Waiting

*Katie looks up at Scott and smiles.*

"Dinner sounds good, and I havent seen Domino in what feels like AGES! It will be nice to spend some time with both of you. Maybe we can even find a movie to watch."

*Jamie smiles at Bret and sits down in one of the chairs. Looking back down the hallway twords where Con was, than back to Bret.*

"He is resting now peacfuly. He's gonne be ok other than his broken collar bone, and some cuts and bruses. Any word on Dean and Brandon?"

*Misty looks up from her desk removing her glasses. Giving a small smile.*

"No dinner tonight with me?"

In the darkness of the house rustling around can be hurd. But the movment is slow, weaving in and out of fernature not bumping into anything. Darkness hiding everything from the eyes of others. Wait, watching for those who belonged here to return home.

"So Estimado tell me about this guy you met?"

*Lockheart shoots a look to her sister from across the table as she mother speaks.*

"Charlotte you told her?"

"No not everything."

" Estimado I'm your mother I know this stuff weather you tell me or not."

*Lockheart rolls her eyes and lets out a sigh. She really dident want to get into this with her family.*

"He's just a friend that I worked for. Nothing more."

*Lockhearts grandmother eyes her from acorss the table. a smile curling on her lips.*

"And is that why that look is in your eyes Estimado?"

*Lockheart looks up at her grandmother.*

"There is no look in my eye Abuela!"

*Lockheart trys to hide she own smile that wanted to form on her lips.

After taking a bite of her rice Lockhearts Grandmother states in a very matter of fact tone.*

"You mights not want to addmit it Esimado but the look is there. You deserve to be happy and should stop running away. If he is a good man than you should be with him."

*Lockheart rolls her eyes.*

"Abuela I hardly even know anything about him."

*Lockhearts mother perks up wanting to put her own two cents in.*

"Well maybe you should?"

*Lockheart shakes her head and lets out a sigh.*

"I have a company here I have to run. I dont have time for that."

"Angelica, life is to short to always put stuff off. You should be happy. Its what he would of wanted."

*Lockheart shoots her mom a look, one that refected coldness.*

"Angeal wanted alot, and his life was cut short. This conversation can end now please."

*Lockheart goes back to eating, pushing her emotions away. This was not something she wanted to think about.*

Company

Angelica,
Thank you for your prayers. Con is alive and well. Few injuries but nothing life-threatening, PTL.
Take care.
-Mike R.


Scott takes his other hand around Katie’s shoulder from behind and gives her a short rub. “I know,” he speaks quietly. “Life is too short.” He leans down to plant a kiss on her cheek. “And as such, I don’t want to waste a moment, so you’re coming over to eat supper with me and Domino tonight.”


Bret is standing in the quiet hall and turns quickly as he feels Jamie’s hand on his shoulder. A smile automatically gets put into place. “Oh yeah, well, people gotta blame someone for an accident, might as well be me, right?”

He shrugs casually, hooking his hands in his pockets. “Nah, Dean had me find the best deal on surveyors and I chose a little-known company because their prices were good. If I would have investigated more, I would have discovered that they’re not all that legit. But instead of the media attacking them, they went after me instead.” He shrugs again. “It’ll all blow over.” He gives a little chuckle. “Let’s hope this thing doesn’t get as far as needing a lawyer. For now, Titan Inc just has to figure out how to recoup and how to move on, since our housing edition obviously can’t move west.”

Glancing over his shoulder, Bret’s eyes drift towards Con’s room. “How’s that tank of yours doing?”


Carson fiddles with his keys as he walks down the hall, sticking his head through the infirmary door. “Yo, Misty. Taking off.” He’d planned on working late, but it was barely past his normal time to leave. Supper and the evening had gone undiscussed. “See you tomorrow, alright?”


Jason sits in the booth at the little café, picking at his hamburger and fries. He should be feeling better than this. Con was alive and well…it was enough for celebration. And yet the gloomy cloud still hung over his heart. So many ups and downs…so many emotional rollercoaster rides, it was as if his mind had finally said, ‘that’s it!’ and shut down completely.

He drags a French fry through his ketchup, making swirls. Feeling alone seemed to be a constant now, no matter what.

“Ah, he’s back again. Thought maybe he’d show up one of these days.”

Jason doesn’t have to look up. He knows that voice. He didn’t normally come to this café…had he secretly hoped for this company to give him a distraction? “Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint you. I’d never live it down.”

estimado

*Jamie gives a nod to Scott and offers a small smile. A genuin one Con was ok and she felt tons better already.*

"Thank you Scott."

*Jamie than turns her attachen to Katie.an apoligetic look in her eyes.*

"Katie I'm real sorry about yesterday. Everything I said, I just blew up and I am sorry."

*Katie smiles at Jamie and shakes her head.*

"Jamie you were upset, dont worry about it."

*Jamie smiles at her friend sliping her hand from Con's stanging.*

"While Con is sleeping I am going to go to Bret alittle bit if you guys can stay here with Con. If he wakes up just let him know I am down the hall and will be ok."

*Quietly Jamie walks to the door and exits. Looking down the hall her eyes find Bret. Walking over to him Jamie lays a hand on her shoulder and gives alittle smile.*

"So I hurd theres alittle bit of pressure on you huh? What happend? I just wanted to let you know if you need someone to talk to I'm here. And lets hope you dont but if you need a lawyer let me know I have the number of a real good one. "

*Katie sits in the room with Scott. *

"Ya I'm gonna be ok."

*Katie watches Con for a long while as he sleeps not saying anything. Finally look to Scott she lets out a sigh. It hadent been long ago, but seemed like yesterday that Katie had been in that bed close to death herself and though Con wasent dieing, she understood how it felt now.*

"It seemed like just yesterday that I had been the one laying in that bed and everyone was waiting for me. I relize now how it felt for everyone. Its hard seeing someone so stong like Con seem lost and small."

*Katie takes Scotts and rests her face on it.*

"Something like this just proved how fragel and presuse life is."

*Herb and Mable embrace eachother for a moment. How releaved they were Con was ok. They couldent even start to imagen what it would do to Jamie if he hadent. They new how much she cared and love him. They were happy God hurd there prayers.

Aerith comes along side Wyatt and gives alittle smile. She dident know Jamie well but she could tell by her parents and the few times she saw Jamie and Con together they were in love and it would not have been good if anything had happend to him.*

"I'm glad Con is going to be ok Wyatt. The Lord sure does a good job of reminding us he is in controll. and I am certinly glad he is."

As the day draws on. People coming to see there friend they though was lost, some staying, and some leaving again but live moves on till finally its night fall again and all is quiet.

*Lockheart drives up to a small little one story house. A few cars line the parking lot. She was tired but had promised her mom she would come and visit. This was her first time home since she got back to Cali. Geting out of the car and heading up to the door Lockheart knocks and than enters.*

"Ma...."

*Lockheart calls as she enters. A short, churcky woman apreas in the hall her face lit up with a smiles as she comes twords Lockheart. Her thick hispanic accent showing through.*

"Ange Ange estimado."

"Mamma..."

*Lockheart embraces her mother as a smell from the kitchen hits her nose making her mouth water.*

"Ma...Did you go all out?"

*Lockhearts mother mouth curls up in a smile, as another figure apears in the hall way. A woman who looks younger than Lockheart but almost idenicle smiles.*

"Well Sis its about time you showed up."

