. But logic didn't seem to have much bearing right now, and he couldn't help but be afraid. He wasn't used to feeling this way, and it just compounded the fearful emotions.

"I...he...and... and another guy."

Jason grits his teeth, his eyes narrowing. "What did they say, Scott? You can tell us."

Scott licks his dry lips and is quiet for several moment, trying to calm down. Katie's hand on his back helped, and he's finally able to keep his voice steady, though it's quiet. "They came in and took me to the interrogation room. And...and they forced me to tell them what happened. Austin thought I'd turn and help the Agency... and he wanted names and places and..."

He pauses again, a tear finally surfacing in his eye. "He wanted to know everything that they did to me. Then he brought me back here and ordered me not to say anything." His voice cracks and he stops, too scared and too embarrassed by his show of emotions.

The interrogation room.

Jason's anger starts to boil.

They took Scott and interrogated him. Of all the low down... Couldn't he see Scott was in no shape to talk? Couldn't he see that he'd been through enough?! People like you and me can handle this, but not Scott... he's not trained for this... he's not wired like some of us. What did Austin think he was doing?!

"It's alright, Scott," he assures evenly, trying not to let his anger out through the tone of his voice.

"No, it's not," Scott whimpers. "I thought I was going to die... and then... then I was found again and... and I still can't do anything, I can't function and... and I just keep living it over and over and over." A tear runs down the side of his face, proving how out of control he felt. "I should have just died. I can't take it..."

He lets himself down to rest against Katie again, closing his eyes tight against the nightmares. "I can't do it. I just can't."

A jar on the counter starts to rattle and Jason is quick to stop his emotions again. The last thing they needed was for him to start breaking things apart because he was mad. He was angry... so angry. At the Agency, at what they did to Scott, and at Austin.

How dare he.... how dare he torment Scott even further.

"Yes you can," Jason voices sternly to Scott. "Don't give up."

His eyes find Katie's in the dim light, questions filling his gaze.

I want Austin. I know he's still here because I saw the vehicle. But we can't just leave Scott like this. How about calling Rick or Misty? They at least might be able to give him something to sleep.

Remember

*Katie continues to rub Scott's back as he talks. Just taking in what he was saying the way he was acting when Jason talked. The look in his eyes when he looked at her sent her heart screaming again as her own eyes filled with emotions, the lack of understanding.

I don't understand J, what would Austin have been doing here after hours? Let alone asking questions from Scott.*

"So...Austin wanted to know what happend to you Scott?"

*Though emotions started to form inside Katie she tryed to hide them the best she could. The last thing she wanted to do was upset Scott more. Keeping her tone level and soft she continues to talk to Scott.*

"Did you tell them you couldnt remember? Than they let you come back here? Did Austin say at all why he was here asking you these questions this late at all?"

*Katie's hand continues to run Scott's back. She new he was scaried, and he wasnt sure what to say. As Scott looks at her again with his own questions in his eyes Katie nods her head at him slightly.*

"It's ok Scott, we are just here helping."

Yes

Jason's face changes to show compassion seeping through. He and Scott hadn't always gotten along that well, but seeing him like this... it was just a bit upsetting.

He moves to pull a chair close to the bed and sit down, staying close, but letting Katie talk to Scott without interfering. Scott had always responded well to her, and Jason hoped he would now too. It wasn't fair that Scott was suffering like this.

Scott keeps resisting Katie's comfort, but starts to settle down a little bit, soaking in her comforting words. He felt like crying, but his eyes were dry. He felt like screaming, but his lungs didn't feel capable.

"I can't tell... they told me.... I... I'm under orders."

Jason raises his eyebrows.
Under orders? What's he talking about? Whose orders?

Scott swallows hard and finally relaxes enough to lift his head and rest his chin on his knees, staring into the dim room. "It... I can't... they said..." He stops again.

Turning his head, he has to turn his face completely to be able to see Katie with his good eye. He trusted her... he had to. He knew this hadn't been right.... but...

He brings up enough courage, and speaks with a quiet whimper. "They...they asked me and.... and they made me.... made me tell them what happened. It... I... I mean..." he swallows "I had to think... I couldn't remember..."

Jason can't help but move closer. "Who, Scott?" he asked quietly "Who is 'they?'"

Scott flinches at the sound of Jason's voice. "You...no.. I mean..."

Jason stiffens. "Austin."

