Angles

Carson is glad he gets Aerith's voicemail. He hadn't wanted to wake her up this time of the night...morning. "Aerith, it's Carson... change of plans. Keeping the restaurant closed tomorrow. Lots happening. Not at liberty to give details at the moment, but I'm sure Wyatt will be filling you in. Anyway, enjoy the day off. I'll let you know when we'll open up again. I hope it won't be more than a day or two."

Hanging up, Carson leans back on the counter and takes a swig of the beer that he'd opened half an hour ago. It had already grown somewhat flat, and it didn't taste very good.

"Carson?"

He quirks an eyebrow and turns to see Dani squinting in the light. She was in her pajamas, having woken from the noise in the kitchen. "You still up?"

"Just got in," he admits. "Been at TJY."

"Oh, I see. I heard about Katie."

"Yeah, that's why I was there."

"You going to help them?"

Carson forces a weak chuckle. "Yeah, sure, if Reese can stand me and they keep the right people out of my way."

Dani is confused. "What? Why? What are you talking about?"

Carson hadn't wanted to broach the subject yet. He still wanted to ask Dani why she'd visited Alec, but right now he wasn't in the right mood. "Nothing. Just in a sour mood I guess."

"Mm... I'm sorry." Dani reaches out to give his arm a squeeze.

Carson just shrugs and holds out his bottle. "Join me?"

Dani scrunches her nose. "You know I don't like beer."

Carson glances into the bottle, thinks, then turns to pour the rest of it in the sink. "Neither do I tonight."

Sighing, Dani looks at her brother with a bit of worry mixed in with her compassion. "Carson?"

"Yeah?"

"I... found something in one of your jackets... and..." She takes a deep breath through her nose. "Kinda confirms it..."

Carson knows exactly where she's going. She must have found the pack of cigarettes that he hadn't remembered where he'd put. Giving a groan, he pushes off the counter and heads to the hallway. "Not now, Dani. I'm going to bed."

"But..." Dani's words trail off as he brother disappears. She sighs. That hadn't gone very well. She wasn't mad at Carson, only confused, and wishing she could do something for him.


Reese looks up at Nate and shakes his head slowly. "No... nothing new. There's just nothing to go on right now. No one's heard a thing... I just wish they'd call back and give us some direction... for now though, the only thing we can do is hope to trace the vehicle. That's the only thing we have to go on."


Scott stares at the computer screen, his fingers flying on the keys, his eyes trying to catch all of the information they can. His eyes weary, he'd finally given in to take his contacts out and put his glasses on instead, though he still hated letting people see his blind eye.

Moving ahead with the information Jason had given him, he'd located the vehicle, but had run into more hurdles trying to find the owner. It would take a while, and probably a few phone calls too.


Rick shoulders his bag and gives Misty a nod. "Going home for just a bit. I'll be back so you can get some rest too. Need anything, call me, okay?"


Ryder steps through the door onto the TJY floor, letting the door slam shut behind him. Not only had no one bothered to tell him about Katie, but then he'd been left at the scene without word as well. So much for being part of the team.

Stalking by the cubicles, he glances around but doesn't see Laura. She must have gone somewhere else like Nate had said. The bundle under his arm squirms and complains a little, but he doesn't let go. Henry was tucked safely in his arm, having had no where else to go.

Turning down the hall, Trooper is just coming out of Jason's office, and spies the cat. His ears perk forward and he gives a low bark.

Ryder isn't even fazed. "Steady on, mate," he returns. "You want this cat for breakfast, you'll have to go through me."

Trooper relaxes and turns to go back into Jason's office. Jason lifts an eyebrow. Trooper never responded to someone else like that... ever. He looks up to Ryder, eying the cat.

Ryder gives Jason a glance of annoyance. "Thanks for letting me know what's going on. I'll be hanging around here for a bit, so really... put me to use sometime."

"Look, Ryder, I..." Too late, he was gone. Jason sighs. He didn't have time to worry about anyone getting in a snit over anything.

Ryder continues his route, not knowing where he was going or what he was looking for, but reaching the infirmary, he stops, entering slowly and giving the door a light knock with his knuckle. "Misty?" A wry grin surfaces. "I got someone here who could use a bit of a look on his paw. I think he mighta stepped in some glass earlier."


Alec rolls over on his side, trying to wake up. From the meds Misty had given him though, everything was foggy and he couldn't quite pull himself all the way out of his sleep.

His hand was throbbing. It had been a while, and the bandages now felt tight. He knew that his hand had swollen - sure sign of infection. But as dazed as he was, he wasn't in any shape to call out to anyone.


Laura settles down on the couch, staring up at the dark ceiling. Janet had let her in. Maggie had been to bed hours before, so now the house was quiet. Laura had opted to stay over here instead of in Rick and Janet's spare room, so in case Nate came back or needed anything, she'd be easy to find.

Turning onto her side, she nuzzles her face into the throw pillow and closes her eyes. Breathing in, she felt safe... it smelled like Nate.


Gage shakes his head and pulls a bandanna out of his back pocket. "You know they won't bend. And I know they won't bend. But why... I didn't think you'd ask that. You know the game isn't always about logic."

Reaching out, he roughly wipes some dried blood off the side of Katie's mouth from the cut in her lip. "You know, you can fight all you want... you can be as stubborn as ever... but it won't do a bit of good. Hide what you're feeling, go ahead. But in the end, it's still going to hurt just as bad."

He retreats, tucking the bandanna back into his pocket. "You better pray they DO do what we want... otherwise you won't be the only one hurting. Your aunt would be pretty miserable without you, I'd bet."

Upper hand

Letting out a long sigh Misty sits back down at her desk after cleaning up. She wanted to call Carson and make sure he was ok but something held her back. Maybe all he needed was time to cool down and wanted to give him that. Giving a small sigh Misty couldn't help but feel a little bad for Carson. He had been under so much stress latly it really wasn't surprising she finally snapped. Shaking her head Misty trys to get back to work figure it would be the best. In an hour or two she would check on Alec.

Getting back inside to TJY Nate unzips his jacket and turns to Jason. It wasnt often he took a strong controlle on things but this was differnt and he had a fire burning.

"Jase take this plate number to Scott and see if he found anything else out on the pictures. I am gonna go do some tests on this oil and see what we got."

Taking there sepret ways Nate pass Reese office and pokes his head in for a moment just to give him a low down on everything they had found.

"Anything new here?"

Lifting her head just a little Katie can see the light shine through the door as it opens. After being in the darkness for hours just that little bit of light that cut through the dark gave Katie a bit of hope that the light still shined and she was still with it, thought the pain of Jason being gone was great because by now surely he couldent be alive without her.

Seeing the saring in her capters hand Katie knows what is coming next again. Why where they keeping her alive. What was it they really wanted.

"Why are you even bothering? They arnt going to give you what you want."

Katie wondered if maybe this medicen they were giving her was blacking even a little bit of her own emotions to herself. She wasnt unset and sad as much as she thought she might. Though she new in the background the feelings, the pain, it was there and it would only be matter of time before she felt it to its full force.

As Katie's head is lifted up her gaze pearces his as she looks back at him. His words held, hate and lies. Giving a scoff Katie had to keep the upper hand, she had to stay in controlle."

Too bad

Reese takes hold of Alec, ready to take him back to the holding cell.

"Aw come on!" Alec complains. "You can't keep me here forever!"

"Actually... we have permission to keep you here as long as we deem you to be valuable." Reese aims him for the door. "Come on."

"I've told you everything I know! Why can't that be enough?!"

