And thus...

Reese's eyes widen as Angelica pushes him, and he can't help but sprint after her, towards the door. "No fair without a warning!" He hollers, the humor dancing in his voice. If anyone were to see him acting like this, they would have thought he'd gone mad. But to him... he was simply finding youth again... a youth that Angelica brought out in him.

Getting to the parking lot, he catches her by the waist and pulls her towards his car. "I win, so I drive," he teases. Yes... amidst the turmoil, there was an oasis where one could go to rest and be revived.


Seeing Thirteen sit on the floor, Ryder just looks down at her a moment, trying to figure out her behavior. He knew that she probably had some strange habits after being raised by the Agency. Deciding to join her, rather than change her routines yet, he takes the food, then slides down on the floor beside her, resting his back against the bed.

"Me, cook? Oh, I think we can manage that sometime." Unwrapping the food, he sets it between them so that she can help herself. "Though I think you'll find this tastes pretty good."

Encouraging her to eat, Ryder doesn't mention questioning or the Agency at all. Instead, he tells Thirteen a little more about the Elite, what he did, and who the people were. Maybe Reese didn't approve of is methods... but Ryder would be Thirteen's friend before he took any further steps.

And thus... the clock strikes the hour, never stopping, always turning.


It is late. Outside the sky is dark, and the stars twinkle, watching over the hours as they pass... the days as they come and go. Jason sits in the chair close to Katie’s bed, his fingers moving gently along his guitar. A new melody comes forth, soft and soothing to the ear. Though his eyes are closed, his hands feel their way on the strings, never missing a note. His voice rises quiet and mellow, the tears held back behind a wall of hope as time slips by.

You were so brave through it all,
No one could blame you now,
If you wanted to go home,
If you wanted to leave this place.

Con gives Kate’s hand a gentle squeeze as it was enveloped by his own. His touch had never been more tender. “Aw, Kat.” Left alone for a few minutes as Laura spoke with Jason in the hall, Con let the stubborn tear escape before quickly wiping it away.

“I tried to look out for you… what happened, hmm?” Another tear comes that is just as quickly smothered by his hand. “You know we can’t live without you. Things just wouldn’t be the same. I mean… who’s gonna keep everyone in line back at TJY? And… how am I supposed to go back to work for Reese without you there to always make things better?”

Con reaches out to brush Katie’s cheek. “Hang in there, Kat… for us?”

You were so strong through it all,
No one could blame you now,
If you wanted to let go,
If you wanted to leave it all behind.

Carson sits beside the bed, his hands folded in front of him. Looking at his young friend, he felt like crying, but felt too empty at the same time. The days were going by in a blur. He had so many things running through his mind, with hardly enough time to slow down. The restaurant was constantly busy, he had Reese bugging him about coming back to TJY, he and Dani were struggling not to argue all the time, and he and Misty barely had time to see each other. He was trying so hard to stay on the right path, but picking himself back up was slow. At least he'd heard nothing of Mackenzie... maybe that was truly over. Even so, he couldn't deny that there was something in the back of his heart that was saddened by that thought.

He came to visit Katie every night after work. Usually it was when Jason was stretching his legs in the hall, and the others were gone for the day. It was his one bit of peace before going home, yet there was still turmoil, seeing Katie like this. Please, God, if there’s any way…

But if there’s a chance, just a chance,
That you would stay with me,
I’ll hang on to that strand of hope,
Hoping that I’ll see…

You again. You again.
That’s what I’m prayin’ for.
You again. You again.
I couldn’t ask for more.
No, I wouldn’t ever blame you,
If you wanted to give in.
But please reconsider for me.
I just want to be with you,
Again.

“God, please heal Katie and help her to wake up again.” Mick kneels with BJ by the boy’s bed, his hands folded as the example, like every night. But tonight it had been PB&J sandwiches and cartoons instead of Rosetta’s cooking and a family game.

“And please bring Mom home safe again. Amen.” Mick gets to his feet and reaches down to swing BJ into bed, wrestling with him for a moment to bring out the giggles. Finally pulling the blanket up to the boy’s chin, Mick runs his hand through the unruly red hair, then shuts off the light for the night.

Slipping into his own bed a while later, he stares up at the dark ceiling. His hand falls to the empty side of the bed and a lump rises in his throat. Katie had been like his niece too, and he hadn’t loved her less than anyone else on the ranch. The fact that Rosetta had felt the need to go, proved that this situation was far more serious than anyone would like to admit.

Rolling over onto his side, Mick tries to sleep. Morning would come early. But it would be a long night. Please… please, God… don’t take Katie yet.

You were courageous through it all,
No one could blame you now,
If you wanted to give in,
If you wanted to call it quits.

“Still no change.” The doctor shakes his head grimly before excusing himself from the small group.

Phil, Mike and Jen enter the room slowly, Phil the first one to approach Jason. “Hey, Hotshot.”

Jason lifts his tired head, managing half a smile. “Hey, guys.” Rising to his feet is harder than he thought. He didn’t know how long he’d been sitting this time. The hours were all just running together.

Jen comes forward to give him a hug. “How ya doing… really?”

Jason returns the hug, but takes a moment to respond after he’s stepped back. “I’m okay.”

Phil gives his arm a pat. “We just wanted to come see how things were… wanted to pray with you if you would like.”

Tears spring into Jason’s eyes and he looks up to the ceiling, trying to remain composed. Biting his lip, he finally nods.

Jen puts her arm around him, giving him a squeeze. “It’s alright… we’re here for you… and God is too.”

The four join hands and Phil begins the prayer. All of their hearts were poured out to God for their friend. They knew that He knew best… but they so wanted their friend back. They knew that if He wanted to take Katie home, then that was best. But if there was any way…

You fought so hard through it all,
Now one could blame you now,
If you wanted to find rest,
If you wanted to leave it all behind.

“Jason, are you gonna go home to get some rest? You can’t be comfortable here.”

Jason shakes his head at Laura. His eyes were tired, his body was exhausted. But he wasn’t going to leave.

“Wyatt says Trooper's doing a good job with Thirteen, but he misses you.”

“Mm-hmm.” Jason really didn’t care at this point. Wyatt had been in earlier like he was every day, but hadn’t mentioned the dog’s behavior.

Laura sighs and pats his shoulder. “Want me to bring up some food?”

He only shrugs.

“I’ll take that as a yes. But it won’t be from here. I’ll pick up something from Carson from Mom and Pop’s, okay?”

Jason shrugs again, his chin still resting in his hand as his eyes stare at the lifeless form of his friend in the bed. He knew he wasn't the only one with problems. He knew that Laura and Nate were hardly even seeing each other right now, even though Laura was trying hard to hide it with a forced smile. But it was hard not to focus on what was right in front of him. This was his life before him, and it was slipping away.

But if there’s a chance, just one chance,
That you would stay for me.
I’ll hang on to that glimpse of hope,
Hoping that I’ll see…

“Mom and Dad are gonna let me come back for a visit sometime soon. Took some convincing, but… they know Axel is here, and Dad thinks it’s pretty safe around all you Elite people.” Liz gives a short laugh. “They said maybe it would be a good experience for me and… they didn’t want to deny me getting to know my brother a little better too.”

