Legacy

*Jess gives a small nod to Carson and smiles.*

"Ok sounds good. I look forward to seeing you both a little later tonight than."

*Standing Jess clears the plates and puts away some of the left overs before joining Carson at the door to see him off. Leaning in Jess gives him a quick kiss and smiles.*

"Thank you for the company."

*Angel gives a nod to Mick and leaves the room with great hast getting a hold of Wendy, than Rosetta and last Jeff. Once everyone is gathered and BJ is taken care of Angel starts the sergary with great hast. Jeff works with Angel as Rosetta sits and waits. Considering the delicasey of the situation Angel though it best she sat this on out.*

Sometimes when the people we love are in parel, weather we have controll over what happens, or we don't....

*Katie sits at her desk most of TJY quiet. She should be home, but she had to know, she had to find more information that said if Scott was alive or not. Doing her own file searching and doing her own computer searching Katie new she didn't quite know what she was doing but she had to try. There was no way she could give up, if Scott was alive he needed them.*

...a minute could seem like hours, and hours like days, days like weeks, and weeks like years. Time slipping through our fingers, as the click ticks and we race to do what we can...

"Jeff, give me that clamp state the artery isn't cooperating. Come on...hurry."

*Angel continues the work racing the clock. A few things had gone wrong but nothing to major. Still, time we of thee essence and to much time gone by could be fatil.*

...time, why was it our enemy, why was it our friend. The moment time was dreaded but soon, soon the sky would open up and time, time would no longer matter as those who were loved were together again, as life moved on and our friends stood by our side...

*Seeing the light on in Katie's cubicle still Dalton slowly make his way over not wanting to startle her. Looking in Katie's head was rested on the desk as a small dog was cuddled at her feet. Paper works spread out and her computer beeping. Fast asleep one could tell Katie was dreaming.

Gently Dalton enters and shuts the computer off before gives Katie a small shake.*

"Kit Kat, its almost 10. You should head home."

*Lifting her head with a jerk and a start Katie looks up at Dalton and than to her computer that was now shut off. She must of fallen a sleep. Grabing some paper work and a pen Katie continues to stair at the paper.*

"I can't, I'm not tired. I have to do this."

*Looking down on Katie with consern in his eyes he shakes his head before laying a hand on her shoulder. Dalton didn't offten show compation, and wasnt always friendly but something about Katie, just something about her cut through his hard shell and touch the small softness in his heart.*

"Your not going to be any good to anyone Kit Kat like this. You are tired. Go home, get some sleep, come back and work on it more tomarrow."

*Giving a sleepy nod Katie puts the papers in her desk and lets out a tired sigh standing.*

"I guess your right Hulk. Thanks."

*Grabbing her bag and picking up Domino along with her faverote chew toy Katie makes her way out of TJY.

Hey J, you up for come company?*

*Splashing water on her face and than drying it Angel gives a nod to Jeff.*

"Thanks for the help. Sometimes I would wonder what I would do without your help."

*Giving a smile Angel makes her way out from the back and to where Rosetta was sitting. Giving her friend a soft pat on the shoulder she nods.*

"Mick is going to be ok Rosetta. We had a few complacations, and some setbacks but we worked through it and he is resting now. If you want to go in and see him you can but he probley will be out of it from the anistedic for a little bit."

*Rosetta stands and gives Angel a hug. She was so thankful for her friends help and for her presence here at the ranch. Over the years there had been so many misshapes and things that had happend that Rosetta wasnt sure if any of them would still be here if it had not been for Angel.*

"Thank you!"

*Breaking away from Angel Rosetta makes her way down the hall and to the room where Mick was resting. Walking over to his bedside Rosetta leans out and gives him a soft kiss on the forhead. Pulling a chair up next to the bed she sits and interlocks her hand with him just holding it.

Her heart starting to stop its rappid beat as the fear starts to fade knowing now Mick was ok. No matter how many times someone got hurt, no matter how many spills where taken Rosetta would always worry.

But now Mick was ok and that is what matter. She'd stay with him for a little while till he was to wake so he did not have to be alone.*

...the people who mattered, the ones who always saw us through and loved us endlessly, those were the people that would be with us till the end of time. The ones who would always stand by our side and help us heal. Those were the ones that gave us hope and would carry on our legacy to the next.

Got a stop

Mick lets Angel check him over, even though he’s a bit uncomfortable with it. Once she tells him what is wrong, he lets out an irritated sigh. “Aw, great…”

He tries to stifle more coughing. “No, I don’t wanna go to no dang hospital. You should know better than that.” He winces as he tries to move. “This is all I needed… I’ll be laid up for weeks now, thanks to that dumb animal.”

Another coughing fit makes him cringe and double over where he sits on the table, and finally he just lies down, closing his eyes. Two hours ago he had felt decent…right about now he felt downright crappy. His body wanted to sleep, but he didn’t want to. He might just be showing grouchiness towards his condition, but on the inside, he was worried and just a little scared. This wasn’t something to kid around about. If he didn’t get into surgery soon, this could kill him.

“Get Rosetta,” he mumbles. “See if Wendy will watch BJ. Then call whoever you need to. I ain’t goin’ nowhere.”


