Forever

Going to the bed and sitting down next to Jeff Katie gives a smile as the small bag layed in her lap. Taking Jeff's hand in her own Katie smiles down at him before looking up again and watching Jay leave. Turning back to Jeff Katie gives a half smile feeling the tension that had built in the room. Opening the bag Katie pulls out one of the cookies and hands it to Jeff giving a smile.

"Is...is everything ok Uncle Jeff? It just seemed a little awkward there for a second with Dad."

Scooting back a little Katie wrests her back against the wall. She felt tired and wrestless. Something was going to change again. Some how something would change again forever, and more tears would be shed.

Looking up and seeing Gunner enter Hope gives a smile. She was happy she didnt have to ask Reese if he new anything and get Gunner in anymore trouble than he already was. Working with Gunner, and trying to make him feel comfortable was what she wanted to do.

"Its ok, I was only going over some paperwork to pass the time."

Closing the folders Hope places them in a nice pile and folds her arms on the table looking across at Gunner for a long moment. Just studying him.

"Please just call me Hope. After all you told me you didnt need me to help you so that means you dont need a Dr. Just a friend."

Leaning back a little in her chair Hope looks to the small window that was way at the top of the wall and to the left side. It was very small and hardly let in any light but it was big enough to see the dark sky outside. Rain was on the way.

"Well, the weather doesn't look to promising so I thought maybe we could stay inside today and play a game, bored, card, darts, you name it. We dont even have to talk while we are doing it eather if you don't like."

Time waster

"No, no." Jay is on his feet, looking to Katie, trying to compose himself. "You're fine... just... yes... come in."

Jeff looks up at his brother with question, but receives no direction. Pasting on a pleasant look, he glances to Katie. "I think I could stand a cookie," he mentions quietly.

Jay automatically moves out of the way, offering Katie his spot by the bed. "I'm... just gonna take a walk for a few minutes, alright?" He pats Katie's shoulder as he walks by, seeming to linger for a strange moment before heading out.

Jeff watches him, a look of confusion in his eye as to what he was to do now. But he tries to hide it.


Gunner ambles down the hallway, not too slowly, but in no hurry either. Reaching the make-shift office, he lets himself in, finding Hope waiting. "Sorry I'm late," he apologizes. "Traffic got me on the way back over here."

He sighs and sinks down into the empty chair, slouching a little lazily, but not disrespectfully. Propping his sunglasses up on his head, he stares across the table expectantly. "Well, Dr. Garrison, what sort of time waster are we looking at today?"

Confustion

Continuing to work through the night and into the day Misty only left Rick's side to eat, use the bathroom and call Carson to see how he was. There was little time to wast and Misty new they needed all the could get.

"We are close Rick I can feel it, we are close."

Leaning in a little closer Misty flips through the paper work as she jots down different notes. Her research skills kicking in once again digging in deeper as she liked to.

Carrying the bag that held three peanut butter sandwiches, chips, some fresh baked cookies and milk Katie makes her way back to the bunkhouse. It had been a long night that turned to morning and than went into the afternoon. Though it was long Katie never complained, she didn't mind being there for her Uncle it was the least she could do. Making him smile, reliving old memories was always nice for her.

Giving a smile and walking up onto the pourch Katie gives a small smile. It was a bad reason for her whole family to come together but it felt nice to have everyone in one place. Opening the door Katie enters.

"Rosetta made fresh cookies for you Uncle Jeff. She new...."

Stoping what she was saying Katie looks from her dad to Jeff, than her dad and Jeff again. It was obvious she was interrupting something from the look on both men faces along with the last few words she had heard.

"If...I'm interrupting something I can go and come back?"

Katie's face held a look of confusion as she looked between both men.

Sitting in the interrogation room that had become her office Hope shifts trough some files and papers she had layed out. Today was another session with Gunner and so far he was 15 minutes late. Maybe she had scared him away or maybe he just wasnt going to come.

Letting out a small sigh Hope felt uncomfortable in this room, but its were Gunner new to find her and its all Rick had given her for now so it had to do.

Looking at her watch Hope counts. She would give Gunner 15 more minutes and if he didn't show up she would see if Reese might know where he was.

Five minutes

Jeff leans his head closer to Katie, bringing one arm up over her. Only if one looked closely, would they perhaps notice a tear escape and trickle into the pillow.

The door opens quietly enough that no one is roused. Jay stands alone and silent, watching. His heart was breaking for more than one reason. Yet there was peace here. He could only hope and pray that the peace continued after the truth was finally exposed.


"Um... yeah." Rick nods and tries to regroup. "There's a slim chance that whatever Jeff has, could be a relative of the drugs that created Katie an Jason's problem, and if that's the case... there might be a connection in the formula for a cure." He throws up his hands. "I don't have a clue, but it's the only starting point we have."


Time moves too quickly when you're trying to find a cure. But it never slows. It never lends a hand. Yesterday had seemed long. Today seemed even longer. Yet it still moved too fast. Time has no mercy.


People had been in and out of the bunkhouse all morning. Jay had been in to see Jeff multiple times, but only when the two men are left alone, does Jay sit closer, more serious.
"What do you want to do?" This was the first chance they'd had to have this discussion, and no intro was needed. Both brothers knew what they were talking about.

Jeff's eyes are half-open as he looks over to his brother. His voice comes out slow and weak. "You can't tell her... you'll lose her."

Jay grits his teeth, fighting the tears behind his eyes. He had to get Jeff to agree before Katie came back. She'd only left to bring back some light lunch for Jeff if he felt like eating. "I can't let you go without letting you have this one thing... you've lived with that sacrifice for over twenty-two years."

Jeff shakes his head stubbornly. "If she knows... you'll lose so... so much."

"I've had her all her life." A tear rolls down Jay's face. "That's more than I ever could have asked for. You deserve this."

"No..." Jeff coughs and takes a deep breath, trying to stay on top of the pain. "It will just... just confuse and... and she's got her fam... family." His fingernails dig into the mattress, his eyes glazing over slightly. "You can't... you can't give that up."

"I don't want to," Jay admits. "She'll always be my little girl, even though we had a rough time for a while. I was messed up, she was messed up, and I know we lost something in there but... I've looked after her as my own ever since I held her for the first time. I told you I would always look out for her and I won't stop. But... the truth, Jeff... I can't tell her when you're gone. I want you to have this... it's the only thing I can give you while there's still time. Let me give you this gift."

Jeff sucks in his breath and shifts his gaze to the ceiling. "You already risked... so much. With the... the Agency. No one knew..."

"I didn't want you to have to go. I knew it was your blood sample they wanted but I couldn't do that to you. And it wasn't worth the strife of the truth coming out right then."

Jeff thinks for a long while, and one might think he'd fallen asleep, were it not for his eyes still being open. "I just... I can't do it."

"Then we do it together." Jay takes his brother's hand in a firm grip. "Like we always have."

No one had ever known the strong bond between brothers... no one had ever guessed there was more between them than miles and a loose relationship. They had hidden the truth well. And they had looked out for one another much more viciously than anyone ever had known.

Jay lets another tear escape. "You and Katie have always had that bond.... I may have raised her, but I've always seen the connection between you and... I've always been jealous of it. I know when she knows the truth that she and I might drift even further apart... I hope not, but for you... I can't just let it go this time. Goodness knows I don't want to give Katie up. She doesn't realize how much I love her and how much I worry about her. But... but it's time for the truth."

