Night visitor

Jason nods thoughtfully. "Yeah, I still gotta get you that lighter rifle I promised you ages ago. Remind me in a few days again and we'll go get it." He sighs deely and looks a the clock. "Well, I think I'm gonna take a shower then head to the mess hall so everyone at least knows I'm alive." He swings his legs over the side of the bed, biting back a wince. "I'll catch ya in a bit."

Clint stands a little straighter, feeling good that he's shared with Rosetta. He's on the right track with his past mistakes, he's doing well with Wes, and he's making the right choices now. Maybe things really were looking up.
His face reddens slightly at the mention of the winter social. "Um...I haven't asked her yet," he admits. "I'm planning to though." He gives her a sheepish grin, then turns to leave. "Thanks, Rosetta. I better get back out to helping Wes."


Before everyone knows, it evening is upon the ranch once again. The gang gathers in the mess hall for supper, the mood fairly light. Clint is able to muster up the guts to join Rosetta in telling the others about his and Wendy’s finding, and it’s decided to sleep on it before taking any action.

Jason joins in for the evening meal, though avoids Con and his grandfather, purposely sitting at another table. Con won’t meet his gaze, and he makes a point of tossing Austin a look that could kill. Jason doesn’t allow the tension to affect anything else though, and tries to enjoy the company around him.


The next few days seem to go quickly, despite the mundane routines assumed around the ranch. Jade snatches up any free opportunities to be with Jason, while he continues to be sociable, but withdrawing to the privacy of his bunk often, not letting on about any plans.



It’s three o’clock in the morning. Everything is set. Jason throws on a pair of jeans, laces up his boots and dons his black leather jacket. He feels for Pete’s keys in his pocket to ensure they’re there, and he grabs his wallet to stuff in his back pocket. He takes one last look at himself in his mirror, standing tall. He’s dressed to kill and he knows it. If he’s going to make an impression, it’s going to be a good one…it was his only chance.

Slowly he heads out of his bunk, letting his door shut quietly behind him, and he hobbles down the steps with his crutches. He’s supposed to go to therapy tomorrow…but it will just have to wait.
He makes his way down the driveway, but something in his gut stops him, and he pauses. He knows that he’s making a decision some will thing is rash. He knows that he will be in big trouble with Austin, despite the note he left on his door. He’s going through with it anyway, as a last ditch effort.
But…for once…he weighs the choices of going alone, or with company. And for once…he feels the want of a friend. He’s usually a loner…but the thought of company is strangely appealing, and if there’s anyone he’d want along, it was her.

Turning around, he aims for Katie’s bunk. Finally making it up the short steps, he raps his knuckles on the door, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one is watching. “Katie?” he calls quietly.

Disapointment

*Katie's smile slowly fades. A sadness and pain in her heart. Trying not to let it show Katie laughs.* "Thats ok I probley wont go anyways." *Katie giggles as she puts her smile back on.* "Ya I was doing alittle bit of shooting. Trying to clear my mind from everything with my Dad. I figured I could of use the practice anyways."

*Rosetta takes the paper and nods at Clint.* "Thank you for coming to me with this Clint. You did the right thing." *Rosetta hands the paper back to Clint.* "Lets let everyone know about this at dinner ok." *Rosetta smiles proud that Clint came to her.* " So are you gonna take Wendy to the Winter Social in town? I bet she would like it."

Too late

Clint jumps in surprise as Rosetta comes up behind him. “Oh, sheesh.” He rolls his eyes at himself. “You’d think I would have heard you coming.” He follows Rosetta inside and shifts his weight awkwardly. “Listen, um…there’s something I should have told you a long time ago… I was going to tell you a few weeks ago, but everything got crazy, so I didn’t. I think maybe Luke and Angel know a little bit, but Wendy and I didn’t share it with anyone.” He reaches into his back pocket and retrieves a couple folded printouts. “Wendy and I found information on a woman named Trace. We questioned her resemblance to Luke, and we saw that she was involved with Casey at one time. After hearing Austin a few weeks ago, I wondered if maybe Trace was one of the people that Casey wouldn’t talk about. At any rate…we found where she currently resides with her husband, and there is contact information.” Clint swallows hard, knowing that keeping secrets never went over well in this group. “I…we thought maybe we’d find something ourselves and be helpful, but…I guess maybe we should have shared this sooner.”


Jason grins as Katie comes into his bunk. He shrugs off her thanks for the flowers, uninterested in making a big deal out of it.
As Katie asks him to the winter social, his eyes widen. Not even thinking, he lets a chuckle escape, proving he’s oblivious to Katie’s seriousness. “Well, if ya would have come five minutes sooner, you might have had a chance. But Jade beat you to it.” He shakes his head in amusement, not catching on to Katie’s subtle embarrassment, and not believing that any of this is that big of a deal. “So what have you been up to today? I heard some shots - target practice?”

Asking

*Wes nods at Clint.* "It takes time." *Feeling Clint is uncomfortable talking about Jim he lets the conversation change.* "Ok try tighting that over there....ok now change those to wires. Ok let see if this thing will work now."

*Rosetta comes up behind Clint on the porch with a bunch of mail in her hand.* "I guess it would help if I was in there to answer the door huh?" *Rosetta cant help but smile at Clint. Opening the door She smiles.* "Come on in."

*Firing off the last round in her gun a paper blows past Katies feet. Puting her guns sadtl on and than returning it to her holdster she runs after the paper. A smile comes to her face as she reads. It would be fun to go with Jason and get them both and about for a bit. Stuffing the paper into her pocket Katie heads for Jason's bunk. As she draws closer she see Jade heading out. Katie nods at Jade as she goes up the steps on a mission. Katie knocks on the door as it swings open. Looking in she see Jason siting up on bed. Katie steps in.* "Hey J. I'm happy to see your up and eating something. I was gonna ask if you wanted anything. Oh thank you for the flowers. I love them. You sure do know how to make a girl smile dont you." *Katie smiles at Jason. Siting down she pulls the paper out of her pocket.* "Hey J I was gonna ask...I found this out in the clearing and its for a winter social, and I was wondering if maybe you would like to go with me. I dont normaly go to this kind of stuff but I thought it would be nice for us to get out of the ranch for a bit and have some fun." *Katie's face turns alittle red as she askes Jason being alittle embarssed.*

Invitation

Clint concentrates on the job he's doing, but takes to heart what his uncle is saying. "Thanks, Wes...I appreciate all your help." He mulls over what was said about him looking like Jim, and he pauses, wrench in hand, for just a moment. "Jim and I had a good talk the other day...I guess maybe we're mending the bridge that almost got burned." He shrugs. "Maybe one of these days he and I will have a better relationship."
Not comfortable with talking about it further right now, he turns back to the motor. "Now...let's get this sucker running..."


Jade gives Wendy a knowing grin as they talk about Clint, but she doesn't tease. Looking to the kitchen, she nods. "Oh yeah, thanks. I'll see you a bit later." She goes to the kitchen, and a few minutes later, she and Mick head outside for a walk.


Morning becomes afternoon, and the day progresses slowly.

Taking a break, Clint heads to Rosetta's office and knocks on the door. "Rosetta?"



A tennis ball flies through the air, ricochets off the wall and back into Jason's hand. He tosses it again, aiming at nothing, and catching it, just to throw it back. He's been awake for an hour, sitting up on his bed, his mind reeling. His mind has wandered back to TJY, Austin, an his suspension. Con's words come back to him, "Don't fight it. Let it go." But how could he let it go? How could he just sit back and take it? Yes, he'd made mistakes, and yes, the charges were all true. But he'd had his reasons...there were explanations. Did he not have a right to defend himself?
He throws the ball with force, and it stings his palm as it bounces back to him. He'd tried calling Reese a while ago, and had been given the runaround by another secretary. It was obvious that Reese was not going to take his calls, avoiding the whole issue, which just made Jason all the madder.
As the tennis ball's banging noise against the wall drones on, a hard determination forms in Jason's mind. He may have made some mistakes, but this treatment was unfair. But if Reese wasn't going to talk to him, there was only one option left.
He catches the ball one last time, his gaze fixed on the blank wall. Maybe it wasn't the wisest decision, and it was certainly wasn't something he could tell anyone else about. But it was his only chance.
His mind begins to formulate a plan, calculating all the variables, and all the scenarios that might occur. The end result would either be very good or very bad. But either way, he couldn't just sit here and do nothing.
Jason throws the ball one last time, his mind made up. Now all he needed was a couple opportune times to get things in place so he would not be hindered.

A knock at the door startles him, and he stops throwing the ball again. "Yeah, come on in."

