Ice

*Angel enters the room and shakes Ricks hand quickly before making her way to Con's bedside. Opening her bag Angel takes the flashlight and shines it into Con's eyes as she holds them open one by one. Talking to him knowing he can hear her.*

"Hey Con, Its Angel. I came to help out."

*Angel talks outloud as she looks at Con. Partly to herself and partly to the other.*

"Well he is sum what responsive even in this state he is in so thats a good sign."

*Angel moves her hand to Con's head and than to his arms and fingertips, than down to his tummy, and than his legs.*

"His cirulation is still good, and it dosent seem to be any failure in his orgens yet. We need to diffantly get his temp down though and these compress arnt working."

*Angel thinks for a long moment than turns to Jason, than Jamie.*

"Jason I want you to run to the store and buy 5 or 6 bages of ice. Jamie I need you to draw a cold bath not to full though. We need to dump the ice into it than get Con in. It should drop his temp and help him become contouse. Go hurry he cant stay in this deadly tempzone for long."

*Jamie nods and heads into the bathroom.*

*Once everyone but Rick had left the room Angel takes out a saringe and injects something into Con's arm.*

"Lets see if this works. Its something to fight infection. Maybe if we get his immune up real high he can pull through this."

*Angel looks at Rick worry corsing through her face.*

*As they enter the restront Katie waves."

"Hey Mable Hey Herb."

*Mable smiles.*

"Hey Katie."

*Herb raises his spatula and nods.*

"Heya Hero. I see they finally let ya rome around free huh?"

*Katie cant help but giggle as they make there way to the table.*

"I would sugest the stuffed chicken or the pizza. The chicken is my fav."

*Mable makes her way to the table with 2 drinks and sets them down.*

*Katie can help but let out a giggle.*

"Mable how did you know thats what I wanted?"

*Mable smiles.*

"Once you eat here I never forget."

*Mable looks at Kyle and smile.*

"Hey whos the looker, your the one kid from that band arnt you Jetstream? Your such a cutie I couldent forget that face. Katie hows that daughter of mine doing with her lovebird Con doing? I went over to Con's yesterday Jamie said he wasent feeling good but havent hurd anything since."

*Katie grows a bit solam and she speaks but raises an eyebrow at the mention of Con and Jamie being love birds. Mable was always geting her information mixed up maybe it was nothing.*

"Con's real sick right now Mable and Jamie has been staying with him. He's really not doing well at all. I"m sure he is gonna be ok Mable."

*Mable shakes her head and sighs.*

"Well I send my prayers there way. Its a shame. They looked so happy here the other day."

*Mable stakes Katie and Kyles order than starts to talk again when Herb yells from the kitchen.*

"MABLE....would you give me there order already and leave them alone. Cant you see they are on a date woman."

*Mable hurrys off as Katie lets out a hearty laugh and her face lights up.*

"Good Old Mable."

Anything

Jason hears Angel’s voice and goes to Con’s door. “Angel, hi. We’re down here.” He motions her inside. “Angel, this is Rick. Rick, Angel.”

Rick shakes her hand. “Glad to meet you.” He gestures to the bed. “Con’s not doing so hot. He was pretty restless and was fighting so much I ended up giving him a sedative to calm him down, but it’s starting to wear off.”

Con is starting to writhe again, fighting the bedsheets, his hand going back to his head as he winces.

Rick frowns. “He’s burning up, but I can’t get the fever back down. I just don’t know what else to do for him. He’s not responding to anybody…I can’t get him to come completely conscious…” He rubs a hand over his face. “Anything you can think of, I’m game to try.”


Kyle is taken by surprise by Katie’s hug, but returns it with a laugh. “Yes, off to lunch. Away we go. You and me…” he pauses, trying to think of a rhyme. “And on with the show?” He rolls his eyes. “Mom and Pop’s it is, my dear.”

Once to the restaurant, Kyle parks and helps Katie inside. The bell on the door signals their entrance, and he finds a table for them to sit at. “Mmm…been a while since I’ve been here. What would you recommend?”

Lunch

*Jamie turns and whipes the tears from her eyes. Trying to smiles.*

"I hope he will be Hotshot. I hope he will be. I cant help it...I'm just so worryed and, I've known Con for so long to see him like this just...hurts so much."

*Holding herself from crying again Jamie goes to the fridge. Grabing some coldcutes and some cheese whiping together some sandwiches.*

"Lets bring some up to Rick and see if Con can have any."

*Jamie grabs the tray and heads back upstairs.*

*Angel smiles to Wyatt as he waves to her.*

"Nice to meet you."

*Once they are the the house Angel talkes her bag and heads into the house. Looking around Angel makes her way upstairs and calls out.*

"Hello..Jason?"

*As Katie and Kyle speeds out into the parking lot Katie laughs so hard. As Katie is helped into the truck she smiles.*

"Oh wow you guys said yes. That is such good new. Jason is going to be so happy, I am so happy. Thank you Kyle thank you."

*Katie throws her arms around Kyle katie gives him a big hug, than draws away quickly.*

"TO LUNCH WE GO..."

At Con's

Jason sees Jamie leave, still a bit confused by her behavior. He stays and watches Con for a while, makes a call back to TJY, paces, and finally wanders downstairs after Jamie doesn’t come back. He finds her in the kitchen, and his curiosity turns into compassion, realizing that she’s been crying.

Sighing just a little, he comes up to her from behind and puts an arm around her shoulders. “He’ll be all right…” He hoped his voice sounded more confident than what he was really feeling. “He’s too strong to let this get him down.”


Wyatt pulls up to the familiar spot near the airport and sees that the jet has just arrived. Seeing a woman stepping down from the open door, Wyatt gets out and waves her over. “Hey, you must be Angel. I’m Wyatt Reese. I’m the one who called you…I’ll take you to Con.”

Within minutes they’re on their way to Con’s, Wyatt explaining a little bit more to Angel about what’s been going on. Pulling up to the curb, Wyatt gets out and shows Angel to the door. “He’s upstairs with Rick and I think Jason’s still here too.”


Kyle peeks his head around the corner into Katie’s room, letting a silly grin escape. “Psst… if we hurry, we can get out of here without anyone seeing it. Sergeant Nurse is gone right now.” He tiptoes into her room and takes the back of her chair, keeping his voice to a whisper. “Shh….” He steers her out the door, looks both ways, then sprints for the elevator. After a rushed ride outside to the truck, Kyle finally stops, just a little out of breath. “Alright, missy, we’re off to eat Italian food. And while we’re there, we can celebrate the fact that you know before Jason that JetStream has decided to take him on.”

On My Way

*Jamie stands not being able to talk it anymore. She walks over to Jason the life that was there not so long ago almost gone but hope still remained.*

"I hope your friend really can help."

*Jamie makes her way to the door.*

"I'm going to make us some lunch if you need me. I'll be back."

*Jamie leaves and makes her way downstairs and to the kitchen. Once there she puts her hands on the sink and leans into it puting her head down. She dident want to cry in front of everyone but she couldent help it anymore her teas just came now. Jamie just dident understand why this was happing now. Why would someone try and poison Con.*

*Angel nods and leans in giving Luke a kiss.*

"I will. Let everyone alse know whats going on for me and I will call when I can. Thank you Luke."

*Angel gives him one more hug than heads to her car. After driving for about an hour she finally makes it to the air. Once everything is taken she is escorted to the jet and takes off for the long flight to Navada.*

*Katie smiles though Kyle cant see her.*

"I'm ready now so when ever you get here I'll be ready. Hope to see ya soon Hun. Drive safe."

