Window

*Jamie smiles at Con and nods her head at his idea. After asking him, she had relized maybe how undecent her request really was. Jamie liked Laura alot and it would be nice to have them both around. How could she go wrong.*

"Ya...I think I would like that. Maybe we all could get some pizza and play some bored games or something. It would only be for a night or to till I got use to the house again."

*Jamie smiles at Con and takes his hand.*

"Thank you."

*Katie beams up at Jason.*

"Yes I am. Let me just grab a sweatshirt, and we will be ready to hit the road."

*Within minutes Katie has her sweatshirt and a pare of jeans on. Turning to hang her legs off the bed she smiles at Jason.*

"Dont let that nurse know, she would have a cow. Can you grab the cane for me please Hun?"

*As Nate watches Carson he lets out a sigh. He notices that he is becoming antsy and can unsetand why. He was caged in a small area, No windows No light. In the back of Nate's head he told himself is served Carson right after what he did to Jamie. Everything he put her through and so many other. No matter how much Nate wanted to be angry at Carson he couldent. His sisters tiny words ran through his mind. "Do unto others as you would have done to you. Right Brother?" Nate smiles at the memorie of Maggie's voice. Stand Nate streches and turns off the camara. Heading down to Carson's holding cell Nate unlocks the door and steps in. His face not really showing much emotions.*

"I though maybe you could use som fresh air. We have another room with a window if you want to sit in there and breath alittle. The window dosent give much of a view so there is no worry of you figuring out where you are. Come on. Dont try running eather, or its the last time those legs of yours will work."

Ready?

Con shakes his head at Jamie’s question. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do…I just don’t know.”

As the evening wears on, Con is taken by surprise by Jamie’s request. He wasn’t surprised that she would be leery about being by herself again, but…

Just two weeks earlier, Con wouldn’t have hesitated. Jamie had been a little sister...but now… it felt just a little awkward. Looking into her eyes, he knows that she just needs his support right now. There would be nothing wrong with him staying with her for a couple days, though he wasn’t sure it would be such a great idea with just him and Jamie in the house.

“I’ll stay with you for as long as you need me to, okay?” Con offers her a reassuring smile. “I bet I can even get Laura to come over too.”


Jason raises his eyebrows, unable to stop a smile at Katie’s enthusiasm. It felt good to be wanted…he couldn’t deny that. He gives a short laugh. “Alright. If you feel up to it. I do have that spare helmet…” He holds it up. “You think you’re ready for a ride?”


Carson eats half his supper, then dozes for a while, only to wake up an hour later. He gets up and starts to pace the small room. No windows…no light from anywhere outside…he was beginning to feel almost claustrophobic. Running a hand through his air, it shakes just a little. There was only one thing he wanted right now, and he couldn’t have it. Quitting smoking cold turkey hadn’t exactly been on his agenda.

I want to get out

*Jamie gives a slight nod to Con.*

"Ya I know I hate it too. But i guess we have to sometimes even though it bites."

*Jamie studys Con for a long while.*

"What are you going to do Con? Since your life is changing. Whatever it is I'll saport you 100%. As long as there was be room for me."

*Not much talking takes place but Jamie enjoyed Con's company non the less. She likes having him near. She felt safe, and new everything would be ok when he was around. After alittle Jamie's mind goes back to when she was to return him. Worry filled her. She had never been scaired to go home before till now. Looking down at her hands she speaks the smiles leaving her face as the worry sets in.*

"Con...When I go home. I know this is a big request, but do you think maybe you can stay a day or to with me? You dont have to...I just...think it would be nice to have someone around."

*Katie cant help but laugh as Jason and Kyle scoble. It was always funny to watch them.*

"You guys relize you sound like two chicken in a barn clucking right."

*Katie shakes her head at the site, her eyes dancing with laughter.*

"You always come in, make a comtion and than go running out Kyle. Whats up with that I am gonna start thinking I smell or something."

*Katie smiles and gives him a short wave as he leaves. As Jason informs her that he has the night off Katie squeels and claps the excitment showing on her face.*

"YAY...I get you all to myself tonight and sounds like your asking me on another date. Yes I'd love pizza but I'd like to get out for this date and come with you. I need to exersise my legs anyways. If you dont mind walking slow."

