Hidden Message?

Everyone gives a start at Dalton's raised voice, and too surprised to argue, they back off.

Reese throws his arms in the air, meandering back towards his office. Susanne's mumblings filter on back as she trudges to her desk too. "We just want to get our work done like anyone else. We can't help it neither, and don't deserve to get yelled at. If Scott were..."

Reese sets a hand on Susann's shoulder as they walk. "Easy."

"Oh, I just..."

"I know..." Reese knew Susanne was more sensitive than she let on, and he knew good and well that she was thinking about the fact that Scott had never yelled at the staff like that. He couldn't blame Dalton though...the poor guy was trying his hardest, and Reese was just as guilty as anyone else for barging in on him and pressuring him.


Jason cocks his head to see out his open office door and sighs. Nice commotion... He stands up and wanders into the hall, but stops, seeing Dalton's door shut.

Guess some people get special privileges huh?

He smirks and turns back around. Have fun. Tell me when it's over.

Heaving a sigh, Jason goes back into his office and flops down in the chair. Trooper gives a whine and comes up to him for a scratch behind the ears, and Jason obliges absentmindedly. "What's the matter, bub, hmm?

He swivels in his chair, looking at the strange message that had appeared on his computer, along with Reese's and everyone else's. He tries to close it again with no luck. Frowning, he looks closer. Strange. What did the letters mean? What did it have to do with the system shutting down? And why had it shut down anyway? Hackers? The Agency? Those were scary thoughts.

Find anything? How's Dalton coming? I guess I can't blame him, but I sure don't think he made any friends today. If he gets us back up and running though, that should put him back in everyone's good graces.

Jason fools around a little on his own, coming up with nothing. Sighing, he scribbles out the strange letters on a piece of paper. Without being able to use his computer, there wasn't much else to do. alriednsghnbeori Short Circuit

Was the first word a code? A password? And why were the second two words capitalized, let alone not scrambled?


"Aw, now what." Bret groans and sinks down into a chair.

Con sighs. "Looks like we're blocked up for a while. We can't look anything up right now."

"Nice."

Con looks at Angelica and rolls his eyes, then glances back to Bret. "Cool it. It's temporary, and we got time."

"Well you're the one pushing me to get those guys quick before the law gets me again."

"We are the law, and we are running out of time. But you losing your temper won't do anyone any good."

Bret closes his eyes, wishing this whole thing could just be over.


Time passes, and it doesn't feel like over an hour has gone by. Jason scribbles some more, not really paying much attention. airlendshgbeori.... rilaendshgbnorei... irlndsaeniehgbro... irndleaborneigh...

Jason suddenly sits up straight.

What the...

He scribbles some more. irelandsneighbor... irelands neighbor. What on earth... that was what Scott always used to refer to himself. Was this some sort of block he'd set up to keep out hackers, or....what... But what about the last two words? Why were they capitalized? A title? Of what?

Jason quirks an eyebrow. He knew a movie titled Short Circuit. It had been a while since he'd seen it... he'd liked it. He grins a little at the memory of the escaped robot. Of course, the one main and always-quoted line comes to mind. "Number Five is alive!" It had been one of Scott's favorite movies in his collection.

The blood drains from Jason's face. He stares at his scribbles, then at the computer, then back again. Writing it out, he stares in disbelief. Surely not. It couldn't be. Ireland's Neighbor is alive.

Katie...I need to see you... right now... ditch Dalton and get in my office, pronto.



"Talk!" The raised voice is followed by a backhanded slap. "Talk!"

"No."

"Talk!" This time it's a jab to the stomach, sending the victim to the floor. "What did you do?"

"Nothing."

A kick is aimed at the victim's ribcage. "Tell me!"

A groan escapes from the curled up form on the floor. Words are muffled between gasps for breath. "No."

"Talk or someone else dies for real." The threat is followed up by another kick.

"Don't hurt anyone else!"

"Then talk!"

Wheezing, the huddled victim moves. "What's wrong...can't...can't get in?"

"We got info on how to bypass TJY security. We got confirmed passwords and methods to bypass and hack. Now since you said you were locked out, we can't even get back in. What did you do?"

"Stuff it."

The form is yanked up off the floor, shoved back into the chair under the glaring light, the assailant's face right up in his own. "Talk, or we go after the Pent girl."

"Don't..."

"Then talk!" The next hit to the face echoes through the dingy room.

"Alright, I locked everyone out. Everything's been reset."

"To what? What did you change it to?"

"I didn't." A moment is taken to recover breathing control. "I warned the system. It reset itself to its original security measures. It was....was set up before I even got there." Blood runs down from a cut. "I don't know the old information...old passwords."

"Well, you're just going to have to find out."

"I can't!"

"You will!"

One more hit, and the victim finally feels nothing else as the darkness of unconsciousness settles in...

Alice...it's Alice... He doesn't open his eyes, knowing he'll just be met with darkness anyway. He didn't know how much time had passed...but he was back in the cold cement room without light. He shivers. He had done it on purpose...lied. The system wasn't reset...it was backup security. The master password was Alice.
Just get my message...please...just get my message and find me... God, please let them see it.

The door opens.

No...not again...no....

Help

*Frustrated Dalton sits at his computer typing away with programs, as boxs open and close on his computer. Everyone was in his office, everyone was asking his questions, he new no more than he did but he was trying to correct the problem and find out what happend.

All the questions, everyone wanting to know what was going on, Dalton tryed to push them out of his mind he was trying he was trying.*

*As Katie's computer goes off and so do the lights her heart jumps.

What on earth...

Once the computer turns on again Katie clicks on a few things. Trying to axcess her files again to finish her work Katie hits a brick wall and non of her passwords work. Continuing to try and axcess one thing than the next Katie still gets nothing.

I can't get into any of my files J...

Standing Katie makes her way to Dalton's office other where there already firing off a million questions. Obvesily they were having the same problem.*

*The chatter and questions continue around Dalton as he continues to work. Not bothering to look up he trys to work. Continues to try and block out the questions, the complaining. Finally not being able to handle it anymore Dalton looks up and around the room raising his voice.*

"EVERYONE out NOW. I know just as much as everyone alse and I am trying to fix it. I CAN'T do that with everyone in here asking me a million questions at once. EVERYONE OUT NOW and let me do my job. As SOON as I know something you will know something now OUT."

*Looking down again Dalton continues to click but look up quick as he see Katie start to leave.*

"Kit Kat, wait you stay come here."

*Turning Katie comes back into the room. Why would Dalton want her to stay?*

"Sure whats up?"

*Dalton waves for the door to be closed and than points to a chair to pull next to him.*

"I need your help Kit Kat. I know this might be hard but you new Scott better than anyone. Any information you can give me that might help or if you take a look at these files it might help me out a bit too."

*Katie shuts the door and walks over to Dalton sitting next to him. The mention of Scott sends a pain in her heart. But she had to do this, it would help everyone and Scott would of wanted it no matter how much it hurt.*

"Ok let me take a look with you."

Noticing Time

Kyle opens his mouth to throw a retort at Katie, but for once, can't think of anything. Finally, just smiling, he shakes his head. "Alright. I made a fool out of myself on that one. I'll get ya... mark my words, I'll get ya."

Laura grins and nods. "Dinner. Sounds good." She gets up and gathers her purse, giving a little sigh. "Alright...." She looks down at Dani, offering a smile. "Nice to meet you, Dani. I hope we'll see more of you."

Dani can't help but smile. Laura was so nice. "Yeah...me too. Thanks for making me feel welcome."

Laura nods, then takes Nate's arm as they leave.


Friends disperse. But though parting, the laughter and smiles remain in minds and hearts, a warm reminder of the night, and a lingering expectation of the next time they would share their time again.

Mom and Pop's grows quiet. Herb and Mabel leave for the night, leaving the cleanup to Carson. A radio providing background noise, Carson cleans up the floor, tables and chairs, talking with Dani as he works. They don't talk about too many deep things... mostly just about recent events, or what has been happening with each of them lately. Both knew that more involved discussions would come, but for now...for now they were satisfied with just being together.