Jade timidly opens the door and steps inside. "Hey...I wasn't sure if you were awake or not. No one saw you at lunch, so we assumed you were still sleeping."

Jason grins, shoving his plans to the back of his mind. "Yeah, I just woke up a while ago."

"I brought you something to eat if you wanted it..." Jade holds out a paper plate with a sandwich and some fruit. "Your mom said you get low blood sugar if you don't eat."

Jason chuckles. "She was right, and I am a bit hungry."

"Good." Jade comes and sits on the edge of the bed, handing Jason the food. "How are you feeling?"

Jason takes as bit of the sandwich and nods. "Alright until the pain meds wear off. But I feel better than everyone's treating me." He throws her a wry grin. "Not that I mind the attention."

Jade blushes slightly.

"Nah, really I feel pretty good." Jason shrugs. "I know everyone who saw me at death's door might expect me to be in worse shape, but I think sleeping for three weeks did me good."

Jade looks at his face with sympathy. "Does that hurt?"

"What, this?" Jason gestures to his fresh scar. "Not much. The doctor said I could see a plastic surgeon if I wanted, but I figure it's just part of me now...it's a good reminder of my mortality every time I look in the mirror."

Jade cocks her head. "I think it gives you character."

A grin makes its way across Jason's face again as he takes another bite of his sandwich. "Let's just hope none of my ventures give me any more character, okay?"

Jade laughs. "Alright." She pauses, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, I wanted to tell you...I've gotten out a bit lately, and I saw that there's a winter social event in town in about two weeks. Sparky said that the church is involved too, so it's a good clean event. They have food, games, dancing... that sort of thing..." She looks at him with question.

Jason lifts an eyebrow, pausing his chewing. "And..."

"Well..." Jade's face reddens slightly. "I thought maybe you'd like to go. I know everyone's worried about security and everything, but Sparky and Mel are going...I don't know about any of the others yet, but it's not like it's out in the boonies where something can go wrong."

Jason swallows and thinks for just a moment, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And do I look like someone who could join in the festivities?"

Jade rolls her eyes. "It's a social event. Who cares if you can't get up and dance? I certainly wouldn't. Besides, it would be fun to get out and meet some other people... get our minds off everything that's been going on, if only for a couple hours." She grins at him. "So...what do you say?"

Jason wonders if the decision he'd made just a short while ago would affect these plans. But if everything went his way, it wouldn't. And Jade's invitation did have a certain appeal. Her enthusiasm to do something like that with him made him feel good in a way that was new to him. He concentrates on his food again, slyly allowing the silence to create tension.

Jade looks at him expectantly, the heat rising to her cheeks. "If you don't want to that's okay, I..." Jason's teasing glance makes her face grow even redder. "You turkey."

Jason laughs. "And I thought you cared. Now you're calling me names."

"Well I wouldn't if you'd just give me an answer!" Jade slaps his arm teasingly.

Jason shakes his head, still laughing. "Alright, I won't torture you. Yes, I'll go."

"Yay!" Jade smiles broadly. "Good. Now, I'm going to leave you in peace. If you need anything, call up at the mess hall."

I'm glad

*As Katie steps out of Jason's bunk she looks back. He is sound asleep already. Katie smiles and whispers.*"Rest well." *Making her way off the porch she feels her gun that she had forgoten was in her pocket. Deciding to do some target practice she heads for her bunk to get more bullets. Upon entering she see the flowers on her bed. Before reading the note she knows who they are from. Siting down on the bed Katie picks up the flowers with a smile and a small blush to her face. Reading the note she speaks aloud.* "What would I do without you J." *Standing she puts the flowers into the water, and grabs her bullits. Before leaving she runs her hands over the flower pettles and smiles. Jason made her feel good, he made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Leaving the bunk she makes her way to the clearing and the makeshift target. Keeping in the back of her mind to thank Jason when he wakes up.*

*Wendy smiles at Clint's name.* "Ya, Clint is a great guy. He's sweet, handsum, smart." *Wendy blushes a bit as she talks about Clint relizing she is geting carryed away. Looking up she can see Mick disapear into the kitchen.* "Hey it looks like you can have your time with your dad not he just disapeared into the kitchen." *Wendy grins at Jade.* "We can talk more later."

*Wes whipes his hands off on a rag.* "See your geting the hang of it. Its not that hard just alot of stuff to remember." *Wes looks at Clint for a moment.* " You looks more and more like Jim everyday. I'm might proude of you Clint. You new you did something wrong and your trying to correct it. Thats alot more than some people try and do. Your doing the right thing." *Wes gives a small grin.*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*As Sam turns and looks back at the house a dark figure enters it. Yelling to BJ she says.* "BJ..come on its time to go."

*BJ looks up from the sand box.* "Awww...Sham do I have to?"

*Sam looks to BJ.* "YES...come on let go."

*BJ stands and brushs the sand off himself. Bending down he takes the little shovel he had and hands it to the little girl he was playing with.* "Here you do. You can have." *Smiling at the little girl he runs after Sam.*

*Taking BJ's hand Sam makes her way for the house again. After entering she looks into the livinf room and see Stan siting at the table.*

*BJ makes a funny face at Stan.*

"BJ I want you to run upstairs and play. I will call you down for lunch soon ok." *Sam asks BJ.*

"Otay" *BJ reply. and makes his way up the steps.*

*After BJ is up stairs Sam makes her way into the kitchen and sits down at the table.* "What are you doing here Stan?"

*Stan looks at Sam a very solem look on his face.* " You know your not to take that brat out of the house."

*Sam looks at Stan fire burning in her eyes.* "He has a name you know. And yes I know I am not saposto but he is a little boy. He need space to run around, and play with kids his own age. Just because the Agency made a mistake with him dosent mean he should be kept cages like an animel."

*Stan looks at Sam. He can tell something is differnt. Changed about her.* "And what if someone saw him and reconize who he was?"

"Stan no one is going to be all the way out here who knows him ok." *Sam states.*

*Standing and heading for the door Stan says in a scoffing tone.* "Ya well we will see what the boss has to say about this. He's not going to be to happy Sam. If I were you I'd watch your step."

"Is that a thret Stan?"

"No Sam, that a promise." *With that Stan walk out of the house and gets into his car driving off.*

*For a long moment Sam sits at the table. A new fear running through her. She hoped the boss would understand and not be as upset as Stan was. She had her orders to keep BJ inside but she couldent do that to him. BJ was very smart for his age. He excelled at the school work she did with him at the house. Passing with flying colors. Sam felt sad knowing that BJ would never be a normel kid. So much in his life was not normal. It hurt to think of this poor boy not understanding what was going on around him.*

A note

Jason gives Katie a solemn grin. “Eh, I’ve settled on knowing I’ll probably never meet my dad. But it’s okay. I’ve moved passed that.”
He sighs deeply, feeling a yawn coming on. His mind insists that Katie can stay, but his body insists he needs the rest. “I suppose some sleep would probably do me good.” He closes his eyes wearily, as Katie gets up, only now realizing just how tired he is. “Thanks for everything, Katie…” His voice trails off as she starts to leave, the sleep much stronger than he’d anticipated, as it pulls him out of reality, forcing his body to rest.

…Waiting on Katie’s bed is a neatly wrapped bouquet of a dozen roses. A note simply reads, “I heard you saved my life. Can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done. Grateful to have you as a friend. – Jason”



Jade smiles, looking up from the book she’s been reading. “Yeah, I’m doing pretty well, thanks.” She sighs a little. “Not quite what I’d imagined with my dad being gone the last few weeks, but I understand the need for it. I suppose I’ll get my time with him when I need to.” She grins and nods to the door. “So…you and Clint seem to be pretty close…”

Mick enters the mess hall through the front door, but seeing Jade involved in a conversation with Wendy, he heads to the kitchen for some iced tea.

ok

*Katie puts her hand Jason's shoulder.* " Maybe someday you will be able to see your dad too. I think I'll write back to him. But not now. I need time to think everything out." *Katie glances at Jason.* " You look tired. Want me to leave you be so you can get some sleep?"

*Angel smiles at Mick as he leave the tack room. After a moment Angel heads out herself*

*Rosett walks out of her office right as Angel starts to walk by.* "Hey Angel have you seen Mick?"

*Angel nods.* "Ya I was just talking to him. I think he was heading to the mess hall. Everything ok?"

*Rosetta nods and smiles.* "Ya thx."

*Wendy wheels herself over to Jade.* "Hey, sorry I havent much time to talk to you. How are you doing? Finding everything ok?"

