Malevolent

*As Katie sits wrapped in Scott's arms she watches the sun start to set. She was much more relaxed now and it seemed for the moment everything had returned to normal.

Pulling away from Scott alittle bit Katie looks up into his eyes. She new he wasent sure what was going on and he was probley a bit confused but how was she to explain it when her and Jason wasent even sure. Kaite only hope that Scott would bear with her through it all and in time everything would unfold before there eyes.

Leaning up Katie gives Scott a soft kiss bring her hand to his face.*

"Yes Scott, you can take me home."

*Misty lays in bed listing to the soft cherp of Romino and Juliet on in there cage. It was almost like a song. A million thoughts going through her mind. Misty wanted to call Carson to make sure he was ok but something held her back. She wasent sure what or why, but it caused her to not reach out and grab the phone. Was everything Carson had told her the truth? Misty curses herself for not believing Carson.

A ring of the door bell sends Misty flying up in bed turning her lights on. Taking note it was one oclock. Thinking it might be Carson Misty goes to the front door. Opening it and seeing her brothe standing on the front pourch her blood runs cold.

As Frankie hears the door open he turns back around His eyes as cold as steel a
malevolent grin on his face.*

"Hey Sis."

*Placeing his hand on the door Frankie forces it open as Misty takes a few steps backwards She had no where to go she was traped. once inside Frankie shuts the door locking out the word behind him.*

Neutral

Jason manages a smile of his own and helps Katie stand up, making sure she’s steady before walking back with her.

Scott looks up in relief at seeing her and starts to stand, but remains seated as she lowers herself down next to him. Feeling her need for comfort, he freely lets her put his arm around her, then pulls her in, pressing her head close to his chest and planting a soft kiss on her head.

“It’s okay,” he croons. “I’m right here.” Glancing up, he catches Jason’s eye.

Jason has stopped and is looking at them for a brief moment, long enough to give Scott a nod to let him know that Katie was alright and just needed some loving. “Let me take her car back,” he says quietly. “I’ll have Laura give me a ride home.”

Scott nods, displaying his appreciation for Jason’s willingness to help, and his understanding. He watches Jason walk away, a new feeling coming upon him. Jason was a good man. He had his faults…he had a temper…he’d driven fear into Scott at one time, and he was generally not all that stable right now. But…he had a good heart and a compassion that not many people had the privilege of seeing. And for the first time, Scott had a genuine hope that the old Jason would come back to them soon – he deserved that peace.

After Jason has left, Scott stays with Katie a long while, just letting her rest. He wants nothing else…he needs nothing else. He doesn’t know exactly what happened, but he’s not so sure he needs to know right now. Whatever it was was over, and if Katie wanted him to know, she would tell him.

As the sun begins to sink lower towards the horizon, Scott strokes Katie’s arm. “Hey…it’s going to get chilly out here,” he warns gently. “Can I take you home?”


Jason eases down on his couch, not having the gumption to actually go to his bed. Trooper comes up and nudges his arm, and he relents, scratching the dog’s head absentmindedly.

Seeing his answering machine blinking, he reaches over to slap the play button.

“Hey, Hotshot,” Camryn’s voice greets. “I’ve been waiting about forty-five minutes over here at the Mexican restaurant…I guess something must have come up. I’m assuming it’s work – hope everything is okay. I’ll be on my way home. Give me a call.”

Jason lets out a small groan. He’d forgotten all about meeting Camryn for supper. It had been a spur of the moment plan the day before after a bet on who could stand the spiciest food.

Trying to keep a neutral emotional state, Jason picks up the phone. “Hi, Cam, it’s me.”

“Well hi there, stranger. Don’t tell me you skunked me on purpose.”

Jason forces a short laugh. “I’m so sorry. Something came up and I couldn’t get away. Can I get a rain check.”

Camryn laughs. “For you? Yes. I have off tomorrow if you want to do lunch instead. The waiter there is all hyped up with his finest sauces ready for a competition.”

Jason can’t help a grin. “You’re on. I’ll call you tomorrow about what time.”

“Great. See you then.”

“Yeah. Bye.” Jason hangs up and closes his eyes again, forcing himself to relax. As much as he wanted to think about Camryn right now, he tried to keep a blank mind for Katie’s sake. Until they got this thing figured out, not only did he not want to put her through any unnecessary strain, but he wasn’t fond of her knowing what he was feeling about Camryn either. Best friend or not, they were private feelings that he held within himself, not even sharing with Camryn. At this point, he didn’t want his desire to creep out…he would just get hurt again. It was better to just stay the way he was.


Carson makes it back to his apartment and trudges up the stairs. Getting to his door, he notices the note and raises his eyebrows in surprise. Reading it, he gives a little sigh and takes it down. Great…now he had to come up with a line about where he’d been all evening. Oh well…that shouldn’t be too hard. It was going to be harder to hide his black eye…but maybe that wouldn’t be so bad either if he made it in to work before Misty in the morning.

Getting inside, Carson takes a long hot shower before finally falling into bed, too tired and too sore to care much about anything else.

Leftovers

*Looking up at Jason Katie gives a small smile look apon on Jason's face something new stirs inside her. A friend, a best friend is what she see looking at Jason. His eyes holding the care, and comfort but as a friend and for the first time Katie was ok with that. She dident feel sad, or upset. She felt at peace with being best friends. That was enough for her, and eyes looking back at Jason portryed themself, that a friend was what she had, and what she wanted. Katie smiles another smile. Speaking softly.*

"Between you and him, I dont think I even have to worry. You both take good care of me. Thank you again J."

*Slowly standing Katie just leans on Jason for a moment sterdying herself as the blood rushes back to her sleeping legs. Finally feeling she can walk again on her own she stands up straght slowly making her way to where Scott was siting. Slowly siting down next to him Katie takes Scott's arm and puts it around her shoulders leaning her head on him.*

"Hold me Scott."

*Katie says nothing more for the moment. She had felt the comfort of her friend and the understanding. She had felt the healing touch of her friend. Now she just wanted to feel the comfort of her love and let his love heal the brokeness she felt. Thats all Katie wanted.*

*After Carson drops Misty off she goes inside puting her bag with her left over in the fridge still in the plastic bag. After feeding and leting Romieo and Juliet out to play for alittle bit Misty sits done and pops in a movie.

An hour and a half later the credits on her movie roll as she stomach lets our a loud growle. Relizing she is hundy Misty heads to the kitchen for left overs. Pulling out the back and taking out the container, Misty relized Carson food was in there as well. A smile spreads across Misty's face as she reaches for her coat. I bet right about now Carson was hungry himself. How nice would it be for her to show up with his food for him.

Arriving at TJY Misty heads inside and makes her way for Carson's cubcil. Drawing closer Misty can tell all the lights are off and no one was there. Strange but maybe Carson had decided to call it a night already. Heading out again Misty heads to Carson's place. It takes no time at all to get there and Misty is well on her way up stairs. Knocking on the door and waiting she gets no answer. Glancing down at her watch she takes note its 11:30. Its strange Carson wouldent be answering the door he probley wouldent be sleeping yet.