When Jess arrives, Carson makes the introductions, feeling just a little awkward. Dani can't help but offer a warm smile as her greeting, immediately taking a liking to her. The three wind up at a booth, just talking for a while until finally Dani is ready to hit the hay. Carson gets her settled in his room, and the next couple hours are spent with just him and Jess, listening to music, talking and laughing. Though much is on Carson's mind, he lets Jess distract him to where he can enjoy the late evening, and finally walk her home for the night.


Sometimes looking in from the outside, one would simply see the hands of time moving around the faces of clocks. One might nod and move on, simply accepting that time has occurred. Yet when one can grasp the very essence of that same time, and take into themselves the longing to understand, time can almost slow...and that one may catch a glimpse at what is really passing...what is really occurring, beyond the face of the clock...

...Thoughts are stirred, confusion lingering, mixed with a strange sense of friendship that one might not have thought would develop...

"What? Why?" Jason sits on the stool in Mike's basement, guitar in hand as the band practices. JetStream is there along with Katie and all of Cryptic, spending the evening talking, chatting, playing and singing.

Axel shrugs from his seat on the floor in the corner of the room. "I saw it was in bad shape. I was bored."

Jason's eyes are wide. He had finally discovered it had been Axel who had gotten his motorcycle back in running condition. But he hadn't taken it to a shop - he'd done all the work himself. "Bored? Well come on - I owe you something."

Axel shakes his head, looking Jason square in the eye. "Nope. Maybe someday you can return the favor. For now, just accept the fact that I wanted to do it."

"But it had to have cost you money!"

Axel sighs and looks at Katie, then back at Jason. "Let it go, Hotshot."

Axel's tone warns Jason not to argue further, and he finds himself backing down. "Alright. Well...thank you."

Though practice continues, Axel's eyes linger on Jason, studying him...perceiving who he was, and what his personality was. There was more there...much more than the surface implied, and Axel could see it. And there was much that was connected somehow to Katie.


...A battle continues...one to save a man from undue punishment, but one that is punishment in itself, for crimes of involvement...


Bret groans and paces Angelica's office. "If they weren't at the warehouse, then I don't know where they are."

"Think!" Con crosses his arms, leaning back against the wall. He'd spent a lot of time at TJY the last few days, getting himself inovled in Bret's case, helping his friend as much as he could. "You were right there, involved. You had to have been told something."

"But I wasn't!" Bret throws up his arms in frustration. He was glad he'd been released from jail after the hearing, but now he was obligated to help take down the other crooks. If he didn't, he would wind up in prison. Whether he helped or not, he was still an accessory to the crime. If the others wouldn't pay, he would. "The third bank they hit yesterday was the last one, for at least another month. They're laying low now... that was the plan."

"Where were they going to stash the money?"

"I don't know...I don't know." Bret's frustration was growing. He'd been here for two hours being questioned by Con and Angelica, and they were getting nowhere. Any locations he'd told them about already had been useless. The crooks had obviously changed plans when he'd been arrested, and were more than willing to let him take the fall. "They changed everything."

"Yeah, but if you don't come up with something solid, you're back behind bars."

"I know." Bret hooks his hands in his pockets. That was the last thing he wanted. The last few days behind bars was plenty, not to mention, he'd already missed Charlotte something awful. Now that they were back at his place though, it was constant worry that the crooks would pay a visit and do damage. Bret had to remember....something...anything.


...A heart in turmoil is being settled, and yet...something persists. Something deep within that only the very soul of that individual can decipher. They are so strong, yet so weak...their circle in life goes on, but where will it end...


Carson throws on his apron, glancing up at the clock. He'd barely made it in the kitchen on time. He'd made it the last few days, except for yesterday he'd been late again. He couldn't afford it, but he was doing his best.

Tying the apron, he winces a little, drawing back his hand to see his scraped knuckles. Grimacing, he shakes it off, and starts working alongside Herb.

"Carson?" Dani peeks her head into the kitchen cautiously.

Carson pauses at the sink, turning around, a smile on his face. "Mornin'." It felt nice to see her...to know that she was sticking around. A few days of having her stay with him had started them down the road of salvaging their relationship, and it felt good. Yesterday she'd gotten wind of some apartments she was going to go check out, and had been scouring the papers for job opportunities too. Carson was glad Herb had understood their situation too, and had allowed Dani to stay temporarily at Mom and Pop's. Though Carson wasn't thrilled that he still couldn't afford a place of his own, at least someone's kindness had given him a haven. "Heading out?"

Dani nods, after throwing a wave to Herb. "Yeah. I'm going to explore. Probably come back here for lunch."

"Alright. Call back here if you get lost."

Dani laughs. "Okay. Thanks."

Watching her leave, Carson gets back to work wincing as his knuckles hit the hot, soapy water.


...Still as the hands move slowly around the clock, one might gaze upon more, if only looking closely. As all lives are woven together in a complex web, each change affecting another, though seemingly worlds apart...


"You will do it."

"No."

"You will!" A hard object meeting flesh echoes. "Now!"

"I won't!"

"Do it or someone dies. You know we can."

"...I don't have..."

"You have everything here you need and you know it. Now get into the system. Now."


...And so it is...time has passed without a trace. The past never to be seen again...never to be revisted...never to be undone. The present is as much a mystery as the future...


Jason sits at his desk, answering emails, filing paper, and growing with irritation at all the same work he'd been doing for the last several days. It felt hot and stuffy in TJY today. Is the AC out or what... or am I just getting sick?


Reese types away at his computer, answering emails, talking on the phone, grabbing files, and downing another cup of coffee. "Susanne! Get me that record on Carl Darson, and call Brown to confirm our meeting tomorrow!"

His head shifts back to his phone. "Yes, I'm still here..."

The keys on his keyboard continue to click, but suddenly his entire computer goes dark. Everyone's computer at TJY goes completely blank, the lights go out, phones go dead, and all equipment shuts down.

Reese's eyes widen as he hears others on the main floor shouting questions in the dark. "What on earth..."

Before his sentence can even finish, everything is back online again. The lights come back on, a dial tone comes across the phone, and computers whir to life. Confused as anyone, Reese starts to get back into TJY's main files, but is locked out. His password won't work. He tries his own private files. Again, his password fails. "What is going on?!"

He picks up the phone. "Dalton!" But he's met with a busy tone. Someone else was already paging him. He hangs up in frustration, just to have Jason call.

"Reese, what's going on? I can't get back into my computer. It locked me out. I can't use my password."

"How should I know?! Ask Dalton!"

"I would, except two other people are already in his office bombarding him."

Susanne is desperate on the phone to Dalton. "It just went...kaplooey!"

Laura and Hal stand in Dalton's doorway, their eyes wide. "What happened? We can't get to anything."

Reese's mind reels. He gets up to check the security system. Everything was back online...they just couldn't access anything. Giving a groan, he flops back down in his chair. What had happened? Virus? Glitch? Hackers?

Just as he reaches for his computer mouse again, a message flashes on his screen. Blinking, he looks at it, confused. alriednsghnbeori Short Circuit
"Well obviously there was a circuit that shorted out!" Reese wails. He tries to close the message window with no luck. "What...wh.." He tries again, only to get more frustrated. He picks up the phone. Dalton's line was still busy. "Gah!" Getting up, he marches out of his office, across the main floor and down the hall. "Dalton! What's going on?!"



"What did you do?!"

"Nothing, I can't get in."

"You said you could."

"Well I can't."

"You're the tech guy. You set it all up."

"Things change! They probably switched everything around."

"Well what were you just doing then?"

"Trying to get in."

"So what happened?"

"It failed. I'm locked out."

"Well find a way in."

"I can't!"

A backhanded slap to the face brings silence. "Do it."

"I told you - I can't. I don't know how."

"What did they keep you around for anyway?"

"I don't know. For the fun of it?"