"Because... people like you always have more." Reese's tone is calm as he continues to push Alec down the hall. It isn't hard. Alec was getting groggy already. By the time they reach the holding cell, Alec is ready to just lie on the cot, fighting sleep for only a few minutes before he's out cold.

Shaking his head, Reese goes back upstairs. He didn't know the details, but seeing Carson so upset... had Reese been right to ask Carson to come back to the force? Maybe he had been premature. Carson had changed, no doubt, but seeing his temper again... now Reese wasn't so sure that having him here was totally a good idea.


Carson stalks outside and into the parking lot. Leaning back against the brick building, all is quiet. It was very late... or rather "early" was more like it now. The outdoors were dark... and he was miserable. Alec had just pushed the right buttons... had said just the right things... he deserved what he got!

But Carson again sees the look in Misty's eyey. Sighing, he goes for his pack of cigarettes. His nerves would be calm for the drive home.


Jason agrees with Nate and collects all the information he cam to take back to TJY. Before he knows it, they're pulling back into the TJY parking lot.


The steel doors open slowly, letting in a dim stream of light. The Agency operative enters slowly, letting the door fall shut again. Pulling on a thin chain, a little light comes on to reveal the dingy cell. The damp air smelled musty. Dripping water could be heard in the corner.

Gage approaches the pole where Katie was held. His dark eyes study her as he walks. Putting the syringe between his teeth to hold, he reaches out to roll up her sleeve. He could see where the ropes had dug into her wrists, making them bleed. Gripping her arm tightly, he finds the spot he wants, and retrieves the syringe. It was obvious he'd done this before... a long time before Katie had arrived.

A lock of his dark hair hung down over his forehead. His hands were rough on Katie's skin, his grip unforgiving. The needle pierces her skin and the Eliminator is injected once more.

"Hurts now," he mutters under his breath. "But it'd hurt a whole lot more if you didn't have it. It's like a bad drug. Don't want it, but can't live without it."

Backing up a step, he puts a finger under Katie's chin to lift her face. "Too bad you're pretty." He lets his hand drop again. "But don't worry. If everyone cooperates, you'll get out of here before you're too messed up."

Games

Giving a little start as Carson loses his temper Misty just stands almost frozen in place. Misty hadnt seen Carson like this in a long time. He wasnt being forward, he wasnt being stern he was just being down right mean, and had blown his top. For a moment it put a fear into Misty that she didnt like.

Everything happens to fast and though Misty says Carson's name is goes unhurd, and she is powerless to stop anything. One thing leads to the next till finally Reese steps in and Misty lets out a small sigh happy her Uncle came when he did before someone became hurt.

As Carson is told to go home Misty steps forward to talk to him but stops as she receves the glair from Carson. She cant help the emotions that rise inside of her at the look. It made her feel horrable. Maybe she had done something wrong this time.

Trying to keep the feelings at bay Misty turns again looking down at the blood soaked bandage on Alecs hand. A new anger rose as she new he had done this knowing he would get under Carson's skin.

Getting a few more bandages, and another needle and thread Misty goes to work on Alec's hand once again this time not being as careful as she had been before.

"That wasnt a very nice think you did getting under Carson's skin like that. You'd better watch it or someone might really knock you out for it."

Once Alec's hand is stiched and wrapped again Misty lets out a small sigh. She was tired and worryed about Katie and still Alec seemed to rub her the wrong way with what had happend moment before. She new the pain killed and sleeping pills she had giving him would kick in soon and at least for now he would be knocked out.

Turning to her Uncle she gives a nod to him.

"He can go back to the holding cell now."

Looking back to Alec a look of disapointment but sterness for the rules flashed for in her eyes as the tiny flames flicker. Keeping her voice strong and in controlle she looks back to Reese.

"After the show he just put on and the games he played I am sure he will be fine. I'll keep an eye on him through the camras. He will be knocked out shortly anyways."

Feeling his phone ring Nate just lets it go to voicemail for the moment. He would check in a second when he was done with Jason.

"Yeah have Scott run that and take a sample of the oil. Sometimes you can learn alot from simple things. At this point anything that can lead us forward is a good thing."

Nate really ment that. Having some kind of hope would help them stay strong and hold there heads up. He'd take anything at this point. Though it had not even been a day yet that Katie had been gone it was still to long for his liking.

Stepping away for a moment Nate pulls out his phone and see the voice mail is from Laura. Listing to the mail Nate cant help but be a little shocked that Laura said she would be staying at his house but at the same time it made Nate smile, and his heart jump a little bit that Laura was trusting him enough to stay there. Even in the mits of the darkend night, a little light shone through to show not all of the world was dark.

Blissfully ignorant

Carson isn't happy, but finally nods in surrender. "Alright... he can stay up here. But one wrong move and he goes back down." He moves to sink into a nearby chair, to rest and now to keep watch on Alec.

Alec watches Carson and Misty interact for a moment, giving Carson a sly look. "So... she's the one in charge, eh?"

"Shut up," Carson growls.

Alec almost laughs. "Big, bad Carson... being told what to do by a woman. If I ever get out of here, that'll be the story to tell."

Carson bristles, straightening to glare at his brother. "Enough, Alec."

"Whatcha gonna do?" Alec taunts, keeping his voice low. "Doctor's orders for me to take it easy. You can't touch me."

Carson's anger flares up in his eyes. He had enough confusing emotions pertaining to Alec the way it was, without him being mocked on top of it. Getting to his feet, he ignores Misty's request, yanking Alec off the table and starting to drag him to the door. "You're going back down."

"No!" Alec fights against him. "Misty said I should stay!"

"Well, Misty's not in charge, now is she?!" Carson gives Alec a shove toward the hallway. "Walk or be dragged, it's up to you."

Alec spins around, standing tall to meet Carson eye-to-eye. "Just try."

"Fine." Carson manhandles Alec through the door with no mercy.

Alec trips over the door frame and stumbles, only to still be shoved forward. "Ouch!" he wails, holding his injured hand. "Take it easy!"

"Taking it easy on you means not killing you. Now move!"

"You can't do this!" Alec raises his voice. "It's prisoner brutality! Stop!"

His wails echo down the hall and suddenly a new voice interrupts. "Carson!" Reese barks. "What are you doing?"

Carson stops. Unbelievable. He keeps one hand tight on his captive. "I'm taking this guy back down the holding cell."

"What's he doing out in the first place?"

"Long story."

Alec squirms, purposely balling his hand into a tight fist, then snapping his fingers open to stretch his palm. The pain was excruciating as he could feel the stitches tear. "I'm hurt!" he complains to Reese. "I'm supposed to stay up here!" The bandage on his hand has quickly become crimson, noticeable to Reese.

"Carson, he's still bleeding!" Reese reprimands. "Get him back in there, for crying out loud. What are you thinking?"

Carson just stands for a moment, irritated but with no recourse. "Fine." He whips Alec around and gives him a swift shove back into the infirmary. Alec trips, landing hard against a table and just making his hand worse.

Giving a glare over his shoulder, Alec catches Carson's eye, a faint grin ever-so-slight. And only then does Carson realize that he'd just been played. But as he steps forward, he's stopped by Reese's hand to his chest.

Reese shakes his head in warning. "I'll bring Hal to watch him."

"So what am I supposed to do?" Carson throws up his hands.

"How about take a break?" Reese suggests calmly. "We have refreshments to the left and a spare room to the right. Your pick."

