Inside

Feeling Scott's hand run through her head it was soothing to Jess. It was almost a familure feeling that creep up in her memorie for a reason why she found so much comfort in this but like a curten draw Jess couldnt see past this point and for now she let it go just enjoying Scott.

Absintmindedly she brings her hand up and gives Domino's head a pat brushing Scott's hand for a moment before bringing it back down and holding the small dog's paw softly. Rolling over on her back Jess looking up at the cealing. She was comfortable but far from tired. She only hoped sleep would come soon. Glancing at Scott Jess trys to smille just a tiny bit.

"Thank you."

Looking around the courner with Jason Katie gives a nod. She new what to do and how to do it. Nice and eary just like before.

Got it. NOW!

As Jason causes the incodent Katie has no problem striking the fear into the two guards. Taken down in no time Katie is following Jason inside turning to make sure the other two were following throwing them both smiles.

Following close behind Jason the move along the hall. Katie has her own gun drawn for protection.

Camra righthand side.

Being able to talk with Jason and not use words really helped keeping them undeticted. Finally making there way up the steps and hearing people at the other end of the hall Katie's heart beat so loud she thought someone might hear it.

Finally as the cost is clear they continue down to the hall and enter the room. Giving a nod to Carson followed by a smile of reasurance to Ryder.

Standing next to Jason as he questions the man in the lab coat Katie's eyes peace his as she keep her shair ferm using only a bit of his own fear aganst him.

"If I were you, I'd just answer the question."

Good work J.

Once Jason start to walk away Katie stands with her gun pointed at Ross making sure he dosnt move a muscle as her eyes dont leave him eather. They didnt need to, Katie new what was going in with Jason just the same.

Just hurry J. Being here gives me the creeps enough.

Seeing Ross move just a little Katie sets a few steps closer.

"Dont, think about moving another muscle."

Moving in

Luke cringes at the memories that Angel's ranting brought to mind. She was thinking back so far... to a time so painful. Rubbing his tired face, he just waits, still praying... hoping that his wife would calm down to sleep restfully again. It was their only chance of keeping her alive right now.


Scott's eyes open back up again and he moves his hand down through Jess' hair one more time. He'd started to doze off several times, but found it less fearsome to stay awake, at least for now. Stifling a yawn, he shifts his weight a little, sinking further down, but letting Jess keep her head in his lap.

Domino looks up, almost annoyed at being woken up by his movements. She stands to yawn and stretch, looking around for a moment. She sniffs close to Jess' head, then settles back down again, nuzzling into Scott's side.

Scott lets his free hand fall to his little dog, giving her a loving scratch behind the ears.


The team moves in. They head down the trail that was a gradual incline that curved around until reaching the bottom at the edge of the parking lot. Glancing around, they revert to silence. Blowing their cover too soon could be fatal.

Moving closer and closer, they creep up to the building, right around the corner from the guards. Carson draws his gun but doesn't advance. He nods to Jason and Katie. It was up to them to get them inside. They'd have to stick close once they were in, take out any cameras and silence anyone who saw them. Then they'd have to get back out again.

Jason moves to the corner and looks around to see the guards.
Alright, there they are. Let's have a repeat of how it was when we went after Scott.

It ran like clockwork. A flickering light caused enough fear for Katie to work with, and before anyone knew it, both guards had been knocked unconscious. While Carson knew how they worked, he was still impressed, and as they slip inside, he gives Katie a crooked grin. Ryder follows them inside, a bit stunned by what had happened, but without time to process it.

The inside was quiet. They were in a hallway. It was uncanny how the layout appeared to be so similar to the building where Scott had been held. In a totally different country, the Agency still operated in the same way.

The four slipped down the hall, Jason in the lead, with Carson in the rear, walking backward to keep an eye out. Guns were drawn. Eyes were open, ears were listening intently. Voices could be heard nearby, but this corridor was clear. They hit the stairway they were looking for, and quickly ascended three floors. Meeting no one was a welcomed surprise. As they pass cameras, Jason takes them out with just enough energy to make them malfunction but not set off any alarms. So far they were going undetected.

Reaching the third floor, they stare down another long hall. Shadows pass by on the other end, but were quickly gone. The coast was clear.

"Last room on the right," Ryder hisses.

Jason moves forward, stopping a the closed door. A small window showed there was one person inside the lab. "One," he informs with a whisper.

Carson gives him a nod. They were ready. He eyes Katie, giving her a wink - a contrast to the tension they were under.

Jason grips the door handle.
Okay, Hero, let's do this. I need you right behind me for this one.

Ryder steps to the side, keeping his back on the opposite wall. He nods. He and Carson would stay in the hall while Jason and Katie went in.

Jason keeps his gun up and ready.
We gotta move fast so he can't call anybody.
Turning the door handle, he opens the door swiftly, letting Katie slip in with him before the door goes shut again. He aims his handgun at the middle-aged, heavyset man in the white lab coat and glasses, whose nametag read Ross.

"Whoa!" he stands from his desks, arms going in the air. "Who are you? What are you doing? How did you get in there?"

"Hold the questions," Jason growls. "And sit back down. Now."

Ross' eyes are wide behind his glasses and he sits back down. One hand starts to lower towards an intercom button.

Jason cocks his gun. "Just try."

Ross immediately backs off again, wildly searching Jason and Katie's faces. "What do you want?"

"We need an antidote and we need it now."

"Antidote?" Ross laughs. "For what? And why would it be here?"

"Don't give me that." Jason steps forward, pressing the barrel of his gun against Ross' head.

Ross sucks in his breath, starting to tremble. He looks to Katie for help, but sees immediately that she is just as determined as the young man. He swallows hard, then licks his lips. "Um... uh... well... um..."

Jason leans down to stare into Ross' eyes. "Did I mention we were in a hurry?"

Ross gulps. A bead of sweat runs down the side of his face. "Which antidote are you looking for?"

Now that's more like it.
"For a poison. It's new to us, but probably not new to you."

Ross again stumbles over words, but his eyes drift to the far end of the room. Jason follows his gaze.
Keep him here, Katie. There's a case down there with some items of interest.

He moves from the desk, uncocking his gun and heading to a glass cabinet. The room was long, full of computer equipment and paperwork. While everything was stark and clean, a line of cages was set up in the middle of the room, housing rats. Jason cringes.
This was the sort of thing Carson had talked about. Gives me the creeps.

Ready

The look in Angel's eyes was enough to tell she was there but her mind was far off.

"You cant keep us here, its night right. What did we ever do to you?"

One that new Angel might know she was talking about the past and maybe even reliving it in her mind. Memories mixed with reality, the poison the corsed through Angel's vains prevented her from even relizing it was nothing more than a nightmare.

"Luke is hurt bad please, cant you help him. Cant anyone? Your treating us like animles. Trent how could you after everything."

Moving quickly to the cabnit Misty grabs a saringe and some sedative filling the needle and testing it. Moving quickly to Rick Misty preps Angel's arm while Rick holds her. Injecting her Misty couldnt help but feel back for Angel and Luke as well.

Looking over the moutainside down below Katie studys the plant for a moment before sliding back down again.

