Wait

Trying to give a smile a little bit of happyness flash in Jess eyes even if her voice an movents didnt match it. She was happy that she new where Axel was so she could go see him.

"No..No thats ok. I'd rather just find my rainbow before it fades away for good."

Backing up Jess goes to turn and leave again. About to say something to Derek about how he looked like someone she new she thinks better of it and just gives a nother smile.

"Thank you for the help. It means alot."

Stepping aside as Rick is pushed into the table Misty is quick to go to him making sure he is ok.

"You can't get fired we still have to help Angel."

Misty trys to lend Rick a hand to try and help him up and letting him catch his breath.

"Are you ok?"

"...fine we can retrace our steps and if we come up with nothing again I think maybe we should try the next town over. It he new what was good for him he wouldnt sti...."

Heading down the steps Nate wasnt paying attachen running right into someone he didnt know. Seeing the look on the man face and the blood that was seeping through his shirt and instint flag went up to Nate making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He wasnt in the mood for anymore maneac people to break out of here and be on the streets let alone some punk kid. His fists balled again Nate does hesatat and knocks the prisoner squear in the face sending him spralling to the floor.

Seeing the kid uncontus on the floor Nate gives a shrug.

"At least he wont be going anywhere for a little bit and he will wake up with a headach."


Sitting at the small dinner table Jess wore her hoodie with its hood up that hide most of her face. A waitress had been over a few times to check if Jess needed anything and each time Jess had ordered just water and than a soda.

Axel was not at the restront yet when she had shown up so quietly she sits at the small table and waits, she waits for what she was looking for. She had been told that the rainbow she was looking for was coming here. So Jess waited. She waitied for the rainbow, to accompany the storm.

Coward

"Secretary?" Ryder scoffs with humor. "I think you'd be sorry about that one."

He hurries to catch up to Katie, not having anything that he would need to take with him. He had no idea what would really keep him occupied at TJY... but maybe a conversation with Reese would give him some idea of what he would be doing in the near future.


Alec's eyes shoot to Misty, his gaze wild with rage and a bit of fear that he was trying to hide. He wasn't used to not having the upper hand, and it didn't feel good. Tightening his grip around Rick's throat, he questions Misty's motives, wondering if this was some sort of trap. But the coast looked clear.

Giving Rick a swift shove into the table, Alec bolts.

Rick hits the table with force, getting the wind knocked out of him. He doubles over, trying to catch his breath. "Of all the stupid..." He winces, holding his side. "I should be fired."

Alec hits the hall running, aiming for the stairs.


"...that's all I'm saying." Con rolls his eyes, his voice strained and irritated. Hooking up with Nate at TJY this morning had not gone well. Both had different ideas about where to look for Bryce, Laura still didn't want to talk to Nate, and Con was having trouble hearing the things Nate was saying, making communication annoyingly difficult.

Heading downstairs for the ammunition room, Con trudges behind Nate. "I think we ought to retrace our steps."


On closer inspection, Derek sees that this young woman is more than tired. She'd been beaten, and not all that long ago. When she says her name though, something clicks. "Jessica?" He squints a little. "As in the Jess I've heard about?"

He blinks, trying not to ask too many questions or embarrass her. Axel had said nothing about Jess being in this bad of shape. Or had he known?

The pieces started to fall into place. "You're the one that called, aren't you?" He cocks his head. "And you came... all this way?" A faint grin surfaces.

"Well, Axel took off earlier for a little grill about a mile and a half from here. All you gotta do is go down this street here, hang a left and you're on main. Keep going and it's at the end of the street... if you know Axel's car, you'll be able to find him."

While Derek didn't usually just hand out free information like this, for some reason, this time he thought it was the right thing to do. Perhaps he wouldn't have to convince Axel of anything. Maybe someone else would. "You're welcome to stay and get your second wind before you go," he offers.


Axel drives slowly from the gas station, heading to the grill. He'd gotten sidetracked on the way, first going to the park, then realizing his car needed gas. By now he was a little hungry, though not really wanting to eat. He takes his time, taking the long route. Sometimes it was nice just to sit and think and not have to concentrate on anybody just yet.

He keeps the steering wheel in one hand, his other laying still in his lap. He was surrounded by the people he trusted the most here, yet he felt lonely. Were Derek and Liz right? Was he just being a coward?


Clint hesitates before knocking on the door. He felt silly... he felt like an idiot... but at least no one else knew he was here.

When Cindy answers the door, he knows there's no turning back. A smile lights up her face as she situates Kaylee in on arm. "Hey, Clint." She moves to the side so he can come in. "How ya doing?"

"Um... alright." Clint manages a smile and a nod. "Your husband is keeping me busy."

Cindy laughs and shuts the door. "I'm sure he does. And where did you tell him you were off to today?"

"To run an errand?"

Cindy gives him an amused smirk. "One of these days, you're going to learn that there's nothing silly with learning about this stuff." Walking to the living room, she sits down on the couch, patting the cushion next to her for Clint to sit.

Kaylee watches him with her big brown eyes, gurgling at his presence. Cindy chuckles. "Are you saying hi to your cousin, hmm?" Kayle squeals her response.

Clint sits awkwardly, and when he's offered the child, he lifts his eyebrows, unsure what to do. Cindy smiles gently. "Go on. Let her sit on your lap, like this." She demonstrates before handing over her daughter."

Clint feels ridiculous, but he does as he's told. Kaylee sits on his lap and makes a few noises, turning her head to look up at her cousin. She leans back into his arm and lifts her fingers to touch the buttons on his shirt, admiring their shine.

"Now that isn't so bad, is it?"

Clint looks back up to Cindy, his arm comfortable around the baby. A smile surfaces. "No."

"Good. Now you two keep each other company while I go put the laundry in the dryer. When I come back up, we'll get into the fun stuff."

Clint knew she meant things like feeding Kaylee and changing her diaper. He wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but... He looks down at Kaylee and runs a hand over her feathery-soft hair. He'd never held a baby before... at least Kaylee was a little older, but still... she was so small... and yet... he was more comfortable sitting here than he thought he'd be.

By the time Cindy comes back, Clint has leaned back in the couch with Kaylee facing him. Holding her around her waist, he bounces her just a little, making her giggle, and in turn, making him laugh too.

Wont stop you

Katie cant help but laugh at Ryder. Though she did feel bad he didnt understand alot of things in america she though it was cute as well and hoped Ryder new her laughing was in fun.

"Mi Kasai, Su Kasai...it means Mine home is your home or what is mine is yours."

Gathering a few of her things up Katie throws a few things in her bag before holstering her gun before she grabs her keys from the desk. Katie new that Ryder was use to the freedome, and being able to do things and knowing where everything is. She couldnt imagen now how it must feel to not know anything and how boring it probley really was.

"Sure I can. There is always some kind of excitment going on around that place to keep you busy. Hey you never know maybe I will hire the Croc hunter to by my secratary."

Katie gives a laugh and pats Ryder's shoulder as she moves pass him and heads for the door a grin on her face. It was nice to have Ryder around. Without Laura here the house would of been quiet and Katie could imagen how alone she probley would of felt.

Sitting back down again with coffee in hand Hope juts listens to Scott for a moment. She couldnt imagen how he felt.

