Found

Jay looks down at the ropes around his wrists. What if they got separated? What if the Agency would kill them on sight? What if they wouldn't be able to get out like planned? He thinks of Katie and a tear forms in his eye. He thinks of his wife and swallows hard. He thinks of his other children as the lump rises in his throat.
God please... please bring us all home safe.

Derek leans his head back against the side of the van as they rattle down the road. He replayed Phinox's words over and over in his mind. It had been a long time since he'd done anything like this... a very long time. But the adrenaline rush was the same.

As they continue to drive, Reese looks in his side mirror to see the other van that Con was driving. As they come upon an intersection, Con turns off, breaking away from the other vehicle. Reese takes a deep breath. There was no need to say anything... he knew that the other team would go another route and circle around to get a good spot to watch the building. They would be taking a short cut to arrive and keep an eye out before this part of the team even arrived.

Reese's hands tighten a little around the steering wheel. "Jase? Scott? If you're in a position to talk, give us an update on how things look."

Jason and Scott crouch behind a row of unkempt bushes along the parking lot of the building. "We got two guys out front," Jason replies quietly. "Rifles." Movement catches his eye. "Make that three. Lookin' lazy though. They're bored."

"Good," Reese responds. "They'll probably be easy to surprise then."

Scott taps Jason's shoulder and points to the corner of the building that was their target. They now had a clean shot to make it through the shadows.

Jason nods. "Going in. Let you know when we've got Katie."

Carson looks up at the others in the lookout van. The ride had been pretty quiet. Everyone knew what they were supposed to do, and all were trying not to think of the worst.

Sitting sideways against the sides of the van, eyes meet each other, but few words are spoken. Laura leans forward to put her face in her hands, her worry for Katie getting stronger and stronger.

Ryder is next to her and he sighs. Katie was his friend too... one of the few he had. Without thinking, he instinctively reaches over to rub Laura's back for a second.

She turns her head to look at him, giving him a grim smile of thanks. Straightening up, she pats his leg before settling back again. Looking to the front where her brother was driving, she catches his eye in the rearview mirror. He throws her a wink.

It seems to take forever, yet not time at all to reach their destination. Con is the first to speak. "Hal, how we looking?"

"Everything's the same. No one has reached Katie yet and... perimeter is clear." Hal had been set up with another monitor in the cubicle that would show Dalton's feed of the satellite surveillance. The screen jumps. "Dalton, keep us together, buddy."

Con parks the van in a secluded corner in an alleyway at the edge of the town. Everyone filed out, checking their gear and ammunition. Carson sets his hands on his hips and wanders away from the others. Taking his binoculars, he can see the building where Katie was being held. There were trees... an empty grass lot... and another tall building not too far away. "Con... you're up for the building."

Con knew his job. It's exactly what he'd been trained for. Taking a rifle, he checks it over before slinging it over his shoulder. He would be their sniper. Without hesitation, he starts with long strides towards the building, keeping safe along a couple other buildings then the tree line. A fire escape ladder was his route to the top.

Carson makes sure Con is well on his way before turning to the others. "Laura, head for the trees. Safe spot but good vantage point. Move around to the side so you'll have a good angle to head anybody off if they try to run."

She nods, slipping into work mode. This was it. The only thing she pauses for is to reach over to Nate's hand and give it a squeeze. If she would have had the time to kiss him, she would have. But she has to move now before anyone realized they were there.

Carson points to Nate. "West side parking lot." He knew that Nate would have already seen the junked cars that would provide ample cover, and he needn't give specific orders.

He then waves to Ryder. "You're with me."

Ryder grits his teeth. Though concentrating on finding Katie, there was still a small burning inside of him that fed his dislike for Carson. But he had no choice to argue today. He and Carson head to the tall grass, drop down on their bellies and begin to army crawl to their destination. They would wind up at the edge of the parking lot, hopefully completely unseen.

Jason and Scott keep low as they dash from one tree to the next, then straighten to flatten themselves against the side of the building. They could both hear what the other teams were doing, and knew they were not alone. At this point, the hardest thing to maintain would be their timing.

Out of sight from the thugs around the corner, Jason and Scott find the door unlocked. Slipping inside, they pause to take a look around. Both knew the layout. They tiptoe at a runner's pace down the hall.

Suddenly someone emerges from a side room. The man is startled, his eyes widening. But too shocked, his reaction is slowed. Before he can get his walkietalkie to his mouth, Jason reacts. Moving with speed, Jason grabs the man, twists him around and puts him in a brutal chokehold. The man struggles, but is no match for Jason's adrenaline-driven strength. Within seconds, the man has lost consciousness.

Scott's heart pounds and his hands shake just a little. Jason looks to him with reasurance and nods. They had to keep going.

Moving forward, they find the room their looking for. Hearing voices, they go flat against the wall, guns ready. But the two men emerging go the other direction toward the far exit. Jason recognized Rod and his blood boils. A nudge to his arm brings him back to their task and he and Scott move into the room. The door to the basement.

Turning quickly, Jason locks himself and Scott into the room. If anyone came back, that would buy them just a little more time. Thankfully, the door to the basement was open. Trying the lightswitch, nothing happened. Jason retrieved his flashlight and held it out in front of him, along with his gun. Down, down they descended into the dark, damp basement.

Scott's heart was racing, and for a moment, he gets hit with a wave of diziness. Stopping, he grabs at the railing, giving a little gasp.

Jason stops and turns, looking up into Scott's face. His eyes begged him to keep going. He needed him. Katie needed him.

Doing his best to recover, Scott bravely keeps going. His mind tried to play tricks on him, trying to get him to think that he was back in his old cell. He half expected to see the same rats that had shared his meals. His hand moving through a spiderweb makes him cringe. But he keeps close to Jason's back, following him all the way.

Jason sweeps the room with his flashlight. They were alone. Except for the huddled body at the pole in the middle of the room. Oh, Katie. His heart leaps into his throat, and it takes all the raw strength he has to hold himself together. "We're in."

Reese breathes a sigh of relief. "We'll be there soon. Don't dawdle."

It had taken Jason and Scott a little longer to get inside than planned, and now time was of the essance. Moving quickly, Jason is the first to reach Katie. He slides down on his knees next to her and so gently reaches out to tilt her face up. He saw the marks. He saw the blood. His heart screamed inside of him. "Katie..." His voice was so soft, almost timid. "Katie, can you hear me?" With no response, he leans forward, putting his ear close to her. She was still breathing. "She's still alive." No one had to respond - he could feel everyone's relief. But this was far from over.

Scott kneels down behind Katie, turning on the light on his hat. Sweat trickled down the side of his face. He wanted to take the time to see Katie's face and to tell her it was all going to be okay, but that was Jason's job. Unzipping his backpack, he goes for his tools. A small screwdriver is drawn out and he aims it for the corner of the bomb, but his hand is shaking uncontrollably.

Jason sees him, and grows serious. "Scott... come on... you can do this."

Panic wells up inside of Scott. Not only was he fighting against the memories and flashbacks, but he was holding one of his dearest friend's life in his hands. He wasn't strong enough. He wasn't brave enough.

"I know you can do it, Scott." Hope's words ring in Scott's ears. He remembers the confidence in her voice. She had faith in him... she had helped bring him this far. Closing his eyes, he remembers her voice... her touch... her confidence in him.

Opening his eyes again, he looks down. His hand was steady. He starts to take the casing off of the bomb.

Jason takes a wet cloth and tenderly wipes Katie's face, tucking her hair behind her ears and cleaning off all of the dried blood. A tear runs down his cheek. Don't leave me now... please don't leave me now... We've come too far... you've hung on this long... hang on a little longer... we'll get you out, I promise.

Jason can feel the emotions rising within him. The words were still only words in his mind, but like a magnet, he could feel the emotions starting to wrap around them, trying to form their own communication. The drugs were starting to wear off.

In a hushed tone, Jason sings a sweet lullaby, hoping that if Katie could hear them, that it would bring her comfort.

The quiet singing seems to put everyone in a strange state of peace. The whole team could hear him, and they knew why he was giving his gentle reassurance.

Reese stops the van and stares ahead towards the building that could be seen in the distance. "Is everyone in position?"

One by one, the other members check in. Everyone was accounted for. Everyone was in place. Reese looks back to Phinox. "We're ready on your signal."


