One Condition

*Katie rolls on her back and keeps her eyes shut mumbaling.*

"If I stay sleeping you wont leave."

*Slowly Katie wraps her arms around Scott's neck and slowly opens her eyes to see Scott's face.*

"I guess it dosen't work that way huh?"

*Katie pull Scott into a tight hug, a feeling of dread looming over her. She new this was good for Scott and he couldent turn it down but still it was hard. Katie keeps Scott in a tight hug for a long moment before pulling away.*

"How about some breakfest? We still have to ask Domino if she wants to come stay with be for a bit."

*Nate cant help the smile the quirks at the courner of his mouth. This wasent a time for joking but he found humor in what Carson said anyways.

Nate nods and follows on the other side of Carson. Listing to everything he has to say. Some of it he found amusing, some disturbing. Some of it frankly Nate though Carson and Misty were stupid for doing, but Carson did have good intent.

Coming back to the cars Nate looks between Carson and Misty and lets out a sigh bringing a hand to his forhead for a moment.*

"Well as much as I dont want to agree with what you did, I cant say I would act any differntly if it was my own sister. Whether right or wrong you acted with good intent on her behalf. I cant turn away because I wouldent want you to turn away if I needed you."

*Nate looks off to the harizon of the rising sun for a moment. Something about it today was differnt though. The darkness loomed as if warning nothing would come of the day.*

"I'll help you on one condition. After this is over and your sister is safe you both come back to Nevada with me and turn yourselfs in."

*As Misty listens to Nate she squeeze Carson's hand. She new what ment. They both could spend time in prison. The might not see eachother again for a long time. Misty wasent sure if she wanted that. But what alse could they do. There was no other option.*

Time to go

Carson quirks an eyebrow at Nate’s odd tone, but relents to not be defensive. He knew Nate would want the right thing done just as much as anyone else.

“Trouble?” Carson hooks his hands in his jeans pockets, giving Nate a casual look that conflicted his own inner battle. “Taking part in illegal fights, then breaking out of jail will get me in trouble?”

Knowing this really wasn’t the time for humor, let alone sarcasm, Carson lowers his eyes for just as moment, giving a sigh. “Yeah, okay…I’m sorry I lied on the phone, but I didn’t want Reese to call in the troops yet. I didn’t think you’d believe me, but I knew he’d be worried enough about Misty that he’d relent.”

Glancing around in the dark, Carson is pretty sure there are no eyes at the moment. It was the middle of the night…they’d been immobile for hours. Most likely this was a rare moment they’d be alone. “Let’s take a nice quiet walk, shall we?”

He gestures with his head for Nate to follow, and puts an arm around Misty to walk. Strolling down the side of the dim street, Carson starts telling Nate all about what was happening, starting back to Zane’s phone calls, to the fighting, the breaking jail, to coming here. He explains why they want Nate, and he relays his game plan to him, as he had Misty.

By the time he’s come to the present, they’ve walked full circle back to the vehicles. Carson leans on the hood of Misty’s car and crosses his arms. “So…that’s it. Maybe there was a better way to do this…but I feel I did what I had to do. And…right now, my only focus is my sister. So…” He glances at his watch by the light of the now gray sky. Five o’clock was coming up fast. “You can stay and help us or you can blow the whistle on us and risk my sister’s life. I have to leave it up to you because there’s nothing else I can do.”


Scott zips his suitcase shut and sets it by the door with his other bags, and squats down to give Domino some loving. The dog seemed to sense something strange was going on, and she looked at Scott as though worried, sticking close to his heels wherever he went.

Scott finally rises and walks slowly back into the living room. He would be leaving in just a little while…and he didn’t want to say goodbye. It shouldn’t be this hard…he’d be back over the weekend. But for some reason, it felt more final than that. The logic in his mind continues to hound him, reminding him that this could very well be ending something he treasured. But had to hope…he had to hope that things would be just fine…that he and Katie were strong enough for this.

Easing down on the edge of the couch, Scott reaches out and brushes Katie’s hair from her face, just taking in the way she shone with beauty. “Hey…” He whispers, not wanting to wake her too suddenly, and gently rubs her arm. “Katie…time to wake up, babe.”

I new

*Once during the night Katie stirs. Not quite sure for a moment where she is a panic sets in. Feeling an arm around and a form next to her, and a lump on her feet she remembers where she is. She must of fallen asleep on Scott. Stairing into the dark for a long moment Katie runs her fingers on Scotts arm. Turning just alittle Katie looks at Scott as her eyes get use to the dark. Morning was coming fast and soon Scott would be gone. Just watching Scott sleep Katie studys his face imprinting it in her mind. Giving him a gentil kiss Kaite leans her head back down again and finally difts off to sleep again.*

*As Carson leans ove and gives Misty a kiss her hand goes to his arm as she returns it. Than pulls away her tone sturn.*

"Don't you say that Carson. There will be many more kiss after this is over. Got it."

*Falling silent as they pull across the street Misty's mind races and her tummy does flip flops. When the car comes to a stop Misty gets out and joins Carson walking along side him staying silent.

Nate turns as he hears Carson's voice. Steping away from the car and twords him he looks to Misty and than back to Carson. He cant help leting out a chuckle but the irratation in his eyes.*

"I new you wouldent hurt her. You relize you both are in alot of trouble right?"

*Stoping and folding his arms across his chest shaking his head.*

" So how about you both tell me whats going on and what your both doing before I change me mind on helping you at all or for that matter not turning you in."

Thanks

Laughing and giggling bounces through the dim hall at TJY, coming from the infirmary. Camryn looks at Jason with fake shock. "Would you behave yourself?"

"What?" Jason tries to look innocent, but his smile slips out as he throws another piece of popcorn at her. "You look good in corn."

Camryn holds up her hand in defense and laughs again. "Stop!"

"Shhh....you're interrupting the movie."

Camryn shifts in her chair to use the edge of Jason's bed as an armrest as she looks up at the tv. "Like you care about watching it."

"Well what else is there to watch?"

Camryn's eyes widen, giving him a look.

Jason grins. "Mm...you're right. There's more than one thing to look at in here."

"Alright, you two...." Rick comes into the infirmary, a slight smile on his face. "Quit making so much noise. Jason, you're supposed to be resting."

"What does it look like I'm doing?!"

"Having way too much fun." Rick comes over to look at Jason's knee. "Still hurting?"

"Some. Whatever you gave me though really helped."

Camryn rolls her eyes. "Yeah, it helped alright. Didn't do much for your mind though."

Jason swings his head back over to look at her again. "Don't kid yourself. You know you like me even more when I'm loopy."

Camryn giggles. "Maybe."

Rick chuckles and shakes his head. "Okay, I'm going home for the night. Jason, call me if anything happens. Camryn, make sure he gets to bed at a decent hour."

"Of course!"


"Tada!" Scott presents two plates with a mexican dish on them, the aromas filling his house. Setting the plates down on the kitchen table, he gets him and Katie something to drink and finally sits down. "I pulled it off without spilling or breaking one thing - I think that's a record."

He grins sheepishly. "Must be the company."

After a prayer for the food, Scott takes a bite and nods with satisfaction. "Turned out alright." He glances around the kitchen. "Well, I'm leaving a lot here for now...as long as I can afford it, I'll keep this place here for the weekends. So tomorrow I won't have to take anything but a couple bags of personal stuff."