Taking the key from her pocket Carson had given her she unlocks the door and steps in flicking the lights on. The apartment was silence no form of life. Checking each room and not seeing Carson Misty gives alittle shrug as she gets the worryed feeling in her stomach again. Giving a sigh she trys to shakes the feeling. This was redickulace, Carson was probley out at the store, doing laundry or anything she HAD to trust him. Puting the food in his fridge Misty grabs a peace of paper joting down a note.*

Hey Babe,
After geting home and watching a movie I relized I took your left over food home with me. I wanted to saprise you and bring it to ya at TJY but when I got there you wernt. So I figured you came home already. Geting here and finding you not I just let myself in with the key you gave me figuring you were out with friends, or running to the store. So I left your food in the fridge, and this not on you door duh! Well all is well and I'll see ya tomarrow at work. *hugs*

Sassy

*Misty exits the apartment and locks the door behind her taping the note to the door. Heading down the steps and making her way home once again.*

Victorious?

Jason gives Katie a little squeeze, just holding her close for several more minutes, knowing it’s what she needed. It was a different feeling that surfaced now…holding Katie in his arms like this was not the same as it used to be. There were feelings that were not there any more… but despite their ups, downs, victories and failures, they were still friends, and right now, that’s what mattered most.

Finally Jason pulls Katie out a little bit, cocking his head so he can see her face. “Hey…Scott’s over there worrying himself sick about you… How about letting him take you home? You need to get some rest and it’s going to get chilly out here in a bit. Not to mention, neither one of us are going to leave you out here.”


Bret can’t help his grin at Charlotte. “At this rate, I’m going to need a whole role.”


Carson chuckles and follows Misty outside, driving her back home, then heading to TJY. He stays there a little while, actually doing some work, but as it gets later, he slips back out again.

Driving across town, his conscious nags at him the whole way. He shouldn’t be doing this…there had to be another way. But…there wasn’t. This was the only way to get cash fast, and he needed it.

Parking along the darkened street once again, Carson turns off his car. Pulling out his cell phone, he shuts it off. Better to have it off than have someone know it’s ringing without him answering.

It’s twelve-thirty. Carson makes his way slowly back to his car, wincing a little as he gets in. Cutter had been paying attention tonight, but Carson had still come out victorious. Unfortunately, he’d taking a nice punch to his eye, bringing a nice bruise back all over again. His ribs had held up alright, being wrapped tightly, though he was pretty sore again. All he wanted to do now was get home and go to bed.

Fate Calling

*Katie remains quiet for a while feeling Jasons new emotion of compashen. Like a sponge when it get wet Katie soaks it in. She felt safe as her mind was coming back to reality and her tears once again slow.



Why did Jason and herself have to go through this. Was this a test of there friendship? Was this ment to draw them closer together as friends? Katie dident have the answers for herself. But siting there wraped in her friends arms and hearing his words she new she wasent alone, and everything was going to be ok.



Katie voice is still soft but it hold a hint of the strong tone siganling she was going to be ok.*



"Together.....there has to be a way to controll this thing, and with both our brains I know we can do it. Thank you J!"



*Misty cant help but laugh at Carson reason for geting shot. Giving a little shake of her hear she sassy little smile forms*



"How about you not get shot and come see me. Than I can get a kiss and torcher Rick again."



*Misty gives a playful wink. Finishing off her meal and grabing the left over Misty makes her way to the door with Carson. Dinner had been nice and the company even better.*



*Charlotte sits across from Bret finishing off her dinner. She was happy he still wanted to have dinner. The morning had been aventful and alittle stressful but being out now felt good.*



"..Ya know, things dident go well this morning but I cant say I regret the weekend because I dont. Weather i new your last name or not I had a great time, and I would change that for anythng. I know, I am glad I met you."



*A grin forms on Charlotts face as she looks back at Bret from across the table.*



"I guess you do. Better have the quarters ready. I hear fate calling."

Together

Jason is hit with a mixture of concern and compassion as he realizes just what kind of state Katie is in. He doesn’t have to question why. Only now does he see what kind of damage he caused just today…what kind of damage this whole thing was causing.

As Katie’s head rest on his shoulder, he grits his teeth against his own emotions. This just wasn’t fair…none of it was. She didn’t deserve this kind of pain.

Shifting his weight, he wraps his arms around her and pulls her into his lap, cradling her. Rocking her gently, he rubs her back. “Shh…it’s okay, Katie…” He closes his eyes for a moment, trying to regroup. “It’s not your fault, alright? …It’s not your fault.”

Just holding her, he wants so badly to take this burden from her. If he could, he would. But he can’t. What was this thing doing to them? What was it that was so powerful it could cause this inner turmoil?

“We’ll get this figured out,” he assures quietly. “You and me, together, okay?”


Scott can just make out Jason with Katie, and after waiting a few moments without being called to an emergency, he retreats, finding a spot to sit near the parking lot. He would wait. He had told Jason he trusted him, and it was the truth. He knew Jason and Katie were still working at their friendship, and there was nothing wrong with that. And whether Scott wanted to be or not, he couldn’t always be the one that Katie would want to talk to.


Carson chuckles a little at Misty’s comment. “Yeah, getting out of the office for a while might be kind of fun. It’s getting to feel a bit like a cage in there again.”

He grins slyly. “Maybe if we do go out guns blazing, I can get myself shot so I can come see you in the infirmary and have you doctor me up again.”

Sighing deeply, he checks his watch. “Well, babe, as much as I would love to sit here with you all night…I can’t.” He winks at her. “But at least we got the drive back.”


“…I can’t believe I didn’t put two and two together.” Bret shakes his head, still having a hard time believing what had gone on that morning. He looks across the table at Charlotte, unable to help a grin though. “Guess that’ll teach me to make out with a woman whose name I don’t even know.”

The little diner is fairly quiet tonight, providing a nice atmosphere, and the food is good.

Bret cocks his head. “So…at least I’ll have you around for a little while longer.”

ACTION!

*Katie sits quietly on the beach not having moved much in the last few hours. Starting to feel Jason emotions again but not so strong Katie shuts her eyes. She suddinly felt so alone, yet she had the emotions of another running thought her mind.

A short while later hearing voice Katie knows one is Jason and can only guess the other was probley Scott just by the tone yet everything alse was a blurr.

As Jason draws near Katie dosent turn her head thought she wants to. Her daze is so strong and she is not even sure why. Its like her whole brain just shut down trying to look things out. As Jason touches Katie she feels a susson jolt, almost like an elecrtil currint run through her, slowly things start to focus though she is still tired. Her body seems to relax and the pain she felt was gone.

Slowly Katie turns her head twords Jason her eyes glassy and bloodshot from crying. Her voice horse comes out as a whisper. Katie's strong voice seemed so quiet and tired.*

"I...dident mean to feel all the things I did J. I dident want to invade your privesy. I...I just wanted to help you, but now its grown into something so much more, and I dont want you to always fear that I am going to know what your feeling."

*Streams of tears start to show in Katie's eyes again as she thinks about everything. Before she even knows it, as if she calapsed she leans her head on Jason's shoulder. The energy he let off was comforting on its own. Being close to her best friend, made her feel alittle better.*

"I....dont know whats happening to me J and I dont know why to stop it. I tryed and I cant. I just...I dont know what to do."

*After asking for a box for her own left over steak Misty turns back to Carson and gives a smile. Trying out the new steakhouse have been a good choise by Carson the food was amazing not to mention filling. The night had been a good one and Misty hated that Carson wanted to go back to work to finish some stuff up, but what could you do when work calls work calls she new that. She would just have to make the most of the time she did have.*

"Hey thats pretty cool that Sheriff Brown is filtering cases to us. Keeping us on our toes. Though things have changed it dosent seem like anything has gotten to be to much. I think its rather nice not having to double checking everything and knowing if there is an injory to great its ok to send someone to the hospetal again."