*Katie hangs up her phone and leans her head back in her chair closing her eyes and saying her own prayer for Con.*

Come to get you

Jason watches Jamie, his eyebrow rising. Everyone at TJY liked Con…and Jamie had been a friend of Con’s for a long time. But something seemed different. Jason hadn’t expected her to be quite this emotional. A small amount of confusion evolves from curiosity, but he says nothing.

His phone rings on his belt, and he steps outside to take it. “Yeah….oh, hi, Wyatt.” Though Jason had conversed with Wyatt several times since returning from Texas, they still hadn’t discussed all that had happened, so any conversation was just a little awkward. “Hmm? No, he’s not doing so great. Rick had to give him a sedative to calm down…. What’s that… Angel? Yeah, I know her. Oh, really? Not a bad idea. Yeah, I trust her, she’s good. …Okay, thanks for letting me know. Does Reese know all this? Alright. Do me a favor and tell him I’ll be back in when I can, but I’m gonna stick around here for a while. …Thanks again, Wyatt. Bye.”

Jason flips his phone shut and reenters the room, drawing Rick to the side. “That was Wyatt. Katie suggested he call Angel, a doctor back at the ranch in Texas. Figured it couldn’t hurt to have her take a look at Con too, and she might have some ideas.”

Rick nods. “I’ve done all I know how to do, so any help is welcomed. I just hope she gets here in time.”

Con sleeps, but his breathing is still shallow, his body still resisting the foreign agent, and fighting, despite the sedative. His arms twitch a little, his hands grabbing the bedsheets with a vice grip.


Angel’s news catches Luke off guard, but he recovers quickly. He returns her hug, then puts a hand to her face, knowing that this is something she needs to do. “Okay. Call me when you know more.”


Kyle sits up straighter in the couch, a little bit concerned, and growing more serious. “Man, I’m sorry to hear about your friend…if you’re sure you want to get out though I thought I’d swing by in about an hour. I think I know what restaurant you’re talking about. So… if you want, be ready, and I’ll come on up to get ya.”

Toes

*Jamie sits helpless watching Rick and Jason with Con. Listing to Ricks judgment on Con and his condition. As if moving not feeling anything Jamie makes her way to Con's bed and sits down on the edgh placing her hands on Con arm again Jamie bows her head and mutter a small prayer. Than oping her eyes they start to water.*

"Oh Con, you have to pull though this...You cant leave me. Not now...not when everything had become perfect."

*Angel jumps on the porch and gives Luke a hug.*

" I have to leave for Navada Luke. Its Con, someone poisoned him just like they did Jason. Con isent doing good and going down hill fast. The Doc they have there is beside himself on what to do and since they new I helped with Jason they though I could help. And I told them I would. Since Con got here we all got to know him, He's like part of the ranch family. I have to try and help him."

*Angel searches Luke's eyes knowing he would understand. Angel gives him a up again.*

*Katie picks up her phone and see its Kyle. There was that ray of sunshine again. Answering the phone Katie sounds a bit drone.*

"Hey Kyle...Ya I think I want to go to alittle Italian place not to far away. Its a hotspot for alot of people...I just hope I am am not to much of a downer...a good friend of mine someone I look at like a big brother Con was posined and he is not doing to well....geting my mind off it will be nice though."

*Katie taps her finger on her leg listoning to Kyel. Her toes wiggle alittle as she keeps taping, but dosent relize it as she talks to Kyle.*

Dosage

Rick keeps an eye on traffic as he listens to Jamie, and hears noise in the background. “Crap, it’s happening too fast…” He slams on the brakes, almost missing a stop sign. “Jamie, I won’t lie to you – Con’s in a lot of trouble. He’s been poisoned. I don’t know how, but it’s in his bloodstream. It’s similar to whatever took Jason down a while back when he was in Texas…remember hearing about that?” He pauses again to make a turn onto another street. “The poison causes an intense infection that spreads rapidly. It’ll hit any weak spot Con’s got, so I can imagine he’s in quite a bit of pain right now as many injuries as he’s had. But that’s why he’s got such a high fever – his body is trying to fight the infection.”

Rick makes another turn, glancing in his rearview mirror to ensure Jason is still behind him. “I’m on Con’s street now, Jamie. Hold on.”


Reality is a fog, and fear grips Con. Something is wrong. He needs to fight. He’s in pain…something is harming him…he can’t get away. Fighting blindly, he doesn’t even realize anymore that Jamie is with him.

Within minutes of Rick ending his call with Jamie, he and Jason are sprinting up the stairs. Seeing Con writhing in bed, Rick is quick to bark orders. “Jason, get a hold on him and keep him still. Jamie, go get a bandage for his hand.”

Jason moves quickly, winding up straddling Con and using all his strength to hold down Con’s arms in order to gain any control at all over the larger man. “Rick, I can’t hold him much longer.” He knew from experience that Con’s size was no joke – his strength matched it, making him near impossible to take down.

Rick goes for his bag, pulling out a syringe. “I didn’t want to do this, but we’ve got to get him calmed down.” He sidles in by Jason, aiming the needle at Con’s vein.

“What is it?”

“A sedative.” Rick pierces Con’s skin, keeping his eyes on the task.

Finished, it’s only moments before Con’s body begins to relax. Jason breathes a sigh of relief as he’s able to let go, and he slides off the bed.

Rick begins a thorough search of Con’s body, finally finding a small red mark on his right arm. “Mm…looks like a tiny puncture wound. I wonder if that’s it. He could have received it without even realizing it.” He shakes his head and stands up, studying Con’s sleeping figure. “I betcha anything that if Con were my size and in my shape, he’d be dead by now…which leads me to believe that whoever gave him a dose didn’t figure that in. It’s like giving a tranquilizer to a house dog versus an elephant.”

Jason grits his teeth, fighting the emotions of seeing his friend in this state. “So he’s stayed alive this long…what chance do you give him?”

Rick glances at Jamie for a moment, then back to Jason. “I don’t know. If we can’t stop the poison, it will start to affect other areas of his body. Allowed to continue, his organs will shut down on by one until his heart will finally give out.” He takes a deep breath. “But he’s made it this far, and he’s a fighter. Let’s just hope and pray that whoever did this really did misjudge the dosage, and he’ll be able to fight it off.”


Wyatt hangs up with Angel, and quickly dials his contact in Texas. “Yeah…have the jet waiting pronto. It will be Angel Lachey. …Right. Let her on and get her here as fast as you can.”

Luke is on the mess hall porch, and his eyes widen in question at Angel. He can tell from her body language that all is not well, and she’s packed, ready to leave. “Hey, where you heading? What’s wrong?”

…At the Texas airport, a small jet is ready and waiting for immediate takeoff, once its passenger arrives.



“So what do you think, guys?” Mike looks across the kitchen table at Kyle and Phil.

Kyle traces a water stain on the table with his thumb. “You first, bro.”

Phil purses his lips in thought. “Well…Jason, and Katie too, are in a pretty hefty business. I mean, finding out about their corporation itself is news, let alone knowing they work there.”

“You think it’s all true?” Mike questions.

“Yeah, I do.”

Mike nods. “Me too. It’s pretty amazing, but unless I’ve lost all sense of judgment, Jason and Katie aren’t the types to lie, especially about things as major as they talked about.”

“Sounds like they’ve both had it pretty rough,” Kyle adds.

“I think you’re right.” Mike sighs. “So…other than this TJY place being kept a secret, basically having Jason on the band would be like having any other law enforcement with us. If he’s got someone after him, it’s no different than having a cop who’s put a crook in jail.”

“That’s the conclusion I came to,” Phil agrees. “If we knew a cop who we wanted to join us, it would be the same thing.”

