All yours

Gage isn't happy about Phinox pushing him around, but he's also cautious and a bit intimidated. Eying Phinox skeptically, he watches the money being taken, and the drawer shut again. He swallows hard, hoping his secret was still safe. Apparently Phinox didn't care what he was reading.

Standing, he hits a few keys on the computer as if looking for something, though his eyes follow Phinox across the floor. Seeing the agent going for the basement again, Gage straightens. "Hey..." His eyes narrow. "You already checked on the goods once. What gives?"


Laura's head snaps up at the sound of Nate's voice. She'd almost drifted to sleep. "Nate...I..." Too late. The door was shut.

Ryder blinks and withdraws his arm, now fully awake himself. "Um..." He slides off the bed, heat crawling into his face. "Guess I done it now, ay? Gone and got him cheesed off and probably you too."

"I... well..." Laura stands as well, the atmosphere suddenly having gone from relaxing to extremely awkward. "No... I'm sorry."

"Not your fault." Ryder tosses his empty pop can into the trash and heads for the door. "Guess I'm gonna go make trouble somewhere else."

"Ryder..." Laura stops him at the door, her facial expression apologetic. "You're not making trouble. It's fine. It just... I mean, we..."

"Yeah." Ryder forces a dry laugh. "Yeah." He shakes his head and slips out into the hall before he can make a further fool out of himself. Shutting the door behind him, he's surprised to see Nate right there, and his face grows even redder. "Um... I was just... well..." He clears his throat, hooking his hands in his jeans pockets. "We're all a bit tight thinking about Katie, ya know?" He nods, trying to gain back his composure, and then not even sure why he'd lost it in the first place. "It's, um..." he thumbs towards the spare room. "All yours."

Laura sinks back down on the bed with a sigh. She was so tired.


Kyle glances up from the floor as the door opens and he sees Hunter return to their room. "Have a good walk?"

"Mm-hmm." A smile is pasted on Hunter's face and he flops down in one of the chairs. "Nice outside tonight."

"I bet." Kyle rolls over and tucks his hands under his pillow, closing his eyes against the light.

"You alright?"

Kyle didn't know why Hunter was asking. "Yeah, why?" he mumbles.

"Looked more tired than usual or something, I don't know."

Kyle keeps his eyes shut. "Not feeling so hot."

"Well, if you need something, holler. You know I'll wake up."

Payment

Seeing Gage's foot Phinox looks up at him as his eyes continue to hold there cold tone with the lack of emotions besides anger.

Taking his hand he brings it around to Gage's leg and pushes him backwards rolling the chair away from the desk.

"Your right, but seeing as Rod gave me a job to do, I do have a problem and your keeping me from direct orders."

Opening the door Phinox pushes a bunch of differnt items along with a book he stops to look at for a moment quirking his eye before throwing it aside as well. Finally finding what he was looking for he pulls out an envilope that held money into it.

"Now this, it what I was looking for."

Putting the money and envilops into his pocket before pulling out his gun and going to the door once more before stoping and throwing an almost evil grin at Gage.

"Payment is always a good thing."

Giving a sigh Nate new Reese was right. He needed to be on his A-game before everything went down and lack of sleep would not make that possable.

"Yeah ok, I'll try anyways. Anything new happens let me know please."

Making his way form Reese office Nate lets out a small sigh before heading to the spair room. He was sleeping and his head was starting to hurt.

Opening the door he dosnt notice anyone is in the room till he hears a voice. Looking up quickly Nate stands stuned for a moment seeing Laura leaning into Ryder on the bed. A lump instintly rises in his throat as he can feel his the heat on his face rising.

"Laura, I didnt...relize you were awake...I.."

Knowing he was tired he new maybe he was jumping to conclustions but he couldnt help but still feel a little hurt anyways.

"I'm sorry..I didnt know you were in here."

Turning around again Nate cant help his fists that ball as he trys to keep his temper down. Closing the door he turns and leans again the wall closeing his eyes for a moment. The stress was great, he was tird, and his friend was still gone missing...this no matter what was really going on, was something else that added to the confustion and hurt.

Looking back at Hunter Alice gives a small smile.

"Lord willing I shall see you in the morning."

Giving his hand a returning squize Alice just looks at Hunter for a moment studying his eyes before giving her head a little shake and opening the hotel door. Stopping she Alice turns back to Hunter for a moment.

"I liked getting to know you better, thank you."

Finishing her way into the bedroom Alice gabes her cloths from the bed and heads into the bathroom taking a quick shower and than hoping into bed throwing the covers over her. A read bed felt nice, a real pillow was better, but that wasnt the only reason Alice had a smile tonight. She had made another friend and it felt good.

Something more

Reese takes a deep breath, finally just shrugging lamely. "I don't know if we can trust him or not, Nate. But at this point, he's all we got. If this fails, then all we have left to do is negotiate further with the Agency. They haven't killed Katie yet... we still have something they want... so... we still have a bargaining chip, whether we want to use it or not."

He shakes his head. "Sometimes I think we shouldn't have called in Derek and Jay... but then one, we still might need them, and two, I assume the Agency would have known, had we not called them in."

Looking at Nate's tired eyes, he purses his lips. "Get some rest, Nate... none of us will be any good if we're dead tired when we need to act. Why don't you go rest in the spare room... We'll call you if anything else happens."


Laura sniffs and wipes her nose again with a tissue, leaned back against the wall as she sits on the spare room bed. “I just… I want to be out there, ya know?” She looks down, feeling so weak for having finally crumbled. “I mean… maybe Katie and I weren’t best friends, but… she’s the only girl friend I’ve had that I’ve been able to trust and if anything happens to her…”

“Hey, it’s alright.” Ryder puts an arm around her as he sits next to her, his legs stretched out over the bed. He sets his can of pop aside, giving Laura’s arm a little run. “Katie will be fine. She’s a fighter… I know she’ll make it through this.”

“But what if she doesn’t?”

“She will.” Ryder’s voice grows stern. “We’re all stuck here without being able to do a thing and we’re all tired and frustrated. On a normal case, those of us who didn’t have anything to do would just go home… but this time we’re all wanting the information as soon as it comes in, so we’re hanging around, worrying ourselves sick.”

He sighs. “She’ll come back… we have to believe that.”

Laura sniffs one last time before leaning into Ryder, resting her head on his shoulder. He was warm and comfortable, and she was still exhausted.


Hunter grins as they walk, falling into a light conversation, sharing more about himself, and learning a few more things about Alice too.

By the time the hotel comes back into view, it hardly feels that the time has passed at all. Reaching their floor, Hunter walks Alice to her and Chloe’s room, stopping for just a moment. He gives her hand a little squeeze before letting her go. “Well… I guess this is goodnight.”

As he looked into her eyes, one could tell that there was something more that he was holding back. But he doesn't act on it, simply taking one step back instead. "See you in the morning."


Gage eyes Phinox warily as the desk is browsed through. When Phinox reaches the bottom drawer, he puts his foot out, so his boot blocks it from being opened. He stays in the same position though, lifting an eyebrow. "Last I knew, 'snooping' wasn't on the agenda."

He keeps his arms crossed and cocks his head. "I'm here to keep eyes from looking too deeply, and to make sure our pet downstairs stays where she is. Got a problem with that?"

A new night

Alice cant help the small silly hum that comes from her lips at his last name almost as if tasting something. Turning her head a little she gives a silly grin to Hunter.

"Maxwell, a good name and coffee...yumm yumm.."

Continuing to walk Alice can pick up the tone change in Hunter's voice and a small pit of pain at the mention of his own family. She had always been on good terms with her own so didnt know how it felt but it much suck alot.