Jason sits in the hospital’s dining room, looking across the table at his sister. He nods numbly, wishing he could show a little more enthusiasm. He just didn’t have the energy. “I… I’m sorry that I haven’t been myself. I wish…”

“It’s okay,” Liz interrupts. “I understand.” She slides her hand across the table to take Jason’s hand. “I’m really glad that I got to meet you at least. I’m sorry too, that all this is happening to you. I can’t imagine what it feels like.” She takes a deep breath. “But have faith, okay? Whatever happens, God won’t let you go.”

Jason nods with a little more surety this time. “I know.”

“When this is all over… when I come back… maybe we can get to know each other?”

A faint smile quirks the corner of Jason’s mouth. “I think I’d like that.”

Liz’s own smile forms. “Somehow I’ll check back on this end to see how things are. Dad said he got your email address.”

“Yeah… yeah, I gave it to him yesterday.”

Liz studies Jason’s face for a moment. “He said he’d like to come back to visit too sometime… if you didn’t mind.”

Jason purses his lips, looking down at his water glass. “I don’t.” Lifting his eyes, he sighs. “No… I don’t mind. We said goodbye yesterday, but it was pretty brief. Tell him to stay in touch, would you? And… and I’m not angry with him anymore.”

“Okay.” Liz’s eyes smile for her. “Goodbye, Jason. We’ll all still be praying for you guys and Katie.”

You again. You again.
That’s what I’m prayin’ for.
You again. You again.
I couldn’t ask for more.
No, I wouldn’t blame you,
If you wanted to give in.
But please reconsider for me.
I just want to be with you,
Again.

“No… no change.” Jay leans back against the wall, his cell phone to his ear. It sounded good to hear his wife’s voice, but it made him miss her all the more. “No, I just feel like I should stay. We don’t know how long it could be…” He rubs his eyes wearily. “I’m not ready to make any kind of decision. Tell the kids I love ‘em. I’ll call you again later. Okay. I love you too. Bye.”

Though you’re in my arms tonight,
We’re still so far apart.
I can touch your hand, feel your breath,
But I want to feel your heart.
Please let me feel your heart again,
Don’t leave…
I just need you to be strong for me,
I just want to be with you…
Again.

Ryder sits on the narrow windowsill, his eyes watching Katie. The only movement was her breathing, though he hoped for more. Like almost everyone else from this TJY department, he came close to every day, just to see if there was anything different and to talk to Katie, hoping that maybe the voices and begging for her to come back to them would not be in vain.

His mind was often clouded with thoughts of her here. Even though his days were full. His work with Thirteen continued daily as he worked with her at becoming more secure, and winning over her friendship. Still though, she seemed to only trust him and Trooper. Reese was getting impatient, but Ryder insisted he needed more time. The little spare room had become Thirteen's haven and home, and he wasn't willing yet to take it away from her. He just needed more time... he would find some answers, he knew he would...

Pushing off the sill, Ryder walks back to the bed, reaching down to run his finger over Katie’s hand. “Hang in there, mate,” he whispers softly. He would be back tomorrow, like always.

You again. You again.
That’s what I’m prayin’ for.
You again. You again.
I couldn’t ask for more.
No, I wouldn’t blame you,
If you wanted to give in.
But please reconsider for me.
I just want to be with you,
Again.

The gentle notes slowly fade into the air and Jason’s hand comes to rest on the quiet strings once more. Every night, his voice sang a sweet and quiet melody, and every night, he hoped that when the song ended, he would be able to look into Katie’s eyes once more. But each night, hope was just a little further away.

Setting his guitar aside, Jason leans forward to rest both arms on the edge of the bed. Taking Katie’s hand in his, he buries his face against it, exhaustion having taken its toll. The days had gone by… it didn’t feel like several weeks had passed, but they had. The world was going on around him, but he refused to live outside of this room. If Katie was stuck here, so was he.

Oh, Katie… how much longer? I can’t bear to see you like this any more. I don’t know how long I can last. You’re there… I know you can feel me again… all I want is to feel you too… but all there is is emptiness. I feel so lost. Don’t leave me here alone… please.

His begging was the same every time the moon shone into the room once again. It was the same, every time his body was finally tired enough to pulls his eyes shut, forcing a shallow sleep to take over.


Sometimes the wrong things happen,
And we’re not sure what to do.
Life is slipping slowly by,
I see it passing through.

The tune was familiar, the words almost the same. But as Jason's heart ached, the meaning had been changed. He had once written the song from the perspective of the one who was dying to those awaiting their return. Now it had become a song from the waiting, to the one who was dying.

My tears they fall like raindrops,
On a summer afternoon.
So do me just one favor,
Please grant my one request…

The flowers added up around the room, evidence of just how many lives Katie had touched. Perhaps she had never thought of herself as having many friends, or that many people with whom she had contact. But Jason saw faces he'd never even seen before, show up to say a gentle word. The heart of the church was shown. Jason saw the minister on several occasions, now having his own relationship with him as well. Only now did Jason realize what he'd been missing in a Christian family. There was a bond there that he never knew existed... and he wished he would have known it so much earlier.

Don’t say goodbye…
Tomorrow’s not the end of it.
Don’t say goodbye…
Don’t stay away.
Don’t say goodbye,
Darlin’ please….

…Come home.

"How are you holding up?"

The question seemed to come every day now. Jason nods, his eyes dry. "I'm doing alright." He sighs, fiddling with the guitar pick in his hand. "I just keep talking to her... but there's never a response."

Scott looks down before his eyes drift towards Katie's bed. "You know... I was gonna marry her... we were going to be so happy..." He forces a sad smile. "But that was a long time ago."

Jason cocks his head. "Do you... still have those feelings?"

Scott thinks for a moment, then almost laughed. "It's amazing that feelings like those can ever fade. But life and time have a funny way of doing that." He shakes his head slowly. "She's my friend... and I love her as a close friend. But I've moved on, Jase... After everything I went through... and all the time that has passed... there are certain things that are simply sweet memories."

Jason swallows hard. "I don't want my feelings to turn into memories."

"They won't." Scott takes a deep breath. "They won't... she'll wake up."

Jason can only continue to hope and pray he was right.

"Scott?"

He turns to the sound of Gunner's voice. "Yeah... I'm coming."

Gunner purses his lips sadly, holding out his hand. "I need to get you back."

Scott's shoulders drop a little. House-arrest was becoming downright lonely. Carson had yet to find to find any answers and hope was wearing thin. Some people blamed Reese for not letting Scott pick his work back up, but Scott didn't. It was better if he stayed away until decisions could be made. Until then, Gunner was his guard. And until then, trips to the hospital was the only time he got to get out... no seeing friends... no seeing people at TJY... no contact with Hope... and now no Katie.

Slowly, Scott turns around and heads for the door, waving at Jason. "I'll be back tomorrow like usual."

I’ve fallen down a darkened road,
It’s a mystery I feel.
Choices were spread out before me,
Now time can only heal.

"I made these for you." Susanne holds out a brown paper back. "Couple sandwiches and some cookies."

Jason nods for her to set them on the table. "Thanks."

"Make sure you eat them, okay? Rick said you hadn't been eating very well."

"Would you?" Jason groans and leans back in the chair, rubbing his eyes. "Is Reese ready to fire me?"

"For what? Not coming in?" Susanne shakes his head. "No. You're too good, you know that. He's just as satisfied having you here watching his other favorite agent." She gives Jason's shoulder a pat. "Oh, and there's an apple in there too. Rick said to-"

"Be sure and eat it so my sugar stays up," Jason finishes for her. "I know. Thank you."