*Lockheart smiles back and hugs her sister.*

"Charlotte! Its good to see you."

*Lockheart and her famile continue to reunight as another woman appears.*

"Is that my little estimado I hear?"

*A short older woman is the next to embrace Lockheart.*

"Grandma'am!"

*The hugs continue as the Women greet Lockheart with open arms. The chatter and happyness righing through the house. Sometimes The chatter is in english and than is goes into spanish, than once again back. Lockheart follows everyone into the living room and than into the kitchen helping with dinner as the smell of the food grows even more. Finally it is finished and everyone sits down to eat.*

Tired

Con manages to quirk the corner of his mouth. His voice is hoarse and quiet as he tries to stay lucid. "It'd take more...than that...to get rid of me." His fingers give Jamie's a little squeeze.

As Katie comes in and speaks to him, he opens his eyes halfway. "Hey, Kat...quit your worrying." A soft chuckle emerges. "Like that'll...happen." His eyes drift shut again, the exhaustion too much for even him to handle.


Jason looks into the room and hesitates, seeing the two women in there and not wanting to intrude. But noting the quietness, he goes ahead and enters. Walking up slowly, he sees that Con is sleeping. "I just talked to the doctor," he whispers. Explaining briefly, he nods. "So he'll be in here a bit, but only a few days probably." He glances over his shoulder. "That other guy, Brandon, got the worst of it. They don't know if he's going to make it or not."

Pausing, he thumbs to the door. "The other guy there, Bret, he's in for it too - I guess someone has already pounced on him for the land surveyors that apparently he hired...they're blaming him for being negligent and not looking into the company more, even though the foreman wants to take responsibility."

Giving a little sigh, Jason starts to retreat. "I'll head back to the office," he informs quietly. "Anyone need anything, let me know."


Just as he leaves, it's Scott's turn to come in. He sets a hand on Katie's shoulder. "You okay?"

He looks to Jamie next. "Your car is out in the lot. I brought it over."


Wyatt jumps as his cell phone rings. Answering it and receiving the news from Jason, he breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank God....alright, Jase...thanks." Hanging up, he gets up from the booth at Mom and Pop's where he'd been for lunch, and heads to the counter. He waves Herb and Mabel over. "That was Jason....they found Con...he's going to be okay."


"Yeah?" Carson answers his cell phone from his desk. Hearing the voice at the other end, he listens for a moment. Suddenly his eyes widen. "What?" Listening more, he stands up, the phone still to his ear. "Look, I think...no....that's impossible...."

Glancing around at the full office floor, Carson aims for the exit where less ears are. Hitting the outdoors, his voice raises just a little. "I don't know what you're trying to pull but..." His face forms a scowl. "No, I don't think it's true. I think it's a game that..." He stops, swallowing hard. Despite the anger, a look of fear crosses his eyes.

Stay with

*Jamie stays close to Con all the way to the hospetil. Her hand never leaving him. She saw him, she new he was there but feeling him reasured her that this wasent a dream.

Having to leave Con for a bref amount of time as he is in the ER. The minutes feeling like hours as Jamie paces ourside with Bret. Everytime someone came out the door Jamie lifted her head hoping it was someone leting her know she could see Con again. Finally Jamie is informed she can and hurrys down the hall to be with Con once more. Pulling a chair to the side of Con's bed Jamie sits down interlocking her fingers with his.*

"I love you Con so so much. I thought I'd lost you. I'm just so happy your ok."

*Jamie takes her other hand and slowly runs it through Con's hair as she talks. Giving his hand alittle kiss. Seeing his eyes slowly drift in and out Jamie smiles staying close. Leting him know she would be there still when he woke. She'd be waiting when he opend his eyes again.*

*Katie smiles back at Jason giving a nod*

"I guess I do. Alright lets get over to the hospetil before I explode from happyness shall we."

*Katie hopes into her car and starts to make her way down the road. It was hard to contain her excitment. Con was ok, this was a good day and he Lord had answered the prayers of many. Finally geting to the hospetal Katie asks where the could find Con and are directed. Quietly knocking on the door Katie peeks her head in. Making sure everything is ok and enters. Going over to Con's bedside Katie can tell he is in from the pain killers. Bending down she gives him a small kiss on the head.*

"You had be worryed Big Brother, I'm glad you ok."

*Katie steps back alittle giving them some room and wanting to know herself what went on. But knowing Con was in no shape to answer that right now she wasent sure who to find out from.*

*Nate smiles at Laura returning her hug. His own happyness over flowing. Con was ok. Her was really going to be ok. Nate gives a nod and starts to walk to the door with Laura.*

"I sure can take you. I wanna see him myself and find out what happend."

Hospital

Movement catches Con's eye and he suddenly zeros in on the moving figure coming toward him. He couldn't have felt more relief...more joy. Reaching out, he catches her as she reaches him, holding her close...holding her tight. His one arm wraps around her in a hold that offers shelter like no other.

Tears glisten in his eyes, whether from the sun or from a rush of emotions it wasn't clear. Leaning down, he ignores the crowd, he ignores his pain, he ignores the filth of dust and grime. Enveloped in Jamie's kiss, all that was left was a feeling of being filled with the closeness and happiness that he'd so desperately missed while separated from the world.

Finally prying Jamie back just a little, he gazes down at her, a weak smile creasing his lips. "I love you," he whispers. His dirt-caked and blood-stained hand brushes her hair out of her face. There was so much more he could say...he wanted to say...yet it all seemed so petty. After what he'd been through, this was pure heaven.

"Sir, please come this way." A medic tries to get him to move toward the ambulance.

Con shoots him a glare. "If you don't..."

"...If you don't leave him alone, you're going to be sorry." Bret walks up from the group of construction workers who had been staying on site to help. He looks at the medic. "Give him a minute, will you? He's standing on his own two feet, which is more than the other guys can do, so why don't you concentrate on them for a moment?" Turning to Jamie, he winks, then looks up at Con. "One day I'd like to hear how on earth you survived all this, and managed to get Dean and Brandon out as well."

Con still holds Jamie close with his good arm. "One day I'd like to explain it as proof of the power of prayer."
A sudden surge of pain shoots across his shoulder and down his arm, causing him to let go of Jamie and put a hand to his injury as he can't withhold a wince.

Bret nods to Jamie. "Come on. We got to get this tank of yours looked after before he collapses."

"No hospitals," Con retorts.

"Sorry, but you're not winning this one," Bret argues, waving one of the medics back over. Though a smaller man, he tries to support Con as he aims for the nearby ambulance.

Con staggers a bit, unsteady on his feet and dizzy with the movement. Now that he was out...now that he had seen Jamie and knew she was okay...his body was starting to shut down. He'd reached his goal, and now could finally let go.

A medic reaches out to stop Jamie. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to stay."

Bret stops walking with Con and turns his head, throwing the other man a look that could kill. "Do you have a death wish or what? If your loved one was in this kind of shape would you want to leave him? No, you'd want to go with him, and I suggest you do, or you're going to find out just what an angry two-ton brute is like when he's not even thinking straight."

The medic clamps his mouth shut at the threats, sizing up Con for a moment, and taking the warning seriously. "Alright fine."