*Katie nods to her cane and smiles.*

*Nate makes his way back to TJY Coffee in hand. He new Reese probley dident need him right now but he wanted to be around anyways incase anything went down with Carson. Not to mention he wanted to watch over Ed too. Con was at the Hospetal with Jamie so he new his mind was alse where. As Nate makes his way to his Desk Ed lifts his head and sticks his toung out. Nate lets out a laugh.*

"Ya dont say."

*Nate drops a dead mouse into Ed.*

"Bet your hungry. Sorry you have to say here in this box, but mommy isent home yet and my sister Maggie would kille me if I was to bring you home. So this is where you will stay for now little guy."

*Nate flicks on the small tv haning on the wall by his desk. The camra that was in Carson's cell was also connected there.*

Pizza?

Con grimaces a little after the doctor has left the room. "I hate lying...but what else are we supposed to do?" He sighs deeply. "I don't think I can keep up with this anymore."

He pauses, but tries not to be dismal, for Jamie's sake. "Glad you'll be out of here in a couple days though. Your parents will be glad to know that too. I'm sure your mom has been beside herself."

Con leans back in his chair, in no hurry to leave this evening. TJY could wait...he didn't want to think about work...he didn't want to work on any cases...he just wanted to sit...and be with Jamie.


Kyle grins at Katie. "Oh yeah, it's been absolutely forever since you've seen my handsome face." He makes his way to the other side of the room, tossing Jason's phone into his bag, then aiming for the extra bed. He puts his hands on his hips and places a foot on the mattress to shake it. "You gonna be sociable or what?"

Without even looking, Jason's arm shoots out from under his pillow, grabs Kyle's ankle and twists it just right to throw him off balance.

Before he can react, Kyle is on the floor. He lets out a pitiful groan. "Aw, man...will someone please remind me the next time I approach him that he's trained to fend off people like me?"

Jason finally props himself up on his elbows, opening his eyes to squint sleepily in the light. He stares down at Kyle, a grin starting to form. "You ought to know better than to wake a sleeping guard dog."

"You're telling me." Kyle rubs the back of his head, managing to get back on his feet. "This is what I get for being nice and bringing your phone back for you?" He looks down at Katie. "He's a mean sucker, I tell ya."

"I coulda been a lot meaner."

"I have no doubt." Kyle rolls his eyes. "You look like you've been through the wringer."

Jason sits up and yawns before shrugging. "Just your norm. Having a friend kidnapped and tortured, going in for a rescue, winding up with three people dead, and all that on about three hour's worth of sleep. How's that?"

Kyle's eyes widen. He would have laughed, had he not realized that Jason was being serious. "Okay, so I have great timing too, don't I?"

"Don't worry about it. Thanks for bringing my phone back."

"No problem. I gotta scoot - gotta be down at work to close up tonight. But the guys and I wanted to know if you'd be up for practice tomorrow night. We want to get a lineup for the songs we're doing for the fundraiser and figure out exactly what we're doing."

Jason nods. "I hope so. Once things calm down at TJY, we should be okay."

"Great. We're gonna meet at Mikes at seven o'clock." Kyle starts for the door, tossing Katie another smile and wave. "Wish I could stay and chat, but I gotta run." He thumbs towards Jason. "And keep this rogue under control, will ya?"

Jason shakes his head after Kyle leaves, not being able to help a short laugh. He starts to say something, but his phone rings, interrupting. After a short conversation, he ends the call. "Well...Reese told me to take the evening off. Carson is in the secure cell and we're laying low for a couple days. So..." He glances up at the clock. "I could run to Mom and Pop's and bring back a pizza if you're game."


Carson sits up on the narrow cot in the dim room. It was small...stark...but nothing like the damp basement he'd been in recently. TJY was an intriguing place. He'd thought something like it existed, but hadn't imagined the extent. They really did have a handle on a lot more things than just the Agency. It was extremely interesting.

He looks up as he hears the lock on the door and Rick enters with a tray of food. "Here's your supper. You probably won't have any more company 'til the morning. Reese is calling Jason to tell him to take the night off until this whole thing blows over. Just change that bandage like I told you to in a few hours, and you should be fine." Rick looks at him, not knowing if he should feel sorry for him or not. "There's an intercom button there if there's an emergency, but don't expect anyone to come running too quick."

Carson doesn't react much, not surprised. "If I die in the night, I've got what I deserved."

Rick studies him for a moment, then turns to leave, locking the door securely behind him. Reese had a camera in his office - if Carson made any strange moves, they'd know.