Scott had been doing so good on recovering and now this, a whole new problem to work through. Hope could only hope that it wouldnt set him back but continue to make him stronger.

"You know Scott in a way its not a bad thing it felt good. You wanted to protect yourself, you were tired of feeling helpless and when you stood up for yourself it made you feel good about it. Thats not a bad thing at all."

Hope takes another sip of her coffee as she runs differnt things through her own mind before saying them till finally she speaks agian.

"As for doing it again, if someone breaks into your house or is hurting someone close to you its insince to protect them the most you can and its not wrong. However there is a find line between using violance and not. You have to train your mind for differnt situations so when in a pinch or in the snap of a finger you can know what one is right and what on is not."

Hope gives Scotts arm a gentil pat.

"When it comes down to it, its you or them and I am glad you picked them this time."

Continuing to watch the prisoner Misty is a tiny bit saprised when Rick brings him food let alone, coming down by himself. Not saying anything Misty just continues to watch.

As everything starts to go south and the prisoner attacks Rick Misty stratens and runs from the next room right as Rick finsihs on the intercomb. There was no time to wast because she didnt know what the young man would do.

"Rick!"

Standing there for a moment Misty observes the situation before acting. Crossing her arms over her chest She moves to the side away from the door.

"Let Rick go and you can go its as smiple as that and I wont try to stop you as long as you let him go first."

As the door opens and the older man steps out for a moment Jess is speechless. Just cocking her head to the side for a moment feeling as though she was stairing at an older verson of Jason. The simalaritys were uncanny.

Relzing she was stairing and maybe looking totally redickulace Jess takes just a few steps back before looking away suddanly becoming very selfcontious of her ownself and the markes she still wore on her face.

Trying to gather her strangth again she looks up and gives a nervouse but soft smile.

"Yes, I'm Jessica Fisher and I was just wondering Axel was around or you new where I could find him."

Jess was timid but she had the curage to ask, the rest would be easy so she would hope.

Sushi

Ryder quirks an eyebrow. "Yeah, well... me...ka...su...sushi better provide a definition, or I'll keep working on that door."

Wandering behind Katie, a wry grin surfaces. "Naw, Henry wouldn't attack me. We're mates, ya know."

He pauses by her bedroom, not entering. "Um, can I hitch a ride to TJY? Another day indoors and I'm liable to go crackers." In reality, he just wanted to keep his mind occupied. While having slept soundly, his sleep had been full of memories of his brother, and waking up to remembering how he'd died wasn't something he really wanted to be thinking about all day.


Scott rubs his blind eye, not realizing it had become a nervous habit. "No... no, I'm not hungry."

Just lying still, the room is quiet while Hope is gone. Scott's mind wanders, taking him back to the night before. Strangely enough, a portion of his fear of being attacked was gone. He had won. He had survived. He had given the attackers what they deserved. But at what cost? Was it really better to have won and killed?

Scott is still quiet when Hope returns, just staring up at the ceiling. The pain in his side wasn't so bad this morning... though he felt awfully tired. He finally breaks the silence.

"It felt good, ya know..." His voice is quiet and hesitant. "I... I was finally the one in control and... I just... I took them down." He swallows hard. "But... I don't want to feel good... what if I snapped like that again?"


Alec continues to pace, ignoring any pain that came from the wound he'd received. By the time he's finished throwing the chair, shoving the table around and kicking the cot from one end of the room to the other and back again, he was too tired to do any more damage.

Flopping back against the door, he sighs, crossing his arms in disgust. He glares up at the camera again.


Rick meanders from the break room, carrying a paper plate with some food, along with a styrofoam cup with water. The prisoner deserved far less than this, but it was Rick's job to be decent.

Getting to the cell, he cautiously looks through the window and orders the prisoner to back off before he unlocks the door and enters. Going into the cell slowly, Rick keeps a wary eye on the newcomer, and sets the food down on the table, which was now in a different corner. "Having fun rearranging the place?"

Alec's eyes narrow.

Rick shakes his head. "You realize that throwing a fit is just making things worse on you."

"Where's my partner?" Alec growls.

Rick looks at him a moment, cocking his head. "Dead."

Alec's eyes betray him as surprise passes through them. He and Jaxon had been far from friends, but knowing he was dead... "You going to kill me off too?" he mutters.

"I doubt it. But I wouldn't push your luck. You realize your Agency days are over." Rick shakes his head. No one had interrogated this guy yet, and it wasn't his job, but any answers would help. "You going to tell me your name?"

"No." Alec's eyes suddenly bounce around the room, as if calculating. Before Rick can even react, the prisoner has slammed him into the wall with a hard shove, and a quick knee to his ribs.

Rick can hear a rib crack and he cries out, though tires to fight back. The scuffle lasts for several minutes, both men determined to win out. The thought crosses Rick's mind that he'd been foolish for coming down here alone and unarmed on top of it. And when he's put in a chokehold, he knows for sure that he'd been an idiot.

Alec stands behind Rick, one arm across Rick's throat, the other pinning Rick's wrist behind his back, threatening to break the arm if Rick resisted. "Use the intercom," he hisses. "Get someone down here and tell them to let me out."

Rick struggles to move closer to the intercom button, gasping for breath, but unable to break the strong hold. Pushing the button, he calls the infirmary, not knowing where anybody was. "Misty..." he gasps for air. "...get someone... down here..."


"Oh, Derek, you turkey!" Gina laughs as her husband takes from behind after he'd stolen a taste of the cookie dough she'd been making.

Derek grins and cocks his head around her shoulder to receive the kiss he was looking for. "Mmm, I don't know what's sweeter. The cookies or you."

Gina smirks at him, though her eyes dance. "Well you can..."

The knock at the door interrupts them and Derek quirks an eyebrow. "Let me guess... you want me to get that so I won't be left alone with the cookie dough."

"You're such a smart man."

Derek grins and gives her another kiss on the cheek before heading to the front door. Opening it, he looks through the screen at the young woman. He didn't recognize her, and she looked very tired - hardly a threat.

He pushes the screen door open too so he doesn't have to take with a barrier between them. "Hi... can I help you?"

Coffee

Giving a jump as Katie drys herself off almost sliping on the wet floor with a gasp Ryder startling her.

"For goodness sake, you BETTER NOT have let a strange woman into the house."

Katie yells back out through the door at him. Quickly throwing on her cloths, and running a towel through her hair before just letting it fall into place giving the messed look Katie goes to the door. The steam from the bathroom flowing out as the door swings over.

"When I said Mi kasai, Su kasai I didnt mean you could break down the bathroom door."

Pushing past Ryder Katie gives a short laught knowing he will probley follow her down to her room as she continued to get ready.

"How did you sleep last night? No more attack of the cat?"

Opening her eyes and turning her head Hope runs a hand over her face as she gives a smile to Scott. It had been a long night but somewhere along the way she had fallen asleep and got a few hours.

"I know I didnt have to. I wanted to. Not to mention after all I did promise to stay with you as long as you wanted me to."

Standing finally Hope gives a strech as she scruntches her shoulders up just a little bit trying to block out the cold from the hospetil. She never did like them much and if she was going to make it through the rest of the day she would need coffee.

"I think I am going to go to the cafetariea and get some coffee. Would you like any breakfest?"