The morning comes in more lazily than in a long time. The team takes their time getting up – for once, taking a break from their early-morning routines. A couple of the guys eventually get up and make some coffee. Hunter leaves and returns with some pastries for breakfast and Myla works on picking up the living room after the evening before with a throw pillow fight and popcorn. It’s getting a little late, and everyone’s starting to pack up, when suddenly someone realizes that Kyle hasn’t been up and about.

“Did he eat breakfast?” Chloe questions.

Blake shakes his head. “I haven’t even seen him up.”

“Surely he’s not still asleep with this racket.” Jordan heads for the bedroom.

“I dunno.” Shawn shrugs. “I haven’t been back in there since I got up.”

Jordan rolls his eyes and keeps his route to the bedroom. He half suspected that Kyle had slipped out unnoticed. But reaching the room, he discovers he was wrong. He seeks Kyle still lying flat on the far bed, on his stomach with his head turned away from the noise.

Jordan couldn’t believe Kyle had slept through everyone’s chattering and moving around. But maybe he’d finally gotten a good night’s sleep. “Yo, Kyle!”

No answer.

Jordan goes closer and shakes the bed. “You gonna sleep all day?”

Still no answer.

“Kyle…” Jordan moves around to see Kyle’s face, then reaches down to shake his friend’s shoulder. “Kyle!”

Nothing.

Now a little concerned, Jason sits on the edge of the bed and shakes his friend again. “Kyle, come on… wake up.”

“He still asleep?” Heath asks from the doorway.

Jordan keeps trying, doing everything he can. “Come on, Kyle, buddy, daylight’s burning.” With the concern worsening, he checks Kyle’s pulse. “Kyle?”

After several more minutes of the same, Jordan finally looks up at Heath grimly. “Call 911. I can’t wake him up.”

Heath doesn’t wait to ask questions, and spins around, diving for the phone in the living room.

The others are immediately on alert.

“What… what’s wrong?”

“What happened?”

“Is he okay?”

Suddenly, the bedroom is full, a quiet but fearful chaos ensuing. Jordan stands, holding the others back. “Whoa, guys, leave room to breathe.”

Chloe’s lip trembles. “He’s not…”

“No,” Jordan answers. “He’s breathing, though his pulse isn’t great. I can’t get him to wake up, and that’s not normal. Something’s wrong.”

He hears Heath explaining to the 911 operator, asking for an ambulance. He scans all the eyes in front of him, including Alice's. “Does anyone have any idea what Kyle did before bed last night?”

Chloe swallows hard, a tear running down her cheek. “He still had a bad headache. I…I gave him some pain killers. I don’t think he had any supper though.”

“Okay, we wait for the paramedics. Stay cool and sit tight.”


"...so I thought when Dad's done with whatever it is he's doing, that then maybe we could -" Liz's words are cut off as there is a knock at the door. Both she and Axel are sitting on stools at his small kitchen counter, eating breakfast. She looks at him with question. "Expecting company?"

"No. But that never means anything." Axel slides off his seat and ambles to the door. Opening it, he's surprised at the visitor. "Taylor? What's up?"

Taylor steps inside only when invited, and gives a little sigh and shrug. "Oh, just... hadn't seen you much since the band hasn't been practicing much and, um, I just, um..." Her eyes drift down, then up, then to the kitchen. Her eyebrows rise. "Liz?"

"Taylor!" A smile spreads on Liz's face. "Long time no see!"

"Yeah! ...yeah." Taylor looks to Axel for an explanation.

He chuckles. "Unexpected visitor. Long story. So... something you needed to talk to me about?"

"Well, um... yeah, I just..." Taylor looks to Liz again, then back to Axel.

Axel gets the idea, and he turns around, motioning with his head for Liz to make herself scarce.

Liz tries to hide her grin as she picks up her bowl of cereal and aims for the living room. "I'll, just... catch the morning news on tv."

Taylor gives and awkward laugh and steps toward the empty kitchen. Turning around, she looks up at Axel, her face slightly flushed. "Look, um... I know things are alright between us, and I know if I asked, you'd probably say I didn't need to explain anything, but... it would make me feel better, okay?"

"Okay." Axel leans back against the counter expectantly. He felt just a tad awkward himself, but if Taylor needed this, then he would allow it.

Taylor takes a deep breath. "I wanted to give you my genuine apology for my behavior in the past. I... I was foolish and... and caught up in some weird emotions and... I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable."

Axel shakes his head. "You don't-"

"No, let me finish," Taylor interrupts. She paces in a small circle as she talks. "I like you, Axel. I always have. I mean... who doesn't?" She manages a short chuckle. "But I see now that I was invading your space and... that I had misinterpreted my own feelings and acted inappropriately. Yes, at the time I thought I wanted to be more than friends, but... after making a complete fool of myself and then stepping back and really taking a good hard look, I see how much I value our friendship and... I see that you and I really aren't meant to be anything but friends."

She finds a little more strength with each word. "I see you and Jess and I'm so happy for you guys, and I really hope that things work with you two. I just... I wanted to say I'm sorry for hauling off and acting on impulse and embarrassing the both of us. And... I just wanted to make sure that... well..." Her eyes lower again. "...that I could still have you for a friend and the big brother I never had."

Feeling Axel's hands on her shoulders, she looks up quickly. "Forgive me?"

Axel is smiling and he shakes his head. "How many times do I have to tell you that I do? Quit stewing about it. I'm okay, you're okay, and yes... we're still friends."

Taylor finally smiles and nods a little sheepishly. "Okay." A slight laugh surfaces. "Would this be a bad time to tell you that I have a date tonight?"

"What?!" Axel steps back, pretending to be shocked, then throws her a wink. "What's the lucky guy's name?"

"Bill."

"Bill?" Axel quirks an eyebrow "That's a-"

"A fine name," Taylor cuts him off, sticking her tongue out.

"Is he handsome?"

"Of course."

"Good clean guy?"

"Couldn't get any cleaner." Taylor grins. "Thanks, Axel. Will I see you at our next practice?"

"Far as I know."

The time has come

Walking with Kyle's arm drapped over her Alice felt so happy that she now had a new energy and a new reason to smile.

Getting to the outside of the room Alice returns Kyles kiss short and sweet but it gives emotions like non other.

"Thank you Kyle for restoring my Hope, and helping me start to fill the holes."

Finally entering the room a anew spring is in Alice's steps with a twinkle in her eye that she is sure everyone would notice.

Making her way to the bathroom Alice cleans up and throws in a pare of cloth pants, and a long night shirt. Combing out her hair and than climbs into bed throwing the top blanket off, but the sheet up to her chin. Tonight she would sleep with a smile.

Giving a nod to Wyatt and Scott Misty understands her order. She wasnt to sure about this, and to be honest she was scaired to death. Not for herself but Scott, Jason and even Katie. She wasnt sure what kind of condition she would be in when they found her.

"I'll be here for you guys and I am also linked up to your head set so I will be able to communicate is need be. Be safe guys and come back in one peace ok."

Misty's question didnt require an answer as there really wasnt one. All she could do was watch them both walk off to there destionation untill they finally were out of view.

Closing the van door once again she gives her confermation that she was linked up and could hear everything going on.

Now, it was just the waiting game and that could be the hardest part of all.

Typing a few buttons back at TJY and flipping a few switches Daltion make sure all the lights were green. Putting in his own ear peace he tests it out.

"Alright guys we are live, and green. Scott be safe out there I've got some jerky and MD back here with your name on it. I would hate it to go to wast."

Getting the response from everyone that there headsets were working Dalton stays alert and at attation. He hopes this worked and that everyone would come home safe even Phinox.

Getting into the van with the other Phinox's face still showed no emotion. There was a cloud that hung inside him he almost new that he wouldnt make it out even if he would try to.

Once inside and on there way Phinox holds out his hands as they are tied. Getting Jay and Derek's attachen he shows they a trick to keep the ropes loose.

"Hold your thumb inside the cup of your hand like this to give the rope extra. Than make your hands into fists so onces Reese ties the outsides you can tell there is extra inside. From looking at and even checked it because the Agency isnt stupid as long as you keep yours hands in fists they wont be able to tell the differance."

Letting Reese ties them up he makes sure they do as he told and all of them had room before he lets Reese tie him last. Letting out a sigh he sits back in the van. The never ending minutes were dragging on as the outcome would be no better.