*Misty takes a sip of her iced tea giving a grin at Carson.*

"And if you guys do get alittle bit of action that would probley be fun for you eh? Its been a while since you guys had anything that called for guns blazing and fists flying. Not that you should be right now. Your healing nicely and I dont need you going damaging yourself anymore. As for me the most action I get myself into is in the office when I docter you guys up. I think I rather like it that way too."

*Wendy looks up from her desk as she see Clint her face breaks out in a smile like it always did when Clint was around.*

"Hey you! Wes and I were starting to get worryed."

* As Clint talks Wendy takes note to the look in his eye. They had a new spark, a new love for life she new oh so well. Hearing about Clint's desition Wendy stands and goes over to Clint wrapping her arms around him in a strong embrass.*

"Congradulations and yes of course I want to go. Let me grab my stuff and lock the office."

*Grabing her purse and keys Clint and herself make there way out of the office locking the door behind her and heading out hand in hand with Clint. She was over joyed that he asked her to come along. This was something she really dident want to miss.*

Trust

Bret shrugs at Angelica. “I can’t blame you…I doubt I woulda been a happy camper in your shoes either.”

He eases himself back down, and gestures for Charlotte to come back and sit down. “Yes, I still want you as my lawyer. I’ll admit I’m riding on Jamie Franklin’s recommendation alone, but that’s enough for me.” He cocks his head towards Charlotte. “Whether she’s involved or not is between you two I guess.”

As the conversation continues, it’s a little more tense than planned, but facts about the case are laid down, Bret explaining how he was unfairly being blamed for the accident and how absurd the system was being. He informs Angelica that a preliminary hearing was set later this week, and they agree to meet prior once more.

Nearing lunchtime, Bret says he’s going to visit Brandon at the hospital, and quietly tells Charlotte that he’ll pick her up at the hotel for dinner.


Jason listens intently to Aerith, not commenting until she is finished. Some of her words made sense. Some of her words he wasn’t sure he appreciated. And some of her words hit him below the belt, stopping and making him think.

Taking a deep breath, Jason finishes off his juice and raises his eyes to meet Aerith’s. “Not so sure I’d agree about the whole God thing, but…I guess maybe there are a few things I’ve had the wrong perspective about. You’re right…this isn’t easy on the other party either and I’m being downright selfish.”

He shakes his head slowly. “I guess…ever since I got out of prison I’ve just felt like I’ve been in a fog. And I want to get out so badly that when other problems come up I want to just plow through them, but….I guess I haven’t paid attention to who I’ve trampled in the process.”

Pausing again, he forces a small smile. “Thanks, Aerith. I guess I needed the slap upside the head.”

Looking at his watch, he hates to leave, but knows he must. “Work is waiting,” he comments ruefully. “Hate to drink and run…”

Sighing, he stands up slowly and looks down at Aerith again. “I wasn’t much company, but, for what it’s worth, I really am grateful. So…thanks again.”

Turning, he heads for the door, waving to Herb and Mabel again before he steps back outside to face the day...


Scott wanders back through the cubicles, concern starting to rise. Katie still wasn’t around. She’d left no messages…he’d asked several people if they’d known where she’d gone, but no one had. Her car was gone, so she’d obviously driven somewhere. He’d tried her cell phone but had gotten no reply.

Getting back to his desk, he sits down and tries to get back to work, but just can’t. There was one person he hadn’t asked about Katie….he really didn’t want to…but… the hatched had been buried and he had to move on.

Rising again, Scott aims for Jason’s office where he’d been hibernating most of the day. “Jase?”

Jason looks up from his desk. “Yeah?”

“Do you know where Katie is?”

Jason furrows his brow. He hadn’t been out on the main floor since he’d gotten back that morning. “She’s not here?”

“No, she’s been gone since this morning.”

Jason suddenly grows worried. After that morning’s little episode, anything was possible. But he hadn’t expected her to be gone all day. “Did you call her?”

Scott’s irritation, born from his worry, gets the best of him. “Oh, I wouldn’t have thought of that,” he replies sarcastically. “She’s not here, Laura says she’s not at home, and she’s not answering her phone. So…do you know where she is?”

“How would I know?”

“Well you two still communicate as far as I can tell.”

“Communicate, yes, share our comings and goings twenty-four/seven, no.”

Scott looks Jason in the eye. Something seemed just a little odd. Jason wasn’t normally this casual when it came to Katie’s safety. “You sure there’s nothing you’re not telling me?”

Jason sighs. “Look, we had a little…discussion this morning. I left for a while and I guess she did too.”

“What…kind of discussion?”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Scott, it was nothing, alright?”

“Well if you connected that to her disappearing, it certainly seems more than nothing.”

“It’s not what you think.”

“How do you know what I’m thinking?”

Jason grits his teeth. “If you think I’m trying to push my way back in, you’re sorely mistaken.”

It’s Scott’s turn to rolls his eyes. “I don’t…that’s not a concern of mine, Jason. I trust you…I shouldn’t, but I do. I just want to find Katie.”

“Well if you can’t find her, how can I?”

“Can’t you…I mean… with you and her and that sort of…connection you got? She can find you…can’t you find her?”

“It doesn’t work that way,” Jason retorts. “Besides, she may not want to be found.”

Scott crosses his arms and leans on the doorframe. “How about you just explaining to me what exactly it was that you two discussed?”

“It’s nothing, alright? I just…” Jason sighs. “I might have…I mean…it’s hard to explain, Scott.”

“Try.”

Jason gives him a smirk. “Look, it’s that whole Katie being able to find me thing…she can sense when I’m upset and sometimes it upsets her too.”

“So…you got upset and you think she did too.”

“I guess you could put it that way.”

Scott’s eyes narrow as she tries to understand. “She and I haven’t talked about that much, but I get the feeling it’s a little more serious than that. She’s got quite a sixth sense…how upset would she get?”

Jason looks up at him, the worry showing through his eyes. “I don’t know.”

“Well then how about you and me going to look for her?”

Jason thinks hard for a moment. There was one place he would try…


“There.” Jason points to where Katie’s car is in the parking lot by the beach.

Scott quirks an eyebrow. “Doesn’t work that way, huh?”

“I just knew where she’d be,” Jason retorts. “It has nothing to do with any sixth sense. Come on.”

Both men get out of Scott’s car and head onto the beach. It was getting towards evening, and the sun was getting lower in the sky. Scott and Jason get on to the beach and scan the surroundings, walking slowly, looking. Finally Scott points to a figure sitting down by a large log. “There she is.”

Jason forces himself to stop. “Alright. I’ll stay here.”

Scott starts forward, then halts. He wants to continue. His heart is screaming at him with worry to make sure that Katie’s huddled form is really her and okay. But instead, he turns to Jason. “Jase…”

“What? Go check on her, Scott!”

“No…you go.” Scott backs off. “If this started as something between the two of you, then…it should be you. She and I have never talked about that sixth sense of hers, but if this is connected, then…I might as well bet that it’s you she’d want to see.”

Jason frowns a little. “It’s not…”

“Jason.” Scott grins a little. “I told you…I trust you. I’m not worried about losing Katie to you. We love each other. But you’re her friend, and an important one to her. And if this is something you two need to work out, then I don’t want to interfere. I’ll wait here…if you need help or she’s hurt, holler.”

Jason can hardly believe Scott’s sincerity. Scott really wasn’t worried, and for that, Jason was grateful. “Alright.” He nods and starts forward, almost hesitantly.