Bret smirks and continues the route with Con. Reaching the vehicle, it doesn't take much to get Con to lie down in the back as they start to check on him, poking, prodding and checking his eyes. Despite the tight enclosure of the ambulance, Con keeps a grip on Jamie's hand, not letting her go.


Jason watches from a distance with Katie and Scott, and unbelievable amount of relief sweeping over him. Seeing Con walking was good enough for him. Amazing...but good enough. Going for his cell phone, he dials Laura.

When finished with the call, he turns to Scott and Katie. "I'm going to head up to the hospital to find out exactly what's going on."

"We'll come with," Scott nods. "I can drive Jamie's car so she'll have it there. I see she left her purse here, so I've got the keys."

"Sounds good." Jason nods. Looking to Katie, he gives her a slight wink. "Looks like you still got a big brother after all."


As Laura shuts her cellphone, tears stream from her eyes, a smile spreading across her face. Turning to Nate, she throws her arms around him. "He's alive, Nate....he's alive!" Pulling back, her eyes beg him. "Jason said he was on his feet, but doesn't know anything more - they're taking him to the hospital. Can you...would you take me??"


The hospital seems to have adopted some of the chaos as the three victims are brought in and split up into different areas with multiple doctors and nurses.

On his way to pass out, Con loses his fight and numbly follows orders, letting himself be led to the E.R. even though he's separated from Jamie for a short while.

It seems like forever, but finally, finally, there is quiet. The room on the third floor is peaceful, away from the chaos, away from the scurrying doctors. Malnourished and severely dehydrated, Con lies in bed, hooked up to an IV and several monitors. His right shoulder is tightly bandaged - it had been dislocated and the muscles had been torn. His collarbone had broken as well, but otherwise, no other bones were broken. Cuts and bruises weren't surprising, and the gash in his head had been stitched up.

Though seeming to be out of the woods, the doctor had implied that Con would have to stay several days to fully recuperate, and to make sure there were no injuries they had missed. Con hadn't even argued - evidence that he truly was completely drained of energy.

Lying in the bed, Con fights to keep his eyes open as his head is turned toward Jamie. Not only was he exhausted from his physical condition, but the medications were wearing on him too. But he didn't want to sleep...he didn't want to drift away again...

His fingers wrap around Jamie's as reality becomes blurry. At least he knew she was there.


"How's Dean?" Bret stops one of the doctors in the hall.

"Both his legs were broken pretty badly in multiple places, but we think we'll be able to repair the damage. He should be okay."

"And Brandon?"

The doctor shakes his head. "He's in critical condition. There was a lot of internal injury and broken bones. I can't say yet what will happen."

JOY

*Jamie straghten and stands a bit closer to Jason watching. Without even a relization of it Jamie clings to arm as if she were dreaming and feeling him there made it real.*

*Katie stays wraped in Scott's arm but her head perks at Jason's words and seeing the workers move just alittle faster. Her ears picking up sound.*

*Nate steps closer to Laura drapping his arm over her shoulder. A glint of hope in his eyes. Was it Con? Was it all three men? Where they alive? Many questions were still left unanswered..But Nate's hope had been resparked, recharged.*

*Katie and Jamie are close behind Jason. Hope, fear...what was going on....what was happing.

Jamie watches intently, her hope growing. There was one man out, she new that to be Dean, and than before Jason's words were even finished that form, the hair, though covered in dirt Jamie dident have to think twice it was Con. I serge of pure joy, a happyness like never before surged through her vains as a squeel of happyness escaped her lips. As she watches the take Con to a safe area Jamie cant contain it any longer. Breaking free from the arms that held her back Jamie's feet hit the pavment as her heart racing matches. Finally drawing close Jamie slows just a bit before running into Con wrapping her arms around him. Burrying her face into his chest as new tears form in her eyes. Tears of Joy replacing thought of sarrow. Pulling away from Con but not fully leting go Jamie brings her hand up to the sige of Con's face rubbing a bit of the drit away her face, her eyes filled with a joy like nonother. Standing on tip toes Jamie reaches up pressing her lips to Con's and taking in the moment. It was as if this was the first time kissing him all over again, the joy that Jamie felt was indiscribable.

Katie turns to Jason and than to Scott after seeing Jamie cause an opening and running for Con. A smile spread across her face. With all her heart Katie wanted to follow Jamie and give Con a hug of her own. But watching Con and Jamie in there embrace Katie waits. There would be her time to give her big brother a welcome back hug for right now, it was Jamie times. She deserved this, Con deserved this, this was there time. Katie stays standing back with Jason on one side and Scott on the other. Her own heart filled with so much joy. God was amazing.*

Miracle

Scott follows Katie to join the other two, respecting the silence. Looking across the site, he sees so many people…so many at work… For just a moment, he wonders how the rescuers must feel… To be working so hard, and facing the frustration of not finding what they’re looking for…then when they finally do, if lives have been lost, how many shoulder guilt for not working fast enough?

Stepping up closer to Katie, he slowly moves to put an arm over her shoulders.


Jason looks up at them for a moment, analyzing his own feelings for just a second or two. He was glad Katie had someone to comfort her…he knew this time had to be tearing at her own heart.

All eyes watch…all eyes listen.


Con opens his eyes, a faint sound catching his attention. He’d been asleep…he didn’t know for how long, but he could hear his wheezing breath along with Dean’s as they struggled for air.

There was the sound again. He couldn’t tell if it was really that faint or if he just wasn’t hearing it well.

All of a sudden a tiny spec of light appears to one side of the small enclosure about three feet off the earthen floor. Con’s heart leaps. No…could it really be?

The buried men were suffocating, starving and dying of thirst, but adrenaline somehow manages to surge through Con’s veins, enough for him to call out. “Down here!”

The rescue worker stops, stunned, and wondering if he were just hearing things. He swings his pickaxe again.

“Hey!”

The worker stops again and knees down, examining where his axe had struck. “I’ll be,” he breathes. There was a hole. “Anyone down there?” he calls loudly.

Con’s eyes widen. “Yes!”

The rescuer is on his feet again in an instant, yelling to the others. “Get over here on the double! I found them! One of them is alive!”

What had been a fairly calm atmosphere becomes chaotic as several workers join together to dig and move rocks.


Jason watches from a distance as movement suddenly picks up along with loud voices. He straights and stares ahead, trying to figure out what’s going on. “Something’s happening…”


Con blinks as more light comes through the cracks. “Dean,” he urges. “Dean, are you awake?”

Dean gives a little groan, groggily stirring from his deathlike sleep. “W…what?”

“They found us,” Con breathes. “Praise the Lord, they found us.”

Dirt and small rocks begin to shift and fall from the low ceiling. Con looks up with a bit of worry. “Hey, take it easy, guys!” he yells. “It’s unstable in here, you’re gonna cave in!”

Voices muddle together and Con strains to hear what he can. He turns to his other side. “Brandon?”

No answer. There had been no answer for hours now. Con reaches out to check his pulse. It took him several seconds to even find one, and he almost wondered if it were his imagination that he felt it.

“Come on guys, move it up!” A rescuer orders. “Work fast and tread lightly!”

A face appears in the widening hole. “We’re coming,” he encourages. “Just hang on.”


