Embarrassment

Scott flinches away from Misty's hand, then realizing it was just her, he tries to relax. Still shaking and gasping for breath, he tries to regain control, though feeling totally out of control.

Finally calm enough to sit up straighter, he pulls his knees up to his chest and rests his chin on them, glancing up at Misty. "Sorry," he manages quietly. Swallowing hard, he tries to forget about the dream, but he can't. It was one thing to wake up screaming and be scared of his own shadow. It was another to realize it and be unable to stop it. He knew no one here held anything against him, but it didn't seem to matter... he still felt foolish and embarrassed.

"I just keep seeing it over and over," he whispers. "They killed her... right there. And I couldn't do anything. I was...too weak."

Closing his eyes, Scott slowly lies back down, turning on his side again. If he could go back... oh, if he could go back... what he wouldn't give.

Rick reenters the infirmary, and seeing Misty at Scott's bed, he instinctively knows that something had changed. Coming over slowly, he sees the far away look in Scott's eye, and knows he must have had another nightmare.

Sighing, he relieves Misty, then gives Scott something to help him sleep. Rick didn't like giving him any more medications, but if it would help him sleep more calmly, for now, it was worth it.


Reese listens to his voicemail, then sighs deeply, setting his phone back down again. He sat alone in his dark living room, the television long since being shut off.

He'd been so strong all day... trying not to let circumstances bother him... trying to see the logic and make decisions based on that logic rather than emotions. But in the end... he was hurting as much as the next Elite agent. Austin had been a friend... now he was an enemy, and Reese didn't even understand why.

Though Brown had tried to offer hope, Reese just wasn't sure what all really was going to happen, or really what all could be done. Only time would tell.

Reaching to the side, his fingers find the cool picture frame, and he brings it so he can see it, able to make out the photo in the moonlight streaming in through the window. Wyatt's boyish eyes twinkle with mischief, and Reese's wife waves at the camera.

"What am I to do now?" he whispers in the dark. "This was my life's work..."


Axel looks up to squint into the headlights, holding up a hand to block the glare.

Invited to a ride, he hesitates just a moment. First, what on earth was Jess doing out here? And second, he wasn’t exactly in a position that he appreciated being seen in.

At the same time though, it would be stupid to turn down a ride. He really was cold, and he did trust Jess.

Pursing his lips in thought, he finally opts to accept. Getting up to open the door, then sliding in the passenger seat, he feels relief from the warmth of being out of the elements. Rubbing his hands a little, he draws his knees together and curls his feet under the seat, trying to get them to warm back up again.

“I think your rainbow was starting to turn to ice crystals,” he muses wryly.

As they start forward, a dry laugh escapes and he shakes his head, giving a little groan. “I, um…I have this thing about walking barefoot in the middle of the night… wandering streets for the fun of it.” He winces and leans down to rub the bottom of one foot. “Picking up glass with my feet.”

Straightening, he leans back in the seat, closing his eyes for a moment. He knew Jess wouldn’t ask, but he should tell her anyway before any assumptions arose. He knew the danger in that. At the same time, his hesitance was born of the embarrassment of being found in this vulnerable position. It wasn’t one he particularly enjoyed.

“I almost stepped out of a moving tour buss once. If it wasn’t for Taylor, I would have. She ended up with a black eye, but saved my life that time.”

Opening his eyes again, he turns his head to look at Jess for a moment. “Some hobby, eh?” He smirks. “They call it sleepwalking. I call it a misfire in my brain.”

Pausing again, he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Unfortunately, a set of wrenches can’t fix this problem. Been a while since I’ve wound up out in the middle of nowhere though… I thought maybe I’d finally gotten rid of it.”

He shakes his head again. “Thanks for stopping, Jess. Your timing is impeccable.”

Rain Cloud

Giving a nod Dalton turns to head out of the office not saying another word. Though passing Susanne's office something not often seen forms on his lips a slight smile. He came he did what he needed to and now he would have an assistent.

Heading back to Scott and his office He continues his day keeping the good news in the back of his mind to tell Scott when he saw him next.

Once again the day plays on like an old song. The people come, and people go some spending more time than they need but getting lost in work can sometimes do that.

Hearing Scott's outburst Misty's head shoots up from what she was doing as she is on her feet fast making her way over to Scott. Laying a soft hand on his arm Misty trys to keep her voice soft.

"Shhh...its ok Scott. It was only a dream. Your at TJY your safe."

Sitting with Scott Misty just lets him know she is there. What alse could she do..Rick would be back in a moment and would know what to do more than she would. Right now all she could do was show comfort to him and let him know he was ok.

Giving a sigh Nate holds his phone in his hand. It was late but he wanted to call Reese and let him know about what happend today anyways. He was upset about it and just needed to get it off his chest before he did anything he regreted. Dialing Reese number Nate waits, hearing the voice mail pick up it didnt saprise him.

"Reese its Nate. I just needed to talk to someone even if it was you voice mail. Reese...Ty got fired. I dont think Austin new I over heard but I was heading down stairs to look at some old files and I hurd them. He forced him to quit so he didnt have to fire him. Something about since he couldnt read maybe he would be better alse where. I was so upset I just wanted to knock him out right there. But I held back and no one knows I know. I just needed to tell someone. I guess I'll let you go now Reese you need anything let me know."

Hanging up the phone a sadness looms in Nates eyes, what was happing. Finally letting out a heavy sigh Nate makes his way inside to settle in for the night.

Tapping her fingers to the beat on the radio Jess drives down the road. It was the middle of the night but she couldnt sleep. Her mind raced with some many things. Jess had gone to see Carson tonight but she found Mom and Pop's empty so a drive alone was what she had to settle for.

The events of the last few days weaghing heavy on her mind Jess wasnt sure what one to preocess first. Just everything seemed to come up at once it was hard to make sence of anything.

Pulling down another street a single lamp post lights up a bench where a familure figure sits on the bench. No shoes, and no jacket Jess could tell the person was cold. She didnt make a habbit of picking up people from the side of the road in the middle of the night but this was differnt. Axel was a long way from home and freezing half to death. This time she could make an exception.

Pulling along on the side of the road Jess rolls down the window and calls out.

"It looks like the rainbow could use a rain cloude to ride on for a while before it freezes to death. Hope in Axel and let me take you home. Its to cold for you to be out here like this."

Jess offers a smile as she watchs him not sure what he will do or say. Her own questions lingering in her eye but they could wait her friends health was more important.

Confusion

As Nate speaks, Reese purses his lips in a partial smile, wishing these were different circumstances, but appreciating Nate's words more than most knew. It wasn't easy leading the group at TJY... but allowed that position, Reese had always done his best and cared about those who were under him.

Brown nods slowly, not surprised by Nate's statement, and glad that he seemed to be loyal to both the Elite and the leadership.

"Well..." He looks back to Reese. "I think we know where Nate stands, and... if my hunch is right, I think everybody else would feel the same way."

"Probably." Reese doesn't want to be proud, but knows it's the truth. "I honestly don't know which steps to take though. My first thought is to go in guns blazing and fight this thing. I want to get written statements from all the agents to prove we are in agreement, then go to a judge and have Austin's position threatened at the very least - removed at the most. That's what I want. But..."