Reaching Katie, he kneels down in the sand, the shadows from the nearby trees enveloping them. “Katie?” he prompts softly. Her still form scared him…she looked so pale… He reaches out to put a hand on her shoulder, his tone gentle. “Katie…are you okay?”


Carson leaves half his steak on his plate, pushing it aside to signal that he was done, but he forces himself not to be in a hurry. He’d enjoyed the evening with Misty, and though keeping an eye on the time, wanted to be sure she picked up on nothing.

“…anyway, so Reese mentioned some cases that Brown has handed over to him at the moment and he’ll be sharing them with us. Might get us back into some action, who knows.”


“...Yeah, but…why?”

Jim sits across the mess hall table from his son, a Bible spread out between them. “God needed a pure sacrifice…what man was pure? What man was sinless? Only His Son.”

Clint furrows his brow and sighs a little. Yesterday morning’s sermon had finally struck a cord hard enough to force him into asking his father questions he’d had for quite a while. “Yeah, okay….I’ve heard that since I was a kid. God sent His Son, Jesus to die on a cross and take our sins.”

Jim quirks a small smile. “And…?”

“I don’t know…it’s just…why?”

“Because God loves us, Clint. He loved us so much that he didn’t want to see us all die without having a relationship with Him…without Him knowing us so well to have relationships with us. So He gave us Jesus…the way to Him.”

“So they keep saying, you know…accept Jesus as your Savior and all that…”

Jim sees the question in his son’s eyes. “Which means believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God…admitting you’re a sinner and need Him in order to gain salvation, and committing to following Him.”

Clint’s eyes lower and he runs his finger along the table thoughtfully. This strange stirring in his heart was new…he wanted to take a step forward…but…was it…could he…

“What’s stopping you?” Jim cocks his head. “Don’t believe it’s true?”

“No…no…I think it’s true. It’s just… following Jesus and all that… Where does your freedom go then?”

Jim actually laughs. “I’d much rather be a slave to Jesus than a slave to a dying world. A master has to be served. Whether you’re serving the world that leads down a dead end street and ultimately hell. Or, whether you’re serving God and walking in His way towards eternal life.”

Clint lifts an eyebrow. “When you put it that way, why on earth would I choose the latter?”

“I don’t know…why would you?”

Clint fingers the Bible and shifts it around again to reread one of the verses. “What’s with baptism anyway?”

“You know…a lot of people argue about that one, Clint.” Jim sighs a little. “But when it really comes down to it, it’s an outward sign to show the decision that was made – to prove that one is really committed to what they just promised. It’s also obedience as being baptized is what the Bible tells us to do if we are to become a follower of Christ.”

Silence reigns for several minutes, Clint’s mind and heart working overtime. Finally he looks up at his father. “Then I guess that’s what I should do, huh?”

Jim looks at him with slight surprise. “If you think you’re ready.”

“I don’t know an awful lot,” Clint admits. “But from what I’m gathering, that’s not really the point…how much I know. So…if I believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that He’s the route I need to get to heaven…and I want to go ‘cause everyone I love is going, then…it really seems like a no-brainer right about now.”

Jim chuckles and shakes his head. “I think you’re right.”

“So do I…I mean… I’ve prayed a little bit lately, kinda…trying to anyway I guess.”

Jim smiles. “Just talk to God…He’s a friend.”


…Clint heads across the yard, aiming for the shop. He’d been gone quite a while, but for once, he didn’t feel guilty. If there was anyone who would understand, it would be Wes. But he wasn’t looking for Wes at the moment, he was looking for Wendy.

Getting into the shop, he crosses to the office and taps on the door, seeing Wendy at the desk. A smile spreads across his face. “Hey, um… my family and some of the folks around here, are um…coming with me to town to church…” His eyes are shining with a newfound peace and hope. “I, um…made the decision to follow God and…Dad’s gonna baptize me. You…want to come too?”

God's Gifts

*Charlotte stops turning back to Bret. He was sticking up for her taking some of the blame that was strange. This whole thing was strange with Bret. From the day she ment him things lined up perfecly so they could spend more time together. Sparking a renewing hope in her heart that there really were nice guys in the world still. It felt good and Charlotte couldent deny it.*

"Bret, you cant take all the blame eather. As much as I apreshate it, I cant let you take all of the blame eather. So I guess your just going to have to shair it with me."

*Charlotte cant help but Grin at Bret.

Angelica lets out a sigh as she watches the two some more. She saw something in her sisters eye. She wasent quite sure what it was but she could tell something. She was still upset, but was starting to calm down.*

"Whats done is done I'll still be your lawyer, if thats ok with you. I'm sorry as well for exploiding like I did."

*Katie stays on the ground in the sand her knees pulled to her chest. The tears still falling from her eyes as she gently rocks. She can feel Jason thoughts and emotions calming but her body felt as though it just went through a great shock. She could felt herself shaking, and the tears still falling but she dident feel like she had controll over it anymore. Her mind wanted her to stop, to stand and go back to work but she dident know why her body wasent responding to her mind. Maybe....maybe she just needed to rest.*

*Aerith slips into the booth across from Jason leaning on the table.*

"Its ok I was going to be taking my break soon anyways and its slow today."

*Aerith leanes back in the booth listing to Jason trying to understand what Jason was saying. It was a bit confusing but the more she listened she more she could peace together alittle bit of what was going on. Looking at Jason thoughtfuly searching his eyes she can tell this was something that really was bothing him alot.*

"We are on this earth to make the best of life and shair Gods love with everyone so they can join us was we pass on. We are here so we know what it is we have to look forward to when we go to heaven, because it is so much better than this. This world is imperfect so we know what we are missing here that we can find when we enter our eternal home. It gives up hope and something to look forward too. The point is to spend all the time we can with friends and loved once till the day we die, making sure we will see them again. Some of our best memories are not of us alone but of those we hold close to us."

*Aerith smiles as she closed her eyes for a moment. Remembering her fishing trip with Wyatt and his dad, than to the times with her own father. Being filled with peace, chasing away anything that had been dishearting today.

Opening her eyes again she tilts her head looking at Jason again she smile so soft, and strong at the same time.*

"Its sounds to me, not knowing 100% of what is going on, you need to talk to this person. Running away or trying to just brush it under the carpet is only going to make it get worse, and cause the tention to grow. And if as you said neather of you can help what is going on my guess is the other person probley feels pretty strange and confused about this as well. Your NOT alone in this, and because of that your cant think of only yourself. Alot of what I am hearing from you is me, me, me...but what about the other person? Do you think they like knowing what your doing all the time? Feeling what you feel? I'm sure the other person feels like there life isent theres anymore eather. Seems like they might be living your life and not like it too."

*Aerith reaches her hand out and gives Jason's hand a pat. Still smiling friendly at Jason.*

"I can tell by looking in your eyes your going through alot Jason. You been though alot a normal perons your age shouldent have to. You feel into a rut and are trying to climb out, keep climbing Jason but remember you dont have to do it alone. Weather you shair your life with someone or not, you have to keep moving forward and the best way I think to do that would be to sit down and talk. Its a step in the right direction anyway."

*Aerith smiles at Jason again.*

"I love ya like a friend Jason. You have been more than kind to me when you hardly even new me and I that shows you have a kind heart. Your a strong person and your gonne be ok. Dont let yourself get unhappy or depressed. If you dont like something do something to change it. Talk with someone, figure a salution to a problem, and remember God gives us gifts for many reasons. Dont hide them or try to snuff them out, but learn to controll them and see how he wants you to use them. There is a good reason for everything. Every breath we breath has a purpis. Weather its to simply make someone smile, or give them joy to saving there life, nothing should be over looked."