“…And we have breaking news from our ongoing top story, involving the site of Titan Inc. Only moments ago one rescue worker broke through to a small pocket under the rubble and has discovered at least one man alive. It’s a miracle to say the least, and the worker is joined by his partners in an effort to clear that area away. No one has said yet what condition the man is in, or whether he is with the two other missing men.”

Eyes in the TJY break room snap to attention at the new news. Laura’s hand goes to Nate’s in a vice grip as she’s the first to reach for her phone and dial Jason.


The hole grows larger and larger. Though the workers clear as fast as they can, it still takes a long while just to make a hole big enough for a man to get out.

Con shifts around and crawls nearer to Dean. Ignoring the fact that his right arm felt like dead weight, he reaches under Dean’s head and legs. “Come on, partner, it’s time to get you out of here.”

The one worker looks through the hole and waves to his partners. “He’s coming out! He’s got someone else with him!”

Con can hear them, and struggles to crawl through the hole with Dean. “Get an ambulance over here!” he barks. As he works his way up and out, the earth begins to shake. He pauses for a moment, the tremor continuing.

People outside begin to shout and run. Someone reaches in and grabs Con and Dean to help pull them out.

“It’s going to collapse!” someone shouts.


Jason takes several steps forward, feeling the tremor from where he is, and seeing the sudden chaos. What was happening? What was going on? Another cave-in? Had they found anyone? There were too many people. He couldn’t see. He moves closer. He ignores his vibrating cell phone on his belt. Now was not the time to chat.

Scott moves with him, his eyes shifting all around. From the shouting, it appeared they had found someone, but where, and who? And would they be lost in another collapse?


The bright light hits Con and blinds him. His eyes water as he tries to focus. Dean still in his arms, he drags him clear of the rubble and finally gets to his feet, though is shaky after not standing for almost three days. His body is weak to the point of breakdown. “His legs are broken,” he informs quickly, his mind struggling to stay alert as a wave of dizziness hits him.

The earth continues to shake and Con turns back toward the opening.

Someone grabs him. “Don’t go in there! It’s going to close up!”

Dean holds up his hand. “Listen to them. Don’t do it!”

“But Brandon!” Con states in panic.

“He’s dead!” Dean shouts at him.

“I have to get him out!”

“Tank, No!!!”

Con shoves aside the rescue worker and dives for the hole again, cringing as pain shoots down his arm and his head throbs. He wiggles through the small opening into the darkness again.

“Move back, move back!” A rescuer shouts. “It’s going down again!” No one had any idea if there would be another major sinking again, or if it was just within the small passage, but the whole area was unstable.

Dean is quickly put on a stretcher and moved a safe distance away. Workers form a line to push people back, shouting orders as tension rises.

Suddenly, the earth begins to collapse around the hole. Rescuers fall back immediate to get out of danger as rocks break through the surface to plummet into an adjoining sinkhole. One could hear the rubble and rocks falling under the surface, proving there was empty spaces there.

Shouting. Running. Madness.

Then…silence.


Jason skids to a halt at the edge of the roped-off area, someone’s arms reaching out to stop him from entering the danger zone. His eyes are glued to where the rescuers had been and he stares, his heart beating loudly in his chest. Held back by a construction worker, he doesn’t fight, but says put, trying not to assume anything from what he was witnessing.


A cloud of dust covers the site. People cough. Someone runs. Voices slowly pick up. Questions hang in the dense air.

And slowly, a breeze begins to wisp the dust away. Onlookers squint at a dark form. What was…was it…could it…

Con is on his knees, bent over a lifeless form, covering Brandon’s body with his own, protecting from flying dirt and rocks. His eyes are shut tight, but finally he blinks, beginning to cough from the dust. Still squinting in the light, he slowly lifts his head, realizing that he had made it out right before the collapse. He didn’t even know how.

As people are rushing toward him again, he ignores their presence and feels for Brandon’s pulse.

Nothing.

He tries again.

Still nothing.

“No!” Con can feel his already strained emotions being pushed to their limit. Nothing around him seemed to matter. “Brandon!”

Leaning down, he starts to perform CPR. “Come on, Brandon, you made it this far! Come on!”

After several attempts, Brandon suddenly sucks in air and begins to cough.

“Get that stretcher over here!” a rescuer orders. “Now!”

Temporary relief washes over Con as Brandon is brought back to the living. He sinks back to sit on the ground, his mind in a total blur. People are talking to him, they’re asking him questions. Someone looks at his shoulder. Someone examines his head. He can barely hear anything. His eyes sting from the light and dust. Blood has stained his clothes, and he’s not even sure whose it is where. He feels almost numb all over, severely dehydrated and malnourished as the other two men.

Trying to think clearly, he still focuses on one thing – those who he knows good and well have been waiting, praying and worrying for him. He doesn’t know how much time has passed, but regardless, he knows they’ve been watching. Their prayers could be the only reason he was alive.

Con somehow manages to pull himself to his feet against the protests of the medics surrounding him. Head and shoulders above the others, he scans the area, still squinting in the light. He can’t focus very well, but he looks for faces he knows…he has to tell them he’s alright….he has to….and Laura…and Jamie…he has to see Jamie.


Jason’s eyes widen. No one could mistake that tall frame. No one could mistake that hulk of a man. It was Con. Shocked, Jason remains glued to his spot.

By now, Scott has come up beside him at the edge of the zone as well, and follows his gaze. “My word,” he whispers. Looking to Katie and Jamie, he utters words he honestly thought he wouldn’t. “It’s Con.”


“Sir, just stand still and let us look…”

Con shrugs off a medic’s hand and tries to walk forward, staggering just a bit.

“Sir, please! Let me look at your head. You’ve been bleeding, and…”

Con whirls around, anger in his eyes. His nerves are shot, he’s not thinking clearly, and he’s just trying to stay focused on one thing without being pulled in three million directions at once, amplifying his headache. “I just survived two tons worth of earth on top of me, no food, no water, no light, and was able to get out alive with my two partners. I think I can live another five minutes, and if you want to too, I suggest you lay off for that amount of time!”

Turning back around, Con takes a couple more unsteady steps, looking about, groping for relief of worry.


Laura’s eyes stayed glued to the television set. Jason hadn’t answered his phone. “Oh, Nate,” she breathes quietly. “I don’t want to hope…but do you think…maybe…?” She swallows hard. “Will they show who was found? We have to find out…”

Hope, Goodbyes, Comfort

*Jamie slightly turns her head as Jason leans agasnt the bumper of the truck. Jamie isent sure who but following the pressence of Jason she felt a bit of comfort. They both had many people they could lean to for the arms of sympathy and yet...they both felt so alone, but knowing someone was there, Con's best friend seemed to offer just enough to lighten the load alittle.*

Night comes and the moonlight alluminating the two still figures in the parking lot of the construction site.

*For a long while Jamie stays on the hood knowing Jason is close. Though at the night gets later she slips from the hood laying a weary hand on Jasons shoulder she goes over to the passanger side and opens the door. Reaching in Jamie pulls out Con's hoodie she new would be there and slips it on. His sent still pressent. Slipping into the trust Jamie shuts the door. A few tears fall from her eyes again as she closes them. The smell of Con filling her nose as memories over flow her mind till finally exsaustion takes over and she falls asleep.*

Morning comes but not soon enough. Beckoning those to wake and the day. No matter what it was to hold. Some old hope, some old fear, other are ready to say goodbye to those held close to them.