"Once we are in the holding room, it will be no problem to open your hands and slip out of the ropes. After that, we kind of just have to play it by ear and hope it works out. Pick the lock to get out of the room, break down the door to get out. Have Jason or Scott open the door. We will have to see the best option. It might even work if we make a commotion and have them open the door than knock them out."

Looking across the van at the two men he gives a nod. He was sure they would do fine, and he would do whatever it took to get these two men out and back to there familys once again. How nobal, how honnerable they were. Phinox had wanted to be like that at one point in time and he though he was doing what was write but it all seemed to back fire and turned into a mess but now, at this moment it was what would make his amends.

Seeing Reese enter her office Angelica tenses just a little. She need Reese would be going with the others now, and she was scaired. If only he didnt have to go but she new, he had to.

Wrapping her arms around him and returning his kiss she pulls away before just taking him into a strong hug. Her voice cracks just a little, as she can feel he tears that wanted to break out of her eyes but she didnt let them. Though one could tell there where there by the glass look of her eyes.

"I will pray. Come back to me...ok?"

Holding on to his hand as long as she can Angelica finally has to let go. The space between them growing as she watched Reese walk out the door.

Sinking down into her chair finally a tear runs from her eye. Closing her eyes she says a quick prayer before opening them and trying to find some work to keep her mind busy. In a little while she would pray again. This whole thing was in God's hands now and Angelica new, he would do what was best. She only hoped what was best was everyone coming home again.

Moving out

Kyle watches Alice exit the pool, then he boosts himself up out of the water too. Drying off a little with his towel, he joins Alice for the walk back to their room, his arm slung around her shoulders. But this time there was more in that simple gesture... this time it was a claim on something he had just gained.

Reaching the suite, Kyle stops at the door, turning to Alice one more time. "I guess this is where two prunes say goodnight."

Though he grinned, one could now see the exhaustion in his eyes. It had been a long day.

He reaches out to tuck a stray strand of wet hair behind Alice's ear. "Goodnight, Alice. And thank you." Already he was looking forward to tomorrow... This time he wasn't going to let his silly pride get in the way. They'd have all day on the road to spend time with each other.

Leaning closer, he plants a tender kiss on her forehead. Retreating, there's a spark in his eye that warned if he wasn't so tired, he'd probably be bouncing all over the hallway. A short laugh manages to slip out. "I think I'd take you over Mountain Dew any day."

Kyle opens the door and lets Alice in the room before they can linger too much longer. Their entrance is noticed by a few of the others, though most were busy with a game of UNO or watching tv. Kyle aims straight for the guys' room.

"Hey, Kyle, how's the head?" Chloe calls over to him.

Kyle scrunches his nose. "You had to remind me that's what this thing on my shoulders is, didn't you?"

Chloe bites her lip. "Sorry. You want to take something for it so at least you can sleep?"

He'd been turning her offer down all day long, but right about now, the thought of a good night's sleep was too appealing to say no again. "Alright. You win."

"Good." Chloe rises from her seat in the living room to grab the little bottle from her purse. "Here you go."

"Thanks." Trudging to the bedroom, Kyle sets the bottle down and tries to find some dry clothes. Only then does he notice that Hunter has turned in early, and he apologizes for the noise he's making. "Sorry."

Hunter eyes him from one of the beds and doesn't respond. Instead he just rolls over to turn his back. Staring at the wall instead, his gaze is not a peaceful one. He tries to sleep anyway, to keep his mind from wandering.

Kyle quirks an eyebrow at the tense feeling in the air, but he shrugs it off, heading for the shower. He was too tired to think about anything but falling into bed himself.


The sun has already shown itself above the horizon. Long shadows spread themselves across the land. Thunderheads build in the distance. On a quiet plane, if one listened carefully, they could hear the distant rumblings from within the gigantic clouds.

A more glorious morning would be rare. But on this day, those traveling in the black van through the back roads had their minds far from the golden rays or the anticipation of invigorating storms. Instead, their minds were on the task ahead... a rescue... a mission.

Wyatt keeps his eyes on the road, his fingers curled tightly around the steering wheel. He glances to his side where Scott sat, concentrating on an open book and his tool kit as he mentally prepared for what was ahead. Though he could probably perform the task in his sleep with his discovered knowledge of the bomb, he wasn't willing to take the risk of being unprepared.

Wyatt's eyes then drift to the rearview mirror. Jason and Misty were quiet. Jason was still a bit pale, but so far had hung on well since leaving TJY. Several medical bags took up one seat. No one knew how bad Katie really was. Already, Wyatt had a route mapped out in his mind that would get them back into town and to the hospital in the shortest amount of time.

As their destination is approached, Wyatt knows where to find a parking place, from all the maps they'd gone over. The abandoned brick building had plenty of trees around it... plenty of cover.

Wyatt pulls off the road and drives through an open grassy lot before coming to a stop in some trees. Without having to say anything, he and Jason get out and throw camouflage netting over the van. It wasn't a foolproof disguise, but it would keep anyone from noticing them at a glance.

Standing outside the van, Jason checks his amunition and holsters his hand gun. He and Scott were both in black and wearing bullet proof vests, prepared to take advantage of the shadows the morning sun was providing.

Jason nods to Wyatt, then to Misty. "We'll be back. If all goes well, we'll bring Katie back here. If anything goes down, we may take her to the van Reese brings. If that happens, Misty, we'll meet you on the street. Reese will have medical supplies with him in that van too."

Scott shoulders his backpack then looks down in his hand at the gun he held. Swallowing hard, he holsters it. Donning his earpiece, he tests it out, along with Jason. Everything worked. Everyone was in contact and connected both to here and back to TJY.

"Alright, Phinox, we're heading in," Jason informs. "So far so good." Nodding to Scott, both men take off through the brush towards the building.

Wyatt paces, his hands on his hips. He loosk worriedly to Misty. Would this really work?


Reese looks up as he hears Jason's voice over his own mic. In the lower level garage, he catches Phinox's eye and nods. It was time now that they pulled out too. They were on schedule.

"Alright guys, lets get moving."

The teams had changed. With the new plan in place, Reese wanted more agents to watch their backs in case anything went down. He would be presenting Derek, Jay and Phinox to the Agency. But driving separately at a safe distance would be Con, Nate, Ryder, Carson and Laura who would take secluded positions around the perimeter of the building. Hal would be the one staying to watch the monitor, while Dalton took care of communication and tracking from the control room.

Everyone donned their own mics and tested them, talking to Hal and Dalton. They were as ready as they ever would be. The perimeter team was in black with bullet proof vests, though with the hope that they wouldn't be needed. Derek and Jay climbed into one of the vans, each trying to prepare themselves for what would happen. Halfway there, they would be tied up along with Phinox. They were all banking on the Agency simply believing that Reese would tie his own men as a sign of surrender, not of trickery. Both Derek and Jay's minds were on their families... the ones they loved.

Reese looks around at his team and lifts his eyes with a silent prayer. "Get ready in the vans. We have two minutes." Breaking off from the others, he sprints up the stairs. He felt bare without dressing for the occasion like the rest of the team, but he was the dropoff man... any weapon or sign of battle would be a threat.

Jogging down the hall, Reese stops at Angelica's office. Taking a deep breath, he knocks the enters. "We're pulling out," he informs. Looking her in the eye, he conveyed all of his worry and hope that they would all be back soon, everyone safe. But if not, he wanted her to know that he cared about her.

Approaching slowly, he pulls her up out of her chair to take her in a strong embrace. "If you want to know how we're doing, ask Dalton or Hal," he tells her quietly. Pulling away, he brings his hands up to cradle her face, leaning in to kiss her lips. "Pray for us," he whispers. Brushing her cheek with his hand he turns, and is gone.

Chill

Gentily giving Kyle a hug back Alice feels so much peace that, that in itself could be over welcoming.

Closing her eyes as she returns the hug silently she thanks the only person who could of helped her find this peace...God.

Being pulled away to look to Kyle, Alice had no doubt that her eyes held a new glow, a new fire, a new twinkle. She was sure her face like Kyle's was brighter.

Slow and steady, she liked the idea of that. It would give them the chanse to warm up together, build a trust, a faith, and a promise.

Giving a small chuckle Alice finally replys.

"I rather like prunes...but I think you right. We better get out before we catch a chill and get sick."