Standing so anyone from inside the call cant see her Misty looks in on there young prisoner. So much about this was the same it was strange. Not that she hated the memories of meeting Carson it was just stange. The hairs on Misty's neck stood up warning of something though she wasnt sure what.

His mannerisms, even the look she saw in his eye was so much the same. Maybe it was just what happend with some people that were in the Agency maybe not. Misty hadnt said anything to anyone and thats how it was going to stay for now. She's just watch observe and wait.

Later...

...Pulling up outside the house Jess takes a look at her map. She was tired, probley looked like crap and a bit hungry but her destination was close and resone for some in reach she couldnt stop now.

Hoping this was the right place Jess pulls into the driveway and shuts the car off. She didnt know what was going on today, or if anyone was him, she didnt even know what Derek looked like, or if this was the right house but Jess could only hope.

Walking up to the door Jess knocks and waits. Her nerves were shot just about now, and she couldnt help but say she was scaired. She didnt know anything about these people, and if she was at the wrong place it could mean trouble.

Eyeing the door cautiously Jess takes a step back putting space between he door anyherself and just waits.

Another day comes

Yeah... well, I don't get any weird vibes, so I think she's okay.

Jason gives a little shrug that only Katie can see. Letting her leave to go into the hall and make her call, he keeps an eye on Scott for several more minutes, just observing. Seeing that he's more than likely asleep, he gives Hope a nod. "If you're going to stay, then we'll probably leave. Please call Rick if anything happens."

Exiting the room, he finds Katie finished with her call, and slings an arm around her. "Scott's got company for a while... I say we get back to TJY, make our report and go home. If we don't get any sleep tonight, we're going to be dead tomorrow."


Ryder shoots up from the couch as the phone rings. He hadn't realized that he'd dozed off. He hesitates, then decides not to answer. It wasn't his phone.

As the answering machine comes on though, he grins. Katie. Getting up, he wanders closer, musing aloud as he listens, rather than picking up. "Yeah, found the change.... now you tell me about the menus..." His eyebrows rise. "Mi wha...?" Well, it must not have been a bad thing. Shaking his head, he listens to the rest of the message until Katie hangs up.

Meandering down the hall, he finds her bedroom, and though feeling a little strange, he takes her up on her offer to find a movie. He didn't recognize a lot of them, but finally settles on something that looked like it had some good action in it.

By the time the front door opens and closes, he's drifted asleep on the couch, so soundly that even Henry jumping off of him didn't wake him.


At Misty's threat, the patient fights even harder. "Go ahead," he hisses, glaring into her eyes. "You'll probably enjoy it. I wouldn't want to disappoint you."

As the needle goes into his flesh, he doesn't even flinch, though a flash of pain shoots through his gaze. "You might as well just kill me now," he growls. "You're not... getting anything... out... of..." His eyes roll back into his head, and suddenly his body relaxes.

Rick releases him and tries to catch his breath. "Good grief. I do have half a mind to let him rot after attacking Scott, but unfortunately..." He raises his voice. "...it's my job to keep him alive!"

Rolling his eyes, he cleans up the rest of the tools, clearing the room of any small or sharp objects. All that was left was the table, one chair, toilet, sink and the cot. It had been a while since anyone had needed to be kept in here. At least they'd had a positive streak.

Leaving the prisoner be, Rick heads back upstairs with Misty after making sure the door was securely locked with the electronic code. Then once back on the main floor, he heads to the control room to turn on the cameras.

After that, he picks up the phone and dials, feeling rotten. "Hey, babe, it's me..." He rubs his forehead wearily. "Don't stay up... I'm needed here... again."

Morning...

One of Ryder's eyes opens slowly. He glances around his surroundings a moment before remembering where he was. He was glad he wasn't as jump this morning, as Henry comes flying up into his face to stare him in the eye.

"You ol' galah." He scratches Henry's head. "Your mistress is gone, so you decided to pick on me ay?"

Sighing, Ryder stretches, his ears picking up on the sounds of someone else moving about the house. He finally stands up and wanders down the hall to the closed bathroom where he hears water running. Taking his fist, he bangs it loudly on the door. "Oy, you better be the sheila that belongs here, or I let a total stranger in last night!"


Scott stirs in bed, opening his eyes groggily. His mouth felt like cotton. Was it morning? The light coming in through the window seemed to say so. Apparently whatever the doctors had given him last night had helped him sleep. He remembered nothing after Hope had arrived. ...Wait... Hope?

He turns his head slowly, needing to almost crane his neck until Hope can be seen by his good eye. He squints, trying to bring himself out of his fog. He felt dragged out and sore. He felt depressed. Why? Oh yeah... The night comes flooding back, and he turns his head back to look up at the ceiling. He didn't know which was worse... the two months with the Agency, or what had happened last night. And then Hope had stayed all night? That wasn't fair to her.

"You didn't have to stay all night," he manages, his voice hoarse and gravely.


"Carson... Carson!" Dani shakes her brother's shoulder.

Carson groans and pulls his pillow over his head. "Go away," he grumbles.

Dani puts her hands on her hips. "I will not," she retorts. "It's seven o'clock. Are you working today?"

Carson's head suddenly shoots up, his pillow sliding onto the floor. "Um..." he tries to think. He'd been in such a deep dream, it was hard waking up. "Uh... no... no, one more day."

"Still on the hunt, huh?"

"Mm-hmm." Carson falls back down. "Today... I'll find him. Today."

"Yeah, well don't get too obsessed. Have you even seen Misty since you got back?"

"Of course."

"Really?"

"Well sort of. Why?"

"'Cause if I were your girl, I think I'd get a might sore, even if I did know you were working to catch a maniac."

A small grin creeps onto Carson's lips. "I'll make it up to her."

"I bet you will." Dani rolls her eyes. "Alright, I'll see you later."


Rick stands back in the control room, staring at the camera and shaking his head. Finally he turns the volume down. There was no way he was going to go check on that patient this morning. Not until his little fit was over.

Alec paces the cell like a caged tiger. Looking out the window, he glares at the security cameras and the lock he could barely see. Walking back to table, he grabs the chair and hurls it with a yell. It hits the door with a crash, but does no damage, simply falling back to the floor. Alec gives it a swift kick before turning and shooting an angry stare at the camera up in the corner.

Rick sighs. It just couldn't be easy.


"...Dad told me about why you're here..." Liz looks over to Axel cautiously as they sit on the living room couch.

Axel looks up from the car magazine he'd been flipping through. They were alone in the room at the moment, and he was glad if she was going to bring this subject up. "Oh?"

"Yeah." Liz gives him a gentle look. "I'm sorry. But... why didn't you explain to everyone?"

"And say what? That I didn't know if I was really the culprit or not? You know the story."

Liz sighs. "I know... but... I certainly don't believe you were guilty, and you shouldn't either. For that fact alone, you should have explained and not just walked off."

Axel's eyes narrow just a little at her soft reprimand. "And why wouldn't you believe it?"

Liz shrugs. "Because I know you. How much time did we spend together before you left? With the family, without the family... how many times were we alone?"

"A few."

"And did you ever come on to me?"

"Of course not."

"So if it really was your nature, don't you think you would have?"