Kyle nods. “Which also applies to if he has to skip out to be on some case.” He shrugs. “If that ever happened, we could manage. Emergencies happen to anyone, even us.”

Mike allows a pause in the conversation, as they think. “Apparently Jason has had it rough enough that he’s got some problems deal with some of his past.”

Kyle looks down, knowing he can relate just a little bit. “Well…he can’t help that. He said he’d been abducted…I mean…wow…that’s heavy. He didn’t go into details, but being taken by a stranger…for over a year…that’s enough to mess anyone up.”

“What did you think about Katie’s comment regarding us being a Godsend?” Mike asks.

Kyle smiles just a little. “I’d say we succeeded in our mission…and maybe God did bring us together…we all know everything happens for a reason. Katie…and Jason too…they both have had it so rough that…I don’t want to sound like we’re ‘all that,’ but maybe the band gives them something to look forward to. I mean, we’re a crazy bunch, no doubt.”

All three of them laugh as Kyle continues. “Maybe that’s what they needed, ya know? I don’t want to be proud, but I wouldn’t want to think God never used us, either.”

The men grow quiet again before Phil speaks. “So…even if having Jason around wouldn’t be much different than law enforcement…do we want that risk? Do we want ourselves to be targets? Or our families?”

Mike swallows hard. He’d already lost so much to the hands of an enemy. But right now, it was all gone. What else did he have to lose? “I’m not scared by it.”

Kyle nods knowingly. “I don’t think I am either. If…well, if it was God’s plan to bring us together, you think He’s not going to protect us? We shouldn’t just go in blinding ourselves to fact, but even Jason said there would be someone to keep an eye out…probably Katie.”

“Anything could happen to any of us anywhere,” Phil concludes. “If we’re at an event where there’s a judge who put someone away, there could be a driveby shooting that had nothing to do with us, and we could get hurt. For that matter, any of us could get up in the morning, fall down the stairs and kill ourselves before the day is up. I’m not convinced we should say no to this because of the danger… Kyle, I like what you said… if this is God’s doing, He’s not going to let us down.” He gives a little a laugh. “And brother, you’ve got a good voice, but man…”

Kyle grins. “Jason can sing, can’t he?”

“And play the guitar,” Mike adds. He looks at the other two. “So does this mean we’ve come to a decision?”

Kyle and Phil nod. “All we need is a final ‘yes’ from Jason.”


Not much later, Kyle flops down into the couch in his and Phil’s living room, phone in hand. He glances at the piece of paper in his hand and dial’s Katie, knowing nothing of the emergency going on in that other part of the world. “Hey, KT! You decide where you wanted to eat or what?”

Ya

*As Jamie trys to hold Con's arms down from flying about she also trys to whipe the blood from the back of his hand.*

"Mmmm...well...his pulce is racing you can see by the way he is breathing...*more noises can be heard in the background.*...Con....He keeps trying to push me away and wont let me help him. I dont think he relizes its me.....uh huh....ya he keeps grabing at the side of his head like he is in pain.....he looks like he hurts so bad."

*Jamie cant help it anymore as her tears break free as see Con in so much pain. Breathing in deep she trys to stay clam.*

"What happing to him Rick. This isent just a cold."

*As Angel holds the phone in her office her face pales just alittle. Not Con...how could this happen. Angel dident know who Wyatt was or if she could even trust him, but the ergncy in his voice told her she could.*

"Ya I will.... Give me an hour to get some stuff together and let everyone know fast whats going on....ok...ok...Thank you Wyatt I'll be ready."

*After hanging up the phone Angel grabs her Bag and takes some stuff from the office she thinks she will need. Also grabing stuff she might not need but its better to be safe than sorry when holding someone's life in your hands. After finished in the office Angel heads into her room and grabs some clothing stuffing them into her suitcase. If she needed more than that she could buy it once in Navada. Finsihing up she shuts the lights off and makes a dash for the messhall knowing everyone will be gathering there for lunch.*

Asking

Con fights off Jamie’s attempts to help, no longer realizing the reality around him. Swinging his arm, it hits the lamp on his nightstand, sending it off the edge and crashing to the floor. The back of his hand bleeds from a cut he received, but he doesn’t react to the new pain.

Rick answers his phone as he’s getting into his car. “I’m coming, Jamie, I’m coming. Just stay calm, alright?” He starts the engine and sees Jason sprinting for his bike. “Jason and I are on our way right now. Just hang in there. What’s happening?”

Wyatt jots down Angel’s name on a piece of paper. “Rick just left again, but I’m going to call her right now. At this point, I think Rick is gonna need all the help he can get, and if it’s as bad as Jason, we don’t have a lot of time to work with here. Thanks, Katie…I’ll talk to you soon.” He hangs up and immediately dials Angel’s office at the ranch.
“Hi, Angel? My name is Wyatt, I’m over in Nevada at TJY. I would have gone through Austin, but there’s not much time. Con’s out here and he’s been poisoned with a different strain of what took Jason down a while back. Our in-house doctor doesn’t know what to do, and Katie suggested I call you… If you’re willing to come, I can call the airport to have a private jet standing by to fly you in. I know this is sudden but…would you?”

Help

*Jamies eyes open with shock at Con. She trys her best to hold Con down Before he hurts himself*

"Con Stop....Con.."

*As hard as she trys she cant though Con is just to strong. Still trying to hold Con Jamie dials on her phone.*

"RICK....*noises can he hurd in the backaround.* RICK YOU NEED TO GET HERE FAST BRING JASON...SOMETHING IS...CON STOP....SOMETHING IS HAPPING TO CON PLEASE HURRY...."

*Katie eyes widen...memories of when Jason was in the hospetal flash in her mind. How they almost lost him.*

"No..this cant be happping not now."

*Katie's mind reels....there was one person that might help. Rick was a city doc, did things by the book and dident try new things. But this one person....she might be the key.*

"Wyatt you need to get a hold of Angel Lachey. She lives with my Aunt in Texas. She could probley help. She was there with JT when Jason was in the hospetal. She isent your normel City Doc, She is a small country on but she knows was she is doing and she is amazing. I know she can Help Con Wyatt I just know it."

Fighting

Con’s breathing becomes shallow, and he numbly drinks a little bit of water, but shakes his head at the mention of food. He doesn’t know when he’s ever resisted food, but right now, it’s the furthest thing from his mind.

He begins to drift in and out of consciousness, dreams beginning to torment his mind. Pictures of the past…strong emotions felt. Fear. Dread. Anger. He hears gunshots…he feels the wounds all over again, reliving past years in the field. He sees again the horror faced of fights and war on the streets he’d tried so hard to end. He sees friends and family, pained by choices and circumstances…his choices…his circumstances.

Con begins to writhe in bed, now no longer waking, but beginning to shake from chills and shock. He pulls off the towel and kicks off the blankets, fighting anything and everything. His hand goes to the side of his head as he resists the pain.


Jason follows Rick back out of the lab. “I’m coming with you.”

“Suit yourself. You might want to call Laura too.”

Laura…Jason hadn’t even thought about that. “I’ll meet you at Con’s.” He heads for Laura’s desk.


Wyatt smiles at the sound of Katie’s voice. “Alright, I’ll tell Ty. He, um…told me you might be working with him a little on reading. I think that’s great.” He looks up as Jason and Rick hurry past. “Katie, hang on a sec.” After finding out the details, Wyatt resumes his conversation, his tone changed to concerned. “Jason and Rick just passed, they’re going over to Con’s. Sounds like he’s not doing well at all – they don’t know how, but he’s been poisoned with a similar substance that got Jason in such bad shape…Rick doesn’t know what he’s going to do.”