Jeff swallows hard. "We both could lose her."

Jay knew there was the possibility that Katie could hate them both for their secrets. "I know. But she has a right to know. And I can't do that to her after you're gone. If you die before the secret is told, the truth will be buried with you. But sooner or later, she'll have to know... it's time, Jeff... it's time."


Gunner crouches on the sidewalk, looking out across the intersection. The streetlight changed from green to yellow to red, even though there wasn't much traffic. It was a fairly quiet intersection - not many accidents happened. But one had. And it was that one that brought Gunner back again.

Squatting near the curb, his fingers play with a blade of dried grass. His eyes see bits of litter, a piece of glass, and an occasional car. But his mind sees a scene of horror... the scene that plagues his mind at night. The sounds of crushing metal and a scream run through his mind as he watches... again. Every week. And no week was different. Never had a visit to this site resulted in clues. But one day... one day there would be. If he could just wait a little while longer... look a little harder.

His watch beeps. He needed to get back to TJY. He had another appointment with Hope in five minutes. But he doesn't move. One more minute...

Stay

Looking at Rick and giving a blink Misty felt bewildered for a moment. She was confused and new Rick was as well. But getting no more info and knowing that obviously Jay didn't want to say more Misty tried to let it go for now.

"Ok, so now what do we do? Are we going to see about forming a drunk for him like we did Katie? If thats what this is."

Misty set to work helping Rick as quickly as she could. Time was running out there was no time to wast.

Continuing to hold Jeff's hand Katie gives a nod at the comment he needed to talk with him. This would be the first time since he was back that Jay would of been able to talk to him, it wasn't unusual.

"Ok, I'll stay with you till he comes on Uncle Jeff?"

Bringing her feet up onto the bed once more Katie cuddles in next to Jeff and leans her hand lightly on his shoulder her arm draped over him and rubbing his arm.

"I love you too."

Silence takes over once again and the only thing that can be heard is a soft hum than came from Katie's lips giving a calming mood.

Five sessions

Rick hangs up the phone, the shock and confusion all over his face. Turning to Misty, he just looks at her for a moment. "Jeff is Katie's father." He blinks. "Jay didn't want to talk about it - that much I could tell... either that or he wasn't alone, and he couldn't."

He furrows his brow, trying to understand. "I think there's a family secret here, Misty... I told Jay it wouldn't go further than this and... as much as I want to know more... I think for now we better just keep this under our hats." He shakes his head, still shocked. "Um... yeah... so let's... get back to work then."



Jeff doesn't object to Katie putting another blanket over him, though he does slip his hand back out to hold hers. "Thank you," he manages, his tired eyes falling shut again.

Hearing Jay was there, he doesn't say anything for a moment. "Yeah... yeah he can come. He and I.... we..... we need to talk. "

Jeff gives her hand a weak squeeze. His mind seems to clear for a moment, and his eyes open as if he remembered something. He glances down, but can't see the floor from his position, and a sinking feeling warns him that he might have dropped what he'd been looking at earlier. He says nothing though... better to leave it unnoticed.

Letting his eyes close once more, he gives a little nod. "You'll be okay, Katie... I know you will... I love you."



Gunner allows a little chuckle to surface. "I better figure out what to think of you or else I might fall in love with you like your last Elite client did." He raises one eyebrow, giving Hope a look of wry humor. He didn't hold anything against her or Scott in the least, and rather thought it cute. He shakes his head.

"Alright. Friends it is. But you and I both know that there's still an agenda here, whether it's your own, or Reese's. If you just wanna hang out and do nothing, it's fine by me. I'm not going to put up a fight because there's nothing to fight about." He shrugs, as laid back as ever. "You just tell me when we're done and I'll go back to work. I can survive five sessions like this if you can."

Annoying Sister

Katie gives a half smile at her Uncle as she slips into the room and slowly makes her way to the bed sitting down at the edge.

"You could only get so lucky. I told you, family sticks together right? I wont leave your side, and will always return when I do."

Moving a little closer to Jeff Katie brings her leg up onto the bed and takes Jeff hand in her own once again. It felt so cold. Standing once more she goes to the small closet and grabs another blanket putting it on Jeff tucking him in gently before running her hand through his hair.

"Uncle Jeff, Dad's here were you feeling good enough to visit with him for a little?"

Still smiling Hope looks at Gunner searching his face for a long moment. He was going to be a hard one, he new his flaws and did nothing about them. Gunner wouldn't change until he was ready to change and what would take that Hope wasn't sure about yet.

"Spending time with someone else even they dont say anything at all is never a wast of time. Just consider me, a friend I guess."

Giving a chuck at her own comment in her head Hope shakes her head.

"Or if that doesn't work I guess I can be the annoying sister that you never had tagging along with you."

Looking at Rick Misty was just as confused as he was. Katie always had said Jay was her father but if it really was Jeff, why? Obviously Katie didn't know, but the whole thing didn't make a bit of sense.

Waiting passionately Misty listens to Ricks conversation waiting for him to get off the phone and come to the verdict.

Is it Jeff?

Gunner just gives a little nod, and settles back against the rock again. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, enjoying the outdoors, but slightly bored. "Alright... so you're not here to fix and you're not here to convince... then what are we doing here?"

He shrugs lamely. "Reese calls you, you come, we talk about nothing, so what? I mean, I'm willing to do whatever but... this is feeling like a waste of time unless we're just playing hooky."


"Oh, good." Rick takes the package, giving Misty a grateful nod. "Thank you... now I can get back to work on this thing."

It takes quite a while for him to run new analysis and form data. But in the meantime, he keeps working, running into dead end after dead end.

Finally, he's able to study the reports again, and his eyes widen slightly. "This can't be..." He looks over to Misty uneasily. "We had the right blood before... but..." He swallows hard. "Surely there's some mistake somewhere... right?"

There's only one way to know for sure. He picks up the phone.


Jay has greeted many of the others, walking with Katie, and staying close to her for a while. They are just walking towards the bunkhouse where Jeff is, when Jay's cell phone rings. He stops, his arm still around Katie's shoulder. "Hello?"

"Hi, Jay?"

"Yes."

"This is Rick, from TJY."

"Oh, yes. What can I do for you?"

"I have some blood samples here and... I have a question for you. I need you to be totally honest with me. Jeff's life may depend on it."

Jay grows a little tense and he gives Katie a sidelong glance. "Okay... what is it?"

"Are you Katie's father?"

The blood drains from Jay's face. "Excuse me?"

"Are you Katie's father?"

Jay blinks and stammers as moment before looking to Katie. "Hey, why don't you go on ahead to see if Jeff's awake? If he is, I'll be there in a minute." Once he's alone, he turns his focus back to the phone. "Where are you going with this, Rick?"

"Just answer me, please," Rick begs. "I won't make anything out of it, and I won't relay this information to anyone you don't wish me to. But if what I'm looking at is true, I may be able to come up with a solution that will work in Jeff's bloodstream the same way it has Katie's. Please... I need to know the truth."

Jay pauses for what seems like an eternity. "The answer to your question is no."

"Is it Jeff?"

"Yes."

"That's all I needed. Thank you."

"Rick please, if this-"

"Don't worry."

Jay wished he didn't have to. "Alright. Thanks, and... let us know if you come up with anything." Ending the call, he lets out a long sigh, running a hand over his face. The battle had just intensified.