He pauses, suddenly deep in thought. "What if we sit back and watch?"

Brown cocks his head. "You'll be out of a job."

"I can survive for a little while. I'd like to figure out what Austin's angle is... why he's doing these things. It's not the Austin I used to know... or at least thought I knew. I guess part of me wants to sit back and see how far he'll go."

"Give him enough rope to hang himself, in other words."

"Basically."

"What about other employees? They'll suffer in the meantime."

Reese thinks for a moment. "If Austin fires anyone else... perhaps those people can be consulted on the side, after they've left. I'm willing to compensate for their pay until we figure this out."

"And... you'd have them hired back?"

"Could I?"

Brown shrugs. "Depends on the situation. There again, it's going to be a matter of regulations versus popular vote, versus the law. If the staff lets him, Austin can stick around forever. If they're willing to make a stand, then they can get rid of him. But... like you said... you want to figure out what his motives are, and getting rid of him now won't do that."

Reese sighs deeply and glances at Nate. "I don't know... I just don't know."

"What if you were put in charge of the Elite?" Brown asks.

Reese lifts his eyebrows a little. "You mean be the head instead of Austin?"

"Yes."

Reese swallows hard. He'd been running things whenever Austin had been gone, but had always been under his direction or Carter's. Was he capable of running things himself? He knew the staff was loyal to him... he'd always been the one to give orders anyway, that filtered down from the top, and generally speaking, he'd never had trouble. A few arguments here and there, but nothing too major. Was he capable of being chief?

"I'd... like to think I could be."

Brown nods again, his eyes showing how deep he was in thought. "Well, I tell you... that the Elite is so new and unique is an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to lay low and see how things progress, it's fine with me. Of course, then you run the risk that if you need to take legal actions later on, they're going to ask why you did nothing now."

"Yeah, I know... but... I just... something tells me that Austin is wanting to upset the staff."

"And you think if you play along, that will put a wrench in his plans?"

"Something like that. And... I'd like to take a copy of these regulations home if I may, just to refresh myself. I think there's been a lot of things going ignored."

"That's probably my fault," Brown admits. "I was so excited to get you guys started, that I just let you all go and kind of just run the way you always had, with just a few more restrictions. I should have had a few more sit-down meetings with at least you and Austin and Carter."

"Well, at the time, we were all glad we didn't have too much to worry about, other than getting everyone pardoned, and then staying within the law."

"I understand." Brown pushes the papers towards Reese. "Feel free. This is a copy already. In the meantime..." He looks to Nate. "Since you'll still be on the inside, I want you to keep your eyes and ears open. Try not to stir too many people up just yet, but don't let yourself get pushed around either. I'm sure once Jason and Katie get back to work, they'll be doing the same. And... just ride it out. See what happens."

He pauses, gaining the attention of both men. "No matter what happens... the Elite will stand. Austin can try all he wants to, but the Elite was something I've wanted for a long time, and I'm not going to let it fold. You might go through heck in the meantime, but I'll do all I can not to let you guys get down too far."

"We appreciate that."

Brown nods. "Alright then. I have a court date I'm late for, so you gentlemen take care and we'll all be patient and see how things go."

It seems too soon that both men are back to TJY, Reese going his own way, letting Nate go his. By now everyone was aware of Reese's termination, making packing up his office even more difficult to do. Even though there was hope in what Brown had said... even though Brown had promised they would be okay... Reese had a looming fear in the pit of his stomach that this would be much harder than that.


Rick takes the papers from Hope, grateful for her willingness to help. "Thank you... I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."

He pauses, feeling a little awkward, but put at ease by her soft nature. "I think I know which option Scott will choose, but I'll see what he says. Um... well... I guess that's it, then. I will talk to him later today and I'll be in touch."

Rick offers Hope a strong handshake before making his way back to the door. Turning one more time, he studies her for just a moment. "I don't know you from anybody else, Miss Garrison, but... I can tell you're doing good work here. Thank you."

Giving a little nod, he exits, nodding to the receptionist as well on his way out. The ride back to TJY has him busy with thoughts of his own, wandering to the subject of Scott and Hope, then back again. He could only hope that Scott would recuperate. Most people in his case, Rick knew would never be the same again. Most people would eventually wind up in a mental institute. It would take a miracle for Scott, but... miracles happened every day.

Arriving back to TJY, he finds Scott still asleep, and is glad of it. Putting the counselor's papers away for now, he resumes his daily work.


Austin looks up from his desk as Dalton enters his office, and is ready to say something, but is cut off by the large man's spiel. Listening, Austin frowns and opens his mouth to argue, but can't get a word in. His frown increases, his eyes narrowing slightly at Dalton's cocky tone and body language. But just when he wants to say it's out of the question, he's shown the papers.

Glancing at them, he stares at the digits and words he didn't recognize. He was okay with computers, but this... it was way over his head. Turning the papers a little, he tries to make sense of them, then turns them back again, cocking his head slightly.

Irritated, he looks up at Dalton, "No" on the tip of his tongue. But looking at Dalton's eyes... seeing the determination... slight arrogance... lack of willingness to back down... Austin leans back in his chair instead, beginning a tense moment of silence.

Finally he tosses the pages back towards Dalton. "Fine." His tone is cold, despite his relenting. He was between a rock and a hard place, and he knew it. He could tell by Dalton's behavior that if he were to refuse, he might very well lose him, then he'd be without a tech guy at all.

"But I'm not supplying an office, and Scott's wages will reflect those of an assistant, not what he was making prior." Austin points a finger for emphasis. "So set up your office however you want. I'll inform Susanne to put him back on the payroll as soon as he's well enough to work. That is... if he's well enough to work again."

Austin lowers his gaze and grabs a pencil to work on some papers, signaling that Dalton was now dismissed.


Axel gives a light chuckle before grabbing the tow truck keys and opening the door for Jess. "Well... if the light can make it through all this..." He looks down at the grime on his hands that just wouldn't wash off. "...then I think we'll be doing well."

Getting outside, he hollers down to the open garage door. "Leo!"

"Yeah?" Leo sticks his head out from under the car he was working on, squinting out into the parking lot.

"Going to lunch. Hold the fort!"

Leo grimaces and gives Axel a sloppy salute. "Yeah... leave me here all alone, while you go on a date. Sure makes a fellow feel good, ya know that?"

Axel sets his hands on his hips, smirking at his friend. "Leo... If I bring you back a sandwich, will you shut up?"

A cheesy grin surfaces on Leo's face. "Now you're talking." He waves a wrench towards Jess. "Make sure he sticks to his word, will you?" Laughing, he disappears under the car again.

Axel rolls his eyes and heads to the truck, ignoring the crack about going on a date. "Alright," he talks over his shoulder to Jess, "follow me in your car to see how it's running."

Hitting the same little cafe, the same table is taken up, the light noon meal enjoyed once more. Axel is quite most of the time, but joins in some small talk, grinning every now and then, studying Jess' eyes as she spoke, looking further... looking deeper.