"I..." Axel stops. "I don't know. But what if I ever want to?"

Liz almost laughs. "Come on to me?"

"Any woman."

"Then take a cold shower." Liz rolls her eyes. "You're human after all. But you have a good heart, Axel... you're not that kind of person. Maybe if you'd start believing that, you would quit running."

Axel quirks an eyebrow. "And since when have you become so wise?"

"It's been a year," Liz replies softly. "A lot can happen in that amount of time."

Axel sighs and sinks back into the couch, putting the magazine aside. This family was some of the very few people he trusted beyond a doubt. Liz was like a sister to him, and they'd always been able to talk, even when she knew about his past.

Liz notices his right hand lying in his lap and decides to change the subject. "What's up with your hand?"

"Hmm? Oh." Axel shrugs and starts to rub his palm. "Just... sorta numb this morning." Waiting a few minutes, he finally stands up, keeping his hand at his side. "I think I'm going to take a walk. Maybe down to the Roadside Grill. I'll be back."

"Yeah... okay..." Liz watches him leave, then sighs.

Mi kasai, su kadai

Staying with Scott Hope does not mind at all. She new Scott needed someone to be with him and if that someone was her than so be it. The worst that would happen is She would have to call the office and tell her secretary to cancel her appointments.

Entering the room again Katie gives a smile to Hope. It was nice to see Scott had other friends outside of TJY, and that he trusted someone else. It made Katie feel good to know Scott was opening up again.

"Its nice you came to check on Scott. I am guessing Rick call you?"

Being pulling out of her own thought Hope looks up at Katie and Jason giving a smile and a nod.

"Yeah Rick filled me in on what happened. I tryed to hurry over here as fast as I could because he didn't give me much detail and I wasn't sure how bad Scott was."

Hope looks over at Scott his eyes still closed. Just studying his silent face Hope gives his hand a gentil squeeze before looking back at Jason and Katie again.

"He could of been much worse than he is now, I'm just happy is ok."

Giving a nod Katie was a bit surprised.

She seems offly close to Scott for just being his therapist. I don't know maybe that's just my protective side kicking in.

Looking to Jason and than Hope again Misty quietly excuses herself going out into the hall. Pulling out her phone she dials home quick. Knowing Ryder probley wouldnt pickthe phone Katie continues to wait through the rings till finally the answering masheen picks up.

"Hey Ryder its Katie. I just wanted to let you know I am not sure when I will be home. Have to work late night, but if you want there is some money there on the counter and a whole mess of meus in the second draw from the wall in the kitchen. Also you can help yourself to anything in the fridg and cubord. Mi kasai, sue kasai! If you get bored you can mosey into my room and look at the two whole racks I have full of movies to watch. Anyways just didnt want you to worry. See ya soon."

Misty's own instincts kick in as she see Rick with the young man as he trys to struggle. Going over to him and trying to help Misty trys to stay calm.

"It will make it easyer on you if you just do as we say and dont try to resist."

Going over to the tray that had the differnt items on it Misty gets another saring and preps it. Than moving back to the young man she trys her best to find his vein and stick him though with all his moving it was around. Growing annoyed herseld Misty looks the man in the eyes and in a gruf tone retorts.

"If you dont quit moving I am just gonna shove this needle anywhere and its going to hurt you a whole heck of alot more than it is me."

Trying to get the coffoperation of the prisoner Misty see it is not working and giving up much care she just takes the needle and shoves it in his arm. Though for a moment as the lets the liqued release into his veins her eyes meet his and Misty gets a flash back of when Carson was in this room and hurt himself a long time back. It was a major case of dejavu. The look in his eye was almost the same, the pearcing blue, the hard cold stair. It gave Misty a chill.

I left you nothing, Lis :p

Scott feels like a little boy, trapped and out of control. But it was that feeling that allowed him to not resist Hope's comfort. Feeling her fingers run through his hair, his eyes remain closed, though several more tears escape. Her voice and touch were soothing, and he begins to relax, trying to forget about the evening, if only for a short while. In the morning, his experience at the hospital would be foggy. But the recollection of the thugs in his house would always be vivid.

After finding one of the doctors, Jason questions him about Scott, and they're informed that while the wound itself wouldn't cause the hospital to keep him any longer than overnight, it was his weak condition that had made the doctor decide to keep him at least two days.

Wandering back to the room, Jason looks in the open door, and sees Hope, and how calm Scott seemed to be right now.

She's good. I suppose we should find out how long she's staying so we know what we need to do.


Continuing to work, Rick is finally able to sew up the bullet holes in their patient. While he was dedicated to keeping anyone alive, this man would stay in the holding cell. He might have been a patient, but he was also an Elite prisoner.

Cleaning up, Rick wipes his hands on a towel and looks down at the man after he and Misty were able to get him on the cot. "We can get him another shirt from the closet upstairs," he muses. "I'm keeping his belt and shoes though so he doesn't have anything to hit or strangle somebody with."

Alec's eyes pop open halfway. There were voices he didn't recognize. He felt like he'd been drugged. Maybe he had. Where was he? The last thing he remembered was their target going ballistic. Jaxon... had he been shot too? What had happened to their target? What was this place?

He felt almost like he was moving underwater. Everything was kind of blurry, and his movements felt lethargic. His gaze slowly moves to the door and he sees bars on the small window. The walls were concrete... it was a small room with hardly anything in it. It wasn't a hospital... it wasn't an Agency medical room. Oh no.

Desperate, Alec gives a groan and tries to sit up, though only makes it halfway before rolling onto the floor. The sedative hadn't fully worn off yet, and his legs felt like rubber.

"Whoa, whoa." Rick is quick to move in, trying to get him back up onto the cot.

"Leave me alone," Alec mumbles, his speech slightly slurred. "Let me go."

"I can't do that."

"You can't keep me here." Alec struggles against Rick's force, but his own weakness makes it difficult, as does the pain in his chest and shoulder.

"Actually, we can." Rick forces the man back down into the cot, holding him down. He glances to Misty with annoyance. "Why can't we ever have an easy case?" he grumbles. Looking down at the patient, his eyes narrow. "What's your name."

"Shove it."

"Oh, nice."

"Get off of me!" Alec tries to push Rick off, but it's no use. All he does is break out into a sweat, his body under so much strain.

Rick shakes his head. "Misty, get another sedative. I don't have time for this. Reese can deal with him later."


Ryder crumples up the wrapper from his sub and tosses it across the kitchen, landing it in the waste basket. Wandering to the front window, he peers out onto the street. There were lights everywhere. A car passed. A horn honked somewhere. Another car passed. A streetlight made it impossible to see the night sky clearly. He missed the open space of home already.

Ambling back to the living room, he takes up his place on the couch once more, trying to sit in such a way that his shoulder didn't hurt. Henry jumps up with him, now even more his friend after Ryder had fed him supper.

Ryder flips on the tv, unfamiliar with the shows, and finding it difficult to land on something of interest. He wanted to stay up though so he'd know when Katie got back, if she was even coming back tonight.

Strange

Feeling Scott's hand on hers and his fingers wrapping around her own Hope is a little sapriseddosnt let it show. Insted she meets his stair with a kind smile. Tighting her own fingers just a little she was glad Scott trusted her, and this was a sign of it.