Con

*As Jamie feels Con move her sits up. Placing her hand on his face she feels he is still warm.*

"I'm here Con. I'm here...let me rewet these towles."

*Jamie leaves the room grabing fresh towles and geting them wet. How she wished Con was going to be ok. He couldent leave her now. A tear falls from Jamies face. Whiping it away she heads back to Con's room. She had to be strong. She wouldent crack now. Taking away the old towles Jamie places the new one.*

"Here Con drink some more water. Are you hungry at all? Try and stay Calm. I'm here with you sweetheart."

*KAtie smiles at Wyatt's voice.*

"Hey You. Sorry I messed you guys yesterday....tell Ty not to be silly and stop by anytime. He wont be bothering me though I might make him take me out....ya I cant wait to go home...ya...Any word on Con yet?"

Poison

Jason is just a little surprised as Katie takes his hand, but he gives it slight squeeze before turning to go. “Sleep well,” he whispers, and turns to go.


Con is too weak to resist any help, and simply accepts Jamie’s nursing. He tries to wake up and clear the fog from his mind, but it seems an impossible task. He finally just gives up, settling back on his pillow.

His eyes still closed, he feels Jamie’s form next to him, and finally her head resting on his shoulder. His arm automatically moves to wrap around her as he tries to reassure her, despite being unable to make any words form…


Rick barely takes time to throw his car in park before jumping out and sprinting for the TJY door, bag in hand.

Jason is just locking his helmet to his bike when he sees Rick. “Hey, what’s the hurry?”

Rick simply yells over his shoulder. “Con’s in a bad way. Gotta check a blood sample.”

Jason’s heart skips a beat and he immediately runs after Rick, following him into the building. “What do you mean he’s in a bad way? Jamie checked on him yesterday – I assumed no news was good news.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t care about yesterday.” Rick waits impatiently for the elevator to stop. “It was Jamie who found him this morning and called me. Con’s got a dangerously high fever and he’s barely responsive.”

“And you don’t think he’s just got a bug?”

Rick pauses just a moment as the elevator doors open, to look at Jason. “Since when have you seen Con sick, let alone sick enough not to work?”

“Never.”

“That’s what worries me. The only times I’ve ever treated him were for bullet and knife wounds, and even then he was rearing to go before I’d even released him.” Rick quickly makes his way across the main floor with Jason close behind. Both hardly take time to greet anyone. Once in Rick’s quarters, he goes to the small adjoining lab, retrieving the blood sample and donning a pair of rubber gloves.

Jason watches intently, worried at seeing Rick so concerned. He simply stays and waits.

Rick works with the equipment available in the lab, eventually getting the sample under a microscope. It takes only a few moments for Rick to sit up straight. “Oh, no.” He moves to a filing drawer and begins flipping through files at a rapid rate.

Jason steps closer. “What? What is it?”

Rick ignores the question and finally pulls out a file with Jason’s name on it.

Jason raises an eyebrow. “What are you doing? What did you find?”

Rick sits back down to look in the microscope and jots a few notes, then turns to a readout of the blood analysis. Taking it, he opens the file, scrounging for a certain paper. Finding it, he compares the two readouts.

Jason moves a little closer, genuine concern taking over. “Rick…what is it?”

Finally Rick moves his chair away from the lab counter and looks up at Jason, worry filling every part of his face. “Con’s been poisoned. It’s a different strain of the same poison that put you in a coma and almost killed you.”

The blood drains from Jason’s face. “What…how…what can we do?”

Rick throws his arms in the air. “What could they do for you?”

“Nothing.”

Rick’s jaw tightens. “The poison probably would have killed Con in the night, had he not been so strong to begin with, let alone his body size helps. His body resisted it, and the poison found a way to come out, mimicking the flu.”

“So what are you saying? There’s nothing we can do?”

“I don’t know!” Rick stands with frustration.

Jason looks at him, still in shock. “Well we need to get him to the hospital then.”

“We can’t.”

“What do you mean we can’t?”

“We’ve already got one person in the hospital,” Rick reasons in exasperation. “If we show up with another patient, let alone one who’s been poisoned, we’ll immediately be under suspicion and TJY’s security will be in danger. You know that’s the way it works – it always has.”

Jason scowls at him. “So what? We just let Con die?”

“I don’t know!” Rick begins to pace. “Even if we did take him to the hospital, Jase, they couldn’t do anything for him. JT himself couldn’t find a cure for you.”

“Well then how come I didn’t die?”

“You tell me.” Rick looks at him with sternness to mask his own worry. “Take a look at your own files and you tell me. No one could explain it, Jase. God’s intervention is the only thing that could have saved you.”

Jason swallows hard, trying not to let his emotions take over. He didn’t want Katie to worry. “…And you don’t think that will happen with Con?”

“Who are we to say?” Rick turns and starts busying himself with preparations.

“What are you doing?”

“The only thing I can do. I’m gonna get an IV over to Con so he gets some nourishment in his body. This poison has created an infection throughout his whole body, which is why he’s got a fever. His body is trying to fight it. The poison will attack the weakest spots he’s got, and I need to be there if that happens. And then I’m going to do what everyone else does…wait.”


Con winces as he wakes up, his head throbbing, and his mouth feeling as though he’s been chewing on cotton balls. A sharp pain surges through his left ear and he squirms, feeling the sweat run down the side of his face. Dream after dream runs through his mind, and reality becomes fuzzy. He can hardly make out anything in the bedroom, and fights to try and sit up. “Jamie?” he whispers hoarsely in desperation. Moving, a wave of dizziness hits him, and he falls back to his pillow, his pulse racing.


Wyatt hears his phone and he sees it’s Katie. Grabbing it, he tries to go through the files on his desk, while keeping an eye on what’s going on around him. “Hey, good morning, Sunshine.”

Its gonna be ok

*Katie slightly opens her eyes as she feels Jason's finger on her arm. A smile forms on her lips as she looks up at Jason.*

"Have a good day at work. I'll see ya in a bit."

*Katie takes Jason's hand and holds it for a moment. Than lets it go drifting off to sleep again.*

*An hour goes by and Katie wakes again. The light streming into the window. Katie sits up and strechs. Calling nurse in to help her into her wheelchair Katie gets ready for the day. Coming out of the bathroom Katie sees the not from Wyatt on her table and smiles pulling her phone out and dialing his number.*

*Jamie nods to Rick as her palse quickens for a new reson. Fear had a way of taking a hold of people. After Rick leaves Jamie goes to get the towles wet again and some water for Con returning in minutes.*

"Con drink this."

*Jamie helps tilt Con's head up and puts the cup to his lips. After he takes a few sips Jamie places it on the night stand climbing on the other side of Con's bed she sits up flicking on the TV and holding his hand. Finding something to watch Jamie puts the remote down.*

"Its gonna be ok Con, your strong you can pull through this."

*Jamie scoots down on the bed and puts her arm around Con as she rests her head on Con's shoulder. Eye her become tired as she drifts to sleep.*

Stay here

Jason glances over to Katie, and seeing she’s asleep, he shuts off the movie and rolls over to try and find sleep himself. His eyes find her sleeping form, and he replays the evening. It had been a lot of fun, sharing the time not only with JetStream, but with Katie too. It was perfect… would they have more of that time? What would the band decide?


Jason rustles around in his bag, having already gotten up and dressed. He’d much rather hang around here with Katie than go into work, but Reese had already given him enough breaks, that he wasn’t about to push it any more at the moment.

As he sits down to lace up his boots, he notices a piece of paper that had evidently fallen to the floor from one of the beds the evening before. Picking it up, he scans it to see what it is.