Knowing better than going to dig at wounds Alice skims over it and if Hunter wanted to tell her he would.

"Mexican food is good. The spicer the better if you ask me. My dad always said sooner or later my insides were going to set on fire."

Giving a smile back to Hunter as they walk and talk it was nice to know she had another friend she shaired some differnt things in comman with. One best friend was great, but add another friend and it sure did feel good.

"Alright I am on it. Thanks Carson."

Staning from his own desk Nate puts some papers down before making his way to Reese. It felt good to stange once again as his legs were starting to cramp.

Giving a soft tap on Reese door Nate enters, his eyes were a bit tired, but there was no way he could sleep.

"Reese, Carson on the confermation from Phinox over the philm. He said nothing else has happend though."

Giving a sigh Nate searches his boss face before stepping a little closer.

"Are you sure we can trust Phinox on this?"

Shutting the basment door behind him Phinox's expression is cold, and hard. The mask he has put on many times before fitting in with The Agency.

Taking his own seat at a desk he looks up at Gage's comment.

"No actully I'm not, but I will be shortly."

Looking through one of the desk draws Phinox seems to be looking for something but for now he says nothing. He had to keep Gage on edge and unsaspective. He would strike when the time was right but that time was not now, not yet.

"So Gage, what is it you do here?"

Uneasy

Scott would rather fight to talk to Carson now, but he had failed to even notice that Rick had given him a shot. His eyelids were so very heavy. All of his muscles felt like mush.

It took a lot to give Hope's hand a final squeeze before his head sank down into his pillow. His fingers slip from hers as sleep is finally forced upon him.


Hunter smiles a little as Alice walks beside him, and he listens intently as his fingers interlock with her own. Learning more about her, he turns his head to glance at her a couple times as they walk.

"Mm... sorry to hear about your dad." He gives a little nod. "Glad you feel a part of Break Out though... we all feel like you're a part of the team too."

He chuckles. "I think you covered a lot of bases, Alice Amanda Whitt." Turning a bend in the park path, he returns the gesture of friendship. "I am Hunter Bradly Maxwell. I don't have a best friend, but I've got nice circle of friends. I grew up in Nevada, took an interest in Karate and now travel with Break Out. I have an older brother in the Army, both my parents are living, though at the moment, I'm not welcome at their place."

Though a bit of hurt accidentally slips into his voice, Hunter keeps right on going. "My favorite type of food is Mexican, and one of my favorite things to do is take moonlit walks... with good company, of course."

Looking to Alice again, he grins.


The tap on Reese's door makes his eyes fly open. He hadn't really intended on sleeping, but his twenty-minute catnap had been refreshing. Sitting up straighter in his chair, he sees Jason standing in the doorway. "Jason." He clears his throat. "You're not supposed to be here."

"I know." Jason fiddles with his keys, his eyes dropping. There was a quietness about him... almost a form of surrender.

Reese senses this, and his guard is slowly lowered. "So what are you doing here?"

"I... I just want to be here." Jason looks back up at him. "I won't get in the way. I just want to be here when anything comes up or when Katie comes back." His eyes plead with his boss to let him stay.

Reese sighs deeply. "I know this is hard for you, Jason. And I'm sorry. All of us are going through heck, but I know your torture is ten times greater. If you can stand back until we need you, you can stay. But I can't have you interfering and questioning my judgment calls."

"I understand."

Reese hesitates, squinting at him just a little. "You alright?"

"Yeah." Jason nods, still quiet. "I'm okay."

Con appears behind him, looking over to Reese. "I'll keep an eye on him." He gives Jason's shoulder a pat. "I'll see you in your office."

Jason takes the cue and turns to head back across the main floor, swinging wide of Katie's cubicle.

Reese looks at Con expectantly. "Well? What happened?"

Con's faint smile is a warm one. "We got a new member of the team. That's what happened."


Carson makes his way back to Katie's desk, his walk a little slower. Ty was being sent home... for now, he had to let that case lie. Until he could talk to Scott, that particular avenue was on hold.

Finding Wyatt, he relieves him once again. "Anything new?"

Wyatt rises from his seat to give it to Carson, and shakes his head. "Nothing yet."

"Good." Carson sits down, heaving a deep sigh. Seeing Katie again, he inwardly cringes. Yes, it was good nothing had changed... but it was bad at the same time. She shouldn't be there at all.

Wyatt hesitates to leave, looking at Carson for a moment. His eyes fill with emotions. "How do you do it?"

"Hmm? Do what?"

"This." Wyatt shakes his head, finding it hard to control what he was feeling. He gestures to the computer screen. "I sit and I watch... for only a few minutes at a time. And each time, I get sick just thinking about it... just seeing Katie there like that. Now I know that... that my feeling for her are different than yours, but... how can you take this job and keep at it like this?"

Carson's fingers fiddle with a pencil lying on the desk. His eyes stay glued to the screen and his jaw muscles silently work at his tension. "Are the feelings so different?" He pauses then glances up to Wyatt. "It's my job. Someone's got to do it."

"But how-"

"Does it matter?" Carson looks back to the screen. "You just have to bring yourself to a point that you don't care what you see, or what you know is being done. If you don't care... it doesn't hurt."

Wyatt was still confused, but he didn't pursue the matter. He needed to step away from here before he went mad himself. It was no wonder Jason couldn't take this. This wasn't just torture to Katie - it was torture to everyone who knew and loved her.

Carson waits for Wyatt to walk away before he leans back in his chair and runs his hands over his face. He knew he needed sleep. But they needed just a little longer. He replays what he'd just said to Wyatt. There was only one problem with the words he'd chosen. He did care. And no matter how hard he tried to shut that part of him off... with Katie, it just wasn't working. Perhaps he didn't want to sleep, for fear of what his mind would create while his eyes were closed.

Movement on the screen catches his attention, and he's back on alert. Squinting, he realizes that Phinox is with Katie. His salute to the camera signals that so far, things were good.

Carson takes a deep breath and buzzes Nate's desk. "Nate... Phinox is in. Let Reese know. Nothing new yet though."


Gage looks up quickly as someone enters the room, and he's fast to throw his book back into the desk drawer. Seeing it's Phinox and not Rod, he quirks an eyebrow and just gives a slight nod. He wasn't too familiar with this guy, but as far as he knew, he was safe.

His eyes follow Phinox all the way to the door, then stare at it after he's gone to the basement. Standing up, Gage paces a little, glancing at his watch for the hundredth time. He wanted to get this thing over with. What was Phinox doing?

He goes over to the computer and hits a couple keys to bring up the camera. Nothing much was happening. Gage realizes that he's a little relieved to find that Phinox is not torturing Katie further. The woman had had just about all she could take the way it was without someone else coming in to beat on her.

Hearing footsteps, Gage shuts the screen off and leans back against the desk, folding his arms across his chest to eye Phinox as he came back up. "Satisfied?"

Sends his Love

Giving Scott's arm a pat she new he was feeling antious and just wanted to get everything done an over with, but he needed his rest and to be strong for when the talk with Carson would happen.

"You need to rest now Scott, and be strong before we have the talk with Carson. I know everything inside it so hard for you but just rest for now ok."

She felt bad for her friend and new he just wanted to get it done and over with but he had to rest, for now thats all he needed.

Taking Hunter's hand in her own Alice stands and starts to walk with him the smile forming on her face again.

"I'd like to get to know you more as well Hunter. A friend ship is always a good place to start right?"

