Saprise

*Aerith smiles at Wyatt before standing to get back to work. Leaning down and stealing a kiss from him.*

"I though you would never ask. I'd love to go with you. Now I better get back to work before I am late."

*Aerith smiles before scurring off.*

*Jamie gives a small smile at Con as she shakes her head.*

"How about we get you home, and I cook you some steak. You need to take it easy."

*Jamie gathers Con's things and than exite the room looking for a doc to discharg Con.*

*Lockheart gets Brets call and calls him back promptly. Leting him know she would be glad to help but she had a few things on the weekend to take care of and monday she would be more than happy to meet him at a small Nevada dinner. She also mentioned that a young intern would be joining her as well. She need the help and this would be great practice for her. Hanging up Lockheart calls Charlotte leting her know they would be leaving Friday. Next Lockheart heads to Jake's office and fills him in on what was going on, and how long she would be gone.*

*Katie gives Scott a big kiss running her hands through his new cut hair.*

"A walk sounds wonderful."

Night comes, and day follows no one being able to stop the hands on time. The more one trys to slow it down the faster it seems to go. And before one can even relize it its Friday.

*Lockheart enters the Hotel room Charlotte close behind her. Throwing her stuff down on the bed. This is where Charlotte would be staying while Lockheart was away and than she would rejoin her again when she got home. Going through her bag Lockheart comes across an envilope she had braught with her. Giving a small smile she turns to her sister leting her know she would be back.

After a little bit of driving Lockheart pulls into the TJY parking lot. Geting out she smiles alittle and heads inside. Giving a few waves, nods, and smiles to people who greet her Lockheart is filled with a strange feeling of joy. Its was good to see everyone again. Still her destanation in mind Lockheart enters the small office and nods to Susanne. Knocking lightly on Reese office door she hoped he was in and new this would be a nice saprise. He wasent exspeciting her till tomarrow, but she had something to give him and needed to get Charlotte settled.*

Smooth

Reese hangs up the phone from talking with Sheriff Brown and sighs a little as he hears his email beep at him. Glancing at the clock, he’s anxious to go home and get some rest, but he figures it couldn’t hurt to see who was sending him mail now. Maybe I twas a reply to his email to Pete.

As he opens up the program, his eyebrows rise. Lockheart…it was probably her diplomatic decline of his invitation. Reading, however, he is pleasantly surprised. He thought she would like to see the ranch in Texas, and he knew she’d like the people there.

Hitting ‘reply,’ he types out a response, letting her know what to say at her airport to get her to Texas on TJY’s expense, where they would meet her early Saturday morning and then go to the ranch together.


Wyatt tosses Aerith a wry grin, catching her stealing one of his fries, but he lets her get away with it. He didn’t even know if he could teasingly chide her anyway.

“I don’t know about the name…for legal purposes, I’m sure we’ll be called the Elite, just like they call the FBI, the FBI. But within the staff, we’re so used to calling ourselves TJY, and we’re still in that building, we’ll probably call it that just in conversation.”

He grins at her mention of JetStream. “I was thinking about going…that is…if you go with me.”


Con shakes his head as Jamie tells him about Bret. “Man…that stinks. There’s no way he’s even remotely responsible for any of this. I can’t see how anyone can try getting away with this…or how it’s even gotten this far. I hope he does call Lockheart…at least she knows us as a connection.”

Sighing, he sticks his fork down in his remaining mashed potatoes. “You never heard this from me, but…I think I lost my appetite.” He shoves the tray aside. “I think it’s about time I went home so I could cook me up a steak.”


Bret takes down Lockheart’s number and hangs up with Jamie. Sighing, he just looks at the paper for a moment. He hated lawyers…he didn’t trust any of them as far as he could throw them…not after he’d lost everything in court to his ex-wife. But right now…he didn’t have much of a choice, and he had to trust Jamie’s recommendation.

Dialing, he reaches a voicemail…of course. Rolling his eyes, he tries to think of something to say.

“Hi, Ms. Lockheart…my name is Bret Parker, and, well, I’m in need of a lawyer. I, um…got your number from Jamie Franklin, out here in Nevada. I’m being accused of attempted manslaughter after an accident on a construction site.” Unbeknownst to him, Lockheart was already aware of this through the information of Con. “Um…I know you’re clear out in California so I’m not sure how all this can work, but I thought it was worth a shot so…” He rattles off his phone number. “I guess…I’ll wait to hear back from ya or try something else. Thanks. Bye.”


Scott can’t help but grin, and holds Katie on his lap. Her approval of his new look was all he needed. “Mmm…I think dinner sounds grand. But only if we can take a walk in the park afterward.”


Carson straightens up as he listens to Misty talk about Frankie. This really concerned him…her brother seemed to have something really strange about him…his mood swings were drastic and sudden. Enough to make Carson leery of him to say the least. “Well just be careful, alright? It might not be anything major now, but…well, I don’t want him getting upset and trying to hurt anyone like he did Aerith so…just don’t let your guard down.”