The evening together is warm and fun. After supper, Katie and Scott settle down in his living room for some movies, Scott holding Katie close as they soak in the last few hours they have together. Evening becomes night, and soon Scott can feel Katie is asleep, but doesn't bother waking her. It was getting towards the early morning hours, but he was too comfortable...he wanted too badly to savor this time with her.


Dani tries to settle in at Lockheart's though is still a bit on edge, waiting to hear from Carson. She does enjoy Angelica and her company - she was so caring and nice. But all she wanted was for morning to come.
At three in the morning, her eyes are open as she stares into the dark guest room. She knew this was about the time things were starting to happen, and she could only pray they went the way Carson wanted them to.


As a new set of headlights appears and pulls into the parking lot across the street, Carson straightens in his seat. "Hello...I do believe that's Nate's car." He glances at the clock that read three a.m. "And right on time too. Punctual bloke."

Carson glances all around, a bit leery. "I don't see anyone else...he looks like he's alone...I would think he'd do as asked." He takes a deep breath. "Nothing like finding out though." Turning the engine on, he leans over and gives Misty and unexpected kiss. "In case I don't get another chance." He throws her a wink, then focuses on driving.

Pulling into the lot, he shuts off the lights and parks several spaces away from Nate. Getting out of the car, his eyes roam the area still, and sill finding no one else. Approaching Nate, he holds out his hand in a manner of a truce. "Thanks, mate. We need you."

11:30pm

*Katie looks up at Jason and offers a smile shaking her head.*

"J, you can stop saying sorry. I hurd you the first time."

*Katie cant help but smile even bigger. Weather this thing was a pain or not there were moments when Katie liked it and would trade it for anything.

Giving a sigh at Jason's request Katie knows Rick dident have a pleased look on his face when she last saw him talking to Reese. That could only mean bad news. Katie can feel Jason's worry and know he does have a right to know.*

"When I see Rick again I'll ask, but I cant make any promises ok!"

*Katie offers Jason the best smile she can.*

*Misty gives alittle nod as she listens to Carson. Watching across the street at the same time. The wait would be long but it was ok. The time to take Zane down was coming up fast and Misty couldent help but be alittle nervouse. A thousand and one things could go wrong and she new it.*

*Angelica smiles pack at hang up the phone after ordering a pizza.*

"Taking with strangers really isent anything new to be. I do it everyday being a lawyer and all. So I guess I have a knack for it."

*Aneglica contunues to chat with Danielle alittle bit about everything. Till finally dinner is over and they are settled watching a movie.*

*As the day drags on Katie contunes to work, keeping her off everything till finally its time to go. Geting her stuff together she checks on Jason one last time before leaving for the night and heading over to Scotts.*

As the night moves on all seems quiet. People spending there last waking hours with the people they love they will be gone soon, some just snuggaling enjoying the night and others wating to see if everything will work out.

*As Nate pulls into the motel parking lot he looks around. This is as far as he new to go. Where Carson was or wanted him from here he was clueless. Geting out of the car she shuts the door and just scans the area. Looking down at his watch he had arrived earlyer than planed. It was only 11:30pm. Not making many stops along the way had given him more time. All he could do was wait and let his mind wander.*

Doubts

Jason gives a slight chuckle and shakes his head, receiving the orange. "Theme music, huh? Yeah, I think you deserve it."

He slowly chews a slice of the fruit, even though his stomach doesn't want anything. He's quiet for several minutes, keeping his thoughts to himself. "Katie..." His eyes remain down. "I...I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't want to make you feel bad. I just...didn't..." He sighs, not sure what he's trying to say or how he's trying to say it. "I didn't want...either of us to be held back by this thing...unable to do what we want. I know there's got to be some good in it somewhere, I just..."

Jason gives up. "Listen, if you get a chance to talk to Rick...would you mind getting the scoop on my knee?" He pauses, knowing that Katie would feel his worry. "I don't think he's telling me everything."


Scott puts the last of his personal belongings into his box and sits back in his chair, scanning his cubicle. It felt so...empty. Someone would come along soon enough though and it would be full again.

Putting is hands behind his head, his mind continues to pull him back to the subject of tomorrow, and his leaving. The new job was perfect for him. The station was awaiting his arrival and were excited about him coming. The pay would be good...he already had someone to room with until he found his own place. But there was something that cast a shadow on it all. He was going alone.

Shaking his head, Scott tries to return to work, turning on his computer. He hoped that this would change nothing between him and Katie. Maybe it would actually make them stronger. He hoped that his weekend visits would keep them going, and constant contact through other means would help as well. They both could get used to it quickly.

But...logic knocked at the back door of his mind. Time apart like that wasn't always good. He hoped he could afford to commute on weekends, but most likely he wouldn't be able to as often as he'd like. Other communication was great, but it was a far cry from seeing each other face-to-face. Would they really last? For the first time, Scott had his doubts.


Carson reaches down to tilt back the seat a little in the car, keeping one eye on the motel parking lot across the street. He and Misty had a good view of it from across the street in a different lot, behind a row of bushes. It was a good vantage point, and one would have to look hard from the motel to see them. Nevertheless, it was going to be a long day and night waiting for Nate to show up. There was nothing else to do though...moving around would only create suspicion with Zane.

With the window rolled down, Carson lights up a smoke in an attempt to calm his nerves. His thoughts going a hundred miles an hour, he goes through his plan aloud to bounce it off Misty. "I figure...we're supposed to put the bag under the bench in the park. If we station Nate at the other end of the bench casually, Zane should suspect nothing. My guess is that he'll come, sit down, act like he's taking a rest, then when he gets up, he'll grab the bag. But I want Nate to have a concealed gun on him, and just talk to him quietly to warn him. Nate will instruct him to come to us...we'll be waiting closeby to tie him up and throw him in the backseat...or trunk, if he doesn't behave."

He pauses, letting the smoke slowly out of this mouth. He grimaces, mad that he'd let himself get back in the habit, and flicks the remainder of the cigarette out the window. "After that, we have to act fast so his goons don't go after Dani. We have to find out who they are and where. Once we get him to talk, then we call the cops. They can come arrest him, take out the goons, and...Dani is home free. " Carson knew that his sister would be free...but his own future, and even Misty's, was unknown.


Dani musters up a small smile. "You're so kind...a total stranger taking me in like this. Carson didn't want me to say anything about all this because he didn't want you to get in any trouble for knowingly being involved but...I didn't think it was fair to leave you in the dark."

Her eyes shift downward. "I guess someone wants a lot of money from him, so that's why they threatened to hurt me and...he got in a little bit of trouble trying to take care of it all by himself."

She sighs and looks up at Lockheart again. "Until yesterday, it had been well over ten years since I'd seen my brother...I just don't want to lose him again so quickly, ya know?"

Unexpected tears threaten to spring into her eyes, and Dani looks away. "Please...don't change any plans because of me. I don't want to be any more of an imposition than I already am."

Theme

*Katie can't help the small grin that cross her face. Even the best of frinds had fights, falling outs, and down right tossed mean words to eachother, and heavn knows Katie and Jason had many. But it was the bouncing back, the forgivness, and the willingness to learn and try hard next time to not make the mistake again that made there friendship stronger.*

"Oh ok. I guess I can be your hero one more time."

*Katie takes the orange over to the garbagecan and starts to peal the skin off. Grabing some papertowles she hands the orange to Jason.*

" You realize one of these days I exspect you to write me my own theme music."

*Angelica just looks at Danielle for a long moment. A bit shocked by what she said. Carson running from the law? And his name was just cleared in court. That seemed odd.*

"No, he seemed to have left that part out. Oh well, your here, your safe..."