Hey Katie. Ty and I stopped by, but evidently you were out. We just wanted to say hi. Ty said to tell you he was sorry for not coming by when he said he would, but he knew you’d been having a rough time and didn’t want to bother you. (he’s on night shift with Hal now and doing well, by the way). I heard Jason was back but didn’t see him at work yesterday – tell him hi.
I might swing by again after work if you’re around.
Need anything, be sure to call.
-Wyatt

Jason quirks an eyebrow, and folds it back up, setting it on Katie’s bedside table. He pulls on his leather jacket, stuffs his gloves in his back pocket and makes sure he has his wallet and keys. He pauses for a moment by Katie’s bed, reaching down to run a finger on her arm. “Hey, sleepy. I’m heading to work. I’ll be back around lunch.”


Con barely knows what’s going on as Jamie comes to him. He fumbles, trying to get himself up, but knows he’s putting most of his weight on her. Just getting back into bed, spends what little energy he’d had left.

His eyes closed, he hears Jamie’s voice and feels the cool cloth. He feels her hand in his, and gives it a gentle squeeze, though no words seem to want to form in his mouth. He’s just tired…so tired…

Rick takes Jamie’s call on his cell phone as he’s driving to work, but is quick to make a turn and head straight to Con’s. He’s there within minutes, grabbing his bag from the trunk and sprinting up the porch steps. “Jamie?!” He calls into the house.

He instinctively heads upstairs and sees the open door to Con’s room. Entering, his eyes widen. “Good land.”

Rick feels Con’s forehead and checks his pulse, a frown forming on his face. “I’ve never even treated him for a head cold before. Something’s not right.” He opens Con’s eyes, shining a light in them, and checks his mouth and throat. “Con, can you hear me? Do you hurt anywhere?”

Con barely opens one eye and nods lamely. “Everywhere,” he manages to whisper.”

“Have you eaten or drank anything? Taken any meds?”

Con slowly shakes his head. “Not…since yesterday…”

Rick purses his lips, his brow furrowing as he studies Con. He takes a needle from his bag and preps a place on Con’s arm. “Steady now, Con. This is gonna sting. I’m gonna draw some blood.”

Con grits his teeth and doesn’t even flinch as the needle pricks his vein.

Rick finishes quickly, and turns to Jamie. “I’m going to get this to the lab for testing. In the meantime, I want you to stay here with him. Try to get some clear liquids in him, and keep giving him the cold compacts to try and get his temperature down. If he gets worse or anything changes, call me immediately. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Help

*Katie giggles at Kyle as he leaves. Snuggling under her covers the night proves to have been a long one.*

"We can watch a movie but I dont think I will stay up to long."

*Katie cant help but laugh. Finally as the hours go by Katie falls fast asleep. a smile on her lips.*


*As Jamie wakes she lets out a long yawn. She had stayed pritty late lastnight to finish up her work like promised Reese and even got some stuff for today done as well. Witch was good. Jamied wanted to head over and see how Con was doing before heading in anyways. Katie gets out of bed and heads into the shower. After geting out and heading downstairs Jamie grabs some stuff to make Con a breakfest and heads out. Moment later Jamie is pulling into Con driveway Jamie sences something is wrong. Con should be up by now. Keeping her gun close to her she gets out of the car and slowly enter the house. Everything was quiet....to quiet Jamie thinks than laughs to herself. Slowly walking around the house nothing seems out of place. Maybe Con as just sleeping still. Making her way slowly upstairs Jamie knocks on Con's door and slowly opens it hoping Con was decent. Jamies eyes widen as Con is laying on the floor. Rushing in Jamie slids down next to him.*

"Con...oh Con what happend."

* Feeling his head he is burning up again. Running out of the room Jamie grabs some towles to do the same thing she did yesterday. Coming back she gains a strength she dident know she had and helps Con back into bed before grabing her cell and calling Rick.*

"RICK ITS JAMIE. YOU NEED TO GET TO CON'S HOUSE NOW. SOMETHING IS WRONG. I THINK ITS MORE THAN A COLD. PLEASE HURRY!"

*Jamie closes her phone and goes back to Con siting down next to him on the bed taking his hand.*

" Its ok Con, Rick is on his way."

*She gently runs her hand on his face and whipes the towl across his heated skin. Her tummy having new nots of fear.*

"Please God Help Con. Dont let me lose him already.*

Worse

Phil reaches over to take Katie’s picture, his eyes lighting up. “Man, this is really good.” He elbows Mike. “Look.”

Mike’s eyebrows rise. “Hey, not bad.” He fingers the logo. “I like it.”

The backdoor slams shut as Kyle lets it go behind him, carrying the plate of cookies. “You just couldn’t wait for me could you?” He grins as he sets the plate down, then stands behind Mike and Phil to stare over their shoulders. “Ha! What did I tell you two? I knew it would be perfect.”


The rest of the evening goes by fairly quickly, and as darkness descends, the small gathering disperses. Jason leads the way back to the hospital, while Kyle once again gives Katie a ride.

As they pull to a stop in the parking lot, Kyle cuts the pickup engine, and glances over to Katie. “Well, this has certainly been an interesting evening, I’ll give you that. Though I think I can predict the outcome.” Grinning, he gets out and comes around to help Katie with her wheelchair.

Meeting up with Jason, the three head to Katie’s room where Jason helps her back into her bed.

Finished, he nods to Kyle. “Thanks for everything.”

“Yeah, no problem. We all had fun, and…one of us will give you a call tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.”

Kyle turns around to look at Katie. “And you be thinking about where you’d like to go out to eat, so tomorrow when I call you and you agree to go out with me, I’ll know where to take you.” He can’t help his grin as he spins back around and heads for the door, waving as he goes.

Jason quirks an eyebrow and smiles a little as he takes off his jacket and settles down on the spare bed. “Alright, so…movie or sleep?”


Con sighs deeply, feeling a contentment he’s never experienced as Jamie lays down her head. Her breath on his skin brings comfort. Her fingers running through his hair is calm and soothing.

He wraps his arms around her and kisses her head lightly, just holding her close for several minutes, unable to even imagine how everything had changed in a single moment. But it had. And suddenly a new road was laid out before him.

Finally, though not wanting to, he answers her question, breaking the silence. “No, I think I’ll just sleep some more. I’ll be all right now. You go get your work done and scoot on home to take care of yourself. I’ll probably be up and running again come morning so I can get back to work.”

He lifts her chin with a finger, to give her one last kiss on the lips before offering a tired smile. “Thanks, Jamie.”

…Alone once again, Con remains on the couch for a while before finally mustering up enough energy to get himself to bed.


...Con barely opens his eyes to see the digital numbers on his alarm clock. His ears finally receive the sound of the buzzing wakeup call, though he realizes that it’s been going off for ten minutes. He lifts his arm to shut it off, and groans at the movement. Ever muscle in his body hurt, aching from head to toe.

Rolling over, he realizes that his bedsheets were soaked with sweat from during the night. Trying to prop himself up, the room appears fuzzy, his mind disoriented and clouded. He doesn’t have to take his temperature to know that his fever is back and worse than the day before. Sinking back down he winces as it feels like someone has hit him over the head with a hammer.

Knowing he needs to get up, he manages to swing his legs out of bed and stand, but his muscles can’t take the strain and his knees buckle, sending him sliding to the floor by his bed. His eyes closed and his breathing shallow, he reaches to his nightstand for the phone. Something was wrong…really wrong…

Somehow managing to get the phone to his ear, he dials TJY. Nothing. No sound. His phone was dead.

Too weak to do anything else and too tired to think up any other options, he simply stays where he is.