At Misty’s question, Carson sighs. He thinks for a moment before pulling Misty up out of her chair to sit down himself, then pull her into his lap. Wrapping his arms around her, he hides his face in her shoulder, just holding her…holding on to the only stable thing in his life right now. “I guess I’m just in a funk,” he mumbles.


“So…other than the concert, you got a big weekend planned?” Jason leans on the outside table, taking a lick of his ice cream cone.

Camryn laughs as she spoons out a bite of her own. “You kidding me? What would I do over a weekend?”

“Well what do you normally do?”

“Sit around…watch television...go for walks.”

“Don’t you go out with friends or anything?”

Camryn sucks on her icecream for a moment, forcing her ever-present smile. "Not really. I've been here for a summer but the only friend I've done anything with really is Sandi, and she's usually busy with her boyfriend."

Jason quirks an eyebrow. "A go-getter like you? I figured you'd have a whole following of friends."

Camryn laughs. "I'll take that as a compliment, but no. I lead a pretty boring life usually. Oh, it doesn't stop me from having fun, but I'm by myself a lot. Maybe that's how I've learned to find the joy in the little things...being by oneself sometimes makes us stop and think."

Jason could relate to that one. "Yeah..."

"Anyway, no, no real plans." Camryn shrugs. "Not like you, going off to gallivant around in Texas, flying on a private jet..."

Jason quirks an eyebrow, amused. "It's not exactly glamorous."

"I wouldn't know."

"You sound so deprived."

"Oh, I feel like it."

Jason smirks at Camryn's slyness. "You're smooth, you know that?"

Camryn laughs. "It's my downfall."

"Mm, but maybe it worked."

Camryn quirks an eyebrow. "What?"

2 days later

[WARNING: Please note before reading this Lisa is under heavy sadation, and pain killers from having surgary done in her mouth. All went well but she is still a bit loopy. That being said, over look even more of the typos, miss spelled words, or anything that might just not make sence. As proof that she is not all with it, she laughed so hard at you post it made her sides hurt and for a moment she even liked Camryn, but the moment was bref, and again proves she is higher than a kite on pain killers. Thank you for complaying once again and I hope you injoy the post.]

*Jamie smiles as Dean and his wife leave. The last few days had been pretty slow for her spending most of her time by Con's side but she dident mind much. Time spent with Con was always a joy even if it wasent doing the normal stuff.*

"You know this is probley why Katie had people sneek her food in."

*Jamie eyes Con's chicken and shakes her head making a funny face that ends in a smile. Leaning back in the chair and streching Jamie cant help but let a small yawn slip out though she trys to mask it.*

"Are you sure your going to be ok to go to the wedding? I dont want you to over do it. Specuily will BJ around. He is just one ball of energy. AND CONRAD GIBBS....."

*Jamie cant help but let her smerk grow. It wasent offten she call Con by his full name. But when she did it always made her laugh at how funny it sounded.*

"...dont tell me to stop worrying. Because I will anyways and you know it."

*Jamie stands and leans down giving Con a small kiss on the lips before drawing away and heading over to where he bag rested. Staring to pack up a few of his personaly things so when he was ready to go home everything was ready and waiting.*

*As Misty feels Carson start to rub her shoulders her eyes instintly drift shut. Than feeling his around around her like a blanket and the soft kiss on her cheek it made her smile.

Misty new she had been pretty quiet wrapped in her work but her mind had been on so many differnt things. She wasent sure how to talk about it, or even what to do. Not to mention she was threatened to keep it a secret or others would pay the price. Misty was just so confused. She hated hiding anything from Carson. Though he hadent been around to much him as of late. Misty really dident think anything of it though. Carson was like that he liked his alown time everyone in a while as much as the next person. Misty had learned to turst him and new he just need some me time every once and a while. To clear his head or just go out with the guys from work. It was normal and Misty had no complantes around it. She liked her alown time as well once and a great while.

Leting out a soft sigh Misty turns in her chair and turns to face Carson. A bit of worry was in her eyes, a look not offten seen.*

"I guess I've just been thinking about my brother and how things change. The other day when I got home from work he was waiting at the house for me. Noramly that wouldent freak me out but, I guess it was just the way. He was siting in the dark, and just sting there. He scaired the crap out of me cuz I locked the door when I left so I have no idea how he got in, but I just brushed it off and we have a nice night. Than over dinner we got into talking about alot of differnt things most that dont really mean anything, but we go talking about the past and the present. He got talking about how he was leaving soon, and he wanted me to come with me. He started babbling about how I wasent happy and he wanted to give me a chanse to be happy like old times."

*Misty lets out a sigh and shakes her head*

"I told him I was happy. Here, with you...I have everyting I want. And I wouldent be going with him. I dident want to go with him."

*Misty looks down again before looking up at Carson.*

"I saw that change you said you saw. I saw him get really angry. He wasent happy I told him I wasent leaving and he just went into this rage. I've never seen him like that before and it really scaired me. Thats a rare thing for me to say. Anyways I told him to leave and just about pushed him out the door and once he was out...he snaped back into my old brother again and he thought the reason he was leaving was on his own will. I just...dont understand and its been weaghing heavy on my mind. Its nothing major."