Parting once more, Axel drives the truck back to the shop, glancing in the rearview mirror as he goes, to see Jess get in her car and leave in the opposite direction. Thinking a moment, he gives his head a little shake, then gets back to work.


The day is a slow one... while one leaves TJY to the sandess and some anger of others, some simply move on with the day, trying to ignore their circumstances. While still others try to move on from their thoughts that plague them...


It's late. Rick hasn't left work yet, and glances over his shoulder to Misty. Somehow those who worked in the infirmary always seemed to devote more time to work than required. But he didn't mind. Keeping an eye on Scott was his mission right now, and if it meant a late supper, so be it.

Moving around, he has to take some files to another office, and slips out of the infirmary. No sooner has he left, than Scott starts to stir. Sleeping throughout the day, he'd been quiet, but now he began to writhe in bed, throwing off his blankets, and starting to mumble to himself.

Gripping his pillow so hard that his knuckles turn white, he breaks out in a sweat, his cries growing louder. "No... no... No! Don't do it! No!"

His own scream shatters his dream and his eyes fly open as he sits bolt upright. Trembling, his eyes race around the room, trying to convince himself of where he was and that he was safe. The horrible images clung to his mind like leeches, sucking the life out of him.

Burying his face in his hands, he rocks back and forth, unsure of his surroundings... unsure of reality. A tear escapes, making him feel even weaker than he already did. He had nothing... he was nothing.


“Y…y… you? A…r….?” Ty struggles, squinting at the cursive writing on the paper. Print was bad enough. Cursive he hadn’t figured out yet at all.

Sighing, he tries again. He knew the letter was from his mother. She probably hadn’t been thinking when she wrote it this way, but Ty wasn’t about to say anything about it. It was still an embarrassment to him, and he didn’t want to make his mother feel badly either.

Trying again, he stays straddling the chair in the lower hall of TJY, taking his first break late in the evening.

“U"-"n"-"c"-"l"……"e?” Ty skips over a couple words then lists the curved letters on the page and tries to pronounce another word, but didn’t have much luck. Becky had drawn a smiley face after a couple of the sentences… apparently there was some sort of news here. But it might as well have been Egyptian hieroglyphics. He couldn’t understand a thing.

“Tyler?”

Ty jumps, startled to his feet as Austin comes down the hall. “Yes?”

“You look busy.”

“I was on my break,” Ty defends.

Austin quirks an eyebrow at the letter. “Always read your mail here?”

“It’s… well… I…” Ty folds up the paper. “It’s more private down here.”

Austin recognizes the address on the envelope. “From your family?”

Ty nods. “My mom… she writes me about every week.”

A small smile creases Austin’s lips, then disappears again. “Sorry, you looked a bit upset. Bad news?”

“No… I mean… I….” Ty swallows hard. “I don’t know.” His eyes fall downward.

Austin cocks his head. “What do you mean?”

Ty hesitates, then holds out the letter. “I don’t know,” he mumbles again.

Austin takes the letter from him and unfolds it, scanning the words. His eyes suddenly widen, a strange feeling evoked. Images of the past flash through his mind. Emotions… feelings for other people… strong feelings he’d forgotten… For a moment, he’s taken back nineteen years to a time of joy amidst the insane turmoil everyone had been going through.

Shaking off the nostalgia, he gives a light chuckle. “Well, says here you’re going to be an uncle.”

Ty’s eyes widen. “An uncle? But…” He shakes his head. “Who…”

“Your brother. Looks like he and Wendy will be getting married here soon too.”

“Whoa.” Ty blinks, processing the information. He didn’t have the prettiest past himself, but he’d never gone that far, and it surprised him that Clint would have. “That’s….”

“Yeah.” Austin hands the letter back to Ty. “Can’t read, huh?”

“No…” Ty takes the letter back and stuffs it back into the envelope. He’d tried how many times to learn? He’d tried with Katie… he’d tried with Wyatt… he’d even tried with Rick, though no one knew about it. And all it had resulted in was him eventually being able to read a few two and three-letter words.

Austin sighs and shakes his head. Though his voice remains quiet, there’s the same new serious tone about it that the staff of TJY now dreaded. “You know, Tyler… I’m sure you do a good job down here with Hal, but…”

Ty looks up quickly, a chill running down his spine. “But what?”

“Well, the Elite is formed by the best and…” Austin shrugs. “I’m sorry, but I think you could best be used elsewhere.”

Ty’s face pales. “Elsewhere as in…”

“As in somewhere other than the Elite.”

“Are… are you firing me?”

“I’m suggesting you leave so I don’t have to.”

Staring into his boss’ steel cold gaze, an anger starts to burn in Ty’s veins. “Reese hired me even though I couldn’t read.”

“That was Reese. This is me. What do you want, Ty? You can walk away or force me to make a bigger deal out of this.”

For a moment, silence reins. Ty was shocked and angered. And he also knew that no one else would ever hire him because of his lack of skill. But going up against Austin? This cold-hearted man wasn’t worth the effort.

“Well… I guess that’s it then.” Ty’s fingers curl tighter around his letter, his stare turning into a glare. “Be sure to tell Hal when you see him. I’m sure he’ll be interested.”

“I will. You may come in next week to pick up your final paycheck.”

“Keep it,” Ty hisses. “If you…” He bites his tongue, surprising even himself by keeping his temper in check. Finally just shaking his head, he shoulders past Austin to stalk down the hallway to the stairs. Suddenly his whole future was a great big void. The only stable thing in his life was now gone.


On the other side of town, things are quiet and the hour grows late...

Reality comes into focus in an instant, shocking Axel’s system. He stares wide-eyed into the dark street, seeing the taillights of the car that had startled him with its horn.

Blinking, he turns around, trying to get his bearings, a panic starting to form. Headlights suddenly blind him, and he stumbles out of the way to barely avoid being hit. Staggering up onto the sidewalk, he looks down. He had his jeans and t-shirt on, but was barefoot and without a jacket. A chilly wind makes him shiver… or was it from the fear that had been evoked?

Trying to shake himself from his daze, he numbly heads to the corner of the street, squinting up at the sign. He was at fifth and crescent… at least two miles from the auto shop and his apartment. Checking himself over, he discovers he has no ID, no phone, no money.

Backing up against as cold brick building, he can hear his own pulse thumping in his head. It had happened again.

He runs a hand through his hair, wracking his brain, but it’s all a blank. The last thing he remembered was sitting on his couch in front of the television.

Without a way to do anything else, Axel finally sets out for the auto shop, trying to ignore the grit and gravel under his feet. It would take him a while to get there… he would choose a back route if he could follow it in the dark…

…Half an hour, and the chill was starting to set it. It may have been sixty degrees during the day, but after the sun went down, it got downright cold.

Axel rubs his arms as he trudges, stopping every so often as his feet hit a sharp rock or uneven crack in the sidewalk. Finally he just stops, sinking down onto a bench along the street, doubling over and trying to keep warm and catch his breath before continuing. The next question lurking in his mind was whether or not he’d locked himself out of his apartment. He wouldn’t know until he got here. But right now… right now he just needed to take a breather before going on.