Talk

Jason nods as he listens. He can’t empathize, but he can imagine the feelings something like Katie’s situation could evoke, and it wasn’t the greatest feeling in the world.
He just lets Katie talk, taking it in and contemplating it. “Well…I guess the only thing you can do is whatever you’re comfortable with and nothing more. I can’t judge why your dad decided to write to you now…though I dare say if there were ill intentions, he’s not taking a typical route. Sounds to me like he might have gotten hit with a reality check.” He shrugs. “I wish I could give you some advice, but I’m afraid without ever having been there myself I don’t know what to say.”
He thinks for a moment, reflecting on his own past. “Ya know though…I have to say that you’re lucky to have a dad talking to you at all. It’s more than some people have.”
He looks down, feeling his body growing weary, without having had any rest since getting back from the hospital. But he’ll stay awake as long as Katie needs to talk.



Mick concentrates on his task as Angel talks, listening more intently than his body language suggests. A wry grin escapes when she mentions Wes, and he shakes his head as she ends. “What did I ever do to deserve a million and once chances with that woman?” He stands up and throws his rag into a box in the corner. “Thanks, Angel.” He nods to her. “I appreciate your honesty.” Thinking for just a moment, he turns and heads out of the tack room, aiming for Rosetta’s office.

“Hey, Mick!” Sparky catches him halfway. “Jade’s been looking for you. I think she’s in the mess hall now.”

“Oh… thanks.” Mick looks back and for the between the office and the mess hall. Finally he turns, taking route for his daughter.

Love

*Katie gets up and goes over next to Jason siting down. She lets out a sigh* " I really dont know what to say about it. I was to write him back, but I still hold so much anger and hurt, I dont know if I want to forgive him. What would compell him to write to me after all these years anyways. " *Katie stops for a moment and just thinks.* " I dont know what to think about it all. Its so hard ya know. Not talking to him for so long and than poof here he is emailing me. ah...and my step mom. I bet she woudlent be to happy if she new he was writing me again. We never got alone, and cuz of her I would never attempt to see him again. I just dont know J."

*Angel smiles and comes into the tack room. Siting down on one of the over turned buckets.* " Well...You know Rosetta have a very deep love for you Mick. And I can say that knowing its true. You guys grew up together. The last 18 when you were gone she missed you alot, but that fire never burned out. When you came back it grew an became stronger. Rosetta would probley love to throw her arms around you look you in the eyes and tell you she loves you. But she dosent. She knows things have been rough on you and she dosent want to push you into anything your not ready for. She is willing to wait longer for you." *Angel holds her smile. Than her mind goes to Wes. and looks back at Mick.* " Ya know in a way its a horrable thing to say but I am happy you came back when you did. Rosetta and Wes were happy but they wernt ment to be together. You could just tell. Rosetta's heart belonged to you. and she was ment to be with you. And if that never happens, thats ok. Just knowing she had that chanse to shair her life with you will be enough."

Question

Jason wishes he has an answer for Katie. He’s not used to feeling like he wants to help as much as he does right now, but even so, what could he do? He can’t even physically do anything for her to help lighten her load. Finally he shifts his weight to one side of the bed, and gestures to the empty space. “Wanna talk about it?”

Mick looks up and smiles at Angel. “Hey, yeah, I’m okay. Just trying to do something constructive while my brain is fried with the case.” He chuckles, still working with the dry leather. He pauses though, and cocks his head thoughtfully. “Though now that I’ve got you alone…” He cuts himself off, shaking his head, but after a moment, he can’t let it go. “You don’t have to answer me if you don’t want to, Angel, but I know you and Rosetta are really close and…well, everybody and their dog probably knows I’ve been thinking about her and me. It’s not like a secret.” He rolls his eyes. “But I guess…I don’t know…has Rosetta said anything to you about it?”

Confused

*Katie gives alittle shrug.* "Ya I think....I think I am ok. I just dont know what to think about it. He wrote to tell em how wrong he was and how sorry he is. I dont know if I should write back, or...if he even means it. I just dont....I just dont know J. I'm so confused by it."

*Wes smiles at Clint.* "Thats what family's for. Let take a look at what you got stuck on and see if I can show you how to do it."

*As Angel wonders around the ranch her notices the tack room door is open. Figureing one of the hands left it open she wonders over to closes it. Glancing in she can see Mick siting alone. Angel enters.* "Mick....are you ok?"

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*BJ and Sam leave the house to make there way to the park across the street. BJ runs and play on the swings with the other kids. Sam smiles as she can see how happy BJ is.*

Alright?

Jason is silent for just a moment, trying to sort through all the different scenarios happening at once. He shakes his head and aims the conversation back to the direction he feels is most important. “Forget about me for a minute, Katie. You heard from your dad?” He looks at her with compassion. “Good news or bad, that’s gotta be rough. You going to be okay?”


Clint looks in surprise at the envelope Wes hands him. “I…” He almost laughs. “I feel stupid. What can I say but thank you?” He rolls his eyes at himself. “Way to go, Clint.” He glances at Wes, grateful for all his help. “I’m in deep, but I’d be in a whole lot deeper if it weren’t for you. I owe you big time.”
He beams at Wes’ compliment. “Thanks…there were a couple things I got stuck on, but I got a few things accomplished.” He follows Wes into the shop.


Mick sits in the tack room alone, oiling an old saddle. His hands move in a rhythmic pattern, memorized by years of the same. His thoughts wander in different directions, but here in the barn, he can find a small bit of peace.

Some people

*Over hearing Clint's conversation Wes was outside and see Clint leaning aganst the wall.* "Hey killer. I dident mean to over hear your convo. But I was just coming to look for ya. So ya thought you could trust someone and it turns out you couldent. Its a tough lesson to leane huh? But because of this you cant think everyone out there is dishonest. There are some good peope left in this world." *Wes digs into pocket and hands Clint a check.* " A lady from the post office stop by here this morning. I guess the envalope got ripped in the mail. She saw my name and address on the check and came by to drop it back off to me." *Wes smiles.* " So, now what we have found what was lost, lets get a nice strong envalop for it and try sending it again." *Wes puts his arm around Clint's shoulder as they head into the shop.* " Oh ya, I saw the word you did over the last week. Very very nice job."

*Katie whipes her face.* "I'm...I'm ok. I just got an email from my dad is all. Not sure what I should think about it." *Katie lets out a long sigh.* " I'm sorry all this stuff happend to you Jason. Dont feel regret though. Everything helped you over come alot and I think thats more important. I mean I know TJY is your life but, now you can start doing more stuff too." *Katie smiles.* "Maybe we can go on the picnic too."

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*BJ bounces down the steps and runs into the kitchen sliding across the floor. All dressed in his bright orange shirt and his Red shorts. He also has 2 differnt socks on.* "Sham I is ready."

"You mean you ARE ready." *Sam looks at Jason and cant help but bust out laughing.* " BJ..since when do orange and red match?"

*BJ grins big.* "Since you told me to dress myself."

"You goof ball, lets get something on you that matches and than we will go to the park." *Sam takes BJ's hand.*

"YAY." *BJ squeels as he takes Sam's hand.*

Phone call

Clint wanders outside and heads to Wes’ shop. Just as he reaches the door, his cell phone buzzes on his belt. Rolling his eyes, he stops with the door halfway open, and answers the call. “Yeah…Ted? No! I don’t know! I sent it to Dan. He was supposed to….” Clint rolls his eyes, and paces in a small circle, not remembering that the door is still open. “Yeah, I know all that. I got a call about that yesterday. …What? He’s breathing down my neck, Ted! What would you suggest? I tried! No, all it taught me was not to trust Dan, that’s for sure….. Yes, I asked him point blank. Said he didn’t have a clue what I was talking about, and I’m out a thousand bucks that I haven’t even earned yet. How do you think that’s supposed to make me feel?” He stops pacing and looks at the ground with a moan. “Of course I haven’t said anything about it – I’m too embarrassed. I’m just gonna have to save it until I’ve got the whole chunk, then deliver it myself. ……I know it’s dangerous. I’m looking over my shoulder constantly, but what else am I supposed to do?” He sighs and shakes his head. “If you see him, tell him I’m working on it. I know he won’t be happy, but that’s the best I can do.”
Clint ends his call and leans against the outside of the shop, trying to collect his thoughts. He’d messed up twice now. What kind of brains had he ended up with anyway?


Jason get himself situated in a sitting position on his bed again, still feeling as though he’s in shock. “I just can’t believe it,” he talks mostly to himself as Katie checks her email. “TJY is all I’ve known…it’s what I’ve been trained to do…and it’s being taken away. Because I was stupid…” He scoffs at himself. “You’d think someone with brains like mine could figure out when to keep his mouth shut and when to stop when he’s ahead. Now my future is in jeopardy. And why? First, because I was stupid. And second because my own grandfather turned me in!” He shakes his head and leans back into his pile of pillows.
Suddenly he realizes that Katie is quiet. He glances over to her, and is immediately concerned as he sees her tears. What had happened. “Hey…Katie, you alright?”