*Misty looks back up at Carson and searches his face. Seeing his own look of distress. Misty gives alittle shrug.*

"So you hurd about me, how about you?"

*As Katie pass Scott's cubicle she comes to a halt and takes a few steps backwards. Turning her head and looking at Scott taking a double take. For a moment she cant saw anything, the words stuck in her throt.*

"Wow...."

*Is all she can manage as a smile forms on her face and she steps into the cubicle.*

"....wow...I love the hair cut Scotty."

*Drawing close to Scott she plants a kiss on his cheek and slids into his lap her arms around his neck.*

"I really, really like it. How about I show you off tonight at dinner?"

*Aerith takes a bite of a french fry she stole from Wyatt's plate. The last few days since the court hearing was over and everyone was clear was nice. Aerith was able to spend more time with Wyatt, and actully talk about his work. Tention was gone as well of not knowing what was to happen if anyone found out about TJY. Aerith really was enjoying her time spent with him. Wyatt had even been a nice enough gentilmen to spend some time with her at Jamies as well since she was busy in the hospetal with Con. Wyatt was certinly a fine catch.*

"Well thats good no one has backed out. It probley just wouldent be the same without everyone there even if things are changing. I bet it just makes it easyer having your friends there too.

So are you guys going to be called The Elite now...or still TJY? Oh and a badge, I'm dating a cop. A handsome one at that."

*Aerith sneaks another french fry grining as she trys to put it in her mouth and chew it before Wyatt has a change to see.*

"So I hurd a Jetstream avent was coming up, you thinking about going?"

*Jamie sits with Con she feels her phone vibrate in her pocket. Glancing down at it she smiles back up at Con.*

"I have a voicemail. I'll be right hun."

*Steping out of the room Jamie listens to the mail before dialing Bret back and giving him Lockhearts number.*

"...She is pretty fair is cost and a real nice woman. I dont think you guys will have a probley working anything out. Ok Bret, if you need anything alse let me know. Ok, take care."

*Closing her phone she re-enters Con's room filling him in on what was going on.*

*Lockheart sits at her computer reading her email when a voice over her shoulder is hurd.*

"Estimado you should go it would be fun, and you could get to know Mike more."

*Lockhearts grandmother has a smile on her face as she leans in closer to Lockheart.

Lockhearts eyes shift to look at her Grandmother before rolling them.*

"And when did you become so nosey Abuela?"

"When I found out someone took an intrest in you."

"HE is not. He's just being nice."

"But you like him Estimado! Abuela is smarter than you think."

"If I tell him I will go will you get off my back."

"Estimado, Estimado not till you let go and move on."

*Lockheart shakes her head as her grandmother walks away. Hiting the reply button she sits for a moment.*

Mike,
I'm sorry but I dont think I will be able to make it. Work has been busy...

*Stoping Lockheart sits for the moment just looking at the screen before hiting the backspace button deleting everything she wrote. and starting again. It might be fun to go. Relax alittle bit.*

Mike,
Thank you for thinking of me. I've been meaning
to take a small vacation and the time away might
be nice. Not to mention weddings are always fun.
It will be good to see you again too.

*Lockheart stops....hits the delet button before starting again.*

It will be good to see you and everyone alse again
as well. So yes, meeting you there would be nice.
See you soon and have a great day.

Angelica

Planning

"Here we go!" The nurse, Linda, brings in a tray of food for Con's lunch, a cheery smile on her face as always.

Con pulls himself up into a sitting position and give a little sigh when he sees the meager meal. "Looks like we got mystery potatoes with tasteless gravy, suspicious looking...chicken...I think... and a teaspoon of jello. Let me guess...the cook today is a woman who weighs no more than a hundred pounds."

Linda smirks at him and pulls the table over his bed to set the tray down. "You've been complaining about this food for three days, Mr. Gibbs. I think I'll be more glad when you get to go home this afternoon than you."

Con looks up at her, quirking an eyebrow as he gives her a grin. "I'm a growing boy, Linda! They're supposed to keep me alive in here, not starve me!"

Linda chuckles and shakes her head. She glances over to Jamie, who she's used to seeing here with Con. "If this guy ever gets around to asking you to marry him, make sure you know what you're getting into. I have a feeling he could eat anyone out of house an home."

"Hey!" Con ignores her reference to marriage, and threatens to catapult a spoonful of mashed potatoes in Linda's direction.

"I'm going, I'm going!" Linda holds up her hands. "See if I come back to clear your mess."

Con watches her leave, an amused look on his face before he turns back to his food and pokes at the chicken with caution. His eyes drift to Jamie. "If I'da known it was gonna be this bad, I woulda snuck out of here two nights ago." Sighing, he relents, too hungry to skip his meal altogether. With his right arm in a sling and it being too painful to move his shoulder, he has just a bit of trouble eating with one hand, but manages as he has the last couple days. "I'll just be glad to get home today and sleep in my own bed...at least I'll have a day or two to get myself ready to go to Texas."

"Hey, Tank!"

Con looks up in surprise, seeing Dean in a wheelchair in the doorway. "Dean!" A smile spreads. Bret had come for a while the day before to visit, but otherwise he hadn't seen any of his coworkers. "How you doing?"