Carson is seething. He looks back in the infirmary, accidentally catching Misty's eye. He didn't mean to glare at her, but it slipped. Looking down quickly, he knows that staying here would just cause more trouble. He turns back to Reese. "Have Jason or Nate call me if they need me. I'm going home."

Spinning on his heel, he heads down the hall.

Seeing him leave, Alec relaxes, though it's not easy with as much pain as his hand was in again. But it had been worth it.


Ryder's eyes continue to be wide with confusion and a bit of irritation towards a few of the things Nate had said. But before he can even respond, Nate is gone again, following after Jason.

Sighing, he shakes his head and turns around to trudge to the corner of the living room where he kept some of his things. He needed to get something on his feet, find his badge and go to TJY with or without Nate and Jason. He didn't care whether Nate was okay with him helping or not - he was helping and that was that.


Jason is squatting near a small spot in the road, fingering the oily spot. "Yeah... oil." He looks up to Nate. It was obvious that he was connecting this vehicle to the one that had been in the park. It was also obvious that it was a long shot, but it was all they had. "We've got a license number. I bet whoever took Katie wanted to make a clean sweep and probably thought they'd take out both Ryder and Laura."

He stands up, wiping his hand on his jeans. "We should get back to TJY and have Scott trace this plate number. Ryder can make sure the cops get what they need from this scene."


Laura hits the speed dial for Nate's number as she drives down the road. Reese had told her to get some rest and come back in a couple hours. Getting Nate's voicemail, she leaves a short message. "It's me. I'm headed to your place. Con and Jamie are still working and I didn't want to be at their place alone. I'll check on Maggie while I'm there - Rick said Janet would help me bed down for a few hours. I'll see you in a while. If you need me sooner, give me a call."


Gage sits at the computer in the dimly-lit room. He turns his head only slightly as the other thug comes back from the chamber, then concentrates on his work again. His face told that he was too young to be here... but innocence had already been lost. Twenty-four years, under the influence of the Agency from birth - he hadn't had a chance.

"The family is still clueless," he informs. "Traced calls going in to the ranch and as far as I can tell, they don't know about the girl yet."

He motions to his monitor. "The fathers are blissfully ignorant as well. Would have been easy enough to just snatch 'em ourselves and I told Medridge that this morning. But he still wants to keep things spiced up with the girl. 'Watch 'em squirm' is what he said."

He shrugs, not really caring. "That's the latest if you want to report it."

Confustion

Shaking her head Misty looks to Carson and than back to Alec than Carson again. She really did need to keep him here to keep and eye on his for just a little.

"Carson, I really do need him here. Whether he is a prisner or not he is still human and its my job to keep him safe. You can stay here to, to make sure he dosnt try anything if you want."

Misty's eyes plead with Carson as she talks though the softness is still behind them.

"Just an hour thats all I need, just to make sure no infection or anything else forms. Its my job, I have to make sure."

Looking back to Ryder Nate's eyes show he was sorry. Someone really should have told him, but with all the hussle it was hard to remember.

"I'm sorry Ryder, I really am. If Katie new I forgot to tell you she would probley shoot me. Everything happend so fast and with Jason always keeling over from his emotions being cut off from Katie...its just got lost in the wind to tell anyone."

With that though Nate remember he was going to have to have someone call Katie's aunt and uncle to let them know what happend or for sure they would hear it from them as well.

" It happend about this afternoon. We arnt sure why and this here is the only lead we have right now. Someone called Jason's phone and from there nothing. Its probley not to safe here right now, and 10 to 1 says Laura is gonna stay at Con's. I have extra room at my place and your more than welcome to stay there for now."

Giving Ryder's arm a gentil pat Nate trys to smile.

"If you wanna talk to Reese about maybe helping us out you can tell him I have no problem with that I know Katie was your friend too. I'm sorry again Ryder."

Making his way out of the house down the steps heading to where he saw Jason by the road. Nate was tired, he was stressed and he new maybe a bit groupy but he couldnt give up not yet. Maybe just a few more hours, and lookin into this lead. Right now anything was a step closer to finding Katie and gave hope to finding her alive.

"Find anything Jase?"

Receiving a backhand to the face Katie cringes as a rough voice screams as her again.

"Tell us what we want to know and it would be better for you. This call all end if you just tell us."

Looking up at the bawd man who looked like he hadn't showered in weeks Katie shakes her head only to receive another slap. Tasting blood in her mouth now from where her lip split open Katie trys to hold her head up as she is bound to a pole.

"I don't know what your talking about."

Katie trys to think, using her powers was useless. They new somehow they new and found a way to block her from communicating with Jason and causing any emotional fear to the other people around her.

Everything seemed so fuzzy. She new some time had passed for the last time she had been awake but it was so hazzy its almost felt like thatever they had given her was trying to ajust itself to her body making laps in time.

The man steps up to her again and takes Katies face in his hands jerking it up to look into her eyes.

"As stupid as the rest of your family. You know we don't like it when people interfere with our planes Miss Pent and we know you and a team where in Austraila for just that. How much is your life worth to the Elite huh? You think enough they would give us what we want? If they dont, you'll rot down here and such a shame, a pretty think like yourself."

Squinting her eyes just a little Katie stairs back at her capture. Fear was not an option and not a weakness you wanted to show anyone who belonged to the Agency. So as closed off as she was to Jason Katie also left it out of her eyes. Hawking up a nice spit wad she hurls it in he mans direction a grin forming on her face.

"Than so be it. I'd rather die than have them give you anything."

Taking his hand to whip the spit off the anger shows on the mans face, and his hand connects with Katie's face again with such force and sliping her dry lip open once again.

"Your going to wish you didn't say that because every moment your going to feel it. I am going to make you stay a live to the very last moment....and they...they are going to watch you slowly fade away."

Giving a cackling laugh the man turns his back and starts to head up the steps slamming a heavy steel door behind him.

What did he mean they were going to watch? Katie felt so confused on his last statment but something told her she would find out sooner or later.

Would have been nice

Carson and Jason both jump at Nate's entrance. Jason is on his feet in an instant, holstering his sidearm and clipping his badge to his belt.

Carson stands too, but feels a bit lost. "Jase..." His words trail off as Jason and Trooper disappear. Jason had a one-track mind tonight. Not that anyone could blame him.

Sighing, Carson ambles out into the hall. Without any direct orders now, he wasn't sure what to do. He'd wrung the only obvious source dry... now what? His body warned him that he was nearing exhaustion. And he still needed to open up the restaurant in the morning. Perhaps he should leave things be here and go home for a while. Though he was just as intent on finding his young friend, he knew that sometimes rest was necessary.

Wandering towards the infirmary, he decides to at least stop in to see Misty and check on Alec. Maybe he'd sack out in there for a while instead of going home - at least he would be right on hand if needed, but he could still get some shuteye before morning.

Arriving at the open door, Carson is about to enter, but hearing Misty's voice, something makes him stop. He didn't usually eavesdrop, but there was a different tone to Misty's voice, and wondering why on earth she'd be talking so casually to Alec, he finds himself pausing unseen outside the door.

"...I ended up falling in love with him..."

Carson's eyes widen slightly, and he leans back against the hallway wall. He blinks, trying to decide if he'd heard Misty correctly or not. He knew he had. It was strange... even though he and Misty spent so much time together and even thought they'd always been affectionate towards each other, hearing her say those words... hearing her say that she loved him... It confirmed that she had indeed already said it a time or two in passing...

Why her words sent chills down Carson's spine, he wasn't sure. It was an unfamiliar feeling and one he wasn't sure if he liked or not. Of course Misty's attention made him feel good, but... love? Was it... was it returned?

