You may never

As Katie’s fingers start to comb through Jason’s hair, he automatically relaxes, his eyes falling shut, barely listening to Katie’s words. Her touch is so soothing… Jason catches himself, having to force his mind back on track when Katie’s remarks have ended. He bits his lower lip, fighting the desire just to stay right here.

His eyes still closed, he quirks a small grin. “Katie…you keep this up, you may never get me to move again.”


Con leans forward to receive Jamie’s affection and draws away just enough to see her eyes. He gently moves a strand of hair from her face and bends down to offer another kiss, letting it linger for several moments before finally pulling himself away. “You rest now, okay? You need your strength.”

Happy Again?

*Nate turns with Wyatt geting a silly grin on his face. As they leave He's gives Wyatt a head lock...*

"Cant you move those short legs any faster. Lets see whats going on with Carson. You act like we just killed people or something."

*Nate heads to Ricks with Wyatt in the headlock still. Finally geting to the room. Behind reminded of Ed Nate nods and heads to Con's office.*

*Katie nods at Hal and heads back to her room only minutes later being greeted by Jason.*

"When would I deny your company J?"

*Katie gives a silly grin, and jumps alittle as Jason flops across her lap only to giggle afterwords. Tilting her head to look at Jason the right way she cant help but laugh some more. Without thinking as she talks Katie stands to run her hand through Jason's hair massasing his head along the way.*

"Things are pritty good for me. Had therapy again today. Doing pritty good. Gonne be out of this thing in no time. I am hoping by the time of the fundraiser. Other than that I have been worryed sick about you guys and Jamie. Now that she is here and going to be ok, I feel I can relax a bit. I was really worryed. I am happy everything worked out and I am glad your back too."

*Katie flashes a smile at Jason.*

*Jamie cant help but let a small tear roll down her face.*

"You'll never lose me Con. I'll always find my way back to you. Your to impotant to me to let go that easy."

*Jamie stairs Con in the eyes for a long moment. Enjoying feeling his hand on hers. How she missed him the last few days. Jamie's eyes dance as she moves her finger for Con to come closer. Softly planting a small kiss on his lips.*

Beautiful

Wyatt grimace at Nate, as they aim for Reese’s office. “Well, he can’t yell too loudly…I don’t see we had any other choice. Besides that…it was Jason’s suggestion after all….” He rolls his eyes knowing he wouldn’t intentionally put the blame on any one person.

Passing Susanne with a wave, Wyatt heads for his dad’s door, giving a quick knock before entering.

Reese looks up expectantly at them both. “Well?”

“We’re back.” Wyatt nods decisively. “Chris should be on his way back there to clean up the scene, and Jason is back for the moment, though he’ll be heading on over to the hospital soon.”

He pauses, trying to word things in a way that won’t stir anything up.

Reese raises an eyebrow at the hesitance. “And…?”

Wyatt glances at Nate, then back to his father. “We brought some company along?”

“Company?”

“Yeah. There was a guy who Jason shot but it was just a flesh wound. We didn’t think we should kill him off, or send him back to the Agency, so…”

“You brought him here?!” Reese’s eyes widen.

“Now, look, Carson said he wanted to help us,” Wyatt defends. “We’re not sure if we should believe him or not, but we decided that we’d bring him here to feel him out. If we still felt he wasn’t going to benefit us, we’d turn him over to the law for stuff he’s done.”

Reese looks between Wyatt and Nate, not sure how to react. “So let me get this straight… a member of the Agency is here…at TJY.”

“Yeah, Rick is patching him up.”

Reese rolls his eyes, tossing his pen in the air. “Why do I even try to keep a handle on things. My core group of agents…. One is in a wheelchair, one keeps on breaking the rules, one just quit on me this morning, I got another in the hospital now too, and you two bring back the enemy! The only one not causing me trouble is Susanne!”

Susanne looks up from her computer as she hears her name from the next room. She bites her lip, trying not to smile.

Reese shakes his head, taking a deep breath. “Alright. Do what you must. I wasn’t there, so I can’t say what I would have done. Lock this fellow…Carson…down in the holding room until we decide what to do with him.”

“Right.” Wyatt nudges Nate with an elbow as he turns to go. “We’re on it.”

Jason watches as Carson is patched up, then turns around as Wyatt and Nate show up in the doorway. “Oh, hey. We’re just about done here.”

“Good,” Wyatt nods. “We’ll take him downstairs from here. Get him settled in a safe spot for a while until we decide what to do.”

Carson looks between all of them, suspicion in his eyes. “Downstairs?”

Wyatt smirks. “It’s a whole lot nicer than that basement where you were keeping Jamie, I’ll tell you that.”

Carson grits his teeth. “Look, if you wanna play this game, don’t play it with me, because I’ll win. You want me out of here, just say so. I gave you the chance once and you chickened out.”

Before Wyatt can respond, Jason holds up his hand. “Cut it out before I shoot both of you. Now look…” He glances to Carson. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re the lowest piece of trash I ever met. But for some odd reason, I’m willing to have a little faith here. And you…” Jason looks to Wyatt. “Cool it before we start another war.”

Wyatt quirks an eyebrow, taken aback by the fact that he’s getting reprimanded by the one person who was always flying off the handle himself. “Well, yes sir, cap’in.”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Just take Carson downstairs, will you? I’m getting out of here to see what’s up at the hospital. Oh, and Nate, Ed is in Con’s office. You might want to check on him.”


Hal watches the doctor walk away, and shakes his head at Katie. “I don’t know. I guess we just play it cool for now. He may or may not stick to his own promise.” He glances at his watch. “I’m heading back over to TJY for now. Since you’re here, you might keep an eye out for anything strange.”


Jason kills the engine on his bike and within moments is headed into the hospital. It seemed strange…he was so used to this route by now. He stops at the nurse’s station to inquire about Jamie and finds out that she’s going to be okay. Knowing this, he makes his way upstairs, opting to head for Katie first.

Poking his head around the corner of the doorframe, he gives a weary smile. “Opposed to company?” He slips inside Katie’s room, not being able to help his slight grin. “If I look as tired as I feel, don’t tell me.” He approaches her bed and sits next to her, suddenly flopping down on his back across her lap, yawning and stretching himself out with his feet still on the floor. “So how are things at your end of the world?”


A small smile creases Con’s lips, and he reaches over to take Jamie’s hand. “You’re always beautiful, you know that.” He runs his thumb along her hand gently. “Welcome back. …I thought I’d lost you for good this time.” He studies her face, just letting his eyes linger on her. “I’m just glad we found you…I don’t know what I would have done if we hadn’t.”

She dosent leave this hospetil

*Slowly Jamie opens her eyesand slowly turns her head looking at Con. Though all the pain, and all the sadness, the burses and cuts Jamies maynot be able to smile but her eyes do. They dance with happyness as she lays sights on Con."

"Hi....you dont looks so hot."

*Jamie cant help but grin wincing alittle at the pull from the sitches. Bringing her hand to her face she feels the bandage.*

"I guess I probley dont eather huh?"

*Dr. Tailbit looks from Katie to Hal and back to Katie again.*

"I know thats not the case and I know there is more to it than that. But for now I will leave it lay. But dont think I will have forgeten. Before Jamie leaves this hospetal I want to know the truth to what happend to that girl."

*Dr.Tailbit turns and heads into another room, leaving Katie and Hal alone.
Katie turns and looks at Hal bewildered.*

"Now what?"

*Nate follows Wyatt to Reese office as he see Jason disapear with Carson into Ricks room. Nate comes alongside Wyatt and slings his arm around his shoulder.*

"How about we both get yelled at for Carson insted of just you."