Scott's eyes widen slightly, and looks to Katie as it almost asking for permission to speak. "Y...yes."

Safe

*Katie continues to keep her arm wrapped around Scott even though he pulls away. She wasnt sure what to do but let Scott know she was there for him. Katie felt helpless and it only drove the pain harder into her heart to see Scott like this. Hadnt he been through enough? Why why was he still be torchured.

Looking up at Jason's voice Katie shakes her head a little answering his question.

He's pretty bad J, I think someone told him something but he wont say who. I'm scaired for him, and feel so helpless. I'm see if I can find out anything more.*

"It's ok Scott. Its only me and Jason here with you now. We want to help you, we want to keep whoever is trying to hurt you away, but in order to do that you need to tell us what happend and who it was. Just try to think, take your time dont rush."

*Kaite moves her arm and gently rubs Scott's back as she talks to him trying to make him feel as comfortable as she could though he new it wasnt doing much help at least she was trying.*

"We have all the time in the world Scott, we wont let anyone hurt you. J and I will both keep you safe."

Voice

Concern grows in Jason as he deciphers the message of emotions.

You're right, that doesn't sound good. Why don't I come by... I don't know what I can do, but at least you won't be there alone.

Jason sets his guitar to the side and stands up, startling Trooper who jumps up and looks around, wondering what he's missed.

"Sorry, bub. I gotta go. You stay here and watch the place."

Jason grabs his denim jacket and slips on his tennis shoes, picking up his truck keys on the way out the door.


Scott remains in a tight ball, but lets Katie hold him, finally resting his head on her shoulder. He trembles, unable to control the fear that was still running through him. "No... it was..."

He stops, remembering the orders. He might be unable to think straight, and he might be a mess, but he still knew his place. "I can't... they told me...." He swallows hard, still shaking. "It wasn't a dream. But I can't..."

He pulls away from Katie to bury his face in his legs again. He wanted so bad for this to be over. He wanted so bad to be able to control this... to ignore the pain... to be tough. But it just hurt so bad.



Jason parks outside TJY, and spies an unfamiliar vehicle in the parking lot. That was interesting. Then all of a sudden he remembers. Austin was supposed to get into town tonight. But surely he wouldn't have come straight to TJY... would he?

Jason shakes his head and gets out of his truck. Who cared... he didn't.

Making his way inside, he heads down the hall, ignoring that there were lights on down by Reese's office. Getting to the infirmary, he slips inside, seeing Katie next to Scott who was huddled on the bed.

"Hey guys," he greets quietly. "How's things?"

Scott makes no move to look up, and just pulls himself in tighter. That voice was too close to the other one for comfort.

Comfort

*Seeing the look on Scott's face mad Katie freeze in place and sent a sharp pain through her heart. What had happened to make Scott so scared? What was he talking about? Could it have been a dream? Whatever it was it shook him up bad.

Sitting down gently on the bed Katie slowly wraps her arm around Scott's shoulder and pulls him softly into an embrace of comfort. Her friend was hurting, the pain that struck her heart was different and it screamed at her to help him when she new there really was nothing for this she could do.*

"Shhhh...it's ok Scott. I'll stay with you. Tell me what happend so I can help, was it a dream?"

*As Katie holds Scott like a shelter to someone on a cold day protecting them from the hard weather outside Katie receves Jason's question and relizes that she had completely forgoten about shutting her emotions off. Though at this moment and see the way Scott was Katie was glad to maybe have someone alse there to help. Trying to find a bit of her own humor Katie replys to Jason.

Well hello Crazy....

Katie cant help the inward giggle she presents before becoming a little more searouse.

I'm here with Scott. Something shook him up pretty bad. He keeps mumbaling about not letting them come back. I dont know what he is talking about. He looks horrable though, and I wouldnt feel right leaving him like this J. It's not good.*

*Snaggaling a little bit farther into Bret Charlotte draps her arm across his chest. How comfortable she was, and how much happyness she had to match and much more. *

"I'll have to try and call Jamie tomarrow or something to see if she got to talk to Con and anyone alse. I was thinking maybe this weekend would be great seeing as the weather will be nice."

*Slowly Charlotte's own eyes start to drift shut. It had been a long day, busyer than one would exspect and than relaxing with Bret just wore her down evenmore.*

" Mmmm...I would be happy sleeping right here than. As long as I am next to you."