Jeff is lying in bed, the bunkhouse quiet. His breathing is raspy, but he seems fairly peaceful for the moment. The drugs Angel has given him have wiped him out, leaving him lethargic. Having been alone for the last couple hours, he'd been in and out of sleep, sometimes talking to no one. Not hardly realizing it, he had fished in his pocket for a small object that was the source of many thoughts that were running through his mind. But as he'd drifted to sleep once or twice, the small diamond ring had fallen to the rug near the bed, unnoticed.

Hearing the door open, Jeff opens his eyes halfway, trying to make out who had entered. The soft footsteps are familiar. "Katie?" He does his best to smile, not moving from his pillow. "Thought maybe you'd... disappeared."

Reconsider

Giving a nod and a small smile Katie looks up at her dad. She new she probley looked like crap right now, but she didnt really mind to much. This was the country and no matter how you tryed to get your hair to stay the wind would blow it every witch way.

"Yeah I am happy you did come. Jeff should be able to see his family a lot right now. I know its what he wants."

Giving a heavy sigh Katie straightens a little as she thinks about Jay's question for a long moment. She didnt want to lie to her dad, but she didnt want to make him worry. But than again eather way he was going to worry and she new from the expression on her own face told the whole story.

"I'm...something. Its not bad, but its not good eather. I think its somewhere in the middle leaning twords bad, but i am trying to hold onto the good."

Katie looks up at Jay again giving a smile and standing she stretches reaching her arms to the sky before putting her hands in the front pocket of her over sized hoody that at one time belonged to Jason.

"I'll be ok though. Some how, some way I will be ok. So dont worry about me alright? Just focus on Jeff for now. He needs it more."

Linking her arm with her dad's arm Katie leads him to the door trying to make the mood a little brighter.

"Lets go let everyone know your here ok?"

Walking with Gunner Hope stays quick with her hands in her light jacket buttoned as she walked. There was starting to get a chill in the air, not enough to say winter was coming but enough to say summer was coming to an end as the sun still shone not ready to give into the winter yet eather.

Following Gunner to the rock Hope takes a seat on the edge not to close to Gunner, but not to far away that she couldn't hear him. Her feet dangling over the edge only coming inches from the water. Leaning back on her own hands Hope takes a deep breath.

As the quiet takes over Hope just listens to all the sounds taking them in and enjoying them all. Each one saying something different, each one taking there turn talking. Hearing Gunner talk again Hope looks at Gunner and gives a small smile. She could tell Gunner had been to others before her just by how he tryed to guess what she wanted or was going to ask. He been though many who thought he was crazy, but he was now meeting someone different. Hope was much different.

"I don't expect to hear anymore from you Gunner, and I wont ask you to beg me for help eather because that's just not your style."

Hope gives a soft understanding smile to Gunner. The words she spoke were only the truth and were from her heart. Not to persuade him, or try to get him to change his mind, just simply her own thoughts on the matter for him to think about.

"As for walking alone, thats only a choose you can make but I would want to reconsider because sometimes its nice to have a friend along. Maybe not for the broken hearts road, but for another reason. Just to get you to smile, or to share a laught. Maybe even to share a freak out. Not every two people are the same as the last you just met, one might not understand while that one person you pass by does."

Looking away for a moment Hope draws silent as her eyes roam the waters herizon watching a group of ducks on the water prattling by. As a small breeze blows Hope looks back to Gunner again as the wind blows her hair across her face.

"I don't think I'd complain ether, its to nice here to pass up the enjoyment."

Reaching for a peace of gum Hope takes one giving a nod and popping it into her mouth.

"Thanks Gunner."

Coming into the infermary Misty quickly throws her jacket on her chair as she holds a small wrapped package. Quickly making her way over to Rick she places the package gentily down on the desk.

"Rick, Angel sent the new sample overnight shipping. I just picked it up from the post, and here it is."

You won't hear

"You can say that again." Gunner stands up, needing no prompting, and waits for Hope to follow him out of the room. Seeing Reese in the hall, he just smiles at him as if everything were perfectly fine. Reese was not amused, but says nothing, seeing that apparently, he and Hope were going somewhere else. He didn't have a problem with that.

Gunner ambles out through the main floor, giving a wave to Nate on his way. He holds the doors open for Hope, and is quiet for the short elevator ride and the walk to the outdoors. It was a nice day. It was warm enough one didn't need a jacket, but a nice breeze brought a relief of fresh air.

Wandering across the lot to the sidewalk, Gunner leads the way with casual confidence, in no hurry, but not dragging his feet either. The park is a few blocks down and they cover it quickly. Once reaching the peaceful setting, it's obvious Gunner has spent time here, as he knows right where his favorite spot is. He doesn't choose the benches like he'd mentioned, but instead, heads for the pond. In one corner are large rocks that protrude out into the shallow water. Warmed in the sun, they just escape the shadows that the large oak trees spread on the ground.

Stepping out onto the flat surface of one rock, Gunner lowers himself down to lean back against another rock, sitting Indian style. "Welcome to my office," he teases wryly.

Digging in his pocket, he fishes out a stick of gum to chew, then looks to Hope, squinting a little in the sun. "Alright, counselor. You got a passion for listening, so... listen."

He cocks his head, just looking her in the eye. The water gurgled around the rocks. A crow called out high in the tree. A squirrel chattered somewhere nearby. A loud truck drove down the nearby street. A dog barked. Ducks in the pond quacked and splashed as they hunted for food. The breeze rustled the trees and shrubbery.

Gunner's voice finally breaks in. "I don't know what more you're expecting to hear. My soul's already been shattered into a million pieces so you won't hear it fall apart now. All you'll hear is the pieces clinking together as I keep trying to glue them back together. You won't hear me cry because the river has already overflowed its banks then receded. You won't hear me beg for help because I've already seen this is a journey I have to walk alone and I'm okay with that. You won't hear me ask for understanding because so far I've found no one who does understand what drives me. And you won't hear me complain..." A faint spark lights his eye. "...because I wouldn't want to miss out on free time away from the office."

He holds out his pack of cinnamon gum, offering her a piece.




Jay gives Katie a big hug in return, kissing the top of her head, then giving her an extra squeeze. "It's good to see you too... I hate being so far apart."

He sighs a little. "Oh, things back home are alright. Hearing about Jeff, I decided I should come."

Cocking his head, he tries to study her face. He knew that she and Jeff were close. "You look tired... you holding up okay?"

Enjoy Myself

Katie eyes held a tired look in them, and were sunken in just a little still holding there gloss from the tears that were held back. Her night had been long, filled with little to no sleep. Most of the time spent at Jeff's side just letting him know she was there only to leave for a drink or a potty break.

Looking up at Jay sits down next to her Katie gives a small smile. It was good to see him and it had been a long time maybe to long from the last. Giving her dad a stong hug and a kiss on the cheek, Katie just holds him for a long moment.

"Hey Dad, its really good to see you. How's everyone back at the house doing?"

Giving a smile as Gunner enters the room Hope gives a nod as well. Though no one could tell she couldnt help but feel a little nervous. Not nervous of Gunner, or that he would harm her, but nervous because this was different. It was out of the box, and out of her norm. She had to get comfortable and use to things a different way all over again.

"Its good to see you again as well Gunner. Oh I don't mind, it gives me something to do with all the free time I have now."

Once Gunner was done talking Hope cant help but give a small laugh. Not at him, but just at the thought that he really didn't know her methods and must have been through the ruteen before.