*Nate throws Wyatt a silly smile.*

Watching

Con knows Katie’s words to be true, but it’s hard to take them to heart just yet. There was jus so much wrong…so much turmoil.

He remains quiet until someone comes to tell them that the doctor has word on Jamie.

Gathering around, the news is received with both concern and relief. Jamie would be okay…that was the main thing.

As the doctor’s question comes up, nervous glances were exchanged. This was the problem with being underground…no one could explain what happened. The truth couldn’t be told, lest everyone be put in danger. But lying was never easy.

Con glances to Katie, then Hal, and opts to exit. “I’m going to go see Jamie,” he says quietly. “Hal, you can take over here.” He slips away, leaving the discussion to the others.

Hal purses his lips in thought, hooking his hands in his pockets. “Well, doc, we just found Jamie like that. She’s a friend of ours, she was outside town, looked like she’d been roughed up, and we brought her here.” Hal looks the doctor in the eye, warning flashing through his look. “End of story.”


Con slowly walks down the hall and slips into Jamie’s room. He knows he himself looks a sight, but doesn’t care and approaches her bed quietly. He eases down into a chair and leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He studies her face…bandaged and bruised… she was so thin…so pale.

He swallows his emotions, just sitting…watching…waiting.


Carson cooperates as he’s put in the car and blindfolded. He says little on the way to TJY, listening and trying to ignore his pain.

Once reaching the building, Jason takes him by his arm to lead him inside, guiding him roughly around corners and through doors. Finally onto the floor, Wyatt goes to Reese to explain what’s happening. Jason pushes Carson down the hall, ignoring the questioning looks of coworkers. Reaching Rick’s office, he enters, taking off Carson’s blindfold.

Carson blinks in the light, and looks around the sterile room, wondering where he’s ended up at.

Rick looks up from his work table in surprise. “Jason…who’s this?”

“If I told you, you wouldn’t want to help him,” Jason retorts. “He’s got one of my bullets in his shoulder.”

“One of yours?” Rick raises his eyebrows.

“Don’t ask. I’ll explain later.” Jason shoves Carson towards the table to sit on so Rick can work on him.

Carson remains quiet, gritting his teeth as Rick starts to dig around in his arm.

Hours seem like Days!

*Katie smiles at Con.*

"Your welcome. Your my Big Brother I cant just leave ya."

*Katie sits with Con for a long while.not saying much but just being there for him. So much was changing in Con's life right now and Katie new it. He's almost lost something he held so close to him, and he world was still changing*

"Your not a bad person Con and God still loves you along with the rest of us too. Maybe what you need is just some time off. Get away clear your head. No matter what you do remember I'll saport you, and I am sure Laura and Jamie will too. You really do have so many people who care."

*Silence falls over the small church as no more words are said, but the presence of another person was enough to help chase away the hard times for now.*

*Nate leads the way back out of the woods, throws glances over his shoulder every once and a while to make sure everyting is ok still. Once geting back to the cars Nate stops Jason and Carson going to Con's car Nate find a black tie and takes it out bring it over to Carson and tieing it around his eyes.*

"At least if you are lieing to us I can do this so you dont see how to get to our headquorters."

*Nate nods at Jason to start going again. Soon they are on the road, Wyatt, Jason, and Carson ahead while Nate was in back to keep an eye on things.*

*Hours seem like days as there is no word of how Jamie is doing. Finally a doctor exits the OR and makes his way over to Hal, Con and Katie (who were back now.) sticking out his hand for a strong shake introducing himself.*

"I'm Dr. Leroy Tailbit. Whatever happend to you friend she got messed up pritty bad. A nice gash on her face, witching i assume you noticed. It goes from the courner of her mouth up across her cheek."

*Dr.Tailbit makes a motion with his hand to show where the cut was.*

"It was a pritty deep wound I was saprised to see that the 2 peaces of skin were still connected. Anyhow it took 14 stiches but I got it together and cleaned out. The only repracution from that will be a nastly scar but everything will be normal. Jamie had many other cuts and burses on her face, arms and legs. A few of them needed sitches but not alot more. They should heal up nicly leaving only tiny scars if any at all. She got a pritty nice size bruise to her back but no damage done there all in all her body is gonna be pritty sore. She was VERY malnurished when she got here. We put her on some IV's to get nutrition into her body so she can start eating some solid food. Though for a little bit cuz of the cut on her face I only want her to eat applesause, jello stuff she dosent really have to chew. We also did a blood transfustion. Your friend lost alot of blood. Your lucky you guys got her here when you did. If it had been a few more house she probley would of died. She will be good to go home in a few days. We just want to make sure she get food in her system and starts to heal ok."

*Dr. Tailbit stops for a moment as if collecting his thoughts. He folds his arms and looks between Katie, Con and Hal.*

"You guys can go in and see her but please try not to make to much noise. She needs her rest not to mention after what she has been through she might be alittle jumpy. First I need an answer to a question I need it for a report. That girl laying in there came in her almost dead, it looks as though someone was torchuring her. I need to know what happend. "

Time to stop

Con feels a hand on his shoulder, and hears Katie’s voice. He doesn’t move for several minutes still, unsure of what to say or how to respond. Finally though, he lifts his head to sit up straight, his eyes continuing to stare ahead. The grime on his face is streaked where tears have run, though he’s managed to stop them. He draws in a shaky breath, trying to stay on top of his emotions, especially in front of someone else. “I don’t think I can take this anymore,” he says quietly. He swallows hard, remaining kneeled on the floor. “When I kill a man out of anger…it’s time to stop. Something has to give…I can’t keep fighting…not like this.”

After another long pause, he reaches up to pat Katie’s hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for being here, Kat.”


Carson shrugs at Nate. “If you can think of any way I can prove my motives, go ahead and tell me, but I think it’s gonna take faith on both our parts.”

Wyatt grimaces, his brain hurting from all this thinking. “How am I supposed to know? We’re stuck. If we take him back to headquarters and he betrays us, he’ll have all the information the Agency needs to take us out. If we let him go, he’s still got more information than he should, and will be right back on our tails. If we take him to the cops, they’ll either take down our headquarters themselves, or put us all in jail for what’s happened.”

He sighs deeply, shaking his head. “How about we take him back to the house, tie him up and leave him there until tomorrow when we’ve thought about it?”

“Aw, come on.” Carson finally sits up, leaning against a tree, one hand on his bloodied arm. “Don’t leave me in there all night. I’ll bleed to death.”

“Maybe you deserve it.”

Carson scowls at Wyatt. “Look, if you’re gonna leave me to die, for pity sake, finish me off nice and quick now. Just put a bullet through my head and be done with it.”

“Tell you what,” Jason intervenes again. “Lets take him back to headquarters and have Rick clean him up. We keep him there until we can make a decision. If we don’t want to keep him around, we take him to the cops. Clean cut, no Agency involved.”

Wyatt nods his agreement. “Alright.” He reaches down to pull Carson up to his feet, being none too gentle.

Carson winces. “Easy, mate.”

Jason gestures to the path in the woods. “Now come on. I’ll call Chris to come back out here and clean this place up a bit so we can’t be traced.”

Trust or Not to Trust

*A sigh of releaf washes over Katie as she hears the news from Reese.*

"Praise the lord. Thank you Reese. I am gonna head downstairs to sit with Con while Jamie is being looked at. Thank you for filling me in."

*Katie hangs up the phone and makes her way into her wheelchair. Leaving her room and heading to the emerhancy section. Only to see Con and Jamie dispear threw swinging doors. Rolling over to Hal and Chris Katie gives a small wave.*

"How is she? Hows Con?"