A little Lie

*As Jason drifts to sleep Katie watches him. She hadent thought about what it would be like when she left the hospetil. She wouldent be spending much time with Jason or seeing him that much anymore. He was always welcomed at Laura's but would he really come. Could the look she saw in Jason's eye change after they dont see much of eachother. Katie could only hope it wouldent and that he would still come around alot. Jason had open again opened up those feeling inside Katie, and she was having a hard time seeing him as just a friend even though she tryed. Finally removing her gaze from Jason Katie leans her head back and fall asleep to her own dreams.*

*Jamie smiles as Con had returned.*

"I'm doing the best I can be I guess. Still sore but I guess thats a givin that I will be for a while. How are you feeling?"

* A soft knock can be hurd on the door as Jamie turns her attachen to see Dr.Tailbit standing in the doorway looking at a chart.*

"Jamie, its good to see you awake."

*Going over to Jamie he checks her vitals, changes the bandage on her face.*

"Everything looks good."

*Dr. Tailbit turns to leave but stops turning back to Con and Jamie.*

"I wouldent sapose eather of you would like to tell me whats going on would you? I am awfle worryed as to why someone would lie to me when there friend just got really hurt."

*Shocked Jamie looks to Con than back to the Dr.. Not sur what to say. Looking down at her hands Jamie gives out a sigh.*

"I would like to tell you Dr. Tailbit. You should know whats going on. You see...I started hanging out with some people I thought were my friends but I was wrong, as you can see. This guy here and the others you talked to out in the waiting room tryed to tell me there were no good but I dident listen. Well the people that hurt me, they were part of a cult I guess you could say and I was there lamb. When i dident come home my friends new something was wrong and came to get me. The other people are long gone by now."

*Dr.Tailbit looks at Jamie a bit saprised by what was said.*

"Well I guess that explins everything. There are still holes but...for now this is fine."

*Dr. Tailbit scans Jamies face for a long moment and than Con's finally turning and leaves the room.*

*Jamie leans her head aganst the pillow and turns to Con.*

"Hoping that will stop him from asking anymore questions."

*As Kyle bursts into the room Katie cant help but let out a shreek and a laugh.*

"I'm fine but I think Jason might kill you now Kyle. How are you? It feels like AGES since I have seen you all!"

Wake up

Jason chuckles at the remark about food. "Yeah, well, you'll be getting out of here soon enough." He tosses Katie a wink. "I'm gonna miss hanging out up here. I'm not gonna know what to do, going to stay at Con's and having a real bed to sleep in."

After finishing eating, Jason is so drowsy that he decides it would be best to catch a nap before going back to work. Not even bothering to take his boots off, he flops down on his stomach on the spare bed, tucking his arms up under the pillow and falling asleep almost immediately.


Con makes his way back down the hospital hall. He's cleaned up and a little more alert after an hour's worth of sleep, though the weariness behind his eyes is still evident. Despite tiredness, he pastes a pleasant look on his face and slips into Jamie's room. Seeing her awake, he smiles. "Hey, you." He sinks down in the chair. "How ya doing?"


"Hey, wake up, ya lazy bum!" Kyle bursts into Katie's room, eying Jason's sleeping form. "It's suppertime, not bedtime!"

Jason groans and buries his head further into his pillow.

Kyle grins and holds up Jason's cell phone. "Since you never showed up at Mike's for this, I figured I'd stop on by." He gives Katie a small wave. "And how's the pretty lady doing today?"

Bang

*As Jason eyes look deep into hers Katie's heart starts to race. Yes he could do that with just a look.Katie feels as though everythng on her mind could be layed infront of Jason without a problem saying any of it like in the past. Katie blushes again she starts to reply.*

"You....."

*Only to be cut off midsentince by Laura. Taking her eyes from Jason's Katie looks up twords the door and smiles.*

"Hey Laura. Its ok, you got more important things to do with Con."

*Katie gives alittle wave as Laura leaves. Turning back to Jason and the food.*

"Oh goodness I'd love one. I am so tired of hospetal food its not funny."

*Katie takes the sandwiche and beams a small glint in her eyes.*

"Thank you."

*A few hours later Jamie wakes and looks around the room forgeting where she was for a moment. It was quiet and dim in the room. As Jamie is alone her mind reels. After the avents that have happens much had changed inside of her. Jamie felt stronger yet scaired still. Going back home was going to be hard. As Jamies mind wanders the quietness a loud bang is hurd in the hall way sending Jamie flying up in bed her eyes wide and a hand to her chest. What was that? Relizing it was only a noice in the hall of a nurse droping a tray Jamie relaxes slittle buts heart is still racing.*

Sandwiches

Jason's grin widens at Katie's embarrassment. For the first time, he felt none, only a relaxed amusement, despite the feelings that Katie's touch had stirred up.