Carson nods absentmindedly. “I might check out that gas station. No use checking anything else out that I’d have to drive to. Without my own set of wheels, there’s really no point.”

The rest of the meal is finished with light small talk until Carson has to leave again. He stands up from the table and stretches, yawning just a little. The late nights and early mornings were starting to get to him. “I better scoot. I got a stop to make on the way back, and then… Dani and I will swing by here about eight so we can go to the movies.”


…Jason sits on the floor of his office, files spread all around him. A can of pop is on his desk, a half-eaten candy bar close by. It was a poor substitute for the evening meal he’d missed, but it would do for now. He was tired, but he had to keep working. He knew there had to be a connecting link somewhere…there had to be a lead… no matter how small. There was always a lead eventually.

Trooper whines and stretches out beside his master, yawning.

Jason rests a hand on the dog’s head. “Yeah, I know it’s getting late. Just give me one more hour…just one.”

choose

*Slowly walking to the door Rosetta watch Mick cross the yard making sure he gets to Angel's ok before shutting the door behind her and returning to BJ's side to continue to keep him company.*

*Open the door Angel look at Mick with groggy eyes for a moment but snaps up as she relizes who it was and that something was wrong.*

"Dear goodness Mick, you look like you just got hit by a truck. Come in, come in."

*Moving out of the way a little Angel slings Mick's arm around her neck as she helps him to the table. Grabbing a few items she needed Angel continues her examanation of Mick checking him over. Looking at the bruses and the cuts, the bumps and all of the scrapes. Till the problem was finally found.*

"Well Mick I found the problem. It looks like you got a broken rib the puncured your lung."

*Angel walks over to the sink and wash up her hands before turning back to Mick and continuing to talk to him.*

"You have two choses. I can get someone in here to help me and I can fix you up myself or we can send you out to the hospetil where they are better equiped. Its totally up to you Mick and one way or the other I wont be ofended."

*Jess studys Carson for a long moment searching his eyes for the truth and wanting to believe what he said was the truth. Not knowing anything differnt for now its what Jess had to believe.

Taking another bit of her pizza Jess thinks for a moment on Carson's question. Finally answering.*

"I think there is a little gas station that is look for help just down the road from here, or see if the pizza box is looking for people. You can use my car."

Reasons?

Mick looks back up to Rosetta, his face reddening a little. He didn't like it that he couldn't just bounce back as easily as he used to...and it had been a rotten enough day the way it was. But he knew she was right...he knew he needed to go see Angel. He didn't feel right, no matter how he tried to make it seem he was okay.

"Alright." Mick's tone implied he wasn't happy, but he knew better than to keep arguing. Once Rosetta had her mind set, it was hard to change it, and right now he didn't have the energy for a fight. "I'll walk over there myself. Just let me get my shoes on and at least say hi to BJ."

Still fighting a cough, Mick slips his boots back on and wanders down the hall to the living room a bit gingerly, doing his best to act as though everything was fine. Finding BJ back in the living room, he ruffles the boy's hair. "Hey, Bud. Keep Mom company for a just a while longer, alright? And when I come back, we'll all play that game you've been wanting to, okay?"

He gives the boy a hug, then makes his way to the door again. Back outside, the chilly air just makes him cough all the more, and the pain increases along with his own worry. Getting to Angel's he knocks and leans on the doorframe, too weary to stand.


Carson pauses his eating and shakes his head. "You know good and well you wouldn't be imposing. You never impose." He tosses Jess a wink.

At her question, he takes almost too long to respond. "I go jogging...what can I say? I run into things that keep me, then I wind up late. I gotta be careful though, I think I'm starting to tick off Herb." He gives a little sigh, thinking for a couple moments as if contemplating something.

"Heard of anyone around here needing part-time work? If I'm ever gonna get anywhere, I'm going to need some extra cash."

Right there

*Looking at her husband sternly Rosetta takes Mick's hand to see the blood. He could say he was ok till he was blue in the face but Rosetta new better and deep down inside so did Mick.*

"Mick Henson, are you trying to make me a widow already and BJ without a father again? Everything is not ok if your coughing up this much blood. Your not as young as you use to be and need to take better care of your bumps and bruses. Now, you eather go see Angel or I will call her here one way or the other you are seeing her. I'm not losing you already."

*Rosetta's facule expression shows she means what she says though her eyes still hold a soft glow of caring. Finally having Mick, Rosetta was not willing to let him slip away again even if this really was nothing, that was a chanse she was not willing to take.*

*Getting a glass of water for herself and one for Carson Jess brings them to the table sitting down and digging into the pizza.*

"A movie sounds good. As long as I am not imposing I'd love to go with you guys. Your sister is real nice I liked her."

*Jess gives a smile as she takes a bit of her pizza and chews it. Having a new apartment was fun and having someone to shair time in it was even better.*

"So, how can you be late to work still when you live right there?"

*Jess gives a small laugh showing she found a little bit of humor in it.*

Nothing

Carson thinks for a moment. What he really would like is a cold beer. "Um....just get me water, thanks."