Continuing to talk Alice gives Hunter's arm a little squeeze. She new she had a few feelings running around inside of her, and she new they felt good. Now she just needed to completely let go and know it was ok to do so and she could only hope in time she would.

"My name is Alice Amanda Whitt. My best friend is Kyle. As of right now I am a reporter and I follow a group called BreakOut. I like it because I feel like I belong and I can be close to people again.'

Alice gives a small smile.

"My father passed away a while ago, and my mom is in a nursing home right now. Anything else we need to go over?"

It felt good to talk a little about herself and help someone get else get to know her like Kyle did. It was fun to shair some storys as well.

Entering the small building Phinox follows Rod's directions to get to the area where Katie and Gage where. The building was alot bigger than he had exspected but as he walked he took in everything around him.

Coming to the door at the end of the hall Phinox takes the key from his picket and opens the door steping in an taking a look around.

Seeing Gage over at the table Phinox gives a small nod knowing Gage would know who he was.

"Gage, good to see you again. Rod said he would be back shortly."

Continuing to walk through the rest of the area taking in the sights Phinox looks at the clock fast. He'd been gone an hour, he had a few left he needed to take his time.

Coming to another heavy door Phinox opens it slowly and squints into the dark seeing the stairs that lead down. Decending them he could only guess where they twisted turns would lead him. Getting to the bottom his guess was right as he saw Katie's limp body slumped to the floor. Walking twords her slowly Phinox gets very close and looks up at the blinking camra knowing Carson was probley watching his gave a salute to let him know he was in but didnt say anything not let.

Bending down next to her Phinox looks over Katie injorys and frowns. They were far worse than what the camra showed and he only hoped they could help her in time.

Leaning close to Katie's eat Phinox gave a whisper.

"Katie Pent, I know your very weak right now, but I also know you can hear me. My name is Phinox and I have come to help TJY get you out of here. I will be leaving again but we will be back for you. Jason also sends his love."

Standing again a sad look pass his eyes before he heads back up and out of the basment.

New chances

Scott doesn't respond, though it's obvious that he doesn't necessarily agree with Hope. They were going to find him a traitor... and if he was, then what other option was there?

His eyes stay open for the longest time, even though he remains silent. Rick checked on him several times, hoping he'd gone back to sleep, but he hadn't. Just thinking about sleep again drove fear into Scott's veins.

Eventually he speaks again. "I don't want to sleep," he mentions quietly. "Can't we get Carson's interrogation over with?"

Rick overhears him and shakes his head. Scott needed rest. He didn't need to be interrogated... not yet... not until he was strong enough to withstand it. But the young man was so desperate to make right what he thought was wrong, and to rid himself of the terrible guilt he was feeling.


Hunter lets his eyes drop, listening to Alice speak. Though there was slight disappointment there, a faint smile toys at the edge of his mouth anyway. His gaze lands on her hand resting on his knee.

With her final statement, he reaches out and picks up her hand once more, this time drawing it close to his face as if studying it, intent on seeing the fine features of every little curve.

His eyes finally raise again to meet hers. "Well, you didn't outright tell me no." There's humor in his tone, bringing a lighter feeling to the air. "That means there's a chance there, however small it might be." For now, he doesn't say anything more about Kyle. He didn't know how his friend felt, and so he couldn't judge his own actions on it at all.

Standing up, Hunter stretches both hands down to Alice, in a gesture that asks her to stand and walk with him. "I for one, would like to get to know you more, too. So how about we just do that? And if it turns into more, it does. And if not, it doesn't. And if it does and we have to abandon it later, then at least we will have had some good times."

He cocks his head, finally allowing his smile to spread. "It's one of the safest chances you'll ever take." He knew that he wanted to be more than friends with Alice. But more so, he wanted her to be able to heal her wounds completely and be able to move on, whether it was with him or not. And if getting her to take a step towards something more would help, then he would be there.


Gage rocks on the back legs of his chair, his fingers strumming restlessly on the desk. He looks up at the clock, then checks the monitor again. Everything was quiet.

Sighing, he lets the chair fall back onto all for legs, then reaches for the desk drawer once more. He was almost finished with his book. While alone, it was a good time to try and get to the last page. Once this thing was over, he'd have little chance again to read anything, let alone something that he wasn't allowed to have.


Wandering inside the building, Jason sees no one. It was a quiet darkness, but not an eerie one. His leather jacket creaked as he slowly walked through the foyer. Squinting a little, he sees two open doors straight ahead. He aimed for them instead of the office he saw to the side that had a light on. He wasn't familiar with this place, but it didn't seem to matter. It felt odd... his closest friends were here all the time.

Entering the larger room, he looks up. A cross stares back at him, lit around the edges to cast a soft glow against the wall. A lump rises in his throat. He wasn't even sure why.

Slowly, he walks forward, the sound of his boots muffled on the carpet. Heading down the aisle, he stops at the foot of the small stage and bends his neck back to stare up at the cross. He knew what it symbolized. He knew about Jesus. He knew that Jesus was God's Son, sent to save man from their sins. He knew Jesus died on the cross represented here... that He was mocked and tortured... and then after dying, He rose again three days later. Jason knew the stories... he knew the facts. He'd been taught as a child. He'd grown up with a Christian mother and a grandfather who had claimed Christianity. He'd let his questions and spirit promptings lie for many years. After Scott had been taken, Jason had gone back to research... reading his Bible... questioning faith again. And again, he'd gotten busy, distracted, and had let things lie.

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, still staring upward. He knew that Katie had a strong faith. She went to church every Sunday... she prayed before meals... she read her Bible, and she talked about God in her everyday life. Carson - the worst of the worst - had turned his life over to God and did not waver from his decision. All the guys from JetStream... those from Cryptic... Many others from TJY... Jason was surrounded by people who had deep faith in God. They were people he trusted... people he respected.

Thoughts of Katie drift through his mind. Thoughts of her captivity... thoughts of what she must be going through. The emotions rise within him, but he could barely feel them. Though having physically gotten used to the lack of emotional uprisings, he still felt an emptiness inside of him. Right now he wanted to feed off his own pain... off his own anger... but the strategic usage of the emotions was not possible.

A tear surfaces. It was as hated tear, but one that would not be thwarted by his attempts to hold it back. He couldn't do this alone anymore and he knew it. This was one time that he felt absolutely no control. And he needed Someone who was in control.

Before he realizes it, Jason is on his knees. He doesn't know how long he stays. He's not even sure of all the things that run through his mind and heart. Words are uttered, but not aloud. They only come forth through the sobs that catch in his throat, and through a soul that has been waiting to be released for so long.

And God reaches down to comfort a child so lost, so alone. For almost twenty-two years, since the birth of the one with so many plans wrapped up in his future, God had waited for this moment. The door had been opened, and He was finally being invited in.

A weight on Jason's shoulder doesn't startle him. He knew whose hand it was.

Con gives him a reassuring pat. "Thought you might need a friend," he mentions quietly.

Jason is still on his knees, but straightens a little and nods, giving his eyes a backhanded swipe.

Con moves around to lower himself on one of the steps of the stage so he can face Jason. "You know..." His voice is soft and not condemning. "Sometimes it takes needing God in the hard times to realize that we've needed Him all along... even in the good times."

"I've been a fool, haven't I?" Jason's tone is full of more humiliation than ever before.

"By denying God a place in your life for so long? Maybe. But that doesn't mean you can't change that now. He's giving you a chance, Jase. The world is still spinning, and as long as there's still breath in you, it's not too late." Con pauses, cocking his head. He wanted to know if Jason was truly ready. "Are you doing this for you? ...Or for Katie?"