*Lockheart felt a bit upset that Carson had tricked her. But the feeling pass. What was done was done and she couldent change it. There was no way she was going to turn Dani out eather.*

"...we will just have to order in and have a movie night."

*Lockheart smiles.*

Don't tell

Dani tries to show her gratefulness with a smile towards Angelica. She walks through the apartment with her, not minding the mess at all, simply trying to fit in or at least act at ease, despite the odd circumstances.

At Angelica’s offer to go out with her, Dani hesitates. “Um…I…” She swallows hard. “Carson didn’t….exactly…tell you why I needed a place to stay, did he?”

Dani lowers her eyes, and leans against the wall, her face reddening slightly. “I don’t like secrets…Carson hasn’t told me much either, just that you were a friend I could trust.” She looks back up at Angelica. “Someone may be trying to kill me, and my brother is trying to stop it from happening. Unfortunately….” She hesitates again. “He’s also running from the law a the moment.”


When Jason sees the orange, he can’t help a grin. “How did I ever survive without a personal hero?” He reaches over and picks up the fruit, but trying to dig a thumbnail into the rind proves he simply doesn’t have any strength yet after coming out of surgery.

Glancing to Katie, he hands it back to her. “I’ll let you stay…if you help me out here and not tell anybody about it.”

Welcome

*As Angelica moves from the bedroom to the kitchen she hears a knock on the door. Very caually dressed in sweat pants and an over size sweat shirt she answers the door a smile on her face. Danielle looked just as Carson had described her. Exspending her hand she greets Danielle.*

"You must be Danielle Banks. I'm Angelica please come on in."

*Showing Danielle in she shows here where she can put her stuff for the night and than gives her a small ture of the apartment.*

"You'll have to excuse all the boxs. I'm just in the middle of packing. If your hungry at all from the drive I have some stuff in the fridge. Or if you want I have to go into town to do a few things we can stop and get something to eat."

*Angelica continues to smile knowing Danielle must be feeling really out of place and only hoped she could make her feel comfortable.*

"There is a tv in the other room and shelfs of boxs if you want to watch anything and I'll be leaving in about an hour if you want to come alone."

*Katie cant help but smile alittle as she pushs the door open slowly and step inside shuting the door behind her again. Making her way over to Jason slowly she lets out alittle sigh. Holding the orange out to him she speaks.*

"You need to eat so your sugar dosent drop. With all the painkillers your on it could fast without warning so eat that up."

*Katie sets the orange down on the table before looking at Jason again.*

"I thought you might want some company too. If not...I..I can just go."

Visitor

Jason stares ahead, caught between the desire to sleep and the desire to stay awake. Neither were appealing.

Bored and exhausted, he leans his head back into his pillow, just wishing all of this was over. He’d simply displayed earlier that he was mad he had to be here…but it really was depressing. Especially now, with his knee the way it was, and Rick hadn’t even told him anything yet. Jason had a bad feeling sitting in the pit of his stomach, but he suppressed it the best he could while blocking his physical pain.

Hearing the knock at the door, Jason quirks an eyebrow. Thinking for a moment, he knows who is there, and the corner of his mouth upturns. “If you can’t push open a door that’s not locked, you got a problem,” he calls a bit hoarsely.


Carson gives a little nod as he gets the OK from Lockheart. “Thanks, Lockheart. If my sister agrees, she might be down. I appreciate it.” Ending the call, Carson lets out a long sigh and glances to Misty, growing a bit tired. “Okay…one more call…”


Several hours later…
Dani pulls up in front of the apartment and checks the numbers again to make sure she’s at the right place. She hadn’t really wanted to come, but Carson had asked her, for her own safety, to leave for just the night, while doing it discreetly so as to arouse no suspicion around her. Though that in itself had born a bit of fear inside of her of this whole situation, she had obeyed.

Leaving her backpack in her car, Dani gets out and walks up the steps to knock on the door. She felt horribly intrusive, and horribly out of place. But it was just once….for one night…she could do this, right?

Hoping she’d done the right thing, she waits.

Snap of the fingers

*Katie sits at her desk for a long while taping her pencil and trying to work on some report Reese was having her look into. Keeping her mind off everything seemed like the best thing to do right now but it was hard to get her mind still.

Finally giving up to try and do work at the moment Katie gets up and makes her way to the breakroom to try and find something for lunch. Passing Rick and Reese she gives a small smile and continues to the vending masheen. As it turns to show the fresh items in there Katie see the orange. Puting the money in and open the little door Katie takes the orange out. Heading out of the breakroom again Katie heads to the infermary knocking on the door lightly and waiting.*

*Lockheart listen to Carson for a moment finding his quest odd but the storm was possable. The weather in Cali was so funny it wasent out of the ordanary to change in the snap of the fingers.*

"Sure Carson I have no problem with that. As long as she dosent mind a messy apartment. I'm just in the middle of packing to go back to Nevada at the end of the week. So if she dosent mind thats fine. I have some stuff I have to do tonight anyways. It will give me someone to do it with since my sister is busy packing as well."

*Lockheart continues to move around the apartment as she gives Carson directions to her house a few towns over.*

Not good

Scott grins. “Alright, it’s a date then.”

At her offer to watch Domino, he raises an eyebrow. “Guess I just figured upsetting Henry wasn’t worth it. But you can ask Laura and then as Domino tonight how she feels.”

He gives her a wink. “I better get back to work. I got a few things left to box up, and I’ve got to hunt down something Susanne needs.”

Scott exits Katie’s cubicle, but turns one more time to throw her a smile before heading to his own desk. Singing down into his chair, his mind is reeling. This was so much…information. How could this be happening to Katie? And Jason? He simply had to let them work it out. Fearing it would not help anything.


As Jason tries to apologize to Katie, at first he senses almost a strange feeling of frustration, as if he’s trying to enter a house, but the door has been locked without him knowing it, and he’s standing, trying to get in. But after a moment, it’s relief he feels, the pressure dispersing, releasing the emotions. He wonders for a moment about it…and can only imagine.


Carson responds to Lockheart in a positive tone. “Ah, well, I’m hanging in there. I’m actually around your neighborhood at the moment, taking in the sights.” He pauses, not quite sure how to keep going. “Um, listen…I got a sister up here. In twenty-four hours, a storm will have passed, but in the meantime, she’s needing a neutral, safe place to hang out. I know this is quite an imposition, but…well you’re the only one I trust around here. You got room for her for one night? Or know of someone else?”


Reese wanders across the main floor, his purpose really just to stretch his legs and get his mind on something else for a few minutes. He says hi to a couple people, then winds up en route to the break room.

Just as he’s entering the hall though, he runs into Rick. “Oh hi, Rick. I was just thinking about coming and see you. How’s Jason?”

Rick sighs deeply and leans up against the wall, eying the main floor, then focusing back on Reese. He wasn't sure who all should know everything right now. He hadn't even talked to Jason much about it yet. Several people were within earshot, but he went ahead anyway. “Not good.”

“Oh? What happened?”