"Actually, I didn't have any questions to ask you, not ones you would think I did anyways and most of your story I already new from your folder."

Hope lets out a small sigh for a moment as she thinks. She new that things would be different with Gunner. He was to smart for his own good and this was going to be a challenge but maybe it would be good for both of them.

"Well Gunner, first off I am not parcel to playing to many games with I am trying to work so we can cut those out, and as for trying to fix you, well I can say I dont plan on trying I just plan on doing but well I'm not the one who does the fixing, just the one who listens."

Shifting in her seat for a moment Hope contemplates Gunner's question about maybe going to the park to sit. It was a nice day out, and she was uncomfortable in this room that wasn't even close to her own. Maybe outside would be good.

"When I work, I do enjoy myself. Listening is a passion that unfortunately not many people have. Lets take a walk to the park, its a nice day out today and is better than this stuffy room."

Self-diagnosis

Axel's eyes narrow slightly as a grin toys with his mouth. "Ah well, you know... convincing or not, rumors are still rumors." He tosses her a wink. "They're never true anyway, are they?"

Taking a step back, he puts a hand on the door. "Thanks for the food, Ryan. I'll probably be down tomorrow. Tell the guys hi."

While not negative in the least, it was still a dismissal as Axel prepared to be alone for the rest of the day. Jess was busy working tonight, so it would be a long day of quiet. But he didn't mind.


"I'm tired of your sloppy work, Jason."

Jason looks down at the paperwork on Reese's desk that he'd just finished earlier. "What? It's no different than normal!" He'd gotten called back in from lunch for this??

"That's my point."

"Well, you've never complained before!"

"I finally reached my limit!" Reese stands up, his temper flaring as it had frequently as of late. "For the past couple weeks, I just don't know what to do with you! You've been moody, sloppy and you haven't cared for deadlines or policy. You used to be my best agent, Jason! What happened to you?!"

Jason's shoulders drop, too surprised to be angry at the moment. "I don't understand."

"Look at you!" Reese waves at him. "You're late to work, you just don't care anymore, and you pushed out another one of my best agents!" He bites his tongue as soon as the words are out, but it's too late.

Jason's eyes widen. "Say that again."

Reese folds his arms. "I don't need to repeat myself."

"You're blaming me for Katie leaving. Is that it? Is that why you've suddenly lowered the boom on me or what??"

"That's part of it."

"That is none of your business!" Jason's temper that had been held back, now surfaced. "What happens between Katie and myself has nothing to do with the Elite, and you have no right to judge me!"

Reese frowns. "I do if it affects what happens here, and it has. Katie is gone for who knows how long, and you've fallen to pieces."

"I have not!"

"You have! You used to be enthusiastic, Jase! You used to be on top of things! You weren't my best agent for nothing. When you went with Con and Austin to Texas for the first time, you were at your prime. You were confident, you were at the top of your game." Reese shook his head. "I know you had a rough time after that, dealing with a lot of things, but you got your head back on straight, and you were even better. You proved how good you were when you turned down the job of taking over the Elite because you didn't feel ready. I've watched you grow... I've watched you learn. And now, over the course of a couple weeks, you've flushed it all down the toilet!"

Jason blinks, his mouth open, not even knowing what to say. It didn't matter. Reese wasn't finished yet.

"You know good and well how you earned your nickname around here. You were a definite hotshot, but you had the skills to back it up. You might have been cocky, but you were the best. I want to see that confidence back, Jason. I don't want the know-it-all attitude but I want that confidence back. You're getting careless, and you're shoving away the people who have helped you get this far. Your personal life may not be my business... you're right. But in pushing Katie away, it has affected your work, and I can't stand by and just let it happen."

Jason sets his hands on his hips. "Great. So what do you want me to do about it? I'm sorry I wanted to go back to being a normal person! I'll start being on time, for pete's sake! But stop bringing Katie into this!"

"I'm bringing her into it, because she's your life! And if she's not, she should be." Reese's stare is firm. "That woman has done more for you than anyone else and you know it. I could tell you just to get back to your job and try harder at shaping up. But I know as well as you do, that it won't be right until she's back here and back in your life again. She's what balanced you out - or have you been so blinded by selfishness that you haven't seen it?"

"I haven't been selfish!" Jason barks. "I separated for her sake! She's always trying to take care of me, and I could never take care of her. How do you think that made me feel, huh? How would you like to be the man whose woman always rescues him instead of the other way around? How would you like it if nothing you could do would help her, and every time your emotions got the best of you, she hurt? I separated for her!"

Reese shakes his head again, his tone lowering slightly. "Have you ever thought that protecting her didn't mean saving her from pain?" He stares Jason in the eye. "Have you ever thought that protecting her and being the man meant giving her what she needs instead of deciding for yourself what she needs?"

After a pause, he lets his hands drop down to his sides. "Look, I've said all I can. I'm upset because you didn't help things with Katie leaving and we've been short-handed. I'm upset with your attitude towards you and her because it's affecting your work. I'm upset that you've been sloppy lately. And I'm upset with your poor attitude. Get your head on straight, Jase. Or you'll be sitting right alongside Gunner."

Jason grits his teeth. He wants to fight more, but he knows it won't do any good. Spinning on his heel, he stalks back to his office, almost running into Susanne on his way.


A faint smile creases Jeff's lips as his eyes slowly close. "Okay," he whispers. "Okay... we'll... get there."

Finally slipping into a degree of sleep, Jeff's grip loosens around Katie's hand. The day had shown such a drastic change. Just that morning he'd seemed to be doing so well... but the strain had simply been too much, setting him back faster than anticipated.

It's several minutes of quiet before Luke steps forward, placing a hand on Katie's shoulder. "We can let him rest now," he prompts quietly. "Let's let him sleep."


Afternoon. Evening. Dusk. Night. Dawn. Morning. Afternoon. The cycle never ends.


Gunner aims for the interrogation room behind Reese, a look of apathy on his face. He'd hope with Jason gone that Reese might lighten up, but unfortunately, he hadn't. And a session with Hope was still on the schedule.

He ambles into the makeshift office shifting his eyes back as the door is closed behind him. Giving a little sigh, he strolls to the chair at the table and sits down casually. "Good to see you again, Hope." He nods, offering a small smile. "Sorry Reese pulled you in for this. Sounds like he's got me down for five sessions with you and by the looks of it, he won't back down."

Leaning back in his chair, he rocks on it a little, his hands tucked partially in his pockets. "I might as well make this easy for you, so you don't have to go through all the questions you've undoubtedly prepared." A very slight grin tweaks the corner of his mouth. "See... when I was eighteen, I was in a car accident. My parents were killed. To this day, I remember nothing of my life before that point. The police caught a guy they thought was the other driver, but I got proof it wasn't him. No one would listen. So, I made it my goal to find him. I've been hunting him for years."

Gunner's eyes focus on Hope's as he lays out the facts about himself. "You might categorize my drive for justice as obsession. Yes, I recognize that I live in the past. I know that I have not yet completely moved on from my parent's death, and I still have trouble dealing with the fact that I lost my memory. Every once in a while I wonder if the accident was my fault. Sometimes this results in depression. When I was twenty, I almost jumped off a bridge."