Susanne chuckles and leaves him be. Walking over to the bed once, she leans down to kiss Katie's forhead. "Come back, Kat. We miss you at the office."

I’m missing all we used to do,
I’m crying for you now.
So do me just one favor.
Please grant my one request…

"Hey, Tiger, settle down."

Ryder stops his pacing in the kitchen. "Talking to me or Henry?"

Laura rolls her eyes. "You." She sets her dishes in the sink. "You haven't been able to sit still since supper."

"Sorry." Ryder leans back against the counter. "I gotta get back to the office and makes sure Thirteen is settled for the night." For the past week, he'd been coming home at night, but he still checked on Thirteen before making sure she was in bed. "I was just thinking though... too quiet around here, ya know?"

"Yeah, I know." Laura leans against the opposite counter, folding her arms. "I keep... wondering what will happen... what the future is. We all hope Katie will come back to us, but... what if she doesn't?" Her voice starts to crack. "I miss her..."

"Me too." Ryder sighs deeply. "But she's a fighter... she'll come back. Besides, she's got a lot of mail waiting to be read."

Laura can't help a laugh as she wipes her eyes. "You sure know how to spoil a sentimental moment, don't you?"

Ryder grins. "Katie wouldn't have it any other way."

Don’t say goodbye…
Tomorrow’s not the end of it.
Don’t say goodbye…
Don’t stay away.
Don’t say goodbye,
Darlin’ please….

…Come home.

Rick stares at the computer, hitting a few keys and waiting on the results... again. He almost had it... he knew he did. He wasn't even sure why he was working on this... other than at the direct request of Jason. But all the project did was remind him that Katie was still in a coma... there was still a void at TJY.

The machine beeps and Rick groans. "Not again." Why did it seem nothing was going right lately? He sighs. No one ever knew the importance of one person, until they were gone. Nothing seemed right anymore.

Oh the storms around me rage,
And the pain, it cuts me deep.
I don’t want to stay alone down here,
I don’t want to lose it all.
Don’t make me stay alone down here,
Don’t take it all away…

"How is she?"

Hal throws down a tray of food, letting it clang on the interrogation room's table. He glares at Gage. They hadn't gotten rid of their prisoners yet. Interrogations weren't finished, and Reese seemed convinced that they would do something with Gage and Alec other than turning them over to the police yet. At least Gage had quit whining about wanting a fix. "Why should you care?"

Gage looks down, curling up tighter on the cot he'd been provided. "Never mind. I just wanted to know."

"There's no change," Hal finally answers. "No thanks to you."

"Hey, I didn't want to put her in a coma!"

"You certainly didn't help any, now did you?" Hal heads back for the door. "See you tomorrow."

Gage grits his teeth as the door slams shut again. He'd lost track of the days. No one would tell him anything. All they did was ignore him or pump him for information. A least his shakes had stopped, and the headaches weren't as bad. But he'd still do just about anything to get his hands on his drugs again.

Leaning back against the cement wall, he closes his eyes. He kept seeing Katie's beaten face, and a strange stirring crept inside of him. What was right and what was wrong?

Don’t say goodbye…
Tomorrow’s not the end of it.
Don’t say goodbye…
Don’t stay away.
Don’t say goodbye,
Darlin’ please….

…Come home.
Oh come home…
Darlin’ please come home…
Yeah yeah…

… Come home.

Jason stands to set aside his guitar once more. Easing down on the side of the bed, he knew he could get away with it, while the nurses were out. There was just enough room for him to lay on his side and put his arm around Katie. Leaning his head in close, a tear escapes. They didn't come as frequently now, but when left alone, they were hard to hold back.

His hand finds hers, and he just holds it, releasing all of the warmest emotions he could, and holding back all of the bad. At the very least, he wanted Katie to feel at peace, and he wouldn't let her feel his pain... only his love.

R & R

Entering the small room Thirteen folds her old clothing neatly showing that even if she hadnt had much, and she had been treated like crap she still new how to be neat when given the opportunity.

As the smell of the chicken hit Thirteen's nose she couldnt help the growl of the tummy. Never had she smelled something like this before.

"It smells good, but I hope it tasts just as good."

Absentmindedly she pets Troopers head before sitting down on the ground and cross her legs in front of her waiting for Ryder to server her. Not because she was being rude and wanted him to wait on her, or because she though he should do everything but because she was so use to be given the portions of what she was to eat and if she daired look, ask or try to get more it would be a punishment.

Looking up at Ryder again as she gently continued to pet Trooper Thirteen studded him for a moment before asking in a quiet voice.

"Some time will you cook? I never had a home cook meal before besides a whole lot of nothing."

Angelica gives a laugh as she stands her eyes giving a sparkle as they often did when she was in the presence of Reese.

"Didnt your mother ever tell you not to eat your dessert before dinner?"

Exiting Reese office she turns around but dosnt stop giving a few walking steps backwards. It had been a long few days and she herself was ready for some much R & R.

"But...I think just this once I wont be a stick in the mud and will let us havie the ice cream first."

Giving Reese arm a little shove she cant help the small laugh.

"Tag your it."

Cocolate... and peanut butter

Ryder was sitting cross-legged on the floor of the hall, Trooper keeping him company. He didn't feel he needed to be right there when Thirteen reappeared, but he didn't want her to feel lost either.

As the door opens, he looks up and studies Thirteen for just a moment. Receiving her smile and thanks, his own smile spreads on his face. "Well, whadya know..." He stands up, a slight teasing tone in his voice. "She's a girl after all." He gives her a wink to let her know he wasn't making fun - it was a complement, not a mocking phrase.

Nodding down the hall, he leads the way back to the spare room. "Come on. I talked it over with the big boss and this is going to be home for a little while." Opening the door, he lets her in first. While she'd been showering, he'd asked Sapphire to do him a favor. As a result, the smell of take-out fried chicken wafted in the air. The food was sitting on the small table by the bed - a meal for two. There was a small bowl of mashed-potatoes and gravy and water for both to drink.

"Figured after a long day like this you might be getting hungry." Ryder motions for her to sit if she wanted to. "Not home-cooked, but I have a feeling it's going to hit the spot."

Trooper follows them in, knowing what his duty was. Lying down near the foot of the bed, he keeps his head up, ever-watchful... for Thirteen and a handout if one should come his way.


A smile creases Reese's lips. "Do you know how long it's been since I've been to a movie?"

He stands up, tossing his pencil down and standing tall to stretch. "Mm... I do need a break, and getting out of here with you might just do the trick."

Coming around the desk he waits for Angelica to rise as well, and slings an arm over her shoulders, giving her a peck on the cheek. "If it weren't for you and Susanne, I would end up living here. Good thing I got you two around." He cocks his head to look at her as they walk. "Especially good that I got you."

Ironically, it was when he was tired that he was the most free with the way he talked and acted, every once in a while, a slight goofy nature coming through. It was rare... but Wyatt's sense of humor didn't necessarily come from his mother like everyone thought.

"Movie it is. And afterward... ice cream." Reese nods with his decision. "Chocolate... and peanut butter." His stomach rumbles. "Hmm... maybe we should do the ice cream first."


Laura curls up on her bed, staring at the window. Moonlight shown down through the clouds. But there was no one to share it with tonight. She had made the ultimate mistake, without even realizing it. Regardless, she was paying for it now. She glances to the phone and almost reaches for it, then stops, curling back up again. No... he wouldn't want to talk to her.