What's the point

Bret stares wide-eyed at the two sisters as they argue. He tries to intervene several times, but is cut off as they continue.

Still stunned by this turn of events, he numbly accepts Charlotte’s hug and kiss, wanting to return it, but keeping himself in check. This was certainly not the time to go around displaying strong affections.

As he watches Charlotte leave, he gets to his feet on impulse. He couldn’t let her take all the heat for this. “Charlotte, wait.” He looks at her for a moment, then back down at Angelica. “Look, I’m sorry, Ms. Lockheart, but you can’t blame this on your sister. We just met the other night and I had no idea she was your sister, let alone assisting with this case. I guess we just…never got around to too much details to put the pieces together.”

Bret pauses, knowing he’s probably just going to make things worse, but he just can’t let it go yet. “It was my fault that we saw each other over the weekend. I started it by asking her out, so please…don’t blame her.”

He really isn’t sure now what to do…he didn’t regret the weekend, but if he’d known who Charlotte was, he probably would have done things differently…. His mind remembers the time spent in the pool. His face gets red just thinking about the fact that that was his lawyer’s assistant. “Look…if you’d rather me find an attorney elsewhere because of this, I will…I didn’t mean to cause any trouble, and I’m sorry.” He looks to Angelica with genuine apology.


Scott ambles from his desk to Katie’s with some work from Susanne, but finds her cubicle empty. Odd…her purse was gone. He hadn’t known she was leaving…it was only late morning.

Shrugging it off, Scott simply leaves her a note to come see him when she gets back.


Jason lifts his head at the sound of the glass being put on the table. He looks up at Aerith a bit wearily, though forces half a smile. “You and Mabel take care of me too well.”

He sits up straight to lean back in the booth and gestures to the free seat opposite him. “Take a load off. If Herb complains, send him to me.” He reaches down to take a sip of the orange juice and takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “Yeah, I haven’t stopped by in a while. Guess there’s been a lot going on.”

His mind wanders for a moment, his eyes roaming the room. A strange lurch to his emotional system stops him for a second. What was that? Brought to a halt for just long enough, he realizes just how quickly and rampantly his emotions are running right now, and he consciously makes an effort to calm them down.

Finally he looks back to Aerith, forcing himself to relax. He had to focus…he couldn’t keep jumping around like this, or he’d drive himself mad.

“That obvious something’s bothering me, huh?” A dry laugh surfaces. “Yeah, I’m not so great at hiding it when I don’t care.” He takes another swig of juice. “What do you do, when everything you do affects someone else directly, and you don’t even have a choice in the matter?”

He shakes his head, knowing the question would make absolutely no sense to Aerith. “I feel like my life isn’t my own anymore… People keep saying they miss me because I’m in a rut, but how can I be me when me isn’t just me anymore, but me and someone else?”

Knowing he must sound like an idiot, he leans his head back to stare at he ceiling. “What’s the point in life, Aerith? Why are we even here?”

Secrets to the world

*Angelica looks between Bret and Charlotte the wheels turning in he own head as she is silent for a long while. Finally looking at her sister she nods to pull up a chair and than look dead at her.*

"What did you do this weekend Charlotte and who did you spend it with?"

*Charlotte grabs the nearest chair and pulls it twords the table siting down. Though the look in her eye said she new they wasent going to be good she still kept he head up.*

"I spent my weekend having a fun time and I spend it with Bret. I got to know him, and I dident know it that he was in this trouble but I genuinly know he's a great guy."

*Angelica's face turns beat red as the blood rushes to it. A million throughs going through her mind at once. This was not good at all, how could this happen. Still looking at Charlotte the irrotation rises. Was she mad at her sister? Yes and no. How was Charlotte to know Bret was going to be there clint, and on the other hand she was upset. If she had spent all this time with him how did they not come across the subject? How could they not have put 2 and 2 together? The was rediculace and everything was now on the line. Trying to keep her voice calm and low it still shows she is upset. Looking between the two she finally speaks.*

"Charlotte you cant help me in this anymore. I will be the only one that is Bret's lawyer."

*Charlotte eye brows raise alittle bit as she looks at her sister.*

"What? Why not...I cant still help I wont let my time with Bret interfear with this. I...."

*Angelica look her her sister her eyes narrowing slightly. This was her job, her work, her life, she had built her busness on how she worked with peopl it couldent be brused by somehting like this.*

"You dont understand do you? This could very well rune this case that I am trying to vuild for Bret if I keep you on. Let alone rune my career. A lawyer having relations with there clint does not fly, and we could be thrown out of court so fast it will make your head spin."

*Shaking her head she lets out a sigh trying to relax herself.*

"I'm Charlotte you can be on this case anymore its as simple at that. I'm not willing to risk everything."

"Thats not fair!"

"No its not but its life. Please go back to the hotel and wait for me. I'll buy your ticket for you to go back to Cali."

*Lockheart turns her head back to the papers in front of her ready to start.

Charlotte sits at the table not moving. Giving a shake of her head.*

" No, I'm not going back to Cali."

"Yes you are you have no need to stay here."

"Well, I'm not ready to leave. You cant order me around like I am a child. I'm not going back."

*Angelica snaps her head back to her sister a now harsher tone in her voice. She was starting to get embarssed and that sent out an even big anger inside. Her sister was making a scene.*

"Go back to the hotel now please Charlotte. I have work to do and I dont need to have this squabble with you in front of everyone."

*Charlotte looks to Bret as she stands. How could this happen. They had, had such a good weekend, she had gotten closer to Bret, and now the thought of going home made her feel sick. She still wanted more time. Leaning over she gives Bert a hug. Was she doing it to make her sister even more angry maybe but she also really did want a hug after how missrable she felt now. Charlotte whispers as she hugs Bret.*

"I still want to see you tonight."

*Giving Bret a quick kiss on the cheek Charlotte turns throwing her sister another look and than makes her way to the door. She now wanted to help Bret more thanever with this case but if her sister wouldent let her, she would try on he own.*

Evolution is an imperfect and often violent process. A battle between what exists and what is yet to be born. In the midst of these birth pains, morality loses its meaning. The question of good and evil reduced to one simple choice: survive or perish.

*As Katie's car finally pulls into the quiet parking lot her mind still races in so many places. Her emotions Jason's emotions. Geting out of the car and making her way down on the beach Katie just walks. Everything inside her screaming. What was going on and why was this happing.

As Katie walks her knees buckle under her as the empty feeling hits. Her emotions feelings the only ones in her head, but it wasent the normal quiet empty. Jason had shut down, hide the emotion. One would think the feeling would be good, Katie wasent feeling the extra emotions but to her it felt like daggers jabbing into her stomach over and over again. Wrapping her arms around herself Katie stays kneeling in the sand as a few tears form in her eyes.

Suddonaly the burst of emotions come back like the snap of someones fingers....filtering into her head all at once not slowly but crapping through the door like an angry mob sending a small scream from her mouth.

Trying to stand again though very shaky Katie slowly walks to a log on the shore to sit on. Her mind, it felt a mess and she dident know where to start. Consintrating Katie trys to sort through the emotions that were coming at her, trying to intake them one by one to get rid of them, but they shifted so fast and came back in the door it was hard to do. Katie felt like a bathtub as the water rised threating to spill over soon.