“Infection. His body didn’t like the metal in the pins I guess.” Rick shakes his head grimly. “I’m not sure what will happen now. Originally, when his knee was smashed, JT replaced most of the cap with an artificial one. That’s really how Jason was able to recover as well as he did before, since those bones didn’t have to be repaired and heal. Anyway, the other night, he must have hit his knee on something, then it got bashed around and yanked real hard. It tore the ligaments surrounding the knee and shifted things too much.” Rick demonstrates by using his own hands and arms as an example of leg bones. “See, it’s supposed set like this, but it got twisted, like this…. The artificial cap wasn’t enough, and then one of the parts that was still his own bone actually fractured. At any rate, the solution seemed to be to put a couple pins in to hold everything together, then once the muscles were able to reattach and heal, he’d have mobility. But…”

Reese frowns, not liking the sound of this. “So what exactly are you saying?”

“I put a different kind of pin in, and we’ll see if that works. I’m just afraid there’s been too much damage.”

“Too much…for what?”

“Walking…running… oh, he’ll get back on his feet, I’m sure, just because he’s stubborn. But will it always give him problems? Probably. Will he be able to walk straight? I have my doubts. Run? It’ll probably be too painful.”

Reese swallows hard. “In your opinion, would this affect his position and job here?”

Rick looks Reese in the eye for a long moment, not wanting to say what he believed the answer was. “Only time can tell that.”

Domino

*Katie smiles up at Scott. He always had a way of making her feel better how matter how down she was. She still felt upset with Jason and had him partuly blocked but she Scott had calmed her down enough that her emotions wernt haywire.*

"I think that sounds good. After work I'll hop on over. Scotty, thank you for being you. You always make me feel better."

*Kaite's eyes were dry of tears now and though red alittle, the sparkle was back in them.*

"Ya know to, just something to think about and I'll ask Laura if its ok. Maybe Domino would be more comfortable staying with me for a few weeks till you come to get her? I'd like the company not to mention I love the little girl."

*As Katie talks with Scott her emotions start to relax even more. Like a child peeking around a door to see if a fight was over, Katie prys open the little bit of emotions she had shut off from Jason. As if testing to see if his emotions had calmed. Like water sliping through the cracks Katie feel's Jason's sorrow and guilt for what he said. Giving a sigh on the inside Katie prys the rest of her mind open as if to say your forgiven. Leting her mind be totally open to Jason again.*

*Misty lets out a sigh and leans her head on Carson as they walk the image of Jason and Carson in that ring vived in her mind.*

"Yeah I know, I still can see both your faces in my mind."

*Misty gives a slight shake as a chill runs down her spine thinking about that night all over again.*

"..and no probley not, but whats done is done right. There will be time for make up for it later."

*As Carson pulls out his phone to talk Misty draws silent.*

*As Lockhearts phone rings she stops puting some stuff into a box and answers her phone. Hear Carson's voice she gives a smile.*

"Hi Carson. I'm doing well thank you. How are you?"

*As Lockheart talks she places more items in boxs.*

*As Nate finishs up at home he gives his sister a kiss on the head and promise to be back when he can. Thank thanking Janet for looking out for Maggie on late notice. Taking his bag and puting his gun in its holester Nate makes his way out of the house and throws his stuff slidding into the car.*

"Dear Lord, Please let this go the way you want it and keep everyone safe. Guild me to do whats right. Amen."

*Opening his eyes again Nate pulls out of the driveway and starts his long drive to Cali.*

Loving

Reese watches Nate leave, and sinks back in his chair wearily. He wanted to call Brown. He wanted to send a whole troop out to California to pick up Carson and get Misty out. He didn't want to believe Carson would hurt her...he'd seen a change in him. But he'd been trouble since coming here. He'd dealt with the Agency multiple times, he'd gotten himself in scrapes, he'd run off, had a questionable lifestyle, and had currently been involved in some pretty heavy illegal activity. What kind of a double life had he been leading? And what was he trying to prove now? He hadn't said what this was all about...why had he run, just to call back? Had he been so afraid of prison that he'd had Misty help him escape from jail, then ran into trouble? Had Misty gone willingly? Had Carson manipulated her? Had Carson mistreated her? Was there a logical explanation to all of this? But if so, why hadn't he said so earlier?

"God, somehow, some way... bring the answers into the clear," Reese whispers. "And please, please keep my niece safe." He regretted letting Carson into TJY...he regretted not putting his foot down about the relationship between Misty and Carson.


Laura raises her eyebrows at Nate, partly disappointed, partly surprised at his sudden exit. “Um…okay…be safe?” She watches in bewilderment as he walks away, and finally just shakes her head and tries to concentrate on her work again. She wondered what was going on, but she’d learned long ago not to ask too many questions around here. Too many times, nothing could be said anyway.


Carson gives a little sigh and nods at Misty as they head back around the park. “Yeah…I agree. We’ll just have to keep an eye out when Nate gets here and go from there. If he’s alright, we’ll have to tell him what’s going on so he knows how serious this thing is.”

Looking a the ground as they walk, he puts his free hand in his pocket, his mind wandering a little. “Jason had to have surgery on his knee again…I could kick myself for that.” He shakes his head. “I guess we both went a little crazy…he ‘bout choked the living daylights outta me, but I knew his weak spot…” The guilt toys with him. “I never should have fought him.”

He takes a deep breath, trying to move on from it. “Anyway…you had a good idea a while ago…” He picks up his cell phone again and scrolls through some random numbers. Dialing, he waits for the female voice to answer. “Lockheart…Carson Banks here, from TJY. How ya doing?”


Scott just rocks Katie a little bit, rubbing her back as she talks. At first, her explanation was somewhat disturbing…unnerving. What was this thing? How was it possible? It was nothing logical…nothing normal…nothing that happened everyday. If it were true, it was beyond what humans should be able to do. But…he’d seen the effects…he could not ever say that he thought Katie was lying. He couldn’t deny this…this thing that was happening.

Part of him really didn’t like it… He still felt and odd pang when thinking about Jason and Katie…it wasn’t jealousy…maybe just a little bit of worry. And then he was leaving too…would he just worry more while away.

Scott leans his face into Katie’s hand and swallows all of these uneasy feelings. Katie was going through a very hard time, and even if he didn’t understand it, she deserved his support. She needed someone to hold her up right now…a blessing or a curse, this ‘thing’ could not be easy.

“I guess you really are a hero.” He offers a smile, taking her hand to kiss it. “A superhero in my book.”

Cocking his head, Scott looks her in the eye. “I’m gonna miss you too, Katie… But absence makes the heart grow fonder, eh?” He tweaks her chin playfully, not even letting her dwell on the problems she’d just discussed. “But I think my heart is pretty fond right now…so fond in fact that you’re coming over to my place tonight where I’m gonna treat you to supper, desert and the movie of your choice while we cuddle on my couch.”

He puts his arms around her again in a hug. “Besides, Domino wants to see you again too. She’s nervous about living with Wyatt for a few weeks and is distraught about me leaving.”

Scott draws back a little, a twinkle in his eye. “She needs a woman’s loving as much as I do, and we need all we can get before tomorrow’s big day.”


Light enters the darkness, groping, pulling, beckoning to be seen. Jason opens one eye just far enough to see a blurry version of the infirmary. He could hear movement around him...his leg hurt...his throat was dry...he felt rather miserable.

Gradually, as the anesthetic wears off, he opens his eyes more and blinks in the light. The last thing he remembered was feeling really tired, and Rick telling him to relax. How long the surgery had taken, he didn't know. What Rick was able to do or repair he didn't know. But for some reason, he did feel miserable.

Then he remembers why. It was what had happened before the surgery. It all comes back to him now. Talking with Katie...the whole experience with her...then getting upset, saying things he shouldn't have...it had been a mess alright.