There Choise

Listing to Rick Hope takes in everything he said. Listing closly to the situatuin and trying to understand it. As Rick continues with Scott's condition, and how it could be dangerous. The thought of something like that made Hope a little uneasy but she had never turned anyone away and never left someone who needed help to fight on there own.

Leaning back in her chair for a moment Hope just sits her eyes moving over Rick's face as she thinks. Much emotion was written all over Rick's face, his need, his want to help this young man Hope to read it all.

Standing for a moment Hope makes her way around the desk and heads over to the far window that streached from one side of the room all the way to the other and for a long moment just looked out of it.

Finally turning and heading to a filing cabnot she pulls out a folder with some paper in it before heading back to her desk again and sitting down.

"It sounds like this young man needs alot of help. Though it is as you said dangerous I am willing to give it a shot. I've never turned anyways away who needed help and I dont plan on starting."

*Giving a small smile Hope holds the folder out to Rick.*

"I am going to need you and Scott fill this out for me, and than return it asap. There are a few options for him as well. And whatever suits him is up to him for now. There is a paper in there that explains it more but I can give you a fast run down.

We have an open door plan and that is Scott can come in and out of the office like most. We set up apointments and he comes than goes. Also we have a inpashent plan. That would be if it would make him more comfortable and safe he can stay here in one of the rooms that is set up in the back. Its not exacly like a psyc ward, but we do have people who look over the pashents making sure they are ok and we have programs that will reintroduce him with the world and dealing with people with in the world."

Hope pauses for a moment before continuing as she gathers her thoughts and information for Rick.

"We leave it up to the pashent for now on what they would like to do but with in getting my help if I think one options would be better than the other, or if the pashent is in danger of hurting themself than I intervean and decied for them. More often than not though the pashent knows what they need and it never comes down to me having to over mine them."

Hope's smile stays soft as the look and strong pashen for what she did shone through her eyes.

Nate nods and listens to Brown as he talks. A bit of saprise on his face rises when the mention of some more rules of the Elite and they freedom they really did have.

Continuing to listen nate just takes it all in at the moment he was sure the looks on his face said enough. Giving the opertunity to speek finally Nate lets out a small sigh before continuing.

"I just want everone to be treated fairly. I think we do need more freedome your right about that. I also think if Austin had talked to us about ranks and what not we might have been able to ajust to it. but instead it was just thrown at as, as if he was trying to change us and everyone is bucking the system. I just want the fairness back, and Rick and Scott to have there jobs back. I'd stand behind Rick for anything. I'm behind him 100% with what he wants to do."

Nate gives a nod to Rick as the loylty is shown in his eyes. Rick ment alot to Nate without him he wouldnt have this job he held now and Nate has always respected Rick.

Carrying a few papers in his hand Dalton makes his way across the main floor after hearing through the grapevine that Reese had been fired. He wanted to talk to him about something but now he had to go the next step up and Dalton wanted to do it now before anything alse happend.

Passing through Susanne's office Dalton gives a small nod and than walks through Reese's office coming to Austin's door. Giving a strong knock on it he waits till he is given the ok to enter and does.

"Austin sorry to bother you but I've hit a bump in some of the programing and files here. Most of the stuff I was ok to figure out and understand its pretty simple but when I got to the more complex stuff its getting harder. I hardly have time to figure them out along with doing everything alse that needs to be done. So, I want an assistent, and I'd like it to be Scott himself."

For a moment Dalton goes silent as he stands tall searching Austin's eyes. He felt no fear, he felt no worry twords this man he hardly new. All he did know was he had come with a purpose and he wasnt going to be bullyed out of it.

"So, when Scott gets better I'd like him to be my assistent. I don't want anyone alse because Scott is the best, and I am the best. If I cant figure it out than there is no WAY anyone but the creator can."

Breaking Austin's gaze for a moment and feeling he new he was going to relent Dalton holds the papers out to him.

"Unless that is YOU can tell me what this means."

Dalton looks up to Austion again the strong cocky air coming off good and strong. He new it, and he wasnt trying to hide it.

Jess gives a smile as Axel speaks, watching as he continues to look around the car. Figuring he might be a little bit Jess makes her way inside to sit and read for a little bit.

As the time slowly pass and Jess continues to read the magazeans that were in the waiting room she cant help but loko up everyonce and a while and watch Axel. From where she was sitting she just happend to be in perfect view. Catching herself stairing once or twice Jess looks back at the magasean not looking up till she hears Axel's voice.

Standing and gives smile Jess can't help but feel a bit of guiltyness over not having to pay but she brushed it off for now figuring she would repay him someone another time.

Bringing her head up maybe a little to quick on Axel's offer to lunch and the shain to the rainbow brings a bit of color to her cheeks for a moment. Bushing it off quickly though as just an innocent statment Jess' smile remains.

"Well I guess if my shin can help the rainbow I can't say no huh? Becuase like a rainbow needs the shine the shin also needs the rainbow as a reminder that there is still some good and a reason to shine."

Gathering the grabage and the emptly soda can Jess toss it in the trash. Truning again she gives a nod. Jess liked spending time with Axel. Her new friend she had slowly learned to trust was now someone she enjoyed being around. Even when they did talk at all, the comapny was nice.

The story

Rick minds his own business as Hope appears with the child, but he can't help but see the interaction and feel the desire to help in the atmosphere.

Taken to her office, he takes a moment to look around, finding the surroundings very appealing. Unsure where to even start about Scott, he finds a chair to sit down and takes a deep breath. "Well... his name is Scott Johnson. He's twenty-six, I believe, and I think I mentioned on the phone that we're part of the Elite."

Rick pauses, trying to figure out what information was necessary and what was not. "I might as well start from the beginning. Forgive me if it's more than you need to know."

Settling back, he finds Hope's eyes. He could tell she had a very calm yet strong sense about her. But would she be willing to take on Scott?

"Scott was our tech guy for many years. Computers were his thing, not field missions, so he hadn't been trained for that kind of work. A while back though, his expertise was needed on a case, so he went out with a team. There was an explosion at the site, and while the rest of the team survived at at distance, Scott was presumed dead."

Rick swallows hard, remembering that day. It hadn't been easy for anybody. "Later we had reason to believe that we had been mistaken and a small investigation was started. It was about two months after that original mission that we learned Scott had been taken captive by an illegal organization that law enforcement has been battling for many many years. To make a long story short, Scott was rescued and brought back home. This was just recently. I, along with my assistant, was able to nurse him back to some health, but it started being evident pretty quickly that his experience had left him wounded more deeply on the inside than out."

Rick shakes his head, letting his eyes roam the room for a moment before coming back to Hope. "Scott was tortured, Miss Garrison. I don't know everything because he hasn't talked about it. The most I know is that he endured a lot of pain, mental anguish, lack of physical care, and was basically left to die. If our agents hadn't gotten to him that day, I have no doubt that they would have found a dead body instead. He told me a few things that went on, but nothing for me really to know what he's been through. Only one other man might know that, and he wasn't involved with this particular case."