Dean shrugs. "As well as can be expected." He gestures to his chair. "I'll be stuck in this contraption for a while, but I'm alive and that's what counts."

"Sure does..." A woman appears behind him, leaning down to kiss him on his cheek. It was his wife, Barb. "I haven't had a chance to thank you, Con," she mentions. "I hear it was you who got him out."

Con waves her off. "Adrenaline and reflex. Say...how's Brandon?"

Dean shakes his head. "Still critical. They're keeping him in an induced coma so he doesn't wake and hurt himself by moving too much."

"So that's all they know?"

"Pretty much." Dean purses his lips grimly. "His mom's been here the last few days, and his brother just came up yesterday."

Barb pats her husband on the shoulder. "Ready to go eat?"

"You bet."

"Alright." Barb waves to Con and Jamie. "See you later."


Carson comes into the infirmary and seeing that Rick isn't around, he strolls over to Misty's desk, standing behind her for a moment, looking over her shoulder at the computer screen. Taking his hands, he gives her shoulders a rub for several minutes before letting his arms fall around her, leaning down to give her cheek a kiss.

He and Misty hadn't done an awful lot together the last few days. He knew he'd been a little distant...he'd been taking several trips out of town, but avoiding the subject, and some of the phone calls he'd received, he'd been just as glad to go outdoors to take. The whole thing had him on edge and he'd already started hunting for some different sources of income around town, but had remained close-mouthed about it. There was no way he could tell anyone about this. It was his mess...his fault...and he had to fix it...somehow.

But Misty herself had been a bit tense lately too, and Carson had picked up on it, starting to worry just a little.

Resting his chin on her head, he takes a hand to run his fingers down her arm. "You been awful quiet, babe. What's up?"


Scott looks in the broad mirror, cringing just a little as another lock of hair falls to the tiled floor. "You're really going to town, aren't you?"

Amy puts a hand on her hip, looking at him by way of the mirror. "I've been cutting your hair since you were a kid, you finally tell me you want something different, and now you're complaining before I'm even finished."

Scott scrunches up his nose, squinting at the reflection. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."

Amy goes back to combing and cutting. "Hun, let me tell you something...you're a good looking man and this is a much-needed change."

"Hey, it hasn't been that bad."

"Hasn't been that good either," Amy scoffs. She grabs a handful of hair. "This does not belong parted and slicked back. You make yourself look like a..."

"A nerd, I know, I know!" Scott complains. "Just...cut."


"...What do you think?" Amy spins Scott's chair around so he can see in the mirror again.

Scott takes a hand and runs it through the much shorter hair on the sides and back, and feels the more jagged cut on top.

Amy grins at him. "Now, when you wash it, just give it a bit of oomf with your fingers, like so..." She picks her fingers through his damp hair. "And just let it dry. Your hair isn't as straight as a pin, so it shouldn't lay too flat. If it does, just use some gel."

Scott quirks an eyebrow, studying the new look.

Amy watches him and chuckles. "I know, it makes you look pretty different, doesn't it? I like it. You won't be able to keep the girls off of you."

Scott rolls his eyes and slides off the chair, brushing loose hair off his pants. "I got just one girl I care about, thank you."

"Oh, have you now?" Amy elbows him. "How long as this been going on?"

Scott can't help a sheepish grin. "A little while." He takes his wallet out of his back pocket and flips it open, revealing a picture of Katie that he'd had tucked away.

Amy's smile broadens. "Ooh, Scott. You've been holding out on me."

Scott just shakes his head and goes to pay for the cut. "Thanks, Amy."

"You bet. Take care of yourself."


...Scott wanders into TJY a little more cautiously than normal. He'd thrown on a plain tee and jeans before coming, amplifying the look he now wore. Without his glasses made him look even more different, and he avoids contact with too many people on the way to his desk, fearing the comments. He wasn't fond of that kind of attention...but he'd wanted something different before heading back to Texas. He would be Katie's date to Mick and Rosetta's wedding, and wanted to do her proud. They'd said casual would be okay, but Scott knew good and well that most there would be dressed up, and he knew Katie would be as well.

"Oooh!" Susann walks by, pausing at his cubicle. "Where's Scott and what did you do with him?"

Scott's face reddens. "That bad?"

"Good heavens, no" Susanne laughs and shakes her head. "I really like it."


"...So anyway, Sheriff Brown's been out a lot and he and Dad keep discussing what's going to change." Wyatt pauses, taking a sip of his soda as he sits in the booth at Mom and Pop's, chatting with Aerith while she's on break. The last few days have been uneventful, but he's been able to enjoy several outings with Aerith to the river again and to the beach. It was their plan to head over to the next JetStream concert coming up too, and both were looking forward to that. "Brown wants us switched over to being the Elite in about two month's time. The location is still up in the air, but I think they're going to keep us where we are at least for now. Brown's got a couple people he wants on staff...but mostly we'll be the same group. I don't think anybody has said they're backing out."

He pauses again in thought. "A few people's jobs will shift. We might have more work at the department downtown at times, but overall things shouldn't run too much differently. We'll all get sworn in, have badges, the whole bit. It'll be so much nicer not to have to worry about getting arrested now for doing our jobs."