A pain stricks Hope's heart as she hears about Domino. She new that had been Scott's best friend not to mention she had liked the little fer ball as well.

"I'm so sorry about Domino Scott, I know she ment alot to you."

Seeing Scott was getting upset again Hope takes her other hand and gently runs her fingers over top of Scott's fingers. Today she didnt feel like Scott's therapist but his friend and she felt honered to get that privlage.

"Scott, its not a bad thing you killed them. They attacked you and you were just protecting yourself. No one is going to blame you for that. I am very proud that you were strong enough to protect yourself Scott."

Hope new that Scott would have to learn a few differnt things, and weagh through his mind, finding his way of protection without killing. But right now she new it was not the time for repramand, and correction but comfort and consoling.

Reacing back just a little bit Hope pulls a chair over to the bed and sits down. Bringing her free hand to Scott's head and just gently running a hand through his hair in a soothing manner.

"I wont leave you Scott. I'll stay right here with you for as long as you want."

Working quickly to help Rick Misty cant help the smerk as Reese leaves the room for a moment feeling bad for him but soon it pass.

Continuing to help Rick Misty cant help but jump just a little as she hears Ty's voice not exspecting him. Quickly to recover though Misty does as told and starts to get a seditive ready.

Going over to the young man she quickly finds the vain to inject him.

"Its sad to say your right about the Agency. They will take whoever regardless."

Looking down at the boy Misty felt a stang feeling, almost like she new this boy somehow. Something was familure about him but she couldnt place her finger on it.

Please?

Ryder looks up at the clock again. He'd dozed off on the couch. His shoulder hurt. He was still hungry. And it was even later now. He was beginning to wonder if something was really wrong. Or maybe everybody here worked late.

Getting up, he wanders to the kitchen, searching for some numbers. Finding TJY's, he dials.

Wyatt is just getting in to the office. He'd left earlier, but then had been called back to help with someone who had attacked Scott. His blood boiled... his friend had been attacked yet again. He wanted to go to the hospital, but his father had asked him to come in instead.

Just as he's passing his cubicle, he sees the main phone line ringing. A quick glance to the back proved Susanne had gone home for the night. Deciding to answer it, he catches it before the answering system. "Yeah, TJY."

Ryder hesitates. "Um, yeah, this is Ryder Billings..."

Wyatt knew the name, though hadn't met him yet. "Oh yeah. What can I do for ya?"

"Well, I spent the night over here with Katie and... I was just surprised she hadn't gotten back tonight is all."

Wyatt's eyebrows shoot up. "You what?"

Ryder realizes his mistake. "I borrowed the couch," he clarifies quickly.

"Oh... of course." Wyatt rolls his eyes. "Yeah, well she's at the hospital right now. Scott - one of our guys - he got attacked and so she and Jason went with him over there."

"Oh." Ryder was sorry to hear about that. He'd learned just a little bit about this Scott's history, and knew that this couldn't be good. "Well, um, I don't want to startle, um... what's her name... Katie's roommate, when she gets back either, so could you..."

"She won't be back for a bit," Wyatt interrupts. "She got roughed up the other night by a guy so she's staying somewhere safe for a while."

Now Ryder felt like he was just being a pain. "I see. Okay, um... well I guess I'll just sit tight then."

"Can I get you anything? Have you eaten?"

Ryder glances around and spies a jar of spare change on the counter. He could pay it back later. "Know any places that have good take away?"

"Sorry?"

"Ah..." Ryder thinks. "Take out."

"Oh, right right. Yeah, Eddie's downtown has some good subs. They're in the phone book and they'll deliver."

"Perfect. Thanks, mate."

"Sure."

Hanging up, Ryder goes for the phone book and begins thumbing through the pages. Suddenly Henry jumps up on the counter next to him, looking into the book. "And what are you doing?" Ryder reprimands, though he scratches Henry's head. "You hungry too?"


Scott swallows hard, his focus still on the ceiling above. He knew Katie was speaking to him, but no words of his own wanted to come. He felt so many things at once right now, it was hard to sort through them. Though the two biggest clashed on the surface, creating an unbearable turmoil. He didn't know which to confront first.

Suddenly, there is a new voice. Scott has to turn his head to see that it's Hope, and he feels her hand on his arm. If she hadn't spoken, it might have taken him a moment to recognize her, dressed so casually. But instead of responding to her gentle humor, he turns his head the other way. He hated her seeing him like this. She'd already seen him at his lowest, and now it was just adding salt to that wound. He wanted to be strong again. To face this thing and be like all the other TJY agents who could stand up to anything. But for the first time, he had... and what had he done...? He sees those lifeless bodies again... the ones that he had taken down with his own hands.

Jason watches, feeling no danger, though this woman was a stranger to him.

This must be Scott's therapist... the one Rick's been having him see.

Seeing Scott's reaction, he knows it must not be typical. None of this was. Not his silence, or apparent dislike of seeing anyone.

Let's leave him alone for a few minutes... maybe he'll talk to her.

Holding out his hand, he waits for Katie to stand, then goes with her out into the hall. "Let's go find the doctor to see what he says... I can't sit and do nothing."

Scott can hear the footsteps of his two friends leaving. Part of him was glad. Part of him felt more lonely. All he wanted now was to feel better... just to feel better.

Without thinking, he shifts his arm up so his hand meets Hope's. He curls his thin fingers around hers in a sign that he just needed someone who understood... someone who wouldn't leave. He trusted her. He knew she wouldn't abandon him.

"They killed Domino," he whispers. A silent tear runs out of his eye to trickle down to the pillow. "They just..." The scene flashes in his mind again. That little dog had been his partner for the last several years. She'd been his friend. She'd been his pride and joy. And now...

Scott turns his head back again to see Hope's face. "And I killed them."

His gaze aims to the ceiling again, and he closes his eyes. "I didn't mean to... I was just... so mad and..." His words are cut off as a sharp pain reminds him of his injury. His eyes still closed, he whispers again. "Don't leave me... please?"


Hearing Misty enter the holding cell, Rick turns around, relieved to see her. "You're a life-saver."

Reese smirks. "What? I wasn't doing a good enough job?"

Rick works to stop the bleeding on the right side of the man's chest. "You were until she came. Now you can go."

Reese rolls his eyes. "I'm being dismissed by my own employee. What is this office coming to?"

Rick tries not to let his humor show as Reese walks away. "Thanks, Misty. This bullet went clean through, and amazingly didn't hit anything major. We just need to sew him up."

He sighs as he works. "Though unfortunately, part of me would like to just leave him here without helping him." He grits his teeth, returning to Misty's question. "Two guys went to Scott's tonight. We don't know the story, but the other guy is dead."

Suddenly, Ty appears in the doorway. "You wanted me?" His eyes widen. "Whoa, what happened?"

"Later," Rick directs. "Go out to my car. You'll know what to do."

Ty lifts his eyebrows. "Wha.."

"Move!"

"Alright, alright!"

Rick makes sure Ty is on his way before turning back to his patient. "This guy can't be a day over twenty-five," he mutters. "The Agency takes them younger every day."

All of a sudden, the man gives a groan and starts to move.

"Shoot." Rick works faster. "I was hoping that bump on his head would keep him out longer. Give him a sedative would you?"