Pausing again, he tries to collect his thoughts so he didn't ramble or get off track. "Coming back, not only is he battling with what happened to him, but he may not have a job anymore, he's lost the sight in one eye, his house is but an empty shell, and to top it all off, someone he trusted interrogated him right after he got back, seeming to set him back further. He's skin and bones, but wont eat enough to get is strength back. He has nightmares, but won't talk about them, and he's scared to death of his own shadow. From what I can tell, he feels like he's a weak failure, and feels completely worthless."

Emotions rise in Rick's eyes for his friend. "He needs help fast, or I'm afraid we're going to lose him."

He looks down for a moment, getting past his emotions before looking back up again. "But there's a catch. The enemy who took him is called the Agency and they've been known to go after those who interact with our agents. So there is risk involved here that I'm not sure you'd want to take."

He shrugs lamely. "And... that's the story."


Laura looks up quickly from her desk, just a little startled by Nate. A smile spreads on her lips at the suggestion of dinner. “You know I can’t say no,” she calls after him.

Laughing, she shakes her head and tries to concentrate on her work.


Reese is waiting by the door as Nate meets up with him again, and they head outside. He opts to drive one vehicle, taking his own, and aiming downtown. It’s not long before they’re parking in front of the police station, then on their way inside. Thankfully, Brown was available, having just returned from a meeting.

He greets both Reese and Nate with handshakes, not appearing to be too surprised they were there. Once settled in his office, Brown looks at them from across his desk. “Well, what can I do for you?”

“Not sure,” Reese admits. “Guess I… or we, are looking for a few answers at the moment.”

“Alright.”

“I just got fired this morning.”

Brown’s eyes widen. “What?”

“Yes. Austin was gone for a while, came back, stormed through my office and fired me, accusing me of undermining and something else about an investigation. Now… obviously that’s not illegal, but my son informed me he thought a couple other agents might have known what was going on, and your name was brought up as well. So… here we are. We’d like to know what’s going on.”

Brown shakes his head slowly. "I'm sorry. Austin's riding a fine line. I didn't figure he'd pull anything so soon."

"What are you talking about?"

"Austin was formally reprimanded today by Judge Reinholt."

Reese's eyes widen and he glances to Nate, then back to Brown. "I don't understand."

The corners of Brown's mouth twitch and he leans forward to rest his elbows on his desk. "It seems two of your agents had a complaint about the way Austin handled one of their fellow men. They brought it to my attention, there was proof of inappropriate behavior, and it went almost as far as a court hearing, but the judge decided that wasn't necessary at this time."

Reese starts to put the pieces together. "Jason and Katie... about Scott?"

Brown nods. "They brought me footage from a surveillance camera. It showed Austin getting too rough with Scott during an interrogation. His actions were uncalled for, Jason and Katie both wanted to press the issue, so I took it from there. This morning, Reinholt reprimanded Austin and warned him to stay clean unless he wanted to be demoted, or worse, thrown off the Elite. I was just getting ready to call Jason about it."

"I see." Reese thinks for several moments. "Why wasn't I informed?"

"Jason and Katie didn't want anybody else dragged down if they got into trouble. Unfortunately, it looks like you're getting the blame instead of them."

Reese sighs. "Maybe it's better this way. I'd rather give up my job so they could stay on the force anyway."

Brown eyes Nate for a moment, seeing the loyalty in his expression. "Yes, but..." He looks back to Reese. "...what good are a bunch of disgruntled agents who don't want to follow their leader? You're the one they trust - not Austin."

"But what can I do? I just got fired."

"You have a couple options. One, you can go confront Austin and explain you had nothing to do with this. Of course, then he might just turn around and fire Jason and Katie instead. Two, you can file a formal complaint that you were fired on illegitimate grounds because you did nothing wrong. Austin can't fire you without real cause."

Reese sighs deeply and leans back in his chair, trying to think. "What do you do when a leader is corrupt?"

Brown chuckles. "Hire a hit man?" He shakes his head, realizing it was an inappropriate statement. "We have corrupt leaders all over the place. Half our judges will take bribes, but without proof, there's nothing we can do. And even if we did have proof, if there aren't enough people to make a stand, they stay in office."

"That's exactly why TJY was formed in the first place." Reese responds with a quiet passion. "To fight against the corruptness of law enforcement itself. To help the people who were getting ignored or lost in the system, or who were being wrongly accused. And now... now we have become part of that system, bound to it in ways that we no longer can execute our mission. We may have performed illegal activities prior to our exposure, but it was never for selfish reasons, and never with ill-intent. At least we had free-will... at least we could perform our missions without answering to the corrupt nature of those above us."

Brown lets silence linger for several moments, Reese's strong statement hanging in the air. "Do you know the regulations that were written up for the Elite when I headed up its formation?"

Reese shakes his head. "Bits and pieces. But not enough to quote it. Why?"

Brown leans down and pulls out a stack of bound papers, letting them flop down on his desk. "Right here is the bottom line for the Elite. The boundaries were formed by myself and Judge Reinholt himself."

"I know some of it through you, because we had to set everything up according to a legal system and with hierarchy.'

Brown nods. "See, with your case, it was so unique, that the rules in establishment weren't followed anyway. The Elite is different, and deserves to be. You're the best of the best, able to infiltrate, investigate and execute missions unlike any other law enforcement. The problem started when the rules written to protect this branch were used against it instead. Take the officer rankings for example." He taps the papers. "In here, it suggests a method for hierarchy in order to maintain balance within the staff. However... it doesn't require it."

Reese lifts an eyebrow, starting to understand. "Okay... but still... the man in charge is still the man in charge. The judge is over Austin, but otherwise, the rest of us are just sitting ducks."

"How was Austin appointed?"

"I don't know... I guess Carter just handed everything over to him."

"Carter was established as the reigning authority over the Elite, simply because he had been the head of TJY already. However... according to this... a new chief can only be established by popular vote of the staff. This is a rule exclusively for the Elite."

"So... you're saying that the rules Austin is enforcing may merely be suggestions, while at the same time, other rules are being blatantly disregarded."

"Yes." Brown folds his hands. "Gentlemen, here's the thing." He looks to both Reese and Nate. "In here, it is stated that if the Elite as a whole is in agreement with any proceedings, whether they go against this regulation book or not, they are allowed. Except for illegal activity, of course. So... in other words, if the staff was in agreement that Austin wanted to fire you or Scott, then it would stand. However, when there are those who stand up and say 'hey, wait a minute,' regulations are consulted, and at most, a judge, as was the case earlier today."

He pauses, letting the information sink in. "Same thing about leadership. No one formerly complained about Austin taking over. Same thing about official rankings. Now... if taken before a judge, they may rule in his favor, and then the law stands and must be obeyed. But until that point, the Elite has more freedom than any other law enforcement branch. I made sure it was set up that way because a team like you needs freedom."

Brown shrugs. "If the staff consulted Austin himself about the rankings, and he decided to change the method, then that's fine too. It's all a matter of which battles are worth fighting, and which ones are not. Austin may think he has power over the Elite, when in reality... he's simply a team captain."

Reese cocks his head. "Then who's the coach?"

"Me. But even the coach can be fired. The team still has an owner, and that's the law itself, driven by the judges."

Reese takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "So... what can we do?"