Katie takes a deep breath trying to calm herself, trying to let herself breat before she went blue in the face. Only to be hit hard with the same emotion she had woken up to lastnight. Jason's moments with Camryn. Though she was trying to deal and over come that Jason was moving on this was not something Katie wanted to feel or know the first time around and now, now she had to live it over again another time. Not being able to handle it anymore, like water in the tub spilled over, so dident Katie emotions as she lets out a sharp scream sinking off the log and to the ground hugging her knees to herself and sobing as she gently rocked as the emotions and thought run in and out of her mind not being able to stop them.*

The Earth is large. Large enough that you think you can hide from anything. From Fate. From God. If only you found a place far enough away. So you run. To the edge of the Earth. Where all is safe again. Quiet, and warm. The solace of salt air. The peace of danger left behind. The luxury of grief. And maybe, for a moment, you believe you have escaped.

*Aerith looks up to seeing Jason enter giving him a small smile. Grabing a glass of OJ she heads over to Jason table setting it down. Though his head is in his arms and thats proof enough he was having a rough day and might want to be left alone Aerith is compeled to talk to her friend to see what is wrong. Giving a smile and speaking softly so Jason is startled by her presince.*

"It looks like you just had your secrets spilled to the world! Care to chat with your friend for alittle bit? Even if its not about whats bothing you? I havent seen you in what feeling like ages."


When we embrace what lies within, our potential knows no limit. The future is filled with promise. The present, rife with expectation. But when we deny our instinct, and struggle against our deepest urges... Uncertainty begins. Where does this path lead? When will the changes end? Is this transformation a gift... or a curse? And for those that fear what lies ahead... The most important question of all... Can we ever change what we really are?

Rollercoaster ride

Jason makes his way out of the building, ignoring a few strange glances that are thrown in his direction. He’d brought his motorcycle this morning, and it takes only moments for him to throw his helmet on and rev the engine.

Pulling out of the parking lot, a million and one thoughts race through his mind. Maybe he’d known all this before…maybe he had just ignored it. Maybe he’d just ignored the signs, when he knew how severe this was.

Slowing at a stop sign, he sees no one else is at the intersection, and turns to accelerate down the next street.

He’d never dwelled on Katie’s connection with him for too long… It had been unexplainable, so there was no point in really trying to figure it out. She’d saved his life, so it had been nothing to fear. She’d simply been able to protect him by, for some reason, being able to sense his pain or danger. That alone hadn’t been all THAT bizarre.

But then he’d started being able to control his emotions…she’d started feeling them more…wanting them. His mind drifts back to prison and the first time Katie had come to visit. It had been a deliberate act on his part to let his emotions out to her, so she could understand him…so she could relate and know he was okay. At the same time, it had been like a relief to him, finally able to send out all his pent up emotions into an absorbing sponge.

Jason gears down for a red light and waits at the intersection impatiently.

At the time, it had felt so natural…so…good maybe, that he hadn’t tried to explain it away. It was just…something…that happened. But thinking about it now…really trying to figure out what had gone on, it was a fearful subject. This was more than a sixth sense. And it wasn’t just Katie. It was both of them.

Turning left, Jason hits the open road and guns it, racing to beat the horizon.

He recalls the time that he had purposely forced out all his anger in Katie’s direction after he’d returned from prison, and he remembers the guilt afterward for how much it had hurt her, almost physically. He’d done that almost without thinking…why had he thought nothing of it at the time? That was certainly not something anybody should be able to do. Yet he’d just taken it for granted as something he’d learned how manipulate. Was this whole thing such a part of their beings that they simply hadn’t even thought about actually looking at it and realizing how….how bizarre and unreal it was?

This…thing…it had been evolving slowly over time, and now had gotten to the point where it was interfering with their lives. Were they at fault for letting it get out of control? Or was it something they could not tame?

Jason had blocked Katie out once before…completely. It had upset her, but at least she hadn’t been feeling all his pain. Did he have to do that again, in order to keep them both from going crazy?

As easily as Jason shifts gears on his bike, he shuts himself down. It had become a whole lot easier than he thought - now it was just like opening or closing a door without effort. He simply didn’t do it anymore because Katie had said it hurt.

He thinks about it…no feelings…no pain…and he knew at this very instant, Katie was feeling that void. He was depriving her his emotions…was that so bad? Couldn’t she get used to not feeling him? Was it simply a matter of learning how to be separated, like weaning a pup from its mother?

Jason remembers the torment in Katie’s eyes…whether she could get over it or not, he didn’t want to hurt her…he didn’t wan to put her through that if she didn’t have to.

Rounding a curve in the road, he opens up again. Keeping himself from her entirely was not the solution. It had upset her too much before, and if he did that, then he’d be miserable too. …The emotions released to freedom again, he focuses on the road ahead, his mind still reeling.

What emotions did she feel? Was it truly all of them? Was it a thought, or the raw feeling?

He runs through his own emotions like flipping through a photo album, not realizing their individual strength they would hit their target with as he pulls them out. Happiness, sadness, anger, hurt, frustration, bliss, irritation, joy… The good and the bad…whenever something out of the ordinary happened – whether it was seeing an old friend, or hitting a finger with a hammer – they all evoked emotions of some sort.

If it was just the bad, that was one thing… Jason had been able to live with that… but realizing this morning that it was everything…

He takes another turn, circling back around towards town.

His thoughts go back to Camryn. He’d had some pretty strong feelings there, and they weren’t something he would go around talking about. To think that someone else had known what was going through his mind based on his emotional response was…well, it was embarrassing. Thinking about the previous evening in the truck, Jason relives it for a moment, feeling again what had boiled inside of him as he’d stared Camryn in the eye. He’d wanted more…

Jason cringes, wanting to kick himself for reliving that. Did Katie automatically feel everything, or did she have to be paying attention? Unfortunately, he knew it was automatic. He’d just given her a nice dose of last night all over again.

Frustrated, he shifts into another gear, speeding to town.

He was running her thought the gauntlet of emotions right now and he just now realized it. But how else was he supposed to think about all these things? How could he enable himself to work through this, and keep Katie out of it?

Reaching town, he makes several turns and winds up in front of the little Italian restaurant. It was mid morning…there would be hardly anybody here. He couldn’t go back to work yet…not yet…not untili he’d calmed himself down.

Getting off his bike and entering Mom and Pop’s, the bell on the door signals his entrance. He forces a smile to his lips and gives a wave to Mabel before heading to the back and sliding into his favorite booth. Resting his elbows on the table, he buries his face in his hands.

Get out

*Katie eyes falls to the floor her body becoming tense once again feeling Jason confustion,embaresment.This wasent easy on her eather. As Jason starts to leave Katie takes a step twords him.*

"J...."

*But stops, she couldent chase after him. What would that do when neather of them new anything at the moment.*

"....I...dont know what to do eather...this...this isent easy on me eather."

*Katie suddnly feels cramped within the TJY walls, with Jason own emotions in her mind along with her own. She had to get out...she had to get away. Shuting off the moniter on her computer Katie grabs her purse and jacket, making her way slowly for the exit. Her mind it felt exsausted, to tired to tell her body to walk fast. All Katie new is she had to get out.*

Um...

Jason draws in his breath, trying not to overreact. But it was hard. What Katie was telling him was no joke. Anything extreme…anything out of the ordinary…any time his emotions or physical senses were heightened at all…she felt it. The bad…and the good.

Heat rises to his face. He’d had an awful lot of good feelings lately, being with Camryn…that thought alone evoked embarrassment. And again, Jason realized that Katie was feeling it right now. Unless he was in a relaxed state without any strong emotions one way or the others…she knew what he was feeling.