Another hit to the jaw. "Quit playing. Now what was that message you typed?"

"I was trying a password. It failed. Everything is scrambled."

"You have an hour. Get in, or else."

Crisp air

*Katie can't help but shake her head at Kyle and laugh.

Poor guy that was kind of mean of me.

Watching Kyle stumble over his words Katie just looks innocently at him trying to keep the grin from her face as she leans into Jason just a little bit.

Finally as Kyle breaks down Katie can't help it anymore and breaks into laughter again.*

"Well if thats what you thought, or new, why did you bother asking?"

*Katie gives a friendly kick to Kyle under the table.*

*Jamie smiles up at Con as she wraps her own arms around him as she walks.*

"I think I am getting a little sleepy as well. I am ready when you are hun."

*Continuing to walk with Con Jamie sleepy makes her way to the car.*

*Nate wraps his arms around Laura as she nuzzles into him. Keeping her in a strong yet soft hold.*

"I'll bring you hold as long as you come to a nice dinner with me tomarrow."

*As Nate looks down at Laura his eyes twinkle in the night light.*

*Jess slowly walks down the street taking in the cool crisp air. Her new apartment wasnt to far away now and not many more nights would be walking nights. So she might as well take it in while she can.

It was a nice night out tonight not many clouds lined the sky so it gave a cold edge to it. Winter would be here soon, and a new chapter would be open.

Slowly coming up to Mom and Pop's Jess see the soft glow coming from the windows. Smiling she round the courner and opens the small door as the bell rings scaning the area for who she was looking for.*

Family

Kyle's face turns beat red as Misty turns the questioning over to him. "Wha...well...I...." He looks back to Jason and Katie, an embarrassed but cheesy grin forming. "I....it, um...well..."

"Well come on, Kyle." Jason takes a sip of his pop, leaning back casually, his arm still around Katie. His own smile spreads. Whooo, boy is he squirming. This is fun.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Um...er..." Kyle looks to Misty then Wyatt, receiving no help. He swallows hard. "We just..." He stutters some more. "You two..."

Jason's grin just widens. I've never seen him so red. I should really pull him out of this...but I'm just enjoying this too much.

"Us two, what, Kyle? For pete's sake, spit it out. Or did you eat something that prevents you from speaking?"

Kyle looks down to sip on his straw, then stirs his ice around, clearing his throat. "Hotshot, is your arm enjoying that as a friend, or more than that?"

Jason tries to keep from laughing, but it just won't work as it finally spills out. "Nicely put, Kyle. Nicely put."

Kyle can feel the heat in his own face, and tries to let humor rule. "Yeah, well, how else's I s'posed to put it?"

"I don't know. You wanna try it again?"

"You dweeb!" Kyle throws a napkin at Jason. He looks to Wyatt. "The answer is yes. Or can't you tell?"

Wyatt is simply grinning from ear to ear, and throws Katie a wink. Yes, he could tell.


Dani chews her pizza slowly, just listening to the chatter around her. She felt a little funny...but not so much out of place...and not so much nervous either. It was different here... She had friends back in California, but it was nice to be in a different atmosphere... And these people treated her just like she belonged.

She looks over to the back of the room to see Carson on the phone. Who had he needed to call so urgently? Had she interfered with any of his plans? Or ruined anything?

Letting her gaze wander, she realizes for a moment that Dalton is looking at her. Catching his eye, she offers a little smile. He seemed nice. Something about him seemed different than the others... Dani couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something... Yet there was softness there somewhere...

Dani suddenly realizes she's staring, and looks away, brought back into the conversations by Laura asking her a question.


Carson shakes his head. "Naw, don't bring anything unless you haven't eaten either. I, uh... I don't think I want much tonight. Just bring yourself on over in a while and we'll talk more then."

Wrapping up the call, he finally hangs up, and goes back to the table, joining in on the outskirts until the gang starts to filter out...


Con leans back in his chair and yawns, running a hand through his hair. "Well...." He slings his arm around Jamie to give her a squeeze. "I'm afraid your man is getting tuckered. You ready to head on home?"

"I know I am." Laura nuzzles into Nate. "And since you're my ride...you wouldn't be so nice as to take me home, would you?


"...yeah, I got the music, thanks." Axel sits on the floor of Mike's basement, leaning back against the wall. He was alone...the guys and Taylor were out for the night, but he'd opted to stay behind. He nods. "Yep. Oh, Logan kinda tore it to shreds until I made him slow down. Sweet Sorrow was my favorite. Yeah." He laughs a little. "Naw, we're still playing. Just taking it easy for a while. Feels good to not have a gig every few nights. Settling down a little.... No, no place yet. We're staying at a friend's house... Mmhmm... Hooked up with the band down here, JetStream.... Yeah..."

He stretches out his legs, crossing his ankles. "Yeah, they're good. Nice guys. Hmm? Oh, four-piece. Yeah..." He thinks for a moment. "The, uh... lead vocalist reminds me of you. Well, a younger you.... yeah... Funny thing, his name's Stevenson too."

Axel lifts an eyebrow, and picks at a loose thread on his jeans. "Uh-huh...Jason... I, uh...found out a bit about his family..."

Secrets

*Jess gives a little giggle, and a sigh of releaf knowing Carson was ok.*

"Yeah I will probley stop by a little later. I took a nap so I am not to tired anymore. Should I bring some of this pizza? or did you eat already?"

*Jess stands and walks around her apartment for a moment as she gathers a few things and opens some other boxs. She liked her new apartment it was nice and it seemed quiet but at the same time it was strange. To be some where new it was kind of intimanating as well.*

*Katie looks across the table at Wyatt, Kyle, and Misty. Knowing what they probley where whispering about but wanted to tease them anyways. With a sly grin Katie comments.*

"Secrets don't make friends you know, if you have a question why don't you shair it with us all?"

*Misty's own eyes widen a bit as she looks at Katie like a deer in headlights.*

"I.....ummm.....ask Kyle."

*Misty points to Kyle and gives a giggle.*

*Dalton gives a nod to Con as he takes a sip of his pop.*

"Crazy they are, as for watching out for them, I think I am going to be far to busy."

*As Dalton scans the table his eyes make there way to Dani and for a moment that is where the linger. There was something about her. Something differnt, she was pretty that was for sure, and she seems to have a spark. Finally breaking his eyes away Dalton continues to eat.*

Forgive me

Carson gives a sigh as he hears Jess' voice. "I'm so sorry... I, um..." He glances back to the busy table. "My sister showed up, Jess. Kinda threw me off balance. And we got a whole bunch from TJY here, so we kinda..."

He stops for a moment. "I forgot. I'm sorry."

Pausing, a slight grin curls his lips as he concentrates on his phone conversation rather than thinking about the interaction he'd just been involved with. "I told my sister she could sack out in my room for the night. I guess she's moving here... I got bits and pieces of why, but right now she doesn't have a place. So... In about an hour, this place will be cleared out and I'll be cleaning up. If you wanna swing on by... I'd like you to meet Dani, and... she's tired so she'll probably sack out early...we could hang out for a while..." He drops to a slightly sly tone. "...that is, if you forgive me."


Back at the table, the guys finally settle down. Though out of breath, they try to get back to eating.

Kyle slides in beside Misty, elbowing her teasingly. "You did save me some pizza, right?"

Jason flops down in his own chair, slinging an arm around Katie. "You just had to break up the fun, didn't you?"

Wyatt quirks an eyebrow as he looks at them, glancing from Katie to Jason, back to Katie again. He leans closer to Kyle, and whispers something to him. Kyle's eyes widen, and he whispers something back, before leaning to Misty, his tone hushed by her ear. "Those to back together or what?"

Con turns his chair around to straddle it beside Jamie, looking over her to Dalton. "Welcome to the gang, Hulk. I'm glad there's a new big guy to watch out for this crazy bunch around the office"

Kit Kat

*Nate wraps his arm around Laura trying to act innocent though the fun and laughter twinkles in his eyes.*

"I don't know what your talking about Babe. I'd never wanna leave ya. Anyways compaired to them I'm little I might get squished. I'm saprised Kyle hasent."