Letter

*Wendy nods to Clint.* "Ok..I'll save you a place. Have fun." *Wendy throws Clint a smile as he leaves.*

*Katie follows Jason trying to help him as much as she can. Once geting to the mess hall Katie stands with Jason leting him lean on her. After listing to all Con said to Jason, Katies heart acks for Jason. Slowly Katie helps him back t his bunk. As they enter Jason's bunk Katie hears her computer (that yes is still on Jason's table.) beeping leting her know she had a new email. She helps Jason to sit down.* "I"m going to check my message fast than if you want I'll leave ya be." *Katie makes her way over to her laptop. Not reconizing the address she starts to read the email. After several moment Katies eyes grow as she relizes who the emial is from. As she finishes it off tears flow from her eyes. Anger, confustion fills her mind. Should she write back, or not. Had her dad truly changed? Why would he email her after all this time? What was she to do next?*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*BJ finishes his oatmeal and put his bowl into the sink.* "Tan we doe outshide now Sham?"

*Sam looks at BJ and smiles alittle.* " You havent even goten dressed yet. Run upstairs and take your bath and get dressed."

*BJ turns to run upstairs* "Otay"

* Sam yells after BJ.* "AND BRUSH YOUR TEETH." *After BJ is up stairs and out of ear shot Sam pulls out her phone and dials a number.* "Hey its me...Ya I know you told me not to call. But I wanted to know how much longer you wanted me to keep BJ...I ment Jason...I do like having him with me...but he deserves a real life. A real chanse...I know he is important to us but...He's a sweet kid. Fine whatever." *Sam hangs up the phone a sarrow hanging heavy in her heart.*

Why?

Clint grins at Wendy. "I didn't know you were interested in that sort of thing." He glances at his watch. "Well, I better scoot before I lose this job of mine." He chuckles. "See you around lunchtime?"


Jason fights between anger, hurt and logic, but he shakes his head. “You had nothing to do with this Katie, and don’t you ever take any of the blame on yourself. Those charges against me are true and of my own doing.” He lets her help him up, and balances on one leg while he grabs his crutches. “Talking to Con is as good idea though – I want to get to the bottom of this.” He grits his teeth, trying to suppress his anger until he’s heard the whole story.

They make their way back to the mess hall, finding that many have already dispersed for the day. Con is still at a table alone though, Austin nowhere in sight.

Jason aims for Con and doesn’t even bother to sit down, but leans on his crutches instead. He dives right in, not bothering with an introduction into the conversation. “I just got off the phone with Susanne,” he states flatly. “Forget to tell me something, Con?”

Con holds his coffee mug between his hands, and doesn’t even look up at Jason, his face clearly showing that he’s upset. “Sorry, Hotshot.”

“Sorry?” Jason scoffs. “That’s it?”

“I don’t like this any better than you do, so don’t make it worse by getting upset.”

Jason shakes his head in disbelief. “I’ve been suspended and that’s all you can say? Why, Con? Why were you the one who should have told me? Are you the one that ratted to Carter or what?”

Con jerks his head, quickly meeting Jason’s eye with an anger of his own. “I was doing my job. Don’t think for a minute that I did any of this on purpose.”

“So you were the one who reported everything.”

“What was I supposed to do?” Con throws up his hands. “My job here is to protect my superior – Austin – and to submit weekly reports back to TJY. I wasn’t going to lie, Jason.”

Jason groans, wishing for a moment he would have back full mobility and have it out with Con. “But you knew this would happen!”

Con scowls at him. “Look – anyone else could have done any one of those things and been suspended for it. Be glad it took all of them for the request to go through.”

“But I can justify every one of those!”

“Can you?” Con looks back down at his mug. “Can you justify almost blowing Austin’s head off? Can you justify breaching security?”

Jason’s face reddens as he grows desperate. “But there were reasons!”

“It doesn’t matter!” Con’s palm slams down on the table as he looks up again, the pain evident in his eyes. “I didn’t plan this, and I’m making myself sick just thinking about you, of all people, getting suspended. But my hands are tied.”

Jason isn’t ready to give up yet. “You said a request went through. Whose request was it?”

Con focuses on the table, his jaw muscles working at his tension.

“Who was it, Con?” Jason raises his voice, ignoring the stares from others in the mess hall. “Who recommended my suspension?”

Con still doesn’t answer.

“Dang it, Con!” Jason’s desperation is to its limit. “Tell me!”

“It was Austin!” Con glares up at him. “Are you happy now?”

Jason blinks in disbelief, his tone lowering drastically. “Austin…? But…”

Con shakes his head. “It won’t do you any good to question him. He won’t even talk to me about it. I asked him outright why he’d done it and he didn’t answer me.” He finishes off his coffee and rises from his seat, making eye contact with Jason. “If I were you, I’d let it go. Enjoy the time off, maybe even go somewhere else. But don’t press your luck. If you’re smart, you’ll back off and just let it be. Accept your circumstances and don’t fight it. If you’re lucky, they won’t hold you on suspension for long.”

“How can I just let it go? This is my future we’re talking about!”

“You think I don’t realize that?” Con sighs deeply. “If you care about your future, don’t fight it. You’ll only make things worse.”

Jason swallows hard, not even sure how to feel. The charges were true…he couldn’t deny them. He simply hadn’t thought they would affect his record so severely. Was Con right? Was there really nothing he could do? Why had Austin, of all people, recommended his suspension? That fact hurt more than he’d care to admit. He finally lets his gaze drop to the floor. “If anyone needs me, I guess I’ll be in my bunk then.” He turns around, stopping as he catches Katie’s eye. So much for getting things back to normal.


An email awaits...

Dear Katie,

How does a man apologize to his daughter? How can a man ever rebuild a bridge that he burned with pain as the fuel and pride as the flame? If I new the answers, I would not feel so inadequate now, to express how sorry I am.

I hope you don’t delete this message before reading it…though I guess I couldn’t blame you. I tried calling several times in the last few weeks, but I guess you were gone.

I’ve done so many things wrong, Katie…it pains me to think of all the hurt you’ve been through – all the hurt I’ve caused. I have no excuses… I know that nothing I say can excuse my despicable behavior.

When your mother and brother died, my world felt as if it was crashing down. I’ve never felt such sorrow and misery. But even so, I had no right to lash out at you – my daughter. I was full of hate…hate for myself because I blamed myself for the cause of those deaths. But instead of admitting that guilt to myself, I chose to put the blame on others in an attempt to relieve the pain. But all it did was make it worse.

I said things to you that I regret. I treated you in a way that now I despise. If I could go back in time, I would change so much…

I can never hope for your forgiveness. You’ve been hurt in ways unimaginable, and by my hands. I guess I simply wanted you to know that your father is changed. I had to be broken in order to see the wrongs I’d done, and my heart has never felt heavier. I have a happy life…one with joyful children and a loving wife. But there is still a hole – a hole in my heart where you once resided.

Katie, I’m so sorry. I know you probably hate me, but I couldn’t live without knowing I did all I could to try and right my wrongs.

I love you.

-Dad

what,why?

*Katie cant help but smile. Jason's words bring her comfort. Katie keeps as quiet as she can as JAson makes his call. As Susanne talks to Jason, the blood drains from Katies face. No...not something alse. When it rains it pours. As Jason hangs up the phone Katie can feel his anger, his embaressment.* "Oh J! How could this happen. I dont understand." *As Katie thinks about some of what Jason has been charged with it hits her.* " J...some of that stuff is cuz you told me stuff you shouldent have. I pushed you into telling me. I'm so sorry." *Katie again goes quiet. Her own anger rising inside of her. Why hasent Con told Jason. Why would they let this happen.* "J, come on...lets go find Con and see whats going on. This is unbelievable."*Katie holds out her arm to help Jason up again.*

Let down

Jason cocks his head at Katie’s tone, hit with a sudden realization that he hadn’t thought of before. He’d never have guessed that his recovery would have been a disappointment on some level, but apparently it was. “Katie…” He shakes his head at her. “You silly goose.” He almost laughs. “Even the old Jason could have used a personal hero…”

He pauses, studying her face, and growing a little more serious. “You’re still needed, Katie, and don’t you forget it.”

He allows the conversation to shift to another topic, slight discomfort rising in the form of heat on his neck, while a new thought strikes him.