*After geting a bref rundown Katie knows Con needs his alone time, but also needs a friend. Katie thinks hard of where he might have gone. There was no way they would of let him go all the way with Jamie. The small church. Maybe her went there. Leting Hal and Chris know she was going to find Con she makes her way to the church. Pushing open the small doors Katie spots Con with his head bowed. Making her way over slowly, Katie gently lays a hand on Con's shoulder trying her best not to starlt him.*

"Hey Big Brother. I thought you could use a friend."

*Katie trys her best to give Con a reasureing smile that everything is gonna be ok. Jamie was safe now.*

*Nate sighs as he puts his pistol away. Searching Carson's face for truth and lies.*

"How do we know your telling the truth? What do we get to prove you mean what you say and your not just trying to feed the Agency information about us? Sorry but we arnt all gun ho to let a guy that just torchered and messed our friend up pritty bad go, so he can feel us to the lisons."

*Nate brings a hand to his head as a headack forms.*

"If you guys want to trust him I am for it. but we need some kind of reasuance you mean what you say. Wyatt what do you think?"

Friend or Foe?

Reese makes his call with Nate brief, accepting the information and instructing them to do their best and cleaning up the scene and getting back to TJY as soon as possible before they head to the hospital.
Ending the call, he picks up the phone again, dialing Katie. "They made it out with Jamie...some of the guys are still there, but they're okay. Con should actually be on the way to the hospital now with Jamie - it's too severe for Rick to handle. ...Thanks for your help, Katie...couldn't have done it without you."


Con reaches up to take Jamie's hand. It feels so small compared to his own. "Shh...don't try to talk. Just relax." His pent-up emotions build as tears that finally fill his eyes, but he wills them not to overflow.

He glances to the front at Hal. "Can't you make this thing go any faster?"

Hal keeps his eyes on the road, knowing the urgency of the situation. "Not unless you want us all to end up in the hospital. We're almost there, Con."

Con cradles Jamie, trying to make her the most comfortable as possible.

The hospital finally comes into view and Con wastes no time in getting out and picking Jamie up in his arms once again.

Once inside, everything turns to chaos. Con yells for help, several doctors and nurses come running, firing off a million and one questions. Someone comes with a stretcher, someone else tells Hal and Chris to stay in the waiting room. Con manages to follow to the third floor O.R. but he's finally stopped by the doctor, not allowed to enter. The doors swing shut, Con's eyes lingering on them, the stress and worry wearing him down.

The weight of the last few days presses down on him, trying to break him. He wanders back down the hall, hearing pages over the intercom, seeing visitors down the hall, seeing doctors run by. It's all a blur.

Back down to the second floor, Con slowly walks the hall. It's familiar here from visiting Katie, but his eyes find it hard to recognize anything. He looks down, realizing the blood on his shirt...some his own, some Jamie's. He almost feels like he's going to be sick.

Suddenly he sees a welcoming door at the end of the hall. It was the small chapel, available to patients or visitors. Drawn in by sheer desperation, Con finds himself in the warm room. It is quiet. No one else is there. Vases of flowers are set on several small tables, a few chairs are set up, and candles accent the far wall where a cross hangs.
His heart in turmoil, Con slowly approaches to look up at the cross, a reminder of what really matters...a reminder of who is in control...a reminder of love.

Con sinks to his knees, the anger, hate, horror, desperation and fear surging through his heart. Doubling over, he buries his face in his hands, feeling his own tears as they fall.


As Jason is joined by Wyatt and Nate, he slings his rifle over his back and heads to where Carson had fallen. Not much is said until he sees the body. He approaches slowly and takes his boot to roll the thug over.

Carson winces in pain and stares up a the three faces.

Jason's eyes widen. "How could I have missed?"

"You didn't." Carson withdraws his hand from a wound to the edge of his chest, below his shoulder, just far enough away from anything vital that it hadn't killed him. "I tripped right as you pulled the trigger."

Jason swings his rifle back around and points it to Caron's head. "And what's to stop me from finishing you off now?"

"Nothing." Carson tries to catch his breath, fighting fatigue and pain from his injury. "But if you kill me now, my guess will have been wrong."

"And what was your guess?"

"That you all are an honorable group of people."

Jason swallows hard and exchanges a glance with Wyatt and Nate. He withdraws his rifle, unable to kill like this. "If we let you go, we're putting ourselves in danger. You know that."

Carson nods, propping himself up on an elbow, but still not making a move to rise from the ground. "I didn't think you'd make it this far. I've never seen anyone stand up to the Agency like this before and actually win a battle."

"And what? You want us to let you go so you can tell your boss about us and he can turn up the heat another notch?"

Carson shakes his head. "No, but I can help you."

Jason raises an eyebrow. "Help us? How?"

"I'm in with the Agency. I'm pretty high ranking, if you know what I mean. I can feed you information. You're out to ultimately take them down, aren't you?"

Wyatt steps in, his own suspicions raised. "Who wouldn't want to take them down? But why should you care? You just tortured a friend of ours without blinking, and my guess would be that it's not the first time. Why would you even want to help us?"

"Because you've given me hope." Carson looks up at them, searching their eyes, his own conveying a look of longing that he hasn't dared express until now. "I didn't think anyone existed who would even try to go against the Agency, let alone succeed."

"Why do you want to see them go down?"

Carson gives a sorry laugh. "It's not just people like you that the Agency has hurt, ya know. You think I'm here because I volunteered? I've done an awful lot of bad things, and I deserve that bullet through the head. I should have died a few minutes ago." He pauses, still short of breath as the pain increases. "This sounds so ridiculous, but...that girl...Jamie..." He shakes his head again. "I don't know why, but something about her.... her courage...her...her forgiveness. It was enough to make me realize that there was something else out there. Something better. I don't know what it is, but I'm willing to try and find it."

"You were going to leave her there to die," Jason counters angrily.

"I was trying to save my own hide," Carson admits. "I didn't want her to die...but I felt trapped. I was trying to get the other guys to leave her there while she was still alive in the hopes someone would find her before it was too late." He allows another pause. "Look, at the very least, turn me in to the feds so I can serve my time behind bars. If I can't go back to the Agency to work for you, I'll take prison."

"For what?" Jason scoffs. "The cops don't even believe an Agency exists, and those that do are in on it, not against it. We could turn you in for murder, but there would be no proof of anything. Kidnapping would be the worst of it if Jamie survives and can testify." He turns to Wyatt and Nate, at a loss. "What do we do?"

I love you!

*Jamie opens her eyes, and smiles her best she can at Con. His sweet voice filling her ears.*

"Thank.....thank you Con..for givng me the hope I needed to get through this."

*Jamie reaches her hand up to reach for Con's face again, slowly running her shaking hands along his face. Though Jamie had just been through so much as she looks up at Con the sparkle in her eyes is present.*

"I....I love you Con."

*Nate follows Jason and Wyatt deeper into the woods. Nate's gun still drawn just in case there was anymore trouble. Dialing Reese on his phone and talking silently.*

"Jamie is on her way to the hospetal. She was messed up in a pritty bad way...yeah.."

*Nate fills Reese in on everything that had gone down.*

Fallen

Con grits his teeth against the emotions that want to send tears to his eyes as Jamie speaks. He couldn’t stop now…he had to finish this before it was too late.

Hearing Sam’s yell behind him, he whirls around just in time to see Sam fall. Shock crosses his face. Before he can even react, he watches as Joe drops dead before him, taking a bullet from Nate. He hadn’t even had time to react… Stunned, he watches Nate, knowing the horrid truth, that a comrade had just fallen.

Carson sees Nate go for the stairs, and suddenly realizes that he and Vince are alone. Vince goes for his gun, getting himself up off the floor, though wincing against the bullet wound to his leg.