Jason shifts his weight a little, trying to get comfortable. He didn't know where Katie was now...maybe she wasn't even at work anymore. He felt badly...he felt sorry... Time had a strange way of making someone see things more clearly. He'd been wrong.

Closing his eyes again, despite feeling weak, Jason musters up how sorry he feels...the guilt, the shame for his words, his apology in the form of emotions, emitted to the wind, seeking out its destination.

Reason

*Nate sits in the chair office listing to Carson's demands.*

"Yeah, I got it."

*Once Carson hangs up Nate is silent for a long while deep in through. His elbow rests in his hand as the other is on his chin.

He'd gotten to know Carson pretty well over the time he's been here. He'd seen the change that took place, He's seen the good and the bad with Carson since he first got here. Now listing to Carson's voice on the phone it was differnt. There was a strain of urgency and the coldness rang through proving they were in trouble but just by the single way he said Misty's name there was almost like a tint of softness that not the normal persob would pick up on. No Nate new Carson wouldent hurt her. Standing he makes his way for the door than stops turning back to Reese.*

"I think its best if we follow his instructions for now. Carson is smart, and weather he really would hurt Misty or not he has her brains too. They with both know if something is up. I'd rather not take that risk. If anything happens you know where I am. I'd rather go alone first than risk anyones life. I better get going if I am going to make it there in time. I'll call you when I can."

*Nate heads out of the office paper in hand of where to go. Walking part Laura's desk he stops and smiles.*

"I just wanted to let you know I have to cancle dinner tonight Laura. I'm sorry..."

*Nate looks at the paper than back at Laura and gives it alittle wave.*

"I'm going to Cali for some exciting work."

*Nate rolls his eyes but cant help the grin that forms.*

"I'll make it up to you when I get back. I promise.*

*Nate gives Laura a kiss on the forhead and a tight hug before making his way out of TJY again.*

*Misty walks with Carson keeping quiet her arm around his wast. She couldent help but chuckle alittle as he talked to Reese. Though inside she did feel a little bit bad. Her Uncle was probley worryed as was about her and now this was added on top. But this had to be done. What they were doing maybe wasent right, and maybe they went about it the wrong way but whats done was done and now that only thing that mattered was geting Zane and keeping Dani safe.

Misty ears perk as Carson empasis surgary. Jason was in sergary again? Misty could only hope her friend would be ok. She had seen the damage to the knee and new it was bad, but they had hoped the pins would work and fix the problem. Obvesily it dident and not Misty could only wonder and hope Jason would be ok.

Geting her mind back on the task at hand she trys to run some stuff through in her head. She diden't know Nate to well, but from what she saw he could be trusted. Right now though she wasent even sure of that. Her and Carson were as her Uncle said on the "wrong" side of the law right now. Still keeping her arm around Carson she lets out a small sigh.*

"Nate seems like an ok guy than can be trusted, but to be safe I think we should feel him out first. Than before this all goes down tell him the truth. That way he can have a level head going into this and so can we not worryed about what if he trys to do something stupid."

*Kaite returns Scott's kiss soking in his words, his touch they were so gentil. Wraping her arms around him Katie nuzzles her face into Scott's chest.*

"Its my whole sixth sence thing Scotty. Its evolved far more than what it was before. Its goten to the point that..."

*Katie lets out a sigh this was so hard for her to explain she only hoped Scott could understand. Katie's face remains burred into his chest.*
"...I cant not feel any time his emotions go haywire...anytime the spike, bad....or good. Jason had been learned to shut off his feelings without totelly suhting down like he did in prison..."

*Katie continues to talk to Scott trying to explain things the best she could. Going from on detail to the next. Scott had a right to know. He was apart of her life, and she was apart of his. Her pain was and and vice versa it was his right to know.*

"....and than to conclude the wonderful day, I went back in the infermary to get my keys and hurd Jason say some unplesent things. He dident mean to hurt me he was upset, but his words still cut like a knife. I just, I want to know why I have this ability, what does this have to do with God's plane. I just wish I new. This is something that will probley never go away, and slowly we are learning how to controll it so we can have our sepret lifes. Its just till than its so hard."

*Kaite removes her head from be burryed and looks up at Scott trying to search his eyes to find the answers to what he was thinking. She dident even know how Scott would take all this information. She only hopes it would scair him or make him turn away from her. Bring a hand to his face she continues to talk.*

"I guess on top of all that, I'm scaired to death that your leaving. I'm going to miss you so much. I know this is great for you and I am so happy, I'm just being selfish to I guess. I'm just gonna miss you so darn much Scotty."

Phone call

Scott takes Katie in his arms, holding her close as he feels her longing for comfort. Looking down into her teary eyes, his heart aches. "Oh, Katie..."

He sighs deeply, just studying her face, her emotions. "You know I can't pass this by." He reaches up with a gentle hand to wipe a tear from her cheek. His voice quiets, his tone softens. "You're far from ordinary, Katie Pent. I don't know what wonderland would do without you."

Tilting his head, he plants a tender kiss on her lips before drawing her close to him again. "I'm sorry you've had a rough morning." In the back of his mind, there was slight question as to what had happened...this was yet another time he knew she'd been around Jason, then had come away upset. "Do you want to talk about it?"


Carson chuckles a little at Misty. "Either you're too good at this game, or you've watched too many movies." He scans the area again, his eyes revealing his nervousness. "I don't know...I just...If Zane can see our every move, he's going to know anything. Without us knowing him or his goons though, we can't even tell if we're being watched or followed."

He shakes his head. "I like any and all of those ideas - they're great. I just...don't trust them in this situation."

Walking a short ways, he strolls casually, nodding to a passerby. Stopping, he turns to Misty. "We need someone Zane doesn't know...someone who's good undercover, who can hold him and manipulate him into a position we can take him down. And I hadn't thought about Lockheart being so close."

Carson reaches for his cell phone hesitantly. He looks at Misty again. This whole thing was risky. But he they needed the help. Finally, he dials.


Reese rolls his eyes as his direct line rings again. Would he ever get anything done this morning? "Yeah, hello, this is Reese."

Carson gives Misty a sidelong glance as he speaks. "Well it's just the bloke I wanted to talk to."

"Carson! Where are you?"

"Now, now, don't get all excited."

"Dang it, Carson, what do you think you're doing? Tell me what's going on!"

Carson slings an arm around Misty's shoulder as they continue to walk, drawing no attention to themselves in the park. "Oh, don't worry, you'll find everything out. But right now, I need a bit of help."

"You need help alright. Quit playing games with me."

"Alright. Here's the bottom line. I got your niece. You want to see her alive again, you do what I ask."

"Carson, you swine!"

"Hey, hey, easy, mate. You know how this works. You do what I ask and no one gets hurt. It's that easy."

Reese pauses. "What do you want?"

"Jason."

"What?!"

"I got a job here and I can't do it myself. I need a good man."

"Well sorry to burst your bubble, but Jason's in surgery for the second time now, thanks to you."

Carson stops walking and glances at Misty, a look of remorse crossing his eyes as for a moment he forgets his role. "Surgery?"

"Yeah. You did a fine job on his knee."

Carson closes his eyes for a moment, trying to regroup. He hadn't wanted to hurt Jason that badly. They both had just lost it in the ring. They'd both been flying around in there with pure survival instincts. But he couldn't dwell on that now. "Alright. Then it's Nate."

"What do you want him for?"

"Get him in your office."

Reese doesn't hesitate, and summons Nate quickly, putting the speaker phone on, and resumes contact within minutes. "Alright, he's here."