*Leaning in Nate gives Laura a kiss to the head and a gentil squeeze.*

*As Misty watches the others she can't help but feel like eyes were watching her. Looking to her left she glances at Carson for a moment and than the tattoo on his arm catches her eyes. Seeing the modifications on it Misty feels a wave of question wash over her. Why had Carson tattooed her name into his arm. Was it a memore? A reminder? Was it a statment?

Looking to Carson she catches his eye as he looks back at her. Her own eyes held so much, so of witch the normal person would never relize was there. She missed her friend to, she missed what they had. As Misty continues to earch Carson's eyes she remembers the look, she remembers the feelings the first time she'd ever seen Carson, the first time she had ever met him. She had known she liked him right off the bat. Yes she missed him too.

The laughter from the others breaks Misty's thought and she breaks her eyes away from Carson before the tears can come again and trys to past a smile on her face as she leans a little bit into Katie and gives a laugh.*

*Dalton continues to hold Kyle as he trys to get free, the laughter in his own eyes. He's hadn't had fun like this in a while. Having people around that were just about his size and even bigger was a nice change. It made him feel like he wasnt alone anymore.

As Kyle continues to fair his arm and catches Dalton in the had lightly he cant help but laugh just a little finding some more humor.*

“Hey Hey easy on the shades, they arn't cheap you know! I'd hate for the Hulk to have to smash you."

*Giving another laugh Dalton continues the fun moving around the others still holding Kyle.*

*Katie continues to laugh as she watches the display of the others. It was good to see everyone smiling and happy and getting along. Knowing Laura is right though Katie lets out a sharp whistle.*

"Alright alright break it up boys and come back to eat before it gets cold."

*At Katie's voice everyone stop, Dalton turns and looks to Katie's voice. A grin still on his face finally letting go of Kyle Daltson replys.*

"Awwww....Kit Kat...you have to rune our fun?"

*Shaking his head Dalton lets out a sigh and heads back to the table to continue eating.*

*Groggy Jess hears her phone right and reaches out and picks it up. Seeing it was Carson a smiles spreads across Jess face. Flipping open the phone she clears her throut.*

"Hey you, I though maybe you got lost."

*Jess sits up as she talks on the phone.*

Tattoo

Kyle yelps as Dalton picks him up off Con, and squirms under his grasp. "Someone their own size?! What about me?!" He wriggles some more, not really fighting, but genuinely trying to get loose. His face is red from laughing and he tries to catch his breath, though forgets Dalton's name. "Help! The Hulk has a hold on me! Jason, this is the last time I try to come rescue you!"

"What are you blaming me for?!" Jason returns.

Con tightens his grip. "Oh, quit your griping."

Jason whips around, finally getting loose, though he stumbles into a chair, knocking it over.

From the table, Carson quirks an eyebrow. "Hey now," he reprimand gruffly, though humor is still in his eyes. "Tear the place apart and you'll be helping me clean up later." He shakes his head a little as he watches, a smile quirking the edge of his mouth. His elbows resting on the table, the short sleeves of his t-shirt have ridden up, exposing his modified tattoo.

Con immediately stops and raises his hands. "Say no more."

"Coward!" Kyle taunts.

Con puts his hands on his hips. "I wouldn't go name-calling if I were you.... not in the position you're in." He turns to Jason. "You just gonna leave your friend hanging or what? He went after you. I think you owe him."

Jason rolls his eyes. "Great. Make me feel guilty. Come on, Kyle, let's get you out of trouble."

As the battle continues, Kyle is surrounded by the three larger men, the antics continuing. Though muscle is used, the brawl is kept friendly, the laughter persisting. Soon, no one is sure just whose side their on anymore.

Laura shakes her head and sighs, watching the nearby ruckus. Glancing to Nate, she smirks. "Yeah, I can see that look in your eye. You want just as bad to join in with the little kids over there." She rolls her eyes. "Men."

She glances to Katie and Jamie. "Personally, I think it's about time we stepped in and showed them how to end a war so we can actually finish eating our pizza in peace, but..." She giggles, letting the implied intervention hang in the air.

Dani settles in quickly, finding it strange how comfortable she felt... One would think she'd be terribly uncomfortable in a group of strangers, let alone one as different as this bunch. But there was a warm feeling there...one that almost made it seem like she'd known these people all her life.

Glancing down the table, she catches Misty's eye and smiles, mouthing the words, "thank you." Returning to her pizza, she pauses, giving her brother a questioning look, then whispers in his ear.

Carson speaks quietly, his eyes drifting to Kyle once, then back down. Finished with an explanation, his eyes roam across to Misty. He hadn't dared to catch her eye before this, but it's as if he can't help it. His eyes hold a strange look...there is so much there, it's hard to decipher. His stare is as deep as the first time he ever looked her in the eye, exposing thoughts and feelings. He wanted to talk to her, but didn't know how. He wanted to sit with her, but knew he could not. He wanted to be her friend, but had lost the way. He missed her.

Swallowing hard, his eyes finally drop back down, and he fidgets with a napkin for a moment, not really hungry. Then as if hit with a baseball bat, something triggers where he needed to be. "Ohhhh shoot." Getting up quickly, he pats Dani's shoulder. "I'll be right back."

Hurrying from the group, he hits the phone in the back, dialing quickly. "Come on, Jess, pick up..." He groans inwardly as he closes his eyes and leans back against the wall. He'd promised to eat supper with her at her new place...he'd promised to go over there right after work. With Dani showing up, his mind had been thrown completely off track.

Listening to the rings, he tries to come up with something to say, kicking himself. Sorry, you're less important than this? Sorry, I simply forgot about you? He rolls his eyes. Way to go, Carson.

Didn't Your Mom

*Katie can't help but laugh as Con puts Jason in a headlock. At these get together something like this always happend but it never grew old. It was fun to watch friends and have fun, seeing the smiles on faces it felt good.

Getting an innocent look on her face Katie holds up her hands.*

"You must be crazy to think I would go up aganst a tank."

*Katie can't controll her laughter as she watches the display in front of her. Leaning over to Dalton she smiles.*

"Trust me, you'll get use to this. If this didnt happen i would think something was wrong."

*Misty's own eyes widen just a bit as she watches the display with Carson and Kyle. For a quick moment the blood drains from Misty's face. Was this play or real, how much motive was behind this. Finally seeing the playful spark in Carson's eye Misty relaxes just a bit and continues to watch not being able to hold back the laughs of her own.*

*Dalton watches the display for a long moment not sure what to make of it. He's never been in a group like this before but it looked like they all had fun. As the games continue Dalton size everyone up as something not often seen spreads across his face, a smile. Standing he wants in on this little bit of fun. Coming up behind Con, Jason and Kyle, Dalton put his arms around Kyles waist and gives one strong jerk and ripping Kyle from Con. Still holding him by the waist he walks around the the front of Con and Jason with a cheesy smile on his face.*

"Didn't you mom even tell you to pick on someone your own size?"

*Jess lay curled up on the coutch at her new apartment. The door unlocked as if waiting for someone. A cold untouched pizza lays on the table as if waiting for someone alse to join and eat it. Fast asleep Jess lets the time drift by as she dreams come in and out. Had Carson forgot? Was he busy with work? Jess wasnt sure but she new he must have a good reason, but Jess eyes had grown heavy and had ignored the growling of her tummy as she drifted off to sleep.*

Brawl

Carson lets his sister go and leans on the counter, studying her for a moment. "So you really packed up all your stuff, eh?"

Dani nods and moves to stir her milkshake with a straw. "Yeah..." She gives a sorry laugh. "Getting fired was kinda the straw that broke the camel's back."

"What happened?"

"I had a fight with a guy who was higher than me. The boss liked him better. So... I was out."

"Bummer."

"Yeah. I got enough money to keep myself afloat for a short while, but I need to find a job and place to live pretty quick."