*As the morning light peeks over the harizon and shines in the truch window Jamie opens her eyes with a start fearing she might of missed something. Opening the truck door and steping out Jamie scans the sit looking, hoping but only still see people working to clean the area. Her heart sinks again. Looking down at Jason who was awake leaning aganst the tire she sighs. Still waiting Con hoodie Jamie leans aganst the door her eyes glues once again to the work site the car the pulled up going un notices.

As Katie pulls into the construction site with Scott she spots Jason's bike and than see the two figure by Con's truck. Giving a nod to Scott.*

"Yeah there is Jason. He must of come to spend the night with Jamie and make sure she was ok."

*Parking the car Katie gets out and walks over with Scott where the other two were. Folding her arms across her chest Katie stands stairing watching the resuce team. Her hope was dwindling, and no matter who she dident want to and how much it hurt, she was ready to say goodbye to her brother.

Nate silently drives with Laura to work. His hand wraped in her. Its was another day and though work seemed slow and almost non exsistint is was something to occupie the time. The last few days Nate had spend as much time as he could with Laura. Being the shoulder she needed. Doing everything he could to keep her company. Seeing her so said, and seeing the tears in her eyes tore at Nate's very soul.*

And they wait

Con’s mind takes many strange twists and turns as a lethargic semi-sleep takes over. The people he knew…the people he cared for, were prominent in his thoughts. As the previous hours had dragged on, he had had too much time to think about his past…those he loved. He had thought of his sister. He had thought of his aunt and uncle. He had thought of all his little cousins. And he had thought of Jamie. Nothing made his heart ache more than the thought of not being able to hold her in his arms one last time.

His body wanted to give up. His mind wanted to shut down. Oxygen was thin…he and the other two had had no water…no food…no light. He was growing weaker by the minute, lacking the strength he’d always had. But he couldn’t give up…he couldn’t.

The face of Jamie was plastered in his mind. He was going through torment – he couldn’t imagine what she must be going through now. “Hang, on, Jamie,” he whispers…”Hang on.”


As Jamie explodes and storms out of the breakroom, a tear slides down Laura’s cheek. She looks to the Nate for a moment, searching his eyes. She’d almost lost her brother so many times…could this really be the last of it?

Standing from her chair, she slides onto Nate’s lap, feeling like a lost little girl. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buries her face in his chest, letting the silent tears flow. She’d been so strong the last few days, but she just couldn’t hold it in any longer.


Scott’s eyes dim at Jamie’s sudden outburst, her harsh words to Katie, stinging even him. Looking to Katie, he moves to wrap her in a hug. He knew he didn’t have to…Katie was probably a stronger person than he was, but he knew that no matter how she looked on the outside, she was hurting. Con was her big brother, and though Scott himself was a friend of Con’s, he knew that the relationship between Con and Katie was more than that.


Jason sits at his desk, one hand resting on Trooper’s head as he stares into nothingness. He felt…numb. Like this wasn’t real. He’d spent all his hours here…he’d only gone home to get a change of clothes twice in the last couple days. The only outside contact he’d had with people was calling the band. Otherwise, it was here…being with his coworkers…watching the news…and worrying.

Suddenly he hears Jamie’s shouting and watches as she storms down the hall. He furrows his brow as he realizes and feels the emotions she was emitting. She was in so much pain…it went so deep. Con was her world and to be without him was like having the world coming crashing down around her.


The day is just as long as the others have been. Waiting. Watching. Pacing. Waiting. Little is spoken. Little is done. Hope all but dies.


A motorcycle engine can be heard coming up on the construction sight, then cutting as it’s parked near the street. Jason slowly dismounts and scans the lot. It was dark, but he knew Jamie would still be here. Others had decided not to come after her and try to make her go home, wanting to give her her space. But Jason felt compelled tonight…he wasn’t sure why…but he did. He was losing his best friend. Jamie was losing hers.

Jason’s boots crunch lightly on the gravel as he approaches. Spotting Jamie on the hood of Con’s truck, he leans against the bumper with his back toward her, crossing his arms and looking out over the lit site. He says nothing. He knows he doesn’t have to. And so they watch in silence.


Morning dawns. The sun casts its golden rays across those in mourning…those who are working…those who are searching. The rescue has slowed, but not stopped. The worry has become lost hope. Onlookers have dwindled. Families have faced reality of not seeing their loved ones again. And still…they wait.

Rescuers work feverishly on the rubble, all but giving up of finding anything. Any traces had yet to be found of the missing men…

sadness

*Nate makes sure to keep his arms fermly around Laura. Geting her all the comfort and prtection she needed at a time like this. He couldent do much but get her shelter, and even that seemed so little but he new he had to be there for Laura.*

*Once back and with Jamie close by Katie sits in her cubicle. A few of her own tears fall. Con, they had to find him. Since Katie had met him at the ranch he has been like a brother to her and a close friend. Though he was gone from TJY he still had remained close to her. Katie trys to keep herself occupied with work but mostly just stairs at her blank comeputer screen.*

*Jamie sits in a fog her mind swarming in a million places at once. Tears roll down her cheek as she gentily rock.*

The days pass quickly but the hour drag on, make time feel like an endless nightmare. Tention starts to run high as not many people are geting sleep. Everyone wanting to help in the struggle to find Con and the other two men but all knowing they couldent causing even more tention to form and the late hour on the second day was waying even more on some.

*Nate keeps his hand wrapped in Laura's. He wanted to say so much, bring words of comfort, loving words to make her feel better. but non seemed to even come close to something that would make her feel better. He brother was slowly slipping away from her and they all new it. Nate turns his head studing her eyes but only coming up with what he new. Hope...was fading fast, and the understanding that for some reason this was what God wanted was forming.*

*Katie looks up at Scott for a moment before looking back at Jamie. Worry corsed though Katies own eyes. For Con and for Jamie even mroe. Katie had tryed to spend as much time as she could with her friend trying to be there for when she broke. From what Kate new though in the last 2 days Jamie hadent left the breakroom. She hadent eaten, slept, nothing her eyes were almost permintly glued to the tv. But the look in Jamies eye told in the inside she was screaming, and crying. The battle ragged in her and it was only a matter of time before she could hold no more in. She was a ticking time bomb. Who was soon to blow up.

Puting a hand on Jamie's arm Katie's voice is soft and tired she had been geting very little sleep herself and the werry look in her eyes and the tone in her voice proved the same.*

"Jamie, you need to go home and get some rest. I know I keep bothering you about this, but you have to. You have to keep your stength up. They are doing all they can for Con. Please go home...get some rest."

*Jamie sits watching the tv Katie's voice echoing in her head. Her headack growing, her nerves shot, the tiredness wearing on her. Feeling Katie hand on her arm and hearing Katie words again Jamie jerks her arm away. Her eyes cold with pain, dull from hurt, her eyes cryed for help, and shower her soul screaming even if her actions dident match.

Jamie stands with such a force slaming her fists down on the table is causes Katie to jump.*

"Stop treating me like a baby. I'll sleep when I want to sleep. AND they ARNT trying as hard as they can if they were they would of found Con ALREADY. THEY SHOULD BE TRYING HARDER."