Ready as I ever will be, just need to be carfel...and get in and out so we can get back to Angel.

"I'm ready. It should be no probley getting in. The guards are usaly more weak than anyone inside so I dont see a problem with that part at all."

Giving a nod to Carson Katie signles she is ready as she checks her own gun one last time and than looks over to Ryder giving the best reasuring smile she could.

This wasnt going to be easy, and there was a good chanse it would get messy but Katie was as ready as she ever was going to be. With any luck things would go smoothly. Slidng up again she look over the moutainside. This was for Angel it had to work.

Different feeling

As Jess comes and sits down next to him, Scott is a little surprised. When she scoots further down and rests her head in his lap, he's even more surprised.

Unsure what she wants exactly, he just sits, a bit confused, and wishing he knew how to help. Apparently she really did feel lost... and he knew that feeling all too well.

Her whispered words make him think twice. Yeah... he was like her. That she found that a comfort felt strange... He'd been the needy one since he'd returned. He'd been the one always needing help. He'd been the one scared and helpless, looking for help. But right now... it was the first time someone had come to him looking for help, let alone had decided they'd found a safe haven. It was a different kind of sensation. One that was kind of warm.

Scott slowly moves his thin hand to rest on Jess' head. Gradually, he's brave enough to run his fingers through her hair in an effort to let her know it was okay. His warm palm rests on her forehead before moving back down her soft hair.


Luke gives a start as Angel's voice hits his ears. But it wasn't lucid words. It was words from a dream, words from a world away from reality. He moves to get close to her, but backs up as Misty comes, then Rick comes as well. Jeff's hand to his arm warns him to stay out of the way and let them try to help.

Utterly helpless, Luke sinks back down into his chair, burying his face in his hands. Praying was the only thing he could do. God please don't take her... not yet... I don't want to live without her.

Rick moves quickly. "Go get a sedative, Misty. We need to keep her calm - it's the only way to keep the poison slowed down."


"Well... it's a quiet day." Carson stares through his binoculars at the Agency base. Only two guards were at the door today. He glances at Ryder. It looked like the best day yet, not the worst. But he didn't rub it in.

"Alright, we need to get inside, then get down to the lab. Ryder?"

"Yeah." Ryder crawls up to lie on his belly at the top of the ridge on the lookout point. "Once we're in, it should be three floors up, a right turn, then down to the end of the hall. At least that's what my contact has told me. All we can do is trust them on this one."

Carson nods his agreement. "Katie? Jason? You two ready? We gotta make this smooth. We're going to get as close as possible. Jason, get a little fear into them so Katie can make 'em nervous. They'll either come close enough we can easily take them down or they'll go inside. Either way, they're our ticket in."

Ryder quirks an eyebrow. He was interested to see how Katie and Jason worked. It seemed unbelievable, but apparently Carson knew what he was telling them to do.

Jason nods. "Yeah, we should be able to do that. What if we meet people on the inside?"

"Improvise." Carson sits up and takes his handgun to check the ammunition. "Let's hope it's as quiet on the inside as the outside." The parking lost only had a few cars in it. It seemed like a lucky break.

Jason takes a deep breath. "I'm ready when you are.
How about you? Ready, Hero?

Delutions

Hesitating for a moment Jess just stands in the doorway, but finally she moves inside a little more. Slowly going over to Scott Jess eases down next to him.

She could tell from looking at him he himself had been through alot the look in his eyes told there own story. Quietly Jess eases down a little more and lays her head in Scott's lap. She felt so childish but she couldnt help it. She needed to feel comfort because she was still shaken up and this was the only way she new how at the moment.

Far from sleeping Jess just stairs at the wall till finally softly she whispers.

"I turst you, because your just like me."

Giving a moan Angel gives a toss in the bed. Almost as if she felt stuck in a dream world her eyes fly open as she sits up on the bed almost as if a panic rushes over her.

Seeing Angel Misty drops everything and rushes over to her trying to calm her down.

"Angel its ok. Its Misty your at the infermary at TJY. Are you ok?"

Deleraous and out of it Angel fights against Misty's prompting.

"No..No...You cant keep us here...my baby...no...she needs me...please."

Confused Misty looks to Luke and than turns slightly calling over her shoulder to Rick.

"Rick I need help here I think deleariea has set in."

Trying to hold Angel the best she can so she dosnt her herself Misty feels so bad. This could not be good.

Welcome

Ryder shakes his head and gives a defeated laugh. "Yeah... I wish you could convince Carson too." He sighs deeply. "If I'm wrong, it'll be the first."

He turns to face Katie, knowing that she was trying to make him feel better, but mustering up a genuine smile took too much effort.

After a moment of just studying her eyes, he finally gets up, letting her hand drop from his shoulders. "Guess I better get ready. We should have left ten minutes ago."


Hearing the knock on the door makes Scott jump. He'd been far from asleep, but was in a slight daze for just a moment. Sitting up, he leans against the wall, not sure if he really wanted to answer or not. Who was it?

Giving in, he calls to whoever it was, then squints up in the dim light. Jess? Why was she... Her explanation makes him realize her intentions, and suddenly, his own fears didn't seem so great.

"Um..." He looks down and around, and finally lifts up half the blanket. He wasn't sure what had happened to her, but he had an imagination, and it told him plenty. Maybe inviting her that close wasn't such a good idea, but it's all he had to offer. "I... don't much like being by myself either," he admits. "Kinda hard on the floor, but..." He shrugs and rubs his sore eye. "You're welcome to stay."

Domino moves off his lap to go and curl up on the other side of him, not really bothered by Jess' presence.

Can I?

Looking back into Rocky's eyes Jess gives a small nod. She didnt want him to leave but she new he had to.

"oh..ok. If I need anything I'll call you."

Turning Jess las down and faces the wall. She just wanted this to be over. Jess had though once before it was and for the time being it had been but than it came crashing down again. Would it always be like that? Would things ever change?

Katie goes and sits down next to Ryder listing to him talk. She new how he felt, sometimes she had feels some times and she new they were never good feeling.

"Hey, maybe your feeling is wrong huh? I wish there was a way to convinse Carson not to go but I know I wont be able too."

Katie shakes her head. Once Carson made up his mind there was no turnin back for him.

"It will be ok eh? I'll keep ya safe if I have ta."

Katie throws a wink at Ryder as she puts her arm over his shoulder trying to lighten his mood alittle and make him smile.

Laying in the spair room Jess hears a noise that makes her jump. Sitting up straght Jess looks around the room as the sweat rolls down her face. She didnt want to be alone, she hurt things she hadnt before and she hated it.

Standing Jess slow walks out of the spair room as her bear feet softly pad on the cold floor. Seeing the light on in the infermary Jess goes over to the door but peeking in and seeing everyone and how busy they were she didnt want to bother them or the lady that was laying in the bed that looked worse than her.

Looking down the hall Jess sees the soft glow of a nother dim light from under one of the doors. Wandering down the hall Jess goes and reads the sigh on the door hopping it might be someone she could stay with so she wasnt alone.

Giving a knock on the door Jess waits till she hears someone say it was ok. Opening the door she stand sin the dim lit room. Her eyes searching the room they sadness, pain and fear where still written in them. Seeing Scott and Domino on the floor Jess looks down not making eye contact. Talking low she askes.