Sitting down at the table, his mind seems to wander for several minutes before getting it back on track and eating with Jess. "I gotta work 'til closing tonight. Got a late start this morning so I need to make it up. Dani wants me to go see a movie with her afterward...you're invited to join us if you want. I don't know what we're going to see."


Mick looks up as Rosetta enters the room, in too much pain to hide it entirely. His eyes drift down, one hand on his ribcage. "I'm okay...I just need to shake it off." He gives her a little nudge with his elbow, forcing a small grin. "I've had worse. Cyclone just had to have his last say."

He starts to chuckle, but winds up coughing instead. This time though, he can't deny he's hurt, when he withdraws his hand from his mouth, showing blood. He can only give his wife a sidelong glance, knowing good and well what she'll say, and also knowing that he didn't want to comply. "It's nothing."

Heart desires

*Jess smiles and lets out a sigh as she hops off the counter. Opening the fridge she cringes a little at the small salection she had and reminds herself to go shopping.*

"Well, I have water, a little bit of milk but I wouldnt trust it, and I have orange soda. So, you can have whatever your heart desires."

*Jess grabs two glass from the cupboard and waits for Carson's reply.*

*Hearing Mick come into the house again Rosetta looks up as he pass by the livingroom. Rosetta knows this was hard for Mick, his love for horses, and the pain of having to put the animle out of its misary would be weaghing heavy on his mind.

Continuing to wait Rosetta playing with BJ in the livingroom waiting for Mick to emerge once again so she can warm him up some supper. The longer Rosetta waits, and the longer Mick does not reappear Rosetta's worry grows. HEaring Mick go into another coughing fit Rosetta gives BJ a light pat on the head and tells him to wait here.

Exiting the living room and making her way down the hall Rosetta peeks in the bedroom to see Mick on the bed. Slowly walking in and sitting down next to him Rosetta lays a soft hand on his shoulder.*

"Mick, Hun you don't sound so good. If you took a spill on Cyclone you should go see Angel. I'm worryed about you."

Hurt?

Carson leans into Jess as she sits on the counter, his hand moving from her leg to her waist, the other bracing himself on the counter top. His pulse rate quickens at her touch as he returns the kiss passionately.

Drawing away, he tilts his head the other way just to return again, feeling the warmth of her breath on his face. Lunch was forgotten.

Finally though, Carson releases the exchange, pulling back just far enough to look Jess in the eye. Hers own shone back at him, proving the happiness she was feeling. Carson's voice is whispered. "Satisfied now?"

A sly grin quirks the edge of his mouth as he gazes at her. And then...something shifts. He blinks, his new gaze showing something else... something different. As if a passing thought had suddenly broken the moment.

Giving Jess' leg a pat, pulls her off the counter, and grabs the box of pizza. "Plates. And...got anything good to drink around here?"


Mick gives Rosetta a slight nod. "Alright...I'll be back." Giving her one last look, the turns again, heading back outside. His steps are deliberate but heavy as he aims for the corral.

When he gets there, Jeff already has Cyclone's bridle off, and is holding down the gelding's head so he doesn't move too much. He looks up as Mick approaches, knowing good and well what was about to happen. "Wouldn't you rather have Jim..."

"No. It will take too long. This poor brute is in pain."

...A shot echoes through the ranch yard, several people at work looking up in question as to what was going on...

Mick trudges from the barn, a shovel slung over his shoulder.

"Mick...you're not in great shape." Jeff walks along side with another shovel. "Let me do this. Go get yourself cleaned up."

"No..." Mick shakes his head. "I started this...I'll finish it."

"But..."

Mick stops and throws Jeff a glare. "Let me make myself clear."

"Alright, alright." Jeff holds up a hand in surrender. "At least let me help."

Mick doesn't answer him, but continues his trek down the lane, plenty of distance behind the barns. It takes several hours of hard labor before the task is complete, the tractor bringing back both men from a task neither wanted to do again. Jeff offers to put everything away, and Mick makes his way back to the house, hurting and worn out. Halfway there, he realizes his tack is still out by the corral. Another trip, another set of steps that felt like miles. How he hated days like this. What if he'd done things differently? What if he'd skipped today's workout? What if he'd been more prepared?

He heaves a weary sigh and finally is able to head to the house. He knew dinner was long over and was sorry he was late for Rosetta, but there wasn't a whole lot he could have done about it. Limping a little, he heads up the porch and inside, taking off his hat and jacket to hang them up. He glances to the gash in his shoulder. It was dried up by now, but he needed to get cleaned up, preferably before BJ saw him.

Hearing Rosetta and BJ in the living room, he is quick to walk past without the child's eyes spotting him, though he does catch Rosetta's stare, letting her know that he was back.

Undressing for a shower, Mick coughs, wincing and holding his ribs. He should have been quicker to bail out of the saddle so he could fall properly. But it was too late now. Coughing again, he tastes blood, the same as he had earlier. "Dang it." It was probably nothing... He ignores it, and takes his shower, bandaging up his own arm and getting clean clothes on. Easing down on the bed though, exhaustion is pulling at him, despite his hunger. Maybe just ten minutes...