Safe

*For a moment Katie see the softer side of Kyle. A smile coming to her face as he jumps up to get the cookies. Katie smiles at Phil as he askes about the picture. She has almost forgot she had it with her. Grabing her bag she opens it up and pulls out the cardboard rmoving the cover she pulls out the picture and places itr on the table sliding it to Phil. As the last remaning bits of lite hit the picture Katie relize just how good it really did turn out but dident want to get a big head.*

" Its not the best, but it turned out better than I exspected. I changed a few things on the Logo Kyle gave me to make it look better with this kind of picture but the idea is still there and it still looks almost the same. If you guys dont like it I can change it back."

*Katie smiles very proude of her work and hopes the guys would like it as much as Jason had.*

*As Jamie feels Con's soft touch on her face and his gentil lips on her a chill shoots down her spin. This feeling Jamie felt, true love, and the feel of true love being given back was new to her but a ever so sweet feeling. She wouldent rather have anyone alse close to her this moment but the she knows and trusts. As Con pulls away Jamie rests her head on his chest. Feeling his warm skin on her face. Oh how this moment was pure bliss. In a small whisper Jamies replys.*

"Its a risk I am willing to take. I want to make sure you ok and be here if you need me."

*A smile forms on Jamies face lighting it up. As she runs her hand lightly along Con's face and though is hair. How happy she was. She liked being this close to Con. It made her feel safe, something she hasent felt in a long time.*

"Want me to warm you up some soup?"

Ending the day

Kyle receives Katie’s smile like the earth soaking up sunshine and he can’t help letting a wink escape in her direction. He waits for her to drop her gaze first, allowing her just a slight glimpse of the depth beneath the silliness he always shows.

Jason chuckles at Katie’s comment. “Yeah…let me warn you guys…there’s not getting rid of Hero once she makes up her mind.” He looks in her direction with a thoughtful smile. “Not that that’s a bad thing.”

Finished eating, Jen lays her napkin on her paper plate and looks at both Jason and Katie in thought. “Well…I know I speak for the guys too when I say we appreciate you both telling us all this.” She smiles at Katie. “I know it wasn’t that easy.”

“There’s an awful lot to think about,” Phil agrees. “But, Jason, we’ll let you know by tomorrow our decision. There’s no point in dragging it out and making you wonder.”

Jason nods. “Thank you. And if you decide it’s not best for the band to have me around, then know I’m not going to be offended.”

Kyle smirks a little. “If you don’t end up with us, I expect to see a single record of yours out within a year. You’re too good not to do something with that voice and guitar of yours.”

Jason’s face reddens just a little. “Well, we’ll see. In the meantime, thanks, guys. I know this was a lot to hear.”

“How come you trust us?” Mike questions. “If this corporation….TJY…is so secretive, how come you could tell us?”

Kyle intervenes slyly. “I betcha we’ve been checked out.”

Jason can’t lie, and nods. “I trusted you, but I did have a background check run on you, just to satisfy my boss.”

“Oh great, so you know about my speeding ticket,” Phil groans.

Jason laughs. “I won’t tell anyone.”

“Well…” Jen breaks up the conversation, looking at the darkening sky. “I’ve got cookies in the kitchen if anyone would like to go get them before we have to break up this little party.”

“Ooh!” Kyle jumps up. “I’m on it.”

As he leaves, Phil leans forward to see around Mike to Katie. “So…Kyle said you were working on that picture…”


Con’s heart rate quickens as Jamie rises from the floor and moves closer to him. Her hands on his skin feel like velvet. The sweet smell of her perfume drifts on the cool air, caressing his senses.

As Jamie’s lips meet his, he’s unsure if the room spins because of his fever or because of the moment. The cloth on his forehead slips off unnoticed as his eyes go closed.

He slowly returns the kiss with gentle passion, a contrast to his rough features. His hands move to Jamie’s face and head, cradling her with tenderness.
Pulling away every so slightly, he combs her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear before drawing her back close to return his lips to hers.

Though tired and weak, he wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.

He finally releases his soft hold, drawing back just enough to see Jamie’s eyes. He runs a finger down the side of her face, memorizing every detail. But reality knocks at the door, reminding Con of the truth. He was exhausted.

“You better go home,” he whispers. “You’re gonna get sick.”

Pashen

*Katie smiles at Kyle an oh so famise smile that Rosetta herself mastered and Katie was working on and did it so well eveb better.*

"You only know half of how complicated I am Kyle. Its good to know you like that though."

*Katies eyes linger with Kyles for a long while searching his face for answers. Finally breaking the gaze Katie looks around the table.*

"I truly understand why you guys need time to think about this. Its a big desition and not an easy one at that. Take your time and make sure you choose what you really want. Once making a desition there will be no turning back."

*Katie thinks for a long moment a little grin playing at her lips.*

"Do know, Now I am involved with you guys I will do all I can to keep harm from coming to any of you. Just ask J, he cant get rid of me."

*For a moment Jamie is stuned by what Con said. Was she hearing things or did he really say than. Looking deep into his eyes she knows what he said was real, there could be no doubt of that. No words spoken Jamies face brightens and her eyes dance, the moonlight coming in the windows and bouncing off Con. Jamie stands off her knees and sits on the edgh of the coutch, as she movies almost floting her hair falls down from the small poney tail she had it in (Since she hadent goten it cut yet it was longer than normal.) moving around every curve of her face. Jamie body feels as though she had no controll about what is going on around her. Everything is to perfect. Leaning in to be closer to Con, Jamie places her hands on his chest, her face inches away from his. Lingering for a moment she just gazes into Con's eyes so much emotion. A soft wind blows from the cracked window blowing Jamies hair from her face leting the moonlight light her up. Slowling Jamie leans down, as Her lips and Con's connect Jamie feels as if her whole body turned to mush. As Jamie kiss Con pashanetly her hair falls once again as if shielding unwanted eye of this moment Jamie and Con are shairing.*

Complicated

The three band members and Jen all remain quiet as Katie talks, each feeling the sincerity of her words, and each experiencing just a small amount of shock.

Mike leans back thoughtfully while Phil concentrates on his plate, and Kyle keeps his eyes glued to Katie. The pain in her runs deep…he can see it.

As Katie finishes and there is a pause, Kyle shakes his head. “I knew there were things about you two that you weren’t saying, but…the FBI ain’t nothing compared to this. Wow.”

Jason can’t tell if the reactions, or lack thereof are good or bad. “There’s more.”

Mike raises his eyebrows. His body language shows that he’s willing to listen, though he can’t help just a little bit of skepticism. It was obvious that everyone had been put slightly on edge.

Jason looks down and swallows hard. “All that Katie said…it’s true. There’s been that battle going on for years, and it’s my own great grandfather who started up TJY in order to try and bring an end to the Agency. Though TJY has evolved into much much more, that case is still open and dangerous.”

He pauses, knowing he needs to share more for their sake. “Apart from all that, I think it’s only fair that you know some of my own history because it affects me today…” He glances at Katie for reassurance. “When I was nine, I was abducted and wasn’t found for over a year.”

Surprise around the table is evident as Jason continues. “Long story, but it’s really how I myself ended up working for TJY. I, um…I have trouble dealing with that past sometimes…as Katie well knows, every once in a while if something triggers a memory I can go down pretty quick.”

Phil cocks his head. “Meaning…?”

“Nightmares…flashbacks…sometimes it’s mild, sometimes pretty severe. It’s um…it’s not something that a lot of people have known about until recently.” Jason forces himself not to look down, though his leg bounces nervously under the table.