Though his expression doesn't change, he blinks once. What was that look in his eye? It was already gone. "My job here keeps me busy, it gives me the action I need to make me feel like I'm needed and doing some good, and it gives me an opportunity to continue my hunt. When needing to deal with what's inside, I work, exercise or write my feelings down, avoiding anything resembling a bridge."

He cocks his head, still very casual. "If you wanna know if I've ever cried over my parents, the answer is yes. Have I visited their graves? Yes. Do I have nightmares that haunt me? Yes. Does my depression ever lead to compulsive behavior? If you count binging on rootbeer floats, then yes. Am I screwed up in the head? Pretty much. But maybe that's because of the metal plate up there."

He pauses as if trying to think if he'd left anything out. "Now, we can sit here and play games for an hour and pretend like we're fixing me, or we can go out somewhere that we can actually enjoy ourselves and you can count it as work time. We got five sessions to get through, and I think you'll find I have very few buttons to push, very few things that will trigger reactions, and even fewer things that will ever be fixed. I'll sit here as long as you want me to and I'll answer any question you got. But this chair is extremely uncomfortable, and the one you're in can't be any better." He nods towards the door. "I hear the benches at the park are much nicer."


Jeff's breathing comes shallow and with a slight rasp. He still sweat, hot with fever, and the night had persisted with fits of coughing. He'd been unable to keep anything down, but had balked at the assistance of an iv. At this point, he just wanted this to be over, torn between fighting and just letting go.

Becky had lent a hand, and now mopped his brow with a cold cloth, giving Angel a break. Her heart ached, seeing Jeff like this, so weak and helpless. It was just like when he'd almost died before... but at least then, they had a course of action. And now... it felt like they were just waiting for him to die.

Outside, the gravel crunches under a pickup's tires as it's parked near the main house. The driver gets out and glances around the ranch yard for a moment before heading slowly towards the barn, looking for familiar faces.

Finally entering the cool building, he's greeted by several horses nickering. He nods to a couple people he knows, but keeps going until he spots the one he's looking for, sitting on a hay bale. Approaching slowly, Jay takes his time, finally easing down to sit next to Katie. "Hey, you."

Like a Dad

Giving a smile and a nod to Axel she understood what he was saying. It was a very slim chance to gamble with such a large amount of cash. No matter how much she loved driving and working on cars she would have a problem paying that out too.

"Just always keep your options open eh? You never know when something might open up you didn't expect."

Giving half a grin at Axel as Leo's name comes up Ryan gives a nod. She wasnt sure why but just hearing Leo's name brought a smile to her face.

"That we are. Leo is a good guy and a hoot to be around. There is never a dull moment with him around not to mention when I come up to the finish line and see him, it kind of gives me a boost."

Ryan's grin fades a little at the mention of rumors as her heart thumps pickup just a little. She wasnt sure why, or how come she felt so nervous.

"And since when do you Axel start listing to rumors?"

Ryan shakes her head and smiles again with a chuckle.

"So what things were they saying this time?"

Sitting next to her Uncle Katie take shis hand in hers. Her heart ached as she looked at his weak form in the bed. Katie wanted to help him so badly, she wanted to make him well but there was nothing alse she could so. Was Rick looking into what she asked? Katie had no idea but now she had relized she couldnt keep running after dead ends wasting what time she had left with Jeff.

What changed her mind, Katie didn't know but maybe it was the realization that she couldn't save everyone and the time that was left was important and soon would be gone.

"Dont worry about me Uncle Jeff..."

Katie faught her own emotions that wasnted to come out.

"I know its gonna be hard, and I am not going to be able to let go right away Uncle Jeff, but I'll be ok some how. Right now just worry about yourself ok, and I want to focus on the time we have left, not whats to come."

Rubbing Jeff's hand lightly tears fill Katie's eyes as she refuses to let them spill over giving her eyes a gloassy cove.

"I love you Uncle Jeff, I've always loved you like you were my father. I could never be mad at you."

Bringing Jeff's hands to to her lips Kaite gives it a light kiss before holding it to her cheek.

"You will see Uncle Jeff, You will see that day."

A wish

Axel accepts the food, fishing in his pocket for change to pay back Ryan. Handing her a five and a one, he glances down to his immobile hand. "I've already been to three doctors, Ryan." He looks back up at her. "I just don't talk about it because it's always the same thing. Surgery with a 90% chance it would do nothing but finalize the damage."

He shrugs in defeat. "I don't have the money for gamble like that. 10% of a chance for healing just isn't something I can justify in my mind since I'll be paying through the nose for it half my life."

Giving a little sigh, he shakes his head, moving on. "Maybe I'll come down and eat with you guys tomorrow. I know Darrel is supposed to be out of town. I know he wouldn't mind but... I'd just rather play things cool for now."

He cocks his head, shifting the subject even further. "I may be hibernating up here, but... I still got eyes and ears. I hear you and Leo are getting quite... close." His eyes meet hers with purpose. "Heard something the other day I was sure was a rumor at first, but... those telling me were pretty convincing..."




Jeff seems to finally be asleep until the door to the bunkhouse opens. Shifting his head a little so he can see, he spies Katie. A weak smile emerges. "Hey, kiddo." He pats the bed next to him, asking her to come sit down.

Taking her hand, he gives it a little squeeze. "Thanks for coming, I... I just wanted to say that... I'm sorry."

He pauses to keep his mind focused, his fingers trembling slightly. "I'm sorry I sent you away earlier when we were out. I know that you were just... trying to help."

Looking up at her, the tears again pool behind his eyes, though they were held back from overflowing. "I just want to know when I'm gone you'll be okay... I just want to know that... that you'll be able to move on. 'Cause I... I know you can."

Taking a moment to cough, another wave of pain comes and goes. "You're so strong, Katie... be strong for me and let go... for me?" His voice has grown quieter. "I love you, Katie." His weak grip tightens around her fingers. "I only wish I... I could see how far you'll go... how far you'll fly when you stretch your wings. All my life, I've... I've watched from a distance... watched you grow, and fall and... and pick yourself back up."

Sucking in his breath, Jeff's eyes wander to Sparky as he reaches for the water glass on the bedside table. Sparky is quick to offer help, assisting Jeff in taking a drink.

Sinking back in his pillow, Jeff seems to have aged overnight. But his lips still curl into a smile. "I wish I could see... how you're going to change the world."




Camryn cocks her head, studying Jason for a moment after they were both seated in the Chinese restaurant for lunch.

He quirks an eyebrow. "What?"

"You're... different."

Jason chuckles. "I thought we'd already touched on that one."

"No, I mean without Katie." Camryn's face reddens. "I'm sorry, that didn't come out right. I just meant-"

"She and I not running after each other every five minutes and having secret conversations?" Jason gives her a little grin. "It's alright... I know what you mean."

Camryn laughs lightly. "Yeah... I guess that's what I meant. Do you like it? Being... normal?"

Jason nods. "I can't deny that there are definite benefits. A lower risk of death is kinda nice."

Camryn shakes her head with another laugh. "C'mon be serious."

"I am!" Jason grins again. "That's part of it. Not as much stress.... don't have to worry about imploding or falling into a diabetic coma. No cool things like busting lightbulbs but you gotta sacrifice something, right?"

Camryn smirks. "Sure. What about Katie?"

Jason is silent for a long moment as his eyes drift down to his plate. "She doesn't like it. Doesn't like the separation."

"I can't blame her for that."

Jason looks up quickly. "Why?"