He lies down on top of the covers, tucking his bare feet under a blanket and laying on his uninjured side. Lying down proves to be a mistake though as he starts to cough again. He hurt more than he'd like to admit, and it was just getting worse. He'd taken rougher falls before...surely he could shake this off. The coughing persists though, and he finally has to sit back up. He didn't want to worry himself or anybody else, and he certainly didn't want to have to go see Angel. But the more blood that came up, the more his concern grew. His appetite was diminishing too, and right about now, he was feeling on the verge of sick.


Yeah, I know... I just want this to be over too. I thought at least this part of it was... but yeah... I don't want to be too late either. The only thing that bothers me is Reese. I don't understand why he just wanted to drop this. He didn't even act like it was even worth looking into.

Jason sighs, landing on the number he was looking for.

Actually...yeah, Rosetta and Mick might be able to help out some. First though, I'm after another Texan. I want to see what he says...in the meantime though, if you do want to call your aunt, feel free.

He picks up his phone and dials. It was a long shot, but it's all he had...


Luke reaches for the bedside phone as it rings, knowing Angel was in the office and might not hear it. "Hello?"

"Hi, Luke. This is Jason Stevenson."

"Jason?" Luke raises his eyebrows, and scoots up farther on the bed to sit up. "Well hi. What's up?"

"Actually, I'm needing some information. But first, how ya doing?"

Luke manages a chuckle. "Other than hardly being able to get out of bed the last few days, I'm okay."

"That's rough."

"Oh...I guess I get used to it." Maybe that was a lie, but it sounded good.

"Yeah, right."

Luke grins. Jason was too smart. "So what do you need?"

"Well...we got kind of a case going here... gotta keep it under wraps though."

"Kind of a case? What type of case is that?"

"An unofficial one. In other words...don't alert Austin."

Luke smiles a little. "Alright. I can do that."

"Good. We, um...we're looking at the possibility of an Agency location in Washington. Since you were in that area, I thought maybe you might be able to help us out."

"How'd you know..."

Jason chuckles. "Don't forget I got a hold on everyone's profiles before coming to Texas."

Luke shakes his head, amused. "Alright. Well...yeah, I was there for quite a while."

"Okay, so..." Jason proceeds to ask questions, gain insight and work through a few more things.

Finally ending the call, Luke sinks back down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Jason hadn't told him why they were looking into so much in Washington.... and he hadn't asked. It was odd though that Austin couldn't know about it...Luke would just have to trust Jason on that one.


Well, I got some info from Luke Trahern... He admitted there were a few strange things going on in Washington when he lived there. Also a few areas we might be able to check out a little deeper. Though he's always said he was just living life and not investigating, he did do some casual snooping and it might be just enough for us to get a lead on the Agency again.

Jason closes a filing folder and scoots his chair back to his desk. He had to get some of his normal work done before Reese found out he'd been working on something out. Feeling a little woozy though, he glances at the clock and realizes that the lunch hour had come and gone.

Wanna do lunch? I need to eat one way or another.

Lips Can't

*Rosetta lays a hand on Mick's shoulder. She new he had to do was he was about to and she new it was so hard.*

"Don't blame youself Hun."

*Leaning over Rosetta gives Mick a quick kiss. She new anything she said would not make the situation better but she could hope to try and make him feel a little more at ease.*

"I'll keep BJ busy. Dinner will be done shortly so when your hungry come on in, ok?"

*Offering Mick a soft smile Rosetta turns to try and find BJ.*


*Leaning aganst the counter with Carson close to her Jess can't help the grin that plays on her lips. Jumping up on the counter so she is eye level with Carson Jess wraps her lags around his waist and pulls him close to her. Drawing her lips close to Carson Jess whispers.*

"I don't think I ever could have enough of you. My stomach can wait, my lips can't."

*Bring her lips to Carson's once more Jess press them fermly aganst his own. Her amrs finding his back, and the other the back of his head than the side of his face and down his neck before retreating back to his head. The moment lingered, the passion continuing the happyness coursing through Jess.*

* I'll be ok, I'm always ok. I just don't want to find him and relize we were to late. Or know he is alive and not know where. I just want this to be done and over with. Everyone has been through to much.

Katie looks through some files on the computer trying her best to keep on task. If they were going to do this and not lead on to it she had to keep up with her work. It was hard though, oh so hard to know that maybe just maybe Scott was out there hurt, or even worse.

Hey I was thinking J, do you think talking to my Aunt and Uncle would help any? I mean they have been dealing with the Agency for years and they might have some helpful information that could help.*

Least of all

Mick swipes the side of his head with the back of his hand, his jaw set firmly. Looking at Rosetta, it’s plain to see that this pains him more than anything.

“His foreleg is broken in more place than one… trying to fix it would just put us and him through heck, not to mention the bills. Even if it were possible to get him back on his feet, he’d never carry a rider well… and he went berserk on me out there… he’d never be a safe one to ride.”

Mick pauses, swallowing hard, and trying to ignore his physical pain for now. “I’m sorry. Maybe I took him on too soon…”

Emotions rising again, he turns to leave. “Just keep BJ away… I don’t want him to see this.”