Giving Kyle's hand another squeeze Alice finally lets go and swims over to the edge to climb up the ladder and grab her towel to wrap it around herself.

Adventure

"At least somebody likes my quirks," Kyle teases softly.

A peaceful quiet settles over them like a blanket. It had been a long time since he'd felt this kind of peace... and it was nice.

As Alice leans in closer, he lets her, tilting his head just a little. Their lips touching is like a warm breeze with the power to make any heart melt. Having her arms around him was something he hadn't known he wanted until now.

For now though, he lets the kiss stay simple and brief, choosing instead to pull Alice into a hug. Slower was better this time around. This time he wanted to savor each and every small moment, enjoying simplicity, rather than rushing in headlong. He wanted something saved for the special times... some things kept for the future... some things kept for the moments that would mean even more... he wanted passion to be gradual, rather than spending it all at once. Tonight's moment was meant to only be the beginning.

Drawing back, he finally releases her to bring both of his hands up to cradle her face. "You're an amazing woman, Alice... This is one adventure I can't say no to."

Grinning, he taps her nose playfully with his thumb. There was a new energy about his smile... a new spark. A fire had been lit in the darkness, now shining through his gaze. There was an anticipation instead of a dread of what was to come.

"Think we better get out of the pool before we both turn into prunes?"

Quirks

Giving a little laugh Alice couldnt be more content at this moment. A leap of faith is what she had been told once to take and now the time had come that she was trying it again. This time maybe, just maybe it would work out. Thats all she could hope for.

"Everything about you drives me crazy, but thats a good thing. I've kind of gotten use to you quirks and think I would miss them."

Stopping her hand at her jaw Alice cradles Kyle's face. She her hand shakes a little her heart thump in her chest like it might explode out. Leaning in a little close to Kyle Alice's eyes dont leave him till her lips finally press aganst his. Her eyes finally falling shut, the chill runs down her spine, and a new emotion, one differnt from anything before blossoms as her arms wrap around Kyle.

Ever since

Kyle lets Alice move, but continues to rest his arm around her waist. Something was happening here tonight... and though it was a little scary for them both, it was something they'd both been waiting for. Their reasons for resistance were different... their reasons for some insecurity were different... but their feelings for each other were the same. Being best friends had taught them both that they didn't want to be without the other.

His thumb rubs her back just a little and he closes his eyes as her fingers run along his face. A smile surfaces, along with a slight laugh at her final statement. "You took me to the top of the ferris wheel and I've been up there ever since."

Water drips from his hair and makes him blink again. Leaning in close, he lets his forehead rest against hers, his eyes finding hers once again. His smile surfaces one more time, his voice returning to a whisper as her hand moves along his cheek. "I gotta tell you that drives me crazy."

Fear

Kyle's words hit Alice's ears and bring a worm sensation to her skin as a small flam starts to flicker lighting up the dark and empty spots of her heart.

Feeling Kyle's arm loosen a little Alice knows he is letting her move if she wished but she dident want to her was to comfortable, but she didnt want to see his face better. Letting go of his hand she moves ever so slightly and twists in his grips so she was not look face to face with him.

"I've grown use to being your shadow, and following after you. I cant imagen going back to a normal life."

Bringing her hand to Kyle's face again Alice runs her fingers over his cheeks, his jaw, his nose and eyes as her eyes never leave his. It was like she was almost maping out his face to always remember. Her touch soft, light.

"Kyle Mitts, you stole my heart from the first moutain dew toss. I'm sorry it took me this long to put aside my own fear."

Too accustomed

For Kyle, time seems to slow and almost stand still. His eyes don't move from Alice's as she speaks, her words being absorbed and digested carefully and slowly.

Her hand on his face sends a tingle down his spine, and he doesn't back away. He just looks into her eyes, forgetting about everything else.

"Your eyes," he whispers. "They hold the morning and evening light all in one. I've been waiting for the chance to be a part of their horizon for a long time."

Shifting his head, his eyes drift close as his lips brush Alice's palm. "I can't walk away. You mean too much to me." He knew he was risking his heart again. He knew that once more, he was putting everything on the line. But it was like a habit he couldn't break... and he couldn't help the hope he felt, that this time... maybe he wouldn't be left alone in the end.

Moving down, he leans his chin on her shoulder, resting his head against hers, his wet hair touching her cheek. Though his arm remains around her, he relaxes a little, freeing her to move if she pleased.

"I've grown too accustomed to my shadow to let it go now."

Bear with me

Feeling Kyle's hand finally take hers and lock fingers the companionship she had been missing, the emptyness she had longed to fill was now hanging in the balance of wondering if it would be now filled.

Searching Kyle's eyes so many question she wanted to ask, so many things she wanted to throw at him and hound him to know if this was true so her heart wouldnt be broken again as the emptyness would swallow her whole once more.

Kyle her best friend wanted to be..more? Had she really over looked it this whole time? Did Kyle really want to be more? The worst that could happen is he would say now, and they would just be friends again.

"As sure as the sun rises every day, I will be there at your back to make sure smile, and to make you laugh as I know you will be for more."

Still letting Kyle hold her one hand she brings his other to his face to wipe the water away that was making its way down his face. Her hand felt a little shaky as the ground she would be walking would be risking her hear again but she was read, and she felt comfortable with Kyle and maybe her talk with Hunter had made something click. Seth would want her to be happy.

"If your willing to bear with me Kyle than please dont let go, but if you cant understand that something I might get scaired, and are not willing to stick with me than walk away now. My heart cant handle losing anyone else that I feel so close to. If you need sometime to think as well, than I understand."

Alice's eyes beg, and plee with Kyle what her heart wants, and yet they hold the darkness, the shiled that also said it didnt want to be hurt anymore. She gave him all the outs he could want without making him feel traped, Alice just wanted to make sure this is what Kyle wanted and was willing to stick with her.

Tell me

Kyle blinks back a bead of pool water. Alice had just proven him wrong. She was flirting with him... and it was obvious that she was very comfortable here with him, aside from all the teasing and the bantering. What had changed? And when? He swallows hard.

The mischief disappears from his eyes, though he tries to maintain some amount of humor. "I think it's okay..." He lets his sentence linger for several moments, trying to figure out exactly what else he wanted to say. "...as long as you mean it."

His fingers move a little so that he has a hold of her hands now instead of the other way around. His voice gets quieter. "I... don't think I could stand getting my hopes up for nothing."

He knew that his words were starting to reveal his true feelings. He knew that all of a sudden, he was starting to relay the deeper feelings that he'd been hiding. But the time seemed right. Maybe the gnawing feeling in his gut from being at odds all day long had proven to him the way he really felt. And he was tired of the games... he either wanted to know if he and Alice were just going to stay friends, which he would accept, or if there really was something more there.

Kyle's eyes continue to gaze into Alice's, trying so hard to read her and what she was really thinking. His voice comes out almost a whisper. "Either tell me to walk away now, or tell me not to let go. I can't stand the unknown in between."

Ok?

Giving another quirky smile back at him in the moonlight her eyes seem to dance as a suddin peace is about her as she is in Kyle's arm.

Was it the water? Was it all the emotions, could it be the long day Alice didnt know. But she felt safe, comfortable and just...differnt when she was with Kyle.

Grinning she gives a little nod of her head.

"I think, I might be is that ok?"

Question

Maybe it was the late hour. Maybe it was the emotions that couldn't be sorted through. Maybe it was out of tiredness. But whatever the case, a grin quirks the corners of Kyle's mouth.

He still doesn't move his arms. Instead, he just shifts his head a little more to get a straighter look at Alice's face. There was something behind her words. But he didn't believe that it was true. He was looking too deeply. To prove it to himself, his eyes narrow teasingly.

"Alice Whitt, are you flirting with me?"

Hidden meaning

Looking back at Kyle for that bref moment she catchs sight of the look the moved through his eye. Though she wasnt sure one hundred precent what that look ment it made her own heart skip a beat, as she can feel a little color come to her cheeks.

For just this bref moment, for this time being her toung was loose and she didnt feel scaired. The feel that had held her back wasnt there is almost felt like she was...free.

"You wouldnt have to worry, I'm not going anywhere. I think your stuck with me."

After the words come out of her mouth Alice cant help but wonder if she just over steped her bounds of there friendship. She didnt want to push Kyle away when she new they were only friends yet she couldnt help saying what she did. Maybe the hiddon meaning would be over looked.