God... what am I supposed to do? I keep messing things up... I can't make up my mind... I'm scared... I'm foolish. What should I do?

Knockin

Slowly moving around the room when Ryder returned Thirteen was saying in everything she saw in the room. Some of the stuff she understood and new what it was, some she just guess, and other stuff she had no idea what it was for.

Hearing the door again Thirteen looks up a bit nervous at first her expression changes when she see Ryder. Though her eyes where still a tiny bit dull.

Slowly walking twords Ryder as he tells her to follow Thirteen cant help the sigh of releaf she lets out when hearing she wouldnt have to talk to Reese anymore.

"Just you and me."

She just repeats what Ryder said liking the ring it had. She wasnt sure why but on the inside it made her smile just a little.

Stopping outside the bathroom and taking the items from Ryder she just looks down at the for a moment.

Something in her eyes seem to light, very small but it was there non the less. A small spark, a twinkle like someone had just gave her a million dollars. Thirteen couldnt remember when the last time she had new clothing, even if they were hand me downs.

Giving a nod Thirteen slips into the bathroom and closes the door behind her.

The water goes on, and than after almost an hour the water once again goes off. Than a few more moments go by and finally the door opens again.

The shirt hug losly around Thirteen but it still seemed to fit in the right place and the jeans provided where long but seemed to hug the right spots non the less. The sent of the soap and shampoo bellow out of the bathroom as Thirteen steps out as her hair hung wetly around her face and shoulders looking more red than when it was dry or maybe it was just because the dust and dirt were no longer presente.

There was something new about her now, through the dirt, and grime was a woman.

Sseeing Ryder as she left the room, for the first time, she gave him a small smile her voice soft.

"Thank you."

Thirteen was still scaired, she was unsure, and felt clueless, but her shower had felt so good, and Ryders kindness help give her a little hope.

Mama, take this badge off of me
I don't need it anymore.
It's gettin' dark, too dark to see
I feel I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Looking into Katie's room Nate slowly enters seeing Jason's sleeping form by Katie. He didnt want to wake him, but he wanted to give a silent prayer for his friend and just let her know he was there.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

Moving over to the other side of the bed Nate moves quietly. Taking Katie's hand him his own. There was so much on his mind and his heart hurt for more than one reason.

He was told once before sometimes even if a person was in a coman they could still hear, and maybe even talking to Katie while she was a sleep would help her.

Mama, put my guns in the ground
I can't shoot them anymore.
That long black cloud is comin' down
I feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

"Oh Katie, dont stay away to long. Laura needs you, and I need you to look out for her now. I love her so much Katie it hurts but I just dont know what else to do. It's so hard sometimes ya know, and the office just isnt the same. We miss you, come back to us huh?"

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door
Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

Exiting the hospetil Nate jingles his keys in his hand as he whipes the remaining tears from his eyes. Things were so messed up right now. There was so much pain, would there ever be a moment of peace for thoese who deserved it, even though who didnt see it. Would he ever have peace or was it always going to be like this for himself?

Looking up from her paper work as she walked past Reese office Angelica couldnt help but peek in saprised to still see him in the office.

Stoping and taking a few steps back she gives a small tap on the door giving him a small smile as she entered.

"You looked so deep in thought I hated to bother you, but you also looked like you could use a break from your own thoughts."

Sitting down in one of the chairs in front of Reese desk Angelice leans forward onto the front of the desk and throws Reese a smile.

Many people would think there relationship was strange or not even a relationship at all with what little time they spent with eachother outside of work. How ever for Reese and Angelica it seemed to work quite well.

"I was thinking Mike, maybe some popcorn and a movie would be a nice break for us both."

A bit of love

Though her voice was quiet, there was a braveness there. Ryder saw it and only wished things were different. He knew what it was like in the Agency... but even he had had high clearance, along with his brother. Being treated like a dog... that was something else altogether, and it was so very wrong. He didn't want Thirteen to just be carted off to jail like some of the others had been. She didn't deserve that. But how could they prove she was innocent?

Ryder gives her a crooked smile and brushes her cheek with his hand. "You just do the best you can, okay? Sit tight for a minute, I'll be right back." He knew he kept doing that, but he didn't want her in on the conversation he was going for.

Exiting the infirmary, he almost runs into Reese. But instead of talking her, he nods down the hall a ways. Once a fair earshot away from the infirmary, he stops and turns to his boss. "Look, I know you're just trying to protect what you got, but give me a chance with the girl, will ya?"

Reese crosses his arms, the rebuke flashing in his eyes. "We have a system here, Ryder. You've been part of the Elite for a while now, but you were far away and on your own most of the time. Around here, I can pull rank whenever I want, and under no circumstances are you allowed to just barge into something I'm doing, especially an interrogation!"

"What were you gonna do?" Ryder lashes out. "Let her bleed to death?"

"Her wounds weren't fatal and she did it to herself." Reese shakes his head. "I might have been able to use you to get to her but you had to come in and save the day, didn't you? Now she'll trust me even less."

"She doesn't trust anybody."

"Except you. Why?"

"I don't know." Ryder shrugs, just as bewildered. "Maybe because I care."

"I care too."

"And you show it by interrogating her? You can't deal with her that way. It has to be slow."

"So why are you qualified for psychology all of a sudden?"

Ryder rolls his eyes. "I didn't say I was. But look at her... she's not pretending. She's hurt and scared. All she needs is a bit of love."

"Love?" Reese's eyebrows shoot up. "This is not a dating service, Ryder! This is-"

"I didn't mean it that way, and you know it!" Ryder throws up his arms. "If my hunch is right, Thirteen has never been shown any kind of love at all. If we want to show her we're different, we're gonna have to prove it."

Reese sits back for a moment, just thinking. He hated to admit that Ryder had just struck a chord. Perhaps Ryder was not an active Christian, but he certainly had just reminded Reese of what being a Christian was all about. His temper begins to cool. "Okay."

"Okay, what?"

"Okay, we'll do things differently. I'll let her be your project." Reese purses his lips, thinking. "I'll give you a few weeks with her, maximum. If we get nothing, or it's proven that this has all been an act, she gets turned over to the police. Now... where is she going to stay?"

"She's already grown accustomed to the spare room if we can just keep using it."

"Will you lock the door?"

"I didn't want to."

"Then you'll have to spend your nights here, too."

Ryder quirks an eyebrow. He starts to argue, but then thinks of it again. He thinks of Laura. Maybe it would be better if he stayed here anyway.

Reese continues. "I'm making you completely responsible for her, Ryder. She makes trouble, or gets into trouble, then it's your neck that's on the line. Do you understand this?"

"Yes." Ryder nods. He knew this was a bit risk, but he couldn't just feed Thirteen to the wolves. Somehow in that van on their way back from getting Katie, something had happened. He and Thirteen had connected, and he couldn't just forget about that now. She needed help. And if he was it, so be it.

"Fine. I expect you to report to me every day." Before the discussion can continue, Reese spins on his heel and walks the other way, heading back to his office.

Ryder lets out a long sigh. Well... this is what he wanted, right? Thinking a moment, he heads for the main floor, passing by the infirmary. If this was the way it was going to be, then he had one more thing to do first.

It's fifteen minutes before he finally shows back up in the infirmary again. He'd trusted Thirteen would still be there, and she was, right where he'd left her. He wondered if he told her to stand on one foot, holding a glass of water for an hour, if she'd do it just because he'd told her to.