Camryn shrugs. "If I shared a part of myself to that depth with someone and had them share that much of themselves too, it would be... like, I don't know, maybe I'm wrong, but I can imagine it would be like becoming a part of each other. Not like, married togetherness, but like... the best friend you could ever have, times ten."

Jason's gaze lowers once more. "Yeah..."

"You sure you like it better this way?"

Jason opens his mouth to respond when his phone goes off. He gives as little groan as he looks at it. "Reese hasn't given me five minutes to breathe lately," he complains.

"It's alright." Camryn nods. "Get going. I don't want to get you in trouble."

"I'm sorry."

"We'll catch up more later."

"Yeah... okay."

Comfort

Seeing Axel as he opens the door Ryan smirks standing outside the door of the apartment. If it had been anyone else she would of walked right in but she new Axel had boundary and she never wanted to cross them on him.

"You do realizes that, even though you are on leave at the shop you can still come down and eat with us and spend time. I don't think anyone would have a problem with that. Not to mention we all miss you."

Handing the food off to Axel Ryan's grin held as she shifted a little bit leaning against the door frame. She felt bad for her friend. He was a good macanic, and now he was forced not to do it.

"Have you been to anyone..about your hand? I second opion on what the first Dr said is always good."

First checking the bunk house and finding Katie not there Angel hurrys across the grass to the mess hall hoping Katie would be there. Entering and seeing Katie sitting on one of the chairs with a book Angel walks over to her and gives a small smile.

"Hey Katie!"

Looking up from her book Katie gives a small smile. She felt pretty good at the moment after talking with Jason. It was nice, differnt to talk on the phone but nice.

"Hey Angel how is Wendy feeling?"

"She is doing better. Listen, Jeff has asked to see you Katie..."

Before Angel could say more Katie lets out a sigh and cuts Angel off. She was in a good mood, did she really want to go and have Jeff rag on her some more.

"I already saw him today, not to mention I am waiting for Rick to call me back about something he is looking into with Jeff about his sickness. I cant go to him unless I have an answer to tell him."

Angel looks down sternly at her young friend with compasion in her eyes. She new Katie was going through alot and was having a hard time dealing but she also new Jeff time was running out and if Katie missed out on what she could than she would hate herself even more for that.

"Katie, you cant always save everyone, you need to learn that. Sometimes it means more to just be there for them, and to comfort them. I'd hate for you to miss out on what you could with Jeff. So please...could you go see him? His request?"

Katie looks up at Angel again and gives a sigh. Maybe she was right, maybe she shouldnt miss out on what time she had with her Uncle. She'd never let him down before she couldn't not go to him and let him down now eather. Though this didnt mean she wouldnt stop looking for a way to help him.

"Ok, I'll go."

Misty continues to look over Rick's shoulder scanning the information. She was now almost as confused as he was.

"Well, I guess yeah the only way we can be sure is call Angel for a new sample. If she sends it urgent than it can be here by tomorrow."

Reaching out to touch the screen Misty's fungers run over the information as she trys to take it all in.

"I'll call Angel now and see if she can send us a new one."

Privilege

Leo grins at Ryan, his hands full as he helped her with the food, but he enjoys the kiss, shown through the twinkle in his eye.

“Yeah… we wouldn’t want our secret to get out,” he teases, sliding off the car. “Go see Axel, but come back quick. I can’t hold the guys off extra food for long.”

Ambling back inside, Leo heads to the break room where a couple of the others were just clocking out for lunch.

“Hey, Leo…” Ron pulls out a chair at the table. “Heard you asking Ryan to go out again tonight.”

“Sure, why not? That’s usually what guys do with their girlfriends.”

Ron gives him a little smirk. “Don’t you think you should slow down a bit? I mean… how often are you together?”

“A lot.” Leo grins.

“Just… be careful, alright?”

Leo quirks an eyebrow at Ron’s oddly serious tone. “Um… yeah, sure.”

“I mean, it Leo. Just take it easy. Fast isn’t always best.”

“Well what’s wrong with Ryan and me? You got a problem or what?”

“No.” Ron shakes his head quickly. “I just… don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Hurt? Me?” Leo rolls his eyes and blows a raspberry. “I don’t know where you come up with this stuff, but Ryan and me, we’re tight. So just quit trying to think up bad stuff. It doesn’t become you.”

Now it’s Ron’s turn to roll his eyes as he reaches for the food. His eyes catch those of Miles, but neither men say any more.


Hearing someone at the door, Axel heads in that direction, book in hand. He has to read the last couple lines of the paragraph before setting it down and opening the door with his good hand. Seeing Ryan, he smile. “Hey there.”

His eyes catch sight of the food. “Ya know… in a few weeks, I’m not even gonna be getting paid anymore, so you do realize I shouldn’t really have this privilege, right?”

The corner of his mouth upturns though, showing he was grateful, and missed being down in the shop more than he’d admit.


Luke and Sparky are both solemn as they’re left alone. They catch each others’ eyes, afraid to acknowledge what Angel had just said to them.

Sparky swallows hard and sinks into a chair, just looking at Jeff, knowing that time was slipping by way too quickly.

Jeff writhes in bed, suffering through the waves of pain that hit him. Once, Luke and Sparky both have to help get him to the bathroom to throw up before bringing him back again. By now, he’s even more exhausted. That morning’s excursion had just been too much, and it had tipped the scales. He lies on the bed, lethargic and shaking from cold chills developed from his fever. He just wanted it to be over.


Rick furrows his brow, confused. “Well… I don’t know. I mean, something is wrong, look. The blood had to have been mixed up or tampered with or something.” He points to the analysis. “Otherwise, Jeff is Katie’s father and we all know that’s not true. I think you’re right… I think Angel should send me a new vile of Jeff’s blood.”

Head back

Angel gives a small nod to Jeff and a light pat to the arm as she does her best to smile. The tears still present in her eye.

"I'll see if I can find her and let her know you want to see her ok?"

Looking to Luke and Sparky Angel stands and keeps her voice down.

"I'm going to go find Katie, I need one of you if not both to stay here and just watch over Jeff ok? I fear the time is coming sooner than we all wanted."

Turning Angel slowly making her way out of the bunk house before taking another look back at Jeff.

Hearing Rick call her Misty looks up from her desk and thinks for a long moment before standing and going to the small fridge pulling out Jay's blood sample.

"I guess its possable, but Jay's is right here. I was extra careful when I put the labels on the blood knowing we might do tests on them later. I'm ninty-five percent sure I didnt mix them up. We could always have Angel send us another sample though to be sure though."

Misty comes over to Rick leaning over his shoulder a little to look at what he was looking at.

"Why whats wrong?"

"Leo, you realize if you don't get your head back into work your not going to have a head right?"

Bending down into the back of her car Ryan grabs the bags that held lunch for everyone before shoving the drinks twords Leo and than going to the car once to get more of the food. Giving a small roll of her eyes and a long sigh that Leo could not hear.

She enjoyed spending time with him, and she liked the attachen, but this would be the fith day in a row they did something together. But how could she turn down Leo? Turning her head to look at him outside the window on the hood of her car. She was falling for him, it hadnt started out the way but now, it was happening.

Setting the food down next to Leo, Ryan positions herself in front of Leo and gives a smile pulling him twords her and planting a long kiss on his lips. Finally backing away Ryan gives a shake of her head.

"You know one of these nights I am going to need some alone time, but tonight I think I can deal with your company again. The movies sounds great. Now lets bring this food in before everyone thinks we are dating or something."