Hope

Staying with Scott as long as she can Katie never leaves his side, till finally she has to as he goes in to get the bullet taken out.

Keeping her arms around Jason all Katie can do it wait as her friend is taken away and her own pain inside was great. Why did this have to happen again to Scott? What had he done to deserve this?

The time seems to drag on and no new about Scott comes. The worry inside Katie growing.

No news is good news right?

Katie stands about to go ask one of the nurses if they have hurd anything when she sees a Dr. come out letting her and Jason know they can come into see Scott.

Slowly making her way down the hall Katies comes to Scott's room and enters a smile on her face though this whole thing was sad. Sitting down next to him Katie continues to smile.

"Hey Scotty, I'm glad your ok!"

Only silence returns to her from Scott.

He's not talking I dont know if thats a good thing or not.

Making her way down the halls quickly Hope stops at the front desk. She new she must be a sigh with her hair down, her sweat pants on and baggy hoodie. It was not the nomale for her to see a pashent like this but she had been in a rush to get here. She didnt want to wast time to get dressed properly.

"I'm looking for Scott Johnson please."

Receving a look from the receptionist rolles her eyes.

"I am Hope Garrison Scott's therapist. So you can eather believe me, and tell me where to find my pashent, or you can hold me up here making sure I am telling the truth while doing more damage to him than already has been done."

Hope holds an annoyed look on her face. Rick had said it was important and Scott would need her. She didnt want to take any chanses in waiting to long to see him.

"Third floor, room 306 on the left."

The nurise nods to the elevator before turning back to her computer.

"Thank you!"

Hope turns twords the elevator and walks quickly wasting no time at all. Finally reaching Scott's room she knocks on the door quietly before entering. Seeing the other two people with him Hope can guess who Katie is by her looks, and know that must be Jason with her.

Giving a nod to them she decieds to skip the fomal introductions for now knowing there was not really the time for it. Going close to Scott Hopes smiles down at him and gently lays her hand on his arm to let him know she was there.

"I have to say, your looking better than me right now. How are you feeling all in all?"

Making her way down the hall to the holding cell Misty carrys some items she knows Rick will need along with more towles.

She had finished making Angel as comfortable as she could and now it was time to move on to someone alse who needed help.

Entering Misty's eyes widen just a little as she sees the yong man laying on the table. He didnt look that old what on earth had happend.

"Rick here is some gaws and more towles. What happend?"

No response

Feeling Katie's touch and hearing her voice, Scott starts to calm down. He shifts his head, having a hard time seeing her on his blind side. The look in his eye is hurt, confusion and fear. But it was a strange kind of fear... one that was deeper... more personal. "I'm sorry," he whispers, another tear running down his face.

Jason continues with Katie, trying to get him out to the truck.
I don't understand what he's apologizing for, but you're doing the trick... keep it up, he's calming down.

Into the truck, and into the back seat, Scott lies down. Up until now, he hadn't even felt the pain from his wound, but now it burned like nothing else. He bites his lip, trying to numb out the pain, but it didn't work too well.

Jason drives as quickly but carefully as possible, knowing that every time he hit a bump, Scott felt it to the max.

The hospital was lit up in the dark, few people coming and going at this hour. It was a blessing, as Jason and Katie are able to get Scott inside without many hassles. By now, Scott is getting lethargic, and doesn't quite know what's happening, but doesn't fight. As weak as he was to begin with, the loss of blood was not helping matters.

It seems an eternity before Scott is in a room, sewed up and in bed. Hooked up to several different things, an IV gives him nutrients that he'd been missing from lack of eating. A monitor beeps, keeping track of his pulse, though he was not in critical condition.

A doctor comes to tell Jason and Katie that they can see Scott now, and Jason leads the way, giving Katie's hand a squeeze. He knew that while Scott and Katie had no romance between them now, they were still very close, and this probably pained Katie.

Entering the small room, Jason approaches the bed with Katie. "Hey, Scott," he greets quietly. "How ya doing, buddy?"

Scott eyes him and Katie, but doesn't respond. His gaze turns back to the ceiling.

No matter what was said by either Jason or Katie, or no matter the questions, no response came.



"Here, help me." Rick drags the unconscious body into the holding cell.

Reese clears off the table in one sweep, objects clattering to the floor. "You need more help than me."

"Misty's with Angel." Rick gets the young man up on the table, checking his vitals once more. "She'll come if she has time. Otherwise, you're it."

"But..."

"Get me some water and towels."

Scotty

Enter Scott's house Katie's eye widen slightly as she eyes the two bodys on the ground and the blood what was everywhere. Glancing around the room quickly she walks out and around the other rooms in the house making sure there was no more saprises or people left lerking around.

Poor Scott, He must have been tired of being pushed around and faught back. Cant say I feel sorry for the thugs.

Coming back into the room with the others Katie hurrys and makes her way over to Jason and Scott. Seeing Domino's lifless body slide from Scott's lap Katie has to hold back tears of her own.

Domino!

Gently laying a hand on Scott shoulder Katie keeps her voice soft as she brings her other under Scott to try and help stand him up.

"Scotty, its ok its Katie. Everything is gonna be alright, we need to take you to a hospetil though so we can get you fixed up alright."

Katie continues to try and help Jason being as gentle as she can and keeping her voice soft with Scott. They need to keep him calm and get him out of here as fast as they could before be bleed to death.

Getting away

Rick keeps up a fast pace to the exit. "I don't know," he answers Katie. "Scott called, he wouldn't say what was wrong and just hung up on me. But I don't like... I don't like it one bit. I knew I should have had someone watch the house his first night out."

Getting to the parking lot, Rick waves to Jason's truck. "Let's take two vehicles in case we need to split up. I'll lead."

Sliding in behind the steering wheel of his truck, Jason waits for Katie, automatically knowing that she'd ride with him.

I hope he's okay too... I have a bad feeling about this.

The ride to Scott's only takes a few minutes, but it might as well have been hours. Arriving, all three get out and quickly go to the door, no one missing the fact that there was a strange vehicle parked on the street.

Entering the house, Rick skids to a halt, his eyes wide. Jason almost plows right into him.

Rick blinks. "Oh my word," he breathes. "What happened..." Two unfamiliar bodies lay on the floor. Blood was everywhere. And Scott was in the corner. "Oh no."

Rick moves fast and kneels down next to Scott. "Scott...." He tries to see Scott's face, "Scott, we're here.... what happened? Are you..." His voice trails off as he realizes the motionless black and white bundle on Scott's lap. "Scott..." he speaks more quietly. "Tell us what happened."

Scott slowly lifts his head, his eyes bloodshot and wet with tears. His arms tighten around Domino. "They came..." His voice wavers. "They wanted to... but.. I couldn't.."

Rick suddenly sees the blood seeping through Scott's own shirt. "You're hurt." On closer look, he sees the bullet wound. "We have to take care of you... Scott... Scott, are you listening?"

Jason wanders to the bigger man on the floor, and doesn't need to bother checking him. A bullet to the head had killed him instantly. He moves to the next, seeing that it had been a shot to the side of the chest that had taken this one down. Checking his pulse, Jason's eyes widen. "Rick, this one's still alive."