"I'm...I'm sorry to bother you. I was scaired being alone and I didnt want to bother the others. I saw the light...."

Jess points behind her under the door.

"..and I though maybe...maybe I could stay here with you if thats ok."

Smelling rain

"Reese didn't get him...yet," Rocky response quietly. "But he doesn't know you're here. You're safe." He never tired of repeating that fact.

As Jess jumps and moves closer, Rocky puts an arm around her shoulders, giving them a gentle rub. "He's alright," he assures. "It's just Scott." He didn't know Scott personally, but had seen him a time or two, and knew about him through some of the others.

Once Scott is gone, Rick tells Rocky where the spare room is. Leading Jess gently, Rocky takes her next door and sits her down on the bed. Squatting in front of her, he holds her hands, looking up into her eyes. "I'm gonna go home now, okay? But only because I know you're safe here. I'm only a phone call away, alright?" He gives her hands a squeeze. "Try to get some rest."


Scott spreads one blanket on the floor in front of the desk, lies down, then pulls the other blanket up over him. He moves his pillow around, using the wall to help prop it up a little.

Domino waits until she thinks he's settled before crawling up to sprawl over his chest and stomach. Though kind of heavy to be comfortable, Scott let her stay. He wouldn't be going to sleep all that quickly anyway. Not with having been woke up, and still hearing voices next door.

Though the door to the office was closed, he was glad for the nightlight he'd plugged in on the other wall. He could see what was around him, and that was enough for him not to feel fear.


Ryder lets out a long sigh and finally turns to look at Katie. "I don't have anything to tell Carson. That's the problem." He shakes his head and moves to sit down in the swing, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "I... had a nightmare last night."

Glancing up at Katie, he shakes his head. He never told anyone about them. But for some reason he felt safe telling her. "I've never been wrong yet. It's like... I don't know... a sixth sense or something. I just... know when something is going to happen. I don't know what, and I don't know with whom... but it's like being able to smell rain before the storm. I can feel it... I can taste it."

Ryder purses his lips, knowing he must sound crazy. "We shouldn't be going in today. If we do, something bad is going to happen. But I can't prove it." He shrugs lamely. "All I can do is hope that for once, I'm wrong. I have to follow Carson - he's the captain."

Trust

Giving a nod to Carson Katie dosnt say anything more. He was the boss in the mission and she couldnt go aganst what he had to say. But some thing didnt seem right.

Yeah I think he it, but there is just something more I think than "Hey I dont wanna do it today." I am gonna check it out.

Standing from the table Katie goes to the sink and puts her cup in it rinsing it out firs, than making her way outside to the back pourch Katie just stands there for a moment. Than moving closer to Ryder she looks in the same direction as he was as if trying to see somethingKeep her voice soft Katie proves what she was to say next was true.

"I do trust you Ryder. An I trust that you say today is not a good day than its not for one reason or the other, but if your gonna have Carson believe you your gonna have to give him a reason. In a way I do understand why. Time is not our friend in this mission. We have a person's life in our hands. Cant you tell us why we cant go in? Cant you tell me?"

Katie turns her head and looks at Ryder. She did trust him but she also did want to know why Ryder didnt think today was a good day.

Jess looks to Rocky with tired eyes and than looks to Rick and gives a small nod. She new she would be ok here, she was before but till, how new everything was and the face this happend again didnt ease Jess at all.

"Is he still out there? Or did Reese get him? He dosnt know I am here right?"

Jess couldnt help her fear or her questions even though she new the answers. They where just there anyways.

Hearing Scott's voice startles Jess as she jumps a little closer to Rocky. She hadnt hurd anyone come in and she wasnt exspecting anyone alse to be here let along a strange voice she didnt know. Looking to Rocky again Jess hated him seeing her this way. She didnt feel strong, and she felt so small she hated the feeling.

Cold feet

Scott's eyes fly open as he hears the voices in the infirmary. There were new people... people whose voices he didn't recognize. He tenses until he hears Rick. Everything must be okay.

Domino's head perks up as her master moves around and she crawls up next to him to lick his face. He responds by petting her head. He really wanted to know what was going on, on the other side of the wall, but getting up meant risking getting in the way or what if someone like Austin was there too?


Rocky follows Misty's direction and takes Jess to the table, helping her sit, and staying right close.

Rick comes in after, relieving Reese to go talk with Angelica. Rick moves to clean up and help Misty, while checking on Angel again too. She had been asleep for a long time now, her body finally starting to shut down as the poison continued to affect her. Rick didn't like it... they just kept waiting... but there had been no word from Australia.

He nods to Jeff and Luke to let them know they could stay right where they were. He wished he had something to offer them other than the same chairs, but they'd always insisted on staying.

Rocky remains next to Jess, assisting in telling Misty what had happened. He helps by cleaning some of the cuts on Jess' face, gently tucking her hair behind her ear. Once he lifts her chin with a soft finger, forcing her to look him in the eye so he could reassure her with his glance that it was okay. He offers a small smile and a wink. He hated seeing her like this, but he wouldn't let the worry and anger show.

Rick keeps an eye on how Jess is doing, trying to make up his mind about what should happen next. He pulls Misty aside. "We should probably keep her here for at least tonight," he advises. "If for nothing else, because her place isn't safe. But I don't know where to put her, unless it's on a cot in here, but that's not all that great. What if..."

"She can have the spare room."

Rick whirls around, surprised to see Scott in the doorway with Domino at his feet. "Oh, but..."

"No, it's okay... really." Scott nods. He didn't know Jess. But it was obvious that she needed help, and he didn't want his presence to hinder that help. "I can..." He thinks for a moment. What could he do? "Um... I can bed down in Dalton's and my office."

Jeff looks over to him, again wishing that the young man were well. Rick had told him that Scott had been improving, and even in the last few days he'd gained some color in his face. But there was still so much life missing.

Rick didn't want to displace Scott again, but he could tell that it might be worse to turn down the offer. "Okay, Scott. Go get your blanket and pillow and anything else you need. If there's more you need though, tell me, alright?"

Scott gives a little nod before turning back into the hall. There weren't that many people there, but there were just enough to make him just a little nervous.

Rick goes over to Jess, giving her a gentle smile. "You can stay here tonight where you're safe, okay?"


Carson looks at Katie and shakes his head slowly. "I know you wanna trust him, Kat, but we can sit around here and wait for the perfect day for a year. Or we can go in and accomplish our mission." He purses his lips, not upset, but determined with gentleness. "Angel is counting on us. We can't keep waiting."

"Why would we wait?" Jason comes in, his hair still wet from his shower.

Carson thumbs to the back porch. "Ryder's got cold feet."

Jason quirks ab eyebrow. "Well we gotta go in. We don't have a choice. It's now or never in by book. But you're the boss."

"We're going in."

"Good." Jason moves to get a cup of coffee. His nerves were high and he tried to keep them at a minimum for Katie's sake. They needed to at their best today. Getting into the Agency plant wouldn't be easy.
You still think Ryder's on the up-and-up?