"Well... what do you want to do? How far do you want to go? Will the Elite suffer if this is fought too hard? Will more people suffer through this than necessary?" Brown looks to Reese, then Nate. "How far are you willing to go, gentlemen?"


Axel can hear someone coming up behind him, and knows from the light steps that it must be Jess. Seeing her out of the corner of his eye a faint grin surfaces.

He reaches into the engine to fiddle with a couple things, letting Jess’ words just hang for several moments. Most would find the silence awkward – he used it.

Seeing her look into the engine with him, he shakes his head, skipping a greeting. “I must have missed something the other day, but I don’t know what it could be. Leo’s got the other car at the moment, so I’ve got time to look at yours.”

Stepping back, he shuts the hood. “Can’t tell you if it’ll be all day or not until I look a little deeper, so if you want, you can hang around here for a bit. I’ll drive your car inside and have a look.”

Axel gestures to the office and waiting area again. “There’s a couple chairs in there and some magazines. I’ll let you know when I find something.”

Once Jess’ car is in the garage, Axel sets to work, looking for the problem.

“So what did you not do the last time?” Leo hollers to him.

Axel comes up out of the engine too quickly, bumping his head on the open hood. “Well give me a few minutes to figure it out, will ya?”

Leo glances at his watch. “I bet you can’t find it inside half an hour.”

“Fifteen minutes.”

“Lunch?”

“Can of pop.”

Leo grins. “You’re on.” He glances to the notches on the far wall. Only the mechanics knew that they signified bets won between Leo and Axel. At the moment, Axel was ahead by one. Leo nods with satisfaction. Today they would be even…

...Axel ambles over to the car Leo was working on, a part of a hose in his hand. “I think I’ll take root beer today.”

Leo rolls out from under the car, staring up at Axel. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

Axel shakes his head. “Radiator hose.”

“Dang it. It was too easy.”

Axel throws him a grin. “Sorry.”

“Radiator hose, huh? Wouldn’t you have checked that?”

“Yeah. This is the new one I put in the other day. Must have been defective.” Axel shrugs. “I’ll get a new one in there and she should be set.”

“How come you got the easy job today?”

“Because Ron is sick and left his designated jobs to you.”

“Oh.” Leo nods. “Alright, I’ll buy that.” Rolling back under the car, his voice is muffled. “There’s some quarters over by the desk.”

Axel chuckles. “Thanks.” Giving a little sigh, he makes his way over to the waiting area that adjoined the office. He was glad for quiet days. It was only him and Leo today. Sometimes they had all six men working at once with customers waiting. Days like this were appreciated.

“Hey, Jess.” He slips inside, finding her waiting. His hands were black with grease stains, a smudge on the side of his face. He twirls the piece of hose in his fingers. “Give me half an hour and you’ll be good to go.”

He moves behind the desk to scratch out some paperwork before moving back to the door. “Oh…” He turns around as an afterthought. “If you’re thirsty, help yourself to a couple quarters from the desk.” He tosses her a wink. “Compliments of Leo.”

As promised, half an hour later, Axel is washing his hands at the garage sink before going back inside again. “Well, you’re all set, Miss Fisher.”

Glancing up at the clock, he sees it was past lunchtime, but ignores the growling in his stomach. “Looks like you still got half your day off to enjoy, and now you can actually get somewhere without sending out smoke signals.”

He moves behind the desk to finish up the paperwork, speaking as his eyes remain on the paper. “Don’t worry about the cost today. Must have been a faulty hose I put on before. So…”

He flips a folder shut. “You should be ready to go.”

Catching Jess’ eye, Axel just studies her for a moment, wondering what was hidden behind the shine. Realizing he’d been in business mode, his tone softens just a little. “Unless you wanted to join me for lunch.” He turns it around, making himself the one in need. “Every once in a while a rainbow needs to be around a bit of light so it doesn’t disappear.”

"Leave it to me..."

Holding her smile the woman listens to Rick as he speaks. Waiting for him to finish before she says anything more giving a nod.

"I think Miss Garrison is in at the moment, let me see if she has a few moments to spair to talk to with you."

Turning in her chair a little the receptionest goes to a small inter comb and press the button.

"Miss Garrison?"

On the other end a soft soothing voice returns.

"Yes Ms. White?"

"There is a gentilmen out here who said he played phone tag with you this morning and was wondering if you had time to speak with him now?"

"If he can wait like 10 minutes I would be more than happy to speak with him."

The line goes dead and Ms. White turns looking at Rick again.

"If you have the time you can feel free to sit and Miss Garrison will be right with the."

No more than 10 minutes goes by when the side door opens and a small boy maybe about the age of 13 comes out his mother who was also waiting in the office stands greeting them. Following the boy was a woman that stood about 5'6 with a medum build. Her light brown hair hung in ringlits to about shoulder langth, and her dark bown eyes held a certin glow to them. As she smiled her cheek formed into balls adding to her facule features. Dressed in black dress pants and a silk black shirt the gold cross on a chain hung around her neck proving where she faith layed.

Walking over to the mother with the small boy she smile shines bright.

"He's doing very well Ms. West."

"So that means he finally spoke to you?"

Giving a small shake of her head the smile still remains.

"No, but you dont always have to use words to talk to someone."

As the mother looks down at the small boy he lifts his hands moving his fingers and forming the sign that ment "I love you." An instint smile spreads across the mothers face as she looks back up tears in her eyes.

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

Giving the mother a gentil pat on the shoulder she watches as they leave till finally she moves her attachen to Rick.

Another smile forming she walks over to him exstending her hand.

"You must be Mr. Johnston. I'm Hope Garrison. If you would like we can step into my office and speek more."

Leading the way around the reception desk to the room that layed next to it. The room was fairly worm. On the one end there was a desk that was filled with pictured, and some flowers. Papers sat in nice stacks. Chairs, and coutches where in differnt places along with many plants. Some toys even layed in the far courner for those who were far younger than most. Along with a computer and many shelfs filled with book. More painting lined the walls with the same inicals as before.

The room was not like move office would be this one had more of a feeling of home, more of a comfort to it.

"Please make you self at home. Now tell me about the young man you had mentioned on the phone."

Looking at Wyatt as he speaks Nate can't help but give a small laugh. Leave it to though to, to stir the hornests nest. He new they ment good, and was trying to help there friend but....somewhere Nate wasnt sure if this did more harm than good.

Turning his attachen back to Reese Nate stands a bit taller giving a nod.

"Yeah I'll go with you. Austin might of just fired you, but to me you will always be the boss."

Turning from the door Nate starts to head away.

"Let me grab my jacket and than we can head out."

Continuing out of the office Nate makes his way across the floor passing Laura's desk he stops and takes a few steps back looking over the wall and smiling.

"Her you pretty thing. I am gonna head out of the office for a little bit with Reese but when I get back what about me and you do dinner tonight?!"

The smile on his lips he dosnt even bother to stop as he keeps going to grab his jacket.

As Jess stand at the desk she turns just in time to see Axel leave the building and head to her car. A small smile forms on her face as she turns and heads out again herself. Standing behind Axel for just a few moments watching him Jess finally steps along side the car so she is in view shot of him making sure not to startl him to much.