“Say, I better get a hold of TJY. They’re going to want a report from me, and I haven’t even given Austin a full rundown yet.” He rolls over and grabs the phone, pulling it onto the bed and hitting the speaker phone. He dials the number and waits until a female voice answers. He grins. “Hey, Susanne.”

“Jason??”

Jason raises an eyebrow at her tone. “Yeah. How ya doing?”

“Well…fine…I guess I didn’t expect to hear from you though. Thought you might be on a long vacation somewhere.”

Jason furrows his brow. “Well, I just got back from the hospital, but no vacation for me. I decided I’d give Reese what he wanted and get back on this case, at least in the background. Gonna be a while before I’m back on my feet.”

There’s a pause before Susanne speaks again. “Jason…hasn’t Con told you?”

Jason bristles and glances at Katie while continuing his phone conversation. “Hasn’t he told me what?”

Susanne doesn’t answer.

Jason repeats himself, a strange fear descending. “What hasn’t he told me, Susanne?”

“Well…” Susanne pauses again. “You’ve been suspended.”

Jason’s jaw drops, his eyes widening. “What?!”

“I’m sorry, Jason. Con was supposed to tell you. The paperwork came across my desk just yesterday.”

“But why?” Jason’s confusion and anger begin to surface. “On what grounds, and by who’s request?”

“I shouldn’t be telling you this.”

“Tell me, Susanne.”

Susanne sighs. “Look, there’s a whole list of reasons you’ve been suspended, and it came directly from Carter. You’re in deep, Hotshot. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Jason looks back and forth between Katie and the phone, in total shock. “What…how…what are the reasons? I need to know.”

There’s a pause, with typing in the background before Susanne speaks again. “There’s a statement from Carter, expressing dissatisfaction due to……a list of things….” She pauses again. “Here it is, and I quote, ‘an apparent mental instability, frequent fluctuations in loyalty to the case, deliberate breach in security by exposing information without authority to a certain party, threatening a superior with his life, and negligence by putting himself and others in harm’s way.”

Jason’s eyes can’t go any wider, his blood running cold. He doesn’t even know how to respond.

Susanne finally breaks the silence. “I’m sorry, Jason. If you want more information, you’ll have to talk to Austin, Con or Reese, who’s not here at the moment. …I have to go now before I get into trouble. Carter’s on the floor.”

There’s a click, abruptly ending the call. Jason stares at Katie, at a completely loss for words. He’s angry, he’s confused, and he’s embarrassed. What just happened?

Retired

*Wendy giggle at Clint.* "Hah...look at you. Mr. High and mighty." *Wendy makes a face to show she is joking.* "That really cool. Maybe sometime you can show me a thing or 2 out there. I could stand to lean how to fix somestuff."

*Katie eases down in a chair she has found to have spent alot of time in, in the past. Listing to Jason as he talks Katie smiles.* " Eh...I just gave you a shoulder to lean on J. You did the rest for yourself. But your weclome." *Katie is silent for a moment trying to gather her thoughts.* " I am happy that you have concered your fears J. I really am. Old Jason or New Jason, You will always be J to me. and I like ya no matter what." *Once again Katie goes silent. Than she looks up at Jason in the eyes. I tad bit of sadness.* " I guess your personal hero can retire now huh?!*

Back

Clint nods. “Yeah, I gotta talk to Wes here in a bit. I haven’t told him yet that I got one of them old engines running while he was gone.” He grins proudly. “Maybe I’ll actually learn a thing or two after all.”


Jason makes it to his bunk, and gestures for Katie to come in too, obviously with something he wants to talk about. He sits down on his bed and scoots back to lean against the wall, sighing as he’s able to stretch out his leg. “Thanks for all your help, Katie. I really appreciate it. You’ve been a real trooper, even when I’ve been a jerk.” He grabs a pillow to fold in front of him, thinking hard. “Ya know… yesterday I said something and you asked me about it, and I avoided it because I wasn’t quite sure of an answer. But…I got to thinking about it…”
He thinks for another moment, used to opening up with Katie now, though still slightly hesitant. “When…when I got taken, and they kept me in the basement… the one guy would come down and beat on me, trying to get me to talk. At first I was angry and I was fighting all sorts of memories of Alex. First off, I couldn’t believe I’d been taken from the mall again, so that was interesting to think about, then I was helpless once again…at the mercy of an adversary.” He pauses and swallows hard. “And then I came to realization that no matter what they did to me…no matter what they said…there was one thing they couldn’t touch – and that was my own mind. So I made it almost into a game. I’d egg them on and jeer right back at them, all the while just trying to ignore the pain. They got so mad that I really thought they were going to kill me a couple times. …After a while I began to see that I had gained control over my own mind…I wasn’t ignoring my circumstances or blocking anything out…I’d simply conquered the fears that would have caused panic.”
He shrugs lamely. “So…I guess at one point, I added two and two together… if I could do that, then why couldn’t I overcome the memories of my past in the same way? So I started thinking about Alex, and I walked myself through a bunch of stuff all over again…and it worked. I really started to see that Alex no longer had to have control over me…I had control over my own mind, and I could choose to react however I wanted, without shutting down. Yeah, there’s still pain there in some areas…but overall…I finally discovered that the control I was looking for all this time wasn’t something to control my memories, but rather it was something to control myself as I faced those memories. And… I feel like I’ve finally got a real handle on things…even better than when I first came here.”
He looks her in the eye, just staring at her for several seconds. “You’ve had a lot to do with that…and I don’t know if I would have made it this far if it hadn’t been for you…Hotshot Jason is back, and it feels good.”

Help

*Angel nods to Luke.* "Ok sounds good. Well I am gonna head to my office for a few I have some stuff to do. If ya need me thats where I will be." *Angel stands and gives Luke a kiss. Than makes her way out of the mess hall.*

*Wendy can tell something more is wrong with Clint but decieds to let it go for now.* " Ok. So are you working with Wes today? or maybe we can do something?"

*Katie stands.* " Ya sure." *Heading to the door she opens it and helps Jason outside. Slowly she walks with him offering a shoulder to help him walk as they make there way to his bunk.*

Doors

Luke can't help his smile. "Yes, Kyle will definitely want to meet you, seeing as though he's one of the many who teased me about never getting married." He chuckles. "I don't think there's much you can do right now, but I'll let you know if there is."

Clint shrugs, not wanting to tell Wendy that he received another threatening phone call yesterday about the money he owes. "Yeah, everything is fine. Just a weird night I guess."

Jason takes the orange juice and pain pills gratefully. "Thanks, Katie."

Breakfast in the mess hall doesn't last long, and people begin to disperse as routine. Tired, Jason manages to get to his feet, and grabs his crutches. "Katie, you mind getting doors for me? The one at my bunk is a killer."

Coffee

*nods* "I'd like to meet him too. Also since you said he was a good friend he might want to meet your future wife." *Angel smile widens.* " I rather like the sound of that. If I can help in any way let me know."

*Wendy looks at Cint with worry.* "How come so little? Is everything ok?" * The consern shows in her eyes.*

*Katie smiles at Jason and nods. Heading to the kitchen she turns and see Jade with Jason. Katie lets out a long sigh telling herself not to be jealouse. Katie glances at Con than looks away. Grabing a cup of OJ for Jason she grabs some pain killers too. She also grabs some coffee for herself. Going back to the table with Jason she gives him the OJ and pills.* "I thought you could use these for your knee." *Katie smiles and sits down.* "Those cookies sure do look good."

~*~Somewhere Alse.~*~

*BJ sits quitly and eats his oatmeal. Talking with his mout full he askes.* "Sham....can..I gosh outshide today?"

*Sam turns from the sink and smiles.* "If you stop talking with your mouth full I will think about it."

*BJ puts his hand over his mouth and chews.* " I forgot do wash a train does....CHEW CHEW CHEW." *BJ makes his hands flot through the air like a train.*

Thank you

Luke chuckles and gives Angel’s cheek a playful tweak. “If I didn’t get into any trouble, it wouldn’t be any fun because you wouldn’t be around to get me out of it.” He sighs deeply and lets Angel straighten back up again. “Seriously, I’m gonna call back home and see if Kyle can bring my car down here soon – start getting a few things settled with that.”

Clint swallows a mouthful of coffee. “Mm-hmm,” he mumbles. “I think I got about two hours worth of sleep.” He rubs his eyes wearily and yawns.