Wyatt grins. "Kinda exciting, really...we're still up against the Agency, but things seem to be looking up at least. He shrugs. A few of ours are heading to Texas in a couple days for Katie's aunt's wedding. Jason's supposed to find out if anyone there wants to be a part of the Elite, or if they want to remain civilian. We'll see."


"What?! How can they do that?" Bret paces his living room floor, his cordless phone in hand. Leaning on the couch, his arm brushes his metal lamp and he jumps as he's shocked from scuffing his socks on the carpet.

"Well...no! I don't understand. They should be going after that dang surveyor's office, not Titan, let alone me! How can they be getting away with this anyway? I know if they went after Titan they'd lose hands down because they were negligent, so what good does blaming me do? Does it just give it an odd twist to throw people off in the hopes they won't be sued or what?"

Bret pauses, his exasperation growing. "Me, damaging their reputation?! Oh come on! ...No...I....just...." He growls. "No, not yet. Well I'm not coming into work with those reporters hanging around. They'll just have to get tired of waiting."

Ending the call, he flops down on the couch, tossing a throw pillow across the room. This was ridiculous. How could he be attacked like this? It wasn't even logical! And yet for some reason, the legal system was allowing it.

Sighing, a thought enters his mind. He hadn't figured on things actually getting this far, but they had, and he was getting into trouble without help. Grabbing his phone again, he also picks up a notepad that had scribbled numbers all over it. Dialing, he reaches a voice mail box.
"Hi, Jamie...it's Bret...Bret Parker. Listen, um...a few days ago you said you knew a good lawyer...I hate to admit it, but I might need one. I'm already getting hit pretty good with this Titan mess. I...can't afford a whole lot though, so that might deter whoever you had in mind. But...anyway...I'll figure something else out if I have to. Call me anytime, or whatever. Thanks."


"Don't tell me these are all the dishes you have." Camryn glances in a box that she sets on the empty kitchen counter.

Jason rolls his eyes as he tosses a garbage bag full of clothes into the next room. "I told you...I haven't had much of my own since my other house burned down. This is just stuff that people gave me."

Camryn giggles as she holds up a fork that had somehow been bent in the move. "I think you need to do some shopping."

"Quite possibly." Jason smirks at her. "Are you going to admire the silverware or help me unload the rest of my stuff?"

"Alright, don't have a hissy fit." Camryn follows him out to the black pickup to drag a box out of the bed. "By the way, nice wheels."

"Yeah, thanks." Jason heads back inside, setting another box in the entryway. "It was Hal's - a guy I work with...he offered to sell it to me a while ago, but I didn't have much money saved up, but now I decided to go for it. He's real nice about it and is just letting me pay it off every month."

"Well that's handy."

"Yeah." Jason holds open the door for one last trip out and in.

"This whole thing moved along pretty quick for you," Camryn comments.

"Well, when I called about this place, Mrs. O'Lara was desperate to get it rented out, so she had no problems with it happening right away. Thankfully for me, all the paperwork etcetera went through quick too, and I think Carson's just as glad to get rid of me."

Camryn throws him a sly grin. "I can't imagine anyone being glad to get rid of you."

Jason's eyes narrow slightly but he doesn't comment. He'd met Camryn downtown again the day before and she'd offered to help him move into the little one-story white house and he hadn't refused. Today after lunch, she'd been a real help, getting everything down from Carson's, loaded up, and over here, even helping with a large piece of furniture.

He flops down on the couch that Susanne had sold him and stares at the blank walls. It would take a while for this to look like a home.

Camryn plops down next to him, catching her breath from all the moving. "So you're going to Texas in a couple days, huh?"

"Yeah...that wedding. It's a good excuse to see my mom again."

"Ah, that's right. How long you staying?"

"Not long." Jason shakes his head. "I gotta get back that same night because Sunday evening JetStream's got a gig."

"Oh yeah..." Camryn's eyes light up. "I was going to go to that, but nobody ever asked me."

Jason turns his head to look at her with annoyance. "You don't know how to drop hints, do you?"

"What's a hint?"

"That's what I thought." Jason yawns and stretches. "Alright. I'll give in this time. You wanna come?"

"Well that's a fine way to ask."

"What?"

"You could be a little more enthusiastic."

"Maybe I would if you weren't so pushy."

"I'm not pushy!"

"Yes you are."

"Well I...." Camryn stops and giggles. "Okay...maybe a little. But if you really don't want me in the way, I won't go."

Jason rolls his eyes. "Oh, stop. I'll even pick you up if you're that desperate."

"I'm not desperate!"

A small grin quirks the corner of Jason's mouth. "If you say so."

Giving a huff, Camryn stands up again. "So are we going to go get some ice cream or what?"

"You ever slow down?"

"Nope. Do you?"

"Yes."

"Well stop it. There's too much left in today to let it slip by unnoticed."

"Like what?"

Camryn takes Jason's hand to pull him up and drag him to the door. "The sun is shining, the breeze is cool...it's a gorgeous day out here, Hotshot. So quit moping around and get out and enjoy it. Come on."