“I can’t…there’s got to be…” Jason fumbles for something to say, but can think of nothing. They couldn’t go on like this. They couldn’t live like this. What were they? Why was this happening? This was more than a sixth sense. There had to be a way to stop it.

“I’m sorry Katie,” he says quietly. “I don’t know what to do.”

Dropping his gaze, he wipes his thumb on his jeans and turns around to leave. He had to be a lone. He had to think. He had to find some way to fix this.


As Angelica gets back to the table and acts as though everything is normal, Bret’s eyes start to widen slightly. He glances back and forth between Charlotte and Angelica, the wheels in his head turning.

Catching Charlotte’s eyes for a moment, he can see she is just as surprised. He looks back at Angelica as she asks if she’s missed something, and immediately the heat begins to rise in his face. How on earth…what were the odds…

“Oh, crap.” Bret bites his tongue, not having intended for that comment to slip. “I…” He looks to Angelica. “Um…I…we…that is…” He gropes for something intelligent to say. He was making a fool out of himself and he knew it. This was not good. “I didn’t realize…that you were…Charlotte’s sister.”

Meet my sister Charlotte

*Katie cant relax after what just happen. She new Jason was ok, he was standing in front of her, but not another feeling was present in herself was with the hint of embarssment. As Jason nears her, Katie trys to take another step back but runs into the cubicle wall. Feeling Jason's hand on her chin she looks up into his eyes. Searching them. Swallowing hard her replys in a horse whisper.*

"I....can feel everything J. I dont always good looking for it just sometimes it just happend. It can wake me up in the....middle of the night, or like before I could be looking for you."

*Katie can feel her cheeks turn a bit warm. She dident want to say this. She dident want Jason to know. But she had too.*

"I can feel your pain, your fear....your happyness, and bliss."

*Katie gaze darts from on to the next of Jason's eyes. Emotions filling her own. She dident know what to think, or what to say.*

*Grining Charlotte scans the room again before replying.*

"My sister is learking around here somewhere we have a cli......."

*Before Charlotte can finish her sentince Angelica reapears a smile on her face.*

"Good your finally here."

*Charlotte gives her sister a smile than tilts her head alittle.*

"I told you I'd be here."

*Angelica shakes her head at her sister leting out a sigh.*

"Your almost 30 minutes late, but no matter. Bret this is my sister Charlotte. Charlotte this is Bret."

*It takes a moment for Charlotte to understand what was going on. But seeing her sister slide into the booth where her brefcase was Charlotte understand. A suddon wave flashing through her. Looking quickly at Bret her eyes search his wondering what he was thinking. Never in a million years would she have guess the man she made out with under a water fall and spet the whole weekend with would be her cliant.

Angelica looks between Charlotte and Bret for a moment. Studing her sister she can see that look on her face. Something wasent righ. Her blood runs close yet boils at the same time.*

"Did I miss something?"

Fear

Bret sips on his soda as Lockheart leaves, tapping his fingers as little nervously on the table. He’d been able to forget his problems for most of the weekend with enough distractions, but reality was coming back. He was in trouble…big trouble, and needed this help.

Brandon was still alive…that was a good thing, not only for his friends, but for Bret right now too. He was still in a coma…but if he died, the charges would be much more severe.

Looking up and spotting Charlotte, his eyebrows rise in pleasant surprise, and he returns her hug. “Hey, you….” He chuckles. “Yeah, fate’s been having a good time, hasn’t he?”

He cocks his head. “And what are you doing at this end of town looking so sharp?”


Jason isn’t totally surprised by Katie’s reaction, though he gives a slight start as he witnesses the severity of it. Blinking, he looks at her as she catches herself from saying more.

For several moments, he just stands. A slow fear seeps into his veins. He knew she’d felt him before…that was the only way she’d known to find him or come to his rescue so many times before. But…Jason had always thought it was just her sixth sense for danger. He knew she liked to draw out his emotions to help him too, and that she could sense his good feelings if he purposely gave them up to her . But…right now, he’d been in no danger at all...had shared nothing on purpose. Sure, he’d cut his thumb, but if whatever it was that had made Katie sense danger before was what he thought, then she shouldn’t have reacted right now like she had.

Jason swallows hard and steps inside Katie’s cubicle, nearing her. Drawing his hand from his pocket proves what he’d just done, his thumb producing a small stream of blood. He looks at his hand, then back to Katie. Reaching out with his other hand, he tilts her chin so she’s looking at him. His pulse quickens as his fear intensifies.

“Katie…” His voice is almost a whisper. “How much…” He pauses, realizing the implications of what he was asking. It was impossible…but he had to know. “How much do you feel?”

He knows!

*Lockheart studys Bret as she sits across from him. Studying his movments, the way he talked, the way he acted trying to get a feel for him like she did on most all cases. It helped her better when she could understand why they were like.*

"I did have a pretty good weekend. I went to a wedding and thats always nice."

*Lockheart glances down at her watch. 15 minutes had gone by and Charlotte wasent there yet. She was starting to grow impashent.*

"If you can excuse me for a moment Bret I need to find the lady's room. If my sister isent here by than we can start without her."

*Geting up Lockheart makes her way to the back and slips into the bathroom.

As Charlotte enters the small downtown restront she scans the face. Not seeing Angelica, Charlotte's eyes find another face she knows. Giving a grin she walks over to the boot. Today she is dressed much differntly than over the weekend she looks more perfeshinal, but still had the same free look on her face.*

"Hey Stranger. I guess fate was on your side after all huh?"

*Charlotte leans down and gives a hug hello. She was happy to see him again. She had been most of the night and not to actully have him in front of her was a treat.*

*Misty thinks for a moment and than smiles at Carson. She really did want to go to Mom and Pop's but the new steakhouse sounded good too.*

"Ok, I guess I can deal with steak. Anytime with you is better than no time."

*Giving a small nod Misty starts to talk again*

"I better get back to work, before Rick had kittens. I'll see you when we leave work for dinner, and I am sure inbetween too."

*Giving Carson another kiss Misty turns and walks away heading for her office.*

*As Katie looks back at Jason she can tell he was confused. The emotion running around, could he tell she was hiding something? Did her eyes show it? As Katie is about to say something when a sharp pain shoots through her finger causing her to stop her pen almost sending it across the cubicle. The feeling was suddon and startling. Without even thinking Katie stands and goes for Jason's hand.*

"J what are you doing?"

*Katie touches Jason's arm she stops withdrawing quickly and backing away relizing what she did. Slowly Katie's eyes find Jason's again a suddon pain showing in them one she dident entend on. Lowering her eyes Katie dosent say anything, wanting Jason to be the first to say something. She dident know what he was thinking or what he was trying to prove but Katie had a feeling it was something big.*

How much do you feel?

“Mmm.” Carson grins, grateful for the coffee, and returns Misty’s kiss. “You do know how to take care of a bloke, you know that?”

At her suggestion for that evening, Carson has to stop and think. If it had just been dinner, it might have worked, but anything else meant a late evening, and he couldn’t afford that…not tonight.

He hesitates. “I…was thinking maybe that new steakhouse…I…wanted to come back in to work late and catch up on a few things later in the evening.”


Jason forces a short laugh. “Yeah, I guess you could say we were rockin’. Though I’m not sure anybody could beat you at being the bodyguard. Kyle certainly doesn’t think so.”

He pauses for a moment, finding himself searching Katie’s eyes for some reason. Almost as if he were really looking for something…an answer…something to help him understand…discover… Something was…odd. Katie was hiding something…she was doing a good job of it, but there was something she was holding back…something she didn’t want to say or express. What was it?