Ryder remains on the porch, waiting until the last minute to get ready. His body language told of his strange hesitance. His quietness proved something wasn't right.

Same Page

As Rocky lifts Jess up she leans her head against him just letting herself be washed with the comfort her so longed to feel. Rocky had promised she would be ok and Jess believed him, he said he would protect her and she new he ment it.

Feeling Rick get into bed and his arms around Her Janet gives a smile bringing her own hands to Rick's arms. She hadnt seem him much lately due to the busyness of TJY and she understood but now it was nice to have him home and feel him next to her.

Hearing the phone give Janet a groan of her own as she rolls onto her back. But knowing it couldnt be helped Janet wouldnt complain. Receving Rick's kiss Janet just stairs up at him for a moment give a smile.

"Dont worry, I'll be here when you return."

And she would be always. She loved Rick to much not to be.

Looking up from the micrascope with tired eyes Misty looks at the door where Reese had come in with Jess and Rocky. Consern flashs on her face placing her pen down and walking over slowly.

"What happend?"

Not sure she remembered who Jess was but didnt understand what could of happend now knowing Peter had been put behind bars. Slowly she points Rocky to the exta table where he could put Jess so she could look over her bumps, and bruses.

Kaite looks between Ryder and than Carson still a bit confused. She didnt know what was said but it was obves that Ryde felt strong about what he said and if Katie had learned anything it was that he did know what he was talking about.

"Maybe we should just trust him and wait another day? We dont always need a reason right? Better to be safe than sorry."

Looking up at Carson Katie just waits. Whatever the desition was she would go with it but she did think it was better to have everyone on the same page than to just have someone at odds.

Suffer the consequences

"I promise he's not there," Rocky comforts. He holds Jess close, rocking her just a little. "Come on... I'll be with you the whole way."

Turning to kneel, he lifts Jess gently into his arms, letting her head rest on his shoulder. "It's going to be just fine," he continues to assure.

Looking to Reese, he gives a little nod. "I'm with you."

"Good. Come on." Reese heads for the door, holding it open for Rocky, then making sure it goes shut again. Leading the way, he lets Rocky and Jess in the backseat, then gets in the front to drive. On the way, he makes a call.


Rick eases into bed and pulls the blanket up, rolling over to put his arm around Janet. He was exhausted. He hadn't been home in twenty-four hours, and bed felt more comfortable than ever. He gives his wife's neck a gentle kiss to tell her he loved her. He hadn't been home much lately, and when he had, he'd been so tired that he hadn't been very good company. He'd try to make up for it as soon as things at TJY settled down.

His eyes just start to drift shut, when the bedside phone rings. He buries his face in Janet's hair. He didn't want to answer it. He didn't want it to be someone from TJY. He didn't want to have to go back in. But the phone kept ringing.

Giving a groan, Rick rolls back over to answer it. "Yeah?"

"Sorry, Rick. It's Reese. I'm on my way back to the office. We got Jess Fisher coming along."

Rick frowns. He knew that name. "What? Why? What happened?"

"That old boyfriend of hers came back."

"Oh, no." Rick props himself up on his elbow, slowly waking back up. "Is she hurt?"

"Not too badly, but I thought it best you at least come in to help out. I know Misty's there with Angel, but with that and Scott, and now Jess, I didn't want to overwhelm her."

"Yeah..." It sounded as though Rick wasn't needed too direly, but he'd go. "Okay. I'm on my way." Hanging up the phone, he sighs. Flopping back down, he rolls closer to Janet. "If I have anything to do with it," he mumbles, "I'll be back before sunup." Giving her a last kiss, he pries himself from bed to get dressed again.


Getting to TJY, Rocky helps Jess walk into the building, though letting her lean on him. Another car pulls up and a strange man comes. It must be Rick, who Reese had called.

Rick sees Jess and his heart melts. "Come on inside," he offers, holding the door. "Take her to the infirmary," he directs. "We'll be waking up a couple people, but Misty is there."

Arriving at the infirmary, Reese opens the door. "Misty?"

Luke and Jeff both jump, startled from their light sleep in the chairs.


Carson shakes his head at Katie. "Yeah, everything is fine." He goes for the coffee. "Ryder just said he didn't think we should go in today. Personally I think he's got a hidden agenda still, but he won't admit it. We can't wait another day. If he wants to put a monkey wrench into things on purpose, I'm not going to let him. But I'm not going to waste my time trying to get him to admit what he's really trying to pull."

Ryder had come in after Carson, and stops at the kitchen, hearing the end of Carson's statement. He grits his teeth. Looking to Katie, he catches her eye for several seconds before letting his shoulders drop and wandering to the sink where he pours out his leftover coffee. "Maybe you shouldn't think so highly of yourself," he counters Carson. "Maybe others sometimes know better than you do."

Carson turns quickly, lifting his eyebrows. "You won't even tell me why we shouldn't go in today."

Ryder shrugs. "If my word isn't good enough, then you can suffer the consequences." Turning around, he heads back out of the kitchen, going back out onto the porch again.

Carson sighs. "Great. Maybe we should leave him here today."

Sent

Jess trys to make her ears focus on the sounds around her and Rocky but it was hard. It was so hard...she hurt and her mind was fuzzy and confused.

"Carson..."

Her voice quivers as she says the one person's name she new she could trust with her life, but knowing he was gone Jess new he would not come.

Feeling Rocky's jacket around her Jess gets a whif of a soft sweet sent, like a blanket it washes over she offering her a protective feeling the only one she had right now and she new Rocky wouldnt hurt her.

"Rocky....Hold me please. Dont let him come back."

Though her eyes where closed trying it hurt to much to open them Jess could feel Rocky's face close to hers. The sweet sent she had smelled before becoming stronger. Leaning up just a little Jess softly leans her face aganst Rocky's though it hurt to do so his skin was cool and on her hot swallen face it felt good. In a soft horse whisper Jess replys to Rocky.

"I'll go with you, if you make sure he is not out there again."

Sitting at the table taking a sip of her coffee Katie looks up at Carson comes back inside. She'd been up early today as planed her tryed her best to wake herself up. Today she had to be with it.

"Is everything ok Carson?"

Katie had only over hurd a tiny bit of what was said so she wasnt completely sure but she could tell by the look on Carson's face some thing was up.

Bad day

Rocky almost cringes as Jess withdraws, wishing there were some way he could just take all this pain away from her. He hated her being scared of him too. Perhaps that's what hurt the most.

"It's okay, Jess," he soothes. "You're okay now. He's gone... no one is going to hurt you."

Seeing her finally move a bit closer to him, he shifts his weight to sit down next to her against the wall. "Come here," he offers gently. "I promise nothing's going to happen to you." God, please help her trust me.

Noticing her shiver, he takes off his leather jacket and moves to put it around her shoulders, drawing her close at the same time until she's resting against him.

"You're going to be just fine." Rocky closes his eyes. Why... why the suffering? Please send Your peace.


Reese races after Peter, wishing he could fire a shot, but he couldn't - not in a residential area where he couldn't see everyone. He flies through the open window headfirst, landing in the grass to do a summersault back to his feet. Sprinting behind Peter, he's just not fast enough though. Making it to the parking space just as the jeep peels out, he stops and catches his breath. It wasn't worth a car chase. Not in the dark.