"I gotta get back to work!"

"Do you even know the meaning of fun?"

Jason gets pulled out the door and he stops just to shut it and lock it. The question shouldn't have been a hard one, but for him...it wasn't easy. "According to whose measurements?"

"Your own."

"I always have fun."

Camryn throws him a withering look. "How about according to my measurements?"

"In your eyes I bet I lead a very boring life."

"Chasing badguys and taking down outlaws? What's boring about that?" Camryn shakes her head. "You really are clueless, aren't you?"

"About what?"

"Just enjoy yourself!" Camryn steps of the porch and spreads out her arms to spin under the sunshine.

Jason crosses his arms, just watching her.

"Party pooper," Camryn chides. Grabbing him, she pulls him into the small front yard with her and twirls again. "Ever spin around just so you can get dizzy and fall down?"

"Why on earth would I want to do that?"

"Just because!" Camryn stops and points at the sky. "Look up, Jason..."

He does. "Yeah, so?"

"Now close your eyes...." Camryn closes her own. "Listen to the wind....smell that scent of summer...feel that sun...isn't it gorgeous?"

Jason is silent for several moments and it suddenly hits him that it had been a long time since he'd taken just a few moments to stop and smell the roses.

Camryn takes his arm again. "Okay, don't overdo it. You're the one that said you need to get back to work, and I wouldn't want to get blamed for your untimely firing."

"Sure, you don't care that I'd be out of a job as long as you weren't blamed."

"Of course," Camryn teases, going around to the passenger side of the truck.


Reese taps his pen absentmindedly on his desk before finally opening up his email. He hesitates before typing, but after a moment, his fingers hit the keys.
Angelica,
Had a thought cross my mind. You remember Mick Henson? He and Rosetta Pent are getting married here in just a couple days, and a few from TJY are going to Texas for the wedding. Actually, all of TJY was invited, but only a handful are actually going.
Since the whole lot was invited though, I didn't want to leave you out. I wasn't going to go, but if you would like to, I can make arrangements to meet you there.
If you're interested in a mini-vacation on a ranch, just let me know and I'll share details.
-Reese


"And I thought I'd have to tell you to calm down." Sparky leans against the wall in the wall watching his brother saddle up a horse.

"What on earth for?"

"The wedding."

Mick throws him a look. "Why would I have to calm down?"

"I don't know...most guys are bundles of nerves."

"Sparky...." Mick turns around and looks his brother in the eye. "I've known Rosetta since I was eighteen years old. She and I have been through everything imaginable. I hardly think that finally getting married is something for me to get nervous about."

Sparky chuckles and shakes his head. "Alright."

"Now you on the other hand....when you and Mel..."

Sparky's eyebrows shoot up. "Hey, who said anything about me and Mel?"

"Well it's not exactly a secret that you two are..."

"Are what?!"

Mick can't help his grin, holding back a laugh as he tightens the girth on his saddle. "I'm not sure if 'dating' would be the right word."

Sparky opens his mouth to argue, but closes it again, his face getting red.

Mick turns around and finally laughs. "Boy that shut you up quick."

"So you talked to Luke much lately?"

Mick rolls his eyes at the quick change of subject. "Just this morning, why?"

"He hasn't been doing too well lately, has he..."

"No..." Mick pauses tacking up to shake his head. "Not so great."

"You think he and Angel will go ahead and get married since a least some of this whole mess is clearing up, or you think Luke will still want to wait until it's entirely over?"

"I have no idea...if he waits that long, I'm afraid it'll be too late, but...it's their choice." Mick shrugs. "Personally, I think he's just scared of needing Angel to take care of him."

"Well she does now."

"Yeah, but...if they're married, I think Luke thinks she'd feel more pressure and obligation."

"He should know that's not true."

"Sure." Mick taps his head. "Up here." His hand moves to his chest. "But not in here."

Sparky nods slowly. "I see what you're saying..." He sighs a little. "Your kids coming up for the wedding?"

Mick buckles the breast collar on the saddle, taking a moment to respond. "Jade might."

Sparky knows better than to ask about Dylan. "Rosetta said Katie was excited to come back."

"I bet she is."

"Bringing her boyfriend again."

"He seems like a nice guy."

"Yeah...I didn't get to interact with him much before, but he seemed like he had a good head on his shoulders."

Mick nods. "I think he does."

The next day

*Jamie smiles at Con as he falls asleep again. Giving him a kiss on the forhead she resumes her place next to him in the chair. watching over him for the rest of the night and falling asleep again.*

*As Katie enters TJY. She felt good day. A new feeling over took Katie today and she was quiet sure what it was. A feeling a peace. Entering her cubicle Katie sits down eyeing the blue package on her desk. Opening the paper gently Katie looks at the delicit book. Fliping the pages Katie scans the photos. A smile playing on her lips. As she comes across the photo of Jason she runs her fingers along it. The feeling pings in Katies heart again. But the feeling wasent bad it was almost like a peace. That Jason was going to be ok again, and so was she.