Jason swallows hard and lowers his eyes. "I want to find Katie so bad... I want God to answer my prayers... but... I know that this is about me." He looks back up at the friend who had stayed with him through so much. "I know that... me letting God in my life isn't going to miraculously bring about answers to my prayers. I... I need God for myself... for my own soul. I've tried so hard to do everything on my own... But no matter how hard I try, there are still things I can't handle alone... and I know that nothing I ever do of my own power will get me into Heaven, no matter how good of a person I try to be."

A faint smile slips onto Con's lips. He could feel the Spirit moving. "Taking all that into consideration... do you know what you need to do?"

Jason stares up at the cross once more. He knew the verses. He'd studied them, trying to find a way out, or thinking he could disprove them. But he knew that they were true. "I've known for a long time... I just refused." A slight laugh surfaces. "Unfortunately, it's two in the morning."

"So?" Con lifts an eyebrow. "You think God cares what time of day it is?" He glances up quickly as movement catches his eye. Strange, that the minister was here so late. And Con would bet anything that the minister had had no idea why he should be here at this hour either. But it was clear now.

The right place and right time had been laid out since the beginning. Never was the minister here this late - until tonight. Never had Jason been truly open to the thought of God and salvation - until tonight. Never had the truths of belief, repentance and baptism been so clear - until tonight.

It was a small gathering. Only three men. But there was no reason to wait until a more opportune time. Following the examples in the Bible had never been easier. A heart was ready. Repentance was beginning. Water was there. Some might have thought that it was sudden, or that perhaps the one giving up his life had not yet learned enough - that perhaps it was just his emotional state that dictated his decision now. He wasn't even a church-goer. But never had a man been so sure of what he needed. He'd studied long enough. He'd put this off long enough.

Con had never been a prouder friend, or a more honored one. Bringing Jason back up out of the water, his own silent commitment was made to do all in his power to be a guiding support for his friend. Never would he give up, and he would always be there for Jason, no matter what.

Though at an ordinary emotional level, Jason still felt as though his heart might burst. He was free. He was finally free.

A new life was born. Not one of body, but one of spirit. A spirit that had been so broken was now undergoing restoration and filling with a love and peace unknown until tonight. And while all the time Katie was on Jason's mind, the personal step forward could not be ignored. It wasn't desperation for help in finding her that had made Jason's decision - it was desperation for his own soul and own peace of mind. God was with him, that much he knew. And God would see everything okay in the end. But Jason also knew that just because he had finally given his life over, did not mean that everything would be easy, nor was it in any way a free pass or a simple route to prayer requests. No... he was a soldier, now fully equipped to handle the job. And that was the point.

I dont know

Sitting down in front of Scott Hope's hand is still in his. She just watches she he and Rick converse. Just being there absorbing Scott's pain when she needed too. Giving a gently squeeze to his hand she reasures.

"Your not going to jail. Dont you worry about that."

Looking back and Hunter again Alice smiles as she can feel the heat creep up her neck at his comment. The twinkle in her eye showing she was flattered for his comment though she wasnt sure what to say.

Hunter's next question was simple, but to Alice it felt so hard to answer. She wasnt sure how and she felt so confused. She new what she wanted, and she new it was what Seth would of wanted her to do but it was just so hard.

"I don't know Hunter. I honestly dont know if you do or not, because I dont even know where my chanses lay. I kind of feel like a pin ball because bounced in so many differnt direction."

Reaching out Alice give's Hunter's knee a gentil pat and just letting her hand rest there for a moment.

"I'm sorry I cant give you a deffint answer. I know I do have some feelings for Kyle, but I mean if he dosnt return them than...than again I dont even know if I want him to, and you your a great guy. Your nice your sweet and I would love to get to know you more but I just...dont honetly know."

A chance?

Scott obeys the promptings, and manages to get back to the bed, easing down and closing his eyes, utterly exhausted. Even so, he doesn't like Rick's poking and prodding, and winds up resisting the IV.

Rick sighs, having everything in hand. "Scott, come on."

"I don't need it," Scott mumbles. He felt bad enough the way it was, not being able to cope. He felt even weaker, needing something like this.

Rick leans down and waits until Scott opens his eye to look at him. "Did you eat anything all day yesterday?"

Scott thinks. It was hard to remember. He shrugs.

"Did you drink anything?"

He shrugs again.

"And you just threw up anything you had left, and more. If you're not going to take care of yourself, then someone has to. Now stop giving me a hard time."

Scott finally just closes his eye again and lets Rick stick his arm. He winces just a little. Rolling back over onto his side, he hasn't forgotten what Hope said earlier. Though it had been several minutes, he picks up where she'd left off, mumbling his response. "Sure... if I'm not behind bars."


Hunter lifts an eyebrow in surprise and speaks before thinking. "Kyle's your best friend and you haven't told him this?" He was even more surprised that if that were true, Alice has confided in him.

He stops and shakes his head. "Sorry. I can see it's been difficult... can't say I woulda done differently."

Slipping his hand back into his pocket again, he thinks for just a moment. "He sees you as a sister, huh?" He shrugs. "Maybe I really did read him wrong."

Turning his head back to Alice, his warm smile returns. "Oh, Alice... it's not a question of whether or not you know how to play the game. It's whether or not you want to. But you're the only one who knows if you're ready. Moving on can be hard... but something tells me you're strong enough to do it."

For a long moment, he just studies her, watching the moonlight dance in and out of her gaze. "You have beautiful eyes," he whispers. He knew Alice didn't know if she could really move on or not... he knew she was struggling with the feelings of the past. But he could see the longing in her eyes. He could see that she was missing what she once had... affection... partnership... a relationship deeper than friends... someone to lean on... someone to share everything with... ultimately, love.

A part of his logic warned him not to step too closely, but he had to know if his attentions would be accepted or turned away. His voice is still kept low and quiet. Unassuming and not pushy in the least. It was only a tone full of care for how she felt, and a simple request for his own peace of mind.

"If I don't have a chance, just tell me now before I get too far, and I'll back off." He continues to search her eyes. "But if there's any glimmer of hope... I won't give up." His small grin returns. "It's not my nature."


Ty continues to struggle, but is far from a match for Carson. Getting shoved towards the table, he runs into a chair, then whirls around to glare at both me. "What is this about?!"

"I think you know." Carson tone is stern, his stare an icy one. "Sit down."

"I don't want to."

"I said sit!" Carson gives him a hefty push, forcing him down into the chair.

"What is with you two?! I didn't do anything!"

Carson stands on the other side of the table, taking up position beside Nate. "Apparently, you did." He points to a folder that he'd had waiting in here. "Who did you let into the building, Ty?"

Ty visibly recoils, now realizing what Nate and Carson wanted. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're lying!" Carson throws his arms in the air. "I don't get it, Ty! You've been fine, as far as I know, up until this point!" His eyes were bloodshot, proving that his exhaustion wasn't helping his stress level any. "Now tell me who you let into TJY yesterday."

"I didn't let anyone in!"

"You did too! We have proof!" Carson picks up the folder and slaps it back down again. Still standing, he look down at the younger man. "Why did you use Katie's security code?"

Something flickers in Ty's eyes. "Katie's?"

"Quit playing games." Carson rolls his eyes. "Don't play stupid. Did you think we wouldn't be able to figure it out if you used her code or what?"

"I... I didn't know I used her code."

"So you admit you opened the door."

"I..." Ty clamps his mouth shut again, his eyes falling.

Carson slams his fist on the table. "Talk to us, Ty! I'm tired and I'm cranky, and you do not want to make me mad at this point."