Set up

Kyle's eyebrows rise as Alice settles back into him, getting more comfortable. He had expected more of a fight than this.

Glancing down, he catches Alice looking up at him. For some reason, his pulse quickens just a little, and he wonders if she can hear his heartbeat.

"You're not supposed to make it this easy," he muses. Oddly, his voice has grown quieter. "One might think you were trying to set me up."

His eyes search hers, and for a moment, the same look passes through his eyes that had the night on the beach. He doesn't want to let her go... he wants to let her go. The muscles in his hands tense, ready to back off, but yet they stay where they are.

"I'd... hate to get comfortable just to have you slip away."

Comfortable

Keeping her finger lock over top of Kyle's Alice leans her head back into his shoulder as if getting comfortable and lets herself float a little bit.

"OK, I am comfortable and in good hands. I am ready to stay he all night with you."

Moving her head a little so it was still on Kyle's shoulder she looks up at him the grin still on her face as her breaking is soft on his neck.

Okay

Kyle gives a short laugh, keeping his arms locked around Alice's waist.

Hearing that she wouldn't give up and that they would be stuck there all night, Kyle shrugs. He doesn't move his arms.

"Okay."

Surrender

Going under again Alice dosnt mind to much as this time she new it was coming and she could hold her breath. Coming back up another laugh makes its way to the surfice as Kyle's arms are still wraped around her.

As a reflex she brings her ands down to Kyle's for a moment locking her fingers with his and though it was still in playing gest Alice felt safe like the worry and stress of the world was gone.

"Wait..you want me to call you my Uncle? That dosnt seem right."

Giving a little struggle Alice dosnt try to hard to break free but she dosnt stay very still eather.

"I'll never give up, I'll never surrender. We are just gonna have to stay here, all night, alone, in the pool, the moon our ownly whitness."

Uncle

Kyle does not expect Alice to continue the fun, and is taken totally off guard as she pulls his feet out from under him. Down he goes, his turn to be dunked.

Coming back up, he sputters a little and whirls around, trying to locate Alice as the water drips down in his eyes. For the first time that day, he can let go and forget about what had been keeping him moody all day long.

"You little...."

Gaining a mischievous grin, he lunges at Alice from behind, wrapping his arms around her to pull her under. Both are under for just a moment before he stands up again, bringing their heads above water. Keeping his arms around her waist, he spits out a stream of water. "Say uncle!"

Laughter

Hearing the shreak and the small smile from Kyle Alice almost feels herself being recharged. Kyle's laughs and smiles were almost like fule to her.

As she feels Kyle's hands on her shoulder it almost feels like a shock runs through her but before she has time to pin point it or even repond to it she feels the water rush over her and filling her nose. Coming back up from the water Alice gives a cough as a grin forms on her face.

Not saying anything Alice goes back under the water. Keeping her eyes open she finds Kyle's feet and grabs on to them taking him off balance so he falls backwards.

Coming up again no words are spoken but non needed to be as she made splashes at Kyle and her laughter rang out.

Dunking

Kyle sighs a little as Alice swims away, but he doesn't turn around. He wanted things to be okay again... and he didn't want anything to complain about. Yeah, they were even now on knowing everything about each other. But it still hurt, and he'd still have to work through that aspect of it. He just hoped that if there was anything else later on, that Alice wouldn't be scared to talk to him then either.

Totally lost in thought, Alice startles him from behind. He grins a little at her comment, still not turning around. "I think if I were on fire, I'd be safe... we're in a swimming pool."

Ready to take another swim, Alice's fingers to his sides make him jump. He could stand being tickled if he knew it was coming, but whenever he was taken by surprise, he couldn't stand it.

A shriek escapes and he whirls around with a splash, now facing Alice. For the moment, his headache is forgotten.

"You twerp," he chides. For the first time that day, humor twinkles in his eye. Without even thinking, he reaches out to put both hands on her shoulders and pushes, dunking her all the way under water before letting go.

Buff

Floating on her back Alice lets the water wash around her as the cooling sensation drifts over everything but her face.

"Well, WWCK you now know everything about me. So..I guess there is no complainants now huh?"

Alice gives a smile to show she was messing around with Kyle and help no ill feelings. She wanted things back to normal, she wanted to laugh with Kyle again and have fun.

Treding water once again Alice just watch Kyle for a moment. The moonlight shone in through the glass above and bounced off the water casting a glow on Kyle. Alice had never noticed before just how buff Kyle was from all the karate he did. But now, in the water with the light it just seemed to hit every curve right and enchanced them.

Suddonly Alice is snaped from her moment of dreams relizing this was her best friend she was thinking about. Kyle had looked at her as a friend, and hadnt really made any other moved other than friendship. Not to mention was she really ready for more?

Dunking herself under the water to half cool off a grin forms in her mind as she swims over to where Kyle was. Staying under the water just a little while longer she new he must still be lost in thought.

Coming upbehind she gentil comes twords him looking over his shoulder and whispers.

"Dont think so hard I smell smoke and I would hate to have to dunk you under."

Bring her hands to Kyle's sides she moves her fingers to tickle him just a little.

Friends

Kyle wipes some water off his face and squints a little as some gets in his eyes. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, letting himself sink so just his head is above water. "I'm... sorry too."

His eyes stay downward as he treads water. He still felt like he had a fever, and his head still hurt, but the water was seeming to help. And he knew that if he and Alice were going to be okay, they needed this conversation.

"I guess I just took you for granted... figured you'd told me everything I guess... but I shouldn't have assumed that and... I shouldn't have felt bad either when you told me. You have a right to your own privacy."

Though concentrating at the design on the bottom of the pool, he was still remembering that Hunter had known before him about Alice's past. And part of his own mind was reminding himself to keep just a little distance. He and Alice were friends... best friends... but just friends nonetheless.

"So... yeah." He takes a swipe at his face again as his hair continues to drip.

Sorry again

Resting a soft hand on his arm Alice feels so bad that she had hurt her friend. She hadnt ment to, and she wanted to heal that pain.

"I didnt mean to hurt you Kyle. It still hurts to talk about my past some times. Some times I just keep it inside and done freely shair it with anyone."

Letting go on Kyle's arm Alice takes the hair band from her wrist and ties her hair back out of her face into a nice neat pony tail.

"I know I should of told you because your my best friend and you told me everything and for that I am sorry. I dont want you to think it was becuase I didnt trust you becuase thats not it at all. I am sorry I hurt you."

Hurt

Kyle manages something close to a smile, but is still very quiet for several moments. He didn't rightly know what to say. There were a lot of things running through his mind, and a whole lot more he could say. But he knew he really didn't want to say all of them.

Using his feet, he springs backward from the wall, creating a wave as he sends himself into the middle of the pool again. Dunking under, he comes back up to comb his hands through his hair. Looking at Alice from a distance, he sees how not only is there space between them here, but there had been all day.

Swimming back up to her again, he concentrates on a little crack in the wall instead of looking her in the eye. "I... I'm sorry I didn't talk to you all day. It's just... I guess..." He gives a little shrug. "I guess my feelings were kinda hurt, that's all."

Water

As Kyle comes closer Alice gives a little sigh and looks down into his eyes. They were mixed with so many differnt things as she was sure her own were too.

Thinking about Kyle's question Alice finally gives a small shake of her head. What to say and how to say it, she could write words and than when came to speeking them, she felt so stupid.

"No, the drive was horrable. With out hearing from my best friend it was boring, and...It just wasnt the same."

Silent for another moment Alice slips the rest of the way into the water with a little gasp. The water was colder than the Hot tub water but it still felt nice.

Treding water for a moment Alice leans back to look through the glass into the stary moonlit sky before turning up right again and moving back to the egde of the pool.

Looking at Kyle again and searching his eyes Alice trys to give a small smile.

"I really missed talking to you today too."

Talking

Startled by the small splash and Alice's voice, Kyle gives a start, spinning around and almost dunking himself. Treading water slowly, he looks up at Alice, a bit surprised that she'd initiated a conversation with him. Things between them had been so quiet all day... he'd wondered if she was upset with him too.

Floating closer, Kyle tilts his head back so he can look up at her face. "I'd hardly say floating in one little spot is hogging the pool."