Katie continues to scan more of the pictures till coming to the end. Scott had taken so much time with each page, with each photo was captured stuff even seen before. Standing Katie makes her way to Scott's cubicle. Coming up behind him she wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a kiss on the cheek.*

"Thank you Scott. I love it. It was one of the most amazing things I ever saw. You did a fantastic."


*Misty sits still at her desk trying to consintrate on work. But something in the back of her mind was bothering her. A strange look pass through her eyes as she trys to block anything from her mind. She couldent let anyone worry about it. She could handle it she had to or many would pay the price.*

Gift of Memories

Jason's body starts to relax as he's overcome with a strange feeling of emptiness. It wasn't a bad feeling...it was just...empty. Like pouring poison from a bottle, the container no longer holds harmful substance, yet lacks any good substance. It's just...empty.

He rolls over on his side and stares in the dark for just a little while. For just a moment, he receives an odd sense of fleeting peace, like someone giving him a pat to the back. The corner of his mouth upturns into a slight grin. Thanks, Katie.

Change was in the wind...it could be felt. The future loomed in front of him like an oncoming freight train. But it was time he faced it. Time he truly moved on. And he could do it now.


Con tries to focus in the dim light, and kind of hears a voice like it's far away. But he knew that tone...and he knew the soft skin that touched his face.

Turning his head slightly, he looks at Jamie wearily. Judging by the light, he knew it must be late. "Sorry," he manages. "Didn't...mean to...wake you up."

As he speaks, a nurse slips into the room and shakes her head, speaking quietly. "Conrad, I gave you enough pain killers you should have been out for two days."

A small smile appears as Con groggily keeps his eyes open. "How's Brandon?" he asks hoarsely.

"Sleeping." The nurse checks the IV and the monitors, taking Con's vitals. "As you should be."

Con licks his dry lips and swallows, disliking the feeling of not being in control over his own mind while under the influence of medications. "Is he...gonna make it?"

The nurse pauses and glances at Jamie, then back down at Con, giving his arm a gentle pat. "Yeah...he'll be just fine."

As she walks away, Con looks up at the ceiling. The nurse's eyes had betrayed her. But there was nothing he could do. His fingers give Jamie's hand a little squeeze before he drops off again into a dreamless sleep.


Jason jots down information on a piece of paper as he cradles the phone between his chin and shoulder. "Uh-huh...ok..." He thinks for a moment. "No, just one... Oh, now that sounds nice. Yeah, I'll give them a call. Thanks Rudy. Yep. Bye."

Hanging up, he picks up the receiver again, dialing the number he'd just written down. He was at work earlier than normal this morning...but the quiet was nice. He was on personal business at the moment anyway, so it was just as well it was before he was supposed to be in.

"Yes, hi...my name is Jason Stevenson and I heard you had a house to rent..." Listening to the woman on the other end of the line, he opens his desk drawer to retrieve a set of vehicle keys, fidgeting with them. "Actually, through Rudy Barclay. Yeah...oh, really? Where's it at? Uh-huh..."

As he talks, he concentrates halfway on his computer screen, opening up his email and typing a brief message: Hal... Still interested in that offer if it still stands. Let me know. -Hotshot

"Yeah, that actually sounds great...yep...yeah, that's not too bad...sure....this afternoon? Great."

His mind split between two tasks, he types up another email: Susanne, You still have that couch? I might take you up on it. Know of any good used furniture stores around here?

Jason pauses to turn around and jot down an address. "Thanks a million. Yeah. See you later today."


Carson ambles into work, heading slowly to his cubicle. It had been a long night...he had probably a total of two hours of sleep, and his eyes showed it. After the drive he'd taken the evening before everything had suddenly shifted into a different light...and it wasn't a good light. He had no idea what he was going to do, but he had to play it cool. This couldn't leak out.

Getting back up from his desk again, he heads to the infirmary. The first step was setting up supper with Misty and follow through with his usual plans.


Con's eyes gradually open, squinting just a little in the morning light that comes through the window. It takes him several minutes to figure out just where he is, the dull ache in his shoulder helping to remind him.

Turning his head, he sees Jamie leaning from her chair, her own head resting on the bed beside him. Lifting his hand, he gently runs his fingers through her hair.


Scott scoots his chair out of his cubicle and glances down to Katie's area. Holding the wrapped package in his hand, he shoves off, rolling in that direction. Catching himself in the doorway, he stops and gets up, putting the gift on the desk with a quick note. "For you, from me. Enjoy that horizon." Satisfied, he rolls back down to his own desk to start in on reading several messages from coworkers who needed help with their computers.