He offers her a warm smile and cocks his head for her to follow her. "Come on. You're not going to have to talk to Reese anymore. Just me, okay? But first..."

He leads the way a couple doors down to the women's bathroom, and holds out to her what he'd had in his arms. Susanne had helped him out with this one. There was a clean set of clothes that might be just a little big for Thirteen, but they would do. Undergarments, a t-shirt, jeans and even socks. On top of the clothes was some soap and some women's shampoo and conditioner. Susanne had even found a comb and a toothbrush with paste.

"Here. You can use the shower... there's clean towels in there, and take your time. There's no hurry."


Jason jumps as his phone vibrates in his pocket. Lifting his head from beside Katie, he lets go of her hand and leans back in the chair, fishing for his phone. He answers it sleepily. "Yeah?"

"Jason? It's Wyatt."

"Oh... hi. What's up?"

Wyatt could tell he'd woken his friend and he felt badly, but Jason had said he could be on call if needed. "First, how's things there?"

"Same."

Wyatt didn't need to ask more. He knew Jason was already getting tired of saying that, even after one day. "Okay. Well, listen, we got Trooper over here at the office and-"

Jason groans. "I forgot he was there. I thought I had him at home. My neighbor usually feeds him when I'm gone."

"It's okay. He's here and he's being taken care of by Ryder mostly."

"If he's trouble, take him to my place and throw him in the backyard."

"No, actually he's wanted here. The girl we brought back... she's pretty messed up. I guess Dad gave Ryder the go-ahead to work with her. Ryder doesn't want to lock her up, so he's planning on having Trooper keep an eye on her. I guess Trooper already got bored once and took up babysitting on his own, but Ryder wants to know if there's anything else he should do."

"Oh." Jason tries to clear his mind. "Um. He should be fine. Couple years ago I had him out and we wound up with an innocent bystander alongside the team. Trooper kept an eye on them and kept them out of the crossfire 'til we were safe."

"Yeah, I remember that. Does he have a command for that?"

"Just have Ryder tell him to 'watch.' I think he listens to Ryder okay, doesn't he?"

"He doesn't listen to anybody but you," Wyatt scoffs. "But Ryder seems to be able to talk to him alright, so I'll tell him. Anything else?"

"I don't think so. You say the girl's messed up?"

"Yeah, real scared. Doesn't know much. Pretty lost at the moment."

Jason nods. "I bet Trooper senses that, especially if he already took her on once. If he doesn't have anything to do, he goes looking for something and he must have found her. He doesn't like it when I'm not around to put him to work."

"So we've all noticed." Wyatt chuckles wryly. He was just glad Trooper wouldn't have to go home with him this time. "Okay, well that's all I wanted. I'll tell Ryder."

Hanging up, Wyatt sighs. One task down, one more to go. At least his mind was keeping busy instead of worrying about Katie. Though he did want to make sure he got off at a decent time tonight... he and Aerith had plans for dinner.

After telling Ryder what Jason had said, Wyatt grabs his keys and heads out.


Another picture is removed from the wall. Another is placed in a box. Smiles and fun times are wrapped in plastic, placed carefully on top of one another. A tear rolls down Laura's face, but she ignores it. She takes down another photo from the wall in the living room that had been covered in pictures for years.

"What are you doing?"

Laura's head whips around. She'd heard the front door, but had thought it was Ryder. Seeing Wyatt was a surprise. "Taking down pictures," she answers numbly. "What are you doing here?"

"Cardboard." Wyatt holds up a piece. "Ryder's spending the night at TJY so he wanted to make sure the windows over here got covered for the night."

"Oh." Laura turns back to her work. She'd wanted to apologize to Ryder for accidentally leading him on, but looked like it would have to wait.

Wyatt stands by awkwardly for a moment. He'd heard through the grapevine about the little spat earlier in the day, but wasn't sure if he should say anything or not. He opts to just get to work on the windows, but Laura's strange actions cause him to stop. "Why... are you taking the pictures down?"

"Because." Laura runs her fingers over a photo of her and Con and Jason. "All these... they're all over. None of it exists anymore."

Wyatt wanders closer. "I don't get it."

Laura sighs as she rubs her thumb across Jason's smile. "It's an old life, Wyatt... maybe it's one I spend too much time living in." Turning around, she adds another picture to the box. Pausing, she looks up at Wyatt, her eyes red and tired. "How can I be so blind?"

"Um... about what?"

"Oh, never mind."

"No, it's okay." Wyatt sets aside thoughts of the windows for now. "What are you talking about?"

"Like you haven't heard."

"Oh." Wyatt shrugs. "Well... "

"It was my fault." Laura takes down another photo, looking at the picnic scene. Another tear escapes. "Ryder was just so nice and sweet and... I didn't mean anything... but I guess... I guess he liked me and I didn't see it and then I made Nate mad and now..." She takes a deep breath, feeling silly for venting to Wyatt. She places the photo in her box. "Sorry. Don't mind me."

Wyatt feels a bit lame, not knowing what he could say. "I guess if it will make you feel any better, I don't think Ryder was head over heels for you. I mean... who doesn't like you? I bet even though he knew you were Nate's, he just couldn't help being a little too nice to ya, know what I mean?"

Laura can't help a soft chuckle at Wyatt's honesty. "I just hope I didn't hurt his feelings."

"Nah." Wyatt waves her off, trying to make her feel better. "I'm sure it didn't feel great, but it wasn't like you broke his heart or anything." At least that seemed to be the case, according to his observations of Ryder's behavior during the day. He figured Ryder was the type to just forget it and move on.

"Yeah..." Laura takes a hammer to pull a nail out of the wall. Maybe Ryder was okay... but Nate wasn't.

Wyatt stands for a moment, then turns back towards the front of the house. "I'll cover your windows and leave you at it."

"Mm-hmm." Laura stares at her half-full box. She wonders if she is the only one who is miserable. Was Nate as unhappy as she was? Was he at home, upset like she was, or had this been the break he'd been looking for, and was finally feeling free of her?


Gage sits on the floor, curled up tightly in the corner, his arms wrapped around his knees. He’d been shaking for the last four hours straight, and his body aches. His was drenched in sweat and cold. He felt as though he would either throw up or pass out, which wouldn’t be too bad… at least if he was unconscious, he wouldn’t be aware of what his body was going through. One shot… one shot would cure him… just one shot. His mind wouldn’t focus on anything else.


Alec paced his cell. He was more than stir crazy and it was getting worse. His cell seemed to be closing in on him. All he wanted was out. He’d heard bits and pieces about the case with Katie, so he knew everybody had been busy and distracted, but he was being ignored and he didn’t like it. Hal still fed him, but that was the extent of his outside contact. Not having a clock was driving him doubly crazy.


Reese sits in his office, pouring over paperwork until he has to take a break. Leaning back in his chair, he taps his pencil on his desk, too stressed to go home yet. Gage. Alec. Thirteen. What were they supposed to do with people like them? Scott. Jamie. Katie. Why did their agents continue to be picked off and tortured? And what was to become of them? It felt like they needed something more… something was missing. Reese felt like the Elite was lacking… but what was it?

Trying

Letting Ryder clean her up Thirteen winces every now and than. It hurt her wrists so bad and she wanted to pull away but she new that Ryder was just trying to help.