Giving a sigh, he brings himself all the way to the edge, and rests his arms outside of the pool. He puts his chin on his hands down beside Alice, but doesn't look up. He felt downright miserable. "I... missed talking to you today," he admits. He wasn't sure how to tell her he was sorry for getting upset, but even if he did, he didn't know how to tell her why he was upset either. He wanted to get the whole thing off his chest, but just wasn't sure how.

"I take it the drive was... okay?"

Hogging

Watching quietly as Kyle comes into the pool area Alice sits justs tucked away where it was easly to be over looked with her feel in the hot tub. Her walk had been nice, and half the way she even broke out into a run but now her body was paying for it and the warm water felt nice.

Just watching Kyle for a long moment Alice cant help but smile a little. Something about him, and not know she was there was a nice. He was himself and didnt try to put on any airs he was real.

Though reality comes back to her that this morning had not been the greatest maybe there was time to mend things.

Standing from the hot tub Alice wraps the towle around her wast and walks quietly over to the pool. Tossing her own towl aside Alice still very quietly slips her feet into the water and than leans down to cup her hand and splash some water at Kyle.

"Her Mr. your hogging the pool."

Floating

Hunter can't help a bit of disappointment, but he tries not to let it show, and just lets Alice go. Looking after her, he sighs. What had happened since last night? He recalled their walk in the park, their laughs, and even how Alice had let him take her hand. What had really gone on between her and Kyle this morning, and why had it seemed to make everything change? Or had he done something wrong without realizing it? He tries to think, but really can't come up with much.

Trying to shrug it off, he heads for the exit as well. "Somebody better come with me!" he hollers over his shoulder. "I'm not hauling in everyone else's bags... especially not the girls'. Theirs weigh a ton!"

He's quickly pursued, as expected, by Chloe and Myla, both in a hurry to put him in his place, while Jordan and Heath come to his rescue.

...It's been a while since the team has had a relaxing evening like this one. Laughing, swimming, a movie and some more swimming. No one had realized how close to getting burned out they'd been, and not having a program tonight had wound up being a blessing. By later that evening, Myla, Jordan and Chloe are situated on the couch to watch a movie. Heath, Blake and Shawn are involved in a brutal game of UNO, while Hunter sprawls on the living room floor, just observing everyone else's comings and goings.

Kyle has been dead to the world all evening, and only now emerges from the room with his swim trunks on.

"Hey, Kyle," Chloe greets him from the couch. "How's the head?"

"Um... still attached." Kyle grimaces as little though he tries to smile. "Thought a dip in the pool might help. Busy down there?"

"Last I checked there wasn't a soul in sight," Hunter relays. He knew... he'd been down there twice already to see if Alice had returned.

"Good." Kyle felt warm... almost feverish. But his body was achy after lying in bed all day. Wandering down to the ground level, he finds his way to the large indoor swimming pool. Hunter was right - it was empty. Tossing down his towel and pulling off his t-shirt, Kyle tests the water with a toe. It was warm. Moving to the deep end, he doesn't bother getting used to the water gradually. Springing off the edge, he dives, eventually coming up in the middle of the pool. Relaxing, he lets himself float on his back, wishing that life were as simple as this.

He just didn't feel right... but wasn't even sure why. He knew part of it was just that he didn't feel well. He knew part of it was because he was still feeling badly about that morning. And he knew part of it was the ever-present gnawing at the back of his mind, reminding him of what he really wanted to be doing.

Closing his eyes, Kyle drifts on the water, trying to forget... trying to let his mind work through so many things.

Sorry

Entering the parking lot Alice dosnt even relize how long they have been driving. Her mind had been far away darting from on thing to the next.

Stoping she fingers her keys for a moment. They day had been so quiet without any calls from Kyle, or the normal spunk he shaired with her.

Seeing Kyle's smile to her before entering the hotel Alice gives one back though its small.

Pulling herself out of her jeep and grabing her bags Alice makes her way into the hotel with the others. Entering the rooms Alice cant help but her own eyes spakle just a little as the sight of the rooms, and how big everything was.

Receving Hunter's offer for something to eat Alice shy's away just a little. She wasnt sure why, but she hurt inside, and just felt like withdrawing into herself. Was it because her best friend and her were hardly talking at the moment? Alice wasnt sure but she just...wasnt herself.

Offering a smile to Hunter she trys her best to let him know its nothing to do with him.

"I..dont feel to hungry at the moment. I was thinking about maybe going for a walk and just fetting some fresh air than maybe soak in the pool once everyone is out. Thank you for the offer though."

Giving a glance to where Kyle had disapeared Alice gives a small sigh before turning to head back out of the hotel. Alice was sure everyone would relize something was up and she wasnt her own hyperself. but it just felt right now, something was sucked out of her. and hurt like it did so long ago.

Burgers

Though the tension is high, being able to move forward spurs on the Elite agents. They had to think positively, and had to believe that they would be bringing Katie home.

Once everyone is familiar with where they were going and the layout, Scott and Jason both prepare to leave.

Jason's face is a bit pale, but he's on his own two feet with Rick's permission to go. The only stipulation was that Misty would go with the first group and stay back, but be there for both Katie and Jason if he needed any more help. Wyatt would also go with the first team as the driver.

As the groups form, there's not a whole lot more that can be said. They wait and watch the clock, waiting for the right time. Jason looks to Misty, hoping she was okay with all of this. "You ready?"

Scott looks over the blueprints of the building for the hundredth time. He automatically memorizes where all of the exits are in case they needed to get out quickly. His greatest fear was that once again he wouldn't be able to get out. Taking a deep breath, he gathers up his kit and aims for the downstairs garage. There would be communication devices and bullet-proof vests waiting. No one wanted to take any chances with this thing.

Reese paces a little, leery and uncomfortable with the whole thing. Time seemed to be dragging by. He often glances to Phinox to make sure everything is still on route, and continues to look after Derek and Jay, making sure they are ready as well.


The bus pulls off the interstate, making its way into town. They’d made better time than anticipated, and were here early. Without a program tonight though, they would be able to relax – something the whole team needed.

Getting to the hotel took a little doing after Jordan took a wrong turn, but eventually, they’re pulling into the parking lot. The team files out of the bus, taking time to stretch before heading for the door. They would find their rooms then grab a few bags to take in.

Kyle is the last one out of the bus, his feet dragging. Color had not yet returned to his face, and his eyes proved he was still tired. The headache had evened off but was still present… at least he hadn’t thrown up since that morning.

Trudging along in the rear, he sees Alice is still with them and he manages to force half a smile in her direction. It was rare he didn’t ride with her, or at least carry on some crazy conversation over the phone during the day. But today had been quiet. Unfortunately, there was more than Kyle not feeling well that had kept him down, and he still didn’t know how to deal with everything Alice had told him. It wasn’t like him not to go bounding over to her and drag her into the hotel with the others. Today it was a subdued walk, his hands tucked in his pockets.

Someone had sponsored this leg of the trip, and Break Out wasn’t sure what rooms to expect. It was a nice surprise as they entered the suite. One side was a room for the guys, the other for the girls, and in the middle a nice living room area with kitchen.

“Mmmm…” Myla flops down on a couch, enjoying the air conditioning. “This is nice.”

“It certainly is.” Jordan joins her, forcing her to make room as he nuzzles his head into her and closes his eyes, exhausted from the drive.

She giggles. “Don’t forget we’re not alone here.”

A grin surfaces on Jordan’s face. “We can send them to their rooms.”

“Ohhhhh no.” Heath plops down right in front of the couch grabbing the tv remote. “This is too comfy. The kids get to stay up late tonight.”

Myla ruffles Jordan’s hair. “Think we can let them stay up for one night?”

“Oh, I suppose,” Jordan mumbles. “As long as they’re not too loud.”

Several of the others laugh at the teasing. Jordan and Myla were far from anyone’s parents, but they always got razzed, being the only married couple on the trip.

“We get our own bathrooms!” Chloe squeals from one end. She sticks her head out and spies Alice. “You gotta see this – it’s huge!”

Heath cranes his neck to see back at his cousin. “What is it with women and bathrooms anyway?”

“It’s the only place we’re not allowed,” Shawn quips.

Blake snorts. “Naw that’s not it. They just like to stare at themselves in the mirror all day.” A throw pillow to his head snaps his attention to the couch where Myla’s eyes twinkle back at him.

“It’s getting too noisy,” Jordan complains, hiding his humor.