Ty looks back up, glancing between Carson and Nate. "I honestly didn't know I used Katie's code."

"Well what did you think you were using?"

"I don't know."

Carson growls and turns around to pace, trying to keep his temper down. "Okay. Just tell me how you opened the door then."

Ty licks his dry lips. "Well, I... I figured out the key pattern."

"The what?"

"The pattern. See, I've got my own security code, and I know what Hal's is. I figured out the mathematical equation for the numbers that would exist between his code and mine, based on the number sequence. I could go a little further either direction too, but eventually, I'd run out because there's only so many people working here."

Carson blinks. He looks to Nate, totally baffled. "You mean to tell me that there's a pattern with the codes?"

"Sure." Ty shrugs. "There's always a pattern somewhere if you look hard enough."

Carson rubs his forehead, trying to straighten all of this out. "Ty, this is impossible."

"No it's not." Ty leans forward, apparently knowing what he was talking about. "I asked Susanne how many people had been hired between Hal and myself. I took Hal's number and worked with it until I had as many increments as there were agents before I reached my own number. See, each time an agent gains a new security code, the computer generates it. It adds three to the second number, subtracts two from the fifth, divides by the number of..."

"Alright, alright!" Carson holds up his hand. "I believe you. Good grief. How long did it take you to figure that out?"

Ty shrugs again. "I don't know. Couple days?"

"And you're just a janitor?" Carson rolls his eyes. "Never mind. So you figured you'd just use someone else's code, not caring whose it was. Now... who did you let in?"

Ty's hesitance returns. "I... I don't know his name."

"Don't give me that."

"It's true! I don't know his name. He just came to me and..."

"When?"

"A while ago. Right after Scott came back. He told me that Scott was a traitor, but they couldn't prove it."

"They? Who is they?"

Ty looks down again.

"Talk to me, Ty!"

"Austin."

"Of all the..." Carson bites his tongue. "That man has caused more trouble than anyone I know, and he still claims to be on our side." He shakes his head. "So he was the guy with Austin when Scott was interrogated right after he was brought back?"

Ty nods. "I think so."

"Go on."

"Well, he stopped me, and said Scott was a traitor. He said he knew it because he had a signed agreement between him and the Agency, saying that he would work for them for a hundred thousand dollars a year. All he needed was another layer of proof, like if Scott talked or something."

"So when I started finding out he had information, you called this guy."

"Yeah." Ty's shoulders droop. "I didn't know he was going to beat on Scott... honest, I didn't."

"Well he did," Carson retorts harshly. "You said this guy had a signed agreement? Did he show it to you?"

Ty nods. "Why else would I have believed him? I didn't think Scott would be a traitor, but he showed me the paper, so I had to believe it."

Carson gives Nate a sidelong glance before reaching for his folder. He finds a piece of paper with a lot of text on it. He holds the folder right so Ty can't see him taking a pen scribbling something at the bottom. Shutting the folder, he holds up the paper. "The Agency sometimes collects agents signatures for various reasons. I was given this just a bit ago as evidence." His tone indicates that whatever it was, agreed with what Ty was talking about. "It's just a copy, but is this what you were shown?"

Ty squints as Carson flips the page over. There were a lot of words. A signature was at the bottom. He glances up to Carson's eyes, then to Nate's to judge whether or not it was safe to agree. He took the chance. "Yeah... yeah, that's it." He nods with surety.

Carson shakes his head slowly and puts the paper back down. "Ty... I just showed you a printout that Sapphire gave me on your activity during the last day. I just made that signature myself."

Ty's face pales. "That wasn't fair! You tricked me!"

"And you think I'm the only one?"

Ty sinks further down in his seat, his head lowering to a pitiful state. "The agreement wasn't real, was it?"

"What do you think?"

Ty manages to lift is eyes a little. "I... I don't know."

"Whoever it was knew you couldn't read, Ty. The only reason the Agency would ever want a signed paper would just be so they could verify their own agents activity if they double-crossed them. They aren't stupid enough to have agreements that say the agents will work for them."

Ty couldn't feel any lower. "You mean... it was all a trick?"

"I'm afraid so."

"And I was stupid enough to fall for it."

"Pretty much." Carson picks up his folder. "You'll probably be placed on suspension for overriding security codes and for letting someone inside while we were in lockdown. As far as your own conscience, you'll have to deal with that yourself. We still haven't figure out if Scott is really a traitor or not - but either way, you didn't make the right move." He looks to Nate. "Unless you think we nee more, I believe we're done here."

Ty stares down at the table, hating himself. The guy had been wanting to protect TJY, he'd said... just wanted to talk to Scott to prevent him from doing damage... just wanted to keep security tight and ensure safety... And Ty had been so gullible. Whether Scott was guilty or not, it was Ty's fault that he'd been beaten to a pulp, and that wasn't a good feeling.


Jason plants his feet on the ground, but stays seated on his motorcycle. His eyes roam the dark building. A lit window proved someone was there. Strange.

He takes off his helmet and runs a hand through his hair. It was late. He was surprised to see someone else was here at all. He was surprised he was here. But something had led him... something had pushed him.

Finally dismounting, Jason pulls off his keys. After locking his helmet to his bike, he wanders towards the double doors. Taking a glance over his shoulder, he feels as though he's being watched. But it wasn't the feeling of danger. Though unable to see anyone on the dark street, his sixth sense kicks in, and he thinks he knows. For now, he lets it remain as such. Hesitating, he finally turns back around tests the handle on the door. It was open. Even if someone was here this late, it was still odd that the door would be unlocked. But at the moment, he wouldn't question it.

Con watches as Jason parks and heads to the building. He was hidden from view in the alleyway down the street. But when he sees Jason turn around, he can't help a small smile. Jason had radar like a watchdog. "Yeah, Hotshot, I'm here."

Like a Sister

Looking at Rick and giving a small nod Hope keeps her fingers locked with Scott's. For a moment a strange feeling seemed to pass through her veins but was gone before she could grab hold. Giving just a soft smile to herself Hope stands still holding his hand.

"Come on, lets get you back to the bed where it is comfortable. Rick needs to get some fluids in ya too so you can stay strong."

Helping Scott up the best should could Hope slowly leads him out of the bathroom and back to the bed.

"You know I was thinking, once your feeling better again I'd like to take Domino to the park again with you. I had alot of fun last time."

Alice gives a soft smile to Hunter, a small flicker of thank you flashes in her eyes without any words needing to be spoken.

Hunter's words were soft, and they braught her comfort. It was nice to have someone know her past and understand so many things.

"Your the first one to know this Hunter. I havent shaired it with anyone else. I just...havent seen the reason to."

Alice gives another soft before looking away again up at the star lit sky. It seemed so strange to be talking to someone about this stuff. She never really had any girlfriends she could talk with.

"I think....I think Kyle looks at me more of a sister than anything else. He's my best friend, and..."

Alice thinks back to the beach and the feeling she felt. They had felt warm, and nice, but Kyle's tone had changed so fast. She wasnt sure if it was her or maybe he really did just look at her as a friend.

"...its been a long time since I played the dating game I am not sure I even know how anymore. Not to mention I am not even sure if I am ready to or not."

Assumption

Feeling Hope near, Scott automatically begins to relax a little more. Though having hardly any energy, his fingers curl around Hope's, as if grasping for reality. Her words were reassuring. They helped him stay in the present and know he was safe. Though the images of that horrid place were burned into his mind forever, and though they plagued him and tried to trick him into thinking he was still there, he knew.... he had to know.... that he was safe.

His eyes fall shut again. "Thank you," he whispers. "I don't know what..." He swallows hard, just fighting to make sense in his own mind. "...what I'd do without you."