"Good. Now...if either of you call the cops, tell Brown about this, or let anyone else in on this, Misty's dead. Got it?"

The coldness in his tone makes Reese cringe. Carson wasn't playing games. Had he snapped? "Got it."

"Alright." Carson goes on to explain the vicinity where he and Misty are, directing Nate to the motel where they'd stayed the night before. "I want Nate here by three in the morning."

"But what is he going to be doing?"

"You don't worry about that. Just get him here - got that, Nate?" Carson keeps on walking with Misty, still talking. "No questions, no cops, no one gets hurt. Don't show up, and you can read the obituaries to figure out where we are."

Reese runs a hand over his face, tight with tension. "Anything else?"

"Nope. But I'm sure we'll be in touch." Carson flips his phone shut and puts it back on his belt, keeping an arm around Misty. "Well...now we can watch from a distance. We just have to decide if we can trust Nate once he's here...you think we should keep him in the dark and manipulate him still with this line of mine, or tell him the truth? I don't want anything to be spilled until we've got Zane in hand."


Reese hears the click at the other end, and looks up at Nate, the confusion and concern in his eyes. "I have no idea what's going on. Carson's gone off the deep end. I knew it was bound to happen sometime, but with Misty..." He shakes his head. "We've got to get her out of there. Do you want to follow his instructions to the letter, or implement our own strategy?"

Normal Girl

*As Katie hears Scott's voice and feels his hands on her shoulders she lifts her head. Lifting her head the stress shows on her face, the tiredness in her eyes. Turning around she stands and wraps her arms around Scotty.*

"Oh Scotty, Its been one heck of a morning. I'm so frustrated and so tired."

*Katie clings to him for the comfort she so desperitly wanted. Soon Scott would be gone too. SO many things happening at once. Everything changing so fast. Katie burys her face into Scott's shoulder.*

"Your going to be gone soon too. Than what am I going to do."

*Katie looks up at Scott a few tears in her eyes.*

"Do you really have to go?"

*Katie had shown much emotions except excitment about Scott leaving. But not that the time was drawing even closer it was hard to hide it.*

"Alice is nothing but an ordanry girl without the white rabbit."

*Misty leans up aganst the front of the tree with her sunglass on scaning the saroundings. Trying to take in the sights, places where people could hide trying to take in everything.*

"Well first things first I think we need to get Dani to a safe place. If we do this tonight and nab Zane there is not telling what his cronies will do. They might go to ANY and all lagnths to get him back. Angelica Lockheart live two towns over. I dont know if My Uncle has talked to her but we could see if Dani can stay with her and if you dont feel comfortable with that I would say she can stay with us. But if something goes down I dont want her to witness it. So we might want to think of something along that lines."

*Misty stops and thinks for another moment still scaning the park.*

"If we can get a rent a car, and set up a dcoy..."

*Misty is silent again for a moment throwing out idea's to herself but out loud still.*

"..set up a camra and a moniter in my car so we can drive but still see the money so when Zane nabs it we can see where he goes.
I could dress up like a begger pushing a shopping cart and if Zane see I am going to take the bag he might come out of hiding to find it.
You could try calling Zane, and telling him you have something extra for him and I can be waiting with the money. I'm good at acting. Than you can follow up.
We could use the sewer lines some how.
If we put a layer of wadded up paper in the bottom of the bag and han a layer of cash it will make it look like all the money is in the bag. Than that call tracing decise I can turn it into a becon to track where Zane takes the money...."

*Misty's words trail off again as she removes her sunglasses looking back at Carson.*

"...Did any of that babble sound good to you?"

Too tired

Jason sinks into his pillow, glaring at the ceiling as Rick sweeps up the broken glass. He knew Katie was upset with him…he could tell now… It wasn’t the same as the way she could feel his emotions, but he was beginning to figure out how to read the fluxes in the magnetic pull, and this time he knew he’d probably crossed a line he shouldn’t have.

Sighing, he shuts off his surface emotions to leave her alone. This whole thing was just one big mess.

Rick finishes up cleaning, and comes to Jason’s bed again. “Hungry for breakfast?”

“No.”

“Did you have anything already?”

“Some juice.”

“Good.”

“When are you going to do my knee?”

Rick glances at his watch. “Now, if you’re up to it. The sooner the better.”

By this time, Jason is too tired to put up any more of a fight. “Fine…just put me all the way under. At least for a while then, Katie and I can have some peace.”


Scott ambles closer to Katie’s cubicle, a strange nervousness entering his veins. He wasn’t sure what it was…he hadn’t felt it a few minutes ago. But he almost thought it had something to do with Katie.

Glancing around to her desk, he seeks her head down, and thinks for a moment. He starts to leave, but then stops, changing his mind. Entering her cubicle quietly, he comes up behind her and sets his hands on her shoulders to rub them gently. “Hey…you alright?”


Carson leans up against a tree in the busy park, sipping on his leftover soda pop. “Alright…so we’re supposed to leave the money under that bench over there, and just walk away. I want to nab Zane before he can get away. But if he’s got eyes everywhere, he’ll know if we stick around.” He glances over to Misty. “Suggestions?”

Statment

*As Katie sits at her desk she feels Jason's frustrated emotions building again. Katie gives a roll of her eyes. She was upset, scaired, frustrated...she just wanted to be left alone. As if Jason's emotions could talk Katie hurd his words in her head. Her own frustration rises.
I understand just find Jason. I am in this to you know. But I dont go around saying stuff like you did. Don't you understand how much it hurts hearing that? It makes me feel like crap.
Katie leans her head in her arms. She was tired her head hurt...*

Frustration

Jason’s eyes shoot across the room as Katie enters, the fear, anger, irritation, and sorrow all mixed into one ball of emotion. Hearing her icy words hits him hard. He had not meant for Katie to hear that. He was just…frustrated and the words had slipped out. He hadn’t meant it that way... he just…. “Aw, Katie, wait.” Too late, she was already back down the hall.

“Nice,” Rick comments. “That’ll get things sorted out smoothly.”

“Did I ask you for comments?” Jason shoots back. Throwing off his sheets, he swings his legs over to get out of bed.

Rick steps up to him, hands on hips. “And just what do you think you’re doing?!”

“I need to go talk to her!”

“You should have thought of that before you went spewing out those comments!”

“I wasn’t thinking!”

“I know you weren’t. But you’re going nowhere. And don’t you dare start throwing that glare around here again. There’s a big enough mess in here the way it is.”

Jason flops back into his bed with a groan. There was only one way he was going to be able to make his feelings known. He knew it wasn’t right… he knew it could cause a negative response.. He was already feeling a strange flux in the emotional pull, signaling something wasn’t right. …But Katie just wasn’t understanding him. It wasn’t his fault this had happened. It wasn’t his fault that he felt tied down with this ridiculous thing!

Gritting his teeth and closing his eyes, Jason pulls up his raw frustration. I’m not mad at you, Katie, I'm just frustrated! Can’t you understand that?! With a little focus towards the subtle pull from Katie, like a slingshot, he lets go.

Chaos

*As Katie starts to walk across the main floor to Scott she suddanly remembers she left her keys in the infermary. Turning back around she heads back twords the infermanry it would only take her a moment to grab the keys. Seeing the door open she walks in thinking nothing of it only to stop in her tracks as she feels a bit of anger that did not match Jason cold words.*

“Would you please quit telling me what to do? I’m not a child...”