Holstering his gun, he slowly walks back towards the apartment, grabbing his phone at the same time. "Angelica? He was here. So was another guy - apparently a friend of Jess'. She got roughed up, but I don't think Peter got as far as last time. At least it didn't look like it. I'm heading back in now."

Getting back inside by way of the door, he sees Rocky and Jess still huddled on the floor, and it almost breaks his heart. "I'm not calling anyone else in," he tells Angelica quietly. "She's too shook up. I'll try to get her to come down to TJY though so we can at least get an official statement."

Rocky hears Reese's last statement and leans his head down closer to Jess. "Can you come with me?" he prompts softly. "I promise we'll be safe the whole way."

Seeing the other man's genuine gentleness, if Reese had any doubt of Rocky's intentions or truthfulness of being a friend, it dispersed.


There's a staleness to the morning air. The night had been quiet and long. The team had decided the night before that they would go back in to the Agency site today, and no matter how many people, they would try to get in. With no word on Angel, they couldn't waste anymore time.

Ryder is the first up, awake long before the others. Getting a cup of coffee, he wanders in his bare feet out to the back porch and just stands in the gray light, looking out.

Carson is soon to find him and ambles out onto the porch to join him, remaining quiet.

"We can't go in today," Ryder mentions calmly.

Carson turns to him quickly. "What?"

Ryder continues to look out into the trees, taking a sip of coffee. "We can't go in today," he repeats.

"Why not? We decided we would."

"We just can't."

Carson crosses his arms. "Well we are. We can't wait."

"It's not a good day."

"How do you know that?"

"I just know."

"That's not good enough." Carson shakes his head. "I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but it's not going to work."

Ryder still doesn't look at him. "I'm not playing games. Today is a bad day."

"Have you been in touch with your contact to know this?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"You wouldn't understand."

Carson shakes his head, frustrated. "Keep your craziness to yourself, Ryder. We're going in whether you like it or not." Spinning around, he heads back inside.

Left alone again, Ryder sets his coffee mug down on the railing, still staring in the same direction. His jaw was tight, the look in his eye one of weariness of someone with little sleep.

Comfort

Bolting out the window and rolling to his car Peter gets into his car and pulls out of the parking lot in a hurry. Looking out the review mirror Peter keeps driving weaving between streets and other cars till he is lost in the night.

Not sure what was going on around her and hearing other voice Jess trys to bring things into focus but cant. She had shut down trying to block everything out. She didnt want to feel anything or remember anything. Jess just wanted to fade away as the pain corsed through her.

As Rocky movies the hair away from her face Jess gives a jump not relizing it was him at first.

"No....please...not again."

Lifting her head just a little at the sound of Rocky's voice Jess squints her eyes as the tears ran out of them. Everything hurt, she was in so much pain but see a face she new Jess slowly moves closer to Rocky but than away aganst the wall again. She was scaired.

She felt so small so helpless,so small.

"Don't let him hurt me again, I hurt Rocky. I just want it to go away."

Folding her legs into herself Jess gently rocks. But slowly Jess inches herself closer to Rocky. Could she trust him, she wasnt sure but she was so cold and he just wanted someone she new close to her.

Cargo

Jen quirks an eyebrow at Alice and Kyle. "WWCK?"

Kyle gives a wry grin. "Yeah. It's a mouthful. We outta just say wwkkk..." he tries to pronounce the acronym with little success.

Jen smirks and turns, but doesn't miss the further interaction between her brother and Alice. He didn't seem to get excited over Alice's hand in his hair, nor was he displeased. It was just as if their interaction was totally natural - neither surprised the other, as if they'd been friends forever - the same conclusion Jen had drawn before. She shakes her head, giving up on trying to figure it out. Kyle had said Alice was interested in his story and would even be traveling with Break Out. Part of Jen wished the bus would stick around a while longer so she could get to know Alice too. But for now, she could just be satisfied that someone was making Kyle smile, and lately, that was a good thing. If Jen couldn't do it, at least someone else could.

"Mm..." Kyle leans back into Alice's hand, knowing that she was teasing, but actually it felt good. "Pizza?" He thinks, his eyes closed as he contemplates his choices. "It would be a sad day in history, the day I turned down pizza."

His eyes fly open and he hops to his feet. "Mom and Pops close at ten tonight. We better get a move on!" Grabbing Alice around the waist, he picks her up off her feet to throw over his shoulder, heading for the stage to tear things down. "Oy! Move out of the way! Cargo coming through!"

Alice's prompting to get Kyle going, and then his humor mixing with hers takes the edge off the room as the band starts to pack things up. Though disappointed in the horrid evening, and still thinking about the situation with Axel, they manage to clean off the stage, get everything loaded, and head on down to Mom and Pop's. Thought it was late, they were always welcome, and pizza was soon at the table.

Mike and Phil had come to join them, added to the group, and helping keep the atmosphere light when the tense pauses came. Jen and Mike laugh down at one end of the table, Phil, Taylor and Joel get into a teasing argument over something silly, and Kyle proceeds to flick his unwanted olives across the table onto Alice's place with precision.

The only one at the table not really joining in was Rocky. His mind was far away. He was unsettled. Something just didn't feel right. He'd thought it was just the whole thing with Axel, but it was persisting. Something was wrong. Something was nagging at him. His gut warned him that something was amiss. Was it more than just Axel? Everything else seemed fine. He wouldn't know what to question in order to find an answer.

Picking at his food, he finally is the first to leave. Exiting Mom and Pop's, Rocky wanders to his car. He stops and stares up at the starlit sky. By now he was feeling guilty for his earlier actions, knowing that he'd probably made things a whole lot worse by going after Axel like that. He hadn't even given Axel a chance to defend or explain how things had changed. Maybe they hadn't, as everyone feared, but he should have at least given him the benefit of the doubt.

Sighing, he gets into his car and turns on the engine. He checks his phone. No messages. Jess hadn't called. Maybe she just needed her space. But he'd feel bad if he didn't at least check on her. He wasn't too far away... maybe he should just stop by.


Reese jumps as Angelica enters his office. He'd been lost in a mountain of paperwork, totally engrossed. "Jess?" He racks his brain. "Oh, Jess Fisher?" He immediately bristles. He remembered that case. It was the one Carson had been slightly involved with. He hated cases like those. And now the scumbag was out?

"Aw great." He frowns and shoves a bunch of papers aside, running his finger down a list of names and phone numbers. He kept all the contact information of cases, for instances just like this. Grabbing his phone, he dials quickly and waits... and waits... and waits.

Finally hanging up, he's on his feet. "No answer. She could be out somewhere, but I'm not taking the risk. You stay here and start the paperwork for a restraining order immediately. I don't want to take any chances with this one."

Reese grabs his jacket to throw it on and fishes in the pocket for his keys. "I'll call you as soon as I know something." His walk is brisk as he heads to the door, and once outside, he jogs to his car...