On Katie's desk lies a 3-ring binder wrapped in blue paper. Photo sleeves lie within, holding a day full of memories...Texas memories.
People...landscape...horses... small photos, large photos...all displaying Scott's handiwork with the camera - his models unaware that they had been captured.
A horse quietly grazing is caught in a close-up, the sun glinting off its coat. A lonely daisy sways in a breeze-blown field, backdropped by a fuzzy ranch. A glorious sunset is caught to show its brilliance forever. Silhouettes of several horses by a fence against a pink sky.
Jeff grooming a horse in the barn, surrounded by a glow of sunlight dust. A closeup shot of Mick and Rosetta walking hand in hand, the expression of peace on their faces. Cindy and Wes together on the porch swing, their eyes smiling. A barn kitten playing with a loose piece of hay. A black and white stolen closeup of Mick and Rosetta as they stroll in a field, their faces barely apart as they move in for a kiss. A cropped photo of two hands clasped together - those of Luke and Angel.
A silhouette of Jason leaning on the top rail of a fence, staring into the sun with deep thought. A butterfly resting on a pale purple wildflower. Con with Jamie in his arms as they laugh in the yard. A horse kicking up its heels at the sky.
Pictures fill the book, proving hours of effort with shot after shot. Each photo portrays the feelings...the emotions of detail. The spark is caught in the eyes. The emotions captured in every angle. The final picture gazes down the trail in the woods, a permanent memory of that quiet peace.

"Welcome Home"

*Jamie smiles at Bret being able to see the exsaustion set in his eyes. Standing she gives a yawn and strech of her own.*

"Go home Bret get some sleep. They are gonna be ok. I'll let you know if anything changes."

*Jamie walks down the hall back to Con's room seeing Scott and Katie were ready to leave. Jamie pulls her chair next to Con's bed once again resting her head on the bed her hand in his and drifting off to sleep.*

*Misty shakes her head at Carson and smiles.*

"Have a goodnight Carson and I will see you tomarrow."

*Misty goes back to her paper work staying for several more hours. For some reason tonight the thought of going home scaired her.*

*Katie's eyes flutter open stairing at a blank blue screen. Scott lays still next to her and Domino at his feet. A strange dull feeling rushes over Katie. Thought its faint like a protective layer was over her Katie still knows what it is. In her mind she whispers as if she new what was being said "How many times have I told you not to be sorry." Katie keeps hear head laying on Scott's chest. A single tear rolls down her cheek, but this one was differnt this was wasent from sadness. There was a change in the wind for her friend, as if someone lost was being found. Katie gives alittle smiles and whispers in her head only hoping it would reach who it should. "GoodNight J, and Welcome Home."*

*As Con shoots up in Bed Jamie wakes with a start standing. Forgeting where she was for a moment she looks around the room finally remembering. Siting on the edge of the bed now and bringign her one hand to Con's face she smiles.*

"Its ok Con. Its ok. Your safe. I'm here for you."

Nighttime

Bret finally stops his pacing and eases down in a chair too. “Dean’s gonna be alright…as alright as you can be with two broken legs. And Brandon…” He shakes his head. “They don’t know. He’s still in surgery.”

Giving a little sigh, he leans his head back against the wall. He hadn’t slept in two days and it was getting to him now. “I’ll stick around for a while yet to find out what happens, then I’ll scoot on out of here before I collapse and they keep me here too!”


Carson throws Misty a playful grin. “If you miss me tonight, then it’ll make tomorrow night’s dinner all the more enjoyable.” He winks. “Night, Sassy.”


Scott’s eyes grow heavy as the television drones on with the movie. Domino is happily dozing at his feet, and Katie is in his arms. He’s warm and comfortable, but it just proves to make him all the more tired. His arm around Katie, his fingers absentmindedly stroking he cheek.


Jason flops down on the air mattress, his mind going a million and one directions at once. Closing his eyes, he tries to focus and straighten out his thoughts. His evening had been…surprisingly enjoyable. Camryn had been…good company.

But right now…no matter his evening, Jason’s heart still hung heavy with that which he had yet to let go of. He was tired of feeling miserable…and had yet to rid himself of the rest of his pent up emotions that he had locked away. His own heart was confusing him, stuck between the past and the present…old feelings and new.

Heaving a slow sigh, Jason knows it’s time…he needs to clear his heart once and for all…dig up the rest of those buried feelings he’d been hanging on to and get rid of them.

He doesn’t know why he decides this now…tonight. Maybe it was that he was trying to see that light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe it was that he was seeing how gaining back his life was again at his fingertips. Maybe it was having someone push him so much, that even though he fought it, it forced him to battle it out inside. But no matter the reason…the flow started once again. “Katie,” he whispers into the dark, “Forgive me one more time…” He doesn’t know where she is tonight, but only hopes she can be unaffected.

It’s the rest of his hurt…the rest of his anger…going clear back to prison again, following through up until today. Pain. Fear. Misery. Sorrow. Even a few remnants reaching back farther to recent episodes of dealing with memories of Alex. It was all there…it was all that was left of the collection of emotions that he had tucked away…that he had hidden from Katie. It was all those cold shoulders he’d turned…all those tears held inside. Everything. Done.

Jason’s eyes shoot open as he stares into the dark. A bead of sweat trickles down the side of his face. His hands are shaking slightly and he turns to see the clock. He didn’t even remember the last ten minutes.


Con stirs in his sleep. It’s late. It’s dark. Images flash through his mind in the form of a nightmare. The cave-in…Dean…Brandon…

All of a sudden, he sits bolt upright in bed. Giving a little cry, he suddenly realizes where he is, and is brought back down onto his pillow by the shooting pain. Blinking, he tries to catch his breath and get his bearings.

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."