Carson returns Jess’ kiss, his own grip tightening around her, bringing her even closer against him. His hand moves to cradle the back of her head, the other caressing the side of her face, his thumb slowly running along her cheek.

As she pulls away, his eyes display mischief mixed with disappointment, the edges of his mouth starting to grin.

Keeping his arms around Jess, he walks behind her, just to teasingly pull her away from the cupboard just as she reaches for the plates. “I think lunch can wait another…” He leans down over her shoulder to kiss her cheek. “Two minutes?”

His arms slide together around her waist before he turns her around again, backing her up against the counter. “Unless you’re really that hungry and you’ve had enough of me for one day.”


I can't stop thinking about it either.

Jason flips through some files, running his finger down to a list of phone numbers. Some had been scratched out and rewritten. He stops, still unable to concentrate.

I don't know... I don't know if he's really alive or not. The Agency is crooked enough to hold him.. and who better to hold than the one guy who could royally hack our system?

Jason tries to set his mind straight and clear his thoughts, but it just won't work.

I just don't want to even hope that he's alive though... after all we've been through... I just don't want to hope and then be disappointed... least of all you.

Craving

*Rosetta looks up from the pot of stew on the stove he was cooking hearing Mick. Though her face drains of the blood when she see him. The cut on his head still oozing blood, and the gun in hand Rosetta new all was not right.

Coming around the counter she heads twords Mick worry in her eyes.*

"Mick, whats wrong what happend?"

*Looking out the front door just a little she can't see much but last she new Mick was training Cyclone again. Rosetta hated to think that the horse was going to be lost. He has such a promising furure and it was the last horse before winter Rosetta was going to be able to buy.*

"He's hurt that bad? Theres no hope for him at all?"

*Rosetta's eyes held promise, hope though she new this happend often she hated when it did. Weather she spent much time with them or not she was the one who hand picked them and they her a certin meaning to her. For one reason or other weather is was bloodline or history in the horses famile she picked them out with a pourpis and a reason. To lose one was like losing a dream.*

*As Carson's arm wraps around her waist Jess brings her arms around his neck. Stairing deep into his eyes her own lips upturn in a smile as her heart pound in her own chest.*

"Mmmm...pizza is always good, and as long as you come with it you tast sweeter than a milkshake and will satisfy my craving for something."

*Pressing her lips to Carson's Jess engages for a moment in a kiss of passion.One she could never tire of. Bring her hand to his back and running the other through his hair Jess lets the kiss linger for a long moment.

Finally though she breaks away a smile still on her face and Carson's arms still around her she turns so she has her back to him and walks with him close behind holding her into the kitchen to grab some plates.*

*Still a bit leery Dalton gives a nod and goes back to work. If doing this ment maybe making some friends that it was worth it in the long run. Anyways Jason said he could blame him if all else failed.*

*Turning Katie goes back to her own work though the day is long and drags.

I can't stop thinking about this whole thing J.

Talking and keeping a secret with Jason was easy because they didnt have to use words to comunicat anymore. No onw know when they were talked to eachother or about what. In a was it was kind of nice to keep things privet that way.

What if Scott really is alive, do you think The Agency would keep him that way?

Trying to go back to her work Katie keeps Domino close to her, sometimes it almost felt like Scott himself was there. His smell still lingered on the dog and it made Katie only hope she was alive even more. The office wasnt the same with out him.*

Sickening job

Jason is relieved that Dalton agrees to help. The tech guy seemed less than sociable, a little too cocky, and distrusting to boot. But at least he was willing to help them out with this one. "Thanks, Dalton."

Jason and Katie head back to his office, working some, though too anxious about Dalton's work. Finally hearing from him, Jason gives a start, all ears. 'That's awesome, Dalton."

Yeah... it is something... At the very least, we might get a track on the Agency if they're the ones that hacked us. If not then...we've still done TJY a favor, Scott or no Scott, and Reese can't be too displeased with us for that.

"We'll be right in to take a look."

Jason nods to Katie. "Alright, let's go see what he's got."

Making sure she comes with him, Jason heads to Dalton's office once again. This time he knocks before entering, showing a little more respect. Once inside, he shuts the door again, ensuring that no one else is listening. "Okay..." He moves around the desk to see what Dalton has found. His eyebrows raise. "Washington state? That's interesting."

He sighs and straightens, folding his arms across his chest. "So they might be located there...and they hacked our system...whoever it is." He starts to pace, his mind reeling. "It has to be Agency related, whether it's Scott or not. Because if it is him, then it's obviously got something to do with the Agency. And if it's not him, they're just toying with our heads. But..."

Jason pauses, turning to look at Katie and Dalton again. "If it was the Agency trying to toy with us, I can almost guarantee that we got the location wrong...though I'd be surprised they'd let us find a location at all. That's not like them."

He bites his lip, his emotions starting to rage again.

It's got to be Scott...anything else just doesn't make sense.

"I say we start doing a little more digging. Dalton, keep on doing your thing... Keep it quiet, so do your other work first, but keep digging on the side. Katie, I want you to go file hunting and find the last time this system was hacked into. I know it's been done by the Agency at least once before... I want to know what happened that time, and if it was similar to this... We might be able to narrow down motives that way. And me... I've got someone to call who may know that area of Washington and might have some information they don't even know they have."