"Leave it to me to have my car crap out again huh? At least this time I wasnt stuck on the side of the road huh?"

Looking into the car like she was trying to look for something herself Jess feels stupid. She was never good at small talk so she wasnt even sure why she was trying.

"If you need to keep the car all day you can. I dont have to work. Today is my day off."

Engine

Jason grins as Katie gets in his truck and gives him a kiss.

As you wish.

Turning on the engine, he pulls out of the parking lot and heads downtown. "Mom and Pop's here we come. And after that..." He shrugs. "I guess the day will make itself."


Rick looks around the reception area, enjoying the pictures, and finding that so far this place was very pleasant. It felt good here, and if any place should, it was this one. This was what he was looking for... hopefully Hope would be too. The question was, whether or not she would be willing to take on someone like Scott who had such dangerous connections.

Rick returns the woman's smile and nod. "Yes, actually. I'm, um, looking for Miss Garrison. We played phone tag earlier this morning and I wanted to either meet with her today or set up an appointment to do it another time. I may have a client for her."


Reese looks over to Nate and shakes his head. "I don't know Nate.... I don't know." He lets out a long weary sigh. "I guess I knew my time here was limited once all this started to happen. It was only a matter of time before we clashed. But still... I don't know what it was that set him off. He said something about Brown and an investigation, but I don't have a clue what that is."

"I think I know someone who would..." Wyatt comes up behind Nate. He was quiet and calm, but a strange anger burned behind his eyes. The majority of the time, his relationship with his father was kept strictly business here. But knowing that his father had just been fired... he took it personally.

Reese lifts his eyebrows. "Oh? What are you talking about?"

Wyatt hesitates, glancing up at Nate, then back at his father. "Jason and Katie were working on something. They wouldn't tell me what. But... I got the idea they were trying to get Austin in trouble."

Reese stands a moment, halfway surprised, partly amused, and partly not surprised at all. "Interesting."

"You want me to find them?"

"No." Reese shakes his head. "I have a better idea. I'm going to go see Brown. Anybody want to come along?"

Wyatt backs off. "I'm staying here to make sure nothing else happens."

Reese looks to Nate. "Care to join me? I'm sure you realize all our jobs are on the line."


"Yo, man... somebody's got trouble." Leo nods out the garage to the car that had just parked. Smoke was billowing from the engine.

Axel finishes tightening the clamp on the hoses, and turns around to look. "They sure do."

"Isn't that the car you just worked on?"

"Yeah." Confusion enters Axel's tone and he grabs a rag to wipe his hands.

Leo snickers. "Better go find out what you missed before the big boss does."

"I didn't miss anything."

"Sure you didn't. Most cars just smoke all the time."

Axel throws Leo a withering look. "Ha...ha..." He makes his way through the garage area and hears the bell ring, but instead of going into the office, he steps outside, aiming directly for Jess' car. Though normally going to customers first, he knew the car and knew the owner, not hesitating to go ahead and investigate.

Opening up the hood, more steam comes out, followed by a hissing sound. Propping the hood open, he leans in a little, scanning the engine.

Smoke

Slidding into her car Katie lets out a long sigh. When would this be over? When would life be ok and normal for them all. Now she understood that age old question her Aunt and friend use to ask, and she understood just how hard it was. When could they all live in peace. It was a question that might never be answered.

Though deep in thought Katie gives a small smile at Jason's mention of Mom and Pop's as she gets out of her car again.

Mom and Pop's sounds great.

Opening his car door she slids in leaving over to place a kiss on his cheek.

No need to take two care when ever the day it through you can just drop me off here again.

Maybe life wasnt perfect and alot of hardships came up but it was nice to get away with a friend. Just go and not look back. It was nice to have a friend like Jason, and it was nice to love someone like him as well.

A slightly older woman with bleach blonde hair looks up from the front desk as Rick enter the office. Giving a friendly smile she stratens just a little.

"Hello Sir. Can I help you with anything?"

Keeping a smile on her face the receptionist creates a comfortable atmusphere.

Though the building was larger and one could tell there was much more to it than can be seen the sence of comfort could be found here. Even to though would were not looking for it.

Pictures lined the walls giving the comfrote to thought not even looking for it. The one picture on the wall might catch some people's eye if they new or had been to the scene before. It was a tiny Ranch with many buildings layed out in a very complex way. A forest sarounded and feals lead the way where horses stood. In small letter at the bottom initals were painted in W.L.

Nate steps up behind Susanne and just looks over her shoulder and into Reese office. Almost dumbfounded by what had happend. What was going on, what was happening to this company.

"Reese, I....why did he fire you? What grounds does he have to stand on?"

Letting out a heavy sigh Nate lays a hand on Susanne's shoulder. This wasnt right and something was to wrong. Reese was the heart of the company he couldnt go, but what could he do. Surly if he went up against Austin himself he would get fired as well.

Making it into the parking lot Jess car lets out a horrable cloud of black smoke. She had been lucky enough to make it to the car shop alright at least.

Getting out Jess waves her hand just a little bit trying to clear the black smoke. Rolling her eyes at herself she trys not to let a grin show as she enters car gradge.

Going over to the counter Jess rings a small bell and waits. She hoped she hadnt went through all the truble just to find out Axel wasnt working today.

Waiting

Jason sighs. Not out of laziness or lack of wanting to help. But out of pure frustration and the feeling of helplessness. It was bad enough Scott had to endure two months of torture most people couldn't even imagine. But now that he was back, why did he have to suffer more?

Jason walks slowly to the bathroom and leans in the doorway, not sure how he could even help at this point. "Hey, buddy, you alright?"

"Mm-hmm." Scott is still leaning against the wall, and manages a nod, though his eyes are closed.

"Can I get you anything?"

Scott shakes his head.

Jason turns around and puts up his hands, showing he doesn't know what to do.

Just then Rick walks back in the infirmary, raising his eyebrows as he looks around, doesn't see Scott, then spots Jason at the other end of the room. "What happened?"

Jason nods into the bathroom. "So much for breakfast."

Rick's shoulders drop and shakes his head, commenting quietly. "He's got himself so worked up that he can't eat right even when he finally relents." Slowly he goes to Jason, nodding that he can go back to Katie. Kneeling down next to Scott, he sets a hand on his shoulder. "You gonna make it?"

Scott shrugs lamely. "I feel like crap."

"I know. Come on." Rick prompts him to get back to his feet. "I won't make you try to eat anything else now."

Scott gradually gets to his feet with Rick's help and trudges back to the bed where he simply lies down on his side, curling up into a ball as was his normal position now.

Rick watches him for a moment, setting his hands on his hips.

Jason gives him a look of question. "What are you going to do?" he asks quietly.

"I don't know. But if he doesn't start cooperating, his body is just going to start shutting down."

"Isn't there anything you can give him? Or anything?" Worry courses through Jason, even for a man that not all that long ago, he'd called an enemy.

Rick shakes his head slowly. "Not unless I hook him back up to an i.v. again and I really didn't want to. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."

He gestures to both Jason and Katie. "He'll be alright now if you guys want to take off. There's nothing else here you can do."