*Jamie's voice grows louder as her crule hard words show her pain.*

"EVERYONE should be there, everyone should be diging or doing something. They need to STOP wasting time. It Might be easy for you to cling to Scott for comfort cry in his arms and think everything is ok but ITS NOT...DO YOU PEOPLE EVEN CARE CON IS OUT THERE DIEING....HE IN PAIN AND....HE DIEDING."

*Jamie pushes away from the table and heads out of the breakroom as many heads turn and watch as she makes her way acorss the floor and to the door most showing simpathy for her but still shocked by her out bust. It wasent often to see Jamie get upset.

As Jamie head up the step and throws open the doors to TJY, the sun was seting and the air was a bit chilli. Jamie's mind races as her eyes ajusted to the dark. Geting into her car Jamie pulls out of the TJY parking lost and starts down the road.

After minutes pass Jamie arrives at the construction site. Cars still lined the parking area many from the crew that was part of the search and rescue. Jamie continues to let her eyes drift along the cars till she finally finds Con's truck. Pulling up along next to it Jamie gets out. Running her hand along the side of the truck Jamie walks to the front and hopes up one the hood. Drawing her knees to her chest she stairs out at the lights and people moving around, cleaning rubble and debree. The cool window howls seeming to make its own crys and moans for those lost. Tears finally break free rolling down Jamie's cheek as she talks to herself.*

"I know I'm early Con, but I dident want to be late. We had dinner planed and I wanted to make sure I was ontime. I wanted to be the first one you saw coming out of work to put a smile on your face. I'm early but thats ok, at least I'm not late."

Mike,
I did hear about what happend at that work site. My
simpathys go out to you, and everyone close to Con. Please
let everyone know I am praying and I have been keeping
tooned in on the news to find out what happens. I pray and
hope that they find Con and the other soon. Other than this
I hope you are doing well. Take care

-Angelica Lockheart

Dwindling Hope

Scott does his best to help Katie with Jamie back to the car, feeling pretty helpless. He wanted to stop and worry about Con himself right now, but knew others needed more help at the moment.

He makes the trip back to TJY quickly, knowing it would be better to let others know what was happening, and be at a place where they could find out quickly if any more news came through.


Laura feels Nate’s hand in hers, and stares at it for a moment. She could feel the callouses on his fingers, and her thumb automatically rubs his palm. She swallows hard, taking in his comfort like a sponge.

Tears pool behind her eyes, but they don’t fall. “Thank you…Nate.” She finally looks up at him. “I…I want to go see the tv in the break room to see what’s going on.”

She nods with decision and stands up, keeping Nate’s hand grasped in hers. Slowly she heads for the break room, seeing the tv still on from when the others had left so quickly. The scene of the accident was still on. The reporter, Justine, was still commenting about the cave-in.

Laura enters hesitantly, approaching the tv and taking in the sight. She doesn’t even realize her fingers tightening around Nate’s. Swallowing hard, she forces herself to concentrate on the screen, her fear evident only in her eyes. She had lived everyday knowing her brother was in danger at TJY…but she’d gotten used to him being safe with an outside job…and now this. It just went to prove that no matter where you were, life was still fragile.

Laura slowly leans against Nate, pulling his arm around her own shoulder. Resting her head against his shoulder and chest, a tear finally escapes.


As the others return, Scott directs Katie to help Jamie any way she needs, and he himself goes to find Jason. Once a report is given, the word spreads throughout TJY. Inquiring phone calls are made, the tv is watched, and prayers go up everywhere.


Darkness. The air was thick and warm and hard to breathe. Dust. Pungent smells of earth and gasoline.

An enormous weight presses down on Con's chest and shoulder. He blinks, sweat and dirt stinging his eyes, but can see nothing in the pitch black world. Trying to shift his weight proves to be difficult. His left hand reaches up and feels the cool stone on top of him. A bolder that was wedging him against a rocky surface.

"Brandon...Tank?"

Con squints, desperately trying to hear something. "Dean?" he calls loudly.

"Tank?"

"Talk louder, buddy, I can't hear ya."

"Over here!"

Con twists his head around, still unable to see anything. The voice couldn't be more than ten feet away. "You hurt?"

It's a moment before he can hear Dean's strained voice again. "Yeah."

"How bad?"

"Can't tell...my legs are stuck...hurts bad."

Con puts pressure on the bolder that's pinning him, but it doesn't want to budge, and after a moment, he has to stop and catch his breath. "Brandon?" he calls.

Nothing.

"Brandon?"

Still nothing.

Dean's voice comes back. "I don't know if he's here...but he might not have...made it."

Con grits his teeth. How could this have happened. One minute they were on the site, the next falling, and he knew nothing until now. "What happened?"

"I don't know...we fell."

A moan comes from only feet away.

Con's senses are heightened. "Brandon? That you?" Not receiving a response, Con's desperation rises. Straining with all his might, he places a hand to the cold bolder and pushes. His pinned shoulder feels like it's being torn from his socket as his muscles threaten to give. But the bolder starts to shift. Dirt falls onto his face and he cringes. If he can just...get it...a little...higher...

Suddenly the weight is gone. Catching his breath, he doesn't have enough room to roll over, but pulls himself out from under the rock, feeling dirt and rock wall all around him. Scooting in further, he sits up, but when he tries to stand, he hits his head. Back down, he crawls on his hand and knees, groping his way in the pitch blackness. His hand hits something soft.

"It's me," Dean responds. "You alright?"

"Yeah," Con fibs. He can feel the blood running down the side of his own face and his splitting headache warns him that he's got a concussion. He can barely move his right shoulder through the pain, and isn't sure the extent of that damage. But Dean sounded worse off. "Where are you pinned?"

"Knees down."

Con runs his hands along Dean, feeling where he's positioned against the wall of this hole. Several stones like the ones that had held him down were pinning Dean's legs. Pushing on one, Dean lets out a cry. "I gotta move it, Dean. It's gonna hurt like heck, but we gotta get you out from under it. Can you pull yourself out when I lift?"

Dean holds his breath through the pain. "Yeah."

"Okay...one...two...three."

Con pushes and lifts with all the strength he's got left, and can feel Dean pulling himself out. "You free?"

"Yeah."

Letting the stone back down, Con shifts to the side, feeling where Dean is again. "How big is this hole?"

"Don't know...not big. Feels tight."

"That it does."

Dean almost laughs. "I bet it's worse for you. Can you stand up?"

"No, the ceiling's too low."

"We must be in some sort of pocket. It's amazing we haven't been crushed."

"No kidding." Con moves his hands gently down Dean's legs and grimaces at what he feels. Both were severely broken. "Don't move unless you absolutely have to," he directs. "Now...where's Brandon?" Crawling awkwardly on one hand and his knees, he discovers that the pocket they're in is very small indeed, and he hits Brandon within several feet. "Hey, Brandon..." Feeling around the younger man's form, he feels that he's not pinned. Shifting his hand to Brandon's head, he feels the blood. Further down he feels a torn shirt and more wounds.

Brandon groans again, trying to move.

"Take it easy," Con directs. "Can you hear me?"

Brandon mumbles something in response.

"Where does it hurt?"

"Ev...everywhere."

Con grimaces. It was bad. "You just relax. We're going to get out of here."

"Whe...where's....here?"

That was a good question. Con had no idea where they were. Whether they had gone straight down, how far down they were, or anything. "Underground."