Hearing the next gunshot downstairs, Carson knows that Joe has been taken down. In an instant, he sees two choices. Vince is moving closer to the stair well, his gun aimed high for the first person he sees.

Without even thinking, Carson swiftly draws his knife from the sheath on his side, aims and throws.

Vince drops his gun and stumbles backward into the wall, his eyes wide with shock as the knife takes his life.

Carson stares at his deed, never having felt the sting before, but never having felt the pride either. Hearing the others coming up the stairs, he’s quick to hit the door running.

Jason hears several shots ring out and tenses, ready for anything. Within moments, he sees a figure running from the house and across the clearing. Feeling no choice, he captures the man in his sights and squeezes the trigger. Carson goes down.

Con turns from the miserable scene and makes his way up the stairs, holding Jamie close. Reaching the room, he sees Vince dead with a knife in his chest, and realizes that the other man is gone. Before he can think, he hears a rifle shot and knows what has happened. Ignoring the circumstances around him and blocking out the pain, Con takes route out the door.

Jason catches movement at the house again and sees Con emerge with Jamie in his arms. He immediately gets back on his walkie-talkie. “Hal, get the car here pronto.”

Con is just to the end of the dirt walkway when the car comes into view. As quickly and carefully as he can, he opens the backdoor and sets Jamie inside, then slides in himself, her head resting in his arms. “Get to the hospital now,” he orders sternly.

As Hal steps on the gas, Con runs his hand through Jamie’s blood-matted hair. “Come on, Jamie…talk to me. You’re gonna be okay…we’re almost there. Hang in there…please…”


Jason takes route into the clearing, waving at Wyatt and Nate that it’s safe, and heads toward the fallen target. They would need to make the scene look like an accident or other, so as not to point authorities to TJY.

Shooting

*As Joe hears the door open he steps back farther into the shadows making sure he is not seen. His eyes widen as he see Con come down the steps. Drawing his gun he cocks it silently. Waiting watching.*

*As Jamie feels herself being lifted in strong arms her eyes flutter open to see Con's face. Jamies heart starts to race, he was....Con was alive.*

"Con...."

*Jamie reaches her hand up to touch Con's face making sure he is real, wincing in pain slightly. In a low, horse, weak voice Jamies talks.*

"Con...they..*coughs as the gash on her face starts to bleed again.*...They told me you were dead. I new it couldent be true."

*As Con carrys Jamie up the steps she turns her head slightly spit out of blood.*

"Con...dont for get to help my friend...she is down there to. You have to help Sam."

*Joe watches as Con makes his way up the steps. Steping out of the shadows he aims his gun for the back of Con's head.
Sam watches in horrar as Joe aims for Con. With all the strangth left inside her she decieds for once she was going to start up to the agency and help me friend. Giving a loud shout she says.*

"CON...BEHIND YOU."

*Joe's gun goes off right as Sam runs in the way of the gun point blank in the chest.*

*As Nate hears the gun fired he runs to the steps seeing Con and Jamie, than seeing another figure fall to the ground. As Nate sees Joe take aim again he takes no hesatation in aiming his gun and aiming at Joe, it was eather him or Con, pulling the trigger Nate shoots Joe in the head sending him falling to the ground with a loud thud. Noding at Con Nate makes his way down the steps kicking the gun from Joe's side. Rolling Sam over her checks her pulse and shakes his head geting nothing. Placing his hand over her eyes her takes one swift motion and closes them saying a silent prayer for her. Standing Nate stands and follows Con and Jamie up the steps.*

Surprise Attack

Three figures make their way to the edge of the woods until they can see the house. Jason spots a mirror reflection on the other side of the clearing, and knows Wyatt is in position now too.

He watches intently for two more flashes. “Wyatt’s spotted two men in the house – that’s how many I can see from here too. We might just be in luck.” He grabs his walkie-talkie. “Hal, Chris, we’re here, and it looks good. Hang tight.”

Jason nods to Nate and Con. “I’ve got your back. Get ‘em with surprise.”

Con keeps his handgun in his holster for how, and goes to his stomach to army crawl through the tall grass and weeds towards the house. He can’t hear Nate very well behind him, and can only assume he is.

Jason stands by the tree, his rifle aimed and ready, keeping the scene within his sites. He can only hope he doesn’t have to shoot.

Once Con reaches the side of the house, he gets to his feet, nodding for Nate to do the same. He goes for his gun and holds it up in front of him, creeping under the window, around the side, and onto the porch. Despite his weight, he steps lightly, avoiding noise until he’s positioned in front of the door. Quietly trying the handle, he feels that it’s locked.

Nodding to Nate, he steps back and takes aim. With one swift kick, the door flies open. “Nobody move!”

Carson staggers backward, tripping over a chair as his hands raise into the air, taken completely off guard. The other heavy-set thug goes for his handgun, but isn’t quick enough.

Con fires a bullet into the man’s leg, sending him to the floor with a howl of pain. “I said don’t move!” He spots the closed door and instinctively knows that this is the route he needs to take.

“Nate, hold this scum here and blow their heads off if they try to escape.”

He approaches the door with caution, though doesn’t take his time. Throwing the door open, he stares down into the darkness and descends the stairs, his gun raised. He squints, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness, not seeing a light switch within reach. “Jamie?” He moves further into the darkness, his feet scuffing on the concrete floor. Suddenly his eyes spot Jamie in a heap, lying in the corner. His heart almost stops, and suddenly his caution flees.

Rushing to her side, his gun is holstered and he slides on his knees next to her. Horror fills his veins as he sees the bruises…the blood. Emotions run rampant as he puts a finger to her throat, searching for a pulse. It’s there. Weak, but there. “Jamie, don’t leave me now,” he whispers. “Stay with me…please…” He wraps his arms around her gently, lifting her up to hold her close. “God, please don’t let me lose her…not like this.”

Knowing his task, he gets to his feet with her in his arms, and aims for the stairs.

Shadows

*Nate heads over to his desk grabing his gun and more ammo. Along with a knife he slids into his boots. After geting the rest of what he needs Nate joins the other again. With in minutes they are all at the house and in position waiting to strike.*

*Katie answers her phone fumbaling for a moment as it scaired he tar out of her.*

"Ok J. Please be safe. I'll be praying. Ok..Later."

*As Katie hangs up the phone she closes her eyes and prays everything will go well.*

*As Carson leaves the basment a dark figures hids in the shadows. Waiting. Carson had hesatated, for somereson he let Jamie get to him. He had betrayed them. Joe staired out from the dark. He would finish what Carson couldent.*

Lie

Jason nods. “We need to be armed, no doubt. I suggest Wyatt being on the other side of the clearing here…” He points on the map. “Then Nate, you and I can go in from this angle, and…”

“If you think I’m staying out of it, you’re crazy,” Con interrupts.

Jason looks over to him with seriousness. “Con, you’re half dead yourself. I think it would be better if you were over here at a good lookout point to be our eyes and…”

“Dang it, Jason!” Con’s palm slams down onto the table. “Quit treating me like a rookie!”

Jason looks into his bloodshot eyes, thinking this move unwise, but feeling not alternative at this point. “Alright. Fine. You and Nate go in, and I’ll hang back to get a grip on the big picture. We should have Hal and Chris about a quarter mile down from there a backup if we need it, but they’ll be far enough away not to get in the way or tip anyone off. They can also call back here in case anything goes wrong.”

The men stand up from the table, and Wyatt gestures down the hall. “Let’s gear up with what we need. We’ll take two vehicles, and I’ll inform Hal and Chris to be standing by.”


Jason throws on his holster and pistol, dialing on his cell phone at the same time. “Katie. Just wanted to throw you and update. We’re heading to that place you found. We think it might be the spot. I’ll call you again once we’re back here.”