Shaking his head, Carson forces himself not to think about it anymore right now. This wasn't even his conversation. Listening for a few more moments, he rolls his eyes. Alec didn't belong on the upper level for any longer than absolutely necessary. No one should be babying him.


Alec's eyes narrow as he realizes that he's not going to pull one over on Misty. Taking the pills grudgingly, he downs them quickly. "Kid," he mutters. "That does it... now I have been dissed as many ways as humanly possible."

He shakes his head. "I shoulda known I'd be following in Carson's wake. He was big stuff at the Agency, I'm not surprised he's big stuff around here too. He's got the ego for it."

"Ego isn't what'll knock your lights out if you don't shut up."

Alec spins his head quickly to see Carson enter the infirmary. He tries to hide the fact that his half-brother did indeed scare him to a certain degree. "Well, if it isn't the Aussie himself."

"It is." Carson glares at Alec, folding his arms across his chest. He glances to Misty, his eyes gentler only with her, though there would be no small talk or banter right now. "He needs to go back to the cell right now," he directs.

"You're not in charge of me," Alec defends, desperate not to go back downstairs yet. "Don't think you can fool me - Hal doesn't want you handling me."

"Hal doesn't have a choice," Carson states flatly. "You're stitched up, you got pain killers, it's time to go back downstairs where you belong."

"Aw come on!" Alec throws Misty a sidelong glance, then eyes Carson again. "I gave you what you wanted! Why can't you just leave me alone?"

"You don't deserve it?" Carson quirks one eyebrow and takes several steps forward. "You can walk, or I can drag you. Up to you."

Alec grits his teeth. His hand was throbbing, his head hurt, and he didn't want to go back down. "Just try," he threatens.


Laura looks up at Nate, her eyes widening. "The house? But..." Then her face pales. "Oh no... Ryder. Is he okay?" Worry courses through her eyes. "He doesn't even know what's going on - I can't believe I forgot to call him. Please find out if he's okay... and make sure he has somewhere to stay too..."

Concentrating on her tasks was harder than ever now. Not only was Katie missing, but their house had been shot up, just compounding the stress.

Once Nate is gone, Laura does her best to work, though she grows weary. A prayer remains in the forefront along with the hope that Katie was okay.


Jason is quick to catch up to Nate and slides in the car with him for a quick ride to the house. There were several police cruisers and already an officer was needing to keep back a few nosy neighbors.

Brown meets both Nate and Jason immediately. "Glad you guys made it so quickly. Thanks for coming." He walks them to the house. "Ryder hasn't been able to come up with any answers - maybe you guys can."

Talking with an officer, Ryder stops as he finally sees some familiar faces. "Am I glad to see you two. This place is a shambles, thanks to some ruffians."

"Do you know who they were?" Jason asks.

"Nope." Ryder shakes his head. "Agency scum I think though." He points to two body bags. "Couldn't identify them but it was their style of a hit and run."

Jason frowns. "You just had to kill them, didn't you?"

Ryder grows a little defensive. "I'd be glad to go back in time and put you in my place to see what you would have done." He holds out a piece of paper a bit grudgingly. "I did get a license plate number if you think that would help any."

Jason snatches it from him. "What kind of vehicle was it?"

"A van. Why?"

Jason looks to Nate. "This has to be connected. That could even be the same vehicle."

"The same vehicle as what?" Ryder throws up his arms. "What is going on?"

"Katie was taken," Jason snaps. "We're trying to find her. A live prisoner would have been nice."

"What?!" Ryder's eyes turn huge. "She was taken? When? Why didn't anybody tell me?!"

Jason doesn't even respond. He's too fast out the door and sprinting for the street to check for any oil spots.

Ryder looks to Nate. "Who do I have to thank for leaving me in the dark over this one?" He didn't really mean to take out his frustrations on Nate, but he was tired of feeling so out of the loop. He hadn't felt this way in Australia.

Check

A grin forms on Misty's face as she cocks her head to the side a little. It wasnt hard to tell at all that this was indeed a relation to Carson. For a moment Misty is taking back to a the time when she first met Carson. The look in his eyes, the way she felt when he had held her in his arms and the first kiss she had even gotten from Carson Banks. It was strange how much time had passed but thinking about it, it seemed like just yesterday.

Coming back to the here and know Misty continues to grin. She had to stay focused with what was going on and couldnt let Alec have the upper hand.

"Ah, having a criminal breathing down my neck dosnt bother me. I've delt with it before."

Giving a shake of her head Misty turns around to the counter puting a few pills into a small cup.

"You know a while ago your brother sat in the same spot and I fixed him up. I did everything to keep him out of that cell. I ended up falling in love with him. A comman criminal, the worst of the worst found it in himself to change and made me the happyest woman in the world. It was a long hard road, but I think I would do it again for the outcome I have now."

Misty gives a smile as the flams in her eyes flicker. Since Carson it had grown brighter and now talking it about it gave Misty's face a glow.

Turning back around to Alec she holds the tiny cup out to him with some water.

"Sorry kid, but your brother beat you to it. I've gotten a little smarter since than on what I can and cant do. I have to watch you for a little bit to make sure you dont rip those stickes out so you at least get to stay up here for an hour or so. Than I need to take you back. Take this it will help with the pain and help you sleep."

Hearing Brown's voice Nate feels instintly awake and is all ears. Standing before Brown is even done Nate has his jacket on. Someone hit Laura and Katie's house was it really only a concordance.

"All right I am on it I will be down."

Hanging up the phone and exiting his cubicle Nate makes his way to Jason's office quickly. Not even knowing Nate opens the door stepping inside.

"Jason, with me. Brown just called there was a shoot out at Katie and Laura's place. I am going to check it out and I want you to come with me."

As fast as he had entered Jason's office Nate was gone again heading for the door. Along the way Nate stops at Laura's desk. Leaning over he gives her a kiss on the top of the head.

"There was a shoot up at your house tonight, I want you to stay at Con and Jamie's or you can take up the spair bedroom at my place where it is safe. Jason and I are going to go check it out."

Two down

Con and Laura's conversation is halted, and the coffee is accepted gratefully. Con takes a sip and lets the warm liquid slide slowly down his throat. "Mm... thank you."

He reaches out and pulls Jamie close, leaving his arm around her shoulders. "No... nothing yet."

Laura shakes her head. "There just isn't anything to go on. Scott finished retrieving all the satellite pictures, but he's still trying to zero in on them and try to figure out the make and model of the cars that were there. It'll be nearly impossible to distinguish license plates though."

Con grits his teeth, trying not to let his worry show. Of all people, why did it have to be Katie?


Alec doesn't resist Misty's medical care, though by his body language, it's obvious that he's not happy - his scowl remains. The only time he flinches though, is when Misty comes with the needle. Looking away, he lets her finish, gritting his teeth against the pain.

Finally when he's all stitched up and wrapped, he looks up at Misty, the look that could kill, fading into one resembling something more sly. "You got a lot of pull around here, don't you? Access to the cell... telling off Hal there."

He quirks an eyebrow looking oh-so-much like Carson. "They're all so busy with this case of theirs, they probably wouldn't even notice if you let me stay up here for a while."

In all reality, Alec's hand was killing him with the screaming pain, but to be out of the holding cell was something he couldn't help but find as a relief. His eyes stare into Misty's, the question lingering. "Besides... if he's the only company you got..." He gestures to Rick. "...then maybe you wouldn't find my presence too repulsive. Or would you? Having a dastardly criminal breathing down your neck."