Jason furrows his brow and looks away, knowing that Katie must sense his confusion, but… His eyes suddenly snap back to her as a sickening thought occurs to him. “Katie…do you…”

Pausing, Jason lowers one of his arms to put his hand into his pocket where his keys were. Gritting his teeth, he purposely digs his thumb into one of the keys, enough to slice his skin. His eyes stayed glued to Katie, watching for any reaction.


Bret stands up and shakes hands with Lockheart. “Yes. Nice to meet you. Thanks for coming.”

Easing back down into the booth, he cocks his head a little bit. Interesting. Strange, to say the least – somehow, this lawyer reminded him of Charlotte.

Shaking his head a little, he dives into the small talk, anxious to get on with the discussion when her sister would show up.

“Yeah…” A smile quirks his mouth. “I had a…very good weekend. And yourself?”

Lawyer

*Katie wakes with a start from her bed. She had been woken from a deep sleep. Tossing the covers back Katie ambles out of her bedroom quietly making her way down the hall and to the kitchen. Checking the rooms as she passed. Nothing seemed out of place. Reaching into the fridge to get something to drink she feels it again causing the container she was holding to shatter on the floor. Just standing in the middle of the kitchen for a moment a feeling of panic over comes Katie. This time the panic wasent sent to her from someone, the panic was of her own. Something had startled her this feeling of joy, this tingle, almost like sticking your finger in a soket. Sent from only one person. The feeling to know he was happy was good, it made Katie feel good to know he was trying to be happy again, but it came so fast to someone not exspecting it. As quick at the feeling came, the feeling went as well. The emotions shuting like a closed door.

Giving her head alittle shake Katie snaps out of it. That was strange and something she never experinced before. The feelings she felt, were something she new shouldent be shaired and why she felt them she wasent sure. Grabing a rag and the garbage can Katie starts to clean up her mess. Stanging again Katie is still a bit shakes and grabs a drink again. Then heading to bed pulling the covers up to her chin and her mind wanders. Closing her eyes Katie finally falls asleep.*

The light of the moon pass over all. Some who are awake get to see it, and those alseep it watches over them. The stars keeping the secrets of those who try to hide. Soon the moon goes down its time to rest taking the secrets, dreams and hopes of all with it. The sun poking its head over the harizon ready to start the day.

*As Misty enters her office the bear and flower waiting a smile spreads across her face. Sometimes it was the small things that mattered the most. Puting her purse and keys into her desk Misty makes her way to the breakroom to grab some coffee. Decieding maybe Carson would like some too she grabs an extra cup.

Heading twords Carson desk Misty sets the coffee on the desk along with her own leaning over and giving him a kiss.*

"Good Morning Babe, and thank you."

*Misty grins as she takes her coffee and sips from it.*

"Would you like to go to Mom and Pops tonight? I havent been there in a while and they started a new thing on Monday night with karaoke. I though it would be fun to watch people make a fool of themselfs."

*Katie lets out a yawn as she takes another swig of her OJ. She eas extreamly exsausted this morning. It had been a restless night full of tossing and turning. Sleeply looking up from her computer screen she can hear Jason coming.

Mixed emotions still ran around inside of her about last night and what she felt, but she dident want to voice or shair them and embarss Jason.

As Jason draws closer Katie smiles up at him. Hearing the consert went good made her feel better.*

"Good, I'm glad everything worked out well. I could tell you were in good hands, well taken care of...."

*Katie pauses for a moment before continuing.*

"All of you guys were. Nate as good a bodyguard if not better than me any day. I'll be at the next show though. It felt to strange not being there. I bet you guys rocked huh?"

*Entering the small dinner Lockheart scans the faces. Jamie had shown her a picture of Bret so she had a general idea of who he was. Spoting him she slowly makes her way over to the take. Exstending her hand she gives a friendly smile and slids into the booth.*

"Bret Parker? I am Angelica Lockheart."

*Lockheart sets her brefcase down and orders a coffee before turning to Bret again. Giving alittle roll of her eyes.*

"My sister should be alone shortly she will be assisting me on this case. I guess you could say she is my aprentis. So before we start I'd like to wait for her in hopes she wont be long."

*Geting her coffee Lockheart takes a sip making small till till her sister showed up.*

"I hope you enjoyed your weekend. It was very nice weather we had."

Morning Awaits

Jason does as he's told and takes a break while the rest of the band plays several more songs, but during their planned intermission, he feels well enough to join them again.
The rest of the evening goes without incident, recreating a light atmosphere once again, despite the stress and heat.

Finally wrapping the show up, it's late when the band is able to get everything loaded back up and are on their way home.

Jason pulls the truck up in front of Camryn's apartment and stops to let her off. "Thanks for coming, Cam. Sorry I bottomed out there for a while."

Camryn shakes her head and smiles at him. "No apology necessary. I had a blast." She sits for a moment, a new tension rising in the air. Her eyes lock with Jason's, and for an instant, she doesn't want to leave.

Jason catches her eye and searches her face for what she might be thinking. The silence reigns in the truck, and he can see her cheeks starting to blush.

Reaching over, he runs a finger slowly down the side of her face. She leans into it, closing her eyes for a moment, his touch sending a tingle down her spine. Opening her eyes, she and Jason have moved closer together, their faces inches apart. She swallows hard, the tension rising.

Jason can feel Camryn's breath on his cheek, sensing her own racing pulse. His heart beats a little faster, his emotions unlocked, free to roam. His eyes close as he resists... he knew what he wanted, but there was too much risk...there could be too much pain. He shouldn't...he couldn't...

His thumb strokes her chin as he straightens back up in his seat again. "Good night, Cam," he says quietly.

Left feeling slightly disappointed, but happy nonetheless, Camryn grins at him, reaching up to take his hand and give it a squeeze. "Night."


Bret reaches up behind Charlotte's head to bring her back close again, enveloping her in another passionate exchange, letting her question linger for a long while. Finally drawing back, he looks at her with a longing for the future. "Yeah... Fate will just have to follow our plans this time. Dinner."


Scott leans over to give Katie a lingering kiss on the lips before telling her goodnight and letting her off at her house. Trying to keep his eyes open on he way home was a bit of a struggle, but he makes it, and as soon as he's inside and greeted Domino, he hits his bed, out cold for the night.


Jason trudges into work, feeling tired this morning. Yesterday had been long, and he hadn't quite recovered yet. But he needed to work. He had too much to do. Walking toward the hall, he looks down towards Katie's cubicle, seeing she was already here.

Hesitating just a moment, Jason approaches slowly, leaning on her cubicle wall. He had questions running through his mind...strange questions after yesterday that he was afraid to voice, for fear of sounding as thought he'd fallen off his rocker.

"Hey, Hero...looks like you made it back in once piece...." He manages a slight grin. "Concert went well last night."


A little teddy bear with a flower sit on Misty's desk awaiting her arrival with a note scrawled by Carson, simply saying "Good morning" to her.

He sits at his own desk, trying to concentrate on his work, but tonight was fresh on his mind...he was still very sore...it would take some doing to be able to get in that ring tonight. But he had to...and he had to keep up with no one knowing about it.


Bret slides into the booth in the diner downtown a bit anxious. He was meeting this lawyer here this morning, and wasn't so sure how things would go. Would she really be able to help him? Would he really be able to afford her? He had to trust Jamie's judgment.

Ordering some soda, he sits and waits, watching the slow mid-morning customers come and go.