Laura watches from a distance, feeling just a little helpless. She knows there’s nothing she can do at this point, but her worry lingers.


Surprise flickers in Carson’s eyes at Jamie’s words. He draws back just slightly, unable to think of a response.

As Jamie goes limp, he reaches out to catch her head before it hits the hard wall. Feeling her pulse, he knows she’s not going to make it much longer. He just studies her for several minutes, a strange feeling welling inside of him that hasn’t been felt for so very long.

He hears his buddies shout at him from upstairs, telling him to hurry up and either get answers or kill her off.

Carson stands up, pulls a gun from behind his back and cocks it, holding the barrel aimed at Jamie’s head. But for the first time, he hesitates. I forgive you. His blood runs cold and his hand starts to shake.

Uncocking the gun, he holsters it again and turns around heading for the stairs. “She’s dead already,” he yells up. “Nothing here but dog meat now.”

The Secret Told

*Nate nods at the other two looking between them.*

"Ok, so we know ten to one says they are armed. So that means we are going in armed too. Next question is should we get more people to back us up, and how are we gonna do this. If anyone stands in our way we know what to do. But what about the guys who dont. We cant just let them go free."

*Nate looks between Jason and Wyatt for addvise. It was his operation and desitions that were listened to but he always like listing to what his other team members had to say.*

*Katie smiles at Laura and nods.*

"Anytime Laura. I'm always around to listen. Night."

*After Laura leaves Katie flicks the tv to nervouse and worryed about what the day break will bring for everyone. Fliping thought the channels Katie find a movie to watch finally falling a sleep with the phone by her head incase a call came in.*

*Nate lets out a yawn as he downs his 4th cup of coffee. He HAD to be awake and alert this morning for this. Lising to Jason he gives a nod. Jason was smarter than anyone he ever met for his young age. He would never argue with one of his planes. He had helped Nate out of many sticky situations before.*

"Sounds good to me Hotsot. Lets get the stuff we think we will need and get rolling."

*Jamie maniges to open her eyes to look at Carson. The cold hard steel that was there yesterday is now gone. Love and compation only remains. Coughing Jamie speaks softly Never leaving Carson's eyes.*

"You think its to late for you Carson, But its not. God can save you still Carson. I forgive you."

*Jamies eyes close and her body goes limp.*

Morning

Jason looks up to see Nate and offers an offhanded salute of greeting before receiving the questions.

“No, the idiot still hasn’t eaten anything, nor has he taken a rest. He headed towards his office a few minutes ago, but he hasn’t been back – I don’t know what he’s doing or what’s taking him so long.

“As far as Wyatt’s concerned, I haven’t heard anything…” He suddenly glances behind Nate. “Speak of the devil.”

Wyatt makes his way to the table and grabs a chair, hyped, despite the late hour. “That house has got to be it. I parked a ways away from it and went on foot through the strip of woods there. I saw a light on and several guys come and go… you can’t tell me it’s legit business at this time of the night.” He looks back and forth between Nate and Jason. “All we got to do now is figure out how we’re gonna get in there without somebody getting killed. We can bet that anyone in there is armed. I saw about three guys tonight, but there’s no telling numbers tomorrow.”


Laura smiles at Katie, grateful for the encouragement. “I know…thanks. I know it’ll all work out somehow…it’s just hard to see at a time like this, I guess. And I suppose I worry too much…I know Con’s heart…I know he knows what’s right and will come back around…. But when I heard he’d killed a guy today I guess I just had a moment of question ya know?”

Laura takes a deep breath and looks back at the clock. “Thanks for letting me talk, Katie…I feel better…” She smiles a little. “I should get on home for a few hours sleep before I head back to TJY at daybreak. I know we’ll call you if anything changes.”

She rises from her chair and gives a slight wave. “Night, Katie.”


The sun begins to peak over the horizon, creating a grayish pink atmosphere. A fog has settled over the land, giving an eerie feel to the already stressful early hours.

Laura gets back to TJY, ready to help out, and spots all the guys where she last saw them at the table.

Con runs his finger along the map as the four discuss a plan of action. “These woods here, where you were last night, Wyatt, would be a good entry point, but we should have someone here on the other side in case they run.”

Jason polishes off his orange juice and nods in agreement. “Once we’re there, we have to determine how many we’re up against, and figure out a way in. After that, it’ll be playing it by ear. Dangerous, but necessary.” He looks across at Nate. “Well, Captain, whadya think?”


“Rise and shine!” Carson shines a bright flashlight into Jamie’s face and reaches down to drag her over to the wall, propping her up in the corner. “Well, little missy, sorry to barge in here on you like this, but apparently we’re giving you one more chance to talk before we simply leave you down here and go on our merry way.”

A knife blade glints in his hand as he squats down in front of her and reaches out to take her chin and shift her face towards him. He stares in her eyes for several moments, and suddenly seems to decide not to use the weapon, putting it back in his pocket. “If I were you, Jamie I’d talk. You got one more chance. Don’t make me leave you here.”

Lean on Me

*Katie gives a soft grone as Jason shovers her. Oping her eyes she wasent in a deep sleep.*

"Since when did I become you mother."

*She replys in a playful tone. Finally noting Laura.*

"Oh Hey Laura!"

*As Jason leaves the room Katie rolls her eyes and giggles.*

" I'll try not too."

*As Katie turns her attachen back to Laura she can tell something is not right. A deep pain had formed in her friends eyes. Smiling softly she nods.*

"Its ok Laura, its will be nice to see ya and have someone bedsides the guys here all the time."

*As Laura talks Katie takes what is said in. Not knowing any of this about Con. He was such a sweet guy it was hard to believe. Puting a hand on Laura shoulder Katie smiles not speaking till she is done.*

"Wow Laura and I though my past was rough. I am so sorry. Its ok to be scaired though, but ju7st remember God is in controll. He will take care of your worrys Laura. Con has alot of people praying for him. Things will work out in the end Laura. You just have to trust God. And be there for Con. He needs his little sister as much as you need him."

*Katie smiles giving Laura's shoulder a friendly squeeze.*

*Nate walks across the floor with a coffee cup in hand. His eyes with heavy bags under them but alart non the less.*

"Hey Hotshot."

*Looking around Nate dosents see Con.*

"Did he decied to go to sleep or get something to eat? Also is Wyatt back yet?"

*Nate knows he is asking 20 questions but being the leader of the team had its responsiblitys to know what was going on and when, where everyone was.*

"As soon as we hear back from Wyatt or when he gets back we can sit down with a game plane hoping this is the spot where Jamie is. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If this isent than there is no way she is in Navada still."

*Nate takes another sip from his coffee and sits down in a chair.*

*Jamie trys to hold her head up to take another drink of water from Sam but cant. She hasent eaten in 2 days her small farm having a hard time handling it loses its strength. Jamie trys to speak.*

"Sorry Sam but I dont think I will be going to Texas for you after all. I cant take this much longer."

*A tear rolls down Sam's face as she holds her new found friend close.*

"They are coming Jamie. They are coming. Your gonna be ok. Just hold on."

The Past

Laura looks over from her desk at the table where her brother still is. It was the middle of the night, and the other guys had rotated leaving off and on, but she’d wanted to stick around just to make sure Con was okay. It had been an awfully long time since she’d seen him like this…an awfully long time.

Leaning her elbows on her desk, she picks up a framed picture of her and Con so many years ago. The memories come back to her, burned into her mind forever…

Glancing at the clock, Laura realizes that Jason wanted her to call him so he’d come back to TJY for another shift. Weary of sitting here though, and just wanting some company other than the guys around here, she decides to take a break herself. It was late…but maybe Katie wouldn’t mind…


“Mm-hmm.” Jason listens to Katie, though has a hard time staying alert. Before he knows it, he’s drifted off, still in the chair.