Rick moves from Scott for a moment, trying to figure out what to do. "Aw great." He looks to Katie, then Jason, then back to Scott. "Okay. I'm going to call Reese and we're going to clean this mess up. I want you two to take Scott to the hospital. We've had enough commotion in our own infirmary, and I think it best for Scott to be in a different environment."

Jason nods his obedience and goes to help Scott up. It's more difficult than he'd think, but Scott has little energy to fight back. "Come on, Scott... you're going to be alright."

"No..." As Scott is pulled to his feet, Domino's body slides back onto the floor. More tears sting Scott's eyes. "No... I don't want to go." He tries to plant his feet, but Jason is too strong.

Jason tries to get Scott away from the scene without hurting him further, knowing that in Scott's condition, a bullet wound, no matter how small, could be fatal.

Katie, I need your help here... see if you can calm him down so we can get him to the hospital.

As the two make their way out, Rick grabs his phone and dials. But it's not Reese he dials first. He gets the answering machine, but hopes and prays someone will hear it. "Hope, it's Rick Johnston. Something happened with Scott... he was attacked in his home and got shot. He's being taken to the hospital and... I think he might need you."

Hanging up, he then dials Reese.

sleep

Pulling over to the side of the road Jess gives a rub to her eyes. She had been driving for hours and she was getting tired.

Sleeping on the side of the road wasnt the best think in the word to do but she hadnt seen any motals to stop at insted so this would just have to do.

Locking the doors to the car Jess puts the seat back and closes her eyes. Just a few hours sleep was all she needed. Even if it wasnt a deep sleep something was better than nothing.

Hearing Rick's voice call her Katie looks up from her desk. Than receving Jason emotional message Katie is on her feet with in moment and grabbing her jacket sprinting up ro Jason and Rick as they head out of the infermary.

"Whats wrong? Whats happend?"

Katie continue to talk with Jason and Rick not sure what was going on but being able to hear in there voices whatever happend was not small.

I hope he is ok!

Pronto

Con hesitates before getting out of the car, looking at Nate suspiciously. But he didn't have much of a choice now but to trust him. "Alright... I'll call you if something turns up."

Getting out of the car, he leans his head back down. "And Nate... when I talk to Laura again... I'll try to get her to talk to you."

Straightening, he closes the door and waits to see Nate drive away, before heading into TJY. This whole thing was one big nightmare.


Rocky stands in the little room, having come to see Jess, but finding only a note. Reading it, a bit of pride wells up in him. She was doing a brave thing, venturing out on her own. Even so, he was still worried about her. He goes for his phone and is about to dial, but then stops. No... she didn't need a babysitter. She would call if she needed something... at least he hoped she would.

He switches numbers and calls Carson and Dani's instead, leaving Carson a message to let him know what was happening.


Scott's eyes rise to meet Hope's for a moment. He didn't know why she was thanking him, and all of a sudden there was an odd tone to her voice. He couldn't quite put his finger on it though, so he says nothing. She was the one that asked the questions, not him.

"Yeah... okay." He aims for the door, turning once. "Maybe... maybe next time I'll bring Domino in with me. I think she enjoyed your company."

Giving a little nod, he exits the office, heading outside to Rick's waiting vehicle.


As the day goes on, no news doesn't seem to be good news. Those charged with the unthinkable were still on the loose. And those searching them grew ever more frustrated. But as night neared, purpose had to be laid aside for just a few hours until dawn brought a new opportunity to bring justice.


Ryder switches the tv channel, searching for something to watch. His stomach growls. But he doesn't get up. It wasn't his place... and he felt funny about just helping himself.

Henry stretches and yawns, curling and twisting onto his back, almost falling off Ryder's lap. Ryder absentmindedly runs his fingers through the cat's soft fur. Ever since the little standoff earlier in the day, Henry had stuck to him like glue.

Ryder glances at the clock. It felt a little odd... Laura had never shown up... and neither had Katie. But perhaps they were working late.


Scott settles down on the couch, a warm plate of food in hand. He sets it on his lap and stares at the empty wall in front of him. He used to have his entertainment center there with his television. Now it was just bare.

Looking down at the food Susanne had sent with him, he sighs. It smelled good. His senses told him that it would taste good. But he just didn’t feel hungry. He would try at least a little, though.

As he eats, Domino plays happily in another corner. She tosses her toy around, watching it roll, then pounces on it and carries it around as her trophy. After a while of play, she finally settles down to give the squeaky rubber a good chew, bathing it in drool.

The house is quiet. Too quiet. It bothers Scott a little, and he wishes he would have borrowed someone’s CD player at least, to create some sound. It was going to be a long night…

The evening has grown dark and Scott’s half-eaten supper sits on the small end table getting cold. He’s curled up on the couch, half asleep, not really tired, but not awake enough to want to get up and do anything. Domino is in her own little bed, resting, though her eyes remain open.

Suddenly though, her head shoots up and she looks towards the door, a low growl escaping. Scott opens his eyes, a wave of fear hitting him. He doesn’t move, but just listens. His ears can pick up nothing, but Domino continues to growl.

Scott can feel his insides start to knot up. He was in a very vulnerable position here, all alone. Was there really something out there, or was it just his imagination? Was Domino hearing something out on the street, or on his porch?

A slight scuffing sound makes his whole body tense. Domino gets up out of her bed and walks halfway to the door, her hair standing on end. Her ears start to go back, her growl getting louder.

Scott swallows hard, afraid to even move. A rattling of the doorknob just serves to make his pulse race. His mind moves almost too fast to even think. He had no other way out. No… wait, he had a back door. He had no way to call for help. No, Rick sent a cell phone home with him.

Frozen with fear, the door being kicked in is such a shock that he’s on his feet in a flash, starting to tremble. He pales as he sees two thugs with guns drawn enter the house.

“Don’t move!” Jaxon’s voice booms, threatening with an outstretched handgun.

Unable to even ask who they are or what they want, Scott backs up against the wall, quaking in fear. Domino, however, is protecting her territory, and she lunges at the large man’s ankle.

“Hey, get off of me, mutt!” Jaxon looks down, his younger partner, who is quick to take over covering Scott.

“Move and you’re dead,” Alec threatens, cocking his pistol.

Scott flinches, his eye wide with terror. The Agency never came back to the same place twice… until now. “Don’t… don’t take me… please.”

Alec laughs and nudges his fellow thug. “Erica was right. This one really is nuts. Look at him.”

“I would, ‘cept I’m too busy with this dang dog.” Jaxon shakes his foot around, trying to rid himself of Domino, who had hold of his pantleg.

Alec can only grin. “Wait ‘til the boss hears a runt of a dog got the best of you.” He looks back to Scott. “Have a seat, Mr. Johnson. We’d like to talk to you.

Scott shakes his head. Images flash through his mind of being interrogated. He’d been beaten. Threatened. Put down. Tortured. “No… not again,” he begs.

Alec’s eyes narrow. “You can beg your fool head off, but it won’t make a bit of difference. You sit down now, or I’ll pull this trigger.”

Scott’s body trembles with the fear of what was to come. Slowly, he slides to the floor, his eyes filling with tears. It was happening again. All over again. He was going to go through everything all over again. And there was nothing he could do about it. He was helpless. He couldn’t stop them. He would have to endure the torture again. Pulling his knees up to his chest, he rocks slightly, praying that this was a horrid nightmare. But he knew it wasn’t.