Rocky pulls into the parking lot at Jess' place and scans the spaces. He didn't see her car. Odd. Feeling funny about just showing up, he decides maybe he should call instead. Picking up his cell phone, he dials and waits, but receives no answer. He sighs. Maybe she had decided to get out for a while. He couldn't blame her. Maybe he should go home himself and just get some rest.

Suddenly his car door flies open, making him jump in surprise. A gun is pointed at him and orders are being barked.

"Get out of the car, now!"

"Whoa! What..."

"I said get out! Move!"

Rocky fumbles with his seatbelt, having no clue what was going on. "What do you want? You want my car? Take it, just...." He's yanked out by his arm and shoved into the side of his car. He starts to get just a little riled. "Hey, what is this?"

"Quiet!" Reese digs into Rocky's back pocket to pull out his wallet. It had been dark. Too dark to make out faces, but this strange vehicle had been sitting here, watching the front door, and Reese was in no mood to stand around and watch.

But seeing this was not at all who he was looking for, he relaxes, uncocking his gun. "I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else."

Now Rocky was upset. He turns around, taking back his wallet. "What is this anyway?"

Reese flashes his badge. "Elite business. I thought you were a stalker."

"Stalker?" Rocky lifts his eyebrows. "Certainly not. I was just here checking on a friend."

Reese eyes him suspiciously. "Who?"

"Jessica Fisher." Now Rocky's the one who is suspicious. "Who are you really after?"

Reese's mind works quickly and he looks around the parking lot. Something wasn't right. "Look, you stay here, I'm going to go check on Miss Fisher's apartment."

"Whoa, whoa." Rocky reaches out to stop him. "What's going on?"

"I have reason to believe that she may be in danger," Reese explains quickly.

Rocky immediately shifts gears. "Danger? Why?"

"The man we put behind bars for harming her just got out. Now please, step aside."

"Over my dead body." Rocky spins around and starts in a dead run for Jess' front door.

"You..." Reese mutters and starts after him. Gun still in hand, he is right on Rocky's heels. The last thing he needed was some zealous friend getting in the way. But he didn't have much choice but to accept help at the moment.

Rocky reaches the door first and doesn't even wait to knock. Slamming into it with his shoulder, it breaks it open. The living room is dimly lit and Rocky's eyes widen in horror as he seeks Jess on the floor with a strange man bending over her.

Reese shoves in beside him, gun drawn. "Freeze!" Too late, Peter starts to run, heading for an open window. Reese doesn't hesitate to go after him.

Seeing the man fleeing, Rocky slides down on his knees next to Jess, pushing her hair out of her face, his eyes showing the torture he felt for seeing the marks on her face from the brutal slaps. "Jess... Jess, are you alright?"

Fear

Making her way into the backroom Alice spots Kyle and walks over to him giving a smile to Jen before leaning aganst the wall next to Kyle.

"I think you did good W.W.C.K! Better than I would of done anyways."

Alice cant help the laugh that sufficed. She new he was tired but she had to keep his sprits up.

"How about we help them pack up and maybe get some pizza. Or maybe we could get some ice cream for you sleepy head."

Running her hand through Kyle's hair roughly she mess it up as she gives a laugh.

When your education x-ray cannot see under my skin,
I won't tell you a darn thing that I could not tell my friends,
Roaming through this darkness, I'm alive but I'm alone,
And part of me is fighting this,
But part of me is gone.

Finally making it home Jess stumbles into her house. Tomorrow she had to remember to go back to the bullseye and get her car. After drinking more than she wanted at least Jess had the seance not to drive home. The night had been what she wanted and the games of book and the alcohol had helped her losen up and forget her pain. Sitting down on her couch Jess flips on the tv to see if anything was good on but finally the the liquer catchs up with her and she is fast asleep.

So hold me when I'm here,
Right me when I'm wrong,
Hold me when I'm scared,
And love me when I'm gone,
Everything I am,
And everything in me,
Wants to be the one you wanted me to be,
I'll never let you down,
Even if I could,
I'd give up everything,
If only for your good,
So hold me when I'm here,
Right me when I'm wrong,
Hold me when I'm scared,
You won't always be there,
So love me when I'm gone,
Love me when I'm gone,

Hearing a loud noise like something was falling over Jess jumps but does not open her eyes. Her head hurt, and it was foggy on what was going on around her. As the light next to the couch goes on Jess eyes fly open as she sits up fast looking into the eyes of the person she feared the most.

"Peter...what...get out of here."

Peter's smile was a crooked one as he looked back at Jess. He's been watching her now since he had gotten out, and he had been inside her house more than once waiting for the right time and now he was tired of waiting.

"Why Jess my love I thought you would be happy to see me. I came back, I came back for you. I told you, you would never get ride of me."

Peter takes a few long strides twords Jess as he grabs her arm.

Stumbaling just a little her head still pounding Jess trys to yank her hand from Peter but she is not strong enough.

"No, leave me alone I dont want you anymore. Peter let go of me."

Holding ferm to Jess Peter holds on tight as her hears Jess gives a small whimper. Bringing his hand up in a swift moment Peter's hand connects with Jess face as he lets go of her arm and she flys backwards slamming into the wall.

"I come back to take care of you and this is my welcome. You dont want me. I saw you with that other guy, I saw how happy you looked and how you laughed. You use to be like that with me, and if I cant have you than no one will."

Slamming into the wall Jess automaticly folds as she crumbles to the floor already being able to feel her face already starting to swell. She was helped aganst Peter all she could do was whimper and plea.

"Peter dont do this...please...please dont hurt me anymore."

Coming twords Jess again Peter grin grows more cooked his hate and anger in his eyes for what happend. Running his hand down the side of Jess face his voice hiss.

"Dont worry baby, dont worry."

Jess whimpers as she trys to curl herself into a tighter ball. This couldnt happen now, again...why?!

Maybe I'm just blind!

Looking through her paper work Angelica comes acorss a paper that puts a little bit of shock into her and makes her heart race alone with a bit of anger.

Attachen Angelica Lockheart:

Peter Sanford was released from jail on Feb. 20th at 9:00am on a reason to believe the evadince you presented had been tampered with. We are sorry for this inconvinece, no fearther invertigation will be made.

Hardly believeing her eyes a sicking feeling hits her stomach JESS! Standing quickly Angelica heads to Reese office quickly hoping he was still there. Knocking on the door she dosent even wait for an answer as she enters seeing Reese.

"Mike we need to get someone over to Jess place immediately. Some how I failed Peter got out."

Holding out the paper she shows it to Reese.

Crap

To an audience in which the majority was not musically inclined, Cryptic's concert was as good as ever, rocking the house with upbeat songs and Kyle's strong voice. But to those on stage, their playing stank. Countless times someone would miss a measure, forget their cue, and once, Max started out in the wrong key.

Jen did her best at the sound board, but wasn't used to the setup, only making things worse. While most of the crowd wasn't the wiser, the band only wished the night were over.

Kyle keeps on singing, doing his best, and finding Alice to be his point to concentrate on. He needed someone's smile tonight to keep him going. Otherwise, he'd be tempted to just walk out. He'd been stupid to suggest they actually play tonight. But they were here, and they had to finish it out.

Finally, the last song dies away, leaving an audience begging for more, but no more would come tonight. Cryptic bids a friendly farewell, exiting the stage.