“You big party pooper.” Myla gives him a light backrub. “There’s a swimming pool downstairs.”

Jordan’s head snaps up, even though his eyes are only half-open. “I’m so there.”

Myla giggles. “Dibs on the hot tub!”

Kyle grins a little at all the mischief, but just shakes his head. For once, he didn’t join in. Heading for the guys’ bedroom, he finds one of the beds and flops down on his stomach, burying his hands under the pillow and letting his eyes fall shut. A real bed always felt good, especially today.

Hunter wanders around the suite just checking things out. Spying the girls by the other room, he ambles over. “Ladies.”

Chloe sets her hands on her hips. “No boys allowed.”

“What? I wanted to see what the big deal was.” Hunter cranes his neck to see into the bathroom.

Chloe knew good and well he was teasing, but she played it up anyway. “Out, out, out!” She gives him a shove.

Laughing, Hunter backs off, raising his hands as Chloe pushes past him. “Someone needs to cool off in the pool.” Still grinning as the humor sparkles in his eyes, he turns around to Alice. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to her all day, even though he’d wanted to. “I think we’re all going a little stir crazy,” he muses. Cocking his head, he looks at Alice for a moment, gaining back the bravery he’d lost earlier in the day. “We passed a little fast food joint on the way in…” His eyes ask her to join him for supper. “I figure burgers and fries is as least threatening as I can get,” he admits a little wryly. “And everyone else is stuck with me all day so they’re sick of my company.”

Ready

Sitting in her jeep Alice gives a sigh as she see her phone flashing. Listing to the voicemail Alice smiles just a little hearing Kyle's voice.

Though she new he was still upset the little sorry had helped. Alice only hoped things would go back to normal at the next stop or even the one after that. She loved what she was doing here, and though she missed home she loved following along with these guys and would hate to call her trip short.

Phinox gives a grim nod to Reese. He new what he was risking.

"I have nothing to lose and maybe I can repay some of my crimes."

Turning away from Reese makes his way over to Scott and the other small group of people passing out some papers and than handing one for Reese.

"This is the lay out, Scott once Jason gets here go over it with him ok?"

Phinox shows everyone where Katie is, possable exits, hiding spot and playing to duck into. He goes over with Scott what the bomb looked like and that there was no saurity that he could tell.

Going on for at least a half hour He is finally ready as long as everyone else is too. It was now or never and time was aganst them.

Leaning back into Mick Rosetta gives a small sigh. With eveything going on it was nice to feel the safty of Mick's arms around her.

"Mmm...I cant think of anything. You guys be safe ok?"

Running into the kitchen BJ wraps his arms around Rosetta's legs. It was hard to believe he was already up to her wast. He sure was going to be tall.

"Mommy dont worry I will protect daddy."

Running her hand through the boys hair she gives a small laugh.

"Good I am happy you will. Maybe you guys can get your hairs cut while your intown!?"

Rosetta gives a teasing giggle.

Family?

As Alice jumps and looks to Hunter, he catches a look that passes in her eyes. Suddenly, he second guesses his decision to try and comfort her.

Pulling back his hand, he bites his lip. "Sorry for startling you," he apologizes.

Receiving her "no" to him driving, he can't help but be just a little bit disappointed, though he offers a warm smile anyway. "Okay... if you need anything, just call one of us, alright?"

He opens the door and slips out again, pausing before shutting the door. Looking her in the eye, he wonders if perhaps he misjudged her and how comfortable she was with him. "See you at our next stop." He shuts the door and gives her a little wave to accompany his smile before heading back to the bus.


Kyle feels someone watching him, and opens his eyes. Hunter was standing in the doorway. Kyle quirks an eyebrow. "Thought you were gonna drive Alice."

Hunter shakes his head. "No... she didn't want me to." He studies Kyle for a moment, still thinking about seeing Alice crying. "So what did you say that got her so upset?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, she was fine, then after she talked to you, she's in tears."

"She is?" Kyle felt even worse than he had earlier. His stupid text message probably didn't mean a thing to her. "Well I didn't say much, so I don't know."

Hunter frowns at him. "I think you do."

"Look, she just shared some stuff that surprised me, alright?"

"Yeah well... I'm sure it wasn't easy for her, so cut her some slack, eh?"

"Sure, but I..." Kyle stops, turning on his side to see Hunter more clearly. "Wait... you know what she told me?"

Hunter folds his arms. "I was just making an assumption."

"No, I mean... you said it wasn't easy for her. What wasn't easy for her?"

Now Hunter realizes his mistake. "Just... whatever it was. Apparently something wasn't easy, that's all."

"No..." Kyle shakes his head slowly. "You did know, didn't you?" He searches Hunter's eyes, finding the truth to his question. "You knew about her past."

"Okay, yeah, but it was just-"

"Well, congratulations." Kyle turns back over, dismissing Hunter. "Apparently you rank higher than best friend."

"I..." Hunter rolls his eyes and backs off. "If that were the case, she wouldn't have wanted me to leave," he mumbles. Sighing, he leaves the cubby to find a place to sit before the bus moved again.

Kyle stares out the window, feeling miserable. He didn't know if it was more from just feeling physically rotten, or if it was all his mood.


Reese nods, following Phinox's train of thought. "I don't think there's a much better way to do it at this point. You're right about Derek and Jay - if we bind them beforehand, the Agency won't have to, and they'll still have a chance of getting away. We need to decide how we're going to present you to them too. You're going to have to act fast."

Derek and Jay both exchange glances, both mentally preparing for the chance that they might not make it back.

Reese continues. "Okay... the first team needs to leave early... if they run into trouble, we'll be right on their heels. But hopefully our times will overlap so whoever is there will be distracted enough that Jason and Scott can get Katie out of there under their noses." He thumbs to an empty desk. "Scott, you and Jason need to get to know the layout of the building so you can get in and out quickly."

"As soon as he comes out yeah... but I can take a look now too."

Reese purses his lips grimly, knowing that in all reality, prayer was the only thing that would get them through this. "Phinox, I appreciate what you're doing here. You're risking a lot, letting yourself be handed over like a prisoner."


Jason leans over the bathroom sink, and splashes his face with cold water. He was totally exhausted, totally drained. His mind was shot, and now his body wasn't even doing so great. Just when he thinks he can go back to his desk, his stomach decides it isn't over yet. Back to the toilet to throw up again.

Rick crosses his arms as he stands in the doorway, not having bothered to knock. The symptoms should be over soon. Then only time would tell how long it would take to get the antidote to wear off.


Gage continues to shake, curling up tighter on the floor and still glaring at the camera. His wrist burned and now his hand was starting to swell as well. What was going to happen to him? Were they going to torture him? Kill him? Surely someone would come for him... maybe Harris... or even Troy himself... surely they would get him out of here... right? They were his family and they cared about him... so they would come... they wouldn't leave him to die... right?


Mick sticks his head through the house door and spots Rosetta in the kitchen. Grinning, he slips quietly inside, easing up behind her almost silently. Sliding his arms around her waist, he leans over her shoulder to give her cheek a kiss. "Hello, sunshine."

Still grinning, he turns her to face him, his arms still around her. "BJ and I are going to run some errands in town. Need anything?"

Get her out...

Not even hearing the door on the car open Alice was so lost in her own thought and wondering. She still didnt understand how things had went so wrong with Kyle and even though she new she couldnt changed she wished she had told him sooner.

As She feels someones hand on her shoulder and through her hair Alice gives a jump and looks up her eyes wide for a moment untill she see Hunter. She hadnt hurd him and she had been so long in thought.

"Hunter, I didnt hear you come in. Ya..ya I am ok."

Alice couldnt help how her heart was racing and her new her breathing was differnt as well. A suddon wave of nerves washed over her.

Trying to compose herself she gives a small smile.

"Yeah, I'm ok and thank you for the offer...but I think a little alone time will good for me. Thank you though. Maybe after our next stop ok?"

Phinox dosent like the felling that falls over him but really knows there is no other option. If was now or never to get Katie out and save her life.

"I dont like the idea of a team going in first but I dont see much more of an option."

Thinking for a moment Phinox is quiet and he gathers his thoughts.

"I can hold Rod off while we get our first team in. After that Jay and Derek's ropes wont be tied tight. We all know they would give us Katie no matter what. So this would be the best way, Gate Katie out, Get yourself out, I will hold them off. Right now thats the best we can do."