Jason stops again, looking between Katie and Dalton. "Keep low for now... If we find anything substantial, we go to Reese. For now I say keep quiet just because he didn't initiate this. No one's going to lose their jobs." He eyes Dalton on purpose. "And if Reese questions you, dump it back on me. He'll give me heck but he won't do anything drastic." He quirks a crooked grin. "Every once in a while someone does something around here that's not quite...on record. Reese isn't a bad guy."

Jason paces a moment more, then halts at the door. "Alright. I say we get back to work then."


Carson grins as Jess lets him in, returning her kiss. "Mm...getting greeted like that, it's always good to see you too." A chuckle escapes and he taps her chin with a knuckle. "How could I forget about you?"

Coming farther into her house, he sets the box down on the kitchen counter and turns around in time to catch Jess by the waist, spinning her around to face him. "I made your favorite just for you. I woulda brought a milkshake but...it would've melted next to the pizza."


Cyclone refuses to stop, clinching the bit in his teeth and arching his neck, barging against the pressure. A curse slips out under Mick's breath as he tries to bring the half-running, half-bucking horse under control.

The gelding refuses to heed, worse than the days before, paying no attention to his rider's commands. Totally out of control, Cyclone charges, straight for the fence.

With no time to bail, Mick hears the sickening crack of fence rails being ripped apart. He tries to pull Cyclone's head up, but it's too late. Horse and rider go down.

The next few seconds are a blur. Mick can feel the weight of the horse coming down on his leg, and a shooting pain goes down his arm.

Then...silence.

Mick tries to catch his breath, squinting through the dust. He coughs, wincing as his ribs move. Trying to right himself, his mind clears enough for him to realize that his leg is pinned underneath Cyclone, and they're both in a heap on the other side of the fence, broken rails and all.

Straining though it hurts, Mick manages to somehow wriggle out from under the horse and rubs his knee gingerly, though nothing appears to be broken. Blood oozes from a gash in his forearm, received from a splintered rail. But his concentration is quickly diverted to the horse.

Moving around to the other side, Mick kneels by the sweaty, heavily-breathing animal. A lump rises in his throat as he sees the mangled leg. Pulling off his gloves, he wipes the sweat from his brow, then lays a hand on Cyclone's neck. The horse wasn't going anywhere.

Mick stands, putting his gloves in his back pocket and turns to walk back across the corral. He favors his right leg, and ignores his throbbing ribs and bleeding shoulder.

"Mick! You alright?" Jeff comes running up to him, worry in his eyes. "What happened."

Mick shakes his head and keeps walking. "I'll be fine. Just...don't let anyone back here."

Jeff stops though Mick keeps walking, and looks ahead to where the horse was. A sickening feeling rises in his stomach.

Mick gets to the house and climbs the porch with a hardness in his stare. He was about to do what he hated the most, and all emotion had to be ignored to be able to do it. Dirty and bloody himself, he enters the house, going straight for the closet. He sees Rosetta, but says nothing, reaching above the coats to retrieve his rifle. Grabbing his ammunition, he loads it with skill.

Taking the gun in one hand, he finally looks to Rosetta. "Keep BJ in the house until I come back."

WiFi

*Katie stands listing to Reese her own emotions slowly bubbled though she tried to keep the lid semi closed on them to not drive anyone through the roof.

It was true that this might be the agency, they could be using this to lure them out for something bigger but yet, there was still something there, something that said Scott very well might be alive. That in itself could not be pushed under the carpet and it killed Katie to think Reese would just brush it off.

Once Reese leaves the office Katie looks back at Jason. Much emotions was pooling behind her eyes that much could be seen. *

"I agree. I can't let this go knowing that Scott...just...might be alive. I just can't."

*Katie gives a small nod.

Disappointed or not we owe this to Scott. I'm with you on this.

Closely Katie follows Jason from his office scanning the floor quickly. Once at Dalton's office Katie slides in with Jason and stands close to him not sure what to say but listing for now.*

*As Katie and Jason enter his office Dalton looks up. Quirking an annoyed eyebrow by the intaruption and the failure of the knock her sets his hands on the desk. Listing fast Dalton finally clears his throut. He new who Scott was, he was the tech guy that everyone kept compairing him too and obvesly they didnt like him as much.*

"Well first I don't know if going behind Reese is a good thing He's my boss and if I get caught I could lose my job, but..I am good and if I need to do this to prove that to you and everyone alse than I will. Next I know Scott means alot to you all and if he is alive that would be good."

*Dalton can't help the question the stirs in my. If Scott was found did that mean He would be out of a job? Where did that put him? Trying to push the questions of his mind Dalton trys to focus.*

"Ok, I'll see what I can do."

*Kaite shifts just a little as she studys Dalton. He was defintly full of himself but there was something that stuck out, just something about him Katie felt comfortable with. She wasnt sure what it was but she felt she could in fact trust him.

I'm pretty sure if I am reading him right we can.*

"Hulk, this would mean alot. We KNOW your good and that is why we are asking you."