"Well..." Carson shrugs. "You can at least spend the night here with me if you like. You can have the bed. Tomorrow I can help you start scouting around."

"Really?" Dani's eyes show more than gratefulness. She was just glad to be talking with her brother again at all, let alone having the offer of his help.

"Well sure." Carson looks at her as though it was a given. "I may have been a jerk to leave you in the dark, but I'm not going to do that anymore."

A smile breaks through, making Dani's eyes shine. "Thanks, Carson. I...I hope we can get to know each other again."

Carson looks at her, part of his mind seeing her as she was now, and part of his mind bringing up memories of when she was the child he'd protected. "Me too."


Kyle grins and gives Misty's hand a squeeze. "Of course I missed you. I always miss you. I was about ready to bawl my eyes out. Right Wyatt?"

"Hmm?" Wyatt had been paying little attention, and receives a kick to the shins under the table. "Oh. Right, yes." He nods with forced seriousness, looking at Misty. "His lip was starting to quiver and everything."

Kyle grins, his eyes twinkling with humor as he elbows Misty. "See?"


Con doesn't realize he's being spoken to right away, until Laura elbows him. He then realizes that it was Dalton, and asks for a repeat of the question he hadn't heard. Giving a little shrug, he shakes his head. "Not doing much at the moment. Looking for work... there's a security job open at the mall I was thinking about. I guess I could always find somewhere to flip burgers, but I haven't gotten that desperate yet."

After thinking for a moment, then asking Nate about Carson and his sister joining them, Con receives the go-ahead and starts to rise from his chair. He's stopped though, as the flying straw wrapper bounces off his chest.

His eyes widen and he looks down at his wife. "What was that for?" Though unable to hear Jason's snicker from several chairs down, his eyes find his friend, and he sees the mock innocence on his face. Con sets his hands on his hips. "Now tell me this. Why is it that Jason started this, and I'm the one getting pulled into it?!"

Jason holds up his hands. "Accident?"

"Accident my foot." Con makes his way around the table.

Jason's eyes widen, and he's immediately on his feet, almost tripping over his chair. "Now, now, Tank, calm down. You should be going after your wife, not me."

"I'll get back at her later. You, on the other hand, I have to catch while you're still here."

Jason backs up, his hands raised in surrender as he tries to stifle his laughter. "But you don't want to make a mess, do you? Or make a bad impression?" He reaches the back of Dalton's chair and pats his shoulder, still talking to Con. "You wouldn't want to make Dalton here think that he was going to be working with a bunch of little kids, now would you?"

Con pauses in thought, only two feet from Jason.

Jason relaxes. "See? Now just go sit back down and throw a wrapper at Jamie instead of attacking me."

Con thinks, letting his eyes roam the ceiling. Finally he shakes his head. "No, I think I like my original idea better."

Before Jason can react, Con's got him spun around and in a headlock from the side, dragging him around the table.

Jason tries to wriggle free, laughing too hard to do much good. "No! Conrad! Let me go!"

"What?" Con cocks his head. "What did you say?"

"You heard me and know good and well what I said!" Jason retorts, glancing around wildly until finding Katie. "Hey! You just gonna sit there and let this guy do this to me or what?!"

"She better!" Con warns, throwing Katie a wink. He drags Jason further away, towards the counter, killing two birds with one stone - getting back at Jason, and following through with his idea.

Carson sees Con and Jason and he straightens, backing up out of the way. "Whoa...Con, you got your hands full."

"That I do." Con tightens his grip so Jason can't slip out. He smiles and nods to Dani. "Hi there."

Dani's eyes are wide as she looks up at the large man. "Um...hi."

"Don't let him fool you," Jason gasps. "He's really a nice guy." He tries to get free once more. "Unless he's got you in headlock! Con!"

Con grins, still unwilling to let go. "Carson, we wondered if you and your sister would like to join us. We got plenty of pizza and...well, as you can see, the entertainment isn't much, but there's more than enough chairs."

"Oh, well, I..." Carson's eyes drift downward. He'd been around this group periodically, and once in a while had been involved with them if they happened to be in the same place. But to be specifically invited... Maybe Nate was right. Maybe they did see him for who he was now... even Jason didn't seem to mind the thought of him joining the gang.

"Come on," Con prompts. "If you don't, you'll just be throwing away that extra pizza later. So if you join us, you'll have less cleanup later."

Carson turns to his sister with question.

Dani gives a little shrug. It seemed like a nice group....and Misty was there...they coudln't be all bad. Her eyes drift from Con, then to Dalton, then back to Jason. They certainly had some big guys here. Hopefully they were as nice as they seemed. "I wouldn't want to impose."

"Now, don't even start with that." Con gives a grunt as Jason's elbow catches his ribs, but he stays on track. "Nobody can ever impose, least of all when you've already been invited."

Carson really does want to join in...it felt good to be invited... and maybe this would be good for him and Dani to not have to sit awkwardly together for a while either. It might be easier to break the ice in a group than alone. He gives a litle nod to Dani, signallling that he was okay with it if she was.

Finally Dani shrugs. "Um...okay." She smiles and picks up her milkshake. "I won't get put in a headlock will I?"

Con laughs. "Nope. Just this obnoxious fellow. You gotta watch him. We just got him out of the mental institute yesterday."

"That is so not true!" Jason wails as he gets dragged back to the table.

Carson can't help a laugh, watching them go, then gestures to the table for Dani to come with him.

On Con's way back, Jason trips and stumbles, trying to get the upperhand, but failing. "Will somebody please get this brute off of me?!"

Kyle perks up, ready to join in some silly antics. Standing up, he puts a hand over his heart. "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. I'm coming!!!" Scooting out of his chair and barely missing Misty's head with his elbow, he shoots down the table to where Con is, ready to grab him from behind. On his way though, he misjudges and runs right into Carson.

Having seen the collision coming, Carson was ready, and braces himself, more catching Kyle than being pushed. Without even thinking, he immediately joins in, putting Kyle in a chokehold, while pinning one arm behind his back.

"Ahhk!" Kyle is yanked backward as he's held, and for just a minute, he wonders how much play or seriousness is involved here. Though knowing changes had happened, being around Carson did put him just a little on edge. How serious was this hold?

Only after Carson has a hold on Kyle does he realize what he's doing, and for a moment, stands still, bringing things back into perspective. Feeling Kyle squirm, and realizing now what must be going through his mind, Carson drags him backward a little ways. "Shh," he whispers. "Con thinks I've got you down. Now you're in the perfect position."

A laugh surfaces as Kyle sizes up Con's back. "Yeah, but he's too dang tall!"

Carson grins. "Not if I give you a boost."

Released, Kyle turns to quirk an eyebrow at Carson, fidning that he really was trying to join in the play, with no ill-intentions at all. A grin spreads. "You're on."

Before Con knows it, Carson has given Kyle and extra boost, and Kyle is latched onto his back, trying to make him let go of Jason. Spinning around, he almost loses Kyle.

Kyle shrieks as his foot almost knocks over an empty chair. "I've got him right where I want him, Jason! Hang on!"

Laura watches the guys in horror, plopping her face down on the table. "I don't know them... I've never seen them before... Con is not my brother."

Letting the other three work out their playful brawl, Carson takes Dani's hand to bring her around to a couple empty chairs. "Um, guys, this is my sister..... um... Danielle...Davis."

Dani glances to her brother, then at the others at the table. "Actually.... It's Dani Banks." She looks back to Carson. "And it stays that way this time."

Carson's eyes show he's please, but he doesn't have time to comment before he has to duck one of Kyle's legs as he flies around behind Con, still hanging on for dear life.

True Friends

*Dalton looks to Con and gives a small nod before looking at Kyle as he talks. There was a strange look in his eye. Something told Dalton there was more to this story than was told. But it was non of his business and he was not one who liked to but into others lifes.

Looking at Con again Dalton inquires.*

"So, now that's its getting cold Con what do you do for work?"