Hal flops down in his chair again, the irritation showing on his face. He hadn't answered Misty, though a part of him was a little sorry for treating Carson like he had. But how was he to have known what would happen? Sure, Carson seemed to be a good guy now, but when pushed, he was also one that could easily cross the line. Hal was here to do his job and he would keep doing it. The next time he found out Misty was helping cut corners, it would be Reese knowing about it.


The television drones on in the living room, casting light and shadows around the dark room. As the remote slips from Ryder's hand onto the floor, his eyes pop open. How long he'd been dozing, he wasn't even sure. But it was getting late.

Yawning, he rolls over on his side, thinking about getting up and calling TJY to see if Laura or Katie were just working late. But Henry crawling up to lie on his hip makes him stay a few minutes longer. The cat's purring was enough to start putting him back to sleep again.

The sound of squealing tires though, makes Ryder jump. He hears a loud engine roaring up the street, and for a moment, his pulse quickens. There was always traffic, but it usually wasn't quite as rowdy as this sounded.

Getting up from the couch, he wanders to the window, just in time to see a van speeding around the corner. It puts on its brakes, laying rubber, and there are several men just visible under the street light.

Ryder's heart leaps into his throat and he has just enough time to throw himself onto the floor before the gunfire rips through the house. Bullets whiz through the room, slicing through the front door and shattering the windows. Ryder stays on the floor, covering his head with his hands. He hears Henry wail in fear and looks up just fast enough to see the cat race down the hall, escaping the barrage.

Suddenly, the gunfire stops. Ryder breathes heavily, his heart pounding in his chest. What was going on?! Who were these people? What were they after?

Crawling on his stomach, he makes it over to the end table where he'd stuck his handgun up underneath. Pulling it out, he checks to make sure it's loaded before rolling over and around the corner. He could hear footsteps on the porch. Two men? Three? He wasn't sure. But one thing he was sure of was that if they caught him, he would be dead.

He hears the door open and hears the clicking of guns. He closes his eyes for a moment, trying to catch his breath. He counts in his head, waiting for the right moment to show himself. It was risky. There were no lights on, and whoever was there might very well have night vision equipment. The bullets that had entered the house weren't from any normal gun off the street. These were professionals.

Making it to ten Ryder rolls out from his hiding place in the hallway. Gunfire echoes in his ears as he makes a somersault into a kneeling position in front of three adversaries. One goes down. Two go down. The other turns to flee.

Ryder ignores the two downed men for now and rises to his feet to sprint after the third. He didn't take the time to think about how strange it was that the third one didn't stick around. But a chase to the van is futile. Ryder doesn't dare fire any more shots into the neighborhood, and the enemy gets to the van just fast enough to burn rubber as he speeds away. Whoever it was, certainly wasn't loyal to his partners.

His pulse still pounding, Ryder stands in the street, only now realizing that he was still in his bare feet. Wincing, he slowly walks back towards the house. Sirens could already be heard. A neighbor had called the police.


The TJY phone rings, answered by Susanne. But several minutes of searching proves she can't find Reese anywhere. Finally she calls Nate's phone. "Nate? Chief Brown on line two. He asked for Reese, but you're up."

Once Brown hears someone's voice, he quickly explains his call. "We got a situation down here at the resident of some of your agents." He rattles off Laura and Katie's address. "The place is shot up, we got two people dead, and one Australian guy claiming to be Elite too." He pauses to speak to another officer who was out on the sidewalk with him. Red and blue lights illuminated the small portion of the street, five officers were picking up evidence and two more were inside checking the bodies and trying to get answers from Ryder. "I need someone down here to figure out what on earth is going on before anything else can happen."

Boost

Looking up from her desk as Hal comes in with Alec a grin forms on her lips that is gone as quick as it came. Standing Misty grabs a few items for Alec's hand.

"You know Carson have every right to be there as much as the next person when it came to trying to find answers about Katie seeing as Jason asked him to be on the case. I trusted him not to hurt Alec to badly as well, maybe you do the same."

Turning her back to Hal Misty starts to work on Alec's hand she didnt want to argue, and she didnt want to fight it had been a late night and everyone was on edge. She had said her peace and that was that.

Taking a closer look at Alec's hand Misty can see how deep the cut is and knows she will need to stick it up. Tuning around once again she prepairs a needle to numb Alec's hand and gets a needle and some thread.

"All honestly here Alec your pretty lucky. That cut is pretty deep, any deeper and it would of cut your tendin and there would of been a good possibility you could never use your hand again."

Within no time Misty is finishing up the last stich on Alec's hand. She worked quickly and made sure there were snug before wrapping his hand up in some gause.

"Try not to open and close your hand to much and in a few days I'll check on it."

Carrying two cups of coffee Jamie can spot Con's big frame from around Laura's cubicle. Walking slowly Jamie makes sure she is not interupting anything. Giving a smile to Laura and than to Con the best one she could muster she holds out both cups of coffee.

"Its gonna be a long night. I thought maybe a little boost we be nice for us all."

Looking between Con and Laura again Jamie lets out a soft worryed sigh.

"Anything yet?"

Scuffle

Hal follows Nate's gaze, also realizing now that it was indeed Carson in the cell with Alec. "Yes," he mutters. "I gotta get down there before he kills him. I don't know how he got in there. Come with me."

Sprinting down the hall and taking the steps two at a time, Hal makes it to the keypad, quickly punching in the numbers to unlock the door. "Carson!"

Carson had no intention of killing Alec, so the intrusion is a surprise that makes him loosen his grip.

Unfortunately, Alec takes advantage of the moment. In one swift movement, he's out from under Carson's grasp, trying to gain the upper hand, and going for the knife. For a second or two, Carson is vulnerable, and whirls around in an attempt to get his control back, while at the same time, trying to keep Hal out of it.

Hal stands back from the dangerous scuffle, unsure whether to interfere or not. His hand remains resting on his sidearm and he glance to Nate, not knowing what should be done.

Carson and Alec continue their battle, until suddenly Alec cries out in pain, doubling over and kneeling on the floor. Carson is breathing heavily, his knife still clutched in his hand, his glare aimed at his brother. A sickening "click" makes him look to the side at Hal who now had a gun drawn on him.

"Drop the knife," Hal orders. For all he knew, this was a personal fight between newfound brothers.

Carson shifts his gaze to Nate with a look that mixed confusion and irritation. "You really think I'm gonna kill him?" he asks, shaking his head. "Put the gun away, Hal. You should know me better than that."

"You already stabbed him once. Put the knife away first."

"I didn't stab him!"

"Then what is that?" Hal gestures to Alec's still-doubled-over form.

Carson rolls his eyes. Closing his knife and putting it back in his pocket, he leans over and grabs Alec's arm, yanking him to his feet.

Alec cries out, wincing with the pain as his hand is jerked forward. The knife had sliced his palm from one side to the other, and was now bleeding badly.

Hal rolls his eyes and uncocks his gun. "Way to go."

"It was his own fault," Carson remarks coldly. He looks to Nate again. "We know it was the Agency that took Katie. This piece of..." He cuts himself off by biting his tongue then restarting. "This guy doesn't know any more than that. But at least now we do know it was them."

Hal moves forward taking Alec's good arm and twisting it behind his back to push him out the door. "I got a loaded gun on your back, kid," he mutters. "One wrong move and I won't hesitate. Don't try anything."