Jason smiles as Katie greets him at the door. “Thanks, Katie…” He nods towards his bunk. “For the surprise too. You know how to make a person feel good.” His eyes linger on hers for several moments as he searches for the source of her care. It’s something he just can’t understand.
He accepts her help to the closest table, and eases himself down in a chair, biting his tongue as pain shoots through his leg. He takes another chair to prop his leg up, and once halfway settled, he nods to Katie. “Actually yeah, if you don’t mind, I could use some orange juice. Thanks.” He takes off his hat and sighs deeply, receiving several ‘hellos’ and ‘welcome backs’ from those around him.

Jade smiles big and comes to sit down across from Jason. “Hey, stranger.”

Jason grins. “Hey there.”

“You had everyone pretty scared there for a while.”

“So I heard.”

“How ya feeling?”

Jason shrugs. “As well as can be expected I guess.”

Jade chuckles. “That good, huh? Well this afternoon when you get a sweet tooth, there’s some cookies for you in the kitchen.”

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “Oh yeah?”

“Yep. A little bird told me what your favorite kind was.”

Jason laughs. “Well thanks.” He waits for Katie to return, glancing around to catch Con’s eye, who looks away. There that was again… what was Con hiding?

Help

*Angel puts her arms around Luke neck.* "I'm not sure. I was thinking of a packed lunch and going to the pond. I got some wedding books I'd like to look through as well. I think I am gonna take it easy today. I am to old for all this excitment." *Angel grins.* "What are you going to be doing? Geting into trouble..like always" *Angel sticks out her toung.*

*Wendy looks over at Clint.* "Hey you. Did ya have a rough night? You look half asleep still."

*Hearing the knock on the door and know its Jason Katie jumps up from her chair knocking it over. Yelling she say.* "I GOT IT." *Katie runs to the door and smiles when she see Jason.* "Good Morning and Welcome home." *Katie takes Jason's arm and helps him inside.* " Want anything to drink or eat?"

Home again

Luke grins and pulls Angel down in the chair next to him, giving her a kiss. “Yep, I did sleep well, thanks.” He locks his arms around her waist. “So….what are you plans for today?”

Clint ambles into the mess hall, his hair still wet from a shower, but he looks none-too awake. He groggily scans the room and finds Wendy, plopping down into a chair next to her. “Mornin’.”


Austin’s truck slowly pulls into the drive with its three passengers. A light rain falls, putting a damper on the weather, but not spirits. Parking near Jason’s bunk, they get out, Austin and Con each taking a side, and helping Jason up the porch steps. Requested to leave him alone, Austin and Con leave, parking in a better place, and heading into the mess hall.

They wave their greetings, and head for the coffee. “Jason’s in his bunk,” Austin announces to anyone who cares. “He’ll be up in a few minutes.”

Con rolls his eyes. “Stubborn brute didn’t want any more help from us than a point in the right direction.”


Jason slowly enters his bunk, barely able to bend his injured knee, and leaning on the wall and table for support. His eyes widen as he sees the welcome sign and the other things on the table. Grinning, he picks up the card, realizing everything is from Katie. He shakes his head and enjoys the scene for several moments before turning back around. Throwing on his denim jacket and a baseball cap, Jason grabs his crutches and heads back outside.
He makes his way slowly across the driveway, gritting his teeth against the pain that the movement creates.
Finally making it to the mess hall, he hobbles up the steps and knocks on the door, deciding it might be best to have some help with the door rather than make a fool of himself.

BJ

*As morning breaks Katie sits up and let out a big yawn. Staying up half the night making stuff tells its own story in her eyes. Carring an arm full of stuff Katie makes her way to Jason's Bunk. Katie hurrys to put up a welcome home sign, and some flower on his table along with a card. Than she heads to the mess hall to wait.*

*Angel eners the mess hall and see Luke.* "Hey Sweety. Did you sleep good last night? I slept like a rock."

*Wendy enters to find CLint is not there yet. make a place at the table she waits for him.*

*Wes makes his way to the mess hall. Apon entering he lets out a big bear yarn and throws his arms in the air.*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*As morning breaks the small child opens his eyes. Hoping out of bed he walks over to the window and looks out. The sun was shining today was a new day. The little boy walks over to his toys and pulls out some trucks. The knob on the door rattles and opens. A tall woman steps into the room. The little boy turns and looks up.* “Sam…Stan yelled at me and locked me in my room again last night.”
*Sam looks at the boy and smiles bending down eye level with the boy.* “Were you being a good boy while I was gone for him BJ?”
*BJ shakes his heads and runs his trucks across the ground.* “No. I only asked him why he called me Jason and you called me BJ though. He would not anwer me so I got mad and threw my ball at him.”
*Sam sits down on the ground with BJ and starts to play with his other truck with him.* “Well.. your name really is Jason. But I know another boy named Jason. So I call you BJ so people know I am talking about you and not the other boy.”
*BJ smashes his truck into Sam’s.* “Oh ok. Can I have some breakfast now?” *Sam smiles and stands. Holding out her hand she takes BJ’s.* “Sure you can.”

Morning comes

Jason watches Katie leave, and Con leaves as well. For the first time since he’s been awake, Jason is suddenly alone. He stares up at the ceiling, trying to comprehend all that’s just happened. It all seems so fast to him, but to the others, it must have felt like forever.
After a light supper, Jason finds himself finally drifting to sleep, not waking again until the next morning.

“Hey, good morning.” JT sits down next to Jason’s bed and begins to check his vitals. “How are you feeling?”

Jason yawns. “Alright I guess. Not much different.”

JT nods. “Nothing wrong with that.” Finishing up, he writes a few things down on Jason’s chart. “In a few hours, you’ll be on your way home.”

“Sounds good to me.”

JT chuckles. “Now…before you leave though, I’m gonna have a nurse in here, and she’s going to show you some exercises you need to start right away with your knee. I want you doing them every day, and once a week, you’re going to need therapy. I can transfer your information to a closer hospital if you want, otherwise it’s a long drive back here.”

“Alright. I’ll talk to Austin about what he thinks is best with that. Not sure we want to get too spread out with this.”

JT nods knowingly. “I haven’t asked any questions, and I don’t want to know.”

“You act as though you know what we’re about.”

“It’s been a long time…” JT sighs. “Yes…it’s been a long time.” He rises, changing the subject. “Okay young man. If I don’t see you again, it’s been a pleasure. I dare say I’m not going to forget this event.”


Morning is sleepy at the ranch, but spirits are high. After everyone arrived the night before, it was settling to know that Jason would be coming home. Maybe things would turn at least to partial normality now. The gang begins to filter into the mess hall as routine, trying to make plans for the day…

Leaving

*Katie nods to Con. Giving Jason's hand a squeeze she smiles.* "Make sure you check out your bunk it the morning there is a saprise for you. If you need anything J, call. Sleep well...and see you soon." *Katie turns and leaves looking back and smiling again at Jason taking it in that he is still alive.*

*Damien nods to Mick and Rosetta.* "Sure thing. When we get back to your place do you think I can use the phone to let Adam know i dident fall off the face of the earth?"

*Rosetta gives a warm smile.* "Ya no problem." *Seeing Katie exit Jasons room she smiles. It was good to see her happy again. Katie was the kind of person when she was happy she should shine brighter than anything.* "Hey, you gonna come home with us too Hun?"

*Katie nods.* "Ya...I just need to stop at the store before we leave town if thats ok."

*Rosetta nods and looks at Mick.* "Lets hit the road."

*As the gang leaves the hospetal all is well. Katie looks one last time at Jason's window to his room befor the pull out of the parking lot.* "Good Night my friend. Sleep well."

~*~Somewhere alse~*~

*As the little figure tossed and turned more. Nightmares filling his mind. Finally he wakes with a start shooting out of bed. Relizing it was a dream his breathing become more normal. Kicking the blankets off his little body he hops out of bed and to the bathroom. Pulling his stool up to the sink he grabs his cup and fills it with water. After taking a sip he lowers the cup and looks in the mirror. His red hair was starting to get to long and hung in front of his sea green eyes. Much confustion could be seen in them. This little 5 year old mind worked much to hard and new far to much for someone his age. Slowly climbin off his stool he turns off the light and heads back to bed. Hoping for now the dreams will leave him alone.*

Going home

Con chuckles puts a hand in the air as a promise. “He’ll be safe - you have nothing to worry about there.”

A very brief flicker of disappointment passes through Jason’s eyes, but he’s quick to remove it. “I’ll be fine,” he grins. “Get going and get some good sleep. I have a feeling if I knew how much y’all have been awake the last few weeks worrying about me, I’d feel pretty guilty.” He settles back in his pillow. “Safe drive…see you soon.”

Con nods to Katie and thumbs down the hall. “Take your pick who you want to ride with. Two vehicles are leaving.”