Laura knocks lightly on Katie’s door, letting herself in. It was one o’clock in the morning, and she hated to wake Jason now, but he’d be upset if she didn’t. “Hey, Jase…” she speaks quietly. She approaches him cautiously and puts a hand on his shoulder.

Jason had been in a deep sleep on the verge of a nightmare, and jumps as Laura touches him.

“Whoa, easy,” Laura steps back, giving him space. “It’s just me.”

Jason blinks in the dim room, finally bringing her into focus. “Aw, man, I was out.”

Laura giggles. “I see that. Sorry…but it’s one o’clock.”

Jason groans and stretches out, turning to see Katie. He reaches out to give her a playful shove to the shoulder. “How come you let me sleep so long?” He yawns and springs to his feet, shaking his head to wake up. “Alright. I’m heading back.”

“I’ll be along in a while,” Laura tells him. “Call me if anything happens.”

“Yeah, sure.” Jason grabs his jacket, throwing Katie a quirky grin and a wink. “See you later, Hero. Try not to miss me too much.”

As Laura watches Jason leave the room, she raises an eyebrow before turning back to Katie, question flickering in her eyes, though she doesn’t ask. Easing herself down in the chair, she sighs deeply. “Oh, Katie…what’s happening, hmm?” She shakes her head. “I know it’s late, but…I just couldn’t stand waiting down there anymore…and seeing Con like he is. I hope you don’t mind.”

Before she realizes it, a tear has escaped and runs down her cheek. She forces a laugh at herself. “I’m sorry…I guess this got to me more than I thought…it’s just… it’s been a long time since I’ve seen Con like this…so angry…so hurt.” She swipes her eyes with the back of her hand and takes a deep breath, knowing that she will feel better if she gets this off her chest.

“I was only seven…our parents were out for the night…Con was sixteen…he stayed home to take care of me.” Laura’s eyes grow dim as she recalls the event. “It got late…about ten o’clock. A policeman came to the door and Con went with him into the kitchen. A few minutes later the officer left…and Con came to see me in the living room. I’ll never forget the look on his face. He’d decided not to put me through hearing the news from a stranger, and shouldered the task of telling me that there had been an accident. Mommy and Daddy weren’t coming home.”

Another tear slowly makes a path down the side of Laura’s face. “Con fought tooth and nail not to let us get split up, or be taken to strange homes. He threw a social worker out of the house once, and I dare say the poor little man was scared to death by that lanky teenager.” Laura can’t help but laugh a little. “We had an aunt and uncle who offered to take us in, but I was scared to death and Con didn’t want to put me through any more trauma. By God’s grace alone, we were able to stay together and Con took responsibility for me, as long as our aunt and uncle had contact with us, and supported us financially. Con worked his tail off for me…he dropped out of high school when he was seventeen and got his G.E.D. so he could go out and get a job. Six months later he was getting me up to school in the mornings, going to work all day, picking me up at night and taking care of me in the evenings.”

Laura pauses, thinking back. “He sacrificed so much…he was just a kid himself but he played mom and dad, and never uttered a complaint.” A small chuckle escapes. “He had to call Uncle Danny and Aunt Ellie a few time for advice, but overall he took everything in stride. He got in with the police academy and rose quickly. It wasn’t until later that I realized everything he was holding inside…everything he was hiding just to protect me from emotional strain.”

Laura sighs, sinking lower in her chair. “When he was twenty, he was called in on a sting operation and there was an explosion. He was hurt pretty bad and was in the hospital for about a month. I was just eleven then…so Aunt Ellie came to stay with me until he got out again. After that I started hearing things about him getting suspended for beating guys up who he arrested…I guess he had quite a reputation. It seemed so strange to me…at home he wouldn’t hurt a fly. I heard once that the department would bring him in specifically for cross-examinations because he could scare the tar out of anyone…it wasn’t a surprise with his size and strength I guess, but he was too tough…too angry…I remember I didn’t even want to believe all that stuff.”

“A couple years later he ran into the guy who had set the explosive on that one operation and beat him so bad that the guy was put in the hospital for six months. It was the last straw at the department, and he was kicked off the force for good.” Laura pauses to rethink those events. “He got discovered by Carter, and before he knew it, he was a part of TJY. Of course… Carter wouldn’t have any of his temper and somehow worked it out of him, slowly but surely. Con started to gain more control…I think he probably worked through the past a bit, then he and I started going to church and we both became Christians, so I know that really topped it off. The brother I’d seen at home was who Con became all the time.”

Laura wipes the remaining tears from her eyes. “Once I was out of high school and on with my own life, we finally got our own places, though we stayed close. And now…” She shakes her head. “I saw that look in his eye again today…the one that was there so long ago…it’s like his old self has just come to the surface and taken over. I just don’t know what to do, Katie…I’m scared…”


Jason chews on a ham sandwich as he heads back down between the cubicles on the work floor. “Hey, how’s it going?”

Con looks up, not having understood what Jason said, but assuming the question. “It’s got to be that house with the bomb shelter – the one Katie found. It’s a quarter mile off the lake.”

“Got anyone out there?”

“Wyatt. He said he’d take a quick look, but Reese insists we wait until daybreak to move in.”

“You know that’s best.”

Con tosses him a glare. “Not when it’s life and death, Jase.”

Jason sinks into a chair. “She’s going to be okay, Con. We’ll find her, alright? Nate back yet?”

“Any minute.” Con doesn’t want to keep receiving empty reassurance, and rises from the table without another word. He heads to his office and snatches up his cell phone, seeing he’s got a message. As he listens to Katie’s voice, his walls start to weaken, and he flips the phone shut again. He leans on his desk and takes a deep breath, trying to stay focused. He knew better than to let himself go like he was, but his anger was what was keeping him going, and he didn’t want to stop.

Glancing down, he notices blood on his shirt, and rolls his eyes. Great. He aims for Rick’s office to get a clean bandage before the other guys give him too hard of a time.

Darkness Falls

"Ok Reese. I will for you. Thank you for keeping me informed."

*Katie hangs up her phone and leans her head back softly say a prayer.*

"Dear Lord, Please calm Con soul and help him remember you in this time of hardship. And that when he feels hoplessly lost he will lean on you. Also please keep Jamie safe. You know we are all worryed for he, but keep you Angel's with her and let her know your there watching over her. Don't let her give up hope that your there. Amen."

*Nate goes over and over the map, and in and out of headquarters check out differnt sites but coming back empty handed every time. As the day turns into night Nate takes Ed from Wyatt's car and brings him into TJY heading for Con.*

"Con, I though you could take care of Ed for Jamie. He is quite the hero ya know. I'll be back in a bit need to get some sleep. You should do the same."

*Nate turns and heads out to be back in a few hours.*

*As the night falls Sam stays close to Jamie helping her drink water every now and than and drying the blood from her face. Doing what she can to make her feel comfortable.*

*Katie smiles up at Jason as he enters the room. She had hardly seen him all day and understood why but had missed him.*

"Hey Hey look who the cat draged in. Rough day huh? Thats a bummer. I am sure you guys will find Jamie soon. God will keep her safe. I just wish Con wasent killing himself over this."

*A look of saprise forms on Katies face at the mention of Con and Jamie together.*

"I new there were really close friends but nothing more. Mable said something about it when I was at the restront before but I dident think anything of it. Mable has a way of, twisting what she thinks and knows bless her heart. Well I better let you get your rest. Your gonna have alot of long nights till this is over J. Sleep well J."