*Dalton looks to Katie, and gives a small smile. She was so young, so much life lived in her. Her was a genuin person in what she said.*

"Ok Kit Kat, I'll see what I can do but I am not making any promises that I can get anything that will help."

And so the time goes by and it seems like hours takes days. The information that was being look for took some work and those trying to get it became frustrated but no more than an hour had gone by and finally was was being looked for was found.

*Dalton pushs the button on his intercome for Jason's office where he new Katie and he both would be. Taping the pen on his paper for a moment Dalton is silent looking over the information he had gathered. Finally letting out a sigh she starts talking.*

" Hotshot, Kit Kat I got that information you wanted. Is it ok to talk now?"

"Yeah Hulk its just J and I."

"Ok well it looked like they were using a wifi connection. It's harder to track because its through sattalight internet but with a little work I got it. I have a map here of a raidus area of where the signal could of come from if you want to come and take a look. It's not much but its something."

*Katie looks to Jason and gives a small nod.

Its not much but its something.

She wanted to hope Scott was ok, but she didn't want to hope to much in case it was not real at all.*

*Jess can't help the smile that spreads across her face as she opens the door and finds Carson standing there with the pizza. It was always good seeing him and it always made her smile to be remembered.*

"Well well well look who it is. I was starting to think you really had forgotten about little old me."

*Giving another smile Jess steps out of the way to let Carson step in. Leaning in she gives him a kiss on the lips.*

"It's always good to see you."

No way out

Reese looks up quickly as the strange message disappears from his computer. Attempting to enter his files, it works this time, and he grins. "Hey, Dalton. Good job."


Jason's jaw is tight as he stares at the paper, then looks back up to Katie. "I don't know... I want to believe this is true, but I'm too afraid that it's just some sick joke the Agency is playing on us." He sets the paper down and goes for his phone. "Reese."

"Yeah."

"Come to my office."

"Now? I just..."

"Yes, now. Please. Katie and I need to see you."

"Alright, alright. I'm coming."

Jason hangs up and sighs. He can feel his emotions starting to churn and does his best to keep a lid on them. Pacing the floor, he's quiet until Reese comes.

"Jase, what is it?"

Jason motions for him to shut the door.

Reese obeys, and comes closer, setting a hand on Trooper's head absentmindedly. "What's wrong?"

"That strange message....I deciphered it." Jason points to the paper on his desk. "I've only shown Katie."

Reese's eyes widen and he picks up the paper. "Ireland's neighbor... Scott?"

Jason nods. "What do you think?"

"I...I don't know." Reese blinks and tries to collect his thoughts. "We...I mean..." He glances at Katie, not wanting this to be too painful, but he has to talk it through. "We saw that house blow up and....there was nothing left."

Jason sets his hands on his hips. "I know. But what if..."

"I don't even want anyone to hope this is true," Reese cuts him off. His tone is slightly stern. "This is the way the Agency plays. Don't forget that. Scott died. We all saw it. Medridge is trying to get to us and we can't let him." He cocks his head to catch Jason's eyes. "You got that? Hotshot?"

"Yeah, yeah." Jason rubs the back of his neck wearily. "So now what?"

"We let it sit." Reese sets the paper back down. "I'll have Dalton put up some new securities to ensure the Agency can't get in. And then we pray they didn't get much."

"Alright." Jason watches Reese leave, then stares at the shut door for several quiet moments. His emotions continued to boil and he lets them seep out. Distrust... disbelief... loyalty... anger... remorse... Adrenaline stirred them all together, bringing them to the surface.

He shifts his gaze to Katie. "I can't just let this go."
I know this is irrational. "I don't think Reese is right."
I know I can't believe it, and I know this could be a major disappointment. "I can't sit and do nothing..."

Jason stops, searching Katie's eyes. I don't want you to be disappointed either. You've been hurt enough. But he knew what she would say. "We can't say anything to Reese. Come on." Grabbing the paper, he heads for the door, making sure Katie comes with him.

Heading down the hall, he goes to Dalton's office and enter without knocking, letting Katie in, then shutting the door again. "Sorry to barge in on you, Hulk, but we got a mystery to solve." Jason approaches the desk, taking an authoritative stance. "Reese has probably already told you to reset security... but I got a side job for you. If you're any good, I want you to try and track the activity that went on this morning. Get a trace on something...anything. I don't care if it's the operating system they used, their internet carrier or simply how long they were in. I'm looking for a location at the very most."

Jason pauses and shows Dalton the paper. "There's a slim chance our friend is still alive. But there's a catch. You can't tell Reese any of this. He thinks it's a hoax, and he might be.... he's probably right. But I don't want to miss a chance, even if it's a slim one."

Hero, I hope we can trust this guy.


"Delivery!" Carson raps a knuckle on Jess' door, a box from Mom and Pop's in hand. It was unmarked, but inside was pizza. The restaurant didn't have delivery, but Carson was on an extended break, and he knew Jess didn't have to work 'til second shift today. It had been a nippy walk, and he hadn't called first, but he figured it would be a nice surprise. It was a whole lot better than staying alone doing nothing for several hours.