Backstage, Kyle leans up against the wall and sinks down to the floor, totally exhausted. The others just stand around too, no one having the energy to pack up just yet.

"You okay?"

He nods numbly at his sister's voice, as his holds a cool water bottle to his hot head.

"You sounded good."

He just nods again, too tired to think. They'd sounded like crap, but if Jen thought he sounded good, then he'd accept that tonight.

Rocky paces by the back door like a nervous cat. He'd heard nothing from Axel or Jess. He hadn't really expected either... but that didn't make him feel any better. Axel was probably scared to show his face and Jess... well, Rocky couldn't imagine how she felt, and it wasn't surprising that she hadn't come tonight. Afterall, her only reasons had been Axel, so without him here.... Rocky shakes his head and aims for some boxes. Packing things up would keep his mind occupied.

Sadness

Alice smile as she stands as well placing her money on the table and gather her things.

"I wouldn't miss a fun time with Wacky Wild Child Kyle for the world you know. Hey that's it...I am calling you W.W.C.K.!"

Alice throws her arm around Kyles shoulder and around his neck almost dragging him out of the restraint.

"I'll follow you hows that, lets get this show on the road."

And the night rolled on...for some it was excitement and for others there was only pain. The night came and offered shelter to some, while other stood lonely. The concert started though some didn't want it to and it didn't feel the same with out a few friends. But time did move on.

There's another world inside of me that you may never see,
There's secrets in this life that we can't hide,
Well somewhere in this storm there's a rainbow that I can't find,
Well maybe it's too far away,
Or maybe I'm just blind,
Maybe I'm just blind.


Sitting outside the concert hall Jess just sits in her car. She could hear the noise from inside and how she would of liked to go in and hear the music. No, she was ment to be at the concert tonight with Axel. She would of been helping him on sound, and now her friendship the person she had put so much trust in layed in peaces. The cold world had slapped Jess in the face again and pulled her down to the bottom. Axel, her last hope her rainbow gone, how she was missing him already and how she hurt. She had been fooled again, how many times would this happen. Who was she fooling nothing would ever change for her and she would always be alone. No matter how she changed fate new what it had planed for her and it was never to be happy.

So hold me when I'm here,
Right me when I'm wrong,
Hold me when I'm scared,
Everything I am,
And everything in me,
Wants to be the one you wanted me to be,
I'll never let you down,
Even if I could,
I'd give up everything If only for your good,
So hold me when I'm here,
Right me when I'm wrong,
Hold me when I'm scared,
You won't always be there,
So love me when I'm gone,
Love me when I'm gone.

Pulling away from the concert hall Jess just drives in a familure direction to a place her once spent almost her whole life at. She found her way to the Bullseye. Finding a parking spot Jess just sits for a moment. How she wished Carson was around. He was someone like her and she new she could trust him, but he was so far away so this place had been her friend that never turned her out, and was always standing in the same spot. She didn't want to get drunk, she just wanted to forget just a little and let her mind go. A distraction was all she needed, and maybe a few beers and a few games of pool was her ticket for now.

Upset

"Yeah, I know..." Kyle mulls over Alice's words. "It's not something you just go around talking about if that's the kind of life you've left behind. Guess I just hope he really has left it behind, ya know?"

Finishing off his second taco, he leans back in his chair, listening for a moment. "Yeah, I'm sure we'll hear his side of the story. Cryptic is too good not to let Axel say his peace - we're just all kinda in shock at the moment. And Rocky... well, he mighta lost his temper there, but I know he and Axel were pretty close, so I know he'd give him a second chance."

He shrugs. "If Axel is truly a different man than he used to be, then we got a bunch of people here willing to look past that. It's just the question of whether he's different or not."

Thinking about Jess, he gives a little nod. "Yeah, I don't know her very well myself, but from what I observed too, Axel was the reason she was out and about with the band. I bet it was a bit of a shock for her too."

Kyle lets out a deep breath, then sips on his pop. "I was the one who said we should go ahead tonight, but I really don't want to go," he admits. He shakes his head and looks at his watch. "But unfortunately, the guys will be loading up in about half an hour. If you're up for an adventure, feel free to tag along. Otherwise I guess I'll see you at the concert. You better be there too, 'cause I'll need someone to keep me sane at this one."


Scott watches Hope for a moment as he pets Domino, a faint smile visible. "Maybe I'll bring her to my next appointment."

He lays a hand on the doorknob, but hesitates. He looks back to Hope, that same strange look in his eye that had been there for such a brief moment earlier. The question was on the tip of his tongue, but he finally just lets it go.

"Thank you... I'll see you soon." Getting out, Domino is quick to follow, and Scott shuts the door, backing away before turning to head for the TJY door.


"What do you want me to do?!" Axel throws a shirt into his duffel bag, his phone to his ear. "It isn't worth it. They've already made up their mind about me, Derek, I know it." He sighs in frustration. "No. Look, the damage is done. I know I've lost my friends, I've all but lost my job, and along with that my place to live too. I've got nothing. And you want me to go and beg them to listen to me? No... I'm not going to do it. They've made up their mind, so be it. Let them find the truth later on then realize their mistake. But I'm not going to stand around just having to defend myself all the time."

Listening to his elder friend, he grits his teeth, throwing another pair of jeans into his bag. "I knew this would happen eventually. I don't know who found out first, but it doesn't matter. I can't be part of the band with this reputation, and I'm not gonna be able to stay around here either."

Little Missy

Hanging up the phone Alice makes her way home to clean up before meeting Kyle. Getting home and taking a shower Alice gathers a few things with her before she is out the door again throwing on one of her more comfortable hoodies and making her way to the restront...

...giving a thoughtful nod Alice takes a sip of her juice as she listens to Kyle. She had been quiet through most everything just taking in all the information. She didnt really know Axel except for seeing him with the bands but that was it.

"I cant blame you guys. I probley would be pretty leery myself ya know. I'd never want any of my friends hurt at all."

Alice stops and thinks for a moment thinking about Axel's side of the the coin as well. She DIDNT know him but from what she saw he seemed ok even if looks could be deceving in Alice's line of work she had to look deeper at people.

"I guess I can kind of see Axel's point for not saying anything too. I mean, would you want to tell everyone something like that? Its probley super embarassing, and yes he should of because he was your friend, but I can see why he didnt too."

Taking another bit of her food Alice is silent again still continplating everything that was said. How had this had to be for everyone she couldnt even imagen.

"Are you guys gonna give him a change to talk to you all? I mean that one girl Jess she must be pretty hurt too huh? It seemed like she really only trusted Axel."

Though the talk had been a more searous matter today Alice was still having a nice time with Kyle and she had smiled the whole meal and her energy still ran though she keep it at a low knowing this was not the time for it.

Following Scott's directions Hope gets him back to TJY and just sits there in the car for a moment before looking over to Scott. Just watching him for a moment a smile spreads on Hope's face as sensarity shows in her eyes again.

"Thank you Scott for coming to lunch with me I had a great time."

Looking down at Domino Hope brings her hand to the small dog's head and scratches her ears.