Watching the two leave, Carson is still breathing a little heavily, and wipes some sweat from his brow. "Well... that was invigorating." For now, he would ignore the strange emotions he felt for just having met his brother. "Now I have to go see Jason." He knows that if he gave Nate too much time, he'd be asked how he felt about this, and he didn't want to talk about it right now. Moving past Nate, he wipes his hand on his jeans, cleaning off some of Alec's blood.

Hal marches Alec upstairs and into the infirmary. "Misty!" he calls gruffly. "Patch this guy up and do it quick. And in the meantime, get it in your head not to go around letting people in where they don't belong."

His stern look is thrown in Misty's direction, proving that he'd come to the only logical conclusion about how Carson had been able to get into the holding cell. "Reese would have your hide. No one was to have spoken to this prisoner."

Alec is shoved down into a chair, his arm finally released. He holds his bleeding hand tightly, but the pressure doesn't do a whole lot of good. The blood just drips on the floor, determined to flow from the wound that was deeper than first thought. Alec's eyes remain down. While it felt good to be out of the holding cell, he was in pain, and he knew that everyone here despised him. He wouldn't have thought that would bother him... but his human feelings were starting to return after being away from the Agency, and knowing that he was alone did nothing but depress him.


Carson ambles to Jason's office, tapping on the door. He's met with Trooper's growl. "Hey, pooch, settle down, bub."

Trooper eyes him skeptically, but remains lying on the floor, putting his head back down to signal that he'd let Carson in.

Jason looks up wearily. "Hey, Carson."

"Hey." Carson sits down in a spare chair. "How's it going?"

"Not good." Jason rubs his eyes. "Can't find any leads."

Carson sighs. "They'll come." He cocks his head. "What about you and Katie? What's up there?"

"I don't know."

"Well how are you..."

"I don't know!" Jason sighs, not having meant to snap. "We were cut off. I don't know how. Rick had been working on something though that he gave me, hence, why I'm not dead."

"And Katie?"

Jason is quiet for a moment. "Logic says she's still alive - otherwise they would have just left a body. The only thing I can think of is that they gave her something too. So... for now I'm going to believe she's still alive."

Carson nods, knowing that they all had to keep that outlook. "If you're the one with the whole emotion thing though why..." His confusion is evident.

Jason smirks. "You think I know?" He shakes his head. "It's like... I don't know. On a normal day, my emotions need somewhere to go. On a normal day, Katie needs to soak up my emotions. They're my poison and her antidote. Just... works that way."

"How do you guys talk?"

Jason shrugs. "She can use emotions to some extent, just not like me - usually she can just receive or pull out, not push out. So the whole communication thing... I don't know... it's just... there. I've wondered if some of it is actually her rejecting certain emotions from me, that in turn, bounce back to me as messages."

"So you think without having your extra emotions to work with, she wouldn't be able to form messages at all?"

"I guess... something like that. I don't know."

"And... so... without your plethora of emotions... she'd just have her own to work with, but that wouldn't be enough for any communication?" Carson just stares at Jason lamely. "And you think about this every time?"

Jason manages a wry grin. "No. It's as easy as talking." He looks down then back up to Carson. "Usually I'm a walking time bomb. Katie keeps me from blowing. She's usually an empty basin. I keep her filled up. We've both learned to do the opposite to some extent.... I can try to pull from her in an attempt to force her to communicate with me, and she can push back some emotions to communicate with me. But outside of just her and me... all I can do is fire emotions and all she can do is extract them."

"So she couldn't go blowing me up like you could."

Jason would have laughed had he not been so stressed. "She could just make you go mad, that's all."

"Oh well then..." Carson rolls his eyes. "Guess I'm safe."

"Yeah, next time you see her, be careful, 'cause she'll reach into your mind and start pulling emotions to the surface just to watch you squirm."

"At least she wouldn't be hurling a ball of anger in my direction."

Jason shakes his head. "That's my job." He looks down again. "At least it was."

"And it will be," Carson states flatly. "We're going to find her. I just confirmed that it was indeed the Agency."

"How?"

"Talked to our prisoner."

"And?"

"That's all he knows. We're going to have to find leads elsewhere."


Reese paces his office, his cell phone to his ear. It was odd that he would have a TJY related call on his cell phone and not through their own lines. But from the conversation it was obviously work that he was talking about. He didn't realize that his door was cracked open, allowing anyone passing to hear.

"No. You stick to the case.... No! You're there for a reason. We will handle this... we have enough men on it... look... I.... no! My decision is final! I know you want to help, but the best you can do is stay right where you are. You have to stay on route or you'll blow that whole thing. ...Trust us... we will bring her back and when we do, you'll be one of the first to know.... no... Sit tight, alright? We'll solve this."

E.E.

Running a hand over his face Nate lets out a frustrated sigh. He'd come up with dead end after dead end. He didnt know where else to look, the tracks on this one had been covered so well that there really was nothing to go on.

As Nate sits a million things run through his mind. He would do anything for Katie. She was more than just someone who worked here she was also a friend and a darn good one. If they couldnt find her in time he'd never be able to forgive himself. That was not an option, failure was not possable.

Standing Nate needed to do something he had to get his mind back in the game he has to. Hearing Hal's voice from the security room Nate stops and turns around his rout somewhere differnt now. Entering Nate looks at Hal with question and than looks up at the screen.

"Is that...how?"

The smell of wet dirt, stone and concreat fill Katie's noise. Its was stuff in this room and dark, she could hardly make anything out. Though she was happy for the darkness as her head felt like it was spliting open.

Trying to move Katie winces a little as her arms are twisted from the way they were behind her back and though she was standing her legs almost felt like jello.

What was going on, trying to think Kaite's mind draws a blank untill finally she remembers the part and the people who had attacked her. Trying to gather her emotions Katie calls out for Jason but slamming smack dab into a wall Katie crys out just a little. Something was wrong, this wasnt right, why couldnt she talk to Jason. It wasnt the feeling that he was blocking her or that he closed a part of himself off, it just wasnt there at all.

Trying her best to remember what had happend Katie searchs her own mind for answers as she trys talk with Jason again only to fail.

Hearing the squeek and slide of a heavy door Katie looks up squinting at the small bit of light only to close her eyes quickly as a light is turned on that is almost blinding. Slowing opening her eyes again Katie's eyes come into focus of two men.

"So this is her huh? On the the special ones."

"Yep this is her. We were lucky to have found the one but to have two in the same place that was pure gold."

Katie trys her best to stay in focus as the pain in her head is unbearable but she had to not pass out these two goons might say something she needed to know.

In a almost higher class tone the one lanky man that stood in front of her looked to the other who was over weaght and had more of a gruf voice.

"How do you guys know she hasnt used her powers already with the other one?"

"You think we new something like this could happen and never mad something to block it? We did make something and we know it works because we used it on the other kid the died a while back. As long as we keep her on EE her emotions are sealed from the other one like an air tight container. Nothing going in and nothing coming out."

"EE?"

"Emotion Eliminator. Come on let gets stuff ready. She is not going anywhere I'll be back later to see what I can get out of her after everything is set up."

Hearing that her emotions were cut off from Jason, Katie's heart races. If her emotions were cut off and Jason couldnt feeling them that ment he would...NO! Trying with all her might Katie trys to push some emotions through but its no use. It was like trying to fit a squear peace into a circle hole. It couldnt be done. A tear rolled down Katie's face. With out her emotions Jason was good as dead and right now that hurt more than anything alse in the world to think of the pain he suffered and to know she probley would never seen him again.

Brotherly love

Jason looks Nate in the eye for a moment, finally taking the paperwork. "We have to," he states flatly.