*Katie looks to Jason as his emotions slip through about Misty and than back to the table. Now her own brain moved wondering what would happen with this whole situation. Misty seemed very happy with Kyle but was it enough. It pained Katie to think of Kyle being hurt but what would happen would happen and she had no right to give her two thoughts on it.

Out of the courner of her eye Katie see Jason's mission with the wrapper and her own eye widen a little bit as the ball goes flying through the air landing in Jamie's drink and sending soda onto her. Elbowing Jason Katie cant help the laugh that escapes her lips.

Nice going!*

*As the liqued splashes onto Jamie she snaps her head up looking around the table for the caulpret. As she eyes pass over Jason and Katie the look on there faces tell the tall of what happend.*

"You two can hide, but that look on both your faces tells me everything I need to know."

*A cheese smile cross her own lips as she picks up a wraped straw. Taking taking the one end off and pull the wrapper just a little bit Jamie takes aim at Jason. Heaving a heavy blow Jamie quickly turns taking her aim off Jason and replacing it with Con. The straw paper flying off the end of the straw and hitting him right in the side of the face. Jamie trys to muffle her own laughs.*

*Nate gives a small nod to Carson as he listens to him talk only addin in things here and there. About friendship and how he will always be there for Carson, and about life and change. But moslty Nate just listens to his friend talk knowing sometimes silence speaks stronger than words.

As Carson goes to leave Nate stands to and puts a hand on his shoulder. Looking him the eyes with all the sencerity one could give.*

"They are you friend to Carson. Thats the funny thing about true friends, we have the ability to look past the falts of other and see who is standing in front of us today."

*Giving a smile Nate turns and rejoins the other sliding in down next to Laura.*

*After splashing some water on her face Misty exits the bathroom feeling better once again. Making her back to the table of friends Misty sits down next to Kyle and slips her hand into his giving him a smile.*

"Didn't miss me to much did ya?"

Tears to smiles

As both Nate and Misty leave the table, the others try to make up for the quiet with further chatter, accomplishing it well, and drawing attention away from the four who had been in the spotlight.

Con looks over to Dalton, feeling as though he should be included in at least as much as everyone else. He keeps his voice low though, not wanting to just be blabbing about what was happening. "That guy over there...Carson... he used to work for TJY. Got in a bit of trouble. Been on the up and up lately though, working here. And... it looks like his sister came for a visit." He gives a slight shrug. "Nate's good friends with Carson, and Misty..." He pauses, not sure what to say about that one.

"She knows Carson's sister a bit," Kyle interrupts. "I imagine she's trying to smooth out some wrinkles there." He twirls his glass in his hand, feeling a little uneasy for some reason as his eyes focus on the swirling ice cubes.


Jason watches Nate leave, then Misty, wondering if they'll be able to do any good or not. He'd only heard snippets about Carson and his sister before... but apparently there was a big issue there... big enough to cause a scene, and to involve friends.

Half listening to the conversations around the table, and half watching the others, he sees Misty talk for a while, then head to the bathroom. Without even realizing it, his own thoughts slip.

That flame just won't die...

He glances to Kyle, then shakes his head a little to keep himself on track and out of other people's businesses. Using a spoon as a catapult, he absentmindedly skyrockets a balled-up straw wrapper. It goes flying down the table, landing in Jamie's drink. Jason's eyes widen and he rests an elbow on the table to duck behind his own hand, suppressing a smile.

Katie, not one word!


Dani's lip quivers as she listens to Misty. This wasn't at all like she'd planned. She liked Misty, and wanted to greet her as a friend, but she'd already messed that all up, and now she didn't even know how to respond.

Listening to Misty's words, they cut her to the quick, slicing through her shell into her heart. She swallows hard and looks down at the counter, so many things running through her mind. Looking up, she looks into Misty's eyes, and sees the sincerity...she feels the genuine concern.

Dani wants to respond...she wants to say something... but she just can't find the words. As Misty walks away, she hangs her head and just sits at the counter, feeling lost... alone. She'd planned on coming and being civil. She'd planned on telling Carson how she felt, but not losing her temper. She'd planned on seeing him, and setting a time and place they could talk. But she'd lost it... as soon as she'd seen him, she'd been bombarded by all her disappointment that had turned into anger, and she'd blown her chance of renewing anything with him.

Finally breaking down into more tears, she buries her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking a little as she cries. She missed her brother so much... and now he probably hated her.


Carson looks up as Nate joins him, his eyes red, but void of tears. "Friend, huh? Don't you know I can't keep those?"

He scoffs at his own words. "Sorry. I don't know what I need, Nate. A second chance would be nice."

He leans his head back in the booth, strumming his fingers on the table. He glances to his sister and sees Misty talking with her. He wasn't surprised...and a part of him wanted to get up and run to them...to be with the two people that had meant so much to him. And yet...he was the one that had formed the barrier that prevented that from happening.

Carson finally lowers his gaze and looks back to Nate. He appreciated his friend's quietness...Nate knew he didn't need to be preached at... maybe he did just need to talk it through. His dinner date was forgotten.

"You know...it's different seeing my sister as a grown woman. She doesn't need that big brother to watch out for bullies anymore...she's got a life...she's an adult. Only thing is, adults don't have blind love like kids." He can't help a dry laugh. "All she used to see was a hero. Now she sees me for who I really am."

He takes deep breath, letting it out slowly. "There's a lot of history there...and half of it, she doesn't even remember. Which is good...I'm glad she doesn't. No kid needs to remember some of the stuff that went on back then. And I had a chance to have a relationship with her again... that time I went after her to California." He shrugs lamely. "So I screwed that up like everything else. I don't know why. I guess... I don't know. Maybe it was just my dang pride. Maybe my own perspective of a hero was skewed to begin with. I always felt like I needed to be perfect in Dani's eyes, so she didn't get disappointed or hurt. But maybe if she'd seen me as human to begin with, she wouldn't be disappointed now."

Carson shakes his head, his eyes wandering to the front counter again. He sees Misty leave Dani, and sees Dani's slumped form, knowing that she was now crying. "Hurts, ya know?" He swallows hard. It was hard for him to admit when something hurt him. He was so used to being the tough guy. He had an outer shell that was thicker than anything. But pain had been felt a lot lately, and there were only two people who could evoke it... and both he had hurt right back.

His eyes linger on his sister, and he realizes that she's not leaving. Did she really want to talk to him more? Was she really so angry with him that she'd walk away? She wasn't leaving... He waits... she still didn't leave.

Carson glances back to Nate. His friend's silence spoke more than words ever could. The look in Nate's eye said it all, and Carson could feel the pangs of guilt for giving up so quickly. "Yeah, I know...it's a dumb bloke who wouldn't go right back there and try to start over, isn't it?"

He sighs, continuing to read his friend's eyes, and he nods reluctantly. "Yeah...I know."

Finally, he slides from the booth and stands up. His body language conveyed how broken he felt, but for once...for once, he would return to do all he could without giving up so quickly. "Thanks, Nate... just for listening I guess. Sorry for the scene... you should go back to your friends."

He pauses, then turns, heading to the kitchen. He goes around through the side, and is quiet, looking at Herb once to convey his apology for the interruption, while at the same time, his gaze begged for forgiveness tonight.

It takes several minutes for him to emerge to the counter again, trying again, this time with humility.


Dani feels the shadow of someone on the other side of the counter, the hears a glass being set down and pushed towards her.

Sniffing, she lifts her head just enough to see a frosted glass with pink contents.

Carson swallows hard, his voice wavering. "It used to make scraped knees feel better. How about a wounded heart?"

Dani stares at the strawberry milkshake, the memories flooding back. Her hand slides to the glass, fingering the coldness for a moment before she finally looks up at her brother. "Oh, Carson." She blinks back more tears. "I'm sorry."

Carson glances down, then after a moment, pushes off the counter, to come around the other side. No words needed to be said as he receives his sister into his arms, holding her close...holding her tight.

Dani cries onto his shoulder as her arms wrap around him. "I'm sorry," she sobs again. "I didn't want to yell at you. I just...I wanted to understand."