Listening to Ryder talk about how the people from her home hurt those here Thirteen did know that was true. She didnt know these peoples names, or who they really where but she had over hurd others talking and new it was all to true. Thirteen didnt want to see anyone else hurt, least of all those who had helped her.

Quiet for a long moment one might think she didnt hear Ryder's question or just didnt want to answer. She keeps her head down as she watches him wrap her wrists. But finally in a small voice she reply.

"I...I can try to answer your questions but I dont know much."

Looking up at Ryder she trys to give a small smile. She wanted to help what she could since her friend had been kind to her. Though she didnt know how much help she would be with her fear holding her back and her lack of knowlage, but she would try.

Talk

Ryder found it hard to believe that Reese would threaten her like that, but maybe he'd just used it as a tactic. Deep down, Ryder knew that Reese was just doing his job.... that Ryder wouldn't do any differently if he was in his shoes. The Elite needed to be protected, and an Agency threat was very dangerous, no matter how naive the agent might seem to be.

Filling a small basin with warm water he adds some disinfectant. Then he returns to the table and makes Thirteen sit sideways. Taking her hands gently, he places them in the water, several inches deep to cover her wrists. The blood makes the water murky, and Ryder knew that it probably stung. He keeps his hands on hers though, ensuring they stayed in the water. His fingers run over the cuts softly, cleaning them.

He didn't say much. He was trying to figure out what would happen next. He felt so badly for Thirteen... he knew that she couldn't be treated like this... it would only make things worse.

Taking her hands out of the water, he wraps a towel around them and takes the basin away, returning with some more disinfectant and some bandages. "Okay... here we go."

Ryder takes one wrist at a time, wiping it dry, applying the disinfectant, then wrapping it like a pro. Within a few minutes, the task is done.

He stands in front of thirteen and folds his arms, sighing deeply. "He didn't mean for you to get hurt." Though he was upset with Reese, it would do no good to turn Thirteen against him any more than she already was. "He's just trying to protect the people here. See... where you come from.... they hurt the people here. And Reese doesn't want that to happen. So he wants to get all the information he can to make sure no one here gets hurt."

Ryder knew that Thirteen would understand. Though she was confused and sheltered, she was not stupid in the least. Ryder saw a spark in the depths of her eyes, and something inside of him wanted to find the key to unlock that fire. Something told him that if she were just allowed to learn in a warm and friendly atmosphere, that she'd take off like a rocket and in no time would be caught up to other people.

He shakes his head a little. What was he thinking? Another sigh surfaces. He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear so he could see her face better. "There's a lot of questions that need answer, Thirteen. If I ask them, will you try to answer them?"

No one realized that Reese was standing outside the the door, around the corner where he couldn't be seen. He hadn't meant to harm the girl at all. And he was still very upset with Ryder for interfering. But if he could get Thirteen to talk, then he couldn't complain about that aspect, even if he didn't approve of the methods.

Friends

Feeling her friends arms around her Thirteen sinks into him feeling the safty of his braud fram around her and his arms keeping anyone at bay. Staying sheltered in Ryder's arms Thirteen follows him contently and calm though her wrists now hurt.

Entering the next room Thirteen looks around keeping as alert as she can. Sitting down quietly she now there was nothing to fear now. Giving a nod to the question of helping her with the cuts Thirteen just watches him.

Sitting quiet finally in a small soft voice she talks. "I was scaired and he kept asking questions and I didnt know the answers."

Thirteen looks down at her wrists and than back to Ryder."I just wanted to go back to the room where it was safe. But he wouldnt left me. When he grabbed me I got even more scaired because thats what they did to me at home. I was always traded off and I never new what would happen to me next. I ...was just scared."

The tears started to pool in Thirteens eyes again remembering everything and how made that man was saying he had her friends. "He also said he had two of my friends. I was scaired he was going to hurt you and the dog. I am sorry I got you into trouble.

Rebellion

Ryder can’t help the lurch in his stomach, seeing Thirteen’s desperation.

Reese tries to interfere her movements, but he’s not quite fast enough. Ryder steps forward to cover the rest of the distance between himself and Thirteen. Reaching out to her, he pulls her close, wrapping his strong arms around her, and pressing her head to his chest. He glares at Reese.

Reese throws up his arms in disgust. Any leverage he had with Thirteen was now gone. She had what she wanted. He didn’t want her to be hurt, but at least he’d tried to use it to their advantage, but Ryder had to show up and mess around. “Ryder, when you-“

“Save it,” Ryder snaps. “I told you she couldn’t be handled like the others.”

“I don’t care! She’s still Agency and we still have rules around here. Now she either stays and talks or-”

“She’s getting help,” Ryder retorts. He turns, keeping a sheltering arm around Thirteen, while his other hand reaches down to press her wrists together in order to put pressure on at least parts of her wounds.

Reese slams his hand down on the table. “You take her out of here, Ryder and you’ll have me to contend with.”

“I already do.” Ignoring Reese, Ryder walks out the door and into the hall, keeping Thirteen tucked into his side. Others pass in the hall and throw him strange looks, but he ignores them, and heads to the infirmary.

Kicking open the door, he finds both Rick and Misty gone. Going to the table, he lets Thirteen go and coaxes her to sit down. “Come on,” he directs quietly. “It’s okay now. Can I help you with those cuts?”

Please help me

As Reese continues to talk Thirteen stays silent. Keeping her eyes downs the tears still shine in her eyes but her face becomes hard to Reese. As the cuffs are taken off Thirteen brings to her hands into her lap. The blood still running from them staining her clothing.

Seeing the blood makes Thirteen start to tremble as the fear of the blood goes through her. Hearing the knock at the door make her jump as she looks up so many memories run through her again, but as the door opens and she see Ryder her eyes fill with tears again.

Standing from the table once more Thirteen takes a few steps towords him but sways from the loss of blood that was now on her clothing.

In a weak voice she reaches out to Ryder she just wanted her friend. "Please help me.." The fear is clean in her eyes as she wobbles a little.

Interference

“Thirteen, take it easy!” Reese tries to calm the girl down, but it seems the more he tries, the worse it gets. He doesn’t have much choice but to step back and let the fit happen until it’s finally over.

He folds his arms, displeased with how this was going. Ryder seemed to have thought that she would be easier than this. What had happened?

Seeing that her wrists are bleeding, Reese groans. “Now look what you did, huh?” He sighs. He just wanted to protect TJY. He just wanted some answers. He didn’t want to hurt the girl, but this task seemed impossible. She was either too frightened or too stubborn, and Reese wasn’t willing to bet which one it was.

“Just stop fighting,” he coaxes. “It’ll be a whole lot easier.”

His gut tightens, hearing that she’d been hurt before. He’d suspected it, but it was still hard to deal with. Noticing that she was quieting down, he goes back behind her again, deciding that the cuffs weren’t such a great idea after all. Not that it was his fault – if she would have just sat still, she wouldn’t have cut herself.

Removing the cuffs, he tosses them on the table and takes a closer look at her wrists. “You did a nice job on them, I will say that.”

Straightening, he walks back around to the other side of the table, not willing to stop this interrogation yet. “You answer my questions, and I’ll get you cleaned up and bandaged. If you don’t answer my questions, it will just keep on hurting worse and worse. Not to mention, I’m not thrilled that you already got blood all over the floor.”

A knock at the door interrupts the whole thing and Reese looks over with irritation. “Enter.”