Mick slowly walks down the hall, talking as he goes. “Yeah…I think we can trust Damien… I think he’s proved he’s on our side anyway, after he helped with Wendy that one time, then he saved her life, and he helped us with Jason… I would hope that we could tell if he was lying or not by now. The past warns me not to trust him, but my gut says he’s alright.” He shrugs as they come back to the lobby and find Damien, and he brings the conversation to an end. “Hey, Damien. Coming along?”

Sleep

*Katie smiles.* "Well since we know Jason is going to be ok now, and if you two promice to keep an eye on him, I guess I can go home and get some sleep. Unless you want me to stay J? Make sure if anymore bad guys come to call on Jason you let them know I'll find them and kick there butts. Wait...no just tell them its in there best intrest not to." *Katie cant help but laugh.*

*Rosetta nods to Mick.* "I would guess so. He came with us so he has no other way to get home. Do you think we can trust him Mick? I would like to know your imput on this."

*Wendy yawns and rubs her eyes.* "I'll try to stay up alittle later, but no promises on how long I will last. Its been a rough couple of nights."

*Angel has already headed to her room for the night. She just cant stay up as last as she use to. Before laying down Angel says a small thank you to God for leting Jason be ok. Turning off the light Angel stairs into the darkness. Clearing her mind thoughts of her wedding preparations fill her mind. Smileing she lays down and pulls the blankets to her chin. Drifting off to sleep.*

~*~Somewhere Alse~*~

*The small figure toss and turns in bed as dreams fill his little head. Faces of people he feels he knows but cant remember. Who were these people.*

Unspoken

Mick turns to Rosetta, slightly startled. “Oh, yeah…I’m about ready for my own bed after sacking out on this couch for the last couple weeks. Why don’t we go ahead and go back to the ranch tonight…Jason should be ready to come home tomorrow, and if Con and Austin stick around, he should have all the help he needs. Is Damien coming along with us?”


Jason thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. He’s not even sure he’s sorted through it all yet…how could he express it? He needed more time to think it through. “It’s nothing, never mind.”

A few minutes later, Con pokes his head into the room. “Hey, you two…Doc said you’d be able to leave tomorrow, Jase.”

Jason grins. “That’s a relief. I don’t think I could stand it here much longer than that.”

“Well you do have pretty good company,” Con teases, throwing a wink in Katie’s direction. “Listen, your mom and Wes are going to be heading back to the ranch, and so are Rosetta and Mick…I’m assuming Damien as well.”

“Okay.” Jason quirks an eyebrow. “What about you and Austin?”

“We’re going to stick around…no point in driving back then coming back here again tomorrow.” Con pauses, suddenly growing serious. “Hey, Jase, there’s something…” He bites his tongue and finally shrugs it off. “Forget it, I’ll tell you later. Katie, you going to go back to the ranch, or you wanna stay here?”

Jason frowns at Con’s tone, a bit concerned with whatever went unspoken. He tries to forget it, but it sticks with him. For some reason, his gut tells him it has something to do with TJY…Con rarely used that serious of tone with him if it didn’t have to do with the corporation. What was he not telling Jason?

Becky goes into the kitchen, putting several mugs into the sink after others had finished a round of hot chocolate. She grins at Jade who is by the oven. “Hey, hon, what are you up to this late in the evening?”

Jade grins and wipes her hands on an apron. “I’m making some chocolate chip, peanut butter cookies… I was told they were Jason’s favorite, so I thought maybe it would be a nice welcome-home treat.”

“What a good idea.” Becky smiles. “You better make a big batch, otherwise you might have a mob on your hands.”

Jade giggles. “I know. I doubled up the recipe.”


Clint yawns and stretches on the sofa as the movie in the living room adjoining the mess hall comes to an end. Sparky rubs his eyes wearily and stands, going to the window. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m going to stay up a while…Mick said they’d becoming back tonight, and I want to find out what’s going on.”

Clint nods and glances over to Wendy. “Ready for a late night, or are you hitting the hay?”

Luke is stretched out on the floor in front of the tv, groggy, but takes a deep breath and widens his eyes in an attempt to wake up. “I’m gonna stay up a while.”

*Kaite smiles as she looks out the window.* "This is the first time I even saw one. Its amazing." *Katie walks back over to Jason's bed side a bit confused by his words.* "You did what?"

*Wes nods and watchs Cindy walks away. He smiles to himself. His heart really was healing, and he really did want to get to know Cindy better.*

*Rosetta ends up finding Mick down the hall a ways. Walking up to him she places a hand in his arm.* "Hey...are you ready to go home soon? Its geting pritty dark out, and now that Jason is going to be ok we might all sleep alittle better."

~*~Somewhere alse~*~

*A small figure zooms his trucks across the shag carpit. A female voice calls from the other room.* "Time for bed." *The small figure stands up and heads for the stairs. His dungan was calling.* "I'm toming......." *Forgeting his truck he runs back to get it than heads up the stairs.*

Thinking back

Jason smirks and shakes his head. “I’ll never understand how no one else can read me, but you can see into my mind.”
He is silent for a moment, thinking about what had been on the tip of his tongue. But maybe he hadn’t quite figured it all out yet anyway…sorting through it was half the battle…perhaps contemplating some more was okay. He turns his head towards the window as Katie mentions the rainbow. He smiles a little. “Last time I saw a double rainbow was back home…Austin and I got home late from work and it was storming bad. We’d planned a picnic for supper…it was just an all-around lousy day. But as we pulled into the driveway, we looked up, and there was an awesome double rainbow…kinda made us sit and think about what we were thankful for… We ended up having a picnic after all, so it ended up alright.” He chuckles. “I haven’t thought of that in a long time…” His voice trails off as he once again, drifts into a thoughtful state. “Funny….” He looks up at Katie, the fire showing in his eyes. “I did it.”

Cindy finishes her coffee, then rises slowly. “Let me go say goodbye to Jason, then I’ll be ready to go.” She throws her cup away in the trashcan, and turns to look at Wes again. “Thank you. You’ve been so much more than kind to me these last few weeks.”

Rainbow

*Wes smiles.*"Not at all."

*Katie giggles* "People sure do like to intarupt us huh? Ah well. I know you wanted to say something alse but I wont push you into telling me. I know when your ready you will." *Katie stands and streaches. Going over to the window the rain has almost stoped. Looking up at the sky she see something amazing.* "Ohhh...there is a double rainbow here. Its so pretty looking. Its funny how something so simple can be so wonderful and fill us with joy huh."

There's more...

Cindy feels Wes hand, and looks down, but doesn’t pull away. “Sure…that is…if you don’t mind.”


Jason sighs and leans back in his pillow, closing his eyes. “I’m sorry, Katie.” He looks back at her again, suddenly growing serious. “When I…when I was down in that basement…I got to thinking a lot.” He forces as dry laugh. “Took me hanging from a rafter to be still enough to think things through I guess. But I thought about things you’d said, and things Adam said…. There was just a whole lot that hit me at once. I thought about what you’d said about me, and what you say now fits with it. And I guess maybe you’re right….maybe I was a jerk. For so long…I was hiding who I really was…it was like I was just a made-up me…something I’d imagined so I wouldn’t be left vulnerable. But…” He looks her in the eye. “I think I’ve figured a few things out. I think I...”

“Well, Jason, I can’t explain it…” JT walks into the room, carrying a clipboard. “Your bloodstream shows no sign of poison at all…it’s just…gone.” He shakes his head. “I certainly can’t explain it medically, that’s for sure.” He sets his clipboard down at the foot of the bed. “Keep this up and I’m gonna let you go home here pretty soon.”

“That would be awfully nice.” Jason sighs. He throws Katie a look that conveys his annoyance for yet another interruption. He hadn’t been finished yet. “I may have been asleep for three weeks, but it still feels like I’ve been here forever.”

JT chuckles. “I’m not surprised at that. Just rest easy for a bit longer. I want to keep an eye on you for just a while. I’ll be back and we’ll talk about what you’ll need to do once you’re out of here.”

Jason watches him leave, then frowns good-naturedly. “If it wasn’t good news he interrupted me for, I’d be ticked. Oh well…I guess I was finished anyhow.”

Jerk

*Wes places his hand on Cindy's and smiles.* "It's ok. I'd rather people here for the people who need me. Would you like me to take you back to the ranch, after you say bye to Jason?"