"And you little missy, you keep up the good job with this one huh? and I hope to see you again."

Giving a smile again Hope gives a nod.

"Have a good night Scott and if you need anything let me know."

A wish

Though not in the most upbeat mood, Kyle can't help but grin as he hears Alice. "Mm... I'm feeling adventurous. How about Taco Town? Meet you there in..." He glances down at his watch. "...Forty-five minutes. I gotta stop home first to see Phil, make a call to Jen, then I can scoot on down there."

Winding up his call, he heads for the apartment. Phil needed to know about Axel, and so did Jen. He really didn't want to deal with it right now, but they needed to know before tonight...

"...So yeah... that's that." Kyle swirls his straw around in his drink, having just finished telling Alice what was going on. When he sat and talked with her, he so easily forgot about her being a journalist, trusting her character that she would never write about the negative things he was relaying.

"We're all sorta just trying to figure out the most Christian way to respond, ya know?" He takes another bite of his taco, chewing for a moment before saying more. "Rocky knows he shouldn't have gone in guns blazing like he did, but I think he was just scared and I guess I can't blame him. I just don't know how to feel. I mean... we all have skeletons in our closets... we're all sinners in God's eyes, no matter the crime. It's just... hard to trust somebody like that. Not to mention, I'm not sure Cryptic could survive if that kind of word got out, and it might."

Kyle shakes his head and takes a couple moments to squirt some hot sauce on the remainder of his taco. "I liked Axel... he seemed alright... but he was keeping his past a secret, which I guess just makes me wonder if he's really different than he was... has he really changed? Who knows. But I wouldn't want to let Jen be alone with him. And quite honestly, I'd expect him to understand that, whether he's not that way anymore or not"

He rolls his eyes, tired of going around in circles, so he pauses to finish his taco and head for his second one. "So we don't know what Axel will do now, but after Rocky's reaction, we know he won't show up for the concert. So that leaves the rest of us. Here we are, me singing, and Jen said she'd run sound. I don't know if we're JetStream or Cryptic or Jeptic or CrypStream."

Kyle stops, quirking an eyebrow at his tongue-tangler. He looks over at Alice and gives a little grin. "Or something like that."


Scott is smart enough to figure out that Hope was responding to his mood shift, but he appreciates it more than feeling badly. This was her job, after all. Her job... For just a moment, he looks at her with a different kind of thought in his eye. There was something he hadn't thought of before, and for a split second, a wish passes through his mind.

Shaking his head, he gets up from the table. "Um... I guess... TJY would be good since I'm still staying there." His sigh reveals that he's tired of not feeling strong enough to live in his own house yet.

He snaps his fingers and Domino responds immediately, coming to his left side so he can pick up her leash.

Scott picks up his leftovers to throw in the nearby trashcan and aims for Hope's car. Getting in, he waits for Hope, burying his face in Domino's fur until he hears Hope start the car. Looking up, he points to the right. "Do you know how to get there?"

Desition

Exiting the office Alice answers her phone seeing the number she cant help the smile.

"Well if it isnt the Wacky Wild Child Kyle."

Hearing the more seriousness tone in Kyle's voice Alice calms down just a little but not enough to make to much of a diffrince. Something had happend and though the reporter side of her wanted to know what she remembered this was her friend and something are best left unreported on.

"You know I am the mast of long storys, so fast food sounds great and if you'd like to vent ya got me and I am off duty. Where should I meet you?"

Feeling the suddon change in Scott again Hope looks up not letting the smile move from her face so Scott would think she was uncomfortable. Taking the styrafome tray that her her food in it Hope closes the top after throwing her napkin inside.

"Well that was a nice meal."

Hope's eyes give a tiny sparkle as they prove that what she said really was the truth. She did have a fun time.

"Thank you so much for having lunch with it. It was nice to have someone to talk with for once."

Giving a strech Hope leans on the table and than looks around the part as it starts to get a little bit busyer.

"Well we have some chooses now. We can stay and play with Domino a little more, we can go back to the office or I can take you back to TJY. Anything is good with me so we can do whatever you want."

Fast food

Scott look up at Hope, giving a little nod. "I've had her a few years now. I wanted some company at home, heard about some puppies for sale and there she was." A grin surfaces. "She was a little furball. I kept tripping over her 'cause she was always under my feet. Never did grow out of being the runt of the litter, but I think she's cuter smaller anyway."

A shout of someone nearby causes Scott to jump, and he looks over his shoulder quickly. Though the people nearby had not been aiming any speech at Scott, he's suddenly brought out of his own little world of peace, as if thrown back into reality. He'd been distracted up until now.

Pulling himself in tighter at the table, his eyes drift downward and he bounces his leg nervously. A car horn makes him look swiftly in the other direction, now his half-blindness creating a fear of what he didn't see.

Domino had been chewing her stick, quite content, but all of a sudden, she looks up at her master, sensing the mood change. Dropping her makeshift toy, she trots over to him and puts a paw on his leg. Though not having seen her, Scott doesn't flinch, knowing that it's her. He reaches down with a hand to stroke her head, not realizing that his fingers had begun to shake.

He doesn't ask to leave though... Hope wasn't finished eating... he couldn't ask to go yet.


Kyle sighs and leans back in his seat as he drives. He shouldn't be making a call while on the road, but he wanted to. Holding the phone to his ear, he waits until he hears the now-familiar voice. "Alice, it's Kyle..." He pauses. "Um... I know you were planning to come to the Cryptic concert tonight and... I just wanted to give you a heads up that things are gonna be a little tense. We probably shouldn't even be playing... long story..."

He grimaces. "You wouldn't want to grab some fast food for supper would you? The concert's not until seven..."

As the fun continues and Ryder once again gets Katie in his lap this time she can feel a little bit of color come to her face as she thinks about his comment though it was fun in games she couldntadmit still the day before with there distraction had taken her off guard but was good thinking in a tight situation and if Katie had to do it again to save there hides she would.

Katie is about to say something when she can hear Jason and Carson at it again in the other room. Being brought to her feet again and pushed towards Jason before she can even react her arm automatically go around Jason's neck as she is taken into the dip. Once Jason is done with the kiss Katie eyes twinkle ever so bright as she looks back at him giving a small giggle.

"They say I am your hero but I'll always say yours mine."

Katie leans in and gives Jason another kiss before being turned up right and heads to look in the fridge herself. Trying to scout some of the ingredient.

"We cant have just steak so, Carson you make the steaks, I am going to make some Macaroni salad to go with it and that should be a nice meal for all of us."

Smiling Hope looks back to Scott and concentrates on her own food. Without moving or look up though she took note that Scott had pushed his plate away though was happy he at least took the 4 bits he did. Giving a wipe to her mouth and a sip of her water Hope looks at Domino playing and bends down to take the stick once again throwing it into the grass for the small Dog to catch. Turning back to Scott Hopes gives a nod.

"She is a very smart dog, and I think she fits good as being yours. Have you had her for a long time now?"

Though Scott didnt say much Hope liked making small talk with him and finding out more about him. It was nice to get to know one of her pashents on a more personal level as friends. Even if some people would frown on it. Hope didnt think she was doing anything wrong and did not find a problem with making friends.