Suddenly the earth shakes, a rumbling heard from above. Dust and small bits of debris fall from the low ceiling, threatening at a cave-in. Con's eyes rove upward, but it does no good. There is no light.

"I smell gasoline," Dean comments.

"Me too...might be the dozer close by." With Dean closeby, Con feels he's in between the two men, and turns to sit crosslegged with Brandon's head in his lap. He could only hope that people were looking for them. And if they were, that they would tread lightly. The sound of shifting rubble proved how unstable this little cavern was.


The day drags by oh, so slowly. Nothing changes. No news. Any inquiries to the construction site prove to only show that rescue workers were still trying to clear rubble. Nothing had been found…no one had been found.


“…More than forty-eight hours has passed on the site of Titan Inc, and rescue efforts continue.”

The television shot zooms in on the site to show how far workers have been. Rubble is still everywhere. The bulldozer has been dug up and is now removed, but rocks and earth is everywhere. People are crawling all over, the scene still chaotic.

Justine’s voice continues. “The hearts of those at Titan Inc go out to the family and friends of the three men who were buried under this cave-in. Those three were Dean Houghes, Brandon Hicks and Conrad Gibbs.” She looks sorrowfully at the camera. “Though rescuers continue to work as fast as they can, hopes are not high.”

The shot moves to one of the rescue workers who had been questioned the night before. “…If they actually survived the fall itself without being killed by the debris and fell into a ‘pocket,’ oxygen would quickly run out. Though we still want to keep hope, it’s impossible that anyone is still alive…”

Jason turns away from the break room counter and leaves the room without a word. It had been like this for two days. Everyone seemed to spend all their waking hours in front of the television. And with every minute that passed, hope dwindled. There was no way that Con was still alive.

Jason trudges to his office and sinks down into his chair. He hadn’t slept in two nights…all he wanted to do was go down to that site and physically help look for those three men…but he couldn’t, and he felt like a caged animal. He’d hardly spoken to anyone, not even Katie, swallowing his emotions.


Laura lowers her eyes to the break room table. She had prayed…how she had prayed. And yet it seemed the inevitable was happening. She was losing her brother, and her hope was but a weak thread. No matter how sudden…with the passing of days, she was already preparing herself for the worst news.


Scott leans against the wall, tired of watching the news, but unable to keep himself from it. It seemed everything at TJY had halted, everyone on edge about the accident. He looks over to Katie, the worry evident in his eyes. He knew how hard this was on her too, but they’d hardly talked about it at all, each afraid of imagining the worst.


“How long has it been?”

Con doesn’t bother opening his eyes to Dean’s voice. “I don’t know…” He draws in his breath slowly.

Brandon groans a little and shifts his weight. “I…it’s hard…to…breathe.”

Con rests a head on Brandon’s forehead. “Don’t talk…” They all knew they were running out of oxygen. They were growing more tired and losing their strength quickly now.

Brandon insists on speaking. “Tank…Con…you…you know….I…you know about…about God…” he starts to cough, one of many fits during the last long while.

Con’s arm has grown completely numb and he quirks an eyebrow. “Yes I do.” He could tell from the tone of Brandon’s voice that the young man was afraid he was going to die. “Do you?”

“No.” Brandon’s tone quivers. “I…I want to…If I…I mean…” He pauses, drawing a ragged breath. “I can’t stand the pain…”

“I know…” Con feels with his hand to find Brandon’s fingers. “You’ll be alright.”

“No..it’s…it’s over…but…but I…how do I…I don’t want to die not knowing...I’ll…”

“Shh,” Con quiets him. He had little strength left, but for a moment, his spirit grew strong. “Jesus took care of that a long time ago…”

…Con rests his head back against the dark wall. He wondered how realistic it really was now that anyone could find them. But he had a new brother in Christ, and if they died tonight, Con knew why he’d been here.

“Con…” Brandon’s hand suddenly tightens over his. “I…” his voice drops off, his grip loosening.

“Brandon…Brandon?” Con moves down to put an ear to the young man’s chest.

Dean’s concern increases. “Tank?”

Con grits his teeth. “He’s passed out…he doesn’t have much time, Dean…we’ve got to get out of here.”

“How much time do WE have left?”

Con doesn’t want to think about it. “Not much…not enough air…” He draws in a shallow breath. Suffocating was not on his top list of favorite ways to die.


Wyatt shifts his glass around on the table at Mom and Pop’s, his eyes downcast. Sitting across from Aerith brought a certain amount of peace, but with everything else going on, it was as if a dark cloud loomed above everything. He’d checked in on her often, knowing that she was alone at Jamie’s, and so far everything had seemed alright. But why did such a tragedy like Con’s have to happen?


Angelica,
In case it hasn't reached national news, I'm writing to let you know about a terrible accident involving Con Gibbs. He and two other men have been trapped under a collapse on a construction site for more than two days, and rescuers fear that no one is alive. Everyone at TJY has been in a fog, even though Con doesn't work here anymore.
I just thought you should know...your prayers are appreciated.
Hope this note finds you well.
-Mike R.

Cry for you

*Jamie sits for a long while not moving. Her tears still streeming from her eyes as her voice become muffled almost mummbled.*

"I cant leave, I have to be here for Con. He has to know I'm here."

*Katie lets go of Jamie and moves around to the front of her tilting her head up. Katie eyes show compashen and worry of there own. Her own heart felt broken that Con was down there, her tears wanted to come but she held them back for Jamie's sake.*

"Jamie....Con know you love him, and your with him in his heart. You know if when he gets out of there is he were to find out we let you stay here he would hang us. Like Scott said the best thing we can do is get out of the way and just let them work. Con's gonna be ok Jamie. Come on...lets get back to work."

*Katie stands and nods for Scott to take Jamie arm on the other side and help her up. Finally Jamie gives in and stands slowly making her way to the car with the two others. Everything was spinning and her head felt realy to explode. Turning her head Jamie looks back again at the desaster another tear rolls down her cheek finally geting into the car.*

*Gently Nate reaches out and takes Laura's hands in his. Trying to put his fingers between hers to stop her from pushing her ingers into her palm and hurting herself. Nate's hands were calsed and rough from working with them so much that he new it would take alot before she could hurt him. Taking his other free hand Nate puts it around Laura offering her shelter.*

"Its going to be ok Laura. We have to stay strong. Its takes alot of put a dent in a tank. They are gonna find him."

*Nate continues to hold Laura gently rocking with her trying his best to give her comfort. Nate felt horrable and couldent even start to imagen what she was going thought. If it had been Maggie in something close to this situation he would be the same way. All he could do was offer her an arm and shelter. Be there for when she needed him.*

"God will keep Con safe Laura. Its in his hands and it will be ok."

*Misty looks up at Carson for a long moment taking in everything he said. A bit saprised by some of the stuff Carson was saying. *

"Why would Frankie bring up Ashlyn? I dident even know he new her. I dont even understand why he would bother saying anything about her. As for him geting angry, I've never seen him even yell before. Maybe his jail time changed him just like is changed Jason but caused him to have more of a temper. I..."