"I know." Carson closes his eyes, kissing the top of Dani's head. "I know. And I don't even have a good answer. Can you forgive me?"

Dani pulls away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand and sniffing again. Looking up into his eyes, she finally nods. "Yeah. I just don't want to lose you a third time."

"You won't." Carson sets his hands on her shoulders. "I needed a good yelling at to remind me to quit being such an idiot. I deserve to have you see how low I've been...it's just more justice for all the stupid stuff I did."

"I don't care that you don't have anything to show." Dani shakes her head. "That's not important to me. All I want is my brother...that's all... just to know you're there."

Carson is quiet for a moment, just looking at his sister. He was so sorry. He'd made the decision not to contact her, but it was out of pure pride and fear. He'd ruined enough with those two things...he couldn't do it again... not with her. "I'm here...and this time I won't drop off the face of the earth."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Good..." Dani gives a short laugh through her tears. "...'Cause I'm moving here. All my stuff is in my car."

Carson's eyes widen. "Really?"

"Yeah." Dani turns a little sheepish. "I don't know what possessed me, but I hadn't done anything crazy in a while and... even though I was mad, I wanted to be closer to you. Not to mention, California was getting on my nerves. This was the only place I could think of to get a new start."

Carson can't help a chuckle, and pulls her in for another hug. "You spitfire, you."


A small smile starts on Con's mouth as he sees Carson and Dani. It looked like they would be okay, and that was a good thing. He glances to Nate, who had returned to the table, catching his eye. "You don't think they'd like some pizza, do you?" He didn't know if an invitation would be the wisest thing or not... but he hated seeing Carson left out like this, especially at a time when some interaction with old friends might do him good. If the two wanted to be left alone, that was perfectly understandable, but he didn't want to pass up an opportunity if it presented itself. At the same time though, he didn't know if others here, namely Misty, would appreciate the extra company.

Your Turn

*Mom and Pop's is alive as everyone starts to file in shortly after Con and Jamie gets the tables finished up. The laughter rings out as everyone jokes and enjoys the good time.

Though Dalton felt out of place, and didnt understand a lot he tryed his best to be some what sociable. Coming across at times as cocky and maybe even a little cold he really did try and act sivle. This, being around other people was new for him. Differnt from Arizona these people were more than just coworkers, they were family.

The fun and chattering continues the newcomer going un noticed by most. Untill the hightened voices and the harsh tones draw a hush over everyone.*

* As the familure femail voice hits Misty's hears she looks up. Finding the face that matched it Misty could only with it was a happy get together, but knows by the looks on Dani and Carson's face it was not. Let alone knowing Carson hadnt contacted Dani since they last went out there.

Misty looks to Jason and gives a nod to his question and than looks to Kyle than back to Dani. As Carson slides into a nearby booth Misty can't help but let her eyes follow him as a suddin sadness creeps into her heart.*

*Nate watchs as his friends walks to a nearby booth. Almost like a defeted warrior Carson hug his head and it make Nate's heart ack. He'd seen Carson upset, and he seen him sad, but nothing could explain the look as the one he had now. Nate had relized a while ago when helping Misty and Carson his sister ment the world, and now, now he was in the verge of losing that too.

Giving Laura a kiss on the head Nate smiles down at her.*

"I'll be right back Hun."

*Excusing himself Nate walks over to the booth where Carson was and leans on the table for a moment just staying silent. Till finally he decieds to speak.*

"Mind if an old friend warms up this empty booth?"

*Before Carson can even answer Nate slides into the booth and puts his legs up so his back is leaning aganst the wall.*

"You looks like you could use someone to talk too, or just listen."

*Resting a hand on Dani's shoulder Misty slides onto a stool next to her. Giving her a friendly smile.*

"Men, can't live with them and can't shoot them leagaly huh?"

*Misty trys to show some humor to get Dani to smile if even just a little. Though she dosnt know how much good it will really do. Looking behind her at Carson for a moment and than back to Dani she lets out a small sigh. This really want her place anymore, but somehow Misty still felt that this was right.*

"You know, your brother went through a pretty rocky path there for a while. He threw everything away, and when he hit rock bottom he finally relized it. In a sence I can see where he is coming from. I don't think I would want anyone to see me like that eather. Specialy someone who once looked at me like a Hero. I'd want them to have that image with them for what I was instead of the dead shall that is now."

*Misty turns a little to look at Dani as she continues to lean on the counter.*

"I do have to say though, your brother has been doing alot of changing for the good from what I can see. He's starting to get his life together. After losing everything, he's starting to walk the pather she should."

*Misty heaves a heavy sigh as a few emotions move inside of her. Witch direction she is not sure but the feeling is strange.*

"Your brother had lost everything he's loved and held dear Dani, don't make him lose you too."

*A few unexspected tear form in Misty's eye as she stands from the stool laying a hand on Dani's shoulder to pat it gently.*

"Blood will always be thicker than anything life throws at you. Maybe its your turn to be his hero."

*Moving away from the counter Misty makes her exits and heads for the bathroom. What was going on inside of her at the moment, she wasent sure what it was or what caused it. The tears that sprung in her eyes, she didnt know how to explain, cold water to the face would be the cure.*

Unhappy reunion

Bret can sense Angelica switching into business mode, and he lets the personal issues drop. There would be time for that later…the two sisters would work out their difference eventually, and hopefully they’d all be okay. But for now…he needed to go with the system instead of fighting it.

“Okay.” He nods in agreement. “We go downtown.”

He looks Angelica in the eye. “I know you don’t like me all that much… but just for the record… any other time I would have high-tailed it out of here. But I got stuff that’s too important for me to run away from now.”

Bret slips his arm around Charlotte’s shoulders. “I know I’m an accessory to the crimes, but I’ll do what it takes to either clear my record or pay. I trust you… and I’ll do what you say.”

Con gives an approving nod to his friend. “You’re doing the right thing, Bret. Reese?”

Reese nods. “I’ll escort them in. You’re free to go.”

Con offers a wave to everyone, and then a wink to Charlotte. “Take care of your man.”

Bret watches his friend leave, then takes a deep breath. “Okay…I’m ready.”


…The jail cell bars were hard and cold under Bret’s grip. He hated it here…he hated being caged up… he hated the feeling of helplessness. But for now…for a short time, it was necessary. Until a preliminary hearing in three days, he would be held here, under the charges of armed robbery and murder. Then hopefully he would be released on bail.

In the meantime, Charlotte would help Angelica gather proof of their alibi to fight that end of things. After that, it would be Angelica’s job to convince the authorities that if the charges of Bret being an accessory to the crimes could be dropped, he’d help them find the real criminals. There would be another blotch on his record, but it was a lot better than serving time in prison.

Bret leans his head up against the cell bars and looks at Charlotte with apology. “I’m sorry you got dragged into this… I shouldn’t have ever gotten involved with those guys again in the first place.”

He sighs, regret showing through. “Just don’t go back to my place… I don’t want you there alone in case the guys decide to do something stupid.”


“Hey, Mom.” Con grins at Mabel and leans on the counter, tossing his mother-in-law a wink. “Think you can handle a batch of us tonight?”

Carson sticks his head around the corner from the kitchen. “Got a load coming?”

Con chuckles. “You could put it that way. How ya doing?”

“Oh…hanging in there.”

“Good.” Con turns around to Jamie, and nods to the tables. “Since we’re the first ones here, how about we push some of them tables together so there’s room enough for everyone.”

It doesn’t take long, and people start filing in. Jason and Katie, Laura and Nate, Wyatt and others. He takes the liberty of trying to make sure Dalton knows everyone, making an effort to create a comfort zone, even though those from TJY were feeling just a little awkward, and it was obvious that Dalton was too.

Carson keeps his eye on the clock from the kitchen, knowing he was supposed to go meet Jess, but also needing to make sure he helped out enough here until he could leave.