"Scott? Hope?" Rick comes back in the infirmary, giving a start as he realizes where the two are. Joining them quickly, he kneels next to Scott too, though doesn't make Hope move. "Scott, are you okay?"

Scott nods numbly.

Rick sighs and glances to Hope. He knew what had happened. It was the same thing that had happened so frequently right after Scott had come back from the Agency. "He's too weak to fight this off," he mentions quietly. "I'm gonna have to put him on an IV to get some fluids back into him."


Surprise flickers in Hunter's eyes, but he doesn't interrupt Alice. Though obviously not having expected her to say the things she was, he stands quietly, just listening.

Halfway through, he finally eases down next to her on the bench, his hands still in his pockets, never crowding or invading her space.

As Alice concludes her story, Hunter remains silent for several minutes, his eyes just roaming the park. There were a lot of things he could say. There were a lot of things he could do. He could feel foolish for having asked her out. He could be upset that he didn't know this information. He could question her as to why this made any difference in the present. But instead, his simple words come out soft and low. "I'm sorry."

Though a bit hesitantly, he moves to take her hand. Not in a way that expected anything in return, but in a simple gesture that was the only way he knew how to let her know he truly cared.

"That's a lot for anyone to go through," he comments quietly. "I can't imagine how it must feel... having lost someone you loved so much."

He pauses, carefully choosing his words. "I understand how it could affect your thinking now... how you might be hesitant to get involved with anyone else. I bet sometimes you're afraid of betraying the memory of Seth, if you decided to love again."

Hunter takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He'd like to tell her it was okay to move on... he'd like to tell her that she had a right to be happy again. But he knew that she already knew these things. It was obvious that she did know what she deserved and what she needed... but moving beyond the past would have to be on her own terms - not someone else's.

He looks down for a moment, then back up, turning to meet Alice's eyes. He assumed that he was the second man to hear this story. "Is... this why you and Kyle are just friends?"

Reason

Hearing Scott's request Hope enters the tiny bathroom without a second thought. Slidding down in front of Scott Hope gives a soft smile. She felt so sorry for her friend. If only his pain would go away so he could return to his normal life. He deserved so much more than that.

Taking Scott's hand in her own she runs her thump over his fingers before bringing her other hand to his face to looks into his eyes with a soft smile on her face.

"Your here Scott, Your really here with me and your safe. If you wernt than I wouldnt be here eather."

Feeling Hunter's hand on her skin for a moment Alice feels a bit shock. Looking up into Hunter's eyes she can see his consern, and caring nature he showed.

She never shaired her story with anyone of her friends, and she wondered if maybe now it was time. It didnt look like Hunter was going to let her get away easly.

"I..never really shaired my story with many people. It never really came up in conversation and I've delt it so I never really saw the reason to bring it up..I just."

Alice is silent for a moment looking away from Hunter and than at the sky studying the moonlight for a moment. It was almost as if maybe Alice wasnt going to say anymore but finally she starts to talk again.

"Alittle over a year ago I was married. Alot of people were saprised when Seth and I decied to get married. He was a musition and I loved him ever since high school. We dated, went to the same college together. He went for Music and I went for Acting."

Alice is silent for a moment as a smile forms on her face. It was apparent that she was happy recalling these memories.

"Once out of college he started a band. He was the lead singer, and he was so good. Everyone always loved when they played. I remember when he asked me to marry him too it was after a consert and we went for a walk on the beach. Alot of people didnt think we were old enough, and that it would be hard with him traviling and me trying to do my acting. But we were so much in love and we new it would work. After we got married I stoped acting after praying for a long time knowing that my words could be used in another way and I started writing so that way I could be with Seth while he traviled and we were so happy."

After another moment of silence Alice's eyes grow a little dark as she looks down at her hands. Her face suddanly turning a sad at these memories.

"But three months later Seth got really sick. Headacks all he time, dizzy spells, sometimes it was so hard for him to get out of bed. He just figured it was a cold or he had come down with something..."

Alice gives a sad laugh.

"..He was always getting sick. Than one morning while on tour I couldnt wake him up, he was bleeding and he just couldnt wake up."

A few more tears roll from Alice's eyes. She'd delt with all this stuff and moved past the pain but pulling them back up still hurt and made her sad.

"Come to find out he had a brain tumor and it had bursted."

For another moment Alice it quiet before she turns to Hunter and gives a small smile. Though she was still sad about what they talked about there was a still glint of peace that was held in her eye.

"It was a year as of two weeks ago and with God's help I have come to turms with everything that happend and he helped take my pain away and I've moved on, but still. It's hard to get close to someone. I'm not sure why, but I just guess you could say I am scaired and in a way sometimes it does still hurt. It creeps up on me and just....something."

Pain

Hunter cocks his head a little, relieved that he wasn't the one that had caused Alice grief, but something had.

The corner of his mouth upturns just a little. "Yeah... I know what you mean."

He pauses, both hands still tucked in his jacket pockets until he reaches one hand out slowly. He slides a finger under Alice's chin, tilting her head up to look at him again. He saw the leftover tears, and heard the sorrow in her voice. "What makes you want to run and hide, Alice, hmm?"


Scott stays on the floor, with barely enough strength to keep his head up as he throws up again. Exhausted and aching all over, he closes his eyes and just rests his head on the toilet, trying to regain some control. Half of his mind was still trapped in the horrible nightmare.

Hearing Hope's voice, he doesn't move. Cringing, he tries to stop his stomach, but it's no use. Everything he had left was coming up one way or another. He groans a little after retching again. Pain crawled through his gut and his head throbbed.

He just sits, now focusing on trying not to pass out. His voice is weak and timid. "Just... remind me," he begs. "Remind me... that I'm here... and not there..." Though he wishes the bathroom door were closed so he could shut himself off from everything, a part of him was glad that it allowed him to hear Hope's voice.

He swallows hard and leans his head to the side, against the wall, afraid to try getting up just yet, and not knowing if he could anyway.

Sometimes

Looking up quickly not hearing Hunter start coming twords her. Just looking up at him for a moment Alice finally flicks some of the tears from her cheek that still remained. A soft smile forming on her lips again.

"Taking up stalking now huh?"

Alice cant help the small laugh that forms in her throat as the little bit of tears let behind her eyes twinkle in the moonlight.

Now she couldnt help but feel a little bad that Hunter through she was out here because of her. It got so hard sometimes to not let herself get down and she had done so well, but when things like this came along sometimes it was hard.

"Oh Hunter its not because of you I am out here. You didnt do anything wrong. Its because of me I am out here. I just...I dont know. Its so hard sometimes you know? Being happy all the time comes so easy for me yet, sometimes I just want to run and hide when I know I shouldent."

The look in Alice's eye shows she had something heavy on the mind, and though her words came out strong one could tell it was hard to talk about though it felt kind of good to get things off her chest.

Watching Ty Nate cant help but cring just a little. It always hurt just a little when they had to force someone into the intaragation room. It hurt even more when it was someone they new.

"I'm sorry Ty, but you do know some stuff."

Following after Carson and Ty into the room Nate closes the door behind him making sure not to intarupt anyone with there business here. People had enough to worry about than having to worry about this too.

Hearing Scott's whimpers in the bed draws Hope's attachen. Putting down her book Hope is quick on her feel as she moves to Scott's bed. Her heart hurt and went out to him as she tryed to gently walk him. But getting no response she new Scott was deep in a dream.

As he stumbles out of bed Hope gives a small jump backwards being startled. Seeing him trip on his way to the bathroom Hope goes to help him but see that he dosnt want any help she felt so helpless.