Turning around, he heads back to his office to continue the search for clues. As he flops down in his chair though, he has a hard time concentrating. It felt so strange... he was normal again... it didn't hurt as bad right now... it just felt... empty.

Then a thought hits him. If Katie had been cut off from him, but they were keeping her alive... would she assume now that Jason was dying or dead? She didn't know Rick had been working on the EA. Would she now think she was alone?

Gritting his teeth, Jason starts sifting through the paperwork. There had to be something here. They couldn't just come out of the blue and take Katie... there had to be some sort of trail somewhere.


A small smile surfaces on Con's face and he gives Jamie a little nod. "I figured that's what you'd say." He takes her hand in his, giving it a little squeeze. "I'll make up my mind when this thing is over."

"Con?"

It's not Laura's voice, but her waving arm that catches his attention, and he stands up, giving Jamie a loving glance. "I'll be back." Heading across the floor, he leaves Jamie's cubicle.


Carson grins slyly and puts an arm around Misty's waist to pull her against him. "I think I can handle the consequences." Leaning in closer, he teases her by not giving her the kiss that was thought to come. "Mm... I think it's better than old times," he whispers.

Still grinning, he pulls back and lets the door handle click open on the holding cell. "Get back upstairs so they don't miss you," he directs. "And see if Hal is back at his post. When I went by he wasn't... the longer they don't know I'm here, the better."

Without waiting for a response, he slips into the holding cell, shutting the door behind him. He'd call for someone when he needed out again.


Alec is stretched out on his cot with his hands behind his head, and he gives a start at the sudden intrusion. Sitting up, he stares at the newcomer.

Carson stares back at him in the eye, taking him in... sizing him up. "Well, well, well... so you're Alec."

Alec's eyes narrow. There was something strangely familiar about this man. A sinking feeling told him who he is. "Wait, don't tell me... you're the infamous Carson I've heard so much about."

Carson quirks an eyebrow. "Infamous I may be. I doubt you've heard the half of it though." He pulls the chair from the table, turning it around so he can straddle it and look straight at Alec.

Alec visibly retreats, unsure of what this visit was about. "You here to harp on me like your sister?"

"My sister?"

Alec catches the fact that Carson is surprised, and uses it. "Oh..." A grin forms. "You didn't know about that, huh? Little sister comes to meet half-brother and doesn't tell you about it. Let me guess - she knew you wouldn't take too kindly to it. Her hanging out with the likes of me."

Carson narrows one eye. "When was she here?"

"You'll have to ask her that."

Enough was enough. Carson would put an end to the small talk before it even started. He didn't know that Dani had been here, and it didn't make him happy. But he would talk to her later about it. For now, he had to set it aside. "Enough about Dani. Let's talk about you."

"Aw, but I was having fun!" Alec leans back against the wall. "Not every day you get a family reunion like this. Always wondered what it would be like. Expected more of a party atmosphere. Though I guess a prison like this will do."

"I didn't come here to meet you," Carson states coolly. "I couldn't care less that you're my brother."

Alec grits his teeth. For some very strange reason, Carson's words stung. That in itself was a surprise, and one that Alec didn't like. He glares at Carson. "So why did you come? Torture?"

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I came for answers."

"They've already wrung me dry - squeezed everything out of me they could. I have nothing more to say."

"There's always more to say." Carson reaches in his pocket and pulls out a knife, flipping it open and testing the blade with his thumb. "What do you know about the abduction of Katie Pent?"

Alec scoffs. "Don't look at me. I don't know anything."

The next few seconds are total chaos. The chair goes flying, Alec is yanked up from the cot and slammed up against he wall, hard enough to give him a split lip. One arm is twisted violently behind his back, and a knife blade is put to his cheek.

"I want answers," Carson hisses.

"I told you I don't know anything!" Alec complains loudly. "What is this? You'll get in trouble for treating me like this!"

"They don't know I'm here," Carson informs, twisting Alec's arm more. "Now, unless you want a broken arm, you better talk."

"I don't know anything!"

"Yes you do!"

Alec winces and cries out in pain as his arm is twisted to its limit. "You're gonna break my arm!"

"Good. At least you can't fight after that."

"Are you crazy?!"

"Some might call me that." Carson puts more pressure on the knife blade. "You know my reputation with the Agency, Alec... I can be your worst nightmare if you don't give me what I want."

Alec squirms, but all it does is press his face harder against the cinderblock wall. "You'd hurt your own brother?"

Carson's heart had been hit the minute he'd laid eyes on Alec. There was a connection - he could feel it. It was undeniable that this was his brother, and even though they shared different mothers, they did share their father's blood. Carson couldn't deny that this kind of visit did evoke a strange kind of pain that he disliked. But he couldn't let Alec know it.

"I haven't got a brother," he hisses.

"Boy you're a contrast to our sister," Alec scoffs. "One warm, one cold. On second thought, I think I'll pass on the family reunion - I can't tell if I'm wanted or not."

"You're not wanted - only your information is." Carson presses the knife blade into Alec's cheek as far as he dared without drawing blood. "Katie Pent is more than an Elite agent. She's a friend. She's a friend to many people here who would be willing to die for her. The Agency tangled with the wrong crowd when they chose to pick on her." He pauses, giving Alec's arm an extra twist. "I respect her more than almost any other young woman I've known and I will kill for her if I have to. So you better talk. Now. What do you know about her abduction?"

Alec swallows hard, wincing at Carson's pressure. "Alright... look... all I know is that they were planning to take her."

"Where?"

"I don't know."

"Who?"

"I don't know who was assigned to it."

"Why?"

"I don't know!"

Carson spins Alec around and puts his knife to his brother's throat, staring him in the eye again. "Where did they take her?!" he raises his voice.

"I don't know!" Alec shouts back at him. "I'm telling the truth! I'm not high ranking in the Agency. I only know details about my own jobs! You know how it works!"

Carson did know, and that much was true. If you worked for the Agency, you only ever knew about the assignments you were involved in. Otherwise you were left in the dark. "But you did know she was going to be taken."

"I heard a few guys talking, and that's all. It was a future plan that I had nothing to do with and I didn't ask any questions."

"Yet you failed to even inform us about it!"

"I didn't remember! I forgot about it, alright?!"

Carson's eyes pierce Alec's, searching for the truth. Unfortunately, Alec really was telling the truth. He didn't know any more than that. This had been a dead end. But at least now they knew for sure that it was the Agency and that this had been a plan.

Hal sinks down in his chair in the control room and sips a cup of coffee. He'd been here most of the night, now all day, and the work wasn't going to let up yet.

Movement on one of the monitors catches his eye and he realizes that someone was in the holding cell with Alec, and by the looks of it, was ready to kill him.

Standing back up too quickly, coffee goes everywhere. "Reese!"


Ryder glances out the window as he hears a car engine. But again, it was just someone going down the street. He sighs and lets the blinds fall shut again. Strange.

Walking back to the kitchen, he finds a couple containers to hold the lasagna he'd made, and puts everything away in the refrigerator. It was cold now anyway... maybe Katie and Laura had both had plans tonight... though he thought he remembered at least Laura saying she'd be back. Oh well.

Ambling back to the living room, he flops down on the couch, joined by Henry not two seconds later to watch an animal channel with him.

Old Time

Sitting at his desk Nate goes through files looking for something anything that might point to what happend to Katie. More than likly it was the Agency, but if by some chanse it wasnt he wanted to know and know every angel.

The time was getting late and Nate could feel the sleepyness setting in, but though he was tired sleeping was not an option. He's grown close to Katie and there was no way he could sleep now.