“Yo, Mom and Pop!” Kyle comes bursting through the front door, spotting the group of friends. “Kyle is in da house!” Grinning from ear to ear, he half dances over to the table, finding an empty seat next to Misty. “And how is Miss T tonight, hmm?”

He flops down and looks around the table. “Evening, y’all.” Spotting Katie, his smile widens. “KT, good to see ya. Jase man, you’re back too.”

Jason raises his glass of Pepsi. “You bet.”

“Good deal, ‘cause we got practice tomorrow night, and you better be there. Cryptic is joining us.”

He turns to give Misty a peck on the cheek. “And how are you?”

It isn’t long before laughter rings out over the chatter as the group starts interacting more. Stories are swapped, jokes are shared, and small talk is passed around. Those from TJY try to include Dalton, though at times it’s hard, because so many things revolved around inside jokes, or things that only those in the group knew from the past.

Con sits across from Dalton, a little wary of the stranger at first, but does his best not to come across as anything but friendly. After all, Dalton was working with his wife…he at least needed to be polite for that reason alone.


The door opens, ringing the bell, though it’s not heard above the noisy chatter. The blonde young woman scans the room, a little nervously, though she holds her head high.

Spotting the large group, she looks at the faces, spotting one she knew. Misty. But she was busy with her friends… and the last she knew anyway, Misty was no longer a route to her destination. But hopefully this restaurant was.

She walks across the floor, determination in her step, her shoes clicking on the floor, her leather jacket swaying slightly over her jeans. Getting to the counter, she sits down on a stool and grabs a menu, though her eyes don’t stay on the prices. Instead they wander to where she could see through to the kitchen.

Carson is busy helping Herb make the pizzas when he gets the funny feeling he’s being watched. Though trying to hurry so he could leave in five minutes, he pauses and looks up.

Spotting the visitor, his eyes widen, the blood draining from his face. The bowl of sauce slips from his grip, crashing to the floor in a red mess.

Trying to get his concentration back, Carson is quick to clean everything up and stir a new batch, but he can’t stay for long. Before he goes crazy, he finally excuses himself. “Sorry, Herb. I’ll...I’ll be right back.

Taking off his apron, Carson slips out of the kitchen from the side to come around the outside of the counter. He stops several feet away from the woman, his eyes still wide, filled with rampant emotions. “Dani?”

She turns and throws him a look less than pleased. “Well, I guess you really do work here. Had a hard time finding you. Kind of a winding trail.”

Her irritated tone throws Carson into defensiveness, though his confusion lingers. “What…what are you doing here?”

Dani quirks one eyebrow. “No, ‘Hi, Dani’ no hug, no ‘how you been?’ I thought so.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I don’t know.” Dani turns back to her menu. “I don’t even know why I came. You’re busy. Go back to work.”

“No.” Carson steps closer. Half of him wanted to be upset with Dani’s attitude, and half of him wanted to draw her in for a hug. And still part of him felt like running and hiding for the way he’d treated her… or rather his lack of treatment since he’d seen her last. “Why did you come here?”

Dani scoffs and looks back at him. “You think I just happened to come here? Was on vacation and saw an Italian restaurant and decided to stop? Why else would I come but to find you?”

“Well why?”

“I don’t know.” Dani shakes her head. “A while back I would have said it was because I wanted to see you. Now I’m not sure. Maybe I just wanted to look you in the eye one more time and try to figure out how you played me for a fool.”

Carson dares to come even closer, leaning on the counter so he can see his sister’s face. “What are you talking about?”

Dani almost laughs. “You tell me. You’re the one that made promises to see me, but decided to drop off the face of the earth instead. Was it too hard to tell me you were alive? Too difficult to write? To expensive to call?”

Carson glances down, his face reddening as his guilt rises. Why did this have to happen here…in public? “Dani, can we just go somewhere quiet and talk?”

A smile creases Dani’s lips. “No, I don’t think so. It’s rather fun seeing you squirm at the moment.”’ She glances over to the table of people, and spots Misty. Turning back to Carson, she cocks her head. “I’d go say hi to Misty, but I heard you two-timed her. Way to go.”

Carson bristles. “Look, there’s a lot of things you don’t know, and obviously you’ve made some pretty big assumptions. So let’s just go somewhere else where we can talk, okay?”

“No. I’m staying here. Now, if you choose to walk away, that’s fine. I wouldn’t be surprised. You’d just be keeping up with your pattern.”

“Look, I’m sorry, okay?” Carson’s voice raises slightly. “I was just…it…I…”

“What?” Dani pushes him further. “You were just what? Too busy? Too arrogant? Too forgetful? I tried for months to get a hold of you! I’ve been worried sick, I’ve stewed about it, and I’ve busted my britches trying to figure out why on earth you’d show up from the dead, just to leave me high and dry again.”

Carson sets his hands on his hips, irritation overcoming the mixed emotions of seeing his sister. “So why now? Why did you pick now to come and yell at me?”

“Because the stars were right?”

“Why?” Carson demands sternly.

“I got fired from my job.” Tears spring into Dani’s eyes. “Figured it was time for a vacation. And I thought, what the hey, as long as the rest of my life is going down the tubes, I might as well come and say to your face what I’ve wanted to for a long time now.”

“Look, I’m sorry, okay?” Carson throws up his hands. “I screwed up. There. Is that what you wanted?”

“No!” Dani’s own voices raises, as the public atmosphere is forgotten.


Several eyes from the table look up as voice can be heard. A few confused looks are exchanged as to what’s going on, and who Carson is arguing with. Jason throws Misty a questioning glance. “Hey…is that his sister?”


“Well what did you want then? Do you want me to get on my knees? Apologize ten times? I can’t exactly buy back time.”

Dani slides off the stool to face her brother boldly. “I want to know why you left me high and dry. I want to know why you didn’t call or write or anything. Why, Carson? Why did you claim to have thought the world of me, just to forget about me like that?!”

Carson looks down, shaking his head slightly. He lets the argument pause for a moment before looking back up. His tone reflects anger to cover up his guilt and shame. “Maybe I didn’t feel worthy. Maybe I didn’t think I deserved to be your big brother anymore. Maybe in the beginning I was just plain scared I wasn’t good enough. Then maybe enough time had passed that by then I just figured you were better off forgetting about me.”

“That’s stupid,” Dani counters. “You had the decency to see me when my life was in danger, you could have at least let me know you were still alive.”

“What do you want me to say?” Carson holds out his hands to the side. “Take a good look. I’ve been a drunk. I’ve been an all-around scumbag. I’ve broken the law. I’ve been a liar and a two-timer.” He points toward the back hall. “Down there you’ll find a tiny room with all the stuff I own that will fit into one bag. Why? Because right now, that’s where I live. Why? Because I was stupid. I lost everything because I was a total idiot, made stupid decisions, and now I’m paying for it. I have nothing. Nothing, Dani, don’t you get it? Not a home, not even a car. Why would I want you here to see that? Why would I want to invite you into my life? Into a life that’s…that’s worthless?”

The rising emotions pool behind his eyes and he finally lowers his tone. “I’m sorry. I was wrong. And I guess I made the wrong choice…again.”

Feeling lower than the floor, Carson’s shoulders drop and he simply goes to a nearby booth, sliding in to sit and fold his arms to bury his face. He’d thought about seeing his sister again so many times…this kind of reunion was not at all what he’d pictured. It was just another nightmare… further aftermath of his own decisions.

Dani watches her brother walk away, a tear trickling down her cheek. She turns back to the counter to lean her elbows on it, trying to ignore eyes that she now realized were watching. She could feel Mabel near, and wanted to leave, but her feet felt glued to the floor. She was so angry at Carson… yet she could see that his eyes were clear… it was obvious he wasn’t drinking, and he didn’t even smell like smoke this time. But who was he?


Con’s eyes follow Carson to see him sit down…a scene that would make anyone soften. Con looks over to Nate with question, wondering if someone should interfere or not.

Kyle glances to Misty, then to Dalton who wouldn’t have a clue what any of this was going on, then back to Misty again.