*After a few minutes Katie picks up her cell phone and dials Con's number only to get his voice mail. Quietly as to not wake Jason Katie leave a message.*

"Hey Big Brother. I'm told your taking this whole thing pretty hard. I cant say I dont blame you. I think I might be the same way if Jason was ever taken again so dont worry I wont harp on ya. I just wanted to call and make sure your talking care of yourself. You need to get some sleep and some food in your tummy. That way you stay stong for Jamie and are thinking clearly. Remember I love ya Big Brother. Talk to you soon."

*Katie hands up and places the phone by her bed where the flowers from Con and Jamie sat. Please let her be ok and give Con peace. Turning her head to face Jason, Katie smiles as he sleep. Closing her eyes she finally drifts off herself.*

End of the day

Con keeps a hand on his wounded shoulder as he relents and follows the others grudgingly. Though Nate’s comment about quitting brings a few chuckles, Con’s face remains stiff, finding no humor.

As they get to the car, Con wills himself not to feel the pain in his arm as he’d done so many times before. There was a bigger pain…a deeper pain that was much harder to ignore.


“He did what?! Oh, for crying out loud.” Reese rubs his temple where a headache is forming as he speaks with Wyatt who is on his way with the others back to TJY. “No, I guess leaving the poor bloke there is the best decision. Most likely in that part of town there’s so much crime, it’s not going to mean much and they’ll assume it’s gang oriented. I’ve seen cases there where they haven’t even done investigations anymore.” He sighs. “Alright, well, yeah, get back here and we’ll set up a station to work on those locations. Thanks.”

Reese hangs up the phone just to have it ring again. “Yeah, hello? Oh, hi, Katie.” He listens for a moment. “Down by the lake, huh? Interesting. Yeah, I’ll have the guys check it out. They’re on their way back here now with several possibilities, so I’ll add this one to the mix.” He pauses, contemplating all he should say. He wanted to keep Katie informed so there would be no surprises. “I just finished talking to Wyatt. I guess there was a shooting down at the house and Con was hit in the shoulder. Sounds like their man tried to run and Con gunned him down…that’s as far as I’ve gotten with information. Con turned in his gun and ID this morning...I’m not sure how all this is going to turn out, Katie…just keep praying, will ya?”


“Good land, Con!” Reese meets the four men on the floor as they make their way into TJY.

The whole side of Con’s shirt was by now soaked in blood, the pressure from his hand doing little good from the front, and nothing from the back.

Con barely reacts. “Rick here?”

“Yeah, in his office,” Reese points. “Get yourself down there.” Once Con is out of earshot, he turns to the others. “We’ve got to keep a handle on him before anything else happens. In the meantime, I’ve got a table set up over here with several maps of the city. Have at them.”


“Well, this is nice.” Rick starts to clean the bullet wound after Con has pulled off his shirt. “In one side and out the other. At least I don’t have to dig anything out like I did the last time.” He points to a scar only inches from the new injury. “That one took me three hours.”

Con grits his teeth. “Just patch this one up.”

Rick raises an eyebrow at Con’s impatient tone. “Alright, tiger, settle yourself down.”

It takes a while for Rick to finally stop the bleeding and sew up both sides of the wound, taping a bandage over it. When bringing a sling though, Con refuses. “I’m fine.”

“Conrad Gibbs!” Rick throws his arms in the air. “When will you learn to take care of yourself? Every time you come in here, you walk right back out as if you’re fine!”

“So when will you learn that I really am?” Con grabs his bloody shirt and tosses it in the trash. “Don’t worry though – this was the last time you’ll have to do this.” Exiting Rick’s office, he goes to his own where he has a spare change of clothes, and grabs a fresh shirt.

Rick looks after Con in bewilderment. He’d heard that Con was on the case of Jamie’s disappearance, but something really must have gotten under his skin to be acting like this. And what had his last statement meant?

Con joins the others at the table of maps, staring down at the streets and markings. They had to find Jamie before it was too late…this was their only chance.


“Hey, Hero.” Jason enters Katie’s room wearily. It was late evening, and he was exhausted. Tossing his jacket aside, he sinks down in the chair next to Katie’s bed, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. “I’m here for just a couple hours to get some rest. We’ve been pouring over maps all day and have had men out scouting locations the last several hours. We got two possibilities…one is a warehouse, and one is that house you discovered. Reese wants to make sure we know the location before barging in…so we’re hoping to get that figured out soon, then we’ll have to wait until daylight to go in, unless we want to make it a suicide mission. Of course, Con did a good enough job on the last incident, the idiot.”

Jason takes a deep breath after his long spiel, his eyes still closed. “He won’t even take a break – hasn’t slept a wink and is starving himself until this thing is over. Right about now, I think I’m the only one who knows his reasoning though. Did you know he and Jamie were getting serious?”

My Story

*Nate hangs up the phone with Reese and heads back into the kitchen sighing and pulling up another chair.*

"Reese wants us to stay put for now untill our friend here gives us any clues at all about where Jamie might be. And it needs to be handled in a profestional manor as well."

*Nate looks at Con his eyes full of worry about what is going on in his head. Nate new Con was capable of much, and even though he was about as big as Con but alittle shorter he new it would be quite a challange to bring Con down even if there was 3 of them. A man of Con's size with a hot temper behind him would be like trying to stop a tank. Nate sits and listens to that Dirk is saying. Taking every bit of information in. As the shots rings out Nate falls to the ground like many times in the past befor standing he scans he room making sure his friend are. Finally standing and leting out a long sigh. Con killed someone..sure Con killed lots of people in the past but something about this was differnt. Standing Nate says nothing and goes over to Con checking his shoulder. He couldent scold Con, if it has been him in Con's shoes he wasent sure if he would of done anything differntly. Helping Con up Nate nods.*

"Ya I'll drive Con's car and follow you guys back to TJY."

*Giving a heart laugh and trying to lighten the mood a bit Nate exclames as they walk out of the house.*

"I think we all have quite one or two times before. I know I have. And Reese keeps leting us boneheads come back like we are important to him so something."

*Nate gives a sly grin.*

*Slowly Jamie turns her eyes twords Carson at the new of Con's death. Her eyes filling with pain and the tears siting on the edgh of her lids waiting to come out. Jamie's heart breaks. What was the point now. It dident matter if she told or not Con was dead. She had learned to love again and be loved in return only to have it taken away now. Why, This wasent fair. Jamie's eyes follow Carson as he stands and heads for the steps. With eyes of steel and a voice drained of life Jamie calls.*

"You'll burn in hell for what you've done, but its never to late."

*Joe makes his way over to Jamie as she speaks backhanding her across the face. The rings on his fingers catching on her skin causing a gash from the courner of her mouth up across her cheek. As the blood starts to fill Jamies mouth and run down her face he gives out a low cackle.*

"Dident you mom ever tell you if you dont have something nice to say dont say anything at all?"

*Turning he leaves following Carson up the steps closing the door behind him.*

*Once the door is shut Sam inches her way over to Jamie as she holds her stumic from where she was kicked. Moving the glass of water she sits down in the chair.*

"Oh Jamie, I'm so sorry. I know how it feels to have the ones you love taken from you by the Agency. Its not fun. Not fun as all. I was marryed and had a sun at one point in time. Both are still alive but neather know me anymore. They both live in Texas now. MY husband dosent even know that they boy he see almost every week is his son."

*Sam lets a long drawn out sigh.*

"Little BJ. I took him to that Ranch out there the R/M so he would be safe with people I new would love him. and Even his family. His uncil Mick, and Aunt Annie. We were triplit taking by the Agency split up. They dont even know BJ is related to them eather. Along with some of my other brothers there."