*Misty thinks again for a long moment looking away from Carson and taping her pencil on the desk. Than looking back to him she stands leting out a long sigh.*

"Thank you for looking out for me Carson. It means alot. You've a long way, and I'm happy to have you at my side looking out for me. You make me feel safe. I promise if I see Frankie again I will be carfel and I will let you know where we are going and when. I'll make sure I keep my phone with me as well and if anything fishy happens I will make sure you call you ok? "

*Misty smiles up at Carson and puts her arms around his neck. Leaning in close to him her grin widens as her eyes sparkle and dance. Pressing her lips to his Misty shows her thanks not minding the extra spark of sweetness as well.*

Buried

Bret steps forward, kneeling in front of Jamie with compassion not often seen in him. "It's going to be okay, Jamie," he tries to comfort. He reaches out with his uninjured arm to touch her hand. "If anybody could survive that, it would be Tank..."

Looking up at Scott, he rises to his feet again, resuming holding his injury. "You better get these women out of here... They're going to start clearing us out soon, and they got a special crew coming in to try and clear some rubble."

Scott nods, though still isn't quite sure how to get Jamie to leave. "How did it happen?"

Bret shakes his head. "It was sudden...we were all there, the three guys were at the end of the site moving some dirt and the ground just started to shake. Next thing we saw was them going down with the bulldozer like the earth was just swallowing them up. It spread then and a bunch of us other guys wound up several feet lower at least, though I guess we weren't right on top of the sink hole like the others." He pauses a moment, replaying the shock in his mind. "They're not letting people closer, but if you go up to the edge it looks like a crater. You can already see some of the caves they're talking about, but..."

He glances down to Jamie again and lowers his voice just a bit. "The three guys didn't even have time to get anywhere...there's rubble everywhere, and even the bulldozer is half-buried. I..." He was going to say how he didn't know how someone could survive, but holds his tongue. "They got to be real careful with removing the debris because if there is a pocket under there, if they shift anything too much, it will collapse and...well....yeah."

"Bret! Get over here!"

Bret looks up to see one of his buddies waving from near one of the ambulances. "Looks like they can see me now...I gotta go." He looks to Scott again. "Get Jamie out of here...if they do find Con and he's in bad shape or worse, it's not going to do her any good."

After Bret leaves, Scott takes his cell phone and dials Jason. Finished updating him, he goes and crouches next to Katie and Jamie. "There's nothing we can do here," he prompts gently. "The best thing we can do is get out of these people's way so they can work."


Jason shuts his phone, his stomach giving a lurch that almost makes him sick. This couldn't be happening. Everything lately had just been one thing after another. Closing his eyes for a moment, he tries to regroup before heading for Nate and Laura.


Laura's eyes widen at Nate's news. She felt almost numb for a moment, unsure how to take it. There was too much question...too many unknowns. Was Con really one of the three? She blinks, not knowing how to respond. "I...that..." She swallows hard, her emotions beginning to rise as fear creeps up on her.

Before she can say more though, she looks up to see Jason. Her eyes fill with hope that he has good news.

But Jason's face says it all. He looks to Nate grimly, then to Laura and gives a slight shake to his head. "I'm sorry...Con's one of the men missing...they're.....they're looking for them now...they've been buried under the rubble."

A gasp sticks in Laura's throat. She wants to cry, but no tears come. She wants to scream, but her voice seems lost.

Jason knows that she has plenty of comfort with Nate around, so he backs away slowly.

Laura sits, stunned, glued to her chair, her eyes distant as she stares at the floor. Con was one of the most precious people in her life...if he was taken away...like this....she didn't know what she would do. To think he may very well be dead...having died in such an accident...the thought made her sick.

Without even realizing it, her hands ball into fists so tight that her knuckles turn white. The blood drains from her face and she sways just a little as the room begins to spin.


Carson ambles to the infirmary and leans on the doorframe for a moment, just watching Misty at her desk. Finally entering, he approaches her desk. He'd hardly seen her at all today with as busy as it had been.

Crossing his arms, he casually sits on the corner of her desk, throwing her a grin. "Hey Sassy." Looking at her, he searches her eyes. Ever since yesterday, this had been eating at him... He didn't like it that he hadn't been honest with her, and the more he'd thought about Frankie, the less he liked the thought of Misty going to see him again, alone, not knowing everything.

"Look, um...I guess I wasn't totally honest with you, yesterday... It was probably me who started the argument with your brother...but I didn't like the way he'd been talking about you, or the way he was trying to bait me..." Carson pauses, his eyes shifting around the room, then back to Misty. "It was me who started to walk away first. He, um...brought up Ashlyn and I couldn't handle it. I shouldn't have let it get to me, but...it did. He ended up leaving instead of me though, and that's when you came back."

Pausing again, he looks Misty in the eye. "I know he's your brother, and I can tell that you love him...but...I just want you to be careful around him. There's...I mean...he got angry, Misty...real angry...and I'm not sure I like the idea of you being alone with him any time."

Tradigy

*Nate receved the information from Jason with a nod his own he own stomach droping.*

"Let me know when you find anything alse out."

*Nate turns his moniter off decieding his work can wait for now. This was more important. Laura had a right to know and it would be better coming from him than somwhere alse. Standing his gives his friend a pat on the shoulder.*

"Thanks Hotshot I'll go talk to Laura."

*As Jamie draws near to the sit with Jason and Katie her heart races. How couldent this be happing, why. A million emotions and feeling run though her. Not knowing what was is up. Seeing all the injored people send Jamies head spinning as she scans the faces looking for Con. Spoting Bret Jamie goes to him. Fear in her eyes she is almost scaired to receve his words. Only to hear them awayways as a choke formes in her throt. To receve the scream from her mouth.*

"NO...CON!!!!"

*Jamie takes a few steps twords the yellow tape her stomach hurt turning and twisting in knots. Her heart hearing the pounding of her heart it sounded so loud, the noice filling her mind. Con...was the only think she could think of. Taking a few more steps twords the tape Jamie feels arms wrap around her as she hears Katie's voice.*

"Jamie...no..you cant. There going to find them there is nothing you can do Jamie."

*Katie trys to her best to hold Jamie thought its hard. Normaly Katie would have no problem keeping Jamie back but she wasent all with it right now and was running on adrennilen that made her 10x her normal strength. Katie keeps her arms wraped around the best she can keeping her feet planted. Looking to Scott and than to Bret sadness and worry filling her eyes.

Jamie finally gives up trying to struggle and falls to the ground Katie's arm still wrapped around her. Tear stream down Jamie's face as she crys out for Con. It felt like she was breaing ripped in half and her heart was being torn from her chest.*

*Slowly Nate makes his way to Laura's desk lightly taping on the cubicle wall. Steping in Nate pulls up a chair next to Laura.*

"Hey Hun I need to talk to you about something for a moment."

*Nate sits leting out a small sigh. He wanted to choose his words wisly but not beat around the bush with Laura. She need to know so in case the worst happend she wasent left in the dark.*

"Laura there has been an accident at the construction site where Con was. Alot of people we injored, and 3 men are traped in the cave in. We dont know who the 3 men where, or who was injored. Jamie, Scott and Katie went to see if they could find out more imformation and see if Con is ok. Jason said they would call when they new more. I am sure Con is fine, I just thought you should know."

*Nate offers his arms to Laura knowing she probley need it. Searching her face, and trying to offer the the most comfort he can. He could own imagen what Laura was going through or feeling at the moment.*