Ryan throws a wink to Leo, everyone already did know. It was kind of hard not to when Leo went around telling everyone.

"I'm gonna bring Axel up his food, I'll be back."

Giving a smile and wink Ryan grabs the bad from next to Leo and heads to the steps that lead to Axel's apartment.

Tickets

Jeff finally nods a little and sinks back in total exhaustion. He'd thought he had felt bad before... he thought he'd felt weak before... but nothing compared to this.

Feeling the shot, he doesn't even flinch. He'd had so many shots lately... he hardly felt them anymore. "Angel..." His voice was quieter as he struggled to keep his eyes open and his mind alert. "Can you get... Katie?"


"Great." Reese is satisfied with Hope's response. "Let's say... tomorrow at... one? I'll make sure Gunner is here."


Rick works with the computer, staring at the blood analysis and trying to make sense of it. Maybe Katie was partially right... something did seem similar here to the drug that may have caused her and Jason's peculiar reaction, but if it had originated as such, it was a very different strain. But that wasn't what he was looking at, at the moment.

He looks at one chart, then the other. Jeff's chart... then Katie's. Something didn't seem right. He checks the vials and looks at the labels to make sure he hadn't missed something. "Hey, Misty... could we have mixed up Jay and Jeff's blood samples?" No, that couldn't be right, since the analysis showed the development of some foreign poison or the like. "Or... somehow combined? This doesn't make any sense."


"...And.... I got tickets to the movie you wanted to see." Leo slides on the car's hood in front of Ryan, holding up the tickets as he grins wide. Last night, it had been dinner. The day before it had been lunch. The night before that, it had been the races. It was quite apparent to everyone around him that his flirting with Ryan had moved up a notch. He was now more worried about him and her, than he was about working on the cars.

"So, what do ya say? I saw we both get off work at seven tonight."

Hope

Katie was about to kid around with Jason some more about harassing Rick but she is cut of to soon.

"Oh, ok than..."

Hearing the phone go dead she didn't even get a change to finish what she was saying but it slips out quietly anyways.

"I love you...Bye."

Closing her phone and stuffing it back in her pocket Katie grabs her hoodie again and heads out of the bunk house. She better head to the dinning hall before everyone wondered to much where she was.

Angel looks down at her friend and her heart broke. It was always hard to see anyone pass on, but to have a friend, someone so close leave this world even if you new it was to a better place was hard.

"I wont make you stay in bed any longer than an hour ok please for me?"

She just wanted him to rest, for a little bit. Leaning in close Angel administers the drugs. This would make Jeff comfortable for now.

"Your not going to lay here and get worse Jeff, your not going to die like this. Its only for an hour so you can rest. Its the best thing right now. ok?"

Hope continues to write as Reese talks taking in everything he says. The wheels in her head started to turn as she though about how she would handle it and how she would have to do things a little differently than normal.

"Its best if I do it tomarrow, will give me a day to think about it, get to know Gunner from what you have told me, and figure out how I am going to help him."

Placing the papers down on the table Hope was a little nervouse but not because of Gunner but because this was a whole new level than what she was use to.

"I'll have to adjust to doing things a little diffrintly for the time being but there is hope for everyone in my eyes."

Don't know what to do

"Ah... my orders, Rick's reluctant permission." Jason tries to give a little laugh, but it doesn't come out very well.

"Um, yeah, so-"

He's cut off by Con buzzing in on his desk phone.

"Sorry, Katie... I have to go. Con is on my case."

"Jason???"

"I'll talk to you later, okay?" Jason doesn't want to cut off so abruptly, but Con was apparently in a hurry, and he'd run out of things to say to Katie anyway. "Take care of yourself. Bye."

Flipping his phone shut he grabs the other one. "What?"


Jeff holds eyes closed tighter as a wave of pain hits him. "Remember... what happened. What they gave me." He shakes his head, frustrated with himself. "I have to remember."

Opening his eyes, he stares up at Angel, his gaze pleading with her. "Don't let me die like this, Angel, please... I don't want to just lay here and get worse. Don't make me stay in this bed... please."


Reese sighs. "Tomorrow would be fine. I wouldn't care if it was today. And as far as an office... well... I suppose we could let you use the second interrogation room for now. It's stark, but at least it would be private for you."

He gives a little moan, rubbing his aching forehead. "Gunner is a driven man, but it's become an obsession. When he was about eighteen, he was in a car accident with his parents. They were killed. He survived, but lost all his memory. He insists that his parents were murdered, when the police caught a guy and put him behind bars already. Gunner says it's the wrong guy, and he's out for revenge. Has been for years, and he won't give it up. I wouldn't mind so much, but today he forced a civilian to get private information for him, while holding a knife to the guy's throat. I don't know what to do with him. He's on this wild chase, this... this... mystery he thinks exists. I don't know if he's trying to find closure, or that's the only thing he thinks he can live for or what, but today I realized that I can't help him anymore. He needs help... and I don't know what to do."

At least that

Leaning her head back Katie just closes her eyes again as she listens to Jason talk. It honestly was good to hear from him even if felt awkward just a little bit.

Hearing about how Jason was Katie gives a small chuckle. It was hard being over the phone without there emotions but still in his voice Katie could catch the hint that really Jason wasn't ok. She didnt always depend on there emotions when they had them. Sometimes she just picked up on the tones.

Not watching to burden Jason with her knowing though Katie just lets her chuckle go not saying anything on it.

"Oh, it doesn't surprise me that Reese would put you with Con. You two make a great team and all. Happy the consert when well too. I was sad I couldn't be there to hear ya. You guys should look into tv broadcast or something or more people can see you all."

Sitting up on the bed now Katie moves to the egde letting her feet dangle over just right above the ground. Looking around the dim bunkhouse as her mind wonders. What else could she talk about with Jason. Since being here she really hadn't done anything.

Hearing about his leg Katie can feel the hairs on her next stand on end. She hated not knowing that Jason was hurt until long after. It felt strange in a way.

"So are you off crutches per Rick's orders? Or per Jason's orders?"

Katie can't help the small chuckle that forms at her comment to Jason.

Angel listens to Jeff as she looks him over. He had a fever, and his skin felt clammy. His eyes were sunken in and tired.

"Jeff you need to start taking it easyer than you do. I know you say your fine, but..."

She hated saying it.

"..your not. Your just going to end up wearing your body out quicker this way and if there is a chance your trying to heal this is only making you stay a few back."

Continuing to look over him Angel prepairs a liqued for of Jeff's medication. It would help work quicker than the pill he was taking to get him more comfortable faster. But his words stop her for a moment as she looks down at Jeff.

"Remember what Jeff?"

Picking up the phone and listing to Reese Hope nods to know one as she grabs a pen and some paper. She wasnt really organized right now but than again she didnt know when the calls would come, or have an office so it was hard.

"Ok, yeah I remember Gunner."

Hope writes his name down along with a few other things.

"I can see him tomarrow if that works, but first I need some information about him, and what is going on. I also, need a room or an office. I...have a cretin way of doing things and though I am under you I'd like to still have at least that."

Deep trouble

Jason's shoulder drop a little, hearing that Katie still wasn't doing so great. Her statement of doing it for him just made him feel worse. Was he really the cause of a lot of this? In an attempt to fix things, had this just made things worse?

He wasn't going to give her anything negative to think about. He was miserable and work was going horribly. But she needn't worry about him too. Not when she had herself she needed to think about.