The pain that ran down Scott's arms, neck and back was beginning to numb. His hands were strung up above his head, stretching him out so he couldn't move. The cement room was dark and damp. His head hung down, consciousness something that he was beginning to hate. He hadn't told them. They didn't know. He hadn't helped them. But they wouldn't stop. He'd given them bogus information that had messed with their own system. The result was this position now. There was no end. There was no way out.

White Rabbit

* False hope of what? What's going on J?

Katie enters the office and walks over to Jason's desk looking down at the paper he was looking at trying to see what he was talking about. As the paper turns and Katie looks down at it and the words her head gives a sudden leap in her throat.

Sc....Scoott's alive..but how? Thats not possbale, we saw....I...*

"Why would someone use Scott to get to us though. I don't see any other reason than what is in front of us. but...."

* Katie thinks for a long moment.

...Could the white rabbit just have been captured in wonderland?

Like a lightbulb going off Katie sits up for a moment.*

"Thats it, that has to be it."

*Going around to the other side of Jason's desk Katie dials on the intercom for Dalton's office.*

"Dalton, I thought of something alse for you to try."

"Ok what do ya got for me?"

"Try Alice. Try the password as Alice."

"Alright one second."

*Clicking can be hurd on the other line and than a suddon beep.*

"Kit Kat your a geanus. How did you figure that out?"

"Lucky Guess. Thanks Dalton."

*After hanging up the phone Katie looks at Jason's computer screen as his system resets itself. Turning to Jason Katie gives a small smile though there was a hidden pain behind her eyes.*

"Now what? Should we tell Reese about the message or wait?"

The Lord is my Shepherd

Trooper greets Katie at the door without so much as a low 'woof', sidling up to her and licking her hand.

Jason looks up quickly, standing by his desk with his hand on the paper he'd been writing on. The tension can be felt, and shows in his face.

Sorry you had to go through all that... I know it couldn't have been easy.

He swallows hard, the confusion lingering. "I...I worked with that message that popped up. And..." He hesitates.

I don't want false hope to arise... I don't want to assume... I don't want to believe something that isn't true...

"I figured out it was a word scramble and a riddle combined. And only someone who knew Scott and was from TJY would figure it out."

Jason pauses again, searching Katie's eyes. Finally he turns his paper around so she can see the words he had written. Ireland's Neighbor is alive.

"Someone purposely bashed our system to get our attention...so we'd see this message... "

It's not the Agency's style to fool us with puzzles as communication... it's not their style to not have caused more damage if they're the ones that hacked in. But I don't want to hope... I'm afraid to... But what if this is somehow true?


"He won't talk."

Two rough henchmen drag a limp and beaten victim into the room with the bright light. His head hangs. He doesn't try to look up.

The one sitting rolls his eyes. "Then you haven't tried everything yet, now have you?" He gets up from his chair, walking over to the victim who was slung between the other two men. He reaches out to tilt his chin up.

Scott squints out one eye to make out the angry face before him, but makes no move.

The ringleader sends a fist into Scott's gut. "People like you suffer." Another jab goes to the ribs. "People like you wish they were dead long before we let them die." A right hook catches his jaw. "People like you beg for mercy by the time we're done." The ringleader sneers. "Tell us what we need to know. Or these two are going to show you what torture means."

Scott's head remains hanging, a drop of blood falling to the floor. His voice is a forced whisper. "The Lord is my shepherd...I shall not want...He leads me..."

The ringleader scoffs and backs off. "Great. He's a fruitcake."

"He's been doing that the whole time." One of the goons rolls his eyes. "He's some sort of religious freak. We can't get him to shut up."

"Make him!" The ringleader's hieghtened tone indicates his lack of paitience. "I want that information by tonight!"

pass

"....try Domino. That might be it, thats the name of his dog."

*Katie sits with her elbows on Dalton's desk. They had been at this for a while now and it was a bit frustrating. They had tryed almost everything Katie could think of that had to do with Scott. Getting Jason's message Katie can't help but small a little though still feeling akward.

Yeah, I guess I am on his good side. Though I have to admit even being able to accept Scott being gone it still hurts to pull up these memories.

Letting out a small sigh Katie leans her head down on the desk for a moment trying to think.*

"...Try moutain Dew."

*The time pass as Katie and Dalton continue to work. It seemed almost hopless. Neather being able to figure it out, and Dalton moving on to try some other things. Getting Jason's message again and hearing the urgentcy of it Kaite stands and gives an apploigetic look to Dalton.*

"Sorry Dalton I need to head out and get a little frish air. Gonna see Jason fast too. Sorry I couldent be more help."

*Not even lookng up from the computer Dalton gives a small nod.*

"Thanks for trying Kit Kat. I know it was hard."

*As Katie leave the office and closes the door behind her all that can be hurd is the clicking on the keys and for a moment a sicking pain in her stomach as she remembers closes the door some seeing Scott. Shaking her head Katie refocuses and heads for Jason's office. Knocking on the door softly Katie opens the door slowly knowing Jason would know it was her.*

"Hey J. Whats up?"

*Entering the rest of the way Katie closes the door again.*

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."