Looking up as he hears a noise Nate spots Jason. Giving him a once over Jason seems calm and Nate takes no action. Felling sorry for his young friend Nate couldnt deni that he wouldnt have reacted the same way if it had been someone he has cared about.

Holding out a few files from Katie's desk Nate knows Jason will know that he wanted him to help go through them. Nate new Jason was one of the best and wanted to keep him close to him trying to keep him level headed and in the game.

"We are gonna find her Jase, we will."

Giving a smile as she feels Con's hands on her shoulder Jamie let a bit of a sigh out. She always felt so safe new Con and right now she couldnt help but be a little shook up remembering what it was like when she was taken and feeling horrable Katie had to now go through it. All she could do was pray, and hope maybe, just maybe Katie was going through less than she had.

Resting her hand on Con's knee just to be slightly close to him and taking a break from her searching Jamie lets out a soft sigh as she listens to Con. She was a bit saprised to hear Reese had asked Con back and he hasnt told her, but she couldnt be mad at him for it.

"Well to be honest, I think that would be great. I miss working with you and always seeing you. As long as your happy I am happy."

Jamies gives a smile to Con proving what she said was the truth. She did love working with Con and if it did make him happy than so was she. Nothing pained her more than seeing Con depressed and unhappy.

Looking up at Carson and returning the kiss Misty beams. She always loved when Carson came out of no where and kissed her like that. No matter how many times he did it, it always sent chills through her and for a short moment Misty felt happy dispight what was going on with Katie.

Hearing Carson's request turns Misty's lips into a upword grin as a few sparks flicker in her eyes.

"You know...I am not really should..."

Hesatating for a moment Misty finally stands leaning into Carson again.

"There might be consaquences you will have to pay for after all."

Giving a wink Misty slips past Carson and out of the infermary quietly heading down the hall leading Carson to the holding cell. Punching a few numbers in the key pad Misty turns to him before opening the door.

"Kind of feels like old times huh?"

EA

Reese lets out a long, frustrated sigh, swiveling in his desk chair. He couldn't believe this was happening. After everything that had been happening to his agents, why something else? Why now? Why Katie? Whoever had done this had done a good job - they had taken out two agents at the same time. Katie was gone and Jason was a mess.

"He's not doing well." Reese answers Nate's question about Jason. "Rick had to sedate him once he woke up from Con's punch..."He glances to Con, then back to Nate. "Though Rick thinks it's a combination of what's happening and his whacked emotional state. You'd have to talk to him more about that though - it was all Greek to me."

Con rubs his eyes wearily. "Anything from Scott?"

"Not in the last half hour. Check with him though. He just got off the phone with the FBI to gain some access codes. He's working his tail of - more serious about getting work done since I've seen in him in a long time." Reese shakes his head. "He ran into some scrambles - apparently whoever did this has done their homework. They don't want us finding that vehicle."

Con sighs. "Right. Well I'm going to stick around on this one. I'm going to go see Jamie now though."

"Fine. Report back if you plan to leave again."

"Will do."

"And Con?"

Con turns around. "Yeah?"

"Is this a one-time case?"

Con hesitates, looking to Nate, then back at Reese. He hadn't told anyone yet and knew that Nate wasn't even aware of Reese's offer. "Don't know yet." He pauses, then heads out the door.

Reese's eyes follow him. "We lost a good agent," he mutters under his breath. Bringing himself back to the task at hand, he looks back to Nate. "I'm leaving you in charge of this one. If Jason stabilizes, let him help. As long as he keeps his cool, we can use him. You guys are the best, and we need the best. If this is connected to Medridge, there might not be any sense to this thing at all, other than chaos. Let's try not to give that to them." That said, Nate is dismissed until anything else is found.


Con wanders over to Jamie's cubicle, coming up behind her chair to lean down and drape his arms over and around her. He plants a kiss on the top of her head. "Hey you," he greets softly. "This isn't how I wanted to spend my day, but at least I get to see more of you."

Grabbing a spare chair, he pulls it into the corner of her cubicle and sits down, leaning back against the wall. His eyes showed his weariness. Not because he'd been so active, but the worry was already wearing him out. Katie was like his little sister, and he couldn't imagine anything happening to her.

"I'm going to stay on the case," he tells his wife quietly. Looking down, he hesitates before glancing back up at her again. "I didn't tell you... Reese offered me a job here again. Guess maybe I'll see how this one goes and decide after that..." His eyes flood with question. "How would you feel about that?"


Jason opens one eye groggily, then the other. His head was pounding and he felt like he'd been run over by a train. Swallowing hard, he pulls himself up into a sitting position, realizing that he'd been lying on the infirmary bed. Putting a hand to his head, he mutters under his breath. "What are you guys doing to me anyway?"

Rick hears Jason and glances to Misty, grabbing the syringe off the counter. He wasn't taking any chances. Twice already, Jason had woken up out of control and Rick had the bruises on his arm to prove it. He moves cautiously towards Jason. "How do you feel?"

"Terrible." Jason manages to get both eyes open and he blinks. "What happened?"

"Do you remember anything?"

"Um... mm-hmm..." Jason swings his legs over the side of the bed, still cringing from his headache. "I remember fighting off Con, then after that it's all a blank."

"I'm not surprised."

"Have they found anything on Katie?"

"No, not yet." Rick moves to lay a hand on Jason, keeping him on the bed. "Just sit a minute. They've got it covered and you can't do any good in this state anyway."

Jason grits his teeth, but does as he's told. He eyes the syringe in Rick's hand. "What's that for?"

"That would be your third sedative should I have to use it."

"Third?"

"Yeah. I've been trying all day to get that EA regulated."

"EA?"

Rick shrugs. "Emotional Antidote."

Jason gives him a wry grin. "Nice. What was wrong with it?"

"Not sure, but I'm working on it. It masked your abilities alright, but I think it was too much of a shock for your system. When you got so upset earlier, it set off a chain reaction and you were completely out of control. So you went from having a hundred times the normal emotional charge with full control, to having a minimal emotional charge with no control at all."

"Sounds great." Jason rolls his eyes. "Now what?"

"Well for one, you're going to have to keep your temper."

Jason sighs and nods. "Alright. I'll try."

"And second... when your dosage wears off - which I don't know when that will be - I have an updated formula to give you. Hopefully it'll be better."

"Can I go now?"

"I suppose so. Nate's in charge, you should probably go talk to him."

"Alright. Thanks." Jason stands and heads to the door a little shakily. Things were still a little foggy as the sedative wore off, but he aims for Nate's desk.


Carson hadn't really wanted to close up the restaurant early again, but he didn't want to wait around all night before he could leave either. He hadn't told Herb, but he knew that if Herb knew what was happening, he would approve.

Locking up the back door, Carson makes his way around the back, stopping only a moment to throw down his cigarette and stamp it out with his foot. He hated the circumstances around him at the moment, and he was near hating himself too. But right now he had another job to do.

Getting into his car, it's a fast drive to the TJY building. It was just getting dark.

Arriving inside, Carson makes his way across the main floor, nodding to a few people. He avoids contact with Reese, or any other high-ranking agents though, and slips down the hallway. Making it to the infirmary, he enters slowly, nodding to Rick, but heading for Misty's desk. A crooked grin forms. "Hey you."

He reaches over to spin her chair around, leaning down to engage her in a passionate kiss after not having seen her all day. Pulling away, he leaves his forehead resting against hers. "Do me a favor?" he asks quietly. "Get me access to the holding cell?"