“So look guys…the bottom line here is this: If I join JetStream, my involvement will put everyone in some amount of danger. It’s no joke, and it’s no maybe – it’s a fact. There is risk involved, and I can’t make the decision for you. The last thing I want is for any of you to get hurt because I was with you.” He takes a deep breath. “I’m still going to be working for TJY. Which means there may be times when I have to skip out on the band in order to fulfill my role in a case. And…there may be times…hopefully not too often…where the past catches up with me unexpectedly, and I’ll need time out until I can recuperate. It’s that simple…”

Mike shifts in his seat, the wheels in his head almost visibly turning. “Katie was your bodyguard. What happens now?”

“Reese…that’s our boss…has approved my involvement with JetStream if it should come about. However, he’ll require that I still have a bodyguard – not only for my protection, but the rest of you as well. Katie has volunteered to continue this role.”

Kyle quirks an eyebrow, not sure he understands. “But how can she?”

“Because she’s good,” Jason states flatly. “It doesn’t take walking to be able to see, and that’s her job – to alert me to danger and worst case scenario, to remove that danger.”

Mike sighs deeply and looks between Phil and Kyle, then back to Jason and Katie. “This is a whole heap to chew on…it’s going to take a while for me to be able to sort through all of it. …No matter what though, you two have become our friends, and that stays the same. Once a friend of ours, always a friend. As far as JetStream is concerned, I think Phil, Kyle and I need to talk about this…do some thinking and praying and make a decision as a group.”

Jason can’t tell whether that is good or bad, and simply nods. “Fair enough.”

Kyle stuffs a grape in his mouth and continues to look at Katie. “Mmm, Katie…you’re a complicated one, aren’t you?” He gives her a little grin, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I like complicated…”


Finished with his tea, Con slides back down, his head resting on the pillow again. As Jamie takes his hand, he’s hit with the same powerful surge that had occurred the night before, and it drains him of what little energy he had left. Staring Jamie in the eye, he sees even more than he did before, as if every time he looks, he learns something new about her. There really was love there…there was no way else to describe it. There was care. Devotion. She’d spent half her day with him today just taking care of him because she’d been genuinely scared.

Con’s eyes close for just a moment as he fights the overwhelming tiredness that the sickness has brought on. Looking back at Jamie, he suddenly feels a slight rush of adrenaline. Did he…could he…was it possible…?

As he lies on the couch with Jamie kneeling next to him, he can see her eye to eye. Slowly he lets go of her hand to place his palm gently to the side of her face, running his thumb along the curve of her cheek.

His voice comes out barely a whisper. “I’d much rather thank God for someone like you, than the little birds…” He swallows hard, searching Jamie’s eyes. “I don’t know what’s happening to me, Jamie…but I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Let me tell you part of the story

*Katie watches Jason listing. Forming her own strength from him to tell her friends the story. Sencing the silence she decieds its her turn to talk.*

"Well I guess I can break the silence next. My family, and another family have been involved in a very big case for many years since my aunt was born. A ground called "The Agency" delt with stealing baby, and illagly adopting them out. It started with my Aunt, and her now feonsay and worked its way through the family."

*Katie lets a long drawn out sigh as she collects her thought on what to say."

"Both familys, The Henson's, and Pents Along with a few people who got mixed up along the way have been through alot. Death, betrayle, lose...but through it all they stayed close. But all living in fear of looking over there backs, and there kids geting mixed up. Finally after 18 year when the Agency had been dorment for so long it started up again. Moving along the chain to the next genaration. Me...and some others at my aunts Ranch."

*Katie glances at Jason hoping she is making sence and not going in circles around everyone. Now having explained that Katie movies on.*

" Next topic but still the same subject..."

*Katie grins alittle silly like to try and lighten everything up but remain searouce.*

"Jason...since I first met Jason I have had a connection with him that no one can explain. His pain is mine. When he is in trouble, something bad happens, is trying to hid something I can tell. As you guys exsperinces at the beach, it hits me like a title wave. Most times I have been able to get to Jason but certin cercomstances have hindered me from doing that."

* Once again Katie looks at Jason and gives a slight nod leting him know its ok. Than turns her head to Kyle.*

"Kyle when you asked me about the picture I told you in my line of work I need to take everything around me in and remember it so if it even changes I know and can see why. The reson for that if I have recently been intitled as a bodyguard. No matter how song, safe and stable a person can be, when in danger 2 more eyes are always helpful. Specialy one who had been trained to notice the things most people dont. When my accident happend I was Jason's bodyguard, and 9 out of 10 says what happend to me wasent an accident but was ment to send a message to Jason, My family, and TJY."

*Katie places her hand on her wast for a moment.*

"Most the time I carry a gun. Just for protection. Its what we have been trained to do."

*Katie glances around the table at all the eyes that are on her as she talks. a stong wind blowing her hair and making her breath in sharp.*

"I cant speak for Jason but I think he feels the same when I say you guys are our God send. From day 1 excuse me for a moment...sorry God...our lifes have been hell. I lost my baby brother and mother when I was young, when though a rough life teenage years and even rougher when I went to live with my Aunt till I met Jason. Things got better to have a best friend but nothing was perfect and things were still horrable. And than you guys came along..."

*Katie nods her head to each one. Her heart heavy as she talked about her past. The feelings hurt so much to relive. For a moment Katie closes her eyes, seeing so many flashes. Her little brotherm her mother, Jason how many times she had really been scaired to death that something bad was going to happend to Jason, the accident. Everything runs so fast through her mind like a racing car. Katie sighs deeply clearing her head.*

"...You guys made me laugh and smile when I needed it the most. I now have more than one friend."

*Katie turns her head back to Kyle and holds her eyes on his. Not blinking or breaking the hold as she talks.*

"I have grown to care about you guys. Your all important to me and I would never want to put you in danger that is why we had to tell you and let you guys make your own choise wather you wanted to continue being out friends and puting yourself in danger with us, or if you wanted to walk away and be safe."

*Kaite finally breaks her stair on Kyle and looks down at her food stabing it alittle. Not sure how to feel. It had been harder than she though to tell them. To see the look on there faces. If only she could see into there minds as to what they were thinking. Looking up Katie looks at Jason and nods leting him know the floor is once his again, trying to keep her head held high to give her ownself confadence.*

*Jamie stratens alittle studing Con's face. She dident know what to think anymore but to be herself and hope everything would work out with what happend the night before.*

"I am happy your feeling a bit better Con. You dont look like crap anymore so thats good."

*Jamie lets out a sigh as she stands to check Con's head and cheek to see how his feaver is. Taking the cloth off his head.*

"I am gonna get this cold again. I will be right back."

*Jamie heads out of the room and than reenters placing the towel back on his head.*

"There we are. I phoned my mom and she is making up some homemade chicken noodle soup for you and is gonna run it over for me. It should help you as well. It's what i use to eat all the time when I was sick as a kid."

*Jamie's face turns a bit red as she talks with Con, trying to ignor how good he looked siting there without his shirt on dispite his many battle scars. Jamie was glad the room was dark.*

"I'll probley stay with you a few more hours to make sure everything is gonna be ok. Than I need to head back to work. But on my way home i will check in on ya again."

* Jamie slightly slips her hand into Con's sliding off the table and kneeling on the floor next to him.*

" I really was worryed about you. I was gonna call 911 if you dident cool down any but than alittle birdy flew in and told me I should put cloths on you check and neck as well as your head. Than God for that bird."

*Jamie beams at Con.*

Tea

As the meal is eaten, Kyle digs into his fruit, holding up a piece on his fork to examine it. “Somebody sure did a good job with these.”

Jen throws him a look across the table, warning him not to go overboard.