*Katie stands stunned for a moment, frozen in place. Jason was so angry.*

"You’re not the one sitting here with a screwed up brain..."

*Katie is not sure what to do, or what had caused this anger. Katie starts to go to him to calm him down only to stop again.

"..the need to stay chained to someone you’re trying to separate yourself from!"

*Jason's cold words cut Katie like a knife. Strong to her face and than when her back was turned he said such hurtful things. What kind of friend would do that?

As the vial across the room breaks Katie gives a shreek making her own presence know.
Her emotions ran high, her heart raced, she was angry, she was upset, she felt hurt. Maybe she really was alone in this. Katie cant controll the way she feels, all her emotions running at once. Irratation, frustration...her body shook alittle. Continuing into the infermary Katie pass Rick, and Jason taking her keys from the counter. Her eyes showed, pain, hurt, angel. As she neared the door she stops turning back to Jason her eyes like darts, yet the hint of softness was there and her voice showed sadness only proving her own emotions ran wild.*

"I'm sorry you feel chained to me. I'll try and learn how to controll this so that way you dont have to be bothered anymore."

*Katie exits the infermary passing many people and cubicles along the way making her way for Scott cubicle.

As Katie pass Nate's desk he is hit with a suddon chill as he becomes anxeus. His paulse starts to rance and than as fast as is came it went. Shruging it off as he was coming down with something Nate goes back to work.

Katie knows Scott wanted to talk to her but she had to calm herself down before she scaired the living daylight out of him. Katie makes her way to her cubicle and sinks down in her chair her mind still stewing, still angry.*

More?

As Katie gets up, Jason sighs a little, watching her leave. Shaking his head, he tries to focus on something else, tired of this subject. It was wearing him out physically and emotionally, and it wasn’t a good feeling.

Rick gets up from his chair and goes to the door, opening it just a little. “Hey, Scott. Katie will be right out.”

Scott quirks an eyebrow, wondering why he wasn’t being invited in, but he shrugs it off. “Alright…tell her I’ll be at my desk.”

Rick nods and turns back inside. Going to Katie, he hands her a small towel. “Take your time, Hero. Settle down. It’ll be okay.” Giving her shoulder a pat, he goes back to Jason. “How’s the knee.”

“You don’t want to know.”

“Actually I do.”

Jason rolls his eyes. “Hurts like mad.”

“Mm…” Rick frowns and goes around to take off the brace and bandage. Jason’s knee is red and swollen, proving the infection has indeed set in. “Well, this is nice.”

Jason grimaces at the sarcasm. “I’m sure.” He looks up as Katie finishes cleaning up, and catches her eye one last time as she leaves, trying to convey that he knew things would be okay.

His concentration quickly returns to his knee, however, as Rick starts to poke and prod. “Aw, sheesh, take it easy,” he complains.

“Well I’m sorry.” Rick shakes his head. “This isn’t looking good, Jase.”

“Obviously.” Now that Katie is out of the room, Jason finds himself slipping into the emotional state he really wanted to be in…miserable. He didn’t care about appearing strong or in control in front of Rick.

Rick quirks an eyebrow. “I may have to go back in.”

“Oh, come on,” Jason groans. He flops his head back further into his pillow. Not only did his brain have to be screwed up, why did his leg have to be too? He’d hardly been in this infirmary at all, and already he felt caged in.

“That attitude won’t help things,” Rick chides. “I’m afraid your body might be rejecting the type of metal that pin we used is. I can shoot you full of antibiotics, but my gut tells me that the source of the problem will still be there.”

Jason grits his teeth, his irritation growing. “Great. How long will that delay me getting out of here?”

“I don’t know. Depends on how easy you take it.” Rick looks at him sternly. “I’ve heard you’ve been up several times you shouldn’t have been, and that does you no good.”

“Well I can’t just sit here and rot!”

“No, but you can stay until you heal!” Rick turns around to clean some things up. “I want to get into that knee of yours today.”

“What are my chances of having full use of it back when you’re through?”

Rick turns around, his arms folded across his chest. “For the average person? Fifty percent mobility. For you? Seventy-five percent.”

“But never one hundred,” Jason grumbles.

“Look, be grateful you can walk at all.”

“Easy for you to say!”

“Jason, I’m just trying to help!”

“Maybe I don’t want your help!” With everything that had happened last night, this morning, and being in so much pain, Jason’s irritation and anger just seemed to get the best of him. He had no where and no way to release this pent up frustration, especially when he wasn’t releasing it to Katie.

Rick shakes his head with disapproval. “Cut out the attitude, Jase.”

“Would you please quit telling me what to do? I’m not a child.”

“You’re acting like one.”

“And who are you to tell me that?!” Jason throws an arm in the air. His frustration had reached its limit with the news of his knee, and all at once it just boils over. “You’re not the one sitting here with a screwed up brain, uncontrollable emotions and the need to stay chained to someone you’re trying to separate yourself from! You’re not sitting here in a bed, stuck here for who knows how long with a knee that wont work, and in enough pain to throw up! How can you tell me what to do?!” Like a shotgun going off, his anger is flung carelessly about through his eyes and words, his gaze shooting across the far counter.

Without warning, a glass vile bursts, sending pieces of glass in all directions.

Rick jumps to the side and raises an arm to shield his face as the glass flies. Jason’s heart skips a beat as he stares at the shattered pieces all over the counter and floor. Stunned, he just blinks.

Rick straightens up and looks at the mess, then to Jason, his eyes full of concern. “Please don’t tell me you just did that.”

Jason’s face pales, his anger suddenly replaced with fear. “I…I don’t…I….”

Splash

*Katie lets out a frustrated sigh. She dident want to resort to meds to keep this thing underwraps.*

"I can try learning out to controll the feelins. Its not going to be easy, but I can try. I'd like to stay away from the meds if I can. If I start taking them than I really am going to think something is wrong me with."

*As Katie sit her mind bounced from one thing to another. Something that bothered Katie more than anything was the why. Why did she have this with Jason? What was gods plane that they couldent see? Was there a reason for this? As life moved on would it have some sagnifcence? Would herself and Jason's talents really come into handy late in life. The fear of the unknown sometimes could be stronger than the fear of no controll.

As Katie hears the knock at the door and Scott's voice she gives alittle jump as she is braught back from her thoughts. Looking at Rick she gives a nod.*

"Can you let Scott know I will be right out? I just want to wash my face quick."

*Katie slids off the bed still alittle weak and unsteady she holds the bed for a moment. Feel ok Katie makes her way to the sink in the courner and splashes cold water on her face just standing there for a moment leting the cool water dip from her hott face.*

A way?

Jason feels Katie running her thumb along his fingers and gives a little sigh. Withdrawing his hand, he gives her shoulder a squeeze before putting both his hands up behind his head.

He closes his eyes and just thinks… This was one of the most frustrating things he’d ever faced. He didn’t want Katie to feel bad because it certainly wasn’t her fault, but he knew he couldn’t hide all of his frustrations. He wanted to live…he wanted to move on from the past…start something new. Just when he was finally taking the step to do that, this had to happen, and he and Katie were thrown right back in the heat of things yet again.

To know that Katie needed him…then to discover he needed her too… To some maybe it would be a good feeling…an exciting adventure maybe. But…for him…it was more of the curse than the gift. He and Katie wanted to lead separate lives, and to a certain degree they couldn’t. They were trapped. And that wasn’t a good feeling to him.

Rick looks back and forth between his two younger friends for several moments, wanting to help…trying to get used to this idea…wanting to give the advise that Katie wanted.