*Sam looks at Jamie studing her face before talking again. Filling her in on everything of the past that happend with little BJ and Damien. How she worked for the Agency cuz she had to. An hour pass when she is finally done.*

"...your the only one who knows the truth Jamie. I know your friends are one there way to finding you. So I ask a request from you. When you get out of here and are able to travil will you go to Texas and let them know about Little BJ and let him know his mother loved him very much and was ever so sorry for everything that happens."

*Jamie starts to shake her head, in a low quiet voice replys.*

"When my friends come to rescue me, I'll make sure they get you out too."

*Sam smiles. It was sweet how Jamie dident just think of herself as a time like this.*

"Even if they do get me out along with you Jamie, my body has been through so much at the hands of the agency and I have been here for so long, I wont make it for very long. Its not my destiny to make it out of here. But if it helps we can hope anyways."

*Sam trys to keep a positive smiles as she gently washes the cut on the side of Jamie's face unable to stop it from bleeding.*

"When you get out if its soon enough your going to need stickes on that."

*As Katie searchs though more files on her computer she comes across a spot that talks about an abandon house that at one time had a bombshelter connected to it. The wheels in Katies head start to turn. What a perfect place to keep someone. There crys, screams, please, even a gunshot would be unhurd of. It was down by the lake. It was worth a shot. Katie dials Reese's number.*

"Reese...I was going through some files and I came across a section about an old house that had a bomb shelter connected to it. Ya I thought maybe it was worth a shot. Its down by the lake."

Shot

Reese grumbles a little to himself, not happy with the way things have been handled by Con. “I guess you three stay there with Con until you get some information from Dirk. That way you’ll all know what’s going on, and if Con does anything stupid, it would probably take all three of you to take him down anyway.” He pauses, still thinking. “Once you’ve got some ideas on a location, if any, come back here and leave Dirk the way he is. Nothing he can tell the Agency after this will be news to them anyway. …Give me a call back when you’re headed this way. Thanks, Nate.”


“…There’s that abandoned school out on fifth that they use sometimes.” Dirk runs his tongue over the split in his lip, staring at Con, fear still on his face. “Not sure why they like it since it’s so close to downtown but…”

“I don’t care about your opinion!” Con slams a fist on the table, making Dirk jump. “I want facts, Dirk! Where else might they be?”

Dirk swallows hard. “I…I don’t know, man! There’s that shelter down by the rock quarry about six miles out of town…and I know sometimes they’ve met at that old place that used to be a restaurant out on Maple.”

“What else?”

“Sometimes I know they’ve gone down to the north side of the lake too, you know, where those vacant houses are.”

“What else?”

Dirk shakes his head. “That’s all I know!”

Con grabs Dirk by the shirt collar again. “There’s more, I can see it!”

“Alright alright! There’s a house, east of…”

Without warning, there’s the sound of a shot and breaking glass. Con is hit with such force it throws him back into the table before he sinks to the floor.

“Everybody down!” Jason orders, immediately going to his stomach on the floor, along with the others, adrenaline racing through his veins.

Dirk seizes the moment and jumps up from his chair, making a mad dash to the adjoining living room.

Still dazed, Con moves a bloody hand from his left shoulder and sees Dirk fleeing. Without hesitating, he grabs his gun that fell to the floor with him, and aims it at his enemy’s back.

Jason’s eyes widen. “Con, no!”

A second shot rings out.

Con’s gun remains outstretched as he watches Dirk slump to the floor after an instantaneous death.

Silence.

Jason stares at the scene in shock. Had he just witnessed his friend gunning someone down? Shooting him in the back, no less? It takes several moments for him to right himself from the floor, along with Wyatt, who is also stunned.

Con manages to sit up, wincing as he moves his left arm, the blood still coming.

Finally finding his voice, Jason glances over to him. “How bad is it?”

“Went right through.” Con grimaces as he applies pressure to the wound. “Must’ve been a sniper across the street. He’ll be long gone by now.”

“And now we’ve got a body on our hands.” Jason holsters his gun, throwing his arms in the air as finally his own irritation surfaces. “How could you do that, Con?! Now we won’t find out anything else, let alone the fact that you just killed Dirk in cold blood! What were you thinking?!”

Con grits his teeth as he pulls himself up off the floor to stand. “Go ahead, Jase. Tell me you would have handled it differently. Tell me that you would have sat here for hours on end talking nice to him and just hoping he’d make a slip of the tongue so you’d actually gain some information. Tell me you would have let him go alive after knowing where we were headed. Go ahead, Hotshot – tell me.”

Jason searches his friend’s eyes, a strange emotion rising. He didn’t even know what to think or what to feel. This cold-heartedness was something new, and it caused disappointment…anger…almost a fear.

Wyatt cautiously goes into the living room to check Dirk, finding him, in fact, to be dead. Something behind the window curtain catches his eye though, and he moves the drapery to the side. His eyes widen. A sawed-off shotgun had been hidden from view. He looks to the kitchen, revealing the weapon.

Jason sees the shotgun, then looks back to Con. If Con had not shot Dirk, or if he’d only given him a wound that wasn’t fatal, Dirk would have turned on them, and one of them might now be dead instead.

Con glares at Jason. “…And tell me that you would have let him shoot us all down.”

Jason swallows hard. There was so much anger in Con’s eyes…so much hate. Was there no remorse for what he’d just done, even if it had been for their own protection?

Wyatt interrupts his thoughts. “We need to go back to TJY, table all of these locations and pinpoint where we think is most likely Jamie is being held. We won’t know if Dirk was telling the truth or not until we look.” He nods to Con. “And you need Rick to take care of that shoulder of yours before you bleed to death.”

Con rolls his eyes. “I’m fine.”

“You just got shot!” Jason exclaims. “Stop trying to be a one-man army, Con! There’s nothing more here now. We have to work on this as a team and you know it!”

“I can’t go back to TJY. I quit this morning.”

“I’ve quit multiple times,” Jason counters. “Now come on…Nate, can you drive Con’s car?”


Carson’s eyes narrow at Jamie’s silence and he finally lets go of her head, shoving her back into the chair. His phone rings and he answers it, ending the call after only a moment, then looks back at Jamie. “Sorry, babe, but your boyfriend just bit the dust. One shot right to the chest. You can be glad it was quick though – he went down immediately.” He looks into her distant eyes, the anger building in his own. “It doesn’t get any better, Jamie, it only gets worse. The longer you stay quiet, the more suffering occurs.”

Leaning his arms forward on the backrest of his own chair, he’s quiet for several moments, just letting silence envelope the misery. “You remind me of my sister, you know that?” Something in Carson’s tone has changed. “Same pretty face…same attitude…but her silence didn’t get her anywhere but the grave. The Agency doesn’t pull any punches, and they follow through with their threats. I watched my family die right before me as they stood there, strong, just like you, only to die in the end, leaving nothing behind but a family to mourn their deaths.”

A scoffing laugh escapes. “I chose the route of survival. Work for the Agency or die – that’s my motto. Keep quiet or watch even more family die – that’s my incentive.” Carson reaches out to turn Jamie’s face towards his. “You think your silence shows bravery? You think it keeps your loved ones safe? No…” He shakes his head. “All it does is prolong the inevitable. I turned into this monster you see, just so I could make people like you talk. Why? Because the Agency is gonna win one way or the other. It’s too late for me to get out – you, on the other hand, have a chance to save yourself and your friends. Tell us what we want to know, and you’ll go free. It’s that simple.”

He stands up and starts to walk away, but turns instead to fill a glass with water and set it on the now-empty chair in front of Jamie. “Think about it.” Spinning around, he heads for the stairs.