Waiting just a few moment Hope finally goes over to the bathrrom but dosnt go in knowing Scott probley wants his privesy.

"Hey Scott, is there anything I can do for you?"

Vivid dreams

Disappointment flickers in Hunter's eyes as Alice explains she'll be busy. He opens his mouth to suggest another time maybe, but before he can even say more, she's already turned and leaving. he was too much of a gentleman to make her stay.

Sighing, he feels his arm where she'd touched him. Finally he turns around, going back into the room with the others.

"Yo, what's keeping you?" Heath bugs him teasingly. "We were just ready to draw straws to see who gets the beds this time."

Hunter grins and shakes his head. "You guys fight over it. I can stand to sleep on the floor." He glances around the room. "Where's Kyle?"

"Shower," Blake informs. "He had first dibs and we weren't gonna stop him."

Shawn laughs. "He left a trail of sand."

Though joining in the laughter, Hunter grabs his leather jacket. "I think I'm gonna get some fresh air, guys. I need to breathe before I sleep."

The night air is cool, and Hunter makes his way out of the hotel onto the sidewalk. He was unfamiliar with this town, but it seemed quiet enough. He felt safe. It wasn't like he feared not being able to defend himself.

Heading left, he isn't sure where he's going, but he doesn't mind. He tries to shake off the lingering disappointment in the back of his mind, but it was holding on tightly. He felt just a little foolish, and was just as glad that no one else had seen him crash and burn with Alice. He could tell that she'd made up an excuse not to go with him. He knew she was busy with her work, but he also knew that she could take time out if she wanted to. After all, she'd taken off on the spur of the moment with Kyle...

Again, Hunter wondered if there really was more between those two than Kyle would admit. He just didn't know.

Sighing, he heads across a street, down, then makes another turn. He saw a small park ahead and opts to scout it out. It had a few warm lights that glowed, making the atmosphere appealing. He shrugs. Why not?

Hunter meanders into the park, taking his time. It was late, and they had an early start tomorrow, but he didn't mind. Every once in a while, he needed to be alone, even if it meant sacrificing some sleep time.

Wandering around for a few minutes, a figure on one of the benches catches his eye. It looked as though he wasn't the only night owl. He would have ignored it, but something made him go for a closer look. Drawing nearer, he has to squint. The bench was just far enough away from any lights that it made it hard for him to make out any features. But getting just a little closer, he recognizes her.

Stopping, Hunter almost turns around. Though a little confused, he suddenly felt as though he was invading Alice's privacy. And as he studied her still form, it looked as though something was bothering her. Was it him? Had he been more forward than he'd thought? Was it something he'd said to her earlier? It almost seemed to coincidental.

He turns, ready to walk away. But something stops him. He sighs and rolls his eyes. He'd already made an idiot of himself once tonight - what was one more time?

Hunter walks slowly, cautiously, his hands in his pockets. He stops a few feet from Alice, his eyes showing a soft concern. He didn't know what to say. "If you're out here because of me... I'm sorry." His eyes drift to the ground, then back up again. "I didn't follow you," he establishes quickly. "I just... needed some air and... well... I'm sorry if I offended you earlier."


"Great." Carson nods to Nate. "Let me go get him, then come with us. We'll go to the empty interrogation room so we're out of anyone else's way."

Turning, he goes straight to Ty, not allowing the younger man time to get to the lower level where he would have started work for the night. “Hey, Ty… got a minute?”

Ty lifts an eyebrow in question. “Um… yeah. Whatcha need?”

Carson slings an arm around his shoulders, starting to guide him towards the hall, joining up with Nate again. “We just got a couple questions for you is all.”

“Questions?” Ty looks between Carson and Nate, his eyes showing concern. “About what?” He tries to stop, but Carson doesn’t let him.

“You’ll see. Just come with us.”

Turning into the hall, Ty realizes they’re headed for the interrogation room. He balks, but Carson finally wrenches his arm behind his back, forcing him towards the door.

“No!” Ty still struggles, his eyes growing wide with fear. “I didn’t do anything! Nate, tell him!”


Scott feels Hope's hand to his shoulder, but he doesn't move. He was too exhausted. Just knowing that someone he trusted was near was enough to help him relax. Rick wasn't here at the moment, and Misty was in and out. But he had someone here... someone watching over him.

Though slitting one eye open once to catch a glimpse of Hope reading, Scott slips into sleep once more. It isn't long though, before his mind is overtaken by dreams that he wished would stay buried.

The images were dark and frightening. They were full of people from the Agency, but the feeling of death lingered in the halls. Blood was smattered on the walls, and it ran out from under one of the closed doors where screaming could be heard. Scott tried to stop - he wanted to help, but he was pushed forward with merciless jabs and kicks. He was being taken from one room to the next, put through tests and questioning. They gave him the terrible shots that he remembered, sending pain through his whole body.

Scott started to writhe in bed, the pain from his sore ribs just making the nightmare seem all the more real.

Half the people were living, but half seemed like zombies - robots caught up in the world of the Agency. They shouted questions at him, and tears ran down his face as he begged for mercy. The only escape was the cold, dark cell. No... they were taking him there again to that horrid dungeon. No, he didn't want to go!

Scott groaned and his fingers tightened around his pillow, twisting the bedsheets as sweat started to pour down his face.

Down the stairs and through the dingy corridor. The fingers that were wrapped around his arm tightened to the point of bruising. They were like cold bones with no warmth or feeling. The smell of rotting flesh hit Scott's nose, making his stomach churn. Falling, his hands and knees hit the cold, damp stone floor. He was kicked in the gut until he rolled into the next open cell. The door was slammed shut, sealing his fate for the night. His body unable to stand the horrors, he pulled himself to the corner where he threw up. A rat crawled across his hand, looking for a meal.

Still writhing in bed, Scott winces. Somehow, something snaps him back to reality before he has to face the next gruesome scene.

He sits bolt upright in bed, shaking all over, his pulse racing and his breathing rapid and shallow. He blinks in the light and looks around wildly, trying to figure out where he is with limited vision. Still in a fog, the only thing that hits his mind next is the sensation that had carried over from his dream. But this time it was real.

Quickly rolling out of bed, Scott aims for the infirmary bathroom. Still groggy and not focused, his foot catches on the cot, sending him to the floor. He doesn't wait for any help though, and can only crawl the rest of the way, barely making it to the toilet before he throws up.


“You didn’t even track him?!” Jason stared at Reese with disbelief. “I know we didn’t mention it in the meeting, but come on! Even you should know better than that!”

Reese was on his feet in his office, and he looked sternly at Jason. “I made the decision that I thought was best. We couldn’t risk the Agency finding Phinox wired.”

“Oh, but you could risk him walking away and trashing this whole case?”

“He’s not going to walk away.”

“How do you know that?!”

A new figure appeared in the office doorway, and Derek looked back and forth between the two men. Despite Reese’s order for sleep, it looked like only a few people were actually doing it. Not that he could blame any of them. “Sorry for interrupting,” he apologizes. “Jay and I just wondered was the latest was.”

Jason spins around to roll his eyes. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Unless you count Phinox walking out of here with us having no idea where he was going!”

“I told you my reasons,” Reese intervenes. “Now either get on board with this and learn to trust me and Phinox both, or go wait in your office until it’s over.”

“I can’t stay out of it!” Jason raises his voice. All of his pent-up frustrations were starting to boil over. “Katie’s being tortured, we got more than one traitor in our midst, and on top of it, we dragged in two dead weights who could blow the whole thing for us!”