Jason gives a little nod. "Alright. Thanks, Rick. If anything happens, call one of us, will ya?"

"Sure thing."

Jason heads for the door.

Guess that's that. We can come back later to check on things if you want. Otherwise... I guess the day is ours.

Making it back through the main floor, Jason lets his eyes roam to where the other offices were, glad that they'd avoided Austin for now.

Getting outside into the fresh air, Jason takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. His emotions were churning around more than he liked on an average day. There was Scott to think about... he was still burning up about Austin... and now his recent phone conversation with his mother was bothering him too.

Can we just go somewhere?

Jason gets to his truck, tossing his silent dialogue in Katie's direction.

Can we just leave and forget everything that's happening? Just... go...

He sighs and slides in behind the steering wheel, unsure if he and Katie were headed in the same direction or not.

Maybe Mom and Pop's will have to do for today. What do you say?


Rick lays a blanket over Scott and gives the younger man's shoulder a pat before going back to his desk. There wasn't much he could do right now, but let Scott rest. He looked as though he hadn't slept a wink the night before anyway.

Easing into his chair, Rick notices that already his voicemail has a message. Listening carefully, he jots down a note, his interest piqued. In a while... He glances to Scott's resting form. Yes, in a while... he would take a short leave from the office.


"Grease! Hey!" Leo shouts from one end of the garage to the other, seeing only the red hair of the back of Axel's head. "Axel!"

Axel finally hears his name and whirls around. "What?"

"Bring me that black toolbox, would ya?"

Axel glances around, spotting the box under the tool bench. Wiping his hands on a rag, he bends down to lift the heavy box and head in Leo's direction. The other mechanic had two hoses in his hand that he couldn't set down or get into a position where he could have left it to get the tools himself.

Almost there though, Axel suddenly drops the toolbox. It crashes loudly to the floor, the latch popping to send tools all over the concrete floor.

Leo's eyes widen. "Slippery handle?"

"No..." Axel grimaces as he rubs his scarred hand, trying to feel the circulation again. "Sorry."

"You alright?"

"Yeah." Axel's disgust comes through in his tone.

"You go numb again?"

Axel nods. "Yeah."

Leo stands helplessly, unable to leave the tangled mess he was in. "That's been happening a lot lately."

Axel flexes his fingers. "Don't remind me." After a moment, he squats down to pick up the mess. "You needed this wrench, didn't you?"


Rick parks his car, glancing at his watch. It was now late morning, but early enough, Hope should be in. He probably should have called her back first, but there had been too many people around, providing lack of good opportunity, not to mention Scott hadn't drifted to sleep until about twenty minutes ago and Rick had left Misty in charge.

Walking up to the glass door, he enters the building, met by a warm atmosphere. Glancing around, he waits, unsure about what or who he was looking for.


The door to TJY slams shut, echoing across the main floor. Austin stalks towards his office, the glare in his eye one that would make anyone cower. He had been gone for several hours, and now no one was really glad to see him back, especially in this mood.

Reaching Susanne's office, he doesn't even acknowledge her, moving straight into Reese's office. "Reese!"

Reese looks up quickly from his desk, startled to the point of almost standing up. He'd been concentrating so hard on a case that he hadn't heard Austin come in. A bit of a chill runs down his spine as he hears the tone of Austin's voice and sees the look on his face. "Yes?"

"You're fired."

"What?!" Reese is on his feet, his eyes wide. "What for?!"

"Don't give me that," Austin snaps. "You're not that stupid. You weren't stupid enough not to know how to undermine me and get me dragged into an investigation. And if that's the way you work, you're through here."

"Undermine? Investigation???" Reese stares at him dumbly. "What are you talking about?"

"You and Brown are like this." Austin crosses his fingers. "I should have known you'd try to pull a stunt like this. Well it stops now. Pack up. I want you out by tonight." Spinning on his heel, he aims for his own office, slamming yet another door.

Reese blinks, dumbfounded at what had just happened. What on earth...? A figure in his doorway makes him turn and he sees Susanne looking at him with fear and worry.

"Did he... just fire you?" She asks timidly.

"Um... it... looks that way." Reese just stands for a moment, completely shocked. He had no idea what was going on. "I guess... I..." He finally just shrugs. Words couldn't describe the way he felt. He was at a total loss.

Reaching to his belt, he pulls off his Elite badge and looks at it for a moment. This job had been his life for how many years? His mission... his passion... And it was... gone?

Susanne shakes her head stubbornly. "He can't do this to you."

"Oh, but he can."

"Then you have to fight it."

"Fight what? A power-hungry man out to get everybody and who knows all the tricks in the book? It's not an easy win, Susanne."

"But you don't even know what he's talking about!"

"I guess I'll have to find out. But in the meantime..." He gestures to his office, helplessly. "Looks like I have to pack."

New Challange

Giving a smile and a nod Katie looks at Scott and than to Domino.

"Yeah I will watch her for you Scotty. She is in good hands and you dont have to worry about a thing. I have some left over food from when she was with me I was gonna give ya so thats not a problem at all."

Katie looks up again at Jason though her mind felt blank still so many things ran through it. Katie didnt know what to do anymore.

Continuing to follow and help Scott Katie stops for a bref moment to pick up some of the reading matearal for Scott.

He might want this to keep him busy if he stays.

After dropping Domino off, making sure she was all set and heading back to TJY Katie keeps glancing in the mirror at Scott making sure he was ok. Katie was scaired for him

All we can really do is be there for him and be the shelter he needs. Staying close to Jason Katie follows him inside keeping watchful eyes out for anyone who might come to them.

Listing to Scott and Rick talk Katie stands leaning aganst the wall. Scott did need help. His own mind was starting to play games that would lead him down a dangerous path.

It was only confermed more when Scott ran to the bathroom to throw up that he needed even more help.

Yeah He does.

Jotting down the number fast on a peace of paper Hope sets it aside till she is done listing to the rest of her messages.

Once finished she studys the number on the paper. Picking up the phone she dials Reese number letting it ring a few times till his own voice mail picks up.

"Hello Mr. Reese, this is Hope Garrison. You called me about a young man would was in need of a little bit of help. I am usaly in the office monday through friday from 8am- 11:30am than I take lunch from 11:30-12:30pm than I am in the office till about 6pm. If you wanna stop by at all to talk please feel free or give me a call again as we can set up a time to meet at lunch or what not. Thank you very much have a good afternoon."

Hanging up Hope just stairs at the number again for a moment. Something felt differnt before she even new the story of this boy, the feeling was one of challang that might change life forever.

Looking to Carson Herb gives a smile and nods. Though he was sad to see Carson go he was happy at the same time that his friend would be with family. Dani seemed like a great girl with a good head on her shoulders. Herb was glad Carson wanted to move in with her.

"I think it will be good for you Carson. I'm going to miss knowing you here and looking out for the place but I cant exspect you to live in a little room forever ya know?!"

Moving around the kitchen Herb continues to work as the orders come in.

"I'm happy you have decied to move in with Dani. It might gave a chanse to make up some lost time there huh? And that would be a good thing. Family is important and should always be first."