"Don't tease," he warns. "I might just take you up on that." He rolls over to prop himself up on an elbow, still slung over her lap, but facing her upright now. He lets his piercing gaze land on her eyes, trying to see through her words to her heart. There were things there that weren't before... Since he'd gotten back from Texas, he'd seen something new in her...a happiness...a peace... it lured him in with an intense curiosity as to what it was.

Drawing back out of his intense stare, he studies her face, the same grin toying with his mouth. "What's going on inside that head of yours, Hero? Hmm?"

"Alright, you two."

Jason sits up quickly, looking to the door as Laura enters. "Ever heard of knocking?"

"No." Laura grins. "It's more fun to scare you." She holds up a brown paper sack. "It's two in the afternoon and I'd be willing to bet you haven't had anything to eat, so I brought some sandwiches and fruit juice."

Jason finally stands up to accept the food. "Well, you're right, so I'm not going to refuse. Thanks."

"No problem." Laura cocks her head to see around him and wave at Katie. "Hey. Hate to run, but I want to see Con then I'm needed back a the office. "I'll see you again soon."

With Laura leaving again, Jason flops down in the chair and finds several sandwiches in the bag. He holds one up to Katie. "Got extra. Want one?"


Con chuckles just a little. "I'll be fine, now that I know you're alright. No need to bother your mother - she's got enough to worry about the way it is."

He nods, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Of course I'll be back. You're not getting rid of me that easy."

As she drifts off to sleep, he watches her for several more minutes before finally getting to his feet and turning to exit the room. His eyebrows raise at seeing Laura, but he doesn't greet her until they're both in the hall, so as not to wake Jamie back up. "Hi."

"Don't 'hi' me," Laura chides. "Come here." She holds out her arms to receive the always-comforting bear hug. "You okay?"

Con pulls away, never able to lie to his sister, but not really wanting to open himself up right now. "Yeah...I will be."

"Good." Laura holds up her second sack. "Go find somewhere to sit down and get something in your stomach, then you're going home to bed."

Con rolls his eyes. "What is it with you and Jamie?"

"Apparently we care." Laura looks up at her brother, searching his eyes. "And from what I hear, you apparently care an awful lot about her too."

Con takes the sack from her, his eyes shifting past hers. "Yeah."

Laura smiles, knowing she shouldn't tease. "She couldn't have snagged anyone better." She reaches up to pat her brother's shoulder. "Take care of yourself. I'm heading to the office."

I wouldent mind

*As Katie receves Jason's words she relizes what she was doing her face turning 3 differnt shades of red. Drawing her hand back she laughs nervsly.*

"Sorry J...I dident even relize...I did mean to...I...ah forget it."

*As Katie's face is still read she smiles relaxing alittle.*

"If you dident move J, I wouldent mind at all."

*Kaite smiles down at Jason her eyes dancing. Though she was royaly embarssed she felt content and comfortable. It was such a good feeling. Katie hoped after she went back home to Laura's house Jason and her would still spend much time together. Though bein in the hospetal and having to learn how to walk again was hard the good that came from it was Jason being there. Even if they had there rough patches. Things seemed to be coming together, as Katie relized, you shouldent rush thing and force them to happen. Just let it take its own corse and what comes of it will. As Katie keeps her eyes on Jason her smile widens good memories fill her mind pushing the bad ones away leaving room for even more to come.*

*Jamie smiles the best she can and nods at Con. Taking in his kiss and savering it. As he pulls away Jamie searches his eyes and see the glint of exsausten.*

"The sooner I get better and out of here the better. You go home and get some sleep too ok, For me. You just got over being sick youself and need to keep your strangth up as well. Than when you wake up eat something. I think I'll talk to my mom and have her bring over something that way I KNOW you will eat it."

*Jamie throws Con a wink her eyes twinkling.*

"Will you be back later?"

*Jamie gently holds Con's hand, for a moment scaired to let it go. Con made her feel safe. She new he would never let anything happen to her. and now she new he would fight tooth and nail for her. That though braught a warm feeling to Jamie. After a few moment Jamie lets go so Con can go home and get some rest himself. Drozyness overtaking her finally chasing her into sleep herself.*

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.