Derek straightens, his eyes narrowing just a bit. “Hey.” He forces Jason to look at him. Both men were the same height, and they stared each other in the eye. “I was in this game long before you. Now I know you don’t like me. You probably downright hate me. But Jay and I came because we care about Katie’s life too. Don’t continue judging us just because you’re an agent here. We’re here to be a team. And Reese is the leader. How about respecting his decisions for once?”

Reese gives a nod. “Thank you.” He looks sternly back to Jason. “I think we’re clear on this.”

Being talked down by his father was not something Jason had planned on, nor was it something he appreciated. Instead of calming him, it only made him feel more frustrated. “No, we’re not clear! Why aren’t we out trying to find Katie’s location?! I don’t understand why we keep doing things Phinox’s way, acting like we’re so afraid of the Agency!”

Reese had had enough. “Stand down, Jason. Or you’re off the case for good.”

“You can’t tell me to stand down when it’s Katie who’s out there!” Jason slams his fist down on the desk. “You’re not being fair!”

“That’s it, Jase!” Reese points to the door. “You’re off the case.”

“You can’t do that!”

“I can and I just did! You have the choice of staying in your office or going home. There are no other options. You have pushed too far.”

“But-”

“No! You are dismissed.”

Jason looks at Derek, then Reese, his eyes blazing. Spinning around, he stalks out of the office.

Reese groans and sinks into his chair, putting his face in his hands. “I wanted him on this case,” he mumbles. “He’s one of the best we got, and if anything went wrong, I wanted him on top of it.”

“Sometimes the best aren’t the best option.” Derek sighs. “He and Katie are close, huh?”

“Extremely. Where there’s one, the other’s not far behind. I’ve never seen a better team, though they have had their rough times too.”

“Romance?”

Reese nods. “Yeah. Quite frankly, I’m surprised they’re not married yet. Though it’s probably just as good they’re not. They’re both young with a lot of growing up to do. Someday though… won’t shock anybody if they do wind up together.”

A pang in Derek’s heart, reminds him of how much of Jason’s life he’s missed. His son… a grown man with a life of his own, maybe starting a family of his own not to long from now. If only Derek had known Austin’s lies. If only he’d found out the truth sooner so he could be a part of Jason’s life. But life wasn’t always the way anybody wanted it. “I can’t blame Jason for being this upset then. Can’t say I’d be any different.”

“No… I just wish… I don’t know what I wish.”

“Reese?”

He looks up quickly at the new voice, lifting his eyebrows at Con. “Yes?”

Con had been resting, then had been with Ryder and Laura for a little while. Now he was trying to stay in the loop. “I just saw Jason take off. Wondered what was happening.”

“He left huh?” Reese shrugs. “Well, it’s probably better than him moping in his office.”

“Couldn’t take it?”

Reese shakes his head. “Not well, anyway. I told him he couldn’t be on this case anymore. He was getting too hot.”

“You think he’ll go home, or try his own way of solving this thing?”

“I hadn’t thought of that… You wanna check and see if he went home?”

Con nods. “I can do that.” He pauses before leaving though, giving Derek a nod. “Stick around for a while when this is over… once tempers cool, I think it might be worth it.”

Derek watches him go, then looks back to Reese. He seen Con from a distance, but didn’t know who he was. “Who was that?”

“Conrad Gibbs. Jason’s best friend, besides Katie. Good man. Trying to get him back as an agent.”

Report

Smiling and giving a good last laugh Alice says goodnight to help and starts to head with Chloe out the door.

Being stoped by Hunter saprises Alice just a little but she turns and smile at Hunter anyways. She liked everyone in the group and though they might do somethings that saprised her she new she had nothing to fear.

Hearing Hunter's comment about having her along and keeping Kyle in line Alice smiles. It felt good to be complmented like that and to know she was welcomed in this small group.

"Hey someones got to do it you know. Not to mention its nice breaking out of the norm. Having someone like Kyle to keep up with me as well is pretty nice too."

Getting prepaired to walk away again Alice is cut off by Hunter's next question. For a moment she just stands there stairing at him not to sure what to say. This was the second time in one night she had someone who found intrust in her. The heavy beating of Alice's heart echo in her ears.

She didnt dislike Hunter, and he gave her a flutter but something held her back. It braough a ping to her heart and the same look that passed off happyness and excitment had quickly changed to a small sadness like it had on the beach with Kyle.

"I'm sorry Hunter, I have a report I need to finish tomarrow and I think I'll be working on it all day. Its rather important and I have been naglecting it for a few days now. I...I am sorry. Thank you though for asking."

Giving Hunter's arm a small squeeze Alice's smile never left her face. Hurring quickly into the other room Alice shuts the door and for a moment leans aganst it closing her eyes.

What was wrong with her? After a year a longly year she still was scaired to open to anyone and be closer to them. Hunter was a nice guy, good looking, and Alice new she could have fun with him, but she mad up some lame reason why she couldnt go. Kyle made her smile, and when he touched her she could feel the heat rise to her cheeks and could feel what was almost like an eletric shock hit her, but yet...she had kept him at bay when it was clear he liked her too.

A small tear rolled down from Alice's eye making its path over her cheek and to the floor. When she was with her friends she felt so happy, whole, but when she was alone...she was alone. Though she new she wasnt and he had God's lover to keep her company she still new she was missing something. Something she had so long ago.

Pushing off the door Alice takes a few steps into the room but keeps her back turned a little to make sure Chloe couldnt see the tears that formed in Alice's eyes.

"Chloe, I am going to go for a little walk. I'll be back shortly."

Alice new it was late but she had to clear her head even if it was just sitting on a park bench and clearing her head.

Turning she lets the door fall shut behind her and makes her way down the hall to the elevator.

Question

Kyle lifts one eyebrow, staring back at Alice with a silly look of competitiveness. "I have eaten enough sand tonight without needing any more dust."

Chloe smirks. "So not only were you rolling in it, you were eating it too."

"Roughage!"

"Oh, gag." Chloe slaps down a card. "It's your turn, bozo."

"Great! I shall...." Kyle holds out his cards, ready to lay one down, but discovers he has nothing to play. "I shall draw a card."

The others involved in the game can't help but laugh, teasing Kyle as he starts to draw one card, then another... then another. Winding up with a handfull of cards, he finally pulls out a wild draw-four card. "Ha! Hunter, that one is for you, buddy!"

Hunter groans as his turn is skipped and four cards are added to his own hand. "Thanks a heap."

The hours roll on, no one wanting the fun and games to end. But as a few start to yawn, everyone had won at least twice. No one had kept track of who won the most games, but no one really cared.

Jordan is the first to stand up and stretch, helping Myla up as well. "Goodnight, y'all. See you in the morning."

"Yeah, goodnight." Chloe waves as the couple goes to their own room. She sighs and stands up, piling the UNO cards on the table. "Well, Alice, looks like you and I are next door. I doubt these boys want company too much longer."

The guys laugh and finally stand up too, ready to prepare the room for the night.

Chloe disappears into the hall, making sure Alice is close behind. But Hunter is also on their heels, stopping Alice at the door. "Hey, Alice?" He leans on the doorway, giving her a soft smile. "I'm glad you're traveling with us. You really add a lot, you know that?"

He gives a short laugh. "And you help keep Kyle in line too." Glancing over his shoulder, he make sure he's still alone before looking back down to Alice. "Listen, um... tomorrow night we'll be stopping again. It'll be the last night for a while that we'll actually get to settle in for an evening, and... I was wondering if maybe you'd like to go out to dinner... with me? ...Just the two of us?"