Heaving a sigh, he leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “Well guys…this is…amazing stuff. And you’re right, Katie…if this thing is as strong as it appears, then you do need to be careful about who knows about it. But…” He chuckles a little. “Do you realize Reese’s original intent on having you, Katie, as Jason’s bodyguard was probably the best idea? If you two can communicate like that…I mean…just the other night when you, Jason were in that fight and Katie knew when to call the cops.” He shrugs. “I don’t think that should stop. You’re helping TJY by doing that…and apparently it’s gotten pretty easy for you both.”

Rick looks to Jason, sensing the caged-in apprehensions. “As far as the rest of your lives go…sounds to me like you got your work cut out for you. But surely…something like this can be learned how to control. Or, controlled by an outside force.”

Jason furrows his brow. “Outside force?”

Rick shrugs again. “Meds. Something to lightly affect the chemicals in the body that help produce the feelings of emotions. But honestly…I mean…this is really far out there, and something you only see in movies or read about in science fiction books…but if I were to treat is as something I knew something about, I would say it can be controlled enough for you two to live with peace. Weather that means actually shutting each other out at certain times and letting that become natural, or learning to ignore what you do feel…learning to not let each other’s feelings affect you unless you want them to.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for,” Jason responds. He looks to Katie, cocking his head. “I think you can do it…I’ve learned to control my end pretty well…it’s pretty easy once you do it a few times…surely you can do it too.” He tries to encourage her, but isn’t sure it’s working or not.


Scott tosses another item into a box and rolls back in his chair, giving a sigh. He’d seen Katie’s purse in her cubicle, but so far hadn’t seen her yet. He just wanted to say good morning to her… Maybe she was seeing how Jason was.

Getting up, he wanders down the hall to the infirmary, but finds the door shut. He knocks lightly. “Katie?”


Jason raises his eyebrows and looks at Katie with question, wondering if she really wanted to be found looking like this, in this position.

Gift/Curse

*Katie keeps her head on Jason's chest for a long moment feeling his hand run through her hair. Her own mind started to settle, and alow her to think. Her strength returning slowly. She listened to Jason and Rick talk for a moment before slowly turning her head to Rick she gives alittle nod.*

"I...think so."

*Katie sits up and sways alittle but steadys herself out. Still holding Jason's hand. She felt comfortable knowing he was close and she wasent alone.*

"Other than feeling crazy. I just feel really tired, thirsty, and alittle bit scaired."

*Katie looks at Jason worry in her eyes. This wasent fair to Jason, to be put through this to have to feel death. She hated knowing she dident have controll of this eather. When she blocked out the emotions or not. She dident like the feeling of no controll.*

"I don't ever want to do that again. I don't want to hurt you again."

*Katie looks back at Rick her own confustion pressent. She was at a lost for an idea on what to do. Maybe Jason could teach her how to open and close like he did, but Katie couldent help but feel that, thats not really something that can be taught.*

"I dont think this will ever go away, but we have to learn how to controll this or something. Its an amazing gift, but a horrable curse. Being able to save someone's life, but kill them at the same time. I don't want anything bad to happen. I fear telling anyone alse, if this got into the wrong hands, if the Agency new....they could us it aganst us. That in itself is a scariy thought too."

*Katie looks down her her hand interlocked with Jason running her thumb over his fingers. She liked being Jason's hero, and she dident want that to end. But she also wanted him to have a life and not have to worry about her all the time and if she could feel what he was feeling. It wasent far to him. Jason was trying to live again and now this, she hated that in a way it was holding him back.*

"So now what do we do? If you can think of any hints or tips Rick, it would be great to hear them."

Revealing

Rick furrows his brow as Katie speaks, unsure if this is believable or not. But he had witnessed this with his own eyes. Jason had been fine…he and Katie had conversed….Jason had been thrown into an attack…Katie had gone to him…Jason was okay again. It wasn’t medical…there was no logical explanation that Rick could see. Jason was physically fine. He should not have been suffocating. But something in his mind had told him he was….something had deprived him of energy and the will to extract oxygen. But…what did all this mean?

He says nothing, but waits for more.

Jason finally opens his eyes, moving his free hand to rake his fingers through Katie’s hair, trying to soothe her. This was no one’s fault…she didn’t deserve this kind of pain.

He glances to Rick as his breathing continues to level out. “We don’t know what’s happening, Rick…neither of us can…” He stops, dreading his own words. He had hoped there was a solution, but right now there seemed to be none. “Apparently we can’t…can’t survive without each other.”

He thinks for a moment, trying to sort it out in his own mind. “Until this morning, I thought it was a one way street…that Katie could feel me, and when she couldn’t…when I would block her out…that it affected her quite negatively. But now…it’s more. It works the other way too.”

Rick takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. He wanders to the door and shuts it quietly to avoid disturbances, then comes closer and sits in the chair, remaining calm and logical. “Can you feel her like she feels you?”

Jason shakes his head. “No. It’s almost like…like I transmit feelings and she receives them. If I stop transmitting she…” He tries to think of some way to explain it. “I guess she starves almost. And now…if she stops receiving, it’s like everything is thrown back in my face and I can’t handle it.”

“And your emotional and mental state…both of yours…when extreme it affects you physically.” Rick absorbs the information. “Fascinating.”

Jason quirks an eyebrow. “To you. To us it’s been a nightmare.”

“How long have you known?”

“Katie’s been able to sense me from the getgo. It just got stronger and stronger ‘til whenever I’d have an emotional spike, good or bad, she knew about it and based on what I’m feeling, she can tell what’s going on around me or where I am. Me…I didn’t know it was too much more until I started manipulating my own feelings to block her out…while I was in prison I did that, and learned to shift emotions around quite easily.” Jason pauses. “But it was just recently that it got more severe. Katie feels everything…anything if my emotions rise above normal.”

“Wow.” Rick shakes his head, amazed at all of this, and intrigued. “So you’ve been trying to block things so she can’t feel you all the time, right?”

“Yeah. Then last night I forgot, and…” Jason can feel his face redden again. “Well I was here with Camryn and…” A nod from Rick signals he need not elaborate. “I guess Katie so badly didn’t want to be feeling it that she shut me off, which is why I had that attack.”

“Then this morning just now…?”

“I relived those same emotions to see if she’d do the same thing.” Jason squeezes her hand. “And she did.”

“So…basically you two have to be working together, even when you’re apart.” Rick rubs his chin, his mind trying to wrap around this. “What are you going to do?”

Jason lowers his eyes. “We don’t know. I was hoping…that we could get rid of it.”

Rick lets out a long sigh. “Can you…communicate when you’re not together?”

Jason furrows his brow. “Kind of…it’s not like telepathy, like words, it’s just…feelings. Its like the emotions have their own language. Katie feels me differently than I feel her. With her, she can sense everything about me. With me, I seem to be able to sense when she’s near because of her pull on my feelings. But we both can kind of…tell what we’re thinking by our emotional responses…I guess…sort of…” He sighs with frustration. “This is crazy.”

Rick raises his eyebrows. “Yes, kind of. But what else can you say? I know you’re not lying, and I can’t deny what I saw.”

“You don’t think we’re crazy?”

“You have two of the most level heads I know. No, I don’t think you’re crazy. I think you got your work cut out for you…and I’m afraid if you two can’t figure things out, that it will cause some permanent harm…but not crazy.” Rick leans forward, trying to see Katie’s face. “Hun, are you okay?”