"Me? Oh, I'm great." His voice seems to smile. "Been working with Con a lot and keeping up with things around TJY. Concert went well the other night... had a lot of fun with that." He remembers how he felt about Nate being there, but he doesn't mention it. "Trooper and I went for a good long walk so he's getting his quality time in there."

Jason pauses, trying to think of something else to say, but smalltalk was evading him. What else was there to say? There wasn't anything else that had been going on... nothing of interest anyway, unless Katie wanted to know he'd cleaned his gun this morning, and did some paperwork.

The silence on the phone lingers. "So... yeah... things are good on my end." He then remembers something she didn't know, but if he didn't tell her and she found out later, she'd probably be mad at him. He opts for the casual route. "Oh, took a bullet in the leg earlier in the week, but it's no big deal. I'm already off crutches. Other than that, nothing too exciting happening."


Jeff is breathing heavily with all the strain of fighting, trying to sit up. Finally though, he collapses back down again into the pillow already damp with his sweat. He knows they're all just trying to help, but his mind was so foggy right now, he wasn't sure who he was fighting.

Closing his eyes a minute, he waves off Angel. "I'm fine... I'm fine..."

Too tired to struggle anymore though, he lies still as she looks him over. "I was just out with Katie was all. Went for a ride, then came back."

Luke scoffs from the corner. "Tell her what happened on the way back."

"So?"

"Tell her!"

"It's nothing new."

Luke rolls his eyes. "He told me he had to stop three times to throw up, then by the last time he passed out. Thankfully, his horse came back with him."

Jeff just closes his eyes, his pulse racing. He knew he was growing weaker, just like Rick said he would. "I just... just need to remember..."


"Gunner!!!" Reese slams down his phone and stands up from his desk, not caring about the papers that went flying. He stalks out of his office, a firm glare on his face as he heads for Gunner's cubicle. "Gunner! On your feet, this instant!"

Gunner pops up, though his eyes take longer to move from his computer screen to his boss. "Yes?"

"Don't yes me," Reese hisses. "You are hereby placed on suspension for misconduct outside of the Elite orders and brutality towards a civilian."

Gunner's eyes narrow. "Who called you?"

"Brown himself! The station got a call from a Dr. Timble who reported you forcing your way inside his home and holding him at knife-point, forcing him to divulge information protected by privacy laws!" Reese's face had grown red. "Are you out of your mind?!"

Gunner stares at him with little to no emotion, not reacting at all to the harsh tone. He just looks at him lamely. "I needed the information. So I went after it."

"What in blazes do you think you were doing?! What was so urgent that you couldn't even get a decent warrant?!"

"If I'da tried, I woulda been turned down like every other time," Gunner answers calmly. "I needed to find a man who JT treated about six months ago. The man is connected to the name of my parents' murderer."

Now Reese understand, but it does not lessen his anger any. It only seems to increase it. "Murderer?" He throws his arms in the air. "We have been through this time and time again! Your parents were not murdered, Gunner! It was an accident, and the driver was found!"

"It wasn't him, I-"

"You've been obsessing about this for years," Reese states flatly. "It is not an Elite case, the way you've gone about it has gone completely against the rules, you have paid no attention to direct orders, and you insist on living in the past! I've ordered you to stop before and so help me, I'm ordering you again."

"I won't stop until he's found."

"Who, Gunner?! Who?? There is no one! It's in your head! Can't you get that through your thick skull? There is no murder mystery here. It was an open and close case. You have no business digging around outside of your authority and certainly not outside needed warrants while brutally forcing information out of innocent people." Reese's glare is harsh, though his tone lowers some. "I'm sorry, but while you're on suspension, you will undergo mandatory therapy sessions so you can work through whatever it is you need to, to start living in the present. You need help, and that's all there is to it."

Gunner watches as Reese walks away, before plopping down in his chair, and turning back to his computer where he continues to scan information related to that which JT had led him to. He'd heard Reese's spiel before. And he would ignore it, just like he had before. He'd just be more careful. Suspension wasn't so bad.


Reese stomps back to his office, slamming the door shut and going straight for his phone. Picking it up, he finds Hope's number and dials, waiting for her to answer. "Hope... it's Mike Reese. I have your first job for you." He shakes his head. "I have an agent who needs help. You remember Gunner? He's got problems and I can't let them slide by any longer."

For You

Waking from her sleep to the sound of her phone going off Katie is to groggy to bother looking at the caller id. Answering the phone and hearing Jason's voice she is thrown off guard for a moment but recovers quickly.

Actually hearing Jason's voice talk to her and not the voicemail was nice. It was soft, and seemed to sooth her eyes as it hit them. Though things had been crazy Katie had missed it.

"Hey there! Yeah I got your message. I was going to call you back but I guess I fell asleep. I got woken up pretty early this morning, and I didnt even get my coffee."

Sitting up and leaning back in the bed against the wall Katie's head was throbbing but she tryed her best to ignore it and not let it bother her. She wanted to talk to Jason.

"Oh I am hanging in there the best I can I suppose."

She wasn't lieing she could be a lot worse. Could be a lot better to ut she was ok.

"I miss ys a whole lot but I am guessing you already new that since I dont care to be separated from ya. But I am trying my best to use to it for you."

Katie lets out a long sigh. She was trying.

"My head is still pretty foggy J...I wont lie to you and I still have a lot I need to heal. But slowly I am figuring it out I think."

Katie could hope Jason new what she as trying to say and could understand.

"There is so much going on right now with so many people getting hurt its just hard. How are you holding up?"

Entering the bunk house Angel shakes her head at Jeff and goes over to his bed side. She could tell he had a fever and his body was over tired.

"Jeff, you need to stop. We are all trying to help you and keep you comfortable. You need to let me check you over and get some rest your body is tilling you, you need it."

Angel takes a few things from her bad along with a setivite in case they needed it. If Jeff wouldnt rest on free will she would make him rest. She cared what happend to her friend.

"So please calm down and let me check you over ok? What have you been doing this morning?"

Angel looks to Luke and gives a nod along with Sparky. They would be standing by if she needed them.

Fighting

Jason stares after Misty as she leaves, her words bothering him more than he'd want to admit. Why should he call Katie back? He'd called her last. If she wanted to return the call, she would, right? For all he knew, she really didn't want to hear his voice. Maybe she was getting used to this whole thing and was liking being alone, without him.

Growling at himself, he picks up his phone again and dials. He waits, expecting to get her voicemail once again. When he actually hears her voice, he's too surprised and falters for a moment before getting his mind back on track.

"Hey, you." It felt better than he thought it would, to hear her voice. "I was just calling to... well, you know... talk. I guess you probably got my earlier message, and I don't know...." He leans back in his chair, not really knowing what to say, now that he'd gotten her. "I guess I just wanted to know if you were alright."


Sparky leads the way back to one of the bunkhouses, entering without knocking.

Luke is with Jeff, trying to keep him in bed as Jeff fights.

"I'm fine," Jeff mumbles. "Let me up."

"You came back on your horse unconscious," Luke emphasizes. "You're not going anywhere."

"I'm fine, dang it!" Jeff fights, but he's too weak even against Luke. Sweat runs down the sides of his face, providing visual evidence of a fever that had started.

Seeing Angel enter, Luke looks over to her helplessly. "He won't listen to me. We don't even know when he passed out or why."