*Katie smiles as Jason. As his question is asked she stops and thinks for a long moment. Now that she wasent angry and hurt many more her mind could think more clearly.* "I guess I wouldent say you looked down on me. I was angry and it came out all wrong, But yes you were kind of a jerk when you first came." *Katie looks down at her hands.* "Its felt like you thought you were better than me and I dident know how to do anything, But than we got to know eachother and that changes J. We both understood eachother, and relized why were how we were. We both went through so much it shaped us to be who we are., but than we both started changing as well. We started to be shaped into new people. And if that was me trying to change you. I am sorry J. I wasent trying to. I just wanted to help you cuz I new you were hurting. You could be that Jerk and I would still like you."

Did you mean it?

Cindy rubs a hand over her face and nods. “Yeah…I should probably sleep a little bit.” She eyes Wes, and shakes her head. “I really appreciate you sticking around all this time. I’m…I’m sure you’ve been anxious to get back to the ranch, and I…” She lowers her gaze to the table. “Thank you.”


Jason squints at Katie for a moment. “The only place I’ve ever felt a part of something was at TJY…I guess I’m not used to other people caring that much.” He studies Katie’s face, wondering about her care in particular, but lets it pass.
He shrugs, and tries to pull himself up into more of a sitting position, wincing against the pain in his leg. “Naw, I’m not hungry at the moment. I’m sure I’ll get some ‘real nice’ food brought to me in a while.” He becomes quiet for several moments, seeming to contemplate something deeper than his next meal. “Katie…what you said before all this happened…about….about me looking down on you when I first came… did you mean that?”

Anything

*Wes sits down next to Cindy.* " I am so happy Jason is ok Cindy. God is good." *Wes looks to Cindy studing her face and seeing her tired eyes.* " Why dont you Rest? Jason is going to be ok now."

"We are thrills J, cuz we all care and love you. Your important to all of us. Weather you like it or not since you first came to the ranch you became one of us." *Katie notices something new about Jason and can feel something new as well, but she cant put her finger on it.* "Are you hungry at all? need anything to drink?"

*Angel nods to Luke.* "Ya...I dont think anything like that could be easy."

*Wendy smiles at Clint.* " I think if you pray hard enough, and really believe God can do anything."

Something is different

Cindy eases down in a chair in the cafeteria. She wants to immediately go back to Jason, but holds herself back, knowing he wouldn’t appreciate being smothered. She sips her coffee slowly, the weariness sinking deep.


Jason isn’t quite sure how to react to all the attention, and accepts it quietly until he’s alone with Katie again. He furrows his brow at her statement about everyone being happy. “I…guess I’m not sure why. I mean…sure, I’d call y’all friends, but… I don’t understand why everyone is so thrilled about this.”
He shakes his head. “Naw, I wouldn’t say I had any interesting dreams. It just felt like….like I’d slept real hard, then was on the verge of rolling out of bed, but couldn’t wake up enough to do it. Like…I knew when people were in here, and I could hear their voices and…and feel their presence.” He glances at Katie again, a slight heat rising to his face as he recalls her own presence, and he hopes she doesn’t notice. “And there were thoughts…thoughts about what had happened before you found me…” His eyes suddenly show a spark that had been absent since he first came to the ranch…something has changed.


Luke laughs and holds Angel’s hand tight. “I’m so glad Jason’s going to be okay…we don’t need a loss right now, and I couldn’t imagine what poor Cindy must have been going through these last few weeks.”

Clint cocks his head, still unsure about the whole thing, though he returns Wendy’s hug. “Ya really think God does things like this?”

Mericles do happen

*Rosetta enters the room.* "Jason...oh Jason, its so good to see you awake. We were all praying for you." *Rosetta smiles at Jason. After a bit Rosetta leaves to get Coffee with Cindy.*

*Wes enters next.* "Hey Killer. Glad to see you up. You scaired us all." *As Cindy leave we follows her.*

*Katie smiles.* "Everyone is so happy J. Its great to see your mom smile." *Katie cant stop smiling. Her best friend is alive and well what more could she ask for.* "Words can not express J how happy I am. And I know I keep saying that, its just amazing. Have any intresting dreams while you were sleeping? I know some people say they do."


*As the new hits Angels ears she grabs Luke's hand and raises her face to the sky.* "Thank you Lord. You are an amazing God. Thank you."

*Wendy smiles to Clint.* "God does answer our praying." *She gives Clint a hug.*

Disbelief

Jason's eyes grow wider as Katie explains. "Three weeks?" It suddenly hits him that he really had been close to death. "I...wow." He looks down for a moment as he thinks of how it must have affected his family. "I've got foggy recollections of people being here...things people said...it was like a dream or something." He glances up, catching Katie's eye. She'd been with him the whole time...he had felt her presence...he had heard her voice...he was slowly remembering her words. A strange new feeling slowly seeps into his heart. He allows the moment to pass though, not wanting to approach it now. "So did you..." His voice trails off as he looks up, seeing someone in the doorway.

Austin can't believe his eyes, and shock takes over. "Jason...you're....awake....you're...alive."

Jason rolls his eyes. "Yeah, sorry...guess you gotta put up with me a while longer."

Tears form behind Austin's eyes. He turns around to see the others, and focuses on Cindy. "He's...awake."

"What?" Cindy's heart leaps into her throat. "I...how..." She forces her legs to carry her into the doorway, and she peers inside, almost afraid to look. Her son gives her a little wave and a grin. Overcome with an emotional barrage, Cindy simply stands in shock for several moments. Finally she walks slowly to Jason's bed and sits in the chair, the tears starting to flow again. She takes his hand in hers and buries her face in his palm as she cries. "Oh, Jason...I thought I had lost you."

Jason swallows hard, not liking to see all the tears around him, and uncomfortable in the spotlight. "It's alright," he tries to comfort his mother. "I'm here...and I'm not going anywhere."

Cindy sniffs and straightens to look at him, her smile full of love. "I'm sorry....to you this is probably nothing... but I just can't believe it."

Austin and Con join her, both shaking their heads in disbelief. Con gives Jason a teasing look. "Hotshot, don't you ever do this again, do you hear me? I wouldn't be able to last through another bout like this."

Jason gives him a wry grin. "Glad you missed me, Con."

The room quickly fills with the others, all shocked but happy. JT glances down the hall, wondering at the quiet commotion. He goes to them, and when he sees what's happened, he stares in disbelief. "Good heavens..."

Austin smiles at JT. "I'm sure you don't like being called wrong, but..."

"I sure am glad I was wrong about this one." JT approaches Jason, sidling in next to Katie to check on Jason's vitals. "Kid, you're a walking miracle. You should have died ten minutes ago." He takes Jason's pulse, then retrieves a needle to draw some blood. "How are you feeling?"

Jason squints an eye as his arm is pricked. "I feel like I've been run over by a truck."

JT laughs. "That's pretty good for someone in your position. Can you be more specific?"

Jason answers him as JT continues to poke and prod. "My ribs are pretty sore...my face hurts a bit....my left leg feels like it's got a cement block sitting on top of it."

JT nods. "One good thing about you being asleep for this long is that your injuries have actually been healing quite nicely, and probably faster than if you'd been up and around - despite the poison that was in your system." He finishes taking blood. "I'm going to have some tests run on this to see what happened. I don't want to assume you're out of the woods yet."

Jason gestures to his leg. "So how bad is it?"

JT sighs, thinking. "I did as much reconstruction as I could. I replaced part of your knee...bone fragments caused a lot of damage and hassle, but I'm confident I removed all of them. Probably the worst of it was that there was some tearing in the muscles and tendon around the knee. A lot of healing has happened in three weeks, but the downside is that you haven't moved it at all. The mobility and strength that you'll gain back is questionable. I can't predict it." He leans in, looking closer at Jason's face. "Looks like we can get these stitches removed for you."

Jason grimaces slightly. "Just call me scarface." He glances to the side at a hand mirror.

JT raises an eyebrow. "You sure?"

"Show me," Jason nods.

JT hands him the mirror. "You're lucky there was no damage to your eye itself."

Jason looks at his own face, only now seeing the severity of the knife blow he'd received. It was evident that he would wear a diagonal scar across his eye and down to his cheek. But he shouldn't care - he was alive, and apparently that was amazing in itself. "Well...that's one battle scar I can show off."

Con chuckles. "You can wear that one with pride."

JT laughs and begins to retreat. "I'm going to run this blood sample down to the lab. For now, don't try to get up or anything. Just rest easy until I get back."


Things begin to quiet back down a little bit, and the room grows less crowded as some leave to make phone calls. Exhausted, Cindy finally pulls herself away as well to go get some coffee at the cafeteria that she's come to know so well the last few weeks. Once again, Katie is left with Jason.


"Praise the Lord!" Sparky's smile spreads from ear to ear as he hears Austin's voice. He covers the mouthpiece and shouts into the mess hall area from the kitchen. "Jason's awake, y'all!"