Instead of reacting though, he simply gives Katie a wink and returns to eating.

Partway through the meal, Jason finally feels it’s time to put the cards on the table. He knows the other guys have been respecting his silence, but have also been wondering at his decision.

Taking a swig of iced tea, he pauses his eating. “Alright, guys…I know you all are waiting on me to say whether or not I’m gonna sign on with JetStream.”

Mike holds up his hand. “Before anything else is said, if it’s the contract that’s got you leery, by all means, ignore it. We just wanted to make sure you knew we were gonna hold up our end of the bargain.”

Jason shakes his head. “No, it’s not that, though I appreciate your consideration. I, um…” he glance to Katie to gain support. “I do want to join JetStream.”

“Yes!” Kyle throws his arms in the air.

Jason can’t help a slight smile, but waves him to stop. “There’s a catch though, that I…well, both Katie and I need to tell you about before you decide if you really want me on the team.”

Kyles eyes widen. “You ARE with the FBI.”

Sensing the seriousness in Jason’s tone, Phil elbows his brother. “Shut up.”

Jason sighs deeply. “Look, there’s no other way to put this I guess…” His eyes catch Katie’s briefly. “Katie and I are employed by an underground vigilante corporation formed to help bring justice to areas in which the regular law enforcement fails.”

Eyes around the table widen. Kyle looks a Jason, all humor gone. “Your not kidding, are you?”

“Nope.” Jason leans his elbows on the table. “And…I wouldn’t feel so strongly about telling you this, were it not for the fact that this corporation is in secret, and all employees risk the chance of being hated by the enemies.”

“Are you saying that you’re in danger?” Jen questions.

“Yes.” Jason nods solemnly. “I have helped solve many cases and helped take down some pretty shady characters. I’ve also recently had someone who tried to kill me. I’ve worked at TJY since I was in high school. Katie signed on not all that long ago, though she’s been involved with enough that her identity has risk connected with it as well. Her car accident that put her in the hospital was no accident.”

Mike lets out a low whistle. The three men exchange glances, and suddenly a quietness takes over the table. Kyle looks across at Katie, his eyes studying her face.


Con moves just enough to prop himself up on an elbow, letting his blanket fall down to his legs. He takes the tea without argument, letting the hot liquid soothe his throat. He sighs deeply, still feeling exhausted, though not quite as horrid as he had several hours earlier. His eyes move to Jamie as she speaks. “Heh…I can’t remember a time I’ve been sick like this either.” He tries to clear his throat so he can talk better, but it doesn’t do much good. “It hit me about three this morning.”

He takes another sip of tea and leans his head back against the couch. He allows his eyes to study Jamie’s face, even though she looks away. For some reason, having known she’d already been there for hours seemed to have dispersed much of his awkward feelings. There needn’t be any ice-breaker…she’d already talked with him and taken care of him, apparently.

A new understanding seems to be coming into the light, despite the odd feeling in Con’s stomach. “Thanks, Jamie…for coming over. I guess I needed more help than I thought.”

Fruit

*Katie smiles leting out a mocking laugh as she heads to the table.*

"Ya Kyle cuz its so far from you to here."

*Katie looks back at Jen.*

"He likes to be a drama Queen...er King huh?"

*She lets out a laugh leting Kyle know she enjoyed picking on him. Katie highly enjoys herself as she helps Jen with the fruit making differnt little shakes out of each peace to add a bit of intrest. The chatter being light and friendly. Finally after about an hour dinner is ready. As everyone starts to sit down Katie looks at Jason and nods. Katie starts taking some of the plates and puting hamburgers, salad and fruit on it for everyone.*

*Jamie hears her name and comes out with some warmed up tea. a smile on her face to see alittle bit of color back in Con's face and that his feaver has gone down.*

"Hey there sleepy head. You look alittle better than you did before. More color is in your face and you can talk. Thats a good thing. Here drink this it will help you throut. You had me worryed sick for a moment Con. Out of all the years I have known you I never saw you sick befor."

*Jamie hands the tea to Con and sits down on the coffee table as to not crowd him.The room a slightly darker as the sun has now shifted. As Jamie sits she studys Con face for a long moment finally looking away. Right now she dident know what she was thinking.*

Jamie?

Though bumped only lightly, Kyle stumbles forward, then whirls around, wielding the spatula as a sword. “Hey! Don’t them things come with brakes? Or are you trying to run me over, missy?” His eyes glint with mischief, a silly grin toying at his mouth as he stares Katie in the eye.

“Want to help, eh?” He turns to the screened back door of the house. “Hey Mike! The lady is bored out here!”

Mike was already on his way back out with an empty bowl and two grocery sacks with fresh fruit. “Great. Then it looks like I have a volunteer to help Jen cut up this fruit and mix it together.” He winks at Katie. “Come on to the picnic table. You and Jen can get started.”

“Don’t take her too far,” Kyle warns as he keeps an eye on the fire. “I’m liable to get lonely over here.”

“Then let these keep you company.” Phil brings out the hamburger patties to set on the edge of the grill.

Kyle grimaces. “The fire isn’t hot enough yet.”

Phil pats him on the shoulder. “Then I guess you got your work cut out for you, don’t ya?”


Banter is tossed back and forth amongst the three guys as always, Jason observing from the table, content to be on the outside for now.

It doesn’t seem like long before the meal is ready and laid out on the table to begin eating. Chatter is random and fun, keeping the evening lively. Halfway through the meal, Jason catches Katie’s eye again. He just wants to get this thing over with, no matter how fun the atmosphere was.


Con numbly allows Jamie to help him, too tired to even care. Lying back down, his eyes drift shut. He feels Jamie’s hand on his face, and for an instant, somehow a small bit of peace is absorbed.

…Con wakes with a start. He stares into the dim living room and blinks, trying to get his bearings. His head throbs, and his throat burns, but though a fever is still present, his body doesn’t feel as hot. His hand moves to remove the now-warm towels, and he tilts his head, trying to remember what happened just only an hour and a half earlier. It all seems so foggy. He’s still exhausted, and somewhere knows that he’s not thinking all that clearly.

It finally dawns on him just who it was who he’d seen and heard. Emotions aren’t much in the way though, as he feels too weak to care one way or the other. But he’s not completely positive his mind hadn’t been playing tricks on him. Opening his mouth, his voice is barely audible. “Jamie?”

No Shirt?

*Katie smiles at Kyle, her eyes twinkling. How she loved the way he joked around she had become to enjoy it. Though knowing what they had to talk to there nre friends was magor there wasent any doubt they would understand and accept them anyways.*

"Ya know J, if we keep hanging around with these guys we might get some good smart pointers on how to talk. Might get us in trouble."

*Katie lets out a laugh.*

"Hey is there anything I can help with? I'd like to do something."

*Katie throws Jason a glance mouthing fast wait till the food. As Katie wheels to try and help with something she looks over to Kyle who is standing with his back to her. Slowly she wheels up behind him bumping into him gently.*

"EXCUSE me sir but I think your in my way. There is not enough room for you to be sanding right there you need to move."

*Katie cant help but let her eyes linger on Kyles as she grins.*

*As Jamie comes back into the living room she see Con has tossed of the blankets again and he was still burning up. Seeing his shirt is driping in sweat Jamie helps Con up and thinking takes his shirt off, in a very inocent way Jamie helps Con lay back down. Going into the kitchen Jamie grabs 2 more towles and returns back to Con placing one on his head again, his neck and his chest. Puting the rest of the blankets over Con. Siting down next to him Jamie runs her hand along His face.*

"Rest for now Con."

*Standing Jamie brings the rest of the soup into the kitchen for later.*