Phinox looks to Scott.

"I know you can do this for your friend...."

Than he looks to the others.

"A second team would be good and I want Jason there, for Katie's sake."

Twenty minutes

Kyle sets aside his half-finished tea and rolls over, forcing his head further into his pillow. But the nagging in his heart wouldn't let him rest. He'd been downright cantankerous and it didn't feel good. That wasn't like him... it wasn't like him at all to dismiss a friend like that, let alone Alice. He felt like crap, but that was no excuse.

Standing up, he puts a hand to his head as a wave of dizziness hits him, but he shakes it off and keeps going, slipping on his shoes as he aims for the door...


The passenger side door of Alice's jeep opens and someone slips inside. A hand reaches over and gives her shoulder a squeeze, then runs through her hair, trying to offer some comfort.

"You okay?" Hunter asks quietly. His eyes show his genuine concern, his voice soft. He didn't know what had happened, but he wondered if Kyle's physical state had gotten the best of his mood. But he'd never seen Alice cry before, let alone after being with Kyle, and it bothered him more than he'd like to admit. "Can I at least drive for you for a while?"


Kyle stops near the back of the bus, his eyes finding Alice's jeep, but also now seeing that she wasn't alone. Hunter? It looked like he had his arm around her. Kyle's heart sinks just a little lower, though he tried to ignore the strange disappointment he felt. After all, he himself had suggested that Alice let Hunter drive for her... and he knew that Hunter liked Alice, so... what was the big deal?

Turning back around, Kyle almost runs right into Chloe.

"Whoa, Kyle!" She giggles. "Glad to see you up. Feeling any better?"

"Um..." He squints in the painful sunlight. "Maybe... a little... slightly..."

Chloe smirks at him. "You should be back in bed."

"I guess... I was just headed that way." Taking a step forward, he wobbles just a little bit.

Chloe reaches out to take his arm, steadying him. "I think that's a good thing," she chides. As they walk, she throws him a sidelong glance. "Something else bothering you?"

"What? No. I mean... no... why?"

"Oh... no reason." She shrugs. "By the way, if you can't sleep or something, Heath and I have been wanting to play that new card game if you're interested..."

...Kyle lies back down on his bed, the nausea having returned. He felt like he was on a rocking boat rather than a stable bus. Reaching over his head though, he feels around the small shelf until his fingers find his phone. Flipping it open, he finds the screen he needs, and simply types "Sorry." Sending the text message to Alice, he sighs and puts his phone back. He just needed to accept the facts as they were. Backseat Kyle... he'd earned that name a long time ago. He'd learned how to be happy and move on quickly. He could do it again. He was a friend. Maybe not a very good one at the moment, but he knew Alice would forgive him... that's what best friends did. And even though he was a bit hurt that she hadn't told him about her past sooner... he'd get over it. Maybe he was disappointed, but... he could move on.


By the time Phinox gets to the monitor, Carson is there as well, just having been ready to relieve Wyatt again. But things had changed, once more. Both men look up as Phinox comes, then concentrate on Katie again. Seeing the knife and the blood, Carson's fists ball up at his sides, anger coursing through his veins. He wanted so badly to go with the team, but he knew he needed to stay here and alert the others if Katie was moved or if anything else happened.

Reese had followed Phinox, and now grits his teeth. "They're not going to have you," he states flatly. "They're not going to get any of us."

"It's gonna be hard," Carson interrupts. He waits for Phinox to look at him, then points to the monitor. "They're not preparing a thing." The tone of his voice is grim. "They're not planning on giving us back Katie, and we all know it. Nothing the Agency does is legit, and their word means nothing. You're gonna get there with Derek and Jay, they'll ask for them first and you'll be forced to comply. Then they're going to either run or kill the rest of you on sight. Knowing them, they might even have a dummy ready to act in Katie's place... they could do that easily with any female... put a hood over her head, and you'll be trading for some Agency scum, while Katie is left in the basement."

Reese's mind races, trying to find the best solution. "What then? We don't have any options."

"You could go early... or at least part of the team." Carson looks to Phinox again. "What if you and Jason and Scott went in first? You know the area... you know the weak points in security. You three could slip in and start getting Katie out of there. But not too much earlier than the tradeoff, otherwise they'll figure it out before the rest of the team gets there - they will probably go down and shut off the camera at some point so someone here won't know that they still have Katie. When the second half of your team arrives with Derek and Jay, the Agency will be concentrating on them and leaving you to your work in the basement. While the tradeoff is taking place, you slip out again with Katie, give the signal, and the rest of the team can get out of there."

Reese shakes his head. "That is so risky. We could end up with an entire team dead."

"We're dead anyway." Carson's eyes don't lie. "They're not going to play this thing legit. They're going to double-cross us and play dirty."

A new voice interrupts. "At least if Jay and I die, they won't get what they wanted." Derek's voice is tired, but strong. He had just finished writing a letter to his family in case he didn't make it back.

Carson purses his lips. He didn't like to think that way, but that much was true. "At least if half the team is there early, we have the element of surprise."

Reese sets his hands on his hips, still thinking. "How much earlier should the first team get there?"

"That's the hard part."

A new shadow forms on the floor and eyes turn to see Scott approaching. He was tense, but he was there. Without saying anything, he sidles past the others to look at the monitor. Hitting a couple keys, he zooms in to see what he could of the bomb. He could see half of it, and that was good enough. Schematics and calculations flash in his mind, matching up with what he was seeing. "Twenty minutes."

Carson quirks an eyebrow. "You recognize it."

"Yeah." Scott nods. "It's an older model of the Agency's specially-constructed bomb. It was designed about five years ago for a job in Argentina. Five civilians and two policemen died in the explosion when they tried to disarm it."

"You've seen the file?"

"Apparently." Scott couldn't have known this any other way. It had to have been part of the information he recieved during the assimilation.

Carson swallows hard. "But... you know how to disarm it?"

"I've seen the schematics. I know where the parts are and what tools I'll need. But it's going to take me twenty minutes once I'm there... and that's if nothing interrupts me."

Reese eyes Phinox. He knew the agent was weary as well, and also worried that this mission would leave more than one person dead. It felt like a lose-lose situation, but they had to try. "What do you think? If they really aren't planning on giving us Katie, then there's no way we can get her out unless we go in early."

"There's a detonator too," Scott informs. "Someone, probably Rod, has the trigger. "If the bomb is not disarmed, and they figure out that we're planning to betray them with the tradeoff, Katie's dead on the spot. Or... even if they just take Derek and Jay and point us in Katie's direction, they could blow us all up."

Reese sighs. What next? He was still relying on Phinox though. "I need your input. Can you even get in without being seen, with Jason and Scott?" He glances around. "Where is Jason, anyway?"

"Puking his guts out in the bathroom," Carson responds drly. "We need to hope he can go because if there's any hope in bringing Katie back around, it's him being near to her." His eyes shift, knowing as well as Reese, that this whole thing depeneded on one man. "Phinox?"

Feeling

Letting out a deep sigh Alice gives a small nod to Kyle. She felt hurt, she felt sad, she didnt like how she felt and she wasnt sure why.

"Yeah, ok I will be there if you need me."

Turning Alice pats Kyle's leg a little and than heads out of the van. Why hadnt she told him sooner would it be differnt? Had she feel foolish?

For the first time in a while Alice was doubting herself and a suddon lump formed in her through.
Walking a bit faster Alice makes her way to the jeep she could feel the wetness behind her eyes even if she wanted to stop it.

Getting to the Jeep Alice gets in and leans her head aganst the stearing wheel as a few tears roll down her cheek. Alice didnt know why it hurt as much as it did, but she really didnt like it.

Didn't mean to...

Kyle doesn't say a whole lot... to anyone else, it would seem so strange to see him this quiet. Was it the new information that was bothering him? Or was it just that he felt sick?

Accepting the tea, he takes a few slow sips letting the warm liquid soothe him on its way down. Leaning his head back, he just closes his eyes, Alice's question going unanswered for the longest time.

Finally he just shrugs as he takes another sip of tea. "I'm not great company at the moment, so... whatever you want to do." Never before had he not been enthusiastic about spending time with her, no matter where they were or what they were doing. Even in his groggy state, to Kyle, it felt strange as well. But for some reason, the words slipped out of his mouth anyway.

"We're probably gonna leave soon anyway. You might as well get back to your jeep."