Ryder cautiously cracks the door. “Just got back and wanted to check on…” His eyes spot Thirteen, and widen. “What have you been doing to her?” He enters the room and takes a step further, but Reese stops him in his tracks.

“Stay put,” he barks. “We’re not finished here yet.”

Ryder knows his boss is just trying to make the wisest moves, but it burns him up anyway. He looks to Thirteen, wondering if she really was okay.

Bleeding

Continuing to struggle and scream her pleas grow. "Ouch your hurting me stop. Let me go I wont run away. I just wanna go back to the room please."

Continuing to struggle and feel Reese hands tighten doesn't help her fear. Being pushed into the chair and her arms around her back with the cuffs Thirteen continues to try and get out of the cuffs as they dig deeper into her wrists and draws blood. Soon the cutes are so deep soon they are very painful but still she doesn't stop the struggle till finally she lets out a scream of pain that could chill someone to the bone.

Finally stopping her struggle, her eyes and cheeks are streaked with tears. Keeping her eyes down in a soft defeated voice she whispers, "I don't like you just like everyone else at home who hurt me." She keeps her eyes down still and keeps her lips tightly closed as the tears still streamed from her face and the blood trickles down her hands and fingers to the floor.

Struggling

“Whoa, settle down!” Thirteen’s fighting only leads Reese to put a tighter hold on her. “I don’t want to hurt you, now just calm down!”

Struggling, he finds the girl to be stronger than she looks, and he uses both hands to yank her arms behind her back, twisting her in front of the chair. With a final shove, he sits her down hard, wrapping her arms back behind her.

Her screaming added to his frustration. “Just stop it! Calm down!” He wanted to let her go if that would calm her down, but at the same time, he didn’t want her loose.

Grabbing a set of cuffs from his belt, he snaps them around her wrists, locking her to the chair. She could fight the chair all she wanted.

“Now for the last time…” Reese catches his breath. “I want answers.”

Scream

Seeing Reese coming for her Thirteen backs up a few steps. Memories of hoe she was beaten, and dragged around, passed from person to person. Trying to move back a few more steps it was too late, Reese already had her. Thirteen tenses as the fear courses through her. Not even knowing the tone of her own voice Thirteen shouts as she tries to struggle away pulling and pulling away from Reese. "Let me go, stop stop please let me go. I wont tell anyone, I wont please let me go." Feeling Reese grip tighten, tears start to flow from her eyes as she lets out a piercing scream, followed by more begging.

Sit

Reese blinks, confused for a moment about Thirteen’s reference to Trooper and Ryder. He hadn’t meant them… he had meant Gage and Alec.

“No, look, they’re not…” His words trail off as Thirteen starts to plead, wanting out and wanting to go back to the spare room.

“Thirteen, sit back down, please,” Reese emphasizes strongly. Ryder said she was harmless, but he had his doubts, and he wasn’t going to take any chances.

He steps forward and takes her arm, pulling her back to the chair. “You must sit and you must answer my questions or you’ll have to stay in here for much longer than this session. Be glad you’re here and not behind bars.” He moves the chair, trying to get her to sit back down, his grip firm.

Scared

Taking the juice and sandwich from Ryder Thirteen can feel her tummy rumble again. Giving a soft smile she whispers, "Thank you very much."

First taking a sip of the apple juice she scrunches her nose not sure if she liked it or not. But taking another sip she licks her lips before taking another sip. It was different but she liked it a lot. The bitter taste followed by the sweetness was nice.

Taking a bit of the sandwich she eats a little more than the day before. Thirteen's meal was interrupted as Susanne's voice came over the intercom, making her jump. Watching Ryder leave Thirteen gets nervous but she holds on to the promise that he would be back.

A little time goes by and Thirteen jumps again as the door opens and Reese stands in the door way. Not really wanting to leave the safety of the room Thirteen is hesitant but getting the prompting of Reese scared her even more bring back unwanted memories.

Finally getting into the room and sinking down in the chair Thirteen just looks up at Reese. She felt so scared. She didn’t want to be here. As Reese 's questions are thrown at her Thirteen can feel her nerves rising so many things flashing in her mind.

Her buddies...her...ohh he couldn’t hurt the only friends she had. "Please don’t hurt the man that talks funny and the dog. They were just being nice to me. Please…

More questions are thrown and Thirteen gets more nervous and scared. "I live in my home, and...and...I don’t know. PLEASE can I see my friends again or go back to the room please I don’t like it here." Thirteen stands, taking a few steps around the table. She just wanted to go back to the room and be with Trooper again. She was so scared.

Revealed Motives

Ryder lifts his eyebrows when he realizes that Thirteen doesn't seem to know what apple juice even is. What had this cruel, cruel word turned her into?

He manages a smile. "Okay. I'll go get it for you. Be right back."

Leaving the door unlocked once again, he leaves, and within minutes, is back. A new sandwich is presented, along with a bottle of juice. "Try and eat all the sandwich," Ryder encourages. "You need it."

"Ryder..."

He turns quickly, hearing Susanne's voice call his name over the intercom. Looking back to Thirteen, he gives a little nod. "I gotta go. Eat and sit tight, alright? I'll be back, I promise." He wishes he could do more, but at this point, he knows he can't. Though hesitant, he backs away until he's in the hall, then shuts the door quietly, once more.

Trooper looks up at Thirteen and wags his tail, sitting up to stare at the trashcan where Ryder had thrown the leftover sandwich. A bit of slobber winds up on the carpet.


...Ryder sighs as he heads for the exit. Susanne needed paperwork and it was at home. After going through files with her, running back and forth between Jamie and Reese, then tracking down Hal to borrow his car, time had slipped away. Ryder was tempted to go check on Thirteen before he left, but he knew Reese was headed in that direction now, so he opted to stand back. Better to let Reese handle the interrogation the way he wanted. Ryder would be back.


Reese exits the interrogation room, having it ready with some papers and the cameras on. He goes to the spare room to summon Thirteen, and prompts her out, leaving Trooper to wander the hall and finally wind up back in Jason's office.

Once in the interrogation room, Reese sits Thirteen down in the chair at the table and stands on the other side, his arms crossed. He didn't wear an angry expression, though he was far from happy.

"Okay... I need you to give me some truthful information." He stares the girl in the eye. "If you don't, then it's just going to make things harder on you. We've already got two of your buddies and neither one is thrilled to be here."

He paces a little before turning back to her. "I want to know which part of the Agency you're from and what your role has been. I want to know what your involvement with the Katie Pent case was. And I want to know the names of the agents you've been working with."



Carson manages half a smile. "Breaking down may just prove I'm human, but it's not good either."

Leaning back, he enjoys Misty's arm around him, and reaches down to pat her leg. Just thinking, he's quiet for several moments. "I... I don't know about having contact with Mackenzie. I mean... she'll just want more... she'll just want to see me more and..." He shrugs lamely. "I'm not cut out for it, I mean... I'm not the dad type... I don't know how to be one."



Kyle takes a deep breath and nods, finally back in control over his own emotions. "Ice cream... is the best idea I've heard all day."

Turning, he slings his arm around Alice's shoulders to walk back to the bus. He would tell them about his friend back home later. They were just starting to get back on the bus again to head out.

"Hey, Jordan? Alice and I are gonna take that side road right up there a mile and hang out for just a bit. We'll catch up to you in Greenville, alright?"