He hears the laughing at his pitiful state. He hears the jeering and mockery from the two men, as their words reverberate in his head, muddling together until he can’t even understand them anymore. It didn’t matter.

At some point Domino decides it’s more important to console her master than fight, and nuzzles up next to Scott, brought into his arms.

Scott can feel the light kicks and the careless, taunting smacks to his head, but ignores them, pulling tighter and tighter into himself and into a world that was dark and drawn far from the unwanted reality around him.

“He’s not going to talk,” Jaxon sneers as he paces the floor. “This is pointless. Why can’t we just take him in?”

“Because all the boss wanted was to scare a bit and get answers.” Alec rolls his eyes. He looks back to Scott, squatting down in front of him. “One more time. What have you told them about the Agency, Scott?” He runs the barrel of his pistol under Scott’s chin to lift his face. “Nice eye… you want another one to match?”

Scott cowers, remaining silent as he trembles.

“Oh come on.” Jaxon growls, holstering his gun. “Enough is enough. Get that stupid dog out of the way and let’s get down to business.” Reaching down with his hands before Scott can react, he yanks Domino from his grasp.

The next instant is one that seems to last forever. Scott’s gaze shoots upward as his dog is taken roughly from him. As if watching a bad slow-motion movie, he sees Domino thrown across the room. She ricochets off the wall with a yelp, then drops hard to the floor in a heap.

Silence.

Scott’s eyes are wide, his pulse pounding in his head. The two thugs say something to him, but he doesn’t hear. All he can focus on is the lifeless form of his little friend who had been tossed aside like a rag doll.

And suddenly… something snaps. The fear within him is overtaken by a wave of sheer anger, released by the scene before him.

In an instant, he’s on his feet. Chaos ensues. Jaxon is knocked to the side. Shouts order Scott to sit back down, but they’re not obeyed. Alec interferes. A shot rings out. And another. And finally a third...


Scott stands, breathing heavily as his eyes roam the room. Beads of sweat trickle down the sides of his face. Blood runs from a cut in his lip, and flows from a bullet-grazed wound in his side. But it goes unfelt. All his eyes can see are the bodies on the floor.

His fingers wrap around the gun in his hand, and his attention is diverted to stare down at the deadly weapon. Looking back at the damage done, he lets the pistol slip from his hand. It falls to the floor with a dull thud. And just as dull is Scott’s gaze.

Wiping his lip, he goes for the cell phone. His shaking fingers make it difficult to dial, but he finds the number. Rick was still at work.

“Rick?”

“Scott? What’s wrong?”

“I… It… they came and… I couldn’t… I mean…”

“Scott, slow down. What happened?”

Scott’s voice wavers as tears fill his eyes. “I didn’t want to… I… I just… please come.” He hangs up, unable to even explain what had happened, and too confused and unnerved to try.

Taking several steps across the living room, he ignores to two motionless thugs, and stares down at one of his best friends. Dropping to his knees, he gently pulls Domino into his lap. Curling over, he lets the tears fall, ignoring the ringing phone.


“Come on, Scott, pick it back up…” Rick pulls on his jacket while trying to call Scott back, but not getting any answer. Giving up, he quickly exits the infirmary to jog down the hall. “Jase!” he calls loudly, pounding on Jason’s office door, for once glad that someone had stayed late. “With me. Pronto.”

Jason’s feet slide off his desk and he’s up in an instant, on Rick’s heels. “What’s going on?”

“Don’t know. Scott called. Something’s wrong.” Rick reaches the main floor where some have already gone home for the day. “Katie!”

Jason looks down the line of cubicles.

It’s Scott. Don’t know what’s wrong. We’re on it.

Alone

Coming up empty handed didnt help Nate's mood at all and he hated having someone else in his car when he felt like this. It was a feeling he didnt like and almost the feeling of being helpless. If he couldnt have protected Laura from this, how would he ever portect her if they got married. Maybe it was a good idea she hadnt said yes.

Making his way back to TJY Nate pulls into the parking lot and up to the door but dosnt shut off the car or get out.

"Go a head and check in Con if you hear anything call me."

Nate didnt feel like going in, and he didnt feel like seeing the faces. He just wanted to keep going.

Looking to Con Nate shakes his head as his eyes were tired and held no feeling at the moment.

"I'm not going to do anything stupid if thats what you think. I just..want to be alone."

The extra room in the inmarty lays quiet as the bed is neatly made and the items Jess had there were now gone. On the night stand layed a not gently places with great care for someone to read.

"Some might be saprised to see this room is now empty, to be honest I am even saprised to find this room empty but it is. I have left for Wisconsin in order to find myself again and to find my rainbow.

I'm scaired out of my mind to do this, but its something I feel I must. I need to learn I can do things on my own again and will be ok. Not to mention maybe getting out of town while Peter is still out there will be good.

Thank you for your kindness everyone, Rick, Reese...ooh and Carson I promise I will call when I get to my destination I'll call.

Jess."

Giving a smile to Scott Hope was truly flattered with his comment.

"Thank you Scott."

Thumbing the pictures again Hope can feel a ping she felt before inside her heart again. She was truly going to miss Scott when he no longer needed to see her. The thought of maybe seeing him outside of work was one the creeped up in Hope's mind but she new it was unlikly. Scott would soon return to his old life and his friends, He was a good looking man Hope had no doubt he wouldnt fit right back in.

"I'll see you again soon Scott."

More than photogenic

Con shakes his head miserably at Nate's question. "He's on the same mission as we are... but for a different guy."

The search to the warehouse proves to lead them no where. Frustrated, they try several more locations, but come up empty-handed.

By now, Con is extremely frustrated, but his anger has cooled at least for a little while. "We might as well touch base back at TJY," he suggests. "Maybe someone has heard something else."


Ryder gives Katie a little wave, watching her leave for the day. The house is very quiet. It felt odd. He wanders to the kitchen where he finds the breakfast Katie had mentioned. Going to the fridge to look for something to drink, he's staring inside, when movement catches his eye.

Straightening, he spies Henry. The cat's tail puffs out, and he lays his ears back, giving a low growl.

"Oh, shut up," Ryder returns. "You might have startled me once, but you think a little feline is gonna scare me away from your kitchen?"

Henry hisses in response.

Dropping to all fours, Ryder stares the cat in the eye, giving his own authoritative hiss. Henry jumps back, startled, growling again. When Ryder returns a mimicked growl, Henry cocks his head a little, his tail getting a bit smaller. He sniffs the air and takes a cautious step forward. As the silent battle continues, he takes a couple more steps until his nose is touching Ryder's curiously.

"That's what I thought," Ryder muses. He reaches around to scoop Henry up in his arms and carry him around the kitchen as he gets his breakfast together. "You and me better get along, 'cause we're stuck with each other for the day."


Turning around at Hope's question, it was unusual for the color to seep into Scott's face, but it did. He hesitates. "Um... well..." He stuffs his hands back in his pockets and shrugs. "I guess... black and white just wouldn't do justice for someone as..." His voice trails off, his face growing even warmer. "...photogenic as you are." It wasn't what he'd been thinking, but it would have to do.