Jordan sticks his head out of the door and nods. "Good deal. You know where we're going?"

"Yeah, I got the map." Kyle thumbs towards Alice's jeep.

"Alright. We'll be there when you come."

As Kyle and Alice head towards the jeep, Hunter comes around the back of the bus and watches them. He sighs. Turning away, he gets into the bus behind Chloe, but doesn't join in the card game that soon starts up.

Letting Alice drive, Kyle rests his head back against the seat, looking out the window and up at the starlit sky. God still felt far away.

"Hang a right," he mentions absentmindedly as they approach their exit. A song on the radio catches his attention, and without realizing it, his fingers are moving rhythmically on his leg, begging for a keyboard that hadn't been touched now in ages. He doesn't even notice his automatic reaction to the melody that was playing.


The sound of the front door makes Laura jump. She'd been sleeping soundly up until that point. After that morning, she'd spent most of her time on the couch nursing her emotional wounds with a box of kleenex. Now as she peered over the back of the couch, she saw Ryder.

He pauses in the doorway, sifting through the mail before going to look for the papers that Susanne needed.

"Ryder?"

He turns quickly to Laura's timid voice, and manages a polite smile. "How ya doing?"

"Um... I'm sore." Laura sits up all the way and rests her arms on the back of the couch to prop up her chin. "Off work early?"

"No... just grabbing some paperwork."

"Oh." She was already feeling lonely. "Well... tonight do you... want to watch a movie or something? Or call out for supper?"

Ryder tosses the mail back on the table, and covers half the distance to Laura. "I think tonight I should probably just go upstairs."

Laura could tell that this was more than just him being tired from the day, and a lump rises in her throat. "But I-"

Ryder shakes his head slowly, his eyes telling her he was sorry. "I think you and I both know that I don't want another bloody lip. So... I'll just take it to my part of the house and we'll call it square."

Laura can feel the tears filling her eyes again. "I'm... I'm sorry that Nate hit you. I know you didn't mean anything by your attention. He was just overreacting. I don't want to be enemies."

"No one said we'd be enemies," Ryder corrects quietly. "When I make a friend, I don't run away." He looks at her for a moment, finding what he had thought was there... finding that she was revealing the truth about her lack of feelings. He'd thought it was like this, but he had pushed it anyway. "I did mean something by my attention, Laura. So... we better not keep it up." He swallows hard, knowing what he had just admitted. After all, he'd been the one to encourage Laura to stick with Nate in the first place. But somewhere along the way, he'd been attracted himself.

Laura's eyes widen slightly. "You..."

"I'll see you later."

She watches helplessly as he leaves, heading down the hall then upstairs to retrieve his paperwork. She blinks, a tear running down her cheek. Ryder had had other intentions? He had been wanting something more? And... Nate had seen it? But she hadn't? How could she have missed it? How could she have been that stupid?

She recalls all of the instances that had led up to Nate's explosion. Ryder had been hitting on her, and as clueless as she'd been, she'd just played along, like it was nothing. How could she have missed something like that? She and Ryder just got along so well... and she'd been so proud of herself for being able to trust another man after what had happened with Bryce. Ryder was fun and energetic, and always around. And she... well she'd latched onto him as a good friend. But... maybe... would he really have done all those things if he hadn't meant more by it? He certainly wasn't a stupid man. Laura had liked his attentions... but she hadn't even thought about there being more to it. But... that had been her downfall.

The shutting door snaps her attention up. She hadn't even seen Ryder slip back through the house.

Ok I'll try

Going to take a bit of the samwhich Thirteen stops hearing her name and giving a small jump. Looking at Ryder as he takes it, it was almost like when you take and ice cream from someone who was so looking forward to it. But hearing he would bring another she gives a small nod and than thinks about the apple juice.

"Apple Juice?"

Her own mind conjure up what apple juice might be and the thought of stuffing an apple in a glass was funny to her and it made her giggle just a little before looking to Ryder again.

"Ok, I'll try it."

Giving a small sigh Misty continues to look across the table at Carson. He had so much going on and so much turmoil inside of him. She couldnt help but feel bad for him.

"Your brother, you talk to him but prison I dont think you can do anything about that. He made his choose and now has to pay the price."

Taking another sip of her coffee she is quiet for a moment before continuing.

"As for your daughter give her your address and let her write you. Maybe you can even set something up so you can see her once a year or something. I know you wanna keep her out of danger, and you wanna do whats best but she is your daughter and just for that fact alone, with or without you she is in danger. So write to her, and keep the lines of communication open. Everything else will fall into place."

Getting up Misty comes around the table and slides into the booth with Carson. Putting an arm around his shoulders she gives the one a slight rub.

"Your doing so good, and you have become so strong. Its ok to break down sometimes. Its not a bad thing. Only means you human after all."

Feeling Kyle's emotional state Alice just holds him for a long while. She didnt know how long they were standing there, and she didnt much care. Being told your friend was walking the line of death was so hard, and she new it all to well.

Finally pulling away she looked up at Kyle and gave a small smile reaching her hand up and whipe away the small tear.

"She'll be ok Kyle, if God didnt want her to live she wouldnt have made it this far."

Alice didnt know if her words would help or not but she could only hope. Kyle had been through alot latly she just wanted things to get better for him even just a little bit.

"Come on, how about you ride with me and maybe we can grab some ice cream on the way than catch up with the others again?!"

Emotions

Ryder sighs deeply and shakes his head. "Just... questions about you... where you come from. It'll be okay. Reese... Reese is a good guy." Though he was a little upset with his boss at the moment, he didn't want to scare Thirteen away.

Seeing her retrieve last night's sandwich, he cringes a little. "Thirteen..." Before she can take a bite, he gently slips it from her grasp. "I'll get you a fresh one, okay? And how about something cold to drink, hmm? Maybe some apple juice?" He still wanted to make her as comfortable as possible. It wouldn't be long and Reese would be back, wanting to talk to her.


Carson finally looks up at Misty, his eyes showing just a hint of what he'd done the prior night. He tightens his grip on her fingers. "Yeah... I know. I just..." He shrugs. "Guess I don't like bothering you with my problems, ya know?"

A sheepish smile slips through the cracks. "Or maybe I'm just to stubborn, ay?" He shakes his head and withdraws to sit up a little straighter in the seat, wincing a little though as he does. The booth was too hard to be comfortable.

"What do I do, Misty? What do I do with a half-brother I don't know, who's facing prison? What do I do with a daughter who I probably won't see again anyway? I'm trying to figure it out... I'm trying not to slip up, I just..... can't seem to do it."


Kyle jumps a little at Alice's touch, not having heard her, but he immediately relaxes. Sliding his hand down, he runs it along her arm for a moment, his eyes still far away. "No," he finally answers quietly.

Turning, he leans his back against the tree, taking both of Alice's hands in his. He hated being emotional in front of people, but he couldn't do much to control it this time. "It's Katie Pent... I guess she somehow got taken by some pretty bad people... The Elite got her back, but... she's in the hospital now... in a coma."

Kyle's eyes drop as he swallows hard. If he thought it would do any good, he would go home. But Katie was asleep... and there were a lot of other people around. If she were awake, he knew that she would rather him continue on the road than run home.

His thumb rubs Alice's hand as a new silent tear escapes, his head still lowered. He opens his mouth to say something more, but he knows if he tries, his voice will crack. Instead, he pulls Alice closer for a hug, burying his face in her hair.